Audiobook Review: Test Drive by Riley Hart, Narrated by Sean Crisden

I absolutely LOVE Riley Hart's books! She is one of my go-to authors when I am looking for a fantastic story. She has never let me down, and I love that she can bring the steam as well as all the feels! This series just might be my favorite of hers, and if you are a fan of M/M books you have to read these! Sean Crisden is the narrator for Test Drive, and I think he is the perfect fit to bring Riley's words to life!

Just after learning that his dad has cancer and a family that Justin never knew about, he leaves his life behind to help his dad try and make amends for his past. While trying to find his place in a family he never knew about with his new siblings, Justin goes out to let off a little steam and has a hookup that just leaves him wanting more. But when he finds out that his hookup is actually his new sister's brother in law, he knows things are about to get even more complicated. Though both know that they can't be together for several reasons, Justin and Drew find themselves unable to stay away from each other and soon things between them are much more than friendly. But can it possibly something lasting with everything between them, especially when Justin's plan is to return home?

I loved these two. They were sexy and funny, and absolutely perfect for each other. I loved their playfulness and banter, but I also couldn't get enough of the deeper connection that they had. I loved Drew so much for being exactly what Justin needed, and always seeing it even when Justin was a bit lost. I was so glad that Justin had him and that Drew didn't care who found out because he was determined to be there for Justin in every way he needed him to be. My heart went out to Justin who was losing his dad and also the only life he had ever known. 

Overall, this book was everything. I just loved it from start to finish, seeing Drew and Justin figure things out between them, and also seeing Justin get to know his siblings. There was just so much love and family and my heart was so full at the end of this book. It had everything I love in a great romance with a cast of characters that are unique and feel so real and genuine. I have loved each couple in this series, and Justin and Drew were no different. They captured my heart right away and I will always adore them. I thought that Sean Crisden brought so much emotion and life to every part of this story and listening to Riley's words through him was such a great experience. The story was fantastic and so was the narration, I can't recommend this one enough!

**Audiobook Provided by Publisher**

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Audiobook Review: The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne, Narrated by Derek Perkins

Kerrigan Byrne is one of those authors that once you start reading her stories you just keep wanting more and more! I started “The Highwayman” a year ago and got distracted with other books. When the opportunity to review her audiobooks came up I ran for it! What a fantastic author. “The Highlander” is the third book in her Victorian Rebels series. I am so hooked! The only reason I was eager to finish this story is because I know I have two other books by her to hear!

I personally love audiobooks especially times like now when I’m too exhausted and busy to read. Derek Perkins is as good as they get! He is a fantastic narrator who really knows how to make the characters appear before me as he reads to me about them!

Now the fantastic writing that is this story! Colonel Liam MacKenzie is the hero or like many of Byrne’s writing, an anti-hero. He has a troubled family history and is known for his ruthlessness on the battlefield. He carries many demons from his past such as his difficult and abusive relationship with his father to the suicide of his wife. As Liam returns to his clan he is faced with the task of raising his children. Something that he cannot do alone so he needs to find a governess.

Miss Philomena can’t get far enough from London and the chance to escape to the highlands is the perfect opportunity for her. With the help of two friends, Millie and Christopher Argent-from the previous book- she finds herself Liam’s new governess.

As Liam and Mena begin to get to know each other they both have secrets that they want to keep hidden but their pasts are racing to catch up with them. Liam knows that Mena is running from her past and the wounds she carries are visible both physically and emotionally. Neither Liam nor Mena are ready to let their guard down and really believe that another can come to love them despite their wounded pasts.

So, some confessions. I have to say that I don’t like instant lust stories and most of Byrne’s stories the characters instantly fall for one another. The obstacles they face are either external or obstacles that will come to resolution with time. What always keeps me glued is that the storylines are so well plotted and the twists and turns are so unexpected. Towards the end there were some things I anticipated and others I did not! I really enjoyed Liam and Mena’s story and I am happily inserting the next cd of “The Duke” and I’m ready to jump into Cole and Imogen’s story!

**Audiobook provided by Publisher**

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Audiobook Review: Conquered by the Highlander by Eliza Knight, Narrated by Antony Ferguson

“Conquered by the Highlander” by Eliza Knight was a great adventure! I really liked the first story in her series “Conquered Bride.” Although I have read Eliza Knight before and this is not my first audiobook by her, I was still delighted by the different station in life that the characters in the story experienced. 

In her “Conquered Bride” series the heroines are not young and inexperienced heroines. They are older heroines who have either experienced heartache or are widows. A Lowlander, Laird Gabriel MacKinnon is an older hero, also. He had his heart broken when the woman he loved married another. Ironically, this unrequited love leads him to his next love. 

Lady Brenna was in a very long and awful marriage. Her husband abused her physically and sexually. Because of the terrible experience she had with her husband she could not image ever wanting to be with another man. When Gabriel is asked to help rescue Brenna and her children, Brenna is his ex-love interests’ cousin, he does the honorable thing and helps her out. When he arrives at the Scorrybreac Castle the clan is not only in a tumultuous state but Brenna is terrified for her life and that of her children. Her husband, Ronald MacLeod is dead, murdered, by what everyone thinks were her hands. Brenna is in a very desperate situation since her murdered husband’s brother is ready to take over control and fill in. Brenna is worried that her son will not inherit the castle as is his due. When Gabriel comes to rescue her and her family, she thinks he is there only to take advantage of the situation. 

Gabriel doesn’t expect the rescue to be easy but he is a skilled warrior and knows the perils involved. What he doesn’t expect is to find Lady Brenna so attractive or to learn to care for her children. The more he learns about the horrors that she lived with the more compassionate he becomes. But the road to happily-ever-after is not as easy as Gabriel would hope. Brenna is not open to letting someone take care of her and she is ready to fight anyone that tries to get in the way of her and her children. The sweetest and intensity of Brenna and Gabriel was so sweet and lovely. 

I really enjoyed “Conquered by the Highlander.” The story was so easy to listen to and so endearing. I really like Brenna and Gabriel and was rooting for them when one obstacle after another presented itself in their way. I’m more than excited to start listening to the next book in the series, Seduced by the Laird (Conquered Bride, #2) . I’m convinced Anthony Ferguson can read the yellow pages and he could make is sound interesting!

**Audiobook Provided by Publisher**

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Audiobook Review: The Danger of Desire by Sabrina Jeffries, Narrated by Beverley A. Crick

The Danger of Desire is Sabrina Jeffries third book in the Sinful Suitors series. Jeffries is one of my favorite historical romance writers but I have to confess that I have not really fallen in love with the series. I did love the books before the series “The Duke’s Men.” In this story Delia Trevor is the friend of Clarissa from the previous book, “The Study of Seduction.” Clarissa is very worried about Delia because she fears that her friend is deliberately trying to fend off suitors. Delia had a nice dowry left to her and she is not interested in gold-diggers. To help Delia find a suitor Clarissa asks her cousin Warren Corry to help Delia and guide her. 

Clarissa is right Delia is not looking for a suitor. She is however looking for a man with a tattoo that she things is responsible for cheating her brother and therefore his wife, now widow, and son out of their fortune. Delia is a very skilled card player, so at night she travels to St. George to play cards and find out some information on this tattooed card player. Delia disguises herself as a boy and no one is the wiser-no one but Warren. Warren immediately recognizes Delia and wants to know why she is playing a very dangerous game. If she is discovered she will be ruined and if she finds the tattooed card player she could find herself in danger. Warren immediately finds himself intertwined with Delia and her determination to find this man and the big secret that her sister-in-law is hiding from her. Now a widow, Brilliana is widowed and penniless. 

There were some parts that I liked about this story such as Delia. I loved her as a heroine and found her to be very strong and clever. Bravo! I liked Warren too but here is my little grievance… it seems that almost every historical romance I read the hero is a rogue/ womanizer etc… for maybe about ten minutes and then he meets the heroine and he is anything but. I’m not sure if it’s the vintage Anne Stuart hero’s that I miss, but I miss those hero’s. Warren was a sweet guy who suffered a very dramatic experience and has lived with it all his life. He was endearing but, like I said I miss those alpha males in historical romance. I did like the mystery of Delia trying to find the tattooed card dealer and I thought that Jeffries really connected him very well to the next book which is “The Pleasures of Passion.” This is Brilliana’s story and we will be able to uncover her big secrets and all the things she has been hiding. Beverley A. Crick was a good narrator, this story is pretty long and I thought she was able to keep the momentum going. There were times when it seemed to me that she made Warren sound a little too whiny but overall I enjoyed her narration. Personally, I’m so grateful for audiobooks especially during times when I’m too busy to read, now I’m counting down to the next story.

**Audiobook Provided by Publisher**

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Audiobook Review: Marked by Midnight by Lara Adrian, Narrated by Hillary Huber

“Marked by Midnight” is the 11.5 of the Midnight Breed series. For me, this is my first experience with Lara Adrian. She is one of those authors that I always mean to read so when the opportunity to review her novella came up I was excited. Although I enjoy paranormal it’s not a genre I hear or read frequently. I’m happy to say that this was a great introduction to both Adrian and to her Midnight Breed series. 

First, yes this is a novella but Adrian quickly established tension between the two lead characters: Mathias and Nova. Two, she presents the eerie scene of a murder out on the hunt for Nova. Three she was able to establish a connection between me and the secondary character even if only briefly. 

Mathias Roman is a vampire warrior Nova is a breed mate and she is able to see the end of people’s lives. Nova leads a quiet life as a tattoo artist. When the dead body of a man with scarab tattoo. Nova is quickly involved and her life quickly becomes threatened. Because Nova and Mathias are still strangers, there is room for misunderstanding and a lack of trust. Personally, I liked Nova and Mathias. Nova is a type of rebel but she is all heart and incredibly loyal to those she loves. Nova has had a tough life but she has started a little circle of people she loves. When one of them suffers protecting her she runs and takes her adoptive-type brother with her. Mathias feels hurt because she fled before coming to him. Mathias is a tough vampire but he realizes that Nova is one of a kind and he is not ready to lose her. Neither to the murder nor to their own distrust.

The novella was, yes short-it is a novella, but it is very good. I was instantly interested in the characters and the love story between Mathias and Nova. Also, I was curious to see how the story would unfold. I definitely plan to read or hear more by Adrian and I am very interested in the series. Hillary Huber was a great narrator. She really added to the tension and the emotions behind the story. “Marked by Midnight” is a compact novella of chemistry, suspense, back stabbing and conflict.

**Audiobook Provided by Publisher**

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Audiobook Review: The Summer Bride by Anne Gracie, Narrated by Alison Larkin

“The Summer Bride” by Anne Gracie had such great reviews everywhere I looked that I instantly jumped at the chance to read it. This was a while back before it came out, when I started reading it I couldn’t really get into it. So I thought it must be the cockney accent that was turning me off. So when the chance to review it on audio came up I tried to listen to it, thinking that it would help improve my experience with the story. 

I wish it had, but it didn’t. 

Usually I love outcasts. They are my favorite hero’s and/or heroines. Daisy and Flynn are definite outcast. Daisy is a seamstress. She makes her living designing fashion for the tons most sophisticated and revered. This is the last book in the series, so Daisy’s character appears in the previous stories. Daisy is very outspoken and very much her own person. Flynn is not a gentleman but also makes a living and is very successful. Unlike Daisy, Flynn does want to be accepted into society and is determined to find a wife that will meet all the goals of the ton. Because him and Daisy have always been friends, apparently Daisy’s only male friend, they are very comfortable with each other.

While visiting one of his ships-not boats- as he repeatedly tells Daisy, he begins to see her in a new light and decides that he will start courting Daisy. Flynn is handsome and overall, a nice guy but Daisy is determined to be herself and not conform to any assigned roles, whether it be by society and most certainly not her husband. When Flynn proposes, Daisy refuses and they both try to grapple with finding their own happiness. 

Usually I would love a story like this, but this story felt so long and drawn out and just, plain, old -boring. I didn’t love Daisy. She seeming very irritating and drama-driven. I get that the author was really breaking with convention by creating a very free thinking heroine but I did not take to her. Flynn also fell very flat for me. I wanted to shake some sense into him and yell at him to get a backbone. Like I mentioned, Gracie’s books all have fantastic reviews and I’m sure her fans will love this story but for me, I was happy when it was over. 

Alison Larkin is a great narrator. She really seems to understand her characters and knows how to make each one stand out as their own person.

**Audiobook Provided by Publisher**

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Audiobook Review: Overruled by Emma Chase, Narrated by Jason Carpenter and Charlotte Penfield

I usually start with the review of the book/story first but Jason Carpenter and Charlotte Penfield were so fantastic that their narrations were really fun and made the story that much more enjoyable. 

Carpenter really understood Stanton Shaw’s character. From the beginning of the story where he is finding himself as a new father/law-school student/ boyfriend away from the mother of his baby. Carpenter’s southern drawl was perfect and his quips added to the funny dialogue. 

Charlotte also really understood Sofia Santos. Penfield brought out Sofia’s funny, smart and sexy side. 

Usually a story like this would get on my nerves because Stanton really takes a very long time to figure out that although he always assumed Jenny the mother of his daughter-Presley would be his end game. When she received an invitation for her wedding his world starts to spin. Desperate to convince Jenny that they belong together, he asks his friend with benefits/ co-worker, Sofia for help. 

Sofia is very like Stanton. They are both tough and talented attorneys. They are completely compatible. They have a very mutual understanding. They enjoy their physical relationship and both are content with it. Sofia has found that her feelings for Stanton have changed but she remains committed to showing Stanton the she is his friend, even if it means helping Stanton win back Jenny. Stanton’s obsession with winning back Jenny got very old but the other aspects of the story helped keep me engaged in the story. 

My complaints: Stanton and Sofia, to me, seemed to lack chemistry even though they are very intimate all the time. I wanted Sofia to ruffle more feathers. The great benefits of this story: The secondary characters were fantastic. They really enriched the story and added to the development of the main characters. The southernisms were endearing and sweet. Another aspect of this story that I really enjoyed is that Chase didn’t include any unnecessary drama with Jenny and her fiancée nor Sofia and Jenny. They were very mature and authentic characters. This was such an enjoyable listen and the narrators were fantastic!

**Audiobook Provided by Publisher**

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Audiobook Review: Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward, Narrated by Simone Lewis

I'd forgotten how much I loved Elec and Greta's story until I listened to the audiobook. I had been itching for a reread and this was the perfect way for me to fit it into my schedule. Not only did I get to enjoy Penelope Ward's amazing story, but I also got to hear narration by Simone Lewis for the first time. She was a great choice for this story and I look forward to more from her in the future. 

Being forced to stay with his father, Elec is not looking forward to being around his new stepmother and stepsister. He sets out to punish all of them and does what he can to irritate Greta, his stepsister. But Greta and Elec find themselves drawn to one another despite their circumstances. They spend one forbidden night together before Elec heads back home to California. Years go by without contact, but when tragedy strikes they are reunited and soon realize that things between them are far from over. 

Elec and Greta are characters that have so much chemistry and connection between them, that nothing else matters. They shouldn't work, and yet not only do the, but they are so undeniable that you can't help but fall right along with them. I love that time and distance couldn't touch their feelings and that Greta wouldn't let Elec push her away though he did try at times. I thought that Simone Lewis did a great job of bringing these characters to life in a way that wasn't possible simply by reading their story.

I still have a few issues with the story itself that keep this one from being a perfect book for me. But I do love this story and the characters despite the few criticisms I had. I really enjoyed experiencing this story in a whole new way and I definitely recommend this book in any form. Penelope Ward is a great writer and I think that Simone Lewis was a great choice to give these characters and story life. I look forward to more from both Penelope Ward and Simone Lewis in the future.

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Audiobook Review: Gemini by Penelope Ward, Narrated by Eric Michael Summerer and Therese Plummer

I can't believe I am just now getting to the first books in Penelope Ward's Gemini series, and I probably went about this whole thing the wrong way. While each book is a standalone story and can be read out of order, I have learned so much about characters after going back and reading the books in which they were first introduced. I started with Jake's story and then read Skylar's, just now getting to Gemini. The one thing I can tell you is that regardless of the order I have experienced them in, I absolutely adore this world that Penelope Ward has created and I love each of these characters so much! 

Eric Michael Summerer and Therese Plummer did such a great job of bringing both Cedric and Allison alive in their interpretation of Gemini, and I could not stop listening as they told this beautiful story. Allison is a waitress working at the Stardust diner while hoping to one day get back to school to fulfill her passion of working with special needs children. One day a beautiful man with the bluest eyes walks in and her world changes. As Cedric and Allison get to know one another, the pull between them is like nothing either of them has ever experienced before and soon they are unable to stay away from one another. But Cedric is keeping a secret that changes everything once it is finally revealed. 

Allison and Cedric's connection was instant, and their chemistry explosive. These two had so much between them right away, but it was so natural and genuine. You could see that it was so much more than anything they had felt before, and I didn't feel as though things happened too quickly. These two were meant to be together, and they had so much that threatened to stand in their way. Allison was so sweet and kind, the kind of heroine that is good through and through. It was clear why Cedric fell in love with her and couldn't help feeling as drawn to her as he was. Cedric was sexy and sweet, and although he made some questionable decisions, I felt like I understood him. His love for Allison was clear in everything he did, even if I didn't always agree with his choices. The kind of connection that these two had is so rare and special, and I couldn't get enough. 

Overall, I honestly wasn't sure that I would have much interest in these characters as they didn't really stand out to me in Jake's story. While I liked them, they were such a minor part that I really only started this one because I wanted to see how things happened for them and all that led up to Jake's book. But once I started listening I was instantly hooked and I ended up loving their story every bit as much as Jake's. While I recommend all of Penelope's books, Gemini now holds such a special place in my heart and will always be one of my favorites. These narrators were fantastic and I can't imagine experiencing this story for the first time in any other way. Each spoke clearly and brought so much personality to each of the characters with their performances. I was amazed at their ability to differentiate so clearly between them that I was always able to tell exactly who was in each scene. I honestly cannot recommend this book or these narrators enough, and I cannot wait to listen to more from each of them. Penelope Ward is a great writer that I recommend checking out immediately if you haven't already, and Eric and Therese are now two of my favorite narrators I have ever listened to.

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Audiobook Review: My Skylar by Penelope Ward, Narrated by Casey Jones and Piper Goodeve

My Skylar by Penelope Ward is a standalone novel, but those that have read Jake Undone will recognize Skylar and Mitch. After reading Jake Undone, I couldn't wait to get to know these characters better, but don't worry if you haven't read Jake's story as you don't need to in order to understand anything. I thought that both Casey Jones and Piper Goodeve did a great job narrating this story, and I enjoyed listening to them as Skylar and Mitch's story unfolded. 

Skylar and Mitch were best friends who both secretly loved one another, but one thing after another kept them apart. First Skylar had cancer and then Mitch did something that caused Skylar to leave. Years go by, but now that Skylar is back Mitch is more determined than ever to make Skylar his again. Though Skylar is back, she is with someone. But Mitch knows that Skylar isn't happy and that she is about to make a huge mistake. Mitch vows to do whatever it takes to make sure that he doesn't lose her forever. 

I loved Skylar and Mitch. Their love and connection was so strong, and it was obvious that they belonged together. They both made a ton of mistakes, one of the biggest being the fact that they never communicated well. There were so many things that could have been prevented had they just talked to one another and been honest about their feelings. A lot of that was age though, and it was hard to blame them for some of that since we all do questionable things in our youth. The one thing that I can say with absolute certainty though is that the love these two felt for one another was undeniable and never dimmed or diminished no matter what they went through. There were so many obstacles that they faced and so many things that happened, but they never stopped loving each other through all the hurt and time apart. The chemistry between them was there from their very first meeting, and it just grew with age and the more time they spent together. I absolutely loved them together and couldn't get enough of their relationship. 

Overall, I loved this story even when it was difficult to get through. There were times that my heart felt like it was literally breaking for these two. While I did love so much of this story, there was one thing that I didn't care for. I hated that this story went there, and it felt a bit unnecessary and cliche. After everything that these two had already been through, I was hoping for them to finally get a break, and while the story did recover it wasn't exactly what I had been hoping for for these two. Suffice it to say I wanted to reach through my Kindle and strangle a character, and I could have easily done without said character. I still think that Skylar and Mitch's story is well worth the read, their love is epic and what we all dream of finding. Skylar and Mitch will definitely stick with me, and I think that these narrators did a great job of bringing the story to life and giving it depth that isn't possible by just reading the story alone. I highly recommend this one and I can't wait to read more from Penelope Ward. Her stories are heartfelt and emotional, and while they are hard at times to get through, I have never been disappointed by her yet.

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