-
Thorn in His Side
- Narrated by: Kieran Flitton
- Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins
- Categories: LGBTQ+, Literature & Fiction
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Audible Premium Plus
$14.95 a month
Buy for $24.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Happy Endings
- Demon Magic, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Smart men never dabble with demons. I never claimed to be smart, but at least, I’m powerful enough to control them. When I bound Havoc to me nearly 300 years ago, I never realized how difficult he’d make my life, although “accidentally” lighting him on fire every now and then does bring a smile to my face. Havoc is handsome, mysterious, and somehow, my closest companion, even if we don’t always get along.
-
-
incredible as always.
- By Rebecca Azizov on 12-23-20
By: Alice Winters
-
How to Elude a Vampire
- VRC: Vampire Related Crimes, Book 2
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
- Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When the vampire stalking me sent me a letter, I was prepared for my new life with the man I love to get thrown into chaos. But as the days stretch on and nothing happens, I become determined not to allow that monster to rule my life and decide that Marcus and I will move on. We can’t always allow the past to haunt us. If that includes pestering Marcus and harassing my fellow detectives, they’d better learn to love it because I’m not going anywhere, even if they like to remind me I’m the only human working in a department filled with vampires.
-
-
amazing as always
- By Rebecca Azizov on 10-31-20
By: Alice Winters
-
A Right Royal Affair
- By: Helen Juliet
- Narrated by: Kieran Flitton
- Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Theo Glass used to believe that love was just a fairy tale. Orphaned and disowned by his homophobic stepfamily, he and his grandma make ends meet as best they can. But when his grandma’s tireless charity work is honored, Theo makes sure he spends his last pennies to get her to the palace, hosted by none other than the gorgeous Prince James himself. James is sixth in line to the throne of the United Kingdom and a disappointment to just about everyone. He never felt at home at school, on the rugby pitch, or even in the army.
-
-
Cute Cinderella retelling
- By Alex on 02-15-20
By: Helen Juliet
-
Right as Raine
- An Aster Valley Novel
- By: Lucy Lennox
- Narrated by: Michael Dean
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Right as Raine features a rookie NFL player and his unexpectedly adorable live-in chef. The only problem? That chef happens to be the coach's son. And that's a personal foul.
-
-
**A Very Enjoyable & Deelicious Hot Romp!!**
- By DGMays on 02-03-21
By: Lucy Lennox
-
Cutie and the Beast
- Fae Out of Water, Book One
- By: E.J. Russell
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Temp worker David Evans has been dreaming of Dr. Alun Kendrick ever since that one transcription job for him, because holy cats, that voice. Swoon. So when his agency offers him a position as Dr. Kendrick’s temporary office manager, David neglects to mention that he’s been permanently banished from offices. Because, forgiveness? Way easier than permission. But cheeky David isn’t intimidated, and despite himself, Alun is drawn to David in a way that can only spell disaster: When fae consort with humans, it never ends well. And if the human has secrets of his own?
-
-
Love this!
- By Stephanie VO on 11-28-20
By: E.J. Russell
-
The Alpha's Warlock
- Mismatched Mates Series, Book 1
- By: Eliot Grayson
- Narrated by: Chris Chambers
- Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Warlock Nate Hawthorne just wants a cup of coffee. Is that too much to ask? Apparently. Because instead of precious caffeine, all he gets is cursed by a pack of werewolves who want to use him for his magic. Now the only way to fix the damage is a mate bond to a grumpy and oh-so-sexy alpha in the rival pack, who happens to hate him. This is so not how he wanted to start his day.
-
-
Good Listen
- By (Mimi) Johnson on 10-23-20
By: Eliot Grayson
-
Happy Endings
- Demon Magic, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Smart men never dabble with demons. I never claimed to be smart, but at least, I’m powerful enough to control them. When I bound Havoc to me nearly 300 years ago, I never realized how difficult he’d make my life, although “accidentally” lighting him on fire every now and then does bring a smile to my face. Havoc is handsome, mysterious, and somehow, my closest companion, even if we don’t always get along.
-
-
incredible as always.
- By Rebecca Azizov on 12-23-20
By: Alice Winters
-
How to Elude a Vampire
- VRC: Vampire Related Crimes, Book 2
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
- Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When the vampire stalking me sent me a letter, I was prepared for my new life with the man I love to get thrown into chaos. But as the days stretch on and nothing happens, I become determined not to allow that monster to rule my life and decide that Marcus and I will move on. We can’t always allow the past to haunt us. If that includes pestering Marcus and harassing my fellow detectives, they’d better learn to love it because I’m not going anywhere, even if they like to remind me I’m the only human working in a department filled with vampires.
-
-
amazing as always
- By Rebecca Azizov on 10-31-20
By: Alice Winters
-
A Right Royal Affair
- By: Helen Juliet
- Narrated by: Kieran Flitton
- Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Theo Glass used to believe that love was just a fairy tale. Orphaned and disowned by his homophobic stepfamily, he and his grandma make ends meet as best they can. But when his grandma’s tireless charity work is honored, Theo makes sure he spends his last pennies to get her to the palace, hosted by none other than the gorgeous Prince James himself. James is sixth in line to the throne of the United Kingdom and a disappointment to just about everyone. He never felt at home at school, on the rugby pitch, or even in the army.
-
-
Cute Cinderella retelling
- By Alex on 02-15-20
By: Helen Juliet
-
Right as Raine
- An Aster Valley Novel
- By: Lucy Lennox
- Narrated by: Michael Dean
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Right as Raine features a rookie NFL player and his unexpectedly adorable live-in chef. The only problem? That chef happens to be the coach's son. And that's a personal foul.
-
-
**A Very Enjoyable & Deelicious Hot Romp!!**
- By DGMays on 02-03-21
By: Lucy Lennox
-
Cutie and the Beast
- Fae Out of Water, Book One
- By: E.J. Russell
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Temp worker David Evans has been dreaming of Dr. Alun Kendrick ever since that one transcription job for him, because holy cats, that voice. Swoon. So when his agency offers him a position as Dr. Kendrick’s temporary office manager, David neglects to mention that he’s been permanently banished from offices. Because, forgiveness? Way easier than permission. But cheeky David isn’t intimidated, and despite himself, Alun is drawn to David in a way that can only spell disaster: When fae consort with humans, it never ends well. And if the human has secrets of his own?
-
-
Love this!
- By Stephanie VO on 11-28-20
By: E.J. Russell
-
The Alpha's Warlock
- Mismatched Mates Series, Book 1
- By: Eliot Grayson
- Narrated by: Chris Chambers
- Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Warlock Nate Hawthorne just wants a cup of coffee. Is that too much to ask? Apparently. Because instead of precious caffeine, all he gets is cursed by a pack of werewolves who want to use him for his magic. Now the only way to fix the damage is a mate bond to a grumpy and oh-so-sexy alpha in the rival pack, who happens to hate him. This is so not how he wanted to start his day.
-
-
Good Listen
- By (Mimi) Johnson on 10-23-20
By: Eliot Grayson
-
His Prince
- House of Maedoc, Book 2
- By: Mary Calmes
- Narrated by: Scott R Smith
- Length: 10 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jason Thorpe was content living a quiet life in New Orleans. He and his best friend, Ode, opened their cozy curios shop in the French Quarter, and he was making some new, albeit interesting, friends.... Then Jason met Varic Maedoc, the prince of the vampyrs, and his life changed forever. Named the prince’s consort, Jason quickly became the most important subject in the vampyr realm, the man who holds the wolf of Maedoc’s heart - a position that comes with certain obligations and no small amount of influence.
-
-
Weird pauses in chapter 1 are fixed!
- By Kindle Customer on 10-28-20
By: Mary Calmes
-
How to Vex a Vampire
- VRC: Vampire Related Crimes, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
- Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Getting into the vampire-only detective unit was the easy part. What’s going to be more difficult is dealing with my new partner - an ancient vampire who keeps threatening to eat me. The unit has never had a human in it. Marcus - or, as I like to call him: Fangy McFangface - would really prefer to keep it that way. He’s grumpy, short-tempered, and broody, but I have a way with words, and I know he’s starting to like me, even if he swears he’s not.
