Showing posts with label Kale Williams. Show all posts

Audiobook Tour: Unholy (Witchbane #5) by Morgan Brice

Author Morgan Brice and Gay Book Promotions host today's stop for the Unholy (Witchbane #5) audiobook tour! Read more about the Kale Williams narrated audio!

BLOG TOUR

Book Title: Unholy (Witchbane #5)

Author: Morgan Brice

Publisher: Darkwind Press

Narrator: Kale Williams

Release Date: March 30, 2021

Genre: Urban fantasy, MM paranormal romance

Tropes: Supernatural suspense, hurt/comfort, hot sex, dark magic, evolving relationship, ghosts

Themes: Trust, the power of found family

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 6 hours and 33 minutes

It is the 5th book in the Witchbane series but can be read as a standalone.

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Buy Links

Audible US | Audible UK

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Audiobook.com

Blurb

A cycle of ritual murders. A coven of dark warlocks, drawing their immortality from the magic of their dead master. Two men sworn to stop the deaths, destroy the warlocks, and avenge the victims. Except this time, the killer flips the script.

Seth Tanner swore vengeance on the dark witches who killed his brother, Jesse. He rescued Evan Malone from one of the witches, and they’ve fallen in love despite the danger and chaos, going on the road to complete the quest and bring an end to the ritual murders. Their relationship is still new, tested at every turn by danger and magic.

Seth and Evan head to Charleston to stop the next warlock and save his intended victim. But this time, they’re too late. The warlock has already powered up, and he’s determined to destroy the two hunters one way or another. A deadly curse on Seth and Evan means time is running out. Can they find a way to turn the tables, or is Charleston their final destination?

Unholy is an urban fantasy MM paranormal romance with plenty of supernatural suspense, hurt/comfort, hot sex, found family, dark magic, and paranormal thrills. It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone and features an evolving, established romantic relationship with all the feels. Intended for readers 18 years of age and older.

About the Author

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.

On the rare occasions Morgan isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs.

Series include Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail, Kings of the Mountain and Fox Hollow. Watch for more in these series, plus new series coming soon!

Author Links

Website | Audible Profile | Amazon profile

Facebook Group | Facebook Page

Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) | Twitter

BookBub | Instagram

Read a copy of my Badlands short story Restless Nights here for free

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts and reviews here

Audiobook Tour: Loose Ends (Badlands #4) by Morgan Brice

Author Morgan Brice and Gay Book Promotions visit on the Loose Ends (Badlands #4) audiobook tour! Find out more about the Kale Williams narrated urban fantasy today!

AUDIOBOOK TOUR

Book Title: Loose Ends (Badlands #4)

Author: Morgan Brice

Publisher: Darkwind Press

Narrator: Kale Williams

Release Date: January 19, 2021

Genre: Urban fantasy MM paranormal romance

Trope/s: Established and evolving relationship, problems with an ex, hurt/comfort

Themes: facing the past, rebuilding trust, found family

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 6 hours and 22 minutes

It’s #4 in the Badlands series, but can be read/listened as a standalone story.

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Buy Links - Listen to a sample here

Audiobooks.com | Audible US | Audible UK

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Cold cases, old enemies, ex-lovers, and vengeful spirits—will Simon and Vic solve the case or become the newest ghosts of the Grand Strand?

Blurb

Cold cases, old enemies, ex-lovers, and vengeful spirits are making life dangerous for psychic medium Simon Kincaide and his boyfriend, homicide detective Vic D'Amato.

The ghosts of Myrtle Beach are restless, trapped by love, secrets, scandals, and spells, keeping Simon busy protecting the living from the unhappy dead. Someone from Vic's past is out to destroy him and everyone he holds dear, and the high-profile trial of the first case Simon and Vic worked together puts them in the spotlight - and put a target on their backs. As a deadly trap closes around them, can Simon and Vic tie up the loose ends to stop the threat, or will they become the newest ghosts of the Grand Strand?

About the Author

On the rare occasions Morgan isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs.

