Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE: Logan

SERIES:  Chosen Champions Book 1

AUTHOR:  Macy Blake

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  8 hours and 15 minutes

RELEASE DATE:   August 17, 2021

BLURB:

Logan Moore is a leader without a pack….

And after the rejection he faced from his last pack, he’s not sure he wants one. But when a mysterious benefactor he nicknames The Oracle offers Logan the chance to use his military expertise to lead a group of misfit shifters to protect the creatures of the magical realm, Logan’s wolf won’t allow him to say no.

Bailey Cairn is a man without a protector.

And for the entirety of his very human life, he hasn’t needed one. But when his friend is attacked at a bar, sweet, caretaker Bailey is drawn into a world he hadn’t known existed. A world full of secrets, and magic. A world full of danger…and gorgeous, protective Logan.

But if Bailey and Logan want to break the chains of the past, they’ll have to learn to trust each other and themselves, and start to believe in things that are bigger than they are.

That magic exists.

That packs are about more than blood ties.

That sometimes true love is a matter of fate.

And that heroes aren’t made…they’re Chosen.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  Stop Kidding Around

SERIES:  Magical Mates, Book Two

AUTHOR:  Macy Blake

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  7 hours and 39 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  July 2, 2021

BLURB:

His so-called mate thinks it’s fate. Toby has other ideas. 

When Toby Sanders shows up to interview for a teaching job at a mysterious estate, he’s not expecting his world to flip upside down and backward. 

Shifters are real…and the hottest, most protective wolf of all is claiming him as a mate.  

Toby can’t deny that Brooks is everything he ever wanted and never thought he could have – loving, strong, drop-dead gorgeous – or that the two little girls Brooks wants to adopt give Toby a glimpse of the family he’s always dreamed of….

But how the heck is he supposed to believe in this mating magic stuff when life has taught him that the only person he can count on is himself? 

As dangers from multiple sources threaten everything he’s come to care about, Toby learns that being part of a pack isn’t just about accepting his fate, it’s about choice: choosing to trust Brooks, choosing to believe in himself, and choosing to fight for the life and love he deserves, even if he has to cross the entire fae realm to do it.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  All Kidding Aside

SERIES:  Magical Mates, Book 1

AUTHOR:  Macy Blake

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  7 hours and 48 minutes

RELEASE DATE:   November 25, 2020

BLURB:

Building houses for a pack of orphans might lead one griffin to find his heart’s home. 

Victor Eastaughffe knows three things for a fact: 

He does not have a mate. 

He does not like children. 

His duty is to his griffin clan. 

When Victor meets Orsen Riggs, a scruffy bear shifter, and little Gus, an orphaned red panda cub, his orderly, structured world becomes messy and chaotic. All the things he once held true suddenly don’t make sense. 

Asked to help the Smith pack navigate the difficult world of shifter politics, Victor realizes he might not know himself as well as he thought. Magic is in the air, and it’s making him long for things he never wanted before. But duty comes before all else, even at a price Victor no longer wants to pay.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  Nothing Gained

SERIES:  The Chosen One, Book Four

AUTHOR:  Macy Blake

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  7 hours and 26 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  February 23, 2022

BLURB:

Sawyer Smith’s life is a hot mess. 

Hot, because he’s found six of his eight mates. To say things are heating up between them is putting it mildly. 

A mess, because he’s the Chosen One, the son of a goddess with no powers of his own, tasked with fixing the broken magic in his world….And he has no clue how to do it.  

With every new layer of mystery that’s revealed, Sawyer’s doubts about his abilities get stronger. To complicate matters, Sawyer is growing weaker by the day. Meanwhile, his newest guardian, the one he’s calling Yellow Eyes, refuses to reveal himself. 

