Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Narrator: Tatiana Sokolov
Series: Gideon's Riders #1
Published by Tantor Audio on October 23, 2018
Genres: Dystopia, Erotica, Science Fiction
Length: 8 hours, 41 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble





Lieutenant Ashwin Malhotra is a Makhai soldier--genetically engineered to be cold, ruthless. Unfeeling. His commanding officers consider him the perfect operative, and they're right. Now, he has a simple mission: to infiltrate Gideon's Riders, the infamous sect of holy warriors that protects the people of Sector One.
He's never failed to execute an objective, but there's one thing he didn't anticipate--running into Dr. Kora Bellamy, the only woman to ever break through his icy exterior.
When Kora fled her life as a military doctor for the Makhai Project, all she wanted was peace--a quiet life where she could heal the sick and injured. The royal Rios family welcomed her like a sister, but she could never forget Ashwin. His sudden reappearance is a second chance--if she can manage to touch his heart.
When the simmering tension between them finally ignites, Kora doesn't realize she's playing with fire. Because she's not just falling in love with a man who may not be able to love her back. Ashwin has too many secrets--and one of them could destroy her.
There’s a smattering of genre here- science fiction, romance and erotica, a different combination. I would label the Gideon’s Riders series science fiction erotica then, with a new couple in each book.
The world building in Ashwin is comfortable. It gives us enough to understand without being overwhelming. There is so obviously more to learn, however. The characters are quite well defined, particularly Ashwin and Kora. Neither has had an easy life but they are admirable in their efforts to do well and improve things personally and for others. I liked them both very well.
Ashwin and Kora have known each other in their past so it is not shocking for them to move into a relationship more quickly. Currently, they have some challenges. Ashwin is learning to move from a black and white view, into a rainbow life of emotion, rather than just missions and orders. He also takes on the problems both he and Kora have which can could be very dangerous for them both.
Narration:
I’m familiar with this narrator and enjoy her performance. I did listen at 1.25x narration, which I’ve been using 1.5x speed. She handles a variety of voices well and I like her male voices. Her straight narration when she is not voicing dialogue is pleasing.
Listen to a clip:
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2018 Audiobook Challenge
- 2018 New Release Challenge
- COYER WINTER
I do love this series, but then you already new that. The characters that Kit Rocha creates are so much fun. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
The original series and this spin off are definitely on my radar and my Kindle. 🙂 I do enjoy when several genres seem to mashup like this for a unique world building and romance experience.