Audiobook Review: Chasing Smoke (The Mercer Family #2) by Piper Rayne, narrators Maxine Mitchell and Connor Crais plus a full cast

 

Blurb: 

I've been running toward burning buildings for a decade. Then my best friend's widow smiled at me for the first time in two years, and I knew right then I was in trouble.

After Caleb died, I made a promise—I’d take care of his wife. Keep an eye on her. Check in on her. Make sure she kept on living.

Collins insists she’s fine. She’s not.

So when she finally agrees to let me help pull her out of her grief, I vow to stand beside her however long she needs me, no matter how much it costs me.

Collins isn’t supposed to smile at me like she does. She’s not supposed to let me in. And she definitely isn’t supposed to be the best part of my day.

She was Caleb’s. I know that.

The problem is, I can't stop wondering what it would be like if Collins wasn't just someone I was meant to protect.

But mine.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Chasing Smoke (The Mercer Family Book 2) eBook : Rayne, Piper: Kindle Store

Audible: Chasing Smoke (The Mercer Family Book 2) Audiobook by Piper Rayne

B&N: Chasing Smoke | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Chasing Smoke Audiobook by Piper Rayne - Listen Free | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Chasing Smoke by Piper Rayne - Audiobooks on Google Play

Bookbub: Chasing Smoke (The Mercer Family, #2) by Piper Rayne - BookBub

Goodreads: Chasing Smoke (The Mercer Family #2) by Piper Rayne | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This was a fun and touching story. My heart went out to Collins as she continued to mourn the death of her husband. I loved how her friends got her started on a healing path. Ansel had his guilt to deal with, but he was determined to help Collins find her way back to living. As secrets began to come out as she worked her way through the list, she found she had support, love, friendships, and a desire to live life again. I had so many tears as the story began to wrap up, clearing up some of the questions. I truly enjoyed this story.
The narration by Maxine Mitchell and Connor Crais was superb, bringing out the emotions and humor, making me enjoy the story more. The added voices of Jason Clarke, JF Harding, Stephen Dexter, Callie Dalton, Jill Smith, and Aaron Shedlock helped keep all the different characters separate.

I received the audiobook through Hambright PR, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Tour: Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire written and illustrated by Alexandra Arneri with my review

Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire

Children's Book

Date Published: March 30, 2026

Publisher: Trela Mela Press

A brave little dragon. A forest in danger. A powerful story about friendship, courage, and protecting the world we share.

Little Branko lives high above Dragonville in Zmajograd, a city of dragons controlled by rules - the Dragons’ Code. Under this code, dragons cannot put out fires and dragons cannot be friends with humans. But Branko has never understood why. Unlike the other dragons, he does not want to start fires—he wants to put them out.

When Branko questions the Dragons’ Code in school, he is told to “learn” and not “think”. When he persists, he is banished from his community. Determined to follow his heart, he travels to the human town below and dreams of becoming a firefighter. But the humans are afraid of him, too. Caught between two worlds that refuse to accept him, Branko must decide whether to give up—or keep believing that kindness can change everything.

When a dangerous wildfire threatens the forest shared by humans and dragons, Branko finally gets his chance to prove that courage is not about following old rules. It is about doing what is right.

Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire is a heartwarming children’s picture book about friendship, bravery, community, environmental responsibility, and the importance of questioning division. With themes of inclusion, cooperation, wildfire awareness, and respect for firefighters, this inspiring story encourages young readers to look beyond fear, challenge unfair rules, and discover the extraordinary power of helping others.

Perfect for children who love stories about dragons, firefighters, friendship, nature, and unlikely heroes, this meaningful book is ideal for family reading, classrooms, libraries, and conversations about courage, compassion, and caring for our planet.

Great for readers interested in:

• Dragon picture books

• Firefighter books for kids

• Children’s books about friendship and acceptance

• Stories about courage, kindness, and standing up for what is right

• Environmental books for children

• Climate books for children

• Wildfire awareness and forest protection

• Social-emotional learning and community-building stories

A beautifully imaginative tale for young readers who believe even the smallest voice can spark big change.

 

My Review - 4 of 5 stars -

This was an interesting story. I enjoyed the topic of friendship, getting along with those that are different, making sure to know the facts, and showing that adults are just as susceptible to biased views. Branko was brave and willing to go against the "rules" to find answers. The illustrations were added to the narrative. Loved the dialogue bubbles. The information at the end about fires, fire prevention, and firefighters was informative, but I felt it bordered on a personal opinion.

About the Author

Alexandra Arneri is an author, attorney, producer, and human rights advocate whose stories explore courage, connection, and the power of questioning the rules that keep people apart.

Born in Belgrade, raised in Belgrade and Sydney, and shaped by formative years in New York City, Alexandra brings a global perspective to her work. Her writing often features unlikely characters—from mushrooms and fax machines to thunder, lightning, flowers, Beeps, Honks, and dragons—who discover that difference does not have to mean division.

Her debut children’s book, Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire, introduces young readers to a brave little dragon who challenges tradition, reaches across fear, and helps unite humans and dragons in the face of an unprecedented and fierce wildfire. Inspired by themes of friendship, environmental responsibility, community, and courage, the story reflects Alexandra’s belief in the importance of compassion, cooperation, and protecting the world we share.

Beyond children’s literature, Alexandra’s creative work spans genres and platforms, including Gravity FM, a deep dive podcast exploring planetary health and human rights, the satirical Degenerate Carrot cartoons, and impactful storytelling through Apocryphal Pictures. She is also a practicing attorney at Cittone Demers & Arneri LLP, where she maintains a robust human rights practice, and serves as President of the Global Witness Foundation.

Alexandra lives in San Francisco with her family. When she is not writing, practicing law, producing stories, or advocating for human rights, she enjoys painting, yoga, and creating imaginative tales about the courage it takes to reach across what divides us.

Contact Links

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

TikTok

Purchase Links

Amazon

B&N

B-A-M

Walmart

Ebook Review: Branko Smokejumper Extraordinaire by Alexandra Arneri

Blurb:

Little Branko lives in Zmajograd, the dragon city above the human town of Dragonville. Unlike other dragons, and defying the Dragons' Code, Branko wants to put out fires and befriend humans. Banished from his community for daring to question its rules and shunned by humans when he tries to be a firefighter, Branko never gives up. When a ferocious wildfire threatens their shared forest, Branko's courage and kindness spark cooperation between humans and dragons, fostering a new, shared sense of community.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire eBook : Arneri, Alexandra: Kindle Store

B&N: Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire | Barnes & Noble®

Goodreads: Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire by Alexandria Arneri | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was an interesting story. I enjoyed the topic of friendship, getting along with those that are different, making sure to know the facts, and showing that adults are just as susceptible to biased views. Branko was brave and willing to go against the "rules" to find answers. The illustrations were added to the narrative. Loved the dialogue bubbles. The information at the end about fires, fire prevention, and firefighters was informative, but I felt it bordered on a personal opinion.

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

Blitz: Branko: Smoke Jumper Extraordinaire by Alexandra Arneri, illustrated by Alexandra Arneri

Branko: Smoke Jumper Extraordinaire

by Alexandra Arneri

Children's Book

Date Published: March 30, 2026

Publisher: Trela Mela Press

A brave little dragon. A forest in danger. A powerful story about friendship, courage, and protecting the world we share.

Little Branko lives high above Dragonville in Zmajograd, a city of dragons controlled by rules - the Dragons’ Code. Under this code, dragons cannot put out fires and dragons cannot be friends with humans. But Branko has never understood why. Unlike the other dragons, he does not want to start fires—he wants to put them out.

When Branko questions the Dragons’ Code in school, he is told to “learn” and not “think”. When he persists, he is banished from his community. Determined to follow his heart, he travels to the human town below and dreams of becoming a firefighter. But the humans are afraid of him, too. Caught between two worlds that refuse to accept him, Branko must decide whether to give up—or keep believing that kindness can change everything.

When a dangerous wildfire threatens the forest shared by humans and dragons, Branko finally gets his chance to prove that courage is not about following old rules. It is about doing what is right.

Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire is a heartwarming children’s picture book about friendship, bravery, community, environmental responsibility, and the importance of questioning division. With themes of inclusion, cooperation, wildfire awareness, and respect for firefighters, this inspiring story encourages young readers to look beyond fear, challenge unfair rules, and discover the extraordinary power of helping others.

Perfect for children who love stories about dragons, firefighters, friendship, nature, and unlikely heroes, this meaningful book is ideal for family reading, classrooms, libraries, and conversations about courage, compassion, and caring for our planet.

Great for readers interested in:

• Dragon picture books

• Firefighter books for kids

• Children’s books about friendship and acceptance

• Stories about courage, kindness, and standing up for what is right

• Environmental books for children

• Climate books for children

• Wildfire awareness and forest protection

• Social-emotional learning and community-building stories

A beautifully imaginative tale for young readers who believe even the smallest voice can spark big change.

 

About the Author

Alexandra Arneri is an author, attorney, producer, and human rights advocate whose stories explore courage, connection, and the power of questioning the rules that keep people apart.

Born in Belgrade, raised in Belgrade and Sydney, and shaped by formative years in New York City, Alexandra brings a global perspective to her work. Her writing often features unlikely characters—from mushrooms and fax machines to thunder, lightning, flowers, Beeps, Honks, and dragons—who discover that difference does not have to mean division.

Her debut children’s book, Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire, introduces young readers to a brave little dragon who challenges tradition, reaches across fear, and helps unite humans and dragons in the face of an unprecedented and fierce wildfire. Inspired by themes of friendship, environmental responsibility, community, and courage, the story reflects Alexandra’s belief in the importance of compassion, cooperation, and protecting the world we share.

Beyond children’s literature, Alexandra’s creative work spans genres and platforms, including Gravity FM, a deep dive podcast exploring planetary health and human rights, the satirical Degenerate Carrot cartoons, and impactful storytelling through Apocryphal Pictures. She is also a practicing attorney at Cittone Demers & Arneri LLP, where she maintains a robust human rights practice, and serves as President of the Global Witness Foundation.

Alexandra lives in San Francisco with her family. When she is not writing, practicing law, producing stories, or advocating for human rights, she enjoys painting, yoga, and creating imaginative tales about the courage it takes to reach across what divides us.

Contact Links

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

TikTok

Purchase Links

Amazon

B&N

B-A-M

Walmart

Audiobook Review: When the Smoke Clears by Jewel E. Ann, narrators Natasha Chandel and Sean Masters

 

Blurb: 

From USA Today bestselling author Jewel E. Ann comes a bittersweet second-chance romance about deferred love, impossible timing, and the courage of choosing happiness after devastating loss.

Everleigh Reichart and William Landry fell hard—and far too fast. Their weeklong romance ended the moment Will, a twenty-nine-year-old firefighter, learned the truth: Everleigh was seventeen. He walked away to protect them both. Destiny had other plans.

Eleven years later, Will is still running into burning buildings, while Everleigh has become a brilliant psychiatrist. When a house fire strands her on his land, their old feelings ignite like patient embers. But she’s desperate to keep concealing the childhood trauma that has shaped her life, and he’s struggling under the weight of his father’s terminal illness. Too soon, the strain snaps their fragile reunion, flinging them farther apart than ever before.

Now Everleigh must face her past to salvage a future with Will…if he can accept that loving her includes the broken parts too. But first, he needs to come and find her—this time by faith, not fate.

