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Riva

ratings
107
REVIEWS
27
FOLLOWING
0
FOLLOWERS
3
HELPFUL VOTES
21

  • Men of Smithfield: Mark and Tony

    • UNABRIDGED (4 hrs and 24 mins)
    • By L. B. Gregg
    • Narrated By Shannon Gunn
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (76)
    Performance
    (71)
    Story
    (71)

    "Coming home from work to find my boyfriend banging our hairy, married landlord—in our bed—was bad enough. Discovering Jamie had also cleaned out my bank accounts made it officially the worst day of my life. I think I can be forgiven for wanting revenge, even if a few little laws (and possibly Jamie's nose) got bent in the process."

    Libros Lover says: "Gobsmacked - In a Good Way"
    "Very Funny"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Men of Smithfield: Mark and Tony?

    I loved the sarcastic humor of the story. The MCs are very endearing. The narrator was really great as Mark, not as great as Tony, but still good. The story was OK, about average as a predicable romance, could have been better.


    Which character – as performed by Shannon Gunn – was your favorite?

    Mark, easily Mark. He made me laugh out loud.


    Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

    Yes I did


    Any additional comments?

    I really enjoyed this book in the audio format. Strangely this is one of those rare occasions where I don't think I would have liked the printed version better. The narrator was funny as hell and I found myself laughing out loud. So fair warning if you listen to it in public.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Hired Man

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 55 mins)
    • By Jan Irving
    • Narrated By Erik Braa
    Overall
    (111)
    Performance
    (68)
    Story
    (69)

    Reverend Ian Kenyon knows the harsh sting of life and how a man can suffer a loss of faith. The death of his wife and son shook him to his foundations, and he's been drifting ever since. Bryn Morgan has returned home from prison to the only family he has—an abusive father. Reluctantly moved by Bryn's plight, Ian hires the young man to work on his farm. Soon Ian fears his growing feelings of grace and compassion might be something else, something more... heated.

    L. Hew says: "Surprisingly amazing"
    "Interesting story"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This was a good listen and an interesting story. There are some weird/confusing POV switches and the ending seems a little incomplete. The story also takes some weird twists and turns which doesn't make it "flow" as effectively as it could. There were some scenes that came out of nowhere and didn't go anywhere which also confused me. However overall I enjoyed the book and the narrator did a great job. Not worth a credit, but worth it if it is discounted.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • First Time, Forever

    • UNABRIDGED (2 hrs and 26 mins)
    • By K. C. Burn
    • Narrated By Charlie Belmont
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (33)
    Performance
    (31)
    Story
    (30)

    Derrick and Trevor used to have an incredibly passionate relationship, full of spontaneity and sizzle. Now that their son is off to college, they want to put their days of routine, vanilla sex behind them and bring back some of that spark. But Trevor begins to notice their age difference. He suddenly feels old and unsure of himself, and isn't confident Derrick still desires him.

    Riva says: "Delightful Short Story"
    "Delightful Short Story"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This is a great little short story about the fears and insecurity of an established couple when they become "empty nesters." It is really sweet and I enjoyed listening to it. The narrator did a excellent job, but Charlie Belmont always does; he is one of my favorites. I wouldn't use a credit for it, but if it is on sale, worth it.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Stolen Luck

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 51 mins)
    • By Shawna Reppert
    • Narrated By Charles Carr
    Overall
    (11)
    Performance
    (11)
    Story
    (11)

    Lord James Dupree must recover his family's stolen Luck, the elven talisman that has protected the Dupree lands for generations. Despite his abhorrence of slavery, James wins an elven slave in a game of cards. The slave, Loren, provides the only chance to enter the Lands Between and recover the stolen Luck. As the two work together through hardship and danger, James finds himself falling in love with Loren. And when a hidden enemy moves against them, he must choose between his responsibility to his family and his own soul.

    Riva says: "Wonderful Surprise!!"
    "Wonderful Surprise!!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    If you could sum up The Stolen Luck in three words, what would they be?

    M/M romance fantasy adventure. (MM is not a word!). This is a story of a very good man who is "forced" to buy an elf slave in order to save his family. Owning a slave goes against everything he thought about himself, and he struggles with his conscious throughout the book. The elf has his own journey of discovery as he is challenged to rethink his belief that all "mortals" are less than animals. Since he has suffered horrible abuse at the hands of a previous owner, it is difficult for him.


    What did you like best about this story?

    I enjoyed the pace of the story, the blooming relationship between the MCs, the journey of discovery and the narration was wonderful.


    Which scene was your favorite?

    When Loren realized his true feelings in the shack during the storm.


    If you could rename The Stolen Luck, what would you call it?

    Journey to Love.


    Any additional comments?

