Zane

By: Jo Raven

Narrated by: Sebastian York, Anna Riordan

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

They call me Zen-man, the cool-headed one, the protector. I keep an eye out for everyone, take them in, find them homes. They think I’m the calm and collected one, the self-assured one, the one who knows the way. They think they see me. They think they know me.

But they’re all wrong, because inside I’m broken. I have a jagged hole in my soul I can’t fix, a festering blackness. I’ve been to the pits of hell, and nobody comes back unscathed. Life in foster care fucked me up, and now a thread is all that’s holding me together.

So I sleep around and never date, keeping chicks away. One day I’ll snap, and when I do, there’s no telling who I might take down with me.

All the same, there’s this one girl who won’t be scared away. Dakota. She’s hot, and I won’t deny I want her. But she keeps coming back, pushing me, trying to get me to talk, to open up to her.

She has no idea she’s playing with fire. When the demons come, she’d better be far away from me, just like everyone else.

Stand-alone novel. No cliff-hanger. Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature listeners only. Not intended for young listeners.

Bonus! Includes What I Want for Christmas, a Zane and Dakota short story.

©2014 Jo Raven (P)2018 Oh My Audiobooks

Sebastian could not save this

Since Sebastian York was one of the narrators, I was expecting hot. I didn't get it. This was so dark with past drama from both Zane and Dakota. She was patient with him while he was extremely battling his past. He was also distraught about his sister (which we never saw him connect with). Instead he just continued his drunken stupor. To me, this was boring, and these characters are so young 21 with deep rooted issues. Not worth my credit even with SY as narrator.

Okay series...but....

I didn't dislike the series, but I did not exactly love it either. The thing that annoyed me mostly is the age of all these characters.
Every single one is under age for what is IMO logical in the storylines.
Storylines that began '4 or 5 years ago' when characters were 14 or 15 and then to 'now' when they are barely 20.
I am in no way saying that it isn't possible for some things to have happened as written - but to me it would be much easier to swallow if this group of friends were all 25 or so in the 'now'.
Also, no tattoo artist is going to be 18 or 19 and running his own shop. This is something that takes years of apprenticeship to learn and become licences for. (Fully tatted here...so trust me)

Narration was decent, but again these voices are NOT 19 or 20.

Overall if you can suspend your disbelief over parts it isn't a waste of time or credits.

Zane isn't so zen

This book is about Zane. Some reviews were upset that zen-man, who tells everyone they need to talk about their troubles and share within their group, doesn't heed his own advice. Well, that's how the protectors in a group ARE. He has his own childhood demons and you can't forget these are damaged 19 and 20 something kids learning to be adults. Zane has issues he doesn't want to burden his cobbled together family with and he has his coping mechanisms. He and Dakota are beginning a relationship and things are happening fast. Fantastic narration. Great story although tragic in places.

A little on the darker side

This is a bit of a darker romance but told with some hope. I really love the whole group of characters and how they've made a found family with each other. Narration is done well.

Awoh! 😢

Poor Zane! 😭 May need tissues on hand for this one. He struggles with his past too.

Love the story...

I love this series the stories are good. I only wish that “men” were a little older this being 17 and 18 was just a little off putting. That being said I did enjoy all stories.

❣❣❣❣❣❣

very intense story only touching the surface of how childhood trauma can affect someone. Always love Sebastian and velvety voice, Anna did good too

good book

I really enjoyed reading this awesome book. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

Zana & Dakota

Dakota and Zane are absolute perfection. Their journey may not have been easy but their destination is beautiful. Zane is the man who takes care of everyone else but when he needs help he refrains from letting anyone get close to him. I adored the connection between Dakota and Zane. Their chemistry is amazing, but the friendship they develop is amazing. This series is definitely emotional and I can't get enough. Sebastian York and Anna Riordan are fantastic narrators. They truly brought these engaging characters to life.

Old pain... new love

In the first two books, you get to hear Zane at times. He comes across as someone who has gone through rough times and has come through... mature... responsible. He gives good advice "talk to each other" and brings people together.

However, in his own book, he's nothing like that. He definitely doesn't "talk" and lives a secret life. Because of this, the story does tend to drag. TALK ALREADY!!!

From previous book: I was kinda surprised to know that Zane and Erin (room mates) didn't know each other enough. Zane didn't know that she had a kid even though she went away every weekend. Erin had no idea about Zane's past. WHAT? Didn't they talk? Exactly!

Dakota is a bit dipsy... but then you're dealing with late teens. There's a lot of inner dialog that goes no where. There's more inner dialogs than actual communication.

I just love Sebastian York... he always brings the characters to life. The narration in this book is just perfect to listen to. Makes the book worth while.

Definitely a good listen. Enjoy!

Zane

This book seemed longer and deeper than the first two. Looking forward to the next one