LISTEN-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - UNTIL I FALL by Claudia Burgoa

Until I Fall

by Claudia Burgoa

Narrators Teddy Hamilton & Eliza Summers

March 31st 2026

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I gave my heart to a Navy SEAL.

He took it with him to his grave. Eleven years later, ignoring the yawning void is as automatic as breathing. Working brutal hours, dating a comfortably commitment-phobic guy, hanging with my best friends.
Anything until exhaustion—or an extra glass of wine—claims my consciousness.

And then my comfort zone is invaded by Anderson Hawkins' piercing green eyes.

He says he’s a tattoo artist, but his mastery of the short answer, weird schedule, and military ink tell a different story.

His touch ignites a long-dead flame inside me. But can I touch it without being completely scorched from the inside out? I'm at the edge of a cliff. I just don't know if he'll catch me until I fall.

From USA Today Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa comes a contemporary romance contains a former military hero accustomed to treading dangerous ground, and a wary, overworked doctor who’s a military widow in every way but name, brought together by a few unexpected twists and turns—and maybe the machinations of a cute dog.

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . AUDIO Until I Fall . . . An Emotional and Healing Slow Burn Romance!

I always thoroughly enjoy a story from Claudia Burgoa, and this one did not disappoint! Until I Fall is a deeply moving, emotionally charged contemporary romance that beautifully handles heavy themes of grief, trauma, and learning how to live again after an unimaginable loss. The slow-burn tension between these two wounded souls kept me completely hooked from the very first page. 

Out of the Shadows of Grief

Eleven years ago, I gave my heart to a Navy SEAL, and he took it with him to the grave. To survive the devastating loss, I built a life out of impossible work hours and completely convenient, surface-level relationships. I stay just busy enough so I never have to look too closely at everything I buried right alongside him. It’s not really living, but it’s the closest thing to survival I’ve been able to find. 

Then Anderson Hawkins walks into my world, completely disrupting my carefully constructed walls. With his piercing green eyes, guarded answers, and an undeniable, magnetic presence, he makes me notice him even when I know I shouldn’t. He claims he’s just a tattoo artist, which might explain his incredible ink, but it definitely doesn't explain his intense discipline, his dangerous edge, or the way he constantly scans a room like a man trained to expect imminent trouble. 

The more time we spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the scorching heat building between us. Anderson stirs a dangerous thing called hope in a part of my soul I thought was dead and gone. But falling for a mysterious man with dark secrets means risking my heart all over again—and if he can't catch me, this time I won't just break... I will completely burn. 

Why This Healing Journey Touched My Heart:

• Deep Emotional Resonance: Claudia Burgoa writes grief and healing with so much respect and realism. The "military widow vibes" were heavy and beautifully portrayed, making the heroine's journey toward opening her heart again feel entirely earned. 

• A Captivating, Protective Hero: Anderson is the ultimate wounded, protective ex-military hero. His intense chemistry with the heroine and the subtle ways he looks out for her made my heart melt. 

• Wonderful Found Family Elements: The background layers of found family, redemption, and even a little dog matchmaking added the perfect amount of warmth to a very heavy, emotional plot line. 

Audio Performance Review

• The Narrators: Eliza Summers & Teddy Hamilton 

Pure Audio Bliss! After dealing with the frustration of robotic virtual voices, listening to an elite live cast like this is a total breath of fresh air. They don't just read the script—they give absolute life and breath to the characters and the wonderful world created by Claudia Burgoa. 

Teddy Hamilton is a pleasure as always! He brings that signature, deeply soothing yet ruggedly masculine tone that captures Anderson's guarded, protective nature perfectly, making his hidden vulnerabilities completely pull at your heartstrings. This was a "nice to meet you" moment with Eliza Summers, who was completely new to me, and she did a fabulous job. She captured the heavy, exhausting layers of the heroine's grief while slowly letting her bright, hopeful side shine back through. Their seamless chemistry made this an incredible, active listen while I was working through my backlog on the go! 

My Final Verdict

Until I Fall earns a very strong 4 stars from me! It is a beautiful, intense, and wonderfully sweet slow-burn military romance that reminds you that it's okay to step out of the shadows of the past. Claudia Burgoa’s emotional depth combined with the stellar narration of Teddy Hamilton and Eliza Summers makes this audiobook a truly comforting, healing place to lay your head. 

Teddy Hamilton never misses, and it's always the best feeling when a new-to-you narrator like Eliza Summers absolutely delivers! 

Featuring:

🩺Wounded Hero

🩺Protective Hero

🩺Grieving Heroine

🩺Slow Burn

🩺Ex-Military

🩺Secret Agent

🩺Found Family

🩺Redemption

Presented by

LISTEN-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY NOVELLA - DARING HER LOVE: A Braden Novella by Melissa Foster Narrators Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow

DARING HER LOVE  
A Braden Novella
Love in Bloom: The Bradens, #10
Melissa Foster
Narrators: Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow
4 hrs and 1 min
January 2nd 2026

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Race-car driver Eric James will stop at nothing to make Kat Martin his. This fun, sexy standalone novella features Kat Martin, Brianna Heart’s best friend from Hearts at Play (The Bradens at Weston), and race-car driver Eric James, a lifelong friend of the Bradens. You do not need to listen to Brianna’s story, or any other Braden book, to enjoy this one.

Kat Martin knows what she wants in a man—someone stable, adoring, and definitely not the type of guy who treats sex like a pit stop. After all, she’s built her life on making all the right choices. That is, until she meets seductively enticing Eric James, and suddenly wrong has never felt so right.

When it comes to his career, race-car driver Eric James is intense, obsessive, and passionate, and when it comes to sex, there’s only one kind: daring, unbridled, and no strings attached.

One stormy night, a delayed flight and the dangerous allure of the unknown lead Kat to throw caution to the wind, and she indulges in a rendezvous that she vows to immediately forget. But the secret tryst stirs something more in Eric, and he has other plans.

**This book was previously published by 1001 Dark Nights with the same title and a different cover.**

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . DARING HER LOVE (Love in Bloom: The Bradens, #10) . . .    A High-Octane Braden Masterclass in Chemistry!

It’s great to dive back into the Love in Bloom world with you. Melissa Foster proves once again why the Bradens are romance royalty with this novella.

Originally a part of the 1001 Dark Nights collection, Daring Her Love is a fun, sexy, and incredibly intense addition to the series that would have been a tragedy to keep from the masses!

One Stormy Night and a Dangerous Allure
Kat Martin is a woman of "right choices"—she wants stability, adoration, and a man who takes his time. Then she meets Eric James, a race-car driver who is as intense and obsessive in the bedroom as he is on the track. When a delayed flight strands them together on a stormy night, Kat throws her rulebook out the window for a rendezvous she never intended to remember.

But Eric isn't a man who forgets. What was supposed to be a "no-strings" pit stop turns into something much deeper. Eric is relentless in his pursuit, determined to show Kat that "wrong" has never felt so right.

Audio Perfection: Arndt & Snow
The narration for this novella is a total dream team. Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow bring an "exceptional" energy to Kat and Eric’s connection:

Aiden Snow (Panty Melting): His voice is pure, concentrated heat. Like you said, Aiden Snow could warm you up if you were stranded in an ice storm for hours! He perfectly captures Eric’s daring, unbridled passion.

Andi Arndt (Amazing as always): Andi nails Kat’s transition from a cautious, stable woman to someone who is willing to take a high-speed risk on love.

Why This Story is a Must-Listen:
Instant Intensity: Their first meeting is packed with a "panty-melting" intensity that sets the tone for the entire book.

The Braden Family Connection: It was wonderful to see the "old characters" again, especially Papa Braden. His brand of love and acceptance remains the heart of this entire series.

Standalone Speed: Even though it’s book #10 in the Braden lineup, it works perfectly as a sexy standalone for anyone needing a quick, high-heat fix.

Relentless Romance: Eric’s refusal to let Kat go after their "secret tryst" makes for a romantic and deeply satisfying payoff.

My Final Verdict
Daring Her Love is a super sexy, high-speed journey into the heart of the Braden world. The chemistry is so "amazing" that it’s clearly seen by everyone around them. Between the high-stakes world of racing and the top-tier narration, this is an exceptional five-star listen that you’ll want to put on repeat! 🏎️🔥🏁

Discover the magic of New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster's writing and see why millions of listeners have fallen in love with the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection. Love in Bloom novels are written to stand alone or may be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right in. Checklists and family trees can be downloaded from Melissa’s website.

LISTEN-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - LOVE ME (Townsend Legacy, #2) by Tiffany Patterson Narrators J. Shani Michaels & Sean Crisden

LOVE ME
Townsend Legacy, #2
by Tiffany Patterson 
Narrators J. Shani Michaels & Sean Crisden
TMP Publishing LLC
Audio Release August 9th 2024

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“...give me three months.” “Three months for what?” “To make you love me.” For years I’ve withheld my feelings for my best friend, Monique. After dating losers, she needs a man who’s docile, safe … a nice guy.

