Audio: London's Late Night Scandal by Anabelle Bryant

Narrated by: Victoria Aston

Series: Midnight Secrets Series, Book 3

Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 10-29-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

For review

So I do not remember what Matthew did in book 1. I did read my review and it seems he was an asshat, but I still wrote that he needed a HEA. But that is the good thing, when I finally got to his book I had forgotten any bad feelings I might have had for him.

Matthew goes to visit an Earl since that Earl had written a paper and they could not, oh long story. Smart dude wants to talk with another smart dude. Instead he meets Thedosia, the real author.

Theo lives with her grandfather and speaks with animals more than humans. She is really smart in a time when women had no place for that.

Matthew is in constant pain (I have read a lot of books lately with men in constant pain from bullet holes, hmm, strange.)

They flirt. He has has his job in the city, she hates it (for a silly reason in the end) Oh and her granfather has dementia so there is that too.

And that is the drama folks.

And they work it out and live happily ever after. Nice story. I think the "baddie" was in book 1 too but I had forgotten him.

Also, xmas setting!

Narrator

I like her voice for historical romance so she did really well

Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, takes his position very seriously. Not only does it distract him from the painful aftermath of a gunshot wound to the leg, earned most honorably, it is important work. So he feels duty-bound to question esteemed scientist Lord Talbot about a suspect article. Matthew dashes from London to Oxfordshire, despite wretched weather that only exacerbates his injury, reminding him he is far from the dashing gentleman he once was...

Theodosia, Lord Talbot's granddaughter, has inherited his gift for inquiry, enjoying her pursuits safely away from the artifice of London society. But her identity as the true author of Talbot's article is about to be exposed. And if Matthew expects a dour bluestocking, surprises abound. Not only do Theodosia's botanical concoctions soothe his leg, he's clearly attracted by her delicate beauty. But dare she hope for more? It will take an urgent trip to London for both to discover how passion and lasting love can ignite under the cover of darkness...

Audio: London's best kept Secret by Anabelle Bryant

Narrated by: Victoria Aston

Series: Midnight Secrets Series, Book 2

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

Thank you Tantor for this copy

My Thoughts

Was Jeremy the smartest of men? Well, yes and no. He was a genius when it came to money. But when it came to love *groans* Not so much. He had a master plan to woe his wife, but, sigh, poor guy was not that good with women. It was both amusing and sad.

Jeremy and Charlotte has been married for almost a year. They are strangers that never interact. He has a secret to why they married and he is afraid it will ruin it all so he avoids her. But as you can guess that already ruined things. Charlotte is sweet and wonders why he never come to her. She wants love and a family. He wants a wife. Someone needs to hit them over the head, lock them in a room together and make them talk and fall in love.

The secret was actually kind of bad, I would have been upset, but at the same time it was all with good intentions.

There is a second plot too that felt really strange. It had the implications of being a huge scandal, but it was brushed aside. I also felt that it built so much that I wondered why the story was not told, I hope that it might be because a future book will delve into it cos then the couple will have a lot to forgive. Scandal!

These two have a lot to work through, but they find each other, they find love, there are secrets and scandal brewing.

I enjoyed it.

Narration

I have listened to her many times before and I always enjoy her narrating historical romance. She does the men and women well. All have distinct voices and it feels right for the era.

She is always good listening at and brings the drama and romance

In monetary matters, Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing, is used to being in control, but from his first sight of Lady Charlotte, his carefully cultivated world is rocked to its foundations. Determined to best her other, more eligible suitors, he goes to great lengths to ensure his betrothal to Charlotte. A locked black leather box holds the dark secret that has assured his success. Innocent Lady Charlotte is baffled by her fiance's behavior. Why does Lord Dearing seem so distant one day, and so attentive the next? Her family's dire financial straits did not allow her the luxury of an extended courtship. If only she could entice him into the marriage bed! When at last Charlotte's efforts are rewarded, she revels in Jeremy's unexpectedly bold possessiveness. But outside of their bedchambers, her groom's guardedness quickly returns. Passion is no longer enough for sweet Charlotte, who vows to unlock the mystery of this complicated man. The truth, however, might be more than her principled heart is prepared to handle . . . 

