Audiobook Review: In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon

Author: Joy Avon
Series: A Tea and Read Mystery #3
Narrator:  Laurel Lefkow
Audience: +18
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Length: 6 hours and 55 minutes
Release Date: February 11th 2020
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Spotify, Netgalley
Blurb (from Goodreads):

Just in time for the holidays, In Cold Chamomile is sure to be a cupid's arrow aimed straight for your bookshelf.
Tea party organizer Callie Aspen learns that Cupid's arrows can be deadly when a Valentine's Day soiree ends in murder.

Callie Aspen can't think of a more appropriate place to spend Valentine's Day than her adopted hometown of Heart's Harbor, Maine. When she's not helping out at Book Tea, her great-aunt Iphy's vintage tearoom, Callie's adorning Haywood Hall with hearts and roses for the big Valentine's event, where townspeople will fall in love with sweet treats, heartwarming music, and delightful books. But tension is brewing: The librarian argues with the expert who is on hand to appraise precious volumes. And Iphy is shocked to recognize the baritone who's slated to sing at the event as an old acquaintance--one she'd hoped she'd never meet again. And then, when a dead body is discovered, the stirring spoon of suspicion points at the many people who had reasons to want the victim dead.

When Iphy's old acquaintance draws the attention of Deputy Ace Falk, Callie finds herself in a spot. Ace, as usual, doesn't want Callie involved, but how can she ignore Iphy's anguish over the fate of a man she cares for more than she will admit? Bringing the killer to justice may endanger Callie's budding relationship with Ace--and, quite possibly, her own life.

Callie and the Book Tea crew may think they have this case in the bag, but un-kettling truths are yet to be decanted.

*Disclaimer: I received an eARC from Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review

One of the genres I've always meant to delve more into has been cozy mystery. I've read a few over the years, but this is the first time when I've read more than one in a month, and I'm very happy that I started delving deeper into the genre. The first one I read this month has been In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon. It's also my first book by this author and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Let me tell you all about it.

Audiobook Review: The Kissing Contract by Amy Andrews

Author: Amy Andrews
Series: N/A
Narrator: Shirl Rae
Audience: +18
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Length: 9 hours and 25 minutes
Release Date: December 10th 2019 (first published April 8th 2019)
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Spotify, Netgalley
Blurb (from Goodreads):

Marshall Dyson wants one thing and one thing only: to raze his grandfather’s island to the ground. Everything is ready to go––except for the freakin’ bunnies! Hundreds of the furry critters hopping about and multiplying before his eyes. And then there’s the American Bunny League, along with one distractingly beautiful veterinarian, taking him to court to save them...

Dr. Augusta “Gus” North can’t believe the grumpy–and annoyingly hot–builder she’s facing in court cares more about demo-ing some cabin than the lives of 200 bunnies. But when the judge orders Marshall to stay on the island and help her rehome the rabbits – the entire month – she knows they’re going to need to lay some ground rules.

Like, for example, absolutely no kissing. Might as well go ahead and get that in writing. Sure it’s on a napkin, but that still counts.

How hard could it be to keep their hands off each other amidst all the fighting? Surprisingly, harder than wrangling 200 bunnies...

*Disclaimer: I received an eARC from Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review

**Disclaimer: This book contains mature content. As such my review may reference content intended for an adult audience

In my quest to read as many ARCs as possible during this year's edition of ARC August I decided to check and see if I could find any of them as audiobooks, because why not multitask while working? Thankfully one such book was The Kissing Contract. I knew I was going to enjoy it, because it's an Amy Andrews book, but I didn't quite expect the story to be this cute. I remember when I saw it on NetGalley and I knew I wanted to read it, because it was Amy Andrews, and even then I did not look at the blurb. Unfortunately, I'm a mood reader, so sometimes that means I don't read certain stories right away. Thankfully I was in the mood to read it now, and guys, I am very happy I did. Let me tell you all about it!

Audiobook Review: A Princess In Theory by Alyssa Cole

Author: Alyssa Cole
Series: Reluctant Royals #1
Narrator: Karen Chliton
Audience: +18
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins
Release Date: April 12th 2018 (first published February 27th 2018)
My Rating: 5 Cups
Source: Spotify
Blurb (from Goodreads):

From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .

Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?


Selected as one of the New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2018!

This was my very first Alyssa Cole book, but since a ton of my bookstagram friends and book blogger friends loved it, I knew I was going to love it as well. What I didn't expect was how much I would end up loving this book. Let me tell you all about why you should read this book!

