When Forbidden Hero was first released, I was right there downloading my copy. I LOVE the Redleg Security books… in fact, I anxiously waited for them after discovering the Love and Laughter Series. So, I am not here to review the story/writing for Forbidden Hero. I’m here to give you my thoughts about the audiobook.
Let me be honest. I have a love/hate relationship with audiobooks. I have loved reading a book only to hate the audiobook. I have loved an audiobook only to be frustrated that it takes me so long to get through the story. I read extremely fast, so audiobooks can simply feel too slow. That said, it is a rare pleasure to find an audiobook that pulls me into the world of the story in a way that the passage of time becomes nothing to me. This phenomenon lies firmly on the shoulders of the narrator(s).
Forbidden Hero is one of these rare diamonds of audiobooks for me. Robert Hatchet and C.J. Bloom have a commanding understanding of the characters of Sawyer and Sammie.
Robert’s voice, while warm, contains an edginess that seems perfect for an ex-Ranger who works in security with his brothers-in-arms. His diverse accents for Sawyer’s voices and how he can sound edgy and still vulnerable gave me goosebumps.
CJ seemed to channel Sammie with such a perfectly snarky voice that keeps you from feeling any weakness… even as Sammie struggles with massive trauma. Her performance brings such strength to Sammie’s character and truly performs the growth and perseverance of Sammie’s journey.
I could see this couple’s story like a movie in my imagination, just as strongly as I did when I read the book. I almost never experienced this level of visualization with audiobooks. I will look for other books narrated by these voice actors… just like I do for some of my favorite narrators. Jackie Walker’s decision to cast Robert Hatchet and C.J. Bloom will not disappoint you.
Lounge Time With Liz 