Ego Central

A M/M Romance Boxed Set

By: Andrea Smith, Eva LeNoir

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

Length: 23 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

Four men. Three stories. All egos.

This hot, steamy M/M romance boxed set contains Black Balled, Guns Blazing, and Hard Edit, by the mavens of gay romance, Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir for your listening pleasure! And there is no shortage of ego with these couples!

In Black Balled, you'll meet enemies to lovers Larson Blackburn and Troy Babilonia. 

Blackburn is an indie author whose latest release is obliterated by the renowned reviewer "Babu" of the Bluffington Gazette and followed by thousands on Greatreads. Let the social media war begin between these two alphas and watch the stakes reach a sizzling crescendo!

Book 2, Guns Blazing finds Larson's submissive, Lloyd Ledbetter, still smarting from being kicked to the curb.

Although a sexual submissive, Lloyd is quite the dominant in the court room as a high-powered defense lawyer. When Luke Gunner shows up in his office, Lloyd has his work cut out for him, both legally and emotionally. Gunner is so not his type, but then, he's also not one to be deterred when he sees something he wants, and Luke wants Lloyd in every way.

Book 3, Hard Edit, is the continuation of Larson and Troy's relationship. It's all fun and games until egos get hurt.

When Troy's debut novel, Bridge to Lonely, threatens to overshadow Larson's own success, inviting a past shadow into the light of their present, the two alphas must learn to adjust. 

But as Troy's old flame decides to make an appearance, the two alphas are forced to test the strength of their love. Let the battle of the egos recommence - where sarcasm is the preferred weapon, and the testosterone levels go beyond the boiling point. Lloyd Ledbetter and Luke Gunner made a cameo appearance as Larson and Troy fight for their HEA. 

Warning: Adult content

©2019 Andrea Smith (P)2020 Andrea Smith

Great job on all fronts

WOW! these are ones of the funniest books I've read. The characters were brilliant, cynical, and lovable.
I loved all three stories and all the bonus scenes.
The sex scenes are HOT and the love stories captivating.
The narrator did an amazing job narrating the 4 main characters of the books, giving each one his own voice, as well as to the side characters.
Great job on all fronts.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

DNF

It is completely ironic, the reason I started this book. You see I 2 starred a book by one of the authors which launched a need for the author to contact me. I am not sure why and honestly it was uncomfortable. Unless I have a relationship virtual or actual friendship with an author, they don't typically contact me.

The author justified her contacting me as a way to get me to try and read her next book which would be a continuation of the one I reviewed. I was noncommittal (hello, I just 2 starred the "prologue "). However the author was adamant I not give up on her writing. I informed the author, I have had this book on my kindle for years and I would read it before considering others. Which led me here!

The author generously gave me a copy of the audiobook of this series. As a loved of MM, i was excited to dive in. I knew nothing else about the book despite being on my kindle almost since it was released. Mistake #2

You missed Mistake #1 didn't you. Apparently so did I, the unsolicited conversation with the author is Mistake #1.

Mistake #3 will probably be this review based on how far in this novel I have gotten.

Mistake #4 I am declaring this book a DNF. Based on the way, I started it I think it's best. Its hyper aggressive and vindictive in the way it's written. It feels like a physical attack on the reader. I would almost assume it were a dark enemies to lovers with the hatred spewing off the pages but its not. Its just angry at reviewers. Given that I reviewed a 2 star, it oddly feels like warning. I don't need that kind of negativity. I don't want it around so I am DNFing.

Mistake #5 Reading the reviews after I decided to DNF. Clearly the controversy around this book is legit. It feels like an attack before knowing/reading about the drama. It's safe to say I will totally be stepping back from offerings from both authors.

I did not finish this book. At this time I have no plans to do so. The audiobook is probably not going to be finished because along with the hateful hyper aggression of the words on the page, the narrator makes the reviewer sound like a massive dick and not in a good way. I just cohld not get into this book even with the promise of hate sex.

Amazing M/M Boxed Set!

In a single word: WOW! This boxed set surprised me. I like to listen to audiobooks on my evening walks, but this one became my main read as I was listening to book 1 and book 3 in this set. These stories are interconnected, but book 1 and 3 follow Larson & Troy (5 stars). Book 2 follows Lloyd & Luke (4 stars). And don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Lloyd & Luke's story, but Larson & Troy's relationship just sucked me in. It made me laugh, tear up, and fan myself. The steamy scenes were incredible, but the plot and these characters were the real crowning jewels of this set.

And this narrator gets 5 stars as well. He is one of the best narrators I've listened to. He does amazing character voices, bringing the world and characters to life and making it super easy to differentiate between each voice. He definitely did this amazing story justice!

Quick & Dirty Details:
- M/M Romance
- Steamy Fast Burn
- 3 Book Boxset following 2 interconnected couples
- Triggers

The title says it all!

