Audiobook Review: Rogues Rush In

Author: Tessa Dare & Christi Caldwell

Narrator: Justine Eyre
Title: Rogues Rush In

Genre: Historical Romance, Anthology, Novella, Short Stories
Published: May 22, 2018

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Two scandalous brides...

Two rogues who won’t be denied...

His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare

It’s the first rule of friendship among gentlemen: Don’t even think about touching your best friend’s sister. But Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has never been one for rules. He’s thought about touching Mary Clayton—a lot—and struggled to resist temptation. But when Mary’s bridegroom leaves her waiting the altar, only Sebastian can save her from ruin. By marrying her himself.

In eleven years, he’s never laid a finger on his best friend’s sister. Now he’s going to take her with both hands. To have, to hold...and to love.

His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell

It was never meant to be…

That’s what Elizabeth Terry has told herself while trying to forget the man she married--her once best friend. Passing herself off as a widow, Elizabeth has since built a life for herself as an instructor at a finishing school, far away from that greatest of mistakes. But the past has a way of finding you, and now that her husband has found her, Elizabeth must face the man she’s tried to forget.

It was time to right a wrong…

Crispin Ferguson, the Duke of Huntington, has spent the past years living with regret. The young woman he married left without a by-your-leave, and his hasty elopement had devastating repercussions. Despite everything, Crispin never stopped thinking about Elizabeth. Now that he’s found her, he has one request—be his duchess, publicly, just for a day.

Can spending time together as husband and wife rekindle the bond they once shared? Or will a shocking discovery tear them apart...this time, forever?

Review:

2-in-1! Always fun. 

His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare

Sebastian, Mary, and Mary's brother have been friends for years. After Mary's brother died tragically in the war and Mary's father gone too, Sebastian stepped in to be Mary's rock. And that involves fixing what has happened after Mary is left at the alter. In order to save Mary's reputation, he decides to marry Mary himself. 

This one was good. Friends to lovers. Always a blast. 

That twist, though, I didn't like. I won't spoil anything, but I'm glad that last-minute drama didn't ruin everything. I'm glad they could move one decently quick. Still annoyed me though. Kinda unnecessary story-wise....and to be frank....it seemed odd for the character who did it. 

Awwwwwww that epilogue made me giggle. So freakin' sweet!!!!!

The narrator is fantastic as per normal. 

Still a nice fun one overall. 3 stars though. 

His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell

Second chances!!! Another fun trope IF done well. 

Elizabeth and Crispin have been friends since they were kids. They got married very very young. Elizabeth ran off after hearing a certain conversation and a misunderstanding took place...for 10 years. Crispin needs his wife back in order to keep away the match-making mamas and desperate young ladies. He happens to find her making a living as a teacher. After striking a deal for her to come back for one ball, they two find themselves finally getting the talk they need. And of course, love will flood back in. 

I liked this one. However, I was annoyed at the 10 years of separation (10??????? too many years) and how Crispin was acting like a rogue, but he really wasn't a rogue (what?). And then the end twist? Eh. Not needed. Glad it was a quick fix, but still......

But I liked Elizabeth and Crispin. They are so fit for each other and they def should've waited to marry. They were young and dumb. I think the 10 years apart did them well overall. They were able to find themselves and grow up so they COULD talk. 

Fun narrator. She is always awesome. Good pick to read both of these. 

In the end, it was still fun and lovely to see these two TALK and find love again. Somethings seemed messy and not needed, but thus is life, eh? 3 stars.

Overall

I enjoyed both. These authors are always a blast. Some minor complaints, but I loved the stories. One was a friends-to-lover trope which has a key to my heart. The second is a second chance and it worked (second chances are always rocky for me). Great narration. Def recommend it if you like this genre or any of these authors. 3 stars overall. 

 

Challenge(s):

- #40 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Beard Science by Penny Reid

Author: Penny Reid

Narrator: Joy Nash, Chris Brinkley
Title: Beard Science

Series: Winston Brothers #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 11, 2016

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Make a deal with the devil and you might get what you want, but will it be what you need?

Jennifer Sylvester wants one thing, and that one thing is NOT to be Tennessee’s reigning Banana Cake Queen. Ever the perpetual good girl and obedient daughter, Jennifer is buckling under the weight of her social media celebrity, her mother’s ambitions, and her father’s puritanical mandates. Jennifer is officially desperate.

And desperate times call for Cletus Winston.

Cletus Winston is a puzzle wrapped in a mystery covered in conundrum sauce, and now he’s in a pickle. Despite being convinced of his own omniscience, extortion by the exalted Banana Cake Queen of Green Valley has taken him completely by surprise. So... what’s a maniacal mastermind to do?

Likely, the last thing you expect.

Review:

Been meaning to continue with the series. I enjoyed the first two, but you know how it goes....life and book lists get busy. 

Here we follow the next sibling of the Winstons. Cletus has always been a mystery. Always been the smartest and weirdest. Enter Jennifer who is much more than her costume and social media personality called the Banana Cake Queen. She is buckling under the pressure her parents' are putting on her. She just wants to find love and be happy. Desperate times call for Cletus. She will extort him to help her. Little do they know that extortion will lead to true love.

Please note; I suggest reading the first two before this one. There are loads of references and some of the events here are because of the events of the other two. 

I was a little nervous, tbh, with this one especially when I first started. I didn't see how these two people could find chemistry and lust and love. Yes, yes, opposites attract, but I was worried. Good thing Jennifer decided to blackmail him into helping her out because their orbits are so far apart that I do not think they would've ever had a meet-cute. They knew of each other but he wouldn't have given her the time of day. 

I felt SO bad for Jennifer. Her parents suck. Her mom has built this image of the Banana Cake Queen and won't let it go. Her father is just plain mean and controlling. Poor girl is in her 20s and she doesn't have a thing that is her own. No wonder Jennifer is buckling under the weight and needs to find freedom. 

Then there is Cletus. I'll be honest...I struggled to like him at first. He is vengeful and rude. I do love that he'd do anything for his family. But the games he plays? The secrets he finds and if he needs to.... use it against that person? Eeeee. 

He DOES get a taste of his own medicine when Jennifer comes knocking on his door. Good. I think Jennifer really opens his eyes and he becomes a better man because of her. Good!!!!! By the end, I did end up really liking him. Sure he did a bone-headed thing but I get WHY. I'm glad Jennifer didn't hold it against him for too long. Just enough to make him sweat and show him the error of his ways. Nodders.

The ending had me cheering. It was a wonderful way to end things. I won't spoil anything, but a character does end up getting what they deserve..........

The narration was flawless again. I love their voices. Perfect for their own character and then the rest of the characters. I hope they continue with the series. 

In the end, this had a shaky start for me, but eventually, these two characters warmed my heart and made me love them. This was fun. You will def need to read book 1 and 2 before this one. Onto the next! I'll give this one 4 stars. 

 

 

Challenge(s):

- #39 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: Alice the Dagger by Ashley Mcleo

Author: Ashley Mcleo

Title: Alice the Dagger

Series: The Wonderland Court #1

Genre: Fantasy, Retelling, Romance 

Format: ebook

Pages: 420

Published: September 1, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

They call me the dagger.

I’m a famed assassin.

It's all I've ever known.

All that I can remember.

So when a white rabbit tells me that loved ones are waiting for me in the Wonderland Court of Faerie, it's surprising. And then, I learn something even more shocking.

The Red Queen stole the crown from my mother—who she murdered. The queen singlehandedly created my reality of death and blood and murder.

While that's devastating, I can handle it. As long as I get revenge.

What I don't know how to handle is Henri Hatter.

He’s a rebel leader loved by everyone. A man who sings in the streets because people ask for aether’s sake. A faerie who knows more about my past than anyone—including me.

A good man who could crush my heart if I let him in. Which I can't do.

Not if I want vengeance against the queen who ruined my life. Despite my claims that I work alone, Hatter and two nosey little pixies insist on sticking with me.

Only one thing is for sure, with them by my side assassinating the Red Queen will be unlike any other job I’ve ever tackled.

Review:

Randomly picked this up when going freebie crazy in Amazon. Wasn't even sure what this was about. The title and the cover drew me in and I threw it with the rest of the freebies. I didn't even read the summary when I started reading this. To my absolute surprise, it is a retelling of 'Alice in Wonderland'!

