Fight or Flight by Dirk Greyson ~ Audio Review

Title: Fight or Flight

Author: Dirk Greyson

Narrator: Mark Westfield

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 6 hrs, 39 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (26th December 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 Hearts

Blurb: Life in the big city wasn’t what Mackenzie “Mack” Redford expected, and now he’s come home to Hartwick County, South Dakota, to serve as sheriff.

Brantley Calderone is looking for a new life. After leaving New York and buying a ranch, he’s settling in and getting used to living at a different pace – until he finds a dead woman on his porch and himself the prime suspect in her murder.

Mack and Brantley quickly realize several things: someone is trying to frame Brantley; he is no longer safe alone on his ranch; and there’s a definite attraction developing between them, one that only increases when Mack offers to let Brantley stay in his home. But as their romance escalates, so does the killer. They’ll have to stay one step ahead and figure out who wants Brantley dead before it’s too late. Only then can they start the life they’re both seeking – together.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: It’s taken me a couple books to get the message but I got it now – Dirk Greyson is Andrew Grey’s pen name for stories that are all about action and danger and less about the romance (thought the physicality if definitely there!). Since I love Andrew Grey’s books, I’m really getting into his books as Dirk Greyson. I will read just about anything, so I’m easily pleased for the most part.

The narrator of this audio, Mark Westfield, is a new narrator for me. I really enjoyed his voice, it suited the parts of both MCs, who are strong men in their own ways. Westfield’s voice had the necessary grit to pull off the voice of Mack and enough soft determination to pull off being Brantley.

So, yeah, as you can tell from the previous paragraph, the MCs are Mack (that is Sheriff Mackenzie “Mack” Redford) and Brantley Calderone. Both guys have a bit of baggage and are interesting characters that have their fair share of development. Mack returned to his hometown to become sheriff after finding out that life in the city wasn’t for him. He’s not out to the town, he’s not fully in the closet either – the man just doesn’t advertise his sexuality. Mostly because he does know that his job could be put in jeopardy.

Brantley Calderone has packed up and left New York after making an obscene amount of money (something he doesn’t advertise) but also in desperate need to get away from the craziness that is New York City. The problem is, as soon as he moves into town, the locals aren’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat for the new stranger in town. Things get worse when he finds a woman murdered on his porch.

Luckily Brantley has an alibi but it’s going to take all of Mack’s skills to protect Brantley and solve the murder. From the start the race is on to unravel the mystery, that involves the fact that Brantley brought the old ranch in the first place. This is a fun story and the chemistry between the two guys is great. Greyson’s style makes this something closer to a slow burn, despite the romance not really being front and center. This is more people that want the adrenaline rush and those who want to put the pieces together to solve the crime before the author tells you.

Blood & Thunder by Charlie Cochet ~ Audiobook

Title: Blood & Thunder

Series: Thirds Book 02

Author: Charlie Cochet

Narrator: Mark Westfield

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: 7 hours and 50 minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (October 27, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: When a series of bombs go off in a Therian youth center, injuring members of THIRDS Team Destructive Delta and causing a rift between agents Dexter J. Daley and Sloane Brodie, peace seems unattainable. Especially when a new and frightening group, the Order of Adrasteia, appears to always be a step ahead. With panic and intolerance spreading and streets becoming littered with the Order’s propaganda, hostility between Humans and Therians grows daily. Dex and Sloane, along with the rest of the team, are determined to take down the Order and restore peace, not to mention settle a personal score. But the deeper the team investigates the bombings, the more they believe there’s a more sinister motive than a desire to shed blood and spread chaos.

Discovering the frightful truth behind the Order’s intent forces Sloane to confront secrets from a past he thought he’d left behind for good, a past that could not only destroy him and his career, but also the reputation of the organization that made him all he is today. Now more than ever, Dex and Sloane need each other, and, along with trust, the strength of their bond will mean the difference between justice and all-out war.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This has got to be one of my favorite series to listen to. I look forward to getting paid and being able to purchase the next book in this series. Getting ready for work I make sure my iPod is charged and that the story is ready to go. I turn it on to listen all the way to work and then here I am jumping up and down at Dex and Sloan. Makes my co-workers look at me funny when I have this shit eating grin on my face when Dex does something crazy, and you know he will. He is always there for a laugh, a joke or even a hug. I also love the way he is with his baby brother.

