Hard Edit

Sequel to Black Balled

By: Andrea Smith, Eva LeNoir

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

It's all fun and games until egos get hurt.

After a year of a seemingly happily-ever-after, Troy Babilonia throws a curve ball that smacks Larson Blackburn right in the head. 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.

Bridge to Lonely has garnered an unexpected success both in the literary world and in the film industry, forcing Larson to accept that he is not the only successful author in the building. 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.

Because Black Balled just wasn't enough...Smith & LeNoir bring you Hard Edit.

A M/M romance with adult content.

©2016 Andrea Smith (P)2023 Andrea Smith

Outstanding Sequel

I loved Troy and Larson in Black Balled and was thrilled to have a sequel for them with Hard Edit. I loved seeing them after the happily ever after and seeing how they came together and tried to make things work, with them both being such Alpha males.

The narrator, Joel Leslie, is just an amazing narrator. He definitely has mastered the ability to bring each character alive through his many voices. I wan't expecting the two bonus chapters at the end, but what a great and hysterical surprise, they were so funny. I would definitely recommend listening to Hard Edit.

A rating overall...

My Review:
Overall: 4.5
Performance: 4.25
Story: 4.5

I had no idea there was a second book to this series until I went to write my review for the first. Of course, I immediately scrambled to buy it and was so excited to find it was also already out in audio. And...yay, I think I enjoyed this story even more than I enjoyed the first (although that first one was really good too). So, that's good news for you because this is not a stand-alone story. To get the true effect and understand these characters, you NEED to read both books...and I highly recommend them in audio.

You should note...these characters in the first story were cocky and belligerent and narcissistic. Those personalities haven't been changed by love. LOL. These guys are both still jerks at their heart...the difference now is that they've softened...a little bit. They are absolutely madly in love and despite everything going on...including the fact that they really strongly disagree a lot of the time...their love is central in this book. Every time they fought and had harsh moments between them, I aww'ed because then they would turn around and confess their emotions. I loved that so much. It was that love and devotion that overrode everything else that made this story so good.

These two are NOT your typical heroes. In fact, they're thoroughly unlikable characters, but that's what makes their romance so good...because through it all, you can't help falling in love with them and cheering them along the way.

Huge kudos to the two authors for making that work. Wow, that some serious writing skill.

So, again, I highly recommend this story, especially if you've read the first book. You NEED to grab this one immediately. It's not your normal romantic story, but I loved it for that and these unlikely, but still lovable characters.

love this couple!

I read Black Balled and enjoyed it. I listened to the audio this time and was quite impressed. I grew accustomed to the voices of Troy and Larson, but when the narrator got to the female voices and adding accents....I was blown away! Truly added another element to the story I never would have had had I read it on my own. I could have done without the bonus animal chapters at the end but the voice itself was amazing. It was a great continuation on their story and I love where their paths have led them.

perfect

This book is perfect in every way, excellent dialogue, great storyLine, delicious erotic action and incredible chemistry between the main characters. I highly recommend.

5 stars __Narration
5 stars __Story
5 stars _Overall

Charo

Great listen!

Loved this sequel to Black Balled by Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir! It was well written and a perfect follow up to the first one! Joel Leslie did a super nice job with narration!

AWESOME SERIES!

I loved this series! This series is full of drama, humor, romance and hot as hell! The narration is outstanding. It will keep you entertained! The author did an amazing job with the character builds and plot. I look forward to reading more books from this author! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Fun sequel even for new listeners

This is the continuing story of Troy and Larson, who got together in the previous book, Black Balled. This story begins with Troy, whose day job is a snarky book critic, taking time off to promote his first indie book. As it becomes a best seller, it helps create havoc in the lives of the heroes because it introduces a flame from the past and complications due to assumptions and miscommunication.

I haven’t read the first book, but the audio sample of Troy’s column was so bitingly funny I knew I had to read this. The story is told in alternating points of view from each hero, and each man has a distinctive voice. As there are two authors for this work, it makes me wonder if one author did all of one character so that they just meshed it together for the whole.

There is a lot of sex in this story. I’ve read a decent amount of MM fic before, but the sex happens often and inventively. For the audio listeners, you may want to listen with headphones unless you’re a fan of voyeurism. (If you are, then there’s a pleasant surprise for you in the book!)

The story is paced well, and thankfully it doesn’t stay mired in the topic of Troy’s best-selling book or the misunderstandings between lovers. A book that tries to drag out that old trope will not keep my attention because I can’t get behind characters that would be that idiotic. Thankfully, Troy’s across the hall neighbor Ida talks some sense into the guys.

I was listening to the audio (with headphones!) at work, and Larson has some of the zingiest lines. They are both funny guys, but Larson’s mortification in taking his neighbor’s dog to the dog park made me truly laugh out loud. I appreciate good humor in a story, but it is rare for me to actually laugh at something.

Both male leads consider themselves alphas, and they refer to themselves as such. I found this boorish. If you have to tell me you are, you’re probably not. I’ll grant that they are opinionated and want their way, but I could have done without the “I’m so alpha” clunky writing bits.

For the narration itself, the narrator did a great job keeping each voice distinct. Troy always sounded like the audio version of a swagger, but that seemed appropriate to the character. He also made it sound like the characters were in the story enjoying it. That made it easier as a listener. Joel Leslie could easily be a go-to narrator for MM romances.

In summary: Modern MM romance with witty/snarky heroes who are totally in love with each other. You can skip the first book without being lost, but you’d probably find this book richer if you read it. The narrator has a good voice and keeps everything moving along.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Perfect Narrator For A Perfect Story

Joel Leslie has to be the PERFECT narrator for Troy and Larson. Even hearing him narrating dear Ida has me busting out laughing. I thought reading this book was a joy, but listening to the audiobook is even better!!! Busting out laughing at work may have gotten me strange looks, but this audiobook was totally worth it!!!

The Sparks between these Alpha males continues....

What made the experience of listening to Hard Edit the most enjoyable?

The story and the characters were great. And Joel Leslie's voice is amazing! Fast paced, but a lot is packed in there. Well written, snappy and snarky dialogue and constant sparks between these two guys, who know that despite their disagreements and fighting, they love each other and do not want to ever break up.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ida! She's hilarious. The old lady neighbor who acts as referee for "her boys". And Joel gives her a great voice with just a hint of New York Yenta.

Which scene was your favorite?

It's so hard to pick out just one when the whole book was so great! I will definitely be listening to Blackballed (the first of this series) and Hard Edit again!

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

Can One Old Lady Keep Two Alpha Males From Killing Each Other?

Any additional comments?

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

If you like m/n then you will love this book!

Andrea Smith and Eva Le Noir are not new to me authors. I have been a fan for the last three years and have read everything Andrea Smith has written so far.When BlackBalled came out I was taken in by these two alpha males and wondered how this writing team would make these two work? I have to admit I couldn't wait to get my hands on Hard Edit! Hard Edit continues with all the sarcasm and sexy banter between the two but also pulls out all the feels as well! I listened to this on Audible and let's just say my commute to and from work was a blast! If you are into sexy alpha men this will be a great read!