Audiobook Review: The Beginning of Everything by Kristen Ashley

The Beginning of Everything 
(The Rising, Book 1)
By Kristen Ashley

Narrated by Liz Thompson, Dina Pearlman, Stella Bloom, Joniece Abbott Pratt, Esther Wane, Gemma Dawson, Robin Miles, Clara Francesca, Lance Greenfield, Jakobi Diem, Ralph Lister, John Hartley, Rupert Channing, Sarah Coomes

Blurb: 
From the unparalleled imagination of New York Times best-selling author Kristen Ashley comes an enchanting new audio-first fantasy romance series that will sweep you away!

Once upon a time, in a parallel universe, there existed the continent of Triton. The land was filled with beauty, but it was also splintered by war. Out of the chaos grew a conspiracy to reawaken the Beast, a fearsome creature who wrought only tragedy and devastation. The only way to stop him was to fulfill an ancient prophecy: Triton’s four strongest warriors must wed its four most powerful witches, binding all nations together and finally bringing peace to the land.

This is the story of their unions: the quiet maiden Silence and the savage king Mars. The cold warrior Cassius and the fiery witch Elena. The steadfast soldier True and the banished beauty Farah. And the pirate king Aramus and the mysterious queen Ha-Lah. Their unions will not be easy, but each couple must succeed, for the fate of their world is at stake....

Available for purchase at 

Audible 

This book is an Audible Original, available only in audio.

Part of the Audible Escapes Program

The digital and print books will be released in Summer 2020.

Viviana's Review:

I really liked it, enjoyed the characters and can't wait to start the second book. With that said, the previous statement didn't occur until I was about half way through the book. Here's why...

As with any new series, especially one as epic as this one is (e.g. lots of characters, sub-plots, different POV, etc.). the first part of the book/story is dedicated to world building! I am totally okay with that! Kristen is known for giving the audience an in depth look into the world she has created. There is a LOT of details and descriptions meant to immerse you into the story and that world. We are introduced to the vast cast of characters and where they fit into the game that is the story.

So why did I only begin to truly enjoy the story about half way through the book you ask?

Well, I did mention the vast number of characters and did you see the number of narrators included in this book? Each main character is voiced by a different narrator within that character's POV chapters. This isn't done in a duet style but rather similar to dual where the narrator performs all of the characters within the character's POV. This made it difficult to discern who was who especially since we don't know who everyone is yet. Some narrators have a very distinct voice/tone that I was totally able to say "Oh that's Lance" or "Hi Stella" but the other narrators are all new to me. I believe that it would have totally helped if Audible had included the list of the cast and who they were voicing. THAT would have helped immensely and would have ensured that the listeners were provided with a guide to help them navigate this brand new world. As I knew this was a common complaint/issue (included in reviews and SM posts) I reached out to Kristen and her assistant and they provided me with the list, which is included below.

Additionally, as we're being introduced to the characters, we, the listeners, are 'popped' into a scene and then transported into another in the next chapter. New introductions. Then another one, and so on and we're trying to follow along with the different narrators and trying to put the pieces together to figure out where they all meet up/relate to one another on the board. With this said, once I learned the narrators and began to pick up on the different accents (more on this later) it became much easier to follow along.

After I finished listening, I searched to see if there was any information out there that would help me keep track of people & things. Turns out that Kristen has written a glossary for this series! Woohooo! Once I reviewed it, I got a better understanding of some of the world she has created. Click here to be taken to the glossary on Kristen's website! This list also include the characters and where they fall within the world (e.g. which Lieutenants are who's). NOTE: keep in mind this glossary is for the ENTIRE series, so there will be some terms you will learn/come across as you continue with the series.

The story begins to pick up the pace once we get to the mid-point which is when I don't want to put the book down. I knew that The Rising Series is four books, serialized, so I waited to listen to book 1 until book 2 was releases. The rest of the books released close to one another so that didn't cause any concerns. I truly don't understand why some listeners were upset that:

1.  There wasn't a true ending. From day 1 that Kristen announced this series, she said it was a spin off of The Fantasyland Series which follows a similar if not the same recipe! She also shared that the story would be told throughout the four books. So.... this is basically one LARGE/LONG that is divided into four books, hence 'serialized'.
2. Lack of romance/no HEA in the end. See #1. This book is the beginning of story... we're being introduced to the world, the characters, and what the 'cause' is and of course the characters themselves are learning what's going on as the listener does. There is chemistry for some. Connections for others... so again, its the beginning. I know I would NOT have been pleased if it was an "insta" love for any of the couples. It wouldn't fit with their personalities.
3. The opening scene... many have said this book should have come with a trigger warning because of the opening scene (not including spoilers but reviews have mentioned why). Again, if you've read Kristen's books before or just her Fantastyland series (aka the second book specifically) such a scene shouldn't be a surprise. NOT because she has them all the time (human sacrifice wouldn't fit well in a contemporary romance, ya know.) but because she doesn't gloss over the ugly. She doesn't hide behind the hurt. 

