This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

From the author of Partners in Crime, comes a sparkling new adventure rom-com where a con woman and a lawman team up on an epic cross-country road trip to save their families…and each other. 

Sejal Chaudhary inherited her mama’s calculating brain, her daddy’s quick fingers, and the boatload of trauma that comes with being the eldest daughter of criminals. Although Sejal has never claimed to be a good girl, she’s spent the last couple years laying low and going (mostly) straight. That is, until a con gone wrong sends her into the arms of a handsome stranger who’s set on dragging her back into her messy family drama.

Krish Anand never mastered the fine art of being a bad boy…he would take a book over bullets any day. But when his FBI agent brother goes missing, he has no choice but to suit up for the adventure of a lifetime. Certain that someone in Sejal’s little crime family is behind the disappearance, a desperate Krish manages to convince the beautiful thief that his brother’s badge is actually his. 

The deal is simple: help him find his brother, and Krish and the law will leave Sejal be. With an up-to-no-good ex also hot on her trail, Sejal reluctantly agrees. As they wind their way across the country on planes, buses, and automobiles, sparks ignite, and what began as a fragile temporary truce starts to look more and more like a partnership. 

Falling for the enemy? So cliche, but so good…if only they can survive long enough to chance a happily ever after.

TROPES

• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Forced Proximity
• Forbidden Love
• Adventure Rom-Com

Why Did I Listen To Enemies To Lovers by Alisha Rai?

Enemies To Lovers by Alisha Rai really appealed to me on the basis of the trope! I do love a good enemies to lovers contemporary romance and when it is the literal title, I know I am about to be in for a good story. Also — I really enjoyed the previous books I’ve read by Alisha Rai via audiobook and was so looking forward to this one. I do want to disclose, I have not read Partners In Crime but now I am pretty sure I need to pick it up because I liked Enemies To Lovers so much.

What’s The Story Here?

Main character Sajel Chaudhary is the eldest daughter of criminals. When the book opens, she’s about to do a hustle. However, it goes sideways and the man she is trying to hustle won’t pay up and tries to get something out of Sajel. She’s scared and so she grabs the closed good looking man and has him pretend to be her boyfriend. Unfortunately for Sajel, that man happens to be Krish Anand. Krish’s brother is an FBI agent and missing. He believes that Sajel’s family – also known as Cobra – is behind it. So, when Sajel grabs him, he uses the moment to his advantage and tries to convince Sajel to help him out. The two pair up as it turns out Sajel is under fire by her ex boyfriend who thinks she stole something from him. We see more tropes and the two stuck in proximity with each other. Eventually that leads to the chemistry we would expect. Oh and Sajel thinks that Krish is an FBI agent when he’s actually not even close to being an FBI agent. 

How Did I Like Enemies To Lovers?

I very much enjoyed my time listening to Enemies To Lovers. I found that as an oldest daughter I could definitely relate to Sajel in certain aspects. She may not always be on the right side of the law, but she is a good person and really does care about her youngest sister — who is not in that life at all. I also liked reading about Krish. Although, his mom kind of steals the show in her chapters. She’s so interesting and kind of a bad ass. This story combines suspense and romance with a road trip and humor. It was so enjoyable. I liked this so much that I want to read Partners In Crime. I also got the sense at the end that there’s room for one more book in the Daughters Of Crime series. 

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of Enemies To Lovers has dual narration with Soneela Nankani narrating Sajel’s chapters and Shahjehan Khan narrated Krish’s chapters. Both narrators are ones I am familiar with – Nankani moreso. I loved this via audio. It’s well narrated, well paced, and easy to follow. The audiobook is 11 hours and 9 minutes. I listened at 1.5x speed. Overall, this was a win for me and one I am so happy to recommend!

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

From the two-time Edgar Award–nominated author of ON A QUIET STREET and THE VACANCY IN ROOM 10...

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES meets FINLAY DONOVAN in this darkly humorous thriller about three women's lives colliding around an explosive murder, a bizarre cover-up, and a riveting search for the truth.

"Explosive, addictive, and impossible to put down."
—Noelle Ihli, bestselling author of Such Quiet Girls

Those lucky enough to live in the elite lakefront community of Cloverhill Lakes are drawn to it for its safety and top-notch school district. The moms meet for coffee at the park while their kids play, they’re heavily involved in the PTA, and the summers are filled with chardonnay, brunch, sundresses, and backyard bonfires.

But everything changes when Regan Hoffman’s car explodes at the annual Labor Day party. The wrong person is killed, but it was meant for her. As the carefully crafted walls of her community begin to crumble, Regan tries to keep it together—something made infinitely harder when she sees her dead husband…alive.

When a Cloverhill Lakes resident suddenly goes missing, dark secrets begin to surface from underneath the idyllic veneer of their beautiful community—and the truth threatens to destroy them all as Regan finds herself in a fight for her life.

Why Did I Listen To Too Close To Home by Seraphina Nova Glass?

If I have a long drive ahead of me, I want a book that will captivate me and keep me guessing, so thrillers are sometimes my genre of choice. I am new to the thriller genre and so can never really guess things ahead of time as it’s all new hat to me. Too Close To Home by Seraphina Nova Glass caught my attention because of the three powerhouse narrators – Karissa Vacker, Rebecca Lowman, and Brittany Pressley. So, being someone who likes audiobooks with multiple narrators, I just knew this had to be my BookCon weekend listen – particularly as I drove to my sister’s house 90 minutes away and as I stepped away from the crowds at BookCon. 

What’s The Story Here?

Too Close To Home is a domestic thriller that opens with an actual bang – or rather an explosion. You see, all the families of Cloverhill are at a barbeque. There’s gossip about second wives, kids are running around. Life is normal. Until someone borrows Regan Hoffman’s car and it explodes. Obviously that person dies. However, the explosion was meant for Regan. Soon after, a woman goes missing – Tia, who is one of the second wives. The tension ratchets as secrets of the community start to come to the surface. I should mention — Regan’s husband Jack died, but she goes to a recital at her kid’s school and someone spots him in the background of one of her photos. Meanwhile Andi lives by her ex and his new wife Tia. Tia is horrid and well, Andi has some choice words about her. When Tia goes missing, it is a nightmare for Andi — as Andi is kind of suspicious given her enmity with Tia. Sasha is new to town and figuring the dynamics out. 

What Did I Think Of Too Close To Home?

I really enjoyed Too Close To Home. This book is tense. I liked the suspense and how I didn’t always know what was happening or what was going to happen. There are a lot of characters and several plot lines. This can get confusing and I wish I had a physical copy on hand at those moments. However, I never once got bored reading this book. I was completely sucked into the story. It was a great distraction while I was stressed. I found myself invested in Regan’s storyline in particular. Also, I felt for Andi as well, even though she definitely made some stupid choices. This book made me want to listen to more audiobooks from Seraphina Nova Glass. This is a perfect beach or travel read – if your go to for those situations is a thriller. 

How’s The Narration?

The biggest contributor to my enjoyment of Too Close To Home is the EXCELLENT audiobook narration. Seriously — Karissa Vacker, Rebecca Lowman and Brittany Pressley made this book for me. They really did an amazing job narrating their different chapters. The audiobook flows perfectly. I listened to this at 1.25x speed and was hooked. It is 7 hours and 53 minutes unabridged — I was compelled for nearly all of those minutes and hours. If you are new to audiobooks, pick this one up. 

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

Two rival authors are forced to confront a decade of love and heartbreak on the campus where it all started in this captivating debut romance by Kara McDowell.

It’s been thirteen years since Mars Darling first met West Emerson on a bench outside their writing class. What started out as a friendly rivalry turned into a best friendship and then, for a brief time, a romance. Now over a decade later, as Mars stands at their college campus as a once-esteemed YA fantasy author, ready to take on a book festival, she comes face to face with West—the muse behind her infamous trilogy’s heartthrob hero, the man who betrayed her in the worst way.

Mars is determined not to let her comeback tour be ruined by the fact that West is also at the festival as an author. But the longer they are on the campus that holds so many shared memories, the more time they have to untangle their past, and Mars starts to question if maybe it’s not only her writing career that deserves a second chance.

Told in two unfolding timelines—Mars and West’s frenzied college days where they grapple with their undeniable connection, and their tension-filled present of heartache and familiar yearning—this charming romance shows that while you can’t rewrite the past, it’s never too late to chase your happily ever after and get back the one that got away.

Why Did I Listen To The Write Off by Kara McDowell?

I love when authors who write in YA branch out into adult fiction. I mean, I will read their books either way — however – it is still like a fun little treat. The Write Off by Kara McDowell looked like a cute contemporary romance and so, I was curious how it would play out. The audiobook is narrated by one of my favorites – Brittany Pressley and so I just knew I had to take some time and listen to this book. I am so glad I did! This story had a trope I like – friends to lovers to enemies to potentially lovers again. Love that journey. So, I was all in while listening. 

What’s The Story Here?

The Write Off follows Mars Darling who is a famous young adult author – her books have been adapted into movies, the youth love her stories. Unfortunately, her last book felt like a betrayal to fans as she poured her heartbreak into her book. However, she’s back in public again, doing an appearance for a literary festival at the campus where she met her former best friend/rival/lover West Emerson. West is also a writer, but not nearly as successful as Mars. His work is a little more literary. As it stands, Mars has not really seen West in years. So, it comes as a shock when she has to share the stage with him at the literary festival. Being in proximity, however, requires the two to confront their past and hopefully move forward. 

How Did I Like The Write Off?

The Write Off by Kara McDowell worked for me. Perhaps I was predisposed to like this because I enjoyed The Prince And The Apocalypse. I found Mars to be a character that I really cared about. She is someone who puts so much of herself into her writing and is dedicated to her craft. I liked the competition between her and West when they first meet. Also that attraction she instantly has for him? That’s captivating. The two make a great pairing even if they just can’t quite get the timing right. I found that West made some choices that were tough as well. The happy ending kind of made me think of When Harry Met Sally, where it happens after years, but when it does, what a payoff. 

How’s The Narration?

Books like The Write Off are my absolute favorite to listen to. Seriously, give me a good contemporary romance and I am sat. The audiobook is narrated by Brittany Pressley who is one of the best in the business. Her voice is smooth and melodic. I listened at 1.5x with no issues processing or understanding the story and the words. I found that Pressley did a great job embodying the characters and story. McDowell’s adult debut is a wonderful read – particularly if you like reading books about writers.

