Get New Releases Audiobooks in Romance, Historical Best Sellers

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Title: A Different Sort of Perfect

Author: Vivian Roycroft

Narrator: Redd Horrocks

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-24-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Lady Clara Huckabee stows away by accident. But she's not sorry to sail aboard HMS Topaze, leaving England behind. It's a chance to search for her charming French suitor from the Amiens peace, the man she's determined to marry despite the war and her dominating uncle's disapproval. All she has to do is convince the Topaze's handsome captain to see things her way, and everything will be perfect.

A French frigate has evaded the Royal Navy blockade of Brest. Captain Alexander Fleming sails the smaller, elderly frigate Topaze in pursuit, but what he's supposed to do with a stowaway debutante for seven thousand miles wasn't covered in his orders. In the doldrums, during a South Atlantic storm, and with French t'gallants spiking the horizon, his first responsibility is always to his ship, his crew, his assignment... not his growing love for the woman doubling as his captain's clerk. Perfect; just perfect.

Before disaster strikes, before the cannons open fire, will Lady Clara and Captain Fleming realize that the perfections they longed for aren't the ones they really want?

Members Reviews:

Don't let the cover fool you

When I first saw the cover of this novel I had reservations; it looked rather sultry and a bodice ripper wasn't what I had in mind. However, one reviewer compared the story to Jane Austin meets Master and Commander and what can I say, I was intrigued!

'A Different Sort Of Perfect' becomes a humorous adventure on the high seas when an impetuous girl of society stows away on a Man of War (unintentionally) to escape an arranged engagement with a lecherous old man. As it so happens, she's in the right place cos the crew are all perfect gentlemen so the lady need not worry. But there is where Jane Austen ends and Master and Commander begins...

What I loved about this book was the adventure of it. The author paints a vivid seascape and you can feel every lilt of the vessel and taste the salt breeze.(or did the author call it a zephyr..) The characters are portrayed with realism and individuality. No one is perfect (including the H/H and no one is completely horrible either.

Its a clean read with no cussing or sex. There is one kiss at the end and some admiring of physique throughout. The only slight "lewd-ity" was in the shape of three parrots singing a ditty about "Lubricious ladies". (yup. I had to look that up) and a "near swear" at the end when you think the parrots are going to pair a cuss word with another that rhymes but then it doesn't happen making you feel rather dirty for even thinking it. ha! But that was the intention. So you may approve you may not. "fornicating" is also used as an insult, like, "fornicating slime bag" or something similar. Not often, but it's there.

Speaking of lubricious, I also want to mention that a great thing about this novel was that I learned some new words! I consider myself fairly well read but this novel had me making good use of my kindle's internal dictionary. I love that! (both the new words and my one click dictionary:)

Great read!

A Different Sort of Perfect -- I really cannot add more than the review ...

A Different Sort of Perfect -- I really cannot add more than the review by "Here'swhatithink," which I agree with. This is a delightful book which I think young and old can enjoy.

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Title: The Queen's Captive

Author: Barbara Kyle

Narrator: Barbara Kyle

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-06-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 19 votes

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

England, 1554. In the wake of the failed Wyatt Rebellion, a vengeful Queen Mary has ordered all conspirators captured and executed. Among the imprisoned is her own sister, 21 year-old Princess Elizabeth. Though she protests her innocence, Elizabeth's brave stand only angers Mary more. Elizabeth longs to gain her liberty - and her sister's crown. In Honor and Richard Thornleigh and their son, Adam, the young princess has loyal allies. Disgusted by Queen Mary's proclaimed intent to burn heretics, Honor visits Elizabeth in the Tower and they quickly become friends. And when Adam foils a would-be assassin, Elizabeth's gratitude swells into a powerful - and mutual - attraction. But while Honor is willing to risk her own safety for her future queen, aiding in a new rebellion against the wrathful Mary will soon lead her to an impossible choice. Riveting, masterfully written, and rich in intricate details, The Queen's Captive brings one of history's most fascinating and treacherous periods to vibrant, passionate life.

Members Reviews:

Good read, but not captivating.

Where does The Queen's Captive rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

The book is alright. Of all the audiobooks I've read it's right in the middle.

Would you recommend The Queen's Captive to your friends? Why or why not?

Maybe, depending on what they liked. I did love listening to the voice of the author though, gorgeous reading. But the book itself was just a bit confusing for me. It was hard to imagine this family thrown into historic events I already knew so much about.

