OYENTE

Elisa Samuels

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Absolute audio perfection!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 04-21-25

There is literally nothing I love more than spending much of a read/listen laughing out loud. Chaos: The Mate Games Apocalypse Book 2 delivered laughs in spades.

Sex comas. Cam girl comment sections. Dick flash mobs. Super secret underground book club meetings. Operation PFFN.

The SPICE. OFF THE SCOVILLE SCALE.

Lucifer. The end of the world. Appearances by prior Mate Games series characters.

But Chaos didn't just deliver on laughter and heat. There were poignant moments, painful moments, angst, and some very high emotional stakes for Grimsby and Malice. For everyone really...it's intensely personal now, and the group dynamics as well as the deep feelings developing make this twisty, turny tale that much more riveting.

As for the audiobook, no single clip can do it justice. I think Meg and Kim said "let's turn this up to 11" and the narrators said "Bet!" in their delivery.
Stella Hunter's sassy, sweet, seductive Merri. JF Harding's cheeky, charming, smooth-talking Sin. Jason Clarke's gruff, grumpy, gloriously undone Chaos. The growwwwl emanating from the man is next level.

James Joseph's deeply emotional performance as Malice and Shane East's pensive and reflective performance as Death himself. I was crying, not just laughing.

Christian Fox had me rooting for our villain, strangely enough, and Teddy Hamilton is perfection as always, along with some narrator cameos from past Mate Games series.

Technically, Apocalypse is the last series for The Mate Games universe, and I'm not ready for it to end. Not for the authors. Not for this narrating cast. Not for readers and listeners.

But goddamn, I can hardly wait for the next installment, Malice, releasing in July 2025.

If you're listening for the first time, do yourself a favor and start at the beginning with War. You're welcome.

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Holy. Freaking. Flannel.

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 04-09-25

STERLING BLACK. Mountain Boss. Grump. Posessive alphahole. Panty thief. Perfect. Are these not red flags, you ask?

Not when S.J. Tilly knows how to take the aforementioned alphahole and peel back the layers to show us loneliness, longing and need, to give us the soft center he has for one Court... er, Courtney... Kern.

In fairness, he's surrounded all day every day by men. Secluded. Set in his ways. Expecting a strapping new maintenance guy, he's in for the surprise and annoyance of his life... his guy is the woman of his dreams.

Courtney's graduated from the school of hard knocks, and is on her way to a PhD on the subject when this new job falls in her lap.

As determined as Sterling is to run her off (he's got no time for love, she blackmails him into letting her stay), she's as determined to win the "game" he's playing, so much so that she endures countless discomforts, hiding her shaky financial status, all while doing a bang-up job as the new maintenance person.

What neither counts on is their growing attraction and vulnerability that each exposes in the other. This is a most satisfying age gap, forbidden boss/employee, he falls first, steamy romance.

And who better to voice Courtney and Sterling in duet than Erin Mallon and Connor Crais? Both made me laugh, fume, cry and swoon over their performances of a pining, stalker-ish alphahole mountain man and his gritty, determined, curvalicious, braid-wearing spitfire.

I've been a fan of Tilly's since reading her Sleet hockey series, and I am officially now in my mountain man era.

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Time to SIN…an absolute must listen!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 01-28-25

TL;DR... THIS. IS. A. MUST. LISTEN. All the stars, peppers, flowers, and other pertinent emojis. ALL OF THEM.

Do I 1000% recommend this book/audiobook without reservation? YES!

Can you listen to it and still be entertained, hot and bothered, and amazed? YES!

Do I want you to promise me you'll go *back to the beginning* of The Mate Games universe and listen, starting with War? Then Pestilence, followed by Death? YES. YES I DO.

If a steamy, twisty, paranormal, why choose thrill ride with four hot, handsome apocalyptic horsemen out to impregnate a sinfully sweet but celibate succubus before the Devil himself can get to her, coupled with an enthralling cast of supporting characters (new and old) are your particular poison, Sin is where it's at.

Authors K. Loraine and Meg Anne unequivocally excel at world building, banter, steam, hilarity, and making you lose all sense of time and reality when reading. They are also the queens of the “WTAF?!” cliffhangers.

