Four of the titles on my list are from two series. These are also series that any additions or related books are an automatic buy for me. In no particular order, here are the two series.
Haven Hart Universe by Davidson King Snow Falling (Haven Hart Universe, #1) Snow Falling was the first book of the year (April) that I listen to or read again immediately. There is so much to love in this book starting with a morally ambiguous main character, Christopher. Christopher describes himself as a big motherf***er and at 6’5” he is intimidating. He is also a very powerful mob boss. The other main character, Snow, is much shorter and slender. He goes head to head with Christopher with little fear. Christopher is a “clean” criminal. He has never been arrested or investigated for any crimes. His employees who are loyal to him find him very loyal. His nephew, Simon, who he has raised since he was an infant, is the center of his world. Snow is a young man who has been through hell. He is living on the streets to avoid being returned to hell. His street name, Snow, describes his pale complexion and almost white hair. Because of what he has experienced and his unique talent, Snow has no problem trying to protect his few friends on the streets. When he sees a boy being kidnapped, he steps in and risks his life to save the kid. As Snow moves into Christopher’s world, they are both faced with hard decisions. The audiobook enriches the story and is well worth the money. From These Ashes (Haven Hart Universe #4) The fourth in the Haven Hart series, From These Ashes, has one of my favorite characters. Black is the head of the world’s best assassination group. He only accepts cases that restore justice to those the justice system has failed. He is large (6’5”) and intimidating. His public persona of the head of a security agency brings his respect and standing in the community. He is a man that even those who do not know who he really is, fear him. Quill is the perfect man to destroy Black’s walls. He is much younger and his own walls are reinforced by continuing danger in his life. He has no security in his life. His greatest wish is to be able to stay and not have to run again. I love Quill’s ability to see possibilities for himself even as he is being beaten. He does not let anyone destroy him. I like how the distinction of bi versus gay is handled. The phoenixes in this book are real; their beauty, their destruction in fire, and their rebirth from the ashes of those fires. As with Snow Falling, the audiobook is a wonderful companion and worth spending the money or credit. Nothing Special series by A E Via Nothing Special Books 1 - 5 (Nothing Special #1-5) I read A. E. Via's Nothing special series through Kindle Unlimited. I enjoyed the series. I rated the books between 3 and 5 stars. Tantor Audio released Nothing Special Books 1-5 narrated by Aiden Snow. I listened to all 5 audiobooks and rated the set 5 stars. The Nothing Special series involves narcotics officers in the Atlanta Police Department. Each book focuses on a different couple in what becomes the Narcotics Task Force. Although the books are listed as M/M romance they are rich with mystery and suspense. Book 1, Nothing Special, focuses on Detective Cashel 'Cash' Godfrey (God) and Detective Leonidis 'Leo' Day (Day). God and Day are total opposites other than using unorthodox (but legal) methods to get the major drug dealers off the Atlanta streets. It also deals with the aftermath of trauma. Book 2, Embracing His Syn, deals with same-sex domestic violence. Sergeant Corbin 'Syn' Sydney, the newest member of the task force, and Furious Barkley. The explanation of how Furious was named is one of the best name origin stories I have ever read. Book 3, Here Comes Trouble, involves Detectives Mark Ruxsberg and Chris Green. The story explores the cost of addiction, especially to addicts' families. Book 4, Don't Judge, Sniper Detective Austin Michaels feels responsible for a botched arrest. He joins with Judge Josephson, a bounty hunter, to recapture the drug dealer. The book shows the hours of preparation and research that go into capturing a criminal on the run. Book 5, Nothing Special V, has a great tagline: "A hothead that's uncontrollable and terrible with authority… but wasn’t that their team motto?" Medal holder Marine Edwin Steele is brought to the task force by his councilman uncle. God and Joy are less than thrilled to have a politician's relative on their task force. Steele's introduction to the task force and the force's IT specialist, Tech, set off a great story. The best example of why the audiobooks rate 5 stars is found in Book 1 Nothing Special, Chapter 19: "Day turned the corner and ran smack into a large, hulking, chest, startling the hell out of both him and his date. Mick grabbed his chest, 'Jesus!' 'No, God', the rough voice responded." Aiden Snow does such an extraordinary job bringing Lt. Cashel Godfrey (and the rest of the characters) to life that he truly does make the written word better. Copy of the audiobook provided by Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review. His Hart's Command (Nothing Special, #6) His Hart's Command is the sixth book in the Nothing Special series. As with the other books, this one focuses on two main characters. Ivan Hart is the SWAT commander and Lt. Cash Godfrey's best friend. He is a large bear of a man who is strong and capable when dealing with his job. Lennox Freeman is the tech genius who helps God's team and is Tech's best friend. While Cash and Tech do not have huge roles in the book, they are very important to how Ivan and Lennox evolve. Ivan is my favorite main character of the series. He is loyal, protective, and most of all kind. Physically he is a large man and described as a bear. He is described in such a way that you just know he would be warm and comforting to cuddle with. He is also a victim of abuse. Lennox is sweet and patient. As a couple, they balance each other. Aiden Snow is an incredible narrator. He brings the character fully formed to the listener's ear. I adored the uncertainty he gave Ivan's voice. He also did a great job with the complexity of Lennox's accent. A copy of the audiobook provided by Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review.
1 Comment
1/10/2021 12:12:15 am
Wow. This has made my whole month. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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