Audio: Someone I Used to Know - Patty Blount

Nick Mondelli (Narrator), Amy Melissa Bentley (Narrator)

Audio CD, 10 h

Published August 7th 2018 by Tantor Audio

YA Fiction

Own

My thoughts:

This one was hard listening at. I just wanted to rage against the world! But it is a book that you have to listen to/read. Even better, a book to read at school and discuss.

The book takes place in the present, but also in the past, 1 year ago, 2 years ago, and sometimes we go further back to look at the relationship between brother and sister, best friends, and where it went wrong.

2 years ago Ashley was raped. It was her brother's teammate, and someone she liked. That is also when she started to hate her brother and still do. She is still coping and will always try to cope. She has anxiety attacks and is trying to find ways to deal. Oh my heart broke for her. It was so hard to listen when she was hurting to so badly.

What was different with this one than other books is that her rapist actually got sent to jail (albeit a stupid short sentence). And even if people still sneer at her, she has a great support system and friends at school. But that does not mean she can just get over it and move on. She is angry and hurting.

Loved her friend, especially Sebastien!

Half this book is Derek's. He messed up. And I was all for her hating him, but the more I got to know him, and to see how badly he was hurting too, the more I wanted them all to forgive each other. He has his own guilt. He wishes he could have stopped it. He should have stopped it. He learns how to honestly be a better human being. If we all stood up to BS and "boys being boys", then maybe things could start to change.

I liked how it did not only show her side, but also how her family was trying to deal. You never get to see much about the those trying to help, and those that might be clueless how to help. 

Conclusion:

Powerful and raw at times. A great book

Narration.

I love Amy Melissa Bentley's voice. So yes she was superb as always.

As for Nick, I am not sure I have heard him before...but anyway he did a great job too as Derek.

Blurb:

From the award-winning author of Some Boys comes an unflinching examination of rape culture that delves into a family torn apart by sexual assault. It's been two years since the night that changed Ashley's life. Two years since she was raped by her brother's teammate. And a year since she sat in a court and watched as he was given a slap on the wrist sentence. But the years have done nothing to stop the pain. It's been two years of hell for Derek. His family is totally messed up and he and his sister are barely speaking. He knows he handled it all wrong. Now at college, he has to come to terms with what happened, and the rape culture that he was inadvertently a part of that destroyed his sister's life. When it all comes to head at Thanksgiving, Derek and Ashley have to decide if their relationship is able to be saved. And if their family can ever be whole again. 

Audio: Love Story - Lauren Layne

When Lucy Hawkins receives a job offer in San Francisco, she can't wait to spread her wings and leave her small Virginia hometown behind. Her close-knit family supports her as best they can, by handing over the keys to a station wagon that's seen better days. The catch? The cross-country trip comes with a traveling companion: her older brother's best friend, a.k.a. the guy who took Lucy's virginity hours before breaking her heart.

After spending the past four years and every last dime caring for his sick father, Reece Sullivan will do just about anything to break free of the painful memories—even if it means a two-week road trip with the one girl who's ever made it past his carefully guarded exterior. But after long days of bickering in the car turn into steamy nights in secluded motel rooms, Reece learns that, when it comes to Lucy, their story is far from over. And this time, they just might have a shot at a happy ending.

My thoughts:

These two were idiots. Total idiots. Who even goes on a 2 week car trip with someone you hate!?

Yes I actually had issues with this one, and it is a Lauren Layne! It just did not feel like a Lauren Layne. They acted like teenagers, and that is being nice to teens! If this has been a YA book and they had been 17 and 18, then I could forgive them. But a 24 and 25 year old who is stuck 2 weeks in a car and can't communicate. Instead they start a million times and never finish. Just talk! TALK. But nope, they act like sulky teens instead.

Oh and do not even get me started on Reece! He had NO reason to hate her, no reason at all. I have no idea why she kept running after him. I was all for cutting him loose and leaving him stranded somewhere. After  I finished it I was still all for her ditching Reese.

But now it sounds like I did not like it at all. I did like it. But that is all because of Amy Melissa Bentley, she is my favorite female narrator. She saved this book for me and I looked forward to her voice.

As for Rudy Sanda...yeah, I had issues. His Virginian accents annoyed me to death. His voice for Lucy was so *sorry*! redneck and like she was the kind that marries her cousin. His normal narration was fine, but when he played Lucy, or any female *cringes*

Omg, I am just complaining! It was still a good book!.

But his Lucy just kept nagging at me. And if I picture this as a YA road trip instead it works so much better. She missed her mark there. Should have been YA with a few changes.

Conclusion:
All in all, It was still good. It is worth it cos AM Bentley saves the book. Her voice is always fun.

A road trip from hell becomes a second chance at love. 

Audio CD, 7 h 10 minPublished June 12th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published February 14th 2017)Love Unexpectedly #3Contemporary romanceFor review

Audio. Starry Eyes - Jenn Bennett

Ever since last year's homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn't hurt that their families are the modern day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets. But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together. What could go wrong? With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely. And as the two travel deeper into Northern California's rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon's rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars? 

