AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Jeaniene Frost's BOUND BY FLAMES (Night Prince Bk3)

Title:  BOUND BY FLAMES
Series:  Night Prince Bk 3
Author:  Jeaniene Frost
Narrator:  Tavia Gilbert
Release Date:  1/27/15
Price:  $14.55
Publisher:  Harper Audio
Length:  8 hrs 4 min
Format:  Audible Edition
Purchase at Audible or Amazon



My Ratings

Plot:  5/5
Setting:  4.5/5
Writing:  5/5
Originality of Plot:  4.5/5
Characters Development:  4.5/5
Ending:  5/5
Cover Art:  4.5/5
Narration:  5/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  43/45 =  95% 

Synopsis

The climactic third novel in New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost's Night Prince series finds Vlad and his newly turned bride, Leila, at odds with each other—and vulnerable to the one vampire powerful enough to end the Dark Prince's reign . . .

Play with fire, pay the price

Leila's years on the carnie circuit were certainly an education. What she didn't learn: how to be a vampire, or how to be married to the most famous vampire of them all. Adjusting to both has Leila teetering on a knife edge between passion and peril, and now the real danger is about to begin . . .

Vlad must battle with a centuries-old enemy whose reach stretches across continents and whose strength equals his own. It isn't like Vlad to feel fear, but he does . . . for Leila, because his enemy knows she is Vlad's greatest weakness. As friend and foe alike align against him—and his overprotectiveness drives Leila away—Vlad's love for his new bride could be the very thing that dooms them both . . .

Review

I got a new Night Prince novel, so I jump up and down in fan-girl joy.  Jeaniene Frost and Tavia Gilbert are probably on of my favorite author/narrator combos EVER!  Jeaniene's beautiful storytelling and Tavia's emotional delivery, really pack a very powerful audible punch.  I recommend this series, and it's connecting series to all of my friends. 

I really enjoyed how Leila and Vlad have become more comfortable in their relationship.  I mean Vlad's is still slightly controlling, I mean he is still Vlad.  But he takes steps to let Leila make some of her own decisions.  These two are on more of the same level, because Leila's power and strength have grown dramatically.  I love how Leila is probably the only person that stands up to Vlad.  And that he finally lets her know how much she really means to him.  I think I feel even more in love with Vlad in this book.  He showed a more sensitive site of himself. 

This series is really driven by it characters.  I love the reoccurring cast from Jeaniene's other series.  Any chance that I get to have more Bones, Kat, and Mencheres, is a real treat for me.  I also really enjoyed Maxinus' storyline.  I spent most of the book trying to figure out his game plan.  As soon as I decided that I hated him, he would turn around and do something to counterbalance that.  He has such an interesting history with Vlad, and the ending was emotional for me.  And as much as Leila's sister annoys the living crap out of me, I was very happy to see that Leila was able to reconnect with her family.

Tavia Gilbert's performance really takes this BOUND BY FLAMES to the next level.  This series could have been a very complicated read for most narrators.  It's full of all kinds of varying emotions, and characters with extremely different and difficult accents.  She pulls it off like a pro!  Her mastery of the diverse accents was superb. Tavia is the Night Prince series!  Her voices created such a vivid picture in my head, that it sounds like a movie.  Her pace and dictation are astonishing.  She is a real pro, and a "must listen" narrator for me!  

This story was extremely fast paced, heartbreaking, and full of soul stealing love.  It really kept me on my toes. I enjoyed how Jeaniene wasn't afraid to take the story to another level.  There were scenes that just completely broke me into pieces.  The book does contain some graphic scenes, and isn't for the faint for heart.  This series get better with every book!  So I am super excited that the powers that be, have decided that we'll get one more book in this series.  I will be waiting very impatiently.  This series is a must read for those looking for in-depth PNR world building and emotionally charged characters!  If you haven't read Jeaniene's Cat and Bone's series, I recommend would starting there first. 

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Crista McHugh's THE SWEETEST SEDUCTION (The Kelly Brothers, Book 1)

Title:  THE SWEETEST SEDUCTION
Series:  The Kelly Brothers, Book 1
Author:  Crista McHugh
Narrator:  Therese Plummer
Release Date:  1/16/15
Price:  $17.95
Publisher: Crista McHugh
Length:  5 hrs 17 min
Format:  Audible Edition
Purchase at Audible or Amazon



My Ratings

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

Overall:  44/50 =  88%




Synopsis

Lia Mantovani has created one of the hottest restaurants on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, but all that could disappear if she loses her lease with Kelly Properties. Having had her dreams ripped away from her before, she’ll do everything in her power to keep her restaurant. Her fate hangs on the whims of the frustratingly handsome Adam Kelly.

Adam has spent years trying to convince world famous chef Amadeus Schlittler to open a restaurant in Chicago, but he wants the prime location held by Lia. Business has always come first… until sparks fly when Adam meets her. When things get hot outside the kitchen, though, they’re both in danger of getting burned. 

Review

Meddling mothers might just be the biggest thing that chief Lia Mantovani and real estate mogul Adam Kelly have in common.  The two mothers decided to trick Lia into cooking an marvelous, authentic Italian dinner for Mrs. Kelly and her boys.  They hoped that Lia would find a love match with one of the Kelly boys.  After meeting Lia and trying her amazing cooking, Adam isn't sure which he like more her flavorful food or her sexy body.  Sparks fly between these two from the very beginning. To get away from the prying eyes of their family, they decide to escape on the Kelly family boat.  Then things escalate quickly, until the two are interrupted by passerby. 

Adam's having one heck of a week.  He meets this amazingly interesting women, while also working on a deal to bring world famous chef, Amadeus Schlittler, into one of his Chicago properties.  To bad the only place chef Schlittler is willing to set up a restaurant, is right where Lia's restaurant is currently located.  Adam had no idea that he held the lease for Lia's restaurant space, until he walked in with eviction papers.  Now that's the way to a women's heart!  Adam and Lia have two big even bigger problems.  He isn't the kind of man that mixed business with pleasure, and she isn't the kind of women who would rely on man.   

I picked up this book expecting a light hearted, run-of-the-mill contemporary romance, but this book was anything but cookie cutter!  Although this was a short audiobook, the author took the time to create rich characters and storylines that hooked me in.  I fell in love with Lia and Adam right off the bat, and their chemistry heated up my headphones.  I liked how Adam was this confident, powerful male, but he didn't feel the need to control Lia.  And I love how Lia had so much passion for her cooking, that she wouldn't let anyone get in the way.  Both characters made mistkes, but over all they were good people.  I loved how both characters were smart, talented, driven, and family oriented.  From the outside they seemed so different, but underneath it all they were very similar.  They both went about doing things in very different ways, which lead to many of their misunderstandings and miscommunications.  I really enjoyed the sweet HEA ending in this book.     

I will admit, that the biggest reason I picked up this audiobook was fact that the narrator was Therese Plummer.  She my might just be my all-time favorite female narrator.  When it comes to narrating romance titles, she has a magic touch.  Her voice had a sweet tone to it, that lends well to this genre. She has a wonderful ability to give such an emotional performance, that totally captures the listeners attention.  Therese takes the time to give each character their own very specific voice.  Not to mention that she creates such wonderful male voices, that the audiobook almost sounds like it has narrated by a male and a female.  I got so lost in her fantastic performance that finished this audiobook in one day!       

Overall, THE SWEETEST SEDUCTION had a lot of heart for such a short book.  The storyline kept me hooked from the first chapter.  This was a smart contemporary romance, with deep characters and  great dialogue. This first book in the Kelly Brothers series, sets the readers up for a real treat.  I can't wait to see  what kid of mischief Adam's brothers have in store for us.  If you're looking for new romance series, with a spectacular narrator, this is the one for you!

 ***Audiobook was provided by the publisher in trade for a fair review*** 

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Carly Phillips' DARE TO LOVE (Dare to Love Bk #1)

Title:  DARE TO LOVE
Series:  Dare to Love Bk 1
Author:  Carly Phillips
Narrator:  Sophie Eastlake
Release Date:  3/17/14
Price:  $19.95
Publisher:  Carly Phillips
Length:  7 hrs
Format:  Audible Edition
Purchase at Audible or Amazon



My Ratings

Plot:  4.5/5
Setting:  4/5
Writing:  5/5
Originality of Plot:  4/5
Characters Development:  4.5/5
Ending:  5/5
Heat Level: 4.5/5
Cover Art:  4/5
Narration:  5/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  45.5/50 =  91% 

Synopsis

New York Times Best-selling Author Carly Phillips turns up the heat in her newest sexy contemporary romance series, and introduces you to the Dare family…siblings shaped by a father's secrets and betrayal.

Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her…and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he'd rather forget.

Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men - until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all-out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she's stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley's past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian's dominance might just cost her everything.

©2013 Karen Drogin (P)2014 Karen Drogin

Review

DARE TO LOVE isn't your standard fluffy shallow contemporary romance!  This storyline was filled with complex charters, unique plot twists, and great dialogue.  I really appreciated the familial connections woven within this story.  I enjoyed that it had a nice balance of heated sexual encounters and actual storyline.  For me, this was the hottest Carly Phillips book by far!  I felt the author did an amazing job squeezing so much storyline in such a short book.    

At it's core this is a story about strong characters overcoming great obstacles.  I absolutely adored Riley.  She's smart, driven, and full of heart.  With her tragic childhood full of abuse, I was so happy to see her find happiness as an adult.  And Ian is a swoon-worthy, Alpha male, with sensitivity just lying under the surface.  After learning about his history, I completely understood where he was coming from.  He was unwilling to lead the type of life that his father had.  Learning that made me love him even more.  I felt that their romance came on some what quickly,  but their connection was steamy from their first meeting.  I think that these two complemented each other very well, even though these two have such different backgrounds.  These two are quite a pair.  Ian would push Riley, and she would push right back at him. 
 
I also enjoyed getting to know Ian's family.  I can't wait until Alex gets his time in the spotlight.  There is nothing like a cocky, sexy athlete.  I love that this series centers around the Dare extended family.  These siblings might have come from broken homes, but I really enjoyed their journey in the book.  And how could you not love Ian's mother!  She is such a strong role model for her children.

As always, Sophie Eastlake really delivered in this book.  She has the perfect sultry voice to pull off this seductive audiobook.  There are a few female narrators out there that can do male voices, as well as Sophie.  I think she did a fantastic job with Ian.  She captured his sexy, authoritative tone exquisitely.  Her inflection and dictation are outstanding.  And she really brought the story to life for me.   

This book was a smart and sexy read.  I enjoyed the cleaver dialogue and extremely interesting characters.  It was a great audiobook to lose myself in for a couple hours.  DARE TO LOVE sets up the rest of the series very well.  I can't wait to read more about Ian's siblings and step-siblings!  This was a very quick read for me, and I can't wait to get my hands on DARE TO DESIRE.  This is a must read for those looking for a fast-paced, steamy romance!

***Audiobook was provided by the publisher in trade for a fair review*** 

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: CD Reiss' BEG TEASE SUBMIT (Songs of Submission, Sequence One)

Title:  BEG, TEASE, SUBMIT
Series:  The Songs of Submission, Sequence One
Author:  CD Reiss
Narrator:  Jo Raylan
Release Date:  12/27/14
Price:  $13.97
Publisher:  Flip City Media Inc
Length:  8 hrs 47 min
Format:  Audible Edition
Purchase at Audible or Amazon




My Ratings

Plot:  4.5/5
Setting:  5/5
Writing:  4.5/5
Originality of Plot:  4.5/5
Characters Development:  5/5
Ending:  5/5
Heat Level: 5/5
Cover Art:  4/5
Narration:  4.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  47/50 =  94% 

  
Synopsis

Jonathan Drazen is a known womanizer and a gorgeous piece of man I'm not letting into my heart. Ever. Yeah, he's rich, beautiful, charming as hell, and he has a wit as sharp as a double-edged razor... but he's made it perfectly clear that this is a short-term f--k. Three nights, tops, then we part like sexually satisfied grown-ups. I believe him when he says he can't love me. I'm not trying to fall in love, either. We get in. Get it on. Get the hell out. Done. Right? Right.

My name is Monica. I'm a singer born and raised in Los Angeles.

I've stopped dating. When I cut a record, or win a Grammy, maybe then I'll be with someone, but every man in my past has done everything he could to make me submit myself to him, and it's gotten in the way of my career. I won't do it again.

But there's Jonathan. He owns the high-rise hotel where I work, and he is gorgeous and charming. I refuse to fall in love with him, even though when he asks me to submit to him, I want nothing more...

©2013 CD Reiss (P)2014 CD Reiss

Review

I want to start out by saying, this is possible one of the best Erotic Romance audiobooks, that I have ever listened to!  CD Reiss grabbed from the first chapter, and I just couldn't let it go.  Her characters are smart, snarky, and sexy as hell.  But most of all, they felt real.  They are far from perfect, and carry enough baggage to sink a small ship.  I couldn't help, but become emotionally invested in these characters lives.  I didn't want to put this audiobook down.  I devoured it in just a matter of days.

I loved digging deep down into Monica's character.  She's just so smart, talented, and driven.  I really appreciate that she allows herself to be dominated, with out becoming a needy, whiny, annoying girl.  And Jonathan can be dominate in the sack, without being a controlling jerk in public.  I like how upfront he is with her.  He tells her what he can handle emotionally, and lets her decide if she can live with that or not.  The electricity between these two is evident right from the start.  These two really go through a very emotional journey in sequence one.

Unlike other books in the genre, I think that the author really took the time to make this story authentic.  She had a totally fresh take on Erotic Romance.  These characters are tragically broken, and the story is all the better for it.  I'm so happy that CD Reiss didn't let the sex overwhelm the book, even though it's amazing.  The story allowed the characters to be fully flushed out.  And the reader is allowed to crawl around inside these characters heads.

Jo Raylan's narration of this book was spot on!  She had a deep, sultry quality to her voice that lends well to the story.  She was able to capture the profound emotional nature of the storyline.  Also, she created distinct voices for each of the characters, so much that I tended to forget she is reading all of the parts herself.  I was moved to tear by this story, and I think that was largely do to Jo's amazing performance. Not to mention she handled the singing parts of the audiobook very well.  That has to be terrifying, for someone who's first job isn't as singing.  I will absolutely pick up books narrated by her in the future!

I really appreciate that this author released Parts 1-3 as one audiobook.  I felt that the three individual stories flowed so naturally, that it reads like one complete book.  Plus, I love that I got to devour three parts all at once. I cannot wait for the second sequence, because the first left me begging for more.  This is a must read for those who are looking for little more substance in their Erotic Romance.  Bravo CD Reiss and Jo Raylan on creating an truly emotion audio experience!      

***Audiobook was provided by the publisher in trade for a fair review***