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The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton
I don’t remember how I first came across this book, probably thanks to Libro.fm’s ALC program, but I do know the title is what caught my attention. Let’s be honest here, I’m not well-versed in poetry beyond what I had to read in school—having a poet as a friend is, however, (very slowly) widening my horizons—so I’d never heard of Sarah Williams or her poem The Old Astronomer from which these words, “the stars too fondly”, are quoted. It’s the perfect title for this cosy space opera.
Cleo, Kaleisha, Abe and Ros have been friends since they were kids. Now in their late twenties, they decide to break into the spaceship that, twenty years earlier, was supposed to save humankind by taking the first ever group of people to another planet they would colonise. Instead, the spacecraft never left and its crew vanished. When the quartet makes its way to the groundbreaking dark matter engine, the ship suddenly takes off.
I love the idea of space enthusiasts stealing a ship by accident, it sets the stage for the comedic aspect. The Stars Too Fondly is, essentially, a romcom in space, with superpowers and a super villain as a bonus. At the centre of the story is a romance arc between Cleo and Billie, a hologram of the ship’s captain, that raises a lot of fascinating questions (is a computer into which a human’s consciousness has been uploaded AI? Is it sentient? What makes a person?), then there’s the mystery surrounding the spaceship crew’s disappearance. I’m not sure the science is very plausible but for readers like me, who know nothing but like stars and space operas, it’s fun.
The author describes herself as “the offspring of a Trekkie mother and a Star Wars father”, and it shows, especially in the overall atmosphere of the story. I was also reminded almost immediately of The Leftovers, one of my favourite TV shows, not for the group of friends or space, but for the disappearances and the unknown.
While I really enjoyed this book—in part thanks to the narration (more about that below)—there are some issues I’m (sort of) surprised made it through editing. There’s a lot of telling and head hopping, both of which are common with debut novels, but I don’t expect them as much with traditionally published novels. The characters, in particular the found family gang, feel younger than they’re said to be, surprisingly immature at times, especially since they’re all supposed to be smart and pursuing brilliant studies. They all sound very much alike, including Billie, who’s older and from a different background. I also feel like all the pop culture references being from our time is a missed opportunity to have fun with setting the story in the future. Except for the fact that the space program seemed more advanced than where we are at the moment (until it wasn’t), everything feels very much like our present. And though simultaneously too long and rushed, the ending is mostly satisfying.
However, the narration made listening to this audiobook a very engaging and fun experience, despite all this. This was my first narration by queer non-binary actor Vico Ortiz, whom I know from watching a few episodes of Our Flag Means Death. I loved it. I could listen to them for hours—and yes, I did—even though their voices for the characters aren’t as different as other narrators would have made them. I’m not sure I can explain how they make up for it, with tone and pacing, and tiny details that make it a joy to listen to them. If you’re into space operas, don’t mind the improbable science and adults sometimes behaving like they’re still in high school, I recommend this audiobook with no hesitation.
I received a copy from Libro.fm and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
4.0
I don’t remember how I first came across this book, probably thanks to Libro.fm’s ALC program, but I do know the title is what caught my attention. Let’s be honest here, I’m not well-versed in poetry beyond what I had to read in school—having a poet as a friend is, however, (very slowly) widening my horizons—so I’d never heard of Sarah Williams or her poem The Old Astronomer from which these words, “the stars too fondly”, are quoted. It’s the perfect title for this cosy space opera.
Cleo, Kaleisha, Abe and Ros have been friends since they were kids. Now in their late twenties, they decide to break into the spaceship that, twenty years earlier, was supposed to save humankind by taking the first ever group of people to another planet they would colonise. Instead, the spacecraft never left and its crew vanished. When the quartet makes its way to the groundbreaking dark matter engine, the ship suddenly takes off.
I love the idea of space enthusiasts stealing a ship by accident, it sets the stage for the comedic aspect. The Stars Too Fondly is, essentially, a romcom in space, with superpowers and a super villain as a bonus. At the centre of the story is a romance arc between Cleo and Billie, a hologram of the ship’s captain, that raises a lot of fascinating questions (is a computer into which a human’s consciousness has been uploaded AI? Is it sentient? What makes a person?), then there’s the mystery surrounding the spaceship crew’s disappearance. I’m not sure the science is very plausible but for readers like me, who know nothing but like stars and space operas, it’s fun.
