Audiobook Review: Sin and Tonic (Sinners #6) by Rhys Ford

Sequel to Absinthe of Malice.

Miki St. John believed happy endings only existed in fairy tales until his life took a few unexpected turns...and now he's found his own.

His best friend, Damien, is back from the dead, and their new band, Crossroads Gin, is soaring up the charts. Miki's got a solid, loving partner named Kane Morgan - an inspector with the SFPD whose enormous Irish family has embraced him as one of their own - and his dog, Dude, at his side.

It's a pity someone's trying to kill him.

Old loyalties and even older grudges emerge from Chinatown's murky, mysterious past, and Miki struggles to deal with his dead mother's abandonment, her secrets, and her brutal murder while he's hunted by an enigmatic killer who may have ties to her.

The case lands in Kane's lap, and he and Miki are caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse. When Miki is forced to face his personal demons and the horrors of his childhood, only one thing is certain: The rock star and his cop are determined to fight for their future and survive the evils lurking in Miki's past.

Listening Length: 10 hours and 51 minutes
Narrator: Tristan James

I’ll be the first to admit that this series is not my favorite of Ford’s, but this last entry in my mind, was definitely all about saving the best for last. I’m also quite known for giving series finales a generous 5 stars especially if they wrap things up in an epic conclusion, and this did not fail me.


It would be impossible to rehash the plot of the last five books, so suffice it to say that if you haven’t read any of them, this is not a stand alone and you need to turn yourself around and get cracking.


I think overall, it probably would’ve been ok, minus the dangling plot point in Absinthe and Malice, if this book was never written. However it was, and it brings us full circle back to the first and foremost character Miki, turning his tragic beginnings into an opportunity to finally find some answers and heal some terribly awful wounds.


Why this was a hit for me is because this literally brought me to tears multiple times. Remember - make me cry - win bonus points. With all the emotions, I got ferklempt over and over as Miki grows and moves beyond his past to something so much more. This was not an easy road by any means, but forever by his side is the fabulous swoony Kane, made even more poignantly fabulous and swoony with his undying love and support as he navigates the 24/7 minefield, aka as his resilient but scarred and traumatized lover.


Narrated by Tristan James, he is this series and as always, it was a great listen as he juggles the many characters and accents with aplomb! He brings to life Ford‘s descriptiveness and beautiful words that are ever present, and where it might be too much for some standalones, it works so well for this established couple, further cementing their bond and love connection that really really tugged at my heartstrings.


This last entry was obviously an ode to Miki and Kane so they could finally move forward uninhibited, unafraid, adding so much more depth and breadth, bringing a fitting, well deserved and very very romantic start to their happily forever after!


Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook Review: Twisted and Tied (Marshals #4) by Mary Calmes

Deputy US Marshal Miro Jones finally has everything he ever wanted. He's head-over-heels in love and married to the man of his dreams, his partner Ian Doyle, he's doing well at work, and all his friends are in good places as well. Things are all tied up nicely...until they're not.

Change has never been easy for Miro, and when situations at work force the team he's come to depend on to break apart, and worst of all, his and Ian's individual strengths put them on two separate paths, he's pretty certain everything just went up in smoke.

But before he can even worry about the future, his past comes for a visit, shaking his world up even more. It's hard to tell what road he should truly be on, but as he learns some paths are forged and others are discovered, it might be that where he's going is the right course after all. If he can navigate all the twists and turns, he and Ian might just get their happily ever after.

Listening Length: 8 hours and 59 minutes
Narrated by: Tristan James

5 No Brainer Hearts for the Audio and Story!

When I heard that the audio was finally out for this I was all grabby hands! I’ve had the pleasure of listening to Tristan James for the 1st three stories, and I had no trouble listening to the last!

James brings Ian and Miro to life - perfectly portraying them through all their challenges, harrowing situations, and the intense wonderful love they have for each other while never shirking on the smexy! Unf.

Fans of this series will not be disappointed. It’s fabulous, and I’ll be revisiting this narration often just like I’ve done with the others!

Thanks to the author/publisher for the audio and ecopy in exchange for an honest review

Audiobook Review: Rebel (415 Ink #1) by Rhys Ford

The hardest thing a rebel can do isn’t standing up for something — it’s standing up for himself.

Life takes delight in stabbing Gus Scott in the back when he least expects it. After years of running from his past, present and the dismal future every social worker predicted for him, Karma delivers the one thing Gus could never—would never—turn his back on; a son from a one-night stand he’d had after a devastating break-up three years ago.

Returning to San Francisco and to 415 Ink, his family’s tattoo shop, gave him the perfect shelter to battle his personal demons and get himself together… until the firefighter who’d broken him walked back into Gus’s life.

For Rey Montenegro, tattoo artist Gus Scott was an elusive brass ring, a glittering prize he hadn’t the strength or flexibility to hold onto. Severing his relationship with the mercurial tattoo artist hurt but Gus hadn’t wanted the kind of domestic life Rey craved, leaving Rey with an aching chasm in his soul.

When Gus’s life and world starts to unravel, Rey helps him pick up the pieces, and Gus wonders if that forever Rey wants is more than just a dream.

Narrated by: Tristan James
Listening Length: 9 hours 11 minutes

As always, Tristan James delivered an excellent narration. He just has a way of sucking readers (listeners?) into the story. I had no trouble at all visualizing the various characters and the story. This narrator knows how to bring a book to life!

In ‘Rebel’, we’re introduced to two flawed men - Gus and Rey. Life hasn’t been kind to either man, and the two haven’t made the smartest decisions over the years. But despite their past, there’s no denying that Rey and Gus are connected at the heart.

We learn Gus and Rey’s stories in bits and pieces as the book progresses. This is one of Rhys Ford’s angstier books. The MCs, especially Gus, are torn down and built back up before they can get their happily ever after.

Gus stole my heart from the beginning. He’d been kicked one too many times by life, and didn’t believe he’d get anything good in life. But he’s willing to try for the one thing that brought him back home - his son.

It took me a bit more time to warm up to Rey. His abandonment of Gus didn’t do him any favours, and his backstory wasn’t that fleshed out. There just isn’t the same character development for Rey like there is for Gus.

But once Rey got his head out of his ass, he more than steps up to the plate.

Because this is a second-chance romance, we don’t see the MCs falling in love. Gus and Rey have been in love for years, they just had to learn how to make things work so that they could get their permanent happy ending.

It takes a lot of hard work, but eventually the two men get things right. And they seriously burn up the sheets while they’re at it!

As a backdrop to Rey and Gus’ relationship, readers are introduced to their ragtag family. I’m a big fan of the Sinners series, so I really liked getting to know the band of brothers. Also, Gus’ son Chris stole quite a few scenes. He was just a cute kid being a cute kid.

However, the last quarter or so could have been tightened up. It just seemed like things were thrown in for some extra drama, and didn’t really serve a purpose. Plus, I kept waiting for more of Rey’s story, and that never happens.

Overall, this was a really good start to a new series by Rhys Ford. I’m looking forward to reading where she takes it next!

A review copy was provided.

Audiobook Review: Chosen Pride (L'Ange #3) by Mary Calmes

Jon Slade finally met his mate, but instead of it being the happiest day of his life, it became the saddest when wolf shifter Kelvin MacCurdy chose his obligations over their fated bond, leaving Jon to pick up the pieces of his shattered dreams. Lucky for him, Roman Howell, his boss and the owner of L’Ange, saw promise in the forlorn lion and put him to work so he wouldn’t have time to sit around and lick his wounds while he waited for his wounded spirit to heal.

Then the wolves make an official visit to L’Ange, and Jon finds out Kelvin’s pining for him is taking its toll on his position as the king’s champion. Though Kelvin’s training and the expectations of others steer him toward an intended mate, Jon has an unbreakable hold on his heart, and it’s no longer possible for Kelvin to keep himself from where he truly belongs.

But the conclave brings more than Kelvin to the château. It also brings a challenge to jackal alpha Quade Danas, a threat that Quade and Roman, Arman and Linus, and Jon and Kelvin may have to fight in order to keep L’Ange’s family intact. Jon never wanted to lead a pride, but the loyalty and devotion to one is ingrained in him. Kelvin was raised to punish anyone who questioned his king, but the calling to protect others runs through his veins just as deeply. To come out on the other side of the battle together, Jon and Kelvin will have to hold the darkness of solitary pride and broken hearts at bay—and find strength in belonging to something bigger than themselves.

Listening Length: 8 hours and 13 minutes
Narrator: Tristan James

When Jon Slade’s fated mate rejected him, he tried to put any thoughts of love behind him and focus on his work at L’Ange. But his plan is disturbed when a visiting delegation of wolves includes Kelvin MacCurdy.

Kelvin finds it difficult to continue denying Jon. But for him and Jon to be happy, they must overcome Kelvin’s obligations to his king.

I’ve listened to a number of audiobooks by Tristan James, and he blows me away every single time. ‘Chosen Pride’ was no different. The narrator does an excellent job with character voices, pacing, and mood setting. I had no trouble immersing myself in the world of L’Ange.

