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whatcha_listening_to's reviews
7087 reviews
Celebrity Crush by Christy Swift
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is witty!
I really enjoyed Emmy Ellison’s character. She is passionate about her work and her family, and it shows. She is high-energy but not overbearing. I wanted to be her friend.
What would you do if you wrote a book about your celebrity crush and then you got to meet him? I think she held herself very well and let’s not mention it happens on TV!
Jason is struggling with social media only seeing the dark sides or seeing things skewed and running with the wrong story. It’s affecting his work and jeopardizing his employment, so he needs to turn it around ASAP.
When Jason meets Emmy something about her, he is just drawn to. Just as she is to him.
The podcasters in this book were funny and harsh, but I get it they needed to see all sides or just pick a side and root for that person.
Their story was fun and if I am honest a page-turner for me. I didn’t want to press stop.
The narrators Stephanie Willing and Andrew Eiden bring us all the charm and nuance giving these characters just the right voices.
Revelry by Kandi Steiner
emotional
inspiring
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Wren is trying to heal from her divorce. She is a successful career woman with a fashion line only she can’t design and needs to get out of her own way. So, she picked up and spent the summer in a small town outside of Seattle.
It’s exactly what she needed. The town rallies around her and she finds family in them.
Anderson is grieving and is losing himself in the process. The guilt he is feeling is keeping him from really living.
But when Wren comes to town, he can’t stop thinking about her or trying to catch a glimpse of her. Slowly they become friends, and then more, they help each other heal with their bodies but also by slowly trusting in each other.
The title doesn’t do this book justice.
The narration was lovely. Joe isn’t my first choice, but he didn’t drag out his words (thank god) and Stephanie Rose was the perfect Wren.
Camp Nerd by Bella Jewel
adventurous
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
3.0
I wasn’t sure going in if I was going to finish, I felt like it was a little juvenile but, in the end, it worked out. I also feel like maybe the female narrator sounds a little young which could have been why I felt like that.
For the most part, you are rooting for Lei. She and her fellow musicians (which didn’t feel like an orchestra at all, music wasn’t really part of the book AT ALL) retreat to a ranch run by a lot of studly men. No one mentioned that so it was a surprise for them all.
Rhett the owner fell for Lei on day one. She was reluctant to believe anyone could want her because she was awkward and a bit nerdy with curves. Oh, and did I mention a virgin you will learn this a few times in the story.
It was entertaining for sure and a fun listen with the added mystery that I wasn’t expecting but enjoyed.
Back Piece by L.A. Witt
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
🎧3⭐⭐⭐🎧
Daniel is stationed in town and works out at the same gym as Colin who has caught his eye. And not just because he wanted the man, but because he was interested in what Colin does for a living.
Colin is happy to keep his head down, and work at the business he started the tattoo shop. He has a lot going on to keep him from spiralling. So, when Daniel shows up he is thrown a bit because he wants the man.
I really enjoyed their story. They brought out the best in each other. Colin grew into himself, and Daniel learned to stand up for himself, even if it hurt.
Great story, with wonderful characters and the narrator did a fine job.
Daniel is stationed in town and works out at the same gym as Colin who has caught his eye. And not just because he wanted the man, but because he was interested in what Colin does for a living.
Colin is happy to keep his head down, and work at the business he started the tattoo shop. He has a lot going on to keep him from spiralling. So, when Daniel shows up he is thrown a bit because he wants the man.
I really enjoyed their story. They brought out the best in each other. Colin grew into himself, and Daniel learned to stand up for himself, even if it hurt.
Great story, with wonderful characters and the narrator did a fine job.
Grave Amish Secrets by Patricia Johns
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
🎧 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧
I didn’t have any expectations going into this book, so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this fast-paced story. I am fascinated with the Amish community so books like these are right up my alley.
Detective Penny and her partner get called out to uncover who murdered her grandfather who was thought to have abandoned his family over fifty years ago.
New wounds get opened from not only Penny’s past, but her mother and grandmother as well who go through their own gambit of emotions. Believing your father/husband had abandoned the family is hard enough but learning he was murdered is a little more than they could take.
It was surprisingly gripping and had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know who did it. I never suspected.
New narrator for me Liz Fodor did a great job giving voice to this unique and interesting story. I will be looking up both the narrator and the author again.
I didn’t have any expectations going into this book, so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this fast-paced story. I am fascinated with the Amish community so books like these are right up my alley.
Detective Penny and her partner get called out to uncover who murdered her grandfather who was thought to have abandoned his family over fifty years ago.
New wounds get opened from not only Penny’s past, but her mother and grandmother as well who go through their own gambit of emotions. Believing your father/husband had abandoned the family is hard enough but learning he was murdered is a little more than they could take.
It was surprisingly gripping and had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know who did it. I never suspected.
New narrator for me Liz Fodor did a great job giving voice to this unique and interesting story. I will be looking up both the narrator and the author again.
Symphony of Salvation by Nicky James
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
- 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
5.0
🎧5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧
I loved it! This was a slow burn that I didn’t know I needed. Niles and August have that undeniable attraction to each other, but August isn’t ready for what Niles makes him feel.
August is dedicated to his daughter, focusing on improving her quality of life since assuming the role of her sole parent. Constance is mad, hurt, and just all-around angry at the situation. She didn’t want to move let alone move in with her father who hasn’t really been a father for most of her life, but with circumstances as they are, she has to learn to trust him.
Constance doesn’t make it easy either she is voluntarily mute because of a tumor on her larynx she has a prosthesis she can talk she just chooses not to. And August's refusal to learn ASL is a big contention between the two.
Niles is tasked with the art of being Constance’s teacher and co-teacher with August isn’t without its challenges.
I can’t even describe how much I loved this book once everyone opens up and learns to trust it is utterly beautiful. I need more stories like these heartfelt and hard-won. Makes it all the sweeter in the end.
I felt like Nick J. Russo did an incredible job with all the characters.
I loved it! This was a slow burn that I didn’t know I needed. Niles and August have that undeniable attraction to each other, but August isn’t ready for what Niles makes him feel.
August is dedicated to his daughter, focusing on improving her quality of life since assuming the role of her sole parent. Constance is mad, hurt, and just all-around angry at the situation. She didn’t want to move let alone move in with her father who hasn’t really been a father for most of her life, but with circumstances as they are, she has to learn to trust him.
Constance doesn’t make it easy either she is voluntarily mute because of a tumor on her larynx she has a prosthesis she can talk she just chooses not to. And August's refusal to learn ASL is a big contention between the two.
Niles is tasked with the art of being Constance’s teacher and co-teacher with August isn’t without its challenges.
I can’t even describe how much I loved this book once everyone opens up and learns to trust it is utterly beautiful. I need more stories like these heartfelt and hard-won. Makes it all the sweeter in the end.
I felt like Nick J. Russo did an incredible job with all the characters.
With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio
🎧4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🎧
Bonnie Yoder is a character of great significance. Despite her disability, she successfully owns and operates a gift shop that attracts both tourists and local shoppers from her Plain community.
Elijah Miller is shy and has been shy his entire life. When he has to step in and auctioneer in place of his brother, he is quite literally shocked into silence. He feels as though he must do this for the family even though his heart is working with his hands making things.
He ventures out to Bonnie’s shop, and they agree that he will sell his carvings in her store. But Elijah isn’t just interested in the new business venture he is smitten with Bonnie.
Bonnie has always wanted what all Plain people want to marry and have children, but she fears her disability will get in the way. She needs to trust in Elijah and Elijah needs to trust in himself.
I really enjoyed Lauren Berst’s narration I thought it was authentic and well done.
🎧4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🎧
Bonnie Yoder is a character of great significance. Despite her disability, she successfully owns and operates a gift shop that attracts both tourists and local shoppers from her Plain community.
Elijah Miller is shy and has been shy his entire life. When he has to step in and auctioneer in place of his brother, he is quite literally shocked into silence. He feels as though he must do this for the family even though his heart is working with his hands making things.
He ventures out to Bonnie’s shop, and they agree that he will sell his carvings in her store. But Elijah isn’t just interested in the new business venture he is smitten with Bonnie.
Bonnie has always wanted what all Plain people want to marry and have children, but she fears her disability will get in the way. She needs to trust in Elijah and Elijah needs to trust in himself.
I really enjoyed Lauren Berst’s narration I thought it was authentic and well done.
All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
🎧5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧
What a book.
I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging this book was. Ideally, one always hopes for such an experience when selecting a book.
Ridley Sawyer knows the horror of what someone is capable of, and she has made it her job to seek answers for those needing them.
Her podcast is hugely well-known for finding what the cops can not. Persistence and determination are her friends, and she puts her heart and soul into everything she does. But she doesn’t expect to also give her heart to the know-it-all Sheriff Colter Brooks the brother of one of the victims Ridley is trying to find the answer for.
This cold case is going to take more from Ridley than she was expecting.
An engaging book that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Highly recommended.
I thoroughly enjoyed Sebastian's narration in this one.
What a book.
I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging this book was. Ideally, one always hopes for such an experience when selecting a book.
Ridley Sawyer knows the horror of what someone is capable of, and she has made it her job to seek answers for those needing them.
Her podcast is hugely well-known for finding what the cops can not. Persistence and determination are her friends, and she puts her heart and soul into everything she does. But she doesn’t expect to also give her heart to the know-it-all Sheriff Colter Brooks the brother of one of the victims Ridley is trying to find the answer for.
This cold case is going to take more from Ridley than she was expecting.
An engaging book that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Highly recommended.
I thoroughly enjoyed Sebastian's narration in this one.
Uncovering the Truth by Carol J. Post
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
5.0
🎧5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧
Wow, I enjoy this book.
I found the characters to be likeable and Alyssa our main female character to have so much strength but also, she was a bada$$!
After she sees something, she shouldn’t have she finds herself a target someone wants to kill her and that someone happens to be her now ex-boyfriend.
She is now on the run, she has car trouble and ends up bumping into her high school sweetheart and his dog, Spencer and Apollo. Even when Alyssa tries to allude that she is fine, everything is fine the blood tells him otherwise.
It was an intense ride of finding out who you can and can’t trust. I loved the dynamic between these two. Even with the past hanging over them, they worked it out.
I know this is labelled a Christian Romance and yes there is that, but it wasn’t the focal point of the story it just added to it.
Great story, great characters and even more a wonderful narrator who made me not want to press pause for any reason.
Wow, I enjoy this book.
I found the characters to be likeable and Alyssa our main female character to have so much strength but also, she was a bada$$!
After she sees something, she shouldn’t have she finds herself a target someone wants to kill her and that someone happens to be her now ex-boyfriend.
She is now on the run, she has car trouble and ends up bumping into her high school sweetheart and his dog, Spencer and Apollo. Even when Alyssa tries to allude that she is fine, everything is fine the blood tells him otherwise.
It was an intense ride of finding out who you can and can’t trust. I loved the dynamic between these two. Even with the past hanging over them, they worked it out.
I know this is labelled a Christian Romance and yes there is that, but it wasn’t the focal point of the story it just added to it.
Great story, great characters and even more a wonderful narrator who made me not want to press pause for any reason.
Special Forces K-9 by Julie Miller
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Harlequin Audio
🎧 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🎧
I tend to get stuck in the contemporary romance genre and forget just how much I like Romantic Suspense. Ben is an ex-Special Forces Soldier struggling to acclimate to civilian life. He finds himself becoming a handler to a service dog Rocky whose handler sadly passed. It doesn’t come without hitches as he has lost his service dog in the line of duty. Rocky is tasked with keeping Ben’s occupational therapist safe after a brutal murder.
I personally loved the thrill-seeking action, the not knowing, the why of it all. I didn’t want to put it down. I wasn’t surprised but I was all at the same time. K-9 Ranch is a series I will need to get accentuated with more because I enjoyed this book.
The narrator was a good match for the characters, and I found she gave everyone a voice. Very enjoyable to listen to.
🎧 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🎧
I tend to get stuck in the contemporary romance genre and forget just how much I like Romantic Suspense. Ben is an ex-Special Forces Soldier struggling to acclimate to civilian life. He finds himself becoming a handler to a service dog Rocky whose handler sadly passed. It doesn’t come without hitches as he has lost his service dog in the line of duty. Rocky is tasked with keeping Ben’s occupational therapist safe after a brutal murder.
I personally loved the thrill-seeking action, the not knowing, the why of it all. I didn’t want to put it down. I wasn’t surprised but I was all at the same time. K-9 Ranch is a series I will need to get accentuated with more because I enjoyed this book.
The narrator was a good match for the characters, and I found she gave everyone a voice. Very enjoyable to listen to.