Amazon: Amazon.com: When the Smoke Clears eBook : Ann, Jewel E.: Kindle Store

Audible: When the Smoke Clears Audiobook by Jewel E. Ann

Bookbub: When the Smoke Clears by Jewel E. Ann - BookBub

Goodreads: When the Smoke Clears by Jewel E. Ann | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This story had me smiling, crying, and shaking my head. There were so many secrets, denial of feelings, and steamy scenes. I loved Everleigh, even after finding out about her true past, and Will, despite his constant refusal to admit his feelings. They were a great couple though there was an age gap that Will struggled with. My heart hurt so much with the family dynamic of Will's family, but it gave me hope as it affected Everleigh to bring everything to the forefront. This was a touching story with a lot of love, family, friends, and support. It showed how different people react to the same situation. Well worth reading.
Natasha Chandel and Sean Masters were great with the story, with the emotions, and all the characters. I enjoyed listening as it added another layer to this audiobook.

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

Audiobook Release: When the Smoke Clears by Jewel E. Ann, narrators Natasha Chandel and Sean Masters

When The Smoke Clears by Jewel E. Ann is now live on audio!

Narrated by: Sean Masters & Natasha Chandel 

From USA Today bestselling author Jewel E. Ann comes a bittersweet second-chance romance about deferred love, impossible timing, and the courage of choosing happiness after devastating loss.

Everleigh Reichart and William Landry fell hard—and far too fast. Their weeklong romance ended the moment Will, a twenty-nine-year-old firefighter, learned the truth: Everleigh was seventeen. He walked away to protect them both. Destiny had other plans.

Eleven years later, Will is still running into burning buildings, while Everleigh has become a brilliant psychiatrist. When a house fire strands her on his land, their old feelings ignite like patient embers. But she’s desperate to keep concealing the childhood trauma that has shaped her life, and he’s struggling under the weight of his father’s terminal illness. Too soon, the strain snaps their fragile reunion, flinging them farther apart than ever before.

Now Everleigh must face her past to salvage a future with Will…if he can accept that loving her includes the broken parts too. But first, he needs to come and find her—this time by faith, not fate.

Listen today!

Audible: https://bit.ly/44IUNDD

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4vDf7RJ 

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4wVYC4o 

Audiobook Preorder: When the Smoke Clears by Jewel E. Ann, narrators Natasha Chandel and Sean Masters

When The Smoke Clears by Jewel E. Ann is now available for pre-order on audio!

Narrated by Sean Masters & Natasha Chandel

Releasing on August 25, 2026 

From USA Today bestselling author Jewel E. Ann comes a bittersweet second-chance romance about deferred love, impossible timing, and the courage of choosing happiness after devastating loss.

Everleigh Reichart and William Landry fell hard—and far too fast. Their weeklong romance ended the moment Will, a twenty-nine-year-old firefighter, learned the truth: Everleigh was seventeen. He walked away to protect them both. Destiny had other plans.

Eleven years later, Will is still running into burning buildings, while Everleigh has become a brilliant psychiatrist. When a house fire strands her on his land, their old feelings ignite like patient embers. But she’s desperate to keep concealing the childhood trauma that has shaped her life, and he’s struggling under the weight of his father’s terminal illness. Too soon, the strain snaps their fragile reunion, flinging them farther apart than ever before.

Now Everleigh must face her past to salvage a future with Will…if he can accept that loving her includes the broken parts too. But first, he needs to come and find her—this time by faith, not fate.

Pre-order today!

Audible: https://bit.ly/44IUNDD

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4vDf7RJ 

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4wVYC4o 

Release: Blaze (MorningStar MC: New Orleans Chapter #7) by D. Williams with my review

Blaze

Series: MorningStar MC New Orleans Chapter, Book Seven

by D. Williams

Release: October 22, 2025

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4qig7cJ

Genre/Tropes: 

• MC Romance

• Romantic Suspense

• Friends-to-Lovers

• Reunion Romance

• Second Chance

• Fear of Commitment

Blurb:

I’ve lived my life exactly how I’ve wanted to, chasing fires. Until the best night of my life made me rethink the word responsibility. Suddenly, risking my life jumping out of planes into forest fires wasn’t worth the chance of not coming home. Especially when I have two little girls waiting on me.

