Laguna Nights

Laguna Beach, Book 1

By: Kaira Rouda

Narrated by: Madeline Mrozek

Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Madison Alcott was back in her hometown, caring for her sick mom and working long hours at the best resort in Laguna Beach. She never imagined she'd return to the place where she became famous on the hit reality TV show Laguna Nights, and the place where she was humiliated on national television. Fortunately, the past had stayed tucked away until her old high school boyfriend appeared in the lobby.

Josh Welsh was a superstar by age eighteen, the bad boy break-out star of Laguna Nights. Since then, his star had lost its shine and he barely was holding onto his Hollywood status. When he was asked to host a new reality travel show, he jumped at the chance. The only problem was the first episode was shooting in Laguna Beach. Of all the reasons Josh didn't want to return home, he hadn't even imagined the worst scenario: running into Madison "Holly" Alcott.

Josh's connection to Madison was still as strong as her anger at his betrayal. When the new reality series forces them together, they must face Laguna Nights past and present, and navigate a journey where nothing is as it seems.

©2015 Kaira Rouda (P)2016 Kaira Rouda

A fun story about second chances

This is a sweet romantic book about two ex reality stars. The characters are likable as well as very believable. I received this book at no cost to me from the author narrator or publisher for a honest review

Surprise Ending

I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review via audiobook boom. This is a story that began in high school and then ended ten years later. Tragedy, hurt, misunderstanding, and trouble all combine to make a story that is both humorous and epic. Two star-crossed friends who are destined to be a forever love affair are thrown into a series of events that creates a lot of drama but is exciting. the narrator added to the story and helped to create the different scenes that occurred.

A Nice, Easy Summer Listen

"Laguna Nights" is one of those books that's relaxing, fun, and you just can't turn it off. I liked it although it was sort of predictable. I liked Madison (Holly) but Josh not so much at first. I'm not sure I'd have given him a second chance especially that quickly. But I think he redeemed himself and proved his manhood. I also liked the setting of this book as well as the alternating POV chapters. The supporting characters were also good. Some likeable and some not so much.

This was an overall 'chillin' on a hot summer day' nice listen with a little steam on the side as well written by Kaira Rouda.

I liked the narration by Madeline Mrozek. She kept the story at a good pace and had great voice inflections. I hope she reads the rest of this series and I look forward to hearing it.

"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com."

Great listen!

Any additional comments?

Okay, I grew up in the MTV generation so I may be slightly biased but I loved this listen. The story surrounds ex-reality stars in a what-are-they-doing-now capacity (sorta) with an interesting twist and a very satisfying ending. If you remember any of "The Real World" shows, you will relate to this listen. (Think "Real World Hawaii.")

The narrator was awesome and kept the story moving. There were a couple of times when the main female character, Holly/Madison, could have been a bit self-absorbed but the narrator was able to keep her sympathetic. That's a win in chick lit!!

All in all, a great listen.

who doesnt love a little reality Tv now and then?

Who doesn’t love a good reality TV show.
I live in Laguna, so it was great to hear about things I already knew about. it was told beautifully.
I loved the “inside” look of reality TV. the tests, the twists and turns, the secrets and lies. You never know whats gonna happen when they need good ratings. I wanted to see if Holly and Josh can fix things, hoping they can turn the tables on everything and everyone!
great book!


I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator for an unbiased review via Audiobook Blast or AudioBoom..

Sweet story about second chances

This was a sweets story about misunderstandings and second chances. I enjoyed listening to it and it was pretty easy to follow.

The characters were likable. Madison has stayed strong and moved on with her life after being ridiculed on a reality TV 15 years prior while in High school. Josh had moved away in search of fame but things were not turning out like he expected it.

The story is told in a dual POV. It does have a HEA ending. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life.

**This audiobook was provided free of charge in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion**

But For A Scene or 2 Great Young Adult Book

Any additional comments?

This is a nice book but it felt more like a story written for a younger [teens or young adults] audiences. It felt a little juvenile for a Contemporary Romance for an adult audience.

*This book was given to me in exchange for my review.

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Well suited to YA/NA readers, not general audience

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This story had exceedingly strong Young Adult/New Adult elements, yet this isn't apparent in the book description or categories. I felt like my expectations were not met because of this. Many of the internal and external conflicts related to the hero and heroine's reputations, who said what about them, who thought what about them, what social media said about them as reality show stars, etc. For an older reader, these "problems" seemed trivial, self-centered, juvenile and easily resolved.

The storytelling and characters are decent and would probably be enjoyed by younger listeners.

I did enjoy the Laguna Beach setting and details.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.

Fun Fun Fun!

I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This book was fun from start to finish. Madison, with her position at the local resort, encounters her high school sweetheart Josh. Together, they along with their friends were part of the first TV reality show. Madison, then known as Holly, had her heartbroken by Josh with the script of the show. Now Josh, back in Laguna is trying to relaunch his acting career with a reality travel show. This is his first episode and the director wants Madison to help him out. As the story continues, we learn more about what really happened all those years ago, how he hurt her, how her responses hurt him, what the script did to both of them, how their families reacted and how they got to where they are now. All of their meetings are caught on tape as little did they know, this reality show was meant to bring them back together and see where it led. It was entertaining and a great listen for a Saturday afternoon.

Madeline Mrozek was wonderful. This was my first listen of hers, and was perfect for this book. She is able to give convincing performances for both male and female voices and bring all the emotions from happiness to utter despair to life.

I can't deny it, that ending was something else...

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I was gifted this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Let me just say this.....It's a good thing for myself that I listen to most of my audiobooks while doing other things....

What do you think your next listen will be?

I have a few in my que - hopefully something that leaves me wanting more when its over:)

What about Madeline Mrozek’s performance did you like?

I was pleased with the chosen narrator - and kind of wish that the character had more depth and a better story, she was brilliant with what she had to work with.

Could you see Laguna Nights being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I mean....didn't they already do that with Laguna Beach?

Any additional comments?

I feel like the bare bones idea for this book had a ton of promise, but the writing lacked any sort of flair, or style - and the dialogue was meh... Why write a strong independent heroine and have her completely gaga over a whiney, sullen has been...?