L-L-L-Little Reviews #39: Another All Audiobook Edition – 11 Reviews

I haven’t done one of these posts since January I think, and I’ve listened to quite a few since then, even if a few were only novellas.

Turning Back (Turning #2) by J.A. Huss:

Turning Back by J.A. Huss
Series: Turning #2
Narrator: Tad Branson, Abby Craden, Sebastian York
Published by Podium Publishing on August 1, 2017
Genres: Adult Bully Romance, Adult Contemporary Romance, Classic Fiction, Erotica
Length: 10:09
Source: Publisher, Purchased
Format: ARC, Audiobook
My Rating:
Goodreads
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I lived in the dark for three years. My whole world revolved around the whims and happiness of three men. It was just a trip into the forbidden. A way out of a bad situation and forward into nothingness.
Quin, with his easy smile and charming good looks. He was always there for me...until he wasn't.
Smith and his dispassionate attention. He was never there for me and he never regretted it.
Bric, the one who listened, but only to himself. Self-absorbed, self-obsessed, and self-serving. He was never the one I wanted.
And now he might be the only one I have left.
It was good while it lasted, I guess. But it could've been so much more. It could've been so much better.
And that's why I'm turning back.
Includes a special bonus note read by the author.

My Review:

I enjoyed the first one in this series, and decided I needed to listen to the rest before I got to see the author again at Book Bonanza this summer. Unfortunately she is no longer going to attend this year. There was a lot going on in this one. I was so happy for Quinn to get his HEA at the end, but Smith was pissing me off by how he behaved. And then there was Brick, who was sneaking around behind their back just to get what he wanted, but I still felt sad for him in how it all turned out. And so that is why I had to go ahead and finish the series to get Brick’s story.

His Turn (Turning #3) by J.A. Huss:

His Turn by J.A. Huss
Series: Turning #3
Narrator: Kate Russell, Sebastian York
Published by Podium Publishing on December 26, 2017
Genres: Adult Contemporary Romance, Erotica
Length: 08:42
Source: Purchased
Format: Audiobook
My Rating:
Goodreads
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I look her body up and down as I circle her.Mine?I smile a devious, deviant, I’m gonna make you sorry you ever started playing this game with me smile.And then I take her hand.I lead her to the elevator.We go up to my apartment.I tie her wrists together with rope.Raise her arms above her head.And chain her to the ceiling.It’s my turn.

My Review:

I was unsure how I would like this one. You see, Brick was the dom, the really into the dom stuff, of the three men in this series. So while I knew I wouldn’t care for his steamy times, I still liked him enough to want to see him get his HEA. And while I did not think that Nadia was a great person, I didn’t like how she fought Brick, and thought she was the dom, in the end I was okay with how the two of them came together. I mean in spite of how mad she made me all throughout the story, I was happy to see the two of them end up together. Especially when I heard exactly what in her past she was hiding. It was not at all what I’d expected. Brick’s background too was a lot different from what I’d expected. This final book in the series totally wrapped it all up, but surprised me in so many ways! I also liked the little extra at the end, and need to read Jordan’s series, whether he gets an HEA in it or not! Oh yeah, I love how the author reads her own afterwards part on the audiobook, it’s so cool!

Electric Idol (Dark Olympus #2) by Katee Robert:

I received this book for free from a giveaway, the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Electric Idol by Katee Robert
Series: Dark Olympus #2
Narrator: Alex Moorcock, Zara Hampton-Brown
Published by Dreamscape Media on January 18, 2022
Genres: Adult Dark Romance, Adult Retelling
Length: 10:53
Source: a giveaway, the author
Format: Audiobook
My Rating:
Goodreads
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In the ultra-modern city of Olympus, there's always a price to pay. Psyche Dimitriou knew she'd have to face Aphrodite's jealous rage eventually, but she never expected her literal heart to be at stake… or for Aphrodite's gorgeous son to be the one ordered to strike the killing blow. Eros has no problem shedding blood. Raised to be his mother's knife in the dark, he's been conditioned to accept that he's more monster than man. But when it comes time to take out his latest target… he can't do it. Confused by his reaction to Psyche's unexpected kindness, he does the only thing he can think of to keep her safe: he binds her to him, body and soul. Psyche didn't expect to find herself married to the glittering city's most dangerous killer, but something about Eros awakens a fire inside her she's never felt before. As lines blur and loyalties shift, Psyche realizes Eros might take her heart after all… and she's not sure she can survive the loss.

