wonderwomannz's reviews
1191 reviews

Quicksilver by Callie Hart

4.5

"QuickSilver" by Callie Hart has been all over the internet and everyone is talking about it.  I finally got my hands on the audiobook, and it was an unexpected delight for me. 

Initially, I found the story to have a slow start, but I’m glad I persevered because it truly picked up about four hours into the audiobook. The immersive world-building and engaging plot drew me in, even though I’ve never been a huge fan of Fae books. This one, however, might have changed my perspective. 

The audiobook's duet narration was a highlight, with both narrators doing a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. I especially loved Anthony's husky voice, which added an extra layer of allure to the romantic and spicy scenes. 

The romantic build-up between the characters was well-paced, and the banter was thoroughly enjoyable. The main characters, Kingfisher and Saeris, were well-developed, but I also appreciated the humor and dynamic that Carrion brought to the group. One of my favorite characters was Renfis, and I’m hoping to hear more about him in future books. 

Towards the end, the pace of the story increased significantly, and I found myself a bit lost as events unfolded rapidly. I did have to look up a few online reviews to help clarify some plot points in my mind. Despite this, the complexity of the plot kept me engaged and eager for more. 

It's important to note that this is book one in a series, so naturally, it ended with some threads left unresolved and much more to anticipate. I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here. Overall, "QuickSilver" was a rewarding listen, and I'm excited for what’s yet to come in this fascinating universe. 

When He's An Alpha by Suzanne Wright

2.0

After reading the second installment in Suzanne Wright's series, "When He's an Alpha," I've decided it will be the last I explore within this particular saga. While I had hoped for a fresh take following the first book, I found myself encountering many of the same issues that left me feeling disengaged before.
 

Much like its predecessor, this book suffers from an overly lengthy narrative that could have been improved with more stringent editing. The plot felt too similar to the first, which made it predictable and less captivating. It's disappointing because the potential for an exciting shifter romance was present, but ultimately, it didn't deliver the unique experience I was hoping for. 

On a positive note, the spice levels were consistent with what Suzanne Wright is known for, and they were well-executed. However, even these moments couldn't fully capture my interest when the surrounding story failed to offer something new.
 

While I appreciate Wright's work and enjoy the shifter theme in general, this series seems to lack the originality and engagement found in some of her other books. Unfortunately, I've decided that continuing with this series isn't for me, as I would likely lose interest in future installments. 

When He's Dark by Suzanne Wright

3.0

As a fan of Suzanne Wright's books, I found this to be average. While the plot had potential, it felt overly long, leading to moments of boredom. I believe the story would have benefited from a tighter narrative.

The chemistry between the characters was strong, some subplots felt unnecessary. I felt the ending was rushed compared to the lengthy buildup, which left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied.  The spice lvls were there which we are use to with Suzanne, but they wasn’t anything new.

Overall, while there were enjoyable elements, I wished for a more concise and engaging experience. In saying that I will see what the next one in the series offers. 

Lion Heart by Jolie Vines

3.0

The third installment in Jolie Vines' series, offers an intriguing exploration of Sebastian's character, but it didn't quite capture my interest as much as the previous book, "Perfect Storm." The story begins with an intense event—Sebastian's incarceration—but this pivotal moment felt somewhat glossed over, leaving me wanting more depth and exploration of its impact on the narrative. 

Rose, the female lead, was an okay addition to the story, but she didn't particularly stand out for me. The plot itself wasn't my favorite, as it seemed to lack the engaging elements that made "Perfect Storm" a more enjoyable listen. Despite this, the narrators did a commendable job, delivering their parts with clarity and expression that enhanced the overall listening experience. 

While I appreciated the interconnectedness of the series and enjoyed revisiting the charming Scottish setting.
I dont have access to the next 2 audiobooks, which is a shame as I see book 5 is MMF and I love that style and would have like to hear how Jolie writes that side of things.

Perfect Storm by Jolie Vines

3.5

 As a continuation of Jolie Vines' series, "Perfect Storm" offers an improved listening experience over its predecessor, "Hard Nox." Set once again against the picturesque backdrop of Scotland, the novel maintains the charming atmosphere that fans of the series have come to appreciate. 

The audio quality in this installment has notably improved, particularly with the introduction of a different male narrator. His performance is solid, complementing the female narrator, who once again delivers her role with clarity and engaging expression. Together, they bring the characters to life, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the story. 

