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Crystal

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Second chance romance

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-01-25

Audiobook review: narrated by JF Harding and Alexis Paige
3.5 stars for story / 4.5 stars for performance

I do love a “he-falls-first” trope and that is definitely what’s going on in this book. After both Joey (Josefine) and Cam find themselves suddenly single and stranded, they decide to have a one-time fling, but in any good second-chance romance, fate has brought them back to the scene. I liked the pacing of this book and it’s hard to find fault in Cam’s character. He is swoony throughout. I didn’t really sympathy with Joey like I felt I was meant to but overall it was a minor issue for me.

The audio helped keep me engaged to the story. Both narrators did a great job with amplifying the emotions of their respective characters and the duet style was truly appreciated. For those audiobook enthusiasts, I suggest setting the speed a bit slower than usual as it took me a bit to find the sweet spot but once I did it was a pleasant listening experience.

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Great story

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 29-12-24

This is a first read for me from this author and I was impressed. While I did gets vibes that these books are interconnected, it was easily read as a standalone. These characters are amazing and have full backstories that will  really have you rooting for them as both individuals and as a couple. This story is pretty deep and very emotional. I do love the character progression and the attention that is paid to mental health and recovery. Be sure to check content warnings because there are some serious subject matters that come up pretty frequently.

The narrators did an amazing job bringing every emotion to the forefront. Jason Clarke was perfect for Mark's character and is exactly what I would have imagined he would sound like. Angelina Rocca has such a beautifully lyrical voice that I could listen to for hours, which ended up being perfect because I didn't want to turn this book off.

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One of my top listens ever!!!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 24-12-24

Stunning conclusion to an epic series. This story is truly unlike anything out there right now. IT had me on the edge of my seat and I found myself teary eyed so many times throughout. I was absolutely speechless with this beautifully dramatic story.

Shane East and Samantha Brentmoor knocked this out of the park. I felt every emotion deep in my chest with their performances and the story played out in my mind so vividly with their help. There were so many times I had to stop listening just to catch my breath at the highly emotional performances these two gave. I will never stop recommending this series in audio!

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Favorite of the series…so far!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 19-12-24

*Unintentional hidden identities
*Slow burn
*Mental health rep
*He falls first
*Ex’s little sister
*Slow burn
*Age gap

I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series, but this one is my favorite so far. Both Harlow and Waylon have significant traumas in their past and that has them bonding in different ways throughout the story. There are so many layers to this plot and never a dull moment. See the tropes above for some hints as I don’t want to give too much away, but this book is an emotional roller coaster and I enjoyed every second of the ride. Please heed the content warnings at the beginning of the book as there are many areas that cover sensitive subject matters related to mental health issues.

Both narrators did an amazing job with this dual style narration. The way they made it feel effortless differentiating between characters was impressive. Ava Erickson really gave Harlow’s character an air of naïveté and innocence. Teddy Hamilton blew me away with his ability to voice both Waylon and Wilder with such unique personalities.

I haven’t been this excited for the next book in a series in a long time. I need Wilder’s story ASAP!!!

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Epic romance

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-12-24

Absolutely loved this book! The premise wasn’t entirely new as I read and highly enjoyed the first two books in the series but this plot was refreshing nonetheless. The chemistry between Sarah and Henri was palpable long before they started any sort of relationship and the tension was portrayed beautifully. The air of mystery and suspense throughout kept me listening nonstop. I am so thankful that the best book is out already because that cliffhanger had my jaw on the floor.

Shane East and Samantha Brentmoor knocked this out of the park. I felt every emotion deep in my chest with their performances and the story played out in my mind so vividly with their help. As much as I loved the first two books in the series, I am so glad I waited for this one on audio because it elevated the experience for me immensely.

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The saga continues

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-11-24

Audiobook review: narrated by Hannah Chiclana and Wesley Mercer
4 stars for story / 4.5 stars for performance

The saga continues with Dash and Malory's marriage of convenience romance. The chemistry between these two had been building since the last book and it was nice to see how their relationship progressed. The best part of this series though is watching the drama unfold related to the family and their vineyard. It's been a great soap opera type drama and I can't wait for the next book to see how the story progresses.

The narration is performed in dual style and both narrators did a great job provided different personalities to not only the main characters, but also their counterparts and side characters as well. It was a pleasant experience and made it easy to devour the audiobook in a matter of hours.

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Love this interconnected series

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 09-11-24

Audiobook review: narrated by Hannah Chiclana and Aaron Donaghue
4 stars for story / 4.5 stars for performance

This is such a sweet, lighthearted romance. The family bonds between PJ and her siblings is strong and when her oldest brother's best friend joins the vineyard to get out of the spotlight for a bit, they have an instant connection that can't be fought. The character progression for both PJ and Colin was great to read/listen to and brought a satisfying feeling to the story. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series.

The narrators did an amazing job with the audiobook. Hannah Chiclana has such a sweet sounding lilt to her voice that was a pleasure to listen to. Aaron Donaghue is new to me and I will be keeping him on my radar. Great story, quick listen.

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Full of Christmas spirit

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 08-11-24

Audiobook review: narrated by Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow
4.5 stars for story / 5 stars for performance

This book was just what I needed to get ready for the Christmas season. Maplewood Falls is the perfect backdrop for a light hearted romance full of holiday bliss. Add in a lumberjack full of the Christmas spirit and an out of town journalist that would easily be mistaken for the Grinch and we get an amazing forced proximity romance for the ages.

The audiobook performance was nothing short of amazing. These two narrators are a dream and handle the dual style audio production beautifully. Each character, no matter their time on page, had such unique personalities and they were portrayed masterfully. This was a pleasure to listen to and was hard to turn off.

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Amazing series all around

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-11-24

I have loved every book in the series that I've read/listened to but this one has to be my favorite. There were multiple plot points and everyone of them was interesting, well written and made this story dramatic in the best ways possible. From Jackson's parentage to the fraternization issue and the boss/assistant relationship...there was just so much going on and it was written so well. The flow of the story was fluid and I was totally engrossed in the plot. Serena and Wyatt were such great characters and had such strong opposites attract chemistry. I absolutely loved their interactions, in every facet of their relationship. It was a great book on so many levels.

As good as the story was, the audio elevated the experience for me. I am not a huge fan of an audiobook in third-person, but the duet style narration alleviated any issues I may have with it. These characters have such strong personalities and the narrators really brought them to life. Gideon Frost is one of my all time favorites and Addison Barnes voice was so lyrical and beautiful to listen to for long periods of time. Adding in a third narrator, Zachary Johnson, to voice the other male characters was a great addition and made it that much more pleasant to listen to.

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Perfect casting!!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 27-10-24

4.5 stars for story / 5 stars for performance

This is the first book from this series I’ve read and it can absolutely be enjoyed without reading the earlier books. I did not feel lost or like I was missing anything at any point. The story is exciting and sad and funny, somehow all at once. Be mindful of content warnings and the humor is dark but well done. The storyline was so good and the perfect book for spooky season!! I enjoyed it so much I plan on catching up with the other books soon.

Audio narration and production was so well done. Each narrator performed their main character and their counterparts flawlessly. Every side character had unique voices and the skillful performances added such an entertaining layer to the story!

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