    The narrator for this book really did a great job at bringing the characters to life. His various British accents were great b/c when Americans think of elves we always think of England. The author did a great job of pacing the relationship. However, this is NOT erotica in any way. There is very little sex and even then it is "implied" not explicit. This aspect did not effect the emotional dimension of the book, I think it may have enhanced it. I had never heard of this author, but she did a wonderful job.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Widdershins: Whyborne & Griffin, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 15 mins)
    • By Jordan L. Hawk
    • Narrated By Julian G. Simmons
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (18)
    Performance
    (18)
    Story
    (18)

    Repressed scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne has two skills: reading dead languages and hiding in his office at the Ladysmith Museum. After the tragic death of the friend he secretly loved, he's ruthlessly suppressed any desire for another man. So when handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches him to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of the detective as quickly as possible. Griffin left the Pinkertons following the death of his partner, hoping to start a new life. But the powerful cult that murdered Glenn has taken root in Widdershins, and only the spells in the book can stop them.

    R. Wilson says: "Gripping Erotic Suspense, Seductive Narrator!"
    "Great book, OK narration"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to Widdershins again? Why?

    Yes, b/c after I got use to the narrator I think he did a good job. Also, Griffin and Ival are one of my favorite MM couples. NOTE: there is some weird echoing in the first chapter on the audio version, that clears up later; but it could put some listeners off. Also, the narrator seems very young, younger than I pictured the MCs, but like I said, you get use to it after a while.


    What other book might you compare Widdershins to and why?

    This is an historical MM romance, similar to Trick of Time by JL Merrow.


    What does Julian G. Simmons bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    He did a good job of bringing emotion to the story, But he did a horrible job with his accents. Really bad. I also couldn't differentiate btwn Griffin and Ival's voices, they sounded very similar. I think this was his first narration, he did an OK job, but Charlie Belmont, Paul Morey, Sean Crisden or Jack LeFleur would have been outstanding.


    If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

    I think this book would make a great film. It is full of action scenes and supernatural happenings. And the romance is very sweet and sincere. I don't know what the "tag line" should be.


    Any additional comments?

    I listened to this book b/c I read it first and loved it. Also, the 2nd book in the series was coming out, which is also wonderful. Jordan Hawk does a great job of combining romance, emotion, action and adventure. A great cast of characters, similar to a Sherlock Holmes novel. I hope, Threshold (the 2nd book) is out on Audible too. I would definitely listen to it as well. It has even more action and a great supernatural story.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Signed and Sealed

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs)
    • By B. A. Stretke
    • Narrated By Jeff Gelder
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (72)
    Performance
    (67)
    Story
    (68)

    William Drake’s living an ordinary life - he has a job, a dog, and a house near Lake Superior - when a frantic call for help from his ne'er-do-well sister, Katrina, throws a big rancher-shaped kink in the works. Proving that no good deed goes unpunished, Will’s arrival at the Montana ranch belonging to Katrina's fiancé, Martin, is marked by a flat tire and unexpected help from a tall, dark, and handsome Good Samaritan. The stranger turns out to be Elijah Hunter, Martin's brother - the most unsettling man Will has ever met.

    Randal says: "A good listen"
    "Suspend realism and you'll enjoy this book"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you try another book from B. A. Stretke and/or Jeff Gelder?

    Maybe


    Would you be willing to try another book from B. A. Stretke? Why or why not?

    Maybe, this was an OK read, you just had to suspend any expectation of a realistic story line. Also there were some pretty big plot holes. But it wasn't "painful" to listen to like some other books.


    Did Jeff Gelder do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

    He did OK, he is getting better. His narration is still a little "wooden" But again, it wasn't a bad listen.


    Could you see Signed and Sealed being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

    Absolutely not!


    Any additional comments?

    This is a Harlequinn Romance novel. The MCs could be a pirate and a damsel he "kidnapped" b/c her father owed him a debt. It is actually pretty funny (unintentionally). That said, it is still a nice romance. But be warned, I though Eli was an a**hole and my opinion didn't change even with the HEA.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Besties

    • UNABRIDGED (1 hr and 50 mins)
    • By Vicktor Alexander
    • Narrated By Guy Veryzer
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (6)
    Performance
    (6)
    Story
    (6)

    Kelly Jeter is a 30-year old virgin who suffers from an acute shyness and extreme anxiety. He lives in Manhattan and collects lighthouses. He is the quintessential nerd. He also doesn't see how gorgeous he is, so when he meets Hawk Caliarchi, a friend of his besties, Krystal and Amy, he can't believe the hulking Greek man wants anything to do with him. So when Hawk shows an interest in him, Kelly does the only thing he can do... he has an asthma attack and almost passes out.

    Riva says: "Don't bother - 2 star for the writing"
    "Don't bother - 2 star for the writing"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you try another book from Vicktor Alexander and/or Guy Veryzer?

    Sure, the writing was good and funny, but a REALLY short story.


    What was most disappointing about Vicktor Alexander’s story?

    The story was lame.


    How could the performance have been better?

    The narrator almost put me to sleep. Get Jack Le Fleur or Paul Morey.


    You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

    Absolutely, the writing was witty and engaging, the story was just lame.


    Any additional comments?

