2-in-1 Audiobook Reviews: A Match Made for Thanksgiving & The One Night

Author: Jackie Lau

Narrator: Khristine Rivière
Title: A Match Made for Thanksgiving

Series: Holidays with the Wongs #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella
Format: Audiobook
Published: October 8, 2019
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Advertising executive Nick Wong enjoys living in Toronto. He loves late nights partying and taking women back to his penthouse. And so it is with great reluctance that he returns to his boring hometown of Mosquito Bay for Thanksgiving.

This year, however, is even worse than usual. His interfering parents and grandparents, frustrated with the lack of weddings in the family, have invited blind dates for him and his three siblings. Nick’s brother Greg has been set up with Lily Tseng, who just so happens to be Nick’s latest one-night stand, the one he can’t get out of his mind.

Although Nick has never been interested in settling down, Lily has him reconsidering. Perhaps he’s good for more than a single night of sex, dumplings, and bubble tea after all. But first, he has to get through this painful weekend with his family and convince her that she should be with him, not Greg…

Review:

I meant to read this at Thanksgiving, but I totally forgot all about it. I then meant to save it for Thanksgiving later this year, BUT I couldn't resist. I needed a nice and spicy read for March. Weeee!

Here we follow Nick and Lily. Nick has loved his bachelor's life and doesn't plan to change now. Until he meets Lily. After a wonderful one-night stand with her, he can't get her out of his head. It's Thanksgiving, and he returns to his small hometown to his loving but interfering family. Enter his family, who set up some blind dates for him and his siblings. Lo and behold, Lily walks in, but she is set up with his brother. He will need to spend the weekend convincing her that she should be with him. 

I had a lot of fun with this one. It was cute and sweet. Love watching a womanizer and rogue finally settle down. It's always fun. 

I liked Nick and Lily. You could see the chemistry right away. I loved how different but similar they were at the same time. They are adorable. 

Nick's family was very sweet. Yes, they are a LOT to handle, but they love him, and they fall for Lily, too. So sweet.

My biggest issue was the narration at times. There were times it felt and sounded so robotic. The performance was so stiff at times. It took me out of the story a couple of times because of how stiff and robotic it was.

I really want to read the next book, but I might have to settle for either the ebook version or the physical version. The same narrator reads that one too. 

All-in-all, I did like this a lot. Loved the set-ups. Loved the characters. The spiciness was well done. My only issue was that I struggled at times with the narrator. 

I'll give this 4 stars.  

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #11

- Reading Romance Challenge #8 (Non-Christmas Holiday)

Author: Meghan Quinn

Narrator: Laurie West & Teddy Hamilton
Title: The One Night

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella
Format: Audiobook
Published: December 14, 2021
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Recently divorced Cooper Chance knows he’s officially in a rut when his parents take him barhopping in the hope of resuscitating his love life. At first, he’s skeptical. How could a gritty dive bar possibly solve his problems? But then he runs into Nora McHale.

Nora isn’t at the bar looking for love. She’s there to unwind after yet another exhausting day at her bakery. And even if she were hoping to meet someone, it sure wouldn’t be Cooper—her best friend’s ex-husband.

According to the unwritten rules of romance, Cooper and Nora are completely off limits to each other. But after a fun, flirty night at the bar, they can’t ignore the wild attraction between them.

Is this the beginning of something real, or will their passionate night together be their one and only?

Review:

I needed a Meghan Quinn book, and I picked up this little guy. I'm glad I read a review or two because this is technically a prologue to the next book. Oooo

So Cooper and Nora have known each other for years. They are completely off limits to each other. After a flirty night at a bar and a funny situation....the two realize that their is not just lust between them but something more. However, will their passionate night be their only one? 

This was fun. Cooper's parents were the stars of this little number. I love them so much. I can't wait to see what shenanigans they cause in the next book. Hilarious!!!!!!!!!

I did like Cooper and Nora. The ending was sad. Super sad. I wonder how this will all be resolved. 

The narration team was amazing. I hope they do the next book. 

But yes, adorable with an ending that really isn't an ending. It is a teaser to make you read the next book. And yes, I have it downloaded already. 

