The Sweetest Burn by Jeaniene Frost Series: Broken Destiny #2
Published by Blackstone Audiobooks on June 27,2017
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Length: 9 hours, 8 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
Conquering a supernatural realm turned out to be easier than getting over a broken heart. But her initial victory has made Ivy a target for revenge, forcing her to reunite with the dangerous—and dangerously sexy—Adrian. Ivy isn't sure which will be harder: finding the hallowed weapon that will repair the crumbling walls between the demon and human realms, or resisting Adrian, who's decided that come hell or high water, he will make Ivy his.
At first, Adrian tried to resist his feelings for Ivy. Now, determined to break the curse that dooms their love, he's vowed to save her and to have her. If only he can persuade her to forgive his past sins. But defying destiny—and surrendering to the smoldering desire between them—will bring consequences and sacrifices they never imagined…
I listened to The Beautiful Ashes as a “reread” right before getting The Sweetest Burn. I was able to get both in digital audio from the library.
I was excited to see how they progressed with finding the second artifact. I expected Ivy and Adrian to learn and grow in their pursuit and to further their relationship as they worked together to save the world. These things sort of happened.
Neither Ivy or Adrian seemed to learn or grow very much. Ivy’s whining about everything at Zach and her internal rambling were annoying. Adrian at least spent his time preparing Brutus for their mission. Both of them are so childish in their actions and seem to lack skills or guts to communicate with each other in an honest, mature way. Ivy’s attachment to Adrian seems stubborn and rather fickle. The relationship progresses, though.
The other characters, Zach, Jasmine, and Kosta are barely developed. They revolve around Ivy and Adrian with limited impact. We do learn more about both Ivy and Adrian’s backgrounds. The aspects of the world are changed and unfolded, too. When Ivy fights, it feels more like panic and desperation, rather than courage and fortitude. With her limited experience, this is realistic but I’d at least like to see some faith and strength. Adrian has more confidence, experience and skill in battle.
Tavia Gilbert is Ivy’s voice to me. She felt right and comfortable in this role. Adrian seemed to have a sort of Russian accent and not the sound the same as he did in The Beautiful Ashes which was awkward. The others were fine, but not prominent enough in the story to matter.
The search and save the world part of the plot went slowly and not as smart as I prefer, but had interesting aspects. I was just so annoyed by the main characters and their personal relationship here. The last book in the Broken Destiny series is The Brightest Embers, projected for November 28, 2017. I’m sure I will read or listen to it, with hopes that it will improve the trilogy.
Listen to a clip here.
About Tavia Gilbert
Tavia Gilbert (SAG-AFTRA) is an award-winning narrator with more than 150 audiobooks under her belt. Contemporary and literary fiction, biography and memoir, fantasy, romance, children’s literature, science, religion…Tavia’s range of genres is a direct result of her intuitive interpretation, clever diction and pacing, and sensitivity to each author’s or publisher’s needs.
Classically trained in voice and theater, Tavia attended the University of Washington and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Original Works in Acting from Cornish College of the Arts. She has been singing in choirs since she was 12 years old and has been working full time as a voice actor since 2006.
Tavia is also a producer with nine years experience. After moving to Portland, Maine in 2001, she studied audio documentary production at the Salt Institute. With 11 years of paralegal experience, Tavia has a clear understanding and appreciation for the business side of her world, including contractual language and legal strategy. Her creative eye, vivid personality, and experience and contacts help her cast the highest caliber of artists, including actors, musicians, videographers, and other talent. Her clients hire her again and again, recognizing her exceptional work and the advantage they have in someone with both a creative and business mind.
About Jeaniene Frost
Jeaniene Frost is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Her works include the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, the Broken Destiny series, and the new Night Rebel series. Jeaniene’s novels have also appeared on the Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal, ABA Indiebound, and international bestseller lists. Foreign rights for Jeaniene’s novels have sold to twenty different countries.
Jeaniene lives in Maryland with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. In addition to being a writer, Jeaniene also enjoys reading, writing, poetry, watching movies, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her.
| Rating Breakdown | |
|---|---|
| Plot |
 |
| Dialogue |
|
| Narration (Audio) |
|
| Overall: | |
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- Sunday Post – 19 January 2025 @caffeinatedreviewer.com @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - January 19, 2025
- 🎧 Good Turn by Dervla McTiernan @DervlaMcTiernan#AoifeMcMahon @HarperAudio #LoveAudiobooks - January 18, 2025
- Read-along & #Giveaway:On the Edge by Ilona Andrews @ilonaandrews @ilonaandrews.bsky.social @reneeraudman @AceBooksPub @acebookspub.bsky.social @TantorAudio @tantoraudio.bsky.social #Read-along #GIVEAWAY @victoria7401.bsky.social - January 17, 2025
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Anne: 2017 Audiobook Challenge
- Anne: 2017 Library Love Challenge
- Anne: 2017 New Release Challenge
I’m sorry to hear this didn’t work for you. This is a series I haven’t tried yet. I don’t know why since I own the first book, but just haven’t gotten to it. I hope book 3 brings a good story and resolution.
I LOVE Jeaniene Frost so here’s hoping book 3 will come roaring back to a great ending.
I’ve had an ARC of this book for over a year, and I finally read it. I was sooo disappointed. I really disliked the way the relationship between the two protagonists has progressed, and as you mentioned, the whole thing just felt immature. I need to write my review, but can’t find the words. I hate having to give one of Jeaniene Frost’s novels such a low rating.
yes, it’s so hard when you love the author and I do. But this was just … you know. I want to love every book.
I was not a huge fan of book one. I wasn’t sure if I was going to try book two. This is the first review I’ve seen for it. It doesn’t look good for me. Maybe I will wait to see how people respond to book three. I hope that it will be better for you. Great review.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads