Blood & Bitcoin by L.A. Witt Audiobook Review

Chris Emmett has a talent for screwing up and landing on his feet. As a SEAL, he managed to evade bullets and court-martials alike. As an FBI agent, he dodged danger and disciplinary action—right up until he didn’t.

With his career and freedom hanging in the balance, he’ll do whatever it takes to clean the slate… including an off-the-books deep cover solo mission.

The objective: infiltrate the Hive, a complex crime syndicate operating on the dark web, and find out who’s trying to kill Piker, the organization’s enigmatic and strangely alluring modern day Mob boss.

The moment he’s pulled into the Hive, Chris enters a world where no one is what they seem, including the man he’s there to protect. Lines blur between moral and wrong, legal and criminal, ally and foe, and—as Piker’s seductive magnetism draws Chris in—straight and queer.

Chris is running out of time to stop a killer. He has dangerous feelings for a dangerous man, and the deeper he moves into the realms of organized crime, the less he knows and the fewer people he can trust.

And that’s before he learns the truth about Piker’s assassin.

This book is part of CRIMINAL DELIGHTS. Each novel can be read as a standalone and contains a dark M/M romance.

Warning: These books are for adult readers who enjoy stories where lines between right and wrong get blurry. High heat, twisted and tantalizing, these are not for the fainthearted.

Audiobook Details
Length: 11 hrs, 16 mins
Narrator: Michael Ferraiuolo

Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes


Ebook Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
Wow! Just, wow! I mean, I knew Blood & Bitcoin was going to be good based on my co-bloggers’ reviews of the ebook (spoiler-free, thank you, ladies). Between L.A. Witt’s writing and Michael Ferraiuolo’s narration, it was pretty much guaranteed that I’d enjoy it. And yet it still exceeded my expectations. As much as I enjoy the variety of romance genres Witt is able to tackle, I am seriously crushing on her organized crime romances… and I’ve only read two of them. As an aside, if you enjoyed Witt’s If the Seas Catch Fire, especially the audiobook, you’re not gonna wanna miss Blood & Bitcoin because while the stories are nothing alike, it has that same intense, gritty, ‘people aren’t who they seem and you never know who you can trust’ feel to it.

As a disgraced ex-FBI agent and former SEAL, Chris Emmett is believable as a man desperate for a job that would put the only skills he has to good use. Unfortunately for Chris, the man he’s been sent to protect is justifiably paranoid and makes it nearly impossible for Chris to do his job. Fortunately for Chris, he’s a the-ends-justify-the-means kind of guy and he maneuvers himself into an ideal position to protect Trent and do his job as a double agent. But the closer Chris gets to Trent, the more he begins to question his mission because the intel he was given doesn’t add up with what he learns about Trent, WST, the Hive, and who’s behind the threats against Trent. Making matters worse, Chris is drawn to Trent in a way he’s never experienced before and he’s not sure what’s worse: that he’s falling for an organized crime boss or that he’s falling for a man.

Witt crafted a story that is ripe for the picking of conflict and she harvested the heck out of it. We not only get multiple servings of suspense as Chris works to earn Trent’s trust, thwarts assassination attempts on Trent’s life, undertakes missions to interfere with Cartel business, collects intel on WST and the Hive, and talks his way out of a bullet more than once when caught lying to Trent, but we also get plenty of yummy, forbidden angst as Chris grapples with his unexpected attraction to Trent. Because it takes a while for Chris to acknowledge his attraction, I was treated to a delicious build-up of sexual tension that added to the overall feeling of suspense in the novel as I listened with rapt attention, waiting to see who was going to snap and make the first move. And it was HAWT! But even that didn’t compare with the intensity of the action that plays out when betrayals are revealed, and when desperate men make desperate decisions in the name of love.

Michael Ferraiuolo does such a tremendous job with Witt’s characters and storyline that I stayed up later than I should have listening to it and resumed listening to the audiobook as soon as I could upon waking the next morning (well, technically the same morning as it was well after midnight when I stopped listening). Blood & Bitcoin has a rather large cast of characters and Ferraiuolo not only does an exceptional job of creating unique voices for them but also in conveying a full range of emotions for them, sometimes at whiplash speed, dragging the listener along for the nail-biting ride. I’m a bit of a multi-tasker when listening to audiobooks and found myself stopping what I was doing because I got so sucked into the action that I couldn’t continue the menial tasks. Oh yes, Witt and Ferraiuolo commanded my complete attention more than a few times over the course of the audiobook. Is it wrong that I really, really hope that Witt gets attacked by a litter of organized crime plot bunnies that drag her back to the Hive to create more stories? Because I would love to catch up with Chris and Trent again and get more stories from the Hive, especially with Ferraiuolo back to narrate. A girl can hope. And thankfully a girl can listen to her Blood & Bitcoin audiobook again… well, after she listens to If the Seas Catch Fire again first.

P.S. – If you know of any other organized crime romances by L.A. Witt, drop me a comment so I can check them out. Extra points if they’re already on audiobook.

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn't lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies. She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don't tell Lauren. And definitely don't tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut...

Connect with L.A.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Blog  ~  Instagram

Michael Ferraiuolo is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and the owner of Iron Works Studios in New York City. As a voice artist, Michael has appeared both nationally and internationally in film, radio, and over 100 audiobooks.

Connect with Michael

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of Blood & Bitcoin (Criminal Delights: Organized Crime) by L.A. Witt, narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo to listen to and review.

Alpha Heat by Leta Blake Audiobook Tour

A desperate young alpha. An older alpha with a hero complex. A forbidden love that can’t be denied.

Young Xan Heelies knows he can never have what he truly wants: a passionate romance and happy-ever-after with another alpha. It’s not only forbidden by the prevailing faith of the land, but such acts are illegal.

Urho Chase is a middle-aged alpha with a heartbreaking past. Careful, controlled, and steadfast, his friends dub him old-fashioned and staid. When Urho discovers a dangerous side to Xan’s life that he never imagined, his world is rocked and he’s consumed by desire. The carefully sewn seams that held him together after the loss of his omega and son come apart—and so does he.

But to love each other and make a life together, Xan and Urho risk utter ruin. With the acceptance and support of Caleb, Xan’s asexual and aromantic omega and dear friend, they must find the strength to embrace danger and build the family they deserve.

This gay romance novel by Leta Blake is the second in the Slow Heat universe. It has a strong happy ending and a well-crafted, non-shifter Omegaverse. It features alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, heat, and knotting. No cheating.
Content warning for brief sexual violence.

Audiobook Details
Length: 15 hrs, 22 mins
Narrator: Michael Ferraiuolo

Book 2
Audiobook Buy Links

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Ebook Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
SPOILER WARNING (sorta): If you have not read Slow Heat, this review contains information that is a spoiler of sorts for book one. As I’d advise against reading Alpha Heat before Slow Heat, I would recommend against reading this review prior to reading book one as well.

Poor, poor Urho. As much as I felt for the emotional turmoil and character growth that Xan experienced throughout Alpha Heat, especially compared to the young man we met in Slow Heat four years earlier, it was the frustration and overwhelming hopelessness at not being able to be in two places at once that Urho experienced during the birthing and heat scene that tore my heart out. Urho’s stoicism and steadfastness in the face of calamity made a scene that could have come off as over-the-top play out in such a realistic manner that I was holding my breath and wringing my hands for him. At one point, I wondered if Blake went too far with the scene in that it nearly eclipsed the romance between Urho and Xan, but then I realized that the scene was so powerful because of the love Urho felt for Xan, as well as his love for Caleb, Vale, and Jason. And such a scene was needed to balance out the back-to-back encounters Xan had with his father and his abuser – the day that Xan Heelies accepted who and what he was, embraced himself, and refused to allow his status as an unmanned alpha taint his love for Urho any longer. Alpha Heat is one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride with all of the soul searching, epiphanies, and acceptance – both of self and of others – that takes place. The beauty of this installment is Blake’s talent in making it all play out in the messiness of life so that the scenes felt natural and realistic instead of contrived and forced. And she delivered up the Xan sandwich I kept telling the guys they had to make happen, and it was every bit as delicious as I’d hoped for.

