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nero1279's reviews
311 reviews
Dirty Talk by Lauren Landish
An intriguing/modern plot line. While smut is obviously evident (the books title is directly what the story claims) the spice build just wasn’t there. No build, no climax, no intensity or intimacy. This is not a slow burn romance trope. The characters, in my opinion, did lends themselves to a more slow burn developing relationship, but it wasn’t delivered in this novel. A fun ear bud read all the same.
On a side note, get the book cover right! The female main is a petite honey blonde. Not what is depicted on the cover. A gripe!
3.75
🎧AUDIO VERSION🎧 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 performance by Tracy Marks and Sebastian York.
A good performance all round. Dual POV of view chapters which complement each other and the story. Both narrators did a great job at interpreting each character. While the male narrator was a perfect match for Derrek ie. a sultry voice for radio, Kat’s narrator did not match the 5’2” petite blonde character portrayed.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
A good performance all round. Dual POV of view chapters which complement each other and the story. Both narrators did a great job at interpreting each character. While the male narrator was a perfect match for Derrek ie. a sultry voice for radio, Kat’s narrator did not match the 5’2” petite blonde character portrayed.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
BREATHING – controlled, volume, consistent, project appropriate, relatively low mouth noise.
DELIVERY – solid and in the spirit of the text and author’s intent. Timing and pacing is appropriate. (Although the female narrator was a little clipped at times) No editing issues.
EYE BRAIN MOUTH CONTROL – accurate and seemingly effortless delivery.
CONSISTENT – good articulation, breath and pitch control good in most cases. Female POV is sometimes a little breathy/clipped on occasions.
ANALYSIS – understands the story arc and characters.
CHARACTERISATION – attempts to bring to life. Distinct and consistent in tone, attitude, age is somewhat confusing, but accents are good. Voices match characters at most times.
SEPARATION- clear and relatively decisive performance
INVESTMENT – the emotional connection helped with most visualisation.
STORYLINE 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2
STORYLINE 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2
An intriguing/modern plot line. While smut is obviously evident (the books title is directly what the story claims) the spice build just wasn’t there. No build, no climax, no intensity or intimacy. This is not a slow burn romance trope. The characters, in my opinion, did lends themselves to a more slow burn developing relationship, but it wasn’t delivered in this novel. A fun ear bud read all the same.
On a side note, get the book cover right! The female main is a petite honey blonde. Not what is depicted on the cover. A gripe!
After the Storm by Maya Banks
3.5
🎧AUDIO VERSION🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 performance by Adam Paul.
Had to give this series a break to get the shift of narrators out of my head. The original narrator was so much better for me. However with a serious break, I was able to cope with the change of voice. A clean and clear performance.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
Had to give this series a break to get the shift of narrators out of my head. The original narrator was so much better for me. However with a serious break, I was able to cope with the change of voice. A clean and clear performance.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
BREATHING – controlled, volume, consistent, project appropriate, relatively low mouth noise
DELIVERY – solid and in the spirit of the text and author’s intent. Timing and pacing is appropriate. Varied and not too predictable.
EYE BRAIN MOUTH CONTROL – accurate and effortless delivery.
CONSISTENT – high energy, good articulation, breath and pitch control.
ANALYSIS – understands the story arc and characters.
CHARACTERISATION – attempts to bring to life. Distinct and somewhat consistent in tone, attitude, age is somewhat confusing, but accents are fine. Voices match characters at most times.
SEPARATION- clear and decisive performance
INVESTMENT – the emotional connection helps with visualisation.
STORYLINE 🌶️🌶️
Always love Maya Banks and the KGI Series ranks up there. Lovely hearing about the previous characters throughout this book too. This was a lovely story but very far removed from the normal KGI “bad arseness.” The beginning had me hooked then it become too much of an instalove troupe. Too quick in the relationship/family development but with a little KGI magic thrown in for good measure. Also, I’m not too sure if such trained personnel would leave loaded weapons around within such easy reach when so many kids are in the story. Just a couple of little plot issues like this throughout. In my opinion not the best story in the series, but still a good ear bud read.
Personal series rating outlined below.
1. The Darkest Hour ★★★☆☆
STORYLINE 🌶️🌶️
Always love Maya Banks and the KGI Series ranks up there. Lovely hearing about the previous characters throughout this book too. This was a lovely story but very far removed from the normal KGI “bad arseness.” The beginning had me hooked then it become too much of an instalove troupe. Too quick in the relationship/family development but with a little KGI magic thrown in for good measure. Also, I’m not too sure if such trained personnel would leave loaded weapons around within such easy reach when so many kids are in the story. Just a couple of little plot issues like this throughout. In my opinion not the best story in the series, but still a good ear bud read.
Personal series rating outlined below.
1. The Darkest Hour ★★★☆☆
2. No Place to Run ★★★★☆
3. Hidden Away ★★★★★
4. Whispers in the Dark ★★★☆☆
5. Echoes at Dawn ★★★★☆
5. Softly at Sunrise ★★★☆☆
6. Shades of Gray ★★★★☆
7. Forged in Steele ★★★★☆
8. After the Storm ★★★☆☆
3. Hidden Away ★★★★★
4. Whispers in the Dark ★★★☆☆
5. Echoes at Dawn ★★★★☆
5. Softly at Sunrise ★★★☆☆
6. Shades of Gray ★★★★☆
7. Forged in Steele ★★★★☆
8. After the Storm ★★★☆☆
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
I am an Ali Hazelwood fan and this story far from her normal stories and I LOVED it. Her writing is wonderful and it shines through in this novel too. A unique vamp/were combination with 2 great main characters. Definitely worth the listen.
medium-paced
4.5
🎧AUDIO VERSION🎧 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 performance by Therese Plummer, Will Damron.
Now, this is a performance! Loved it. Therese has done it again. Her interpretation of the novel and her skill is second to none. Will definitely takes a minor role with the clever little chapter POV starts.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
Now, this is a performance! Loved it. Therese has done it again. Her interpretation of the novel and her skill is second to none. Will definitely takes a minor role with the clever little chapter POV starts.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
BREATHING – controlled, volume, consistent, project appropriate, relatively low mouth noise
DELIVERY – solid and in the spirit of the text and author’s intent. Timing and pacing is appropriate. Varied and not predictable. No editing issues.
EYE BRAIN MOUTH CONTROL – accurate and effortless delivery.
CONSISTENT – high energy, good articulation, breath and pitch control.
ANALYSIS – understands the story arc and characters.
CHARACTERISATION – attempts to bring to life. Distinct and consistent in tone, attitude, age is somewhat confusing, but accents are good. Voices match characters at most times.
SEPARATION- clear and decisive performance
INVESTMENT – the emotional connection helps with visualisation.
STORYLINE 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
STORYLINE 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I am an Ali Hazelwood fan and this story far from her normal stories and I LOVED it. Her writing is wonderful and it shines through in this novel too. A unique vamp/were combination with 2 great main characters. Definitely worth the listen.
Beauty from Surrender by Georgia Cates
STORYLINE 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ok, once I got over the atrocious attempts at the Aussie accent, the story shone through. I can certainly see how this will make a great movie series for Passionflix. I certainly hope that Aussie actors are employed. Let’s continue with colloquialism used throughout. Clarifying the use of the term “cuppa”. This is only used to refer to a cup of tea not coffee. One would use “smoko” as a term for either tea or coffee. I must say the use of specific's swear words were done exceedingly well for an American author. Sometimes the Yankee and Brit author’s use of Aussie swear words is often mixed up, but this author did do well with this aspect. Now, to clarify the Indiana Jones hat, that would be an Akubra hat. Check them out here https://akubra.com.au/ A perfect hat for out hot, sunny days and are uniquely Australian.
3.75
🎧AUDIO VERSION🎧⭐️⭐️ /5 performance by Bunny Warren and Robert Black.
No, no, no. You must use an Australian narrator for Aussie characters when a story is set in Australia. No one, and I mean no one, can imitate the true blue Aussie accent, anything less is simply tacky. Even a British accent would have been preferable. This fact alone almost caused me to stop listening.
ARTICULATION - the Aussie accent is atrocious
No, no, no. You must use an Australian narrator for Aussie characters when a story is set in Australia. No one, and I mean no one, can imitate the true blue Aussie accent, anything less is simply tacky. Even a British accent would have been preferable. This fact alone almost caused me to stop listening.
ARTICULATION - the Aussie accent is atrocious
BREATHING – projection appropriate, mouth noise is lower than the first book.
DELIVERY – solid and in the spirit of the text and author’s intent. Editing was poor at times with some exceedingly long break between chapters.
EYE BRAIN MOUTH CONTROL – delivery was adequate at most times.
CONSISTENT – articulation for the Australian aspects is poor, breath and pitch control was not as strong as it could be.
ANALYSIS – understands the story arc and characters.
CHARACTERISATION – the Aussie accents are horrendous and for an Aussie listener, very off putting.
SEPARATION - the distinction between American and Australian accents was very poor.
STORYLINE 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ok, once I got over the atrocious attempts at the Aussie accent, the story shone through. I can certainly see how this will make a great movie series for Passionflix. I certainly hope that Aussie actors are employed. Let’s continue with colloquialism used throughout. Clarifying the use of the term “cuppa”. This is only used to refer to a cup of tea not coffee. One would use “smoko” as a term for either tea or coffee. I must say the use of specific's swear words were done exceedingly well for an American author. Sometimes the Yankee and Brit author’s use of Aussie swear words is often mixed up, but this author did do well with this aspect. Now, to clarify the Indiana Jones hat, that would be an Akubra hat. Check them out here https://akubra.com.au/ A perfect hat for out hot, sunny days and are uniquely Australian.
