With a Kick Collection #2 by Clare London Audiobook Tour

This collection includes Clare London's second two charming London-based novellas of the With a Kick series – Pluck and Play and Double Scoop.

WITH A KICK: A new and enticing ice cream franchise, with a unique blend of full flavor, mischief, and romance. Patrick and Lee are struggling to make a success of their alcoholic ice cream shop in the center of tourist London. At the same time, their business partnership may take a turn toward the personal – if either of them can find the time and nerve to go for it!

Meanwhile, they cater to the wild and wonderful range of customers in the area, many of whom have their own romantic agenda. Will ice cream be the final ingredient they're all looking for?

Each story is a self-contained romance but will follow the history of the shop throughout.

Pluck and Play

Curtis is a cheery young entrepreneur secretly licking his wounds after being beaten up by his ex-lover. Handsome cowboy Riley is stranded in London without money. His consolation is his music, and his fascination is Curtis. Their music brings them together, Riley's guitar and Curtis' poetry. But when Curtis is threatened by his ex-lover, Riley intends to be the man to help.

Double Scoop

A sudden disaster strikes the novelty ice cream shop With a Kick, threatening the livelihood of its owner, Patrick, and also his assistant Lee. The last thing in the world Patrick wants is to hurt Lee, but deeply held insecurities prevent him from confessing his love. And how long will Lee wait to make his own move? Hopefully, the disaster brings a new opportunity for them to make a go of things.

Collection No. 1 has also been released, featuring Clare London's first two novellas, A Twist and Two Balls and Slap and Tickle, and also the two bonus short stories Nice and Snow and Smack Happy.

Audiobook Details
Length: 8 hrs, 58 mins
Narrator: Joel Leslie

Collection #2
Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Audible US  ~  Audible UK  ~  iTunes


Ebook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
Having loved the audiobook for Collection #1, I was thrilled when I heard that Collection #2 was being released. While the stories can be enjoyed as standalone reads (or listens), the appearance of common characters enriches the experience for series fans by creating the sense of community that really comes into play with both of the books in this collection.

While I’m unsure of their actual ages, Curtis and Riley’s youthful energy and outlooks on life gives Pluck and Play a new adult feel to their story. Curtis is such an earnest and hard-working young man that I had zero chance of not falling in love with the entrepreneur. Of course, Riley’s southern charm and laidback nature won me over immediately – and his well-aimed right hook didn’t hurt either. Not surprisingly, both men are more complex than they appear at first glance and they complemented one another so much, even when they were trying to prove their independence and self-sufficiency. I’ll admit that I was surprised with the almost sinister turn that Pluck and Play took when Curtis’ ex showed up. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a dark story or romantic thriller, but it had more of an edge when compared to the sweetness of the stories in Collection #1. But it was the situation with Curtis’ ex that ultimately showed Curtis just how important he is to the people in his life and how people he assumed considered him a helpful business contact actually saw him as a friend and member of their community. And that showdown in the alley was AWESOME! I may have listened to that scene a couple of times, it was so good. I loved Curtis and Riley’s characters so very much that I was sad when their story came to an end, but at least I knew I’d likely see them in the next book.

Double Scoop is the cherry on top of the With a Kick sundae. It’s the story I’ve been waiting for since meeting Patrick and Lee in book one, A Twist and Two Balls, and London made sure that it was worth the wait. While Double Scoop is a May-December romance, Patrick’s self-doubt adds an extra dose of angst that would make any new adult story proud. I felt so bad for Lee each time that Patrick’s careless comments and actions chipped away at his hopes for a THEM. The affection Lee has for Patrick is one of the worst-kept secrets among the With a Kick community because Lee wears his heart on his sleeve, yet Patrick is blinded by his self-doubt and woe-is-me attitude. Fortunately for Lee and readers (or listeners), the guys have a great group of friends who not only pitch in to get the shop back up and running, but have no qualms about playing matchmakers and doing what is necessary to pull Patrick’s head out of his own behind – thank you, Brian! Even knowing that London would serve the perfect happy ending for the guys, I had my doubts once or twice, so I was beyond surprised with Patrick’s grand gestures at the end. It was, indeed, the cherry on top of the Double Scoop sundae.

I cannot express how happy I was to listen to Joel Leslie return to narrate Collection #2. Knowing that it was releasing, I decided to listen to the first collection again so that I could reacquaint myself with the rather huge cast of characters and in doing so, I was reminded as to just how talented Leslie is. As an American, I cannot attest to the authenticity of Leslie’s British and Turkish accents, but as a Southern girl, I loved the smooth, Southern drawl he created for Riley. The With a Kick audiobooks are a great example of why Joel Leslie is one of my favorite narrators: he creates unique voices for both small and large casts of characters, he’s consistent with characters’ voices across multiple books in a series, and he can convey such a wide range of emotion that at times I feel as though I’m eavesdropping on someone else’s life. I do so hope that London releases the final book in the series on audio as well and that Leslie is back at the mic for it because I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to the With a Kick community.

Also Available in the With a Kick Series

Collection #1
Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon  ~  Audible US  ~  Audible UK  ~  iTunes


Ebook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the With a Kick Collection #1 Audiobook Tour.

CLARE LONDON took her pen name from the city where she lives, loves, and writes. A lone, brave female in a frenetic, testosterone-fueled family home, she juggles her writing with her other day job as an accountant.

She’s written in many genres and across many settings, with award-winning novels and short stories published both online and in print. She says she likes variety in her writing while friends say she’s just fickle, but as long as both theories spawn good fiction, she’s happy. Most of her work features male/male romance and drama with a healthy serving of physical passion, as she enjoys both reading and writing about strong, sympathetic, and sexy characters.

Clare currently has several novels sulking at that tricky chapter-three stage and plenty of other projects in mind… she just has to find out where she left them in that frenetic, testosterone-fueled family home.

Clare loves to hear from readers, and you can contact her on all her social media.

Connect with Clare

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

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.

His authors have praised him as “a narrator among narrators, a man whose ability to create different characters rests on the power of his voice and his impeccable delivery,” and a “true delight…" "his professionalism, good humor, and charm make him a dream to work with,” "Anyone else would only be second best.”

Joel has consistent access to his home studio for all production needs. When not in the booth he spends his time chasing after two loquacious wiener dogs.

Connect with Joel

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of With a Kick Collection #2 by Clare London, narrated by Joel Leslie to listen to and review for this tour.

Spencer Cohen Book Two by N.R. Walker Audiobook Review

Finally going from fake-boyfriends to the real thing, Spencer Cohen and Andrew Landon are trying to take things slow. They know what they have could be something special and despite the flammable sexual tension, they don’t want to crash and burn.

Spencer is learning to open up, sharing the secrets of his past with Andrew. Afraid to put his heart on the line, yet seemingly unable to stop it, Spencer knows he’s falling in love with him. Andrew is petrified of leaping in blindly, yet it seems the slower they go, the faster they fall.

As they navigate their new relationship, Spencer worries Andrew will freak out when he takes on a new client. But it’s not a normal case and Spencer soon realises things are not what they seem. When things take a downward turn and they work together to help the client, Spencer and Andrew need to decide if they’re ready for the next step.

Audiobook Details
Length: 6 hrs, 34 mins
Narrator: Joel Leslie

Book 2
Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Audible

Ebook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
I absolutely adore Andrew and Spencer. The second book in the Spencer Cohen series picks up where book one ended – the morning after Spencer’s drunken meltdown. I actually re-listened to book one before beginning book two and the transition is perfect. In fact, it took supreme effort to write this review BEFORE cueing up book three because I suspect it will continue on with Spencer and Andrew’s story just as seamlessly. Not to mention, I’m chomping at the bit to listen to book four now that I know who Yanni is and really need to see that poor child find his happiness.

Being as book one was time spent fake dating, book two sees Andrew and Spencer embarking upon the official beginning of their relationship. Mind you, they first had to admit that they had feelings for one another and wanted to see where things could lead, but fortunately for all involved (the characters and this listener), Walker didn’t draw this part out at all. No, the author saved that particular brand of torture for the consummation of the relationship. Due to Andrew’s tendency to jump into things too quickly and Spencer’s lack of a past relationship, the two agree to take things slowly and get to know one another before jumping into bed together. Thankfully, the guys agreed that making out didn’t break that rule and they were quite generous in what constituted making out – and good grief, am I lucky that my Echo Dot didn’t overheat with all the steam or short circuit because of all the sexual tension. While all that sexual tension made for some delicious scenes, what I really enjoyed was getting to know both Spencer and Andrew even better as their relationship progressed. I thought the manner in which Andrew had to deal with his feelings about Spencer’s job was pure genius on the author’s part because not only did both men have to acknowledge their feelings and their partner’s feelings about Spencer continuing to fake-date others, but it provided for additional conflict as details about Lance and Yanni’s breakup were unveiled. Walker does a superb job of weaving the web of Spencer’s and Andrew’s lives so that when the various parts overlap and intersect, it feels organic and not contrived. And I’ll admit to listening to the “Mexican persuasion” scene more than once because that was epic – I really would LOVE to see that scene play out in live action because Spencer and Emilio were perfect (and my hats off to Joel Leslie for making that scene so fun to listen to). Being as this is the second book in a four-book series, it ended before I was ready, but fortunately for me, I have book three ready to go.

