JustLesley

Overcrowded storyline and too many characters

Revisado: 12-21-24

It's Not Me, It’s You by Elle Wright follows the unconventional love story of Blake and Lennox. Blake, a commitment-phobic relationship therapist, and Lennox, a tenure-track college professor, are brought together under unusual circumstances. The story kicks off when Blake’s niece pleads with her to help a classmate, Dori, who claims her professor dumped her and stole a valuable family painting. Blake, acting on impulse and Dori's seemingly dire plight, breaks into the professor’s home to retrieve the painting, only to discover she’s been duped. Dori isn’t a victim but rather an obsessed liar.

This twist introduces Lennox, the professor in question, who realizes Blake is the intriguing woman he briefly encountered at a wedding. At the time, he refrained from approaching her because he was with a date. Sparks reignite when their paths cross again, and the two begin a relationship. However, Blake’s deep-seated fear of commitment and her knack for self-sabotage threaten to derail their budding romance.

Elle Wright, known for her engaging storytelling, delivers a novel that’s part romance, part family drama. While Blake and Lennox’s love story takes center stage, much of the narrative is devoted to introducing a sprawling cast of characters—primarily their siblings—clearly setting the stage for future books in the series. Unfortunately, the limited six-hour audiobook format leaves many characters and subplots underdeveloped, diluting the focus on Blake and Lennox.

The audiobook experience is another consideration. While the story has its charm, the narrator’s voice detracts from the experience, making it harder to immerse yourself fully. For this reason, readers might prefer the print or e-book version over the Audible format.

Overall, Elle Wright’s talent shines through, but the overcrowded storyline and uneven pacing hold this novel back. Despite its flaws, it’s a promising start to a series that will likely improve as the characters and their stories are explored in more depth. If you’re a fan of Wright’s work, this book might still be worth your time. For now, I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars and keeping an open mind about the series’ future installments.

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Emotional Roller-coaster

Revisado: 03-16-24

Park Avenue Player by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland is a stand-alone romance novel, which could very well fall into the drama and comedy genre as well. Secretly introduced to each other, the chemistry between Holis and Elodie was undeniable, even to them. The interactions between these two were funny and the reader will feel their connection.
Holis went through so much but still had an amazing sense of humor. His mother died, his fiancé Anna lied and told him she found another man, and his brother went to jail and left Holis with Haley, his 11-year-old niece.
Elodie, a free spirited twenty-five-year-old seriously needed out of her current job at the private investigative firm. Elodie’s best friend, Bre convinced her to apply for Holis’s nanny job.
Bre and Anna are one in the same. BreAnna was dying from a rare lung disease and wanted true love for Holis and Elodie the two most important people in her life. So much so, that she secretly planned for the two to meet and fall in love. Is it possible to find true love with your best friends’ ex-fiancé?
I enjoyed this novel for several reasons. I’m so damn tired of reading series novels, I was beyond happy for this stand alone novel. Secondly, the narrators were amazing. They did this novel serious justice. Lastly, the author’s ability to evoke literally every emotion was amazing. I felt sadness, surprise, anger, and happiness.
The only thing I didn’t like was the fifty shade-ish sex scene in Chapter 35. Based on the character development of Holis this seemed out of character. For my clean romance readers this novel was full of sex and swear words, and I was here for all of it.
Park Avenue Player was full of characters. As a reader, I loved every one of them. My favorite was Haley. This kid was hilariously smart for her age. My most memorable Haley quote, “I always thought God sent you, but it was Anna. She’s better than God.”
Yes indeed, God this was a good novel. Thanks for sending it.

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The movie does this novel serious justice.

Revisado: 08-22-21

True To The Game was originally published in 1994. I recall wanting to read the novel; however, it was self-published and not readily available. During the pandemic, I discovered the movie adaptation of True To The Game. The movie did this book serious justice. Normally, you’ll hear people say, “the book was better.” Not in this case. The movie was so good, I had to order on Audible. Also, it’s because of the movie I’m giving this an extra star. Now onto my book review.
In writing I often hear “Show, Don’t Tell. Terri Woods didn’t show anything in this novel; however, she did tell a damn good story about the day-to-day life of Gena and Quadir. I enjoyed the novel because it was about the overall story for me, and not the hustler’s life.
I didn’t like the fact that the characters were not fully developed. I can NOT give you any physical features of Gena, Quadir, Jamal, or any of the characters for that matter. They all pretty much acted, looked, and sounded the same. Not much separation. Also, the sex scenes were lacking. If you are going to write a sex scene, either write it well or just leave it out. Sorry, but Terri’s attempts to write a few sex scenes were awful.
For my fellow GOODreaders who are sensitive to violence and cursing, there was plenty in this book. I was not put off by it because it goes with the genre and storyline. Other than profanity there was nothing overly offensive in the novel.
One area I really appreciated, and thought was strong was the growth in Quadir’s character. Again, I could not physically see him on the page, but I did see his progression. Many may say this is just another book about the hustler’s life. It was a little more. It was a cute little love story about a hustler who met someone who made him want more out of life. Throughout the story readers will see him gradually making changes to get out of this lifestyle. Gena's character on the other hand didn’t change much. At the end of the novel, she was still the same materialistic money chasing hood rat, who thinks sucking on the junk is the way to show her appreciation. Ouch. Sorry.
Does Gena’s character change or develop in book II?

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Helpful and Motivational

Revisado: 03-25-18

What did you love best about Write Every Day?

This book is for all writers regardless of career level. I felt as if the author was speaking to me personally. Three of the four obstacles really hit home for me. 1. Time and not having enough of it or not managing it well. 2. Energy and not having enough and not managing it well. 3. Process and not being aware of what works for you.

I was impressed with this audio book. The message, suggestions and advice were on POINT. I've even purchased Rock Your Plot.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Write Every Day?

OMGreatness. In the section on support network, I found myself saying "YEP, Yep, and YEP." So agree with the author. Avoid the energy vampires.

Have you listened to any of Cathy Yardley’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first Cathy Yardley performance. She was awesome. I'm an avid audible listener. In my humble opinion, she is MUCH better than some of the other narrators. Cathy could moonlight doing voice work. Yes, she was that food.

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

I wanted to listen in one sitting, however I was taking detail notes so it took me two sittings to complete.

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Wow!!! One Crazy Story

Revisado: 10-25-15

Would you listen to The Million Dollar Deception again? Why?

I would listen the entire Million Dollar Divorce series again. I'm a fan of RM Johnson. I like his writing style. He has the ability to take some far fetch ideas and make them believable.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Originally, Monica was my favorite character. However, in this second novel Monica comes across as REALLY dumb and naïve to me. In this book, I didn't have a favorite character, I sort of disliked them all, in a good way.

Have you listened to any of Kevin Free’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listen to three Kevin Free performances. This is by far one of his best. The others he performed with a female narrator. I think he does better as a solo narrator.

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

I had such extreme reactions to this book. I screamed, "NOOOO." I laughed and cried at the end. Freddie killed is father at a young age. He was never rehabbed from that crime, and in the end he was STILL capable of cold blood murder.

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There is a reason this book was FREE!!

Revisado: 10-04-15

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Please understand this is just my opinion. I'm not a fan of the tuff ugly duckling heroin Lori. I know it's character development, but I didn't like Lori and her storyline. And, the narrator didn't due Lori's character any justice. I would make changes to Lori's character. Her story was important, but she needs BETTER development.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

A little more character development and new narrator would make this book more enjoyable.

Which character – as performed by Alyson Silverman – was your favorite?

Alyson Silverman was just a reader. All the characters sounded the same. Pretty much impossible to have a favorite.

Do you think Sizzling needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

For all the reasons stated above, I do believe Sizzling needs a follow-up

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Good Family Saga Series

Revisado: 10-04-15

What made the experience of listening to Irresistible the most enjoyable?

The story and characters were so believable. Often with romance novels, authors go overboard with the rich handsome Hero. Walker was believable, which made this novel very enjoyable. So far, Irresistible is the best book in the series.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Irresistible?

There were several memorable moments:1) Throughout the novel Zoe and Walker had their BONDING moments. It was memorable when Zoe realized what makes a great father and she asked Walker, "So, are you my daddy?" Walker said, "Yes" simply priceless.2)Gloria, the evil villain. In the middle of one of her evil villain rants, the woman has a heart attack, collapsed and broke her hip. DAMN!!!3)Namoi one of my favorites from book #1 returns. She kissed Walker and Elisa saw them. Elisa told Walker, "Kissing that Bitch"...You go girl. LOL, but those are my memorable moments.

What about Cecelia Frontero’s performance did you like?

I hate it when production changes narrators within a series. Cecelia did a great job. I know which character was speaking at all time.

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

I didn't intend to listen in one sitting, however I did. I wanted to know how it was going to end. And the story was very interesting not a dull moment.

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Slow Start

Revisado: 09-27-15

Would you try another book from Susan Mallery and/or Therese Plummer?

I would try another book by Susan Mallery and Therese Plummer.

The Buchannan series was good. I received book three in the series for free and feel compelled to complete the series. It was not the best novel, but it's worth continuing the series.

Therese Plummer was a great narrator. I would listen to other books narrated by Therese.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gloria Buchannan was by far my favorite character. Gloria wears the saying "that evil bitch" on her sleeve. She was evil!!! However, her antics carried the storyline, which made this a great book. No one really gave Gloria a taste of her own medicine, so I will keep listing to the series, cause I have a feeling it's coming.

What about Therese Plummer’s performance did you like?

Therese was able to have a different voice/tone for each character. It made it much easier, because you knew exactly which character was speaking. Also, she portrayed Namomi character very well.

Did Delicious inspire you to do anything?

No, not really. The book wasn't awe-inspiring.

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BEST and WORST OF GREY

Revisado: 06-20-15

What did you love best about Grey?

BEST of Grey. It was nice to hear this story from Christian Grey's POV. It was a much better story and the quality of writing has improved from the trilogy. I really enjoyed the story, and loved Grey's sense of humor. Believe it or not he does have one, and the man was truly Fifty Shades. Listening from his POV you will totally understand.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Grey?

My most memorable moment was Grey's visit with Dr. Flynn. Overall memorable moments of laughter. I found myself laughing out loud often.

How could the performance have been better?

WORST of Grey. Zachary Webber has an excellent narrator voice, however the producer didn't direct him to a great performance. Throughout the novel he lacked enthusiasm. In parts where I expected a dramatic voice, he carried the same even tone. There was little difference between the male and female characters.Also, with this recording there are different pronunciations of some key characters. Leelah vs Leila and Elena vs Elaina.In my opinion, this performance would have been better if they stuck with Becca Batoe.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

If Grey's production is anything like the first film, DUH DON'T BOTHER. That film was AWFUL. Stick to the books.

Any additional comments?

I hope the author writes the remaining books in Christian Grey's POV.

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Truly a WINNER!!1

Revisado: 05-30-15

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would highly recommend this novel to all suspense,/mystery/thriller readers. They would find everything they're looking for in this novel.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Luann Tyler was my favorite. She was so dumb that she was actually smart. Luann was a favorite because she developed into a strong woman. Throughout the novel readers will love here strength and wisdom.

Have you listened to any of Frances Cassidy’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first Frances Cassidy performance. I would listen to other Frances audiobooks.

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

The ending really moved me. However, the beginning of part II, when Jackson's world started to crumble really kept me engaged.

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