whatcha_listening_to's reviews
7121 reviews

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense 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

4.0

🎧⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧

“Hearts only bruise, they never break.” 

Overall, this was a good story. It was a lengthy tale, and I won't deny that there were moments when it seemed to drag, but I persevered through it. The narrative switches between present and past, which can be a bit confusing, but if you stick with it, the payoff is worthwhile.

The story was exceptionally well-written, and this quality is what kept me engaged and listening. The narrator's performance was also outstanding, with a slight accent that added authenticity to the characters and settings. The narrator's ability to convey emotions and maintain a consistent pace played a significant role in bringing the story to life at least for me it did. 

The plot revolves around complex characters and intriguing relationships, weaving a tapestry of suspense, a bit of romance, and horror. The story is fraught with challenges, and the twists and turns kept me on edge, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. Following our MC from childhood to adulthood made the story more enticing. 

In the end, despite some slow parts, the strength of the writing and the excellence of the narration made this audiobook a worthwhile experience. If you're willing to invest the time, you'll find yourself captivated by the emotions and events.

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

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medium-paced

4.0

🎧⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧

This wasn’t what I was expecting but I enjoyed it, nonetheless.  I don’t know what I was expecting, maybe more of her time when she was acting in Gilmore Girls, but I was very intrigued by her life.  She sure has lived a life.   I found her to be inspiring. She has had many jobs, and you can hear how much she loved to dance. 
As a fan of Dirty Dancing, I appreciated her perspective and how she pulled back the curtain for us. 
Her narration was perfect. 
Reading Between the Lines by Nicky James

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

  🎧⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧

I found that this book is more about Diem opening up to Tallus, even if it’s hard. He wants to be better, and he pushes himself each time. He pushes through some of his triggers because he doesn’t want Tallus to give up on him.
He might not have the words to show Tallus how he is feeling, but he sure is trying to show him with his actions. I did find him a little abrasive in this book, but I get it; he is in pain, and he is working through it. It’s an emotionally charged book, and Tallus does have a care. I just don’t think Tallus truly understands just how tortured Diem is from his past.

The case Diem and Tallus are working on is an interesting one. How I never know whodunit is a mystery to me. The cases are my favourite part of this series.
Nick J. Russo is perfection, I love the way he voices both of these characters; it adds so much richness to the story. 
Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I received an Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) of this audiobook from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio.

🎧⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧

This was my first book by this author, and I loved it! 
Katie accepts a job at Craighill House, a Scottish home offering an Edwardian experience. She quickly feels at home in the welcoming town despite some mishaps. 
She finds herself in the arms of a surly Scotsman working on the estate, and they become friendly and unexpectedly find common ground and mutual healing. 
The characters and setting are charming, and Joshua & Stina's narration adds to the enjoyment of this delightful story.
Highly recommend.  
A Caress of Twilight by Laurell K. Hamilton

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 🎧⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧

The book starts off a bit slow, but Merry and her guards are really interesting. They begin to recognize her potential and future leadership, and not just the princess they must protect.
She demonstrates strategic thinking by predicting actions and forming alliances effectively. This makes me feel like she can see 5 moves ahead.

As the story continued, the Goblin character became more likable. Doyle and Frost stand out to me the most. The battle scenes are especially interesting, if not a bit gruesome.

With the newly returned powers this is going to make the next book very, very interesting.
The narration gives each character a distinct voice, which enhances the listening experience. Again, I am saddened that the newly remade version didn’t have this. 
Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay

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emotional hopeful inspiring sad 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? Yes

5.0

🎧⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧

What a book, I didn’t really know what I was getting into, and it's lovely to be thrust into a story you didn’t know you needed. 

Emily Allen sent a letter to her most favourite author, Siobhan Riordan, who hasn’t been able to write for 10 years.  She has a series that left the main character in purgatory, and readers have been begging for the last book.  Only Siobhan couldn’t write it, it wouldn’t come to her, so when she received Emily’s letter, something in her knew she needed to hire her. 

Emily needed to get out of her situation, and this was the best way forward for herself and her life.  Only she didn’t expect to fall in love or to become part of something that she could never walk away from.  The people became her home, and she became theirs.

It’s an incredible story of overcoming obstacles and shining in the dark. I loved everything about this book.  

The narrator was perfect, just perfect.
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

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emotional hopeful
  • 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? Yes

3.5

 🎧3⭐⭐⭐.5🎧

My rating might surprise some because I am a big fan of Kennedy Ryan. But for me, this book didn’t deliver the same level of quality as Book 1.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved Soledad and all the kids. But it was Judah that I did NOT connect with at all. I wanted to like him because Edward was such a scum.

For me, the best part of Judah was the way he parented and co-parented. I just didn’t like the way he manipulates Soledad. She is still fresh off the divorce and getting herself and her kids in a place where she could potentially bring someone else in. But he was pushy and made her feel bad for the way she felt. He had years from the divorce, and Soledad hasn’t even had a year.

This book is emotional and did bring out so many emotions in me. I wish Judah was different.
The narrators were phenomenal. 
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 🎧⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧

I enjoyed ACOTAR, I loved TOG, but I am in love with CC. This book, this world, is unlike any of the others, and I am here for it. Bryce is a total badass. She doesn’t know just how badass she is, but she will.

This story brings us pain, tragedy, hope, despair, happiness, and love. It exceeded my expectations. I don’t feel like I can describe this book without giving spoilers, but let's just say you will embark on one wild ride of self-discovery and betrayal, all within the span of this book. You won’t want to put it down, and just when you think you know what’s coming, you don’t.

It’s fast-paced, and I am here for it. I need the next book ASAP. The narrator was perfect, and I love the way she narrated. 
A Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

🎧⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧

Ok, so I started this book with Stella Hunter as the narrator, and I can’t honestly believe I am going to say this, but I had to change back to the original.
I felt like Stella was almost monotone. She didn’t give any distinction between any of the characters, and I just was not connecting with the story at all.
Not that this book has a whole lot of plot, it's more setting us up for court and Merry to become a very love-struck princess by some very beautiful men.
Lots of politics as expected from Fae books.
I am excited for book 2. 
Firebird by Juliette Cross

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adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

🎧⭐⭐⭐⭐.5🎧 

I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Macmillan Audio. 

What a great first book. I always approach these books with an open mind, knowing that there will be a lot of worldbuilding at the beginning. And yes, that does happen, but it was effortless to follow along. 

Roman, the nephew of Emperor Julianus (who is a very bad man), has fallen for someone whom the law says he can’t be with. But it only took one look, and he was captivated. He knew who she was the moment he met eyes with her. When her life is in danger, he intervenes and takes ownership of her. It’s to protect her, but it’s also for himself; he is about to make things very messy. 

Malina is fierce, yet she still has so much trust. Her gifts really are a blessing. She is just as intrigued by Roman. The way they gravitate towards each other, you know their story is going to be an epic one, and I am here for it. 

I felt like the book ended at the perfect spot, making me want book 2 like RIGHT NOW! 

The narrators, Blair Dade and Kale Williams, really brought this story to life; it was never dull, and they performed exceptionally well.