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Best of 2019

06/07/2020

My Favorite Books and Audiobooks from 2019

I am going to be mixing books and audiobooks for this list. Only four books I read rated 5 stars (or higher) in 2019, but there were a ton of great audiobooks. In 2019 my reading switched from 50-60% audible to about 80%. In most cases the same review would apply for the book and audiobook, but there are a few exceptions of note. Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words is one, the audio HAD to make the book better because Andi Arndt was hysterical. Red, White and Royal Blue is just the opposite; the narration actually took away from the story for me.

The links to my full reviews still don’t have spoilers, but they list my likes and dislikes.


Just My Type by Tara Sivec

Just My Type by Tara Sivec is one of only three books/audiobooks this year that I happily gave more than 5 stars to. This spin off of The Simple Life by Tara Sivec was even better than the first, and it easily stands alone.

Blurb:

Live in the best small town in the world? Check.
Have the greatest job ever working on my family’s pumpkin farm? Check.
Marry the town pharmacist and have a nice, quiet life with our son? Check-check.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did you say you were happy? LOLOLOLOL!” ~ Life

Ember Hastings never thought she’d be dragged away from White Timber and everything she loved, thrust in the middle of a big city she hated, or have her husband of nine years say, “I can’t do this anymore,” all within the span of three months, yet here she is.

She misses her family, she misses the farm, and she misses having a backbone and caring whether or not the stain on her shirt is chocolate or sh*t. She works from home doing transcription. Does she really need to shower or leave the house?

Baker Matthews has been bringing everyone down lately with his grouchy attitude. His job is stressful and sometimes depressing, but he wouldn’t change anything about it. When a glitch with the transcription company he’s using mistakenly sends him notes he wasn’t supposed to see, Baker finds himself laughing out loud for the first time in months.

He’s never met a woman who says whatever she’s thinking and doesn’t fawn all over him when she finds out what he does for a living. Until Ember Hastings comes barreling into his life, calling him Sh*t Mouth and asking if he has any balls.

But she wants to keep this professional. She made him pinky swear, and you don’t mess around with pinky swears. Baker will have to get creative if he wants to prove to Ember that he’s just her type.

“It’s called a piss boner, it makes you pee in two streams instead of one, it looks like a goddamn spitting cobra, and you can look it up.”
“What’s a piss boner?” Lincoln asks. “I want one. Can I have one?”

The Down & Dirty:

As much as I read romantic comedy, nobody writes it like Tara Sivec. The smart-ass, immature, fun and silly banter just strike my funny bone in the perfect way. These are my people. 6 years ago I created Wicked Book Weekend so I could (in my mind) hang out with the characters (or at least the brain behind them) from Seduction and Snacks. I feel the same way here. I totally want to hang with Ember & Baker. I mean, I’m the girl who made a penis joke in my son’s Bar Mitzvah speech (no, it didn’t go over well, but I still think it was funny), so I love crude and stupid humor as long as it’s clever and has sweet and emotional moments as well.There is something about Just My Type that just felt easy. It felt like it flowed right from Tara’s head, but never once felt like she was trying too hard, or pushing for the funny lines. Lincoln rivals Gavin for my favorite book child, and Baker’s e-mails are my favorite book e-mails ever. I loved The Simple Life, but I loved Just My Type even more, and it is absolutely a 2019 favorite. Pinky swear. It’s been over 7 months since my last 5+++ star review, but any book that makes me laugh hard enough to leak (from eyes and elsewhere) deserves 5+++ stars. Though Just My Type by Tara Sivec stands alone easily, I highly recommend reading The Simple Life first to appreciate it to the fullest.

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible

Audible is $1.99 additional or FREE in Audible Escape

**Another MUST READ 5 Star book by Tara Sivec:

Christmas Cliche by Tara Sivec

Blurb:

‘Twas the week before Christmas
and all through L.A.,
Allie Parker’s famous twin sisters
were driving her cray.
She fled to the mountains
with a hostage in tow,
hoping to sleep through the holidays,
which were a sh*t-show.
A crash in a blizzard,
and a hot mountain man,
definitely wasn’t part
of her evacuation plan.
Santas, and stockings,
and creepy nutcrackers too,
everywhere she looks,
it’s a crazy Christmas zoo.
But there are hugs, and smiles,
and a beautiful view,
kisses and laughter,
and no time to be blue.
Maybe this family,
with their hot mountain man,
will make this a Christmas
Allie can actually stand.

The Down & Dirty:

Tara Sivec once again proves why she is my favorite romantic comedy author with Christmas Cliché. It was ridiculous in a good way, it was funny, sweet, a little emotional, romantic, heartwarming and filled with Christmas spirit. I challenge you to find a better Christmas RomCom! I will tell you this, Christmas Cliché by Tara Sivec is for sure a holiday book that I will listen to every year.

See my Full Review

Purchase on Amazon | Audible


Slow Burn by Kristen Ashley

It’s funny that my two 5+++ books this year are from my top two authors; both of them have topped every list since 2012. I loved Slow Burn to pieces, but I do think that to fully appreciate it, you need to read The Hookup first.

