Donovan Boom

Incredibly satisfying fantasy romance

Revisado: 04-03-25

Absolutely over the moon with this book!

It has everything I personally love in a fantasy romance: Dragons/dragon shifters, understanding and gentle MMCs who will kill for their mates, incredibly adorable possessive characters, emotional recovery after abuse and acceptance despite differences. This just might be my new comfort read/listen.

Zephyr has recently escaped captivity, where he was abused and exploited by his captor and it’s unfortunately everything he has ever known. Gawain is a knight (and the queen’s younger brother) who helps Zephyr by protecting him, nursing him back to health and protecting him again.

I feel that author Sheena Jolie gave us enough worldbuilding to understand the context in which the story takes place, and despite the fact this is a novella they were able to do that extremely concisely. There’s enough lore for it to be satisfying enough to sate some curiosity you might have regarding worldbuilding and that, to me personally, is a great accomplishment.
I’m actually quite impressed by how much Sheena Jolie was able to tell in 150 pages (4 hrs and 13 mins if you’re listening to Joel Leslie’s wonderful narration) and I’m immensely satisfied.

They have the happy ending they both deserve and it’s just very wholesome and sweet and a balm to the soul.

Joel Leslie’s narration is top tier, he’s one of the GOATs when it comes to fantasy narration/performance. His accents are brilliant (I actually thought he was British until very recently lol), the way he changes his tone of voice to match each and every single character is masterful and he’s incredibly emotive. You won’t get a flat, monotone narration from him, that’s for sure! 17/10 no notes.

Highly recommend this book if you’re into paranormal romance that feature dragon MMCs.

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Best off-road rally ever!

Revisado: 01-24-25

I’m not gonna compare this book to a roller coaster because during a roller coaster your moment of adrenaline is quite short. So no, not a rollercoaster. This book is a full blown off-road rally raid!!

It’s fast paced, deliciously packed with, well, everything you want given the nature of our boys’ mission. They storm through the universe making “pit stops” along the way that aren’t only chaotic, they’re also quite deliciously intriguing as they unravel and dismantle a totalitarian, militarised regime and learn about each other (and themselves) along the way in every intimate way possible.
I read about things I KNEW I wanted to read in a book, but didn’t expect it to be this one (or maybe I subconsciously did?) lol And yeah, C. Rochelle fed me good! I was always eagerly awaiting for our boys to visit another planet because I was rubbing my hands together like a hungry little gremlin going “what’s going to happen now?” And it never disappointed.

My AUdhd self was so happy with the fast pacing of this book and how C. Rochelle always kept things incredibly interesting.

As for the narration, this was my first time listening to Gabriel Michael and I felt so ignorant because not only is he an extremely professional narrator and performer, he starred in several dramatisations of absolutely incredible books! He’s a very animated performer and you can feel (well, hear) how passionate and happy he is during his narration. He truly brought Micah to life, it was so good!

Nick J. Russo is a performer I’m very familiar with, because almost everything he narrates is an insta-buy for me. He’s very passionate during this performance (as he always is, tbh) and he portrayed Ziggy’s possessiveness of Micah brilliantly. I personally don’t think that such a raw emotion (that is very exclusive to fiction) is well portrayed by every narrator, but he’s got a knack for it!

If you like your books fast paced, exciting, full of raw emotions while two dorks that love each other to extents you cannot even imagine learn to love each other even more, then this book is for you! 100/10.

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So sweet your teeth might fall off

Revisado: 12-10-24

As someone who’s familiar with Lily Mayne’s work I have to say that this series is much more light hearted than her previous ones. This is a great thing because it just shows how flexible/versatile her writing can be.

This book made me melt, it’s the kind of romance that leaves you giddy because you’re so excited for both of the characters. Their interactions make you melt and sigh since they’re just so adorably in love with each other (except one of them doesn’t realise it until way past half the book). I’m a little bit biased because Seb and Larkin are so up my alley when it comes to ship dynamics: Larkin is a ball of sunshine (mixed with a bit of ADHD, I recognise my kin) who puts on a fake front when it comes to sexual experience but who is actually shy and has some insecurities (namely towards his own body) and Seb is the experienced older guy who is in fact quite gentle and understanding with the patience of a saint. You put these two together and granted your teeth will fall off with how sweet they are.
I loved reading about the way their relationship developed and how Larkin slowly realised Seb was his person, also the way he confessed is the cutest, most creative confessing I’ve read in a while. I knew they’d end up together but I was still holding my breath. Lol

As for the narrators; I mean, we’ve got two incredibly talented narrators in this book. I was actually really happy when I saw that this book, unlike the previous one, was a dual narration and that Liam DiCosimo was joining in! He has a very clear, pleasant tone of voice that I found perfect for Seb and he’s also quite versatile when it comes to portray different characters, even women. Michael Ferraiuolo’s narration is something that I’ve started to associate with “gentleness” due to his tone of voice, his narration is silky smooth and I find him hilarious when reading comedic scenes (book 1 comes to mind).

