Audiobook Review
By: Sylvia Day
Narrated by: Jill Redfield
Published by: Brilliance Audio 06/2012
Burning
11 hrs and 32 mins
Sample
Our journey began in fire... Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness-beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily... Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires. The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart... "When it comes to brewing up scorchingly hot sexual chemistry, Day has few literary rivals."
My Thoughts
I couldn’t wait to listen to Bared To You, the enthusiasm of some my peeps had me eagerly anticipating this novel, especially after they mentioned how much I would love it since I had enjoyed the Fifty Shades trilogy so much.
Unfortunately, the similarities between the two novels started to bother me more than I thought they would, and at first I just couldn’t get completely into these characters, I didn't feel the magic - after a few chapters I almost decided to stop listening, now I’m glad I didn't, by the 11th chapter I started to forget all about Fifty and began to get lost in yet another dysfunctional relationship.
When Eva Tramell decided not to pay attention to her sixth sense and stay away from the enigmatic, gorgeous, super rich...(I’ll stop right there, I don’t want this to be a copycat of my review of Fifty..LOL) Gideon Cross, and surrenders to her undeniable attraction, her romantic life began to unravel in a relationship full of turmoil and confusion.
Eva and Gideon’s story is without a doubt emotional and unpredictable. They are both wounded by past abuse, and now they have to try to find a way to have a normal relationship, but it’s never easy - their emotional scars will inevitably get in the way.
When they are not being jealous and insecure, they do manage some steaming and scorching sexy moments, repeatedly I might add.
In a way, I ended up enjoying their story, as well as the story of a secondary character, if you can use the term “enjoy” when witnessing an emotional train wreck.
I do have to admit the novel is a well written erotica, and it has a more adult feel than Fifty.
I liked the Eva’s character, and was compelled by her wrenching struggles, her character was skillfully developed, I do want her to find her happy ending, and I’m not talking about the kind talked about in the massage parlors, she got plenty of those in this novel, I’m talking about a fairy tale happy ending… now Gideon.... I still not sure about him, maybe in the next installment, Deeper Into You, I will I get to find out more about him, and how deeply he was hurt, even thought we do get glimpses of his past, it wasn't enough for me (I need more than a Bentley or how good a man wears a pinstripe suit to give him a pass to my heart) then I might understand a bit more where he's coming from, regrettably, I never really got captivated by his power, beauty or wealth.
If you enjoyed Fifty Shades for the dysfunctional part of the relationship then you will find this novel very entertaining, also if you manage to get past the similarities between the stories, nevertheless, if you take pleasure in a well written erotica novel with emotionally disturbed and challenging characters, then this is a “do not miss”
BTW, no BDMS here.
The Author
Sylvia Day
Narration
Jill Redfield is a new- to me narrator, and if this is her first performance, I’m totally impressed, her portrayal of Eva was excellent, the feel of the story was beautifully brought to life. I had no problems keeping up with the different characters, and the emotional parts were as equally real as the sexy and sensual parts.
I do have a minor complaint about the male voices, especially Gideon’s, I think it could have been a little more natural; I did sensed an effort in delivering his voice, but it wasn’t so bad as to distract from the story.
Fortunately the story is delivered in Eva’s point of view, and I have to say Ms. Redfield did an excellent job with that.
So, in this case I can assure you that if you don’t enjoy this novel it won’t be the narrator's fault.
Voices behind the books
Jill Redfield
Couldn't find an image, but I'm working on it :)
Book trailer
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What I liked better about this one comparing it to FSG was the writing. I also agree with you, this one felt more adult than FSG, the virgin heroine of FSG was a bit too much.
ReplyDeleteYou know I loved Fifty, it just hit me the right way.I did enjoyed this one, I think I would have loved it if I had listened to it before I did fifty.
DeleteI too, like this one so much better than FSG. Interesting characters with depth and more than just sex, and a plot with twists and turns that make it exciting. I like Jill Redfield's Eva, and all her other characters, except Gideon. I wish there was a man reading that part. I guess that's not the definition of an audio book but I've listened to others where the female reader does capture a man's voice and passion really well. I don't feel it with Gideon. As I listened I got used to it, but I still didn't like it very much. Sometimes in some of Gideon's emotional dialogue she slips back into Eva's/Jill's voice. However, it didn't stop me from downloading Reflected in You today. ::)
ReplyDeleteI just finished Reflected in You, and I have to say, I'm having a much better appreciation for the characters and the writing style. Now I can't wait for the next novel :)
DeleteThank you for stopping by, and sorry for the late reply I just now saw your comment.