Blurb:

Tobias Gamble knew from a young age precisely the kind of woman he was going to make his. She was not going to be like his mother. She was going to be like the mother he claimed.In other words, she was going to be just right.

And when Toby returns to his hometown of Matlock, Kentucky and claps eyes on Adeline Forrester, he knows she’s the one.

The problem is, his brother Johnny has a new girlfriend. And Addie is her sister. Last, Toby would do nothing to hurt Johnny’s chance at happiness.

Toby hangs around town to get to know the woman Johnny fell in love with. He also hangs around to get to know Addie.

But he’s fallen hard, and he knows the best thing for him—and Addie—is for him to leave.

Addie Forrester is thrilled her sister Eliza found a good, solid man. Johnny Gamble is the salt of the earth. The best guy in the world.

The best except for his brother, Toby.

Toby doesn’t know it, but Addie’s fallen hard too. He’s perfect, except for the fact that he’s hands off and it’s torture, being friends with Toby when she wants so much more.

Addie also has a lot on her mind. She’s got bills to pay, her young son needs food, Christmas is coming and her job at the grocery store just isn’t cutting it.

Toby is steering clear of Addie. Addie is steering clear of Toby. But everyone around them knows this is the slow burn.

Because just like Eliza and Johnny, Addie and Toby were made for each other.

“Give them time and a situation that was not extreme—like both of them wanting to go there for seven months, nursing a slow burn, they blew on it, and it became an inferno—it was likely to take the phenomenal of what they’d just done to fucking cosmic.”

The Down & Dirty:

The Slow Burn had everything I love about a Kristen Ashley book including the beautifully detailed descriptions, but there was something different; it was a family-centric story with a message I really took to heart. It’s about appreciating the little things, it’s about family, whether blood-related or not; it’s about friendship, it’s about accepting help from those who love you, it’s about stopping to admire the moonlight and catch snowflakes on your tongue, and I think I may have cried harder reading this than any other Kristen Ashley book.The Slow Burn is Kristen Ashley at her finest, mixing friends, family, romance, alphas, sex and tons of emotion into one hell of a read. For those of you that still say they prefer Kristen Ashley’s older books, The Slow Burn reminded me of The Burg Series in many ways, and I think this one will bring you back to loving her writing. I loved The Hookup as well and absolutely think they should be read in order to fully appreciate The Slow Burn.

See my Full Review

Amazon | Audible

Audible is $1.99 additional or FREE in Audible Escape

See my Complete Guide to Kristen Ashley


Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words by Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt

Narrated by Andi Arndt

Uff-da! I know the Tara Sivec/Andi Arndt collaboration would be good, but I honestly had no idea how good! Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words is the first book I ever listened to once, then went right back and listened again. Then while writing the review and transcribing the quotes, I ended up listening for a third time!

Blurb:

Cowritten by USA Today best-selling author Tara Sivec and award-winning narrator Andi Arndt, a hysterically funny, heartfelt romance – created specifically for the audio format!Nothing good ever comes from drinking a box of wine alone. So when I decided to entertain my drunken self by setting up some hand-me-down podcasting equipment and reading the steamy parts from romance novels, I never thought anyone would actually listen. The fact that I admitted my huge crush on my sexy next door neighbor made the whole thing even more mortifying. But sometimes life surprises you, and that’s how my podcast, Heidi’s Discount Erotica, was born.

Now I, Heidi Larsen, a sweet former kindergarten teacher in Waconia, Minnesota, lead a scandalous double life reading erotic novels to the listening world. And with each episode, I find myself embracing my new alter ego more and more. Now I’m starting to feel more comfortable in my own skin and do things I never would have dreamed of – like kissing my neighbor.

Look out, Waconia, because Heidi’s on the loose! She’s in your ears, in your hearts, and down your pants…wait, that didn’t sound as good as it did in my head. Well, you get the picture, don’tcha know!

“The kind of fire that makes me want to ask him to touch my butt. Oh my god, I feel so scandalous.”

The Down & Dirty:

Tara Sivec has always been my favorite romcom author. I was a little worried that having another person who has never written before co-write with my favorite author might take something away from that Tara magic. But nooooooo, Andi completely enhanced it! Her ideas, her Minnesota background, and especially her narration, combined with Tara’s hysterical sense of humor, and we have Romantic Comedy GOLD. While I think it would be funny to read, Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words was MADE for audio, so I highly suggest you give it a try! You can sign up for a free audible book or it’s free in the Audible Escape Package. Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words is the funniest audiobook I’ve ever heard, so grab a hot dish and a box of Franzia and be ready to laugh your butt off, don’tcha know?

See my Full Review

Amazon | Audible

FREE in Audible Escape


Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Narrated by a cast of 20+ including Jennifer Beals and Benjamin Bratt

Daisy Jones and the Six is by far my most recommended read for 2019 because it appeals to anyone, including those who don’t read romance. With an all star cast, I highly recommend the audio. It is in the process of being made into an Amazon Prime show by Reese Witherspoon and are supposed to start shooting in April 2020. Here is a great article on the casting.

