Audio Book

Pros & Cons of Vengeance and Pros & Cons of Deception by A.E. Wasp: Audiobook Tour and Reviews

February 19, 2020 by Denise

There’s nothing like being blackmailed by a dead man to really bring a group of cons together. And what a group we are: a hacker, a thief, a con artist, a thug, and a Federal agent with an axe to grind. The deal is simple, we do the jobs and Charlie’s lawyer wipes the slate clean for each of us, one at a time.

Since job number one calls for some muscle, it looks like I’m up first. I’m Steele Alvarez, ex-Special Forces Close Protection Specialist (aka, a bodyguard for some not so nice guys).

After learning what the job is — taking down a seemingly untouchable senator with a penchant for beating up young male prostitutes — I’m in. No questions. A bullet ought to do the trick.

Then I met Senator Harlan’s latest victim: Breck Pfeiffer, the gorgeous hooker with a heart of gold and the soul of a fighter. One look at him and I’m gone. That kid laid me out harder than any punch ever did. I’ll do anything to protect Breck, even kill for him. But Breck doesn’t want the senator dead, he wants vengeance.

If we’re going to find a way to bring down the slimebag and get the blackest mark on my record erased, I’m going to need all the help I can get.

Like it or not, we’re all in this together.

BOOK 1

Book Title: Pros & Cons of Vengeance

Author: A. E. Wasp

Publisher: Tantor

Narrator: Tor Thom & Alexandre Steele

Release Date: April 2019

Genre: M/M Romantic suspense/romantic comedy

Trope/s: Bodyguard. Leverage meets Charlie’s Angels but more gay

Themes: Vengeance

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 8 hours 54 minutes

It is a standalone story.

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This is a new series to me. I’ve grabbed a couple of A.E. Wasp’s books, but I’m pretty sure they are in my TBR pile (although I will be digging through to find what I have!) What a great concept this series is! A bit of Charlie’s Angels but more gay (and with way more technology). 🙂 And the first book starts off with a bit of a bang.

This book is a bit more insta-love than I’ve read in a long while, but these two were definitely good contrasts for each other. Steele was all about protecting, and Breck definitely needed some additional protection as the entire group tried to work through Charlie’s first assignment for them. And wow, these assignments are no small feat. Taking someone down like the Senator they were working to demolish needed an entire team. I loved how these men all worked together to destroy this common enemy, despite them not having met previous to Charlie’s funeral.

I was not a huge fan of the narration of this book. I might have been okay (although I don’t know for sure) if there had only been one narrator. However, with two narrators, it pulled me out of the book in two different ways. One of the narrators, I just didn’t really like his voice a lot. And that happens of course, in every day life. I can usually get through that with audiobooks. In addition, though, one of the MC’s, (and I really only noticed it when it was one of the MC’s, and only when he was “speaking”). The two narrators’ voice for that MC were so different it was really confusing for me. Again, that happens. However, one voice was very deep, almost scratchy, while with the other narrator is was much higher pitched. I really struggled with the narration.

Definitely looking forward to the next story (see below) and seeing what Wesley has in store for Danny. 🙂

In the end…

Story: 3.5 pieces of eye candy

Narration: 2.5 pieces of eye candy

There’s nothing like being blackmailed by a dead man to really bring a group of cons together. The deal is simple, we do the jobs and Charlie’s lawyer wipes the slate clean for each of us, one at a time.

Job number two lands right in my lap. I’m Bond. Wesley Bond. (I can’t resist saying it that way. Blame my dad, if you can find him.) You could call me a hacker. I redistribute wealth – moving it from rich slimebags to poorer but infinitely more deserving people – and make a tidy profit as I do. My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to bring down some modern-day slave traders.

With the life of the one person in this world I love on the line, I can’t afford any screw-ups or distractions. Unfortunately, my biggest distraction is my biggest asset – Danny Monroe. Danny is a leftover complication from our first job. He’s a smart, funny, gorgeous ex-prostitute, who can’t seem to keep his clothes on. I can’t seem to keep my mouth shut around him. But I need a fake boyfriend, and Danny is the only option.

We don’t know who the bad guy is; we have no idea how to prove anything. If I’m going to do this, I’m going to need all the help I can get. Like it or not, we’re all in this together.

Book Title: Pros & Cons of Deception

Author: A. E. Wasp

Publisher: Tantor

Narrator: Tor Thom & Alexandre Steele

Release Date: June 2019

Genre: M/M Romantic suspense/romantic comedy

Trope/s: Fake boyfriends. Leverage meets Charlie’s Angels but more gay

Themes: Justice

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 8 hours 13 minutes

It is a standalone story but it helps to read the first one.

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This story, for whatever reason, resonated with me more than book 1, even the narrators.

I enjoyed this one a bit more, and laughed at a lot more of the dialogue. “Big Daddy”, the tiny little shorts, and all the quick comebacks were all very well done. The group seemed to coalesce a little more with their second case in.

Wesley and Danny were really sweet together, once Wesley got past his hangup with Danny’s age. And everyone allowing Danny to do something besides work on his tan, was great. He wanted to be useful for more than eye candy, although that ended up being some of what he did anyway, and that worked out well.

The narration was not as rough to me this time. It seemed to be less of a jump around for me on this book, and I enjoyed that more.

This series is starting to really come along, and I am looking forward to then next book in the series.

Story: 3.5 pieces of eye candy

Narration: 3 pieces of eye candy

A dreamer and an idealist, Amy writes about people finding connection in a world that can seem lonely and magic in a world that can seem all too mundane. She invites readers into her characters’ lives and worlds when they are their most vulnerable, their most human, living with the same hopes and fears we all have. An avid traveler who has lived in big cities and small towns in four different continents, Amy has found that time and distance are no barriers to love. She invites her readers to reach out and share how her characters have touched their lives or how the found families they have gathered around them have shaped their worlds.

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Twitter: @AmyWasp | Newsletter Sign-up | Instagram: @amywasp

All the Way to Shore by CJane Elliott: Audio Book Release Blitz, Excerpt and Giveaway

January 7, 2020 by Denise

What happens when a cruise ship romance crashes on the rocky shores of reality?

Poor-little-rich-boy Jonathan Vallen is the heir to Vallen Industries, but is more interested in music and gardens. He clashes with new CEO Marco Pellegrini, a self-made man and rising star in business, who is brought in to salvage the company. Jonathan gladly leaves Vallen and moves to Cape Cod. When they meet again on an LGBTQ Caribbean cruise, Marco doesn’t recognize Jonathan, who has spent a year transforming from an ugly duckling into a very sexy swan. After Marco shows interest and sparks fly, Jonathan reluctantly assumes a false identity, egged on by his cousin Anthony. None of them expect a shipboard fling to deepen into true love.

Back on land, the romance crashes when Marco discovers his perfect man is not only a lie but the son of his boss, Frederick Vallen. Jonathan resolves to win Marco back, but Frederick takes vengeful action. Jonathan and Marco must battle their own fears as well as Frederick’s challenge to get to the future that awaits them on the horizon.

Title: All the Way to Shore

Author: CJane Elliott

Narrated by: Tim McKiernan

Publisher: Self-Published

Original Release Date: 11/23/16

Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 5 hrs and 55 mins

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

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The strains of a steel band mingled in the air with the tantalizing aroma of meat on the grill. Jonathan was thinking about getting something to eat when Anthony suddenly clutched his arm.

“Jonny! Over there!” Anthony practically hissed the words as he jerked his head to the right.

“What?” Jonathan took another sip of his sangria, not too concerned. Anthony got worked up about everything.

“I think that’s Marco Pellegrini!”

He lifted his head and stared in the direction Anthony indicated. A tall, dark-haired man in glasses stood surveying the crowd next to a younger woman bearing a strong resemblance to him. Both were stunningly good-looking. The man’s tousled curls were longer than Jonathan remembered Marco’s being. But when the breeze lifted them from his face, his Roman nose and defined cheekbones were unmistakable. So was the amazing body clad in a tank top and shorts ensemble that managed to combine elegance with sexiness. Damn. It was Marco. “On this cruise? I thought he was engaged or something. And straight.”

“Guess not. I knew that guy was gay!”

“I think you mean bi.” Jonathan’s mouth grew dry as Marco squinted in their direction, and the humiliation of their past encounters rose in his mind. “Oh, damn, damn it, Tony. What’s he doing here?”

He was about to turn and flee to their stateroom when Anthony said, “He’s staring at you, Jonny. I think he likes what he sees. Stop fidgeting! Let’s go over and say hi.”

“Are you kidding?” Jonathan whispered. “I never want to see that guy again. And he for sure doesn’t want to see me!”

“No? Then why’s he walking over here? My God, the man is gorgeous! If you don’t want him, I get him.”

“You—” Jonathan cut himself off because Marco was indeed strolling in their direction, the woman at his side.

Anthony grabbed Jonathan by the arm and all but dragged him closer, then beamed at Marco. “Hello, there!”

While Jonathan tried not to die a thousand deaths, Marco smiled and said, “Hello.” He showed no recognition that he’d ever met Jonathan before. What he did show, shockingly, was a rather blatant interest in him, running his eyes up and down Jonathan’s body before saying, “I’m Marco.” Jonathan had never seen Marco in shorts or a close-fitting tank before and was having a hard time breathing at the sight of his tanned shapely legs and muscled shoulders.

The woman, who had to be his sister or cousin, nodded at them and smiled warmly. “And I’m Sophia. We’re also known as the Pellegrini twins, only we’re not really twins. Just sister and brother.”

Before Jonathan could respond, Anthony jumped in. “Nice to meet you! I’m Andrew Arrington, and this is my cousin, Jonah Rutledge.”

Jonathan felt his mouth drop open. Then he gave a weak smile, still poised to flee, sure that Marco was going to recognize him any moment. “Um, hello. Where are you from?” After they got through this fiasco, he planned to kill his cousin.

After years of hearing characters chatting away in her head, CJane Elliott finally decided to put them on paper and hasn’t looked back since. A psychotherapist by training, CJane enjoys writing sexy, passionate stories that also explore the human psyche. CJane has traveled all over North America for work and her characters are travelers, too, traveling down into their own depths to find what they need to get to the happy ending.

CJane is an ardent supporter of LGBTQ equality and is particularly fond of coming out stories.

In her spare time, CJane can be found dancing, listening to music, or watching old movies. Her husband and son support her writing habit by staying out of the way when they see her hunched over, staring intensely at her laptop. Be sure to check out CJane’s new Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowReadersClub.

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Vespertine by Leta Blake & Indra Vaughn: Audio Book Review

January 7, 2020 by Denise

Can a priest and a rock star obey love’s call?

Seventeen years ago, Jasper Hendricks and Nicholas Blumfeld’s childhood friendship turned into a secret, blissful love affair. They spent several idyllic months together until Jasper’s calling to the Catholic priesthood became impossible to ignore. Left floundering, Nicky followed his own trajectory into rock stardom, but he never stopped looking back.

Today, Jasper pushes boundaries as an out, gay priest, working hard to help vulnerable LGBTQ youth. He’s determined to bring change to the church and the world. Respected, admired, and settled in his skin, Jasper has long ignored his loneliness.

As Nico Blue, guitarist and songwriter for the band Vespertine, Nicky owns the hearts of millions. He and his bandmates have toured the world, lighting their fans on fire with their music. Numbed by drugs and fueled by simmering anger, Nicky feels completely alone. When Vespertine is forced to get sober, Nicky returns home to where it all started.

Jasper and Nicky’s careers have ruled their lives since they parted as teens. When they come face to face again, they must choose between the past’s lingering ghosts or the promise of a new future.

Audible

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Okay, full disclosure. According to my Amazon buying history, I purchased this book July 25, 2017. That being said, it has languished on my TBR since then. I think mostly because I was afraid of the angst that I anticipated would come with it. I am not an angsty reader generally (I leave those books to Erin 🙂 ), I generally want as my friends would say “puppies pooping rainbows”. I had heard many times how good this book was, but was a bit scared to read it.

Yeah, yeah…I was wrong. 🙂 When I found out it was on Audible, I knew it was time, and now I am just sorry I waited so long…Although that being said, Michael Ferraiuolo‘s narration was once again, completely on point. Fantastic job.

It was definitely hard to read/listen to the drug portions of the book, even about Nicky shooting up (had an ex that did this, so…) but the authors did a fantastic job of taking that line, crossing it just enough to engage, but not so much that it squeaked me out. My heart hurt for Nicky, and how much he went through, and how hard it was for him to make himself stay clean. He was determined, and it showed.

Meanwhile, at the outset, you would not have assumed Jasper was the one who broke Nicky’s heart, or that he could be a Catholic priest, working with LGBTQ+ children while being out himself. However, he did all that, and the authors made it seamless. They didn’t put them back together instantly (this is a long book!), they took their time, brought them back together as the friends they once were first, and let them find their way back to each others’ hearts as each misunderstanding, argument, or painful memory was cleared.

I really did love this book. It was so unique, and hit so many buttons. Meanwhile, the narrator did what always makes a difference for me when I am listening, let me know through his voice, which character, MC or not, was speaking. Michael knocked it out of the park on this narration, and I’m so glad that he was my first introduction to this book. It allowed me to just enjoy it, rather than worry that I was going to be crying in the corner. (Which by the way, I did a little…but the authors gave me my HEA so all is well.) 🙂

Story:

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Narration:

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Fighter (Survivor Trilogy Book 3) by TM Smith: Audiobook Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 16, 2019 by Denise

Fighter – A Survivor story

Dedication and smarts have given Blair Cummings a leg up in the Bureau. His job is all-consuming, but rewarding. It doesn’t leave much time for a love life though, not that Blair believes in love. At nearly thirty, he’s only ever been in one long- term relationship due to his inability to commit to anything other than his job and his family.

Born into a family that is as successful as they are hateful, Howard Manning Tullor Junior ran so far away from his last name that he wound up in the arms of Satan himself. Freedom comes at a high price but it’s one Mannie is willing to pay, setting him on a path that leads him to a quiet, laid -back FBI agent.

Their attraction is unexpected, and yet, welcomed. Blair seems to have finally found something worth fighting for, but Mannie, still haunted by ghosts of the past, wonders if he’ll ever be able to move on. The two are working toward their future, but can a budding romance survive when past and present collide?

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iTunes

Fighter is the third book in the Survivor trilogy by TM Smith. It finishes the arc that begins back in Book 1 with Survivor, the story with Taylor and Frank, which was a really tragic story, with a happy ending.

These three books run very concurrently, which in some ways makes it difficult to keep up. Because you are only reading (or listening) to one book at a time, you have some idea of what is happening elsewhere at the time you are reading the current story. So, the timeline changes, and moves forward many years, and then moves back at start of the next book.

The over-reaching arc is suspenseful and well documented, so you can see how careful that the author was with the details to ensure that when all three victims beginning having their stories converge, the differences between their stories are evident. Yet, there is a clear path about how much they diverge and reconnect.

The writing style is a bit formal to me as a reader, with quite a bit of flowery prose, and phrases that seemed somewhat dated in today’s society. However, the connections between all the characters was created clearly, and showed how they grew and morphed over the years. I love stories that show connections with all characters, and create a new family.

Nick J. Russo’s narration was fantastic, as always, with clear character voices and accents. His voice goes from playful to angry to passionate so very well.

Story: 3.5 pieces of eye candy

Narration: 4 pieces of eye candy

A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; TM Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. A Texas transplant, she now calls DFW her home. Most days she can be found curled up with a good book, or ticking away on her next novel.

