Stephanie LibraryQueens
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The Casquette Girls: A Novel
- The Casquette Girls, Book 1
- By: Alys Arden
- Narrated by: Kate Rudd
- Length: 17 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
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Revised edition: This edition of The Casquette Girls includes editorial revisions.
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Rich in Louisiana Lore
- By The Audiobookworm on 07-15-16
- The Casquette Girls: A Novel
- The Casquette Girls, Book 1
- By: Alys Arden
- Narrated by: Kate Rudd
Couldn't put it down
Reviewed: 12-30-24
This book is a chunk, and yet, it went by so fast.
The Casquette Girls had such an interesting premise. Adele is back in New Orleans after a big hurricane nearly destroyed her neighborhood. After she returns there are some odd happenings; murders occurring, and she maybe has some telekinesis or magic? And wouldn’t you know it, there are some new people in town…just arriving at the same time. HMMMMMMMMMMMMM
I was really intrigued by the story; the story of the witches and the *gasp* vampires. I loved how Adele makes friends and they band together to figure everything out. But what is a paranormal mystery without a little bit of romance? Adele being drawn to Italian broody boy Nicco, while protective and wholesome Isaac is there to balance out our love triangle.
Filled with history, twists and turns, and little bit of romance, The Casquette Girls definitely hooked me. This is the first in the series, so while we get an ending, it’s absolutely open for more. And yes, I’ve already downloaded the next so I’m ready!
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A Heart's Horizon
- By: Wix Solis
- Narrated by: Wix Solis
- Length: 21 mins
- Unabridged
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Wix Solis is an emerging author on a journey of discovery through expression. A Heart’s Horizon is a small but relatable and deeply impactful collection of 27 poems across five thematic settings: Sunny Sands, Peaked Mountains, Stormy Skies, Quiet Forests, and Open Fields.
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4.5 stars.
- By Stephanie LibraryQueens on 12-22-24
- A Heart's Horizon
- By: Wix Solis
- Narrated by: Wix Solis
4.5 stars.
Reviewed: 12-22-24
4.5 stars.
Poetry is not my usual genre, but I like to venture out and try it every now and then.
A Heart’s Horizon is a short collection, and the audio is read by the author himself. With the accent and the cadence, I was entranced. I actually bought the kindle version afterwards just so I could revisit the poems. Listening is highly recommended, but I like having a back-up.
My favorite was a poem called Fake News. It just felt so appropriate to today’s society and life without feeling oppressively depressing (which is what most actual news makes me feel).
Overall, a lovely collection and interlude.
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Phantasma
- By: Kaylie Smith
- Narrated by: Laura Horowitz
- Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
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There are only two rules to the game. Stay alive. And don’t fall in love. When Ophelia’s sister disappears, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize—a single wish. Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons and temptations. Ophelia will face nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals.
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ADDICTIVE LIKE HEROIN
- By Anonymous User on 09-04-24
- Phantasma
- By: Kaylie Smith
- Narrated by: Laura Horowitz
4.5 stars.
Reviewed: 11-08-24
4.5 stars.
Phantasma was my kind of fantasy/paranormal story. The story goes from zero to sixty in like two seconds and bam, sh*t goes down.
Ophelia participates in the Wicked Games, and those are basically the paranormal version of the Hunger Games mixed the Dante’s Inferno and the seven circles of H*ll. I ✨ate✨ that up. Ophelia is a weird mix of stubborn and headstrong and I sometimes wonder how she survives with the choices she makes. And that’s where Blackwell comes in, a phantom stuck in Phantasma willing to offer her a deal in return for his help in the games.
Ophelia and Blackwell together were spicy. I loved their enemies-to-lovers like banter and all the tension! Yes, it’s pretty instalovey but that never bothers me in a paranormal world. It felt a little like fated mates, where they are both drawn to each other.
The ending surprised me and I totally didn’t expect the reveal. Also, I’m sooooo happy that this was a complete story, I loved having a legitimate ending for these two. The next in the series is about Ophelia’s sister and I honestly can’t wait.
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The Strings of Fate
- Freedom for Rhethos Series, Book Two
- By: Hannah R. Lyon
- Narrated by: Nick Sandys, Patrice Egleston
- Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
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The rebellion rising in Rhethos just got more complicated. When Will unexpectedly takes control of a towne still loyal to The Bradford, he is forced to choose between slaughtering those who oppose him and somehow turning Lorington’s rulers to his cause. The vicious Rhethosian Captain and his army are marching north, the rebel’s supplies have been destroyed, and a new complication creates a rift between Will and his estranged daughter. When an ancient form of magic calls to her from beneath Lorington’s streets, Devaki has the very core of her faith questioned.
