Tag: Nick J. Russo – Narrator

Tempest by Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock ~ Audiobook

Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock - Tempest Cover audioTitle: Tempest

Series: Playing the Fool 03

Author: Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock

Narrator: Nick J. Russo

Genre: Contemporary, Murder Mystery

Length: 5 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (4th April 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Something wicked this way comes.

FBI Agent Ryan “Mac” McGuinness and con man Henry Page are on the run again. This time they’re headed back to where it all began: Altona, Indiana. Population: some goats. Henry’s not happy about lying low at the McGuinness family farm, but they’ve got nowhere else to go.

While Mac fights to clear his name and Henry struggles with whose side he’s really on, a ghost from the past threatens to destroy everything. And those aren’t the only storms on the radar. Cut off from both sides of the law, Mac and Henry must rely on their tenuous partnership to survive.

If Henry can convince himself to let Mac see the man behind the disguises, they’ll stand a chance of beating the forces that conspire against them. The course of true love never did run smooth, but for the two of them, it might be their only hope.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Audible UK | Auidble AU

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: The third book in the Playing the Fool trilogy, The Tempest continues on with the Shakespeare references, lots of dramatic action, a lovely mystery that comes full circle. There was a lot to bring together in this last book, many characters to tie together and a future to weave for Mac and Cheese. I was very satisfied with this ending, though saddened there could be no redemption for one of my favorite characters…I’ll let you read about it!

The sexual tension between Henry and Mac took some backwards steps a few times, unveiling Henry’s insecurity, leaving me wondering if Mac could really help heal those old wounds and the distance between them.

One of my favorite characters, Henry’s sister, plays a pivotal role in The Tempest, and I’m so glad of it! It helps bring the future together for them all. 

The narrator does another wonderful job, though there does seem to be a chapter missing….wish I had that, but the story still moves forward at a fast pace. 

An action packed trilogy, something to read that feels fresh and different than what the m/m genre has been pumping out lately. Worth a read or listen for sure. Oh and I can’t forget to throw in there…I totally LOVE Mac’s parents. Wish I had them myself!

The Merchant of Death by Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock ~ Audiobook

Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock - The Merchant of Death Cover audioTitle: The Merchant of Death

Series: Playing the Fool 02

Author: Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock

Narrator: Nick J. Russo

Genre: Contemporary, Murder Mystery, RomCom

Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (15th March 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: All’s fair in love and war.

There’s something rotten in the state of Indiana. When con man Henry Page takes it upon himself to investigate the death of an elderly patient at a care facility, he does so in true Shakespearean tradition: dressed as a girl.

FBI Agent Ryan “Mac” McGuinness has more to worry about than Henry’s latest crazy idea. Someone is trying to send him a message – via a corpse with a couple of bullets in it. He needs to figure out who’s trying to set him up before he gets arrested, and he really doesn’t have time for Henry’s shenanigans. Then again, he’d probably be able to focus better if Henry didn’t look so damn distracting in a baby doll dress and a wig.

But when Mac discovers that Henry has been keeping a secret that connects the cases, he has to find a way to live on the right side of the law when he just might be in love with the wrong sort of man.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Audible AU

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: A continuation of The Two Gentlemen of Altona, book two in the Playing the Fool series, The Merchant of Death keeps playing along with Henry’s creative acts. It’s very hard to review this highly entertaining mystery without giving away the big surprises, but there’s plenty of new adventures and new characters to this story.

Henry is making himself at home at the station, making friends among Mac’s staff members, and along the way he’s making Mac crazy. A constant change in identity, keeping Mac guessing, and keeping the bad guys off his tail, all start to spell trouble for our lovely couple.  

We learn a new secret about Henry, something right out of Shakespeare’s classics, and he will do anything to protect and care for that secret, even if it means ending his romance with Mac before it gets a chance to truly begin. Henry’s biggest guise yet is  to play the sexy temptress, throwing Mac for yet another loop when he finds himself attracted to Henry even disguised as a woman.

There is plenty of nail biting action, murderous plots, and humor in this second book, but this time we get hot and steamy too! We finally get to see the fireworks fly between Mac and Henry, even though there’s a bit of a surprise and twist in the bedroom too! 

More characters come to visit us, we get to learn so much more about Henry’s back story, and as we get to know the other court members in Henry’s life, one can easily see new stories begin to unfold. 

Russo is an excellent narrator, giving unique and enjoyable voices to both male and female roles. I really look forward to the next book in the series. 

The Two Gentlemen of Altona by Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock ~ Audiobook

Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock - The Two Gentlemen of Altona Cover audioTitle: The Two Gentlemen of Altona

Series: Playing the Fool book 1

Author: Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock

Narrator: Nick J. Russo

Genre: Contemporary, Murder Mystery, RomCom

Length: 5 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (11th February 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Mischief, thou art afoot.

Special Agent Ryan “Mac” McGuinness is having a rough week. Not only is he on a new diet, but he’s also been tasked with keeping Henry Page – the world’s most irritating witness – alive. Which is tough when Mac’s a breath away from killing the Shakespeare-quoting, ethically-challenged, egg-obsessed Henry himself. Unless killing isn’t really what Mac wants to do to him.

