Trapped in Oz by Andrew Grey ~ Audiobook

Title: Trapped in Oz

Series: Tales from Kansas 03

Author: Andrew Grey

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 3 hrs, 38 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (23rd August 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Martin Long has plans and dreams, but they are derailed when his parents move and must sell their house. In need of a place to stay, fast, he answers an ad for a roommate, and even though the house needs work, the owner seems nice so Martin agrees to move in.

Gary Hunter is barely making ends meet, with mysteriously disappearing tips at work and tuition to pay. Disowned by his family and left with a house in need of repair, Gary desperately needs the extra set of hands along with the money.

When Gary confesses that his family disowned him for being gay, Martin makes his own confession that opens a world of possibilities. But Gary has paid a heavy price for being who he is, and Martin’s unwillingness to open up to his family puts strain on the fledgling relationship.

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

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I love a good Andrew Grey book (to prove it, I have 18 books on Audible and all his books in ebook format), which is basically any book the man writes, and Stuck in Oz is no exception, so I’ll keep this to the point. Grey is brilliant at writing heartfelt stories, that of course include a beautiful romance, that is gentle, relatable and believable. His characters are down to earth, and everything just works. He also tends to add children into the story which takes heartwarming to a whole new level,

Narration for this story was done by Rusty Topsfield. He has narrated as number of the Dreamspun Desire imprint that I could basically eat up for breakfast if it was a foodstuff. I really liked Topsfield’s voice and the tone that he lent to the character. He nailed the performance in for the entire Tales from Kansas series.

Trapped in Oz is the third and final book in the Trapped in Oz series, and it is honestly just as excellent and enjoyable as the first two. One of the best part of this series in general that these aren’t cookie cutter plots – all the same with different characters and slightly different plot line. The stories are very different and generally just wonderful with incredibly sweet stories and relatable characters.

Tapped in Oz is the romance between Martin and Gary. Martin finds himself quite suddenly in need of a place to stay. His parents are selling the family home and moving away, which leaves Martin in a spot of desperation. Gary is basically the answer to Martin’s prayers. Martin is struggling, his family have disowned him, he needs to make more money to maintain upkeep on his house. The two guys hit it off and they have some incredible chemistry. However, the problem is that both Martin and Gary need to come to terms with who they are and where they are in their lives before making their relationship a forever thing. Gary has done a lot more growing than Martin off page before the two met, but it was great to see how both characters grow and develop before coming to the inevitable HEA,

This is an unmissable Andrew Grey book that I can’t recommend strongly enough.

Dumped in Oz by Andrew Grey ~ Audiobook

Title: Dumped in Oz

Series: Tales from Kansas 01

Author: Andrew Grey

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 3 hrs, 55 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (14th April 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Because of an opportunity he’d be a fool to turn down, Lyle Powers transfers to his company’s warehouse in central Kansas. The last thing he expects is to meet another gay man in the small town, let alone one who captures his interest.

Roger Kypers is a recovering alcoholic with a 12-year-old daughter he only gets to see for part of the summer. Neither Lyle nor Roger is looking for a relationship, and they fumble at the start, yet emotions build as Roger shows Lyle the landmarks of Oz.

But when Roger’s wicked witch of an ex-wife threatens to take his daughter away for good if he doesn’t act “normally”, he’s faced with the challenge of letting her get away with it, or fighting to accept himself and standing up for what he knows is right.

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

Reviewer: Prime

Narration for this story was done by Rusty Topsfield. He has narrated as number of the Dreamspun Desire imprint that I could basically eat up for breakfast if it was a foodstuff. I really liked Topsfield’s voice and the tone that he lent to the character. He really just nailed the performance in my mind, as he has done for the entire Tales from Kansas series.

Stuck in Oz starts off with Lyle Powers being transferred, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, to his company’s main warehouse in Kansas. Lyle thinks, that even though he is taking up an incredible professional opportunity, he doesn’t move with the expectation that he’ll also find a HEA in her personal life as well. He meets Roger Kypers, who has his own set of issues – he’s a recovering alcoholic and has a 12 year girl he only gets to see for part of the summer holidays. Their relationship starts out really sweet and unsure as Roger shows Lyle the Wizard of Oz themed landmarks around town.

This book is one of the few where Grey casts the mother of the child central to the couple in the Wicked Witch of The West (pun fully intended) but it works really well and didn’t take from my enjoyment of the book. In fact, the motivations were well outlined and not thrown in just for the sake of drama. This point of the book really helps drive the relationship and forces Roger to comes to terms with the man that he is and build a family with his daughter and Lyle. (PS I really love Lyle, although both guys are relatable Lyle I found it so easy to connect with Lyle.

Stuck in Oz by Andrew Grey ~ Audiobook

Title: Stuck in Oz

Series: Tales from Kansas 02

Author: Andrew Grey

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 4 hrs, 7 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (13th June 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: When Jeremy and Petey’s mother died, their house was taken to pay the debts she left behind, leaving them homeless. Afraid Petey will be put in foster care, they have no one to turn to but their Uncle Milt, so they pack up Jeremy’s beat-up car and leave San Diego for Wamego, Kansas.
They arrive in the middle of a snowstorm and stop at the local diner to contact their uncle, where they meet Nate. Nate and his aunt help them contact Uncle Milt, and he agrees to help.

Jeremy and Nate hit it off quickly, but Jeremy runs when he’s made to believe their new home isn’t permanent. Nate goes after him, finds him, and convinces him that he’s wanted. However, just as Jeremy and Nate begin to trust each other, Petey’s estranged father appears and threatens to tear Jeremy’s new life and fledgling family apart.

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

Reviewer: Prime

The story starts in heartbreak. In order to keep what is left of his little family together after their mother’s death, Jeremy is forced to sell the family home in San Diego and with nothing left for him and his baby brother Petey, he goes on a cross country expedition to find his only other living relative. Jeremy and Petey aren’t prepared for life – or weather – in Wamego, Kansas but Jeremy will do anything to keep his brother out of foster care. Arriving in Kansas during a snowstorm, he meets Nate who helps Jeremy find his Uncle Milt.

This book is mostly Jeremy’s story – he has to grow and come to realize that he doesn’t need to keep on running and that happiness won’t be taken away from him. After all, life has left him with a lot of insecurities. Only from there can the sweet, fledgling relationship between Jeremy and Nate become something more. On a side note, Uncle Milt is a wonderful secondary character.

Words cannot express, well more than I have without going on for much longer, how much I love Stuck in Love and how incredible heartwarming and sweet the romance is. In short, if you love Andrew Grey, read/listen to it. If you love a sweet, slow burn romance, read/listen to it.

The Millionaire Upstairs by M.J. O’Shea ~ Audiobook

Title: The Millionaire Upstairs

Series: Dreamspun Desires 01

Author: M.J. O’Shea

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 5 Hours and 26 Minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 27, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: He might be hard to work for, but he’s impossible to resist.

Sasha Sobieski has the perfect job working at legendary American fashion house Harrison Kingsley—or at least he used to. He just never thought he’d have to work for Harrison Kingsley himself. Harrison is exacting, difficult, cold, and hands-down the sexiest man Sasha has ever seen.

After years at the top, Harrison Kingsley knows what he wants, when he wants it, and exactly how he’d like it to be delivered to him. What he wants most right now? His new assistant. Sasha is mouthy, opinionated, and he drives Harrison mad. Problem is, Harrison can never tell if it’s with anger… or desire.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-794-1

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

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I was given a chance to not only read this story but to listen to the audio of it. I have to say it is a slow paced romance that will have you wanting to smack the guys before the end of it.

Sasha is a quirky young man who dreams to work for the best. Given a chance at it, he comes to the conclusion that his boss is the best. However after a run in with her brother Harrison, he decides he would rather work for Joanne. Harrison is just an ass, who is actually hiding who he really is. I loved the pull that these two had, but Harrison was a total ass to him through most of it. Degrading, calling him names and just being down right hateful to the man. He was hiding the fact that he was falling in love with Sasha.

When Joanne is forced to bed rest for the rest of her pregnancy, they are forced to work together. It brings them closer, only to have Harrison say something horrible once more and wham we go back to the beginning. Joanne’s part in this makes me realize why I don’t care for idiot females in books. She is a manipulative little bitch who is just down right selfish, although she is just trying to get the guys together.

The story didn’t flow right for me and I found that the characters just didn’t stand out to me. Sasha is weak, where as Harrison had no real meaning in his actions. Mateo was a hit with me though. I did like the direction the story was heading just not the story itself. I found it to be a bit over used and dull.

Rusty Topsfield did a wonderful job putting the story into words. He was able to give the characters distinctive voices which made it quite a bit better. I enjoyed listening to the characters a bit more. Although I still can’t stand Harrison. I did enjoy listening to Mateo more than the others.

Even though I didn’t much care for this story I look forward to what other books this author has out.

Romancing the Wrong Twin by Clare London ~ Audiobook

Title: Romancing the Wrong Twin

Series: Dreamspun Desires 21 / Romancing the… 01

Author: Clare London

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 6 hrs 21 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (3 Jan 2017)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: How tangled can a romantic web get?

When gruff mountaineer Dominic Hartington-George seeks sponsorship for his latest expedition, his London PA insists on a more media-friendly profile – like dating celebrity supermodel Zeb Z.

Zeb can’t make the date, so he asks his identical twin, Aidan, to stand in for just one evening. Aidan, a struggling playwright, shuns the limelight to the extent people don’t even know Zeb has a sibling, but he reluctantly agrees.

When the deception has to continue beyond the first date, Aidan fights to keep up the pretense. Dominic likes his sassy, intelligent companion, and Aidan starts falling for the forthright explorer. But how long can Aidan’s conscience cope as confusion abounds? Will coming clean as “the other twin” destroy the trust they’ve built?

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Romancing the Wrong Twin is exactly what the title and the blurb says and I have to admit, it is a magnificent guilty pleasure and fantastic addition to Dreamspun Desires series. Being that it is part of the Dreamspun Desires series, you need to expect some level of insta-love, totally hot sexual tension and hot sex between the two MCs, as well as some over the top drama. Yet despite all the drama, the characters actually are relatable, particularly Aidan.

The story is quite self explanatory from the title. Someone is clearly dating someone pretending to be his twin. I know it sounds silly and that was why I wanted this book! Aidan is “the wrong twin” and he is taking the place of his famous brother Zeb (stage name). Zeb is a model and as part of his contract, is often contracted to be seen with other celebrities in order to get seen by the paparazzi. But Zeb can’t make his latest job – to be seen at a film premiere with famous mountaineer Dominic Hartington-George. Dominic has zero person skills but unlike his brother, Aidan is totally attracted to Dominic. The problem is Aidan is continuing to pretend to be his brother and the farce just snowballs from the word go.

Look, Dominic can really be a massive arse and most of the book is drama caused by his ego or by his mouth. In contrast Aidan is all sweet, lovable and very down to earth. I really grew to loved Aidan and his gruff beau. A totally fun and satisfying read. The two are perfect buffers for each other and their chemistry is wonderful – especially when listening to the wonderful voice of Rusty Topsfield, which is just perfect for this type of book.

Duke In Hiding by M.J. O'Shea ~ Audiobook

Title: Duke in Hiding

Series: Dreamspun Desires 9

Author: MJ O’Shea

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 5 hrs 8 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16 May 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Every gentleman has something to hide.

