Not what I was expecting :(

I read the first book in this series, (Cutie and the Beast) and I really, really enjoyed it, so I was waiting for the second with a lot of expectations.

Sadly, I really found this story very disturbing. The whole consent issue was troublesome and it was never resolved; add to that the forced D/s relationship, justified with 'it's a psychological thing!' and... well... seriously, not my thing.

And Mal!!! He is nothing like we see in book one.

A sad disappointment :(

6 people found this helpful

Not what I was expecting

First of all let me say Joel’s performance as always was wonderful, if it hadn’t been for him I would not have made it as far in this story as I did. I was really saddened by this story line. I couldn’t get behind Mals character he was nothing like we see on book one and I was so looking forward to this book too! Poor Bryce keeps being picked on lied to and attacked one way or another by Mal and I had just couldn't feel that this was a romantic story. I am sorry since I really loved the first book.

3 people found this helpful

So funny 🤣 😆 😄

This book so funny, it was like me and my husband we argue and fight but we love each other and come together when needed. Can't wait for book 3

1 person found this helpful

where it all started

This is the second in the trio of books that created such a fun world that it less to myriad spin offs. Just this past weekend I listened again to the first book in this series and wished this one was released. imagine my happiness when it had been by the time I was done listening.

Joel Leslie wields his incredible range of accents well, and the story is an original twist on fae meets human.

I am looking forward to seeing three rest of E.J. Russell's books make it to audio. Her books are a perfect antidote to the reality of a 2020s world.

1 person found this helpful

enjoyed it

Would I listen to it again: yes ✔
Did the story keep me engaged: yes ✔
Was I invested in the characters: yes ✔

📖 Story comment: good pace and an interesting story. It took me a while to warm up to Mal's character in this one, he wasn't what I was expecting from the character I met in Book 1. Over all it was entertaining, and I enjoyed it, but there was just something missing to make it as enjoyable as the first.

🎧 Narrator comment: Joel Leslie is a master voice actor, he has good cadence, inflections and intonations and it's easy to distinguish the multitude of characters from each other and feel the emotions of the story..

My druid loves me more than trees

I love how whimsical EJ Russell can be with her magical stories. Granted, I have always had a weakness for fairy tales and magick but this one was really enjoyable.

When Mal got expelled from fairie kingdom, he thought that was it. He’s been cursed and assassins are pursing for his life. He thought it couldn’t get any worse than that until he met his new neighbor professor Bryce, tree-hugging, nature-loving Druid who has no clue of what he really is.

It was fun, funny, whimsical and magical at the same time. I loved how these two had to navigate everything including their relationship. And I love Joel Leslie’s various accents for this book. Loved it.

4.5 My druid loves me even more than trees stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫



Audio rating

Story - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Fun story

I was so happy to get Mal’s story and get to know even more about this character. Him and Bryce definitely did not get off to a good start but was it fun to watch! There were times I wanted to knock some sense into Mal and get him to do something else but overall it was a very enjoyable listen and the narrator did a fantastic job! I loved getting to listen to the characters and story be brought to life!

Mal and Bryce

Overall I enjoyed this story, but there were definitely parts of the book where I felt a bit lost and confused about what was going on. Watching how Mal and Bryce negotiated being tethered together was a lot of fun, they’re such different personalities with different ideas on how things should be done so it was always going to make life interesting. I also loved seeing more of Alun and David as I loved their story.

As always Joel Leslie’s performance was perfect. He’s an incredible narrator

I received an arc of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review

Such a Fun Fairy-tale!

The Druid Next Door: Fae Out of Water Book #2 (audiobook)
MMy Thoughts and Confessions:

I did not think I could love two characters more than I did, Alun and David, in book one. However, Bryce and Mal are indeed a Couple true fairy-tale delights are made of. This hilarious enemies to lovers with a close-proximity themed story will have you grinning and LOLing 😂 through the world of the mundane and the Faerie Realm. Through the adventure, Mal teaches Bryce there is more to be seen than what is right in front of you, while Bryce does his best to teach Mal, to pick up is d@%& litter. 🤣

As with book one, there are several amazing secondary characters, a few returns from book one, who add as much color and depth to the story as the MCs. This wonderful urban fantasy romance told by the incomparable, JOEL LESLIE will fill your soul with magic and carry you away to another realm. Because honey, lemme just tell you if you have never listened to a book narrated by Leslie, you are missing out on the true art and beauty of all a Narrator should be.

The book can be listened to as a stand-alone, but in my opinion, will be most enjoyed if read after book one.

Love this series! Love love love!!!😍

The Story: 5.00🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Narration: 5.00🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Overall: 5.00 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews to read and review.
☘📚☘

Loved this one!

After listening to Cutie and the Beast I couldn’t wait for Mal’s book!
Mal is not a happy guy. While saving his brother he lost a lot. One thing he really hates is the curse of his hand that makes it useless.
Bryce’s work revolves around protecting the environment. One day he runs into his neighbor who may have had one too many drinks. That neighbor is none other than Mal. And Mal realizes that Bryce is a Druid. Mal calls on his brother in laws aunt to come and help Bryce. The aunt helps Bryce realize what he is and also ties the two men together. They can never be far away from each other without feeling pain or discomfort. One night a stranger shows up and offers Mal a deal. Complete certain task and he can break the curse. He agrees to the offer but now has to convince Bryce to follow along. The two men are attracted to each other. When they finally give in its HOT! Mal needs someone to take control and Bryce is the right man to give him that. There are secrets revealed while on their mission to break the curse. And they get a surprise when the stranger is revealed.
I actually liked this audiobook better than the first one. I was rooting for Mal through the whole book!
Joel Leslie’s narration is amazing! I love how he does the different characters and voices.