Smith is a single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Besides her writing, she is passionate about Autism advocacy and LGBT rights. Because, seriously people, Love is Love!

Website: www.authortmsmith.com

Blog: www.ttcbooksandmore.com

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTMSmith

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/994621997270606/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/TTCBooksandmore

GoodReads: https://goo.gl/XQugse

Pinterest: https://goo.gl/cq9R9t

Youtube: https://goo.gl/Rpq5gX

Merry Christmas! Prize box (US only!)… You Got This! Personalizable journal (Hey… you totally got this!) This Classic Happy Notes™ notebook is perfect for journaling, taking notes, making lists, and writing down your BIG IDEAS! Three dividers included so you can create different sections to fit your needs!

60 sheets of lined paper
3 dividers included)
relaxation coloring book with color pencils & sharpner, chapstick, Kleenex with a motivational note, Incense w/holder, various Author swag, Captain Marvel pic, passport binder, 750 piece puzzle and a reversable canvas bag from ‘Fresh off the Boat, ABC network.

*Full size 2020 Calendar (US only)

*Headphones w/Audible codes (Headphones US only, Audiobook codes can be either US or UK Audible)

*Full size 2020 Calendar (US only)

*Jay Aheer prints (International)

*Signed paperback copy of Fighter (US only)

*Starbucks Giftcard (IF your country has a Starbucks and I can forward you an e-giftcard, you can win!)

*Jay Aheer prints (International)

*Signed paperback copy of The Messenger (US only)

*direct from prime (International) Something bookish!

*3 best selling eBooks —- Ann Lister (eBook copies of… Fall Again, Book 10 in The Rock Gods and A Rhythm You Feel, Book 1 in The Rock Gods: East Coast Label) Morticia Knight (eBook copy of In the Name of the Father)

*Storiarts Black Beauty fingerless writing gloves (US only)

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Mr Frosty Pants by Leta Blake: Audiobook Review

December 16, 2019 by Denise

Frosty former friends get a steamy second chance in this Christmas gay romance!

Can true love warm his frozen heart?

When Casey Stevens went away to college four years ago, he ghosted on his straight best friend, Joel Vreeland. He hoped time and distance would lessen the unrequited affection he felt, but all it did was make him miss Joel more. Home for the holidays, Casey hopes they might find a way to be friends again. But Joel’s frosty reception reminds Casey of just how hard he had to fight to be Joel’s friend in the first place. It’s going to take a Christmas miracle to get past that cool façade again.

Joel isn’t as straight as Casey believes, and his years of pining for Casey have left him hurting and alone, caring for his abusive father and struggling to get by. Unable to trust anyone except his rescue dog—and with no reason to believe Casey is interested in him for more than a holiday fling—Joel’s icy heart might shatter before it can thaw.

Can Casey and Joel’s love overcome mistrust, parental rejection, class differences, and four long years apart?

Mr. Frosty Pants is a stand-alone, Christmas gay romance by Leta Blake featuring a virgin hero, childhood friends-to-lovers, second chance romance, and romantically steamy scenes.

Audible

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I really enjoyed this book when I read it last year on ebook, so I definitely wanted to listen to the audio book. I think I enjoyed the audiobook even more than the ebook. Yeah! (That does happen to me quite often, simply because I enjoy the life and character that the narrator brings to the MC’s.

John Solo’s characterization of Frosty Pants Casey was fantastic. I could hear his grumpiness in every word. Meanwhile, Casey, at first seemed almost too sweet, but gained more strength as he grew in his rediscovery of Casey.

And I had forgotten about the redemption of … one person until I listened to the audio, and I was glad to have that moment again, knowing how Casey felt.

Honestly, this could be a re-read, re-listen Christmas book every year. Casey discovering the joy of Joel discovering the joy of Christmas. They blend so well together, and create a mix of personalities that works well.

