Virtuous Lies

Audiobook Review: Narrated by Desiree Ketchum and Aiden Snow

5 stars for story / 5 stars for performance

This is one of the best mafia / arranged marriage romance books I've ever read / listened to!! Bianca has manipulated her younger sister's marriage arrangement, resulting in her own reputation being "soiled". As a result, she is pushed into the hands of Vincent who can't marry her fast enough. When I say this man encapsulates everything we look for in an alpha / possessive / protective MMC, it's an understatement. I don't think there are words to describe him adequately. Not only that, but Bianca herself is a force. She has her own little jealous streak that has her fired up on multiple occasions. The storyline is exciting and had me thoroughly invested, to point that I finished this in a matter of hours. The family drama, both blood and otherwise, kept the plot thick and the suspense high. Un-put-downable!!

As for the narration, I was well into this story before I remembered it wasn't a duet style audiobook and that is one hundred and ten percent attributed to the master Desiree Ketchum. The way she slayed this performance had me riveted to the story. Although Aiden Snow didn't have many chapters, my heart fluttered every time he voice came through my ears. He was born to portray these alpha roles and I jump at the chance to listen to any of his performances.

I highly recommend this story, especially on audio if you're able.

Virtuous Lies by Haley Jenner is a deliciously spicy dark mafia romance. Well written and filled with some of my favorite tropes. Forced proximity by arranged marriage, age gap, possessiveness and dominance. Check the trigger warnings.

I am a sucker for a good mafia romance and this beauty pulled me in quickly. Bianca, the FMC isn’t a push over and this causes great banter with Vincent, the MMC. I really do love that she is a strong female character. Although Vincent is anything but a moral man, he’s also pretty sweet and caring in his own possessive and dominating way. If he told me to drop to my knees and crawl, I’d happily be risking knee replacement. Sign me up! If the spice and character development don’t keep you interested, then the plot twists along the way will. I was definitely kept on my toes.

I listened to the audiobook which is narrated in duel by Desiree Ketchum and Aiden Snow. This book is mainly from Bianca’s POV so Desiree does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to the emotions of the characters. She did not disappoint. A flawless performance. I love her male voice too. Even better? Desiree narrating Vincent speaking Italian. Excuse me, Ma’am. Excuse me!!! I could easily distinguish between each character. Aiden narrated 2 wonderful chapters in this book. His growly performance is the perfect representation of Vincent. I also really enjoyed his female narration. The ending was chef’s kiss. A seamless production.

Book: 5/5

Spice: 4/5

Narration: 5/5

I’d like to thank Home Cooked Books for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.