My Review:

I won this from the author in a newsletter or some other kind of giveaway. And I’d been wanting to read this author, who I think at the time I got it was going to be at Book Bonanza as well. But then she dropped this year too. Gah! But I wasn’t sure about this series when I first heard about it. However I started this audiobook and was immediately enthralled! This story was so different in its own way, even as it was a retelling of Eros and Psyche. I loved it so much! It was really exciting then when I got an actual physical ARC of the next book in the series shortly after I finished this one. Can’t wait to read on in the series, and go back to read book 1!

Flow (Grip #0.5) by Kennedy Ryan:

Flow by Kennedy Ryan
Series: Grip #0.5
Narrator: Jakobi Diem, Maxine Mitchell
Published by Tantor Audio on July 11, 2017
Genres: NA Contemporary, NA Contemporary Romance
Length: 04:24
Source: Publisher, Purchased
Format: ARC, Audiobook
My Rating:
Goodreads
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In 8 years, Marlon James will be one of the brightest rising stars in the music industry.
Bristol Gray will be his tough, no-nonsense manager.
But when they first meet, she’s a college student finding her way in the world, and he’s an artist determined to make his way in it.
From completely different worlds, all the things that should separate them only draw them closer.
It’s a beautiful beginning, but where will the story end?
FLOW is the prequel chronicling the week of magical days and nights that will haunt Grip & Bristol for years to come. GRIP is the full-length conclusion of their story.

My Review:

I think I got this during the Audible sale a while back? Or else it is one of those available through Audible Escape. Not sure. But I’d been wanting to read more of this author, again to meet at Book Bonanza. I really ended up enjoying this little prequel novella as well. The story was really good. It had me thinking about some of my own choices in the past as well as these days. And then the characters were so perfect, both of them. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger, I had a feeling when it got so close to the end and there wasn’t enough time for it to go to an HEA. So now I must get ahold of the rest of the series and read it!

Luca (Chicago Blaze #2) by Brenda Rothert:

Luca by Brenda Rothert
Series: Chicago Blaze #2
Narrator: Erik Bloomquist, Madeleine Dauer
Published by Tantor Audio on June 25, 2019
Genres: Adult Sports Romance
Length: 05:18
Source: Purchased
Format: Audiobook
My Rating:
Goodreads
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AbbyI only have one love now—the home furnishings business I’m building into an empire. Maybe money and success can’t love me back, but they keep what’s left of my heart safe. One-night stands are my way of scratching the occasional itch I get for something more. And no one’s better for that than a sexy as sin hockey player I’ll never see again after one very hot night together.
Luca I used to love two things: hockey and women. But now my nieces and nephew are my top priority, because I’m raising them after tragedy stole their parents. Somehow I balance single parenthood and my career as a forward for the Chicago Blaze. There’s no time for women, until I get knocked on my ass by Abby Daniels. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted, but her devastating past may end us before we even get started.

My Review:

Another book I bought from the Audible sale a while back. Again it was because I’m hoping to meet the author at Book Bonanza this summer. I’d read the first book in this series as part of a blog tour a few years ago, and just didn’t get around to any more till now. I think I actually might have even liked this one better than the first, Victor. At first I had some issues with the male narrator’s voice, I ended up always having to turn the volume up when it was his turn. And while I kind of understood Abby’s viewpoint, I also thought that she might want a chance to be a part of some kid’s life. And oh Luca, he was such a great uncle, I loved him and his kids! This one got to where it was all going so well and then, wow, a big thing at the end that made me cry, but then in the end we got our HEA. A great book, and I look forward to reading more of this series when I get time!

Say Yes by Elle Kennedy:

Say Yes by Elle Kennedy
Narrator: Stella Bloom
Published by Audible Studios on November 9, 2021
Genres: Adult Contemporary Romance
Length: 01:32
Source: Audible Plus
Format: Audiobook
My Rating:
Goodreads
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Maid-of-honor Emilia is looking for some stress-busting fun the night before her best friend’s wedding. And what’s more fun than a no-strings hook-up? Good thing there’s an app for that, and she’s in luck—the sexy stud she swipes right on is more than happy to fulfill all her sexual needs. Her hot night with “Dirk” is everything she knew it would be.
But this morning?
He looks a hell of a lot like the groom.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Originally offered as a short story in the Mixtape Anthology alongside 11 other short stories, Say Yes is now available for your own reading pleasure FOR FREE simply for being a newsletter subscriber!

My Review:

This was another novella/short story. While the twist was kind of obvious to me, it was still a lot of fun! I enjoyed it and hope to read more by this author. This was my first to actually read by the author, which I have wanted to do since she is supposed to be at Book Bonanza this year too.

