Gadfly-in-Residence

Miscegenation, closets, and romance

Reviewed: 01-18-23

Second Helpings is a charming, light rom-com with all of the delicious side-dishes that make this genre so popular; especially, for those of us who still believe that true love endures.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Reluctant Omega Trains his Eager Alpha

Reviewed: 07-30-22

Yet another fun and exciting tale written by the mistress of romantic comedy. Mary Calmes understands the elements of classic Romance: The Quest, The Test, The Seeming Defeat, and The Ultimate Victory. Beautifully crafted!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Wonderful Writing Marred by Uneven Narration

Reviewed: 11-01-19

I am a huge fan of Sam Burns novels! Her stories are full of creative and believable world-building, compelling characters and consistently interesting plot lines with the kind of romances we all wish we had. This one was no exception: a fun reinterpretation of the Greek gods and myths.

The narrator, however, was difficult to hear—and even to comprehend sometimes. It's a shame because the timbre of Mr. Zaba's voice is really good. If he worked on emphasis, cadence and NOT swallowing his words, he would be a real star on Audible. Unfortunately, the narration required continual rewinding to understand what he said. A narrator like Chris Chambers, who has a similar voice quality, would have made this a full 5+ star listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Good, Low Steam Story

Reviewed: 07-12-19

I enjoyed this book almost as much as the first Camp H.O.W.L. It's an easy listen with Dorian Bane's sexy gravely voice–perfect for a werewolf. Let's hope that the next Bru Baker wolf tale, Hiding In Plain Sight, makes it to audio.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Second Chance Shifter Romance

Reviewed: 06-13-19

The story was sweet, but a tad prosaic. If it weren't for the high quality of the narration done by C. Allan Kelly, I would have found the main characters to be uninteresting. Mr. Kelly breathed life into this brief tale of second chance love and male pregnancy.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Satisfying story with some editing issues

Reviewed: 10-24-18

Noah Harris is one of my favorite authors in this genre, and I always expect an interesting and entertaining tale from him. Well worth the credit for anyone who likes a good story interspersed with sexual content, rather than the other way around.

Although technically this work needs to be edited more carefully, the narrator has a very pleasant timbre to his voice. Mr. Liebenstein lulls and then surprises the listener into what is an emotionally charged and interesting story of self-discovery and understanding. I would like to experience some of his other narrations.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Balancing Editorial Content with the Factual

Reviewed: 05-22-18

I realize that in a shrinking market for newspapers, even financial papers must change their style to survive. I would suggest that WSJ take a look at the British Financial Times newspaper to see what a successful journal can "sound" like. Their news and factual content are well-researched, but there is still a personality that comes across from each and every article. Their authors and editors all have distinctive styles that emerge from professional, yet often colorful, opinionated stories. If I want someone to read just the facts about current events, I would not pay for the WSJ. I want what you professionals THINK about the timely and complex issues of the economic, business and political world. And please, I don't want to know what President Trump had for breakfast or what bimbo he's managed to bribe into his bed.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Selfish, Manipulating Bastards

Reviewed: 04-23-18

What would have made Fast Forward better?

More thoughtful plot and believable dialogue

What do you think your next listen will be?

LGBT Romance of course

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

He saves the story from being silly. His voice and manner always makes one consider the words he reads. He's one of my favorites.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Fast Forward?

The last chapter should have been removed. Either alternate between the perspective and voice of main characters or leave it as a single person's voice. This just seemed tacked on.

Any additional comments?

This novella was very difficult for me to rate. The writing ranged between 3/5 to 5/5 stars consistently; however, the plot and dialogue were ridiculous. The story was almost as bad as the Mary Calmes story, You Never Know. (Don’t get me wrong. I adore Mary’s stories and own nearly 40 of her audiobooks.)

I fail to understand the appeal of a man who claims his undying love, then abandons you without a word (for years on end no less), and then when he's had his fill of fun, success, drugs, sex and general dissolution, comes running back with, “Oh, Baby. I’ve missed you so much!” Fuuuuuck that!

It happened to me only once. The person called me after 10 years to “get together.” I was polite and wished them a nice life. Please never contact me again—ever.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Nice Surprise

Reviewed: 04-22-18

Where does Fallen the Other Way rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As a short story—and given those constraints—it was quite good. We're not talking great literature, but I enjoyed it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fallen the Other Way?

Troy's surprise at the connection forming between him and the erstwhile straight Cameron.

What about Nathan Montgomery’s performance did you like?

I enjoyed his delivery. At first I thought it would be very staid, but his voice has a range from softly emotional to passionate. He reminded me a little of Peter B. Brooke, who is one of my favorites.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book's range is more narrow: from one smile to the next.

Any additional comments?

I didn't expect much from this story other than something erotic. It was that, but it was more charming than it was erotic. It was sweet, romantic story about two driven people, finding each other.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Trickle Down Is Just What You Think It Means

Reviewed: 06-11-17

Would you try another book from Anna Zabo and/or Iggy Toma?

Anna Zabo - no. Iggy Toma is brilliant.

Would you ever listen to anything by Anna Zabo again?

No.

Have you listened to any of Iggy Toma’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I own several audiobooks with his narration, and regardless of the quality of the work, Toma's immense talent shines through. His voice characterizations are subtle and distinct, and manage to carry a story despite the author's talent or lack thereof.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Yes, the author had the good sense to employ Toma.

Any additional comments?

If your sexual kink is the fetishization of another's pain and humiliation, then this book is for you. I find a celebration of degradation not worthy of my time. I believe the safe-word was red. "Red!"

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful