Audiobook: The Guest List by Lucy Foley

 

Just tackled another story. This time we found ourselves reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley. Of course this was one of the audiobooks I decided to pick at the library. I have to say it was an interesting listen. The chapters are broken down by people, so you get to see what is going on through different points a view of the same event. I have to say that was intriguing. The characters we focus on are the Bride, the Sister (the bridesmaid), the Bestman, the Wife of the best friend of the Bride, the Keeper of the island where this wedding is being held.

We start off at the event, and things start to happen, but stuff was already started but we go back 24 hours to the real start. So, we are going back and forth with the present and earlier. An intriguing read. 

I'm glad I did an audiobook on this story, because it's quite a bit of character switching. I have to say it was nice to have about 5 or 6 narrators. Overall this was interesting listen. Would I have normally picked this book up, probably not. Will try another Lucy Foley book. Yes. She intrigued me enough to read another. Till next time.

Stars: 3

Audiobook Review: Second Chance Pass by Robyn Carr

A couple months back I listened to Second Chance Pass. I struggle with this story. The only reason I was able finished this story was it was due back at the library at the end of the week, and there was someone else waiting for the story. Otherwise, I would have sat on this story for a little longer. 

Now you wonder why I struggle with this story, and it was Vanessa. I can understand that she struggled with her feelings with Paul and the passing of her dead husband. However, how she treated Paul drove me batty. I wanted to smack her a couple of times. Even her friends had to talk her down a couple of times. She kind of used this adorable Doctor from Grants Pass to make Paul jealous. I was not okay with that, because he was a good guy. Paul is a decent guy, and he wants to give Vanessa space and to make sure she was done grieving. He does something stupid at the beginning of the book, and it gave me some concern. Fortunately the issue does work itself out. He's portrait as a decent guy throughout the story. 

I can't really remember what else happens in the book, but I know there are other characters storylines going on. It was an okay listen. Even though I wasn't a big fan of this story there were other storylines I need to know about, so yes I continue the series. 

Copy provided by local library

Rating: 3 Stars

Audiobook Review: Virgin River by Robyn Carr

I'm starting to find myself reading the books that were made into movies or series. Whoops. However, it's getting me to checkout other series I would never read. This is true for Robin Carr's Virgin River series. My husband have totally watched all the seasons that are on Netflix, and I think he's hooked. Since I'm waiting for the next season, I decided to listen to Virgin Rivers books.

Now if you plan to checkout this series you need to be prepared that the series has been modify quite a bit.  I think it's fine if you watch the series then read the book, but you need to expected to be different from the series. There is quite a few changes in the story. Actually a lot. Now my thoughts on the first book Virgin River. 

We have Melinda Monroe needing a change from her current situation. She need to shake things up, and move up to Virgin River. Going from L.A. to North California is a culture shock. SoCal and North Cal is different. Yes, they are both in California, but it would be culture shock, and Mel definitely felt completely lost. Granted she was not expecting a dump upon arrival. She slowly finds her way to stay up in Virgin River. Now it doesn't hurt that the handsome Jack Sheridan has taken an interest in Mel and wants to keep her there. He and others make it pretty impossible for Mel to want to leave a piece of heaven.

Okay, I wouldn't really call this a small town romance, because it's basically smaller than a town. It's less than 100 people. Small area, but I think the plan is to build up Virgin River. I mean they have to, because there's 20 something books. I think eventually it will be a small town. The story is like bar in Cheers where everybody knows your name, and they know your business. I'm going to be honest Mel's not my favorite character, and Jack is all right. They didn't really win me over, but I'm curious enough to see how this all plays out. So, yes, I'm going to continue the series. 

My advice on this series is you have to want to be invested in the story. I mean there are over 20 books, and the stories characters intertwine in the series. Yes, it will be beneficial to read the story in chronological order, because you are basically building a town. After listen to other books, they characters are going to be integrated into the story. Yes, you will be seeing other side plots. You need to commit if you are going to do this. Overall, it wasn't a bad read, and we have starting point. 

Copy provided by local library

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Audiobook Review: Party Games by RL Stine

After finishing You May Now Kill the Bride I was still on an RL Stine kick. Okay more along the lines of Fear Street, so I decided to give Party Games a go. 

