Fastdogz

An easy and delightful romance.

Revisado: 12-24-24

I needed a break from my normal. Decided to try a light hearted romance and this absolutely delivered. The plot, the pace, the characters, dialogue, the hilarity in situations, all of it was so enjoyable and lots of it unique.
Katelyn/Kitten is such a sweetheart and her internal dialogue is both hilarious and refreshing. I enjoyed the girl crew that formed. Jackson's relationship with his mother/moma and sister is endearing. I liked that he wasn't written as the typical player athlete.
There were so many times I caught myself laughing out loud while listening, the writer has a gift for putting comedy into conversations and situations. In one situation Jackson and Kitten are on a date. He takes her to his favorite, secret, coffee shop/bookstore. A reading of a romance book is done by an author's (extremely proud) grandmother. Grandmother reads a really hot scene. Jackson's mortified by what he just witnessed, he had no idea romance book were 'like that'. It's hilarious! The writing and narration were perfect--I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard.
As I said, I needed a break from my regular genres, this audio was exactly what I was hoping for, definitely recommend. When I need another break from my regular I will come back to this series.

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Intriguing!

Revisado: 11-29-24

C.M. Alongi has masterfully built a world like nothing ever seen before. I feel like I’ve been to Citadel and seen the town, its people, the forest that surrounds it, and the demons that live within the forest. Even more, I feel the worries the citizens live with; dwindling resources, neighbors turning on neighbors, demons living outside the city walls, and worst of all the fear of easily losing your life because of your beliefs, or lack of. Fantastic world building.
I enjoyed seeing various characters' lives and how they were impacted by their society’s view on people who weren’t worth resources because they were 'less than', that occupations were assigned gender, and the levels of access one needed for knowledge. The characters and their circumstance were so well presented, you understood them, even the 'bad guys'.
This story starts slow, but it does so to show us the world it takes place in and how it impacts the characters. It’s definitely worth staying with and things start moving as the storyline is laid out.
I enjoyed this story. Without speaking Olivia was an expressive communicator. She was also hilariously clever at getting access to things she wanted. And so very determined. Loved watching her puzzle with her mystery. I loved Riley and his devotion to Olivia. I rooted for Riley as he kept planning for the future he wanted, instead of the one his father wanted for him. I wanted the Doves to be able to come into the light. I wanted more resolution with Elias’ killer. And most of all for Olivia’s discovery to be told.
But none of that happened. And worst of all, speaking the truth would be a death sentence. Crushing.
That is life, not all stories have a happy ending. Still, it's definitely worth a listen.
(Maybe there’s going to be more?? One can hope!)

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Outstanding!!!

Revisado: 11-23-24

Brian Panowich delivers another absolutely outstanding story. And Brian Troxell delivers another outstanding story telling, he's perfect for these Bull Mountain stories.
Going in I wasn't sure where we were going with Nails, but I knew we'd be in for a wild ride. It's gritty story and hits all the emotions. What a ride, loved it from start to finish.
Looking forward to more!!

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Good, clean, fun.

Revisado: 08-25-24

If you're looking for a good, clean, fun story you'll probably like this. It's not deep. (I prefer more character and story development.) I kept listening to find out who 'the bad guy' was--I didn't see that coming!

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Fantastic story!

Revisado: 06-26-24

This was an unexpected story. It's unique and so enjoyable.
Solid writing and great world building. The Queen's Ransom contestants were a hoot and the narrator did an excellent job performing them.
Looking forward to the next release. Jalia (and eventually the Justice family) didn't end up on Minos by accident. What are her partners up to? I need more! Please!

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Romance portion of story lost in download.

Revisado: 06-01-24

I enjoy historical fiction, especially when set medieval times. Throw in some romance and it’s the ingredients for an excellent tale. After some great sci-fi and serial killer audios I found myself in the mood for romance. This story is listed on several sites as one of the all-time epics in historical romance.

