3-in-1 Short Story Review: Compulsory, Rapport, & Home by Martha Wells

Author: Martha Wells

Title: Compulsory

Series: The Murderbot Diaries #0.5

Genre: SciFi, Humor, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 8

Published: December 17, 2018

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Murderbot—the sardonic, almost-homicidal, media-loving android created by Martha Wells—has proven to be one of the most popular characters in 21 st century science fiction. Everything that makes this protagonist (it would be wrong to call Murderbot a hero) beloved of fans is on display in Compulsory.

While trying to watch episode 44 of The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon, Murderbot is—again, what is it with humans?—distracted by something that is technically outside its purview. A miner is suddenly in danger following a pointless (to Murderbot’s way of thinking) argument, and the choice is to risk discovery and leap into action, which would require hitting the pause button during a very exciting part of SanctuaryMoon, or to follow orders and stay still.

This is a tougher choice than it seems. But then, when has Murderbot ever been faced with an easy choice?

Review:

I'm finally going back and reading the short stories. Not sure why I skipped them. Maybe because my library didn't have them? Perhaps, per maybe. 

But yes. For this guy, we are at the very beginning. Back to when it all started. 

Murderbot faces a tough decision... follow orders and do nothing, or do something. This decision will change his future forever.

Quick story but a big one. I liked it. It was weird going back, but it was nice seeing the difference of the Murderbot he has become vs when he was just following orders and just a bot. 

Def worth it. Honestly....I say wait to read this until after a couple of the books. The difference was fun to see. Love a good origin story. 

This could've been a hair longer methinks. I would've liked to see more of the origin. 

4 stars. 

Author: Martha Wells

Title: Rapport

Series: The Murderbot Diaries #2.5

Genre: SciFi, Humor, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 34

Published: July 11, 2025

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Perihelion and its crew embark on a dangerous new mission at a corporate-controlled station in the throes of a hostile takeover...

Review:

This was an interesting one. I wasn't sure I really wanted to read this one, but I'm in it to win it with these shorts!

So we are with Perihelion and its crew. We get to see a whole new POV. We get further insight into the Corporates from Iris' perspective.

I was a little nervous because we are not in the mind of Murderbot. I was scared, but I was pleasantly surprised. I did enjoy this lil guy. 

Def read book 1 and book 2 before diving into this one. 

But yes, short and entertaining. I'm glad I didn't skip it. 

4 stars. Not the same without our main ;) 

Author: Martha Wells

Title: Home

Series: The Murderbot Diaries #4.5

Genre: SciFi, Humor, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 19

Published: May 5, 2020

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

This short story is told from the point of view of Dr. Mensah and follows the events in Exit Strategy.

The story picks up with Mensah returning to Preservation Station. While she deals with the bureaucratic and political aftermath, Murderbot is physically recovering and emotionally distancing itself — a typical defense mechanism for it.

Review:

Another short where we get to see from someone else's POV. Again...I nearly wanted to skip it but it didn't feel right. 

Here we follow Menash who is returning to the Preservation Station. While she is dealing with the aftermath, Murderbot is physically recovering and emotionally distancing....typical. 

I really enjoyed this one. I actually went back and re-read it. It was entertaining for sure! I like Mensah. 

You need to read the others before this one. There are some references and things you won't understand esp about Murderbot. 

This was my favorite of the shorts. I really liked it. 

5 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #19

Audiobook Review: Platform Decay by Martha Wells

Author: Martha Wells

Narrator: Kevin R. Free

Title: Platform Decay

Series: The Murderbot Diaries #8

Genre: SciFi, Humor, Novella

Format: Audiobook 

Published: May 5, 2026

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

After volunteering to run a rescue mission, Murderbot realizes that it will have to spend significant time with a bunch of humans it doesn't know.

Including human children. Ugh.

This may well call for... eye contact!

Review:

Murderbot is King of the bots!!!!!

Here we go again! Murderbot has volunteered to run a rescue mission. However, there will be a lot of humans that Murderbot will need to spend time with including...human children. 

Awwwwww I forgot how much I loved Murderbot. He is so funny and grumpy. So adorable. 

I think I really needed this!!! Honestly, I've been in a bit of a slump in July. A couple of pretty good 4 stars reads, but mainly 3 and 2s. Not sure why, but I needed this one! Thank you, Murderbot, for being the hero I needed. 