Con man Henry Page prefers to keep his distance from the law… though he wouldn’t mind getting a little closer to uptight, handsome Agent McGuinness. As the sole witness to a mob hit, Henry’s a valuable asset to the FBI. But he’s got his own agenda, and it doesn’t involve testifying.

When evidence surfaces of a mole in the FBI office, Mac and Henry are forced to go into hiding. Holed up in a fishing cabin, they’re surprised to discover that their feelings run more than skin deep. But as the mob closes in, Henry has to make his escape. And Mac has to decide how far he’s willing to go to keep Henry by his side.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Audible AU

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: The Two Gentlemen of Altona is a funny, devious, and fast paced who dunnit with a healthy dose of attraction thrown in. It’s a very “Catch me if you can!” scenario between Mac and Henry. Many humorous references to Shakespeare are woven into this funny mystery.

As far as the heat goes, our two characters seem to have chemistry, but they keep missing the ignition process…leaving us wanting and waiting until the next book! 

My favorite thing about The Two Gentlemen of Altona is the character Henry, or whatever identity he’s going with. He’s so creative, devious, and totally enjoys getting under Mac’s skin. I love how he keeps picking on Mac about his diet. It’s a simple ploy, but so funny in the ways he uses it. 

The narrator, Nick J. Russo does a wonderful job giving each character a unique sounds, I’ve enjoyed many of his narrations, and the Playing the Fool series is just as top notch as all of the others.

This is a series you’ll definitely want to read in order, and it’s serial, so you won’t get all your answers or even half of them in this book. Totally worth the listen, and I look forward to more! 

The Tempest by Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock ~ Audiobook

51KGwHJGUIL._AA300_Title: The Tempest

Series: Playing the Fool, #3

Author: Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock

Narrator: Nick J. Russo

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: 5 hours and 25 minutes

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (April 4th, 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Blurb: Something wicked this way comes.

FBI Agent Ryan “Mac” McGuinness and con man Henry Page are on the run again. This time they’re headed back to where it all began: Altona, Indiana. Population: some goats. Henry’s not happy about lying low at the McGuinness family farm, but they’ve got nowhere else to go.

While Mac fights to clear his name and Henry struggles with whose side he’s really on, a ghost from the past threatens to destroy everything. And those aren’t the only storms on the radar. Cut off from both sides of the law, Mac and Henry must rely on their tenuous partnership to survive.

If Henry can convince himself to let Mac see the man behind the disguises, they’ll stand a chance of beating the forces that conspire against them. The course of true love never did run smooth, but for the two of them, it might be their only hope.

©2015 Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock (P) 2016 Riptide Publishing

Product Link(s): http://amzn.to/1SVAFCs

http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Tempest-Audiobook/B01DPYZ4RG

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: The third book in the Playing the Fool trilogy, The Tempest continues on with the Shakespeare references, lots of dramatic action, a lovely mystery that comes full circle. There was a lot to bring together in this last book, many characters to tie together and a future to weave for Mac and Cheese. I was very satisfied with this ending, though saddened there could be no redemption for one of my favorite characters…I’ll let you read about it!

The sexual tension between Henry and Mac took some backwards steps a few times, unveiling Henry’s insecurity, leaving me wondering if Mac could really help heal those old wounds and the distance between them.

One of my favorite characters, Henry’s sister, plays a pivotal role in The Tempest, and I’m so glad of it! It helps bring the future together for them all.

The narrator does another wonderful job, though there does seem to be a chapter missing….wish I had that, but the story still moves forward at a fast pace.

An action packed trilogy, something to read that feels fresh and different from what the m/m genre has been pumping out lately. Worth a read or listen for sure. Oh and I can’t forget to throw in there…I totally LOVE Mac’s parents. Wish I had them myself!

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

Frat Boy and Toppy by Anne Tenino ~ Audiobook

61ahKjZUP+L._AA300_Title: Frat Boy and Toppy

Series: Theta Alpha Gamma, #1

Author: Anne Tenino

Narrator: Nick J. Russo

Length: 5 hours and 3 minutes

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (March 7th, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Brad is great at meeting other people’s expectations. But his own? Not so much. Take the gay thing. Okay, so yeah. It took a morning meeting with a frat brother’s hairy, naked ass for him to admit it, but he knows the truth about himself now. Let the gay life commence.

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. He hasn’t quite determined how to come out to anyone, even Sebastian, the geeky-hot TA in his history class. Sebastian is everything Brad is not. Intellectual, suave, hairy. Out. And he doesn’t seem interested in Brad, even when Brad makes a fool of himself trying to catch his notice.

Score one for foolery: Sebastian does more than notice Brad; he takes him to bed. Brad’s been with plenty of girls, but with Sebastian, the sex is something else entirely – hot, mind-blowing, affirming, and a little domineering in a way that drives him wild. But when great sex turns into something more – dare he admit the “L” word? – Brad must face the crushing realization that Sebastian doesn’t feel the same. Unless, of course, he does.

After all, even grad students can be idiots about matters of the heart.

©2012 Anne Tenino (P) 2016 Riptide Publishing

Product Link: http://amzn.to/1NyCar2

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: This cute and sexy coming out story put a smile on my face!

Assertive and sexy Sebastian, confident in his role as seductive lay-‘em-and-leave-‘em TA, is sideswiped by a cute yet vulnerable jock, Brad, who is just starting to find himself and test the gay waters. Oddly enough it seems the important people in Brad’s life noticed the gay long before he came to terms with it himself.

There are many comedic parts of this story, and plenty of inner dialogue that made me grin. The sex scenes are intimate yet erotic with some fun dominance/submissive scenes. There are first kisses, first frottage, first well…and I can’t’ forget the repentance with toys! Damn, Sebastian can be hot Dom, and enjoying Brad play the submissive, cute and cuddly jock role…made for some topsy-turvy fun! A lot of cute and a little kink!

The narrator was pretty good at creating unique voices for each character which I always appreciate. The intoxicated Brad voice was a bit odd, but the rest was a great fit. I loved it every time I heard Sebastian’s character call Brad “Honey”, made me puddle every time.

Generally, Frat Boy and Toppy was a light, yet endearing coming out story that pulled my heartstrings and struck my funny bone.

Definitely worth a listen! I was either laughing or panting for most of the book!

Christmas Kitsch by Amy Lane ~ Audiobook

51c15K8pj6L._AA300_Title: Christmas Kitsch
Series: N/A
Author: Amy Lane
Narrator: Nick J. Russo
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday
Length: 6 hours and 17 minutes
Publisher: Riptide Publishing (December 8, 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Sometimes the best thing you can get for Christmas is knowing what you really want.

Rusty Baker is a blond, rich, entitled football player in a high school full of them – just the type of oblivious jock all the bullied kids hate. And he might have stayed that way except he develops a friendship with out-and-proud Oliver Campbell from the wrong side of the tracks. Rusty thinks the friendship is just pity – Oliver is very bright, and Rusty is very not – but then Oliver kisses him good-bye when Rusty leaves for college, and Rusty is forced to rethink everything he knows about himself.

But even Rusty’s newfound awareness can’t help him survive a semester at Berkeley. He returns home for Thanksgiving break clinging to the one thing he knows to be true: Oliver Campbell is the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

Rusty’s parents disagree, and Rusty finds himself homeless for the holidays. Oliver may not have much money, but he’s got something Rusty has never known: true family.

With their help and Oliver’s love, Rusty comes to realize that he may have failed college, but he’ll pass real life with flying rainbow colors.

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

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I had not had the chance to read this story so when I was given the audible I wasn’t sure what to expect from it. I have never really been into teenagers finding love so it was a bit different to me. However I realized that Christmas Kitsch is probably one of my favorite love stories from this side. I also never realized how much I want to just knock some sense into Rusty’s parents.

Nick brought these boys and their families alive for me and I was fascinated by it. He gave them each a distinctive tone that you can tell who each character is and I loved it. It made me want to listen to it more than just once and that was a big hit for me. It was told with a flair that had me wanting more. He made Rusty’s voice perfect. You can feel everything Rusty is feeling while telling his story.

Rusty is a sweet kid who wasn’t like many other rich kids you come across. He might be spoiled in some ways but it didn’t change him into one of those types. He definitely has a lot of heart but he doesn’t really come off as brainless as he thinks. He might just be a bit slow picking up some things. When Oliver starts school he takes him under his wing and helps him. As Oliver is helping him with his school work.

When he realizes that there is more than just friendship he is about shocked. Here he was sleeping with girls and he is attracted to Oliver. One kiss right before Thanksgivings gets him kicked out of his home. Oliver’s family takes him in and shows him how a family should be.

Oliver is a cute little Hispanic boy who is very out and proud. He shows up at school and takes one look at Rusty. These two hit it off, even when the homophobic asshats around them are well asses. These two start a friendship that is strong and turns into something more. Rusty’s only support from his family is his little sister, whereas Oliver’s family is very warm and friendly. I love how you can see the difference and wish that it was more out in the world. Nick definitely did a number with this story. He made me fall in love even more.

I think my favorite moment for this story was their first kiss. So sweet and tender, Rusty is confused but turned on. He doesn’t react like one would think from a guy who didn’t know he liked other guys. He is definitely Oliver’s. The second would be how Oliver and his father were going to come down and kidnap Rusty when Rusty wasn’t doing well at school. It showed me another side to a parent who stands by their family.

I want Oliver’s’ family that is for sure. The story was perfectly pitched although I wish it was told a bit faster for me. I want to get to the sexy parts, so that was just me. It had the right amount of feelings in it that made it more entertaining. The story itself was perfect and there was so much detail that it had me feeling like I was right there with them. Although I did look a bit strange with my pissed off look about Rusty’s parents.

This was the perfect Christmas story and I look forward to not only reading more by this author but listening to her stories.

I would definitely recommend this book to others. It was a hit with me.

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