The Blurb:

Everyone knows DAISY JONES & THE SIX, but nobody knows the reason behind their split at the absolute height of their popularity . . . until now.Daisy is a girl coming of age in L.A. in the late sixties, sneaking into clubs on the Sunset Strip, sleeping with rock stars, and dreaming of singing at the Whisky a Go Go. The sex and drugs are thrilling, but it’s the rock ’n’ roll she loves most. By the time she’s twenty, her voice is getting noticed, and she has the kind of heedless beauty that makes people do crazy things.

Also getting noticed is The Six, a band led by the brooding Billy Dunne. On the eve of their first tour, his girlfriend Camila finds out she’s pregnant, and with the pressure of impending fatherhood and fame, Billy goes a little wild on the road.

Daisy and Billy cross paths when a producer realizes that the key to supercharged success is to put the two together. What happens next will become the stuff of legend.

The making of that legend is chronicled in this riveting and unforgettable novel, written as an oral history of one of the biggest bands of the seventies. Taylor Jenkins Reid is a talented writer who takes her work to a new level with Daisy Jones & The Six, brilliantly capturing a place and time in an utterly distinctive voice.

“Music can dig, you know? It can take a shovel to your chest and just start digging until it hits something.”

The Narration:

Holy cow. With over 20 narrators including actors Jennifer Beals, Benjamin Bratt, Judy Greer, Pablo Shreiber and more, listening to the story unfold was a large part of the experience. I am not sure I would have enjoyed the interview format nearly as much if I read it as I did listening to it. It lent itself perfectly to audio.

The Down & Dirty:

Often when I step away from my regular reads for something different, that something ends up being my favorite. Well that is certainly the case with Daisy Jones and The Six. I felt like I was watching a behind the music documentary with my eyes closed. I was able to see it all in my head and it just felt so ridiculously REAL. It was clearly based on Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, there was even a female keyboard player a la Christine McVie, but it was even more interesting because the author was able to work the story to her liking. I kept wishing it was a real docudrama, and only found out as I was writing this review that it will be turned into an Amazon Prime TV show by Reese Witherspoon’s company, Hello Sunshine. I sure hope it lives up to the book, but no matter what, it is for sure my most anticipated TV show. If you like 60’s & 70’s pop culture and music this book is absolutely for you. I highly recommend you listen as an audiobook, because the narration alone was worth the price. I plan to grab her last book now, about old Hollywood, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

See my Full Review

Amazon | Audible


Birthday Suit by Lauren Blakely

Narrated by Andi Arndt, Sebastian York, and a full cast

Lauren Blakely was already the Queen of audiobooks. Birthday Suit turned her into The Goddess of audiobooks. Birthday Suit was a groundbreaking, full cast audiobook with some of the best narrators in the business and brought a new trend of incredible duet and full cast novels.

The Blurb:

New York Times best-selling author Lauren Blakely is back, with an irresistible standalone romance in this all-star production. Revel in a full cast of 12 fan favorite performers-led by award-winning narrators Andi Arndt and Sebastian York.Leo Hennessey, a charming but introspective executive at a chocolate company, is familiar with rule number one of the Man Code: No matter how beautiful, smart, and witty, never fall in love with your best friend’s woman. Lulu Diamond, for example, the now former wife of one of his fondest friends. Despite Leo secretly pining for this quirky and bold free spirit, she is definitely off-limits. Then Lulu decides to restart her life and fulfill her dream of opening a chocolate shop-and lands back in Leo’s life in a big, unexpected way.

Keep listening for an exclusive backstage conversation with Arndt and York, the electric duo whose chemistry as Lulu and Leo is too delicious to resist.

“Leo, I don’t think I realized how attractive you were before, and I’m glad I didn’t. But it’s all hitting me at once. And right now, I kind of want to jump you. I want to throw the plates to the ground, crawl across the table, and straddle you. I want to grind against you and kiss you all over and do all sorts of very bad things to you.”

The Narration:

I was worried that 12 narrators would be overkill and hard to digest, but it was so natural sounding! Birthday Suit has by far the best narration I have ever heard in a book. Each person was assigned a character, and they were all so perfect for their roles. You will want to hang on to this cast list, it helped a lot!

The Down & Dirty:

I thought Lauren Blakely ruined me for all other audiobooks before I listened to Birthday Suit. But now, with 12 narrators, there is no way to beat Birthday Suit!! If you have never listened to an audiobook, part of me says you should listen to this, because WOW. But then I worry that you will never be able to listen to anything else because seriously, this sets the bar pretty damn high. Birthday Suit isn’t just an audiobook, it’s a chocolate-covered experience. Don’t miss it!

See my full review

Amazon | Audible

Overnight Service and Special Delivery by Lauren Blakely

Honestly, I listened to every audiobook Lauren released in 2019, and that’s at least 12. Let me tell you, I loved every single one of them. There is a reason she is my favorite audiobook author! Lauren writes her books with the audio and narrator in mind which makes for an amazing audiobook, but her stories are all smart, happy, and sexy. Lauren can take a common trope and make it into the perfect escape.

