Viviana Enchantress of Books

OMG YUMMY and SO FREAKING GOOD!

Revisado: 05-07-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Okay I love me a good novella especially when you get an entire full story! Single mother discovering & accepting her wants and desires. Finding her heart's desire in a younger man! While this age gap (older F/younger M) is presented as an obstacle it is quickly dismissed due honest and open dialogue! Its one of the many things I LOVED about this story! Both the hero's and heroine's honest conversation about their wants & desires! The character development is also superb! Olivia with the help of Theo acknowledges that her physical wants are ‘normal’ & should be explored. Theo understand her needs & isn’t shy to express not only his physical wants of her but also his emotional wants!

Overall Thoughts: OMG OMG OMG This is so FREAKING GOOD!! All of it! The storyline, the characters, the plot, the banter/conversations, the secondary characters & yeeeessss the smexy times too!! OH & speaking of the smexy times.... they truly are meant to move the plot/story line further & are not FILLERS! They are HOT & oh so YUMMY AND progress the story!!

Narrator’s Performance:
Jaclyn Kelso is cast perfectly as the heroine! You heard the emotions via her voice & tones. Its a brilliant performance!
Adam Gold... Adam.... Adam.... Again, perfect casting! His performance knocked it out of the park! He is truly gifted in making you believe the character is real & sharing his story! That you are right there feeling what the character is feeling & emotionally going through. Jaclyn & Adam are MAGIC together! Their chemistry is showcased in their performance which was OUTSTANDING!

Production: Audio Alchemy did a fabulous job with this duet narration! From the pace (it was like watching a stage performance) to the subtle sound effects that just heightened the final product!

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The Long Awaited HEA for Fave Character Is HERE!!

Revisado: 11-11-22

To say that I've been waiting for Donovan St. James’ story from the moment he popped up on the page is an understatement! Darynda surely knows how to keep her readers on pins and needles. And boy does she not disappoint with THE GRAVESIDE BAR AND GRILL! Did I squeee when it was first shared that he was finally getting his HEA yes! Did i squeee when it became available to listen to? Heck yes!

It was awesome to return to the world of Charley Davidson and all her uhm Lovely and unique friends. And in true Charlie Davidson style, you're in love with everything from the moment you hit play!!

The characters that you love are here and deliver a phenomenal story filled with action, mystery, love and the funny moments we wait for! We also get some twists and turns we did not expect and to not include spoilers I'll leave it at there was a moment where I stopped listening and said "Darynda you BETTER NOT HAVE done what I think you just tried to do"! Thankfully it was all good.

Lorelei King is a fantastic narrator and she brings life to the characters in this series! Needing to remind myself that Reyes isn't real and that Lorelei is the voice behind that Sexy Devil... I mean God.... is a testament to her not only her range but also her talent!

This is a perfect short listen and one that is great for a re-listen!

Highly Recommend it!!

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Perfection!

Revisado: 06-30-22

LOVED IT!! From the opening lines, I fell in love!
That bantering that comes naturally between siblings was showcased with such truth that you could see the sister think "score 1 for Nora". LOL. The relationships between all of the characters and how they interact with each other is fantastic and assists in making this an excellent read and listen. Each of the characters have their own unique personality that will draw you into the world Monica has created. You'll find something to love in each of the characters, except those that you don't like (villains) and you'll find more than enough reasons to not like them.


This world is beautifully crafted and 100% believable. One of Monica's gifts with her writing is being able to provide the reader with the images without being bombarded with details nor causing you to want to skim sections. This is important because it can cause the reader lose interest. Again, Monica rocks at providing the imagery without the wordiness.

This is a time-traveling book. Some may shake their heads and say "uhm, no thanks" in fear of "getting lost" or "losing track of which time era/place I'm in". This SO isn't the case with "Forever Mine". You won't get lost nor get tired of the switching between present and the past. The switching between the two time eras is expertly done and flows like a beautifully choreographed waltz - smooth transitions and with ease!

I mentioned characters before, and now let's chat about Nick and Victoria. WOW! I loved both Nick and Nicholas. You just can't help it. Meet them and you fall! Sigh! The connection between Nick and Victoria is instant and while some may have difficulties believing in the "love at first sight", here is another example of how Monica throws in a twist and then explains everything causing the reader to go "Oh... that's why she.... and then the ... OH YES!"! Nicholas, while a major alpha male, still has a sensitivity that I haven't read in other heroes in a historical setting. You learn all the wicked things he's been put through and immediately feel and say "oh hell no Nicholas! You deserve so much better! Let me show....." Poor guy has not been dealt a fair hand. Enter Victoria to rock and shake what he knows and he must now learn to trust someone that every fiber in his being is screaming he shouldn't. This trust and the emotional connection that is forged isn't instant (THANK YOU!!!!)! It evolves over time and by proving it is deserved.

