BookishRaquel's Updates

BookishRaquel added 'Pain in the Axe'

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 17:19:52 -0700

BookishRaquel gave 3 stars to Pain in the Axe (Maine Lumberjacks, #2) by Daphne Elliot
bookshelves: alc, audiobooks2025, cj-bloom, aaron-shedlock, second-chance, forced-proximity, small-town, enemies-to-lovers
3 ⭐️ | 2 🌶�� | 4 🎧

What to Expect:
- Small Town Romance
- Lumberjacks
- Forced Proximity
- Workplace Romance
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Second Chance (Divorced)
- Surprise Pregnancy
- It's Always Been You
- MCs in Their 40s
- Revenge Plot

Pain in the Axe is book two in the Maine Lumberjacks series and follows Chloe and Gus. Their second-chance romance was filled with delicious tension and undeniable chemistry. Chloe returns to Lovewell, Maine, with a revenge plan in mind, but when she and Gus are forced to work together, they are forced to confront deep feelings that never quite went away. Although it was a bit slow, I did enjoy the development of Chloe and Gus' relationship. They had a good connection, and I loved their banter. Chloe was closed off and had a thick wall around her heart, but Gus never gave up. He was determined to get her back and fix what was broken. It is always satisfying to witness characters learn, grow, and change for the better.

Unfortunately, though, this wasn't my favorite story. I felt it took way too long for Chloe to embrace her feelings for Gus. I understand she had trust issues and was really hurt by how their relationship ended in the past, but at some point, one, especially one in their 40s, has to move on. I didn't expect the level of immaturity displayed by characters in their age group. The book was also too long, rushed at the end, and had some plot holes. I did, however, enjoy the side characters and the dose of suspense. I love the second chance romance trope, and this story was certainly one with a well-deserved happy ending.

Narration:
The audiobook is performed in duet by CJ Bloom and Aaron Shedlock. They did a great job with this story and really brought Chloe and Gus to life. CJ and Aaron fully embodied the characters and made their complicated second chance romance feel real. They put a lot of personality into the characters and exponentially enhanced my experience with the story.

Thanks to Daphne Elliot and Home Cooked Books for the review opportunity. Opinions expressed are my own.

BookishRaquel wants to read 'Crescent Kingdom'

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 17:18:20 -0700

BookishRaquel wants to read Crescent Kingdom by Tessa Hale

BookishRaquel wants to read 'So Not Meant To Be'

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 17:17:34 -0700

BookishRaquel wants to read So Not Meant To Be by Meghan Quinn

BookishRaquel wants to read 'The Afterlife Project'

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 17:17:21 -0700

BookishRaquel wants to read The Afterlife Project by Tim Weed

BookishRaquel wants to read 'Lights Out'

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 17:16:57 -0700

BookishRaquel wants to read Lights Out by Navessa Allen

BookishRaquel finished reading 'Gloves Off'

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:54:20 -0700

BookishRaquel finished reading Gloves Off by Stephanie Archer

BookishRaquel is finished with Gloves Off

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:54:17 -0700

BookishRaquel is finished with Gloves Off.

BookishRaquel added 'The Grump Next Door'

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 04:40:12 -0700

BookishRaquel gave 5 stars to The Grump Next Door (Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove) by Brighton Walsh
bookshelves: alc, audiobooks2025, arc, he-falls-first, small-town, forced-proximity, fake-dating, single-mom, grumpy-sunshine, age-gap
4.5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶�� | 5 🎧

What to Expect:
- Small Town
- Fake Dating
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Retired Football Player
- Single Mom
- Neighbors
- Forced Proximity
- One Night Stand
- He Falls First
- Fun Banter

It was so fun being back in Starlight Cove. I loved Sutton and Atlas' fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, he falls first, journey to love. From the start, the chemistry between Sutton and Atlas was amazing. Their banter was fun, the flirting was great, and the tension between them was so good. Sutton and Atlas were complete opposites, but they fit well together. Atlas was the grumpiest of the grumps, and a true protector. The way he looked out for Sutton and her teenage daughter, Laurel, hit me right in the feels. At first, Atlas is closed off and moody, but he slowly becomes someone they can count on. Underneath his hard exterior, Atlas was a man who cared deeply for the people he loved. I loved these characters and can't wait for more of the Steele Brothers.

Narration:
Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke perform this audiobook in duet. I had so much fun listening to them bring Sutton and Atlas' journey to love to life. Jason's deep and growly voice was perfect for Atlas. Emma's performance allowed Sutton's sweet, sassy, and snarky nature to shine. Their voices worked so well together. Emma and Jason brought the banter, humor, tension, and steam. The audiobook enhanced my experience with this story.

Thanks to Brighton Walsh for the review opportunity. Opinions expressed are my own.

BookishRaquel finished reading 'Pain in the Axe'

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 02:16:34 -0700

BookishRaquel finished reading Pain in the Axe by Daphne Elliot

BookishRaquel added 'Truly Madly Deeply'

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 23:50:26 -0700

BookishRaquel gave 5 stars to Truly Madly Deeply (Forbidden Love, #1) by L.J. Shen
bookshelves: alc, audiobook, teddy-hamilton, lila-winters, grumpy-sunshine, second-chance, forced-proximity, its-always-been-you, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, best-friends-brother, found-family
4.5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶�� | 5 🎧

What to Expect:
- Best Friend's Brother
- Childhood Crush
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Enemies to Lovers
- Second Chance
- "It's Always Been You"
- Forced Proximity
- Slow Burn
- Found Family

This was my first book by L.J. Shen, and I honestly did not know what to expect. When I saw Cal and Row's story surprised me in the best way possible. This is a romance, but it is on the darker side, which I enjoyed. The characters in this story are so unique. As I learned more about Cal's past trauma, my heart hurt for her. She has been through a lot, and people have not always treated her well. Cal can be incredibly insecure, but she is also very strong. She truly deserved to be with someone who would make her feel safe. Row is an alpha-hole who was cruel and always seemed angry. Turns out he was trying to protect his heart. Some of the interactions between Cal and Row were hard to witness, but I loved seeing them both become vulnerable with each other. Row was truly madly and deeply in love with Cal.

This is a slow burn, so it took some time for that love to shine through, but when it did, I couldn't help but root for these two. Once they pushed past the messiness of the events that kept them apart, they were able to see they were meant to be together. There are so many things I loved about this book! I loved the banter, chat messages, and the side characters. I also loved seeing the villains get exactly what they deserved. I really enjoyed the writing and L.J. Shen's ability to make me feel every single emotion. As a lover of 90s music, the playlist and chapter titles made me giddy! This book is special and is more than a love story. Truly Madly Deeply is about overcoming trauma, realizing your self-worth, and rediscovering yourself.

Narration:
Lila Winters and Teddy Hamilton perform this audiobook in dual style narration. They both did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Teddy was the perfect grumpy but vulnerable Row. Lila brought all the emotions associated with Cal's struggle with past trauma. This story is an emotional rollercoaster, and both narrators did well in making it feel real. I felt the chemistry, and I loved how well they performed the banter.