Overnight Service Blurb:

A brand-new full-cast production of a stand-alone romance from number one New York Times best-selling author Lauren Blakely, performed by a cast of 10 all-star narrators – Jason Clarke, Emma Wilder, Andi Arndt, Shane East, Erin Mallon, Teddy Hamilton, Vikas Adam, Dan Bittner, Lili Valente, and Dion Graham.Top three reasons why sleeping with the enemy is a bad idea….

  1. She’s my fiercest rival.
  2. She’s also my fiery ex.
  3. We’re going up against each other in a stiff competition to win the hottest new client on the market.

And yet, I’d like to be up against the wall in a stiff competition to get her to call out my name.

Time to double down on my resistance to her tough-as-nails, take-no-prisoners, sexy-as-sin attitude. The same attitude I find irresistible.

That’s a big problem, because in this race to nab the client, I run into Haven in the hotel, on the beach, in the guest quarters late at night.

Hate sex would be a terrible idea.

Except it’s the complete opposite, and now we can’t keep our hands off each other.

Trouble is, I’m not so sure it’s hate I’m feeling anymore.

And that’s the biggest reason sleeping with the enemy you’re falling for is a bad idea – my job literally depends on never letting her into my heart.

Special Delivery Blurb:

A full-cast audiobook of a new stand-alone romance from number-one New York Times best-selling author Lauren Blakely, performed by Andi Arndt, Dan Bittner, Jason Clarke, and Emma Wilder!All I want for the holidays is the willpower to resist my brother’s sexy, charming, easy-on-the-eyes new business partner.

Instead, I’m stuck planning all the holiday parties with the one guy who makes me want to break my dating diet.

Who thought that was a good idea?

Oh, me. Yep, brilliant, strategic me who raised her hand and said yes I’d love to hang mistletoe with that hot former sports star. (Note to self: Mistletoe leads to toe-curling, knee-weakening kisses.)

And I’d love to get snowed in with the one guy I shouldn’t fall for. (Addendum to the note to self: You know exactly where eight inches of snow leads to. Ahem, eight inches.)

As long as I can make it through the holidays, I’ll be on my merry way, fa la la la la. But the holidays have a surprise for me.

This special production also includes a behind-the-scenes conversation with Andi Arndt and Dan Bittner, a blooper reel, and an exclusive sneak preview of Asking for a Friend, starring Andi Arndt, Jason Clarke, Zachary Webber, and Erin Mallon!


The Down & Dirty:

Overnight Service:
When you listen to a 7 hour audio, you don’t do it expecting you are going to turn around and listen again. But that’s just what I did! I wasn’t ready for Overnight Service to end. It was the perfect blend of humor, heart and HEAT! The full-cast narration just bumped it up that extra notch, and the banter and dialogue was just perfect. The bonus book of The Engagement Gift alone was worth it! Make sure you listen to that part when you, ummmmm, have a little ‘help’ (a man or batteries) because ?????.
Special Delivery:
It is so rare to finish a novella and feel like I had a complete story that didn’t feel overly rushed. Sweet, cute, sexy and it totally got me in the holiday spirit early, Special Delivery by Lauren Blakely is a new holiday favorite.

*NOTE: Make sure you listen to the end! There were some bonus bloopers and interviews.

See My Review for Overnight Service | Amazon | Audible

See My Review for Special Delivery | Amazon | Audible

Both books are in Audible Escape


The Guy on the Right (The Underdogs Book 1) by Kate Stewart

Funny, sweet, angsty and unique, Kate Stewart has found her way onto this list for the past three years.

The Blurb:

Strike One-My mother named me Theodore after her favorite chipmunk.Not cool, Mom.

I‘ve spent most of my life answering to Teddy, because I couldn’t make Theo work.

Except for here. College. The place where all bets are off, and I’ve managed to redeem myself.
There’s only one problem, my new roommate, Troy, is football royalty and looks like he stepped off the set of an Abercrombie shoot.

Doesn’t matter, I cook a mean breakfast for his panty parade, and we get along well.
And anyway, this year I got the girl. And she’s perfect.

That’s right. Theodore Houseman, former band geek, now marching band rock star has finally landed the girl of his dreams.

Everything is perfect.

That is, until Troy takes a good look at her.

I’m not going down without a fight. As a matter of fact, I’m not going down at all. As glorious as these days may be for my all-star roommate, Laney is my end game.

I may not know much about play strategy, but I’ve been the good guy my whole life. I’ve been listening and I know exactly what women want. Framed in a picture standing next to me, Troy may seem like Mr. Perfect, but he’s underestimating the guy on the right.

Spoiler alert: In this story, the underdog is going to win.

“I’m unsure if I’m worthy of such a gift. The gift of knowing him, of seeing him this way, of being on this side of his affection. I might’ve fallen slowly, but I just landed impossibly deep.”

The Down & Dirty:

The Guy on the Right by Kate Stewart is not only one of my favorite books of 2019, it’s also already one of my favorite audiobooks of 2020. I’m usually not into college-aged romances, but this had everything I love in a book: humor, banter, social media, friendship, great characters, and it just made me feel good. It just had that special something that takes a book from 4.5 stars to 5 for me. Do yourself a favor and grab this one; it’s great whether you read or listen.

