Blood and sweat. Bethany Lewis danced her way out of poverty. She’s a world class athlete… with a debt to pay.Joshua North always gets what he wants. And the mercenary wants Bethany in his bed. He wants her beautiful little body bent to his will.She doesn’t surrender to his kiss.He doesn’t back down from a challenge. It’s going to be a sensual fight… to the death. AUDITION is the enthralling … death.
AUDITION is the enthralling new standalone from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren.
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I cant express.how much I loved this book! I wish I could give it 10 stars! I love the North boys, so brody and hot and sexy as f***k! They feel unworthy of love because of there upbringing but little did they know all they needed was a strong woman who could see past thier demons! That being said we’ve gotten Liam and now Josh’s book, here’s hoping we get a book for Elijah! I’d love to learn about Noah’s past too! Way to go Skye!
We first learned of Josh and Bethany in Liam and Samantha’s book. Josh and his brothers had a horrible childhood and it affected how they viewed themselves. They felt like they weren’t capable of feeling anything. Then Josh meet Bethany and he tried to forget her once his job of protecting Samantha was over and he thought he could pine for her and never have to see her again. That was until he saw her name on the list.
Bethany fell in love with Josh when she was 16 and even though he broke her heart there was a part of her that still loved him. When Josh came storming back into Bethany’s life she refused to accept that he was the one that was going to protect her from her stalker.
Bethany and Josh have so much history and a love hate relationship. Can Josh protect Bethany and deny his feelings for her and can Bethany? Find out in this dark twisted book!
WOW can this series get any better, oh yes it can. Josh and Bethany give you so much in this story that I didn’t want it to end. They are both so strong willed that you will them to be together. Love their complicated love story and know this couple can with stand it all.
See more of my review here on my YouTube channel https://youtu.be/WXCfjL_P9Ko
I have to say that I love reading Skye’s books because I always get just what I need and I love that. This spin-off is amazing and will not disappoint you the reader. Joshua and Bethany are amazing characters and bring so much to the table that once you start reading you will not be able to put it down. I started early in the morning and read all day and night until I finished it early the next morning.
Joshua and Bethany are brought together by some unforeseen circumstances and Joshua is tasked with mission to save Bethany from her stalker but can he keep his heart out of it and keep it strictly business or will his heart be his down fall?
This is a must read! So go on out and one click this bad boy!
Audition by Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde
I am voluntarily reviewing this ARC.
Bethany is a beautiful ballerina that caught the attention of the of one of the North brothers. Josh North was spell bound by Bethany from the minute he met her five years prior while he was working for her brother. Their work was not of a moral nature. Now five years later and a lot of water under the bridge, she is in danger, and Josh takes it on himself to be her body guard. I loved the strength of Bethany . She was so regal and commanding.
This book was amazing. Well paced and addictive and just generally yummy. The chemistry between Josh and Bethany is so raw and powerful. Their love story is complicated but simple all at the same time and I loved every word. Audition is a spin off of Overture but can be read as a stand alone.
Five spinning stars for this beauty.
I love deliciously dark romances filled with wounded heroes and beautifully strong and talented heroines. Joshua North and Bethany Lewis are all of that and more.
Bethany has dreamed of using her ballet skills to escape her past and her determination and talent seems to be paying off. I loved how strong Bethany was during her struggle to hold on to her dreams. There is no weakness in Bethany, just an open heart that has been hurt by so many people in her life. Joshua North included.
Joshua and Bethany have a history. I love the smooth shift in the story between the past and present that gives a glimpse into their bittersweet past. Speaking of Joshua North; the man, the myth, the legend is a complex character. He is a former military man that fears nothing but love. His one weakness is Bethany and even when he is at his worst, his love for her shows the most.
This book is in the world of the North Security series, but you don’t have to read Overture to start reading Audition. I know that once you finish this book that you will absolutely fall in love with this story and these two wounded soulmates.
~Books & Magic Shop Reviews~
AUDITION IS EVERYTHING YOU WANTED.
I love the North Security series and have been so so so so SO excited about Josh and Bethany’s books ever since I read Samantha and Liam’s series. This sister STANDALONE novel put me back in all the feels of North Security again
CAN WE TALK ABOUT JOSH AND WHAT A DELICIOUS ALPHAHOLE HE TRULY IS?? I have always been a Liam girl but somehow, Skye Warren manages to throw more great GREAT men at me with every book. The writing of this book is just so captivating and gripping and at times UNBELIEVABLY FUNNY.
This is a book universe I’d recommend to anyone. Just so so so utterly entertaining and thrilling
5 WELL-DESERVED STARS
I can always count Skye Warren to weave a beautiful story and Audition did not disappoint. Her storytelling is perfection. Her characters are multi-demential.
The book moves back and forth between 5 years with Bethany and Josh. Bethany is a ballerina and behind her graceful footwork is a women who is guarded and fierce. Josh is a brick wall emotionally but Bethany is just they beautiful he needs. He is there to ensure her safety is Bethany could just allow him.
