Audiobook Review: Hail Mary by Andy Weir

📚 Audiobook Review – Hail Mary by Andy Weir

🎧 Narrated by: Ray Porter

🥃 Rating: ★★★★★

---

This book blindsided me in the best possible way. I wasn’t expecting to fall for a story that opens with a man waking up alone in a spaceship—but here we are. There’s a bit of mystery, a lot of science, and a surprising amount of heart… which is impressive for a book where one of the main characters isn’t even human.

Ryland Grace is an accidental astronaut with a snarky streak and a heart of gold. He’s alone in space (for reasons I won’t spoil), and the weight of the entire planet rests on his very-unqualified shoulders. Watching him puzzle through each challenge—while recovering memories piece by piece—had me totally hooked. It’s like a sci-fi escape room… except the room is a spaceship and Earth explodes if you fail.

Audiobook Review: Capture the Sun by Jessie Milhalik

 

📚 Capture the Sun – Jessie Mihalik

🥃🥃🥃 Bourbons

🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level

I love this world. Truly. Jessie Mihalik has built a universe that hits all my sci-fi romance buttons—spaceships, political maneuvering, badass heroines, and rogues with hidden hearts of gold. The series is fun, clever, and richly layered. But if I’m being honest, this installment didn’t quite hit the same as the others.

Part of that is on me. I read the first two books back to back, and I was fully immersed. But by the time this one came around, I’d let too much time pass and most of the plot details from book two had drifted off into the void. The emotional weight just didn’t carry the same punch when I couldn’t remember what everyone was mad about. Totally a me problem, not a Mihalik problem.

Review: Gladiator

Buy on Amazon

I got on a bit of a space opera kick last month, so my friend thought I might like this sci-fi romance in audio to keep me occupied on my latest road trip. This one is not a space opera, but involves different aliens (animal and humanoid), kidnapping, intergalactic slavery, arena fights, and steamy chemistry!

ARC Review: Polaris Rising by Jessie Milhalik

Series:	Consortium Rebellion #1
Pub. Date:	Feb. 5, 2019
Publisher:	Harper Voyager
Length:	448 pgs
Source:	Publisher

Polaris Rising is the first installment of the Consortium Rebellion series, and debut novel for Jessie Mihalik. This author is definitely starting off with a bang, and did a great job of mixing action with romance to keep the plot moving in this space opera sci-fi novel.

ARC Review: Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet

Series:	Endeavor #1
Pub. Date:	Jan. 1, 2019
Publisher:	Sourcebooks Casa
Length:	416 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

I haven't read much sci-fi romance, but I definitely need to add more into the queue, especially when written by one of my favs, Amanda Bouchet. Nightchaser was a new and refreshing romantic adventure through space, galaxies and black holes. I can't wait for the next installment.

Audiobook Review: Barbarian Mine by Ruby Dixon

Series:	Ice Planet Barbarians #4
Pub. Date:	April 24, 2018
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Narrators:	Mason Lloyd Hollie Jackson
Length:	5 hrs 36 min
Source:	Publisher

Barbarian Mine is the fourth book in the Ice Planet Barbarians series, and takes place somewhat consecutively with the last book, Barbarian Lover. While we have previously met our heroine, Harlow, our hero is a new and unexpected addition to the series. This series has a fairly linear and chronological storyline, so I recommend that you read the books in order. 

If you recall from Barbarian Lover, our flame-haired and freckled Harlow was bonked over the head while she was out trying to piece together a travoy for one of the wounded aliens. We didn't hear from her the rest of the story. Though when she realizes that she has been abducted by an unknown big blue guy, Harlow takes everything in stride and doesn't get overly freaked out. That may have something to do with the constant purring in her chest that tells her she and the totally naked alien will be compatible... in all ways. I liked Harlow quite a bit. She was patient and understanding with our hero, and was able to teach him quite a few things to make survival more pleasant.

Audiobook Review: Barbarian Lover by Ruby Dixon

Series:	Ice Planet Barbarians #3
Pub. Date:	April 10, 2018
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Narrators::	Mason Lloyd Hollie Jackson
Length:	5 hrs 47 min
Source:	Hoopla

Barbarian Alien is the third book in the Ice Planet Barbarians series, and the series is progressing right along with each book advancing the timeline chronologically. The aliens and humans are settling into the caves and becoming comfortable with one another, and waiting to see who will resonate or get knocked up next.

Audiobook Review: Lauren's Barbarian by Ruby Dixon

Series:	Icehome #1
Pub. Date:	March 20, 2018
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Narrators:	Felicity Munroe Sean Crisden
Length:	8 hrs 24 min
Source:	Publisher

Lauren's Barbarian is the first book in the Icehome series, a spinoff of Ice Planet Barbarians. As I have committed to listening to Ice Planet Barbarians in audio, I have not finished reading that series before embarking on this spinoff. While I don't think it's absolutely necessary that you have finished the first series... I didn't like starting this spinoff without reading the other books. There was just too much that had happened on the Ice Planet and I felt like I was missing out. Otherwise, this book is just as good as the others that I have read.

Audiobook Review: Barbarian Alien by Ruby Dixon

Series:	Ice Planet Barbarians #2
Pub. Date:	March 20, 2018
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Narrators:	Hollie Jackson Mason Lloyd
Length:	6 hrs 27 min
Source:	Publisher

I just love these big blue freaky barbarians. The audiobooks simply can't come out fast enough for me, and its been really hard not to binge through the print copies on Kindle Unlimited. But the narrators do a good job with the story and they keep me entertained as I drive and clean the house, so I'm committed to waiting on the audio versions.

Audiobook Review: Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

Series:	Ice Planet Barbarians #1
Pub. Date:	Nov. 21, 2017
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Narrators:	Hollie Jackson Mason Lloy
Length:	5 hrs 51 min
Source:	Publisher

So I'm not a huge reader of science fiction - I just had not found the stories that were that good mix of fun, romance and implausibility to hold my interest. But I have been hearing about the Ice Planet Barbarians for months and months now, and I wanted to give them a shot. However, between the move and work, I just haven't been able to fit the print books into my reading schedule. So I am super excited that Tantor Audio has picked up this series in audio so I can listen to a little alien action while I'm working around the house on the weekend. These big blue barbarians sure made my day of meal prep more interesting! And I am definitely a fan of this series, and it has made me more willing to consider other science fiction reads in the future. (Bonus - as of the date of this review, the ebooks are available on Kindle Unlimited.)

Guest Review by Julie: Diffraction by Jess Anastasi

Series:	Atrophy #3
Pub. Date:	Jan 2, 2017
Publisher:	Entangled
Length:	352 pages

Until now, I hadn't really noticed Kira. I knew she was the ships doctor but she typically stayed in the background. She's smart and quiet, with a deep seated need to help others, regardless of the rules. And Varean has her breaking all sorts of rules. At the start of the story, her connection with Varean felt a like insta-lust but as they progressed, it morphed into deeper feelings neither would admit to, giving a poignancy to their relationship for most of the story. 

Varean was interesting. He's a quiet guy, who has a lot of abilities, but never uses them to free himself. He's thrown his lot in with Kira with mixed results they need to iron out. He has plenty of secrets-whether he knows them or not is another matter-and there's no doubt he has feelings for Kira, but finding out who he really was threw me for a loop! 

Their romance was the humming sound in the background. Unlike Zander and Mae, Kira and Varean didn't have a lot of personal time together. Varean and Kira's romance had a solemn tone, if you will, than the others did, but I think it fit the storyline since Diffraction was a darker book than the first two were. 

Instead of romance driven, Diffraction was plot driven. And man, what a story it told! It felt like the in-between book of the series with all the information it contained. Plenty of suspense, Rian's crew splits up when they have to abandon ship, new allies are introduced, favorite characters gave me a few surprises and tears, and a few twists had me glued until the end. Obviously, I've enjoyed this series since I've read three books in two days!

Reviewed by Julie H. for Bambi Unbridled

Julie is a transplanted military brat that now calls the Midwest home with her own romantic hero, daughter and two furbabies. While she toils the day away in a medical office, she would really rather be reading! Julie loves historical romance, steampunk, romantic suspense, military romance (duh!), paranormal and urban fantasy.  She loves a kickass take-charge heroine, lots of action, and the all-important HEA. Julie can get down with an alpha male, but she does not discount a nerdy hero with a sexy brain.

Julie and Bambi met at the RT Convention where they found themselves standing in many lines, sharing their similar reading interests, and fangirling over attending authors.

Audiobook Review: King by Eve Langlais

Series:	Space Gypsy #4
Pub. Date:	April 25, 2017
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Narrator:	Chandra Skyye
Length:	8 hrs 47 min
Source:	Publisher

I am sad that this fun and entertaining space odyssey romance series come to an end... it's been a wild ride! There have been some major twists and turns that hit me out of left field, and King is no exception.

Rafe, The Chosen One, is finally on the path to the lead his people home to the lost Rhomanii planet. Emma and Mikhail are along for the ride and following Rafe's lead by necessity. That doesn't stop Emma from being a ridiculous damsel in need of saving... but she amazingly still hasn't gotten on my nerves. I found her horrid helplessness amusing most of the time. Mikhail is still the odd man out, which made him a sympathetic figure. He is pining for Emma, hated by his people, and trying to understand a confusing relationship with his brother.  