Which scene was your favorite?

Any scene with Elizabeth, really.

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

Neither. It left me feeling kind of dull.

Any additional comments?

I tried to finish this book. I got to the point where there was only 3 hours left but I just lost interest. Not my cup of tea, though I do love historical fiction. The violent scenes can be graphic but nothing I (who absolutely HATES graphic scenes) couldn't handle. The reading was GREAT, I just didn't like the characters.

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Title: A Lady's Pleasure

Author: Renee Bernard

Narrator: Michaela James

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-03-14

Publisher: Renee Bernard

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 46 votes

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Seeking revenge, she discovers how delicious a case of mistaken identity can be

Merriam Everett has always been regarded as a shy, docile creature. But for one night, Merriam the Mouse has become a temptress who will recklessly take her pleasure with the arrogant earl who once slighted her, and then leave him aching with lust. A fine plan, if Merriam had not just seduced the wrong rogue!

Drake Sotherton left England amid dark speculation and has returned to seek vengeance against Julian Clay, the man he believes murdered his wife. Convinced that the masked beauty who seduced him is Julian's pawn, Drake tracks her down and proposes that she become his mistress for the Season. Every sensual desire, every secret longing will be explored...and fulfilled.

But keeping his enemy close is a dangerous game. Merriam is an irresistible mix of innocence and abandon, and each encounter proves more soul-searing than the last. With a passion this wild, this wonderful, one season will never be enough

Members Reviews:

Loved it for what I was not expecting!

Would you consider the audio edition of A Lady's Pleasure to be better than the print version?

Yes, I would liked to have followed along while I was reading it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I personally liked Drake. He was a mysterious man who was plotting and scheming and deeply hurt. I kind of related to him a little.

What about Michaela Jamess performance did you like?

I liked how she gave Miriam a soft spoken voice. It really gave to her character.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Your encourageable"-Miriam

Any additional comments?

What the book "snippet" doesn't tell you is that this is an erotica. It is extremely vivid. However it gives into the passion which Victorian England didn't want to show. Very good over all.

Very Steamy Romantic Erotic Mystery!

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

I listened to this audiobook during a long couple days of commuting, it was narrated by Michaela James. She is the best narrator I've ever heard for an ebook, she was like a one-person play! She was dramatic and used different voices very skillfully, I especially enjoyed it when she changed her voice for the nosy busy-body Mrs. Skelton and between the men, maids, footmen and Mirium during the dramatic denouement.

Mirium is a widow and has been called a mouse, a nickname she chafes at. She has secretly been visiting a courtesan friend and been instructed on the arts of love. She is awed by the sheer male beauty of the Earl Julian Clay, but she wants to teach him a lesson, and prove something to him. Julian Clay was overheard disparaging Mirium to another man, saying that he would never have anything to do with mouse like females or widows.

Drake Sutherton, the Duke of Sussex, has returned to England after being away for 8 years after the murder of his wife. Rumors abound that he actually murdered his beautiful wife Lily, but Drake thinks that Julian Clay murdered her, as Julian had been her lover and has been present when her body was found. Drake wants to get revenge on his former friend.

So Mirium's plan is to entice Julian to her at a masquerade ball (she found out he would come as the Wizard Merlin) and flirt with and tease him and leave him wanting (with a case of blue balls).

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Title: Deadly Desire

Subtitle: A Francesca Cahill Novel

Author: Brenda Joyce

Narrator: Coleen Marlo

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-30-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The time is turn-of-the-century New York City. Society's elite host glittering balls inside sprawling mansions while outside, the teeming streets harbor secrets of their own.

New York City's Police Commissioner Rick Bragg has been called upon to investigate a shocking crime. Reluctant to pull Francesca Cahill into a case that could be very dangerous, Rick also knows the beautiful and brilliant heiress has a natural ability for sleuthing that could aid him - even it if means working side by side with a woman who tempts him like no other. And so Francesca and Rick begin a harrowing journey through the squalid underworld of the city that plunges them deeper and deeper in a peril neither could have imagined - and a desire that only continues to grow...

Brenda Joyce's Deadly Desire is a sizzling hot historical romance.

Members Reviews:

Definitely the best Francesca Cahill novel yet!!