There are twist and turns. Secrets. Discovery. Push and pulls. The sexual tension. Suspense. All set in the mysterious, sexy and lively New Orleans.
Audition is a standalone novel, a spin-off to the amazing North Security Series. This is an amazing and suspenseful second chance to love. Joshua North and Bethany Lewis are great characters. Joshua is protective and possessive. Bethany is a beautiful and strong character. Their story is suspenseful, fast-paced, action packed, and sexy. I love how they find their way together. The back and forth, past to present, is well done and easy to follow. This is a beautiful love story. Alexander Cendese and Mari did an amazing job with the narration. I enjoyed it. #valentinepr
When I started reading I couldn’t put it down.Skye Warren is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can’t wait for the next book.
Skye Warren writes real men like no other! I love the North Brothers!
Sexy!!!
Audition by Skye Warren is a spin-off from the North Security series and is Josh and Bethany’s story. This novel went back and forth in both the past and present day, giving us a better understanding of the characters and how they came to know each other however it was too much in the past for my liking. The story had suspense and danger, secrets, angst, steamy scenes, twists and turns and will give you all the feels. These two complex characters had their own demons, and a complicated relationship with their constant push and pull however you couldn’t deny the intense chemistry between them. I would recommend this novel to all lovers of second chance romance.
The audiobook was narrated by Mari and Alexander Cendese. These two were able to capture the passion of the characters and portray all the emotions bringing the story to life. They did an excellent job and I enjoyed listening to them narrate this novel.
Audio Review
Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde are relatively new authors to me but that is about to chance because after listening to Audition I find myself wanting to read or listen to previous releases. Joshua North and Bethany Lewis’s story is an emotional one that touched me on so many levels, it’s a story about determination and courage, it’s about new beginnings, trust and mending broken souls. Joshua grew up in a home that wasn’t loving it was full of abuse and Bethany has her own demons from the past that she now channels into her dance, so could these 2 broken people help mend each other as they explore why they are so drawn to each other. It’s a book with twists and turns, sizzling chemistry and an intense attraction that at times seems unhealthy but the narrators Mari and Alexander Cendese did a great job bringing theses characters and their romance to life. A well written story that left me wanting to explore more from the authors and the narrators.
I’ve been wanting to read a Skye Warren book for a long time and this was a great introduction that left me wondering about the North brothers. It’s said that this can be read as a standalone, but I was really eager to know about everyone else that was mentioned, so I’d suggest reading about the series that this spun off of.
Audition was definitely an enjoyable read, normally I’m not a fan of traveling between the past and present, but that’s when we really got to know Josh and Bethany’s history. There was quite a bit of build up and I found myself coming out of the story at times. By the time we know more, we were already past the middle of the book and things went quickly from there.
There was no doubt that Josh and Bethany had some off the charts chemistry, but I was hoping for a bit more of the romance. I had a bit of an issue with the hero, I wasn’t quite a fan of his actions when it had to do with Bethany.
Overally, I really did enjoy this one and I;m definitely looking forward to reading more by Skye.
Narrators: I enjoyed these two so much and I’ve already looked some other books that Mari has narrated! I’m a fan!
Audition is a thrilling, emotional, and steamy second chance romance. This is a spin-off of the North Security series and is Joshua North and Bethany Lewis’s poignant and sizzling story. Josh and Bethany both come from abusive pasts. When they first meet, Bethany was just sixteen, but they connected so intrinsically. Josh was determined to protect her from the danger that surrounded her at any cost. That came at a price, making him push her away to keep her safe. Now five years later, she is a talented ballerina and is in extreme danger from a stalker. Josh can’t stay away any longer and needs to make sure she is safe. Bethany is strong and a fighter, and she doesn’t make it easy for Josh. They are so perfect for each other as they challenge each other, helping to break through their thick walls of loneliness and pain. Narrators Alexander Cendese, and Mari were amazing as they brought this story to life. Cendese’s voice was perfect for the powerful, dangerous, yet vulnerable Josh. Mari nailed Bethany’s hopeful, naive character with a quiet strength perfectly. I loved listening to them both as they drew me in and made this story even more exciting and sizzling.
Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed this. Alexander Cendese and Mari really brought Josh and Bethany to life for me in a big way. I’m a big fan of Alexander Cendese and he was a perfect voice for someone like Josh.
Did I want to shake both of the main characters at times because the push and pull went for YEARS? Yes. Was I hooked to see where the story went and was aching for even MORE back story? Also, yes.
I have a confession to make, I LOVE stories about ballet dancers. I cannot do the act, but I love to read about it. So of course I had to pick this up. the descriptions of not only the dancing, but the city of New Orleans, really burst through the speakers. If I had one complaint, it was that it maybe was a little TOO heavy on the flashbacks.
I was provided with an copy of this on audio and I volunteered to leave an unbiased review from Valentine PR on behalf of the authors.
After reading The North Security Trilogy I was keen to read Audition to see how Bethany and Josh’s chemistry played out. I was surprised to know they actually had a history spanning several years, when Josh served in the Army with Bethany’s brother Caleb.