The author describes herself as “the offspring of a Trekkie mother and a Star Wars father”, and it shows, especially in the overall atmosphere of the story. I was also reminded almost immediately of The Leftovers, one of my favourite TV shows, not for the group of friends or space, but for the disappearances and the unknown.
While I really enjoyed this book—in part thanks to the narration (more about that below)—there are some issues I’m (sort of) surprised made it through editing. There’s a lot of telling and head hopping, both of which are common with debut novels, but I don’t expect them as much with traditionally published novels. The characters, in particular the found family gang, feel younger than they’re said to be, surprisingly immature at times, especially since they’re all supposed to be smart and pursuing brilliant studies. They all sound very much alike, including Billie, who’s older and from a different background. I also feel like all the pop culture references being from our time is a missed opportunity to have fun with setting the story in the future. Except for the fact that the space program seemed more advanced than where we are at the moment (until it wasn’t), everything feels very much like our present. And though simultaneously too long and rushed, the ending is mostly satisfying.
However, the narration made listening to this audiobook a very engaging and fun experience, despite all this. This was my first narration by queer non-binary actor Vico Ortiz, whom I know from watching a few episodes of Our Flag Means Death. I loved it. I could listen to them for hours—and yes, I did—even though their voices for the characters aren’t as different as other narrators would have made them. I’m not sure I can explain how they make up for it, with tone and pacing, and tiny details that make it a joy to listen to them. If you’re into space operas, don’t mind the improbable science and adults sometimes behaving like they’re still in high school, I recommend this audiobook with no hesitation.
I received a copy from Libro.fm and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
Something New by Jacqueline Ramsden
This will probably be my last holiday book of the year and it gave me everything I love about these stories: the perfect setting, sweet and sexy characters, flirty banter…
For their Christmas wedding, Thea’s younger sister Lenore and her fiancé have invited their loved ones and extended family to spend the week at a beautiful lodge in Montana. While she would have preferred her ex-boyfriend to not be there, Thea is happy for the couple and determined to enjoy herself. Falling for the wedding planner wasn’t on her bingo card, especially since said wedding planner is a woman.
Both exhilarated and intimidated by her feelings, Thea is my favourite kind of character: she knows what she wants without being overconfident, she’s relatable, but she also represents a person the reader can look up to, can project themselves into in that way fairytale characters have of offering an escape from reality.
On the other side of the crush is Erin, ultra competent, kindly teasing, obviously delighted with Thea’s personality. The professional in her wants to try and resist the attraction to her client’s sibling, yet she quickly realises that there’s nothing she can do to stop what’s meant to be.
There are no spoilers in what I just wrote, Something New is a pretty straightforward romance, in the best way possible. It’s very low-angst, full of warmth and good feelings. The interactions between the main characters are enchanting, the best friends on both sides are wonderfully pushy and loving, and Thea’s family provides the requisite embarrassing, eye roll-worthy encounters.
I’ve enjoyed Jacqueline Ramsden’s writing style since the first book I read, I always like their characters, but I feel her books could be even better with some editing/proofreading, if only to minimise the repetition of words in the same sentence. Despite this minor grumble, I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a quick, entertaining, satisfying read.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This will probably be my last holiday book of the year and it gave me everything I love about these stories: the perfect setting, sweet and sexy characters, flirty banter…
For their Christmas wedding, Thea’s younger sister Lenore and her fiancé have invited their loved ones and extended family to spend the week at a beautiful lodge in Montana. While she would have preferred her ex-boyfriend to not be there, Thea is happy for the couple and determined to enjoy herself. Falling for the wedding planner wasn’t on her bingo card, especially since said wedding planner is a woman.
Both exhilarated and intimidated by her feelings, Thea is my favourite kind of character: she knows what she wants without being overconfident, she’s relatable, but she also represents a person the reader can look up to, can project themselves into in that way fairytale characters have of offering an escape from reality.
On the other side of the crush is Erin, ultra competent, kindly teasing, obviously delighted with Thea’s personality. The professional in her wants to try and resist the attraction to her client’s sibling, yet she quickly realises that there’s nothing she can do to stop what’s meant to be.