Audiobook Review: Loki Ascending by Asa Maria Bradley

Author: Asa Maria Bradley
Series: Viking Warriors #3
Narrator: Lisa Flanagan
Audience: +18
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
Release Date: March 24th 2020 (first published December 31st 2019)
My Rating: 4.5 Cups
Source: Spotify
Blurb (from Goodreads):

Loki wants to end the world
Only immortal Vikings can stop him...if she can cure them

Scott Brisbane has been in love with immortal Viking healer Irja Vainio for years, but as a human, let his fear hold him back. Now that Scott has finally earned his place with the tribe whose king his sister married, there's nothing standing in the way of his true feelings. But Irja knows that getting close to someone is a death sentence...

When the Viking warriors start falling into comas one by one, Irja is desperate to stop the illness from spreading. Without a cure, she'll have to rely on magic she hasn't used for centuries--magic that taught her to never let anyone get close. When the evil god Loki offers her the cure, it comes with a steep price that could cost Irja and Scott everything...

Ever since I read the first book in this series I was interested in finding out what was going to happen with Scott, the queen's brother. Finally, the time has come for his story to be told, and it is glorious. His heroine, Irja the healer, was such a doll, and their story was awesome. Let me tell you all about it.

Audiobook Review: Kulti by Mariana Zapata

Author: Mariana Zapata
Series: N/A
Narrator: Callie Dalton
Audience: +18
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 16 hours and 13 minutes
Release Date: July 28th 2015 (first published March 20th 2015)
My Rating: 5 Cups
Source: Audible
Blurb (from Goodreads):

“Trust me, I’ve wanted to punch you in the face a time or five.”

When the man you worshipped as a kid becomes your coach, it’s supposed to be the greatest thing in the world. Keywords: supposed to.

It didn't take a week for 27-year-old Sal Casillas to wonder what she'd seen in the international soccer icon - why she'd ever had his posters on her wall or ever envisioned marrying him and having super-playing soccer babies.


Sal had long ago gotten over the worst non-break-up in the history of imaginary relationships with a man who hadn't known she'd existed. So she isn't prepared for this version of Reiner Kulti who shows up to her team's season: a quiet, reclusive shadow of the explosive, passionate man he'd once been.

I've been meaning to read Mariana Zapata for a while now. In fact, she's the author that finally convinced me to try out the Audible Escape subscription I now love so much. Because I didn't know where to start, since I've heard a lot of good stuff about her books, I pestered my dear friend Sam from Fictionally Sam to point me in the right direction and Kulti was the second book on her list I think. Since it was also the first book that I noticed by her on AE, I decided to go with it. And let me tell you, it was glorious.

Audiobook Tour Book Review: Flash Point by C.L. Schneider

Author: C.L. Schneider
Series: Nite Fire, Book 1
Narrator: Cassandra King
Audience: +18
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: C.L. Schneider
Length: 15 hours 51 minutes
Release Date: Nov. 30, 2018
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Audiobookworm Promotions
Blurb (from Goodreads):

Slated for execution, shape-shifting assassin Dahlia Nite flees her world to hide in the human realm. As payment for the shelter they unknowingly provide, Dahlia dedicates herself to protecting humans from what truly lives in the shadows. Moving from town to town, she hunts the creatures that threaten an unsuspecting human race, burying the truth that could destroy them all.

But the shadows are shifting. The lies are adding up. When Sentinel City is threatened by a series of bizarre brutal murders, light is shed on what should never be seen. The secrets that have kept humanity in the dark for centuries are in danger of being exposed.

Wrestling with a lifetime of her own deceptions, Dahlia investigates the killings while simultaneously working to conceal their circumstances. But with each new murder, the little bit of peace she has found in this world begins to crumble. Each new clue leads her to the one place she thought to never go again: home.

Flash Point is the first audiobook in the Nite Fire series.

*Disclaimer: I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by C.L. Schneider. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

An urban fantasy book centered around dragons? Yes please and thank you. That was my reaction when I first heard about Flash Point and I knew I had to sign up. Then the story and the narrator made me want to stick around and never leave this world.

