Book Review: Presidio by Randy Kennedy

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Presidio 
Author: Randy Kennedy
Read By: George Newbern
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Genres: Mystery | Suspense | Thrillers
Released: August 21st 2018
Review Source: Simon & Schuster Audio

Set in the 1970s in the vast and arid landscape of the Texas panhandle, this darkly comic and stunningly mature literary debut tells the story of a car thief and his brother who set out to recover some stolen money and inadvertently kidnap a Mennonite girl who has her own reasons for being on the run.

Troy Falconer returns home after years of working as a solitary car thief to help his younger brother, Harlan, search for his wife, who has run away with the little money he had. When they steal a station wagon for the journey, the brothers accidentally kidnap Martha Zacharias, a Mennonite girl asleep in the back of the car. Martha turns out to be a stubborn survivor who refuses to be sent home, so together these unlikely road companions attempt to escape across the Mexican border, pursued by the police and Martha’s vengeful father.

The story is told partly through Troy’s journal, in which he chronicles his encounters with con artists, down-and-outers, and roadside philosophers, people looking for fast money, human connection, or a home long since vanished. The journal details a breakdown that has left Troy unable to function in conventional society; he is reduced to haunting motels, stealing from men roughly his size, living with their possessions in order to have none of his own and all but disappearing into their identities.

With a page-turning plot about a kidnapped child, gorgeously written scenes that probe the soul of the American West, and an austere landscape as real as any character, Presidio packs a powerful punch of anomie, dark humor, pathos, and suspense.

Presidio is the story of a car thief named Troy who is returning home to help his brother Harlan track someone down. Turns out Harlan’s wife has run off with all of his money, and Troy feels an obligation to help out after years of being off on his own. I enjoyed getting to know Troy through his journal entries mixed into the book. It is a bit strange to remember that there was a time without surveillance everyone and someone could just hop from motel to motel, stealing cars and clothes and whatever else. The descriptions of the small towns in the Texas desert were so vivid and accurate I felt like I was back in one. 

I felt the story was very well written and moved right along, and I really enjoyed it as an audio book. The narrator, George Newbern, has just a hint of a Texas accent, which sounded perfect for the characters. There was enough of a difference in each character voice to tell them apart as well. I was a little sad when the story was over as I wanted it to just keep going.

Audiobook Review: Three Things About Elise by Joanna Cannon

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Three Things About Elise
Author: Joanna Cannon
Narrator: Paula Wilcox
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Genres: Mystery | Suspense
Released: August 7th 2018
Review Source: Simon & Schuster Audio

The bestselling author of the “remarkable…masterfully constructed, pitch-perfect” (Booklist, starred review) debut The Trouble with Goats and Sheep delivers a suspenseful and emotionally satisfying novel about a lifelong friendship, a devastating secret, and the small acts of kindness that bring people together.

There are three things you should know about Elsie. The first thing is that she’s my best friend. The second is that she always knows what to say to make me feel better. And the third thing…might take a bit more explaining.

Eighty-four-year-old Florence has fallen in her flat at Cherry Tree Home for the Elderly. As she waits to be rescued, she thinks about her friend Elsie and wonders if a terrible secret from their past is about to come to light. If the charming new resident is who he claims to be, why does he look exactly like a man who died sixty years ago?

From the acclaimed, bestselling author of The Trouble with Goats and Sheep, Three Things About Elsie is a story about forever friends on the twisting path of life. As we uncover their buried secrets, we learn how the fine threads of humanity connect us all.

Three Things About Elsie is a beautiful story about friendships and kindness. It follows Florence (Flo) Claybourne and her friends Elsie and General Jack, who are residents of Cherry Tree Home for the Elderly. Flo, Elsie, and Jack feel like a band of elderly misfits getting up to no good as they try to ‘open the drawers’ of Flo’s memories and figure out exactly what happened 60 years ago. The story is mostly told from Flo’s perspective, as she lies on the floor waiting for someone to find her after she’s fallen.