-
-
Very, very confused by all the positive reviews
- By Zell Oakley on 07-02-20
By: Alice Winters
-
A Villain for Christmas
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Michael Lesley
- Length: 9 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Despite growing up in a family of villains, I’d rather curl up and read than commit crimes. When I get coerced by my brother into helping him rob a bank, I run into August, my childhood crush, also known as Chrono, the city’s greatest superhero. He’s sexy, sweet, and suddenly, he’s asking me to Thanksgiving with his parents.
-
-
wow!!!!! just wow!!!!
- By Rebecca Azizov on 05-23-20
By: Alice Winters
-
Hitman vs Hitman
- By: Cari Z, L.A. Witt
- Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
- Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ricardo Torralba and August Morrison don’t agree on much besides the fact that they hate each other. According to Ricardo, August is a spoiled brat who really needs to knock off the sass, once in a while. August insists that Ricardo needs a sense of humor, a good lay, or a well-placed bullet. Maybe all three. Fortunately, the assassin’s profession is a solitary one, and they can go about their lives without getting in each other’s way.
-
-
I listened to this story three times in a row
- By Jay B. on 12-03-20
By: Cari Z, and others
-
Watch Me
- By: Sloane Kennedy
- Narrated by: Michael Dean
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
My rules when it comes to my job in personal protection are pretty simple: Protect the client’s life, not their feelings. Don’t put hands on a client unless you’re getting them out of harm’s way. For God’s sake, don’t do something stupid like fall in love. Twenty-four hours after meeting Jude Archer, rules one and two are already out the window.
-
-
Buy This Book, It's One of the Best!
- By Queen of Halloween on 12-24-20
By: Sloane Kennedy
-
A Dragon's Sacred Mate
- The Guardian Dragons Complete Series Bundle
- By: Aiden Bates, Jill Haven
- Narrated by: J.K. Frysta
- Length: 47 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I don't have time for mysterious strangers. Even the really hot ones. I met him in a bar the night before I left to move across the country - and I never expected to see him again. But then he followed me.... It would be creepy if he was just a stalker - but he’s not. He’s a protector, shielding me from a group of nutjobs who believe in dragons. He saved my life - but now it’s my turn. And apparently, the nutjobs aren’t wrong. Dragons are real. And I hold the key to saving them all.
-
-
A dragon Mpreg bundle🐉
- By RACHEL REED on 10-27-20
By: Aiden Bates, and others
-
The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings
- A Black and Blue Novel, Book 1
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Levi Black is at a crossroads. After suffering a loss and breaking up a long-term relationship, he’s looking for a change. When he receives the news he’s inherited a house in York, he seizes the opportunity to begin a new chapter in his life. However, when he gets there, he finds a house that has never kept its occupants for very long. Either through death or disinclination, no one stays there, and after a few days of living in the place, Levi can understand why.
-
-
A spooky paranormal romance!
- By RACHEL REED on 12-08-20
By: Lily Morton
-
Love Bleeds
- Thicker than Water, Book 2
- By: Ann-Katrin Byrde
- Narrated by: John Solo
- Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I used to think vampires were the stuff of fiction. Now my brother has a baby with fangs and there's bottles of blood in our fridge, so obviously, I was wrong about that. It's not the only thing I was wrong about, either. I'm a nerd, I'm supposed to be smart, but honestly? I'm starting to realize I can be pretty darn clueless. For one, I never realized that my best friend was in love with me. Not until after he died in a vampire attack. To protect me. His death shattered my whole world. Seeing him again is like a miracle. Even if he has fangs now.
-
-
A sweet friends to lovers vampire romance!
- By RACHEL REED on 11-10-20
By: Ann-Katrin Byrde
-
Somebody to Love
- A Tyler Jamison Novel, Book 1
- By: April Wilson
- Narrated by: J.F. Harding, Jack DuPont
- Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Chicago homicide detective Tyler Jamison has accepted the fact that he was born defective. Women just don't do it for him, and he can't contemplate any other option. So, loneliness it is. Ian Alexander has met the man of his dreams, but the guy's in complete denial of his sexuality. Ian's not giving up on Tyler, though. Tyler's a domineering, controlling force of nature...just what Ian has always craved in his bed. When a serial killer sets his sights on Ian, Tyler will do anything to protect the much younger man.
-
-
Good story and great narration!!
- By Rachel BPG on 09-09-20
By: April Wilson
-
Liars
- Licking Thicket, Book 2
- By: Lucy Lennox, May Archer
- Narrated by: Michael Dean
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Parrish Partridge’s true facts: There’s nothing hotter than a tall, gruff, bewildered, tattooed mountain of a man cuddling a sweet, orphaned baby, so you can tell yourself that you’ll resist him...But that’s a lie. And when that man asks you to do him a favor and pretend to be his very temporary, very fake fiance to help him get custody of that adorable baby, you can pretend you know better than to say yes...But that’s a lie, too.
-
-
A sweet opposites attract, found family romance!
- By RACHEL REED on 11-19-20
By: Lucy Lennox, and others
-
Giorgio
- Vigilance, Book 1
- By: Silvia Violet
- Narrated by: Michael Dean
- Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I’m a sniper. A trained operator. A bodyguard. A member of the elite private security force known as Vigilance. When my boss’s son acquires a stalker, of course I’m the one he calls to keep the guy safe. Mr. X’s one rule? Keep my hands to myself. Not a problem. At least, not until I meet Lane Porter. He’s gorgeous. Flamboyant. Fascinating. He makes me want things I can’t have. He stretches my self-control to the limit...and then breaks it.
-
-
When will book two be out?!
- By MichaelTN on 10-12-20
By: Silvia Violet
-
On the Run
- Whispering Key, Book 2
- By: May Archer
- Narrated by: Michael Dean
- Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I was supposed to be partying with a bunch of celebrities in paradise this week, okay? But then, I made one teeny, tiny error in judgement before leaving New York. Now, I find myself shacked up with my fake boyfriend Beale Goodman, Whispering Key’s most adorable, most enormous, most virginal cinnamon roll - a guy who rescues feral cats, believes in soulmates, and talks about happiness like it’s free for the taking. A guy who nearly convinces me, with every smile and kiss, that it is.
-
-
Sweet retreat!
- By Many Hat Momma on 02-07-21
By: May Archer
Publisher's Summary
The last thing beautiful, inexperienced Joshua Bellamy wants is an arranged marriage with the terrifying Darius Legrand. But if Joshua wants to save himself and his family from being thrown onto the streets by Darius’s father, he has no choice.
However, when Darius goes to extreme lengths to rescue Joshua from near-death, Joshua has to wonder if there’s more to his beastly husband than he previously thought.
Darius Legrand, a former captain, is used to being manipulated by his cruel father, but when Joshua is dragged into the feud between their families, he decides something has to change.
Protecting Joshua is one thing, but Darius knows that falling in love can’t be an option. Someone so young and beautiful could never give his heart to an older, ill-tempered brute like Darius.
Joshua is determined to bring joy to Darius’s life again, and Darius refuses to let Joshua hide his sweetness from the world any longer. Over time, it becomes clear that despite their differences, their hearts are drawing closer together.
But can happiness ever be possible for a rose and a thorn, when Darius’s father will go to any lengths to see his deadly game through?
Thorn in His Side is a steamy, stand-alone MM romance novel featuring tender bubble baths, a stubborn but loyal horse, thunderstorms, enough healing touches to mend any broken heart, and a guaranteed HEA with absolutely no cliff-hanger.
More from the same
What listeners say about Thorn in His Side
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lady Di
- 09-19-20
Reviews are not to be trusted
Hi Audible fans
First off I’m standing high on a soap box. I’m so tired of reading reviews. The truth is you are the only one that can listen to the sample of a book and the publishers summary to decide whether a book sounds good to you or not. Let’s take this book and narrator. It got 4.4 in the rating and no one praised the incredible narrator. Yet I’ve purchased 4.8 and 4.9 books that are pure trash that I’ve had to return that not one of those high rated books could hold a candle to this book. Hence I’m tired of reviews. I refuse to go by the book reviews or how high a mark it gets. This book is awesome. The narration is pure perfection yet no one really praised it above a 4.4. It’s really frustrating. I’ve returned so many books that have Rave reviews to not be able to get past the 3rd chapter ,Whether it be the author or the narrator it still got high praise. I don’t get it. Ok off soap box. I loved this book and the narrator was awesome. Please give it a try. And for Gods sake stop trusting the ratings or reviews. Thank you .
