The Awakening of Ivy Leavold by Sierra Simone, unfortunately was not my favourite Sierra book. The narrator did a great job and overall an enjoyable listen but I wish it had more *romance* and not just spice. I had a hard time connecting with the story/characters, so for me it is a miss but if you like historical spicy reads, perhaps it is for you!

Thank you to Dreamscape Select | No Bird Press LLC and NetGalley for this ALC

Not for me. Really no romance if any, really weird dynamics and unrealistic behaviors by all characters.

Not my favorite book from Sierra Simone but still interesting and enjoyable.

Nobody writes like Sierra her style is so unique and beautiful! I love the way she brings characters and settings to life. I feel so close to her stories.

I enjoyed this quick novella. Sierra’s book always suck me in, regardless of the length. I was gifted an audio copy of this one from Dreamscape and NetGalley and I loved the narrator. The accents and the storytelling were on point. I felt like I was right there in the house with Ivy. Sierra’s stories always have so many pieces to it, romance, mystery, murder, always so many questions, and I needed answers. I was definitely left hanging when the book ended because I wanted to know what happens with Ivy and Julian and I will absolutely be picking up the rest of this series.

Great audiobook adaptation!

To be honest this book was exactly, to a T, what I expected it to be. It’s Sierra Simone wild spice set in a historic English countryside manor. Rules and propriety until it’s tossed out the window, ect. The plot is pretty much entirely driven by the lust between the leads but the addition of the murder/mystery surrounding Ivy’s cousin is an interesting twist. The short length makes it a really easy, afternoon read. Would recommend.

***4.0 Stars***

Overall,
Well that was spicy! I am a huge Sierra Simone fan when it comes to 5 chili pepper super spicy books. This is a historical romance about a naive young Women who goes to live with her cousin’s widower. This book is about finding oneself through their own sexuality during a time of that was very prudent. Not for the faint of heart, but if you like Sierra Simone this will not disappoint.

I received an audio arc of this book in exchange for my free and honest review

I pulled my review up to the three stars because thought the narrator was excellent.

If you’re a die hard Sierra Simone fan you’ll enjoy all the elements of this I’m sure. Added in scandal and depravity because of the historical time period.

For me it was a bit instant, the connection between the main characters. I didn’t really feel the chemistry other than an age difference/experience difference. There was also something going a bit darker/manipulativey with Markham’s friends.

The audio narrated by Zara Hampton-Brown, the blend of historical romance with thrilling eroticism, is captivating. Set in 1879 Yorkshire, the story follows Ivy Leavold as she moves in with her late cousin's mysterious and troubled widower, Julian Markham. Hampton-Brown's narration beautifully captures the escalating tension and romance between Ivy and Julian, set against dark secrets and a looming murder mystery. Her voice adds depth to the vividly written scenes, enhancing the gothic atmosphere and the intense, steamy encounters. This audiobook is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of suspense, seduction, and historical settings.

Sierra Simone quickly became one of my favorite steamy romance writers! This audiobook did not disappoint! 4 🌟
This story had me all the way through - elegance, romance, suspense, growth, and most of all sex!

This was okay for me. I liked the historical setting but I just had a hard time getting into the story,

I loved this so much. I love Sierra Simone's other books and when I saw this was available, I could not help myself.

This is a good historical romance book. Historical romance is not something.I read much of but this one did hold my interest. The FMC is lovable and relatable. I would definitely recommend for those that enjoy historical romance.

I usually love me some Sierra, but this one was just not for me. I feel like it’s missing multiple pieces and just disconnected? Idk it just doesn’t feel finished. It feels like just the bones of the book. And just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean someone else won’t absolutely adore it. Thank you for the opportunity to listen.

I love Sierra Simone and didn’t initially realize this is one of her earlier stories. I’m glad to see she has always been a phenomenal author and can write a huge variety of plots.

I didn’t know what this story would be about when I first started and was surprised that it’s a historical romance. I don’t typically go for historical romances, but this book was very easy to follow and didn’t use a lot of historical terms/wording. I like the mystery of the character’s backstories and personalities. Sierra has such a unique way of telling stories and creating characters that is always fun to read.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story and enjoyed it. It is a new narrator for me and I liked her storytelling.

Quick and fast read. A bit too fast on the instant lust turned love for me. I think the love part could have waited until later in the trilogy. The use of modern vocab for anatomical parts took me out of the story many times.

The narrator for the audiobook was great with female voices, but her voice for men didn’t work for me.

Thank you to Dreamscape Select and NetGally for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Loved how the narrator gives the feeling of the era the book is written in. Listened to this so fast, I want more. Would absolutely continue this series to find out what happens next!

I love Sierra’s books, and this didn’t fall short.

This series is one of my favorites, and this audiobook didn’t fall short. The narrators were terrific and truly captivated you, they made these characters come to life.
I’ll forever speak on how Ivy and Julian have my heart forever!! It’s about time I reread this series again!! I cannot recommend this audiobook enough, it was truly amazing!!!

“The Awakening of Ivy Leavold,” by Sierra Simone

This book was good. It has a Jane Eyre retelling vibe to the story. I didn’t think the sexual tension would be so great as it was, but there was a lot there. The narrator did a good job voicing all of it out in a way that still felt slightly innocent which fit the time period. It’s fast paced and had intrigue throughout the entire book. The things I didn’t like were the characters weren’t very loveable and there wasn’t a lot of character development in the book, it is book one of the Markham Hall series so that might be why. 3 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

Zara Hampton-Brown expertly narrates this introduction to Ivy Leavold's story.

Sierra Simone is an auto-buy author for me as I have yet to read a book from her that I haven't absolutely adored and this book was no exception. This book strikes the balance perfectly between a sizzling romance and a mystery about how Ivy's cousin really died.

Despite the short length of this book, it neither feels as though the events of the book move too quickly nor does it feel as though the reader is being robbed of more story. I thought this book was really well-crafted with great pacing and plenty of intrigue.

One of the hallmarks of Sierra Simone's writing is her ability to write spicy scenes and this book definitely does not disappoint.

Smol warning, this book does end on a cliffhanger so you are probably going to want to have the next book ready on-hand.

Narrated by Zara Hampton-Brown ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Story by Sierra Simone ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I went into this book blind.... Holy crap I was not expecting it to be so sexually charged.

It's difficult to review because it's more of a conversation piece so read it or listen to it then we'll talk.