Born in Ice

Born in Trilogy, Book 2

By: Nora Roberts

Narrated by: Fiacre Douglas

Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

RITA Award Winner, Best Romance of 1995

When the harsh storms of winter descend upon western Ireland, the locals stay indoors - and visitors stay away. Brianna Concannon's bed-and-breakfast becomes a cold and empty place. And that's fine with Brianna. She enjoys the peace and quiet, even when icy winds howl at her window.

This year, though, she's expecting an unusual guest: mystery writer Grayson Thane, from America. A restless wanderer with a dark past, he plans to spend the cold winter alone. Yet sometimes fate has a plan of its own. Sometimes a fire can be born in ice...

©2007 Nora Roberts (P)2007 Brilliance Audio

Critic Reviews

"Captures the charisma and earthy charm of Ireland." (Publishers Weekly)  

"Fiacre Douglas characterizes the icy, beautiful Brianna Concannon, recently jilted, with subtle nuances and tonal shading mixed with a thick Irish brogue." (AudioFile)

A Trilogy to be Included in the Best Libraries

If you have read any of my past book reviews, you will know that I don’t believe in spoiler alerts. And following that sentiment let me tell you that Book 1 is good. I mean it is Nora Roberts…right? However, for some reason, I didn’t love the narration. The Irish accent was, as far as this South Texas Girl would think…spot on. The problem for me, I believe was the way the narrator seemed to rush through the female dialogue, making it seem somehow, cut off and thus, her withholding expression. In some ways, it was difficult, in Book 1, for me to connect with the family, Concannon. Relatable characters are what will invest a reader into the story. Don’t you agree? In fact, I am not sure that I would have continued the trilogy, had I not already owned the next two books. What a treasure I found, though.
It was in Book 2, BORN IN ICE, and narrated by the same gentlemen I might add, that I really was able to fall in love with this family. Oh, and fall in love, I did. What an amazing surprise it was for me too; enough, that is, to want to share my experience with you. I am not sure if I adapted to the narrator’s tempo, or if he slowed his pace and dynamics, but I loved him too.
I only just completed Book 2, and between you and me, I didn’t want it to end…and so it doesn’t…on to book 3 I go!
Credit Worthy – YES!

Great book! The narrator is amazing....

I don't usually like romance novels but this was entertaining! The narrator made it even better. I use audiobooks to exercise to so needless to say, I didn't miss my morning walking and even followed up by walking in the evening! LOL

Good story, but...

The story was good, but the reader almost killed it for me. There is a lack of emotion in the reading although the characters were clearing defined in voice, something was missing. I wonder if the reader is used to doing non-romanace stories because his voice is great, but not for a romance. As far as the story, Nora Roberts does it again. I think I'll purchase the book and read if for myself.

This Series ROCKS! LOVE IT!!!

In Roberts’ second book of the Born In series we are back in Ireland at the home of the younger Concannon sister Brianna, who is happily enjoying the winter and peace and quiet of isolation in her B&B on the west coast of Ireland. Brianna enjoyed people but also her quiet time before her winter guest would be arriving – a renowned mystery writer, Grayson Thane, from America. A nomad by nature, Grayson seeks the isolation to write alone, but from the very first, a fire is ignited as he gets to know his beautiful inn keeper.

*** Lord, but I am just loving this series and these irrepressible Concannon sisters, their significant others, neighbors, workers, and even one very self-absorbed momma! Roberts’ characterizations of all her people are just so real - non-perfect people in a non-perfect but very real world. Although, to my mind of thinking Brianna is probably one of the more perfect people who is portrayed as really quite happy with her life, B&B, and meeting all her tenants at the B&B. Brie is truly a happy person with her life the way it is, but of course, like most humans she does have dreams. Those dreams of making a truly loving home – one that was filled with happiness, lots of children and above all laughter. However, that would need a husband to affect that dream.

