Audio Review ~ Beautiful Mistake ~ Vi Keeland #AudioChallenge #ShelfLove

Beautiful Mistake by Vi Keeland
Narrated by: Andi Arndt and Sebastian York
Release Date: July 20, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Audible
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
The first time I met Caine West was in a bar.
He noticed me looking his way and mistakenly read my scowling as checking him out.
When he attempted to talk to me, I set him straight - telling him what I thought of his lying, cheating, egomaniacal ass.
You see, the gorgeous jerk had wined and dined my best friend--smooth talking her into his bed, all along failing to mention that he was married.
He deserved every bit of my tongue-lashing and more for what he'd done.
Especially when that lazy smile graced his perfect face in response to my rant.
Only it turned out, the man I'd just told off wasn't the right guy.
Oops. My mistake.
Embarrassed, I slunk out without an apology.
I was never going to see the handsome stranger again anyway, right?
That's what I thought...until I walked into class the next morning.
Well, hello Professor West, I'm your new teaching assistant.
I'll be working under you...figuratively speaking.
Although the literal interpretation might not be such a bad thing - working under Professor West.
This is going to be interesting...

I swear VKeeland rocks at delivering the best "meets". Caine and Rachel's first meet had me guffawing and giggle-snorting...loudly. But while the story did have its comic moments, it was serious as well. And so, so satisfying.

Highlights:

• Rachel and Caine
  Rachel is a strong and independent woman who's also smart and loyal. She also often lets whatever pops into her head fly out of her mouth and that made for some humorous interactions between her and Caine. Caine is a bit older and maybe more sophisticated but that's questionable at times. He's a professor...she's his TA...and the sexual tension between these two is almost suffocating. As they get to know each other though, they realize their connection is more than chemistry. Character growth is something I truly appreciate and while Caine does the most - and it was amazing to watch - they both learn to let go of the past that's influenced and haunted them in order to move forward.
• Plot
  VKeeland did an incredible job of weaving together the past and present threads, slowly disseminating pertinent facts and events so that we understood how it all tied together and how things affected both Rachel and Caine. I also liked how VKeeland incorporated music into the story.
• Romance
  There was no question about whether or not they'd fall but being witness to it was an experience. Caine never saw it coming, I don't think, feeling he had his walls strongly erected. Realizing who Rachel was to him threw him for a loop but luckily he pulled his head out before it was too late.
• Narration
  Seriously, Arndt and York are a dream team here. They keep the pace perfect, keep the voices distinct, and deliver on ALL the feels. They're two of my favorites.

Blogger Chick Chat & Review ~ Dear Bridget, I Want You ~ Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

Dear Bridget, I Want You by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Release Date: September 18, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Gifted on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Dear Bridget,
I'm writing this letter because it's highly doubtful I'll ever garner the courage to say this to your face.
So, here goes.
We're totally wrong for each other. You're the proper single mum with a good head on your shoulders. I'm just the carefree British doctor passing through town and temporarily living in your converted garage until I head back to England.
But here's the thing...for some bloody reason, I can't stop thinking about you in very inappropriate ways.
I want you.
The only reason I'm even admitting all of this to you right now is because I don't believe it's one-sided. I notice your eyes when you look at me, too. And as crass as I appear when we're joking around about sex, my attraction to you is not a joke.
So, what's the purpose of this note? I guess it's a reminder that we're adults, that sex is healthy and natural, and that you can find me just through the door past the kitchen. More specifically, it's to let you know that I'm leaving said door cracked open from now on in case you'd like to visit me in the middle of the night sometime.
No questions asked.
Think about it.
Or don't.
Whatever you choose.
It's doubtful I'll even end up sliding this letter under your door anyway.
--Simon

***BLOGGER CHICK CHAT***

My blogger wife, Lexxie @(un)Conventional Bookviews, gave me Dear Bridget, I Want You for Christmas so it was imperative that we buddy read it. Here's what we had to say once we finished:

Me: I'm so happy we decided to buddy-read this one, wifey. I really enjoyed it. I felt Keeland and Ward did well in fleshing out the characters, creating a compelling story, and combining humor with some seriousness as well.

Lex: I loved that we were able to buddy-read this, to - FINALLY, right? They did flesh out the characters, and the humor had me laughing really hard - but I loved that there was something deeper going on as well.

Me: I was giggle-snorting over Bridget and Simon's initial encounter. But while there were other instances of humor, I liked that the story wasn't all fun and games. It made watching their romance blossoming more endearing. What did you think of the story overall?

Lex: OMG! She had a fish-hook in her butt-cheek. You can't even make that up, right? And how she asked Simon for a real doctor or a woman LOL And the fact that it wasn't all fun and games made it that much more realistic to me. Plus, as you said, their romance was very cute.

I've had a fish-hook stuck in my finger...I can't imagine it being stuck in my butt! And I would be mortified to have a hunky young doctor be the one to treat me! bwahahahaha

Me: I liked the letters. Sometimes it is easier to say what you feel in writing rather than verbally. And they each had quite a few sexy thoughts for the other but I think they both felt like they might be rebuffed for myriad reasons but they took a chance on putting their thoughts and feelings out there anyway. Did you like how the letters were done?

