Griffin

audiobook reviewed-by-me romantic-suspense

by S.M. West

My Rating: 4 and 1/2 out of 5
Story: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audio Performance: ☆☆☆☆

I chose this audiobook because Jacob Morgan is one of my favorite audiobook narrators, which in turn introduced me to narrator- Sarah Puckett and new to me author- S.M. West. Both narrators played their roles well, gifting me the pleasure of simply sitting back and letting the story unfold.

This book was a thrilling ride. The non-stop action these two face, along with their forced proximity is the perfect equation for combustible chemistry in this strangers to lovers romance.

After stumbling upon an innocent looking female, Griffin haphazardly decides to come to Cora's rescue so that she may escape what he believes are the unwanted advances of a random male at a local bar, near the college. Little does he know, or Cora for that matter, that she is on the run for her life after witnessing a murder following reluctantly agreeing to do someone a favor.

SM West flawlessly unraveled the story detailing the unplanned and twisted way Cora and Griffin's lives have crossed paths. Discovering some pieces of Griffins unusual past was an added bonus.

Favorite quote: Griffin growling, "You don't come until I make you come. Other hand on me, Cora."

I look forward to hearing more from the Scarred Hearts Novel series and S.M. West.

Jodi - JodiReadsnListens

1,311 reviews52 followers

3-stars romance spicy-3-medium

Oh my, Tic Tac! Griffin by S.M. West was a heart-pounding strangers to lovers romance packed full of steamy twists and epic turns. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire ride, and I found myself completely captivated by Griffin and Cora’s suspenseful love story. This is the third book I’ve experienced from West, and each one keeps getting better and better!

Sarah Puckett and Jacob Morgan narrate this audiobook. This is the first time I’ve heard these two paired together, and WOW did they bring the heat! Sarah conveyed Cora’s vulnerable, passionate, and determined sides brilliantly as she unraveled secret after secret and tore down Griffin’s walls. Jacob Morgan was completely swoon-worthy as alpha, protective Griffin on a mission to rid the world of bad guys! I love the age gap and forced proximity with Cora and Griffin that ignited amazing chemistry which both narrators delivered perfectly!

Overall, I LOVED this audiobook. If you are a fan of a suspense-filled romance with a hunky vigilante hero, a brave sassy heroine, danger, secrets, age gap, forced proximity, a girl on the run, cabin steamy times, wanted killers, road trips, a loyal partner, a concerned brother, a gripping jaw-dropping climax, and a HEA that will leave your heart on an emotional happy high, then you will love Cora and Griffin’s story. I always look forward to more from S.M. West.

S.M. West

Author 37 books1,246 followers

Want to read

October 4, 2023

Grab Griffin today: https://books2read.com/GriffinSMW

✧ Elle Jae ✧

277 reviews22 followers

March 6, 2024

3/5 ★ Alt title: A Series of Convenient Coincidences... Spoilers below...

THOUGHTS
So, our hairdresser FMC, is asked by her salon boss, also her brother's ex, to do her a favor and drop off a package. Which the FMC agrees to, but instead of dropping off the package she witnesses a very bad man shoot a dude in the head. And he sees her. Sooooo she runs. In order to duck her pursuers, she runs into a bar, where MMC, hottie and covert op dude happens to be there on a job, and sees this hot chick being harassed by dudes, just regular bar dudes, not the killer dudes, and he intervenes, by planting a kiss on her to get the harassing bar dudes to leave her alone. Like you do.

He offers to drive her home, which she agrees to. Instead of leaving after dropping her off, he has a weird feeling and stays... lucky, OR CONVENIENT, for her because the murdering scary dude shows up at her house to kill her but MMC is there, and he whisks her away to his safe house. Like you do.

He asks her questions, but she doesn't really answer them. Because he's a stranger. And he isn't feeling like divulging his secrets either. So they pussy foot around all the truths they aren't telling.

At his tricked out safe house, he's able to get in touch with his work partner who can look her up. Of course he CONVENIENTLY forgets to ask her for her cell phone, or at least stress the importance of not calling anyone on it. Which she does. And bad guys find them and they have to run again... And that's just the tip of the iceberg of the convenient coincidences that make up the bulk of the plot.

