. I cannot, however, recommend this narrator

A medieval setting is the backdrop for this romance, which starts with a bang in the center of a battle scene. My first introduction to this author provided plenty of excitement at the beginning, while we are introduced to the heroine in a curious and headstrong-ish princess Ciara. Quickly this introduction moves to a more sedate pacing, rife with descriptions that serve to set visual references for the listener/reader.

I’ll be perfectly honest right up front and say that this was possibly the most difficult AudioBook to complete that I have ever had, considering I have reviewed over 100 titles. That is saying something, unfortunately it’s not great. The narration by Julia Motyka required quite a bit of getting used to, and the odd mispronunciations and affected delivery of her narration in “uncharacterized distinction’ was quite frankly, annoying. What instantly caught my ear’s notice is the feeling that her voice itself is a characterization: almost over-exaggerated in the enunciation and tenor of speech. It is difficult to explain but if you think about the voice of Jessica Rabbit with a dash of Marilyn Monroe delivery, it gives the same effect early on. I assumed once I had acclimated to the unusual patois I would be able to concentrate on the story and not find the narration dismantling my focus, yet that never quite happened. Her voice is facile, and she did competently adjust her delivery to emulate a more masculine tone, as well as provide variance within the female characters, but the overwhelming feeling I had far too often was to roll my eyes.

Once the story does move into the romance, the pacing picks up, even though I felt there was some unnecessary back and forth between Ciara and Royce, and finding some moments of intrigue between the forbidden and the possible. The sexual tension started high, and moved to almost uncomfortable levels as the two danced about one another, their responsibilities and their own desires. Royce’s repeated self-recriminations about his duty versus desire wore on, losing effectiveness in both emotional impact and believability with each repeat. Both characters were victim to “unacceptable by oath and family’ love they cannot fulfill, yet enough of the twist with an evil brother serving as king to keep the rebels at unrest was mixed in to make their continued association after delivery to her betrothed to make sense. Yet, true love will prevail, and Ciara and Royce do, despite all the perseveration, have a connection that is palpable and caring, and visible to all who see them.

What I’ve realized as I struggle through this review is that this book, originally released in 1997 has a very retro feel to it – and was probably very unique and fresh. In the near 20 years since, writing and the genre has changed, and what was undoubtedly modern and edgy then is less so now. That isn’t a bad thing: I love the retro early romance titles that were my entrée into the genre. Written – I think I would have loved the story and been able to lose myself into the world the author created. Unfortunately, the narration was distracting to the point of annoyance, and kept me struggling through to complete the story. I’m sad, because the words and writing are wonderful and I would happily recommend this author to a reader looking for a solidly built and crafted historic romance. I cannot, however, recommend this narrator: affected delivery, dramatic and distracting overacting and a series of mispronounced words are only a few of the easiest to define reasons.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

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5 people found this helpful

I'm so glad I didn't miss this one!

This was a fun, sexy, dramatic, bite your nails story. There was lots of room to veer off onto side stories that would have been good too. But I'm glad to say that this story was in it's entirety a very good book. Definately credit worthy! I had a teenie bit of trouble adjusting to the fictional lands of king and princes but once I gave into it I found that there was such a nice tale to enjoy.

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5 people found this helpful

Pretty hot

She was a little annoying and the voice the narrator used for her didn’t help. But the love scenes were very nice and steamy!

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1 person found this helpful

Enchanted, Enthralled, and Entranced!

What did you love best about His Forbidden Touch?

“I would be anyone if only I could be with you.”

This is the best medieval romance I've ever listened to. The author expertly evoked a multitude of emotions seamlessly: love, humor, longing, passion, grief, and fear. It was a multi-layered read interlaced with history, steamy romance, and gripping intrigue. The writing was first-rate. The narrator, Julia Motyka, was excellent. She paused for emphasis in all the right places and exuded the appropriate emotions into every word. I will definitely look for more books narrated by her. She was awesome!

What other book might you compare His Forbidden Touch to and why?

I love historical romances and this one delivered with a love fated to fail, beautiful vistas, heart-wrenching danger and thrilling suspense. If you loved The Princess Bride, you will love this story as it is of a similar ilk. I felt that I could hear Wesley's "As you wish..." as I listened to this fractured re-framing of that famous classic.

Which character – as performed by Julia Motyka – was your favorite?

That's a tough question! If I can only pick one, I'd have to go with Royce. Royce was a classic tortured hero. He began as a brooding , dark character but evolved into a wonderful, honorable, swoonworthy hero. I dare anyone who loves romance novels to not fall in love with Royce. His feelings of desire, hunger and fear for Ciara were heart wrenching and raw and left me oftentimes gasping for breath. I would literally have to hit pause just to allow my heart rate to return to a normal pace.

“What have I done?" he asked, his voice raw. "You used to be such a sane, sensible lady." Ciara replied "You took me on a journey into my own heart.”

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

Besides the ending which I'm still awe-struck over, I absolutely loved the scene when Royce visited Princess Ciara in her tower bedroom.

Any additional comments?

