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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hunger Like No Other

Audiobook Review
By: Kresley Cole
Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
Published by: Simon & Schuster Audio

Check-in on GetGlue
Hot
Immortals After Dark Series - Book 2
11 hrs and 33 mins
Sample
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A mythic warrior who'll stop at nothing to possess her . . .

After enduring years of torture from the vampire horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate he's waited millennia for is a vampire. Or partly one. This Emmaline is a small, ethereal half Valkyrie/half vampire, who somehow begins to soothe the fury burning within him.

A vampire captured by her wildest fantasy . . .

Sheltered Emmaline Troy finally sets out to uncover the truth about her deceased parents -- until a powerful Lykae claims her as his mate and forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle. There, her fear of the Lykae -- and their notorious dark desires -- ebbs as he begins a slow, wicked seduction to sate her own dark cravings.

An all-consuming desire . . .

Yet when an ancient evil from her past resurfaces, will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a proud warrior to his knees and turn a gentle beauty into the fighter she was born to be?

Reviewed by Lisa Kay


Wow! I wasn’t expecting a man to be narrating this story, but Robert Petkoff does an excellent job as storyteller. The prologue does start off from Lachlain’s POV, trapped in a vampire dungeon below the Paris streets, so he sets the scene – and Lachlain’s reasons for his conflicting emotions toward his mate – nicely. Though he does both voices for Lachlain and Bowen with Scottish accents, each voice was clearly distinguishable from the other.



I have to confess that Emmaline Troy is one of my favorite heroines in a paranormal romance and it was a real pleasure to “re-read” it via audiobook. Sometimes – only sometimes – I get especially tired of books where the heroine is the feisty, aggressive person right from the get-go. Did they pop from the womb, full Rambo-ette, ready to take on the world? (My friend swears her daughter did.) How did they get that way? It is sometimes more interesting to see a meek personality like Emma develop. Yes, she has been sheltered and she's a wuss, but she grows into a beautiful, complex blend of Vampire and Valkyrie. Plus, I loved her wardrobe. She doesn’t have a dog like most of my favorite heroines do…but wait, I forgot, Lachlain MacRieve fits that bill. ☺

I also have to confess that, up until Emma’s story, I didn't read a lot of paranormal romances. That is another reason this book is on my 'all-time-favorites' bookshelf. It was the one that opened me up to the genre. I have read all but the last installment of all of Kresley Cole's Immortal After Dark series, and look forward to “re-reading” them via audiobook.





The Author
Kresley Cole



Voices behind the books
Robert Petkoff






Monday, November 28, 2011

Thanksgiving Giveaway Winner

Hot Listens congratulates!

Winner of a 6 months membership to audible.com
She has been notified via e-mail.

Thank you all so much for entering! ...

Monday, November 21, 2011

Thanksgiving Giveaway

Thanksgiving Giveaway



One lucky winner will be picked on 11/27/2011

Prize: A 6 months membership to audible.com
for more details visit:

Who can enter: Anyone over 18 years of age from USA or Canada.

Duration: From 11/21/2011 to 11/27/2011

How to enter: Be a follower of Hot Listens with Google connect and leave a comment.

How will the winner be chosen: Randomly from all the entries.

 Winner: Has to provide a valid e-mail address where membership code will be mailed.

Good Luck to All!!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Need

Audiobook Review
By: Carrie Jones
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
Published by: Brilliance Audio 08/2009

Check-in on GetGlue
Warm 

Need Series - book #1
7 hrs and 28 mins
 Sample





Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear
.

Reviewed by Cassie


The first book in the series opens with an interesting twist to paranormal fantasy by mixing in a town of humans, weres, and pixies. You realize that something just isn’t right, and then you learn that it isn’t who the people are, but what they are, that matters in this town. The lead characters and even the secondary characters story lines are well developed for a first book and give you enough of a taste to make you want more.
Zara White is grieving the death of her stepfather and it is affecting her in a way that scares her mother enough to send her away from warm Charleston, SC to cold Bedford, ME to live with her grandmother, Betty. The move does seem to improve Zara’s mood and upon starting school she slowly comes out of her shell and meets Issie, Devyn, and Nick.
Zara and her new trio of friends begin to unravel the mysterious disappearances of teen boys in Bedford, and realize the strange man she has been seeing since she was in Charleston is somehow involved. Uncovering clues left behind by her stepfather Zara learns that Bedford is home to more than just her hot boy interest Nick. But a town of weres and pixies that battle in the dark cold woods surrounding Bedford; and that the gold dust left behind by the strange man could very well mean that he is a pixie.
While spending so much time together sparks start to fly between Nick and Zara—perhaps nudged on by Issie and Devyn—giving small glimpses to the romance that can exist between the two.
Stumbling upon the truth gives these teens a chance to protect themselves and those they love, but it also puts them in the middle of a vicious battle, where they find out what is behind the Pixie King’s relentless Need.
I believe Jones leaves plenty of seeds to grow into a great storyline in future books, and I would love to see how that develops.
3.73 of 5 stars 3.73  ·  rating details  ·  13,721 ratings  ·  1,958 reviewson Goodreads

Narration

Julia Whelan depicts Zara’s voice amazingly, I could feel the strength in her under all of the uncertainty from the beginning of the book. Overall, I was impressed with her Southern accent for Zara, but the Maine accent and her male voices jarred me in the beginning, after about ten minutes I was able to adapt and lose myself in the story. 




