sheena
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Deceit
- Gallows Hill, Book 1
- By: Katelyn Taylor
- Narrated by: Amy Hall, Devon Ryder, Edward Black, and others
- Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
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I wasn’t sure what to expect when arriving in Salem. Forced to marry a man I’ve never met, attend a private university I’d never heard of, and the whispers of a rumored secret society filling the halls. This life would be near unbearable with my insufferable fiancé if it wasn’t for his uncle, his best friend, and his enemy. When none of them are willing to let me go, it sends us down a path I’m not sure any of us will survive. The life I was promised is distorted behind smoke and mirrors. The truth cloaked by Deceit.
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full cast in duet is always my weakness
- By Ashley on 03-11-25
- Deceit
- Gallows Hill, Book 1
- By: Katelyn Taylor
- Narrated by: Amy Hall, Devon Ryder, Edward Black, Sean Masters, Sebastian York
Wild Ride through a college academy
Reviewed: 06-29-25
To give you a heads-up—this book is about 10% storyline and 90% explicit scenes. It’s set in a college academy, and there’s definitely a bullying romance vibe. As the series progresses, it turns into one girl and 4–5 guys. The first book is mostly an introduction to how she meets each of them and how those relationships start to form.
The main plot centers around a secret society they’re all involved in, along with a stalker subplot where someone is secretly trying to steal her away from the guys. She 'falls in love' with each of them, and they all become completely obsessed with her—almost as if she has a siren-like pull that no one can resist. She's 18 and essentially living the fantasy of being adored by a group of wealthy, powerful men.
I did enjoy the book overall—it was a fun, wild ride. That said, it’s definitely not one I’d listen to in public! I did skip a few of the steamy scenes just to get back to the main plot, but the series as a whole was entertaining and worth the listen.
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Scarred Wolf
- Exiled by the Pack, Book 1
- By: Charlene Hartnady, BE Brouillard
- Narrated by: Vanessa Moyen, Tor Thom
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
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Imagine witnessing your mother’s brutal murder. Imagine not being able to remember a single thing about what happened, even though you were there. It doesn’t matter how hard I try: I. Can’t. Remember! I was just a small boy when it happened. I must have tried to defend her because I have the scars that prove it. My wounds should have healed completely. They didn’t. My scars are my constant reminder of what the Moones did...what they took away from us. My mother died in agony. A piece of my father died along with her.
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Great Storyline
- By TA on 05-21-22
- Scarred Wolf
- Exiled by the Pack, Book 1
- By: Charlene Hartnady, BE Brouillard
- Narrated by: Vanessa Moyen, Tor Thom
Emotionally Rewarding
Reviewed: 06-29-25
I was looking for a simple, enjoyable werewolf shifter story that felt like a relaxing escape—and this one checked all the boxes. The journey was fun, the pacing easy to follow, and best of all, it ends on a satisfying, beautiful note without a cliffhanger. I actually found this book because I love Vanessa Moyen as a narrator—she’s always such a joy to listen to. The main female character finds herself caught in a whirlwind of secrets that were kept from her all her life, and the main male character was originally sent to kill her out of revenge. But what unfolds instead is a heartfelt enemies-to-lovers romance that completely pulled me in. One of my favorite shifter listens when I want something light but emotionally rewarding.
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The Night Prince
- The Wolf King, Book 2
- By: Lauren Palphreyman
- Narrated by: Zara Hampton-Brown, Shane East, Sean Masters
- Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
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In the highly anticipated sequel to The Wolf King, this sizzling romantasy—perfect for fans of enemies to lovers, shifters, forbidden romance, villains you love to hate (or maybe just love!), and werewolves—Aurora is caught between powerful alphas as they fight for the Wolf Throne, all while darker forces begin to rise…
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Narrators killed it!
- By S.Betts on 06-15-25
- The Night Prince
- The Wolf King, Book 2
- By: Lauren Palphreyman
- Narrated by: Zara Hampton-Brown, Shane East, Sean Masters
Keep them coming!
Reviewed: 06-25-25
Book two had a similar tone to book one, continuing a great story that’s clearly still unfolding. I really enjoyed the twist in the love story and the emotional weight it places on all the main characters. I’m especially excited to see how deep the deception runs. The main female character is at a crossroads—will following her heart lead her into a dangerous trap, or will it end up saving her? The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes. I highly recommend this fantasy series—it's a refreshing take on the werewolf genre and stands out from the rest.
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Metal Slinger
- Fire & Metal, Book 1
- By: Rachel Schneider
- Narrated by: Andi Eloise
- Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
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Even though she's not one of them, Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha, training to be a guard and waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta—the very same people who exiled her adopted community to a life at sea. Going to the market is a rite of passage eagerly anticipated by all young guards, but Brynn does not anticipate breaking a century-long peace treaty while there.
