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The First Time I Saw Him

The First Time I Saw HimTitle: The First Time I Saw Him
Author: Laura Dave
Series: Hannah Hall #1
Genre: Thriller
Format: Audio
Pages: 288
Length: 7h 25m
Narrator: Rebecca Lowman, and more
Source: Owned
Reason: Just Because
Rating:
Sexual Content: 0 Flames

My Thoughts

I was happy with how THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME had ended and I wasn’t going to read THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM because I didn’t feel like I had to. Then, I started watching season 2 of the TV show and I wanted to read the book before I watched the last few episodes. I wanted to know how it ended the “legit” way, lol. To my surprise, season 2 and this book were written in tandem and both took different directions. I’m a bit disappointed because I’ve been enjoying the TV show a lot.

I thought the story was good, but not as good as the first story. I did enjoy reading from Bailey’s, Nicholas’, and Owen’s POV as well as Hannah’s this time around. I also liked learning more about Frank, his family, and the organization. While I’m happy about the outcome, the story wasn’t as suspenseful and felt a more rushed than the first book did. I’m pretty sure I’m going to enjoy season 2 better than the book this time around.

Additional Narrators: Tessa Albertson, Colin Donnell, C.J. Wilson

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We Who Will Die

We Who Will DieTitle: We Who Will Die
Author: Stacia Stark
Series: Empire of Blood #1
Genre: Romantasy
Format: Audio
Pages: 432
Length: 17h 12m
Narrator: Meg Sylvan, Troy Duran
Source: Owned
Reason: BotM Backlist
Rating:
Sexual Content: 3.5 Flames

My Thoughts

WE WHO WILL DIE was such a fun intense story. I loved the world-building and magic system. I thought the Gladiator feel of the story was a fun idea. I really liked Arvelle, her brothers, Tiernon, Rorrik, Leon, and Maeva. I’m very curious to see if this will turn into a Vampire Diaries situation. Right now, I’m very happy with Arvelle and Tiernon together, but I think I could be happy if she were with Rorrik instead.

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Deep End

Deep EndTitle: Deep End
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 446
Length: 13h 45m
Narrator: Thérèse Plummer, Ben Holtzmuller
Source: Library
Reason: Just Because
Rating:
Sexual Content: 4.5 Flames

My Thoughts

There’s a lot to unpack with DEEP END and I don’t quite know how to do it in review form. I liked the story and the characters, but DEEP END is the spiciest book I’ve ever read and I reached my limit after the fourth or fifth very detailed sexual encounter. I love spice, but I want more than just graphic sex. I also want connection, romance, character development, and plot in my spicy books. I don’t feel like a story focused mainly on the sex gives me what I’m looking for in a story. It’s the main reason I don’t really read erotica.

It also might have been the BDSM aspect of the sex that had me past my limit. Despite the overabundant graphic content and that I have no inclination toward BDSM style relationships, I did appreciate the look into what a healthy and consensual BDSM relationship could look like. Although, I do feel like Scarlett and Lukas using the word “deviant” to each other because of their inclinations wasn’t necessary.

The Girls I’ve Been

The Girls I’ve BeenTitle: The Girls I've Been
Author: Tess Sharpe
Series: The Girls I've Been #1
Genre: Contemporary
Format: Audio
Pages: 356
Length: 9h 48m
Narrator: Tess Sharpe
Source: Library
Reason: BC Backlist
Rating:
Sexual Content: 1 Flames

My Thoughts

My book club read THE GIRLS I’VE BEEN a few years ago and I wasn’t able to read it at the time. I’m really glad I decided to keep it on my TBR and read it. It was a very intriguing story. At times, it was very difficult to read. The ordeals Nora and her sister had to face because of their mother were horrific. It was interesting to see how Nora’s experiences shaped her into the person she is and how it helps her do what it takes to survive. The only thing that got on my nerves was the repetitive “here’s what I’m working with” at the beginning of most chapters.

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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRueTitle: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Author: V.E. Schwab
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Audio
Pages: 444
Length: 17h 10m
Narrator: Julia Whelan
Source: Owned
Reason: Book of the Month, Recommended
Rating:
Sexual Content: 3 Flames

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved reading THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE. It was such a fun, unique story. I adored the characters, setting, and history. I loved being a part of Addie’s story. I especially loved the cat-and-mouse game between her and Luc. I thought their relationship was intriguing and delicious. I also loved her relationship with Henry and wished they could’ve had more time together. I felt for and related to Henry the most. I understood why he felt the way he did and made the decisions he did. I’m glad he found Addie and that she could help him in the end. I also enjoyed the bittersweet ambiguous ending. It felt right for this type of story.