Set my imagination on fire

Even if Arden St Ives thinks he is the least likeliest person to set the world on fire Alexis Hall with Joel Leslie’s superb narration certainly have for me. I have a serious case of book hangover after finishing listening to this excellent story. It is so much more than 50 shades could ever hope to be. Roll on the next audiobook. Joel’s voice in my imagination as I read How to Blow it with a Billionaire is a poor substitute for the real thing.

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1 person found this helpful

Oh Ardy, you gorgeous boy !

I love, love, loved it.
Such spot on sarcasm, exquisitely delivered.
A very enjoyable story.

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Aural perfection in both story and narration

So, I read and loved this book, but I'm a bit in love with the audio. Yes, it has parallels with 50 shades, but it is so much better - it focuses on Caspian and Arden and they are truly front and centre here. The story takes you through Arden's journey from his POV but we also get to see Caspian's struggles with wanting to both protect and love Arden and also see him suffer.

And that's where this narration really comes alive. This is a book you live through, not listen to - it felt like I 'was' Arden - when he suffered, I suffered. The audio added that realistic dimension so rarely achieved for other books, by bringing each character to life in their own unique and distinct way. Both Arden and Caspian were the voices in my head, and the people I imagined when I read the book.

I could rave about this all day, and any review would feel woefully inadequate - and honestly, this has kind of recalibrated my rating as 5 stars just doesn't seem enough.

The next book I listen to has big, big shoes to fill.

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2 people found this helpful

Funny and Romantic

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The funny parts had me laughing out loud, and the story had good pace. the narration was so good and really brought the story alive for me.

So excited to have found a new author and off to find the next in the series.

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Really good book

Alexis Hall is a really good writer. Listened to a few of their books and I’m always so utterly drawn in and absorbed, and love how you become a part of the character’s world. They are always so real and you fall in love with them. This is a rare writing skill in all the books I have listen to (and I have listened to way over 1000 in many genres), but practically unheard of in the m/m romance genre. Listened to the whole book pretty much in one go, and eagerly about to start on the next book of the trilogy.

I’d say this book is similar to the 50 shades type trilogy romance, with a tortured love interest and gradually revealing more about them and developing the relationship. However, the big difference with this book is that it’s really good! And m/m, obviously. So many of those types of books are mediocre. It’s not really a BDSM book, but the urges are there and it could easily go that way in the other books in the trilogy - but if it does I imagine it will be pretty light stuff. It’s more about emotional, intimacy and control issues.

Although it’s all from one character’s point of view, you still feel like you are getting to know both of them and its done really well.

Joel Leslie is a fantastic narrator too and you can tell he really knows the story and is being the character as he speaks, and feels what they feel - rather than just reading the words with voices like so many other narrators.

Just realised that the final book won’t be out for a few months which is a great shame as I usually don’t get books until they’re all available. Will be keeping an eye out for that one for sure! In the meantime, on to book number 2...

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Brilliant

A superb narration: the characters and comedy elements captured to perfection. Joel Leslie you are amazing! And so is Alexis Hall! this story filled my heart with so much fun and joy. I loved every second of this story, so much so that I immediately bought the rest of the series (which I can't wait to start) and know they will feature on my 'listen again' list.
Honestly this is a wonderful love story and Alexis Hall writes some of the most beautiful and rare characters so full of feels you can identify with. This is an absolute master at work.

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Great story

loved the story, great narration by Joel Leslie as he alwsys gets into the character. The story was believable and kept you going with the plot.

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1 person found this helpful

Best listen yet!!!

This has been by far the best read/listen yet, and narrating is superb as always by Joel Leslie.

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One of the best audio performances ever!

The story is like a male/male version of Fifty Shades except BETTER. Better characters, better plot, better interaction. There is more story and emotions rather than meaningless smut (although the sex scenes are very steamy). The main protagonist was flawed and real and so witty and I loved him. I was hesitant about Joel Leslie as a reader first as I disliked one of his performances but so glad I gave this a chance as his performance here is flawless. The best reading I have ever heard. The accents and emotions, the clear distinction between the different characters was just perfection. He brought emotion to Arden and Caspian without being over the top. I finished it and then listened to it all over again I loved it so much. A real joy to listen to. On to part 2!

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Outstanding!

Outstanding story, outstanding characters, quirky Arden and his fabulous imagination, likeable characters all round, Kinky AF, sexy and I'm totally in love with Caspian Hart!
OUTANDING all round, with my favourite narrator of all time who takes Caspian Hart to all time levels of sexiness, a voice like rich dark chocolate and bourbon. This is one of the best books and series I've listened to.

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