Showing posts with label Joel Leslie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joel Leslie. Show all posts

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Audiobook Review: Gideon by Lily Morton Narrated by Joel Leslie #Review #Giveaway




Title: Gideon
Series: Finding Home #3
Author: Lily Morton

Narrator: Joel Leslie

Length:  9 hours, 43 minutes

Publisher: Audible


Reviewed by Sammy



 Synopsis

Gideon Ramsay is so far in the closet he should be a talking faun.
A talented, mercurial, and often selfish man, Gideon has everything he should want in life. Fame, money, acting awards - he has it all. Everything but honesty. At the advice of his agent, Gideon has concealed his sexuality for years. But it’s starting to get harder to hide, and his increasingly wild behavior is threatening to destroy his career. Then, he’s laid low by a serious illness and into his life comes Eli Jones.
Eli is everything that Gideon can’t understand. He’s sunny tempered, friendly, and optimistic. Even worse, he’s unaffected by grumpiness and sarcasm, which forms 90 percent of Gideon’s body weight. And now, Gideon is trapped with him without any recourse to the drugs and alcohol that have previously eased his way through awkward situations.
However, as Gideon gets to know the other man, he finds himself wildly attracted to his lazy smiles and warm, scruffy charm that seem to fill a hole inside Gideon that’s been empty for a long time. Will he give in to this incomprehensible attraction when it could mean the end of everything that he’s worked for?
From the best-selling author of the Mixed Messages series comes a story about a man who needs to realize that being true to yourself is really just a form of finding home. This is the third book in the Finding Home series, but it can be listened to as a stand-alone.



Review


Gideon is drunk—again--and happily enjoying watching his current hook-up and their third make out in the limo. Still feeling a bit washed out from being sick during his last filming, Gideon refuses to give in to going to the doctor like his brother would like and instead parties even harder. But just as he is about to join the twosome who have made their way to his hotel suite a coughing fit causes him to pass out and the next thing he knows he’s in hospital recovering from a near deadly bout of pneumonia. His brother has hired him a nurse, Eli, and booked them on a cruise for senior citizens and Gideon has nothing to say about it even though his snarky moth is still going a mile a minute.

For the first time Gideon begins to feel better—not only physically but also mentally. Eli calms and grounds him and they enjoy a smart banter between them. But Eli is a professional who refuses to get involved with a client—Gideon’s agent, Frank, and his threats about trying to hook up with Gideon notwithstanding. Eli is determined to be just friends while in Gideon’s employ. So even though both men feel the natural spark arise between them they don’t act on it. In fact, it will take a separation to really make Gideon see just how much he wants Eli in his life and it will take some real assurances from Eli to help Gideon see that the lies his agent has planted in his mind over the years don’t add up to him having little worth as an out and proud gay man.

Lily Morton completes her Finding Home Series with Gideon’s story now in audio. While Gideon can definitely be listened to as a standalone, those familiar with the series will see old characters crop up and remember Gideon for being a bit of a jerk from the previous novel. Needless to say little has changed in his personality and it is just this aspect of Gideon that the narrator, Joel Leslie, brings off brilliantly. This narrator’s ability to carry off a bored and snarky British accent allows him to completely embody the essence of Gideon. It is uncanny how Joel Leslie just brings this character to life with his vocal prowess—Gideon sounds just as you might imagine him to and honesty it’s wonderful.

Not only Gideon but the other characters in this story are done so well with just variations in pitch, pacing and certain affects. Happily the different voices never bleed into one another. They are each uniquely voiced and recognizable. The humor and romance that are present in this story are brought to life quite well. This story and Joel Leslie’s talents are a match made in heaven and honestly I can think of no other narrator who could pull it off with such aplomb.




Giveaway

Enter the monthly giveaway
Contest ends August 31st
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Thursday, November 7, 2019

Audiobook Release: Snow Storm by Davidson King Narrated by Joel Leslie and Philip Alces #Giveaway




Snow Storm


Author Davidson King
Narrated by Joel Leslie, Philip Alces
Publication date Oct 22, 2019
Running time 6 hrs




The city of Haven Hart rests under the heel of Christopher Manos. He reigns over the most dangerous and deadliest citizens as the most powerful crime boss the city has seen in generations. Yet, for the last five years, the harshest edges of his nature have been tempered by the loving devotion of his husband, Snow, and the nephew Christopher adores like a son. His life is a balance of darkness and light until a birthday trip for his nephew, Simon, is interrupted by a hail of bullets and explosions, threatening to destroy it all.
Snow has found a home, a family, and the love of one of Haven Hart's most powerful men. When Christopher and Simon are kidnapped, Snow risks everything to find his family. Utilizing specialized skills he learned on the streets and the finer points of running a city from his crime boss husband, Snow takes on roles he never dreamed he would-protector, leader, and avenger. No one threatens his family and lives. Experienced enough to know he can't do this alone, Snow calls in every favor he is owed, risking his life promising favors in return, all to save his family and the man he loves. 





Buy Links







Giveaway

Two people can win audiobook codes for Snow Storm to use via Audiobooks.com!
Contest will end November 14th
Thanks!

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Sunday, May 6, 2018

Audiobook Review: How To Bang A Billionaire by Alexis Hall Narrated by Joel Leslie #Review #Giveaway




Author: Alexis Hall
Narrator: Joel Leslie
Title: How To Bang A Billionaire
Publisher:Hachette Audio
Publication Date: January 16, 2018
Length: 11 hours

Reviewed by Morningstar


Synopsis

Rules are made to be broken....
If England had yearbooks, I'd probably be "Arden St. Ives: Man Least Likely to Set the World on Fire." So far, I haven't. I've no idea what I'm doing at Oxford, no idea what I'm going to do next and, until a week ago, I had no idea who Caspian Hart was. Turns out, he's brilliant, beautiful...oh yeah, and a billionaire.
It's impossible not to be captivated by someone like that. But Caspian Hart makes his own rules. And he has a lot of them. About when I can be with him. What I can do with him. And when he'll be through with me.
I'm good at doing what I'm told in the bedroom. The rest of the time, not so much. And now that Caspian's shown me glimpses of the man behind the billionaire I know it's him I want. Not his wealth, not his status. Him. Except that might be the one thing he doesn't have the power to give me.





Review

One thing I want to say is that if there is a character with an accent Joel Leslie hits that nail on the head every time!

This was my first book by Alexis Hall, and I was pleasantly surprised, but I really shouldn’t have been because people have been telling for a long time that he is an amazing writer. I loved Arden but then I’m typically drawn to the awkward characters; but add in his ability to go off on funny little mental tangents and flights of fancy, and I was in love. Although, one pet peeve was the long bouts of internally monologuing for my tastes and since it was all from Arden’s POV it became too much even in listening to the audiobook.

Caspian, on the other hand, was no Arden. He was a bit of an ass but one I liked and one that the author showed us with little glimpses of his true self that he might be a good guy under all that detached attitude and emotional push back. The thing is, Caspian is honest with Arden; he pulls no punches when it comes to what he’s willing to give. We don’t know much about his backstory by the end of this book, but I suspect the next book will show us more.

A positive in the story was that the author was excellent at giving crumbs to keep us engaged and wanting more. The characters were complex, exciting, and funny. The prose was magnificent and helped keep and pull attention along throughout the story. Some of the events that happened were confusing, but despite that, I was stuck and wrapped up in the story.

Joel Leslie was the icing on the cake for me. Or maybe he was the ingredients that helped pull this all together because his characterizations and voices and inflections were spot on and had me enveloped in this world.







Giveaway

Enter the monthly giveaway to win either 
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Contest ends May 31st.

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Friday, August 4, 2017

Audiobook Tour: The Necromancer's Dilemma by SJ Himes~ Narrated by Joel Leslie #Review #Giveaway




Title: The Necromancer’s Dilemma
 Author: SJ Himes
 Narrated By: Joel Leslie
 Length: 7 hours 47 minutes
 Series: The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2
 Release Date: July 21st 2017
 Genre: MM Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

BLURB
Even love can die without trust.
Angel's brother, Isaac, has returned home, and the pair begins to make slow and awkward attempts back to each other. Learning how to be a brother to a grown man instead of a parental figure has Angel adjusting his behaviors and habits, and Isaac still remains a mystery. Was it merely entering adulthood that turned Isaac away from an overprotective Angel, or does Isaac carry a secret that will keep them from finally being a real family?
Daniel Macavoy, Angel's new apprentice, is torn between his bond with Angel and the grasping machinations of his father. Dealing with a traumatized apprentice with dangerous holes in his magical education, saving Daniel may be harder than Angel first thought - especially since the biggest problem is not revenge, but guilt.
The one shining beacon in his life is Simeon, Elder vampire of Boston's only Bloodclan. Four hundred years old and sexy as sin, Simeon is warrior and sage, patient and cunning. The strength Angel draws from Simeon's devotion and the newborn mate-bond between them is steadfast and true - and the fount of death magic that animates the undead lord places Angel in the midst of a power struggle for control over himself, his lover, and his family.
Through it all, Angel is beleaguered by the unwanted attention of a troll-hybrid, the adventures of a dragon in the city, and a serial killer has decided to hunt the back alleys and midnight streets of Boston.
Contains male/male sexual content. Violence, gore, sex, vampires. A cute dragon and some snark. Okay, lots of snark.

Find The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series on Goodreads


Review

This book—along with the first book—is the book that no matter how many times you read it (or listen to it) it excites you, cheers you up, and has you sitting on pins and needles with every word you read. More Angel and Simeon? Yes, please! Add Milly and Erich, and I’m a happy girl.



We learn more about the Leannán bond (soul bond) between Angel and Simeon which is one of my favorites in all the paranormal books that I’ve read. SJ Himes has such a beautiful and imaginative way to describe it as it solidifies and grows stronger that makes me in awe and to be honest jealous that I don’t have one!



Angel is one of my favorite characters because he is a study in opposites. Angel has been, not only leader of his family since the blood wars, but before that, he was the only Necromancer on the east coast. His power, inner strength, and no nonsense attitude give him a name for himself and for years he was even feared because he is such a badass when he it comes to protecting those he cares for, which includes the people of Beacon Hill. But he has a softer side, as side Angel doesn’t let anyone see. Maybe that soft, mushy core of his didn’t exist before Simeon brought it out in him but either way, he secretly loves the love and care that Simeon shows to him. Simeon is the only one that Angel will let his guard down around and trust that it won’t be used against him. Oh but let’s not forget the snark and attitude that Angel deals like a weapon!



“There was nothing of which to be afraid. Mean to be, inescapable and whole. There was only trust and love, and Simeon at the center of it all.”



I loved that we got to learn more about Angel’s fledglings, Daniel Macavoy, the boy he rescued at the end of book one, and his brother Isaac. Both who are struggling one with a secret, the other with the grip his family still on him. These two touched me in some many ways that I just want to pick them up and squish them so hard. Each is dealing with not only the scary events taking place with Angel, a man they both love as family, but with their own demons daily. I can’t wait to get to read each of their books because I know this author will treat their stories with the care these characters need.



One thing I have to say about why I love this story is the magic! I am addicted to Angel’s scenes when he gets to use his power with how the author describes those elements and how they can be done. Although the action isn’t as packed full as it was in book one it is still an important part of the struggle Angel is going through. Growth for a story and growth for the characters is always what is fun to experience in any series, and in this one SJ Himes did not disappoint me at all.



After listening to both books, I have a mind to believe that Joel Leslie was created to be the narrator for this series. He voices that characters in a way that gives, even more, life than SJ Himes words alone..and I never thought that could be possible. Not only does give each character an individual voice he brings them an extra layer of personality by doing it so wonderfully. Nothing better than to hear the Irish accent of Simeon and the Boston accent of Angel interacting in their snarky banter!



I will leave you with one of my favorite characters in this series, one that if he were real he would be mine if he didn’t light me on fire first that is…


“Eroch was very territorial, and the pigeons were now his arch nemesis. Angel gave up trying to moderate the scrabble one evening when he found his wee beastie surrounded by the flames and scorched remains of a dozen pigeons, the tiny dragon fat and happy and smug as shit after a victorious battle.”


Book One
Title: The Necromancer’s Dance
Author: S J Himes
Series: The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #1
Narrated by: Joel Leslie
Length: 8 Hours 8 minutes
Release Date: 21st March 2017
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, MM Romance

BLURB
In a world where magic is real and evil walks amongst humanity, a young sorcerer is beset by enemies, both old and new.
Angelus Salvatore is the only necromancer in all of Boston, and his name is whispered warily by the undead and fellow sorcerers alike. He and his brother Isaac are the lone survivors of an attack by an army of the undead, in which Angel used a spell so powerful it forever marked his place in history. Now, years later, Angel struggles to balance his career as a teacher of the higher magical arts, his role as big brother, and a tenuous relationship with an Elder vampire from the local clan. When his brother's boyfriend is used as a pawn in a mysterious plot to draw Angel out, Angel is once again drawn back into the old hostilities that fueled the Blood Wars and led to his family's death.
Leaning on others for help is something Angel cannot do, and while he searches for clues as to who may be targeting him and his brother, Angel finds his heart steadily growing occupied with Simeon, Elder and vampire. Dealing with death magic and vampires on a daily basis may leave Angel jaded when it comes to life and staying that way, but the more time he spends fending off the ancient vampire's attention and affections, the more he realizes he wants to give in.
Can Angel find out who wants him dead, and keep his heart safe in the process? How can he fall for a vampire, when his whole family was torn apart by an army of the undead? Death stalks the streets of Boston's historic Beacon Hill...and there is no one more suited to battle against death than a necromancer.


Listen to an audio teaser from The Necromancer’s Dance at Soundcloud.



About the Author and Narrator

About the Author
I'm a self-employed writer who stresses out about the silliest things, like whether or not I got my dog the best kind of snack and the fact my kindle battery tends to die when I'm at the best part in a book. I write mainly gay romance, erotica, and urban fantasy, with ocasional forays into contemporary and paranormal. I love a book heavy on plot and character evolution, and throw in some magic, and that's perfection. My current series are: The Beacon Hill Sorcerer, Bred For Love (as Revella Hawthorne), and The Wolfkin Saga. My last two novels in the Beacon Hill Sorcerer won 3rd Place in the Gay Fantasy category for the 2016 Rainbow Awards.
I live in New Orleans, where the personalities are big and loud and so are the bugs! New Orleans is rich in cultural history, and the flavor and music of the City is impossible to hide. Before that, I lived all over the United States: Tampa, Western Massachusetts, Indianapolis, and on and on.... I'm a nomad, and I've yet to find a place that calls to me strongly enough to become home. My faithful travel companions are my dog Micah, the numerous voices in my head who insist they all get put on paper, and the wind at my back.



About the Narrator
Joel Leslie is a UK transplant, growing up with American parents in a British commonwealth.  A classically trained actor with an MFA in theatre from USC, he is often cast for his unique ability to deliver native, authentic combinations of American and British sounds.  His great range and ability to bring characters to life with honesty, wit and versatility delights producers and listeners alike.

He is proud to have a strong following with m/m listeners and an ongoing relationship with some of the finest writers in the genre.  He loves that every day he gets to share these beautiful, inspirational and empowering GLBT characters with the world.  When not in the booth he spends his time chasing after two loquacious wiener dogs.

Find a list of Joel’s books on Audible


Giveaway

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