Victoria is my kind of girl! We'd so be friends! Smart, sassy, sarcastic and will not put up with the BS! She calls them like she sees them! She is also sweet and funny. Yeah, we'd be friends! She doesn't need the man to save her but isn't afraid to be vulnerable.

The chemistry between Nicholas and Victoria is sizzling and steam but completely tasteful.

I could go on and on and on about how fantastic and wonderful "Forever Mine" is but we'd be here all day! Truly - one of the best books I've ever read and now listened to.

The narrators were outstanding! Each bringing forth the passion and overall emotion of each of the characters. They were perfectly cast for this audiobook!!

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Perfection - from the art to the story!

Revisado: 03-02-22

Marcio has combined the various format of story telling (e.g. comics, mythology, audio, etc.) and crafted a beautiful world that gives us a glimpse into the past of King. Set in the past from the "Boy From Atlantis" the reader is provided with a short story that had monumental consequences and results of what one may have to do as King.

Visually, the art work by Eddie Smith is part of the magic that is this story! Conveying an "other worldly" feel yet evoking emotions as you read along.

The same can be said for the audiobook production and the performance! This reminds me of the old time radio plays and shows from the 50s'. It's like watching a movie between the visuals and audio.

I highly recommend this pre-qual to Boy From Atlantis and all it's future installments.

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A Classic Wonderfully Performed!!

Revisado: 10-11-21

I am very glad I listened to a dear friend who suggested I listen to A LOST LADY narrated by Stephen Dexter. I was told the story was beautifully written. Indeed it was and I will add that the narration was wonderfully splendid as well.

This was a well written story told through the eyes of Niel Herbert, a young boy who lived in the same small town a Mrs. Forrester. We get to see the different stage of "admiration" Niel has for Mr. Forrester, from the time he is a young boy to a young man. This story is a lesson about how there is more than meets the eye when it comes to not only relationships but also what we are lead to believe are the important thing in life. A traditional theme during this time period is the upper class having to struggle and acclimate to their new monetary standards and the struggles they face to get accustom to it.

Stephen Dexter does a great job performing the story with a wonderful southern accent and individual voices/tones for each character. It sort of felt like he was sitting in the room with you reading the story while you went on about your day. The pace was perfect and you felt relaxed and at ease.

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Brilliant Story Performed Phenomenally

Revisado: 12-17-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Kayley Loring does it again! The story was entertaining and all the characters were wonderful! This is the perfect story to get you into the holiday spirit but could also very well be listened to year round!! Both Maddie (Heroine) and Declan (Hero) were great characters that you would end up wanting to be friends with. And OMG their families... Adopt me please!! Every single character was awesome and brought something to the story!!

Mackenzie is one of my all time favorite narrators and continues to shine! Her ability to bring the characters to life and provide them each with their own tone and voice is truly magical!! Connor knocked it out of the freaking park! His ability to shift between narrative, dialogue and characters is flawless. Both are consistent throughout the entire duration of the audiobook. Can we talk about accents, please... OMG totally on point! Connor's Irish accent is utterly swoon worthy! Mackenzie continues to be the reigning queen!!

Kayley is an auto buy author for me and so are both narrators! I know that I'm always going to get a solid, fantastic story from the author and performance from the narrators!!! This is definitely a 'one-click' worthy listen!!

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Great novellas perfectly performed by the narrator

Revisado: 07-07-20

Lauren does it again! She totally knows what the listeners want and she delivers every time! In this bundle we get not only fantastic stories but more JOE ARDEN! Squeee! Its truly an awesome mix of narrators that are all extremely talented!

While these stories are about characters mentioned in previous full length novels, they are truly standalone! You will not be missing out on anything if you only listen to this bundle. Though, I will say, you'll probably want to listen to the other books either way as they are just THAT GOOD!!

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Good Start to a new series series!!

Revisado: 03-04-20

I really liked it, enjoyed the characters and can't wait to start the second book. With that said, the previous statement didn't occur until I was about half way through the book. Here's why...

As with any new series, especially one as epic as this one is (e.g. lots of characters, sub-plots, different POV, etc.). the first part of the book/story is dedicated to world building! I am totally okay with that! Kristen is known for giving the audience an in depth look into the world she has created. There is a LOT of details and descriptions meant to immerse you into the story and that world. We are introduced to the vast cast of characters and where they fit into the game that is the story.

So why did I only begin to truly enjoy the story about half way through the book you ask?

Well, I did mention the vast number of characters and did you see the number of narrators included in this book? Each main character is voiced by a different narrator within that character's POV chapters. This isn't done in a duet style but rather similar to dual where the narrator performs all of the characters within the character's POV. This made it difficult to discern who was who especially since we don't know who everyone is yet. Some narrators have a very distinct voice/tone that I was totally able to say "Oh that's Lance" or "Hi Stella" but the other narrators are all new to me. I believe that it would have totally helped if Audible had included the list of the cast and who they were voicing. THAT would have helped immensely and would have ensured that the listeners were provided with a guide to help them navigate this brand new world. As I knew this was a common complaint/issue (included in reviews and SM posts) I reached out to Kristen and her assistant and they provided me with the list, which is included below.

Additionally, as we're being introduced to the characters, we, the listeners, are 'popped' into a scene and then transported into another in the next chapter. New introductions. Then another one, and so on and we're trying to follow along with the different narrators and trying to put the pieces together to figure out where they all meet up/relate to one another on the board. With this said, once I learned the narrators and began to pick up on the different accents (more on this later) it became much easier to follow along.

After I finished listening, I searched to see if there was any information out there that would help me keep track of people & things. Turns out that Kristen has written a glossary for this series! Woohooo! Once I reviewed it, I got a better understanding of some of the world she has created. Click here to be taken to the glossary on Kristen's website! This list also include the characters and where they fall within the world (e.g. which Lieutenants are who's). NOTE: keep in mind this glossary is for the ENTIRE series, so there will be some terms you will learn/come across as you continue with the series.

The story begins to pick up the pace once we get to the mid-point which is when I don't want to put the book down. I knew that The Rising Series is four books, serialized, so I waited to listen to book 1 until book 2 was releases. The rest of the books released close to one another so that didn't cause any concerns. I truly don't understand why some listeners were upset that:

1. There wasn't a true ending. From day 1 that Kristen announced this series, she said it was a spin off of The Fantasyland Series which follows a similar if not the same recipe! She also shared that the story would be told throughout the four books. So.... this is basically one LARGE/LONG that is divided into four books, hence 'serialized'.

2. Lack of romance/no HEA in the end. See #1. This book is the beginning of story... we're being introduced to the world, the characters, and what the 'cause' is and of course the characters themselves are learning what's going on as the listener does. There is chemistry for some. Connections for others... so again, its the beginning. I know I would NOT have been pleased if it was an "insta" love for any of the couples. It wouldn't fit with their personalities.

3. The opening scene... many have said this book should have come with a trigger warning because of the opening scene (not including spoilers but reviews have mentioned why). Again, if you've read Kristen's books before or just her Fantastyland series (aka the second book specifically) such a scene shouldn't be a surprise. NOT because she has them all the time (human sacrifice wouldn't fit well in a contemporary romance, ya know.) but because she doesn't gloss over the ugly. She
doesn't hide behind the hurt.

I also want to address that this is a Kristen Ashley book... the heroines are strong and smart. The heroes are complete alphas. YES there is sex! YES there is 'colorful' language! Yes things are going to be described at length to give you details (you may skip through some of that when you're reading, but its not easily done when its in audio, just saying). Lastly, YES there is a reason why things are on the page vs. fade to black or skimmed across. Trust Kristen as the author. If you have not read her books (or any other author) before, do a little bit of research to see if this will be your "cuppa tea". Check out the reviews before getting it. Just because you didn't like some aspect of the story (e.g. m/m scenes, language, too much sex, not enough sex, etc.) doesn't make it a bad book/story. Its just not one you enjoyed.

Something I think is also an important factor... If you're not a fan of audiobooks or you have never listened to an audiobook before, I do NOT recommend you listen to or have your first be this series. The print version is schedule to release this summer so while I'm sure you hate waiting, it will be better for you if you do.


The Narrators Review:
They all did a fantastic job! There is A LOT of information and details involved in this series with the characters. Kristen has made this world extremely diverse (woohoo LOVE THAT) from culture, to rituals to language and of course customs. Each narrator was consistent throughout the entire book all the while providing each character their own unique voice/tones.

They totally rocked their performance! So much so, that I've begun to look into other titles they have narrated. I will also be adding them to my list of recommended narrators not only to listeners but also authors when asking about casting!

All the narrators truly brought the characters to life!!


Overall, Kristen has again created a world filled with magic, sensuality, action and adventure. Her characters continue to develop as the story moves along and the listeners is brought along with them on the journey. I'm extremely curious to see how each couple handles their relationships and how they will all work together to end the Rising.

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Had high hopes

Revisado: 12-29-19 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Oh it breaks my heart to give this such a low review as I LOVE the authors. The story itself was good, however, the narrators were not right for these characters and story. This was a DNF, and i tried! I truly, truly tried. Atlas, I could not.

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Leaves you wanting more!

Revisado: 11-07-19

Dannika does it again! She brings the readers along the journey of the characters and leaves them wanting more!

SPELLBOUND begins where we left off in the previous book MOONSTRUCK. Nikko is a sort of sleep like state and Gem continues to search for a way to awaken him.

As we’ve come to expect from Dannika’s books, the banter between characters is fantastic and the moments of humor that is weaved throughout the story not only makes the reader smile but makes you fall in love even more with the characters and the stories!

Narrator Nicole Poole continues to knock it out of the park with her stellar performance!! She is truly one gifted and talented narrator!

Overall, fans of the series will enjoy getting to know better two of their favorite characters, who up til now have been rather mysterious. Now we must patiently wait for the release of the next book!

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