I literally can't find a single thing wrong with I'll Get Back to You by Becca Grischow and I adored this humorous Sapphic holiday read! It all startsI literally can't find a single thing wrong with I'll Get Back to You by Becca Grischow and I adored this humorous Sapphic holiday read! It all starts with Murphy and Ellie fake dating, but that is not how it ends, and this was a super short and pacey read that I listened to in one sitting. I loved the budding romance between M and E, but I also loved the friendship between Murphy and Kat. This entire book felt very relatable, especially if I think back to being a young student still trying to figure out life and love.
Audiobook is the way to go with I'll Get Back to You, and I love that it is narrated by Becca’s sister Allison Grischow! I didn’t know that going into it, but when I saw the last name, I did a little research and found that out. So fun to have a sibling involved, and I thought she did a fantastic job with the audio narration. This book also touches on what it’s like coming out and being queer, and I loved the message that Grischow conveyed. The book is a little dramatic, but it has lots of heart and love, and I am always here for a bit of drama. ...more
The Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series holds a special place in my heart, and I'm always excited to see a new installment. In Guilt and GinataanMia The Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series holds a special place in my heart, and I'm always excited to see a new installment. In Guilt and GinataanMia P. Manansala is bringing us all the fall murder-y vibes and Lila and her crew are on the case! This time her friend Adeena has been implicated in a murder and it's up to the Brew-ha Café ladies (with a little help from the police of course) to figure out who the culprit really is while at the same time repairing their friendship. There is lots of drama, lots of yummy food, and lots of suspects to choose from!
I always listen to the audiobooks and am thrilled to say Danice Cabanela was back for book five. I think she does the best job as the voice of Lila and if they ever move to someone else, I might actually cry. ...more
When I saw the Goodreads average for Divorce Towers by Ellen Meister, I wasn't sure what to expect and it didn't help that I wasn't familiar with thisWhen I saw the Goodreads average for Divorce Towers by Ellen Meister, I wasn't sure what to expect and it didn't help that I wasn't familiar with this author. That being said, it was a huge win for me, and I can't quite believe how much I loved it! There are three viewpoints in the book: Addison, her father Arnie, and a condo resident named Carly. Honestly, it took me way too long to realize there was an additional female viewpoint and I kept thinking Carly was Addison. The chapters are labeled but I was listening to the audiobook and apparently missed that for an obscenely long time. I didn’t really see the point of Arnie’s viewpoint, and I have to say Addison’s was my favorite of them all.
I really wish the audiobook had been narrated by a full cast instead of just Sarah Mollo-Christensen. I think that would have helped considerably with keeping the POVs separate instead of kind of running together, especially the women’s viewpoints. Be that as it may, I did enjoy her narration, and I would gladly listen to her again. There is romance and mystery as well as a dash of suspense in Divorce Towers and loved the character growth by the end of the book. I also loved the setting of Beverly Hills and Beekman Towers where the rich reign and douchey guys are everywhere. Read this if you like love triangles, quirky storylines, and reality show worthy drama....more
Vincent Tirado wasn't on my radar before but they sure are now! I quite enjoyed We Came to Welcome You and it is both eerie and atmospheric in equal mVincent Tirado wasn't on my radar before but they sure are now! I quite enjoyed We Came to Welcome You and it is both eerie and atmospheric in equal measures. I was expecting it to be a lot grosser than it actually was, and really this was just a very bizarre and cultish feeling read that made me feel a little bit like I was in an upside down version of The Stepford Wives (literally thinking about Stranger Things). There is a lot to unpack here, and I think it would make a great pick for a book club discussion.
The audiobook was pretty meh for me, and I wasn’t a huge fan of iiKane. She was ok most of the time, but other times her narration just felt really disjointed to me and I think reading with the eyes would be a better route to go for some people. However, I will say she did an excellent job of capturing the character’s various dialects throughout. I had to listen to the last chapter a couple of times, and I still don’t think I fully understand what happened there. It’s not tied up in a pretty bow and it felt rather ominous, but man was it unique. I would definitely read more from Tirado.
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own....more
I'm torn between a 4 or 5 ⭐ for Heads Will Roll byJosh Winning but one thing I do know is that I loved it! I expected this to be more of a blood bath I'm torn between a 4 or 5 ⭐ for Heads Will Roll byJosh Winning but one thing I do know is that I loved it! I expected this to be more of a blood bath right away but instead the author sets the scene and the characters first and it is off to a bit of a slow start in that aspect. As we get closer to the end that definitely changes though and then heads are indeed rolling and there is gore and violence aplenty. My favorite character of them all is definitely Willow's favorite actress (Juniper?), and she was a badass until the very end.
