I requested this one back in the day as I had every intention of reading it. However, its been years and I still haven't gotten around to it and while I feel guilty at not reviewing a book I think that I need to admit to myself that I won't be reading this one anytime soon....if at all.

ADULT AUDIOBOOKS
JULY 30, 2019 LEAVE A COMMENT
I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Adult AudiobooksWhen We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton
Also by this author: Next Year in Havana
Narrator: Kyla Garcia
Length: 11 Hours
Published by Penguin on April 9, 2019
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Women
Pages: 368
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: Library, Publisher
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9780451490865
Goodreads
five-stars
In 1960s Florida, a young Cuban exile will risk her life--and heart--to take back her country in this exhilarating historical novel from the author of Next Year in Havana, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick.

Beautiful. Daring. Deadly.

The Cuban Revolution took everything from sugar heiress Beatriz Perez--her family, her people, her country. Recruited by the CIA to infiltrate Fidel Castro's inner circle and pulled into the dangerous world of espionage, Beatriz is consumed by her quest for revenge and her desire to reclaim the life she lost.

As the Cold War swells like a hurricane over the shores of the Florida Strait, Beatriz is caught between the clash of Cuban American politics and the perils of a forbidden affair with a powerful man driven by ambitions of his own. When the ever-changing tides of history threaten everything she has fought for, she must make a choice between her past and future--but the wrong move could cost Beatriz everything--not just the island she loves, but also the man who has stolen her heart...

WHAT DID I THINK OF WHEN WE LEFT CUBA BY CHANEL CLEETON?
When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton is so evocative of summer and intrigue and an all around excellent read. It is a companion to Next Year In Havana and features Beatriz Perez. Beatriz is renowned for her beauty, leaving proposals in her wake. So, it goes without saying that yes, there is certainly some romance in this book. Basically Beatriz and her family are in Florida, making new lives from themselves and picking up the pieces after fleeing Cuba. Beatriz ends up catching the eye of this one man, Nick, who is a senator. Unfortunately, he’s already engaged to this girl whose family is a big deal to society. Beatriz embarks on quite the affair with Nick. Meanwhile, she also gets suckered in by the CIA to do some spying both in Cuba as well as London.

This book was such an escapist read. I felt as though I was swept away but also like I learned something. I mean, the Bay Of Pigs and Cuban Missile Crisis was something we touched on for like a week in high school history. It was not something that we were made to learn the importance or magnitude of it. Cleeton really impresses that on us as we read and made these historical events real and poignant. ALSO, I just want to put out there that Beatriz is quite the fascinating, headstrong character and I loved her. I could happily read more books about her, if When We Left Cuba wasn’t so self contained. FYI, you do not need to have read Next Year In Havana to be able to enjoy this book.

HOW’S THE NARRATION?
When We Left Cuba is narrated by Kyla Garcia. She does an excellent job conveying mood and different characters. The audiobook is 11 hours long and it just flies by. I mean, I was sad to see it end, because it was a good and compelling listen. This audiobook was the type that was easy to listen to, pay attention to, and understand exactly what is going on. I think if you’re looking for a great historical fiction to listen to, this book should fit the bill.

Adult AudiobooksChasing Red by Isabelle Ronin
on September 5, 2017
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, New Adult
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9781492658467
Goodreads
Chosen as one of Goodreads' 21 Big Books of Fall

They said she was going to be my ruin...Then let her ruin me.

Caleb Lockhart has everything—wealth, adoration, a brilliant future. Until a chance encounter with a siren in a red dress changes everything. Until he meets the woman he dubs Red.

Veronica Strafford's past makes it hard for her to trust anyone. Now, kicked out of her apartment, she reluctantly accepts Caleb's offer for a place to stay.

Caleb feels intensely drawn to Veronica. And, for the first time in his life, he really wants something—someone. Too bad Veronica's heart might just be the one thing Caleb can't win.

Chasing Red Duology:Chasing Red (Book 1)Always Red (Book 2)

Praise for Chasing Red:"Chasing Red is a perfectly sweet romance, with just the right amount of spice." —Foreword Reviews"Readers will be chomping at the bit while waiting for the next installment!" —RT Book Reviews"Readers will swoon over Caleb." —Publishers Weekly

WHAT DID I THINK OF CHASING RED BY ISABELLE RONIN?
Chasing Red by Isabelle Ronin really is one of those typical new adult books – released I think right around the time a wave of them had released. Friends, this was a compelling audiobook. Do I think there was a lot of substance in what I listened to? No, not really. However, I was totally engaged in the drama of it all. Will I be back for book two? I actually have no idea. As of now, I don’t see the audio available via any of my library apps. If it was to become available though, I would probably listen to it.

So, Chasing Red follows Veronica and Caleb who meet during a night on the town, as Veronica is rocking a red dress which has caught Caleb’s attention. Veronica has just been evicted from her house. She somehow ends up living with Caleb. Caleb is intensely attracted to her and she’s attracted back. Only there’s a couple of trust issues on Veronica’s end and Caleb has a bit of a reputation. Anyways, there’s a ton of drama that happens which I tend to like and well, the book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I think I probably would have been more satisfied had it all just wrapped up in one book.

HOW’S THE NARRATION?
Chasing Red is ten hours and forty nine minutes long. It contains dual narration which is actually neat. The narrators are Vanessa Edwin and Maxwell Hamilton. I did like Edwin’s chapters better than Hamilton’s. Both are narrators who are new to me (I think). I did find this audiobook to be very easy to follow along with and a good escapist listen on two rainy days.

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Adult AudiobooksPolaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik
Published by HarperCollins on February 5, 2019
Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Opera, Action & Adventure, Romance
Pages: 448
ISBN: 9780062802408
Goodreads
“Polaris Rising is space opera at its best, intense and addictive, a story of honor, courage, betrayal, and love. Jessie Mihalik is an author to watch.”--Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author

A space princess on the run and a notorious outlaw soldier become unlikely allies in this imaginative, sexy space opera adventure—the first in an exciting science fiction trilogy.

In the far distant future, the universe is officially ruled by the Royal Consortium, but the High Councillors, the heads of the three High Houses, wield the true power. As the fifth of six children, Ada von Hasenberg has no authority; her only value to her High House is as a pawn in a political marriage. When her father arranges for her to wed a noble from House Rockhurst, a man she neither wants nor loves, Ada seizes control of her own destiny. The spirited princess flees before the betrothal ceremony and disappears among the stars.

Ada eluded her father’s forces for two years, but now her luck has run out. To ensure she cannot escape again, the fiery princess is thrown into a prison cell with Marcus Loch. Known as the Devil of Fornax Zero, Loch is rumored to have killed his entire chain of command during the Fornax Rebellion, and the Consortium wants his head.

When the ship returning them to Earth is attacked by a battle cruiser from rival House Rockhurst, Ada realizes that if her jilted fiancé captures her, she’ll become a political prisoner and a liability to her House. Her only hope is to strike a deal with the dangerous fugitive: a fortune if he helps her escape.

But when you make a deal with an irresistibly attractive Devil, you may lose more than you bargained for . . .

WHAT DID I THINK OF POLARIS RISING BY JESSE MIHALIK?
It’s not you, Polaris Rising, it’s me. I gave Polaris Rising by Jess Mihalik a chance after receiving a couple promo emails about it and getting a copy of the book in the mail. I figured that the audiobook would be a low pressure way to give this a shot. Alas, I am not cut out for space opera type books. If I was though, I think this would be the kind to get me on board.

So, Polaris Rising is about Ada who is from this prominent royal family and basically is a princess. Her marriage is one of political importance. So, Ada is arranged to marry this guy from Rockhurst house, but then she bounces because she wants to pick who she marries. Along the way she ends up meeting this guy named Loch who is in a jail cell and who she is really attracted to. Rebellion happens, among many other times.

This book has a lot of romance in it, which is pretty great. That was a little bit unexpected and well, a bonus. If I was into science fiction, this would be the sort of science fiction I would be into. Heavy on the romance and the rebellion bits, low on the space bits.

HOW’S THE NARRATION?
The audiobook of Polaris Rising is narrated by Emily Woo Zeller. It is 12 hours and 41 minutes long. For me, I just kind of was bored with the audiobook. I felt every single one of those hours and minutes (even on 2x speed). I think that in certain aspects I just am not a fan of Zeller’s narration and this was one. Other books though, that she’s narrated, I like. So it’s a toss up. This one has good reviews on Audible though — so this is really just a personal meh feeling, not an objective meh feeling.

Adult AudiobooksThe Orphan's Song by Lauren Kate
Published by Penguin on June 25, 2019
Genres: Fiction, Historical, Romance, Coming of Age
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780735212596
Goodreads
The historical adult debut novel by # 1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Kate, The Orphan's Song is a sweeping love story about family and music--and the secrets each hold--that follows the intertwined fates of two Venetian orphans.



"A tangled knot of betrayal and love, lies and redemption. Marvelous." --Fiona Davis, author of The Address

A song brought them together.A secret will tear them apart.

Venice, 1736. When fate brings Violetta and Mino together on the roof of the Hospital of the Incurables, they form a connection that will change their lives forever. Both are orphans at the Incurables, dreaming of escape. But when the resident Maestro notices Violetta's voice, she is selected for the Incurables' world famous coro, and must sign an oath never to sing beyond its church doors.

After a declaration of love ends in heartbreak, Mino flees the Incurables in search of his family. Known as the "city of masks," Venice is full of secrets, and Mino is certain one will lead to his long-lost mother. Without him, the walls close in on Violetta and she begins a dangerous and forbidden nightlife, hoping her voice can secure her freedom. But neither finds what they are looking for, until a haunting memory Violetta has suppressed since childhood leads them to a shocking confrontation.

Vibrant with the glamour and beauty of Venice at its zenith, The Orphan's Song takes us on a breathtaking journey of passion, heartbreak, and betrayal before it crescendos to an unforgettable ending, a celebration of the enduring nature and transformative power of love.

WHAT DID I THINK OF THE ORPHAN’S SONG BY LAUREN KATE?
Is it just me or is the cover for The Orphan’s Song by Lauren Kate utterly captivating? Maybe it is just me. I absolutely love a good historical fiction cover and this one is so lovely. Not only that, but the story really appealed to me as well. You see, The Orphan’s Song is about two orphans, Mino and Violetta who live at the Hospital of the Incurables which is also an orphanage.

Violetta witnesses Mino being placed into the orphanage drop off wheel when she is five and he is also around five as well. She hears the song Mino’s mother sings him and is never able to get it out of her head. Anyways, Mino and Violetta meet face to face by chance when they are a bit older and bond over music. Then their lives take drastically different turns. I won’t say anymore though because why spoil it.

The Orphan’s Song is the first book that I’ve read by Lauren Kate and I actually did like it. I found the setting and plot to be compelling. The characters were interesting. Of course, I am also such a sucker for romance, so that was enjoyable too, although it definitely was not the focus of this book.

HOW’S THE NARRATION?
The Orphan’s Song is narrated by Cassandra Campbell. It is 11 hours and 19 minutes long. It’s actually a quick feeling listen. I think Campbell has this gorgeous, elegant way of narrating. So, I enjoyed my time listening to this book. Plus at the end of the audiobook, an opera singer actually sings both Violetta’s song and Mino’s song. It’s a nice extra touch. On the whole, this is worth listening to if you’re just craving some light historical fiction that won’t take you all summer to get through.

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Burn by Julianna Baggott
Also by this author: Fuse
Series: Pure #3
Also in this series: Fuse
Narrator: Khristine Hvam, Casey Holloway, Kevin T. Collins, Nicholas Tecosky
Length: 13 Hours 20 Minutes
Published by Grand Central Publishing on February 4, 2014
Genres: Fiction, Thrillers, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Action & Adventure
Pages: 432
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: Library, Publisher
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9781455503025
Goodreads
three-half-stars
The stunning conclusion to the trilogy that began with Pure, recommended by People for those who loved The Hunger Games

With his father now dead, Partridge has assumed leadership of the Dome, one of the last few refuges from the ravaged wastelands of the outside world. At first, Partridge is intent on exposing his father's lies, taking down the rigid order of the Dome, and uniting its citizens with the disfigured Wretches on the outside. But from his new position of power, things are far more complex and potentially dangerous than he could have ever imagined.

On the outside, a band of survivors faces a treacherous journey to Dome. Pressia carries with her the key to salvation. If she can get it to the Dome, the Wretches could one day be healed and everyone might be able to put the horrors of the past behind them. Bradwell, the revolutionary, cannot forgive so easily. Despite Pressia's pleas, he is determined to bring down the Dome and hold its citizens accountable for leaving the rest of the world to burn. El Capitan, the former rebel leader, wants to help Pressia save as many lives as possible--but he's struggling to reconcile his newfound compassion with his vicious past.

As former allies become potential enemies, the fate of the world is more uncertain than ever. Will humanity fall to destruction? Or will a new world rise from the ashes?

WHAT DID I THINK OF BURN BY JULIANNA BAGGOTT?
Burn by Julianna Baggott is the final book in the Pure trilogy which is essentially a dystopian/post apocalyptic series. I am kind of glad that I read this book via audio as the narrators are superb. Also, glad to have finally checked another trilogy and series as complete on my list. So, this book pretty much picks up where Fuse leaves off.

Partridge is back in the Dome and he has Lyda with him. She’s sequestered away in the nursery, pregnant and awaiting her time to give birth to Partridge’s child. Pressia is on the outside with Bradwell, El Capitain and Helmud. Partridge is somewhat in charge at the Dome. And well, Partridge is about to marry someone who is NOT Lyda. Meanwhile, Pressia and the rest of the group are looking to heal those outside the Dome, the wretches and to work out what exactly happened.

On the whole, I didn’t really love the ending. So much is left open and I just like things tied with a bow and neatly resolved I guess. So, in all honesty, your mileage may vary. I also thought it was kind of heavy and well, at a different stage of my life, I could appreciate that. At this point though, it just is not really my thing anymore. So I think that the end of Burn and the Pure trilogy will impact people differently.

HOW’S THE NARRATION?
I thought that the audiobook of Burn was phenomenal. There are multiple narrators who all do a wonderful job portraying the different characters. The narrators are Khristine Hvam, Casey Holloway, Kevin T. Collins, and Nicholas Tecosky. The audiobook is 13 hours and 20 minutes long but well worth the listening time. I think that the production values are pretty high quality. If you’re looking for a solid listen, you couldn’t go wrong with this trilogy, even if I didn’t like the ending, because taken as a whole, Baggott writes a great set of books.