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Book Reviews by Lynn

I am a copy editor and proofreader and an avid reader. Some would call me a bookworm. My favourite genres are: Romance, Romantic Erotica, Mystery, Thrillers, YA, Paranormal, Supernatural, Science Fiction, General Fiction and Children's Books. I also have a Facebook page where I put all my reviews: Book Reviews by Lynn. You are welcome to join me there too. You are welcome to follow, comment and enquire.

Audio/Book Review of New Beginnings: Others of Edenton, Book 0.5 by Brandy L. Rivers

New Beginnings (Others of Edenton) - Brandy L Rivers

18+ Adult Content

 

Jess knew her life would never move forward if she remained a part of Gregory's pack. Some alphas don't know how to take care of their wolves. She had managed Gregory's bar for years, but she knew he would never sell it to her. After one giant mistake, he went from bad to worse. As a psychic she knew it was a downward spiral.

Taking her future in her own hands, she contacted the alpha in Edenton. He was happy to sell the empty bar that no one had the time or desire to renovate, much less run. Their attraction was unexpected and the last thing either wanted, but they found the only thing they needed in each other. There was just one problem: Slater's second-in-command was plotting against him. Liam would use anything to take over as alpha.

 

Plenty of werewolves, an old vampire flame, plus a paranoid second, and don't forget the psychic with a whole lot of attitude.

 

Review 5*

 

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the author in return for an honest review.

 

I previously read and reviewed this book in December last year and gave it 4 stars. However, the author approached me to see if I would like to listen to this book in audiobook format. As I have been listening to a lot more books in this way, I agreed. I am glad I did, as I enjoyed it more! This is an amended review to the one I made in December.

 

This book is narrated by Kelley Hazen Story Teller Productions. I really enjoyed her interpretation of the characters, especially Jess, as I struggled to like her when I originally read the story. Kelley Hazen's reading voice is lovely to listen to. I love her diction and she gave each character their own voice, which brought them to life. This helped me see them in a different light as to how I pictured them in my own mind originally. I would definitely listen to more books narrated by this lady in the future.

 

Jess is a character I didn't like when I originally read the story, but since listening to the audiobook, she has grown on me. She didn't seem as whiny as my mind made her out to be originally. It just goes to show how people can read the same story and have completely different reaction depending on their mood at the time! However, I still found her a bit hypocritical. She is a werewolf, who also happens to be a psychic. She is determined, feisty and a force to be reckoned with, especially since she can see flashes of the future. However, she also has a tendency to meddle in the lives of her friends quite a bit, but doesn't like it when others to do the same to her.

 

Slater is the Alpha of the wolf pack. I really liked this man. He is a tough but fair leader, who has a sense of honour and is respected by his pack. When Jess comes to Edenton, he doesn't know what to make of the instant attraction he feels for her.

 

I have a huge passion for erotic paranormal romances and was looking forward to listening to this one. I still found the dialogue to be a bit melodramatic and too "teenage angst-y" for grown adult characters. Jess treats most of the pack, apart from Brody, with disdain, as if they are not worth her time. What Slater sees in her is a mystery to me, as she treats him worse than the others at times. Granted, she doesn't want to be attracted to her Alpha (and I get that), but as she can see them together in the future, why she treats him the way she does confuses me. She also tends to whine when things aren't going the way she wants them to. But, as this is the prequel to the main series, the story introduces the reader to most of the main characters who will feature more in the main story arc; they are all fascinating characters. The story is told through several points of view, which made it a quite interesting experience. There is danger and romance aplenty in this book. The heat between Jess and Slater fairly burned the pages, even as they fight their mutual attraction. The characters came to life and, due to the vivid descriptions, I felt like I was there, watching the scenes unfold. Liam is a character who made my skin crawl. He is a very emotionally unsteady person, with a seriously dangerous streak. His obsession with being Alpha made me wonder if he was brainwashed, delusional, or both.

 

The ending left me looking forward to continuing the series and, as I have already read In Too Deep, I am looking forward to reading Shadows of the Past as soon as possible.

 

Brandy L. Rivers has written an intriguing start to a series. I loved her fast paced writing style, and the flow was wonderful. Unfortunately, the melodramatic dialogue was the only thing that let this story down, in my opinion. However, with that being said, I would definitely read more of her books in the future.

 

Due to explicit scenes of a sexual nature, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. However, I do recommend this book if you love hot erotic paranormal romances full of werewolves, vampires, fae, druids etc. - Lynn Worton