Mark Westfield always manages to bring them alive for me and for that it makes this story even better. He has the best pitch for each character and makes them just jump out at you. You can feel the happiness, the cheerful grins and laughter, the anger and the pain, and even the goofy attitudes from the others. Mark has got to be the best voice for this series. I always look forward to hearing the voices he can do every morning.

Dex has not been on the team for very long, but he is starting to fit in. He will do everything to keep his friends and his family safe. As one knows your team is your family. The man behind the killings and explosions is needing to be stopped, but when a bomb goes off at the youth center it brings it all forward. He did what he needed to keep his teammate safe, which means breaking the rules. It causes a rift between him and Sloan, but by gods he is standing his ground.

For Sloan it brings what he had lost to the for front right along with the pain of losing his lover. He knows full well what Dex did is right but for the life of him he just can’t fix it. His secrets are about to come out and he fears what Dex will think. He should trust in his partner and learn to forgive himself.

The guys are moving forward very slowly to an outcome that will have them experiences something good. I love the way this story captures you and keeps your attention to the very end. For me it had me aching to get my hands on the next story even before finishing the one I am listing to. I came across Charlie not too long ago and she has made her way to being one of my favorite authors of all time.

When you sit down and have a book in your hand you are feeling what you think they are, but when you are listening to them talk and argue it brings your feelings on even stronger. Charlie has such a gift that shows how an alpha predator can feel something stronger than you would think. I love how you can tell that even though Sloan is strong, he still feels lost. It makes him even more powerful in my eyes. Whereas Dex even though he is laughing and telling jokes, you can feel his pain at the same time. You just know that he is covering parts of what he feels from others, but those around him do everything they can to show him that he is definitely wanted.

This story has a serious tone to it, but damn you can see the humor in it which for me is a top reason to read. Even now I am wanting to start the next story right away. I bought this story a few months ago and have listened to it at least five times a week. So now I finally set down to show you how good this story is. It even brings tears to my eyes with the pain they feel at the loss of one so important and by the hands of someone who was supposed to have loved him. This story brings out more than feelings I suppose.

I think for me the best part was Cael telling Sloan about the vacuum cleaner and Dex. That was the best part ever. I spent most of the time just laughing my ass off at that. I absolutely loved this book and would definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to start on book three.

Catch A Tiger By The Tail by Charlie Cochet ~ Audiobook

Title: Catch a Tiger By The Tail

Series: Thirds 06

Author: Charlie Cochet

Narrator: Mark Westfield

Genre: Paranormal

Length: 8 Hours and 9 Minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (April 29, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Calvin Summers and Ethan Hobbs have been best friends since childhood, but somewhere along the line, their friendship evolved into something more. With the Therian Youth Center bombing, Calvin realizes just how short life can be and no longer keeps his feelings for his best friend a secret. Unfortunately, change is difficult for Ethan; most days he does well to deal with his selective mutism and social anxiety. Calvin’s confession adds a new struggle for Ethan, one he fears might cost him the friendship that’s been his whole world for as long as he can remember.

As partners and Defense Agents at the THIRDS, being on Destructive Delta is tough at the best of times, but between call-outs and life-threatening situations, Calvin and Ethan not only face traversing the challenges of their job, but also working toward a future as more than friends.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

Finally after Dex’s antics and Sloan being a grumpy pants, we get to Calvin and Hobbs. These two have been best friends since they were little and that was never going to change. The only change is Calvin’s feelings for his best friend. He was in love and wanted more. However Hobb’s had so much trouble communicating with others, that he feared change. The big tiger could handle a building blowing up around him, but the moment his best friend kisses him he runs and hides. That is until Hobbs realizes he might just loose the man he loves.

It only took six books to get to these two facing their issues. You can feel the heat from these guys from book one and I am glad to see Hobbs stepping out of his comfort zone. At the same time they have a nasty case to deal with, Sparks training sessions are heating up and someone is trying to kill the. Should I add some one is trying to kill them AGAIN.

