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!





Trailer

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Molly Harper's HOW TO RUN WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF

Title:  HOW TO RUN WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF
Series: Naked Werewolf
Author: Molly Harper
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Price: $13.96
Listening Length: 8 hours and 39 minutes
Program Type: Unabridged Audiobook
Publisher: Audible, Inc.
Audible.com Release Date: December 31, 2013
Buy it here at Audible.com

My Ratings

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

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

Overall:  42/45 = 93%

Synopsis

Down, Boy

 

Anna Moder has just witnessed a shooting, seen her car pulverized, and rescued a wounded stranger - only to discover he's really a werewolf. And by her recent standards, things are actually looking up. Lycanthropes don't faze Anna. Doctoring a wolf pack outside Grundy, Alaska, is the closest thing to home life she's known in years. But hitching a ride to Anchorage with long-absent pack member Caleb Graham - that's a risk. Part of her itches to whack his nose with a newspaper. The rest is trying unsuccessfully to keep her own paws off every delicious inch of him. 

The problem is, Caleb employs his lupine tracking abilities as a not-quite-legal bounty hunter, and Anna is suspicious of both him and his profession. On the run from her past, with old problems closing in, she'd like to stay far, far away from anybody with connections to the law. Caleb, however, seems determined to keep her close. Are his intentions noble, or is he working a more predatory angle? 

Anna's been dreaming of returning to a semi-normal life, but now she's experiencing a strange new urge...to join Caleb in running with the wolves.

©2014 Molly Harper White; (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review

I jumped at the chance to listen to HOW TO RUN WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF. Anytime author Molly Harper and narrator Amanda Ronconi team up, ciaos and hilarity ensues!

Anna Moder is on the run.  She's spent years jumping from town to town, trying to keep a low profile. That is, until bounty hunter Caleb Graham practically stumbled into her life. Caleb's middle name must be trouble.  I mean she first finds him shot in a alley.  Bar fights, strip clubs, and did I mention he's a werewolf?  Not exactly the type of person that will help you stay inconspicuous.  Both characters have secrets and are running from their tangled pasts. What could possibly go wrong?

Anna and Caleb have to be my favorite of characters in this series.  I just can't believe how well they fit.  They are like puzzle pieces, always meant to fit together.  They connection was exactly what they both have been looking for, even though they realized it. The more they fight the attraction, the harder it is to stay a part. They are both drawn to each other from day one.  Each has this internal need to protect the other, no matter what.  I love how Caleb makes Anna feel safe and protected, which she's been missing in her life.  I wanted them together from the moment they first interacted! They would share a touch or a caress, and my internal fan girl would jump for joy.

Amanda Ronconi is the voice of Molly Harper for me! When I read Molly's books, I can almost her Amanda's narration.  She has an amazing ability to make the character jump right off the page.  She gives each character it's own voice and personality.  Amanda helped guide the listener through this roller coaster of emotions, like I believe no one else could.    

It's been a long time since we've visited the wolves of Crescent Valley, but it was worth the wait. I love that Molly choose to concentrate Caleb and Anna's relationship for the meat of the story, and then bring in bits and pieces from her other series. The story is a nice blend of humor, heart, and heat! Great characters back up and unique storyline. If you love witty romance, Molly Harper is your girl! I just hope she doesn't wait so long for the next installment of her Naked Werewolf Series.

NEW RELEASE: Jeaniene Frost's UP FROM THE GRAVE

Title: UP FROM THE GRAVEAuthor: Jeaniene Frost
Price: $6.79
Series: Night Huntress (Book 7)
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon
Release Date:  January 28, 2014
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062076116
ISBN-13: 978-0062076113


Synopsis

Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones. They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war…

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death…because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their lives—and those of everyone they hold dear— will be hovering on the edge of the grave.

Purchase UP FROM THE GRAVE

Audiobook Format - Audible.com 

Mass Market Paperback - Amazon.com

Kindle Edition - Amazon 

Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy - Movie Trailers

For those of you who follow my blog, you know how much I love Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy Series.  I'm super excited for the movies release on February 7th.  We'll see if the movie lives up to the books! 

NEW RELEASE: Jaye Wells' DIRTY MAGIC

Title: DIRTY MAGIC
Author: Jaye Wells
Series: Prospero's War
Price:  $7.84
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Orbit
Release DateL January 21, 2014
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316228435
ISBN-13: 978-0316228435



Synopsis

The first in an all-new urban fantasy series by USA Today bestseller Jaye Wells.

The last thing patrol cop Kate Prospero expected to find on her nightly rounds was a werewolf covered in the blood of his latest victim. But then, she also didn't expect that shooting him would land her in the crosshairs of a Magic Enforcement Agency task force, who wants to know why she killed their lead snitch.

The more Prospero learns about the dangerous new potion the MEA is investigating, the more she's convinced that earning a spot on their task force is the career break she's been wanting. But getting the assignment proves much easier than solving the case. Especially once the investigation reveals their lead suspect is the man she walked away from ten years earlier—on the same day she swore she'd never use dirty magic again.

Kate Prospero's about to learn the hard way that crossing a wizard will always get you burned, and that when it comes to magic, you should be never say never.

Purchase DIRTY MAGIC

Paperback - Amazon.com

Kindle Edition - Amazon.com

Audiobook Edition - Audible.com

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Megan Hart's NAKED

Title: NAKED
Author: Megan Hart
Narrator: Lauren Fortgang
Price: $17.46
Listening Length: 10 hours and 9 minutes
Audiobook Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harlequin Books S.A.
Audible.com Release Date: August 1, 2010
Language: English
ASIN: B003Y51YOE

My Rating

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 3/5

Narrator: 5/5
Heat Level: 5/5
Cover Art: 5/5 (Hello Alex Kennedy…that’s all I need to say)

Overall: 42/45 = 93%

Synopsis

No strings. No regrets. And no going back....

"I didn't think he wanted me. And I wasn't about to get involved with him, not after what I'd heard. Sure, Alex Kennedy was tall, dark, and unbearably hot, but I've been burned before. When I solicited him to model for my erotic photography book, I didn't expect such a heated, passionate photo session. And now that we've crossed that line, our bodies aren't the only things that have been exposed.

But I can't give my heart to a man who's so...unconventional. His last sexual relationship was with a married couple. It's enough that my ex-fiancee preferred men; I can't take that chance again, no matter how much my body thrives on Alex's touch. I can't risk it, but I can't resist it, either.

"Alex can be very convincing when he wants something. And he wants me."
©2010 Megan Hart (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

My Review
 
I fell in love with Alex Kennedy, when he first appeared in Megan Hart’s book TEMPTED. Even though NAKED can be read as a stand alone book, I would really recommend first reading TEMPTED.

From the beginning, I felt very emotionally attached to the main character, Olivia. She saw the world through the lens of her camera, and I saw her world through her eyes. A world filled with conflicts of religion, sexual orientation, and her own personal demons. All she wants is to make do, is to make a life for herself.

In college, Olivia dated and became in engaged to Patrick, only to find out the secret he was hiding was the fact he was gay. Olivia was left devastated, and made mistakes of her own. She got pregnant after a hook up and gave the child up for adoption to a loving gay couple, which somewhat alienated her from super religious family members. After sometime, Olivia and Patrick decided to give friendship a try.

From the first time Olivia laid eyes on Alex Kennedy, at one of Patrick’s parties, she knew she was in trouble, with his nice clothes, pretty boy looks, and hair that looked like he just rolled out of bed. Patrick, being Olivia’s best friend, felt that it’s his place to tell her to stay away from Alex, because he didn’t like girls. A fact that was soon clear, when she accidentally saw Alex in a compromising position with another guy from the party.

When Olivia finds out that Alex is staying in town for a consulting job, she sees no harm in offering Alex her down stairs apartment to rent. Their proximity helped build their relationship with friendly dinners and movie nights on her couch.

It didn’t take long, before one thing lead to another, and Olivia is smack dab in the middle of a relationship with a man she loves, but doesn’t really know. She questioned who she was and what she wanted out of life. She questioned who Alex was and what secrets he was hiding. She questioned whether or not she’s going would end up hurt all over again, just like she did with Patrick.

I really enjoyed this book. I’ve been waiting along time for this. I loved getting another glimpse into the life of Alex Kennedy. In TEMPTED, when James describes Alex he says, “He’s like the lake…he’s deep. But he’s shallow in places, too, when you don’t expect it.” This is the Alex that Megan Hart gave to the world in TEMPTED, but in NAKED we were able to peel away some of the layers. The reader gets to see why Alex is the way he is, and why he did some of the things he did. I also really liked Olivia’s character and the world that she has built for herself. She is really a strong, amazing, giving female character. She has endured a so much in her short life, but seems to have came out the other side a better person. I liked the fact that the book, at least from my stand point, had a very original storyline. It’s like nothing I’ve ever read. Similar to several of Megan Hart’s other books, I was sucked into these characters lives, and couldn’t wait to see how it turned out. I found myself staying up way into the night reading this book, telling myself, “Just one more chapter then I can go to sleep.” I also loved seeing old favorite characters like: Elle and Dan, Sarah and Jack, and most of all Anne and James.

My only issue with this book, had to be the ending. I just felt rushed, or maybe that my ebook was missing key pages or an epilogue. I think it started from the point where Alex and Olivia were visiting James and Anne, through the final confrontation between Olivia and Alex. The fight lasted as long as a fight over who forgot to empty the dishwasher. Then all was forgotten and forgiven. The End. I also felt that there were several plot points left hanging. I’m hoping this was done on purpose, as a set up to other future story lines.






Lauren Fortgang's narration for this book was spot on! She was able to create very distinct voices for both the male and female characters. Lauren was able to truly bring the emotions of this book to life, from it's highest highs to it's lowest lows.  

If you also enjoyed this peek into the world of Alex Kennedy, you should check out Megan Hart’s Spice Brief, EVERYTHING CHANGES, also available. It is Alex’s view on what happened in TEMPTED. I’m really excited for this one.  I ordered this one from Amazon.com!