Enough inner monologue already!

This is a mediocre story of unethical therapists. One of the major things I disliked was the lengthy portion of the story that's just inner monologue. It starts with Grant's story at the start and lasts a little over 2hrs, largely in the form of an inner monologue. Then the short tale of Stan followed by the lengthy story of Renata, which is another 2 hrs. or so, and it's almost all inner monologue as well. That's 4 hours!! So the primary couple doesn't even meet until more than 4hrs into a 9+ hr tale. It's unfortunate that inner monologues is the only way the author new how to reveal who Grant and Renata are.
In a nutshell, this book is a failed attempt at depth. The writer simply doesn't have the writing chops to pull it off. The story would've been better without the attempt; it then may have had less unwarranted & unnecessary drama and less over-wrought statements. And the cherry on top is the poorly-done French accent the narrator provides.
After dozing, I woke up and the story had finished running. I was grateful and didn't look back. I don't care what happened to anyone in the story and can't stand giving it any more of my time.

5 people found this helpful

To slow for me

The story line is to slow for me it took over three hours to start getting to the plot. It just felt flat and long winded. I did not finish the book

1 person found this helpful

Heart-wrenching yet strangely uplifting romance...

Abuse is the first book in another trilogy featuring Andre Chevalier, a favorite character for all Nikki Sex fans. The first third of the book focuses on Andre as he helps a troubled and scarred military veteran (Grant) recover from the lasting effects of his abusive childhood. The second third focuses on Andre assisting a teenage orphan (Renata) recover from the damaged caused by her time in foster homes and living on the streets. The final third of the book focuses on Andre introducing these two damaged souls to each other and letting his usual magic play out. I have always loved Andre Chevalier for his generosity, empathy, kindness and lack of judgement, but he far surpasses even his high standards in Abuse. He handles the healing of Grant and Renata individually with such insight and love, and he makes them both feel valued and normal for the first time in each of their lives. With it's portrayal of dark elements such as sexual abuse, family dysfunction and the destructive power of shame, this book is not for those seeking a light romance. However, as dark as this novel gets, the author inserts wisdom from Andre at the exact right times to keep the story from getting too heavy or depressing. Interspersed throughout the book, the author keeps describing the actions of some criminal, and I kept wondering what he had to do with anything. Well, you find out at the very end of the book, and this secret is a whopper. After dropping some major plot twists, the author closes the book on a cliffhanger, so I will be starting book two as soon as possible.

Roberto Scarlato's narration is amazing. He has a smooth, almost hypnotic voice, and he enables the listener to get lost in the story. Although his voice is very masculine, he handles the female characters equally as well as the men. He is the perfect choice to keep this occasionally heavy book from becoming too dark, and his French accent when speaking for Andre is swoon-worthy.

I received a copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for this honest review.

1 person found this helpful

WOW!

This one is so exciting and sexy. It will keep you listening through everything going on. Roberto Scarlato has a very sexy voice and I loved his narration of it. He has every emotions of the characters down pat.

A MUST READ

Renata and Grant are perfect for each other. both have come from horrible pasts and have lingering struggles. André guides these two together to help each other heal. Pulling on heart strings, Renata helps Grant work through some of his sexual issues. The emotions run high in this book, as it dives into Grant's past abuse as a child. André always has a reason for his actions, and putting Renata and Grant together is no exception. I could not put this book down. I not only got lost in the story, felt every emotion of the characters, but I also had to jump right into the next book.

Robert Scarlato once again does justice to André. He brings out the tough exterior of Grant, as well as Grant's fears and insecurities. Robert narrates Renata exactly as I imagined her. André's nickname for her, fits perfectly and that is how Robert's narration portrays her. I enjoy Mr. Scarlato's narration.

intriguing

warning to all who have triggers from past abuse. with that being said this book is phenomenal and cuts to the core on how one feels and acts and sheds new light on the past situations. so good.

follow follow follow

if you can follow the different streams of stories you will be thoroughly entertained #mystery #romance #adultseries #adultthemes #psychology

Excellent audible book and story

What a strong story of how childhood sexual abuse can affect the adult lives of the children. This is a rollercoaster of emotions.

Chilling and insightful...Spell binding!!!

I didn't know what to expect and I got caught up in a chilling, yet insightful story. I can't wait to see what happens next. I will start book 2 today. This book was so complex but made me think about the way I look at myself and my life. I accept the monsters of the past, so they can help me appreciate and open myself to a possible future.

Ahhh, André... Another Gripping Tale of Healing

I was provided this audiobook through Audiobook Boom at no charge by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.

There is just SOMETHING about the character of André Chevalier, the sex therapist and coach, and then add the voice given to him by Roberto Scarlato. Mmmmm, Mmmmm, Good. He handles his damaged clients with the insight of a god. In this book, they are Renata and Grant. He pairs the small and timid girl with an abused giant of a man. How can a mouse heal a monster and a monster heal a mouse? Only André knows.

As mentioned, Roberto is an excellent narrator. He is up there at the top and doesn’t disappoint.

TWO THUMBS UP!