So funny. So intense. So good. 

I did miss ART, but it was nice seeing poor Murderbot with all these humans. Murderbot is a grumpy angel. 

The narrator is perfection. Great voices for all, especially for our main! He is great. I def recommend the audio versions. Sure, the printed word is good, but there is something about this narrator that really just fits and helps the story. 

I may have to go back and read some of the shorts to keep me entertained until the next book releases. I hope we don't have to wait too long for it!!

5 stars from me. 

Def read the other books before this one. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #31

- Library Love #18

 

Audiobook Review: Sweet Talk by Cara Bastone

Author: Cara Bastone

Narrator: Lidia Dornet & Chris Brinkley
Title: Sweet Talk

Series: Love Lines #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Humor
Format: Audiobook
Published:  April 22, 2021
Where I Got It: Audible 

Summary: 

It’s officially booty o’clock, I’m alone again in my kitchen choking down a slice of terrible chocolate cake…and I’m pretty sure I just got drunk texted by the man I have a ginormous crush on.

I’ve been daydreaming about Eliot Hoffman’s dimples for two months, and even though I’m sure this was a mistake on his end, it doesn’t mean it’s not an opportunity on mine. It’s the middle of the night, and I just wanna talk to him. So I text him back.

And then somehow we keep talking…ALL NIGHT. We’re both insomniacs, so talking all night soon turns into talking EVERY night.

And talking about nothing soon turns into talking about something.

And here we go from in-depth analysis of reality TV to my relationship with my family to his amazing artwork. There’s no topic we don’t cover…

Except for who I really am. It’s the only question of his I won’t answer.

As my crush turns into an avalanche of Eliot, I think of him all the time now. But if he knew who I was, the entire house of cards we’ve built this relationship on would come toppling down. I want him to be mine, but we might never be more than just a sweet dream….

Review:

Book 1 was good, and I HAD to listen to book 2 since it was about the brother, Eliot. 

Here we have Eliot and "JD". Eliot voice messaged the wrong person super late at night. Jessie shocks herself by answering back. An accidental voice message goes on to become an instant friendship and then more. They like each other a LOT. The only issue? Jessie can't and won't tell him her real name. He calls her JD, and they just talk. 

This was so stinkin' cute. Even with the serious moments, it was sweet. It felt...real? Is that the word I'm looking for? But it wasn't TOO realistic where it will make you think too much.

The story just felt so cozy, but there are some serious moments and things that could cause them to stop talking to each other. When we find out the real reason why JD keeps her name secret...I totally get it. I didn't know how the truth coming out would work. And you know it does.

I really adored this story, and I adored the narrators. They did such a great job.

Eeeee. I don't want to spoil anything!!!! What else can be said?

Some humor. Some love. Some drama. And lots and lots of talking. It was very sweet. 

5 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #23

Audiobook Review: Call Me Maybe by Cara Bastone

Author: Cara Bastone

Narrator: Luci Christian & Neil Hellegers
Title: Call Me Maybe

Series: Love Lines #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Humor
Format: Audiobook
Published:  October 20, 2020
Where I Got It: Audible 

Summary: 

Paint your toes. Pick up the wrong coffee and bagel order. Drive from Brooklyn to Jersey in traffic so slow you want to tear your hair out. It’s amazing all the useless things I can accomplish while on hold for three hours with customer service. Three hours when I should be getting the Date-in-a-Box website ready to launch at the big business expo in a few days. Except my shiny new website is glitching, and my inner rage-monster is ready to scorch some earth… when he finally picks up. Not the robot voice I expected but a real live human named Cal. He’s surprisingly helpful and really knows his stuff, even if he’s a little awkward…. in an adorable way.

And suddenly I’m flirting with him? And I think he’s flirting back.

And suddenly it’s been hours, and we’re still on the phone talking and ordering each other takeout while he trouble shoots my website.

And suddenly we’re exchanging numbers and sending texts and DMs every day, leaving voice mails (who even does that anymore?!).

And suddenly I’m wondering if it’s possible for two people fall in love at first talk.

Because I’m falling… hard.

