wonderwomannz's reviews
1227 reviews

Briar by Ripley Proserpina

3.0

I recently listened to the audiobook of Briar by Ripley Proserpina, a long-standing entry on my TBR list. It’s my first experience with this author, whose work came recommended on a site I visited.

The pacing was slow, as I expected from its "slow burn" reputation. While the plot had intriguing elements, the overall execution left me feeling conflicted. Unfortunately, neither the female lead nor the boys’ characters felt strong to me. I found the female lead frustrating and weak, which isn’t my preference, and the boys didn’t offer much in terms of compelling development either.

The narrator’s voice was fine, but it leaned towards a younger tone, which might have contributed to a somewhat childish vibe for the story overall. Additionally, for those seeking "spice," this book didn’t deliver in that regard.

Despite these frustrations, I’m still curious to see how the series progresses. I hope the next book brings stronger character development, more engaging pacing, and perhaps a deeper, more mature tone.

The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award

2.0

I recently listened The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award, an author I hadn’t read before. 
Going in, I knew this was meant to be a lighthearted, fluffy read—it was even stated at the beginning of the audiobook.  While I usually gravitate toward darker genres like fantasy, erotica, or something with more intensity, I do enjoy a fun, feel-good story from time to time.

That said, I found this book a bit too slow-moving for my taste. The pacing didn’t quite hold my attention, and at times, the fluffiness seemed a little over the top for me personally. I had about two hours left in the audiobook, but I wasn’t able to finish it.

There were definitely things I appreciated about it. The humor throughout was enjoyable, and I found the narrators did a great job bringing the story to life. (Also who doesnt want the unpopular girl at school to get the most popular guy in the future). Though this particular book didn’t fully align with my reading preferences, I recognize that Amy Award is clearly talented, and I know many readers would likely enjoy her style.

If you love light, charming stories with a relaxed pace, this could be a great read for you. For me, it just didn’t quite match my personal taste—but reading is a subjective experience, and that’s the beauty of books.

Wild Love by Elsie Silver

4.5

I kept seeing Wild Love pop up all over the internet, and curiosity finally got the best of me. This was my first time listening to Elsie Silver, and I have to say—it was a refreshing change from my usual go-to genres (fantasy, dark, or erotic).
I always try to listen to at least one new author a month.

At its heart, Wild Love is a story about people who grew up together, took their own paths, and eventually found their way back home. Ford, the World's Hottest Billionaire (yes, really), has secretly been crushing on his best friend’s sister, Rosie. But before their story truly kicks off, Ford finds himself facing something big—he’s suddenly responsible for a child who claims he’s her father. That revelation adds an extra layer to his journey just as Rosie returns to town after something went down in the city and she needs to regroup.

The pacing in this book kept me hooked, the characters felt real and compelling, and the banter was top-tier. And let’s talk about the spice—Silver definitely knows how to balance it just right. The narrators did a great job bringing everything to life, making this an enjoyable listening experience.

As for the rest of the series, my library doesn’t have the other books at the moment, but based on the blurbs, I’m guessing that won’t be an issue. The books seem to focus on different characters while staying within the same world, so I suspect they’ll flow well and reference past characters without requiring a strict reading order.

Wild Love was a fantastic read, and I’m glad I gave Elsie Silver a chance. If the other books in the series are anything like this one, I can already tell I’ll be diving back into her work soon! 

Red Hawk by Helen Harper

4.0

"Red Hawk," the third book in Helen Harper's series, delivers a satisfying conclusion that I greatly appreciate. This installment ramps up the action with more war and fighting scenes, including some gore, which kept the tension high and the stakes even higher. 

The romance is present but remains subtle. As someone who enjoys a bit more spice in my reads, I would have loved to see more of that element explored. While it wasn't a major focus, the story's strengths in other areas kept me engaged. 

I appreciated how the story wrapped up the series, though the ending felt a bit abrupt. It left me wondering if it was intentionally left open for another book or if this was the planned conclusion. Either way, it was a fitting end to the journey we've been on with these characters. 

The overall flow of the series has been enjoyable, and I particularly loved the diverse and engaging cast of characters. Each brought something unique to the table, making the story richer and more immersive. The humor throughout the book was delightful, providing moments of levity amid the intense action. There was some great character development too, as they grew and learned in each book, just like we do in life. 

Once again, Ruth Urquhart did a fantastic job narrating. Her performance added depth and charm to the listening experience, and her skillful portrayal of the characters made the audiobook a joy to listen to. 

"Red Hawk" is a strong finale to a captivating series. It balances action, humor, and a touch of romance, leaving readers with a sense of closure while also sparking curiosity about the characters' futures. A must-listen for fans of the series! 

Nightingale by Helen Harper

3.5

"Nightingale," the second installment in Helen Harper's series, picks up seamlessly from where "Hummingbird" left off. I was relieved to find that the pace didn't seem as fast this time around—or perhaps I've just gotten used to Harper's brisk storytelling style. Either way, it made for a more balanced and enjoyable experience. 

The spice level in this book is virtually non-existent, which might disappoint those looking for more romantic tension or steamy scenes, which was me.  I love me a steamy sexy book. 
However, the focus remains firmly on the plot, which continues to be engaging and full of twists. While character development is somewhat present, it still takes a backseat to the unfolding narrative. but the compelling plot kept me invested in the story. 

Ruth Urquhart once again delivers a delightful narration, and her Scottish accent adds a unique charm that enhances the listening experience. Her performance helps bring the characters and setting to life, making the audiobook a pleasure to listen to. 

