V

I was excited to see a new vamp series, especially one with such great reviews, but I honestly was disappointed. Tavia Gilbert narrated, and as usual, was amazing, but it just wasn't enough for me. Some parts were dragged out unnecessarily and others, like some of the battle scenes, were run through so quickly it was over before I knew what was what.

This book might have been better if read, but as an audiobook, it didn't rock my socks.

I can see how this book would be a good listen for someone who's never read JR Ward before, but as a huge fan of hers, this book honestly disappointed me. The writing style has a very strong resemblance to Ms. Ward's, not to mention some of the character's and
similarities in dialogue. Some of the terms and phrases used are very popular in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, and it felt like I was listening to a watered down version of it.

That being said, I did enjoy the plot, but when it comes to this kind of novel, I'll stick to the Master- JR Ward's done it already, and done it right.

I adore Robert Petkoff as a narrator, but his female voices don't thrill me. He seems to naturally have a deeper voice, which makes his males AMAZING, but his females come off a bit breathy and bimbo-y sounding. That being said, his male characters completely rock my socks. There doesn't seem to be a single accent Mr. Petkoff can't master (even Ellie's Appalachian twang was good) and his inflections are fantastic. When Lothaire's ticked, you know it, and when he's feeling amorous, you feel it.

The story itself was great. I loved that at the end, things weren't necessarily tied up neat and tidy in a bow. Lothaire is still the severely half crazy Enemy of Old, and Ellie is now less black and white in her views of right and wrong. They're relationship will continue to be tested in the dramas to come, and they've found what they need in each other.

I'm still hoping Kresley Cole's other books in the series will be put on audiobooks- I'd get every single one!

From other reviews I'd read, I honestly expected the worst from this audiobook, but I'm happy to say I enjoyed it. Although I agree that I wasn't the biggest fan of the two narrators, I'll admit it did lend a little something to the two points of view. The narrators weren't bad, I just felt it unnecessary to have two.

The short book was a fun listen, and I loved finally getting the background story on Nikolai and Myst. Her antics gave me a giggle, and Nikolai's reactions to her just made it that much better.

If you're into paranormal romance and have a few spare hours, give this one a whirl!

I've absolutely devoured Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series, and I've loved every minute of it, until The Outlaw Demon Wails. The story is just as good (even better maybe, with all the secrets exposed) but the narrator ruined it for me. I have no idea why Marquerite Gavin didn't do this one, but I wholeheartedly wish she had. Miss Bermingham's voices all sounded the same, and her pronunciation of certain words and names grated on my ears. I literally winced a few times. I'm so glad to see that Marquerite Gavin is taking back over for the next books in the series!

As a mother of 3, this was absolutely one of the funniest and most honest "bedtime stories" I've ever heard! My husband listened, and almost shot his drink through his nose! Samuel L. Jackson was the perfect narrator... I'm telling everyone I know about it.

I've already read what's available of this series, and I love them enough to give the audiobooks a whirl. The only comment I really have to offer is in reference to the narration.

Robert Petkoff did an wonderful job with the male voices, and his accents were fantastic, but when it came to the female characters, I just didn't buy it. His voice is intensely masculine, and he really tried, but the women, especially Emma, came off sounding super breathy and and still male. I truly enjoyed his Lachlain (especially in the steamier scenes. Really, wow!) but women aren't his forte. Hopefully Mr. Petkoff can fix this, because in most areas his narration was amazing.

It's definitely not a deal breaker for me, but it was a bit distracting.

I listen to a TON of paranormal romance audiobooks, and I have to tell you that with few exceptions, I'm left cold. Either the story is too dry and plodding, or the narrator left much to be desired.

This is not the case with this series. I was immediately drawn into the story, and fell in love with the characters. I laughed a lot, teared up a little, and immediately moved on to book 2. Sophie Eastlake did a wonderful job on the narration, and they were a few times I forgot I was listening to just one person reading. I highly recommend this series, and I hope others find it as enjoyable as I!

To be honest, the first book took me a bit to get into... The narrator has a very light, teenlike voice, and at first, it grated on me. Jane's a grown woman, so the voice didn't sit right with me. However, as it went on, I was able to look past it and become involved with the story. I read a TON of paranormal romance, and more often than not, I'm disappointed in what's out there- The same stale storylines, the same mythical creatures, so on and so forth. This was a nicely fresh take on things, and by the time I was done with Book One, I was completely involved. It was a great mix of light and funny, dark and intense. Jane is flawed and brave, and sometimes the two combine for insanely stupid decisions that somehow come out alright, of course. There's a supporting cast of characters that makes me giggle, and the action is sometimes pretty intense. It's got my recommendation!

I'm a total sucker for good paranormal romance, and unfortunately, most authors I've happened upon have trouble keeping a balance between the romance and action. Storm Born was a great listen for me, and I've already purchased the next two installments. I love heroines that are strong but flawed, and sexually comfortable, but not permanently on their backs. Eugenie is smart, sarcastically funny, and I enjoy her inner voice. She deals with situations that are completely out of the norm, but inside, she's just like everyone else. Eugenie is sometimes insecure and confused, questioning right from wrong, and her place in the world.
I'll keep listening as long as Ms. Mead keeps writing!