 |
| Narrated by Karen White |
Synopsis (via Goodreads): They say life can change in an instant…
After losing her sister in a devastating car accident, chef Quinn Weller is finally getting her life back on track. She appears to have it all: a loving family, a dream job in one of L.A.'s hottest eateries, and a gorgeous boyfriend dying to slip an engagement ring on her finger. So why does she feel so empty, like she's looking for a missing piece she can't find?
The answer comes when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a bombshell secret and a mysterious inheritance that only she can claim. This shocking revelation washes over Quinn like a tidal wave. Her whole life has been a lie.
On impulse, Quinn gives up her job, home, and boyfriend. She heads up the coast to the small hometown of Wildstone, California, which is just a few hours north, but feels worlds apart from Los Angeles. Though she doesn't quite fit in right away, she can't help but be drawn to the town’s simple pleasures…and the handsome, dark-haired stranger who offers friendship with no questions asked.
As Quinn settles into Wildstone, she discovers there's another surprise in store for her. The inheritance isn't a house or money, but rather something earthshattering, something that will make her question everything she thought she knew about herself, about her family. Now with a world of possibilities opening up to Quinn, she must decide if this new life is the one she was always meant to have—and the one that could finally give her the fulfillment she's searched so long for.
I almost stopped listening to this audiobook, but I'm really glad I didn't! I think the narrator threw me off because she read things in a way that I wouldn't have. Like, she would emphasize words or phrases that didn't always make sense to me. Can a narrator read too dramatically? Is that a thing? I think I would have enjoyed this one more if I'd read a physical copy instead of listening to the audiobook. Eventually, I focused more on what was being said instead of how, which seemed to help.“If it has tires or testicles, it’s gonna give you trouble.”
I'm going to go ahead and throw my negative out there... the steamy sex scenes were actually more like warm soup. It's edible, and you can swallow it in a hurry, but it's not how you'd prefer to eat it. Hot soup that needs to be blown a few times is almost always better. It lasts longer and ends up being way more satisfying. However, I did love how uncomplicated the sex was. They both new what they wanted and went for it, so that was nice.
Quinn was an enjoyable character, but I felt like she was a little oblivious at times. Yes, she was thrown into an unpredictable situation, but I'm referring to her life before. It's like being somewhere new really helped Quinn be the person she was meant to be. She started trying new things, opening back up, and really living again.
Mick was perfection. Everything you want a guy to be = Mick.
- Fantastic listener
- Always honest
- Understood when Quinn needed to be alone
- Got rid of bugs with zero judgement
- Happy to satisfy
- Great with kids
- Cared about his town and the people in it
- Loved and cared for his mom
- Successful
- Patient
- Adores his ancient dog
Overall, I did end up enjoying Lost and Found Sisters. There were a few things I wish had been done a little differently, but nothing major. I'll likely continue the series to see what happens next, even though this one wrapped up quite nicely.
Good quote nice little giggle moment for me.
ReplyDeleteHeh, it made me chuckle when I read it!
DeleteI love Shalvis's books and how she always manages to have a dog in there :-)
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
Do they? That's awesome! This was my first one, so I wouldn't know. What else have you read by her? Favorites? Recs?
DeleteI’ve always wondered about this author. Good to know she’s pretty good...besides the sex scenes. ;)
ReplyDeleteThey were nice sex scenes, just not very steamy and descriptive. It was like a diet romance... only we don't get to hear about them burning calories.
DeleteIs this a brand new series? I love Jill shalvis!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a newer one... I believe I've seen the second book for this around somewhere. I don't know if it was a Waiting on Wednesday Post or what, but I swear I saw something, lol. This was my first book by her! What else would you recommend?
DeleteI still need to read one of her books. One of these days I will. This one sounds good.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first! And I do want to continue the series. :)
DeleteI've had ones emphasize words oddly before, it threw me off too
ReplyDeleteIt kept me from really getting lost in the story, but I think I eventually got used to it (mostly).
DeleteI’ve never read anything by Shalvis even though I feel like I see her books *everywhere*. Reason one is because it seems like a lot of her book includes dogs/animals and I’m just not a pet/animal person and don’t really enjoy reading stories where a pet plays a role. But the main reason is that ALL of her books seem to be series. And long series, at that, so it’s a bit overwhelming. Anyway, back to this book (LOL), it does sound like a good read despite the issues with the narrator. That can definitely make or break the experience. I listened to one that was kind of similar - she read everything in this breathy, dramatic voice and I just couldn’t get past it. Gah! I sure like the sound of Mick, though! :D
ReplyDeleteMick is a glorious human being.
DeleteThe dog doesn't really play a role... he's just there sometimes. Mick takes care of him (dude dog is OLD), and it shows you a kind and compassionate side to the character. The dog is also extremely gassy, which is mentioned often. Usually, the author just mentions him being in the truck, or a room, and leaves it at that. I can understand if it's not your thing! Sometimes there are just things we don't like to read about. :)
I don't know much about the author's books, or how long a series can be, because this was my first one! I plan on continuing this series, but I also want to look into some of her other books.
As for the narrator... I think I just need to get out of my own head and not think about how *I* would read something, and listen to the story for what it is. It was just so distracting sometimes...
“If it has tires or testicles, it’s gonna give you trouble.” I love this quote!! I need it on a t-shirt or a mug. It's a major truth...
ReplyDeleteI feel like a lot of people can relate to it, lol.
DeleteI haven't tried this one but I enjoyed all the novels I tried by her so I'm curious too
ReplyDeleteThis was my first! I need to read her others. Recs?
DeleteHa love that quote! And the flip flops make me want summer.
ReplyDeleteMove to Texas... it's been summer since winter.
DeleteI LOVE Shalvis! I have been on the waitlist at the library for eternity for this book. I think my turn is coming soon, and I am giddy about it. Shalvis always writes great heroes and Mick sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to read it soon! It was wonderful! It was my first book by the author, but I definitely want to read more. Mick was brilliant!
DeleteOh yes, absolutely narrators can be too dramatic. I've given up on those unless I REALLY want to read the book. I know this author, and the numerous good reviews she always gets -- as is yours!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if the same narrator reads all of her books, but it started to grow on me at the end. It just became the normal... I guess. I don't know. I might grab the physical copies of these in the future.
Delete