Audiobook Review ~ The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren

The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a quick and fun read to listen to. I liked how T & C met at such a young age and built a friendship over time, despite never meeting. The first part of the book is mostly via email, and the interaction was amusing. They shared a lot of moments and it was going to be a matter of time before they actually met. I enjoyed how it all unfolded, I just wished it was longer and we got more of the characters.

Title: The Exception to the Rule

Author: Christina Lauren

Series: The Improbable Meet-Cute #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance Novella

Published: January 23, 2024

On February 14, an accidental email to a stranger opens the door to an unexpected relationship in a captivating short story by the New York Times bestselling authors of The Unhoneymooners.

One typo, and a boy and girl connect by chance. Wishing each other a happy Valentine’s Day isn’t the end. In fact, it becomes a friendly annual tradition—with rules: no pics, no real names, nothing too personal. As years pass, the rules for their email “dates” are breaking, and they’re sharing more than they imagined—including the urge to ask…what if we actually met?

Christina Lauren’s The Exception to the Rule is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute, irresistibly romantic stories about finding love when and where you least expect it. They can be read or listened to in one sitting.

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Review ~ Remy by Eden Summers

Remy by Eden Summers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Eden Summers books, and knowing that she almost gave up on this one would have been heartbreaking for us all, as it was a fabulous read! I loved getting to know Ollie and watching her grow throughout the read, how she handled the news of her Father and stepping into Remy’s world. She wasn’t much of a social girl, but she stepped out of her comfort zone a few times to get the truth.

There were a number of times that my heart ached for Ollie, where she got herself into tight situations and other times she felt alone in the world. I did like that Remy was always looking out for her and understood the heartbreak coming her way. Despite his tough exterior, he was kind at heart and I had faith they would make it.

This read was pieced together perfectly. There were ups and downs, times of uncertainty, secrets, trusting moments and so much more. I went on a roller coaster ride of emotions and shed a few tears along the way! Truly it was a beautiful read and I know I’ll need to dive back into this world again!

Title: Remy

Author: Eden Summers

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Published: June 27, 2024

“Ollie, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you not to scream.”

HER

We met by chance at a random dive bar.
Him - a striking figure in a tailored suit who radiates dominance.
Me - an awkward introvert, innocently stalking my father.

He seduced me.
Worshipped me.
Then, in a blink, he vanished, leaving no trace—not even a name or number.

HIM

I wasn’t supposed to see her again.
We were never meant to meet in the first place.
But here we
Her - half asleep after passing out at work.
Me - caught sneaking into her family business in the middle of the night.

She has no clue who I am—that I’ve just settled into a ruthless birthright position within the Italian mafia. Or that her family legacy plays a role in my illegal activities. But I have a feeling the dead body at my feet might bring her up to speed.

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Review ~ Smoke Bomb by Abbi Glines

Smoke Bomb by Abbi Glines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started this series recently, and each time I love coming back to this world. It was interesting to see which girl would catch Hucks eye, and Trinity was the right girl for him. Huck became quickly possessive of Trinity, laying his claim from the beginning. Being that she was engaged to his little brother, he wasn’t expecting to fall for her, but it was only a matter of time for these two.

I felt that Trinity wasn’t a very strong person. She went through a lot, and suppressed her true feelings to withdraw into herself. Huck was quick to judge her in the beginning, but when he realised his errors, he was quick to do anything to protect her. I could see that they were falling for one another, it just took time for Huck to get there. I just wished Trinity was stronger and wouldn’t submit so easily.

Title: Smoke Bomb

Author: Abbi Glines

Series: Smoke #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 11, 2023

Huck
Two places I never thought I’d be: a church and my little brother’s funeral.
I was the one who was supposed to die first. Not Hayes.
He hadn’t chosen my path. I took lives but Hayes had wanted to save souls.
Yet here I was drinking from a flask, around people that fucking hated me, unable to take my eyes off the fiancé he’d left behind. My brother may have wanted to be a minister but he’d been going to marry a woman with the body of a porn star.

Trinity
It had taken me a while but I’d finally gotten on my feet after my fiancé’s unexpected death. The first day on my new house cleaning job where I would make enough money to pay for college ended with a gag in my mouth, my hands tied behind my back and a gun to my head. Lucky for me I was taken alive while the rest of the household was shot and killed. My savior? My fiancé’s older brother happened to be one of the men who’d murdered my new employer.

I’m now stuck in a house with three men who refuse to let me leave until it’s safe. Huck hates me because he believes I lied to his brother. He humiliates me every chance he gets. But his cruelty doesn’t affect me. I was beaten down long before I met Huck Kingston.

It’s when I’m forced to pretend I belong to Huck in order to stay safe inside his world that the darkness in my soul finds an outlet I didn’t know I needed.

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Review ~ The Lovely Return by Carian Cole

The Lovely Return by Carian Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book really had me questioning so much, like - does true love carry into the next life? Axel and Penny met at such a young age and each time you could see traces of life that she shouldn’t have known. They had a great friendship that grew strong over the years and their connection would be unusual to most. And honestly, the age difference really put me on edge a little. As they grew older, the chemistry became strong.

When things took a big turn, my heart ached for both of them, especially after the amount of time they were apart. I liked how they all grew through the read, however Alex took a long time to get past his demons. Penny seemed to make it easier for him. Penny struggled with what she was told and what she experienced. Overall, this was quite a sweet moving read that had all the feels.

Title: The Lovely Return

Author: Carian Cole

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: November 29, 2023

What if love can transcend time and death?

They say be careful what you wish for. But on December 5, Alex Fox makes a wish in the midst of a devastating tragedy. He wishes for a happily ever after with the love of his life. Little does he know that his wife will make that wish come true.

Years later, a young girl wanders into Alex’s studio. With her charming personality, endless questions, and adorable smile, Penny Rose becomes an enchanting yet bittersweet distraction.

Penny Rose is an odd girl—at least, that’s what her parents say. Penny herself doesn’t feel particularly odd; she simply feels misplaced. As if somehow, in some way, she is living in the wrong place in the wrong life.

As the years pass, Alex and Penny develop a friendship. But it becomes harder and harder for them to ignore their undeniable connection, no matter how off limits it is.

Alex thought he’d never find love again, let alone fall for a girl half his age. But Penny slowly captured his heart.

Penny's been head over heels for brooding artist Alex Fox for as far back as she can remember. But when her childhood dreams and memories start resurfacing again—full of details of a life with Alex way before she was even born—she starts to think the impossible:

They’re memories of a previous life with him.

Penny’s revelation to Alex threatens to tear them apart, making them question the unbelievable.

Can love truly transcend time and death, giving them a second chance at their happily ever after?

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Review ~ The Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great start to the series. I was hooked right from the start, getting to know Jude, her family and the world she lived in. She was adopted by a very powerful faerie, however being mortal she wasn’t treated well. There were other faeries that treated her poorly but she was determined to stand up for herself and to be strong. The end of the book was exciting, and I was keen to continue the story!

Title: The Cruel Prince

Author: Holly Black

Series: The Folk of the Air Series #1

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Romance

Published: January 2, 2018

Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

One terrible morning, Jude and her sisters see their parents murdered in front of them. The terrifying assassin abducts all three girls to the world of Faerie, where Jude is installed in the royal court but mocked and tormented by the Faerie royalty for being mortal.

As Jude grows older, she realises that she will need to take part in the dangerous deceptions of the fey to ever truly belong.

But the stairway to power is fraught with shadows and betrayal. And looming over all is the infuriating, arrogant and charismatic Prince Cardan . . .

Enter the dramatic and thrilling world of the Folk of the Air, brimful of magic and romance from New York Times bestselling author Holly Black.

