The Book Addict's Reviews

Author: Sandra Kyle

Narrator: Kelley Hazen

Series: DIY, Book One

Length: 8h 14m

Publisher: Sandra Kyle

Released: June 27, 2017

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Vanessa moves to Savannah to pick up the pieces of her once very certain existence after her fiancé cheats on her. An independent and self-sufficient accountant, Vanessa also has a knack for DIY. When she purchases a ramshackle property in need of repair, she crosses paths with Daniel, a sexy and skillful carpenter. Daniel is a ladies’ man who plays the field and has his own romantic issues to conquer. As Vanessa embarks on a journey to embrace her new community and rehab her new home, she enlists Daniel’s help. Tackling the house is the easy part, but can two do-it-yourselfers find a way to work together to fix their love lives as well?

Born to Italian parents, Sandra is a “first generation” American. Her parents came to America in search of a better life. Along with their dreams they brought with them wonderful tales that Sandra recalls told time and time again around the kitchen table.

Though not sure where her love of writing originated, she can admit to having penned stories (i.e., fanfic) about New Kids on the Block back in the late 80s – scribbling pages and pages in notebooks shared before school by lockers and passed in between classes. It was fiction that included classmates and heartbreaking romance only a teenage girl filled with unbearable angst could summon.

An avid movie lover and introvert, she reads anything from Austen to King. She is an east coast gal and currently resides (when not immersed in the fictional worlds that occupy her headspace) with her husband and bipolar feline.

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Kelley Hazen is an actress, blogger and audiobook narrator living in Los Angeles with her husband and their two awesome dogs. The Los Angeles Times describes Kelley’s work – “…listen to Kelley Hazen, so poised and well spoken, so in command of this room full of strangers you wonder why she isn’t off winning Oscars….” Kelley received recognition from Audible.com as ‘Best New Audiobook Talent’. She twice received the Audiofile Magazine ‘Earphones Award’ for her narration. She holds an MFA from The Asolo Conservatory for Professional Actor Training. Kelley isa lecturer in astronomy for the world-renowned Griffith Observatory. She was recently invited to participate in “A Celebration of Mark Twain” as part of the annual HEAR NOW Festival in her hometown of Kansas City, MO. Kelley owns and operates Storyteller Productions, an intimate, boutique, recording studio carved into a San Gabriel Mountain hillside.

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Guest Post

Literary Inspirations for “A Building Passion”

My husband’s interest in DIY projects around the house is what sparked the idea for my DIY series. There was literally a bunch of stuff around my house I pulled from in terms of hardware and terms being thrown about. He was a great source of inspiration and my own little DIY library of wealth. It sometimes makes me want to pick up a tool and try my hand at it. And then I realize why I don’t do it.
I enjoy escaping from the monotony of my day with thoughts of chance encounters and romantic fate. My daydreams are a constant inspiration.
Savannah, Georgia – I’ve only had the pleasure of visiting this historical city during an overnight stay years ago. The short amount of time made an impression. With its eclectic mix of architecture, old-world style and southern hospitality, I can’t wait to visit Savannah again and do more research for some upcoming stories.
The hero, Daniel, epitomizes charm and oozes sensuality. I don’t want to spoil any readers own imaginings with who I was inspired by, at least in this post. That can be saved for another time.
There have been a lot of inspirations for the heroine, Vanessa, in my real life. She’s doing the best she can with what she’s got to work with. I think being fine with the surface of your existence and not wanting to push the envelope or see what’s really going on with your significant partner – which is what leads Vanessa to Savannah to begin with in the story – scrapes at the wounds of life lessons I’ve personally gone through. You do come out stronger at the end of it all – changed, but stronger.

Top 10 List

Reasons to listen to this book- from Sandra Kyle

You want to listen in on the lives of characters that are fun and a little angsty without a high level of drama (mostly, anyway).
You want a hero that’s good with his hands. 😉
You want a heroine that’s pretty darn good with her hands, too.
You want to listen to a great storyteller (Kelley Hazen did an amazing job with the characters!)
You want to laugh out loud.
You want to daydream about a sexy carpenter on your drive into work, during your mundane chores, (insert random activity here).
You want to be in the middle of a public location, listening to an audiobook on your headphones and blushing incessantly when the two main characters finally kiss.
You want to visit Savannah, Georgia. (Warning: You may plan a trip there immediately after listening.)
You enjoy romances where the ladies man finally meets his love match.
We all need a happily ever after every once in awhile.

With Sandra Kyle

Waffle fries or curly fries? Waffle
GIF with a hard g or soft g? Soft (I’m also an ETHERNET with short e gal *shrugs*)
Fantasy or science-fiction? Fantasy (Have you seen “The Dark Crystal” or “Legend”?)
Superman or Batman? Superman – Reeves and his little curly que made quite an impression on me when I was younger.
Text message or call? Text for information dissemination. Call for true connection.
Pancakes or waffles? Waffles – perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Doctor Who or the Walking Dead? Neither at the moment.
TV Shows or movies? Hm, tough one. Television production has really raised the bar in terms of entertainment value over the past decade. I guess just for binge-watching potential I’d have to go with TV Shows.
Facebook or Twitter? I find Facebook easier to use.
Alice in Wonderland or Robinson Crusoe? Crusoe
Being too warm or too cold? I’d rather be too cold.
Netflix or Hulu? Netflix
Work Hard or Play Hard? Work Hard
Passenger or Driver? I selfishly enjoy being the passenger and taking in the view
Amusement Park or Day at the Beach? Either one if it can be at night and at my leisure – any place with too many people is too much stimulation and stress.
Honesty or Other’s Feelings? It can be tough to hold to, but I value honesty.
Movie at Home or Movie at the Theater? Movie at home – air popped popcorn and pausing for bathroom breaks.