Audiobook Review: The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper

The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm not normally a fan of books that switch back and forth between time periods, but this book did it so well that it was seamless.

Tildy is the head curator at a San Francisco library. Her library is her home, and even when the library was closed during COVID (nice fact drop there as the book is set in 2024 for the current time period) she still found herself drawn to the library. When a school bus breaks down in front of the library, she allows the kids to come in and wait for the bus to be ready to take them off to school. While one child (with a few friends to boot) comes in to use the bathroom, they find a secret room with two exquisite dollhouses in it. This leads Tildy down a road of discovery to find out more about the dollhouse creator and about her deceased mother. How the two connect... well, you have to read the book to find out.

Cora, the other main character in this book (also the dollhouse creator) has a secret that she has to keep and runs to Paris to get away from. Can she outrun her past, or will it catch up to her? Cora doesn't just build dollhouses, she builds secrets and dreams.

The book took a bit to get into, but once I got my footing, I couldn't stop listening. Steeped in history and twists and turns, this book was really good. The narrators in this book were exceptional. To the point that I could barely tell the difference in the voices.

I'd like to thank HarperAudio Adult and Net Galley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

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Review: Beyond the Teacups by Hailey Renee

Beyond The Teacups by Hailey Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I first started reading this book, it was just a book, nothing more. But with each passing page, it swept me up into a story so well told that I felt as if I were delving into the story of a dear friend. I got to watch as Ophelia broke free from the cage in which she was caught in and became a beautiful soaring butterfly! Being able to see how Emmett took care of her and saw her was a beautiful thing to witness. And Emmett wasn't completely unscarred by life and not only did Ophelia help him through that, but so did his dear friend, James.

This book was so moving that I hated when it was over. I hated to see my dear, dear friends fade away into the night not to be seen again. But I was so happy that everything worked out for them (it is a HEA, after all). The mental health representation in this book is spot on and I appreciate the time and effort the author took in getting it spot on. Kudos Hailey, kudos.

I'd like to thank the author for the opportunity to read this book.

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Review: The Pump Fake by Nichole Ruschelle

The Pump Fake: Sexy as Sin Series by Nichole Ruschelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay, first comes first, Jade is a bada$$! I love her attitude problem, but that could be because I have a itty bitty, teeny tiny one myself. But I digress...

When Jade's attitude problem becomes a problem for the WNBA and they threaten to trade her for someone more "likeable" her manager (and best friend) Cliff decide that having her fake date someone would soften her edges and have her seem more likeable. But the tides turn when Jade decides that the only one she trusts to do this is Cliff himself.

Both parties have harbored secret feelings for each other for a long time but once they start faking it... it just seems real. Jade also takes it a step farther and makes an effort to interact with her team more and she not only "seems" to be more likable, but she becomes more likable.

If you like sports romance books/novellas, this one is great. Pick it up for the romance and stay for the characters, and exceptional plot line.

I'd like to thank the author, and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to review this book.

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Audiobook Review: Staged by C.L. West

Staged by C.L. West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sam saw something she wasn't meant to see. Will anything he has to say make things better? (Let's hope not!)

Kolt's behavior has gotten him in a bit of a pickle with everyone. Will meeting a stranger in a hotel bar solve all his problems, or be the start of something else altogether?

It looks like Sam could solve all of Kolt's problems, but will she be willing to fake a relationship and if she does, will they be able to keep all the lines they're blurring in focus long enough to make it to the end without anyone getting hurt?

C.L. West succeeded in bringing together this musician, fake relationship book with no hitch. The characters were endearing (though if I were Sam I would have thrown a few punches at the beginning of this book - but to find out you'll have to read the book, sneaky aren't I?), the book seemed well researched and just gave you all the good feels.

I'd like to thank the author, and StoryOrigin for allowing me to review this book.



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Audiobook Review: Holland, My Heart by Jennifer J. Coldwater

Holland, My Heart by Jennifer J. Coldwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay, if you're a trope-aholic... then this book is for you.

* slow burn
* age gap
* he falls first
* millionaire
* workplace romance
* did I mention slow burn?
* second chance at love
* meddling bff/mother-in-law

Holland really gave me the feels when it came to the pain of losing a spouse. Ms. Coldwater portrayed that well. Having lost a husband at an early age, I could see myself in her sooooo much.

Kai is a man with a plan, but no way to complete it without finding a woman to go along with it, and in walks Holland.

I thought nothing could shake this pair once they found each other, but... there is a third act breakup with a satisfying resolution.

Jennifer Coldwater really nailed this book. The characters are wonderful, the settings amazing and well researched. I can't wait to read more by this author. I enjoyed the narrators for this book, they made the whole experience a joy.

I'd like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book. <3

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Review: Rescue by Dani Elias

Rescue by Dani Elias
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phew, the final book in this series did not disappoint. Learning Jon's point of view in the whole thing and learning who he is as a person really touched my heart. I loved the grumpy/sunshine in this book and found myself falling for Jon along with Abby. And the topping on the whole cake was Layla. Sorry guys, she really ran the show here. Her adorable probing questions and how quickly she learned to love Jon despite his grumpy nature just showed how well the author gets kids and just gets her characters.

Another win for the author, and sadly a loss to those of us who have come to love the Aftermath series. I was so glad each character got an epilogue in this book, it made everything just feel right.

I'd like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read/review this book.

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Review: Escape by Dani Elias

Escape by Dani Elias
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This best friends to lovers, he falls first, second installment of the Aftermath series was riveting. Getting to experience this story from three different perspectives really has grasped my heartstrings and pulled.

Mel has found a way to cope with the pain and memories of the incident, but is it working? Her best friend Owen sits back and watches not knowing what else to do until one night there's nothing he can do but step in and save the day.

I loved watching as Mel learned to cope with the pain she was feeling and learned to turn toward the people who care for her and not away. She also felt so deeply in this book that my chest literally ached for her.

Kudos, Dani, kudos. I'd like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to review this book.

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