Standalone
Unabridged
Published: April 3, 18
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Narrator: Amy Melissa Bentley
Length: 11 hrs. 23 min.
Source: Hoopla/Library

Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets. 

But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.
What could go wrong? 

With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely. 

And as the two travel deeper into Northern California’s rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon’s rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars?

My thoughts:

I have to admit that by now I think I will read or listen to anything Jenn Bennett writes. Another good YA romance book and I am smitten with the characters. It also has some excellent (and one not so excellent... but that was intentional) secondary characters. I especially love her adopted grandparents and her mom (oh the way they are all together!). Also, I have to note that the cast was eclectic and that made me love this book even more.

It also has everything you want in a YA. It does have sex in the book, but it is handled well and is geared toward older YA. It also has bad decisions and miscommunication as you often expect in a friends to hate to love romance, but it is handled well. The drama is well placed and makes sense. It enhances the book and gives them reason to know each other again. This is a contemporary romance you should try if you haven't already.

The narrator is now my voice for Bennett's YA. I hope she does more books as the author writes them. I wouldn't hesitate to pick another with her narration.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars. If you shy away from YA contemporary romance, give this one a try. It is as well written as her other works and this author has a solid fan in me.

Genre: Nonfiction Dog Health
326 p.
Publisher: Dogwise Publishing
Published: 1/13/15
Source: Library

Vibrant health begins in the cells. Learn how to transform your dog's cellular health with the power of nutrigenomics in this ground-breaking new book. Nutrigenomics (a combination of the words nutrition and genome) is the study of how the foods we and our pets eat "speak" to our cells to regulate gene expression, which in turn plays a huge role in determining whether a person or animal will live a life of vibrant health, or one plagued by illness. 

Scientists now know that while we can't change the genes we are born with, we can change how those genes behave, which is exactly what authors W. Jean Dodds, DVM and Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, MS show us how to do in, Canine Nutrigenomics: The New Science of Feeding Your Dog for Optimum Health from Dogwise Publishing.

 My thoughts:

I have been interested in dog health and especially dog nutrition for a long time now. I have had several dogs throughout the years with special needs and so I was forced into reading on nutrition. If you have had to forage into this area you know it can get confusing fast. Very fast. It is worse than human nutrition. What is bad in one book and should be avoided at all costs is celebrated in another. My biggest suggestion for those looking to improve health is to carefully read about the person giving the information and also research their background.

I've been following this vet for a while now and I have read many of her articles but none of her books. This was the first one I have read by her and I was not disappointed. In earlier articles by her I read a bit of her information on thyroid problems in dogs. I've had two dogs with that problem and one of them is my large doberman. Though her articles I have adjusted when I give the medicine to him and what foods to avoid. It seems very consistent with other nutritional veterinarians.

This book focuses on Nutrigenomics. It is has gained more popularity and was once considered pseudoscience. Not all agree that there is enough evidence to suggest that nutrition can influence how genes react which is the basis of nutrigenomics. It is in a sense using food as medicine. It has been gaining popularity and more papers and studies have been done. It is an interesting idea in both humans and animals. Plus, in my own experience I have physically seen how nutrition has changed my animals health throughout the years.

Dr. Dodds also runs a canine blood bank and has a test for food sensitivities which she promotes in the book. I would love to do it for my pups but it is very expensive (but some insurances do cover it but a veterinarian has to order it). It could end up being a money saver, however, if you have not gotten to the bottom of certain gastrointestinal disorders or even coat problems (like hot spots and excessive itching). It is at least worth a look if you have a pet that has issues that have not been helped conventionally. There is information on her site about this test and the book really tells you how the information you gain from this test applies. If you don't do the testing you can still gain some insight and knowledge on what to feed your dog.

I give this book 4 stars with my long winded review. The book can seem quite technical to some so I would try her articles first to see if it is someone that makes sense to you. I also suggest to library book this one (where I got my ebook copy) to see if it is something you want to keep or just something to get a few tidbits from to enhance your dog's food. Dr Dodds is at lest worth a look when you are trying to help your pet's health through nutrition.

