Ceej of Ceej's Life Reads

My favorite Bianco Brothers book!!

Revisado: 03-30-19

Engaged to the EMT was the Bianco Brothers book I have been dying for! It’s filled with hot, sweet, and sexy surprises that I couldn’t help but revisit multiple times!

Piper Rayne knows how to turn a man that I would dismiss into one that makes me swoon! Luca Bianco is cocky, a bit childish, when he’s in the mood to be...or so I thought. He is intelligent and capable, and a man with a huge heart that’s sweet, caring, loving, and gentle. And the way he is with Lauren? Oh, my heart! Lauren… I love, love, LOVE her passion, her strength, her love for her chosen family, and her fighting spirit! I adored how she fought with Luca! The sparks! Oh, the sparks! I just knew they’d be perfect together! And the moment when her heart broke? She made mine break along with hers. Even with the fight in her, I loved her vulnerable parts, too.

As for the performances, they really brought this book to life! I loved every single minute! If Engaged to the EMT wasn’t already my favorite Blue Collar Brothers Book, their performance would have clinched it. The humor and passion, both the sexy and fighting ones, really came through and I absolutely loved it!

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Love this story!

Revisado: 03-06-19

Piper Rayne never fails to provide stories where the romance matches up with the heat level and Crushing on the Cop is no different! A hot cop who is a good man, sweet, built, loyal, loves his Mama, and not a Lothario? GIMME!

Cristian…I seriously love him. I knew I would when we met him in the previous book, but his heart is even bigger than his…d…defined sense of right and wrong (what did you think I was gonna say, huh?) and that’s the biggest part of why I love him. He made me laugh and swoon and made my heart drop for a moment! Piper Rayne, I need a Cristian. Like yesterday.

Vanessa…I love her, too! I mean, who doesn’t love a tortured heroine who eventually finds her way with the help of a sweet and loving man? Admittedly, there were times I wanted to shake her or force her to open her heart as well as her eyes, but she needed to learn how to do that on her own. She made me laugh, made me proud, and made me want to cheer! I’d love to have a friend like her.

Piper Rayne, you gave me yet another couple to hold close to my heart. I can’t believe you made me love Cris more than Mauro!! And, okay, I can’t wait to see how you’ll make me love the last brother.

As for the performances, I averaged the stars out. The male narrator warrants the full five stars! He makes me believe he's Cris and ramps up the hotness. On the other hand, the female narrator warrants one. Her voice and style makes me wince, unfortunately.

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Wonderful story, great performance!

Revisado: 01-01-19

I swear that Piper Rayne is trying to knock another of their books off my #1 favorite list. I say that because I’ve never had one of their female protagonists mirror parts in the deepest, darkest corners of my heart. However, I am not surprised that my favorite duo did it. Flirting with Fire is a beautiful story of letting go of past impressions and reaching for that golden future.

Maddie…with the exception of the braces, I was her in high school. There was that one guy that made my heart speed. I was and am like her the way she is now when it comes to other people. And again, like her, when I relax, that’s when the funny comes out. I love her relationship with her best friends so much! That one scene in the house in the beginning had me giggling then outright laughing!

Mauro…*sigh* can I just please have him? I love his sense of humor and his big…heart (what were you thinking I was gonna say? LOL!). There were times I wanted to smack him upside his head like his mama does, but other times, I wanted to hug him! He’s not perfect. Far from perfect, but he is so perfect for Maddie.

Gah M&M forever! Piper Rayne, ladies, I don’t know how you do it. And let me say, I’m not completely happy about having that mirror into my high school years. However, what eclipses that is the message of this story. It’s one that my friends have tried to beat into my head for a long time. Figures that Flirting with Fire would be the one to make me feel that lesson. Thank you, ladies. (Sprinkling unicorn glitter over my favorite duo)

As for the performance, the female narrator has the perfect voice for Maddie, but her tone at multiple points sounded bored, which annoyed me since there's nothing boring about this book from beginning to end, even the sex scene narration made me wince. That is the sole thing that kept the performance from being a 5-star rating. However, the male narrator is absolutely how I imagined Mauro sounds! Even the voices he used for Cristian and Luca were perfect to my ears! He did a fantastic job!

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Incredibly moving story!

Revisado: 11-06-18

Happy Hour is a tale of love and lust, honesty and lies, acceptance and forgiveness, trust and lies-by-omission, delicious hotness, utter hilarity, and heart-squeezing angst!