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Marianne H.
- 05-08-20
Retelling of one of my favorite fairytales!
Thorne in His Side by Helen Juliet is the retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast, with an MM twist and minus the talking objects. Nonetheless, it has your villain, beauty and beast (not complaining there, who doesn’t love a misunderstood scared brut?).
Our beauty, virgin Joshua Bellamy, is forced by the villain to marry his son, Darius, our ‘beast’, in order to save his father and his company. Without giving the story away any further, I will say that Thorne in His Side delivered a wonderful story with all the feels!
And the narrator? Wow! I love me a narrator with an accent and Kieran Flitton went above and beyond, I love it! His voice drew me in and had me til the very end! I will definitely look out for this narrator in the future.
Overall, if you love fairytales with a little dirty (wink wink), then Thorne in His Side will suit you just fine. Five lovely roses for Helen Juliet’s fairytale. Happy listening all!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- mark twain
- 01-20-21
Thorn in my head
If like books that where the characters are in constant self-analysis, then this book is for you. I can't continue after listening to half the book. I can't relate to either of the characters and overall the book is just down right boring. There have been a lot of reviews stating this is a beauty and the beast with two males. Maybe it is. All i can say is they barely talk to each other, live in their heads and both characters are in need some serious counseling.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Susan R. Miller
- 12-31-20
Oh Petal.
This was an angsty but sweet romance. The plot was similar to Beauty and the Beast but with two men. It was a bit saccharine, not really my taste. But if you like things a bit sappy you’ll like this. The writing is good the narration is good.
The main thing I dislike is that Joshua seamed like a typical female heroine from a harlequin romance, virginal, dainty , blushing. But the writer just changed the name to a male instead of female to make it LGBTQ relevant.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jack Attack
- 01-04-21
incredible
An amazing retelling of Beauty & the Beast. I loved every word! I especially appreciated how the story avoided tropes like "men hating women," and fully embraced the challenging of heterosexist norms. Jeez. So good.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amy M
- 10-20-20
Phenomenal
This is an absolutely amazing story! I don't mind that it is retelling of Beauty and the Beast. That is one of my favorite fairy tales. This author did such a great job of setting the scene and creating these wonderful characters. And Kieran Flitton is a fabulous narrator!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 09-21-20
Retelling of Beauty and the Beast...
I wish I would have been warned this was a retelling. I don't think I would have bothered. The writing was decent, though I don't think the two main characters had an actual conversation until halfway through the book. The villain was WAY too over the top to be believable, and the foreshadowing is as subtle as a bat to the face. Also, there is seriously an HOUR of content AFTER the resolution of the story. I would have liked to have had a flash forward to them having kids or something, but I just couldn't bring myself to wait that long for it. I quit with over 20 minutes to go and that was still BEFORE the "epilogue". I also skipped through the final sex scene. It felt gratuitous and exploitative being after any story or character development... I hate when authors do that. Cheapens the whole experience in my opinion.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Chris Redfield
- 09-13-20
I was given a free copy.Giving honest review.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook.
I am leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I honestly did not like this book.I would most likely not listen to this book anytime soon.
I had a very difficult time relating to the characters and I think that this story was way too long and just not for me.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 09-13-20
Enjoyed It
Modern-day Beauty and the Beast with a Wicked Queen vibe
This is a beautiful story about two people forced together, but find happiness anyway. Joshua is so sweet and innocent and Darius is a broken soul.
Kieran Flitton did an amazing job with the voices, his pacing and different pitching was a pleasure.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dixiecowgirl060
- 09-12-20
Inspiring fairy tale with courage and love!!
Inspiring fairy tale retelling with drama, action, courage and love. I love this narrator! They really brought the story to life for me!
This is a truly delightful re-look at one of my favorite fairy tales, Beauty and the Beast. The scene is set and the story unfolds with wonderful writing and a well executed plot. I really enjoyed the characters and their insights into each other and themselves. I found Zeus and Hephaestus really adorable.
