Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Lay Your Sleeping Head

SERIES: Henry Rios Mysteries #1

AUTHOR: Michael Nava

NARRATOR: Thom Rivera

PUBLISHER: Audible Studios

LENGTH: 7 hours, 44 minutes

RELEASE DATE: March 4, 2020

BLURB:

A completely revised edition of the first Henry Rios mystery, The Little Death, Lay Your Sleeping Head introduces Michael Nava’s singular protagonist, gay Latino criminal defense lawyer Henry Rios. Rios, beset by personal and professional problems, begins a passionate affair with the black sheep heir to a great California fortune who tells Rios an improbable tale of murder and sexual predation in his wealthy family. When the young man is found dead of an apparent drug overdose, Rios begins an investigation that ultimately reveals much more than that his lover’s death was murder.

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE: Forgotten: Luca

SERIES: The Four #1

AUTHOR: Sloane Kennedy

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2019

LENGTH:  9 hours, 51 minutes

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Luca

I left him behind because I had no choice….

That’s what I keep telling myself, but it doesn’t make it any easier to sleep at night…or to drown out the words he kept repeating over and over the day we’d met: I just want to go home. That was eight long years ago and I’d only known him as Billy, a terrified 14-year-old I’d had to leave behind to save someone else.

But his name wasn’t Billy and he’s no longer a frightened kid lost in a world where he was nothing more than a possession. His name is Remy, and while I didn’t recognize him upon meeting him again, he sure as hell remembers me.

It would be easier just to turn my back on him a second time, especially since that’s exactly what he wants, but there’s no way I can let the tormented young man go. At least not without trying to make things right first. The problem is, even if I can make up for leaving Remy behind so long ago, I’m not sure I’ll be able to walk away from him twice.

I don’t know what that means, but I do know that it scares the hell out of me.

Because needing in my world comes at a heavy price…one that not even I can afford to pay.

Remy

He gave me hope when I’d had none left, but he forgot about me just like all the others….

I fight. That’s what I do. It’s who I am.

But when Luca Covello walked into the dark, dirty room my captors were keeping me in so long ago, I’d already decided to do the one thing I hadn’t in the three years since I’d been taken from my home and family.

Give up.

Then he’d been there, like a bright light in a sea of darkness, and I’d had something new to fight for, to stay alive for…the day Luca came back to get me like he’d promised.

Except he never came.

And now, eight years later, he’s decided he wants to play the hero and save me. Well, I don’t need saving.

Not anymore…not ever.

Along with two years of sobriety under my belt, I’ve got a good job, a decent apartment, and I’ve managed to put my past where it belongs…in the past. No one, not even the gorgeous, mysterious businessman, is going to mess things up for me. If he’s come seeking forgiveness, I’m fresh out.

And if he’s come seeking something else…well, let’s just say that when I’m done with him, there’s no way he’ll forget me this time around.

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE: Atonement

SERIES: The Protectors #6

AUTHOR: Sloane Kennedy

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH:  9 hours, 5 minutes

RELEASE DATE: September 30, 2019

BLURB:

“Once a f–k up, always a f–k up.”

Words 26-year-old Dante Thorne has had to live with for more years than he can count and a title he finally earned at the tender age of 16, when one careless decision led to tragedy. And since he can’t deny the truth of the words, why not live by them instead? F–king up, f–king, it doesn’t matter as long as it feels good and makes him forget the day he failed the one person he’d always sworn to protect. A good philosophy to live by, until Dante meets the one man who might actually have him wishing he was something more….

At 41, and with a distinguished career as a Texas Ranger under his belt, Magnus DuCane should have been in the prime of his life. Instead, he’s mourning the loss of the daughter he couldn’t save and contemplating a future that looks nothing like the one he had planned. The only bright spot in his life is the young grandson who has suddenly been returned to him after going missing two years earlier and the new family of men that he’s been welcomed into with open arms.

But with his iron will, unfailing self-control, and unflappable discipline, Magnus knows he can start a new chapter and get his life back on track…if he can just get past the disturbing, unexpected feelings one young man stirs in him. Because, everything about Dante Thorne is wrong for Magnus. His arrogance, his cocky attitude, every single unfiltered word that falls unchecked out of his mouth and, of course, the fact that he’s a man.

But when his well-meaning friends send Dante with him as a bodyguard when he returns to Texas to testify in a high-profile case, Magnus begins to see beyond the brash words and endless sexual innuendo. And when he starts to discover that what he sees isn’t all that bad, suddenly, the fact that that Dante is a man instead of a woman no longer seems like such a big sticking point….

Atonement can be listened to as a stand-alone story – no cliff-hangers.

The Protectors series crosses over with some of my other series, so for the most enjoyment, they could be listened to in order, but it is not required. You can find the correct reading order at the beginning of each book. I’ve also bundled all my series in the correct order under the title of A Family Chosen: The Protectors and Barrettis.

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Tallowwood

AUTHOR: N.R. Walker

NARRATOR: Antony Ferguson

PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio

LENGTH: 10 hours, 13 minutes

RELEASE DATE: March 24, 2020

BLURB:

Cold cases, murder, lies, and an unimaginable truth.

Sydney Detective August Shaw has spent the last decade of work solving cold cases. His work is his entire life, and he’s convinced a string of unsolved cold-case suicides are linked to what could be Australia’s worst ever serial killer. Problem is, no one believes him.

Senior Constable Jacob Porter loves his life in the small town of Tallowwood in northern New South Wales. He runs summer camps for the local Indigenous kids, plays rugby with his mates, has a close family, and he’s the local LGBTQIA+ Liaison and the Indigenous Liaison Officer.

When human remains are found in the camping grounds at Tallowwood Reserve, Jake’s new case turns out to be linked to August’s cold cases, and Jake agrees they’re not suicides at all. With Jacob now firmly in August’s corner, they face one hurdle after another. Even when more remains are found, they can’t seem to gain ground. But when the body of a fellow police officer turns up under the same MO, it can’t be ignored anymore.

August and Jake must trace the untraceable before the killer takes his next victim or before he stops one of them, permanently.

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE:  Promises: Part 1

SERIES: Bounty Hunters #1

AUTHOR:  A.E. Via

NARRATOR:  Aiden Snow

PUBLISHER:  Tantor Audio

LENGTH: 7 hours, 31 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  December 19, 2019

BLURB:

Duke Morgan owns and operates one of the largest bail bond companies in Atlanta. Not only does he bond criminals out of jail, he and his notorious group of bounty hunters will also track them down and ensure they show up for court.

Roman ‘Quick’ Webb is Duke’s business partner and best friend. Both men are in their forties and have given up on the happily ever after with the ranch-style home, and white picket fence. They’d both tried it and failed miserably. But they have their friendship and they have the business.

When Quick’s son, Vaughan Webb returns—after seven years—from studying abroad with his law degree in hand, he’s back to claim what he’s always wanted…his fathers’ best friend . . . Duke Morgan. Vaughan has always claimed to be a classic gentleman with an old soul. He was focused and dedicated to becoming the man worthy of Duke’s love.

It’s a complex and messy situation as Duke and Quick figure out how to still be best friends when one of them is sleeping with his friend’s one and only son. But when Duke is hurt on the job, all the unimportant trivialities fall to the wayside and Vaughan and Quick put their heads together to save Duke.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Fool for Love

AUTHOR:  Felice Stevens

NARRATOR:  Kale Williams

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  7 hours and 58 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  March 16, 2020

BLURB:

Can there be a second chance for a first love?

When Presley Dawson falls in love with a married man, he knows it’s wrong but can’t help himself. For the first time, he’s wanted and desired and not so lonely. When his lover returns to his husband, Presley doesn’t worry. He always comes back — until he doesn’t.

Years later, Presley is stuck in neutral and lonelier than ever. He can’t forget his past and doesn’t know how to reach for his future. When his best friend suggests a support group to work through his grief, Presley agrees but without much hope; nothing has helped before. At the first meeting, he’s instantly attracted to Nate and struggles not to fall so far, so fast. He won’t be fooled again.

