OYENTE

Caroline Loves Books

  • 60
  • opiniones
  • 3
  • votos útiles
  • 67
  • calificaciones
Empire of Desire Audiolibro Por Rina Kent arte de portada

Don't Waste Your Time for the Weird in This

Total
2 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
3 out of 5 stars
Historia
2 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 04-14-25

I sincerely wanted to like Gwyneth. The book opens at her 18th birthday party, and she seems a tad whiny, but definitely forgivable because she's just barely 18. Shortly within the chapter, though, she begins repeatedly mentioning how she's "now an adult." This is mentioned so many times that I began wondering if this book was actually written by an author who was 18 as well. I think I should have taken my initial impression and cut my losses while I was ahead, but I suppose I'm a hopeful idealist who believes that sometimes the worst openers find their sea legs and become the best stories by the end. Sometimes, a dud is just a dud.

Gwyneth is written as an empath, but so sensitive that she, in fact, has to write lists in red of words that are negative so she can desensitize herself. Someone should look up the definition of empath because words don't have emotions in and of themselves, and the emotions they elicit from someone doesn't qualify that person as an empath. The fact that she refers to her list throughout the book (words beginning with "d" are a particular bane for her) suggests she's also not desensitized. She is also treated like a child. When her father is in a serious car accident, she is understandably upset. What particularly upsets her, though, is that if he dies, he will have "abandoned" her, as if it would be his choice to do so. She's also 20 years old at this point.

Further confusing is that when she's trying to seduce Nathaniel, she tempts him by describing herself in ways that seriously demean her, and I don't mean using naughty language that has just enough of that "I should be punished" kink. The way and the placement in their conversation of such dialogue leaves the listener raising an eyebrow that she's actually presenting herself to be defiled because she believes that's the only way Nathaniel will give her what she wants. This is in NO WAY an equitable kinky relationship. It makes the "steamy" parts of the book just feel very uncomfortable.

Nathaniel has the potential to be a very interesting character. I wish he had been explored more in depth because it seemed like at the end of the book, there were still parts of him that were glaring holes, leaving more questions than answers. At times, the way he is written truly makes him seem like a creep who mistreats women. Because this particular trait isn't ever acknowledged and then the character allowed to go on an arc that would redeem him, it left me feeling that this wasn't an oversight. It was just how he is, and he is genuinely surprised that he could have any positive feelings about a romantic relationship with a woman.

The character of Aspen is superfluous since there are too many holes left in her storyline. She is meant to be an important character but instead, her presence is just torturous.

I have at least 1 other book written by Rina Kent that I'm debating whether or not I should bother listening.

Bottom line: There are much better authors writing the forbidden romance tropes (see any book written by Q.B. Tyler) for this book to be given any better than 2 overall stars. Frankly, it was the angsty, older man performance by Aiden Snow that caused me to give it the second star.

Denunciar

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Shielded Wrongs Audiolibro Por Adelaide Forrest arte de portada

Difficult to finish

Total
3 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
2 out of 5 stars
Historia
3 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 02-03-25

This was my least favorite of the series. The story seems to begin in the middle, with not much information to support why it starts out this way. Enzo is particularly stringent about Sadie, which, at times, borders on downright abusive. There is morally gray, and then there's the line where one tiptoes along the edge of incredulity and becomes highly likely to just be an unlikeable jerk, and Enzo painfully (for the listener) walks along this tightrope throughout the book. Sadie is a contradiction. The woman owns a boxing gym and teaches self defense tactics to women, but she lets Enzo treat her like some fragile doll who couldn't find her way out of a wet paper bag. She has OCD, particularly focused on messes, but she has no problem grinding on Enzo in public where other men are watching. She refuses to tell her family about her condition because she believes it will make her look weak and incapable in the eyes of her father. Again, this is a woman who teaches other women how to be confident in defending themselves. Sadie whines about Enzo "not wanting to actually sleep in the bed beside her," but then laments about men "sweating and farting in the bed." Give me a break. The plot is also shaky, and the story never answers why Sadie was being targeted.

There are some really good steamy parts, and it was interesting that a few of them were described by the male narrator. That was a nice change of pace.

I don't really care for Ms. Kelly's narration in any of the books in which she's involved, but usually, with a solid male narrator, she's tolerable. Unfortunately, the disparity in narrative abilities is too glaring to balance here. Ms. Kelly seems to believe that melodrama is the only way to differentiate when she's voicing a different character. This is evidenced by the weirdly loud and irritating voice she gives Sadie's mom. I couldn't tell if she was trying to make the woman sound like she was Filipino or from the Bronx. The books describes her as being Filipino. She also made it seem like the mother had some sort of speech impediment. The voice she gave Sadie's dad was the complete opposite. She made him sound like he was sedated or perhaps just coming out of anesthesia. Whereas Ms. Kelly's narration was frequently loud and obnoxious, the opposite is true of the narration by Mr. Zeller. Many, many times during scenes, he begins whispering, and it is too low to hear without adjusting the volume. When Ms. Kelly begins again, you can imagine the blaring assault your ears are then subjected to. I really wish there was a way to make the volume of sound more equal in the engineering of these audiobooks. I can't fault this one book for that since it seems to be a recurring issue, but it does absolutely no favors for this book's already numerous flaws.

