The Empire State Series

A Week in New York, Autumn in London, New Year in Manhattan

By: Louise Bay

Narrated by: Sebastian York, Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

Anna Kirby is sick of dating. She's tired of heartbreak. Despite being smart, sexy, and funny, she's a magnet for men who don't deserve her. A week's vacation in New York is the ultimate distraction from her most recent break-up, as well as a great place to meet a stranger and have some summer fun. But to protect her still-bruised heart, fun comes with rules. There will be no sharing stories, no swapping numbers, and no real names. Just one night of uncomplicated fun. Super-successful serial seducer Ethan Scott has some rules of his own. He doesn't date, he doesn't stay the night, and he doesn't make any promises. It should be a match made in heaven. But rules are made to be broken. 

©2015, 2016 Louise Bay (P)2016 Louise Bay

Sebastian York

Any additional comments?

So, I'll listen to pretty much anything that has Sebastian York in it. He's my number one go to narrator, and I loved him as Ethan...no big surprise there. Saskia Maarleveld, however, took me some time for me to get used to. She's bit more monotone than I care for, but once I go used to her, parts two and three were better. If you get part the first half of part one, she grows on you.

I liked the story. Anna is confident and independent. Ethan doesn't dance around what he wants. There's a bit of drama at the end, but that is quickly rectified. Overall, if you want a romance that has Sebastian York in it, I'll recommend this one.

Frustrating Indecisiveness towards the end.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The beginning and middle were good but getting to the end was frustrating as both characters lost their strong well and became cripplingly insecure and indecisiveness.... I found myself saying 'just say it' over and over.

If you’ve listened to books by Louise Bay before, how does this one compare?

Not as good. Absolutely loved King of Wall Street and Indigo Nights.

What does Sebastian York and Saskia Maarleveld bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

York ALWAYS DELIVERS - a fav! First time listening to Saskia, she was good and it was nice and different to hear an English accent.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No, I would be screaming at the screen towards the end.

Are These Two Related To Rabbits?

This is an engaging romance between two people that avoided commitment and lived on different continents yet somehow found a way to forge a relationship. Who knew that boinking like rabbits could be a strong foundation to build on (wink, wink). I like this story and am really glad we got all three parts in one book, otherwise don't know if I would have finished the series. I have listened to a couple of other books by Louise Bay so now I'm always looking out for her next book. The narration was superb -- Sebastian York and Saskia Maarleveld are two of my favorite narrators. They did an amazing job making Anna and Ethan seem relatable.

Another Great Audio for Louise Bay!

Louise Bay is a "new to me" author as all her audios released in 2016. I must say, I'm in LOVE. Her stories are low on angst, which I appreciate, yet high on steam, which I REALLY appreciate. There is no contrived, convoluted "Three's Company" moment that has to be overcome, just a story of super hot physical attraction turning to like, and eventually love.

The narration of this book is amazing. #kingofauralsex Sebastian York is always spot on for the quality of his work and very well cast for his character. Saskia Maarleveld is a narrator on my "go to" list for her voice acting skills and her English accent in Empire State is perfection-not too "posh" and very believable. Her ability to perform male voices is excellent, which is a rare talent for female narrators (in my experience), and I seek out her work based on that.

All in all, this is a fantastic listen and #wellworthacredit.

Two side notes:

*I also really enjoyed Indigo Nights and King of Wall Street. KWS is on my top ten list for romance audiobooks in 2016. I highly recommend both audiobooks.

*This audio was re-recorded because of poor reviews for the narration of one character. As a 99% audio listener I can't overstate how pleased I am that the author took the time, effort and money to re-cast and re-record this book. It's always disheartening when you see overwhelmingly positive reviews for a book but the audio is lacking for whatever reason.

If you want sex....

....this book has it. Every other chapter! The story line was good but I just got tired of hearing them have sex each time they were within 10 ft of one another.

RERECORDED VERSION. THIS IS A MUST

Where does The Empire State Series rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really liked this story the first time I heard it the narration was just not working for me. Now with the rerecorded this is much better,

Who was your favorite character and why?

Anna: no bullshit

Have you listened to any of Sebastian York and Saskia Maarleveld ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I am a big fan of Sebastian York. Not sure if I have heard of Saskia This is a much better performance. The last performance was not that great.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was a very pretty story on a long distance relationship

Any additional comments?

Thank you, for the remake.

A Hot, Steamy, Make You Feel Good, Romance Read!!!

If you could sum up The Empire State Series in three words, what would they be?

Hot, Heartfelt, and Perfect!!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Ethan and Anna. They were PERFECT together!!

Which character – as performed by Sebastian York and Saskia Maarleveld – was your favorite?

Both narrators were amazing! Saskia's voice is beautiful and Sebastian was the perfect Ethan!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I couldn't stop once I started!! I needed more of Ethan and Anna. I devoured this story!!

Any additional comments?

