Kimmers

Perfectly Tantalizing

Reviewed: 07-05-19

Having read 'Finding Love: The Perfect Size for You' at its release in 2016 I can’t imagine anyone more perfect than Sean Crisden to narrate Lily G. Blunt’s tantalizing novella. His tone and inflection make Tyron’s confidence and forwardness so much a reality you can almost see his charming smirk. And when Sean switches to Andy, wow! The young man’s youthfulness, innocence, and nervousness are loud and clear.

After updating his “rent boy” site in the most direct of ways (hint: perfect size for you) Ty finds a quick hit. When he meets the man he is not who he expects. Rather he’s a virgin who’s looking to get some “experience” so he can come out to his best friend, Evan, on whom he’s had a longtime crush.

From the start Ty and Andy’s interactions are easy, relaxed – almost date like. With his escort service taking off, and his thoughts now constantly turning to Andy, Ty is torn. As a friendship develops so do other emotions and when Andy begins to date Evan, Ty feels something he’s never felt before. Jealousy.

Once Ty has to “man up” for Andy he realizes this is no longer a normal hookup. But is Andy really the innocent virgin or is this just the scene he’s paying for? And can Ty cut him off with his heart now in the mix? Will it only be friends with benefits or will Thursday night sessions lead to more?

Grab your earbuds and sit down with this tale of sex ed as Sean Crisden reads Lily G. Blunt’s 'Finding Love: The Perfect Size for You as it should be read'; making you fantasize about romance.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Perfect Menage: Author/Narrator/Love Story

Reviewed: 09-19-18

If you’re like me and need just the right book to grab you in audio, then TM Smith’s 'Lover' is one you don’t want to miss. In fact you should nab up the Survivor series and listen, because Nick J. Russo’s narration is the perfect marriage to Ms. Smith’s emotional words.

I rarely do the audio version once I’ve read a book, as it tends to change how I see and hear (yes I see and hear) the characters. But Nick J. Russo couldn’t be more on point with his portrayals. In fact, he heightens the experience for me!

'Lover' brings Shannon Dupree, undercover Agent Rory Landers and Senior Detective Rand Davis together, and the journey these three men take is fantastic! If you don’t know who I’m speaking of then you must go read the first book in this read-in-order series, 'Survivor'.

We learn Shannon came to Dallas running from abuse at the tender age of eighteen and we’re reminded that Rory fell for the man he’s meant to protect, who now belongs to Taylor. Rand? He’s beginning a new life after his long-time boyfriend cheated on him.

Through the first three years of the book the author goes back and catches us up with how Shannon met Taylor, who is the connection to this thruple coming together. She then spends the next seven enthralling us with how these men meet by fate, face desires, mount obstacles, grow, change… and realize what they may be looking for may be nothing of what they imagined.

TM Smith truly knows how to weave a tale and capture an audience. Little by little these guys become part of each other’s lives. When Shannon and Rory are introduced sparks fly and they easily begin a relationship. In the meantime Rand and Rory are partnered to investigate a serial killer. When the investigation heats up, we can surmise how Shannon is going to fall into the mix. What happens from here, you can only guess… and yet it’s nothing like you imagine.

Lover captivated me when I first read it, and yet Nick J. Russo brings so much of what I felt to life, taking me on an entirely different journey. Shannon’s past brings dangers of its own and you feel the fear he faces, while at the same time aching at the devoted protectiveness of Rory and Rand. The sensations absolutely shine through in Russo’s impressive narration, making your heart ache.

Russo has an ease with his delivery in this series, and he outdoes himself in this edition. There is never any guessing as to when he’s transitioning from narration to each individual character. His portrayal of Rand’s smart-mouth nature is absolutely on par, and Rory, oh my God – I about died! Thanks Mr. Russo for almost outing me at work. *grins*

Nick J. Russo makes so many scenes radiate with sentiment, whether it’s laughter or tears. Some of my personal favorites are when Rand’s witty, supportive sister meets Detective Gonzalez, and when Rory and Rand’s sexual frustration comes to a head during business travel, forcing them to think rationally. Most of all… when Shannon’s memories are narrated, I literally wanted to cry!

Don’t get too hung up on thinking you know who the killer is… the author delivers a delightful twist. Speaking of twists – you’re in for a real treat with the true web of deceit in Taylor’s case. I’m willing to bet there’s a little bit more where this came from.

TM Smith’s delightful storytelling, partnered with Nick J. Russo’s narration, is a winner! 'Lover' is a thrilling suspense read from beginning to end with a beautiful ménage born along the way. It’s a celebration of friendship and survival. As Shannon ruminates, “Having not one, but two men to love, that loved him? That was karma getting it right for a change.” I couldn’t agree more! Ever thine, ever mine, ever ours….

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

The Perfect Marriage of Author, Narrator and Story

Reviewed: 02-21-18

Where does Survivor rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Definitely in my top 5!

I didn’t think this taboo-ish coming of age story could get any better but Nick J. Russo brings it with his telling of 'Survivor'. It’s as if Smith wrote the script with the audiobook in mind.

What did you like best about this story?

Russo's narration of Frank and Taylor’s soul deep connection, their need to be with one another not only physically, but mentally, is everything!

Which scene was your favorite?

Russo's delivery in chapter seventeen absolutely shines - saying it all!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Every gasp of fear, surprise and lust; all the moans of pleasure, desperation and desire; even the deep breaths of confusion, need and resignation can be felt deep in your heart making you want to cry.

Any additional comments?

Between her picturesque narrative, and Russo’s reading, the listener can see everything – the characters’ actions and their surroundings – pulling you in and immersing you in their journey.

If you haven’t yet read 'Survivor' it isn’t just worth reading. It’s worth reading again and again and listening to Nick J. Russo deliver a cast of characters who you wish you could chum around with. It’s a story of hurt and comfort, youth and maturity, of friends becoming lovers and will hit you in all the good places leaving you wanting more time between the pages.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Thrilling Mastery Like Hitchcock

Reviewed: 01-04-17

Would you consider the audio edition of Max to be better than the print version?

I did not read the print version.

What other book might you compare Max to and why?

Cari Waites 'Stealing Innocents'. Psychologically thrilling.

What does Nick J. Russo bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The emotionally, diabolical state of Max.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It brought out all kinds of emotion I enjoy in a thriller: My heart pounded in trepidation, my head spun with trying to puzzle it all together and my chest ached hoping it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was.

Any additional comments?

What makes this story, and the audio, so brilliant is that the imagery is so picturesque that you can see every single moment happening, envision each characters reaction, feel the emotion. It’s as if Bey wrote Max with every intention it would be narrated.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful