“One mistake doesn’t make you a failure.”LONNIEI came to Tennessee to help a friend.And now, I’m stuck.By the Southern charm,By the sweet tea and By a tall, red-headed “Strawberry Shortcake”And when my world crumbles apart,Wynn is there to help me pick up the pieces.To show me the way.WYNNMy life was a huge disappointment.My marriage,My job,Everything slipped away.Coming home seemed like the … life was a huge disappointment.
My marriage,
My job,
Everything slipped away.
Coming home seemed like the final failure.
But then I meet him,
Lonnie Brennan, the sexy bass player,
Who adds laughter to my life.
And now, I realize that I can
Change my tune,
Sing a new song.
From award-winning author, LJ Evans, comes the music inspired conclusion to the MY LIFE AS AN ALBUM SERIES about hope and new beginnings.more
Sock monkeys and twinkies and chicken lips, oh my!
More romantic and poetic goodness from Ms. Evans, I was hooked on every word. This is book number 4 in the My Life as an Album series and I loved it just as much as the first three.
This book packs an emotional punch, it hit me with all the feels. Even though there are some heartbreaking moments in both Lonnie & Wynn’s stories, by the end, this story left my heart full and ready burst with happiness.
Both Wynn & Lonnie have issues to deal with, they’ve got a lot on their plates. They don’t think it’s a good idea to give in to their attraction. Because there is attraction, and it is strong. And sizzling. And oh so tempting. It’s just not the right time for either one, plus… with everything that’s being thrown at them, are they really ready for a relationship?
But once they finally do listen to their hearts and give in, and decide that their love is strong and can carry them through anything, the walls they built come crashing down and the love and trust and respect and all the heartwarming goodness came pouring out of the pages and made me smile so big. And Little Miss Edie, oh my goodness, she sometimes stole the show. She definitely stole my heart.
I couldn’t love this book more if I tried. Have you read books 1-3? You’ll want to read this one. All of the characters from this series have become so important to me. I absolutely adore all of them and I’m so happy to have met them.
The first of these books that has a true dual perspective with it all real time. I like all romances, but I’m definitely partial to the dual perspective. I hadn’t ever thought about these two getting a book. I thought Wynn was done and wrapped up in Cam’s book and we haven’t heard from Lonnie since Mia’s so that was unexpected. Most pairings I can see coming this far into a series, so, I’m excited to be caught off guard. This held some very serious and triggering undercurrents. I really really liked the slow burn aspect.
My Life As A Mixtape by LJ Evans is a novel inspired by Chris Janson’s “Drunk Girl” that I listened to on audio narrated by Sarah Puckett and Michael Norman Johnson. This is the fourth book in the My Life As An Album Series and can be read as standalone.
I absolutely love LJ’s books! She does an amazing job pulling you into the storyline. Her books always take me on an emotional roller coaster that I never want to get off. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Lonnie and Wynn.
I also had a copy of the eBook and loved the series epilogue at the end. It was a great way to wrap up the series. The epilogue had me in tears. I will definitely miss these characters!
Sarah and Michael did an amazing job on the narration! They both really know how to bring a story to life. I can’t wait to listen to more of their work in the future.
The entire series is absolutely amazing and is a must read! I think LJ say’s it best with her warning for the box set: “Do not listen unless you are prepared to invest your heart and soul. It’s about finding yourself and your path in this crazy life while overcoming loss, heartbreaks, and illness.”
Wow, I was NOT expecting Lonnie and Wynn’s book to hit me right in all my feelings!!
Prior to this book, I really hadn’t connected with either character, but from the very beginning of this Audible, I was hooked.
Wynn is from a small Tennessee town and has pretty much played second fiddle her whole life. Best friends with Cam and Mia from birth she’s used to being overlooked, first because of Cam’s big, bold personality and second because of her inherent shyness.
She also has not had good luck with men, such bad luck in the last year, in fact, that Wynn has pretty much sworn off all future endeavors with men. Recovering from a divorce most recently, and other sadness that would knock the wind out of any womans sails, Wynn packed up her apartment in Nashville and moved home to live with her parents. All of this is contributing to the misguided notion she has that she’s a failure. Being stuck in a short term job as a temporary nurse, and having agreed to house sit for Mia and Derek while they’re off on their honeymoon, is only making her even more exhausted and sad than she was before.
Lonnie is the bass player in Derek’s band, and while he is originally from L.A., he quickly fell in love with Tennessee, finding it to be the home he’s never really had. So when Derek moved from L.A. to be with Mia, Lonnie followed him. Lonnie’s parents are the exact opposite of Wynn’s parents, having never really taken the time to parent him so that Lonnie was forced to grow up quickly to keep himself and the rest of his family safe. Because of this Lonnie never really has any intentions of settling down, he’s been responsible for so long that he’s decided this is his time to let it all hang out. He just never figured on falling for a little strawberry shortcake of a girl almost immediately.
After Derek and Mia’s wedding reception, Lonnie watches Wynn get totally wasted at a bar, and rather than take the chance that someone will try to take advantage while she’s not herself, Lonnie sees Wynn home. He can tell she’s drowning in a sea of grief, but he’s already dealt with one woman who is not safe 90% of the time earlier in life and he just can’t be responsible like that again, plus Wynn has family and a whole boatload of friends in this tiny town, surely one of them will step up and help her get back on track. Lonnie doesn’t count on the fact that Wynn would have to be truthful with all those family and friends for someone to be able to help her the way she needs, so imagine his surprise when the whirlpool Wynn is getting sucked into just keeps moving faster and faster!
Wynn and Lonnie’s story is sweet, and sad and loving, all while building that Slow Burn tension LJ Evans writes so well. There is so much miscommunication, and sometimes outright avoidance of telling each other the truth, that I fought hard against wanting to throw my phone against the wall. I think aside from My Life as A Country Album, this is the most angst riddled book in the series, and I absolutely loved ALL OF IT!
I loved both narrators voices, and that the opening lines of the songs for each chapter were read in as they started. That helped me to keep connected to a playlist I’m very, very fond of, and just overall enhances the enjoyment of My Life As a Mix Tape. Obviously there’s a lot of the story line I’m leaving out here, but it is so worth it to go into LJ’s books blind! She has so much love for her characters, the words, and the music each book is set to, just trust her to tell you the story as you need to hear it, and know that the ending is beyond beautiful.
Wynn and Lonnie are amazing, and I adore the love and care the narrators obviously have for the characters they’re speaking for. I was thrilled to have been able to listen to the audiobook, as well as reading My Life as A Mix Tape! Worth 6 stars at least!!
Lonnie and Wynn’s love story was a slow burn that started with friendship and a solid foundation of trust and understanding that I was rooting for from the start. Before they could even begin to act on their physical attraction that was definitely undeniable they both needed to heal in different ways from heart aching guilt to mental illness and everything in between. Watching them gain and give strength to each other brought me to tears quite a few times. And Edie that precious little girl had my heart. I cannot recommend this whole series enough, it will tug at your heartstrings and leave an imprint there you won’t forget.
Audio Review:
My Life as a Mixtape (My Life as an Album, Book 4) is the final book in this unforgettable series. I absolutely love how this author incorporates music in her writing. An award deserving series that captures your heart and soul and keeps a part of it with you forever. Lonnie and Wynn’s lovestory brings a dollop of angst, slathers of drama and a slice of humor. I loved the cameo appearances and the discussions of the characters in the previous books. I absolutely love the characters and their stories. This is one series that you need your tissue box next to you while listening. I absolutely loved the ending. I highly recommend listening to this entire series.
Narrators Sarah Puckett, Michael Norman Johnson dual naration performance brought the lovestory to reality. Sarah Puckett is the perfect leading lady and one of my favorite narators and her performance was flawless. Her tone is intoxicating. Michael Norman Johnson performed well, I just didn’t love his inflection. His character portray of Lonnie was well played. A extremely entertaining listen. I’m just sad to see it end. A definite relisten series.
A Heartfelt & Brilliantly Beautiful Story & Audible Listen
My Life as a Mixtape My Life as an Album, Book 4
By: LJ Evans
Narrated by: Sarah Puckett, Michael Norman Johnson
LJ Evans delivers another outstanding novel in her “My Life as an Album” series and while I loved each book I think this one was my favorite, ok to be fair I felt that way after each book, so keeping it fair I will say this is one of my favorite series. While this is a series of stand-alone books, I recommend reading or better yet listening to the entire, they are all amazing. Each book is inspired by a song, the song for Mixtape is “Drunk Girl” and it is Lonnie Brennan and Wynn Nichols’s story. They have connection with characters from the earlier books, Lonnie is Derek Waters’ friend and bandmate, when Derek moved to Tennessee he went with him. Wynn Nichols is grew up in Tennessee and is friends with Cam and Mia. She left town after getting marriage but is back and not just for her friends wedding but for good. After a failed marriage she feels like a failure and that her life is in shambles. Fate or maybe it was help from their friends have Lonnie and Wynn’s path cross more than once. The two have different mind sets about relationships, he is a player and thinks she is a forever type of girl, something he is not interested in. But she is in a place where she wants nothing to do with men. But there is no denying that there is something between them and they wind up becoming friends and each others shoulder to lean on. I absolutely loved these two together and for each other, they opened up to each other and felt at ease to share what they were feeling and going through. My heart went out to both of them, each had their inner demons and carried their own burdens and guilt. I just adored these characters, Edie too, and that cape and what it meant to her, such a heartrending scene. I loved everything about this book, the story is beautifully plotted and there is never a dull moment. There is lots of drama, some angst, some humor too, many heartfelt and emotional moments, some heartbreaking ones and a great slow burn friends to lovers romance. An ending so worthy of the journey. LJ Evans, thank you for another beautifully moving story, words can not give it enough praise.
I listened to the Audible edition, Sarah Puckett and Michael Norman Johnson are awesome narrators and voice artists. They did an amazing job portraying these these characters, humanizing them as they bring them to life, giving each their own distinct voice and personality. Sarah Puckett played Wynn’s role with perfection, her southern accent and charm was spot on, she captured every one of her emotions and vulnerabilities and reflected them in her performance. Her Edie was amazing as were the secondary characters. Michael Norman Johnson was the perfect Lonnie, captures his humor and all his emotions too. These two are entertaining and mega talented storytellers, they are a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen
I listened to the Audible edition, Sarah Puckett and Michael Norman Johnson are fabulous narrators and voice artists. They do more than give the characters their voices, they fall into the roles and become the character. This book hit all the emotional marks for me, have a tissue ready as there may be a couple tears especially at the end. Wynn & Lonnie are perfect for each other!! Yet again, LJ Evans delivers a spellbinding story that leaves you breathless. The ups, downs, sizzle, passion and the intense raw emotions. It has everything you need for a brilliant story! I highly recommend this series (whether you read the series or listen to all of the audiobooks). You won’t be disappointed!!
I’m so sad to see this series end. I’ve truly been enjoying not only the storylines but the accompanying soundtracks as well. We come back to Tennessee with Wynn and Lonnie’s story. Wynn is recently divorced and struggling with a lot of self doubt among other things. Lonnie picks her up and becomes an unexpected shoulder to lean on when she needs it most. Circumstances then flip flop and she becomes the helpful friend he desperately needs when he becomes the unexpected guardian of his 3 yr old niece. Their friendship slowly burns into more and they continue to struggle and grow together.
Another heartfelt storyline that get heavy at times. But again it’s so well written and we see a great cast of supporting characters from the other books. And I loved the extended bonus epilogue for five yrs later, (link in back of the book) It was perfection. Now I want a spin-off for Gracie and Mayson.
Sweet, slow & steady burn
My Life As A MixTape is my favorite of the series. While I thoroughly enjoyed the others, there’s just something special about Lonnie, Wynn & Edie (and Stephen!). A sweet slow burn, that isn’t slow just for the sake of angst. It’s realism. It’s emotion. It’s tragedy & it’s hope. I absolutely LOVE that they didn’t quickly act on the chemistry they both acknowledged right from the start. There was good reason, Edie & Wynn being primary.
MLAAMT has a realistic timeline (sometimes rare), with level headed characters (extremely rare) that feel realistic emotions, and make rational choices (the rarest of all). Reality at its best, in fiction.
Lonnie and Wynn’s story was just perfect. The pace of their relationship, their struggles, and their story was just what you would expect after coming out of a failed relationship and trying to handle what life throws at you. I loved Lonnie being able to be vulnerable yet not a wuss, strong but with weaknesses and not afraid to show emotion. Wynn was supportive but not a doormat, independent yet not afraid to rely on others and able to deflect situations with grace and humor. Then there’s Edie….sweet little lovable precious Edie….gah I just loved her. I appreciate LJ Evans reaching out to her readers who may be struggling with life issues and providing them phone numbers to obtain help…..I truly get the sense she cares about her readers and their well being. Surely this isn’t the end of this series….I’m not ready to say goodbye to these people. This series is fantastic…can’t recommend it enough.
My Life as a Mixtape starts with a wedding. I won’t tell you whose wedding because you really need to start from the beginning of the series. But I will tell you that I was putting this last book off because it’s the end of the series and I just didn’t want it to be over. I couldn’t resist though. These stories just pull you in.
Lonnie Brennan is quite aloof at times. He has more to give than he gives himself credit for. He’s complex and sweet and tender and a little rough at times.
Wynn Nichols feels like a failure. She isn’t though. Her sadness is palpable. But her spirit and beautiful heart are also evident in every action she takes.
The slow build from friends to more was perfect. I loved how they got to know each other, support each other and fight to give in until the time was right. It’s a story that had me smiling most of the time but suffering right along with them when the heartbreak comes because sometimes life is hard. It’s a loving story of hope, family and forgiveness. It’s a great end to an amazing series.
This was such a beautiful love story. Everyone must read this book. Great characters and heartbreakingly sweet love story. My first read by L.J. Evans but not my last. Add this to your TBR list now.
My Life as a Mixtape is a beautiful addition to the series, it includes everyone we fell in love with from the previous books and gives us a wonderful new story in Wren and Lonnie. It’s a slow-burn, a nice long one that is well worth the wait.
Wren isn’t in the best place, she’s getting over a divorce and the last thing she is thinking about is a relationship. Lonnie is too busy working with life and the band to consider anything serious. So when they meet, they agree that they should be friends, and nothing more. And they do build an amazing friendship filled with fun and laughter, with honest and heartfelt moments.
Evans makes it a point to talk about real life issues in her books, including mental health and I appreciate that so much. She writes about anxiety realistically and incorporates it into the story. I was doing a good job throughout this series to not get too attached but I think Lonnie is my favorite. He is such a good man and even though Wren was so insecure, she found herself through him.
There are so many elements to love about this book that I can’t add without spoiling it for the reader, but I will finish off with a quote from the book I especially loved. “My heart flipped like crazy. Because an almost four-year-old could say the thing my heart felt but that I knew I couldn’t say”.
Very well done.
Rating – All the stars and more (planets, moons, galaxies?)
I have struggled to review this book, because what can you say about perfection? This book is everything. Long story short, stop reading this review and start reading the book. You will love it. It is one of the best books I’ve ever read. That’s right…ever.
I have long been a fan of this series. I sobbed my way through Jake and Cam’s story and knew this was a series that would stick with me. I cried and laughed my way through the rest of the series and fell harder for all of the characters each and every time. Then, then I read MY LIFE AS A MIXTAPE and it was the absolute perfect send off for these characters. The series epilogue? I’m tearing up just thinking of it. Ms. Evans has completely outdone herself with this book.
Lonnie and Wynn are both such complex characters. They have so much depth and feel so real. My heart broke for them, but they also made my heart so happy. They have so much to overcome both personally and as a couple, but they have this perfect support system in each other before they really even realize it. I’m not sure there has ever been two characters more perfectly suited for one another. I absolutely loved watching them slay their dragons together.
There are a few surprises along the way in this book, but I never felt like drama was added simply for the sake of drama. This book was so emotional, but never over the top. Reading the series in order definitely made this book even more perfect. Seeing the progression of all the characters in this story brought back so many emotions from the whole series. I found myself tearing up over and over again both from the hardships these characters have faced and the joy they have found.
While I can say with confidence I am ready to read whatever Ms. Evans releases next, I will also be the girl on the sideline begging for just a little bit more. I’m not ready to let these characters go. They have become those characters I want to continue to revisit forever.
If you haven’t read the rest of the series, I highly recommend you start at the beginning and read through in order, because there isn’t a single story you want to miss. However, this can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. However, there are major spoilers for book one included.
Oh my heart! An epic finish to the four book box set. My Life as a Mixtape is a swoony single dad romance involving Lonnie. Lonnie unexpectedly finds himself in charge of his niece and totally overwhelmed with all things parenting. Wynn, a nurse and overall good person, steps in to help Lonnie with his niece and with all things caregiving. They find themselves together more and more often as they work to make his niece happy and healthy, and their relationship strengthens until the chemistry and bond is too much to deny.
I adored how much Lonnie loved his niece and how hard he worked to make her life better even when it didn’t come easy for him and even when it turned his life upside down. Parenting and the instinct to put a child first just came naturally to him, and that made him swoon-worthy and hot. His compassion and understanding for Wynn and all that she had been through made him equally amazing. I was rooting for them from the beginning.
I enjoyed the friendship aspect to this book and that it was not based on physical attraction. Wynn and Lonnie built so much more before they ever explored something physical, which made their relationship so much more powerful when they truly embraced it in my opinion. I did not want this story to end, but I absolutely loved the epilogue. These characters were everything! I listened to the audiobook, which was done very well. I highly enjoyed the narration and would definitely recommend it!