I’ve never been that.

When we were younger, I couldn’t control my temper when it came to keeping her safe. My loss of control forced the only woman I loved to move hundreds of miles away.

Over the years, I tried to accept that I wasn’t what she needed, even when she became engaged to another man, and it ripped my heart in half.

But then her fiancé turns out to be another scumbag who dumps her after a stay in the hospital due to her type 1 diabetes.

She finally returns to our hometown, desperate to find her footing in life again.

And I’m done sitting on the sidelines.

I’m a grown man now–still dangerous, but I’ve learned to manage my dark urges over the years. I can pretend to be the nice guy she needs if that means finally making her mine. That’s the side of me I don’t allow Monique to see when I tell her it’s time….time for us to be more than friends.

But Monique believes she is a burden I don’t need.

She doesn’t get it….

I offer her a deal. I’ll give her the money she needs to start the art gallery she’s always wanted. And….“...you’ll give me three months.” “Three months for what?” “To make you love me.” Then I hold my breath to see if she takes the deal with the best friend who’s also the devil in disguise…

One-click this billionaire friends-to-lovers romance today!

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . LOVE ME (Townsend Legacy, #2) . . .  "...a deal that could get you all you want ..."

Would you make a deal with your best friend if it could get you all you ever wanted, but at the same time cost you everything you love?

Monique and Diego were best friends since childhood. Diego was Monique's protector. Then one day her world view changed and she changed all their plans. Diego's world changed. Years later and there's a chance things can be put back on the path it should have been on. Diego seizes a chance to make his world what it should have been. All it took was A screw up, some bad luck, and a move back home.

Things are different now. Diego is a grown man. And Monique still has a lot on her shoulders but this time she will have some help to carry the load.

Diego was dangerous but I felt that with the others from the family. He could have been more dangerous. I must hand it to him. He was creative with punishment.

Sean Crisden set the male voices off just right. I was in love. His range give you the voice that could wet panties.

Reasons I enjoyed this book: Family Friends Entertaining Easy-to-read Wonderful characters Great world building Romantic Page turner

Author Info

Tiffany Patterson is an Amazon bestselling author of over 40 romance titles featuring women of color. She’s passionate about writing stories with relatable heroines and the male heroes who are determined to love and cherish them, while giving her heroines the freedom to explore their sexual desires.

Tiffany writes both contemporary romance and paranormal romance novels. Whether you enjoy falling in love with billionaires or firefighters, or seek the thrill of the paranormal, you’ll find passion between the pages.

When Tiffany isn’t at her desk, she’s often outside hiking the local trails or traveling to new destinations in search of inspiration for her stories. Unsurprisingly, she enjoys nothing better than curling up with a romance book, although she also has a soft spot for watching true crime documentaries.

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Website --> TiffanyPattersonWrites.com

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LISTEN-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - THE LITTLE THINGS (Second Hope, #1) by Jessica Prince

The Little Things: A Small Town Age Gap Romance 

Second Hope, #1

by Jessica Prince

August 12th 2024

Narrators Ava Erickson & Rock Engle

BLURB

I’ll admit, I made more than my fair share of stupid decisions, but all it took was an accidental felony and a teensy kitchen fire to turn my life upside down.

When my parents cut me off, selling my swanky Los Angeles apartment and shipping me off to some ranch in the middle of nowhere to teach me a lesson, I thought it was the worst thing that could happen to me.

Then I got to Safe Haven Ranch and met my new boss.

Zach Paulson is an older, grumpy cowboy who thinks I’m nothing more than a spoiled princess and doesn’t want me on his turf. He also happens to be drop-dead gorgeous, and can wear a faded pair of Wranglers better than any other man alive.

The dumbest thing I can do is fall into lust with the temperamental rancher. Unfortunately, I’m not exactly known for making good choices.

But I’m determined to do better this time. I want to prove to myself and everyone else that I’m more than the shallow, self-absorbed socialite I’ve been playing at for years. I have a plan. Keep my head down, do my work, and don’t make any mistakes.

The problem is, I’m not the only one with a crush, and all my defenses are useless against a man like Zach when he puts his mind to getting what he wants.

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . THE LITTLE THINGS (Second Hope, #1) . . . Grumpy Cowboy Meets Spoiled Socialite: A Charming Romance of Self-Discovery! THE LITTLE THINGS is a delightful and emotional start to the Second Hope series, centered on a hilarious and heartwarming story of self-discovery and an irresistible age-gap romance.

