Showing posts with label arc reviewer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arc reviewer. Show all posts

12.18.2025

Audiobook ARC Review: The Temptation of Truth by Brit Benson


Title
: The Temptation of Truth

Author: Brit Benson
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Loving her will ruin my life,
But I’m tired of living a lie.


Mabel Rossi is the heartbeat of The Hometown Heartless.
The famous drummer with fast hands, faster wit,
and a light that shines brightly even from the back of the stage.
She’s temptation in lipstick and lace, and I’m just her manager’s niece.
Married, invisible, and completely out of place.

Taking the job on tour was supposed to be a harmless adventure.
Now that I’m here, far from home and my husband,
I’m starting to remember who I was before I lost everything,
and I have Mabel to thank for that.

Between stolen glances and whispered truths,
She coaxes me from the darkness,
Until I can no longer hide from the lies I’ve buried under the life I don’t want.

I’m married to a man I’ve never loved.
She’s so far out of reach it hurts to even want her.
But in quiet hotel hallways and backstage corners,
I start to crave things I shouldn’t.

Even if it’s reckless. Even if it’s wrong.
Because with Mabel, I start to feel alive again.
When she touches me, the fog lifts,
And suddenly, I’m not so scared of tearing it all down just to feel the sun.


Review:

What an awesome book. It showcases how control can ruin a marriage and almost ruin a person. It shows what love can and should be, in its time. This author ekes emotion from every scene; from the first to the last. I can’t wait to read more from this author soon.

The narrators are amazing in this book and I enjoyed that there was a male voice narrating the minor male characters in the book. Kudos to all three narrators.

************ I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

12.15.2025

ARC Audiobook: Only on Gameday by Kristen Callihan


Title
: Only on Gameday

Author: Kristen Callihan
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
A “fake” fiancée is just the trick to help a bad-boy football player clean up his image. Trouble is, there’s nothing fake about the way August feels about his “pretend” fiancée.
August Luck is on the brink of greatness: top NFL draft pick, a great team, multiple corporate sponsorships, but he keeps messing it up with bonehead moves. After his latest shenanigan goes viral, e
veryone is telling him to get his act together.

Penelope Morrow grew up with August. Their mothers were best friends. Unfortunately, Pen always fled the room with a look of disapproval on her pretty face whenever August was around. But Pen has a problem too: she inherited her grandparent’s house and can’t pay the estate tax.

On a whim, August decides a temporary public engagement is the solution to both their problems—he’ll pay her taxes, and she’ll help his image. Win-win.

But, when it comes to Pen, nothing is certain or safe. Because Pen isn’t so reserved anymore. This time, she’s smiling back at him. And he likes it. A lot. Will they each survive the ruse unscathed?

Game on...

Perfect for readers who love:
  • Shy girl/sunshine boy
  • Hero in hot pursuit
  • Unrequited love + epic yearning
  • Fake dating (or is it?)
  • Delicious slow-burn romance
  • Childhood nemeses (all grown up)

Review:

Pen and August's love story is one that has to be read. The way they cherish each other is beyond words. It reminds me how lucky I am to have a wonderful man like August (minus the pro-football aspect) and that makes me feel even closer to Pen. 

I've never read a book by Kristen Callihan, but I can see that I'll have to read more if only for the superb character building.

The only thing that I didn't like was that Pen's dad didn't get what he deserved.

I can't wait to see which Luck brother is going to be next (or sister, but I'm rooting for January and March to find a match. (The names in this family cracked me up so much!)

Teddy Hamilton and Maxine Mitchell did an EXCELLENT job with this book! Their voices brought such a richness to the book. I may have fallen a little bit for Teddy's voice... (don't tell my husband).

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book! <3


************ I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

9.18.2025

Review: Resilient Love by Giuliana Victoria

Resilient Love (Secret Trials #1)Resilient Love by Giuliana Victoria
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can you put two sports in one book!? Yes please! And bring it in hot because Giuliana sure did.

Putting Raf and Elise together? Pure magic and heat personified.

Never doubt what a man will do to please his coach, even if it's coaching his coach's daughter's football league. In order to get to the Olympics Elise must play on a team, but that team needs a coach to win. When Rafael comes on the scene she knows that life just got a little more difficult. And because of how the last coach was let go, things are a little — tense to say the least. But can what they feel for each other be worth breaking a few rules? To find out you'll have to read.

A great sports romance with heat that will knock your socks off! I mean read this: "Oh, and princess? There won’t be anything nice about how I plan to play with you." Are my panties melting over here?

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

View all my reviews

6.30.2025

Audiobook Review: Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher

Scotch on the Rocks (The Macabe Brothers, #2)Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

No matter how she tries, and how many rules she tries to implement, she's toast. Juniper does not want to fall for a Macabe brother, so she's made rules... plenty of them. But none of them seem to stick.

The wonderful back and forth between Juniper and Callum is smoking hot, even when they are actively avoiding each other. Elliot Fletcher nailed this right on the head and was able to make me yearn for more.

Russ Bain and Rebecca McClay did an amazing job voicing these two characters and the others that are in the book. They helped to bring spice to life.

I'd like to thank the publisher HarperAudio and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book. Thank you.

View all my reviews

6.24.2025

Audiobook Review: The Single Dad's Guide to Recreation by Karen Grey

Title
: The Single Dad's Guide to Recreation

Author: Karen Grey
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

He’s the big-city corporate VP slashing costs. She’s the sunny, small-town toddler-whisperer in his crosshairs. It should be easier for them to keep their hands off each other.

The new guy in town may be a hot single dad–we’re talking total, mouthwatering eye candy here–but that isn’t stopping him from shuttering my favorite program here at Climax Parks & Rec.

Nor does it stop me from being blinded by lust and tripping over my own feet every time I see him, even though we’re completely wrong for each other.

He’s all business; my job is to play.
He’s moved upstate from Manhattan; I’ve returned to my small town roots.
He’s overwhelmed by his two adorable kids; doctors told me I’ll never be a mother.

Oh, and did I mention that it’s his job to “re-org” (aka ruin) everything I love about my job?

Despite all this, he’s got me dreaming of something I told myself I’d given up on: 
a family of my own.

Warning! Do not read this book unless you love:


  • ❤️Uptight heroes who are silly with their kids
  • ❤️Sunshiny, Cinderelly heroines
  • ❤️Nosy, interfering, small-town bureaucrats
  • ❤️Possibly magical clock towers
  • ❤️Parks and Recreation and Schitt’s Creek vibes


To the reader: my romance novels are all lighthearted and humorous and the main two characters are guaranteed to find a happy ending. However, they may run into a few obstacles along the way as well as need healing from incidents in their former lives. If you’d like content guidance regarding sex/nudity, death, mental health and/or reproductive health challenges, you can find them in detail at karengrey.com/contentguidance


Review:

Karen Grey is at it again. She's delivered a laugh out loud book with feels for miles.

Avery is fighting to save her mother's program at the Parks and Rec department. But when Josh comes in she's not sure if she should hate him, or jump him. It's not until she meets the real him (the one with kids and a life) instead of the work him that she realizes that she's craving for more, with him.

This book had me laughing, crying, and longing for more. When they are forced to go to a work retreat together and have to share one bed... (love that trope) that they both realize that this could be more.

Grayson Owens and Carly Robins did a good job narrating this audiobook.

I'd like to thank Karen Grey and BookFunnel for the opportunity to listen to this book.

************ I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

6.16.2025

Audiobook Review: Finding Mr. July by Anna E. Collins

Title
: Finding Mr. July

Author: Anna E. Collins
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
She’s ready to do whatever it takes to get the job of her dreams, even if it means working with a pile of adorably unruly pups--and the office grump-- in this charming contemporary rom-com perfect for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon and Sarah Adams.

Intern Holly King knows there are pros and cons to everything, including competing in her nonprofit’s big fundraising competition.
 
The Pros:
  • Winning means a full-time job at the new office in Scotland
  • Scotland is thousands of miles away from her toxic ex-boyfriend
  • Her pitch includes PUPPIES! Lots of ‘em!
     The only con? Working with Jonathan Summers. But if Holly wants her calendar of hot, outdoorsy guys and their dogs to win against everyone else’s fundraising ideas, she’ll need Jonathan’s undeniable talent as a photographer…even if he is the office grump.

     When their collaboration accidentally gets off to a steamy start, Holly vows she won’t be distracted again. But as they scramble to shoot a year’s worth of hunks and pups in just a couple of weeks, the spark between Holly and Jonathan can’t be ignored.

     With Holly’s career dreams finally coming into focus, whatever’s developing with Jonathan makes her wonder—could she be missing the bigger picture?

Review:

Sunshine - Holly (check)
Grump - Jonathan (check)
Rom-Com (check)
Workplace Romance (check)
Animal - dogs (check)
Narration - Lauren Ezzo (check and check)

I loved this book and the vibes that Holly and Jonathan gave out. But no matter how good things got, there had to be a 3rd act break-up (which made me want to slap someone for not getting all the information first) and it resolved itself well. I didn't think that this person would pull their heads out of their... well, you know... long enough for there to be a HEA, but... it happened and I'll say, it was worth the wait.

This is the first (and not the last for sure) of the books I've read by Ms. Collins. I'm so glad that I was given the opportunity to listen to the wonderful voice of Lauren Ezzo by NetGalley and the publisher.

************ I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

5.25.2025

Audiobook Review: Alluring Adventure by Dani Elias

Title
: Alluring Adventure

Author: Dani Elias
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Gliding over the mountains of Fellside sounds like a dream until it turns into a nightmare.

Keeley

Writing about the sleepy town of Fellside is a far cry from my usual thrilling escapades, but I can't help falling for its tranquil charm. And no, it has absolutely nothing to do with the incredibly attractive outdoor adventure expert—or so I keep telling myself. Joining him on one of his tours might just be the adventure my readers crave. Getting up close and personal with the hottie is an added perk. Though he makes it clear that dating me would break his rules, he can't hide the effect I have on him. The question is: how do I get him to admit it?

Oliver
"No dating clients, no dating clients," I chant to myself as the bubbly blogger wants to join one of my tours. She's funny, smart, and drop-dead gorgeous. But I've got to keep my hands to myself – her review is crucial for my business. All I need to do is give her a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My hormones just have to behave themselves.

Alluring Adventures is a small town, suspense romance.

This steamy romance is part of a series set in a shared world, but you don’t need to have read the others to enjoy it. Each story stands alone, though you might spot a few familiar faces along the way!

It contains adult content, please read the content warnings. The book is set in the north of England and written in British English.


Review:

Oliver runs a struggling adventure business and Keeley could be the one to save him. But will Oliver let his budding feelings interfere with his "no client" rule? Keeley and Oliver are a great pair and it was great to see them come together in such a wonderful way. I loved that Keeley was a take me as I am kinda gal. There was nothing that was going to stop her from having what she wanted, and Oliver was it.

Jack Hart was an amazing narrator. You could feel the emotions through his voice, and damn if that man can't read a sex scene. Whoooooo.....

I recommend this sexy rom-com to anyone who is interested in excellent character development, steam and wit.

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

************ I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

5.23.2025

Audiobook Review: All the Perfect Days by Michael Thompson

Title
: All the Perfect Days        

Author: Michael Thompson
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

"A stunning tale." —Booklist, STARRED review for How to Be Remembered

For readers of Rebecca Serle's In Five Years and Nikki Erlick's The Measure, Michael Thompson's romantic magical realism will have you smiling, laughing, crying, and questioning: If you knew how long your loved ones would live, would you tell them?

Dr Charlie Knight fears life is passing him by. He's in his late thirties, and treading water as a family doctor in the same small town he grew up in.

Just as he's planning his escape, something changes. He develops a gift, an extraordinary insight for any doctor: a sense of exactly how many days his patients have left to live. 

But in a country town like Marwick, his patients are his friends. His own family. The people he grew up with, and the girl he still loves.

And Charlie discovers this gift may not be a gift at all.


Review:

This book had a very unique premise. I was not expecting this hometown doctor to be able to tell when a person is going to die. Is it a gift that he's able to help the people that come to him lead a better and more full life, or is it a curse to know something that is deep about people you know and care about?

The emotion that Michael Thompson was able to portray in our MMC, Charlie's character, was amazing. His ability to show depth and heartbreak at the level he did... masterful.

Ryan Ennis did a great job bringing Charlie and the rest of the cast to life through his voice. Thank you for that.

I'd also like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

************ I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

Audiobook Review: Wolves Always Bite by Lori Ames

Wolves Always Bite (Willow Lake Supernaturals #2)Wolves Always Bite by Lori Ames
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I couldn't come up with much that I liked in this book. It was cheesy and seemed to just get cheesier the longer I read it.

I will say, though, that the wolf shifter, Adrian, was well developed, but Jeremy was a giant cheese ball. While I think the author was trying to make this a rom com, it didn't come across as that for me.