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

Final Destination meets House of Hollow in this haunting and lyrical speculative horror about a group of girls doing Death's bidding in exchange for preserving their own lives.

'The kind of story I wish I could experience for the first time all over again.' Angela Montoya, author of A Cruel Thirst

Roslyn Volk isn't herself any more. It's been almost a year since her older sister, Adeline, died under suspicious circumstances, and she's still shackled by grief. When six mysterious girls appear in town one morning, Roslyn finds herself inexplicably drawn to them, soon learning that Adeline spent her last summer with the group.

Desperate to find out what really happened to her sister, Roslyn agrees to accompany the girls on their road trip. But this strange sisterhood share an inconceivable secret. All of them have been spared from Death's clutches and now must pay for the privilege. Gifted with Death's touch, the girls travel the country reaping other people's souls in return for preserving their own lives.

As Roslyn becomes more entangled with the girls, in particular the group's leader Shiloh who she gravitates towards, it becomes clear there is only one way to discover the truth about her sister. She must strike her own deal with Death . . .

Praise for When I Was Death:

'Atmospheric and achingly lyrical. When I Was Death is a tale of untamed girlhood, defiant loyalty and a relentless search for truth.' Sophie Clark, author of Cruel is the Light

'Henderson's hauntingly beautiful prose explores how girlhood and grief are often intertwined. I savoured every single page.' Cynthia Murphy, author of Win Lose Kill Die

'Hauntingly beautiful and equally heart-wrenching, When I Was Death explores love and loss in a way that both hurts and heals. Henderson has crafted an intimate, powerful and utterly unputdownable tale.' Channelle Desamours, author of Needy Little Things

'A searing portrayal of girlhood, at once sparkling and violently dark. When I Was Death is thrilling and wholly original.' Goldy Moldavsky, author of The Last Girl

'This is girlhood at its darkest and most glittering. When I Was Death is the culty road trip fantasy of your dreams. It's horror with heart, unafraid to explore the sharp edges of friendship and sisterhood.' Maria Meservey, author of The Ironfell Inheritance

'Henderson's prose glows with honesty, her characters richly textured and utterly alive.' Abby Dewsnup, author of Rabbit Heart

'I couldn't put it down! When I Was Death is brilliant from start to finish.' Abiola Bello, author of Love in Winter Wonderland

'A beautiful exploration of grief and girlhood. Five stars. I'll be haunted by this one for a long time.' Beth Tomlin, author of To Hell With You

Why Did I Listen To When I Was Death by Alexis Henderson?

When I Was Death is Alexis Henderson’s YA debut. I so enjoy her adult books particularly via audio. So, I knew I just had to experience her latest book also in audio — thanks to PRH Audio by the way. While I am not a huge horror reader, I do not mind YA horror particularly when it is written by an author whom I think very highly of. Plus, the premise of this book sounded like it was going to be captivating. Friends, this was quite the engaging listen.

What’s The Story Here?

Alexis Henderson’s When I Was Death follows Rosalyn, a biracial teenage girl who is struggling with the loss of her sister. Adeline died in the woods a year ago under mysterious circumstances. Rosalyn has this need to know what happened and to get some closure before she is able to move on. While at the local diner, she encounters a caravan of teenage girls who are familiar. As it happens, Adeline was traveling with them prior to the her death and they may have the key to what happened. So, Rosalyn tells her parents she is going to summer camp when really she is joining up with the girl gang for the summer.

It turns out, Rosalyn gets more than she bargains for. She learns the girls work for Death and help people cross over. Each has made her own bargain with Death. For Rosalyn to stay on, she must help the girls. Rosalyn is not dying, but she makes a bargain that if she brings souls to Death, he will tell the truth of what happened to her sister.

How Did I Like When I Was Death?

Overall, I found When I Was Death to be another fantastic read from Alexis Henderson. I thought it was a little less scary and intense than her books for adults — however, that was to be expected. This is written with a YA audience in mind and to my understanding, was written perfectly from that lens. Rosalyn is a compelling character and I could feel her grief and her desire for answers as I listened to this book. I could feel how stifling her town felt and why she wanted to travel with the girls – for answers but also I think to get out as well. Her little romance was interesting too. The portrayal of Death as almost someone who is trafficking these girls was unique as well. When I Was Death succeeds in the execution of the concept and I can’t help but recommend this – particularly if you want to dip your toes in horror.

How’s The Narration?

I love a new to me narrator! Alexis Henderson’s YA debut is narrated by Khaya Fraites. It is 7 hours 22 minutes unabridged. I listened at 1.5x speed. Fraites has a voice that is youthful and easy on the ears. I thought she embodied Rosalyn really well. Her vocal style is well suited to this story. I think regardless if you read with your ears or eyes – this is a superb book. Pick it up in particular for fall or Summerween!

@aprilbooksandwine

Reading update!! Books mentioned: When I Was Death by Alexis Henderson (I have finished this) Ramin Abbas Has Major Questions by Ahmad Saber Homeschooled by Stefan Merrill Block The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst

♬ original sound – April Books & Wine

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A teen girl decides to spend her summer helping her eccentric great aunt manage her quaint Vermont inn—only to discover that the fixer-upper is hiding a magical secret—in this cozy and irresistible new young adult fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop.

