Review: AudioBook Review: Stars:  Overall 4  Narration 5  Story 3
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 2, 2013
My first introduction to a western historical romance, and Velda Brotherton managed to provide a story that was rich in character, scenery and pathos before bringing us that happy ending.Tressie has just lived through the abandonment of her father and the death of her mother when she discovers a wounded and unconscious man on her property.  She pulls on her "must do" panties, and takes responsibility for nursing this unknown man.Reed is a confederate soldier on the run after stealing a union horse.  His plans are to head west, and Tressie convinces him to take her to track her father in the gold fields.  Reed is understandably reluctant, but agrees to accompany and protect Tressie: after all she has managed admirably so far.Unfortunately, Tressie seems to have some sort of reversion in her personality: from strong and determined, fairly independent and matter of fact, she becomes petulant and princess, a wilting flower and far more the stereotypical female of the time.  While Reed does still take care, and it's obvious he cares for her, there are so many obstacles to overcome before their lives can begin to take form.Jeff Justus is the narrator for the story, and the best option I have for describing his style is to have you imagine the voice you would choose for a western narration, improve it 10% and you approach his style.  A solid and clear enunciation with a clear accent, he doesn't make great efforts to emulate a woman's voice, merely drops his tone and softens the vowels: while his subtle change of delivery when portraying Reed's voice is evident but not distracting.  A thoroughly pleasant listen, the tension and hesitation when approaching the more dangerous or rough situations is evidenced in his delivery giving weight to the description provided by the words.I will admit to not being particularly fond of Tressie after the first third of the book, but I did see the characters emotional connection and growing relationship even as I wondered if the addition of the sex scenes was more contemporary than I would expect in a historical romance.  For my first historical romance of this sub-genre, it was a book that held my interest and kept me entertained.I received an AudioBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.