A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Heart Unheard (Hearts Entwined #2) by Andrew Grey and Greg Tremblay ((Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Scott has had a crush on his boss for years, but the older man doesn’t seem to return his flirting so he bites his tongue and enjoys their time together at work. Brent, in the meantime, feels the same way about Scott, but he’s the boss so he’d never act on his crush because it wouldn’t be appropriate. Plus, the age gap bothers him, so he keeps his attraction to himself. Until Scott is severely injured in an accident and Brent can no longer keep quiet. Realizing he almost lost the young man before they had a chance to explore possibilities, he makes sure Scott is aware of his interest.

But it may be too late because Scott has lost his hearing due to the head injury he suffered in the crash, and he doesn’t see himself the same way as he used to. He doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone, least of all Brent.

In this audiobook edition, Greg Tremblay brought the characters to life. Both men had distinctive voices and I liked the way Greg managed Scott’s voice—just the right volume and intonation to indicate someone who can’t hear himself speaking. He also gave a variety of voices to the secondary characters, including Scott’s (sometimes overbearing) mother. Thankfully, he didn’t give her a wicked-witch voice as many other narrators may have done.

Most of the story revolves around trying to determine who hit Scott, since the car hasn’t shown up at any of the auto repair shops. Of course, since Scott and Brent both work at a mechanic’s shop they can easily question their peers about the car, but it isn’t until an accidental sighting by someone picking up a part at another garage that the situation comes to a head.

There’s also back story on Scott’s ex-friends from his church group, all of whom have turned their back on him when one of them lied about Scott making a pass at him. And there’s quite a bit of interaction between Scott and James, the blind character from Heart Unseen, who helps Scott adjust to life with his new disability.

And, of course, this is Andrew Grey, who is such a sweetheart that it always shows through in his work, so readers know going into this that it will have life lessons, foolish choices by some characters, and finally, a HEA for two very deserving young men. I definitely recommend this one in audio format. It’s a great way to spend a day, a commute, or a relaxing weekend.

~~~~

Cover art by LC Chase depicts a young auto mechanic working on the underside of a car while another man looks on. While it does represent the characters from the story, it’s done in a sepia tone so is not very attention-getting and wouldn’t draw me to this book.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Book Details:

Audible Audio
Published March 8th 2018 by Dreamspinner Press LLC (first published November 17th 2017)
ASINB07B8TCLRY
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesHearts Entwined #2

A MelanieM Audiobook Review : I Heart Boston Terriers by Rick R. Reed and Tom Askin (Narrator)

Rating: 2 stars out of 5

Love at first sight can work for dogs as well as humans.

When Aaron finds Mavis, an emaciated and timid Boston terrier, at a pet adoption fair, his heart goes out to her—irrevocably.

When Christian, who is manning the adoption fair for the Humane Society that fateful autumn Saturday, finds Aaron, his heart goes out to him—irrevocably.

I Heart Boston Terriers is all about embracing love, whether it’s for someone who walks on four legs, or someone who walks on two. The Boston terrier Mavis’ journey back to wholeness and finding her forever home runs parallel to the story of two men discovering one another at just that perfect moment—a moment that defies logic, propriety, and common sense.

But then when do the dictates of love follow a rational course?

Come along for a journey about a man and his dog and see how that journey teaches him the truth about love and making a caring connection that just might last a lifetime.

I have listened to other of Rick R Reed’s contemporary romances that had dogs at the heart of the stories and loved them so I was particularly looking forward to I heart Boston Terriers. After all Reed’s own Lily is well known so I knew his affection for the breed and love for her would carry over into the story. Which it did.

In fact, for me, Mavis is the most endearing character here and the one I connected with the most. Everyone else I had an issue with, but Mavis? Nope, absolutely loved and deeply care for this abused creature looking for her forever home who for better or worse ended up with Aaron and his sister (who I disliked the most) as a impulse adoption.

Ok, now see, all my dogs are rescues. At adoption fairs here, minimum fees start at $250 not $75 but that could differ state by state. There are home visits, all sorts of things to make sure that the people adopting the animals are a good fit. Some of that comes across here, in that yes, they would have taken Mavis back (most rescue agencies will). But sending a dog home with somebody who doesn’t have the means to support him? And who is living with someone else? Uh no. Red flags all around.

I actually liked Aaron for realizing he wasn’t ready to adopt a dog but instead his sister pushed him into the adoption. That sister. Ok, honestly, this whole thing with Mavis would have ruined any relationship I would have had with that sister. But some things just didn’t ring true. She’s supposedly a “shoe whore” who overspends because she must have her designer shoes. Got that. But people that crazy over shoes handle them in certain ways. Even in a one room apartment, those shoes are gods! They buy even the poorest of shoe racks, keep them pristinely in their boxes, labeled. I mean, honey, those are Jimmy Choos! Or Manolo Blahniks or whatever designer brands you covet. What you do not do? Lay them on the floor for a traumatized dog to destroy. Not in a million years. Especially her favorites. So she can overreact like a total horror of a sibling, throw out all sorts of dire threats, use the imbalance of power that should ruin any relationship permanently against her brother, and genuinely create a nightmare where none was needed.

A total turn off.

The relationship between Aaron and Christian didn’t strike as me as better because instead of helping Aaron, Christian seemed too busy trying to get into Aaron’s pants. How about just helping Aaron and Mavis because they needed help? What a novel idea.

So yes, Christian had a heart, volunteered at a rescue organization but he seemed to push his own agenda first.

Then there was that ending or lack of one for both Aaron and Mavis. This is one book where an epilogue was definitely called for.

Finally, there was the narration. It was the first time I had listened to a story narrated by Tom Askin and I’m not sure I would do so again. His narration and voices just didn’t work for me. Combine that with a story that I was also having issues with and you come up with an audiobook I just can’t recommend.

If you love the writing of Rick R. Reed and dog stories, check out Lost and Found on audiobook and give this a pass.

Cover art: Reese Dante. I loved this cover. It, as well as the blurb, drew me to the story. Heartwarming and perfect in every way.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Listening Time: 1hr., 43 min.

Audible Audio, Unabridged, 2 pages
Published February 22nd 2018 by Dreamspinner Press (first published January 12th 2012)
ASINB079YB2QDT
Edition LanguageEnglish

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Bone to Pick by T.A. Moore and Michael Fell (Narrator)

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

This is a highly enjoyable, very-difficult-to-solve mystery adventure. Both MCs have issues with relationships so though they don’t want romance, they do have sexual chemistry and they act on it. Plus, there’s a dog—a police dog named Bo—who stole the show, as far as I’m concerned.

Children have gone missing over the past ten years, not often enough or apparently connected enough for anyone to link them until the recent disappearance of a ten-year-old boy. FBI agent Javi Merlo is assigned to the case and he’s not particularly happy about working with a dog and his cop handler. But that’s too bad because not only does Cloister Witte have plenty of experience with his dog, he also has personal experience with the disappearance of his own brother many years ago—a brother who was never found. But he’s dedicated and committed to his task and won’t stop until he finds the boy—dead or alive.

Javi doesn’t trust Cloister, though, and continually pushes him away from the case, but Cloister plods along following his own leads and his two-plus-two investigation style eventually leads to four. This isn’t a typical romance, and in fact, it ends with the case solved and with the men in bed, but not in love, so it’s a HFN at best. But it honestly doesn’t matter because the mystery itself is so good. It’s exciting and fast-paced with just the right amount of snarky ’tude from both MCs. And, of course, the dog is the hero at the end of the story so the dog lover in me was quite happy.

The narrator was new to me and he did a very good job with the voices, which were definitely different and easy to pick out. On the other hand, I hated the voice he gave to the mother of the missing boy—I wanted to smack her so bad. She was entitled and bitchy and nasty and the voice he gave her fit her personality like a glove. So yes, he did a good job—enough to evoke a lot of emotion from me, so that’s a win in my book.

I highly recommend this audiobook version to those who enjoy an interesting whodunit topped off with two sexy law enforcement MCs and a dog named Bo.

Cover art: Anne Cain. Love the cover. Interesting and it pulls your eye into the character and details.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Length: 9 hrs

Audible Audio
Published February 22nd 2018 by Dreamspinner Press LLC (first published August 14th 2017)
Original TitleBone to PicksettingSan Diego, California (United States)
California (United States)

An Alisa Audiobook Review: Camp H.O.W.L. by Bru Baker and Dorian Bane (Narrator)

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Moonmates exist, but getting together is going to be a beast….

When Adrian Rothschild skipped his “werewolf puberty,” he assumed he was, somehow, human. But he was wrong, and he’s about to go through his Turn with a country between him and his Pack—scared, alone, and eight years late.

Dr. Tate Lewis’s werewolf supremacist father made his Turn miserable, and now Tate works for Camp H.O.W.L. to ease the transition for young werewolves. He isn’t expecting to offer guidance to a grown man—or find his moonmate in Adrian. Tate doesn’t even believe in the legendary bond; after all, his polygamist father claimed five. But it’s clear Adrian needs him, and if Tate can let his guard down, he might discover he needs Adrian too.

A moonmate is a wolf’s missing piece, and Tate is missing a lot of pieces. But is Adrian up to the challenge?

This was a nice story. Both of these characters had a lot of their own issues to get through for their relationship to work. Adrian doesn’t connect the dots until it’s almost too late that he is going to go through his Turn. Tate has made his life helping the young werewolves successfully complete their change and even if he’s hiding from himself.

Adrian has been living as a disappointment to his family ever since he didn’t go through his Turn like all those his age and I could feel his sadness and how detached he feels from his family because of this. Tate has been running from the memory of his childhood for so long and helping others but you could see that even as he succeeds in helping most of the teens he doesn’t have a deep connection or friendship with many people.

I could see that they were both looking for somewhere to belong or someone to belong to but were afraid to voice that. I still have to wonder at the end of story what about Adrian’s genetics caused him to go through the Turn late and it didn’t seem that anyone knew or seemed inclined to really find out. I loved that they were both able to find somewhere to belong and be together with the support of Adrian’s family and their friends.

Dorian Bane did a great job narrating this story. I was able to connect with the characters and feel their emotions in his reading as he used different voices for the characters. His voice changes so much you really get to see the differences and personality of the characters.

Cover art by Aaron Anderson is very nice and works well for this story.

Sales Links: Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook, 6 hrs 55 min
Published: January 12, 2018 (ebook first published November 1, 2017) by Dreamspinner Press
Edition Language: English

Series: Dreamspun Beyond

A Lila Audiobook Review: Off the Beaten Path by Cari Z. and Jack Wesley (Narrator)

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

When Ward Johannsen’s little girl Ava shifted into a werewolf, she was taken into custody by the feds and shipped off to the nearest pack, all ties between father and daughter severed. Ward burned every bridge he had discovering her location, and then almost froze to death in the Colorado mountains tracking her new pack down. And that’s just the beginning of his struggle.

Henry Dormer is an alpha werewolf and an elite black ops soldier who failed his last mission. He returns home, hoping for some time to recuperate and help settle the pack’s newest member, a little pup named Ava who can’t shift back to her human form. Instead he meets Ward, who refuses to leave his daughter without a fight. The two men are as different as night and day, but their respect for each other strikes a spark of mutual interest that quickly grows into a flame. They might find something special together—love, passion, and even a family—if they can survive trigger-happy pack guardians, violent werewolf politics, and meddling government agencies that are just as likely to get their alpha soldiers killed as bring them home safely.

Off The Beaten Path is one of the best stories I have read or listened to this year. The actual plot, characters, and settings were fresh and interesting even when it was a shifter story. The world-build goes hand-in-hand with the current time and it’s easy to imagine this semi-dystopian place where werewolves are part of everyday society.

The pacing in the story gives the reader enough information about where the story was heading without missing the opportunity to include small details like smells and the weather. Even the type of cars, electronics, and clothes played an important role without weighting the story down.

The only thing I wanted more of were details about the pack’s life after everything was set and done. How everything changed and how everyone reacted. How they dealt with the changes and the new work—if any—the alphas got assigned.

Overall, this is a perfect story for those who want something different. It has a lovely romance, the right about of smexy times, a lot of flirting, angsts, and drama without taking from the tension and the serious side of the plot. It has great balance and a hit of humor.

The narration by Jack Wesley gave the book the extra push needed to make it four dimensional. It was more than then narration, it was the whole production. From the characterizations to the distinctions when the scenes took place outside or over the phone. Even the video calls had their own distinct feel. It was worth listening to it.

The cover by Brooke Albrecht shows Ward and Henry in front of a setting that matches the story’s descriptions. It really works.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Jack Wesley

Length: 6 hours 23 minutes

Published: January 12, 2018 (Audio Edition) by Dreamspinner Press
ASIN: B078Y8KP96
Edition Language: English

A Lila Audiobook Review: Ante Up by Kim Fielding and Narrator: Andrew McFerrin

Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5

Love is a high-stakes game.

A century and a half ago, Ante Novak died on a Croatian battlefield—and rose three days later as a vampire. Now he haunts Las Vegas, stealing blood and money from drunken gamblers and staying on the fringe of the powerful vampire organization known as the Shadows. His existence feels empty and meaningless until he meets beautiful Peter Gehrardi, who can influence others with his thoughts.

An attraction flares instantly, bringing a semblance of life to Ante’s dead heart. But the Shadows want Peter too, and they’re willing to kill to get him. As Ante and Peter flee, they learn more about themselves and each other, and they discover that the world is a stranger place than either of them imagined. With enemies at their heels and old mistakes coming back to exact a price, how can Ante and Peter find sanctuary?

Ante Up is a different type of paranormal story. When the majority of the characters are vampires, not all the traditional troupes are followed. I enjoyed those differences and Ante’s Croatian background. The number of details worked well for the story and added to its depth.

The author did a nice job making Ante unique. He’s not the traditionally rich, alpha vampire with a legion at his feet. He’s a down the mill hustler whose only worry is where to be at sunrise. He’s comfortable living in the fridges and doesn’t believe in causing harm to survive. Most of the men he feeds from are as lonely as he is, and their times together are beneficial for both of them.

Enters Peter to change Ante’s organized life. With his quick charm and good looks, he brings out Ante’s curiosity. He’s not sure about his heritage or his powers but he tries to keep both under wraps. Just like Ante, he’s not the traditional hero, but it works for them.

The more time they spend together, the more they discover about themselves and other paranormals. The descriptions, settings, and new characters are interesting and only added to the plot.

The meeting and battle at the end felt a bit rushed. After so many details, it was unexpected to have such a simple resolution. Overall, it’s a good story if you are looking for more than sparkling vampires.

The narration by Andrew McFerrin worked well with the story. The characters came to life and he showed Ante’s slight accent.

The Cover by Aaron Anderson follows the Dreamspun Beyond style and has a depiction of Ante.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner | Amazon | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Andrew McFerrin

Length: 5 hours 52 minutes

Published: January 12, 2018 (Audio Edition) by Dreamspinner Press
ASIN: B078YC6477
Edition Language: English

An Alisa Audiobook Review: The Soldati Prince (Soldati Hearts #1) by Charlie Cochet and Narrator: Manuel Pombo

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

One moment Riley Murrough is living a normal life working in a coffee shop, and the next he’s running for his life from demons, learns he bears the mark of a shape-shifter king from a magical realm, and—worst of all—he’s destined to become the mated prince to the arrogant tiger shifter he would rather strangle.

Khalon, the shifter king, is equally distraught at the idea of being bound to a human prince, and along with his Soldati warriors, he sets out to return Riley to his own world where he belongs. On their journey they might discover why the priestess brought them together—if they can escape the demons and make it to her alive.

I didn’t really know what to expect going into this story but I did enjoy it. Khalon is appalled at the idea of mating with a human and he does not disguise this while Riley is just trying to figure out what is going on.

Khalon pretty much just acts like a spoiled brat to Riley and their situation. Even when Riley sees the sweet side of him it’s hard to really start to like him. I could feel Riley’s confusion about the situation and what would you expect but those around him seemed to think he needed to adapt faster. The characters started to grow on me some more as the story went on.

Manuel Pombo did a nice job narrating this story. I could get a feel of the characters’ emotions while listening. The different voices he used for the characters helped me keep up with what was going on.

I love the cover art by LC Chase is nice and seems to work well for this story.

Sales Links: Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook, 3 hrs 27 min
Published: January 10, 2018 by Dreamspinner Press
Edition Language: English

Series: Soldati Hearts #1

A Lila Audiobook Review: Finding Mr. Wrong by Charlie Cochet and Andrew McFerrin (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

He’s nobody’s definition of Mr. Right—but that might make him perfect.

Matthew Hart is heir to the family fortune and owner of Hart & Home. When a near-death experience has him fretting over the future, he decides he needs a husband, and not just any husband—an appropriate man to protect the Hart legacy. The last thing Matthew expects is to cross paths with Jax Foster, his first love and the boy who crushed his heart when he disappeared.

Jax is unlikely to make Matthew’s list of suitable candidates. Bad boy, vagabond, deep in debt, with a father who can’t keep out of trouble, Jax has nothing to offer—except his heart and a second chance at the romance they never got to explore.

Finding Mr. Wrong is a sweet second chance story. It has two unlikely cupids and a list of qualities a good husband should have. In the end, Matt will find all those in the less likely place and with the last person he would have expected.

The author did a great job letting the reader know how important Jax and Matt were to each other since the moment they met. By the time they see each other again, the reader is ready for them to have their happily ever after. It’s easy to cheer for them.

Even when the plot and the bases of the story are somewhat traditional, the main characters’ jobs and backgrounds bring them to the front, having those aspects carry the story. They are well written and interesting to get the reader wanting more with each page.

Andrew McFerrin did a nice job bringing all the characters to life. I especially enjoyed Jax’s characterization and the differentiation between the rest of the clan.

The cover by Bree Archer is an adaptation of the e-book cover and follows the traditional Dreamspun series style. I only wish the model looks were a bit more realistic.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner | iTunes | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Andrew McFerrin
Length: 5 hours 46 minutes
Published: December 22, 2017 (Audio Edition) by Dreamspinner Press
ASIN: B078JVWSHT
Edition Language: English

An Alisa Audiobook Review: Model Bodyguard (Haven Investigations #2) by Lissa Kasey and Brian Hutchison (Narrator)

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Things are going well for androgynous model Ollie Petroskovic, ex-Marine Kade Alme, and their business, Haven Investigations, until rock star Jacob Elias shows up in need of their services… and trouble follows.

Jacob is a playboy with a serious penchant for kink, slaves, and sex toys. He’s also Ollie’s ex—and all that implies. With the media exploiting his personal life, a stalker sending blood-soaked “gifts,” a bumbling security team, and a family he can’t trust as far as he could throw them, Jacob is in desperate need of a bodyguard for his latest tour, and Kade can’t refuse.

