Around the World in Stilettos

Audiobook Review

By: Natalie-Jane Revell

Narrated by: Cori Samuel

Publisher by: iambik Audio 07/2011

Warm

6 hrs and 12mins

Sample

Twenty Three year old Sophie Farrier has everything a girl could want; the perfect job, the perfect flat and the perfect set of friends. As a travel writer, Sophie gets to fly around the world, meet new people, see new places and most importantly buy more shoes! When she is home her life speeds past in a blur of boozy nights, girly lunches and maxing her cards in her favorite shops. There are only two problems in her otherwise blissful life; dealing with the curse of being the clumsiest person alive, and the man she is obsessively in love with, Dan Shorely, already has a perfect girlfriend. The one aspect of Sophie s life that is not perfect and never has been is her love life. After years of misunderstandings and missed opportunities, are things about to change? Will she ever find and catch her perfect man? Or will the dream of a happy ending and the dream man always be that... just a dream? 

My Thoughts

I received this audio book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing, when I saw that the genre was Chick Lit, I frankly didn’t like my chances of enjoying it since it’s one of the few romance genres I don’t read or listen to, but before I realized I was cough up in Sophie’s love for stilettos, romantic insecurities and her everyday drama.

In this personal, light and humorous story told in Sophie’s point of view, we get reminded that sometimes our heart doesn’t make the smartest decision when it comes to falling in love.

 As a single woman working in London, Sophie’s taste in shoes and clothes is impeccable, but, unfortunately, her romantic choices are not, and when you see her hold the biggest torch for the wrong guy (a jerk), you can’t help, but to start rooting for this funny, charming and sometimes superficial character to find the right guy that will bring her a happy ending. The realistic ordeals that Sophie undergoes while traveling to different- exotic locals make her a sympathetic and likable character even if you never bought a pair of stilettos in your life, or don’t care about the way Sophie goes around expanding her last penny on these beautiful, but horribly uncomfortable shoes (my opinion). 

Ultimately, this is a story about a successful girl that has to balance her career, her love for shoes and her romantic choices, much in the way of   Carrie Bradshaw in Sex in The City.

If you enjoy books like The Bridget Jones’s diary, and you love the Shopaholic books than you would find Sophie’s story very entertaining, or if you just want a light romantic listen with well developed - charming, characters, a beautifully descriptive and amusing narrative you’ll find Sophie’s drama hard to put down or in this case, hard to stop listening to.

Narration

Cori Samuel beautifully brings Sophie to life in the most engaging and entertaining way; the personal tone flawlessly conveys Sophie’s point of view, in a way that makes you care about her decisions as one her best friend would do.

The characterizations of Sophie’s romantic counterparts are beautifully performed letting you very easily distinguish them not just by  each unique male voice, but by  the manner they are delivered.

All in all Ms. Samuel turns Sophie’s endeavors into a charming, amusing and engaging story.

Archangel's Blade

Audiobook Review

By: Nalini Singh

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Published by: Tantor Audio 09/2011

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Hot

Guild Hunter Series Book #4

11hrs and 29 mins

Sample

The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past... but Dmitri's need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel's right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality... the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting - and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more.

My Thoughts

How do you give to a menacing, manipulative, unfeeling, merciless and at times cruel vampire his heart and humanity back?

With a story so brilliantly told, that makes you stop and gasp at the sheer talent that took to write it.

As the second in command to the Archangel Raphael, Dmitri was introduced in the first book, Angel’s Blood - he’s the kind of character that immediately jumps off the pages full of  an uncompromising and unapologetic manner that oozes a killer combination of raw sexuality and menace that will make you love him or hate him, but he’s  undeniably a captivating alpha  lead.

 How can this 1000 year old vampire find true love when he’s capable of luring any female he wishes to posses just his mere scent? It would take a real creative way to deliver a credible and plausible story about the taming of his none existing heart, but don't fear, because in an emotional, heart wrenching and beautifully constructed plot Ms. Singh takes us thought Dmitri’s torture past finding a clever way to give us heroine perfectly fitted for the task, she  gives us another side of this enigmatic character that will make you reconsider the way you  feel about him  all  the while maintaining the double edge danger that makes him the Archangels’ Blade.