Series include Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail, Kings of the Mountain and Fox Hollow. Watch for more in these series, plus new series coming soon!

Author Links

Website | Audible Profile | Amazon profile

Facebook Group | Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) | Twitter: @MorganBriceBook

Read a copy of my Badlands short story Restless Nights here for free

Follow me on BookBub | Instagram

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts and reviews here

Audiobook Review: September (Pride and Joy #1) by Robert Winter

A May-December contemporary gay romance for lovers of second chances

David James is smart, successful, handsome… and alone. After the death of his lover, Kyle, from cancer, he buried himself in his law practice and the gym. At forty-eight, he is haunted by his memories and walled off from the world. When David injures himself working out, he’s assigned to Brandon Smith for physical therapy. The vibrant young therapist is attracted to David and realizes he needs a hand to get back into dating. What begins as a practice coffee date escalates to friendship, passion, and maybe something more, as they navigate a new relationship in Washington, DC, and the gay mecca of Provincetown.

But David remains trapped behind the barrier of fear and guilt. Will he remain loyal to Kyle’s memory if he moves on? Can he and Brandon manage a twenty-two-year age gap? Brandon thinks he understands David’s concerns, and for him, the answer to those questions is yes. He wants to be with David, and he believes he can overcome David’s barriers. But Brandon fails to account for the world’s reaction to a handsome young man attached to an older, wealthy lover.

David’s memories, Brandon’s pride, and an unexpected tragedy might cost them something very special…

Note: Another publisher released September previously with a different cover. The author has made only minor changes to this edition.

Listening Length: 10 hours and 1 minute
Narrator: Kale Williams

Reviewer: Annika

September was my first Robert Winter book, which is oddly fitting as I just noticed it was also his debut novel. It was an endearing and realistic May-December story about a man who's forgotten how to live and the man bringing him back into the world. For the most part it’s a (very) steamy and a low angst read about two men finding love where they least expected it, it’s not always easy and the issues that arose were handled beautifully.

David is still mourns the loss of his late partner a few years earlier. The loss isn’t that, raw and crushing kind – anymore – but David still feels it deep into his bone. His days are the same as the last one, working at the office and a rigorous workout at the gym. Existing one day to the other. He wants to reconnect to the world but doesn’t know how to. An injury during a workout session forces him to physical therapy where he meets Brandon.

Brandon is barely scraping by, but he’s happy with his life as a physical therapist. He dreams of one day owning his own clinic. But that’s way off in the future when he’s got a more solid ground to stand on. Love isn’t high on his priority list, but when David walks in he starts to salivate and wants nothing more than to help this intriguing silver fox.

David's late lover Kyle is present throughout the book, but it never gets crowded or overwhelming if you know what I mean. It's more fitting than that, he's there in form of memories, a voice in David’s head, helping him to move on. So even though David still misses Kyle, it's not that soul shattering grief that will tear you apart. At least not anymore. I loved how the whole Kyle thing was portrayed, no unnecessary drama and with a lot of respect that it deserved.

I have to admit that I wasn't too fond of the writing style of this book. There was just something about it that made it feel like I was kept at a distance. I wasn't a part of the book. For me to truly enjoy a book I need to be immersed in it, I need to be in the story, feel what the characters are feeling but I never did that with this book.

Another thing that didn’t sit well with me was the first two thirds of the book. There was just too much on page sex for my liking. I know that this won't be an issue for a lot of readers, but long and abundant sex scenes bore me. And it's even worse when you listen to them in audio, there's no skimming them. I want the characters to connect on an emotional level and not only the physical - so for me to the sex should have meaning, it should bring the story forward and not only to get the characters off. It gets repetitive after a while and having more sex scenes than actual plot is never good. (Unless we’re talking erotica, but that’s a whole other story).

However, the last third of the book changed everything for me. It was by far my favourite part of the book. The emotions I'd missed before was there, I wish this had more of a presence in the book and it wasn't dealt with during such a small part of the book. There was so much more to be explored. It added such depth to it all and it drew me in like never before with this book.

Kale Williams did a great job narrating this book. He had distinct voices and accents for all the characters and there was never any problems following along with the story. He narrated the book with a lot of feeling and truly did a wonderful job. I will happily listen to more of his narrations in the future.

For a debut novel, September was a strong effort and I will be looking forward to reading more of his stories in the future.

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Audio Release Blitz + Giveaway: September (Pride and Joy #1) by Robert Winter

Celebrate the release of audiobook, September (Pride and Joy #1) with author Robert Winter and IndiGo Marketing! The Kale Williams narrated romance is out and you can listen to an excerpt below! Plus, TWO lucky winners have a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Good luck!

Title: September

Format: Audiobook

Series: Pride and Joy, book 1

Narrator: Kale Williams

Author: Robert Winter

Publisher: Robert Winter Books

Release Date: February 7th, 2018

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 10 Hours 01 Minutes

Genre: Romance, May December, hurt comfort, second chance

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

A May-December contemporary gay romance for lovers of second chances

David James is smart, successful, handsome… and alone. After the death of his lover, Kyle, from cancer, he buried himself in his law practice and the gym. At forty-eight, he is haunted by his memories and walled off from the world. When David injures himself working out, he’s assigned to Brandon Smith for physical therapy. The vibrant young therapist is attracted to David and realizes he needs a hand to get back into dating. What begins as a practice coffee date escalates to friendship, passion, and maybe something more, as they navigate a new relationship in Washington, DC, and the gay mecca of Provincetown.

But David remains trapped behind the barrier of fear and guilt. Will he remain loyal to Kyle’s memory if he moves on? Can he and Brandon manage a twenty-two-year age gap? Brandon thinks he understands David’s concerns, and for him, the answer to those questions is yes. He wants to be with David, and he believes he can overcome David’s barriers. But Brandon fails to account for the world’s reaction to a handsome young man attached to an older, wealthy lover.

David’s memories, Brandon’s pride, and an unexpected tragedy might cost them something very special…

Listen to an Audio Excerpt

http://geni.us/SeptemberACX

Purchase

Robert Winter Books | Audible | Amazon | Itunes

Meet the Author

Robert Winter lives and writes in Provincetown. He is a recovering lawyer who prefers writing about hot men in love much more than drafting a legal brief. He left behind the (allegedly) glamorous world of an international law firm to sit in his home office and dream up ways to torment his characters until they realize they are perfect for each other. When he isn’t writing, Robert likes to cook Indian food and explore new restaurants.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | eMail | Instagram

Meet the Narrator

Kale Williams lends his voice to bring to life romance books of all stripes. Known for his distinct characterizations and natural intimate storytelling, he is as comfortable with the cowboys on the prairie as he is with the cops of the big city, from the slow burn to the hot steam to the HEA. Love is love is love.

Giveaway

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Audiobook Review: Embrace the Fire (Through Hell and Back #3) by Felice Stevens

Brandon Gilbert has spent years in hiding, but he’s finally accomplished his dream of working as a public school teacher. When offered the chance to help bullied children, there was no way he could say no. Not to mention that meeting Dr. Tash Weber, the psychiatrist who helps them, a sad yet sexy older man, ignited a spark inside Brandon he’d never had before.

Though five years have passed since the death of his lover, Dr. Sebastian "Tash" Weber has no interest in relationships or love. But young, enigmatic Brandon awakens his heart and his desire. Despite Tash’s best efforts to push him away, Brandon unlocks the passion for life Tash thought he’d lost forever.

Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan for either Brandon or Tash, but neither family disapproval nor self-doubts can stop them from embracing the fire that burns between them. And when Brandon returns home to fight for a future he never imagined possible, he and Tash discover that the one thing worth fighting for has been with them all along.

This is a re-release of the original book published in 2015. It has been completely revised and re-edited with over 10,000 words of additional content added.

Listening Length: 9 hours and 42 minutes
Narrator: Kale Williams

Reviewer: NeRdyWYRM

Embrace This Series

I have really enjoyed this entire series. I can't say this was my favorite book of the three so far, but it was still really good. There are some triggers present in this title, as there have been pretty much from the start of this series, so just be aware. They're not as dire as some other things I've read, but I understand that's relative to the individual. Someone with a history of abuse may find this difficult to read, not that it really dwells there much.

So, I found that there was a little too much unnecessary angst for me in this book. It's fine when you have one wallower when it comes to MCs, but these guys were both Dougie Downers for one reason or another. That's probably why I couldn't, in good conscience, call it my favey. Tash pissed me off pretty much the entire time with the aloofness and vacillation.

I liked him, and I was rooting for him, but my gods was he driving me crazy! I channeled the Borg whenever his inner monologue turned to whining and puling. I channeled it so much, I almost assimilated myself. I kept thinking, "Stop crying about how curmudgeonly you are and get with the young, hot, program!"

And pointless ... and why the hell would you want to resist?! Because let's face it, Brandon was everything Tash needed and then some. I never get MCs who want to live in a past that wasn't all that great in the first place, especially when many years have passed. Seriously. Tash really needed to get over himself. Mourn your guy, absolutely, for as long as you need to. But FFS, you're still alive. Act like it.

Brandon's character, on the other hand, had some legit reasons to wallow. Maybe that's why I was more forgiving of his Eeyore routine. Frankly, his reasons for being wishy-washy put Tash's in the shade. Maybe that's why Tash hacked me off so bad.

Needless to say, I could go on and on and on. This was a really good story. The previous MCs from the series played a role in this one as well, which I absolutely refuse to spoil. Uh-uh. Not happening. It was worth reading just for Asher and Luke and the resolution you get in the overarching plotline(s) that run through the series so far.

If you liked the first two, read this one. I don't recommend it as a standalone. I would absolutely start from the beginning. You could read this one by itself, but you'd lose out on what's come before and getting to feel just how far all these characters have come by the time they get to this point in the series. Read them/it. All of them.

P. S. The audio version was good, too.

More reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be found on Goodreads here.
Images (when present) may be subject to copyright.
An ARC copy of this title was provided for an honest review.

Audiobook Review: After the Fire (Through Hell and Back, #2) by Felice Stevens

A single bullet destroyed the dreams of Dr. Jordan Peterson. With his lover dead, Jordan descends into an endless spiral of self-destruction that nearly costs him his friends, his career and his life. When Jordan finds himself working closely with the aloof Lucas Conover, the investment banker's mysterious past and unexpected kindness shocks him back into a life and emotions he'd thought lost forever.

The betrayal by the foster brother he'd worshiped taught Lucas Conover never to trust or believe in anyone. Living a solitary life doesn't free him of the nightmare of his youth; it reinforces his belief that he would never fall in love. When the death of one of his clients forces him to work closely with Dr. Jordan Peterson, he meets a person whose suffering exceeds his own. Though Jordan rejects his effort to help, something within Luke pushes him discover more about the first man to ever get under his skin. As Luke lets down his guard and Jordan lets go of his pain, desire takes control. Each man must come to terms with past struggles if they are to create a future together. And learning to trust in themselves and love again after tragedy and a lifetime of pain, may be the only thing that saves them in the end.

Narrated by: Kale Williams
Listening Length: 10 hours and 2 minutes

Reviewer - Annery

This is book 2 in the “Through Hell and Back” series narrated by the excellent Kale Williams. I’d say that one star is for his performance. The choice of narrative speed and voices is exactly on point and lends poignancy and grit to the story while also grounding it. The book works fairly well as a stand-alone but I’d say having book one in your pocket enhances the experience as far as character development and emotions.

This is a story about mourning, second chances, and forgiveness. Forgiving others and perhaps the hardest thing, forgiving ourselves. So … a little on the heavy but not overwhelmingly so.

