Zandalee

A Beautiful End

Revisado: 09-09-18

What a lovely, heartwarming end for the Harris family. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the family dynamic in this final book. The Harris clan was always one of the big focal points in the series, and I’m happy it was explored. It was very emotional, and everything I didn’t know I needed.
Gareth and Sloan were a beautiful pair with ups and downs. I loved how they were there for one another during their most crucial moments. It’s not always easy, but they work through it rather quickly.
Piper Goodeve, whose narration I struggle with in the first book, seemed to have improved her narration style in this second book. Perhaps it was Sloan’s growth that just made her more likable this time around. Either way, the narration, overall, was on point. Will Watt and Charlotte Cole were great as always.

This book is drawn out in the best way possible. I feel like everything gets acknowledge, processed, and discussed. It’s a very mature and realistic story in that way. The emotion that is invoked and expelled throughout makes this such a poignant read.
I’m certainly going to miss this family, but I’m sure Amy Daws will create another exciting series soon enough.

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🔥🔥🔥

Revisado: 08-29-18

I can never get enough of the Harris Brothers, and Amy Daws’ writing is fabulously showcased with this series. I absolutely love the strong family dynamic that continues to flow throughout this series. They’re up in each other’s business, but they have the best of intentions. It’s so nice to see those family scenes come up frequently.

Gareth has been a bit of a mystery as he previously appeared in his brother’s books. After reading this first half of this two-part duet, I am pleasantly surprised. I have mixed feelings about Sloan. Some of her behavior and thoughts concerning certain things like her daughter were a bit strange and off-putting. I didn’t always like how she presented herself, but she starts to redeem herself as this book comes to the end.

We don’t see a lot of Gareth and Sloane’s relationship during the first part as the story jumps in time a bit. Rather, we’re told about it but that attraction and their inevitable union is still believable. They have really great, intense chemistry, and I liked that the sexy scenes are steamy and passionate but tasteful.

I really liked how the last bit of the novel played out. I felt like it was packed with all the good stuff, whereas the first section was more drawn out and bumpy. The last few chapters revved things up and made that shocking cliffhanger pop.

The duet style of narration works so perfectly, and I’m glad Amy Daws continues to use it. Will Watt is supreme. He has nailed every character in this series, and Gareth is no exception. His frustration, passion, anger, vulnerability… it’s all there to hear in his execution.
Charlotte Cole is adorable and upbeat, and I’m so happy she was able to pop in for some of the other characters.
Piper Goodeve who voices Sloan is an interesting addition to the series. I liked the way she narrated sometimes, but other times it sounded a bit stiff. I wasn’t getting the emotions that Sloan was expressing. I’m not sure whether this was intentionally how Sloan was supposed to read or if the narrator’s choices lent a hand at making Sloan a bit disconcerting and unlikable for me.

Overall, I love where this story is headed and I’m eager for the second half of it. I highly recommend this book and series. I suggest they be read in order even though they technically could be read out of order.

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Not the usual Blakely story

Revisado: 08-23-18

I was quite surprised by this latest Lauren Blakely novel. I can confidently say that this is unlike anything she has ever written before. While the writing is superb as usual, there was something missing in this story, and I sensed it throughout my listening experience. I think this is a case of “it’s not me, it’s you” mixed with expectations of Blakey’s usual stories. Regardless, I still hope that other readers/listeners will give this story a chance.

The angst felt forced, and the conflict was overcome and tied up too easily after the long journey that took up most of the book. I laughed, cried, and got angry, but I only ever reached the surface of those emotions. I didn’t feel the pull and connection that Blakely always manages to create between the reader and the characters.

A beautiful aspect of this story was the gorgeous descriptions of Japan. I felt like I was really there experiencing everything that Andrew was in the city. The narration was amazing with Arden and Mallon voicing the characters so well. I especially want to give props to Joe Arden who allowed for Andrew’s pain and confusion to flow through his mouth. He choked up during parts and that sparked the biggest reaction in me.

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Emotionally Charged & Jaw-dropping Revelations

Revisado: 08-07-18

Stacy Eaton never fails to write emotionally charged stories fueled by realistic characters. DISTORTED LOYALTY is full of betrayal, jaw-dropping revelations, heartache, and new beginnings. The twist and turns of this story will keep you constantly on your toes guessing what will happen next. Even the moments that you sense coming will still manage to shock and satisfy you when you come upon them.