Meeting Heath Blackwood, a gorgeous English farmer, is probably the most exciting thing to ever happen to small-town landscaper Theo Brody, who has lived in quiet Maplehurst, New Hampshire, all his life. The sexy and secretive Brit shakes the foundations of his orderly world as they are swept up in a springtime romance neither can resist.

But Heath’s secrets run deeper than Theo ever imagined. He’s actually Heathcliff Pierrepont Blackwood, Duke of Kingston, in hiding from recent death threats. Suddenly there’s more separating them than the Atlantic Ocean, and Theo doubts he’ll ever fit in with English nobility. Though Heath and Theo are opposites in almost every way, their love might bridge the gap – if they’re willing to take the risk.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: For me MJ O’Shea has been one of those authors who I’m always hit and miss when it comes to enjoying their books. However, I am more than happy to say that Duke In Hiding is one of those stories that I absolutely loved. The definite highlight for me was hearing the wonderful Rusty Topsfield narrate a story where you really do need to suspend your disbelief more often than hoped for. Having already read Duke in Hiding I was interested to see what happened with the audio – I find that I enjoy a lot of book more in their audio. Ultimately, though, I think my enjoyment level was about the same.

Duke In Hiding is exactly what the title and blurb says.

Heath is the moody English aristocrat who goes to small town New Hampshire in order to get away from a potentially deadly situation after an attempt is made on his life. This is where he meets Theo, a landscape gardener who also doubles as a bar tender until his summer workload picks up. Needless to say, the guys start off on the wrong foot because of a certain duke’s moody behavior. Yet from the start there are intense sparks of attraction between the guys. In the end I loved these guys. Theo was a good buffer for Heath’s gruffness.

I think my only criticism is that the ending seemed a little rushed. There was a lot for Theo to comprehend at the end and he seemed to just let it happen and accepted everything without much of a fight. I don’t really mean fight in the literal sense. I just felt that perhaps it needed to occur on a longer time frame. After all, on top of the personal issues to overcome there was the mystery of who would want Heath so completely out of the picture that his life was in danger.

Striking Sparks by Ari McKay ~ Audiobook

Title: Striking Sparks

Series: The Walker Boys 01 / Dreamspun Desires 24

Author: Ari McKay

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 5 hrs 10 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (27 Jan 2017)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: The stakes are high and the heat is on.

Beau Walker, owner of the Barbecue Shack, needs the help of Jake Parnell, his one-time rival and secret crush, in a televised barbecue competition. Beau is a proud man, but the stakes are high, and smart, sexy Jake is his only hope, even if being around Jake reawakens the attraction he’s fought for years.

Jake left his hometown, determined to build a life somewhere his sexuality wouldn’t hurt his family’s restaurant business—and far away from hunky, obstinate Beau Walker. Then his twin, Josh, is killed, and Jake returns to support his brother’s wife and children. Despite his reservations, he agrees to go head-to-head against Beau on national television. Between stress and grief, as well as pride and determination, only one thing is certain—the heat between Beau and Jake extends well beyond the kitchen.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is my first Ari McKay audio read, although I read this book at the end of last year so I sort of knew what I was getting myself into. However, in saying that, I have the worst memory and actually forgot most of the details except for the BBQ competition which is mentioned in the blurb. Regardless, this was as wonderful to listen to as it had been to read last year (especially since I also gave that a 5 heart rating too).

Beau Walker is owner of the Barbeque Shack. His rival is Jake Parnell, who now runs Parnell’s Pantry and supporting his brother’s family after the death of his twin brother, Josh. Beau had always got along with Josh, but for numerous and probably obvious reason, he and Jake never got along. The main point would be that Beau is out to their small town community while Jake is still firmly in the closet. But now the time has come that they are going to have to work together, Beau had organized a friendly competition with Josh, which was going to be filmed for television. Now it is Jake who is going to take his brother’s place despite the tension between the guys. The money would be good for the family, the advertising for their businesses would be invaluable, as well as for tourism of their hometown.

I have to admit that I’m totally addicted to watching Food Network, so getting into this book was never a problem. Add onto that the great tension that was crafted between the MCs and then there is explosive attraction between them. I think that this is a book that will easily please many listeners.

Rusty Topsfield lends his voice to this audio and his voice perfectly fits the tone and style of the book. He also happens to be (along with John Solo) one of my favorite narrators in the MM genre. He absolutely gets both Beau and Jake and the crazy sexual tension going on between these guys.

The Greek Tycoon's Green Card Groom by Kate McMurray ~ Audiobook

Title: The Greek Tycoon’s Green Card Groom

Series: Dreamspun Desires 14

Author: Kate McMurray

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 5 hrs, 3 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (17^th October 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Marriage gets less convenient when love is involved.

It started simple: Ondrej Kovac marries Archie Katsaros so Ondrej can stay in the US, away from his judgmental family in eastern Europe. Archie marries Ondrej in exchange for the money to bail out his failing company. It’s a fraud neither man is convinced he can pull off.

But as Archie introduces Ondrej to New York society and Ondrej proves his skill in the office, they start to discover a connection between them. Can they overcome the rocky foundation their relationship was built on, meddling immigration agents, gossip columnists determined to out their deception, and an aggressive executive set on selling Archie’s company out from under him? Only if they can prove to each other their love is worth fighting for.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: OK, confession time, I love Kate McMurray and everything she does. That means I’ve already read this story. However, interestingly, I have to say that I much preferred the audio over reading the book. I think that this has a lot to do with Rusty Topsfield’s wonderful narration, the guy is superb at his job and I love listening to him.

The story follows Archie Katsaros – really Archimedes and that reminds me of the The Once and Future King/Sword in the Stone more than it does a Greek Tycoon – he’s running the family’s business. In fact, he’s trying to keep it afloat after his father’s death while trying to live up to the lofty expectations set by himself while idolizing a father who perhaps did not deserve such devotion from his son. Then there is Ondrej Kovac. He’s Polish and wants to move to the US to be free of his family’s stifling expectations and to be himself, which means he wants to be free to love who he wants to love because his family will never accept his sexuality. When Ondrej’s work visa comes to an end, he and Archie embark on a harebrained scheme – Archie will marry Ondrej to give him a green card and Ondrej will provide Archie with the funds he needs to save the family company.

It’s fun to see the guys get to know each other. Archie is really just a teddy bear and needs the support of someone like Ondrey to bolster his confidence. Ondrej is quick as a whip and super intelligent, and somehow that is just the perfect match for Archie. As they get to know each other it’s fun to watch the sparks begin.

There are some plot holes, but nothing too big that you can’t get over, though I was largely happy with the character and plot development. It is more so down to the fact that the silly boys needed to communicate more and because some of the situations felt a little too contrived. But overall an interesting plot line and a fantastic narrator make for a pleasurable few hours of audio.

The Cattle Baron's Bogus Boyfriend by Nicki Bennett ~ Audiobook

Title: The Cattle Baron’s Bogus Boyfriend

Series: Dreamspun Desires

Author: Nicki Bennett

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboy

Length: 5 hrs, 15 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (8 July 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: It might be a sham to his boss, but it’s all too real to him.

Administrative assistant Jonah Hollis has nurtured a hopeless crush on his boss, millionaire cattle rancher Lincoln Courtwright, ever since he started working for him. But hope is kindled when Linc and beautiful rodeo star Melissa Cutler break up just weeks before the biggest event of the Dallas social season, the Cattle Baron’s Ball, and Linc asks Jonah to accompany him in her place.

