5.30.2025

Review: Happy Ever Afterlife by Melissa Whitney


Title
: Happy Ever Afterlife

Author: Melissa Whitney
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
She doesn’t believe in ghosts—or love. He’s out to prove her wrong on both counts.
Nora Scott has no patience for the paranormal—or relationships. As a no-nonsense field producer for the Destination Network’s hit ghost-hunting show, she’s only sticking around long enough to climb the ladder to her real dream: producing a top-tier travel series. But when her latest assignment involves the notoriously haunted Putman House, things take an unexpected turn.
August Chandler has spent his life chasing spirits and spotlighting the supernatural. As the heartthrob host of Haunted Hideaway, he’s got fame, fans, and a relentless passion for uncovering the truth. Turns out the skeptic behind the camera, Nora, is the only thing he wants more than proof of the afterlife.
When Putman House reveals its tragic secret—a ghostly couple locked in a century-old feud—Nora and August trade ghost-hunting for matchmaking. But as sparks fly in the eerie halls of the inn, Nora starts to accept that love isn’t such a scary story after all.
Can a skeptic and a believer find their own happy ending? Or will the ghosts of their pasts haunt their future?
Happy Ever Afterlife is perfect for fans of opposites-attract romances, black cat-golden retriever dynamics, and the paranormal with a side of sizzling chemistry!

Review:

Everyone calls him Gus, but not Nora. She calls him by his given name, and he likes it. When he first met her in the elevator before her interview for his show, he was smitten. But the longer he knows her, the more he falls for her. When she tells him, there's no such things as ghosts (the thing that the show follows and searches for) he finds it endearing and vows to prove her wrong.

Nora was sure the smug guy from the elevator was vying for her potential position, but lo and behold he's not a candidate for hire, he's one of the Chandler brothers and her potential boss. And the longer she is around him, the more she falls for him. Did he just tell him there's no such things as ghosts? As long as she can prove him wrong she gets a free drink drink out of the bargain.

This adorable rom com shows what true talent and imagination can do for a book. Melissa Whitney is a master when it comes to witty banter and a steamy scene. (Wait until you see what happens with Derrick! Mwah ha ha! Not so button up now, are you?)

I'd like to thank the author, and Happily 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.

5.25.2025

Audiobook Review: One of the Boys by Victoria Zeller

Title
: One of the Boys

Author: Victoria Zeller
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Grace Woodhouse has left a lot behind. She used to have a great friend group, an amazing girlfriend, and a right foot set to earn her a Division I football scholarship—before she came out as trans. As senior year begins, Grace is struggling to find her place in early transition, new social circles, and a life without football. But when her skills as the best kicker in the state prove to be vital, her old teammates beg her to come out of retirement, dragging her back into a sport—into a way of life—she thought had turned its back on her forever. When a chance meeting cracks the door to college football back open, she has to decide how much of herself she's willing to give up for the game she loves.

Review:

Grace was not always Grace, to the outside world. But inside she always was. When she transistioned she decided that she was going to leave all the "boy" things behind and focus on who she is on the inside. But what she failed to realize is that she was a football player down to her very soul.

One of the Boys has got to be one of the most moving YA books I've read this year. Ms. Zeller brought to life the struggles that a young trans woman would need to deal with if she were a football player in today's world. The struggles that Grace goes through are real, raw, and well brought to page.

Jen Richards did an exceptional job reading this book and putting feeling behind the amazing words that Ms. Zeller put to page.

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: 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

Audiobook Review: His Royal Bride Replacement by Lynne Graham

Title
: His Royal Bride Replacement

Author: Lynne Graham
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
His Royal Bride Replacement is a royal, stand-in bride, marriage of convenience romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Lynne Graham.

A life-changing ring…
from His Highness!

Crown Prince Alessio drowns out each exploit with outrageous behavior! Even his wedding is hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons—his reputation-repairing fiancée has pulled out! Leaving him urgently seeking a replacement bride. Enter Rosalia Castelli…

Innocent Rosy is merely a palace art restorer. How can she even think of becoming Sedovia’s queen? Yet to save her family from financial peril, she must accept Alessio’s shock proposal. And as she spends more time with her husband, she begins to catch glimpses of the man beneath the rebellious facade…and to crave his touch!

From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.

Review:

I wasn't sure if I'd be into royal escapades, but this quick read/listen proved me wrong. The characters are endearing, but I found the story to be lacking in oomph. It just seemed to rush through everything so quickly that I was left wanting more, and not it a good way.

I'm not sure if I would want to read another book by this author in fear that all of her books are this brief. I did however enjoy Melanie Crawley's narration of this book. She did a great job.

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.

5.22.2025

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