Nissa @ Of Pens and Pages

I love it!

Revisado: 05-17-18

STORY OVERVIEW AND REVIEW

Corporate lawyer Barrett Wilson is back in Indiana from Chicago to celebrate the retirement of his best friend Nick's dad, the closest thing Barrett has to a father figure. He's staying with them for the weekend, and it shouldn't be a big deal. The Saunders are like family to Barrett anyway. But Barrett isn't the only one back in town; so is Nick's little sister Ava, who is not so little anymore.

Ava is officially in Indiana again to take over her father's business, and it's a pleasant surprise to have her high school crush under the same roof as her, even for just a weekend. And a little run in at the shower could be the sign that she might just have her chance with him.

They have to weigh in the possible consequences of giving in to their desires and feelings they've both been carrying for the last few years—the lifelong friendship and relationship Barrett has with the Saunders family might turn to dust, both Ava and Barrett might get distracted from reaching their goals in their careers, and hearts might get broken.

If you enjoy the big brother's best friend trope, I have a feeling you'll enjoy Bro Code. There's tension coming from Ava and Barrett resisting the temptation to give in to their immense attraction, the thrill of possibly getting caught by Ava's family, and the slight forbidden aspect caused by the veritable bro code.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THE AUDIOBOOK?

It was my first audiobook with a duet narration (the male narrator speaks all male character lines, and the female narrator speaks all female character lines), and wow oh wow. I love it!

Narrators' performance and the narration style choice can make or break the audiobook experience, so I'm happy to say that the duet between Jacob Morgan and Ava Erickson killed it! I could feel the chemistry and spark between the characters even more, both thanks to the narrators' wonderful performance and the duet narration style. Ava Erickson and Jacob Morgan are both strong narrators. They brought Ava and Barrett to life, along with their dreams, feelings, and sizzling sexual tension.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS AUDIOBOOK TO A FRIEND? IF SO, WHY?

Definitely! This is a cute, fun, and enjoyable audiobook that is hot with a capital H. If you haven't tried duet audiobooks, you should try with this one. All I can say is it honestly changed my life. We need more duet audiobooks, preferably by this couple. I can't get enough!

Tropes: Forbidden Romance, Brother's Best Friend
POV: First Person, Dual POV
Narration: Duet Narration
Standalone: Yes

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Love it!!!

Revisado: 05-14-18

STORY OVERVIEW AND REVIEW

This is my first Aleatha Romig experience, and wow. You want a steamy, forbidden office romance with a fake relationship on the side? You'll get that with Plus One, plus many more. Great chemistry, dirty talk that would make you blush, and sweet and lighthearted moments that would make you swoon and laugh.

HR employee Kimberly Ann "Kimbra" Jones needs a date to her cousin's wedding and she might just get the perfect plus one in the form of her company's CEO, Duncan Willis. When she overhears her boss in a compromising situation that violates the non-fraternization rule at the office, she thinks that as crazy as it sounds, blackmailing him into going on a weekend trip to Indianapolis as her date would solve her dilemma.

Unbeknownst to Kimbra, Duncan sees the "blackmail" as an opportunity. A weekend where he pretends to be the loving boyfriend of this gorgeous and wonderful woman, sleeping in the same room and bed with her? It's no punishment at all.

Playing pretend is no issue, especially if they're far away from New York and real life, but when the wedding is over and they have to fly back, making it real might seem harder than faking it after all.

I enjoyed the story and loved the chemistry between Kimbra and Duncan. Plus, the Jones family made me laugh, especially Kimbra's mom and grandmother.

WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT THE AUDIOBOOK?

This is my first audiobook by the two narrators, so it took me a while to warm up to them. There's something about Ms. Prescott's voice, the way it quivers at times, that did not sit well with me. I have to say though, these two sure know how to narrate some steamy scenes. They're hot enough on their own, but wow did Ms. Prescott and Mr. Pallino make my ears and body heat up. The lust and longing between Kimbra and Duncan were tangible, and the chemistry even more. The pacing of the narration was perfect for the story, so there wasn't a time when I was listening to the audiobook that I got bored or felt like the book was dragging.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS AUDIOBOOK TO A FRIEND? WHY?

Yes. Initial uncertainties with the narrators wise, I still enjoyed listening to the audiobook. I love me some fake relationship books, and this one was hot as sin. If you're looking for a lighthearted, fun, and sexy audiobook, Plus One would be a great choice.

Tropes: Boss-Employee, Fake Relationship
POV: First Person, Dual POV
Standalone: Yes

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The narrator was perfect for the story!

Revisado: 04-19-18

WOULD YOU LISTEN TO THE FORTUNATE ONES AGAIN? WHY?

Definitely! This is my second R.S. Grey audiobook, and I have to say, this author got lucky with her narrators! I loved the story when I first read the book, and loved it even more when I listened to it. I don't know about you, but there's something so personal and intimate about listening to a person tell a story. The sexual tension was even stronger, and the characters' feelings jumped up to me. This is my first audiobook narrated by Ms. Pressley, and kudos to her for an amazing performance.

WHAT ABOUT BRITTANY PRESSLEY'S PERFORMANCE DID YOU LIKE?

Brittany Pressley was brilliant in bringing Brooke Davenport and the characters in this book to life. Her voice was pleasant to listen to, full of emotion and life, and I enjoyed her pace just right. I'm not fluent in French, but I thought she did a wonderful job of speaking it. She was also wonderful in portraying different characters, and sometimes I'd forget only one person is narrating it. I particularly love her portrayal of Luciana and Olive, the kids of Brooke's AU pair host.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS AUDIOBOOK TO A FRIEND? WHY?

Yes. This audiobook had a wonderful narrator, and it made listening to this story even more enjoyable. If you enjoy R.S. Grey's signature humor and wit, you'll enjoy listening to The Fortunate Ones.

Tropes: Age Gap, Billionaire
POV: First Person, Female POV
Standalone: Yes

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Quick and Fun Romance

Revisado: 03-25-18

STORY OVERVIEW AND REVIEW

Jenna and Emmett meet inside an elevator on her way to the sperm bank. They get stuck inside, and instead of getting to know each other or maybe make small talk, they end up discussing Jenna's plans of putting a bun in her oven, and Emmett helping her put said bun.

Jenna would have outright said no, but Emmett can be pretty convincing when he wants something. It also helps that he's incredibly good-looking. He also sounds smart. Surely his genes would be a great addition for her baby. And his proposed way of getting her knocked up is a great enticement, too. He doesn't want a family but wants the way of making one, so it's a win-win for them.

They agree on the terms and off they go to babytown. Emmett is nothing if not determined. He'll do his best to get her knocked up, and he'll do his best to make sure she enjoys the process, too.

But like most baby-making romances, things aren't as easy as they first planned it. When feelings are involved and people are attached, letting go and moving on is becoming the least favorable choice.

I admire Jenna's independence and her stand on motherhood. Having a mother who raised her on her own showed her she can be a good mother without a man, and she's confident she can do it. She goes after what she wants, and it's not just about the baby. She's passionate about her business and worked hard to achieve her dream.

Emmett is the typical rich playboy, but there's something so charming and endearing about the man that I can't help but love him. I love that this all started out as lust for this perpetual bachelor, but then he started falling for Jenna and loving the idea of starting a family with her.

I have to admit there were times Jenna frustrated me. Emmett was ready to go all in, but she refused to see it.

Overall, I still enjoyed it. The banter was great, the sexual tension wonderfully written, and the pace just right.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THE AUDIOBOOK?

First of all, Sebastian York. Need I say more? This man could read a shopping receipt and I'd still enjoy it. He emulated Emmett's personality perfectly; there was the playboy attitude, that slight cockiness, and the confidence that's very Emmett. He also has great comedic timing.

Same goes for Virginia Rose. This is the first audiobook of hers I've heard, and I really like her. I'm pretty choosy with female audiobooks, but Ms. Rose sounds great. Lively and full of personality like Jenna. There's nothing robotic about her voice, and I can hear the characters' feelings in her narration.

The pacing of the narration was great, and there wasn't a time that I got bored. I loved listening to both narrators, so kudos to them!

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS AUDIOBOOK TO A FRIEND? IF SO, WHY?

The narrators made it an enjoyable listen, and their performance made the story even more entertaining. If you're looking for a quick and fun romance between two lovable characters, you'll enjoy Baby Daddy. Oh, and if you're a fan of the baby-making trope, obviously this one is for you.

Tropes: Baby, Sperm Donor
POV: First Person, Dual POV
Standalone: Yes

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My favorite Emma Chase book to date!

Revisado: 02-28-18

STORY OVERVIEW AND REVIEW:

Reading (or in this case, listening to) Getting Schooled by Emma Chase is like watching a person fit puzzle pieces perfectly together. There's a sense of fulfillment and content in listening to this story, one that warrants a sigh of pleasure. It's full of wonderful characters, humor, emotion, and depth. The voices of her characters spoke loud and true, and you will love them for it. I have always loved Emma Chase's words—it's smart, witty, and addictive. Getting Schooled has all of that in spades.

Garrett Daniels and Callaway Carpenter fell in love in high school, and thought they would be together forever. You'd look at them and know it's not puppy love. But distance and time apart put an end to their relationship, and they both move on with their lives—Callie in San Diego trying to make her way into the theater world, and Garrett back at home coaching his old school's football team to the top.

