Kelly

So I need to give you a little background so you can fully understand how cross I am at myself right now. I've had this book on my TBR/ TBL for quite some time. You know how it is, so many books, not enough time. I figured I'd get to it eventually. Then, a couple of days ago, I was scrolling Facebook and a post caught my eye, someone in Kennedy Ryan's group had posted a few screenshots of a scene in Grip, and being curious, I read them. I read them and was hit in the gut. I was reading marching up and down my room with tears in my eyes. The screenshots ended and it was like an evil cliffhanger, so I decided the time was now, especially considering the scene and the relevance of what it happening in the world right now.

Obviously, I wanted to start at the beginning, so Flow was queued up. Holy heck, batman! I am kicking myself for not moving this up my queue sooner. I don't think, scratch that, I know, I have never been so affected by a prequel.

So many thing were dealt with in this novella that it actually made me sit in awe that somebody could write so beautifully and move between such subjects with ease and fluidity. Kennedy Ryan is a word goddess, I know that isn't news to those that already read her, but to me, it's such a pleasure to find out.

These characters are freaking awesome. Grip, oh man, I love him, I'll take a taste of his chocolate any day! And Bristol, this woman, I ADORE her! She takes no prisoners, I'm picky AF when it comes to heroines, and Bris? She's my girl. Let's just call them my book couple. The chemistry and sexual tension between them was off the freaking charts, Yet they could have meaningful and profound conversations, it was beautiful to experience.

And the end, that bloody ending, I knew it, I just knew as soon as the scene set up, but I thought, surely not, Kennedy wouldn't play me like this? She wouldn't make me ship this couple this hard to throw it in my face. You know what? She would!

I didn't doubt that I'd enjoy Kennedy's words, she has such an amazing vibe to her that I knew I'd love it, but I never expected to fall this in love with the characters and storytelling. I need more, which of course, after that ending gives side-eye I was glad I'd already downloaded Grip. Pressing play on that baby in the morning.

The narration was great. Jakobi Diem was fabulous as Grip, and I really enjoyed the cadence of his voice and the inflections he used to express the emotions of the scene and character. His female voice is wonderful, but Grip, swoon. I could listen to it all day. I had moments were I really enjoyed Maxine Mitchell's performance, and then there were times when I wasn't sure if it was for me. Perhaps, I just need to listen to more of her work. I did think the emotional scene were fantastic, and she has a great male voice. It's definitely a me not you situation, so don't let that deter you from listening to this fantastic book.

When I heard Brenna Aubrey was not only working on a new book but a new series, I got a tad excited. I love her words so much. She always brings the feels with a fantastic amount of geeky goodness - my favourite thing. When I heard the story was going to be about an astronaut I thought, ‘whoa, okay, this is different. Different from what I've read from her in the past, and different from anything I've really read.' Brenna does not disappoint, and although this is a duet, the book ends on a happy for now. So, I wasn't kicking and screaming that I have to wait two months for the next book. This book is written beautifully, I can totally understand the need for a duet, I don't think one book would have done this story and this couple justice. Having it split over two gave the story time to develop organically and I just love that. And, I'm not usually a duet fan - mainly because they're usually the size of one book split into two, not the case here, this is a full length, in fact, it's almost double the size of some full length novels so you're definitely getting your money's worth with this bad boy.

The characters are always an integral part of the story and they really are an interesting mix. They had me cursing, and swooning, and laughing. Maybe, some throat punching too. Commander Ryan Tyler has had it rough the past year, so his behaviour is understandable, he's hurting, and he's trying his best to keep a promise he made, he'll do whatever it takes. I don't think he ever envisioned Gray, but, she's just what he needs. He's a cocky arse and I just adore him because he's really a sweet guy. He cares and his pain is palpable. I may have shed a tear or two for him. I was also swooning hard for this guy. His term of endearment for Gray was pure perfection.
When we first met Gray Barrett I have to admit I wasn't her biggest fan, she says something that had me sitting up and saying, ‘what the heck? Hell no, she did not!' However, not long after, I warmed to her and by the end, I was in love with this girl. She is smart and funny, and charming, no wonder Ryan falls for her. Heck, I was falling with him. She's incredibly strong - I should have known, Brenna is the queen of strong heroines. I was definitely kept guessing about her past for a while there. Their chemistry is explosive. You could almost feel the sexual tension leaking off the page. And when they finally give in to their desire? Oh. My. Word. Talk about out of this world. It was Kindle melting hot. There is one character that I disliked from the beginning, and by the end, I actually hated him, the things he said, no freaking way, I don't care about his reasons, not cool. I wanted to punch him in the throat. I loved Gray and Pari's friendship, it was fun yet sweet. When we were first introduced to Keely, I thought I was going to dislike her, but, actually, she seemed nice - but, whether that changes in book two remains to be seen. Ryan's teammates are interesting and I'm hoping they each get stories too. I may have my eye on Noah.

One of the things I loved about this book was the space aspect, you can tell that the author has a passion for the subject and did the research and it stands out. The fact that the details were explained, but not overly so was perfect. It's difficult to find that balance, but, I think Brenna does a stunning job of it. I am going to be all over this series. I need ALL the stories. Brenna never ceases to amaze me with her skill for drawing the reader in and submerging them in the world she has created. Making them fall for characters and even change their mind about them. This is a book not to be missed. Make sure you pick up your copy asap.

Gabe and Caitlin's story is a rollercoaster. It's intriguing and thought-provoking. When is it okay to commit a crime, if it's for the greater good? I'll say that I'm really glad that this was all packaged together, and I was able to listen in one go. I'm not sure whether I would have had the patience to wait for each instalment. It had so many twists and turns, some you see coming, some you don't. Gabe and Caitlin are so good together. Their chemistry is off the charts, and I loved how he was willing to take on her family. There is a scene with Caitlin's sister towards the end that had me tearing up. But mostly, I just wanted to hurt some of the characters. And that is a credit to Lili Valente's writing.

The narration was fantastic. Erin Mallon and Lance Greenfield complemented each other perfectly. They each brought so much emotion to their characters, it was beautiful to listen to. My only issue was the age of the characters, if I hadn't known they were only 20, I would have assumed they were late twenties/thirties so that affected the listen a little. That being said, Erin and Lance do such an amazing job with their performances that it's easy to get lost in the story. Erin's male voice is pure perfection and Lance's female voice is superb. The transition from each POV was smooth and not jarring at all.

4.5 stars. This is the first book in a trilogy and a review of the updated version, released July 2020.

I've had this book on my TBR for quite some time but just haven't found the time to read or listen to it. When it was rereleased this month, I thought it was high time I dive in. I had wanted to do the audio but since the story has been revised in eBook, I decided to read it instead. I was hooked, once I started I didn't want to put it down. The sexual tension. The angst. The will they won't they. Plus add in a little suspense. It was fantastic. Jessica Hawkins is the queen of love triangles and this book is no different. From the moment David sees Olivia, he wants her, not realising she is married. He is all the things. I loved him. Olivia tries to deny her attraction to David but the more she tries, the harder it is. She has a traumatic past that has lead her to make safe decisions, including her husband. She frustrated me at some points but I also understood her reasoning. Honestly, I wasn't a fan of Bill and was cheering for David the whole book. Of course, it's a trilogy so it ends on a cliffhanger and if I didn't already have the next book, I would have been super shouty. I'm excited to dive in to book two and see where this story goes.

This was such a fun story. Penny (Len) is probably the worse at her job, which makes her the perfect candidate to locate and follow her charge—who happens to be next in line for the throne. I love her so much. Her mishaps are hilarious, and I love how she struggled with her job and the secrecy of it. I'll be honest, her reason for accepting the assignment had me scouring the internet for information of a book for a certain couple, I didn't find it insert sad face if you've read/ listened to the book, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.
Sebastian is a prince on a mission, he doesn't want the throne and knows just how to get out of it. But that means avoiding his family and guards. He needs to blend in and become the guy next door—and he does, quite literally. He is so charming, I fell in love with him pretty early on. The reformed playboy is always a fun storyline. The way he was with Len was so cute. I loved their interactions. The sexual tension was off the charts. And once they got together—fireworks! This book is fun and sexy and sweet, with a dose of intrigue and suspense. This is book one of two, so I was prepared for the cliffhanger, and good job too because I would have been wanting to throw something lol. A must read/ listen. I already have book two queued up.

Andi Arndt and Shane East perform this book and do so in their usual top-notch way. They always deliver first class performances and make me feel all the emotions that the characters are feeling. Their voices complement each other well. And the production is brilliant. The only issue I had, and it's just a personal taste thing, is that I was a little distracted by the mixture of accents—it didn't feel consistent. Hence the distraction. It wasn't enough of a issue to stop listening or to stop me wanting to listen to the next book, but enough for it to require a mention.

4.5 stars


This is the first book in the After Dark series from Lauren Blakely that I've listened to and what a way to kick things off. It's like Lauren Blakely on steroids. What I mean by that is it's pure Lauren goodness; you have a fun, heartwarming story filled with wit and awesome characters, but she's upped the sexy factor. Like she cranked that bad boy to 10! I loved Callum and Stone, I thought they were fantastic characters, Callum's all business and Stone's party boy personas really worked well for their friendship, I loved that they were so different but that it worked for them. Ivy, I wasn't too keen on to begin with, her inability to reconcile her professional side with her sexual side annoyed me, but at the same time, without it, would there have been a story? And as the story progressed, she did grow on me. I loved her with Callum though. Match made in heaven. His ability to read her and know what she wanted and needed was great and wanting to give her the fantasy in a safe way really made me fall hard for him.

This is a MFM story. Callum and Stone don't touch, much to my disappointment (I know, I know, it says it on the label - a girl can still dream!) and the story is Ivy and Callum's, it's about their relationship and self-discovery, Stone is an added bonus, you guessed it, for one night. So if you're looking for a book with three way full-time relationship, this book isn't for you. Just like if sexy times aren't your thing, this isn't the book for you either. But if you love stories about couples expressing their sexuality and fantasy exploration, you will love this book.

About the performances. Well, what can I say, Emma Wilder and Joe Arden are just fabulous as Ivy and Callum, add in a handful of chapters from Jacob Morgan as Stone, which was just fantastic, and lastly, sprinkle in a surprise, outstanding Teddy Hamilton chapter as Jackson, Stone's bodyguard, to whet the appetite for a future book and you've got audiobook perfection right there. It was such a joy to listen to, these voice actors are at the top of their game and it shows. The performances were a joy to listen to. The transition from each narrator and character was smooth with very little issue - it's performed in dual narration, and sometimes the change in the different voices can be distracting but that isn't the case here, the voices were well matched and complemented each other. In the book, Callum describes Ivy's voice as honey and whiskey, and I thought I'd never heard a more perfect description of Emma Wilder's voice. The audio also includes a sneak peek of Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend, which is available now, performed in duet narration by Andi Arndt and Shane East. With additional cameos by Kit Swann & Joe Arden.

I wasn't sure I was prepared for the next book in this series after listening to Derail, but thankfully, this one was easier on my emotions.

This is the third book in the off track records series and another wonderful instalment. We get to spend time with our favourite band back on tour.

Leighton is a musical prodigy that blackmails his way into the band, but then the tables are turned. I got a little frustrated with him at times but then had to remind myself of his age, which I think was harder due to the narration. See below for more about that.
Opal is a sweet, southern girl who we met in Detour, she's Lex's half sister and joins the band on tour as their PA. She is thrust into this world that she doesn't really understand and is hit with a lot.

I love Leighton and Opal together, I thought they were really suited and loved their interactions. I liked that it had a love triangle feel to it at the beginning but once Opal knew, she knew. Although the conflict could have been avoided it made sense for their ages, and I liked that it wasn't a quick fix, it took time and for them to really look into themselves and how they felt.

The way the band really looked out for Opal was so heartwarming and enamoured them to me again after my upset in the last book...I'm not saying I hold a grunge, but...you know, they needed to earn their swooning spots back.

The overuse of uncle and sister was a little distracting as it felt like a constant reminder of who the person was to them as opposed to just using their name. But it was something little that didn't change my enjoyment of the story.

I love Jason Clarke, and I think the way this series has been cast with him narrating the entire band with different female narrators has been fantastic. But. Yes, I know, there is a but. Leighton is 18 years old, and Jason does not sound like an 18 year old. So it was a little tough it get lost in the story like the previous two. That being said, Jason was fabulous and his performance was filled with his usual skill and emotion. Savannah Peachwood was fantastic as Opal, it's been quite some time since I last listened to a Savannah performance so it was great to have her in my years again. Her southern accent was pure perfection and her ability to perform the young and sweet Opal was spot on. Their voices complemented each other well, the transition from one to the other and the genders was smooth with just a slight difference in the depth of the southern accent. No production issues of note.

This is my first Kacey Shea book, and I was hooked from the first chapter until the last. I don't read/ listen to a lot of rockstar romances, not because I'm against them, they just don't happen to pop up when the mood strikes. I am so glad this book jumped out as I was scrolling my Audible library looking for something to listen to.
Kacey Shea has this wonderful way of writing that is just all-encompassing. She pulls you into the story and holds you captive until the very last word, whilst making you feel every emotion she inflicts on her characters.
Trent is one of those characters that is elevated to book boyfriend status early on. With his rockstar persona, devilish good looks, cocky attitude and how he treats the important women in his life, it's hard not to be enamoured by him. His heart is what really won me over though.
I love Lexi, she could have done things the easy way but wanted to make it on her own, and I loved that about her. She didn't have the easiest past and that is reflected in her actions. She's feisty and doesn't let Trent and the band walk all over her. Once she let's her walls down, she builds such great relationships with all of them.
Together they are so good. They have great banter, which I'm a huge fan of. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts and when they finally give in, they're explosive together. Their give and take really worked for me, and when they loved, they loved wholly. The support they have each other and refusal to let the other push them away really gave their relationship that extra awesomeness.
Although there are a couple of difficult situations, the book itself isn't angsty and the emotional scenes really worked to enhance the story and the relationship between the couple. The dynamics in the band was fun to experience, and I can't wait to see more of them in the following books and experience their happily ever afters too.

I chose to listen to this book because I was in the mood for some Jason Clarke, and as always, he didn't disappoint. He voiced each member of the band so uniquely that it was easy to discern each one. His female voice is one of the best in the business and is showcased so perfectly in this book. He was the perfect choice to voice Trent, the cocky rockstar vibe was strong, but his heart really shone through too. This was my first experience of listening to Lessa Lamb, and she was fantastic. Her voice is easy to listen to, she is able to differentiate the different characters smoothly and effectively. She was a great choice to voice Lexi, an up and coming rockstar with a difficult past. Jason and Lessa's voices complemented each other well and the transition from one to the other was smooth. There were a couple of tough moments in this book and they were performed to perfection by both voice actors. Their ability to switch from humour to emotional was beautiful and each was delivered so flawlessly. The production was brilliant with no issues.

I don't even know where to start with this review. It's been a long time since I've been this invested in a story. I'm talking shouting at the audio, threatening characters lives, crying. The full works. My husband was very concerned. This book made me feel so much and it was unexpected. I wanted to throw my phone at so many moments.

Kacey's writing is so captivating and although this book involves a difficult subject, it is written with so much sensitivity and understanding that it as beautiful to listen to, even if I did need to hit pause a few times to just deal with the emotions I was experiencing.

Jess has been beaten down so much in her life that she truly believes she deserves whatever happens to her. It isn't until she meets Sean, a man that treats her with kindness and respect, that she starts to see things differently. I adored her journey to the person she was born to be. Sean may have helped open her eyes, but she's the one that did the work.
Sean is all the things. His capacity for care and kindness is just everything. I loved how gentle he was with Jess. Always wanting what is best for her, even if it wasn't him.
Together they were just perfect. I loved the dynamic between them. The chemistry and tension was palpable.
The band drove me crazy with their don't get involved policy but thank heavens for Deb. Who is not only the sweetest band mum ever but a wonderful person.

Jason Clarke was perfect as Sean and conveyed the emotions well like always. Emma Wilder as Jess was outstanding. I've listened to Emma before, and she's always a hit, but this book, her performance blew me away. The way she conveyed the raw emotion and experience of the character was both beautiful and heartbreaking. Both Emma and Jason have fabulous opposite gender voices and it makes for an all-encompassing listen as you don't get taken out of the story or the performance with the switch. Their voices complement each other well and the transition from one to the other and from each character was smooth. The production was great with no issues.

I love a good second chance romance and this definitely hit the spot. Add in the suspense that was brought and the things the couple had to overcome, it's a solid story that will keep you hooked. Kacey Shea sure knows how to hook me and keep me invested in her characters. She weaves her stories so beautifully, making them fun whilst dealing with some difficult issues which are handled with sensitivity and grace. It's been a joy to binge this series.

I was never sold on Austin. He was my least favourite member of the band so when I started this book, I was prepared to not be invested in the story. But what actually happened was I met my latest book boyfriend. Getting in Austin's head and understanding him really made a difference and when I think back now to the previous books, I feel like I understand him more. He was not only the one-liner guy but the sweet and considerate guy, the guy with demons nobody knows about and the guy that will do what it takes to help those he loves. And how can you not swoon at that? Jayla is a kick-arse heroine with a difficult past. I knew it was going to be difficult for me once we found out about her, but it is written well and doesn't go into too much detail. The way she has learned to cope and allowed Austin in was brilliant and realistic. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with. Their push and pull really worked for me, I loved their chemistry and how Jayla tried to fight it but once she gave in, it was game on.

I've never really been a fan of stories where the female takes control in the bedroom department but this worked so well and made perfect sense to the story that I really enjoyed it. It was a different dynamic.

There is a bonus epilogue on the audiobook and thank goodness, I'd have definitely felt disappointed had I not got the closure that provided.


Jason Clarke was on fine form in this production. He played the cocky rockstar so well. And especially made those more vulnerable and emotional scenes stand out and give the character the depth he was missing in the earlier books. Did I mention Jason also sings? Be still my heart. I was excited when I heard Morae Brehon was cast for this audio but unfortunately, the performance fell flat for me. I really struggled with her chapters, it felt choppy - in that the words didn't seem to flow and it sounded like there was a period after every few words. Iodine I needed to speed up her chapters just to get through them, which was disappointing. Both Jason and Morae had smooth transitions between characters and the emotional sense were really heightened by their performances. The overall production was great.

Full transparency, this book didn't really appeal to me. I'm not a huge fan of older woman stories, I don't know why. But this had a fabulous narrator pairing so thought I'd give it a go, and I loved it. It is one of my favourite Kendall Ryan stories ever, top five for sure. Funny how that happens, isn't it?

I will say that the blurb makes the book sound completely different from what it is. It makes it sound like they meet and have some fun before finding out he's her friend's brother, but in actual fact, it is a slow burn romance and years pass before they get together.

Layne is a serious business woman. She knows what she wants, she's just having difficulty getting it. Enter Griffin, he's everything she shouldn't want and when she finds out he's her friend's brother, well, she puts him firmly in the friend zone. But some rules are made to be broken, if she could just get out of her own way, she could find something pretty spectacular.
Griffin is a sweetheart, he knows what he wants and what he wants is Layne. He's always there when she needs him. I felt so bad for him at times because although he held his own, he always felt like a lost puppy following her around and waiting for any scrapes she would throw his way.

Layne and Griffin have excellent banter, which is a huge plus for me. I just love it. Although this is more of a slow burn romance, they had great chemistry all through the book from the moment they met but once they finally give in, cue fireworks and explosions. The build up was pure perfection, the sexual tension palpable. I thought my phone was going to melt.

Christian Fox and Emma Wilder were absolutely fantastic. It's been a hot minute since I last listened to Christian Fox so I wasn't sure how that was going to go with the character being younger but he nailed it. Drunk Christian Fox is the best thing I've heard all week. And Emma Wilder is perfection for this character, she performed the vulnerabilities she was experiencing so well. If I was to have a fictional narrator girlfriend, it would be Emma! The production was great with no issues to note.

This was such a sweet short story. Marley is in Paris with her friends and while they go do all the height attractions on their last day, she explores, bumping into the charming Reid, a Brit who is spending his last day in Paris too. The way they met was one of the sweetest meet-cutes ever, who wouldn't bond over chocolate? Spending time with them in Paris almost felt like we were there with them. And their chemistry was palpable, I was sad when they went their separate ways leaving it to serendipity as to if they ever meet again, and spoiler alert - not really, this is a Lauren Blakely romance, they do meet again and it was just perfect. Lauren Blakely manages to capture so much romance, not just for the couple but the city in this story and it's beautiful to listen to.

Performed brilliantly by Erin Mallon and Shane East. Not really much I can add to that, they are both top-notch performers and that comes through in this story. They put so much heart into the performance it was easy to get lost in the romance.

The audio also includes Too Good to be True, performed by Andi Arndt and Joe Arden.

This is such an adorable short story about a blind date and what comes after. Olivia has been hurt in the past and because of it is prone to self-sabotage, so when she's set up with Herb, she's sure it'll be a disaster. Lucky for her, Herb feels the same way. Lucky for us listeners, they're both wrong and hit it off instantly and go on what might be the best date ever. They so cute together and they have so much chemistry. I loved how Lauren packed such a punch with a short story, she really knows how to deliver the feels.

I had listened to this story previously, where Herb was performed by RC Bray. Andi Arndt sounds great as always, and her voice worked well with both narrators. Joe Arden was fantastic as Herb, different to Bray, of course, but it still kept the integrity of the character and the performance. I'm not a huge fan of re-casting mainly because reviews look weird when the named narrator is different, not to mention, if you loved it, it feels like your story has been changed, for this though, Joe is so good and there voices have the same sort of tone, that is worked well.

Some books are just good for the soul, and I believe A Guy Walked into My Bar is one of those books. This book is just full of goodness, and light, and a joy to listen to. It opens with a letter from Lauren about the fact that the book contains no homophobia and the reason why. The short version, love is love. If you don't believe that, this isn't going to be the book for you. And I'm probably not the person for you, either.

As always, Lauren Blakely not only entertains so expertly but hits you in the feels too. How much of those feels were Lauren's words or Joe Arden's delivery of them remains to be seen, I'm sure it's a mixture of the two. The story has very little conflict and drama which was a nice pace, and I love how communication resolved the little spat they had. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, Lauren is a master at the male PoV.

Dean and Fitz are so perfect together, they really were a match made... in a bar, (I know, I know, don't judge me) For me, this story is about two people that meet and have a connection. Even though one of them tries to fight it, it doesn't last long. Some couplings are evitable and this is one of those moments. The steam factor is high in this book, and it worked. What else do you do on a holiday romance? It gave their relationship that sense of urgency, knowing it was for a limited time. And that was also the case with the touristy things they did together, I loved seeing that. Now, there were a couple of instances, as a Brit, that I raised an eyebrow and said, really? But that could very well be a regional issue as opposed to not being a British thing and it didn't really affect the story.

The narration was superb. Shane East and Joe Arden in a duet narration was something I didn't know I needed in my life. Their chemistry and banter really bled through the headphones. Joe is one of those voice actors that is extremely expressive during the emotional scenes, I swear, he can make me choke up with the way he performs them, that was something that I didn't expect with this book but it gave it that sense of realism too, that Fitz was feeling all the emotions. Shane was brilliant as Dean and really brought that cheeky aspect to the story. Shane's alpha voice made a nice appearance, and I'm sure many listeners swooned. They seemed to work off each other well and it took the audio to the next level. Part of that, I'm sure, has been the buildup of their bromance over on Twitter, it was the best marketing ever. The production was wonderful with no issues.

The audio also included a full cast, personally, there were some characters that I felt didn't need to have a ‘voice.' Especially when it was just a line or two. But that is just personal taste. I thought Vanessa Edwin's British accent was done really well, I love that she's becoming more sought after. I just love her. Emma Wilder was as fabulous as always - #GirlCrush and Jakobi Diem, sigh, you don't even want to know my reaction when I saw his name attached to this project, and he did not disappoint. At all. If you're not enjoying him in your ears yet, you need to fix that. Stat. There was an extended epilogue with Vanessa & Jakobi that hinted at a story, and I'm telling you, right now, I AM HERE FOR IT!

The audiobook has some bonus features. A fireside chat between Stella Hunter, Joe Arden, and Shane East. Bloopers. A bonus scene that the Joe and Shane bromance Twitter fans will adore. And a clip from Birthday Suit. I want to acknowledge the bonuses because I'm usually not a fan of them, but this fireside chat just filled my heart and restored a little of my faith in humanity, why you ask? Joe Arden. His stance on several of the topics raised was so heartfelt and sincere that it just buoyed me up. If he was in front of me, I'd have given him a standing ovation or bowed. The world would be a much better place if it had more people like him in it.

A little sidenote, and this isn't meant to offend anyone or put anyone down. And taking nothing away from Shane East because the man is bloody brilliant, but based on the description of Dean, I would have liked the narrator to have represented the character's ethnicity. It is wonderful to see more diversity in romance books, I'd just like to see that being taken further and voiced too. In addition, I had already written this when Lauren Blakely announced her stance on diversity and future casting. As always, she is a class act that is working towards a better future for all.

Sometimes you read/ listen to a book and it's not what you expect. Intention is one of those books. I thought I'd enjoy it, but I wasn't expecting to connect so deeply. This book consumed me. It was everything. Things to know about me, I don't really like British heroes and I find it hard to connect with heroines. Things about this book, I adored Nathaniel Harrington, and I loved and connected with Madeline Montgomery. So yeah, that totally turned itself around and I love it when that happens. When something is so unexpected. Intention is everything, this book just captured my heart and soul, it made me laugh, it made me swoon, and it made me cry...honestly, at parts it made me sob. This book is a top read, not just of 2019, but ever! It just ticked so many boxes for me that it couldn't not.

Ava Harrison has become a must read author. She is amazingly talented and she handles sensitive subjects with such grace and sensitivity and embeds beauty and care into it so well, that is is just astounding. She clearly does an awful amount of research. You can't help but fall in love with her words and her characters. She's amazing, her writing is flawlessly beautiful and raw. I urge anybody to pick up a book of hers. But, especially this book. This book is special, this is the book that is going to grab people and say, you know what, yes! The whole book is just astounding and everything you could hope for in a book, it is just beautiful. I actually want Olly's story. What's his jam, what's going on. Who is this American he's talking about? I definitely look forward to more from Ava. You must pick up this book it is magnificent.

Nathaniel Harrington is a self-absorbed a-hole with a heart and I love him. He wants what he wants, he does what he wants and he's not going to let anything get in his way. He's the lost boy that never grew up, he's never had to. When his legacy is threatened he does what every normal person would do, he manipulates his sparring partner into becoming his fake girlfriend. Simples. Except, it's anything but simple, the chemistry and sexual tension is off the charts. It is only a matter of time before all that tension and banter would collide into something else and the more time they spend together the more their feelings change. Seeing the progression and growth in Nathaniel was awesome. He started as such an a-hole, a smooth, sexy, funny a-hole, but an a-hole just the same. And seeing him acknowledge and change from the party boy into the businessman with a heart of gold who just wanted to be happy. Madeline Montgomery is everything. I love her. It's rare I find a female character that I can identify with, that I can connect with and be on the side of. There were so many aspects of her life that I could relate to. She's a strong independent woman, she doesn't need anything, but, in reality, she does, she just doesn't know how she can have it. She doesn't want to fall in love, but she does anyway. She makes some questionable decisions that I'm sure will frustrate some listeners, but I totally understood them. They made my heart break for her. Her strength is the shining beacon of this story. Nathaniel and Madeline's relationship was really special, how they brought out the best in one another and the banter, man, it was awesome. I loved the whole Peter Pan element to the story. The epilogue was just everything I could have hoped for, and it was necessary. It really fits with the story, it offers an air of realism to what they're going through, and have been through as well, rather than just a simple, oh they lived happily ever after, which they do, don't get me wrong, this just isn't your typical and some people will not like that. Although it's short, it gives you all the details you need to know and the feeling that this wasn't just a quick fix.

The Britishness of the story is handled brilliantly, it's subtle and understated, every other word isn't bloody, and everybody drinking tea. Which believe it or not, we don't actually do. It is done in a way that it is obvious the character is British, but it's not in a way that you think OMG, this is an episode of Downton Abbey. I love the fact that this is set primarily in New York but one of the characters is British and therefore has British friends, and they do go over to London and have that time there and do some of the touristy things because you know, there is nothing worse than having a book set in London and having them doing touristy things that we just don't do. His reaction to it is very much how someone that has spent time in London would react, the touristy stuff is just that, for tourists. I thought that part was handled really well too. Credit to Ava for having the foresight to ask British readers to test read it to make sure she got it right. I wish more authors did this.

Shane East and Andi Arndt performed this book to perfection. Shane is the go-to voice for a British accent, and rightly so, he just nails every performance. He had the perfect style for the character of Nathaniel, he does sexy sarcasm so well. The progression of the character and his growth really came across brilliantly in is performance, and yes, lots of lots of swooning is to be had. Who can resist that accent? (Other than British listeners lol) Andi Arndt was fantastic as Madeline Montgomery, there are some emotional scenes that she just performed spectacularly. She left nothing out, every raw and heartbreaking part shined through. Andi is great at the smart and sassy characters and she didn't disappoint. I don't think I've ever heard her do a British accent before, and it was good, although, her male voice wasn't as swoony as normal (yeah, I swoon over a female's male voice - stop judging) but I think that is to be expected, I'm critical of the British accent anyhow and having it switch from Shane to Andi - you're going to notice it. I preferred Shane's Madeline to Andi's Nathaniel but I think many people would disagree, and that's going to be a location thing, I feel. That being said, there was nothing about their performances that I didn't like. If you pick up this audiobook, and I hope you do, I think you'll be swept away by their portrayal of these characters and their story.

I loved this audio so much. Full disclosure, I didn't know a lot about this book when I asked to review it. I just knew that the narrators are in my top tier, and my good friend, Hayley, had read the book and said how good it was. She wasn't wrong. I was hooked early on. I loved that Arlo was this grumpy strict teacher who had to endure Greer, a sort of new age teacher, who is sassy and quirky. It's everything he doesn't understand. Whereas Greer is wildly attracted to Arlo, even though he's stuck up and arrogant. Their enemies to lovers relationship was some of the best buildup and tension I've ever read and it reminded me why I love that trope so much.

Although I was loving it, I was also torn a little, some of the behaviours seems really immature but then I found myself laughing too. It was like a push and pull—I don't understand why they are they doing this? And, Oh, this is so funny. See? Torn! Overall, the laughter won out. And right now, in these times, don't we all need a little laughter in our lives?

The girl crew in this book is fantastic. I loved their dynamic and their book club reminded me so much of my own, only mine isn't in person. The way they supported and learned and accepted each other was just beautiful. The guy crew was pretty awesome too.

Back to being torn. The breakup, it's a romance, so you know it has to happen. I understood why she was so mad, so I was totally on board for that. But I struggled a little with how it came about. I don't want to spoil anything, so let's just say, I felt it was extreme and unrealistic, I know, it's fiction! And part of it could be because I'm in a different country so maybe my knowledge and understanding is lacking. But again, I was also in love with the grovel, so much so that I had tears and was cheering out loud. It was one of the best I've ever read. Soooo, that totally made up for that one tiny thing.

This is a long book and a good portion of it was them not getting along. The sexual tension was palpable and every time, I'd be sat there thinking, this is it, this is where it's going to combust. Once they finally get together, holy smokes, somebody pass me a fan, talk about super-charged sexiness. I loved that Greer knew what she wanted and deserved and wasn't afraid to go after it. The notes, sigh, the notes. I swooned hard.

Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber were pure perfection in this book. Their comedic timing was spot on and they really elevated this story and these characters. Zachary as the strict teacher was something I didn't know I needed in my ears. And Erin as the sweet and sassy woman that brings him to his knees was brilliant. The transition from male to female and vice versa was smooth and seamless. Both Erin and Zachary have believable opposite gender voices and that really helps the listener get lost in the story and made the POV switches less jarring. Casting was spot on for this audiobook. And the production was fab with no issues to note.

The audio also contains a novella. Date Night. Performed by Connor Crais.
It was cute and a different change of pace from a typical romance. It's a date night gasp shocker right there, right? Haha. For a married couple and it was fun seeing their dynamic and trying to have sexy time. Having listened to Three Blind Dates it was fun to see familiar characters.
Connor Crais was good, I've only listened to one other book by him and enjoyed it. He's being used a lot more in romance, so I'm sure his name will be showing up in reviews frequently going forward. I'm assuming the accent during the role play scenes was supposed to be humorous, in which case, he nailed it. Production was good, with no issues to note.

This is my first Jessica Peterson book but it won't be my last.

This was a really fun and entertaining story. With characters you can't help but love. I definitely need to check out the other books in the series as I need to know the supporting characters stories.

I loved Greyson so much. Who knew the growly boss could be so darn sweet and swoony. He was a man of two sides and seeing them both was a shock to the aural system. Are we supposed to dislike this guy or want to climb him? Shrugs Julia did both and it worked out okay for her, just saying.

I really liked the heroine, Julia, for the most-part, but during the main conflict, I felt she was really selfish and that annoyed me. Maybe because I've never been pregnant so couldn't relate. But I felt she expected too much without any guidance and expected him to change to her demands. Rather than it being a compromise but otherwise, I really empathised with her.

The tension and buildup because Greyson and Julia was all the things. The sexy time was enough to make someone need a moment to recover with with characters lol. I was glad the conflict was resolved quickly. And we got to see how it was affecting both of them. I loved that they weren't ashamed of their emotions and need communicate well. (With the exception of the hiccup—which is probably why I was frustrated as they appeared to be so together in their desired and communication.)

I really liked that it didn't make the pregnancy all sunshine and rainbows. It felt a lot more realistic. From what I've heard. The reader in my just loved that element to the story, and how connected the book Julia was reading played a part in her relationship. Julia was every romance book lover.

As a lover of the southern accent, I was very happy to have so much southern in my ears. Emma Wilder and Joe Arden were fantastic. Emma's range was really showcased as she not only had the characters, but also the story within the story—which I thought was a very unique and fun element to the book. The production was smooth with no issues.

How to get Lucky by Lauren Blakely and debut author, Joe Arden is a fun and entertaining romcom. Told from the male point of view, which is a favourite of mine and not done enough in romance. I was both excited and nervous for this book. It had a lot of hype and that doesn't always transfer well. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how well this story read. It felt very cohesive. Lauren and Joe clearly work well together.

Teddy and London have an instant attraction and you can't help but share in their delight at it. However, nothing ever runs smooth in romance, and we soon find out that their blossoming romance needs to be put on hold. Cue all the will they or won't they moments. Which really built up the tension and made for an entertaining listen. I'll admit, the first half is what really captured my attention and heart, the second half seemed to fall a little flat. I think that's because I expected the book to have a little more emotion than it had. Seeing as that is what Joe excels at in his narration. It's more of a slow burn. The Star Wars and Jane Austen references were brilliant and just what I love. There are times when you can really see Joe's writing shining through and that gives the story the uniqueness of the male pov.

The female narrators were fantastic, Erin Mallon, Emma Wilder & Maxine Mitchell. They have small cameos throughout the story, and I enjoyed hearing them. Their scenes we're probably the funniest. However, I didn't feel that those scenes were necessary to the story. It doesn't advance it and feels more like it's them telling us what happened instead of showing us, which would have had more of an impact. The story would have been fine without it.

Joe narrates the book with his usual skill. Each character is uniquely voiced and the transition from one character to another is smooth. Unfortunately, there is an accent used a couple of times that didn't work for me. I don't know whether it was intentional to sound that way or it's just not an accent that he excels at. It pulled me out of the story and made me wonder why the character was written in with that accent. The production was great with no issues of note.

Kendall Ryan really knows how to get into a reader's head and heart. And man, can she write a heck of a sex scene. I felt so many different emotions listening to this book. It's a day later and I'm still thinking about it, what happened, what could happen, how things are going to play out in the next book.

The sweet sexy librarian and the bad boy, you know I was going to love it, and I did. This book grabbed me from the first chapter and never let go. I had to listen to the book in one sitting because I had to know what was happening, who needs food or exercise when you are engrossed in a fantastic story? Not this girl! I did feel some of the details were a little repetitive at times, nothing major and it didn't really interfere with the story, just personal taste, I guess. I feel like book two is going to break me, in the best possible way. I'm stocking up on Kleenex just in case.

The characters in this story are really quite compelling. I've been thinking about this for a day or two now and I loved the interactions and how each character was so unique and not at all what you'd expect. I loved Emma, I thought she was a sweetheart. She'd been through hell but didn't let that dull her sparkle and her strength shone throughout the book. Yeah, she's a librarian, but Kendall didn't make her your typical librarian, which I loved, because what rulebook says they have to be sweet and innocent?
Gavin was such a complex character, he'd obviously experienced a lot of hurt in his life and now guards himself, to his own detriment. I just wanted him to open up to Emma and let her in. I may have shouted at him to tell her everything, that she'd understand. But when do characters ever do what I tell them? I liked the conflict he was going through, you get to experience that with him throughout the book, his head and heart pulling him in different directions.

The relationship between Gavin and Emma gave me whiplash, seriously, I wanted to take that man by the.... ok, I'll take a breath and calm myself. He drove me a little crazy. He'd be so sweet one moment and the next he'd be a total jerk. I felt so bad for Emma, but at the same time, I was getting frustrated because she kept going back, although, he is kinda irresistible, so it makes sense. The chemistry between Gavin and Emma was undeniable and I think that is why even though Cooper was amazing, I was rooting for Gavin. You can't fight against that sort of attraction. With that being said I am so excited to get the next book and see where the story leads, I hope that things can be resolved because they are explosive together and I'm a sucker for a happily ever after.

Both narrator voices complemented each other and worked perfectly together for the story. I'll definitely be seeking out their combo in the future.
This was my first audiobook narrated by Megan Tusing and I really enjoyed her performance, on a couple of occasions it sounded like the characters had a southern drawl, but it was a kind of blink and you miss it sort of moment, enough to warrant a mention but not enough to impact the overall performance or knock it down a star. The switch between male and female voices was smooth and each voice was distinct. Megan was perfect for Emma; a sweet but commanding performance. I am really looking forward to listening to more from Megan.

This was not my first experience with Zachary Webber, that man has skill, I thoroughly enjoyed his performance. He narrates the POV chapters for both Gavin and Cooper. When I first realised that was going to happen I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it; if it's another person, it needs another voice, right? Nope. Webber is that good that it didn't require another narrator. Each character is so distinct and he really gives life to each one. His performance of Gavin was my favourite, he has that commanding tone to his voice that suited the character perfectly.

Once again, Erin Mallon showcases her amazing talent for writing engaging plays that not only make you laugh but tug at your heartstrings as well. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The way Erin layers in series subject with humour is nothing short of brilliant. Take this audio play for example. You have an older gentleman that just wants some peace, he's dealing with some difficult issues that we come to find out more about through the course of the play, and he's pretty much harassed by his hyperactive nine-year-old neighbour, who is a sweet girl with no boundaries that clearly just wants someone to talk to. They are an unlikely match but watching their friendship grow was beautiful. There were so many laugh out loud moments, but then, you'd be hit in the gut by a revelation that leaves your heart hurting. Add in that the entire play is set on their rooftops, and it is the perfect story in these social distancing times. It perfectly showcases how connections can be made and the affect they can have on a person.

Matilda Lawler and Richard Masur were perfectly cast for the play and reviving their roles for the audio play was not only a good decision but the only one. I can't imagine anyone else giving these characters life the way that these two did. The embodied these characters. The production was wonderful with sound effects that enhance the story.

What an ending in this series. Just when you think you have everything figured out you are hit with another twist. And I loved it. This duet was everything I wanted in a Guinevere story. I was captivated from the very beginning. The first book in this duet had me enthralled but the second, I was spellbound. It was brilliant.

I loved how Shane East gave both Brooks and Lance a different and unique voice. It was always clear who was who. Kylie Stewart was great as Gwen.

This was my first Zee Irwin book but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the story. It's a relatively quick listen at almost 5 hours. But a lot is packed into that time.

If you love a bit of an age gap. A possessive hero who needs to overcome his past hurts, and a strong heroine, who knows what she wants. Then you will love Daniel and Maddie's story. The sparks fly when these two meet, and it is more of a slow burn, but once that tension (that bleeds through the page) becomes too much, it's explosive.

A definite must read. I look forward to more from this author.

Matt Haynes performed this book really well. He had his work cut out for him because the book is dual POV. Casting a single narrator for dual POV is always a difficult one, on the one hand you don't have to worry about the voices sounding different, but on the other, the narrator you choose needs to have a strong voice for the opposite sex. Unfortunately, I don't think it works too well for this book. During Daniel's chapters everything sounded fine, and I enjoyed his performance immensely. However, when it came to Maddie's chapters there just wasn't enough of a feminine flare for me to get as connected or invested. Overall, it was an enjoyable listen, and I give the performance 4 stars. But I do hope future books will have two narrators.

Okay. First things first. WTAF? Was Meg Anne tormented as a child or something? Did she not get a puppy she wanted? Why would she hurt my heart like this? It hurts so bad. Thank goodness for the bonus scene. Because I needed that laugh out loud moment. Finley and Quinn make my heart happy. Meg Anne, not so much!

Joking aside. This is such a fantastic series. This book picks up right where the previous book left off. Lina has her memories. And her power. You'd think this would be a good thing, but this poor woman cannot catch a break. She has her guardian on her side though. Oh, Nord, what a fine specimen you are! I loved the continuation of their relationship and seeing it grow. Especially now that there is nothing holding Nord back. What's great about this instalment is that we see Lina's world expanding. She doesn't just have Nord and Finley on her side. She has family and friendship too.

There are moments that will make you laugh, make you swoon, and if you can't tell from the intro, make you cry too. It's the full package, and I am diving into book three right now.

Stella Hunter and Shane East performed this book in duet, and it is brilliant. Their voices complement each other well, and they're a joy to listen to. The production is top-notch as always.

Starting this book was so bittersweet, just like ending it. I wanted to get to the end to know what happened, but I also never wanted it to end. These characters and their story captivated me from book one and will stay with me long after finishing book four.

K. Loraine and Meg Anne dragged me into their worlds of paranormal and magic, and I'm never leaving. Anyone who knows me will tell you that PNR isn't my go-to genre but after hearing so much about Obsession, I dived in, and I went down a rabbit hole. First devouring all K. Loraine had to offer before moving on to a Meg Anne series—I still have more Meg to devour. I regret nothing and as this Mate Games series has progressed it's showcased everything I love about their writing, both individually and together. They have this wonderful way of combining strong storylines and even stronger characters with heart and moments of levity. It's an enticing mix.

Temptation is the final book in the Mate Games series and it came out swinging. I did have a little frustration with Sunday in the beginning of this book, (I blame her pregnancy brain) but she soon came back to the strong badass I know her to be. We find out so much more about Caleb in this book, and it really does make you understand him and his actions more. The banter between the guys, especially Kingston and Noah is so brilliant and had me laughing out loud in public.

What I love about this series the most is how rooted the storyline is. I was invested and captivated from the get go. I love how everything came together in this last book and the answers to our questions were revealed. Yes, it is super spicy, but it is so much more than that. It's the story. The emotion. The connection each people have and the lengths they're willing to go for each other. Superb.

Stella Hunter continued to be a showstopper throughout this series, and this book is no different. She not only voices Sunday but all the female characters, and each of them sounds so unique. The depth of emotion, and at times, despair she conveyed was phenomenal. Jason Clarke as Caleb is something I didn't know I needed. If the Irish brogue wasn't enough, the way he performed the guilt-riddled Caleb was a masterclass in emotion. And yes, just when I thought I was spared, he came in at the last hurdle to make me shed a couple tears. (Damn him!) J.F. Harding and James Joseph were brilliant as Kingston and Noah, their bromance was something I didn't know I needed. Aaron Shedlock rounds out their why choose romance as Alek, and he tugged at my heartstrings. Also includes cameos from Shane East, Jacob Morgan, and Teddy Hamilton, and if you've done any of Kim or Meg's other books, you'll recognise some familiar characters voiced by them.

This is a must listen Why Choose romance, and I urge you to pick up book one today and binge the entire four-book series.

I am so excited for the next series. Pestilence. Starting with Deal with the Demon. Is it January yet?

When I heard Karen Grey talking about this book on a recent live with Erin Mallon (check Erin's IG for the playback) I knew I had to listen. Set in the late 90s with connections to my teenage heart's favourite show, Dawson's Creek? Sold!

It did not disappoint. Violet and Nate sign up for a one-night-stand. But get so much more than they bargained for. It turns out they are both casting directors vying for the same show. That instant attraction turns into a story of rivals to lovers that will have you glued to your device wanting to know how they are going to overcome their differences. I loved that this focused on the behind the scenes staff as I often feel like they are unsung heroes in the world of movies and TV. You get a good mixture of romance, backstory, friendships and family dynamics. It is a heartwarming and sweet story with some ‘moments' that will have you thinking otherwise.

I loved this friend group. I need all of their stories and now! You can read more about them in the prequel ‘I'll Stand By You.' I am so ready to read more about them. Especially after that ending. Karen Grey knew what she was doing!

Fans of Dawson's Creek will smile every time they notice a connection...and there are a lot. Nothing overpowering, but more little things that make you remember certain episodes and scenes. Since finishing this book my Spotify has been filled with 90s music, and I regret nothing.

Maxine Mitchell and Jack Calihan perform this book in dual narration. They gave each character a unique sound and switched from male to female characters with ease and the change was obvious. Maxine's male voice is all the things. This is the first time I've listened to Jack, and I thought he was great.

I was sent an advance copy of this book, and I'm voluntarily leaving this honest review

This was a fun, sweet read. Andy and Katie are so cute together and reading their story was great.
I thought the epilogue was perfect and gave a different perspective of a character. I also felt bad for Dash, just almost. Looking forward to reading more in this series.