Poisoned Ivy

Legacies, Book 1

De: Ava Rani

Narrado por: Connor Crais, Soneela Nankani

Performed in duet narration by Connor Crais & Soneela Nankani

Maxton Hall meets Rory Gilmore's college years in this decadent college romance that equal parts passion, privilege and mystery.

Malena Amin is two people.

At home, she the respectable, rule-abiding daughter that her controlling family expects. At her prestigious Ivy-League University, she's the risk-taking, adventurous woman that she wants to be. With parents who demand to know her location settings at all times, Malena uses a secret phone and secret bank account to make her double life possible.

But when her tutoring job falls through, she hits a snag in funding that double life. So, Malena sets her eyes on the prize money from a National feature-writing contest through the school paper. And when she intercepts an invitation to an ultra-exclusive secret society on campus-she has the perfect story.

She'll attend, lay low, and get an inside look.

Unfortunately, she's discovered early in the night by the notorious playboy and Hastings Media heir: Conrad Hastings.

The frustratingly attractive Conrad doesn't aspire to anything other than a good time. But when his newspaper-magnate father discovers that he's delinquent on work for the school paper, Conrad needs to complete it before his father can make good on an ultimatum. So, he agrees to let Malena into the secret society-temporarily- if she agrees to share a byline on the article they'll write together. Conrad fulfils his obligations, and Malena gets the inside look she needs for the contest.

But, the two soon discover an art world mystery hidden between lavish parties and Gothic libraries. And more concerningly: a palpable spark between them. With new clues unraveling before them, mounting desire they can't ignore and Malena's web of lies threatening to collapse-their partnership becomes a lot more than a simple deal.

©2024 Ava Rani (P)2025 Ava Rani

College. Secrets. Sleuthing. Parental Control.

Honestly, I wouldn't have bought this audiobook if Connor Crais (my fav) wasn't narrating -- the author (Ava Rani) and female narr ( Soneela Nankani) were both new to me, and I tend to prefer older/no longer in college MCs. That said, I did enjoy this very much -- esp. the secret society, sleuthing, and suspense aspects. The dysfunctional family/ parental control issues were a major theme and affected both MCs, though the situations were different, and made the story & characters more interesting. It made Conrad & Melana's sucesses/ happiness despite these obstacles even more rewarding, but also made the tone of the book more serious.
The DUET narration by Connor and Soneela was great. It was very easy/comfortable to listen to. ( I am sometimes leery of new narrators -- esp. female -- due to my sound sensitivity/neurological issues, but I liked Soneela's voice.) The acting was great by both narrators. I always like to hear Connor do accents, and this Asian one was a new one for me. I also love to hear Connor's signature growls 🫶, during the schmexy scenes, and I was NOT disappointed here!

😁🤣P.S. For the other "Craisy" Connor fans out there -- I had to chuckle at the top of Chapter 49. Here's why: Connor as Conrad/ the MMC says "I KNOW A GUY"... and that phrase always makes me smile 😊 because it immediately makes me think of another much beloved character (from Boston!) that Connor has narrated (& co-written) in multiple books.