Review: Whispered Pain by Ashley Fontainne

Description:
I am no longer among the living. At least, I don’t think I am. I don’t remember my name, my age, or even my sex. I don’t feel. I can’t smell. I hear, but sounds don’t register emotional responses anymore. I see, but it’s all in muted gray. No vibrant colors. 

No sense of time, space, awareness. I just…float. Like a weightless cloud drifting through the limitless universe. I don’t know where I am or how I arrived at this point. Ebony nothingness has swallowed me whole. 

Can you help me? Will you help me? I need to know. Want to know. Have to know. 

Who am I? 

Where am I? 

How do I escape this black void? 

Help. 

Please, help me.


My Thoughts:
This one gets off to a slow start. The first several chapters are different characters and it is difficult to follow. Once this story gets going, though, it is hard to put down. Everything also gets tied up at the end. It is a pretty intense and twisted story.
My first thought when I started listening to this one is that he narrator sounds like a Disney princess. That ends up working for the story, though. It provides a contrast to some of the horrific events in the book. This narrator also does a particularly excellent job of bringing the dialogue to life. I enjoyed listening.


My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !
*Notes: Language.

My Source: author



Where to get it:

Amazon


Where to find the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

Audio Review: How to Survive Your Sisters by Ellie Campbell

Description:
A wonderfully warm and witty debut novel about family secrets and sibling rivalry.

The four MacLeod sisters are no strangers to sisterly rivalry and with one of them about to be married, there are bound to be fireworks. Perfectionist Natalie wants the 'wedding of the year'. Harassed mother, Milly, just wishes her bridesmaid's dress wasn't the size of a tent. Career-obsessed Avril secretly moons over a married man and world traveler, Hazel, the youngest, yearns to be taken seriously. Forced together for the first time in years, and with an unexpected guest stirring up old resentments, squabbles are inevitable. But when tragedy strikes things really fly apart - as some shocking skeletons emerge rattling from the crowded MacLeod closet..

My Thoughts:
Siblings. Drama. Family secrets. I loved this story about four very different sisters. Having a couple of sisters myself, I could really relate to the story. Like how sometimes they were the best of friends and other times at each other's throats. Even though there were British phrases that I didn't really understand, there was still a lot to relate to in this story. The story is centered around Natalie as she is planning for her wedding. She becomes a bit of a bridezilla, even being embarrassed by her family. I love the bits of drama thrown in and the secrets here and there that made me want to keep on reading to find out more. I recommend this if you like stories about families and siblings with lots of drama, of if you just love a good story. Lots of humor, too. Just a fun read.

I listened to the audio version. Very well done. The narrator was wonderful and easy to listen to. The British accent is nice, too. A fun, easy listen for the drive to work.


My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!


My Source: Author

Where to get it:

Amazon | B&N | Audible


Where to find the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Audiobook Review: Nowhere Safe by Dianna Love

Description:
He has nothing to lose until she gives him a reason to live.

Thanks to a traitor, Slye Temp agent Josh Carrington should have died during the blown UK mission, but he didn’t. Scars fade and nightmares can be managed, but he’ll never forget watching an innocent woman die because she trusted him. Tempted by the best, he sticks to Personal Rule Number One: Never mix business with pleasure.

Slye Temp sends Josh to uncover a leak in a DEA task force...a mole in league with the traitor who betrayed the UK team. A deadly shipment is bound for the US and nothing will stop Josh from taking down this mole, blocking the shipment, and nabbing the traitor. Not even Trish Jackson, hardheaded sister of his #1 DEA suspect.

A faceless stalker has turned Trish’s life into a living nightmare and threatens to kill anyone who helps her, including Josh, the new man on her brother’s task force who has planted both unwelcome feet in the middle of her world and refuses to leave. The closer Josh gets to the twisted truth, the more he struggles to keep Trish out of harm’s way--and his bed--but the sultry firecracker gets under his skin like no other woman, forcing him to question everything, starting with Rule Number One.

