Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Mate

I enjoyed this! Not as much as Bride though. Characters were super fun, the voice pops, the banter is peak, the narration is awesome, and I liked returning to this fun world. But two kind big things I wasn’t crazy about: the beginning hops back and forth between present in past in flashbacks that I found kind of jarring (like at one point I had to check to be sure I hadn’t missed a chapter), but those stopped around the 20% mark. Secondly (and maybe more importantly) I feel like a couple of the main plot points were resolved with something like, “welp, turns out that wasn’t a problem after all” and there was a moment in the epilogue too that didn’t quite hit for me. While I didn’t love those moments, they didn’t bother me too much… because on the whole, I feel like this is a light cotton-candy read of a werewolf book

Overall though, definitely enjoyed the read. It’s light, it’s’ fun, the plot was… a largely unnecessary construct so readers could enjoy the characters, voice. and the world, but I think fans of Bride will probably enjoy this one too.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ¼

Honestly, one of my favorite picks from book club this year. I was there for a fun ride, and it was a fun ride.

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – My Hot Best Friend is An Irish Vampire

This story reminded me of Twilight + Boondock Saints. The duet narration for this was absolutely fantastic and I thought the idea of Irish vampire romance was a fun idea. The story took itself way more seriously though than I expected from the title, and I didn’t love the dynamic between the two main characters, and the Vietnam War era backdrop felt a little strange to me. But if you’re looking for an interesting paranormal premise with great narration, this may be for you!

⭐⭐⭐½

Not quite for me, but might be for you!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Undermining of Twyla and Frank

Really enjoyed the characters, the writing, and this world. In general, it’s all so fun and light and unique, and it really just feels like a comfort-read. I also really thought the friends dynamic between the two main leads was well done. I feel like friends-to-lovers is a hard dynamic to pull off but you could definitely feel the tension between them (as well as a believable barrier) from the beginning. However, the ending resolution between the two of them felt a bit rushed though, and there was some miscommunication trope use which didn’t sit super well for me in the end. Otherwise, definitely an enjoyable read, and the narration is fantastic. I’d recommend this for anyone looking for a light fantasy that read likes a quirky romcom (Honestly I need WAY more books like this in my life.) I’ve got book 3 on my TBR as well and I’m excited to read it!

⭐⭐⭐⭐¼

Enjoyed the journey, but honestly, I’m still thinking about how I wish the ending would’ve gone just a little differently.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Things We Left Behind (Knockemout #3)

Okay, so there are lot of the same tropes in all three of the Knockemout books. We’re basically talking rich, alpha male in the rough-around-the-edges-with-a-heart-of-gold town. It’s a spicy, foul-mouthed Hallmark movie, but I was intrigued by Lucian and Sloan’s childhood friends gone bad past, and I was not disappointed here. Though I didn’t really like book 2, I think you have to read it to know what’s going on in book 3, and I did enjoy seeing the gang with all of their happily ever afters. Not quite as good as book one, but a solid 4.5/5 for me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

I’ll take it, but book 1 is still my favorite.

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – Things We Hide from the Light (Knockemout #2)

Hmmm… I don’t really know how to rate this one. Nash and Lina just didn’t work for me like Naomi & Knox did from book one. It seemed like Nash & Lina’s relationship was based very much on the physical “well if it feels this good, it can’t be wrong” and “the body doesn’t lie” which I just didn’t buy. And honestly… I wasn’t feeling the chemistry, and individually, I didn’t like them as much as Naomi & Knox either.

That said, I still love the town and the side characters and I still want to read book 3, because my interest in the whole Lucian/Sloan situation is piqued, but if book 3 turns out not great, then I’d definitely recommend just reading book 1 as a stand-alone. (no rating)

I’m still kind of salty about this one. I really don’t trust sequels.

