Audiobook Review: Get Your Shit Together By Sarah Knight

Blurb: From the author who brought you the best-selling book everyone is talking about, The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k: The no-f**ks-given, no-holds-barred guide to living your best life. 

Ever find yourself snowed under at the office – or even just glued to the sofa – when you really want to get out (for once), get to the gym (at last), and get started on that daunting dream project you’re always putting off? Then it’s time to get your sh*t together. 

In The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k, ‘anti-guru’ Sarah Knight introduced the joys of mental decluttering. Get Your Sh*t Together takes you one stop further – organizing the f*cks you want and need to give to help you quit your day job and move abroad, balance work and fun – and save money while you’re at it – or simply get out of the door for happy hour every day. 

Review: Following listening to You Do You I instantly added this book to my Libby library and had imagined that I would have started listening straight after You Do You. That wasn’t to be but I knew I needed more of Sarah’s wit and wisdom in my life. Lately I’ve loved listening to Thrillers but I needed something else in walk Sarah. Within the first 20 mins I knew this book would keep me captivated and inspired – and boy was I not disappointed. There are so many things we do daily that if we change a little by little we can accomplish anything and live a more fulfilling life in so many ways.

I love the way Sarah uses different real life things to describe many of us. I also really liked the reference to the Chipmunks. She really does have a way with words and makes it fun. You might feel seen in some aspects and in others you’re like I’m not that bad.

I really do enjoy listening to the author read their own words and with Sarah it’s like talking to a friend. The chat is laid back and easy to understand – self help at it’s best. I’ve seen so many pan this book but why. It does what it says on the tin. Making you realise that deep down whatever you want to achieve is inside you. You just have to want it enough to reach for it.

Short, sharp and to the point. More often than not deep down we already know what we need to do more of and what we need to get out of. If you’re looking for a self-help book that will make you think and will make sense look no further.

Midweek Reading Roundup #26

It’s been a while since I’ve penned a Midweek Reading Roundup and I’m so sorry that’s the case. So before I look at where I’m at this week let’s look at the last roundup. You can read that here.

I wanted March to be better than February and in some ways it has been, having listened to two epic Thrillers by B.A.Paris pretty much back to back. I’m pleased to say there are still a few of hers I’m yet to read and I know it will get me out of a slump and be a captivating experience in so many ways.

Last: The Dilemma By B.A.Paris

Still penning my thoughts on this beauty…

Now: Audibook Runner’s High By Jenni Falconer

Now: Physical book Mad Woman By Bryony Gordon

Next: Seven Summers By Paige Toon

How I’ve managed to keep this on my kindle this long. But it’s incoming…

This post should have come up last night and I have almost finished both of the now books.

Audiobook Review: The Therapist By B.A.Paris

Blurb: Tell me your secrets…. 

When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive…. 

As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating, grisly secret about her new home—and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before. 

Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbours are keeping secrets, and things are not as perfect as they seem….

Review: Having recently read B.A Paris latest novel The Guest. I thought it was high time I started reading the offerings of hers I haven’t read. In looking at Libby I downloaded The Therapist and The Dilemma. Quite quickly I became hooked on The Therapist and quite quickly it became a rollercoaster read that was thrilling and captivating.

Alice is an intriguing leading lady and in seeing others thoughts most people didn’t warm to her. I didn’t dislike her but at times I found myself a little frustrated with her. Although so much was thrown at her and her back story of her and Leo was drip fed to aid the story. Making me judge everyone and anyone throughout. I’ve also seen people say that they sussed the killer early on and I honestly don’t know how. I was on tenderhooks changing my mind and thought process a lot. When the penny finally dropped it was so close to the final stages of the book, keeping me well and truly captivated from start to finish.

So many lies, so many stories all within the circle. I loved how B.A Paris had me second guessing myself and doubting each and every character. The circle is an eclectic bunch and at times I was like they don’t even like each other. So many little nuggets that go unnoticed until Alice finally pieces them together. A true rollercoaster read that will have you hooked from start to finish.

