Precious Book Gal

Five Star Audiobook

Revisado: 04-13-25

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Five-Star Audiobook Review: Codename Havoc by JR Tootill
🎧 Narrated by Joe Arden and Raven Rose

Codename Havoc is JR Tootill’s best work yet—a five-star emotional rollercoaster that hits all the right notes. This fourth book in the Omega Security Series brings Rourke and Charlie’s tragic pasts to the forefront, and the result is nothing short of powerful.

Joe Arden absolutely owns the role of Rourke. He’s appeared in every installment of the series, but his performance here is next-level. His delivery captures Rourke’s fierce intensity, vulnerability, and depth in a way that left me in tears. There were moments I forgot I was listening to an audiobook—his ability to portray children’s voices with such emotional weight made the scenes feel heartbreakingly real. It was gut-wrenching, tragic, and brilliant.

Raven Rose is a new-to-me narrator, but she’s now firmly on my radar. Her portrayal of Charlie was masterful—handling everything from intimate, steamy scenes to moments of raw emotional pain with grace and authenticity. Her voice was a perfect match for Charlie’s strength and softness.

JR Tootill has truly found her rhythm with these characters and this world. Codename Havoc is a standout in the Omega Security series, and the narration takes it to even greater heights.

If you love romantic suspense with depth, heart, and phenomenal voice acting, this one’s a must-listen. I can’t wait for what’s next!

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A Powerful Follow Up Novella

Revisado: 11-18-24

Delilah is the follow-up novella to Under Your Scars by Ariel N. Anderson. I listened to the 19-hour Under Your Scars audiobook twice—the first time over two days, and again a week later to fully absorb the story.

Under Your Scars was one of those unforgettable stories, leaving a permanent mark without any hope of revisiting the characters. It was beautiful, tragic, and devastating. So why did Ariel write this follow-up novella to continue the story through Caroline’s eyes?

It took me over a month to finally press play on this short audiobook. I’ve stated that Under Your Scars is my favorite audiobook of all time, so why didn’t I listen as soon as it became available? I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready to confront the aftermath of the tragic events that unfolded in Under Your Scars. How could anyone move on from that ending, especially a little girl who witnessed it at such a young age?

We all carry some form of baggage or trauma throughout our lives. For me, the thought of listening to how Caroline’s trauma affected her life was overwhelming. Would she overcome it? Would it break her? Would she ever find happiness? I wasn’t sure I wanted to know. I try to put myself in the shoes of others—whether in real life or through the pages of a book—and Caroline’s trauma was beyond anything I could truly grasp.

At first, I thought Ariel intended to break our hearts all over again. But I needed to take the plunge and see where the characters’ journey continued after one of the darkest moments imaginable.

Joe Arden and Lee Daniels voice the characters in this novella, and their performances evoke memories from Under Your Scars. Lee uses some of Elana’s voice when portraying her daughter, which is both fitting and slightly haunting. Joe Arden reprises his role as Christian, making his performance both a treat and a tragic reminder of the past.

I appreciated how the story of Caroline came full circle in the end. Despite its brevity, the novella contained a surprising amount of substance, thanks to Ariel’s writing and the skilled voice actors. All three contributed to bringing closure to readers while also instilling hope.

No matter our past, trauma, or baggage, we have the strength within us to rise above it. We shouldn’t let it define us—instead, we must confront it and channel it into our passions.

I loved this novella and am glad I listened to it. If you’ve read Under Your Scars, I highly recommend giving Delilah a chance. It’s an emotional journey worth taking.

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Ash-Another Great Book from DJ Krimmer

Revisado: 10-15-24

Ash is the third book in DJ Krimmer’s Hel’s Ink series, and it focuses on Ash, one of the tattoo artists at Hel's Ink, and Sunday, a friend of the women from the previous books. I’m a huge fan of DJ Krimmer, and she nails it again with this one! She’s amazing at creating characters you can really connect with, and by the time the story ends, it feels like you truly know them.

What makes Ash different from Fox and Atlas is that while the guys in those books have their own pasts holding them back, Ash's struggles are a bit deeper. It’s not just about his history—he’s dealing with some mental health stuff too, which affects how he sees himself and his ability to love someone fully. I thought this was a really interesting twist. He has his own baggage, just like Sunday, who has her own physical and emotional issues. It’s refreshing to see a male character who’s vulnerable and needs support just as much as the female lead.

The narrators, Grayson Owens and Stella Bloom, were new to me, but I really liked them. Stella’s Southern drawl was spot-on, and Grayson’s portrayal of Sunday’s 12-year-old son was great. I'm still fairly new to audiobooks and have a few favorite narrators, but it was interesting to hear new voices take on DJ Krimmer’s story.

I found myself smiling and giggling so much at the banter between Ash and Sunday. DJ Krimmer is seriously the queen of banter! Their chemistry was so fun, and the whole story had me hooked from start to finish. It’s one of those books that’s hard to put down. DJ knows how to write characters that feel real and make you care about them.

Her stories also have such a positive message—everyone deserves love, flaws and all. I love how she writes female characters with real-life issues and insecurities, but they still get to be loved for exactly who they are. The guys in her books accept their baggage, quirks, and all, and it’s just so wonderful.

As for the audiobook itself, the production quality was fantastic. But that’s no surprise, considering it’s from Blue Nose Audio—they always deliver top-notch work.

If you’re looking for a fun, romantic read with great characters and awesome banter, definitely give Ash by DJ Krimmer a listen. And honestly, check out her whole Hel’s Ink series. DJ Krimmer is going to be a name you’ll see among the top romance authors before long!

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Theirs-With Heart and Humor

Revisado: 10-15-24

Theirs by Penny Crane was such a fun and fast-paced audiobook. The story centers around one woman and her relationships with four billionaires—who just happen to be her brother’s best friends. Right from the start, the pace is quick, and Penny Crane doesn’t waste any time diving into the spice, building up to some memorable moments.

The narration was off the charts! Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are top-notch narrators, and they absolutely delivered. While I’m used to ensemble casts for stories like this, the duet style worked really well here. Joe Arden voiced all four male leads, and he gave each one a distinct voice and personality, making it easy to tell them apart. If an author can only use one narrator to voice four different main characters, I’d recommend calling Joe Arden! Maxine Mitchell brought a strong, confident presence to the female lead, and you could really feel how Lavender could hold her own with the four leading men.

The plot itself is pretty straightforward, but it touches on some deeper themes around love and relationships, especially when it comes to breaking away from traditional norms. The idea of being in love with multiple people and navigating what others might think is handled well, while still keeping the story light and fun. The focus is definitely on love, and Penny Crane does a great job of showing the dynamics between all five characters.

I also love the heart Penny Crane put into this book. It had humor and warmth that really made me fall in love with the story even more.

Production-wise, Blue Nose Audio nailed it. The sound quality was smooth and professional, and everything felt really well done.

This was my first Penny Crane audiobook, but after this one, I’ll definitely be checking out more from her. If you’re looking for a quick, spicy listen with a unique twist on romance, I’d definitely recommend Theirs. The narrators really bring the story to life, and the audiobook format makes it even more enjoyable.

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A Powerful and Emotional Ride

Revisado: 09-18-24

The narration by Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden in "Sacrifice" is seriously top-notch. They brought Crew and Jules to life in such a raw and emotional way that my heart was all over the place. Maxine’s portrayal of little Everleigh was so spot-on that I almost forgot it was her voicing the kid! And Joe Arden’s Boston accent? Totally nailed it—might just be my new favorite.

The story itself is super engaging. It never drags, and every character and plot twist has its own purpose. By the last hour, I was on the edge of my seat, laughing and crying at the same time!

The characters are incredibly well-developed. Jules’s journey as a mom felt so real, and Crew’s growth throughout the book was compelling. I felt like I really got to know them and understand what they were going through.

This book hit me hard, especially as a mom. The family’s ups and downs were portrayed so genuinely that I couldn’t help but get emotional. Adriana Locke really picked the perfect title for this one—it fits the story so well and had me in tears.

Blue Nose Audio did a great job with the production. Everything sounded clear with no weird background noise—just a smooth, enjoyable listen.

Overall, I was told to keep tissues handy, and that was definitely good advice. Even though it had me crying a lot, the character growth and story were totally worth it. If you’re up for an emotional rollercoaster, "Sacrifice" is a must-listen!

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A Powerful and Emotional Ride

Revisado: 09-18-24

The narration by Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden in "Sacrifice" is seriously top-notch. They brought Crew and Jules to life in such a raw and emotional way that my heart was all over the place. Maxine’s portrayal of little Everleigh was so spot-on that I almost forgot it was her voicing the kid! And Joe Arden’s Boston accent? Totally nailed it—might just be my new favorite.

The story itself is super engaging. It never drags, and every character and plot twist has its own purpose. By the last hour, I was on the edge of my seat, laughing and crying at the same time!

The characters are incredibly well-developed. Jules’s journey as a mom felt so real, and Crew’s growth throughout the book was compelling. I felt like I really got to know them and understand what they were going through.