Review:

Been meaning to listen to this little guy, but it kept falling to the back burner for some reason. Finally grabbed it and started it

Vera and Cal are meant for each other, but it will take tech issues and hours on hold before they finally talk. The universe has a funny way of putting people in each other's lives. They connect right away, and the sparks fly....on the phone, of course. 

This was a quick listen. Not super long, and I got this done really quick because I couldn't stop listening. I had so much fun.

Loved the conversations and the talking and them getting to know each other. It was all very sweet. This is extremely clean and sweet. I loved being a fly on the wall for their conversations. It was done well. 

My issue is the ending. The solutions were too quick and clean. I also wanted to see them interact in person more. We needed that to solidify their love. Maybe we'll see them around in book 2 since it is about her brother. We shall see....I have book 2 downloaded and ready to go. 

But yes. Cute. Sweet. I wanted more in-person interaction though, to LOVE this. 

I'll give it a 4. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #21

Audiobook Review: An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten

Author: Helene Tursten

Narrator: Suzanne Toren
Title: An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good

Series: Äldre dam #1

Genre: Mystery, Humor, Novella
Format: Audiobook
Published:  January 1, 2013
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Maud is an irascible 88-year-old Swedish woman with no family, no friends, and…no qualms about a little murder.

Ever since her darling father’s untimely death when she was only eighteen, Maud has lived in the family’s spacious apartment in downtown Gothenburg rent-free, thanks to a minor clause in a hastily negotiated contract. That was how Maud learned that good things can come from tragedy. Now in her late eighties, Maud contents herself with traveling the world and surfing the net from the comfort of her father’s ancient armchair. It’s a solitary existence, but she likes it that way.

Over the course of her adventures—or misadventures—this little bold lady will handle a crisis with a local celebrity who has her eyes on Maud’s apartment, foil the engagement of her long-ago lover, and dispose of some pesky neighbors. But when the local authorities are called to investigate a murder in her apartment complex, will Maud be able to avoid suspicion, or will Detective Inspector Irene Huss see through her charade?

Review:

Randomly came across this while digging through some audios on my Libby app. The cover...the title....the summary....come ON! I had to check it out. 

Maude seems like your A-typical old lady, but there is so much more. She has no family or friends. She loves to travel. She also likes a splash of murder. Murder only happens when it needs to....pesky neighbors, foil the engagement of her good-for-nothing ex, and so forth. Will she be able to avoid suspicion, or will the nosy Detective Irene Huss see through her charade?

I had a lot of fun with this. It had humor and murder. What more can a gal ask for?

The narrator was lovely. She did an excellent job with the different ages. She was perfect for the role. 

There is more, and I want to check it out one day! Maude is good at what she does. I'm curious to see who her next victims are and if Huss will be able to uncover her and expose her. Nice little cat-and-mouse coming up, methinks. 

Short, fun, and perfect for a listen. 5 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #20

- Library Love #12

Audiobook Review: Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman

Author: Matt Dinniman

Narrator: Jeff Hays
Title: Carl's Doomsday Scenario

Series: Dungeon Crawler Carl #2

Genre: SciFi, Fantasy, Humor
Format: Audiobook
Published: January 6, 2021
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

"The training levels have concluded. Now the games may truly begin."

The ratings and views are off the chart. The fans just can't get enough. The dungeon gets more dangerous each day. But in a grinder designed to chew up and spit out crawlers by the millions, Carl and Princess Donut need to work harder than ever just to survive.

They call it the Over City. A sprawling, once-thriving metropolis devastated by a mysterious calamity. But these streets are far from abandoned. An undead circus trawls the ruins. Murdered prostitutes rain from the sky. An ancient spell is finally ready to reveal its dark purpose.

Carl still has no pants.

They call it Dungeon Crawler World. For Carl and Donut, it's anything but a game.

Review:

Been itching to read book 2 for a hot min, but I had so many other books to dive through first. Finally got my chance! 

We continue down the Dungeon with Carl and Donut. They have made it through the "Training" levels, and they will need to work harder than ever to progress. Between leveling up, they come across a couple of quests they have no choice but to take on. Even worse? Carl still has no pants. 

We are really getting into it now. They have survived the beginning and now get to have some "fun". I loved watching them pick their classes and skills. They even got to change their race if they wanted. Spoiler, they stayed a cat and a human. Thank goodness. I love watching Donut being a talking cat, ordering around poor Carl. 

