Kairos by Mary Calmes Dual Media Review

Sometimes the best day of your life is the one you never saw coming.

Joe Cohen has devoted the past two years of his life to one thing: the care and feeding of Kade Bosa. His partner in their PI business, roommate, and best friend, Kade is everything to Joe, even if their relationship falls short of what Joe desires most. But he won’t push. Kade has suffered a rough road, and Joe’s pretty sure he’s the only thing holding Kade together.

Estranged from his own family, Joe knows the value of desperately holding on to someone dear, but he never expected his present and past to collide just as Kade’s is doing the same. Now they’ve stumbled across evidence that could change their lives: the impact of Kade’s tragic past, their job partnership, and any future Joe might allow himself to wish for…

Audiobook Details
Length: 5 hrs, 10 mins
Narrator: Michael Fell

Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes

Ebook Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Audiobook Review

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
This was an odd one. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy Kairos, because I did. A lot. I just didn’t expect the story to move from a romantic suspense storyline to a traditional romance complete with a family reunification, an unofficial adoption, and a marriage proposal (of sorts). It’s almost as if Mary Calmes intended to write two short novellas featuring Joe and Kade and, in the end, opted to write a short novel to give a more complete story for the pair. For me, it works because I enjoy Calmes’ writing, but for some readers, the change in tone might prove jarring.

Readers (or in my case, listeners) are dropped into Joe’s life right before shots are fired that will turn both his and his best friend Kade’s life upside down. Joe harbors an unrequited love for Kade, but it’s the kind of love that means Joe keeps Kade in his life, being the best friend he can be while tamping down on his romantic feelings so those feelings don’t negatively impact their personal or business relationship. This is why Joe finds himself protecting their target from Kade’s fury when Declan reveals who wants him dead. Luckily for all three men, Kade’s temper doesn’t prevent him from thinking clearly about the danger they’re in and they get the heck out of the Dodge before everything explodes around them. After a rather intense scene in which Joe proves he’s not Kade’s doormat – something that wasn’t entirely clear before – the three men hopscotch their way out of town, leaving incriminating evidence in the hands of someone who had the power to bring down the bad guys, thereby protecting young Declan. It’s when they land in California that part two of the story begins and Kade forces Joe to face his demons. And now that I’ve typed that, the two different tones of Kairos make more sense. Both Kade and Joe had demons they had to deal with before their life together could begin, but Kade’s demons were far darker and more dangerous than Joe’s were, hence the move from romantic suspense to a more traditional feel-good romance. While I don’t want to give too much away regarding Joe’s reconciliation with his family, I will say that they’re a hoot, particularly his mother. As usual, I would have loved for the story to continue on, so I could see where their new beginning would take them. I can only hope that Joe and Kade eventually make an appearance in another of Calmes’ books.

Kairos marks the second audiobook narrated by Michael Fell I’ve had the pleasure of listening to. I enjoyed the contrast in voices he performed for Joe and Kade. While the gruffness of Kade’s voice was perfect for the character Calmes has created, I did wonder more than once if it hurt Fell to perform because of its harshness. Kade’s gruffness was balanced out by the calm and steadiness of Joe’s voice, making it easy to see why Joe was Kade’s shelter from the storm. Declan’s voice was also perfect, conveying the young man’s vulnerability and fear so clearly that it was even easier to hear when he began to feel safe as he spent more time in Joe and Kade’s presence. Fell did a great job of creating voices for the entire cast of characters, but I really, really liked what he did with the main three characters’ voices. I suspect that I enjoyed Kairos more as an audiobook than I would have as an ebook and that’s because of how well Fell’s performance signaled the change in the story’s tone. This is definitely one for my ever expanding re-listen shelf. It’s also got me wondering which characters other than Sutter may have popped up in Calmes’ other books – my to-be-listened-to list is getting longer and longer each time I cue up one of the author’s audiobooks.

Ebook Review

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars

I enjoyed this book but it feels like a puzzling mash up of two very different stories. At the start, we are plunged into a tense story of a pair of private investigators inadvertently exposing police and government corruption. And then the book abruptly segues into the story of a family who owns a vineyard and the homecoming of their gay son who ran away after coming out. I liked both halves of the book but I’m not sure they fit in the same story. The first story never feels complete and the second moves too quickly to allow the characters to feel real.

