The Paradise Problem (audio)

 

Anna Green thought she was marrying Liam “West” Weston for access to subsidized family housing while at UCLA. She also thought she’d signed divorce papers when the graduation caps were tossed, and they both went on their merry ways.

Three years later, Anna is a starving artist living paycheck to paycheck while West is a Stanford professor. He may be one of four heirs to the Weston Foods conglomerate, but he has little interest in working for the heartless corporation his family built from the ground up. He is interested, however, in his one-hundred-million-dollar inheritance. There’s just one catch.

Due to an antiquated clause in his grandfather’s will, Liam won’t see a penny until he’s been happily married for five years. Just when Liam thinks he’s in the home stretch, pressure mounts from his family to see this mysterious spouse, and he has no choice but to turn to the one person he’s afraid to introduce to his one-percenter parents—his unpolished, not-so-ex-wife.

But in the presence of his family, Liam’s fears quickly shift from whether the feisty, foul-mouthed, paint-splattered Anna can play the part to whether the toxic world of wealth will corrupt someone as pure of heart as his surprisingly grounded and loyal wife. Liam will have to ask himself if the price tag on his flimsy cover story is worth losing true love that sprouted from a lie

Anna and Liam married in college for the student housing. When Liam, who she knew as West, shows up at her door she is shocked to learn they are still married and he needs her help to retain control of his billion dollar trust.  The plan is to show up together at a family wedding an convince all they have been happily married for almost 5 years.  Free spirit Anna is willing especially since she needs the money for her father's treatments.  The wedding is being held on a private island and as they get to know each other an attraction builds, but the family drama threatens Liam's trust as well as their budding romance.  An enjoyable listen narrated by Patti Murin and John Root filled with plenty of laugh out-loud moments.

 *Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for this review copy*

Always A Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller (#2)

Audio Cover

Drake Carson is the quintessential cowboy. In charge of the family ranch, he knows the realities of this life, its pleasures and heartbreaks. Lately, managing the wild stallions on his property is wearing him down. When an interfering so-called expert arrives and starts offering her opinion, Drake is wary, but he can't deny the longing - and the challenge - she stirs in him.

Luce Hale is researching how wild horses interact with ranch animals - and with ranchers. The Carson matriarch invites her to stay with the family, which guarantees frequent encounters with Drake, her ruggedly handsome and decidedly unwelcoming son. Luce and Drake are at odds from the very beginning, especially when it comes to the rogue stallion who's stealing the ranch mares. But when Drake believes Luce is in danger, that changes everything - for both of them.

This is book two in the series that stands alone well. Romance, wild horses, family, secondary characters all contribute to a great story in this small town. Drake and Luce's relationship doesn't over take the scenery and emotion of the story. 

Narrator Jack Garrett nailed Drake's sense of humor and love for his family's ranch. Luce's love for the outdoors and determination to be independent and finish her degree shines through as well. As always the author adds animals that become beloved characters. Looking forward to Mace's story in Forever A Hero.

Audio (7 CDs)
Product Number: C02847
Released: Aug 30, 2016
ISBN: #9781470384050
Narrator/s: Jack Garrett
Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
Listening Length: 8 hours and 58 minutes

Print Cover

The Carsons of Mustang Creek
Once A Rancher
Always A Cowboy
Forever A Hero

Thanks to Becky and Recorded Books for this review copy.

Those Who Wish Me Dead

When 13-year-old Jace Wilson witnesses a brutal murder, he's plunged into a new life, issued a false identity and hidden in a wilderness skills program for troubled teens. The plan is to get Jace off the grid while police find the two killers. The result is the start of a nightmare.

The killers, known as the Blackwell Brothers, are slaughtering anyone who gets in their way in a methodical quest to reach him. Now all that remains between them and the boy are Ethan and Allison Serbin, who run the wilderness survival program; Hannah Faber, who occupies a lonely fire lookout tower; and endless miles of desolate Montana mountains.

The clock is ticking, the mountains are burning, and those who wish Jace Wilson dead are no longer far behind.

An exciting plot driven story that had me looking for excuses to keep listening. The Blackwell brothers were two of the creepiest villains that were just a step behind ramping up the suspense. Jace was a very believable 13 year old who learns quickly the survival skills he will need to keep one step ahead of those who wish him dead. There was a great twist that I did not see coming...then the fire. A great action filled story narrated very well by Robert Petkoff.  Will be looking for more from this author!

Author: Michael Koryta
Published: June 2014
Pages:  400
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Source: Hachette Audio
Finished: 9/14/14



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Mitch and Hachette Audio and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.