Narrated by Susannah Jones

Relatively speaking, I’m new to the phenom of Kristen Ashley. My introduction to her writing was the Dream Man quartet as each released in audio beginning August 2013. I enjoyed them all and thought the narrator did a great job, especially with being tossed into the deep end of a vast pool of fan expectations. I could feel the pull for more and was thrilled to see Rock Chick available at Audible.

Publisher’s blurb: Indy Savage is a former wild child (okay, maybe not so “former”) and current used bookstore owner. Lee Nightingale is a former bad boy and now runs a private investigation service. Toss together a quiet barista with a not-so-lawful side-business, a crazy Vietnam Vet, a pothead, a drag queen, family and friends who will not mind their own business, a few stun guns and a bag of diamonds, and mix them all up with some shootings, a high speed chase and car bombs exploding, then hang on for your first wild Rock Chick ride.

I’m a series kind of gal so the idea of starting at the beginning and hearing about characters that popped in with cameos throughout the Dream Man books was alluring. But uh oh – new to me narrator (again)! Hachette Audio released the Dream Man series and will release Kristen Ashley’s Colorado Mountain series in audio format starting with The Gamble (May 2014) but Audible Studios swooped in and grabbed the Rock Chick series rights. Would their chosen narrator, Susannah Jones, be able to carry off the larger than life characters, over the top antics, hilarity, and attitude found in Kristen Ashley tales?

Susannah Jones does it in spades! Listening to Rock Chick is a blast as any KA experience should be. The large cast of characters each has a distinct voice never leaving you wondering who’s on the speaking deck. Ms. Jones remains consistently on target once her feet are completely wet in the Rock Chick world. Her delivery choices are true to the personalities written and she captures all the drama big or small which is a kick.

On to the big question, “What about alpha male Lee Nightingale’s portrayal?” Honestly? I was worried when Lee made his appearance. He sounded bland – blandly male but you didn’t hear personality. Even so, as Lee and Indy’s relationship quickly warms up, so does his voice. I was pulled straight into the action and romance, enjoying every hair-raising scene, charged intimate encounter, eclectic friends made, and family we meet. Lee Nightingale satisfies with male attitude, manly tone, and convincingly portrayed Alpha-ness. Susannah Jones gives an excellent performance with high octane material.

How about some “hear” instead of tell to help you decide if Rock Chick will work in your ears? As you can tell it works in mine! I’m looking forward to the next seven entries in the Rock Chick series slated for release June 10th 2014.

Brenda

Narration:  A-

Book Content:  A

Steam Factor:  Glad I had my earbuds in

Violence:  Fighting

Genre:  Contemporary

Publisher:  Audible Studios