As this story went on, I got sort of sick of the FMC and her big stubborn swings of how she feels about things... and then there's the high level of *convenient coincidences*. But it's not badly written, that's just a peeve of mine.

If you like Rebecca Zanetti or Lisa Renee Jones, this might be something you dig.

🕯️Slow burn or Insta-lust/love🧨: Insta-deep-attraction, and a slow-ish burn for them to get it together

🌶️ Spicy Level: 2.5 / 5
🔥 How much spice: 2.5 / 5
💥 M/F
{My spicy scale: 5 = pure, full-on spice-all-the-time/erotica and 1 = closed door}

👀 POV: 1st person, both MCs

WHAT YOU’RE IN FOR:
💠 coincidences on an epic scale
💠 a very small world
💠 a very neat and tidy wrap up

🎧Audiobook Narrator(s):
✅ Sarah Puckett - she has an interesting cadence that I'm not a fan of, but she does a good job.
✅ Jacob Morgan

Bette

3,358 reviews23 followers

October 14, 2022

An Exciting & Thrilling Romantic Suspense! Amazing Story & Narration🎧

Griffin
A Scarred Hearts Novel
By: S. M. West
Narrated by: Sarah Puckett, Jacob Morgan

S.M. West continues to wow me with another exciting and thrilling romantic suspense, the story grabbed my attention right from the start and held it hostage for the entire book. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are easy to care about too. Cora went on an errand to drop off a package at a frat house, but she got more than she bargained for, witnessing a murder and then getting made. She winds up running for her life and ducks in to a local bar, where a stranger jumps in to help her. Griffin was in that bar working an assignment and when he saw she was in trouble so he helped her get away and brought her to safety. Cora did not know what was going on, who was after her, or how much trouble she was in. Griffin, with the help of his resourceful partner, was going to look in to her and check out her story. He is not sure if she is on the up and up and if he could trust her. It does not take long to learn that there is a connection between the case he was working on and the people who are after her. And for every move they make, the bad guys are not far behind. I thought these two were great together and for each other, the chemistry between them is sizzling hot and explosive when they finally give in to it. There are a lot of layers to this cleverly plotted story, and I loved watching them unfold and how it all played out, the drama, angst, action, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions, and the steamy romance. S.M. West, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the amazing narration, Sarah Puckett and Jacob Morgan are the perfect cast to bring these characters and their story to life. They had a complete understanding of the characters they portrayed, gave each a voice that was fit their character’s persona and were believable in every role they played. Sarah Puckett knocked it out of the park as Cora grasped her strength and bad@ssery, and Jacob Morgan nailed it as Griffin. Both were great performing the roles of the secondary characters too. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the character’s emotions and projected them into their performance and had you feeling every single one. These entertaining storytellers are versatile voice artists and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another amazing listen.

bella rhys (semi-hiatus)

517 reviews9 followers

October 10, 2022

When Cora’s Boss Angel asks her to deliver a mystery package, she agrees to what seems like an easy, quick job. What ensues, turns out to be is nothing easy and in fact causes Cora’s life to be turned upside down. Now on the run for her life, she encounters Griffin, whom waiting for his next target, helps Cora out.

This is a jam packed, fast paced, suspense filled strangers-to-lovers, age gap romance that kept me engaged and entertained throughout. I loved the twists and turns. And Cora and Griffin won me over.

Narrated by Sarah Puckett and Jacob Morgan, first time paired together, they did such an amazing job!

I was provided an advanced reading/listening copy of this book. However, all opinions shared are my honest thoughts about this book.

audio-arcs owned-audiobooks romantic-suspense

BookAddict

2,102 reviews210 followers

October 1, 2022

Hold on to your hats, my reader friends. This one goes from zero to sixty in a split second and then just keeps building from there. With a nod to our Toronto friends, cameos from our Hart Corp. friends, and a passing mention of my southern home town, this one kept me eagerly reading until this thrilling ride pulled back into the station.

Finally, we get the illusive Griffin's story! This guy is an enigma shrouded in mystery, but I guess that's no surprise for the man who has no memory of the first two decades of his life. He's used to working on his own, with behind-the-scenes help from tech guru, Zero. When he sees a young woman being harassed by two sloppy drunks, he forgets the job he's on and comes to her aid. What begins as an act of kindness quickly turns in to two people on the run.

Cora goes to a frat party for her boss and friend to drop something off, and that's when the bottom drops out of her world. After escaping the party she stops in a bar and things go from bad to worse. Except Griffin is there to save the day and he keeps her safe as she runs for her life.

I loved Griffin and Cora together, so very different but exactly what the other needed. Admittedly, I wanted to shake Cora a time or two. Has she never watched a horror movie where the dumb airhead goes outside at night and gets picked off first? Cora is a strong, smart girl, but she resembled the dumb airhead a time or two. Good thing Griffin was stuck to her like glue.

No one does romantic suspense quite like West, and I know whenever I pick up one of her books I’m in for the read of my life. The emotional ride is better than the most daunting roller coaster. My heart was in my throat, I forgot to breathe, and I devoured this in one sitting, desperate to find out what happened.

Hold on tight, expect the unexpected, and prepare for one of your very best romantic suspense reads ever. Adrenaline-fueled and riveting, yet sweet, steamy, and heartfelt, I have no doubt you'll love Cora and Griffin's story as much as I do!

Michaela Roland

148 reviews2 followers

Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads

Got my adrenaline pumping in the first chapter! This strangers to lovers has everything you need. Where a filthy white knight is tempted by a damsel with a past.. Surrounded by untrustworthy people, they find some peace and passion with each other.. Definitely kept me guessing! The Narration was perfection with a gruff Jacob Morgan and lovely Sarah Puckett!

Suze Prescot

Author 12 books32 followers

September 29, 2022

All Cora has to do is deliver a package on behalf of her boss and friend who is too busy. What happens after that turns her whole world upside down. Griffin is waiting for his target when he steps in to help Cora. Neither expect the incredible attraction.
A stand alone novel but with links to the author's NY Knights series, I really enjoyed this adventurous and thrilling tale, SM West doesn't put a foot wrong in an exciting story which sees the protagonists fleeing for their lives from Georgia to New York. Excellent.

2,326 reviews20 followers

October 4, 2022

**Audiobook Review**

“Griffin” is a suspenseful and action packed story from the start. Cora and Griffin’s story starts out with a bang and doesn’t let up the whole time. I pulled in from the first sentence and could not stop listening to this story.

Cora has one task, deliver a package to her friend/boss at a party. But while there, she sees something that no one is meant to see. As she flees from the scene, she runs into a bar and spots Griffin. Feeling safe from the moment she lies eyes on him, there’s a connection. But Griffin is also someone who has a job that’s not your normal every 9 to 5. But his need to protect Cora outweighs everything else and he vows to help her get rid of the bad guys that are coming for her.

S.M. West is a new to me author and it won’t be the last one I read/listen to by her. The suspense and plot twists captivated me. I loved Griffin from the very first time we meet him. His need to protect and help pulled me and I wanted to learn more about him. He has a hard past and was trying to find his way back to what his normal was. Cora is fiery, smart and independent and an instant favorite for me. She takes no nonsense and will always stand up for herself. I loved the chemistry, connection and bond that these two had, I could feel it as I listened.

Jacob Morgan and Sarah Puckett were phenomenal as Griffin and Cora. Jacob brought the passion and determination of Griffin to life. Cora has so many ups and downs with tons of emotions and she did amazingly portraying them. I loved listening to these two together.

Rebecca

212 reviews

Shedevilreads Bookstagram

*Audiobook Review*

Griffin was exciting and intriguing from the beginning! I love that the story wasted no time getting to the action. We meet Cora, who thinks she's doing a simple favor for a friend, but ends up in a scary situation that has her running for her life. She runs into our Hero, Griffin, who protects her and gets her out of town. Cora doesn't know who she should trust and Griffin knows enough about Cora that he's hesitant to trust her. With them both on run together, they begin to open up with each other and their chemistry is apparent.

This book is so action packed and filled with some of the best tropes: strangers to lovers, forced proximity and age gap. Jacob Morgan and Sarah Puckett did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. I was a little unsure of Sarah's portrayal of Cora at first, but she definitely won me over pretty quickly. This was the first time Jacob and Sarah worked together and I thought they did great! And Jacob, well, his voice just does things to me. LOL! The last hour or so of the book dragged a little, but it wrapped up nicely. If you enjoy suspense and romance, read this book!

I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request, and I voluntarily provided this review.

bookfunnel-listen

2,178 reviews108 followers

October 28, 2022

Griffin by S.M. West is a strangers-to-lovers romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Sarah Puckett and Jacob Morgan. This is the fourth book in the Scarred Hearts series and can be read as a standalone.

I absolutely love Suzanne’s books! She does an amazing job pulling me into the story. I can't help but binge them in one sitting. I really enjoyed the relationship that bloomed between Griffin and Cora. I liked that we got both of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

I can't wait for the next book in the series Zero to be released on November 10, 2022.

Jacob and Sarah did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you like strangers to lovers romances, age gap romances, or romantic suspense.

Laura

162 reviews1 follower

3-peppers romantic-suspense

**I received an advanced listener copy of the audiobook in exchange for this honest review**

My first S.M. West book and I was pleasantly surprised. I don't know much romantic suspense so this took me out of my traditional wheelhouse and let me escape for a bit. Coming into a series midway, I didn't feel like I was missing much backstory - this can easily hold itself as a standalone while also wanting the reader to understand if there was more on Zero or Griffin or even Trip in the previous books.

Cora and Griffin have a chance encounter when their two world collide surrounding a mysterious package that Cora is asked to deliver on behalf of her boss. What follows is a web of murder, drug dealers and questionable family members as Griffin and Cora go on the run and become closer as a result of their forced proximity.

For the audiobook - this was my first time listening to Sarah Puckett and while it took me a second to acclimatize to her lower register as a 22 year old women, I think she brought the right balance of potential hopefulness and beleaguered reality that Cora has gone through in her life with a drug addict mother and troubled older brother. Jacob Morgan, as always, was a treat. I did feel like at the beginning he was phoning in the performance the first few chapters, but once the escape and couple development started he got into his groove.

A great low stakes read for anyone wanting to check out new authors or narrators!

Janine Birt

449 reviews14 followers

October 14, 2022

Griffin is the 4th book of the series and stands alone beautifully. I only know from the titles in the series that a character was mentioned from book 3. There might have been more reference to that story, but unless I read it I won't know for sure. I didn't feel like I was missing anything having skipped some titles.

Cora is scared and on the run. She witnessed a murder and is now doing whatever is necessary to stay alive.... including trust a man she just met who for some reason, makes her feel safe.

Griffin is trying to work his job in the shadows but is drawn to Cora. He wants to protect her and keep her safe. But what happens when his demons and hers overlap?

This story took a lot of twists and turns along the way. The tension both personal and situational builds beautifully through the story. There are moments when I wanted to yell at the characters and just wrap them up safely. This pair is put through the wringer and get very few moments to breathe along the way, but still find time to get to know each other and build a bond that others can see.

The audio for this one was performed by Jacob Morgan and Sarah Puckett. These two did a great job with this story. Sarah was the right balance of scared and vulnerable mixed with sassy and independent. Jacob brings all his usual smoothness to Griffin, the short terse moments as well as the soft sensual ones, plus all the demanding frustration involved in their "do what I say if you want don't want to die" dynamic.

I requested and was provided with an advanced copy of the audiobook. These are my honest opinions.

z2022-audio

Teri Ann

229 reviews1 follower

October 17, 2022

Griffin by S.M. West is such an exciting roller coaster! We first hear about Griffin in Nomad. From that moment I was intrigued.
Cora, asked by her boss Angel to deliver a package, finds herself in a bit of a rough spot. Insert no one's hero but the hero that Cora needs - Griffin.

