Audio Dual Review ~ Kiss of a Dragon & Heart of a Dragon ~ Alisa Woods #AudioChallenge #2017NewRelease

Kiss of a Dragon by Alisa Woods
Fallen Immortals #1
Narrated by: Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Media. This did not affect my review or my rating. 
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Lucian: I am a Dragon Price of the House of Smoke...and I am dying. Five hundred years is truly enough for a man like me. A monster. Yet a ten-thousand-year treaty will die with me, if I don't spawn a dragonling to take my place. My two brothers are no use in this task. It falls to me, the eldest by a hair's breadth, and yet, I cannot face the horror of another sealing. Another death. Another woman's blood on my hands. Arabella: I was saved from death in a dark Seattle alley by an impossibly beautiful man who swooped in on golden wings. Now he's taken me to his lair, opened my eyes to a world of immortals I didn't know existed, and given me an impossible task - find him a mate. Then, and only then, will he set me free. He needs her more than he wants; she wants him more than she should; and the fate of both the mortal and immortal worlds depends on not just repairing their hearts, but finding a love that's true...

I was in need of some paranormal romance and this one...well, I have one word for you: DRAGONS. LOL It fit the bill, needless to say.

In a nutshell, Lucian Smoke is the "crown prince" of the House of Smoke - a dragon family in the unique and precarious position of protecting humanity. However, Lucian needs to find a mate ASAP in order to procreate and thereby continue protecting humanity according to a treaty. Enter Arabella.

These two were crazy hot together but refused to accept their attraction. Lucian because of his history and his "duty", Arabella because of her history and Lucian's being a dragon. It was rather entertaining watching them both fall, almost without their knowing it happened. Even though they knew each other a relatively short time, their feelings developed organically and they both did some emotional growing. It did end on a bit of a cliffhanger so I was happy I already had book 2 handy.

Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell continue to be a favorite narrating due of mine. I do wish Arden's voice for Lucian felt more consistent with those of his brothers but that's a nitpicky thing and I still enjoyed his chapters. Mitchell did well with having distinct voices. And they both excelled at conveying the emotions of the story.

Heart of a Dragon by Alisa Woods
Fallen Immortals #2
Narrated by: Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell
Release Date: March 14, 2017
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Media. This did not affect my review or my rating. 
Rating: 3 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Lucian is a Dragon Prince of the House of Smoke...and he's dying. He has to spawn a dragonling to uphold the treaty that keeps the mortal world safe from the immortal Dark Fae, but a dragon's mate rarely survives the birth of a young dragon, and he can't face the horror of another woman's death on his hands. When he rescues a beautiful woman from a demon roaming the streets of Seattle, he has to seduce her without losing his heart...and before he turns into a feral dragon and breaks the treaty forever.

Heart of a Dragon picks up where Kiss of a Dragon left off. Lucian and Arabella both being stubborn but to opposite ends.

I have to say that I admired Arabella's tenacity. She's made her decision with regards to Lucian and she's determined to get her way. She's fierce in her feelings for him and undeterred, no matter the obstacles thrown at her - by Lucian or those intent on keeping them apart.

Lucian, on the other hand...his actions honestly left a bad taste in my mouth. While on the one hand I understood where he was coming from, on the other I felt his actions were selfish and cowardly. Not the decisions made by one who would be a leader nor those of one on whose shoulders so much rested.

There were some revelations in this installment but not enough to fully understand the bigger picture. And although some things are resolved between Lucian and Arabella, not everything was and it was a bit frustrating. However, I'm invested in the characters and the outcome so I will see their story through.

Arden and Mitchell were excellent. They continue to keep the narration exciting and the pacing just right.

Favorites of 2016 ~ Narrators

I decided it'd be fun to bring 2016 to a close by listing some of favorites from the year. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of your favorites!

*~*Narrators*~*

• Kirsten Potter - she can rock an accent making her a favorite for historicals
• Christian Fox - his delivery is so natural, and entertaining, I'd pay him to read my grocery list
• Robert Petkoff - his range of voices and delivery keep me chomping at the bit to listen to Immortals After Dark
• Mindy Kennedy - she *is* Teresa Drazen and her voice for Antonio Spinelli rocks as well
• Joe Arden - he does a great job at conveying the emotions of the heroes and makes a great duo with Maxine Mitchell
• Maxine Mitchell - she does well with conveying emotions as well and she and Joe Arden are one of my favorite narrating duos
• Sebastian York - his growly voice, well, it does nice things to me so listening to him is an absolute pleasure
• Nicole Poole - she amazes me! I'm always impressed with her ability to keep character voices distinct over a number of books, especially a series like Dannika Dark's Seven series where there is a large cast.
• Mason Lloyd - his delivery of the crusty men of According to Hoyle was so spot on it made the story even more enjoyable

Audio Review ~ One Ride ~ Chelsea Camaron

One Ride by Chelsea Camaron
The Hellions Ride #1
Narrated by: Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden
Release Date: April 26, 2016 (audio)
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Tantor Audio sent me a complimentary copy
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Roundman, president of the Hellions Motorcycle Club, has kept the chaos surrounding the Hellions contained for the last thirty years. When the dangerous side to their business comes knocking on his only child's doorstep, he realizes that his precious daughter-Delilah ("Doll")-isn't safe anymore. With Doll in danger from the association she has with him and his club, Roundman makes the only decision he feels he can-send her away. Calling on the one charter club president he trusts, he sets up a ride to keep her safe, all in hopes that trouble won't follow. Talon "Tripp" Crews has been ordered to take Doll on one ride away from the dnager while the club handles the threat. She's off-limits. His head knows this, but his body can't deny the attraction. She's feisty, fierce, and fearless. Constantly in close confines together, will they give in to the desire? Can one ride turn lust into love? Contains mature themes.

I picked One Ride because I was in the mood for an MC story. While One Ride didn't deliver exactly what I was looking for, it was still an enjoyable story.

Delilah "Doll" Reklinger is the daughter of the President of the Hellions. As such, she's treated as precious. Even though the MC life is all she's known and is what she wants for herself, her daddy isn't so sure he wants this life for her. He's done a good job of keeping his club clean and Doll safe but when trouble shows up at Doll's desk, invasive action is required.

Enter Tripp Crews. Tripp is a trusted member of the Hellions and Roundman's first choice in carrying out his plan to protect Doll. If only Tripp wasn't so attracted to her. If only she wasn't off-limits.

Overall, I liked this story. The characters were relatable and I did immerse myself in their story. But here's the thing - I felt Doll acted bratty quite often and it bothered me. Also, I would have liked more exploration of and dealing with the danger. It would have given the story more depth. And I was looking for the dynamics and camaraderie within an MC but it wasn't here in the detail I was hoping for. Of course, that's what I get for going in with expectations.

Mitchell and Arden were excellent though! They kept me engaged despite the story not delivering all I wanted. I will continue the series - I have to know what happens with a few of the secondary characters.

#OctobeRecFest Audio Review ~ Bossman ~ Vi Keeland

Bossman by Vi Keeland
Narrated by: Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell
Release Date: September 6, 2016
Genre: Adult, Comtemporary Romance
Source: Tantor Audio sent me a complimentary copy
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Recommended by: Naomi @Naomi's Reading Palace
Goodreads

Synopsis
The first time I met Chase Parker, I didn't exactly make a good impression. I was hiding in the bathroom hallway of a restaurant, leaving a message for my best friend to save me from my awful date. He overheard and told me I was a bitch, then proceeded to offer me some dating advice. So I told him to mind his own damn business--his own tall, gorgeous, full-of-himself damn business--and went back to my miserable date.

When he walked by my table, he smirked, and I watched his arrogant, sexy ass walk back to his date.

I couldn't help but sneak hidden glances at the condescending jerk on the other side of the room. Of course, he caught me on more than one occasion, and winked. When the gorgeous stranger and his equally hot date suddenly appeared at our table, I thought he was going to rat me out. But instead, he pretended we knew each other and joined us--telling elaborate, embarrassing stories about our fake childhood. My date suddenly went from boring to bizarrely exciting.

When it was over and we parted ways, I thought about him more than I would ever admit, even though I knew I'd never see him again. I mean, what were the chances I'd run into him again in a city with eight million people?

Then again... What were the chances a month later he'd wind up being my new sexy boss?

I went into Bossman expecting a fun read. I was ever so pleasantly surprised to get that and so much more. And I can't wait for more Vi Keeland.

Highlights:

• Best first meeting EVER. The way things transpire between Chase and Reese after they met in the hallway by the restrooms was hilarious and a story meant to be told to your grandchildren. So fun!
• Strong foundation. This couple took time to get to know one another and be friends before taking the relationship to the next level. I had as much fun getting to know them as they did getting to know one another. And Reese had good reasons for not wanting an office romance but this one worked.
• A couple made for each other. Not only were Chase and Reese a match for each other in that Reese always had a comeback for Chase's cockiness but they both had several similar experiences which made dealing with the baggage they carried easier to cope with. Their sexual chemistry was off the charts and yet they still took the time to become friends.
• An office romance with some focus on the office. Reese is in marketing for Chase's company and I really appreciated how Keeland spent so much time showing her at work - how a new branding campaign would be launched, market testing, etc. I don't know if this is how things are really done but it lent an authenticity to the story that I liked. Besides, one of the products is a ladies grooming was. ;)

Honestly, there wasn't much I didn't like about Bossman. If I had to pick one thing it'd be Reese's continued reluctance to enter into a relationship with Chase because of what happened at her last job. I understood it in the beginning bu then the circumstances were completely different.

The narrators were excellent! Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden embodied their respective characters, had the range for the other voices required, kept the pacing smooth, and conveyed the range of emotions the story dictated. I'm already looking into their other work. ;)