Now back to our other sexy couples, damn they are getting all lovey dovey. Ash has definitely surprised me, he is definitely no longer in the closet. Our sexy narrator has given us some amazing voices to listen to. I swear I could listen to that man all day long. He brings our characters to life and damn can he do so many different tones. I think I have listened to this book several times before remembering to do this review.

Now full warning there is a cliff hanger at the end that will have your mouth dropping opened. Even though Dex will always be my favorite, I have a special place inside for Hobbs. He has had such a difficult time with others that he pulls you in no matter what. He protects Calvin physically, where as Calvin protects him emotionally. These two just rock for me.

Charlie Cochet has became a favorite author of mine from the very first book. In fact I hate to admit that I did the audio’s before I even picked up one of her books. I love listening to our guys fight, argue, sigh if they want to and just be a lot of fun together. Who knew Dex could sing so good. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book, it is going to be a kicker. This is one series that if I could give it a ten heart rating I would.

I would definitely recommend it.

Against the Grain by Charlie Cochet ~ Audiobook

51a5MefJ7NL._AA300_Title: Against the Grain
Series: THIRDS, Book 5
Author: Charlie Cochet
Genre: Paranormal Urban Suspense
Length: 7 Hours and 58 Minutes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (October 22, 2015)
Narrator: Mark Westfield
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: As the fiercest defense agent at the THIRDS, Destructive Delta’s Ash Keeler is foul-mouthed and foul tempered. But his hard-lined approach always yields results, evident by his recent infiltration of the Coalition.

Thanks to Ash’s skills and the help of his team, they finally put an end to the murdering extremist group for good, though not before Ash takes a bullet to save teammate Cael Maddock. As a result, Ash’s secrets start to surface, and he can no longer ignore what’s in his heart.

Cael Maddock is no stranger to heartache. As a recon agent for Destructive Delta, he has successfully maneuvered through the urban jungle that is New York City, picking up his own scars along the way. Yet nothing he’s ever faced has been more of a challenge than the heart of Ash Keeler, his supposedly straight teammate.

Being in love isn’t the only danger he and Ash face as wounds reopen and new secrets emerge, forcing them to question old loyalties.

Product Link: http://amzn.to/1TdF9q0

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: To enjoy the overall effects of this series I would suggest starting with the first book, because let me tell you they rock. This series just keeps getting better and better even after listening to them over and over. Which is exactly what I did with this story. There is so much action, suspense, a bit of a mystery, hot sex, twists and turns in this that my attention was captured from the moment it started.

Charlie gives you an entertaining story with hot men and two very feisty girls, then adds in danger and excitement. Not to mention the humor from Dex, which always rocks. I couldn’t wait to hear about Ash and Cael from the moment I opened the first book. You could see right from the start that there was something there, just the right amount of heat. However the fear was still there. I loved getting to know Cael just a bit more also. He is my favorite of them all with his cute cheetah fir.

Ash and Cael had been friends from the start, when Cael flustered and the coffee went all over. Ash just couldn’t say a bad thing to him. He was attracted from the moment he saw him, but his past keeps getting in the way. He had been with a boy when his twin was killed. He felt guilty and punished himself many times over. From then on it was just screwing women, that is until Cael. He wanted so much more.

Cael had been adopted by Tony but not all of his life was good. He tended to pick asshats for boyfriends, with one of them on the top of the worst list. When he shows up, it is intent of pain that pushes Ash closer. Now the whole team knows about them, Cael fears that Ash would never really move forward.

What really surprised me about this story was Tony’s reaction and attitude, it was a blast. Then there are the twists and turns in this story that had me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out who was the bad guy. Now I must admit though that I do wish there was more action involving their Therian side.

The first few books had it, but this one not really as much which I missed. I loved how Dex gives Ash hell and tells him to treat his brother right or it was going to be Alaska. Dex is always fun to have around.

Mark did a wonderful job with the story but for some reason it didn’t come off as good as the first four books, but still didn’t divert from the story itself. He brought the characters alive and made them sound just as I imagined them to be. However with all of the men’s voices in this audible you could tell that Mark was trying to make them different but didn’t really catch it.

I loved the ending and the shock that they had. It had me laughing my ass off at it. I loved that Ash worked through his problems and he got a surprise of his own that had me smiling. I can see myself listening to this more than a dozen times, and I say that because I have already listened to it four of those dozen times. I had so much fun listening to this and can’t wait for book six. Charlie rocks the THIRDS world.

I would definitely recommend it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Hell & High Water by Charlie Cochet ~ Audiobook

HellHigh&WaterAUDLgTitle: Hell & High Water
Series: THIRDS, #1
Author: Charlie Cochet
Narrator: Mark Westfield
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Length: 10 hours and 6 minutes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (October 3, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: When homicide detective Dexter J. Daley’s testimony helps send his partner away for murder, the consequences – and the media frenzy – aren’t far behind.

He soon finds himself sans boyfriend, sans friends, and, after an unpleasant encounter in a parking garage after the trial, he’s lucky he doesn’t find himself sans teeth. Dex fears he’ll get transferred from the Human Police Force’s Sixth Precinct, or worse, get dismissed. Instead, his adoptive father – a sergeant at the Therian-Human Intelligence Recon Defense Squadron otherwise known as the THIRDS – pulls a few strings, and Dex gets recruited as a Defense Agent.

Dex is determined to get his life back on track and eager to get started in his new job. But his first meeting with Team Leader Sloane Brodie, who also happens to be his new jaguar Therian partner, turns disastrous.

When the team is called to investigate the murders of three HumaniTherian activists, it soon becomes clear to Dex that getting his partner and the rest of the tightknit team to accept him will be a lot harder than catching the killer – and every bit as dangerous.

Product Link(s): https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5638

http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Hell-High-Water-Audiobook/B00O4DC8N6

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I have always loved books from a young age, no matter where I went I had a book in my hand. As I got older I came across audible cd’s and picked up one figuring it would be great for the drive back and forth to work. Now those were m/f books and wasn’t as tuned into them as I should have been.

Then a couple of years ago I got into m/m romance stories and I was hooked. So much so that I would think about them at work. So I went online to find m/m romance on cd’s and came across audible stories that I could download to my iPod.

When I came across Charlie Cochet I knew I had found a series that I would love. So I downloaded this story and I have got to tell you that I probably listened to it four or five times this week alone. It not only gives you a story but the way it is told I hear Dex in my head even when I am sleeping.

Dex had just testified and sent his partner to prison for murder. Having really no options since the bosses were basically kicking him to the curb, not really they sent him to work for the Thirds. Thirds is also called Therian-Human Intelligence Recon Defense. Which in a way was a good thing, he would get to work with his adoptive father and brother.

Dex is a riot and will always have a spot in my heart. He always has a joke on hand and even when life is hard, he is always in a good mood. He had been worried about meeting his team after being told that they looked out for themselves. However he met his moody team leader and his partner, and was turned the hell on. He is the perfect man for this team though.

Sloan had not just lost his partner to a killer but also the man was his lover. He didn’t want to replace the man he loved, but was being forced to. His first meeting Dex was not on the best of terms, but he was determined to work through it. After all he had been warned that he needed a partner. After a while he noticed that Dex was helping not only him but his team. Now all he had to do is to find out who was killing the humans.

What caught my attention first was the cover of the book. It was beautifully made and had me wanting the man on the cover even more. Then there is the beautiful man telling the story. Mark Westfield has got to be one of the best story tellers I have ever heard. He managed to give Dex this cheerful tone while as giving Sloan a gruff superior voice. At the same time he made me see Ash as… well, an ass. He gave each guy a unique voice that you hear even when you are not listening to the story. He brought the guys to life for me and I was amazed with the way he did it.

I love how there was heat between Dex and Sloan although they were fighting it. These two are meant to be together. I loved the way the guys just seem to overcome their difficulties even though it is a fight for Sloan. Here he is a tough alpha shifter who has to lead his team while trying to get over the loss of his lover. You can feel the pain he was in and it was intense. I also loved the way the heat just keeps building between them, plus the attitudes of all of the team is just an added bonus for me.

As I have said I listened to this probably four or five times this week alone, and ran to grab the rest as soon as they were available. It has probably become one of my favorite all time stories and I will continue to listen to them while at work or on the go. It is not a short story so I get to spend most of the day listening to it.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *