Felicia

Bought on Audible

What I Loved: This was a very good modern re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. In the beginning, Kyle was a very unlikable character that you got to know as the vain, arrogant teenager he was before getting turned. Adrian was the much more human incarnation of Kyle that made him more man than beast. It was wonderful to watch his transformation from arrogant to considerate.

What I Liked: Will and Magda are fantastic guides for Adrian that show him people can be kind even when they do not have too. He was surrounded by love even if it wasn't from the traditional family structure.

Complaints: None

Audio Specific Review: Narrator: Chris Patton did a wonderful job of reading this book with emotions that matched the cadence of the moment.

Why I gave it a 4: I was pleasantly surprised by how wonderfully told this story was. It was a very good re-telling.

Who I would recommend it too: YA readers and those who like re-telling of fairytales.

Read for Fun (Kindle)/Listened for Armchair Audies(Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.5 (August 2011)/5.0 (March 2013 ReRead)
Character Rating: 4.5 (August 2011)/5.0 (March 2013 ReRead)
Story Rating: 4.5 (August 2011)/5.0 (March 2013 ReRead)
Ending: 5++++ (Loved it)

Audio Rating: 4.5 (Not Part of the overall Rating)(March 2013)
Updated Review March 2013
I actually pretty much agree with my original thoughts. Though I loved this story even more on the reread. There is just something fantastically magical about Angel and her journey that shines even more on the reread.

I did the reread for Armchair Audies! I originally read this story so I wasn't sure what I would think listening to it on audio. However......

Audio Review
Narrated by Allison McLemore / LENGTH 8 hrs and 44 mins
Freaking Awesome Y'all! Seriously Allison knocked it out of the park. It wasn't quite what I pictured Angel sounding like but I think it was better than I imagined. Plus, you know all those laugh out loud moments? They were made better by the narration! I think the only drawback was a few of the other characters took a bit to get used too. That was fine because overall this was one wicked fun audio. Now I am going to be on the fence about whether to read or listen to the third one (I have already read the 2nd). Decisions! Decisions!


Original Review August 2011
NOTE: I am going to forgo my normal review and divide this one down a little different. This was a fantastic Zombie read that I would recommend to anyone.

Mystery: Yes Y'all, My Life as a White Trash Zombie has a little mystery in it. Take it from a person who reads Mysteries/Thrillers that this one was really well done. I honestly didn't figure it out until she did. Also, the secondary mystery of who turned her was fantastically done also. The whole darn thing was just so well planned out.

Zombies: Gotta love them! I mean these aren't the typical rotting zombies and I liked it. Lets just say that Zombies are monsters with sometimes mushy hearts (that was a semi-quote from the book). Oh but don't worry there are still BRAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIINNNNNNNNS involved.

Characters: I think most of the characters in this story were so well flushed out that you felt like part of the world. Made for a very enjoyable reading experience.

Why I gave it a 4.5: It was Zombie-rrific and a very good summer read!

Read from January 23 to 25, 2013

Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 3.50
Story Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 3.25

Audio Rating: 2.50 (not part of the overall rating)

Speed Date Review:

First Thought When Finished:: Sharp Objects had a very strong last 1/4 of the book which is what saved it for me! I really dig where the story went.

First Date: Our first date didn't go so well. We didn't click on a personal level but intrigued each other enough to see where it was going.

Second Date: This is one of those times where liking each other is not necessary but figuring out what is going on is totally worth the journey. The characters don't scream love me but they do scream which one of me is the worst.

Third Date: Ended with a bang that I only saw partially coming. I figured out a big part of the mystery but that little twist at the end made sticking with it worth it.

Final Thought: I don't know that Gillian Flynn and I really click. I need characters that I can root for BUT she does write really twisty, turny mysteries. This one will work for others far more than it worked for me.

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated by Ann Marie Lee / Running Time 9 hrs and 29 mins


I don't know why but this one just did not work for me on audio. I don't think Ann Marie Lee did a bad job but something was just missing. Unlike Gone Girl which was excellent on audiobook, this one I think would have been better read. It might be more the story than the audio performance.

Read on January 25, 2013

Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 4.00

Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not part of the overall rating)

WARNING: I use the word "fun" a lot in this review but seriously it was FUN!

