Marriage at First Sight

By: CJ Howard

Narrated by: Lori J. Moran

Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Haley had nothing to lose but everything to gain.

A new reality TV show was launching, and the prize was a cool $100,000.

She would be married to a complete stranger, and their lives would be followed for the next year. If they make it to the end, they both get paid; if they divorce, they lose everything.

The man she is to marry is sales executive Ethan Richards, and the two of them must learn to get to know each other, work together, and get on together all with the cameras following their every move - something that's not going to be easy with a scheming production crew determined to cause mayhem to boost ratings.

And when sparks really do begin to fly between the two of them, the question has to be asked: Is this for love or for money?

©2015 CJ Howard (P)2015 CJ Howard

Good story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Liked the story. Not so much the narrator. I think Ethan seem to weak at first may have been why I didn't like the narrator.

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

good story

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."

i have never read a book like this before. it was good and interestinh. i would read more like it and by this author

Fun Premise-Enjoy CJ Howard's View In2 Reality TV♥

♥

Would you marry a stranger for TV show with a prize of $100,000?

Haley decides, why not? Ethan Richard's girlfriend thinks the same thing & she talks him into trying out for the show is well.. When Haley and Ethan are picked to do the show, they are both hesitant but invested.

They get married and agree to be filmed for one year. At the end, if they remain married they both get paid. If not, then they received $0 & a divorce.

Today we have Married by Mom and Dad, Marriage at First Sight, along with the notorious Bachelor/Bachelorette game shows.

CJ Howard had a good and unique idea and it was a fun book to listen to. As is my habit, I listened to this book on a faster speed. This eliminated any problem that other reviewers have mentioned of Lori J Moran sounding a bit mature for the part.

Some points: The couple chosen is biracial - which is a big problem for Ethan Richard's girlfriend. I cannot really add anything to the publishers description without giving away any parts of surprise.

One of CJ Howard's flaws is the constant repetition with why Ethan's girlfriend wants the money, ANNOYINGLY repetitious!

I did enjoy the book, it was a little bit predictable at the beginning, it did become really interesting about one hour into it. We got to know some of the behind-the-scenes shenanigans from the producers and crew that were shooting this show. I found it interesting that each of the married partners could squirrel away for a phone conversation or meet up with someone in the hotel room and that they didn't really need to "work" while doing the show.

There are a few things that don't make sense in the "real" world but if you are able to ignore or accept them and move along. It is a funny book, good for a beach read.

Notes: mature themes and some strong language

*I was given this book in exchange for my review.


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Good concept ... needed more

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes, I would recommend for someone who enjoyed a light romance. At times the plot was predictable and the characters seemed to be a little naive.

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

Develop the characters more and give Ethan more of a backbone.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

I felt that while Ms. Moran has a pleasant voice, there didn't seem to be any urgency to her performance when it was called for. In fact, her voice was slightly monotone at times causing me to withdraw from the story.

Any additional comments?

This is was my first book written by CJ Howard and read by Ms. Moran. I'm not sure where the let down I feel about this book can be attributed to. I can't decide if it's Howard's writing or Moran's narrating. I really wanted to get into this book as the premise seems to be a good one but I had trouble making myself finish this book. I would give both Howard and Moran another chance on their own projects.


"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

Total entertainment

--I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first CJ Howard book, and it was so much fun! I loved it! At first I thought it was going to be like that TV show "Married at First Sight" but this was so much more entertaining. Meeting the cast of characters...Murphy, the big jerk...I was hoping Ethan would just take him out....The Holy trilogy picking the perfect cast, Erica(what a slut) wreaking havoc no matter where she was, Enrique the sleaze coming in to try and get Haley, Ethan..what an interesting character, lots of depth and self awareness coming through the book and of course Haley, who I liked most of the time, and at times found her thoughts to be too rigid.

This story unfolds with the Ethan and Haley being cast to get married prior to ever meeting. Can two people fall in love in an arranged marriage? You will have to read/listen to this to find out. The book is full of ups and downs, lots of different emotions(you will be sad, happy, angry) and just a whole lot of entertainment.

Lori Moran provides a wonderful performance.

Predictable but enjoyable!

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast. I wasn't really a fan of the narrator. The book was good and worth a credit, but it wasn't compelling, just and easy book to follow along with.

I tried to love this story...

Would you try another book from CJ Howard and/or Lori J. Moran?

I was gifted this copy of Marriage at First Sight in exchange for leaving an honest review.

If you’ve listened to books by CJ Howard before, how does this one compare?

I have not listened to any prior.

Would you be willing to try another one of Lori J. Moran’s performances?

It would depend heavily on the character she was reading for.

Did Marriage at First Sight inspire you to do anything?

No.

Any additional comments?

I really, really wanted to love this book... The concept was excellent, I thought it could have been a lot of fun and still think it's a really good rough concept.

The characters were very undeveloped in my opinion, I didn't like or dislike them- they just were. I didn't identify in any way with either of them, they were fairly one dimensional.

I can say that I would feel the same had the narrator been believable as the voice of our lead female character - but it just sounded like a story being read by someone's grandmother - there is nothing steamy or romantic about that.

All in all it was a quick mindless listen, that gave me some interesting what it's... It just didn't grab me in any way, or leave me with anything unforgettable.

Marriage at First Blah...

Of the four audiobooks I've listened to, this by far has the weakest narrator. Having characters in their early 20's, you would think the voiceover talent would be from a younger set. Seemed older, with forced scripting. Almost deleted several times, hoping her tone would improve. It didn't.

Hayleigh's character is strong; Ethan seems unbelievably naive. Storyline seems choppy.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook

Great Holiday Read!

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

The ending was rather fast but enjoyable. It made the book a great read for the holidays.

Any additional comments?

I received this book free from the author, for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book.

DNF on chapter 1. Narrator RUINED this!

I was really excited to listen to this book. But I gave up before the end of chapter 1. The narrator was absolutely horrid. It's tragically awful when a potentially great book is just unbearable to listen to!