The Author
Carrie Jones




Voices behind the books
Julia Whelan





Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Vengeance in Death

Audiobook Review
By: J.D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
Published by: Brilliance Audioo 05/2008

Check-in on GetGlue
Hot
In Death Series # 6
10hrs and 48mins
Sample




In a time when technology links the law and the lawless, predators and prey can be one and the same...

He is an expert with the latest technology ... a madman with the mind of a genius and the heart of a killer. He quietly stalks his prey. Then he haunts the police with cryptic riddles about the crimes he is about to commit--always solved moments too late to save his victims' lives.

Police lieutenant Eve Dallas found the first victim butchered in his own home. The second lost his life in a vacant luxury apartment. The two men had little in common. Both suffered unspeakable torture before their deaths. And both had ties to an ugly secret of ten years past--a secret shared by none other than Eve's new husband, Roarke.

Reviewed by Lisa kay

 J.D. Robb (AKA Nora Roberts) should get some kind of award for creating a married couple whose relationship remains H.O.T. Yup. Roarke and Eve still have it. Loved the suspense in this futuristic police procedural, too. I’ve said it before, but Susan Ericksen was born to narrate this series; she outdoes herself again and just keeps getting better.

In Vengeance in Death, the sixth in the In Death series, we get to see into Roarke’s past. And the Irish billionaire has one, filled with painful memories. For those of you looking for books that take place in Ireland, Eve and Roarke zip over there in an effort to solve this interesting murder mystery. JDR paints a fascinating picture of a futuristic Emerald Isle and downtown Dublin, with interesting characters.

This one also introduces pretty-boy, Ian McNab, who has a flare (or at least love) for fashion and colorful clothes. He arrives to help trace the location on jammed communications NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas is getting. Is something happening between him and the dependable Detective Delia Peabody?

All in all a good read – or listen!


 The Author
 J.D. Robb



Voices behind the books
Susan Ericksen







Sunday, November 13, 2011

Last Breath

Audiobook Review
By: Rachel Caine
Narrated by: Cynthia Holloway
Published by: Tantor Audio 11/2011



With her boss preoccupied researching the Founder Houses in Morganville, student Claire Danvers is left to her own devices when she learns that three vampires have vanished without a trace. She soon discovers that the last person seen with one of the missing vampires is someone new to town - a mysterious individual named Magnus. After an uneasy encounter with Morganville's latest resident, Claire is certain Magnus isn't merely human. But is he a vampire - or something else entirely?

My Thoughts

 
Fantastic new addition! This book just rocked from beginning to end. This series keeps getting better and better.
The phrase" just when I thought I was out….. They pull me back in"" has never been more appropriate with events that barely let come out for breath -before they drag back in.
  I’ll start by stating “I’m colossal fan of this series”, and my fondness grows with every addition, and certainly more so after this novel.
Things are creepy, dark and intoxicating as they always are Morganville. Just when I think Ms. Caine can’t possible exceed the excitement and suspense from the previous books; she brilliantly takes us on a ride that is uphill with emotion and downhill with action. She gives you just a few seconds to catch your breath before she does it all again.
A mysterious being has arrived in Morganville, and whatever he is, one thing’s for sure, he’s powerful, creepy and as badass as they come, it even has the vampires running for cover. You know the situation is dire when we get a chance to get in Emily’s head and experience her anguish and fear, and almost resignation to the fact that everything could be over-Morganville-no more.
In haste and panic, Emily makes some chilling decisions concerning our friends that will have your heart racing.
 Our poor Myrnin (my favorite) is put in a situation where he has to do something  awful that he doesn’t want to do, but when order by Emily and is put on a trance he can no longer refuse.
This time Shane’s head is  a much better place than it was in the last book. For the first time, he has won my heart.  I always thought he was  immature, and  not a real good match for my darling Claire, but I’m starting to change my mind. A heart breaking moment, will have yours braking too, right along Shane's side.
If you love Myrnin already, you are going to adore him after this entry; he comes through in a big way.
And if it wasn’t enough get also get Eve and Michael’s point the view  while we see them struggle with their plans for the future- which are being equally rejected by humans and vampires.
And Claire! oh Claire! she is big trouble this time, it will take all her friends to get her out of this one.
For the first time in the series we are left on a mini cliffhanger that makes you scream “Give us the next book now”
This is the most emotional and romantic novel in the series, but by all means, it’s still charged with the same exhilaration we have come to expect from this series.
Ultimately, this series hasn’t lost any steam, in fact, despite being the 11th entry; this might just be my favorite in the series.
Do you self a massive favor and jump in this phenomenal ride with the first book in the series, GLASS HOUSSES.
4.52 of 5 stars 4.52  ·  rating details  ·  818 ratings  ·  193 reviews on Goodreads

Narration
 
Cynthia Holloway captures Claire’s voice with perfection, young in years but without missing her admirable maturity. She also does an excellent job with the remaining cast, she never puts in doubt their unique personalities; Eve’s sense of humor, carefree and at times, carless attitude is never missed, Shane’s difficult and sometimes contrary manner is clearly conveyed and of course, Michael’s coolness is never over look.
Oh! And my dear Myrnin is portrayed in a way that undoubtedly suggests the perfect combination of brilliance and madness.
With the perfect tempo, she accurately  brings these novels to life with all the angst, tension, suspense and emotion.
I read the first book, Glass Houses, when I discovered the next book on audio I've never looked back.