The Wicked King by Holly Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book continued a few months after the first book, and I was keen to see how Jude and Carden were going in Faerie. Things were definitely different for their world, with the changes. Carden wasn’t really changing his partying ways, but after time I could see him begin to grow into his new role. Jude did so much of the grunt work for him, and made decisions to keep him secure. It wasn’t always smooth for her.

My heart broke for some of the things she had to endure, and I liked the changes in Carden when she returned. He opened himself up to her and in the end they were beginning to trust one another… or so I thought. That little twist had diving in the next book immediately.

Title: The Wicked King

Author: Holly Black

Series: The Folk of the Air Series #2

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Romance

Published: January 8, 2019

The enchanting and bloodthirsty sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel The Cruel Prince.

You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring.

The first lesson is to make yourself strong.

After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.

When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I liked how this book started, with Jude in the mortal world and fulfilling a bounty that would she would eventually be grateful for. She then was asked to do something for her sister which would see her back in faerie. I was keen to see her there again and soon things got exciting as Madoc was working hard to cross the king to secure the crown.

Despite everything, Jude was still loyal to Carden and faerie. She worked hard to get back to King Carden and to secure the throne. She made a lot of alliances and worked her way through faerie working to help the people that she cared about. The ending was fantastic and I was sad to leave this world.

Title: The Queen of Nothing

Author: Holly Black

Series: The Folk of the Air Series #3

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Romance

Published: November 19, 2019

He will be destruction of the crown and the ruination of the throne.

Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold onto. Jude learned this lesson when she released her control over the wicked king, Cardan, in exchange for immeasurable power.

Now as the exiled mortal Queen of Faerie, Jude is powerless and left reeling from Cardan’s betrayal. She bides her time determined to reclaim everything he took from her. Opportunity arrives in the form of her deceptive twin sister, Taryn, whose mortal life is in peril.

Jude must risk venturing back into the treacherous Faerie Court, and confront her lingering feelings for Cardan, if she wishes to save her sister. But Elfhame is not as she left it. War is brewing. As Jude slips deep within enemy lines she becomes ensnared in the conflict’s bloody politics.

And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity…

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, comes the highly anticipated and jaw-dropping finale to The Folk of the Air trilogy.

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Audiobook Review ~ The Art of Hiding by Amanda Prowse

The Art of Hiding by Amanda Prowse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not the kind of book I usually read, but after reading the blurb, I thought this would be a good book to listen to. I found that it certainly was!! It was full of heartache, hurt and learning how to move on.

It was so hard for Nina to not only uproot her life but those of her kids, Connor and Declan. They were living in luxury and had to learn how to live with the bare minimum. It was difficult for the three of them, trying to find balance without the luxuries they used to have. I also liked that Nina was given a chance at something new and that she was able to thrive.

Nina’s sister Tiggy was great. She pushed Nina to make choices and to see that she was better than the rich housewife that she was. Their relationship grew and it was sweet to see how much they relied on one another. I liked the change for all of them, it was difficult, but they all grew into better people. It was a truly a moving read, and was a fantastic book to listen to.

Title: The Art of Hiding

Author: Amanda Prowse

Genre: Chick Lit

Published: July 18, 2017

What would you do if you learned that the life you lived was a lie?

Nina McCarrick lives the perfect life, until her husband, Finn, is killed in a car accident and everything Nina thought she could rely on unravels.

Alone, bereft and faced with a mountain of debt, Nina quickly loses her life of luxury and she begins to question whether she ever really knew the man she married. Forced to move out of her family home, Nina returns to the rundown Southampton council estate—and the sister—she thought she had left far behind.

But Nina can’t let herself be overwhelmed—her boys need her. To save them, and herself, she will have to do what her husband discouraged for so pursue a career of her own. Torn between the life she thought she knew and the reality she now faces, Nina finally must learn what it means to take control of her life.

Bestselling author Amanda Prowse once again plumbs the depths of human experience in this stirring and empowering tale of one woman’s loss and love.