We have Brendan Fear who is a wiz at video games, and loves to program them. He also throws amazing birthday bashes. Rachel Martin has a crush on Brendan Fear, and is totally stoke when she gets invited to the big birthday bash. That's when things turn a little weird for Rachel and Brendan.

Okay, Party Games kept me on my toes. I liked the story. However, it was a decent read or listen. Would I check this story out again? Probably not. The funny thing is I actually bought this book for my daughter, because I wanted her to try out RL Stine. There is a book two and I might try it out, but I think I might hold off on the story. 

Copy provided by Local Library

Rating: 3 Stars

Lost and Found Family by Jennifer Ryan (Review)

I got a chance to read Lost and Found Family by Jennifer Ryan. I love Jennifer Ryan, she knows how to draw you into a story. She definitely drew me in with Sarah Anderson. She lost her husband, and was summoned by her MiL to bring her kids. I felt so bad for Sarah, because she's trying to do the best she can with people that hate her without knowing the full story. 

Okay, I liked the story. However, towards the end it started to drag, because I want when a lot was revealed. I was tired of Sarah being the punching bag. Plus, she had to be a saint with all the crap that she put up with. I enjoyed the relationship between Luke and Sarah. It was nice for her to find someone who appreciated her. 

Some may not like Sarah cause she's so perfect. However, those who are already fans to Jennifer Ryan will like the story. It was a cute story. I did have the feels of the story. 

Copy provided by William Morrow via Edelweiss 

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Review)

I got a chance to finished When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I do have a fondness for her stories. They are fun to read or listen to, so I was excited for a chance to checkout her latest Chicago Stars story. I love this series. We have met some super fun characters, and very memorable moments. Yes, I was excited that there was a new book. I'm going to be honest I don't remember ever reading a Thaddeus Bowman Owens (T-Bo). He could have been in the last story. I could try to listen to the previous story, but I just can't. Moving on. We have Thad who has to work with Olivia Shore who is a famous opera singer. She holds a grudge against Thad to some information. Anyway, we have a rocky start with these two for a national tour of a product. 

It wasn't a bad story, but it wasn't a great story. I like the idea of a jock and an opera singer trying to play nice on a national tour for a product. However, it kind of fell flat for me. There were some banter in the book, but nothing like past banter. I guess I didn't feel an emotional connection to the character. SEP usually hits a couple of spots with me: 1) She has me needing a box of tissue at least once in the story. 2) I'm laughing so hard that I'm in stitches. Which didn't happen to me. I did get a few chuckles, but nothing that feel busting a gut. However, towards the end I did feel it was more like SEP book, but by the time I got there was ready for the story to be over. Will I check this story out again, probably. I do my annual listen to the Chicago Stars stories, because that's a comfort for me. It was okay read. Will I continue reading SEP of course, because not every book is going to hit the same spot for everyone. However, majority of her books hit the right spots. 

Copy provided by William Morrow via Edelweiss

Rating: 3 Stars

InkSlinger PR Blog Tour + Review: By Mist@ke by Sigal Ehrlich

By Mist@ke 

Poison & Wine, 1

Sigal Ehrlich

January 21, 2021

You've Got Mail meets Grey's Anatomy in this sweet slow-burn, virtual meet-cute romance.

There's so much going on in Anna's life. Teaching countless hours at the studio and nurturing the three major relationships of her life - her group of tight-knit friends, all while attempting to not screw up this whole adulthood thing leaves very little time to waste on yet another dating app. At this point, a relationship is off the menu. Being "self-partnered" is more than enough.

A serious relationship has been crossed off Liam Brody's list of goals, at least for the foreseeable future. Completing his residency and becoming a trauma surgeon is his only priority. Casual relationships, his friends, and books are the only things he's willing to lose his precious free time to.

When an accidental email starts a deep online connection, both Liam and Anna dive in with zero concern . . . because there's really no harm in getting close to someone who you'll never meet in real life, right?

Wrong.

When a turn of events brings their "safe" virtual connection to an unexpected face-to-face, Anna and Liam learn their online chemistry pales in comparison to the real deal. A realization that brings along the bazillion-dollar question - what do you do when you meet The One at the most impossibly wrong time?