But y'all. Y'ALL. This audiobook cast! I want to weep with gratitude over the effort and skill with which these voice actors bring to life these unforgettable characters. This is how it's done, folks.

Stella Hunter, J.F. Harding, Jason Clarke, James Joseph, Shane East, Teddy Hamilton, Christian Fox and Lauren Landa are sublime (and there are a few narrator cameo surprises, too, beyond the credited cast).

The core cast has been doing the Mate Games audiobooks together for years, and it shows. Theirs is a master class in storytelling.

This multi-cast production is seamless, their timing impeccable. I laughed, gasped, and marveled and am now hanging by my fingernails over that ending. Y'ALL.

Run, do not walk to grab this audio!

CW: Please check content notes, but if all is green, this is a must read.

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Swoony, steamy must listen three-peat!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 01-13-25

I've said it before, and I will say it again...I adore the way Erin Nicolle (aka Erin Nicholas) writes the strongest heroines and the swooniest heroes. Rags to Royals (Book 3 in her Royals Gone Rogue series) is no exception.

In this second chance, small town, billionaire royal romance, Nicolle weaves an intricate, humorous, poignant and steamy love story. Scarlett Gale is a single mom, mechanic, and dutiful sister who lets her hair down for a semi-anonymous weekend of passion and connection with our hero, Prince Cian O'Grady.

Cian knows he has found the one his heart loves, but Scarlett leaves his bed and New Orleans without saying goodbye, determined that their encounter was one and done.

Fast forward 19 months. Pressured into an arranged marriage by his royal grandfather, Cian has other ideas...he's determined to make the witchy, beguiling Scarlett his wife. He just has to find her and convince her she's his perfect partner.

Nicolle's rich storytelling, world building, and humor is present, but she also touches on some weighty topics in this book... single parenting, religious trauma/spiritual abuse, abandonment, and mean girl behavior. I love that her books always call attention to the emotional and physical needs and challenges of real life people, and that her characters are always part of a solution.

The duet-style narration for this book is beyond excellent, with Amelia Hugh and Connor Crais bringing Scarlett and Cian to life in ways that only elevate Nicolle's storytelling.

Hugh's performance as single mom and reformed mean girl, Scarlett, is magnificent, heartwrenching, heartwarming, & heat-inducing. Hugh also does a stellar job with the other female voices, including teen Mariah and an extensive cast of beloved side characters.

Crais makes every swoony, filthy-talking moment count, portraying Cian and a cast of male characters with his customary aplomb and skill, treating listeners not only to an American Cian, but also to his Irish, British, Cajun, and other accents in this audiobook.

This one is a feast for the ears and a must listen/read.

As usual, Nicolle twists, teases and sets up the next book (or two), and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for Recklessly Rogue releasing in February.

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Steamy story in an exotic location!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 01-12-25

When a book starts out with the "F" word, I assume it's going to be a wildly entertaining read. 🤣

Author Katie Van Brunt delivers exactly that in her remarkable debut romcom novel For The Plot (Book 1 in her All For Love series), and narrators Alexis Paige and J.F. Harding bring Van Brunt's words to delicious life.

Josefine "Joey" Beckham is an aspiring author and freelance editor on a Mediterranean cruise with her long-time boyfriend. It's a trip made in memory and honor of her dad.

Cameron "Cam" Connelly is a hotel heir and travel photographer hobbyist on the same cruise with the woman he anticipates will become his fiancée.

After each of their relationships implode, Joey and Cam find themselves sharing one bed and *A WHOLE LOT MORE *after a shore excursion gone awry, raw truth-telling, and a bold dare, only to part ways under a pall of regret.

Fast forward a year, and Joey finds herself back at the all-inclusive resort on the island of Crete for a do-over of her Mediterranean trip of a lifetime. Only this time, it's hard to deny that fate plays a role in reuniting her with Cam, who is now a full-time travel photographer on assignment for the very same resort.

Their chemistry is still there, and they embark upon another steamy, whirlwind situationship. This time, though, will it last and will they find their HEA?

Narrators Alexis Paige and J.F. Harding not only met, but exceeded my expectations and were a total delight to my ears.

I especially enjoyed their comedic banter, the delectably steamy scenes, and their skilled performances not just as Joey and Cam, but also as a colorful cast of characters in this duet recording.

I am particularly looking forward to the next book in this series, For The Show.

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Banter, chemistry, swoon, spice, & an HEA!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 12-19-24

Despite having been on my neverending TBR list, I had yet to read an Adriana Locke book until I was given the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of her latest audiobook.

The Invitation was the perfect introduction, and the audiobook was fantastic!

Georgia Hayes is in between jobs when her BFF, Sutton, begs her for a huge favor... step into a starring role in the pilot of Sutton's new reality TV dating show. Loyal to the core, Georgia agrees. After all, she's Sutton's maid of honor and loyal to the core... what could possibly go wrong?

Ripley. Ripley Brewer, Georgia's long-time enemy and verbal sparring partner. That's what could go wrong. Unbeknownst to Georgia, Ripley has been tapped to step in to the male lead role in the same pilot as part of a family favor called in.

Their mutual animosity dating back over a decade, neither Georgia nor Ripley want to bow out, each determined to grin and bear the other. During their stages dates and concentrated time together, bits and pieces of their long history and origin story begin to surface, resulting in revelations both painful and surprising, heartbreaking and heartwarming.

The Invitation was full of snarky banter, undeniable chemistry, swoony and steamy moments, and a hard won HEA.

The dual audiobook narration was perfection. Both Lexi Maynard and Jason Clarke took the sass, steam, swoon, and slow-burn to the next level. The cast of characters in this book was sizeable.

Maynard is a new to me narrator, but her performance as sassy but vulnerable Georgia was a highlight of the audiobook. I especially loved her portrayal of Georgia and Sutton's friendship, and was also moved by her performance as Georgia and Georgia's mom navigating through a dysfunctional relationship toward hope and healing.

Clarke also had his work cut out for him, narrating numerous siblings and side characters. The Brewer family text convos were a particular favorite of mine as they showcased his wide range and depth as a narrator. Clarke's scene depicting Ripley's conversation with Georgia's mother is perhaps his most heartwrenching performance to date. I cried buckets.

If you enjoy steamy enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, it's always been you rom-coms, this one is definitely for you!

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Intriguing story, swoony hero, sweet heroine...

Total
4 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
4 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 10-14-24

Love Me Dangerous is Book 1 in Dakota Davies' newest small town romantic suspense series.

Zach Hayes is on the run from his past, taking evasive actions to protect himself, and more importantly, to protect a loved one in hiding. Far from home, he manages to fly under the radar, picking up event security jobs.

Enter Sofie Whittaker, a young woman who has taken on the role of caretaker for her own family members undergoing difficult circumstances.

At an outdoor event, Zach steps in as Sofie's protector, and then again as Sofie is imperiled in a near tragic accident. Zach himself is then given shelter and work by a local good Samaritan.

Thus begins the slow burn as their paths continue to cross. Zach confides in a kind and compassionate Sofie, but resists his attraction to her for fear of embroiling her in his drama. However, their friendship soon gives way to something more. They cannot deny their chemistry, even as they encounter mystery, danger, and nefarious bad actors involved in illegal activities. Soon, Zach's past rears its ugly head, endangering both of them.

This was my first Dakota Davies book. Because the book itself has not yet been released, and I had not read her prior Wild Hearts series (where Zach is first introduced and some hints of his past made known), I found it challenging to become fully invested in this story while keeping the *extensive* cast of characters, timelines, and plot twists straight. Much time is spent world building and on characters living everyday life.

The performances of both narrators were excellent. I love both Laura Horowitz and Robert Hatchet, they helped keep me engaged in the story. As mentioned above, the cast of characters is large, and both narrators gave their all in bringing life to Zach, Sofie, the residents of Finn River, and the antagonists.

If you enjoy lush, detailed description of people, places, and things; a slow burn; small town dynamics; mystery and suspense; action; and a swoony read with moderate steam, you will enjoy Davies new series.

For best enjoyment, I recommend an immersive listening/reading experience with both audiobook and book in hand.

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Definitely coming back for more!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 09-11-24

What. A. Ride. This one will keep me coming back...

Book 3 in Jackie Walker's Redleg Security series, this is Shep and Kri's story.