Overall, the experience was elevated thanks to both of their incredible performances (how you guys don’t crack up while reading certain scenes is beyond me, you’re way too powerful lol). I've enjoyed this book a lot and despite enjoying everything Lily Mayne writes I got to say this was definitely a change of pace and a much more relaxing and feel good experience.

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Definitely a favourite!

Revisado: 11-10-24

Lark Taylor is a pro at writing beautifully dynamic and emotional stories.

She’s also an expert at building up a relationship then completely ripping your heart out, stomping on it and finally putting everything back together in the most thoughtful, satisfying manner. Definitely one of the most dynamic books I’ve read in the series, a LOT happens and I don’t have enough words to express how much I loved this book! It made me cry, which completely caught me off guard since I don’t usually cry when reading books of any kind but this one just… oooh boy, prepare yourselves. lol

TL;DR the narrative isn’t flat and you definitely won’t be bored.

Matty is indeed a ray of sunshine while Seb is a grumpy, hardened vampire who refuses to let anyone in. It’s one of my favourite dynamics too, so I’m a bit biased. I don’t want to spoil anything but I need to mention that during the narrative something absolutely heartbreaking happens that makes Matty lose a bit of his “light” and cheery personality and it felt very realistic and relatable. Seb was broken from the start and unfortunately he completely shattered as well.
But the resolution was brilliantly done: There was a lot of pining and emotional reparations being done which really made me want to continue to listen because I was rooting so hard for these two. What a cozy happy ending!

As for the narrators, I’ve only listened to Will. M. Watt in the previous book so I was already sold from the start. His performance of both characters is incredible but Seb was definitely my favourite. He had the whole broody, arrogant personality down to a T and I loved it!
As I’ve said before, Dan Calley has been here from the start and the book series wouldn’t be the same without him, obviously.

The writer was able to create a very immersive story which was elevated by excellent narrators and I honestly just couldn’t stop listening. Loved it!

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Yearning so strong it hurts to imagine

Revisado: 10-29-24

I remember stumbling upon the Reckless Damned last year and absolutely loving the whole series so I was really happy when I found out Damned Connections was also getting an audiobook adaptation. Due to my occupation I’m unable to properly sit down and read books, but audiobooks made these stories accessible and I became quite familiar with certain narrators.
That said I was a bit sad that Joel Leslie was no longer narrating this new series but Will. M. Watt is absolutely fantastic and knocked it out of the park. I also appreciated how he doesn’t simply read but acts the part. His narration is very natural and pleasant.
Dan Calley’s been here since day one and I believe this audiobook adaptation wouldn’t feel the same without him.

I also love the story itself, Lark Taylor crafted a brilliant world with unique, beautiful characters that you’re actually able to relate to. The lore’s fantastic and I can’t get enough of it. For new audio readers: Start off with ‘Devil’s Mark’ from ‘The Reckless Damned’ because things interconnect and you might get a bit confused if you start with this one.

Leo and Ferry’s background story is quite tragic (and well, sad) to say the least. There’s a lot of suffering from both characters and a type of yearning so intense it hurts to imagine, I believe the author was able to express it quite well. Even if they found each other again after millennia there are still challenges both have to surpass to finally be together and that adds that extra layer of suffering and complexity to the story BUT it pays off in the end!

Generally speaking it’s a beautiful romance that leaves you very satisfied and happy for the characters. I found myself thinking "oh my god FINALLY!" over and over. lol

I can’t honestly wait to read the next one in the series!

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Really tugged at my heartstrings

Revisado: 05-31-24

Vex and Kinsley are both quite literally prisoners of their circumstances yet it’s when they find each other that they finally become free.

Kinsley is a very strong character, she’s trying to get away from a very traumatizing and devastating past (check the CWs, just in case) to start life anew when she has a very tragic and fatal accident. This is when our broody, moody, cinnamon roll of a goblin comes into her life and offers her a deal in exchange for something she knows she cannot give him. This is related to her traumatizing past and needless to say our girl's in trouble, oops.
Vex, our very swoon worthy MMC, offers her the deal out of his wish to be free of his current circumstances (promise this will make sense once you listen to the audiobook, I’m trying not to spoil it too much) and while he starts out as a complete asshat he’s soon humbled by Kinsley’s incredible strength and wit, as well as his will-o'-the-wisp's companions who manage to put some sense into his royal crankiness.

There are quite a few delicate subjects related to the characters’ pasts, namely abuse and trauma, and Tiffany Roberts was able to tackle them with grace and tact. I also appreciate the fact that a certain subject related to Kinsley was approached with so much care and compassion, which is shown through Vex’s respect towards her. Needless to say this is quite a satisfactory slow burn that eventually becomes a scorcher, they can’t seem to get enough of each other and it’s the sweetest, most romantic thing you’ve ever experienced.

I also appreciate how Tiffany Roberts’ doesn’t hold back on their descriptions, especially when it comes to certain visual elements like environments and the characters’ appearances. I have a very vivid imagination and to me having detailed descriptions boosts my enjoyment and immersion. As for this book, the aesthetics are absolutely amazing!

The narration is a duet performance (so you know this is quality af)! Celia Stone and Corvin King did an incredible job and matched their characters so damn well.
Celia Stone has a sweetness and cheerfulness to her voice that I found matched Kinsley’s optimism and perseverance quite well. Corvin King matched Vex’s broodiness and intensity brilliantly. All in all they complimented each other and their characters in a way that is almost scaringly good.

Oh, and I’d die for Echo, Flare and Shade.

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I don't need a heart anyway.

Revisado: 04-04-24

This book series has kept me company since last year, when it was first recommended to me, and it kept me hooked especially because of its originality within the omegaverse trope.
If you enjoy well developed lore, distinct, well fleshed out and lovable characters with very satisfying romance you’ll certainly enjoy it as much as I do.

Given that this is one of the last books (and I want to avoid spoilers) all I’m going to say is that as far as emotional roller coasters go, Sorin and Bertram take the entire damn bakery. I don’t mean that lightly, I mean that you’ll literally get no reprieve from your feelings. Happiness is emphasised but then again so is, well… pain. Lot’s of it. I was also quite frustrated at certain situations but a good book is one that makes you feel in spades, in my opinion.
Sorin and Bertram are by far the most complex characters in the entire series, so no wonder they get two books of their own, with lot’s of grey areas and a few blacks too. Sorin’s anguish is relatable in a way that made me angry for him, but that’s a good character for you. Bertram is good through and through which I didn’t expect but then again, understand.
I found myself going “yeah, this does justice to the title of the series”. lol

Mr. Ferraiuolo’s performance was incredible as usual. There’s this gentleness in which he narrates that makes the book very pleasing to follow, he also has this very theatrical cadence that elevates the work he’s reading and honestly I wish I could describe this better but words fail me.
His narration is smooth as silk and I love his accents and distinct ‘voices’ he used for different characters. Sorin’s ‘voice’ was slightly anguished which fit him to a T and Bertram was quite collected/composed.
I also appreciate how we’re gifted with music during the opening and the ending of his performance which is such a nice, considerate touch and again, it elevates the experience.

Wonderful book series with a wonderful narrator and I’m honestly so glad he’s back to complete it!

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I want my very own Romeo model!

Revisado: 05-01-23

Personally this book ticked a lot of boxes for me, so it was a no-brainer when it became available on audible, I got it immediately!

It’s a Sci-fi romance, a reverse harem with sex workers who happen to be androids who are fully sentient and a FMC who knows her business and falls for each and every single one of them (which is understandable because they have such wonderful personalities, it’s literally a “why choose” scenario).

The androids all have distinct personalities and “flaws”, which are more like personality quirks that make them incredibly charming, yet undesirable in a planet where pleasure is its main attraction (and industry), they’re also outdated except for one of the models. However this isn’t a problem for our MMC Nötchka Uumian, who initially was just looking for the cheapest cozy house in the android pleasure district to live through her first heat undisturbed and suddenly finds herself as their mechanic, repair woman and lowkey detective.

This was such a fun, entertaining book, I’ve listened to it multiple times meanwhile because Cassandra Medcalf and Jarman Day do such a good job narrating it! Cassandra Medcalf’s role is a little bit more prominent than Jarman Day’s due to the fact this is a dual narration and our FMC Nötchka has a more prominent role throughout the book, but Medcalf holds her ground quite well and even gives the different MC’s different cadences which makes them super easy to differentiate. As for her role as Nötchka, it’s TOP-NOTCH! I love it when books are thoroughly acted out instead of just read and she totally delivers!

The narrators definitely made this book justice!

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Thargen fu***ng Skullreaver!!

Revisado: 05-01-23

Another incredible performance by Mr. Treselyan!

The book starts with our MCs meeting at a bar where Yuri, our FMC, works as a bartender. Thargen, our MMC, is immediately drawn to her but just so happens she is as well and this is where things got interesting for me because they’re both experiencing scorching desire for each other (not even exaggerating, it is SIZZLING)!
Yuri is not shy about her attraction towards Thargen and Thargen isn’t shy about his attraction towards Yuri either, see where I’m getting at? Well, things go downhill from there and they’re both kidnapped (yes, both) by a trafficking faction/gang and taken on a ship to be sold off.
This is probably the first book in The Infinite City series that isn’t spent on Arthos but on a completely different and wild alien planet, where our MCs are trying to survive and escape not only said planet but their very violent circumstances as well. New, and quite interesting characters are introduced and old ones make an appearance as well.

Yuri is extremely easy going, brave and adapts to her circumstances quite well while Thargen, well, is Thargen! No, but seriously, he is a bit more complex than your raging vorgal/”orc”. You see, our big boy is dealing with a lot of literal damage and has a few ghosts of his own which makes him refuse to get physical with Yuri, but Yuri knows exactly how to deal with Thargen and they both learn to connect with each other on a deeper level than just physical. It’s a wonderful development!

As for Mr. Treselyan’s performance, it’s once again top-notch! Every character has a different accent, cadence; they’re distinct and actually FUN to listen to. I’ve described him as a “voice wizard” in a previous review and I stand by it! Even his female voices differ from each other, which is no easy feat.
Thargen is obviously the star of the show and I can tell he had a blast voicing him! There are grunts and war cries and purrs and it’s just so entertaining. Mr. Treselyan doesn’t hold back and it’s very refreshing to actually listen to an audiobook that is thoroughly acted out, not just read.

Even if sci-fi romance isn’t your cup of tea, his performance alone should make you give The Infinite City series a chance, because it is just THAT entertaining.

I, for one, love me some well balanced romance and kickass fights (look, violence can be fun, especially if it’s with Thargen), so I was very much into this book. 11 outta 10 for me. ;)

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One of Mr. Treselyan's best performances to date!

Revisado: 02-13-23

First off SHAY. IS. AWESOME!

She’s probably one of my favorite protagonists from this series. I loved them all for different reasons, but Shay is a certified BADASS. She’s the type of character I’d probably be friends with if I’m being honest. lol
She’s strong, resilient, skilled, takes no shit from anyone and knows what she wants AND she kicks ass while pregnant. How great is that? More books should absolutely have more characters like her because she’s a breath of fresh air in this genre.
Shay was the best match for Drakkal given his personality. Plus, he was so patient with her (and himself) and I loved reading about how their relationship gradually developed into something beautiful and heart-warming.
The villains were infuriating (which means they were well written to the point of making me angry, haha) although I… kind of developed a soft spot for Nostrus for some reason. No joke, I almost thought he was going to switch sides lol
Tiffany Roberts' writing grips your heart and allows you no respite but when it does? Oh hell, it’s glorious and you feel vindicated.

And all of the characters are brought to a whole new dimension by Mr. Treselyan’s narration, of course! I think he might be my favourite narrator at the moment. Every character is/sounds unique with their own accents, tones and mannerisms. Not a single one sounds alike (the RANGE!!) and yes, even the women. How does he do it? Voice magic? I don’t know, but I was extremely fascinated and entertained.
I loved certain specific scenes which are too spoiler-y for me to write about, but if you’re reading this review and wondering “well, but how’s the spice?” and the answer is “better than what you’re thinking”, which it is. Speaking of which, there's actual purring and growling, that's how committed the narrator was to his role(s), he's just such a good fit for Drakkal!

I’m honestly really happy we’ve got a narrator/actor that is passionate about what he does because it definitely shows! The Infinite City is one of my favorite book series to date and it’s awesome to know it’s in such good hands.

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