The story picks up nine months or so after tragic event at the end of book one and Dr. Jordan Peterson is still a walking shell. Existing but not living. Enter Lucas Conover, one of the financial advisors left in place to help steer the foundation Jordan is meant to be to be heading. Lucas threatens to wrest control of said foundation due to Jordan’s lack of interest. It turns out that calling the good Doctor out on his failings is exactly what he needs to kick him back into gear. Lucas and Jordan meet and though it’s not lust or much less love at first sight there certainly is a spark and that’s all she wrote.

I liked that Jordan and Lucas, even though they had a growing attraction, got to know each other over the course of some months working together on matters for the foundation and that the relationship evolved from that base. I liked that Lucas and Jordan had to revise or adjust attitudes and beliefs and that they were open to change. I liked that both had to overcome more than the usual “will they/won’t they” scenario but rather some pretty authentic problems particularly Jordan. I felt like the author presented a solution to his problems that was evidently well researched and narratively well executed. I liked the participation of friends and family introduced in Book 1, particularly Drew and of course Ash, though the Lucas and Ash “conversation” was left for far too late in the book for my liking but that’s a minor niggle.

My major niggles are more personal. There were perhaps one too many “issues” in this book and at times these seemed to tip the scales: mourning, grief, addiction, childhood abuse, the failures of the foster system, homelessness, drug dealers, illegal guns etc. One or two these would have been sufficient for one book.

The other thing is really personal and perhaps irrelevant. I’m giving nothing away by saying that Jordan is grieving the abrupt violent loss of his long term partner and fiance and yet about a year out he’s IN LOVE with another guy? I dunno … seems sudden or that the Doc’s affections may be fickle. We know he’s not. So maybe for moi a little more time might have eased the way? Unless we’re going with Keith, the dead fiance, left this man Lucas to keep Jordan sane, loved, and safe? Would Patrick Swayze do that for Demi Moore at the end of Ghost? Maybe. Let’s be generous and with that.

If you’re in the mood for an issues book with some serious sexy times on the side this will fit the bill nicely, but I’d go with the audio because it will surely enhance your enjoyment of the story.

A review copy was provided.

Giveaway + Blog Tour: After the Fire (Through Hell & Back, #2) by Felice Stevens

Welcome Felice Stevens who's here today to promote the re-release of After the Fire and she's offering a $10 Amazon Gift Card too.

Be sure to enter below. Good luck!

After the Fire

Through Hell and Back Series, Book 2

Felice Stevens

M/M Romance

Release: 02.24.17

Audio Release: 07.11.17

Narrator: Kale Williams

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Cover Photo: Alejandro Caspe

BUY LINK

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2v0Nwx2

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2wmDXZ0

BLURB

The betrayal by the foster brother he’d worshiped, taught Lucas Conover never to trust or believe in anyone. Living a solitary life doesn’t free him of the nightmare of his youth; it reinforces his belief that he would never fall in love. When the death of one of his clients forces him to work closely with Dr. Jordan Peterson, he meets a person whose suffering exceeds his own. Though Jordan rejects his effort to help, something within Luke pushes him discover more about the first man to ever get under his skin.

As Luke lets down his guard and Jordan lets go of his pain, desire takes control. Each man must come to terms with past struggles if they are to create a future together. And learning to trust in themselves and love again after tragedy and a lifetime of pain, may be the only thing that saves them in the end.

This is a re-release of the original version published in 2015. It has been re-edited with over 4000 words of additional content added.

EXCERPT

“We have a board meeting next week to decide if we want to accept sponsorships or not. I’m all for getting companies to donate as much as they want.”

Pushing his artichoke around the plate, Jordan chewed his bottom lip in thought. “I understand, but I don’t want this to become something they crow about and take credit for. It isn’t about them or us. It’s about what Keith wanted and helping the kids of the community so they have a safe place to come to every day if they choose. We have to make them want to come. So for sure we’ll try and get the computer companies to donate their computers and the libraries to donate children’s books. But this is always going to be The Keith Hart Center for Youth. Not XYZ Corp Center. I’m doing this to help Keith’s dream become a reality.”

Noting Lucas’s silence, Jordan quirked a brow. “Did I surprise you? You’re awfully quiet.”

The chatter from the cavernous dining room filled the silence, while he awaited Lucas’s response.

“I agree. For the record, I never intended to acknowledge the corporate sponsors any more than having maybe a plaque in, say the computer area, stating, Computers Generously Donated by…whomever we choose. As you put it so very well, it isn’t about them.” Once again, he flashed that charming grin that lit up his normally austere face.

A tug of desire hit Jordan low in his belly and the breadstick crumbled in his hand. For almost a year he’d barely thought about sex. In the cold hours of the dark, he’d awaken from dreams where he’d been making love with Keith, and his body’s natural urge had led him to finish off with his hand. But not until this moment had he felt a pull toward another man. Disturbed, Jordan studied Lucas from beneath lowered lashes, pretending to concentrate on his food.

For God’s sake, what was he even thinking? Shaking his head, angry with himself for having those traitorous urges, Jordan drank down half his sparkling water, his hands shaking so badly he feared Lucas might comment. Lucky for him, the waiter approached to take away their dishes, engaging Lucas in conversation so he saw nothing.

Lucas wasn’t even his type. Jordan ran a critical gaze over the enigmatic man sitting across from him. Sure, he had the broad, muscular build similar to Keith but personality-wise, the two men were nothing alike. Keith’s friendly, joyful personality drew people to him; they couldn’t help but want to be his friend. Totally unlike the quietly serious Lucas Conover whose lone-wolf persona and hands-off attitude screamed, Don’t ask, don’t touch. Jordan excused this inexplicable physical reaction as his first time in months being in close proximity to a man.

“You okay, Jordan? You looked kind of sick for a moment.”

As far as he knew, there wasn’t yet a cure for being heartsick and heartbroken.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn't until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth's court that her interest in romance novels was renewed.

But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back.

Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Twitter:https://twitter.com/FeliceStevens1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/felicestevens/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8432880.Felice_Stevens

Instagram: https://instagram.com/FeliceStevens

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/felicestevensauthor?ref=hl

Newsletter: http://felicestevens.us8.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=d43061d90bf2256eb322ed69f&id=586ac8fa57

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Audiobook Review: Beauty, Inc. (The Pennymaker Tales #3) by Tara Lain

Is beauty only skin deep?

Chemist Dr. Robert “Belle” Belleterre loves flowers, green trees, his best friend Judy, and “his baby”: the new face cream he developed to help put his father’s small cosmetics company on the map. Sadly he gets no help from his alcoholic, gambling-addicted father who loses Belle in a poker game to Magnus Strong, the CEO of Beauty, Inc. the largest American cosmetics company—a man infamous for his scarred ugliness.

Belle finds himself uprooted from his home, living in a wildly crazy apartment in New York owned by Mr. Pennymaker, and completely unprepared for his mad attraction to the charismatic Strong. Feeling like a traitor, Belle fights his passion only to see more and more of the goodness and humility hidden by Strong’s ugly face. But when Belle’s family starts manipulating his life again, the odds turn against happiness for beautiful Belle and his beloved beast.

Narrator: Kale Williams
Listening Length: 6 hours and 5 minutes

This was so promising until about halfway through...then the cringe worthy sex and 90’s teenage language started to emerge.

I love Beauty and the Beast, so any type of retelling will be a definite read for me. I liked how this retelling had obvious similarities to the fairytale but was its own story. I enjoyed hearing about Belle and his progression from being an unappreciated but necessary part of his father's company, to becoming more independent and confident with Magnus at Beauty Inc.

This was most definitely an enemies to lovers story, from Belle’s POV anyway. It was good to see Belle weary of Magnus and take his time in trusting Magnus’ intentions. The whole relationship between Belle and Magnus felt very well done.

Kale William’s narration was good. His character voices were well done and you could feel the emotion coming through his words. Unfortunately, the script he was given was pretty terrible.

Which brings me to the dialogue. There were so many off putting words and corny lines in this story. I literally looked like this when listening to this book.

I mean what man uses the word ‘hunky’ to accurately describe, and not in a joking way, another man… to his face. Also the word ‘mooning’ is not sexy!! Do not use it during a sex scene!

Then there was the awkward dialogue piled into the sex scenes.

“Oh, you think you can hold off your orgasm for a whole fuck, my pretty sex fiend, because other wise your weapon would have faded from the field before you ever get it in my ass.”

and…

Magnus pulled his legs up revealing his powerful ass and a beautifully gaping pucker. “Get in there and tame the beast, sweetheart.”
Oh yeah.

It was weird.

Dialogue like that, especially in an audiobook just completely takes me out of the story and I just couldn’t enjoy it after that.

It's a shame because the idea and even the execution of the story was well done, but that dialogue, just no. Maybe reading the story would make it easier, but for some reason I don't think so.

Give this a go if you want, at least you can go in prepared for some crazy talk now… it might help.

Find on Dreamspinner Press or Goodreads!

See our ebook review here

Review: Sinders and Ash by Tara Lain, Narrated by Kale Williams

Housekeeper Mark Sintorella (Sinders) works diligently at a resort hotel while designing clothes anonymously, hoping to get into fashion school. Then his carefully planned life is upended with the arrival of Ashton Armitage, son of the fifth richest man in America - and the most beautiful guy Mark has ever seen. Ash must find a wife or he'll lose his grandfather's inheritance, and he settles on Bitsy Fanderel. But secretly Ash is gay, and the guy who cleans the fireplaces sets his heart ablaze.

Further stirring the pot is the little elf of a man, Carstairs Pennymaker, who has Mark wearing his own designs and masquerading as a girl to impress the fashion investors in the hotel. When the clock strikes 12, two beautiful princesses line up for the wedding - but one isn't a woman. Will the slipper fit? Only Mr. Pennymaker knows for sure.

Suspend belief all ye who enter here!

Not saying that’s a bad thing. But, you do need to know that this is very much a Hallmark type fairy tale so you can appreciate it for what it’s giving you. Everyone is exceptionally beautiful, the drama is dramatic as are the reactions to the drama and the ending is perfectly perfect.

Sinders, or Mark, is a beautifully sad and quirky character that cleans the fireplaces at a luxury resort along with a bunch of menial bullshit things that no one else wants to do. He lives in an attic room, saving all his money to one day go to design school. Ash is a delicious rich boy who, in order to claim his inheritance of eleventeen trillion dollars, must marry by his birthday. Needless to say he doesn’t have that handled and he’s at the resort to try and find himself a bride.

Mark is taken under the wing or a strange little man with the ultimate connections in the fashion industry named Carstairs Pennymaker. Mr. Pennymaker is the mastermind behind the meet cutes in the story and his plans to put Mark on the fashion map come with pearls of wisdom and self-confidence building bits of enlightenment. He’s very charming and quirky and I liked him a lot.

The bad guys were especially ugly and the part of the Evil Stepmother and sisters was played out well in a modern way. One of the sisters ends up being a good friend to Ash and the side story with Bitsy and Ronnie (Ash’s assistant) was really my favorite part of the story. I liked both of their characters and they were the most “real” of the lot.

I listened to the audio version of this story and I did like the narrator’s voice, my only problem was that his Mark and his Ash sounded the same as the story progressed. I never got confused about who was talking, but the sameness of it made it too easy for my brain to wander. When I read the book many moons ago I never realized how much the characters talked to themselves, the narration really emphasizes that and it got old after a bit. I started thinking, “who the hell are you even talking to?” It made the story sound more narrated than organic.

Go into Sinders and Ash knowing you are getting a contemporary fairy tale with a plethora of voice inducing situational boners and beautiful people getting happy endings with very little realism. Sometimes that flavor of brain candy is exactly what a person needs and if you’re in that moment, this is the story for you.

Check out Sinders and Ash for yourself over at Dreamspinner Press.

**a copy of this audiobook was provided for an honest review**

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