Fling (Wrong #2.5) by Jana Aston:

Fling by Jana Aston
Series: Wrong #2.5
Published by Jana Aston on December 6, 2016
Genres: Adult Romantic Comedy
Length: 02:11
Source: Purchased
Format: Audiobook
My Rating:
Goodreads
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Fling is a STANDALONE novella - about 80 pages
I have a crush on my boss’ best friend. At least it’s not my brother’s best friend. Or my best friend’s brother. Or… never mind. It’s all pretty cliche.
And worse? My boss’ best friend is his business partner. Which sort of makes him my boss too. Okay - it’s not sort of. It’s definite. Gabe Laurent is off limits. Totally off limits.
Which is fine. I make do with my imagination. He’ll never know. Ever. Unless my work bestie passes me an eighties-style teen movie sex quiz during a meeting and I fill it out.
And it ends up in Gabe’s hands…
*** Please Note ***
Wrong - Sophie's Story Right - Everly's Story Fling - Sandra's Story Trust - Chloe's Story - November 8, 2016
Each book can be read on it's own, but TRUST takes place 6 months after the first three books. Characters from those first three books appear in TRUST, living their happily ever afters.

My Review:

Jana Aston is hilarious, and the little quiz in this one at the beginning was so funny! Another novella here, and it was a quick and fun listen!

Under One Roof (The STEMinist Novellas #1) by Ali Hazelwood:

Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood
Series: The STEMinist Novellas #1
Narrator: Emma Wilder
Published by Penguin Audio on February 8, 2022
Genres: Adult Romantic Comedy
Length: 03:38
Source: Purchased
Format: Audiobook
My Rating:
Goodreads

3 hours, 39 minutes
From the New York Times best-selling author of The Love Hypothesis comes a new steamy, STEMinist novella….
A scientist should never cohabitate with her annoyingly hot nemesis – it leads to combustion.
Mara, Sadie, and Hannah are friends first, scientists always. Though their fields of study might take them to different corners of the world, they can all agree on this universal truth: when it comes to love and science, opposites attract and rivals make you burn….
As an environmental engineer, Mara knows all about the delicate nature of ecosystems. They require balance. And leaving the thermostat alone. And not stealing someone else’s food. And other rules Liam, her detestable big-oil lawyer of a roommate, knows nothing about. Okay, sure, technically she’s the interloper. Liam was already entrenched in his aunt’s house like some glowering grumpy giant when Mara moved in, with his big muscles and kissable mouth just sitting there on the couch tempting respectable scientists to the dark side…but Helena was her mentor and Mara’s not about to move out and give up her inheritance without a fight.
The problem is, living with someone means getting to know them. And the more Mara finds out about Liam, the harder it is to loathe him…and the easier it is to love him.
To listen to Sadie and Hannah’s stories, look for the novellas Stuck with You and Below Zero, coming soon, available first on audio!

My Review:

I loved The Love Hypothesis, when I finally got around to reading it. And this book was just as good. Yes, it was a novella, so short. And I know a lot of people wanted it to be longer. And yeah, I’d have totally gone for a longer story with this couple. However I felt the author did a great job of giving us a full romance story in the short time she had with this one. The ups and downs and dark as night moment, and an HEA/HFN that was perfect.

Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter:

Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter
Series: Mr. Wrong Number #1
Published by Berkley on March 1, 2022
Genres: Adult Contemporary Romance, Adult Romantic Comedy
Length: 08:27
Source: Purchased
Format: Audiobook
My Rating:
Goodreads
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Things get textual when a steamy message from a random wrong number turns into an anonymous relationship in this hilarious rom-com by Lynn Painter.
Bad luck has always followed Olivia Marshall…or maybe she’s just the screw-up her family thinks she is. But when a “What are you wearing?” text from a random wrong number turns into the hottest, most entertaining—albeit anonymous—relationship of her life, she thinks things might be on the upswing….
Colin Beck has always considered Olivia his best friend’s annoying little sister, but when she moves in with them after one of her worst runs of luck, he realizes she’s turned into an altogether different and sexier distraction. He’s sure he can keep his distance, until the moment he discovers she’s the irresistible Miss Misdial he’s been sort of sexting for weeks—and now he has to decide whether to turn the heat up or ghost her before things get messy.