Lex: Yes. Writing things down can feel both intimate and give you more courage. Because you don't have to watch the other person's face while you're writing a letter. And you might not even get any feedback at all. I think I loved Bridget's first letter the most. Since she didn't really plan on actually giving it to Simon. Ever. But I'm glad he got it. Because that's just too cute.

Me: I liked the fact that Bridget and Simon shared a tragedy in common because they were able to really understand the feelings they each had because of those tragedies at a certain level. I also appreciated how Keeland/Ward had Bridget and Simon work through those experiences. I did NOT see that one curveball coming at me though. How do you feel about Bridget and Simon having a tragedy in common and did you see the curveball coming or were you smacked in the face with it as well?

Lex: Oh, the twists of their tragedies, and especially Bridget's tragedy just cut my heart in two! I seriously felt like I had been stabbed at one point. Because *shakes head* that was just tough to read. And to see how they hadn't really made peace with what they had been through, but finally found a way to do so was beautiful. I was totally smacked in the face with the curveball. Even if I expected *something* to be up with that - because that lawyer was just fishy. And I was SO angry at Bridget's <<friend<< and <<colleague<<. Like, why would she interfere like that?

Me: How did you feel about how the authors handled Brendan? I felt like he could have been a bit more of a presence but overall I liked how they wrote him. I especially loved seeing Simon with him. And I suppose that was important since it illustrated Simon's emotional growth.

Lex: I thought Brendan was awesome. And he was present enough - especially thinking about how Bridget wanted to shield him. And seeing Simon actually stepping up and being great with Brendan was heartwarming.

I didn't think about it like that but you're right...Bridget was very protective of him. That makes sense. So yeah, he was present enough. :)

Me: Overall, I felt like this was a heartwarming, fun, sexy, and sweet read. I hope you felt the same way.

Lex: I totally felt the same, wifey! It was a great story :D

This writing duo continues to knock it out of the park for me. Dear Bridget, I Want You combined humor, romance, and some real-life angst to create a compelling, relatable, and engaging story.

Highlights:

• Bridget & Simon
  From their initial encounter, where Simon was tasked with removing a fishhook from Bridget's bum to the final scene in the epilogue, I fell for both of them as well as enjoying their journey to their HEA. The ways in which Keeland and Ward fleshed out these characters, giving them backstories with a commonality to how they dealt with working together and their being at different stages in their lives, I flipped through the pages eager to see what happened next.
• Romance
  The way the fell was genuine and sweet. And I liked how Keeland and Ward incorporated Brendan even if I felt he could have played a bit larger role in the story. (Edit: After my chat with Lexxie, I decided that his role was just right.) Bridget and Simon fought their attraction HARD. In the end though, it was unavoidable. The pull was too strong no matter the obstacles. And I liked how Keeland and Ward had things fall into place.
• Plot
  How Keeland and Ward brought Simon and Bridget together felt organic. Even the twists they threw in felt realistic even though the legality might have been questionable. The emotions evoked and the outcomes as well as the few hurdles they had to overcome all led to a satisfying ending. I was thrilled to have read this one!

Audio Review ~ The Playboy Pilot ~ Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Playboy Pilot by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland
Narrated by: Andi Arndt and Sebastian York
Release Date: September 21, 2016 (audio)
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Media
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: Audio Challenge, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Money or love? Which would you choose?

You probably just answered the question in your head thinking it's an easy decision.

For, it's not. Did I mention it's a lot of money? A hell of a lot.

I needed to go far away to think it through.

As I embarked on an impulsive trip, I hit a detour when I met sexy Carter in the airport lounge. We struck up a heated conversation.

Then, he left.

I thought I'd never see him again.

But fate had other plans.

Surprise! He was the pilot of my flight.

The bigger surprise was the adventure that followed after the plane landed.

Carter was dangerous and always on the move.

Even though our connection was magnetic, I knew it was only temporary.

He would give me tickets, and I would follow him around the world to exotic places.

A bevvy of flight attendant exes and rumors about Cater's reputation were never far behind.

I didn't know what to believe.

But I was addicted. Nothing else mattered anymore. And I was going to get hurt. Because a part of me wanted to be the one to finally ground the playboy pilot.

At the very least, he was taking me on a thrilling ride.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn't see coming.

This writing duo is the bomb! Their stories are riveting and along with the spectacular narrating, I was loathe to remove my earbuds.

Kendall and Cater meet in an airport bar. She's trying to decide on a place to travel to where she can make an important decision about her life. Carter, well I think he was mostly playing at scoring with Kendall. Their meeting was life changing for them both.

Kendall ends up deciding on a locale at Carter's suggestion. It's only later she finds out he's a pilot. Thus begins their adventure together - getting to know each other as well as themselves.

I enjoyed watching as they evolved both as individuals and as a couple. Kendall is at a crossroads in her life, needing to make a decision that will impact her life in a huge way. I liked her spunk and it said a lot about her that she was considering the decision - it wasn't an easy one. Carter has spent his professional life being a playboy pilot - moving through women and never getting close to anyone. He experienced something in his youth - teen years - that had a profound impact and he's kept himself distant from anything deep. Until Kendall.

