Hildegard

Gripping

Reviewed: 01-16-25

Normally the appeal of an audiobook is so I can do other things while listening to it. Shari’s story was so compelling and engrossing that I literally sat still to listen. I’m immediately starting it over. Wow. Thank you, Shari, for being so open and vulnerable. I hope you and your family heal. Wow.

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The Aftercare We Need

Reviewed: 10-02-24

In one of the most poignant and beautifully written friends to lovers stories I've had the privilege of enjoying, author Robin Lynn simply knocks it out of the park. Tripp (firefighter) and Leander (paramedic) are friends and colleagues in adjacent high-stress and high-risk fields. What begins as an adventurous way to help each other cope with the intensity of the work they do and explore their mutual interests in bdsm, quickly deepens into a love and connection that neither one of them saw coming.

Like many people, I have been pretty frustrated with the ways in which the dom/sub relationship has been misrepresented and misapplied in popular media since a certain series that shall not be named took the world by storm. As Leander (Lee) observes himself, he'd, "...encountered some real a******s in the process, predators branding themselves "Doms" who were really just...bullies with consent issues...These were people who didn't seem to understand that submission is a gift, a privilege, and that all subs deserve both respect and something in return for the things they offer up freely."

What author Lynn does so incredibly well is to focus almost obsessively on the elements of consent, respect, and aftercare. Elements that are virtually non-existent in most media representations where this lifestyle is reduced to a kink. The community members who participate in and embrace this lifestyle will find so much to love about this book, and so much redemption.

Part of why she is so successful is because she has managed to create two of the most likeable main characters ever. Tripp (sub) is delightfully earnest, open, and snarky. Lee (dom), for his part, is stoic, careful, and logical. In each other, they find acceptance and love for both the strengths and weaknesses of their personalities. It is truly beautiful how Lynn is able to put these two men in situations that move each one through every facet of their personalities in ways that never pull them apart. Because at the root of their relationship is trust. That trust has been consistently and very carefully earned between them. It's heartwarming and a true testament to the goals and purpose of the dom/sub relationship.

Another reason that Lynn is so successful is because she gives the characters all the time they need for their story to be told. Yes. This is a long audiobook. but it doesn't feel long. Lynn masterfully crafts her scenes with vivid descriptions, careful insights, and an almost symphonic approach to each chapter. There is a real musicality to the structure of her paragraphs and the overall dramatic build within chapters and the book as a whole.

And this is where the choice in narrators really makes this book shine. This is the first book I've ever listened to that was narrated by Teddy Hamilton. And I get it now. I get why he is consistently listed as a fan favorite. Teddy Hamilton embodied these characters so well and so respectfully. In 20 hours and 41 minutes, he didn't make a single misstep in tone, energy, or artistry. Every acting choice was excellent. He tapped into the structured musicality of Robin Lynn's writing style, and showcased it phenomenally well. Bravo. Additionally, the production quality is excellent. I listened to this audiobook at times through my phone speaker, my earbuds, my car speakers, and my computer monitor. The audio quality was consistent throughout.

This extended version of the book features the addition of Timestamp after the original Epilogue. Oh. My. Goodness. What a masterpiece. The way that the tables turn and the brilliantly lovely way that the author has Tripp help Leander to find himself again is just the best. Chef's kiss to this entire production.

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1 person found this helpful

Essential Reading for Everyone

Reviewed: 08-06-24

This ought to be required reading for everyone -- especially educators. I loved this book for the insight it gave me into my my loved ones who are introverts, as well as myself; an extrovert. I confess that I found the section focused on Tony Robbins incredibly hard to get through. It was incredibly disquieting to hear such a problematic man praised so thoroughly. I hope that in a future edition, that section is replaced with a different extrovert. He is far too controversial to be included in a book about respecting people. The overall tone of the narrator was perfect. Loved Mazur's deliver. It was calm, peaceful, and appropriate to the subject.

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Bad Mormon; Bad Take

Reviewed: 08-06-24

This was an enjoyable book and I have actually listened to it a few times, so I definitely recommend it. That said, Heather Gay starts with a premise and tries to force the anecdotes she shares into that narrative, and it just doesn't work in a number of significant instances. For example, she shares a story about cutting her mom's curtains when she is a young girl, and lying about it. Instead of drawing the normal and valid conclusion that her parents were so upset with her because they didn't want their daughter to be a LIAR, she concludes that they were upset because she wasn't meek and feminine enough. It's a theme she perpetuates throughout the book. She is just "too big" in her personality and dreams to fit the sweet little Mormon girl mode. You will notice this bad take throughout the entire book as she consistently draws the wrong conclusions about problems she causes herself and others as she stumbles through life like everyone else on the planet. Mormonism is definitely a flawed religion that causes great harm. But sometimes a bad Mormon is just a bad person.

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Author Still Has Work to Do

Reviewed: 07-19-24

Like far too many people, this harrowing tale resonates with me on a personal level. It is incredibly well-written and well-narrated.

For further reading, I would suggest the book, “Sick Enough,” by Jennifer Gaudiani. She discusses in depth the risks to people’s health when we assume people who don’t “look” anorexic are not actually sick. Worth the read, as Jackie mentions this very problem multiple times in her memoir.

I believe the author has more work to do. Her desperate need for attention and validation has not gone away, and is something she ties directly to her ED throughout this book. That need is still proving to be a destructive influence in her life, as evidenced by her continued participation in the RHONJ. How much torture is she willing to inflict on herself just to feed that need to be noticed? She may have her ED under control right now or she may not. But her need to be seen is still driving her to self-harm.

Hopefully she will write another book — once she has finally done the work to understand how she is allowing herself to be destroyed by reality tv, and finally leaves it behind for good. I would definitely read that book as well.

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Fun Ride!

Reviewed: 01-17-24

This was a playful, entertaining, and engaging story. Lots of laughs. This is NOT a book that takes itself seriously at all. If you go into it with that in mind, you’ll enjoy it for the light-hearted adventure it is. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a humorous adventure featuring imperfect, engaging characters who are loyal to each other as they navigate a dangerous adventure together. The narrator is awesome. Really brings the story to life and paints a picture. Looking forward to the next one!

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Questionable Accuracy but Fascinating

Reviewed: 06-21-23

Like other reviewers, it’s hard to tell just how accurate Westover’s report is. She outright analyzes how her memories of certain experiences got better or worse based on how connected to and loved by her mother she felt. She had false takes on things in her journal that she admitted happened differently in the book. Other witnesses to certain events had different recollections. So what’s the actual truth? Who knows?

So I’m taking away a star from the story rating, just because I don’t like feeling conflicted about its accuracy. The narrator did a brilliant job. Will look for more nonfiction featuring her.

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Chapter 72

Reviewed: 04-30-23

Whoever made the decision to keep the emotional break at 7 minutes on in Chapter 72 deserves a raise or an Audie. The raw emotional moment that occurs here caused me to weep. Normally, something like this would be require a new take. But someone decided to advocate for leaving it in. I want to applaud whomever advocated for keeping it in. Thank you. Wow. It was raw. It was beautiful.

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Delightful, Entertaining, Sobering

Reviewed: 04-29-23 Listener received this title free

Nanny Joan is someone we all know. A cherished, unique individual that peppers our lives with stories and experiences. We collectively understand that there is that ONE person in our lives who marches to the beat of her own drummer, and we benefit as an observer or an accomplice.

This audiobook is a delightful listen. Between the anecdotes about Nanny Joan’s misadventures and the folksy charm of the narrator’s delivery, this experience was immersive and enjoyable.

The blurb makes a tongue-in-cheek jab at trigger warnings, and as someone who prides herself on never needing them, I will say that Chapter 12 made me reconsider. So consider this fair warning! If you have an easily triggered gag reflex, you MIGHT want to skip the dentures story in Chapter 12. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! Haha!

But in all seriousness, this audiobook is a wonderful and immersive experience. Vidalia Soleil delivers the story in a way that makes you feel like you’re sitting next to her on a massive wrap-around porch while staring-off over an expansive prairie as the sun sets over a field of golden, waving wheat. It’s an experience. Her execution of the Newfoundland accent and cadence are exceptional and entertaining.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the stories. The narrator did a wonderful job telling those stories. I can only hope that to someone out there, I am their own personal Nanny Joan.

*I received this audiobook for free. But I recommend it for its relatability and delightful performance.

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Sexy, Dark, and Riveting

Reviewed: 08-18-22

Book 4 takes a deep dive into the very dark, but it is phenomenal. Lt. Bradford is brilliant at character development, and unafraid of writing complex characters with sympathetic motives behind even their evil acts. It's brave and creates a very dynamic story that really draws the audience in. It's just great. This story is definitely not for the faint of heart, so if you're hoping for HEA, move along. But if you like good stories that are bold enough to be complicated and tragic, you're in the right place. Melanie is brilliant. Her versatility, range, and emotion are stellar.

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2 people found this helpful