An incident Callie would rather not think about ever again makes her move back to her parents' house in New Jersey. She takes a temporary job at her old high school as the substitute teacher, and there she reunites with the love of her life. Garrett Daniels, golden boy and former star athlete of their school, is now the football coach of the team. They finally get their second chance more than a decade later at the very same place where it all began.

I knew from the moment Garrett and Callie talked to each other again that they were meant to be. Without a doubt. Everything about their relationship felt real to me. It was so heartwarming to see them feel and act so at ease with each other even after being apart for so long. They are each other's person. Whether they're laughing, making love, or breaking apart, it brought a tug to my heart that rarely happens when I read books. And I read a lot. I loved this couple that much.

While Garrett and Callie's reunion was central to the story, I love that Getting Schooled also highlighted what it's like to be a teacher. It was interesting to see their train of thought, the efforts they did to reach their students, their frustrations and hurt, and the joy of seeing their students grow and learn. It added so much to the story without stealing the spotlight from the romance.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THE AUDIOBOOK?

Aside from the story, the narrators were fantastic! I'm a huge fan of Andi Arndt, so it's not really surprising that she did a wonderful job here. I've only listened to Zachary Webb a few times, but it still blows my mind how amazing of a narrator he is. He's amazing in acting out not just Garrett, but every single person in this book. I've never been so entertained by a narrator as much as Zachary Webber.

These two wonderful narrators brought to life a story that is already strong on its own.

This is definitely one of the most enjoyable audiobooks I've listened to. The emotions and imagery were so vivid that I felt like I was in their world. I saw the football games, sat with the students in class, watched front row as Garrett and Callie got their second chance. I laughed out loud, smiled like a complete idiot, and cried. By the end of it, I felt so full. I was ready to burst with love and emotion.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS AUDIOBOOK TO A FRIEND? IF SO, WHY?

Absolutely! Romance fans will enjoy this wonderfully written second chance story. It has everything I could possibly want in an audiobook, and I'm sure audiophiles and audiobook virgins alike would agree.

Tropes: Second Chance, Small Town
POV: First Person, Dual POV
Standalone: Yes

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Lauren Blakely's most romantic novel yet!

Revisado: 02-06-18

STORY OVERVIEW AND REVIEW:

Wanderlust, a perfect title for a story that will give you a major case of wanderlust, is definitely Lauren Blakely's sweetest novel yet. It's set in one of the most romantic cities on earth, with two strong and charming characters you'll root for from the start.

While one moves to the City of Light to start anew, the other is ready to bid adieu and move on to the next adventure. Joy and Griffin meet in Paris shortly after Joy moves to the country for work. They start their acquaintance with flirty banter and guesses of names, the chemistry between them strong and palpable. They meet again when Joy's company hires Griffin to be her translator.

Now that they're technically workmates, they have to turn down the sparks to stay professional. But when Joy asks Griffin to teach her French and help her experience all the pleasure France has to offer, it's inevitable their restraint snaps.

As they fall more and more for each other, they have to accept the fact that their love affair has a time limit. Once Griffin's contract ends, he's packing his bags to check off the final items on the bucket list his brother made for him before he passed away.

I loved the pacing of this story, the build-up from strangers who have that spark, to friends, then to lovers. I became even more invested this couple because I personally saw that they were falling even more in love. Two words to describe the sexual tension—delayed gratification.

It was sweet, sexy, and oh so romantic. But most of all, it's a story about rediscovering oneself and realizing that the only way to move on and forward is to let go.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THE AUDIOBOOK?

I loved everything. Absolutely everything. I have to be honest that when I first heard Richard Armitage speaking, I had to rewind a few times because I was too distracted by that man's sexy voice. I mean, it's Richard Armitage.

He was fantastic in this audiobook! Not only was he a wonderful Griffin, he made a pretty great Joy, too. His shift from English to American to French accent did things to my heart. His accents for the different characters—Griffin especially when he's speaking in French—were fantastic, all with just enough emotion to shoot straight to my heart.

This is my second audiobook narrated by Grace Grant, and I enjoyed this just as much. Her portrayal made Joy's confidence, the awe she felt for her new surroundings, her feelings for Griffin, so vivid, so tangible.

The collaborative efforts of the two narrators brought a kaleidoscope of butterflies in my stomach. I was transported to Paris, to their romance and happily ever after. I tasted the food, smelled the scents, saw the sights. I laughed, swooned, teared up, and felt hopeful.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS AUDIOBOOK TO A FRIEND? IF SO, WHY?

Romance lovers will definitely enjoy Wanderlust. Aside from the vivid imagery of everything Paris has to offer, the characters had great chemistry, story arcs, and growths. It was hopeful, sweet, and incredibly dreamy. And did I mention Richard Armitage is one of the narrators? No?

I just have to say, Ms. Blakely knows how to end a book. Whenever I finish her stories, she never fails to leave me in a happy daze and with a full heart. Wanderlust is not an exception.

Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Love Abroad—Paris
POV: First Person, Dual POV
Standalone: Yes

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What a treat!

Revisado: 02-05-18

STORY OVERVIEW AND REVIEW:

The Darcy Monologues is a collection of short stories told by a group of amazing JAFF authors, all starring our beloved Mr. Darcy. There was a fantastic selection of stories, the book divided into two eras—Regency and Other. I've mentioned this in my more in-depth review of the book, "each author perfectly highlighted the Mr. Darcy every romance fan grew to love—a gentleman, a dedicated brother, a good friend and a devoted lover. A good and honest man."

I enjoyed reading this book but enjoyed it even more when I finally listened to it.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THE AUDIOBOOK?

Reading The Darcy Monologues was heartwarming, but listening to it was a whole new experience. It felt more intimate, more tangible, if that makes sense. Like a real person was telling me a real story of his life. Harry Frost was a fantastic Darcy, and he was equally fantastic in portraying different characters, particularly Mr. Collins. The change in accents from Regency era to other era stories set in the USA was surprising but not unwanted. I don't know which I prefer, to be honest. And I don't know if it was just me, but his American accent sounded a lot like Henry Cavill's. I can only tell you I giggled so much when I heard it.

While Harry Frost did a wonderful job narrating all of the novellas in this anthology, the novella I enjoyed listening to the most was From the Ashes by J. Marie Croft. It was so amusing to hear a slightly intoxicated Mr. Darcy write a draft of his letter to Elizabeth the night after the Hunsford proposal. A close second was You Don't Know Me by Beau North because like I've mentioned about, the accent reminded me of Mr. Cavill's American accent. Hehe. Obviously, I'm a fan.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS AUDIOBOOK TO A FRIEND? IF SO, WHY?

I think lovers of Mr. Darcy will enjoy this audiobook as much as I did. Since he's fictional, this is the closest I can get to have him whispering in my ear sweet nothings and thoughts I imagined Mr. Darcy would say. It's a treat.

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A wonderful slow-burn romance!

Revisado: 01-30-18

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THE AUDIOBOOK?

It made me see—rather, hear—the book in a new perspective. As you can see, I gave Dear Aaron a higher story review here than in the previous review I gave for the book. Listening to the audiobook made me appreciate things I didn’t when I first read the book a few months ago. I loved listening to Ruby and Aaron’s online conversations, but I loved it even more when they finally met. Cuddly Aaron. Affectionate Aaron. Attentive Aaron. I’m so happy!

It made me feel giddy and happy listening to them chat back and forth with their Teddy Hamilton was the perfect Aaron with his subtle twang and his warm and friendly voice. I could hear the affection and feelings through their exchanges. And Callie was fantastic as always. I could hear the fear, uncertainty, joy, and love in her voice.

Most importantly, this audiobook made me appreciate and empathize with Ruby even more. I’ve always loved that girl, and now I love her even more.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE OF LISTENING TO DEAR AARON?

It’s new and something I absolutely enjoyed. The rest of Mariana Zapata’s audiobooks were purely told in a female POV and all by Callie Dalton, so to have a new voice in the mix is a welcome addition. And it helps that it’s Teddy Hamilton.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS AUDIOBOOK TO A FRIEND? IF SO, WHY?

Yes! I spent my twelve hours wisely with this one. With MZ’s signature slow burn, cute banter, and realistic characters, it’s a treat. Plus, Teddy Hamilton and Callie Dalton had great chemistry as Aaron and Ruby, and I loved listening to them.

Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Military Hero, Pen Pals
POV: Epistolary—Dual, First POV; First, Female POV
Standalone: Yes

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Swoon-worthy!

Revisado: 01-30-18

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet and swoon-worthy story. Also, I think people who want to try audiobooks might enjoy listening to this since it's short but still so good—the story and narrators, especially!

Any additional comments?

As some of you might know, I'm fairly new to the audiobook game. This is my first audiobook narrated by Zachary Webber, and wow. I get it. I get it. At first, I was disappointed because he didn't have an accent, but there were subtle hints to it that just, ugh, he sounds so good, okay? I mean, even if the guy didn't have an accent for Gabriel, I'm still pretty happy because his voice can make anyone swoon.

As always, Andi did a wonderful job! She channeled Penny's sexy and confident aura perfectly and also had a great accent and voice for Gabriel.

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