Cute love story but had narrator issues...

Left Hanging by Cindy Dorminy was a cute, sweet, clean and innocent romance that follows Darla and Theo, and their journey as they reconnect. They're parents to Stella, though Theo has no idea that he has a daughter, and Darla has trouble finding the right time to tell Theo throughout the story. Though this story was cute and I listened to it all, there were a few parts that I thought were a little juvenile (the characters acted really juvenile), though the story overall was good. Good, but not great. I actually would have given the story a 3.5 if I could have.

Now onto the narration of Left Hanging. Britney Clause did a good job narrating the chapters with Darla's POV, though her reading was a bit quicker than most narrators. Her voice reminded me a bit of Holly Hunter's voice, with that southern drawl that she does so well. That being said, Bradley Spoon's narration of Theo's chapters made this a decently challenging listen for me. I was finally able to overlook his nasally voice that made Theo sound like a prepubescent boy, but it was still pretty difficult to listen to. Narration, as I'm sure you know, can really make a break an audiobook. Overall, this was a cutesy, clean love story that I wouldn't be very likely to recommend because of Bradley Spoon's narration, unfortunately. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher for an honest review.

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Left Hanging

I enjoyed this story! The entire cast of characters were well written and really helped bring the whole thing to life. I swear there were many times where I wished they were MY friends and family. Getting down to the nitty gritty, there are a couple of points I'd like to highlight about this book. First, the main characters are NOT perfect they both try their hardest, they both screw up, and there were many moments I would have happily strangled both of them. However, they are both good people and I found it easy to work through their flaws which I kind of think was the whole point, so job well done! LOL Second, there are definite religious overtones throughout the story, however, if you find yourself hesitant to buy for that reason, don't let it stop you. The intances where it played in are worked into the story seemlessly and are definitely never "preachy". Finally, a great deal of time is spent with a child in a health crisis and that is so well written that it could be a bit of a trigger to someone sensitive to it, so just a heads up. I requested a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

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2 people found this helpful

This book really has it all!

Left Hanging by Cindy Dorminy, narrated by Brittney Clause and Bradley Spoon is an amazing story about life - the twists, the turns, the ups, and the downs. It's about family, friends, loss, regret, hope, and taking chances. It's about finding your way through the tangled detour, back to the path you once walked. But, at it's core, Left Hanging is about love and everything that comes with it - feelings, emotions, unpredictability, forgiveness, acceptance, and moving forward. At first I wasn't sure if this was the book for me, being that Romance is not my go-to genre. Unfortunately, hearing the word romance makes me think of graphic love scenes surrounded by a "barely there" storyline. I'm happy to say this audiobook is far from either of those, and I'm now working to fix my poor misconceptions. Upon hearing the first word of this book, I was hooked, and I stayed fully engaged through to the very last. I'll let you read the plot description on your own (as you can tell, I'm a bit long-winded); it's important you know that I am not a mother, myself, yet I still found the storyline relatable to my own, in many ways. The events are real and relevant to life in today's world, and the characters felt like friends I have known for years! I'm so happy to have found Cindy Dorminy! She is a wonderful author, and I definitely plan to check out more of what she has written! Bravo!

This is also my first experiece hearing an audiobook performance from both narrators. While I'm not a huge fan of the romance genre, as mentioned earlier, I am a huge fan of the AudioShelf Podcast by Brittney Clause and Bradley Spoon, narrators of Left Hanging. I absolutely LOVE their show, and being that it's a podcast about audiobooks for audiobook lovers, I couldn't wait to hear them put their own skills to the test! I'm sure it's a lot different being on the other of the fence, as reviewing a performance and actually performing are completely different! It was clear right from the start that they both feel comfortable behind the mic. Their consistency in voice, tone, volume, and pace made for easy listening, and the professional recording and editing allowed me to sit back and enjoy the ride without confusion or interruption. It sounded like the entire book was recorded in one sitting - they stayed in character perfectly from one chapter to the next, and I loved that there were no unnecesary breaks or pauses between chapters, which, unfortunately, is something I hear more of by the day. They brought the characters and storyline to life, and I felt like I was watching the events of a movie unfold before my very eyes. I loved every character - they really did the book justice! Although I'm sure the book is a great read, my overall experience was made better by listening.

Now, the teacher in me believes in keeping a growth mindset and doesn't like to leave without giving some type of constructive feedback. Therefore, if I had to mention areas of improvement, I would say that Brittney/Darla doesn't always have to sound so serious. Even though women do tend to talk at a fast pace and have a million things going through their minds at the same time, taking a breath and talking a little slower will make for an easier transition between chapters and match better with the slower, laid back pace that Bradley/Theo's character had. On that same note, Bradley/Theo could use a little more of a serious tone in spots. There were a few places I felt like he sounded a bit arrogant...almost like a womanizer... because he was so laid back and "nonchalant" in certain scenes (like one when he and Isaac were out together chatting). Either way, these two have chemistry, and I loved it! I'd listen to a million more books just to hear them perform! You are both awesome, and you gave me goosebumps! I hope there are more, many more, performances to come!! Fantastic job, you two!!

Without hesitation, I rate Left Hanging by Cindy Dorminy, narrated by Brittney Clause and Bradley Spoon 5 out 5 stars across the board. The story is well-written, kept me listening almost non-stop, and is completely relatable and real to life today. The outstanding performance brought the story and characters to life in ways that only skilled narrators can do. This dynamic duo of a team is one you don't want to miss! I recommend this audiobook to fans of romance and women's fiction, as well as those who are looking to dip their toes into a book about love, family, relationships, and the twists and turns life throws our way.

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)

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4 people found this helpful

_ _ov__ _t!

This is a very sneaky audiobook. I was expecting Grey's Anatomy but got more Friends With Benefits with Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman. It snuck up on me from the first chapter and won't let go. It is one part funny, one part loveable and a whole lot of parts sassy. The characters are so likeable that you find yourself tisking, hooting and hollering at them when they just are being stubborn. Being a diabetic myself I think Dr Theo was just a little too relatable, besides the Doctor part of course. You can't help but love that girl next door vibe that Darla gives off and the writing about little Stella is great. The love story is typical but done with some flare. I love how each and every character plays a part in this mess and makes the story most enjoyable. I loved the good and bad parts of the relationship, most of all I liked the fact that this story showed that not all characters are super heroes, but in fact have flaws no matter their thoughts about themselves. I am a sucker for old fashioned games and this audiobook has those sprinkled throughout the entire story. Oh boy, the narration. I love duel narration and this one delivers. It has 2 POV done in a rotating fashion so you get to see things from both sides. both performers did a fantastic job giving the main characters life as well as casting secondary characters making them all distinct. I happened to just love Bradley Spoon's voice for Mallory it had me laughing out loud every time she spoke. Britney Clause does such a sweet and innocent child's voice but if that is not good enough her mom voice and sassy voice is just on point. One thing I liked about Spoon's male voices, I am not sure if this is his own voice or added but the accent Southern Drawl was fantastic. This gave Dr Theo his swagger. Such a great story and the 2 performers gave these characters and my imagination just what it needed. Even their opposite gender voices were done well and kept consistent which can be hard to do. Just a great story and these types of stories are kind of my kryptonite as I love me some romantic comedies. One thing about this book I will have to address is oh my goodness, the ending some loose ends were not tied up. One part of me likes that and can picture the camera panning out with a Shawn Mendes song playing in the background… but the curious side of me wants to know everything and how things turn out.

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2 people found this helpful

A heart-wrenching and heart-warming romance.

A sweet romance with spirituality laced throughout. Sex is generally referenced twice, but no descriptions are provided. It can easily be shared with the 13 and up YA group.
I really appreciate that sex is not portrayed through either promiscuity or self-righteous prudishness.
Darla is unwed, but a loving & dedicated mother. She shared a memorable night with Theo and did try to reach him about their baby, but multiple roadblocks got in their way. Then Theo comes back into Darla’s life, and she realizes he doesn’t know about their daughter Stella.
I really love when Theo’s family has their intervention with him, and recites the “Love is...” scripture. It was the highlight of the book for me - it was so appropriate.
Clause and Spoon do a decent job of narration.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

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The Narration is too fast!

