An Alisa Audiobook Review: The Long and Winding Road (Bear, Otter, and the Kid #4) by TJ Klune and Sean Crisden (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Family is not always defined by blood. It’s defined by those who make us whole—those who make us who we are.

And here, at the end, Bear and Otter will be tested like they’ve never been before.

There’s a knock at the door from a little girl who has nowhere else to go.

There’s a phone ringing, bringing news they do not expect.

There’s a brother returning home after learning how to stand on his own.

As these moments converge, all of their lives will change forever.

Beginning in Bear, Otter, and the Kid and continuing in Who We Are and The Art of Breathing, TJ Klune has told a saga of family and brotherhood, of love and sacrifice. In this final chapter, the events of the past pave the long and winding road toward a future no one could have imagined.

This was a nice conclusion to this series. Bear and Otter finally got the chance to do something for themselves after so many years of selflessness. It was great to see everyone again and see how their stories continued.

It was easy to connect with the characters as we’ve been seeing them for years. Which brings me to the one thing that I didn’t enjoy about this story, the first third of the book pretty much recapped the first three books and I guess I didn’t expect that; maybe a little but not to that extent. I loved seeing Bear and Otter grow their family and really grow into their own some more.

Sean Crisden did a wonderful job narrating this story. I was able to connect with the characters 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 with the characters even if I didn’t like the whiny quality to some of the voices he used..

Cover art by Paul Richmond is very nice and follows the basic pattern from the series.

Sales Links: Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook, 10 hrs 23 min
Published: December 19, 2017 (ebook first published August 11, 2017) by Dreamspinner Press
Edition Language: English

Series: Bear, Otter and the Kid #4

An Alisa Audiobook Review: Dragon’s Hoard by M.A. Church and Narrator: Dorian Bane

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

To be loved by a dragon is to be treasured.

A hundred years ago, werewolf Alpha Montgomery took a risk driven by desperation—he borrowed money from the ancient dragon Warwick Ehecatl, putting up the pack lands as collateral. Now the debt is due, and dragons don’t forget—or forgive. Warwick demands Montgomery’s son, Avery, and three businesses as compensation. As an Omega, Avery knows he is basically useless to his pack, so he might as well agree. He soon has second thoughts, though. Warwick is fearsome, and he’s free to do as he likes with Avery.

Warwick knows his race’s reputation, and he even admits some of it is deserved. But he’d rather cut off his tail than let his innocent mate’s light go out. It won’t be easy, but buried deep, there’s something between them worth safeguarding.

I really enjoyed this story. Though the circumstances weren’t great for getting Warwick and Avery together you never know if they would have ever really met in any other way. Dragon’s don’t normally mate so Warwick doesn’t understand his insistence that Avery is theirs but he isn’t going to fight what he feels.

First off, Avery’s father was an idiot if he thought he would be able to get away without paying back his debt. I loved Avery’s innocence but also that he didn’t let other preconceived notions keep him from being who he wanted and Warwick did a wonderful job showing him that he didn’t see him like those in his pack did. It took a little for Warwick to open up but form the beginning he wanted to do what was right for Avery and treat him well. While there were times when points were made multiple times, which usually is one of my biggest pet peeves, I really liked this story.

Dorian Bane did a wonderful job narrating this story. I was able to connect with the characters well 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 with the characters. He also portrayed the haughty attitudes of many of the characters well.

Cover art by Aaron Anderson is very nice and gives a nice visual of Warwick.

Sales Links: Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook, 6 hrs 54 min

Published: December 12, 2017 (ebook first published February 27, 2017) by Dreamspinner Press

Edition Language: English

Series: Dreamspun Beyon

A Kai Audiobook Review: Nachos & Hash (Mary’s Boys #1) by Brandon Witt and Dominic Carlos (Narrator)

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Darwin Michaels is living his dreams in the Mile High City. While Denver offers the perfect job, scrumptious dining, and whirlwind dating options, Darwin is losing hope he’ll find the right man to spark his interest for more than a one-night stand—until he sets eyes on Cody Russell.

Cody has just accomplished his life’s goal—get the hell out of Kansas. In one fell swoop, he lands a job at Hamburger Mary’s and gets a newfound family and the chance to be with other gay people! All that’s missing is someone special. But when Darwin shows his interest, Cody is sure it’s too good to be true. After all, what can Darwin possibly see in the high school dropout serving him nachos?

As Darwin falls in love, Cody struggles to realize his worth. When his past threatens the fragile life he is building, Cody spirals into a moment of dark desperation. But Darwin is determined to show Cody that love and family and home are there for him… will Cody accept what is offered?

