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 will start this off with saying that I had not read the North Security series books before this one. But boy do I wish I would have although I will be reading them now. There is no need to read those prior as I was able to understand the relationships with the others from this one so it does stand alone. I cannot say enough good things about this book. I was sucked in from the very beginning. Josh and Bethany have a complicated relationship and it’s explosive. I enjoyed reading their story. There is some angst, mystery, suspense, attraction, and everything in between.
“What is the point of holding back? What is the purpose of denial? Survival.”
– Joshua
I knew Joshua and Bethany’s story was going to be volatile.
We saw them dance around each other in Liam’s story.
We knew there was more to them than what they were revealing.
Joshua with all his anger and darkness.
Bethany who radiated a strength that warned of getting to close.
It was all that and more.
The timeline for the story goes back and forth from that first moment they encountered one another to the present
The scenes presented flawlessly so that the past connected to the present – Reinforcing each decision – Defining each moment.
Why she felt such animosity towards Joshua
Why Joshua felt the need to reign in his own emotions
Why five years later they both burned for one another
Bethany has backbone. Life has forced her to be a bit standoffish and IMO it at times makes her look very ungrateful? immature? Once you get past the barriers though she is quite the woman.
Joshua is a product of his past curbed a touch by the care Liam provided. He is in control even if he doesn’t believe it. He will never be the monster he is so sure resides within him.
Or maybe I am just a romantic – tomato tamato.
I read a comp copy
This story is incredible from beginning to end. Josh is the unlikely hero, cold and unaffected by everything, except the beautiful and talented Bethany. Her, he cannot resist. His compulsion to protect this strong, obstinate woman is all consuming.
Bethany, beauty and grace personified, doesn’t need to be protected by any man, her heart safely locked away from Josh and his infuriating innuendos and bravado.
When the two are brought together to fight an unseen threat, they both have to navigate their wants and true desires whilst struggling their own demons.
Audition is set in the North Security world and is a fantastic addition to the series. It is intense and steamy and Skye’s words are, as usual, perfectly eloquent and truly thrilling.
I know Skye Warren’s fans have been waiting to get their hands on this book. We first meet Josh and Bethany in the previous trilogy featuring his brother Liam. Now we find out the background of how Josh and Bethany know each other. They are both a product of young and unresolved love from the past. They know they still have that undeniable sexual attraction/tension. Now that their path have crossed again, they can not avoid each other any longer. Josh is part of the security detail to protect Bethany from stalker, which means they no choice but be in close proximity of each other. Danger lurks but will they be able to finally get past the hurt of their past or will it be to late? You will love this dark, suspenseful, angst filled, sexually charged but romantic roller coaster ride!!
Josh and Bethany have amazing chemistry and history. Lana~White Hot Reads
When Josh finds out that Bethany is being stalked, he inserts himself and North Security to keep her safe. Old feelings surface for both of them and you finally get to see who Josh and Bethany really are. Loved that Liam and Samantha were in the book as well.
Audition by Skye Warren & Amelia Wilde is the story of Josh and Bethany. This book is a spin off of the series North Security. So if you have read the previous books then you will have met Josh and Bethany. But if you haven’t you this can easily be a standalone book. Bethany was young when she meets Josh who was protecting someone who was in danger. Of course her heart was broken but Bethany knows of hurt/pain which has added to her dancing. Josh due to his past has set his heart to stone but he can never get Bethany out of his head. Then Bethany falls into danger and he wants to be there to protect her but can’t seem to keep his heart safe.
I loved this book.
This richly told story captured me from the very start. Its contrasting of the grace and beauty of ballet with the tasks of a soldier is balanced perfectly with the physical rigours of and fitness levels needed to perform both professions to the highest degree. Both Josh and Bethany are strong minded and determined, hugely committed to their chosen ways of life.
The story is told with overlapping time spans over five years, and is handled deftly and flawlessly by Skye Warren as she weaves this mesmerising tale of love which cannot be denied, of steadfastness and staying true to yourself.
I loved spending time with the North team again and already hope for more.
