Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Ivan by Kit Rocha Narrator: Tatiana Sokolov
Series: Gideon's Riders #3
Published by Tantor Audio on December 25, 2018
Genres: Dystopia, Erotica, Science Fiction
Length: 10 hours, 53 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
As the sheltered princess of Sector One, Maricela’s life is defined by duty: to her people and to her family. Her wealth and influence have allowed her to build a better world, but they come with a price---the responsibility to secure political stability with a practical marriage. Maricela cherishes the idea of marrying for love, but there’s not much romance in the endless line of suitors interested only in prestige and power.
And her handsome, brooding new bodyguard isn’t helping the situation.
Ivan is the perfect, deadly warrior, a man trained from childhood to be the ultimate protector to the Rios family. His focus on keeping her safe is intense--and a little intoxicating. When the threat of danger cracks his icy control, Maricela realizes she’s not the only one fighting against temptation.
Ivan knows that the blood on his hands makes him unworthy of the pure-hearted princess. But from the first kiss, their forbidden affair feels inevitable. He can give her a glimpse of life outside her gilded cage and a lover who wants the woman instead of the crown. The only thing he can never do is promise her forever.
Because spurning her noble suitors to marry her bodyguard wouldn’t just be a scandal. It could set off a political firestorm that would tear Sector One apart.
Ivan is the third book in the Gideon’s Riders series. It is a science fiction erotica, with a new couple in each book. I think it helps to read them in order as the world building and character building continues throughout the series.
The story begins with some of the issues continuing from the book Deacon. You definitely need to read in order here. The pace is bogged down at the beginning with a bunch of religious aspects. There is also the attraction between Ivan and Maricela and all kinds of *stupid* reasons they can’t act on it.
As much as the books in this series start out with characters who cling to past issues or try to hold to strict rules in a changing world, everything works out in the end. Character growth is always a good story. Maricela starts out seeming like a spoiled, sheltered princess. But like the tales of the prince and the pauper where they change places, being a princess isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially when you are the baby of the family.
I loved how they really cared about each other and paid attention to each other’s needs. They were also willing to fight, so hard, for the other to be happy, even if it meant their own unhappiness. Yeah, I was crying. Another somehow unexpected and great book has captured my heart and mind.
Narration:
Tatiana Sokolov continues as the narrator, which I am enjoying. I did listen at 1.25x narration, rather than 1.5x speed I’ve managed recently. She somehow manages to capture all the characters and make me believe them. I like her male voices, as well as the female ones.
Listen to a clip:
About Kit Rocha
Once upon a time, two best friends decided to write paranormal romance. And while that was awesome, they also sometimes wanted to write insanely dirty stuff that wasn’t paranormal at all. This is that stuff.
Kit Rocha is the dystopian-erotic-romance writing alter-ego of writing duo Moira Rogers.
How do you make a Moira Rogers? Take a former forensic science and nursing student obsessed with paranormal romance and add a computer programmer with a passion for gritty urban fantasy. Toss in a dash of whimsy and a lot of caffeine, and enjoy with a side of chocolate by the light of the full moon.
By day, Bree and Donna are mild-mannered ladies who reside in the Deep South. At night, when their husbands and children are asleep, they combine forces to unleash the product of their fevered imaginations upon the page
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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.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2018 Audiobook Challenge
- 2018 New Release Challenge
- COYER WINTER
This sounds like great, festive fun! Thank you for sharing:)
Great characters is what makes for a wonderful series.
I do remember coming across the first book in this series and thinking it sounded fun. Glad you are enjoying them!
My impression was it was science fiction with romance but it feels like paranormal romance in some ways. Anyway, there are good characters and a new couple in each book.
I’m glad that you continue to enjoy this series. I love it so much. I can’t wait for the next book. Hunter and Nita!!
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
OMG. Poor Nita, she has been through the wringer. I don’t know all that much about Hunter yet but Nita is amazing and I want her to find some happiness.
This series has GREAT character development – I agree 100%. It’s what elevates the stories from just another to special. I was a bit confused in this one – so many characters to remember, but overall it’s been a great ride. (haha, pun intended!) Thanks, Anne!
YES! I think the historical ones are the hardest. I thought I would like this one less because of the religious stuff but I liked it just as much. Nita – I feel for her. I want her story!