First Fruits

By: Amanda Carney

Narrated by: Lynn Norris

Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

He's odd. But, then again, so is she...

Parsley Walker didn't want to fall in love. She wanted to pour coffee, serve flapjacks, and forget that she could read minds. She wanted to be a ghost in a waitress's uniform. But then fate walked in, and he had dark hair and a dark mood, and he looked at her like she was the only woman in the world.

And, to him, she was.

Jesse Linwood intended to blow into town, grab the girl, and get gone. Instead, the girl grabbed him with her shy smile and sad eyes. Now, his cold, black vampire heart beats for her alone, but he isn't the only one who craves her. To keep her safe, he must pick a fight he knows he cannot win.

©2017 Amanda Carney (P)2017 Amanda Carney

unexpected

the story was slow to start but once it got going it caught my attention! the man on man was not expected, for me I didn't like it but I'm sure others will. the end was a big cliff hanger! I am really interested in what happens next. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

First Fruits

I really enjoyed reading First Fruits! It's a slow burn but worth the wait. The story was good, and the narrator did a great job. A word of warning though... this baby ends on a major cliffhanger! I'm off to search for the next one... hopefully it's already available!

I wanted a little more...

I enjoyed this audio but it wasn't a favorite. The narration was fantastic and really did a wonderful job with these characters. My only complaint about this one was I didn't like how it ended - I wanted more from the ending.

**audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review**

Great book it left me wanting more!

This book is well written. I would recommend it to anyone who likes suspense, romance and adventures. The book is based on supernatural beings. My only dislike is I don't like books to leave me hanging however if she has another book I will be more than happy to buy to find out what happens! The narrator did an excellent job on distinguishing between characters.

Cliffhanger Alert

Huge cliffhanger at the end...it did leave you wanting more.

Ok there are a few scenes were some readers maybe a little uncomfortable. There is M/M that is between his sire and a vamp...who refers to all he sires as his sons. Another word of warning...this is a bit darker at times and have a few graphic and violent scenes.

There are many twist and turns, but what all can you really do when you are under the control of your sick sire and you want to fight for a woman...this is that tale. Loved getting the multiple POV...although didn't like everyone's minds.


I was provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for an honest review.

vamp thriller bursting with bloodlust and erotica

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. As always when I listen to her narrative, Lynn Norris takes the prize. She hasn't yet landed a book fully worthy of her talents, but it's just a matter of time, as her reputation grows. I've yet to encounter a character that she couldn't fully embody with her vocal gifts. Always serving the story, she brings more excitement and definition to each person (undead or otherwise) than the words alone convey.

The more colorful characters are cake for her, but the mainstream ones are more difficult to project, seems to me; it requires a kind of simplicity and authenticity, seasoned with deep social intelligence, to give them dimensional life with the voice alone. And this she does in spades. Every time. But oh, the character acting! From the languorous, feline Patrick (think George Sanders or, for younger readers, Alan Rickman's Snape), whose casual evil exudes ennui and depravity in equal measure, to the warm and nurturing Lou, who knows exactly who she is, and recognizes another loving soul when she sees one, Norris handles a wide disparity of character and accent with ease and naturalness. A real actor. It's a spine-tingling pleasure.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I'd have to say Parsley. That kind of ingenue can be a bit dull in the wrong hands, but Parsley grows on you. While maintaining vocal integrity for each character, so that no one is ever confused with another, Lynn Norris still manages to convey with her voice the evolution of her ingenue as she learns to love and trust, as she opens fully to her sexual nature, as she finds more strength and resilience than even she knew she had — she who's had many opportunities already in her young life to dig down for endurance and resourcefulness.

What does Lynn Norris bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

What doesn't she bring? She's a writer's dream. See above for the long, long list of attributes that make her simply outstanding.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Learning to love on the run from an ancient evil.

Any additional comments?

This book badly needed a copy editor, especially at the beginning. That Patrick, the elegantly evil 1000-year-old vampire sire of Jesse and Felix and Bane, would not know the past participle of "drink" is laughable and ridiculous. That verb, of all verbs, for a vampire! Had *drunk*, lady, *not* had drank!! Lots of cliche verbiage, too. But both grammar and style seemed to improve as the book progressed — which may be a function of my getting more invested in the story, but I think it's more likely that the writing itself improved. I was all in by the end, abrupt though it was. Talk about a cruel cliffhanger! Looking forward to the next book; hope it's on its way soon!

Soulful, Sizzling, and Addictive

What made the experience of listening to First Fruits the most enjoyable?

The gift of lending these marvelous characters a voice that rebounds deep into my heart. I reveled in the life given to help me fall hopelessly in live with each incredible and precious character within this deliciously dark and heavenly inspirational storyline.

What other book might you compare First Fruits to and why?

I would compare this book to Decadent Dreams by Nicole Garcia only with a wonderfully delightful paranormal twist. The both contain a deep and beautfil love that has to be found, fought for, and protected while overcoming a huge internal struggle not to mention relentless outside forces.

What does Lynn Norris bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Lynn Norris gives a raw and honest highlight to each impeccably developed character throughout this passionate journey. She offers a fiery determination and full heart as she brings beautiful justice to this incredible book. Her perfomance is absolute perfection and true decadence.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found myself giggling and crying a few times throught this brilliant plot. I savored every moment even when the characters tore my heart to shreds. Nothing feels as magical and as good as an incredible story filled with breathtaking characters just like this one.

Any additional comments?

I recommend this book to all paranormal romance readers. You will not be disappointed.

I cannot wait for the next one!

I could go on and on about each piece of this story and why I loved it, but I'll try to generalize so I don't ruin it for anyone.

This was one of those books I was loathe to pause; I wanted to finish it in one go! From the first paragraph I was hooked. The writer had a style that was relatable and emotion-provoking. She was descriptive without being boring, which is something many authors seem to get caught up on. I fell in love with Par's "got to get it done" attitude, and sympathized with to the point of gasping out loud in indignation at points. She was innocent without being unbelievable or annoying about it, and so strong when she needed to be. Seriously, Ms Carney is great at getting the message across in every scene.

Speaking of characters... holy cannoli, can she write some hate-worthy people! Patrick made my skin crawl, but in a good way. The author didn't shy away from sleaze when it came to him, really allowing a better view of what motivated him and how he treated others. Bane's angry jealousy was the perfect addition to keep the story rolling. And don't even get me started on Kirsten's smarmy butt. The good guys? I felt like Lou was my grandma, she was such a sweetheart. I longed for a loyal brother like Felix in my life, too.

There's a huge cliffhanger on the end, and I will be checking for the next book avidly.

Now onto the narrator. I. LOVED. HER. Hands down, my new favorite narrator. She created so many unique voices, it was impressive. She changed voices according to was narrating/POV in the book itself, which made the experience that much more enjoyable. I'd never listened to a book where a narrator changed voices for reading anything but actual dialogue. Did I mention that her accents were impeccable? She's made a follower of me as well, and I'll be following her facebook page for updates on new books she narrates.

I was provided a copy of this book for free in exchange for an unbiased review.

Really enjoyed this

I really enjoyed this book. Funny, sweet and sexy. The story is well written and I think the narrator was a great match.

It does end on a cliffhanger so now I'm dying for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book for an unbiased review

So so good but a freaking cliffhanger

Where does First Fruits rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A strong 7.with 10 being the highest.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jesse the vampire of course.

Have you listened to any of Lynn Norris’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No this was the first but not the last.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I was given this book in return for my honest opinion. So I loved this book. It was great listening to something different than my normal paranormal hotness. Great narration with a great story line!! I am ready for the next book.