With time running out, Sawyer’s desperate enough to make a daring move — one that’s potentially deadly for him and his mates. Because at the end of the day, if there’s nothing ventured, there’s nothing gained.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  Thick as Thieves

SERIES:  Aster Valley, Book 4

AUTHOR:  Lucy Lennox

NARRATOR:  Michael Dean

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  8 hours and 41 minutes

RELEASE DATE: March 10, 2022

BLURB:

Julian:

I’ve been in love with my best friend since forever. Okay, fine. Like, kindergarten. It started out platonic, obviously, but then became…. Nope. Still platonic. The problem is that Parker Ellis has been straight since forever. And that makes it difficult to convince him that the two of us are meant to be together.

And now, there’s no point. All is lost. He’s gone and gotten engaged to his high-school sweetheart – which means I have to grin and bear it, while pretending to be the happy, supportive best man, while he prepares to commit his life to a woman I can’t even fault. She’s great. We’ve all been friends forever. I know he’ll be happy with Erin, just not…. Just not as happy as he could be with me.

Parker:

I’ll admit. Sometimes I press the easy button. Like when Julian Thick had offered me half his sandwich, back in grade school, after noticing I didn’t have any food. Or when I’d needed a date to homecoming in 10th grade, and Erin told me she was it. Or when I’d used the one thing that came easy to me, skiing, to get my college tuition paid for. Or when Erin had showed back up in my life, six months ago, and me told it was time to marry, and start a family….

But, for the first time in my life, I’m facing something that’s not at all easy. It’s my wedding weekend, and I’ve just been left at the altar. Not only that, but when my best friend whisks me away, to drown my sorrows in a snowy cabin in Aster Valley, I accidentally discover Julian’s been keeping secrets. Big secrets.

The kind of secrets that lead to hot, experimental kisses in front of a blazing fire, tentative physical exploration in a way I’d never imagined before, and the kind of intimate, true confessions I’d never even dreamed of – between me and the one person who’s always been my true home.

But after 20-plus years of thinking of Jules as my friend without benefits, is it truly possible to change who we are to each other? There’s no easy button this time, but I’m willing to do the work. I only wonder if Julian is ready to trust I really mean it.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Not What it Seems

AUTHOR:  Nicky James

NARRATOR:  Nick J. Russo

PUBLISHER:  self-published

LENGTH:  12 hours and 36 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  February 23, 2022

BLURB:

They say I killed them. They say I’m sick. They’re wrong. Nothing is as it seems.

Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Cyrus Irvine takes his job and his life very seriously. He is well-respected in his field and has worked hard to get where he is.

But he’s lonely.

When called in to evaluate a murder suspect, the last person he expects to find is the man he slept with a few months ago. The man who ghosted him and wounded his fragile heart.

Ethically, he should turn around and walk away, but he doesn’t. For as much as Cyrus understands the human brain, he can’t understand the pull he feels toward the patient.

One session with River Jenkins and Cyrus is sure of three things: River and everything about his preliminary diagnosis is a lie, his feelings toward River haven’t gone away, and despite his professional code, he isn’t going anywhere.

Someone needs to get to the bottom of this.

Cyrus’ world is turned upside down as he and River team up to find the truth.

During their quest for answers, Cyrus discovers the hardest part of his decision isn’t the risk to his career, but the risk to his heart.

Not What It Seems is a 115k MM romantic suspense with doctor/patient, forced proximity, and age gap themes.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  Egotistical Puckboy

SERIES:  Puckboys, Book 1

AUTHOR:  Eden Finley

NARRATOR: Iggy Toma and Alexander Cendese

PUBLISHER:  Absolute Books

LENGTH:  7 hours and 36 minutes

RELEASE DATE:    February 15, 2022

BLURB:

Ezra

Partying, dudes, and hockey. What more could a gay NHL player want?

If it weren’t for Anton Hayes, my life would be perfect.

Not that he affects my life in any way. At all. That would imply I care what the winger from Philly thinks of me.

Which I don’t.

Not even a one-night stand with him can thaw his misplaced animosity toward me.

He says I’m the one with the ego, but he can talk. He rivals me for most egotistical puck boy in the league.