There are no spoilers in what I just wrote, Something New is a pretty straightforward romance, in the best way possible. It’s very low-angst, full of warmth and good feelings. The interactions between the main characters are enchanting, the best friends on both sides are wonderfully pushy and loving, and Thea’s family provides the requisite embarrassing, eye roll-worthy encounters.
I’ve enjoyed Jacqueline Ramsden’s writing style since the first book I read, I always like their characters, but I feel her books could be even better with some editing/proofreading, if only to minimise the repetition of words in the same sentence. Despite this minor grumble, I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a quick, entertaining, satisfying read.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
Falls From Grace by Ruby Landers
How did I not read this before? Life has a way of getting in the way, I guess. Though I may be late to the party but that allowed me to discover this book through Quinn Riley‘s fabulous narration. I know she’s become my friend and I may seem biased, but I couldn’t listen to a whole audiobook if I didn’t enjoy the narration, no matter how I feel about the narrator. And Quinn Riley, aka Jeremy Carlisle Parker (I’ll always mention her two names so you can find all her work), is an excellent narrator, and to me, this is her best narration so far. Granted, I haven’t listened to all, but I I kept forgetting there was only one narrator, and that I knew her. The range of emotions she manages to convey through Savannah and Brynn is extraordinary.
As wonderful as a narration may be, however, it’s not enough to make an audiobook enjoyable if the story isn’t good. Falls From Grace is my first book by Ruby Landers, and as I mentioned above, I can’t explain why it took me so long to find it. I loved it. Everything about it. I’m a character-driven reader (and a mood reader, more and more, because, again, life), and Landers’s made me incredibly happy. The MCs, of course, superstar Savannah Grace and med-school dropout Brynn Marshall, both so sweet and talented and hurt but also so open to possibilities. Around them are other wonderful characters: Tucker, Savannah’s little boy, is one of the most plausible children I’ve read, and Quinn’s voice for him fits perfectly; Noah, Brynn’s best friend, a talented musician in his own right, the reason our MCs meet (I’m not spoiling this but get ready for some drama), and such a sweet guy; Coral, Savannah’s pushy and supportive best friend, another highly respected artist, and a trans woman; Lane, the youngest—besides Tucker—character in this story, whom I love, and can’t wait to know more about them.
The relationship between Brynn and Savannah develops as a very slow burn, and their coming together—no pun intended but I’m not deleting it—is totally worth the wait. They have a lot of chemistry, and while I wasn’t one hundred per cent convinced about the way some of Brynn’s talents (I don’t mean in the bedroom) were revealed, no effort was needed to believe in the attraction between the two, or any of the relationships, romantic or not.
The overall feeling after listening is one of quiet delight, which doesn’t mean Falls From Grace is all fluff and snowflakes. Landers tackles sensitive topics such as childhood and family trauma, imposter syndrome, sobriety and addiction, trust and betrayals. Through it all, I rooted not only for the MCs but also for everyone around them, the found family whose devotion and gentleness contribute to painting Brynn and Savannah as full, complex, worthy-of-love characters.
Sure, this debut novel isn’t perfect and there are flaws here and there. I, however, didn’t mind any of them. The splendid narration probably helped, but as I wrote above, the narration can only shine if the material it’s based on is outstanding as well. A good narrator can elevate a story, but they can’t make it.
I’ll stop raving now, but I’ll probably get back to it when the audiobook for the second book, Graceless, comes out. 4.5⭐️
Video review: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDuVzbTARrH/
I received a review code from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
How did I not read this before? Life has a way of getting in the way, I guess. Though I may be late to the party but that allowed me to discover this book through Quinn Riley‘s fabulous narration. I know she’s become my friend and I may seem biased, but I couldn’t listen to a whole audiobook if I didn’t enjoy the narration, no matter how I feel about the narrator. And Quinn Riley, aka Jeremy Carlisle Parker (I’ll always mention her two names so you can find all her work), is an excellent narrator, and to me, this is her best narration so far. Granted, I haven’t listened to all, but I I kept forgetting there was only one narrator, and that I knew her. The range of emotions she manages to convey through Savannah and Brynn is extraordinary.
