2019 Audiobook Challenge Final Update & 2020 Sign Up

Hot Listens and Caffeinated Reviewer are hosting their 7th annual Audiobook Challenge for 2019 and I'm posting my final check in. 

I was aiming for the Marathoner 50+ books and I accomplished that and then some. Right now I'm at 86 books, making audiobooks the format I've "read" books for more than 50% of the books I've read this year.  I'm sure I'll be adding at least a couple more before the end of the year. 

Here are a few of my recent favorites:
(Click on cover for Goodreads link)

I'm joining up for next the 2020 Audiobook Challenge as well, and this time I'm going for the 100 Club Audio Elite. Fingers crossed I can make it!  

If you'd like to join up click HERE for the link to the post and add your name. Good luck to all joining!

Review: Into the Dark by Karen Rose

Into the Dark (Romantic Suspense #23) by Karen Rose

Publication Date: November 26th 2019 by Berkley

Pages: 621 Audio Length: 21 Hrs and 21 mins
Narrator: Hillary Huber
Source: Publisher & Audible Purchase
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

About the book:

Michael Rowland is not your typical teenager. Deaf from birth, he’s always looked out for his five-year-old brother, Joshua. When his stepfather comes after Joshua, Michael takes the child and runs. He’s determined to protect his brother at all costs, even if that means making himself vulnerable to a danger he can’t hear coming. And the danger intensifies when Michael witnesses a stranger kill his stepfather.

Desperate and afraid, the boys have nowhere else to go but to Joshua’s soccer coach, journalist and ex-Army ranger Diesel Kennedy. When Diesel sees that Michael is injured, he takes them to see Dr. Dani Novak—not only because she’s fluent in American Sign Language, but because he’s drawn to her and everything she stands for. She never refuses Diesel’s requests—because she, too, feels their connection—but she resists him for reasons she doesn’t want to confess.

When Dani and Diesel learn that Michael saw the face of his stepfather’s killer, they fear for his safety. But they quickly discover that it’s even worse than they feared: They may have a serial killer on their hands—and all signs point to Michael as the next target.

My Thoughts:

Fourteen-year-old Michael witnesses the murder of his stepfather.  His stepfather was a pedophile and abused Michael, so I wasn’t too broken up over his death. My heart truly went out to Michael growing up with a neglectful, selfish mother.  She didn’t even bother to learn sign language even though Michael was deaf from birth. On top of all that, she marries an abusive asshole leaving her kids vulnerable! 

When the police start to investigate the murder, the killer realizes he may have left a witness, so Michael and his five year-old-brother are in danger.  That’s when Joshua’s soccer coach, Diesel, gets involved.  Diesel is a coach in his free time to give back to the community and help kids out, but he’s mainly a hacker for The Ledger, an investigative news/website.

When Diesel realizes Michael is injured and these kids may be victims of neglect or worse, he takes them to Dr. Dani Novak, not only because Dani’s is partially deaf and fluent in sign language, but because she’s the most compassionate and kind doctor he knows. His heart aches every time he lays eyes on her, because she has made it clear a relationship is off the table. Diesel knows there’s a mutual attraction, though so he’s not sure what’s holding Dani back.

Diesel and Dani’s attraction can’t be ignored when they’re thrown together to look after Michael and Joshua when they have no place to go.  However, they’ll have to deal with their feelings in between dodging a killer bent on eliminating Michael. 

I found that the romance drama was low, because Dani and Diesel didn’t have time to wishy washy back and forth, they had to just get their shit sorted and concentrate on not dying, lol! Dani might have tried my patience otherwise. There are a few reasons she’d held back, reasons she felt were valid, but any outsider could’ve told her they were BS.

There were a lot of heartbreaking moments here since Michael was the victim of abuse. Diesel has his own story to tell, and he helped Michael deal with the feelings of guilt, shame and anger.  

Despite Into the Dark being over six hundred pages long, I felt like I breezed through the story pretty quickly. Lots of action and danger, they kept me turning the pages, and I cared about what happened to Dani, Diesel, Michael and Joshua!