I hate him as much as he hates me. Even if I crave a repeat.

Anton

When it comes to hockey, I’m all about the game.

I’ve worked for years to be one of the best in the league, and I’ve done it without splashing my orientation all over the tabloids.

My hockey image is one I’ve carefully cultivated, and after one night with Ezra Palaszczuk, I risk it all.

He’s cocky, obnoxious, and has an ego bigger than Massachusetts. And okay, maybe he’s the sexiest man I’ve ever known.

We’ll never get along. Not when we sleep together. Not even when my possessive streak awakens.

That doesn’t stop us from falling into bed together over and over again.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE: Gideon

SERIES:  Chosen Champions Book 2

AUTHOR:  Macy Blake

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  8 hours and 9 minutes

RELEASE DATE:   October 22, 2021

BLURB:

Gideon is a centuries-old vampire warrior with a broken heart….

Which is why he’s vowed never to risk it again. Instead, he’s channeled his passion and his legendary self-control into becoming a skilled protector – one who’s promised to wield his sword alongside a young wolf shifter leader on a mission from the mysterious Oracle to protect the human realm against the broken magic that threatens its very existence. He’s doing just fine without love, thank you very much…at least until his incubus ex reappears in his life.

Taj is an incubus without a home….

And that is every bit as unpleasant as it sounds. Banished to the human realm, Taj is learning the hard way that survival is for the fittest and, um…he’s not as fit as he thought he was. Not when his past keeps coming back to haunt him. Still, it’s only when another incubus is involved in a series of brutal attacks and Taj’s ex, Gideon, rides to the rescue that Taj learns just how dangerous this human realm might be to his life…and to his heart.

But although the fire between Gideon and Taj burns hotter than ever, they’ll need to break through the wall of secrets that divides them if they want a chance to set things right….

A second chance for the human realm.

A second chance at finding a home in the welcoming arms of their new pack.

And a second chance at building a future…together.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  Stop at Nothing

SERIES:  The Chosen One, Book Five

AUTHOR:  Macy Blake

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  7 hours and 24 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  March 10, 2022

BLURB:

 The series finale is here.

With all of his mates assembled, Sawyer Smith should be ready for his own version of the end game. He must defeat the god of air, and restore both of their broken magics to all of the realms. There’s only one problem: He still doesn’t know how to do it. 

His brother is a god, and is raising the forces of darkness against Sawyer and his mates more quickly than he can mount a defense. It’s time to fight, but Sawyer has too much to lose, to risk disaster. As the final pieces of the puzzle fall into place, Sawyer is faced with a task that seems impossible. He must go into battle without the knowledge or power to win. 

So many of his questions remain unanswered, but Sawyer knows one thing: He will stop at nothing to keep his mates safe.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE: Twist Me

SERIES: Tattoos and Temptation Book 6

AUTHOR: Mia Monroe

NARRATOR: Kale Williams

PUBLISHER: Mia Monroe Books

LENGTH:  6 hours and 1 minute

RELEASE DATE:  March 2, 2022

BLURB: 

He gave me freedom through restraint.

He captivated me the first time I saw him. I was drawn to him, curious about the mysterious, soft spoken older man. I convinced myself there was no way someone so worldly would be interested in a shy, inexperienced guy like me. I’m careful what I reveal, choosing instead to live with what if.

But with each interaction, I felt things I never had before. Patiently, he gave me the space to peel back my armor, allowing him to twist me apart in ways I never imagined. Now I crave the security of his ropes.

He opened up the way I see the world and myself in it. Can he open my heart too…

Twist Me is a steamy age gap tale exploring love and self through Shibari. It is book six in the Tattoos and Temptation series featuring hot Miami nights, Latin desserts, and guys with ink.

