Blame It on the Brontes by Annie Sereno Narrated by Katie Schorr

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I received a digital copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Being from Missouri had I known this book takes place in so many locations or types of places I’m either very familiar with or have been to I probably would not have requested this book. However that’s a me problem not a book problem. I do enjoy books set in places I’ve never been like NYC while I imagine there are probably many people who prefer not to read about where they live. So if you’re not from here it’s probably irrelevant. 

This is a second chance romance. Personally I only occasionally like second chance romances. So these two factors likely colored my view of the rest.

I’m also much more of an Austen fan than a Brontë fan. I enjoyed Jane Eyre but wasn’t much into the other Brontë books. 

I found the heroine not terribly likable or relatable. I wasn’t super on board with her mission and found the plot path somewhat predictable.

If you’re not from the Midwest and you love second chance romances you’ll probably like this book. For me it was 3/5

Curled Up With an Earl by Amy Rose Bennett Narrated by Sasha Higgins

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I received a digital copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in Amy Rose Bennetts Byronic Book Club series. I would say you could read this as a stand alone. There’s no cliff hanger however I recommend starting at the beginning of the series. The first book really sets up the situations of the 3 friends and without knowing the back story of the first couple when they’re referenced in this book you may be slightly confused. 

Once again we have the fantastic narrator Sasha Higgins. She’s really just perfect for this type of heroine - blue stocking, unassuming, genuine, a little awkward.

Our heroine was very relatable. She’s attempting to scrape along on a shoe string budget managing a household to the best of her ability, looking after her father who’s growing stranger with age and worrying about her absent brother. She never loses faith or love for her brother or father. Which is nice to see often in these plots a person will give up on a loved one and then have a tearful “I was so wrong” reunion when they find out the true story. 

Loved our hero. First of all - smoke show large male. Competent, not afraid to get his hands dirty and able to see past the heroines awkwardness to all of her awesomeness and also appreciate the awkwardness. He is pretending to be far below his actual social standing which just makes their instant attraction and her appreciation for him all the more sweet. 

Not only is this a romance but there is also mystery, intrigue and spying. This is an open door romance with an HEA. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. This one was enjoyable and not to be missed. 

5/5

Pusheen the Cat's Guide to Everything by Claire Belton

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As a life long fan of cats and the roommate of a rather pudgy cat I have long appreciated the life philosophies, humor and catatitude of Pusheen and the full cast of characters. This book was just as amusing and smile inducing as any previous comics. We have a paper copy of a previous Pusheen book and it’s something that I enjoy myself and my kids enjoy also both the one who can read and the one who can’t. So it’s a resounding 5/5 for us.

Extra Witchy by Ann Aguirre Narrated by Ava Lucas

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Pub Date 10 Nov 2022

I received a digital copy of this audiobook from NetGalley and Dreamscape media in exchange for an honest review. 

This is the third book in the series and I do recommend reading them in order. The story lines are somewhat overlapping so I would even read them back to back. It had been a while since I’d read the previous book so there were a few moments that would have hit differently had the previous stories been fresh in my mind.

I was very excited to get the real scoop on this books male lead because we saw him frequently in the first book as that male leads bff/side kick. He had previously seemed like someone who didn’t appear to have much going on but who was likely putting up a facade to hide hidden depths and probably some kind of emotional trauma. Our author did not disappoint, it was fascinating to see the inner workings of his mind after previously being so superficially familiar with the character. 

Now our heroine was not as anticipated for me personally because she featured on a similar level as a number of coven sisters in the previous books. However it was great getting to know her and a different view as the last two books featured cousins and room mates. 

As always I found Ann Aguirres book to be fun, heartwarming, spicy, fantastical, engrossing, humorous and thought provoking. Additionally the narration from Ava Lucas was a high quality performance. 

5/5

The Story of Son A Story of Dark Vampire Romance by J. R. Ward Narrated by Jim Frangione

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I received a digital copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

If you are a fan of the JR Ward universe you will want to read this one and even if you are just in the mood for a short steamy vampire or paranormal romance you won’t want to miss it. It clocks in at just over 2.5 hours so there isn’t any unnecessary fluff. It can be read as a stand alone. This is her usual narrator so consistent performance and characterization is present.

Trigger warnings for being kidnapped, being drugged, being imprisoned, betrayal by a family member, undercurrents of Florence nightingale syndrome/Stockholm syndrome, being unable to remember having sex.

Some people may not be on board with the insta-lust going on here but when presented with a super buff hot considerate gentlemanly artistic virgin…. I mean I get it, I’m fine with it but not everyone might be. This is very fast paced and does feel like a bit of a whirlwind.

This is an open door high steam novella. Epilogue HEA.

5/5

Gemini Queen A Dark Witch Academy Standalone by Laura Navarre

 

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a paranormal polyamorous new adult high steam open door romance. Themes of magic, shifters and zodiac related traits. This story runs parallel to the author’s previous books in the astral heat series with a hint of being in the same universe but no definitive crossovers. This one is a standalone with HEA. No cliffhanger

We have one heroine and 4 hero’s. We have themes of age gap, mentor/mentee, enemies to lovers, fated mates, found family. Everyone that matters is bisexual.  The book starts with bang literally and figuratively. Immediately the chemistry and tension between the characters as they each meet and interact with the heroine is palpable and compelling. This one is a page turner but be careful those pages may singe your fingers because this is H-O-T, hot!

5/5

Much Ado About Dukes by Eva Devon Narrated by Sasha Higgins

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I received a digital copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by this author but my second recent audiobook with this narrator. Strangely both audiobooks featured independently minded blue stockings who ‘don’t need a man’ but end up marrying a Duke 🤷‍♀️ However it doesn’t change them they just do more good with their social capital.

Despite these similarities honestly I love this theme and am in no way bothered by some repeat plot points. This one in particular had a very unique introspective moment that I won’t spoil but it really brought home how fragile a woman’s independence was back then and the necessity of pragmatism. 

Our hero is an emotionally wounded oldest sibling who’s essentially raised his younger brothers and is a natural caretaker and wants to be able to control everything around him so that he can protect everyone. You don’t always have to be so brave Duke. Let her in. What is it about repressed emotions and vulnerability that is so attractive in a big strong powerful man? No really I’m asking, I have no idea but it checks a box for me every time. Swoon. He doesn’t want to be hurt by love but what he really needs is the love of a good woman. Sign me up. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. There were many thought provoking moments, some good steam and romance and plenty of heartwarming humor. If you’re a fan of this genre it’s a definite winner.

5/5