My Review:

Lynn Painter’s other book, Better than the Movies, was one that I adored, so I was excited for this one. I ended up getting the audiobook to listen to and it was totally worth it! First of all, Olivia’s interviewing experiences sounded EXACTLY like my own lousy interviews. Not to mention how she wanted to stay living close to her nephews is my exact reason I don’t look at jobs away from my home city because I don’t want to miss out on any time with my niece and nephew. This book was unique though, different from a lot of usual forced proximity, older brother’s best friend, wrong number romances. I mean, he didn’t have a crush on her all along, and that seems more realistic to me. So I liked that aspect. And while I get why he didn’t tell her when he found out, I also know he should have, and I understood why she was upset at that point. It was more than just the not telling her, the author did a great job of making it more than that so that her emotions made total sense! Also, the female narrator on this one sounded soooooooo much like Sarah Michelle Gellar to me! Anyway, loved this one, and can’t wait for more by this author!

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi:

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
Narrator: Wil Wheaton
Published by Tor Books on March 15, 2022
Genres: Adult Science Fiction
Length: 08:02
Source: Purchased
Format: Audiobook
My Rating:
Goodreads
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When COVID-19 sweeps through New York City, Jamie Gray is stuck as a dead-end driver for food delivery apps. That is, until Jamie makes a delivery to an old acquaintance, Tom, who works at what he calls “an animal rights organization.” Tom’s team needs a last-minute grunt to handle things on their next field visit. Jamie, eager to do anything, immediately signs on.
What Tom doesn't tell Jamie is that the animals his team cares for are not here on Earth. Not our Earth, at at least. In an alternate dimension, massive dinosaur-like creatures named Kaiju roam a warm and human-free world. They're the universe's largest and most dangerous panda and they're in trouble.
It's not just the Kaiju Preservation Society whose found their way to the alternate world. Others have, too. And their carelessness could cause millions back on our Earth to die.

My Review:

I’ve wanted to read something by this author for a long time. And when another blogger posted about the audiobook being narrated by Wil Wheaton, I knew I had to give it a try. I loved Wil Wheaton’s narrating the Ready Player One series, and so had a feeling he would do a great job with any other science fiction story, especially ones with humor. And I was right, not only was the story itself so good, so funny, the way Wil’s voice emphasizes or you can hear the humor/laughing in it made it even so much better! I mean there was one scene, and I listen in the car, but I was gasping and wheezing as well as clutching my hand to my heart in suspense yet laughter at the same time! Warning for some, it takes place during the pandemic, so I know some people don’t want to read things set in this time. Personally, I loved that part of it. So much good stuff in this, and for awhile I wondered when the big climactic scene was going to show up, and when it did, at the very end, it was perfect for this story. A lot of stuff was not what I expected, so I love the surprises and originality. I never could quite wrap my mind about what the Kaiju actually were, even with my background as a science teacher. But again, I loved how the author did that!

Shame On You (Fool Me Once #1) by Tara Sivec:

Shame on You by Tara Sivec
Series: Fool Me Once #1
Narrator: Amy McFadden
Published by Brilliance Audio on February 25, 2014
Genres: Adult Romantic Comedy
Length: 03:47
Source: Purchased
Format: Audiobook
My Rating:
Goodreads
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War veteran Kennedy O’Brien is in the business of sticking it to the man—or at least any man who tries to cross a woman. After she returned home from Afghanistan and caught her husband in bed with the nanny, Kennedy lost her faith in men and started Fool Me Once Investigations with her two best friends. After all, there’s no better bounty hunter than a woman scorned.
When Kennedy takes a case to slap cuffs on a bail jumper turned dog-napper, she figures it’ll be an easy paycheck. But trouble has a way of finding Kennedy. Enter the last man on the planet she’d willingly choose as a partner: her cheating ex-husband’s best friend, Griffin Crawford.
As gorgeous as he is unwelcome, Griffin has always had a thing for Kennedy, and after keeping quiet about her ex’s cheating, he’ll do anything to earn back her trust. Whether or not she wants to admit it, Kennedy will need help as the case of the Chihuahua thief spirals out of control. Griffin may be just her man—in more ways than one.

My Review:

Every single time I read or listen to a Tara Sivec book I am so mad at myself that I haven’t already devoured all of her stuff, because I die laughing every time! Oh my gosh and this book was no different! It was shorter, but that’s okay, it was long enough to have fun. This also had a narrator that sounded like Sarah Michelle Gellar to me, lol. When I have to curse because of stubbing my toe or road rage I may quit saying my one from Outlander, Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ, and switch to GD like the main character in this one wouldn’t actually say the real words because her dad would smack her upside the head or her brothers if they said it, and he did a couple times in the book when they slipped. But constantly she was saying GD. Like when there was a bit of pranks being pulled and someone put an ad in the paper about her detective agency actually being an escort service and she kept getting calls about certain types of services. “GD back door busting requests!” And this book also had me laughing so hard at times in my car. Like there was a scene with a bachelorette party that cracked me up as I was driving to work. I’ll be buying the next two audiobooks in this series soon!