Audio Review ~ Lingus ~ Mariana Zapata

Lingus by Mariana Zapata
Narrated by: Callie Dalton
Release Date: January 26, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Comedy
Source: I received a copy from Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
Most people would describe Katherine Berger as a responsible girl with a big heart, a loyal friend who takes care of those close to her, and the possessor of a wicked sense of humor. There was something about her that most people didn't know. "My name is Kat Berger, and I love porn." When twenty-five-year-old Kat is dragged to a porn convention by her best friend, she's both embarrassed and nervous. The last thing she ever expected was to meet someone who makes her laugh like no other. This is a story about acceptance and friendship, and a love born out of the most expected of places. Contains mature themes.

Lingus proved to be a relatively entertaining listen. The premise was what drew me in and Zapata did a good job in creating engaging characters. This is billed as comedy though and I felt it missed on that element some. Also, Callie Dalton, the narrator, while doing a good job in delivering the story, showed a lack of range with voices.

Kat and Tristan meet at the ultimate singles hunting ground...a porn convention. They end up hanging out, talking, and enjoying each others' company. Things are going well until Kat discovers Tristan has a secret. And an alter-ego. Can you be friends with, and maybe fall for, a guy who does porn for a living? Kat decides to find out.

I really liked both Kat and Tristan. There was so much more to them than porn-lover and porn-star. Kat is a generous person and would do anything for a friend. Tristan is also a compassionate person. He's a law student and has a strong connection with his family. AND they're both dorks - quite socially awkward. Their friendship grows organically and feels very genuine.

I liked the secondary cast as well. There were a few that felt a little one-dimensional at times but overall they were all fleshed out nicely. They added depth to Kat and Tristan as well as to the story since friendship and acceptance are such integral elements.

I'd have liked for the comedy to have hit its marks more often. There were some missed opportunities, in my opinion. I also felt Zapata does a little too much telling rather than showing in some scenes. There were things I felt were understood and didn't bear an explanation, but one was given. I was taken out of the story in these instances which messed with the flow.

Dalton, whom I listened to recently narrate another of Zapata's books, does well with delivery and pacing. I appreciate the vocalization she includes - for example, conveying giddiness with a squeal while delivering the dialog or appearing to have a mouthful of pizza while talking - as the character is doing. I felt her range is lacking though as her voices sound similar - especially her male voices.

On the whole, I enjoyed my second Zapata/Dalton listen and I'll be partaking in more.