Quick Audio Bytes – Read-Love-Blog

Rina’s Quick Audio Bytes ~ Audiobook Reviews in Short: Burned by a Kiss by Tina Leonard

Quick Audio Bytes

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Link: http://amzn.to/1XEYGAZ

Burned by a Kiss

Written by: Tina Leonard

Narrated by: Emily Cauldwell

Length: 5 hrs and 8 mins

Series: Star Canyon, Book 1

Story: 4 stars

Performance: 4 stars

Overall: 4 stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance

“Be bald. Be beautiful. Whatever you want. Just kiss me…”

Synopsis:

Town veterinarian and former class nerd, Emma Glass has made a comfortable life for herself. A life turned upside down when her high school crush, Santana Dark, returns to Star Canyon.

Santana has finished his tour as a Navy SEAL and had encountered his fair share of darkness while abroad. A darkness only made complicated by the revelation of his father’s will. With his life spiraling out of control, Santana clings to the one ray of light keeping his grounded, Emma, the class nerd he kissed on a dare and hasn’t forgotten since.

Quick Byte:

Burned by a Kiss is a sweet, contemporary romance full of interesting characters. The reader finds themselves immersed in the richness of Star Canyon, soaking up all the small town feel you’d expect from such a tightly knit community. I only wish we got to see more interaction between Santana and Emma alone, without the addition of background characters.

This was my first audiobook narrated by Emily Cauldwell and I thoroughly enjoyed her performance. She didn’t try to do too much and made point of view changes with ease.

Overall, I enjoyed Burned by a Kiss and can’t wait to see what else Tina Leonard has in store for the folks of Star Canyon.

Rina’s Quick Audio Bytes ~ Audiobook Reviews in Short: The Law of Attraction by N.M. Silber

The Law of Attraction: Lawyers in Love, Book 1
Written by N.M. Silber
Duration: 7 hrs 33 mins
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Story: 3 stars
Performance: 3.5 stars
Overall: 3.5 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance

“Some men can obviously handle my mouth.”

Synopsis:

Gabrielle Ginsberg spends her daylight hours going toe to toe with Braden Pierce, a ridiculously handsome assistant district attorney for the Philadelphia criminal court system. However, sometimes life as a public defender can reach embarrassing lows. Especially when Gabrielle is forced to spin creative tales in support of her clients’ criminal activity while running the risk of being laughed out of the courtroom, all in front of her crush. After acting completely out of character at a dive bar frequented by her fellow colleagues, Gabrielle scores a date with Mr. Hot Prosecutor who appears to share a mutual attraction.

Quick Byte:

The Law of Attraction is a light-hearted romp in and out of the courtroom that will have the reader laughing out loud. There was one scene in particular, involving a chihuahua name Bruno that had me practically in stitches. Unfortunately, I enjoyed the build-up more than the actual relationship between Gabrielle and Braden. Things progressed rather quickly for my personal taste and lacked a genuine appeal at times. However, Ms. Silber does a great job of keeping the humor consistent and the reader engaged throughout. Gabrielle is funny and I found her character interesting and likable.

Tavia Gilbert is probably my favorite part of this audiobook. She is such an accomplished narrator and she never fails to keep me entertained. There were even moments when I needed to roll up my car windows at traffic stops, not wanting neighboring drivers to hear just how convincing she was during the particularly hot parts.

All in all, I enjoyed The Law of Attraction and would recommend to a reader looking for a romance that is both fun and light. Please be aware, the first two books in the Lawyers in Love series lead into one another with book one ending on a bit of a cliff-hanger.

~Rina

Rina’s Quick Audio Bytes ~ Audiobook Reviews in Short: Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher

Quick Audio Bytes

Rina’s back with her review of the Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher audiobook!

mud vein cover

Mud Vein by: Tarryn Fisher

Narrated by: Simone Lewis
Genre: Romance/Psychological Thriller
Source: Audible

Story: 3.5
Performance: 4
Overall: 4

“Life is too short to hide your wrongs, so I hide myself instead.”

Senna Richards is a reclusive novelist. She wakes to find herself in a strange bed, wearing unfamiliar clothes in her particular size, and locked inside a house with enough food to last a seasonal winter. The most unsettling discovery, she is not alone. Senna must revisit her painful past and piece together the clues, slowly closing in around her, before it’s too late.

Upon finishing Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher, I decided to digest the story a bit before writing my review. Ms. Fisher penned one of those rare novels that left me seriously unsure of whether I loved or hated the book. To be honest, I’m still undecided. I will say that the writing is top notch. Descriptive prose that draw you in so deep you feel as though you could reach out and touch the world created.

“Clarity bleeding through my denial. Warm against my numb brain.”

The main character was intense and flawed. Almost flawed to a fault. My lack of compassion towards Senna Richards at times could have much to do with my indecisiveness regarding the story as a whole. Mud Vein started slow, but my principal issue rested with the ending. I felt the tie up a bit rushed and somewhat unbelievable. The thriller junkie inside me had hoped for more of a psychological twist.

Simone Lewis did an excellent job of narrating Mud Vein. Her voice was clear and concise, leaving the line between character and storyteller indiscernible. A trait I’ve come to appreciate in a good narration.

All in all, Mud Vein was an interesting offering and a good choice for any reader who enjoys a enigmatic puzzle with a slow reveal. I found Ms. Fisher’s style of writing complex and beautiful, and I fully intend to check out more of her books.

~Rina

About the author:

I am a real life villain, truly. I drink sick amounts of Starbucks. Most of the time my hair smells like coffee. I was born in South Africa, and lived there for most of my childhood. I moved to Seattle just for the rain. Rome is my favorite place in the world so far, Paris comes in at a close second. I read and write more than I sleep. When I was eleven, I wrote an entire novel about runaway orphans, using only purple ink. I am addicted to Florence and the Machine and will travel to see concerts. I love scary movies and giraffes. I spend way too much time on Facebook. Meet you there?

Website

Rina’s Quick Audio Bytes ~ Audiobook Reviews in Short: Forever His: Stolen Bride Series, Volume 1 by Shelly Thacker

Forever His: Stolen Bride Series, Volume 1

Written by: Shelly Thacker
Narrated by: Julia Motyka
Duration: 15 hrs 5 mins
Genre: Historical Romance

Story: 4.5 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Overall: 4.5 stars

Synopsis:

Whisked away over 700 years into past on New Years Eve, Celine Fontaine finds herself in the embrace of a boorish, wenching, lug of a man, who keeps calling her Christine. She soon learns that Sir Gaston de Varennes is not only incorrigible, he is also her betrothed, a marriage decreed by King Philip to ensure that Gaston and the Duke Tyrell put an end to their tiresome quarrel.
Gaston thirsts for vengeance, convinced the death of his father a brother was a result of foul play by the hand of Tyrell, but he lacks the proof. Believing that a marriage to Christine is just another ploy by the treacherous Duke, Gaston keeps Celine at an arm’s distance although he really yearns to have her in his bed.

Quick Byte:

Shelly Thacker is a master of historical romance, sucking the reader into a vibrant painting of the past. The modern world collides with what once was, for an edge of your seat adventure that had me listening way past my bed time to see what happens next. Celine and Gaston melt the pages, a push and pull of expertly delivered tension, threatening to bubble over. Will they or won’t they?

Julia Motyka does a wonderful job of bringing Shelly Thacker’s world to life, making the story all the more authentic and enjoyable. This is the first book of the Stolen Bride series. I already loved and reviewed the second book in the series, His Forbidden Touch, and can’t wait to start the third.

~Rina

Rina’s Quick Audio Bytes ~ Audiobook Reviews in Short: The Fever by Megan Abbott

The Fever

Written by Megan Abbott

Duration: 9 hrs 12 mins

Narrated by: Caitlin Davies, Kirby Heybourne, Joe Barrett

Story: 4 stars

Performance: 3.5 stars

Overall: 4 stars

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

“Hey, girl.”…“Hey, girl.”

Synopsis:

Life at Dryden High School is turned upside down when Lise Daniels collapses onto the classroom floor, overcome by a violent seizure. When Lise is suspiciously hospitalized and the health department arrives to investigate the matter further, questions surface as to what could’ve been the cause when two more girls appear stricken with the same condition.

Quick Byte:

This was a difficult review for me to write. Not because I didn’t enjoy The Fever by Megan Abbott. Quite the opposite really. I enjoyed The Fever very much. So much so, I found myself annoyed when life got in the way of me reading. However, I don’t want my review to ruin what makes this book so good in my eyes, the less you know…the better the journey. The Fever is dark, twisted and unnerving.

Although, I will say the book primarily focuses on the social dynamics of high school students in a small town, with two of the three points of view being that of teenagers. So if you have any aversion to those two elements, there is very good chance you might not like this book. If not, I highly recommend a dip into this neo-noir world Megan Abbott creates with expert precision.

As mentioned before, The Fever is told by three points of view and the audiobook is read by three different people. It took me a little bit longer to get used to the dynamic of three different voices, enjoying Caitlin Davies’s portrayal of teenage girls the most.

~Rina

Rina’s Quick Audio Bytes ~ Audiobook Reviews in Short: His Forbidden Touch by Shelly Thacker

His Forbidden Touch

by Shelly Thacker

Narrated by: Julia Motyka

Length: 12 hrs 31 mins

Series: Stolen Bride, Book 2

*Audiobook received in return for an honest review*

Story: 4 1/2 stars

Performance: 3 stars

Overall: 4 stars

“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 antagonisticly divine nature of our hero, Royce. And I said before, I do plan on delving back in for more.

~Rina

Best of 2013 Audiobook Blog Hop

Happy New Year!

It is time for the Best of 2013 Audiobook Blog Hop and my friend Rina, who stops by with her audiobook reviews, will be highlighting her favorite 3 audiobooks from 2013.

This hop is hosted by The Book Nympho, Hot Listens, and Geeky Bloggers Book Blog. It runs from Jan 1 2014 to Jan 15 2014.

For our blog hop giveaway, Rina and Read-Love-Blog will be giving away a $15 iTunes Gift Card to one lucky winner! (enter in the rafflecopter below)

Enjoy!

When I first decided to participate in the Best of 2013 Audiobook Blog Hop, I believed pinning down my top three for 2013 would be quite easy. For the most part it was, but I had the pleasure of enjoying quite a few good listens this year. There are a couple of things that I feel are a must when picking out my audiobook favorites. Most importantly, the narrator. With the perfect narrator sometimes even the most ordinary of stories can be brought to life in a way that sticks with the listener long after. Second, if not tied for first, is a great story that leaves the listener sad it had to end.

#1.

Assassin’s Code

by Jonathan Maberry

Narrated by Ray Porter

Length: 15 hrs and 39 mins

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Code-Joe-Ledger-Novel/dp/0312552203/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388426311&sr=8-1&keywords=assassin%27s+code

I couldn’t have a best of 2013 without a Joe Ledger novel. Assassin’s Code by Jonathan Maberry is book 4 in the series and was actually published in 2012. If someone is thinking of diving into the world of audiobooks, this series would always be at the top of my list of suggestions. The narrator, Ray Porter is the epitome of brilliance. His delivery and range of voice inflections is without an equal.

Only Jonathan Maberry could make the unbelievable believable as Ledger once again finds himself elbow deep in danger; this time involving a brotherhood of gentically-engineered killers whose thirst for blood rivals a monster of lore. Aided by his four-legged teammate, Ghost, a white husky and a female assassin called Violin, Ledger must unravel forbidden secrets in search of the truth before nuclear Armageddon breaks loose.

#2.

Reaver

by Larissa Ione

Narrated by Helen Wick

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Reaver-Demonica-Series-Larissa-Ione/dp/1455526975/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388426362&sr=8-1&keywords=reaver

The list of my highly anticipated books from series has unfortunately dwindled in the past couple of years for various reasons, but I am pleased to say Larissa Ione’s The Demonica/Lords of Deliverance series has a firm foothold on its spot. The series has been through several narrators, with Helen Wick being the best in my opinion, switching definitively from character to character with ease.

