George's Girl

Horrible narration!!!

Reviewed: 07-23-14

Once upon a time I loved this long time keeper and was eager to give a listen. Well, I did - forced myself to stick with it for the sake of the story. I can't begin to express how awful the ear piercing, shrieking and unbelievably stupid narration. No one talks like this! I'd rather hear cavemen grunt.

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2 people found this helpful

Lacks emotion and stilted narration

Reviewed: 03-09-14

I really wanted to like this story because I'm a total sap for couples with a past history. Unfortunately, the writer failed to keep my emotions and heart fully engaged. As I continued to listen, hoping the author would make it worth my time, I realized that probably wasn't going to happen due to the jarring performance by the narrator. Her stilted style interrupted the flow. Conversations sounded mechanical rather than meaningful and grew worse with each passing sentence.

I'd recommend saving your credit for better entertainment.

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Due to subject matter, make note in description!

Reviewed: 01-14-14

While the author handled the very real matter of incest between a stepfather and his daughters with sensitivity, the reader/listener is constantly reminded of what shaped this woman to the point you can't get away from it. A significant amount of time is devoted to this heavy issue overshadowing the tenderness of young love and the couple's budding second chance. There are enough suggestive and/or slightly graphic details of physical and emotional abuse to contemplate seeking professional help for damage to the reader's psyche.

Another thing that bothered me was the issue of forgiveness. Without delving into great detail, would you grant forgiveness to a family member for committing, covering up or ignoring such an act on not one but two of your children? Not I!


Had I known the subject matter, I NEVER would have made the purchase. I strongly urge Audible to revisit the book's description for an update. It sounds as though Delia was at fault for wrecking the family, when what she was, was an abused 16 year old who fled a hopeless situation.

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9 people found this helpful

THIS ISN'T THE WAY A ROMANCE ENDS!!!

Reviewed: 12-24-13

Would you try another book from Heather Graham and/or Joyce Bean?

Yes, I absolutely adore Joyce Bean's readings. Her vocal talents for male & female characters breathe life into every story she narrates without sounding like a gushing, breathy twentysomething who needs help with understanding the big words.

I mostly enjoy Heather Graham's earlier books so it's nice to see some of those books appear in Audible's recent book list. I'd be a very happy listener if Audible would acquire Ms. Graham's Civil War Trilogy involving the Cameron Family - "One Wore Blue, And One Wore Gray, And One Rode West." Joyce Bean would be a perfect match because she does a terrific southern accent withou going overboard.

Has The Dead Room turned you off from other books in this genre?

No chance of that happening.

Which scene was your favorite?

No one scene stands out as a favorite. It's was the journey and the overall anticipation of the story's happy ending.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Dead Room?

I'm pretty sure it's an unwritten rule in the romance genre that no matter the subgenre - contemporary, suspense, historical, etc. - that the couple you've been rooting for throughout the entire book, always ... ALWAYS, gets their happily ever after. When an author has given EVERY indication that the main characters are or will be a couple, what dyed in the wool romance reader wants to become emotionally invested if they are not going to get the inticipated payoff?

Any additional comments?

If you're okay with an unconventional ending, The Dead Room is a well-written story, beautifully narrated by Joyce Bean.

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3 people found this helpful

Potential fell flat of the promise!

Reviewed: 12-21-13

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Those readers who enjoy more heat than meat from their main characters.

What was most disappointing about Karen Robards’s story?

The author devoted far to much time to the opening hostage scene. At least 4 Chapters if memory serve correctly. Why? Because the hostage negotiator spent more time thinking about the hunky "rogue" police detective's attributes than she did actually negotiating. From there, you can pretty much figure out how the rest of this on the run story plays out.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Andrews did a nice N'awlins cajun accent. I had difficulty believing the voice of Caroline - narrated by Cassandra Campbell - fit the character's profession and actions. That voice is better suited for light-hearted romance or young adult books.

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

Unfortunately, no. I like more variety in my romantic suspense stories than to be on the run chapter after chapter after chapter. And I want to "experience" character growth along the way or what's the point.

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1 person found this helpful

Monotoned Narrator

Reviewed: 11-03-13

What would have made Task Force Bride better?

A different narrator would have helped tremendously. Perhaps I would have been engaged enough to care about the fate of these people and finish the book.

Would you recommend Task Force Bride to your friends? Why or why not?

Maybe the print version.

How could the performance have been better?

I kept nodding off and/or turning out what was being said due to the lifeless performance.

Any additional comments?

I listened to the audio sample, which sounded good to purchase the book. I had know way of knowing I'd be bored into a trance after 4 hours. I think Audible should expand the audio book samples to include dialogue of both the lead characters so we get a better feel of what the voices sound like.

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2 people found this helpful

An endearing winner!

Reviewed: 10-31-13

Would you consider the audio edition of Carolina Home to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the print version and wouldn't want to when Sophie Eastlake told the story in technicolor. FYI, Sophie Eastlake is a/k/a Julia Whelan, brilliant narrator of "The Witness" by Nora Roberts, which is what prompted my purchase of an unfamiliar author.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked and admired the two main characters, Matt & Allison equally for their sense of honor, their realism in everyday life and the character growth each displayed.

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

It is apparent to me that in listening to this story recorded under the name of Sophie Eastlake or as Julia Whelan for "The Witness" she does her homework. She understands the story and what motivates the characters and takes you on a fabulous journey. Sophie/Julia gives the romance genre a great deal of class!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I particularly enjoyed the scene when Matt learns from his dad that home is wherever his wife (Matt's mother) is and the rest are just details to iron out. There are two other moving scenes but I don't want to do a spoiler.

Any additional comments?

This book isn't anything that's going to receive brilliant literary reviews and I don't believe that was the author's intent. Get over the fact that the basic plot isn't new because just how many ways can you bend and shape the boy with commitment issues meets nice girl plot. There's something to be said for a story that moves the heart like the gentle rocking of an anchored boat and can still deliver sexy romance without relying on the old he said/she said miscommunication ploy. I look forward to listening to Book 2 in the series this weekend.

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9 people found this helpful

Just where is Book 2 in this entertaining series?

Reviewed: 09-11-13

Would you listen to To Wed a Wicked Highlander again? Why?

Given time this tightly written tale will mostly definitely become a go to book for easy, uncomplicated entertainment. You can NEVER go wrong with a Carrington MacDuffie reading.

What was one of the most memorable moments of To Wed a Wicked Highlander?

I liked and appreciated the way the author incorporated what is now known as early Alzheimer's disease in the character of Alexander's aunt. Her scenes were amusing and touching at the same time.

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

Carrington MacDuffie ranks among my top 3 female readers. I've yet to listen to a single reading that she's failed to nail the characters & essence of the story. Kudos Carrington for doing your homework!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Sybella sees her father for who he truly is and that risking her happiness means nothing to him was cruel, but when he locks her away to die because she won't betray her husband was gut wrenching.

Any additional comments?

Audible, please release book 2 in this series. And if you could see the right of having
Carrington read that book as well, all the better.

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Enjoyable way to spend the day

Reviewed: 08-13-13

If you could sum up Be My Baby in three words, what would they be?

Amusing, sexy, smart.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Be My Baby?

I loved why & how the nickname Rosebud came about, the dialogue between Beau and his sisters and proper Juliet's reaction to it all.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Annie Green?

She did a slightly better job with Beau's voice & his sisters, but her pacing or something didn't gel all the time for Juliet's character. I liked her better than I thought I would, so yes, I'd give her another go.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I did exactly that and look forward to future redos.

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If you liked The Ideal Man this is a book for you.

Reviewed: 08-13-13

Would you consider the audio edition of Hotshot to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the print version. However, I'm certain I woul have liked it a bit more than the audio because the narrator's passable. Not exactly bad, but not great or good for that matter.

What did you like best about this story?

This story has Garwood's trademark humor and snappy dialogue without being heavy on the bad guy(s) actions & thoughts. Just the way I like my books. In many ways I'd compare this story to "The Ideal Man" in overall feel. The characters, dialogue, plot centering around sexual harrassment in the work place and the resolution are fresh, but the underlying essence ... purely Garwood.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Amy McFadden?

Well, that would depend upon if the author is a favorite. If the author is one I really enjoy, I'd be inclined, but I wouldn't be happy about it. For untried authors, I'd probably spend my credit elsewhere. Having said that, this narrator does a terrific Minnesota accent as befitted Peyton's friend. She made me smile because she put me in mind of the mother on the cartoon series "Bobby's World."

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

Nothing extreme as it isn't that kind of book. As with most of Garwood books, I do chuckle occasionally and appreciate the witty minds of her female leads.

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2 people found this helpful