Audiobook Info:
Title: Nowhere Safe
Author: Dianna Love
Narrator: Adam Hanin
Series: Slye Temp (#2)
Publisher: Silver Hawk Press LLC
Year of publication: 2013
Length: 12 hours 24 minutes


My Thoughts:
I loved Trish and Josh. Trish is Zane's sister from Last Chance to Run. She's sober now and has her own antiques shop and a stalker that she's trying to keep secret to protect her family. She's not interested in men, but then Josh shows up. He is undercover investigating her brother. Things heat up between them, even though neither of them wants it. Josh definitely can't care about a woman in his line of work. He has learned that the hard way. This book has a nice mix of romance and suspense. There is also a larger story woven through the series that does not end in this book.

Once again I enjoyed Adam Hanin's narration. He has a voice that does well with suspense as well as the steamy love scenes. He also does a great job of differentiating between characters as well as nailing any accents that come up. An enjoyable listen and I look forward to the next.


My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!!


My Source: author

Where to get it:

Amazon | Audible | B&N

At time of posting, the ebook box set of books 1-3 is only 99 cents on Kindle! Book 1 only is free.
Deal also on Nook. Only a few more days!

Where to find the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Review: Last Chance to Run by Dianna Love

Description: 
To an undercover agent, she’s a Person of Interest. He’s interested.

Escaping the compound of a deadly international felon--with a fortune in rare, stolen coins hidden on her body--elite athlete Angel Farentino has to make the most important run of her life. Literally. With her father in prison, where he belongs, and a prior undeserved conviction hanging over her head, she has nowhere to turn and no one to trust. Definitely not law enforcement who railroaded her through a judicial nightmare. One step ahead of lethal men and dogs on her trail, she runs into the arms of a dark stranger willing to help her if she’d let him. But that would only get the sexy pilot killed.

Between figuring out who’s sabotaging his undercover work for the DEA and trying to save his baby sister from herself, Zane Jackson has enough on his plate. The last thing he needs is to get entangled with a woman who’s treading on the wrong side of the law. But when the long-legged distraction races into the middle of his operation and stows away on his plane, a primal need to protect forces Zane to risk everything, starting with his heart.

Note - This book was originally released as Worth Every Risk. When Dianna received the rights back she revised the story to the much larger romantic thriller version she'd always envisioned, which includes more romance and plenty of action.

My Thoughts:

Action, suspense, steamy romance. Everything you want in a romantic suspense. Angel is an ex-con who is trying to escape a dangerous man. Zane doesn't trust easily but can't help wanting to help the vulnerable woman who stows away on his plane. I loved both characters and the way they gravitated toward one another, even though they had trust issues. I just loved this book. Kept me interested to the very end. Also sets up for a series, which I would love to continue. I highly recommend this.

Narrator for the audio is wonderful. He is perfect for the story. The pacing is excellent and really helps to build the suspense in the story. He does a great job differentiating between characters. Honestly one of the best narrators I've listened to. And while I normally find sound effects to be distracting, I thought they were a nice touch. 

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!
*Notes: Language

My Source: Audiobook Jukebox

Where to get it:



Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Goodreads

Audio Review: His Wife for a While by Donna Fasano

His Wife for a While by Donna Fasano 

Description:
Desperate Bachelor

Ben Danvers was about to lose everything―unless he found a woman willing to become his wife. The terms of his grandfather's will were outrageous, but they were iron clad. Just when Ben was about to give up all hope, the last woman he ever expected to wed made a startling proposal.

Bargaining Bride

Chelsea Carson offered Ben a deal he couldn't refuse. He could keep the family fruit orchard if he would make her one and only dream come true. But there were to be no strings attached, no messy emotions when it was over. Their makeshift marriage would be perfect―unless Chelsea allowed love to bungle the plan.

My Thoughts:
A sweet marriage of convenience story. Ben needs to get married, and soon, if he wants to keep the family business. All Chelsea wants is a baby. She figures she can help Ben and she can get what she wants. Of course, nothing is ever so straightforward. Chelsea has issues in her past that keep her from getting close to anyone, but Ben isn't making it easy to keep her distance. A sweet romance.

The narrator makes it an entertaining listen. She is easy to listen to and has distinctive voices for the characters. The aunt's voice is a little grating, but it suits the character.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!

My Source: publisher via Audiobook Jukebox

Where to get it:


Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Audio Review: Single Daddy Club - Jason by Donna Fasano

Jason (Single Daddy Club #2) by Donna Fasano

Description:
Desperate Daddy:
Widowed police officer Jason Devlin. Taking care of his baby girl was usually a piece of cake – until his housekeeper quit, leaving Jason desperate enough to hire the first qualified person who rang his doorbell.

Damsel in Destress:
Runaway heiress Katie Smythe. The pampered debutante was about to take on her greatest challenge—her first job…as a nanny.

Doorstep Deal:
Jason was thanking his lucky stars that Katie had shown up at his house. She was the perfect nanny for his little girl—and beautiful beyond belief, leading Jason to rethink his single status. But just wait until he discovered who this nick-of-time nanny really was!

My Thoughts:
Jason is desperate for someone to take care of his daughter while he works. Katie is desperate for a job. Katie finds her way to Jason's door and he hires her as his nanny. They are living in the same house and there is an attraction, but Jason is still attached to the memory of his late wife and Katie is keeping secrets. They become friends and things progress slowly. It is very sweet, except you know when someone is keeping secrets it is never easy. I liked this one and would definitely check out the other books in this series for a clean, feel-good romance read.

Laura Jennings is an excellent narrator with the perfect voice for this kind of book. There isn't much difference between most of the characters' voices, but it is still easy to follow. An easy and enjoyable listen.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !
*Notes: Clean

My Source: author

Audiobook Info:

Author  Donna Fasano
Title  Jason (Single Daddy Club)
Narrator  Laura Jennings
Publisher  Donna Fasano
Abridged or Unabridged   Unabridged
Length of Production  5 hrs 35 min
Year of Publication  2013

Where to get it:

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Review of The Merry-Go-Round
Review of An Accidental Family
Review of Her Fake Romance

Audio Review: Sink or Swim by Stacy Juba

Sink or Swim by Stacy Juba

Description:
When reality TV turns to murder, it's sink, swim or die. Ambitious personal trainer Cassidy Novak has gained national fame for starring on Sink or Swim, nicknamed SOS, a hit reality game show set aboard a Tall Ship. She hopes the prize money will help to launch her dream of owning a chain of fitness centers. Not only does she lose the competition and have to walk the plank in the finale, after the game show ends, the terror begins. Upon returning to her small Massachusetts hometown, Cassidy discovers she has attracted a stalker masterminding his own twisted game. She struggles to focus on her health club job and celebrity endorsement opportunities, but her stalker has other plans. As her former competitors get knocked off one-by-one, Cassidy refuses to play by his bizarre rules.She's also being shadowed by hunky photographer Zach Gallagher, who has been assigned to capture her personal moments for a spread in the local newspaper. She wants to trust Zach, but fears he may not be the nice guy that he seems. With or without Zach's help, when the stalker forces a showdown by threatening her family, Cassidy must once again walk the plank - this time for her life.

My Thoughts:
I loved this book about the aftermath of a reality show. Cassidy finishes second on Sink or Swim and goes back to her real life. She didn't win the million dollars, but she quickly realizes that things are different anyway. She has lots of fans and admirers and has picked up a stalker. Other contestants from the show start dying. Cassidy doesn't know what to do or who to trust outside of her family. The mystery kept me guessing. I recommend this one if you like mystery and suspense.

The audio was very well done. The narrator has a great voice that fits the story nicely. The pace was good and it was easy to get lost in the story.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !

My Source: author

Where to get it:

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Audiobook Info:
Author  Stacy Juba
Title  Sink or Swim
Narrator  Funda Duval
Publisher  Stacy Juba
Abridged or Unabridged  Unabridged
Length of Production 6 hours 16 minutes
Year of Publication  2013

Audio Review: Down London Road by Samantha Young

Down London Road by Samantha Young

Description:
Johanna Walker is used to taking charge. But she’s about to meet someone who will make her lose control....

It has always been up to Johanna to care for her family, particularly her younger brother, Cole. With an absent father and a useless mother, she’s been making decisions based on what’s best for Cole for as long as she can remember. She even determines what men to date by how much they can provide for her brother and her, not on whatever sparks may—or may not—fly.

But with Cameron MacCabe, the attraction is undeniable. The sexy new bartender at work gives her butterflies every time she looks at him. And for once, Jo is tempted to put her needs first. Cam is just as obsessed with getting to know Jo, but her walls are too solid to let him get close enough to even try.

Then Cam moves into the flat below Jo’s, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Jo’s secrets …even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece.

My Thoughts:
This one comes after On Dublin Street, which is Joss and Braden's story. I didn't read that one and it wasn't a problem. I had a bit of trouble getting into the story at first. Neither Jo nor Cam is very likeable at the beginning. Jo dates men for their money (so she can support her family) and Cam says some not-so-nice things about her because of that. Both are dating other people for a good portion of the book. They end up working together and living in the same building, so they end up spending a lot of time together and he finds out more of her secrets than she would like. Lots of drama. This is a great book if you're in the mood for dark, steamy, and angsty with a happy ending. And there is more to come in this series. Before Jamaica Lane will be about Nate and Olivia.

The audiobook is amazing. It could have a lot to do with the narrator's Scottish accent. I think I could listen to her read the phone book. She does a great job with the American accents in the book as well. There are distinct voices for all of the characters and just the right amount of drama. The beginning and end of the book have a bit of music to set the mood.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!
*Notes: Strong language.

My Source: publisher via Audiobook Jukebox

Where to get it:

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Audiobook Info:

Author  Samantha Young
Title  Down London Road
Narrator  Elle Newlands
Publisher  Penguin Audio
Abridged or Unabridged  Unabridged
Length of Production  11 hours 28 minutes
Year of Publication  2013

Audio Review: Maids of Misfortune by M. Louisa Locke

Maids of Misfortune by M. Louisa Locke

Description:
It’s the summer of 1879, and Annie Fuller, a young San Francisco widow, is in trouble. Annie’s husband squandered her fortune before committing suicide five years earlier, and one of his creditors is now threatening to take the boardinghouse she owns to pay off a debt.

Annie Fuller also has a secret. She supplements her income by giving domestic and business advice as Madam Sibyl, one of San Francisco’s most exclusive clairvoyants, and one of Madam Sibyl’s clients, Matthew Voss, has died. The police believe it is suicide brought upon by bankruptcy, but Annie believes Voss has been murdered and that his assets have been stolen.

Nate Dawson has a problem. As the Voss family lawyer, he would love to believe that Matthew Voss didn’t leave his grieving family destitute. But that would mean working with Annie Fuller, a woman who alternatively attracts and infuriates him as she shatters every notion he ever had of proper ladylike behavior.

Sparks fly as Anne and Nate pursue the truth about the murder of Matthew Voss in this light-hearted historical mystery set in the foggy gas-lit world of Victorian San Francisco.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this historical mystery. It is set in San Francisco in 1879. Annie is a young widow who owns a boarding house and poses as a clairvoyant to make money. She is very intelligent and resourceful and unconventional for her time. I really liked her character. There are other great characters as well, including Nate, the lawyer she works with while trying to prove that a client's death was murder. A fun, light mystery with just a touch of romance. I look forward to reading the next book. I am curious to see how things work out with the characters.

The audio was great. The narrator, Cynthia Wallace, has a nice voice and gave the characters distinct voices. She also did an admirable job with the variety of accents. Overall a very enjoyable listen. It is split into two parts for easier downloading.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !

My Source: author

Where to get it:

About the Audiobook:
Author: M. Louisa Locke
Title: Maids of Misfortune
Narrator: Cynthia Wallace
Publisher: Mary Lou Locke
Abridged or Unabridged: Unabridged
Length of Production: 10 hrs 3 min (Part 1:  5 hrs 11 min, Part 2:  4 hrs 52 min)
Year of Publication: 2012

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Audio Review: The Merry-Go-Round by Donna Fasano

The Merry-Go-Round by Donna Fasano

Description:
When Lauren divorces her husband, she has one thought on her mind...stepping off the merry-go-round. However, her life quickly turns into a three-ring circus: her hypochondriac father moves in, her ex is using her shower when she’s not home, and her perky assistant is pushing her out into the fearsome dating world. She also has to decide if the dilapidated barn and vintage merry-go-round she was awarded in the divorce settlement is a blessing or a bane. As if Lauren’s personal life isn’t chaotic enough, this slightly jaded attorney is overrun with a cast of quirky characters who can’t stay on the right side of the law. What’s a woman to do? She can allow life to spin her in circles forever. Or she can reach out and grab the brass ring. 

My Thoughts:
A funny and light-hearted book that starts with a divorce. Greg and Lauren seem to be complete opposites. Lauren is angry and ended their marriage after 12 years and though Greg didn't want the divorce, he is very patient with her as she attempts to move on. There are some funny, laugh-out-loud moments and a satisfying ending that had a smile on my face.

The audio is very well done. The narrator, Margie Lenhart, has a nice, expressive voice and uses distinctive voices for each of the characters. It is very easy to listen to and I enjoyed it.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!

My Source: publisher via Audiobook Jukebox

Where to get it:


About the Audiobook:
Author: Donna Fasano
Title: The Merry-Go-Round
Narrator: Margie Lenhart
Publisher: Donna Fasano
Abridged or Unabridged: Unabridged
Length of Production: 6 hrs 23 min
Year of Publication: 2012

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
 

Audio Review: An Accidental Family by Donna Fasano

An Accidental Family by Donna Fasano

Description:
"I do," the bride and groom said…and without love they wed.

Jonas Winslow knew nothing about fatherhood, yet he was determined to keep his orphaned nephew. But the boy's aunt, Robin Hampstead, wasn't about to let go of her only remaining family. The solution: a temporary - strictly platonic - marriage…or so they thought.

Their agreement was to share the house and all child-rearing responsibilities, which seemed an uncomplicated arrangement until…Jonas began seeing Robin in a new light, not as a pretend wife, but as a very real woman whose bedroom was enticingly close to his.

My Thoughts:
Jonas and Robin had only met a couple of times and didn't get along. Then his sister and her brother die, leaving their young son, so they get married in order to take care of their nephew together. This book really shows their struggles as they try to get along with one another while also adjusting to being parents and grieving the loss of their loved ones. There were some funny moments as well as some heart-breaking moments.

The audio is very well done and easy to listen to. The quality of the audio and the pace are both very good. The narrator Laura Jennings has a nice voice for the story, including a bit of a southern sound to her voice. The character's voices were differentiated just a bit with the inflection of her voice which was subtle but enough to tell who was speaking. She also did a great job with the voice of the baby trying out some early words.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!

My Source: publisher via Audiobook Jukebox

Where to get it:
     


Audiobook Information:
Author:  Donna Fasano
Title:  An Accidental Family
Narrator:  Laura Jennings
Publisher:  Donna Fasano
Abridged or Unabridged:  Unabridged
Length of Production:  5 hours 30 minutes
Year of Publication:  2012

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Audio Review: Best Laid Plans by Elaine Raco Chase

Best Laid Plans by Elaine Raco Chase

Description:
Take a trip back to 1983. There was no TSA and people smoked on airplanes. (The airplane scene actually happened to me and the nun!)

This was New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina – a place I fell in love with and visited a half-dozen times. Alas, some of the restaurants I knew are no longer in business and menu prices certainly have changed.

Fashion – is still fashion! The styles come and go, but somehow are reborn again and again.

While it was a sensuous romance when it was first published, it was fun to amp things up!

Meet Amanda Wyatt – she had an eight year plan and accomplished so much more. Attractive, talented, she was a success whether she was designing high fashion or running her own elegant shop in New Orleans. And she had a friend with benefits relationship with –

Lucas Crosse, her lawyer and the brother she never had for twelve years. He knew her intimately - well almost. Now, he's decided he wants that, too. And he's ready to fight for Amanda with –

Wade Lloyd. He entered Amanda's life by accident. Now he wants to be a permanent fixture. But can he handle her success? Can he handle Amanda? Can he handle her friendship with Lucas Crosse?

As for Amanda – she has choices to make. A new, exciting love? Or a best friend whose benefits she's begun to dream about.

My Thoughts:
Amanda and Lucas have been best friends for twelve years. When Lucas comes to visit after not seeing one another for two years, they start to discover feelings they never noticed before. But will getting together ruin their friendship? Then a new guy steps into the picture and Amanda has some decisions to make. This was a lot of fun, with 80's fashions and decorating, bantering between comfortable friends, and plenty of steam.  They were both great characters and I was rooting for them to get together, waiting for them to get their act together already. But they had to adjust to seeing one another in a new way. 

Jill Arehart did a nice job on the narration. She has a great voice for it. She brings the characters to life and does an admirable job with the French that is thrown in. 

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!

My Source: author

Audiobook Information:
Author  Elaine Raco Chase
Title  Best Laid Plans
Narrator  Jill Arehart
Publisher  Elaine Raco Chase
Abridged or Unabridged  Unabridged
Length of Production  7 hrs 15 min
Year of Publication  2013


Where to get it:

Where to find the author:
Elaine Raco Chase
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Authorgraph
Triangle Variety Radio where she hosts The Author's Corner every Thursday night 8pm EST

Audio Review: Double Occupancy by Elaine Raco Chase

Double Occupancy by Elaine Raco Chase

Description:
All Casey Reynolds wanted was peace and quiet and a long vacation from covering the crime beat in Boston. That's why she agreed to borrowing a villa in Mexico to rest, be alone and work on her novel.

But then he showed up -- Travis Craig. He said he was offered the villa to recover from a serious illness. He had just lost his teaching job and had no money to leave.

She agreed with his plan to share the house -- but on her terms. Soon rest and relaxation were a thing of the past when their double occupancy proved too erotic to control.

My Thoughts: 
This was a fun book. Casey is escaping her life and goes to Mexico to work on her novel. Then Travis shows up. They are instantly attracted to one another, but she has too many insecurities to get involved right away. They become friends, but they find it impossible to stay that way for long. I enjoyed the fun banter, and of course there is lots of steam.
The narration is easy to listen to. There are two narrators and it makes the male and female points of view easy to distinguish. They both have very soothing voices. The music at the beginning of each chapter is a nice touch.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!

My Source: author

Where to get it:
        


Audio Info:
Author:  Elaine Raco Chase
Title:  Double Occupancy
Narrator:  Destiny Landon and Lee James
Publisher:  Elaine Raco Chase
Abridged or Unabridged:  Unabridged
Length of Production:  5hr 29 min
Year of Publication: 2013

Where to find the author:
Elaine Raco Chase
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Authorgraph

Triangle Variety Radio where she hosts The Author's Corner every Thursday night 8pm EST

Audiobook Review: Her Fake Romance by Donna Fasano

Her Fake Romance by Donna Fasano

Description:
"Mom, get a life!"

Her teenage daughter's words were daunting. True, struggling single mom Julia Jones hadn't had a date in over a decade, but she could still catch a man–if she needed to! So Julia, who claimed not to want a husband, found herself entangled in a fake romance.

Ryan Shane was tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome. And he just so happened to need a no-strings date himself. Their plan was perfectly thought out. Until a conveniently staged good-night kiss turned into very inconvenient passion…

My Thoughts:
Fake romances can be fun. Neither Julia nor Ryan is interested in a relationship, but they both have their reasons for making a deal in which they pretend to be a couple. They were attracted to one another from the moment they met, but each has to get over their issues before they can move forward and have a real relationship. It is a sweet story with funny moments. I enjoyed it.

The narrator for the audio has a soothing voice. She does make an effort to differentiate voices and is particularly good at the teenager. It does seem a bit slow at times, with pauses that last just a beat too long. Overall an enjoyable listen.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!


My Source: publisher (through Audiobook Jukebox)

Where to get it:
    


Where to find the author:
Website
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Goodreads

Audiobook Info:

Author: Donna Fasano
Title: Her Fake Romance
Narrator: Christa G. Lewis
Publisher: Donna Fasano
Abridged or Unabridged: Unabridged
Length of Production: 6 hours 8 minutes
Year of Publication: 2013

Audiobook Review: Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

Once Burned  (Night Prince #1) by Jeaniene Frost

Description:
She's a mortal with dark powers...

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person's darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude...until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world's most infamous vampire...

He's the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula. Vlad's ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

My Thoughts:
I always loved when Vlad showed up in the Night Huntress series. He is a great character. I like Leila, too. She had this power that has caused her to keep her distance from people. A mystery, lots of action and vampire torture. I admit I was a bit surprised by the ending, though I really shouldn't have been, having read some of the author's other books. Makes me want to get the next book, though. I also liked the appearance by Cat and Bones. They're so fun.

The audio was so good. It has the same narrator as the Night Huntress series. Tavia Gilbert is pretty amazing. She becomes the characters, no matter their gender, accent, or the language they're speaking.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!!
*Notes: Strong language, some gore

Audio Info:
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Title: Once Burned: A Night Prince Novel, Book 1
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
Publisher: Harper Audio
Abridged or Unabridged: Unabridged 
Length of Production: 8 hours and 30 minutes
Year of Publication: 2012
My Source: library

Where to get it:
  

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Audio Review: Dark Before Dawn by Stacy Juba

Dark Before Dawn by Stacy Juba

Description:
When teen psychic Dawn Christian gets involved with a fortuneteller mentor and two girls who share her mysterious talents, she finally belongs after years of being a misfit. When she learns her new friends may be tied to freak accidents in town, Dawn has an important choice to make - continue developing the talent that makes her special or challenge the only people who have ever accepted her.

This novel is aimed at young adults, and at adults who enjoy paranormal YA such as the Twilight series, House of Night, and The Vampire Diaries series, Meg Cabot’s The Mediator series, or Lois Duncan books.

My Thoughts:
Dawn is adjusting to a new home, new school and new family. Her mom doesn't want anyone, including her new step-father and step-brother to know about her abnormality. Her psychic ability has kept her from having friends in the past and she is hoping to start over. Events occur that once again make her an outcast, but she is able to find some friends that have the same type of talents. Finally she fits in, but her inner voice is telling her to stay away. And for good reason. There are some very common teen issues in this book, but with a paranormal spin. There were a couple of twists that surprised me. An intriguing and mysterious story. I recommend for anyone who enjoys YA paranormals, including older adults.

The narrator for this story was spot-on. She was just right for the part of a 16 year old girl and also did a fantastic job differentiating between the characters, including the males. I was impressed. An enjoyable listen.

My Rating: *****

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Audio Review: Face-Off by Stacy Juba

Face-Off by Stacy Juba

Description:
Head-to-Head, Skate-to-Skate, It's Winner Takes All! What might have been a dream come true has turned into a nightmare. Brad's twin brother T.J. has gotten himself out of the fancy prep school his father picked for him and into the public high school Brad attends. Now T.J., the bright light in his father's eyes, is a shining new star on the hockey team where Brad once held the spotlight. And he's testing his popularity with Brad's friends, eyeing Brad's girl and competing to be captain of the team. The whole school is rooting for a big double-strength win, not knowing that their twin hockey stars are heating up the ice for a winner takes all face-off.

My Thoughts:
When T.J. has to switch high schools, Brad suddenly has to share his school, his friends, and his hockey team. This is a story about sibling rivalry with realistic family relationships. The hockey parts were easy to follow, even for someone who does not know much about hockey. Readers middle school and up will relate to struggles with family, friends and school. An enjoyable story, and you could really see how both brothers were affected by the situation.

The audio is excellent. The narrator is perfect for this story and he does a great job with the different voices. Overall easy to listen to.


My Rating: *****


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Audio Review: Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba

Description:
Kris Langley has always been obsessed with murder. She blames herself for the violent death of her cousin when they were kids and has let guilt invade every corner of her existence. Now an editorial assistant and obit writer for a Massachusetts newspaper, Kris stumbles across an unsolved murder while compiling "25 Years Ago Today" items from the microfilm. She grows fascinated with the case of a young cocktail waitress who was bludgeoned to death and dumped in the woods. Determined to solve the case and atone for the death of her cousin, Kris immerses herself in the mystery of what happened to Diana Ferguson, a talented artist who expressed herself through haunting paintings of Greek mythology. Not only does Kris face resistance from her family and her managing editor, she also clashes with Diana's suspicious nephew, Eric Soares - until neither she nor Eric can deny the chemistry flaring between them. Kris soon learns that old news never leaves the morgue and that yesterday's headline is tomorrow's danger, for finding out the truth about that night twenty-five years ago may shatter Kris's present, costing her love, her career, and ultimately, her life.

My Thoughts:
This is a great mystery story. It grabbed me from the beginning as Kris comes across a twenty-five year old murder that fascinated her. I was pulled along as she followed clues and became involved with the family. The story kept me guessing. The romance was just enough and didn't take away from the mystery.
I listened to the audio book and it was fantastic. The narrator did an excellent job. Very easy to listen to.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!

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Review: No Easy Way Out by Elaine Raco Chase

No Easy Way Out by Elaine Raco Chase

Description:
Engineering robots, and all non-living creatures, was easy for Virginia – not so much with people. So when her best friend dragged her to the company Halloween party, Virginia went kicking and screaming…well as much as her Playboy bunny costume allowed for any movement.

But with her mask in place and her normal reserve as tiny as her costume, Dr. Farrell suddenly let loose. Wild and wanton, she fell into the muscular arms of the costumed and masked Bandit. His virile charms and passionate kisses penetrated her reserve. But at the stroke of midnight, when the masks were to come off, Virginia fled, leaving her bunny tail in the palm of the handsome Bandit’s hand.

Dr. Alex Braddock was determined to find the curvy ass that fit the tail. He was stunned when it appeared that his new boss, Dr. Farrell was his sexy rabbit.

But was it the prim, professional Virginia? She resembled oatmeal!

Or her wanton twin sister? She got turned on by the navel in an orange!

Which woman was the aggressor? Which woman ignited burning desire? Which woman – became the all-consuming question that needed an answer.

This romantic comedy is a laugh-a-minute, with a team of fairy godmothers that would make any Cinderella blush and a surprise twist in the middle that makes for no easy way out! 

My Thoughts:
What a fun read! Serious, genius, Virginia never has any fun. Her friend convinces her to go to a masquerade party, she has a steamy time on a balcony with a bandit until the clock strikes midnight and she runs off like a fluffy-tailed Cinderella. Then the bandit turns out to be her new co-worker and she and her friend invent a twin. So funny. Things do get more serious, but I was satisfied by how things turned out.
The narration for the audio is fantastic. The narrator does a great job with the voices, Virginia's friend Diane in particular. Lots of fun to listen to.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!!


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