Honor our heroine and protagonist has been through a dramatic and traumatizing ordeal that will test her strength, but our unlikely hero steps up to the plate and together deliver a heartwarming, sexy (hot as hell) and dark story that combine with the guilty pleasure of vengeance bring an enthralling and captivating story that will immediately grab you from page one.

Nalini Singh does a fantastic job of seducing you into the story, and yes I say seducing because in romance you have to believe with your heart, after all, even in real -life romance and sensuality are better experience when the brain has been muted.

We get small glimpses at Elena and Raphael, and I guess in a smart way the author wanted to keep the focus entirely on Dmitri and Honor, but we still get a little of progress on what’s going with the rest of Raphael’s  men.

I loved, loved this book, and the only reason I’m not giving it 5 flaming hearts is because the end left me a little unsatisfied, I think it could have been put together in better and more creative way, especially after having experienced for 99% of the book the ability of the author to do so, to me, it was like watching a gymnast completely miss the landing after performing a perfect 10 routine; nevertheless I do feel this the best -written book in this series thus far. I highly recommend it as a solid entry to Guild Hunter series.


4.33  ·  rating details  ·  828 ratings  ·  269 reviews on Goodreads.com

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Narration

The darkness, sensuality and violence of the world in the Guild Hunter series are beautifully conveyed by Justine Eyre intensity; her timing and approach greatly enhance the tension in these novels letting you experience every angle and emotion in this story. Her male voices are clear and masculine enough to bring credibility to the characters.

Just one small note to the first-time listener, I found in my experience with Ms Eyre, that it takes a few minutes to adjust to the tone in her voice that sometimes seems to have a little tremble to it, but within a few minutes of listening it is hardly noticeable and never interferes with the enjoyment of the story. All in all, this  an excellent portrayal of these characters and story.

The Author

Nalini Singh

Voices behind the books

Justine Eyre

Guild Hunter series reading and listening order

 I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but what's up with these covers? what makes them think that a picture of guy that looks like someone that could be waiting and a dark alley with a machete is attractive (specially the cover on audible)? come on guys!! get it together...lol.. if I wasn't a fan of this series I would have never taken a second look at this book with that cover, and believe me, this is not only my opinion, but it's widely shared among the romance community; a ferocious community I might add.

And yes! Don't judge this book by its cover.

The Darkest Secret

Audiobook Review

By: Gena Showalter

Narrated by: Max Bellmore

Published by: Harlequin Enterprises LTD 04/2011

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Hot

Lords of the Underworld Series -  book 7

Sample

Keeper of the demon of Secrets, Amun can manipulate the darkest thoughts of anyone nearby. But when new demons possess him, the immortal warrior must be chained and isolated to protect those he loves. Death is his only hope of release—until he meets Haidee, a fellow prisoner whose beauty and hidden vulnerability draw him into a reckless test of his loyalty…. Haidee is an infamous demon assassin, raised to despise Amun’s kind. Yet how can she hate the man whose touch sets her aflame? But to save him, she must give herself body and soul…and face the wrath of a powerful adversary sworn to destroy her.

My Thoughts

It’s almost time for the new entry to one of my favorite series, LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD, and in preparation for this event (yes! This is an event for me) I just had to do a re- listing of The Darkest Secret, the seventh,and previous installment in this series.

With hardly a chance to take a breath this book immediately takes off amidst the turmoil and suspense from the previous book, the Darkest Lie.

 In a brilliant way, Ms. Showalter managed to deliver a clever  story about a character that to be honest, I wasn’t too excited about, but  has moved to the " I love this hero" category, after this addition. 
Although Amun, the protagonist and focus of this novel, has been in the background since the beginning of the series, we never got an in-depth picture of his character. As the keeper of the demon of  secrets, afraid of voicing and consequently harming others with his revelations, he has always guarded his speech, (he never talked) this made me wonder if  his story  could be told in a credible and realistic way.
 Ms. Showalter continues to showcase her talent  with the creation of yet another ingeniously built, smart and cohesive plot, one the most definitely worked that combined with all the elements we love in PR  make this  a "do not miss" addition.

The romance between Amun and the old arch enemy Haidee is perfectly tinted with the right amount angst where redemption plays a big role, ultimately bringing the right combination of drama and sensuality to the enjoyment of their story.

The continuation of the sub-plots, the hints to where the rest of the character’s life may be heading; Paris, William and Stride to mention a few, add plenty of action, anticipation and suspense to this multifaceted and never boring world.