See my Full Review

Amazon | Audible



Nine: The Tale of Kevin Clearwater by T.M. Frazier

If T.M. Frazier writes a book, apparently it will end up on this list, because I just love everything she has written so far.

The Blurb:

From the author who brought you the USA Today bestselling King Series.
Nine can be read as a complete standalone.Nine lives.
Nine inches.
One chance to make her his.
Preppy’s brother is about to live up to the family legacy in more ways than one.

This is the story of Nine, The Tale of Kevin Clearwater.

“Hear me when I say that you are more than one thing. A person can be both sensitive and heartless. Both selfish and selfless. Quiet and loud. Fearful and bold. Jealous and proud. A killer and a savior. Flawed, yet perfect. We can love and hate in equal measure. We can be crazy sometimes and sane in the next.”

“Because you aren’t one thing. You can’t be, because you’re everything.”

The Down & Dirty:

There is a reason T.M. Frazier is one of my top favorite authors. She brings a completely unique voice to a very crowded genre. She has built her own little niche style that lies between MC, dark, action/suspense, and comedy, but it is very much her own. Nine was a wonderful addition to the King series, though it can be read alone. However, there are spoilers for the King Series and after reading this you may want to binge, so be forwarned. When going back through some of my reviews this year to see who had the highest ratings, I noticed it was authors who I have loved for years, so I actually really tried to find more fault with Nine. But honestly, I couldn’t really find a flaw, I just loved it from start to finish.

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible


Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

Narrated by Jacob Morgan and Andi Arndt

The Blurb:

From New York Times best-selling authors Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward comes an unexpected love story that started with a boy and girl and heats up when the man and woman reconnect.I’d never forgotten him – a man I’d yet to meet.

Griffin Quinn was my childhood pen pal, the British boy who couldn’t have been more different from me. Over the years, through hundreds of letters, we became best friends, sharing our deepest, darkest secrets and forming a connection I never thought could break.

Until one day it did.

Then, out of the blue, a new letter arrived. A scathing one – one with eight years of pent-up anger. I had no choice but to finally come clean as to why I stopped writing.

Griffin forgave me, and somehow we were able to rekindle our childhood connection. Only now we were adults, and that connection had grown to a spark. Our letters quickly went from fun to flirty to downright dirty, revealing our wildest fantasies. So it only made sense that we would take our relationship to the next level and see each other in person.

Only Griff didn’t want to meet. He asked that I trust him and said it was for the best. But I wanted more – more Griff, in the flesh – so I took a big chance and went looking for him. People have done crazier things for love.

But what I found could change everything.

“I won’t always be able to give you your light back, because sometimes you need to find that within yourself, but I’ll stand by your side and hold your hand in the dark so things aren’t so scary.”

The Narration:

I loved Jacob Morgan and Andi Arndt in Dirty Letters. They were each in top form and were perfect for the roles. Jacob Morgan with a British accent? MORE PLEASE!

The Down & Dirty:

Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward is slower paced and more character-driven than the other books I have read from the duo, but for me I think it made it even more special. It was unique and entertaining, it made me laugh, smile, swoon and filled my heart. It also made me cry. I loved that the heroine had her own personal issues that were HUGE and the angst was from that and not the relationship. And Griffin? Sigh….I floved him. I think Dirty Letters is one of my favorites of the year and I highly recommend it!

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible


The Girl He Used to Know: A Novel by Tracey Garvis Graves

The Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author of On the Island, Tracey Garvis Graves, presents the compelling, hopelessly romantic novel of unconditional love.Annika Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people’s behavior confusing, she’d rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess.

Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game—and his heart—to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone.

Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She’s living the life she wanted as a librarian. He’s a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.

“Did you ever fall in love with a girl who was different? Not just from any girl you’d ever dated before, but from most people in general?” 

The Down & Dirty:

A unique combination of Women’s Fiction and Romance, The Girl He Used To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves is special and memorable. It’s so refreshing to read about differently-abled characters and the daily struggles they endure being different. I absolutely loved being in Annika’s head. I enjoyed seeing the struggles in keeping a relationship going with someone that doesn’t always react the way you’d expect. The end was fast-paced and almost felt like it didn’t go with the story. While I still enjoyed the emotions it brought out, I’m not sure it was really necessary for the story, and it felt very similar to another story I read recently. It dulled the uniqueness of the rest of the book. What would have brought it back, however, would have been an epilogue, bringing back the quiet awkwardness of the couple, which is really the heart of the story. Despite a few niggling things, all-in-all, I HIGHLY recommend The Girl He Used To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves, it was a highly unique and meaningful read that I will remember for a long time.

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible


Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel by Casey McQuiston

Narrated by Ramon de Ocampo

Had I read this one instead of listened, it could have been my top read. The audiobook took away from the experience a bit.

The Blurb:

What happens when America’s First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales?When his mother became president, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius – his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There’s only one problem: Alex has a beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. And when the tabloids get hold of a photo involving an Alex-Henry altercation, US/British relations take a turn for the worse.