I switched back and forth from e-book to audio and I'm happy I did that because I didn't want to put the book down when I had to get real-life stuff done.  Hillary Huber did an excellent job with both the male and female voices.

4.5 Suns

Review: This Side of Murder by Anna Lee Huber

This Side of Murder (Verity Kent #1) by Anna Lee Huber

Publication Date: September 26th 2017 by Kensington 

Pages: 304

Source: Library Audio Book

Length/Narrator: 9 hrs 45 min performed by Heather Wilds

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

About the book:

The Great War is over, but in this captivating new series from award-winning author Anna Lee Huber, one young widow discovers the real intrigue has only just begun . . .

An Unpardonable Sin?

England, 1919. Verity Kent’s grief over the loss of her husband pierces anew when she receives a cryptic letter, suggesting her beloved Sidney may have committed treason before his untimely death. Determined to dull her pain with revelry, Verity’s first impulse is to dismiss the derogatory claim. But the mystery sender knows too much—including the fact that during the war, Verity worked for the Secret Service, something not even Sidney knew.

Lured to Umbersea Island to attend the engagement party of one of Sidney’s fellow officers, Verity mingles among the men her husband once fought beside, and discovers dark secrets—along with a murder clearly meant to conceal them. Relying on little more than a coded letter, the help of a dashing stranger, and her own sharp instincts, Verity is forced down a path she never imagined—and comes face to face with the shattering possibility that her husband may not have been the man she thought he was. It’s a truth that could set her free—or draw her ever deeper into his deception . . .

My Thoughts:

Verity is in the process of grieving the loss of her husband, Sidney, and with the war over she no longer has her job as spy for the Secret Service to keep her mind off the grief.

Now Verity must contend with a house party celebrating the engagement of Sidney’s good friend, a man who fought side by side with him.  Verity would’ve passed on except an anonymous letter promising information about her husband’s death and possible treasonous activity to be revealed if she shows.  Upon arriving Verity discovers that the guests all knew her husband or served with him during the war, and if that wasn’t unsettling enough, sinister accidents begin to happen.

Verity Kent was a captivating introduction to the series. Set in the Post-World War I era, the ravages of war haven’t left many unscathed, and the country is still putting itself back together. As Verity tries to identify the culprit there’s a big surprise revealed that I knew going in. Highlight for spoiler: I’m happy I knew, because I like to know at the beginning which romance I should be rooting for instead of pinning my hopes on a match that’s not long-term.  Not knowing the twist, I may have been hoping for a different pairing for Verity just to have it all fall apart. End of spoiler.

Verity is clever in her deductions, and it’s easy to see why the Secret Service recruited her during the conflict. She puts her skills to use getting to the bottom of this mystery and it is wrapped up by the end.  There is a romance, one that continues into the second book, it’s not an easy one, but one I’m really rooting for even if I was upset with the man for his insensitivity. I get it, but still…

You can get This Side of Murder with Kindle Unlimited, but I borrowed a library copy of the audiobook.  I’m already half-way through the second book and loving it! Heather Wilds is an excellent narrator with a beautiful English accent.

4 Suns

Mini Reviews: The Girl in Red & Marriage for One

I read The Girl in Red by Christina Henry and Marriage for One by Ella Maise after reading fellow blogger's reviews,. Visiting other blogs is one of the prime reasons why my TBR is an ever expanding, out of control list, lol! But I'm grateful for the recommends, because it prompts me to read books not just because they're offered by ARC and also tempts me to try independent authors I probably wouldn't have taken a second glance at otherwise.

The Girl in Red by Christina Henry
Publication Date: June 18th 2019 by Berkley
Pages: 302 Audio Length: 8 hrs 21 min
Source: Kindle Purchase/Library Lend Audio book
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

My Thoughts:

While I found parts unbelievable (like an axe being that sharp, and why in the world would a woman wear a red hoodie when she's trying to evade notice?! other things too), but still, unputdownable! I switched from audio to e-book, listening when I wasn't able to sit and read. If you're a fan of end-of-the-world-scenarios The Girl in Red is a fun and riveting read.

