Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Thornhedge

A interesting, quirky Sleeping Beauty retelling, but in the end I felt like this novella just needed a little more oomph to flesh the characters out. Recommended for those looking for quick read of an old tale that keeps the grim fairytale feel with a twist.

⭐⭐⭐¾

Definitely gets me itching for another fantasy though!

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – The Enemy at Home

Really liked the authentic-feeling WWII homefront setting of this one, and the whodunnit felt classic with some twists and turns to keep me guessing. But there were some elements that didn’t quite jive, and I found the ending to be too bittersweet for me. If you’re looking for a solid 1940s whodunnit without romance though, this might be for you!

⭐⭐⭐¾

A unique twist of genres that didn’t quite stick a satisfying conclusion for me.

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – Assistant to the Villain

Okay, this one is really tough for me to review, because this was one of those rare instances where the audiobook narration really bothered me. And in some cases, it was nearly impossible for me to tell whether it was the writing that was throwing me off or the weird cadence of the narrator.

What I liked:

  • The premise. Combining high fantasy with a workplace comedy a la The Office. YES.

What I didn’t like:

  • The characters didn’t connect for me, and I felt like we covered not a lot of ground for the length of this book, and the, (in what is a huge pet-peeve of mine) we got an abrupt cliffhanger in an ending that didn’t give much satisfaction.

So, I won’t be reading the sequel, but lots of people loved this book, so it could just be me! If the premise intrigues you, definitely check it out, but as much as I love audiobooks, I recommend you go print for this one.

⭐⭐⭐

Not for me, but it could be for you! (Just pass on the audiobook)

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – Demon Copperhead

Loved the voice in this one, and it was a really interesting retelling David Copperfield and also a reflection on the early 2000s. However, I did find the second half to be a little slow, and the conclusion to be rushed in a way that didn’t feel super satisfying. But if you’re looking for a character-centered modern classic, this could definitely be for you! Also the audiobook narration was fantastic!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Different than my usual read, but definitely enjoyed it!

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – The Seven Year Slip

Another super popular book, that just wasn’t quite for me. Actually, I think I felt very similar to how I felt about Dead Romantics, so if you like that, you’ll probably like this one.

What I liked:

  • The premise. A time-traveling apartment that takes you back 7 years. Awesome!

What I didn’t like:

  • Eh, I just didn’t feel like I really connected to the characters, and the tension wasn’t really there for me.

So although I liked it (and would totally watch the movie), I didn’t love it. Audiobook narration was great though, and if you’re looking for a solid romance with a thought-provoking premise, check this one out!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sometimes you just need a light, fun read!

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – The True Love Experiment

Okay, Christina Lauren, you have outdone yourself. This one is my absolute favorite. Lovable characters, amazing voice, great fun premise, and chemistry that totally sizzles. Romance exactly the way it should be. 5 glowing stars and really hoping we get another book in the world titanium and Diamond matches! Hollywood, for the love of all that is holy, MOVIE NOW!!!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I’m still catching my blog up, but this was a top 6 read for me in 2023.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Yours Truly

Enjoyed it, but probably my least favorite of Abby Jimenez’s books so far. (And I’m pretty sure I’ve read them all.)

What I liked:

  • The banter and dialogue. Very fun.
  • Jacob. All the fabulous good-guy vibes.
  • The sending notes to each other in the first half. OMG. ADORBz.
  • Jacob’s narration on the audiobook

What I didn’t like:

  • The relationship drama at the 85% point felt a little contrived for me and very abrupt
  • The miscommunication
  • Brianna’s narration on the audiobook

While the first half was everything I love about Jimenez books – the cuteness, the banter, the fun. I felt like the 2nd half dipped too far in the drama, and I felt like Bri did Jacob wrong. Still a fun read for those looking for a cute romance, but if this is your first Jimenez book, I wouldn’t start here. Will still definitely read the next Jimenez book for sure though!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Not my favorite Jimenez, but I’m still excited for the next one.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Iron Flame

Finished this five minutes ago. No spoilers – real thoughts.

Things I liked:

  • The Dragons (as in book one, I think this is exactly how dragons should be)
  • Specifically, Tairn & Andarna. Definitely my favorite
  • The squad dynamics and loyalty going on
  • Love the action
  • Love that BIG plot events happened, and that Violet played a huge part in them, really coming into her own
  • The perfection of the audiobook narration
  • The family dynamics
  • The action scenes
  • Huge stakes
  • The real feeling that no one is safe

Things I didn’t like:

  • Violet & Xaden have one ongoing fight for the entirety of this 28 hour audiobook, and it is about something (imho) ridiculous, to the point of feeling contrived for the sake of relationship tension. I like Violet pretty much the entire time except when she is with Xaden.
  • The ending. While the last book left me with a feeling of satisfaction after a book-long build to a reveal… I don’t think I got enough closure/resolution in this one to justify the abrupt cliffhanger. Which basically makes it feel like this book doesn’t stand alone in any way, but is rather a stepping stone to book 3. I know it won’t bother most people that love long series, but it’s a big pet peeve of mine. After 28 hours, I would like to close the book with a satisfying pay-off or clawing for the next one… and I don’t really feel either.

So, I think I liked it about the same as the first book, which is to say – solid read and will read book 3, but probably won’t make my 2023 favorite books list.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Solid romantasy, though I still don’t totally get the Fourth Wing mania.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Gideon the Ninth

So, a creepy sci-fi fantasy with necromancers and swords and mystery? I thought this would be right up my alley. Even after my husband gave a lackluster review of being slow, I figured, with all the hype, I would give it a shot. But while, I know a lot of people loved this book, I don’t think it was for me.

What I liked:

  • Gideon’s character and voice off the page.
  • The premise of nine houses of necromancy coming together to solve some kind of riddle in a creepy house of death
  • Swords and general creepiness. Vibes here were solid.
  • The audiobooks narration
  • The complex relationship between Gideon and Harrowhark

What I didn’t like.

  • Pacing. Oof. I’ve got to agree with my husband, this one was slow and l.o.n.g. (Please keep in mind though, as a rule, I like breakneck books.) Gideon spends a lot of the first half not really knowing what’s going on, and well, the tension just wasn’t there for me. Even by the end, I didn’t feel like the elements melded together enough for me to be really satisfied.

Obviously lots of people loved it though, so if you’re into dark, edgy sci-fi fantasy, give this one a shot. 3.75/5 for me, and I’ll pass on the sequel, though I would see the movie.

⭐⭐⭐¾

Not for me, but it could be for you! (And my little iron man says he’s not a fan of the cover, so there’s that too.)

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Night Will Find You

Got the NetGalley audiobook widget for this one in my email and decided I was totally in the mood for a thriller. Totally turned out to be an excellent choice, because I really enjoyed this one. Loved the evocative writing, the twisting of several different mysteries, and the seamless blending of science and paranormal. I really enjoyed Vivi Buchet’s character and complexities as well as her back and forth with Jesse Sharp in a very subtly changing relationship (even though I thought the shift at the end was a little abrupt or sudden.) The only thing that I didn’t like was Vivi’s weird relationship with Mike and her sister. I didn’t feel like it added a whole lot to the story and it just seemed uncomfortable and odd. Luckily, it was one minor element, with so much good to balance it out. I was totally drawn in to the whole story, and found the ending extremely satisfying. Would totally read the sequel if there ever was one. Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the free copy! (Which reminds me, the narration was excellent. Definitely one of my favorite narrators.)

⭐⭐⭐⭐¾

I think I’m ready for another thriller!

Thanks for reading!