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That's What I'm Talking About

I generally review romance, paranormal and urban fantasy. I tend to pick review books that I want to read, so generally my reviews will be positive. I always give my honest opinion: good, bad, and indifferent. 

 

Note: on my blog I use a letter grading system. I've listed the ratings below. For sites with stars, I have listed the equivalent rating. If I didn't finish the book, I will not rate it with stars.

 

A+  Personal Favorite (5 stars)
A    Loved It (4.5 or 5 stars)
A-   Enjoyed A Lot (4 or 4.5 stars)
B+  Liked It A Lot (4 stars)
B    Liked It -- Recommend (4 stars)
B-   Liked It -- But I had a few small issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C+  Liked It -- But I had issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C    Finished It -- Liked some, didn't like some (3 stars)
C-   Finished It -- Liked a little, didn't like a lot (2 or 2.5 stars)
D    Not A Big Fan (2 stars)
E    Don’t Waste Your Time (1 star)
----
TW: Reading this book was like watching a Train Wreck
DNF: Did Not Finish

 

updated July 9, 2015

Currently reading

Operation: Endgame (Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Book 6) (English Edition)
Philippa Ballantine, Jeanne H. Ballantine, William Morris
Just You and Me (A Contemporary Romance Collection)
Fiona Miers, Caitlyn Lynch, Liz Durano, Deelylah Mullin, Cate Farren, Jacquie Biggar, Vicki Batman, Kate Richards, Brenna Zinn, Dalton Diaz, Tierney O'Malley, Desiree Holt, Nicole Morgan, Ashlyn Chase
Bitter Bite: Elemental Assassin, Book 14
Audible Studios, Jennifer Estep, Lauren Fortgang
Progress: 27 %

#Audiobook Review: Nuts by Alice Clayton

Nuts: The Hudson Valley Series, Book 1 - Sebastian York, Shayna Thibodeaux, Alice Clayton, Simon & Schuster Audio

In an effort to escape the small town where she grew up and her mother’s crazy ways, Roxie went to culinary school and moved to LA where she’s started her own business, catering to the stars. However, when her mom needs Roxie, she heads home to Bailey Falls, NY, to run the family dinner for the summer. JUST the summer. What she wasn’t expecting was to enjoy her reacquaintance with her hometown or meeting a sexy farmer who gives her a reason to extend her trip home.

 

Leo left the bright lights and fast pace of Manhattan behind to start an organic farm in the Hudson Valley. He loves his new life and the friends he’s made in Bailey Falls. However when Roxie shows up, his world turns upside down, and he realizes he may want more from life than his friends and farm.

 

Overall, Nuts is a wonderfully written, humorous contemporary romance. The story flowed from start to end; a delightful song with both high and low notes, yet never strayed from its melodious tune. Watching Roxie struggle with finding her own way, examining her past and how it shapes her views, was a joy. The descriptions and imagery Roxie provides through her POV created a three-dimensional world in which I wanted to live. 

 

Leo is every woman’s fantasy - kind, loving, good looking, successful, and an incredible lover. Having never given his heart away since his last girlfriend many years ago, it made his falling for Roxie all the more special. Although the story is told only from Roxie’s POV, it was made clear to the listener that he was head over heels for her. As a couple, they are so sexy AND adorable. I loved the banter and innuendos shared between Roxie and Leo.

 

Roxie’s inner dialogue was completely entertaining. I loved how she thought about each reaction and non-reaction she had, picking it apart to try and understand herself. She’s snarky and fun, but thoughtful and generous. Her relationships with her mom and former high school crush, Chad, shared a lot about her personality and created a wonderful community around which she can base her life. Chad allows Roxie to realize she can still be LA Roxie while being hometown Roxie. Roxie's love of cooking and food descriptions give Gin (Elemental Assassins series by Jennifer Estep) a run for her money. 

 

Right from the start, I loved Shayna Thibodeaux’s performance. She's got the smartass snarky down; however, she layers in the emotions of each character. You can hear the frustration, longing, humor, etc. in her performance. Her narration was amazing. But… when I saw that the title had both a male and female narrator, I expected the story to be shared via alternating POVs.  I liked that the story narration focused on Roxie for so long at the beginning of the book. But when the book hit chapter 6 then 7, then 9, and so on, I was ready for Leo's POV. Here’s the kicker - the story NEVER shares Leo’s POV until the epilogue. Seriously… So why hire a male narrator for not even a chapter in the book, just the epilogue?! Anyhow, Sebastian York does a fine job with his few moments, but it’s not what I expected, and it wasn’t really long enough to leave a memorable impression.

 

In the end, Nuts is a wonderful story, and a great start to the Hudson Valley series. I loved listening to the book, and know I would have enjoyed equally reading it. Ms. Clayton is a fabulous storyteller, her characters fresh, fun, and ones I want to get to know. I highly recommend checking out this one!

 

Story: A-
Shayna Thibodeaux: A

Sebastian York: B (it was only the epilogue, so it was difficult to rate)

 

Review copy provided by Simon & Schuster Audio