Customer reviews

This is only the second book I've read by Diane Rinella, and I'm awed by her writing style. She has a unique voice in the writing world and her stories are interesting and different. I loved Darla and her journey. Each character is full of quirks and adds plenty of dynamic to the book. The descriptions and scenes are vivid without being overly done, and drew me right in. I love that Darla is her own person, and what I mean by that is she has her quirks, flaws, and differences, not always fitting into the mold of every day people and life. She does her thing her way and pretty much owns it. Her relationship and connection with GranGran was beautifully done!

Chris is a character who definitely showed some growth in the story. At first, I wasn't 100% sure what to make of him, but he definitely made some changes in his life, and watching these two take a chance, was heartwarming and fun. The influences Chris and Darla bring out of each other had me rooting!

Definitely interested to read the others in this series.

JenTheRiot

Rock~n~Roll is here to Stay!

Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2016

Five Rock~n~Roll Stars! (reviewing the book AND audible versions)
When the author wrote this set, I feel that she created a palette for the voice of narratrix extraordinaire, Hollie Jackson. There just WASN’T anyone else for this challenge.
Pretty Things is full of quirky characters, lasting friendships, new relationships and deep rooted family – not to mention my favorite fictional neighborhood bar, Mulligans.

So here is my review on each story in the set and I commend the author for getting the right narrator for the part. Nothing’s worse than ‘reading’ an audio book where the narrator is mis-matched to the story.

IT’S A MARSHMALLOW WORLD:
This story is a heartwarming look at a quirky girl named Darla who dances to her own tune - always true to herself. She has a great group of girlfriends, an amazing family, including her Gram Gram, who I want to be like (this lady colors outside the lines and I loved that) but the one thing that's missing is that special 'someone' in Darla's life.
Enter Chris. A chance meeting at a local bar seemingly has Darla thinking he's the one for her, but on their first date, an unexpected cocky attitude emerges. Darla eighty sixes the date, of course. Are do-overs possible? Do spirits from the past give Darla that subtle nudge to not give up on him? I'm not giving spoilers, but I will tell you that you can never say never...EVER. I loved the feeling and underlying message this story left me with.

SCARY MODSTERS AND CREEPY FREAKS:
What do a Ouji Board, vintage clothing, sixties music, a deceased rock star, London and the USA present day have in common?
Let me start by introducing you to some of the most original and endearing characters I've met within the pages of this incredible read!
Rosalyn - A beautiful, quirky 60's fashion savvy young woman who has an insatiable addiction to music from the sixties. She is complex but you'll learn why she can't let go of her feelings.....trust me. And the fact that she dances to her own tune and doesn't give a flip what anyone else thinks makes her all the more lovable!

Jacqueline - Rosalyn's best friend and roommate; total opposites but nonetheless a true friend who has been through thick and thin with Rox. She has Rosalyn's best interests at heart and is very protective of her. A great friend to have.

Niles - OMG! Mr. Dreamy in my book! This dapper man had my heart from the moment he was introduced. Hands down, suave, educated, handsome, a tad quirky and mysterious. All the makings of a dream book boyfriend.

But WAIT! What about Peter Lane? The rock god from days past....Summoned by Rosalyn on her ouija board who came to be a huge part of Rox and Niles. Peter was definitely dessert for my second book boyfriend in the book. With Peter, though I will have to say he has a side to him that makes you want to slap him upside his head at times...he can be such a devious smart ass! And there are times in the book where he has no business being present in a certain 'situation'..hehe!

QUEEN MIDAS IN REVERSE:
Jacqueline FINALLY gets her story! If you've read any of Diane Rinella's Rock and Roll Fantasy novellas, then you'll know exactly what I mean. You read one, are introduced to all the characters...baited with just enough info about them, but at the end wonder "What ever happened to....?" when BAM - Rinella pops out another book about the character you were asking about. This quirky, wonderful group of friends have friendships and ties we could only wish for. In Queen Midas, poor Jacqueline has gone to extremes in her attempts to find the perfect guy, only to be let down and before giving up, resorts to *GASP* a dating service. This quintessential romance series will leave you wanting more and more is what Rinella delivers, staying true to her fashion.
ROCK ON!

Hall Ways

Audio Book Review: Listening to these stories was time well-spent

Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2016

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW: What I loved about these three stories is that despite all the goings-on with grandma, ghosts, and guys, there is a common thread of the power of having never fail girlfriends. In each of the three stories, the main character goes through something (or a number of somethings) major. But through the highs and lows of life, Darla, Rosalyn, and Jacqueline always come together to share the laughter and tears -- and often a few beers at their favorite local bar, Mulligans. I love what these ladies share.

It's A Marshmallow World is cute, clean, and only mildly paranormal. I mean, it just seems natural for Darla to have the Gran-Gran connection even after she's gone. Who hasn't wished for that or even maybe felt it? One of my favorite lines:
"I marvel at the gift I've been given: the gift of helping someone else find his way."

Scary Modsters and Creepy Freaks has such an interesting premise in a person being able to only allow part of himself to be reincarnated and retain the rest in the after world. The parallel stories unfold and then weave together with an excellent ending. Rosalyn, Peter, and Niles all are quirky and memorable -- and surprising. One of my favorite lines:
"Remember the simple joys adults so easily ignore."

Queen Midas in Reverse has readers cringing and shaking their heads in disbelief at the horrible dates poor Jacqueline endures. What is impressive is that Jacqueline -- with the support of her BFFs, of course -- manages to keep the faith. Two of my favorite lines:
"Every woman should admit what she truly knows about herself -- the good and the bad."
"Books help me live another person's dream."

Narrator Hollie Jackson did a great job of taking on a number of different characters and managed to keep their voices distinct from each other. There were a few times when Peter's British accent slipped into something else, but Jackson's delivery was fairly consistent. The audio book runs just over 12 hours, but I listened at 1.25x speed and it didn't compromise the narration and shaved off a bit of run-time. I had worried that without a major road trip on the calendar, I wouldn't have time to listen to the book. My worries were unfounded; I didn't have to find time because I made time to listen!

Of course, since I read this book with my ears, the Grammar Policewoman in me was mostly off duty. My ear did catch several times when "and I" was used when it should have been "and me," but that's a pet peeve and most wouldn't notice or care when listening to a book. For the most part, the stories flowed and the dialogue was natural, with one exception -- Chris's lines in It's a Marshmallow World often felt overly scripted; however, he is so dreamy again, I don't know if anyone will care. Rinella's characters are real, robust, and ridiculously fun. Listening to these stories was time well-spent.

If you want to read more about the book and listen to an audio excerpt, check out my blog post review on kristinehallways.blogspot.com

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