Audiobooks

Audiobookworm Blog Tour: Clutch

10 July 2018 / Audiobook Blog Tours / , , , , , , , , , , / 1 Comment

Clutch

Author: Lisa Becker

Narrator: Suzanne Barbetta

Length: 8 hours 11 minutes

Publisher: Lisa Willet Becker

Released: May 30, 2018

Genre: Contemporary Romance

clutch: a novel is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit romance chronicling the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer who compares her unsuccessful romantic relationships to styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc. With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks a lot of Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to discover the “Clutch” or someone she wants to hold onto.

Buy Links

 

Lisa Becker is a romance writer who spends her time like she spends her money – on books and margaritas. In addition to Clutch: a novel, she is the author of the Click trilogy, a contemporary romance series about online dating and Links, a standalone, second chance romance readers call light, fun, sexy and smart. As Lisa’s grandmother used to say, “For every chair, there’s a tush.” Lisa is now happily married to a wonderful man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach, California with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for anyone! You can share your love stories with her at www.lisawbecker.com.

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Narrator Bio

Suzanne Barbetta became a voracious reader when she realized the magic of books allowed her to become anyone, anywhere, and in any world. A storyteller and performer since age 5, she later apprenticed at 2 regional theaters and earned her Actor’s Equity card. She’s also a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, the Audio Publishers Association and the League of Professional Theatre Women. Audiobooks are a way to satisfy her pathological addiction to reading. Now based in NYC, she is also the voice of the Fierce, Funny, Fab Fangirls of the series Geek Actually for Serial Box Publishing.

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To read my full review, Click Here

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lisa Becker. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Custom Q&A with Author Lisa Becker by Audiobook Romance on July 2nd

 

  • Where did the inspiration for Clutch come from? Secret bag obsession come to life or personal philosophy?
    • When I was writing the Click trilogy, (Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click, and Right Click), I was obsessed with NCIS re-runs and would have the show on in the background as I wrote. There was an episode where a character refers to a man as a “handbag husband,” or something useless you carry on your arm. I started thinking about that, and the idea for Clutch grew from there. I believe that everyone deserves a happily ever after and would like to think there’s a “clutch,” or someone worth holding onto, out there for everyone.
  • Some of the dating scenarios seem very specific. Were
    any of the potential beaus or their dates based on real life experience?

    • The dating scenarios in Clutch are pure fiction – a product of my overactive imagination, but I’m flattered you think they are realistic enough to be drawn from real life experiences. But my first novel, Click, is loosely based on my real-life dating experiences, as well as stories friends have shared with me. In some cases, things are written as they actually occurred. Other scenarios are exaggerated for entertainment value or comedic affect. And some scenarios are completely fictionalized, though I really did go out on a date with someone I met online who started every story (no joke!) with “My buddies and I were out drinking last night.”
  • What is your favorite or go to bag you can’t live without?
    • I have a black, Michael Kors hobo-style bag that is like an extension of my body. It houses all my essentials. Where I go, the bag goes.
  • Have you found the perfect clutch (partner) in real life?
    • I do! 18 years ago, I met my clutch on an dating website, when online dating was in its infancy. We celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary this summer and have two beautiful girls. My grandmother used to say, “For every chair, there’s a tush.” So, if it happened for me, there’s hope for anyone!
  • What are your feelings on the man bag? We have our own little micro storage where they are left to only pockets. Gender inequality, or only fair since men’s clothing is designed with pocket storage in mind?
    • Yes! A controversy for the ages. If my husband had a man bag, I fear he would leave home without me, as he wouldn’t need me to hold his keys, wallet, breath mints and other assorted sundries. LOL!
  • Finally, how do you weigh in on the debate heard round the world. Can one have too many bags?
    • Never!

Giveaway

Clutch Giveaway: Holly A. Jones Oversized Clutch

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Review: Clutch by Lisa Becker

10 July 2018 / Reviews / , , , , , / 1 Comment

Adulting Is Not Easy To Do!

Clutch is a standalone, by Lisa Becker.

Suzanne Barbetta narrates.

HEA, NO Cliffhangers!

Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins

Content Warning:
There is sex and some cussing, but this is more an exploration in being an adult than anything else.

Those that are overly sensitive to the “cheating” factor may not approve. To be clear, there is NO cheating, but it does take Caroline a long time to figure out what she wants which includes dalliances with many men.

Ebook Excerpt

 

This is an exploration of what it is to follow your dreams while also trying to find your heart’s desire for the “One”. It ain’t easy folks, and this story pulls no punches for the all too real awkward moments in life. Bonus though, you get to explore it through the wonderful realm of handbags!

 

“Find something you love and hold onto it.” — Aunt Mimi

 

Clutch is mostly about Caroline Johnson however, as much as she hangs out with Mike, he might as well be her sidekick. We get to follow along as she launches her business and in her attempts to find the “Perfect Clutch” of a man. The dates are very life like and I’m sure you will find at least one that you can relate to on one side of the coin or the other. For instance, I can relate to the single father, and how hard it is to date as a single parent. Telling a guy I have kids was an easy way to get rid of an unwanted suitor, seriously. Telling someone you want to stick around was a different story. I was fearful as hell to tell my now current husband when we were first dating. I could feel the guy’s pain for sure!

Michael “Mike” Frederick Barnsworth’s old money roots are far different than Caroline’s small town upbringing, but that never seemed to matter to him. Their first meeting is in grad school at Harvard, and by the time they leave they are BFFs. Mike wanted to ditch his family’s expectations and open his own bar like Tom Cruise in Cocktail. I love his idea of “research” while earning their MBAs, but I do have to disappoint him on the food side of things. I can honestly say that I have lived in L.A. and have NEVER had a Pink’s dog! I’m not standing in line for over an hour to get a hot-dog, sorry!

I was expecting there to be an explanation for each bag like in the blurb, but there wasn’t. Clutch is close to real life, as in, there are often no clear winners or losers. I felt a bit wrung out by the end. For those that like that kind of thing, you will love this story. One of my guilty pleasures is Bachelor in Paradise, and this story really reminds me of Wells, who is actually the bartender for the show now. If you don’t know who or what I’m talking about, I apologize, but to say anything more would be a spoiler.

 

Audio Sample

 

This is my first listen by Lisa Becker. The humor she infuses into her stories makes the awkwardness of life more bearable.

 
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This is my first listen by Suzanne Barbetta. She did great with all genders and ages. They really came through to my ears and my throat. I needed a cough drop after hearing her rendition of chain smoking Aunt Mimi!

 
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Normal speed was fine, however I listened at 0.90x. It is my personal preference.

 

My Reviews

Audiobook obtained at my request and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review

Review: Misadventures of a Backup Bride (Misadventures #4) by Shayla Black

18 November 2019 / Reviews, Series / , , , , , , , , ,

Who is Fooling Who is the Question!

Misadventures of a Backup Bride is #04 in the Misadventures Series by Shayla Black.

Christian Fox and Lucy Rivers narrates.

HEA with No cliffhangers!

This is a Multi Author series, written as a standalone. You do not need to read them in order.

More information can be found on the official Misadventures Website.

Length: 5 hrs and 19 mins

Content Advisory: High heat
There is sex, dirty talk, and dirty thoughts. 👍

At the time of this posting, this title is currently available as part of the Audible Romance Package.

I’ve listened to several titles in this series and they have all been very steamy! The stories are page turners too, which makes them a win, win for me! The consistency as a whole has been great even though this is a multi author series of standalones. Most of the Misadventures can be found in the library as well as various subscription services so they are easy to come by.

 

Carson ❤ Ella

 

Carson Frost is trying to salvage the business left to him by his birth father, but his rash choices are coming back to haunt him. He took a deal with a competitor for the money he needed to keep the business afloat and the shiny coins aren’t shiny or even real coins anymore. In an effort to get out of the deal he hires Ella Hope to be the long lost love of his life … that will get him out of his current engagement … and then dump him at the altar … Simple, Right?

Ella Hope is a struggling actress. Her love life, as well as her bank account, have seen better days. She remembers Carson and how she would of been interested if she were not on a date with his friend. The call was welcomed timing. Spending time with the hot guy from the party while padding her bank account sounds like a solid plan. She is a professional … she can do this … Simple, Right?

“Am I really waxing poetic about her damn knee?”
— Carson

 

It wasn’t Simple! Things heat up fast, and their well laid plans go out the window. As the outside players keep changing the rules, things get crazy. Well, more crazy, because things started there in the first place. Lies become real, while the real becomes lies. Don’t believe anyone till its all said and done! A good time will be had, and that is not a lie!

 

Audio Sample

 

Shayla Black is a go-to for racier reads with awesome characters. 😊 She did not disappoint with this title.

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Christian Fox and Lucy Rivers narrate this title with alternating POVs. Both individually did a great job in their pacing and emotion. I do wish it would of been a true Duet though, because they end up, by default, competing with each other for who did the character better. It’s really hard to pick a clear winner.

Christian Fox

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Lucy Rivers

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Normal speed was fine, however I listened at 0.90x. It is my personal preference.

My Reviews

Ebook obtained through my local library (Overdrive).

Audiobook obtained through Audible Romance Package.

Review: Christmas Lovebirds (Have A Hart, #1) By Rachelle Ayala

18 November 2019 / Reviews, Series / , , , , , , , , , , / 2 Comments

Lovebirds Prove the Power of True Love!

Christmas Lovebirds is #01 in the Have A Hart Series by Rachelle Ayala.

Jennifer Groberg narrates.

HEA with No cliffhangers!

These are about the members of the Hart family. The characters are all up in each others lives and stories so I would suggest you read them in order.

Length: 3 hrs and 50 mins

Content Advisory:
The author rates the Heat Level of this title as Sweet: Kissing and non-graphic foreplay, but before clothes come off, the door is closed and the scene is cut. 😐

At the time of this posting, this title is currently available as part of the Audible Romance Package.

This is very PG, but cute none the less. I really enjoyed the love birds! My personal experience with the little guys was not as pleasant as the ones in the story though. A friend’s family in high school had a pair and they were quite a terror. They would try to attack anyone that came anywhere near their cage. Maybe it was a territorial thing, maybe it was lack of interaction, I don’t know. From afar they were pretty and lovely to listen to, look at, and observe.

 

Melisa Hart ❤ Rob Reed

 

This story focuses around the youngest, and most overprotected Hart sibling, Melisa. She has had a crush on her brother’s best friend all her life, but his betrayal 10 years ago ruined it all. She has spent all the time since trying to hate him, but never truly succeeding. She seems determined to believe the worst, making her blind to what should of been obvious. But her brother Connor seems to be determined to prove that it runs in the family.

Rob Reed has been in love with Melisa Hart since the day they brought her home from the hospital. Seriously! He would sit near her bassinet and dutifully pick up her bonnet every time she tossed it over the side. Trying to help and protect his best friend in college cost him everything. It really was a stupid decision, but I’m sure we have all made those when we were young. There were better ways to accomplish the outcome that would not of been so harsh, but that’s why they say that hind sight is 20/20. Kudos to Rob for being a man of honor and never giving up the secret that was not his to tell. I would of caved after the 10yr reunion, if not before, if I had loved someone all my life. 

 

Cassie ❤ Casey

 

Lets be honest here, Cassie and Casey is the love story that stole the show! They proved that love at first sight is REAL! That neither time nor distance can stop true love. And that deep love encourages one to step outside their old habits to learn new ones together. They were absolutely adorable!

 A lot of angst about bird care, particularly about clipping wings. The story doesn’t sugar coat the reality of the disagreements caused by differing opinions. Which is refreshing. Mrs. Ayala has birds of her own, so I wonder how close to home this hits for her. I have a feeling this is an argument she has had more than once in her life. I can feel the passion in the words seeping through the pages.


“Kissee, Kissee, Kissee.”

This family is a bit nerve racking. Bossy, nosy, and always telling the other members how they should live their lives. So basically like real life families. There are several side characters you will see again in their own stories. I hope Ella and Declan get HEAs too. They are not listed as main hero or heroine for any of the future titles so far, but its always a possibility they may be a sub plot as the series continues. Larry and Jenna are up next. Larry came off pushy and rude at first but once his details get filled in, you find yourself rooting for him to get a HEA of his own.

 

Audio Sample

 

Rachelle Ayala is great at adding heart to any story. 😊 Even ones that lack the naughty bits. 

 

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First time listening to Jennifer Groberg, and she did well. Her male and female characters could use some more distinction.

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Normal speed was fine, however I listened at 0.90x. It is my personal preference.

My Reviews

Ebook obtained through the Kindle Store.

Audiobook obtained through Audible Romance Package.

Review: Every Rose (Take a Chance #4) by Nancy Warren

18 November 2019 / Reviews, Series / , , , , , , , , , / 3 Comments

This Rose Really Does Have Thorns!

Every Rose is #04 in the Take A Chance Series by Nancy Warren.

Teri Schnaubelt narrates the series.

HEA with No cliffhangers!

These are about the members of the Chase family. I suggest reading them in order to get the best expirence.

Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins

Content Advisory:
There is mild sexplay.

♥ Story ♥

This is about Rose who is referenced as being a General Practitioner Doctor but also as birthing hundreds of babies, so it is not quite clear as to what her specialty is. She works at a hospital in Portland, so its not as if she is a small town doc that ends up doing everything. And can I mention crazy for wearing Prada heels to work. Seriously! In reading the blurb, I was a bit disappointed in her attitude for being one of the Chase siblings. After listening to this book, however, it is not quite as it seems.

 

Rose ❤ Matt

 

Dr. Rose Chance is a very busy women, who doesn’t have room for love and dating in her life. She also has some chips on her shoulder to overcome. I give her credit for being proactive and productive in her life despite her self-delusions. She is attracted to the hot Greek Surgeon at work, but can’t seem to let go of her princess ideals. There are events that will force her to face things in a new light.

 

Dr. Mattius Vasilopolous also comes from a large close-knit family and is also too busy to even remember what day it is sometimes, or if he ate lunch. Matt and Rose have a lot in common and make for a great couple, and she makes him contemplate love at first site. I feel for the guy because it’s going to be an uphill climb to get over her castle walls.

 

Every Rose turned out better than the blurb lets on, which was great. There is nothing wrong with wishing for a fairy-tale, but one needs to be open to reality. There is a famous quote about life and plans for a reason. Some of the secondary characters are going to show up again if you take the time to read the blurbs of future books. I’m looking forward to them all!

 

 

Audio Sample

♥ Author ♥

Nancy Warren’s creativity continues to amaze. Once again she brings a unique medical sitution. It is a bit cringe worthy, the way a man holds his crotch when he sees another get hit in his, but it is definately one I have never heard of before.

 

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♥ Narrator ♥

Teri Schnaubelt is still great. I can’t help but get lost listening to her tell me this wonderful tale.

 

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♥ Audio Production ♥

Normal speed was fine.

My Reviews

Ebook obtained through my local library (Overdrive).

Audiobook obtained at my request and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.