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout #1)

So this book was a great surprise. It is a foul-mouthed, spicy, unapologetic Hallmark movie. Is there anything particularly surprising here? No. But does it execute it with near perfection? Yes. So if you’re looking for:

– Quirky, rough-around-the-edges small town with heart of gold
– Lovable side characters
– Quick, witty dialogue
– Laugh-out-loud moments
– Found Family
– Dual POV
– Strong, broody, hurting, rich, & fist-fighty MMC
– Lovable, recovering people-pleaser FMC
– Complicated family issues

This totally saved my road trip, the narration was excellent, and I downloaded Knockemout 2 immediately after finishing. What can I say? I am but a simple person who loves me anything resembling a K-drama, and this hit it on all marks. Warning: the bonus epilogue shows them like 10 years down the road, contains intentional spoilers for book 2, and is skippable (though I enjoyed it.)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I mean, I loved it. I don’t know what else to tell you.

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – I Hope This Doesn’t Find You

Aww this was such a strong YA romance. The YA voice feels authentic here, and I was totally able to connect with Sadie’s struggle with image, perfectionism, & people-pleasing. She was easy to like, and I enjoyed her development throughout the book. The story does a wonderful job of balancing sincerity & humor, and I thought the relationship between the leads seemed to grow naturally over time. Though I had mixed feelings about Julius at the beginning, he won me over with the little ways that his feelings for Sadie would pop through, and his genuine-feeling exchanges with her.

Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a sweet academic rivals to lovers that reads authentically YA.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Absolutely adorable! Definitely recommend.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Say You’ll Remember Me

I love Abby Jimenez’s writing style, but this one didn’t work for me. I felt like Xavier was doing all the work and making all the sacrifices for their relationship, and some of their choices as a couple & family, I felt like weren’t very smart. I was a huge fan of the early Jimenez books that felt more rom-commy, but these are also a little heavy for me. Jimenez books used to be an auto-read for me, but I think I’ve got to take a break for now. Life’s Too Short remains my favorite of hers! (no star rating)

My friend loved this one, but sometimes a book just isn’t for me.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Mindf*ck Series

I stopped everything so I could inhale this series, so that makes this a series review!

Book One:

So this was a complete surprise! I stumbled on this book when I was on a road trip searching Libby for an audiobook to read and picked this one up at random without knowing anything about it. Based on the cover, I honestly thought it would be too spicy for me, but it was so fun! It basically felt like Dexter except with more romance and if Dexter was a girl out for vengeance and also falling for the FBI agent that’s on her case.

Super fast paced with spice and some darkness, I’ll totally be looking for book 2!

Book Two:

I loved the first book but then explicably forgot to download the second. I’m SO glad I remembered because this series is legit addicting and the audio narration I amazing. Reminds me of Dexter during the best seasons and I had to download book 3 immediately and took the dog for a walk so I could listen. 🤣 Definitely recommend!

Book Three:

The series continues to be amazing. I really need to read the other audiobook loans I have from the library that are about to expire, but I want to binge the rest of the books so badly.

Book Four:

Literally could not stop reading. The amazing binge continues as I immediately pick up book 5.

Book Five:

I loved very second of this series, and literally COULD NOT put it down. I have never been so glad that a series was complete and binged the crap out of this. Dexter + The Count of Monte Cristo + A Splash of Spicy. If that sounds like your thing, you’re going to LOVE this. Definitely going to go on my top reads of the year list, and one of the best series I’ve read in a while. Kept me hooked from start to finish. SIX STARS and recommended so hard.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is my “THIS SERIES WAS AMAZING” face.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Great Big Beautiful Life & Emily Henry Book Ranking

This isn’t my favorite Emily Henry book, but I think this is the one that’s cemented me as a fan. I would describe it as Beach Read meets the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and I would describe the romance as sweet (though with moderate spice) and almost cozy in nature. Though there is some mystery to it, I wouldn’t say it’s a page-turner even though it certainly kept my interest throughout. At the end of the day, it was the lovable characters, the lovely, accessible writing, and the Georgia coast scenery that sold it for me. And I’ll definitely be picking up whatever Emily Henry writes next.

Which leads to my personal ranking of Emily Henry books:
1. Book Lovers (Adored)
2. Beach Read (Loved)
3. Great Big Beautiful Life (Enjoyed)
4. Funny Story (Liked)
5. People We Meet on Vacation (Did not Like)
6. Happy Place (Really didn’t like)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What can I say? Emily Henry is popular for a reason!

Thanks for reading!