Well guys, I really liked this story! It had some characteristics that I tend to when reading an MM, since as: not slow paced, good characters, involving plot… So basically this one would be a killer, right? Well, for the most part yes, but then it was a little rushed sometimes and also in the end there were things missing. I guess it was a HFN story, but I was so expecting a HEA in this one.

I liked the characters complexity and loved to see them growing in an out of the relationship. I also liked the supporting characters and I can’t wait to see their own stories.

The narrative was truly well done. Dominic Carlos did an amazing work giving life to the characters and transporting me to this novella’s world in no time.

If you are looking for a fast paced, interesting, fluid and low angst story, I recommend this one.

Have a good reading and happy 2018 for all!

Cover artist: Angsty G. Love the bright cover, its perfect!

Sales Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Series: Mary’s Boys: Book 1

Written by: Brandon Witt

Narrator: Dominic Carlos

Release Date: November 22, 2017

Category: Contemporary

Length: 3 hours, 30 minutes

A Lila Audiobook Review: Fool of Main Beach (Love in Laguna #5) by Tara Lain and K.C. Kelly (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Merle Justice wants to reach for the stars, but it’s tough to get respect when playing a teenybopper vampire on TV. Then he meets a famous director anxious to give him all he thinks he wants—and maybe a bit more. Everything’s looking up until a life-threatening encounter with some homophobes on Main Beach puts Merle face-to-face with a Sasquatch-sized hero in a pink puffer coat.

Tom Henry defies description. As unsophisticated and simple as an angel, he walks through life content with who he is and asking for very little except to care for his sister, Lily, and the dogs he loves. Then he meets Merle, the embodiment of dreams he barely knows he has. Merle knows the people who hold his future in their hands might love Tom—but they’ll never understand Merle and Tom together. Tom knows it too. With lives this far apart, who’s really the fool of Main Beach?

Fool of Main Beach is a sweet story about simple love and friendship. As with the rest of the books in this series, it’s also sexy and interesting. It takes a minute to get reacquainted with Merle and to remember him from previous books, but after that, it’s easy to follow his story.

This is a hurt/comfort book and Tom and Justice complemented each other with all their differences. Tom’s truthful ways are refreshing in comparison to Justice’s jaded views. In their case, taking the time to talk helped their relationship and allowed them to recognize what they needed from each other.

We get enough time with each main character to understand the decisions they take and how they move forward. All the individual events and conversations are important to understand the MCs’ reservations. Overall, they work as a couple.

There’s a lot happening and the plot goes beyond the main romance. It ties the series together and shows Tom’s and Justice’s family relationships. In Justice case, he learns more about himself and what he needs. And Tom finally sees all his positive qualities. Plus, we can’t forget how all the characters from the previous stories helped guide the new couple.

K.C. Kelly has done a nice job keeping all the characters from previous books up to par and adding new ones. It’s easy to hear the differences between them, bringing all the stories together. Plus, we get to learn more about the main character through his interpretation.

As always, the cover by Reese Dante fits the book. It’s simple but interesting enough. And it makes more sense after reading the story.

Sale Links: Dreamspinner | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: K.C. Kelly
Length: 9 hours and 17 minutes

Published: November 4, 2016 (Audio Edition) by Dreamspinner Press
ASIN: B0774TGFHW
Edition Language: English

Series: Love in Laguna
Book #1: Knight of Ocean Avenue
Book #2: Knave of Broken Heart
Book #3: Prince of the Playhouse
Book #4: Lord of a Thousand Steps
Book #5: Fool of Main Beach

An Ali Audiobook Review: Buried Bones (Bones #2) by Kim Fielding and John Solo (Narrator)

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Werewolves don’t have a how-to manual—nor do men embarking on a new life together.

It’s been a few weeks since Dylan Warner wolfed out and killed Andy, the crazed werewolf who originally turned him and later tried to murder Chris Nock. Architect Dylan and handyman Chris are still refurbishing Dylan’s old house as they work out the structure of their relationship. They come from very different backgrounds, and neither has had a long-term lover before, so negotiating their connections would be challenge enough even if Dylan didn’t turn into a beast once a month.

To make matters worse, Dylan’s house is haunted, and events from both men’s pasts are catching up with them. Dylan has to cope with the aftermath of killing Andy, and Chris continues to suffer the effects of a difficult childhood.

In his quest to get rid of the ghost, Dylan rekindles old friendships and faces new dangers. At the same time, Chris’s father makes a sudden reappearance, stirring up old emotions. If Dylan and Chris want to build a lasting relationship, they’ll have to meet these challenges head-on.

