Sweet Release

Blakewell/Kenleigh Family, Book 1

By: Pamela Clare

Narrated by: Kaleo Griffith

Length: 14 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

For five pounds sterling, the convict was hers. Though Cassie hated the slave trade, her Virginia plantation demanded the labor, and she knew this fevered man would surely die if she left him. But as his wounds healed, and as his muscled chest bronzed from the sun, Cassie realized Cole Braden was far more dangerous than his papers had indicated - for he could steal her breath with a glance or lay siege to her senses with a touch. Abducted, beaten, and given a new name, Alec Kenleigh went from master of an English shipbuilding empire to 14 years of indentured servitude in the American colonies. There, he was known as Cole Braden, a convicted ravisher and defiler of women. While he longed to ravish the auburn-haired beauty who owned him, he knew his one hope of earning her love - and his freedom - was to prove his true identity. Only then could he turn the tables and obtain his sweet release.

Contains mature themes.

©2011 Pamela Clare (P)2014 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"A stunning debut novel that captures hearts and imaginations from page one, Sweet Release delivers a sensuous tale of lust, betrayal, redemption and freedom." (RT Book Reviews)

Wonderful Story and Narration

How did I miss this Pamela Clare Trilogy? I don't know but I'm better late than never!

Pamela Clare's writing always has detailed history, emotional story, tender romances, and memorable characters. Kaleo Griffith's narration adds so much dimension to her stories. He manages to give each character a unique voice and his inflections are spot on. Love this author/narration combination.

I will be listening to the others in this trilogy because PC's books get better as the series progresses. I've never been disappointed with her books. :-)

Exceptional Author - Story - Narration!

One of the best books I've listen to in a long time--NOT your cookie-cutter historical romance story.

The author brings her characters to life - makes you love some and hate others. Pamela Clare has the ability to transport you back in time; to clearly picture the people and setting. The clarity with which she portrays the era, it's prejudices' , injustices, etc. is truly remarkable.

Kaleo Griffith gave a terrific performance; the presentation of women, men and children voices, the accents were easily distinguishable and brought them to life. It was a perfect marriage of author and narrator.

I can't see anyone who enjoys historical romance not LOVING this book. Although the sexual content is detailed, it flows within the telling of the story of Cassie (plantation owner) and Alec (wealthy shipping magnet and indentured servant).

I highly recommend "Sweet Release".

Liked it but it's way too long!

3/5 rating: the book overall was interesting. The talent of the author is in creating captivating, 3-dimensional characters in interesting situations.

I liked it, but it really drags in spots. 14 hours is way too long for the type of book it is (a standard thrown together but kept apart theme). It took 8 hours for the first major plot point. I wanted to give it a 4/5 for the story, but I was so annoyed by the endless talking by the end.

And there is a lot of repetition between books.

The narration is excellent, though.

Surprisingly good

I really was not certain if I would like this book because I am not a huge fan of the historical romances in Colonial America. I know I may sound silly but I really like the proper British dance rooms and the gossiping mammas, the forbidden kisses, the grand outfits of the time and the wall flowers, etc. Thus needless to say the issues I had with this book is my issues and nothing to do with this beautiful story. The book started out strong and the added action toward the end made the book even more engaging, but as an Amazon reviewer wrote the ending became a bit "too unbelievable... the way everything was resolved so easily, even though (Spoiler) the h was single and pregnant in Colonial America. The acceptance of her situation is far too modern an idea to be realistic and I had a hard time suspending my belief about that aspect of things".
I realize many enjoyed the narration, however, I felt his female voice did not sound appropriate, although his male voices were wonderful. A distractor for me every time I heard a whiny voice for especially the heroine. If you are a fan of the historical romance in the Colonial America time, then you will enjoy this book. I am not and I still enjoyed this book thoroughly.

Ah Alec and Cassie

Another wonderful historical romance by Pamela Clare. Pamela writes in such detail, her characters leap off the page and I'm hooked.
Kaleo Griffith is an outstanding narrator. I can't imagine anyone else having enough talent to read Pamela's books.

Just OK for me..

Any additional comments?

Like most books that are 400 pages long (394, actually) I found myself skimming a lot, looking for something interesting instead of all the unnecessary filler it takes to write such a long book. It was good for the first 30% but then became just too boring and tedious. There was just too much description about nothing, mostly the outdoors and the planting but not what anyone was wearing. The players could have been naked most of the time but you were taught about planting tobacco, in the rain, getting soaking wet and covered in mud and freezing to death and your fingers becoming numb with the cold, in June, in Virginia, then reading the next day how the heat was unbearable. Seriously?

AND there are waaaay too many players in this book: Cassie, Alec/Cole, Jamie, Phillip, Matthew, Elizabeth, Geoffrey/Fancy Pants, Micah, Zach, Nan, Nettie, Elly, Old Charlie, Henry, Luke, Rebecca, Takota, Lucy, Master “King” Carter, Sheriff Hollingsworth, Drysdale, Ludwell, Master Crichton, Governor Gooch and so on. Really? Was there enough characters in this book?

So, I listen to this book for a while then go back to my computer and play a game then listen to the book some more then back to my game. It just goes on and on and on. And the entire epilogue, starting on page 370, was about the birth of Alec’s and Cassie’s child, NOTHING else..
This book was really tooo much and way too long.

As to the narrator: He did really well with the women's voices, which is important when a man is narrating. I would definitely listen to him again.

Stellar performance and an unforgettable story!!!

Loved it! Such realistic in depth characters! I am delightfully drawn in every time to Ms. Pamela Clare's beautiful story telling. And the way Kaleo narrates, I fast forget he is only one man! Two great talents that are essential to keep together! 😀

Love Pamela

I’ve read all of her series multiple times. First time listening to them. While I love Kaleo for his men’s voices, accents, and older women’s voices, and the general narration, I really think there should be a woman speaking Cassie’s voice. Kaleo’s young woman and children voice is just awful.

The same but different

Alec Kenleigh was beaten, and sent to the Colonies as a slave under a false name. Sick with fever, he was bought by Catherine Blakewell to work on her plantation. She's unlike any slaver that he knows and though he abhors slavery he can't help but fall for the feisty beauty that now owns him. Someone set him up and he's trying to get his identity back. Meanwhile, Cassie is struggling to keep her Plantation going and keep her people safe.

This was typical Pamela Clare. Hot alpha male, virginal heroine who clash at first but end up in love. So, the same but different...

This was a good enough story and I'll definitely continue the series. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't so tired. Also, Kaleo Griffith narrates this and even though I like his work, his female voices kind of make me giggle. One more thing, how do virgins suddenly become the best lovers a womanizing man has ever had. I don't buy that and I roll my eyes every time I hear this.

great story

I really loved the way the story flowed. it kept me interested. Those sexy scenes were steamy.