It can be read as a standalone but the author recommends reading the series in order or at least book three, Free Me, for maximum enjoyment.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  Next to Nothing

SERIES:  The Chosen One, Book Three

AUTHOR:  Macy Blake

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  6 hours and 59 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  December 1, 2021

BLURB:

What do you get when you mix a dragon, a vampire, a griffin, a mage, and a human? Sawyer Smith’s life sounds like a punchline, but the mates he’s come to love are no joke. They’re fierce and wonderful, protecting him from the outside forces trying to destroy him. Add in a reluctant hippocamp and an egotistical fae prince, and Sawyer has his hands full in more ways than one. 

Sawyer is closer than ever to fulfilling the ancient prophecy of the Chosen One, but the bonds between him and his newest guardians are giving him doubts. The rules are changing, and Sawyer has to adapt quickly if he’s going to keep up, especially after he’s whisked away to the land of the fae, a place with cryptic customs. One misstep could very well lead to his death. 

Navigating the waters of his newest relationship is tricky enough without the encroaching dangers. Something terrifying is heading Sawyer’s way, threatening not only his life, but everything he’s built with the mates he loves. Despite their concerns, Sawyer is ready to make sacrifices, because there’s next to nothing he wouldn’t do to keep them safe.

Reviewed by Stephen K.

TITLE: Jon’s Spooky Corpse Conundrum

Series: Jon’s Mysteries #3

AUTHOR: A.J. Sherwood

NARRATOR: Lloyd Thomas

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 6 hours 41 Minutes

RELEASE DATE: January 12^th 2021

BLURB:

I’ve investigated some pretty strange cases in my life, but I have to say this is a first. A corpse—a murder victim—has gone missing during the middle of an investigation, and no one has any clue where it went. Psy is called in to clear the investigative team, make sure they’re not an accomplice. It’s a four hour drive outside of Nashville, to a place famous for being haunted, so none of us are particularly eager to go.

And then we arrive on scene and I see who we’re dealing with and I want nothing more than to turn around and go right back to Nashville.

This case is complicated and strange, and absolutely nothing is as it seems at first glance. Even with my eyes, it’s going to take some digging to get to the truth.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  To Whom It May Concern

SERIES: For Him, Book 3.5

AUTHOR:  A.M. Johnson

NARRATOR:  Kirt Graves and Aaron Shedlock

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  2 hours and 40 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  February 17, 2022

BLURB:

To whom it may concern, 

I can’t be sure what you’re into. That being said, if you like sexy and sweet romance with a whole lot of quirk, keep reading…

Ever since Clay Saxon’s parents passed away a year ago, he’s been stuck in a rut, running their business, and suffering from the worst writer’s block ever. But when Syrus Albie, a.k.a. yellow sweater guy (you’ll see), walks into The End Book Store, Clay’s mundane little world turns to sunshine.

I don’t want to ruin it, but I can definitely say, when an introverted-as-hell narrator finally meets his favorite author and crush, all of his usual protocols go up in flames. 

Set in the For Him world, this stand-alone is the perfect introduction or addition to this steamy MM collection. 

Sincerely yours,

A.M. Johnson

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Vampire with Benefits

SERIES:  Supernatural Selection #2

AUTHOR:  EJ Russell

NARRATOR:  Greg Boudreaux

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  8 hours and 43 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  March 4, 2022

BLURB:

.A match between a vampire and shifter could be deadly – but this broken beaver doesn’t give a dam.

Silent film actor Casimir Moreau had imagined that life as a vampire would be freewheeling and glamorous. Instead, he’s plunged into a restrictive society whose rules he runs afoul of at every turn. To “rehabilitate” him, the vampire council orders him mated to an incubus with impeccable breeding who’ll mold Cas into the upstanding vampire he ought to be. Or else.

As an inactive beaver shifter, construction engineer Rusty Johnson has fought – and overcome – bias and disrespect his entire life. But when his longtime boyfriend leaves him for political reasons, Rusty is ready to call it a day. Next stop? Supernatural Selection and his guaranteed perfect mate, a bear shifter living far away from Rusty’s disapproving clan.

But then a spell snafu at Supernatural Selection robs both men of their intended husbands. Rusty can’t face returning to his clan, and Cas needs somebody on his arm to keep the council happy, so they agree to pretend to be married. Nobody needs to know their relationship is fake – especially since it’s starting to feel suspiciously like the real thing.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Turnabout

SERIES:  Vino & Veritas #9

AUTHOR:  Laurel Greer

NARRATORS:  Gary Furlong

PUBLISHER:  Tantor Audio

LENGTH:  8 hours and 15 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  March 1, 2022

BLURB:

I don’t have time for an unplanned visit home to help out in my father’s struggling letterpress shop. My stint in Vermont will have to be short, for a couple of reasons:

One, I’m a busy executive trying to climb the corporate ladder.

Two, my ex is still my dad’s right-hand man in the shop. And I am not over him.

Nothing has changed at the Burlington shop. Auden still has his infuriatingly sexy Scottish accent. He’s still hot, and still stubborn. Between operating the antique press with his shirtsleeves rolled up, and moonlighting at Burlington’s hottest inclusive wine bar, he pushes every one of my attraction buttons.

My falling-in-love-again buttons, too. Except I’m his polar opposite. I love change, and taking chances. Everything he avoids in life.

So why am I trying to convince him to reach for more than we’ve ever dreamed of-the possibility of forever?

Contains mature themes.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  Three’s Company

AUTHOR:  N.R. Walker

NARRATOR:  Nick J. Russo

PUBLISHER:  BlueHeart Press

LENGTH:  6 hours and 36 minutes

RELEASE DATE: February 4, 2022

BLURB:

When he started looking for someone to help heal his broken heart, Wilson Curtis never dreamed he’d find two someones. 

After Wilson Curtis was publicly outed, his restaurant business left in tatters, and dumped by his closeted boyfriend, he goes to Key West alone. There he meets Simon Stanford and Adam Preston. Fascinated by this couple, he is soon invited into their bed for some holiday fun.

But once isn’t enough, and the offer is extended for the remainder of his stay. As they get to know each other, in and out of the bedroom, sparks fly, and 10 days is all it takes to change their lives.

When it comes time for Wil to leave, with tensions closing in and time running out, tempers flare and emotions fray. Beneath the physical attraction and the foolish misunderstandings is the realization these three men aren’t ready to say good-bye. 

Wil soon learns that love isn’t always conventional, and the only thing better than giving your heart to one man is giving it to two.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Spirited Situation

SERIES:  Ghostly Guardians #1

AUTHOR:  Louisa Master

NARRATOR:  Nick J. Russo

LENGTH:  7 hours and 9 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  February 25, 2022

BLURB:

When you can talk to ghosts, things are bound to get spirited.

The ghosts have been there since before I can remember. When I was a kid, they doted on me, but as I got older, they got more demanding. I’ve spent my whole life seeing and talking to dead people and trying to pretend I’m not, because the living just don’t understand. Nobody wants to be around the freak who claims to see ghosts. Until I go to Mannix Estate.

Once a private country home, then a posh hotel, it was closed after a suspicious incident but is now an immersive historic experience. It’s also haunted AF, and everyone knows it. Finally, I’ve found a place to work and live where I can be useful. Where I’m actually wanted.

There are only two problems: I spent a hot, sweaty, satisfying night with Ewan the blacksmith before I knew we’d have to work together. Everyone knows sex with colleagues is a bad idea, right? Even if he’s the world’s most ripped cinnamon roll.

Plus, the ghosts are keeping secrets. There’s something going on that’s not normal, even for a haunted estate. And, I suspect that when the truth comes out, I’m the one who’ll have to deal with it…and it won’t be good.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Poetry in Motion

AUTHOR:  Samantha Wayland

NARRATOR:  Michael Ferraiuolo

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  9 hours and 6 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  February 16, 2022

BLURB:

Travis Campbell has been at this hockey thing for a while. He knows his days on the ice are numbered, but he’s happy with the Moncton Ice Cats and he’s still got some time to figure out what comes next. He’s been taking college classes online and thought he knew what he was doing, but then he made the ultimate rookie mistake. It turns out the poetry class is not the easier way to get his required English credits.