Enter Grayson Thane, Brianna’s newest boarder who had booked and paid the first month of his stay planning to stay through the winter. After the first few days of Brianna’s cooking - Grayson felt he’d died and went to heaven. A very wealthy and famous author, he’d never settled down and wandered the earth keeping only an apartment in NYC close to his publisher. Partly because he’d never had roots or any kind of stable childhood, Gray had never been close to anyone or let himself grow close - too many memories of abandonment.

With a remarkably deft hand Roberts lets the reader enjoy the romance between Brie and Gray as they both quietly discover in their own hearts the way each others hearts were bruised and needed healing. It was such a pleasure to experience the care and thoughtfulness of two genuinely wonderful people learning to love and trust. And the bigger bonus was seeing the ‘thoughtless momma’ bend just a wee little bit and smile - I think it happened at least once in this book.

Bottom Line: Another remarkable listen to a lovely Irish lilting performance by Fiacre Douglas, who is fast becoming one of my favorite narrators of Irish themed stories. Add to that the excellence of Nora Roberts’ brilliant story telling and bang - you are in for one very big treat!

Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com

Narrator was wonderful

Would you listen to Born in Ice again? Why?

The story was good, and the narrator's brogue was melodic

What did you like best about this story?

everything- the characters, their values, the unwrapping of the story

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

There were so many complaints about the narrator. I thought there was plenty of emotion in his voice and he was able to go back and forth between America and Irish accents

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

the last chapter was so beautiful, I listened to it twice.

I Felt As Though I Was Back In Ireland

If you could sum up Born in Ice in three words, what would they be?

Wind-swept Romance

What was one of the most memorable moments of Born in Ice?

When the mysterious Yank arrives at Blackthorn Cottage In the midst of a stormy night and sees Brianne for the first time.

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

I was surprised to hear an Irish reader and felt it added to the story telling since this book is set in Ireland.

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

It was a compelling story even though I have read the book several times before.

Any additional comments?

This is one of my favorite Nora Roberts books, and listening to it made it seem new.

An Irish Treat!

I loved, loved, loved this book. I am crazy about this series so much so that I paid full price for the next in the series because I couldn't wait for my monthly allowance from audibles. Nora Roberts created a real treasure with this book. The heroine runs a bed and breakfast in the Irish countryside. She gets a guest from America who is a famous writer that has no home base and a mysterious past. It was fun to get a glimpse from the writers perspective. It is the usual Nora Roberts formula but it adds up to a terrific tale. The narrator makes it extra special with his beautiful Irish brogue and his easy transition between the "yanks" accent.

Engaging characters

The second of the Born In trilogy, also set in County Clare, Ireland. Brianna Concannon is the younger sister of Maggie from Born in Fire. Unlike Maggie, she has a cool temper and an almost distant demeanor, though she engages warmly with her community and the visitors to her B&B. Grayson Thane is a writer of thrillers who has arranged to stay at Blackthorn Cottage while researching his latest book. He is, on the surface, very amiable, but when his writing gets him by the throat he can be rude and withdrawn. Their story is one of breaking down barriers put up to protect wary hearts.
The narrator is adept at catching the different accents - Irish, American, and upper-crust British (with a little Scottish thrown in as well).

Would make a great movie.

Needs a man and a woman to read the book. It would give the imagination help in picturing the Story.

Mixed Results

Great Nora Robert's story. A favorite. Narrator reads too fast -- like he is in a hurry to be done. Not enough difference in the characters' voices. Less enjoyable.

A story to listen many times

I just listened 3rd time.

Again a pleasure, after a few years.
Will cherish again. The story, the performance.

I even went to Ireland visiting, looking for the atmosphere.

excellent

love this trilogy. cant wait to move on to next one. well written and narrated

Born in Ice

Excellent sequel to Born in Fire .Brilliant character description. Set on the West coast of Ireland with the changes in weather mood as a back drop to a great story .