Banger

Blue Collar Hearts Series, Book 2

By: Kiki Clark

Narrated by: Kirt Graves

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

If there was one thing Kevin knew, it was that his BFF’s ex was bad news. 

Hank is arrogant, a sloppy drunk, and a complete flirt. And he didn't treat Kevin’s friend the way he deserved.

Enough said.

It doesn’t matter that everyone else has forgiven and forgotten what happened between Hank and Kevin’s bestie. He won’t let himself fall for the older man’s sweet words or endearments.

Especially not after...that night. 

Getting ghosted by a guy Kevin wasn’t even really interested in—okay, he maybe sort of could have been, but definitely not now—was the final nail in the coffin. Just because Hank wormed his way into Kevin’s life and friend group, doesn’t mean Kevin has to give him the time of day.

Too bad Hank isn’t getting the message.

Banger is book two in best-selling author Kiki Clark’s Blue Collar Hearts series. It features an age gap, enemies (though not really, except yes because you annoy me so much, but why am I so attracted to you?) to lovers, clothes stealing, bookstore dates, apology BJs, and so much more.

It can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, but both main characters were first introduced in book one, Laying Pipe, so why not start from the beginning. *wink*

©2023 Kiki Clark (P)2023 Kiki Clark

Love this series!

I love everything about this series! Depth of characters and relationship with true love and no cheating. Perfect narration. Highly recommend!

A fantastic redemption story

Not so pleased with Hank after Hank’s treatment of his best friend Lukas, Kevin makes his displeasure clear. But, Hank is determined to win Kevin over as he knows Kevin is the one who is meant for him.
A story of redemption and wooing that is low in angst and full of sweet feels.

Kirt takes you on a lovely journey with Kevin and Hank as Kevin takes time to open up to Hank and let his deepest feelings be known.
The narration was smooth and engrossing and really did make for an enjoyable listen.

catnip

this was like catnip for me. it just pushed so many of my buttons that i breezed through it almost against my will. i always do my best to savor books i've been looking forward to for a long time but this was my most epic fail in that department yet.

Kevin came off as wonderfully sassy and 'together' when we first met him, but the moment you get inside his head you just want to give him a hug. Hank was more of a mystery in the beginning, but you can smell the cinnamon roll coming off him like you just turned the corner to a Cinnabon.

Kirt Graves continues deliver.

Kevin and Hank

I adored “Banger” by Kiki Clark when I first read so I was excited to listen to the audio version. Kevin has been hurt so many times by so many people. He uses his words to keep people at arm’s length and to keep from getting too attached. Kevin was attracted to Hank, Lucas’ ex, but did not want to admit for fear that he was being unfair to Lucas. However, Hank was exactly what Kevin needed. Once Kevin allowed Hank to take care of him and show him affection, the relationship just blossomed. It was beautiful to see. Kirt Graves did such an amazing job narrating this. He is able to differentiate between so many different characters seamlessly. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators. I know that when I start an audiobook narrated by him that I will be entertained and drawn into the story. I highly recommend this one!

Love it!

I am happy that Hank gets his story. I definitely didn't like him at first but this is such a great redemption for him. Hank and Kevin chemistry together is amazing. I just love listening to this story. Kirk Graves does such an amazing job with this narration. He really made me love this story even more. I can't wait for the next one in this series.

5 Stars All Around!

I love when an author totally redeems a character from a previous story. Clark successfully made me fall for Hank in Banger. He is my kind of hardworking, dirty talker! He is very generous with his affection for Kevin. Top it all off with breeding kink for an easy 5 stars from me! Kirt Graves gave the perfect performance; sassy for Kevin and dirty talk for Hank. He hit the swoon worthy parts, “The quiet thankfulness with an edge of adoration…”

Oh Hank...

I'm not going to lie, I was not looking forward to a couple where one half of the main mcs would be Hank. I really disliked him when he was Lucas's boyfriend but man, did he get a wonderful redemption arc.

Slight spoilers

So in here we have Kevin, a young man in desperate need of help and also is Lucas's best friend.

We also have Hank, the ex boyfriend of Lucas who is now friends with both Lucas and John from the previous book.

This had no real story line, it was all about these two deciding that they liked each other and that was about it.

Lucas really didn't care that his BFF was with his ex which made this all angst free.

Hank, the total Daddy dom, was awesome to see become a good guy and I'm glad these two were happy.

Kirt did a good job, but a lot of the voices sounded the same so at times I wasn't sure who was talking, which did not take me out of the story, I still liked it.

Not really enemies

I loved this story and was happy to see Hank get his shot at happiness. He made a mistake but he has apologized and everyone has moved on…except Kevin. Kevin who can be a bit over zealous with his grudge holding and the “hate” is all very one sided. All Hank wants is a shot and it takes some work to get the drama llama to give it to him. Kevin has his reasons and I am NOT making light of those. Not at all. He just needed to learn when it was ok to let some things go. Such a good story. This author just has a way with these guys and I can’t get enough of her stories. And Kirt Graves delivers another masterful audio. He has such a nice voice to listen to!

Excellent listen

This is a cute enemies to lovers listen. The initial encounter makes them enemies! The characters are awesome and Logan and Jasmine are cuties!

Completely addictive and wonderfully romantic

I love, love, loved this book when it first came out, and the audio made these characters feel even more lifelike. Kevin and Hank were just two regular guys, but their chemistry was completely addictive to me. Hank didn't even bother trying to hide his attraction to Kevin, and Kevin's grumpy protests were way too overdone to be believable. Add to that their shared friend group that forced them to constantly see each other and an almost disastrous late night hookup and these two had all the makings of an enemies to lovers done right. The more I learned about Kevin and Hank separately--Kevin's crushing debt and family issues, and Hank's quiet desire to find a meaningful relationship where he could take care of someone--the more I realized how perfect they would be for each other if they just let go of their preconceived ideas. There was something so playful and fun about watching their cat and mouse game, where Hank would flirt and tease and Kevin would pretend to hate it, but once Kevin stopped trying to resist I really fell head over heels for the two of them. Hank was such a caretaker, and it made me all mushy inside to see all the little ways he showered Kevin with affection and care. He was so thoughtful and sweet when planning cute dates for the two of them or making sure Kevin had a safe place to land, but also totally filthy in bed when Kevin wanted him to take control. I'm pretty sure I melted my last brain cells seeing all the nasty things they got up to, but I don't even care because ugh it was so so good. There wasn't ever a moment when I got scared that Kevin and Hank wouldn't make it as a couple after they initially got together--if anything, each passing day only made me more and more convinced that they were gonna ride off into the sunset like that sickeningly sweet couple everyone else is jealous of. Sign me up for that kind of love, that's all I'm saying.

**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

Such a great listen!

Kiki Clark is a favorite of mine - her writing is fantastic and she always tells a wonderful story. Kevin and Hank have history that they just need to work out and I was waiting (and waiting) for Kevin to give Hank another chance. The sparks flew all the way through but once they got their act together it was explosive! Kirt Graves gives another stellar performance and brings these wonderful men to life.

Great characters!

Story: A story of growing - growing into oneself, growing as a part of a relationship and growing as a person altogether. I liked how the author shaped the characters and how their personal development was interwoven with the growth of their relationship. An interesting read for sure!
Narration: good performance, enhanced the storybwithout overpowering it.

Prepare your best poker face to listen in public

I love all of Kiki's books I've read, and although my heart will always belong to the paranormal ones Kiki also writes contemporary MM books with such sweet characters and plots and just the right amount of spice. Banger is no exception - if you want low angst romance with heart this is the book/series for you. The narration is great, Kirt Graves's deep, steady voice switches effortlessly between characters and the pacing is excellent. You may wish to practice your finest poker face for listening to the book in public, the spice - though not frequent - is kinktastic (inc. MM breeding talk) and full of talk so dirty it could make a cactus blush. Exceedingly enjoyable.

Fun, sexy and meant to be!

These two have such great chemistry from the get go and add in some miscommunication, good old-fashioned back and forth and their story builds up to a bang 😉
I loved the growth, wit and forgiveness both Kevin and Hank allowed each other. Once they got out of their own way, everything slotted perfectly into place. I kind of wish we could have seen more, seen them adopt or have a kid and get married, go beyond their HFN and see more of what happens next...
I loved the teases of Ford's story and can't wait for his new discoveries!
I'm loving this series!!! More please.

Second chances

I like stories with hurting souls that came across people who truly care for them. This book is one of those with an enemies to lovers twist that I understand—no so much hate but "I despise I’m attracted to you" thing—and bookstore dates.
One could dislike Kevin, but it’s all a armour, a shield to not get hurt. Hank had a couple of dummy moments but is good for him, I really liked how this character has matured and redeemed himself since Lucas and John’s story.
There’s no so much dirty-talk and action between the sheets as I’d have expected from this author. Or maybe it was the fact it’s basically condensed at the end of the book and not all throughout it, I appreciate it anyway.
A nice, sweet story with hints of what’s yet to come in the series and a good narrator.

«The next time you wear one of my sweatshirts, I expect you to be naked underneath it, baby».