chocsbookblog

[chocsbookblog]

Book Review:  The Night Movers: Season One

Title: The Night Movers: Season One

Author: Nolah Harker

Rating: 5/5 stars

Thank you, Nolah Harker, for providing me with a free advance reader e-copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Omega Ridley lives in a world where his kind are looked down upon and used for their breeding potential. When his twin sister goes missing from a registration facility, he uses his clairvoyant ability to try to find her. Instead, he finds himself caught up with the most nefarious pack of alphas known in the underworld that exists beyond the reach of the more civilised society above. To make things more interesting, his gift has shown him he is destined to be their pack omega.

Well! What an introduction to Omegaverse! Here I was thinking it was a bunch of sexy werewolf stories! Apparently not (or knot!). While there are packs, alphas, betas, omegas, and knotting, no one in this series turns into wolves. This was a dark, dystopian journey into a bleak America where militant alphas have taken over the government, and omegas have become a commodity, forced to breed to save a declining population.

The story was sexy (lots and lots of spice), exciting, and one I will certainly be reading again. I’m a massive fan of Onley James, so I shouldn’t have been surprised that I was quickly caught up in her alter ego’s Omegaverse series. I can’t wait to see how the story continues – what a cliffhanger! The world is fascinating, with hues of The Handmaid’s Tale and Mortal Kombat. Ridley is a many-faceted character, and I’m looking forward to discovering more about the six alphas he’s tied to.

Final thoughts: A gritty polyamorous romance with plenty of snark.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of Omegaverse, dark romances, and those people who are not too squeamish (with both sex and violence).

[chocsbookblog]

Audiobook Review: Vow of the Vigilante

Title: Vow of the Vigilante (Morelli Family Book 7)

Author: Leighton Greene

Narrator: Michael Ferraiuolo

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thank you to Leighton Greene for providing me a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

In this shorter Morelli Family novel (4 hours audio) we catch up with Baxter Flynn, and his boyfriend Angelo Messina, from book 3 (Enticed by the Enemy).  Currently on the run, accused of a crime they didn’t commit, they wind up in LA following a lead that may get their names cleared, or lead them further into trouble.

What isn’t to love about Michael Ferraiuolo, again he brings these characters to life beautifully.

What I liked:  The twist, I didn’t see coming, in fact the whole plot wiggled around enough to keep me guessing.  Plus it was wonderful to have closure for Baxter and Angelo, I really love their relationship.

What didn’t work for me: The use of foreshadowing - I’m just not a fan of this literary device.

Final thoughts: A nice farewell to some beloved Morelli Family members.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of contemporary romance with mobster protagonists. I would strongly recommend reading the entire series before this one to avoid spoilers but at the bare minimum read book three.

[chocsbookblog]

Audiobook Review: Isabella Nagg and the Pot of Basil

Title: Isabella Nagg and the Pot of Basil

Author: Oliver Darkshire

Narrator: Oliver Darkshire

Rating: 5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

Unappreciated and put upon by her husband; Isabella Nagg is easily tempted to try a bit of magic when he appropriates a spell book from the local wizard. What follows is a series of events which will change Isabella's life forever. 

Oliver Darkshire chose to narrate his own book, he did do a very good job, especially with the characters, but I do think a professional narrator may have made the story sparkle more.

This was an excellent tale. Isabella is a woman who gets things done. The world Darkshire has created brings to mind Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, and he matches that level of humor as well. The pacing was excellent, and the plot cleverly meandered through the story, filled with well-developed, quirky characters. This is a standalone novel, but I’d be happy to read more set in this world.

Final thoughts: A fun twisty tale of magic and goblins. Who would enjoy this: Any fans of comedic fantasy.

[chocsbookblog]

Audiobook Review: Summer of Love

Title: Summer of Love

Author: Lily Easton

Narrator: Ciaran Saward

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

Closeted Boxer, Declan King, and recently dumped Ballet Dancer, Oliver Wright, are both about to become contestants on British reality dating TV show “Summer Of Love” . While each man needs to win for their own reasons they soon realise they may actually find love.

The narrator, Ciaran Saward, did an amazing job bringing this vast cast of characters to life. I haven’t come across any of his previous work, but I will certainly be keen to hear him again.

What I liked:  I enjoyed the plot immensely, it felt more than just a fluffy romance. I’m not a fan of reality tv but I’ve seen enough to know what to expect. This debut novel was a sweet satirical piece on what goes on behind the scenes of a reality tv show. The two main characters and supporting cast were well rounded and I found myself routing for many of the other couples on the show.

