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Shay

“A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where an individual's mind can get both provocation and privacy.”

Warrnambool, Australia | Member Since 2008

48
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 27 reviews
  • 475 ratings
  • 543 titles in library
  • 20 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
3
FOLLOWERS
10

  • The Witness

    • UNABRIDGED (16 hrs and 18 mins)
    • By Nora Roberts
    • Narrated By Julia Whelan
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (5098)
    Performance
    (4405)
    Story
    (4371)

    Daughter of a cold, controlling mother and an anonymous donor, studious, obedient Elizabeth finally let loose one night, drinking too much at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent to lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. The events that followed changed her life forever. Twelve years later, the woman now known as Abigail Lowery lives alone on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance programmer, she works at home designing sophisticated security systems.

    Maha Bali says: "not great, not terrible"
    "200th book and going strong"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I LOVED this book! Vintage Nora Roberts, strong characters and a great story. The book starts with such a huge punch and I spent the rest of the time unable to stop listening desperate to hear just how it was all going to turn out. Julia Whelan was a new narrator for me and what a joy to find another narrator I like! She was perfect - I am so very glad that i purchased this book I enjoyed every single moment.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Stygian's Honor: The Breeds, Book 27

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 34 mins)
    • By Lora Leigh
    • Narrated By Brianna Bronte
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (126)
    Performance
    (114)
    Story
    (116)

    Window Rock, Arizona, is the last known location of Honor Roberts, who vanished when she was just 13. It was her only sanctuary from the Breed research that would surely have ended in her death - one such insidious experiment should, indeed, have killed her. That she lived is both a miracle - and a great mystery. Stygian's mission is to find Honor Roberts, no matter the cost. Now, with the help of Liza Johnson, assistant to the chief of the Navajo Nation, he is closer than ever to his goal. But will the discovery of Honor Roberts mean the destruction of the mating heat that has developed between Stygian and Liza?

    Karen says: "Not the best of Breeds"
    "BREEDS - Your either a fan or your not."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Stygian's Honor?

    I love all these books! On my watch list to read as soon as they are out, same goes for the audio versions. I have found you are either a fan of this 'type' of book or your not. There are a lot of other authors who have written similar story lines along this concept but in my opinion Lora Leigh's Breed's series is the best! Well written, great continuity from book to book and though they are all in the same vein you learn just a little more, you get pulled in that much further with every new book. - I am a huge fan first book to last.


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

    I like her narration, male and female characters. - on my list :)


    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
    (2460)
    Performance
    (2205)
    Story
    (2198)

    "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"
    "If you loved 50 Shades - Then you will ADORE this!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to Bared to You the most enjoyable?

    FANTASTIC! Hadn't read the book first so it was just an absolute treat!!!!!! I have no idea how Sylvia Day has flown under my radar all this time but what an absolute delight to have found her. This is a great story, with characters that just caught me from page one. I cannot wait to read/listen to the entire three books of this trilogy! And along with that was the perfect narration of Jill Redfield, another first for me and I will be looking for her name again.
    SPEND THAT CREDIT NOW!!!!


    What did you like best about this story?

    Both main characters are so agonisingly flawed, and yet they complete each other, it's not the usual boy meets girl, problem, happy ending ..... oh no its messier than that.


    Which scene was your favorite?

    too many to list


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

    I was simple unable to stop listening - I let the world just disappear and I was engrossed


    Any additional comments?

    In my top 5

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

    • UNABRIDGED (19 hrs and 52 mins)
    • By E. L. James
    • Narrated By Becca Battoe
    Overall
    (349)
    Performance
    (295)
    Story
    (300)

    When literature student Anastasia Steele interviews successful entrepreneur Christian Grey, she finds him very attractive and deeply intimidating. Convinced that their meeting went badly, she tries to put him out of her mind – until he turns up at the store where she works part-time, and invites her out. Unworldly and innocent, Ana is shocked to find she wants this man. And, when he warns her to keep her distance, it only makes her want him more.