Story: 4 pieces of eye candy

Narration: 4 pieces of eye candy

The Rising (Badlands #2) by Morgan Brice: Audiobook Tour

October 1, 2019 by Denise

Vic and Simon race to stop the murders against an unholy deadline, but as they battle rising tides and risen ghosts, can they save the intended victims without getting trapped themselves?

A big storm is brewing, there’s a killer on the loose, and the ghosts of Myrtle Beach are restless. Psychic medium Simon Kincaide and his sexy cop boyfriend, homicide detective Vic D’Amato have their hands full helping the Grand Strand brace for rough surf, driving rain, and high winds as a winter storm roars toward shore.

Everyone’s on edge, and rumors are rampant about sightings of Blackcoat Benny, a ghostly omen of danger, and worse, the Gallows Nine, the spirits of nine infamous criminals hanged back in the 1700s, a harbinger of disaster. Rough tides wash the wreck of an old pirate ship into shallow waters, high winds threaten to damage an old mansion with a dark past, and the citizens of the beach town hunker down to ride out the storm.

As the skies grow dark and the sea turns wild, several men from prominent local families end up dead under suspicious circumstances. Simon’s premonition confirms Vic’s gut feeling—the killing is just getting started. As Simon tries to reach out to the spirits of the murdered men to help the investigation, he’s attacked by malicious ghosts that don’t want anyone getting in the way of their long-overdue vengeance.

With the storm hammering the coast, and new victims piling up, Simon is certain that the sins and secrets of the past are coming due, and that the murders have a supernatural link. Vic and Simon race to stop the murders against an unholy deadline, but as they battle rising tides and risen ghosts, can they save the intended victims without getting trapped themselves?

The Rising is the second novel in the Badlands series. It is a MM romance intended for readers 18 years of age and older. The story contains mentions of suicide (not the main characters).

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW TOUR

Book Title: The Rising (Badlands #2)

Author: Morgan Brice

Publisher: Darkwind Press

Narrator: Kale Williams

Release Date: June 18, 2019

Genre: Urban Fantasy, MM paranormal romance

Trope/s: Second chance, new established relationship, monster hunting, hurt/comfort

Themes: Learning to trust, growing into a relationship, partnership

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 6 hours and 48 minutes

It can be read on its own, but it is part of the Badlands series

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This series has really captured my interest and kept me intrigued. The supernatural “woowoo” that Simon has he lets people know about, he isn’t in the closet, so to speak, about it. And although Vic in most of book 1 was skeptical, and in book 2 was essentially in awe of Simon’s gift, he has come to appreciate all that the gift has, and brings to the investigations they have worked on together.

We got to see a bit more of Vic’s POV in this book, and I liked that his protective side was as much in his head, as it was in what he did to try to save Simon from things he couldn’t control.

Getting to “meet” Simon’s kin was surprising but worked so well into the plot, that it didn’t feel contrived. It was allowed to flow with the story and didn’t overtake it all.

And once again, I was not able to figure out the who-dun-it, for sure. That’s the best part of reading a book like this for me.

I have only listened to Kale Williams on this series, and he has done a masterful job of separating characters by voice, inflections, accents, and even the feel of their presence. I’ve really enjoyed his narration.

Story: 4 pieces of eye candy

Narration: 4 pieces of eye candy

Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy male/male paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy, and together with co-author hubby Larry N. Martin, steampunk and comedic horror, all of which have less romance, more explosions. Characters from her Gail books make frequent appearances in secondary roles in her Morgan books, and vice versa.

Other books include Witchbane, Burn, Dark Rivers, and Badlands, Lucky Town, and The Rising, plus Treasure Trail. Watch for more in these series, plus new series coming soon!

I’ll be a Featured Author at GRL in October and also at Coastal Magic in February!

Join my Worlds of Morgan Brice Facebook Group! Get the early scoop on upcoming books and new series, see new covers first, enjoy insider news and special contests and giveaways! Plus it’s where I get my beta readers and launch team!

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Twitter: @MorganBriceBook

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