I went into this book not very fond of Kelvin, given the way he callously rejected Jon at the end of book 2. But, as Kelvin’s story was slowly revealed, the reasons for his actions made sense.

Though Kelvin at first seemed cold, he’s really a big old softie with a heart of gold.

It would be hard not to feel for Jon. He’s a lonely man, and he pines for the mate he can’t have.

When the two are reunited, they find it difficult to keep their feelings, and their hands, in check. In the midst of a volatile situation, Kelvin finally cracks and gives in to the mate he was forced to reject.

Once Kelvin finally got his head out of his ass, he and Jon wasted no time in going for what they both wanted. These two were hot.

The emotional relationship between the two relies heavily on their fated bond. It’s a bit insta-lovey, but I was willing to accept that. It’s a common trope in shifter books, after all.

But even with the quick jump to love, there’s no denying that Jon and Kelvin fit together. Both men had spent much of their lives alone, and found in each other happiness and home.

There’s a large amount of plot in this book, revolving around Kelvin’s pack. I wasn’t a fan of book 2 because I thought there was too much going on, and everything was OTT. While a lot happens in ‘Chosen Pride’ as well, it was entertaining, instead of chaotic.

Calmes’ shifter reads tend to be gritty and bloody. This book is no different. The plot was gripping, with Jon and Kelvin having to work hard to get their HEA, and a happy ending for others at L’Ange.

Overall, I really liked ‘Chosen Pride’. The romance is sweet and sexy, and the plot kept me hooked. The audiobook was excellent.

Audiobook Review: Tied Up in Knots (Marshals #3) by Mary Calmes

Miro Jones is living the life: he’s got his exciting, fulfilling job as a US deputy marshal, his gorgeous Greystone in suburban Chicago, his beloved adopted family, and most importantly, the man who captured his heart, Ian Doyle. Problem is, Ian isn’t just his partner at work—Ian’s a soldier through and through. That commitment takes him away from Miro, unexpectedly and often, and it’s casting a shadow over what could be everything Miro could ever dream of.

Work isn’t the same without Ian. Home isn’t the same, either, and Miro’s having to face his fears alone… how to keep it together at the office, how to survive looming threats from the past, and worst of all, how to keep living without Ian’s rock-solid presence at his side. His life is tied up in knots, but what if unknotting them requires something more permanent? What would that mean for him and Ian? Miro’s stuck between two bad choices, and sometimes the only way to get out of the knot is to hold tight to your lifeline and pull.

Listening Length: 9 hours and 48 minutes
Narrator: Tristan James

Let me start by saying I am sitting in a walk in freezer as I write this because just the thought of Tristan James in my ear with the overly sexy words of Mary Calmes is way too much for me not to be all hot and bothered by. *coughs* Yeah, this was hot when I read it but OMG it was so hot to listen to.

I simply adore that Tristan James has not only provided the narration for this series but also for the cameos that appear because for me and my OCD that was amazing and perfect. Gah. I need to hear him do all the voices now.

I always have trouble reviewing audio books because honestly, I can only do audio books IF I have read the book before. It has nothing to do with the author or narrator, I just have issues being read to for the first time BUT I am so in love with listening to book to have the characters come to life through my earbuds wherever I decide to listen. I listened to this in a lot of places; mostly at work where I blushed feverously with Miro and Ian and their actions in and out of bed. I also listened on my way home from work as well as to and from yoga where I may have yelled at a number of characters for the shit they were doing. But regardless of where I listened, I enjoyed myself so damn much.

Mary Calmes writes the best romances between men who just do it for me. I love the Alpha men who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and I love their partners that will back them up no matter what. The romance is always swoony with declarations and adorations in this that hit me square in the solar plexus as the narrator truly gave life to these men as they work out their issues so that they can be together.

I thought I lost it toward the end when the shit hits the fan but again, OMG that whole deal with Miro in the truck and Ian just asking him to put the heat on? I mean, how can a hopeless romantic survive stuff like that being said in my ear? It’s crazy. Truly crazy and I am in love with it. I need to go stalk the backlist of Tristan James and hear him to all the stuff because sometimes, the man saying four letter words in my ear made me pause to make sure I only groaned in my head and that they weren’t audible. Goodness. So freaking hot.

This book was so good. I need more of these two though because there are things I need to witness and some things that need to be taken care of so I really hope there is more. Have I said I need more yet?

So yeah.

Calmes and James make a great team and I fell hard listening to this story just as hard as I fell reading it. It always amazes me when I dig an audiobook but with this pair, a girl can’t fail.

Find on Dreamspinner Press or Goodreads!