Good premise but horridly long-winded.

I liked the premise even though I thought the execution was somewhat wanting because the main characters just weren't attractive. Or attractive enough. Lord Benjamin Parker came across as a nondescript, boring person, without even the benefit of good looks to attract me. As a romance-lover, I need at least one of two things - the MC has to be gorgeous even if he isn't powerful, smart or rich; or he has to have a great personality if not the looks to accompany it.

The other thing that lost it another star, IMO, was that the author tended to over-write. The narrative was too long, stretching out a point as if she thought I, the reader, wouldn't get it. Much of the time I was itching for the story to get moving. Instead, one of the drawbacks of audiobooks, I was forced to listen as Cavin went on endlessly about some point or other. In the end, I had to hit the pause button and read the ebook, skimming over the lines until the storyline picked up again. As any audiobook lover knows, this is not an easy task and does pull one out of the story by the time you locate the spot you want.

Charlie Belmont was good but even he couldn't save this work. I fell asleep in the second book, Fortune Hunter, so I can't review that beyond saying I like my heroes taller than me (superficial bitch that I am) so five feet four doesn't do it for me. I will try the last book in the series, though, and if that doesn't work either, then no more Ava March for me.

I do hope to see more MM romances by Belmont, though. He has a lovely timbre to his voice. His execution may not be as smooth as David Morey, Jack LeFleur, Sean Crisden or Charlie Carr but he's still better than many male narrators out there. I'd like to see how he carries off a story that's set in the US with American characters.

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2 people found this helpful

It Will Steal Your Heart

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I definitely would. Considering it's a little on the shorter side, I was more than impressed with how it truly felt more like an eight hour novel. The pacing was excellent, with nothing rushed. The number and types of encounters flowed and fit. It did not drag on, and did not feel as if it were lacking at all to fit a shorter length.

What did you like best about this story?

Probably the pacing. It was a wonderful story with excellent narration and good characterizations. The characters have their flaws, and they reflect on them, though it is not overdone the way many books are. It feels very natural and the conflict seems real rather than manufactured for drama.

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably when Sam is hired. It shows so much of both Ben and Cavin's characters. It's a natural way to continuing showing the reader/listener who these people are. This book is very good at the "show don't tell" method of writing. Something most blockbuster movies seem to be lacking these days.

Who was the most memorable character of Brook Street: Thief and why?

The cast was rather limited, which is probably why the pacing worked so well for a novel this length. I think Cavin would be my favorite. Ben is a little naive and idealistic, but in a very charming way. Cavin's had a rough life and yet he has a strong moral compass. It seems he just needed to find his true North to really utilize it.

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Wonderful story!!!

If you could sum up Brook Street: Thief in three words, what would they be?

loved the setting

What did you like best about this story?

Seemed like to a REAL story to me.

Which character – as performed by Charlie Belmont – was your favorite?

Parker

If you could rename Brook Street: Thief, what would you call it?

Julian!

Any additional comments?

Definitely like book 1 in series better.

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Great new series

I just loved this story and it's narrator.

This historical MM romance it's sweet and hopeful. And even though it's unlikely that Benjamin and Calvin relationship would have happened . I mean, Benjamin is a Peer of the Realm and during that period of time , social class division was very strict, I love the idea of it. Anyways, that's why I read romance novels after all... For the escape and illusion😍😘

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Sweet and Simple

What did you like best about this story?

The raw honesty of accepting yourself and falling in love

What does Charlie Belmont bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love audio books because it allows me to do other things while I listen.

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A beautiful light-hearted read/listen

Loved the novel and the audio book This is my first book by Ava March, and I'm planning definitely to listen the rest of the series. She might become one of my go to m-m romance authors :) The story might have all the obvious elements of a historical novel, but the story has a subtleness about it, and the chemistry between the main pair is awesome and beautifully written. This was also my first listen of Charlie Belmont and I loved his narration. He's really good in changing his style, and voice expressions based on the situations. You can hear how he changes the voice of almost every character in the book and that is the appeal for me behind any audiobook. A good listen and highly recommended, if you are looking for lighter-softer romance.

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Sweet romance story

Would you consider the audio edition of Brook Street: Thief to be better than the print version?

Unknown

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the story, its colorful setting, the realistic characters, and the local language and colloquialisms.

What about Charlie Belmont’s performance did you like?

This narrator is worth his weight in gold. A reader can make or break a story, and this man made is seem as if I was watching a movie. His accents were marvelous, as was his tone and cadence. It was also quite sexy!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not necessarily. Sometimes you don't look forward to a story ending too soon.

Any additional comments?

It was a sweet m/m romance that I would recommend to anyone who reads mainstream erotic romance.

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2 people found this helpful

loveable leads and the perfect narrator

Fun from beginning to end! It's a commonplace plot concept (rich man and poor man fall in love) done well. If you're into this particular trope, it's perfect for you.

Both leads are absolutely darling, and I am particularly fond of Ben's purity of spirit. He's just so kind and good to others, and he's surprisingly brave and determined to live life with authenticity for someone in his position (a lord). He shows only love, no hostility, toward people in stations below him in life. Cavin is a likeable steet thief who undervalues himself and fiercely protects those he loves. The conclusion is good, although I wanted more, but it neatly ties everything up. They both find the happiness they deserve with each other. The story wastes no time and the quick pace of the romance feels believable. I just wish the story was longer, which is a pretty high compliment for a story.

Narrator is amazing!! Great job giving life to each character. Bonus points for pronouncing valet the English way rather than the American way, a common mispronunciation (and pet peeve of mine) in other historical romance narrators.

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Loved it!

Loved the characters and loved the story. And the narrator captured their voice and emotions perfectly.

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Excellent!

The Brook Street Thief, first book of the series was an excellent choice since I usually don't do short stories. The story is well written and the narrator brought the characters to life. I really hate giving stories five stars because there is always something wrong in the story it self or with the narrative. Ava March and Charlie Belmont, both delivery five star quality.
I would recommend, The Brook Street Thief, to anyone who is looking for something different, not the same old same old, tired, dragged out format. The characters are charming and the storyline is fantastic. I loved it. I will purchase book two in the series.
I hope this was useful without me including the story.

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4 people found this helpful