You no longer follow Lee

You will no longer see updates from this user when they write new reviews, or suggestions based on their library or recommendations.

You can re-follow a user if you change your mind.

OK

You now follow Lee

You will receive updates from this user when they write new reviews, or suggestions based on their library or recommendations.

You can unfollow a user if you change your mind.

OK

Lee

The best way to read.

Seymour, WI, United States | Member Since 2009

57
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 32 reviews
  • 127 ratings
  • 645 titles in library
  • 22 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
1
FOLLOWERS
2

  • A Place to Call Home

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 45 mins)
    • By Deborah Smith
    • Narrated By Kymberly Dakin
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (63)
    Performance
    (54)
    Story
    (54)

    Twenty years ago, Claire Maloney was the willful, pampered, tomboyish daughter of the town's most respected family, but that didn't stop her from befriending Roan Sullivan, a fierce, motherless boy who lived in a rusted-out trailer amid junked cars. No one in Dunderry, Georgia - least of all Claire's family - could understand the bond between these two mavericks. But Roan and Claire belonged together...until the dark afternoon when violence and terror overtook them, and Roan disappeared from Claire's life.

    Kimberly says: "Great book!"
    "What A Great Story!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about A Place to Call Home?

    I love theat the town "looser" became somebody because one little girl paid attention to him. The author accuartely portrayed the life of a "throw away" kid. Iloved the type of love bewtween Roni and Claire. I was not "weird" even with the age difference. I loved how Roni would make promises and they all came to pass. I loved that they were able to hang on for so long. Everything all came to be a big circle.


    What other book might you compare A Place to Call Home to and why?

    Not any one book in particular. I love the stories where all is lost and one day the loved one comes back into their life (lives).


    What does Kymberly Dakin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    Kimberly Dakin did a great job with the southern accent and tempo. She was made it easy to listen to with distinct voices for everyone and used the proper inflection. Everything was well played out and in context with the character's personality and emotions.


    Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

    The letters. It was sad/glad/longing and all of that. Roni wrote all of those letters to Claire not knowing if he would ever see Claire again in person.


    Any additional comments?

    This was a suprisingly sweet story. I took a chance on it being that I have not heard of the author or the book, but it was worth it. A love story the the bone. Definately worth your credit.

    5 of 5 people found this review helpful
  • Elantris

    • UNABRIDGED (27 hrs and 31 mins)
    • By Brandon Sanderson
    • Narrated By Jack Garrett
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2651)
    Performance
    (1223)
    Story
    (1244)

    Legendary science fiction author Orson Scott Card calls Brandon Sanderson a writer to watch, and Publishers Weekly says his debut is "outstanding." Once the godlike rulers of the capital of Arelon, the inhabitans of Elantris have been imprisoned within themselves, unable to die after the city's magic failed years ago. But when a new prince falls victim to the curse, he refuses to accept his fate.

    Garry says: "Don't miss this one!"
    "Does Not Dissapoint!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    If you could sum up Elantris in three words, what would they be?

    fun, fresh, entertaining


    What other book might you compare Elantris to and why?

    Most of Brandon Sanderson's books in one way or another, but not repetative. The premise is unique and creative. It stimulates the imagination. The story has twists and turns and as always, some characters are not as they seem.


    What about Jack Garrett’s performance did you like?

    All of it. It was seamless. I actually did not think about the narration at all. Nothing caught my attention as being "off" or of poor quality.


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    I had many reactions. I felt compassion for the feared and powerful priest who lost his way, was duped, and finds himeslf in love for the first time. The prince is so full of integrity and leadership he made a listener feel hopeful. The princess was unstoppable and made me feel like she would save the day no matter what she came up against.


    Any additional comments?

    I just love Brandon Sanderson's books. He does not disappoint. It is great to meander into a fantasy world and learn the details of the society and norms. The cisis in each story is original and never easy to discern. So very worth your credit.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Chelynne

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 17 mins)
    • By Robyn Carr
    • Narrated By Alison Larkin
    Overall
    (25)
    Performance
    (24)
    Story
    (24)

    Orphaned and raised by her uncle, the feisty sixteen-year-old Chelynne resolves to show her gratitude by marrying the man of her uncle's choice. Bracing herself for a graying, sickly noble, the last man she expects for a husband is the dashing future Earl of Bryant, Chadwick Hawthorne - suddenly, being a loving wife doesn't seem too hard a task. But he spurns her affection and remains her husband only in name, never in deed. Tormented by unfinished business from his past and an uprising threatening his land, Chad resolves to keep his distance from everyone....