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Review ~ After by Anna Todd

After by Anna Todd
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I’ve been meaning to read this book for years, so when it popped up on Kindle Unlimited, I grabbed it immediately. Too bad it was quite a disappointment. I struggled right to the end of the book and I know I won’t be reading more. These two were toxic together. Hardin was such a mean and controlling character, manipulating Tessa into doing everything that he wanted. He was quite abusive at times, to0. He treated her like crap and would force her to tell all her secrets, but kept things from Tessa and tell her to mind her own business.

Tessa was in a relationship when they met, but basically was cheating on him with Harden. That irritated me immediately. She would drop everything for him, and caved easily every time. She got to know Harden and their relationship escalated quickly. He was very possessive.

These two fought constantly, and should not be together. I didn’t like either of them, and even Hardens friends weren’t very nice. I honestly can’t think of a good point about this book, only that I’ve wasted my time reading it.

Title: After

Author: Anna Todd

Series: After #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: October 21, 2014

Book 1 of the After series—newly revised and expanded, Anna Todd's After fanfiction racked up one billion reads online and captivated readers across the globe. Experience the internet's most talked-about book for yourself from the writer Cosmopolitan called “the biggest literary phenomenon of her generation.”

There was the time before Tessa met Hardin, and then there’s everything AFTER... Life will never be the same. #Hessa

Tessa is a good girl with a sweet, reliable boyfriend back home. She’s got direction, ambition, and a mother who’s intent on keeping her that way.

But she’s barely moved into her freshman dorm when she runs into Hardin. With his tousled brown hair, cocky British accent, tattoos and lip ring, Hardin is cute and different from what she's used to.

But he's also rude—to the point of cruelty, even. For all his attitude, Tessa should hate Hardin. And she does—until she finds herself alone with him in his room. Something about his dark mood grabs her, and when they kiss it ignites within her a passion she’s never known before.

He'll call her beautiful, then insist he isn't the one for her and disappear again and again. Despite the reckless way he treats her, Tessa is compelled to dig deeper and find the real Hardin beneath all his lies. He pushes her away again and again, yet every time she pushes back, he only pulls her in deeper.

Tessa already has the perfect boyfriend. So why is she trying so hard to overcome her own hurt pride and Hardin's prejudice about nice girls like her?

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Review ~ I Thought of You by Jewel E. Ann

I Thought of You by Jewel E. Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my heart. This was such a beautiful read. It bought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions, and I honestly could not put the book down. I loved getting to know Price and Scottie, how they crossed paths again after 12 years. We saw them rebuild their relationship and learning about one another over one great summer. I could see Price was holding something back and Scottie was the type of girl not to push.

Scottie had that gentleness about her, and I could see that was why Price was drawn back to her. Scottie also started a relationship with Koen and I loved getting to know him too. I can see why she was getting confused at times, but she truly is one of those beautiful souls that you can be drawn to. I loved how this story unfolded and how all their worlds combined together. It bought the tears and the hope.

This book was all about hope and I felt that Jewel E Ann pieced it together perfectly. She created imperfect characters that were perfect together. She gave us hope, love and heartbreak and a beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time to come. It truly is a moving read.

Title: I Thought of You

Author: Jewel E. Ann

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 2, 2024

I wanted to conquer the world.

She wanted to gaze at the stars.

It’s been twelve years since I last saw Scottie Rucker. A grim prognosis has upended my life, and no amount of my hard-earned money can fix it. So, after leaving a note on the nightstand, I search for my first love—I search for life.

When I find her in Austin, working at a quaint general store and living in an RV behind it, those twelve years vanish. She’s exactly how I remember her.

Scottie thinks our reunion is a small-world coincidence, and I’m not ready to tell her the truth. After we rekindle our friendship, she convinces me to work part-time at the store while she pursues her budding relationship with Koen, a welder and the grandson of a customer.

Scottie’s ability to live in the moment is exactly what I need. But how do I convince her new boyfriend that I’m not his competition? And what happens if my heart changes its mind?

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Review ~ My So-Called Sex Life by Lauren Blakely

My So-Called Sex Life by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a good read, however didn’t blow me away. I was a little confused at first until I understood that these two actually had a bit of history. I liked the way the story unfolded and could see their relationship growing into something stronger. Hazel was coming off a bad relationship and Axel seemed to be hiding part of himself from Hazel. I liked how they slowly rebuilt their friendship, into something more.

There was good banter between the characters and the chemistry between them grew throughout the read. It was interesting see them take jabs at one another about their writing. The train and travelling aspect was a lot of fun. They made some friendships on their trip and I liked how their little fan group turned into genuine friends.

Title: My So-Called Sex Life

Author: Lauren Blakely

Series: How to Date #1

Genre: March 1, 2023

Published: Contemporary Romance

I’ve got a list of people I absolutely don’t ever want to be stuck with on a boat, or a plane, or a train, and it starts and ends with the broody, grumpy, too-sexy-for-my-own good Axel Huxley.

Also known as this romance novelist’s number one nemesis.

The man is legendary for his mighty pen and his even mightier scowl. I tried to work together with the cocky thriller writer once upon a time, but the two of us are like vodka and good decisions. We don’t play well together.

Only now, our publishers are sending us on a joint trip across Europe to mingle with our most devoted readers on an old-fashioned luxury train. And thanks to a booking snafu, we have to share a sleeper car.

You guessed it--there's only one bed.

I'm not sure I can survive the next seven days and nights with my dangerously sexy enemy and all our fiery tension.

Which explodes one night in a desperately needed hate bang.

But the bigger plot twist is this – the more time we spend together, visiting the most romantic cities in Europe by day and discovering each other at night, the more I’m forced to face our past.

To let go of the hurt.

To see the man he’s become.

And when I do, I wonder if it’s too late to write a new happy ending for us?

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Review ~ RUSH by Emma Scott

RUSH: Deluxe Edition by Emma Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is such a touching and beautiful read. Both Noah and Charlotte had been through traumatic situations that scarred them both; Noah physically and Charlotte mentally. Even after their first encounter I knew these two would be good for one another, so I was glad Charlotte took a leap and took on the role she was offered. Having her own space she was able to grow once again, becoming the person she lost.

Noah was a broody guy, constantly pushing Charlotte away, but over time she began to break him down. The chemistry grew between them and I could see these two would be perfect together. They went through some testing moments and Noah took on a lot on his own. I could see what he wanted to do, but it was such a difficult and heartbreaking time for him.

This book was simply fantastic!! I can't believe it has taken me so long to pick it up. I was drawn into the world, the fabulous characters and the neautiful writing.

Title: RUSH

Author: Emma Scott

Series: City Lights Series #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 1, 2015

To be blind is not miserable; not to be able to bear blindness, that is miserable. --John Milton

Charlotte Conroy, Juilliard-trained violinist, was on the cusp of greatness when tragedy swooped down on dark wings, crushing her hopes and breaking her heart. The music that used to sing in her soul has grown quiet, and she feels on the verge of setting down her violin for good. To pay the bills, she accepts a job as a personal assistant to a bitter, angry young man who’s been disabled by a horrific accident… Noah Lake was an extreme sport athlete, journalist and photographer. He roamed the world in search of his next adrenaline high, until a cliff-dive left him in a coma. He awakes to find his career gone, his dreams shattered to pieces, his world an endless blackness that will never lift. Charlotte begins to see that beneath Noah’s angry, brittle exterior is a young man in pain. She is determined to show him that his life isn’t over, that he has so much to live for, never dreaming that she would become the only light in his darkness, or that he would help her find the music in hers. The life he knew is over. The life she wants is just out of reach. Together, they must face their fears and rediscover what it means to really live.

RUSH is a STANDALONE new adult romance intended for readers eighteen and up. This Deluxe Edition includes brand new content AND the pivotal events that were off the page but included in the novella, Endless Possibility. With this edition, those events are restored to RUSH so that readers finally have Noah and Charlotte's full story as it was meant to be.

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