The Chameleon Effect by Joe Arden

Narrated by Joe Arden with guest Maxine Mitchell

Male POV. Standalone Romance.

I’ve enjoyed a bunch of books narrated by Joe Arden, as well as the one he wrote with Lauren Blakely, so I was excited to listen to his solo author debut. I find first person male POV books a lot of fun to listen to, and I also love when an author narrates his own book—they know exactly the tone intended. So I was excited to listen to Joe’s debut solo novel, The Chameleon Effect.

Will has been trying to make it as an actor for years, and he hasn’t landed any jobs, when his sister jokingly mentions he would get work if he had an accent, and an idea sparked. Enter Liam O’Connell from Dublin.

Nailing his first audition, “Liam” got a part on a popular TV show, and got close to the costume designer and up and coming fashion designer, Raven. Only she knew him as Liam because they worked together.

We met Will’s family and his completely adorable niece Lexi which showed what a great guy he was. But as Liam and Raven’s relationship progressed and he still didn’t come clean I started to like him less.

Small Spoiler

Not telling her before sex and keeping up the accent during really pissed me off. I just wish he was a stand-up guy and waited to sleep with her until he told her.

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Likes:

I really liked Raven.
I liked Will’s whole family, especially his niece Lexi.
Devonte (I have no clue how to spell it), his trainer and friend needs a book, I liked him a lot.
A fun and unique idea for a story which is rare in romance!
All the Hollywood locations mentioned.

Dislikes:

See spoiler above.
Cheesy sex scenes.
Wondering how and when she would find out, and knowing the inevitable fallout just kind of had me on edge.

The Narration:

Joe wrote a book that showcased his talents with voices and accents and kids. Of course he did a great job. Maxine Mitchell’s cameos were great and I liked how they incorporated her POV in a unique way.

The Down & Dirty:

I really really liked the beginning of The Chameleon Effect by Joe Arden, but the farce went on a little too long for me and made me lose respect for Will/Liam. I enjoyed the male POV, but the sex language was a little flowery and cheesy—perhaps because he has narrated so many romances. I’m torn on this rating: it’s between 3.5 and 4 stars.