    Laura says: "EXCELLENT ROBYN CARR"
    "Much More Than I Expected!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you like about this audiobook?

    This book was more complex and entertaining than Robyn Carr's usual books. She allows the story and characters to go beyond the usual "formula" romance.

    Chad is a not a nice man, but not in a sexy, arrogant way. He is truly an insensitive man. R.C. is not afraid for the reader to be diappointed with, or fed up, with Chad's behaviors.

    Chelynne is sweet, naive, and genuine, but not sickeningly so. She is easy to relate to when considering the life lessons she learns and her position in an older, unsavory group of peers. She was not whiney or simple. I was actually rooting for her during most of the story, which is unlike me.

    There were aspects of the story that had me speculating, such as whether John was playing with people or sincere in his dealings. I was continually wondering about what would come next.


    How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

    Not increased, but made the era come to life. I love the time period and the complexities in relationships. Whether the particpants are wealthy or not, there are always unwritten social rules that people must instinctively know and adhere to. There was a gross inequity between husbands and wives that can make for some creative events within the story.


    Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

    The whole story is full of detail, and the reader is made to understand all that occurs and the nuances of the time period, but it is seamless.


    What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

    Chelynne's character was portrayed as a bit too frivilous and girly, but otherwise all was good.


    Do you have any additional comments?

    This was an awesome book. It was just plain entertaining and full of life. I lost many hours of sleep because I did not want to trun off my mp3 player so I could go to sleep. I was truly suprised at how different this book was from anything R.C. has previously written. I have read the entire Virgin River series and can say this is probably the best book she has written to date. I hope to see/hear more. WELL WORTH YOUR CREDIT.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Lover at Last: Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 11

    • UNABRIDGED (22 hrs and 22 mins)
    • By J. R. Ward
    • Narrated By Jim Frangione
    Overall
    (650)
    Performance
    (604)
    Story
    (600)

    Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

    CAROLYN says: "AHHHH........ EPIC - JUST EPIC"
    "At Last...The next Brotherhood installment!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does Lover at Last rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    Out of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, this book rates as an 9. I've been waiting to read more about Quinn and Blay for a while and J.R. Ward did not disappoint. The story picks up right where the last one left off.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of Lover at Last?

    Finding Lucas, Quinn being inducted and not John Matthew, Quinn and Blay getting together and Layla seeing Score again. I wasn't sure I wanted all to work out with Quinn and Layla's "young". Seems like it will be trouble in the future for Quinn.


    What does Jim Frangione bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    He has done the whole series, so it is familiar and he produces the sexy voices I would imagine the members of the brotherhood would actually possess. However, some of the voices overlap and it can be confusing when 2 characters have the same voice.


    Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

    Score's tenderness toward Layla. Quinn not "hooking up" with others, and his opening up to Blay...


    Any additional comments?

    As usual, new characters of interest are brought to the forefront, which makes me want to read more about them in the next book i.e. Score and Layla, Assail and Sola, Trez and the latest Chosen. This was a very entertaining book and I had a hard time putting it down. It stuck with me for a while as I pondered the events and characters of the story. I found myself labeling the young boys in my jiu jitsu calss as "pretrans".

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Persimmon Tree

    • UNABRIDGED (27 hrs and 56 mins)
    • By Bryce Courtenay
    • Narrated By Humphrey Bower
    Overall
    (1185)
    Performance
    (784)
    Story
    (775)

    The Persimmon Tree opens in Indonesia in 1942 on the cusp of Japanese invasion and the evacuation of Batavia (Jakarta) by the Dutch. Seventeen-year-old Nicholas Duncan is on holiday there, in pursuit of an exotic butterfly known as the Magpie Crow. It's an uncertain, dangerous time to be in Indonesia, and Nick's options of getting out are fast dwindling. Amidst the fear and chaos he falls in love with Anna, the beautiful daughter of a Dutch acquaintance, and she nicknames him 'Mr Butterfly'.

