Audiobook Review: If I Fall by Kate Noble

Author: Kate Noble

Narrator: Alison Larkin

Title: If I Fall

Series: The Blue Raven #4

Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery

Format: Audiobook

Published: April 1, 2012

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

After a duke's betrayal, the resilient Sarah Forrester reinvents herself as the Golden Lady: society's leading light, the beautiful and witty life of the party. It's all a façade of course—one that protects her from another intimate disloyalty. When her old friend, Lieutenant Jackson Fletcher, returns to London, he is determined to rediscover the true and trusting Sarah he once knew. It'll take more than a kiss and a promise. It might even call for an innocent and necessary deception.

Then Jackson is enlisted to help capture the lead suspect in a murder—a man who happens to be Sarah's most ardent suitor. Jack must continue the deception, and weathering this newest and gravest betrayal will be Sarah's ultimate test. But as Jack's passion for her grows, he must also reveal his own secrets. And as the killer turns his attention to his pursuers, more than love and trust is put at risk.

Review:

Somehow I skipped this one and read book 5. Whoooops. I did promise to backtrack and read this one since it should be read before you read book 5. 

Here we follow Sarah and Jackson. Sarah reinvents herself after the duke's betrayal. She becomes the Golden Lady. She is society's leading light and the life of the party. It is all fake though. Jackson returns to London and reunites with Sarah and her family. He had pretty much grown up and been raised by them. He is determined the true Sarah and bring her back to the light. It might even call for an innocent and necessary deception. In the meantime, Jackson is enlisted to help capture the lead suspect in a murder...the same man who happens to be an ardent suitor for Sarah's hand. Jack must continue the deception and put Sarah to the test. 

Poor Sarah. The Duke's betrayal really hurt her emotionally and her reputation. She was known as the Girl Who Lost a Duke. I don't blame her AT all for reinventing herself. It was the only way to survive the ton and move on with her life. Maybe find a guy who won't betray her.

In comes Jackson. I simply loved how he could so easily see past her mask. I get WHY he wanted to try and force the real Sarah out, but I don't think he was being fair with what he did. He didn't even try to understand WHY Sarah was faking it until she could make it. He finally does understand (no spoiler...that is just how HR works) and he feels like crude. GOOD. You should. 

Oooo I loved seeing  Marcus and Philippa again! They were from the first book. Philippa is called in to help Sarah get back on her feet and trick society. It was wonderful seeing them again. And then there is Marcus who pulls Sarah and Jackson into the fray to solve the murder and some more dangerous stuff. No spoilers from me ;) 

The mystery was fantastic. The baddie was fantastic. TOTALLY didn't see it coming. Like Sarah I was all "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAA?". Super good. 

Now...I will say I was bored here and there. It seemed to take forever for things to actually happen. Some parts needed to be shortened or more drama added? But yes, I even sped up the audio through those parts to just get through the lulls. 

I did do the audio of this. Which worked well. The narrator is fantastic! I believe she did book 5. 

In the end, there were a few lulls, but I did enjoy this. Loved our new characters and seeing a couple oldies show up. The mystery and the baddie reveal blew me away. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #39 for Audiobook challenge

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Let It Be Me by Kate Noble

 

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Series: Raven, Book 5

Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

Release date: 08-12-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Historical romance

Own

I listened to this on my way to work. So it took a long time.

Make it quick!

Bridget loves to play the piano, but do not dare to do it infront of others. I liked her, she was overshadowed by her sister and had to come into her own.

Off to Venice and someone who will teach her more.

Awww Venice. And a handsome Englishman to fall in love with....eventually.

I enjoyed it and great narration too

Bridget longs to meet a gentleman who doesn't mention her beautiful sister upon shaking her hand. But since being branded a shrew after a disastrous social season, Bridget knows she's lucky to even have a man come near her. It's enough to make a lady flee the country…

So Bridget heads to Venice for music lessons with the renowned Italian composer Vincenzo Carpenini, with whom she's been corresponding. But not only is Carpenini not expecting her, he doesn't even remember her! His friend, theater owner Oliver Merrick, does, though. And one look into her tantalizing green eyes has him cursing his impulsive letter-writing, which brought her across the continent. Yet before Merrick can apologize, Carpenini has ordered her away.

Little does either man know that they will soon be embroiled in a wager that will require the beautiful Miss Forrester's help—or that there'll be far more at stake in this gamble than money…

Audiobook Review: Let It Be Me by Kate Noble

Author: Kate Noble

Narrator: Alison Larkin

Title: Let It Be Me

(The Blue Raven #5)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  April 2nd 2013

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

London weather is chilly—and the social scene even more so. Luckily, Bridget Forrester is just getting warmed up…

Bridget longs to meet a gentleman who doesn't mention her beautiful sister upon shaking her hand. But since being branded a shrew after a disastrous social season, Bridget knows she's lucky to even have a man come near her. It's enough to make a lady flee the country…

So Bridget heads to Venice for music lessons with the renowned Italian composer Vincenzo Carpenini, with whom she's been corresponding. But not only is Carpenini not expecting her, he doesn't even remember her! His friend, theater owner Oliver Merrick, does, though. And one look into her tantalizing green eyes has him cursing his impulsive letter-writing, which brought her across the continent. Yet before Merrick can apologize, Carpenini has ordered her away.

Little does either man know that they will soon be embroiled in a wager that will require the beautiful Miss Forrester's help—or that there'll be far more at stake in this gamble than money…

Review:

Accidently skipped book 4. This popped up in Audible. Swore I read book 4....maybe not. I don't remember. Hahaha. This does fine as a standalone. I believe book 4 is about Bridget's sister who was the golden child. I'll eventually go back. 

Here we follow Bridget who has long been in her sister's shadow. Her sister was beloved by everyone. She has been now labeled as a shrew after a disastrous social season. To get fresh air, she heads to Venice with her family in hopes for music lessons with the renowned Italian composer Vincenzo Carpenini with whom she has been corresponding. When she arrives at his door, he is not expecting her and doesn't even remember her. His friend and half-brother, Oliver Merrick, does though. He was the one who actually wrote to her and before he can explain anything, Carpenini orders her away. Little does anyone expect that the two men will be embroiled in a wager that require Bridget's help. 

This was a lot of fun!!! I loved how different this was. It was a nice set of pace to jump to Italy and have a couple fall in love over music. Beautiful. 

The beginning did drag for minute while the stage was being set for her to flee across the ocean to Italy, but then I could not stop listening. I had to know what was going to happen next. Yes, yes, we all know Bridget and Oliver fall in lurve, but I was excited to see them fall for each other. It was slow and careful. I was also excited to see her perform at the competition! 

OOOOO that ending was good. Loved it. 

I also loved seeing Bridget as an old lady at the beginning and the end surrounded by her grandbabies. It was a nice touch. 

The narrator is fantastic. She really flourished here with all the different accents and all the different characters running around. Brava!

In the end, I really enjoyed this one. It was a touch slow in the beginning, but after that I was hooked and didn't want to stop listening. I loved this couple and their journey. It was a fresh breath of air for the HR genre. Italy, music....all fun. I'm in love with this series. I need to back track to book 4 eventually. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

 

Challenge(s):
- #69 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Follow My Lead by Kate Noble

Author: Kate Noble 

Narrator: Alison Larkin

Title: Follow My Lead

(The Blue Raven #3)

Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 355

Published:  March 25th 2011

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Jason Cummings, Duke of Rayne is feeling the weight of his responsibilities - one of which is to get married. Being the most sought after bachelor in London can be trying, so who can blame him if he seeks refuge from the voracious hordes of young debutantes at the decidedly female-free Historical Society? Female-free, that is, until Winnifred Crane marches up to the door, demanding entrance.

Despite her prowess as a historian, Winn is denied membership the Society. So she daringly offers an unusual bargain: if she can prove the authenticity of a certain painting, she'll be granted recognition, fame, and respect. But to do that, she must go abroad. And to go abroad, she must have an escort, even a stubbornly unwilling one...

Jason has no desire to accompany Winn on her adventure across Europe, but even he is not immune to Winn's passion for her profession. As the journey proves more difficult than planned, they must work together to stay one step ahead of their rivals.... and the closer they get to the proof Winn seeks, the closer she and Jason become. But as their adventure turns dangerous, can Jason keep this headstrong bluestocking safe? And what will become of their growing bond when the adventure ends?

Review:

I was a touch unsure about this one because I was meh about Jason in the last one. However, I seen this on Audible so I decided to finally dive in. 

We follow Winn and Jason as they go on an adventure of craziness. Winn is denied membership at the Historical Society, so she offers an unusual bargain...if she can prove the authenticity of a certain painting, then they have to grant her recognition, fame, and respect. In order to do this, she has to go abroad. Through some craziness, Jason becomes her escort and guide. He is intrigued by the woman and also wants to see her win. However, their adventure turns out to much more difficult than planned and they have to stay ahead of someone who wants Winn to lose. 

This was very exciting. I was on the edge of my seat the entire listen! I had zero idea what was going to happen next. I had no idea and I loved it. It was a ball of craziness for sure. A perfect word for this book and it's characters. 

I did warm up to Jason right away especially when he took Winn's side at the very beginning. It was very sweet and noble of him. 

Winn? I actually was a unsure of. I guess you can say I had a love-hate for her. She was so clueless for being so smart. She is all brains and no polish (ha Hamilton). Without Jason she would have gotten nowhere. Poor, poor noble Jason. 

I also adored Sarah. I want her to be happy. She will find her HEA!

This was very fun and I adored it. I think it is one of my favorites of the series so far. How funny is that!? I was hesitant of this one, but it has ended up as one of my favorites so far?? Thus is life, eh?

The narrator is pure perfection. I adore her voices. Her German ones were great. 

In the end, I highly adored this. The characters, the adventure, the mystery, all the craziness? All fun. I'll stamp this with a 5. 

Challenge(s):
- #6 for Audiobook challenge

 

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

Audiobook Review: Revealed by Kate Noble

Author: Kate Noble
Narrator: Alison Larkin
Title: Revealed (The Blue Raven #1)
Genre: Historical Romance, Suspense & Thriller
Pages: Audiobook
Published:  March 2nd 2005
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



Phillippa Benning is the unrivaled beauty of the Season. But when another lady challenges her for a marquis's attentions, Phillippa entices him to a secret rendezvous-only to stumble upon The Blue Raven, England's most famous spy, lurking at the site of her planned tryst.

The Blue Raven has uncovered an enemy plot directed at upcoming society functions, but he's unable to infiltrate London society. Phillippa makes an offer: in exchange for entré among the ton, he agrees to have his true identity revealed at the Benning Ball-guaranteeing her unrivaled notoriety. As the danger draws closer, the mysterious spy and Phillippa give in to mutual desire. But when the game turns deadly, betrayal waits around the corner, and Phillippa must decide once and for all-is it the myth that captured her heart, or the man?


Accidentally read a book in series earlier on (I think it was 4.5?), so I decided I should at least read book one of the series. Not sure if the two are related or not. I know it is in the same world, but I do not think we were introduced to any of the characters that appear in that one. Oh well. 

The story follows Phillippa who is the ton's unrivaled beauty and "Queen". Things happen and she accidentally uncovers the identity of the Blue Raven who had been England's most famous spy. Marcus is not fully the spy, but he is part of the Blue Raven duo. He feels and believes something is amiss and there a plot in the works, so he dusts off his Blue Raven feather to investigate. He needs Phillippa's help though. They strike an agreement to help the country and to help Phillippa through the best shindig of the season. 

I adored Marcus and I actually liked Phillippa as well. They fit well. Marcus is smart and quiet while Phillippa knows how to work the ton to her advantage. They worked well together. I am so glad Phillippa was not a mindless, shallow girl. Yes, she was shallow, but she wasn't truly shallow. She played a part to get what she wanted. I liked it. 

I adore spy novels...especially historical ones. They are just so fun! I am curious to see what is next for our Blue Raven. The mystery was good. I was unsure of who was involved. I had my guesses, but I was wrong. Kuddos to the author. 

The romance was good too. It took FOREVER for them to act on their feelings and lust. And they did not admit they loved each until the end. It was nice to see them start as partners, to friends, to lovers. It felt right for them. 

The narrator was lovely. I hope she narrates more. She does well with voice changes and her boy voice isn't cheesy or overdone. On the nose for both characters! I feel like I have heard her before....I can't remember.

Overall, I enjoyed this quite a bit. No major issues I can think of. I liked the story, the mystery, the characters, and the narrator. I recommend this to fellow historical spy/romance lovers. I'll give it a 5! First of the year!

Book 1 of 16-25 Books

Fits another challenge! I'll stamp the SPY box. :)

Book Review: The Dress of the Season by Kate Noble

Author: Kate Noble
Title: The Dress of the Season (The Blue Raven #4.5)
Genre: Historical Romance, short story
Pages: ebook
Published: April 3rd 2012
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)


Harris Dane, Viscount Osterley, orders a very fine and scandalously cut dress to be made for a certain lady he wishes to woo. While with the dress designer, he also orders a pair of gloves to be sent to his ward, Miss Felicity Grove, to wish her well for the new Season. But when Felicity accidentally receives the dress, along with Osterley’s affectionate note, it sets into motion a tale of scandalous misunderstandings and love in the last place you look.


Gah! I was doing so well with not jumping into the middle of a book series. Whoops! Luckily this does well as a standalone since it is just a short story in-between the other books. 

Now...first....I must say....I AM UTTERLY IN LOVE WITH THIS COVER! Look at that beautiful dress! The flowers!? The colors?! So beautiful!

Alright.

Now, this story follows Felicity and her guardian Harris. Harris has been her guardian for the last 4 years since Felicity lost her parents and her brother which happened to be Harris' bestie. Harris has pretty much kept his distance from Felicity for many reasons that are not 100% clear to Felicity since they used to be friends in their youth. Things happen and Felicity accidentally receives a dress that Harris meant to send to his wannabe mistress. This dress, of course, causes a scandal because it is so beautiful and risky. 

This was a fun little story. I enjoyed how complex the author made this story and the characters. It is a rare day a short story can do this. I did not feel this was too short or missing anything. I really enjoyed the characters and their journey to find themselves, work past the past, and find the love inside their hearts for each other. 

The ending was very unlikely and made me roll my eyes...but it was bearable I suppose since I enjoyed everything else. 

I do want to go back to the beginning of the series and read book 1. The author's short story was good...I wonder what a full novel will be like. 

Besides for the unlikely ending, this was a good one. I swear! It is 50/50 with these Amazon freebies. It is either really good oorrrrrrr super meh. This falls under really good. I'll give this 4 stars.