I also want to address that this is a Kristen Ashley book... the heroines are strong and smart. The heroes are complete alphas. YES there is sex! YES there is 'colorful' language! Yes things are going to be described at length to give you details (you may skip through some of that when you're reading, but its not easily done when its in audio, just saying). Lastly, YES there is a reason why things are on the page vs. fade to black or skimmed across. Trust Kristen as the author. If you have not read her books (or any other author) before, do a little bit of research to see if this will be your "cuppa tea". Check out the reviews before getting it. Just because you didn't like some aspect of the story (e.g. m/m scenes, language, too much sex, not enough sex, etc.) doesn't make it a bad book/story. Its just not one you enjoyed.

Something I think is also an important factor... If you're not a fan of audiobooks or you have never listened to an audiobook before, I do NOT recommend you listen to or have your first be this series. The print version is schedule to release this summer so while I'm sure you hate waiting, it will be better for you if you do.


The Narrators Review:
They all did a fantastic job! There is A LOT of information and details involved in this series with the characters. Kristen has made this world extremely diverse (woohoo LOVE THAT) from culture, to rituals to language and of course customs. Each narrator was consistent throughout the entire book all the while providing each character their own unique voice/tones.

They totally rocked their performance! So much so, that I've begun to look into other titles they have narrated. I will also be adding them to my list of recommended narrators not only to listeners but also authors when asking about casting!

All the narrators truly brought the characters to life!!


Overall, Kristen has again created a world filled with magic, sensuality, action and adventure. Her characters continue to develop as the story moves along and the listeners is brought along with them on the journey. I'm extremely curious to see how each couple handles their relationships and how they will all work together to end the Rising.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Really LIKED IT! 

Disclaimer:

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



Casting Info ( Narrator, Character, and chapters)

Liz Thompson

• Princess Serena

Dina Pearlman

• Queen Ophelia
• Melisse of the Nadirii Sisterhood

Stella Bloom

• Queen Elena (Princess Elena)

Esther Wane

• Marian (plus her section of Marian and Jellen)

Gemma Dawson

• Queen Mercy Axelsson

Robin Miles

• Prologue
• Sisters of the Beast
• The People of Mar-el
• The Sisterhood of the Nadirii
• The Great Coven
• The Squad of the Sisterhood of the Nadirii and the Airenzian Battalion
• The People of Airen
• Triton

Clara Francesca

• Queen Farah (Lady Farah Magos/Farah Magos)
• Nyx Chronis
• The People of Firenze

John Hartley

• King Cassius
• King True (Prince True Axelsson) The Priest (Jellan reads)
• Jellan (G’Jell/ Jell/ Go’En) plus his section of Marian and Jellen
• Brothers of the Beast
• Nick Walsh
• Reginald, Royal Warden

Sarah Coomes

• Queen Silence (Lady Silence Mattson)

Lance Greenfield

• King Mars Laches
• Frey Drakkar
• Dax Lahn
• King Noctorno
• Chapter 149 - part 2
• Chu of the Trusted
• Faunus of the Trusted
• Lorenz Chronis

Joniece Abbott Pratt

• Queen Ha-Lah Nereus

Jakobi Diem

• King Aramus Nereus
• Magnus Reardon (Aramus Reads)

Ralph Lister

• Galbdor and Welbrix
• Baldrick, Grand Fell of the Gnomes of The Doors
• G'Seph (Seph/Go’En)
• Hans Swensson
• Johan Mattson, Former Lord of Arbor (Lord Johan Mattson)
• Sir Alfie Henriksson, King’s Counsellor  
• The People of Wodell
• Chapter 149 - part 1

Rupert Channing

• Teddy/Tedrey/G'Drey

Audiobook Lovin 2019 Presents: Kristen Ashley Interview & Giveaway

Please welcome Kristen Ashley to 

Audiobook Lovin'!!

Hi Kristen and welcome back to Audiobook Lovin’. LOVE having you as a returning guest! You have been a staple of this event from the very beginning, not only because I freaking luv and adore ya, but your books are phenomenal!! 