Just in case the story isn’t entertaining enough, Michael Ferraiuolo is back as narrator. I would imagine it’s difficult to one-up your own performance when you’re as talented as Ferraiuolo is… and yet, he did. Xan wears his heart on his sleeve, while Urho is reserved and quite aloof, and Ferraiuolo not only nailed each man’s identity through the voices he crafted, but he excelled at conveying each man’s strong emotions during their pivotal scenes while staying true to their voices. I loved how Xan’s emotions welled up and he came slightly unhinged when faced with what could have been his breaking point. Just as impressive was how Urho’s outer calm remained intact as he struggled internally with the decisions he had to make while prioritizing others’ health and safety and the potential emotional fallout from those decisions. Because of how well Ferraiuolo brought Blake’s world and characters to life, I enjoyed Alpha Heat far more than I expected to and perhaps even more than Slow Heat, something I did not expect to happen. I do not know if Blake has more books planned for the Heat of Love series as the main characters we’ve met have their happily ever afters, but I sincerely hope so as I do enjoy this world and I’m sure there are more omegas who deserve to find their perfect alpha – Carey perhaps.

Also Available in the Heat of Love Series

Book 1
Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes


Ebook Buy Links

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

For reviews & more info, check out our Slow Heat Audiobook Review post.

Author of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and the fan favorite Training Season, Leta Blake’s educational and professional background is in psychology and finance, respectively. However, her passion has always been for writing. She enjoys crafting romance stories and exploring the psyches of made up people. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her day job, her writing, and her family.

Connect with Leta

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Michael Ferraiuolo is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and the owner of Iron Works Studios in New York City. As a voice artist, Michael has appeared both nationally and internationally in film, radio, and over 100 audiobooks.

Connect with Michael

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of Alpha Heat (Heat of Love #2) by Leta Blake, narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo to listen to and review for this tour.

The Best Laid Plans by Lauren Gallagher Audiobook Tour

It’s a foolproof strategy... until the emotional balance shifts.

After yet another adoption falls through, Gabe is ready to give up, and Shahid isn't far behind him. Apparently, being a gay couple – half of which is Muslim – is just one strike too many for the powers that be. When their friend Kendra offers to carry their baby for them, both men balk at first but gradually warm to the idea. Especially Gabe, whose bisexuality is open to the chemistry among the three of them.

The plan seems simple. Kendra and Gabe, foregoing the cold, impersonal IVF clinic, paperwork and red tape, will conceive the old-fashioned way. They'll all share parenting responsibilities, and live happily baby after.

But as the heat flares between Gabe and Kendra, Shahid's long-suppressed insecurities bubble to the surface. Then some unexpected news catches the trio off guard and derails their plans – and now one heart could be left out in the cold.

Warning: Authors subsist on the tears of listeners. Please recycle your hankies by wringing out and reusing. We'd hate to be the cause of a worldwide shortage of tissues.

Audiobook Details
Length: 8 hrs, 46 mins
Narrator: Michael Ferraiuolo and Lia Langola

Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes

Ebook Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
I read, and loved, The Best Laid Plans when it was first released. Gabe and Shahid’s journey was heartbreaking and Kendra’s offer to help make their family complete warmed my heart. Not surprisingly, the journey the three embarked upon curled my toes as Gallagher excels at writing steamy scenes, regardless of the pen name and genre a particular book is published under. As it’s been two and half years since I read the book, I hoped that enough time had passed that listening to it as an audiobook would be like reading it again for the first time. I was not wrong. Not only were there details I had forgotten that let me re-experience several of the emotional gut punches anew, but Ferraiuolo and Langola do such a wonderful job on the narration that I found myself caught up in Gabe, Shahid, and Kendra’s lives all over again.

I purposely didn’t re-read my original review so as not to influence my listen or this review – knowing that I loved the book and remembering the story’s basics were enough to have me excited to cue the audiobook up. As I said, within mere minute I found myself sucked into the story, my heart breaking for Shahid and Gabe as yet another adoption fell through because of Shahid being Muslim. Gallagher’s decision to show Gabe’s devastation through Kendra’s eyes was brilliant because I found myself connecting with both characters at once as it not only showed how well she knew her best friend, but how much she hurt for him. Kendra’s reaction to Gabe’s disappointment makes her offer to be their surrogate believable, especially when we get to listen to her internal conflict about it before she suggests it to Gabe. That the characters carefully consider and weigh the possible outcomes of their decisions is just one of the things I love about this book – it’s a level of maturity that is missing in far too many romances. That’s not to say that there aren’t moments of insecurity and thoughtlessness that add to the book’s conflict, but I found those to be more realistic to the situation instead of the contrived angst some authors use to add to a story’s drama. As much as I enjoyed the sex scenes the first time I read them, listening to them is even hotter. My goodness, but the narrators did an excellent job of turning hot scenes into scorching ones. But one of the things that had an even bigger impact on me this time around was the romantic relationship between Shahid and Kendra. I was still new to the M/M genre when I first read The Best Laid Plans and despite having a non-sexual romantic relationship with a gay man myself, reading about one in a romance novel was… well… novel. So what was previously a novelty in a book took on a whole new level of importance during the listen. I felt the romantic relationship between Shahid and Kendra even deeper this time, and it made the story even more meaningful to me as I listened to the audiobook.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this author has a knack for picking the right narrators for her audiobooks and she absolutely did it again. Michael Ferraiuolo has quickly and effortlessly joined the ranks of my preferred narrators. I won’t pretend that I have a clue as to how a Pakistani man raised in the U.S. from the age of four would sound like, but I loved the voice Ferraiuolo created for Shahid and how distinct it was from Gabe’s without being exaggerated. And while Ferraiuolo also does a wonderful job with Kendra’s voice, I was absolutely blown away by Lia Langola’s performance. I’m not opposed to female narrators and have a few favorites I enjoy, but it’s taken a while for me to be able to listen to female narrators perform male characters’ voices. But Langola’s voices for Gabe and Shahid blew me away, and her voice for Kendra was so perfect that I wanted to befriend her. So much snark and even more heart. GAH! I can’t even express how much I loved The Best Laid Plans as an audiobook. I’ve already listened to it twice and have replayed the epilogue a dozen times easily. It’s probably a good thing that it’s a digital copy because I’d wear out CD version far too quickly.

PS – Now that I’ve written my audiobook review, I went back and read my original review and found that some of the same notes in the story resonated with me and that I had a bit more insight into the romantic relationship between Shahid and Kendra than I remembered, but still not to the level I have now. Also, I still detest Gabe’s family, especially his sister.

PPS – I’m excited to have discovered that the trio has another audiobook collaboration out, so I’ll be checking out All the King’s Horses as soon as I can because I haven’t read that one.

Lauren Gallagher is an abnormal romance writer who has recently been exiled from the glittering utopia of Omaha, Nebraska, to an undisclosed location in South America. Along with her husband, a harem of concubines, and a phosphorescent porcupine, she remains, as always, in hiding from the Polynesian Mafia. For the moment, she seems to have eluded her nemesis, M/M romance author L.A. Witt, but figures L.A. will eventually become bored with the wilds of Spain and come looking for her. And when that time comes, Lauren will be ready. Assuming L.A. doesn't have her hands full keeping track of Lori A. Witt and Ann Gallagher, which she probably will.

Connect with Lauren

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Michael Ferraiuolo

Michael Ferraiuolo is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and the owner of Iron Works Studios in New York City. As a voice artist, Michael has appeared both nationally and internationally in film, radio, and over 100 audiobooks.

Connect with Michael

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Lia Langola

Aural Stimulations for Your Oral (& More) Fixations!

Audiobook narrator for sexual self-help books, steamy romance, and erotica.

Connect with Lia

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of The Best Laid Plans by Lauren Gallagher, narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo and Lia Langola to listen to and review.

The Master Will Appear by L.A. Witt Audiobook Tour

Dr. Mikhail “Misha” Budnikov takes one look at fellow fencer Ryan O’Connor and instantly knows his type. The undisciplined hothead is all ego with no finesse and even less control. In short, Misha’s pet peeves personified. To put the arrogant kid in check, Misha challenges him to a sparring match, which he predictably wins.

Not so predictably, Ryan asks him to be a mentor and show him how to fence. Startled by the moment of humility, Misha agrees.

What begins as fencing lessons becomes something much hotter, and before they know it, Misha is giving Ryan an entirely different kind of education. Dominance, submission, pain, pleasure—at the hands of an older, experienced man, a whole new world is opening up for Ryan.

As the trust deepens and their bond strengthens, though, Ryan retreats because that sham called love left him jaded long ago. Cynical beyond his years, he’s not letting his guard down, least of all for a thrice-divorced man twice his age.

Now Misha has to find a way to crack through those defenses… or accept defeat and walk away from the submissive who might just be the love of his life.

Audiobook Details
Length: 12 hrs, 59 mins
Narrator: Michael Ferraiuolo

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 – ☆☆☆☆☆
I cannot do The Master Will Appear justice in a review. This is probably going to become one of my top re-listens because I’ve already listened to in four times this week. Witt did an amazing job with this story – I hated the characters I was supposed to hate, loved the ones I was supposed to love, and felt an unexpected level of sympathy for Ryan, just as I suspect the author intended. Ryan is the poor little rich boy you’re supposed to feel bad for, but many authors fail at making that character sympathetic. Ryan’s self-awareness of how he appears to the world as "the boy who has it all" is refreshing. He knows that no one on the outside looking in is going to see any more than they expect and rather than whining about how no one understands him, he sallies forth, doing the best he can with what he has, including trying to protect himself from the viper’s nest that is his dysfunctional family

As much as I love Ryan, Misha is who makes the story for me. Witt managed to create a character who is a mentor and a teacher, without him feeling the least bit paternal toward Ryan. I’ve really got to start a “Seductive Character” shelf on my Goodreads account because I’ve found a handful of characters who are so well written that they seduce me into their story and Misha is one of them. There is such a perfect balance between Misha and Ryan that I had no problem believing in their relationship. Neither man is perfect, but they are perfect for one another. And the BDSM scenes are not only hot, they’re beautiful. The way the two complement one another, despite their age difference, despite their financial difference, and despite what should be a power imbalance but isn’t, is absolutely beautiful. The angst surrounding the conflict was, for me, just the right amount. I knew what was going to happen and the author made her characters suffer just enough emotionally and then allowed them to resolve the issue so that they could get back to suffering the right way physically. The epilogue was everything I needed it to be. I was so glad to learn how things worked out for Ryan and his family and for Ryan and Misha. Even though I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters (which explains the repeated listens), it was the ending I wanted for them.

Michael Ferraiuolo’s narrative performance was spectacular. When reading a book, I find it quite jarring when the author writes a character’s inner thoughts in a different voice than their speaking voice. Although Witt does not do that here, Ferraiuolo utilized a non-accented voice for Misha’s inner thoughts versus the Russian accented voice for his speech. Had I been warned about it ahead of time, I would have been skeptical at its success, but as Misha has much to contemplate when dealing with Ryan, it proves to be quite vital in conveying to the listener what is said versus what is thought. This became even more obvious when I stumbled through a couple of scenes when Ryan’s thoughts differed from what he said, and it took me a moment to parse out we were going back and forth because as the American student, Ryan’s inner voice and speech voice didn’t differ as much as Misha’s did. The voices for the entire cast of characters were great, but I love, love, love that Ferraiuolo crafted a voice for Misha that was as seductive as the words the author penned. Absolutely fabulous performance. Witt has a talent for choosing the perfect narrators for her stories and The Master Will Appear is no exception.

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn't lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies. She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don't tell Lauren. And definitely don't tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut...

Connect with L.A.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Blog  ~  Instagram

Michael Ferraiuolo is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and the owner of Iron Works Studios in New York City. As a voice artist, Michael has appeared both nationally and internationally in film, radio, and over 100 audiobooks.

Connect with Michael

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of The Master Will Appear by L.A. Witt, narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo to listen to and review.

Slow Heat by Leta Blake Audiobook Review

A lustful young alpha meets his match in an older omega with a past.

Professor Vale Aman has crafted a good life for himself. An unbonded omega in his mid-30s, he's long since given up hope that he'll meet a compatible alpha, let alone his destined mate. He's fulfilled by his career, his poetry, his cat, and his friends.

When Jason Sabel, a much younger alpha, imprints on Vale in a shocking and public way, longings are ignited that can't be ignored. Fighting their strong sexual urges, Jason and Vale must agree to contract with each other before they can consummate their passion.

But for Vale, being with Jason means giving up his independence and placing his future in the hands of an untested alpha - as well as facing the scars of his own tumultuous past. He isn't sure it's worth it. But Jason isn't giving up his destined mate without a fight.

This is a stand-alone gay romance novel, 118,000 words, with a strong HFN ending, as well as a well-crafted, non-shifter omegaverse, with alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, heat, and knotting.
Content warning for pregnancy loss and aftermath.