Bethany is a ballet dancer, when she starts receiving threats to the theatre she is performing at, North Security are brought in until the threat is stopped. I actually listened to the Audio book version of this novel and I found the past and present elements a little confusing. I would have preferred a more linear format to explore the history between Hero and heroine, but found the juxtaposition in timeline a little off putting. On my second listen through I did find it a little easier to follow but I also struggled to connect with the characters. I enjoyed Bethany and Josh as individuals, yet as a couple I didn’t really get that longing for a romantic relationship between them beyond their physical desire for one another.
I did however love the way the Author described New Orleans as the backdrop of the novel, she built a very visual description of the melting pot and set the scene well, especially for Bethany’s apartment and Ma Mere’s home. Once the Suspense element of the story kicked in the novel felt much more cohesive and I did enjoy how that all played out. Audition for me was a good suspense novel it just lacked a little intensity on the romance side for me.
Audition
By: Skye Warren, Amelia Wilde
Narrated by: Alexander Cendese, Mari
Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde have passed the Audition and gets the five star review! I was waiting for Josh and Bethany’s story after listening to Liam and Samantha’s trilogy. Josh intrigued me then and now I know why. First meeting Josh when she was 16 years old, Bethany knew there was chemistry. The attraction palpable, he broke her heart and now he finds her on the list in need of his protection. Will these two act on the obvious captivation? Will he be able to keep her safe? These two are made for each other. Both from horrific childhoods, their push-pull attraction is not a surprise. Warren and Wilde have a gift for these for giving us that reason to invest our heart and souls. The flashback perspectives let us get to know the reasons behind all the decisions and adds rising suspense. Warren and Wilde weave the characters into our lives as we look for their happy ending. It’s a great listen!
Alexander Cendese and Mari team up to narrate this gem. Each finds the personality of the Josh and Bethany and lets us hear their story through their own perspectives. I enjoyed their story telling and look forward to more from each of their talents.
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4 star Review Audition by Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde
AUDIO REVIEW:
Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde are relatively new authors to me, and why that is I have no idea. There was plenty to tug at the heart strings in this story, as Joshua North and Bethany Lewis struggle with their feelings and attraction. Joshua will do anything to protect Bethany her from the danger that surrounds her.
There were some surprising twists and turns in Audition. Josh is determined to take what he wants and he wants Bethany with a fierceness that surprises even him even with the history between them.
Josh and Bethany are two broken souls who are drawn to each other and really are each others soul mates. There is so much passion, angst and anger listening to this book and the narrators Mari and Alexander Cendese did an admirable job in conveying it well. It is a well written story of hope, courage and determination.
A slow dance of seduction
Skye Warren is one of those romance authors whose writing you recognize from just a few sentences, and her signature style also shines through in this book, co-authored with Amelia Wilde. Although like most of her books, this in a way is a tradtional romance, it also subverts typical genre expectations. It’s written from a dark and desolate place that has a dystopian feel to it. Their portrayal of contemporary society appears almost Dicksonian, especially with regard to the heroine. Like most of Warren’s other heroine’s she grew up in poverty and even though she is capable and talented, she struggles to make it on her own in a society that is still largely patriarchal, where men hold all the power. It is an indictment of this world view that still holds today, where women are viewed as possessions and ornaments, mostly only appreciated for their looks and not their brains. Usually they end up being dependent on a man to help rescue them. Warren’s heroes also mostly come from poverty, but through grit, ambition and ruthlessness they manage to claw their way out of poverty and to success simply by the power of their will. What all her characters have in common is that they are broken, either from despair, war, an abusive childhood, poverty or a combination thereof.
Audition follows this same pattern, but with an added element. Bethany, the heroine, is of mixed racial heritage and grew up in New Orleans, and though it is never mentioned explicitly, there is a feeling that she belongs to a community that still feels the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Her father was abusive and after his death she and her brother came to live with her grandmother. From a young age she always knew that she wanted to be a dancer, and though she is a talented ballerina she is stuck with a second rate troupe and its insufferable director who lusts after her. The pay is also bad, so she is stuck living in a dingy apartment with a shared bathroom.
Joshua North is the middle brother, and though he now works for North Security, he feels distant from his brothers ever since they all fled their own abusive father and joined the army. He has closed himself off emotionally and doesn’t let anybody close. But back in the day when he still worked for Uncle Sam as a special operations officer he met a young Bethany and fell for her, hard. Naturally, he pushed her away. But now, that Bethany has acquired a dangerous stalker, he makes it his business to insert himself back into her life, all under the pretense of protecting her…
I liked how on a meta-level the authors started off each chapter with a small historical tidbit, chronicling the founding and development of ballet in general and the difficulties female dancers, especially women of color faced in getting their work and artistry professionally recognized and how the authors tied this history to Bethany’s personal struggles of professional fulfillment. So this romance manages to be both, conventional in some ways (the progression of the love story to a happy ending) and unconventional, in that it connects the personal stories to larger cultural and societal issues, which adds reflective depth to it. So, overall 4 ½ stars.