A Month of Romance Audio Favorites Selection

Narrated by Tom Stechshulte

After a decade as a hard-to-find audiobook, Nora Robert’s Carnal Innocence was released at Audible two years ago delighting not only myself but many others judging by the 1086 listeners who’ve given it an average rating of 4.10.

My personal rating is higher with Nora Robert’s well-nuanced characters brought to evocative life by narrator Tom Stechshulte. The ability to pitch his tones to individualize each character, whether man or woman, makes listening to him a pleasure – you always know who is speaking. But it’s his way of lighting every scene with the perfect touch of emotion that makes him shine in my ears.

Tucker Longstreet plays the part of an easy going Southern Lothario to cover a bright mind and generous heart. Admittedly, he’s been a womanizer as he’s waited for Ms. Right but he’s always been honest and upfront. As the real Tucker is slowly revealed through his care and concern for family and the town, you can’t help falling for him right along with Caroline.

Concert violinist Caroline Waverly is pulling into the home she inherited from her grandparents when a sports car zips by just missing her. She’s come to Innocence, Mississippi to recuperate after being pushed to the point of collapse. The near miss doesn’t help her nerves but she’s soon given the chance to vent her ire when she comes across Tucker on her property.

I love a performance and Tom Stechschulte gives a great one throughout. He never misses a tag, be it laughter, anger, tears or flirting, romance and love. My one issue is that Mr. Stechschulte is so good, that I have to hit fast forward when vile characters are on scene. Hearing evil portrayed so convincingly makes me shudder. Construe that as a compliment!

Nora Roberts doesn’t rush the suspense or the romance as she weaves this story in and out of several lives in this 18+ hour listen. From the start, you know there is a murderer roaming among the town’s inhabitants. As the body count climbs, the FBI gets involved much to the disgust of Sheriff Burke Truesdale, Tucker’s longtime friend. The grittier scenes are balanced out with ones of family, friends, and romance.

If I had a list of favorite heroes, Tucker Longstreet would place high. I can’t put his easy going but don’t mess with me charm into mere words. I loved him in print and the audiobook only increased my admiration of him as a hero.

In addition to Tucker and Caroline, one of my favorite characters is eccentric Aunt Lulu – she’s hilarious.

My favorite side plot is that of young Cy and his determination to better himself. A helping hand is extended and the bond that forms between Cy and his benefactor is heart touching. Then there’s Miss Della… I’ll stop now but I know I’ll never tire of hearing Carnal Innocence brought to life so vividly. I feel the heat of a Mississippi summer on my skin…

Brenda

Narration: A+

Book Content: A

Steam Factor: Glad I had my earbuds in

Violence: Graphic

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Recorded Books