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I'm hooked
- By Stephanie LibraryQueens on 10-15-24
- The Strings of Fate
- Freedom for Rhethos Series, Book Two
- By: Hannah R. Lyon
- Narrated by: Nick Sandys, Patrice Egleston
I'm hooked
Reviewed: 10-15-24
The Strings of Fate started immediately after the ending The Rebel in Violet, so you definitely need to read the first before diving into this one.
With the same narrator as the first, I loved the accent. Again, I felt transported to Rhethos.
The story line continues on, with more magic, more spies, more secrets. I loved the continuing character growth from Will and Angelyn—and yes! There finally is a bit more romance💜—with both of them opening up and showing their vulnerabilities.
Additionally, I love the multiple points-of-view, especially getting insight into Devaki and Joshua, as they seem integral to the future of Rhethos. There are so many movign parts, I'm so excited to see where it's gonna go next.
Another interesting listen from Hannah R. Lyon and I'm hooked to see how everything will be resolved.
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The Treasured One
- The Golden Children, Book 1
- By: Hannah Levin
- Narrated by: Mollie Stark
- Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
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Avery is a Golden Child with the ability to heal any illness or injury. She lives a sheltered life, dutifully healing hopefuls from around the globe. Although she dreams of freedom, she fears disrupting the status quo—that is, until her powers go on the fritz, threatening her health and her relationship with her government caretakers. In search of answers, Avery travels through The Rift to the realm of the fae, intimidatingly beautiful beings with powers humans don’t understand.
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I’ve giggled myself silly-
- By AlexandriasArchivist on 08-22-24
- The Treasured One
- The Golden Children, Book 1
- By: Hannah Levin
- Narrated by: Mollie Stark
Great narration
Reviewed: 08-06-24
There is a rift that separates our current world and the Fae land and they are kept very separate. But after the rift opened, some humans were blessed with a bit of magic, including Avery. Avery has the skill of healing, but she’s becoming ill herself, so she’s brought to the Fae as a last ditch effort.
The younger prince, Riel, is assigned as her babysitter. And Avery is instantly smitten. Although Riel is much more reserved about his feelings, we do get his point-of-view a few times for more insight into his character. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship, how sweet it was.
The worldbuilding is easy to understand and grasp, so this feels like a great read for a fantasy newbie. And while this feels more like a young adult book, there are some spicy scenes between Avery and Riel.
Technically this is the first in a new series, but the ending felt complete and I’m interested in more.
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The Rebel in Violet
- Book One in the Freedom for Rhethos Series
- By: Hannah R. Lyon
- Narrated by: Nick Sandys, Patrice Egleston
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
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Amongst bloody magical runes, vicious military men, and lies buried in the past awaits the dream of a place free of fear and oppression. How can the rebel leader fight for what he feels is right without becoming a monster himself? And how can a single mother recognize her worth and finally own her voice above the chaos? Could freedom be worth the safety of her son? Is the uncovering of forbidden magic worth the risk? Is true freedom really possible?
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loved the story
- By tatiana on 10-22-24
- The Rebel in Violet
- Book One in the Freedom for Rhethos Series
- By: Hannah R. Lyon
- Narrated by: Nick Sandys, Patrice Egleston
I got pretty invested in the story.
Reviewed: 07-09-24
The Rebel in Violet had a historical feel, mixed with magic and political rebellion. Will, the leader of the rebellion, invades the home and business of Angelyn. Angelyn is just a single mom, trying to keep her son safe from the evil bad guys. Her son Joshua is just striving for some adventure and strains against his mother’s protectiveness.
I was 100% on Angelyn’s side for most of the story. Will is not apologetic about the chaos he causes, as he’s all for the rebellion cause. And Joshua is just a 16 year-old kid who thinks he knows more than anyone else.
I got pretty invested in the story. I loved getting all the different POVs and getting to know all the characters. I listened to this one as audio, and I really loved the narrator’s voice and accent. It definitely made me feel like I was transported to Rhethos.
The character growth from Angelyn and Will was what I was looking for, and I am hooked on this series. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger but still felt like a full story.
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Accidentally Amy
- By: Lynn Painter
- Narrated by: Amy Melissa Bentley
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
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Isabella Shay is usually a very honest person. But when she's running late for her first day at a dream job and the barista yells for "Amy" three times with no answer, she does the unthinkable. Izzy takes that PSL. But when she turns around and runs directly into the most attractive man she's ever seen, spilling the drink all over his GQ shirt and tie, she ends up having the ultimate meet-cute. Sparks fly and things feel beyond promising until he says the words, "See you tomorrow, Amy." Uh, oh-she'll definitely have to straighten him out the following day.