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Emotional whiplash but compulsively devoured!
- By ➷➹➸❥HFB🔹🔹🔹 on 06-19-25
- Metal Slinger
- Fire & Metal, Book 1
- By: Rachel Schneider
- Narrated by: Andi Eloise
Worth the hype
Reviewed: 06-25-25
Just finished this book, and I can’t stop thinking about all the details and what might unfold in the next one! It slowed down a bit in the middle, but I can tell it was setting up for something bigger—and it delivered. I definitely didn’t see that twist coming at the end. The main female character constantly emphasizes trust and open communication, which made the final reveal even more shocking. Can’t wait to see where book two takes us! I would have maybe waited until book two released to start this series. Its a hard cliffhanger.
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Bride of the Shadow King
- Bride of the Shadow King, Book 1
- By: Sylvia Mercedes
- Narrated by: Emily Lawrence, Tim Campbell
- Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
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Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things. When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice. When King Vor meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement. So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?
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This story was tragic
- By E Ivet Q on 10-26-22
- Bride of the Shadow King
- Bride of the Shadow King, Book 1
- By: Sylvia Mercedes
- Narrated by: Emily Lawrence, Tim Campbell
Interesting start, don't judge the cover
Reviewed: 06-10-25
This one’s a slower burn and ends on a pause, clearly setting the stage for book two. While it hasn’t fully taken off yet, I can already see the direction it’s heading—and I have a feeling it’s going to pick up significantly in the next installment.
There’s a strong focus on world-building, with detailed journeys through various lands and plenty of character development. The main female character has a balanced, grounded personality that I found refreshing. I can already tell she’s going to evolve in a meaningful way.
The main male character carries a lot of weight on his shoulders—his heart is in the right place, but the pressure of protecting his people has left him blind to certain truths. Still, his strength and willingness to sacrifice for survival make him a compelling presence.
The underground characters seem like a unique blend of gargoyles and avatars, with the fascinating ability to turn back to stone. Meanwhile, the human kingdom faces its own challenges and must learn to rely on unlikely alliances—though deception and obstacles are plentiful along the way.
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On Wings of Blood
- Bloodwing Academy, Book 1
- By: Briar Boleyn
- Narrated by: Hannah Hedley, Justin Hill
- Length: 19 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
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I'm Medra Pendragon—last of the dragon riders, or so they tell me. Funny thing is, there are no dragons left. Not a single one. But somehow, that hasn't stopped the vampires from deciding I'm worth capturing. Now, I'm stuck at Bloodwing Academy, where the highbloods run everything, and blightborn like me? We're just blood in their veins, pawns in their games.
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The accents were great
- By Heather Byrd on 06-13-25
- On Wings of Blood
- Bloodwing Academy, Book 1
- By: Briar Boleyn
- Narrated by: Hannah Hedley, Justin Hill
A Decent Escape From a Listening Slump
Reviewed: 06-05-25
If you enjoy academy-style fantasy set in a high school environment, this one might be right up your alley. The story is rooted in a vampire world, with a light introduction to dragons that hints at more to come in future books. It leans into the “bully-to-lovers” trope, which some readers may enjoy.
The main female character, a royal princess, often felt too passive for someone with her background. She allows others to walk all over her and shows excessive sympathy—even toward those who wish her harm—which can get frustrating. That said, she’s still likable and has potential for growth.
The male lead is complex: while he’s clearly trying to protect her, he’s also guilty of bullying and keeping important secrets. She doesn’t always show appreciation for his help, which creates some tension between them, though it keeps things interesting.
While this book didn’t fully pull me out of my listening slump, it was still an enjoyable experience. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing the characters and story to life, and their performances worked very well together. I’m looking forward to seeing how things unfold in Book 2.
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Nightshade
- Nightshade Duology, Book 1
- By: Keri Lake
- Narrated by: Islay Jacobs, Ryan West
- Length: 20 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
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My father called them messengers. He once told me they walked among us and that somewhere in this dark and godless city, there shined a faint sliver of hope. I had only to look for the signs. Well, I’ve spent my whole life investigating the inexplicable and all I've found are the unsettling vestiges of iniquity—the evidence of another world shrouded by the obscure. Purgatory to some, where depravity hides in shadows, and girls like me are little more than delicious bites of temptation. Others call it Nightshade.
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Oh. My. Goodness!
- By 561jack on 09-06-23
- Nightshade
- Nightshade Duology, Book 1
- By: Keri Lake
- Narrated by: Islay Jacobs, Ryan West
It was ok
Reviewed: 06-02-25
Didn't keep me captivated enough within the story but it was an ok storyline. I love the author and might give it another try later.
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Us Dark Few
- Us Dark Few Series, Book 1
- By: Alexis Patton
- Narrated by: Raquel Beattie
- Length: 11 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Khalani Kanes has never stood on the surface of the earth. In the underground city of Apollo, faith and dreams are as absent as the sun. She longs to visit Genesis, the infamous Domed City and the final place where humanity lives aboveground. But when Khalani is given a life sentence and thrown into prison for a theft she didn't commit, that wish shatters into oblivion.
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Um… WHATTTTT?!?
- By savanah skinner on 02-16-25
- Us Dark Few
- Us Dark Few Series, Book 1
- By: Alexis Patton
- Narrated by: Raquel Beattie
Unexpectedly enjoyable
Reviewed: 06-02-25
More science fiction than romance—with a dash of apocalypse—this book leans heavily into its sci-fi roots, especially in book one. This is based in the future of America. While a love interest begins to unfold, romance isn’t the central focus and doesn’t dominate the storyline.
The twist at the end genuinely caught me off guard—in the best way! The female main character starts off a bit uncertain, but her strength builds as the story progresses. At times, she appears stronger than her actions suggest, but it’s not distracting from the overall plot. The male lead ended up being my favorite—strong, calculating, and consistently intriguing. Even the side characters were compelling and left me wanting to know more about them.
The narration truly brought the story to life with a fantastic performance. It’s a quick, engaging listen—I finished it in just a day and a half. Highly recommend it if you're in the mood for a fast-paced sci-fi adventure with hints of romance.
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The Poisoner
- The Poisoner Series, Book 1
- By: I.V. Ophelia
- Narrated by: Matt Sykes, Stephanie Willis
- Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
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The Lost Apothecary meets Gothikana in this Victorian gothic romance of posion, passion, and dark secrets following a botanist who likes to poison unsavory men, but when her next target visits her apothecary, they discover their dark bond runs deeper than they imagined.
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I would give it a 4.5⭐️
- By sheena on 06-01-25
- The Poisoner
- The Poisoner Series, Book 1
- By: I.V. Ophelia
- Narrated by: Matt Sykes, Stephanie Willis
I would give it a 4.5⭐️
Reviewed: 06-01-25
Definitely a "check your trigger warnings" kind of read. While I didn’t personally find the content to be overly graphic or aggressive, I can see how it could be situationally triggering for some, especially based on what others have shared in Goodreads reviews.
The story is set in a time when women were expected to be reserved and restrained, which contrasts with the FMC’s clear desire for the MMC’s attention and affection. Though she enjoyed herself, the societal expectations of the era create a tension that could be uncomfortable for some readers.
The MMC is a blend of reptile and vampire, which gives him a distinctly animalistic, primal edge. His demeanor may be off-putting or triggering for some, depending on personal comfort levels with darker or more dominant characters.
That said, I found the storyline unique and compelling. By the end of Book One, I felt satisfied—it doesn’t end on a heavy cliffhanger, but it still leaves you with enough intrigue to look forward to Book Two.
While it may not land in my personal top 10, it was still a memorable and engaging read. What truly brought it to life was the narration—the performance was excellent and added depth to the entire experience.
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1 person found this helpful
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Kings of Quarantine
- Brutal Boys of Everlake Prep, Book 1
- By: Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
- Narrated by: Bridget Bordeaux, Jake Bordeaux
- Length: 16 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
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Cruel. Heartless. Quarantined. The ruthless boys of Everlake Prep never saw lockdown coming. But the virus isn’t their number one enemy. I am. And as if being confined to a boarding school for the elite wasn’t bad enough, now I’m stuck in isolation with the boys who hate me most too. With the virus escalating and my dad’s name splashed through the news, my entire world is falling apart. What he did has cast a dark shadow over me. And the Night Keepers want to make me pay for his crimes.
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Worst RH I’ve ever read
- By Jazmine on 06-05-21
- Kings of Quarantine
- Brutal Boys of Everlake Prep, Book 1
- By: Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
- Narrated by: Bridget Bordeaux, Jake Bordeaux
If only they weren't in high school
Reviewed: 05-28-25
This one felt odd to listen to as an adult, mostly due to the setting. The story takes place in a prep school during quarantine lockdowns, and the bullying was taken to an extreme. The MMCs act like kings of the school—18-year-olds riding on their parents’ wealth and influence, even intimidating teachers who fear losing their jobs. It was a lot to take in.
What kept me listening was the FMC’s emotional journey, from breaking down to seeking revenge. That evolution, combined with the fun spicy moments, helped carry the story forward.
That said, it still felt off having so much open sexual content in a high school setting. The intensity of the romance and the explicit themes would have been far more believable and comfortable in a college setting. Because of that disconnect, I just couldn’t fully get into the story, despite some intriguing elements.
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