Slade by Laurann Dohner

Slade

Forbidden heat meets sci-fi grit in this growly romance

Written byLaurann Dohner
Narrated byVanessa Chambers
Length10h22m
Release dateSeptember 17, 2013
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.5 (196 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorLaurann Dohner
NarratorVanessa Chambers
Runtime10h22m
PublishedSeptember 17, 2013
Rating★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5 (196 ratings)
CategoriesErotica, Literature & Fiction, Romantic, Romance, Paranormal
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

*Slade* isn’t your typical alien romance—it’s a full-throttle collision of medical drama, primal tension, and Laurann Dohner’s signature brand of *New Species* worldbuilding. Trisha Norbit, a human doctor with a sharp tongue and a no-nonsense bedside manner, finds herself entangled with Slade, a genetically engineered warrior whose memory is as unreliable as his self-control. The premise—waking up crushed under a hulking, amnesiac alien—sets the tone: this is romance with teeth, where consent is negotiated as much as it’s *taken*, and where the power dynamics sizzle with as much friction as attraction.

Vanessa Chambers’ narration is the secret weapon here. She doesn’t just *read* the steamy scenes; she *embodies* them, toggling between Trisha’s dry wit and Slade’s guttural, barely-leashed intensity with a precision that makes the audiobook feel like a private performance. The real standout? How Chambers handles the New Species’ distinctive speech patterns—less robotic, more *feral*—which keeps the sci-fi elements from feeling like window dressing. If you’re tired of alien romances that soft-pedal the *alien* part, this one leans hard into the raw, sometimes uncomfortable edges of interspecies desire.

Tags: alien romance with biteferal hero sci-fi eroticastrong female lead vs. amnesiac warrioraudiobook with immersive narrationsteamy power struggle romanceNew Species series starter-friendly

Why Listen to Slade?

  • Expert narration by Vanessa Chambers brings every character and scene to life across 10h22m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.5 stars by 196 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’ll admit, I went into *Slade* skeptical. Alien romances can so easily tip into either sterile sci-fi or pure smut without substance, but Dohner strikes a balance that’s as satisfying as it is addictive. The first act hooks you with a meet-cute that’s more like a *meet-traumatic*: Trisha waking up under Slade’s literal weight is both hilarious and a brilliant setup for their dynamic. Their chemistry isn’t instant—it’s *earned*, built on Trisha’s refusal to be cowed and Slade’s baffled fascination with a human who talks back. That said, the amnesia trope does strain credibility at times (how *convenient* that he forgets *her* but remembers how to pilot a starship?), and the middle act drags slightly with repetitive power struggles. Still, the payoff—when Slade’s protective instincts clash with Trisha’s independence—is worth the buildup. Vanessa Chambers’ narration is *exceptional*, but it’s not without quirks. Her Slade is a masterclass in vocal texture—deep, rough, and laced with a growl that’ll have you adjusting your headphones—but her Trisha occasionally veers into *too* breathy during internal monologues, which can undercut the character’s otherwise steely resolve. The production quality is flawless, though, with crisp audio and seamless editing that lets the story’s intensity shine. What really sold me? The way Dohner (and Chambers) handle Slade’s cultural confusion—his horror at human fragility, his bewilderment at Trisha’s defiance—adds layers to what could’ve been a one-note alpha hero. If you love romances where the emotional stakes are as high as the heat level, and where the narrator makes you *feel* every glare and growl, this is a standout. Just be warned: Slade’s possessiveness toes the line between hot and *concerning*, so if dub-con isn’t your thing, proceed with caution.

Download: Slade

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Slade by Laurann Dohner is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Vanessa Chambers with a runtime of 10h22m, 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.