Mango is adorable. Especially after a certain scene! OMG, I would destroy the world for that lil guy. 

Not only is there action and adventure. But we got to see some political drama unfold as well. That was a hoot BUT I do worry for our team. 

That ending???? Holy cannoli!!! I need to read book 3 asap. 

The narrator was fantastic. I love the sound effects we get throughout the story. It really boosts the storytelling. 

Overall, I def recommend this series. You need to read book 1 first, but it's such a fun and refreshing story. So cool. I wouldn't want to be a part of this, but it's fun to watch them stumble around. Am I as bad as the viewers? *ponders* Nawwwwww. 

5 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #4

Audiobook Review: Happy and Merry by Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella

Author: Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella

Narrator: Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella
Title: Happy and Merry

Genre: Short Stories, Anthology, Humor, Essays, Nonfiction
Format: Audiobook
Published: October 26, 2012
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Just in time for Christmas comes a collection of the very best holiday essays from the bestselling Mother/Daughter writing duo. Whether their shopping for matching reindeer dog sweaters or having second helpings of egg nogg, Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella will keep you warm with their humor and heart. So give yourself some holiday cheer in the midst of all the shopping, cooking, wrapping, and baking madness…you deserve to get a little Happy and Merry!

Review:

Randomly saw this as a nice "short" for the holidays on my Libby app. So why not? I listened to this while doing some chores. 

We'll divide and conquer this review...

Thanksgiving

I really liked this one. It had a nice message. It was very sweet. 5 stars. Nice start!

Holiday Guilt

Interesting look at the holiday guilt. Interesting way to think. I did chuckle a bit. 4 stars. 

Thank You

*scratches head* I can't fully remember this one. Did I zone out? Errrrrr. 1 star.

Busy Signal

This one had me chuckling a bit. It does make you try to appreciate the life we have now and not be so impatient. Nice messaging for sure. I'll stamp it with 5 stars. 

Twas the Night Before

This was okay. I liked it. I think it needed...more. It felt like it was the beginning of a nice piece. 3 stars. 

Lisa Hits the Eggnog

Some humor. Some nice messaging. 4 stars. 

And Many Happy Returns

Not memorable for me. I barely remember this one, and it was the finale. I remember the ending! The beginning and middle? Maybe it needed more or something. It just didn't stick with me. But I'll give it a 3. 

Overall

Some holiday humor and some important messages that we need to remember. Like being patient and taking it day by day, and being kind to others. Also, thank your local soldier. There was a lot of "life could be worse! You could be away from your family member who is a soldier for this country, far, far away." Oof. Thanks for that. Yes, nice to be thankful to be home, and yes, thank your servicepeople. 

After some complicated math...I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #64

- Library Love #33

Audiobook Review: The Lump of Coal by Lemony Snicket

Author: Lemony Snicket

Narrator: Neil Patrick Harris
Title: The Lump of Coal

Genre: Humor, Fantasy, Children's story, Short Story
Format: Audiobook
Published: September 30, 2008
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

This is a story about a lump of coal who can think, talk, and move itself around.

Is there a more charming holiday tale to behold? Probably, but Lemony Snicket has not written one.

Review:

I was digging through some quick audio shorts on my Libby app. I wanted something cute and Xmas-y, and then I found this. 

This is a story about a lump of coal who wants more out of life. 

This was certainly charming and funny. I want to find the actual book so I can see the illustrations! Maybe next year! I could read this again. It was super adorable. Very short, but fun for all ages. 

I ADORE the narrator. Everything he touches turns to gold. 

5 stars. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #62

- Library Love #33

Audiobook Review: Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Narrator: Em Eldridge

Title: Accomplice to the Villain

Series: Assistant to the Villain #3

Genre: Fantasy, Humor, Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: August 5, 2025

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

REWARD OFFERED: Apprentice to The Villain wanted for treason (light), magical property damage (alleged), and one incident involving a weaponized scone (accurate). Frequently seen with a grumpy frog (crowned, judgmental). Answers to “Evie” or “Stop that.”

Evie Sage didn’t mean to become the right-hand woman to the kingdom’s most terrifying villain. One minute, she was applying for an entry-level position that promised “light paperwork and occasional beheadings,” and the next, she was knee-deep in magical mayhem, murder plots, and an entirely inappropriate crush on her brooding, sharp-jawed, walking disaster of a boss.

