Lost Rider by Harper Sloan

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

Lost Rider by Harper Sloan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lost Rider is Book One in The Coming Home Series

Maverick Davis is heading back home after promising his siblings he'd be there for their dad's funeral. Going back home to a place he never wanted to see again. He's reeling after the loss of his career in the rodeo due to too many injuries.

Leighton James is the girl next door who's known the Davis' all their lives and is best friends with Quinn, Maverick's sister.

Leighton has had a deep crush on Maverick since being a teenager.

In a conversation with his brother, Clay, the night before he leaves to join the rodeo circuit Maverick says some very harsh things about Leighton. Which she overhears and is devastated.

Quite frankly at first I didn't care much for Maverick. He was quite a bit of a jerk and when he came back into town he again, was pretty mean to Leighton. But as the story went along I got to know the terrible childhood he had and that being mean to Leighton was his way of running from his feelings.

He soon finds out that Leighton is no pushover. She has her own business now and can take care of herself. My absolutely favorite part in this book was when she threw the pie in his face! I don't know who was more surprised her or Maverick! The townspeople loved it!

Maverick struggles in this book to find his way to putting down roots and decide on a future career.

I do think that Leighton should of made him suffer longer for being so mean to her but these two have known each other all their lives so overall it wasn't fast at all. By the end of the story Maverick proves to Leighton and to everyone around that he's there for keeps and his future includes her.

I absolutely love the secondary characters in this book. Quinn with her no-filter mouth. The stuff that comes out of her mouth that embarrasses her brothers and Leighton is absolutely hilarious.

Their brother, Clay is the strong silent type, that takes care of everyone. I think he might be my favorite. I know Quinn's story is next in the series but I really hope we get Clay's in the very near future.

This is a very well written book that I really enjoyed reading. It's not often that an author can have you disliking a character at the beginning of the book and have you loving them by the end.


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Alaska Wild by Helena Newbury

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Alaska Wild by Helena Newbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was hands down a rollercoaster of emotions. It had me on the edge of my seat and it played in my mind like one of those Action packed, high octane Hollywood films.
It had explosions, plane crashes, persecutions, car chases and just every single element to keep your attention glued to the story. Also in excellent Helena style it had the perfect amount of sizzling scorching passion and romance.

From the very first page both Boone and Kate create sparks through every line. They meet in the most of unlikely of circumstances but fate brought them together and neither is prepared for what is in store for them.

Kate is an FBI agent who finds herself in middle of nowhere Alaska on a mission to hunt down a witness for an important case she is working on, unfortunately she realises her witness has vanished to another location and she is desperate to get back on a plane before that window of opportunity passes her by. The moment Kate stumbles upon a solid wall of muscle her breath is completely taken from her lungs when she makes eye contact with the man in front of her, Boone.
Boone, on the outside is the epitome of danger. He looks almost detached from the world but when he sees Kate, he gets lost in her. As a wanted man, Boone is being transported after his arrest and the plane taking him is the only one flying out of the little town. Kate know is her only chance to make it to her witness, so much is on the line so she desperately begs to be allowed to make the journey with the FBI and Boone. Little did she imagined that this journey, will be one heck of a rollercoaster and one that will ultimately bring her and Boone closer than either ever thought.

OMG, there was no stop to the anguish, angst, action, and exhilarating moments this book had to offer. Helena Newbury has completely upped her game and raised the bar with this book, it is a fantastic testament of how much this Author has developed and how polished her writing is.
I was glued to my seat and could not stop reading for one second. I was desperately trying to reach the heart-stopping finale and completely loved the attraction and connection between the leads.

Thank You Helena for once again allowing me to embark on another of your brilliant stories.
ARC received in exchange of an honest review.

5 EXPLOSIVE STARS. Jo&Isalovebooks

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The One That Got Away by Magan Vernon

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe 

The One That Got Away by Magan Vernon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Abbey and Jordan were high school sweethearts. Jordan leaves Abby behind when he moves to New York.

Jordan is now back in town helping his family prepare his Grandma's house to be sold. He would like nothing better to reconnect with the girl his left behind.

Abbey is super cautious to open herself back up as she was devastated when he left without her and she knows his time in town is limited.

I felt so upset for Abbey with her so-called friends. I'm sure the reality of her friendships and her advise from her dad made her decisions for her future much clearer and easier.

I was really rooting for Jordan and Abbey. I think maybe they had to go their separate ways to grow into the people they are now so they can appreciate who they can become in the future together. Made their feelings much deeper and more real.

This is book 4 in the Friendship Texas Series but I feel it can be a stand alone. This is the first book I have read in this series and had no problem following along and enjoying the book.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.


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Ghost in His Eyes by Carrie Aarons

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere 

Ghost in His Eyes by Carrie Aarons
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5*'s.

This is a story about young love, high school sweet hearts with the world at their feet. That is until the unthinkable happens. Then everything gets turned around and things said in the heat of the moment that hurt deeply.

Blake Sayer is living a reclusive lifestyle that she didn't plan on when she was a teen. Things are very different for her now. Carson Cole was meant to be in her life, but after that night, he left town for ten years. Now he's back to run the family business and maybe get a chance to talk with Blake, and work through that eventful evening.

I am a lover of second chance romances so was happy when I was offered to read this book. I felt the characters were strong and the story line complete. I did feel it lacked a little on the suspense. There was plenty of drama and some angst and a whole lot of romance which makes my heart sing. I think it was because they found their HEA early, I was waiting for a dilemma that needed solving beyond their reconciliation. If you are looking for a sweet romantic story that will leave you on a high, then this book is for you.


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Love Remembers by N. Nieto

REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken

Love Remembers by N. Nieto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ryan lost 13 years of his memory. He does not remember his fiancée Brooke or the love they shared. He goes back to the only love he remembers his high school sweetheart. He is in for a few surprizes about what happened years ago. My heart broke for him.

Love Remembers is an incredible story. When I seen the teasers and blurb coming out. I knew it was going to be a heartfelt story and it was. The story made me a wreck like I knew it would. I wanted to smack Ryan a few times for how he treated Brooke. Brooke was a strong and feisty woman who fought for the love they shared. Love Remembers was an incredible story.

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Mixed Up by Emma Hart

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

Mixed Up by Emma Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raven owns a bar and has recently renovated to include a kitchen as she would like to offer a selection of food.

She is really struggling to find a chef so she can be ready when her family invades for a family reunion.

Her brother's best friend, Parker, whom is an amazing chef is in town for the summer.

Parker agrees to help Raven out to both of their surprises as they have hated each other for years. The banter they have is sometimes hateful, sometimes hilarious, sometimes with underlying heat.

I just knew that underneath all that 'hate' that these two have that there was a layer of sexual tension. I could almost visualize the build up. The sex was wonderfully explosive.

When these work together they compliment each other very well.

I have to mention that I really loved the names Raven gave her drinks. I'd like to be a bartender to see people's expressions when they order them.

When I finished this book I had a big smile on my face. I just I really enjoyed reading this book

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

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Walk Of Shame by Lauren Layne

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

Walk of Shame by Lauren Layne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a fun, feel-good read. It locked me in and kept me addicted to the two main characters. WALK OF SHAME had an office-feel, even though it wasn't really set in an office, mainly due to one of the MCs Andrew. Uptight, proper and lacking in understanding of the word fun is what describes Andrew, but he's a top divorce attorney and work is his life. Living across from Georgie seems to be one of the biggest challenges of his day. I started off thinking Georgie was vapid and annoying but she was actually very sweet, innocuous and kind, if a little lacking in life goals. These two are not a match but they sure had something. A delicious frenemies ensues.

"If you're wondering what Andrew Mulroney looks like while he's in workout mode, picture this: Thor and Captain America somehow defeat biology and have a love child together. And call him Andrew."

There's nothing simple about bringing the differences of Andrew and Georgie together but it made hilarious reading, with a slice of adorable. I really did love these two together, their bantering conversation was great to read. This wasn't a deep book, with depth of emotion and connection but it was such vicarious fun to ride the train with them.

