"Good Listen."
Overall, this book was worth a listen. My only criticisms are that the sex scenes seem to become repetitious and almost boring after awhile and Braden, the main male character, uses the "F" word in every sentence--as an adjective, verb, and expletive. I finally had to start laughing because his ability to express himself was so limited by his reliance on variations that word. Actually, the female character's vocabulary wasn't much more extensive. I don't mind use of four letter words, but they lose their effectiveness when they are an integral part of every sentence.
"The Main Characters Bombed Out"
I can't reveal too much without being a spoiler, but I can say that I ended up hating Cameron, the main male character. I am sure I will be in the minority, but I disliked the way that the main female character, Johanna, ended up settling for someone who proved to be as capable of emotional abuse as her father had been of physical abuse. Johanna admits that she has hasn't been without a boyfriend since she was 16 because she needed a man to affirm her value--which usually backfired and caused her to have no self-esteem. That being the case, she should have kicked Cameron and all former lovers to the curb, gone to work with her uncle, and spent time building herself into a strong, independent woman.
The narration was very irritating. Am not an expert on Scottish accents, but Elle Newlands voice was not convincing--especially for the males. One final item that is just a personal pique--I could not help feeling sorry for the mother. She did not seem to be the demon everyone thought her to be. No excuses for hitting her son, but no excuses for letting her lie unattended for weeks on end alone in her bedroom either. Alcoholism is a disease, not a character flaw, yet no one raised the issue of getting treatment for the mother. I guess Johanna's excuse would be that she was afraid her younger brother would be taken away from her. Very unrealistic in today's world where adult siblings gain custody all the time.
In sum, I wouldn't recommend this book.
"Abridged Version Leaves Gaps, But Worth Listening"
I suggest reading the book, then listening to this version. The book is amazing, but the abridged audio version leaves out too many of the strands of the intricate web of the story. That said, The interpretation by Will Patton brings the characters to life in way that your imagination alone, no matter how fertile, cannot. Any opportunity to listen to Will Patton reading the works of James Lee Burke is a rare gift. It is that simple. Enjoy.
"No Superlatives Sufficient for This Book"
I didn't think James Lee Burke and Will Patton could top Glass Rainbow, but they have done so with Creole Belle. Dave and Clete are reunited in a struggle against a complex web of enemies that range from Nazi war criminals and multinational oil companies to local mob gangsters and corrupt cops. The kick-butt, no-holds-barred ending to their struggle is mesmerizing.
"The Beginning of a Classic Series"
James Lee Burke and Will Patton created an experiential masterpiece with this book that set the standard for their subsequent collaborations. The Dave Robicheaux novels, especially those narrated by Will Patton, form a classic literary series that will be hailed as true works of art by future generations
"Narration Terrible"
Can't comment on the story because the intolerable narration made it impossible to finish. Do not waste money or credit.
"Do Not Recommend"
It pains me to say this because I am a fan of Elizabeth Hoyt, but this book was a disappointment. The book before this, Raven Prince, was a delight, but I just couldn't get into this one. The basic story line about the affair between an earl's sister, Georgina, and her land management servant, Harry, had great potential,but it became tangled up with a number of subplots that were either confusing or almost irrelevant to the main story. By about the middle of the book, the pace became cumbersome and only deteriorated after that. I had to fast forward several times just to finish. I cannot recommend this book.
"Excellent Story"
I loved this book. The love story was heartwarming with main characters who did not possess the typical "flawless beauty." Plenty of mystery, intrigue, great sex, and compelling friendships. Narration was terrific. One of the best books in this genre.
"Author Scammed the Readers/Listeners"
I am a fan of Anita Shreve, especially Pilot's Wife and Fortune's Rock. So it was with anticipation that I invested a good deal of time and emotional energy getting caught up in the lives of the characters in this book. However, I felt "sucker-punched" by the unexpected ending of this book. I am actually so angry at the author for using such a cheap, trite literary trick at the end--one which I feel showed little regard for her audience-- that I am boycotting any future novels by Shreve. If you don't want to feel insulted and cheated out of a credit or $, skip this book.
"A Bit Too Much Angst"
The story revolves around an affair between a 17 year old girl and her 36 year old guardian who has been unhappily married for 15 years. On the surface, this plot line could have provided the basis for a very good book(i.e. a similar story written by Anita Shreve in which the young girl is very precocious and mature beyond her years). Sadly, the girl in this novel is so immature (for example, she doesn't know what a penis is) and unrealistic that it is hard to believe the guardian could feel more for her than lust. The guardian himself has a bad temper, is very controlling, and is so self-centered he appears downright clueless sometimes. Most of the book is full of self-recrimination, angst, anger, and misunderstanding. The resolution toward the end leaves one feeling like "hell, why didn't the guardian do this a long time ago." The narrator is unpleasant and difficult to listen to. This is not a terrible book, but it is not one I would recommend.