"Left Cold"

This is the first time I am posting a review without finishing the book. I am not in the habit of doing this because I think it is terribly unfair to criticize a piece of work that I have not read cover to cover. I appreciate that the author has spent an enormous amount of time and emotion writing this story. But I could not get past the first four chapters of this book. I respect and I am glad for the readers that found true enjoyment in reading it. I wanted to feel the same but was disturbed by the characterization of Hayley and the lack of understanding from the author on cultural mores outside of the US.

I think we can infer from some of Haley's ruminations early on that she has experienced some sort of assault or humiliation in her life. But this has not made her a careful. I believe a woman has the right to choose her own path and express her own sexuality but intelligently. Hayley is just reckless. First lets consider the location. She is at a security conference in Indonesia by herself. A country with a strict moral code and traditional. She is unaccompanied, inappropriately dressed, and her behavior questionable. She has demonstrated no respect for or knowledge of the traditions of the host country. Secondly she acknowledges that fellow attendants may see her as sleeping her way to a lucrative contract but she still walks off with the potentially lucrative client while he is giving off wrong vibes. She then agrees to go alone with him to his room, bypassing all her instinctual alarms. She not only places herself in jeopardy but puts at risk her and her company's reputation. This is a business conference, not a wedding, or party. Nor is it Las Vegas.

During her escape from possible assault from the client she then ends up in the room of stranger she locked eyes with in the conference room. He happens to be a FBI agent and the male lead. She knows nothing about the man but decides to have sex with him within minutes of meeting by dropping her towel after a shower. No questions asked. Is he married? Is he safe? Obviously this was of no concern to either. Clearly a man that is so easily seduced makes you wonder if you really want this guy protecting our country's interest even if the seducer is a compatriot.

Perhaps this story is just not for me. I have read some of Anderson's other books and have enjoyed them. This one not so much. Maybe if the location was somewhere in the US and the attraction given more time to simmer I would have found it more palatable. There was a definite disconnect between the characters, their behaviors, and the setting for me. I prefer my heroines a bit smarter, with better honed instincts, and more professional when called for. In the regards to the hero, well, lets just say I prefer a FBI agent to be a little more cautious. The world today requires it.

These are just my perceptions and may not be yours. I am not discouraging anyone from reading it. But perhaps someone who is bothered by the same details will save the credit and time for another Anderson book.

8 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Not a good story..

Hmmm... This seemed more of a story about Quentin and Haley having sex, or lusting after each other every second, than them escaping from the terrorists. I found myself rolling my eyes so many times in this book. I mean, after the terrorists almost found them then went away the two of them had to stop for sex. Really? With Abby hiding in the brush, scared to death and wondering if the two lovebirds got caught. There was way to much sex in this book, and I've read a lot of Toni Anderson to know this is a big change for her, almost 20 books of hers.

The parts with the terrorists and running for their lives was the best part of this book. I won't be reading anymore from this author if all she wants to do is stop writing her murder/mysteries in exchange about sex.

Lots and lots of sex and the F-bomb was used 36 times.

As for the narration: Eric G. Dove is a wonderful narrator.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Heroine is rather lame

If you cut out the romance the story would have been good. . She wasn’t my favorite of all the characters.

What a load of BS ...

This book is really, really terrible. I can't believe I listened to the whole thing. Absolutely nothing positive about this mess. "Her nail polish looked pretty good in spite of all she'd been through" or something to that effect says all you need to know.

Another thrilling listen hook from the start.

Another hold on to your seat listen from a very talented author who gets into the excitement from the start of the book. There is nothing like opening the first page knowing it won't be long before your heart is beating and you are taking deep breaths from a listen that you know is going to be thrilling, filled with mystery and excitement, with a touch of romance as danger is spending around you. Ms. Anderson knows how to give all this in just a few pages that keeps you hanging on by the edge as the narrator carries you the rest of the way.


I just love Eric G. Dove as a narrator he pulls you in with a very strong and powerful voice. His character voices are wonderful from his male to his female. He gives wonderful emotions you always know what each character is feeling. There are no background noises, no volume changes or any breaks just a clean clear and power listen. His tones are outstanding you can feel the passion, excitement as he holds you on the edge waiting to see what happens next. His normal voice is just as pleasant as his character ones. This is one of the few narrators that when you see his name you know you are in for a highly entertaining listen that will hold you spellbound through the excitement and thrills. He knows how to bring the story to life getting your attention and keeping it.

I loved this story and this series, it really was a thrilling ride that I loved all the way, I can't wait to start on the next book in this series.

Wonderful

This series just gets better and better. As a therapist this book means a lot!

Loved the setting

Much better than the previous novel in the series - the forced proximity of the heroes and extreme circumstances make their quick bonding more believable. I do wish Ms Anderson would be a bit more realistic in her imaginings of her heroes, they seem too perfect at times, both in their actions and looks. Otherwise, the book was highly entertaining.

another great book

Another winner by Toni Anderson. Kept me guessing. Narrator is enjoyable and worth listening to. Can not wait for the next book!

Very Good Book and Narration!

This was a good book. I really liked it. I liked the characters Quentin and Haley. They were great together.

It is nice to read/listen to a romance story that has story to it and is not all sex. This one had lots of story with danger, mystery and action. There is lots of great dialogue throughout. I also liked a some of the secondary characters. I see a Eban and Darby book coming..... I am okay with that.

As for the narration, it was great. I love Eric Dove he does such a great job with the female voices. He has a nice reading voice too.

Love this series

Really like this series and cannot wait for Book 3 to come out. He seems to use good narrators also.