The extremely talented Joel Leslie returned to the mic to reprise the roles of Spencer, Andrew, and Spencer’s circle of friends in Spencer Cohen Book Two. Not only was it great to spend more time with this tight-knit group of friends, but Leslie brings to life new additions to the cast of characters, creating warm and distinct voices for Andrew’s parents and a broken vulnerability to Yanni’s voice that makes it easy to see why Spencer’s circle is growing in leaps and bounds. I cannot wait to listen to his performance in book three but perhaps I’ll wait a bit after all, just so I can have an excuse to re-listen to books one and two again. Decisions, decisions.

Also Available in the Spencer Cohen Series

Book 1
Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes

Ebook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our Spencer Cohen Book One Audiobook Review post.

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words. She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things... but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since...

Connect with N.R.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Blog  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

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.

His authors have praised him as “a narrator among narrators, a man whose ability to create different characters rests on the power of his voice and his impeccable delivery,” and a “true delight…" "his professionalism, good humor, and charm make him a dream to work with,” "Anyone else would only be second best.”

Joel has consistent access to his home studio for all production needs. When not in the booth he spends his time chasing after two loquacious wiener dogs.

Connect with Joel

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of Spencer Cohen Book Two by N.R. Walker, narrated by Joel Leslie to listen to and review.

Switched by N.R. Walker Audiobook Review

Israel Ingham’s life has never been easy. He grew up in a house devoid of love and warmth. Nothing he ever did was good enough. The fact Israel is gay just added to the long list of his father’s disappointments.

Then a letter from Eastport Children’s Hospital changes everything.

A discovery is made, one of gross human error. Twenty-six years ago two baby boys were switched at birth and sent home with the wrong families.

Sam, Israel’s best friend, has been his only source of love and support. With Sam beside him every step of the way, Israel decides to meet his birth mother and her son, the man who lived the life Israel should have.

Israel and Sam become closer than ever, amidst the tumultuous emotions of meeting his birth family, and Sam finds himself questioning his feelings toward his best friend. As Israel embraces new possibilities, he needs to dissect his painful relationship with his parents in order to salvage what’s left.

Because sometimes it takes proof you’re not actually family to become one.

Audiobook Details
Length: 8 hrs, 50 mins
Narrator: Joel Leslie

Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes

Ebook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
Switched is one of those books I’ve had on my to-be-read list for a while, so when the opportunity to review the audiobook came up, I said “Heck yeah!” without re-reading the blurb. When I cued it up to listen to it, I did so without re-reading the blurb. So while I had a vague remembrance of what it was about, I had no expectations. Let me tell you, blank slate reading or listening can be a lot of fun because you’re not exposed to any spoilers and you get to accompany the characters on whatever journey lies before them. And Israel’s journey was one heck of a rollercoaster ride of emotions, complete with highs and lows, twists and turns, whiplash-inducing changes in trajectory, stomach-in-your-throat moments of fear, and extreme relief and elation when you get to the end and realize that everything is as it’s supposed to be.