Series: The Others #1
Narrator: Alexandra Harris
18 hrs. 32 min.
Unabridged
Published: March 5, 13
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Source: Library (Interlibrary loan)

As a "cassandra sangue," or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut--a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg's Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard--a business district operated by the Others. 

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she's keeping a secret, and second, she doesn't smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she's wanted by the government, he'll have to decide if she's worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

My thoughts:

Series: The Raven Cycle #4
Ending book
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Narrator: Will Patton
Unabridged
11 hrs. 53 min.
Source: Hoopla/Library

The fourth and final installment in the spellbinding series from the irrepressible, #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater. 

All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love's death. She doesn't believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore.

My thoughts:

This one was surprising. All of the books did seem to lead up to this one and the writing followed through beautifully. In one way it felt like stream of consciousness writing where things seem disjointed and pulled together at once, but in a closer look, it fits the story of finding a mythical king in a mythical forest surrounded by his magicians. Did we find the king? No and then yes. Did he grant the wish. No and then yes. All things flowed in this direction gave you the answer you didn't want and then find that it was the only answer you could have gotten. Curious? I hope so.

This is a series that must be read in order. You need that order to get to know all the characters in the book. Not everyone gets an HEA but then there was no way a mythic journey could grant all HEAs in a story. Some sacrifices were made and some were taken. You also find unexpected twists that you didn't know you wanted until it happened. I loved the romantic twists in the end and it just felt right even though it took you (and the characters) by surprise. This is one dream that you weren't sure you wanted it to end even though you know how you wanted it to end.

Will Patton also does an exceptional job voicing all the characters and setting the tone of the story. I really enjoyed listening to him tell this tale. This was a good story on audio.

I give this last installment 4 stars. Despite what I said above I would have liked a bit more coherence in some of the aspects of the story. I did like the dream-like state of the characters world, but they also had to function somewhat in ours and that is where I would have liked it to come together a bit better. However, this really is a small niggle and one series I do think ended well. I highly recommend it to those that enjoy YA stories of mythic proportions.

Series: The Winner's Trilogy #3
484 p.
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Published: 5/29/16
Source: Library

Some kisses come at a price. 

War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it with untrustworthy new allies and the empire as his enemy. Though he has convinced himself that he no longer loves Kestrel, Arin hasn’t forgotten her, or how she became exactly the kind of person he has always despised. She cared more for the empire than she did for the lives of innocent people—and certainly more than she did for him. 

At least, that’s what he thinks. 

In the frozen north, Kestrel is a prisoner in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for a way to escape, she wishes Arin could know what she sacrificed for him. She wishes she could make the empire pay for what they’ve done to her.
But no one gets what they want just by wishing.
As the war intensifies, both Kestrel and Arin discover that the world is changing. The East is pitted against the West, and they are caught in between. With so much to lose, can anybody really win?

My thoughts:

Oh left with a killer ending that left me reeling for the next one. FINALLY the person who had it checked out released the book and it was in my hot little hands (well, virtually since it was an ebook). Can I say I love being able to put books on hold with the option to immediately check it out for you? Okay, enough of my drama (heh) and onto Kestrel and Arin's drama... trying to do it without spoilers (well, there may be slight spoilers but I will do my best). Oh you who have not read these are making it hard for me.

Well we were left with Kestrel in a precarious position that only got worse. Even with everything she was going though I had to admire her strength. You also couldn't blame her giving in but never totally giving up. Arin, on the other hand, annoyed me to no end. He was fine until he met up with Kestrel and then it was all about him. It got to the point I wanted to tell him to get over himself and he would have bothered me more if it wasn't for the character of Roshar. Roshar became Arin's balance and best friend... even later to Kestrel. At least it was Arin and not Kestrel in that role. It is that is usually the role of the female to be that annoying. I really admired how Kestrel moved through her trauma and moved toward healing. Arin did finally come around and he became the man I could root for again. I never totally lost my ability to root for him since he did care for his country and the people in it so deeply.

I give this ending book 4 stars. I got all my questions answered and it was a solid ending to the adventure. I would love to read a book about Roshar and could totally see him in a book of his own. I recommend it to those that enjoy fantasy YA.

