Kara Hildebrand

Vanessa & Teddy: perfect pairing in duet!

Reviewed: 03-18-24 Listener received this title free

The Almost Romantic is the third book in the How to Date series by Lauren Blakely. I'm loving this series and I couldn't be happier that this is Gage and Elodie's story! I have loved them since we met them and they are fun and sexy together. They have one hot night together before they decide to go into business together. Now it's hands off. But a series of events leads to them getting fake engaged and then fake married. Now they are living the lie that soon becomes the truth. Gage is a single dad and Elodie is raising her sister and they are pretending to be a family while working together. She's making chocolate, he's making cocktails and it's all just the best game of foreplay. This story has everything we love about romance: a swoony hero, a smart, sassy heroine, family, friends and chocolate! I had the pleasure of listening to Vanessa Edwin and Teddy Hamilton bring Elodie and Gage to life. They were the perfect pairing and in duet narration!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Perfection

Reviewed: 02-16-24 Listener received this title free

Steadfast is the second book in the True North series by Sarina Bowen. I was late to the series and somehow read book one and then skipped to seventh! What? Anyway…I loved this story. It's a second chance, forbidden romance full of love, pain, loyalty and friendship. I loved Jude in Bittersweet so I'm glad I finally listened to his story. Jude and Sophie were in love years ago. They were young and Jude made a lot of mistakes, one that sent him to prison. Now he's back home and never expected that Sophie would still be there. He is battling his own demons, but seeing her calms him. He can't seem to stay away from her and she can't stop thinking about him. So much has happened in the past, but can they have a future together? Wow! This book is so fantastic! And the narration is top-notch! JF and Vanessa were the perfect Jude and Sophie. Now I'm off to listen to the books I missed!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Wowzas! Samantha, Teddy and Jason slayed this one!

Reviewed: 01-15-24

6 Hearts.
Thoroughly Pucked is the third book in the My Hockey Romance series by Lauren Blakely. I'm loving this series and these characters. I fell hard and fast for Dev and Ledger! I already loved Aubrey and was excited to see her get the double d that she's been wishing for. She's left at the altar and saved by her brother's best friends. Dev and Ledger have always liked Aubrey so they have no problem being there for her. Taking her wherever she needs to go and trying to help her get through the worst day of her life. They never expected to end up on a three-way honeymoon but they are here for it. When there's only one bed things heat up. Aubrey never thought she'd be equally attracted to two men at the same time, but here she is. In one bed with them both. Dev always had a thing for Aubrey and he can't believe his luck. Ledger was always attracted to her, but the timing was never right. Now the three of them are together, alone and all bets are off. It's temporary, just until they get back home. But what happens if they want more? Do they want more? Hell yes they do! Dev and Ledger and are all in, but Aubrey needs a little time to sort out her life. Time they are willing to give her if it means they get to have her for real at the end. Oh man! I loved this story. So. Hard. The heat, the fun, the banter, the laughs, the sexiness. All perfection! Dev with his carefree attitude and love for hockey and family. Ledger with his broodiness and decisions he needs to make about what comes next. And Aubrey with her dreams, fantastic friends and hope. It's the perfect romance!

Audio: Wowzas! Samantha, Teddy and Jason slayed this one! They were the perfect Aubrey, Dev and Ledger. My ears are still happy!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great story, great narration!

Reviewed: 11-17-23 Listener received this title free

A Real Good Bad Thing is Lauren Blakely's newest enemies-to-lovers romance. This is a sexy, suspenseful story full of witty banter, heart and trust. Ruby and Jake are in the same place for the same reason but with different motivations. There's an instant spark when they meet, but once they find out they might be on opposite sides, they vow to keep it professional. You know what they say… Can Ruby trust Jake to be honest with her? Will Jake trust that Ruby won't double cross her? It's a fun ride full of diamonds, the ocean, friends and surprises!

Audio: Ryan and Stella were the perfect Jake and Ruby!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Narrators and Lauren's words are pure bliss!

Reviewed: 10-11-23 Listener received this title free

Puck Yes is the second book in the My Hockey Romance series by Lauren Blakely. I'm loving this series of sexy hockey players and the women they fall for. Puck Yes is Ivy's story! We met and loved Ivy in Double Pucked (Ryker's sister) and I was excited that we were getting her story. Ivy meets, Hayes, a sexy stranger at the perfect time. She needs a plus one to a wedding and he's there for her. She never expects to see him again at work, but he's the new hockey star on the team she works for. Then after a dare, she's married to him! But that's only the beginning. She also wants his teammate, Stefan. She never thought her wedding night would be with both Hayes and Stefan. Now she has a husband and a secret boyfriend. Temporarily. But what if it could be forever? Could they really make this throuple work? Hell yes they can! And it's hot and sexy and sweet and fun! I loved the banter in and out of the bedroom and hope we see these characters again!

Audio: Teddy, Jacob and Samantha killed this one! They sounded so good together! These narrators and Lauren's words are pure bliss for my ears!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Another great listen!

Reviewed: 09-01-23 Listener received this title free

The Tease is the third book in The Virgin Society by Lauren Blakely. I'm loving this series and I love this father's best friend, age-gap, single dad romance! We have known Jules for a while and now we get her full story! She likes to pretend. And when she has the opportunity to play piano at a masquerade party she's all in. She meets a sexy, older man and they have an instant connection. It's hot and sexy and then it turns out it's her father's best friend. They can't see each other again, but it's hard to stay away. Especially when they find themselves working together. In Paris. All bets are off. Now they just have to decide if they are going to fight for what they want or stop because it's forbidden? I love Jules and Finn! They are fun, sexy, sweet and perfect for each other. I loved seeing the other characters from the series!