Audiobook Review: Love Only Once by Johanna Lindsey

Author: Johanna Lindsey
Series: Malory-Anderson Families #1
Narrator: Laural Merlington
Audience: +18
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins
Release Date: June 5th 2008 (first published 1985)
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Audible
Blurb (from Goodreads):

The exquisite niece of Lord Edward and Lady Charlotte Malory, Regina Ashton, is outraged over her abduction by the arrogant, devilishly handsome Nicholas Eden - and is determined to make the rogue pay...with his heart.

A golden-haired seducer, Nicholas has been hardened by a painful secret in his past. And now that he has besmirched Reggie's good name, the hot-tempered lady has vowed to wed him.

Her fiery beauty stirs Nicholas as no woman ever has - and the rake arouses Reggie's passion to an unendurable level. Such uncontrolled desires can lead only to dangerous misunderstandings...and, perhaps, to a love that can live only once in a lifetime.

One of the authors I've been recommended throughout the years as a queen of old school romances was Johanna Lindsey. She's been recommended to me so many times that I was actually afraid of trying her out, because I had really high expectations.And then I finally signed up for the free month of Audible Escape and the 24in48 Readathon happened. And I just couldn't say no anymore.

Audiobook Tour Book Review: A Death In Duck by Mindy Quigley

Author: Mindy Quigley

Narrator: Holly Adams

Length: 9 hours 13 minutes

Series: The Mount Moriah Mysteries, Book 2

Audience: Over 18

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Mindy Quigley

Release Date: Dec. 22, 2015

My Rating: 5 Cups

Source: Audiobookworm Promotions

Blurb (from Goodreads):

With the new year approaching, hospital chaplain Lindsay Harding heads for a much-needed break in the peaceful resort town of Duck on North Carolina's outer banks. Her plan to attend the wedding of her friend, Anna, runs aground when a boatload of trouble washes ashore, and as the old year ticks down, the body count goes up. Thrust into the path of an increasingly desperate killer, Lindsay must uncover a sinister secret before she winds up swimming with the fishes.

Old family scandals, sunken World War II U-boats, obscene desserts, and a stolen Doberman all guarantee a far from restful break for the irreverent reverend, who makes her second appearance in this lively mystery.

*Disclaimer:  I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Mindy Quigley. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

If I though I liked book 1, then the second installment was even better. Lindsay Harding has to deal with heartbreak, loss and more family drama in this book, and it was glorious.

The thing I loved most about this book was that even though it was just as funny as the previous one, it had a darker side and a more personal feel than A Murder On Mount Moriah. We get to learn more about Lindsay and her mother, and we get to understand who she is a little bit more.

Audiobook Tour Book Review: Remnants Of Ash by CK Dawn

REMNANTS OF ASH IS AVAILABLE TO INTERESTED REVIEWERS THROUGH THE ADOPT-AN-AUDIOBOOK PROGRAM. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

Author: CK Dawn

Narrator: Sydnee Fullmer

Length: 3 hours 37 minutes

Series: Reign of Fae, Book 1

Audience: Over 18

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: CK Dawn

Release Date: Apr. 17, 2019

My Rating: 4 Cups

Source: Audiobookworm Promotions

Blurb (from Goodreads):

Mere mortal. Fae hunter. Oh, and the apocalypse? Yeah, that happened! She's an unstoppable human. He's an immovable beast. But the fae have scorched the earth and humans are next....

Chloe Etain, stumbled into an ancient war between the light and dark that has culminated in her world being thrown into darkness and pre-industrial chaos. Vampire-like creatures roam free, feeding on unsuspecting humans. Chloe knows the truth though and, possibly, how to stop it. But as a mere mortal, what can she do?

That's when the fates step in. Bram Tice, a fae hunting his own kind, vows to help Chloe. But he won't say which Court demands his allegiance. Together, they set out to right the imbalance plaguing her world and save humanity before it turns into nothing more than remnants of ash.

*Disclaimer: I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by CK Dawn. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

It's been a while since I last read a book about fae that I enjoyed. This was also my first CK Dawn book and I have to say, I am impressed. I am very impressed.

Audiobook Tour Book Review: A Murder In Mount Moriah by Mindy Quigley

 

Author: Mindy Quigley

Narrator: Holly Adams

Length: 9 hours 36 minutes

Series: The Mount Moriah Mysteries, Book 1

Audience: Over 18

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Mindy Quigley

Release Date: Apr. 15, 2015

My Rating: 4.5 Cups

Source: Audiobookworm Promotions

Blurb (from Goodreads):

From award-winning mystery writer Mindy Quigley comes a hilarious tale of small-town intrigue and big-time crime.

