Suzi @ Royal Reads

One of the best series starts ever!

Reviewed: 01-16-24

There's no stopping my fandemonium for K. Loraine & Meg Anne writing together. Haunting Beauty brings us back to the things we love about their writing - hotter than hot times, great banter, laugh out loud moments designed for the fans of romance, and the best plot twists.

Don't wait for the whole series to be released you don't want to miss out on living vicariously as Dahlia and her men that includes a pirate, a berserker, a dragon, and a mysterious stranger. And we can't forget the best friend who has ever been in a book -- I either want to be Kiki or I already am Kiki -- not certain. Probably need to listen again!!!

For audio lovers Stella Hunter and Samantha Brentmoor tear down the whole house!!! They are absolute pinnacle performers in their roles of Dahlia and Kiki and I can't wait for more of them in subsequent stories. Falling in love with Dahlia was instant and I think she has my fave FMC title in all of paranormal now. Add in the side characters that both ladies get to perform and the whole book could have been performed by them without need of the guys.

But, if the MC are going to show up and need voices, does it get better than J.F. Harding, James Joseph, John Hartley, and Jason Clarke? These gents are go to fan faves for many reasons, but for me it's the care they put into developing each character's voice. I love hearing their takes on supernatural creatures, the way the powers come through their voices, and how they exponentially expand a basic line to something snarky, flirty, or scary.

All of these actors - gents and ladies - are the epitome of why human voice audiobooks will always be better than virtual.

ALWAYS.

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Steve West: All You Need For History To Come Alive

Reviewed: 06-06-23

The material is scandalous and could become verbose & boring in the wrong oratory tone, but not in the most capable hands of Steve West. With him, we are in peaceful respite of historical drama, making each retelling of a signed letter an exquisite foray into sociology.

This work is repeatedly a favorite listen due to the excellent narrative performance.

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There's no stopping K & Meg!!!

Reviewed: 01-17-23

Deal with the Demon proves that K. Loraine & Meg Anne are plotting geniuses in the world of PNR. There should not be a doubt after The Mate Games: War that these two not only know how to write the dang story, but they know how to cast it, too. Could they do it again with Pestilence?

*Boom!!!*

Talk about leveling up with Demon coming out swinging. Add in two shifters, a human hacker, and a regal vampire, this vampire's half-human Princess has everything you could possibly need to keep the fires burning on a war winter night. But like all things K. & Meg it's not just the spice & kink that light up the pages. They have woven through plot lines we won't see pay off until the very last book and will keep us all enchanted for every single second of the journey.

Way to go ladies with another Mate Games story we can't put down whether it be in paperback, ebook or audio.

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Hat Trick of Love, Comedy & Steam

Reviewed: 11-14-22

There's no denying that I adore everything Kim Loraine writes as they keep me turning each page. This time was no different as the storyline is a hat trick of love, comedy & steam in THE MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT.

Becca & Taylor are part of the larger Ryker Ranch family, but you don't have to read all of those to understand the plot in this stand alone read. With that said, there are cameos from our favorite cowboys and the other hockey players from books 1 and 2 in the ANYTHING FOR LOVE series. I think that's my addiction to series romance, being able to see former characters show up is like catching up with old friends.

I was lucky enough to do the alpha read of the text, then get the early listen on audio, and the gift that keeps on giving is Kim writes for her audio fans! What a surprise to hear not only Shane East bring on his Scottish accent, Stella Hunter be her sassy-adorbs-self, but we also get J.F. Harding in his reprise role of Mav Wilde and maaaaaaaybeeee another character or two. Gotta listen to find out!

5 STARS all around for a story that gives us another swoony as all get out hero, a feisty heroine, and an adventure that brings the heat on and off the ice.

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1 person found this helpful

Audiobook Review - MUST HAVE THIS SERIES IN AUDIO!

Reviewed: 10-04-22

Note: I'm completing this ALC listen with my husband and it's our first time listening to a romance series together. He is 100% a fantasy fiction fan so this is the perfect way to introduce him to the voice actors that I adore in a format he can enjoy. And now you get two reviews instead of one!

Mike Review - Fascinating series so far and I like the complex world building I wasn't expecting to find. I think listening to the audio is the way to go as the character voice differentiation is not something I would have picked up in my head just reading the text. Cannot wait to hear how it ends.

Suzi Review - In classic Meg Anne style, The Keeper's Retribution has a cliffie that will leave you screaming out all the bad words!!!! Holy moly what an absolute feast for the ears listening to the audiobook. Please run, do not walk to buy the Keeper's Series from Meg Anne. Absolutely brilliant storytelling that I was hooked heavily on by the end of book 1 and by book 2 I'm talking back to the characters as I listen. I just don't know how she's going to wrap this all up in the third book.

I would keep listening forever to any story that Stella Hunter, Shane East, and James Joseph narrate together. My goodness the chemistry is second to none with these three working to bring the characters to vivid life. Stella will absolutely have you screaming down the roof with her epic book ending performance. How is this even possible from one actor? Everyone knows I'm a massive Shane fan, but he even made me gasp at his vocal abilities between all the characters Meg assigned him. James -- well I need to move him up my "one click auto buy" list, too. Fecking Brilliant work from all the artists!!

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4.5 Stars - Slow burn fantasy delight

Reviewed: 09-18-22

I would 100% recommend Meg Anne’s writing for non-fantasy fans looking for an intro to the genre. I went from zero interest in fantasy (even romance) to being on pins and needles waiting for the next book to show up in Audible!