I glanced through the Amazon reviews. Many low reviews referenced brutality. It takes place during the Norman Conquest. It’s an invasion. War is hell. Watch the news! Brutality happens!! (If I were a writer I would know how to convey “Duh! People! Seriously?!” in an articulate manner.) I have digressed... I wasn’t put off by said brutality. There were so many positive reviews, this had to be a gem! Purchased. Downloaded. Let the conquest begin!

The opening was amazing. Woodiwiss wrote an absolutely cinematic scene. You are there at the moment. The smoke, the horses, the men, the screams of anguish, brilliant writing. Brilliant. I was so excited. We begin to meet the characters. Things begin to happen. Lot’s of bad things happen. Things keep happening. I’m waiting for epic romance to begin. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. And then – The End. 21 hours and 51 minutes I waited for epic romance! Twenty-one hours and fifty-one minutes!! My epic romance must have fallen out of the audio during the download. (No. I will not download and listen again to verify that actually occurred. I’ve already given up 21 hours and 51 minutes, people!)

Here’s the story that downloaded. Asilinn the beautiful, vapid minded, heart of gold, enchantress of the conquered castle is treated poorly. Very poorly. This maiden, her family, and their vassals meet the full extent of an invasion. It's brutal. And then, mean girls are stealing Aislinn’s gowns! Her gowns!! (Stomps foot for emphasis.) However, Asilinn is so dazzling that even barefoot, dressed in rags, and with her tresses uncovered for all to behold – her beauty shines through. But that’s not all! Our girl Asilinn knows how to run a castle plus heal the sick and wounded – like nobody’s business. Every man wants her. Every. Man. (I cringe when people do that, but now I see why it’s done. It makes the point.) Asilinn eventually becomes pregnant. Although every man wants her, no man will marry her. (More correctly, no powerful ranking man. Remember, she's the daughter of a nobleman, she can't marry some common Thomas, Richard, or Harold.) That’s right, all that beauty, castle keeping skills, and healing abilities do her no good in finding a proper marriage. Oh how ever will Asilinn overcome losing her status and bearing a bastard child in these challenging times while being unwed? (Clasps hands over heart in dismay.) Yep, that’s our girl Asilinn’s main concern after all that’s taken place. (Heavy sigh. Blank expression that conveys “for real?”.)

Then there’s Wulfgar. Leader of the invading army. He’s a Norman. He’s a knight. He’s a leader. He’s a bastard. He has mommy issues so he hates women. And since he’s a bastard he behaves like one. (Our dude, Wulfgar, has pitched the Knights Guide to Chivalry handbook.) He enjoys wine and a good fire. He has relatives who followed him after the invasion, like his gown stealing half-sister. He would occasionally show Asilinn kindness. (Otherwise, he’d have to listen to her persistent nagging. Which, by the way, only happened out of the bedchamber. Between you and I, our girl Asilinn enjoyed the nightly romps with Wulfgar. After which she’d roll over and resort to tears, because she’s not that kind of maiden!) Oh, and Wulfgar wasn’t keen on raising another man’s child. In Wulfgar's defense, he was the leader of army that was invading a country, so he was preoccupied.

Then there’s the end. What a doozy of an end. Never have I encountered an end like this one. Never. Ever. The harsh circumstances of the social stigmas faced by our hero and our heroine were tidily and quickly explained away. (Shaking my head.) Unbelievable. Unbelievable! I can’t elaborate without ruining the story for those who are still willing to give this a go after reading this rant.

The romance? There is none. None. No moments of realizing this person ‘gets me’. No moments of understanding between this pair. No moments of realizing that in spite of being a Norman and a Saxon they could make ‘this thing work’. No fluttering of the heart when seeing the other. No sweet moments of glancing at the other and thinking, “that’s my beloved”. Absolute disappointment.

Yeah, I should’ve read more of those poor reviews. Or perhaps this is one of those things one has to experience to understand. I strongly suggest one goes over to Amazon and reads the one and two star reviews before purchasing. This is my first Kathleen E. Woodiwiss book. Sadly, it will probably be my last. Her composition of scenes is outstanding. I believe she must have done a tremendous amount of research on the medieval era and the Norman invasion to present what she did in this story, this is why I so generously gave the story two stars.