4 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #11

- Reading Romance Challenge #8 (Non-Christmas Holiday)

Blodeuedd's Monday: Wed for Their Royal Heir by Jackie Ashenden

By: Jackie Ashenden

Narrated by: Julia Eve

Series: Three Ruthless Kings, Book 1

Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins

Release date: 03-31-26

Publisher: Tantor Media

Romance/to review

I decided to give Harlequin a go, I have not read one in ages. And I must say, were they always this passionate? I do not remember it like that since I read these at 10. Not like anything more than normal, but these two really have the hots for each other.

Solace had a one night stand, she was a virgin, they always are, she got pregnant, and omg the babydaddy is a king! And then she was tired, and she did not know she was pregnant and she signed away the rights to her child. 6 months later she is back with a plan to get her child back.

First, the kid is a bastard, he should not be heir, so forget about that plothole. I am sure they have it written in their constitution and like in the olden days when a king married and had kids they were not at all jealous that the bastard got the throne, lol.

King Galen is really alpha, I mean really alpha. He meets Solace again, sparks fly. She wants her son back. He does not want scandal as he told everyone the mother was dead. There is an uncle who wants the throne.

We all know they will get their HEA, and Galen is so alpha so he will make sure he gets his HEA, without scandal.

I did enjoy it. It was short, passionate and I always like fake royal countries

The narrator worked well and did a good job with this book

In a moment of dark despair, a destitute Solace Ashworth gave up her newborn to palace officials. She was sure his wealthy father, King Galen Kouros, could provide the life she never could. Now she’ll do anything to get her baby back—even blackmail the king!

Facing the woman he shared one reckless night with, Galen experiences the same lightning bolt of desire. Then shame at discovering the terrible mistake that tore Solace from their son. There’s only one acceptable option, and it starts with claiming Solace at the royal altar!

Book Review: Don't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino

Author: Sara Goodman Confino

Title: Don't Forget to Write

Genre: Historical Fiction, Chick Lit

Format: ebook

Pages: 334

Published: September 1, 2023

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

In 1960, a young woman discovers a freedom she never knew existed in this exhilarating, funny, and emotional novel by the bestselling author of She’s Up to No Good . When Marilyn Kleinman is caught making out with the rabbi’s son in front of the whole congregation, her parents ship her off to her great-aunt Ada for the summer. If anyone can save their daughter’s reputation, it’s Philadelphia’s strict premier matchmaker. Either that or Marilyn can kiss college goodbye. To Marilyn’s surprise, Ada’s not the humorless septuagenarian her mother described. Not with that platinum-blonde hair, Hermès scarf, and Cadillac convertible. She’s sharp, straight-talking, takes her job very seriously, and abides by her own rules…mostly. As the summer unfolds, Ada and Marilyn head for the Jersey shore, where Marilyn helps Ada scope out eligible matches—for anyone but Marilyn, that is. Because if there’s one thing Marilyn’s learned from Ada, it’s that she doesn’t have to settle. With the school year quickly approaching and her father threatening to disinherit her, Marilyn must make her choice for her future: return to the comfortable life she knows, or embrace a risky, unknown path on her own.

Review:

This was picked for our book club!!! Never heard of it so I was excited to read it. It sounds good and look at that cover!!! 

Here we have Marilyn, who wants to do what she wants and be free. After being caught kissing the rabbi's son and declining to marry him, she is sent to her great-Aunt's for the summer. Her aunt is described as being humorless and tough, but Marilyn is pleasantly surprised. Yes, Ada can be all of those things, but there is more to her. With Ada's help, Marilyn will have to find the courage to make her own choices for her future. She will have many decisions to make before the end of summer. 

I am feeling lazy. I'll divide and conquer this review.

The Good

- Loved our cast here except for Marilyn's parents. I wanted to shake them. 

- I loved the setting

- The vibes of this book were intoxicating. I didn't want to stop! 

- We have a few twists, and they were great. 

- That last twist!!! I had a feeling, but I didn't think it would happen! EEEEE!

The Bad and the Ugly

- My only real issue was the very end. HOW CAN YOU LEAVE US LIKE THIS!?!?!?!?! Are we going to get a book 2? Short story? POV shift? SOMETHING?

Conclusion

I really, really liked this book. I didn't want to stop reading, and I wanted more. Maybe an epilogue or something. SOMETHING. But other than that, I have no real issue. I'll give this 5 stars even with the ending. It might be me being selfish. I loved everything else. 

Audiobook Review: Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Neil Hellegers
Title: Goddess of the Hunt

Series: The Wanton Dairymaid Trilogy #1

Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: July 28, 2009
Where I Got It: Borrowed from Library

Summary: 

Every earl knows the one lady he shouldn't seduce is his best friend's little sister . . .

Lucy Waltham is hunting for a husband, but she needs some target practice. She turns to her brother's cold-as-ice best friend, Jeremy Trescott, the Earl of Kendall, to test her seductive wiles on him before setting her sights on another man. But her practice kisses spark a smoldering passion-one that could send all her plans up in smoke.

Jeremy has an influential title, a vast fortune, and a painful past full of secrets. He's always kept a safe distance from his own emotions—and from Lucy, who wears her heart on her sleeve. But to save his best friend's little sister from certain heartbreak, he can't stay at arm's length anymore. Their sensual battle of wills is as forbidden as it is delicious. The closer Jeremy gets to taming his temptress . . . the nearer he comes to losing all control.

Review:

Love me some Dare! Been slowly going through all her works. She certainly has a lot, and I'm not complaining!!!!

Here we follow Lucy and Jeremy. Jeremy is friends with Lucy's brother. Lucy has been in love with her brother's friend for a long time, but it isn't Jeremy. It's another friend who is in love with someone else. However, things don't go as planned, and Lucy finally realizes maybe, just maybe, Jeremy is the one for her. He's been the one who has always been there for her. Sure, he is cold, but there is a secret warmth there.

This was adorable and entertaining. I loved Lucy and Jeremy. Both are so different but at the same time so similar. Stubborn and love to vex each other. Loved it!!!

Jeremy has some demons, so he keeps his emotions close to his chest. He is a tough wall to climb, but Lucy loves a challenge. You could tell they were meant for each other in their first interaction. 

I loved watching them finally get on the same page and stop being so stubborn. It was lovely!

They get married fairly quickly, and I loved watching them deal with marriage and finding their love. It was nice. 

The narrator was lovely. The men's voices all sounded similar sometimes, but they worked if you are paying attention. Little difference. 

My only issue is the subplot with the tenants. I hope that is resolved later, because it certainly was not resolved fully here. Jeremy has a lot to do. 

But yes. I was entertained from page 1 until the very end. I want to read book 2 asap. I need to see where our side character ends up. She wormed her way into my heart! I did want more of a resolution with the subplot that seemed to be left dangling and not fully resolved. Maybe we'll see it later on.

4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #10

- Library Love #7

- Reading Romance Challenge #7 (Sunset/Sunrise on the cover)

DNF Second Chance Announcement

The votes are in for our DNF Second Chance! 

I will try and get started on this in before the end of spring! 

Rules:

- The book must be sitting on the DNF shelf for at least one year. Time heals wounds...right?

- Honor the poll choice (if you do a polling)

- Read at LEAST 125 pages before giving up. 

- Be completely and utterly honest

- If it is a physical book and it was another DNF...the book must be rehomed. 

If you want to do this idea for yourself, please feel free. You can change the rules and etc. :) 

Book Review: Cottage at the Beach by Lee Tobin McClain

Author: Lee Tobin McClain

Title: Cottage at the Beach

Series: The Off Season #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Christian Fiction

Format: Paperback

Pages: 301

Published: February 25, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Used Book Store)

Summary: 

Escape to the Chesapeake Bay, where beach life is full of love, surprises and second chances…

When an injury forces K-9 officer Trey Harrison onto the sidelines, his only thought is getting back to the police force where he belongs. And he’ll do anything to make that happen—even volunteer in a small waterfront community, just to please his boss. But no one ever said Trey had to enjoy it…

Since the surgery that destroyed her dreams of having children, schoolteacher Erica Rowe has grown even more dedicated to her work with at-risk teens. So she doesn't need some cop with a chip on his shoulder putting the program's future in jeopardy. But when Trey finally connects with the students, Erica's heart melts. And when, in a tender moment, he admits he longs to have children, her heart breaks. She's convinced he'd be better off with someone who can give him everything, but she can't seem to shake the hope that maybe love is enough…

Review:

Honest to goodness, I do not recall where I got this book. I want to say it was one of the used book stores around me *thinks for a long, long time*. Whelp, I don't recall, so that is what I'm putting down. Eeee. I'm terrible. It's been bugging me so much while reading this...where did I buy this???? Was it a gift????? Whoopsies. 

