Natalie

Wow, what a good one!

Revisado: 10-19-24

I love this series, but this was just the best book so far! Just finished it, and I can finally breathe again! lol
Cohesive, clever and a captivating plot. So many fantastic characters. I could start it all over again right now, but I need to listen to what happens next!

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Disappointing ending

Revisado: 12-10-23

The story was pretty interesting, but I had a struggle with the male narrator’s tone. I feel like Julian would hav even more likeable with a less caveman-like tone in the narration.
The ending was deeply unsatisfactory and left the impression of an incomplete book, requiring the purchase of the next one. While I like series and have many, each should stand alone. This book feels unfinished and just left a whole bunch of loose ends dangling about.

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Great concept… annoying execution

Revisado: 12-03-23

I loved the way this particular story was framed. Interesting characters, world, and rl/gaming transition - more effective than I’ve come across in other litrpgs.
That said, the constant, irritating, whiny-voiced interjections about the laziness of the author etc. actually made me dislike the author. The “narrator’s” voice was squeaky and annoying and the repeated pointing out of plot holes and skipping over details did not, in any way, lend to or enhance the story. I had to grit my teeth to ignore these aspects because I actually really did enjoy the story itself.
I’m curious to see where things go next, but not if I have to hear more about details being skipped because of author laziness. Sheesh.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Hilarity and Fun

Revisado: 03-21-18

I love a good laugh, and this witty romance has them aplenty! The narration is brilliant and the characters human enough to be likeable through their faults and virtues. The cast of supporting characters is lively, and I was sad to see the end of this performance. If you’re listening to a romance it’s not likely you’ll find a plot twist that hasn’t been done a million times, so I judge these based on how well the characters come to life and plausibly support the role they’ve been cast in. And this book does a most excellent job. It’s an easy enjoyment.

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No excuse for bad science.

Revisado: 04-18-17

This was so truly terrible I kept listening just for the "shake my head" moments.
First (and to me, the pivotal point), the science was so bad, the author could have just used the excuse, "because, science" and it wouldn't have been as awful. How bad, you ask? Well, if you enjoy the future a la the original Star Trek, that's about the level of sophistication we're talking. Futuristic devices with the capability already available in smart phones, a ship that crashes but NO ONE notices (in the US of all places) except the protagonist, and - the worst of all - a black hole in our local solar system, and better yet, between Earth and Mars. Like that wouldn't be noticed, or wreak havoc, as in goodbye to Earth if it got that close.

If you can swallow that groaner and carry on, be prepared for a truly insipid love affair, and a lot of hand wringing that would have been avoided (along with 1/3 of the book's content) with a little communication and some basic honesty.

I have enjoyed Nora Roberts' books in the past. But this was as though the author simply didn't care about the plot or characters. They are as regurgitated as they come, and a basic google search could have yielded even slightly more plausible ideas. If it weren't for the fact that it gave me fodder to roll my eyes with, and that listening to Luke Daniels is a pleasant experience, I wouldn't have made it through this disaster. Frankly, I'm surprised I did.

I have nearly 400 books in my audible library; this is the worst review I have ever given. seriously, unless you enjoy ripping bad science a new one, don't waste your money or credits.

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Perfectly Named.

Revisado: 07-21-16

This isn't a book for everyone. The pace is slow, there is little to no "adventure" and there is nothing overtly compelling that points to why this book is so unbelievably good. I don't typically enjoy slow books, however this one is crafted with such skill and grace that it is easy to listen at length and each time I had to stop, I really looked forward to picking it up again. The story isn't complex, the events unexceptional, but it brings together the many stories of the characters in a very human, messy, intricate way that anything else would have been an ugly shock. It is a story about people with faults, those we don't like and those we'd love to know more about but never do, and illuminates the facet where one life touches another, and on and on. And because of this, and the change from one person's experience of life to another's, pulling out a thread of story from each and so on, it is so much deeper than it might have been. Each story, each experience, has something to appreciate. It isn't the great love story that we watch in the movies. It's the one that might have happened, or shouldn't have, or the one that got lost in the misfortunes of life, and it is so very relatable for this. It's a brilliant contrast of those who do what they desire versus those who do what they think is right. And all of it is "beautiful ruins". I wasn't sure if I'd like this when I started listening. But I was so glad I did.

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Interminable.

Revisado: 03-20-16

It went on and on and on... He hates her... She hate/loves him... The story could have been good but neither of the protagonists were likeable and the pairing was tough to believe. The twang of her accent unfortunately came off as whiny which was a shame as she could have been a strong female lead. The accents were well done, it was simply circumstance. But the story itself... I felt beaten over the head with the round-and-round of the same issues. Move on! And frankly, Lothaire was not only a jerk, he was an abusive rapist. That makes it very unappealing to listen to. I like good, hot fiction, but it fell flat with the constant whining, nastiness and "come here/go away". The narrator did a great job with what he was given, but I had to force myself though every painful hour of this, thankfully broken up with other audiobooks. Not my favourite in this series by a long shot.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Fantastic overview, entertainingly presented.

Revisado: 04-15-15

By chapter 2, I bought this audiobook for my own Dom. Even though I'm experienced and have been active in the BDSM lifestyle, this book was a great broad-brush overview that helped me to understand the drivers for kinksters who differ from me, as well as giving some great food for thought and some great conversation topics that have helped us to grow as a D/s couple. Listening to this book is like hanging out with someone who's "been there, done that" and normalizes an alternative lifestyle in a clear, positive manner, gratifyingly without the posturing that's all too common. My Dom and I have had some truly amazing and revealing conversations as a result of this book, and I'm so very glad I've had the opportunity to listen. Oh, and great narration too. :)

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One emotional ride

Revisado: 01-15-15

This was a compelling story, well-narrated. The depth and complexity of the human condition is stunningly portrayed through the eyes of Carey, the teenage protagonist. This story brought a sheen to my eyes more often than any other book that I've listened to.

It's a hard listen at times, but gripping. It's not my usual choice, but I truly found it one of the most memorable stories.

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esto le resultó útil a 16 personas

A softer mystery

Revisado: 01-10-15

I struggled to wade through this book. I kept thinking that for hour upon hour... Nothing happened! But the story is very subtle really, and focuses almost exclusively on character development and relationships to tell the tale. For me, this was interminably boring. Thank heavens for the narrator! With an incredibly accurate emotive voice the subtleties of the story were brought to life. Barbara's elocution was worth the credit just to listen to, her smoky voice all that kept me going for this one. I listened to it only to hear her. Stellar performance.

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