“Frosted with whimsy and sprinkled with joy, The Faraway Inn is a testament to why Sarah Beth Durst is the queen of cozy fantasy!”—Tricia Levenseller, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Darkness Within Us

When sixteen-year-old Calisa arrives at her great-aunt’s B&B in rural Vermont for the summer, she’s shocked to find a rundown inn rather than the cozy bed-and-breakfast she was expecting. Grumpy and eccentric, Auntie Zee is determined to keep anyone from messing with her beloved inn . . . even though she clearly needs the help.

To convince her great-aunt to keep her around, Calisa sets to work fixing up the inn, enlisting extra help from the groundskeeper’s (handsome) son. But the longer she stays, the surer she is that there’s something strange about the B&B—and its guests. Something almost . . . otherworldly.

The inn is keeping a magical secret—but to protect the place she’s come to love, Calisa must unravel the truth before it’s too late.

Why Did I Listen To The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst?

The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst as a physical product is so aesthetically pleasing. The cover is gorgeous and the sprayed edges, OMG, I love them. Normally, I’d be one to pick this up and physically read it. However, I just HAD to engage with the audiobook instead because Soneela Nankani is the narrator and she is superb. This cozy young adult fantasy hit the spot as I had been in the mood for something cozy while longing for the weather to warm up — how is it – by the way – that it is still snowing in April in upstate NY? So, The Faraway Inn fit the bill for what I wanted. 

What’s The Story Here?

16 year old Calisa simply cannot stay in Brooklyn with her moms for the summer. She’s had her heartbroken in spectacular fashion, feels like a laughingstock due to her cheater ex and needs to get away. So, she has the brilliant idea of helping her great aunt with her B&B in rural Vermont for the summer. Only, Calisa gets to the inn and it is looking a little run down. Also, her aunt doesn’t really want her there and is kind of mean. It is definitely different from the last time Calisa is there as a small child. Calisa is determined to stay and determined to help out, she wants to bring the Inn back to its former glory. 

So, Calisa enlists the help of the Faraway Inn’s groundskeeper’s son, Jack. By the way, Jack is not so bad to look at per Calisa. Anyways, she realizes perhaps there’s something up with the inn and the guests of the inn. That’s right, turns out there are different fantastical beings who are staying at the inn. And the doors just might lead to other worlds. When Auntie Zee disappears, it is up to Calisa and Jack to find her and continue to uncover the secrets of the Faraway Inn. 

How Did I Like The Faraway Inn?

As someone who experienced heartbreak when I was young, I really liked Calisa’s journey. She has been through it and is now finding a new purpose – getting the Inn back on track. I liked that there wasn’t an immediate romance between Calisa and Jack. The story within The Faraway Inn is really more about healing and self discover. Also, I felt like the setting of the Faraway Inn was well written and compelling. I could picture it so well as I listened to this story. The characters are interesting. Calisa is easy to root for. There is even a little bit of comedy with the narcissistic magical mirror. Sarah Beth Durst’s The Faraway Inn met all my cozy fantasy expectations.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of The Faraway Inn is narrated by Soneela Nankani. It is 11 hours and 3 minutes unabridged. I listened at 1.5x speed. Nankani is SUCH a good narrator. She has a perfect voice for fantasy. Her voice is melodic and easy to listen to. The audiobook pacing is ideal for the story. It is well produced with no sound issues at all. I found this audiobook to be transporting as I drove and spent time doing data analytics. I would certainly recommend this to cozy fantasy fans.

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

Two starred reviews!

An orphan races to uncover a killer—who may have come from the sea—when she and her beloved orcas fall under suspicion in this “atmospheric…beguiling” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) historical gothic mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl, Stacey Lee.

1918. Orcas Island, Washington.

Lucy Nowhere has spent her eighteen years working on the vast estate of the eccentric shipbuilder who took her in after she washed ashore in a green canoe as a baby. But she has long wished for a life off the island, and in a matter of days, she is set to leave for college—and, for the first time, choose her own future.

Then she finds her employer’s severed head on the beach. Rumors swirl that a mischievous spirit and its minions, the sea wolves, have struck again. Lucy doesn’t believe in myths. She knows that a human—a human murderer—killed him. And when she is unexpectedly named heiress to the estate, she understands the next target is her.

Her closest friend, the estate’s vigilant young guard, begs her to escape while she can. But Lucy knows the only way she can discover who she is, and free the island of its curse, is to find the real killer—before she becomes the next victim.

Heiress Of Nowhere by Stacey Lee is such a superb young adult historical fiction novel. I love these kinds of books — namely the genre and just, how interesting the storyline is. The book has such a unique plot. This is the second book I’ve read by Stacey Lee and has cemented me into a fan. I want to try and read at least two more of her books before the year ends. That is how much I enjoyed this atmospheric mystery with interesting characters.

Set in the early 1900s on Orcas Island, which is an island off of Seattle, Heiress Of Nowhere follows Lucy Nowhere. Lucy is an orphan who grew up working for shipbuilder Dakon Sanders on his huge estate. As the book opens, she is creating art for a book Sanders is working on called The Wilds Of Orcas Island. She has outdone herself and gotten close enough to do a picture of Shadow and Scull – a pair of orcas who are mother and son. Lucy is on her way to leaving Orcas Island and attending the University of Washington.

Unfortunately, Dakon is murdered. Lucy inherits his estate instead of his nephew, Nash. The residents of the island believe it was the Orkus spirit who killed Dakon. However, Lucy knows that it has to be someone else — perhaps the same person who killed her father. And so, this story follows Lucy trying to uncover what happened, learn about her past — including the fact that her father was Chinese and a translator for one of the canneries. She also is navigating a tenuous relationship with Nash — which has got her island security and best friend, Koa, on edge.

Stacey Lee has such a gift for writing atmosphere. Heiress Of Nowhere had me able to perfectly picture the different aspects of the island — from Mt. Consternation to the mansion and more. She also blends being able to perfect place with having such a compelling main character. I loved Lucy (sidebar: I love Lucy?). She is smart and hardworking. She wants want is best for the island as well as to find out what her heritage is. I liked the push and pull between her and Nash – including during a scene where she tries a strong drink. I also thought her friendships with other women were quite interesting too. There’s also this thread of naturalism and conservation that appears throughout. This is such an excellent book — if you enjoy historical fiction you must pick Heiress Of Nowhere by Stacey Lee up.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Now a major motion picture starring Ryan Gosling, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, with a screenplay by Drew Goddard

A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this “propulsive” (Entertainment Weekly), cinematic thriller full of suspense, humor, and fascinating science—from the author of The Martian.

HUGO AWARD FINALIST • NEW YORK TIMES READER PICK: 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE 21ST CENTURY • ONE OF THE YEAR’S BEST BOOKS: Parade, Newsweek, New York Public Library, Polygon, Shelf Awareness, She Reads, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal

Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish.

Except that right now, he doesn’t know that. He can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it.

All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time. And he’s just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company.

His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery—and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.

And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he’s got to do it all alone.

Or does he?

Hailed by USA Today as “an epic story of redemption, discovery, and cool speculative sci-fi,” Project Hail Mary is an irresistible interstellar adventure as only Andy Weir could deliver.

Multiple fan edits from the Project Hail Mary movie on my FYP made me want to read this book. I had also come across multiple recommendations specifically for the audiobook. My husband bought the audiobook for us to listen to on our drive to Boston and back – which is ten hours. I then ended up so invested that I had to reactivate my Audible account and buy a copy for myself so I could finish listening. This story features Ryland Grace, a science teacher who wakes up in a rocket ship with no idea who he is or what is going on. As it turns out, he is a part of Project Hail Mary, a mission to save life on Earth as we know it. You see, the sun is dying because these things called astrophage are eating it. I found this story to be moving and miraculous. I especially loved the unlikely partnership and friendship within. One way this has been described is as hopecore and I must say that is so accurate. The audiobook is a YES from me. Ray Porter does a fantastic job imbuing the story with emotion and embodying the character of Ryland Grace. I don’t normally go in for science fiction but the 16+ hours I spent with this audiobook will be with me for a long time. And yes, I actually only listened to this at 1X speed, as my husband cannot do audiobooks sped up like I can. It still holds up at the intended, not sped up pace.

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Discover the word-of-mouth hit hailed by Ann Patchett as “A cause for celebration”—an intimate novel about the transformative power of the written word and the beauty of slowing down to reconnect with the people we love.

“The Correspondent is this year’s breakout novel no one saw coming.”—The Wall Street Journal

“I cried more than once as I witnessed this brilliant woman come to understand herself more deeply.”—Florence Knapp, author of The Names

In development as a major motion picture starring Jane Fonda

LONGLISTED FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION FIRST NOVEL PRIZE, THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL, AND THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION • A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: NPR, The Washington Post, Boston Globe, Elle, Christian Science Monitor, She Reads

“Imagine, the letters one has sent out into the world, the letters received back in turn, are like the pieces of a magnificent puzzle. . . . Isn’t there something wonderful in that, to think that a story of one’s life is preserved in some way, that this very letter may one day mean something, even if it is a very small thing, to someone?”

Filled with knowledge that only comes from a life fully lived, The Correspondent is a gem of a novel about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person. It is about the hubris of youth and the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that occur during a lifetime.

Sybil Van Antwerp has throughout her life used letters to make sense of the world and her place in it. Most mornings, around half past ten, Sybil sits down to write letters—to her brother, to her best friend, to the president of the university who will not allow her to audit a class she desperately wants to take, to Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry to tell them what she thinks of their latest books, and to one person to whom she writes often yet never sends the letter.

Sybil expects her world to go on as it always has—a mother, grandmother, wife, divorcee, distinguished lawyer, she has lived a very full life. But when letters from someone in her past force her to examine one of the most painful periods of her life, she realizes that the letter she has been writing over the years needs to be read and that she cannot move forward until she finds it in her heart to offer forgiveness.

Sybil Van Antwerp’s life of letters might be “a very small thing,” but she also might be one of the most memorable characters you will ever read.

Sometimes I am also influenced to pick up a book from blogs. I know, I know, I still get recommendations in the year 2026 from blogs (considering I am also still writing into the void). I saw The Correspondent by Virginia Evans on Modern Mrs. Darcy and knew I had to pick it up. There was a 100 person hold list at my local library. So, I went with the audiobook — thanks to PRH Audio for the gifted copy. This book absolutely must be experienced on audio. It is an epistolary novel about Sybil Van Antwerp, a retired law clerk. Every day she writes letters and emails – to friends, to family, to customer service and to authors. We see the letters provide us with a pieced together portrait of who Sybil is. I know she rubbed some people the wrong way, but I liked her. She’s brash and forward. She can be demanding. However, she takes up space in her world and at her age and I respect that. Too often, it feels like when a woman reaches a certain age, she becomes invisible to society. Not Sybil. I enjoyed the revelations that life still had for her. We see so much of the human experience play out across Sybil’s letters, including the ones that go unsent. This is a full cast audiobook which really leant to the experience. It is 8 hours 36 minutes unabridged. I listened at 1.5x speed and followed along perfectly. This is a YES if you like audiobooks with imperfect main characters. 

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • The #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder—now a hit Netflix series—returns with her first novel for adults: an “irresistible” (The Washington Post) thriller about a young woman trying to solve her own murder, “full of the writer’s signature twists and turns” (People).

**The first edition paperback of Not Quite Dead Yet features a new cover and stenciled edges!**

“This truly unique premise snowballs into a roller-coaster ride of page-turning suspense and knock-out twists!”—Freida McFadden, author of The Housemaid

In seven days, Jet Mason will be dead.

Jet is the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Woodstock, Vermont. Twenty-seven years old and back home, she’s still waiting for her life to begin. I’ll do it later, she always says. She has time.

Until Halloween night, when she is violently attacked by an unseen intruder, suffering a catastrophic head injury. Doctors are certain that within a week, the injury will trigger a fatal aneurysm. To her parents’ dismay, Jet rejects an extremely risky operation in order to guarantee herself at least a few more days.

Jet never thought of herself as having enemies. But now, in the one week she has left, she looks at everyone in a new light: her family, her former best friend turned sister-in-law, her ex-boyfriend.

As her condition deteriorates, she reconnects with her childhood friend Billy, the only one willing to help her. With Billy at her side, she’s absolutely determined to finally finish something:

Jet is going to solve her own murder.

Holly Jackson is an author who has books that I prefer in audio format. Previously I had not been much of a thriller and mystery reader. However, that is changing as I am seeking out cozy mysteries in print and thrillers in audio. I found I was looking forward to listening to Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson. This story follows Jett who is going to die in approximately seven days due to a head injury she suffers after she is attacked at home. She does not know who her murderer is. As Jett has not really ever finished anything in her life, she feels it is her calling to solve her murder along with the help of her best friend Billy, who had initially found her. There are twists and red herrings. I did not predict who the killer was. I thought the pacing was excellent. I found the unraveling of Jett’s family history to be sad but also interesting. However, I was not at all a fan of the narration of this book. It was a little too hoarse for me. I guess I prefer a more melodic narration style. The narrator is Alex McKenna. The audiobook is 14 hours 26 minutes unabridged. I listened to this at various speeds between 1.5x and 2x. Going strictly for audiobook recommendations, this was a NO from me.

The Re-Do List by Denise Williams

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

What would you do with a second chance at your first time? Following a bad breakup, Willow Lewis tackles a re-do list with the help of her brother’s best friend in this sweet and sexy new romance.

Willow experienced all her big firsts with her high school sweetheart. Now, reeling from their very public breakup, she wants to get a re-do on those important moments. While dog-sitting for her brother during his deployment, she has a chance to start over and spending time with his best friend gives her the confidence to start checking items off her “Re-Do list.”

Deacon promised his best friend two things when Cruz left for a deployment: that he’d look out for Willow, and that he’d keep his hands off Cruz’s baby sister. “Operation Re-Do” is innocent enough at first: Deacon likes Willow and he’s willing to help her out any way he can. But when the list of firsts turns from a first dance to first kisses and more, Deacon can’t deny the connection he feels to Willow.

As Deacon’s and Willow’s firsts turn to seconds, thirds, and fourths, this pair can’t get enough of each other—and they support each other through new challenges. But they are both aware there’s an end date to Willow’s time in town… and even if she were to stay, Deacon doesn’t know how to choose between his loyalty to his closest friend and the woman he’s fallen in love with. With no more romantic moments on her list for them to re-do, can these two still find a way to stay together?

I absolutely love to listen to books by Denise Williams. The Re-Do List is Williams’ latest book and was a delightful listen. This story is told in alternating points of view between Willow and Deacon. Willow has just had a very public breakup that went viral. So, she skips town and is house sitting for her brother who has been deployed. Her brother’s best friend, however, is around and helps Willa out. Deacon was told not to try anything with Willow because Deacon has a player reputation. However, Willow writes up this list of all her firsts with her ex that she wants to re-do. Deacon helps her out with some of the more innocent ones and then soon the list gets more spicy and he helps with those too – sparking a chemistry between the two. I found myself really rooting for Deacon and Willow both individually and as a couple. I liked the new friends Willow made. Also, liked how fun Deacon was. The audiobook is narrated to perfection by January LaVoy and Teddy Hamilton. It is 10 hours and 51 minutes. I listened to this at 1.5 and 2x speed. I would absolutely say The Re-Do List by Denise Williams is a YES.

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

“J.R. Ward is a powerhouse in the genre and never disappoints!”--Rebecca Yarros, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"Absolutely unputdownable!"--Jennifer Armentrout, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Crown of War and Shadow is a brand new, sweeping, slow-burn romantasy from #1 New York Times bestseller J. R. Ward, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and Jennifer Armentrout!

An outcast burdened with a curse. A mercenary out for himself. A kingdom that must be saved.

In the deep, dark, dead of night, passions rise, and empires fall...

The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world.

No one is safe.

Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast within the walls of her small village because of her mystical abilities. She wants to survive...and find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.

Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.

She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen's crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.

Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.

The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.

But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though desire runs hot between them, adventure, danger, and betrayal lurk around every corner.

Crown of War and Shadow is the first book in the Kingdoms of the Compass series.

Crown of War and Shadow
*Forced proximity/Only one bed
*Chosen mates
*Dark mercenary
*Who did this to you?
*Touch her and die
*I'll die for you
*Hidden magic

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

I love dipping my toes in a new to me genre and really enjoying what I pick up. I have read fantasy romance but not really much in the way of romantasy. So, I was a little apprehensive and nervous about Crown Of War And Shadow by JR Ward. It is a bit long which feels like quite a commitment. However, commit I did. This was my treadmill book for a few weeks – meaning whenever I would deign to walk, this was the book I was reading. Friends, I absolutely enjoyed my time with Crown Of War And Shadow – apparently first of the Kingdoms of the Compass series. 

Crown Of War And Shadow follows Sorrel, a young woman who lives on the margins of her society. You see, Sorrel has some special skills. She can look in someone’s eyes and know exactly when they will die. She also can help women giving birth and babies being born to survive the whole childbirth process. Yet, people in her little town treat her with derision and disdain. Her life is small – she has no friends and lives in a little room at the tavern. One day this all changes with a man known simply as Merc comes to her town. Eventually all hell breaks loose and Sorrel must run away from the town. Merc promises to get her to the Outpost with the promise that he can have his way with her as payment. As it turns out, demons are coming out the Fulcrum. Bad things are happening across the Kingdom. So, Sorrel and Merc make some big discoveries, get into danger, and kind of find themselves on a quest to return a crown to the Queen Who Will See No One. 

I had this preconceived notion that Crown Of War And Shadow would be a lot of spicy scenes – based on what I’ve heard about romantasy. I was wrong and am glad about that. Even if it was, no shame if that is your thing.For me, I don’t really seek that out. I really loved the pacing and plot of this book. I found Sorrel’s character to be dynamic and engaging. She is a good person who has been held at arm’s length and it is wonderful when she does make a friend. She has a good heart ultimately. I also liked the chemistry between her and Merc. It was interesting sort of getting his story. There’s a big reveal. I find myself looking forward to the next book. Also, I’d like to pick up more by J.R. Ward as this was really good. The book itself is incredibly aesthetically pleasing and looks amazing on the shelf. The edges are gorgeous. But what is within — the most important part — is well worth reading if you are like me and just getting into romantasy.

@aprilbooksandwine

Thoughts on Crown Of War And Shadow by JR Ward – I very much enjoyed this book. @Tor Publishing Group

♬ original sound – April Books & Wine

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

An Instant USA Today Bestseller!

“A lovely, affecting paean to the power of books and enduring love.”—People

A woman receives an unexpected gift from the man she loved and lost—a year of books, one for every month—launching a reading-inspired journey to live, dream, and love again in this glimmering and heart-stopping novel.

Twelve books. Twelve months. One chance to heal her heart…

When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there’s a birthday gift from her husband waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn’t come as more of a shock. Partly because she can’t remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. But mainly because Joe died five months ago....

When she goes to pick up the present, Alfie, the bookshop owner with kind eyes, explains the gift—twelve carefully chosen books with handwritten letters from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him.

At first Tilly can’t imagine sinking into a fictional world, but Joe’s tender words convince her to try, and something remarkable happens—Tilly becomes immersed in the pages, and a new chapter begins to unfold in her own life. Monthly trips to the bookstore—and heartfelt conversations with Alfie—give Tilly the comfort she craves and the courage to set out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to share her journey with others, her story—like a book—becomes more than her own.

Why Did I Listen To This Book Made Me Think Of You by Libby Page?

This Book Made Me Think Of You by Libby Page immediately caught my attention because I LOVE books about readers. I feel like there is a built in connection with the main character when that happens. I am so glad I picked this up to listen to – it is a heartfelt story about finding the courage to move forward after a terrible loss. I genuinely loved this story and the main character – Tilly Nightingale. This was perfect in audiobook form as well – easy to listen to and follow.

What’s The Story Here?