I like Joe and Kade together as partners but the miscommunication between them isn’t completely convincing and their relationship issues are a little bit tiring. It took me a while to warm to Kade and there were times when I just wanted Joe to grow a backbone.

When I stop picking it apart, this is an easy read and Kade and Joe are good fun. The first part of the book is exciting. The second part is a wonderful fantasy. It is a relaxing read with a little bit of heat.

MARY CALMES lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband and two children and loves all the seasons except summer. She graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Due to the fact that it is English lit and not English grammar, do not ask her to point out a clause for you, as it will so not happen. She loves writing, becoming immersed in the process, and believes without question in happily ever afters, and writes those for each and every one of her characters.

Connect with Mary

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Michael Fell is a professional actor trained in the classical actor training program at the Guthrie Theatre/ University of Minnesota. 4 years of rigorous voice training include voice over, character voices, audio book recording, and radio work. He has worked in numerous theatres across the country, was a member of the 2015-16 Acting Apprentice Company at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, and currently lives in New York City. He also is co-host of the new podcast GAY TODAY, available on iTunes, or wherever you download podcasts.

Connect with Michael

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free ebook or audiobook copy of Kairos by Mary Calmes, narrated by Michael Fell to read or listen to and review.

Blue Days by Mary Calmes Audiobook Review

Falling for a coworker is rarely a good idea, especially for a man getting a last chance at salvaging his career. But from the moment Dwyer Knolls sees the beautiful but socially awkward Takeo Hiroyuki, he seems destined to make bad decisions.

Takeo’s life is a string of failed attempts to please his traditional Japanese father. Unfortunately, succeeding in business turns out to be just as difficult for Takeo as changing from gay to straight. In fact, the only thing Takeo seems to truly excel at is taking notice of Dwyer Knolls.

When Dwyer and Takeo head to Mangrove, Florida on a real estate buying trip, their tentative friendship combusts and becomes much more. Is their sudden connection real enough to bank their futures on, or should they chalk the whole thing up to the daze inspired by the blue ocean breeze?

Audiobook Details
Length: 2 hrs, 49 mins
Narrator: Greg Tremblay

Book 1
Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes

Ebook Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
I absolutely adore Blue Days, both the story that Calmes has penned and the way that Tremblay brings the characters to life. I've already listened to it countless times – a feat made easier by the fact that it's not quite three hours long. Seriously, I’ve stopped counting how many times I’ve listened to it, I’ve cued it up that often. That said, even if it were longer it would be on my re-listen to pile because I enjoy the story that much.

Told from Dwyer's point of view, Blue Days is the story of an office infatuation that is over before it starts when the object of Dwyer's affection is placed in a position of authority over him (and because he thinks his boss is straight). While an office romance wasn't necessarily off the table (even if Dwyer didn't act on it), sleeping with the boss is... until it isn't. An unexpected business trip to the Florida Panhandle puts Dwyer in closer contact with Takeo than he ever expected and, after he gets the signal that his boss isn't as straight as he thought, Dwyer finds himself unable to keep his hands... and lips... and other body parts to himself. [And the B&B's owner wasn't the only one enjoying Takeo expressing his pleasure, loudly and repeatedly, lol.] I enjoyed how Calmes used Dwyer’s memories to show how their friendship developed over the course of about two years, particularly Dwyer’s protectiveness of Takeo. It made the outcome of their stay in Mangrove less whiplash-ish and more believable. While I'd typically say that it was unfortunate that what happened in Mangrove stayed in Mangrove, for Dwyer and Takeo, their outing may turn out to be the best thing that could have happened to them – but you'll have to read or listen to the book and decide for yourself.

Personally, I recommend grabbing the audiobook because Greg Tremblay reminded me again why I enjoy his vocal performances so much. Tremblay is amazingly talented and does such a wonderful job of creating distinct voices for each of the characters, that I've yet to listen to an audiobook narrated by him and get confused as to which character is taking center stage at the time. He makes me feel the characters' emotions, giving me a front row seat on the rollercoaster ride that is Dwyer and Takeo's romance. Although I initially listened to Blue Days via Audible’s Romance Package, I enjoyed it so much that I bought it and the rest of the series, so I can spend more time with Calmes and Tremblay and the interesting residents of Mangrove, Florida whenever I want – something I do quite frequently. While I enjoy the entire series, Blue Days remains my favorite installment of the Mangrove Stories.

