Recently I started listening to more audiobooks. And recently, I also signed up for Audible after months (possibly even a year) of debate. With myself. So when I saw that The Book Nympho, along with Hot Listens was doing an Audiobook Challenge, I thought it'd be fun to join in. So I'm joining in, and spreading awareness.

READING CHALLENGE GUIDELINES

• ♥ Runs January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016. You can join at any time, which I think is great!
• ♥ The goal is to find a new love for audios or to outdo yourself by listening to more audios in 2016 than you did in 2015. 
• ♥ Books must be in audio format.
• ♥ ANY genres count.
• ♥ Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
• ♥ You do not have to be a book blogger to participate! You can join in and track your progress on Goodreads or where ever.
• ♥ If you’re a blogger grab the button  and do a quick post about the challenge to help spread the word. If you’re not a blogger you can help by posting on Facebook or Tweeting about the challenge.

LEVELS

• Newbie (I’ll give it a try) 1-5
• Weekend Warrior (I’m getting the hang of this) 5-10
• Stenographer (can listen while multi-tasking) 10-15
• Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20
• Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you) 20-30
• My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted) 30-50
• Marathoner (Look Ma no hands) 50+

Well, it wasn't too long ago I was set myself a reading goal for 45 books this year, and not not all those books are going to be romance books. So my goal for this challenge will be WEEKEND WARRIOR. I think in twelve months I can at least manage five audiobooks, and maybe more!

Happy Listening,

Jewels

Recently a new Lorelei James book came out, and I decided to return to this author and see what her new series was all about. The cover and blurb excited me, so I was definitely thinking that I would love this novel. And the characters of Lennox and Brady were very different than others penned by the author, so I was immediately drawn into the story.

Series: Need You, #1
My Rating: 3 ❀'s
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Those of you that are fans of Lorelei James know that she usually writes erotic romance. I'll be honest and say that sometimes I don't find erotic romance as compelling as other genres. Personal preference, but I don't shy away from the genre either and Lorelei James is a great erotic romance author. This was not an erotic romance, but I wasn't expecting it to be. The first half of the novel I was impressed by the sassy and smart Lennox. She wasn't afraid to stand up to Brady, and she had had a rough life but was building herself a promising career. I liked her character, she was solid, even willing to take a chance on Brady, who is kinda her boss.

And I liked Brady too, because he was something of a geek even if he was a hot one, and he had insecurities. He wasn't your usual controlling exec that liked control, but it was obvious he was no prude and that he wasn't afraid to let Lennox know exactly what he wanted. And yet, he takes it slow with her, which I also liked. He was kinda a complex character that way.

Book 2, coming August 2016

And then, about halfway through the novel, after they started seeing each other seriously, the story began to drag for me. Don't ask why, but suddenly it was falling kinda flat. I figured it'd pick up, but it became all too apparent that it wasn't going to, at least not for this reader. The story and the relationship had  no real problems. There were some bumps in the road which were easily smoothed over, and the heat and intensity I'd been expecting sputtered out and then the story seemed to end. So, sadly I was left disappointed. The book had heart warming moments and I'm sure many will enjoy this novel as it was well written but I wanted more intensity from this passionate couple, more emotional connection to them, and that simply wasn't there.

If you're in the mood for a lighter, sweet romance this will fit the bill.

Happy Reading,

Jewels

I decided to dive into another Kristen Ashley book, Sweet Dreams which is book two in her Colorado Mountain series. I was really surprised by this book. It wasn't anything like the first one. It took place in a different town, called Carnal, which is incidentally, a biker town. None of the characters know each other, though we do get a cameo scene with Nina. If I was thrown off by the fact that the setting was so different, it didn't impact my enjoyment of the novel. Because I did enjoy this novel a lot.

Series: Colorado Mountain, #2 
My Rating: 4 ❀'s
Genre: Contemporary Romance

The main character in this novel, Lauren has been wandering around America after divorcing her cheating husband. She lands in Carnal and decided it's a town worth staying in. Even if her boss, Tate is a jerk. And Tate is a jerk. He's got a temper, he's super bossy and while he's a good guy, I couldn't fall in love with him. He's super protective of Lauren, takes good care of her, and while I liked him and got him by the end of the book, I just didn't connect with his character emotionally. However, that doesn't mean I didn't like this book because it was a fun and highly entertaining read. Lauren is a character I dig, and the cast of supporting characters is awesome. They are a tight knit community, but they are also bad ass. Or, to use a better word, they are real. I loved reading about Krystal and Bubba and I adored Shambles and Sunny. Even the scenes with crazy Neeta were awesome, and she was a serious witch. 

This book has a bit of a mystery going on, which I'm guessing will be a theme with the series since The Gamble also had a mystery. The serial killer storyline caught my attention, gave the story even more of an edge than the setting and characters and back stories (and Lauren and Tate both had baggage and whacked up exes) provided, which was a fair amount. I was hooked on this read, hooked on the setting and characters and laughed and even shed a few tears as the story progressed. It's

Book 3 in the series

moving, it's real and I can't wait to see what else this series has in store for me. This book would have been a solid five, but Tate did seriously annoy at me times, and his character is the main reason I decided to give this book a 4 rather than a 5, since I like to really love my hero's, and not be frustrated by their choices. And I took serious issue with some of them, even if they kinda made sense after the fact. Still, I understood his alpha macho man choices and I loved that he loved Lauren and treated her so thoughtfully, and this book had so much going on for it that it's definitely worth the read. 

Hilarious, moving and very real, Sweet Dreams was a novel I read with pleasure. 

Happy Reading, 

Jewels

Lisa Kleypas is one of my favourite authors. Her historical romances are pure magic and I've loved each of them that I've read. I was very excited when I heard that she was coming out with a new series, and I finally got my hands on her newest historical novel, Cold-Hearted Rake and spent a fair bit of time cuddled up with it over the holiday season.

Series: The Ravenels, #1
My Rating:❀❀❀❀❀
Genre: Historical Romance 

I have to say, I absolutely adored this novel. It was different than Ms. Kleypas's other historicals, it struck me immediately as a little darker and by the end of the novel I had come to the conclusion that this is a mature romance read for the genre. It doesn't shy away from the realities of the period, women's place in society or the views of that world. The heroine, Kathleen is a widow, which immediately changes her place in society and allows her more freedom than an unmarried woman, or even a married woman, but Kathleen is a proper lady concerned about the well being of the estate of her late husband, as well as his younger sisters. She doesn't immediately like or trust the new earl, Devon, but she eventually learns that despite his distaste for his new title, that he wants to do right by his tenants and his cousins.

The growth of the characters in this novel is wonderful to see. Devon and his brother West are both scoundrels, wanting to flit through life for pleasure with no responsibilities but both assume responsibilities for their family and the estate as the book progresses. They are neither of them what you would call a gentleman, and yet they are good men once they cast off their selfish lifestyle.

Book Two in the series, coming May 2016

But they are good men with bad habits. The romance in this novel is either sizzling nor whirlwind. It's not one that sweetly burns. But rather, it happens gradually and it is a challenging romance. Devon and Kathleen don't see eye to eye on a lot of things, and they often argue about them. Both of them have something of a temper, and I think it's through their battles that they both grow as individuals and grow to love one another. But because Devon has bad habits, he doesn't even realize that what he wants with Kathleen is more than an affair until a little hiccough in the plot makes him realize he wants it all with her--marriage, family, children, a life time of being together. And Kathleen was far too independent, too certain of her own heart to settle for anything else. Happily ever afters always make me smile and this one also gave me a feeling of triumph as it was so hard won by both of these characters.

I am also totally ramped up for book two in this series, Marrying Mr. Winterbourne as the backstory for this novel was beautifully set up for this couple. They are very different people, but I love it when opposites are paired in romance, and I expect their romance will be equally as well told as well as achingly delicious reading. I really cannot wait to read more of this series.

Happy Reading,

Jewels

I haven't read anything quite like Clean Sweep in while. It's unusual to run into a novel that is so original that the only word you can find to describe it is original. Clean Sweep is such a novel. I wasn't expecting to delve into a world that had monsters and aliens and magic, but that's what I got and I loved that the blend was so fluid.

Series: Innkeeper Chronicles, #1
My Rating:❀❀❀❀❀
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Dina isn't your usual kick ass urban fantasy heroine. She's a simple inn keeper. As simple as you can be when your inn caters to supernatural guests and the inn itself is kinda alive. She's trying to raise the status of her inn, and the supernatural monsters that have suddenly infested her neighbourhood place Dina in a bit of an awkward spot, compelling her to become involved in a monster hunt of sorts.

I liked this book. I liked the way Dina took matters into her own hands, how decisive she is with Sean and her guests, and how determined she is to raise the status of her inn and discover what happened to her own parents. She's a reserved character, and I'm fascinated by her. I can't wait to find out more about her in this series. I also liked that the werewolf and vampire in this story were both interested in Dina, but that the story focused more on discovering the baddies who sent the monster in the first place. I am dying to learn more about Sean and his werewolf heritage, and to see more of the universe through his eyes. I am curious about Dina's other guest and what part she might play in this series.

The writing is very easy to read, the story is a tad quirky but so polished that you are more struck with it's originality than the oddness of aliens and magic and monsters. I adored it. I am so curious about this book that I intend to read the second book as soon as possible. It's not every day you run into a series that is as refreshing, engaging and entertaining as Clean Sweep and I look forward to devouring more from this author.

Happy Reading,

Jewels