What didn’t work for me: I did occasionally lose track of who was who, which is always a risk with a large amount of characters interacting so frequently, especially with an audiobook as you can’t easily flick back to double check a plot point.

Final thoughts: A brilliant debut contemporary romance.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of contemporary romance.

[chocsbookblog]

Audiobook Review: The Husband Experience

Title: The Husband Experience (Sweet Southern #1)

Author: Maya Jean

Narrator: Harley Chase

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

Lonely widower Colby hires an escort from “The Boyfriend Experience” agency for a week so he can feel loved again. Adrian, one of the company's best escorts, agrees to play husband for the week and both parties soon realise there’s more than just a business connection.

Harley Chase narrated these characters flawlessly and certainly added more feeling to the story than I probably would have if I’d just read it.

What I liked:  It was an easy listen, perfect for an afternoon of fluffy entertainment with a nice amount of spice.

What didn’t work for me: There wasn’t much substance, I get it’s a novella and an introduction to a series but the whole set up was a bit unbelievable. Additionally there was way too much of book 2 told in this story so I have no major desire to carry on with these books.

Final thoughts: A nice short book for a lazy afternoon.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of contemporary romance with a “Pretty Woman” (man in this case) vibe.

[chocsbookblog]

Audiobook Review: Wolves Always Bite

Title: Wolves Always Bite (Willow Lake Supernaturals #2)

Author: Lori Ames

Narrator: Kirt Graves

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

With funds getting low, aspiring author Jeremy takes on a part time job with the grumpy antiques trader, Babette, as a sales assistant at weekend markets. When he sells a bunch of new merchandise to the handsome Adrian, he finds himself pulled into a paranormal sting operation and needing to go into hiding, where he finds out many of his favourite fantasy genre species are real. 

Kirt Graves has narrated some of my favourite books and did an excellent job with this delightful little romance, easily bringing the multiple characters to life.

What I liked:  This was a fun read! The characters were cute and quirky but not in an over the top way, well Jeremy kind of was, but as I saw a lot of myself in him he totally got a pass.  Jeremy’s inner dialogue was a hoot, especially his ongoing comparisons between real life paranormals and those from fiction. The plot was well done, and the romance was sweet. I was totally sucked into the world and I joined up to Lori Ames' newsletter so I could get the free prequel book of the series along with a short story based on Jeremy and Adrian.

What didn’t work for me:

So I’ve given it 5 stars through all the official sites as I really did love it. My only real issue is that I didn’t know it was a 2nd in a series and while it can be read as a stand alone it gives a big spoiler for the first book.  Also it took way too long for Jeremy to remember he owns a cat for my liking!

Final thoughts: A joyful paranormal m/m romance.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of paranormal romances that don’t take themselves too seriously. Though I would recommend readers read the series in order to avoid spoilers.

[chocsbookblog]

Audiobook Review: Devoted to the Don

Title: Devoted to the Don (Morelli Family #6)

Author: Leighton Greene

Narrator: Michael Ferraiuolo

Rating: 5/5 stars

Thank you to Leighton Greene for providing me a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

After a devastating attack on Finch and Luca’s home, the two must rebuild relationships and hunt down information so they can punish those responsible.

Michael Ferraiulo, as always, was a dream to listen to. His ability to give each character their own voice is perfection.

This is the 6th book in the Morelli Family series, and it was such a satisfying conclusion to Finch and Luca’s story. The book was longer than the others but could be broken down into three acts, recovery, discovery and retribution.  Packed full of drama, spice and action I could barely stop listening till it was finished.

Final thoughts: While there is a final book in the series, this certainly feels like a beautiful conclusion. Who would enjoy this: Fans of contemporary romance with mobster protagonists. I would strongly recommend reading the entire series before this one to avoid spoilers but at the bare minimum read books one and two.

[chocsbookblog]

Book Review: How to Survive 1985

Title: How to Survive 1985

Author: Tegan Bennett Daylight

Rating: 4/5 

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for a free advance reader e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When 16 year old Shannon steps out of the cinema she notices something is not right. The cinema is gone, and everything looks slightly off. She soon discovers she’s in 1985, 40 years in the past. What’s a girl to do when sucked back in time? Find her mum of course!

What I liked: The first sentence; “When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the cinema…” had my “The Outsiders” loving heart beaming! What a brilliant nod to the perfect teenage book! Seriously Tegan gets a bonus star just for that! This was a fun book, it was a sequel, which I wasn’t aware of until I finished and just thought she’d done an amazing job of a back story, but it’s still enjoyable as a read alone.  The first person narrative is simplistic but it adds to the believability that it’s a teenager telling the story. Some of the observations of differences between now and then were brilliant, and as someone who lived through the 80’s I certainly don’t miss the dog poo!

What didn’t work for me: The overall why of it all was a bit preachy but I guess there needed to be a point. Additionally the ending was a bit sudden, I like a reaction and wrap up to a story, not being left with questions.

Final thoughts: An entertaining book about friendships and time travel.

Who would enjoy reading this: Fans of YA fiction. 

[chocsbookblog]

Audiobook review: Kissed by a Killer

Title: Kissed by a Killer (Morelli Family #5)

Author: Leighton Greene

Narrator: Michael Ferraiuolo

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Thank you to Leighton Greene for providing me a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

Mob lawyer Carlo Bianchi has been secretly involved with Morelli Family Capo, Nick Fontana. When a member of another Family ends up dead at a wedding the two find themselves working together to cover their tracks while keeping secrets and trying to discover who is blackmailing Nick about that night. Meanwhile, they start to realise their attraction to each other may be more than just an empty fling.

Michael Ferraiulo does a fabulous job narrating the fifth instalment of the Morelli Family saga. I read this as an e-book the other month and gave it 3.5 stars, but Michael’s talent has boosted it up to 4.5 this time around. His acting is superb and I found myself seeking out  tasks just so I could listen to him.

What I liked: The chemistry between Carlo and Nick was fun as well as spicy! I also really appreciated the forbidden romance trope.  Being the fifth book in the series, all the Morrelli Family characters are well established, but it was interesting seeing Luca from a different perspective.  My emotions were all over the place in certain scenes.  The ending was intense and I’m looking forward to reading the next book.

What didn’t work for me: I don't like when the main plot revolves around a missed opportunity to tell the truth. I just spend the whole book feeling ill at ease and unable to fully enjoy it. However, as this was a second read for me, I was able to relax and appreciate it more, knowing how it would ultimately turn out.

Final thoughts: Another great addition to a brilliant series.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of contemporary romance with mobster protagonists. While this could be read on its own, I would strongly recommend starting with book one, "Married to the Mobster” (still my favourite).

[chocsbookblog]

Audio Book Review: Best, First and Last

Title: Best, First and Last

Author: Amy Matthews

Narrator: Charlotte North

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Audio (Australia) for allowing me a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

Fresh from a breakup with an ex who won’t accept it’s over, Heather Russo cautiously agrees to accompany her depressed and divorcing mother, Sandy, and newly widowed (for the third time) grandmother, Bonnie, on a trip to hike to Machu Picchu.  Along the way all three women will learn more about each other and themselves than they thought possible.

Charlotte North performed marvellously as each of the main women and the supporting characters. She gave the story additional heart, that had me at times laughing and at others crying.

What I liked: I’m a big fan of a multigenerational story, especially one with flashbacks, so this was a massive draw for me.  I liked that there was romance but that it kept itself well entwined in the background of the story and the relationship between the three women took precedence. There was a plot twist that I thought I saw coming but was actually not expecting it to play out as it did, and I loved how every time I thought the plot was going to follow a regular trope it didn’t.

What didn’t work for me: Aside from the first chapter and flashback chapters, the rest of the narrative was from Heather’s point of view. I would have liked to have seen more from Bonnie and Sandy too.

Final thoughts: A heartwarming story about discovering different types of love.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of stories about personal growth, family drama, travel and love.

[chocsbookblog]

Book Review: One More Spark

Title: One More Spark (Base City Romance: Book 4)

Author: Ellie Roth

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Thanks to BookSirens and Ellie Roth for a free advance review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The concluding book of the Base City Romance series focuses on the heroes leader Candace Malachi aka Ampere and ex villain, current second in charge, Vanessa Kapur aka Kinetix. The two single mothers have become fast friends since the teams joined forces and when a home invasion forces Vanessa to look for new accommodation Candace offers her a place to stay. Now they just need to finally unmask for each and try to find a solution to Island 11’s current disastrous issues.

What I liked:  This was a sweet friends to lovers relationship. The second half of the book worked well and the series conclusion was satisfying. I’m also very glad a certain someone didn’t get forgiven as I was very worried that was going to be the situation.

What didn’t work for me: Again with this series, the first half of the book limped along and I often found it hard to find the interest to pick it up.  The only reason I did is I genuinely like the world and characters Ellie has created and wanted to know how she was going to fix everything.

Final Thoughts: A mostly enjoyable ending to a fun series.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of the rest of the series.

[chocsbookblog]

Audio Book Review: The Broposal

Title: The Broposal

Author:  Sonora Reyes

Narrators: André Santana; Alejandro Antonio Ruiz

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for allowing me a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

Han and Kenny are best friends and roommates. When Han loses his job which had been willing to sponsor his work visa Kenny, fresh from a toxic relationship, suggests they get married to allow Han to get his Green Card and stay legally in the country. Now they just have to convince immigration, keep their restaurant jobs and avoid Kenny’s ex all while realising their feelings for each other may be changing.

Both André Santana and Alejandro Antonio Ruiz gave wonderful performances as Han and Kenny, the humour, hurt and hope was achingly nuanced in their characters.

What I liked: I really enjoyed the first half, and the ending. I liked the friendship between the two MC’s and the relationships with their friends and families.  I was happily listening to what I thought was going to be a new take on an old favourite trope, which for large parts was the case. I loved the neurodivergence of the MC’s and found the use of fear of living illegally in a country was well examined.

What didn't work for me:  It became one of those stories where too much bad stuff happened to the main characters, this is why I gave up watching ‘Home and Away’ and ‘Eastenders’. The cover art and description led me to believe this was going to be a romantic comedy, hint to publishers, don’t put cartoon covers on books that aren’t comedies! Stuff got dark and sad! I was so angry with one character (which I know we’re supposed to hate) that I actually shouted in frustration that the book was continuing to throw up obstacles and had to stop listening for a few hours. And if the external issues weren’t enough the whole “truth pact” that Han and Kenny’s friendship is based on was blown out of the water on numerous occasions, a pet peeve of mine is when characters think they're doing what is best for the other by not speaking up or making assumptions, this happened too often for me in this book.

Final thoughts: A well written, if overly dramatic, romance that drags its heroes and readers through an emotional wringer. 

Who would like this: Fans of contemporary romance and soap operas.

[chocsbookblog]

Book Review: Ravenblight

Title: Ravenblight

Author: Morgan Causer

Rating: 5/5 stars

Thanks to BookSirens and Morgan Causer for a free advance review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Technomancer Atlas Jones is trying to leave behind his criminal past and toxic ex, aiming to stay out of trouble while living in the dark streets of Ravenblight’s superhuman community. But when Bastian Fairhaven, an apparently innocent newcomer to the city, shows up, things take a turn for the worse.

Okay, wow! I can’t believe this is a debut novel! The story was engaging from the first page, the characters had depth and were well crafted. The narrative was gritty and interesting. The chemistry between Atlas and Bastian was steamy and stayed nicely out of the way of the overall plot, so while you knew where it was heading with them, the actual story was the main star (note there is a lot of spice so definitely an adult book). I want more, the story ends with enough plot to carry on with a series.

Final Thoughts: A fabulous gritty entry to the superhuman subgenre of urban fantasy.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of superhero fiction, and urban fantasy with darker overtones.

[chocsbookblog]

Book Review - Worth the Fight

Title: Worth the Fight (Base City Romance: Book 3)

Author: Ellie Roth

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Thanks to BookSirens and Ellie Roth for a free advance review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Continuing the battle for peace in Base City, this book focuses on superhero Ice Queen, real name Ashley Qing, her Police contact and lover Taylor Jameson, and his ex-girlfriend, Coyote gang member Jolene Turner, who is currently utilising the Morningstar DP-11 suit. When a new threat arrives in Base City these three need to work together.

What I liked: The relationship dynamics were great. And I still love the overall story. The second half of the book was much more action packed than the first half, and the previous book.

What didn’t work for me:  The pace was too slow for the first half, I just kept losing interest following Ice Queen and Morningstar tromping around the Island and it didn’t get much more interesting when Taylor joined them.  Also I still don’t get Jo’s commitment to the Coyotes, yes they were currently seeming to do good but they still came up as drug dealers and criminals.

Final thoughts: A good addition to the series, if a bit lacking in action for the first half. Who would enjoy reading this: Those who have read the first two books of the series.

