Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Suspicion

SERIES: Diversion #7

AUTHOR: Eden Winters

NARRATOR: Darcy Stark

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 13 hours, 44 minutes

RELEASE DATE: April 23, 2020

BLURB:

Lucky “Simon Harrison” Lucklighter left behind his criminal past to become one of the best agents in the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau. He’s found a committed partner in fellow agent Bo Schollenberger and built a life.

Now, enemies within the SNB and a friend’s betrayal leave him nowhere to turn—not even to his mentor.

His boss’s life, the future of the SNB, and Lucky’s career depend on him. With the help of his lover, an old enemy turned ally, and a man Lucky thought he’d seen the last of, he must stand and fight for what he believes in.

Even if he has to step outside the law.

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Jon’s Downright Ridiculous Shooting Case

SERIES: Jon’s Mysteries #1

AUTHOR: AJ Sherwood

NARRATOR: Kenneth Obi

PUBLISHER: Author’s Republic

LENGTH: 9 hours, 28 minutes

RELEASE DATE: March 24, 2020

BLURB:

A psychic without an anchor. A student in trouble. A shooter on the loose.

I’m Jonathan Bane, a licensed psychic who consults for the police. I routinely help the police put the bad guys away and, for that reason, the criminal world doesn’t like me much. People like to take a swing at me, or go stabbity, or try for a gun. It makes for interesting times. My psychic ability prevents me from handling anything electronic—and I do mean ANYTHING, I fry it in seconds—so calling for help isn’t always a possibility.

I need an anchor, a partner, but I’m resigned: it’s just wishful thinking.

At least, I thought so until he walked through the door.

Donovan Havili looks like a thug and has the soul of a superhero. He shines so bright in my vision it’s like watching a supernova. He definitely has the right mindset and skills for this crazy job. But asking anyone to take me on long-term is a bit much. And now we’ve got multiple cases to handle, a Chinese exchange student falsely accused who needs our help, and someone taking random shots at me. It’s a bit much for any new guy to handle and I’m half-afraid that my new partner will run for the door.

But in Donovan Havili, the criminal world has met its match. And maybe, just maybe, I have as well.

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: The House in the Cerulean Sea

AUTHOR: TJ Klune

NARRATOR: Daniel Henning

PUBLISHER: Macmillan Audio

LENGTH: 23 hours, 12 minutes

RELEASE DATE: March 17, 2020

BLURB:

A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

Review by Valerie

TITLE: Out on the Ice

SERIES: Out in College #5

AUTHOR: Lane Hayes

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 6 hours, 22 minutes

RELEASE DATE: March 30, 2020

BLURB:

Colby Fischer is a bad boy with attitude and a chip on his shoulder. As a senior at a Southern California college, he knows this may be his last shot. He doubts he’ll ever become the hockey legend he dreamed of being as a kid, but he definitely doesn’t want to be an accountant. Things get interesting when he’s asked to train the new intern at his step-dad’s firm, who happens to be the troublemaker from his econ class. And the one guy Colby can’t stand.

Baseball is Sky Jameson’s life. He’s happy to be back at Chilton for his senior year, but he’s burned a few bridges and has a bit too much free time off-season. He could use the money and something to keep him busy until his season begins. But his accidental crush on his prickly coworker could be a problem. Colby is straight and Sky is in the closet. Their timing isn’t great, but the intense attraction is hard to deny. With his final season on the hockey team in the balance, Colby may have to decide if he’s ready to come out on the ice.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love

SERIES:  The Hitman’s Guide #1

AUTHOR:  Alice Winters

NARRATOR:  Michael Ferraiuolo

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  10 hours and 43 minutes

RELEASE DATE: November 16, 2019

BLURB:

What happens when a snarky hit man and a by-the-book PI cross paths?

Leland
Being a hit man has its perks, but I never thought getting an accidental mooning by an attractive PI while he’s caught on a fence would be one of them. While it’s not exactly love at first sight, he’s captured my interest and won’t let go.

Suddenly, I find myself caught in a game of cat and mouse, determined to attract the attention of Jackson, the PI who should be my enemy. He pretends like he’s not flattered by my flowers and the mentions of my totally-not-fictitious blow-up doll, Randy (or was it Dandy?), but I know better. Why else would he be teaming up with me to bring down Hardek, one of the city’s most ruthless criminals?

Jackson
Even though the cops are telling me that the hit man is a notorious contract killer, I can’t help but admit that I’m drawn to him. He’s funny, charismatic, and attractive. There’s no way this ridiculous man can be the person the cops are after.

But when Leland ends up at my doorstep injured, I’m faced with a tough choice. It’s my duty to hand him over to law enforcement, but my heart has other plans. I want to keep him. To protect him. To be with him.

Though one question remains: Why in the world does the man have so many d*mn guns?

Contains: shenanigans on a swing that you would not find at a playground, a car chase that sadly doesn’t have flips or explosions, a horsey ride sans horse, cuddles, an exuberant mutt, a suspicious chief of police, and lots and lots of laughs.

Reviewed by Sadonna 

TITLE:  This Time Around

SERIES:  Road to Blissville #4

AUTHOR:  Aimee Nicole Walker

NARRATOR:  Joel Leslie

PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio

LENGTH:  7 hours and 18 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  March 3, 2020

BLURB:  

At the cafe Milo Miracle co-owns with his twin sister, coffee and pastries are served up along with his unique blend of sass and snark. Milo knows that small-town life often means that every day is the same as the one before, and excitement can only be found in the gossip that travels faster than the speed of light. When the Adonis who broke his heart returns home after a 12-year absence, Milo unhappily finds himself at the center of Blissville’s favorite pastime.

Andy Mason was practically a kid when he left home to pursue big-league ambitions, but the man who returns to Blissville is humbled by shattered dreams and secrets. Andy’s no stranger to grit and determination, and he’ll need both to win back Milo’s cynical heart.

Strong wills clash with stubborn hearts, triggering combustible passion once Andy starts renovations at the cafe. Milo would like to keep Andy’s hands busy doing something other than construction. Andy would like to suggest what Milo can do with his wicked tongue besides trade barbs with him. Neither man is willing to budge until they get a little shove from an outside force. Will Andy and Milo learn that trust is a two-way street?

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Tea or Consequences

AUTHOR: KC Burn

NARRATOR: Darcy Stark

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 7 hours, 24 minutes

RELEASE DATE: December 19, 2017

BLURB:

Riley Parker: temp, twink, geek… sleuth?

Maybe Riley isn’t living up to his full potential, but being a temp executive assistant suits him. He’s never bored at work, he’s got friends who let him geek out, and he’s got a carefully crafted twink exterior… which might be getting constrictive now that he’s on the other side of 30. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s comfortable.

It all unravels when he takes a job working for a tea-obsessed cosmetics queen, the owner of Gautier Cosmetics. During the launch party for a new product, Riley finds his boss dead under suspicious circumstances, and the homicide detective is none other than Tadeo Martin, Riley’s high school obsession who never knew he was alive.

Tad drafts Riley to get the scoop on the inner workings of Gautier, and for Riley, it’s like a drug. His natural inquisitiveness is rewarded with more and more Tad. Unfortunately, his snooping puts him in the running for two other roles: suspect and victim. The killer doesn’t care which.

Reviewed by Sadonna 

TITLE:  Nobody’s Prince Charming

SERIES:  Road to Blissville #3

AUTHOR:  Aimee Nicole Walker

NARRATOR:  Joel Leslie

PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio

LENGTH: 6 hours and 57 minutes

RELEASE DATE: January 21, 2020

BLURB:  

Fire and ice. Oil and water. Vodka and decisions. That’s what Darren McCoy and Wren Davison are: two opposites that shouldn’t mix well. Dare believes in fairy tales, true love, and happily ever after. Wren believes in fast cars, freedom, and no-strings sex. What can these two men possibly have in common? A magnetic pull strong enough to obliterate logic and reason.

For more than a year, Dare and Wren have worked together at the Curl Up and Dye Salon. Dare has pursued the mysterious, brooding man, and Wren has resisted his provocative charm. Then one day, something happens that allows the men to see each other in a new light. Wren learns that Dare hides a heavy heart behind his brilliant smile. Dare realizes that beneath Wren’s gruff exterior beats the heart of a prince.

Passions ignite once the men stop fighting their attraction, but will it be enough to overcome their differences? Is Wren the prince that Dare is looking for? Can Dare teach Wren that true love does exist?

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Stage Fright

SERIES: Jimmy McSwain Files #3

AUTHOR: Adam Carpenter

NARRATOR: Joel Leslie

PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio

LENGTH: 8 hours, 37 minutes

RELEASE DATE: April 21, 2020

BLURB:

All the world’s a stage, but in Stage Fright, Hell’s Kitchen private detective Jimmy McSwain learns that life upon its wicked boards can be a killer.