Barnaby Birtwistle has exiled himself to the wilds of New Brunswick, leaving London, his so-called friends, and his cheating ex behind. His life is finally getting back on track, and he’s going to keep it that way, even if it means living like a monk.

Travis is expecting a bookish nerd to help him pass his staggeringly boring class; Barnaby is expecting a meathead hockey player who struggles to string two words together, let alone appreciate poetry. Turns out that they both have something to learn.

Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  Nothing Ventured

SERIES:  The Chosen One, Book Two

AUTHOR:  Macy Blake

NARRATOR: Michael Dean

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  6 hours and 52 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  November 19, 2021

BLURB:

A Gay Paranormal Harem Romance 

Sawyer Smith is woefully unprepared for the dangers that come with being part of the supernatural world. As a magical null, he is human and vulnerable, even with the powerful, sexy guardians who have claimed him as their own. When a simple visit turns deadly, Sawyer’s mates take action and whisk him away to the clan of rich and powerful griffins. 

As a griffin, Eduard Eastaughffe is considered supernatural royalty, but even with all his wealth and power, his duty as a guardian must come before all else. If he can convince his clan to support his newfound mates and not judge the fact they include a dragon, a vampire, a mage, and – Goddess forbid–a human, the rest of the clans may fall in line without much of a fight. 

Danger lurks in close quarters and a new guardian is revealed. If Sawyer hopes to discover the ancient enemy hunting the Chosen One, he must survive the newest tests facing him. Because at the end of the day, when you’re a human among magical creatures, it’s nothing ventured…nothing gained.

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Body at Buccaneer’s Bay

SERIES:  Secrets and Scrabble #5

AUTHOR:  Josh Lanyon

NARRATOR:  Matt Haynes

PUBLISHER:  JustJoshin Publishing

LENGTH:  6 hours and 15 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  February 11, 2022

BLURB:  

Dead men tell no tales.

Mystery Bookshop owner Ellery Page and Police Chief Jack Carson are diving for the legendary sunken pirate galleon Blood Red Rose when they discover an old-fashioned diver’s suit, water-damaged and encrusted with barnacles.

Further examination reveals the 19th-century suit contains a 21st-century body. Who is the mysterious diver? No one seems to be missing from the quaint and cozy town of Pirate’s Cove. Was he really diving for pirate’s gold? And if not, what exactly did he do to earn that bullet hole in his skull?

Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Ghost of Truth

SERIES:  Medium Trouble #2

AUTHOR:  Alice Winters

NARRATOR:  Greg Boudreaux

LENGTH:  9hour and 12 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  February 11, 2022

BLURB:

Hiro

When I first realized that I could see the dead, I never imagined that it would allow me to help save the lives of others, or pull me into Detective Maddox Booker’s path. Through my ability, ghosts have become some of my greatest friends and allies.

But now, someone’s dead, and his ghost is gone. Ghosts have sought my help for my entire life, wanting to be heard. Now, something is keeping them quiet, almost hostile. as our search for the ghost of the dead man leads us to a small village. Even though everything looks normal on the outside, I’m starting to wonder what’s happening on the inside.

Maddox

Life is better than it’s ever been. Hiro’s by my side, and has brought my best friend Reggie back into my life – if we can consider Reggie’s harassment (even as a ghost) a positive. And even Hiro’s horde of ghosts won’t keep me from asking him to move in with me. The only issue is that, work is never quiet, especially when Hiro is able to dive into a whole new side of a case by speaking to the victims of the dead.

But, when someone takes Hiro from me in the middle of the night, I know that I will do absolutely anything to get him back, and I will make them pay for what they’ve done.

Ghost of Truth is full of action, mystery, humor, and romance. Though more is planned for this couple, the mystery is solved – and there is a happy ending.