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Karen

Historical romance junkie. Who doesn't love romance?

Edinburgh, Scotland | Member Since 2007

139
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 46 reviews
  • 73 ratings
  • 464 titles in library
  • 27 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
6
FOLLOWERS
27

  • Highland Surrender

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 27 mins)
    • By Tracy Brogan
    • Narrated By Sarah Coomes
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (225)
    Performance
    (209)
    Story
    (208)

    Defiant Highland beauty Fiona Sinclair is shocked by her brothers’ treachery. To seal a fragile truce, they have traded her hand in marriage to their sworn enemy, a man she has never met, a man she was raised to despise. With no choice but to wed, Fiona makes her own private vow: Though she may sacrifice her freedom, she will never surrender her heart. Commanded into marriage by the king, Myles Campbell is no more willing than his reluctant bride. Still, she is a rare beauty, passionate enough to warm even the coldest marriage bed.

    Karen says: "I couldn't stop listening!"
    "I couldn't stop listening!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Any additional comments?

    I had never read or listened to a book by Tracy Brogan so I felt like I was taking a real chance when I bought this book, but from the very beginning of the story I was hooked.

    Feisty Fiona Sinclair has been forced to wed Miles Campbell. She believes Miles father killed her beloved mother and the Campbell's have become her mortal enemy. Now she's married into the family and is resolved to never be a "true" Campbell. Miles is a loving and patient man but even the best of men can take just so much. As the story unfolds family secrets threaten to tear both families apart. It's up to both of them to discover what's true and what's not.

    This story is very well written. The love scenes are romantic and tender and tasteful. Scotland's rich history is very well used to tell the story of clan's for and against the crown. The narrator Sarah Coomes is now my all time favorite narrator. Her speech is clear and concise. Her performance is full of emotion and personality and her accents are rich and true. She can switch back and forth accents with ease and makes the story come alive making you glad you chose the audible book over the paperback. I can't wait for Tracy Brogan to come out with more audible books, I will definitely buy them. I sure hope she keeps the same narrator.

    12 of 12 people found this review helpful
  • The Highlander's Conquest: The Stolen Bride, Book 2

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 7 mins)
    • By Eliza Knight
    • Narrated By Corrie James
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (27)
    Performance
    (27)
    Story
    (27)

    Highland warrior Blane Sutherland has one mission: disguise himself as an Englishman, cross the border, and retrieve Lady Aliah de Mowbray. Always up for a challenge, he agrees, pursuing his conquest with vigor - and trying to deny the powerful desire that eclipses him each time he touches his charge. A rogue of the highest order and a younger son, he has nothing to offer a lady but a broken heart.

    CAROLYN says: "THEY CAN STEAL ME ANYTIME !!"
    "Love me a conflicted Highlander in need of love"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I stumbled upon this book from another reviewer and I'm glad I did. The rich descriptions of the Scottish countryside combined with witty banter make this book a must listen. I didn't realize it was a second book in a series so now I'm going back to listen to the fisrt one. I love the narrators range of voices and different accents, she gives the story a real personality. Add in a great conflict between characters and some historical facts and you have yourself a red hot love story.

    Blane Sutherland watched as his parents were murdered in front of him as a child. Now he one mission in life, find his parents killer and exact his revenge. Lady Aliah De Mowbray feels deeply responsible for her mothers death the day she was born. Now her only wish is to join the church for the rest of her life in an attempt to atone for her supposed sins. When the two of them are forced together in an unusual circumstance they find they can't resist the passion the burns between them.

    If you love hunky highlanders and strong stubborn women who somehow manage to fall in love mixed with a little history you will want to spend a credit right here.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • One Dance with a Duke: The Stud Club Trilogy, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 37 mins)
    • By Tessa Dare
    • Narrated By Leslie Bellair
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (222)
    Performance
    (195)
    Story
    (197)

    In One Dance with a Duke, the first novel in Tessa Dare's delightful new trilogy, secrets and scandals tempt the irresistible rogues of the Stud Club to gamble everything for love.

    Heather says: "Horsing around in Historical Romance"
    "Wonderful story ruined by the narrator"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I loved this story but the child like narration destroyed it for me. Listening to her read the intimate scenes in the book left me feeling awkward. The narrator reads fast and very femine and sterile. I love Tessa Dare's writing and clever dialogue, it's a shame it was ruined.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • The Lady Most Willing...: A Novel in Three Parts

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 2 mins)
    • By Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Connie Brockway
    • Narrated By Susan Duerden
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (99)
    Performance
    (89)
    Story
    (89)

    When Laird Taran Ferguson's nephews refuse to wed and secure his birthright, he takes matters into his own hands, raiding a ball and kidnapping four likely brides - a bonny lass, an heiress with a slight reputation problem, a rich English beauty, and a maiden without a name or a fortune. But which one is ready to fall in love with the Scottish lord?

    CAROLYN says: "HISTORICAL HILARIOUS HIGHLAND MAHEM"
    "Cute and sweet"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I'm not a big fan of books written by several authors, but I am a huge fan of all three of these ladies so I took a chance. The story is cute and predictable but sweet. It seems to read fast as each author is given a small time to tell a whole story. I prefer a more detailed story so I didn't really enjoy its much as I could have if it were just one story.

    Susan Duerden did an incredible job with the narration and kept me listening even when I wanted to give up. All in all its a heart warming story that's just sweet.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Secrets of a Runaway Bride: Secret Brides, Book 2

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 33 mins)
    • By Valerie Bowman
    • Narrated By Justine Eyre
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (25)
    Performance
    (23)
    Story
    (23)

    Annie Andrews has her heart set on marrying a certain man. Now that her guardian and sister, Lily, is off on her wedding trip on the continent, Annie is about to make one last attempt to marry Arthur before her sister can stop her. But Annie doesn't count on the best friend of her new brother-in-law, Jordan Holloway, Earl of Ashbourne, fouling up her plans. Jordan has vowed to keep an eye on the mischievous Miss Andrews. He has two weeks to keep her out of trouble and to keep her from running away again.

    CAROLYN says: "THE SECRET IS - IT'S A LOVELY REGENCY ROMANCE"
    "Runaway fun"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This is the second book in a series and reading the first book helps but is not entirely necessary. Annie Andrews only has eyes for Arthur Eggleston and tries time and time again to run away to Gretna Green with him while her sister is on her honeymoon. Unfortunately for her Jordan Holloway has been appointed her gaurdian in her sisters absence.

    Jordan does not enjoy the task of looking after a 19 year old girl who climbs the ivy of a sniveling man-child's window and is constantly sneaking off to marry that same useless boy. What Annie sees in him is beyond Jordan's comprehension but he's in charge of making sure she doesn't marry Arthur Egghead. Hilarity insues as he thwarts one attempt after another until he begins to see Annie for who she really is, someone who has the same feelings and independent spirit as him. Now he has to resist these new feelings that are bursting up in him or betray his friendship to his best friend and her sisters husband all while trying to protect Annie's reputation from the nosy prying eyes of the ton.

    I'll admit it starts slow and is a little repetitive but it's a fun read and worth the credit. Justin Eyre does a great job with all the characters and brings the story to life. A truly romantic listen. Looking forward to hearing more from Valerie Bowman.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Secrets of a Wedding Night: Secret Brides, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 45 mins)
    • By Valerie Bowman
    • Narrated By Justine Eyre
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (35)
    Performance
    (32)
    Story
    (31)

    Young, widowed, and penniless, Lily Andrews, the Countess of Merrill, has strong opinions on marriage. When she spots a certain engagement announcement in The Times, she decides to take action. She will not allow another hapless girl to fall prey to a man - particularly the scoundrel who broke her heart five years ago. Anonymously she writes and distributes a pamphlet entitled "Secrets of a Wedding Night," knowing it will find its way into his intended's innocent hands.

    CAROLYN says: "Regency romance with secrets, scandals & seduction"
    "It's no secret, this is a great regency romp"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I wasn't familiar with Valerie Bowman's writing and I took a chance on using a credit for this book, but it turned out to be well worth the gamble.