I’m not sure how she did it, but Walker managed to make me care about Israel and detest his parents within mere pages, simply by how they responded to the news that Israel might not be the son his mother gave birth to. Even knowing that all three were experiencing varying degrees of shock, I was still astounded that neither parent seemed concerned about Israel’s state of mind. Thank god for Sam! It’s easy to see why Sam is not only Israel’s best friend but his rock, his anchor, his lighthouse, or whatever metaphor you prefer for the person who grounds you and who is always there for you, no matter what, where, or when you need them. The journey that Sam takes is quite literally life changing on so many fronts. In meeting his birth mother, he sees the family life he could have had and while it’s certainly a blow, Sam’s family had filled in much of that gap when they became friends. Yet, Israel does not begrudge Nick the happy family he grew up with because the love between mother and son (and siblings) is so strong. However, seeing those familial bonds forces Israel to confront his mother and father about his childhood and he learns things about his parents that have him re-evaluating his relationship with them and whether or not they have a place in his future. This part of the journey had me feeling emotions in the extreme and left me wanting to wring Israel’s father’s neck so many times I lost count. Of course, the most exciting part of the journey for me was seeing Israel and Sam make the move from friends to lovers. It was actually sad at first because Israel is so starved for love that he was blind to the fact that Sam cared for him unconditionally and wanted to be more than just friends. Fortunately, Sam knew what Israel’s home life was like, knew that Israel might never be able to be more than just friends, and cherished the position he had in Israel’s life, doing all that he could for Israel and loving him in the way that Israel allowed – and I’m not saying that right, but you’ll understand when you read or listen to the book. Walker manages to weave Israel’s romantic and familial journeys together beautifully, so that neither is more important than the other as he must deal with so many shifts in his world at the same time, and pens such genuine human reactions that it was easy to forget these are fictional characters in a book. I particularly liked how Israel was able to reframe his relationship with his parents once his father finally revealed so much about his parents that he never knew, yet didn’t forgive and forget at the first sign of remorse from his father – we actually got to see the men begin to work on repairing their strained relationship. Avoiding the quick fix for the sake of a perfect happily ever after added to the realism of Israel’s story and made me love his story that much more.

As always, Joel Leslie’s narration was a joy to experience. I’ve yet to be disappointed by one of his performances and doubt I ever will because the man is such a talented voice actor. Because of the gauntlet of emotions Walker puts Israel through, Leslie had to create a character voice for the young man and then adapt it to convey all of the highs, lows, and everything in between that Israel experiences – and he did so swimmingly, Captain. I’ve actually got a used tissue or two to prove it… well, had, because I tossed those soppy messes in the trash. Switched was an amazing story that was made even richer by Leslie’s narrative performance. I just wish there was a sequel so I could see what everyone is up to now, especially considering what happened in the epilogue.

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words. She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things... but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since...

Connect with N.R.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

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.

His authors have praised him as “a narrator among narrators, a man whose ability to create different characters rests on the power of his voice and his impeccable delivery,” and a “true delight…" "his professionalism, good humor, and charm make him a dream to work with,” "Anyone else would only be second best.”

Joel has consistent access to his home studio for all production needs. When not in the booth he spends his time chasing after two loquacious wiener dogs.

Connect with Joel

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of Switched by N.R. Walker, narrated by Joel Leslie to listen to and review.

With a Kick Collection #1 by Clare London Audiobook Tour

This collection includes the charming London-based novellas of the With a Kick series – A Twist and Two Balls and Slap and Tickle. Also included are two short stories featuring the characters in these titles.

WITH A KICK: A new and enticing ice cream franchise, with a unique blend of full flavour, mischief and romance. Patrick and Lee are struggling to make a success of their alcoholic ice cream shop in the centre of tourist London. At the same time, their business partnership may take a turn towards the personal – if either of them can find the time and nerve to go for it! Meanwhile, they cater to the wild and wonderful range of customers in the area, many of whom have their own romantic agenda. Will ice cream be the final ingredient they’re all looking for?

Each story is a self-contained romance, but will follow the history of the shop throughout.

A Twist and Two Balls

Eduardo Mancini is going to be a star of the London stage. Unfortunately, his alter ego, Eddy March, hasn't gotten further than a bit part in a TV series. One ghastly day, he’s late for an audition, can’t pay his taxi fare, and is chased across Soho by the irate driver, Nuri. But maybe being caught by Nuri is exactly what Eddy needs.

Slap and Tickle

Bryan is an accountant who admires order and self-discipline. When he literally bumps into Phiz outside With a Kick, Phiz’s lifestyle and behaviour appear totally chaotic. But they each recognise something in the other that they need. Bryan needs a lover who welcomes his secret desire, and Phiz needs a firm hand - in every way. They both agree Bryan may be just the man to provide it.

Audiobook Details
Length: 8 hrs, 40 mins
Narrator: Joel Leslie

Collection #1
Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon  ~  Audible US  ~  Audible UK  ~  iTunes


Ebook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
I absolutely adored the stories in Clare London’s With a Kick Collection #1. Listeners are treated to two novellas and two short stories, one of each for two different couples, all performed by the extremely talented Joel Leslie. With the ice cream shop, With a Kick, being the common denominator between the couples’ stories, listeners are also treated to glimpses into Patrick and Lee’s business woes and a professional relationship that seems to be getting a bit more personal.