Okay, so we have Trey and Erica. Trey was injured due to a big mistake he made, and now he's trying to get back on track. He wants to get back on the force with his K9 pal. He'll do anything, including volunteering in a small waterfront community. Enter Erica, whose dreams of having kids were dashed due to a preventative surgery. With that dream gone, she has made a new one to help at-risk teens. She has set up a program, but she will have to work side-by-side with Trey, who is bitter and grumpy. Things change when Trey finally connects with her students and her crazy dog. He has found the key to her heart, but he wants more than what she can give him. Will it be enough?

This town is making me yearn for spring and summer. I want to sit on my porch in the sun and read! I can't wait!

I didn't realize this technically falls in the "Christian Romance" section until I was done reading it. I assumed it was just a clean romance, and that was fine. God was mentioned a couple of times, but it never overwhelmed the plot or made me feel uncomfortable like I was having it shoved down my throat. So yayyy for that. 

The beginning was a bit of a struggle. Yes, Trey had issues, but man, was he so unlikable at first. Once he chills out and you see the soft side of him, he will win you over. But man. It was touch-and-go for the first few pages. I'm glad I stuck to it.

I did want to smack both of them during a certain scene. JUST tell him, man. The way she went about it was terrible and mean. I get why he reacted the way he did. GRRRRRR!

And please....the proposal? WHY!? You had like ONE date, sir. CALM DOWN. *grumbles*

But I will say the epilogue was very sweet and nice. 

THE DOGS STOLE THE SHOW!

I hated the side stories. Okay...hate is strong, but it didn't help the plot along. It felt like filler and nothing more. Don't get me wrong, I liked the side characters, but their story could have waited until book 2. Maybe give us some teasers and etc, but meh. 

In conclusion.....this was entertaining enough. Some issues, but I couldn't walk away. I was invested! Not sure if I'll read book 2, but maybe? If the price is right. 

3 stars. 

Reading Challenge(s)

- Reading Romance Challenge #6 (Book starts with same letter as your name)

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books

Format: 304 pages, Paperback

Published: July 7, 2024 by HQ Fiction GB

Fiction/borrowed

This felt heavier than I had expected.

Small southern town which seems to be filled with neonazis, racists, biggots, well you name it. And then Lula Dean gets the notion that books makes you gay, trans, everything that that is not Christian and right. So she bans most books from the library and opens her own little booklibrary thing on her front lawn.

The book is told in in many povs that gets their own chapter. Bad ones that think this is right, good ones that want to fight it, and then the middle people who I found interesting. The ones who went to see what crappy books she had and found other books inside. And those books changed their lives. They learned about rape, racism, antisemitism and wanted to change something in their lives.

An interesting book, and there is hope. Also for I really liked the epilogue for once. That one was cool

Beverly Underwood and her arch enemy, Lula Dean, live in the tiny town of Troy, Georgia, where they were born and raised. Now Beverly is on the school board, and Lula has become a local celebrity by embarking on mission to rid the public libraries of all inappropriate books—none of which she’s actually read. To replace the “pornographic” books she’s challenged at the local public library, Lula starts her own lending library in front of her home: a cute wooden hutch with glass doors and neat rows of the worthy literature that she’s sure the town’s readers need.

But Beverly’s daughter Lindsay sneaks in by night and secretly fills Lula Dean’s little free library with banned books wrapped in “wholesome” dust jackets. The Girl’s Guide to the Revolution is wrapped in the cover of The Southern Belle’s Guide to Etiquette. A jacket that belongs to Our Confederate Heroes ends up on Beloved. One by one, neighbors who borrow books from Lula Dean’s library find their lives changed in unexpected ways. Finally, one of Lula Dean’s enemies discovers the library and decides to turn the tables on her, just as Lula and Beverly are running against each other to replace the town’s disgraced mayor.

That’s when all the townspeople who’ve been borrowing from Lula’s library begin to reveal themselves. It’s a diverse and surprising bunch—including the local postman, the prom queen, housewives, a farmer, and the former DA—all of whom have been changed by what they’ve read. When Lindsay is forced to own up to what she’s done, the showdown that’s been brewing between Beverly and Lula will roil the whole town...and change it forever.

