montanamomreads's reviews
635 reviews

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to @Macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 and the author for the #gifted audiobook.

This story takes you on a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists and an ending that will leave you utterly speechless. The vivid descriptions of the Scottish island combined with the eerie happenings pulled me in completely. The characters were distinctive and intriguing, and I found myself disliking Grady, despite the mystery surrounding his missing wife.

The narration was exceptional, and the added effects of phone calls and walkie-talkie sounds heightened the suspense dramatically. The audiobook was magnificent.

If you’re a fan of thrilling novels packed with unpredictable twists, make sure you grab this book. It’s set to be released on January 14, 2025, and you won't want to miss it!

The Half King by Melissa Landers

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Thank you to @entangled_publishing and the author for the #gifted e-book.

I appreciated the premise of this book, but I found the pacing a bit slow for my taste. The quest was intriguing, and I was eager to see how Cerise would ultimately break the curse, but the story didn’t truly engage me until around the 75% mark. The Epilogue, however, was captivating and left me excited for what’s to come in book 2.

The characters had potential, though I believe they could have benefited from deeper development. The magic system was fascinating, yet its complexity was a bit overwhelming for me.

While this book didn't resonate with me personally, I believe it might appeal to others. It is set to be released on November 19.

James by Percival Everett

challenging emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to @prhaudio and the author for the #gifted audiobook. I was able to tandem read with the book I purchased at the Friends of the Library sale.

I approached this book with no prior refreshers on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, intentionally seeking a fresh experience. I was captivated by the extraordinary writing and the richly developed characters. The fact that Jim’s escape came full circle added depth to the narrative. The second half of the book truly resonated with me, and I found the evolution of James to be incredibly well crafted.

The narration enhanced my reading experience significantly. The narrator skillfully brought each character to life, making the story even more engaging.

This book has received several award nominations, and it absolutely deserves them. I highly recommend experiencing this book in conjunction with the audiobook for an enriched experience.

The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A heartfelt thank you to @Flatiron_Books and @maryepearson for the #gifted of the e-book!  Thank you to @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for the #gifted audiobook.

I listened to the audio as I read the book and was thoroughly captivated by the audio version of this book! The writing was engaging, pulling me in from the very first page to the last. The characters were complex, each with their own rich backstory that intertwined beautifully with others. The ending was a pleasant surprise—not exactly a cliffhanger, but an unexpected twist that left me pondering long after finishing. 

The narrator truly elevated the experience, skillfully bringing each character to life with unique voices that added depth to the story.

If you love a blend of fantasy, romance, and intrigue, this book is one you simply cannot miss. I am eagerly looking forward to Bristol’s next adventure in book 2!  This book is available now. 

The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri

emotional informative inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

A heartfelt thank you to @StMartinsPress and @adrianaallegri for the incredible gift of the e-book!  Thank you to @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for the gifted audiobook.

As a passionate fan of historical fiction set during WWII, I can confidently say this debut novel is a must-read. It delivers an emotional, inspiring, and gripping narrative that completely engrossed me. 

The story of the Lesenborn facilities is one I hadn’t encountered before, and the author’s meticulous research truly shines through. Characters Allina and Karl are brilliantly crafted as they join the resistance movement to protect not only Jewish children but also those born in the Lesenborn facilities. Their slow-developing romance makes you root for their success with every turn of the page. 

This novel is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, illuminating a profoundly dark chapter of history. I particularly appreciated how Allina’s daughter, upon uncovering her mother’s secret, helps her reconcile with the past. 

The narration of this book was absolutely amazing. The accents, tone, and pace were on point and drew me into the story as I read the book.  

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, this debut novel is an absolute gem and is available now!

The West Wind by Alexandria Warwick

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Thank you to @simon.audio and the author for the #gifted audiobook.

The narrative picks up pace after the first half of the book, making it a worthwhile read. I found the character development of Brielle and Harper to be particularly engaging. Each of them experiences significant personal growth, influenced by their interactions and life events. As they navigate their relationships, we are given an intimate look at their struggles and triumphs, making their journeys relatable. The romance between Brielle and Zephryus unfolds as a slow burn, adding depth to the storyline. 

The narrators excel in their roles, bringing the characters to life. This story truly benefits from being experienced as an audiobook. 

Although this book is part of The Four Winds series, it can be a standalone novel. I truly loved the first book, The North Wind. I am looking forward to The South Wind release.

Don’t miss out—this book will be released on November 12!

The Something Smutty Book Club by Erin FitzGerald

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

A heartfelt thank you to @erinfitzgeraldwrites for the incredible gift of the e-book!

I genuinely enjoyed revisiting the beloved characters from the Wolf Mountain Ranchers series. This story beautifully centers around a book club led by the town's retired librarian, whose passion for steamy romance novels shines through. It's a fantastic collection that revisits familiar faces, sharing fresh perspectives from each female protagonist across all five previous books. 

I'm eagerly anticipating the next release from this talented author, whose stories have captivated me. Her enchanting writing style truly draws you in and leaves you wanting more. 

Mark your calendars—the novella drops on November 19!

The Maui Effect by Sara Ackerman

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @htpbooks @htp_hive and @saraackermanbooks for the gifted e-book.

This enchanting book tells the heartfelt love story between Dane and 'Iwa, set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii and the thrilling world of surfing. The vivid descriptions of Maui’s majestic waterfalls, lush rainforests, and scenic trails are truly breathtaking, showcasing the author's deep affection for her island home. Additionally, the extensive research on big wave surfing in Hawaii, California, and Portugal adds authenticity and depth to the narrative. The evolving romance between Dane and 'Iwa is both sweet and genuine. I couldn’t put this book down, finishing it in a single sitting, and I absolutely loved every moment.

I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating read to anyone who enjoys a blend of surfing and romance. Mark your calendar for November 19 when it hits the shelves!

The Author's Guide to Murder by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, Karen White

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @williammorrowbooks @uplitreads and @authorbeatriz @laurenwillig @karenwhitewrite  for the gifted book.

This story is a captivating read that truly shines due to its unique structure, featuring three distinct author perspectives. The narrative seamlessly alternates between the viewpoints of the three main characters, gradually unveiling their intriguing backstories and the reasons that brought them to the island.

What sets this book apart is its rich blend of elements: mystery, history, a stunning and romantic setting, delightful baking, and a touch of romance, all culminating in a surprising twist at the end. The writing is sharp and engaging, infused with clever humor, particularly during the detective interviews. The charming setting and the delightfully mismatched characters add a unique flavor to the plot, making it a delightful experience overall.

Know Your Newlywed by Hillary Nussbaum, Elena Armas, Heather Taylor

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @simon.audio and @hbnuss & @heatherataylor for the #gifted audiobook.

This delightful short story captivated me completely! The audiobook production by @thebibliotheque was phenomenal—listening to it felt like experiencing a movie. Each narrator, and there were many, brought incredible energy, making the characters truly vibrant. The romance between Cleo and Javi was beautifully crafted, and you could sense their happily ever after approaching as the story unfolded. Although they were pretending to be married for the show, their genuine attraction and commitment to create a believable performance for the audience was truly touching.

If you’re looking for an exceptional audiobook experience, I cannot recommend this enough. Mark your calendars for December 10—it’s one you won’t want to miss!