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The banter is everything
- By Kenz on 12-30-22
- Accidentally Amy
- By: Lynn Painter
- Narrated by: Amy Melissa Bentley
I loved this one
Reviewed: 04-10-24
My wonderful friend recommended Accidentally Amy last fall…incessantly. And I thought “fine, it’s on the TBR” but we all know what that means….I’ll never read it.
Until the audiobook went on sale for $1.99. I don’t even listen to audiobooks but I can’t resist a deal like that.
And turns out, I freaking loved Accidentally Amy.
Full of witty banter, pet names like “dumb*ss,” open communication, three cats, and a swoony hero, Accidentally Amy was a fun and lighthearted read. I loved Blake the most—he was such a cinnamon roll that falls for Izzy so hard. And the audio was fantastic, I really felt like I understood Izzy’s and Blake’s personalities through the tone of the narrator.
I loved this one and you should too.
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Slice of Temptation
- Sugar and Scotch Duet, Book 1
- By: D.L. Darby
- Narrated by: Juniper London
- Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
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He broke my heart when I was 17. I thought we were in love, that we'd get married and have kids, and the white picket fence. But then he went and slept with someone else...and got her pregnant.
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Spicy reverse age gap
- By ROCHELLE ZIEGLER BRADY on 05-10-24
- Slice of Temptation
- Sugar and Scotch Duet, Book 1
- By: D.L. Darby
- Narrated by: Juniper London
A great audio selection
Reviewed: 04-10-24
I was extremely tempted by the concept of Slice of Temptation. Childhood sweetheart cheats on you when you’re a teenager and has a child with another woman. 25 years later, that same child becomes your boyfriend…except you don’t realize the connection.
Can we say D.R.A.M.A??? Yes, please.
There was plenty of drama, spice, and heat between Rylee and Chance and their connection was instant. Despite the age gap, they felt pretty equal to me; almost like Chance was an old soul…and Rylee was emotionally stunted due to trauma when she was a teenager.
Slice of Temptation was a little too much back-and-forth at times, but I was still thoroughly invested into the characters and their outcome. Chance’s pets were maybe my favorite parts, but I really couldn’t resist the angsty connection with Chance’s father and how everyone discussed and grew through that.
A great audio selection
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Until I Get You
- By: Claire Contreras
- Narrated by: Joe Arden, Kasha Kensington
- Length: 15 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
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My reputation at Fairview University preceded me. I was the projected number-one pick in the NHL draft and the fan favorite at the rink. People wanted to be me or be with me. Except for Lyla James Marichal.
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Tried so hard to keep listening
- By LINDA H. on 04-18-23
- Until I Get You
- By: Claire Contreras
- Narrated by: Joe Arden, Kasha Kensington
SWOON
Reviewed: 04-10-24
Until I Get You was a book recommended to me by a close friend…so I didn’t even read the blurb before I dived in. Spoiler alert: I was tricked into reading one of my least favorite tropes – second chance romance.
And somehow it didn’t bother me. Lochlan is legitimately a crazy, obsessive man…and I dig it. He gets a *smidge* mad after Lyla leaves, causing their separation. But when I was worried he was gonna be a mean bully? He breaks out the one thing I need for redemption: GROVEL. His “touch/hurt her and die” policy includes himself.
Until I Get You was over the top, with the right mix of dark angst and smut. Lyla’s best friends were some of the best side characters ever (shout out to my man Prescott!) and the whole story kept me interested and engaged the whole time.
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Jurassic Park
- A Novel
- By: Michael Crichton
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
- Length: 15 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
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An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now humankind’s most thrilling fantasies have come true. Creatures extinct for eons roam Jurassic Park with their awesome presence and profound mystery, and all the world can visit them - for a price.
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CHAOS THEORY
- By Jim "The Impatient" on 01-30-16
- Jurassic Park
- A Novel
- By: Michael Crichton
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
DINOSAURS
Reviewed: 04-10-24
I put Jurassic Park on my 23 books in 2023 list since it has been one of my favorite movies since childhood. I thought there was no way I’d like the book more than the movie, right? Since I have 30 years of hard core love.
False.
This book was enthralling. I loved all the science, all the suspense, even the character development. Dr. Grant was just as much of a badass as he was in the movie and he was just SO COOL.
And now that I know that The Lost World movie is different than the book, I’m more willing to read it. Because the movie is terrible—we can all agree on that right?
Now I’m off to watch some dinosaurs.
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