This series has been great, and I don't believe this one unfortunate storyline will derail it, provided that the remaining 2 books return to the same technique with which the first 3 books were written. It took me over a week to finish this book because all of its issues compounded to make it convoluted, confusing, and it seemed like work to have to listen.

Bottom line: Listen to this because it _is_ part of a series that has otherwise been enjoyable, but be forewarned it seems like this story went off-roading compared to the smooth storytelling of the prior books.

Denunciar

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Midnight Purgatory Audiolibro Por Nicole Fox arte de portada

Can't Wait for the Sequel

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 06-05-24

I typically don't like to listen to books that aren't a completed series, if that's how they are written. I like to jump right into the next one, and _Midnight Purgatory_ is a prime reason I have that personal rule. This book left such a cliffhanger, which is paradoxical since it is so good, yet so bad when you're literally left hanging for the remainder of the story.

Nicole Fox is a helluva an author because she writes the characters as deeply flawed individuals but aren't beyond saving. Just when one of them does something you believe to be unforgivable or incredibly stupid, as it were, she has them do a most wonderful, thoughtful, and redeeming act that once again brings the listener back to the land of happiness. Such is very much the case with _Midnight Purgatory_. Uri is head of a Russian Bratva who meets his neighbor, Alyssa, in a most comedic fashion. Their chemistry is palpable from the start, and I don't need to tell you where they end up fairly early in the book. There is absolutely no lacking in the steamy scenes, and I do mean that. I've noted that many of the risque scenes end up being narrated by the female, so it was rather refreshing to hear some told from the male lover's perspective.

Thankfully, the sequel, _Midnight Sanctuary_ will be released on July 2. Before I was 75% through the book, I used a credit and preordered it. I believe this to be my favorite book of Ms. Fox thus far, which leads into my second reason to be grateful. Some genius of an editor realized the talent of this author and convinced someone to give her a chance. Because of that, she has written lots of books, of which the ones I've listened to are top-notch. _Midnight Purgatory_ is just phenomenally special. While we wait with bated breath for the conclusive story, there are a plethora of books written by Nicole Fox to keep our fires stoked and hot in the meantime.

Bottom line: Still reading my little ol' book review? Sweet of you, but just go get it already and may your daydreams be as sweet as mine.

Denunciar

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Mafia Prince Audiolibro Por Vi Carter arte de portada

Just Couldn't Hold My Attention

Total
2 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
2 out of 5 stars
Historia
2 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 05-03-24

I gave this book every chance to keep me engaged, but in all honesty, it is one of the most boring stories upon which I've subjected myself. I tried listening for hours the first day, and it was a perfect tonic to help one fall asleep. I know this because I literally fell asleep about an hour into the book. I tried to listen again later that day even, starting the book over from the beginning. Once again, I fell asleep about an hour later. For 3 days, I either started the book from the beginning or attempted to listen from the point at which I had fallen asleep. Nothing worked to hold my interest.

I think part of the problem is that I couldn't get invested in the characters. The narrators were very monotone. I adore a good accent, but Michael Gallagher's seemed to come and go. This is the first book I've listened to in which Sarah Jane Rose was the female lead, and she did nothing to improve this snooze-fest. Mafia romances are one of my favorite tropes, and maybe I'm just used to more action, but I think it goes a bit beyond that. Neither of these narrators could emote. Even as Gallagher was supposed to be speaking as another character, he never changed his voice or pitch. It sounded like he was literally just reading aloud. Obviously, that is what an audiobook narrator does, but the really good ones make you believe in the story because they're essentially acting the part. Tory Duran is an excellent example, in part because of his talent for different accents, and his acting ability draws in the listener, painting a mental image of whatever scene is being narrated. Perhaps he spoiled me. Perhaps I'm just partial to the Bratva (Russian mafia).

Maeve (ok, I do love this name) constantly vacillated between depressed and whiny. I couldn't possibly have cared any less for her plight. Her father abandoned them when she was little. Her mother is a raging alcoholic, and a completely self-absorbed "victim," who believes everything happens to her, not because of her. Maeve's brother is a drug addict who inevitably borrows money from the wrong people, and voila, we have the reason that sends the codependent Maeve into the domain of Jack O'Reagan, willing to trade her virginity and self-respect for the $12,000 it will take to save her good-for-nothing brother, Declan. There is nothing redeemable in these characters.

