Tag: #bookblogger

Audiobook Review: The Sweetest Getaway by Sasha Preston

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Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Genre:

Narrator: Bahni Turpin

Synopsis:

They’ll need the sweetest getaway ever to escape this mess as the cops are closing in…

Jennifer used to be a wholesome daydreamer who’d never broken a law in her life.

Then her bold roommate, Nari, ropes her into a money-making scheme that isn’t exactly…legal. To Jennifer’s shock, stealing from bad guys is actually fun.

But their joyride comes crashing down when someone tips off the cops. Now Jennifer and Nari must team up with a crew of seasoned criminals for one daring heist that could set them up for life…or land them behind bars.

Add in a charming stranger who tempts Jennifer’s heart, and suddenly her double life is more complicated than ever. Can she find a happily-ever-after that doesn’t include an orange jumpsuit?

Fans of heist rom-coms, found family crews, and laugh-out-loud women’s fiction will love The Sweetest Getaway.

The Sweetest Getaway is a no spice, cozy heist novel with laughs and the smartest heroines since Ocean’s 8. Get it today for a criminally good time.

The Sweetest Getaway follows A Sweet Scheme but can be read first. Each story stands on its own with a full, satisfying ending.

Review:

The Sweetest Getaway by Sasha Preston is the kind of audiobook that feels like pure serotonin, it’s bright, playful, and effortlessly entertaining. From the very first chapter, you’re swept into Jennifer’s unexpectedly chaotic world, where her rule following tendencies are quickly upended by a not so legal scheme and a fast paced spiral into heist territory. The story leans fully into its rom com crime vibes, blending found family dynamics, high stakes antics, and just the right amount of chaos. It’s warm, witty, and delightfully a little silly in the best way, making it incredibly easy to sink into and just have fun with.

Narrated by Bahni Turpin, the audio experience absolutely shines. She’s a legend for a reason and her performance adds so much personality and charm to every character, elevating the humor and heart of the story effortlessly. Her delivery captures the light, adventurous tone perfectly, making each twist, close call, and comedic moment land exactly as it should. She brings a cinematic quality to the listening experience that makes the heist elements feel vivid and engaging without ever losing that cozy, feel good energy.

At its core, this is a story about stepping outside your comfort zone and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Between the lovable crew dynamics, the dash of romance, and the action packed plot, it delivers a feel good escape that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re in the mood for something adventurous, charming, and easy to devour, The Sweetest Getaway is a seriously fun ride from start to finish.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the author for my review copy.

February Recap

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February felt a little shorter (because it literally is), but somehow I still packed in a solid mix of romances, thrillers, and a few surprise favorites. I leaned into seasonal vibes, Valentine’s reads, and a couple binge worthy backlist picks that completely delivered.

If you missed anything this month, here’s a quick catch up — plus a peek at what I’m excited about heading into March.

ICYMI: February Highlights

February Book Recommendations

A mixed genre roundup of love stories, twisty suspense, and a few books that genuinely surprised me in the best way.

→ Read the full list here

Full February Reading Wrap Up

All the stats, standouts, and quick hit thoughts.

→ See the wrap up here

I also shared:

• Books to read if you’re missing the Winter Olympics

• Romance books that feel like a Valentine

• An audiobook starter guide

• A 2016 vs. 2026 Bookstagram post to celebrate 10 yearsof reviewing (!!)

A Few of My Favorite Reads in February

Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris

This one absolutely wrecked me in the most beautiful way. It’s devastating and tender, layered and deeply human — a story about grief, survival, found family, and what it truly means to begin living again. Leigh’s journey is heavy with trauma, but the way healing slowly unfolds on that Alabama flower farm felt thoughtful and earned. It’s character driven fiction at its finest.

The audiobook experience elevated this story to something unforgettable. Narrated by Tracie Thoms, Dionte Black, and the author herself, the performances were immersive and emotionally precise. You can hear every crack in Leigh’s armor. This would be such a powerful book club pick — it lingers long after the final chapter.

→ Read my full audiobook review here

Whisper Sweet Nothings by Laura Pavlov

The perfect send off to Rosewood River. Winnie and Archer were EVERYTHING. Single dad x nanny tension? Elite. Banter? Top tier. The Chadwick group chat? Completely unhinged in the best way.

This had humor, heart, spice, small town charm, and the sweetest emotional core. Melody stole my heart, and that extended epilogue? I devoured it. Laura Pavlov truly writes single dads like no one else, and I would happily live in Rosewood River forever.

→ Read my full review here

Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles

Romantic suspense done right. Emotional depth, high stakes tension, layered mystery, and a slow burn romance rooted in trust and vulnerability. Brae as a fiercely protective single mom added so much weight to the story, and watching Dex with Owen melted me.

The twists absolutely got me (again), and the groundwork laid for future books has me fully invested. Catherine Cowles just knows how to balance danger and devotion.

→ Read my full review here

Love Song by Elle Kennedy

Returning to the Briar universe is pure serotonin for me. Nostalgia, next gen chaos, group chats, emotional growth — it’s everything I want from this world.

Wyatt and Blake’s slow burn tension was delicious torture in the best way. The banter? Incredible. The chemistry? Off the charts. And while it’s wildly fun, it also carries emotional weight in a way that feels real and grounded. I’m fully obsessed and will never get tired of visiting this universe.

→ Read my full review here

Currently Reading / Listening / Watching

• Reading: Turn Off the Light by Jacquie Walters and it is creepy AF. Dual timelines, haunted house energy, women separated by four hundred years, and something in the walls? I’m unsettled in the best way.

• Listening: Served Him Right by Lisa Unger I’m about to start this one and I’m so ready for messy brunch drama, secrets, and revenge.

• Watching: Season 2 of Paradise on Hulu. I’m a HUGE Sterling K. Brown fan and this show is excellent.

What’s Next

Honestly? I’m fully in my mood reading era right now. No strict plan, just vibes.

You can definitely expect:

• A spring themed reads post soon

• More carousels, guides, and random themed lists whenever inspiration strikes

• Continued 10 year anniversary throwbacks and celebratory content throughout the year

Thank you for being here! Whether you read every post, tap through a carousel, or just lurk quietly in the background. I appreciate this little corner of the internet more than you know. 🤍

Ultimate Holiday Reading Guide 2025

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Curl up with cocoa, turn on the twinkle lights, and settle in — your next festive read is right here.

Tip: the Instagram carousel features the full 100+ list with cover art, this blog shares a curated “highlight” selection plus blurbs and affiliate links.

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💕 Holiday Romance Recs

Sweet, swoony, and full of festive cheer — these are the romances I’ve read and adored.

The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah — A tender, heartwarming rom com centered on family, tradition, and second chances during Hanukkah.

Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal — Irreverent, spicy, and unexpectedly emotional, perfect for readers who like their holiday romance with attitude.

Merry Little Kissmas — Sweet, cozy, and full of holiday mischief—ideal for fans of laugh out loud meet cutes.

Good Spirits — A warm, witty romance with a touch of magic and lots of seasonal charm.

The Christmas List — A nostalgic, cozy story about love, mistakes, and the miracle of second chances at Christmastime.

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🎁 Holiday Romance TBR

If your e reader is ready for seasonal sparkle, these are next on my list.

Three Holidays and a Wedding — An emotional holiday romance about family, reunions, and one unforgettable festive celebration.

Snowed In — Classic snowbound trope with sparks, secrets, and the perfect forced proximity setup.

Christmas Fling — A flirty holiday romance made for cozy winter nights.

How the Grump Saved Christmas — Grumpy x sunshine holiday energy with tender moments and lots of heart.

Christmas Eve Love Story — A sweet, cinematic romance that feels like your favorite holiday movie in book form.

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🔪 Holiday Thriller TBR

Prefer your holiday reads on the darker side? These chilling thrillers bring murder, mystery, and a touch of tinsel.

I’ll Be Alone for Christmas — A tense, psychological holiday thriller about isolation and the danger of being alone on Christmas.

The Christmas Party — An old friends reunion that goes terrifyingly wrong—perfect for readers who love locked room tension at Christmas.

The Christmas Killer — Chilling, relentless, and set against a deceptively cozy holiday backdrop.

Last Christmas — A twisty festive thriller that will keep you guessing until the final pages.

The Christmas Guest — A short, sinister holiday novella where seasonal cheer turns cold and dangerous.

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☕ Cozy Mystery Recs

For those who love crime with cocoa and clues with candy canes — these festive whodunits are perfect fireside reading.

Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off — Baking mishaps, small town charm, and a deliciously twisty mystery.

Mistletoe Murder — Classic cozy energy: holiday traditions, nosy neighbors, and a puzzling murder to solve.

Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen — A festive small town mystery with holiday events and plenty of red herrings.

Murder with a Hint of Peppermint — A sweet sleuthing romp with peppermint lattes and cozy clues.

The Diva Cooks a Goose — Light, funny, and full of culinary chaos—mystery meets kitchen hijinks.

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🔍 Cozy Mystery TBR

Still can’t get enough? These upcoming holiday cozies are next in my queue.

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year — A festive, puzzle filled cozy that reads like a gingerbread house of clues.

A Holiday Homicide — Small town drama and a seasonal whodunit that’s perfect with a cup of cocoa.

Peppermint Cookie Murder — A charming bakery mystery that pairs perfectly with cookie baking and sleuthing.

Death of a Christmas Caterer — Catering drama, family secrets, and a holiday themed mystery that’s delightfully suspicious.

Deck the Hallways — Festive campus hijinks and a cozy mystery vibe that’s quirky and fun.

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That’s 25 festive reads to get you through the season — and my full 100+ books Holiday Reading Guide (with every genre + cover art) is on Instagram if you want every single recommendation.

Follow @novelgossip on Instagram for the complete carousel and more holiday reading inspo.

Affiliate disclosure: I use Amazon affiliate links on this page. If you purchase through these links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — thank you for supporting novelgossip.com.