** by Mist@ke is book 1 in a standalone series with connected characters, but independent storylines.

My Thoughts:

The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel by Jennifer McQuiston (Review)

When this book first came out, I had started The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel. The sad thing was I so close to finishing the story, but something stopped me from reading. I put it aside, and I finally finished the story. I'm kicking myself, because I was soooo close to the end😫. Moving on. 

Truth be told, the story was meh. I think part of the reasons I stopped reading the story was I had other things pressing, and I figure I can put this aside. It has taken me a few years to come back to the story, and I had to restart the story. We meet Mary Channing who came to help her sister out, but her sister had other ideas. Her twin sister wanted Mary to experience a season, and possibly find love. However, Mary is content with her nose in a book. Then we meet Geoffrey Westmore, a well known scoundrel. Always scamping around London, but he accidentally gets trapped into marriage with Mary. All she wanted to do is prevent an assassination plot that they over heard together.  

We have a mouse heroine and a rake of a hero. West is trying to keep Mary safe, but she doesn't want to be left out of action. Both finding that they might actually find themselves please to be together. There were a few surprises I didn't expect. Overall, not a bad read. I'm glad to finally finish the story. 

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss (also own the story)

Rating:

3 1/2 Stars

Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy (Review)

I was excited to read Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy, because I read her very first book and I loved it. Honestly I had high hopes. Don't get me wrong it was pretty good read. I really like the beginning of the story, because we had so much sexual tension between Hunt and Leela. Both of them trying to fight their feelings. Hunt trying to marry Lady Victoria, which happens to be Leela's step-daughter. However, they are more friends than step-mother and step-daughter. 

The pacing of the story was going great for the first half of the story. However, the pacing slows down when a certain event happens. I felt that the latter half of the story felt like filler. I actually put the story down for sometime. I felt myself trying to finish the story. I wanted to scream at Hunt, there is a reason for Leela to turn you down you dolt. 

Overall, it was a pretty good story, but to me it felt like it was starting drag. I'm intrigued by other characters story. Hunt was a dolt at times. Leela was a strong heroine. I liked that she didn't simper when things didn't go her way, but made them happen. It's a pretty good start to a new series. 

Copy provided by Avon

Rating:

3 1/2 Stars

My One True Highlander by Suzanne Enoch (Review)

I got a chance to check out My One True Highlander by Suzanne Enoch earlier this month. I do not recommend reading No Ordinary Hero backwards. I would recommend you go in order. Somethings would make more sense if you read them in the proper order. Just a suggestion. 

In this story, we meet Marjorie Forrester who happens to be the sister of the Duke of Lattimer. When she gets the letter from her brother saying he's going to marry, but she shouldn't come up there. After all, winters are pretty harsh. Everything starts to fall apart when she heads up north. 

We also meet Graeme Maxton, who is a Viscount and a chieftain. He's trying to stay a float when the Duke of Dunncraigh makes an offer, but in return he must kill the Duke of Lattimer. However, Graeme doesn't like the offer, and doesn't trust the Dunncraigh. His brothers happen over heard things and decided to take things their hands, and they kidnap Marjorie. 

This story has some lulling points, but it was a good read. The nightlight of the story was Connell, Graeme's little brother. He's so adorable and has a soft heart. He kind of stole to story, which is fine. Marjorie is kept captive until they figure out what to do. Of course they fall in love, but I think that was a giving. Overall, not a bad read.I guess I need to read the first book, since I have read these totally backwards. 

Copy provided by St, Martins via NetGalley

Rating:

3 1/2 Stars

Audiobook Review: The Vampire with the Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks

The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo was an okay listen. I kind of struggle with the story. However, I felt that I have invested so much time in the series, and I was almost done with the series. This is where I was when I got to Dougal's story.

Okay, the story wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. I struggle with Leah, because she was so analytical, and it was hard for her to believe in things. Dougal was drawn to her, because she reminded him of someone else. There were a lot of things that happen, but it did help push the story towards the end of the series. Would it be something I would re-listen to, probably not. There were a few in this series I totally would, but this isn't one of them. Overall, The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo was an okay listen.

Copy provided by local library.

Rating:
3 Stars

Dare to Lie by Jen McLaughlin (Review)

First off, lets talk about the cover of Dare to Lie. Seriously, it is drool worthy. Sigh. Okay, moving on. We finally get to Scotty Donahue. Scotty wanted to make a change, and clean up Steel Row, which is a tough rode ahead. Anyway, working for the DEA he felt he could. Now the leader of Son's needs a favor done, and he felt that Scotty would be perfect to watch over his baby sister.

Okay, I struggle with the beginning of this story. I wasn't sure I was going to finish the story, but I press forward. Dare to Lie did get better as the story moved on. I really enjoyed the end of the story. However, getting to the end was a little of a struggle. I liked Scotty and Sky together. It was struggle for them to be together. Overall, it was an okay read.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
3 Stars

The Undercover Cowboy by Lori Wilde (Review)

There isn't much I can write about The Undercover Cowboy by Lori Wilde, because it's a quick read. It was a cute little read. You have Allie who wants to make it on her own without resorting to move back home. She gets saved by Kyle Richmond, but she doesn't know that's his name; after all he's undercover.

Yes, there is little drama. The fact that he lied about his name, but he had a job. However, he manages to get it all in the end. Like I said a cute quick read.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
3 1/2

Ancient Protector by Katie Reus (Review)

I finally got a chance to read Ancient Protector by Katie Reus. Now this is a spin-off of the Darkness series. At the end of that series we saw an end, but we saw a beginning to something new which happens to be Ancient Protector. Now we have Lachlan and Star.

Lachlan is an ancient dragon who has awoken after a long time. He's ancient. Then we have Star who is a rockstar, and she's trying to rescue her sister. Lachlan gets a whiff of Star and must have her. He would do anything to get her.

First off, it's cool that we are seeing the ancient creatures coming out of the book. However, by the end I wasn't really sure which direction the series is going. Are we following Lachlan and his clan or are we following Star and her crew. Even at the end I'm still not sure. It's going to be interesting how this will all play out. I mean Star has a sister, and her sister seems interesting.

Anyway, it was a interesting start to a new series. There is a still a lot of clean up to what has happen to the world, and I wonder how the ancients are going to help them. It's kind like a brave new world to some of them.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
3 Stars

Audiobook Review: Wanted: Dead or Alive by Kerrelyn Sparks

If you love extra cheese in your romance you have found your read in Wanted: Dead or Alive. I didn't think it could be bad, but it was pretty bad. If you can survive the cheestastic time, it does get pretty good towards the end. I did struggle with this story. Don't get me wrong I love Phinneas McKinney aka the Love Doctor. During the series he has so much growth. He started out with the bad guys and  decided that he didn't like that kind of life. He joins the Vamps to help them defeat the Malcontents. Anyway, he sees everyone hooking up, and he wants a true love too. If you have been following the series he had been chasing after LaToya. I'm glad he didn't ended up with her, because she's a terrible person. However, he has been developing feeling for Brynley Jones (Phil's sister). Yet Phil's sister is a no go, because of bro-code. Yet they both feel an attraction for one another, but trying hard to ignore.

There is a lot going on in this story. We  have Brynley who feels the urge to go home, but danger lurks there. Phinneas needs to go to Wyoming, and he drags Brynley with him. The story does get a little better the longer we stay in Wyoming. Overall, Wanted: Dead or Alive wasn't terrible, but it wasn't the greatest. It was an okay read, and it progresses the overall story. What happens in the end kind of makes me wonder about other things about the story, but we are going to leave them alone. It continues the progress of the story.

Copy provided by local library

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Audiobook Review: Vampire Mine by Kerrelyn Sparks

Vampire Mine wasn't a favorite of mine. It was an all right listen. We have Marielle who happens to be a fallen angel, and is trying to get back to heaven. Then we have Connor Buchanan. He has a few issues going on in this story, but he feels needs to help Marielle. There are few complications with Marielle that makes Roman distrust her. 

Connor has feelings for Marielle, but he's willing sacrifice them so he can help Marielle return to heaven. Anyway, the Vamps are style trying to defeat the Malcontents. However, another player in evil is introduce Darifer (not sure if thats how spell his name audiobook) the demon is added to mix. Marielle does a lot a crying in the story, but it makes sense he loves being a heavenly host. I would be crying about everything if I was in her position. 

Anyway, Vampire Mine was an okay listen. It wasn't like I have to listen. There were times where I was like I need a break. However, I will continue with the series. 

Copy provide by local library.

Rating:

3 Stars

Audiobook Review: The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks

About a week ago I finished listening to The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks. In the series it was an okay listen.  It was a little better than book two; not by much.

In this story we have Heather Westfield and Jean-Luc Echarpe. Heather seem like the stereo-typical Texan. She was like I can do anything, because I'm a Texan woman. That wore a little thin once, because she didn't understand the imminent danger. She's kind of impulsive. Where we have Jean-Luc. He's a pretty decent guy. He's trying to understand Heather, and help her. Yet, she's kind of bullheaded. Jean-Luc made the story bearable. Eventually, I did warm up to Heather, and she realized the issue. However, she would do something stupid, then I would be frustrated with her.

Overall, it wasn't a bad listen. It wasn't great. However, the narrator was all over the place with the voices and accents. It has been an interesting journey with this series as I listen. I hope I enjoy the next book more than The Undead Next Door. I was a fan of Jean-Luc; he really helped the story.

Copy provided by local library.

Rating:
3 Stars

The Moonglow Sisters by Lori Wilde (Review)

I got a chance to finished Lori Wilde's The Moonglow Sisters. There were parts I really enjoyed, and there were parts that were okay. The story wasn't oh my gosh I need to finished this story. I would started and I would get distracted with other things. However, there were  moments where I needed to find out what's going happen next. However, there weren't a lot of those.

So, we meet the Clark sisters who grew up in Moonglow Cove, Texas after their parents died. We have Madison, Shelley, and Gia. There grandmother has brain cancer, and needs the girls to come home and patch things up. She places the task on Gia. Gia is the baby of the family, and the peacekeeper. Maddie has some animosity towards Shelley. Shelley has been off in the land of paradise. Each of them have their own secrets.

Anyway, The Moonglow Sisters focus on how the sisters can rebuild their relationship. You don't think it will happen until Gia comes up with the idea of a fake engagement to bring them all together. It didn't magically happen, but it took a little time. I liked how we got to know each sister insecurities, and what really caused the drift. Overall, the story was an okay read. There were parts that I really enjoyed, and others that were meh. Not a bad read, and I could see as a beach read.

Copy provided by William Morrow via Edelweiss

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis (Review)

I had a chance to ready Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis. This wasn't my favorite story. I had a hard time connect with the characters. I would find myself kind of putting the book down and trying to find other things to do. I even was thinking of DFN the book. However, I pressed forward thinking I could finish it. Honestly, it took me two months to finish.

I had a hard time connecting with Piper, and her siblings. Her siblings kind of drove me nuts. Their relationship was a bit strain cause Piper was more like their mom than their sister. Her siblings were kind of selfish. Her siblings kept so many secrets, granted I could understand why, because Piper would blow a gasket.

Anyway, Almost Just Friends wasn't a bad read, but I did struggle with the story. I know that there were a good number of people that enjoyed this story, and I hope you are one of them. I guess I'm ready to move on to the next story.

Copy provided by William Morrow via Edelweiss

Rating:
3 Stars

The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard (Review)

I eventually finished The Beast of Beswick a while ago. It was a about the middle of December, but I just couldn't get myself to write the review for the book. Don't get me wrong it wasn't a bad story. I actually loved the first half the story. The banter between Thane and Astrid was good. They kept up with one another pretty well. However, as the story progress I was fell less enchanted with these two. It was a struggle for me stay engaged with the story. I would sit there try to force myself to finish the story. I know there were others who absolutely loved the story. The story had absolutely promise. We have a bluestocking heroine with beastly hero. I don't care that Thane wasn't the standard of handsome hero. I didn't really see these two draw closer together in the story, and by the time story ended they were madly in love. They magically came together, because he realize he wanted his wife.   I like Astrid, but there were times she drove me mad with her behavior with Thane. 

Overall, The Beast of Beswick was an all right read. Would it be something I picked up again, probably not. The writing isn't bad, but there was something I can't put my finger on. I did like Astrid and Thane individually, and I think they would work. However, I wasn't feeling this story. I guess you can say it was a beast to read. Hey it might work for you, and you can totally ignore my words. 

Copy provided by Entangled via NetGalley

Rating: 

3 Stars