Now on the run these two strangers have to learn to trust each other, communicate and figure out how to stay alive, all while trying not to fall for the insane pull of desire they have for each other.

Jacob Morgan - Whew. Smoking hot Griffin. The angst, raw emotion mixed with the warmth was the perfect Griffin. This was my first Sarah Puckett book! I am always excited to be introduced to a new narrator! Sarah did a great job portraying the growth from naivety and immaturity when you first meet Cora to becoming such a strong female lead. These two paired were paired great with each other!

This book was a wild ride for sure! I will admit I was not into the first 30% of the book but - When this story HITS it HIT hard! So much action, the chase, the angst, who to trust, it was so much fun to keep guessing at every turn!

TiffanyPReads

175 reviews

I received an ALC for my honest review.

Griffin is the 4th installment in S.W. West's Scarred Hearts series. I listened to this as a stand alone, and it functioned well that way. I never felt like I was missing major parts of the story, however, it did make me WANT to hear the others in the series to see which characters overlap.

This story hooked me from the very beginning. Cora, trying to help a friend by delivering a package, witnesses something that she shouldn't have seen and then goes on the run. Griffin, a mysterious stranger with many secrets of his own, steps in and helps protect her. The chase is on and Griffin and Cora have to learn to trust each other if they are going to survive. Their relationship grows as does the danger they find themselves in.

This was an excellent romantic suspense story! Jacob Morgan and Sarah Puckett were fantastic, and this was their first project together and hopefully not their last. This was my first audio book with Sarah and I will definitely look her up and find others that she has narrated. Jacob Morgan was fantastic as usual and really surprised me in how well he can alter his voice. When the villain speaks, I did a double take because I thought a third narrator was speaking because Jacob's voice was so different.

This audio book played out like a movie in my head and was so much fun to listen to!

Amy

1,514 reviews36 followers

October 5, 2022

“You know, we all have scars, some too many to count, and some of us hide them better than others.”

I feel like I’ve been waiting FOREVER for Griffin. Since his first appearance in the New York Knights series, I’ve wanted his story and S.M. West did not disappoint. Griffin and Cora are FIRE from their first meeting and they take us on a heart-stopping, exhilarating ride full of suspense, drama and heat.

“Maybe my blank slate is a better fate. I have a chance to be whoever I want, and truth be told, any of us could rewrite our lives, if we wanted.”

From their first meeting, Griffin is drawn to Cora and when he discovers the danger she is in, he immediately steps in to help. Cora had just been trying to help out a friend when she suddenly finds herself running for her life. She’s not sure who to trust, but she feels safe with Griffin to protect her.

“We may be too fast, too soon, too bright, and yet, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Nothing about us is wrong or misguided.”

I loved watching these two struggle to understand the situation they found themselves in while fighting the underlying attraction that simmered between them. Griffin was the ultimate alpha male determined to protect those he cared about. Cora was a bit naïve and had to learn the hard way who she could trust.

“This woman makes me feel so much more than I ever have. And it scares me but also invigorates me, gives me meaning and life.”

I both read and listened to this story and the audio added to the suspense and emotion of the story to take it to another level. Jacob Morgan and Sarah Puckett narrated and they were fantastic together. They conveyed every emotion from attraction to fear to vulnerability to PERFECTION.

“Deep down I knew I was missing something, I just didn’t know what, or more like, who. I’d chalked it up to the beating and memory loss, but I was wrong. It’s Cora.”

Griffin was heart pounding, non-stop rollercoaster ride that will have you on the edge of your seat. Cora and Griffin’s combustible chemistry and Griffin’s reconnection with his family adds an emotional element to this exciting and suspenseful story.

Cathy Geha

4,379 reviews119 followers

October 13, 2022

Griffin by S.M. West
Scarred Hearts #4

WOW…just…W-O-W – RIVETING, ACTION-PACKED, SEAT OF THE PANTS THRILL RIDE FROM BEGINNING TO END – Could not put it down.

What I liked
* Griffin: hot, damaged, carries multiple scars, works to take bad guys down, has white knight leanings, HOT, follows his gut instincts, attracted to Cara
* Cora: cosmetologist, difficult childhood, while delivering a package - things go wrong, running for her life when she meets Griffin, attracted to Griffin
* The strong tie Cora has to her older brother – and how that played into the story
* Zero: curmudgeonly computer guru, friend and colleague of Griffin’s, intriguing
* Some of the supporting characters – came into the series late so am curious about who the entire group in the series are
* The immediate connection and hot meet-cute between Griffin and Cora
* Finding out the backstories of Griffin and Cora
* The plot, pacing, character development, and writing
* The strong bond that develops between Cora and Griffin
* Being immersed in the stories and able to identify with the characters
* The ending and looking forward to the next book in the series

What I didn’t’ like
* Who and what I was meant not to like – Smith and his cronies
* Wondering how often government agencies consider people expendable and force them to do things to achieve their goals

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Elizabeth

783 reviews1 follower

**Audiobook Review**

Griffin is my first book by S.M. West and it definitely won’t be my last. Griffin begins with a riveting first chapter that had me on the edge of my seat! This fast-paced, high-intensity romantic suspense will keep you guessing until the end. Griffin is instantly drawn to Cora and ditches the job to protect her. After a simple job goes askew, Cora has to run for her life and is forced to rely on the gruff, hot stranger who saved her. Cora and Griffin have an undeniable, fiery magnetism. I found myself slightly annoyed with Cora’s overt naivete a few times in the book, but I liked the overall growth of her character by the end. This steamy, suspenseful age-gap romance is action-packed and a fun rollercoaster.

“Love wasn’t on my radar. Until Cora. She flipped my world on its axis, infused color into my dreary existence.”

Jacob Morgan is a favorite narrator of mine and oh man, he brought his A-game to Griffin. He brings the gruff, badass loner to life with a captivating and emotional performance. Jacob has a natural way with grumpy, yet charismatic heroes, and Griffin is one of his best yet! Sarah Puckett is a new-to-me narrator. I enjoyed her performance as the terrified, loyal, sweet hairstylist caught in the wrong place at the worst time. Jacob and Sarah were a terrific duo for this high-paced, spicy, suspenseful romance. I will absolutely be diving into S.M. West’s backlist!

4,175 reviews21 followers

This is book 4 in West's Scarred Hearts and the first in this series that I've read / listened to so it can be read / listened to as a standalone, but fair warning you will want to go back and get the others in this series too! A great, well written and exciting romance. I loved the sweet and steam balance as well as the level of action, adventure, and danger thru out. This book will grab your attention from the very start and have you questioning everything and everyone you think you can trust. Our main characters are of course Griffin and Cora - oh, OH - I love, love, love his nickname for her and why?!? Neither of our main characters are in a place where they are looking for love or ready for it when it drops into their lives. Will they succumb to what they know they feel or use excuses to push each other away?!? A great romance from start to finish...I loved it!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*review is based on the audio version of this read

KristieReadsBooks

1,878 reviews50 followers

This is book 4 is the Scarred Heart series and it is great. I binge listened to the series over the last week and have been thoroughly entertained by this cast of characters, the storylines and amazing narration!

Sarah Puckett’s voice is amazing and she delivers a great performance. She gives Cora a voice filled with vulnerability , passion and determination.

Jacob Morgan’s performance is equally amazing. He gives Griffin the grit, alpha and bad boy persona and it is so sexy!

This strangers to lovers story between Cora and Griffin is action packed, suspenseful, intense and fast paced. They are both determined, stubborn and filled with sass which makes their interactions fantastic!

I love how the other characters in the series make cameo appearances in this book.

Favorite quote from Griffin - “she infused color into my dreary existence”.

I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review.

claire - clairesbooked

321 reviews56 followers

Cora's boss asks her to drop off a package somewhere, she doesn't bat an eye… until she gets to her destination. Afterwards, she finds herself at a bar - the same bar Griffin is at and he realizes the guy he wants to take down also wants to kill Cora. Normally he wouldn't let this bother him, but something tells him to take Cora, a perfect stranger, with him to protect her.

This book is exciting, suspenseful, fast paced and I loved the forced proximity thrown in. With Cora's family background, I did find it odd that she would trust Griffin as easy as she did. She did question him a lot and tried to get him to open up to build that trust, but I would have thought we would see a little more resistance from her on that as well. Other than that, this was a great story!

I listened to the audio - Jacob Morgan is great as always - he's one of my favorite narrators. Sarah Puckett is new to me, but I enjoyed her narration also and I am looking forward to checking out her back catalog. Author S. M. West is also new to me and I will be checking out more of her books as well.

A big thank you to Home Cooked Books and S. M. West for the advanced audio for my honest and voluntary review.

Alyssa

200 reviews58 followers

Griffin by S.M. West is an enthralling read; I enjoyed listening to this book. This story focuses on characters Griffin and Cora. The action in this story starts fast! The main character, Cora, is doing a favor for a friend, and soon she is running for her life. The other main character, Griffin, is along for the ride! Cora and Griffin have a hard time trusting each other at first, but they soon become more to each other. I have not read any other books in the author's series, but I am intrigued. The author, S.M. West, has a compelling art style. The narrators of this story, Jacob Morgan and Sarah Puckett, do a great job bringing the story to life. I'd recommend this book! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Amanda

1,015 reviews9 followers

Griffin is a stand alone novel loosely connected to the characters in the previous Scarred Hearts series, but more connected to characters in S.M. West's New York Knights series. You don't have to read either series to enjoy this book. I like that the writing style is based on action that keeps the story moving quickly. It didn't have a lot of supporting descriptions, but I personally would rather have too little than too much. There is a huge age gap between the characters, but the youngest is still over 21. The difference was rarely mentioned in the story, but Cora often acted with less maturity than Griffin.

Jacob Morgan and Sarah Puckett did an amazing job with their performances, and I'm sure that I liked the story more because I listened to it. The voice for Cora sounded age appropriate, and both narrators were easy to listen to. I would recommend this audiobook to others who like a fast-paced romantic suspense story.

I received a copy of this audiobook at my request, and the opinions here are my own.

Peggy

2,294 reviews2 followers

October 17, 2022

A captivating read I very much enjoyed in one sitting. This story is about Griffin and Cora. She is just doing. Favour for a friend and the next thing she’s running for her life. Griffin is along for the ride, and Cora feeling resentful and u sure what’s going on feels forced to trust him and hope he is able to keep them safe. I haven’t read much from this author but I liked the cover and description and once I started I was glad I read. It’s a good story, captivating and compelling.

Sarah

234 reviews5 followers

October 6, 2023

overall, I really enjoyed this! this is the first age gap story I've read (there's like a 13 year difference) where it's NEVER discussed, other than him confirming she's at least 18 - which was kinda icky but there you go. I kind of liked that the author didn't spend pages on dialogue over "I'm too old for you, you need to live more, blah blah blah"

There were a few unbelievable moments for me, but the one that took me totally out was this 35 year old man saying he'd NEVER HEARD of James Bond (and other spy type dudes like Jack Reacher) or Harry Potter. I don't care how unfuckinplugged you are, there's NO WAY you can exist in the United States in this day and age and NOT know who the hell James Bond is. Also, waking up from a 3 day coma after being hit by a car and feeling LUST? Yeah, ok. Sure. Must be nice to be fictional. ;)

Anyway, overall it was good. I liked the mystery/intrigue of the plot - I liked the sort of slow burn the two had going. Not quite instalust but almost, though it took forever for them to act on it. Def not a fade to black romance. The FMC made some really stupid choices that pissed me off, but I guess they were ✨for the plot✨.

As always, Jacob Morgan slays as a narrator. I didn't hate Sarah Puckett but she did sound hella congested (I'm not sure if that's just her voice or if she was actually sick while recording). I may go and read the other books in this series because I'm curious about the bevvy of characters they threw at me (and I'd like to know more about Griffin's backstory - which I assume we'll get in the earlier books?)

2023

Rhonda

132 reviews