Audiobook Review: Lake Bride (Holiday Brides #5) by Shanna Hatfield

 

Blurb: 

Fall in love with a soldier, a nurse, and a small-town adventure brimming with delightful characters, amusing animals, and abiding hope.

Twenty-one steps. The past two years of Bridger Holt’s life have centered on the twenty-one steps he repeatedly walks back and forth as one of the sentinels guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Now that his duty is coming to an end, Bridger has no idea what to do with the rest of his life. Guilt from his past and trepidation about his unknown future drive him to the mountain cabin he inherited from his beloved uncle to gain clarity and direction. The quirky residents in the nearby town of Holiday, the assortment of wildlife that adopts him, and the woman who shines a light into his tattered soul might be what Bridger needs to find the redemption he seeks.

Outgoing, upbeat Shayla Reeves spreads sunshine wherever she goes. Holiday has become her home, and she enjoys spending time in the mountains around town. She adores the patients in the dementia facility where she works as a nurse. But something is missing from her mostly joyful world. When she mistakenly camps on private land owned by the mysterious and brooding Bridger Holt, she realizes what her life is lacking isn’t adventure but love.

Will two opposite personalities overcome their challenges and figure out a way to build a future together?

Find out in this sweet love story full of hope, small-town humor, and the wonder of falling in love.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Lake Bride: A Sweet Western Romance (Holiday Brides Book 5) eBook : Hatfield, Shanna: Kindle Store

Audible: Lake Bride Audiobook by Shanna Hatfield

Chirp: Lake Bride by Shanna Hatfield - Audiobook (No Subscription)

Bookbub: Lake Bride: A Sweet Western Romance (Holiday Brides Book 5) by Shanna Hatfield - BookBub

Goodreads: Lake Bride by Shanna Hatfield | Goodreads

My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed the story, kept me turning pages. Shayla was such a cheerful, optimistic, caring, and free-spirited woman. Her care for her patients squeezed my heart. Bridger's military past made him into the man he was. He was a lot stronger and softer than he thought he was. I loved how Shayla's presence brought him back to the living. The animals were cute, though I had tears over Ubu. I highly recommend this story.

I received a copy of this story through Xpresso Tours, and this is my unsolicited review.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story and enjoyed it just as much. The narration by Luke Andreen was just as enjoyable.

Mid-Year Audiobook Challenge Status

 

I have enjoyed doing the Audiobook Challenge for the last couple of years. My TBR pile for audiobooks has gotten a little lower since starting the challenge, making it worthwhile. I selected the "My Precious" level which is 30+ audiobooks. I may be upping it to Marathoner as I am one audiobook from my goal.

These are the achievement levels: 

Newbie (I'll give it a try) 1-5

Weekend Warrior (I'm getting the hang of this) 5-10

Stenographer (can listen while multitasking) 10-15

Socially Awkward (Don't talk to me) 15-20

Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you) 20-30

My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted) 30+

Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+

Over-Achiever (Power Listener) 75+

The 100 Club (Audiobook Addict) 100+

I Can't Hear You (earbuds always in) 125-150

Audibly Addicted (listening to all the books 24/7) 150+

My list of audiobooks listened to:

Hard Feelings by Jennifer Millikin - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/01/audiobook-review-hard-feelings.html

Just Breaking the Rule by Lauren Blakely -

https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/01/audiobook-review-just-breaking-rules.html

Charming a Cursed Highlander by Vonda Sinclair - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/01/audiobook-review-charming-cursed.html

Wildfire by Garrett Leigh - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/02/audiobook-review-wildfire-in-vino.html

Mr. Heartbreaker by Piper Rayne - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/02/audiobook-review-mr-heartbreaker-nest-1.html

Lyrics Remain Unchanged by Claudia Burgoa - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/02/audiobook-review-lyrics-remain.html

It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/03/release-it-seemed-like-good-idea.html

Unbroken by Janice Whiteaker - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/03/audiobook-review-unbroken-bradshaw.html

Early Snow by Kevin Wolf - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/03/audiobook-review-early-snow-guy-hogan.html

Show Me Forever by Jennifer Sucevic - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/03/audiobook-review-show-me-forever.html

Property of Blade by Kathleen Kelly - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/03/audiobook-review-property-of-blade.html