    Masha says: "Frustratingly bad read"
    "Despite the hype - I loved it"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Fifty Shades of Grey?

    I am so glad I read this book BEFORE all the incredible hype that followed its publication. Yes it is flawed, yes those flaws are many but you know what - its a damn good story and the characters are so tortured they are riveting! I got the audio books ( got all three) because I loved the books - and all in all I am not sorry to have spent the credits.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of Fifty Shades of Grey?

    Hey I hated the Bitch Troll as much as Anna I just wanted her to get hit by a big red bus!


    Did Becca Battoe do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

    Ahhhhhh - my one problem with this audio book was that the narrator was just so - so, I was not wrapped in her narration, and I can't say why. I guess I wanted .... more .... but It wasn't like I cringed through the whole book. - it was oookay.


    Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

    no


    Any additional comments?

    worth having in your audio library.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Maverick: Elite Ops, Book 2

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 25 mins)
    • By Lora Leigh
    • Narrated By Clarissa Knightly
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (145)
    Performance
    (134)
    Story
    (137)

    Micah Sloane knows almost everything there is to know about Risa Clay, including the vicious betrayal she endured years ago and the distrust she’s harbored ever since. The only way for the Elite Ops agent to uncover an assassin - and banish the ghosts of his own dark past - is to use Risa as bait. But nothing has prepared him for her disarming blend of innocence and sensuality, or for his overwhelming need to protect her.… Risa has spent six years rebuilding her life. And now, to save it, she must pose as Micah’s lover and draw a killer into the open.

    CAROLYN says: "A great listen and it had me hooked at Chapter 1"
    "Nearly didn't buy it!!!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to Maverick again? Why?

    I loved this book when I read it! But I wasn't sure it would be a great listen and I was so wrong. I loved it. A hero that I almost wanted to hate but he got it together in the end, and the ensemble characters that make the story interesting. The thing is I am a huge Lora Leigh fan, I adore her Breeds Series and anything she has penned is worth a read / listen.


    Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

    Even though I knew the story yes it was an interesting listen


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

    Wasn't terrible ..... not my favourite narrator but I wasn't put off.


    Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

    actually I didn't listen to it in one sitting but I think that is because I had read the book before listening to the audio version.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Taking Love in Stride

    • UNABRIDGED (5 hrs and 10 mins)
    • By Donna Fasano
    • Narrated By Holly Adams
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (8)
    Performance
    (8)
    Story
    (8)

    Track coach Andrea O'Connor fumed at the audacity of Ian Powers, the very attractive father of one of her students. He had offered to buy school equipment only if Andrea agreed to train him for a half-marathon. Well, train him, she would. And not just in running. As a widower with a high-powered job, Ian needed some instruction in being a father to an active teenage daughter. Yet as this overbearing man opened up, Andrea found herself learning lessons - in loving.

    Shay says: "average ......"
    "average ......"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you try another book from Donna Fasano and/or Holly Adams?

    not sure - I wasn't blown away but it wasn't like having a root canal ......


    What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

    -


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

    you know what it was just a listen .... nothing special but not painful.


    Was Taking Love in Stride worth the listening time?

    not sure .... I won't listen to it a second time.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Backstage Pass: Sinners on Tour Series, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 32 mins)
    • By Olivia Cunning
    • Narrated By Justine O. Keef
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (388)
    Performance
    (357)
    Story
    (358)

    It's been months since Brian Sinclair, lead guitarist for the famous rock band Sinners, composed anything. Unable to write the music that once flowed so naturally, Brian is lost without his musical mojo. But when sexy psychology professor Myrna Evans comes on tour to study groupie mentality, Brian may have found the spark he needs to reignite his musical genius. When lust turns to love, will Brian be able to convince Myrna that what they have is more than just a fling, and that now that he's found his heart's muse, he doesn't want to live without her?

    Lia says: "Steamy Sex - Sweet Romance"
    "Go Ahead and Get This One!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Backstage Pass?

    Okay when I spent my credit I was desperate to have something to listen to when making a trip with my daughter whose music DRIVES ME NUTS. :) Didn't expect to absolutely LOVE it! Great characters, well written and good narration. Love it when I find a new author paired with a good narrator. Spend your credit with confidence!!!!


    Who was your favorite character and why?

    All five guys! Cannot wait to hear the rest in the series


    What about Justine O. Keef’s performance did you like?

    I am soooo fussy when it comes to narration, it makes or breaks a book for me and I am either all in or flick it off - Ms O.Keef's narration kept me there to the end.


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

    -


    Any additional comments?

    going to get every other book in the series!!

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Calculated in Death: In Death Series, Book 36

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 52 mins)
    • By J. D. Robb
    • Narrated By Susan Ericksen
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (707)
    Performance
    (619)
    Story
    (620)

    On Manhattan’s Upper East Side, a woman lies dead at the bottom of a brownstone’s basement steps, stripped of all her valuables. Most cops might call it a mugging gone wrong, but Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows better. A well-off accountant and a beloved wife and mother, Marta Dickenson doesn’t seem the type to be on anyone’s hit list. But when Eve and her partner, Peabody, find blood inside the brownstone, she knows Marta’s murder is the work of a killer who’s trained, yet not professional or smart enough to remove all the evidence.

    Janet says: "Loved it!"
    "book 36 and I am still a huge fan!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    If you could sum up Calculated in Death in three words, what would they be?

    The Eve Dallas "In Death" series is still my favourite. Every book in this series is a keeper and with each book we learn more and experience more of all the character we love.
    Great Book. Great Author. Great Narrator.


    What other book might you compare Calculated in Death to and why?

    This series is unique. I have been a fan from book one and hope there is a book 100 :)


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

    Susan Ericksen brings every character to life. She IS Eve DAllas.


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

    I don't know about tag line but I would LOVE them to make a movie of the series!


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • And One Last Thing

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 23 mins)
    • By Molly Harper
    • Narrated By Amanda Ronconi
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (65)
    Performance
    (55)
    Story
    (55)

    Lacey Terwilligers shock and humiliation over her husband’s philandering prompt her to add some bonus material to Mike's company newsletter: stunning Technicolor descriptions of the special brand of "administrative support" his receptionist gives him. The detailed mass email to Mike's family, friends, and clients blows up in her face, and before one can say "instant urban legend", Lacey has become the pariah of her small Kentucky town, a media punch line, and the defendant in Mike's defamation lawsuit.

    Loren says: "Funny and enjoyable"
    "Fun, entertaining and worth a credit"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Molly Harper always makes me laugh and this book was no different. A story filled with laugh out loud situations, an unforgettably feisty heroine and her signature sarcastic dialogue the book begs to be read by every woman who has ever considered revenge on the male gender. I enjoyed both story and narration. For me the partnership of Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi is a sure thing!

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Cerulean Sins: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Book 11

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 43 mins)
    • By Laurell K. Hamilton
    • Narrated By Cynthia Holloway
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (448)
    Performance
    (227)
    Story
    (225)

    How the mighty have fallen! Once a sworn enemy of all vampires, Anita is now the human consort of both Jean-Claude, the Master Vampire, and Micah, the leopard shapeshifter. But her love life doesn't stop there. It can't. For Anita - not quite as human as she once was - is consumed by both the lusts of the vampire and the primal hungers of the wereleopards. Desires that must be sated - time and time again.

    Kimberly says: "Why did they change Narraters?"
    "The Narrator either makes it a hit or a dud."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    For me it's the narrator that makes or breaks an audio book. A great book can be absolutely butchered by a narrator that just doesn't make it work, and a book that was really 'just a read' can be made really entertaining to listen to by a fantastic narrator. So when I buy an audio book its always, all about the narrator.
    This is one of my favourite series! I love these books and Cynthia Holloway is PERFECT!
    In Fact the one book available in the series (Micah) that was not narrated by Ms Holloway is .... dissapointing. So thankyou Ms Holloway for making my favourite books to read my favourite books to listen to.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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