Belladonna by A.E. Via

Belladonna

Luxury, Lies, and Forbidden Love

Written byA.E. Via
Narrated byTristan Josiah
Length6h12m
Release dateDecember 23, 2025
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.8 (239 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorA.E. Via
NarratorTristan Josiah
Runtime6h12m
PublishedDecember 23, 2025
Rating★★★★☆ 4.8 / 5 (239 ratings)
CategoriesLGBTQ+, Romance, Contemporary
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Belladonna isn’t just a beachfront mansion—it’s a gilded cage for men running from their pasts and chasing redemption through desire. Thorn Maxwell, a man with scars both visible and hidden, builds this exclusive sanctuary as both fortress and atonement. But when enigmatic artist Jesse Reyes enters with quiet intensity and a guarded heart, the carefully maintained equilibrium of Belladonna begins to crack. A.E. Via crafts a layered LGBTQ+ romance that’s less about grand gestures and more about the quiet unraveling of emotional walls, set against a sun-drenched yet simmering backdrop of secrets and second chances. Tristan Josiah’s narration elevates the tension with a performance that’s both restrained and deeply felt. His voice carries the weight of Thorn’s stoicism while subtly revealing flickers of vulnerability, and he gives Jesse a grounded warmth that feels authentic, never performative. The audiobook’s pacing lingers in intimate moments—a charged glance, a withheld confession—making the emotional payoff hit harder. What sets this apart is its refusal to simplify desire or trauma; it leans into moral ambiguity and complex relationships without veering into melodrama. For listeners who crave romance with psychological depth and atmospheric tension, Belladonna delivers a rare blend of sensuality and soul.

Tags: LGBTQ+ romanceslow-burn romanceemotional depthcomplex charactersaudiobook dramaforbidden love

Why Listen to Belladonna?

  • Expert narration by Tristan Josiah brings every character and scene to life across 6h12m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.8 stars by 239 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

I went into Belladonna expecting sultry beach vibes and a steamy romance, but what I got was something far more compelling—a slow-burn character study wrapped in the aesthetics of a luxury retreat. Tristan Josiah’s narration is masterful. He doesn’t overact the drama; instead, he lets silence and tone do the work, which makes the emotional climaxes land with real impact. His portrayal of Thorn is especially strong—gravelly, guarded, but never caricatured. I could hear the exhaustion in his voice after years of playing caretaker, and that authenticity kept me invested. The story takes its time, which works 90% of the time—there’s rich tension in the push-pull between Thorn and Jesse—but I did find the middle act slightly sluggish. A few supporting characters fade in and out without resolution, which left me wanting more cohesion. That said, the production quality is pristine, with smooth chapter transitions and no audio dips. This isn’t a light listen; it’s for those who appreciate romance tangled with guilt, privilege, and the messy work of healing. If you like stories where the setting feels like a character—and voices that linger after the final chapter—this one’s worth every minute.

Download: Belladonna

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Belladonna by A.E. Via is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Tristan Josiah with a runtime of 6h12m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.