There is no romance, but if Christina Henry decided to write a sequel, there's a certain someone I can totally see her with: (Highlight for Spoiler) Sirois!. I've looked on Ms. Henry's website she says there's no plan right now for a sequel, but there's a lot of potential for a sequel here! I'd totally be on board for that! (Highlight for Spoiler)It's kind of an abrupt ending, happy for now, but even if she doesn't write a sequel, I'm fine with how everything left off.

January LaVoy did an excellent job with narration. I listened at my standard 1.25x-1.5x normal listening speed.

*I reserved a copy a my library after reading the lovely Lark's review, which is far more eloquent than mine above, lol. Thanks for the recommend!

4 Suns

Marriage for One by Ella Maise

Publication Date: May 8th 2019 by Ella Maise

Pages: 520 Audio Length: 15 hrs 48 min

Source: Kindle Unlimited e-copy/Audio book

Purchase Links: Amazon | Audible

My Thoughts:

This started out a bit slow, but once it got going, I really enjoyed Marriage for One! It was on the longer side, over 500 pages, but I still managed to finish in two days by alternately listening and reading, because I wanted to see how it all turned out.

Jack was a broody, stern guy at first, hardly talking, but his actions spoke volumes about his feelings for Rose. There's a mystery behind his marriage proposal, and I enjoyed getting to the bottom of it.

My first Ella Maise and I'd like to read more by her. Her writing sort of reminds me of Mariana Zapata. Her hero did, at any rate.

Loved Stella Bloom and Lance Greenfield's narration, although, I still wish that the male and female narrators would perform all their parts throughout the book, instead of just the character's designated chapters, but each did a good job with narrating all voices. Listened at my usual 1.25x-1.5x normal speed.

*I downloaded Marriage for One after reading Genesis' fab review, which is far better than mine above! 

4 Suns

Review: You'd Be Mine by Erin Hahn

You'd Be Mine by Erin Hahn

Publication Date: April 2nd 2019 by Wednesday Books

Pages: 281

Source: Library Lend Audio Book

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

About the book:

Annie Mathers is America’s sweetheart and heir to a country music legacy full of all the things her Gran warned her about. Superstar Clay Coolidge is most definitely going to end up one of those things.

But unfortunately for Clay, if he can’t convince Annie to join his summer tour, his music label is going to drop him. That’s what happens when your bad boy image turns into bad boy reality. Annie has been avoiding the spotlight after her parents’ tragic death, except on her skyrocketing YouTube channel. Clay’s label wants to land Annie, and Clay has to make it happen.

Swayed by Clay’s undeniable charm and good looks, Annie and her band agree to join the tour. From the start fans want them to be more than just tour mates, and Annie and Clay can’t help but wonder if the fans are right. But if there’s one part of fame Annie wants nothing to do with, it’s a high-profile relationship. She had a front row seat to her parents’ volatile marriage and isn’t interested in repeating history. If only she could convince her heart that Clay, with his painful past and head over heels inducing tenor, isn’t worth the risk.

My Thoughts:

Clay and Annie had an instant bond, sharing a passion for music, each very talented, which made it easy for them to fall for each other.  I loved when they performed together, you could feel the chemistry sparking between them, and I thought the lyrics were really good! Annie’s little revenge song was a lot of fun, and well-deserved!

They’re tour wasn’t full of some of the things I dread with a rockstar romance (country music, here), like lots of drugs, meaningless sex, and alcohol, because I hate witnessing (reading about) a self-destructive, downward spiral.  While Clay did go through a bit of that it wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been.   Annie had her own issues thanks to famous country singing parents, ones who probably shouldn’t have had a child. 

I really enjoyed You’d Be Mine, and the fact that it was a mostly drama-free romance. I’m looking forward to more from Erin Hahn.  I listened to the audio, Emily Lawrence and Tristan Morris did a nice job performing, and I liked having male and female narrators. Although, I still don’t know why they don’t perform their parts throughout the book instead of doing all the voices (male and female) on their particular chapter.