Hannah…made me love her then broke my heart then put it all back together again. How many of us are or were like her when it comes to love and marriage? How many of us are so incredibly stubborn that we blindly hold onto deep-seated distrust? And now how many of us have gotten smacked in the head with an epiphany that opens us, not only mentally but emotionally as well? Now don’t get me wrong, I think I’m more stubborn than Hannah. However, she was the one that showed me that keeping an open mind after my trust was violated is key to my personal survival. I admit there were times that I wanted to shake her for her misplaced antagonism and rudeness. It made my heart so happy to see the change in her, and it gave me hope.

Roarke…I absolutely fell in love with him. His relentless pursuit of Hannah made me grin. His persistence opened my eyes to see what kind of man he is underneath the divorce attorney persona he wore like a well-loved shirt. He is far from perfect, and he made me fall more in love with him with each revelation. There are few things sexier than a man who pursues a woman with cunning, honesty, gentleness, and vulnerability. What he did towards the end for Hannah? S.W.O.O.N. Piper Rayne, I need a Roarke!

Piper Rayne, I do not know how you ladies do it. You make me break a rib (kidding) from laughing then turn around and bring that tickle to my nose that signals the forthcoming tears. I cannot wait to see what you ladies come up with next!

As for Kylie's performance, she did a great job with Happy Hour! An even more entertaining performance than the previous books she narrated. This time, she made me feel Hannah's pain, joy, and the depth of her love for Roarke as well as her two friends. This is definitely one audiobook I can and will listen to over and over again.

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Love Chelsea and Dean!

Revisado: 09-11-18

Afternoon Delight is 5 stars of heat, pain, forgiveness, redemption, joy, and a ton of laughter! Just when I think there won’t be a book that will rival my favorite book of theirs, though I thoroughly love and enjoy all their books, Piper Rayne proves me wrong.

Chelsea is a woman that I’d have a blast hanging out with, whether we are at a bar or watching movies, or just chilling out. I adore her sarcasm and honesty. I felt her pain when she thought or spoke about her marriage and divorce. Her struggle was hard and I don’t blame her one bit for how she felt for Dean…before they reconnected. I rejoiced when she broke and opened her heart again.

Dean is a man that I admire. It takes serious strength and courage to do what he did in the interim between their divorce and their reconnection. It also takes serious gumption to admit fault and take responsibility. I absolutely adored his persistence with Chelsea. And everything he did? Swoon!!

Afternoon Delight is a book that reminded me that love can survive. There were moments where it brought those dreaded tears to my eyes, not just in commiseration, but in laughter. Piper Rayne never fail to make me snort and belly laugh, tear up, try to rub the ache out of my chest, and fan my face as I swoon. I cannot wait to see what else they come up with!

As for the performance, I'm feeling generous with the three-star rating as the last third of the performance was better than the first two. For most of the book, I felt that the narrator was making the book sound boring when it was anything but. This is my favorite Charity Case book and I'm a bit disappointed. However, the emotion coming through towards the end is what saved it. It was the punch of feeling that I was waiting for and that had been lacking since the beginning. I hope that if I were to listen to the narrator perform any more of Piper Rayne's books, she'd give what they deserve.

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Absolutely loved Milan and Sebastian and Ava!

Revisado: 07-27-18

Milan is my favorite International Guy installment so far! Not only does Parker and Sky make a big decision, but the message the guys teach their client is important to all women. It’s not only wicked hot, but it’s very moving and encouraging.

Park and Sky made me so happy! They make such a sizzlingly hot couple and the beauty of it is that it’s not just about sex. There is so much more than that. It’s so much fun witnessing their chemistry and the depth of their affection for each other. And when their relationship is tested, my heart started pounding harder! Gah I love them both so much!

The Dream Maker and Lovemaker tag-teaming the process of coaching normal women to embrace their sexy? Utter perfection. And Park’s first idea? It was inspired. And hilarious as it pertains to Bo’s reaction. I loved that part! Then Park’s idea for the catwalk/stage? Maybe I’m a softie, but that really touched my heart and soul as a woman, especially a woman who has the same or similar esteem issue as some of the models.

I don’t believe I could love Milan any more than I already do! It was wicked HOT as can always be expected from Audrey Carlan, moving, inspiring, touching, and completely epic! I cannot wait to see what else we get to enjoy! Audrey Carlan rocks serials like no one else!

Sebastian York and Ava Erickson are such talented narrators! As always, I can picture the scenes, but these two brought Parker and Skyler to life! I felt like I was with them as they lived their lives and that I was a confidant! The only thing that would make this better, in my opinion, is if they performed the International Guy as a pro duo. Still, I loved every minute of their performances!

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Made me love Dirty Talker even more!

Revisado: 07-27-18

Dirty Talker (Single Dads Club #2) by Piper Rayne is an amazing feather in this talented author duo’s cap! Dirty Talker is sizzling HOT, brings the grins, chuckles, snorts, full-on belly laughs, sighs, gasps, and sappy tears of joy! Dane is my new favorite dirty talker! This one brings a twist that had me thumping the ache out of my chest and had me loving him even more!
In Dirty Talker, we get to know Dane Murray beyond the arrogant player that we glimpsed in the previous book. I enjoyed Dane then because I knew there was more to him than we saw. He was the fun guy, the center of attention. In this book, that hasn’t changed. However, we get to see how deep he is…and that’s not a pun or euphemism (this time lol). Dane made me fall in love with him. His devotion to his son and his town is admirable when he turns that to…something else…you have to read it to find out what happens! I swear, if I didn’t already enjoy him in the previous book, Dane would have won me over in this one. There is so much more to him than his sexy #groincleavage and dirty mouth.

Ava Pearson is one of those women who has her priorities straight, but when she gets sidetracked by Dane, it is so much fun to watch! She creates magic in her bakery, The Mad Batter. Her cupcakes are like crack, according to Dane. She makes me want to visit and load up on her sugary goods (that wasn’t a euphemism, either lol). Her initial disdain for Dane just made me grin and I knew it was going to be good! And I love her relationship with her roommates! They’re not just women sharing space. They’re friends who know and love each other and it’s beautiful.

The passion between Ava and Dane is wicked HOT! Their craving for each other is addicting! What also hooked me was the range of feels! I never expected to feel tears, other than tears from laughing my head off, but I loved Ava and Dane so much!

Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross brought such life to Dirty Talker with the way they narrate! They are my favorite narrators and I wish they performed every single audiobook for Piper Rayne and all my other faves! I swear, listening to it made me think I had a movie playing in the background. Kai made me believe I was in Ava's head. Wen made me believe I was in Dane's. Yes, I know that's their goal/purpose, but not all narrators are as successful in doing so, in my opinion. I could listen to Kai and Wen all day.

I loved everything about this audiobook, from the rockin duo of Piper Rayne to the talented pro couple of Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross! I need more from all four of them!

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An epic start!

Revisado: 07-17-18

International Guy Volume 1: Paris, New York, Copenhagen is an EPIC start to a serial that combines realistic emotions and needs with extraordinary situations, and naturally, it comes from the wicked talented Audrey Carlan.

Parker Ellis…fits his title of Dream Maker, and it’s not just because of his prowess in the bedroom. He truly sees what a woman needs, and in these cases, his female clients. It’s as if he knows the women better than they do. They all come out of the experience with enlightened knowledge of themselves, even Parker, himself. He doesn’t go into each case with set plans. His mind is open to possibilities and this virtue benefits all his clients and the people around them. I’d love to have someone like Parker, even as a friend, although during football season, we won’t be able to be friends. LOL. In Paris, he helped a perfume heiress bloom. He did not give her anything she didn’t already have, but the way he did it, it shows just why his title fits. In New York, his dreams come true while he works to save the heart and sanity of Hollywood’s hottest starlet. In Copenhagen, he works with European royalty to open eyes and hearts.

Bogart Montgomery…one of his chosen brothers, is quite the character. He’s wicked smart and intuitive, and he’s the joker of the trio. What else will make you laugh about him? You have to read it to find out. I will say though, he made me grin, chuckle, and roll my eyes as he assisted in Paris, New York, and Copenhagen.

Royce Sterling…Parker’s other chosen brother, is MINE. LOL. Everything about this man, from his panty-melting physical characteristics to his protectiveness makes me want to grab him and hold on for dear life. Amongst the three of them, he’s the serious suit-clad brother who works the financial side of the Paris client’s needs while Parker and Bogart finish their jobs there and move on to New York and Copenhagen.