I couldn’t listen to the story as an Audible. Both narrators speak too rapidly. I did not like like the male narrators interpretation of Theo voice/speech. Both narrators were guided (should have been) by producers/directors. What happened? I returned the book without listening beyond the first 3 chapters. It was too irritating.

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Great twists!

The blurb for this book called to me and the book delivered. It's well written with great vivid characters and the story came alive as I listened to it.

I loved Darla, her dedication to Stella and her inner sadness touched my heart. Theo comes across as a bit of an arse at first, although he grew on me fairly quickly. The chemistry between them manages to be both sweet and hot.

But what I liked best were some amazing twists that forced me to re-evaluate everything I'd thought I knew so far.

The dual narration works really well, the story came alive with great character voices and a heartfelt delivery.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

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Hang On

3.5
Left Hanging
: Cindy Dorminy

Romeo and Juliette have a one night stand. Seven years later their paths cross again. If the pair would just tal honestly things could have been so different. Twists, turns, friends, family, and a conniving woman keep everyone running n circles. A quick listen that makes you want to shake the main characters until they get it right.



The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Britney Clause and Bradley Spoon brought the story to life.



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

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3 people found this helpful

My Thoughts on Left Hanging

This story by new to me author Cindy Dorminy has me a little torn on my review. The story itself was actually really good for the most part. Interesting twists, really good characters with varying and often funny personalities, and of course the kind of ending that I need to have to really be satisfied with my romance novels.

But there was one aspect that kept me from being able to rate the storyline higher than three stars. That was the fact that most of this story would have been eliminated if the conversation that needed to be had could have been had towards the beginning. Their past is their past and I'm okay with that. I can even see how things got to where they were seven years later. I didn't really have a problem with how they got to where they were after 7 years and basically at the beginning of the story. My problem was with the fact that once Darla, our leading lady, realized the truth then everything about the story became one big case of excuses and frustrating reasons for why what needed to happen couldn't happen. I can handle a story where a misunderstanding is the cause of dramatic tension. I just started getting to the point where it didn't make sense to me anymore why Darla wasn't coming clean and it started to make me dislike her character.

This story was essentially a clean romance which I wasn't exactly aware of going into it but luckily the characters, the storyline, and the good pacing kept me from dwelling on that too much. I also don't normally read or listen to stories that are heavy on any particular religion, and also didn't realize that the story was going to have so much of that. I don't know that I feel there should necessarily be any kind of warning about either of those things, but I also can't say that there won't be readers who like myself might be surprised by either or both of those aspects once they start reading.

As far as the narration is concerned with this book I really liked the female narrator Britney Clause. I liked her accent and I think she did a really good job with doing both female and male voices. However the male narrator, Bradley Spoon, really didn't do anything for me. He was a brand-new narrator for me and if I'm being completely honest I don't know that I would want to read anything that he narrates again. I felt his female voices were often a bit too much on the nasally or whiny side, and I don't feel that he gave enough distinction between characters. Oftentimes if I wasn't paying close enough attention I wouldn't know whether or not I was getting one of the main characters or secondary characters speaking in that moment. And with the fact that this story had so many characters, I was really looking for there to be more distinct tones for everyone.

Overall the story was good but not great for me and the narration had me split as I liked one and didn't like the other narrator and they alternated almost every other chapter.

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

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A Beautiful Love Story

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! It started off a little slow for me a first with hooking my interest in, but once I got into it and got to learn more about each of the characters, I wanted to know everything! I had to know what was happening to both of them. They both were so madly in love with each other and you can see it from the get-go, but it just seems like life has taken them too far in opposite directions. There's too much between them to ever have their Romeo and Juliette story.

I love that there are two narrators because it gives the listener a chance to really envision the characters. It gives them the chance to really almost watch the scene unfold in their mind. The characters become more real, at least for me when I could hear the difference in character voices and I wasn't listening to a man's sad attempt at trying to sound feminine or a woman's sad attempt at sounding masculine. There are just some things that we shouldn't try to do LOL.

This book is a must listen! You won't be sorry you did! It reminds me almost of the notebook or something like it with a beautiful story

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