Christmas with the Marine & Her Naughty Holiday

Christmas with the Marine by Candace Havens, narrated by Alexander Cendese 2 stars — Narrator was HORRIFIC. Like so bad that I honestly don’t know how I feel about the story, b/c I can’t think of the story without thinking of the narrator. Which is really unfair. I should have DNF’d it. I honestly don’t know why I didn’t. Probably b/c there are two books, and I wanted to give the other narrator a chance. But then I should have just skipped ahead, you know? So if we’re breaking this down, I’m giving the narrator 0.5 stars, and the book 3 stars, averaging out at 2. So why did I dislike the narrator? There are a few reasons. His female voice narration was AWFUL. He made the women sound like airheads, and almost like caricatures of women. His narration of Ainsley’s British best friend was probably the most insulting. Honestly, you’d have to just give him a try to see if it would bother you too, just know that if it initially turns you off, it doesn’t get better. He also has a very forceful way of narrating in general, and it just wasn’t attractive to me… I noticed another reviewer (on another book he narrated) mention they thought it sounded like he was yelling, and that’s pretty close. The other strange affectation of his is that occasionally he would narrate lines in a tone that felt mocking of romance. Do I think he was mocking romance? No, definitely not…this is his job, it wouldn’t make sense for him to do that. But it sounded like if some douchey guys got a hold of a romance novel and over acted some of the lines, if that makes sense. It made me angry, even if I don’t think it was intentional. It felt insulting. The book itself was okay…again, I don’t have a strong opinion on it. There was nothing objectionable, but the romance felt a bit superficial. Which is not completely accurate, b/c they did try to dive a bit deeper into both Ben’s past taking care of his Mom and sister and how that influenced his character…and similarly with Ainsley wanting to prove herself, and not feeling like she fits in with her family. So maybe the story is more 3.5 stars? I thought they were pretty cute together. But in the end the plot couldn’t overcome the narrator, so it’s not like it could have been outstanding. Her Naughty Holiday by Tiffany Reisz, narrated by Gabrielle Cendese 5 stars — And this book was the absolute opposite of the previous. For one, I ADORED the narrator! I just discovered who she actually is, so it makes sense since she is a great comedian and actress. She had all these perfect, subtle inflections in her delivery, that just made it truly feel real. I LOVE it when listening to a narrator actually makes a book even more enjoyable. Like, I know I would have loved the book no matter what, but now I can’t imagine ever reading it instead of listening to it, b/c I would miss all the beautifully delivered snark. And DAMN this book was good. Like immediately good too! Ruthie was absolutely hilarious, and I could just imagine her eccentric 17 year old self. She set up her boss and her Dad GOOD! And her conversation with Clover in that first chapter just sets up the tone for all my favourite interactions in this story. The way Erick interacts with Ruthie, the way Ruthie and Clover interact, and it all bleeds into the most amazing banter between Erick and Clover. I cannot even tell you how often I laughed out loud. I truly can’t, it was just delightful. I laugh silently quite often, but for a book to make me lose it out loud multiple times is just…perfection. Clover was so sweet and unexpected. She was sassy, and strong, but vulnerable too. She grew so much over the course of the book, and OMG I freaking cheered when she came into her own over Thanksgiving supper! I think I developed a girl crush on her. I loved that she was so smart and driven, and knew what made her happy…and she just had to figure out how to get her family not to crush all of that for her. And Erick…oh wow.