Larissa Ione is a master world builder, submersing the reader into the at times terrifying struggle between angels and demons, good and evil. Reaver is determined to rescue Harvester, a fallen angel, from her unimaginable torture at the hands of Satan and his minions, no matter the cost. Molten sparks fly and I’m not just talking brimstone.

#3.

NOS4A2

by Joe Hill

Narrated by Kate Mulgrew

Length: 19 hrs and 41 mins

Link: http://www.amazon.com/NOS4A2-A-Novel-Joe-Hill/dp/0062200585/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388426388&sr=8-1&keywords=nos4a2

My last pick for 2013 is none other than the spine-tingling horrific thriller, NOS4A2 by Joe Hill. The legendary Kate Mulgrew narrates with expert delivery, giving an unforgettably bone-chilling performance as the villain, Charles Manx.

Joe Hill joins the ranks of some horror heavy hitters with NOS4A2, the story of Victoria McQueen whose special gift of finding things lands her right in the crosshairs of the terrifying Charlie Manx, abductor of children. Vic is forced to use her gift and find Charlie’s 1938 Rolls Royce Wraith when his new passenger happens to be her own son.

Just a few quick honorable mentions for 2013: Snow White Must Die by Nele Neuhaus, The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa and Styxx by Sherrylin Kenyon.

Read-Love-Blog’s Hop Giveaway:

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Hop-Wide Giveaway:

Thanks to Audible you have an incredible opportunity to win a 6 month (single credit) membership to Audible.com!

The Rules:

Fill out the Rafflecopter Form ~ Must be able to accept a book from Audible ~ Must be over 18 to enter ~ Must enter by Jan 15th at Midnight EST

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Rina’s Quick Audio Bytes ~ Audiobook Reviews in Short: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules

By Julie Kagawa

Narrated by Therese Plummer

——————

Story: 4.5 stars

Performance: 4.5 stars

Overall: 4.5 stars

Genre: YA Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Synopsis:

Vampires are on the top of the food chain and humans have no choice but to either scrape by with the threat of death around every corner, or agree to be walking blood bags in exchange for a false sense of security. Refusing to be a registered vein on tap, Allison Sekemoto scavenges to survive with her small gang of outcasts, always unsure of when her next meal will be. Tired of going hungry, Allie ventures into the dangerous ruins outside the vampire city of New Convington and stumbles upon a gold mine that could guarantee her group would not go hungry through winter. However, when she returns with the others to collect the invaluable fortune, what’s waiting for them changes the world Allison thought she knew forever.

Quick Byte:

Just when I felt the vampire genre couldn’t possibly have a fresh spin, I happened across The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa as part of an Audible BOGO promotion. From the first chapter of this dystopian thriller, I was completely captivated. Just think, Walking Dead, meets Hunger Games, meets Underworld, meets Mad Max, and not necessarily in that order. Allison is a strong, relatable character who develops and grows with every new challenge thrust upon her, bringing the reader along for one crazy ride. The world around Allie is dark and twisted, full of support characters who you grow to love or love to hate.

Therese Plummer does a wonderful job bringing the story to life, allowing the listener to know who is speaking just by the inflection changes in her voice. She portrays the males with expert ease, to the point where chills ran down my spine each and every time I heard one male in particular.

Immortal Rules is the first book in Julie Kagawa’s series, Blood of Eden. The second book, The Eternity Cure is available now.

~Rina

Rina’s Quick Audio Bytes ~ Audiobook Reviews in Short: Blood Cross: Jane Yellowrock Book 2 By Faith Hunter

Blood Cross: Jane Yellowrock Book 2

By Faith Hunter

Narrated by Khristine Hvam

Story: 4 stars

Performance: 4 stars

Overall: 4 stars

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Duration: 14 HRS 48 MINS

Jane Yellowrock is a rogue vampire hunter for hire. When her contract is extended after successfully taking down a rogue like no other, Jane is forced into vigilance when the blood master of New Orleans, Leo Pellissier puts a price on her head. Unexpected alliances are forged after three humans are kidnapped, two being the children of Jane’s dear friend, Molly. Thrust into dangerous territory, Jane must uncover ancient secrets the local vampires are willing to kill in order to keep hidden, before time runs out.

