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Moving, beautiful, and fascinating … ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Revisado: 02-13-25 El oyente recibió este título gratis

There’s so much to love about this audiobook. First and foremost, this is a story about character growth. That is closely followed by a strong focus on relationship development. I thoroughly enjoyed both aspects.

Nicky James has a remarkable ability to perfectly immerse a reader into worlds they might not otherwise know much about. In this case, she brought us into the domain of classical musicians and let us see how their love of music colors most everything in their lives. I was fascinated by the passion and the music-based language used by both Niles, the dedicated music teacher who never feels good enough, and Augustus, the famous maestro and single dad committed to his craft and troubled daughter Constance.

From the minute Niles and Augustus meet, their strong personalities and emotions are exposed… prepping the stage for the uphill battle of their relationship. Throw in the unique challenges Constance adds with her self imposed mutism and virtuoso talent, and you get a compelling, soul-stirring story from start to finish.

Nick J Russo’s ability to make me “feel” Augustus and Niles, through distinctive voices (especially the swoony accent for Augustus) and excellent voice acting, was a wonderful experience. His narration enhanced an already engaging story by adding rich depth to the emotional development of both MCs. I loved getting to know these men in this way.

Symphony of Salvation is another Nicky James winner in storytelling. Expect some heartache, issues brought on by fears and insecurities, heartwarming love, and a triumphant HEA. Nick J Russo adds a wonderful way to experience it all. My recommendation: gift yourself this book.

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💕 Beautiful & emotional 5 star second chance ⭐️

Revisado: 03-29-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Promises of Forever exemplifies Nicky James’ true mastery at tackling mental health issues in her characters. Her ability to tell a beautiful story of friendship, acceptance, patience and love is also shown in this wonderful book.

This is the story of Koa, an unusual, very troubled loner that most people don’t understand, and Jersey, the one man determined to try… again. Through flashbacks we learn how, as kids, their near secret friendship began but fell apart. Three decades later Jersey returns, with troubles of his own, hoping to reconnect with the friend he lost.

Koa’s story both touched and intrigued me. Trying to unravel the mystery behind his unusual personality added an extra layer of interest to this moving second chance, hurt / comfort story. My heart ached for the pain both he and Jersey endured, individually and within their relationship. But as this is a Nicky James book, I was confident that all the angst and pain would be lovingly resolved and healed. I was not disappointed when I reached the well deserved, beautiful HEA.

Listening to this dual POV performance had me fully immersed in Koa’s world and Jersey’s desire to help him. Nick J Russo’s narration gave clear distinctions between characters, with convincing emotions, occasional touches of humor, and passionate steam. I never fail to be impressed by his ability to enact a story without ever seeming as if he’s reading.

It was a joy to listen to Russo narrate, and a joy to experience the depth and wonder of this treasure by James. I eagerly await the next book that brings both together again!

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Excitement, love, & found family! A fabulous ride!

Revisado: 12-15-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Nicky James has once again transported me to a world I never knew I wanted to read about. Having Killian in effect teach us about this world, as he taught Leo, was engaging and I just kept wanting more.

Killian and Leo’s journey to love was based on an immediate but believable connection, despite their major differences and the fact that Leo was literally running from his life. But what a *new* life he found! Killian opens up an alternative way to live for Leo, and it was so heartwarming to hear them discover love as they traveled together.

This compelling story, and the amazingly researched world building, had me riveted from the very first chapter. I instantly fell for both men and loved the found family that supported them. It’s always a joy to read or listen to a book when the characters draw you in as these do. The exciting, suspenseful action, wonderful character growth, and fascinating rail riding realm also kept me glued to my speakers.

As is always the case, Nick J Russo delivered a brilliant performance. He more than made this cast come to life. He made them all the more memorable. Both he and Nicky James have left me eager to continue exploring this adventurous lifestyle. I can’t wait for the next book.

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⭐️ Riveting, passionate, unforgettable brilliance ⭐️

Revisado: 11-07-23

This story shook me to my core. The engaging writing style and riveting plot had me listening to the entire 12 hour audiobook in one day.
It’s been a while since I’ve been this immersed in a love story, fully rocked and gutted by the limitless depth of that love.

Kismet is the intense, unpredictable “second chance” story of Stone, a married English professor, and Cash, his student aide. They are 32 and 22 years old respectively when they first get together, despite knowing that their relationship is forbidden in more ways than one. When they are at their happiest however, something happens and Stone devastates Cash. At this point the story takes a heartbreaking turn which eventually leads us to a five year jump forward.

Stone and Cash’s emotional fight back to each other is nothing short of painful and difficult. But, these men belong to each other. Their souls were created for each other… as were their bodies! The steam in this book is delicious, plentiful, detailed and passionate. Rather than being gratuitous, the spice was there to highlight how Stone and Cash craved each other’s touch… and love.

New to me narrators Oliver Highpoint and Silas Hart delivered emotionally rich, swoon-worthy performances that made me *feel* these characters through every angsty chapter. They had me aching for our MCs to be back together… and when it finally happened, my heart sang!

If you have been hoarding a credit, or struggling to pick your next listen, please, please gift yourself this book!

Notes:
- 1st person, dual POV
- Though this is a standalone, there are cameos by the couples from the Deepest Desires series.
- One MC is married so there is cheating on the wife, no cheating between MCs

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Immediately fascinating, unique, eerie… brilliant!

Revisado: 09-15-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Just when I think Nicky James can’t surprise me with a different subject, she does it again! In this book she leads us into a fascinating, albeit chilling world, brought to life through masterful, descriptive writing.

Bowie joined Oasis to get away from his old life and start a better, new one. What he found unfortunately was much worse, and this time there was no leaving… alive. Not unless he escaped. But after a year of planning his dangerous getaway, Bowie has to reconsider everything when eye-catching Foster joins the commune. Foster makes Bowie feel he has an ally, and maybe more. Can Bowie break out now and leave him behind? Can he tell Foster the truth? Because Oasis is not just a community devoted to loving Mother Earth, and the members all have you wondering who you can trust.

An intelligent suspense-filled plot, with unexpected twists and well developed characters, is always a joy to read or hear. Everything I Didn’t Know is all that and more. Bowie and Foster’s slow burn story had me eager to go into each new chapter and find out how escaping the scary hell they found in Oasis could be possible. Their story made me care about and root for them, and I loved being that invested.

Nick J. Russo’s narration made this story breathe and live with an extra layer of brilliance. He brought distinct voices for each character. I felt the positively creepy, controlling nature of Father Wilder, the gentle almost innocent spirit of Bowie, and the rebellious, headstrong nature of Foster. Even side characters had strong presence with Russo’s convincing and top-notch narrating.

Everything I Didn't Know is a memorable experience. Nicky James has blown me away again with a unique storyline, and Nick J. Russo delivered a truly compelling performance. Bottom line : this audiobook should not be missed!

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Freedom is only step one! This story is brilliant!

Revisado: 07-13-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

After having first listened to Inside, the necessary prequel, I’ve been dying to find out how Bishop and Anson have been doing. I went into Outside (book two, the conclusion) knowing that, as is her way, Nicky James would not make their journey a smooth one.

Yes prison life had been hard, but at least Bishop understood the rules… how everything worked. Told from his point of view, this half of the story is full of painful challenges. Now he’s having to navigate an unfamiliar, often cruel world while balancing a new relationship and sexual awareness. And Anson’s new reality is no picnic either, even though he finally has his man.

There were often times when I wasn't sure how this journey of love could continue despite the men’s strengths, support systems, and their ability to communicate. The obstacles were many but, in true Nicky James fashion, this gut-wrenching, unforgettable emotional ride ends with a hard fought, stunning HEA. The audio brings all of that to life.

There is a reason that Nick J. Russo is one of my favorite narrators… He never fails to deliver a stellar, moving performance. In Outside (as in Inside) Russo made us deeply feel Bishop’s (and Anson’s) struggle with such clarity.

This two book series is a gift for the soul. I’m already looking forward to re-listening to the entire journey. Treat yourself too!

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A brilliant, emotional, powerful 5 star ride ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Revisado: 04-28-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I continue to be amazed by Nicky James’ ability to show us a completely new world with such rich detail that we become fully immersed in the new environment. In this case we are transported to a high security prison housing inmates on death row.

“Inside” is book 1 of a new series. It tells the story of Anson, a considerate, good-natured correctional officer and Bishop, a complex, endearing, incarcerated gentle giant who Anson encounters upon transferring to the Texas prison.

Told from Anson’s POV, this beautiful, often gut-wrenching story is nothing short of magical. I felt all the doubt, the compassion, the fear, the anguish, the injustice… and most importantly, the love.

Nick J. Russo delivers a masterful performance of both men, as well as various secondary characters. As always he gives each character a perfectly chosen and distinctive voice, further enhancing the amazing listening experience.

Though this story technically ends on a “happy for now” note, I am thrilled that it continues in Outside, the second book of the series. Now I just have to patiently wait for its audiobook release.
Many thanks to Nicky James for a brilliant story and Nick J. Russo for bringing it to life with such emotion and power.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars for the mystery & the love story! 💕

Revisado: 03-04-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Whenever I finish one of Nicky James' books, I think “how will she ever come up with something else that will surprise me with its originality”… and then I start a new one of her stories and I’m blown away yet again!

Radio Static is both a whodunnit and a love story, but it’s also much more. It gives readers the joys of different friendships, shows the fierce devotion of parental love, and pulls us along for a riveting ride with four richly developed characters, determined to solve an exciting and dangerous murder mystery. Soon you’ll realize that you are eagerly sleuthing along with them.

Usually presented with twenty-somethings as the main characters in most MM books, I really appreciated that the love interests in this story are older. Mercy and Nova, 45 and 43 years old respectively, are both dads of a strong-willed teenager. Though I’ve shied away from single dad romances in the past, Nicky James crafted such compelling, interesting teens, that I absolutely loved Mercy’s daughter Rae, and Nova’s son Cooper.

Each thinking he’s brought his teen to a lakeside cabin for a summer vacation, Mercy and Nova are caught off guard by a murder near their idyllic getaway homes. But then that murder leads them to a much bigger mystery as a scary voice comes crackling over the radio spouting possible evidence related to the crime. Fueled by their curiosity, the dads, and their teens, uncover clues. But, as the story progresses, the suspects keep piling up, making it near impossible to know who to trust. And just like the characters, when you think you’ve figured it all out, you’ll get more information that will make you question everything you thought you knew.

As expected, Nick J. Russo’s masterful narration made this listen a fabulous experience. His entertaining, distinctive voices, his ability to perform every nuanced emotion, coupled with Nicky James’ rich story details, fully transported me to every scene. I couldn’t help but be invested as the friendships and love relationships developed, the mystery deepened, and the four amateur detectives uncovered clue after clue. The more I listened, the more I loved every minute.

Overall, Radio Static is a winning mystery, a beautiful love story, and it’s brilliantly performed! I highly recommend you gift yourself this wonderful experience.

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A brilliant start to an exciting mystery series!

Revisado: 08-13-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Is there anything Nicky James can’t write? Every genre she explores yields gold and this new mystery series is proving the point.

Temporary Partner brings us into the story of Valor and Doyle’s tempestuous relationship as detectives forced to work together to solve the case of a missing baby. From the beginning we are met with fascinating main characters : Quaid Valor, an uptight, straight arrow, missing persons detective dealing with a persistent cheating ex… and Aslan Doyle, an incessant, arrogant flirt brought in from the homicide department to help when missing persons is short of staff.

The connection between Quaid and Aslan is laced with witty banter and off the charts sexual tension. Though there’s definitely an enemies to lovers tone throughout the book with these two, you can also sense the underlying respect and concern these men feel for each other. That dynamic makes their opposites attract story all the more fun to follow.

But wait, this book also involves a mystery, and that aspect is just as riveting. As usual Nicky James crafted a smart, well thought out tale that has us guessing who could have taken the baby. In Temporary Partner, she gives us a few suspects and ensures that we won’t trust anyone. I love a story that keeps me guessing every step of the way and then pulls out extra surprises. This one truly delivers. I was quickly captivated and loved the pacing. There was never a wasted word or a boring second.

For this audiobook Nick J Russo brings heated emotion to every character. He makes you feel the tension in the room, be it anguish, suspicion, or sexual chemistry. His French accents and well done female voices add a rich layer to his already masterful character differentiation. And finally, his top notch acting make this audio a fabulous listening experience. I loved getting to meet Valor and Doyle with Russo’s help.

While the case of the missing baby gets solved in this story, it is clear that we are only starting the journey with Aslan and Quaid. They have begun what is looking to be an exciting relationship (working and otherwise). I can’t wait to see what happens next with this fun new pair of detectives!!

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A fabulous final visit with brilliant characters 💖

Revisado: 07-29-22

If you are reading this then hopefully you’ve finished listening to, or reading, the six books that come before in the remarkable Trials of Fear series. If not, hold off on this audiobook and treat yourself to the previous books because this one is not a standalone.

In Heal with You, Nicky James gifts us with a look into the current lives of all the couples we’ve come to love in the series focusing on lesser known phobias. We also get caught up with the couples’ continued struggles and their successes.

This book has all the men come together for a conference on phobias. It was a delight to hear the characters offering support and interacting with each other, many for the first time. I loved being reminded of their individual stories and hearing more about their backstories. Naturally, Nicky James adds a bit of angst and excitement to the event, but leaves us and her characters whole when she’s done. Ultimately I thoroughly enjoyed finding out how much each man grew into their own, with milestones achieved and updated hopes and dreams. It was even more enjoyable to hear it all from their multiple points of view and in all of their voices.

Adam Gold narrating anything is always masterful. He was brilliant in each of the previous Trials books, but in Heal With You he has over a dozen voices and personalities to navigate. As expected, his delivery is thoughtful, emotional, and even humorous (can you say Krew!?)
I love the extra touch of expert sound effects. For example, Gold makes you believe every phone call, feel you’re hearing someone at a microphone, and more. These Adam Gold hallmarks make this audiobook more than just an emotional listen, but also a fun and immersive experience.

Overall this was a fabulous end to a memorable series. I will miss these amazing men. Thank you Nicky James for giving us happy futures for characters I cared deeply about. I loved this finale and highly recommend it to everyone who has experienced the magic of the Trials of Fear.

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