For hospital chaplain Lindsay Harding, facing death is part of the job. After all she spends her working days comforting sick and dying patients. But when the annual Civil War reenactment in her hometown of Mount Moriah, North Carolina, produces a real casualty, the Grim Reaper suddenly gets a little too close for comfort. With the clock ticking, the police struggle to unravel how and why a beloved local reenactor was shot in front of hundreds of onlookers. As fingers point and tempers flare, another victim ends up laid out on Lindsay's front porch.

Lindsay's life is in danger, but her efforts to expose the century-old sins that lie at the heart of the mystery are undermined by her disastrous love life, her no-good mother, and a ninja-like squirrel - not to mention the small matter of a dangerous killer who'll stop at nothing to keep a sinister secret. Will courage, curiosity, and Lindsay's irreverent brand of religion be enough to catch the killer before she becomes the next victim?

*Disclaimer:  I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Mindy Quigley. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it

You know that feeling when you think you know what book you're going to read, you settle down on a comfy couch and start reading it, and then the entire thing is completely different and yet everything you hoped for? That's what happened to me and this first book in the Lindsey Harding series. 

Audiobook Tour Book Review: The Haunting of Hillwood Farm by Kathryn Knight & Giveaway

Author: Kathryn Knight

Narrator: Kristin James

Length: 5 hours 18 minutes

Series: N/A

Audience: Over 18

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Suspense

Publisher: Wicked Whale

Release Date: January 4th 2019

My Rating: 4.5 Cups

Source: Audiobookworm Promotions

Blurb (from Goodreads):

After tragedy strikes, Callie Sinclair is left with a gift she never wanted—the ability to communicate with ghosts. But when a desperate widow begs for her help, she reluctantly agrees to investigate the strange occurrences at Hillwood Farm. She quickly realizes she’s dealing with a dangerous presence beyond anything she’s ever experienced, and something else becomes equally clear—the only other living person in the house, Mrs. Turner’s handsome grandson, thinks she’s a scam artist. While she’d prefer to just ignore him, her heart beats a little faster every time he’s nearby.

Luke Turner doesn’t believe in spirits. He’s moved back to restore the family farm, but living on the property serves a dual purpose—he can watch out for his grandmother. He’s not happy about the sudden appearance of a self-described psychic, or his inexplicable attraction to her. His initial suspicions crumble as evidence points to an actual haunting, but he’s still determined not to fall for Callie—the past has taught him it’s best to avoid relationships.

As Callie is drawn deeper into the mystery, she becomes the target of a vengeful spirit, and Luke can no longer fight his feelings for her. Unable to resist their desire, passion ignites…even as the paranormal activity escalates to a final deadly confrontation.

 *Disclaimer:  I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Kathryn Knight. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it. 

**Disclaimer: This book contains mature content. As such my review may contain reference to material intended for a mature audience.

It's been a while sine I last read a book that was centered around an angry ghost haunting a family, so when I saw this tour was open I knew I had to sign up for it right away. I am very happy to say that I was not disappointed by this book at all.

Audiobook Tour Book review: Evil's Unlikely Assassin by Jenn Windrow

Author: Jenn Windrow
Narrator: Chelsea Stephens
Length: 8 hours 49 minutes
Series: Alexis Black, Book 1
Audience: Over 18
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Irreverent Publishing
Release Date: Jan. 23, 2019
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Audiobookworm Promotions
Blurb (from Goodreads):

"Evil's Unlikely Assassin is a promising urban fantasy debut that features all that's great about the genre--action, attitude, and ass-kicking." -Jaye Wells, USA Today bestselling author of The Sabina Kane and Prospero's War series

Vampire Alexis Black is on a mission - to rejoin the human race.

Coerced into signing an ironclad contract by an Angel-with-attitude, Alexis must hunt down and assassinate at least one vampire, werewolf, or creepy crawly every night for fifty years to become human again. Too bad the contract didn’t mention the badass vampire who now rides shotgun in her brain, insatiable bloodlust, or her new I-hate-everything-with-fangs sidekick. If she can fulfill her end of the bargain, her humanity is restored, if not she will be destroyed.

But when a revenge-seeking bloodsucker threatens her city, Alexis must risk everything to ensure there’s a humanity to return to. Since her vampire nature is her greatest weapon to defeat the monsters that threaten her friends and future, Alexis must choose to accept her inner beast or watch those she loves die.