Heads of family, state, and other handlers devise a plan for damage control: staging a truce between the two rivals. What at first begins as a fake, Instragramable friendship grows deeper, and more dangerous, than either Alex or Henry could have imagined. Soon, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret romance with a surprisingly unstuffy Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations and begs the question: Can love save the world after all? Where do we find the courage, and the power, to be the people we are meant to be? And how can we learn to let our true colors shine through? Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue proves: True love isn’t always diplomatic.

“I’m the son of the first female president. And I’m not white like she is, can’t even pass for it. People will always come down harder on me.”


The Narration:

I think the narration took away from the book and I wish I read instead of listened. There were too many characters with too much dialog to be able to follow easily. While Ramon de Ocampo did a pretty good job of switching voices and accents, I did notice several times that he used the wrong voice for a line here and there. If ever a book needed an ensemble cast this would be the one.

The Down & Dirty:

Red, White & Royal Blue has all the makings to be a hit. It’s fresh and different. It’s modern. It’s relevant. It’s fun. It has a wonderful message of inclusiveness with the understanding of the consequences. But I think the narration, for me, took away from the story. There were a lot of characters and I had a hard time following along with who was speaking. The beginning moved a bit slow for me, but the last third of the book was amazing. Though this is definitely an adult book with some sexual scenes, the actual sex is fade-to-black which I think works fine for this and will help it appeal to the more mainstream reader. I loved the characters and the storyline was just perfect. I see why everyone has been talking about Red, White & Royal Blue, but I think the narration held me back from being as blown away as everyone else.

*Note: while taking the photo I started listening again, and now that I know the characters I am enjoying it even more. Though the beginning is still a bit of an info overload – I can see why I had trouble following, because it’s a lot even the second time.

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible


Letters to Molly: Maysen Jar Series, Book 2 by Devney Perry

Narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Jillian Macie

The Blurb:

Molly Alcott didn’t expect to open her mailbox one summer morning and find an old letter stuffed between bills and a supermarket flyer. Penned in familiar handwriting, dated over 15 years ago, the letter was written to Molly after her first date with the man she’ll never forget.Week after week, new letters appear. Each marks an event in the history of their epic love affair. Each heals a wound. Each holds the confession of the man who still owns Molly’s heart.

The letters are full of promise, hope, and love, but truth be told, Molly wishes she could unread them all.

Because the man who wrote these letters is not the one sending them.

”The thing about divorce is, there isn’t always one mistake. One nuclear bomb dropped on a couple that destroys their marriage. Sometimes, it creeps up on you slowly.” 

The Narration:

I love Teddy Hamilton all the time and this was no exception, but I think this was my first time hearing Jillian Macie, and I sure hope it isn’t my last! I loved her narration.

The Down & Dirty:

I absolutely LOVED Letters to Molly by Devney Perry. Not only is it very rare to find a second chance romance with a couple who was previously married to each other, but the letters made it even more unique. Nowadays it is so hard to find something new in romance, and Devney Perry totally nailed a completely unique, mature story that stood out in the sea of sameness this year. Her growth as an author has been HUGE, so if you have tried Devney before, make sure you try this because each book keeps getting better.

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible


When Ashes Fall by Marni Mann

The Blurb:

It’s been said that you can’t love two men at the same time.
You can’t split your heart, soul, and body in half.
But I’m here to tell you, you can.
Dylan Cole is like ice, sharp and unpredictable, the thunder inside a tumultuous storm.
Smith Reid is warmth, soft and gentle, perfect like a sunny day.
Both are mine.
But I can have only one.
There are two sides to this tale.
I’m here to tell you mine.
If you think this story is about a cheater, you couldn’t be more wrong.

The Down & Dirty:

When Ashes Fall was so intense and brought forth so much emotion for me that two weeks later I’m sobbing again as I write this review. Don’t let this scare you, you will get your HEA, and the journey will be SO worth it. Marni Mann has penned a unique, heartbreaking, page-turning, epic read in When Ashes Fall, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

 

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible ($1.99 or Audible Escape)

The Forge Trilogy by Meghan March

Narrated by Joe Arden and Erin Mallon

Meghan March has always been a favorite of mine. She writes a great combination of HOT alphas and exciting, sexy storylines. I listened to several of her books this year, but The Forge Trilogy was 5 stars across the board.

Blurb (for book 1): 

“You can put that man in a suit, but he’ll never be tame.”
One look at Jericho Forge and I knew the rumors were true. He was a predator, and he had set his sights on me.
I knew better than to bet more than I could afford to lose that night. I knew better than to bet myself. But desperation leads to bad decisions, and I thought there was no way I could lose.
I was wrong.
Now I have no choice but to make a deal with the devil.

“They can torture me. Peel the fucking skin from my body. But if they fucking dare to touch one hair on her head…I’ll burn the entire world down.”

The Down & Dirty:

The Forge Trilogy by Meghan March is now one of my favorites. It’s the perfect blend of romance, excitement, adventure, super-hot sex, emotion, and pure adrenaline. I am jealous of all the people who waited for all three to come out so they can just totally binge. This is absolutely a perfect binge read (or listen), and the conclusion was just as good as the rest.