Among the detritus of Maeve's desire to be the savior is Jack and his games of "intrigue." This is about where I would fall asleep, so I can't relay any other feelings on that issue. I think the fact that I fell asleep consistently at this point speaks volumes. Another bone of contention is that there were a few characters whose names were almost indistinguishable. There's a Shay and a Shane, but since Mr. Gallagher was just phoning in his part, it was too difficult to figure out to whom he was referring.

There are 3 (?) more books in this series, but I will not be availing myself of them. I believe I'd rather do ironing or something equally as fun, like getting a root canal.

Bottom line: This poor attempt at something couldn't even be elevated enough to keep this listener from falling asleep during multiple listening attempts. If you're having an attack of insomnia, forget the warm milk because this trip to the Land of Nod will provide an ever better sedative effect.

Denunciar

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Sin for Me Audiolibro Por J. L. Beck, C. Hallman arte de portada

Weirdest Story, but Narrators Saved It

Total
3 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
2 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 04-30-24

This is the absolute weirdest story I've heard in a long time. It is not just that the plot line was as thin as an iced over lake in Arizona, but the short duration of it at just under 5 hours did it no favors. This really felt like someone had a paper (book in this case) due, waited to the last minute to even begin, and turned in a rushed and pitiful assignment. I do feel like this story idea does have some serious potential, and if the authors had just taken the time to delve into it, it could have been really provocative and nuanced.

As it is, though, its one saving grace is the narrators. They did a fantastic job considering what they had to work with! Tor Thom was an excellent choice to voice Nicholas. His rich, deep voice is commanding, but even more, he has the talent to make his voice truly ominous when needed. Mia Sloane gives it her all, especially in the spicy scenes. At first listen, one might think these narrators are mismatched, but in reality it is a nice, subtle, almost subliminal perfect pairing. Tor Thom's voice paints a picture of an experienced, worldly man- someone who knows who he is. Of course, falling in love with Mia's character will enlighten him. It is Mia Sloane's voice that conjures mental images of an incredibly inexperienced, doesn't-know-who-or-what-she-wants young woman. It just works.

There is at least one dubious scene that could potentially make one uncomfortable, and I encourage anyone interested in this story to seek out the trigger warnings, if any are posted. I don't think my review would get posted if I discussed such an intimate act that wasn't begun with consent.

Bottom line: Thank God it was a free title, but it turns back into a pumpkin on May 3rd. The narrators saved what would otherwise have been an almost 5 hour trip through the land of painful boredom.

Denunciar

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Overflow Audiolibro Por Brynne Asher arte de portada

Valiant Effort, but Just Couldn't Finish

Total
2 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
2 out of 5 stars
Historia
1 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 03-27-24

First, let me say that I always finish a book, even ones I don't particularly care for, so for me to give up says a lot about a book. I tried to finish this book for over a week, but I just could not finish it. Each and every time, I'd fall asleep. When I was finally able to get back to the story, I wouldn't be able to recall most of the story, so I would have to go back further to remind myself of events that had taken place. Typically, I love Brynne Asher's stories.

I think with _Overflow_, the chemistry is off. It is almost immediate that the male main character is falling for the main female. He is a cop who inserts himself into her life to protect her. He demands to stay in her house the second time they meet, and it's here they kiss for the first time. What?? No, just no. There's fantastical, and then there's just creepy. This guy falls into the latter category, and the woman falls into the "Are you really that stupid?" category. Sure, it works out because it's a romance book, but it isn't believable.

As for performance, I've heard other books that paired Lauren Sweet and Aiden Snow (how cute are their surnames together?!), and they are usually a good match. With Aiden's slow, deep voice, one WANTS to hear what he will say next. He did a good job here. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Lauren. She talks much too fast for the listener to fully grasp what she's saying, and the volume is mismatched because she's loud and abrasive while Aiden is smooth and calm. I'm sure it's to represent their characters' personalities, but it does not do this story, already lacking from the get go, any favors.

Bottom line: Do yourself a favor and go listen to the Paths series by Ms. Asher. Those are wonderful stories. There's nothing to see here. It isn't worth anyone's precious time.

Denunciar

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Perfect Strangers Audiolibro Por J.T. Geissinger arte de portada

Never Thought Whiplash Could Feel So Good

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 11-10-23

JT Geissinger has done it again! This is one h€ll of a story! First, she makes you fall in love with Olivia and James, voiced superbly by Veronica Pace and the delectable Troy Duran. Then, you begin rooting for them to let loose of the idea of staying strangers so they can live the quintessential HEA. Just as you begin seeing how close they're becoming, Ms. Geissinger jerks you in an entirely new direction, not only leaving their HEA in doubt, but eliciting from the reader an entirely new barrage of emotions...and those are some big emotions, let me tell you. If you can continue listening to the story without pausing at this point to take a little break so you can remind yourself that this is a _story_, then you're a better woman than I. I had to take a break to "come up for air."

