Audiobook Review: Wildest Dreams by Kristen Ashley

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Wildest Dreams by Kristen Ashley
Series: Fantasyland #1 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: June 21st 2016
Length: 18 hours and 49 minutes
Narrated by: Tillie Hooper
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Seoafin “Finnie” Wilde was taught by her parents that every breath was a treasure and to seek every adventure she could find. And she learns this lesson the hard way when they perish in a plane crash. But she never forgets and when she discovers there is a parallel universe where every person has a twin, she finds a witch who can send her there so she can have the adventure of a lifetime.

But upon arrival in the Winter Wonderland of Lunwyn, she realizes she’s been played by her twin and finds herself walking down the aisle to be wed to The Drakkar.

Thrown into inauspicious circumstances, with years of practice, Finnie bests the challenges and digs into her adventure. But as Frey Drakkar discovers the woman who is his new wife is not Princess Sjofn, a woman he dislikes but instead, his Finnie, a free-spirit with a thirst for venture just like him, without her knowledge he orders his new bride bound to his frozen world, everlasting.

But at the same time Frey plunges Finnie into a web of political intrigue that includes assassination plots, poison, magic, mystery and… dragons.

I absolutely LOVED Wildest Dreams!!! This might be my favorite audiobook from Kristen Ashley that I’ve listened to. Tillie Hooper’s narration is PERFECT, and the story is so epic and incredibly well-written. Wildest Dreams is my first non-contemporary book from KA, but I know it won’t be my last. For some reason, I was hesitant to read this book, but I’m so glad I got to experience it as an audiobook instead. I finished this 18+ hour long audiobook SO fast, because I just couldn’t stop listening! If you love a fantasy romance that will sweep you away on an epic adventure, get – this – audiobook!!

When Finnie discovers there’s a parallel universe where everyone has a twin and the twins of her parents are still alive, she doesn’t hesitate to find someone with the power to send her there. But when she arrives in Lunwyn, not everything has gone according to plan – her own twin has tricked her into switching places, so Finnie is now forced to marry Frey Drakkar, a fierce, savage warrior with the power to call upon dragons… and he hates Finnie on sight. So on top of navigating through this strange, fascinating world filled with magic, dragons, and elves, she has to make her new husband not hate her as much, and survive killers who want her dead.

Wildest Dreams really had it all. A well-developed world, characters that KA brought to life, and an epic romance that made me swoon. For a savage warrior, Frey was surprisingly sweet. Every time he mentioned Finnie being his ‘wildest dream’, my heart seriously fluttered. I adored the romance, the slow development of feelings, and I loved that even though Finnie and Frey are so different, they are so right for each other. I loved them together!

Tillie Hooper, the narrator, made what was an incredible book even better. I was so impressed with the way she was able to change her voice to fit each character’s dialogue, so no one person ever sounded the same. And props to her for being able to pronounce all the names in this book, because I know I wouldn’t even have tried to. She’s a brilliant narrator, and I know she narrates the second Fantasyland book as well, so I’m hoping the rest of the series will be narrated by her.

I will more than likely do another listen of Wildest Dreams, despite its long length, because it’s THAT good. I was sucked into this magical world KA created and I fell head over heels for the romance. Add in a flawless narration, and this audiobook was pretty much perfect for me. I can’t recommend this enough – if you have an extra credit, you NEED to use it on Wildest Dreams!

WILDEST DREAMS is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/29TUBVM

Reading Order: Fantasyland series

#1 ~ Wildest Dreams: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Golden Dynasty: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Fantastical: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Broken Dove: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Midnight Soul: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from Wildest Dreams!

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5Jul2016

Release Day Review: Into the Blue by Chanel Cleeton

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Into the Blue by Chanel Cleeton
Series: Wild Aces #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 5th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Eric Jansen—call sign Thor—loves nothing more than pushing his F-16 to the limit. Returning home to South Carolina after a tragic loss, he hopes to fix the mistake he made long ago, when he chose the Air Force over his fiancée.

Becca Madison isn’t quick to welcome Thor back. She can’t forget how he shattered her heart. But Thor won’t give up once he’s set his sights on what he wants—and he wants Becca.

Thor shows Becca that he’s no longer the impulsive boy he used to be, and Becca finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. But will Thor be able to walk away from his dream of flying the F-16 for their love or does his heart belong to the sky?

I loved loved LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Into the Blue was the PERFECT second chance romance/military romance for me. I’m usually a bit picky about these two tropes, and put them together? I was terrified about how it would play out, but holy hell, did I adore Eric and Becca’s second chance at love. I couldn’t have imagined a better story for these two characters. And omg Eric – can you say SWOON!? He was utter perfection as a hero. Seriously, I loved this book so much! Into the Blue is the second book in the Wild Aces series, though it can be read as a standalone (you can check out my review for book one here). If you loved Fly with Me, get ready to get your hands on Into the Blue – it’s an absolute must read.

I’d been an idiot before and thrown away the best thing that had ever happened to me, but there was no way I was making the same mistake again.

Ten years ago, Becca and Eric had been in love, engaged, and ready to begin a new chapter in their lives. Becca thought they were happy, but apparently not, because Eric just up and left her behind to join the US Air Force. The past ten years have been filled with bitterness, anger, and hurt, so understandably, when Eric comes back home for the first time in a decade, Becca wants nothing to do with him. I felt for this girl so hard. I was angry on her behalf, even though I knew her heart has only ever been his. My heart broke for the way hers broke, and I wanted nothing more than for her to kick Eric’s ass and show him what he’s been missing, and thankfully, she delivers. I loved Becca wholeheartedly, because I could connect with her so well. She’s got a huge heart capable of so much love, but the hurt Eric caused only made her grow stronger. And this time, she’s not about to let him in that easily. I was so happy with the way she kept making Eric prove his love to her – Becca ROCKED as a heroine.

You couldn’t fake what we had. Couldn’t duplicate it. We were so fucking lucky to have found each other once, and even as I’d always suspected it, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that letting her go was the biggest mistake of my life.
Now I needed to fix it.

The one thing that describes Eric? Regretful. He has so many regrets in life, but none does he regret more than leaving Becca, the love of his life. THIS is the kind of hero I adore reading about in second chance romances. The hero who never forgot about his lost love, the one who knows he effed up and can admit his mistakes. The kind of hero who’s not afraid to put his heart on the line again, and once he’s back in his woman’s life, he’s going to do everything he can to stay there permanently. Ten years ago, Eric gave up Becca for F-16’s – but this time around, he knows he’s not going to make the same mistake again. Will he be able to prove his love and devotion to her and win her heart again?

I’d never felt this way about anyone before. Wasn’t sure I’d even felt this way about her before. Maybe it took losing her to realize just how much I needed her, the contrast between my life with Becca and my life without never clearer than in this moment.

Eric and Becca were beautiful together. They might have loved each other back then, but they are so meant for each other even more now. Into the Blue made my heart ache in all the right places – the angst is so well done, but the love is what totally swept me away. Chanel Cleeton did such an amazing job with this story – it’s already become one of my favorite books of the year. Fly with Me was a fantastic read, but Into the Blue went above and beyond my expectations.

If you haven’t read the Wild Aces series yet, you are missing out. It’s an amazing military romance series – and if you love second chance romances too, Into the Blue will be perfect for you. This series only seems to be getting better and better, so I can’t even imagine how the third book will turn out, but I know I’m dying to read Easy’s story. I can already feel the heartache from On Broken Wings – January 2017 can’t get here fast enough!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Wild Aces series

#1 ~ Fly With Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Into the Blue: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ On Broken Wings: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Jan. 3, 2017)

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4Jul2016

Early Review: Once Upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Once Upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt
Series: Maiden Lane #10.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 5th 2016
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

From New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt comes a delightful Maiden Lane novella that begins once upon a moonlit night—and ends wickedly, wonderfully ever after . . .

Hippolyta Royle is running for her life. Pursued by hounds on a cold rainy night, the heiress flags down a passing carriage and throws herself at the mercy of the coach’s occupant. Whoever this handsome traveler may be, he is her only hope to escape a terrible fate. But should he agree to escort her to safety, he’s in for much more than he bargained for . . .

At first Matthew Mortimer doesn’t believe Hippolyta’s story, that she’s a fabulously wealthy heiress who’s been kidnapped. He assumes she’s a beggar, an actress, or worse. But once his new travel companion washes the mud from her surprisingly lovely face, and they share a breathtaking kiss, there is no turning back . . .

This novella was so. much. fun!! I was excited to read Once Upon a Moonlit Night when I found out it would be Hippolyta’s story – her appearance in Duke of Sin had me intrigued by her character, and I’m glad we get to find out what happens to her after certain events in the previous book. Hippolyta and Matthew’s romance is pure fun and sexiness – if you want something short and sweet, this novella is perfect for historical romance lovers!