As wonderful as a narration may be, however, it’s not enough to make an audiobook enjoyable if the story isn’t good. Falls From Grace is my first book by Ruby Landers, and as I mentioned above, I can’t explain why it took me so long to find it. I loved it. Everything about it. I’m a character-driven reader (and a mood reader, more and more, because, again, life), and Landers’s made me incredibly happy. The MCs, of course, superstar Savannah Grace and med-school dropout Brynn Marshall, both so sweet and talented and hurt but also so open to possibilities. Around them are other wonderful characters: Tucker, Savannah’s little boy, is one of the most plausible children I’ve read, and Quinn’s voice for him fits perfectly; Noah, Brynn’s best friend, a talented musician in his own right, the reason our MCs meet (I’m not spoiling this but get ready for some drama), and such a sweet guy; Coral, Savannah’s pushy and supportive best friend, another highly respected artist, and a trans woman; Lane, the youngest—besides Tucker—character in this story, whom I love, and can’t wait to know more about them.
The relationship between Brynn and Savannah develops as a very slow burn, and their coming together—no pun intended but I’m not deleting it—is totally worth the wait. They have a lot of chemistry, and while I wasn’t one hundred per cent convinced about the way some of Brynn’s talents (I don’t mean in the bedroom) were revealed, no effort was needed to believe in the attraction between the two, or any of the relationships, romantic or not.
The overall feeling after listening is one of quiet delight, which doesn’t mean Falls From Grace is all fluff and snowflakes. Landers tackles sensitive topics such as childhood and family trauma, imposter syndrome, sobriety and addiction, trust and betrayals. Through it all, I rooted not only for the MCs but also for everyone around them, the found family whose devotion and gentleness contribute to painting Brynn and Savannah as full, complex, worthy-of-love characters.
Sure, this debut novel isn’t perfect and there are flaws here and there. I, however, didn’t mind any of them. The splendid narration probably helped, but as I wrote above, the narration can only shine if the material it’s based on is outstanding as well. A good narrator can elevate a story, but they can’t make it.
I’ll stop raving now, but I’ll probably get back to it when the audiobook for the second book, Graceless, comes out. 4.5⭐️
Video review: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDuVzbTARrH/
I received a review code from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
Nochebuena: a holiday novella by Stephanie Shea
Something’s wrong with Cami and Sutton’s couple. Sutton comes home smelling of a perfume Cami knows is not hers, she goes to secret doctor’s appointments… The fact that her parents have announced their decision to get a divorce isn’t helping Cami keep her faith that everlasting love is a thing.
I missed this Christmas novella last year but Clare Ashton, who is one of my absolute favourite authors, mentioned it on social media, and then a few days ago, it was part of Jae’s Sapphic Book Advent Calendar, and it felt like fate. I apologise (once again) to all the authors whose books are on my ARC list, but I had to move things around and read Nochebuena right away. I mean, it’s December, and I need some Christmas spirit.
I think what I liked most about this novella (set in the author’s Gia, San Francisco universe) is the fact the MCs are already married. It’s very much a romance, it just takes place after they come together. They’re both very busy professional women—Cami, 28, is a family law attorney, Sutton, 33, was recently appointed director at the company she works for—and they’re struggling to find time for each other and their couple. Sparks need to be fed by more than love, and I enjoyed seeing them reconnecting to themselves, to each other, to their desires, their dreams, their priorities.
It’s a very tender book, full of humour and sweetness, with adorable MCs and loving and funny secondary characters.
Video review: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDo1-shAnm2/
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Something’s wrong with Cami and Sutton’s couple. Sutton comes home smelling of a perfume Cami knows is not hers, she goes to secret doctor’s appointments… The fact that her parents have announced their decision to get a divorce isn’t helping Cami keep her faith that everlasting love is a thing.
I missed this Christmas novella last year but Clare Ashton, who is one of my absolute favourite authors, mentioned it on social media, and then a few days ago, it was part of Jae’s Sapphic Book Advent Calendar, and it felt like fate. I apologise (once again) to all the authors whose books are on my ARC list, but I had to move things around and read Nochebuena right away. I mean, it’s December, and I need some Christmas spirit.