Audio: London's Wicked Affair - Anabelle Bryant

Audio CD, 9 pages

Narrator: Victoria Aston

Published August 28th 2018 by Tantor Audio

Series: Midnight Secrets #1

Historical romance

For review

My Thoughts

I thought for the entire book that his name was London...ooops, it was Lunden, well close enough I say.

Lunden has a dark secret and he has been away from polite society since he was 15 and his brother died, and the gossip said Lunden did it. Poor Lunden, all he wanted was to mourn his brother and the gossip mongers made it impossible to even be in the city. So he fled. And I get that he wanted to keep things secret, but at the same time, he suffered too.

Amelia must marry, her father is ill and wants to see her happy. But she is one of those oh so common heroines, lol, outspoken and a disaster. When I heard of things she had done I just wanted to laugh. he is also very protective of of her friend (and I am glad that her book is next cos what on earth is going on with Charlotte and her husband!?).

Lunden has things to take care of and visits his old friend (I know I know, Matthew made mistakes but I really wanted him to get a book too, hopefully he will. Poor guy!!!) And yes there is Amelia again, all grown up and beautiful.

He helps her find a husband and have a bit of fun. And obvi they will fall in love and the drama is that dark secret. And he is all brooding and no you deserve better than me! I wanted to shake him and say, but hello, look at what she is offered. You ARE the better alternative!

At one time I gasped and went around with a big grin on my face ;)

Conclusion

Secrets, wicked deals and romance. I enjoyed it

Narrator:

I always like Victoria Aston. She is perfect for his rom!

Blurb

Lunden Beckford, Duke of Scarsdale, has chosen to exile himself far from London, with its painful memories and cruel gossip. Forced back to town on business, he's eager to make his stay as brief as possible. But first, he must honor his promise to find a suitable husband for his friend's little sister. On one hand, Amelia Strathmore has grown into a stunning, statuesque beauty. On the other, the willful chit is more likely to scandalize a drawing room with her outspoken opinions than blush prettily. At least she agrees to accept his help—if he fulfills

certain conditions.

Though duty-bound to marry, Amelia longs to secretly enjoy some of life's freedoms first. In this, as in many things, Lunden proves an excellent guide. In fact, Amelia's girlhood admiration for her brother's friend is fast becoming something far less innocent. Lunden believes he's known too much darkness to offer any woman happiness. Yet Amelia is starting to see how much pleasure can lie within the right partnership—especially if one is willing to be a little wicked.

Audio: An affair with a spare - Shana Galen

Audio CD, 10 h Narrator: Victoria Aston

Published August 7th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published July 3rd 2018)

The Survivors #3

Historical romance

For review

My thoughts:

Rafe is and both is not a total playboy. I men yes he loves women, but women really love him. And he can not say no! So it has come to that point where he is all, omg can't they just find someone else to hunt! Seriously man, learn to say no! ;) But he is also the kind of hero you just have to love, he really is the most charming man in London.

While Colette took some getting used to, because she is a spy for the French. It is a bit hard to like her then. But she is a  really good person. She loves her dad and would do anything for him. She is also a really crappy spy. Not to mention she is shy. It was all very amusing.

And it was interesting to see how the well known bachelor would fall and fight against it. Not to mention how they would deal with this whole mess! She is still a spy. Her dad is still an assassin. But, without saying too much, I enjoyed how it was dealt with.

It was also great seeing the men from book 1 and 2. I really like this group of survivors. And I can not wait to get their books (omg the blurb for the next one is not up and I am all eeeeek!).

Conclusion:
A fun book with some suspense, passion and friendship.

Cover

Is that like the Thames? Not really fitting, even if pretty

Narration

I enjoy Victoria Aston's voice and she fits historical romance so well! All her voices work,

Blurb:

Rafe Beaumont, fifth son of an earl, uses his irresistible charm with the ladies to glean dangerous war secrets. Now he's putting those skills to the ultimate test: capturing an elusive assassin by seducing his daughter. The problem? She's entirely immune to Rafe's flattery. Never before has Collette Fortier met a man as attractive as Rafe. But her father's life is at stake, and succumbing to Rafe would be disastrous. But when Rafe turns the tables on her, offering support and friendship instead of a fleeting affair, Collette finds herself tempted in ways she never could have imagined . . . 

Audio: No Earls allowed - Shana Galen

Lady Juliana, daughter of the Earl of St. Maur, needs all the help she can get. She's running a ramshackle orphanage, London's worst slumlord has illicit designs on her, and her father has suddenly become determined to marry her off. Enter Major Neil Wraxall, bastard son of the Marquess of Kensington, sent to assist Lady Juliana in any way he can. Lucky for her, he's handy with repairs, knows how to keep her and the orphans safe, and is a natural leader of men. Unfortunately for both of them, the scandal that ensues from their mutual attraction is going to lead them a merry dance . . . 

Audio CD, 10 h
Published March 6th 2018 by Tantor Audio
The Survivors #2
Historical romance
For review

My thoughts

These poor war heroes. They certainly do not seem themselves as heroes, and the turn has come to Neil. The man who gave the orders and now he blames himself for the death of his men. Drinking himself to death and having nightmares. Luckily his dad sends him on a new mission (oh and yes he is a bastard so he has issues with that too.)

Juliana was, oh well, yes girl power and all that, but omg woman, you are taking over an orphanage in the slums, please have some backup! I would be scared. While she was all, I can do that! Kudos for that, but scary! And yes there is this guy after her too. But then again, she cares not for reputation or anything else. All she wants to do is take care of these orphans and try and get some order. I did like her, even if I did want her to take Neil's help and not be so stubborn ;)

Oh and why are there always boys? I never come across any orphanages with girls. But the boys were fun and I liked how the interacted with Neil.

The house is falling apart. The boys are running wild. There is no one except for Julia there. There is a creepy crimelord around. Neil has his hands full. And they also have time to fall in love (and they are both virgins ;) I just had to add that.)

Conclusion:
Sweet with danger and rats!

Victoria Aston

I like her voices for everyone. She works excellent for historical romance and it's fun listening to.

I am there in the moment and it sure makes for fun audio. Romance was made for it.

sample

Cover thoughts.

Makes no sense. A country estate? A ball gown? Sure she attends like 3 functions but most of the book takes place in the orphanage

Audio: The Shadows of Stormclyffe Hall - Lauren Smith

To defeat a dark evil, they must face his family’s past…

Bastian Carlisle, the Earl of Weymouth, doesn’t believe in ghosts. Even though tragedy and mysterious hauntings have driven his family away from his ancestral home, Stormclyffe Hall, he is determined to restore the castle to its former glory. His plans are disrupted when a stubborn American shows up on his doorstep hoping to pry into his family’s tragic history. 

Jane Seyton, an American graduate student, is convinced there’s more to the tragedy of Stormclyffe Hall than history claims. Ever the scholar, she is determined to discover the truth, even if it means putting up with the arrogant, yet sexy, Bastian.

Although Bastian wants nothing to do with the pushy American, it soon becomes clear that something evil is in the house—and that something is targeting both Jane and Bastian. The two must join forces to purge the ghosts of Stormclyffe Hall once and for all—even as they try to fight a physical attraction between them that grows more and more impossible to deny. 

Audio Cd, 7 h
Published February 6th 2018 by Tantor Audio
Dark Seductions #1
Paranormal romance
For review

My thoughts:

This was one of those I just know I would have dnfed if I had read it. But the magic with a good narrator is that it gets better. Still, there were plothole kind of things and more. This one really scraped by thanks to the lovely Victoria Aston.

Bastian is a cursed Earl. And he does not believe in ghosts or any such nonsense....but in every generation, mothers, fathers, or kids die violently...right. Silly. Instead he is a his castle and wanting to rebuild it. Even though everyone keeps saying the place is cursed. I would have sold it.

Jane is writing about Stormclyffe and comes to see it. Why it took her 6 years I do not know. I mean if she loved it that much. And he is all no, do not come here, like her dissertation would make all the papers and ghost hunters would descend on him. Lol, do not be silly, no one is gonna care.

They meet and there are sparks! But alas, all women who love the Earls die! 

Also 

spoiler: why the witch just did not possess someone to get her Earl I do not know 

And he was all I will seduce her and she will be happy to leave. Omg just tell her that she can not look at the castle or you will call the cops.

It was a rather silly tale to be honest.

Narrator

Victoria Aston

She did a good job and kept me listening. All thanks to her.