    Corinne says: "An excellent sequel"
    "MAUST READ: Story telling at its best."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

    The Persimmon Tree is based on an historial timeline that makes it all more interesting. It was enteratining to listen as one thing after another happens to these people who eventually intersect. Each character has a suprising depth. Nick and Anns'a decisions and circumstances diverge in ways that the reader would never have predicted at the beginning of the story.


    Who was your favorite character and why?

    Anna. She was brave, resourcesful, loving, sacraficing, loyal and truly cared about the people in her life. She commanded respect through her competency and generosity. She does not turn her back on anyone in her life even though she has every right to do so.


    What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    The different accents and dialects. The characters originate from all over the world. Everything was seemless and I never confused characters because they were very distinct. Each character's emotions were relayed exactly how the author meant them to be.


    If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

    A story of youth, adventure and sacrafice.


    Any additional comments?

    I found myself a bit miffed about Nick and his need to bed every female who showed interest in him while Anna hung on by a thread while living under the Japanese, being forced into submission, lost loved ones, and eventually ends up addicted to opium.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Blood Bound

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 26 mins)
    • By Rachel Vincent
    • Narrated By Gabra Zackman
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (210)
    Performance
    (191)
    Story
    (191)

    Most can’t touch the power. But Liv Warren is special—a paranormal tracker who follows the scent of blood. Liv makes her own rules, and the most important one is trust no one. But when her friend’s daughter goes missing, Liv has no choice but to find the girl. Thanks to a childhood oath,Liv can’t rest until the child is home safe. But that means trusting Cam Caballero, the former lover forbidden to her.

    Kathryn Vasquez says: "Good....."
    "This is a book you can get lost in!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Blood Bound?

    The reluctant relationsip between Cam and Liv. The intricacy of the crime families, the people bound to them, and the way each sindicate operates.


    What did you like best about this story?

    How Ruben is a truly bad man with a little bit of heart left. There are tibits that came out a little bit at a time that were important to the characters and the story.


    What about Gabra Zackman’s performance did you like?

    The voices were genuine and the women were not histerical or over the top. Everything was just right except Cam's voice should have been stronger, or more masculine.


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    No extreme reaction, but I did root for the good and the bad guys. For some reason I want(ed) to see Ruben redeemed-or at least see Liv as more than "property". The ending was a bit disconcerting.


    Any additional comments?

    This was a great book. The world where it takes place is very intricate and well cunstructed. The relationships and events that transpired between the characters (past and present) are interesting and not predictable. There are many unanswered questions between them. They all have ideals and dreams, but are stuck in their lives due to bad decisions and deceit. Can't wait for the next book!

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • 14

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 38 mins)
    • By Peter Clines
    • Narrated By Ray Porter
    Overall
    (6227)
    Performance
    (5634)
    Story
    (5614)

    There are some odd things about Nate’s new apartment. Of course, he has other things on his mind. He hates his job. He has no money in the bank. No girlfriend. No plans for the future. So while his new home isn’t perfect, it’s livable. The rent is low, the property managers are friendly, and the odd little mysteries don’t nag at him too much. At least, not until he meets Mandy, his neighbor across the hall, and notices something unusual about her apartment. And Xela’s apartment. And Tim’s. And Veek’s.

    Magpie says: "Super solid listen!!"
    "Pretty Cool!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to 14 the most enjoyable?

    The characters were unique. They all had there talents and hang ups. The way they all come together was fun to listen to. The premise and creativity were great.


    What other book might you compare 14 to and why?

    I'm not sure I have read anything like this before. It had suspense, mystery, relationships and sci-fi all rolled up in one book.


    What does Ray Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    The characters came to life through the voices, and Ray Porter did a good job making the characters sound believable, and not over the top.


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    I did laugh out loud a couple of times...and felt felt some curiosity, suspense, sorrow and all the rest that goes with a book like this.


    Any additional comments?