First Thought When Finished: That was totally fun! I needed a light, fun mystery and this filled the spot :)

Story Thoughts: This was just downright a delightful mystery with some pretty good twists and turns! It took me a little bit to get totally caught up in the mystery but once I did, I had fun trying to figure it out. Those are my favorite kinds of mysteries--the ones that you want to figure out. This one, I only got partially right but all the clues were there. The story was plotted out well by Liliana and gave you all the clues to play sleuth along with Addison. Darn it all that I couldn't figure it out before the end :)

Character Thoughts: Holy walking disaster and oh-so fun to read: Addison Holmes is all that and more. I mean how often do you meet a high school teacher who can get themselves into so much trouble? Seriously, right out of the gate this girl is pretty much in one jam or another. She is smart and resourceful but I love that she is full of faults. I kind of would love to be her BFF! She is great leading lady for this story and I hope there are many more mysteries to come!

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated by Connie Ventress / Running Time 7 hrs and 10 mins


Connie did a wonderful job with the narration! I thought the pacing, accents, and emotions were delightful. I will probably continue this series on audio if available.

Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this mystery and think it would appeal to fans of the Stephanie Plum series (no love triangle which makes it even better in my book). FUN FUN FUN!

Read from December 03 to 04, 2012

Listened for Fun! (Audible)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00

Audio Rating: 4.75(Not Part of the Overall Rating)

Part of my 25 Books for the Holidays for 2012

How Merry Christmas, Alex Cross put me in the Holiday Spirit: I love the Alex Cross series because I can always count on him to get the bad guy! That being said, it was his family that really injected the Holiday spirit into this story. His Nana was just perfect!

What I thought of the Characters/Story: Merry Christmas, Alex Cross was almost like 2 novellas in one book. The characters that we have grown to know and love through out the series were all there for Christmas (except his 6 year old that gives him a call). The story(s) were pretty typical Alex Cross situations but they felt a little rushed. Even though, I bought the timeline the action seemed a little rushed. Both situations were still very interesting and action packed. This book should not be missed by Alex Cross fans.

What I thought of the Audio: Just going to say it: the audio rocked the casbah! This was a seriously well done audiobook with 3 narrators to tell the story. The pacing was excellent, the voices spot on, and the only drawback was the over abundance of musical moments. I am thinking this is a series that I am going to start listening to on audio.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Listened to for FUN!
Overall Rating: 5.00
Story Rating: 5.00
Character Rating: 5.00

Audio Rating (not part of the overall rating): 4.50

Quick Thoughts: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet was a brilliant entry into one of my favorite series! It was worthy of it's snort club membership and I can't wait for the next one!

Audio Thoughts: Seriously this is another series that I highly recommend on audio. You will laugh out loud and Lorelei King will become one of your favorite narrators!

“If you must eat a banana in public, never make eye contact.”
― Darynda Jones, Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

“I meant to behave. There were just too many other options.--T-SHIRT”
― Darynda Jones, Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

“When I want your opinion, I'll remove the duct tape.--T-SHIRT”
― Darynda Jones, Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

“Well, that sucked more ass than liposuction.”
― Darynda Jones, Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

Read from November 20 to 24, 2012

Listened for FUN!
Part of my 25 Christmas Reads for 2012
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating 4.50

Audio Rating (not part of the overall rating): 4.50
Christmas Rating: Just plain fun!

First thought when finished: Rhys Bowen hit it out of the park with The Twelve Clues of Christmas. It was a great Christmas Who-Done-It!

Just my thoughts: The Twelve Clues of Christmas was a jolly good time! I had a blast while listening and was thrilled to delve back into her royal spyness. This is one fun series for those that like amateur sleuth stories. Check it out when you get a chance! These have a small carry over story but I think they can be read out of order or as standalones.

About the audio: Narrated by Katherine Kellgren and she did a bang up job! Her voices were spot on, the pacing was fantastic, and the reading was delightful.

Final thought: I recommend the Royal Spyness series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!

Listened for Fun!
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 3.75

Audio Rating: 3.25

First thought when finished: The Road to Woodbury was much better than The Rise of the Governor! Also proved that the humans are scarier than the zombies!

What I thought of the story: The Road to Woodbury was really the journey of Lily and her experience with The Governer and Woodbury. To me, this is where the story shines because you really want to know how it works out for her. When she is the focus, the story is fantastic!

What I thought of the characters: I am going to be honest, I don't think you are supposed to like or relate to any of the characters in Woodbury. They are a little less one dimensional in this 2nd installment but still not a lot of character development. Lily was a fantastically flawed character with many dimensions and you wanted to root for her!

What I thought of the audio: Narrated by Fred Berman and at a running time of 9 hrs and 56 mins, The Road to Woodbury (or actually the series) is one I would suggest you read not listen too. I just don't think the story plays as well in audio.

Final thought: I have heard that this is a trilogy so I am hoping the final book has more character development. The story was solid and entertaining though and zombie lovers should not pass it up. Though my theory that the people are way scarier than the zombies still stands!

Read for Profiling Mysteries (Bought for Myself)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.75

Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)

NOTE: I am the last person on the planet to read this book but I am so glad that I did :)

First Thought When Finished: I am a Rachel, Ivy, and Jenx fan now! This was just to fun!

What I thought of the Case: In Dead Witch Walking, the main focus is on Rachel starting a new chapter in her life. She is quitting her job and they are not taking it well at all. They keep trying to kill her and that plays throughout the book. The other part is getting her new business setup with Ivy and Jenx. Needless to say Dead Witch Walking is fast and furious from beginning to end. We are introduced to lots of key players (I think) and taken on an action packed thrill ride. There is so much going on that when the end happened I was shocked that Kim Harrison managed to pack so much into the last quarter. I immediately wanted to pick up book 2!

What I thought of the Characters: I usually have a problem with 1rst in series books because you are given a bunch of character info but no action to back that up. That is not true in Dead Witch Walking--the characters are introduced through their actions and you either love/hate/get annoyed with them through that. I really love when an author takes that path to getting the reader comfortable in their world. Needless to say I am a huge fan of Rachel--she is not perfect and does a lot of things that make you shake your head. However, she is loyal to her friends and is giving in nature. Jenx and Ivy also made very positive impressions on me and I can't wait to see more of their adventures. I am not so sold on the "maybe" love interests but then again in UF, I seldom am.

What I thought of the Audio: Narrated by Marguerite Gavin at a running time of 13 hrs and 14 mins this audiobook is very well done! Marguerite is perfect for Rachel and her punctuation/articulation/emotions were right on the money! I highly recommend the audio.

Final Thoughts: I really love Dead Witch Walking and had fun getting introduced to The Hollows.

Read from June 14 to July 19, 2012

Read for Fun/
Got a Papercopy from Publisher but choose to buy the Audiobook instead!
Overall Rating: 5.00
Story Rating: 4.75
Character Rating: 5.00

Audio Rating: 5.00 (Not Part of the overall Rating)

NOTE: I am addicted to the audio version of these books! Seriously y'all--it is so darn good!!!

First thought when finished: The history lover in me loved this book! The Discovery of Witches fan was equally as impressed! :)

What I thought of the Characters: Deborah Harkness has a wonderful way with characters. You love them, you hate them, and you love reading what they are up to. Often times I felt like I was watching through a window as these people went along in their daily lives. All of the characters that were introduced in Shadow of Night from history were fascinating and very well flushed out. I was so caught up that at the end I really wanted a story about their back stories. I know I am being greedy but it is true! I also loved the continuing stories from Discovery of Witches. Diana is coming into her own (love her story arch) and she is my favorite character. Matthew is working through who he is as his past and future collide (so to speak). Diana and Matthew's relationship is epic and at the core of their characters. I wouldn't have it any other way!

What I thought of the Story: I would say that Shadow of Night is slightly slower than Discovery of Witches. It has a different pacing until about halfway through when Diana really starts getting into who she is as a witch. At that point, the story was off and running. I was listening to it every spare moment I had and still couldn't devour the book fast enough. I am pretty sure I had what my friends Tara and Amanda call P.A.B.D. (Post Awesome Book Disorder). I mean I listened to the last hour---twice! I wanted the next book now!!!!

What I thought of the Audio: Narrated by Jennifer Ikeda at a running time of 24 hrs and 30 mins, Shadow of Night was well worth it! I can't say enough of Jennifer's narration! She manages to get the pacing, emotion, and characterization just right! If you can listen to long audiobook, I highly recommend this one!

Final thought: I am a huge fan of this series! I highly recommend it!

Publisher: Ballantine Books
Purchased: Audible.Com

What I Loved: This was a very good thriller! I was pretty much on my toes the whole time waiting to see how it was all going to play out. The end was chilling and you can see where the next book is going to pick up. I also appreciated the small abbreviated introductions of characters. It will allow them to grow over the series.

What I Liked: Tess didn't make her leads without faults, they seemed very real to me. The story had a great pace and enjoyed all the twists and turns.

Complaints: Not long enough but I always feel that way when the story is really good :)

Any Audiobook specific thoughts: The narrator was sufficiently creepy. I thought it was very well done and I was a little scared knowing it was going to be read by a man.

Why I gave it a 4: It hooked me from beginning to end. I will be listening to the rest of the series.

Who I would recommend it too: Fans of Mysteries and Thrillers. I don't think you will be disappointed.