Audiobook Review: Rebel by Eve Langlais

Series:	Space Gypsy #3
Pub. Date:	Feb. 14, 2017
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Narrator:	Chandra Skyye
Length:	9 hrs 22 min
Source:	Hoopla

The Space Gypsy Chronicles continues with this third installment of the series, picking up where Sinner left off, with our protagonists escaping an imploding Lac'uus by the skin of their teeth. Our dynamic trio is now floating in space in a very small life pod just hoping for a rescue by someone who is more interested in money than enslaving or eating them.

I seriously love both Rafe and Mikhail. While their personalities differ slightly, they are both humorously oversexed alien bipods. The banter between the two is great... they outwardly hate one another but secretly have tender familial feelings toward the other. Mikhail was really the more sympathetic character of this installment... he is feeling much more turmoil over his feelings toward Rafe and Emma alike. This drew me into his character and created a stronger connection than the shallow sexpot pit fighter that we met in Sinner. 

Guest Review by Julie: Quantum by Jess Anastasi

Series:	Atrophy #2
Pub. Date:	Aug. 8, 2016
Publisher:	Entangled
Length:	325 pages

Quantum opened up with a bang and never slowed down! Mae is undercover trying to prove if Zander is human, or if he's been replaced by the Reidar, shape shifting aliens planning to take over the system. What follows is a fast-paced story with enough suspense and adrenaline that kept me glued until the end!

Audiobook Review: Sinner by Eve Langlais

Series:	Space Gypsy #2
Pub. Date:	Nov. 22, 2016
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Narrator:	Chandra Skyye
Length:	9 Hrs 12 Min
Source:	Publisher

This has been such a fun series, and Eve Langlais totally surprised me with this one. The Space Gypsy Chronicles features engaging and unique characters (mostly aliens), a flirty hero and a damsel of a heroine. How could this not be fun!?!  This is a continuing story arc so I do not recommend reading these books out of order, you want to start at the beginning with Pirate.

To recap, Rafe Abaddon is a Romani gypsy prince traveling the galaxies to avoid his family. In the last book, Rafe had to make a hasty departure from Earth and took his curvy UPS driver with him. They set off through the Milky Way and black holes to lands unknown where Emma had eye-opening encounters with beings that were beyond her imagination. Rafe is somewhat of a space pirate and there are bounties out on his head so there was lots of action and fighting to balance out the romance. Pirate ended on a cliffhanger, so I was glad to get this next installment so soon.

ARC Review: The Operator by Kim Harrison

Series:	Peri Reed #2
Pub. Date:	Nov. 22, 2016
Publisher:	Pocket Books
Length: Source:	496 pages NetGalley

WARNING!!! This review may contain (minimal) spoilers for events that occurred in the first book of the series, The Drafter. Read at your own risk if you haven't read the first book.

The Operator takes place approximately a year after the end of The Drafter. After walking away from both Opti and the Alliance, Peri Reed is hiding in plain sight... running an upscale internet cafe and coffee shop above a medical waste dump site. But she should have known that no one was going to allow her to disappear for long. Now she will be fighting on three fronts as Silas wants to protect her (from herself), Allen wants her working with the CIA, and Bill wants her back as his corrupt operative.

Review: The Drafter by Kim Harrison

Series:	Peri Reed #1
Pub. Date:	Sept. 1, 2015
Publisher:	Gallery Books
Length:	432 pages

I am a big Kim Harrison fan... so much so that I have been saving the last Hollows book because I don't want the series to be over! I have been curious about this new series and am glad that I have finally been able to work it into my reading schedule. It's definitely different from the magic of the Hollows, but I think the series has good potential.

Peri Reed is a drafter, which means she can draft time to fix mistakes that occurred within the previous 60 seconds or so... however when she drafts, she loses part of her memory and must rely on a partner (anchor) to help her fix the memory of the timeline. This makes the relationship between the drafter and the anchor crucial - they must be able to trust one another implicitly. The drafter can (kinda) rewind time to save an anchors life, and the drafter must rely on the anchor to rebuild her memory when she loses part of her timeline. Peri was a likable heroine for the most part. She was capable and kickass, but with a large dose of vulnerability when she lost her timeline. She definitely trusted the wrong people time and again, and was manipulated ridiculously easy, but her memory loss hampered her ability to learn a lesson from past mistakes. I do wish that her instinct would have been a little stronger at times, but overall I liked her quite a bit and think she will continue to grow as the series progresses.

Audiobook Review: Pirate by Eve Langlais

Series:	Space Gypsy #1
Pub. Date:	Aug. 25, 2016
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Narrator:	Chandra Skyye
Length:	7 hrs 27 min
Source:	Publisher

I don't read a lot of SciFi Romance, and I have been saying that I should remedy that. So this new series from Eve Langlais was the perfect opportunity. A trusted author and the blurb sucked me right in - winning! And this book had a bit of a Men in Black feel to me - I think it was the type of humor and the multitude of alien lifeforms.