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Sunday, April 10, 2016

Taming Jake: Cypress Corners book 2

Taming Jake by JoMarie DeGioia
I loved the first book in this series, and HAD to go back for more. And, I'm definitely going back in for book 3. The characters are very likeable, down to earth, and real. And I love that they really think about their actions when getting into their relationship. Not everyone is so free and willing to have an intimate fling. And, while I can enjoy that story just as much, I do also relate to people who don't just feel comfortable jumping into a fling relationship that has no future, or doesn't appear to. These characters have more depth and are trying to make more rational and responsible decisions that many people try make. We are not all ruled by our hormones. Still, this story doesn't lack for steam or anticipation. It's just another fun and interesting visit to Cypress Corners. I'll be visiting again soon.

As usual, Wendy Rich Stetson did a FANTASTIC job. She just has a way of making the characters come to life and is so easy to listen to. They are full of feeling, and dare I say, character. It's an enjoyable ride I'm looking forward to taking again soon!

Reviewed by Marla JosephsMarla's GoodReads Reviews
The Next Great Read FB Page
https://twitter.com/marla_josephs

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

For the Win

For the Win by Brenna Aubrey
Narrated by Kirstin Leigh and Jason Clarke
12 hours 56 minutes

https://www.facebook.com/Audiobook-Addiction-194609810898881/?ref=bookmarks

Audiobook Addiction
How Does she do it? Ms. Aubrey takes some of the most outlandish situations and makes them so real. This is the second of Ms. Aubrey's books I have listened to and I was stuck from the beginning. It's more of a ripped from a tabloid headline and then you get to watch the actual private aftermath. And, I'm not even a reality TV fan, yet I'm completely stuck in her books. There's so much realism within these over the top situations. I liked the little part about Jordan being homeschooled and how his father should have known he was too young to go to college at 16. I had to make that decision for my homeschooled son who graduated from HS a month after turning 16. I made him start at a Junior College for that reason. But, we struggled with it. He has always been so mature, yet there were times when we had to say, "Well, he is only 16." Ms. Aubrey deals with a lot of issues that everyone, and definitely women can relate to. But, she does it in such a fascinating way. Totally becoming one of my favorite authors. I listened to the first book in this series and had to listen to more.
And, this was a marriage made in heaven between story and narrators. Jason Clark and Kirsten Leigh are amazing!! I don't always like dual narrations. Sometimes the portrayal of the characters is so different from one narrator to the other, you feel you don't know them. But, these two are WOW! From one to the other, I felt like the characters and the feel of the story stayed consistent. I don't even know what else to say besides, I'm a fan!! I stayed up way too late and practically listened straight through, neglecting tons of things I should have been doing. And, that's what I love a book to do, completely take me away!

Reviewed by Marla JosephsMarla's GoodReads Reviews
The Next Great Read FB Page
https://twitter.com/marla_josephs

Friday, February 26, 2016

Finding Harony: Cypress Corners book 1

Finding Harmony: Cypress Corners Book 1
by JoMarie DeGioia
Narrated by Wendy Rich Stetson
6 hours 22 minutes
https://www.facebook.com/Audiobook-Addiction-194609810898881/?ref=bookmarks
I'm not sure if it was the mood I was in or not, but this started a little slow for me. Luckily it picked up pretty quickly and I found myself engrossed in the book. Wendy Rich Stanton has one of those voices that pulls you into a story and keeps you there. She just has a way of capturing the essence of the characters and making you feel like you know them.
I really enjoyed Harmony, our main character. She just had this mellow personality that had no fuss and pomp. And, I even liked Rick. He was conflicted but honest. I loved the way their story sort of unfolded into this sweet, loving connection. I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of this series. I'd really like to know what happens with Ricks siblings and if his detached father ever gets a clue. I received this as an ARC and now want to continue with the series.

Reviewed by Marla Josephs
http://www.marlajosephs.com/
Marla's GoodReads Reviews
The Next Great Read FB Page
https://twitter.com/marla_josephs

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Cold in the Shadows

Cold In The Shadows  By Toni Anderson
Narrated by Eric G. Love
9 hours 27 min
https://www.facebook.com/Audiobook-Addiction-194609810898881/?ref=bookmarks
Wow! Wow! Wow! This book was offered as an ARC and WOW am I glad I gave it a whirl. Toni Anderson knows how to grab you and keep you on the edge of your seat. This is something like book 5 in her series, but is a standalone that only makes you want to read more. There are references to previous books but only as other missions Killion was been on.
Killion doesn't know if he needs to protect Audrey or if she's the bad guy. And, watching him strip away the layers of this mystery to find out keeps you locked in the story. This is romantic suspense at its best. Non-stop action, sprinkled with just enough sexual tension and romance, and a tough heroine that isn't just another damsel in distress. Someone's trying to kill her and Killion, the only reason she's still alive, suspects she might be a terrorist. She's fighting for her life on all fronts.
Eric Dove does a great job with narration. His pacing, accents, characterization, and just the way he delivers the story so pulls you in and holds on. This is one of those stories you'll want to listen to straight through.

Reviewed by Marla Josephshttp://www.marlajosephs.com/
Marla's GoodReads Reviews
The Next Great Read FB Page
https://twitter.com/marla_josephs

Dream Kisses

Dream Kisses by Verna Clay 
Narrated by Wendy Rich Stetson
4 hours and 22 minutes
https://www.facebook.com/Audiobook-Addiction-194609810898881/?ref=bookmarks
This is a delightfully sweet read. It's full bodied with interesting characters and an engaging story, easily one you'd want to read all in one sitting. The characters are loveable and just interesting. The author does a great job of really expressing the emotions of the characters without beating us over the head with internal dialogue. At times, the transitions between scenes seemed so abrupt I stopped to and went back a few seconds wondering if I'd somehow missed something. (I Listened to the audio of this book.) However, even that didn't distract me from being totally engaged in the story. Just a really great fun listen.
And, speaking of listening, this book was narrated by Wendy Rich Stetson. This narrator is new to me. I was offered this audiobook as an ARC and her sample was what sold me and made me decide to take a chance on it. And, Ms. Stetson does not disappoint. Her voice and interpretation of characters pulls you right in and makes you feel like you're right there. Her characterizations are feeling and real, her voice very easy to listen to and engaging. This book had women, men, teens, and accents and she expertly delivered them all while telling a story in a way that keeps the listener tuned in to every word. Will definitely be listening to more from these two!

Reviewed by Marla Josephs
Marla's GoodReads Reviews
The Next Great Read FB Page
https://twitter.com/marla_josephs