4 Suns

2019 Audiobook Challenge: Mid-Year Check In

Hot Listens and Caffeinated Reviewer are hosting their 7th annual Audiobook Challenge and I'm posting my mid-year check in. 

I was aiming for the Marathoner 50+ books and it looks like I'll have no problem since I've just hit 40 books.  I listen to books back and forth to work and it's at hour each way, and listen to books while running or doing chores, but I didn't realize I listened to this many!

Here are a few of my favorites so far this year:

5 Stars:

4.5 Stars:

Review & Giveaway: A Touch of Forever by Jo Goodman

A Touch of Forever (Cowboys of Colorado #3) by Jo Goodman

Publication Date: June 4th 2019 by Berkley Books
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher & Purchased Audiobook
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

About the book:

A marriage of convenience turns into a sweetly seductive love-off-the-rails romance in the latest Cowboys of Colorado novel from USA Today bestselling author Jo Goodman.

Lily Salt has sworn off men. After finally gaining her independence, the last thing she needs is another man telling her what to do. But the handsome railroad engineer from New York isn't at all what she expected. He's kind, gentle...and tempting enough to make her wonder what a second chance at love might be worth.

A self-acknowledged black sheep, Roen Shepard knows what it means to feel alone. Recognizing a kindred spirit in the reserved widow whose fascinating blue-green eyes have seen too much, and charmed by the warmth of her ready-made family, the two begin an unlikely friendship.

When a complication from his past follows him to Frost Falls, Roen proposes a mad scheme to protect the new life he's built and keep close the stubborn woman he's accidentally fallen for--a marriage of convenience. But Lily has secrets of her own, and the closer he gets to uncovering them, the more he comes to realize that the only truth that matters is the secret to unlocking her heart.

My Thoughts:

Lily Salt has been through a lot, but finally has settled into a comfortable, contented life as a widower and mother of four children.  Her careful attempts to keep people at arm’s length goes by the wayside when Roan Shepherd, a railroad engineer, new to Frost Falls takes notice of her.  She tries to rebuff his interest, but Roan he’s persistent and as a further complication he hires her son Clay as an assistant.

My heart went out to Lily in the previous book, and so I was so pleased that she’s doing so well for her and her children here.  I liked that she was an independent woman and didn’t need a man to make her happy, but the addition of Roan was like icing on a cake. The gradual way their friendship forms was a delight to experience!  The careful way Roan treated their burgeoning romance made me fall hard for Roan! The kids were very much a part of the story, each so sweet, and it was touching how protective they were of their mother. These kids needed careful handling as they were affected by the abuse of their mother, as well.  I loved how Roan interacted with them, never overbearing, but a father figure there to support and love them. 

There’s a bit of suspense here too, as with the previous installments, with Roan’s past mistress in the mix.  A selfish sociopath if there ever was one, with her shady detective in tow.

An interesting mix of side characters/stories grabbed my attention. Fedora Chen, an American Chinese woman and the obstacles she faces in this time period, with a nice little romance brewing there, too! I’m wondering if the next installment, if there is one, might feature Fedora? I also enjoyed the Old West setting: the historical aspects of the railway expansion, and life in the 1800’s.  Always interesting to imagine how it would be to live back then without all the modern conveniences we have now, and with the differences in attitude towards women and minorities. 

I’ve loved the two previous installments, but A Touch of Forever is my favorite to date! The quiet, but intense emotions between these two sucked me in to this lovely story!  It is a slow burn romance, but wow it heated up!  As a side note, it’s not necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this one. In fact, each book can easily be read as a standalone.

I switched back and forth from the e-book to my audio copy.  I loved the Laurel Lefkow’s performance! She captured some of the wry tone of comments and teasing I didn’t necessarily pick up on until listening to her reading.  I paid a little more attention while traditionally reading and it definitely enhanced my experience.  I listened at my usual 1.25xs the normal speed.