Weekly Update #84

Here we are at the end of another week let’s take a look at my last update before I share my latest. You can read that here.

It’s been an interesting week I haven’t been 100% so my running and gym has been well and truly out of the window once again which is making me extremely frustrated.

I had Monday off and decided to have a chilled day I started the day by doing a covid test all fine not that and trying to get a doctors appointment. That was also a frustrating one, I then took myself to Greenwich Picturehouse to watch Dear England on the screen. Once again it blew my mind and gave me a multitude of emotions. The Harry Maguire was different to the one I saw at the theatre but was still so good. I can’t believe I only saw it once when it returns I’m definitely going to be there a lot more.

So what did the blog look like I hear you say…it’s not been a bad week. I finished a few things as January ended but haven’t completed anything as yet for February.

On Monday 29th I shared two glorious cover reveals from them beauties at Simon & Schuster up first was Heidi Swain’s next festive offering and you can read that here.

The second cover reveal was a Sharon Gosling beauty and you can read that post here. As I stated I don’t post any cover reveals and then like buses there’s two in one day.

On Tuesday I shared my extremely early review of The Guest an audiobook that I listened to via Netgalley. You can read that post here.

Wednesday saw one of my favourite posts to pen a Midweek Reading Roundup and you can reread that here. I absolutely love penning these but do let me know if there is anything else you would like to see in these posts.

I started February by looking back on what January looked like. I’m really happy with my progress although would like some more physical and ebooks in February. So watch this space. Do you like my wrap up? Is there anything more you would like to see in these posts. You can read it here.

Friday saw another bumper day with two more cover reveals one from Simon & Schuster again and then from the fabulous Cressida McClaughlin.

Up first was In Bloom By Eva verde you can read that here. And then the fabulous Cressida McClaughlin I saw this post as I left work and wow it’s swoonsome and full of sunshine. You can view that here.

So that’s my week…I did end up getting seen by the doctor on Thursday I’m now on medication so feeling a little better. I’ve tried to have as chilled a day as I can today. Although I am having regular blood pressure checks – hopefully it’s just the illness but we shall see.

Over on my Twitter or X HayleyTOfficial I am currently doing a poll to choose my next physical book.

• Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow
• Blood Flowers
• Partners in crime
• Something else.

Monthly wrap up: What I read in January…

Sooo January is most definitely over and now we move into my most favourite month of the year. It’s also a big one for me this year 👀.

There was no January TBR so in that there was no specific pressure. I set my GoodReads target for the year as 75 after over achieving last year. I’m pleased to say that January was a really good month I read 8 books. It was a majority audiobook month, which means I’m on 6 audiobooks for the year so far in my #Audiobookchallenge2024 which I believe I set to 50. So a really good start to the year…

This was my first read of the year…I had hoped to have finished this on the last day of December but that wasn’t to be and sadly my thoughts haven’t been fully penned.

My first audiobook of 2024 had to be a Colleen Hoover novel. I listened to and read a number of hers last year and I’ve loved every single second of each read in differing ways. My Review

Another audiobook well let’s face it most of January’s reads were. This was on my TBR for a while and I also had the ebook but this was a Libby read and a really good one. My Review

A collection of short stories as part of a blog tour. I really do love doing these type of reviews and reading out of my comfort zones.

Another audio and a short one of two festive stories from the fabulous Giovanna Fletcher. Another one that I haven’t penned my thoughts on and I’m not sure I will. I do really want to read the full book that these characters are from.

Another Colleen Hoover treat – an interesting listen. You can read my review here.

This was a gorgeous Netgalley audiobook and this is a February release. See sometimes I’m organised and ahead of the game. You can read my review here.

Now how I have had this on my TBR for so long. A no nonsense much needed self help book. I listened to this and have another of Sarah’s awaiting me watch this space for my thoughts.

What else would you like to see in these wrap ups? And would you like a February TBR?

