One of KA's best - the Worst Narrator

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The story is perfect, but the narration was truly awful. The narrator had a flat voice, there was no distinction between characters and strange pauses. She also made Ashley's awesome sex scenes incredibly boring.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Olivia Porter?

Any of the narrators from her other series.

Any additional comments?

This is one of my top 5 stories from Kristen. I was so happy when the series came out and couldn't wait to listen to Joe and Violet's story. I am so disappointed because a bad narrator ruins even the best book. I'll just go ahead and re-read the actual book.

27 people found this helpful

Ugly crying alert

When you first meet Joe you think he's an asshole. He can be sweet, sexy, manly,an makes you feel sorry for him. But ultimately you want him to get the girl. For me Violet didn't seem like the grieving widow and I think that was because she had to be strong for her girls. I won't give away the ugly crying parts let's just say, keep the Kleenex handy because you're going to need it. I absolutely love that Joe called her buddy I mean really who does that. I did scratch my head about the whole Mike thing I thought for sure things are going to go differently but at the end of the day I'm glad how that all worked it self out. The whole stalker thing going on I was a little bit shocked that more wasn't happening with all of that... One of my favorite parts is when all of the family comes together and I mean all of the family and how Kristen can give every character their own personality and none of them bleed together. You know who is who and that's awesome. If you haven't already noticed this is totally worth a credit heck it's worth the money instead of the credit and for that reason alone I'm on the third book. Enjoy everybody.

20 people found this helpful

Wonderful book-Awful audiobook

At Peace is in my top five favorite Kristen Ashley books so it pains me to say this audiobook was so bad I actually made my first return to Audible. The narrator showed next to no change in voice between characters; it was almost impossible to tell the difference between the characters. Joe, wonderful, amazing, HOT Joe, should not have sounded the same as Violet's 14 year old daughter. Ick. I made myself listen long enough to hear 7 different characters voices and honestly, had I not already read the book several times and been very familiar with what was supposed to be happening, I would not have had a clue as to who was speaking. Advice: Read the book. The story is beautiful, sexy, funny, suspenseful, everything Kristen Ashley does so well. Do NOT listen to this book.

19 people found this helpful

Good story, terrible narrator

Would you listen to At Peace again? Why?

No, Could barely finish it the first time. Would have enjoy reading the book much better.

What didn’t you like about Olivia Porter’s performance?

Usually try to be nice but I cringed a lot. Narrator just read words at times and was not engaged in the moment.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Enjoyed book but not audible.

18 people found this helpful

Good story, below average performace

Is there anything you would change about this book?

A different narrator would be good. This one stumbles, stammers and sounds bored.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

most of the time she sounds bored. sometimes she stumbles and stammers. she's obviously uncomfortable with the sex scenes. not a good match for this author.

14 people found this helpful

Can't stand the swallowing!

Would you try another book from Kristen Ashley and/or Olivia Porter?

Love KA cants stand Olivia Porter reading

What didn’t you like about Olivia Porter’s performance?

Everything!! Everyone sound the same and she constantly swallowing all the time so much saliva and spit its so annoying I can't concentrate on the story

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I love the story KA as always gets my 5 stars points off for the narration

Any additional comments?

this series for some reason have a different narrator for each book but choose carefully please I've never had a complaint on the narration on her books except this one

13 people found this helpful

Joe and Vi - Good Love

My favorite Ashley book, but quite disappointed with choice of narrator. Kind of "flat" audio performance.

11 people found this helpful

Horrible Narrator

What did you like best about At Peace? What did you like least?

I initially liked this story the first time I read it but...I was struggling to listen to the audio

Any additional comments?

I am not sure if I just didn't notice to begin with but...the narrator starts almost every sentence with a loud inhale and it is beyond annoying. I also hear her smacking her mouth too and it started to make me crazy around chapter 7. Did they not give her any breaks or what?

10 people found this helpful

Very Poor Narration!

Would you try another book from Kristen Ashley and/or Olivia Porter?

I would try another Kristen Ashley book but not one narrated by Olivia Porter.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Story line is okay

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Olivia Porter?

Julia Whelan

What character would you cut from At Peace?

Bonnie

10 people found this helpful

Loved it!

Violet lost her husband and father of her two daughters a year and a half ago when he was shot by a criminal madman in the line of duty. She has left Chicago and moved with her daughters to "the Burg" in Indiana to try and move on with her life. She meets her neighbor Joe when she has to go over in the middle of the night to ask him to turn down his music. Joe is a big intimidating security specialist who intrigues Violet even as she fears him a little. Joe is definitely attracted to his neighbor and soon they are both giving in to their physical attraction to one another. Joe's past has left him void of many emotions and with strict rules about relationships. He pushes Violet away, but can't deny that she and her daughter are getting under his skin, a feat no one has accomplished for over 17 years.

I am a Kristen Ashley fan, and one of the things I love about her is that after every book of hers I read (or listen to) I'm sure I'll never like another book of hers more. I loved the first book in this series, and had my usual reluctance going in hoping that I would like this one as much as "For You". I loved this book even more than I thought I would. Violet was an easy character to care about immediately. I was connected to her right away and stayed engaged throughout. She is someone who has faced the kinds of loss that would easily cause other people to be crippled by grief or bitter and angry. Violet has definitely grieved the loss of her husband, but she has done her best to find joy in the life she creates for her daughters. She is kind and loving, and it was each to cheer her on. Joe was a very intriguing character. We know he has a past that caused him to build an emotional wall and alter his life and future plans. Getting to know Joe slowly as we learn more and more about his life was something that kept me hooked into the story. The physical chemistry between Joe and Violet is off the charts!

The peripheral characters in this story (as with all Ashley books I've read) are important and wonderful in their own right. In addition to the main characters, we get to know families and friends, and neighbors. We get to feel that we are part of this town and invested in its residents.

I experienced a wide range of emotions throughout the duration of this book, and anytime an author can get me feeling along with the characters, or just having strong feelings about what I want to happen, I am thrilled. Another thing I appreciate about this book in the length and pacing. We really have enough time to get to know everyone and are all the more invested as the events of the story unfold. I adore this author, I adore this series, and I can't wait to continue the journey.

I found the narration to be unobtrusive (which is a compliment). At no point was I taken out of the story or distracted by the narrator.

*A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review

9 people found this helpful