This is the second book in the Bones series and it catches us up with the MC’s from book one. Dylan and Chris are a couple now and they are working on both developing their relationship and fixing up the old house. While overall things are going better there is still a problem. A ghostly one this time. And, in their search to figure out the haunting, they accidentally get themselves involved with a werewolf pack.

Who’s haunting it and why is something they slowly figure out with the help of a psychic grandma who’s not scared of much of anything. We meet her grandson Ery who is Dylan’s friend and who will be the MC of the next book in the series.

Overall I found this to be a sweet and enjoyable story. I don’t quite feel the connection between these two main characters that would take this from a series I liked to a series I love. It’s not a favorite of mine from this author but I still find it enjoyable. I like the low angst level also.

This audiobook was narrated John Solo and I think he did a good job. His voices for both of the MC’s were distinct and I also enjoyed the way he did the side characters. I felt the performance added to the story.

If you enjoyed the first book in this series I think you will enjoy this also. If you have not read book one you should do that first. This book does not work as a standalone.

This cover is done by Christine Griffin. I’m not a big fan of the animated style of covers so this is not a favorite of mine. I do think the artist is talented and it is a great representation of the story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Release Date Sep 25, 2017
Type Novels
Length 8:00

An Ali Audiobook Review: Five Minutes Longer (Enhanced #1) by Victoria Sue and Nick J. Russo (Narrator)

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Talon Valdez knew when he transformed into an enhanced human, his life and his dreams were finished. Reviled, mistrusted, and often locked away, the enhanced were viewed as monsters, despised by the public, and never trusted to serve in the military or any law enforcement agency.

Years later he gets a chance to set up a task force of enhanced to serve in the FBI, but with one proviso: each enhanced must partner with a regular human.

Finn Mayer dreamed of joining the FBI from the time he was fourteen and made every possible sacrifice to make it happen, including living with his selfish mother and bullying, homophobic brother and never having a boyfriend. But his undiagnosed dyslexia stopped his aspirations dead in their tracks. His last chance is to partner with Talon, an enhanced with deadly abilities who doesn’t trust regular humans with their secrets and wants Finn to fail.

Four weeks to prove himself to the team. Four weeks for the team to prove itself to the public. And when another group threatens their success—and their lives are at stake—four weeks for them to survive.

This story was not bad but it was not as good as I was hoping it would be. There was a lot going on here. Too much in my opinion. I know it can be challenging when doing the world building of new series but I would have liked this to have less things to focus on. There was the unit and the partners, the villains, both side’s abilities, the human partners, a love story, the plot with the other group. I found myself losing track of who was who and what role they played more than once.

I liked Finn’s character but I had a hard time warming up to Talon. He was a jerk through a lot of the book. This may not have bothered me if there had been more development between the two men but it was very close to insta-love and I struggled to understand what Finn saw in Talon.

This audiobook was narrated by Nick J. Russo and I thought he did a good job. He is a narrator I listen to a lot and I feel that he consistently does a good job with his narrations.

Overall this was an average read. I was interested in the world enough that I will probably read the next in the series.

Cover Artist: AngstyG: I really like the cover on this one. I think it is visually appealing and the colors are very eye catching.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audible Audio
Published September 25th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press (first published December 2nd 2016)
ASINB075TJJ34V
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesEnhanced #1

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Return of the Chauffeur’s Son by Tara Lain and Greg Tremblay (Narrator)

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

This was a highly enjoyable and entertaining audiobook. In fact, I enjoyed this Tara Lain story more than any of her other stories in the past few years. I don’t know whether she changed her writing style, or whether it was simply the added boost by the narration of talented voice actor Greg Tremblay, but I simply couldn’t turn the audiobook off. I listened as often as possible, even facing teasing from my family who were surprised that I’d rather listen to the audio than to them. Imagine that!

Seriously though, this story about young Luca McGrath, a graduate chef who returns to the Napa Valley to take a position with a prestigious restaurant—while at the same time reuniting with his father and the wealthy Armstrong family for whom he works as a chauffeur—was delightful. Luca is a sweetheart, as well as being intelligent, a gifted chef, a loving son, and he’s held an unrequited love for James Armstrong ever since they were children. Even now, it doesn’t matter to Luca that James is heterosexual—he’s still stunning, sexy, and flirty with Luca—leading Luca to believe he might not be 100% straight.

In the meantime, James’s older brother, Dylan, is equally stunning, but quieter, more introspective, more of the tycoon-type businessman, and better able to hide his feelings for Luca. He’s out to prove James is not really interested in Luca, and yet he wants to protect Luca’s feelings. There are also complications related to James’s upcoming marriage to a woman whose company is about to merge with the Armstrong family holdings and a messy breakup will mess up the merger plans.

And to make matters even more complex, Luca becomes unintentionally involved in intrigue involving a local food contest that is the highlight of the local cuisine industry. Unknown to him, he’s set up to take the fall for theft of a recipe from his boss’s competitor, and when that happens, he throws in the towel and escapes back to New York. He’s done with all the Armstrongs, and with the Napa Valley as a whole. Will Dylan let him stay in New York, or will the strong-willed, quiet man finally take a risk and tell Luca how he feels?

Honestly, this is a very enjoyable story. It’s fast-paced and full of both intrigue and handsome men. There’s also lots of romance and loving—for family and for potential life partners. And Greg Tremblay brings it all to life. Each character has his—or her—own unique voice, adding to the listener’s pleasure. I definitely recommend this to lovers of contemporary MM romance and most definitely recommend it in audio format. Kudos to Ms. Lain and Mr. Tremblay!

The cover by Reese Dante is bright and attractive, featuring a close-up of young, fresh-faced Luca and a darker figure in business suit in the background—most definitely representing Dylan.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audible Audio
Published September 28th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press (first published June 2nd 2017)
Original TitleReturn of the Chauffeur’s Son
ASINB075XQP614
Edition LanguageEnglish

A Lila Audiobook Review: Out of the Shadows by K.C. Wells and Finn Sterling (Narrator)

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Can he step out of the shadows and into love’s light?

Eight years ago, Christian Hernandez moved to Jamaica Plain in southern Boston, took refuge in his apartment, and cut himself off from the outside world. And that’s how he’d like it to stay.

Josh Wendell has heard his coworkers gossip about the occupant of apartment #1. No one sees the mystery man, and Josh loves a mystery. So when he is hired to refurbish the apartment’s kitchen and bathrooms, Josh is eager to discover the truth behind the rumors.

When he comes face-to-face with Christian, Josh understands why Christian hides from prying eyes. As the two men bond, Josh sees past his exterior to the man within, and he likes what he sees. But can Christian find the courage to emerge from the darkness of his lonely existence for the man who has claimed his heart?

Out of the Shadows is a slow burn romance between a recluse Christian and an extrovert Josh. I like how they communicated when Josh started working at Christian’s apartment and would have loved to see more of it. It allowed them to get comfortable with each other, creating a foundation for their relationship.

This is a very sweet and fluffy story but those aspects worked with the Dreamspun series. I wanted a slower transition for Christian to adjust to his new reality but in this case, love cured it all. Their attraction was immediate as well as Christian’s acceptance of Josh’s plans for him.

Overall, this story has nice characters, and interesting instigating event, and the potential for so much more. Unfortunately, I never connected with the main couple. Their bromance was stronger than their romance. In the end, it was an okay story.

The narration by Finn Sterling was a fifty-fifty for me. I enjoyed all the characters but Josh. And since he’s one of the main characters, it took from my enjoyment of the story. I think he tried, too hard, to create a distinctive voice for Josh, but ended with a cartoonish version of a young man instead. Everything else saved his performance.

The cover by Bree Archer is a bit theatrical. Perhaps a hoodie would have worked better. The model doesn’t reflect Christian’s description, either.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner | iTunes | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Finn Sterling
Length: 6 hours 6 minutes
Published: September 13, 2017 (Audio Edition) by Dreamspinner Press
ASIN: B075KNQDCT
Edition Language: English

An Ali Audiobook Review: Unquiet (Resilient Love #3) by Melanie Hansen and Michael Stellman (Narrator)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Loren Smith has been in love with Eliot Devlin almost his entire life. During their turbulent childhood and teen years, Loren didn’t always understand Eliot, and sometimes he could be a challenge, but Eliot was the only one to ever truly ease Loren’s deep loneliness and accept him. When Eliot’s increasingly erratic and self-destructive behavior culminates in a suicide attempt at seventeen, Loren is devastated.

Upon meeting again by chance nine years later, Loren is enjoying a successful career as a police officer while Eliot’s life has been a constant struggle for stability. In and out of mental hospitals, with a rap sheet a mile long, he continues to be buffeted by the twin storms of mania and depression. Loren’s love and protectiveness for Eliot are deeply ingrained in him, however, and their feelings for each other are quickly rekindled.

Loren has issues of his own he’s dealing with, and trying to understand and cope with Eliot’s bipolar disorder isn’t easy. They believe they’re meant to be, and Eliot brings a fulfillment to Loren’s life that no one else will ever match. But as they both come to realize, love by itself can’t cure all.

