The Hitman's Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes

The Hitman's Guide, Book 2

By: Alice Winters

Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo

Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's Summary

Jackson

Now that Leland’s decided to give up his life as a hitman and take a walk on the mild side, we’ve been enjoying a simple life of taking down bad guys the legal way. I didn’t know he would be just as reckless as a PI, but it’s not my fault if I happen to enjoy helping him hunt down the occasional criminal. If only I could keep the house from being overrun by Leland’s gun shrine - or stop him from making our cases “more exciting” by terrorizing people into confessing. Overall, life seems perfect, right?

Wrong.

We’ve been called in to investigate a suspicious murder committed by someone claiming to be the Sandman. When we find a note on the victim’s body, we realize that this could ruin our lives forever.

Leland:

I wasn’t involved in the murder. It might look like my writing and my note, but I wouldn’t do that to Jackson -especially after I promised him that I wouldn’t take a hit ever again. At least, not without telling him. I’m finally starting to learn that we’re stronger together, and I’m not going to jeopardize that.

Luckily for both of us, this copycat doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. Game’s on, fake Sandman. You think you can mess with me? Well, maybe you can, but that’s beside the point, because I will protect Jackson no matter what, even if I almost drown him in the process. (Really, that wasn’t my fault. He should learn how to swim better.)

This audiobook contains: Disco ball piñata, camping with Sasquatch, an acrobatic housekeeper named “Mr. Cleanyface”, a questionable massage table, weapons everywhere, Jackson’s nemesis - the fence, a turkey showdown, aerial silk antics, a reappearance of Blow-up Randy, over-the-top body armor, too many hitmen, and so many emotions that Leland’s chest might explode. This is the second book in a series - while you could listen and enjoy it on its own, you really should listen to The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love for maximum enjoyment. 

©2019 Alice Winters (P)2020 Alice Winters

Where do they find the energy?

3.5 to 4 Blue Roses
4 Blue Flames

Narrator Michael Ferraiuolo returns to narrate a bold, cheeky romantic comedy, which is also a smartly plotted “hitman gone good ” story. His narration style and unique voices give characters perfect personalities for the comedic scene, the author was trying to convey. This author/narrator duo is making magic by complimenting each other beautifully, and this is why their work is usually an instant see-click-buy-listen for me.

I have mixed feelings about this one, it was not a favourite for me, I loved the first book more. Leland irritated the crap out of me. He was overbearing and just too much to digest. Really, there is something wrong with Jackson. Where does he get the energy to keep up with him? I swear, they must be smoking or popping something. They just go on and on without loosing any fucking steam. They exhausted me.

This story is full-blast engaging. Leland has a child-like sense of humor which I also found very sad, because he had so little love in his life. I don’t mind it at all, as long as I only have to hear him in the audiobooks. If I knew him in real life, I have no clue whether I will play along like Jackson, or run away as far as I can.

Some listeners might not like the long unending joking jokester, but it’s an experience not to be missed. It hits you from all sides, because we hear how Leland was treated, while raised by a psychopathic killer. From a psychiatric point of view, Leland turned out quite all-right in my books. Which brings me back to tipping my hat to Jackson.

Yip, I recommend this audiobook. Good luck, eat all your breakfast plus a banana, you know,,, for energy.

Happy Listening

Hilarious

This series is amazing! I could not keep from laughing out loud And despite how depressed I may have felt when not listening to it, it all faded away at the hilarity in these books!

So much fun!! Use a credit.

Leland and Jackson are my favorite couple! Laugh out loud funny, snarky and endearing. Michael ferraiuolo did a great job, he brought so much to these characters. The secondary characters, especially Henry were wonderful. This was a funny, satisfying listen. So many feels and it was so fun listening to Leland handle it all.

Juvenile and Ridiculous

Folks, I sincerely tried to get into this audio but what came across as hilarious , OTT -over the top- , soapy, quirky in The Hitman's Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love, book 1 , here in book 2 , came across as OTT annoying, repetitive, insufferable and idiotic without trying to be.

Leland and Jackson are caricatures of the characters the were in book 1 . Their banter is the same joke over and over again.

Not even the talented Michael Ferraiuolo , with his perfect comedic timing , clear and precise narration could save , for me, this audiobook. He can only work with the material he is given.

Very rarely or almost never , do I DNF an ebook/audiobook but when I either fall asleep or get annoyed, every single time I tried to listen to this one, that should tell me something. TOD Chapter 3.

#Audible #DNF #SaveYourAudibleCredit #KindleFire #ListenedOn2020

Epic follow-up

I can never say enough good things about this series. LOL funny!! Can't wait to see if there is more

Laughter!

Could not stop laughing I absolutely love it! one of my favorite books out there!

Amazing!

I never wanted this book to end! I loved every single word from beginning to end. It is impossible to explain what is so phenomenal about this book, you have to experience it for yourself. Alice Winters has created one of my favorite characters ever in Leland...I am completely in love with a Hitman! This had everything I wanted and more...humor, snark, wit, charm, emotion, epic storytelling... it was exceptional! Jackson and Leland are back with their friends from the first book as well as some new characters that were a wonderful addition, especially Castle who i hope gets his own book one day.
I cannot imagine anyone but Michael Farriaoulo narrating this story. He just is Leland and Jackson. He adds so much to the story with the way he interprets and narrates this book. He brings the inflections, the feelings and the humor front and center. I laughed out loud, I kept going back and reslistening to parts, I will immediately listen to this again. Everyone needs to experience this audiobook!

excellent!

