Audiobook | Lost in a Good Book

Love, Just In by Natalie Murray

29 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

by Amy in 3 Stars, Audiobook, Australian Women Writers Tags: aussie books, maddy withington, matthew predny, natalie murray, three stars

Published: 24 March 2015 (print)/3 Jan 2024 (audio)
Publisher: Allen & Unwin/Wavesound from W. F. Howes Ltd
Pages: 464/10 hours, 16 minutes
Narrator: Maddy Withington and Matthew Predny
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Romance
★ ★ ★ – 3 Stars

In the vein of Emily Henry’s You and Me On Vacation, Love, Just In is a friends-to-lovers romance with just enough spice to heat up the summer.

Sydney TV news reporter Josephine “Josie” Larsen is approaching 30 and coming dangerously close to failing at life. Lost in a vortex of other people’s career milestones, engagement parties, and baby showers, Josie is perennially single, abandoned by her globetrotting family, and invisible to her boss – except for the one time he tuned in while she was mid-panic attack on live TV. As a punishment, Josie is shipped off to cover another reporter’s six-month leave at a regional bureau in Newcastle.

But Josie has more waiting for her in Newcastle than yawn-inducing stories about bicycle lane protests. The city is also the domain of Zac Jameson – her best friend since high school. This should be a happy turn of events, but Zac has barely spoken to Josie for the past two years. Not since his fiancée tragically died in his arms in a car accident and he left Sydney to try and cope with his grief.

Now thrown back into each other’s lives, Josie and Zac have to navigate their neglected friendship and secret attraction to each other while struggling with their careers and mental health.

Hilarious, sexy and heart-warming, this is the perfect romcom to sit on the shelves alongside Emily Henry, Sally Thorne and Ali Hazelwood.

Having loved Murray’s Hearts and Crowns series I was keen to jump into her new book and it was not a disappointment. It is sweet, full of the realities of life, of friendship, and love. Being set in a place that was so familiar to me was a bonus and I loved travelling the streets with Josie as she discovers her new hometown.

There are enough little surprises and twists to keep you engaged. The flashbacks give a nice slow reveal to the relationship between Zac and Josie prior to the present day. It’s a nice mystery element without is being a looming secret, it’s meant to be vague for readers to wonder about without derailing the story unnecessarily.

As it’s already pegged as friends to lovers you know there will be a happily ever after, but it is the journey of the characters and the life around them that is an enjoyable exploration. Zac is a great character and Murray teases him out well as you sense the long time friends turned fractured relationship between Josie and himself.

Josie is an anxious mess, not only about her health, but about her life. Her anxieties about her health as well as her mortification about her career can be debilitating and Murray explores this well through the story. It doesn’t become preachy but there is a fabulous message about trusting yourself, being kind to yourself, and facing your fears.

Withington and Predny do a great job on the audiobook. Withington brings Josie to life with her hopes and her anxieties with great balance. Predny’s role is significantly smaller but it was still nice to see Zac come to life and see his perspective of the story.

While it is a sweet romance story about old friends and new beginnings it is also a story about mental health and looking after yourself, and how easily it can interfere with your life. It’s about not having the dreams you expect and being ok with it, while also having the courage to make new dreams which can be just as good.

You can purchase Love, Just In via the following

QBD | Booktopia

Angus and Robinson | Blackwells

Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust | Audible

Husband Material by Alexis Hall

20 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

by Amy in 5 Stars, Audiobook, Fiction, LGBTQIA Tags: alexis hall, Audiobook, five stars, joe jameson, london calling

Published: 2 August 2022 (print)/2 August 2022 (audio)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca/Dreamscape Media
Pages: 416/13 hrs and 35 mins
Narrator: Joe Jameson
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Fiction
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – 5 Stars

Wanted:
One (very real) husband
Nowhere near perfect but desperately trying his best.

In Boyfriend Material, Luc and Oliver met, pretended to fall in love, fell in love for real, dealt with heartbreak and disappointment and family and friends…and somehow figured out a way to make it work. Now it seems like everyone around them is getting married, and Luc’s feeling the social pressure to propose. But it’ll take more than four weddings, a funeral, and a bowl full of special curry to get these two from I don’t know what I’m doing to I do. Good thing Oliver is such perfect Husband Material.

I honestly don’t know why I wait so long to read Hall’s novels because they are all so wonderful that I feel like I could have been revelling in their complexities and intricacies for longer if I had dove in sooner. I instantly fell back in love with these characters and Hall has made their next stage together better than ever. The previous events have been woven is so it never feels like a recap. You get caught up with the relationship between Lucian and Oliver and the comments of the past book never feel clunky or jarring. The natural reminder works in world and is a great way to remind readers what has happened before and why these characters are the way they are.

What makes this series so special is the demonstration that emotional issues are complex and ongoing, nothing is fixed overnight. Through the light humour and the adorableness between these two, Hall manages to cover serious topics without ever changing the tone or becoming preachy. The issues that are important to Oliver and Lucian reflect their character and it’s a wonderful way to highlight the concerns of real life through characters, see how there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, and more importantly, how one issue can be viewed differently by people in the same community.

Hall explores topics like the social queer community as well as society and governmental class with tact and incredible sly comments, all without making it A Thing or feeling like an agenda is being pushed. It’s real through the characters therefore it feels like it belongs in the story. What I adored through this approach is how many issues are addressed and how there are valid criticisms on both sides. Oliver’s points are valid, so are Luc’s so there is balance. Luc is never the only bad guy and Oliver’s own issues pair well with Luc’s so there is never one right side. It is a wonderful point of conflict that also helps readers understand that there are a lot of issues far more complex than they first appear. What also makes it wonderful is Luc has tact and reasonable observations and we can see his growth from being a proper disaster in the previous book which is incredibly heart-warming.

The only real critique of this story is the complete overreaction by a character to seeing a man put his arm around a woman and having a conversation. Given the fact you know what this man’s job is and have no other basis for any other misdeeds, it’s a lot of pages wasted. Truly, if I was with someone who overreacted that much over something so small it would be worrying. But that’s beside the point. Minor critique (that bugged me a lot). And yes, we could say it is in character if we must, but it still annoyed me which I recognise is a me issue. Other than that, phenomenal book.

To be fair, all the characters are a mess in their own way. It is greatly reassuring to see this in people who aren’t teenagers. People in their late twenties and thirties are allowed to be a disaster too and while they can have serious jobs and marriages you are allowed to be imperfect. For all my own overreactions to minor plot points I did love these characters, faults and all. Hall’s writing makes you envious of their friendship and makes you wish you had these kinds of relationships and friendship groups. The ride or die of your teens can still happen as an adult and found family is very much a thing even with real family nearby. Jameson does a fantastic job once again bringing them to life through the audiobook and they are are vivid and alive as if there was a movie playing in front of me. A testament to Jameson’s skill and Hall’s writing.

I didn’t read the blurb before I started reading so when I realised the strong Four Weddings and a Funeral vibes I was impressed with myself until I realised it was openly referenced in the description. Nevertheless, it is a perfect comparison because the four weddings and a funeral aside, the chaos of this friend group is similar and I loved that.

I knew this was going to be a five star book three quarters of the way through. Hall has created another amazing book and chapter in Lucian and Oliver’s story. I am so glad to add this book to my shelf. I might seriously need a reread of book one as well because almost immediately I fell back in love with these two adorable fools and I am too impatient for book three to get my next fix.

You can purchase Husband Material via the following

QBD | Booktopia | Dymocks

Wordery | Angus and Robinson | Blackwells

Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust | Audible

Royals by Tegan Bennett Daylight

02 Aug 2023 Leave a comment

by Amy in 5 Stars, Audiobook, Australian Women Writers, Young Adult Tags: Audiobook, aussie books, five stars, loveozya, shabana azeez, tegan bennett daylight, young adult

Published: 3 May 2023 (print)/2 May 2023 (audio)
Publisher: Simon Schuster Australia/Simon and Schuster Australia Audio
Pages: 280/6 hrs and 18 mins
Narrator: Shabana Azeez
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Young Adult
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – 5 Stars

What happens when a group of teenagers is stranded indefinitely in a shopping centre, alone? With all the stuff they could possibly want … and a baby? Is it paradise – or hell?

With no phones and no internet, Shannon and her fellow prisoners are completely disconnected from the outside world… and their online lives. It’s hard to say whether they’ll be driven to delinquency, or – even worse – forced to make friends irl. Will the limitless bubble tea, Maccas, high-end trainers and tech equipment be enough to keep the six teens safe and happy until they can find a way out, or is this all the start of something more sinister?

Acclaimed author Tegan Bennett Daylight’s first novel for young adults reconceives Lord of the Flies for Gen Z, and in a suspenseful, character-driven and enthralling story, reveals that surviving in isolation just might bring us closer together.

I do love books like this where something is happening and the regular world has shifted somehow. The teens trapped alone somewhere is not a new concept, but I absolutely adore the way Bennett Daylight has constructed this. The mystery of the outside, the mystery of what’s happening inside, it’s a fascinating premise and one that has been executed beautifully. Azeez does a wonderful job as narrator for the audiobook. Shannon’s voice comes to live and immerses you deep in the story from the beginning.

Being locked inside a shopping centre unsupervised is probably a lot of people’s dreams and while I think Bennett Daylight would have done a fantastic job with any variation, I love the creativity of this story. I don’t get where the Lord of the Flies reference from the blurb come from aside from kids being alone to fend for themselves. There are better comparisons inside the story itself where the characters discuss their situation and cycle through everything from The Breakfast Club to The Hunger Games to The Truman Show.

The length of time and the activities the group does is filtered through the whole story, and while there is obvious linear progression, there are also moments where time becomes an unknown entity. The way the characters work with and around the shops and the food court, the interactions between each character and the activities they do is engaging and interesting to read. I really loved the unexpected revelations and I loved the snippets of information mentioned early on that leaves the reader wondering while the story or character has moved on.

Information about Shannon is gradually revealed and it never felt forced or out of place. Bennett Daylight is great at using the environment and the events of the story to add information and does so for each character is clever ways. As a narrator Shannon is an engaging voice making this book an easy read. Bennett Daylight has done a brilliant job giving her a voice that feel young and inexperienced while also projecting the wisdom of youth, reminding the reader they aren’t as shallow and selfish many think them to be.

I genuinely loved these characters by the end. I loved their friendship, their lives, and their relationship. I loved the found family and the community they established. I don’t want a sequel because this book is perfect by itself, but I do want to know what happens next. I also now imagine it happening again. No spoilers (despite by absolute burning desire), but I do want to know if it’s happened before or if it will happen again.

This is a fun, easy read that does what it says on the tin; it navigates the experience of teenagers living in an all access, no worries shopping centre. Bennett Daylight beautifully covers some main problems that may arise, but at the same time she offers enough issues that the characters still have to have some responsibility.

As much as I am dying to discuss the ending, I shan’t. I will say however I was very impressed with Bennett Daylight’s approach. For all my theories through the story, the ones that changed and shifted with each new little bit of information, I really loved where it settled. It was a mixture of satisfaction as well as keeping some of the mystery.

You can purchase Royals via the following

QBD | Booktopia | Dymocks

Wordery | Angus and Robinson

Fishpond | Amazon Aust | Audible

Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith

07 Jun 2023 Leave a comment

by Amy in 3 Stars, Audiobook, Young Adult Tags: Audiobook, lgbt, LGBTQIA, three stars, tobly mcsmith, trans, transgender, young adult

Published: 3 August 2021 (print)/26 May 2020 (audio)
Publisher: Quill Tree Books/Naxos Audio
Pages: 384/9 hrs and 19 mins
Narrator: Theo Germaine, Phoebe Strole
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Young Adult
★ ★ ★ – 3 Stars

Content warning: This book deals with and depicts scenes of transphobia, homophobia, suicidal ideation and violent hate crimes.

Pony just wants to fly under the radar during senior year. Tired from all the attention he got at his old school after coming out as transgender, he’s looking for a fresh start at Hillcrest High. But it’s hard to live your best life when the threat of exposure lurks down every hallway and in every bathroom.

Georgia is beginning to think there’s more to life than cheerleading. She plans on keeping a low profile until graduation…which is why she promised herself that dating was officially a no-go this year.

Then, on the very first day of school, the new guy and the cheerleader lock eyes. How is Pony supposed to stay stealth when he wants to get close to a girl like Georgia? How is Georgia supposed to keep her promise when sparks start flying with a boy like Pony?

This was an interesting mixed bag in terms of reviewing because I liked so much of it but other parts were unrealistic. I won’t list them here because while they aren’t quite spoilers it’s not entirely relevant either.

There’s content warnings for assault, brief misgendering and minor suicidal ideation but McSmith includes these in key moments from certain characters. Pony is trying to establish himself at the new school with a lot of pressure coming at him from friends and family, and it isn’t until further in the book do you realise how much that goal is holding him together. How hard everything is, how exhausting it is for Pony to be the person he’s presenting to the world. It’s also a wonderful example of how it doesn’t take much to change someone’s entire viewpoint if it comes at the wrong time. Enough blows will make anybody fall.

The further I got into this story the more grateful I was this wasn’t going to be a story of major abusive and transphobia. The positivity Pony described from his previous school, and his own happiness with himself made dealing with an unsupportive father easier, especially with his sister and mother by his side. But of course people are going to be people. The scene comes towards the end of the book, and as much as felt like it was a token scene of abuse, I kind of understand why MCSmith included it. You can’t ignore the fact transphobia exists, and you can’t help there’s horrible people around, but at the same time after a book that was 90% light hearted happy vibes of regular teen drama and identity quests, having a sudden shift was a shock. Thankfully it comes towards the end and McSmith definitely uses it as a jumping of point for major character development. It has a purpose which is something I suppose.

I was worried it would become too cinematic perfection by the end, especially with the subplot of Pony helping out the former movie star. That was an interesting side story that felt important but also wasn’t quite as significant as I expected. It helped Pony realise some things, but McSmith doesn’t use it as a saviour either which I was expecting.

All the characters grow in their own way, which is all you can ask of them. Max, Pony, Georgia and even Pony’s family evolve and while there is room for improvement hope is all you can leave a person with. Sometimes stark realities and harsh reminders are needed, even if feels out of place.

People are capable of incredibly things with the right motivation and seeing Georgia’s growth as she comes into herself and realises her own identity is wonderful. Pony’s own realisation about what kind of person he wants to be is ongoing, the shield he’s held up about His Identity through the year is allowing more of himself to come through. McSmith concludes the book knowing everyone is going to be ok, even if it feels a tad cheesy sometimes that can be ok.

You can purchase Stay Gold via the following

Booktopia | Dymocks

Wordery | Angus and Robinson

Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust | Audible

Here for the Right Reasons (#1) by Jodi McAlister

24 May 2023 Leave a comment

by Amy in 3 Stars, Audiobook, Australian Women Writers Tags: Audiobook, fiction, fiction romance, jaimee taylor-nielsen, jodi mcalister, marry me juliet, three stars

Published: 6 July 2022 (print)/5 July 2022 (audio)
Publisher: Simon Schuster Australia/Simon Schuster Australia
Pages: 352/9 hrs and 45 mins
Narrator: Jaimee Taylor-Nielsen
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Fiction
★ ★ ★ – 3 Stars

When Cece James agrees to be cast as a ‘Juliet’ on the next season of the hit television show Marry Me, Juliet, it’s certainly not for the right reasons. She’s knee deep in debt and desperate for the associated paycheck. The last thing on her mind is the hunky ‘Romeo’ waiting for her at the end of the gravel driveway.

But Dylan Jayasinghe Mellor isn’t your usual fame-hungry TV star. An Olympic gold medallist with calloused hands, kind eyes and a propensity for panic attacks, it turns out he’s not here for the right reasons either. As spokesperson for a men’s mental health foundation, and the franchise’s first non-white male lead, Dylan’s got a charity to plug and something to prove.

When Cece gets eliminated on the first night, it seems like her and Dylan’s awkward first meeting will be their last conversation. But when the TV set is shut down unexpectedly, Cece and Dylan suddenly get a little more time together than they’d expected.

Will love bloom when the cameras stop rolling?

Reading these out of order was accidental so I knew what to expect but at the same time I was interested to see a whole new storyline because there is definitely two separate love stories happening despite being set during the same experience.

I loved that for the first part on the show we see the same conversations playing out because of course they’re all in the same group. It makes me wonder if I’d done it in another order I’d have the same surprises. The ending of book two was a nice reveal that you had an inkling about, whereas this doesn’t have the same feeling of mystery to it.

Without comparing the two books, I found I wasn’t invested in the Dylan/Cece relationship like I was before with the other story. I don’t know why, Dylan is perfectly nice, a little one dimensional at times, maybe too I couldn’t warm up to Cece as narrator. I found myself tuning out unintentionally which I felt bad about, but I couldn’t stay in the story. The conversations between Dylan and Cece didn’t grab me and it felt flat. It wasn’t that I need drama or anything, but I never became invested in their characters.

You definitely see the two falling in love as they become better friends, a great contrast against the backdrop of reality TV and fabricated relationships for personal gain and fame. You also see Cece’s growth as she builds in confidence and finds out what’s she’s looking for, but she never felt complete. With the knowledge of book two I actually enjoyed their relationship from an outsider’s perspective more fulfilling.

I felt I got more out of the story having read book two. I probably wouldn’t have noticed if I did it the other way but there was something interesting about having extra knowledge that wasn’t being revealed in the story. Knowing the ending doesn’t ruin anything. You know where it’s going to go anyway, this is enjoying the journey and discovering the trials and tribulations on the way to the destination.

McAlister did a great job having two separate locations and so dual storylines could happen. We only see Cece’s side, and this focuses it more on a story with her inner turmoil than being about the dating show aspect alone. Often the television dating part is something happening in the background, something that we pop in and out of and connects to a wider story. That’s not to say we don’t see the drama of reality TV. There are extra characters to clash with but the situation McAlister has put Cece in means a lot of time is spent in her head which often felt repetitive.

I did like that both books give an unconventional conclusion; a romance that comes from unexpected places but still a place of sincerity and honesty. I can definitely sense there is a third book coming. If not there needs to be another story about Lilly, her social media brand and whatever is going on with that producer. I need answers because it’s mentioned often enough, and cryptically enough, in both books that it’s a failing if McAlister doesn’t offer any answers at all.

You can purchase Here for the Right Reasons via the following

QBD | Booktopia

Dymocks | Angus and Robinson

Fishpond | Amazon Aust | Audible