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rellimreads's reviews
1816 reviews
Earl of Sunderland by Aubrey Wynne
On page death of a parent in childbirth. Death of a character related to several of the main characters. Abuse by family of a secondary character mentioned.
medium-paced
4.0
Another delightful KoboPlus find. This was my first book by Aubrey Wynne (and my first time listening to Kevin Archer) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s the first book in Wynne’s Once Upon a Widow series and I’ll definitely be listening to more.
Neither Grace nor Kit were looking for love and certainly not marriage. Yet they find themselves brought together by the marriage of her cousin and his brother. Because Grace is the defacto mother to her 5 year old brother, this also has strong single parent vibes. And Kit’s full acceptance and encouragement of the gregarious boy is such fun.
It’s a lovely closed door romance balanced with swoon, temptation, and yearning. Perfect epilogue.
Narration:
Kevin Archer’s narration was great. This really was a terrific listen.
Neither Grace nor Kit were looking for love and certainly not marriage. Yet they find themselves brought together by the marriage of her cousin and his brother. Because Grace is the defacto mother to her 5 year old brother, this also has strong single parent vibes. And Kit’s full acceptance and encouragement of the gregarious boy is such fun.
It’s a lovely closed door romance balanced with swoon, temptation, and yearning. Perfect epilogue.
Narration:
Kevin Archer’s narration was great. This really was a terrific listen.
Content Warnings
The Summer Camp Swap by Kait Nolan
I loved the premise of a has-it-all-together twin filling in for her less-than-organized sister. Sarah thinks she’ll just keep her head down and pretend to be Taryn for a few weeks… until she’s spies Beckett.
My favorite part is that Nolan is amazing at turning insta-lust into ever lasting love. While the bulk of the book only spans a few weeks, there’s no doubt in my mind these two will last. Steamy rendezvous in the woods, a boat house, and a cabin may get these two started – but their conversations really solidify how perfect they are for each other.
Cute epilogue and HEA.
Narration:
Amy McFadden continues to be perfect at bringing Nolan’s writing to my ears. She brought Sarah and Beckett to life in all their fun, swoony, and sweet interactions.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
4.5
Love this adorable addition to Kait Nolan’s Summer Fling Series. While there are nods to other books, it’s so subtle that you don’t have to read them to enjoy this.
I loved the premise of a has-it-all-together twin filling in for her less-than-organized sister. Sarah thinks she’ll just keep her head down and pretend to be Taryn for a few weeks… until she’s spies Beckett.
My favorite part is that Nolan is amazing at turning insta-lust into ever lasting love. While the bulk of the book only spans a few weeks, there’s no doubt in my mind these two will last. Steamy rendezvous in the woods, a boat house, and a cabin may get these two started – but their conversations really solidify how perfect they are for each other.
Cute epilogue and HEA.
Narration:
Amy McFadden continues to be perfect at bringing Nolan’s writing to my ears. She brought Sarah and Beckett to life in all their fun, swoony, and sweet interactions.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
One Fine Night by Kait Nolan
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This is the prequel book for Kait Nolan’s Special Ops Scots series.
For one of those people who hates reviews that only say, “I loved it!”… I’m at a bit of a loss here. I’m an unabashed Kait Nolan fan and she absolutely knows how to tease a new series, but this one actually had me DMing her, “YOU DID NOT!!!!”
Anyway, if you enjoy a chance meeting with someone and nearly immediate thoughts, “How can this possibly feel so right?” – then you’re going to love meeting Alex and Ciara. Funny, sexy, instant zing… beyond that, I can’t be spoiling things.
I’m ready for their full book, Before Highland Sunset.
Narration:
Amy McFadden and John Lane together make a dreamy dual narration pairing. Then. Then! These two with their Scottish accents and Nolan’s writing, I was blushing. I can’t wait for more Alex & Ciara.
Amy McFadden and John Lane together make a dreamy dual narration pairing. Then. Then! These two with their Scottish accents and Nolan’s writing, I was blushing. I can’t wait for more Alex & Ciara.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Who I Am with You by Kait Nolan
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Note: Dinah & Robert are secondary characters from Nolan’s Wishful and Wishing For A Hero series. Nolan does enough explaining that this stands on its own.
Awe! This is a quick, sweet…and a little bit spicy…book about two people who were fine being solo until they met. I enjoyed that Dinah & Robert are older – in their 50s, settled in their ways, yet still open to something and someone new.
Awe! This is a quick, sweet…and a little bit spicy…book about two people who were fine being solo until they met. I enjoyed that Dinah & Robert are older – in their 50s, settled in their ways, yet still open to something and someone new.
Cute little epilogue.
Narration:
Amy McFadden is always a fantastic match for Nolan’s writing and characters. She brings their small town southern charm to life.
Amy McFadden is always a fantastic match for Nolan’s writing and characters. She brings their small town southern charm to life.
Eyes of the Forest by April Henry
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I loved this mashup of themes and threads from stories like Misery and Game of Thrones with hints of Ruthless People (anyone else old enough to remember this movie?). While the plot dances a bit around attraction between Bridget and Ajay, this is much more of a thriller/suspense focus than romance – which I enjoyed.
I adore that Henry’s writing brings the perspectives of all the characters, not just the protagonists. It seems like it would ruin the plot, but I like the depth it adds. I can’t imagine how much fun it must be to have an author as a main character. Especially getting to put all those complaints about deadlines, writer’s block, and how they may not always enjoy “the business” in the book.
It’s so realistic that Bridget isn’t just an unexplained super spy or immediately believed by the adults in her life. I think my favorite parts are where she just Googles how to do things. Relatable.
A fun ride and wonderful listen.
Narration:
Amy McFadden did a wonderful job with a huge cast of characters. I always enjoy her suspense narrations and this was no exception.
Amy McFadden did a wonderful job with a huge cast of characters. I always enjoy her suspense narrations and this was no exception.
The Outlands Demon by Anna Durand
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.5
KoboPlus
DNF @ 34%. 1.5 ⭐️
This is book 2 in Anna Durand’s The Devil Outland’s series.
While book 1 was fun despite being short and ending abruptly, this one didn’t work for me. There were time/location jumps that took paragraphs or most of the chapter to figure out what was happening. I think it would have been really helpful if sections introduced the location/year if Durand wasn’t going to add it to the story.
You don’t have to listen to book 1 to understand what’s going on in this one in terms of background. Likely because Durand focuses quite a bit of the story on Charlotte’s parents, Nathaniel & Kylie.
Zaen'imuth/Zane’s motivation is revenge against her parents for killing his father…for reasons? He didn’t like his father and the revenge doesn’t seem it will gain him anything and then once he meets Charlotte - Zane doesn’t really do anything but jump back and forth from different times in her life and to the Outlands and back. Again, for no discernible reasons or ones that don’t make sense. eg. He’s spent months living in the US to learn the culture, but needs to visit a witch for a spell that makes him know what to do/say - except he still doesn’t know what to do.
They dream about and internally lust after each other, but a 1/3 of the way in and the MCs have barely spent any time together, the only conversation they have is awkward and everyone’s motivations are murky. 🤷🏻♀️
Narration:
This was my first time listening to Dane Anderson and Evelyn Rose. I enjoyed both performances. Anderson has the perfect deep, gravely voice for a demon. Rose is a good match for a 23 year old and also does a good, smokey voice for Zane. I’d definitely listen to both of them again.
DNF @ 34%. 1.5 ⭐️
This is book 2 in Anna Durand’s The Devil Outland’s series.
While book 1 was fun despite being short and ending abruptly, this one didn’t work for me. There were time/location jumps that took paragraphs or most of the chapter to figure out what was happening. I think it would have been really helpful if sections introduced the location/year if Durand wasn’t going to add it to the story.
