M. Addison

Exactly what I was looking for!

Reviewed: 02-05-25 Listener received this title free

"Dead & Lovely" by JM Miller was exactly the spellbinding adventure I needed as a mood reader preparing for spooky season! From its inventive magic system to its intricately woven mystery, this YA fantasy captivated me from the first page. The world-building is rich and imaginative, with a magic structure unlike anything I've encountered in a long time. The concept of the "Lovelies" — individuals whose lives are defined by their connection to the Realm — was particularly fascinating. I loved how being a Lovely carried a sort of social status, making it both a privilege and a burden.

Olean, our tenacious and insightful main character, made for a remarkably reliable narrator. Experiencing this complex world through her eyes added an extra layer of authenticity as she navigated new truths and dangerous secrets. Her journey from eager candidate for the Queen's Garden to someone questioning everything she'd ever known felt genuine and compelling. The story's unfolding mirrored her growth beautifully, and I admired her courage in the face of uncertainty.

Croft was irresistible from the moment he was introduced — I fell for him immediately. His fierce loyalty and protectiveness toward Olean made their partnership dynamic and heartfelt. The chemistry between them simmered subtly, adding emotional stakes to the tension-filled plot.

One of the book's standout elements was the underlying murder mystery, which added a pulse-pounding urgency to the narrative. Twists and revelations kept me guessing, and I genuinely couldn’t predict the outcome. This unpredictability was refreshing in a genre where tropes can sometimes be formulaic.

Finally, I have to applaud the narration — absolute perfection! The voice work truly brought the characters to life and heightened the atmospheric tension throughout the story.

If you’re looking for a bewitching read that blends fantasy, intrigue, and unforgettable characters, "Dead & Lovely" should be at the top of your list. It left me eager for more and thrilled to have discovered such a gem just in time for the season of magic and mystery.

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Gripping addition to the series!

Reviewed: 02-05-25

Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush is another gripping addition to the series, and Dr. Emily Hartford once again proves she can’t resist diving headfirst into danger—whether it’s in her job or her personal life. As always, Emily finds herself way too involved for a doctor or medical examiner, but that’s what makes these stories so engaging!

This plot was a little far-fetched at times—her best friend’s son going missing, secrets unraveling, and the twisted villain lurking beneath it all—but it was interesting enough to keep me hooked. The tension surrounding Jeremiah’s disappearance and return felt real, and the ripple effects on Jo’s marriage added layers of drama that kept me invested.

And that ending—wow! It was a shocking, leave-you-hanging moment that has me anxiously awaiting the next book. While some moments stretched believability, the story’s pacing and Emily’s tenacity made it a thrilling ride. Fans of the series will love this latest installment, and newcomers will find plenty of suspense to sink their teeth into. Can’t wait to see where Emily’s adventures take her next!

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Shocking, sideways twist I never saw coming!

Reviewed: 02-05-25

Minka Kent delivers a riveting psychological thriller in The Stillwater Girls, a book that hooked me from the first page and didn’t let go until the shocking, sideways twist I never saw coming. The story of Wren and her sisters—raised in a remote cabin, cut off from society, and steeped in fear—unfolds with a chilling intensity that left me on edge throughout.

Kent masterfully builds a bleak, claustrophobic atmosphere as the girls fend for themselves after their mother and youngest sister vanish. The harsh wilderness, dwindling supplies, and an impending winter make survival seem impossible—until a stranger arrives, setting off a chain of events that forces Wren and Sage to break their lifelong rule: never leave the forest.

What lies beyond the woods is far more terrifying than the isolated life they've known. The revelations are jaw-dropping, each secret peeling back another unsettling layer. Kent’s pacing is taut, and her ability to balance tension with emotional depth makes this novel unforgettable.
While the twists kept me on my toes, I docked half a star only because some character motivations felt slightly underexplored in the final stretch. That said, the gripping suspense and haunting revelations more than make up for it.

If you love psychological thrillers that explore survival, resilience, and hidden truths, The Stillwater Girls is a must-read. Prepare for a wild ride—and brace yourself for the twist that’ll linger long after you turn the last page

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Vuolo’s perspective is uniquely insightful.

Reviewed: 02-05-25

Jinger Vuolo's People Pleaser offers a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of the struggles many face with constantly trying to meet others’ expectations, often at the cost of their own well-being. As someone who has grown up in the public eye, Vuolo’s perspective is uniquely insightful, providing readers with both a relatable and authentic voice on the challenges of shedding the desire to please.

The book is divided into various sections that tackle the psychological roots of people-pleasing, the cultural pressures that exacerbate it, and the steps toward breaking free. Vuolo weaves in personal anecdotes from her own life, especially her journey through faith and the emotional toll of trying to live up to unrealistic standards. Her experiences make the book engaging, and her vulnerability is both commendable and relatable.

However, while the book offers valuable insights, there are moments where the narrative feels somewhat repetitive or lacks depth in addressing some of the underlying causes of people-pleasing behaviors. Some readers may also find the faith-based advice to be a bit niche, though it will undoubtedly resonate deeply with others, particularly those in similar communities or faith backgrounds.

Despite these critiques, the book is an encouraging guide for anyone struggling with the pressure to conform and please. It's a gentle reminder that breaking free from these patterns is a gradual, sometimes uncomfortable journey, but one worth taking for the sake of personal growth and inner peace.

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A delightful blend of charm and humor!

Reviewed: 02-05-25

While it’s not the most groundbreaking story I’ve read, it kept me entertained and intrigued—especially with the enchanting Shadow House and its ghostly residents.

Riley Everett’s journey as a new witch juggling unexpected powers, a haunted Victorian house, and a flirtatious rivalry with the town’s handsome librarian, Edison, is a fun ride. Their witty banter and growing connection add a sweet romantic spark, while the mystery surrounding Shadow House kept me turning the pages.

If you love small-town magic, sassy ghosts, and a touch of romance, this one’s worth picking up. Perfect for fans of cozy witchy tales with a side of love and laughter!

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Heartfelt!

Reviewed: 02-05-25

Wild Hearts by Kacey Shea is a stunning second-chance romance that had me completely captivated—and in tears. Ryan Wilder’s story as a single father raising three kids while managing the family ranch was both heartbreaking and inspiring. The pain he endured from being abandoned by his wife, and the sacrifices he made for his children, hit me hard. What kind of mother could walk away like that?

Enter Val, his high school sweetheart. Her return to Wilder Valley couldn’t have been more perfectly timed. Watching these two reconnect after years apart was an emotional rollercoaster. The chemistry between them felt raw and real, but it was the way they worked through their past pain and rediscovered their love that made this story unforgettable.

Ryan’s struggles to balance his responsibilities, Val’s uncertainty about her future, and the tenderness they both showed to his kids added so much depth to the story. The small-town charm and family dynamics brought warmth, while the romance was steamy yet heartfelt.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves second-chance love stories with real-life stakes. It left me feeling hopeful and deeply satisfied. I can’t recommend it enough!

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Interesting and twisty!

Reviewed: 11-21-23

Enjoyed the ride this story took me on! Will recommend to fans of James Patterson.

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Love this even more in audio!

Reviewed: 12-29-21 Listener received this title free

I absolutely loved this story before and love it now even more as characters are brought to life! Great narration for a fantastic story!

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1 person found this helpful

Really enjoyable!

Reviewed: 03-04-21

First off, I loved Shaleigh as our MC, I trusted her voice and her story as we followed along her journey. She finds herself in a brand new world, and she didn't let that fact throw her off in the least - she was a strong voice throughout the story. Her goals never waivered, and the love for her delusional father never faltered. I really enjoyed all the characters we met along the way as well. There were so many different and unique personalities present, and it was very dialogue driven when I liked. This is the first in a series, so it's a happy for now ending/cliffhanger instead of an HEA... just a heads up.

I really enjoyed the narrator as well, the techniques used to make voices and parts of the story stand out were well done. Her voice was very easy to listen to. I got sucked in because the story telling was just as good as the story I was being told!

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Emotionally driven and wonderful character development!

Reviewed: 12-21-20 Listener received this title free

The conclusion of this audiobook duet was nothing short of emotional - much like the first half I listened to last month. I am so proud of the growth of these characters, and I absolutely loved the narrators and how they played these characters. Emotionally driven dialogue was very on point and intense at times, and I felt all the tension that the authors wrote into the context.

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