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/03/audiobook-review-and-then-there-were.html

Ryder by Jessica Peterson - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/04/audiobook-review-ryder-lucky-river.html

Lost in Overtime by Claudia Burgoa - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/04/audiobook-review-lost-in-overtime-by.html

No, Don't Ever Stop by Marni Mann - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/04/audiobook-review-no-dont-ever-stop.html

Love Overboard by Kandi Steiner - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/04/audiobook-review-love-overboard-by.html

Stay With Me by Nikki Sloane - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/04/audiobook-review-stay-with-me-dangerous.html

My Seductive Innocent by Julie Johnstone - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/05/audiobook-review-my-seductive-innocent.html

Cross to Bear by Janine Infante Bosco - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/05/audiobook-review-cross-to-bear-satans.html

Kade's Dark Embrace by Kym Grosso - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/05/audiobook-review-kades-dark-embrace.html

Cross by Lena Bourne - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/05/audiobook-review-cross-devils-nightmare.html

Magic in His Kiss by Anabelle Bryant - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/05/audiobook-review-magic-in-his-kiss.html

Just Playing for Keeps by Lauren Blakely - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/05/audiobook-review-just-playing-for-keeps.html

Promise by LB Dunbar - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/06/audiobook-review-promise-rogue-river-1.html

Never After Us by Claudia Burgoa - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/06/audiobook-review-never-after-us.html

Forged in the Fire by A.L. Jackson - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/06/audiobook-review-forged-in-fire-crimson.html

Summer Bride by Shanna Hatfield - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/06/audiobook-review-summer-bride-holiday.html

Easter Bride by Shanna Hatfield - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/06/audiobook-review-easter-bride-holiday.html

Lilac Bride by Shanna Hatfield - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2026/07/audiobook-review-lilac-bride-holiday.html

I look forward to seeing how far I get in the second half.

Audiobook Review: Drop a Gear and Disappear (Kings of Vengeance MC #1) by Winter Travers, narrator Turtle

 

Blurb: 

They tried to make me disappear.

I thought I had found the brotherhood I had been searching for.

A club to fill the nagging void.

Till they took the woman I loved and left me for dead.

They may have her now, but things are about to change.

Vengeance will be mine.



You’ve read the novella in the Wanted Anthology, but Drop a Gear and Disappear is back and better than ever. Prepare to ride with the Kings of Vengeance.

Amazon: Drop a Gear and Disappear (Kings of Vengeance MC Book 1) - Kindle edition by Travers, Winter, Severino, Jennifer. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Audible: Drop a Gear and Disappear Audiobook by Winter Travers

B&N: Drop a Gear and Disappear | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Drop a Gear and Disappear eBook by Winter Travers - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Drop a Gear and Disappear by Winter Travers - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Drop a Gear and Disappear (Kings of Vengeance, #1) by Winter Travers - BookBub

Goodreads: Drop a Gear and Disappear by Winter Travers | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

Quinn was looking for a brotherhood to belong to and found something more dangerous. This was a dark story with some steamy scenes, violence, and trust leading to the right kind of bond. I enjoyed the book as I liked the connection between Quinn and Kimber, and the trust between Quinn and his friends as they rescue Kimber. Kimber's strength of will and mind to survive made her a great heroine. I look forward to more in this series.

I had an opportunity to listen to the audiobook version. I still enjoyed the story and the narration by Turtle was entertaining.

Audiobook Review: Lilac Bride (Holiday Brides #4) by Shanna Hatfield, narrator Luke Andreen

 

Blurb: 

atherine Kelly has been dreaming of her wedding since she was old enough to cut pictures out of magazines and glue them into her bridal binder. When Kaden, the handsome cowboy who holds her heart, proposes on a snowy Christmas Eve, she couldn’t envision anything more perfect or romantic. The spring date is set, all the nuptial details have been meticulously arranged, and she only has six weeks to go before the big day. Then, in a blink, her carefully formed plans begin to rapidly unravel. A freak snowstorm, rampaging rodents, and a lost wedding gown are only the beginning of the troubles they face.

Cowboy entrepreneur Kaden Ford still can’t quite believe Katherine Kelly agreed to marry him. She’s beautiful, elegant, intelligent, and the woman who fills his heart with joy. He doesn’t care if they get married in a cathedral or a cabin in the woods. All he wants is to spend his life loving Kat. But when faced with one overwhelming challenge after another, will love be enough to hold them together?