MARY CALMES lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband and two children and loves all the seasons except summer. She graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Due to the fact that it is English lit and not English grammar, do not ask her to point out a clause for you, as it will so not happen. She loves writing, becoming immersed in the process, and believes without question in happily ever afters, and writes those for each and every one of her characters.

Connect with Mary

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Trained in vocal and stage performance, Greg Tremblay brings a passion for storytelling to every aspect of his life and work.

Critically-recognized and listener-beloved, Greg’s work has been praised by Audiofile Magazine’s “Earphone” award, numerous blogs, and is the recipient of the Goodreads Reader’s Choice award for Best Narrator – 2016 in M/M Romance.

Greg also maintains a curated collection of uniquely and delightfully spicy boudoir treats branded under the “Greg Boudreaux” narration name.

Connect with Greg

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Google+  ~  Instagram


Brought to you by

Angela reviewed her personal audiobook copy of Blue Days (Mangrove Stories #1) by Mary Calmes, narrated by Greg Tremblay for this post.

Late in the Day by Mary Calmes Audiobook Review

Terrence Moss. Conrad Harris. Gold Team Leader. Darius Hawthorne. The Vault. Juggling all these names would bother some, but for Darius, it’s business as usual. When he closes a chapter in his life, he leaves a name—and the people associated with it—behind. He’s managed to keep a few colleagues, even fewer friends, and no companionship through his forty-plus years… but that’s now changing.

The newest chapter of his life is bringing serious change: a stable home, a recovered identity, an unlikely family, and now a chance encounter with the one man Darius ever loved: Efrem Lahm. The reasons they parted are still valid, and there’s no way they can trust each other. But Efrem has already decided he won’t let Darius go… and Darius will have to decide if he wants to take a chance with his heart this late in the day.

Audiobook Details
Length: 5 hrs, 41 mins
Narrator: Greg Boudreaux

Book 2
Audiobook Buy Links
Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes

Ebook Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
Having loved A Day Makes, I was excited when I learned that The Vault was being turned into a series and that Late in the Day would give me the chance to learn more about Gold Team Leader, the man who saved the day and Ceaton Mercer’s life at the end of book one, returning the favor that Ceaton did for him and his team while in the military. I also hoped that I’d get a chance to catch up with Ceaton (I did) and Bryn (I did not). But as I’ve come to learn every time I start a new book by Mary Calmes, the story is ripe for cameos and I discovered that Darius had a connection to another series that wasn’t on my radar until now – A Matter of Time. As if my reading and listening list wasn’t long enough, but I digress.

Unlike book one, Late in the Day is more focused on Darius as a character and less on developing the romance between him and Efrem – after all, them falling in love is history. Calmes uses Darius’ move from Detroit to the Boston area as a way to show how he’s transitioned from Black Ops to CIA operative to paid assassin to The Vault. The opening scene in which he and his charge, Trevan Bean, take a meeting with Trevan’s boss was a pretty intense start to the book. As the volatility of the situation became clear, I wanted to worry for their safety, but Darius’ calm demeanor and knowing that Ceaton was in a perfect sniper position made it hard to get too anxious. And that’s why what greeted them when the elevator doors opened in the lobby was so unexpected. But the hits just keep on coming when we find out the connection between Darius and Efrem and what happened to cause them to split. I used to say that I wasn’t a fan of books that go back and forth in time, but the truth is that I’m not a fan of books that do it poorly, but I do love the back and forth when the author knows how to use such shifts to enhance the story. In Late in the Day, Calmes does a fabulous job of using Darius’ memories to show the reader what happened in the past and I found the recollections to be well-timed – moving the story forward by providing the reader or listener with the information they need to understand what’s going on in the present and how the past affects their actions. We not only get to see Darius reconnect with the only man he ever loved, we also get to see how his humanity has grown, especially over the past year, through his interactions with his neighbor (hilarious side story there), with Trevan, with Ceaton, with Marko, with his Bishop (I won’t even attempt to misspell his name), and the other contract killers he’s worked with in the past and maintained connections with. I actually enjoyed seeing Darius off-balance at times, when faced with a growing affection (for lack of a better word) for those people in his life. I also think that insight was necessary to explain why he never tracked down Ephrem, why he was resistant to entering Ephrem’s life again, and why he couldn’t say no when Ephrem made his own intentions known. Getting to see how the two men met, how they were split apart, and the obvious pain in Ephrem’s voice (Well done, Boudreaux!) when he realized that Darius could very easily slip through his fingers again, made their reunion and Mach-speed plans to start up again believable. While I would have loved to have seen more of them starting their life together, that wasn’t the focus of the book – Darius was.

Not only did I love the story, I loved the narration. Now, that’s not the least bit surprising considering that it’s performed by my favorite narrator, Greg Tremblay performing as Greg Boudreaux. While I’m not sure why book one is attributed to Tremblay and book two is attributed to Boudreaux, at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter to me because the man is marvelous. I’ve listened to both books in the series numerous times, often pairing them with Acrobat for the whole organized crime vibe (which was when I finally discovered another Easter egg in this book and put the Matter of Time series on my radar). I really love this series and sincerely hope that Calmes has another book (or five) planned as I need to catch up with the guys again, see how Darius settles into his role as The Vault, and see how his second chance at love with Ephrem panned out – and keeping it with the same narrator, regardless of the name used, would be lovely.

Also Available in The Vault Series

Book 1
Audiobook Buy Links
Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes


Ebook Buy Links

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

For reviews & more info, check out our A Day Makes Audiobook Review post.

MARY CALMES lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband and two children and loves all the seasons except summer. She graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Due to the fact that it is English lit and not English grammar, do not ask her to point out a clause for you, as it will so not happen. She loves writing, becoming immersed in the process, and believes without question in happily ever afters, and writes those for each and every one of her characters.

Connect with Mary

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Trained in vocal and stage performance, Greg Tremblay brings a passion for storytelling to every aspect of his life and work.

Critically-recognized and listener-beloved, Greg’s work has been praised by Audiofile Magazine’s “Earphone” award, numerous blogs, and is the recipient of the Goodreads Reader’s Choice award for Best Narrator – 2016 in M/M Romance.

Greg also maintains a curated collection of uniquely and delightfully spicy boudoir treats branded under the “Greg Boudreaux” narration name.

Connect with Greg

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of Late in the Day (The Vault #2) by Mary Calmes, narrated by Greg Boudreaux to listen to and review.

Again by Mary Calmes Dual Media Review

Six years ago, Noah Wheeler went to meet his boyfriend, Dante Cerreto, at the airport, and his world ended. Dante was kissing someone else and claimed to be in love. So Noah took his heartbreak-and the sonogram pictures of their surrogate child-and closed the door on the big picture of what he thought his life would be, focusing instead on the piece of the dream he got to keep, being a father.

Now on vacation in Las Vegas, Noah accidentally runs into the Cerreto family, and then the man himself, and learns that not only was he deceived, but Dante was as well. Now Dante wants to make up for lost time, six years' worth, and to do that he needs Noah, the only man he's ever loved, and Grace, the daughter he didn't know he had, to give him a chance at happiness. Dante's going to have to take a crash course in communication and seduction, though. Noah's not going to fall in love just to be broken again.

Audiobook Details
Length: 2 hrs, 3 mins
Narrator: Nick J. Russo

Ebook Buy Links

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

Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes
Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Audiobook Review

Angela – ☆☆☆☆
I’m not exactly sure of how to write this review. I’ll go ahead and get the most important part out of the way by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed Again. Calmes’ wordsmithing and Russo’s narration made it an absolutely delightful way to while away a couple hours. So that’s not the issue. Rather, it’s the limited time frame within which events occur and my need to keep my review as spoiler free as possible, aside from the happy ending that Calmes gives her readers.

The majority of events in the novella take place over the course of three days, the first of which occurs six years prior to the other two. Again opens with Noah reeling from being dumped by his husband – the man he was planning to have a child with – for a woman Dante worked with. The devastation is made worse because Noah never saw it coming and had been unceremoniously dumped at the airport, where he’d gone to pick Dante up and share their good news. Fortunately for Noah, his friends and family rally around him and he’s able to put his heart back together and move forward on his own as a single father to their daughter, Grace. Fast forward six years and Noah is forced to confront his past when he literally runs into Dante’s brother, Claude, while he and Grace are in Vegas for Noah’s best friend’s wedding. Despite his best efforts six years ago, Noah was never able to inform Dante of Grace’s birth, so to say Claude was shocked to see Grace would be an understatement. I will say that I really liked how the author used Claude’s shock at realizing who Grace was as an opening for Noah to explain why he never let them or Dante know about her. That whole “reunion” could have gotten very ugly had Dante’s family jumped to conclusions, but the author avoided that entirely in a believable manner. As for Dante’s reaction, well that’s why I’m only giving Again four stars despite repeated listen (an occurrence which usually results in five stars). I’m torn between liking how Dante made his wants known and refused to take no for an answer, seeking out alternate solutions when necessary, and disliking him for being so heavy-handed and refusing to take no for an answer. Confused? Don’t worry, I am too. But that’s the issue, some days when I listen to Again, I love Dante and other times I just want to throat punch him to give Noah a chance to flee. It’s a fine line between arrogance and assertiveness, and the side Dante falls on depends entirely upon my mood at the time. Either way, the ending is as it should be, complete with Keith getting just what he deserved.