I liked how Keeland and Ward had these two find one another an I enjoy how they always surprise me with the conflict - the bump in the road - their couples encounter. I also like where these two end up and how they get there. It's not pretty or clean but it felt authentic.

Andi Arndt and Sebastian York embodied Kendall and Carter - made me feel everything they each were going through. They make a phenomenal narrating duo, not only fleshing out the characters but also keeping the pacing perfect.

Keeland and Ward delivered another entertaining story that was deeper than I anticipated. At this point, I'll read/listen to anything these two create!

Favorites of 2016 ~ New-to-Me Authors

I decided it'd be fun to bring 2016 to a close by listing some of favorites from the year. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of your favorites!

*~*New-to-Me Authors*~*

• Vi Keeland - I listened to two from Keeland and am eager for more. Her stories have it all - complex characters, compelling story, and all the feels!
• Sarina Bowen - I continue to collect Bowen's books after the greatness that was her combined effort with Elle Kennedy, Him.
• Jandy Nelson - I was so impressed with I'll Give You the Sun...the complexity of the story and characters and the brilliant delivery, I'm excited to read more from her.
• Colleen Gleason - meeting Victoria Gardella from Gleason's Gardella Vampire Hunters series was a highlight for me in 2016!
• Darynda Jones - I know! Better late than never! Charlie and Reyes and Cookie and Bob...need I say more?
• Scarlett Cole - She delivered a riveting story and managed to incorporate Dante...loved it!
• Heidi Cullinan - She writes M/M beautifully and realistically. I've procured quite a collection of hers so be on the lookout for reviews in 2017.
• Joanna Bourne - I listened to Bourne's The Spymaster's Lady and then proceeded to add more of her to my library. She delivered a wonderful story with fantastic characters.
• Amy Harmon - A Different Blue dazzled me early in 2016 with it's complexity and characters I came to love. 
• Tiffany Reisz - Again, I know! I can't believe I put off reading Reisz for so long but I'll be reading her more and more...

#OctobeRecFest Audio Review ~ Bossman ~ Vi Keeland

Bossman by Vi Keeland
Narrated by: Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell
Release Date: September 6, 2016
Genre: Adult, Comtemporary Romance
Source: Tantor Audio sent me a complimentary copy
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Recommended by: Naomi @Naomi's Reading Palace
Goodreads

Synopsis
The first time I met Chase Parker, I didn't exactly make a good impression. I was hiding in the bathroom hallway of a restaurant, leaving a message for my best friend to save me from my awful date. He overheard and told me I was a bitch, then proceeded to offer me some dating advice. So I told him to mind his own damn business--his own tall, gorgeous, full-of-himself damn business--and went back to my miserable date.

When he walked by my table, he smirked, and I watched his arrogant, sexy ass walk back to his date.

I couldn't help but sneak hidden glances at the condescending jerk on the other side of the room. Of course, he caught me on more than one occasion, and winked. When the gorgeous stranger and his equally hot date suddenly appeared at our table, I thought he was going to rat me out. But instead, he pretended we knew each other and joined us--telling elaborate, embarrassing stories about our fake childhood. My date suddenly went from boring to bizarrely exciting.

When it was over and we parted ways, I thought about him more than I would ever admit, even though I knew I'd never see him again. I mean, what were the chances I'd run into him again in a city with eight million people?

Then again... What were the chances a month later he'd wind up being my new sexy boss?

I went into Bossman expecting a fun read. I was ever so pleasantly surprised to get that and so much more. And I can't wait for more Vi Keeland.

Highlights:

• Best first meeting EVER. The way things transpire between Chase and Reese after they met in the hallway by the restrooms was hilarious and a story meant to be told to your grandchildren. So fun!
• Strong foundation. This couple took time to get to know one another and be friends before taking the relationship to the next level. I had as much fun getting to know them as they did getting to know one another. And Reese had good reasons for not wanting an office romance but this one worked.
• A couple made for each other. Not only were Chase and Reese a match for each other in that Reese always had a comeback for Chase's cockiness but they both had several similar experiences which made dealing with the baggage they carried easier to cope with. Their sexual chemistry was off the charts and yet they still took the time to become friends.
• An office romance with some focus on the office. Reese is in marketing for Chase's company and I really appreciated how Keeland spent so much time showing her at work - how a new branding campaign would be launched, market testing, etc. I don't know if this is how things are really done but it lent an authenticity to the story that I liked. Besides, one of the products is a ladies grooming was. ;)

Honestly, there wasn't much I didn't like about Bossman. If I had to pick one thing it'd be Reese's continued reluctance to enter into a relationship with Chase because of what happened at her last job. I understood it in the beginning bu then the circumstances were completely different.

The narrators were excellent! Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden embodied their respective characters, had the range for the other voices required, kept the pacing smooth, and conveyed the range of emotions the story dictated. I'm already looking into their other work. ;)