I highly recommend this series to all Romance Paranormal fans, what else can you ask from a series that consistently brings you delicious alpha males with female counterparts that give as good as they get, engrossing drama, the right dose of humor and the perfect amount of mayhem to bring in focus  the dangers of this world.
This entry is a  clear reminder of why we love Gena Showalter.

Narration

Max Bellmore’s terrific interpretation of this series is absolutely perfect; he performs these novels with the perfect amount of emotion. His deep and sexy voice is ideal for the portrayal of this fantastic collection of alpha heroes. Each character is performed in a unique manner, giving each individual his own tone and personality.

 I categorically love the way Mr. Bellmore conveys the suspense, drama and sensuality of these novels.  As good as these books are in print, I assured you, they are that much better on audio.

The Author

Gena Showalter

For a more detailed review  of the plot visit:

4.23  ·  rating details  ·  2,295 ratings  ·  385 reviews on Gooreads

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(188)

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Lords of the Underworld (LOTU) reading/listening order

Envy

Audiobook Review

By: J.R. Ward

Narrated by: Eric G. Dove

Published by: Brilliance Audio 09/2011

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Burning

The Fallen Angels Series - - Book 3

Sample

A man and a woman tread the lines of danger, desire, and deliverance in the new novel of the Fallen Angels from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series....

ENVY

As the son of a serial killer, homicide detective Thomas "Veck" DelVecchio, Jr., grew up in the shadow of evil. Now, on the knife-edge between civic duty and blind retribution, he atones for the sins of his father---while fighting his inner demons. Assigned to monitor Veck is Internal Affairs officer Sophia Reilly, whose interest in him is both professional and arousingly personal. And Veck and Sophia have another link: Jim Heron, a mysterious stranger with too many answers...to questions that are deadly. When Veck and Sophia are drawn into the ultimate battle between good and evil, their fallen angel savior is the only thing that stands between them and eternal damnation.

My Thoughts

Alright, so this series didn’t start with the bang that The Black Dagger Brotherhood did, but I must tell you, this series is certainly getting better and better, and J.R. Ward shows us with this novel that not only can she hold us captive to the BDB world, but she’s more than capable of doing it again with her Fallen Angel’s world and its characters.

Veck (Thomas DelVecchio) a member of the Caldwell PD finds himself covered in blood in the middle of a horrific crime scene, where the serial killer Kronos has been the victim. Unable to excused himself from being the culprit, he believes he has finally given in to his inner demons and the dark nature he’s convinced he has inherited from his father (one the most notorious and inhuman serial killers of our time) has finally reared its ugly head, his internal turmoil is never ending, and to make matters worse, now he has to fight his attraction to his new Partner, Sophia Really.

 The Internal affairs department has sent Ms. Reilly  to investigate agent Veck’s involvement in the crime against Kronos, and now she has a dilemma of her own when she finds herself unavoidably attracted to the target of her investigation, and she has to decide to believe in his innocence or guilt.

In the brilliant way,  that J. R. Ward is managing and weaving the crossroads, Jim, our tough- kick ass angel will traverse paths with our hero, who has been sent in the company of his new partner Sophia Reilly, to investigate the disappearance of Sissy (a girl killed by Davina, on the first book, Covet), This is the same girl that has our Angel  Jim, obsessing over the discovery of her body with the ultimate goal of taking her soul back from the  evil Davina, but  his myopic focus in causing  a lot friction among his peers. This fantastic entwine  delivers an exciting, enthralling and imaginative plot, that will grab your attention from beginning to end.
A big part of the story is dedicated to Ad, Eddy and Jim's drama that bring about a few off the charts scenes that are definitely not for the tender ears.

Just like many fans of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, I found the initial book of the series a little dull, oh! But not this one! J.R. Ward has certainly delivered in all fronts; this is cohesive and tight plot with very well developed characters, and the sensuality is hotter than ever.

All in all a solid entry to the series, and the hints we get towards the next installment are already making me wish the time way.
4.32  ·  rating details  ·  183 ratings  ·  66 reviews on Goodreads

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(23)

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Narration

Eric G. Dove does a good job bringing these characters and story to life, not in the dramatic way of Jim Frangione (narrator of the Black Dagger Brotherhood) but in a matter fact tone that gives this world its own vibe.

