Brayzen Bookwyrm

Sizzling Suspenseful Series Starter

Revisado: 04-21-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I love when a new-to-me author grabs my attention and refuses to let go. I admit, I was way late to join the Riley Edwards fandom, but I am here now, and I am staying. Yes, I jumped into her books mid-stream with Damaged (Triple Canopy series, book 1), but what an amazing incentive to start at the beginning and dive into an epic series and author binge.

Damaged gripped me from the get-go. I mean, what’s not to love about a romantic suspense novel centered around a fiercely independent heroine who knows exactly what (or who) she wants and the strong, swoony, damaged man who tries to fight his destiny until he absolutely cannot deny it any more? Throw in solid elements of found family, intrigue and edge-of-your-seat action, with plot lines that interweave and overlap until the very end, and I am hooked.

Oh, and did I mention I experienced this story through the audiobook, narrated to perfection by MacKenzie Cartwright and Connor Crais? Talk about gripping your attention and not letting go until the final word! Cartwright and Crais are two of my favorite narrators and they did a stellar job of bringing Hadley and Brady to life.

If you’re looking for a solid foray into romantic suspense, Damaged is a good place to start. While characters from prior novels and series are essential elements of the story, and there is one overlapping plot line from a former novel, I did not feel I was missing anything by not reading earlier stories first. Edwards really did a spectacular job of bringing all the details needed to the novel, but she definitely also put the bug in my ear to go back and binge from the beginning.

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Intensely Suspenseful and Wonderfully Romantic

Revisado: 04-20-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Claire Kingsley has upped her romantic suspense game, and I am one hundred percent here for it! Storms and Secrets is a fantastic addition to Kingsley’s Haven Brothers series, and definitely my favorite book of hers so far. And I have read them all. After much waiting and speculating by readers, Zachary and Marigold finally get their HEA. It definitely doesn’t come easy, but oh is it worth it!

Along the way, old hurts come to light, but new promises and life goals allow them to work through them. They are so passionate together, and so comfortable at the same time. Quite honestly, they are absolutely perfect for each other. Zachary is as cocky and hilarious as I expected him to be, but also incredibly swoony and dedicated. And Marigold is so effervescent and enchanting, while also being incredibly independent and determined. And I fell in love with both of them as they fell in love with each other.

Kingsley creates an intense subplot that drives the story, while also driving Mari and Zachary together. And it comes complete with a villain who’s easy to fall for but readers will quickly grow to loathe. The pacing throughout the book is solid and with several tense, edge-of-your-seat moments that kept me reading way past my bedtime. Those moments will also bring me back to the book over and over again.

Beyond the intrigue and suspense, Kingsley also infuses a wonderful level of humor. Zachary is absolutely hilarious, sarcastic and snarky with some fantastic one-liners. And of course no visit to Tilikum would be complete without pranks and squirrels and quirky characters that fill your heart with joy and make you snork your beverage of choice through your nose. And we can’t forget the intense and beautiful connections, both family and friends, who are and who become integral parts of Zachary and Marigold’s lives.

Having read and loved the print version, I dove into the audiobook, narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton, with a special appearance by Desiree Ketchum playing an integral part in that heightened suspense element. Hearing this book come to life in their voices is truly an incredible experience. Want an example of extraordinarily well-developed characters and casting? I heard Mari and Z in my head in Samantha and Teddy’s voices before I even listened to the audiobook. And Desiree brings a level of innocence and intensity to her scenes that amps the investment in her plight and the story's resolution up even higher.

While Storms and Secrets is book two for the Haven brothers, it can definitely be read as a standalone, with a fully encapsulated plot and HEA and no overarching series subplot. Just be prepared to want to read book one (Obsession Falls) and quite probably Kingsley’s entire backlist if you decide to start your Claire Kingsley journey with Mari and Z.

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Small-town Romance with Heat & Heart

Revisado: 02-19-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

There’s a certain comfort that comes from sinking into a favorite book. It feels like coming home. And as many times as I’ve read Behind His Eyes by Claire Kingsley, I never ever get tired of it. Nicole and Ryan are beautiful characters, their story deep in heart and rich in emotions, and the passion between these two is absolutely incredible.

One of the things I love about small-town romance is how real the characters are and how their storylines resonate with true-life situations. Kingsley tackles some deep waters with Nicole and Ryan, writing a story that’s real and raw, personal and relatable. And while she certainly brings the heat in this one, she also brings a ton of heart. It’s easy to fall in love with Nicole and Ryan and understand their motivations and intentions, and even easier to root for their HEA because they’re so beautifully well-developed and worthy.

This time, my reread was experienced through the newly recorded and re-released audiobook, narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Jacob Morgan. And what an amazing experience it was. Samantha and Jacob brought Nicole and Ryan to life! They don’t read the book, they perform it. Their tone, pacing, inflection—all absolutely stellar. The depth of the emotions written into the characters comes through so clearly, with all of the humor, heart, and intensity building a beautiful picture of who the characters are and how wonderful they are together.