Shelly Thacker's loves scenes were realistic, stunningly beautiful and sensually erotic. The romance was paramount, but there was plenty of lust to relish. If you crave steamy sex scenes, there is a plethora of well-written ones here! I appreciated that the heroine was not portrayed as a simpering damsel in distress but a willing partner, eager to learn how to protect herself and to explore new sensations.

This was an incredible historical "doomed love" romance with a happy ever after ending you will not see coming. Read it or listen to it, as you wish. You should definitely rush to whatever bookstore you use and buy it now!!!!!!

My full review has been published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club.

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2 people found this helpful

An Enjoyable Slow Burn

"You can insist all you like, Your Highness, but my place is wherever I want it to be."

Synopsis:
Accepting her responsibilities as princess of Chalon, Ciara agrees to marry Prince Daemon of Thuringia, known throughout the kingdom for his ruthless cruelty. Believing her father harbors no real love for her, after the tragedy that crippled their family, Ciara can only hope her sacrifice would somehow earn his good favor.

Banished from his homeland, Royce Saint-Michel returns to Chalon for one reason alone, to get back all he lost. Agreeing to the role of escort and protector for Princess Ciara, he need only obey one simple rule regain his noble station, do not touch her.

Thoughts:
Three words describe the delightful tale woven by Ms. Shelly Thacker best, a slow burn. I really enjoyed this historical romance set in the imaginary lands of Chalon and Thuringia. The sexual tension between Ciara and Royce developed from a tempered kindle into a roaring inferno. The perilous adventure created a wonderful backdrop, moving the story along at a comfortable pace. Strategically creative twists leaves the reader wondering with each page turn, which will win out in the end, love or duty. I highly recommend His Forbidden Touch if you love historical romances or were thinking about giving the genre a shot. Please note, this is book two of the Stolen Bride series. I have not read the first, but the story stood well enough on it’s own. However, I do intend to go back and read the first book because I enjoyed this one so much.

Julia Motyka does a good job of narrating, making it easy to distinguish between the multiple characters. I loved how her voice inflected the antagonistically divine nature of our hero, Royce. And I said before, I do plan on delving back in for more.

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Not as good as the first one.

I loved Forever His. I loved the fantasy aspect of a time traveling woman that finds love in the past and has to over come the obstacles of being a futuristic woman living in the past. His Forbidden Touch is nothing like that, its just a plain old historical romance. It still was a good story, but I was hoping for something like the first book. The only connection between the first book and the second is Royce the main character was friends with Sir Gaston from the first book. So I was a little disappointed with this one.

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Give Me the Alps & a Hunky Man

THACKER gives the reader all that we love in a historical romance. We have an impossible situation and a woman confined by society's dictates. She is strong, imperious with a strong compulsion for saving others. She is put in close and vulnerable proximity of a mysterious, brooding man. One that has duty and honor lurking from behind his combative, bad-boy attitude and not to mention exudes sexiness. The tension grows between them as they learn each other's motives and true character. Nothing like near death situations to make them want to take hold of the living thing between them at all costs. Yummy goodness. But nothing they want will come easy or without sacrifice. Like I said, it has all the ingredients of a good historical romance.

JULIA MOTYKA portrays a mature Ciara that is weary with her situation. You can feel the weight of bringing peace to her people at the cost of her freedom and heart. She also brings an appropriately masculine touch to the male characters. She conveyed all of Royce's frustration with his past, current task and longing for a future that might not be.

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3 people found this helpful

Didn't hold my interest

I really loved the first book in this series and I guess that set a high bar. While this was well written, the characters just didn't grab me, and I found myself moving on to other, better books.

Could be the lack of magic or the absence of the sense of place so evident in book one, I'm not sure. In this one, they spend a lot of time traveling around, and the villain has too big of a role to make it a true romantic read.

2nd book slump? I'm going to read the third book, but really, I just want to go back and read the first one again. Still, I may revisit this one in the future, just to make sure I didn't miss a good thing.

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2 people found this helpful

Overwrought narration spoiled a good read

This is the second book I've read in the stolen brides series and like the writing but the narration in both books was so over the top melodramatic that I almost didn't finish this one. I've got the other book in the series but think I'll just read this one and not listen.

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A superb listen, worth the credit!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would highly recommend this to a friend. This story has romance, mystery, betrayal, add in the wonderful character & plot development and this story is near perfect. Royce and Ciara really well matched. It was great to see their friendship and love develop, despite the many odds against them. There's also a lot of adventure and twists & turns weaved into the plot. I had several mouth dropping moments while listening. This one kept me on my toes. Nothing is as it seems. This is a great listen and worth the credit. Remember, this is book 2 of 3 of the series. Listen to Forever His first.

What other book might you compare His Forbidden Touch to and why?

None at the moment. It's in a league of it's own. .

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

I've not listened to any other of Julia Motyka's performances but I think that she does a fantastic job in this series. I enjoyed her narration immensely.

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

I laughed a lot, especially when Ciara and Royce first met.When she ordered him around like one of her attendants, his responses/reactions were priceless.

Any additional comments?

More of Shelly Thacker please!

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4 people found this helpful