5 Suns

Berkley Books generously provided a finished Paperback Copy of A Touch of Forever to giveaway to one reader.  The giveaway is open to US Residents only.  Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.

Review & Giveaway: The Cowboy and His Baby by Jessica Clare

The Cowboy and His Baby by Jessica Clare

Publication Date: May 7th 2019 by Berkley

Pages: 304

Source: Publisher and Purchased Audiobook

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

About the book:

From New York Times bestselling author Jessica Clare comes a contemporary Western romance about a cowboy who is in for the ride of his life…. 

Dustin is a ranch hand with a reputation around town as a ladies’ man. He loves flirting and the thrill of the chase. When he tilts his cowboy hat just so, no one can resist his charms. It’s all fun and games for Dustin until he meets a woman who sparks real feelings in him, and he’s blindsided by love.

Annie is an animal trainer working on set for a film. Other than her furry, canine coworkers, she hasn’t connected with the rest of the movie’s crew. It’s only when a certain cowboy catches her eye that Wyoming becomes interesting. She intends for their romance to be a fling, but by the time filming wraps up, she’s unexpectedly pregnant. 

While Annie is prepared to walk away and raise her baby by herself, Dustin isn’t so ready to say good-bye. He has to prove to Annie that she has a future in Wyoming and capture her heart before it’s too late....

My Thoughts:

Annie, a dog trainer, is in Wyoming for a film shoot. She wasn’t expecting to have a fling, but Dustin, a local cowboy gets past her usual shields and they end up spending all her off-time together.  He’s sexy and sweet, and she finds herself falling hard. 

Annie feels like a breath of fresh air for Dustin. She wasn’t falling all over herself to go out with him. For once he had to work to get a woman to go out with him.  But more than that, she’s got a genuine heart, speaks her mind and doesn’t play games. She’s the woman he never knew he wanted, he never thought he’d want anything but a casual good time, but Annie has him re-thinking his plans.

Annie ends up pregnant, and a misunderstanding has her questioning whether she was all wrong about Dustin.

I kind of love the unexpected pregnancy troupe! It was clear Dustin and Annie were falling harder than they counted on before that was ever thrown in the mix, and Annie’s pregnancy forces them to get through a misunderstanding that may have parted them for good otherwise.  Dustin was a complete sweetheart determined to have a future with Annie and his baby. 

Annie was a little insecure so I could understand why she made a snap decision without getting the full story, but thankfully that part of the story didn’t have much page time, so the frustration over that was low.  Also, Annie fully owned up to her mistake and was really sorry.

Their romance was realistic with both Dustin and Annie each vulnerable and insecure in parts, but it was also sweet, and pretty hot!  I was fully invested in their journey to a HEA!

I part listened and part read The Cowboy and His Baby.  I’ve listened to Abby Craden narration before and she’s great with both female and male voices, especially with a Southern accent, but I usually have to crank up the speed to 1.5 times normal.  Granted, there aren’t many audio books I listen to at normal speed, most are 1.25x or higher.

4 Suns

Review: The Summer Retreat by Sheila Roberts

The Summer Retreat (Moonlight Harbor #3) by Sheila Roberts

Publication Date: April 23rd 2019 by MIRA
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher and Audible Purchase
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

About the book:

Join USA TODAY bestselling author Sheila Roberts for a seaside escape to the beaches of Moonlight Harbor
Celeste Jones has plans for a perfect summer with her boyfriend (and hopefully soon-to-be fiancé)—until he dumps her to be with the woman he’s had on the side for months. Heartbroken and furious, Celeste resolves to move on. When the going gets tough, the tough…okay, the not-so-tough go to the beach.
As soon as school lets out for the summer, she waves goodbye to her first-graders, packs up her bikini and heads for Moonlight Harbor, where she knows her big sister, Jenna, will receive her with open arms. Jenna could probably use some help at the Driftwood Inn, and Celeste is happy to do chores around the place in exchange for a relaxing summer escape. She just needs something—or someone—to distract her from her troubles.
Finding The One can be tricky, and Jenna is determined to make sure Celeste gets it right this time around. Not that Jenna’s an expert. She’s still trying to sort out her own love life. But if both sisters listen to their hearts, eventually they’re bound to discover that life—and love—is good at the beach.