Find out in this sweet, charming, small-town romance full of laughter, love, and scheming octogenarian matchmakers.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Lilac Bride: A Sweet Western Romance (Holiday Brides Book 4) eBook : Hatfield, Shanna: Kindle Store

Audible: Lilac Bride Audiobook by Shanna Hatfield

Chirp: Lilac Bride by Shanna Hatfield - Audiobook (No Subscription)

Bookbub: Lilac Bride (Holiday Brides Book 4) by Shanna Hatfield - BookBub

Goodreads: Lilac Bride: Holiday Brides, Book 4 by Shanna Hatfield | Goodreads

My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars for me. If anything could go wrong in planning a wedding, it did. Katherine had her heart set on a specific wedding. I undertood her reasoning and her fears, so my heart went out to her. Kaden tried to be understanding but missed the mark. I loved the intervention from the HPH crew in such an inventive way. They brought Katherine and Kaden together so their hearts could speak their truths, which made me smile as well as shed a few tears.
A wonderful story handled, once again, by Luke Andreen. He added to the emotions and cadence of the story, keeping my feelings involved.

This is my unsolicited review.

Audiobook Review: Easter Bride (Holiday Brides #3) by Shanna Hatfield, narrator Luke Andreen

Blurb: 

Will meddling matchmakers make a perfect match?

Piper Peterson loves the small community of Holiday, Oregon. She resides there at a beautiful, old farm where she’s surrounded by animals she’s rescued. And she manages the feed store that’s been in her family for more than a hundred years. Despite her contentment with life, her grandfather’s plans to sell the store and farm leave her future up in the air. When a sly matchmaker works to set Grandpa up with the perfect woman, Piper jumps at the chance to lend a hand. But the last thing she expects is to fall in love while helping her grandpa find happiness.

Stuck at a crossroads in his life, Colton Ford can’t decide which direction to head. Then an invitation to stay at his brother’s ranch in Holiday provides an opportunity Colt can’t pass up. He hopes time spent at the Flying B Ranch will help him clear his head and sort out his life. Before long, he finds himself entangled in a matchmaking plot involving his widowed aunt and a charismatic old gent. When he agrees to give the budding romance a nudge, he has no idea the man’s delightful granddaughter will capture his heart.

A heartwarming story filled with country charm, laughter, and hope, Easter Bride blossoms with the joys of budding spring and sweet, small-town romance.

HOLIDAY BRIDES SERIES
Valentine Bride
Summer Bride
Easter Bride
Lilac Bride
Lake Bri

Amazon: Amazon.com: Easter Bride: A Sweet Western Romance (Holiday Brides Book 3) eBook : Hatfield, Shanna: Kindle Store

Audible: Easter Bride Audiobook by Shanna Hatfield

Chirp: Easter Bride by Shanna Hatfield - Audiobook (No Subscription)

Bookbub: Easter Bride: A Sweet Western Romance (Holiday Brides Book 3) by Shanna Hatfield - BookBub

Goodreads: Easter Bride: A Sweet Romance by Shanna Hatfield | Goodreads

My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars. Two people who believe they are temporarily in town. They need to work out what to do even though they wish they did not have to. Piper enjoyed helping keep her family's farm and business going. Colton thought he had to leave to follow his dream. I loved how it all came together. Piper and Colt fell for each other but each kept it to themselves thinking it would be short term. The HPH crew made sure things moved in the right direction. To add to the fun, an older couple find some happiness together as well.
Luke Andreen nailed the narration again. He brought the emotion and humor to all the characters, adding to the enjoyment of this audiobook.

This is my unsolicited review.

Audiobook Review: Summer Bride (Holiday Brides #2) by Shanna Hatfield, narrator Luke Andreen

 

Blurb: 

Two octogenarians won’t stop until they make a match. . .

Sage Presley loves her job as the receptionist at Golden Skies Retirement Village in Holiday, Oregon. She enjoys the residents and their wisdom, even if some of them are more than a little quirky. Determined to ignore the matchmaking efforts of two women at the retirement home, Sage’s sole focus is on raising her brother, Shane. In spite of her best efforts, she can’t help but notice the hunky electrician who continually comes to her rescue.

