BirthStone

By: Sydney Addae

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

In BirthStone, Silas and Jasmine finally christened their pups and become frantic when the babies become sick and are at risk of dying. Silas is ready to clean house and accuses the five people who are new to his home. Unfortunately, that includes Jasmine’s mom and her fiancé, her sister, and her former pastor. Jasmine is unwilling to believe her family would do anything to hurt her babies. Silas disagrees and battle lines are drawn. Since his enemies have not abandoned their plans to destroy him, Silas is under attack within his home and from outside. Determined not to lose hope or the war he comes to some startling conclusions just as Jasmine realizes she is much stronger than she realized before. Can the two of them work together to push back the threat out to destroy their home before it’s too late? Or will they lose it all?

Rules are changed

I remain captivated by the richly developed characters in this series, and I'm thrilled to see new ones being introduced, adding layers and complexity to the storyline. However, a lingering question hangs in the air: will these newcomers be allies who assist our beloved characters on their journey, or will they ultimately bring heartache and turmoil? Cameron and especially Lily have piqued my suspicion; their motives seem unclear, and I can't shake the feeling that they may not be as trustworthy as they initially appear. Nevertheless, I could very well be mistaken, as the author’s skillful writing keeps me engaged and invested in the unfolding narrative.

In "Birthstone," the plot thickens with Silas and Jasmine, who finally name their precious pups. Their joy swiftly turns into panic when the puppies fall gravely ill, putting their lives at risk. Silas’s protective instincts kick into overdrive, leading him to a drastic conclusion: he needs to rid their home of anyone he deems a potential threat. This accusation extends to five new individuals, including Jasmine’s mother and her fiancé, her sister, and her former pastor—people Jasmine struggles to believe could ever harm her beloved babies. The tension escalates as Silas, convinced of a sinister plot, and Jasmine, steadfast in her defense of her family, find themselves drawn into a fierce standoff. With enemies lurking both within the home and beyond, Silas realizes he must remain vigilant. Meanwhile, Jasmine embarks on an empowering journey of self-discovery, uncovering strengths she never knew she possessed. Together, they face the daunting challenge of protecting their family. Can they unite their strengths to fend off the impending threat before it’s too late, or will they risk losing everything they hold dear?

As an avid listener, I often choose the audio versions of books during my daily commutes. While I appreciate the convenience of a 'virtual voice' that offers a free read, I find it can sometimes mispronounce words, leading to moments of confusion. The emotional depth and vocal nuances that come from a real person embodying the characters are irreplaceable. It's certainly a trade-off, but occasionally it's the only option available when there’s no audiobook edition of the book.

Throughout this journey, this series is compelling and well-crafted, making it a worthwhile investment of time for fans of paranormal romance or anyone interested in tales involving shapeshifters.