Audio CD, 11 h 23 min
Published April 3rd 2018 by Tantor Audio
YA Fiction
For review

My thoughts:

This really was how a YA book should be. I am impressed.

Zorie loves astronomy. I liked that. She was normal you know. She has parents that are around in the book, a lot even, I know right. Though her taste in boys and friends, ehh, could be better.

Lennon, whose name I kept hearing as Lenin and I went all what the?! A reptile loving manga reading neighbor. And Zorie's former best friend.

Reagan (did not like her), Summer ditsy, Brett (get better taste in boys Zori!).

They are all together on a glamping trip and then on a real camping trip. And Lennon made it sound so wonderful! I would love to go hiking there. Or maybe not when I think of bears, snakes and cougars. I also loved how the book took place in a national park. It was different and great.

Also, they actually talk things out before the end! Yes! I hate when things gets dragged out and I just want to shout talk! And they talk. Why their friendship went wrong, among other things.

I really can not do it justice. This was a great book. I truly enjoyed it.

Narrator Amy Melissa Bentley

Oh she is one of my favorite narrators! I love her YA voices. I'd choose a book just cos of her.

Audio: A Kiss in the Dark - Gina Giocca

When the lights go out at a Georgia high school football game, senior Macy Atwood finds herself in the arms of a boy who kisses her senseless-but he's gone by the time the lights come back on. All she knows is that there was something special-and oddly familiar-about her mystery kisser. Noah Granger, Ridgedale's resident bad boy and newest transfer student, has no problem taking credit for the kiss, but Macy can't shake the feeling that he's lying. Especially since a photograph of Macy and former star football player Joel Hargrove resurfaced online moments before the blackout, a not-so-random reminder of how hard she fell for Joel last year. And how doing so ultimately sent her lifelong friendships with Meredith Kopala and Ben Collins up in literal smoke. Soon last year's wounds begin to reopen as Macy realizes the events that unfolded during junior year are somehow tied to her mystery kisser. But the closer Macy gets to figuring it all out, the more she starts to worry that the boy who kissed her in the dark and the boy who is stealing her heart might be two very different people. 

Audio CD, 9 h
Published March 6th 2018 by Tantor Audio
Narrator: Amy Melissa Bentley
YA /romance
For review

MY thoughts:

The book alternates between junior and senior year. And I lost my train of thought. You know what, YA really works for me when it is like this. First audio, obviously, and second, normal YA with normal people. No angst. Drama, yes, they are teens after all. And romance of course.

Macy loves to take photos (this author seems to have a type),  she is nice and normal. I'd love to have had a friend like that in HS.

And then someone kisses her, in the dark. Let the drama begin. 

There is Joel who she got close to last year. And as the book alternates we get to see them meeting and becoming friend. But something obviously happened.

There is Noah, the new guy in school, hot and wanting to get to know her better. He is not around in the previous year though. But it could be him.

I wanted to know what happened. Why did she looser her bestie Meredith? And her friend Ben? Why is she not talking with Joel anymore? I did like how it all came together. Oh and kids can sure hold grudges!

I spotted the mysterious kisser when all the players were introduced, so yes that was easy and I was happy.

I spotted the other secret before the first real hint was out. But I did wonder about that when nothing happened (before the end). Juicy secrets.

A nice YA fiction.

Narration

I think this is my 5th? book by Amy Melissa Bentley and I so like her voice. When she started talking I was all, yay, it is Amy! I like her soothing voice and her different characters. She is also really good at YA

Sample

Audio: Runaway Groom - Lauren Layne

Gage Barrett’s reputation as a ladies’ man has been greatly exaggerated, but none of that matters after a drunken bet lands him on Jilted, a reality TV show that matches runaway grooms with wannabe brides. Now he’s stuck at a Hawaiian resort with nineteen women competing to drag him back to the altar—and one contestant who’s even more miserable than he is. Gage has no idea how feisty, independent Ellie Wright wound up in the cast, but it’s obvious she hates his guts. And if there’s one thing Gage likes, it’s a challenge. . . .

Ellie can’t believe she let her best friend talk her into exchanging her dignity for a glorified bikini contest. Still, she could use the exposure—her business is struggling—and she’ll probably be one of the first to get eliminated anyway. But Gage isn’t the shallow jerk Ellie anticipated—and he’s in no rush to send her home. As stolen kisses turn into secret trysts, she finds herself losing track of what’s real and what’s for the camera. With the wedding finale looming, this runaway groom is tempting Ellie to start believing in storybook endings. 

Audio CD, 7 pages
Expected publication: February 20th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published January 30th 2018)
I Do, I Don't #2
Contemporary romance
For review

My thoughts:

Just like book 1 things are not what they seem. Sure, Gage left women at the altar, but there are reason. And those things he wanted at the end, awww, my heart broke.

Gage lost a bet and is now the star of Jilted. He is also a famous movie star. A LOT of women want to be on Jilted for a chance to marry him. And sure, I liked how he did not just leave (cos he sure did not like the idea of this show), he did not want to be that guy who always leaves.

Ellie is so not like the other contestants, and is doing this for the free PR for her company. She is honest, does not give a fig, and is just so normal you know.

He finds her refreshing.

She likes him when she sees the real him.

But this is a reality show! Who wants that! Not her.

I mouthed OMG as I listened and walk and put on my silly grin. SO many times. I  should find a new way to rate audiobooks, because I find myself more and more wanting to rate them differently. The narration was so splendid, and as always, I just know I enjoyed this so much more than I would have reading it.

Totally cute, Totally fun. A joy listening to. You know it's good when there is 1 h left and I just haaaave to finish it.

Amy Melissa Bentley and Rudy Sandas

Alternatating POVS.

I found myself thinking in her voice. LOL. She got me.

I also like his voice a lot, he was Gage.

Sample

Audio: Ready to Run - Lauren Layne

Jordan Carpenter thinks she’s finally found the perfect candidate for Jilted, a new dating show about runaway grooms: Luke Elliott, a playboy firefighter who’s left not one but three brides at the altar. The only problem? Luke refuses to answer Jordan’s emails or return her calls. Which is how she ends up on a flight to Montana to recruit him in person. It’s not Manhattan but at least the locals in Lucky Hollow seem friendly . . . except for Luke, who’s more intense—and way hotter—than the slick womanizer Jordan expected.

Eager to put the past behind him, Luke has zero intention of following this gorgeous, fast-talking city girl back to New York. But before he can send her packing, Jordan’s everywhere: at his favorite bar, the county fair, even his exes’ book club. Annoyingly, everyone in Lucky Hollow seems to like her—and deep down, she’s starting to grow on him too. But the more he fights her constant pestering, the more Luke finds himself wishing that Jordan would kick off her high heels and make herself comfortable in his arms. 

ebook, 175 pages
Published August 22nd 2017
I Do, I Don't #1
Contemporary romance
This review copy was given to me in exchange for an honest review

My thoughts.
Jordan is ready to get her man! For a show that is.

Jordan was, oh who would not like it. Smart, knew what she wanted and just nice. She comes into to town to get a certain fireman to be a "Bachelor", but is one tough sell.

Luke is a hunky firefighter who has left three brides the altar...wait, say whaaat?! I sure did not get that since everyone in town liked Luke, and he was so nice (well except when he was grumpy and told Jordan no.) So he sure did not sound like a guy who leaves three women hanging, and early on we do meet a bride and she is all Luke is the best too. Yes, there are stories there and Jordan does her best to find the truth.

And this small town rocks. I want to go there. I want to be in Book club! Hang out at the pub. Be friends with these women and check out a hottie firefighter or two.

He runs, she runs after him. She is everywhere. And sparks fly. And after a bit of drama they live happily ever after.

Conclusion:
A cute little story


Narrator
Amy Melissa Bentley
A nice narrator that made the town sound so fun and everyone so welcoming. I must go there.

Audio: Busted - Gina Ciocca

Marisa never planned to be a snoop for hire. It wasn't like she wanted to catch her best friend's boyfriend making out with another girl. But as her reputation for sniffing out cheaters spreads all over school, Marisa finds herself the reluctant queen of busting two-timing boys. And her next case? It's for ex-frenemy Kendall. She's convinced that her boyfriend, TJ, has feelings for someone else and persuades Marissa to start spying on him. But the more Marisa gets to know sincere and artistic TJ, the more she starts to fall for him. Worse yet, the feelings seem to be mutual. Marisa knows she needs to give up her investigation-and the spoken-for guy who may just be the love of her life. Then she uncovers new secrets about Kendall and TJ, secrets that take "cheater" to a whole new level . . . 

Audio CD, 8h
Published January 2nd 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published January 1st 2018)
Fiction YA
For review

My thoughts:

The blurb was a bit misleading, I thought she was the queen of spies, but it was not like that. She catches a cheater and her next case is when her old frenemy Kendall shows up and wants to know if her boyfriend TJ is cheating. So not spyqueen.

Marissa loves journalism. She likes hanging out with her friends, yup, you know a normal teenager, she says so herself. Why on earth she even thinks of befriending Kendall again I do not know, sorry Kendall but you are a bitch. Marissa is being way too kind.

Which brings us to the story. Spying on TJ. Who is cute, who likes the same things she does and who has a girlfriend (even a bitchy one like Kendall). Of course she starts to fall for him and well trust me, it will all work out in a very good way. No spoiler saying that.

There are also some sidestories while she investigates, her BFF Charlotte getting over her Ex, a scandal at Charlotte's school. Marissa getting over her own ex. All of the stories tying together neatly.

I liked Marissa. I was not sure about TJ, I mean yes I liked him, but ugh Kendall. I am glad it all worked out in the end even if I thought it ended too well for some, cough cough.

Conclusion:
A nice mystery and romance.

Narrator

Amy Melissa Bentley

She was good. I liked her voices and nuances. She works well for a YA book.