Irresistible Refrain

Irresistible Refrain by Michelle Mankin’s book is outstanding. The narrators make the book make the story come alive that would rival the radio broadcast stories before TV. The double narration was used so the book flowed nicely. Loved this audiobook that brought to life the conclusion of the love triangle between Bryan, Lace, and War. Lace had been betrayed by War by him accepting a record deal that could only happen if Lace was not a part of the band. Her revenge was to go to a known drug dealer and become his girl. Unfortunately for Lace, the consequences of her decisions had life-changing consequences. Once escaping with her life, Lace traveling to join the band. Once more the drama between Lace, War, and Bryan flare red hot. Lace must choose between the two men. Lace’s demons are raging in her veins with her addiction and heart with unrequited love. This book ends with a HEA with lots of smexy scenes that are smoking hot. I love how Michelle Mankin was able to take the difficult topic of addiction and treat it with a sensitivity that ends with the hope of overcoming one’s private hell. Michelle Mankin is a magic story weaver. Any of her books are 5-star reads.

I’m one of the people who read this book AFTER Southside High, so I feel like that colors my opinions on the book and the characters. I just wanted to put that out there first.

While I loved the book, it was amazing, I didn’t like Lace in this book as much as I did in Southside High. I realize that things happened to her and that there were misunderstandings, but goodness she was oblivious to how awful she was being treated! Also, I was so sad at the way her life had turned out since I’d last seen her in the previous book.

Bryan disappointed me a little too, just in one part, but I’m Team Bry all the way! I love how much he truly cares for her and he tells her what’s up even if he thinks or knows it will make her mad. And he’s loyal to a fault, he lost way too much time being loyal to War.

Speaking of War, I know he’s got some good in him, I saw it in the first book, but I don’t know if he’s redeemable anymore. It’s sad the way our childhoods and the way we were raised can either shape us for the good to make ourselves better than what we knew, or for the bad to sink into the same patterns. I see that theme a lot in these two books. (Southside High and Irresistible Refrain)

All in all, I did love the book. There is pain and torment, but also forgiveness and hope. I am actually very excited to see about getting the rest of the books in the Tempest series as well as the other related series.

A love triangle with so much more. I enjoyed everything about this story. The drama was just the right amount and the flow was good. The narration was perfect! I love when these two narrate together since they compliment each other perfectly.

Awesome Story & Narration A Wild & HotAdventure!

Wilderness Daddy
By: Kara Kelley
Narrated by: Tor Thom, Charley Ongel

This audiobook is awesome, it is my first book written by Kara Kelley and it will not be my last. She casted the perfect narrators, Tor Thom and Charley Ongel, to bring the characters and their story to life. The story is interesting and original, it grabbed my attention right from the start and held it captive straight to the end. I adored the two lead characters Landon and Akari, it was an angsty start for them and the way they were brought together was more of a business deal but things change fairly quickly. Landon’s Daddy Dom surfaces when deals with her brattiness and sees there is a submissive side to her. When Landon comes up with an idea to help put his family business back on the map and save it from financial ruin he goes off into the wilderness. Akari tries to find him and finds trouble instead, including wildlife, three hillbillies searching for Sasquatch, Sasquatch himself and finally Landon. I loved how everything plays out in this book, it is plotted out nicely and there is never a dull moment with plenty of drama, angst, action, some twists and turns, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt ones and some hot romance with some mild kink. Kara Kelley, thank you for this awesome story and the adventurous and emotional rollercoaster ride.

I listened to the Audible edition, Tor Thom and Charley Ongel are talented narrators and voice artists. They did an amazing job portraying the characters, humanizing them giving each their own voice and personalty. You could hear how much heart they put in to their work, their duet performance captures the chemistry between the characters, their passion, as well as their emotions which enhances the story even more. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen

This is the fist book I’ve read by Michelle Mankin and I have to say, I was totally not expecting this one. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, but if you’re looking for the typical rock star romance book that has all the wealthy fluff that goes with it, you’ll not find it here. Ms. Mankin gives us an almost true to life depiction of, what I thought was going to be a menagé, two male friends who fall in love with the same woman. All the angst, the heart break, the memories as each one remembers it. Then too, there’s the issue with the down and dirty facts of drug abuse and what happens with addiction. The characters personalities are real life relatable and our author has done a magnificent job of capturing that. We do get our happily ever after, but these characters have to work hard to get there. Since this is the first book in a series, I look forward to reading the rest of the band’s stories.

Well, I am not that keen on the bands, most of them treat the females badly,
not easy to keep on reading, ok a happy ending, but at a price!
Theresa

I enjoyed this book

Great Rock Romance

If you are a lover of rock romance than this book is a must read…as is all the books by this author. Ms. Mankin always has great storylines filled with characters that stick with you after you finish the books. This one isn’t all sunshine and roses because the story of War, Lace and Bryan is filled with plenty of angst and grit. Irresistible Refrain gives you the rollercoaster ride that many of us like because there are so many feelings pulled out of you. This book was a definite winner for me.