Showing posts with label Tantor Audio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tantor Audio. Show all posts

Monday, March 27, 2023

Sophia Rose Reviews: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison Narrated by Sophie Eastlake

Today Sophia Rose is back reviewing the first in Thea Harrison's Elder Races Paranormal Romance Series, Dragon Bound.
Enjoy!

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison, Narrated by Sophie Eastlake

#1 Elder Races

Paranormal Romance

Publisher:  Tantor Audio

Published:  7.18.11

Time:  12 hours 55 minutes

Rating: 4 stars

Narrator Rating: 4.5 stars

Format: Audio

Source:  Library Borrow through Hoopla

Sellers: Amazon


ADD TO: GoodReads

GoodReads Blurb:

Half human and half Wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the Wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful---and passionate---of the Elder Races.

As the most feared and respected of the Wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they've ignited in one another.

Monday, February 27, 2023

Sophia Rose Reviews Hexes and Honey Buns by Danielle Garrett



Today Sophia Rose shares her audio review of Hexes and Honeybuns, #3 in Danielle Garrett's Paranormal Cozy Sugar Shack mysteries.
Enjoy!

Note: Sophia Rose was effected by that huge storm so she may be absent for awhile


Hexes and Honey Buns by Danielle Garrett

Narrated by Amanda Ronconi

#3 Sugar Shack Mysteries

Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Published: 12.27.22

Time:  5 hours 42 minutes

Rating: 4.5 stars

Narrator Rating: 5 stars

Format: audio

Source: Tantor

Sellers: Amazon


ADD TO: GoodReads

 

Goodreads Blurb:

The pen is mightier than the sword - but what's a witch to do when she has writer's block?

After landing my first official journalist job I thought the ideas would be spilling out faster than I could type. But it turns out life in the shadow of my debut piece is a little...make that a lot, harder than I expected.

So, when a convicted murderer reaches out begging for help in proving her innocence, I jump at the chance to dig into another investigation.

The only problem? This trail is ice cold.

I don't want to give up on a good story, or let down a witch desperate for my help, but I'm not sure where to turn and I'm running out of time.

Will my last ditch effort pan out, or will I be forced to give my editor a blank page?

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Sophia Rose Reviews Moonlight and Magic by Darynda Jones

Today Sophia Rose returns to bring us Moonlight and Magic #4 in Darynda Jones' Betwixt and Between women's paranormal fiction series.
Enjoy!


Moonlight and Magic by Darynda Jones, narrator Traci Odom

#4 Betwixt and Between

Paranormal Women’s Fiction

Publisher: Tantor

Published: 10.25.22

Time:  5 hours 22 minutes

Rating: 3.5 stars

Narration: 3.5 stars

Format: MP3

Source:  Tantor Audio

Sellers: Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Moonlight-Magic-Betwixt-Between-Book/dp/B09FNG3RZP/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=moonlight+and+magic+by+darynda+jones&qid=1666634226&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC43MiIsInFzcCI6IjAuNzIifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-1

GoodReads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59970781-moonlight-and-magic

 

GoodReads Blurb:

Forty-something Annette Osmund always knew she was psychic. She’s not, but that didn’t stop her from giving those non-existent abilities her all. What she is, however, is a very powerful witch who has just inherited magics she never dreamed possible.

Starting over in a new town with her BFF has been an adventure. Defiance’s status as a powerful type of witch called a charmling has kept Annette busy. But while Deph, a seeker, is still learning to use her magics, to control the power at her fingertips, Annette is overcome with powers of her own. Turns out, her being besties with Deph was not an accident. They were drawn to each other even before their powers emerged, and Annette learns she is also a charmling, a healer, and an alchemist. But what does that even mean?

Fortunately, there’s one way to find out. She consults the house they’re living in. Or, more to the point, the delicious entity haunting the house. Because, like her, he was once an alchemist. Maybe he will have the answers she so desperately seeks before she kills someone. The fact that he was once a stunning specimen of masculinity has nothing whatsoever to do with her desire to learn from a man who may or may not have been a powerful warlock.

 

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Sophia Rose Reviews- National Park Mysteries and Disappearances: Pacific Northwest by Steve Stockton and Bill Melder

Today Sophia Rose returns with an audio review perfect for the Halloween Season.
Enjoy!




National Park Mysteries and Disappearances: Pacific Northwest by Steve Stockton and Bill Melder

Narrated by Chris Abernathy

Volume 3

Publisher:  Tantor Audio

Published:  9.13.22

Times:  3 hours 59 minutes

Rating: 4 stars

Narration Ration: 4 stars

Format: MP3

Source:  Tantor Audio

Sellers: Amazon

ADD TO: GoodReads


GoodReads Blurb:

Some of the most visited national parks in the country have a dark side.

Aside from crowds of hikers, campers, and general tourists, there's a dark side to many that can be found in the great states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho. From strange disappearances, grisly murders and bone-chilling paranormal hauntings and ghost sightings, these pristine locales have a lot more to offer than just serene hiking trails or camping. In this third installment of National Park Mysteries & Disappearances, Steve Stockton, along with Bill Melder, presents the listener with a side to these locations you've never heard before.

So, put aside your nature guidebooks, forget about the pretty leaves, and the relaxing streams as well as the miniature golf, the funnel cakes and all the other "tourist traps" and prepare for a wild ride on the dark side of these major national parks.

 

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Sophia Rose Reviews Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell

Today Sophia Rose is back this time with a historical mystery set at the turn of the twentieth century.
Enjoy!

Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell, narrator Eva Kaminsky

#2 Gilded Newport Mystery

Historical Mystery

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Published: 11.30.21

Time: 10 hours 4 minutes

Rating: 4

Narrator Rating: 5

Format: MP3 digital

Source: Tantor

Sellers: Amazon / Barnes & NobleKobo

ADD TO: GoodReads 

GoodReads Blurb:

With the dawn of the twentieth century on the horizon, the fortunes of the venerable Vanderbilt family still shine brightly in the glittering high society of Newport, Rhode Island. But when a potential scandal strikes, the Vanderbilts turn to cousin and society page reporter Emma Cross to solve a murder and a disappearance. . .Responding to a frantic call on her newfangled telephone from her eighteen-year-old cousin, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Emma Cross arrives at the Marble House mansion and learns the cause of her distress--Consuelo's mother, Alva, is forcing her into marriage with the Duke of Marlborough. Her mother has even called in a fortune teller to assure Consuelo of a happy future.

But the future is short-lived for the fortune teller, who is found dead by her crystal ball, strangled with a silk scarf. Standing above her is one of the Vanderbilts' maids, who is promptly taken into police custody. After the frenzy has died down, Consuelo is nowhere to be found. At Alva's request, Emma must employ her sleuthing skills to determine if the vanishing Vanderbilt has eloped with the beau of her choice--or if her disappearance may be directly connected to the murder. . .

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Sophia Rose Reviews - Mermaids and Meringues by Danielle Garrett

Today on the blog Sophia Rose is back to review Danielle Garrett's Mermaids and Meringues, #2 in her Sugar Shack Witch series. Read on to see what she thought.
Enjoy!


Mermaids and Meringues by Danielle Garrett

Narrated by Danielle Ronconi

#2 Sugar Shack Witch Mystery

Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Published: 2.15.22

ASIN:  B09J1YH9XR

Time: 5 hours 52 minutes

Speed: 1.2x

Rating: 3.5 stars

Format: MP3

Source:  Tantor Audio

Sellers: Amazon


ADD TO: GoodReads  

GoodReads Blurb:

It’s New Year’s Eve and Rosella Midnight has a date with danger.

A handsome date for New Year’s Eve? Check.

Red lipstick and a killer party dress? Double check.

A kiss when the clock strikes twelve? Undecided.

If I’m going to be stuck in Winterspell a little longer, I may as well have fun with it. But you know what they say about the best laid plans...

When my romantic evening turns into a kidnapping investigation, I can’t wait around to watch the ball drop. There’s a mermaid-snatching monster on the loose, and it’s up to me to stop them.

Luckily for me, my date always comes loaded for dragon.

 

Monday, November 1, 2021

Sophia Rose Reviews: Witchy Whiskers by Danielle Garrett, a Tantor Audio book narrated by Amanda Ronconi

Today on the blog I welcome back Sophia Rose who's reviewing, Witchy Whiskers, the Nine Lives Magic series debut in audio by Danielle Garrett. 
Enjoy!


Witchy Whiskers by Danielle Garrett, narrated by Amanda Ronconi

#1 Nine Lives Magic

Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Publisher:  Tantor Audio

Published:  9.28.21

ASIN:  B09FYHLMJ8

Time:  5 hours 45 minutes

Rating: 4 stars

Narrator Rating: 5 stars

Format: MP3

Source:  Tantor Audio

Sellers: Amazon / Kobo

ADD TO: GoodReads  

 

GoodReads Blurb:

Have you ever wished your cat could talk to you? If so, allow my story to be your cautionary tale.
My life was going just fine by most standards. I ran a successful business in a tight-knit magical community, and lived just blocks from a beautiful lake and series of hiking trails.

Then Selene showed up.

According to some magical code I inherit my aunt’s ancient familiar; a grumpy ten-pound cat with a broken filter. She fancies herself something of a saber-toothed tiger, and claims to have wrestled the thread of her ninth life from the hands of the Fates themselves — although, I’m pretty sure that last part isn’t true.

Almost positive.

I’m still looking into the magical fine print, but in the meantime I’m stuck as the guardian to a cat with the personality of Sophia from the Golden Girls. Oh, and by another cruel twist of fate, my ex-husband just moved back into town. I thought I couldn’t take any more, but when a murder rocks my small community, I wind up entangled in the investigation thanks to a handsome stranger.

If only life came equipped with a rewind button.

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Sophia Rose Reviews - A Twist of Fate by Kelley Armstrong

Today on the Blog Sophia Rose is back this time with a time travel romantic suspense.
Enjoy!


A Twist of Fate by Kelley Armstrong

#2 Stitch in Time

Time Travel Romantic Suspense

Publisher:  Tantor Audio

Published: 10.5.21

ASIN:  B09BG6TKLY

Time:  8 hours 30 minutes

Rating: 4.5 stars

Narrator Rating: 5 stars

Format: MP3

Source:  Tantor Audio

Sellers:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

ADD TO: GoodReads

 

GoodReads Blurb:

Four years ago, Rosalind Courtenay stumbled from the nineteenth century to the twenty-first, where she has been trapped ever since, leaving her husband and infant son behind. Now she’s found her way back.

The problem, of course, is how to explain her absence to her husband. Does he think she abandoned him? Has he remarried? Is he happy in a new life? Rosalind decides to don a disguise in hopes of answering her questions before showing up on his doorstep. Instead, a twist of fate has her mistaken for her young son’s new governess.

Rosalind has every intention of revealing herself as soon as August returns home from business. Until then, she’ll get to know her son, a quiet child who has inexplicably been abandoned by an endless stream of governesses. That’s when the hauntings begin. Rosalind has finally come home and something—or someone—doesn’t just want her gone. They want her dead.

 

Monday, February 22, 2021

Sophia Rose Reviews Sprinkles and Sea Serpents by Danielle Garrett

Today once again I welcome Sophia Rose to the blog with her audio review of Sprinkles and Sea Serpents by Danielle Garrett, book #1 in her Sugar Shack Witch Mystery series.
Enjoy!

Sprinkles and Sea Serpents by Danielle Garrett

#1 Sugar Shack Witch Mystery

Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Publisher:  Tantor Audio

Published: 2.9.21

ASIN:  B08SR6XQ6X

Time:  8 hours

Rating: 3.5

Format: MP3

Source:  Tantor Audio

Sellers:  Amazon / Kobo

Add To: GoodReads

 

GoodReads Blurb:

They say you can't go home again. . .oh, if only that were true.

Thanks to a series of unfortunate events - and one backstabbing frenemy - home is exactly where I'm headed. back to Winterspell Lake, the small community in Eastern Washington where magic runs rampant and humans are outlawed.

Faster than you can say hocus pocus I'm unpacking my bags and settling into the guest room of my parents' house, trying to ignore the creeping sensation that I'll never break free again.

The one thing Winterspell has going for it is the sweets shop in the center of town, a bakery filled with magical creations designed to enchant the taste buds and charm even the pickiest of connoisseurs. Luckily for me, I get the friends and family discount since my parents own the famous Sugar Shack. If I want room and board, I have to frost cupcakes and sling macaroons with the rest of the fam.

Unfortunately, things in Winterspell aren't all sugar cookies and rainbows. According to the local news, a dangerous sea serpent has claimed the lives to three missing girls. The journalist in me has to have a look for myself, and what I find is something far more deadly.

Something that makes me wish I'd stayed in the bakery.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Sophia Rose Reviews Sassy Witch by Danielle Garrett #Tantor Audio

Today Sophia Rose is here to share her review of Sassy Witch a paranormal cozy mystery #9 in Danielle Garrett's Beachwood Harbor Magic Mysteries.
Enjoy!

Sassy Witch by Danielle Garrett, narrated by Amanda Ronconi
#9 Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  Tantor Audio
Published:  8.18.20
ASIN:  B08F2XQ7V6
Time:  5 hours 59 minutes
Rating: 4.5






Blurb:
The winds of change have arrived and Holly's not sure she can fly.
It's Valentine's Day in Beechwood Harbor and the town is rolling out the rose-colored carpet to host a group of eager singles in an effort to boost town tourism. The sleepy town is suddenly transformed into Cupid's playground, complete with chocolate fountains, bicycles built for two, and a romantic breakfast buffet. 
Of course, no one loves a singles' buffet quite like a pack of vampires. Only, they're not there for the dark-roast coffee and homemade sticky buns. 
When eligible bachelors start dropping like wilted rose petals, Holly springs into action. She's quickly thrown into a tangled web of secret romances, unrequited love, and more than one blood-thirsty vamp. 
In short, it's a bad time to get an eviction notice.

Sophia Rose's Review:

Valentine’s Day has Beechwood Harbor businesses pulling out all the stops to bring some tourists in during the off-season by hosting a singles’ convention and wouldn’t you know it, someone dangerous crashes the party.

Sassy Witch is the ninth of the Beechwood Harbor Magic mysteries.  They are connected and work best in order even if each book has a standalone mystery.


It all hits at once as usual for poor Holly and this potions witch is ready to unravel and does a little when she starts picking fights with Adam and nearly loses it.  Her issues from her past rise up and she really struggles even while she gets busy corralling the single’s event, vampires, and sets out to find a killer.  I love how the author has worked through the series to develop Holly’s personality, her relationships, and show her growth.  Not many books ago, Holly would have dissolved into petty stuff, but here, she is able to listen and hear things out.  She works hard to see things from other perspectives.

As to the paranormal mystery side, it was an interesting one with a few layers.  There is the vampire trouble that is obvious as Holly confronts an arrogant one, but there is the oddity about Posey and worries that Posey is going poltergeist the way she reacts to things lately.  I also liked that background mystery Merrill brings up about conspiracies in the SPA and what is going on with the rogue vampires.  I hope that gets expanded on in the next few books.  It was fun seeing Holly, Adam, Nick, Merrill, Evangeline, and Harmony working the case together and the suspenseful climax.

Amanda Ronconi hit her stride long before and is a fab narrator match for this series.  She has a wry humor that works with Holly’s personality and the rest of the gang.  I like the way she voices the characters and the tone she takes as she narrates the story whether it is Holly thinking through a problem or the pace picking up for a chase of a villain.

I loved the way things resolved in this one and look forward to seeing what comes next for the mansion residents and Holly.  Those who enjoy a good paranormal twist to a cozy mystery, light feel to the writing, and engaging well-developed characters all in one- try this series out.

My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.


About the author:
From a young age, Danielle Garrett was obsessed with fantastic places and the stories set in them. As a lifelong bookworm, she’s gone on hundreds of adventures through the eyes of wizards, princesses, elves, and some rather wonderful everyday people as well.
Danielle now lives in Oregon and while she travels as often as possible, she wouldn’t call anywhere else home. She shares her life with her husband and their house full of animals, and when not writing, spends her time being a house servant for three extremely spoiled cats.


Sophia’s Bio:
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
Sophia’s Social Media Links:

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Sophia Rose Reviews: Will Fain US Marshall by R.O. Lane, Narrated by A.T. Chandler

Today my pal Sophia Rose takes us back to the days of the wild wild west and reviews the audio edition of Will Fain US Marshall by R.O. Lane, Narrated by A.T. Chandler.
Enjoy!


Will Fain US Marshal by R.O. Lane, Narrated by A.T. Chandler
#3 Will Fain US Marshal
Western Fiction
Publisher:  Tantor Audio
Published:  1.14.20
ASIN:  B08377XJDF
Time:  5 hours 47 minutes
Rating: 4.5 stars
Narrator Rating: 5 stars
Source:  Tantor Audio
Sellers:  Amazon/Kobo

ADD TO: GoodReads  

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Sophia Rose Reviews Prima Facie by Ruth Downie narrated by Simon Vance

Today I'm turning the blog over to my pal Sophia Rose who is going way back to the Roman Empire reviewing a historical mystery on audio.
Enjoy!

Prima Facie by Ruth Downie, Narrated by Simon Vance
#8.5 Medicus Investigation
Historical Mystery
Publisher:  Tantor Audio
Published:  11.19.19
ASIN  B07SH693ZW

Time:  3 hours 6 minutes
Rating: 4
Narrator Rating: 5
Format:  MP3
Source:  Publisher
Sellers:  Amazon


Blurb:
It's AD 123 and the sun is shining on southern Gaul. Ex-military medic Ruso and his British wife Tilla are back after a long absence - but it's not the reunion anyone had hoped for.

Ruso's brother has left him in charge of a farm he has no idea how to manage, a chronic debt problem and a gaggle of accident-prone small children. Meanwhile his sister Flora has run away to rescue her boyfriend, who's accused of murdering a wealthy guest at a party.

Can Ruso and Tilla save the boyfriend from the murder charge - or should they be saving Flora from the boyfriend? Will any of the guests tell the truth about the fatal party before it's too late? And meanwhile, how long can Ruso continue to lie about what's inside the bath house?

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Sophia Rose Reviews- Death Comes To Bath by Catherine Lloyd

Today I once again turn over the blog to my friend Sophia Rose who brings us her thoughts on this cozy from the English Regency period.
Enjoy!


Death Comes to Bath by Catherine Lloyd, Narrated by Cat Gould
#6 Kurland St. Mary Mystery
Historical Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  Tantor Audio
Published:  8.27.19
ISBN:  1496702123
Time:  8 hours 34 minutes
Rating: 4
Narrator Rating: 5
Format:  MP3
Source:  Tantor Audio
Sellers:  Amazon

ADD TO: GoodReads:

GoodReads Blurb:
On a visit to Bath, Major Sir Robert Kurland and Lady Lucy Kurland discover that the English spa town is not beneficial to everyone's health . . .
 
After Sir Robert's injury from the battle of Waterloo begins troubling him again, his wife Lucy insists they relocate from the village of Kurland St. Mary to Bath, along with her sister Anna, so that Robert can take the waters and recover.

At the Roman baths, Robert befriends an elderly and pugnacious businessman, Sir William Benson, ennobled by the Crown for his service to industry. Their acquaintance is short-lived, however, when the man is found drowned in the baths. Robert vows to find his killer, with Lucy's aid.

The members of Sir William's family seem the most obvious suspects to benefit from the wealthy man's death, but his will has gone missing. To deduce who sent Sir William to a watery grave, Robert and Lucy must investigate with the utmost discretion—before they too find themselves in over their heads .

Sophia Rose's Review:


I spotted this series a little while ago and just now had the chance to give it a go.  I love reading books from the English Regency period and adding in a mystery becomes icing on the cake. 

This was obviously a series that had been out for a while and, as I discovered, while listening, it probably would have worked much better getting it in order since the romance, family, and friend relationships developed over the course of the series.

Now, that said, the mystery was restricted to this book and the primary players in the mystery were all new and introduced as well as the setting so, in a sense, it was pretty easy to read/listen to it as a standalone or out of order.

I had a good time on the case with Robert and Lucy who were an interesting pair in their own right along with their friends and Lucy's sister.  The mystery was joined by a few personal plot threads from their circle of family and friends.  The Regency background along with the Bath setting were well written.
It did pace out slower and had a few small lag moments, but I didn't mind since it got back going readily enough.

This was my first time experiencing Cat Gould's narration work and I thought she was a fab match for this style of story and a period mystery.  I liked the way she voiced the main players and the servants for gender, age, and class and I liked her pace and tone throughout.

All in all, this was a fun and engaging historical cozy mystery that made me eager to go back to the beginning of the series and start from there to get the whole backstory as well as progress forward when the next book in the series releases.  Definitely recommend.

Author Bio:
Catherine Lloyd was born just outside London, England, into a large family of dreamers, artists, and history lovers. She completed her education with a master’s degree in history at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and uses the skills she gained there to research and write her historical mysteries. Catherine currently lives in Hawaii with her husband and youngest daughter..
Website:  https://www.catherine-lloyd.com/

Sophia’s Bio:

Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
Sophia’s Social Media Links: