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LaRena

Spartanburg, SC, United States | Member Since 2012

0
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 10 reviews
  • 16 ratings
  • 119 titles in library
  • 21 purchased in 2013
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  • White Lines II: Sunny

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 5 mins)
    • By Tracy Brown
    • Narrated By Allyson Johnson
    Overall
    (101)
    Performance
    (93)
    Story
    (92)

    On the surface, it appears that Sunny has got it all: looks, money, a beautiful home, a healthy daughter, and friends who love her. But Sunny has a secret—something she hasn’t even told her best friend. The truth is Sunny is unhappy. She still misses her beloved Dorian and worries that no other man will ever captivate her the way he did. She’s dated some very powerful and successful men since Dorian’s death, but will she ever find love again?

    Dream says: "Not as good as part 1"
    "It was adequate"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you like best about White Lines II: Sunny? What did you like least?

    I liked the update it gave on the characters from the first book. I hated the cliffhanger ending.... And Sheldon.


    Would you be willing to try another book from Tracy Brown? Why or why not?

    Yes. I'm still impressed with the first book. She knows how to tell a story. Also she brings characters to life.


    What about Allyson Johnson’s performance did you like?

    She did a good job bringing out their personalities.


    What would have made this romance irresistible?

    If Sunny wasn't so into self-sabotage. More moments that make you go "awwww".


    Any additional comments?

    Overall decent book. Mad about the ending though. There was a climax then it just ended. I would have gotten the next book regardless.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Dutch: Dutch Trilogy, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 6 mins)
    • By Teri Woods
    • Narrated By Ezra Knight
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (44)
    Performance
    (27)
    Story
    (28)

    The first volume of a trilogy, Dutch follows the criminal career of street hood James Bernard Jr., a.k.a. Dutch. Even while stealing cars, Dutch knew he was destined for more, and it wasn’t long before he saw his chance to seize power in New Jersey. Now a Jersey kingpin, Dutch is coming under fire from an upstart DA—but it won’t be easy to take down this streetwise criminal.

    ALLYSON says: "OMG!"
    "It was ok"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

    I wouldn't go as far to say time well spent but it held my interest for the most part.


    Has Dutch turned you off from other books in this genre?

    No, not at all. I'm not really in a rush to read the second and third parts, but I will out of curiosity.


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

    He did a wonderful job giving the story life and distinguishing the characters.


    Could you see Dutch being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

    Maybe a series. It would need a lot of development. I see what the author was goin for, but the story lagged at times.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Cartel 4: Diamonds Are Forever

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 15 mins)
    • By JaQuavis, Ashley
    • Narrated By Cary Hite
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (72)
    Performance
    (65)
    Story
    (66)

    The Diamond family has survived murder, deceit, and betrayal. Through it all, they’re still standing tall, and a new era has begun. After surviving an attempt on her life, Breeze has moved into the queen’s position by Zyir’s side. Zyir has taken over the empire and locked down Miami’s streets; the world is in his hands. But there is always new blood ready to overthrow the throne. Young Carter has retired and moved away from the madness - that is, until he gets an unexpected visitor at his home. This person shakes up the whole family, causing chaos that threatens to bring down the Cartel for good.

    Arjun says: "Should have stopped with book 3"
    "I'm so attached to this series"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does The Cartel 4 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    Probably 3rd or 4th.


    Who was your favorite character and why?

    Carter. He was strong, level-headed, mature, and loyal. He took charge of his family and I loved that about him.


    What about Cary Hite’s performance did you like?

    I loved his performance. He acted out each part and each character could easily distinguished.


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

    When the brothers put their differences aside.


    Any additional comments?

    I was mad at first because I felt the twists ruined the first three books, but the story definitely stood on it's own and grew on me after a couple of chapters. There was some continuity issues also. I wasn't too crazy about the ending though. I will definitely check out part 5, but must say, I'm nervous about the direction they are going in, maybe because I'm so in love with young Carter. :) overall great book. I didn't want it to end.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Hearts of Men

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 4 mins)
    • By Travis Hunter
    • Narrated By Ezra Knight
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (10)
    Performance
    (6)
    Story
    (6)

    Songwriter, poet, and best-selling author Travis Hunter was named Author of the Year by readers of the Atlanta Daily World. In The Hearts of Men, a reformed player, a workaholic trying to overcome his past, and a faithful husband diagnosed with lung cancer all struggle to be the men they hope to be. But life and human frailty have a way of throwing stumbling blocks before the best of intentions.

    Naomi says: "Straight To The Hearts of Women"
    "I'm glad that I listened to this book"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you try another book from Travis Hunter and/or Ezra Knight?

    Yes, I would.


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

    I kind of expected it. It gave the book closure, but it was a little sad.


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

    Yes, I would


    Any additional comments?

    I was disappointed the first few minutes of listening to the book, but quickly changed my mind. It isn't an action-packed page turner, but enough is going on to keep you interested. A few of the conversations in the book made me think. That is what I appreciated about this story. This book was very well-written and had a purpose.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • She Had it Coming

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 36 mins)
    • By Mary Monroe
    • Narrated By Patricia R. Floyd
    Overall
    (39)
    Performance
    (18)
    Story
    (18)

    The author of New York Times best-selling novels like God Don't Play, Mary Monroe is especially adept at capturing the tumultous highs and lows of the unforgettable characters who populate her books. In She Had It Coming,it's the best of times and the worst of times for Dolores Reese, who's married to two different men in two different cities.

    Andra says: "She Had It Coming is Definitely All Right!!"
    "This story flowed nicely..."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

    I would recommend this book because it was interesting from beginning to end.


    How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

    I would have left out the foreshadowing in the beginning and let all of the events come as a surprise. Throughout the beginning, I kept waiting for this big moment that was eluded to in the first 10 minutes.


    What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

    Patricia Floyd always does well.


    Do you think She Had it Coming needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

    Yes. I want to hear about the state of the character's relationship. And I need more drama! :)


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Inner Circle: The Wives Association

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 2 mins)
    • By Evelyn Lozada, Courtney Parker
    • Narrated By Nicole Small
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (44)
    Performance
    (37)
    Story
    (36)

    Inner Circle depicts the life of Evelyn Lozada’s off-camera alter ego, Eve Inez. Much like The Basketball Wives, Inner Circle reveals everything athletes’ wives live through, complete with the cheating, scandal, manipulation, and gossip. And this time, nothing is being held back. None of the wives are prepared for how addictive their rich lifestyles can be, and they find themselves stooping to unimaginable levels of deception to preserve their social status.

    Dream says: "Surprised but delightful"
    "Not Bad"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

    Yes. I wasn't in love with this book, but I would say that it was worth the time. The story was interesting enough. The narrator did a pretty good job.


    Would you be willing to try another book from Evelyn Lozada and Courtney Parker ? Why or why not?

    Yes. They kept the story going at a good enough pace that the reader doesn't have a chance to get bored.


    Which scene was your favorite?

    The meeting with samaira when they gave her the check.


    Do you think Inner Circle needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

    Yes. I would like to see how the friendship between Eve and amber played out. Also, I would like to see someone put Jackie in her place.


    Any additional comments?

    I'm not going to lie, the twist was a bit predictable. But for Evelyn not to be a professional writer, she did a decent job. I cared enough about what was going on to actually for opinions of each of the characters. I would have liked to see some justice takes place. To me a great book sets you up to dislike the villains and then gives them what they deserve. But I would check out the sequel if they decide to write one.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Scandals

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 4 mins)
    • By Sasha Campbell
    • Narrated By Karen Pittman, Krystal King
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (50)
    Performance
    (40)
    Story
    (42)

    In Scandals, Monica Houston is a newly divorced mom who makes ends meet as an exotic dancer at Scandalous, the hottest club around. But if the ex finds out, she runs the risk of losing her kids. Meanwhile, sexy dancer Robin Wright thinks she might be in over her head when her sister is sent to jail and her nephew is thrust into her care. Unprepared for this new role, Robin finds herself falling for the kid’s “big brother”, even as she tries to prove her sister’s innocence.

    r.salters says: "Excellent"
    "Very good book"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you consider the audio edition of Scandals to be better than the print version?

    I haven't read the print version.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of Scandals?

    When one of the girls was found dead and we found out who it was. That was kind of sad.


    Did the narration match the pace of the story?

    Yes. Both narrators did a good job. They were enthusiastic and acted out their parts well. The only thing is the person who narrated as Robin, her voice didn't go with what the character was supposed to look like.


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

    Don't judge someone by their secrets


    Any additional comments?

    Good book with a slight, yet unpredictable twist at the end.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Cartel 3: The Last Chapter

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 26 mins)
    • By Ashley & JaQuavis
    • Narrated By Cary Hite
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (73)
    Performance
    (68)
    Story
    (67)

    Miamor is fighting for her life in the belly of the beast. She’s been kidnapped, and she’s staring death in the eye. Is the reign over for the head of the Murda Mamas? Carter is in federal custody and leaves the Diamond empire to Zyir and Mecca. When the past comes back to haunt Mecca and the truth finally comes to light, will the Cartel rise or fall? Breeze is in the clutches of the crazed Ma’tee, and she desperately searches for a way out. Will she escape or die his love slave? The answers are revealed here.

    Dream says: "At the edge of my seat"
    "Why is this not a movie yet?"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    If you could sum up The Cartel 3: The Last Chapter in three words, what would they be?

    Unpredictable, emotional, fulfilling


    Who was your favorite character and why?

    My favorite character was young carter because he was always so in control. He was intelligent, loyal, and we got to see his sensitive side. That was beautiful.


    What about Cary Hite’s performance did you like?

    Everything. He painted a picture with his performance!


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

    The game where no one wins.


    Any additional comments?

    I didn't want this trilogy to end. This is a classic.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • White Lines: The White Lines Novels, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (19 hrs and 26 mins)
    • By Tracy Brown
    • Narrated By Allyson Johnson
    Overall
    (270)
    Performance
    (226)
    Story
    (236)

    Jada left home at the age of sixteen, running from her own demons and the horrors of physical abuse inflicted by her mother’s boyfriend. She partied hard, and life seemed good when she was with Born, the neighborhood kingpin whose name was synonymous with money, power, and respect. But all his love couldn’t save her from a crack addiction. Jada goes from crack addict and prostitute to survivor and back again before she finds the strength to live for herself and come out on top.

    Dornetta says: "A very compelling story"
    "Love this book!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to White Lines again? Why?

    Yes. This book played like a movie in my head. It was so real and took me on an emotional journey.


    What did you like best about this story?

    It was well written. Excellent storytelling.


    What aspect of Allyson Johnson’s performance would you have changed?

    Some of the characters sounded like they were straight out of the old south. It was distracting at first. Other than that, she did each character justice.


    If you could rename White Lines, what would you call it?

    I think the title is perfect.


    Any additional comments?

    I didn't want it to end.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Deadlocked: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel, Book 12

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 29 mins)
    • By Charlaine Harris
    • Narrated By Johanna Parker
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2628)
    Performance
    (2320)
    Story
    (2325)

    Growing up with telepathic abilities, Sookie Stackhouse realized early on there were things she'd rather not know. And now that she's an adult, she also realizes that some things that she knows about, she'd rather not see—like Eric Northman feeding off another woman. A younger one. There's a thing or two she'd like to say about that, but she has to keep quiet—Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), is in town.

    pewter says: "Who, What, and Why"
    "Wasn't the best from the series, but interesting."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Is there anything you would change about this book?

    It left more unanswered questions. Left us in the air at the end.


    How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

    A little more action.


    Which character – as performed by Johanna Parker – was your favorite?

    I love how she plays Sookie and Pam.


    Was Deadlocked worth the listening time?

    Yes. Slower than the other books, but interesting. You can tell that the series us coming to a close.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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