Audiobook Review: Maybe Not (a novella) By Colleen Hoover

Blurb: When Warren has the opportunity to live with a female roommate, he instantly agrees. It could be an exciting change.

Or maybe not.

Especially when that roommate is the cold and seemingly calculating Bridgette. Tensions run high and tempers flare as the two can hardly stand to be in the same room together. But Warren has a theory about Bridgette: anyone who can hate with that much passion should also have the capability to love with that much passion. And he wants to be the one to test this theory.

Will Bridgette find it in herself to warm her heart to Warren and finally learn to love?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Review: Now this audiobook was a truly interesting listen. Maybe Not is very different to that of Maybe Someday which I read long before Colleen Hoover became the TikTok sensation she is now. I feel for this author as I always see a lot of marmite reviews for her stories. Now there are elements in this novella that are uncomfortable to listen to or read at best as a woman. So if you’re triggered by complicated sexual encounters I think that’s the best way to describe it, then this book may not be for you.

Warren and Bridget start off as enemies with venomous animosity on both sides. Or is that just a weird way of flirting- you make your mind up. Some of their scenes were humorous some were damn right steamy and as I say some were uncomfortable. Both characters have their own back story and reasoning for the way they are and as that unfolds I found myself rooting for them. It’s not your average boy meets girl or enemies to lovers, but as ever Colleen has me unable to stop listening I needed to know where the story was going right from the off.

I found myself easily invested in the characters and throughout the strange elements I was glad they found their way. I believe there’s another story so I’m intrigued to see if these characters feature and how they fare.

Audiobook Review: Everything you’ll Ever Need (you can find within yourself) By Charlotte Freeman

Blurb: Everything You’ll Ever Need (You Can Find Within Yourself) is Charlotte Freeman’s first book and was written from the most vulnerable places of the heart. This book is open and honest, written to resonate with those who need it the most.

Full of messages we all sometimes need, that often come at just the right time, this book is your reminder that everything you’ll ever need, you can find within yourself.

Review: This is a short audiobook with short, sharp and to the point chapters that will inspire and give you a much needed boost.

In the time I’ve had this via the Libby library I have listened to it a number of times. On my last listen I penned some notes so that I could do my review justice. I can definitely see me downloading and listening to this again in the future.

Self love can save you – that sentence alone makes me smile and makes me thoughtful. To say my self esteem is up and down is most definitely an understatement, at the moment I’m in a pretty good place. Charlotte’s words hit home and made me feel seen and heard.

There is a lot of emphasis on worth, capability and how it comes from within. Be unapologetically yourself – this definitely made me smile as that’s a slogan that the legend that is Mary Earps uses, and one I can wholeheartedly get on board with.

Stop overthinking in terms of life and also in convincing yourself that no one will listen to the madness in your head. Wow! Now this definitely made me feel seen. In some aspects I’m getting better in others not so much.

A self-help book that you can get on board with as I said I felt seen on a number of aspects. It’s not preachy and it’s written so you can emphasise and I guess feel seen. Charlottes words resonated with me on a number of things and I’m feeling empowered from listening to this. As I say I’ve listened to these words a few times and I dare say I’ll do so again someday.

Weekly Update #83

Sometimes a few days off is just what you need to reset, refocus and be inspired by life once again.

I have tried to be more organised this week, so let’s take a look at how I faired and whether that transpired here at Hayley Reviews. I must add this post should have been finished and scheduled for yesterday. I had made a start but my break at work wasn’t as long as usual as I had a lot to do yesterday so my apologies. Although do let me know if you would like to see this stay on Saturday’s or whether Sunday works better.

Now before I share the posts of the week I wanted to check in and see if you would like me to keep this purely about the books, or whether you would like my other life updates do let me know.

On Monday I shared my review of The Chalet By Catherine Cooper.

My Review

On Tuesday I shared a Top Ten Tuesday post that you can read it here.

