AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Chloe Neill's WILD THINGS

Title: WILD THINGS
Series: Chicagoland Vampires, Book 9
Author: Chloe Neill
Narrator:  Sophie Eastlake
Listening Length: 10 hours and 48 minutes
Price: $19.59
Version: Unabridged Audiobook
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Audible.com Release Date: Febuary 4, 2014

Buy WILD THINGS at Audible.com



 My Ratings

Plot:  4/5 
Setting:  5/5 
Writing:  5/5 
Originality of Plot:  5/5 
Characters Development:  5/5 
Ending:  5/5
Narration:  4/5
Cover Art:  4/5 
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5 

Overall:  42/45 = 93%

Synopsis

Since Merit was turned into a vampire, and the protector of Chicago’s Cadogan House, it’s been a wild ride. She and Master vampire Ethan Sullivan have helped make Cadogan’s vampires the strongest in North America, and forged ties with paranormal folk of all breeds and creeds, living or dead…or both.

But now those alliances are about to be tested. A strange and twisted magic has ripped through the North American Central Pack, and Merit’s closest friends are caught in the crosshairs. Gabriel Keene, the Pack Apex, looks to Merit and Ethan for help. But who—or what—could possibly be powerful enough to out-magic a shifter?

Merit is about to go toe to toe, and cold steel to cold heart, to find out.

Review  

This book was such a breath of fresh air to the Chicagoland Vampires series! Most series tend to fizzle out and become stale by their 9th book, but not this one.  A creative new storyline teamed up with my favorite cast of sexy paranormals, makes this book my favorites of the series.

Vamps and weres and fae...oh my! Chloe Neill has brought all kinds of fantastic supes to the table in this book. While past books touch on other mythological races, this one really dives into their rich history.  A new creepy crawly has come to town and a wolf has disappeared. Unfortunately, this all goes down during the pack's massive celebration that Ethan and Merit attend.  The pack takes full advantage of their house guest, and put Merit on the case. 

It was nice to finally see Merit and Ethan is a stable romantically. We finally get to see them be happy, and completely all in their relationship.  Theses two are more powerful when together!  Also, I love that we get to spend so much time with the pack.  They are so intriguing and different from other authors weres.  I actually with she would give them their own series.  Their connection to magic is probably my favorite part of their subculture.  They have done so much to help Mallory get back to as normal as she can be.  She's getting her life back on track, and I couldn't be more happy to see her with Catcher.  As much as I love Merit and Ethan, it's their group of friends that bring this series to another level!

I'm slowly becoming a Sophie Eastlake convert, and I almost hate to admit that.  As I have said in the past, that I can't stand when a series changes narrators.  The listeners put a certain voice to each character, and when that is disrupted it can be distracting.  But after several Chicagoland Vampires audiobooks with Sophie as the narrator, I'm starting to really enjoy her narration style.  When I actually read this series, my brain is finally starting to hear the characters in her voices.  She has formed distinct voices for each character, and is able to convey this series strong emotions. 

WILD THINGS is a great edition to the Chicagoland Vampires series.  It was a great combination of action, passion, and adventure!  I cannot wait for the release BLOOD GAMES later in the year.  We'll see what Merit and her crew have in store for us next!
 

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: K. Bromberg's DRIVEN

Title: DRIVEN
Series:  Driven Series Book 1
Author: K. Bromberg
Narrator: Tatiana Sokolov
Price: $22.04
Listening Length: 12 hours and 01 minutes
Program Type: Unabridged Audiobook
Publisher: Audible, Inc.
Audible.com Release Date: January 30, 2014
Buy it HERE at Audible.com

My Ratings

Plot:  5/5
Setting:  5/5
Writing:  4.5/5
Originality of Plot:  4.5/5
Characters Development:  4/5
Ending:  5/5

Narration:  5/5
Cover Art:  3/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  41/45 = 91%

Synopsis

Rylee Thomas is used to being in control. But she’s about to meet the one man that just might make her enjoy losing it…

I am the exception to the rule.

In a world full of willing women, I’m a challenge to the roguish and achingly handsome Colton Donavan. A man used to getting exactly what he wants in all aspects of life. He’s the reckless bad boy constantly skating that razor thin edge toward out of control, on and off of the track.

Colton crashes into my life like a tornado: sapping my control, testing my vulnerabilities beyond their limits, and unintentionally penetrating the protective wall around my healing heart. Tearing apart the world I rebuilt so carefully with structure, predictability, and discipline.

I can’t give him what he wants and he can’t give me what I need. But after a glimpse beneath his refined exterior into the dark secrets of his damaged soul, can I bring myself to walk away?

Our sexual chemistry is undeniable. Our individual need for complete control is irrefutable. But when our worlds collide, is the chemistry enough to bring us together or will our untold secrets and battle of wills force us apart?

Review

Sometimes the right man steps into your life...and sometimes you fall into the wrong one!

I'm completely obsessed with these two.  I see a little of myself in Rylee.  She's a little broken, but spends her time trying to help and fix others.  She feels deeply, but uses music to express the feeling she can't always share.  And what girl wouldn't like a little closet action with a sexy, rogue like Colton.  From the outside, it looks like he has it all. Famous racecar driver, Hollywood parents, and a bevy of blonde beauties on his arm.  Deep inside he's a damaged little boy.  

I see exactly why Rylee couldn't let him go.  He helped heal some of her emotional scars from the accident, and made her truly live again.  Unfortunately, Colton wouldn't or maybe even couldn't, let Rylee do the same for him.  It broke my heart!  You see him interact with the kids and with Rylee, and there is a little glimmer hope. 

This isn't your standard, poorly written sexy reads (which I won't name).  While it is sexy and lighthearted at some points, DRIVEN has deep emotions behind the story.  It was very reminiscent of  author Megan Hart's writing.  The story is also so tragic at some points.  Listening to Rylee describe the crash brought tears to my eyes.

I listen to this book in two day, which is saying a lot with my hectic life.  I didn't want to put it down.  When it was over, I couldn't believe that it.  I hurried over to my iPhone frantically checking to see if there was a second part or chapter I was missing.  It left me in complete shock! Holy cliffhanger Batman! I spent the rest of the day at work, wishing that I have Bk 2 right away.  I can't say that many books have ellicited this kind of response from me.

I picked this audiobook up for two reasons.  First, my background in motorsports, drew me to this story. And the fact that Tatiana Sokolov narrated it, made it an absolute must listen!  I enjoyed how Tatiana was able to create very distinct voices for each of the characters.  She was able to convey this books true humor, passion, and pain.  Not to mention, that her voice makes me happy. (Yes, I know that sounds cheesy.) She really made the book come to life for me!

I only have one teeny, tiny complaint.  While I LOVE the cover on it's own, I think that it doesn't really connect with the book for me.  This book does have it's hot moments, but the cover lead me to believe that this was going to be more erotica then romance.  The cover might be a slight disservice to the book.

If you are look for something more then your standard romance, this is the book for you.  It's sweet, sexy, and well thought out.  I can't wait to order FUELED Bk 2 in this series!





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