Beauty From Pain by Georgia Cates
STORYLINE 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ok, once I got over the atrocious attempts at the Aussie accent, the story shone through. I can certainly see how this will make a great movie series for Passionflix. I certainly hope that Aussie actors are employed. The colloquialism used throughout the book were good, however the use of “roo’s arse” did make me LOL. Nope that is certainly not one we do not use. Also a drug store means something completely different in Australia 🤣 we call them Chemists. Yes, we commonly the word “brekkie” but referring to a sandwich as a “sanga” in such a casual conversation is not normal for Aussies. Wagga Wagga is never referred with the 2 names by Aussies. We are notorious for shortening everything, so it would be simply Wagga. As for the storyline, very cute and I’m glad I pushed through the narration.
medium-paced
3.75
🎧AUDIO VERSION🎧⭐️⭐️ /5 performance by Bunny Warren and Robert Black.
No, no, no. You must use an Australian narrator for Aussie characters when a story is set in Australia. No one, and I mean no one, can imitate the true blue Aussie accent, anything less is simply tacky. Even a British accent would have been preferable. This fact alone almost caused me to stop listening.
ARTICULATION - the Aussie accent is atrocious
No, no, no. You must use an Australian narrator for Aussie characters when a story is set in Australia. No one, and I mean no one, can imitate the true blue Aussie accent, anything less is simply tacky. Even a British accent would have been preferable. This fact alone almost caused me to stop listening.
ARTICULATION - the Aussie accent is atrocious
BREATHING – projection appropriate, mouth noise is too high.
DELIVERY – solid and in the spirit of the text and author’s intent. Timing and pacing is a little fast at times.
EYE BRAIN MOUTH CONTROL – delivery was adequate at most times.
CONSISTENT – articulation for the Australian aspects is poor, breath and pitch control was not as strong as it could be.
ANALYSIS – understands the story arc and characters.
CHARACTERISATION – the Aussie accents are horrendous and for an Aussie listener, very off putting.
SEPARATION - the distinction between American and Australian accents was very poor.
STORYLINE 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ok, once I got over the atrocious attempts at the Aussie accent, the story shone through. I can certainly see how this will make a great movie series for Passionflix. I certainly hope that Aussie actors are employed. The colloquialism used throughout the book were good, however the use of “roo’s arse” did make me LOL. Nope that is certainly not one we do not use. Also a drug store means something completely different in Australia 🤣 we call them Chemists. Yes, we commonly the word “brekkie” but referring to a sandwich as a “sanga” in such a casual conversation is not normal for Aussies. Wagga Wagga is never referred with the 2 names by Aussies. We are notorious for shortening everything, so it would be simply Wagga. As for the storyline, very cute and I’m glad I pushed through the narration.
Forged in Steele by Maya Banks
medium-paced
4.0
🎧AUDIO VERSION🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 performance by Adam Paul.
Had to give this series a break to get the shift of narrators out of my head. The original narrator was so much better for me. However with a serious break, I was able to cope with the change of voice. Now Steele’s voice was just too gruff which made him sound far older than he is.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
Had to give this series a break to get the shift of narrators out of my head. The original narrator was so much better for me. However with a serious break, I was able to cope with the change of voice. Now Steele’s voice was just too gruff which made him sound far older than he is.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
BREATHING – controlled, volume, consistent, project appropriate, relatively low mouth noise
DELIVERY – solid and in the spirit of the text and author’s intent. Timing and pacing is appropriate. Varied and not too predictable. There were some editing issues throughout that caused some pitch variations.
EYE BRAIN MOUTH CONTROL – accurate and effortless delivery.
CONSISTENT – high energy, good articulation, breath and pitch control.
ANALYSIS – understands the story arc and characters.
CHARACTERISATION – attempts to bring to life. Distinct and somewhat consistent in tone, attitude, age is somewhat confusing, but accents are good. Voices match characters at most times.
SEPARATION- clear and decisive performance
INVESTMENT – the emotional connection helps with visualisation.
STORYLINE 🌶️🌶️
Always love Maya Banks and the KGI Series ranks up there. Lovely hearing about the previous characters throughout this book. This was an adorable story. Very fitting for the ice man of Steele. Lovely seeing him soften and being so “into themselves.”
Personal series rating outlined below.
1. The Darkest Hour ★★★☆☆
STORYLINE 🌶️🌶️
Always love Maya Banks and the KGI Series ranks up there. Lovely hearing about the previous characters throughout this book. This was an adorable story. Very fitting for the ice man of Steele. Lovely seeing him soften and being so “into themselves.”
