Racing with the Wind

By: Regan Walker

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

“A dazzling mix of passion, adventure, mystery and love.” ~ Breath of Life Reviews Hugh Redgrave, Marquess of Ormond, hides his true identity as the legendary Nighthawk—the thief of Napoleon's most valued secrets—behind his life as a horseman and a rake. Returning to England after years in France, he knows he must choose a wife from among the ingénues who appear each year at the ton, but he hopes to avoid what will be an arranged marriage for as long as he can. When Lady Mary Campbell rides across his path on a magnificent black stallion, he is enthralled. Independent, intelligent and rebellious, Lady Mary is bored by the prospect of her first Season. A bluestocking hoyden, she craves adventure and loves the world of her statesman uncle, who is often called upon by the Crown for difficult tasks. When her uncle leaves for Paris, she goes with him. But, once there, who should appear in King Louis’ court but the mysterious Lord Ormond? Lady Mary fears her growing fascination with the rake and resents his interference with her plan to uncover the truth behind a treacherous plot to take down the newly restored Bourbon king.

Awful voice

Turns out I have read the Kindle version years ago but I wanted to try the audiobook. Not sure why an English voice wasn’t selected. Instead we get a hoarse and nasal voice narrating with an American accent accompanied by a strange intonation. And, as others have pointed out, the dialog is completely bland and you can’t tell one character from another.

Good Story but....

I enjoyed the story by RW, the usual romance with good looking H/H. The historical portions were very interesting and location descriptions are inspiring.
My problem with this book was the virtual voice. It was my first time trying this narration, there is room for improvement. First, the voice was a pleasant female voice with some tone infliction but at crucial discussions it was not enough. Second, some words are cut off and some words mispronounced, Third, when dialogue between two characters happens it takes concentration to follow who is speaking as male and female voices are the same. Add in a third voice and it becomes confusing.
Fourth, there are sudden long pauses for what appears to be no reason.
The narrators of audible books are not always perfect and some I won't listen to at all, but there are also incredible narrators that I look forward to listening to and will buy a book simply because of them. They make the story come alive and you can visualize just like you are watching the action before your eyes.
I admit, because there are several free books with the virtual voice I will listen to more reluctantly. I spend a lot of money with audible and feel there should be more perks for those of us who are loyal listeners. As technology improves, I imagine so will the virtual voice. My support, however, is for those narrators who make a living enacting the books for our enjoyment.