Here we follow Alice who was raised to be an assassin and a killer. She is only a few days shy of her 18th birthday and her contract is over so she can be free! That is until a white rabbit storms into her life. This white rabbit tells her that she has a family waiting for her in Wonderland, a land of Faes, and she is the only one who can save everyone from the Red Queen.

This was a lot of fun!! I was pleasantly surprised (as I mentioned earlier) that this is a retelling of the classic tale. When the white rabbit appeared...I was all WHAT? So I went and read the summary and realized the truth! How fun!

There is a sprinkle of romance *cough* lust *cough* but it doesn't take over the story. They have enough to deal with. I do hope they explore more in the next book but I'm glad we just saw glimmers here while they get the rebels and Alice ready to take on the Red Queen.

My only issue with this is the pace. The pace of the story felt super rushed in some areas and dragging in others. It was a little jarring. Moments that were building up would just happen and be done.

Other than that, I really did have fun with this. I love the world and the references, but this story is pretty fresh. 

In the end, I'll give this 4 stars. 

TMST: Electronic Freebies...Yes or Nah?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

9/26/23: Do you download freebies? read free preview chapters?

I love freebies!!!! I love Amazon for that fact. I have discovered some hidden gems because of freebies. To be completely honest....there are some meh freebies out there. But the gems are worth the piles of meh books to find. 

Now....free preview chapters? Nah. I'll do snip bits that people share on their blogs, but I don't like reading ahead of the next book. I'll wait. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare

By: Tessa Dare

Narrated by: Carmen Rose

Series: Castles Ever After, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs

Release date: 01-28-14

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance /Bookbeat.fi

Aww this one was sweet and fun! Isolde inherits a castle from her godfather. The only problem that someone lives in that castle, a grumpy handsome blind Duke. A Duke who says it is his castle.

Isolde has nothing, a few pennies at most. She needs this castle. Her father left her with nothing. Her fairytale writing famous father (men!!! think ahead please.) 

I liked the fairytale aspect of it all. People loved those tales, and are cosplaying as characters. Which was very cool for this age.

The Duke has issues of his own. His is blind. He has not learned to deal with it infront of other people He still dwells in his own sorrow.

And in comes Isolde like a quiet whirlwind. He is grumpy, she is just trying to get by.

I really liked these two together. Very sweet.

Great narration. Always superb, and with a good range of voices

As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities.

And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one.

Ugly duckling turned swan?

Abducted by handsome highwayman?

Rescued from drudgery by charming prince?

No, no, and... Heh.

Now Izzy's given up yearning for romance. She’ll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who’s never even been kissed?

Movie Review 2-in-1: The Princess Diaries 1 & 2

Title: The Princess Diaries

Series: Princess Diaries #1

Length: 1h 55 m

Released: 2001

Genre:  Comedy, Family, Romance
Rating: G
Where I Got It: Hulu

SUMMARY:

Mia Thermopolis has just found out that she is the heir apparent to the throne of Genovia. With her friends Lilly and Michael Moscovitz in tow, she tries to navigate through the rest of her sixteenth year.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Been feeling nostalgic lately! I saw this and the sequel on Hulu and hopped on this. 

Mia was just told she is the heir apparent to the throne of Genovia while trying to survive the rest of her High school life as a 16-year-old. 

This is always a lot of fun. I remember watching this over and over and over again when I was a wee thing. 

Mia is fun...her granny is fun. The staff are fun. Her mama is fun. Love the cat. 

I still don't really like Lilly in this one. She def has an attitude problem. 

Def a teen movie so be prepared for some cringe. ;)

4 stars

Title: The Princess Diaries 2 Royal Engagement

Series: Princess Diaries #2

Length: 1h 53 m

Released: 2004

Genre:  Comedy, Family, Romance
Rating: G
Where I Got It: Hulu

SUMMARY:

Now settled in Genovia, Princess Mia faces a new revelation: she is being primed for an arranged marriage to an English suitor.

REVIEW:

Movie 2! 

Mia has graduated from college and she is ready to take the throne. However, with the old laws she has to be married in order to take the throne. She will be forced into an arranged marriage. 

I liked this one a lot too, but not as much as the first movie. I feel like the solution was way, WAY too easy. And I also felt the ending left too much to the imagination. We def need a 3rd movie.

This was still fun even with the easy ending. I hope we get a 3rd movie one day, but it has been nearly 20 years........