This was my first book by Lauren Layne and I now want to read everything by her. If she can create Andrew, I have high hopes for who else I'll find in her back catalogue.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through netgalley in return for a honest review.

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Drowning To Breathe (Bleeding Stars Series) by A.L. Jackson, Narrated by Andi Arndt & Sebastian York

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

"AN EPIC FINALE TO AN UNFORGETTABLE STORY"

Overall

Performance

Story

Where does Drowning to Breathe rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Is way up there with my top reads/audios. Sebastian York and Andi Arndt outdid themselves in this story, there were so many emotional parts but not once they faltered.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved this story. This is the concluding part to A Stone in the Sea which tells the story of Sebastian Stone, lead singer of Rock band Sunder and Southern belle, Shea Bentley.
In the first book we were taken on a journey through their relationship and the trials and tribulations of making it work. Sebastian has had a rough time growing up, adapting becoming a super star, loosing family and friends and never in his wildest dreams expected to meet someone who could truly SEE HIM for the beautiful, strong and loving man he was. At the end of the first book we were torn seeing them being ripped from someone who they both love by a mutual enemy just when they were ready to embark on their happily ever after, the realisation of not knowing much about each other and secrets coming to the surface threatens to tear them apart.
This book starts just were the first book ended and we are once again submerged on a passionate tale of love, loss, forgiveness and fighting for happiness.
The passion between them ignites the pages of this book, love between Shea and Sebastian has no parallel and together they must once again face the horror of loosing everything which is so close to their reach. The need to protect each other transcends all boundaries and Sebastian will stop at nothing until he sees his family free of all danger.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

LOVED the whole book but if I was to pick one scene or one chapter will be VEGAS! It was almost an hour long chapter but it had so much joy and every moment spent together between the leads was an added bonus to witness.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

GOD so many, Shea's daughter and her need for a family, the natural and immediate love love she has for Sebastian. Sebastian suffering with the horrific events which involved the loss of his best friend, and ultimately seeing his brother moving on.

Any additional comments?

Once again Amy has left me speechless with her beautiful and masterful writing. Her words are so full of soul and emotion. This story was pure perfection and I am sadden to have finished it but ready to embark in a new journey with a new boy from Sunder. The Bleeding Stars series have now been added to my favourite reads of all time and I will cherish them in my heart forever.

5 ROCKING STARS. Jo&Isalovebooks Blog

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Mixed Up by Emma Hart

REVIEWED BY Jess 

Mixed Up by Emma Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A quick, easy read from Hart, MIXED UP is a enemy's to lovers story filled with angst and raging hormones. Going from hating your best friends sister to wanting to sleep with her comes with its own special bag of issues-especially when your families are best friends and there are no secrets to be had. Everyone knows everything about everyone.

Parker Hamilton is a three star Michelin chef. He's a beast in the kitchen and a great guy out of it. Unless you're Raven, the passionate Greek brunette who lives across the street and happens to be Ryan, his best friends younger sister. Parker can't stand Raven and the feeling is mutual. Constantly at odds, arguing like an old married couple, fighting for the sake of fighting, and acting like children half the time, their immature behaviour began to get on my nerves. Raven is a smart, independent woman, who runs her own business, a bar named DIRTY where she mixes a mean cocktail to the locals of their home town Whisky Key, in Florida.

Parker and Raven have serious chemistry throughout the book. Their passion towards each other really grabs you, but it was of the sexual nature and didn't feel more than that for me. There was too much fighting between these two and not enough...feels. It wasn't until the last 15% that these two really divulged their feelings regarding the other, and it wasn't to each other, it was only to the reader. The depth of the emotions was a little light for me, I wished there had been more...POP to their "relationship".

Despite not being my cup of tea, MIXED UP by Emma Hart was a good read, but fell slightly flat for me. I can still appreciate the writing skills, and the great character development throughout the read, though. I loved the Greek flavour, the culture and all the mentions of some of my favourite food!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

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A Stone in the Sea (Bleeding Stars Book #1) by A.L. Jackson Narrated by Andi Arndt & Sebastian York

REVIEWED BY ISA JONES

"IT GRIPPED ME FROM THE GET GO."

Overall

Performance

Story

If you could sum up A Stone in the Sea in three words, what would they be?

PERFECT, FLAWLESS, UNFORGETTABLE

What did you like best about this story?

I can't pinpoint just one thing, I liked everything, every single chapter was as beautiful as the next, there were so many emotions in this story, but boy things are far from over yet!

What about Andi Arndt and Sebastian York ’s performance did you like?

I love both of them, they are professional to a "T" and they always produce a flawless narration. A stone in the Sea was no exception and each poured their hearts and souls into the job at hand. Regardless of having listened to them in so many other audio books, every time they take on the new role of the ML or FL they play them as if it was the first time they have done this, they dedicate the time to provide the character with the voice which will be completely their own, is astonishing. And besides who doesn't love these two! I melt with Sebastian's voice, every, single, time.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me sigh and cry and then scream at the end when I was left in shock and bewilderment as to where the story was taking me, the unexpected finale was like a sucker-punch. I was desperate to know what was going to happen next so I have downloaded the next instalment and I am listening as we speak.

Any additional comments?

Amy Amy Amy, you know exactly which strings to pull and how to drive the reader into the world of your characters. Each book is so well delivered so perfectly structured, what I love is that is not rushed, all the things are happening and developing at a perfect pace and corners aren't cut, its just magically crafted producing a solid story with the right amount of passion, obsession, angst and romance. WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE EPIC CONCLUSION...

5 OOZING STARS. Jo&Isalovebooks Blog 

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The Hot Shot by Kristen Callihan

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

The Hot Shot by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

HOT SHOT was one of those books that suckered you in by the first few pages. My first instinct was, I am going to love this heroine. Chess (Chester - unfortunate parental naming decision) was physically not what I expected from the heroine for this book, but my surprise was positive because Chess is has individuality and style that just gets you on board. She was a strong woman, and I mean strong because she was the photographer shooting a tasteful, nude NFL calendar. Finn 'Manny' Mannous had a lot of live up to post-DEX and although Dex will always be number one for me, Finn just sneaked in and took the fore with that personality, cheek and maybe looks too!

The friendship at builds between these two was an adorable read. I was wearing a smile on my face until my gut felt punched mid way. As these two got to know one another, it wasn't all fun but it was real, believable and emotional at times. I enjoyed the slower burn than normal for Kristen Callihan.

There were a few new NFL faces but some familiar ones and my radar perked up at every mention of Dex. The story was rich with lots of lines that made me laugh and plenty of serious too; just the perfect kind of balance.

I want to make mention of the cover. When this cover was revealed, I felt a bit lacking in feeling towards it but once I knew the context of the cover and it's meaning, I kept going back for peeks. I love now that this cover completely reminds me of a great moment in the book.

Overall, this was such a pleasurable read and I'm placing this in my favourites for 2017.

A copy of this book was provided by the author in return for a honest review.

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Turbulence by Whitney G.

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

Turbulence by Whitney G.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great, absorbing read this was, it had the power to make me feel so much and many of those emotions were irritation, hate, frustration but there was also hope and lots of amusement. TURBULENCE was an unusual read in that neither of the main characters were likeable for quite some time but their story and event was just had me completely hooked. As with a few of Whitney G's books, there was a slice of 'this would never really happen in real life' but I can get on board with that concept.

I'm not sure I have the right adjectives to describe the character of Senior Captain Jake but jerk and robot are two. He was such a fun character to listen to and Joe Arden really brought his POV to life in the audiobook. There was character growth, that growth was the slowest burn ever, but it was there. I can say I was eventually converted to like, not love. Gillian spent a significant time of the book being a weak, sappy woman but I did feel sorry for her and when she showed her backbone I was all about engagement. These two had intense chemistry focused mainly on the physical but it was fun reading and I enjoyed the banter (reluctant banter in Jake's case) between these two. Despite Gillian not being the strongest woman, I really enjoyed her journey and the backstories for both her and Jake prior to meeting one another.

