Annica ⚡️ annica_reads_books ⚡️ Smith's Reviews > That Sik Luv

Edited 7/12/23 to review the audiobook version of this story, narrated by Joe Arden and Desiree Ketchum, produced by Blue Nose Audio:

When I tell you that I’m not a regular audiobook listener, I’m telling the truth. I have “DNF’ed” so many audiobooks in the past because the narration didn’t fit how the characters spoke in my mind. I know - it’s a “me” problem. So when I was graciously offered a chance to listen to the THAT SIK LUV audiobook, even though I loved reading the book, I’ll admit that I was initially hesitant. What if I couldn’t finish it? What if the narrators' voices didn’t fit the voices I’d imagined for the characters in my mind?

Within the first few chapters of this audiobook, I knew that this narration was going to work for me. Not only are Joe and Desiree incredibly easy to listen to and understand, they also had clear, distinct voices for each character. Desiree was a perfect Briony, and my hell, Joe was the perfect Aero. Several of my friends who listen to audiobooks told me how great Joe’s voice was, and now having listened to it, I am a believer! The passion and energy that these two put into the voice acting floored me.

The other thing that really worked for me was the way that the duet narration was executed. Even during a chapter were one of them had the main narration, the other narrator would come in and do a voice if it was for the opposite gender. For example, in an Aero POV, if Joe was narrating and there was dialogue with a female character, Desiree did the female voice. Joe and Desiree have single-handedly changed the audiobook game for me, as their voice acting was second to none. Both of them set the bar so high for any future audiobooks I might listen to.

Original review:

My favorite stalker romance novel!

When asked what my favorite stalker romance book is, my answer – hands down – will be THAT SIK LUV. The book as a whole just works for me, and it ticks all of my boxes when it comes to what I like to see in a dark romance novel.

In the beginning of the book, we meet Briony. Briony is in school climbing the ranks to try and become a leader in her church when she starts getting mysterious messages from an unknown person – her stalker, Aero.

Briony is a critical thinker, and I really enjoyed watching her thought process as the story went on. Aero is a complex character who intrigued me the moment I was introduced to him. Witnessing the character growth of our two protagonists, Aero and Briony, was a ride I didn’t want to end! Their love is toxic, twisted, full of red flags – and I LOVED IT.

I have never read anything quite like this book. The underlying reason for the stalking, the character behavior and the setting – it’s a magical combination that I couldn't get enough of.

If you have triggers, be sure to check them before reading. The list is longer than your weekly grocery order!