    They should try again with a full novel and develop the characters more. They could even use these characters, they had lost of potential.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Unthinkable: Tate Pack Series, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (2 hrs and 23 mins)
    • By Vicktor Alexander
    • Narrated By Sean Crisden
    Overall
    (20)
    Performance
    (20)
    Story
    (20)

    Richard Tillson was happy with his life... well... sort of. He has spent the last few years of his life making a name for himself in the dance community, has a very expensive apartment in Manhattan and he knows he's gorgeous. So why is he so miserable? Enter Vernon “Vet” Tate. The older brother of Richard's best friend Amanda Lynn. The first time the two men meet it's when Vet is saving Richard's life from an oncoming vehicle.

    Riva says: "Cute short story, but nothing special"
    "Cute short story, but nothing special"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

    yes, the story was fine, predictable, but fine. Nice little shifter romance.


    What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

    They had their HEA and it was obvious other books were contemplated.


    Have you listened to any of Sean Crisden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    Mr. Crisden was why I even bought the book. I love his narration b/c he can even bring mediocre characters to life.


    Do you think Unthinkable needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

    Eh, sure why not. Don't have strong feelins one why or another. I wasn't that invested in the characters.


    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Touch Me Gently

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 18 mins)
    • By J.R. Loveless
    • Narrated By Jeff Gelder
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (110)
    Performance
    (99)
    Story
    (99)

    Always hiding his tormented past along with his scarred body, Kaden James finds it difficult to keep a job. Luck finally turns his way when he finds work as a cook on a Montana ranch, where he meets terrifyingly handsome Logan Michaels. Logan is different from any man Kaden’s ever met, and before long, he finds himself falling in love with the big cowboy. But Kaden’s nightmares won’t let go of him so easily, and he’s not just jumping at shadows. He has nearly a lifetime of abuse, horrifying memories, and pain addiction to overcome. Can Logan's gentle touch help Kaden heal inside?

    Kamilla says: "Disappointed..."
    "Almost, but not quite there"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

    Maybe, if they were really into over the top sweetness btwn men.


    What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

    The most interesting aspect was Kaden's journey to overcome his past. The least interesting was this weird relationship at the end with a little girl in the hospital. It didn't quite seem to fit the story and came out of nowhere. It was weird. Also, some of the dialougue was stiff and obviously not something a "real" person would say. I must admit to some eye rolling at it at times.


    Which scene was your favorite?

    Logan admitting his love for Kaden.


    Did Touch Me Gently inspire you to do anything?

    No.


    Any additional comments?

    This story is worth a listen but be warned it is over the top sweet. Don't get me wrong I LOVE sweet and tender, but this was way more. Also, the narrator does an OK job, but at time his narration is a little wooden. I've listen to other narrations from Mr. Gelder before, and he has never been one of my favorites. Although he does a better job on this than he did with Bulletproof (Mary Calmes).

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Living Promises: Keeping Promise Rock, Book 3

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 4 mins)
    • By Amy Lane
    • Narrated By Paul Morey
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (35)
    Performance
    (35)
    Story
    (35)

    Six years ago, Jeff Beachum comforted a frightened teenager outside an HIV treatment clinic, and Collin Waters has remembered his kindness ever since. Now, after six years of crushing on the kind, brown-eyed sweetheart of his dreams, Collin is feeling adult and together enough to make his move. Too bad fate, which has never been kind to Jeff, has something else in mind.

    Donald says: "The Journey of Promise Rock Continues..."
    "Wonderful ending to a great series"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you consider the audio edition of Living Promises to be better than the print version?

    Don't know I didn't read the print version, but the audio is great b/c Paul Morey is great. I love everything he narrates.


    What other book might you compare Living Promises to and why?

    It is hard to compare b/c even though it is a separate love story, it is tied to the first two books. I would not call this a stand alone book, you really have to read them in order.


    Have you listened to any of Paul Morey’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    Yes and I will listen to ANYTHING Paul Morey narrates. This is like his other works, excellent.


    If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

    No clue.


    Any additional comments?

    I really enjoyed this series and the many characters involved. I was sad to see it end.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Locker Room

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 40 mins)
    • By Amy Lane
    • Narrated By Sean Crisden
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (42)
    Performance
    (40)
    Story
    (40)

    Xander Karcek has only wanted two things in his life: Christian Edwards and basketball—the man he loves and the game that let him escape a childhood he’d rather forget. His two obsessions have served him well. He and Chris beat the odds and stayed together through high school, college, and right on to the NBA. But life under fame’s microscope isn’t easy, especially when two men are pretending to be frat-buddies so the world doesn’t know they’re the next best thing to married.

    L. Antoine says: "great story - bad narration"
    "Amy Lane does it again"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about The Locker Room?

    I loved the relationship btwn the two MCs. Amy Lane does a great job in writing "love" I usually get swept away by her writing.


    What did you like best about this story?

    See above.


    Have you listened to any of Sean Crisden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    I have listened to many of Mr. Crisden's performances, with Bear, Otter and the Kid being my favorite. He delivers another great performance here.


    Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

    Without giving anything away, one of the MCs get hurt and the depth of the reaction from the other is moving. The ending is also great. I hope there is a sequel.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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