*Disclaimer: I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jenn Windrow. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

*Disclaimer: This book contains mature content. As such my review may contain reference to material intended for a mature audience.

It's been a while since I was last surprised, truly surprised by a book with and about vampires. Even though vampires are my favorite supernatural creatures to read about, it's rare that I get to be truly taken by surprise by the stories they're a part of, but that's just what happened with Jenn Windrow's book.

Audiobook Blog Tour: Between The Sea And Stars by Chantal Gadoury

Author: Chantal Gadoury
Narrator: Dollcie Webb
Length: 6 hours 53 minutes
Series: The Lena Series, Book 1
Audience: YA
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher: The Parliament House
Release Date: Dec. 20, 2018
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Audiobookworm Promotions
Blurb (from Goodreads):

A legend

A magical shell

A girl who dreamed of something more...

Lena, a Merrow girl, lives in the Skagerrak sea with her father, Carrick and her brother, Javelin, who tells her of the legend of the Merrow Queen murdered by her human lover when greed takes over. But what’s worth spilling the queen’s blood? Gifted from Poseidon, himself, a magic shell gives any human the ability to control both land and sea.

When Javelin is called to join a clan of Merrow soldiers bent on protecting their waters from human invasion, Lena resists Merrow law and ventures to the shore with no choice but to swim to land.

With newfound legs, Lena is whisked away on a new adventure with new friends and new trouble. Everyone seems to want something from her as intrigue lurks around every corner.

Trying her best to hide who she is and remain safe from the dangers of the human world, will Lena finally find where she belongs, or will she be swept into a strong and stormy current by lust, greed, and jealousy?

*Disclaimer: I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Chantal Gadoury. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it, nor did it influence my rating or the content of my review.

I am always interested in seeing how authors rewrite old stories, old fairy tales, and when I heard there was another Little Mermaid story out there, I knew I had to snatch it up and read it ASAP. And let me tell you, I adored it.

Audiobook Review: Mated to the Reaper by Alexa Riley

 

Author: Alexa Riley
Series: Virgin Blood #5
Audience: +18
Genre: Paranormal romance
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: January 14th 2019
My Rating: 4 Cups
Source: Read Me Romance
Blurb (from Goodreads):

He’s dying for her.

The Grim Reaper will stop at nothing to find her… let’s just hope she’s ready to be claimed.

Mated to the Reaper will be available FOR FREE on the podcast Read Me Romance starting Monday January 14th! Subscribe below & have it early!

eBook will release in April of 2019
iTunes: http://geni.us/A888vRA
Google Play: http://geni.us/7lB4UBK
Websit: www.readmeromance.com
Instagram: @readmeromance

*Disclaimer: This book contains mature content. As a result, my review may contain references to content intended for mature audiences only.

I adored this story so, so much. You guys know I love me some vampires, and I love what Alexa Riley did with these mythological creatures.

Audiobook Review: Bombshell by Jen Frederick

 

Author: Jen Frederick
Series: N/A
Audience: +18
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: December 31st 2018
My Rating: 3.5 Cups
Source: Read Me Romance
Blurb (from Goodreads):

My brain exploded at the supermarket. One minute I was arguing with my three-month-old about how many grapes she could stick in her tiny mouth and the next minute I was staring at the face of the father of my child.

The guy ghosted me after I told him I was pregnant. I sent him texts, called him and even posted a certified letter but received zero response. While he was down for the baby-making activities, he had zero desire to accept the consequences.

So I did what any other like-minded woman would’ve done in my position. I reached into my cart and started hurling things at him.

To my surprise, he not only paid for the damage but followed me home. Now, he’s telling me he never got my messages or my letter and that he’s ready to be a father.

He’s patching drywall, doing the laundry, and carrying the trash to the curb, and I’m remembering what it was like when he was loving me every night. A few heated stares and a few brushes of his hand against mine and my long-dormant female parts are roaring to life. Everyone’s going to think I’m a few French fries short of a Happy Meal if I let him back into my life, but my heart can’t keep asking what if…

THIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN AUDIO ON THE READ ME ROMANCE PODCAST.

Listen for FREE here:

iTunes - > http://geni.us/A888vRA
Google Play -> http://geni.us/7lB4UBK
Website - > www.readmeromance.com

*Disclaimer: This book contains mature content. As a result, my review may contain references to content intended for mature audiences only.

This was such a cute story and I am so, so happy I got to listen to it.