The Gift by Dannika Dark
Mageri Series #5.5
Narrated by: Nicole Poole
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads
Synopsis
Despite a powerful snowstorm that has shut down the city, Silver and the Mageri crew are preparing to spend a peaceful holiday at home, surrounded by family, food, and merriment. But the party comes to an abrupt end when Logan receives an unexpected call, one that forces him to make a life-changing decision that could affect his relationship with Silver forever. Can they find the courage to weather the storm? Lives are at risk in this compelling and heartwarming story about the remarkable journey of love.
The Gift was, well a gift. :) It's been about three years since the end of Shine and DDark gives us a little glimpse of where all the characters are at this point in time.
It's Christmas and Silver is hosting everyone for dinner. This in itself was entertaining since she's never been all that handy in the kitchen. Over the course of the days of preparation for the event as well as the actual celebrating of Christmas we learn how life has been impacted by the events in Shine and how Silver, Logan, Justus, Adam, Finn - well, the whole gang - has adjusted and grown in their new lives.
There was no pulse-pounding action but DDark sure delivers a little suspense by having us wonder if everyone will end up getting what they're wanting and needing. It was a delight to see the dynamics between everyone as well as witnessing how their lives have evolved. And, of course, being a part of wishes being granted made it that much more special. DDark managed to wring a few tears from me. The Gift was simply a sweet read...er, listen.
Nicole Poole, as always, did a tremendous job with the narrating. She kept the story flowing and her voices distinct and consistent. She brings these stories to life!
I decided it'd be fun to bring 2016 to a close by listing some of favorites from the year. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of your favorites!
*~*Narrators*~*
- Kirsten Potter - she can rock an accent making her a favorite for historicals
- Christian Fox - his delivery is so natural, and entertaining, I'd pay him to read my grocery list
- Robert Petkoff - his range of voices and delivery keep me chomping at the bit to listen to Immortals After Dark
- Mindy Kennedy - she *is* Teresa Drazen and her voice for Antonio Spinelli rocks as well
- Joe Arden - he does a great job at conveying the emotions of the heroes and makes a great duo with Maxine Mitchell
- Maxine Mitchell - she does well with conveying emotions as well and she and Joe Arden are one of my favorite narrating duos
- Sebastian York - his growly voice, well, it does nice things to me so listening to him is an absolute pleasure
- Nicole Poole - she amazes me! I'm always impressed with her ability to keep character voices distinct over a number of books, especially a series like Dannika Dark's Seven series where there is a large cast.
- Mason Lloyd - his delivery of the crusty men of According to Hoyle was so spot on it made the story even more enjoyable
Two Minutes by Dannika Dark
Seven Series #6
Narrated by: Nicole Poole
Release Date: April 25, 2015
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Source: Audible
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads
Synopsis
After years of living abroad, Maizy returns home to the only family she's ever know--a pack of wolves. When she confronts her childhood watchdog to see where they stand, his resentment leaves her uncertain about where she really belongs.
Behind Denver's charming smile is a tragic past--one that's made his wolf savage and unpredictable. Only Maizy has been able to tame that darkness, and when they're reunited after many years apart, he no longer sees a child he once protected. She's captivating and intelligent--a woman with the world at her fingertips and two suitors offering more than he ever could.
Torn between two worlds, Maizy must choose how her fairy tale ends. Tragedy, murder, passion, and imprisonment all collide with a heart-stopping twist.
Destiny will find you.
Two Minutes was the story I'd had my fingers crossed for since Seven Years. When Denny became Maizy's watchdog, it forged a bond between them that seemed to intensify as Maizy aged. The way they were together, I'd always felt they were soulmates.
Two Minutes sees Maizy returning home to the Westin pack after being away to school and travel. The synopsis says Maizy was unsure of where she belonged but I thought it was more a case of knowing what she wanted but being unsure if she could have it. Things between she and Denver are strained since he stopped visiting her when the pack did and made sure to stay away when she visited. Denny had his reasons and it broke my heart for him. But he doesn't know Maizy's secret - one she only learned about recently. And it's a secret that completely changes the game.
Another barrier for Maizy and Denny to overcome is one very handsome, very powerful Alpha, Prince. Prince came into the Westin pack's life during the trouble they faced with Lexie and Maizy's dad in Seven Years. Prince took a shine to Maizy then and he's stayed involved. However, Prince is aware of Maizy's secret and is determined to woo her away from Denver. It is all almost for naught when Denver is arrested and could possibly be sentenced to death for his crime.
Dark once again dazzled me with her incredible cast of characters. I feel I know them all so well at this point, they're like friends. And I could probably identify them all by their mannerisms and catch phrases since she makes them so distinct. There was also plenty of tension and suspense in Two Minutes with dealing with the Council and the Higher Authority, the mess with another pack, and the push and pull between Maizy and Denny. I was enthralled by the story and listened as often as I could.
Nicole Poole is an excellent narrator and I continue to be impressed with her ability to keep the characters' voices separate and distinct, as Dark created them.
I'm thrilled to have binged on this series in audio. My only regret is that the series is almost done!
The Gift by Dannika Dark
