Narrated by Kate Russell
First person narratives can be unreliable (in more ways than one). In the hands of a talented narrator, though, first person works very well as an audiobook. Such is the case with Wild Man, second in Kristen Ashley’s (KA) Dream Man series, ably narrated by Kate Russell.
KA devotees are familiar with her hot alpha heroes, unapologetically domineering and overflowing with testosterone and protective instincts. Brock “Slim” Lucas fits her hero mold to a tee (stretched tight over one lean and muscular body). Readers met this silver-eyed Wild Man in the first Dream Man entry, as the DEA agent whose cover gets blown in that book’s rescue op. Brock was portrayed as intense, seemingly willing to pay whatever cost in the pursuit of justice. Here he is the same devoted edgy law officer, now facing those personal costs and conflicts. One need not have read Mystery Man, however, to fully appreciate Brock.
Readers of KA’s work, are also familiar with her girly-girl heroines, and Tessa O’Hara is perhaps my favorite of them. She is a survivor of abuse, yet doesn’t wallow and remains as sweet as the frosted cupcakes in her bakery. Brock’s job is to go undercover and investigate Tess’ involvement in her ex-husband’s drug business. We first meet Tess and Brock in the Prologue after four months of “dating” on the evening they finally make love and right before the drug-gang takedown.
Readers are immediately engaged as Brock and Tess work past Brock’s deception, heal, and deal. More mature in their early 40s than typical romance couples, they actually talk and listen to each other – “no games, no lies, no bullshit.” The story is packed with hilarious girlfriend drama, emotional family drama, a manipulative ex, an obsessive ex, and adorable kids. There are fewer suspense elements than other entries in the series. Instead we get more relationship development, delivered in true KA style.
In print, KA’s style of monologues and run-on sentences can make a reader occasionally wish for an editor. In audio format, it works and is more enjoyable. Ms. Russell’s narration was smooth and effective, but closer to the no-frills end of the audiobook spectrum.
As a newbie reviewer at AudioGals, I am still refining gradations in my narration ratings. I figure, an A listen is one that enhances the written novel; a B listen does justice to it; and a C or lower fails to do it justice. I would definitely say Ms. Russell’s narration does justice to Wild Man. I personally would have preferred a more inspired performance, especially those KA moments of laugh-out-loud humor or chest-thumping male confrontations. Voicing these over-the-top characters has got to be a tricky balance, though. I can easily imagine them coming across as silly caricatures if a narrator gets too inspired.
With her delivery, Ms. Russell uses sufficient but subtle variations among the characters. Listeners who get easily distracted or, are not paying close attention, might confuse characters, such as the girl posse Tess hangs with. These are the BFFs, women peopling KA’s Dream Man (and sometimes cross over from other) series – e.g. Gwen, Camille, Tracy, Elvira, Martha. Fans of Elvira – don’t worry, she sounds hilarious but real, instead of say, a character in a Wayan Brothers sketch. Brock and other male characters are also distinguished by subtle variations on a slightly deeper, grittier register.
If you loved Brock and Tess in print, you will enjoy the audiobook. Motorcycle Man
Megan
Narration: B-
Book Content: B-
Steam Factor: Glad I had my earbuds in (some parts got close to Burning)
Violence: Domestic Violence
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Wild Man was provided to AudioGals for review by Hachette Audio.
Excellent review Megan – I agree with you 100% – though my overall grade came in at a solid B for both story and narration. :)
Thanks, Brenda! It was such a toss-up on solid B vs B-. How do you decide these things?
I have gotten spoiled, culling through yours and AAR’s excellent reviews for my reading/listening. Reading Mystery Man and Motorcycle Man raised my expectations, too, I think. I skipped Wild Man in print.