Blood Cross took a little bit longer to pick up steam when compared to the first Jane Yellowrock book, Skinwalker. However, once the major conflict comes to fruition, the story unfolds in brilliant fashion. I absolutely loved the creative spin on vampire lore; A first and refreshing twist. There is a bit of a love triangle, but not the central theme.

Blood Cross is a fast paced thrill ride to the very end. Khristine Hvam is a perfect match for Jane and a huge driving force behind the story. This is shaping up to be a very interesting series and definitely worth checking out if you enjoy urban fantasy. Blood Cross is the second book in the Jane Yellowrock series and should be read in order.

~ Rina

Rina’s Quick Audio Bytes ~ Audiobook Reviews in Short: Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks

Never Seduce a Scot (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs)

By Maya Banks

Narrated by Kirsten Potter

Story: 3 stars

Performace: 4 stars

Overall: 3 1/2 stars

Genre: Historical Romance

Duration: 10 HRS 10 MINS

“Then my lady, I’ll certainly grant your wish.”

The Montgomerys and the Armstrongs, two Highland clans at war, are taken by surprise when the King orders a marriage between Eveline and Graeme. Although the Armstrong maiden is rumored to be daft, Graeme accepts his duty for the sake of his clan. Harboring a secret she fears to even shared with her beloved family, Eveline sees the union as a way to keep her safe from a less desirable match. The last thing either of them expected was to actually fall in love.

I thought Never Seduce a Scot was a well written novel, however the storyline was a bit too predictable for me. I found it difficult to remain interested all throughout. I craved a greater conflict and/or a stronger resistance between the hero and heroine.

The narrator was however a good match, alternating between character voices and accents. I just wanted a little more oomph. I didn’t hate Never Seduce a Scot and enjoyed the world of the Armstrongs and Montomerys series very much, so there is a good chance I will check out the second audio in the series.

~ Rina

Rina’s Quick Audio Bytes ~ Audiobook Reviews in Short: NOS4A2 by Joe Hill

NOS4A2

By Joe Hill

Narrated by Kate Mulgrew

Story: 5 stars

Performace: 5 stars

Overall: 5 stars **Rina’s Audio Hall of Fame**

Genre: Horror

“I felt like it needed some color down there, so I painted the walls with the m***** f******.”

Victoria McQueen learns at the tender age of eight, she has an incredible ability to find things by way of a covered bridge; things that may even be hundreds of miles out of reach. Vic must only travel through the darkness, on her Raleigh Tuff Burner, with the object in mind, to end up exactly where she needs to be.

In search for more answers, Vic meets Maggie Leigh and learns there are others with similar gifts, including a stealer of children known as the Wraith. Disregarding Maggie’s warning to never seek out the sinister Rolls Royce with the license plate NOS4A2, Vic comes face to face with it’s driver, Charlie Manx, in turn initiating a war she might not be strong enough to win.

NOS4A2 is an epic roller coaster ride for the mind, full of characters that resonate long after the story has ended. I applaud Joe Hill for creating such a strong female lead in Victoria McQueen, compelling the readers themselves to cheer, cry and bite their nails, as she takes on the evil that is Charlie Manx. Although NOS4A2 is at times gruesome and graphic, the author brilliantly keeps certain aspects off book, allowing the reader’s imagination to do it’s job. A detail I appreciate dearly, considering some of the subject matter.

Kate Mulgrew’s performance reaches hall of fame territory, when Charlie Manx makes his first appearance in NOS4A2. So eerily spot on, I may hear that voice in my nightmares for years to come. I highly recommend the audio version in conjunction with the actual hardcover, which contains illustrations by award-winning Locke & Key artist, Gabriel Rodríguez. If you love a story chock full of exciting ups and emotional downs, weaved expertly by a talented author and performed by an incredible narrator, give NOS4A2 a listen.