Audiobook Review: Vacation Wars by Meghan Quinn

Author: Meghan Quinn

Narrator: CJ Bloom & Lee Samuels

Title: Vacation Wars

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

Format: Audiobook 

Published: April 18, 2023

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Prepared for a good time, Tessa is thrilled to spend the weeks before her sister’s wedding at their family’s favorite vacation spot: Santorini. Sandy beaches, stonewashed houses, attractive men—it’s heaven.

But Tessa’s idea of a girls’ trip comes to a screaming halt when her sister thinks it’s high time Tessa finds some love herself. Unfortunately, Tessa forgot about the deal she made back in high school: she has to find her soulmate before her sister’s wedding. Or else.

As she dodges suitors and her sister’s pranks, Tessa finds an ally in the oh-so-dreamy Myles, her childhood crush who just so happens to work at the resort. But Myles is dealing with some family conflict of his own. He’s elated at being reunited with Tessa, but his father’s refusal to acknowledge his interest in the family business and relegating him to only grunt work casts a dark cloud.

As Tessa and Myles help navigate their way through their families’ antics, they begin to realize that their past feelings may have a future—if only they can turn their island fantasies into something real.

Review:

I picked this up because 1) this sounded really good, 2) it's a fun local, and 3) it fits one of my challenges!

Here we follow Tessa and Myles. The two have been dancing around each other for decades. They never really spoke, but they both had this crush on each other. One day, they finally interact and realize that maybe they are meant to be with each other. However, distance and their families might keep them apart. 

This was very sweet. I enjoyed watching Tessa and Myles find each other. The side plots did muddy things, though. I think we spent too much time dealing with their friends and family. I would've loved seeing them together more. Maybe a few more sneak-away dates.

The ending was great and perfect. I loved seeing everyone growing the F up. Tessa and her friends were sooooo childish, but I'm glad they all realized it (slight spoiler). Even Myles and his father were acting like babies. Yes, yes, we needed them to be babies to have the drama, but sometimes it was so annoying. But YES. Everyone finally got over themselves and grew up. It was a great ending. 

Honestly, I would like a sequel. I feel like Myles' friend deserves his own story. Maybe a short story?

The narrators did a great job. Perfect voices for everyone. 

Overall, I did really like this. Some issues, but it was resolved by the end, so I was happy. I would've liked a little more time focused on our mains, but I loved them as a couple. 

4 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #35

- Reading Romance Challenge #19 (Travel/Vacation)

Cast That Book: The Reunion

A weekly meme that showcases my "cast" of a book if it were to become a movie or TV show. Anyone can join!

Another book!? Yesss.

Just a reminder, if you would to join in on the fun you can cast the same book or a different one.

Rules (aka self-imposed...you don't have to follow them)

- A recent book I read

- Only books that I gave a 4 or 5 stars

- Casting the main cast and maybe some of the side characters

- Sky is the limit

Book:

Ford - Asher Chazen Grodman

Larkin - Jessica Madsen

Cooper - Luke Newton

Nora - Jasmine Cephas Jones

Palmer - Ashley Greene

Beau - Jonathan Bailey

Peggy - Jamie Lee Curtis

Martin - John Michael Higgins

Audiobook Review: The Reunion by Meghan Quinn

Author: Meghan Quinn

Narrator: Lidia Dornet, Teddy Hamilton, Laurie West, Rock Engle, CJ Bloom, & Stephen Borne
Title: The Reunion

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit
Format: Audiobook
Published: February 22, 2022
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Martin and Peggy Chance believe love should last a lifetime. With their fiftieth wedding anniversary on the horizon, they’ve modeled a beautiful relationship for their three grown children. But to their dismay, that lesson hasn’t quite caught on—the three siblings just can’t seem to take a chance and find love in their own lives.

There’s Ford, the eldest, devoted to his work and resistant to romance…or so he claims. Cooper, the middle child, can’t get past his divorce—until he reconnects with a feisty baker from his past. And Palmer, the baby of the family, is the free-spirited world traveler who always pictured herself with someone other than a handsome small-town family doctor.

When the Chance siblings come together to plan the ultimate anniversary party for their parents, they’ll have to navigate romantic entanglements, sibling rivalries, and the definitive end of their childhood. Whatever happens, The Reunion promises to be a fun, flirty, wild ride.

Review:

Eeeek. Another review I have delayed in writing. I finished this a couple of days ago. Can life slow down for two seconds?

The family is back together for Martin's and Peggy's wedding anniversary. They have led a beautiful life and had a love story to last the ages, but their three grown children seem to be going down a bad path. Ford, the oldest, is too devoted to work and has no time for love. Cooper, the middle one, can't get past his divorce. Palmer, the baby of the family, is a free spirit who travels the world, but can't get over the boy at home. The three have drifted apart, and there is so much resentment. Will the three finally talk and find the love they have for each other and for themselves? Will they allow love with the people they are meant to be?

I would divide and conquer this book, but I have nothing bad to say. I really loved it.

I loved that there is romance and family drama. 

The small town is adorable.

There is a lot going on and a lot of characters running around, but the author did a lovely job keeping a handle on it and never letting the reader get lost. 

The ending had me in tears. 

Can I just say???? I love Martin and Peggy!!!!! I want them to have their own book. I would love to see them fall in loveeee. They are gems.

We had a lot of narrators, and they all did great!  

But yes. No issue. I loved this story so much. 

5 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #12

- Reading Romance Challenge #10 (Small Town romance)

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)

DNF: Co-Wrecker by Meghan Quinn

 

Author: Meghan Quinn

Narrator: Dan Stevens

Title: Co-Wrecker 

Series: Binghamton #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Comedy

Format: Audiobook 

Published: March 17, 2017

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

 What do ice cream and Sadie Montgomery have in common? They're both ice cold, but one taste is never enough.

I wanted to be friends — I would have even settled for her seeing me as anything but a nerd — but there was no getting through. So just like any hard-headed, red-blooded man out there, I made up my mind.

I’d make my coworker fall for me.

I’d like to say it was simple, but like every other epic love story, all it took was one drunken night and a lot of naked courage to get the girl. For a moment, at least.

Love with a coworker is never simple, especially since Sadie’s trying to keep us on the low. Not to mention her persistent ex-boyfriend who won’t leave her alone. But I’ve never been good at giving up, and I don’t plan to start now.

The whole thing is a recipe for a rocky road, but I plan to eat the whole gallon, no matter how bad the brain freeze.

Review:

Picked this up because a member of my Twitch community had redeemed a "Pick what Carole reads next" and they said to pick any Meghan Quinn book. I've read one Xmas book in the past (I think it was a short story) so I didn't mind trying another one. I randomly found this on Audible so why not? Free is free babbyyyyyy!

Sadly....I will need to pick a different Meghan Quinn book. There is potential in her writing! It's there I can feel it! However, this was NOT the one for me. 

DNF at about 25% of the book. I just couldn't do it anymore. 

*looks at other reviews on Goodreads* I think I might be in the minority here. Whoops. 

Sadie is a jerk. 

Andrew is a weirdo. 

The scene that really was the downfall for my enjoyment, was the scene when Sadie was training Andrew. RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM, Sadie was all "Yeah I have to train this annoying guy." Like...it wasn't that Andrew just overheard or walked in at an awkward moment. She said it RIGHT in front of him and not even whispering it. WOW. F off Sadie. 

Andrew fell and like motor boated her. Creepy weirdo. 

No thanks. 

Nothing about their behaviors were cute or funny. She needs therapy. He needs to realize he isn't funny or charming. 

DNF for me. 

I will try a different Meghan Quinn book. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #38

Audiobook Review: Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn

Author: Meghan Quinn

Narrator: Carly Robins, Aaron Shedlock

Title: Resting Scrooge Face

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 80

Published: November 29, 2022

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

After a bad breakup, Nola wants nothing to do with Christmas, especially in her quaint hometown of Bright Harbor, Maine. Infuriatingly charming and cheery, Nola’s surroundings only worsen her sour mood.

To make matters worse, Caleb, the boy who broke her heart years ago, is all grown up and still living in town. While doing her best to avoid him, Nola bumps into the local mailman, who gives her a mysterious letter. And when she finds that the writer is a fellow Scrooge, she can’t help but feel her spirit lifting.

Nola writes back to her new pen pal—who, unbeknownst to Nola, is none other than Caleb. When Caleb gets a response hand delivered by the mailman, he’s intrigued by the mystery sender. A friendly correspondence develops—and quickly turns flirtatious.

Although Nola and Caleb claim they can’t stand each other, they can’t deny the simmering attraction that brought them together in the first place.

Can these nameless pen pals write their own love story—or will they be too caught up with the ghosts of their Christmases past to find a future together?

Review:

I know I know...it is May and I should be reading summer-y books. I honestly meant to save this for closer to Xmas time, but it's been a long couple of weeks and I think I needed an Xmas miracle to help liven my spirits. 

Here we have Nola and Caleb who broke up years ago. Caleb broke her heart so she went to New York. She is back in their small town after another heartbreak. Caleb is surrounded by guilt for making the decision to break Nola's heart back then so she could live her dreams and now she is back in town. They try to avoid each other. Little do they know they are pen pals who share a hatred for Xmas.   

This was super cute. I loved that they got to know each other via penpal writing. It was a cute way to reconnect without knowing it was the other person so they didn't have the past hovering over them. 

I'm glad Nola forgave Caleb, because he honestly was just so immature at that time and thought he was doing what was best. He didn't want to go to New York and she did. She had big dreams. If he went with her...he would've been miserable...if she stayed, she would've resented him. It was good they broke up when they did. Sure, it could've been done...nicer, but they were young. 

Now....I wish this had been a few pages longer. I would've liked to have an epilogue or something. I feel like there are some loose ends for their HEA. 

I would love more stories from this town! Esp about two side characters that were enemies but found love got married. I would like that story!

Narration was perfect. I feel like I have heard the male voice before. I could for sure do more by him. His voice is so soothing. I liked hers too. I could see her doing a Molly Harper book. 

In the end, this was short and sweet and a cute second chance story. Perfect for the holidays or if you are like me need a sprinkle of Xmas joy. 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #23 for Audiobook challenge

- #18 for Romance Reading Challenge - Second Chances