Sunday, June 25, 2017

Audiobook Review: Striking Sparks by Ari McKay, Narrator: Rusty Topsfield





Title: Striking Sparks
Author: Ari McKay
Narrator: Rusty Topsfield
Release Date: January 27, 2017
Category: Contemporary, Dreamspun Desires
Length: 5 hours, 10 minutes
The stakes are high and the heat is on.
Beau Walker, owner of the Barbecue Shack, needs the help of Jake Parnell, his one-time rival and secret crush, in a televised barbecue competition. Beau is a proud man, but the stakes are high, and smart, sexy Jake is his only hope, even if being around Jake reawakens the attraction he’s fought for years.
Jake left his hometown, determined to build a life somewhere his sexuality wouldn’t hurt his family’s restaurant business—and far away from hunky, obstinate Beau Walker. Then his twin, Josh, is killed, and Jake returns to support his brother’s wife and children. Despite his reservations, he agrees to go head-to-head against Beau on national television. Between stress and grief, as well as pride and determination, only one thing is certain—the heat between Beau and Jake extends well beyond the kitchen.


*Audible provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my listening pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*

After the death of his twin, Jake has moved back to his hometown to pick up the pieces of the life his brother left behind. He's cooking and running the family restaurant, and taking care of his brother's wife and children. He's run ragged and is about to reach the end of his rope when he's told about a televised barbecue competition his brother was set to compete in against Jake's enemy, Beau. Jake and Beau have been enemies since high school and Jake has no interest in changing that, no matter how attracted he is to Beau. Beau can admit that he was a jerk to Jake because he was attracted to him and felt that he wasn't as good as Jake. He can see that Jake is hanging on by a string and is determined to help him, regardless of how Jake feels. Neither man can deny their attraction to the other, and forced time together is exactly what they need.

The narrator of this story was Rusty Topsfield and he did a great job of bringing the characters to life. The narration had a great tempo without unnecessary pauses and allowed for the listener to easily follow along. The narrator did a great job of conveying the emotions throughout the story.

Striking Sparks in an enemies to lovers story, and was really well told! I enjoyed all the characters, both main and supporting. Once the MCs were able to get past the teenage angst, the story moved quickly. I enjoyed this story in audio form, just as much as I did reading it and would definitely recommend either and/or both versions!


Overall: 4.5 stars
Performance: 4.5 stars
Story: 4.5 stars


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