Behind His Eyes is a perfect series starter for Kingsley’s Jetty Beach series, but it can definitely be read and listened to as a standalone. I’ll definitely be continuing my reread journey through the audiobooks. That extra layer and level of immersion in the story is truly an enjoyable experience.

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Swoony & Steamy Second Chance Romance

Revisado: 12-11-23

And once again, Samantha Christy brings all the feels in book two of her Stone Brothers series, Stone Promises. I instantly fell in love with Mallory, and Chad had already been working his way into my heart just from his brief appearances in book one. Sinking into their second chance was a beautiful and heartfelt rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Not quite as angsty as Christy’s other novels, Stone Promises brought so many layers of heartwarming emotions. That’s not to say there’s no angst, oh, there definitely is, but what truly drew me in to this novel was Chad’s dedication to making things right, and Mallory’s determination to seeing it through.

Chad is so incredibly swoonworthy, and it has nothing to do with his movie star persona. It’s about how he deals with everything life throws at him, how he pampers and supports Mallory, how he works so incredibly hard to be the person she needs him to be. And Mallory, well, shoot, serious girl crush going on here! She is such a deeply layered character, but so true to herself, and so down to earth. She is truly easy to fall for.

Christy does an amazing job of setting the scene, giving readers insights into their past together, their past apart, and their here-and-now as they navigate their new normal as a couple. Everything in this book moves their story forward, propelling them to an HEA that is definitely Hollywood worthy.

Once again, Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon bring the characters to life with impeccable tone, inflection, and pacing. They did a wonderful job of building the characters through their storytelling, creating a movie of the mind I was reluctant to leave.

Stone Promises can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I recommend reading or listening to the series in order to get the full picture of the brothers and their interconnected lives.

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Gut-wrenching, Angsty, and So Freaking Beautiful

Revisado: 11-06-23

Few authors can tear your heart out, put it through a grinder, and piece it back together as incredibly well as Samantha Christy. She did it to me in her Mitchell Sisters series, and she’s doing it to me again in her Stone Brothers books. Starting right away with Ethan and Charlie’s story in Stone Rules.

Stone Rules absolutely gutted me. The range of emotions, what the characters went through to find and hold onto their HEA, is powerful. I cannot count how many times I wanted to throw my Kindle at the wall one minute and hug the characters so tightly in an attempt to meld all their broken pieces back together in the next. Christy creates two incredibly deep, damaged, and sympathetic characters in Charlie and Ethan. She then surrounds them with incomprehensible struggles, callous villains, and the most amazing and comprehensive found family.

And ultimately, all of their individual heartbreaks, their trials and tribulations, and their seemingly insurmountable obstacles to each other prove to be the very glue that brings them together and through their greatest test together. Christy is a queen of plot twists, and she leads her characters and readers through some pretty intense ones. And it’s all worth it. Because Charlie and Ethan are so incredibly amazing together.

The audiobook for Stone Rules, narrated by Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke is exceptional. They are truly talented storytellers, their performances bringing out every emotion clearly and honestly with excellent pacing, inflection, and intention.

Told from all Charlie then all Ethan’s pov (rather than alternating chapters) provides readers a unique perspective into their story. It’s a way to tell the tale without interruption of the character's feelings and experiences. And while the Mitchell sisters play a role in Charlie and Ethan’s story, it is not necessary to read their stories first. But, I definitely think you should. It just makes all of their appearances and efforts that much sweeter.

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Five-Alarm Pepper Warning!

Revisado: 10-17-23

Reckless Heart, book four in the Starlight Cove series by Brighton Walsh, is a Kindle melting journey of intense and seriously steamy interactions, brought together with some wonderful emotional discoveries, great banter, and a lot of fun. The typical angst inherent in a best-friend’s brother romance plays a big part in amping up the tension between main characters Aiden and Avery, while also being enhanced by an added boss-employee dynamic and a meddling family member. It all makes for a fast-paced read I couldn’t put down.

There is so much going on in this story, and it all works perfectly together. Aiden is growly and intense, but has a secret side that not only ratchets up the relationship and makes for a very memorable first encounter with Avery, but brings out some deep emotional roadblocks that he eventually overcomes. Watching those walls crumble for Avery, and his family, is truly beautiful. And Avery is so much more than the carefree drifter readers first meet. She’s introspective, and sensitive, but also so sassy, and she has some serious grit and determination. And yes they’re both flawed and often impulsive, but they’re also passionate, intelligent, and absolutely irresistible. Getting to know these characters was a wild ride—an emotional and fiery journey that made their HEA so much stronger and well-deserved.

The audiobook was absolutely fantastic. Narrators Jason Clarke and Savannah Peachwood brought Aiden and Avery to life in the duet narration with perfect tone, inflection, and tempo. This is definitely one to listen to, but probably not in the carpool line, or at work, or with kids around. When I say it’s seriously steamy, trust me, it is. But it all works perfectly within the storyline. There is so much character development written into those steamy scenes, it’s not gratuitous, but intentional and purposefully placed.

This is my first read by Brighton Walsh, and it definitely reads as a standalone story, but I am absolutely diving into the first three books in the series and anxiously awaiting book five to get more time with the characters. Just from this one book, Starlight Cove has full-on binge vibes. It’s also one of my favorite listens this year, so definitely grab that audiobook.

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Intense and Steamy Series Opener

Revisado: 09-25-23

Talk about a wild ride! I love when an author can infuse humor, passion, suspense, and intrigue into a story and set the foundation for a series I know I’m going to love right from the start. Vines by Brynne Asher, book one in The Killers series, grabbed me from the get-go and I am here for it. All of it.

I experienced Vines through the audiobook, narrated to perfection by Kit Swann and Jason Clarke. Their tone, inflection, and cadence are flawless, drawing out each character’s personality and creating a wonderful level of immersion in the story.

The story itself is intense, full of twists and turns and edge of your seat suspense. Main characters Addy and Crew are well-developed and the perfect opposites-attract couple. But they both have beautiful depth that allows them to truly connect and grow together as well. And they are surrounded by the most amazing collection of friends and found family, laying the groundwork for a stellar series of connections, collaborations, and chaos.

I cannot wait to binge the rest of this series. Now that I know Crew and Addy have their perfect HEA, I’m fully invested in finding out how everyone around them achieves that same sense of completion.

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Chemistry, Fate, and a Whole Lot of Steam!

Revisado: 08-15-23

I love seeing a minor character in a book I love get their own HEA, and Stephanie Rose does Kristina’s (An Unexpected Turn) HEA justice in Starting Back. She brings the steam and all the feels to do it, too. Having read this book before, I was excited to dive into the audiobook. And I was not disappointed. With perfect timing, cadence, and inflection, Gregory Salinas and Ava Lucas bring their characters and the story to beautiful life through their narration,

Rose builds the perfect story around Kristina and Leo. Their chemistry is beautiful and genuine, igniting quickly and creating a deep sense of connection that carries through the entire novel. And there’s just enough angst to keep it real but not have you screaming at the characters. Because the characters are wonderfully authentic, easy to fall in love with, and absolutely perfect in their imperfections.

Starting Back infuses multiple themes and layers of starting over, living for yourself, and finding your soulmate. The messages of understanding who you are, knowing your worth, and overcoming your vulnerabilities rings true and clear through both Leo and Kristina’s individual stories and histories as well as within their connection with each other. I love seeing two people recognize how amazing they are on their own, but how much better they are with the right person by their side.

While readers first meet Kristina in An Unexpected Turn, Starting Back is truly a standalone love story for Kristina and Leo. But once you’ve met Kristina’s family, chances are you’ll want to read An Unexpected Turn as well. And I am definitely holding out hope for another minor character in Starting Back to get their own HEA soon as well.

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A Lot of Heat and Heart!

Revisado: 08-01-23

Having the perfect voices for a book in my ear can truly make a story come to life. And Samantha Brentmoor and Troy Duran certainly fit that bill, bringing Britt and Aiden’s characters and connection along for a gloriously steamy ride in A Little Taste by Tia Louise.

A Little Taste is a great little small-town romp with a healthy level of heat & humor that provides more than ample opportunity for you to sit in your feels as well. Mixed in with the underlying tone of suspense and mystery is adorable small town family life, quirky characters, and of course a little bit of angst to satisfy readers as well. But the characters truly make this story, weaving a wonderful web of friendships, family bonds, and unique connections that drive the drama and the tension, infusing Britt and Aiden’s relationship with love, longing, and lessons. The supporting cast of characters Louise builds around them enhances the main characters’ personalities, showcasing their strengths and vulnerabilities, while also laying some fantastic foundations for future relationships as well.

A Little Taste is a truly delightful series starter that left me both completely satisfied (with Britt and Aiden’s HEA) and wanting more (time in Eureka). I cannot wait to see who gets their HEA next.

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Remember to Breathe

Revisado: 08-01-23

Between your tears, laughter, and all the feels, remember to breathe. The Last One You Loved by LJ Evans will have your heart racing and your breath catching for the entire incredible ride. Because sometimes losing everything you want gives you everything you need. But the journey to claim it, well, that’s not always an easy ride. But it makes for an incredible read.

Evans has woven a tale of second chances that extends beyond the book's primary relationship, encompassing a family who's hugs you'll feel through the words on the page clear to the depth of your heart and soul. While the steam and connection between Maddox and McKenna steal your breath, Mila will steal your heart with her very presence.

Maddox and McKenna (M&M) are beautifully developed, perfectly imperfect characters whose intricate backstories are only enhanced and deepened by the characters surrounding them. And yes, readers will want to embrace some and loathe others, but more than anything will appreciate how everything that happens leads to an incredibly heart-felt HEA. And there's a very healthy element of just desserts. In more ways than one.

Evans’s language is poetic and intense, building suspense throughout the plot, entwining multiple story arcs all seamlessly connected within and around McKenna, Maddox, and Mila. Every twist, turn, trial and tribulation created new ways to connect with the characters and their story.

This is the book I couldn't put down, but never wanted to end. And the narrators brought it to beautiful life in my ears. I can only hope, dream, and anticipate that Evans will bring us back to Willow Creek and the Hatleys in future novels, because this is one book that has ‘series starter’ written all over it. And book hangover inscribed on every page.

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