Once I was again able to take a deep breath, I dove back into the deep end of the story, only to find that I was now being whipped around into another plot twist, and this one left me scratching my head for a minute. The new twist would explain how it would be perfectly acceptable if the lovers didn't get their traditional ride into the sunset, and I would have felt at peace with its end. Oh no, no, no! Ms. Geissinger had yet another twist in which to yank her listener. Without giving away any details, let me just admit that I had to take another break just so I could work out all the details. See what I mean by whiplash? You're never allowed to become a complacent listener, content that the hero/heroine will meet, love hard, meet crisis, overcome said crisis, kiss and curtain falls. Nope. Ms. Geissinger takes you on quite the adventure, and I loved every👏single👏minute.

The only negative I have is that this ride- I mean book- came to an end. But what a ride it was!

Bottom line: You'll surprisingly discover that being jerked around never felt so pleasurable.

Denunciar

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Wild Thing Audiolibro Por JA Huss arte de portada

Wild Thing

Total
4 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
4 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 11-01-23

I had some trouble getting started with this one. I don't know why, but it took me 4 times before I finally got into the story. So of the three books in this trilogy, Wild Thing is my least favorite. It's still a good story, and Christian Fox's narration is divine- as always- so if you enjoy him, there'll be no surprises. Emma Wilder is also a good narrator, except when she voices a male character. Then, it's a bit weird.

Once everything comes together, the book finally allows the listener to enjoy the story as a whole. As long as you go into it knowing it will seem discombobulated for 90%, then you will enjoy it.

Bottom line: Not a favorite, but still a good one. Worth a credit.

Denunciar

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Wanted by the Devil Audiolibro Por Joanna Blake arte de portada

At Least It Didn't Use a Credit

Total
1 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
2 out of 5 stars
Historia
1 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 10-30-23

This is one horrifically, poorly written story. I gave it 2 stars on performance only because Troy Duran is the male narrator, and I love his voice, but even he couldn't save what was doomed from the beginning. I can't believe this is an author who actually convinced an educated editor her writing was good enough to publish. I know I wrote better stories in middle school.

There are too many loose threads left at the end. What happens to the supposedly jealous, meddlesome Danni? Why do Devlin and Kaylee have so much inner dialogue about being in love with each other, yet never get around to actually saying it to the other? Why is there mature content written, yet the females hanging around the club are called something as innocuous as "sweet butts"? (Give me a break!) What happens to the obviously corrupt sheriff and his band of misogynistic deputies? What is with Devlin calling Kaylee's mother "Mama" when he's only just met her? Why does this mother seem to offer her teenaged daughter on a silver platter to this man like they've hit some sort of lottery? Why is there suddenly no more mention of Kaylee going to college? Why do Kaylee and Devlin not even discuss, much less practice, safe s€x? I could go on, but I think you get the picture.

There are 3 positives I can give this story. The first, as mentioned above, is that Troy Duran narrates (though I do wonder if this was a choice he made), and the second being that it lasts a tad under three hours only. The final positive is that it didn't cost a credit. I almost wish I could return the book for a credit just to feel better about the time I wasted listening to it.

Perhaps the loose threads are explored more in the subsequent books of this series, but this is one author I will not give a second chance. In fact, I'm still dumbfounded that she is a published author, and even more appalled that this is a series of books!

Bottom line: No. Just no. Avoid this book/author like the plague.

Denunciar

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Mr Spencer Audiolibro Por T L Swan arte de portada

Would Be My Fave of the Series, but...

Total
4 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
4 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 10-27-23

I have enjoyed this series so far, and #2 Mr. Spencer would have been my favorite one except for the fact that it took f o r e v e r to get to the crisis, and then it seemed like Ms. Swan suddenly ran out of time because everything became super rushed, only to the book's detriment. What a shame to become so invested in Charlotte and Spencer's love story only to feel ripped off at the shoddy and rapid treatment their ending received from the author. It could have made this story sing instead of hum. It was still a good book, and I will jump right into Mr. Garcia immediately. Admittedly, though, I am hoping there is more information regarding Spencer and Charlotte in that book. There is all reason to believe that the listener will get more, as Mr. Masters, Mr. Spencer, and Mr. Garcia are all best friends since childhood.

Bottom line: The ending disappoints, but hopefully it's a tease to get you hooked into book #3, where all will be made better with additional info on this couple while we are falling in love with Mr. Garcia. Great series so far, and I do recommend.

Denunciar

Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup