Audio Book Lovin' Presents: Interview with Alexander Cendese

Hi Everyone!

Books-n-Kisses and I can't believe we're in week 3 of Audio Book Lovin'!

Today, we bring you an interview with Narrator Alexander Cendese!
I had the pleasure of chatting Alexander and it was a blast! 

Below are some samples of Alexander's work

Purchase at Amazon | Audible


Purchase at Amazon | Audible



Purchase at Amazon | Audible

Available for pre-order

The Case of the Howling Dog (Perry Mason Series)

by Erle Stanley Gardner

Release Date:

October 25, 2016

Amazon

About The Narrator

Alexander Cendese is an actor and audio book narrator living with his wife and son in Brooklyn, NY. A graduate of the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, he has appeared stage both Off Broadway and On, as well as in regionally in the North East. TV: Elementary, Public Morals. Hostages, Golden Boy, Played, White Collar, Law & Order, Law & Order:SVU, The Bedford Diaries; Film: Blumenthal, Garden Party, You Belong to Me, Crazy Famous.

You can find Alexander at
Website
Twitter

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Now, go visit Kelly!!!

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.

Book Review: Immortal by J.R. Ward

Immortal
(Fallen Angels Series, Bk #6)
by J.R. Ward
Narrated by: Eric Dove

Blurb: 
From J.R. Ward, the #1 New York Times bestselling author who has kept readers on the edge of their seats with her phenomenal Fallen Angels novels, comes one of the most heart-stirring and eagerly anticipated events in that acclaimed series.

This is a world where sin and salvation collide. This is a world where a cynical fallen angel struggles with the seven deadly sins and seven chosen souls. With the spellbinding Immortal, the riveting series that “changed the face of paranormal romance” (Suit101.com) comes to an epic close as mankind’s reluctant savior struggles with his greatest challenge yet...

Available for purchase at 

      

Viviana's Review: 
I've been listening to this series via audio books... with the last two books, the story has had something missing for me. That "Oh I can't wait to read" wasn't there, which is why I waited this long to read/listen to this book. As I've gotten this far in the series and this being the last book, I did want to see how everything turned out.

Thank goodness for audio book - I think I would have shut the book in frustration during certain parts, if I would have read it. Sissy was so WHINY!!!! I totally get she was dealt a bad hand, but okay - face it, accept it and move on! FIND a way to make things move forward. Jim was also a bit childish in how he dealt with some things and you sort of wanted to smack him across the head and tell him "MAN UP! You're the fucking savior - stop thinking with your dick or your heart!" Thank goodness Adrian did that once or twice.

Adrian was the glue that held not only Jim and the war together but this book as well! He continues to be sassy but a maturity has fallen upon him due to the events from the past books.

Everything in the end was tied up in a gorgeous bow with sparkling gift wrapping paper. You almost missed that final round or rather confrontation. I wanted a bigger ending based on all the things Jim, Eddie and Adrian had to deal with and make happen. J.R. Ward has left the ending open to future installments or a spin-off. May be a good thing, but only if she is truly 100% committed to the writing. I think both authors and publishers need to learn that not all stories need to be more than 3 books long or a series to begin with. AND if the case is that it will be a long(er) series, then don't rush the writing!

Narrator's Review: He rocks! Always have! He certainly brings the series and characters to life. Each character has their own personality and voice/tone. Great narrator!

Overall, while this may have been longer than the previous books, I think they could have shortened it by tightening up the internal dialogue and had less whining. This final installment was better than the last two previous books but still left you with the "could have been better" taste.

Rating: 3 Stars - I Liked It

Book Review (Audio Book): Possession (Fallen Angels #5) by J.R. Ward

Possession 
(Fallen Angels Series, bk #5) 
By  J.R. Ward

Narrator: Eric Dove

Blurb: 
When Cait Douglass resolves to get over her broken heart, throw off her inhibitions, and start really living, she’s unprepared for the two sensual men who cross her path. Torn between them, she doesn't know which to choose--or what kind of dire consequences could follow.

Jim Heron, fallen angel and reluctant savior, is ahead in the war, but he puts everything at risk when he seeks to make a deal with the devil--literally. As yet another soul is unwittingly caught in the battle between him and the demon Devina, his fixation on an innocent trapped in Hell threatens to sidetrack him from his sacred duty...

Can good still prevail if true love makes a savior weak? And will a woman’s future be the key, or the curse, for all of humanity? Only time, and hearts, will tell.

Available for purchase at 

            

Viviana's Review:

Needless to say that this was one that I was eagerly anticipating. I Love J.R. Ward! I fell in love with this series from the first book. So of course I'm going to be on pins & needles until I get my hands on it and read it!!!

Book Review: "Lover At Last" by J.R. Ward (Guest Reviewer Paul)

Lover At Last
(Black Dagger Brotherhood, #11)
By J.R. Ward

Synopsis: 

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.

Available for purchase at

Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Paul's Review: 

It is always exciting when one of your top authors has a new book out, and when it became known that it was Qhuinn and Blay's book it just had to be read.  I can relate to Qhuinn in some ways; I have tattoos, dress unlike other guys (I wear a fedora whenever possible), have hardly ever felt like I belonged anywhere, and I am a rocker/metalhead.

Book Review: Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

Lover At Last
(Black Dagger Brotherhood, #11)
By J.R. Ward

Synopsis: 

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.

Available for purchase at

Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review: 

I posted this on my FB Page, but thought I'd say it here as well - my Hubby (Guest Reviewer Paul) is reading (he's past the halfway mark as I write this) "Lover At Last" as he LOVES the series. He will be writing his own review for LAL as I think its important to get his perspective. 

Feature and Follow, #16

"Feature and Follow Friday" is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where they each feature a fellow blogger, and ask a question, to be answered by anyone who wants to participate. We then hop around to other blogs, checking out their answers. It is a great way to get to know other bloggers. See additional info below

This week's question is:
What is the first thing you would do if you woke up to find yourself in your favorite book? 

Happy New Year!! My reflection on 2012!

Another year has flown by and we'll look back to reflect, wonder what the heck we were thinking, wishing we would have done more, and sigh. 2012 was a great year for me as I got to meet many wonderful people who have helped me find my passion and given me that extra push, I mean support, to feel like I can accomplished anything I set my sights on! 

Though there were several "Highlights" and great moments in 2012, 

I'd like to share with you what started it all for me....

April 2012 - RT Book Love Convention, Chicago, IL

Twas the day after Christmas.......time to buy books!!

Ahhhh it’s the day after Christmas and all through the house, gifts have been opened, cookies have been eaten and family and friends have come and visited. It’s now time to gather our gift cards and go shopping!!! My hubby ROCKED and got me a B&N gift card and my Mom is AWESOME as she gave me a gift card as well!! Now for the hard part – WHICH BOOKS TO GET!!!!


Let me help you out with a few suggestions:

Feature and Follow, #9

"Feature and Follow Friday" is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where they each feature a fellow blogger, and ask a question, to be answered by anyone who wants to participate. We then hop around to other blogs, checking out their answers. It is a great way to get to know other bloggers. See additional info below

This week's question is:
What is the last book that made you cry?

Book Review (Audio): Rapture by J.R. Ward

Rapture 
(The Fallen Angel Series, bk #4)
J.R. Ward
Narrator: Eric G. Dove

Synopsis: 
Mels Carmichael, reporter for the Caldwell Courier Journal, gets the shock of her life when a man stumbles in front of her car outside the local cemetery. After the accident, his amnesia is just the kind of mystery she likes to solve, but she soon discovers they're over their heads with his past. Over their heads with passion, too ...As shadows walk the line between reality and another realm, and her lover's memory begins to come back, the two of them learn that nothing is truly dead and buried. Especially when you're trapped in a no-holds-barred war between angels and demons. With a soul on the line, and Mels's heart at risk, what in heaven - or in hell - will it take to save them both?

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review:
Book 4 in the “Fallen Angels” series by J.R. Ward had been highly anticipated. All of the Warden’s fans were trying to figure out who the soul was that Jim and Devina would be fighting over. If you haven’t read it, I’m not going to tell you! Sorry… muah muah muah (evil laugh)

Feature and Follow, #7

"Feature and Follow Friday" is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where they each feature a fellow blogger, and ask a question, to be answered by anyone who wants to participate. We then hop around to other blogs, checking out their answers. It is a great way to get to know other bloggers. See additional info below

This week's question is:
Activity! 
Who is your to-die-for book crush? 
What do you think they look like? 

So Many Books, So Little Time

How I wish I had more time to read!!! I’m sure many of you feel the same way. October is a very, very busy month for us readers!! “All Things Urban Fantasy” has compiled a list and there are 102 new Paranormal titles releasing in October. Yes you read correctly, 102. The thing is, there are a few there were not included in their list (i.e. Dannika Dark's "Impulse")!! AND that’s only in one genre!! Holy Cow!!! Again, 102 (plus some that were not mention so wow again on the numbers) within only one genre! So Many Books, So Little Time!!!!

Out With The Old, In With The New: Book Covers

So the saying goes, “Never judge a book by its cover”. But the reality is that we do notice a book by its cover and may even judge it (at least at first, whether to pick it up and check it out) by what we see at first glance.

Whether they are by Indie Authors or by major publishing houses, the cover is a big part of the selling point. Many established authors are now ‘revamping’ some of their older and/or backlisted books covers and not just the cover art but the titles as well.

Book Review: Leaping Hearts by J.R. Ward

Leaping Hearts
By J.R. Ward (writing as Jessica Bird)

Synopsis: 

A beautiful young woman with a defiant spirit, A. J. Sutherland spends a small fortune on a horse with a wild reputation, and is forced to sacrifice her position at her family’s stables to keep him. She plans to ride the magnificent stallion in the biggest event of the show jumping season—and she knows she can win. But without the backing of Sutherland Stables, A. J. must rely on a stranger to help her: a man who makes her heart pound, her head spin . . . and who just happens to be a legend in equestrian circles. 

When Devlin McCloud’s career was cut short by a tragic accident, he never expected to get back in the ring. But when A. J. asks him to be her trainer, he finds he cannot resist the chance—or his stunning new employer. And what begins as a business arrangement soon becomes something deeper, as Devlin and A. J. learn that even in a sport full of hazards, sometimes the most dangerous thing to risk is one’s heart. . . .

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Viviana's Review: 

This was J.R. Ward’s first published book which has been re-released with a new cover.  Leaping Hearts is a traditional contemporary romance with a cowboy, horses and a heroine in need of help in order to win a competition. Who doesn’t love a hunky cowboy? And the new cover, well, yummy!