Tag Archive for: Stand-Alone

The Compound

The CompoundTitle: The Compound
Author(s): Aisling Rawle
Genre(s): Dystopian
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 292
Length: 10h 5m
Narrator(s): Lucy Boynton
Source: Library
Reason(s): Recommended
Rating:
Spice: 1.5 Flames

My Thoughts

So much to say. Even though I didn’t really like Lily (I think), the story was so freaking compelling that I had to find out what happened. I kept thinking they were on a show like Squid Game and at some point the shoe was going to drop and they’d all be in danger. I’m a little disappointed that didn’t happen.

Based on what I witnessed and not knowing his thoughts, I liked Sam a lot and I was sad when he left. I was sad Lily hadn’t grown enough to go with him. And, the ambiguous ending is torture. Although, the author could definitely write a follow up to see how Lily’s life changes because of this experience.

The Heartbreak Hotel

The Heartbreak HotelTitle: The Heartbreak Hotel
Author(s): Ellen O'Clover
Genre(s): Romance
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 352
Length: 10h 17m
Narrator(s): Brittany Pressley
Source: Owned
Reason(s): Book of the Month
Rating:
Spice: 2.5 Flames

My Thoughts

I loved THE HEARTBREAK HOTEL. It was a delightful story about love, loss, forgiveness, healing, and second chances. I loved both Louisa and Henry, their chemistry and sexual tension. I loved how the author showed grief in all its forms, how consuming it is, how different it is for each person, and that we can heal from our grief.

One of my favorite parts of the book was how the author was able to portray Borderline Personality Disorder without the person being deranged or psychotic. I loved that she explored how it affects the person diagnosed with it as well as the people around them. I especially loved that she showed what BPD looks like without therapy and the healing that can come from consistent therapy.

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As You Wish

As You WishTitle: As You Wish
Author(s): Cary Elwes
Genre(s): Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 272
Length: 7h 1m
Narrator(s): Cary Elwes
Source: Owned
Reason(s): Book Club
Rating:
Spice: 0 Flames

My Thoughts

What a delightful memoir. It’s definitely my favorite to date. I loved learning about the making of The Princess Bride. It was a fascinating behind-the-scenes look. The audiobook is definitely the way to read AS YOU WISH. Besides Cary Elwes narrating, most of the main cast is featured which was truly a treat. 

After I finished listening, I immediately rewatched the movie. It was so much fun to see all the things Cary Elwes and his cast mates talk about. It also made an already enjoyable film that much more enjoyable. One of these days, I’ll actually read William Goldman’s book so I can experience the source material as well.

The Circus Train

The Circus TrainTitle: The Circus Train
Author(s): Amita Parikh
Genre(s): Historical Fiction
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 352
Length: 14h 39m
Narrator(s): Imogen Church
Source: Owned
Reason(s): BotM Backlist
Rating:
Spice: 1 Flames

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved THE CIRCUS TRAIN. While I don’t feel like it’s reminiscent of THE NIGHT CIRCUS like the blurb says it is, I thought the story and characters were interesting, rich, and fraught with heartache, challenges, and perseverance.

I loved the concept of a traveling circus by train in Europe before and during World War II. The history helped shape the story and give it more depth. It was very interesting to see World War II from so many different perspectives and locations. I really enjoyed the author’s note at the end explaining the creative license vs. the reality.

The circus itself helped turn an otherwise troubling and deadly time into a life worth living despite the pain. I loved Lena, Theo (father), Alexandre (love interest), and Clara (governess). They all shined and made the story a pleasure to read. I won’t be forgetting this story any time soon.

The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits

The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest HitsTitle: The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits
Author(s): Jennifer Weiner
Genre(s): Contemporary
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 377
Length: 15h 32m
Narrator(s): Dakota Fanning
Source: Owned
Reason(s): Book of the Month
Rating:
Spice: 2.5 Flames

My Thoughts

The longer THE GRIFFIN SISTERS’ GREATEST HITS went on, the angrier I got at it. I thought the concept was interesting but if the author mentioned that Cassie was the ugly fat sister one more time, I was going to scream. I get that the author wanted the reader comparing Cassie and Zoe to show that beauty isn’t the only value a person has. I just felt she beat us over the head with it and it really irked me.I also hated that Cassie wasted her life after Russell died because Zoe was too selfish to admit that he didn’t love her (Zoe). I also hated that she had coerced him into marrying her, then cheated on him and was pregnant with Tommy’s baby, and flogged Russell into depression for cheating on her with Cassie.

 And, most of all, I hated that when the reader finds this all out, there are still nearly 100 pages left to read. 

The one saving grace was Dakota Fanning’s narration. I also liked the ending (it just took too long to get there).