"Nightingale" is a strong continuation of the series for those who enjoy plot-driven stories with a touch of humor and action.  I'm eager to see where the series goes next and see where the series ends.

Hummingbird by Helen Harper

3.75

Wow, you better hold on because "Hummingbird" by Helen Harper is a fast-paced ride from start to finish. As someone who has listened to a number of Helen Harper's books, I've found some to be hit or miss, but this one was definitely a hit for me. 

The story's rapid pace kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. However, I did feel that the swift momentum came at the expense of character development. While the plot was thrilling, I found myself wanting more depth and emotional connection with the characters. There is an overall plot, but there are some subplots that are there too, which is why I found I missed parts with the speed. I'm curious to see if future books in the series will delve deeper into the characters' backgrounds and emotions, providing the development that was somewhat missing here. 

There is one spicy scene, but if you blink, you might miss it! It was brief and added a little extra flavor to the story. 

One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the balance of action and humor. The light-hearted moments provided a nice contrast to the intense action sequences, making the story more enjoyable and keeping the tone refreshing. 

Moreover, I see a lot of potential for the series to develop further. While some aspects of the book felt underdeveloped, I'm hopeful that future installments will expand on character arcs and provide deeper emotional engagement. 

As for the narration, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ruth Urquhart's Scottish (or maybe English) accent added a layer of charm to the listening experience, and I didn't mind it at all. It complemented the story well, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the audiobook. 

"Hummingbird" is a captivating listen for those who love fast-paced stories. While it may lack some emotional depth, it promises excitement and adventure. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series unfolds and hoping for more character exploration in the upcoming installments. 

Blood Brothers by J.A. Huss

5.0

As a longtime fan of JA Huss, I eagerly anticipated "Blood Brothers," the second installment in her series. Typically, Julie is known for her rapid release schedule, but she took a different approach with this series, spreading out the releases. I listened to the first book last year and revisited it before starting this one, which made the transition into "Blood Brothers" seamless, as it picks up directly where the first left off. 

The pace in "Blood Brothers" is notably faster than its predecessor, which I appreciated.  It also dives deeper into some of the characters.  True to Julie's style, the book is filled with unexpected twists, and she continues to provide unique perspectives that keep the story fresh and engaging. (not your typical vamp book!)
While she classifies this as a dark romance, I've encountered darker narratives in the genre. Nevertheless, the darker elements are certainly present, adding depth and intrigue to the story. 

Julie is one of my favorite authors, and one of the reasons is her ability to craft the perfect level of spice in her romances (place great plats). Her writing captures the intensity and passion of her characters brilliantly. This book, like the first, centers on Ryet, Paul, and Syrsee, but a peek into Josep, who brings a darker edge to the story. 
Additionally, we get a brief introduction to Echo, a little baby, whom Julie mentioned in the EOBS (end of book shit) will play a more significant role in the third and final book, "Blood Mother," set to release on May 22. 

"Blood Brothers" is a thrilling continuation of the series that keeps readers on their toes. Julie Huss's storytelling prowess shines through once again, and I can't wait to see how she wraps up this captivating series in the final book.

Twisted Pretty Things by Ariana Nash

3.0

I recently listened to "Tide of Trick" by Ariana, and my decision to pick up this audiobook was driven entirely by the narrator. I had enjoyed his performance in a previous book and was eager to hear more from him. This approach of choosing books based on narrators occasionally introduces me to new authors, which is always a nice bonus. 

Going into the series completely blind, I didn't even glance at the blurb. While the book fell under the fantasy genre with elements of romance, it was slightly different from what I usually listen to.

This story explores a male/male (MM) romance, magic and mystery.
The plot was intriguing, and I appreciated the effort that went into the world-building. However, despite these positives, I found that the book didn't captivate me as much as I had hoped. It wasn't quite exciting enough to hold my interest. It was an okay experience. 

It was interesting to try something different, and I certainly enjoyed the narration. Unfortunately, the story itself just didn't resonate with me enough to pursue further installments. 

Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight

3.5

Listening to "Den of Vipers" was a bit like diving into a bag of mixed lollies—some parts I enjoyed, some were just okay, and others weren't quite to my taste. 
This book certainly isn't for the faint of heart, as it features elements like cutting, knife play, blood play, torture and killing. There are definitely some red flags here, so if you're sensitive to these themes, you might want to proceed with caution. 

The story is incredibly spicy, filled with numerous explicit scenes, and it's a reverse harem (RH) novel, and stand-alone. The characters are strong and often clash with each other, which adds an intense dynamic to the story. 

The plot revolves around the Vipers, a group of intimidating men who assault Roxy's father at the start and then take her as payment for his debts. This part of the story wasn't to my liking—(Stockholm syndrome aspect) just not my cup of tea. 

Surprisingly, I found some of the spicy scenes a bit too lengthy. While there is a plot, it often felt overshadowed by the sheer volume of sexual content. 

On the narration front, Cornell Collins did a fantastic job as the male narrator, and I'll definitely be looking for other books he's worked on. 
I've heard Hollie Jackson before in another series I listened to, and I often found myself thinking about those books lol.

"Den of Vipers" is a book that will appeal to some readers more than others. If you're looking for a dark and spicy read with intense character dynamics, it might be worth checking out. However, if the themes or the balance between plot and spice aren't your style, you may want to approach with caution. 

The Game Changer by Scott Hildreth

1.0

So sorry, I gave this second book a go but just couldn’t finish.
Made it 46% in.  As per my review on the 1st, the plot was just over the place for me.  Also this time the plot wasn’t grabbing me and I couldn’t see me getting excited enough to finish it. 😢