Personal series rating outlined below.
1. The Darkest Hour ★★★☆☆
2. No Place to Run ★★★★☆
3. Hidden Away ★★★★★
4. Whispers in the Dark ★★★☆☆
5. Echoes at Dawn ★★★★☆
5. Softly at Sunrise ★★★☆☆
6. Shades of Gray ★★★★☆
7. Forged in Steele ★★★★☆
3. Hidden Away ★★★★★
4. Whispers in the Dark ★★★☆☆
5. Echoes at Dawn ★★★★☆
5. Softly at Sunrise ★★★☆☆
6. Shades of Gray ★★★★☆
7. Forged in Steele ★★★★☆
The Air He Breathes by Brittainy C. Cherry
4.0
🎧AUDIO VERSION🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 performance by Brian Pallino, Erin Mallon.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
BREATHING – controlled, volume, consistent, project appropriate, relatively low mouth noise
DELIVERY – solid and in the spirit of the text and author’s intent. Timing and pacing is appropriate. Varied and not too predictable.
EYE BRAIN MOUTH CONTROL – accurate and effortless delivery.
CONSISTENT – high energy, good articulation, breath and pitch control.
ANALYSIS – understands the story arc and characters.
CHARACTERISATION – attempts to bring to life. Distinct and somewhat consistent in tone, attitude, age, accent. Voices match characters at most times.
SEPARATION- clear and decisive for both performers
INVESTMENT – the emotional connection helps with visualisation.
STORYLINE.
Now that was a true romance novel with a lovely little twist that I was too slow to pick up on. Well written with 2 very relatable characters. Throughly enjoyable story that I look forward in being adapted into a movie by Passionflix.
STORYLINE.
Now that was a true romance novel with a lovely little twist that I was too slow to pick up on. Well written with 2 very relatable characters. Throughly enjoyable story that I look forward in being adapted into a movie by Passionflix.
Notice by K Webster
3.5
🎧AUDIO VERSION🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 performance by Kylie Stewart and Eric Roilon.
A unique way to employ the dual POV chapters.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
A unique way to employ the dual POV chapters.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
BREATHING – controlled, volume, consistent, project appropriate, relatively low mouth noise
DELIVERY – solid and in the spirit of the text and author’s intent. Timing and pacing is appropriate. Varied and not too predictable.
EYE BRAIN MOUTH CONTROL – accurate and effortless delivery.
CONSISTENT – high energy, good articulation, breath and pitch control.
ANALYSIS – understands the story arc and characters.
CHARACTERISATION – attempts to bring to life. Distinct and somewhat consistent in tone, attitude, age, accent. Voices match characters at most times.
SEPARATION- clear and decisive for both performers
INVESTMENT – the emotional connection is not as visual as it could be.
STORYLINE. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Now this was an interesting read. Really had me in from the first chapter, but then things went … well, I wasn’t expecting that. Grayson Maxwell is one of those characters that simply keeps stalking through your mind. My other thought is that Violet really does sleep rather heavily 🤣. A quick, yet rather surprisingly, an enjoyable read.
STORYLINE. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Now this was an interesting read. Really had me in from the first chapter, but then things went … well, I wasn’t expecting that. Grayson Maxwell is one of those characters that simply keeps stalking through your mind. My other thought is that Violet really does sleep rather heavily 🤣. A quick, yet rather surprisingly, an enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
Burn by Maya Banks
medium-paced
3.75
🎧AUDIO VERSION🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️& half /5 performance by Adam Paul
Written in 3rd POV.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
Written in 3rd POV.
ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise
BREATHING – controlled, volume, consistent, project appropriate, relatively low mouth noise
DELIVERY – solid and in the spirit of the text and author’s intent. Timing and pacing is appropriate. Varied and not too predictable.
EYE BRAIN MOUTH CONTROL – accurate and effortless delivery.
CONSISTENT – high energy, good articulation, breath and pitch control.
ANALYSIS – understands the story arc and characters.
CHARACTERISATION – attempts to bring to life. Distinct and somewhat consistent in tone, attitude, age, accent. Voices match characters at most times. Some character mix ups at times.
SEPARATION- some spillover is evident between narration and character, which can be a little disconcerting.
INVESTMENT – the emotional connection is not as visual as it could be.
STORYLINE. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I enjoyed this final book in this series. A lot of the reviews mentioned many different negative aspects, but those negative items were not as evident as the reviews suggested. Goes to show that you should always judge a book by a read and not necessarily a review.
STORYLINE. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I enjoyed this final book in this series. A lot of the reviews mentioned many different negative aspects, but those negative items were not as evident as the reviews suggested. Goes to show that you should always judge a book by a read and not necessarily a review.