wonderwomannz's reviews
1194 reviews

I really wanted to enjoy PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly, but unfortunately, it just moved too slowly for my liking. The story revolves around a girl whose brother has passed away, and she, along with his best friend, is tasked with scattering his ashes across different places around the country. It was said to be an enemies-to-lovers story, which is usually right up my alley. 

I listened to the audiobook and made it to about 52%, but by then, I had lost interest. I ended up skipping to the last chapter, where it seemed like a few secrets were revealed after the point where I stopped listening. 

I don't mean to say that the writing was bad—it seemed okay to me—but the pace just didn't keep me engaged. 
There were trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, which I didn't think were necessary. To me, it felt more like a rom-com without too many laughs, leaning more towards an emotional style. Up to where I stopped, there wasn't any "spice," though there might have been some later on. 

As I wrapped up The One, the final installment in Marni Mann's series, I found myself feeling a mix of satisfaction and disappointment. On one hand, I was excited to finally dive into Rhett's story—a character I had been eagerly anticipating throughout the series. His journey was compelling, and I truly loved exploring and hearing his story and struggles that were alluded to throughout this series. 

However, I couldn't help but feel frustrated with the book's structure. The frequent shifts between the past and present made it challenging to fully immerse myself in the narrative. While I understand the storytelling technique can add depth, in this instance, it felt disjointed and interrupted the flow of the plot for me. (I struggle with past and present structured books)

Another aspect that let me down was the noticeable lack of spicy scenes that had characterized earlier entries in the series. I had hoped for the same level of intensity that drew me in from the start, but it seemed to be dialed back this time.

Despite these critiques, I’m not ready to give up on Marni Mann just yet! I plan to take a short break and explore something different, but I’ll definitely return to her storytelling, particularly with the Dalton family series. I'm hopeful that I’ll find the same spark that captured my attention in the earlier books.

Another great book by Marni, I am still loving these books. The sex scenes do it for me, but there is still a plot.

Captivated me as the standout book in the series so far. I was thoroughly engaged by the darker, edgier elements of the plot, which added a compelling depth to the story. The level of spice remained consistent with the previous books, which I absolutely enjoyed. The intricate balance between the thrilling storyline and steamy romance kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to listen to the next in the series.

I really enjoyed this book, better than the first. I liked the kinda enemies to lovers. Looking forward to hearing the next brothers? story

This came highly recommended by numerous online book groups, and I thought, "Why not? Let's dive into the world of glitz, glam, and a touch of spice." 
As I listen, I found myself on a literary rollercoaster that was more like a gentle merry-go-round. 

The story follows Brooklyn who is on a mission to carve out her own path in life. She's independent, determined, and, well, a bit predictable. Enter Mr. Playboy, Macon, a charming lad from a fabulously wealthy family. Their worlds collide, and much like peanut butter and jelly, they just sort of... stick together. 

The plot weaves their lives together in a tale that's as intricate as a doily your grandma might crochet – pretty to look at but not particularly groundbreaking. 

Mann certainly knows how to spice things up when it counts. The book has some great spicy scenes that could make a pot of chili blush. It's in these moments where the story really sizzles, serving up just the right amount of heat to keep you listening.

This was an okay read. Not quite the page-turner I'd hoped for, but not a total miss either. It's the kind of book that's perfect for a lazy afternoon when you're in the mood for something light and effortlessly enjoyable, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. If you're looking for a tale of love, independence, and a touch of opulence, this might just be the book for you. Just don't expect it to rock your literary world – it's more of a gentle nudge. 

Nope nope nope not again, can’t finish it, not enjoying it.  The first few I liked but now I am getting worried about this series. 😳

Nope nope nope, I just could not finish this audiobook. (DNF)
I cannot stand the weak victim POV.
This aspect of the character's development was a significant turn-off for me, and it made engaging with the story quite difficult. 
Another issue I encountered was the lack of chemistry between the main characters. The romantic interactions felt forced and unconvincing, which made it hard to invest in their relationship. Without a believable connection, the emotional stakes of the story fell flat. 
Since I didnt mind the others so far in this series I will carry on in hope the others arent like this.

As the third installment in Julia Sykes' series, Rogue proved to be an engaging listen, even though I had to skip the second book due to availability issues. Fortunately, this didn't hinder my understanding or enjoyment of the story, as the references to previous events and characters were not central to the plot. 

The series continues to explore themes of BDSM, sex clubs, and the intricate dynamics of gangs and the FBI. While the plots might not be particularly strong or complex, they have successfully captured my interest. The blend of spice and suspense keeps me listening, as I appreciate a good mix of steamy scenes and intriguing storylines. 

One aspect I enjoyed is the chemistry between the main characters. Their interactions are intense and add a layer of depth to the otherwise straightforward plot. However, I found that some of the supporting characters could have been more developed, which might have enriched the story further. Maybe they will come in other books in the series.

Additionally, the pacing of the book is generally good, keeping me engaged without becoming overwhelming. However, there were moments where I felt the story could have delved deeper into the emotional aspects of the characters' lives, which would have provided a more satisfying narrative.

I find the series entertaining, though I do wish for a more robust plot to complement the tantalizing elements. 
Nonetheless, I'm eager to catch up on the second book when it becomes available, as I am curious about how the characters and storylines evolve. plus listen to the others in this series.

This was my first book by this author's work, and I must say, it was quite an intriguing listen. The audiobook featured two narrators, and while I really enjoyed the female narrator's performance, I found the male narrator less engaging. The book itself was well-paced, with some great spice scenes that kept me hooked. 

However, I did find myself struggling with the character of Claudia at times. I tend to prefer stronger female leads, and Claudia's moments of weakness detracted somewhat from my enjoyment. Additionally, some plot elements were a bit predictable. 

Despite these minor issues, I genuinely enjoyed the book and am eager to continue with the series. I'm planning to jump to the third book while I wait for the second to become available, and I hope that each book focuses on different characters so I can read them out of order.
However it was a fun and spicy read, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of Julia Sykes' work.