Did the story keep me engaged: yes
Did I feel an emotional connection to the characters: yes
Would I listen to it again: yes

• Story is entertaining, dialog amusing and characters likeable. If you go into this book expecting general silliness and nothing particularly deep you won't be disappointed.
• Michael Ferraiuolo does a fantastic job on the narration, his sweet, snarky always enthusiastic Leland is spot on and Jackson comes across as perfectly wrapped around Leland's little finger. 😊

Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Awesome

I have never laughed so hard listening to a book! I love Leland and Jackson

Good, But Not as Good as the First Book

This volume stars out strong with Leland as ever being the most adorable laugh a minute character. I very much enjoyed the further personality character development of Henry, Mason and "Jer-Bear" Jeremy. Take my word for it, the Sasquash episode is a riot, as is Jackson's love of his sportscar with two different names (akin to Leland's love for his guns, his babies, lol). Oh, and "Call Tracy... Calling Tracy, Henry's wife with the big boobs" is another laugh riot. Henry is the ultimate straight man throughout. I didn't like that Castle was far too much like Leland. These books have room for only one enigma.
As the conflict peaks, the story drones on until it's conclusion. I would have like to have been given more yet slight snippets of Leland's true emotions personally and privately shared between Leland and Jackson, as opposed to being left to Leland monologuing to himself. This dynamic between Leland and Jackson made Jackson so much more of a sappy sop for Leland. It got old really fast. And don't get me started on how the antagonist was taken down and the corresponding dialogue.. Overall, this series really would make for a good multi-episode watch on cable or pay-per-view.

How can it be just as good as 1

I love this book, Leland doesn’t need a gun his wit can slay anyone. And Michael Ferraiuolo Narration is perfect as always. I’ve listened to this twice now already.

Oh and Castle, please say he has a book with Jer Bear lol xx

Funny, crazy and sweet

Many funny moments. I laughed so much. Love the relationship between Leland and Jackson. It’s so adorable. The ending didn’t make me cry. I had a bit of dirt in my eye. That’s all.

Amazing characterisation

The narrator is just brilliant. I found myself looking like a crazy woman, laughing out loud on my way to work! He brings the characters to life with so much skill. I loved the story and look forward to reading the next one. Loved it!

Absolutely Brilliant!!

As good as the first, if not better!

AW writes yet another great story and as great as book 1.
Michael Ferraiuolo superbly narrates this audiobook and he excellently brings the characters and storyline to life.
He really gets each character and visually you can see and imagine the characters portrayed and especially the ass hanging over the fence!

Both author and narrator had me in fits of laughter and it seems a shame that the story seems to have ended here.

Hopefully, we may get more in the future?? I certainly hope so, as this has been a highly entertaining series 😁

Definitely worth the 5🌟‘s yet again 🥰😁😊

The past comes back...with a vengeance!

I love these characters created by Alice Winters and brought to life by the very talented Michael Ferraiuolo (one of my favourite narrators). This continues from the story in the first book, although it could, in theory, be read as a stand-alone. I love the quirkiness of Leland as he settles into helping his boyfriend Jackson at his Detective Agency. This story has all the hilarity and thrilling hi-jinks that I've come to expect from these books. Highly recommended entertainment for lovers of action-adventure contemporary MM romance.

Narrated perfectly

I love how Michael Ferraiuolo captures Leland! All the characters have their own distinctive voices. The Hitman books are my new cheer me up books because I laugh so much

5 stars all round

loved this book Alice winters is a fabulous writer the book is hilarious. highly recommend

A little too much snark, but still good

I do love Alice Winters’ books, but sometimes she verges on too much snark and banter. She’s still very good at bringing depth in and making characters have more dimension which is great in a world where most comical satirical type books are a little too light. However, for me the balance was too skewed to the banter. Still love her writing style and the story, though.

Great story

The story and characters  are engaging and the narrator has very distinctive voices for each character, always a plus for me.

Leland is so ridiculously funny and I love him so

5 Stars!

So, I had read this book on KU after I finished The Hitman's Guide 1 and I loved it almost as much as that one, especially that last chapter, so of course, I had to get it in audio as soon as it came out.

Leland has got to be one of my favorite characters ever. He's just so ridiculously funny and charismatic. I was laughing so much during the book at his antics. I usually listen to audiobooks late at night to avoid interruptions, but it wasn't easy to stifle my laughs at 3am because I didn't want to wake up everyone here. Jackson was just so perfect for Leland. He was steadfast and supportive, going along with every one of Leland's schemes. He really stood no chance once he was in Leland's hooks, no matter how much Henry wanted to steer him towards the new guy at the precinct. Hahahahaha!

Henry is the perfect father figure for both of them and Jackson's mom is the perfect villain, LOL. 

The narration was perfection, Michael Ferraiuolo has this knack for comedy that suits Leland to a T and his Jackson's voice had me swooning all over the place.

Hitman's Guide II was just amazing, fun and interesting and hilarious and intriguing and I swear I could read/listen to Leland and Jackson's adventures and never get tired of them. 

Frankly, this is now one of my top series ever and if you have the chance to listen to the audiobooks, you really have to. There's just nothing like listening to Michael performing these amazingly hilarious books by Alice Winters.