Walker has written yet another plot-rich, character-driven, heat-inducing romantic suspense disguised as a romcom and it is chock full of belly laughs, emotional payoffs, heartwarming moments, and heart-wrenching scenes.

We were left hanging at the end of Book 2 as Kri was in dire straits. Fortunately, friend and colleague Shepherd Collins is there to pick up the pieces, bringing new meaning to the popular song lyrics "hopelessly devoted." The chemistry between Shep and Kri is by turns tender and explosive.

Add a feisty but vulnerable teenager, a saucy, snarky Brit conscience, the found family that is Redleg Security, and a few wily Russians.

Mix in all the banter, all the bromance, and a generous helping of intricate world building.

Season liberally with pop culture references and steamy scenes.

Finally, fold in absolutely stellar narration by Ava Lucas and Jacob Morgan, and you have a recipe for 18 hours of utterly delicious storytelling.

The dual narration is sublime. This isn't some book read in monotone. This is voice acting at its finest. There are no words to adequately describe the delivery, range, and talents of Lucas and Morgan in this book.

Lucas' inspired performance was gripping, exhilarating, and immensely satisfying. Morgan reigns supreme in his ability to switch effortlessly between comedy, drama, and steam, often in the same scene.

Run, do not walk, to add this to your listening library. And while you're at it, check out Walker's other installments in her Redleg Security series...they can be read as interconnected standalones, but trust me, your greatest enjoyment will be gained by reading/listening in order. Her other audiobooks are equally well-cast. It's almost as if she writes for audio.

Brava, bravissima, Ms. Walker!

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Permanently a huge fan!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 08-27-24

Just when you think it can't get any more sweet, swoony, or steamy, Emma Foxx takes us to 11 with the final installment in her Chicago Racketeers why choose quartet about introverted bookstore owner Danielle Larkin and her three men...Nathan, Michael, and Crew.

Book 4, Permanently Pucked, picks up where Book 3 left off and sees Danielle in the "family way," with each of her men bringing their own worries and concerns and personality quirks to the mix.

My favorite part of this book is how despite their differences in personality and approach, each man prioritizes the health and happiness of Danielle and anticipates the arrival of their very much mutually desired bundle of joy.

Danielle and the last of her men also finally have their day to celebrate their own relationship permanence in an absolutely perfect and fitting way in Book 4.

As with prior books, the steam is utterly over the top and the award-worthy voice talents only enhance the reading/listening experience.

Penelope Rose, Sebastian York, Royce St. Cloud, and Zachary Johnson deliver heartfelt, heartwarming, and heat-inducing performances. I truly felt I was a fly on the wall of real life conversations. The duet narration and overall production of the audiobooks in this series are outstanding.

A.M. Elizabeth Kay, Victor Quixabas, Aryann Michele, and Robert Hatchet also return to reprise their roles as family and friends, adding delicious depth and variety to this full cast audio.

I most certainly hope there are future installments and glimpses of the Armstrong-Hughes-McNeill family in store.

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More steamy, swoony Chicago Racketeers goodness!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 08-26-24

Here we go again...buckle up, buttercup, for more steamy, swoony goodness from author Emma Foxx!

Seriously Pucked, Book 3 in the riveting Chicago Racketeers why choose hockey romance series, depicts the continued growth and deepening relationships of introverted but blooming bookstore owner Danielle and her three very different men...grumpy billionaire team owner Nathan, suave and swoony team doctor Michael, and alpha in the sheets, cinnamon roll in the streets star player Crew McNeill.

Book 3 is replete with comic relief, supreme steam, and numerous emotional moments.

I love how Foxx really digs into the dynamics of what happens when cohabitation is involved, when not every member of the polycule is on the same page commitment-wise, and how a happy for now ending with a hint toward an HEA ending in Book 4 keeps us on the edge of our seats.

Once again, the next level voice talents of Penelope Rose, Sebastian York, Royce St. Cloud (who steps in to the role of Dr. Michael Hughes for Books 3 and 4), Zachary Johnson, A.M. Elizabeth Kay, Victor Quixabas, Aryann Michele, and Robert Hatchet elevate this story to new heights of enjoyment. A veritable feast for the ears!

The Chicago Racketeers series are not standalone books and should be read/listened to in order, but be assured you are in for an absolute treat when you start from the beginning!

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