Broome's Books

First, let me talk about the greatness of Greg Boudreaux as a narrator. He's got one of those voices that just hit the spot (with everyone but Annabelle, but that's just nitpicking about southern accents). I could probably listen to him speak with an English or a Scottish accent for days. Oh and the Russian accents *shiver*. I loved hearing Alexei's speaking parts. Boudreaux had a way with differentiating between different characters with his voice. I didn't get lost in conversation sections. I knew who was talking and how they were feeling in that moment. He made it very easy to get lost in this world and I highly recommend listening to his work. I already have his other three works in my to listen list. 

Now on to the story! 

In the Ruins picks up a few months after In the Wreckage ends. We see the MDF going undercover to continue their fight against a group of criminal organizations who are working together, instead of fighting each other, for power. 

They utilize Jamie's family wealth as the background for the teams covers. There are a lot of challenges that come with this. Jamie has to become a person he used to be and never wanted to be again; selfish, overbearing, unkind. Kyle experiences what Jamie's life was like before the Marines and just how wealthy Jamie's family is. 

Also, Jamie and Kyle can publicly be together due to Kyle's cover as Jamie's arm candy. They can hold hands, they can kiss, they can sleep in the same bed without having to sneak out of the room early in the morning. These two men have chemistry that is out of this world. It's obvious that that their relationship has continued to grow. The scenes with only two pair of them together, oh boy. Just turn the AC down and grab a fan, cause things just got hot. They are beyond intense. 

Their mission was always at the forefront of their minds. Even if I lost track of what the mission actually was at some points. I liked that the action balanced out with the romance parts. This universe that Turner has created is amazing. I could see what Jamie's apartment looked like. Then I could see 2285 London, the underground, the museum where the gala took place. The way she described the characters and the settings, it was opulent. That's the only word that would do this world justice. 

There were a few parts that dragged on for me and got a bit slow. I think it may be because I got so attached to Alexei. Will I continue this series? Most likely. I really enjoy the detail Turner puts into her novels and her characters. Should you read this? If you like sci-fi, military, steamy romances, yes. One hundred percent yes.

7 people found this helpful

Excellent Narrator Saves The Story

Full disclosure- I'm here for the ScFi story, not gay erotica. I would have enjoyed book 2 so much more if it had been told from the perspective of another main character, like Kyle's brother. I loved book one but I really didn't need a rehash of how Jamie and Kyle roll in bed or Jamie's family drama. (I like butt sex as much as any gay guy, but seriously, TMI !)... The metahuman story line seemed to take back seat to more Jame/Kyle play time. Apart from the sex, the plot in book two is all about political intrigue (kinda boring) and Jamie's ongoing conflicts with his farther. Lots of over the top angst that seemed out of character for a guy like Jamie. The metahuman good guy/bad guy battles are minor and infrequent.
I'll consider book three with caution (and rubber gloves).

4 people found this helpful

Narrator is the icing on an already great cake

So happy another installment of this series is available on audio, can’t wait for the rest! This was an unexpectedly excellent Kindle Unlimited series, I highly recommend reading the whole thing.

Mostly this review is to rave about the narrator’s performance. Already one of my favorite narrators, Greg Boudreaux had an extra challenge with the amount of international accents needed for this book. He did a fantastic job, making an already good book a great listening experience.

PS - if someone can get him to perform a book with a lot of Irish and Scottish men, that would be just lovely :)

2 people found this helpful

Too much...

I enjoyed the continuation of the tale regarding this eclectic cast of characters, primarily Kyle and Jamie. Not sure if this is a stand alone because it begins almost where #1 leaves off but who am I to say. The only thing I would like to have seen was more meat to the story. It would have been nice to see how the team adapted to the undercover aspect rather than a mere mention of months passing by and the abundance of sex. I know that I am going to sound like a prude, but come on already. I enjoy a good sex romp as the next dude, but one scene went on for over 23 minutes of narration...which was just...! I'm sure there are those who need such a lengthy duration, but I think so much more could have been added to enhance the story beyond Kyle and Jamie's need to feel and deal with anger and their fear to admit their love...I almost put the story down. I am going on to read or listen to #3 because I love the narration of Greg Boudreaux...who did a lot to make this a win for me. Again, I enjoy Turner's writing, I just wished that more focus could have been on the build up of the actual story and not the sexual interaction between the protagonists.

1 person found this helpful

So glad Greg Boudreaux is still reading the series

We're on to Book 2 of Hailey Turner's Metahuman Files series featuring the Metahuman Defense Force whose special mission is to fight crime perpetrated by villains who are using their supernormal skills or those lawbreakers willing to use Splice as a weapon of mass casualties. Captain Jamie Callahan is the leader of the Alpha team which now has a full complement of team members after Staff Sergeants Kyle Brannigan (sniper) and Alexie Dvorkin (spotter) are conscripted. The members of the Alpha team decide to keep the romantic relationship between Jamie and Kyle quiet, feeling a measure of happiness for both men in spite of the Force's regulations against fraternization.
When the MDF is made aware of a deal to supply terrorists, the Alpha team is called on to go undercover to intercept the parties involved. Using his background as a billionaire's son, Jamie plays the part of a playboy with his team members serving other crucial roles while doubling as a backup. Kyle plays the part of Jamie's boyfriend, giving both men a taste of a love life that is out in the open. The part also makes Kyle uncomfortably aware of the differences in his and Jamie's social status. In spite of it all, he is determined to support, protect, and love him as well as the other members of the team.
In the Ruins, Metahuman Files Book 2 fulfills the promise set forth by book 1 being replete with excitement and action. The writer gives us glimpses of the billionaire's son Jamie in the narrative, making the contrast to the quality of person he is as the Alpha team's leader. Readers are treated to the quantity and quality of character growth that has shaped him into the current Jamie Callahan--making us love him all the more and making it understandable why his team members and especially Kyle respect and admire him. The world-building is incredible as is the case with book 1. Writer Hailey Turner writes an incredible paramilitary adventure that is in NO way dependent upon the truly hot sex Jaime and Kyle get up to. This series is sophisticated and truly clever!

Loved it!

In the Ruins is the second book of Hailey Turner’s Metahuman Files series. Events in this book build on those from the first and while a complete story, there are ongoing story arcs so you’ll definitely want to listen to them all & in order. As such, there may be spoilers to book 1 in my review.

Again, Turner has a fantastic mix of action, suspense, political, thriller, and romance. She does a wonderful job of balancing all the characters’ back stories while still moving forward with an engaging and exciting story. Jamie & Kyle are on solid ground, both in their careers and in their, albeit somewhat secret, relationship. An undercover assignment gives them a chance to be out in the open – but with pretending to be other people it’s not a freeing as it seems.

We get to know individual team members even better and we’re introduced to some new characters as well. There’s more writing from other’s perspectives and it’s great insight. Jamie’s family plays a bigger role in this story and I enjoyed how Turner explored that dynamic.

While I liked that the first two books have centered Jamie & Kyle’s relationship – I’m definitely looking forward to the fact that book 3, In the Shadows, will feature Alexi & Sean.

Narration:
Greg Boudreaux continues to be a great narrator for this series. Characters are consistent from book to book – and he has the added difficulty of accents and mannerisms for when the group is undercover.

Thoroughly enjoyed

Absolutely loved it! This is an awesome series. The characters are very believable & you root for them through their battles, both physical and personal. I read the series on my kindle first, & really enjoyed listening to it also.

chapter 3 and still no better than book 1.

i am 15 minuts into chapter 3, and it is so frustrating, maybe too much so to go on.

he is 30 years old with his own career and a life as a politicians son, and this is how he reacts to his parents trying to dominate his life!?!
it does not seem plausible.
this might be the end of this series for me.

Romance and Ruins

The second book in the Metahuman Files series, In the Ruins should be read after In the Wreckage. This series has an overarching plot and reading the series in order is important to fully understand and enjoy this book. You don’t have to read the free, short story “A Distant Devotion” before this book, but it’s a fun (FREE!) treat, so I recommend it.

In the Ruins continues where the first book left off. Jamie and Kyle are together, but keeping their relationship hidden. This secret causes all sorts of obstacles for them as they focus on carrying out their mission against the illegal Spice labs. Like the first book, the military details and team dynamics are fantastic and really add such depth and intricacy to already complex and fascinating world. The plot, like always, keeps the readers attention and I thought Hailey Turner did a great job with the pacing and transitions. The romantic relationship between Jamie and Kyle is addicting – they are just so good together, both in and out of bed. I love their tenderness just as much as I love their hot and kinky sex.

The audiobook was narrated by Greg Boudreaux. Greg narrated the first book and does just as great of job with the second book as he did with the first. I really liked how consistent the character voices are and his performance really brought that element of drama and thrill that I crave in my audiobooks. I highly recommend this audiobook and the entire series.

love this story!!!

Great narrator and a great story. I am looking forward to listening to the next one in the series.