While Kade deals with new doubts about his partnership with Ollie and struggles with reminders of his war injuries, Jacob’s stalker escalates from blackmail and threats to murder. As Kade and Ollie work to keep Jacob safe and find the culprit behind the attack, a web of family secrets, lies, and abuse slowly emerges, leading up to a final confrontation that they might not walk away from—and that will have lasting repercussions for Kade and his relationship with Ollie.

I have to start this off with saying I really really dislike cliffhangers and this book ended with a big one. Ollie and Kade are still working on figuring out their relationship and throwing Jacob into the mix doesn’t help either of their insecurities. I’m hoping that in the next book they will get that much more comfortable and confident in their connection.

This story was told from Kade’s point of view, which gave a bit of a different perspective from Ollie’s in the last book. Kade is pretty good at reading people so it makes it easy to understand Ollie right along with him. However, as with the last book both of them have low self-esteem and spend so much time worrying. I was wrung out after listening to the first two thirds of the book and had to wait a little bit to finish it. The big mystery from the first book of Nathan’s death was mostly put on the back burner for this story and I’m sure it will get summed up at some point but I didn’t think that pretty much just ignoring it in this book was the right thing to do either.

Brian Hutchison did a good job narrating this story. I was able to keep track of the characters and actions in the book through his use of different voices and emotions. I think he portrayed Jacob’s ego and insecurities pretty well.

Cover art by Garrett Leigh is nice and follows the pattern of the series.

Sales Links: Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook, 9hrs 47min
Published January 4, 2018 (ebook first published October 7, 2016) by Dreamspinner Press
Edition Language: English

Series: Haven Investigations #2

A MelanieM Audiobook Review: Lost and Found by Rick R. Reed and Narrator: Michael Neeb

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

On a bright autumn day, Flynn Marlowe lost his best friend, a beagle named Barley, while out on a hike in Seattle’s Discovery Park.

On a cold winter day, Mac Bowersox found his best friend, a lost, scared, and emaciated beagle, on the streets of Seattle.

Two men. One dog. When Flynn and Mac meet by chance in a park the next summer, there’s a problem—who does Barley really belong to? Flynn wants him back, but he can see that Mac rescued him and loves him just as much as he does. Mac wants to keep the dog, and he can imagine how heartbreaking losing him would be—but that’s just what Flynn experienced.

A “shared custody” compromise might be just the way to work things out. But will the arrangement be successful? Mac and Flynn are willing to try it—and along the way, they just might fall in love.

Rick R. Reed loves dogs, being happily owned by one himself. And it shines through every story of his that has a canine element to it. It’s especially clear in Lost and Found where a beagle, named Barley or Hamburger depending upon the person, provides the bridge to romance, love, and HEA.

Here one Barley gets lost by one Flynn, found by Mac he turns into Hamburger. One beagle beloved by two men. But when Flynn happens upon his beloved beagle in the company of Mac, all the lost,, the pain and guilt involved in not being able to find his Bailey comes rushing back. And of course, Mac doesn’t want to lose his “Hamburger”.

Reed does a wonderful job of portraying the angst and battle involved when it comes down to our feelings for our animals. They are an important part of us and recognizing that fact helps us understand Mac’s actions better. We can at least empathize a little even as we recognize that he took the wrong path and then couldn’t stop.

I appreciated the slow approach to romance between the two main characters but wish that Reed had given us more insight into Flynn or at least as much as he did with Mac. It would have helped make Flynn’s ease in decision making towards the end more grounded and realistic. I wanted to know more about his job and how he felt about it and his friends. Instead we are heavy on Mac’s side of the story and it sort of feels off kilter at the end.

Narrator Michael Neeb does an incredible job with the voices and the story. I fell effortlessly into Lost and Found, pulled into the characters that Neeb’s voice created for me along with Reed’s heartwarming, sweet tale of two men, one happy beagle and their HEA.

Cover art: Reese Dante. I love this cover. It’s just perfect for the characters, and storyline.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible |iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 4 hours and 52 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC
Audible.com Release Date: December 28, 2017
Language: English
ASIN: B078MQ29SR

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