Audio Book Review: Last Hope by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick

Last Hope
(Hitman Series, #4)
by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick
Narrators: Kasha Kensington and Iggy Toma

Blurb:
Mendoza: I grew up in the slums and lost everything I loved to poverty, illness, and death. I had only one skill to leverage myself out of my circumstances-violence. Being hired out as a mercenary hitman brought me money and built an empire. My next job: steal secret information that could bring down world governments, find my target, and destroy it. But then, I meet her.

Ava: When my best friend, Rose, is kidnapped, I have no choice but to take a job as a mule for a pair of criminals intent on selling top secret information to the highest bidder. I should have known that bad luck tends to cling, because the plane I'm on goes down. That I survived a crash-landing was a miracle. And so was being rescued by sexy mercenary Rafe Mendoza. The thing is, he wants the information that I need to free Rose. I can't let him have it, but I need his help. Rose is depending on me, and I won't let her down.

Available for purchase at 

           

Viviana's Review: 

I must start this review stating that I have enjoyed this series.  Granted, at times, the heroines could be a tad bit “too naive” for their own good.  However, overall, the series is a good one.  Great alpha males that are determined and know what they want and go after it.  They also happen to be “heroes” in one way or another.  Oh and they are HOT!!!  With Last Hope being the last book in the series, I must say that all good things must come to an end.  Also, it’s good to end things vs. drag the series on and on.

  

However, I was eternally grateful to have been listening to this book instead of reading it.  I think I would have thrown the book across the room if I was reading it instead of listening.  Why?  OMG if Rafe (hero) went googoo gaga over Ava (heroine) one more time…  The problem was that it wasn’t a moment or two… it was overly repetitive and you wanted to yell at the book and Rafe “Alright already, we get it!  She’s gorgeous!  You want her and you think you can’t have her!”  Again, Rafe’s pining over Ava was just way too overly done!  Way too repetitive.  Thank you Iggy for narrating!  I understand the character’s backstory and I could see and know the why but at 35 years old I just couldn’t see it.  His behavior was that more of a 15 year old instead of a 35 year old.  I get that this is a story, but there has to be some sense of realism and his reaction/behavior toward her/for her wasn’t believable.

Speaking of Rafe’s backstory, I had issues believing he believed part of what occurred when he was a teenager.  Again I understand inexperience but at the age of 35 he hadn’t learned the truth?  It was just too unbelievable.

If the story would have been taken down a notch or two, it would have worked so much better!  The story concept was good.  The idea of a hitman saving a woman who is currently being used as a mule for information… it works.  For this series it works.

Overall it was okay.  Again, the concept of the story is a good one.  The writing was over the top unfortunately and there were too many unbelievable moments/parts of the story.  

Narrators: They both made reading this book bearable.  They did a great job with the voices.  Love Iggy!  Could listen to him for hours.

 Rating: 2.5 - It was okay

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Guest Reviewer - Book Review: Last Kiss by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick

Last Kiss 
(Hitman Series, #3)
by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick 

Blurb: 

Naomi: When I was kidnapped I thought only of survival. I don’t thrive well in chaos. That’s why I gave my captors exactly what they wanted: my skill with computers. Making millions for a crime lord who kept me imprisoned in his basement compound kept my family safe. When he was taken out, I thought my ticket to freedom had arrived. Wrong. I traded one keeper for another. This time I’m in the hands of a scarred, dark, demanding Russian who happens to be the head of the Bratva, a Russian crime organization. He wants my brain and my body. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued, but I can’t be a prisoner forever...no matter how good he makes me feel.

Vasily: At a young age, I was taught that a man without power is a puppet for all. I’ve clawed—and killed—my way to the top so that it is my heel on their necks. But to unify the fractured organization into an undefeatable machine, I need a technological genius to help me steal one particular artifact. That she is breathtaking, determined, and vulnerable is making her more dangerous than all of my enemies combined. But only I can keep her safe from the world that she now inhabits. Soon, I must choose between Naomi and Bratva law. But with every day that passes, this becomes a more impossible choice. 

Available for purchase at 

                  

Paul's Review:
It is great when a book takes you for a ride and does not let you go, and it is also wonderful when a book opens your mind for you and you feel like a better person for it.  Last Kiss: A Hitman Novel  by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick is such a novel.  We all grow up with a certain set of preconceptions, biases, and prejudices - the trick is to not perpetuate them, learn about those things you have preconceptions and/or prejudices about, and grow as a human being.

When I was first introduced to Naomi, Daniel’s autistic (Asperger’s, more specifically) sister whom was kidnapped by the Bratva (Russian mob) for her hacking and computer abilities, I immediately thought of Velma from the cartoon Scooby-Doo but with a set of mental and social disabilities.  As this is the love story of the head of the Bratva and Naomi I could not help but feel at first that Vasily (the to-be Russian mob boss) was taking advantage of someone he had no business taking advantage of.  After a very short time I realized that Naomi was a remarkably normal woman with the exceptions of a few quirks like genius, inability to look people in the eyes, inability to handle loud noises or extreme stress, and the propensity to only eat foods of specific colors and wear a certain baseball cap.  I also realized that Vasily was not taking advantage of anyone, that he could be a dangerous man to his enemies,  but that he was an honorable man (because of Naomi) and that he and Naomi were falling in love.

The authors write searing sex scenes, and the action and suspense is awesome.  I like to root for underdogs, and that is what this book makes you do for Vasily through his struggles to become the head of the Bratva and win the love of his Naomi.  This book was enthralling, and I look forward to many more from the team of Clare and Frederick!  I give this book a perfect score!

Rating: 5 Stars - Perfection

Disclaimer:

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

Guest Reviewer: Last Breath (Hitman #2) by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick

Last Breath
(Hitman Series, #2)
by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick 

Blurb:
From the bestselling authors of Last Hit comes the next in the steamy series that explores the exquisite power of our darkest passions . . .

Regan : I never really knew what misery was until the day I was kidnapped and sold for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Two months later, I’m at a brothel in Rio when I meet Daniel Hays. He says he’s here to save me, but can I trust him? All I know of him are his sarcastic retorts and his tendency to solve every dispute with his gun. He’s also the only safe thing in my world, and I know it’s wrong to fall in love with him, but I can’t seem to help myself. He says he’ll protect me until his last breath, but I don’t know if I should believe him or even if I can.

Daniel: For the last eighteen months, one goal has dictated every action I’ve taken. I’ve left the Army, turned paid hit man, and befriended criminals all across the globe to find my kidnapped sister. In every brothel I raid and every human trafficking truck I stop, I hope the next face I find is my sister’s. In a hidden brothel in Rio, I find Regan Porter, bruised but not broken, and still sane despite her weeks in captivity. I should leave her behind or send her home, because the last thing either of us needs right now is to get involved. But with every passing minute, I find I’m less able to let her go.


MATURE AUDIENCE

Available for purchase at 

      

Paul's Review: 

At first I did not think I was going to like Last Breath: A Hitman Novel by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick; I had just recently read Last Hit: A Hitman Novel (by the same authors), and I wanted to read more about Nick and Daisy!  I liked their characters, and at first I felt let down that I would not be reading about them again (or so I thought).  Last Breath is the story of Daisy’s roommate and friend Regan and the hitman and mercenary Daniel who is sent by Nick to rescue Regan from the brothel she has been sold to in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  As a man, it was terrible for me to read about the rape of a woman in general, much less that Regan was sold to a brothel and was being raped constantly.  I felt for Regan, and I instantly wanted her to have justice and gain her freedom.  This is where Nick’s colleague Daniel comes into the picture, and we learn that he has been searching the globe for the last year and a half for his own kidnapped autistic sister and has been sent by Nick to liberate Regan from the brothel and bring her back.  I was introduced to Daniel in the first book (Last Hit), but I did not like him all that much, probably because it seemed like he was gunning for Nick and that I really did not know that much about him.  However, the authors Clare and Frederick more than make up for that in this book, and I came to really like Daniel.  Daniel is someone I could relate to on more than a few levels.  One example is that Daniel is from Texas and likes Shiner Bock (a type of beer); my own family lives in Texas and has been known to enjoy a beer or two and always raves about Shiner Bock.  I thought it was great that the authors included something about Texas that I have actually experienced in Texas with my family.   I really appreciate it when an author (or in this case authors) does (do) the research and use(s) actual information.

Both Daniel and Regan are quite messed up psychologically speaking for their own respective reasons - Regan for all her traumas in the brothel and Daniel for having seen and done so much in his years as a hitman and mercenary.  It was cool to see how their relationship went from co-dependence (on Regan’s part) to mutual need to deep mutual love.  This book has really hot, frequent sex scenes - which are very well described - as well as very cool action and suspense.  This book had me rooting for the good guys and even some bad guys (because they were in Daniel’s corner).  I, myself, enjoy happy, but good endings, and this book does not disappoint.  I have no complaints about this book and would recommend it to anyone whom I thought would enjoy it.  I give this book a perfect score!  I cannot wait to read the third novel Last Kiss: A Hitman Novel!

Rating: 5 Stars - Perfection

Disclaimer:

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

Audio Book Lovin' Presents: Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick Guest Post & Giveaway

Kelly, from Books-n-Kisses and I would like to welcome Authors Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick to our Audio Book Lovin series!  I've read and listened to their HITMAN Series narrated by Iggy Toma and it's a great series. Kelly and I asked Jessica and Jen to give us their thoughts on audiobooks and they started chatting with each other via email.
 Below is their conversation! 

JESSICA:

When Jen and I heard that the Hitman books were going to be signed for audio, we were ecstatic! We’re both big fans of audio. My house is actually a pretty audio-heavy household. My husband loves to ‘read’ but he insists on all of his books being audio! Some of my favorite books are made that much more fabulous by a great narrator.

JEN:

I love audiobooks. They are a great way to help pass the time on the commute or while cooking dinner or doing chores around the house. 

The narrator is really important. From my own experience, a good narrator can elevate an average book but crater a really good book. A historical author I love has a narrator whose voice is too dry for me and I've never been able to get into the audio versions of books that I adore.


JESSICA: 

Unfortunately we weren't really involved with selecting who would narrate the book. That’s the situation, sometimes. All we can do is cross our fingers and hope that whoever is picked has the right ‘voice’ for things.

I know that for my billionaire books, I was sent several ‘auditions’ of female narrators and asked to pick one. I…didn't like any of them! This one was too gravelly, this one too serious, this one too slow, etc. So I asked for more auditions, and Tantor (our publisher) sent me Jillian Macie’s audition, and she was perfect! She had the right conversational tone and sounded smooth as butter. I love the way she brings the characters to life, and I love that she’s continued to be the narrator for all of the books in the series. As a listener, I hate it when you get used to one person’s voice and then it’s changed up.

I also have audio as Jessica Sims, and the narrator on those, Leah Mallach, has done a fabulous job. She’s so chatty and gets the voices just right!

JEN: 

The only input we really had was the number of narrators – since the book is told by two people, we asked for a male and female narrator.

JESSICA: 

Jen and I have the same problem that a lot of authors do – we can’t listen to our own books! It just feels weird to have it read back to us. I know I don’t listen to audio of my own novels. All I hear are words I should have chosen or when a word is repeated too often, or if the narrator mispronounces a name that I say differently in my own head. So I don’t listen. I just hope that everyone else enjoys it, because that’s all that matters! As for listening to the whole book, though? Nope! I listen to the samples just to see how the narrator sounds and then turn it off before it gets too weird.

JEN:

One of the things I love about the Hitman audio books that Nick's part is voiced by an actor with an accent is even better. Hearing the words given audio life by professionals is a really exciting part of this publishing journey.


JESSICA: 

Yes! We first heard Iggy Toma’s version of Nick at Romantic Times this spring, because a friend had the audio on her phone. We made her pull it up so we could hear his voice, and then we both squealed with delight when his delicious Russian accent came through. That was such an awesome moment! I can’t wait to hear the rest of the books narrated – I know he’s going to do an amazing job.


Jessica and Jen, THANK YOU both so much for
We had the pleasure of interviewing the narrator of the HITMAN Series, Iggy Toma earlier in the Audio Book Lovin' series, to see the interview, please click here.

Purchase at Amazon | Audible | Tantor

Purchase at Amazon | Audible | Tantor

Purchase at Amazon | Audible | Tantor

Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!  Oh! Don't forget to enter the Giveaway!!!

Jessica Clare is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author who writes under three different names. As Jill Myles, she writes a little bit of everything, from sexy, comedic urban fantasy to zombie fairy tales. As Jessica Clare, she writes erotic contemporary romance.

She also has a third pen name (because why stop at two?). As Jessica Sims, she writes fun, sexy shifter paranormals. She lives in Texas with her husband, cats, and too many dust-bunnies. Jill spends her time writing, reading, writing, playing video games, and doing even more writing.

You can find Jessica at

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Audible | Tantor

Jen Frederick is the USA Today bestselling author of the Woodlands series as well as the Hitman series. She lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She's been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own.

You can find Jen  at 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Audible | Tantor

Author's Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway Now go visit Kelly to see her post of the day!! :)

Audio Book Loving Presents: Our Interview with Iggy Toma

Kelly, from Books-n-Kisses and I would like to welcome Narrator Iggy Toma to our Audio Book Lovin series! 

I'll be honest, I totally fangirl-ed it when Iggy agreed to be part of the series. You can then image my OMG SQUEEEE  moment when he agreed to a live audio interview.  Iggy is an awesome narrator who's ability to bring the characters to life adds an additional dimension to the already great stories. 

Please allow me to introduce you to Iggy: 

Iggy Toma is a voice-over artist, musician, and activist based in New York City. He is an avid reader of romance and mystery, and he has a soft spot for daytime soap operas.

You can find Iggy at 

Goodreads

Audible

Tantor

Here is our interview with the talented Iggy, hope you enjoy it. 

Here are some snippets from the books Iggy has narrated :) We've already featured Heidi's LOVE LESSONS Series, if you wish to learn more, please click here. We'll be featuring The Hitman Series later in the series, so make sure to stop by!
By the way, I've read and listened to all of these... LOVED THEM!! 
Highly recommend them! 

Purchase at Amazon | Audible

Purchase at Amazon | Audible 

Purchase at Amazon | Audible | Tantor

Purchase at Amazon | Audible | Tantor

Purchase at Amazon | Audible | Tantor

Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!  Oh! Don't forget to enter the Giveaway!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now, go visit Kelly!!!

Book Review: Last Breath (Hitman #2) by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick

Last Breath 
(Hitman Series #2) 
By Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick

Blurb: 
From the bestselling authors of Last Hit comes the next in the steamy series that explores the exquisite power of our darkest passions . . .

Regan: I never really knew what misery was until the day I was kidnapped and sold for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Two months later, I’m at a brothel in Rio when I meet Daniel Hays. He says he’s here to save me, but can I trust him? All I know of him are his sarcastic retorts and his tendency to solve every dispute with his gun. He’s also the only safe thing in my world, and I know it’s wrong to fall in love with him, but I can’t seem to help myself. He says he’ll protect me until his last breath, but I don’t know if I should believe him or even if I can.

Daniel: For the last eighteen months, one goal has dictated every action I’ve taken. I’ve left the Army, turned paid hit man, and befriended criminals all across the globe to find my kidnapped sister. In every brothel I raid and every human trafficking truck I stop, I hope the next face I find is my sister’s. In a hidden brothel in Rio, I find Regan Porter, bruised but not broken, and still sane despite her weeks in captivity. I should leave her behind or send her home, because the last thing either of us needs right now is to get involved. But with every passing minute, I find I’m less able to let her go.

Available for purchase at 

   

Viviana's Review: 

Did not disappoint!! From the very beginning you're thrown into the action and its none stop! No worries, there's romance and passion. YES, the steamy, hot sex is included as well! AND HOT DAMN its HOT! Daniel is one dirty talking cowboy, sniper, turned hitman! LOVED HIM! He's totally a book boyfriend! He's kind, sincere, sarcastic, funny, sexy, loyal, protective... I could go on and on... but you'll have to read LAST BREATH to find out more! Remember, he's mine!! LOL!

Jessica and Jen have done it again! They have told a fabulous story of a world where the heroine could have been a doormat or utterly broken, but they chose to tell the story of woman who overcomes the circumstances she's been dealt and moves forward with her life! YES!! A woman who is stronger than she thinks she is!! AND THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU! WOOHOO! These authors KNOW we need more stronger women to read about and know that being strong doesn't make them any less likable! Regan has been through HELL! Yet, she never once put herself down like other heroines how have never been through anything like her! This was a breath of fresh air. Don't get me wrong - Regan does deal with the situation as a survivor! That's what she is a survivor!

Regan and Daniel have great chemistry and a connection that ignites the pages! While some may think its only physical, they truly due have a friendship and mutual respect that develops as they get to know each other. The circumstances of them meeting may not have been ideal, but this fiction, right? lol They are a couple (and so were Nikolai and Daisy) that you want the author to write another book and fast forward five years and let us see where they are at! See what they are up to, how they have adjusted to "normal" lives and how they are with each other when they don't have guns a blazing at them. Oh, how about a set of twins for one of the couples? LOL Let them deal with two screaming kids! AT ONCE!! Bwuaaaahhaha Bwwaahhhahahaa (evil laugh)

I will say, this series is the type of book I want to hand over to my husband and say "Here read! Series is about hitman! Lots of guns! Action! Yes, its a "romance" but more action and things fit in fine! You'll like it" Now start reading! Oh and the hot steamy scenes...uhm... tonight!" This series is one that men would totally enjoy reading because there is a lot of action!

Overall, an awesome read and I CANNOT WAIT for the next installment "Last Kiss (Hitman, #3)" 

Rating: 5 Stars - PERFECTION

Disclaimer: 

We received a complimentary copy of the book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review: Last Hit (Hitman #1) by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick

Last Hit 
(Hitman Series, Bk #1) 
By Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick

Blurb: 
Nikolai 

I have been a contract killer since I was a boy. For years I savored the fear caused by my name, the trembling at the sight of my tattoos. The stars on my knees, the marks on my fingers, the dagger in my neck, all bespoke of danger. If you saw my eyes, it was the last vision you’d have. I have ever been the hunter, never the prey. With her, I am the mark and I am ready to lie down and let her capture me. Opening my small scarred heart to her brings out my enemies. I will carry out one last hit, but if they hurt her, I will bring the world down around their ears.

Daisy 

I've been sheltered from the outside world all my life. Home-schooled and farm-raised, I’m so naive that my best friend calls me Pollyanna. I like to believe the best in people. Nikolai is part of this new life, and he’s terrifying to me. Not because his eyes are cold or my friend warns me away from him, but because he’s the only man that has ever seen the real me beneath the awkwardness. With him, my heart is at risk... and also, my life.

Available for purchase at

      

Viviana's Review:

WoW! So before going off to bed I grabbed LAST HIT since I wasn't entirely sleepy I thought I'd read a chapter or two. HOLY COW! Couldn't put it down. Finally crashed at 2am! THEN woke up at 3am (don't ask me why don't know, couldn't sleep) and said what the heck and started reading again! I finished the book by 7am! LOVED IT!!!

Written in both Daisy's and Nikolai POVs, each brings a distinct individual description of the events and how their relationship came to be. Daisy is a young woman who lost her mom at a young age and while her father was still in the picture, she lost him to that day, to fear. She made the decision to no longer let fear be her captive and she leaves. Starts a new life. I will say, when I first read the blurb, I thought 'Oh no... not one of those 'I'm so innocent and I need a man to take care of me, blah blah blah" kind of books where you just want to smack her across the head. I was so grateful that wasn't the case. She is smart and trying to be very independent but doesn't come across as too much as she realizes when she needs to have people help her.

When I was posting on social media about this book, I asked the question, "Could you fall in love with a hitman?" and the answer is "If the hitman is Nikolai, then YES!!!" He is kind, caring, sweet and yes, he's a deadly killer, but there is a reason! As you get to know him, you want to be the one who chases the nightmares aware and protects him from his own evil thoughts. What I enjoyed most about Nikolai is that while he was a complete Alpha male he wasn't the typical type!!

Overall an awesome read that made me add the entire series to my TBR Mountain List :) I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next!

Rating: 5 Stars PERFECTION

Disclaimer: 

We received a complimentary copy of the book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.