Audiobook Review: A Change of Plans by Dennis E Taylor

Author: Dennis E Taylor

Narrator: Neil Hellegers
Title: A Change of Plans

Genre: SciFi, Fantasy, Short Story
Format: Audiobook
Published: October 22, 2019
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Earth is dying, and humanity is scrambling to set up colonies in other star systems. But the search process for habitable planets is not perfect, as the crew of the Ouroboros discover on arrival at their new home.

Review:

Gotta love a nice short SciFi. It's how I like 'em. Short, sweet, and to the point. 

Humanity is scrambling to set up colonies in other star systems because Earth is dying. The crew of Ouroboros has arrived to their new home, but it's not.........perfect. 

I've heard of the author, and I've been curious, so I decided to give this little short a chance. A little bit of a taste, ya know?

It sounds like this universe is set up. There seems to be more stories out there, but this story did fine alone. I was never confused, and that is a def a bonus for SciFi stories. Some authors get too stuck in the weeds of details. The author did a good job, so I may check out a full-length someday. If you like this author, give me a recommendation! I'm so dang picky with SciFi. 

So yes....we have a crew out on adventure. They are tasked to find other planets that might work for the humans. Earth is dying, and we need to colonize. Typical. The crew was nice, but I couldn't tell you any of their names, so they were slightly forgettable. Not bad, just atypical. 

The little battle was fun. 

The ending was nice. 

The narrator is a gem. I really like his voices. I've heard an audio or two of his and know his voice. It's nice, and he does well even with lady voices. 

Overall, this was a nice taste of SciFi. Perfect while working on an Excel for work. Quick and intense. 4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #9

Audiobook Review: Garters, Ghosts and Wedding Toasts by Angie Fox

Author: Angie Fox

Narrator: Hollie Jackson
Title: Garters, Ghosts and Wedding Toasts

Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #15

Genre: Paranormal, Mystery, Cozy mystery
Format: Audiobook
Published:  February 27, 2026
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

When Verity Long agrees to be her sister’s maid of honor, she expects wedding cake and champagne—not a dead hostess, a cursed honeymoon suite, and a ghostly bride reliving her tragic final moments. With a killer on the loose, a ballroom full of restless spirits, and Frankie stirring up trouble with a rogue ghost hunter, Verity must race to uncover the truth before Melody’s dream wedding becomes her worst nightmare.

Review:

Yayy book 15! Been waiting so long for this one (*cough* not that long *cough*)

Note......read the other books before this one. Lots of references, etc. 

The time has come for Verity's sister to get married! Verity hopes it will be a calm and beautiful wedding weekend filled with cake and champagne. But alas, that will not be the case.....the honeymoon suite is cursed, there is a ghostly bride reliving her tragic moments, a killer is on the loose, Frankie is causing trouble, and secrets everywhere. It will be up to Verity and team to find the truth and stop Melody's man from being the next victim. 

Always a blast. I simply love Verity and her crew. 

Loved the mysteries. So many red herrings and so many people (and ghosts) with motives. Who knows! I had zero idea until close to the end.

I'm still a little on the fence about our new narrator. This is her second one, and I am still feeling pouty about it. I loved our old voice, but this one is doing okay. Maybe the next book I'll finally settle in with her voice. Sighs. 

But yes, so much fun. Great characters. A fun local change. Wedding. Love. Ghosts. What more can you ask for?

Stamping this with 4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #8

Movie Review: Dracula (2025)

Title: Dracula - A Love Tale

Length: 2h 9m

Released: 2025 (2026 US)

Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Romance
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Apple TV

SUMMARY:

When a 15th-century prince denounces God after the loss of his wife he inherits an eternal curse: he becomes Dracula. Condemned to wander the centuries, he defies fate and death, guided by a single hope - to be reunited with his lost love.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I saw this trailer a while back, and I have been waiting and waiting for it to arrive in the US. When it finally did, I dragged Hubby to the couch to make him watch this with me. I looove a good Dracula film!

Here we have Dracula, who was a prince in the 15th-century. He killed and did many bad things in the name of God. The only thing he asked for was protection for his wife. Well...she was murdered and died in his arms, so he turned his back on God, which in turn God gave him an eternal curse. Condemned to never die and to drink blood for survival. He hopes his beloved will be reincarnated since she was of a pure soul. 400 years later...he has found her and no one will stop him from reclaiming his love. 

What a lovely cast. What a lovely story. I really, really enjoyed it. The guy who played Dracula was amazing. 

This rendition certainly played up the love story and made this more of a romance. Still some horror elements, but certainly more romantic. 

That last scene literally broke me. SOO good. SOO perfect.

No issues for me. Hubby said he liked it, but he thought it had some weird elements. I disagree. I liked the change-ups. 

We have the romance and the horror. We also were given splashes of comedy that made me smile. 

I'll give this 5 stars. I want to watch it again!

DNF Second Chance Poll - Add Your Vote!

It is that time again to give another book another chance! If you want to get in on the action, please feel free! 

Rules:

- The book must be sitting on the DNF shelf for at least one year. Time heals wounds...right?

- Honor the poll choice (if you do a polling)

- Read at LEAST 125 pages before giving up. 

- Be completely and utterly honest

- If it is a physical book and it was another DNF...the book must be rehomed. 

Click HERE to vote!

Voting ends 5pm est 3/23.

**If the link doesn't work, just put your vote in the comments. I'm testing out Google's poll. 

Book Review: Blossoms and New Beginnings by Susanne Ash

Author: Susanne Ash

Title: Blossoms and New Beginnings

Series: The Alphabet Sweethearts

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, Short stories

Format: ebook

Pages: 57

Published: January 21, 2025

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Can love bloom again where it once began?

Lila Bloom has built a beautiful life in Juniper Falls, running the town’s flower shop and organizing the beloved Spring Blossom Festival. But when her high school sweetheart, Graham Hart, returns after nearly three decades away, old memories—and old wounds—resurface.

Graham never planned to come back to Juniper Falls, but caring for his ailing father has brought him home. Seeing Lila again is both a comfort and a challenge. The girl he once loved has grown into a vibrant, independent woman, but the hurt he left behind still lingers between them.

Thrown together to prepare the festival’s centerpiece garden, Lila and Graham must confront their shared past while navigating the unspoken feelings that still bloom between them. As whispered doubts and fears threaten to pull them apart again, they’ll need to find the courage to believe in second chances—and the love that never truly faded.

Review:

Yayy, another short story! Love the idea of this series. :) 

In this one, we are following Lila and Graham. They were high school sweethearts, and it went wrong when Graham left. Decades later, Graham is back to take care of his ailing father. Seeing Lila again is both a comfort and a curse. She was the one, but he had to leave her behind. This is their chance to find love again, but will the past and doubts pull them apart?

Another sweet short. I'm liking this series. It's quick and sweet. 

I am soooo picky with second chance stories. It depends on WHY they broke up the first time. In this one, I didn't mind the reasons, and I was rooting for them to get back together. Get over the past and love each other. 

A little more drama than the last one, and I was here for it. It was balanced. 

The ending was lovely. 

Can't wait to read book 3! 

5 stars from me. 

TMST: Narrators/Audiobooks

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.

Do you prefer single narrator, duet/dual narration, full cast, or "graphic audio" audiobooks?

I'm not picky when it comes to how many narrators the book has. However, it needs to make sense for the story and POVs happening. If we get a whole cast...cool, but if the narrator is good they can manage it themselves. It all depends on the story and the narrator(s) involved. 

I do LOVE when they have sound effects though and some music. It just adds an extra glitter to the story happening. 

Blodeuedd's Monday: The Accidental Dating Experiment by Lauren Blakely

By: Lauren Blakely

Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Jacob Morgan

Series: How to Date, Book 4

Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins

Release date: 04-11-24

Publisher: Audible Originals

Contemporary romance/from audible

Maybe I should have started something else, but I sort of just continued listened, but I was not really feeling it.

Monroe and Juliet has a podcast. She also goes on bad dates. Then they inherit a house and he becomes her dating coach. Oh and they had a fling years ago.

Things heat up, but he has some issues that I never really got. She really liked him and tiny bit of drama ensues.

It was good at times, and at times I felt like I would not miss much if I fell asleep for 30 minutes. Lol, ok that sounds bad.

Eight years ago I fell into a secret summer fling with the bright, big-hearted Juliet before our lives went in different directions.

Now, I’m the grumpy to her sunshine on a popular dating podcast we host, and when a wealthy fan gives us a charming coastal cottage as the biggest thank you ever, we head to the town where I grew up to give it a makeover.

And find the house has only one bed. Located under a mirrored ceiling.

To make matters even harder, the woman I’ve been pining for tells me she wants to try to find the one and would I please be her dating coach for the week?

Like hell I’ll let her date other men. I’ll coach her on three dates with me.  But the second I take her out, I don’t feel like her teacher. I feel like she’s mine, especially when the first night ends with us tangled up together in that bed.

Each night we grow closer, but this dating experiment forces me to face my greatest fear – whether a man like me is worthy of her love.

Even though I’m already head over heels for her.

Audiobook Review: Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas

Author: Jasmine Mas

Narrator: Meg Sylvan, Teddy Hamilton, Aiden Snow, & Tristan Morris
Title: Blood of Hercules

Series: Villains of Lore #1

Genre: Fantasy, Dark Romance, Mythology
Format: Audiobook
Published: August 1, 2024
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Step into the Coliseum at the Spartan War Academy where monsters are made, immortality is won, and even a god can die…

Alexis Hert isn’t a hero, and she certainly isn’t a god. All she’s ever been is a survivor.

But the Fates disagree.

When a blood test leads to her admittance at the Spartan War Academy, she’ll have to do more than merely survive.

Alexis will have to claim her birthright: immortality.

But immortality is a privilege, one earned in the crucible of the academy, where the heroes are villains and classrooms battlegrounds. While gladiators Achilles and Patro, her demanding mentors, hone her into a warrior, Augustus and Kharon, her professors and the brooding heirs to the underworld, haunt her steps and her thoughts.

Because where there are gods, there are bound to be monsters, and there is more than one hunting Alexis…

Review:

This was picked for my book club. I feel like I have heard of this one. The cover and title seemed very familiar. 

Alexis is nothing but a poor girl in the human world. Her life is thrown off track when a blood test leads to her being forced into the Spartan War Academy. This will give her a chance to claim her birthright and join the rest of the gods as an immortal. But immortality is a privilege and has to be earned through the crucible of the academy. Not only will she have to face tough lessons, physical tests, mental tests, and demanding mentors....but monsters and professors are haunting her.

I'm struggling to put sentences together today...so we'll divide and conquer this review. 

The Good

- I liked Alexis a lot. She has a lot of issues, but she can still find some humor in situations. She had me chuckling a few times

- The world was cool. I wouldn't want to live in it, but the mix of mythology and futuristic/post-apocalyptic was refreshing. 

- I adored Hades and Persephone. I hope we see more of them in the next book  

- Loved the animals (no spoilers here) companions!!!!

- Def a dark "romance". Some aspects I liked...some I didn't. Reverse harem is fun! 

- The narrators were lovely. I do wish we had more time with our male cast. 

- That was a good ending. I do want to read more just to see what happens to our cast. 

The Bad and the Ugly

- Honestly, I think we could've done some time skipping. We were in the Crucible FOREVER. Sure, I get it was important to see how bad it was, but there could've been some slimming down a bit. Some spots didn't do anything for anyone. It didn't help the plot, and it didn't add to the badness of the place. 

- The dark romance element left me feeling...unsure. Some aspects I liked, some I didn't. I really hated the scene at the dance.

- Why is every guy in love with her? Yes, I like Alexis....but it gets so old that all the men want her. :S Boring. 

- Possible love...square? IDK. It's hard to explain without spoiling. Curious to see what happens next with this.

Conclusion

So I did enjoy this. It was really long and took a while to get through. There should've been some scenes cut a bit to help move the story along better. Also, there are a lot of trigger warnings in this one since it is a dark romantasy. Def keep that in mind before jumping in. 

Overall, I did like this. Some issues, but it was refreshing. I liked the world (don't sign me up to live in it), and the characters were nice. I do want to read book 2 because of how this ended. I need to know. 

I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #7

- Library Love #6

- Reading Romance Challenge #5 (2+ Narrators)

Book Review: Apple Pie Promises by Susanne Ash

Author: Susanne Ash

Title: Apple Pie Promises

Series: The Alphabet Sweethearts

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, Short stories

Format: ebook

Pages: 55

Published: January 6, 2025

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

She’s all heart. He’s all grump. Together, they’re about to bake up something sweeter than pie.

When Tessa Arden moves to the cozy mountain town of Juniper Falls, she’s determined to honor her late aunt’s memory by entering the annual Harvest Festival Pie Contest. But there’s one little problem. Tessa can’t bake to save her life. Cue the grumpy-yet-irresistible Hale Fletcher, owner of the town’s general store and reluctant baking expert.

Hale prefers solitude to socializing, but something about Tessa’s sunshiney determination pulls him in. Against his better judgment, he agrees to help her tackle her aunt’s award-winning apple pie recipe. As they mix ingredients and swap stories, sparks start to fly in the kitchen—and not just from the oven.

When a meddling rival stirs up trouble, their fragile partnership is tested. Will Tessa’s determination—and Hale’s guarded heart—be enough to turn their unlikely pairing into a recipe for love?

Review:

I was looking for some shorts to read since I've def been in a reading slump. This series sounds adorable, so I grabbed the first couple of the series. 

Here we follow Tessa and Hale. Tessa can't bake to save her life, but she wants to learn so she can honor her late aunt in the pie-baking contest. Enter in grumpy Hale. He knows how to bake, and he doesn't want to teach anyone anything. However, there is something about Tessa, and he agrees to help her. As they sit in the kitchen mixing ingredients and swapping stories....sparks begin to fly between the two. However, there is a meddling rival that could ruin everything. 

This was very sweet and clean.

Hale and Tessa are perfect for each other.

The drama was limited and easily fixed. A little TOO easily fixable. I would've liked a little more here. 

Now I'm hungry and want an apple pie. 

This is a cute town. I want to read more for sure. 

Short, sweet, and perfect for a morning read while you sip your coffee. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Book Review: Murder's a Witch by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Title: Murder's a Witch

Series: Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery #1

Genre: Cozy mystery, Paranormal

Format: ebook

Pages: 332

Published: August 9, 2016

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

I’m a witch with a problem. Okay, make that lots of problems.

Following a slight misunderstanding with magical law enforcement, I wind up expelled from the hidden supernatural community known as the Seattle Haven. My parole office dumps me in a tiny beach town with nothing but my collection of worldly possessions and a warning that this is my last shot.

I don’t think I’m cut out for the human world, but when stuck between a prison cell and a haunted halfway house, I suppose I’ll take option B.

Things start out better than expected, I even manage to make a few friends, but when my boss at the local coffee house is found dead in an alley, I get tangled up in the investigation, and might have to blow my cover to prove my friend’s innocence.

Add to that a fussy ghost landlady, warring vampire and shifter roommates, and my rapidly dwindling savings, and I’m beginning to wonder if I might have been better off serving that prison sentence after all.

It’s too late now. I’m in the thick of it and come hex or high water, I’ll get to the bottom of this murder, even if it means permanent banishment from the magical world.

Review:

Been meaning to read more by this author, especially since I finished a different series. I picked up this one. I believe the two are in the same world. I could be wrong. My poor brain can't remember anything lately. 

Here we follow Holly, who has landed in this small town. This is her last chance to reform. She is determined to find happiness and be done. She likes this town and some of the people. Things seem to have found a lovely pace until her grumpy boss is found murdered and her bestie is accused. She will need to figure out the truth! On top of this murder mystery, she has to keep a snoopy PI away from her home and figure out if the flirty shifter is actually interested or playing games. Lots to do. Not a lot of time to do it. 

Oh no.

Eeeek!

I'll just spit it out!

I wasn't a fan of this one. *hides*

Holly was meh. 

The shifter was annoying. 

I did like some of the side characters, like Cass. And some of the banter was cute. 

There is a whiff of a love triangle, and I don't care for any of the angles of the triangle. Meh.

The mystery really wasn't a mystery. Either the cops in this town don't care, or they flat out suck. C'mon. 

I did hold on and finished it because I had hope in my heart, but alas...the hope was let down.

Eeee. Maybe I'll try book 2 because I do like this author a lot. Sighs.

I'll give this 2 stars JUST because some of the side characters and the town. Some cute banter can be found in this tale.