This book is the story of Josh and Bethany. I really liked the fact we get a lot of background information about both of them in this book. However, it seems she is ready to move with her life, but he isn’t. He’s closed-off and wants to have her, and at the same time wants to keep her at arms length.
I was surprised and delighted that this was a standalone story because I don’t like having to wait to know the conclusion of the story. That was different from other of Skye’s books, and I loved it!
This is the first I’ve read by this author even though I have many of her books on my TBR. This story can be read as a stand alone, but does contain backstory in the North Security Trilogy. I haven’t read those and I followed along just fine.
The dark, broodiness of Josh is something that pulls me in. You want to figure out why he is how he is and see how the story develops for him, will he finally admit his weakness or is he destined to live behind the brick wall he’s erected around himself?
Bethany has been sheltered and protected most of her life, even if she didn’t want to be. She’s fierce and yet vulnerable, just trying to make her way in the world and do what she loves.
When there’s a threat, the past comes rushing in, will it repeat itself, or will this time be different?
The story was good, but felt a bit hurried toward the end. I would have liked to see more of their discovering of who they are now without all the tension that was in the air.
The allure of a dark hero is never manifested more artfully than by one of my favourite authors, and this time she has added a partner in crime.
As a fan of the North Security trilogy, this spin-off about Bethany and Joshua was a must for me.
The threatening atmosphere is counterbalanced by a simmering sensuality, an intimacy of the words that tell a tale of woes and brilliance.
This exciting couple has doom stamped all over them. The little ballerina is strong-willed, has a grandma who reads Tarot, and a penchant for the Big Bad Wolf. The bad boy himself has a long list of sins to atone for, including corrupting this beauty despite his inner turmoil. The sharp balance he keeps between tempting her and denying himself is a delicious torture for everyone!
An obscure danger acts as a pillar for the characters to reunite after a tumultuous past that is disclosed in alternating chapters. The main plot, however, is this electrified tension of lust and need and impossible promise between them.
I always turn jelly and flustered and completely awed when the characters finally succumb to passion by the words of this author. This is no exception. It’s like Josh and Bethany know that fate won’t give them a chance, but they auto-destruct in one combustible embrace anyway. The best part is that it happens after a chapter where Josh proves how terrible he is, yet how utterly besotted too. That was a painful moment, truly physical, followed by that intimacy we’ve been craving which proves to be dangerous and powerfully lurid.
The sheer magnitude of their love shows in all its terrifying glory when danger finally leaps onto Bethany. That was fast, furious, and defining. I have to admit Joshua is one stubborn dark hero, edging on hateful. He lashes out until the very last minute, but he’s encountered the queen that will tame his wild nature.
I loved all the dancing references and performances, the strength Bethany wields against all kinds of fear, and this crooked romance finally ending with a beautiful sense of hope and courage. I wish the plot were more fully developed as it seems shortened and worthy of a longer life, but the words and the feelings they evoke are so precious that I have to give this book my all.
Standing ovation.
Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde has created a dark fairytale between two beautifully broken souls in Audition. Josh and Bethany’s tragic, twisted and intense journey will end in a happily ever after so well deserved. But not before the authors take you through hell and heaven.
Audition can be read as a standalone but I felt I enjoyed it more because I met these characters in previous North Security series. Bethany is a prolific ballet dancer living a hidden shady life away from the limelight she deserves. Because she is running from the dangerous past. But it catches up with her nevertheless. And another person from past, Joshua North comes back to protect her. They have a long bittersweet history where Josh left her heartbroken and utterly destroyed. Can she take the risk with a man who is emotionally unavailable and unable to face his vulnerability? What about the demons lurking in shadows?
This whole story is well orchestrated art performance. Bethany’s dance is not only the backdrop. The music and movements flow like emotions between two hearts. Josh is almost dead inside. He is numb, broken and definitely not a good man. But this gorgeous devil has a magnetic attraction to Bethany’s angelic heart. He has been hardened and scarred by bone chilling violence and destruction. And he is a complete jerk to Bethany a lot of times because he is scared of feeling love and then being left alone. And Bethany left whole her life searching for a safe place and someone who will love and cherish her unconditionally. Both are amazing characters. Their chemistry is mesmerizing and intoxicating. They have this raw, brutal, unbelievably intense and soul deep chemistry. The story will make you scream in frustration and impatience as twists and turns will keep on intercepting their Happily Ever After. And that’s make this an unforgettable love story!
The writing of Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde will capture your heart from the very first page. The passion in Audition is sensual and scintillating. The emotions are running soul deep through the pages. An epic and out of this world and magnificent love story!
Received ARC for Honest review
We meet Bethany and Josh first in Liam and Samantha’s story.
First I tought there’s just lust from these two since they are perfectly stranger when Josh help Liam protected Samantha where Bethany is the dancer in Sam’s show. In Audition, we learn there’s more from their story.
Told from both POV, Skye Warren give us the trip on memory lane of their story and present time.
Start with Josh become Bethany’s personal security detail for the stalker she have, Ms. Warren bring us to five years prior. To what happened between these two. What happened the night when Josh became that b*artd who broke her young heart.
From the North Security series ( Liam n Samantha’s story) Josh feels like a rogue. He’s more dark and cold. Cynic and have no care in the world. But in Audition, we see more and my heart break for this man.
His childhood abuse effect him with guilt for leaving his younger brother, abandon issue from his mom and Liam leaving him, and the fear of someday he will become his abusive father.
His take what he want attitude is just a facade when face with Bethany. He become that Coward. Who take what he want and push Bethany aside with rude and crude words.
And Bethany. She’s been fighting her whole live. From being an object of men desire just because they want her body. From domineering brother. From poverty that suffocated her. From the man she love but to afraid to be vulnerable and love her back.
I wanna kick Josh’s behind at most times when he going back and forward with her feelings. I wanna hug Bethany for everytime she stand tall with dignity while her heart shattered. But when he’s down on his knee, like a Knight worshiping his Queen, all’s forgiven.
As always with Skye Warren, I love The Audition and the magic she bring.
A 4.5 star for angst, Dash of suspence, lots of as*hole Alpha, sweet but strong girl and steamy dirty talking moments
Bethany and Josh have known each other from childhood, both come from broken families. Now as adults, Josh is assigned to protect her. Bethany spurs Josh’s advances but that doesn’t discourage him. There’s a sense of dispair about Bethany The story jumps between the present and five years earlier and it is told in both POV. I really enjoyed this book. Audition is part of the North Security series but can read as a stand-alone.
Review copy was received for a honest opinion.
Audition by Skye Warren and Amelia Wilde was a huge surprise to me – nothing like I expected it to be. We met Josh and Bethany in the North Security series, we know who they were. We know what they have been through. I felt an attraction between them from the beginning, but I had no idea how deep their relationship really was.
Audition isn’t as steamy as some other novels by Skye, but it has many elements to remind you of the brilliance of Skye Warren. I especially love how she starts every chapter with a fun fact that ties into the theme of the story. Skye is brilliant when it comes to teaching the readers about the artistic beauty of her character’s talents. I’ve never read an Amelia Wilde book, but she fit right in. The chapters and sections, different POV’s and moments in time, all flowed seamlessly, never leaving the reader to feel lost or confused. The story sweeps you away, never lets you fall, and somewhat gently returns you to the ground feeling as though you’ve just witnessed the most beautiful dance. Skye’s love of sexual tension is shown throughout this book, each chapter building it up, occasionally letting off just a little steam, only to pull back and start building again. Josh North is an @$$hole but poor Bethany can’t help what her body and mind want. She can’t help but fall for the beast.
Skye always loves to tease and taunt, draw out all the emotions and make sure you are absolutely reeling and possibly seething when her characters finally succumb to the battle waging between their mind and their heart. Josh is no different. He has his reasons for keeping his distance. Being an @$$hole helps keep him in check and keep the temptation away. But Bethany Lewis has seen through him from the very beginning. Felt her attraction and desire was reciprocated; could see it in his eyes even though his mouth refused to admit the words. Bethany is strong, Bethany sees his worth through all the pain and heartbreak. Bethany knows Josh North is the man for her.
Audition was a fabulous story. Joshua North has seen destruction and suffered at the hands of others. He keeps his distance to protect those he loves. Bethany may be the one person he can’t avoid forever. Her safety comes first; protecting her at all costs is his mission. What happens when the mission is over? Pick up Audition today and see for yourself.
This story is written as a standalone and can be read as such, but there is a bit of backstory in the Overture trilogy for these characters.
Bethany is a self-made ballerina. She’s an interesting dichotomy of gutsy and sheltered. Joshua North is cold, brash, and one step from being a robot (or so he wishes). These two together are explosive, both in love and hate. There’s lots of suspense, great tension, steam and drama.
Recommend!
Bethany and Josh. Josh and Bethany. I mean, we saw them together in the previous trilogy in the series, but who knew? Who knew they had a past together? Who knew that they shared, albeit varied, but similar, childhood traumas? Who knew they were made for each other, fit the broken pieces of the other, to perfection? Well, now I know, and I am so glad that I got to know them!
This was a silent, stealthy, story. No great highs, no deep lows, but lots happening. The story continually moves forward, revealing a bit here, a bit there, some from the past, some from the present. A little bit of this, a smattering of that, and then it builds, and builds, and the crescendo happens. But that isn’t the finale of the story, oh no. After the build up, the big moment, it settles back down, and moves forward some more. Then, when all seems set, all is quiet, it snaps into place, and it is then you realize, this is the moment you didn’t even know you were waiting for. It took Josh by surprise, it validated Bethany, and it brought all the moments before it to clarity. It made the characters whole, and their story together could start!
What a story as we learn so much of Bethany and Josh and why they are the way they are and their past.These two will pull all your strings with all the words, heartbreak, lies forgiveness and most of all leaving your heart locked up tight, there are alot of decisions made and you can feel it all the love and words are so heartfelt. This is intense and I wanted to kick Josh just do it. Exceptionally written like poetry the words on these pages come together so beautiful.
Josh and Bethany’s story is full of grief and regret, hope and hopelessness, as well as love. It encompasses all the emotions and feelings, which is the creative craft of Skye Warren’s books.
Josh, as well his brothers, had a terrible upbringing filled with abuse and torment. They all escaped and became men who have large walls around them, refusing to let anyone in.
Bethany has her own demons and abuse issues from her past but expresses herself in her dance.
They are drawn and pulled together over the span of 5 years, both trying to deny the attraction.
This story had me laughing, crying, and feeling the thoughts of these characters.
I highly recommended this book and series, it is phenomenal!
I found this to be a deeply moving book and the last chapter moved me to tears. Josh and Bethany have similar backgrounds in that they come from dysfunctional fathers, something that resonates with me, although Josh and his brothers did not kill their father they were driven away. The intense feelings Josh and Bethany have for each other do not diminish over five years but rather deepen and crystallize. The story is full of melancholy and deep emotions of love masquerading as contempt but in the end the Tarot cards know the truth and love prevails. Another great story from Skye Warren.
The stories just keep getting better with the latest in the North Security series. Audition by Skye Warren is another riveting tale of strong muscled bound men with a sense of right and wrong that love to protect the women in their lives. I can only pray that Warren will continue this amazing series with another book about the third North brother. This book has it all, action, sex and ballet. Did I mention the sexy as sin men? Warren is able to capture the feel of New Orleans and the exhilaration of dancing within the pages of the story. 5 stars for Audition by Skye Warren.
Joshua North hasn’t been able to forget the beautiful young dancer that he met five years ago. Bethany Lewis was only sixteen when Josh was sent to observe and report back on Bethany’s brother who was a traitor to his country. Josh knew he had to walk away from her in the past, but fate has put Bethany in his path once again and this time Josh feels his control slipping. New dangers and old enemies are stalking the woman that Joshua had to leave behind but could never forget. Now if only she would let him do his job and keep her safe, they both may come out of the ordeal with their lives and their hearts.