Audio: Vanessa Edwin and Jason Clarke did a fantastic job narrating Jules and Finn. They are a few of my favorites!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Teddy and Erin ARE Carter and Rachel!

Reviewed: 07-13-23 Listener received this title free

Plays Well With Others is the second book in the How to Date series by the fabulous Lauren Blakely! This is a steamy, fun, best friends-lovers fake romance and I couldn't love it more! We know Carter, we love Carter and now we get to see him fall for his best friend, Rachel (who we also know and love!) That's one of the things I love about Lauren's books. The interconnecting characters! Carter is thrilled Rachel is back home in San Francisco. She's fresh out of a bad marriage and he's excited to spend more time with his friend. As luck would have it, she decides to have a divorce party and claims she's ready get back on the horse. He can't help but volunteer. But in the light of day, she's hesitant until he asks for a favor. Five fake dates for his sponsor. She can pretend to date Carter for Five dates. Easy! Carter all of a sudden finds himself wildly attracted to his best friend and doesn't want their time to end, especially after they end up smooching and then…more! They can go right back to being friends when the pretend dates are over, but does he want to? Heck no! Now he just has to find the courage to fight for her and tell her how he really feels. Oh, Carter! How I love thee so. You make me laugh, swoon, get hot and bothered and want more of you!

Audio: I have mad love for Teddy and Erin and they did such an amazing job as Carter and Rachel

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Fantastic narration and story! 6 Hearts!

Reviewed: 07-13-23 Listener received this title free

Double Pucked is Lauren Blakely's newest romance. Not only is it new, it's the first in a NEW HOCKEY SERIES! I have read every word Lauren has written and I am here to tell you it's the hottest book yet! It's deliciously dirty and oh so flirty. I mean, what's better than two hockey stars who are also best friends meeting and falling for the same woman? Nothing, I tell you! Trina's ex is toast and on her way out the door she grabs the VIP hockey tickets he won. She's taking those tickets, meeting his idols and going to that game. She didn't expect Ryker and Chase to be so nice, and broody and handsome and sexy. Whoa. She's also didn't expect to go home with them. Both! Wowzas. Now she needs a temporary place to live and is invited to stay with not only Chase, but him and Ryker. Things heat up in the bedroom, but they also have fun together making breakfast, walking her fabulous dog, Nacho, and just being with each other. But all good things come to an end right? What if they could make this thing between them work. Ryker and Chase already trust each other and they are best friends. Trina brings out the best in them and makes them want to be better. I absolutely adored this story! It has all the things I love about romance. Fun, sexiness, friendship, hockey, witty banter, laughs and love. I can't wait to see who's next and I'm really excited to see Ryker, Chase and Trina again!

Audio: Samantha and Robert are new to me narrators and long with J.F., they were so fantastic! I love this style of duet narration. They sounded so great together!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Oh Matteo, my heart!

Reviewed: 06-05-23 Listener received this title free

Good as Gold is Sarina Bowen's newest romance set in Vermont! It's a second chance story of sorts. Ya'll this is Matteo Rossi's story! We have loved his siblings, and now we get to know why he left home and why he stayed away so long. Matteo and Leila were friends in high school. There was always an attraction there, but they never acted on it. Now Matteo is home for the summer to see his family and runs into Leila. After Leila gives him hell for staying away so long, they spend some time together. A drunk Leila asks Matteo to be her baby's father. Matteo can't stop thinking about what Leila offered. He's willing to help her out though, I mean, what's some sexy times between friends. Seems like a win-win. But his feelings become too much to handle when he has to go back to Colorado and his business. Leila didn't admit how she really felt when Matteo left, but it doesn’t matter. She can have this baby alone. Will Matteo realize he can't let the only woman he's ever loved get away again before it's too late? Oh man! I freaking love Matteo. Wow. From the long hair and the soulful brown eyes to the sweet words and kind gestures. He won my heart from the very beginning. I feel for Leila, she's been through a lot and never expected to see him again. It's sweet, swoony, spicey and fun. I loved seeing the Rossis and their loves again! I'm hoping we get Nash's story soon!

Audio: Jason and Lessa were perfection. I love the emotion they convey with their sweet and sexy voices.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

One of my favorite couples of Lauren's!!

Reviewed: 05-04-23 Listener received this title free

Limited Edition Husband is the fourth book in the Winner Takes All series by Lauren Blakely. I'm loving this series so hard. Nate has had a special place in my heart since the first time I met him and I couldn't wait to get his full story! Nate's not looking for love again, he just wants to have some fun. When he meets Hunter, a sexy Brit who's recently discovered he also likes men, it's like fate has stepped in. Nate invites him to Vegas to hang with his friends and they have an epic night of gambling, drinking, dancing and laughing. And they wake up and remember they got married. Now they have to keep it quiet until they can fix the mistake. But it's already out and they need to stay married for a while. Nate knew the connection with Hunter was unlike anything he's ever experienced. He might not want to be married, but he really does want to be with him. Can you date your husband? What happens when what you thought was a mistake is actually the best decision you've ever made? Oh hell! I freaking love Nate and Hunter! They are just so sexy and fun together. They want to try new things and experiment and just have fun in the bedroom. Turns out they have fun out of it too. I couldn't love Nate and Hunter more if I tried. They are definitely one of my favorite couples of Lauren's!

Audio: I love Nate and Hunter and Teddy and James were so perfect for them! I have loved Teddy for a long time and James is still fairly new to me, but he's amazing! He's the perfect British hero!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!