First up are Eddy and Nuri in A Twist in Two Balls. An aspiring actor frantic to make it to a rare audition, Eddy underestimates the cab fare and overestimates just how much money is in his wallet. Realizing that he’s not close to his destination and had already exceeded his dwindling funds, he guiltily attempts to stiff the cab driver so that he can make the rest of the trip on foot and maybe make it on time as the London traffic isn’t allowing the cab to move. Unbeknownst to Eddy, he’s caught the eye of the cab driver and rather than detaining Eddy, Nuri follows him on foot as Eddy attempts to bluster his way out of the situation he’s created and still make it to his audition on time. It doesn’t work. But the day turns out so much better, even with the missed audition because Eddy now has himself a suitor. In a case of opposites attract, the high-strung Londoner, Eddy, finds his perfect match in the calm and collected Turkish cab driver, Nuri, who not only balances Eddy out in temperament, but also comes with a large and extended family – something Eddy has longed for for years as an only child of parents who travel extensively for their acting careers. While I suspect some readers and listeners will wonder how the laid back Nuri is able to put up with Eddy’s melodramatics, I’ve been Nuri before. I know that as stressful as it can be to deal with such a partner’s often unconscious need to be the center of attention, the Eddys of the world are at their best when they turn their spotlight on their partner, who is their anchor and the center of their world, and those are the moments the outside world often doesn’t see and are why we love our high-strung, drama queen partners so much. Obviously, Eddy and Nuri’s romance struck a personal chord with me, which increased my enjoyment, but I would have loved it either way, especially as Joel Leslie does such a wonderful job of capturing Eddy’s moods – of which there are many – as well as Nuri’s loving patience.

Whereas the first story was sweet, Slap and Tickle, is a lot steamier, but just as enjoyable. Truth be told, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I realized that the second couple were shaping up to be a May-December romance, but I certainly wasn’t expecting their blossoming relationship to have D/s component at all. But wowzer! When Bryan’s natural inclination to be a bit bossy rears its head during a casual interaction with Phiz, whose nervousness and anxiety make him appear high-strung, it becomes apparent that we’ve got another opposites-attract romance unfolding and it’s going to be a HOT one. Again, Leslie’s vocal talents come into play perfectly as he conveys Bryan’s quiet command and Phiz’s relieved acquiescence when Bryan takes charge – both in and out of the bedroom. I loved how Bryan’s need for order made him a natural match for Phiz and that the domination and submission aspect of their relationship was not a formal arrangement, but rather a personal exploration of their individual needs. Argh! I don’t think I’m explaining it right. At the beginning of the story, Bryan is ashamed of his desires, but as his needs and wants enable him to give Phiz what he needs and wants, Bryan learns to accept and embrace who he is and what he needs. And because of that personal acceptance, Bryan’s character grows a bit over the course of the novella, manifesting in a way that spells good news for With a Kick.

The bonus short stories were an absolute delight. I won’t go into either of them as I don’t want to ruin the surprise for others, but I will share that Eddy and Nuri’s is a magical Christmas tale and London brings the heat once again to Bryan and Phiz’s Valentine’s Day activities. Much like their respective novellas, the shorts for each couple are sweet (Eddy and Nuri) and steamy (Bryan and Phiz) and do a lovely job of rounding out the collection. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories that London has penned and Leslie’s performances for all four. I really hope that With a Kick Collection 2 will be available on audio soon, with Leslie at the mic again, as I cannot wait to see who’s up next to find love and ice cream.

CLARE LONDON took her pen name from the city where she lives, loves, and writes. A lone, brave female in a frenetic, testosterone-fueled family home, she juggles her writing with her other day job as an accountant.

She’s written in many genres and across many settings, with award-winning novels and short stories published both online and in print. She says she likes variety in her writing while friends say she’s just fickle, but as long as both theories spawn good fiction, she’s happy. Most of her work features male/male romance and drama with a healthy serving of physical passion, as she enjoys both reading and writing about strong, sympathetic, and sexy characters.

Clare currently has several novels sulking at that tricky chapter-three stage and plenty of other projects in mind… she just has to find out where she left them in that frenetic, testosterone-fueled family home.

Clare loves to hear from readers, and you can contact her on all her social media.

Connect with Clare

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

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.