The story is full of wonderful little twists and turns as we piece together Flo’s past, and how it relates to the new resident at Cherry Hill. Some twists you might see coming, others come out of nowhere. But for me, the heart of the story is not in the mystery they’re trying to solve, but the kind hearts of each of the characters. The book is full of introspection and characters wondering what they’re leaving behind and how they’ll be remembered. The caretakers at Cherry Hill, like Miss Ambrose and Handy Simon, don’t think their lives have any meaning and they’re not leaving behind any kind of legacy. Flo often wonders who will look at her photo when she’s gone and miss her. We learn about the ‘long second’ and the choices that change other people’s lives. I loved finding out how so many of the lives in the story were connected, though they never knew it. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator did a wonderful job of keeping me engaged. My only criticism is that there was no delineation between chapters. As with reading a paper book, I like to finish a chapter (when possible) before closing the book for the moment.

HarperAudio to Publish 'Dark Carousel', A Vinyl-First Audiobook

Will Ireland/SFX Magazine via Getty Images; HarperAudio

HARPERAUDIO TO PUBLISH DARK CAROUSEL, A VINYL-FIRST AUDIOBOOK BY JOE HILL

New York, NY (January 19, 2018)—HarperAudio, the audio imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, will publish Dark Carousel, a “vinyl-first” audiobook by New York Times bestselling author Joe Hill on April 20, 2018. With a release timed to coincide with Record Store Day on April 21, Dark Carousel is narrated by television and film actor Nate Corddry and features a cover of “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones, recorded expressly for the record by Matthew Ryan.

The package features original artwork, two colorful “splattered” records, and a full-length download of the Dark Carousel audiobook. In cooperation with Think Indie, HarperAudio and vinyl label Wax announced a limited first printing of 2,500 copies.

Today, Entertainment Weekly revealed the cover of Dark Carousel along with an exclusive excerpt from the audiobook: http://bit.ly/2CvJzCR

Says author Joe Hill, “My hard rockin’ fantasies are pretty well documented at this point — the hero of my first novel was, after all, a world-famous heavy metal rocker. I’ve always wanted to have my own LP, and the idea that one of my stories is being released as an audiobook on vinyl blows my Beatles-quoting, Stones-fixated, Zeppelin-obsessed mind. Even better, I’m on the record with Matthew Ryan, a great American rocknrolla. His cover of “Wild Horses” is the best version of the song since the original. I’m so excited for readers and listeners to drop the needle on this story and Matt’s song."

Written about a balmy summer night in 1994. Dark Carousel is the tale of four teenagers out for an evening of fun on the boardwalk who take a ride on the “Wild Wheel” – an antique carousel with a shadowy past – and learn too late that decisions made in an instant can have deadly consequences. What begins as a night of innocent end-of-summer revelry, young love, and (a few too many) beers among friends soon descends into chaos, as the ancient carousel’s parade of beasts comes chillingly to life to deliver the ultimate judgment for their misdeeds.

HarperAudio plans to continue its partnership with Wax by publishing a vinyl edition of the award-winning full cast recording of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events #1, The Bad Beginning featuring Tim Curry on October 23, 2018.

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About HarperCollins

HarperCollins Publishers is the second largest consumer book publisher in the world, with operations in 18 countries. With 200 years of history and more than 120 branded imprints around the world, HarperCollins publishes approximately 10,000 new books every year in 17 languages, and has a print and digital catalog of more than 200,000 titles. Writing across dozens of genres, HarperCollins authors include winners of the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the Newbery and Caldecott Medals and the Man Booker Prize. HarperCollins, headquartered in New York, is a subsidiary of News Corp (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) and can be visited online at corporate.HC.com.

Audiobook Review: Lost Rider by Harper Sloan

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Lost Rider
Coming Home #1
Author: Harper Sloan
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: April 25th 2017
Review Source: Simon Schuster Audio

Maverick Austin Davis is forced to return home after a ten-year career as a rodeo star. After one too many head injuries, he’s off the circuit and in the horse farming business, something he’s never taken much of a shine to, but now that it’s his late father’s legacy, familial duty calls. How will Maverick find his way after the only dream he ever had for himself is over?

Enter Leighton Elizabeth James, an ugly duckling turned beauty from Maverick’s childhood—his younger sister’s best friend, to be exact, and someone whose heart he stomped all over when she confessed her crush to him ten years back. Now Leighton is back in Maverick’s life, no longer the insecure, love-stricken teen—and Maverick can’t help but take notice. Sparks fly between them, but will Leighton be able to open her heart to the one man who broke it all those years ago?

This may be my first Harper Sloan book, but it definitely won’t be my last. Lost Rider follows two souls that were meant to always be together and their journey finding their way home. Makerick the rodeo king left town as soon as he possibly could. He wanted nothing tying him back home, other than his brother and sister, and if that meant shattering a girl’s hope and dreams then he would have to do it. Even if it hurt like hell to do so. Leighton, heart broken by the crush of her life, decided to make some changes after some life altering events, they may have helped in the time, but never enough to mend her broken heart over the one that got away. But what happens when the one that got away moves back? Can she actually get over the hurtful things that were said? We’re they truly meant to be?

Lost Rider has been one of my favorite audiobooks so far this summer, I know it just started, but it was a good way to start it that’s for sure. I was completely enthralled from the very beginning. I couldn’t wait to get back in my car to listen and I hate driving. I even made my husband listen to it, poor guy. The angst between these two and their love/hate relationship in the beginning was the best! Leighton was one tough chick and if I were Makerick I would’ve been shaking in my cowboy boots. I may not be a fan of country music, but I am most definitely a fan of country boys. My only small grievance with this book was the relationship seemed to move a little too fast for my taste, but I guess when you’ve known and loved the same person over a decade, it doesn’t seem fast. More like a long time coming. Sloan also gets you really excited about what’s going to come up in the next books as well, I can’t wait to see Quinn, Makerick’s sister and Leighton’s best friend get knocked on her butt with love. And then Makerick’s brother, hello, give me that book now please. Sloan has badass men, and tough chicks in this series and that is something I have really come to love when reading a romance. I don’t need a damsel in distress, I need a badass chick just looking for an equal, someone to make her stronger than she already is and Sloan delivered.

For any cowboy lovers, romance cravers, and anyone inbetween, Lost Rider by Harper Sloan is the book for you. Count me in as a forever fan. I’ve already added all Sloan’s books to my already mile long TBR list.

Audiobook Review: Royally Screwed by Emma Chase

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Royally Screwed
Royally #1
Author: Emma Chase
Narrator: Andi Arndt, Shane East
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Romance
Release Date: October 18th 2016 
Review Source: Library | Simon & Schuster Audio

Nicholas Arthur Frederick Edward Pembrook, Crowned Prince of Wessco, aka His Royal Hotness, is wickedly charming, devastatingly handsome, and unabashedly arrogant; hard not to be when people are constantly bowing down to you.

Then, one snowy night in Manhattan, the prince meets a dark haired beauty who doesn't bow down. Instead, she throws a pie in his face.

Nicholas wants to find out if she tastes as good as her pie, and this heir apparent is used to getting what he wants.

Dating a prince isn't what waitress Olivia Hammond ever imagined it would be.

There's a disapproving queen, a wildly inappropriate spare heir, relentless paparazzi, and brutal public scrutiny. While they've traded in horse drawn carriages for Rolls Royces, and haven't chopped anyone's head off lately, the royals are far from accepting of this commoner.

But to Olivia, Nicholas is worth it.

Nicholas grew up with the whole world watching, and now Marriage Watch is in full force. In the end, Nicholas has to decide who he is and, more importantly, who he wants to be: a King... or the man who gets to love Olivia forever. 

Firstly let’s start with what initially drew me in, the cover. Like, hello, what are you about? Does it even matter? I need you on my shelf. Then I see that it’s Emma Chase and she has been on my tbr list for forever now, so score, finally, and then lastly my library has it available on audiobook so I can dive right in during my overnights at work. And then right when I thought I couldn’t be anymore excited to start this book I start the audiobook and the narrator has an accent, kill.me.now. Then I got super bummed that the book wasn’t longer and I haven’t even made it through the first chapter yet. 

Royally Screwed follows sexy Prince Nicholas Arthur Frederick Edward Pembrook, who apparently has an incredibly long name, but also an incredible face and accent with a side of arrogance and charm. He’s next in line to become king and with the downfall of his country he has been told he needs to make some major changes but after meeting a dark haired beauty while in New York, Nicholas isn’t sure what to do. 

Then we have sassy hardworking Olivia Hammond who has lost her mother and is trying to keep her family and family business afloat working her butt off and then one day without a clue who he is the Nicholas happens upon her bakery and her life is forever altered. Like, hello where is Prince Harry, and why is he not walking into my job?

So I’m going to be completely honest, since I have read/listened to Royally Screwed I have gone and read all but maybe two of Emma Chase’s books. I am obsessed. Her characters are witty, she can write a male POV (which I tend to cringe on a lot), and stories that just suck you in. I can’t wait to continue this series, and with anything Emma Chase comes out with in the future. 

Audiobook Review: Riveted by Jay Crownover

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Riveted
Saints of Denver #3
Author: Jay Crownover
Narrator: Stephanie Wyles and Sean Bassett
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: February 14th 2017
Review Source: HarperAudio

Everyone else in Dixie Carmichael's life has made falling in love look easy, and now she is ready for her own chance at some of that happily ever after. Which means she’s done pining for the moody, silent former soldier who works with her at the bar that's become her home away from home. Nope. No more chasing the hot as heck thundercloud of a man and no more waiting for Mr. Right to find her; she's going hunting for him...even if she knows her heart is stuck on its stupid infatuation with Dash Churchill.

Denver has always been just a pit stop for Church on his way back to rural Mississippi. It was supposed to be simple, uneventful, but nothing could have prepared him for the bubbly, bouncy redhead with doe eyes and endless curves. Now he knows it's time to get out of Denver, fast. For a man used to living in the shadows, the idea of spending his days in the sun is nothing short of terrifying.

When Dixie and Church find themselves caught up in a homecoming overshadowed with lies and danger, Dixie realizes that while falling in love is easy, loving takes a whole lot more work…especially when Mr. Right thinks he's all wrong for you.

Since I have started working overnights audiobooks have become my saving grace. Last year I binged all of Jay Crownover;s books and couldn’t wait to get my hands or ears on Riveted. We are finally getting Dixie and Church's story! Dixie, a glass is always half full type of gal, and then Church a brooding soldier, but something drew Dixie to him and she knows he’s the one, but will he ever realize it or just get better at running?

Denver isn’t home for Church, he’s been avoiding something back home but when his father calls with some news Church knows it’s time to come home. Church may or may not have used the excuse of a girl keeping him in Denver, so he must bring the “lucky girl” home. He knows how much Dixie loves to help, so he shows up at her doorstep at way too early o’clock, and begs for a favor. Dixie of course can’t say no to helping him and hops on the back of his bike for a road trip to Mississippi.

Now let me also comment on Church’s narrator because holy shi*t he was amazing. They found the perfect slow sexy southern drawl. It made the audiobook. Now I don’t know if I got real attached to Church and his drawl during this book or what, but his story definitely had me shedding tears every so often. This sexy drawl telling you his sad story just breaks you in a million pieces.

Obviously, I love Jay Crownover’s books, I also absolutely love them in audiobook form and nothing is different with Riveted. While Crownover can turn up the steam and swoon,  and she can also give you a character's back story that breaks you and builds you back up. Her characters and real and authentic and so goddamn swoonworthy.

Audiobook Review: Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick

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Scrappy Little Nobody
Author: Anna Kendrick
Narrator: Anna Kendrick
Genre: Nonfiction - Humor
Release Date: November 15th 2016
Review Source: Library | Simon & Schuster Audio

A collection of humorous autobiographical essays by the Academy Award-nominated actress and star of Up in the Air and Pitch Perfect.

Even before she made a name for herself on the silver screen starring in films like Pitch Perfect, Up in the Air, Twilight, and Into the Woods, Anna Kendrick was unusually small, weird, and “10 percent defiant.”

At the ripe age of thirteen, she had already resolved to “keep the crazy inside my head where it belonged. Forever. But here’s the thing about crazy: It. Wants. Out.” In Scrappy Little Nobody, she invites readers inside her brain, sharing extraordinary and charmingly ordinary stories with candor and winningly wry observations.

With her razor-sharp wit, Anna recounts the absurdities she’s experienced on her way to and from the heart of pop culture as only she can—from her unusual path to the performing arts (Vanilla Ice and baggy neon pants may have played a role) to her double life as a middle-school student who also starred on Broadway to her initial “dating experiments” (including only liking boys who didn’t like her back) to reviewing a binder full of butt doubles to her struggle to live like an adult woman instead of a perpetual “man-child.”

Enter Anna’s world and follow her rise from “scrappy little nobody” to somebody who dazzles on the stage, the screen, and now the page—with an electric, singular voice, at once familiar and surprising, sharp and sweet, funny and serious (well, not that serious). 

Shut. The. Front. Door. This audiobook is pure gold.. If you’re even remotely a fan of Anna Kendrick you have got to pick this book. And better yet, you have got to listen to her read it on audio, it was a BLAST. 

So really, there isn’t a whole lot I can say about this book; it’s a book, about Anna Kendrick written by Anna Kendrick and read by Anna Kendrick about her being a scrappy little nobody. She dives into her insecurities that we can all relate to and she tells us hilarious anecdotes. Then by the end of the book I was convinced her and I could be best friends, still do actually. 

Basically that’s all you need to know. Anna is hilarious, awkward, down to earth, a little bit of a stoner, and someone you really want to keep listening to. It made me even more excited for her future career. I was first introduced to Anna when she was in Twilight and she was one of the cast members I made an effort to support their career long after and I’m glad that I have. So if you’re not acquainted with Anna I would do yourself a favor and pick up her book and a couple of her movies. 

Audiobook Review: Bloodline by Claudia Gray

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Star Wars: Bloodline
Author: Claudia Gray
Narrator: January LaVoy
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Released:  May 3rd 2016
Review Source: Library

From the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Lost Stars comes a thrilling prequel to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, set roughly six years before the events of the film.

At a Glance:
Hello, Star Wars? Give me everything that is Star Wars related! Plus, I love Claudia's writing. This is the best of both world.

Cover:
I love Princess Leia, she is a badass heroine. Having her on the cover makes this cover stand out. Not only is she on the cover, but Daddy Darth Vader... Yeah, this is definitely an eye catcher.

Action:
Again, Star Wars... Just like the Star Wars movies, Bloodlines is packed with actions, deceptions, twist and full of HOLY SKYWALKER. Which is perfect because it's a perfect balance to the politics this book covers. And the book does a fantastic job to keep you awake. It's very full of life. Also, whomever is not a Star Wars, must be brainwashed. Just wanted to point this out ;)

Heroine/Hero:
Come on guys, Princess Leia is not just a great looking gal, but one of the Rebel Alliance’s greatest leaders! She is fearless, dedicated to her people and most of all a person that puts other before herself. This is why we love her. She has thought us to stand up to our beliefs, no matter the consequences. I love her for this and she is the perfect example to describe a heroine.

Romance:
Leia and Han.... that is all!

Something I loved:
The glimpses we get into Han and Leia's relationship! Totally adorable! However, what I loved the most is the tie-ins between the start of the New Republic and The Force Awakens. It's like putting the missing piece to a puzzle. I loved how it was not an easy transition for Leia. She struggled and doubled herself. Yet, at the same time she believed in herself. Like any other human being should. Even though we are scared or doubting ourselves, we should always push ourselves. In Bloodline, we see Leia's growth and mature into the women we always knew she would become, and did.

Something I didn’t like: 
The wait for the next book of this series. Hopefully, Claudia will write it because she is by far my favorite author of the Star Wars stories.

Favorite Quote:
“Do you have any idea how much I love you?” “Yeah, I’d say I have a pretty good idea.” Leia mock-punched him in the arm, and Han chuckled. “C’mon. You know I love you, too.” “Yes,” she said as she tilted her mouth up for a kiss. “I know.” —”

Would I recommend it?
Heck YES!! Claudia Gray does not disappoint. She delivered an outstanding story. As for the audiobook, the voices are great and the narrators brings a vivid image while listening. It's a great distraction and way to "read" this book. You won't regret it. Claudia is by far the best when it comes to telling a Star Wars story.

Austin Butler Performs Role of Akos in 'Carve the Mark' Audiobook!

Did you know that actor Austin Butler from The Shannara Chronicles, Switched at Birth, Carrie Diaries performed the role Akos in Veronica Roth's new book Carve the Mark audiobook? 

Well now you do, and here is a video that HarperAudio shared on their YouTube channel recently. 

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Carve the Mark
Written by Veronica Roth

Fans of Star Wars and Divergent will revel in internationally bestselling author Veronica Roth’s stunning new science-fiction fantasy series.

On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power—something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuvhe, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive—no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive—or to destroy one another.

Audiobook Review: Girl Online: Going Solo by Zoe Sugg

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Girl Online: Going Solo
Girl Online #3
Author: Zoe Sugg
Narrator: Hannah Tointon
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: November 22nd 2016
Review Source: Simon & Schuster Audio

The third novel in the New York Times bestselling Girl Online series by the award-winning YouTuber and blogger Zoe “Zoella” Sugg.

Penny’s life is back to normal.

As Penny starts the school year she’s ready to face the world—alone. Noah has gone off the radar after ending his world tour early, and no one, including Penny, knows where he is. So when she accepts Megan’s invitation to visit her performing arts school, it seems like an opportunity to make some new friends.

Helping everyone else seems to be the right remedy—Elliot needs her friendship more than ever, and she meets Posey, who she can really help with her stage fright. But is charming Scottish boy Callum the right kind of distraction? And can Penny truly move on when Noah’s shadow seems to haunt her around every corner?

Girl Online has been an utter delight! I have listened to all three books on audio and they have been some of my absolute favorites. I love the accent of the narrator, they really make it sound authentic, adding in typing sounds, everything. This makes it an absolute delight to listen to and really pulls me in only to focus on what’s happening in Penny’s life.

Girl Online: Going Solo picks up after Noah broke my heart. I mean Penny, my bad ;). Penny’s back in school, back to blogging, back with her favorite sidekick Wiki aka Elliot. She’s trying to navigate life after Noah, who has been radio silent since the breakup, but it’s tough when she doesn’t know if he’s okay and always feels his ghost. We’ve watched Penny battle anxiety throughout the entire series, but we also watched her grow to accept it and find ways to healthily battle anxiety attacks. This is one of the main reasons why I have enjoyed this series, aside for the cute fun stuff, Penny does deal with some heavy anxiety that many people deal with, and to incorporate that into this story was important to me. I also can appreciate the growth Penny has with her friends, whether it was making new ones, strengthening current ones, and ending toxic ones; we’ve all been there at some point in life.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series on audio, Hannah Tointon was perfect, so entertaining and authentic. I have completely enjoyed the Girl Online series and Girl Online: Going Solo was a great conclusion to this series. I hate saying goodbye but I loved to get to know Penny, Elliott, Noah, and everyone else we met on this ride.