"Deadly Desire" is author Brenda Joyce's fourth installment, and by far the best book yet in her historical mystery series featuring New York City debutante, bluestocking and amateur sleuth Francesca Cahill. Miss Cahill, the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, is an unwilling member of New York City's social elite at the turn of the 20th century. She lives in a Fifth Avenue mansion, with her parents and older brother, attends glittering society balls and fundraisers, and is a champion for social reform. An intellectual, but not a snob, Francesca is determined to do something with her mind other than plan dinner parties. Unbeknownst to her mother, she enrolled in Barnard College with aspirations to become a journalist. However, since she met and fell in love with newly appointed police commissioner Rick Bragg and began solving crimes, her grades have been suffering. With each new book Rick's and Fran's friendship has grown and their love for each other has deepened, especially since they spend so much time together working on cases. Unfortunately, there are complications in the commissioner's life which prohibit him from proposing marriage and planning a future with the young woman he cares for so much.

Although I am hooked on the series' secondary characters and their ongoing stories, I have been very skeptical about the quality and credibility of the narrative in the first three books. With "Deadly Desire" I think Ms. Joyce has hit her stride. This actually seems more like an installment in a serial novel than a stand alone romance/mystery. In fact, most of the characters are from the previous books and the mystery is part of the continuing storyline, involving Francesca, her family, friends and those who touch upon their lives. This approach suits very well and certainly has me returning for more. There are still some major flaws, but since I am so absorbed in the various subplots, I tend to overlook them at this point. The author has succeeded in holding my interest and has me coming back for more - not an easy thing to do!

Sarah Channing, a brilliant artist and Francesca's soon-to-be sister-in-law, discovers that her art studio has been vandalized. One portrait, in particular, has been brutally slashed and smeared with blood red paint. Sarah pleads with Francesca to help her find the person who committed this savage act of destruction.

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Title: Cupboard Kisses

Author: Barbara Metzger

Narrator: Stevie Zimmerman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-13

Publisher: Untreed Reads Publishing

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 29 votes

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Well-bred orphan Cristabel Swann tolerates her thankless teaching job - until her uncle dies unexpectedly. Arriving in London to claim her inheritance, Cristabel encounters something else entirely - a loutish naval captain who won all of the old man's property in an evening's gambling, leaving his niece nothing but debt! To his credit, Captain Chase recognizes her desperation and offers her a position as landlady of a boarding house in Kensington.

Cristabel is happy with her new situation and with the female tenants of the house. They are exceedingly well-dressed for working-class girls and have many admirers. Cristabel soon has a beau of her own - the dashing Lord Winstoke, who seems just a tad familiar, both in appearance and in attitude. Of course, Cristabel maintains propriety in every situation. But she cannot understand why the men she meets are so forward. Could it be the company she keeps?

Members Reviews:

More Barbara Metzger, please!

This is a traditional romance with lots of humour.

I love reading and rereading Barbara Metzger's and Mary Balogh's earlier books. I hope more of these are available soon for audible release.

Forgettable But Fun. Listen While You Fold Laundry

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

Sure. I didn't like it as much as Metzger's 'A Loyal Companion' (which I loved), but it was still a nice enough way to pass the time. Forgettable, but nice. Basically, it's a good thing to have on in the background when you're doing chores or whatever. Doesn't require a whole lot of attention, but still keeps you entertained.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The heroine's obliviousness to the fact she's become the landlady to a 'house of ill repute' led to some pretty funny scenes.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Christabel finally figures out she's living in a bordello and cleans house (literally and figuratively). It's especially satisfying when she kicks the scummy fellow out on his ear.

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

I actually did listen to it in one day. I was stuck in bed sick and just wanted to listen to something nice, unchallenging, and entertaining. This fit the bill.

Any additional comments?

Despite the fact that the heroine is living in a bordello (without her knowledgeshe think's she's a respectable landlady with borders that keep odd hours. Ha!), the book is very clean. As long as that part of the plot doesn't bother you, I'd say it's a perfectly fine audio to give to teens etc. As an aside, the audio quality still isn't perfect here, but it's than 'A Loyal Companion." The story is fun enough it's worth a few repeated lines or shaky audio here and there.

Cupboard Kisses

Thanks to the kindle editions, I have read almost all of Barbara Metzger's books. She is definitely a favorite author. This just wasn't one of my favorites. It was certainly entertaining just not my favorite of her many works.

Stevie did an amazing job as a narrator!

Silliness and ......

This book was completely silly, impossibly ridiculous and FUNNY! Considering it takes place in a "bordello" run by a innocent who thinks it's a boarding house.....

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Title: Lady Harriette

Subtitle: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul

Author: P O Dixon

Narrator: Pearl Hewitt

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-19-13

Publisher: P. O. Dixon

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Past is Prologue...

When Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam set his cap at young Lady Harriette Middleton, his sole intention was securing her dowry. As a mere second son, his habits of taste demanded he marry a woman of substantial means. Having entered her bedchamber under the cover of darkness, he set upon his course. He promised to court her, to win her heart, to marry her.

Lady Harriette, the only daughter of one of the wealthiest peers in England, never accustomed herself to accept 'no' for an answer. Richard meant to change all that. She likened his declaration to win her heart as more of a challenge than a promise. By the end of their whirlwind courtship, it was unclear who was pursuing who.

The Story Unfolds ...

Their hasty courtship and subsequent marriage notwithstanding, Richard finds himself deeply in love with his beautiful wife. However, having seduced his innocent young bride, a single question haunts him--does he truly deserve his happiness?

Her husband's lack of fortune never concerned Lady Harriette - she loves him. Young, spirited, and beautiful, she has always enjoyed a charmed life. When Richard's past lands on their doorstep, suspicion soon rears its head, and Harriette's questions go unanswered. Seeking explanations on her own is her only recourse. Will she uncover more than she bargained for?

Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul is a fast-paced, wonderfully engaging Regency romance. Inspired by To Have His Cake (and Eat it Too): Mr. Darcy's Tale, the provocative Pride and Prejudice variation, this story has all the passion one might expect of a worldly gentleman, violently in love, along with enough mischief and intrigue to keep readers turning the pages.

Members Reviews:

A Perfectly fun couple

What made the experience of listening to Lady Harriette the most enjoyable?

Lady Harriette is sassy. While Elizabeth has wit and is impertinent Lady H is a sassy as they come, not to mention gutsy. Going into a "House of ill repute" dressed as a man. Now that takes guts especially in those days. Lady Harriette is one of my favorite characters second to Elizabeth. I would love to see another book with an expectant Harriette.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lady Harriette?

Showing her tough stuff when they are kidnapped and she strikes out at her captor. Besides dressing as a man. What a Lady

Have you listened to any of Pearl Hewitts other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I have listened to Pearl Hewitt and she is a good performer, I like her.

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

I plugged into my computer, put my earphones on, sat down, and stayed that way until the story was over. Of course I have my chair under my pretty tree with all my snacks on the table. Got myself comfortable and spent the day with the Darcy's and the Fitzwilliams

Any additional comments?

I want P.O. Dixon to write a sequel to this book. I want to see Harriette get that tough stuff going with a child in her arms.

Pretty good

I liked Darcy's Noble Connections more but it was diverting and I do like Richard Fitzwilliam when he shows up in the PP books.

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Title: The Third Son

Subtitle: King of Cardenas, Volume 1

Author: Elise Marion

Narrator: P. J. Houry

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-14-13

Publisher: Marion Press

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 23 votes

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Rake. Rogue. Scoundrel. Each of these words has been used to describe Damien Largess, youngest prince of Cardenas, most frequently by his ridiculously somber eldest brother. Damien is perfectly content to spend his days drinking at the card tables, and his nights in the bed of his scheming mistress, especially since doing these things seems to vex his high-handed brother to no end. But when he steps into a glittering ballroom on the night of his twenty-fifth birthday, the roguish young prince's life will be forever changed.

Beautiful. Graceful. Sensual. When Esmeralda steps into the center of the King's ballroom to perform for his youngest son's birthday, every eye in the room is glued to the tall, lithe Gypsy dancer. One pair of eyes seems to burn straight through her, and though she has worked endlessly to shield her heart, she finds her defenses slowly slipping away in the presence of the handsome prince. She cannot resist his devastating charm, nor is she immune to the earth shattering desire in his kiss. As she falls rapidly under his spell, Esmeralda dares to hope for a future she would never have thought possible.

With a deadly plot against the royal family surrounding him in danger and intrigue, Damien will face a decision he never thought he would have to make. Would he step up to claim a responsibility that should never have fallen to the third son? Or will he abandon it to risk all for love?

Members Reviews:

Not to be missed is the narration - a true delight

I had read this book back in 2012, and found so much to appreciate in the authors writing, the premise and the twists taken as Damien finds his way to happiness and love. I love that Elise Marion started her royal tale with the third son: in royal families the third son is often the one who is left to his own devices without great expectation. Damien is no exception to this stereotype: content to gamble, drink and womanize his way through life, living without responsibility or obligation that he doesnt fine enjoyable.

A daunting debut offering, Marion has created a world that is familiar yet fresh, characters that were richly detailed and emotionally honest, and uses the threat of a conspiracy to overthrow the royals all wind together to present a book that is hard to put down: and was an in-one-sitting listen for me for the AudioBook review.

Esmeralda enters the story in a perfect moment, just as Damien is struggling with his own feelings of inadequacy with some late revelations just before his birthday. A beautiful gypsy woman, his intentions were not honorable: women were not forever, but for the moment. But, Esmeraldas inner goodness and depth of kindness work their magic on Damien, and while he is still less than pleasant to his mistress Davina, his walls are starting to thaw around her.

Mixing in the love story, and some super steamy sex scenes, the ominous twists from the plot-makers against the royals, the inner dialogue of the characters that reveals honest feelings and concerns, and the descriptions that create imagery with certainty and make this a great listen.

Not to be missed is the narration provided by P.J. Houry was a delight. His tone is masculine yet not overly loaded with bass until he adjusts his voice to present an ominous moment.

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Title: The Black Angel

Author: Barbara Samuel

Narrator: Elizabeth J. Taylor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-05-13

Publisher: Barbara Samuel

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Ardor once foolishly led Lady Adriana St. Ives into the arms of a rake, an affair that cost her everything she held dear. Though that was five years ago, this golden English beauty still vows that no man will ever again ignite the sensual passion hidden deep in her soul - not even her new husband, Tynan Spenser, Earl of Glencove, a darkly handsome and rich Irish rogue.

Known as "The Black Angel" for his wild and lascivious ways, Tynan is as determined to melt his icy bride as she is to resist his seductive charms. Vowing that she will be his in just a hundred kisses, Tynan sets out to win her with a kiss each day - a challenge Riana is sure she can withstand. But the willful beauty has no idea of the power of a single kiss

Members Reviews:

Painful to listen to this narration

What would have made The Black Angel better?

different narrator-someone who knows an Irish accent is more than your voice going up at the end of your sentences. Sometimes she is reading so, so, slowly it was nerve wracking.

What didnt you like about Elizabeth J. Taylors performance?

She doesn't have s lot of skill in different accents. There was just something annoying about her Irish accent. Her voice was too feminine to performe male voices. Her British female voices were lovely. I had to force myself to finish it

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I really enjoyed reading this book and I have it in my library. I didn't remember much about the plot other than I enjoyed it so I thought it was a safe bet to purchase the audio. I would recommend reading the book over listening to this performance.

Any additional comments?

A couple of summers ago I was bed ridden and could do nothing but read. I have read all of Barbara Samuel's book and enjoyed them. They weren't your typical romance books. This audiobook reminded me how important a good narrator is-they can enhance or kill a story line. It has made me appreciate Nicholas Boulton and Davina Porter even more.

Very disappointed

Just not of the caliber I was expecting

Listened to several other of her books and they were so much better.

I'll take one for me!

Would you listen to The Black Angel again? Why?

This is the second time I've listened to The Black Angel. I'll take this Irishman any day! This is a well written story and passionate too. I love the concept of the story and the family dynamics portrayed are quite endearing. The romance is incredible, the passion leaves you breathless. Overall a great story. I do wish it had an epilogue, but the ending is happy and sweet. I just wanted that little extra bit of information that gives the reader a glimpse into the happy ever after.

What aspect of Elizabeth J. Taylors performance would you have changed?

I think Ms. Taylor performed the characters well. I do prefer the men having a deeper more masculine tone to their voice, especially the leading man. It wasn't annoying, but if I could change anything about it, it would be that.

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

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I do recommend this book. It is a very enjoyable story.

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Title: The Bawdy Bride

Author: Amanda Scott

Narrator: Joanna Daniel

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-28-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A marriage of convenience flames into a treacherous, passionate liaison in best-selling author Amanda Scott's spellbinding Regency tale

As the third and last unwed daughter of an earl, Lady Anne Davies doesn't expect her marriage to be a love match. She is in need of a husband. Lord Michael St. Ledgers needs a woman to run his home and be a mother to his orphaned niece and nephew. It seems the ideal business arrangement.

When Anne travels to Michael's ancestral estate, the Priory, deep in the Derbyshire countryside, she starts to uncover his disturbing secrets. Michael's brother perished under mysterious circumstances, and now someone at the Priory is stalking her. As Anne begins to fear for her life, she realizes that the greatest danger may come from the man she has come to trust - and love.

Members Reviews:

3hrs in and quit

What disappointed you about The Bawdy Bride?

I use to read romance novels all the time but for the past a couple months have been listening to steam punk novels. But I have missed a good romance novel so decided to try out The Bawdy Bride by Amanda Scott. This is the first book I have tried by her and was not impressed at all! In fact I found myself having no respect for Michael and even Anne. After 3 hrs of listening I couldn't take it anymore. I stopped listening after Michael took advantage and basically rapped one of his housemaids for the second time! I understand that it is realistic and happened during this time but when I read a romance this is not something I want the main male character to do! I feel like there is no way the author can raise Michael's standing in my eyes. Anne was also a disappointment to me. She was continuously described as obedient which was fine to an extent, but she lived up to that description to a frustrating level. Again, I understand that during this time period that is realistic but I feel like it is just too much. I wanted to listen to this book all the way through to see how the characters develop and change but I just could not do it...and that makes me sad because I have never come across a romance novel I did not finish and did not enjoy.

This household was just ridiculous and I wanted to finish the story just so I can see how/if Anne turns this into home where employees are not taken advantage of by both master and fellow employees. But when Michael leaves his wife's room after having unsatisfying sex and comes into his room where a footman has lined up 3 housemaids for Michael to chose from, I was appalled. What made my decision to stop is when he picked the maid that was shacking in fear and started crying and begging him to not make her do anything. Michael ordered the footman to strip her of her clothes so he can see if she had a body that will satisfy him then thought that once he was done with her, the footman will probably take her as well...I can't help but think of monster.

This is my first review and I know my thoughts are randomly typed out but I am sure you can get my point. And I probably should not of typed one since I did not even finish the book, but I feel like you should be warned because I wish I was! I feel like I wasted a credit but am glad that I did not pay for it either.

Remember this is only based off of the 3hrs I listened to and hopefully the rest of the book is better but I could not waste my time finding out. I did not want to waste my time finding out.

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Title: The Finer Things

Author: Brenda Joyce

Narrator: Louisa Gummer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-24-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 14 votes

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The power...the passion...the incomparable romance of Brenda Joyce

The Pretender

An orphan from London's East End, a fugitive from the poorhouse, Violet Cooper was tired of sleeping on stoops and being hungry and cold. But she dared to enter a world forbidden to her and her kind. Even marriage to a gentle elderly knight and the title Lady Goodwin could not open closed doors, stop the cold stares, or hush the shadowy rumors of murder....

The Aristocrat

He was a man of the world. The rules of Victorian society did not interest him, nor could a gauche pretender with a Cockney accent possibly turn his head. Yet Thodore Blake, second son of the Earl of Harding, was immediately compelled by Violet - and soon found himself defending the investigation. But wedding vows were the only way to save her from a certain hanging....

The Finer Things

Two people from different worlds brought together by passion, bound together by whispered accusations, and torn apart by scandal and misfortune. The world claimed they should never love each other. Their hearts claimed otherwise.

Members Reviews:

Combination of wonderful story and sublime performance

This is one of those titles that never gets old, though I've listened to it several times now. The narrator truly breathes life into every word, so much so that my imagination has easily constructed the visual dimension to play along just like a movie! Don't be fooled by the tame cover art, either; all the steamy elements of a good erotic romance are there for your enjoyment. After listening, you will have a new standard of expectation for romance titles- and another selection for your exclusive collection of repeat listens!

Another great book by Brenda

I really enjoyed this book. Lots of twists and turns. Never know what's coming next. Great chemistry between main and sub characters. Could stop listening.

The narrator did what I thought was a pretty good job but there did seem to be what was maybe just poor recording? I'm not sure, but I could often hear distracting noises in the background, a clock ticking and other nonsense. Slightly annoying but not enough to make me stop listening.

Definitely worth the credit and I highly recommend.