Occasional Reviewer

Disappointed

Reviewed: 07-04-23

It took me a long time to get invested in the story, but the real disappointment was the solving of the main crime. It seemed to get solved suddenly and without any backstory to make the resolution fit the rest of the book.

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Very disappointing

Reviewed: 01-31-21

It was almost impossible to suspend disbelief throughout the story — especially for the final action sequence.

The narrator was okay, even though there was no differentiation among the characters’ voices. It was difficult to finish the book, and I had to listen at 1.5x speed to get through it.

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3 people found this helpful

3 stars for story, 5 stars for narration

Reviewed: 12-18-20

I found Good Girl Bad Girl riveting but was somewhat disappointed by this follow up. I hope there will be a third installment featuring Cyrus and Evie, as there is a lot yet to explore. The narrator was amazing. I could listen to Joe Jameson read a phone book.

* SPOILERS BELOW *

I thought Sasha’s character didn’t add to the story. Why did she suddenly show up? Why was she no longer concerned for her own safety? If we had to have her, I could’ve done without the romantic connection between her and Cyrus, which also felt unnecessary.

The story wrap up was very confusing and too neat. Why did Jimmy decide so quickly to jump? Why did Ben Menken throw in the towel rather than complete his task, when given the perfect opportunity? Why would Evie have come out of hiding and back to living with Cyrus? Were we to understand no one was continuing an active hunt for her? It’s hard to believe the head-honcho bad guy would let up even a little after so much resource and effort had gone into the attempts to silence Evie permanently.

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1 person found this helpful

Not even Jacob Morgan & Teddy Hamilton can salvage this

Reviewed: 09-24-18

SO over the top. Just nonstop emo-angst plus nonstop graphic sex. The story was so melodramatic and unvarying it was like being beaten over the head with a first edition hardback. The book was a chore to finish.

Within a day of meeting each other, Alex and Tristan form an intense, soul-searching bond of trust. These two don’t have a single conversation that doesn’t include sharing their most searing life traumas and deepest emotional scars. Who does that within the first week of meeting someone? It’s all pretty tough to buy, and there’s simply very little that rings true in this book. Such a waste of narrator talent. :(

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3 people found this helpful

Disappointed by characterization of Leo’s voice

Reviewed: 12-17-17

The narration kind of ruined the book for me. Leo’s voice quavered a lot and often sounded on the verge of tears. After being introduced to Leo in the first book of the series, I felt his personality was not well represented by this narrator.

As for the story, it was just okay. I couldn’t quite connect with either Leo or Will. I was disappointed in this last installment of the series.

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1 person found this helpful

HEART-TUGGING TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Reviewed: 11-11-17

This series transported me instantly to my ‘70s and ‘80s youth. Just reading the song titles that begin each chapter filled me with fond wistfulness and a bit of an ache. I remembered when up-and-coming musicians seemed to emerge more organically than today’s manufactured stars. Perhaps it’s nostalgia on my part, but it seemed the path to industry success was less formulaic.

And Tower Records! Who can forget the blockbuster retailer that allowed you to listen to songs before buying?

I felt all the angst of Daron’s evolution yet there was nothing cloying or sentimental about the writing. It’s tight. No wasted words. Strunk and White would be proud.

Teddy Hamilton is fantastic. I’m so glad he was the sole narrator. I loved all three of these audible books.

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Fondly nostalgic

Reviewed: 02-28-15

The Princess Bride is ageless and timeless. Learning how the movie came to be only enriches my memories of this beloved film.

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Better to read this one rather than listen

Reviewed: 01-14-15

Any additional comments?

I would recommend reading this book rather than listening to the it. Eve Matheson's voice is lovely, and her narration is very enjoyable when her characters are understated, as in The Nonesuch. In Lady of Quality, her characterization is over the top and runs roughshod over Georgette Heyer's subtle humor. I was disappointed in the audiobook but recommend the printed and Kindle versions.

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10 people found this helpful

Narration is out of this world!

Reviewed: 10-29-14

If you could sum up Frederica in three words, what would they be?

Though not in any way a farce, this is a witty, laugh-out-loud tale starring a droll and lovable ensemble cast.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I first said Felix but, having thought further, it's simply too hard to choose. I loved all of the characters, because The narrator made each one so real.

Which character – as performed by Clifford Norgate – was your favorite?

Harry, followed closely by Endymion and the fellow that described Felix's descent from the tree.

Any additional comments?

I was delighted when I read Frederica years ago. Clifford Norgate's narration raised my enjoyment level sky high, because he brought the story and cast to life! Every character, and there were many, was given a distinct voice and tone. His narration of the non-dialogue portions was equally superb. I can't give high enough praise to his performance of Frederica.

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Great Heyer book and excellent narrator!

Reviewed: 10-23-14

What made the experience of listening to Sylvester the most enjoyable?

Nicholas Rowe's terrific voices for the characters. All easily distinguishable and believable. Nothing over the top. Especially loved how he voiced Edmund, Sir Nugent, and the Dowager Lady Ingham, but all of the characters were wonderfully done.

Any additional comments?

This is one of my favorite Georgette Heyer books. It has an interesting premise (no spoilers) and a wonderful cast of characters.

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