Darius and Joshua have challenges communicating in the beginning and yet they find a way to be better together. Each of these MC's will touch your heart and make you want to give them hugs and admire their courage as they stand against the bad guys.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Magius
- 07-02-20
Lazy reworking of Beauty and the Beast
I rarely get as frustrated as I did listening to this ridiculous rendition of Beauty and the Beast story. Yes, fairy tales are all about suspension of belief and black and white characterizations between the evil and the good. But seriously....this was just too ridiculous for words. If the writer had gone for time long gone by - or slightly dystopian present-future setting where, with little bit of world building it would have made sense why a 37-year old, independently wealthy trained combat veteran soldier couldn't tell daddy mean-pants he's being too mean, it would have helped. But no, the story is based firmly in present day Kent in UK where the worst obstacle is the lack of internet connection and playing sitting duck to a overblown villain. The beauty of the story is supposedly utterly gorgeous 21 year old who has climbed out of his bedroom window throughout his teenage years to hit the streets of his hometown for some fun but has been so put off by people adoring his looks he's never had a boyfriend or even kissed. None of the motivations of any of the characters make any sense, apart from the meat cleaver wielding gallic cook, the glydesdale horse and the bichon-friche puppy named Zeus. It's fine to take up an old theme, but there's a reason why some tales keep on being retold. This version is such a mishmash of present day with implausible reasons it ruins the story. The narrator Kieran Fitton did admirable job dredging through this, all stars to him.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Aussiebumwearer
- 02-15-21
Loved It 🥰
Great storyline, totally individual.
MC’s are adorable, and their dynamic really brings depth to the story.
Excellent narration - wasn’t sure as only usually listen to Greg Boudreaux, Joel Leslie, Michael Ferraiuolo and Michael Dean - but Kieran Flitton did a great job 👏
5🌟’s all the way 😊
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Headinabook
- 10-17-20
Beastly start to a beautiful marriage.
I started to read thinking I have half an hour, I’ll read for a bit and then do the washing up, well it’s a few hours later and the washing up still needs doing and the kids are trying to kill each other! I could not put this book down.
I was captivated by the Beauty and the Beast type of storyline, with enough changes that I spent a time wondering when the other shoe will drop. The characters were so well written, good and evil personalities alike, I became every invested in Joshua and Darius’ story. The ending made me smile, I would recommend this book to anyone
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mari Cardenas
- 09-13-20
Entertaining!
Narration ~ 5 Stars!
Story ~ 3.75 Stars!
Overall ~ 4.25 Stars
Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairytales ever and while Helen Juliet's version was good, entertaining even, there were a few things that didn't quite work for me.
Let's start with what I loved: The narration. Every single book I've listened to with Kieran Flitton has been consistently excellent. He always delivers a great performance and gives each character a distinctive voice that generally fits my idea of them.
What I Liked: The whole idea of an MM retelling of the Beauty and the Beast, which actually followed the storyline fairly close, with a few twists.
Joshua and Darius were pretty well suited despite their age difference and were nice enough, at least once Darius decided to try to be. And it didn't hurt that they had great chemistry.
What I Didn't Like: Okay, so this is mostly me nitpicking, but I hate it when characters (male or female) cry at the drop of a hat. Joshua did it a lot and it was annoying. I got he was innocent and young, but there was no need to make him a crybaby on top of it all.
The idea of Darius, a 37-year-old Captain, allowing his father to manipulate him in the way he did was just too OOC.
And of course, Darius's father, who was horrible and deranged and I simply don't get how he could get away with everything he did.
Overall, though. I found the audiobook entertaining, the last portion was a bit OTT, but still enjoyable. Darius and Joshua were likable and I was rooting for them to get their HEA. Still, I have no trouble recommending it, it was nice to lose myself in the audiobook while doing some chores here at home today.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Erryn Barratt
- 09-12-20
When you fall in love with your husband
“It had been a while since Darius Legrand had begun his day contemplating murder.”
Okay, with an opening line like that, how could I not be hooked? Helen Juliet is the queen of opening lines, and I think that’s one of her best.
The premise for the book is pretty simple. Forced marriage leads to forced proximity and, eventually, forced companionship. That structure might be simple, but the execution was well done indeed.
Darius has been coasting. He suffered a devastating injury and a devastating loss in Afghanistan and he’s never recovered. He lives in his castle and only interacts with the staff. He has a nominal job at his father’s company, but he doesn’t have a purpose in life. Aside from hating his cruel father, that is.
Joshua adores his father. But a series of unfortunate events at his dad’s company means that they need an infusion of cash. Like, yesterday. Darius’ father offers a solution: your son marries mine and I give you the money.
A marriage of convenience that is neither a true marriage nor particularly convenient.
Aside from a brief ceremony, the men have spent no time in each other’s company and that’s the way Darius wants it. So Joshua lives on the other side of the monstrosity and never ventures near Darius’ quarters. He occupies himself with old VHS tapes and chatting up the staff who have some very fixed opinions about Darius’ father.
This arrangement works until the fateful night Joshua crosses the line, witnesses Darius’ temper, and literally flees the house. Darius has to rescue him, and the men begin a détente of sorts. Slowly, inch by inch, they get to know each other.
But Darius’ father is hell-bent on ensuring his son is as unhappy as possible. I mean this guy is horrible. Darius fears for Joshua, and so tries to pull back which only confuses Joshua more. There’s a lot of drama in this book culminating in a horrifying evening of violence.
All that being said, there was a lot I liked in this book. I liked Joshua’s gentleness and Darius’ eventual acceptance of happiness. I certainly liked the ending. I’m glad I listened to the book.
Kieran Flitton narrates all of Ms. Juliet’s novels and I love that. They work well together, and I thought the performance of the book was spot-on. Needless to say, I recommend it highly.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Magnus
- 09-12-20
Great retelling
Great work by Helen Juliet retelling a classic. Loved the main characters and hated the villain, got quickly invested it their journey to a HEA. Kieran Flitton was did an amazing job with the narration.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Susie Umphers
- 09-12-20
Beauty and the Beast meets Jane Eyre
This story reminded me of both Beauty and the Beast and Jane Eyre. In both, we have a young, rather innocent character forced to be together with an older, gruff, seemingly emotionally closed off character. As they stay together and interact, each has an effect on the other and the form an emotional bond strong enough to withstand anything. These two definitely need it, as there is a father who really, really needs to get his just desserts. Kieran Flitton has been doing a bang up job lately for Helen Juliet here and for all the Rosavia books. He is perfect for the voice of Joshua. He makes him sound innocent without making him sound stupidly naive. Lots of narrators can't quite pull that off. Then, he also manages to hit Darius' and his father's characters spot on as well. A great performance here.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kindle-klant
- 09-12-20
Really nice listen
Thorn by his Side by Helen Juliet is a MM Beauty and the Beast retelling. I really loved it. The writing, the story, the characters. If you love MM and fairytale retellings I really recommend this one.
Really liked the narrator.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Lex Buchanan
- 09-10-20
Loved everything about this!
I absolutely adored this story. Every character, every in-depth detail, every raw emotional moment and every humorous one to break the tension. I loved the characters and their realistic stories. I enjoyed the side characters especially those that worked at the castle. And I loved all the twists and turns that brought the characters to their HEA.
I really loved the way Flitton narrated this piece. I loved the way he voiced each character, each moment and especially the spicy scenes. I loved it and I look forward to more by this narrator!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kirsty Mc
- 09-09-20
Contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast
I’m a sucker for retellings of fairy tales, and Thorn in his Side is good retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Joshua and Darius are thrust together in an arranged marriage, and the beautiful and inexperienced Joshua is more than a bit scared by the intensely terrifying Darius. But he soon wonders if there is more than meets the eye to his now husband than there first appears to be.
I really liked getting know know Darius, and how we came to learn - as Joshua did - just how Darius really was.
This was the first audiobook narrated by Kieran Flitton that I’ve listened to (mostly because I prefer books set out with the UK - don’t ask why it’s a weird thing I know) but his narration was spot on. He has a nice relaxing voice that doesn’t grate, and is easily distinguishable between the characters.