Grateful for the opportunity to open his own electrical business, Justin James moves to Holiday full of plans and dreams. He’s quickly drawn in by the close-knit community, but finds the lack of suitable single women disturbing. Despite himself, his attention is captured by the receptionist at the retirement home where he’s working on a big job. Yet, he can’t begin to understand why two matchmaking octogenarians are intent on forcing him together with the woman he’s convinced is married.

Sprinkled with humor, hope, and the meaning of selfless love, Summer Bride is a heartwarming sweet romance full of small-town charm.

HOLIDAY BRIDES SERIES
Valentine Bride
Summer Bride
Easter Bride
Lilac Bride
Lake Bride

Amazon: Amazon.com: Summer Bride: A Sweet Holiday Romance (Holiday Brides Book 2) eBook : Hatfield, Shanna: Kindle Store

Chirp: Summer Bride by Shanna Hatfield - Audiobook (No Subscription)

Bookbub: Summer Bride by Shanna Hatfield - BookBub

Goodreads: Summer Bride: A Sweet Holiday Romance by Shanna Hatfield | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This was a sweet story, a quick listen. Sage was determined to give her brother a good life and showered him with the love he needed. Both had issues with others leaving them, but they did have each other. I loved how Justin knew they were a package deal and got to know both of them. He was so patient, caring, and protective. A wonderful story.
Luke Andreen did great job with the narration, bringing each character to life. He kept the story sweet and strong.

This is my unsolicited review.

Audiobook Review: Forged in the Fire (Crimson Crows #1) by A.L. Jackson, narrators Desiree Ketchum and Connor Crais

Blurb: 

It was a terrible idea to agree to protect my enemy’s sister…

The second she stepped out of her brother’s car, I knew she was a wildfire.
Spitting mad and so stunning she stole my breath.
She thinks her brother made a deal with the devil, and by working for me, she’s paying off his debt.

She doesn’t know the real reason she’s here.
Doesn’t know the danger that surrounds her.
Soon, she realizes there is something sinister lurking in the shadows.

She hates me for keeping her in the dark.
I want to hate her back, but with every sassy thing that fires from her mouth, she gets deeper under my skin.
With each heated glance, I feel myself losing control.
And when I crawl into bed with her, I combust.

I know better than thinking I can keep her. My life is nothing but secrets and peril.
But as outside threats begin to infiltrate, I’ll do anything to keep the oath I made to keep her safe.
Even expose her to the monster that I am…

What to Expect in Forged in the Fire:

• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Single Dad
• Protective Grump x Black Cat
• Brother's Nemesis
• Morally Gray Hero
• Secret Society
• Motorcycle Club
• Band of Brothers
• Found Family
• Small Town
• Suspense

Amazon: Forged in the Fire (Crimson Crows Book 1) - Kindle edition by Jackson, A.L.. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Audible: Forged in the Fire Audiobook by A.L. Jackson

Bookbub: Forged in the Fire (Crimson Crows Book 1) by A.L. Jackson - BookBub

Goodreads: Forged in the Fire (Crimson Crows Book 1) by A.L. Jackson | Goodreads

My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars. This was an intriguing story. Brinley and Silas were basically forced together, and the chemistry between them was instant. I loved how Silas tried very hard to keep from touching, but watched her with his MC brothers and family, however mixed up it was and found it even harder to bide his time. Brinley was a lot tougher than she appeared but also caring and sweet, especially with Silas' littlest brother. Danger surrounded them, heat built between them, and love blossomed everywhere. I enjoyed it.
The narration by Desiree Ketchum and Connor Crais was well done. They brought all the emotions through, adding very much to the story.

I received a copy through Valentin PR, and this is my unsolicited review.

Audiobook Challenge for the month of June within the Audiobook Challenge 2026

 

I am participating in June is Audiobook Month (JIAM). I am hoping to accomplish this challenge and have lined up a bunch. Listed below are the challenges, and I am aiming for Finish/Start a series in a month and/or Tackle your Audiobook TBR Pile. Let's see how I do. You can join in if you enjoy audiobooks. That link is also below.

CHALLENGES: complete at least one challenge to enter the giveaway.

Finish/Start a series in a month (listen to at least 3 audiobooks in a series)

Love Your Library (listen to 3 audiobooks from your local library)

Let There be Monsters (listen to 3 audiobooks with monsters/paranormal elements)

Going the Distance (listen to 3 audiobooks over 12 hours each)

Tackle your Audiobook TBR Pile (listen to 3 audiobooks you already own)

RULES:

Challenge runs from Jun 1, 2026 through June 30th. The giveaway will close on July 2, 2026. Winnders will be announced on July 3, 2026. 

To enter, you must complete one challenge. You can complete more than one for extra entries, but no audiobook title can be used twice.

Audiobooks must be a minimum of 4 hours.

Audiobooks count towards your 2026 Audiobook Challenge goals and can be used for other challenges.

Declare your intentions by posting a blog post or sharing on social media. Link back to this sign-up post. Let's get everyone listening in June! #JIAMAudiobookChallenge

Sign up and link to your declaration post, blog, social media site, or Goodreads. Wherever you plan to track your progress.

To sign up: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2026/04/2026-jiam-audiobook-challenge-sign-up.html

Let's see how well I do.

Audiobook Review: Promise (Rogue River #1) by L.B. Dunbar, narrators Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield

 

Blurb: 

A heart-mending romance for a small town marriage-in-repair between reunited lovers seeking a second chance at love later in life.

Dart Rivers is my ex-husband, or so I thought.

Three years ago, he drove out of our small town to chase racing dreams, leaving me and my broken heart in his rearview mirror.

Couple goals and shattered promises brought feelings of failure on both our parts.

Then one night, a special delivery is left on my back step. A stork-drop of sorts. (Think Baby Boom). At first, I believe there must be a mistake, but when the sweet bundle swaddled in pink gazes at me, I’ll do anything to keep her.

Enter Dart Rivers again.

An accident on the track leads to him sneaking into the house, crashing on my couch, and announcing he’s still mine.

Close proximity provides honest conversations, friendly couch time, and familiar attractions. With silver speckled in his hair, Dart is still the best-looking man I’ve ever seen, making my belly flutter and my heart beat again.

But can I trust that fragile organ? Can I give my ex-not-ex-husband a second chance? Can I believe Dart’s new promises?

+ + +

Rogue River series is a spin-off from the Sterling Falls series, specifically Sterling Touch, giving readers small-town romances with characters over 40.

If you love the following, this book is for you:

💍Marriage in repair

💎Still my wife

🩷Only ever been you

🍼Surprise baby (think Baby Boom)

🏁Former NASCAR driver

🏠Small town romance

🩷Heat and heart and HEA

Amazon: Amazon.com: Promise (Rogue River Book 1) eBook : Dunbar, L.B.: Kindle Store

Audible: Promise Audiobook by L.B. Dunbar

B&N: Promise | Barnes & Noble®

Bookbub: Promise (Rogue River Book 1) by L.B. Dunbar - BookBub

Goodreads: Promise: Rogue River, Book 1 by L.B. Dunbar | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was a second chance for Trinity and Dart. Restlessness, looking for something more for him, had Dart leaving Trinity behind. Trinity gave up on their marriage and filed for divorce. When a little surprise fell into her arms, she took this blessing to heart. Then Dart returned and came with a big surprise. I loved how patient Dart was and how accepting he was of Trinity's little bundle, with the usual misunderstanding and noncommunication keeping a wall between them. Their hearts knew the truth, and happiness was had by all. A good story, worth the read.

The narration by Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield added to the story. They did a great job with all the emotions this book required.

This is my unsolicited review.

Audiobook Review: Magic in His Kiss (Vauxhall Voices #2) by Anabelle Bryant, narrator Victoria Aston

Blurb: 

Vauxhall Gardens may be London's ideal attraction with its diverse population, unusual entertainment, and illicit pleasure walks, but for Sofia Gallo, it's also a safe haven.

Leaving Italy with her brothers, she escaped the threat of scandal and the longer she performs as a tumbler, the more Vauxhall feels like home. Especially when she meets Noah Wright, a handsome bachelor seeking work as a magician.

Yet predicting the future is far from a magician's illusion and when Sofia's past collides with her present, she discovers forbidden love is more dangerous than she ever dared to imagine.

Contains mature themes.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Magic in His Kiss: Vauxhall Voices, Book 2 (Audible Audio Edition): Anabelle Bryant, Victoria Aston, Tantor Media: Audible Books & Originals

Audible: Magic in His Kiss Audiobook by Anabelle Bryant

B&N: Magic in His Kiss by Anabelle Bryant, Victoria Aston | 2940159583376 | Audiobook (Digital) | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Magic in His Kiss Audiobook by Anabelle Bryant | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Magic in His Kiss by Anabelle Bryant - Audiobooks on Google Play

Bookbub: Magic in His Kiss by Anabelle Bryant - BookBub

Goodreads: Magic In His Kiss (Vauxhall Voices #2) by Anabelle Bryant | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

Running from her past mistake, Sofia found family along with her brothers at Vauxhall. She was smart and daring, but tired of the overprotection by her brothers. Her attraction to their new neighbor, Noah, had her rethinking her past love. Despite her brothers and her past, she gave her heart to Noah. Noah was kind and caring, while still keeping his own secrets in order to get revenge. Strong feelings overcome all. I enjoyed this story.

I bought the audiobook. The narration by Victoria Aston was well done. It added to the story, bringing the smiles and tears out again. Still an enjoyable story.

Audiobook Review: Cross (Devil's Nightmare MC #1) by Lena Bourne, narrators Stephanie Rose and Aiden Snow

 

Blurb: 

Cross: I'm the guy whose name brings fear into the hearts of even the hardest men. They call me Cross because I've killed enough men to fill a cemetery, and I never saw any problem with that. Until a woman I hardly remember brought my 11-year-old daughter that I didn't know existed to my doorstep and left her for me to take care of.

At first, my daughter was a complication I didn't need, but now I'll do everything I can to raise her right. I'll even stay away from her hot-as-sin guidance counselor Roxanne, who makes me feel like I'm 20 again, and not pushing 40. Which isn't to say I wouldn't show her what a real man can do with a woman like her.

Roxie: My father was the president of an outlaw MC, and until I turned 21, a world of bikers, mayhem, and crime was all I knew. Then a rival gang destroyed it all, killed my family and everyone I held dear, and made me the property of a brutal, ruthless man. I ran away, got an education, and haven't looked back.

Now I'm the guidance counselor at a small-town junior high school, my old life so far behind me it might as well be someone else's past, and I was happy to leave it there. But then I met Cross, the bad-boy biker father of one of my wayward students. He makes me yearn for the life I lost, crave all the excitement that used to be my everyday. Makes me want to be a bad girl again, if only for one night. But I won't go down that road again. It doesn't lead anywhere good.

Contains mature themes.

Amazon: Cross: Devil’s Nightmare MC: Book 1 (Devil's Nightmare MC) - Kindle edition by Bourne, Lena. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Audible: Cross Audiobook by Lena Bourne

B&N: Cross by Lena Bourne, Aiden Snow, Stephanie Rose | 2940169613384 | Audiobook (Digital) | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Cross Audiobook by Lena Bourne | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Cross by Lena Bourne - Audiobooks on Google Play

Bookbub: Cross by Lena Bourne - BookBub

Goodreads: Cross (Devil’s Nightmare MC #1) by Lena Bourne | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I found this to be an interesting story. Roxie lost her family and tried to stay hidden so that she would be safe. She trained and took a job as a school psychologist which brought her into Cross' world. I enjoyed her intelligence, willingness to go for something that provided heat and comfort, though she had her secrets tucked in close. Cross was willing to make some changes when he became a father but struggled with that duty. He cared very much for his daughter, Lily, as well as his club. Danger, surprises, and love had me waiting to see how it would all work out.
The narration by Stephanie Rose and Aiden Snow were entertaining and added to this story. I truly enjoyed their performances.

This is my unsolicited review.

Audiobook Review: Kade's Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans #1) by Kym Grosso, narrator Ryan West

 

Blurb: 

After a series of ritualistic murders plagues Philadelphia, seasoned detective Sydney Willows is forced to partner with a powerful and dangerously alluring vampire. Kade Issacson is secretive, dominant, and utterly inhuman, yet with every step closer to the truth, the harder it becomes to deny the chemistry between them.

