Audiobook Review: Bounty by Kristen Ashley

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Bounty by Kristen Ashley
Series: Colorado Mountain #7 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: April 18th 2016
Length: 21 hours and 7 minutes
Narrated by: Emma Taylor
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Justice Lonesome has enjoyed a life of bounty.

Even so, she’s inherited the curse of the Lonesome. A poet’s soul. Which means she’s still searching for something. Searching for peace. Searching for the less…that’s more.

And when the foundation of her life is pulled out from under her, grieving, she goes to the mountains to find her oasis. She hits Carnal, Colorado and decides to stay.

Deke Hightower lost everything at the age of two. He lost it again at fifteen. His life has not been about bounty. It’s been about learning to live with less, because there’s no way to get more.

Deke’s also watched all his friends go down to the women who gave them what they needed. He wants that for himself. But he knows that search isn’t going to be easy because he’s a rider. His home is the road. That’s the only place he can breathe. And the woman who takes her place at his side has to do it sitting on the back of his bike.

When Deke meets Justice, he knows she’s not that woman. She’s cute. She’s sweet. And she’s into him, but she’s got it all and Deke knows he won’t fit into that. So he holds her at arm’s length. Establishes boundaries. And Justice will take it because she wants Deke any way he’ll let her have him.

But when Justice finds herself a pawn in a dangerous game, Deke makes a decision.

When he does, he has no idea he’s just opened himself up to bounty.

Every time I start one of Kristen Ashley’s audiobooks, I know it’ll be worth the listen. All of them have great narrators and even better stories. I love audiobooks that are LONG too, so these are pretty much perfect for me. 20+ hours of listening is a little daunting, but the length is totally worth it when it’s KA. Bounty, the latest standalone in her Colorado Mountain series, is another winner – it’s got KA’s classic, endearing characters, a sweeping romance, and overall, just a feel-good mood that lifted my spirits as I listened. It’s a heartwarming story that takes you on a gradual journey of falling in love – if you love audiobooks, this series, or this author, Bounty is a must-listen!

Seven years ago, Deke and Justice met and connected instantly – but after a failed date where Deke never showed up, Justice moved on and went on to become a well-known singer, whose hit song was inspired by the very man who stood her up. Now, their lives cross paths again – this time, Justice is ready to settle down from her rock star life and build a life for herself… and Deke is the man hired to renovate her house. While Justice remembers everything about Deke, he doesn’t recognize her at all, but the attraction between them is still very much present and palpable. Deke is known to be a nomad, never wanting to settle down in any place, while Justice wants to build a home for herself. Will these two be able to turn their newfound friendship into something meaningful and bountiful, or will they always be fated to cross paths but never come together?

Bounty is a slow-building kind of story – from Justice and Deke’s slowly growing friendship, to their blossoming feelings for each other, to their relationship developing in an organic, steady pace, all of this takes time and patience to build. KA takes you along for the sweet ride, step by step besides these two wonderful characters as they discover a forever kind of love they never expected to find. I was surprised by how light-hearted and optimistic Bounty was, which is most likely thanks to Justice’s characters. She’s a sweetheart of a heroine, always looking at the bright side of things and persevering to have the kind of life that’s full of love she’s always dreamed of. And Deke, while normally stoic and gruff, finds a lightness within himself whenever he’s with Jussie. These two characters are just perfect together!

There’s always a magical feel in KA’s romances, and I definitely felt that as I listened to Bounty. If you’re a romance lover, I highly encourage you to give her audiobooks a try. Emma Taylor, while a little monotonous at times, did a great job with the little subtleties in accents between different characters. She really brought all the Colorado Mountain characters to life. So definitely use that credit to get Bounty – it’s totally worth the listen!

Reading Order: Colorado Mountain series

#1 ~ The Gamble: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Sweet Dreams: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Lady Luck: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Breathe: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Jagged: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~Kaleidoscope: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Bounty: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from Bounty!

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21Mar2016

Audiobook Review: Heaven and Hell by Kristen Ashley

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Heaven and Hell by Kristen Ashley
Series: Standalone
Audiobook Publication Date: February 2nd 2016
Length: 19 hours and 45 minutes
Narrated by: Felicity Munroe
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

After making a bad decision when she was very young, Kia Clementine finds herself in hell. Then, suddenly, within the time it takes for a shotgun to blast, her hell changes. Completely. Then out-of-the-blue she sees Sampson Cooper, her celebrity crush. A man the whole world knows is decent. A man the world knows is loyal. A man the world knows is good. All of these very unlike her now dead husband.

He’s sitting at a table right next to hers. And she catches his eye.

Terrified of the interest Sam shows in her, Kia finds the courage to go out with him. Not long after, she shares her dark secrets and Sam shares that he’ll stop at nothing to gain her trust.

As Sam leads Kia to heaven, Kia realizes that Sam is living his own hell. But although he gives her beauty and she gives him everything, he withholds his trust.

Even with all the beauty Sam shows her, Kia wants it all. But Sam forces Kia to make a heartbreaking decision and only she can decide. It’s all or nothing.

If you’re a romance fan and you’re looking for an audiobook to listen to, I can’t recommend Kristen Ashley enough. Her stories are always so satisfying and long – her books are more than worth the credit. Heaven and Hell is another excellent audiobook of hers, with a romance that will sweep you away and a fantastic narration from Felicity Munroe.

Kia Clementine has been living in hell with her abusive husband, but a tragedy and blessing in disguise leaves Kia free and with lots of cash. So she decides to spoil herself with the things she never had when she was married and travel the world – but mostly, she sets off to find the person she lost during her years of being in an abusive marriage. And in the midst of rediscovering herself, Kia meets former all-star athlete and soldier Sampson Cooper – her celebrity crush. Never in a million years would Kia expect the gorgeous, perfect, alpha-male Sam to notice her, but he does, and with him, she gets a second chance at love and romance.

Kia and Sam are heavenly together. Kia’s a little shy and innocent, but Sam’s honesty and gruffness are able to draw her out and just let her be who she’s really meant to be. And Kia breaks down Sam’s walls and discovers the real him behind the celebrity crush. Kia truly has found heaven with Sam, but when she finds herself giving all of her to him and not getting all of him in return, things get a little rocky. She has to make a choice between having only parts of the man she loves, or having it all at the risk of losing him.

Once again, Kristen Ashley delivers a powerful romance that you won’t be able to put down. Kia and Sam are wonderful characters you can’t help but adore and root for. Felicity Munroe narrates Kia’s voice perfectly with her light southern accent, and she also does a great job with voicing the male dialogue. I would definitely listen to another audiobook with her narration. Heaven and Hell is a worthwhile listen and I highly recommend the audio version of it!

Here’s an audio excerpt from Heaven and Hell!

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8Mar2016

Audiobook Review: Play It Safe by Kristen Ashley

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Play It Safe by Kristen Ashley
Series: Standalone
Audiobook Publication Date: February 16th 2016
Length: 14 hours and 41 minutes
Narrated by: Savannah Richards
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

No connections. Play it safe. These were the rules Ivey lived her life by.

Until she hit Mustang, Colorado, a perfectly imperfect town where the citizens were welcoming and one of them included the tall, beautiful, macho man rancher cowboy, Grayson Cody.

On the run for a decade, Ivey knew she was supposed to play it safe. But she was tired of being on the run. She wanted a normal. She wanted real. She wanted a home.

And she wanted Grayson Cody.

And Grayson Cody wanted Ivey.

No one who looked at them couldn’t see they belonged together. There was one man in this world for Ivey and one woman in this world for Grayson Cody.

So they fell in love.

But just as quickly as they fell together, they were betrayed and torn apart. Separated for years, Ivey was certain her life would not include her rancher cowboy. Until the town of Mustang reached out to her when Gray was in trouble. Even though she thought he broke her heart, she charged in to help. Then Gray and Ivey discovered they were betrayed and, not only that, Gray had an enemy who would stop at nothing to defeat him.

I’m a huuuge fan of Kristen Ashley’s audiobooks – I feel like that’s the only way I’ll ever want to experience her books now. Play It Safe is another winner from KA – it’s an emotional and addictive second chance romance, which is probably my favorite trope to read. KA did a wonderful job with Ivey and Grayson’s story, and the narrator Savannah Richards portrayed Ivey’s voice perfectly. If you love KA and audiobooks, Play It Safe is a must-listen!

Pool hustler Ivey and her brother Casey are always on the go, never staying anywhere for long or making connections. But when they stumble upon the quaint, homey town of Mustang, Colorado, her feelings about being a nomad start to change. As she gets immersed in the small-town life and its residents, she can see herself making a home in Mustang – especially when she meets cowboy rancher Grayson Cody (who has the most cowboy of all cowboy names). Gray is handsome, steadfast, sweet, and alpha, so of course Ivey can’t help but instantly be attracted to him from the first start. But their growing relationship proves to be something special as they create a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love that would last forever… or so they think. Outside forces wrench these two lovers apart, and it’ll take seven years before their story picks up again. Will their love survive, or are Gray and Ivey just not meant to be?

I enjoyed this story so much. Even when I hurt for Ivey and Gray because of and during their separation, I never stopped rooting for them. These two are honestly so sweet and lovely together. I loved the fact that even after all those years apart, they never stopped loving each other. Love was never a question for the two of them, and the real challenge was whether they could continue on after all the hurt and heartbreak. It gets a little slow during the middle, when I wished they would reunite and figure out the reason for their separation quicker, and there are a ton of things going on outside the romance, but otherwise, Play It Safe is an enjoyable listen. I loved Savannah Richards when she narrated KA’s Knight, and I loved her narration just as much in Play It Safe. I especially adored her gruff tone whenever she voiced Gray’s dialogue or any of the other men in the book.

The Play It Safe audiobook has the perfect blend of an entertaining story and a fantastic narration. It’s not too long like KA’s other audiobooks, but it’s still more than worth the credit. I highly recommend giving this a listen!

Here’s an audio excerpt from Play It Safe!

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29Feb2016

Audiobook Review: Sebring by Kristen Ashley

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Sebring by Kristen Ashley
Series: Unfinished Hero #5 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: February 16th 2016
Length: 12 hours and 10 minutes
Narrated by: Stella Bloom
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Nick Sebring has issues. Born feeling like an outsider in his own family, growing up under the shadow of a brother who could do anything, Nick isn’t that great of a guy. But when this culminates with Nick lashing out to hurt his brother through the woman he loves, Nick turns inward and makes some decisions about the man he intends to be.

And as he does this, he falls in love and truly learns the man that he’s grown to be.

When his love is murdered right before Nick’s eyes, Nick knows he has to avenge her. He knows how he’s going to avenge her. And he has no qualms using Olivia Shade to exact that vengeance.

Olivia Shade has grown up on the outside of her family too. Her problem is that they don’t want her outside. They want her all the way in, right under their thumbs. She pays the price for seeking escape and learns her lesson—she’ll never see a dawn where she wakes up free.

Then she meets Nick Sebring, and even as she fights it, the hope that died years ago starts to blossom. She can find love. She can have a man of her own. She can be happy. She can be free.

Olivia hopes while Nick schemes.

However, as Nick peels back the layers of all that is Olivia Shade, he finds something surprising. He understands its fragility. He falls in love with its beauty. He seeks to protect it.

But he forgets to protect his Livvie from one thing: Nick Sebring.

I freaking LOVE Kristen Ashley’s audiobooks! They’re always super long and always worth the credit. Sebring is another winner from KA – the narration is fantastic, the story and characters are addicting, and best of all, KA made me fall in love with a character I always thought I’d hate. If you’re looking for the next audiobook to use your credit on, you definitely need to get Sebring!

Sebring is the final Unfinished Hero novel, featuring Nick Sebring, and though I’ve only read the first two books in the series, I had no problems going into this audiobook as a standalone. I would recommend, though, that you at least read the first book (or listen – the Knight audiobook is AMAZING as well), though it’s not entirely necessary. Nick is Knight’s brother and is first introduced in that book, but again, you don’t need to read Knight before getting into Sebring.

It’s been four years since Nick’s woman was murdered right in front of his eyes, and he’s on a plan of vengeance for his lost love. The Nick we know now is completely different than the one we knew back in Knight – he’s matured, taken responsibility for his actions, and become a MAN. He’s not exactly a good guy, but he’s much better than he was before. But his quest for vengeance is what fuels him now, and his target is Olivia Shade, the daughter of the man who ordered Nick’s woman to be killed. He plans to use her to get his revenge, but what happens when he starts to fall for his mark?

Olivia is an ice queen – she has to hide all her emotions to live the life she has as the daughter of a notorious criminal. She’s not the most likable heroine, but she’s understandable, and as I got to know her, I loved her character more and more. This woman has lived a hard life – her father physically burned her, the man she loved left her and married someone else – but she’s a survivor. And she doesn’t want anyone to get involved in her life at the risk of losing them to her father’s wrath. But the moment she meets Nick Sebring, a fiery-hot chemistry explodes between the two of them, and Olivia starts to believe that she can have a life she’s always imagined having.

I believed.
For one magnificent second, connected to Nick Sebring, I believed.
I believed in a better world.
I believed I could feel complete.
I believed I could have someone by my side.
I believed I could feel safe.
I believed I could be happy.
I believed I could be loved.
I believed in a dawn coming where I would open my eyes and have all of this only for it to lead to another day dawning where I’d have it and then another day…
And another…
And another…
And another…

What begins as a seduction and emotionless sex (which, between Olivia and Nick, is seriously hot) slowly turns into something more and something meaningful. Nick and Olivia open up to one another and start to care… but when Olivia doesn’t know that their growing relationship is built on lies, can they last? Or will these two be forever destined to life a life devoid of love and happiness?

“I live in dark. Dawn never comes for me. There will be no new day where I wake up complete. Happy. Loved. There is no other side to make my way to. There is no believe. It just isn’t for me.”

I loved Sebring. This story gutted me and healed me. I honestly couldn’t stop listening to this audiobook – Stella Bloom’s narration is so on point. Her voice is easy to listen to and she did a wonderful job of distinguishing the dialogues between different characters. The romance itself is captivating and heart-wrenching and beautiful – I fell in love with Olivia and Nick and rooted so hard for them to work. Sebring made me realize just how much I love KA’s books and missed reading them. All in all, Sebring is another brilliant story from KA and the narration made it all the more special. I seriously need to catch up on the series!

“I love you, Olivia. And I can make you safe. I can make you happy. I want a lifetime of nothing but that.”

Reading Order: Unfinished Hero series

#1 ~ Knight: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Creed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Raid: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Deacon: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Sebring: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from Sebring!

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14Sep2015

Audiobook Review: Hold On by Kristen Ashley

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Hold On by Kristen Ashley
Series: The ‘Burg #6 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: September 1st 2015
Length: 21 hours and 20 minutes
Narrated by: Erin Bennett
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Since she was young, Cher Rivers knew she was not the kind of girl who got what she wanted. A girl who could hope. A girl who could dream. She knew a happily ever after just wasn’t in the cards for her.

In love for years with the last bastion of the ‘burg’s eligible bachelors, Garrett Merrick, Cher worked hard at making him laugh. Being one of the guys. Having him in her life the only way she could. All this knowing he was in love with another woman.

The Merrick Family is known for loving deep. So when Cecelia Merrick was murdered, it marked the Merricks in a way none of them recovered. Both Cecelia’s children found love. Both turned their backs on it. But Garrett “Merry” Merrick knew in his soul the woman he divorced years ago was the one for him.

Until the night when Cher took Garrett’s back and things changed. The Merrick family loves deep. They also protect fiercely. And with his eyes finally open, Garrett sees the woman who truly is for him and he goes after her.

It’s been a long while since the last time I read a Kristen Ashley book, and this is the first time I’ve listened to an audiobook of hers, but listening to Hold On reminded me of just how much I love KA and her kickass books. It’s just so easy to get sucked into her writing and her wonderful cast of characters. Hold On is the sixth and final book in The ‘Burg series, though it can be read as a standalone. This is Cher and Merry’s story, one that’s heartfelt, romantic, and absolutely fantastic to listen to.

Kristen Ashley’s books are long, which means the audiobooks are loooong, and I love it. I love getting to spend so much time in her world, with her characters, because everything is so detailed and fleshed-out. Hold On is 21 hours of KA goodness, and I couldn’t be happier about it. It took me quite a few days to finish it, but I was happy about the time I spent with this book, because listening to this practically lifted my spirits. Cher and Merry’s romance is one about fighting for one another, about holding on to the best thing that could happen to them, and not letting go.

“You got it good, you don’t let it go. It lets you go, you hold on. It slips through your fingers, you pull out all the stops to get it back. You got somethin’ worth fighting for, you fight for it. You do not sit on your ass waitin’ for it to come back to you. You show whoever that is they mean something and you go all out on that, and the only way you go down is doin’ that shit swinging.”

Cher Rivers’ life has been through the wringer, but she comes out stronger on the other side. A single mom, she’s got a boy to take care of, so she’ll do whatever it takes to give him a good life. THIS is the kind of woman who never lets anything bring her down, and I admired her so much for it. After the mess that happened with serial killer Dennis Lowe, she doesn’t have room for romance in her life, but it doesn’t stop her from unrequitedly loving Garrett “Merry” Merrick.

Cher and Merry are great friends, but Merry is oblivious to Cher’s feelings for him, because all he can feel is regret at losing his ex-wife. But one night, when he’s drowning in his sorrows, it’s Cher who’s there for him, and he quickly realizes she’s always been there for him. And that one night together for them is enough to make Merry open his eyes and see what’s been in front of him all along.

I really enjoyed listening to Cher and Merry’s wonderful romance. This is a bit of the friends-to-lovers trope, which I adore. Cher is a fantastic, strong, independent woman who is definitely a one-of-a-kind heroine. Merry is also an incredible hero – alpha (as KA’s hero’s always are), fiercely protective, and unwavering in his loyalty, he’s certainly the perfect man for Cher and her son. Their romance is slow, but heartfelt, full of laughter, sexytimes, and love. And Ethan, Cher’s son, is a definite highlight of this book – he’s absolutely adorable and hilarious!

“It happens … For people like us, baby. It happens, eventually. Just as long as we hold on.”

Erin Bennett’s narration meshed perfectly well with the tone of this book. She did a fantastic job conveying both Cher and Merry’s POVs, and it was easy to distinguish between the dialogue of different characters. I would most likely listen to another audiobook of hers.

Overall, Hold On is an entertaining book that fans of KA should not miss. It wasn’t perfect – I felt like the suspense and action in this was a bit lacking compared to the romance – but it was a great listen all the same. Now I’m very much looking forward to listening to KA’s other audiobooks!

Reading Order: The ‘Burg series

#1 ~ For You: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ At Peace: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Golden Trail: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Games of the Heart: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ The Promise: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Hold On: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from Hold On!

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