Kissing Under the Mistletoe (Audiobook Review)

Audiobook Review

By: Marina Adair

Narrated by: Reneé Raudman
Published by: Brilliance Audio 10/2012

Hot

 

 St. Helena Vineyard Series Series book # 1

Wispersync for Voice-ready

8 hrs and 52 mins

Sample

 Regan Martin stopped believing in Christmas miracles six years ago when she lost everything—her house, her job, and her impeccable reputation in the wine industry—after she fell in love with a man she had no idea was married. Then Regan gets a chance for a fresh start in the Napa Valley. With her dream job, dream home, and her daughter enrolled in a wonderful new school, she starts wondering if holiday wishes really do come true.

But she soon tumbles back down to earth when she learns that her new boss is none other than Gabe DeLuca, the scorned wife’s brother. Gabe wants nothing more than home-wrecking Regan Martin out of his life, his sister’s world, and his family’s business. Mostly, he wants the lush beauty out of his head. Yet his attempts to run her out of town have him thinking twice, especially when he sees that Regan may hold the key to tracking down his sister’s stolen start-up capital. Even worse for Gabe, Regan might just be his Christmas wish and hold the key to his heart.

My Thoughts

Heartwarming, humorous, touching, sweet and inspiring - these are some of the words that come to mind for describing this novel.

This is a story of family loyalty, survival, and ultimately, of love’s triumph; all delivered by a strong cast of delightful characters; this makes a great introduction to the Napa valley themed series, St. Helena Vineyards.

 Marina Adair is a new to me author, and one that I will be keeping a close eye on for now on.

Any time an author can take me with such ease into her story and its characters, she (he) is sure to make my “watch for new releases from” list.

At the center of the story is a single Mom, where a  past mistake  keeps coming back to make her suffer the consequences, thanks to the  determination of Gabe Deluca,  who as the oldest brother, and now head of the Deluca's business, takes his job as the protector of his family very serious, especially the well being of his only sister.

Ms. Adiar has created a very likeable, real and most of all, a relatable heroine. Regan Martin is a strong, funny, beautiful, sexy and a wonderful mother, and when the darkest moments come, you can’t help but to feel her despair and get totally invested, and begin to root for her, and her little girl’s happy ending.

Gabe Deluca, on the other hand, is ruthless in his determination to make sure Regan disappears from his family’s life, and to make her stay as far away as possible from his little sister, so she doesn’t serve as the reminder of his brother in-law's betrayal and infidelity.

But when it comes to love, things are unpredictable, and when Regan begins to creep into his heart, Gabe will try to negate and fight against his feelings with the same conviction and determination.

 Did I mention that he’s a total YUM! Character?

The romance between Regan and Gabe is paced perfectly, and it’s layered with a great sexual tension, plus a banter humor that it’s sure to make you laugh out loud.

 I especially loved Reagan’s determination to survive, and to confront head on every attempt that Gabe Deluca made to destroy her.

The remaining cast contributions are as equally as entertaining, and help to make this novel a cute, quick and very entertaining read/listen.

I like to thank my friend Angela at UTC for recommending this novel.

  4.06  ·  rating details  ·  54 ratings  ·  29 review on Goodreads 

The Author

Marina Adair

Narration

I’m a big fan of Reneé Raudman; I’ve never been disappointed in any of her performances, and this is not the exception.

I love the way she gets the heroines, she beautifully conveys their personality, and breathes life into them with their own uniqueness, clearly portraying the author’s intent.

She’s remarkable with Regan’s sense of humor, and all aspects of her personality are nicely transmitted to the listener.

She also does a terrific job with Gabe’s voice; I never had a problem distinguishing his dialogue, and no complaints at all with his tone, I clearly got his masculinity and all around Yumminess …. LOL...Yea, he sounded hot.

Her pace and timing place you right in the middle of the story, making you experience the emotional moments in a very realistic manner. 

Her repertoire of voices is skillfully utilized to deliver another good interpretation and performance.

Voices behind the books

Reneé Raudman