I’m sorry... but it’s not worth it. I hate writing bad reviews but this audiobook was terrible.

First: the presentation was 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻 so horribly done. The characters were portrayed so differently by the two narrators, it was difficult to tell which character was which during dialogues, and what bothered me most was how the delivery of the words never seemed right. For example, when Amanda Ronconi (narrator of Ingrid) was narrating Rob’s dialogues, I could barely stand to keep listening to it because of how ridiculously she sounded. It constantly sounded like he (Rob) was mocking everyone or on the verge of tears/laughter. While listening, I could see the author’s words in my mind and I could picture how the story was supposed to be going, but it was as if Ronconi had a completely different story plot in mind because of the way she portrayed the characters. Same goes for the male narrator, Jonathan Davis; I just could not stand their narrating styles.

Second: the story itself seemed rushed and patchy. There were like five interactions between Rob & Ingrid and somehow we’re supposed to just believe they’re in love? Because they’re both attractive people? There was almost no info given to us for Rob’s character, let alone for Ingrid. Even for a novella, it didn’t seem right and their relationship felt forced. But I 70% believe that this was due to the poor delivery of the audiobook, and maybe if I had read this myself instead of listen, I would’ve been able to picture a much more elaborate and believable love connection between the two. Also, I felt like the story was just jumping back and forth in between places trying to cover up for the fact that there weren’t very amazing transitions. I felt like the author was trying to build suspense into Ingrid’s past life, but personally I felt that that attempt wasn’t delivered well.

Third: like other reviews have mentioned, the whole presentation of mystical beings was... lacking. But then again, I’m not an expert in this field, so all I’ll say is that I didn’t feel completely pulled into the whole magical world of supernatural beings, and frankly I felt like there weren’t enough explanations given for the different types of beings. Maybe I’m supposed to know this logic before I listen to books like this... if that’s the case, then I wasn’t aware. Sorry if I’m using the wrong terms here, I know close to nothing about this topic.

So yeah. I’m pretty disappointed. I’m honestly more disappointed in Audible for giving me this audiobook as one of the recommended choices. I really wish I could’ve liked this one. ( )

Even Tree Nymphs Get the Blues
2 Stars

Ingrid Asher, a tree nymph, moves to Mystic Bayou to live a solitary and peaceful life selling ice cream out of the newly renovated former post office. But life in the small and quirky town is anything but quiet as the residents insist on including her in their social activities. All's well until Rob Aspern, the hunky mathematician for the League begins showing romantic interest and Ingrid finds herself letting her guard down. Can she trust her secrets and her heart with this stranger?

Very disappointing!

While I usually have a soft spot for prickly heroines, Ingrid is exceedingly unlikable. Some of her reticence is explained by her past, but by that time, her rude, condescending and judgmental attitude has already been established.

Moreover, Ingrid and Rob have zero chemistry. There is absolutely no attraction to speak of and it is unclear why such an obviously caring man would keep pursuing a woman who treats him like the dirt beneath her shoe. He deserves better.

Finally, there is no progression in the ongoing arc surrounding the Rift.

The book's only saving grace is the inclusion of the characters from previous books - Bael and Jillian, and Zed and Dani. Their antics are delightful.

The next installment is a full-length novel with new characters. Hopefully, it will be better.
( )

I will lump all six books of the Mystic Bayou series into one review because they follow the same charming formula that Molly Harper tends to use. The similarities between the stories don’t harm them, as long as you go into each knowing exactly what you will get. There will be a meet-cute, followed by lots of sexual tension, a mystery solved together with the requisite found family, and happily ever after for our star couple. Throw in a dragon, a were-bear, selkies, a dryad, a witch, and a gnome, and you have quite the community. I enjoyed every minute of listening to the series. ( )

Like the others in the Mystic Bayou series (audible originals) this was a light romance with a fantastic small town setting and a colorful set of characters (returners from the first 2 books). I was happily surprised by the inclusion of Scandinavian lore in this one, as the main character is a hulder. She’s actually the prickliest of the characters so far and she’s not my favorite, but her hobby is fun and I definitely enjoyed learning about Scandinavian tree nymphs. Because this one is shorter, it didn’t contain the mystery elements of the first 2 in the series.

A hilarious new standalone novella brimming with otherworldly charm from the reigning queen of paranormal romantic comedy Molly Harper!

Ingrid Asher is the newest resident of Mystic Bayou, a tiny town hidden in the swamp where shapeshifters, vampires, witches and dragons live alongside humans.

Ingrid doesn’t ask for much. The solitary tree nymph just wants to live a quiet life running her ice-cream shop in peace. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to shake her new neighbor, Rob Aspern, head of the League’s data science department and so good looking it just isn’t fair.

If there’s one thing Ingrid doesn’t need, it’s someone poking around in her business. But the more she gets to know the hunky mathematician, the more she finds herself letting her guard down. Can she trust him with her secrets, or will her past destroy everything? ( ( )