Ms. Critic

Fantastic ! Deserves Pulitzer

Reviewed: 06-07-23

This book is a masterpiece and deserves its Pulitzer. The narrator, Charlie Thurston, was perfect for this book and brought the characters to life. It was so entertaining even while dealing with important issues like drug addiction, domestic violence and poverty. The author injects humor even while dealing with serious themes like child neglect. I wish I had words to describe it better. It is so realistic, it gave me the impression that the author may have experienced some of the issues dealt with in the book. Otherwise, she must have consulted with people who have experienced drug addiction. It sounds like this novel might be a downer, but it is far from it. Demon's perspective is filled with humor and pathos. as he speaks in the first person of his life experiences.

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Enjoyable , Great Narrator

Reviewed: 02-17-23

I read all Jojo Moyes’s novels when they come out. This was another success although it is hard to top the Me Before You series. The narrator is fantastic. Highly recommend it.

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Blew Me Away.!

Reviewed: 09-30-21

This book is the most compelling, well written book I have read in years ! I was skeptical when I heard it was her first novel and was afraid it would not live up to her later books, but this is my favorite by far. She makes you like the main character in the beginning even as she does one shockingly evil thing after the other. Then as the story progresses you just can't wait for her to have her day of reckoning
Although it is very long and dark, the narrator does so much to make the novel move along swiftly. This narrator is the greatest. I will seek out other books read by her as soon as I am done with this series. I was disappointed Emma Powell doesn't narrate the next book.

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Great Story with Strong Heroine

Reviewed: 01-17-21

This story and it's mystery held my attention and left me wanting more as the interesting plot developed. The narrator was great. The romance is not a large part of the plot but it is sweet and rewarding at the end. I would highly recommend this novel for it's originality and how well written it is. I love historical romance and this is not your run of the mill same old romance novel.. Give this author a try. You won't regret it.

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Best Romance Ever !

Reviewed: 01-17-21

I almost never post reviews, but always read them when trying to decide whether to purchase. I want future readers to know this is the most well written unique romance I have ever read and it achieved that without any sex scenes ! The love story has such a unique story line and one of the best narrators I have heard and I have been with audible for years. I cried with joy at the conclusion. Another thing I almost never do. And on top of all that , this novel is and it's sequels are FREE with Audible Plus. I certainly wouldn't have minded paying for it. I am so happy to have discovered this author,Jaima Fixson and narrator, Lucy Peterson. Can't believe she isn't more well known and hasn't written more books than she has.

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1 person found this helpful

Still not sure what happened?

Reviewed: 03-24-17

What disappointed you about Ill Will?

This was an overlong book. It starts out promising. A who done it. Then it goes off on a tangent about a conspiracy theory as to what happened to these college students who have drowned after drinking heavily. They go on and on about it. You never find out what really happened to the main character's parents that are murdered.

What was most disappointing about Dan Chaon’s story?

The ending was very unsatisfying. You don't get to solve the mystery of the murdered parents. I did skip some chapters in the middle because it was so annoying and repetitive.
I was tired of hearing about the drug use. It was depressing. The part where the son gets lured into an isolation tank is stupid.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrators were fantastic. They were the only thing that kept me interested in the story.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I was angry, sad and disappointed at the ending.

Any additional comments?

I would not recommend this one.

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5 people found this helpful

Favorite JoJo Moyes so far.

Reviewed: 10-02-14

Would you listen to One Plus One again? Why?

This audio book was so great. The multiple narrators were spot on. I have read all the novels of JoJo Moyes and they are all great. This one was on the lighter side so it was refreshing.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

These narrators made the story come to life. I always prefer audio to reading. The narrator has to be good of course and these were.

Any additional comments?

Order this book! It is a wonderful fun and poignant story.

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Frustrating Plot

Reviewed: 04-26-14

What did you like best about Beguiling the Beauty? What did you like least?

Jenny Sterlin, the narrator is always good, which is why I purchased this book.
I got very frustrated with the plot half-way through when Venetia falls in love with the Duke but chooses to act like a "B..." even after he knows her identity. Also, she doesn't tell her family what is going on even when she marries the Duke. There is no reason to keep them in the dark when she has a good relationship with them and they would not judge her.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I would change Venetia's behavior toward the Duke after he learns her identity. He could still refuse to forgive her without her behavior toward him being so wicked. She just makes herself look worse in his eyes which at this point she shouldn't wish to do.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed Sherry Thomas's early novels very much and was disappointed in this one.

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2 people found this helpful

Not the author's best effort

Reviewed: 04-18-14

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I don't think anything could have improved my experience. The narrator was fine but the plot dragged and I was bored.

Would you ever listen to anything by Mary Jo Putney again?

Yes, I have enjoyed many of her other books.

Any additional comments?

I would not recommend this book.

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Fantastic novel and narrator

Reviewed: 04-18-14

Would you consider the audio edition of The Tea Rose to be better than the print version?

Yes. I always seek out books narrated by Jill Tanner. In fact, that is why I ordered this book.

What did you like best about this story?

The historical details of the time period were fascinating to me; and of course the wonderful love story.

What does Jill Tanner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Jill Tanner makes the story come to life. She does equally well with the male and female character's dialogue which is hard to do.

Any additional comments?

Don't forget to get the other books in the series. They continue with the lives of the characters you have come to love in " The Tea Rose". I don't think the next book "The Winter Rose" is available on audio, so read that one and then get "The Wild Rose" on audio.
You will love them all.

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3 people found this helpful