TURBULENCE provided an enjoyable flight of angst, fun, irritation, investment and hope. I thoroughly enjoyed this as an audio and both narrators absolutely nailed the characters. I'm excited to see a little free epilogue so I'm off to read that next.

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The Hot Shot by Kristen Callihan

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 

The Hot Shot by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Hot Shot by Kristen Callihan

I finished this book last night and have been letting it marinate since. The Game On series is a top favorite of mine and The Hot Shot was a perfect addition.

Chess is a photographer who has the horrible task of taking nude photos of the New Orleans football team for a charity calendar. Yes, I know! Poor bloody Chess! No seriously. When the boys turn up for their shoot, sparks fly between Chess and the delectable quarterback, Finn and not necessarily the good kind. There's clearly an attraction there, past the mutual antagonizing; but after a few chance meetings, they decide to be friends. Neither one of them is looking for wanting or indeed think they're capable of love. Chess is anti hookup while Finn is anti relationship and never the twain shall meet. Until they do.

Circumstances push Chess beyond her comfort zone and force her to move in with Finn where their friendship continues to flourish and grow. I actually think this was the most appealing factor for me: the organic way in which their friendship developed was true in every sense. They had a mutual love and respect for each other before taking things to another level and for me it was perfection. Chess isn't a wimpy heroine: she's strong, she knows her mind, she is awesome. She also has a vulnerability to her that was nice to see. Finn had big shoes to fill (specifically, Dex's) and I have to say he filled them brilliantly. He's relentless in his pursuit of Chess especially when he realizes his depth of feelings, but is man enough to go at her pace. He was a real sweetheart though I enjoyed his grumpy side a bit more. My heart ached for him on more than one occasion and I could totally see why Chess eventually fell for him.

I really loved the characters and the slow-burn nature of their relationship. I worried that The Hot Shot wouldn't come close to the standard set by The Game Plan and I was thrilled that it did. There was so much emotion and heat in this book and so much heart that I felt completely consumed by Finn and Chess and their perfectly imperfect love story.

This is book four in the Game On series and while it can be read as a standalone, I've enjoyed every single book and recommend the series as a whole.

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**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Revelry by Kendi Steiner

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere 

Revelry by Kandi Steiner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The thing I like most about a Kandi Steiner book is you know you are in for an emotional ride with it. You will go through all the emotions when reading one of her books, but this one has been my favourite to date.

Wren takes some time out to rediscover herself after being divorced. She hopes taking a rental cabin in the mountains for the summer will give her some inspiration for her next seasons line. Distractions come from all angles when she arrives and none more so than Anderson. He has demons from his past that he just can't let go, until he realises he may just loose the best thing that has happened to him in seven years.

I have never been through a divorce, but the way this was written, I now feel I have a better understanding of the different aspects Wren faced. She was a brave and strong woman that needed a little more confidence in herself and her decisions. Anderson, who was the brooding neighbour, is a gentle sole who also needed to forgive himself. There are moments in this book that had me giggling, like the hot tub debacle. And there were other parts that my heart was breaking for them both. I recommend this one if you like some angst, some romance and believe in second chances.

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Revelry by Kandi Steiner

REVIEWED BY Jess

Revelry by Kandi Steiner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kandi Steiner, you're my new hero.

I signed up for this ARC ages ago, nearly forgetting that I had it on my TBR. Then it popped up on my kindle and the rest is history-so they say.

I am in complete and utter AWE over the brilliance that is REVELRY. Completely forgetting the blurb and forgoing the opportunity to read it, I dove right in without any expectations and the AMAZING book surprised everything beyond my wildest dreams.

I wish I could relay to you how wonderful this book is. The writing, the characters, the pace and poignancy and the perfectly imperfect lives of everyone in it.

