Blogger Chick Chat Review ~ Bad at Love ~ Karina Halle #2018NewRelease #AudioChallenge

Bad at Love by Karina Halle
Narrated by: Cornell Collins and Jo Raylan
Release Date: March 27, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease, #AudioChallenge
Goodreads

Synopsis
She's bad at love, but he's even worse...

Marina is hot, blonde, and wickedly smart, but when it comes to men? She's hopeless. Between her quirks and her lack of filter, there isn't a man in Los Angeles that will stick around after the third date.

Her handsome, charming friend Lazarus has the opposite problem. Everyone wants to be the sexy Brit's girlfriend, but he gets bored and moves on quickly.

There's only one way to figure out why neither of them has cracked this love thing -- they'll date each other. On paper, it's the perfect experiment. But in reality, things between Marina and Laz get complicated quickly.

They might be bad at love, but they are even worse at being friends.

Hi wifey! I'm so happy we buddy read Bad at Love - you know, Karina Halle seems to be our "go-to" author for these. ;) Okay, let's chat!

What did you think of Laz's serial monogamy?

Me: I found it very interesting that he dated for periods of time but always had a girl to move to immediately - and that it was easy because he never got close to a girl or let them get close to him. It said a lot about his feelings on relationships even though he felt he was doing a good thing.

Lex: I thought that Laz's serial monogamy was a way for him to not be alone, but also to not be invested. He made himself believe what he did was OK, because he didn't cheat. However, he also didn't really give his girlfriends a chance, as he always knew there was an expiration date.

And what about Laz's career? Poet? Lead singer of a cover band?

I felt both were ways to keep people from really knowing him since poetry is open to interpretation and singing someone else's lyrics allows you to hide. Both were brilliant ways to develop Laz's character and convey the issues he had due to his past. But I loved that he was open with Marina - showed her his true self - and it was easy with her.

Yummy! I loved both his poetry and his music - even when he sang cover songs, he kind of did make them his own. But yeah, he always took the safe road, not taking risks or showing anyone who he really was. I loved his and Marina's friendship too - you know friends to lovers stories are among my favorites, and with Bad at Love, that was one of the things that really made me swoon.

Marina was quirky and I loved her for it. How do you think her childhood influenced her career and relationship choices?

I adored the bee lady! She was out to save everyone - and the planet - one bee at a time. So her career said a lot about her need to save since she was unable to save someone close to her and I think she felt she failed at saving another someone close to her as well. Her relationships and the way she sabotaged them was a self-preservation mechanism. You can't get hurt if you don't let anyone close. In that way, she and Laz were similar. And yet they let themselves be close to each other...because romance was out of the equation. Until it wasn't...

I adored Marina and her awkward dorkiness! It was so funny how she'd have extra coffee and then too much wine at her third date - making sure it would be a disaster, then doing her bee-dance at the end. :D Definitely a self-preservation mechanism, plus, I am pretty sure her subconscious knew there was only one man for her, all the others were just fillers.

Marina and Laz's friendship was miraculous considering how "bad" at love they were. Did you think Laz had ulterior motives for his suggestion about them fake dating or do you think he was genuine and then was genuinely surprised by the results?

I thought he had ulterior motives until I saw his reaction to how good they were together. I was happy about that - but I also felt Marina needed the fake dating to get past her "need" to sabotage things. Then of course I wanted to string Laz up for doing what he always did. I mean, I understood but that was when he should have leaned on Marina... *sigh* All's well that ends well though. :D

I don't think Laz had ulterior motives per se, but he did have strong feelings for her from the beginning, I'm sure of that. However, when things started getting more tangled, he really didn't know what to do with all those feelings he had kept at bay for so long. I cried with Marina when Laz was stupid like that. And while I could kind of understand him, I had hoped he'd be stronger with her.

What did you think overall? And did you get the feeling that this might have been a bit autobiographical? Marina? Lazarus "Scott"?

Overall, I liked Bad at Love. I do love a friends-to-lovers romance and this one just really worked for me. I loved that they'd found their "weirdo" and *finally* figured it out. And I did wonder at whether this was semi-autobiographical since Marina is similar to Karina and her husband's name is Scott... In any event, it was a great read!

I didn't even think of that at all! Autobiographical? Eh...
I loved that Laz and Marina found their weirdo, too, what more can we all ask for, right? I've even found more than one weirdo, since I now also have you, wifey. ;)


So there you have it! Both Lexxie and I adored these characters and how they found their way to love. *sigh*

One thing to note: I actually listened to Bad at Love, which was narrated by Jo Raylan and Cornell Collins. These were both new-to-me narrators and I was impressed. They kept the pace just right as well as kept their voiced distinct and consistent. And they both conveyed the depth and breadth of emotions - especially during the sexy scenes. ;)

Review ~ Before I Ever Met You ~ Karina Halle #2017NewRelease

Before I Ever Met You by Karina Halle
Release Date: April 25, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Instagram Contest Win (contest hosted by the author)
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
I first met William McAlister when I was just a teenager.

He was handsome, had a beautiful wife and was on the verge of success, having just joined my father as his business partner. Mr. McAlister was full of smooth charm, but back then he was barely a blip on my radar. Just a family friend.

Fast forward ten years. I'm 25 years old and a single mom trying to make things right for her seven-year old son. I've made some mistakes, grappled with my demons and now I'm back in the city of Vancouver, getting a second chance at a better life.

I've started by working for my father's production company as an executive assistant. My first day on the job and I already know I could have a promising career there. That is until I see Will McAlister for the first time in a decade.

Now recently divorced and as sophisticated as always, Will has gone from being my father's friend and business partner to something so much more.

We're both older, for one thing, and he just oozes this worldly confidence and stark sexuality. Combined with his tall, muscular build and sharp suits, strong jaw and bedroom eyes, Will has turned into one hell of a distraction.

A distraction I'm having a hard time staying away from, considering his office is right across from my desk and I work with him in such close proximity.

But it's just a harmless crush, right?

It's just an innocent fantasy of screwing him on his desk, right?

It can't ever be more because he's my father's best friend, business partner, and my boss.

Right?

Wrong.

Before I Ever Met You is a contemporary standalone romance, a light-hearted swoony read that will make you believe in love again.

Two tropes I'm fond of: office romances and May-December romances. Before I Ever Met You combines both these with a few bonus features. *wink* That this is written by Karina Halle only made it better. She's quickly becoming an author I can rely on for satisfying romances.

Jackie, former wild child and prodigal daughter of a wealthy couple has now returned home as a mom to a little boy and a woman with quite a bit of baggage. Her father has given her a job in the family company - assistant to Will - partner and long-time family friend. Jackie knew Will when she was a surly teen but seeing him now - she sees him in a whole new light.

Will has recently returned to Vancouver as a divorced man. He's been settling in nicely with the change of pace from the L.A. office. He doesn't think he needs an assistant but he's getting one. And when he sets eyes on Jackie, he couldn't be happier about the prospect.

As Jackie and Will get better acquainted, they find they can't eny the mutual attraction they feel - despite how they try - or the growing feelings between them. But Jackie's past, her son, her desire to mend things with her parents, all conspire against her...them.

I quite enjoyed Jackie and Will's story. Watching as they got to know one another, the fun banter between them, and Will's interactions with Jackie's son, Ty, all made for a compelling read. I did get frustrated with Jackie's inability to recognize or deal with her feelings. However, I also understood the reasons behind it. What she'd endured in her past and how it made her question herself was entirely realistic.

I really would have liked more page time with Ty. The interactions between him, Jackie, and Will were fun and endearing so I would have enjoyed more development in the dynamics there - especially between him and Will. That there wasn't that development took away from the depth that could have been created.

I'm thrilled Lexxie and I won ARCs of Before I Ever Met You to buddy read. It was a heartwarming story with engaging characters. I'm eager to read and listen to more of Halle's backlist.

Audio Review ~ Smut ~ Karina Halle #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove

Smut by Karina Halle
Narrated by: Lidia Dornet and Shaun Grindell
Release Date: August 2, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Media. This did not affect my review or my rating. 
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
All Blake Crawford wants is to pass his creative writing course, get his university degree, and take over his dad's ailing family business. What Amanda Newland wants is to graduate at the top of her class, as well as finish her novel and prove to her family that writing is a respectful career. What Blake and Amanda don't want is to be paired up with each other for their final project, but that's exactly what they both get when they're forced to collaborate on a writing piece. Since Amanda thinks Blake is an arrogant jerk (with a panty-melting smirk and British accent) and Blake thinks Amanda has a stick up her (tight, round) bottom, they fight tooth and nail. That is, until they discover they write well together. They also might find each other really attractive, but that's neither here nor there. When their writing project turns out to be a success, the two of them decide to start up a secret partnership using a pen name, infiltrating the self-publishing market in the lucrative genre of erotica. Naturally, with so much heat and passion between the pages, it's not long before their dirty words become a dirty reality. Contains mature themes.

Oh my! What a fun listen Smut was!

What Worked:

• Enemies to Lovers
  Blake and Amanda have certain preconceived notions about the other and despite never having spoken to one another, they despise each other. Which makes things all the more wickedly fun and delicious when they're paired up for the final class writing project.
• Friends to Lovers
  Watching as they get to know one another and enjoying their witty, snarky banter made for a lot of fun and even some laugh-out-loud moments!
• Erotica
  Specifically writing it and maybe a bit of acting out...you know, for research purposes! LOL There's some tongue-in-cheek and straight-up funny things about erotica, how it's written and published, how society views it, how it sells. Oh and the battle between Amazon versus brick and mortar stores. There is quite a bit about self-publishing included and I don't know if it's all true but I did find it fascinating. (I took notes!) 
• Well-rounded Cast
  This cast was so well-done. All the characters are fleshed out well, including a 10 year old boy. I loved that Halle included best friends, crappy parents, a roommate studying cosmetology, and a tarantula. It all added more depth to the overall story.
• Great Narration
  Dornet and Grindell were perfect for these characters. Grindell did lack a little range for female characters but he did just fine with Amanda. I think my favorite thing was their ability to convey the humor of the story. I think that's difficult sometimes so I was impressed.

My one nitpicky thing...barely imperceptible. This makes my left eye twitch. It's almost imperceptible OR barely perceptible. Grrr. Overall, Smut was a delight to listen to and Halle is quickly becoming a favorite author.

Blogger Chick Chat ~ The Pact ~ Karina Halle

The Pact by Karina Halle
Narrated by: Lydia Dornet and Shaun Grindell
Release Date: June 23, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Audible
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Linden McGregor is tall, rugged, and gunslinger handsome-a helicopter pilot with a Scottish brogue and charm to spare. He's also on of Stephanie Robson's best friends and has fit into that box for as long as she's known him. Beautiful, funny, and an ambitious businesswoman, Stephanie Robson is one of Linden McGregor's best friends and has fit into that box for as long as he's known her. But some relationships can't be boxed, can't be classified, can't be tamed. Back in their mid-twenties and tired of the competitive hit-or-miss dating scene of San Francisco, Steph and Linden made a pact to marry each other if neither one of them are in a serious relationship by the time they hit thirty. It sounded like fun and games at the time but as the years to thirty tick past and lovers come and go out of their lives, the pact becomes larger than life. Sex is inevitable. Friendships are tested. Hearts are on the line. The pact is about to change everything.

Both Lexxie and I had The Pact in audio and so we decided to do an audiobook buddy 'listen'. ;) Here's our book chat:

Lexxie: Both Kayla and James really, really piss me off!!! I'm almost at the end of The Pact.

Brandee: Me too! I almost couldn't stand James.

L: How can Steph be happy for James? I would kick him in the nuts if I were her. (They're about to go to NY after Linden's helicopter accident)

B: I completely agree. He was a total schmuck. So self-centered. I'd kick him in the nuts twice! :)

L: hehe
I've finished listening now :) And I did enjoy the story, even if I found it a bit frustrating that Linden and Steph has to meet so many roadblocks.

B: Yeah, I got to that point as well. I wasn't happy that Linden gave her up for James. I didn't feel like that was a best friend move - at least on James' part. In a way I thought the roadblocks were contrived to keep the story going. But I still loved it. :)

L: And I found the Scottish accent to sound a bit fake in this one...

B: I was wondering what you thought about the accent. There were times when I thought it was real because his American accent sounded funny but I liked the female narrator's Scottish accent better. So you don't think he's (the narrator) a Scot?

L: No definitely not a Scot! In the beginning, it really peeved me, and almost made me stop listening. Thank goodness Linden had much less chapters than Steph! And I thought the female narrator was better, too.

B: Okay, well I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't necessarily like the male narrator. I got used to it though.

L: Oh me too! By the end I was OK with him...but just wait until you listen to The Offer.

B: I'm looking forward to it.

L: James acted like a total douche! Especially if he had understood from the beginning that Linden and Steph were seeing each other! He should have realised how happy they both were.

B: Yeah, I don't know that I'd have remained friends with James but we weren't privy to his conversation with Linden when he apologized. So we don't know what went down there but Steph - I guess she was okay since things worked out in the end.

L: Yeah, but no matter that James said, he was really only thinking of himself - accusing Linden of not understanding him (James) and all the hardships of his life... Whereas he was not at all trying to see anything at all from Linden's POV.

B: I agree. A narcissist.
Totally.

L: Totally.
heh



We are SO good at this!
I found Kayla to be a hypocrite, too! Even if James later said that Kayla had told him about Linden and Steph when she was drunk...

B: Yeah, I'm interested to read Kayla's story to see if she's redeemed at all because yeah, she was a hypocrite. I almost felt like she was jealous.

L: Kayla's story will be the next one I listen to, and I can't wait either. And I liked Kayla better in The Offer, too.

She may have been jealous, especially because Linden and Steph were always close - friends, but always with the kind of possibility for something more - especially for those looking in from the outside of their relationship.

B: That's how I felt about Kayla. She didn't want to give Linden the benefit of the doubt with Steph since *she* didn't get him to stick around. I'm glad I'll like her better in The Offer.

L: So you do know you'll like her better, eh? ;)

B: Well, I'll like her better if you did ;)

Did you feel like all their baggage was appropriately resolved?

L: Linden and Steph? Or everybody?

B: Linden and Steph

L: I think Linden and Steph came to just accept that being best friends AND lovers was possibly the greatest thing ever for them.

And I'm not sure if anyone can really resolve all their baggage...but if most has been dealt with and they are trying to move forward in a positive way, things can definitely work out.

B: I agree and I was thrilled that they realized best friends make the best lovers. Because they do and their couplehood was a long time coming.

L: Yes! And I think that being both best friends and lovers make for the best relationships - especially long term :) <3

Knowing each other well, and appreciating each other, having things to talk about...that's just as important as the passion.

One of the things I really enjoyed about Linden and Steph was how they were always cheering each other on. Linden helped Steph have the courage to start her own clothing store, and she made him feel balanced and loved - even before he could admit that love was possibly the most important ingredient in their friendship.

B: Exactly. And by that time Steph and Linden had had plenty of time to marinate in all the goodness that taking their relationship to a higher level would be. Even if it was scary. Although Linden seemed quite certain of them having staying power. :)

L: Yeah, if it hadn't been for James screwing everything up for them with his jealousy and his pettiness...

Good thing Linden survived his accident!

B: LOL Yes, definitely a good thing!

Absolutely. Their friendship was much deeper than what they had with James in my opinion. And I adored that Steph gave Linden validation - well that have validation to each other. Something they both needed  and didn't get elsewhere.

L: True! Their friendship was always stronger than what either of them had with James. They spent more time with each other than all three of them, and even felt somewhat bad about that at times.

B: I'm looking forward to continuing this series. And I get to see Karina this weekend. ;)


Final thoughts:
I had a hard time putting The Pact away, spending extra time cleaning and on the daily walks. ;) I enjoyed the format, dual POV between Steph and Linden - as well as how Halle worked the time line. And despite the angst, The Pact was a lot of fun!