This Book Made Me Think Of You opens with main character Tilly Nightingale receiving an unexpected call. You see, there is a birthday gift waiting for her at the bookshop from her fiance. Only, that can’t be, because her fiance passed away. Still, Tilly picks the gift up and learns her fiance has prepared a year of books for her. Each month Tilly will receive a book and a letter from Joe. This is an absolute shock to Tilly. She was the reader in the relationship — working in publishing in fact. Yet, after Joe passed she hadn’t been in the mood to read. However, with each book she reads, the more she begins to engage in life again and finds herself even trying new things. She also gets to know the shopkeeper, Alfie, who is quite wonderful. Alfie has his own secondary plot as well. 

How Did I Like This Book Made Me Think Of You?

I loved This Book Made Me Think Of You. It made me want to check out more from Libby Page. The book had me tearing up early on as well as throughout a book. I love when I feel moved to tears while reading. It’s so cathartic, ya know? Tilly is a character I could easily relate to – she’s passionate about books and quiet and an “indoors” person for the most part. I loved reading about her opposites attract relationship with Joe. There are several flashbacks throughout the book which help to flesh it out. There’s also closure on her relationship with her in laws. I liked that Tilly gets out into the wider world as part of her healing. I should mention – this book is set in England and Tilly is Welsh. I liked the layer that adds to the story. 

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of This Book Made Me Think Of You is narrated by Zadeiah Campbell-Davies. It is 10 hours 27 minutes unabridged. Normally I listen to audiobooks at 2x speed. However, due to the accent, I did not speed this up. I hovered between 1x-1.25x. Campbell-Davies has a lovely, charming voice that is relaxing to listen to. I felt like she embodied Tilly so well, particularly with the accent. This is  a wonderful story no matter which form you choose to read – audio or print. I highly recommend. 

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

DELUXE EDITION — featuring stenciled edges, fully illustrated case art, designed endpapers, a map, and a ribbon!

“Equally brutal, hot, and provocative.” —C.S. Pacat, New York Times-bestselling author of Captive Prince

#1 New York Times-bestselling author Tricia Levenseller makes her adult debut in What Fury Brings, a dark, sexy romantasy featuring a vengeful warrior general who must kidnap and train a husband in order to take her rightful place as queen.

Let's get something clear, Prince. I have claimed you. That means you belong to me now.

There's a shortage of men in the kingdom of Amarra. After a failed rebellion against the matriarchy, most noblemen in the country are dead. Now the women of Amarra must obtain their husbands (should they want one) by kidnapping them from other kingdoms.

Olerra, a warrior princess vying for the throne, is determined to prove her worth by kidnapping a husband. And not just any husband. To outmaneuver her treacherous cousin, she needs the best. Fortunately, the second-born prince of their greatest enemy is widely known for both his looks and his sweet, docile temperament. He's the perfect choice to secure her claim to the throne.

Sanos, heir to the Kingdom of Brutus, has nothing but contempt for the idea of a society run by women. Trained from birth to fight, lead, and follow in his father's overbearing footsteps, his path has always been set. Until he takes his younger brother's place in a drunken prank and finds himself kidnapped, carted off to the Amarran Palace, and informed that he is to become the husband of Queen Potential Olerra. Sanos needs to escape before anyone learns his real identity, but the more he gets to know his captor, the less sure he is of what he truly wants.

What Fury Brings is an adult romance novel with graphic sexual content and darker themes that may be uncomfortable for some readers. Please see the author's note at the beginning of the book.

What Fury Brings by Tricia Levenseller caught my eye because the hardcover is so aesthetically pleasing – from the dark blue color scheme to the stenciled edges. This book has a beautiful presentation. I just HAD to preorder it. The premise of the story was also appealing – a romantasy where women are in charge of a Kingdom called Amarra. After really enjoying Daughter Of The Pirate King many moons ago, I was looking forward to Levenseller’s adult debut.

Olerra is a warrior princess hoping to one day be queen of the Kingdom of Amarra. She is fierce in battle – particularly against the Kingdom of Brutus. In order to secure her throne, she must marry a nobleman. However, after a rebellion, Amarra does not have any appropriately aged noblemen. So, noblewomen have to seek out partners from neighboring kingdoms. Well, kidnap them. Olerra plans to kidnap one of the spare sons of the King of Brutus. Her plan is underway. Sanos is out celebrating with his brothers, when a prank goes wrong as he takes his brother’s place in a house of ill repute. So, Sanos ends up kidnapped by Olerra. Sanos is also a warrior. He resists Olerra and her efforts at seducing him. However, as he learns more about her, he starts to trust her. Eventually he catches feelings for her. 

I am on the fence about What Fury Brings. You know I love a story about a powerful woman. I liked learning the lore of Amarra and their goddess. I liked Olerra’s friendship that is featured in the story — also Olerra’s backstory is interesting too. However, I did get the ick multiple times while reading about her and Sanos. I don’t know, it just wasn’t for me. Maybe I am a little too uptight. Or perhaps I am just not experienced enough with romantasy. However, whenever Olerra and Sanos were about to engage in spice, I was like okay this is boring. Let’s go back to learning more of the lore or the politics between all the kingdoms. Or I just wanted to get back to Olerra’s quest to be queen – against her awful cousin. That is totally a personal preference though and I think if you are more chill than I am, you will likely love this book. I felt like there was a lot of potential and readers who absolutely love spicy stories will love this.