See my review for Deal with the Devil | Amazon | Audible

See my review for Luck of the Devil | Amazon | Audible

See my review for Heart of the Devil | Amazon |Audible

There are a few books that I need to mention but I arm hurts too much to add anymore. My author of the year was for sure Lauren Blakely and in addition to the 3 already on this list I need to add these:


My Review
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My Review
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My Review
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My Review
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My Review
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These audiobooks were also some 2019 Top Picks


My Review
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My Review
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My Review
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My Review
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My Review
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My Review
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These books were published before 2019, but since I listened in 2019, I will include them here:


My Review
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My Review
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My Review
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My Review
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My Review
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Related posts:

  • New Kindle and Audiobook Releases Sales and Freebies | February 2023New Kindle and Audiobook Releases Sales and Freebies | February 2023
  • January 2023 Reviews and Releases RecapJanuary 2023 Reviews and Releases Recap
  • The RSVP by Lauren Blakely | Audiobook ReviewThe RSVP by Lauren Blakely | Audiobook Review
  • Catherine Cowles Tattered and Torn Series OrderCatherine Cowles Tattered and Torn Series Order
  • Best books and audiobooks 2022Top Picks: Favorite Books and Audiobooks of 2022
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Ana’s Attic Book and Audiobook Blog was established in 2012.

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Ana's Attic Book Blog
Did you miss any January romance book and audioboo Did you miss any January romance book and audiobook releases? I have them all in one spot. I also reviewed 7 books in January and had 1 DNF. You can see it all on my recap and the next few slides. 

https://anasattic.com/january-2023-reviews-and-releases-recap/ (or top post on anasattic.com) 
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#recap #januaryreads #bookreviews #januarybooks #audiobookreviews #audible #bookreviewer #bookstagram #audiblebooks
Today’s new releases are always the top post at Today’s new releases are always the top post at anasattic.com! #romancebooks #bookreleases #bookstagram
It's the last day of the month, which means the en It's the last day of the month, which means the end of a TON of amazing sales! You can see all of today's releases, plus all the latest sales right here--> https://anasattic.com/new-sale-free-january-2023/ or just see the top post at anasattic.com or check the link in my bio. But grab them now before they're gone!
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#booksales #freebooks #99centbooks #discountbooks #romancebooks #romancereads #romancenovels #kindle #kindlebooks #bookstagram #newbooks #booklover #bookhoarder
“It didn’t matter if it had been ten days to t “It didn’t matter if it had been ten days to ten years. A love like that ruined you for all others.”
NOW LIVE!
If you haven’t read Catherine Cowles yet, you can start a new series that releases today! But warning: Don’t start unless you have time, because I promise, you won’t want to put it down! 
Whispers of You:
📱Kindle: https://amzn.to/3wBsExa
🎧Audible: https://amzn.to/3XM62WN
📚Special Edition Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3JofmM0
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/whispers-of-you/ (or you can see it on my home page)
“It didn’t matter if it had been ten days to t “It didn’t matter if it had been ten days to ten years. A love like that ruined you for all others.”
One of my most anticipated reads for 2023 comes out Tuesday, and I was so right to be excited about it! Whispers of You by @catherinecowlesauthor lived up to all my expectations and I can’t wait to continue the series. 

📱Kindle: https://amzn.to/3wBsExa
🎧Audible: https://amzn.to/3XM62WN
📚Special Edition Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3JofmM0
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/whispers-of-you/ (or you can see it on my home page, (link in bio) 
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#audiobookreview #romancenovels #catherinecowles #audibleromance #audiobookstagram #bookreview #audiblebooks #recommendedreading #romanticsuspense #favoriteauthor #andiarndt #zacharywebber #newbookrelease #newbookseries
Another 2022 Top Favorite Book! @authortarasivec h Another 2022 Top Favorite Book!
@authortarasivec has been a top favorite author for 11 years. Her books have been on all 11 Best of lists, and Stop Ghosting Me was another fall favorite I will be rereading. 
📖: https://amzn.to/3HhHAFv
My review: https://anasattic.com/stop-ghosting-me/
See all of my 2022 Favorites: https://anasattic.com/top-books-audiobooks-of-2022/
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#bestbooksof2022 #bestof22 #tarasivec #bookreview #romcom #romancenovels #bookish #booklover #favoritebooks #bookstagram #recommendedbooks #books
I liked the Rom-Com Agenda enough to read the whol I liked the Rom-Com Agenda enough to read the whole thing. I liked the characters, but the hero spent the entire book trying to get his ex back instead of seeing what was right in front of him way sooner. She deserved better. 
💻See my review: https://anasattic.com/the-rom-com-agenda/
📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3D9wDEI
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3WsiGss
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#Bookreview #audiobookreview  #bookblog #bookblogger #netgalley #arcreview 
#audiobookstagram #bookstagram #netgalley #arcreview
- @catherinecowlesauthor has been a favorite of mi - @catherinecowlesauthor has been a favorite of mine for the last few years. In 2022, the entire Tattered and Torn series released, and I loved every single one of them. I listened to them all on audio, and they each deserve a place on my Best of 2022 list, especially Fractured Sky, which I gave a rare 5+++ stars to.

They also have the most beautiful covers!

—>See the whole Tattered and Torn Series here: https://anasattic.com/catherine-cowles-tattered-and-torn-series-order/
—> See my Best of 2022 List: https://anasattic.com/top-books-audiobooks-of-2022/
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#Bookseries #favoritebooks #Catherinecowles #Favoriteauthor #bookcoverlove #romanticsuspense #audiblebooks #audiobooklover #spicybooks #bookstagram #spicybookstagram #bookish #bestof2022 #bestbooksof2022
My 11th annual Best of the year list includes some My 11th annual Best of the year list includes some old favorites and some new authors. Do you agree with any of these choices? What were some of your favorites? See the whole list at anasattic.com (link in bio) 
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#bestof2022 #bestbooksof2022 #favoritebooksof2022 #audiobooks #bookstagram #audiobookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #favoritebooks @authortarasivec @catherinecowlesauthor @jessicaanyablau @colleenhoover @alihazelwood @carabastone @jtgeissingerauthor @kennedyryan1 @jfrostauthor @kristenashleybooks
The first two audiobooks in this unrelated series The first two audiobooks in this unrelated series were on my Best of 2021 List, and Seatmate by @carabastone has continued the streak for my Best of 2022 list. The full cast narration and the production of this “audioplay” is what made Seatmate a 5-star read for me. I really felt like I was eavesdropping on a real conversation. This was a quick and fun listening experience, and though it’s nothing epic, it stood out to me in 22.

🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3PzGOXY (included in #audibleplus )
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/seatmate-by-cara-bastone/

#Bestof2022 #favoriteaudiobook #audiobookreview #carabastone #audiblebooks #audibleoriginal #madeforaudio #5stars #audibleromance #audible #zacharywebber #audiobooks
I enjoyed The Back Nine by Rachel Blaufeld. It’s I enjoyed The Back Nine by Rachel Blaufeld. It’s rare to find books about older couples and I so appreciate when an author writes a sexy one. I had a couple of issues with it, and I really struggled with the heroine’s name, James. Every time I read her name (and the female MC for the next book is Billy) my brain had to catch up for a second that it was a girl. 

To see the rest of my review, Its right on the homepage of my site, or go to https://anasattic.com/the-back-nine/
Grab it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QK35mU

#bookreview #bookstagram #matureromance #bookreviewer #romancenovel #romancereader #bookblog #booklover
Top Pick of 2022: @kristenashleybooks has been on Top Pick of 2022: @kristenashleybooks has been on all 11 lists (since 2012), and for good reason!
Taking the Leap by Kristen Ashley is my favorite book she has written in a while. It very much focuses on Alex and Rix and it didn’t feel like I had to remember a ton of other characters. I felt their chemistry and how perfect they are for each other. 
I love how Kristen handled a disabled hero. This is one you don’t want to miss! Have you read it yet?

💻My review: https://anasattic.com/taking-the-leap/
📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3H4sL7r
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3uSHX54
See my Complete Guide to Kristen Ashley: https://anasattic.com/the-complete-guide-to-kristen-ashley/
See all the best of 22 Books: (See the top banner on my site or bio)
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#bestof22 #bestbooksof2022 #Favoritebooks #bookreview #kristenashley #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #romancereads #bookreviewer #favoriteauthor #riverrain #disabled #amputee #amreadingromance #bookblogger #romancebooks  #booklover #reading
Did you know I have an upcoming releases page with Did you know I have an upcoming releases page with preorders that I update several times per week?
Just hit upcoming releases in the menu at anasattic .com (link in bio). I also have the current releases, sales, freebies and next week’s releases on the top post of my blog. 
—
#romancebooks #2023books #bookreleases #romancenovels #upcomingbooks
Pen Pal by JT Geissinger was one of my most fun su Pen Pal by JT Geissinger was one of my most fun surprises of the year. It was completely not what I expected and I loved every word. That’s why it’s on my Best of 2022 list. 

📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3R8DsLe
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3XAXt0f
I had to do a totally different type of review for this so I wouldn’t give anything away.
💻My review: https://anasattic.com/pen-pal-jt-geissinger/

See all my Best of 2022 choices: https://anasattic.com/top-books-audiobooks-of-2022/ (link in bio) 
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#bestof2022 #bestbooksof2022 #favoritebooksof2022 #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover @jtgeissingerauthor #jtgeissinger #bookrecommendations #spicyreads #spicybooks #sexybooks
After loving over fifty books by Lauren Blakely, I After loving over fifty books by Lauren Blakely, I realized something after reviewing The RSVP: I don’t like when a heroine actively pursues and seduces a man—I like the men to do the chasing. 
See my review on my blog (link in bio) or below. 
https://anasattic.com/the-rsvp-lauren-blakely/

📚Read it: https://amzn.to/3Xzskua
🎧Listen: https://amzn.to/3XdQWsO

#audiobookreview #kindleunlimited #bookreview #bookstagrammer
#audiobookstagram #audible #favoriteauthor #audibleromance #agegapromance #bookstagram #audible #spicybook
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