    I listened to this book non-stop for 2 days. I just had to know what happened next. The book had concepts that were so close to the edge of reality...things a person would seldom think about. I would love to listen to a sequel.

    3 of 4 people found this review helpful
  • Wicked Nights

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 34 mins)
    • By Gena Showalter
    • Narrated By Max Bellmore
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (384)
    Performance
    (354)
    Story
    (356)

    Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless - and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost…until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before. Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival.

    CAROLYN says: "TICKED ALL MY BOXES !!!"
    "Good, but not that good."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you like best about Wicked Nights? What did you like least?

    I liked that the characters were familiar from the Lords of the Underworld series and that the story has unexpected twists. I did not like the lack of creativity that Gena Showalter puts into her stories.


    What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

    Predictable


    Which character – as performed by Max Bellmore – was your favorite?

    I didn't have a favorite.


    If this book were a movie would you go see it?

    No. It was slow and dragged out and not as good as I was expecting.


    Any additional comments?

    It was a good listen, but no where near the quality of Gena Showalter's other books.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Bared to You: A Crossfire Novel, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 32 mins)
    • By Sylvia Day
    • Narrated By Jill Redfield
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2468)
    Performance
    (2211)
    Story
    (2204)

    "Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness… He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily…Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other’s most private wounds…and desires."

    CAROLYN says: "TOUCHING & EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER OF PASSION"
    "Loved It!!!!!!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does Bared to You rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    Top 15 - I'll probably listen to it a second time.


    What other book might you compare Bared to You to and why?

    Shades of Grey - the same premise, but characters and circumstances are original. Everything is intense and unpredictable.


    Which character – as performed by Jill Redfield – was your favorite?

    Gideon was my favorite. He's so messed up and has so many hang ups about sex. Now he has found "the one" and is cluelesss about what to do next, but he wants to try. Have to say I love Cary too. He's fun and trouble, and will be interesting to follow as the series progresses.


    Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

    A couple. One was when Ty catches Cary with a woman and they have their interlude and Ty leaves crying. Also, when Ava throws all of Gideon's toys and such on the bed and leaves the hotel room. I love how she shoves his misdeeds in his face.


    Any additional comments?

    Great story. In depth characters. Emotional and intense with all sorts of delimmas and "make-ups" and it was just great to listen to.

    13 of 19 people found this review helpful
  • Fifty Shades Freed: Book Three of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

    • UNABRIDGED (21 hrs and 3 mins)
    • By E. L. James
    • Narrated By Becca Battoe
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (5343)
    Performance
    (4575)
    Story
    (4566)

    When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees. Now, Ana and Christian have it all - love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy.

    SIMARA says: "We ate the dessert first..."
    "Don't know about you, but I LOVED it!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to Fifty Shades Freed again? Why?

    Yes, I would listen again and plan to do so soon. I read the first 2 books and was too impatient to read the 3rd, I had to hear it NOW. The story is so loving, interesting, heartbreaking, hopeful and just downright dramatic.


    Who was your favorite character and why?

    Christain. He was so unpredictable and I really wanted him to figure out who he was and all that. He is so enegmatic and can rule the world if he wants to, but he can't get his wife to keep her bikini top on. Like she says in the story, he is 50 shades. I would love to know someone like him. He does so many positive things behind the scenes, like getting rid of his paddles and canes. And most of all, he is TOTALLY and COMPLETELY head over heels for his wife.


    What does Becca Battoe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    She understood the characters and how they communicated, etc. When Ana would "Grrrr" , "auuggh" , and "oh my" etcetera...she got it just right. She was not overly dramatic (thank goodness). I read the first 2 books, and Becca Battoe played the characters VERY close to what I had imagined in my head. DON'T beleive the narorator issues with the third book. It's a non-issue.


    If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

    There are so many...mainly "why can't you just do what you are told?" or "I have rather singular tastes when it comes to sex"


    Any additional comments?

    This is a great series. It was just shy of being taxing on my emotions. It is unique, the characters are colorful, there is actually a villan who wears black :) I spent a lot of the waiting for the other shoe to drop.

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Report Inappropriate Content

If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

CANCEL

Thank You

Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.