His authors have praised him as “a narrator among narrators, a man whose ability to create different characters rests on the power of his voice and his impeccable delivery,” and a “true delight…" "his professionalism, good humor, and charm make him a dream to work with,” "Anyone else would only be second best.”

Joel has consistent access to his home studio for all production needs. When not in the booth he spends his time chasing after two loquacious wiener dogs.

Connect with Joel

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of With a Kick Collection #1 by Clare London, narrated by Joel Leslie to listen to and review for this tour.

How to Bang a Billionaire by Alexis Hall Audiobook Review

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.

Audiobook Details
Length: 11 hours
Narrator: Joel Leslie

Book 1
Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes
Google Play  ~  Kobo

Ebook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
Being in a Joel Leslie mood gave me the excuse I needed to buy Alexis Hall's How to Bang a Billionaire on audiobook. As I've read a couple of the author's books from the Spires universe, I knew the writing style was to my taste and didn't bother re-reading the book's blurb. So, it was kind of like going in blind, which is actually one of the things I enjoy about reviewing for a blog. You pick your books based on a blurb that sounds enticing, but it's usually a month or two before you actually get to begin the book, so while you may have a vague idea of what the book is about, you don't necessarily remember the spoiler points of the blurb. See? Exciting.

With that said, I'm not sure re-reading the blurb would have prepared me for the awkwardness that is Arden St. Ives. Arden is an absolutely delightful character who must possess some social graces as he's nearing the end of his degree at Oxford, yet every time he encounters Caspian Hart he perpetrates some rather mortifying and humiliating social faux pas. Honestly, if Arden is going to have a bad day, he's nearly guaranteed that Caspian will arrive at the worst possible moment. Fortunately for Arden, his blunders seem to be Caspian's kryptonite because for a man who prides himself on maintaining control of his emotions and desires, Arden proves to be irresistible.

As expected in any good billionaire romance, Caspian is a secretive and emotionally closed-off workaholic who has issues Arden barely only scratches the surface of (if even that much) and he likes a bit of kink. Well, we and Arden assume it's a bit of kink because by the end of the book, Caspian is still holding back on his preferences but has agreed to try to be more forthcoming and share about himself with Arden. While Caspian might share some similarities with other bad boy billionaires, make no mistake, Caspian Hart is Alexis Hall's billionaire and he'll do what he damn well pleases – expectations be damned. 😉

It should be no surprise that Joel Leslie was fabulous as Arden and Caspian, as well as the supporting characters who make up their friends, family, and colleagues. Leslie excels at conveying Arden's angst without sounding whiny – except when he's supposed to sound whiny. And the way he captures Arden's awkward embarrassment is so convincing it's as if I can actually see Arden cringing and blushing. At the same time, he performs Caspian's cultured coldness, interspersed with the moments of warmth that Arden elicits, so perfectly.

Between the ending that left me wanting for more yet not leaving me dangling off a cliff to do so and Leslie's performance, I'm in a bit of a quandary as to whether or not I should dive into book two now or wait until book three's release date is announced. Decisions, decisions. Regardless of what I decide, I'm already looking forward to listening to How to Bang a Billionaire again, hence its 5-star rating.

PS – I compromised and bought How to Blow It with a Billionaire but haven’t listened to it yet.

Alexis Hall was born in the early 1980s and still thinks the 21st century is the future. To this day, he feels cheated that he lived through a fin de siècle but inexplicably failed to drink a single glass of absinthe, dance with a single courtesan, or stay in a single garret.

He did the Oxbridge thing sometime in the 2000s and failed to learn anything of substance. He has had many jobs, including ice cream maker, fortune-teller, lab technician, and professional gambler. He was fired from most of them.

He can neither cook nor sing, but he can handle a 17th century smallsword, punts from the proper end, and knows how to hotwire a car.

He lives in southeast England, with no cats and no children, and fully intends to keep it that way.

Connect with Alexis

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

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.

His authors have praised him as “a narrator among narrators, a man whose ability to create different characters rests on the power of his voice and his impeccable delivery,” and a “true delight…" "his professionalism, good humor, and charm make him a dream to work with,” "Anyone else would only be second best.”

Joel has consistent access to his home studio for all production needs. When not in the booth he spends his time chasing after two loquacious wiener dogs.

Connect with Joel

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Brought to you by

Angela reviewed her personal audiobook copy of How to Bang a Billionaire (Arden St. Ives #1) by Alexis Hall, narrated by Joel Leslie for this post.

Spencer Cohen Book One by N.R. Walker Audiobook Review

Spencer Cohen is the guy who gets answers to relationship questions. Playing the role of the new lover, his job is to make his client’s ex realise one of two things: he doesn’t want to break up or he really does. Either way, his client gets answers.

The ex would either apologize and beg, or turn and walk. But in the end, Spencer’s client won. If he wanted his ex back and got him, it was great. If the guy walked away, then as hard it was for the client, he knew it was over. Regardless of the outcome, Spencer’s work was done.

Andrew Landon’s ex left him without so much as an explanation. But his sister can’t stand to see him miserable, so, much to Andrew’s dismay, they hire Spencer to be Andrew’s new boyfriend to get the ex back.

For Spencer, it is never personal. Merely a business transaction. No emotions, no strings, no complications.

Yeah right.

Even a blind man could see how this would end.

Audiobook Details
Length: 5 hrs, 26 mins
Narrator: Joel Leslie

Book 1
Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes

Ebook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
Being a huge fan of Walker-Leslie audiobook collaborations, I already had the Spencer Cohen series on my Audible Wish List. However, being offered a free copy of book two for review purposes gave me the excuse I needed to buy book one and begin the series sooner rather than later. I held off an entire day before listening to it and am glad that I was home for the evening before I got to the “gut wrenching, heartbreaking, where are the freaking tissues” scene because I felt as though I was huddled on the floor right next to Spencer at that moment, bawling my eyes out. While I’m getting ahead of myself here, I think Walker’s talent for shredding my heart is why I’ve yet to read any of the author’s books, preferring to enhance the heart wrenching experience with the outstanding performances of the narrators she works with, especially those of Joel Leslie.

I’ll confess that I have a weakness for an Australian accent, which undoubtedly contributes to my fondness for the Walker-Leslie audiobooks I’ve listened to so far. And while that may have given Spencer a bit of an edge when I began the book, I quickly fell for the man as he revealed more and more of himself while he was learning about and falling in love with Andrew. While the story is told from Spencer’s perspective, the author still manages to give the reader the opportunity to watch the scenes unfold from an ‘outside looking in’ perspective. So while Spencer observed Andrew’s various reactions, his closeness to the situation prevented him from seeing them for what they were – shock at being reminded that their dates were fake and that Spencer was simply doing his job. But because we’re in Spencer’s head, we know that his feelings, actions, and reactions are real and his attempts to remain professional are his way of protecting his heart from being broken… again. Although we don’t find out until the end of the book why it is that Spencer is trying so hard to protect his heart, there are enough hints along the way that I knew when the truth was revealed, my heart was going to hurt for Spencer. I was not wrong. Thankfully, Spencer has a wonderful group of friends who banded together to help him when he needed them. Even better was that his attention and affection restored and fortified the personal confidence Andrew needed to give Spencer – and the reader/listener – the happy for now ending and new beginning we all deserved.

I need to invest in a thesaurus because I cannot find strong enough words to compliment Joel Leslie’s narrative performances. He’s my second favorite narrator and that’s mainly because I fell in love with another narrator first and despite Leslie’s outstanding performances, Leslie has yet to oust him from the top spot. But that doesn’t prevent me from falling down the rabbit hole each and every time I cue up an audiobook narrated by Joel Leslie and Spencer Cohen Book One was no exception. Not only did I love how he brought Spencer and Andrew to life, hearts on the sleeves and all, but I love how he creates distinct voices for the various characters, including and especially the women. This is just one of the many things I enjoy about Leslie’s narrative performances because it means that there’s no confusion as to who is speaking during a scene, which makes it that much easier for me to fall into the story that Walker has crafted. I absolutely loved Spencer Cohen Book One and am so excited that books two and three are already out on audio as well because I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with Spencer and Andrew.

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words. She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things... but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since...

Connect with N.R.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Blog  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

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.

His authors have praised him as “a narrator among narrators, a man whose ability to create different characters rests on the power of his voice and his impeccable delivery,” and a “true delight…" "his professionalism, good humor, and charm make him a dream to work with,” "Anyone else would only be second best.”

Joel has consistent access to his home studio for all production needs. When not in the booth he spends his time chasing after two loquacious wiener dogs.

Connect with Joel

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Brought to you by

Angela reviewed her personal audiobook copy of Spencer Cohen Book One by N.R. Walker, narrated by Joel Leslie for this post.