On Wednesday I had hoped to share two posts but I shared my blog tour of short stories.

My Review

On Thursday I shared my much anticipated thoughts on Yellowface.

My Review

I had meant to post a non fiction review on Friday and this update yesterday, as I say I hadn’t made the final touches on either or scheduled them. So here we are, with that in mind I hope I can have all my posts scheduled for the week with the ones pre done being sorted as and when.

Do let me know if you want me to stick to purely the books or whether you liked my previous ramblings. Until next time…

Audiobook Review: Yellowface By R.F.Kuang

Blurb: Athena Liu is a literary darling and June Hayward is literally nobody.

White lies

When Athena dies in a freak accident, June steals her unpublished manuscript and publishes it as her own under the ambiguous name Juniper Song.

Dark humour

But as evidence threatens June’s stolen success, she will discover exactly how far she will go to keep what she thinks she deserves.

Deadly consequences…

What happens next is entirely everyone else’s fault.

Review: Now where do I begin? I don’t always like reading books that are hyped up. They either go one way or another for me. Although in saying that I was far too intrigued about this one to miss out.

As I could get a copy of this via my library using the Libby app I jumped at the chance to devour this novel. I had heard so much about it and wanted to make my own assumptions. Although in saying that the last novel that had been hyped I tried to listen to and I had to give up. That was my only worry although the intensity of this novel and how quickly the story took a turn left me truly captivated. I was in awe and in shock as to what was transpiring.

This is a fast paced and truly intoxicating read about the world of publishing. Showcasing the good, the bad and the incredibly ugly side of it. I had Psycho vibes where you know Norman is in the wrong but on a small level you want him to overcome it. That’s how I felt listening to June. She is a truly incredible leading lady, that has you with a mixture of emotions. I mean I don’t want to ruin the story but wow she really is a character, and just like with Norman Bates, you know there’s a whole element of dishonesty yet you also are willing to see her get through it.

There’s a number of emotions as a reader and I guess there’s a number of emotions from June. She justifies a lot of her actions but wholeheartedly I don’t feel even she believes some of her reasonings. I’ve seen and heard bits and pieces about the publishing industry and a lot of people say this is a true account, in the parts I know I think it can be.

Yellowface is a page turner that will captivate you and suck you in. My final comment will be simply believe the hype!!. A beautiful read that I wish I could get that first read feel back again.

Blog Tour: Extracting Humanity and other stories By Stephen Oram @OramStephen

Blurb: The future is near…

In this remarkably perceptive collection, Stephen Oram blends cutting-edge science and tech with everyday emotions and values to create 20 thought experiments with heart.

Extracting Humanity is a skilful exploration of smart currencies, memorials, medical care, treatment of refugees, social networks, data monitoring, and justice systems. Always without prescription or reprimand, these stories are simply the beginning of the conversation.

From an eerie haptic suit that Tommy must call Father, to a protective, nutritious bubble that allows Feng Mian to survive on a colonised Moon; from tattoos that will earn their wearers a mini-break in a sensory chamber, to Harrie anxiously awaiting AI feedback on her unborn child… These startling, diverse narratives map all-too-real possibilities for our future and the things that might ultimately divide or unite us.

Review: Firstly, I love short stories so when Isabel asked if I wanted to join this blog tour I jumped at the chance. Secondly this set of short stories will definitely go down as out of my comfort zone and not my usual reading. Don’t get me wrong I’ve read the odd dystopian novel in my time but this is on another level. It’s futuristic and it’s oddly scary that this could be the way our lives change.

What I’ve really loved about these stories is although they have a linked aspect in the futuristic technology, they are all extremely different. Some will tug at your heart strings where others are strange and thought provoking. This has shown me that I really must delve out of my comfort zone much more this year, and thankfully that is on my 2024 bookish goals so watch this space. Alternatively if there’s a book you think I should read let me know.

There’s so much variety within these stories and they will definitely leave you thinking about them long after the last page.

Be sure to check out the rest of the tour.