In "Perfect Storm," I found the characters particularly likable, especially Skye, whose humor added a delightful touch to the narrative. The storyline, while mostly a lovely journey of romance, builds up to a bit of excitement towards the end, making for a satisfying conclusion. 

While I only currently have access to the next book in the series, I am eager to continue following these interconnected stories and see what the new characters bring. "Perfect Storm" has set a positive tone for what's to come, and I look forward to diving into the next chapter of this captivating series 

Hard Nox by Jolie Vines

3.0

As a first-time listener of Jolie Vines, my experience with "Hard Nox" was average. The setting in Scotland added a charming backdrop to the story, enriching the atmosphere and providing a unique cultural touch. The female narrator did a commendable job, delivering her parts with clarity and engaging expression, which helped bring the characters to life. 

However, the male narrator's performance presented some challenges; the audio quality felt a bit tinny or echoed, which detracted from the overall listening experience. The plot itself leaned towards the weaker side, and while there were spice scenes, they didn't quite stand out. 

I noticed that this series includes a number of books, each focusing on a new couple while tying back to other characters. This interconnectedness suggests potential for richer storylines and character development in future installments. Despite the initial challenges, there's a curious pull that makes me want to continue with the series and see where these intertwined stories lead 

The Brave by Dannika Dark

4.0

As a long-time fan of Dannika Dark's series, I was excited to dive into "The Brave," the sixth installment, which sheds light on Atticus's story. Being a fan of vampire characters, I was eager to see how Atticus story would playout, especially with the intriguing twist of him mating with a wolf, Joy. 

Dannika Dark stays true to her signature style in this novel, offering the same blend of action, romance, and supernatural intrigue that has made her series a staple on my reading list. For fans of the series, this consistency is comforting and engaging, providing a familiar escape into the supernatural world she has so vividly created. 

However, as my reading journey has evolved, I've discovered other authors whose works resonate more with my current tastes. This shift doesn't diminish the quality of Dark's writing but simply reflects how my preferences have changed over time. Despite this, I find myself returning to Dannika Dark's books. They hold a special place in my heart, offering a sense of nostalgia and enjoyment that I can't quite find elsewhere. 

"The Brave" is a solid addition that delivers what fans have come to expect. For those who enjoy Dannika Dark's unique blend of supernatural romance and adventure, this book will surely satisfy. I'll certainly continue to follow her work, eager to see where she takes her captivating characters next. 

PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly

1.0

I really wanted to enjoy PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly, but unfortunately, it just moved too slowly for my liking. The story revolves around a girl whose brother has passed away, and she, along with his best friend, is tasked with scattering his ashes across different places around the country. It was said to be an enemies-to-lovers story, which is usually right up my alley. 

I listened to the audiobook and made it to about 52%, but by then, I had lost interest. I ended up skipping to the last chapter, where it seemed like a few secrets were revealed after the point where I stopped listening. 

I don't mean to say that the writing was bad—it seemed okay to me—but the pace just didn't keep me engaged. 
There were trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, which I didn't think were necessary. To me, it felt more like a rom-com without too many laughs, leaning more towards an emotional style. Up to where I stopped, there wasn't any "spice," though there might have been some later on. 

The One by Marni Mann

4.0

As I wrapped up The One, the final installment in Marni Mann's series, I found myself feeling a mix of satisfaction and disappointment. On one hand, I was excited to finally dive into Rhett's story—a character I had been eagerly anticipating throughout the series. His journey was compelling, and I truly loved exploring and hearing his story and struggles that were alluded to throughout this series. 

However, I couldn't help but feel frustrated with the book's structure. The frequent shifts between the past and present made it challenging to fully immerse myself in the narrative. While I understand the storytelling technique can add depth, in this instance, it felt disjointed and interrupted the flow of the plot for me. (I struggle with past and present structured books)

Another aspect that let me down was the noticeable lack of spicy scenes that had characterized earlier entries in the series. I had hoped for the same level of intensity that drew me in from the start, but it seemed to be dialed back this time.

Despite these critiques, I’m not ready to give up on Marni Mann just yet! I plan to take a short break and explore something different, but I’ll definitely return to her storytelling, particularly with the Dalton family series. I'm hopeful that I’ll find the same spark that captured my attention in the earlier books.

The Heartbreaker by Marni Mann

4.0

Another great book by Marni, I am still loving these books. The sex scenes do it for me, but there is still a plot.