Our heroine, who admits her life has been a string of "stupid decisions," is shipped off by her fed-up parents from a swanky Los Angeles apartment to a ranch in the middle of nowhere. It's here, at Safe Haven Ranch, that the spoiled socialite is forced to confront herself and meet her grumpy new boss, Zach Paulson.

Zach is the quintessential older, temperamental cowboy who assumes she's nothing more than a shallow princess. However, the chemistry between them is undeniable—especially since he wears a faded pair of Wranglers better than any man alive! The tension is fantastic as the heroine is determined to prove that she is "more than the shallow, self-absorbed socialite" she's been playing at. Her plan to keep her head down and avoid mistakes is hilariously derailed by the fact that the grumpy cowboy has a crush of his own and is relentless in his pursuit. This is a genuinely charming story about finding purpose, breaking down defenses, and the magnetic pull of an unexpected love.

Audio Narration Review

The dual narration by Ava Erickson and Rock Engle is perfect for this story! Ava Erickson brings the right amount of sass and vulnerability to the heroine's journey of change, while Rock Engle's deeper tone perfectly embodies the grumpy, gorgeous demeanor of the older cowboy, Zach. Their voices bring the small-town, intense chemistry to life, making this a wonderful listen.

Author Info

Born and raised around Houston, Jessica is a self proclaimed caffeine addict, connoisseur of inexpensive wine, and the worst driver in the state of Texas. In addition to being all of these things, she’s first and foremost a wife and mom.

Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.

​When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, or binging on sit-coms, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.

Be sure to Connect with Jessica at:

Website: www.authorjessicaprince.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjessicaprince

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessprince_writes

Or sign up for her newsletter at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/d3e1z0

She pinky promises not to spam you.

Presented by

LISTEN-2-REVIEW - YA FANTASY - EMMIE AND THE TUDOR KING (Hearts & Crowns, #1) by Natalie Murray Narrator Shakira Shute

 EMMIE AND THE TUDOR KING 
Hearts and Crowns, #1
by Natalie Murray
Narrator: Shakira Shute
Length: 9 hours and 37 minutes
Released: October 27th 2021
Publisher: Natalie Murray
Genre: Young Adult Romance

  The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . EMMIE AND THE TUDOR KING (Hearts & Crowns, #1) . . . Interesting. Entertaining. I even laughed a bit. I was pulled in by Emmie. She was strong and independent on her own. Nick was interesting, but for me the show was all Emmie.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Natalie Murray. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

One moment, Emmie is writing her high school history paper; the next, she is lost in 16th century England, where she meets a dreamy but dangerous Tudor king who is destined for a dreadful fate. 

Able to travel back to her own time but intensely drawn to King Nick and the mysterious death of his sister, Emmie finds herself solving the murder of a young princess and unravelling court secrets while trying to keep her head on her shoulders, literally. 

With everything to lose, Emmie will come to face her biggest battle of all: how to cheat the path of history and keep her irresistible king, or lose him - and her heart - forever.

     

 

Natalie Murray is the award-winning author of Emmie and the Tudor King (2021), Emmie and the Tudor Queen (2021), and Emmie and the Tudor Throne (2022) from Midnight Tide Publishing. A cross between Outlander and The Other Boleyn Girl, the romance trilogy follows a high school girl to a reimagined Tudor England, where she meets a doomed – but dreamy – Tudor king destined for a dreadful fate.Emmie and the Tudor King was an award-winning finalist in the 14th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards in the New Adult Fiction category and has received acclaim from Foreword Reviews, YA Books Central, and popular authors Brigid Kemmerer (A Curse So Dark and Lonely) and CJ Flood (Infinite Sky), among others.

 

Shakira Shute is a full time audiobook narrator and voice actor and is an alumni of the internationally acclaimed National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. In a previous life (before relocating with her family to Canada 7 years ago), Shakira was a commercial litigation lawyer in London, England. Shakira has had the privilege of narrating projects for Penguin Random House, Tantor Audio, Dreamscape Media, Findaway Voices, Orange Sky Audio, Audio Sorceress and East House Productions. She has also narrated books in collaboration with Oxford University Press and MIT. She is able to perform character voices, multiple UK regional accents, as well as a general American accent.

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LISTEN-2-REVEIW - YA FANTASY - FAE'S ASCENT (Clover, #2) by Nicole Kilpatrick Narrator Cassandra Alling

 FAE'S ASCENT

Clover, #2
by Nicole Kilpatrick
Narrator: Cassandra Alling
Length: 9 hours and 4 minutes
Released: April 1st 2022
Publisher: Nicole Kilpatrick
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

   The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . FAE'S ASCENT (Clover, #2) . . . I am going to put this simply. You get so much more. Clover comes to be her own person/fae. She learns much and endures much. This one has more action and adventure to feed on from book one of this series. We see more of Clover and what she should become. 

Cassandra's voice was familiar and allowed for me to jump right back in to the world that I enjoyed the first time around. 

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Nicole Kilpatrick. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it. 

May the road rise up to meet her. 

After barely escaping Alistair’s clutches, Clover struggles to unleash and master her dormant powers as she embraces her merrow lineage while still staying true to her human self. With the Seelie and Unseelie armies on the verge of war, the clock is ticking, but when a centuries-old secret is uncovered, alliances and loyalties are put to the test and both her worlds come crashing down around her. 

To defend against Alistair, protect the fate of the Fae, and safeguard her loved ones, Clover must soar higher than she’d ever thought possible. 

In this action-packed sequel, the very loss and heartache that could lead to Clover’s ruin could also lead to her redemption. The choice is hers.

 

Nicole Kilpatrick is the author of the YA fantasy novels, Clover and Fae's Ascent. When not writing, she can be found lounging in a cabin by a river, curled up at home reading a book, or concocting recipes in her cozy kitchen in Brooklyn, where she lives with her husband.

  

Cassandra Alling loves vocal shapeshifting and finding a part of herself in entirely different characters. She lives in NYC, where she loves walking in Central Park, discovering traces of the creative process at the elegant Morgan Library, and catching the subway to see friends old and new.

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LISTEN-2-REVIEW - YA PARANORMAL - SILENCE AT THE LOCK (Steele Secrets, #3) by Andie Cumbo-Floyd Narrator Aven Shore

 SILENCE AT THE LOCK

Steele Secrets, #3
by Andi Cumbo-Floyd
Narrator: Aven Shore
Length: 5 hours and 14 minutes
Released: April 29th 2022
Producer: Audiobook Empire
Publisher: Andilit
Genre: Paranormal; Young Adult

   The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . SILENCE AT THE LOCK (Steele Secrets, #3) . . . There was so much here. The were so many things that felt so real and so relevant to today's world. I have to say that I was not expecting to connect so well with Sarah. This was a town full of secrets, lies, and a few truths. 

Andie Cumbo-Floyd and the voice of Aven Shore are back with the third installment in the Steele Secrets series. Aven Shore has done her job well. She gave life and realism to the characters she portrayed. She brought forth characters you want to meet and root for them to succeed. 

I would recommend that those that are seeing this for the first time to line them up and listen to them back to back. Have a binge and see how things progress. I found some of the information relayed my be offensive to some. That would be a caution I would use with listening with smaller ears present. I would also use this caution for some adults with prejudices. 

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Audiobook Empire. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it. 

I didn’t expect to meet a grieving ghost or her dead mother. 

But then, I didn’t expect to find out my town had been the site of a lynching, a lynching that had left my friend Sarah motherless and had made her a victim of murder as well. 

Their deaths aren’t ancient history, though, not when one man who was a witness still holds sway in our small town. My friends and I have truth on our side, but will that be enough to keep us safe? 

If only telling the truth didn’t come so hard to so many.

 

  

 

Andi Cumbo-Floyd lives in the Southwestern Mountains of Virginia with her young son, an old dog, and a puppy who likes to eat furniture. When she’s not writing she likes to cross-stitch, binge magical shows, and garden.

 

Aven Shore is an audiobook narrator living in her off-grid tiny house in rural Eastern Canada, surrounded by forest and chicken friends, and honeybees. She loves books so much she's listening to one almost every minute she's not narrating one (she narrates romance as Avie Paige). She narrates live on Discord with other romance narrators on the Haven server. She is longing to travel and hike in mountains again, and dreaming of sleep in the lava fields of Iceland under Northern lights again, her favorite place in the world. Her past lives include being a carpenter, firefighter, tax accountant, and competitive snowboarder.

 

At Audiobook Empire, audio reigns supreme, narrators are hailed as heroes, and headphones are worn with pride. Marrying pomp and circumstance with quality you can count on, Audiobook Empire is a full-service production house that produces and promotes audiobooks with gusto. Give your audiobook the imperial treatment by producing it with Audiobook Empire.

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