After escaping from a man who kidnapped her, heiress Hippolyta is out in the cold, rainy night all by herself – until she sees a carriage passing by and tries to flag it down. Inside lies Matthew Mortimer, a wickedly handsome man who doesn’t appear to believe Hippolyta’s claims of being an heiress, but reluctantly gives her a ride to the nearest inn. He thinks she’s a beggar, so he hides the fact that he’s an earl so she won’t take advantage of him. But being stuck with one another in such close proximity proves to be difficult with the chemistry brewing between them. They aren’t who they think they are, yet they want each other anyway – but what happens when truth of their heritages is revealed?

He lifted his head and covered her mouth again, kissing her desperately, like a man who had been deprived of light and sound and sensation. Of life itself.
She was his heartbeat.

I adored the contrast between Hippolyta and Matthew – she’s a haughty yet innocent heiress who’s always got her chin pointed up, and he’s a gruff, sarcastic, newly appointed earl who doesn’t want the earldom. They’re irritated with each other for a majority of the book, and it was fun to watch them slowly fall for one another in between the hilarious banter.

Once Upon a Moonlit Night is a satisfying novella I really have no complaints about. The characters are developed and lovable – Hippolyta and Matthew are so, so cute together! – and the steaminess is off the charts despite the short book length. I’d definitely recommend this one for fans of the Maiden Lane series, especially if you’ve read Duke of Sin. Plus, there’s pet mongoose! If nothing else, at least read this novella for the pet mongoose. 😉

“Beggar or heiress. Princess or pauper. I didn’t give a goddamn who or what you were, Hippolyta, I just wanted you.”

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Maiden Lane series

#1 ~ Wicked Intentions: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Notorious Pleasures: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Scandalous Desires: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Thief of Shadows: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Lord of Darkness: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Duke of Midnight: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Darling Beast: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8 ~ Dearest Rogue: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#9 ~ Sweetest Scoundrel: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10 ~ Duke of Sin: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10.5 ~ Once Upon a Moonlit Night: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#11 ~ Duke of Pleasure: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Nov. 29, 2016)
#11.5 ~ Once Upon a Christmas Eve: Ebook • Goodreads (Dec. 6, 2016)
#12 ~ Duke of Desire: Goodreads (out 2017)

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1Jul2016

Audiobook Review: Into the Fire by Meredith Wild

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Into the Fire by Meredith Wild
Series: Bridge #2 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: June 21st 2016
Length: 8 hours and 26 minutes
Narrated by: Angelo Di Loreto & Stephanie Wyles
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Darren Bridge is living a bachelor’s dream. When he’s not running into burning buildings with his crew, he’s training the flavor of the week at his brother’s gym. Few women have ever been off limits…until Vanessa. Smart, beautiful, and legs for days, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever met. Too bad he’s sworn to leave her alone.

Overworked with no end in sight, Vanessa Hawkins hasn’t had a vacation in nearly two years. When Cameron and Maya’s destination wedding takes her out of the office for a much-needed break, she finds herself struggling to resist her attraction to the best man. Darren is dangerously good-looking with enough charm to make any hot-blooded woman want to drop her panties and enjoy the ride, no matter how long it lasts.

When they return to the city, Darren realizes the single life has lost its glimmer. But with everything else on her plate, Vanessa doesn’t have room in her life for a man, let alone a player. Can Darren find his way into her heart and convince her that he’s worth the risk?

I’ve only read one other Meredith Wild book (the first Hacker novel) and I enjoyed her writing, so I was excited at the chance to listen to her latest release, Into the Fire, in audio. Both narrators are new to me, but they were fantastic, and I’d definitely listen to them again. The romance, while a little cliché, was still enjoyable and I adored the main characters. Here, we have a story about a bachelor who forsakes his playboy ways for the one woman he loves – how can you not love that!?

Darren Bridge is a firefighter, and along with women, it’s his biggest passion in life. He’s happy with his job, and he never wants to settle down or get saddled with a relationship. He goes through women like water, since every woman he meets seems to want him, all except one – his brother’s bride’s best friend. Still, he’s determined to have her, wanting to experience their insanely hot chemistry in bed – but the more he’s around her, the more he wants her. So what happens when feelings start to get involved for him for the first time? Will he be able to give up his playboy ways for Vanessa?