Now, with a magical prophecy unraveling, assassins showing up in the break room, and a suspicious amount of frogs wearing crowns, Evie has to figure out how to survive her job without setting the kingdom on fire—or her dignity, which is hanging by a very sarcastic thread.

Being evil-adjacent was never part of the five-year plan. But then again…neither was falling for The Villain.

A magical office comedy with grumpy bosses, snarky frogs, and definitely-not-feelings.

Review:

After the conclusion of the last book, I knew I HAD to continue forth when this was released...I had to. The moment I got this from the library I started reading. 

We continue from where we left off with one big difference. No longer is Evie just an assistant....she is now an accomplice to the Villain. She didn't MEAN to become the right-hand woman to the kingdon's most terrifying villain, but that is just how the cookie crumbles. They are all knee-deep in magical mayhem, saving the world of magic, murder plots, a traitor, love, and paperwork. 

So I read the ebooks of the first two books so it was interesting to get my hands on the audio version of this. I really enjoyed her voices! I enjoyed the ebook and the audio so you know it is a good story and good writing when both are acceptable formats. 

Now...I didn't like this AS much as the other two books. Don't get me wrong, I still was entertained and enjoyed the story. I do feel like this was weighed down by side characters. 

Woah, what? I can hear you asking, "Carole...don't you love a good side character?" I do!!! And I was excited to learn more about the other members of the crew HOWEVER, I felt like we spent TOO much time with them and their romances. Omg everyone is sleeping with everyone in this office. Love the drama, but it was TOO much even for me. 

Other than that, I enjoyed it. Lots of chaos. Lots of magic. Lots of humor. Lots of chemistry. Lots of entertaiment to be had. I honestly feel like there is something for everyone in these books. The romance doesn't really too over too much. The fantasy isn't too heavy. The humor isn't overboard. It's nice. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. Not as much as book 1 or 2, but I still liked it. I want a little (teeny bit) bit less of the crew and focus more on our two mains for the next book. 3 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): Evie and the frog

Least Favorite Character(s): Evie's parents

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #39

- Library Love #25

Book Review: Bananapants by Penny Reid

Author: Penny Reid

Title: Bananapants

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Humor

Format: ebook

Pages: 392

Published: August 6, 2024

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Estranged childhood friends unexpectedly reunite under bizarre circumstances and bicker their way to love in this bonkers romantic comedy.

Ava Archer misses her best childhood friend most especially during the month of April. Ask any tax attorney, it's a lonely, grueling time of year. Luckily, Ava has just received a surprising and delectably absurd offer from her posh doppelgänger at work. She must pretend to be the aforementioned posh co-worker for one night at an extremely fancy party; a party so fancy, there exists absolutely no chance anyone will recognize her or suspect her ruse...

Desmond (Des) Sullivan is a thief. And not the heart-of-gold kind. He’s the steal-from-the-rich-and-give-to-the-also-rich-so-he-can-get-paid kind. He does, however, have one firm rule never steal what the target can’t afford to lose. After a brutal falling out with his father, Desmond hasn’t returned to Chicago in over ten years. But when a good friend is swindled and something priceless is stolen, Desmond must return home, both as himself and his thieving alter ego. Infiltrate a dangerous secret society of the world's most elite billionaires while leveraging his estranged father’s resources and not blowing his cover? Sure. No problem. Or it wouldn’t be a problem if Ava Archer hadn’t just walked into the room, wearing a ridiculous wig, speaking with a preposterous accent, and pretending (badly) to be someone she’s not.

Review:

I've had my eye on this since it released last year. I like Penny Reid and this seemed like a fun read!

Here we have Ava and Des. The two were childhood friends, but became estranged and stopped talking. Des is trying to infiltrate a dangerous secret society with the world's most elite billionaires. However, when Ava walks in the room with a bad wig and a bad accent.....he has to intervene. Ava was doing just fine pretending to be her posh co-worker. She still doesn't fully understand why her co-worker needs her to do this, but they look a like and Ava needs this. The reunite under these weird circumstances that will lead to adventure and love. If they don't bicker each other to death.

At first...I really enjoyed this. I was loving the banter and bickering. You could tell they cared about each other, but the past has a funny way of messing up the present. 

Also, I loved that we dealt with mental health in such a good way. It never felt like too much and it felt real. 

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut.....after page 100 (ish)....I just....was done. I skimmed my way through the remaining book. I just couldn't care. What is wrong with me??? Everything was set up nice. A good plot and some good characters. But it just didn't connect for me. 

Am I the problem? This is 2 books in a row that I yawned my way to the end. 

Am I in a slump?

Oh no. 

This just wasn't the book for me. 

2 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): eh

Least Favorite Character(s): meh

 Challenge(s):

- TBR #8 (Do the Hustle)

Audiobook Review: One of Those Flings by Lauren Blakely

Author: Lauren Blakely

Narrator: Full cast

Title: One of Those Flings

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, Short story, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Published: August 31, 2020

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Skyler’s breakup survival plan is simple: Swear off men for a year and celebrate her man cleanse with a solo tropical vacation to Hawaii. Snorkeling, sightseeing, zip lining, and leisurely dinners by the sea are just what the doctor ordered to mend her broken heart.

That is, until she meets a hunky adventure tour guide who makes her want to break all her own rules. Handsome, funny, and exciting, Caleb is by far the hottest local attraction. Will a romantic island fling lead to more heartbreak - or a new beginning?

Review:

Weee! Short story!

Here we follow Caleb and Skyler. They both survived a bad break-up and refuse to date for a while. Skyler decides to take a nice vacation to celebrate her 1 year of single-hood. That is.....until she meets Caleb. Caleb is a tour guide and lives life by the rules. 

So this was a full cast of narrators. It is more like a movie that you can't see and it worked well. Simple and fun. 

It was really short and it was fine. I did want more of an epilogue but it is what it is. 

Cute couple. Fun local. And some humor sprinkled in. It was a nice short. 

Thank you Blodeuedd for the recommendation ;) It was fun. 

3 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Skyler and Caleb

- Least Favorite Character(s): no one. 

 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #23

Audiobook Review: Love, Rebooted by Kathy Summers

Author: Kathy Summers

Narrator: Emily Atack & Stuart Martin

Title: Love, Rebooted

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 20, 2025

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

FRIENDS. RIVALS. LOVERS. Liv’s happy with life in her thirties. She has two cats, one BFF, and no boyfriend, which is just how she likes it. Plus, she loves working at a not-for-profit software company where she can be her authentically autistic self. This is her happy ever after.

But when her beloved firm merges with a repulsive rival, Liv finds herself competing with her sort-of-ex for the top job. Sure, Finn had been Liv’s best friend at university, with his nerdy good looks and their shared love of Tolkien, but there was that one night, their song, and … well, she doesn’t like to talk about it. In fact, she hasn’t thought about him since.

Unlike Finn who is delighted to have Liv back in his life. Could this finally be his chance to rescue their friendship after all these years? But he knows it’s only a matter of time until he wins the job and Liv gets laid off. He hates everything about it, but he’s a single dad with a daughter to support, so losing isn’t an option – not even to his soulmate.

But in the close proximity of a cut-throat corporate world, Finn finds himself falling first and soon his priority becomes breaking down Liv’s barriers. As the pair struggle to keep their professional and personal lives separate, Liv starts to think maybe Finn’s suggestion of a friendship reboot isn’t such a bad idea after all… And as for that funny feeling inside… no, that’s nothing. Nothing at all…

Review:

This sounded like a cute second chance story. Plus that cover is adorable!

Here we follow Liv and Finn. The two were university besties, but after an awkward evening....they stop talking. Years later Liv believes her life is perfect but that comes crashing down when her job merges with another company. She finds herself competing with her sort-of-ex and best friend for the same job. Finn, on the other hand, is delighted to have Liv back in his life so that he can finally save their friendship and maybe have more if she's willing. They are forced to work together through this merger and maybe find something more than just being close proximity co-workers. 

This was so refreshing!! Interesting characters and an interesting situation. They were friends but acted like BF/GF in school. After an awkward kiss and misunderstanding in a message...they fell apart. It was cute seeing their remeet-cute moment. Finn is determined to at least be friends again. Sure he wants more, but he'll take what he can. They are two peas in a pod and his life hasn't been the same without her. She wants more too, but she likes her life the way it is....plus she doesn't like messy and complicated relationships.

The two of them were so charming and entertaining. I loved watching them muddle their way through getting over the past, working through work stuff, working for something more. All the while being nerdy and geeky. The shared love of LOTR was adorable. 

There were SO many layers to this romance that I was worried it would be too much, but it all felt....natural and real. Life is muddy and complex. 

The narrators were so charming and I loved their voices. 

All-in-all, I highly enjoyed this one. I loved how muddy and complex everything was. It took forever for them to find their HEA, but it was well deserved. 

5 stars from me. 

- Favorite Character(s): Finn and Liv

- Least Favorite Character(s): Finn's boss

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #20

Audiobook Review: Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors by Molly Harper

Author: Molly Harper
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors

Series: Jane Jameson #4/Half-Moon Hollow #4

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fiction, Fantasy, Humor
Pages: Audiobook
Published: February 28, 2012
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Just as Jane Jameson's unlife seems to be stabilizing, fate sinks its fangs firmly into her butt. Despite her near-phobia of wedding planning, her no-frills nighttime nuptials to her sexy boyfriend, Gabriel, are coming along smoothly. That is, until she turns a fatally wounded teenage acquaintance, and the Council pronounces her responsible for the newborn vamp until he can control his thirst.

Jane's kitchen barely holds enough Faux Type O to satiate the cute teen's appetite and maintain Gabriel's jealous streak at a slow simmer. As if keeping her hyperactive childe from sucking the blood out of the entire neighbourhood isn't enough to deal with, the persnickety ghost of Jane's newly deceased grandma Ruthie has declared war on the fanged residents of River Oaks. Suddenly choosing monogrammed cocktail napkins and a cake she can't even eat seems downright relaxing in comparison.

Tensions inside the house are growing...and outside, a sinister force is aiming a stake straight for the center of Gabriel's heart. Most brides just have to worry about choosing the right dress, but Jane fears that, at this rate, she'll never make it down the aisle for the wedding all nice girls dream of...

Review: 

Been slowly....SLOWLY going through this series. Not because it isn't good, but....you know how it goes. So many books, so little life. 

We are back at it with Jane trying to make her way through her new vamp-y life. Her and Gabriel are starting wedding planning and things seem to be going A-OK. No baddies trying to kill them....she's getting along with the majority of her family.....her friends are happy and safe.....the bookstore is making a profit. Everything comes crashing down when she saves a fatally wounded teenager she knows by turning him. On top of taking care of this newbie vamp, she has to deal with her grandma's ghost wrecking havoc, and someone wanting revenge. Will she and Gabriel make it to the wedding day in one piece?

This is the last of the series! *cries* I love Jane! I'm happy that this isn't the last in this world so that helps my heartache a bit, but will we see Jane again? Who knows (if you know please say yes). 

I actually warmed up to Gabriel here. Weeeee! Do I think Jane can do better? Yes, but maybe I'm a protective mama bear to my Jane. But yes, I've forgiven him and I like him. It's taken 4 books, but I'm here and ready for the wedding. 

I warmed up to Jane's sister too. OMG. I was shocked that she was actually cool and they are friends now.

Grandma Ruthie (slight spoiler if you didn't read the summary) is now a ghost and still a dang B word. Poor Jane.

Honestly....I think this was my favorite book out of all 4. Yes, no think, it was. I really enjoyed this and I never wanted it to end. I loved seeing a lot of strings of story get nicely tied up. The author did leave a little room if she ever wanted to add more to this series, but it was nicely done. I'm curious to see what is going to happen with what Dick did (won't spoil this...it's a twist and surprise). Maybe we'll see that event in a different book in the world. OoooOOooooo

The narrator is fantastic as always. I could listen to her forever. She is great and knows how to really bring these characters to life. Even the dudes!!! She is one of my favorite lady voices. 

All-in-all, the series was a lot of fun. This was my favorite book of the series and I want to re-listen to it someday. Funny, fun, adorable, great. Weeee. 5 stars. 

- Favorite character(s): Jane and Dick

- Least favorite character(s): Grandma Ruthie

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #2

- Romance Reading Challenge #2 (Shirtless Man on cover)