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.

Midweek Reading Roundup #23

Happy Hump Day beauties.

Here we are at another Midweek Reading Roundup. First up let’s look at last weeks offering you can read that here.

Last: Improbable Meet Cute By Christina Lauren Abbey Jimenez, Sally Thorne, Jasmine Guillory, Sariah Wilson, Ashley Poston

I only finished listening to this last night so watch this space for my review. I ordered this purely thanks to Christina Lauren but I enjoyed the other ladies stories too.

Now: (Audiobook) Fourth Wing By Rebecca Yarros

Now: The Happiest Ever After By Milly Johnson.

I’m loving this book and I’m annoyed with myself that it’s taken me so long to finish it. As ever a complete treat from Milly.

Next: Partners In Crime By Agatha Christie

Next: Get your Shit together By Sarah Knight

Well that’s what I think will be next….watch this space.

Let’s talk Audio….Books, Podcasts and so on.

January was a predominantly audiobook month for me. Without even realising which is great as I’m taking part in #2024AudiobookChallenge with my target for the year to be 50 and I’ve listened to six in the first month.

As I’ve been feeling under the weather a friend mentioned meditation. I’ve tried mindfulness in a number of ways and it doesn’t always work for me. I decided to jump into bed and listen to an audiobook- instead I decided to listen to a Sleep episode on #Audible.

It was a seven min listen about tension that had me feeling relaxed and super sleepy. I had a really good sleep and didn’t wake until nearer six for a wee. I then went back to sleep until ten or just before. It really helped.

Last night I decided to try a different one…both made me sleepy although I think the first one relaxed me a little more. Although the second one was soothing and I definitely think I’ll check out more from Dr Nerina.

I’m currently listening to the Improbable Meet Cute and I believe I’m on the third short story of six.

Podcasts – The Well-being Lab from Will Young has been a favourite but there isn’t a series at present. And I’ve dipped in and out of Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place and the sleep episodes are classed as them. I really enjoy podcasts and would love to get into some more so hit me with some inspiration. I listened to some Running ones a while back to but haven’t in forever.

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.

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.

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish goals for 2024

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish in June 2010 out of a love of lists. In January of 2018 we decided it was time to close our doors. It was then moved to That Artsy Reader Girl here. It came from a love of lists, books and a desire to bring bookish people together.

So let’s start by looking at the bookish goals I set for 2023. You can read that post here.

Where do I start….

• Read more classics – now this is something I didn’t really get to last year bar a few Agatha Christie reads.
• Read out of my comfort zone.
• New Audiobook challenge 50 reads #2024AudiobookChallenge.
• Buddy read – I didn’t get as many buddy reads in, in 2023 so I hope to change that this year.
• Review every book I read – I did a lot more last year but not every book. I’m already one book behind but I hope to change that.
• Regularly blogging – I’ve been truly inspired by a friend to get more organised and more consistent. So watch this space.
• Read more Non-Fiction – This was on last years list and I managed to read x
• Netgalley – In order to get more organised I also need to get on top of my Netgalley reading. Not just requesting every book I like, but reading and actually reviewing for the publishers. Doing more of this will open many more doors for me in terms of my blogging life.
• Donate books I have doubles of and those I won’t reread. Last year after my operation one of my first trips out was a walk to the Blackheath book library. I donated a bag of books that I wouldn’t read again or that I had doubles of. I ended up picking up the first novel in the Thursday Murder Club a book I loved. I have the second on my TBR and I will be getting onto that shortly.
• Beat the back log – I have so many books in my room that are calling for me to read them. I am hoping to add at least one from the ever expanding pile onto each months TBR.

So that’s my 10 as you can see there are a few that have been carried over onto this year.

In 2023 I read 57/53 books and this year I’ve upped my GoodReads target to 75. I believe I listened to 32 audiobooks and my aim for this year is 50. I’ve already listened to two audiobooks and finished 3 books. I’m in the middle of two books one being a collection of short stories and I’m to decide on what my next audiobook will be….

Audiobook Review: Confess By Colleen Hoover

Blurb: At age twenty-one, Auburn Reed has already lost everything important to her. In her fight to rebuild her shattered life, she has her goals in sight and there is no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is keeping a major secret from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

To save their relationship, all Owen needs to do is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin.

Review: What a way to kick off my audiobook reading for 2024. Colleen Hoover does it again. This novel pacts so many punches including so many sins. Young love, family secrets, family tragedy, death, addiction, assault just to name a few.

At the beginning of this story we meet Auburn and Adam. As teens their love is looked down on but seeing as Adam is dying they want to spend every second they have together understandably. Fast forward to Auburn now doing all she can to make ends meet, now I don’t want to spoil any of the reveals but there is so much to Auburn and her extremely heart wrenching story. I felt for her from the off and then when she meets Owen a spark in her is reignited. There’s a fire that’s she’s been missing since Adam passed away.

There are so many secrets throughout this novel that will keep you listening in my case or turning the pages in a physical sense. It’s heartfelt it’s real and so incredibly raw, just the lengths we go to for those that we love.

Like most Colleen Hoover novels there’s an element of sexiness but that’s not the majority or what this novel is about although it will keep you on your toes. I often see so many negative connotations to this author, yet I almost always love every single novel. Her female characters are real, raw including being flawed from time to time. Auburn has had to grow up fast yet there is an element of naïveté in that. In seeing her realise this that’s when her strength changes and her resolve becomes to get who and what she wants. That’s a powerful and empowering woman right there. Although in saying that there was an aspect where I thought she was going to turn into a doormat but I’m so glad that spark kicked in.

Confess being a complete link to so many aspects made me smile. Owen’s studio of work based on strangers real and raw confessions was absolute genius.

As the novel ends so much comes together, I was left smiling yet also wondering if we’ll ever see any of these characters again.

2024 Audiobook Challenge

I still have a number of reviews to finish and updates to do but today I saw this challenge and my interest was piqued.

In 2023 I listened to 32 audiobooks utilising both Libby and Audible. I’ve started 2024 listening to Confess by Colleen Hoover a novel that I’m 48% into.

Challenge Details

Once again it’s hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer and That’s What I’m Talking About and you can sign up anytime you like.

Use hashtag #2024AudiobookChallenge on social media to alert others of your listens and progress. Runs from 1st January 2024 – December 31st 2024. You can join at anytime.

The goal is to find a new love for audio or to outdo yourself by listening to more audios in 2024 than you did in 2023.

Books must be in audio format CD, MP3 etc.

Any Genres count…

Re-read and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.

You do not have to be a book blogger to participate, you can track your progress on GoodReads, Facebook, library thing etc. I recommend making a shelf on Goodreads titled 2024 Audiobook challenge.

If you’re a blogger grab the button and do a quick post about the challenge to spread the word. If you’re not a blogger you can help by posting on Facebook or tweeting about the challenge.

Updates plus a giveaway will be posted twice a year. The first update will be July 6th 2024, and the last update will take place on December 28th 2024.

Achievement Levels

Newbie (I’ll give it a try) 1-5

Weekend Warrior (I’m getting the hang of this) 5-10

Stenographer (can listen while multitasking) 10-15

Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20

Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you) 20-30

My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted) 30+

Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+

The 100 Club (Audiobook Elite) 100+

I Can’t Hear You (earbuds always in) 125-150

Audibly Addicted ( listening to all the books 24/7) 150+

I am hoping to be a Marathoner meaning I’m hoping to listen to 18 more books than I did in 2023.

Bookish goals for 2023 – How did I fare?

So let’s start with taking a look at the list in the original post. You can read that here.

Read more books – A totally obvious choice and I did that in spades. In 2022 I read 25 books and in 2023 I finished on 57, I had imagined to have read a few more but nearer the end of the year I was rundown and headaches and being busy meant I didn’t finish the few I thought I would.

Review every single book I read – Now this didn’t happen but I did review more than I didn’t so that’s a massive plus and a decent stepping stone.

GoodReads target 53 – I finished on 57 so this made me happy and I’ve increased 2024 target to 75.

Read more classics – well this was a fail. But I did start an Agatha Christie subscription and I’ve read a few of them this year.

Beat the back log – I may have read a few but this didn’t really happen. (Do I need to make a post with a bunch I hope to include each month)

Donate books I won’t reread or doubles – At the beginning of last year following my ear operation, when I got out on a walk for the first time I dropped off a bunch of books to the Blackheath book box.

Buddy Read –Now this is where it gets tricky I’m sure we did but not as on point as previously. We had hoped to start the year reading the new Paige Toon but I haven’t got it on Netgalley 😭

Read more Non Fiction – I want to say there were at least 5. I have added a few more to my TBR and still need to review a short one that I listened to, that was extremely empowering.

Outside of comfort zone – ummm I think I attempted this but it will definitely go back on this years goals.

Listen to more Audiobooks – of my 57 books I listened to 32 audiobooks so this definitely was a winner.

Now what should be on my bookish goals for 2024?