I cannot wait to see what else is in store for the International Guy team, especially with their genius addition! I loved every single moment in all three books!

Sebastian York never fails. However, his French interpretation made me wince and laugh. Highly entertaining, though. I think he is the perfect narrator for Parker. He made everything come alive for me. I felt as though I was in Parker's head. And as for Ava Erickson, she is the perfect narrator for Skyler. I just wish there was more of her. I cannot wait for Volume 2 so I can listen to new adventures with both of them!

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Fantastic story!

Revisado: 07-17-18

Manic Monday is amazingly wonderful. Who knew I could fall for such a good guy? I absolutely loved Reed! And Victoria? I already liked her from previous books. I think one of the reasons I liked her so much is because she just may be as stubborn as I am. LOL! Nothing she did surprised me and for once, I loved that about her.

One thing I love about Piper Rayne novels is the fact that they’re not just about a man and woman finding each other. Victoria has Hannah and Chelsea, who are such amazing characters on their own and help round Victoria out. Both had me rolling in laughter! But when they’re all together? I wish I were right there with them!

Reed…(sigh) I need a Reed. He’s such a good man. When Victoria discovered what he did outside of work? Cue the swoon. I love a man who does that and enjoys it. Want to know what that is? Gotta read it for yourself! I adore his persistence and his smirks! One thing I didn’t expect from him made my heart drop (thanks a lot, Piper Rayne)!

I read the ebooks first then listen to the audio versions. And as for this performance, I felt that the narrator put a little more effort into the dialogue for all the other characters than Victoria. The hot, sexy scenes were made to sound kind of boring when I know for a fact they're not. I was disappointed because this story and the authors deserved a 5 star performance. The narrator, unfortunately, sounded like she was simply reading to herself and not putting much of an effort.

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The audio version made me love it mor!

Revisado: 06-10-18

Mad About the Banker (Modern Love Book 3) by Piper Rayne is the book I’ve been waiting for! I am hooked on the Modern Love series and needed to know Lennon’s story. Piper and Rayne did not disappoint!

Lennon Hart is the tattooed, quirky third in the Modern Love trio. Though I loved Whit and Tahl, Lennon is my favorite! She’s unique, blunt, creative, damn near fearless, but she also has her vulnerable side. She’s now used to being the fifth wheel when her friends get together. She’s not looking for Mr. Right. She’s happy with Mr. Right Now. She had goals and ambitions and has no qualms about doing what she has to do in order to reach them.

Jasper Banks. Sounds pretentious, right? He’s not. He’s a gorgeous man with a sense of humor that matches Lennon perfectly. He isn’t all about himself and his accomplishments. He’s genuine and caring. He’s exactly the kind of man that Lennon needs. But he has a secret. It may be one secret that will tear them apart.

I have read Mad About the Banker countless times. Yes, I reread a lot, but I’m particular about what I reread. Lennon just keeps me laughing. A lot of her thoughts are like my own. I swear she and I would have a blast. We could even spend hours talking about our tattoos (I have several myself, almost two full sleeves in addition to the ones on my calves and my sternum)! I will say that I would love to punch Lennon’s twin brother in the head. He needs some sense knocked into him. The rest of her family…I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say that it’s miraculous that Lennon isn’t a brittle or weak person. They actually made me love her even more. This also made me look at her best friends a little differently. You have to read this to know why. As for Jasper, I need one like him! His need for Lennon was thoroughly enjoyed! He definitely has a dominating side, but it’s not one that’s bad. It’s all good, I promise! Sooooo good! There’s so much more I want to say, but I don’t want to spoil it. It’ll be worth the wait.

The Banker gave me what I needed. There’s a bit of angst. Not totally rip-your-heart-out angst, but enough to where you feel it. This one had me trying to rub the ache out of my chest. I needed Lennon and Jasper happy!

This book! Oh this book! It had me laughing, chuckling, grinning maniacally, ready to hit someone, needing a cold shower (or my Eli), in tears of sorrow, and finally, tears of joy! I know that I will be rereading this in the future, that’s how much I loved it! I can't wait for more from Piper Rayne!

Molly Mermelstein is such a fantastic narrator! She brought Lennon's sarcastic humor to life and I loved it, even though she made me look like an idiot because I kept busting up in laughter when I listened during my commute. And the parts that always hit me with this book? Molly intensified it. She is amazing, I hope to hear more from her!

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