This feature is for short reviews, reviews of books in a series where it might feel repetitive, or (as Michelle suggested) books I was too lazy to write a “real” review for. Today’s books are all romances I read in the past few years and never got around to sharing my quick reviews to the blog.
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Fleeting Moments by Bella Jewel Narrator: Amy Landon
Published by Tantor Audio on December 20, 2016
Genres: Romance, Contemporary
Length: 6 hours 40 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
One single moment changes everything. In one breath, you can have it all. A split-second later, it can all disappear. That was me. I had it all. Then, in a cruel twist of fate, it was taken from me. A beautiful life gone in a flash. But he was there. He was there to pick me up when I fell, to protect me. My savior. My rock. He was just a stranger. Just a selfless stranger with a face I'll never forget. Can't forget. Won't forget. And like everything else, he just disappeared as if he never existed. I have to find him. I need to find him. He has to know that he saved me. He has to know that in that one fleeting moment, he was all I could see. Contains mature themes.
So good! I love that this was so different from Amore, which I just finished reading (also by Bella Jewel). This time you have a married couple dealing with tragedy striking in the worst way – and the inability to cope together. Plus she throws in a religious cult, a mysterious sexy guy, and some intensity to make this a great read. Loved the narration as well… I’m pretty sure this is the same narrator who narrated Sugar Daddy’s female parts and I really liked her then too.
Tying the Scot by Jennifer Trethewey Narrator: Ruth Urquhart
Series: The Highlanders of Balforss #1
Published by Audible Studios on November 27, 2017
Genres: Historical, Romance
Length: 10 hours 43 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Audible Escape
Goodreads
Listening Length: 10 hours and 43 minutes
At age eleven, Alex Sinclair pledges an oath to the Duke of Chatham promising to serve and protect his illegitimate daughter, Lucy FitzHarris. Nine years later, the duke unexpectedly takes Alex up on his vow, offering the future Laird of Balforss his daughter’s hand in marriage.
Now a man, hotheaded Alex has difficulty convincing Lucy—who would rather starve to death than marry a vulgar Scot—to go through with the arranged marriage. Once Lucy arrives in Scotland, she cannot resist the magic of Balforss or the allure of her handsome Highland warrior. But when Alex seemingly betrays Lucy right before their wedding, she is tricked into running away. Alex must rein in his temper to rescue his lady from unforeseen danger and Lucy must swallow her pride if she hopes to wed the Highlander she has come to love.
Okay, the main character really annoyed me at the beginning. She’s extremely proud and sensitive, which seems ridiculous since she grew up as an illegitimate child in England. I think not liking her contributed to the start being slow and more challenging for me to get into. But she grew on me as her character grew and I got to see parts of her that are more attractive. I could never fully dislike someone who loves their dog so much- everything about her little dog Hercules I enjoyed. I always loved the Hero – he’s rash and impulsive, but has the best intentions. There was never any doubt for me of his good heart. Once things got going, I enjoyed watching the characters fall in love and overcome their own faults, not to mention schemes out to get them. I will look forward to seeing other couples in this series as I really enjoyed all the characters.
Grading Curves by Naima Simone Narrator: Lacy Laurel, Alex Kydd
Published by Read Me Romance on April 29, 2019
Genres: Romance, Contemporary
Format: Audiobook
Source: Podcast
Goodreads
I didn’t know him the night I climbed into his chair and under his tattoo machine. I didn’t know him when he taught me about the kind of pleasure I’d only read about in kinky millionaire romances.
I didn’t know that when I walked into my college classroom the next morning the man who’d inked my skin and dirtied my body would be sitting in front of me.
Dean Shaw is my student. My secret. And my downfall if the truth about us comes out.
The problem is, he’s also everything I crave and can’t let go…
I love this heroine! She’s strong and dealing with family drama I can totally relate to – like that she has her principals and tries to stick to them. I also enjoyed her vulnerability. The hero was good and I would’ve liked to know him better. I feel like he could be really complex, but we just didn’t see quite enough of him. We see enough to know that he’s more than he appears and I liked that. The narration was good and I would listen to both Lacy Laurel & Alex Kydd again.
I haven’t read these authors, but I’m reading somewhat less romances these days. I have enjoyed narration by Amy Landon and Ruth Urqhardt. Thanks for sharing these reviews!