Audiobook Review: The Summer of You by Kate Noble

Author: Kate Noble

Narrator: Alison Larkin

Title: The Summer of You

(The Blue Raven #2)

Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 343 

Published:  March 31st 2010

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Lady Jane Cummings is certain that her summer is ruined when she is forced to reside at isolated Merrymere Lake with her reckless brother and ailing father. Her fast-paced London society is replaced with a small town grapevine. But one bit of gossip catches Jane's attention--rumors that the lake's brooding new resident is also an elusive highwayman.

Jane must face the much-discussed mysterioso after he saves her brother from a pub brawl. She immediately recognizes him from London: Byrne Worth, war hero and apparent hermit--whom she finds strangely charming. The two build a fast friendship, and soon nothing can keep this Lady away from Merrymere's most wanted. Convinced of his innocence, Jane is determined to clear Byrne's name--and maybe have a little fun this summer after all.

Review:

Finally diving into book 2. It's been a hot minute since I read book 1. I had to re-read my review to remind myself. Nearly forgot about this series. Whoops. 

The story follows Lady Jane is who certain her summer is ruined when her brother forces her and their father to reside in their home in Merrymere Lake. Her father is ailing and her brother is not helpful at all. She feels isolated and stuck, but there is a rumor that the lake's new resident is also the elusive highwayman. When this new resident saves her brother and she gets a chance to meet this mysterious man, she recognizes him from London..Byrne Worth. She is convinced he is innocent of this remember and becomes determined to clear his name. 

This was a fun listen. I enjoyed it and I'm glad it could do well as a stand alone since I barely remember book 1. It was calmer and didn't have as much intrigue as book 1 did (from what I recall) but there was a mystery lingering in the background which will play a huge role especially near the end.I liked it. It didn't take over the story, but it's there...just building. Very nice. 

I liked Byrne. He is grumpy and wants to be left alone. Can you blame him? He was injured during the war both physically and mentally. When he's awake and sober he's in constant pain. When he's asleep...dreams haunt him. Poor guy. He needs a girl like Jane to help him for sure. 

Which....I liked Jane more as we went along. I found her whiney at the beginning and a little bitchy....but then I realized she was right and she really had sacrificed a lot when their mother died and their dad started withering away mentally. Screw her jerk brother! Help your sister take care of your father darn you! There is something terribly wrong with him!!! Gah. I wanted to shake that boy. Sure he wants to just have fun and blah blah, but you are near 30. Get yourself together man! As Byrne said to you...grow up sirrah!

*calms self*

But yes - I liked our couple. They fit perfect and they needed each other. It started off as friends with a sprinkle of lust. It took a while for love to really bloom. It worked and I liked it for them. They both have their issues and are scared to really get the other involved. Can you blame them?

The narrator was awesome. I love her voice. I've enjoyed past books she has read. She is good and works for this genre. 

All-in-all, I liked this a lot. It took me a little bit to like Jane, but I loved her and Byrne together. They fit well. This was a nice romance and the mystery was fun. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #51 for Audiobook Challenge