My Thoughts:

Celeste has been burned her boyfriend, a man she thought would propose only to find he’s been cheating on her.  In response, she ventures out to Moonlight Harbor, the seaside town her sister has settled into after purchasing an inn.  Celeste, a teacher, takes the summer off to help at the inn while trying to figure out where she’s gone wrong in her love life.  She had sparks and chemistry with her last beau, but that just ended in heartache so she decides to go for the safer bet, the town’s pastor, Paul.  He’s good-looking and even if he doesn’t make her heart race, he’s a steady and sure bet, not someone likely to cheat on her.  Not like Henry, the guest in cabin twelve, an annoying man, poking and prodding at every turn, but one that heats her up!

The Summer Retreat was an entertaining read, kind of a Hallmark movie type of romance, where lots of things go wrong and are a bit whacky. I quickly flipped (listened) through the pages, but this is one of those stories where I had mixed feelings.  I felt bad for Celeste because she was duped by a cheating loser at the beginning, but I was also annoyed with her.  She ignores her instincts that tell her she’s not a good match for the Pastor Paul but goes along with the “romance” because he’s the safe bet, a man who’ll never cheat.  I don’t like reading a romance where the heroine is all tied up with one man while she’s meant to be with another. It was clear to me and should’ve been clear to Celeste that Pastor Paul wasn’t the guy for her, and yet the situation plays out for almost the entire book.

I was also irritated with her sister, Jenna, who kept pushing her toward Paul when Celeste didn’t seem all that hot on him.  I have to say Jenna’s romantic situation is another frustration: a love triangle, that wasn’t resolved in this story. Maybe it will be in the next book?

It does sound like I didn’t really like the story after writing all of my complaints, but I did. I’m happy for how things turned out for Celeste, and I did have some laughs along the way.  I switched back and forth from my e-copy to the audio book and found Ann Gideon’s voice pleasant and upbeat.

3 Suns

Review: Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs

Storm Cursed (Mercy Thompson #11) by Patricia Briggs

Publication Date: May 7th 2019 by Ace

Pages: 384

Source: Publisher and purchased audio copy

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

About the book:

In this powerful entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, Mercy Thompson must face a deadly enemy to defend all she loves...
My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.
And a coyote shapeshifter.
And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.
Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn't stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.
The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.
But we are pack, and we have given our word.
We will die to keep it.

My Thoughts:

It seems witches are the issue in Storm Cursed, the newest Mercy Thompson installment. Same with the latest Alpha & Omega (a companion series), Burn Bright. And I think they’re going to be important in the books to come.  While it’s not necessary to read Burn Bright before Storm Cursed there are a few connecting dots between the two books.  I don’t want to detail the plot because I think it’s best going in not knowing much, but as soon as I started reading I didn’t want to stop!  I will say Sherwood Post, Wulfe, Zee, Tad, Elizaveta were big players in this installment, and there are some intriguing surprises.

Mercy Thompson is a series that is consistently amazing and keeps me wishing for more even when the series is at eleven books! That’s not even counting the companion series, Alpha & Omega.  I just recently did a re-read of both series, one right after the other, that’s how good it is!  Patricia Briggs’ writing is smart, and her stories are well-plotted. I feel like she examines the motivations of each of her characters before setting them on a path of action.  Even the fight scenes are well-choreographed and exciting.  The relationship between Adam and Mercy is strong, they both lean on each other for support without question, and there’s always an undercurrent of passionate simmering under the surface!

Mercy Thompson is one of my all-time favorite urban fantasy series, and if you haven’t picked it up you are missing out!  Best to start at the beginning and read the books in order.  I have an e-ARC, but I also bought an audio copy and that’s how I ended up “reading”.  Lorelei King’s narration is perfection! Her performance of both her male and female voices are amazing, and her comedic timing when there’s humor is spot on!  