    Devin Morgan's fiancé cries off after reading a scandalous pamphlet and he has a good idea who's responsible for writing it. Amelia Templeton has a real knack for writing and her scandalous phamphlet is flying off the shelves of London, but no one knows for sure who the real writer is and speculation is rife.

    Devon Morgan just wants revenge from the woman who jilted him years earlier and wed someone else. Now she's a widow but he can't forget how she threw him over for another man. The fun insues as circumstances bring them together and lies of the past begin to unravel.

    Ms. Bowman's writing is far from predictable, just when you think you know what's going to happen she throws you a curve. It's fun and romantic and full of great characters. I was able to listen for hours at a time with a smile on my face.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Last Debutante: The Secrets of Hadley Green, Book 4

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 59 mins)
    • By Julia London
    • Narrated By Justine Eyre
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (49)
    Performance
    (44)
    Story
    (43)

    The last person Daria Babcock expects to find in her grandmother’s home is a brawny, naked Highlander. She doesn’t buy Mamie’s explanation about finding the poor man shot in the woods. Nor does she trust the gorgeous laird, who insists his own memory fails him. But Daria came to Scotland looking for adventure and romance, and after the intriguing stranger kidnaps her, she gets her wish - and so much more....

    Diana says: "Nice narration of an okay story"
    "Starts a little slow but hang in there"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Loved this story, it's very well written and the narration is top notch! I had a little trouble at first getting into the story but then it took off and I was hooked. I love the use of the Gaelic language and the narrators ability to say it all correctly. The storyline progresses very well after the small bump in the begining and the narrator is wonderful.

    Daria Babcock's entire life is turned completely upside down when she decides to visit her grandmother in Scotland. Everything she knows to be true will be tested and it will take a stubborn Laird to help her straighten things out. The characters are all very well created and attention to detail is superb.

    Most definitely worth a credit.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Highland Knight: Murray Family, Book 5

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 58 mins)
    • By Hannah Howell
    • Narrated By Angela Dawe
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (52)
    Performance
    (50)
    Story
    (50)

    When Cameron MacAlpin learns the identity of the golden beauty tossed before him as a debt payment, he can't believe his fortune! For cat-eyed Avery Murray is the perfect weapon to use against Payton Murray - Avery's brother - who dishonored Cameron's own sister. Yet his plan to deliver the same insult and avenge his clan is thwarted by spirited Avery herself, who tempts him to forget everything but the passion coursing through his blood. Still, a knight of the Highlands owes his allegiance to his clan before all else - even his heart.

    CAROLYN says: "ANOTHER BRILLIANT MEDIEVAL MYSTERY UNFOLDS"
    "Great story, poor narrator"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Love, intrigue, betrayal and a Highland Laird, great story and well written but I can't get past the narration. It's odd but because Angela Dawe does great voices that are very believable but the in between parts were annoying. It was an odd combination of good and bad. I think if it doesn't bother you, you will be ok.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Three Nights of Sin

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 41 mins)
    • By Anne Mallory
    • Narrated By Angèle Masters
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (136)
    Performance
    (118)
    Story
    (119)

    When her brother was arrested for murder, the ton shut its doors to Marietta Winters. No one would help her save him from the gallows - no one but Gabriel Noble. In exchange for taking the case, Gabriel requests three favors from the desperate young beauty, and Marietta has no other choice but to make a deal with the sinfully handsome devil. Searching for clues in the rough underbelly of London, Marietta must masquerade as a shamelessly wanton wench - much to Gabriel's delight. But Marietta swears to herself that her passionate moans are just for show.

    Jan says: "No Titles Required"
    "A mystery that threw in some romance"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I read the reviews on this one and thought, oh boy a good romance book. So....not a romance. Half way through I looked back at audible to see if I had accidentally downloaded a mystery instead of a romance. I would label this a mystery, and lets throw in some limp sex scenes to make it a "romance". I think as a mystery this story could have stood on it own. its a semi good mystery but as a romance it falls way short.

    The lead character is a self made man and that's admirable, the female character is a down and out aristocrat in serious need of help. The plot become twisted and tangled leading the reader down several wrong paths that become confusing as fingers get pointed in every which way but the right one. The love scenes are awkward and disconnected and I did not feel any chemistry between the two characters. While Anne Mallory had a good concept, I think trying to mix the mystery with the romance didn't quite come off and made the story weak it the romance part. The characters themselves are quite human and afflicted, but together they are just dysfunctional and disjointed.

    Needless to say, I wasn't a fan. I think if you really like mystery/romance you will probably enjoy. I would have liked this story better had it been a romance/mystery.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • The Importance of Being Wicked

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 25 mins)
    • By Victoria Alexander
    • Narrated By Michael Page
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (43)
    Performance
    (38)
    Story
    (39)

    For Winfield Elliott, Viscount Stillwell, finding a prospective bride always seemed easy. Perhaps too easy. With three broken engagements to his name, Win is the subject of endless gossip. Yet his current mission is quite noble: to hire a company to repair his family’s fire-damaged country house. Nothing disreputable in that - until the firm’s representative turns out to be a very desirable widow. Lady Miranda Garret expected a man of Win’s reputation to be flirtatious, even charming. But the awkward truth is that she finds him thoroughly irresistible.

    MickeyMarie says: "She loves him but I didn't"
    "Fun in a very safe way"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This story is about Miranda, a modern day, free thinking widow and Winfield Elliot, a man who likes his world to be predictable and orderly. Needless to say, when his house burns down and he needs to rebuild, a woman is the last person he expects to come to his aid, but when no one else is available to help him in the short span of time he has to work with he is forced to utilize Miranda Garret's help. A battle of wills ensues that eventually leads to love. It has some funny and charming moments.

    The premise sounds promising and it is mildly entertaining but predictable. Those aren't always bad qualities in a book and at the sale price its well worth the price. I really like male narrator, Michael Page, he is very well spoken and I enjoyed his voice. I was disappointed that he made the lead character sound so old and stuffy but I enjoyed all his other voices. Overall, for me, this story was ok. Its a likable story that's fairly reliable in it's plot.

    Not Ms. Alexanders best work by any means but a fairly safe way to pass the time. I wouldn't waste a credit on it, at the sale price of $7.27 its a value, anything more is a waste of time and money.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Never Love a Highlander

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 28 mins)
    • By Maya Banks
    • Narrated By Kirsten Potter
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (547)
    Performance
    (493)
    Story
    (497)

    Caelen McCabe's young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother's jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing. As the sacrificial lamb in her father's power game, Rionna will do her duty but vows to protect her heart and her pride from humiliation.

    Heather says: "Always Love a Highlander!"
    "You won't want it to end"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This last book in a trilogy about the hunky McCabe brothers is every bit as delicious as the previous two. If your a first timer of Maya Banks I highly reccomend you start with book one. That's not to say this book can't stand on its own, it most certainly can but why waste the steamy fun on just one book?

    Caelen McCabe is the youngest McCabe brother. His no nonsense approach to life can put people off, but those that know him know the reason for his gruff ways. When he was younger his trust and love in a women had cost him dearly. Now he can trust no one, especially a women. When he steps in to marry the women his brother cast aside for another he has his work cut out for him. He is now the leader of his wife's clan and no one is happy about that. Can he learn to trust and gain trust in return? His life and as well as his old clan and the new one might depend on it.

    I love how Maya Banks puts a story together. Her excellent writing skills put together a story so beautifully that I find I never want it to end. She spins a tale of intrigue and sexual conquest much like a spider spins web, sucking the listener in deeper and deeper until they are helpless to escape. And this case have no desire to escape. This is romance with a capital R! If you love steamy love scenes and brawny hero's as well as stubborn not so docile heroines then you will love this book.

    Kudos to Kristen Potter who reads beautifully and smoothly. Her well spoken voice makes this well worth listening to.



    2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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