Is it all a ploy to make Melissa jealous? Can Jonah fit into Linc’s world? It takes some encouragement from his roommates and his best friend, Caylee, for Jonah to agree. Before long, Jonah dares to believe Linc might just feel something for him, until interfering family and a series of misunderstandings threaten his fragile dream of happiness.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: The Cattle Baron’s Bogus Boyfriend by Nicki Bennett is an installment in the Dreamspun Desires series (all books are standalone, by different authors and totally unrelated). I have to admit, that I actually read this one some months ago when it came out, but snapped up the chance to hear the audio because it was such a sweet and delightful story.

This also happens to be the second book I’ve heard narrated by Rusty Topsfield and I have to say. If the next narration is like the first two, Rusty Topsfield will become an instant favourite to listen to and would consider a book based on his narration alone. At the moment that list for me of favourite narrators only has John Solo and Nick J Russo. Rusty Topsfield is a versatile narrator and manages to come through with the necessary emotion and strength required of many characters.

Much like the first time I read The Cattle Baron’s Bogus Boyfriend, I was drawn immediately because I immediately recognized it as something I would see in such Harlequin/Mills and Boon plot. In fact, I think I have read at least three MF stories from Harlequin where millionaire cowboy/cattle baron falls in love with his PA (though in the MF scenario, the PA always ends up pregnant and unless this was paranormal M-preg, I don’t see that happening here, lol). This book, for me, was as enjoyable to listen to as it was to read.

It was everything that I expected and hoped for and I absolutely loved it. Even the drama at the end, because of course there is miscommunication, is straight exactly what you’d see in many other romances, though doubtless readers will be thinking “that does not seem real, wait and talk, damnit!” The story follows Jonah Hollis, the administrative assistant to cattle and oil, Texan millionaire Lincoln Courtright. He also happens to be gay and has a hopeless crush on his boss, despite the fact that Linc has a girlfriend. But when Lincoln’s relationship breaks down, Jonah finds out that things are not always what he thought they were and his billionaire boss, if nothing else, to form a friendship with Jonah.

There is a rather quirky cast of supporting characters, all of whom are a joy – I particularly love Jonah’s BFF Caylee and his BFF in Texas, Wes. I would love a story for Wes and Linc’s foreman. Wes is one of those minor characters that take on a life of his own without taking away from the main characters. The end, while satisfying is also insanely cute. I absolutely love it, all the loose ends are tied together and the important people in both Jonah’s and Linc’s lives are involved. This is the type of story that will give you a goofy smile.

Undercover Boyfriend by Jacob Z. Flores ~ Audiobook

Title: Undercover Boyfriend

Series: Dreamspun Desires 12, One Fine Day 1

Author: Jacob Z Flores

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 5 hrs, 51 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (9 Aug 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Two men, one lie, and a whole bunch of trouble.

Marty Valdez is in serious trouble. His sister’s wedding is around the corner, and everyone expects to meet Marty’s super-successful underwear model boyfriend – whom Marty invented. Now Marty has to produce a half-naked hottie or suffer the worst humiliation of his life.

FBI agent Luke Myers is in serious trouble. He’s been working undercover to take down a dangerous drug cartel, but his cover’s blown and he needs to disappear. Luckily, a geeky yet intriguing comic book artist gives him the perfect opportunity. Luke just has to pretend to be his boyfriend, and pretending is what he does best. But between Marty’s mother and his ex, Luke might’ve bitten off more than he can chew, and Marty’s knack for finding trouble might ruin more than just his sister’s wedding.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: For me Undercover Boyfriend was a book of firsts: the first book I’ve heard/read by Jacob Z Flores, the first time I’ve heard audio narration by Rusty Topsfield. On both accounts this was a book of wonderful firsts. I loved the light-hearted and sometimes funny way in which Flores wrote this story, which really could have gone the way of serious spy mystery. My first impression from Rusty Topsfield is that he really knows how to use his voice to bring the characters to life – he works well with the Latino characters and gives everyone the appropriate depth of emotion.

Undercover Boyfriend is much like the rest of the Dreamspun Desires collection. The stories are simple and sweet, the plots are relatively predictable but not in a bad way and are what I call the MM version of Harlequin romance.

The story follows Marty Valdez. He’s a bit of a loner and since high school has learnt to deal with situations he finds difficult by inventing people (or, yes, outright telling lies). It’s nothing malicious, just something that he does to cope with the fact that he does not have a lot of self confidence. But that’s all about to come back to bite him in the ass. After breaking up with his boyfriend a year earlier, Marty invented Tim – his new boyfriend to show the world (mostly his ex) that he has moved on and doesn’t need his cheating ass. But Marty’s sister is getting married soon and his ex is actually his soon to be brother in law’s best friend. It’s a tad contrived, I will acknowledge that much. So now the imaginary Tim has to be real.

That’s where undercover FBI agent Luke Meyers comes into the fray and he is just as complicated as Marty. He’s found himself in a spot of trouble. His cover has been blown and now a Mexican drug cartel wants him dead. When Marty mistakes Luke for a thief, Marty blackmails Luke (albeit willingly) to pretend to be his fake boyfriend. It’s a comedy of errors and the most contrived situations that most Marty thinks up. But I said that this is a sweet romance and there is an instant attraction between Luke and Marty – even if Luke has to hold back his real identity for a while. The way in which the plot lines converge is also quite predictable but I think I would have been irritated if it had happened any other way.

I totally enjoyed this one. I loved the writing and the plot by Flores and I loved the narration by Topsfield. If you love the Dreamspun Desires series this is definitely something that you will enjoy. If romance with a hot undercover FBI agent is your thing, it’s a great light-hearted take on the genre.

Trial by Fire by B.A. Tortuga ~ Audiobook

Title: Trial By Fire

Series: Dreamspun Desires 06

Author: BA Tortuga

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys, Suspense

Length: 5 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (20th April 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: One Aussie. One Texan. One baby. One hell of a fight.

When his sister and her husband are killed in an accident, Aussie cattle station owner Lachlan McCoughney rushes to Texas to rescue their infant daughter, Chloe. He expects to find his niece living in squalor with the Sheffields, a rodeo family.

Instead, Lachlan finds Holden Sheffield, a salt-of-the-earth cowboy, running a huge business operation. They want to explore their mutual attraction despite the many problems thrown their way, and together, they must find a way to give Chloe a new family and find a love that spans thousands of acres and two continents.

Reviewer: Gigi

Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Audible AU

Review: I always enjoy a hot cowboy story, but Trial by Fire is an interesting clash of Aussie cowboy vs. Texan cowboy, with a bit of kidnapping/murder plot and baby custody fight throw in.

Of course animosity and posturing quickly lead to burning desire and mutual respect for Lachlan and Holden. They both quickly realize their first impressions were wrong and work together to solve the issue of their niece’s care and a plot that may destroy their little family.

A fun, sexy, sometimes eye-rollingly predicable adventure, with a fun little kidnapping mystery thrown in. This narrator did a good job for the most part but I had a difficult time keeping all of the different character’s accents straight.

Trial By Fire kept me entertained through five hours of back breaking yard work. Worth a listen for sure.

Tag: Rusty Topsfield – Narrator

Trapped in Oz by Andrew Grey ~ Audiobook

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Dumped in Oz by Andrew Grey ~ Audiobook

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Stuck in Oz by Andrew Grey ~ Audiobook

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The Millionaire Upstairs by M.J. O’Shea ~ Audiobook

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Romancing the Wrong Twin by Clare London ~ Audiobook

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Duke In Hiding by M.J. O'Shea ~ Audiobook

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Striking Sparks by Ari McKay ~ Audiobook

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The Greek Tycoon's Green Card Groom by Kate McMurray ~ Audiobook

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The Cattle Baron's Bogus Boyfriend by Nicki Bennett ~ Audiobook

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Undercover Boyfriend by Jacob Z. Flores ~ Audiobook

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Trial by Fire by B.A. Tortuga ~ Audiobook

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