By Molly Harper
Narrated by Amanda Ronconi & Jonathan Davis
Blurb:
The first book in Molly Harper's uproariously funny, sinfully sexy new Mystic Bayou series!
Anthropologist Jillian Ramsay's career has taken a turn south.
Concerned that technology is about to chase mythological creatures out into the open (how long can Sasquatch stay hidden from Google maps?), the League for Interspecies Cooperation is sending Jillian to Louisiana on a fact-finding mission. While the League hopes to hold on to secrecy for a little bit longer, they're preparing for the worst in terms of human reactions. They need a plan, so they look to Mystic Bayou, a tiny town hidden in the swamp where humans and supernatural residents have been living in harmony for generations. Mermaids and gator shifters swim in the bayou. Spirit bottles light the front porches after twilight. Dragons light the fires under crayfish pots.
Jillian's first assignment for the League could be her last. Mystic Bayou is wary of outsiders, and she has difficulty getting locals to talk to her. And she can't get the gruff town sheriff, Bael Boone, off of her back or out of her mind. Bael is the finest male specimen she's seen in a long time, even though he might not be human. Soon their flirtation is hotter than a dragon's breath, which Bael just might turn out to be....
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Viviana's Review:
OMG I was extremely excited when I learned that Molly would be writing a new book that would be an Audible Exclusive! As more and more information came out the excitement just grew!! I LOVE Molly's books and HOW TO DATE YOUR DRAGON was no different!! The world building is done beautifully and you'll love all the characters that live in the Mystic Bayou!We go through the journey with Jillian Ramsay, the heroine, learning about the residences of Mystic Bayou from her POV and interactions. I LOVED seeing (okay hearing but you know what I mean) her reactions to seeing the 'magic' taking place in this small town.
Hmmmm Bael Boone, the hero is as the blurb says the gruff town sheriff. He is weary of Jillian and the League. So you can imagine that their first meeting didn't go smoothly. However, they have to work together and they make it work!
There is lots of tension between Bael & Jillian which of course make things better for the reader/listener. I LOVED seeing the interaction between Bael and Zed and with other characters and then Jillian's interactions with these same characters and how they all love her and immediately connect. Bael & Jillian find common ground and their relationship flourishes.
Narrators' Review:
I'm used to listening to Amanda Ronconi when it comes to Molly's books, so I was intrigued to learn that this title would be a dual narration with Jonathan Davis. How was the duel narration vs. having Amanda narrate only.... I liked it however, there were a few issues that I will address below. I really enjoyed listening to Jonathan... this is actually my first time listening to him. I liked his deep and gravelly voice and it totally works for both Bael and Zed! Amanda ROCKS as usual!! I love her performance.
I believe that this would have benefited a lot if it was a duet narration. Jonathan's voice and tone is significantly different from Amanda's. Rather their performance is significantly different, that is. It is this difference that I had issues with as a listener.
The contrast in performance was vast especially with Amanda's upbeat tones and Jonathan's more casual performance.
There were several spots during Jonathan's narration where the audio volume was 'low'... I mean it sounded like he was down in a well... no bueno! This was distracting but also off putting considering this is an Audible production.
Lets talk accents.... if the characters are said to have accents, its important for both narrators to perform the accent. When one does and the other doesn't or the accent differs in intensity it not only distracting but can be off putting. I wish these issues were caught and corrected before the release as it would have made for a much better listen!!
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and love it, but I would have LOVED it even more if it were for the issues mentioned above. With that said, I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Rating: 4 Stars - I LOVED IT
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Audible in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
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