Audiobook Review: Better than a Box of Chocolates by Emily March

Author: Emily March

Narrator: Andi Arndt & Jason Clarke

Title: Better than a Box of Chocolates

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story, Novella, Chick Lit

Format: Audiobook

Published: February 3, 2022

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Valentine’s Day has always meant trouble for wedding photographer Ali Lovejoy. All her worst romantic disasters have happened on V-Day, so she’s made a habit of hiding out at home in her pj’s until it’s over. But when her best friend begs her do an engagement photoshoot on the dreaded holiday, Ali reluctantly agrees and travels to the quaint Colorado mountain town of Eternity Springs to help her bestie.

While scouting romantic locations for the shoot, Ali is stunned to encounter a naked man skinny dipping in the hot springs. After the most awkward meeting of her life, she eventually agrees to a Valentine’s date with the sinfully delicious stranger. Is she destined for a fresh new disaster - or will she finally find real love?

Review:

Randomly saw this in Audible and had to check it out esp since it is the season of luuuurrrve. 

Ali Lovejoy hates Valentine's Day because it always meant trouble for her. She has made a habit of hiding out at home in her pjs until it is over. When her BFF begs her to do an engagement photoshoot on the big V Day...she has to say yes. While scouting romantic locations in the quaint Colorado town, she stumbles upon a naked man skinny dipping in the hot springs. After the most awkward meeting of her life, she eventually agrees to Valentine's date with the stranger. 

This was an adorable novella! Two folks who hate V Day come together and have an ironic date on the big day....and of course they fall in love. Very cute. Not a crazy amount of drama and angst which was nice. They talk a lot and they don't jump each other's bones within a page or two. Very sweet and there was some comedy too. 

I did find it a little ridiculous how okay Ali was after being told by his grandma that they were soulmates and would marry by next V Day. I feel that should have freaked her out more. She was a tiny bit but not enough to be realistic. She hadn't even had a date with him yet!! 

Honestly, I think it would have been even better as a full-length novel. I would've loved to spend more time with them. And honestly...learn more about the town. It is small and he has a big family. His grandma can tell the future....how fun is that??? I would've liked to see the rest of his cousins/sibs fall in love too. What a missed opportunity! This could've been a fun family series.

For the narration, we had two different ones. One for Ali's and one for Max. They worked nicely together. I've heard both before so it was a nice surprise to hear them again. 

In the end, this was very sweet, funny, short, and slightly unrealistic This is the perfect V Day read to listen to while you eat some chocolate. The characters and town deserve a series and longer novels. Maybe someday? I'll give this 3 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #10 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: The Christmas Pawdcast by Emily March

Author: Emily March

Narrator: Andi Arndt & Jason Clarke

Title: The Christmas Pawdcast

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  December 2, 2021

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Mary Landry and her pregnant rescue dog are on their way home for Christmas when the unthinkable happens: her car breaks down along a deserted stretch of mountain highway in the middle of a blizzard. Facing dire conditions, Mary seeks shelter from a lone cabin in the distance whose warm light beckons her like a Christmas star.

Nick Carstairs has one wish this season—to ride out his least favorite time of the year in peace while working on the latest episode of his hit True Crime podcast. The sexy-voiced podcaster didn’t plan to host a stranger and her pregnant dog, but he’s happy to help a traveler in need…it’s an extra perk that she’s gorgeous. Now if she would just stop trying to change his mind about Christmas.

As they spend time warming up by the fire—and an unexpected attraction roars to life—will Mary help Nick discover the wonder of the season after all?

Review:

Such a cute one for the holidays!

Here we follow Mary and Nick. Mary is fostering a pregnant dog and no one can babysit and all the boarding places are booked, so Mary is forced to go on a road trip with a very pregnant dog. Of course, her car breaks down along a deserted stretch of mountain highway in the middle of a blizzard. Facing dire conditions, Mary and the dog seek shelter in a lone cabin. That cabin belongs to none other than Nick who is a Grinch this year. He is alone this year and he wants it to stay that way. This will allow him to work on the latest episode of his popular True Crime podcast. When Mary and a dog come pounding on his door...he can't turn them away.

This was adorable. Mary has a heart of gold! That dog was cute...and Nick is a hunk. They snowed in together and she will try to make his Grinch heart grow. 

We learn why he is mad at Christmas this year. I would probably be in the same boat. I would want to take the year off too.

Very cute and full of Xmas joy. Some laughs. Some tears. Some puppy love. That ending will melt your heart. 

The narrators killed it for sure! They were perfect. I have heard the woman voice before. She was good in the past so I shouldn't be surprised. The guy voice was new to my ears, but he did great too. 

In the end, this is perfect for the holidays and for dog lovers. It for sure promotes adopting even ugly dogs. We all deserve a home and love. 5 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):
- #60 for Audiobook challenge