I think what I liked most about this novella (set in the author’s Gia, San Francisco universe) is the fact the MCs are already married. It’s very much a romance, it just takes place after they come together. They’re both very busy professional women—Cami, 28, is a family law attorney, Sutton, 33, was recently appointed director at the company she works for—and they’re struggling to find time for each other and their couple. Sparks need to be fed by more than love, and I enjoyed seeing them reconnecting to themselves, to each other, to their desires, their dreams, their priorities.
It’s a very tender book, full of humour and sweetness, with adorable MCs and loving and funny secondary characters.
Video review: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDo1-shAnm2/
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
A Christmas Chance by A.L. Brooks
I have a lot of respect for authors who decide to leave their publisher to go indie and take matters into their own hands. And I love that for her first indie book, A.L. Brooks chose to give us a Christmas romance. And one of my favourite tropes, at least when it comes to wintery stories: only one bed.
After her girlfriend reveals herself to only care about her money, Steph dreams of her grandmother’s Christmas, in the small Scottish cottage her sister Emily now owns, overflowing with decorations and the smell of hot chocolate. With Emily’s blessing, Steph fills her van with her chainsaw sculpture gear and gets on the road, only for the van to expire just as it delivers her to her destination. Which turns out to be occupied already. Cara is enjoying a peaceful break before she starts her new job in the UK, having left the US behind her. Between her lack of transportation and the snowstorm that naturally makes driving anywhere impossible anyway, Steph has no other choice but to intrude on Cara’s solitude.
I’m in full holiday mood, and A Christmas Chance was a nice addition to my Christmas reading list. I enjoyed the contrast between quiet Cara and Steph the creative tornado, and the way they embrace their differences. Their connection is believable and in true Brooks fashion, it’s both hot and cute. There’s very low angst, the lack of communication makes sense as the story takes place over a brief period and the resolution is simple yet not rushed. I only wish the relationship between Steph and her sister was a bit more developed, it didn’t completely feel logical to me, the distance between them didn’t really mesh with everything else—I’m trying not to spoil here so if it isn’t clear, go read the book!
One of my favourite scenes is a photoshoot of Steph working on her art, and it progressively shows Cara as more than a timid interloper. It also reminded me of the world’s favourite lesbian woodchopper, Nicole Maple Coenen, which only added to the fun.
Video review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDPb-pSAjuL/
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I have a lot of respect for authors who decide to leave their publisher to go indie and take matters into their own hands. And I love that for her first indie book, A.L. Brooks chose to give us a Christmas romance. And one of my favourite tropes, at least when it comes to wintery stories: only one bed.
After her girlfriend reveals herself to only care about her money, Steph dreams of her grandmother’s Christmas, in the small Scottish cottage her sister Emily now owns, overflowing with decorations and the smell of hot chocolate. With Emily’s blessing, Steph fills her van with her chainsaw sculpture gear and gets on the road, only for the van to expire just as it delivers her to her destination. Which turns out to be occupied already. Cara is enjoying a peaceful break before she starts her new job in the UK, having left the US behind her. Between her lack of transportation and the snowstorm that naturally makes driving anywhere impossible anyway, Steph has no other choice but to intrude on Cara’s solitude.
I’m in full holiday mood, and A Christmas Chance was a nice addition to my Christmas reading list. I enjoyed the contrast between quiet Cara and Steph the creative tornado, and the way they embrace their differences. Their connection is believable and in true Brooks fashion, it’s both hot and cute. There’s very low angst, the lack of communication makes sense as the story takes place over a brief period and the resolution is simple yet not rushed. I only wish the relationship between Steph and her sister was a bit more developed, it didn’t completely feel logical to me, the distance between them didn’t really mesh with everything else—I’m trying not to spoil here so if it isn’t clear, go read the book!
One of my favourite scenes is a photoshoot of Steph working on her art, and it progressively shows Cara as more than a timid interloper. It also reminded me of the world’s favourite lesbian woodchopper, Nicole Maple Coenen, which only added to the fun.
Video review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDPb-pSAjuL/
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake
My first Christmas review of the year! Ashley Herring Blake knows how to write a romcom, obviously, and I knew I could count on her to ease me into the Christmas cheer. In Make the Season Bright, Charlotte and Brighton went from childhood best friends to lovers. Then Brighton left Charlotte at the altar and now, five years later, they find themselves stuck in the same place for Christmas, both having been invited by their respective best friends. Charlotte is all closed off, as the result of Brighton’s betrayal but also because of her uninterested mother, whereas Brighton is outgoing, with very loving and supportive parents. Both of them are musicians, Charlotte plays the violin in a quartet she founded, Brighton is languishing in Nashville after her band found success without her.
As in the Bright Falls series, there’s a fun cast of secondary characters, most of whom would make interesting MCs should the author decide to write spin-offs.
I really enjoyed this audiobook in an easy, lazy way. It’s the equivalent of a Hallmark movie, everyone is too beautiful, too witty, too funny, which is exactly what I want from a book like this. I don’t care if most of it is improbable, if the setting is this impossibly perfect winter wonderland, or whatever. I didn’t expect anything groundbreaking. I just wanted some Christmas spirit, and some romance, and I got all of that.
Kristen DiMercurio’s narration is as good as usual, even though her male voices aren’t always deep enough—I know I’m stereotyping but it’s an audiobook, and the only thing that kept me from confusing one of the guys with one of the female characters was his British accent. Other than that, the rhythm, the tone, the energy were great. And the cover is another very fitting illustration by Leni Kauffman, showcasing the distinctive silver in Charlotte’s hair.
Video review: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDHqlCsIXR4/
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
My first Christmas review of the year! Ashley Herring Blake knows how to write a romcom, obviously, and I knew I could count on her to ease me into the Christmas cheer. In Make the Season Bright, Charlotte and Brighton went from childhood best friends to lovers. Then Brighton left Charlotte at the altar and now, five years later, they find themselves stuck in the same place for Christmas, both having been invited by their respective best friends. Charlotte is all closed off, as the result of Brighton’s betrayal but also because of her uninterested mother, whereas Brighton is outgoing, with very loving and supportive parents. Both of them are musicians, Charlotte plays the violin in a quartet she founded, Brighton is languishing in Nashville after her band found success without her.
As in the Bright Falls series, there’s a fun cast of secondary characters, most of whom would make interesting MCs should the author decide to write spin-offs.
I really enjoyed this audiobook in an easy, lazy way. It’s the equivalent of a Hallmark movie, everyone is too beautiful, too witty, too funny, which is exactly what I want from a book like this. I don’t care if most of it is improbable, if the setting is this impossibly perfect winter wonderland, or whatever. I didn’t expect anything groundbreaking. I just wanted some Christmas spirit, and some romance, and I got all of that.
Kristen DiMercurio’s narration is as good as usual, even though her male voices aren’t always deep enough—I know I’m stereotyping but it’s an audiobook, and the only thing that kept me from confusing one of the guys with one of the female characters was his British accent. Other than that, the rhythm, the tone, the energy were great. And the cover is another very fitting illustration by Leni Kauffman, showcasing the distinctive silver in Charlotte’s hair.
Video review: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDHqlCsIXR4/
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
A Hired Blade by J.C. Rycroft
I changed this first sentence several times, because what I really wanted to post makes this story sound bad and I actually liked it a lot. If I used emojis in my reviews and if I didn’t care about misleading readers looking for recommendations, there would be a horrified one here. I can’t wait for the next audiobook to come out, this absolutely cannot be the end. I had surmised from the acknowledgements at the start of the story that the ending would be controversial, but although I was prepared, I didn’t see it coming.
I haven’t read J.C. Rycroft’s books yet and I didn’t check whether this novella was published first or if it’s a prequel before I started listening. I like going into books knowing as little as possible for maximum effect. I know now that it is, in fact, a prequel, but if, like me, it’s your entry into J.C. Rycroft’s Everlands Cycle universe, it sets the scene and the world in which the series takes place. The world building is probably my favourite thing about this pretty fast-paced novella. I like that the setting is reminiscent of actual Australian scenery while the story happens in a different dimension or timeline or whatever, and is very obviously fantasy. As an urban fantasy lover, I delight in the mix of familiar and unknown, but I’m not used to it outside of cities and other industrial locations. I also enjoyed the writing very much, and how well I felt I got to know the characters even though A Hired Blade is so short. The narration complement the words in the best possible way. The audiobook of book 1, The Blood-Born Dragon, will be out next week and I’m very excited to find out more about travelling sellsword Des Mildue and what happens to her next.
I received a copy from Libro.fm and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
I changed this first sentence several times, because what I really wanted to post makes this story sound bad and I actually liked it a lot. If I used emojis in my reviews and if I didn’t care about misleading readers looking for recommendations, there would be a horrified one here. I can’t wait for the next audiobook to come out, this absolutely cannot be the end. I had surmised from the acknowledgements at the start of the story that the ending would be controversial, but although I was prepared, I didn’t see it coming.
I haven’t read J.C. Rycroft’s books yet and I didn’t check whether this novella was published first or if it’s a prequel before I started listening. I like going into books knowing as little as possible for maximum effect. I know now that it is, in fact, a prequel, but if, like me, it’s your entry into J.C. Rycroft’s Everlands Cycle universe, it sets the scene and the world in which the series takes place. The world building is probably my favourite thing about this pretty fast-paced novella. I like that the setting is reminiscent of actual Australian scenery while the story happens in a different dimension or timeline or whatever, and is very obviously fantasy. As an urban fantasy lover, I delight in the mix of familiar and unknown, but I’m not used to it outside of cities and other industrial locations. I also enjoyed the writing very much, and how well I felt I got to know the characters even though A Hired Blade is so short. The narration complement the words in the best possible way. The audiobook of book 1, The Blood-Born Dragon, will be out next week and I’m very excited to find out more about travelling sellsword Des Mildue and what happens to her next.
I received a copy from Libro.fm and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
The View from the Top by Rachel Lacey
Rachel Lacey never disappoints and neither does Quinn Riley. The latter narrating a story by the former is always a sure bet. Each book by Rachel Lacey is a promise of warmth, of love, of a satisfying balance between angst and spice, with some character growth and empowerment thrown in. Quinn Riley’s voice, her range, her acting skills complement Lacey’s writing ideally, infusing her own light and the perfect dose of vulnerability as she brings the characters to life.
The main characters in The View from the Top are Emily, who embodies the contentedness of living in a small town, and Diana, from a wealthy, corporate, Bostonian family. Emily loves her life and doesn’t want to see it change. When she finds out her grandmas are considering selling their inn to a corporation, she feels her world crumble. All the more so as the person acting on behalf of the corporation is the woman she just shared an incredible one-night stand with.
At the very beginning, a tiny part of me was worried that the premise seemed similar to Read Between the Lines (the big corporation ruining the small business while sparks fly between the representative of the former and the owner of the latter), but it was actually very different. There’s no David fighting Goliath. There’s, however, a lot of growth, finding oneself, getting out of one’s comfort zone, family issues (biological and found), empowerment. And humour and spice and all things nice.
This audiobook was the perfect escape, and I have to say, having met both the author and the narrator, they are some of the nicest people on earth, and while I try to ignore my feelings about creators I dislike while reading their books, I’ll on the contrary allow all the good ones to add to my joy of reading. And so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that hearing Quinn Riley read the acknowledgement page and what Rachel Lacey wrote about her made my heart glow. She deserves all the compliments, and the respect they hold for each other makes it even better. In the end, the ones who benefit the most from this is us, the readers and listeners. 4.5⭐️
Video review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCjurqagsv-/
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Rachel Lacey never disappoints and neither does Quinn Riley. The latter narrating a story by the former is always a sure bet. Each book by Rachel Lacey is a promise of warmth, of love, of a satisfying balance between angst and spice, with some character growth and empowerment thrown in. Quinn Riley’s voice, her range, her acting skills complement Lacey’s writing ideally, infusing her own light and the perfect dose of vulnerability as she brings the characters to life.
The main characters in The View from the Top are Emily, who embodies the contentedness of living in a small town, and Diana, from a wealthy, corporate, Bostonian family. Emily loves her life and doesn’t want to see it change. When she finds out her grandmas are considering selling their inn to a corporation, she feels her world crumble. All the more so as the person acting on behalf of the corporation is the woman she just shared an incredible one-night stand with.
At the very beginning, a tiny part of me was worried that the premise seemed similar to Read Between the Lines (the big corporation ruining the small business while sparks fly between the representative of the former and the owner of the latter), but it was actually very different. There’s no David fighting Goliath. There’s, however, a lot of growth, finding oneself, getting out of one’s comfort zone, family issues (biological and found), empowerment. And humour and spice and all things nice.
This audiobook was the perfect escape, and I have to say, having met both the author and the narrator, they are some of the nicest people on earth, and while I try to ignore my feelings about creators I dislike while reading their books, I’ll on the contrary allow all the good ones to add to my joy of reading. And so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that hearing Quinn Riley read the acknowledgement page and what Rachel Lacey wrote about her made my heart glow. She deserves all the compliments, and the respect they hold for each other makes it even better. In the end, the ones who benefit the most from this is us, the readers and listeners. 4.5⭐️
Video review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCjurqagsv-/
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
Synchronicity by J.J. Hale
After a flash encounter at the bar where Cal works, Haley gets confirmation she is indeed bisexual. Two years later, the memory of that night is still on her mind, despite Cal never texting her. She doesn’t know Cal wanted to text but had to deal with a huge family crisis. Now, however, they’re about to get a second chance as Cal and her little sister Maeve join the summer camp for neurodivergent kids where Haley is volunteering as a dance teacher.
I know it’s a strange thing to say but there are a lot of sex scenes and I kind of lost interest after a while, not because they’re bad but because I was more interested in the scenes in which Haley and Cal got to know each other, be vulnerable and open. I enjoyed these very much. Haley is sweet and fun, Cal is earnest and romantic, and they click immediately.
My favourite thing about this book is the neurodivergent representation, whether it’s Haley’s ADHD—complete with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria—autism with Maeve, and also Cal’s PTSD (even if it’s never named). The characters are layered and complex beyond their neurodiversity, and I was really rooting for them in every area.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
After a flash encounter at the bar where Cal works, Haley gets confirmation she is indeed bisexual. Two years later, the memory of that night is still on her mind, despite Cal never texting her. She doesn’t know Cal wanted to text but had to deal with a huge family crisis. Now, however, they’re about to get a second chance as Cal and her little sister Maeve join the summer camp for neurodivergent kids where Haley is volunteering as a dance teacher.
I know it’s a strange thing to say but there are a lot of sex scenes and I kind of lost interest after a while, not because they’re bad but because I was more interested in the scenes in which Haley and Cal got to know each other, be vulnerable and open. I enjoyed these very much. Haley is sweet and fun, Cal is earnest and romantic, and they click immediately.
My favourite thing about this book is the neurodivergent representation, whether it’s Haley’s ADHD—complete with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria—autism with Maeve, and also Cal’s PTSD (even if it’s never named). The characters are layered and complex beyond their neurodiversity, and I was really rooting for them in every area.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
Haunted Happenstance by Irene Bahrd
As far as I can tell, Haunted Happenstance is Irene Bahrd’s first sapphic book, which explains why she’s a new-to-me author. I hope she writes many more sapphic novellas because this one is so much fun.
Picture it, an author, a new bookstore owner, and a ghost? Whether they’re being pranked or really are soulmates, Tara and Jen make the most of finding themselves trapped in Jen’s shop. As the blurb announces, Haunted Happenstance starts like a romcom then quickly veers into erotica. I wouldn’t say there’s no plot, it’s probably 50% plot and 50% smut. Or maybe 60/40. The narration serves the story well, Juniper Young’s performance is light and fun, and I enjoyed it very much. If you’re looking for a (very short) audiobook to celebrate Halloween, Haunted Happenstance is just spooky enough, and definitely hot as well.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
dark
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
As far as I can tell, Haunted Happenstance is Irene Bahrd’s first sapphic book, which explains why she’s a new-to-me author. I hope she writes many more sapphic novellas because this one is so much fun.
Picture it, an author, a new bookstore owner, and a ghost? Whether they’re being pranked or really are soulmates, Tara and Jen make the most of finding themselves trapped in Jen’s shop. As the blurb announces, Haunted Happenstance starts like a romcom then quickly veers into erotica. I wouldn’t say there’s no plot, it’s probably 50% plot and 50% smut. Or maybe 60/40. The narration serves the story well, Juniper Young’s performance is light and fun, and I enjoyed it very much. If you’re looking for a (very short) audiobook to celebrate Halloween, Haunted Happenstance is just spooky enough, and definitely hot as well.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars