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Very well done paranormal romance

Revisado: 03-20-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

The Sceptic is a paranormal romance that has a bit of a different feel to it than many Lily Morton books. Honestly, I think it had more of a scare factor and suspense than The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings, which this series is a spin-off from. That said, the spookiness is well balanced with a sweet romance and some lighter moments to make it an enjoyable read I was more than happy to get lost in while listening.

Both main characters in The Sceptic are introduced in The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings and there is some character overlap fans will no doubt appreciate. However, I believe this book could read just as well as a standalone as it follows secondary characters on an entirely new adventure. I quite liked both men and found Jem’s gentle demeanor and calm insistence to fit well with Will. Conversely, Will is a complex, interesting character I really enjoyed seeing develop throughout The Sceptic. I loved how his comfort in himself and his place in York among his found family palpably took hold while the story unfolded. It drew me into Will and Jem’s life just as much as the ghost story intrigued me.

The paranormal element in The Sceptic is exceptionally well done. I loved the twists and revelations throughout the book. I also appreciated that there was a full story to learn, rather than a jump scare factor for the reader.

As always, Joel Leslie imparts a fair bit of personality and emotion into his narrative performance. I believe his bright, lively tone probably lightened the book a bit—as even with the scary bits, I didn’t feel exceptionally jumpy. Rather I was pulled along on a wonderfully spooky adventure and lovely romance. I’d definitely recommend The Sceptic to readers who enjoy paranormal romance and think the audiobook may be a particularly good option for those readers who tend to get scared more easily.

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4.25 stars- Captures the magic of love

Revisado: 01-26-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

On a Midnight Clear is a beautiful holiday fantasy that captures the magic of the season, love, and believing anything is possible. I really enjoyed this story when I first read it, and I again found myself becoming fully immersed while listening to it. The narrator captures the wonder and vibrancy of this story perfectly, bringing more life to each scene and character to create a wonderful treat for the ears.

I really loved both Barnaby and Cosmo. Barnaby’s strident dedication to his family’s home and those he employs is admirable, as is his resilient spirit. Cosmo is just as lovely, with an earnest desire to experience it all and leave those around him in a better place. While there’s plenty of romance and a bit of conflict surrounding Barnaby’s financial concerns and Cosmo’s dwindling time with Barnaby, On a Midnight Clear is definitely light on angst and heavy on the sweet, swoony moments.

If you are looking for a story to sweep you away and enjoy a bit of magic with your romance, On a Midnight Clear is definitely worth your time.

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4.5 stars- Fun, snark, and a sweet romance

Revisado: 01-10-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Spring Strings is as enjoyable a listen as it was a read. Although this is a shorter story, the character and romantic development are in place, and I found myself caught up in the story for a second time.

Malachi and Cadan seemingly come from two different worlds. I love how this story merges those worlds and then plucks similarities shared by both men to establish a relationship born of care and understanding. As always, this author includes a good amount of intimacy in the story, but it never feels superfluous, instead enhancing the romance and chemistry the couple shares. With a beautiful setting and lovely characters, there is a lot to enjoy about Spring Strings. However, by far, my favorite part is just how easy the dialogue and writing style pull me in and make me laugh and smile. I love the snark and playful banter and coupled with an easy-to-read style. It’s a winning combination that will keep me coming back again and again.

Lily Morton definitely has a specific tone that makes her books work for me as a reader, and Joel Leslie always seems to be a good fit. His delivery of the author’s clever, sunny wit was on point, and I especially liked how he brought Malachi’s lively energy and sarcastic remarks to the forefront of each scene.

If you enjoy stories of opposites attract and love some good back-and-forth banter in your romances, Spring Strings is a fantastic listen that is sure to pass your day away with some laughs and smiles.

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5+ stars- This series was wonderful

Revisado: 12-31-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

The Life Lessons series is one of those that I just can’t seem to get enough of. I love Mac and Tony and enjoy seeing the life they are building together. I love the writing and how things are never oversimplified but the angst and conflict always seem reasonable rather than just to make things difficult. And I love the suspense and casework–it’s different, exciting, and with enough twists to keep me glued to my device. Add in a great narrator that elevates the stories that much more, and this is a winning combination I am all too happy to recommend.

Learning Curve is the fourth book in The Life Lessons series and follows Mac’s continued recovery from the gunshot he survived. Once again, I was impressed at how well the author keeps things real- highlighting the highs and lows of Tony and Mac’s lives and romance. There were plenty of loose ends wrapped up in this story, bringing the series a little more full circle for me, specifically regarding Mac’s family and the family Tony and Mac are creating with their two young children.

I found Learning Curve really tugged on my emotions almost more than Home Work, something I didn’t think would be possible. It really highlighted just how much I adore these characters and feel a part of their story now. Similarly, the case showcased some of the best parts of this series–blending Tony and Mac’s lives and professional strengths in a powerful and interesting story that made for a wonderful cap to this series. As sad as I am to see The Life Lessons series come to an end, this proved to be a wonderful send-off to a great series that I will recommend again and again to readers who enjoy romantic suspense stories.

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4.5 stars- Fun, snarky holiday romance

Revisado: 11-22-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I enjoyed Not So Silent Night the first time I read it, but whether it was the narrator’s performance enhancing the story or getting to revisit a fun holiday read and reconnecting with entertaining characters, I liked this book even more the second time through.

Xander and Ferris are such an unexpected but great pairing, and I was once again caught up in this forced proximity holiday story. I loved the back-and-forth banter between these two and enjoyed watching Ferris steadily win Xander over in his Christmas celebrations as well as falling in love. While there are certainly some silly moments in Not So Silent Night, this romantic comedy doesn’t stray far into the ridiculous or over-the-top scenarios at all. Instead, the story is sweet, snarky, and uplifting. I don’t think there was a time I listened to it that I didn’t find myself smiling.

Narrator wise, Jake Whalley is a great fit for the tone of Not So Silent Night, with a good variance to his voices that made it easy to follow along and get lost in the story. His performance brought the story and scenes to life, ensuring this was a fun listen that’s easy to recommend for the holiday season or whenever you are in need of a mood boost.

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4.5 stars- Well written continuing story

Revisado: 10-01-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I’m so happy I didn’t let the Life Lessons series pass me by. Every book in this series has been an enjoyable read and listen I’d definitely recommend, complete with a fabulous narrator, reliably good writing, great characters and storylines, and just the right mix of suspense, action, and romance. Home Work is no different, following Mac out on another case involving some dangerous situations and showing Tony and him continuing to make a home and chase a happily ever after for their family.

Home Work reminded me again that one of the things I so appreciate about this author is her characters having struggles I can empathize with that aren’t magically fixed. Admittedly, I enjoy some angst, but I like it even more when it feels real. I like when the characters experience difficulties I’ve struggled with, and I like when I get to see them work on a resolution. This series has done that time and time again with Mac and Tony’s initial relationship, Mac’s coming out to family and coworkers, and now in Home Work, we see Mac and Tony navigate having a home life and raising two young kids while working. I find myself increasingly invested in this couple and Home Work cemented that feeling even more.

As with the other books in the series, the central case in Home Work was interesting. I especially liked the twists it took, as they kept me guessing while adding more layers to Mac and Tony’s story. If you enjoy romantic suspense and detective work with established couples, this series is definitely worth the read, and the narrator makes the books that much better.

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4.5 stars- Entertaining and lighthearted romcom

Revisado: 09-04-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

A Temporary Situation is a fun, lighthearted office romance. While this title is part of a two-book series, it definitely works as a standalone or read out of order.

Romantic comedies are fickle things as one’s brand of humor is fairly unique, but I felt this one was very light without any of the mundane or overblown comedy that can sometimes grow old by the end of a book. I really liked that that A Temporary Situation is the very opposite of what I’d expect from a workplace and boss-employee romance. Tristan was so unlike the typical CEO portrayed in contemporary romances and it was a breath of fresh air…even if he left me scratching my head at times. Ultimately, I loved his quirkiness and unruly behavior. I also really enjoyed how open he was with this sexuality and feelings. All in all, Tristan is definitely one of those characters who left me smiling.

I found Dominic similarly likeable. He had a nice steadfastness that complimented Tristan’s personality well. Additionally, I really liked how the reader gets more of Dominic’s real thoughts and personality as the book and his relationship with Tristan progressed.

While there were some elements in A Temporary Situation I thought a little too easy and underdeveloped, specifically in the realm of Tristan’s easy acceptance for his burgeoning feelings for Dominic, this audiobook routinely left me in a good mood and had me smiling throughout. The narration reflected the writing style’s bright and breezy tone, making this an easy and fun listening experience. If you are looking for something lighthearted to listen to while you pass your day or drive away, I’d definitely recommend A Temporary Situation.

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Sweet and simple

Revisado: 08-27-22

I originally grabbed this title because I really like the author. I then upgraded to the audiobook after really enjoying his narration of another title. Going into Throwing Hearts I expected cute and sappy, which is essentially what I got. Unfortunately, despite this usually being an author I adore, this fell a little on the too sweet and simple side for my tastes.

Perhaps I wasn't just in the right frame of mind for a lighter story, but I never really fell for the characters and story. While I found both Leo and Merrick very nice main characters and enjoyed the sarcastic and biting jokes of Clyde, I kept waiting for something more. Looking back, I realized I missed that spark or the part of the story where I was swept me away like I've come to expect from this author's work.

Narration wise, the narrator's tone and rhythm matched the story well. I'd recommend Throwing Hearts to those looking for a low-angst, even-keeled sweetness.

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Lived up to the hype

Revisado: 08-07-22

If you read a fair amount of MM romance, you’ve likely heard of Nox. It’s one of those titles that consistently appears in recommendation requests as a book that will pull you in and surprise the heck out of you. This audiobook did just that.

I’ve always enjoyed shifter stories, but I really like when they feature interesting worlds with plenty of details to immerse the reader. Nox went above and beyond in that respect. There is a lot of science and explanation behind the Anubis and how they were made, thrive, and battle. The level of description made it easy to get lost within the story. On top of that there was suspense and considerable action that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

From a romantic standpoint, I loved the pairing of Nox and Luca. Their connection steadily built to a palpable boiling point and their chemistry was undeniable. I loved that a well developed story is a driving force in the relationship as well, as some shifter stories seem to rely solely on a primal bond. Although that’s certainly a major piece to this story, it’s not the only driving force and it made this couple that much more memorable.

With all the amazing aspects making up Nox, it was great to see the narrator handle it perfectly. He highlighted the emotion, had distinct voices for each character, with an easy cadence and pleasant tone. He let the story speak for itself and elevated it to the point that I looked forward to long drives so I could listen longer.

Nox is an easy recommendation for the story alone but the narration is so good that I’d definitely recommend it for audio fans.

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Fun, happy story

Revisado: 07-27-22

Simply put, Finders Keepers made me incredibly happy. I loved the characters, found the meet cute absolutely charming, and the romance was simple and sweet. Griffin and Dane are utterly adorable, and I loved their easy connection from the very start. I thought the way the book centered around a lost dog was absolutely the perfect story to highlight finding your match in the most unexpected way. On top of that, the cast of secondary characters in Finders Keepers proved to only enhance the story and my mood.

Joel Leslie's upbeat tempo and vibe was the perfect match for Finders Keepers and ensured I enjoyed the story from beginning to end. I highly recommend this listen for anyone in need of a mood lift or looking for a romance featuring a charming, furry sidekick.

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