Best wishes to anyone who decides to purchase this "epic romance". I truly hope Audible delivers the romance in your download.

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Fell flat for me.

Revisado: 05-28-24

I enjoy Devney Perry books. I’ve read/listened to several of her series. I’ve found her characters and situations relatable, even if I’ve never been in their situations or faced their circumstances. This is one of the things I enjoy about DP books, she writes so that you can relate. I can recall one main female character I found as too suffering, yet the story was very good. This story, however, I find a hard one to rate.

Poppy Mason is tragically widowed on the eve of her first wedding anniversary. Cole Goodman is the police officer who breaks the news to Poppy about her husband, Jamie. Five years later we find Poppy endeavoring to complete the list of things Jamie had planned to accomplish before each birthday. In the process of completing the list Poppy runs into Cole. Cole remembers Poppy. Cole is attracted to Poppy and begins to insert himself in her life.

Poppy came across as a loveable person with a heart of gold. Unfortunately she seemed frozen at the young age (or perhaps mind frame) she’d been when she was widowed. I can understand her wanting to complete Jamie’s birthday list. I can understand her feeling guilty over her attraction to another man. However, I couldn’t grasp her continuing to stay where she was mentally. She was moving forward in life, she had a restaurant with a snappy method of serving delicious foods in mason jars. Yet five years after Jamie’s death she’s still fixated on him and his list. Even Jamie’s family was bothered with her actions.

Cole was incredibly patient with Poppy and so very respectful of her feelings. He was there for her, always. He helped her work on the list, gave her comfort when she needed it. He paid for everything needed to accomplish items on this list. On a police officer's salary! (Why?? The precious vehicle and what Poppy did with it??) The dude was a solid, all around great person.

Thankfully, Cole brought life and movement to the storyline when it started to creep along. And it does creep along. Even good narrators couldn’t help the creep. The assortment of side characters were enjoyable, including a couple I hope get their own book. Still, I just could not connect with the story, it fell flat for me.

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Unexpectedly brilliant.

Revisado: 05-28-24

This is such a unique story! How odd it sounds to say I loved seeing through the eyes of the victims as they followed their killer, checked in on their loved ones, discovered how to interact with the world of the living, and learned about life after death from relatives who’d passed before them. I cannot recall any book or movie that approached these topics like Ask For Andrea.

Great writing, fantastic pacing, and excellent narration. Each young woman is a distinct individual. Their fear and urgency to stop James as they watched him work to lure more victims and observed his erratic behavior towards his family as the investigation began to close in had me on the edge of my seat!

Outstanding from start to finish. (Again, how odd it sounds to say that over a story about murdered young women.) The only thing I wished for was that we’d had more time with the three young women.

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Unexpectedly brilliant.

Revisado: 05-28-24

This is such a unique story! How odd it sounds to say I loved seeing through the eyes of the victims as they followed their killer, checked in on their loved ones, discovered how to interact with the world of the living, and learned about life after death from relatives who’d passed before them. I cannot recall any book or movie that approached these topics like Ask For Andrea.

Great writing, fantastic pacing, and excellent narration. Each young woman is a distinct individual. Their fear and urgency to stop James as they watched him work to lure more victims and observed his erratic behavior towards his family as the investigation began to close in had me on the edge of my seat!

Outstanding from start to finish. (Again, how odd it sounds to say that over a story about murdered young women.) The only thing I wished for was that we’d had more time with the three young women.

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Stayed for Donovan's HEA.

Revisado: 03-26-24

Donovan was GREAT. In spite of his start in life he's a successful man with a great heart. He saw what he wanted and patiently waited. Autumn, ugh, Another professional woman who's emotionally scared.
The story starts out strong (loved the meeting to swap back luggage) and somehow becomes so slow and boring, it pains me to say that. Then it comes on strong after Donovan and Autumn run into THE ex from the past. Her reaction to what took place (when she hadn't given Donovan the whole story) was ridiculous. I enjoy Vi Keeland's books, this is not one of her best.
Thankful I purchased this from a sale, it was worth the sale price.

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