Series: Charley Davidson #9
Narrator: Lorelei King
10 hrs. 11 min.
Unabridged
Published: 1/5/16
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Source: Library

In a small village in New York Charley Davidson is living as Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she is working at a diner and slowly begins to realize she can see dead people, she's more than a little taken aback. Stranger still are the people entering her life. They seem to know things about her. Things they hide with lies and half-truths. Soon, she senses something far darker. A force that wants to cause her harm, she is sure of it. Her saving grace comes in the form of a new friend she feels she can confide in and the fry cook, a devastatingly handsome man whose smile is breathtaking and touch is scalding. He stays close, and she almost feels safe with him around. 

But no one can outrun their past, and the more lies that swirl around her-even from her new and trusted friends-the more disoriented she becomes, until she is confronted by a man who claims to have been sent to kill her. Sent by the darkest force in the universe. A force that absolutely will not stop until she is dead. Thankfully, she has a Rottweiler. But that doesn't help in her quest to find her identity and recover what she's lost. That will take all her courage and a touch of the power she feels flowing like electricity through her veins. She almost feels sorry for him. The devil in blue jeans. The disarming fry cook who lies with every breath he takes. She will get to the bottom of what he knows if it kills her. Or him. Either way.

My thoughts:

I almost couldn't wait for this book on audio. The ending for the last book left me reeling and I needed to know what was going on. Finally found time and the audio at the library (couldn't get it streaming, but had it on CD! WHEE!). And as with the other books in the series I found myself enjoying all the characters and the smaller mysteries Charley always seems to find even in this state (don't want to give too much away if you haven't read the others). Laughter as always (bathroom scene with horse... all I'm sayin') and quite a few "aw" moments with Reyes. *sigh* The end is quick and quite dark and no evil cliffies in this one. Of course the arc mystery only deepens and we must have the next book to find out what comes next (I've recently been accosted by great reviews of the next book which only makes me drool for it more. Hey! Library! Get on the job and get me the next audio pronto!).

As I said, this gave you the answers you were seeking from the last awful cliffie (I hate all cliffies, no exceptions) but doesn't answer all questions in the story arc. I give this book 4 1/2 stars and need the next audio NOW. :D I highly recommend this seres for those that love a good UF/PNR, humor and mystery. Also, I highly recommend them on audio and I love Lorelei King's narration and that has made me want to do the whole series on audio.

Series: Roaring Twenties #2
321 p.
Published: 6/3/14
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Source: Library

It’s the Roaring Twenties in foggy San Francisco. Prohibition is on, inhibitions are low, and dark magic is rolling into town… 

Archaeologist Lowe Magnusson is packing something everyone wants. The djed amulet, a priceless Egyptian artifact, will fetch Lowe a hefty paycheck from one of San Francisco’s wealthiest. But when the handsome Swede runs into his patron’s uptight daughter, what he once considered easy money becomes maddeningly complicated…

Cursed with deadly spirits as her constant companions, curator Hadley Bacall must keep calm to hold her dangerous specters at bay and prevent them from lashing out at anything—or anyone. Trouble is, Lowe is driving her crazy, but her father needs the artifact he’s transporting. While Hadley can feel the amulet’s power, she can’t fathom the destruction—or the desire—it’s about to stir up.

My thoughts:

Devoured the first book and was happy to get into the second book. This time I read them instead of audio. I loved the audio, but I just decided I had reading time and I took it. :)

This book can be read as a standalone, but I do not recommend it. It builds on the world of the first and some minor things just make more sense. Plus this is only a trilogy so you won't be too lost to take the books in order. This is Lowe's book (each Magnusson sibling gets a book) and his romance. This one also throws in the mystery of a mysterious amulet and a question of if a father is concerned more about his child or with vengeance.

I did love the characters and I also enjoyed the paranormal abilities that Hadley carried. However, this one seemed to be lacking a bit on the details to really pull me into the paranormal part of the book. The mystery and the romance was done very well, however. So while I did enjoy this one, I have to say that I enjoyed the first book a bit more. I'm also not sure if it is because I read it rather than listened to it. I was fully engulfed within the world in the audio version. I suspect it may be a bit of each, but it still is a book I would highly recommend.

I give this book 4 stars. While I did feel that it faltered a bit on the paranormal side of things, I did think the adventure, mystery and romance will capture anyone who reads it. Plus, it's Jenn Bennett and I just adore her writing.

