Alien's Temptation Earth Brides & Alien Warriors, Book 3 by Tina Moss

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

This is the 3rd book in the series and while one could probably enjoy it fine if you’re not too picky needing world building details and distracted by call backs to other books it’s probably best that they be read in order. 

Here we have two Alpha personalities on a mission together challenging for control and unable to resist the pull of being fated mates but only he knows about the fated mates thing! Oh nos! But wait she’s on board with the canoodling so it’s fine. 

This is a sci fi alien romance space adventure with high steam, a couple tense dangerous moments and is on the shorter side which is just what I need sometimes. 

Great read. 5/5

Booked on a Feeling by Jayci Lee Narrated by Cindy Kay

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

This is a friends to lovers romance about (to borrow a phrase from the podcast Heaving Bosoms) two hot dummies (and I mean that affectionately) who are obviously hopelessly in love with each other but shove those feelings down to “preserve their friendship” and focus on career (Lizzy) and family (Jack). 

However they both come to realize that their prior goals and focus are no longer as fulfilling or appropriately fitting as previously.

They come to the realization that they need a new life focus and so much the better if that involves more time together even if they are “just friends”. 

Also independent bookstores.

And just like when finding the culprit in a mystery, their next steps provide means, motive and opportunity. (I may be listening to too many true crime podcasts.)

This story features Asian American (Korean) leads to provide some much needed diversity in the romance genre. Familiar concept of heroine named Lizzy/Elizabeth favoring Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice in particular. Solid performance by the narrator.

4/5

The Grump Who Stole Summer by Ella Fields Narrated by Kelsey-Ann O'Dowd and Brian Meslar

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I received a digital copy of this audiobook from NetGalley and Orange Sky Audio in exchange for an honest review. The print/ebook version was released in January of 2022 and is available to read on kindle unlimited. The audiobook releases 8/9/22.

This is a second chance romance - a broody angsty new adult romance with high steam (open door) and frequent cursing. There’s underage substance use but no underage action. Remembered references to casual sex. So if that doesn’t sound to your taste keep walking. As a mom in my late 30s I’m not always in the mood for new adult romance drama but sometimes it’s a nice snack.

A scarred (literally and figuratively) grumpy virgin hero is one of my absolute favorite romance tropes. We also get a bookstore workplace makeover. The author uses alternating hero vs heroine; present day vs past storytelling to unravel what’s really going on between these two. 

Our heroine is a “bad girl/uninhibited party” who really isn’t all that bad. She’s relatable and intellectual beneath the glittery surface. 

Our hero calls Alice “wonderland” as a nickname, which I find fun, romantic and potentially full of meaning. Alice is bisexual and some of the cruel reactions by peers after a high school exploration of feels occurs. Largely just cattiness. No specified cruelty or violence. So not pleasant but not overly scarring if that’s a trigger subject. 

Narration quality - female was solid with inflection for various characters. It appeared to me at least, that the gravelly-ness of the hero’s voices was likely not natural and an affectation. Kudos to him for giving the people what they want. The reading of the chapter titles felt a little unnatural and forced but once entering the narrative it melded with the story quite well and I appreciate the effort in voice acting the character more than a natural voice that wouldn’t fit the character.

At the end we find out what really happened in the past and connections are made that none of our leading players even knew. It was a bit darker than I expected but the author didn’t linger overlong on the subject.

5/5

All Fired Up by Dylan Newton Narrated by Emma Love; Max Lloyd-Jones

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

This was a great listen - loved the dual narration and the narrators. Our heroine is type A organized with a can do attitude and a Mary Poppins bag of everything one might need. Our hero is a chill, live in the now, Adonis like, ax throwing, pottery making veteran.

This is a great opposites attract/forced proximity rom-com. I loved the way the cover tied into the story line. This is a great example of how sometimes we can get in our own way and can learn from others who are different how to temper our own over strong tendencies. 

I can’t wait for the next brothers story. 5/5

The Witches of Moonshyne Manor A Novel by Bianca Marais Narrated by Amy Landon

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

Ok so first up this is listed as a rom-com/sci-fi/fantasy/womens fiction and to me a more accurate description would be womens paranormal comedy fiction. It is funny, there is witchiness, while there is some closed door action and feelings of unrequited love I wouldn’t categorize it as romantic. This book gave me feels of the movies - The First Wives Club, Grumpy Old Men and The Devine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. Starring a cadre of octogenarian witches with a spunky 15 year old feminist and one of my favorite touches - her dog Ruth Bader Ginsberg. 

We get to know these ladies and the events that took place 30 years ago that led them to this point are unraveled in a compelling and captivating bit of storytelling. 

The authors note at the end was especially appropriate in that we don’t often read books focused on elderly ladies and really it should happen more often - they’ve lived a lot of life. Go into this open to appreciating it for the gem it is with no preconceived notions based on genre descriptions and it will not disappoint. It is truly a unique tale. 

5/5

Blood Metal Bone by Lindsay Cummings

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I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and a physical copy from the publisher Harper 360 in exchange for an honest review.

This is a unique setup that can be surprising and/or jarring if unexpected and it would likely be better to present upfront in the synopsis the unusual genre mixing. From what is presented one expects a YA fantasy world in the sense of the familiar construct of semi-medieval monarchy with no real tech and underlying magic. However there are alternating viewpoints between the heroine in this familiar world and then swaps to a another viewpoint in a world with a sci-fi feel. Some may take issue with these disparities but it’s fantasy why not make it as fantastical as possible? With that in mind it’s easier to go on the journey that is this book knowing at least somewhat what to expect. The mystery of what will happen next lures one through the story arc like a trail through the forest that you can’t see the end of. My only critique is a more thorough synopsis and some more solid world building upfront. 4.5/

Game Wizards The Epic Battle for Dungeons & Dragons by Jon Peterson Narrated by Chris Andrew Ciulla

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

I have not played Dungeons and Dragons myself but I have a 9 year old who’s getting into so I thought I’d do some research. I have seen Stranger Things which I feel like has made waves in popularizing this role playing game along with The Big Bang Theory. Being a nerd is relatively cool these days.

Getting a non-fiction historical accounting of the development of such a unique and prolific game style was fascinating and in a way reminded me of a real life version of Ready Player One. This book is accessible to both the expert and the novice in this genre of entertainment. Check it out. 4.5/5