To be totally honest, this book weirded me out at the beginning. I didn’t like that the married, male character was so interested in and flirty with the female character. I couldn’t stop going back to that starting moment and feeling irked by his actions. That being said, I like that these characters are flawed but strive for better. This book certainly has a complicated plot and it’s not the easiest of stories to get through because of this. These characters can be quite frustrating, but I also appreciate having both sides of the story through dual points of view.

One of my favorite aspects of this story were the two teenage children of the main characters. I loved how they were portrayed. They felt so authentic and humorous when the story really needed it. The narrators, Marie Rose and Chris Chamberlain, had such great voices and wonderfully embodied the characters.

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Great narration!

Revisado: 07-10-18

This spin-off of the INFIDELITY series acts as a sort of prequel to the series, as well. It’s important to note that this isn’t a romance story. Going into this book with that expectation will only lead to disappointment. This is very much about Oren Demetri’s life and how he makes a name for himself. This can be read as a standalone, though I have read the Infidelity series. It’s been a while since I’ve read them however, so I felt like I was being introduced to this world all over again.

Oren is a complex character, and I struggled to connect with him as a whole in several areas of the story. I didn’t always get where he was coming from, and his choices made me lose respect for him. I also kind of wish there was more of a love story here, but we can’t always get what we want. There were moments where this lengthy story seemed to drag on and it lost my attention. Yet, moments came swooping in that pulled me back into it.

This isn’t a story about hearts and flowers. It’s real, it’s tough, it’s complicated. There’s blood, and death, and betrayal. I love the way Romig weaves in different elements into a genre that has been exhausted. Just keep in mind that there’s no romance or HEA here, and I think your reading experience will be a bit better.

On the plus side, the narration of Brian Pallino was excellent throughout. He really made the listening experience much more enjoyable.

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Such a fun and sexy, speedy read!

Revisado: 06-10-18

Novella’s are often more misses than hits with me, because I can never feel like I’ve read a well-rounded, well-developed story. However, Kim Loraine manages to write a great romance with HIS WHISKEY SOUR. Despite the insta-love, I really liked Easton and Ireland together. I actually believed their romance, and the way they meet and flirt with abandon.

Zachary Webber and Kylie C. Stewart were the perfect casting choices for this story. I can’t imagine anyone else bringing Easton and Ireland to life than these two incredible narrators. Webber has a calm, easy voice that oozes confidence and reflects Easton’s laid-back, artistic personality. Stewart provides the right amount of sass and heat that Ireland throws Easton’s way.

This quick, rockstar romance will leave you satisfied with its witty banter and sizzling chemistry.

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Charming & Romantic!

Revisado: 06-08-18

This was such a fun listen that gave me everything I ever wanted in a story. The descriptors of the different cities give the reader the exact detail needed to imagine and experience the book’s settings as if he or she is there. Blakely writes her story’s locations with wonderful precision and depth without sounding robotic.
You’ll easily swoon, laugh, and feel for these characters. They’re bold and vulnerable all at once, and you can see this revealed in the smart dialogue. The wit and humor is on point and stays true to who these characters are.

The casting for the voices were excellent choices. Though I wish Shane East would’ve done an American accent for Elise’s voice; throwing in a slight French accent mixed into it. Perhaps I’m just being picky, but that’s how her character’s accent was described and I just wish that would’ve been executed. East does bring in a great balance of steam and comedy though, which I thoroughly appreciated. One scene involves Christian’s brother in a rather intoxicated state and that part was an absolute hoot to hear. Grace Grant was adorable and incredible as usual. Both narrators did an fantastic job bringing this story and these characters to life.

Although they’ve endure different forms of heartache in their previous love lives, Christian and Elise are on similar playing fields when it comes to love which makes their relationship together work so well. They have a light-hearted, slow-burn romance that develops nicely and realistically despite the ‘out-there’ way they unite. Don’t miss out on this highly entertaining and sizzling romance audiobook!

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Fantastic start to a new series!

Revisado: 06-08-18

I didn’t think I could love a paranormal book from Kim Loraine more than those in The Fallen Angel trilogy, and then BAM! She releases this gem of a novel. Not only do we have fallen angels, but shifters and witches, too! Plus, we get sexy as hell accents. The treats go on and on!
I love the way Loraine interestingly and seamlessly integrates things like an Arthurian legend and mythological creatures not seen together often enough in this way. The book starts off at a steady pace, which I think is necessary as it allows for the reader to settle in to the world. The pacing begins to increase more so in the second half weaving in more action and suspense.

The three “sister” witches—Izzy, Gwen, & Helena—are all strong females with unique personalities that both juxtapose and complement each other. We see how bonded these women are, and I can’t wait to see this emphasized and explored further in the next books. All the characters are so quirky in their own ways, and I love how relatable and real they come off as their faults are revealed; despite them being paranormal beings.

There’s a little bit of the star-crossed lovers aspect here with Grant, the shifter, and Izzy, the witch. Their romance is so sensual and steamy, but not overdone or overwhelming. Their banter is off the charts; that extends to all the other characters, as well. The dialogue is so witty and funny. It definitely keeps the story entertaining and on point.

The narrators, Will Watt and Felicity Foster, did a tremendous job as usual. They nail every character so well and easily allow me to visualize the story.
I feel like we haven’t seen the full extent of these witches’ bad***ery, so I cannot wait for what’s to come in the rest of The Siren Coven series!
Although this series is labeled a standalone, it is a spin-off of The Fallen Angel Trilogy, so I HIGHLY suggest reading that series in order to understand the several references made here.

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Cute & funny, quick read!

Revisado: 05-18-18

WAIT WITH ME is a hilarious and charming novel to both read and listen to. It certainly made it a lot more funny knowing that some of Kate’s story actually played out for the author in real life. I loved following along with her real life experience at TTT. It was an absolute hoot to read, and to be able to read and listen to the inspired story allowed me to feel close to Kate. This is a quick read and really easy to get into.

Erin Mallon and Teddy Hamilton were outstanding as usual. They both captured the essence of these characters so well. Their quirks, anger, passion, insecurities—I heard and felt it all. I always prefer dual narration, but they voiced the other’s sections fantastically that I didn’t even mind. These two narrators brought Miles and Kate to life on all points.

The story started off great as it built up really nicely. I was strongly engaged throughout the first half, but about midway, the pacing began to slow. It wasn"t anything major, as I still thoroughly enjoyed it, but it did cause to me to take off a star for the story"s rating. The big issue in this story for the characters, which I felt was a bit weak, was Kate’s secret. The truth that she was withholding was frustrating because of how ridiculous it was; So small that Miles’ overreaction to it was especially silly.

Nevertheless, the characters are pretty likable overall. Miles and Kate had great chemistry that had a smooth, steamy transition from strangers to friends to lovers. The banter was funny and cute, making their relationship lovely to read. I also really liked the friends of both who added depth and humor when necessary. I’d love to see those characters fleshed out more in their own books.
While I don’t think this story was as strong as it could’ve been or as some of the other Amy Daws books I’ve read, it’s still an awesome read that should be on your TBR list.


*Audiobook provided by author for review process. This review presents my honest opinion and wasn’t skewed in any way.

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Dark, twisted, & brutal!

Revisado: 03-07-18

Lili St. Germain is well-known for being dark, dramatic, gory, and extremely twisted. This book however, took all that to a whole other level. I’m not one to have many qualms over sensitive topics or trigger warnings. I’ll read almost anything. BUT this book, I must admit, was really difficult and uncomfortable to get through. There were times when it was almost painful to keep going. That’s not to say it was bad, it’s just not a book for everyone. I think you need a strong stomach and mind to read/listen to this book.

First off, let it be known that this is NOT a romance. Like not even a little. It is, however, one huge black hole that’ll leave you hollow, confused, and utterly depressed. If you need some ray of hope at the end of your dark reads, you will not get it here. This story is BRUTAL! Essentially everyone in this book is depraved in one form or another. Cassie, our anti-heroine, is a serious mess. You’ll know just how much of an understatement that is at the end of the book. *Plays “Issues” by Julia Michaels* Leo, our not quite hero, is also quite damaged. I found him very contradicting as a character, so he didn’t fully work for me, but he was the only one I had slight sympathy for. I really appreciated the story being told from their POV’s, because the story unfolded in such a fascinating way that leaves you with your jaw on the ground.

The narrators, Zachary Michael and Natalie Naudus, did a really impressive job at bringing these wild characters to life. They knew exactly when to emphasize the crazy, the creepy, and make you believe the lies and manipulation the characters spewed.

There were some editing issues in both the audio and actual text. The story contains some inconsistencies that were not edited out or explained. The audio had repeated sentences that weren’t cut out, as well as awkward, longer than necessary pauses between words during a sentence.

This is a long book and the slow build-up, while important, can seem never-ending. That being said, St. Germain is very descriptive and creates fantastic inner monologues for her characters. This story is a puzzle and every piece is dependent on the other in some way. In the end, you’ll likely get a good measure of satisfaction when all is revealed, but maybe not considering there is no real form of a happily ever after. If you feel like being taken out of your comfort zone and thrown into a world of crazy darkness, get this book!

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