The Harold Calloway Theatre on West 47th Street is home to the new play Triskaidekaphobia, and its playwright has been receiving threatening messages. Theater owner and lead producer Wellington Calloway has hired Jimmy to investigate, but it’s a case not without its complications. His mother is the head usher there, and Jimmy grew up on its aisles. His ex, Remy, is also the costume designer for the show, a man he hasn’t seen in years.

Further making his life difficult is the mysterious Seetha Assan, who is connected – albeit tentatively – to the case that forever haunts Jimmy – his own father’s murder. She may just have the clue to help him finally solve the cold case.

As opening night for the play looms, Jimmy finds himself involved in a nest of egos and personalities, all while seeking to find the missing Seetha. Toss in his on-again, off-again relationship with Captain Francis X. Frisano, and suddenly Jimmy’s life is edging toward tragedy. That’s when a murderer strikes, and suddenly nothing is pretend anymore. Life on the stage has turned all too real, and all too deadly. Just like on the mean streets of Manhattan.

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Crime Wave

SERIES: The Jimmy McSwain Files #2

AUTHOR: Adam Carpenter

NARRATOR: Joel Leslie

PUBLISHER: Linden Corners Press

LENGTH: 7 hours

RELEASE DATE: December 7, 2016

BLURB:

Jimmy McSwain returns to help his sister’s boyfriend fight a murder charge–and finds he may just have a lead on a cold case.

Hell’s Kitchen private investigator Jimmy McSwain returns in a twisting tale of past sins and present-day vengeance.

Jimmy McSwain isn’t thrilled about taking a case for free but when his sister fears her boyfriend, Rocky, is cheating on her, he has no choice. But the case takes a deadly turn when Rocky is standing over the body of a man he was just seen kissing, and he’s holding the gun. He begs Jimmy to prove his innocence.

Meanwhile, as a sweltering heat wave claims New York City, a gunman with a thirst for blood is targeting Manhattan deli owners and has already claimed two victims. Jimmy knows a thing or two about those, fourteen years ago his father was killed outside a deli, and it’s possible today’s killer could be linked to that unsolved murder, one that continues to haunt Jimmy.

Enlisting the aid of sexy NYPD Captain Francis X. Frisano, Jimmy finds himself torn between the two cases, as well as the heat simmering between himself and the hot cop. Suddenly a quiet summer has erupted into a full-blown crime wave.

Reviewed by Anna Lynn

TITLE: Making Rules

SERIES:  Davey’s Rules #6

AUTHOR:  Susan Hawke

NARRATOR:  Michael Dean

PUBLISHER: Grape Ape Productions

RELEASE DATE:  March 11, 2020

LENGTH: 1 hour and 49 minutes

BLURB:

Davey’s Rule Number 53: Daddy shouldn’t be afraid to let his boy top.

Before Davey came to work at Daddy’s Lap and began that crazy list of rules, his future bestie, Sammy, was already living happily ever after with his own Daddy-dom. From the moment they met over a gas pump to the day they were legally able to wed, leather Daddy Raphael Robustelli adored his linebacker-sized boy. This is their love story, as seen through a series of six short vignettes. Witness the moment they met, see the first time Davey came to the club, and so much more. This is a short 20k volume, filled with emotion and backstory for the entire series.

Note: This is not a full-length book and does not contain a new couple. This can be listened to as a stand-alone but will be most enjoyed by those who have read the series.

This is the sixth book in a series about not-so-perfect Daddies, adorable “boys”, and one sassy brat with an insane list of rules. Grab your fan and tissues because this series comes with both a high heat advisory and all the squishy feels you’d want from a Susan Hawke book.

Reviewed by Annika

TITLE: Hidden identity

SERIES: Jimmy McSwain Files #1

AUTHOR: Adam Carpenter

NARRATOR: Joel Leslie

PUBLISHER: Linden Corners Press

RELEASE DATE: April 11, 2016

LENGTH: 5 hours, 47 minutes

BLURB:

When Jimmy McSwain is hired to find missing heir Harris Rothschild, he finds that identities can be altered and lives can be changed–or taken with the simple pull of the trigger.

Jimmy McSwain is a New York City private detective, operating out of Hell’s Kitchen, the rough and tumble neighborhood he grew up in. At age fourteen, he watched as his NYPD father was gunned down.

Now, at age twenty-eight, gay, Jimmy has never given up the pursuit of whoever killed him. But a PI must make a living, and so he’s taken on the case of missing heir Harris Rothschild, whose overbearing father doesn’t approve of his “alternate” lifestyle.

Tracking down Harris is easier than expected, but the carnage that follows isn’t. With a shocking murder on his hands, and a threat coming from some unforeseen person, Jimmy’s caseload is suddenly full, and very dangerous.

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