Kirt Graves did a great job of bringing all the characters to life.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

View all my reviews

5.22.2025

Audiobook Review: Life Derailed by Beth Merlin and Danielle Modafferi

Life DerailedLife Derailed by Beth Merlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book told you a story about how AI could affect us, even when we don't realize it. It's a story of a widow wanting to find her way back into her life and is ready to let someone in again. But when she finds out what's behind her success story in potential online dating, she's hurt.

I love how well the authors brought in the current craze of AI and showed us what it could eventually be, if we allow it. The characters are great. I loved the banter, and the hope showed throughout.

The narrator Caroline Hewitt did a great job with this book. I'd love to listen to more books read by her.

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

View all my reviews

Audiobook Review: What Not to Do on Vacation by Rachel Magee

What Not to Do on Vacation: A NovelWhat Not to Do on Vacation: A Novel by Rachel Magee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While there are only 3 sisters to follow on this journey, at the beginning of the book, I had a heck of a time trying to separate them and keep the facts straight. But once I did, the book flowed, and the characters came to life for me and became friends. I hated seeing any of them in pain, and I was so happy to see that love won out in the end. (What's a rom-com without a happy ending?)

Karissa Vacker, the narrator, did a great job keeping each voice separate and giving us characters we could tell apart and fall in love with.

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

View all my reviews

5.21.2025

Review: Late to Love by Valerie Pepper

Title
: Late to Love

Author: Valerie Pepper
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

She’s a woman with a tool belt and a dream. He’s the grumpy bartender who falls head over heels.

Darcy Belle is full of contradictions. At twenty-four, she’s the beach town’s best carpenter with plans to launch her own custom furniture store online. The only thing she loves more than furniture is irritating the grumpy bartender at her weekly all-female bowling team practice. And when said grump agrees to let her flex her skills by renovating his loft? Life just took a turn for joy, folks.

Anthony Hall has lived a life of consistency and hard work. Owner and bartender at Hall’s Balls, he’s every bit the town grump people think he is. It’s not until Darcy Belle barrels into his life at full tilt, all luscious curves with power tools to boot, that he understands he’s got more to give. A lot more.

Forced to see each other almost daily, Darcy and Anthony slowly realize there’s more to their arguments than meet the eye, despite their seventeen-year age difference. But age is just a number, until years of hurt reveal that Darcy isn’t the one who needs to grow up.

Late to Love is an age gap grumpy-sunshine romcom where he falls first with a guaranteed happily ever after.


Review:

As a woman who likes a man who is "more mature" this age gap romance really spoke to me. True to form, Ms. Pepper has given us characters who are both flawed and redeemable all in the same breath. I love that Darcy is a capable woman who can do more and fix more than most men. Proof positive that not all women NEED a man. But knowing Darcy needs what Anthony has to offer makes her just that much more loveable.

My favorite line of the book was: Considering my age begins with the number four, I think it's a safe bet that I should keep my eyes the hell off her t*ts.

I laughed quite a bit at that. This book kept me laughing and cheering on the characters. Another hit for Valerie Pepper! Kudos. And I'd like to thank the author for the great recommendation for music. Noah Kahan is great.

************ 

I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

Audiobook Review: Friends With Benefits by Marisa Kanter

Title
: Friends With Benefits

Author: Marisa Kanter
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Lifelong best friends say 'I do' to a marriage of convenience, trading vows for a financial safety net and benefits. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Katherine Center.

Evie Bloom pays attention to the details. Her very job depends on it—as an aspiring Foley artist, she’s responsible for every crisp footstep, smacking kiss, and distinct sound in film and television. So when she’s selected for a fellowship opportunity that would make all her career dreams come true, she’s quick to spot the catch: there are no health benefits, and for someone with a chronic illness, that’s a non-starter.

Theo Cohen is an elementary school teacher who can't afford to live on his own in LA, and is facing eviction after his roommates couple up and move out of their rent-controlled apartment. But there is one loophole in his lease: each tenant must meet an income threshold, unless the tenants are married.

For Theo, the answer is obvious. Marry Evie, his best friend since forever. It’s not as if they don’t spend all their free time together anyways. Not only will Theo be able to keep his apartment, but Evie can be added to his insurance plan so she can accept her dream fellowship. It’s such a logical, practical solution. Never mind that Evie doesn’t really want to be married—not to Theo, not to anyone—ever. Or the small, complicating fact that Theo has always been a little bit in love with Evie.

But it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Marriage. It will just give them space to breathe, and much-needed relief from the daily financial stress. It won’t change anything.

It’s . . . going to change everything.


Review:

Can you trust yourself to make the best decisions when you're a little bit in love with your best friend? Probably not! But when your worst decision turns out to be the best decision for everyone in the long run... even if they don't know it... can it still be considered bad?

I loved the chronic illness rep in this book. The author did an exceptional job portraying it and its struggles. Ms. Kanter did a great job showing emotion and love in this book as well.

I've never read a book in which the character was a Foley artist, so this too was a real treat learning about the job and how it worked. I'm thankful the author put so much work into the research into this book.

I enjoyed listening to Gail Shalan and GM Hakim read this book. It felt like friends reading to me.

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

************ 

I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

Audiobook Review: Not So Fast by Karen Booth

Title
: Not So Fast    

Author: Karen Booth
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
“Of the recent crop of Formula 1 romances, this one’s way out in front.”  -- Publishers Weekly Starred Review

When the curves are 
this dangerous, only a race car driver will do… A sizzling, high-octane Formula One rom-com you can read in one sitting!

Mia Neal is a champion overthinker. 
Find something, fixate on it and spiral down. Fortunately, she puts that energy to good use: in a podcast about Formula One, her favorite sport in the world. There’s nothing about racing Mia doesn’t adore. The speed. The drivers. The fierce competition. The single-minded ambition. Ironic for a woman who’s changed careers more times than she can count.

Only now, her salty takes on gorgeous Brit driver Xander Bishop have gone viral, and the podcast feels more and more like what she’s 
meant to do… Then Xander’s teammate invites her to the Miami Grand Prix to see F1 up close—and get in Xander’s head. He’s not exactly delighted at the shade she’s been throwing his way.

It should be all-out war. Instead, Mia and Xander are stunned by the sudden crackle of…
something sexual arcing between them. It’s irresistible, unbelievably hot—and Mia’s warning flags are waving. Because this reckless attraction is coming at Mia all too fast…

Review:

While sports romances have not always been at the top of my TBR pile (unless it's hockey), this book has put Formula One books on my radar. (Or perhaps just books by Karen Booth?) So, for all of you who have the need for speed, it's time to pick up Not So Fast. Karen shows us that she's quite capable of crossing the finish line!

My only problem with the book was the multiple POV switches in the same chapter (but it didn't bother me enough for me to lower the rating on the book). While this may be denoted by scene/POV change graphics in the paperback/ebook, there is no such thing in the audiobook.

Talon David did a great job with the voices and narration in this book.

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

************ 

I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

5.16.2025

Review: Warrick by Liza Bee

Warrick: Rocky Mountain PackWarrick: Rocky Mountain Pack by Liza Bee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even without having read book one of this wonderful series (or so I'm assuming since this one was so good) this book gave me everything I needed to catch up on the happenings of the last book as well as giving me a full and captivating look at Aspen and Warrick's story.

I felt everything that Aspen was going through in this book. How did she deal with such heartbreak over and over from Warrick and still find love? (You'll have to read to find out, won't you?) I loved watching Aspen grow from someone who wasn't willing to face the hard stuff to someone who stood up for what she needed.

And Warrick... I wanted to bitch slap him a couple of times in the book, but once he pulled his head out of his butt and started doing the right things... well... I fell in love. Way to go, Warrick. You can teach an old wolf new tricks.

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

View all my reviews

5.15.2025

Review: Twisted Paths by Dani Elias

Title:
Twisted Paths

Author: Dani Elias
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Two wandering souls, one farting dog, and a love story no one saw coming.

Nancy
St Claire is the kind of Yorkshire village where the sheep outnumber people, and the most exciting event of the week is spotting the postman twice. Don’t get me wrong, I love my cosy life as a freelance marketing expert, but sometimes I feel like a hermit in yoga pants. That’s why I decided to shake things up and start a walking group: The Ramblers of St Claire. The turnout? Let’s just say it’s… intimate. There’s Mrs Higgins, her dog (whose gas problem could be classified as a biohazard), and Luke, the village recluse who radiates grumpiness like it’s a competitive sport. Gossip about him is practically a local pastime, but I don’t care. What I do care about is the fact that he looks like someone dragged him here against his will. Cheerful walking buddy? Definitely not. Mystery man who might just need a nudge to lighten up? Challenge accepted.

Luke
I moved to St Claire for peace and quiet. What I got instead is nosey neighbours, endless gossip, and writer’s block the size of the Dales. My next crime novel is overdue, my editor’s losing patience, and I’m completely out of ideas. So when I see an ad for a walking group, I think, “Why not? Fresh air, inspiration, a chance to study local characters.” What I didn’t count on was a group that’s more like a comedy trio: one eccentric pensioner, her farting dog, and Nancy—the walking embodiment of sunshine. She’s too chipper, too chatty, and far too determined to make me smile. Honestly, it’s infuriating. But also… strangely refreshing. Maybe she’s just what I need to crack my next story—or at least survive this village with my sanity intact.

This steamy romance is part of a series set in a shared world, but you don’t need to have read the others to enjoy it. Each story stands alone, though you might spot a few familiar faces along the way!

Review:

The Ramblers of Saint Claire series is going to be absolutely amazing! If Twisted Paths has anything to say with how good the series is going to be, it’s going to be epic!

Nancy is pretty much a hermit, and she’s decided that she’s going to start a walking club to get her out of her rut. And to be able to do that she needs people to come to her meet ups. And who should show up? Luke, and are you ready for this, Mrs. Higgins and her dog who has a horrible gas problem!

Mrs. Higgins is the embodiment of the nosy grandmother figure who is always trying to put her nose where it doesn’t belong. Or, in this case, does it really belong?

And Luke, what can you say about him? He is a writer who doesn’t want people to know that he’s a writer, much less a writer with writer’s block. He decides to move to Saint Claire in order to get some inspiration. When his agent suggests he take up a hobby little did he know that it would lead him to Nancy.

It’s amazing how in this short novella Dani Elias was able to get me to fall in love with Nancy and Luke. I even felt bad for the dog. Is there anything we can give that dog to make it less gassy? Maybe we’ll find out in future rambler books. I love how Miss Elias gives us a full-length novel in a novella sized chunk. She never short changes us or leaves us wanting for more, except for the next book.

I’d like to thank the author and happily booked PR for the opportunity to read and review this book.

************ 

I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

5.12.2025

Audiobook Review: Much Ado About Hating You by Sarah Echavarre Smith

Title
: Much Ado About Hating You

Author: Sarah Echavarre Smith
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Enemies by day. Spicy fanfic author and devoted reader by night.

Things are about to get downright Shakespearean.

All’s fair in love. And war. And fandom.

Financial auditor Micah Mila is used to being the bearer of bad news, and her latest assignment in the local university’s English department has been especially taxing—no thanks to a literature professor who clashes with her at every turn. Thankfully, she has an after-hours escape: reading spicy Shakespearean fanfic.

Professor Aidan Scott is damn good at his job. But Micah has been a thorn in his side since the moment he laid eyes on her—eyes that 
really like what they see. Yet, with his job on the line, there’s no room for distractions. At least, not beyond the sexy fanfic he secretly writes.

When Micah discovers the man getting under her skin is the writer heating her up, their enemy vibe turns steamy. But with Micah’s audit due and Aidan’s career at risk, separating fantasy from reality becomes more than a little complicated…  

Much Ado About Hating You by Sarah Echavarre Smith

Shakespeare, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, secret romance, hot professor, good girl, dirty talk, hot nerd hero, black cat girlie, working together, praise kink, she comes first, high heat level, I hate you but I love f&*$ing you

Review:

What do you do when your job essentially puts other people on the unemployment line? You suck it up and do what you're paid to do, no matter how much people put you down and question your morals. But what happens when the person who is the most vocal decides that you're a feast? (You'll have to read to find out!) Those are the problems faced by our FMC, Micah. Poor thing.

And our MMC, Aidan, is suffering from wondering how much longer he's going to have a job since Micah is consulting for the University to find out where the fat could be cut in his department. Will he be next on the chopping block? And who else should be blamed but poor Micah?

If you enjoy a good spicy, enemies to lovers book, then this book is definitely one you should pick up. Sarah did a great job with the tension in this book and of making the characters both likeable and loveable.

And Cindy Kay and J. F. Harding gave the book the extra pizzaz it needed to bring it to the next level. Kudos you two, kudos! Stand up and take a bow!

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

************ I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.