I hope you know, I love and adore you right back! And miss your face! 

Thank you for having me again! 

Audiobook Lovin 2017 Presents: Felicia, The Geeky Blogger

Hi everyone! We've all gotten that look of "What are you talking about" when we, a book lover, speaks to a not so book lover. They just don't get us! Which is why when yo do get to chat with a friend who is also a book lover, time goes by so fast and more than an hour is recorded! LOL

I had the pleasure of meeting Felicia in person at this year's RT Book Lovers Convention as we were both part of the "How To Find Your Listening Audience" with Karen White (narrator), Michelle Cobb (AudioFile Magazine & Insatiable Press). I loved being part of the panel and getting to hang out with Felicia. So of course I immediately thought of her when I was thinking it would be a great idea to chat with a fellow blogger and audiobook lover which you can listen below. I've also included some of Felicia's favorites that we think you'll want to check out! 

Audiobook Lovin' 2017 Presents: Kristen Ashley Feature & Giveaway

When you give an author a new middle name, you know they ROCK!

Kristen "OMG She Rocks" Ashley or Kristen "Freaking Awesome" Ashley, either one works, but regardless of the middle name you give her, Kristen Ashley delivers a great story and when those great stories get paired with narrators that not only are great voices but performers, then it becomes MAGIC! 

I have loved all the books I've read/listened to by Kristen Ashley and COMPLICATED is among them! When I first learned Kristen was doing an exclusive story for Audible I was all giddy because, well, this is KRISTEN ASHLEY! Kristen is a truly gifted story teller! The Narrators ROCKED! You can read my full review here. Below is an audio clip for you to listen and fall for! WARNING, you'll be left wanting more! COMPLICATED was the first time I listened to anything narrated by Lance and I quickly started looking up all the books he's narrated and adding them to my TBR list.

Purchase at Audible

Audio Book Review: Midnight Soul by Kristen Ashley

Midnight Soul
(Fantasyland, Book 5)
by Kristen Ashley
Narrated by Tillie Hooper

Blurb:
Against his will, Noctorno Hawthorne, an undercover vice cop, finds himself embroiled in magic, mayhem and parallel universes. Too late, he meets an amazing woman only to find she’s destined for his identical twin in another world.

And things aren’t going real great there.

Noc is recruited to help save that world.

What he doesn’t know is his destined love resides there.

Franka Drakkar wears a mask. A mask she never takes off to protect herself in a world of malice, intrigue and danger.

When Franka meets Noc and he discovers her secrets, convinced she carries a midnight soul, having shielded herself from forming bonds with anyone, she struggles with accepting his tenderness and care.

When Noc meets Franka, over wine and whiskey, her masks slips and Noc knows it’s her—only her—and he has to find a way to get her to come home with him.

And then make her want to stay.

Available for purchase at

      

Viviana's Review:

OMG! Did not disappoint! MIDNIGHT SOUL was a story the readers wanted and yearned for! I can only image the number of emails and social media messages Kristen must have received inquiring about Noc and Franka! Kristen delivered 100% and then some! This was truly a story for the fans/readers. 

While some will that the previous books in the series could be read as a standalone, I'd suggest you read the whole series. Especially before starting MIDNIGHT SOUL. In order to get a true sense of everything that has occurred from the main series arc to the growth and development of all the couples in the series. All the previous couples make an appearance and contribute to the story and I LOVED getting to know more of each of their story.

Franka has been a character we met in the first book and many would say she was the definition of "evil" and "mean" but there always seemed to be an underlining sadness to her. You wondered if she was truly so self-centered or if there was more to it. Kristen does a phenomenal job in creating a character that readers fall for and hope that they get their story.

One of the many things I LOVED about this story is that this is Franka's & Noc's story. There isn't a BIG BAD creature about to end the world or fill in the blank. What you have is two individuals learning more about themselves as well as each other. One is convinced evil lives in their heart, the other sees what is truly there and is convinced that with time and patience, so will everyone else. 

Without giving anything else, there are several parts throughout that had me laughing out loud. One was when Frank first sees a high heel shoe and when she tries them on. The other, Franka's arrival in New Orleans. She had the same 'first impression' as I did. It was completely on point!! Again, this is classic Kristen Ashley and showcases her writing skills!!

Narrator Review: Tillie Hooper was truly the perfect choice for this series! She brings an extra layer to the already wonderful characters. She does a great job of providing unique tones, voices and accents to each and every character and this series has a vast array of characters.

Overall, this was truly a wonderful addition and conclusion to the series. Kristen provides her readers with an inside look to each of her beloved characters and closure. I highly recommend this series as it provides the reader with a breath of fresh air to the genre, strong heroines, sexy alpha heroes and imaginative and entertaining stories. 

 Rating: 4.5 Stars - I Really LOVED IT!

Disclaimer:

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

Audio Book Review: Broken Dove by Kristen Ashley

Broken Dove
(Fantasyland Series, Bk 4
By Kristen Ashley
Narrated by Tillie Hooper

Blurb: 

Far too young, Apollo Ulfr lost Ilsa, his wife, the love of his life and the mother of his two children. The grief of her loss does not settle in his soul; it solders to it. But when he discovers there is a parallel universe where his wife may have a twin, he feels there's hope and sets about bringing her to his world, so he can have her back.

But Ilsa Ulfr of our world is married to the parallel universe's twin, Pol, who is not a good man. Not in any way. She's on the run from him, and the last thing she wants is to be transported to a fantastical world and be forced to take his side as his wife, even if he is not Pol. And Apollo finds the broken Ilsa nothing like his beloved, and further wants nothing to do with her. But darkness is looming, and evil is amassing. Apollo must protect his land and keep his family safe, including the new Ilsa.

Available for purchase at 

            

Viviana's Review: 

This one was going to be an interesting read due to the nature that the hero (H) Apollo lost the "love of his life" and is aware of the different worlds and that they have twins. He's purpose in bringing Ilsa from our world to his is to basically "get back" (I don't want to use the replace, but it comes across that way from the previous books) what he has lost and hoping it will be the same. We, the readers, KNOW that there are vast differences between the "twins" from each world. Knowing both of these things, I wondered how things would "work out" between the Hero and heroine. Part of this is trusting the author and I so totally trust Kristen Ashley! She doesn't disappoint and her writing style is one that captures the readers' attention and makes them want more.

Both the Hero and heroine grow as characters throughout the entire story. As we have seen Apollo and gotten to know a bit about him in the previous books, I really enjoyed that we got to know Ilsa from our world at the beginning and the "how" we got to get to her know. This also established that she was very different from what everyone knew of the other Ilsa. It's also done respectfully for both the Ilsa of that world and ours.

This is the only story where one of the twins has died, everyone knows and now we have a spitting image of her in the new Ilsa. However, with that said, there are several slight differences between the women's appearances and the story to explain to the similarity is a good one.

BROKEN DOVE was a bit of a slow burn until some meddling occurs and things begin to move at a faster pace. Maddie (as the Ilsa of our world is now known as) gets to know the Apollo of the other world and come to terms that they are not the same person.

The overall danger we learned about in the previous books, continues in this story and helps the plot move forward. There are struggles and emotional moments where Maddie is conflicted about how things are progressing and Apollo's true feelings for her (i.e. I'm not HER! I'm not your dead wife - like any woman would, right?). There is a situation where Apollo's reaction is seen as very harsh and even a tad over the top, especially him knowing of Maddie's past with abusive males. Yet, Kristen, the author, uses every moment, every event, every word to grow the characters and move the story along.

The Narrator's Review: 
The wait to ensure Tillie Hooper was available and had sufficient time to narrate the remaining books in the series was right on! Totally worth it! She brings life to characters you will fall for. Providing each character with their own tones, voices, accents, etc. When characters from previous books appear, you will recognize them easily.


Overall, this was a great "ending" to the series and overarching arch of the story. Things were tied up nicely and we all got to see what has been "up" with all the previous couples. Things were not solved too easily nor were there any things left open/unexplained. The good news is that we still have one more story and its about people we all have been curious about!

Disclaimer:

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

Audio Book Review: Fantastical by Kristen Ashley

Fantastical
(Fantasyland, Book 3)
By Kristen Ashley
Narrated By Tillie Hooper

Blurb: 

Cora Goode has woken up in a fairytale world where she can understand what birds are saying to her, men ride horses and have fluffy feathers in their hats and furniture zigs, zags and whirls in miracles of construction.

The problem is, she thinks she’s in a dream but she’s actually taken the place of the parallel universe Cora and without realizing it, our Cora does something that starts a centuries old curse that will sweep the land if she gets captured by the evil Minerva.

At this point, her dream world becomes a nightmare.

Luckily, hot guy, fantasyland Noctorno is there to save her from the clutches of the grotesque vickrants sent by Minerva to capture her. Unfortunately, hot guy, fantasyland Noctorno doesn’t like the Cora of his world all that much (to say the least) and he thinks our Cora is her. And no matter what our Cora says or does to try to convince him, he won’t be convinced.

But Cora needs Tor to keep her safe and guide her through this fantastical world as she hopes one day to wake up in her not-so-great apartment in her not-so-great life in her world. The problem is, the more time she spends with the gorgeous warrior Tor, the faster she falls in love with him.

Available for purchase at 

            

Viviana's Review:
I was extremely excited when I got my hands on this! The audio release was delayed but for a great reason and it was WORTH IT! This is book 3 in the series and a great continuation. With that said, this can be read as a standalone, though I suggest you read the previous books because they are GREAT!

While the blurb tells you exactly what the story about, but its the journey and what you discover along the way that makes this an awesome read. Cora is a heroine that jumps in and takes action. She doesn't coward when things get tough. Her reactions to learning about her life in the fairytale world is funny...she keeps it real! This is one of the things I LOVE about Kristen Ashley's writing style!

Speaking of Kristen's writing, love how she creates these characters that are true to themselves regardless of the circumstances. You as the reader can relate to the characters and fall for them. She also describes their world in a way that makes you want to live there!

All the characters are well developed and continue to grow as the story moves along. Speaking of characters, Noctorno, aka Tor, is one hot, sexy hero! An alpha but not an ass.... Because there is a difference.

Narrator Review: I was pleased to learn that Tillie Hooper would narrate the entire series. Not only for consistency purposes, but she truly adds to the story. Providing different voices and tones to the characters making the story easy to follow and giving the listener a joyful experience.

Overall, this was a great read that I highly recommend! You truly get transported to a different and magical world!

Rating: 4 Stars - I LOVED IT! 

Disclaimer:

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

Audio Book Review: The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley

The Golden Dynasty 
(Fantasyland Series, #2)
by Kristen Ashley
Narrated By: Tillie Hooper

Blurb: 
Circe Quinn goes to sleep at home and wakes up in a corral filled with women wearing sacrificial virgin attire - and she is one of them. She soon finds out that she's not having a wild dream; she's living a frightening nightmare where she's been transported to a barren land populated by a primitive people, and in short order she's installed very unwillingly on a white throne of horns as their queen.

Dax Lahn is the king of Suh Tunak, the Horde of the nation of Korwahk, and with one look at Circe he knows she will be his bride, and together they will start The Golden Dynasty of legend.

Circe and Lahn are separated by language, culture, and the small fact she's from a parallel universe and has no idea how she got there or how to get home. But facing challenge after challenge, Circe finds her footing as queen of the brutal Korwahk Horde and wife to its king; then she makes friends; then she finds herself falling in love with this primitive land, its people, and especially their savage leader.

Available for purchase at 

           

Viviana's Review: 

I fell for this series with book #1, Wildest Dreams and continued to fall deeper into the world Kristen has created as well as the characters. Currently, you could read "The Golden Dynasty" without having read "Wildest Dream", as they do read as a standalone. HOWEVER, there is something to be said about reading it as a series. You have a better understanding of what's going on with regards to the "time traveling" and though we didn't meet Circe and Dax in book one, they were mentioned in passing but there was enough info in that short moment that it sparks the curiosity. I believe all the characters will be entwined some how, so while you may read them on their own, I think you'll fall for the entire series.

When I first learned that there would be a "language barrier" I immediately thought how this was going to be pulled off in a book (with written pages) vs. how we see it on shows or movies. I think there will always be times when we go "blaheehehs" when we're reading something and we have no clue how to pronounce or if its in a different language. Think "Klingon" (Star Trek) or the "Dothraki" from Game of Thrones.... hearing it on your tv is significantly different than reading it. On the page, I was concerned there would be a lag or duplication of conversations due to "interpreters". I LOVED the audio book because the narrator ROCKED not only the language but how the transition between characters and the languages took place!

The story had a great pace. The relationship was a bit of a slow burn and not at the same time. It totally worked. The secondary characters added volumes to the story and you ended up wanting to learn more about them. The blurb gives you an idea of what Circe is in stored for yet there is so much more than meets the eye. Kristen, the author, does a phenomenal job with showing you the world Circe is thrown into and that "different" from what you know or are accustom to, doesn't mean it's "bad". This story includes that underlining lesson of being "open minded" to a different way of being/living and that what you may deem as "savage" or "primitive" may be "normal" and "advance" or "that's the way it is" to someone else.

OH, it must be said.... IF you liked/loved the story line/relationship of Daenerys (Khaleesi) and Drogo from Game of Thrones, you like/love this book. There are some similar elements.

Narrator Review:

Tillie continues to rock! She provides the listener with a great performance that enhances the experience. She provides different tones and voices to each character and the narration. Tillie makes you believe she is fluent in the language of the Horde.

Over all, I highly recommend this book and the series! Its a great example of world building and character development. 

Disclaimer:

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

Audio Book Review: Wildest Dreams by Kristen Ashley

Wildest Dreams
(Fantasyland Series, Bk #1)
By Kristen Ashley
Narrated by Tillie Hooper

Blurb: 
Seoafin "Finnie" Wilde was taught by her parents that every breath was a treasure and to seek every adventure she could find. And she learns this lesson the hard way when they perish in a plane crash. But she never forgets, and when she discovers there is a parallel universe where every person has a twin, she finds a witch who can send her there so she can have the adventure of a lifetime. But upon arrival in the Winter Wonderland of Lunwyn, she realizes she's been played by her twin and finds herself walking down the aisle to be wed to The Drakkar.

Thrown into inauspicious circumstances, with years of practice, Finnie bests the challenges and digs into her adventure. But as Frey Drakkar discovers the woman who is his new wife is not Princess Sjofn, a woman he dislikes, but instead his Finnie, a free spirit with a thirst for adventure just like him, without her knowledge he orders his new bride bound to his frozen world, everlasting. But at the same time, Frey plunges Finnie into a web of political intrigue that includes assassination plots, poison, magic, mystery and...dragons.

   

Viviana's Review: Wow... uhm... where to start? It's all good though... it's just that there's A LOT going on and it was listening 18 hrs and 49 mins ... It's all worth it though!. This is my first dive into this series from Kristen Ashley and while I originally didn't think I'd be into this series when I first learned about it... my interest peaked after I read her book BOUNTY... here's the truth... I've read her UNFINISHED HEROES series and LOVED IT. She has her other series the ROCK CHICKS.... I hear mix reviews but always willing to give things a try... just not yet. I had the opportunity to review the audio book of BOUNTY from Colorado Mountain. Bounty is book 7 in the series and this cemented that I am TOTALLY GooGooGaga over Kristen (okay, lets be honest... more than I already was). So when the opportunity arose to listen to WILDEST DREAMS, book 1 of a five book series, I jumped at the chance and I'm so happy I did!

There is a LOT of world building and lots of descriptive narrative (Kristen likes to paint you the picture) however, this is done from the POV of the heroine, Finnie, who is experiencing this world for the first time as well as ours! Yet, the manner in which it's described and the performance of the narrator, it doesn't feel like the story is 'dragging'. There were a few times where I did shake my head at Finnie's describing how "gorgeous" Frey was or how 'handsome', but I get that goes along with the territory...

I really enjoyed reading (well listening) to this story because the heroine is strong, smart, independent and adventurous! She seeks out the adventure and that's how she ended up in Lunwyn. I loved how she didn't complained or succumb to the situation or circumstances, instead she thrives and blossoms.

Ah... Frey Drakkar... typical of Kristen's males... he's a complete Alpha, YET.... can be a complete sweetheart to his Finnie! It was a breathe of fresh air to get to know him as a character, because he was true to himself but never an ass to the heroine. Granted... certain events when they first met he may not have been pleasant, but this was due to his knowledge of the original Sjofn. Upon learning the truth... he does everything within his powers to make things right between them and goes above and beyond to make things easier for her.

There was definitely the attraction between the Hero and Heroine, but the passion grows further as they get to know each other. While not a complete "slow burn" type of story, it isn't an "instant jump into your bed" sort of story either.

There is loss and heartache and moments that are joyous. It's a great mix of going through the emotions of a reader as they get to know new characters and of course some of the topics included such as "living life to its fullest" as well as "loving those you have in your life while you have them".

Narrator's Review: 
Tillie Hooper NAILED IT! Her performance is great and provides the reader with ease of listening! She utilizes different tones and voices for each character and the narrative allowing the readers to follow along easily! She not only tells the story but keeps you engaged as well. I'm happy to see she's also narrating the second audio book in this series and look forward to seeing how she manages the different sets of characters.

Overall, I'm so happy I picked up this book as I now have another series to continue to discover and fall in love with. If you like/love Kristen Ashley's writing style, you'll fall for this series hard. Alpha Males, Strong Women, creative bantering, interesting worlds, I could go on and on.

Rating: 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.