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readwithali's reviews
223 reviews
1 Last Shot by Nikki Castle
5.0
I’m sorry, but Kane and Isabella in audiobook form are immaculate. Gideon Frost not only embodied Tristan well, but he absolutely nailed Kane. From his gruff, standoffish demeanor to those subtle, witty jabs—it was perfect. And CJ Bloom? Her narration was spot-on for Isabella, capturing her sweet yet feisty personality beautifully. These audiobooks not only complement the books, but they enhance them and are bringing these stories to life in the best way possible.
I wouldn’t say I forgot how good this book was—because, honestly, I think about it all the time—but I was definitely due for a reread.
I remember loving this book the first time I read it. The best feeling was to come full circle since this was the first ARC book I read for Nikki. I do think about this book all the time, but it’s been so long since I read the book originally, I was definitely due for a reread. I forgot just how much I genuinely love this story. It’s tied for my favorite in the series. I adore the vulnerability Kane and Isabella find in each other, especially since they come from such different backgrounds. There’s just something about a tattooed, grumpy guy who’s down bad for his girl and softens only for her. Like, he takes the closing shift just so he can be there when she wakes up, just to spend a few minutes with her?? I mean, come on.
And the spice? Top tier. Some of my favorite scenes in the whole series. The motorcycle and the sharpie scenes?? HOT. HOT. HOT.
I also love the parallel journeys of watching Kane and Isabella rebuilding their lives in completely different ways. Isabella is so much stronger than she gives herself credit for. To come back from an injury and literally rebuild her whole life in a new place takes determination. Not everyone could do that. Kane is such a softie deep down, even though he denies it. His devotion to Isabella and Oscar are prime examples. They found safety in one another in a way they hadn’t found with others and it’s so heart warming to witness.
This story is so beautifully written, and the connection between these characters is incredibly special. Kane and Isabella will always have a special place in my heart.
I truly love this series so much. Thank you, Nikki, for the ALC!
3 Count by Nikki Castle
5.0
I’m having so much fun rereading this whole series as each audiobook is released! I seriously cannot get over how good they are. The casting is absolutely perfect, embodying each character’s personality so well. From Aiden’s flirty banter to Dani’s badass personality, everything is reflected so incredibly well in the audiobook.
Aiden and Dani’s story is such a fun time, and I highly recommend listening to this book! I love how their story captures their carefree and effortless attitudes. But don’t let that fool you—there’s no lack of emotional connection between them. In the beginning, they’re both so set on remaining single for their own reasons, and you can feel how strongly they believe in that. Even though their thoughts shift by the end, that passion for their beliefs and interests doesn’t go away — it just gets even stronger with having someone by your side. It’s beautiful to witness how they both open up, not just to each other but also individually, learning to trust something outside of what they’ve believed for so long. That level of vulnerability only strengthens their bond.
And let me tell you, there’s no shortage of spice in this story! Honestly, knowing Aiden and Dani’s personalities, could we expect anything less? I was not prepared for how hot Chapter 8 would be in audio format (IYKYK). I was literally blushing through the entire chapter!
I truly love this series so much. Thank you Nikki for the ALC!
2 Fights by Nikki Castle
5.0
So far this series is 2 for 2 with the audiobook versions!!!! I say this like I’m actually surprised - I honestly didn’t expect anything less than perfection. I loved this book when I originally read it back in 2022 and it was so much fun to fall in love with it all over again while rereading it in audiobook form. This story is so beautifully written and it’s hard to put in to words how much I enjoyed it. Watching Hailey overcome all the struggles she faced with her ex (f*ck steve) is inspiring and a testament to how strong of a character she really is. It’s so heartwarming to watch her fall in love with herself all over again. Jax’s unwavering loyalty and protectiveness is so pure and sweet. He would literally do anything for Hailey and I love their friendship dynamic and how that only strengthens their relationship. But don’t let that fool you because this book is still hot, hot, hot. The level of detail and care that went into creating this is apparent from the very beginning. The narrators that were casted for Hailey & Jax were perfect. They fit the character so incredibly well and the fact that it’s duet style narrators makes it come to life even more. I seriously cannot wait to listen to the rest of these! Thank you so much to Nikki for letting me apart of your ALC team!