I started this book and hated both characters immediately, but as I read on I changed my mind. I found myself laughing more than fuming. I found them both perfect for each other and the others that end up in their tornado of a relationship. The more involved I got the more I found them growing on me. And Ida (and her frying pan) is just the best neighbor. I really loved her conversations with "her boys". I really enjoyed all three of these books and the whole family unit.

Guys Take the Cake in Drama

3.5 Stars = These guys really take the cake with the drama. Of course, even though they are a bit over-the-top sometimes, they remained entertaining. Lloyd and Luke's was my favorite of the three. Although, it was fun to have a follow up story on Troy and Larson.

The narrator was enjoyable but it was sometimes hard to distinguish the characters with there being so many male characters. Install, a valiant job.

hold on for a great adventure

I listened to these out of order and enjoyed them, but relistened because yes it's that good. The characters drew me in, and I was invested in their journey bumps, drama, and all. So many memorable events and lines captivated me and won't be soon forgotten. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a great job bringing it to life.

Amazing Stories !!!

The men in this bundle are very realistic and down to earth . Blackburn and Baby are the ultimate enemies to lovers couple ! They made me laugh out loud so many times and they are so romantic . I loved their competition with the neighbor and her cat also . Lloyd is a sweetheart and I am so glad he found his HEA . The relationship dynamic between Lloyd and Gunner is interesting and quite refreshing . The mystery in this book is also kept me engrossed .

The narration by Joel Leslie was perfection . He did a great job portraying the characters voices , personalities, and emotions !

Held my attention all the way

This is such a fun series. It kept me laughing.
1 story Blackballed
Larson Blackburn is a writer who is totally upset by a review his book got by Troy (Babu) Babilonia, professional reviewer. The review comments added to the outrageousness. This is a really funny story. When the first actual meeting between these two is in an elevator and neither found out who the other was. Later when they actually meet a war began. The disagreement between these two is hilarious. The author gave Troy such a sarcastic personality that he kept me laughing. The back and forth and relationship between these two kept me laughing till the end of the two extra’s at the end. The second review had me laughing out loud and everyone around me looking. The part of the competition between Larson and Troy over Ida’s baking is totally a visual I enjoyed.
2 Guns Blazing
Lloyd Ledbetter is upset by the break up with Larson. When his client Luke Gunner appears the attraction between the two turns into more than attorney/client relationship. Lloyd is an obsessive personality. Luke, a money launderer, is more alpha laid back. As Luke’s defense is being worked out, things are not what they seem. This also had it’s funny moments, especially the bathroom etiquette lesson. I’m still having a hard time seeing these two as a couple.
3 Hard Edit
This is a continuation of Larson and Troy’s relationship. In my opinion this is the best of the series. These two compete on almost everything and since they are opposites if gave me plenty of laughs. This is almost a retake on The Odd Couple. Troy writes a novel and is an instant success while Larson being experienced does not have the same success. They compete for Ida’s attention. They compete over everything include vows. Troy likes surprises, Larson doesn’t. Larson is obsessively neat, Troy is not. When their ex’s enter into the story it creates quite the misunderstanding. Their back and forth even during sex, is what adds so much to this series. There is so much to this story that it would take writing a book to touch on everything. I love this series and will be checking out more by these two authors. I was given a free copy by Story Origin and this is my opinion.

A Dammm Good Collection

I rarely write reviews but I had to take the time out to do one on this collection. The credit was more than worth it I must say. The stories were so well written and I have to give props to both authors for bringing to life these amazing stories. The characters were well developed and that carried the story so well for me. Aside from the well written stories, the narration was on point! Joel Leslie has weaved his way in my top 5 male voices with this one. I was amazed at how he switched between characters with ease and kept me hooked the entire 23h 14m. Thank you for this one will definitely be looking out for more from both the authors and narrator.

Outstanding!

Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir has written the best M/M stories that I have listened too! They had unique plots and delightful twists. So much fun in more ways than one. The old lady and her cat and the old lady and her dog made me laugh-out-loud. The men were a hoot also.
Joel Leslie had a great range and ability to bring to life the characters with his narration. I could identify each one every time. I wish I could give this more than five stars!

Needs 10 stars

These books, these books oh dear, are they well named. There’s something for everyone in here. There is off the charts blush and check your headphones are working heat, there is laughing like a hyena because it’s so funny bits, and then there are just genuinely amazing characters. There is so much packed into these books but it doesn’t feel rushed or drawn out the pacing is just spot on both with the writing and the narration.

I loved the drama and the in parts over the top off the story it all worked to just make this one of my top 10 books this year. Add to that you are getting 3 books for one this is just a fantastic set

WOW Amazing

Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir did a super job. Amazing character that kept me addicted to the stories. Happy this came as a box set, so I did not have to stop for days. Joel Leslie was amazing, always love his narrations.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.