Nate Sherman is only attending a support group to get his family off his back. True, he hasn’t slept through the night in over three years, but he has reasons. Discovering your father — the man you love and idolize — is a liar and a cheater will do that. And dying in his girlfriend’s bed? No wonder Nate has trust issues.

Meeting Presley changes everything. Nate sees Presley’s sweet nature and good heart and when he sets boundaries for their relationship, Nate surprises himself by willingly going along. With Presley by his side, Nate is able to sleep again and find the trust that he’s lost in himself and other people. He can even fall in love.

But Presley is keeping a secret and if he tells Nate, it could be the end of everything between them. He knows it’s wrong to start another relationship based on a lie. But it isn’t a lie if you don’t say anything. Is it?

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Shaker of Earth

SERIES: SPECTR Series 2, #5

AUTHOR: Jordan L. Hawk

NARRATOR: Brad Langer

PUBLISHER: Widdershins Press

LENGTH: 5 hours, 28 minutes

RELEASE DATE: September 10, 2018

BLURB:

Charleston is reeling beneath the onslaught of demons unleashed by the vampire spirit Drugoy and his human host Yuri. Alone and drained almost to the point of death, Gray and Caleb must make their way across a city gone mad in hopes of putting an end to Yuri and Dru. But the other drakul isn’t the only enemy they have to worry about.

After the death of a rogue agent at Gray’s teeth, John’s faith in his lovers has been badly shaken. But when SPECTR Chief Barillo orders the vampire destroyed by any means possible, John and his allies find themselves in a race to find Gray and Caleb before their fellow SPECTR agents.

Because their only hope of stopping Yuri and Dru is by working together. And if they fail to unite, the streets of Charleston will run red with blood.

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: How to Run With the Wolves

SERIES: Howl at the Moon #5

AUTHOR: Eli Easton

NARRATOR: Matthew Shaw

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 7 hours, 54 minutes

RELEASE DATE: March 16, 2020

BLURB:

Zeus loves his job on the Mad Creek search and rescue team, and his inner Saint Bernard is finally being used to his full potential. When he sees a mysterious and wild-looking quickened – a dog shifter – at an earthquake site in Alaska, Zeus is compelled to investigate.

Zeus falls hard for the primal beauty of Timo and of Alaska itself. Both call to his deep canine soul. But the Qimmig pack’s laws are as harsh as the Alaskan winters, and Timo is out of his reach.

Timo’s pack of dog shifters left their Inuit village generations ago and have lived wild, ever since. Not trusting the “one-skinned” and with their numbers dwindling, the Qimmig are on the verge of extinction.

Timo is shocked to discover a whole group of “two-skinned” working as a rescue team, and he is particularly fascinated by Zeus, a gentle giant. He senses what Zeus feels for him, but it’s forbidden.

Can Mad Creek save this lost quickened clan? Perhaps, if they can learn how to run with the wolves…

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Virgin Flyer

AUTHOR: Lucy Lennox

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 8 hours, 25 minutes

RELEASE DATE: March 11, 2020

BLURB:

Wanted: One night together, no strings attached. Hold me, make love to me, treat me like I’m the most important person in the world. No talking. No names. And don’t be surprised if I’m gone in the morning.

After crushing on my best friend for years, I realize he’ll never want someone inexperienced like me. So I decide to get it over with, play the V-card once and for all with an anonymous hook-up. The terms are simple: No talking, no names.

It isn’t as easy as it seems. Now I can’t get the handsome stranger who greeted me with soft kisses and gentle touches out of my mind. Those hands, those lips…but it was just a one-time thing, and I need to forget about him once and for all.

At least I know I won’t ever see him again – until I board a flight and catch sight of a familiar profile in the cockpit just as the door closes.

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Breaker of Chains

SERIES: SPECTR Series 2, #4

AUTHOR: Jordan L. Hawk

NARRATOR: Brad Langer

PUBLISHER: Widdershins Press

LENGTH: 5 hours, 4 minutes

RELEASE DATE: March 23, 2018

BLURB:

Big changes are afoot at SPECTR. John Starkweather, once a hotshot field agent, is now benched. Instead of chasing down demons during Charleston’s biggest outbreak, he’s stuck interviewing exorcists about a previous case. But what at first seems like a busywork assignment takes a darker turn, as John begins to suspect the increase in possessions might not be coincidence but part of an unseen conspiracy.

The vampire spirit, Gray, was made to hunt demons and drink their blood. He and his human host, Caleb Jansen, ought to be at the forefront of SPECTR’s field team. But their new partners refuse to let Gray use any of his abilities, let alone actually hunt and fight.

Fortunately, Caleb and Gray have allies outside of SPECTR: the only other living drakul, Drugoy, and his host, Yuri Azarov. Yuri and Dru live by no mortal’s rules, and they can show Caleb and Gray how to do the same…depending on how far they’re willing to go.

Because breaking the rules comes with a cost, and the price of Caleb and Gray’s freedom may be the life of the man they love.

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Lost in the Mind

SERIES: In the Mind #2

AUTHOR: Alice Winters

NARRATOR: Joel Leslie

PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio

LENGTH: 9 hours, 35 minutes

RELEASE DATE: March 17, 2020

BLURB:

When an elderly couple is found dead in their own home, Chevy and Seneca are pulled into the case. But what’s unusual is that it appears neither of them were killed; instead, they simply stopped existing. Even with Chevy’s ability to go into the memories of the victims, he’s unable to tell what happened to the seemingly normal couple.

That is, until it happens again. This time, the victims are found alive, all of them kneeling and staring at a blank wall as if hypnotized by it. It’s up to Chevy and Seneca to figure out what is drawing these people and who might be manipulating them.

But when Seneca begins to act strangely, Chevy becomes concerned that he might also be affected by what is controlling the others. Chevy will do anything to keep the man he loves safe and as far from “The Light” as he can. But is it too late?

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Fracture

SERIES: Unbreakable Bonds #6

AUTHOR: Rinda Elliot & Jocelynn Drake

NARRATOR: Kenneth Obi

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 6 hours, 55 minutes

RELEASE DATE: February 29, 2020

BLURB:

After three years, Snow and Jude’s relationship is still passionate and strong. They’re getting ready for a romantic vacation at home, when Jude receives a horrifying call no one wants to receive. His youngest brother was found barely clinging to life. While Jude’s family is rallying around Jordan, Jude is determined to find out what happened to him.

Snow and Jude follow the clues, investigating a side of Jordan’s life none of them knew about…and is far darker than any would have believed possible. They get pulled deeper into the seedy side of life, while echoes from a past Snow thought he walked away from return to offer an unexpected insight into the cause of Jordan’s injuries.

But someone else has noticed their involvement and is furious, putting them both in danger. The risk is high but so is Jude’s determination to find the truth – though the knowledge could very well fracture his heart.

Trigger warning: This book has a scene that some might find triggering, but the triggers are also spoilers to the plot, so they can be found at the front of the book.

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

SERIES: Big Bad Wolf #4

AUTHOR: Charlie Adhara

NARRATOR: Erik Bloomquist

PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio

LENGTH: 11 hours, 17 minutes

RELEASE DATE: March 10, 2020

BLURB:

Agent Cooper Dayton is almost relieved to get a phone call from his former boss at the Bureau of Special Investigations. It means a temporary reprieve from tensions created by house hunting with Oliver Park, his partner both in work and in life. Living together in a forever home is exactly what Cooper wants. He’s just not keen on working out the details.

With a former alpha werewolf missing, Cooper and Park are loaned to the BSI to conduct the search at a secluded mountain retreat. The agents will travel to the resort undercover…as a couple in need of counseling.

The resort is picturesque, the grounds are stunning and the staff members are all suspicious as hell.