4.5 Suns

Review: The View from Alameda Island by Robyn Carr

The View from Alameda Island by Robyn Carr

Publication Date: April 30th by MIRA

Pages: 336

Source: Publisher & Purchased Audio copy

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible | Kobo

About the book:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers a poignant and powerful story about how one woman’s best intentions lead to the worst of situations and how the power of love helps her to heal and ultimately triumph.

From the outside looking in, Lauren Delaney has a life to envy—a successful career, a solid marriage to a prominent surgeon and two beautiful daughters who are off to good colleges. But on her twenty-fourth wedding anniversary Lauren makes a decision that will change everything.

Lauren won’t pretend things are perfect anymore. She defies the controlling husband who has privately mistreated her throughout their marriage and files for divorce. And as she starts her new life, she meets a kindred spirit—a man who is also struggling with the decision to end his unhappy marriage.

But Lauren’s husband wants his “perfect” life back and his actions are shocking. Facing an uncertain future, Lauren discovers an inner strength she didn’t know she had as she fights for the love and happiness she deserves.

My Thoughts:

I LOVE Robyn Carr’s writing, so I’ve been looking forward to The View From Alameda Island, it was amazing and crazy!  I think this has been the craziest exes I’ve read from Ms. Carr, but the relationship between Lauren and Beau was steady and calming throughout any drama that came at them.  Their romance was slow and steady, felt real, but also had heat and chemistry! I loved it!

Let me just tell you I wanted to strangle both of their exes! Their pictures would be up by the words “narcissistic”, “megalomaniac”, and “delusional” in the dictionary!  Wow! I honestly can’t believe they both put up with so much, but I can somewhat understand because there were kids involved.  Each wanted to wait until their kids were out and mostly settled on their own path.  Beau get special props for being a stepfather and not bowing out because he split from the boy’s mom. They truly needed a stable force in their life since their mom was flighty, full of drama, and manipulative!

I was touched by the wonderful friends and family Beau and Lauren had, a testament to the kind of good people they were at heart, they definitely needed the support!  I loved how each ex had their own comeuppance at every turn, and never got away with things too long.  I’m so sad for anyone who goes through this kind of drama in their family.  At any rate, I loved how it all turned out. 

The setting of Alameda Island was lovely!  I’m in East Bay San Francisco just about every other weekend, but I haven’t got over to that neck of the woods yet, but now I want to! It sounds like a charming little town full of character!

I mostly listened to the audio version narrated by Therese Plummer, one of my all-time favorite performers!  She nails both the male and female characters, and I love her easy cadence.  She narrates most (if not all) of Ms. Carr’s books, as well as the Casey Duncan (Rockton) series by Kelley Armstrong. Another favorite author/series!  I’d be willing to give just about any author a go if Ms. Plummer is narrating the story!

4 Suns

Review: The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews

The Matrimonial Advertisement (Parish Orphans of Devon #1) by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: September 4th 2018 by Perfectly Proper Press

Pages: 388 Audio Length: 10 hours 49 minutes

Narrator: Justine Eyre

Source: Purchased

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

About the book:

She Wanted Sanctuary...

Helena Reynolds will do anything to escape her life in London, even if that means traveling to a remote cliffside estate on the North Devon coast and marrying a complete stranger. But Greyfriar's Abbey isn't the sort of refuge she imagined. And ex-army captain Justin Thornhill--though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome--is anything but a romantic hero.

He Needed Redemption...

Justin has spent the last two decades making his fortune, settling scores, and suffering a prolonged period of torture in an Indian prison. Now, he needs someone to smooth the way for him with the villagers. Someone to manage his household--and warm his bed on occasion. What he needs, in short, is a wife and a matrimonial advertisement seems the perfect way to acquire one.

Their marriage was meant to be a business arrangement and nothing more. A dispassionate union free from the entanglements of love and affection. But when Helena's past threatens, will Justin's burgeoning feelings for his new bride compel him to come to her rescue? Or will dark secrets of his own force him to let her go?

My Thoughts:

What kind of man would post a marriage offer for a wife? What kind of woman would answer it? A man who wants/needs a wife but doesn’t want to go through the hoops of courtship. Yet, when Justin lays eyes on Helena and gets to know her, he’s willing to do a lot more than just jump through hoops.  Helena answers the advertisement seeking protection and refuge, just wanting a kind, protective man, but Justin stirs up a lot more than just shelter and friendship.  I loved seeing these two fall in love while battling insecurities, and getting to know each other, revealing their deepest secrets.

What Helena went through made me so angry!  I’m happy she found an advocate and protector and more with Justin. He also inspired her to courageously stand up for herself!  I loved Justin and was thrilled Helena came into his life! She was just the kind of woman he deserved after the past he endured!

I picked up The Marriage Advertisement after loving A Holiday by Gaslight. The e-copy and audio together were a steal of a deal on Amazon. I was riveted to the story, starting the audio book and then continuing to read traditionally needing to know how it all turned out!  The audio was fantastic, I highly recommend Justine Eyre!

Mimi Matthews is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors, which is why I’m pleased the series will continue with Helena’s best friend/companion, Jenny, in the next story: A Modest Independence releasing next week. Can’t wait!

4 Suns

Review: A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn

A Dangerous Collaboration (Veronica Speedwell #4) by Deanna Raybourn

Publication Date: March 12th 2019 by Berkley

Pages: 336

Source: ARC provided by publisher and purchased audio copy

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

About the book:

Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell is whisked off to a remote island off the tip of Cornwall when her natural historian colleague Stoker's brother calls in a favor. On the pretext of wanting a companion to accompany him to Lord Malcolm Romilly's house party, Tiberius persuades Veronica to pose as his fiancée--much to Stoker's chagrin. But upon arriving, it becomes clear that the party is not as innocent as it had seemed. Every invited guest has a connection to Romilly's wife, Rosamund, who disappeared on her wedding day three years ago, and a dramatic dinner proves she is very much on her husband's mind.

As spectral figures, ghostly music, and mysterious threats begin to plague the partygoers, Veronica enlists Stoker's help to discover the host's true motivations. And as they investigate, it becomes clear that there are numerous mysteries surrounding the Romilly estate, and every person present has a motive to kill Rosamund...

My Thoughts:

I’ve been having fun with the Veronica Speedwell series, but I have to say these last two books (3 & 4) have been my favorite to date. I do love the mysteries, and the modern clever woman Veronica presents, but I love the last two because we are finally getting somewhere with the romance between Stoker and Veronica!

In A Treacherous Curse (the previous book) Stroker’s tumultuous past is revealed and mostly settled. Veronica is still skittish about getting involved with Stoker, worried that he still carried feelings for his ex-wife, and sort of sabotage’s herself in the process.  Fear not, Stoker seems to know Veronica better than she knows herself. Their relationship is the highlight for me!  These two are close and united even when they’re in a bit of a snit with each other.  There’s a begrudging possessiveness, they don’t want to feel jealous but can’t help it, even when there’s no serious competition. I love the obvious passion and intensity between them, their cheeky banter is a wicked delight! Cementing their connection is their shared zeal for science.  I was over the moon with how things turned out by the end!

There is a tragic romance within the current mystery (no, not Veronica and Stoker) and I have to say that while my heart broke for the injured male, I felt worse for the woman that bore the effects of his heartbreak more! (Highlight for spoiler)I felt so bad for Tiberius’ wife! No woman wants to be second choice and she paid dearly for it! I felt more for her than Rosamund, who came off as a selfish, mercenary woman.   (End of spoiler)  It was a tragedy all around.

I can’t wait for the next book, as a Jack the Ripper type seems to be the villain, and I’m eager to see how Veronica and Stoker will take on this evil as they settle into a new understanding.

I alternatively read and listened to this book, and I can’t recommend the audio narration more! Angele Masters’ performance was perfection!

4.5 Suns