Audiobook Details
Length: 14 hrs, 7 mins
Narrator: Michael Ferraiuolo

Book 1
Audiobook Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Audible  ~  iTunes


Ebook Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
I am still an mpreg newbie, but after listening to a really well-done shifter mpreg audiobook this past weekend, the opportunity to review Slow Heat arrived in my inbox and I decided to check it out. As this is an audiobook, the first thing I checked out after reading the blurb was the narrator’s voice on the sample to make sure I could listen to it. Shockingly, this is the first Michael Ferraiuolo narrated audiobook I’ve listened to, and it’s shocking because he’s narrated for several authors whose writing I enjoy so I’m not sure how I’ve missed him before now. Because of this, I cannot compare Ferraiuolo’s performance in Slow Heat to his other narrative performances, but I can say that I will be checking out more of the audiobooks he’s narrated. Ferraiuolo creates such unassuming voices for Jason and Vale, that when they get upset, hurt, or otherwise emotional, their strong emotions are a punch to the gut… or maybe I should say heart, and I think that’s why I spent a good portion of the end of the book choking back tears.

While this might be my first experience with Ferraiuolo, it’s not my first Leta Blake book. As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s writing. Blake has the ability to combine the scientific aspects of the alpha-omega bond and male pregnancy in the world she’s created with the romantic musings of a young alpha and the jaded experience of his older omega to pen a romance novel that kept me cueing up the audiobook every chance I could because I had to know if Jason was going to be allowed to claim his omega, over the self-punishing protests of Vale and the “an heir is a must” mandate of his father. Not only did Jason and Vale’s story have me hooked, but the secondary storyline regarding Jason’s parents had me fascinated. The dangers that Jason’s pater faced were heartbreaking (yep, more tears), but the parallels between Miner and Vale had me wanting to wring Yule’s neck. There is so much going on in Slow Heat because it’s a multifaceted storyline where the many threads must be woven together, and each is vital to the overall success of the story, even if we don’t recognize it until the end.

I think one of the things that struck me most about Slow Heat is that while its mpreg is complete and total science fiction, the author deals with it in such a way that the issues the characters face feel so real. Jason being rebuffed by his omega for being too young. Yule continuing the “we did it, so you too must suffer” mentality when demanding Vale contract for a live birth – even though Vale’s medical records showed he couldn’t and would likely die trying. The feelings that Jason’s bestie, Xan, developed for him and Xan’s subsequent gender confusion (for my lack of a better term) when it came to his sexual needs. The prejudices the omegas face are horrific, yet mirror how women were treated as chattel just two hundred years ago – and are probably still treated as no more than walking wombs in some underdeveloped nations. And Miner, poor Miner. I know that his experience was pivotal for opening the eyes of so many of the characters involved and they were lessons that none will forget anytime soon, but did the poor, sweet man have to suffer so much? As crushing as Vale’s rejection of Jason was, it was Miner’s ordeals that had me sobbing so bad my dog got on the bed to check on me. I had to keep pausing the book because I couldn’t hear Ferraiuolo’s performance.

I definitely recommend Slow Heat for someone looking to check out mpreg as it’s an emotional romance that will not only have you hoping for the couple’s future, but leave you thinking about the possibilities. But be prepared because Leta Blake is going to rip your heart out and rub her hands in malicious glee while Michael Ferraiuolo tap dances all over it. And never fear, it is a romance after all, so the happy ending the characters deserve is there, Blake and Ferraiuolo just make you earn it with your tears. As for me, I really, really hope that book two, Alpha Heat, is slated to be produced on audio because I need for Xan to find his place in the world and find his own happiness.

Author of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and the fan favorite Training Season, Leta Blake’s educational and professional background is in psychology and finance, respectively. However, her passion has always been for writing. She enjoys crafting romance stories and exploring the psyches of made up people. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her day job, her writing, and her family.

Connect with Leta

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Michael Ferraiuolo is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and the owner of Iron Works Studios in New York City. As a voice artist, Michael has appeared both nationally and internationally in film, radio, and over 100 audiobooks.

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Review Copy Provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free audiobook copy of Slow Heat (Heat of Love #1) by Leta Blake, narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo to listen to and review.