Louise Bay!! My goodness, what can I say!! She has quickly stolen my heart with her passionate, raw, and beautifully written romance stories.
The Empire State series is definitely one of my favorites!!
Anna and Ethan are a match made in heaven. The balance each other. They complete the other. Two halves come together!
Their story was hot. It was steamy. It was packed full of giddiness!!
This first installment starts off with Anna Kirby visiting New York after a horrible breakup with her biker boyfriend Ben.
Not looking for love, but just a chance to get away, she heads to New York to stay with a friend for the week.
This is where she meets Ethan! A no Bullsh#t kind of guy.
One night only. That's all it will be. But what happens when fate steps in and Ethan and Anna end up crossing paths the very next day?!?
A week in New York together is what happens.
"No Ambiguity, No Promises, No Bullsh#t"
This is their motto and they stick to it.
At the end of their HOT and HEAVY week, the two part ways. No phone numbers or ways to contact each other are left behind.

In the second installment, An Autumn in London, we pick up where the first book left off. Ethan is still in New York and Anna is home in London.
For both of them, there's never been anyone who has left an impression or impact on their hearts the way the other has. Neither of them thought they'd miss the other, but they do.
So much to their surprise, Anna's company has been purchased by another firm and her new boss just happens to be none other then her last fling, Ethan!!
When the two reunite, it's like magic. Sparks fly and passion ignites!!
Three months! That's how long Ethan will be staying in London to complete a job. They can handle three months together with "No Ambiguity, No Promises, No Bullsh#t".
At least, that's what they both think. But the more time the pair spend together, the harder it becomes to part ways. With the end of the three months coming to an end, they must make a decision.
Will they part ways once again, or take a chance on love??

Part three, New Year in Manhattan, is the final installment of Ethan and Anna's story and it's packed full of passion, angst and tough decisions.
It was PERFECT!!! Louise Bay brought these two together, nurtured their relationship with love and care, then delivered an ending that was beautiful for the pair.
This was full of emotion. I was sad for Ethan and Anna but continued to cheer them on the entire way through. I loved how the story unfolded. It gave me goosebumps and all the feels.
I seriously am crushing on Louise Bay's beautiful stories right now!!!

Now let's talk about the narrators!! OMG!!! They were AMAZING!!
Sebastian York and Saskia Maarleveld brought this story to life!! They were the perfect pair to tell this story. Saskia has the most beautiful voice and the perfect accent for Anna. She portrayed Anna's character and thoughts better then I could've imagined it in my own mind. Ethan!!! Sebastian York is the epitome of Sexy Aplha Male with his powerful and passionate voice. He becomes the character and delivers a story that will make you giddy and hot!!
I seriously am going to miss Ethan and Anna!!! I will definitely be listening again and highly recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of romance. You get it all with this series!!!
Second Chance, Sexy alpha male, long distance struggles, low-angst, drama free, and an HAE!!! Love, Love, Love it!!!

Nice book

in general, I love Louis Bay books, its very light stories and just carry you away, but I think he is overdoing with sexual episodes. especially this one.

Loved this series !

This series was quite a treat for me. I am a 74 year old blind woman and I love my romance novels and novelettes. My granddaughter picks them out for me and I like her choices! Mr. Sebastian York is the narrator and I would recommend this series a million times over thank you Louise Bay for your wonderful stories. f you make this old lady so happy. By the way my husband is writing this for. He is 15 years younger so he still has his sight. I could write some good stories myself. Haha. Excellent work!

Very good story

The lead male and female roles were strong with very good secondary characters. The story line was good, funny, steamy hot, and the narrators made the book great . But the reason for the 4star rating was because it seemed rushed at the end . I hate rushed endings, especially when you don't give an epilogue. This book NEEDED an epilogue.

Most enjoyable

Most enjoyable read. I love Seb York, his voice always gives me tingles, he makes me enjoy every book he reads.

Lovely audiobook with Sebastian York

I enjoyed this very much but I'm sorry to say that Anna was not what I was expecting. Disappointed because I love a good romance but I felt that she did not deserve to have his heart.
There was the usual turbulence of a relationship but I felt that he deserved so much more from her.
Sadly I will not be listening to this one again.

ok

I like the story, and whilst the books said all they absolutely needed to, I think the characters deserved an epilogue.

Hooray Sebastian

I could listen to Sebastian York reading nursery rhymes. He made this book for me.

I LOVED IT SO MUCH WOW

if you love a steamy rom com this is for you. I really enjoyed it good story easy listening that leaves a smile

It’s brilliant!

It’s brilliant! I read this series a few years ago and loved it, so I decided it was time for a reread and bought the audio version. It’s even better than I remembered. Ethan and Anna are so hot and sexy together as they fall for each other in this wonderful series by Louise Bay. The narrators are so good as they bring the story to life. I highly recommend both versions!

The Empire State Series

Fun and flowing, great entertainment. Characters are well rounded and their whirl wind romance was great fun to listen to with Sebastian and Saskia.

unrealistic and cringe worthy

narrator was boring and I struggled to finish this book. would not recommended this series

should come with a rating...too much foul language

Should have some guidance, a bit too racy and full of bad language. Plus the mans english accent is awful.

Amazing

Completely fell in love with this story and the male character, it was so lovely