Lover Unleashed

Audiobook Review

By: J.R. Ward

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

Published by: Penguin Audio-03/2011

Hot

 Black Dagger Brotherhood Series - Book 9
18hrs and 37 mins

Sample

                                      

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, warrior cloth as her brother: A fighter by nature, and a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of Chosen females, there is no place for her on the Far Side… and no role for her on the front lines of the war, either.

When she suffers a paralyzing injury, human surgeon Dr. Manuel Manello is called in to treat her as only he can- and he soon gets sucked into her dangerous, secret world. Although he never before believed in things that go bump in the night- like vampires- he finds himself more than willing to be seduced by the powerful female who marks both his body and his soul.

As the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and vampire worlds collide … just as a centuries old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy.

My Thoughts

This is the ninth book in the exciting and thrilling Black Dagger Brotherhood series, and if you are unfamiliar with it, I recommend starting with the first book, Dark Lover. This is a continuation of these character’s lives, I don’t think it can be enjoyed as much without the back story and what a back story it’s!!

 Again, just like in all the books in BDB series, be warned of  the sexual  content these are not for the faint- hearted or prude, but for the open minded reader/listener, definitely an adult listen. This is a greedy, emotional, sexy and entertaining as hell paranormal romance on the border of urban fantasy, in fact, some might categorized it just that, particularly after this installment where it seems that  for a big part of the book  the main protagonists, Paine  and Dr. Manello,  took a back seat to the rest of the characters.
The introductions of  new kick ass- hot vampires are hinting to where this fabulous series might be heading My man Vishous completely steals the spotlight; if you are a big fan you will be real happy with this story. It’s very apparent that J.R. Ward decided to give us some closure, or should I say? A better story than the one we got on Lover Unbound (Vishous’s book) although, I didn’t have any complaints about that book (after listening to the audiobook) it seems that more than a few readers did, no complaints from the audio community, nothing but high ratings for Lover Unbound.

This book is a bonus for all Vishou’s fans; on the other hand, if you enjoy these books because you love the way Ms.Ward develops the romantic relationships and the way the main couple takes center stage in each book, then you will be a little disappointed with this entry, I had to admit, the chemistry between Dr. Manello and Paine wasn’t the best in the series.
Now, do you want to know how I really felt about this book? I loved every minute of it!                
Is it the best in the series? Not really. 

Is it one of the best listens of this year? Hell yeah!

I read the book and then I listened to it, and I can honestly tell you this was only a 4 hearts read, but after the magnificent narration by Frangione I put this book solidly in the 5 hearts category.

 I did enjoyed the romance, but it wasn’t the main focus of my indulgence in this book. I just love J.R. Wards uncanny ability to drag you into this vivid world and throw you right in the middle of it all, allowing you to deeply experience this emotional world and its larger than life cast of characters amid all the drama and turmoil that I have come to be so addicted to. 
I highly recommend this audio book, and even if you’ve already read it, you will love the way Jim Frangione adds a different dimension to this book, as well as the rest in this series,
I truly and thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook from the first chapter to the last.

4.34 stars  based on 579 ratings on audible.com
4.19  ·  rating details  ·  7,779 ratings  ·  1,554 reviews 

  

Narration

I always look forward to that time of the year when I'll be taken back to this phenomenal world by the excellent narration and interpretation by Jim Frangione. He does a masterful job with the characters. He truly captures their personality to the max. His voice might not be  unique, sexy or strong, but it's just plain cool.  He delivers with  precision J.R. Ward's style of writing, not to mention the perfect and authentic delivery of the urban dialogue that I love so much in her books.

 I have always given Frangione a pass for his female voices,which frankly, are far from the best, but I do it because of the incredible job he does at bringing this world with all its angst, thrills and over the top drama to life.
To me, he’s as much a part of this world as any of the characters; I can’t imagine anyone else reading this series. 

What else can I say about Jim Frangione’s delivery that  I didn’t say  before in my previous reviews, except that he is; what Davina Porter is to the Outlander and Anna Fields to Susan Elizabeth Phillips’s Novels, in  other words, the perfect complement to a match of an author and narrator that brings you not just a book, but an experience. His excellent portrayal and rendition of these novels are a long way from the following statement I read on a website:

"J R Ward, narrated by Jim Frangione.  The narrator reads, rather than acts, and in doing so, fails to deliver anything but a muddled mess. However I am sympathetic to his plight as there are too many characters to portray adequately. I don’t see this series as an audio success – period"

With every book getting and average of 4.25 stars and an average amount of listeners at 550 on audible.com, I have to say, that statement sir/ma'am! is highly debatable. True that? 

Jim Frangione's interview at UTC

The Author

J.R. Ward

      

For a more detailed review visit:

 Black Dagger Brotherhood reading/listening order.

Elijah

Audiobook Review

By: Jacquelyn Frank

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Published by: Tantor Audio-08/2011

Burning

Nightwalkers Series-Book 3

11hrs and 16mins

Sample

Some feelings you just can't fight.

He is known as the Warrior Captain - a master of every weapon, a fierce soldier sworn to protect his kind. Powerful, relentless, merciless, Elijah has always won every battle he's ever taken on - until now. Ambushed by necromancers, he is left for dead only to be discovered by the woman who could very well deliver the final blow: Siena, the Lycanthrope Queen.

With three centuries of warring, little more than a decade of uneasy peace has existed between the Lycanthropes and Elijah's people. Now, after a lifetime of suspicion, the warrior in Elijah is consumed with a different battle - winning Siena's heart by giving her pleasure beyond all boundaries. What starts as attraction and arousal soon burns into a passion with consequences that will echo through the ages for both their people. And as would-be enemies become inseparable lovers, another threat approaches, one with the power to destroy them all.

My Thoughts 

Sometimes you read a book that just hits you the right way, and this was exactly the case with Elijah, third installment in the Nightwalkers series. I read this book a few years back, and it’s my favorite of the series, closely follow by Damien, the next book in the series. Afraid of disappointment, I approached the audio version of this series with caution, but after listening to the fabulous job by Xe Sands with Jacob, I was just excited to revisit this book.

 I don’t consider this entry the best of the series in terms of the plot. My rating for this novel comes solely from the fact that I utterly and fully felt in love with Siena and Elijah; it’s as simple as that. I’m most likely ignoring some of the book’s flaws by my partiality towards their romance. From the moment these two protagonists met in the previous book I felt their real and unquestionable chemistry, and when I finally got my hands on the book I loved every minute of it. The struggle they undergo to overcome their differences make their moments together steamy, erotic, spontaneous, tender, scorching hot and explosive. Elijah, the Demon Captain, is an alpha male through and through, but he’s not afraid to back down from the sometimes temperamental, Siena Queen of the Lycanthropes. I love them together as well as independently. They are both strong and determined leaders.

 Sienna’s reluctance to accept a relationship with a being that belongs to a race that not so long ago was her species  fiercest enemy  gives the romance a compelling spin and one that brings out your emotions.

My praise of Jacquelyn Frank is all about her character development; I feel completely invested in this group of supernatural beings, cheering their romantic endeavors as well as the defeat of their enemies, especially the detestable and evil Ruth, whose demised I’m impatiently awaiting. Ruth is a fabulous creation as villains go, and as a justifiable target of loathing and hatred she definitely defines the line between good and evil.

The ongoing plot makes the constant presence of past characters possible; allowing the reader/listener to keep up with their progress. There is enough forward movement in the plot as Ms. Frank takes us deeper into this dark world that keeps the action exciting, and the introduction of  a  new species, promises exciting developments in the books to come.

As a paranormal romance, these books do follow a formula, but after all, we read/listen to these books for the fantasy and escapism they offer, and this series is not the exception, the action, suspense, hot alpha males, kick -ass heroines, the erotic but tastefully written scenes, and the intricate world so cleverly put together by Ms. Franks, will do just that.

4.73 stars based on 15 ratings on audible.com
4.11  ·  rating details  ·  2,126 ratings  ·  148 reviews on Goodreads

Narration

Xe Sands has done it again!! And I didn’t have any doubts to the contrary, especially after her great performance with Jacob (first of this series). The complete grasp of these characters and the world is clearly conveyed by her rendition. The long introduction at the beginning of this book takes a completely different tone with the soft, sensual, never intrusive or jarring voice of Ms. Sands that allows  the listener to be  completely submerged in the story forgetting a times the fact that it’s being read by some else, that in and  of itself is a tremendous achievement for a narrator and most definitely accomplished by Ms. Sands with the narration parts of this book.  Again the male voices are impressive, no complaints at all with her portrayal on Elijah, his personalty was beautifully brought to life. Siena's Russian accent, although not the best I've listened to, was compensated by  the manner it was delivered, clearly communicating her strong willed personalty.
All in all, this was an excellent performance by Xe Sands.
An average of 4.73 stars on audible.com speaks for itself and it's pretty impressive thus far.

The Author

Jacquelyn Frank

Reading/listening for the Nithgwalker Series

Voices behind the books

 Xe Sands on her preparations for the Nightwalkers Series

For a more detailed review of the plot visit:

Second Grave On The Left

Audiobook Review

By: Darynda Jones

Narrated by: Lorelei King

Published by: Macmillan Audio-08/2011

 Warm

Charley Davidson Series-Book 2 
 9hrs and 30 mins

Sample

                                       

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper Extraordinaire, is back in this sexy, suspenseful novel of supernatural shenanigans. 

When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out of the closet at her, she can’t help but wonder what Cookie’s up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously?
Cookie explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. But Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a woman’s name. Mimi’s husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.
Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven… well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do? 

My Thoughts

Wow!  This is an impressive follow-up to FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT. Darynda Jones delivered without skipping a beat. If you love the first book in the Charley Davidson’s series, you will love this new addition even more. If you are new to the series, although is not extremely important to start with the first book, I say why not? Why pass on a downright entertaining listen that is only going to enhance the enjoyment of this entry.

Sookie, Stephanie Plum! Move over girls!! There’s a new girl in town! And NO! This is not a bumper sticker! This is exactly how I feel about this fabulous creation by Darynda Jones.

Charley Davidson possesses all the qualities I love in a protagonist; she’s sassy, smart, courageous and totally relatable, as a part time PI and full time grim reaper she’s put in situations that exploit the best of her character, and her sarcastic and self deprecating sense of humor add a delightful, humorous side to this story, that otherwise could be perceived as dark; instead we get a wonderful blend of both worlds, with a different and fresh approach to the urban fantasy genre, or is it Paranormal romance or is it mystery? Don’t know, hard to box this series in any of those three genres.

I won’t go much into the plot, except to tell you how superbly Ms. Jones is weaving and maneuvering this engaging and exciting world with new mysteries and the ever present one about Reyes, Oh yea! Reyes, things aren’t going so great for our sexy, mysterious man.

 The heroine being pulled out in so many directions, between her PI work, Reyes dilemma and a family matter that brings emotionally charged moments, have build a plot impossible to put down that takes you on an incredibly exhilarating, humorous and entertaining ride, and as if that wasn't enough  the exquisite sexual tension between Charley and the mystifying and enigmatic Reyes is hotter than ever, this combined with Charley’s clever inner dialogue make this book and series a worthwhile read/listen, you won’t be disappointed.

Ultimately, this is great second entry to the series, and where you really start to get invested in this ensemble of dead and alive characters so brilliantly put together.
The interview with the author and the first chapter of Dead Grave Ahead  is a great added bonus to this audiobook.

If you are not a fan of cliffhangers, be warned, we are left  on what I call a heighten state of anticipation for the next book. I really feel bad when readers give a book a real bad rating  because they got surprised by the cliffhanger.

4.91 stars- based on 11 ratings on audible.com

4.45  ·  rating details  ·  157 ratings  ·  84 reviews  

Narration

Yet another example of Lorelei King’s talent, her perfect approach and execution of these novels is nothing short of fantastic, I think she found the ideal blend of, Mercy (Mercy Thompson series) and Stephanie Plum (Stephanie Plum series) to perform Charley’s POV, giving her a unique tone and personality, one that brings her to life better matched than our inner voice, which is close to impossible to do, but my God she’s done it with Charley.

Charley’s inner dialogue is delightfully carried out, wholly conveying the humor and sarcasm, in a manner that yields a very likable character; simple and real and never over the top. Reye’s voice is perfect; his mysterious and sexy manner is absolutely believable and hot. She also gives the remaining cast of secondary characters a unique take not only with their voices but with their overall delivery.

The timing, approach and pace, are perfect for the story.

The Mercy Thompson and the Stephanie Plum series are also narrated by this incredibly talented artist and are two of my favorite series, common denominator? Lorelei King!

The Author

Darynda Jones

For a more detailed review of the plot visit:

Voices behind the books

Lorelei King

Charley Davidson Series reading/listening order

Outlander-Guest Review

Audiobook Review

By: Diana Gabaldon

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Published by: Recorded Books-07/2006

Warm (mature content)

Outlander Series-Book 1
32hrs and 42mins

Sample

This stunning blend of historical romance and time traveling adventure has captured the hearts of millions of readers around the world and catapulted author Diana Gabaldon to the top of the New York Times best seller list. Outlander introduces an exhilarating world of heroism and breathtaking thrills as one woman is torn between past and present, passion and love.


In 1945, former combat nurse Claire Randall returns from World War II and joins her husband for a second honeymoon. Their blissful reunion is shattered when she touches a boulder in an ancient stone ruin and is instantly transported to 1743 Scotland, a place torn by war and raiding border clans. Will Claire find her way back to her own time, or is her destiny forever linked with Clan MacKenzie and the gallant James Fraser?

Review By: Michelle R.

My background with the series

I tried three times to read Outlander, the first book in the Outlander series. I could not get past the first 100 pages. I thought it was boring, the detail was tedious, and I was wondering why everyone was raving about the book and how it earned its high ratings. Stubborn as I am, I thought I would try the book as an audiobook. That is when my love affair began!
This review is for the entire series on audiobook and not just book one. Book 1 is what started it all but my love for the series has just grown after each book. As of today’s date, Diana Gabaldon has released seven books in the series. I listened to six of the seven books on audiobook and read one book on paperback. The books I listened to where all unabridged and all narrated by the magnificent Davina Porter.


The story

The story begins in 1945 or is that 1743? See this is a time-travel story like no other. You will find numerous reviews out there that will detail the finer points of the story. For me, it was about love, sacrifice, honor, family, and loyalty. It had action, suspense, violence, sex, heartbreak, and humor.
During the story, I fell in love with Jamie, the main lead male character. In fact, he is my all time favorite male character in any book I have ever read. Considering I average over 300 books a year, there has been plenty of male characters to compete with “my Jamie” (I know, only in my dreams).


The Narrator

What makes a book I could barely read transform into a series I cannot stop reading? Two words- Davina Porter. Ms. Porter is not only an audiobook narrator; she is the best in the business. Ms. Porter not only handles the female character’s voices with elegance and ease, but is a master at the male voices as well. I literally forgot that I was listening to a woman when she voiced Jamie’s character. When Jamie expressed his love for Claire, I really, truly believed I was listening to Jamie. It was not just Jamie and his Scottish brogue that was so realistically voiced but also every other character (male or female, young or old) and every possible accent.
Davina Porter is a master at all genders, accents, and breathing. Breathing you say? Yes breathing. Often times, a narrator will pause to breathe and you hear it. If the narration is fast-paced, the narrator has a tendency to sound out of breath. Ms. Porter does not seem to breathe. I know she does, obviously, but she is just a master at covering it up.

If you couldn’t read book one

Try the audiobook. Listening to Davina Porter and her amazing narration of the story, will change your Outlander experience!

4.20 stars- based on 5073 ratings on audible.com

3.90  ·  rating details  ·  90,393 ratings  ·  7,909 reviews

The Author

Diana Gabaldon

Opinions

Voices behind the books
meet

Davina Porter

For a more detailed review of the plot visit:

Outlander Series reading/listening order