I would thoroughly recommend the audiobook, and I loved the narrator, EJ Lavery. I loved listening to her, and I thought she had the perfect amount of emotion all the way to the end as well bringing the fear, terror, and confusion of the characters to life. I was shocked by a couple of the revelations, and the truth to many facets of the storyline was actually pretty sad. As being more of a horror newbie, I think that is who I would recommend this to over the seasoned horror reader who is looking for something darker/more slasher. Heads Will Roll was perfect for me and now I need to actually get to Winning's backlist!...more
I love Sarah Morgenthaler's Moose Springs, Alaska series but didn't even realize when I picked up The Christmas You Found Me that it was the same authI love Sarah Morgenthaler's Moose Springs, Alaska series but didn't even realize when I picked up The Christmas You Found Me that it was the same author. While this still had humor like her other books, it was also a lot more serious and emotional which threw me for a loop a bit. After reading her acknowledgments section I realized why, and my heart just breaks for her. That being said, her heart and soul seemed to be poured into these pages, and I was extremely close to an ugly cry all thanks to that little girl Emma.
The audiobook is narrated by Haley Taylor, and even though I wouldn't call her narration perfect, it was still really good, and it made this book hit even harder for me. I loved Sienna and Guy, and the way a marriage of convenience turned into something so beautiful. There is a hint of spice, but this is mostly a closed door romance which I thought was perfect since so much focus was on Emma's kidney disease. The animals in the story also stole the show, and I loved that Sienna's dog was such an integral part. Read this if you believe in Christmas miracles, the power of love, and love books that make you feel all the things.
I received an advanced listening copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I didn't have Karen E. Olson on my radar until I started seeing An Inconvenient Wife everywhere, but if she writes more books like this I am in!4.25/5
I didn't have Karen E. Olson on my radar until I started seeing An Inconvenient Wife everywhere, but if she writes more books like this I am in! It was a 1-day read for me and once I started, I just couldn't put it down. Through various viewpoints, we get lots of twists and turns as well as some fantastic suspense. I had no idea until after I was done that this is a retelling of Henry VIII and his many wives set in the present-day as a rich businessman instead of royalty. After reading about him further I could see so many similarities, and I loved how Olson brought him and all that craziness into life in a crime novel.
One of the ways I was able to turn An Inconvenient Wife into a one-sitting read was thanks to the audiobook, and while a full cast would have been helpful for all of the different POVs, Nikki Thomas still knocked it out of the park. I thought she did a great job changing her voice up for the various characters and she was a delight to listen to. While the reader finds out rather early on part of what is going on, there is still much to discover and lies to unravel. The ending gave me actual chills, and I sure love it when an author can do that....more
Holy moly, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye is Briony Cameron's debut, and I couldn't put this action-Holy moly, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye is Briony Cameron's debut, and I couldn't put this action-packed thrill ride down. Cameron focuses on a woman who may be fictitious or made up from many forgotten women in the past with Jacquotte, and brings her idea of what her story could have been to life in this swashbuckling pirate tale. This was unlike any other historical fiction novel I have ever read, and I was completely wrapped up in both the storyline and worrying about how things would end for our fearless FMC.
I listened to the audiobook and have to say Angel Pean did an incredible job narrating. It felt like she was destined to be the voice of Jacquotte, and I thoroughly loved every bit of her narration. There is a lot of violence which can be expected when we are talking about pirates, and I could totally see this being made into an amazing movie. There is also a queer romance at its heart that I couldn't get enough of and Jacquotte is just the type of badass female lead that I love. She was unbreakable even at the hardest times, and this work of fiction will be something I remember long into the future....more
After seeing countless rave reviews for We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer on Bookstagram, I knew I had to move it up on thAudiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After seeing countless rave reviews for We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer on Bookstagram, I knew I had to move it up on the list instead of waiting for full-on spooky season. I can hardly believe this is his debut novel, let alone Netflix already picking up the rights to make it a movie. I have a feeling this will be super creepy onscreen if how eerie and disturbing the book was is anything to go by. It kept me on my toes from the very start, and I LOVED the map at the beginning and the various multimedia aspects throughout.
I would highly recommend having a copy of the book but listening on audio as the audiobook was ...more
Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson was such a fun read and proved to me that I need to stop putting off this author's otheAudiobook Rating: 5/5
Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson was such a fun read and proved to me that I need to stop putting off this author's other books. I loved the dual timelines between Marlowe and the Ralston family in 1932 which eventually come together so the reader knows exactly what happened at Morning House. There was so much to uncover, and I loved all of the little clues and twists along the way. Marlowe made me LOL quite a bit, while the Ralston POV was more serious and ominous. Who knew candles could be so dangerous?!
I listened to and loved the audiobook and thought Katherine Littrell did a wonderful job as the narrator. I am a pretty large fan of hers in general, and she did an excellent job with every aspect of her narration here. Death at Morning House is a queer romance and murder mystery all wrapped up in one fast-paced story and thriller readers who love YA are sure to enjoy it. I especially enjoyed the end and the introduction with the articles! Plus, Marlowe's POV gives new meaning to the phrase if you can't be good, be careful. ...more
When I saw the cover of The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields I knew I had to read it, and I would say this would make a great spooky season/fall4.25/5
When I saw the cover of The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields I knew I had to read it, and I would say this would make a great spooky season/fall read especially! It is a solid debut full of witchy magic, beautiful imagery, and ultimately romance! Bees and honey take a front seat in the storyline which is nice and unique, and though the pace felt a little slow to me, it picks way up at the end and I couldn't put it down. I would categorize this queer romance as grumpy/sunshine since Marigold is spunky and light, while Lottie is moody and grumpy.
Mia Hutchinson Shaw narrates the audiobook and I thought she did a lovely job. I didn't have any issues understanding her even at a quicker speed (I listened around 3x) and her pacing, tone, and pitch all felt spot on. The Honey Witch is action-packed when we get near the end, and I feel like I said "aw" quite a bit as well. The conclusion was very sweet and will be a crowd pleaser! I also loved that the female leads were compelling and determined and not pushovers in the slightest. I will be keeping my eyes open for future books from Shields for sure! ...more
I am so glad I decided to pick up Annie LeBlanc Is Not Dead Yet by Molly Morris because it was a pure delight! I do wish what was going on with bringing a person back from the dead had been explained better in the actual book and not just mentioned in the synopsis, but I caught on pretty quickly and it was a very unique concept for a book. Through Wilson choosing Annie, it brings up a lot of old wounds and Wilson quickly realizes things she didn't before Annie's passing. I loved the journey the story took me on, and the eventual queer romance was very heartwarming.
The audiobook was pure perfection with Georgina Sadler as the narrator and I loved the way she brought Wilson to life. She was fun to listen to, and I thought she did a great job bringing all of the emotions in the storyline front and center. I thought this would be a light and breezy read, but it is a touch heavier, and I thought that brought a lot of depth to the story. I also loved Morris's writing style immediately and it flowed so well! I will definitely be adding this author to my new favorites list.
I received an advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I wasn't really sure how I wanted to rate Knife River by Justine Champine and I still don’t know if I like my rating. This is a character driven 3.5/5
I wasn't really sure how I wanted to rate Knife River by Justine Champine and I still don’t know if I like my rating. This is a character driven storyline that reminded me a lot of In Cold Blood by the beloved Truman Capote. I didn’t like that book because of how slow and over-the-top descriptive it was, which was the vibe I got from this one except different? I liked the mystery element but that isn’t really as front and center as the character study of Jess and the bonds of sisterhood after a tragedy.
I got to listen to the audiobook which is narrated by Jennifer Pickens, and she is definitely what kept me going. Slow, character-driven books aren’t always my jam and without her this may have been a DNF. However, I am really glad I finished because the ending completely shocked me. I can’t say it made the slowness worth it, but it was up there with twists I didn’t see coming. I also have to admit that Champine’s writing is very expressive and sharp; something I took into consideration when giving Knife River a star rating.
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own....more
The Ride of Her Life BY Jennifer Dugan is an endearing and delightful queer romance filled with family drama and friendships that aren't always perfecThe Ride of Her Life BY Jennifer Dugan is an endearing and delightful queer romance filled with family drama and friendships that aren't always perfect. I loved the uniqueness of this enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine storyline, and I felt like I learned something about horse barns and the rodeo along the way. It felt like a bit of déjà vu reading about a rodeo in this book after recently finishing Homebound, and I am learning how much I love cowboy/cowgirl-esque romances (and can I just mention the cowboy hat scene? ...more
The Calculation of You and Me is Serena Kaylor's sophomore novel, which made me immediately want to read her debut. I had so much fun with my time in The Calculation of You and Me is Serena Kaylor's sophomore novel, which made me immediately want to read her debut. I had so much fun with my time in this world and I never wanted the book to end. Marlowe and Ashton are very loveable characters, and I loved Marlowe's friendships with her girls too. There was some fabulous banter across all of them, and I found myself laughing quite a bit.
Stephanie Willing narrates the audiobook and I have to say it is a must listen. Her narration flowed extremely well, and I was pleased with the way she brought both the story and our FMC to life. I was a little frustrated with Marlowe's obsession with her ex who dumped her, but I was really happy with her growth at the book's conclusion. The Calculation of You and Me is a quick and entertaining romance, and the neurodivergence rep was appreciated!...more
I didn't realize until after I was done that My Darling Dreadful Thing is Johanna van Veen's debut novel, and I have to say it blew me away. This was I didn't realize until after I was done that My Darling Dreadful Thing is Johanna van Veen's debut novel, and I have to say it blew me away. This was an extraordinarily creepy book that had excellent gothic elements as well as a unique plotline. I didn't read the synopsis before starting, so I had no idea what the book was about; I only knew I loved the cover and found it so irresistible that I had to have it. This was great supernatural suspense as well as a Sapphic love story and I really enjoyed the different elements the author used like excerpts from Roos’s psychologist appointments. I would recommend going in blind as it made the story that much more interesting to me as I watched the truth of everything slowly unravel.
Being the audiophile that I am, I listened to the audiobook, and I loved it! I thought Jess Nesling did a wonderful job and she fully embodied the characters and the book as a whole. I was super impressed. There are definitely some triggers lurking in here, so I would recommend checking out StoryGraph prior to reading. I can be a squeamish reader and while there was some gore it wasn’t anything that made me set down my food. That is me personally though, so some people might find it better not to eat while reading this. ...more
The Guncle has been my favorite book by Steven Rowley among the few I have read, and I was so happy to be revisiting those characters in The Guncle AbThe Guncle has been my favorite book by Steven Rowley among the few I have read, and I was so happy to be revisiting those characters in The Guncle Abroad. Patrick (known as GUP) is my favorite, and he was just as dynamic in this book as he was in the first. It is hard not to love any of the quirky characters we get here, and it was such a humorous, uplifting, and delightful read. While this is lighthearted overall, that doesn't make it fluff, and Rowley devoted plenty of time and attention to important subject matters. I got all teary, especially at the end, and I REALLY enjoyed the Italy setting where the wine was flowing.
As always, the audiobook is narrated by the author, and it is all things amazing. Rowley makes an excellent GUP, and he is of course the best person to bring his characters to life especially when it comes to the ones in The Guncle Abroad. I would love to see this made into a further series as they never get old, and I am waiting very impatiently for The Guncle movie to come out. The themes of family and rediscovery shine bright in this story and Patrick coming to terms with certain things about himself was frank and inspiring at the same time. I dare say Maisie and Grant discovered some things about themselves as well! If you loved The Guncle, you will love The Guncle Abroad just as much and I would do a reread of both of these in a heartbeat.
I received an advanced listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I didn't know anything about One of Us Knows going into it, so it started out feeling extremely bizarre to me. When I finally realized Alyssa Cole wasI didn't know anything about One of Us Knows going into it, so it started out feeling extremely bizarre to me. When I finally realized Alyssa Cole was creating a storyline with a person with DID (dissociative identity disorder) as the main character, I was in awe of how amazing it actually was. I can't even imagine trying to create a book that makes sense let alone with a serious mental health condition like this at the center. Granted I did still think certain parts were rather strange (Solomon and Ken anyone?), but this is an incredible read from a psychological standpoint. It is also extremely disturbing once we get to the thick of things, so I would say it is very important to check triggers prior to starting if you have any.
The audiobook was a great experience, and I thought Susan Dalian did an incredible job bringing each of the personalities to life. I thought I would be confused with so much going on, but even on audio it was really easy for me to follow along though I am sure some readers will prefer either mixing the two or reading exclusively. I loved the atmosphere of the isolated location and the castle, and the whole thing was a rather chilling experience. There is a lot of action in the book as well so never a dull moment and it would make an excellent book club pick as there is so much to unpack here.
Read this if you love creative thriller plots, are looking for a book that focuses exclusively on an MC with DID, and a twisted and complex story that will blow your mind.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I saw The Cleaner by Brandi Wells as an audiobook in my library database and I loved the cover and the title, so I figured what the hell! I was reallyI saw The Cleaner by Brandi Wells as an audiobook in my library database and I loved the cover and the title, so I figured what the hell! I was really engaged in the majority of the story, and I loved that our MC (the cleaner) was not only cleaning the office building but also trying to 'help' the various people who worked there as well as giving them nicknames based on what was in/on their desks. She was very snoopy, and it made me wonder about cleaners in office buildings IRL as well as how she was cleaning so much while ours doesn't at ALL. ...more