Series: The Winner's Trilogy #2
416 p.
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Published: 3/3/15
Source: Library

Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love. 

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement... if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret. 

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

My thoughts:

Finally got to get into this book! I've been wanting to read it for a while and made time to read the series. So, I'm reading the book really getting into it... the ending comes and although it feels like a complete book, there is a sort of cliffie ending to it. No probs. The library has the next book... THAT WAS ALREADY CHECKED OUT! Oh person who has this book... you are killing me!

As for this book... we start right after the first book ended. It didn't take me long to get back into this world and this world is filled with intrigue and the King seems to be the one with all the knowledge playing all his subjects like puppets. You never wanted a king to fail more! And as cunning as Kestrel is, her heart is what makes her a good heroine. You feel for her even when what she does paves the proverbial road to hell. Every. Time. Ugh. It's frustrating, but in the way it is supposed to be and you crave an HEA even more by the end of this book. So, that is why the person who has this book is KILLNG ME by getting to read it first. :)

I give this book 4 stars. It is a good follow up but will break your heart repeatedly. So make sure you have the next book handy to read it quickly after. :) I recommend it to those that enjoy fantasy.

Series: Covenant #5
Narrator: Justine Eyre
10 hrs. 9 min.
Unabridged
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Published: 5/21/14
Source: Library/Hoopla

It's a beautiful day for a war. As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all. And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time. Alex faces a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear...or the end of herself.

My thoughts:
Finally! The last book. Good and bad thing to have in a series you enjoy. :) Ending books aren't usually my favorite so I didn't go into this one expecting fireworks, but I did find myself enjoying the last book in this series.

I do NOW get why everyone is all about Seth. He did grow on me in the last 2 books but he really made me like him in this one. So, I will definitely have to go onto his offshoot books next. And while I did love the romance (Aiden!!!) and the action, it did feel predicatable. Even the twist at the end wasn't a surprise. Still, I didn't mind it and while this one didn't quite wow me, I did enjoy my time here and I did like the ending. It felt solid and I'm happy with that.

The narration was the same for me. Had a bit of a problem with the inner dialog's monotone, but still kept this one at 1.25 speed which corrected this for me. Otherwise I loved her voices for all the characters.

I give this book 4 stars and I highly recommend this series for those that enjoy YA PNR with a good dose of Greek mythology.

Series: Covenant #4
Narrator: Justine Eyre
Unabridged
11 hrs. 19 min.
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Source: Library/Hoopla

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods-and Alex herself-to bring her back.The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex's power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex's connection to Seth isn't the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole "an Apollyon can't be killed" theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries. Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer or she might become the God Killer herself.

My thoughts:

I'm so happy I'm catching up with this series. It has me captivated and worried about the arc with the God Killer and(?) Seth. Having the novella Elixir helped and also had some important information before going into this book. And while that part of the arc is complete, we still have to find a way to stop what is happening and also find out what the cost will be for all our favorite characters, especially Aiden and Alex.

As stated above we undertake another harrowing journey that is an important part of the overall arc. I don't want to give too much away if you haven't read the other books in the series, but I will say this... the romance is so good. I love Aiden and I especially love the way he supports her even if she is more powerful then he could ever become. His love is true and it shines through everything he does and says. Yea, can I oversell this guy? No, not at all. :)

I enjoyed Justine's narration with her various voice portrayals as I did in the previous audios. I still have a bit of a problem with her inner voice of Alex as it still seems so tired. I also listened with this one at 1.25 and that seemed to take care of that problem I had but not interfere with the voicing of the characters. It was a good compromise.

I give this audio 4 1/2 stars. Another great addition to the series and I immediately got the next one so I can listen to it immediately. I am anxious for the final showdown, but I also can't wait to find out what happens. I highly recommend this series to those that enjoy YA PNR.

Series: Throne of Glass #1
404 p.
Published: 8/7/12
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Source: Library

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. 

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. 

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

My thoughts:

I had heard so much about this series that I decided I wanted to try it. I've had such good luck with YA fantasy lately. Off to the library!

The book starts out with Celaena braving unspeakable cruelty and is given a chance to serve as the king's champion in exchange for freedom after 4 years. While this starts out with lots of promise, I have to say that it flagged for me in the middle. I liked all the characters involved (except those you weren't supposed to like). My biggest problem came from Celaena's attitude at court. While it made sense to me that she could easily slip into the role of courtier (assassin... hello!) she didn't. In fact she had a lot of missteps to the point it kind of became unbelievable she was the best of the best. She also started to become very spoiled in her nature in how she started to complain about everything. It was a bit annoying. However, thankfully the whining was interspersed with some adventure and also her compassion for others. I loved that part and it made the middle much better for me. This also set us up for who Celaena really was underneath the assassin exterior at the end. That person I really liked.

My favorite part came toward the end with the tournament at it's pinnacle. The final battle was not a let down but we do not get all the answers. I figured that since this is the first book in the series so you know more learning about herself, her family and her romance will come. I will warn those that there was a love triangle brewing for most of the book but looks like it gets solved in the end... but maybe not permanently. I'm not sure about that, but I can see the possibility of an opening.

I give this book 4 stars. While there were aspects of it that I didn't care for, I'd have to say that there were also parts where I wanted to keep reading even when life told me to put the book down (darn life!). I recommend it to those that enjoy YA fantasy.

Series: Covenant # 3.5
Narrator: Rob Shapiro
Unabridged
2 hrs. 52 min.
Source: Library/Hoopla

Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex. Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for. Even if it means making war against the gods.

My thoughts:

I had heard that I could not miss this novella and I'm glad I listened. I think it brings a big aspect to light that happens between Covenant #3 and #4. I won't go into that, but I will say this is Aiden's story and you get all that Aiden goodness. :) I was surprised at Rob Shapiro's narration because I wasn't expecting the change (I didn't pay attention to the narrator when I borrowed the audio). I think he did an excellent job and wouldn't mind him narrating another book in this series.

I give this audio 4 1/2 stars. It is a perfect addition to the series and highly recommended within the series.

Series: Covenant #3
Narrator: Justine Eyre
Unabridged
11 hrs. 7 min.
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Published: 4/22/14
Source: Library/Hoopla

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday, the day of her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner...and so is Aiden.If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training," which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time, she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon. This brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed...and destroyed.Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than fate...

My thoughts:

It has been a while since I read the second book but I couldn't wait to get to this one. It didn't take me long to get back into the storyline and I didn't have to go back a reread what had happened. I was worried about that, but it all came quickly back to me. I was immersed into this world rather quickly.

Well, this is a great follow up to the last book. Aiden is still a great swoony guy. Proof that the bad boy doesn't always win. ;) Seth is still an arse even though we thought he may redeem himself. I still think he will (mostly judging by the books out after this one and the prophesy) but for now he could use a swift kick in the arse. Things in the story arc move along nicely and it brings us right up to Alex's awakening. What happens is important in this world and I cannot wait to see what happens next. I know that says nothing you probably didn't already know but I am trying not to spoil anything.

I didn't mind the audio. I, in fact, loved Justine's voices... including the boys. However, I didn't quite get her voice for Alex's thoughts. It is sort of rough and tired. I put it on 1.25 speed for that reason and it sped it up enough that it didn't bother me but also didn't alter her great voicing of the characters.

This is a series I recommend to those that enjoy mythology, PNR, and are just reluctant to try YA PNR. I think you'll find Aiden interesting since he considers Alex when he knows his actions can have consequences for her. I'm so tired of the only thinking of self trope with these guys and he is a refreshing exception. If you haven't read this series, do so now!

Series: Swept Away #2
Narrated: Carly Robins
6 hrs. 35 min.
Publisher: Tantor Media
Unabridged
Published: 3/31/15
Source: Hoopla/Library

Following on the heels of Illusion, indie sensation and New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper brings us the second novel in the Swept Away series, a trilogy of dark and sexy romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a sexy stranger—but is he friend or foe? 

When Bianca and Jakob awake on a sandy shore in the middle of nowhere, their first thoughts are of survival. But as they explore their surroundings and try to discover who stranded them on the island, they can’t deny the electricity surging between them. Soon it’s more than just a campfire keeping them warm… 

But just as Bianca is starting to trust Jakob, she uncovers a clue to their abduction—and he may know more than he’s letting on. Was Jakob just as surprised as she to find himself alone with her…or could the man she’s fallen for be her captor?

My thoughts:

Well, I thought I'd try this one as well since it was only 6 hrs and I thought that was doable. I am sorry to say that I didn't find the romance or relationship any better than I did in the first book. Same problems and the same issues. Pretty much it goes like this: Bianca trusts Jakob, Bianca and Jakob have a hot time, Bianca gets thrown by something and distrusts Jakob, neither seem to have a clue to trust the other but each demands it from the other, add the mystery and repeat... often. A small progress was done on the mystery and I found that putting it on the fast speed really helped this one for me. It was my friend.

Yea, it is a mission now with me to find out what the heck happened since I have the last book and I'm determined to find out who is pulling their strings when they aren't demanding trust from the other. I give this audio 1 1/2 stars. I did enjoy Carly's narration, however and would listen to another audio by her. Also don't let me dissuade you from these books. A lot of people really enjoyed them so I would check out their reviews or check it out at the library and see if it is for you.

Series: Scarlet #3 (series ender)
348 p.
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Published: 5/19/15
Source: Library

The eagerly-awaited conclusion to the Scarlet trilogy delivers another action-packed and romance-filled adventure. 

Scarlet has captured the hearts of readers as well as the heart of Robin Hood, and after ceaseless obstacles and countless threats, readers will finally find out the fate of the Lady Thief. 

Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire. After a daring escape from the Prince's clutches, she learns that King Richard’s life is in jeopardy, and Eleanor of Aquitaine demands a service Scarlet can’t refuse: spy for her and help bring Richard home safe. But fate—and her heart—won’t allow her to stay away from Nottinghamshire for long, and together, Scarlet and Rob must stop Prince John from going through with his dark plans for England. They can not rest until he’s stopped, but will their love be enough to save them once and for all?

My thoughts:

I was so bummed when I missed this one for review. It took me a while to get this one but I made sure my library would have it so I could read it.  I knew this was the ending book to the trilogy and ending books tend to disappoint me a lot. With this book, I have to say I was not disappointed and I would gladly choose to read the trilogy again. Yes, this one is great for the permanent collection.

We ended tragically with the second book so I knew we were in for a lot in the beginning of this book. I had forgotten quite a bit but it all came back as some of her injuries were accounted in several of the pages. Her injuries were both things that tried to destroy her but some of them made her stronger. It should be noted that she does struggle somewhat with those injuries so it does make her power seem more real and strong in the end.

I loved the light parts of the book. You almost didn't expect them to happen with all the dark that surrounds Scarlet. The ending was fulfilling but the impact it intended wasn't quite as strong. Still, I wouldn't want the ending any other way. The author's notes at the end tells where history is real and where she deviated from it. I think those that like to know how much history involved will enjoy those notes.

I give this book 4 stars. It is a solid ending to a great trilogy. I recommend it to those that love historical fiction, fantasy, and retellings. I think that older YA as well as adults will really enjoy this tale.

Series: Swept Away #1
Narrator: Carly Robins
Unabridged
8 hrs. 50 min.
Publisher: Audible
Published 3/10/2015
Source: Library/Hoopla

The day started like every other day... 

One morning, Bianca London found herself locked up in a van with a strange man. Ten hours later, she and the man woke up on a deserted island, with no recollection as to how they got there. Bianca has no idea what is going on and her attraction to the man is the only thing that is keeping her fear at bay. 

The night ended like every other night... 

Jakob Bradley, wanted nothing to do with the strange woman he had been imprisoned on the island with. He was more concerned in figuring out why they had been put on the island and how they could get off. He didn’t care that as the days went by he was starting to enjoy her company more and more. 

But was everything as it seemed? 

Bianca and Jakob find themselves trying to figure out how they may be connected, but as they grow closer, secrets start being revealed that may destroy everything they thought they knew about each other and their budding love.

My thoughts:

2015-audiobooks

Totally rocked this one and I surpassed the 15 I was shooting for. In the end it was 18 audios! YaY!

I think I'll go for next year's challenge:

The level I'm going for is...

• Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20 
I think this one is doable for me and keeps me on track for what I would like to do next year.

~~~~~~~~~~

2015-library-books

Didn't quite make this one. I needed 4 more. I didn't do bad considering all the new shineys this year. I don't know if I'll shoot for the same next year, but I did catch up on some of my series.

So, how did you do this year? 

Series: Finishing School #4
Last book in series
326 p.
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 11/3/15
Source: Library

If one must flirt…flirt with danger. 

Lessons in the art of espionage aboard Mademoiselle Geraldine’s floating dirigible have become tedious without Sophronia’s sweet sootie Soap nearby. She would much rather be using her skills to thwart the dastardly Picklemen, yet her concerns about their wicked intentions are ignored, and now she’s not sure whom to trust. What does the brusque werewolf dewan know? On whose side is the ever-stylish vampire Lord Akeldama? Only one thing is certain: a large-scale plot is under way, and when it comes to fruition, Sophronia must be ready to save her friends, her school, and all of London from disaster—in decidedly dramatic fashion, of course. 

What will become of our proper young heroine when she puts her years of training to the test? Find out in this highly anticipated and thrilling conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Finishing School series!

My thoughts:
I was so sad that I couldn't get this one for review but I requested it at my library first chance I got! So, this became one of my library reads. I was not disappointed and I couldn't wait to see how everything ends.

The mystery and espionage were as good as the other books. I quickly fell into this world and couldn't wait to find out what happened to my favorite characters. I do think things were well rounded up and it all made complete sense. So why was I a bit disappointed? I can only figure that it is because it is the ending book as to why I was left bereft when the last page appeared.

The issue between Soap and Felix is resolved and it makes sense! I couldn't see how that one would come about. I also love the new Soap. :) There are also minor issues that become resolved within the book. I think the resolutions are so complete it made me a bit disillusioned. No more guesses as to how things will work out. No more guesses at the impossible. No more Sophronia's adventures. I was also upset by Bumbersnoot's resolution. Although I have to say I couldn't have thought of anything more perfect (other than him coming through the book to land on my lap) in how his adventure was resolved. I can only say that I'm truly disappointed that this is the last book.

I give this book 4  1/2 stars. It is a perfect resolution to all the lose ends we encountered throughout the series. I would not skip around in the series but read them in order. This series is the perfect steampunk adventure for YA and adult crowds but it almost ends too perfect for me. That was it's only real problem in the book (what a funny problem to have!). I couldn't have thought of anything better but it also means we have to leave this world and go onto other stories. I highly recommend this series to everyone.

Series: Cassandra Palmer #4
Narrator: Cynthia Holloway
14 hrs. 27 min.
Unabridged
Publisher: Tantor Media
Published: 6/30/10
Source: Hoopla/Library

Cassandra Palmer may be the all-powerful Pythia now, but that doesn't mean people have stopped trying to kill her. Most of the supernatural power players don't want independent-minded Cassie as chief clairvoyant---and they'll stop at nothing to see her six feet under. 

The Vampire Senate does support Cassie in her position, but their protection comes with a price: an alliance with the sexy master vampire Mircea, who has claimed Cassie as his own. 

But even the vampires will have trouble keeping Cassie alive now that the self-styled god Apollo, the source of the Pythia's power, has it in for her in a big way. To save her life---and the world---Cassie's going to have to face down her creator once and for all.

My thoughts:

I have been seeing people pick this series back up and I have missed it. I've read the others so I thought it might be time to try it on audio. I was not disappointed and I enjoyed Cynthia Holloway's voice throughout the story. I hope she narrates the rest of the series.

The book felt a bit uneven to me with the high action and then the sudden lulls. It still kept my attention as the others in the series but it doesn't progress too much on the Pythia problem Cassie is having. It does progress but just barely. There is still a love triangle and nothing is terribly clear there by the end of the book either, but small advances were made with both Mircea and Pritkin. Still not sure if there will be a clear winner, but both are alpha males even if the Pythia has no problems courting both.

I give this audio 4 stars. It is another fun addition to the series and I cannot wait to continue it. I seem to always want more after finishing a Cassandra Palmer book and it was no different here. I enjoyed it on audio and may continue it that way with the rest of the books. I recommend it to those who enjoy UF and humor.