[chocsbookblog]

Book Review: Seduced by a Sinner

Title: Seduced by a Sinner (Morelli Family #4)

Author: Leighton Greene

Narrator: Michael Ferraiuolo

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thank you to Leighton Greene for allowing me a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

When Aidan, a catholic priest in training, just weeks away from his ordination, gets threatened in his church his best friend Finch insists he needs protection. Finch, married to mob boss Luca, suggests one of his bodyguards Teo take on the role of protector.  As Teo and Aidan spend more time together their feelings cause them to question what they want in life.

This is the fourth instalment of the Morelli Family Series. I had actually bought it as an e-book over Christmas but hadn’t had a chance to read it yet, so when I was given the opportunity to listen to the audio version I quickly read number three in preparation.  Michael Ferraiuolo did a fantastic job narrating Teo and Aidan’s romance, all characters had a unique voice and Michael’s acting skills breathed life into the story. 

What I liked: This felt like a slightly different, sweeter, beast from the previous books, mainly down to increased amount of introspection, and Aidan’s crisis of faith was especially well handled.   The series' overarching plot is now starting to move into the forefront of the narrative and it was cleverly incorporated into this story.  Teo stepping up into his role was a particularly fun scene to witness.

What didn’t work for me: I’m probably being picky but it frustrated me that a scene in which Teo and Aidan have, what we are told is a massive argument, isn’t actually given to us as dialogue, it quelled some of the passion of the moment. I wanted to feel my stomach clenching in anxiety for the characters and I felt robbed of that.

Final thoughts: A great addition to a brilliant series.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of contemporary romance with mobster main characters. While this could be read on its own, I would strongly recommend starting with book one, "Married to the Mobster” (still my favourite but this is a close second).

[chocsbookblog]

Book Review: Rogue Community College

Title: Rogue Community College (Liberty House 1)

Author: David Slayton

Narrator: Michael David Axtell

Rating: 4/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for allowing me a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

Isaac Frost is an assassin and a Phage (a being that can read a person’s memories from a drop of blood). For his first assignment he has been sent to infiltrate a new guardian school with orders to destroy it. What he finds is friendship and a school that has protective measures which will force him to face his worst memories.

The narration was well done and Michael was able to bring all the characters to life, he really tapped into the emotions in a way that left me aching in sympathy.

What I liked: Firstly let me point out that this is a spin off from an earlier series by David called “Adam Binder”, I haven’t read that series but I will be remedying that as soon as possible.  Even though the world is already established for existing readers, I didn’t feel I was missing out on anything and the world’s magic and its people made sense to me.  The found family aspect is a personal favourite of mine and even at 45 my inner teenager still cries out for a cast of young misfits.  The story could have still been typical but it managed to spin about enough to keep me interested, and I did not see the twists that came.

What didn’t work for me: Spoiler without details!!!!

I think I’m being a bit unfair here but I really don’t like being left broken hearted, by which I mean I was sobbing at the ending. This is the start of a new series so hopefully things pick up in the future instalments.

Final Thoughts: A well thought out urban fantasy that kept me wanting more.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of urban fantasy with a cast of college aged misfits.

[chocsbookblog]

Book Review: The Flying Sorcerers

Title: The Flying Sorcerers

Authors:  David Gerrold; Larry Niven

Narrator: Patrick Lawlor

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for allowing me a copy of this audio book in return for an honest review.

Originally released in the 1970’s, this comedic science fiction novel is set on a distant world inhabited by people who are living during a neolithic type era of societal evolution.  When a new “sorcerer”, Purple,  arrives in Lant’s village the current sorcerer, Shoogar, is put out by his rivals' differences and lack of respect for the many gods that provide magic.

Patrick Lawlor did a great job of narrating this story and I did laugh out loud a couple of times, unfortunately he did such a good job with Shoogar’s character that I could hardly stand to listen to his annoying whine.

What I liked: The concept and choice of narration being one of the villagers rather than the xeno-anthropologist. The world building and quick advancement through technology.

What didn’t work for me: I understand it was written in the 1970’s but the sexism, even from the more socially advanced Purple, was just awful.  The jokes were often cringe, and Shoogar just left me feeling angry every time he spoke, he was such a frustrating character.  Towards the end (this is an overly long book) I sped the dialogue up to 2x speed just to finish it quicker.

Final Thoughts: A 50 year old story that has its moments but isn’t as good as other similar books of this generation.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of older comedic sci-fi stories.