The Sunday Post #334 | April 30, 2023

 

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's a chance to share news: a post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books, 

and share what's coming up on your blog in the week ahead.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Ever have those weeks where you feel like you're on fire (in a good way), mowing through every to-do list, meeting every deadline, and taking care of every unexpected task? Yeah, that was me this week. It was a busy week at the office but I felt so productive. Gotta love that feeling! 

Since yesterday was Independent Bookstore Day, it was a good excuse to take a drive up to Amelia Island and check out Song & Story Bookstore/Bistro. It was a gorgeous shop with an eclectic mix of artwork, gifts, and of course books. Plus an outdoor bistro. Surprisingly, I didn't buy a thing, but it was fun to browse around and we enjoyed the little day trip.

      

Tomorrow is my wedding anniversary... 24 years with my best friend. ❤ Most years we plan a trip for our anniversary but somehow time got away from us this year. We'll have to plan something soon. 

This week's feel-good story is a good one. A Lowe's employee took the time to help a family with a special project - and it impacted him just as much as the family. Get your tissues ready.

This week's throwback song is Better Be Good to Me (1984) by Tina Turner. Enjoy!

ON THE BLOG

Tuesday April 25

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Audiobook Narrators

WHAT I READ

      

Kindle: Play of Passion (Psy-Changeling #9) by Nalini Singh - 4★

Paperback/Audio: Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood - 3.5★

CURRENTLY READING

Audio: Say You Want Me (Hennington Brothers #2) by Corinne Michaels

NEW ADDITIONS

Not a thing. 

TOTALLY RANDOM

 

HOW WAS YOUR WEEK?

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Audiobook Narrators

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

This Week's Top Ten Tuesday Topic:

Favorite Audiobook Narrators

 

As a fan of audiobooks, I have definitely developed an ear for certain narrators and recognize their voices quickly. While I have come across a small handful of narrators that I didn't jibe with, overall my experience with audiobook narrators has been so positive. Some I enjoy so much that I have purposely sought out books they have narrated, just to enjoy their voice/performance. Here are ten of my favorite narrators, and a few examples of their work that I have enjoyed most.

1. TEDDY HAMILTON

     

2. ANDI ARNDT

      

3. JOE ARDEN

      

4. CALLIE DALTON

      

5. SEBASTIAN YORK

      

6. MAXINE MITCHELL

      

7. ZACHARY WEBBER

      

8. ERIN MALLON

      

9. JASON CLARKE

      

10. ALEXANDRA HARRIS

      

Do you enjoy audiobooks?

Any favorite narrators?

 

The Sunday Post #333 | April 23, 2023

 

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's a chance to share news: a post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books, 

and share what's coming up on your blog in the week ahead.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

The word of the day is: exhausted. I hosted a dinner last night for my sister's birthday and I am seriously dragging this morning. The entire day yesterday was devoted to party preparations: cleaning, organizing, shopping, decorating, cooking. And that was before anyone arrived for the actual dinner. Ha! By the time everyone left I was ready to drop. I definitely see a nap in my future later today. 

On the plus side, the dinner was a big success. Everyone was able to attend, the food was a big hit, and my sister had a great time. So it was worth it. 😊

Round 1 of hockey playoffs continue... the Tampa Lightning won their first game but lost games two and three. Hopefully they can turn things around this coming week. 

In honor of my sister's birthday, this week's throwback song is Happy Birthday (1981) by Altered Images. Enjoy!

ON THE BLOG

Tuesday April 18

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Songs

Tuesday April 19

WWW Wednesday #124

Friday, April 21

Short Take Reviews: The Novella Edition

WHAT I READ

Audio: You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows by Piper Rayne - 4★

CURRENTLY READING

       

Kindle: Play of Passion (Psy-Changeling #9) by Nalini Singh

Audio//Paperback: Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

NEW ADDITIONS

Not a thing. 

TOTALLY RANDOM

 

HOW WAS YOUR WEEK?

Short Take Reviews: The Novella Edition

 

Coming Home by Kennedy Ryan

Tropes: second chance, HBCU

Kennedy Ryan is in a league of her own. While this novella didn't necessarily pack the emotional punch of her full-length novels, Ryan still managed to create characters that felt fully-developed and realistic. Touré and Niomi were friends in college but the timing was never right for something more. Years later, reunited for homecoming week, their chemistry is simmering and both are wondering if their time has finally come. With a delicious one-that-got-away vibe, and stellar narration, I listened to this one with a permanent smile on my face.           4 stars

False Start by Piper Rayne

Series: Kingsmen Football #0.5

Tropes: college/new adult, 

When studious Shayna was asked to tutor quarterback Lee, neither of them expected to click. Shayna had long nursed a crush on the college football star, while Lee was drawn to shy, bookish Shayna. It was sweet to watch as their friendship turned into a relationship. Unfortunately, a crass bet made with his friends/teammates backfired spectacularly and ended things almost before they started. It's worth noting that there is no HEA here and this novella is very much a set up for the first full-length novel in the series (You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows). 3.75 stars 

Out of Sight by Giana Darling

Series: The Fallen Men #0.5

Tropes: motorcycle club, insta-love

Tayline was a free spirit who found herself in a perilous situation. When a biker stepped in to help her, violence erupted and both their lives took a turn into dangerous territory. I picked up this prequel before starting Lessons in Corruption, the first full-length novel in The Fallen Men series. I didn't know what to expect, it being my first by Giana Darling, but what I got was an over-the-top story right out of crazy town. lol I get that it's fiction, but the events were so crazy that I just rolled my eyes and went with it. <highlight to view spoiler> I mean, right after a violent shoot-out, with bodies, blood, and broken glass everywhere, the two main characters were so turned on they stopped to have sex right there amidst all the carnage. As one does. 😉 Still, it was a good time and had me curious enough to pick up the first book in the series.  3.75 stars

Evermore by Corinne Michaels

Series: Salvation #5.5

Tropes: second chance romance, damaged hero

When Gretchen is left at the altar, she makes some drastic changes in her life, including moving to Virginia Beach and accepting a job at Cole Security. She finds herself working side by side with childhood friend/crush, Ben. The former nerdy kid who was bullied is now a broody former Navy SEAL. They both have to overcome past hurts and insecurities to find happiness together. I love a childhood-friends-to-lovers story so this should have been a hit for me. Maybe this would have worked better as a full-length novel, but I didn't feel all that invested in Gretchen and Ben. Overall this novella didn't add much to the series, but it was great to get more time with the whole Cole Security gang. 3.5 stars 

HAVE YOU READ ANY OF THESE BOOKS?