Notorious Angel

By: Jennifer Blake

Narrated by: Judith West

Length: 16 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

The unimpeachable Elenora Villars is the pride of New Orleans. Her magnificent auburn hair is her crowning glory and her benevolence is the talk of the town. Once a nurse to injured Americans in Niagara, Elenora has become famous for her compassionate works. The widow of a Spanish nobleman, Elenora has secured herself a respected place in high society. But she has a secret that could destroy her good name.

Colonel Grant Farrell is the only man who knows what Elenora really is and the secrets she is hiding, but he doesn't care. He is overwhelmed with a passion that can only be sedated by the warm brush of her sensual lips. He is her sworn enemy, a man who holds her future in his hands, a man who has vowed to win her love. Can his insatiable desire overcome her burning hatred?

©1977 Jennifer Blake (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Darkly romantic adventure, not a light read.....

This is my favourite book by Jennifer Blake so far, even though I did not particularly liked initial “romance” between Eleonora and Grant, forced “love” and imprisonment were very creepy.... real bodice ripper, be warned!

However, story moves along very swiftly and there is a wealth of great secondary characters, intrigues and adventures that almost puts romance between H/ h in the shade, especially as they spend large part of the story apart. Actually I wish second romantic hero Luis had a better chance with Eleonora, he was a real knight in shining armour, the scene of the wedding in prison will make you reach for tissues...

If you like historical romance set in exotic location, rich with adventure and historical detail, with strong admirable heroine full of trials and deep emotions this story is amongst the best.

Highly recommend!

Fascinating history

The history in this book was very interesting and after looking a few things up, pretty accurate! This was a subject in American history I had never heard of before. William Walker and 1850’s Nicaragua. I can safely say I am glad I did not live in this time period and location!
The main characters were fictional, for the purpose of the story of course. I found it concerning how the relationship begins. Keep in mind this was published in 1977, and set in the 1850’s. In current times, the situation is abhorrent. I would not have called it romance and Eleanora should have been sent straight to a therapist! Luis, a side character, was the true romantic and hero of this story.

As far as the narration, I did not like the voices she gave the main characters. They kind of all sounded like Forrest Gump.

Good Story / Horrible Narration

Would you try another book from Jennifer Blake and/or Judith West?

Jennifer Blake - most definitely
Judith West - NO

What didn’t you like about Judith West’s performance?

The dialogue was horrible. Eleanora sounded like a 45 year old smoker (she was probably 18-19) and Grant sounded like Dudley DoRight. Wow! I wish she'd just read the dialogue parts straight if she couldn't do a better job.

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

Would be a great mini-series. The history alone is fascinating.

Slightly disappointed

Story was good and everything you expect from Jennifer Blake, however; I felt the performance was fair at best and would have given it 2.5 stars if possible.
The heroine was made to sound as if she was an old woman and the hero was a forced attempt of sounding male. I wish I would have read this book instead of listening.
I recommend listening to the sample first prior to purchase to see if the voice is something you can connect with.
More than likely after some time I will go back and read this but I need to forget the narrating voice.
With that being said I’m sure this narrator is very good in other genres.

My Favorite Blake

Would you listen to Notorious Angel again? Why?

Yes, I listened, although the voice for the main male was annoying. It is very difficult to get the manly voice correct with the personality, but I was particularly disappointed in this one. But I love this story and it compelled me to investigate the history behind the story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Notorious Angel?

The story of the escape to the Mosquito Coast and the events there are very compelling. The whole story is fascinating and I have read it many times.

What didn’t you like about Judith West’s performance?

She missed the main male persona completely. Her main female voice sounded too old.

Heart wrenching, emotional and deep plot

Another beautifully written, emotionally charged novel by Jennifer Blake. This is a complex story with an exquisitely written plot, well developed characters, and heart wrenching truth.

I know that I keep repeating this in my reviews of Jennifer Blake's novels, but I was taken aback after purchasing one based on the description and finding the story I received instead.

She is a realist, and writes stories about flawed characters who manage to squeeze some kind of happiness in the end. The hero are normally a-holes, who you want to punch in the face. There is always a redeeming and wonderful male in the story who I desperately want the heroine to choose, but alas she does not.

Basically, the heroine follows her brother to a war campaign that ends up putting her in an impossible situation. The hero, well he just wants her, so he takes her. The rest of the publishers summary happens after the first 3/4 of the book.

I enjoyed the story for what it was, a compelling and truthful insight into two very complex fictional characters. Life isn't always a fairy tale, and Blake certainly gets that across.

Worth a credit for me, but if you like a lighter read...skip it.