You don’t have to listen to book 1 to understand what’s going on in this one in terms of background. Likely because Durand focuses quite a bit of the story on Charlotte’s parents, Nathaniel & Kylie.
Zaen'imuth/Zane’s motivation is revenge against her parents for killing his father…for reasons? He didn’t like his father and the revenge doesn’t seem it will gain him anything and then once he meets Charlotte - Zane doesn’t really do anything but jump back and forth from different times in her life and to the Outlands and back. Again, for no discernible reasons or ones that don’t make sense. eg. He’s spent months living in the US to learn the culture, but needs to visit a witch for a spell that makes him know what to do/say - except he still doesn’t know what to do.
They dream about and internally lust after each other, but a 1/3 of the way in and the MCs have barely spent any time together, the only conversation they have is awkward and everyone’s motivations are murky. 🤷🏻♀️
Narration:
This was my first time listening to Dane Anderson and Evelyn Rose. I enjoyed both performances. Anderson has the perfect deep, gravely voice for a demon. Rose is a good match for a 23 year old and also does a good, smokey voice for Zane. I’d definitely listen to both of them again.
Rebel Magics by James Anderson Foster
If you love rebels, the overturning of centuries worth of “because that’s how we do it”, and self discovery – this is a great tease to a series I can’t wait to learn more about.
Book 1, Deck Runner’s Gambit is already out. However I spied on Threads that Foster is already working on the audiobook. So I’m going to save my eyes and wait for that awesomeness.
4.0
First – I realize it took me forever to finish this. Totally not a knock on Foster. My day job has ramped up and I’m on the computer all day and by the time I have time to read – I can’t see straight. So it’s pretty much all audiobooks. Finally had a break and finished this in one morning!
The is the prequel novella to James Anderson Foster’s debut series, Vegas Arcana. I admit Urban Fantasy is not a go-to for me, but nearly every time I dive in, I enjoy it.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will share that Foster’s writing is vivid. VIVID. I can visualize everything he’s describing and found myself wanting desperately to visit this world he’s built. Maybe he’s figured out a way to enchant readers through an ebook because there were times I swore there was a bit of a buzz in the air around me.
If you love rebels, the overturning of centuries worth of “because that’s how we do it”, and self discovery – this is a great tease to a series I can’t wait to learn more about.
Book 1, Deck Runner’s Gambit is already out. However I spied on Threads that Foster is already working on the audiobook. So I’m going to save my eyes and wait for that awesomeness.
(P.S. If you didn’t already know – Foster is an accomplished narrator of hundreds of books in a variety of genres.)
The Outlands Shifter by Anna Durand
All-around fun listen. A mashup of Time Travel, Shifter, Paranormal & Western romance featuring a spunky heroine and grumpy but caring hero. The banter between these two was a lot of fun. I also enjoyed the world building and the dynamic the secondary characters brought to the story. Enjoyable balance of steam and mystery/suspense.
Durand manages to pack a lot into 6 hours. The ending wrap up is a little quick – but wanting more of Nathaniel and Kylie’s story is a good thing.
I’m excited for book 2, The Outlands Demon – which features their now grown daughter.
Narration:
Mackenzie Cartwright and Shane East were great here. They’re both talented at bringing all the characters to life. Especially fun was the way they performed Nathaniel’s confusion by Kylie’s modern vocabulary.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is book 1 in Anna Durand’s The Devil’s Outland series.
All-around fun listen. A mashup of Time Travel, Shifter, Paranormal & Western romance featuring a spunky heroine and grumpy but caring hero. The banter between these two was a lot of fun. I also enjoyed the world building and the dynamic the secondary characters brought to the story. Enjoyable balance of steam and mystery/suspense.
Durand manages to pack a lot into 6 hours. The ending wrap up is a little quick – but wanting more of Nathaniel and Kylie’s story is a good thing.