Vanessa is tough and smart, and I loved how she’s cautious with her feelings and heart around Darren. He’s always been a player, so how can she trust that his feelings are real? She makes him prove his love and loyalty, and she doesn’t make it easy for him. It’s a slow-going romance, but one that feels genuine and real. Meredith Wilder did a wonderful job balancing out the heartwarming and sweet side of Vanessa and Darren’s blooming romance with the steam that comes with their instant attraction.

The narrators Angelo Di Loreto and Stephanie Wyles made the story even more enjoyable, voicing Darren and Vanessa perfectly. I’m not sure if they’ll be narrating the next Bridge book, but if they are, I will definitely listen to it! If you love well-narrated audiobooks with steamy romances and a player who makes a 180 for his woman, I highly recommend Into the Fire!

INTO THE FIRE is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/1XI4is5

Reading Order: Bridge series

#1 ~ On My Knees: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Into the Fire: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Over the Edge: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Nov. 22, 2016)

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29Jun2016

ARC Review: The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones
Series: Charley Davidson #10 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 28th 2016
Links: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

If one door closes and another one opens,
your house is probably haunted.
—Bumper Sticker

As a Part-time PI and fulltime grim reaper, Charley Davidson has asked a lot of questions throughout her life: Why can I see dead people? Who is the hot supernatural entity following me? How do I get gum out of my sister’s hair before she wakes up? But, “How do I trap not one malevolent god, but three?” was never among them. Until now. And since those gods are on earth to kill her daughter, she has little choice but to track them down, trap them, and cast them from this dimension.

There’s just one problem. One of the three stole her heart a very long time ago. Can the Razer, a god of absolute death and destruction, change his omniscient spots, or will his allegiances lie with his brothers?

Those are just a few of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl running for her life, an innocent man who’s been charged with murdering the daughter of a degenerate gambler, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, and Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying-gods thing, we’re saved. If not, well…

Those are just some of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl on the run for her life, a man who’s been framed for murdering a woman who is still very much alive, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying-gods thing, we’re saved. If not, well…

I love love love the Charley Davidson series!! I don’t know how Darynda Jones does it, but the humor in this series is flat-out phenomenal – without doubt, she writes the FUNNIEST books I’ve ever read. So if you love humorous paranormal/urban fantasy books, you should definitely read this series, if you haven’t already.

The Curse of Tenth Grave is another fantastic installment to the series, and it’s a must read for those who’ve been keeping up with Charley and the gang. So much goes on here and so many things about the characters are revealed – THIS was the book I’d been waiting for ever since we found out the truth of what Charley was. I wanted answers, and I got them in Tenth Grave.

Charley has gained her memories back, which means PI Charley is back, too! The fun- and trouble-filled mystery that we love that Charley and the gang get into is back in the game, and this time, Charley has to balance her PI side (helping a homeless girl with a curse and solving a murder) with her paranormal side (trapping a dangerous god), all while trying to fix some marital issues with Reyes. No big deal, right?

Given that the last book was so romantic, I was surprised that Charley and Reyes had some problems. But since they’re both keeping secrets from one another, it’s inevitable that they’d bump into a few problems in their marriage. Plus with everything going on with Beep, it’s a very trying and emotional time, though I had faith that these two would work it out together. And trust me, this couple comes out stronger in the end because of it.

“What other secrets are you hiding behind those sparking eyes?”
He grinned. “You have my heart. That’s where I had all my secrets.”
“Then I guess I don’t have the key.”
“Are you kidding? You forged the key.”

The Curse of Tenth Grave isn’t another filler installment – it’s packed with plot and revelations, I nearly couldn’t keep up. It’s another fantastic, fast-paced, hilarious book in a series I adore. Darynda Jones seems to never disappoint, and I only fall more in love with these characters with every new installment. I can’t wait to see where the author will take us next – I’m already dying for Eleventh Grave in Moonlight!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Charley Davidson series

#1 ~ First Grave on the Right: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Second Grave on the Left: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Third Grave Dead Ahead: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Fifth Grave Past the Light: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Sixth Grave on the Edge: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Seventh Grave and No Body: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8 ~ Eighth Grave After Dark: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8.5 ~ Brighter Than the Sun: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads (Reyes’ POV novella)
#9 ~ The Dirt on Ninth Grave: My Review • Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10 ~ The Curse of Tenth Grave: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#11 ~ Eleventh Grave in Moonlight: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Goodreads (Jan. 24, 2017)

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