So I retired. 

Bought a house, learned how to change a diaper, and have been trying to change that life I thought I wanted into the one I have and desperately want to keep. 

Being a father. 

But danger also has a way of finding me, and I’m afraid it might cost me everything I’ve been trying to hold on to.

The club took me in with open arms. I’m training local firefighters at the academy and trying to date the love of my life, if she’d give me the time of day, because I won’t stop until she’s my wife.

Buy Links (Kindle Unlimited):

Amazon Universal: https://mybook.to/Blaze_DWilliams 

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FK45K97K

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FK45K97K

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FK45K97K

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FK45K97K

In the Series (Kindle Unlimited):

Seer - available now

Nova - available now

Mayhem - available now

Skull - available now

Jester - available now

Whip - available now

Amazon Universal: https://mybook.to/Morningstar_NewOrleans

Author Bio:

I'm a retired 43-year-old Puerto Rican wife and mother of 3 plus 1 bonus daughter. Originally from NYC, now living a quiet life in the south suburbs of Chicago. I enjoy reading and writing romance and erotic fiction. I'm addicted to coffee, sci-fi, and all things Marvel and Harry Potter.

I was a teen mom with a whole world of statistics against me. Every time I was told I couldn't do something, I did it, took pictures, and smiled with my son on my hip for everyone who ever doubted me.

Now, after finding the love of my life in my thirties, we married in the great 2020 pandemic, which shall not be named. We have a house full of teenagers who don't need mommy anymore, and the hubs is a traveling ER nurse, SO I have found myself with a lot of downtime.

After years of having this story taking space in my head, I decided to share it with the world. Gotta say, this writing gig is HARD. But with some time and grace, I'll get it right.

Social Media Links:

Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/a8u2z0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D.WilliamsAuthor.2021

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.williamsauthor2021/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwilliamsauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21620774.D_Williams

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/D-Williams/e/B09B5N13LT

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorDWilliams

 

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

A fairly quick read with very touching moments. Mallory and Blaze had a family together but had not committed to each other officially. No "I love you" was spoken so they were unsure of each other. Events had almost taken Blaze from Mallory and their twins. Danger came into their lives once again, and this time it was Mallory to suffer. I enjoyed the moment that Blaze realized what he needed to do, to claim Mallory, and love her out in the open. Mallory was afraid of losing him, but she had the fortitude to stay with him. They were wonderful parents which I loved. A great story.

Sale!!! Into the Flames (Jupiter Point #3) by Jennifer Bernard, 99 cents for a limited time

Into The Flames by Jennifer Bernard is only 99c for a limited time!

Friends to Lovers
Black Sheep of the Family
Protective Hero / Heroine in Peril
Small-Town Romance
Opposites Attract

https://geni.us/IntoTheFlamesJB
Available on All Platforms

 

To his wildfire hotshot crew, he's Rollo--firefighter, loyal friend, lifesaver. To his family, he's Rollington Wareham III, black sheep and heir to a banking fortune. But now that he's turned thirty, Rollo knows his days of firefighting and freedom are over. He has responsibilities. Duties. Goodbye hotshots, hello boardroom—and a socially acceptable bride. This is absolutely the worst time to realize just how sexy and adorable his good friend Brianna is.

Put her in a garden with some plants, and Brianna Gallagher knows just what to do. Send her on a date with an attractive man and things get awkward. Epically awkward. It's a good thing she and Rollo are such great friends. It would be a total disaster if she started noticing his ripped physique and sculpted muscles. Kissing him is a definite no-no. As for falling into bed … well, that might be okay as long as they both know it's a limited time deal. She doesn't belong in his world, and he can't stay in hers. No matter how much she's falling for him.

But fate has a way of changing people's plans. When a family crisis follows Rollo to Jupiter Point, he turns to the one woman he trusts above all others. Throw in a disastrous visit to Manhattan, a bride hunt, and the world's most awkward crush, and it will take a miracle to bring them together. Or a shocking event that puts Brianna's life at risk ...