I’m excited for book 2, The Outlands Demon – which features their now grown daughter.
Narration:
Mackenzie Cartwright and Shane East were great here. They’re both talented at bringing all the characters to life. Especially fun was the way they performed Nathaniel’s confusion by Kylie’s modern vocabulary.
Reckless Whisper by Barbara Freethy
While she didn’t have a huge part, I was already looking forward to more Bree after Perilous Trust. Freethy didn’t disappoint. Nathan and Bree are childhood friends who both were interested, but nothing ever came of it at the time. Parting left them both with some hard feelings and they’re surprised to find themselves together again.
Nathan is uncle to a girl who witnesses the abduction of her friend. Bree is with the FBI and there to investigate. Little do they know that they’re connected to the case closer than they could ever imagine. I don’t want to spoil anything…
I loved this because, while I sometimes guessed correctly, Freethy did a great job of surprising me with all the twists and turns in the story. I enjoyed the pacing of both the suspense and the romance. She has this way of weaving them together so the emphasis is nearly equal and both aspects are integral to the other.
I’m looking forward to Wyatt’s book, Desperate Play.
Narration:
Amy McFadden at the helm again and does a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life. Bree is so strong, yet sometimes vulnerable – and McFadden’s performance really brings that through. I enjoyed her voices for Nathan as well as all the secondary characters. Great listen.
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
This is book 2 in Barbara Freethy’s Off The Grid: FBI Series. While it stands well on it’s own, Bree is introduced in book 1, Perilous Trust. Series is best enjoyed in order.
While she didn’t have a huge part, I was already looking forward to more Bree after Perilous Trust. Freethy didn’t disappoint. Nathan and Bree are childhood friends who both were interested, but nothing ever came of it at the time. Parting left them both with some hard feelings and they’re surprised to find themselves together again.
Nathan is uncle to a girl who witnesses the abduction of her friend. Bree is with the FBI and there to investigate. Little do they know that they’re connected to the case closer than they could ever imagine. I don’t want to spoil anything…
I loved this because, while I sometimes guessed correctly, Freethy did a great job of surprising me with all the twists and turns in the story. I enjoyed the pacing of both the suspense and the romance. She has this way of weaving them together so the emphasis is nearly equal and both aspects are integral to the other.
I’m looking forward to Wyatt’s book, Desperate Play.
Narration:
Amy McFadden at the helm again and does a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life. Bree is so strong, yet sometimes vulnerable – and McFadden’s performance really brings that through. I enjoyed her voices for Nathan as well as all the secondary characters. Great listen.
Content Warnings
Content notes:
closed adoption
Perilous Trust by Barbara Freethy
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
I was in the mood for romantic suspense and #McFaddenMay was fast approaching – so I decided to dive in. This was my first time experiencing Barbara Freethy and I loved it.
I luuuuurrrrvvveee romantic suspense where the mystery, intrigue, and danger are as much as or even more of the story than the romance. Freethy balanced them well here and I enjoyed the world she built. As a listener I was able to discover the truths, right along with the characters, as events unfolded. So many twists and turns and not knowing who to trust. Everything I enjoy in suspense.
Damon & Sophie kindling a romance out of the embers from 4 years earlier was weaved perfectly throughout. Their HFN at the end was believable. I enjoyed the epilogue and hope to catch more of them in future books.
I enjoyed meeting all the secondary characters and can’t wait to learn even more about Bree in Reckless Whisper.
Narration:
Amy McFadden again cements her place as my favorite narrator. I enjoy her voices for the various characters and really feeling all of the emotions (and Freethy definitely took them on a wild ride!). Such a great listen I was hesitant to push pause on.
Amy McFadden again cements her place as my favorite narrator. I enjoy her voices for the various characters and really feeling all of the emotions (and Freethy definitely took them on a wild ride!). Such a great listen I was hesitant to push pause on.