Grief is a horrible feeling. In comes and goes, it sticks around, it moulds you, and it can define you. If you let it. Anderson let it mould him. For the last seven years, he's been locked up tighter than a Swiss bank and no one could break down his impenetrable walls. Guilt is also a horrible feeling. It never leaves until you want it to. And in order for it to leave, you need to forgive yourself. But doing that is easier said than done. A hermit by night and hard worker, jack of all trades by day, Anderson is lost, lonely and in purgatory grieving the loss of his beloved cousin, Dani. There isn't anything anyone can say or do to bring him back from the dark place he keeps himself locked in. The only place he thinks he now deserves.

Divorce. Unimaginable pain. Loving someone but knowing that it's not enough can tear you asunder. From the person you thought you were, to the person you've become. Wren is stuck. She's stuck in between the person she's longed to be and the person she was while married. Her divorce was necessary, but horrible nonetheless. Taking time away from her business, her friends and her ex, she tries to find a way back to her true self. She just never realized what going through a divorce meant until she left town to heal on her own and without her best friend, ex husband, Keith

Finding a place just north of Seattle, Wren has come across a gaggle of beloved individuals and their families in a small town about an hour away from her old life. Figuring that it's enough of a distance to get the job done, she's immediately immersed in the daily love of the folks from Gold Bar. Everyone is on hand to greet her upon her arrival, and they welcome her instantly into their crew with open arms.

The thing is, when two people so forlorn, so encapsulated by fear and heart ache and trust issues are near, they're like magnets, they're drawn to each other-they can't help but be pulled by this invisible force to want to try and console the other. Even though the intent to share their fears and worries and biggest kept secrets to one another is well intentioned, healing is still required and it may or may not be the best to do it with someone in such a similar mind space. Or is it? Maybe it's the opposite, and what they both really need is for someone to empathize exactly with what their feeing and help them be brought out of the funk, and do it as a team.

I am completely blown away by Steiner's writing skills. This book ebbed and flowed perfectly and catapulted me to the small town north of Seattle with it's wonderful characters. From Momma Von to Ron, from Rev the cat and even the big "B" Sarah, I was transfixed by this beautiful story. It filled me with hope and joy, sadness and then hope and joy all over again. I don't think I've ever felt such an array of emotions while reading a book before. I feel reborn. Renewed.

What I loved most was how realistic the theme was. How incredibly pure and raw and uninhibited the story was. I especially appreciate how this book leaves you with a little something to think about. It wasn't a true HEA in the very essence of the phrase, but it left you just hoping that it all worked out in the end.

I want more from Steiner. Sign me up.

ARC generously received in exchange for an honest review

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TAKE A SNEAK PEEK..

Stay (A Bleeding Stars Novel) by A.L. Jackson

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

NARRATED BY Andi Arndt & Zachary Webber

"POWERFUL AND SO DAMN EMOTIONAL"

Would you listen to Stay again? Why?

YES YES A THOUSAND TIMES!. It is mesmerising, I got completely lost in the story, enthralled in the passion, drama and beautiful romance between the leads. Be still my beating heart I feel elated.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Stay?

There were so many magical moments. The first kiss between Ash and Willow had me almost combusting whilst I read, I was shaking with so much emotion. Every time the leads were together was a poetic moment.

What does Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

OMG I love Andi, I have listen to so many books narrated by her and she always makes each character her own, she brings all the passion and emotion that the Author is trying to transmit. Zachary was magnificent, his voice has a velvet characteristic but at the same time is filled with so much power, he reduced me to tears so many times in this book, I have to say he made it very special.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was and I did and I wish there was more. Sadly it is over.

Any additional comments?

A.L. Jackson has produced a heart-stopping, gut-wrenching and passion-filled story, with so many elements there were surprises along the way. She knows how to compel the reader and transport them to their world. This book was special and I loved every minute of it. Can't wait to read more from her!

5 BRIGHT SHINY STARS!!

START READING THIS STORY NOW..

http://www.audible.com/listener/A3RXI44FLRTL8K?asin=B06WRSG1Q9