 His approach to the sensuality in this book is excellent, the tone and matter of delivery of all male characters are very good, plenty of variations, my biggest complaint is the very little distinction between the female voices, but it’s not bothersome enough to distract you from the story, within a few minutes of listening you find yourself completely absorbed, and entirely disregarding the sometimes unemotional tone of Mr. Dove.

Ultimately, I highly recommend this audiobook, in my opinion, the best one of the series thus far. 

The Author

J.R. Ward

Voices behind the books

Eric G.Dove

Lord of the Vampires

Audiobook Review

By: Gena Showalter

Narrated by: Genvieve Bevier

Published by: Harlequin 08/2011

Hot

Royal House Of Shadows - - Book 1
7hrs and 42 mins

Sample

Once upon a time… the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs - and time is running out.

Nicolai the Vampire was renowned for his virility, but in a twist of fate “The Dark Seducer” had become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina - stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remained was a primal need for freedom, revenge - and the only woman who could help him.

In her dreams, a wanton vampire called to Jane Parker, drawing her to his dark sexuality and his magical realm. But for a human, all was not a fairy tale in Delfina. Jane was the key to Nicolai’s memory… but exploiting her meant dooming the only mortal he craved.

This is the first book in Royal House of Shadows. The Quartet features new books from some of the biggest names in paranormal fantasy romance: Gena Showalter, Jill Monroe, Jessica Andersen, and Nalini Singh. Listen to a new book in the series every month, from now through November. 

My Thoughts

First in the Royal House of Shadows series….  And I’m debating if is going to be my last.

I’ve been posting mostly about books I have really enjoyed, and I still have over 150 books that I really have taken pleasure from that I haven't  reviewed, and I thought, do I really want to take the time it takes to write a review on a book I didn’t like at all?

Then I decided to give my opinion of the books I enjoyed as well as the ones I didn’t.

I was very excited about this book; you see, this series is a collaboration of some of my favorite authors, and  first at-bat was Ms. Showalter with Lord of the Vampires. I do feel I owe to her to mention how much I love her series, Lords of the Underworld, in fact, one of my most anticipated releases of the year is the next book, The Darkest Surrender, which, by the way, is narrated by one of my favorites, Max Bellmore.

In this first entry to the Royal House of Shadows we get the Crown Prince Nicolai’s story; Nicolai has ended up on the sex slave market and has been bought up by the Princess Odette of the Kingdom Delfina. Odette takes him home where she and her evil sister use and abuse him, and if that's not horrifying enough,  they have also taken  all  the memories of his family and kingdom away.  Doesn’t it sound promising?

It’s hard to write anything good about a book when I thought the best part was the prologue; this book quickly degenerated, the world setting was flat, the dialogue was forced, unimaginative and primeval, I found no depth at all in the characters or the story. I felt no connection or chemistry between the protagonists, and in my opinion when all these elements fail in this genre, you are left as if you are just watching an adult movie made for the male demographic, where the sex scenes take center stage, without any depth of emotions,   and the fairy tale undertone just didn’t work for me.

The book did improve somewhat by the second half when some of the action kicked in, but wasn’t enough to save the book.
  3.60  ·  rating details  ·  282 ratings  ·  145 reviews on Goodreads

Narration

Unfortunately, Ms. Bevier delivery did nothing to help a not so great book come to life as a better one, as a matter of fact, her approach felt completely wrong; the narration was lacking any emotion, and her portrayal of Nicolai combined with the not so smart, cheesy  and too primitive  dialogue had me thinking the whole time he looked like Bigfoot, and from that point on, this audio book didn’t have a shot with me.

The entire time I felt like I was going from one bad acting scene to the next, and it makes me wonder; could a good narrator deliver a good performance of a mediocre book? Or could mediocre book make a good narrator deliver a bad performance?  I don’t know, I have to listen to other books narrated by Ms. Bevier to be able to form a better opinion on her ability.

I really wished I would have read this book before I listened to it, then I could tell you for sure that this was all about a bad audio delivery.  There are some 5 stars ratings for this book among my reading peers, so this just makes me wonder even more about what really went wrong with this audio book.

So there, I hope that wasn’t too harsh, I still love Gena Showalter, and since this is my first experience with Ms. Bevier, I am going to have to put most the blame on her. (But really, she didn’t have much to work with). My advice, just read this one.. If you have to.

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