Scan barcode
whatcha_listening_to's reviews
7089 reviews
The Veteran's Valentine Helper by Lee Tobin McClain
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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
4.0
I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Harlequin Audio.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The journey to a new and fulfilling life is just to start, right? April needs a new and fresh start for herself and her twins. She never would have guessed that that journey would bring her back to the beginning.
Frank is ready to heal and write about his experiences that led him to what left him with his disability. He needs a ghostwriter and never in his wildest dreams would he think that his ex-girlfriend would be the one who was hired.
It’s a shock to them both. They make the best out of the situation.
The twins are adorable and will give you a smile anytime they get mentioned in the book.
You see the family they both desperately wanted but never thought they could have.
I really loved the way the book was laid out and how they came together. All it took was great communication and the willingness to try.
The narration was okay, I found Kristen to be a little monotone at the beginning but by the end of the book she gave warmth and gravity to the book.
Most Valuable Playboy by Lauren Blakely
I very much enjoyed that they had their secret signals it made their story unique.
Lauren always surprises me in all the best ways. Very low drama it was a fantastic sports romance with game scenes!!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I loved the dynamic between these two and liked that they were childhood friends first.
But also, Violet is his best friend's little sister which puts a bit of a wrench into the situation.
What I love about Lauren’s writing is that she doesn’t give us the norm, meaning you would expect drama around her being the sister to his best friend but nope we don’t get that at all. I love this about Lauren’s writing.
Cooper himself is the one with his inner voice reminding him who she is and why they can’t happen. But attraction and lust throughout the years had its toehold and isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
I very much enjoyed that they had their secret signals it made their story unique.
In a lot of sports romance books, I have been listening to lately the author tends to forget about the sport or the teammates and I really liked that we get a glimpse into his team, his coach and even the gameplay itself.
Lauren always surprises me in all the best ways. Very low drama it was a fantastic sports romance with game scenes!!
Jason Clark and Andi Arndt did a lovely job with these two unique characters and I for one want more from both narrators.
Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Macmillan Audio.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another great addition to the Haven’s Rock series. I very much enjoy the small-town survivalist feel of these books.
Casey and Eric are about to embark on a brand new adventure becoming parents, but first, they have to find out who is luring their residents into the woods. But it’s a race against time because their baby may or may not want to come a little earlier than planned. Also, the weather is giving them all fits it’s not easy to live remotely, but then you add in winter storms, and anything can and will go wrong.
The world-building and character development only get sharper and smarter with each book.
Even if I am not a huge fan of all the pregnancy talk throughout the book it still didn’t detour me for wanting to know who and what will happen next.
I would love to see more of April in the next book she is a favourite character of mine.
The narration as always is top-notch. It’s rare to find a narrator who can give you all the emotions, and give each character their distinct voice the way that Thérèse Plummer does with this series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another great addition to the Haven’s Rock series. I very much enjoy the small-town survivalist feel of these books.
Casey and Eric are about to embark on a brand new adventure becoming parents, but first, they have to find out who is luring their residents into the woods. But it’s a race against time because their baby may or may not want to come a little earlier than planned. Also, the weather is giving them all fits it’s not easy to live remotely, but then you add in winter storms, and anything can and will go wrong.
The world-building and character development only get sharper and smarter with each book.
Even if I am not a huge fan of all the pregnancy talk throughout the book it still didn’t detour me for wanting to know who and what will happen next.
I would love to see more of April in the next book she is a favourite character of mine.
The narration as always is top-notch. It’s rare to find a narrator who can give you all the emotions, and give each character their distinct voice the way that Thérèse Plummer does with this series.
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.