Katie Pizzolato

Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Revisado: 08-03-16

Story Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Narration Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars

Story Review:

This story picked up immediately where “Who Knows the Storm” ended and continued to make me feel tension and anxiety as the story moved forward. That sense of the unknown and that expectation as I waited to know what came next was intense and thoroughly sucked me in. I was immersed fully into this world and plot. I had to know more, I had to know how things turned out.

I loved that every time I thought the author would reveal all, she introduced another bit of information that threw me off my path and I was yet again in need of more information to figure out the whys and hows of it all. I loved finding out what I did but now I need more!!!! The suspense was killer and it was so engaging that I wanted to skip work and just listen to this all in one sitting!

My only complaint is that once again this story is to be continued. But unlike book 1, this ending felt abrupt. It was not a natural place for this one to end at all and it left me, not feeling like I wanted more, but like I was cheated out of knowing how it ended. Will I pick up the next one, Hell Yeah I will, because this story is awesome. I just wish things had ended at a more natural location.

Narration Review:

Jonathan Young was a great narrator for this story. His voices were strong and clear and he really brought each character to life. The intensity of the atmosphere was evident and his reading only served to enhance the good of this book. I would gladly listen to him again.

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Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Revisado: 08-03-16

Story Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Narration Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Story Review:

I loved this story when I first read it in ebook format and I loved it again in audio format. The characters were so well crafted and their story was so emotional I again found myself fighting off tears. I loved Archer’s journey of healing and growth and I loved the way this one left me feeling fulfilled and happy. If you have not read or listened to this story, I highly recommend it.

Narration Review:

Michael Pauley did a good job reading this story. All the emotions were clear and his voice was strong. However, his reading was just a reading and it was the story structure and the writing itself that had the emotions so evident in this narration.

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Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Revisado: 08-03-16

Story Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Narration Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

Story Review:

This story was cute. At first I thought it was going to be “Pride and Prejudice”-eque with the big bad Duke finally showing his softer side to the local, lovable orphan, but that turned out not to be the case. The banter and tension from the beginning quickly morphed into this innocent, sweet crush turned sexual that sometimes bordered on a bit too cheesy for me.

But in the end. I enjoyed my reading experience. I liked Heath and Theo and even though they were often sickeningly sweet, I liked how they fit together. I enjoyed the way they brought out the best in the other and their romance was just what I needed to feel ooey, gooey, and oh so satisfied.

Narration Review:

This narration wasn’t bad. It was awkward at times and the accents were a bit off, but the overall product didn’t take away from the story.

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Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Revisado: 08-03-16

Story Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Narration Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Story Review:

I really enjoyed this sweet but steady romance. It was light and cute but had just enough slow burn to keep me pulled along until the end.

Chico was such a tragic character, yet he was real. He was full of anxiety and self doubt and really just needed someone in his life to show him that his ex was full of crap and that he was not broken or weak or fragile. Normally I hate whiny, overly self deprecating characters, but Chico never crossed that line into annoying for me. He was broken and constantly second guessing everything, but the author presented him in such a way as to garner my sympathy rather than my annoyance. And it was wonderful to see him slowly blossom as he gained his confidence back.

Rafael on the other hand was Chico’s perfect complement. He was strong and patient and understanding and exactly what Chico needed while he healed. Rafael never did the healing for Chico but helped him to see his best self. Together these men were sweet and perfect for one another.

Finally, I loved the ballet and how the author used the story of the Clockwork Dancer to bring out the evolving romance between the main characters. And I loved the ambiance the author so easily created with the stars and the tension and the emotion. It really emphasized the romance while not becoming tedious or distracting. Would I have loved more images of Rafael and Chico dancing, yes. But that was just me wanting that tension, no something lacking in the story.

I enjoy a sweet romance from time to time and Dancing Lessons by R. Cooper hit the spot when I needed it. I have now listened to this one three times and plan to come back for more

Narration Review:

This narration was…ok. Brian Schell’s voice was clear and his reading of the story flowed well, But I don’t think he was the right fit for this novel. He did not do any voices or really perform and often his take on the emotions did not fit the story. In the end, I enjoyed this one but it was more because of the story than the narration.

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Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Revisado: 08-03-16

Story Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Narration Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 4.25 of 5 Stars

Story Review:

This was a hard one for me to review because I am usually such a huge fan of Amy Lane light. But this one was just……meh. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Jace and Quent were good characters, both with flaws and both in need of growth, Jace way more than Quent. And their relationship was very satisfying in that both men were perfect for each other and the ending was all hearts and roses. But that was just it, things were just too perfect for me. I wanted more of their history before they knew every little thing about each other. I wanted more struggle instead of Quent just always giving Jace exactly what he wanted after the token “misunderstanding/miscommunication.” Things just happened and moved forward and were enjoyable, but other than Jace finding his perfect match to show him he is worthy of love, this story felt like there was no goal in mind. It was slow and full of sex and odd poker/life metaphors but the rest was not enough to make this one of what I would refer to as Amy Lane’s best works.

If you are a die hard Amy fan, you will love this one. The narration was wonderful. Even though this was not my favorite of her works, I enjoyed listening and will visit this one again.

Narration Review:

I love Gomez Pugh as a narrator for Amy Lane light. His voice is wonderful and his execution of this story was spot on. He really brought these characters, their story, and their emotions to life. He greatly enhanced my enjoyment of Gambling Men.

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Love it

Revisado: 07-17-16

I really loved this book when I read it in ebook format and I truly believe this narrator brought out the best in this story. His voice was wonderful and his reading emphasized all the emotions this story evoke the first time I read it. I was in tears more than once over These men always missing those opportunities to be together. Omg this story was just so well done I don't know how else to show my love for it. I will def. be listening to this one again and again.

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Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Revisado: 06-17-16

Story Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Narration Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

Story Review:

Round and Round continued the trend of this series. This was another cute but fast romance interspersed with a bit of mystery and characters who needed healing and growth. The author kept the story moving by keeping me wondering about the identity and motivation of the bad guy. It was this mystery and the bit of character growth that kept me interested because the romance was pretty much established right off the bat and was mostly solid throughout the entire story. I was glad Kevin found his “MacDreamy Hotness” and that he and Angus worked so well together, yet they were still not perfect.

I liked this series and this story was no exception. Andrew Grey is one of my go to authors when I want a satisfying read without too much emotional strain. I thought this story wrapped up the foursome nicely and I really hope officer grumpy gets his own story because he intrigued me and I want to know more of his history.

Narration Review:

Overall, I thought this narration was very good. It hit the high points of the emotions and the story. The narrator really brought the characters to life. I took of stars because the story specifically said the main character did not have an accent except in extreme cases and specifically called out the instances when the accent was audible. However, the narrator had the character with a thick accent from page one.

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Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Revisado: 06-17-16

Story Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Narration Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars

Story Review:

Lane Hayes is one of my favorite authors when I want an utterly captivating love story. She is my go to when I am searching for two characters with depth and a connection that I can feel in my bones. A Kind of Truth upheld Ms. Hayes as a master storyteller and romance writer and I fell in love right along with Rand and William.

This was not the rock star story I was imagining. There was little debauchery and tons of fidelity and romance. William and Rand were captivating together and I loved seeing their true selves slowly revealed. I loved learning what made them where they were but even more, I loved seeing them learn each other. I enjoyed watching them turn from strangers, to friends, to more. Their story was not always easy, but it was perfect in that it fit their personalities and left me sure in their longevity. They were perfect for each other and I was swept up in their romance and totally satisfied with their ending. I hope to see more of these men in the upcoming books in this series.

Narration Review:

This was my first time listening to Seth Clayton as a narrator and I will be listening to him again. This narration started out a bit rough but Clayton quickly found his stride and really brought this story and these characters to life. I think his narration added to my enjoyment of this book and I hope he is the narrator for the rest of the series.

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Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Revisado: 05-20-16

Story Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Narration Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Story Review:

I liked this relatively cute romance. Thierry was naïve yet so likable and endearing. And Monroe for all his harsh words and actions was just as likable and actually became the character I wanted to know the most about.

The way these men initially got together was easy and adorable even if it was rushed. I got over the fact that this really was a first sex equals true love type story because it became more than that for me when I connected to both men. I mean I could totally see the ending coming a mile away, but I didn’t care because it fit well with the overall storyline and tone. It worked for me.

I was rather annoyed with the angst introduced towards the end. I didn’t like what Monroe or Thierry did because it pushed my personal pet peeve buttons. And for a while I was concerned things would not end how I wanted, but the author brought it all back to a happy place and left me feeling warm and fuzzy. Though still a bit annoyed at how short and rushed the epilogue was.

Even with the bit of annoyance, I liked this book and can’t wait for the next one. I want to know more about Corbin and his outlook on being a sex worker. His viewpoint is not the norm and I like that about him. I would also love to see more Monroe and Thierry and what their future is like.

Narration Review:

This was my first experience with Jean Samson as a narrator and I enjoyed my listening experience. He brought out the best in this story and the characters. Sometimes Corbin felt a bit too laid back but other than that the emotions were well displayed. I will gladly listen to him again.

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Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Revisado: 05-20-16

Story Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Narration Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

Story Review:

Wow, I have said this before and I will say this again, Ms. Lain continues to surprise me. Just when I think I have a handle on her writing style she throws me another character and storyline that seems to come out of the blue and rides that line of over the top and unbelievable, yet it still works and leaves me feeling fulfilled.

Raven and Dennis came from two very different backgrounds and yet they were both struggling with the same basic issue, pleasing their parents. However, the spin on this was totally different for both men. Raven had expectations to live up to in terms of honor and upholding Native American traditions. His family pressure was in the form of guilt in order to bring wealth and notoriety to the family and tribe. Raven was expected to ignore his own desires for the sake of others. It was not easy to see him suffer but at the same time, he had so many people in his corner. There was always a ray of hope lurking beneath his misery.

On the other hand, Dennis was caught in a very horrible situation. Pleasing his parents was on a whole different level than Raven. There was no hope in sight and I honestly didn’t know how poor Dennis survived. His parents were atrocious and just really horrible people. And other than a few people who could see his pain, Dennis had no one in his corner. This was not the storyline I ever anticipated for Dennis, but it was well done and kept me on the edge of my seat needing to know how things turned out.

These men were fascinating and while their individual stories were painful to listen to at times, their romance was relatively low angst and uplifting. It was a bit hard to believe, since I truly think Dennis was not in a place for love yet, but then again, maybe he needed that love to pull him out from under his evil parents. I liked that this story took me by surprise and how well integrated all parts of the story were. The Native American culture and history, the football, the filmmaking, and Dennis’s struggles all worked together to give me a very entertaining listening experience.

I loved the Native American History that was interspersed into this story. I loved learning about the “Two-Spirited” people and the dream ritual that Raven’s grandfather performed. I always love when a book can open my eyes to different cultures and teach me things I never knew I never knew. I also like that because of the Native American influence, the gay storyline was not the main one in this book. It was just accepted as a thing and while some folks didn’t agree, it was treated as the norm. If you were looking for some big athlete-coming -out-scandal type story, this one is not for you.

Tara Lain is one of those authors I turn to when I want a good story that I know will keep me off balance yet still give me everything I crave in a good romance. I return to her stories time and again because I know I will find comfort in the way things turn out. If you are not a fan of Tara Lain, you should be. She is one of my go to comfort read authors.

Narration Review:

John-Paul Barrel is just not my favorite because he has to narrate to right story for his style to really work well. His voice is fine but his narration just missed the mark for me this time. It was just an enthusiastic reading with few dialect changes and no emphasis on the emotion other than what was written into the story. While his narration did not distract from the story, it also did nothing to enhance it.

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