With a long list of suspects and danger lurking around every cabin, Cooper should be focusing on the case. But he’s always been anxious about the power dynamics in his relationship with Park, and participating in the couples’ activities at the retreat brings it all to the surface. A storm is brewing, though, and Cooper and Park must rush to solve the case before the weather turns. Or before any more guests-or the agents themselves-end up dead.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Unscripted Love

SERIES:  Road to Blissville

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  8 hours and 31 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  May 29, 2018

BLURB:

Kyle Vaughn had three goals in life: become a vet, find the man of his dreams, and start a family. He easily checked off the first item on the list when he took over his grandfather’s veterinary practice. Too bad he wasn’t as lucky in love.

Chaz Hamilton took a leap of faith when he decided to pursue a career in writing, but one best seller didn’t mean he could quit his day job. All work and no play threatened to make Chaz a very dull man when the only romantic action he saw was in the pages of his manuscript. Too bad he couldn’t write his own happily every after.

Circumstances pushed the two men together, and one magical kiss beneath fireworks and stars changed everything. Kyle knew his luck had finally turned around and Chaz found a man far better than any book boyfriend ever written. There was just one problem. Chaz has kept a secret from Kyle that could ruin their chance at a beautiful life together.

Kyle and Chaz learn that the best-laid plans often go awry, the heart has a mind of its own, and the greatest love is unscripted.

The books in the Road to Blissville series can be read either as standalone books or as part of the series. This book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for mature adults 18 and older.

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Within the Mind

SERIES: In the Mind #1

AUTHOR: Alice Winters

NARRATOR: Joel Leslie

PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio

LENGTH: 9 hours, 24 minutes

RELEASE DATE: December 31, 2019

BLURB:

Seneca is the complete package. He’s smart, sexy, and confident, much to Chevy’s annoyance. They’ve worked with each other for two years, and even though Chevy might secretly find his partner charming and attractive, playful harassment is all they have.

Chevy was born with a unique gift that allows him to go into the memories of others. As detective, he uses this ability to find peace for victims who have been hurt or attacked. He delves into their memories and can pick out minute details that will help them put the criminal behind bars.

But neither Chevy nor Seneca are prepared when they are asked to go into the mind of a serial killer in hopes of finding survivors. They are even more unprepared for the monsters they find inside the man’s mind. Drawn into a memory where it’s hard to figure out where the truth exists, they realize that there may be more to the serial killer than they originally thought. The dark world draws the two men together in a way they never dreamed.

It will take everything Chevy and Seneca can give to stop the darkness that could consume their minds. As the two are forced to face what is keeping them apart, together they realize that there’s more to the mind and heart than either of them know.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Risk Taker

SERIES:  Mixed Messages

AUTHOR:  Lily Morton

NARRATOR:  Joel Leslie

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  9 hours and 38 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  February 20, 2020

BLURB:

Being in love with your best friend is hard.

Henry’s the odd man out. All his friends are settling down, and his reputation as the Hook-Up King of London seems more like a curse than a blessing these days. Especially when it keeps photojournalist Ivo, his best friend and the brilliant man he’s loved since they were fifteen, at arm’s length. But that’s where Ivo wants him, right? Putting aside his feelings, Henry decides to give up casual sex and look for the real deal. After all, he has no chance with Ivo – or does he?

Henry is everything to Ivo. Best friend, soul mate, the one person who has never let him down. The one person he is loyal to above everything and everyone. But Henry’s in a box marked best friend and that’s where Ivo’s kept him for nearly twenty years, despite steadily falling in love with the gentle man. And besides, why would Henry want to date Ivo? Burned out and injured, he’s the walking embodiment of damaged.

Distance has helped Henry and Ivo keep a lid on their attraction, but when they find themselves in the same city for a change—Ivo hurt and needing assistance, and Henry more than willing to provide it—the two best friends grow closer than ever, forcing a realization, and a decision. Risk their friendship for their hearts? Or can they have both?

From the bestselling author of Rule Breaker and Deal Maker comes a tender love story about two best friends who are perfect for each other, and always have been – if only they knew it.

This is the third book in the Mixed Messages series, but it can be read as a standalone.