Kade has spent centuries hunting monsters who prey on the innocent. Protecting Sydney should be simple. Falling for her is not. As desire intensifies and the threat grows closer, Kade is forced to confront a truth he never expected. The woman he is sworn to protect may be the one who dismantles his carefully controlled world.

In New Orleans, where dark magic lurks in the shadows, Sydney and Kade are drawn into a deadly game of power, seduction, and fate. When Sydney becomes the next target, Kade must choose between the laws of his immortal world and the woman who has claimed his heart.

Kade’s Dark Embrace is the first novel in the Immortals of New Orleans series, a dark paranormal romance of vampires, shifters, witches, and dangerously irresistible alphas.

Amazon: Kade's Dark Embrace: A Vampire Paranormal Romance (Immortals of New Orleans Book 1) - Kindle edition by Grosso, Kym, Roberts, Julie. Paranormal Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Audible: Kade's Dark Embrace Audiobook by Kym Grosso

B&N: Kade's Dark Embrace by Kym Grosso, Ryan West | 2940169253450 | Audiobook (Digital) | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Kade's Dark Embrace Audiobook by Kym Grosso - Listen Free | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Kade's Dark Embrace by Kym Grosso - Audiobooks on Google Play

Bookbub: Kade’s Dark Embrace by Kym Grosso - BookBub

Goodreads: Kade's Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, #1) by Kym Grosso | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I did not want to stop listening to this story. Sydney was an intelligent woman, good in her job. Suddenly Kade joined her investigation because of the nature of the murders. The connection between them was hot, and Kade's natural dominance pushed her limits at times. With a little self-doubt, Sydney was not sure of his true feelings. I loved them as a couple, enjoyed the secondary characters, and need to look into the rest of the series.

The narration by Ryan West added to the story. His intensity and rumbling voice had me listening to every work.

This is my unsolicited review.

Audiobook Review: Cross to Bear (The Satan's Knights MC North Carolina #5) by Janine Infante Bosco

 

Blurb: 

I survived a deployment because of her letters, so there's nothing I wouldn't do for her now...


I was fully prepared to come home in a box. In the dust of Afghanistan, I’d accepted that my life was worth exactly as much as the brothers standing beside me. But then the packages started arriving. My buddy's little sister quickly became my only tether to a world that made sense. And her letters kept me from losing my mind when the world went dark.

Somehow I managed to trade the battlefield for the Knightdale Charter, and since I've been home I've used the club’s business to drown out the echoes of war. I've never stopped thinking about her, but I've kept my distance from her world of soft edges and quiet dreams. We are opposites in every way. The only thing we have in common is her brother.

Then one phone call changes everything. She's drowning in grief and caught in the chaos that follows every soldier home from war. The moment she whispers my name, I'm done for. Now I can't stay away, but I can be the stoic shoulder she can cry on. Yet the moment she collapses into my arms, every instinct I have starts screaming a single truth: she's mine. And I don't just want to comfort her, I want to make her forget the pain.

She thinks she has to face this darkness on her own, but this woman's love carried me through a war. I leave no man behind, so she's not shouldering this burden alone. We'll get through this together, no matter what it takes.

Amazon: Cross To Bear: The Satan’s Knights MC North Carolina, Book Five (The Satan's Knights MC North Carolina 5) - Kindle edition by Infante Bosco, Janine. Contemporary Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Audible: Cross to Bear Audiobook by Janine Infante Bosco

Bookbub: Cross To Bear: The Satan’s Knights MC North Carolina, Book Five (The Satan’s Knights MC North Carolina 5) by Janine Infante Bosco - BookBub

Goodreads: Cross to Bear: The Satan’s Knights MC North Carolina, Book Five by Janine Infante Bosco | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

Jo and Hawk were an interesting couple, brought together by a tragedy. Jo was determined to do things on her own, though she struggled. Her separation from her only family, her brother, hurt when he was found dead. She was strong, heartbroken, caring, and vulnerable at times. Hawk cared about Jo since her letters and packages to him while he was in the military. He was protective of her, very supportive through their pain, and oh so sexy. Their chemistry was hot, and the story was full of action. I had moments of sadness, fear, and giggles.

The narration of Sarah Puckett and Michael Norman Johnson added to this story. The characters had more depth and touched my heart.

I received a copy of the audiobook through 1852Media, and this is my unsolicited review.