81st & Clarke: The Clarke Brothers Collection

Clarke Brothers #1-3

by Christina C. Jones

(This is a compilation/collection of the three books in the series - there is no new material added.)

Collision Course - Addison and Samara:

Samara Holloway is back in Blackwood, after years away chasing showgirl dreams in Vegas. She’s on a new path now - different city, different career… but there’s nothing different about Addison Clarke.
Or so she’d love to think.
Enough time has passed that Addison is certain he’s ready to be exactly the man Samara needs.
If only she shared his certainty.
----------------------

Controlled Chaos - Andre and Drew:

Andre Clarke is painfully accustomed to being in control.
He’s the problem solver, the “responsible” brother, the one who keeps everything around him in order.
Until Drew Dawson steps in to turn him upside down.
Andre may be used to doling out commands, but Drew isn’t one to take them.
Two very different people, with a shared goal… if only they can play their roles.

---------------
Close Contact - Aiden and Kima:

Kima Nolan has had enough of the Clarkes.
If they weren’t the only thing keeping her business alive, she wouldn’t deal with them at all.
Addison isn’t too bad.
Andre’s bite isn’t as severe as his bark.
But Aiden is so impossibly unruffled, so sure of his convictions… for Kima, its probably best to avoid him at all costs.
There’s no telling what might happen if he gets too close.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, African American, African American Romance

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 17, 2020

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve already read The Clark Brothers series and rated it so, this review is strictly for the narrator’s performance. I’m really sad that I did not enjoy this audiobook as much as I expected to. The narrators were not a good fit for this book. I don’t understand why black authors tend to make bad choices when it comes to female narrators. Paradise Parker was horrible. She didn’t start out bad but, as the book progressed, her performance got worse. When she was just reading the dialogue, she was fine. It’s when she would voice the characters is when her performance would get bad. Her male characters were horrible. She doesn’t know how to voice a male character at all. And, why the hell was she speaking with a southern accent?!!! Blackwood is not in the South. At least I don’t think it is. She only voiced Addison with a Southern accent which, I thought was extremely weird considering he, Andre, and Aiden were raised by the same parents in the same city and state. So, how is it Addison has a Southern accent but, the other brothers didn’t?!!! When TF did Kora become British?!!! I almost threw my iPad across the room when I heard her speaking with a British accent! And, she voice Nubia with a ridiculous thick azz NY Puerto Rican accent. You mean to tell me Paradise Parker couldn’t be bothered to do just a little bit of research to see how these characters were previously voiced?!!! I just don’t understand how something this significant and incorrect was not caught in post production. Did CCJ not listen to a final cut of this book before it was released?!!! Carey Hite did a good job but, I don’t think he was a good fit for these characters. Don’t get me wrong, I’m actually a huge fan of Carey Hite. I’ve been listening to him since EJD’s Gideon series. But, his voice is just too urban for these characters. He tends to narrate a lot of Urban novels and that doesn’t translate well with this book. I’m very glad I read this series before I listened to the audiobook because, if I hadn’t, I would’ve given the book (not the audiobook) a low rating based on the narrator’s performance. I’ve said it once, I’ve said it twice, and I’ll say it again. Narrators matter! A narrator can make or break an audiobook. I really wish authors would a better job at researching the narrators they choose. Don’t just go buy the stars. They need to actually read the reviews on the narrator’s performance and see what the listeners are saying. CCJ missed the mark on her narrator choice for 81st & Clark. It’s disheartening when bad narrators ruin a good book. Going forward, if Jakobi Diem or Wesleigh Siobhan are booked and busy, just wait until they're available or don’t record the book at all.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars!

These books were good but they would have been even better if each one was a little longer.

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

All three of these brother had qualities uniquely their own. Most of all I love the loving banter back and forth between each of them as well as their cousins Braxton & Lincoln. I loved how each brother expressed his love for the women each of them desired, Each story was great...I also enjoyed the small part of their mother...I really enjoy how CCJ allows some of our other favorite characters to make cameos....Two (2) of my very favorites made an appearance Kora & Nubia....What I didn't like was how the female narrator made Kora sound like she had a British accent... Instead of just allowing Kora to sound prim and proper....she made her sound as if she came from England. I think the narration was fine, though for me, CCJ's writing style will allow almost anyone to narrated her stories....She's definitely one of the BEST romance authors!

[Lette Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how to rate this... the story was a 4 but the audio was a 2 so I just put a 3 for the rating.

Let me start off by saying I liked the stories and will probably read the ebook someday. Now that audio, it was not good. The female narrator almost had it as a DNF. I didn't understand her use of certain accents. I heard a southern one and I didn't think Blackwood was in the south. As many times as I've listened to Inevitable Conclusions, I KNOW Kora does not have a British accent. I swear I almost turned it off at that point. Nubia's accent irked me also. I promised myself I was going to try to stop comparing every narrator to my two faves, but it's HARD!!! lol

So, if you're thinking about reading about the Clarke brothers (and I recommend it) make sure and do the ebook!!

[Byron Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Clarke Brother Collection is straight 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!! I mean CCJ HAD to be feelin' or feenin' for SOMEBODY, when she wrote these books!! If you're shy and reserved, don't do it. Leave these stories alone. Now if you're like me, and you like to fly your freak flag now and again😁😁😁by all means, PLEASE INDULGE!!! Don't wear no drawz tho, cos..nevermind.😁😁😁 Y'all get the picture, I'm sure.

With a hearty endorsement, buy it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥

[Wind · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Clarke brothers…wow…3 erotica short stories.

[Simply_YoYo · Rating 4 out of 5]

CCJ you do it everytime! The Clarke men are 😘
Youngest brother Addison/Samara, he said if I get another chance I'm not letting go, they are second chance romance. He falls first and hard!
Middle brother Andre and Drew- oh the fight for control It was secret sex club, bdsm, strangers, enemies to lovers. He falls first and hard!
Oldest brother Aiden and Kima, oh they were my favorite!, secret admirer, work partners; he falls first and hard!

This was beautifully done!🫶🏾🥰

[Shameka Erby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collision Course- Addison and Samara had a one night stand and she left to chase a dream. Eight years later, she's back and as much under Addison's spell as she ever was, but he needs to convince her he's as serious out of bed as in it.

Controlled Chaos- Andre and Drew clash over her review of his restaurant, but then he recognizes her as the woman who shares his darkest desires with him. Will they make it out of the dungeon or will their relationship be limited to the kink?

Close Contact- Aiden and Kima need to spend the necessary time together so he can help as an angel investor for her restaurant, but Kima never knows whether she wants to jump him or resent him. Can they figure it out?

The Clarke brothers are pretty wonderful. I love when siblings are very clearly their own people, but you can see their connection--through banter and likeness. CCJ is really good at connecting those dots. Addison and Samara made me laugh. I knew Addison would figure it out, but it was funny watching him fumble a bit trying to go beyond the physical. Samara was hesitant and for good reason, but she let her guard down at the perfect moment and it was magic.

Andre and Drew took my breath away with their instant charged energy. You could tell they had almost no choice but to be enemies or consume one another. I was happy they chose the latter. It was nice seeing Andre's arrogance and even better seeing Drew match it with her own. I love the dance they did, and the way their attraction wound around everything they did. I was a little afraid their attitudes would get in the way of something substantial. I'm glad they knew when to put them away.

Aiden and Kima melted my heart. The way they had their own brand of gravity--nothing could keep them away from each other and it was evident the moment they made contact. Kima's misgivings about the investment and her fears of failing and trusting someone were real and I felt her emotions in that text. I love that Aiden fell first and always planned to find a way to help her--romantic gestures that matter. I love the way his family jumped right into the fray with him and it was so easy. Easy love is best.

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audiobook narration is what keeps this book from being a 5. CCJ wrote 3 sexy novellas and if not for the narration sucking all the sexy out, these would be a go to smut listen.

[Meek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Them Clarke Brothers. 🔥
Dassit.
That’s the review.

[Aline Monteiro-Bovell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collision Course: 2.5
Controlled Chaos: 2.75
Close Contact: 3
The last book saved the series for me. Of all the couples, I liked Aiden and Kima more. I feel like Andre and Drew had a good chemistry as well. Addison and Samara, I didn’t dislike them, I was confused.
Overall, I think the stories could have been developed a bit more. All the characters, specially the women had things going on, that I feel could have been explored more, just to give more layers to their stories and not just scratch the surface of their issues. I don’t even know if I making sense.
I still enjoyed the book though.

[Dawn Marie]

Couldn't finish. Not sure if it was the story or the narrators but I just can't get into this one. Didn't even finish the first story. The female narrator was ok but the male narrator didn't do it for me. It's obvious he's naturally a proper speaker attempting to speak slang. 😬 I may try it again at some point but for now it goes to my dnf pile.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't familiar with the Clarke Brothers before reading this collection. I will definitely be going back to read their stories in full!

Aiden and Kima's story was hands down my favorite. The sex scenes were 🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!!

[Danny]

i stopped after collison course. it just wasn't doing it for me unfortunately

[Shana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Narrator was pants.
Why was Cora British 🙄

[Dana Smithers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. I listened to the audiobook and I will say the female actress accents were all over the place. She kept going in and out of a southern drawl but her regular/sexy voice was much more enjoyable to listen to. I enjoyed getting to know each of the brothers and their respective partners. Part 2, Controlled Chaos was giving 50 shades of Black vibe and ai was here for it! I enjoyed that Dre had such an unexpected kink. Aiden was probably my favorite brother I liked his very laid back, nonchalant and “crunchy granola” vibes. However, I felt like Addisons story needed more build up/development in regard to the feelings he had for Sam. They used to chat and had sex once 8 years ago and that was it? It needed a little more depth to be more believable. Overall, a good read/listen.

[Coffee&Books]

Really enjoyed all three stories, especially stories 2 and 3. I listened to the audio edition of this collection and unfortunately have to agree with other reviewers that the voices for Kora and Nubia are way off and not flattering to Jones' writing style. I don't know who those characters are but they are not Kora and Nubia. And while I am complaining Astrid in story 3 sounds.... they're just off. The actual stories being amazing saves the performance.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the Damn Chain

Okay, I don't want to put anyone in a box but CCJ continue s to rewrite everything I think about her stories! Not one of them are the same and I live that ! Hiwever, I think of the three brothers , I liked Addison 's story the best ! All of them was off the Damn Chain though !

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved EVERY SINGLE page of this book!! CCJ pushed the envelop on the sex scenes and even explored some elements of BDSM. All things that are totally in my lane! Each Clark brother has a different personality and pursued their women in very different ways. Three short stories in one book is the best of the book world.

[Tiffany C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to enjoy another CCJ book but was quickly turned off with the narrators. I almost DNF several times because I couldn’t get into the story with these narrators as they did character voices. I pushed through and it got more bearable as the story went on. Overall the storyline was good but you have to pay attention because there’s three love connections written about in this book.

[Chanel P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narration from the woman left much to be desired, but the stories were cute and got straight to the point! One thing about the Clarke brothers, if they want it, they get it without the games and semantics. And I am HERE FOR IT! This was such a smooth, easy listen for me. I was smiling during so many moments.

[Teety · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories are short and cute! In part 1 I was not a fan of the narrating I think it was more so if the British accent for Cora Oliver that really made my eyes go big lol. In part 2 and 3 it got better. Like most of the reviews I enjoyed those better than the first. I believe part 3 was my absolute favorite though. I listened to the audio book but the actual books would probably be amazing.

[Cindy Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too soon

I loved each book! I loved the characters even more. I so wish they were all full books. I want to know if they all get married. I don’t feel... complete. Great story lines though! I’m glad they all found a love so beautiful.

[Saz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, Clark brothers

This set of stories is so sexy. What I love most, despite them being on the shorter side, you see character growth, but also that these are whole characters with flaws.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Ms. Jones didn’t disappoint again. The romance and love scenes were on point! I liked that we got to read each brother’s story all within the same book. I also couldn’t get enough and wanted it last longer.

[Kia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still great

This is my second time reading this series and I fall back in love with these Clarke brothers. I love how each couple balance each other, it gives me all the good feels I need.

[Carissa G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series! Wish it was a little longer! Loved the first couple, the second couple were interesting! I won’t say I didn’t like it but I definitely preferred stories 1 & 3 best! With story being my fav! Kima and Aiden story was perfection!

[Denise Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew!!

This by far was one my favorites. I love a good series and to have all three stories in one book was satisfying to my soul. The only downfall, was I didn’t want any of them to end up

[ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did the audible- the narrators did a great job.
I will say I truly love book/story 1. I wish I got more of that couple...the other 2 brothers were ok and in all i enjoyed the connection of all the stories

[DeWanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the entire series.