My Favorite Mistake

By: Chelsea M. Cameron

Narrated by: Kate Rudd

Two secrets. One bet. Who will break first? Taylor Caldwell can't decide if she wants to kiss her new college roommate or punch him.

On the one hand, Hunter Zaccadelli is a handsome blue-eyed bundle of charm. On the other, he's a tattooed, guitar-playing bad boy. Maybe that's why Taylor's afraid of falling in love with him, or anyone else. She doesn't want to get burned, so she needs him gone before it's too late.

Hunter himself has been burned before, but Taylor's sexy laugh and refusal to let him get away with anything make her irresistible. Determined not to be kicked out of her life without a fight, Hunter proposes a bet: if she can convince him she either truly loves or hates him, he'll leave the apartment - and leave her alone.

But when the man behind Taylor's fear of giving up her heart resurfaces, she has to decide: trust Hunter with her greatest secret, or do everything in her power to win that bet and drive him away forever.

©2012 Chelsea M. Cameron (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"A wonderful, captivating and heartbreaking story that pulled me in from page one." (Jessica Sorensen, New York Times best-selling author of The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden)

Long but good

The story itself felt a little long. I also didn’t understand why Taylor thought Hunter would walk away if he knew her secret. But I loved that there were funny bits inside this situation, which was darker and real for both of them. Well place lightheaded moments, and done well is always a plus.

Not sure if I want to read the next book in the series, but will keep it in mind.

Review: My Favorite Mistake, by Chelsea M. Cameron

It’s becoming harder and harder to win me over with contemporary romance novels, lately. I find that I’m somewhat picky when it comes to books that sound too similar to ones I’ve already read. So I try to find something different. My Favorite Mistake was one such book that seemed like it could offer something different for me.

One of the things that hooked me in from the beginning was the way Cameron was able to write about college life for these characters, and make me feel like I was back in college again. There was a familiar atmosphere to it all. I did find it a little hard to believe that a college’s housing department wouldn’t have accommodated Taylor’s request to not have Hunter as a roommate. I dont’ have much co-ed dorm experience, but if someone’s uncomfortable, it’s their job to remedy the situation. But after accepting this, I was back into enjoying where the story went and how the author used this detail to her advantage.

The characters are fun to get to know, and again, they act and feel like real college students. There’s nothing extraordinary about them. They go to class, study, hang out together. The focus given to college life in this book isn’t something I find in others. There’s normally a focus on characters and romance, not setting. Hunter was a great character once we get to see a big more of him. Taylor, the narrator, was good as well, if sometimes a bit much to handle reading about from the first person. Seeing her character from the outside might have let me feel for her, or understand her a bit more. They both have their issues that make them who they are and I think the way their conflicts grew into a childlike game, and relationship evolved was a nice touch. There were times when I couldn’t tell what’d happen next. Would there be a fight or a more tame civil moment? It kept me guessing.

Overall I was pleased with the book. It’s a good sign when an author can get me to like the male lead and feel like the romance was never forced. There are many memorable secondary characters in here as well. With this being my first time reading Cameron’s work, I’m looking forward to the others I have on my Kindle.

It's not a Mistake to Listen to This Book

I was immediately drawn in to this book from the very beginning. The humor and light banter was fun, the story well-paced and the characters charming. Listen to this book and you'll both laugh and cry. The narrator was perfect - I always enjoy Rudd's performances.

If you like banter, this book is for you

Kate Rudd is an awesome narrator. Hunter is an unbelievable great guy. Taylor is mean and abusive toward him. I don’t know why he likes her so much. They had some really funny bantering going on, that made me laugh. I didn’t get bored. I’d say give it a try.

Whine anyone?

Would you try another book from Chelsea M. Cameron and/or Kate Rudd?

♡ them both...this story line was long on hate/disfunction and short on love/healing. It had potential for a great story but it was just O.K.

What was most disappointing about Chelsea M. Cameron’s story?

Secrets kept too long. By the time they came out I didn't care as much as I was thankful to get on with the story!

What three words best describe Kate Rudd’s performance?

She was great!

Did My Favorite Mistake inspire you to do anything?

Kinda fast forward thru the middle...

Any additional comments?

Loved Hunter but really got tired of Taylor and her bipolarish issues. Too much build up to what "almost" happened to her and very little on what actually happened to him.

Fun angst.

Quintessential new adult. Plenty of angst and sweetness. Plus the amazing narration of Kate Rudd.

I wish I had a roommate like Hunter in college!

Would you listen to My Favorite Mistake again? Why?

Maybe. It was a fun love story, but not captivating enough to listen to it again.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Kate Rudd is an extraordinary narrator. She made the book. However, I also enjoyed Hunter's character.

What does Kate Rudd bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Kate always does a fantastic job! She brings life to the story, portraying each character like their were more than one narrator.

Not my favorite book, just okay

Would you try another book from Chelsea M. Cameron and/or Kate Rudd?

Depends on the age of the characters. This book started out great, but mid way through turned very immature. To the point I didn't want to finsih listening to it.

Would you recommend My Favorite Mistake to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, if the book was on sale, but wouldn't pay full price for it.

Would you be willing to try another one of Kate Rudd’s performances?

Not sure...voice mid way became very nasally almost as though Kate had a cold?

Could you see My Favorite Mistake being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

no, don't feel it was movie or TV material

If you love New Adult books - this is a great one

What did you love best about My Favorite Mistake?

Hunter....he is flat out amazing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Once again...that would be Hunter! :-)

Which character – as performed by Kate Rudd – was your favorite?

Kate's voice was perfect for Taylor, it's told from Taylor's POV so it works well - but she did a pretty good job with the voices for the other characters as well.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I'm horrible at tag lines! Behind every tough girl is a tough guy wanting to love her. See...I suck.

Any additional comments?

If you can get over Taylor's attitude, this is really a sweet and fun book - Hunter steals the show though.

80% 5 star

I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. I loved the tough exterior of Taylor and the humor and jest of Hunter. The story line kept me unable to stop listening, I listened thru the night. It was at about 80% complete that I felt it slip away slightly. I felt like filler was inserted and it wasn't necessary.

Don't let that deter you however. I was laughing, I was crying and I will keep this book close to my heart and ready for another listen when I need a deep emotional read.

Kate Rudd was, of course, fantastic. Her performances are always flawless.