Not only is Meg’s writing bringing back memories of great stories like WILLOW & LABRYNTH from my youth, but she also weaves it into a romance that leaves you breathless and wanting for more. You care so much for Effie, Lucian, and Kiernan that you are anticipating each and every line of dialogue for more information about the characters. The side characters build in so well you can’t imagine the story without each having their place in the tale.

I think what set this book over the top for me is the simply magnificent acting of Stella Hunter, Shane East, and James Joseph in the audiobook. I already adore each of these talented actors, but this was some of the best voice work they have completed to date. The prequel “The Dreamer” is included in the audiobook and starts off with James as solo narration. Then you enter the main title with Stella in the first portions of story. Right away you fall in love with the brave “little one” who is smaller in stature than those around her but has enough sass to lay waste to the biggest.

The shocker to me was not the range of voices / accents each could do, but the “Creep Factor” that each could bring to the mean, scary, or other-worldly creatures. Shane East literally scared me & I had to pause for a bit when his “Smoke” voice filled the speakers. Talent beyond talent & they all deserve awards.

Additionally, I listened to this story with my husband, who appreciates fantasy fiction. He thoroughly enjoyed the performances that brought Meg’s artful writing to life. There is a bit of a steam factor, but not enough to be off putting to someone who doesn’t listen to a lot of romance but is open to hearing the details of intimate moments.

Now, Meg Anne…where is book two as we need it in our greedy ears right away!

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Absolutely Fecking Brilliant 10 Star Read

Reviewed: 08-21-22

Buy this book. Read this book. Listen to this book.

When you read and then listen to something that is an utter masterpiece of contemporary MF romance, it is beyond difficult to write a review. Knowing nothing you say will ever amount to the brilliance you experienced that the author has provided themselves. That’s how I feel with THANK YOU FOR LISTENING.

This book elevated romance into something that became a symphony of words. The lines that were short staccato versus, the verbose phrases that spilled emotions onto the page, the linkage between past and present, were just like nothing I had experienced in contemporary romance that most definitely could be considered part of a romantic comedy genre.

Ms. Whelan took us on an amazing ride with so much heart, disappointment, fear, what’s-next-worry, but interlaced so much great comedy and banter that it all left you feeling a positive book hangover when completed.

Five stars are not enough – so I must make the Vegas wager and double down. 10 STARS!!!

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Best PNR Series of 2022

Reviewed: 08-08-22

Our lovely Sunday Fallon has gone from naïve and virtuous to the bawdy baddie that can save the world all with the love of her men by her side. From our vampire prince Noah, wolf bully turned lover Kingston, Alek the demi-god who makes us swoon – they all have been there by her side ready to support her each step of the way. But as we enter book 4 Father Caleb’s full story comes out of the shadows. We find out about his turning from priest to vampire in heartbreaking detail. The heartbreak continues as we find out just how far Daddy G is willing to go to stop the end of the world…will it be enough to prove his love to Sunday?

All the awards should go to K. Loraine and Meg Anne for this completely unique series they brought to life and put a bow on with TEMPTATION, book 4 of THE MATE GAMES. I’ve never been so captivated and had friends so thoroughly engrossed in a PNR series like we have with this rollercoaster of four books.

Not only is this writing spectacular in this final installment with all the missing pieces locking into place, but we are also given audio performances that are out of this world. From Stella Hunter’s leading role as Sunday and every other female character with absolute veteran-like excellence, to Jason Clarke having a bulk of the male POV in TEMPTATION, this becomes an aural delight like no other. Stars J.F. Harding, Aaron Shedlock, & James Joseph reprise their roles of Sunday’s mates and provide the emotion, steam, & down right laughter that has become a hallmark of the series. The epic #KinkFest concludes with all the reasons to keep hydrated as there isn’t a spice level high enough to cover what happens. Listeners & readers alike will find reasons to highlight *multiple* chapters as our authors did not hold back bringing every fantasy to light.

All in all, this is the BEST PNR SERIES of 2022. Awards need to be given for the authors and voice actor performances.

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2 people found this helpful

Brilliant!

Reviewed: 05-19-22

If this changes just one mind it will be worth the time that both the author and narrator took in the creative process. Our choices are not our own because we are women. We are not less than - we deserve the equality that is afforded to white men.

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9 people found this helpful

A Novella With All The Smiles!

Reviewed: 04-06-22

Never let anyone tell you a novella can't pack all the punch of a novel as Denise Williams gave us all the requirements for an HEA right here in under 4 hours. I was completely charmed by Olivia and Bennet's character development in this airport love story. From funny laugh-out-loud moments, great nostalgia (Hello Diet Coke guy!), deep emotions and a spicy scene that left nothing to the imagination - everything we needed was right here across from Gate C7.

And who better to portray our heroine than the absolutely remarkable acting talent of January LaVoy. Positively the perfect voice for our lead's humble sweetness, but done with bad decisions of her past. Scene stealing voice to the spunky Aunt Harry, and best friend Jess's snark and comfort, Ms. LaVoy delivered everything you could want in a performance. You know it's a great acting when you just want to be best friends with the leading lady!

Then to give us even more to love, we get one of the best actor / character pairings with Shane East as Bennett. His tone with the kind but cautious sweetness of Cinnamon Roll Benny makes you feel like he's just a regular business guy in an everyday airport. We get the "adorkable" rambles that somehow seem to just roll off his tongue perfectly like in a book is not the only place that occurs. And of course, this is a romance, so the deep whispering sounds do make the requisite appearance.

All in all - from writing to acting - this book will be a repeat listen in my rotation as it just puts a smile on my face from beginning to end.

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2 people found this helpful