Audio Book Review: Hounded by Kevin Hearne

Hounded
(The Iron Druid Chronicles, Bk #1)
By Kevin Hearne
Narrated by Luke Daniels

Blurb: 

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old - when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power - plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish - to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

Available for purchase at 

            

Viviana's Review: 

OMG! This was awesome. A smart and fast paced read! I didn't want to put it down! Author Kevin Hearne is a phenomenal story teller! As if the story couldn't get better, the awesome Luke Daniels is the narrator. He brings the characters to life and adds volumes to an already great story!!

A great mixture of folk lore and history. There is lots of action and the characters and story keep you intrigued and wanting more!

Atticus is not only street smart but also book smart. He's sarcastic and witty! There are moments in the story where I busted out laughing. Others I was waiting to see how he would survive!

If you haven't read this, I highly recommend it. ESPECIALLY in audio book if you enjoy/like/love them!  Its an easy read and one that I'm loving!!

Narrator's Review:
Luke rocks it! As I mentioned, he brings the characters to life. His performance is smooth and seems effortless. Almost as if he was just telling you things that have occurred to him vs. the fact that he's reading a book! Luke has a great range and gives each character their own unique voice and tone.

Rating: 5 Stars - Perfection

Audio Book Review: Easy Kisses by Kristen Proby

Easy Kisses
(The Boudreaux, Bk # 4)
by Kristen Proby
Narrated by Sebastian York & Rachel Fulginiti

Blurb: 
The Boudreaux Series. Sexy. Intriguing. Easy.
Simon Danbury, an internationally sought-after motivational speaker, helps women from all walks of life with love, self-esteem, dating, and career building skills. Handsome, witty, and wealthy, Simon seemingly has everything a man could want. But appearances can be deceiving. While Simon may have the answers for millions of women all over the world, when it comes to his own love life, he's a giant, sexy mess. Divorced, and convinced that he'll never love again, the very last thing he expects is one Charly Boudreaux.

Charly doesn't want to be at this seminar in the middle of nowhere, but her sister made her go. She's the one who has her life together. Great career, amazing family, nice home, and loyal friends. So what if she doesn't have a man? She doesn't need one. If she's learned anything in her almost 30 years, it's that men are more trouble than they're worth. And they have a nasty habit of breaking your heart into a million tiny pieces. So she'll sit through all of Simon's touchy feely crap and go home and get on with her life. Except Simon isn't really spouting crap, and when he smiles at her, the butterflies are ridiculous.

Never mixing business with pleasure, Simon finds Charly, a bright spot in a universe that's been dark for too long. But will he be able to resist her? And why would he want to?

Available for purchase at 

         

Viviana's Review:
I have been anticipating this release for a while. Charly is smart and independent and I wanted to see how her story would evolve. At the end of book two we get a brief yet an idea of what's to come with an excerpt of this upcoming book. I wanted to see what Charly would learn and take away from such a seminar. I was also intrigued that her love interest would be the owner and facilitator of the seminar. Usually, this is a big no no. This leads to lots of tension between Charly and Simon! They have great chemistry and it shows through the page. 

Simon was intriguing. Here is this man who has created his business to empower woman. For woman to learn what their self worth is and have them acknowledge it. I enjoyed the message and even some of the topics discussed in the seminar. He seemed like a great guy overall. I wondered what would occur to create that moment when the couple struggles. There was a bit of a twist in who created the struggle but unfortunately, it was the same old, same old trope. I did role my eyes a bit as this had also been done in a previous book in this series.

As the title says "Easy" this is an easy read. There is conflict of course and a lot that you can see it coming a mile away, yet wonder how the characters do not. Or something that could have easily been fixed by talking. Its a trope. We must deal. There were some parts that were slow/dragged a little, but again, this is an easy and quick read. I do think the ending was fitting but we get the epilogue and there is a LOT of information that is crammed into a small amount of pages. This makes it feel rushed. 

Narrators Review: I read this series via audio book! HELLO Sebastian York! Need I say more? LOL. SO imagine my surprise while listening to that snippet I hear a British accent and NOT Sebastian York. Shocked! However, I thought the voice reading the snippet did a great job with the accent. Now flash forward and I'm seeing Sebastian York's name and woohoo its him narrating... but where is the British accent? Oh hell bells! He's not preforming with the delicious British accent. BUMMER! The thing is that Sebastian does use the accent but its more not than yes and when it is utilized its barely distinguishable. Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised as I don't hear him do the accent of the other characters who are from NOLA....

As for Rachel Fulginiti, she has narrated all the previous books (like Sebastian as well), however, there was something always off and it comes through more and its more obvious in this book than in the other. Rachel does or tries to do the NOLA accent but there is something off about it. Its the mix of the tone she's trying to use for the characters as well as trying to include an accent. Regarding tones.... Rachel's performance comes across almost like a pouty teenager trying to be sexy at the same time. Yikes, I know, but its hard to describe it specifically. I enjoy her normal speaking voice and tone, there has been something off for me with these series....

Over all, if you've read the series I'm sure you'll want to continue with it as this is a good story. From an audio book, I wish the narrators were more consistent (i.e. Rachel does accents, Sebastian does not) within the same book. If you haven't read the previous books, you can start with EASY KISSES as it reads as a standalone. 

Rating: 3 Stars - I liked It

Disclaimer:

I  voluntarily reviewed this audio book from Audible. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Audio Book Review: The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones

The Curse of Tenth Grave 
(Charley Davidson Series, #10)
by Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Blurb: 
If one door closes and another one opens,
your house is probably haunted. 
—Bumper Sticker

As a Part-time PI and fulltime grim reaper, Charley Davidson has asked a lot of questions throughout her life: Why can I see dead people? Who is the hot supernatural entity following me? How do I get gum out of my sister’s hair before she wakes up? But, “How do I trap not one malevolent god, but three?” was never among them. Until now. And since those gods are on earth to kill her daughter, she has little choice but to track them down, trap them, and cast them from this dimension.

There’s just one problem. One of the three stole her heart a very long time ago. Can the Razer, a god of absolute death and destruction, change his omniscient spots, or will his allegiances lie with his brothers?

Those are just a few of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl running for her life, an innocent man who’s been charged with murdering the daughter of a degenerate gambler, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, and Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying-gods thing, we’re saved. If not, well…

Those are just some of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl on the run for her life, a man who's been framed for murdering a woman who is still very much alive, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying-gods thing, we're saved. If not, well...

Available at 

      

Viviana's Review: 
Charley's back!! Okay, you all KNOW I LOVE Darynda and this series, however, the last book left me missing CHARLEY even though she was there.... she wasn't. This book brings back all the things we LOVE about not only CHARLEY, but the series and all the characters! We got a bit of mystery and detective work going on as Charley is a PI and all, plus her life in general being the "grim reaper" and now so much more! I had missed the weaving of those elements! 

Filled with Charley's antics and charm, the story has a great pace! We learn more about her current circumstances as she is learning them as well! There are a few surprises that give the story enough twists and that "dun dun dun" factor that will keep you on your toes and not wanting to put it down!

Still LOVING Reyes! We see a more vulnerable side to him in ""The Curse of Tenth Grave" yet we know and he demonstrates just how strong he truly is. 

Narrator's Review: It's freaking Lorelei King!! She rocks it! Giving each character LIFE and adding a layer to an already great story and series. I really can't image anyone  else narrating this series. 

Overall a great continuation of the series and leaves you craving for the next installment!!! Cannot Wait!!

Rating: 5 Stars - PERFECTION

Audio Book Review: Inferno by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Inferno: Chronicles of Nick 
(Chronicles of Nick Series, #4)
by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Narrated by Holter Graham

Blurb: 
The heat is on, and a new threat to humanity has risen . . .

Nick has his driver's license and he's not afraid to use it. But turning sixteen isn't what he thought it would be. While other boys his age are worried about prom dates and applying for college, Nick is neck deep in enemies out to stop him from living another day. No longer sure if he can trust anyone, his only ally seems to be the one person he's been told will ultimately kill him.

But life spent serving the undead is anything except ordinary. And those out to get him have summoned an ancient force so powerful even the gods fear it. As Nick learns to command and control the elements, the one he must master in order to combat his latest foe is the one most likely to destroy him. As the old proverb goes, fire knows nothing of mercy, and if Nick is to survive this latest round, he will have to sacrifice a part of himself. However, the best sacrifice is seldom the sanest move. Sometimes it's the one that leaves your enemies confused.

And sometimes, you have to trust your enemy to save your friends. But what do you do when that enemy is you?

Available for purchase at 

      

Viviana's Review: 

This continues to be a great series and one that is entertaining and enjoyable to read/listen to. While I liked it when authors write their series to be read as standalone, this one has become one where the character are too intricately woven together that picking it up in book #4 can be confusing. If you're interested in reading Inferno, start with book #1, "Infinity (Chronicles of Nick, #1)". It's so worth it as this series rocks.

"Inferno" move the plot/arc of the series forward with a few twists and turns. This was also the first book in which I had that "Oh, gods, this is a YA" due to the angst of teenage relationship. Thankfully, while the 'relationship' issue is part of the storyline, I am eternally grateful Sherrilyn didn't go down that YA rabbit hole. It doesn't become an issue.

This installment was a bit slow in the action department in the beginning and middle, it does pick up later. However, the stuff that occurs are all part of the story.

I really enjoy this series due to the characters and story line. Nick continues to struggle to gain control of his powers and the knowledge that his destiny is to be this big bad evil demon. His friends continue to believe in him and help in any and all ways they can.


Narrator's Review: Holter Graham continues to be phenomenal. He brings the characters to life! I'm extremely happy that the continues to be the narrator!

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Really Loved It! 

Audio Book Review: Sebring by Kristen Ashley

Sebring 
(Unfinished Hero #5)
by Kristen Ashley
Narrator: Stella Bloom 

Blurb: 
Nick Sebring has issues. Born feeling like an outsider in his own family, growing up under the shadow of a brother who could do anything, Nick isn't that great of a guy. But when this culminates with Nick lashing out to hurt his brother through the woman he loves, Nick turns inward and makes some decisions about the man he intends to be. And as he does this, he falls in love and truly learns the man that he's grown to be.

When his love is murdered right before Nick's eyes, Nick knows he has to avenge her. He knows how he's going to avenge her. And he has no qualms about using Olivia Shade to exact that vengeance.

Olivia Shade has grown up on the outside of her family, too. Her problem is that they don't want her outside. They want her all the way in, right under their thumbs. She pays the price for seeking escape and learns her lesson - she'll never see a dawn where she wakes up free. Then she meets Nick Sebring, and even as she fights it, the hope that died years ago starts to blossom. She can find love. She can have a man of her own. She can be happy. She can be free.

Olivia hopes while Nick schemes. However, as Nick peels back the layers of all that is Olivia Shade, he finds something surprising. He understands its fragility. He falls in love with its beauty. He seeks to protect it. But he forgets to protect his Livvie from one thing: Nick Sebring.

Available for purchase at 

            

Viviana's Review: 

I have loved this series from the beginning! We met Nick in the first book "Knight" and we were immediately intrigued by the younger Sebring brother who was jealous of his older brother and did a lot of bad.. okay, very bad things! We wondered if he could be 'redeemed' and if so, how the heck that would come about. Fast forward a few years and books and we find out that Nick did make that turn for good, but has lost... Determined to avenge his love's death he seeks to destroy those who murdered her. However, it's never that easy, is it? Nick believes Olivia Shade will be the way to bring the Shade Organization down. However, she herself is trapped and believes Nick to be a distraction and perhaps a person who will understand her because he himself is to some degree 'part' of her world in one way or another. This said as she doesn't know the exact details of his "work".

We get from the blurb that there is a relationship that blossoms between Nick and Olivia. The details and obstacles is what we get to enjoy as we read, or in this case listen to. The journey is interesting as there are a few twists and turns as well as old friends that pop up from previous books. Kristen does a great job in solidifying the relationship between Nick and his brother.

This is an "unfinished heroes" book so yes, there is action and yes there is definitely hot and steamy scenes! This is in fact a Kristen Ashley book and thus does not disappoint. I did have to giggle for a minute because there was a second there where another sex scene was going to start and I was thinking, "really?" because it just seemed like it was going to be a filler and then one the character surprised me with them wanting to do anything but... LOL. Part of one of the character's defense mechanisms, perhaps? Yet, everything else fit perfectly and after that one scene things fall right back into place and pace! 

Narrator's Review: Stella did a great job with the narration and each of the characters. She provided each of them their own unique tones and voices ensuring the listener is able to follow with ease and there is no confusion as to whom is speaking throughout the book. Stella not only tells the story but performs for the listeners.

Overall, this is a great conclusion to a great series! Kristen did a phenomenal job closing all the loops and ensuring her readers got as much information as these unfinished heroes would allow them to get. LOL. They are a tough bunch, aren't they? The story had action and romance. The series itself had lots of both elements and again, an interesting concept because these are NOT the "good guys", yet we root for them and want them to have their HEA. However, as Kristen has said, it's not about them being "good" it's about them being themselves and and finding women to love that will accept them for who they are and what they do in life. And isn't that a goal for all of us? :) I'm sad that this series has ended, but LOVED how things were concluded. Brilliant!

 Rating: 4.5 Stars - REALLY LOVED IT

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the audio publisher Audible in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Audio Book Review: Closer Than You Think by Karen Rose

Closer Than You Think 
(Romantic Suspense #16/Cincinnati, #1) 
by Karen Rose

Blurb: 
Psychologist Faith Corcoran is desperate to escape the stalker who’s made her life a nightmare for the past year—desperate enough to run to the one place that has been her nightmare far longer. Both boon and bane, her recent inheritance of her grandmother’s old house in Cincinnati offers sanctuary in which she can start her life anew, but requires that she face the dark memories that still resonate to this day.

But she has no idea how close to home her fears still are.

Two college girls have gone missing in the area, and FBI Special Agent Deacon Novak is called to work on the case. When his inquiry unexpectedly leads him to Faith, he finds a beautiful and brave woman he can’t help but fall for. Soon they’ll discover that this seemingly simple investigation is anything but. Reaching back decades into Faith’s own past, it will shatter everything she believes to be true and will give terrifying new meaning to flesh and blood.

Available for purchase at 

   

Nina's Review:

Closer than you think - get ready for a few all-nighters

Listened to it, loved it, and as soon as it was over I HAD to listen to it again. It was that good. Even at a second listen the story was just as exhilarating as the first time.

Let me tell you, I'm not typically a repeat reader. There are very few Authors whose books I revisit, only one, aside from this one, whose book I actually reached "the end" and flipped right back to the beginning, but Closer Than You Think warranted an immediate re-read, and let me tell you something else: this book is 28 hours long! I just couldn't believe I was so stoked after such a long book. My attention span is short and to keep me engaged that long is impressive!

Something that I thought was absolutely brilliant was the time tracking in the book. Sometimes I wonder how long it passes between certain parts in the stories that I read, and Karen Rose solved that in the most perfectly way, making me feel like I was IN the story. She set the timing and place where the scenes are occurring so it felt like I was right there with the characters. What enhanced the "all-immersed" feeling, was the exhaustion. Like Deacon, detective Bishop, and Faith, I too couldn't sleep while all that was going on in the story. I remember thinking "my gosh, I haven't slept a wink in almost 24 hours. This book is holding me hostage!".

But here we are, I reached the end again and immediately missed them all. I wanted more of Deacon Novak, He is SUCH a great hero and his imperfections make him so perfect! Faith as a main character also didn't disappoint. She is not the typical damsel in distress, nor does she act like those "to-be-rescued" women who we tend to roll our eyes at when they make silly decisions. She is very smart, interesting, strong, and so likable.

Narrator Review: She did a good job with the performance. I think she captured Faith's personality very well, and the sultry sexy scenes were on point. But there wasn't much distinction between the character voices. Kind of got me a little confused if I stopped the book for a moment or two. Overall a passable performance though, I would give the narrator 3 stars out of 5.

As a whole, I truly enjoyed the mystery and found the romance part of the story to be hot, well balanced and exciting. I had never read anything by this Author before but I confess I had a hard time letting go of the characters. 4.5 stars!

I'm super psyched to find out what happens next. Book 2 is coming soon and will feature 2 characters seen in this book. I can't wait!

Rating: 4.5 - I Really LOVED It! 

Audio Book Review: The Bourbon Kings

The Bourbon Kings 
(The Bourbon Kings Series, #1)
by J.R. Ward
Narrated by Alexander Cendese 

Blurb: 
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood delivers the first novel in an enthralling new series set amid the shifting dynamics of a Southern family defined by wealth and privilege—and compromised by secrets, deceit, and scandal.... 

For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.

Available for purchase at 

   

Viviana's Review:

I was really excited when I first found out about a new series being written by J.R. Ward and that it would be similar to the style of Downtown Abbey. Upon receiving the ARC from the Publisher I was all giddy with excitement and immediately started reading. Unfortunately, the story was slow starting and dragged. the characters lacked that spark that made you fall for them. This was quickly becoming a DNF! YIKES!! I was struggling! I decided to put it away and see if the audiobook version would be any better.

I'm an audiobook lover and have found that a good/great narrator can bring a story to life. Which is why I opted to give the audiobook of this book a try. Alexander Cendese is the narrator and this is the first time I listen to a book narrated by him. His voice immediately reminded me of what one may think of uppy up rich Kentucky money. LOL. This is a good thing.

While Alexander made listening to the story better, I can tell you the story still dragged. Part of the issue is that the book is way too long. The other factor are the characters... There are just no redeeming qualities to the majority of them. Brats!

Overall, this is a drama-filled family saga. This is NOT a romance. Perhaps if it was marketed as such it would have been a better read... maybe... who knows... If you like to read novels filled with larger than life characters, and never ending drama then you'll enjoy this! Otherwise... this will make a good tv series, which is in the works! :)

 Rating: 2 Stars - It was okay

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from PENGUIN Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Audio Book Review: Dance With Me by Heidi Cullinan

Dance With Me 
by Heidi Cullinan
Narrator: Iggy Toma

Blurb: 
Sometimes life requires a partner.

Ed Maurer has bounced back, more or less, from the neck injury that permanently benched his semipro football career. He hates his soul-killing office job, but he loves volunteering at a local community center. The only fly in his ointment is the dance instructor, Laurie Parker, who can’t seem to stay out of his way.

Laurie was once one of the most celebrated ballet dancers in the world, but now he volunteers at Halcyon Center to avoid his society mother’s machinations. It would be a perfect escape, except for the oaf of a football player cutting him glares from across the room.

When Laurie has a ballroom dancing emergency and Ed stands in as his partner, their perceptions of each other turn upside down. Dancing leads to friendship, being friends leads to becoming lovers, but most important of all, their partnership shows them how to heal the pain of their pasts. Because with every turn across the floor, Ed and Laurie realize the only escape from their personal demons is to keep dancing—together.

Available for purchase at 

      

Viviana's Review:
I really enjoyed this standalone story about two individuals who are on their own journey of figuring out who they want to be and not who everyone else wants them to be.

Both Ed and Laurie are great characters on their own.  They each have found something they love; Ed volunteering at the local community center and Laurie also enjoys working at that same center. However, it’s when they are together dancing they truly find love and together they learn and find out that with each other’s help they can truly be happy.

I loved that both characters were independent yet could rely on each other for additional strength. There wasn’t the traditional/norm angst or “couple” problem of “another person” or “jealous” that could cause them to part.  One of the things I love about Heidi’s books is she brings “real life” into her stories and characters’ lives.  She gives them “in-depth” issues and provides them scenarios we can all relate to even if we are not in that particular situation.

I must say that the ending did feel a tad bit rushed.  However, that could also be me wanting more. Though I’m glad things worked out for the characters, I would have wanted to see more of the “end”.

Overall, a great story that if you never read a Heidi Cullinan book before, I’d say start here - great example of writing style, character development, story arc and yummy, steamy scenes.

Narrator's Review: Sigh… Iggy Toma does a fantastic job of providing each character with their own unique voice and tone.  His performance adds to the already good story.  He is definitely a narrator that I follow!  I love his interpretations of characters and his performance overall.

Rating: 4 Stars - LOVED IT

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Heidi Cullinan via Audible in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.