Anyway, it was fun revisiting these two movies. Felt young again. Adorbs. 

This one gets 3 stars. 

Audiobook Review: When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Carmen Rose
Title: When a Scot Ties the Knot

Series: Castles Ever After #3

Genre: Historical Romance
Published: August 25, 2015

Where I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shyly pretty and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.

A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter … and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.

Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He’s wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters… and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.

Review:

Tessa Dare is the author of the month for September. ;) I may or may NOT have another book waiting in the wings.....may wait a hair but I am itching for more. 

Here we have Maddie and Captain MacKenzie. On the cusp of her first London season, Maddie lied and she has been living that lie for years. She told everyone she has a Scottish sweetheart....a man who is a hero....who is handsome....honorable....and conveniently never around. She has written letter after letter to this fake beaux. In order to stop the lie she told one more big lie.....he died in battle. Years later, there is a knock on the door and there is the real Captain Logan MacKenzie. He has her letters and he has a proposal she would be hard-pressed to decline. 

This was so much fun. I loved the premise...the couple....the side characters...the castle...and Scotland *sighs*. All fun and you are just rooting for their fake marriage/love to be real. You know it will happen, but WHEN!? HOW?! There are a lot of feelings and hurts and past trauma between them. They have a lot to wade through. 

Awww I loved the side story Maddie has. It made me awww. She loves her drawings and she loves her lobsters. It was cute and very metaphorical. 

I did read the last of the series and I am BUMMED that we do not get to see Logan's pals find happiness. You know they will get it, of course, but I would've liked them to be in the next book or simply in the epilogue. Maybe we will see them in some sort of spin-off? *fingers crossed*

Now, the narrator is the same and she rocked it. Loved all the voices. All the accents *chef's kiss* perfection. 

In the end, I wanted a HAIR more at the end. I wanted to see Logan's friends find happiness. Yes, we can imagine they do, but I wanted to see and hear it! *shakes fist* Besides that I really enjoyed this one a lot. 4 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):

- #38 for Audiobook challenge

DNF: The Charm School by Susan Wiggs

Author: Susan Wiggs

Title: The Charm School

Series: The Calhoun Chronicles #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 384

Published: April 1, 1999

Where I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

An awkward misfit in an accomplished family, Isadora Peabody yearns to escape her life as a wallflower in Boston society. Fate intervenes when she learns that a ship bound for Rio de Janeiro is in need of an interpreter—a pursuit she very much enjoys. The only problem? The surly and handsome captain is adamantly opposed to a woman taking the role.

Sea captain Ryan Calhoun used to have a good family name. But he’d purposely walked away from everything it afforded him, driven by his quest to right an old wrong. When he finds himself falling for the meek young woman who comes aboard his ship, he’s determined to stay away from her—if only to keep her out of his secretive, dangerous plans.

As the tides of attraction flow between them, Ryan and Isadora must risk it all for love. For a true lady must learn to speak her mind, and Isadora is ready to put her newfound charms to the test.

Review:

Randomly saw this while looking for something else in the ebook section at the library. Seemed interesting enough so I grabbed it and downloaded it. 

I got to about page 102. I struggled to even get there, so I did what I normally do....I stepped away for a couple of days and tried to return with fresh eyes and a fresh brain. I I read a page or two and stopped. 

To be honest...I can't really point at WHY I didn't care. Ryan seems like the type I normally drool over and Isadora seems like a fun heroine. However, I just couldn't buy anything or care what was going to happen next. 

Sadly, I am returning this to the library early and unfinished. I have enjoyed this author in the past so I am bummed. However, you can't be charmed by everything.

DNF. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: A Lady by Midnight by Tessa Dare

By: Tessa Dare

Narrated by: Carolyn Morris

Series: Spindle Cove, Book 3

Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins

Release date: 12-17-13

Publisher: HarperAudio

Bookbeat.fi and Storytel.fi/historical romance

So I have been reading a few Dare books, and when I had 2 hours left of this one my subscription was finished. And I could do nothing until October!! I know I know. Obvi I said F it and went to the competition. But that was a week only offer so it is soon finished with Dare for a while.

But before that, Kate teaches piano in Spindle Cove. Corporal Thorne has been giving her the cold shoulder for a year. She wonder about her past, he wants nothing to do with his past.

And then they are thrown together. And they fancy each other, and things happen.

And the past comes knocking!

Omg Thorne, just tell her! Men!

Fun times. I was curious about one person but that person has no book so far...hmmm

Great narration as always

After years of fending for herself, Kate Taylor found friendship and acceptance in Spindle Cove—but she never stopped yearning for love. The very last place she'd look for it is in the arms of Corporal Thorne. The militia commander is as stone cold as he is brutally handsome. But when mysterious strangers come searching for Kate, Thorne steps forward as her fiancé. He claims to have only Kate's safety in mind. So why is there smoldering passion in his kiss?

Long ago, Samuel Thorne devoted his life to guarding Kate's happiness. He wants what's best for her, and he knows it's not marriage to a man like him. To outlast their temporary engagement, he must keep his hands off her tempting body and lock her warm smiles out of his withered heart. It's the toughest battle of this hardened warrior's life . . . and the first he seems destined to lose.

Audiobook Review: Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Carmen Rose
Title: Say Yes to the Marquess

Series: Castles Ever After #2

Genre: Historical Romance
Published: December 30, 2014

Where I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

After eight years of waiting for Piers Brandon, the wandering Marquess of Granville, to set a wedding date, Clio Whitmore has had enough. She's inherited a castle, scraped together some pride, and made plans to break her engagement.

Not if Rafe Brandon can help it. A ruthless prizefighter and notorious rake, Rafe is determined that Clio will marry his brother—even if he has to plan the dratted wedding himself.

So how does a hardened fighter cure a reluctant bride's cold feet?

● He starts with flowers. A wedding can't have too many flowers. Or harps. Or cakes.

● He lets her know she'll make a beautiful, desirable bride—and tries not to picture her as his.

● He doesn't kiss her.

● If he kisses her, he definitely doesn't kiss her again.

● When all else fails, he puts her in a stunning gown. And vows not to be nearby when the gown comes off.

● And no matter what—he doesn't fall in disastrous, hopeless love with the one woman he can never call his own.

Review:

I am def on a Tessa Dare kick. I already have another one of these ready to go. Hehehehe

Here we follow Rafe and Clio. Clio has been engaged to Piers, Rafe's brother, for 8 long years. She is told to be patient and keep waiting for him to return home. Now she has inherited her very own castle and now she is done waiting. She plans to end her engagement. Enter Rafe who will not let her break this wedding off even if it means he has to plan it himself. He made a promise to Piers to keep an eye on Clio and his dog. How will a hardened fighter like Rafe cure a bride's cold feet? He has a plan. 

This was so much fun. I loved Rafe and I loved Clio. They are so opposites but they fit together so nicely. They have known each other since they were kids but after she was engaged to his brother, their friendship went stale. Now they are back together and Rafe is trying to make sure Clio's cold feet don't end the wedding. I LOVED watching these two interact. I loved watching them get to know each other as adults. It was beautiful. They actually talked a lot. It was nice.

Whoops. Feelings happen. Kisses happen.....you can't stop love!

There were some mini-dramas here, but nothing over the top. Even when the inevitable happens of the wedding being called off, I liked how that was handled. 

I did want to slap Daphne and their late mother though. Terrible, terrible. So dang mean!!! Who cares if Clio is a little heavier????? Let her eat cake dammit. 

The narrator was fantastic. Loved how easily she flowed with different genders and even different accents. It was lovely here. 

In the end, this was one of my faves of Tessa Dare I think. Cute and fun and a great couple. 5 stars from me. 

 

Challenge(s):

- #37 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Title: The Yellow Wallpaper

Genre: Classics, Short Story, Fiction, Horror, Gothic

Format: ebook

PagesL 63

Published: January 10, 1892

Where I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

Diagnosed by her physician husband with a “temporary nervous depression—a slight hysterical tendency” after the birth of her child, a woman is urged to rest for the summer in an old colonial mansion. Forbidden from doing work of any kind, she spends her days in the house’s former nursery, with its barred windows, scratched floor, and peeling yellow wallpaper.

In a private journal, the woman records her growing obsession with the “horrid” wallpaper. Its strange pattern mutates in the moonlight, revealing what appears to be a human figure in the design. With nothing else to occupy her mind, the woman resolves to unlock the mystery of the wallpaper. Her quest, however, leads not to the truth, but into the darkest depths of madness.

Review:

This was a completely random book. I was looking for something else and came upon this ebook at my library. Why not...PLUS we just finished de-wallpapering our dining room SOOOOO? Yah. 

We follow a woman who is writing in her private journal. She was diagnosed by her husband with temporary nervous depression with some hysteria mixed in after she gave birth to their child. She is forced to rest the entire summer in their new home. She starts recording her growing obsession with the horrid wallpaper. It is a strange pattern that mutates in the moonlight revealing what appears to be a human figure. She decides to investigate the mystery of the wallpaper which will lead her down to find the truth, but a huge deep depth of madness. 

Okay. This was extremely weird and different. There were times I found myself very, very confused. I won't lie there....I had to research and read other reviews before I could get myself to type something up. I honestly think this needed to be longer. I think we needed more time. The ending was cool, BUT we needed more. 

Screw that husband and brother of hers. You can't help but feel bad for this lady. This does show the truth of the times....mental health was not taken seriously, especially for women. 

I'm curious about other writing from this author. I do wish this was longer to really get the point made. 

3 stars from me. 

Audiobook Review: Parental Guidance by Avery Flynn

Author: Avery Flynn

Narrator: Tim Paige
Title: Parental Guidance

Series: Ice Knights #1

Genre: Contemporary, Sports Romance, Chick Lit
Published: May 31, 2019

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

It wasn't me.

It was my team.

But as almost co-captain I raised my hand to fix it.

Never imagined they'd arrange a PR stunt to make me look like Mr. Right to someone my mom picks out on some new dating app.

Then my salvation walks into the restaurant.

Zara Ambrose.

The five-foot-nothing redhead with more freckles than inches that I convinced to go on five dates with me for all the world to see.

She's got her own reasons for our set up--and her own rules.

But somewhere between the couples' obstacle course, wrestling matches with her Great Dane, and fights over mashed potatoes, Zara went from means-to-an-end to something so much more.

What happens when you start to fall for the one girl you can't have...on live TV?

Review:

This author is always fun so I was excited to get some more!!

Two people couldn't be more different. Zara is a small redhead who has big dreams of making it with her miniature figurines! Caleb is a tall rough and tough hockey player. They both find themselves forced to join a new dating app where their parents pick their dates. This is the only thing they have in common, so they decide to make rules and just fake it for the world to see. Get their 5 dates done and be free. However...things will not go as planned.

This was a lot of fun. There wasn't a crazy amount of drama here so that was nice. The biggest drama bubble was near the end. Some personal and professional stuff popped up, but no insane exes, and even the parents were pretty mellow. It is nice to get a romance once in a while that isn't too drama-filled. 

I liked Zara and I liked Caleb. Good people who deserve all the love! Caleb is pretty dreamy for sure. hehe.

Not sure why, but lately I have been loving the Fake Love to Real Love has been a hit for me. It's just so dang fun. I loved watching these two muddle through their dates and the interview afterward. So fun. 

I would NEVER EVER use this app. I wouldn't trust my folks to pick my dates. Not that I don't love and trust my folks....I could never tho. It's so weird! It's interesting for sure. I would be curious WHO my parents would pick for me, but I'm also curious about a lot of things that would not be safe or beneficial LOL.

The side cast was fun esp Caleb's hockey teammates. I am curious to read more if they get some love story next!

To be honest, I had two small-ish issues. One was how quickly Zara forgave her father. Don't get me wrong...he's not a bad dude, but I think the two need therapy. Maybe they did but we didn't see it at the end? Second, the fight Zara and Caleb had was a hair too over-the-top. I get WHY they fought but it escalated a little too much for the situation. I'm glad that the recovery and talking afterward didn't take too long. I was worried it was going to drag on and on. Thank goodness. 

The narrator was good. Even his female voices weren't bad at all. I liked him. I think I heard him before. The name and the voice seem familiar. 

All-in-all, I did enjoy this. A couple of issues, but nothing that destroyed the story for me. I liked these two a lot. Caleb was dreamy and Zara was adorable. It was fun. It had some humor and a lot of heart. Def recommend it! 4 stars. 

  

  

Challenge(s):

- #36 for Audiobook challenge