This book hit me hard, especially as a mom. The family’s ups and downs were portrayed so genuinely that I couldn’t help but get emotional. Adriana Locke really picked the perfect title for this one—it fits the story so well and had me in tears.

Blue Nose Audio did a great job with the production. Everything sounded clear with no weird background noise—just a smooth, enjoyable listen.

Overall, I was told to keep tissues handy, and that was definitely good advice. Even though it had me crying a lot, the character growth and story were totally worth it. If you’re up for an emotional rollercoaster, "Sacrifice" is a must-listen!

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Twists, Turns, and Sizzling Spice

Revisado: 09-14-24

“Burning Ivy” is a wild ride full of twists and turns that kept me hooked right up to the end. The story revolves around four mafia guys who are obsessed with Ivy, a recent college grad, and it leaves you constantly questioning what their real motives are. As the book goes on, more of the backstory unfolds, and things start to make sense. The plot is definitely layered, though

I did find it a little complicated at times, especially with the flashbacks. I’m not usually into mysteries with this much intrigue, so that might be why I had a harder time following everything.

Ivy, voiced by Mollie Stark, was awesome. She starts out innocent and inexperienced but quickly learns the ropes, developing into a strong, sassy character who can hold her own against the mafia guys. I loved her balance of sass and vulnerability—plus the way she handled establishing a relationship with each of the men, who all had their unique personalities, was clever.

Wells, the male lead, was swoon-worthy. He let Ivy take the lead when she needed to but wasn’t afraid to take charge when she craved it. His devotion to her was heart-melting. Sean Masters nailed it when voicing Wells and the other male characters, giving each of them distinct voices, which made it easy to tell them apart. I’m looking forward to learning more about these guys in future books!

Both narrators were spot-on. Mollie Stark is new to me, but I loved her voice and the emotion she brought to Ivy. Sean had the harder job since there were four male characters, but he made it work. I could always tell which guy was speaking, and each one had his own vibe. Sean is one of my favorite male narrators because of his range and acting abilities.

At over 17 hours, this audiobook is a commitment, but it’s worth it. While it took me a bit to get into the story and connect all the dots, once I did, I was intrigued. The twists kept coming, and it definitely wasn’t boring. Time passed quickly once I got invested.

This isn’t your typical mafia romance. The guys don’t follow the usual mafia rules, and the story has a lot more suspense than I expected. There’s a lot of mystery, and it keeps you guessing the whole way through.

What about the spice, you ask? Let’s just say the spice is on fire in this book. Even with the longer runtime, there were plenty of steamy scenes between Ivy and Wells, and they really helped balance out the heavier, twistier parts of the plot. If you’re into spice, you’ll definitely get your fill here.

If you like a mix of suspense, mystery, and some seriously spicy scenes, “Burning Ivy” is worth the listen. Fans of mafia romance with a unique twist, and those who love strong female leads, will enjoy this one for sure.

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Atlas-A Must Read/Listen

Revisado: 09-05-24

"Atlas" had me hooked from the very beginning. DJ Krimmer crafted Atlas as the perfect love interest for Ren (really, for any woman)—he is kind, charismatic, funny, fierce, and loyal. His unwavering devotion to the curvy lead, Ren, was intense from the start. Their chemistry on the page was electric, and the incredible performances by the narrators brought these characters to life in a way that made me fall head over heels for this story.

With several men involved in the Hel's Ink series, Joe Arden had his work cut out for him. Sebastian York voiced the first book, “Fox,” and while the two narrators have distinct styles, Joe Arden did a fantastic job capturing the essence of Sebastian’s performance in Fox and delivering a spot-on character voice for Atlas. The challenge of voicing multiple distinct characters, especially in a tattoo shop full of unique personalities, was met with skill and creativity. Joe Arden’s Southern accent for Derek was also spot-on, making this Southern lady proud. However, what truly stood out was his portrayal of Howard, the elderly man whose longing for his late wife brought me to tears from the first introduction. Joe’s performance was so captivating that I forgot a young man was narrating an older character. Angelina Rocca’s performance as Ren was equally impressive—you could feel Ren’s insecurities, her embarrassment, and her brave facade through Angelina’s beautiful delivery. Her breathy voice was perfect for Ren. Both narrators’ faster pacing kept the story energetic and engaging.

While “Atlas” didn’t feature the twists and turns or darker themes often found in other romance novels, it didn’t need them. DJ Krimmer’s writing made you feel the characters' struggles, their pain, and their triumphs. The story gripped me from beginning to end, making me root for the characters as if they were real people. The friends-to-lovers and marriage-of-convenience tropes are common, but in DJ Krimmer’s hands, they felt fresh and original. The comedic timing of Joe Arden’s Atlas had me laughing out loud many times during the book. I also loved Ren’s relationships with her friends, which reminded me of my own. By the end of the book, you feel like these characters are your friends, and it’s bittersweet to part with them.

I’m a huge fan of DJ Krimmer’s writing style. It’s engaging, with a perfect blend of comedy, heartbreak, insecurities, love, and passion. The humor, especially, was a highlight—DJ’s words, combined with Joe and Angelina’s performances, kept me thoroughly entertained throughout the book.

This book hit me in the feels. Howard’s scenes were heart-wrenching and beautiful, his longing for his wife unforgettable. The emotional depth of the characters resonated with me deeply, making this story one I won’t soon forget. I felt for these characters and felt like I truly knew them.

I appreciated that “Atlas” featured a curvy female lead paired with a tall, muscular man who loved her just as she was. It’s refreshing to see a plus-sized lead portrayed in a realistic and beautiful way, making this story relatable to many women who don’t always see themselves represented in romance novels. The theme of accepting and loving oneself, no matter one’s size, was beautifully handled.

The audio production was flawless, but that’s to be expected from Blue Nose Audio. The clarity, pacing, and overall quality were top-notch, making for an immersive listening experience.

While I loved “Fox” and the characters in it, “Atlas” took the series to a new level with its humor and emotional journey. The spice levels in this book were through the roof, making the intimate scenes incredibly intense. Atlas is one of the best reads of the year for me. I’ll definitely be giving this one another listen and impatiently await future books in this series, as well as anything DJ Krimmer writes.

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FOX-perfect man, perfect audiobook

Revisado: 08-28-24

Just finished for the second time the audiobook “Fox” by DJ Krimmer, and I’m still reeling from the emotional journey! One of my favorite moments was when Fox, convinced he wasn’t worthy of love, finally realized he was, thanks to Janie. That turning point in their relationship was beautifully written and hit me right in the feels.

Fox’s story resonated with me on a deep level. His walls were built so high because of his childhood trauma, and I love how DJ Krimmer made his struggles so real and relatable. It wasn’t just about his past, but how it shaped him and his relationships. Janie, with her own medical condition affecting her connections with others, was also incredibly well-written. DJ didn’t make you pity her; instead, you felt for her and rooted for her every step of the way.

Maxine Mitchell was absolutely amazing as Janie. Her performance brought so much depth to the character, and when Janie cried, my heart broke right along with her. Such a great voice actor—Maxine’s portrayal made Janie feel real and relatable.

The fast-paced narrative kept me hooked from start to finish, with no dull moments. DJ’s storytelling made me feel like I knew these characters personally. I experienced their highs and lows, celebrated their victories, and mourned their losses. That’s the mark of a truly great storyteller.

Even though I usually gravitate towards dark romance or books with more plot twists and antagonists, Fox was a refreshing change. It engaged me in a way I didn’t expect, and I didn’t want it to end. Luckily, it doesn’t have to! Fox is followed by several other books in the Hel’s Ink series. Atlas is coming to audio soon, and I can’t wait to dive back into this world.

Fox is the perfect man—fight me on that! 💪

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Great, Suspenseful Audiobook

Revisado: 08-28-24

Codename Wolfe by J.R. Tootill is a fun mix of suspense, romance, and action that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The story follows Tuc and Leda, two FBI agents who team up to solve a string of murders.

One of the standout aspects of this audiobook is Queen Maxine Mitchell’s performance. She really brings the characters to life, nailing the humor, tension, and emotions. She does an especially great job with Leda, capturing her strength and toughness perfectly.

The chemistry between Tuc and Leda is off the charts, with their snappy, witty banter being a major highlight. They’re a perfect match in stubbornness and wit, and their relationship develops naturally. There’s a little bit of spice, but the main focus is on the suspense and mystery, which keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Tootill’s writing, paired with the killer narration, creates an immersive experience. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right amount of tension and twists to keep things interesting. The action scenes are thrilling, and the emotional moments are handled with care, striking a nice balance.

Joe Arden’s character might make you feel a little uneasy, but that just shows how good he is at voice acting. He really nails it, making the character feel super real.

All in all, Codename Wolfe is definitely worth a listen—if only to hear Queen Maxine Mitchell banter with Sebastian York and experience a creepy Joe Arden in the mix.

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