This book has the distinction of being both one of the best and the worst books I’ve read in a long time. The writing in this story is fantastic. The author makes the characters and their situation so realistic you feel like you’re right there along with them. This level of top notch writing makes it one of the best books I’ve read this year.

What makes it one of the worst is that this story is just emotionally brutal. It takes a very realistic look at loving someone with a chronic, severe mental health issue. I would go so far as to say it’s a love story but not a romance. If you’re looking for a story with a touching hea this is not it. The book is nothing but pain for these two. They have their moments of happiness but they’re boxed in between really horrible days, weeks, months. When it ended I just felt sad and so, so bad for both of them. I found this entire story to be a giant downer.

If I had known going in how heavy and serious it was going to be I would have been prepared and maybe I would have probably liked it better. Honestly it was just too much for me. I want my romance stories to have a happily ever after and that didn’t happen here. They’re together at the end and it’s as good as it’s ever going to be, but their lives are still this roller coaster of emotion. There was more than once occasion where I wished for something different for Loren. I had liked him so much in book two. He was such a great guy. Then I felt guilty for those thoughts because none of what was happening was Loren’s fault. He didn’t ask for the life he was given. My heart hurt for all the pain he had to go through.

This book was narrated by Michael Stellman who is a new narrator for me. I thought he did a great job on this. His narration was well done and I liked the way he did both MC’s as well as the side characters. I think the great narration added another level of emotions to the story. Normally that’s a good thing but in this I think it made it even sadder.

I struggled with how to rate this. I think it deserves a 5 plus stars on plot and writing but if I based it on enjoyment level it would be much lower. I have read and really enjoyed the first two books in the series. I was expecting something with that same level of angst. This was just too gritty and too realistic for me. If you’re looking for something different and on a more serious tone I do recommend this. If you have read the first two books you will see the other two couples in this a bit and there’s some sweet scenes in regards to some of them. If you have not read the first two you can read this as a standalone.

This cover was done by Natasha Snow Designs and I think it is really good. It perfectly captures the mood of this story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audible Audio

Published September 13th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press (first published January 22nd 2016)

Original Title Unquiet

ASIN B075KFLSC7

Edition Language English

Series Resilient Love #3

A Lila Audiobook Review: Manny Get Your Guy (The Mannies #2) by Amy Lane and John Solo (Narrator)

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Starting over and falling in love.

Tino Robbins’s sister, Nica, and her husband, Jacob, are expecting their fifth child. Fortunately, Nica’s best friend, Taylor Cochran, is back in town, released from PT and in need of a job.

After years in the service and recovering from grave injury, Taylor has grown a lot from the callow troublemaker he’d been in high school. Now he’s hoping for a fresh start with Nica and her family.

Jacob’s cousin Brandon lives above the garage and thinks “Taylor the manny” is a bad idea. Taylor might be great at protecting civilians from a zombie apocalypse, but is he any good with kids?

Turns out, Taylor’s a natural. As he tries to fit in, using common sense and dry wit, Brandon realizes that Taylor doesn’t just love their family—he’s desperate to be part of it. And just like that, Brandon wants Taylor to be part of his future.

Manny Get Your Guy takes place about ten years later than the first book in the series. It took me a minute to get used to the changes in the characters, but a couple of pages in, I was back in their world. It was a refreshing change since most stories end with a HEA and we don’t get to experience their lives afterwards.

This story is a classic combination of Amy Lane and Dreamspun Desire. It’s over-the-top, soap opera-like, and perfect for a cute story with more than a simple romance. As readers, we get to be part of Brandon’s and Taylor’s path to happiness, without forgetting how they became the men we met. It’s a slow journey but an interesting one.

I like the MCs enemies-to-lovers story and how they fought their attraction in the beginning, even if short lived. Both characters are lovely and their support system complemented their relationship. As always, it’s nice having both POV; easier to see how they fall for each other.

The moments between the couples are great but those between Taylor and Brandon felt intimate and awe inspiring. There are lightheaded moments and many embarrassing tidbits. Overall, this is another winner for this author and series.

One thing I like about John Solo’s narrations is his consistency. As soon as I heard the voices, I could connect them with the characters in the previous book. He did an excellent job bringing everyone to life and making Brandon and Taylor the center of the story.

The cover by Paul Richmond fits the series and shows a happy version of Taylor. It reminds me of one of the characters in Days of Our Lives.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner | iTunes | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: John Solo
Length: 6 hours 16 minutes
Published: August 10, 2017 (Audio Edition) by Dreamspinner Press
ASIN: B074NCK18W
Edition Language: English

Series: The Mannies
Book #1: The Virgin Manny
Book #2: Manny Get Your Guy

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