In this tantalizing story, Kate Reading's evocative narration captures the drama and contrasts of common life and high society in 1870s London. When feisty tavern owner Gillian Truelove saves the life of the Duke of Thornley, called Thorn, in the dangerous district of Whitechapel, their lives become inextricably linked. Reading's spirited portrayal of Truelove conveys her fierce independence but also her private, more feminine, side, which is aroused by Thorn's attentions. Reading fans the increasing attraction between the two with seductive tones, dramatic pacing, and crisp articulation that adds spice to the love scenes. Reading's pitch variations and assortment of English accents bring out the story's wide range of characters and the distinctions between the social classes. A scintillating listen.
Pub Date: Aug. 21, 2018
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062859266
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A model and a mogul get married in Vegas on a bet, and Diana Luke narrates their story with élan. While it would be easy to portray Leila Darling as a scheming caricature or Carter Bain as a ruthless businessman, Luke never crosses that line. Her portrayal of Leila is generous and encompasses the full range of her character--from the formidable professional at the top of her game to the vulnerable woman who is unsure if she can trust a man with her heart. Likewise, Luke's portrayal of Carter showcases both his business acumen and his emotional vulnerability as he opens himself up to Leila. While loosely connected to the previous Unconventional Brides volumes, this can easily stand alone.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501968471
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
After her divorce, Roberta Jewett, with her three daughters, returns to Camden, Maine, to start a new life. Such an independent move in 1916 brings difficulties with her mother, her in-laws and the townspeople. Dukes's performance, while skillful, sometimes suffer in scenes of emotional content. His pace slows, and his reading acquires the peculiar emphasis of someone trying to get instructions across to a non-English-speaking person. The effect is disturbingly laughable. When he resumes his normal pace, the story revives and personalities emerge again, but the awkwardness remains as an odd interruption to Spencer's drama of pain and love, dispelling Dukes's carefully constructed characterizations.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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