As for Russo’s performance, I loved it. Russo does a great job of bringing the emotional Noah and the aloof Dante to life. I would say that the cute as heck Grace is just icing on the cake, but I think I actually have to give that designation to the Bachelorette Party attendees. Drunk Chelsea and her even drunker bridesmaids were a hoot and Russo’s narration had me feeling as though I was sitting at the bar, watching their antics play out before me, and enjoying every amusing minute of it. But as entertaining as that scene was, it’s the emotional punch that Russo adds to his performance which makes the story so enjoyable to listen to and makes me wish there was more to Noah, Dante, and Grace’s story. Then again, Calmes’ novellas usually leave me wanting to spend more time with her characters. And now that I’ve put my thoughts down about Again, I’m going to split the difference and give it 4.5 stars. If you’re a fan of either Calmes or Russo, you can’t go wrong with this second-chance romance.

PS – Noah’s conversation with his sister about the clown doll had me giggling even as, or perhaps because it reminded me of my aversion to clown dolls thanks to the original Poltergeist.

Ebook Review

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/M Romance

Noah and Dante were the perfect couple. However, with Dante's dangerous job, Noah was always worrying. When Noah went to the airport to welcome Dante home, he sees the love of his life kissing a woman – his partner (at work).

Despite the colossal misunderstanding, Noah picks himself up and finds a way to go on because his sister has agreed to be a surrogate for Noah and Dante, and even if Dante doesn't want to be a dad any longer, Noah sure does.

Several years later, Grace is a chatty little kid and Noah and she take a trip for his sister's wedding. What he doesn't expect is to see Dante's brother in the hotel lobby. One look at Grace and Noah knows that his jig is up. Dante comes barreling back into his life and Noah has little power to say no.

I thought that this story would have been more powerful had it been longer and more developed. This was really a series of hookups and sneaky kisses that ended up with Dante "winning" Noah again. But I didn't really see the buildup. Even though things were explained, the story was too short to really get into the emotions.

MARY CALMES lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband and two children and loves all the seasons except summer. She graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Due to the fact that it is English lit and not English grammar, do not ask her to point out a clause for you, as it will so not happen. She loves writing, becoming immersed in the process, and believes without question in happily ever afters, and writes those for each and every one of her characters.

Connect with Mary

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Nick is an award winning narrator with a fan following for his work in fiction, specifically in the romance genre. His performances in two of Amy Lane's books, Beneath the Stain and Christmas Kitsch, made him the recipient of Sinfully M/M Book Review's Narrator of the Year – 2015. When he's not in the booth, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife, Jessica, and kids, (aka their beagle Frank and cat Stella), drumming in his cover band, exploring rural back roads with his wife on his motorcycle, or being enthralled in a tabletop role playing game with his friends.

Connect with Nick

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Again by Mary Calmes, audiobook narrated by Nick. J. Russo to read or listen to and review.

A Day Makes by Mary Calmes Audiobook Review

Mob enforcer Ceaton Mercer has killed a lot of people in a lot of different ways—he stashed the last two bodies in a toolshed belonging to a sweetheart marine researcher in an idyllic island community—but he’s really not such a bad guy. Over time he’s found a home of sorts, and he even learns he’s found a place in the hearts of the people he works with… at least enough so that they won’t put a bullet in his head because he’s outlived his usefulness to the boss.

But he never thought he’d find one day could change his life, and he’s about to discover how wrong he is.

Because in a single day, he meets the man who looks to be the one, the love of his life. It’s an improbable idea—a man who deals in death finding love—but it’s like it’s meant to be. That single day gets weirder and troubles pile up, forcing Ceaton to take a hard look at his dreary life and accept that one day can change everything, especially himself. His future might be brighter than he expects—if he can stay alive long enough to find out.

Audiobook Details
Length: 6 hrs, 33 mins
Narrator: Greg Tremblay

Book 1
Buy Links

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

Audiobook Buy Links
Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
WHOA! That was an awesome audiobook experience. Granted, being as I’ve yet to be disappointed by Calmes’ writing and ad I’m quite enamored with Tremblay’s performances, I expected to enjoy A Day Makes. Buuuut, I didn’t simply enjoy the audiobook, I was sucked in to Ceaton’s story to the point that I lost sleep, unable to turn it off at a decent hour, and then pressing play as soon as I got to work so that I could finish it. I had to know how life as a mob enforcer worked out for Ceaton, if he found the sense of family he was looking for, and if he found someone to love and who would love him back – someone who could look past his job and see the good man inside.

Opening the story with Ceaton worried about whether or not he would soon die was one heck of a hook. Seriously. I just met this guy, know practically nothing about him, and I’m worried that he’s about to die – and for all I know, he might deserve to die. But much like Ceaton’s curiosity was piqued by Pravi and Marko, mine was too and I found myself hopping into the car with Ceaton, eager and fearful as to how it would play out. Fortunately for Ceaton, that day turned out to be another pivotal day in his life and he quickly rose up the ranks in the family, demonstrating his loyalty and forging bonds with this new band of brothers – finally finding the family he so badly needed. This is where the author’s wordsmithing is so effective as Calmes moves the story forward over the course of several years, showing the reader important scenes and everyday scenes that illustrate why Ceaton was so good at what he did and why the men at his back, had his back. Yet despite the bonds forged, when life gets sticky for Ceaton – even at the same time as he’s discovered the man he can, maybe, possibly see forever with – he’s not sure who he can he trust and why his loyalty is being questioned to begin with. And this is when the story really kicks into high gear and I was glued to my Kindle, braced for the worst even as I hoped for the best because Ceaton wasn’t the only character whose outcome concerned me. There were moments when I was holding my breath, worried about the plans being made and the bullets flying – I may have even crossed my fingers once or twice. But that ending, ooooooh, that was one unexpected ending. And boy am I glad that I have Late in the Day ready to go because I cannot wait to see what happens next!

I’ve already said I’m enamored with Greg Tremblay’s vocal performances and A Day Makes just made my voice-crush even worse. This is not the first audiobook I’ve listened to in which Tremblay performed multiple accents, but the cast of characters with accents was much larger this time and not once did I get confused as to which of the regular characters was speaking. The only time I wasn’t sure as to which character was speaking was when I was expected to be, when a character who’d only been introduced briefly was suddenly taking center stage, and it took a moment for Ceaton to realize who was talking from the other side of the wall – so I couldn’t feel bad for not knowing who it was. Never having heard a Serbian speak (at least that I’m aware of), I cannot comment on the authenticity of the accent, but I can say the subtleties between Marco’s Russian accent and the Serbian accents of the other major characters was impressive and convincing to the untrained ear. And discovering that Tremblay also narrates book two has me ending my review here so that I can dive in because I MUST know more about The Vault.

MARY CALMES lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband and two children and loves all the seasons except summer. She graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Due to the fact that it is English lit and not English grammar, do not ask her to point out a clause for you, as it will so not happen. She loves writing, becoming immersed in the process, and believes without question in happily ever afters, and writes those for each and every one of her characters.

Connect with Mary

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Trained in vocal and stage performance, Greg Tremblay brings a passion for storytelling to every aspect of his life and work.

Critically-recognized and listener-beloved, Greg’s work has been praised by Audiofile Magazine’s “Earphone” award, numerous blogs, and is the recipient of the Goodreads Reader’s Choice award for Best Narrator – 2016 in M/M Romance.

Greg also maintains a curated collection of uniquely and delightfully spicy boudoir treats branded under the “Greg Boudreaux” narration name.

Connect with Greg

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of A Day Makes (The Vault #1) by Mary Calmes, narrated by Greg Tremblay to listen to and review.

Twisted and Tied by Mary Calmes

Deputy US Marshal Miro Jones finally has everything he ever wanted. He’s head-over-heels in love and married to the man of his dreams, his partner Ian Doyle, he’s doing well at work, and all his friends are in good places as well. Things are all tied up nicely… until they’re not.

Change has never been easy for Miro, and when situations at work force the team he’s come to depend on to break apart, and worst of all, his and Ian’s individual strengths put them on two separate paths, he’s pretty certain everything just went up in smoke. But before he can even worry about the future, his past comes for a visit, shaking his world up even more. It’s hard to tell what road he should truly be on, but as he learns some paths are forged and others are discovered, it might be that where he's going is the right course after all. If he can navigate all the twists and turns, he and Ian might just get their happily ever after.

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/M Romance, Thriller
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

So, I think that I might be in the minority for this review. While I absolutely loved the previous book, this one took me a while to get into. The author has asked for no spoilers and I’ll honor that, so this means that the review will be very vague.

Ian and Miro are a fierce but sweet couple. They love each other and like with all couples, they either need to grow together or grow apart. That's a choice in this series and it made me glad that you were able to see this couple again. Too often, we're just given that either a couple works or doesn't, but we are not given the chance to see their choices.

There are a lot of repeat characters and I think the reason that I didn't enjoy this book as much was that it took a lot for me to really get into the story. I felt that, for me, the story didn't get interesting until about 40% in.

Overall, I was happy with the direction that this story went. I think that the resolutions in this book are well worth it, if unexpected, and that most readers are going to love it!

MARY CALMES lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband and two children and loves all the seasons except summer. She graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Due to the fact that it is English lit and not English grammar, do not ask her to point out a clause for you, as it will so not happen. She loves writing, becoming immersed in the process, and believes without question in happily ever afters, and writes those for each and every one of her characters.

Connect with Mary

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Twisted and Tied (Marshals #4) by Mary Calmes to read and review.

You Never Know by Mary Calmes Audiobook Review

Hagen Wylie has it all figured out. He’s going to live in his hometown, be everybody’s friend, explore new relationships, and rebuild his life after the horrors of war. No muss, no fuss is the plan. He’s well on his way—until he finds out his first love has come home too. Hagen says it’s no big deal, but a chance encounter with Mitch Thayer’s two cute sons puts him directly in the path of the only guy he’s never gotten out of his head.

Mitch returned for three reasons: to raise his sons where he grew up, to move his furniture business and encourage it to thrive, and to win Hagen back. Years away made it perfectly clear the young man he loved in high school is the only one for him. The problem? He left town and they have not talked since.

If Hagen’s going to trust him again, Mitch needs to show him how he’s grown up and isn’t going to let go. They could have a new chance at love… but Hagen is insistent he’s not reviving a relationship with Mitch. Then again, you never know.

Audiobook Details
Length: 6 hrs, 27 mins
Narrator: Greg Tremblay

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes
Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Rachael – ☆☆☆☆
Normally I LOVE Mary Calmes stories, especially when they are read by Greg Tremblay. However, I have to say the beginning of this story was very hard for me to follow. The whole bouncing back in time then forward again, I got sort of lost in what was happening then and what was happening now (especially when it came to Ash – although I did figure it out as the story commenced).

I do love a good second chance story and how these two came together. The fact that the past pain wasn't quickly pushed aside was nice. Too often you see characters saying something was just soul crushing, but they quickly get over it... not in this story. I really appreciated it.

I do wish he'd have called Ash out a bit more at the end too. It felt like a big moment, but just sort of swept under the rug.

All in all, another good story with a great narration coupled with it.

MARY CALMES lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband and two children and loves all the seasons except summer. She graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Due to the fact that it is English lit and not English grammar, do not ask her to point out a clause for you, as it will so not happen. She loves writing, becoming immersed in the process, and believes without question in happily ever afters, and writes those for each and every one of her characters.

Connect with Mary

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Trained in vocal and stage performance, Greg Tremblay brings a passion for storytelling to every aspect of his life and work.

Critically-recognized and listener-beloved, Greg’s work has been praised by Audiofile Magazine’s “Earphone” award, numerous blogs, and is the recipient of the Goodreads Reader’s Choice award for Best Narrator – 2016 in M/M Romance.

Greg also maintains a curated collection of uniquely and delightfully spicy boudoir treats branded under the “Greg Boudreaux” narration name.

Connect with Greg

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of You Never Know by Mary Calmes, narrated by Greg Tremblay to listen to and review.