montanamomreads's reviews
700 reviews

The West Wind by Alexandria Warwick

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Thank you to @simon.audio and the author for the #gifted audiobook.

The narrative picks up pace after the first half of the book, making it a worthwhile read. I found the character development of Brielle and Harper to be particularly engaging. Each of them experiences significant personal growth, influenced by their interactions and life events. As they navigate their relationships, we are given an intimate look at their struggles and triumphs, making their journeys relatable. The romance between Brielle and Zephryus unfolds as a slow burn, adding depth to the storyline. 

The narrators excel in their roles, bringing the characters to life. This story truly benefits from being experienced as an audiobook. 

Although this book is part of The Four Winds series, it can be a standalone novel. I truly loved the first book, The North Wind. I am looking forward to The South Wind release.

Don’t miss out—this book will be released on November 12!

The Something Smutty Book Club by Erin FitzGerald

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

A heartfelt thank you to @erinfitzgeraldwrites for the incredible gift of the e-book!

I genuinely enjoyed revisiting the beloved characters from the Wolf Mountain Ranchers series. This story beautifully centers around a book club led by the town's retired librarian, whose passion for steamy romance novels shines through. It's a fantastic collection that revisits familiar faces, sharing fresh perspectives from each female protagonist across all five previous books. 

I'm eagerly anticipating the next release from this talented author, whose stories have captivated me. Her enchanting writing style truly draws you in and leaves you wanting more. 

Mark your calendars—the novella drops on November 19!

The Maui Effect by Sara Ackerman

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @htpbooks @htp_hive and @saraackermanbooks for the gifted e-book.

This enchanting book tells the heartfelt love story between Dane and 'Iwa, set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii and the thrilling world of surfing. The vivid descriptions of Maui’s majestic waterfalls, lush rainforests, and scenic trails are truly breathtaking, showcasing the author's deep affection for her island home. Additionally, the extensive research on big wave surfing in Hawaii, California, and Portugal adds authenticity and depth to the narrative. The evolving romance between Dane and 'Iwa is both sweet and genuine. I couldn’t put this book down, finishing it in a single sitting, and I absolutely loved every moment.

I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating read to anyone who enjoys a blend of surfing and romance. Mark your calendar for November 19 when it hits the shelves!

The Author's Guide to Murder by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, Karen White

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @williammorrowbooks @uplitreads and @authorbeatriz @laurenwillig @karenwhitewrite  for the gifted book.

This story is a captivating read that truly shines due to its unique structure, featuring three distinct author perspectives. The narrative seamlessly alternates between the viewpoints of the three main characters, gradually unveiling their intriguing backstories and the reasons that brought them to the island.

What sets this book apart is its rich blend of elements: mystery, history, a stunning and romantic setting, delightful baking, and a touch of romance, all culminating in a surprising twist at the end. The writing is sharp and engaging, infused with clever humor, particularly during the detective interviews. The charming setting and the delightfully mismatched characters add a unique flavor to the plot, making it a delightful experience overall.

Know Your Newlywed by Hillary Nussbaum, Heather Taylor

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @simon.audio and @hbnuss & @heatherataylor for the #gifted audiobook.

This delightful short story captivated me completely! The audiobook production by @thebibliotheque was phenomenal—listening to it felt like experiencing a movie. Each narrator, and there were many, brought incredible energy, making the characters truly vibrant. The romance between Cleo and Javi was beautifully crafted, and you could sense their happily ever after approaching as the story unfolded. Although they were pretending to be married for the show, their genuine attraction and commitment to create a believable performance for the audience was truly touching.

If you’re looking for an exceptional audiobook experience, I cannot recommend this enough. Mark your calendars for December 10—it’s one you won’t want to miss!

The Sound of Us by Sarah Castille

emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 and @sarahcastilleauthor for the #gifted audiobook.

This captivating book explores love, healing, and the transformative power of music. The musical references at the beginning of each chapter truly set the tone, allowing the melodies to evoke emotions that resonate throughout the narrative. The connection between the characters is forged through their shared passion for music and an intense attraction that draws them together, all while they navigate significant traumas from their pasts.

Prepare to have your heart pulled in every direction! Dante and Skye are two beautifully flawed individuals who grapple with feelings of inadequacy, and while their journeys may bring moments of heartache, they will make you fervently cheer for their happiness!

The narrators deliver outstanding performances that breathe life into these characters. Their expressive voices and raw emotions enhance the story, making it an unforgettable experience.

If you enjoy romance paired with strong, resilient female characters and themes of redemption, this book is a must-read. Mark your calendars—it's set to be released on November 26!

One Year Ago in Spain by Evelyn Skye

emotional inspiring mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to @prhaudio and @evelyn_skye for the gifted audiobook.

This captivating love story beautifully explores second chances and the essence of life. It masterfully intertwines these themes as Claire grapples with Matías’ injury. I was enchanted by the magical realism, as Claire endeavors to guide Matías’ spirit back to his wounded body. The vivid descriptions of art, food, and the landscapes of Spain are simply breathtaking. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Claire, Matías, and his family, adding rich layers to an already profound tale. The emotions were intense, and the portrayal of Claire and her family's grief was both poignant and heartrending.

The narrators delivered compelling performances, breathing life into each character and harmonizing perfectly with one another. 

If you’re drawn to stories filled with magic and the power of second chances, this book is an absolute must-read.

Nothing Less than Magic by Stacy Finz

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @kensingtonbooks #BetweenTheChapters and @stacy.finz for the gifted book.

I absolutely adored this book and its intriguing premise! Chelsea is such a compelling character, and her journey following her husband's departure is both touching and relatable. The storytelling is truly magical, especially as we meet the townspeople in Ghost—where Chelsea goes to heal. The small-town atmosphere and the friendships she forges are wonderfully portrayed. Although I predicted the twist, I still found the exploration of her accident's effects on her life captivating. This book beautifully illustrates themes of second chances, forgiveness, and the twists of fate.

I highly recommend this book if you cherish enchanting narratives and well-crafted stories that keep you on your toes!

The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter by Theodora Goss

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @sagapressbooks #sagasayscrew and @theodoragoss for the gifted book.

Prepare to dive into an extraordinary tale filled with an unforgettable cast of characters. The daughters of Jekyll, Hyde, and iconic female monsters—Frankenstein, Moreau, and Rappaccini—join forces with Sherlock and Watson. Together, they uncover a web of murders and delve into the mystery of a secret society.

The uniqueness and diversity of the characters shine through, especially in the witty banter among the women. Their evolving friendship forms the heart of this captivating story. As they share their bizarre and heart-wrenching stories of pain, love, and loss, these women unite to establish the Athena Club. I found Catherine Moreau's endeavor to document her journey within the narrative particularly intriguing.

If you have a passion for tales of Victorian-era monstrosities, this book is a must-read. It’s the first installment of The Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club Series, setting the stage for an enthralling adventure ahead!

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book completely surpassed my expectations. 

The plot captivated me from the start, set against a backdrop reminiscent of the Regency era. The characters are expertly crafted, and Signa’s fierce spirit truly stands out, especially as an orphan navigating different family homes. The originality and creativity of the storyline grabbed my attention, blending a thrilling mystery with a paranormal twist. The Gothic-inspired setting adds depth and darkness to the characters, enhancing the overall experience. 

The dynamic between Signa and Death is particularly compelling and skillfully written. If you’re a fan of dark, gothic mysteries featuring a strong female lead, this book is a must-read! I can’t wait to dive into the next installment, Foxglove.