The Author
Rachel Caine


Voices behind the books
Cynthia Holloway


Morganville Vampires Series, reading/listening order
  







Thursday, November 10, 2011

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs

Audiobook Review
By: Molly Harper
Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi
Published by: Audible Inc. 02/2010

Hot-ish
Jane Jamenson Series Book # 1
8hrs and 49mins
 Sample



Maybe it was the Shenanigans gift certificate that put her over the edge. When children's librarian and self-professed nice girl Jane Jameson is fired by her beastly boss and handed twenty-five dollars in potato skins instead of a severance check, she goes on a bender that's sure to become Half Moon Hollow legend. On her way home, she's mistaken for a deer, shot, and left for dead. And thanks to the mysterious stranger she met while chugging neon-colored cocktails, she wakes up with a decidedly unladylike thirst for blood.

Reviewed by Terra Lyne


I am a wit-aholic. I do NOT want to be introspective while reading or listening to an audiobook. I read/listen to be entertained and to escape…just for a bit…from my crazy wife/hockey, soccer, baseball and swim mom/jewelry designer/business owner/very jumbled and overcrowded brain. Molly Harper…I could kiss you on the mouth!! She creates some great escapes! Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs (book 1 in the Jane Jamison series) is the third book I have read by Ms. Harper. While these aren’t among my all-time faves, I still love. Her books are light and entertaining, sexy and witty and have just a tad of mystery to keep things interesting. Nice Girls is no exception.

Jane Jameson leads a simple life. She is a self-professed “nice girl” who spends her days working as a children’s librarian at the Half Moon Hallow’s small town library. Because of some supposed budget cuts and a power-hungry bitch of a boss, Jane is “let go” from the position she has put her heart and soul into. Being let go wasn’t what put her over the edge, however. Being handed a severance envelope that, to her, contained a slap in the face put her over the edge. And the subsequent bender has her getting way more than she bargained for. After too many cocktails, a few hours sobering up while chatting with a gorgeous stranger, car trouble, a ditch and a drunken hunter…Jane finds herself having to answer a question that seemed so simple at the time: “Do you want to live?” Well, duh!!

If only she had known that “living” actually meant “dying and then being reborn only to be undead and super-duper hungry for the blood of your best friend since grade school…who then thinks that you’ve gone off the deep-end and are making a pass at him when all you really want is to suck the life out of him, is that too much to ask? ” . A little heads-up would have been nice. So, whether she wants it or not, Jane is now a vampire with a gorgeous sire who makes her want to kick him in the nuggets (as my sons lovingly refer to them) one moment and kiss him silly the next.

As if her life wasn’t already nutty as a fruitcake, she receives a lovely gift basket from the Newly Undead Welcoming Committee not realizing that “welcome” would be the last thing she’d be feeling. Mayhem ensues and Jane finds herself wondering how a nice girl like her has ended up falling for a man without a pulse and fearing for her life.

I found myself shying away from these books when I stumbled across them in an Audible search for Molly Harper (I really enjoyed her book: And One Last Thing…). The title “Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs” just didn’t appeal to me. It screamed “I’m riding on the coattails of Twilight…come and get me!!!” Well, I was missing out on a fun ride. As I am writing this review, I am finding myself recounting the book and picking it apart in a way that it doesn’t deserve. You cannot take Molly Harper’s books to seriously. Sure, it would be easy to say “Half Moon Hallow? Really?” or “a nice girl children’s librarian with a masters in library science that is snarky and witty? Huh?” or “two gorgeous vampires that ooze sex appeal…one of them being very “Darcy-esque” and one of them being a bad boy hottie?” Oh, wait…never mind…that’s a good thing. Anyway, let yourself enjoy this crazy-fun book. It will have you laughing out loud and looking for more. Good thing there’s a book two!!
3.91 of 5 stars 3.91  ·  rating details  ·  3,056 ratings  ·  489 reviews on Goodreads

Narration

As for the narration, I LOVE Amanda Ronconi as the story teller. LOVE HER!! In “How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf”, she had one voice in particular that made me curl my lip and roll my eyes. Not so with Nice Girls. Her southern drawl is perfection (I mean, she makes you want to reach out and bitch-slap the head of the welcoming committee for gracious sakes!!). Did I mention this book was funny and witty? ;) Ms. Ronconi nails the snark and sarcasm. But also does the male voices with a smooth transition. There was not a single thing I disliked about the narration. I have already purchased book two…and I really have to like a book/series/narrator to fork over a whole Audible credit!  



The Author
Molly Harper






Voices behind the books
Amanda Ronconi