Face of Danger

Guardian Angelinos

By: Roxanne St. Claire

Narrated by: Violet Grey

Private investigator Vivi Angelino loves living life on the edge, but stepping into the shoes of a movie starlet to bait a serial killer isn't just a thrill...it's a ticket to the big time for her fledgling security firm. That is, as long as a certain risk-averse FBI agent stays out of her way - and out of her fantasies. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang isn't above using his well-worn rulebook to stop Vivi's latest walk on the wild side. But when they learn her client is involved in something far more insidious than bad acting, Vivi and Colt must work together despite the electrifying attraction arcing between them. For each new clue is bringing them closer to a high-profile crime with a dark and deadly truth at its core...and a cold, calculating murderer with nothing left to lose.

© 2011 Roxanne St. Claire (P)2014 Recorded Books

TThis Narrator Just Shot to the Top of my List!

The story was well rounded out.
When I realized this story could be categorized as a 'romance' selection, I gave it a cautious try. I usually find romance novels very short on story, and what story there is, is only used to link together the bedroom/sex scenes. This one surprised me by having a good beginning premise and a very different main character. The situations, in which they found themselves,, also were different than the usual story presentation. And the love/sex scenes fit into the story quite well. Occasionally a bit too much detail, but still OK.
As I continued listening, I suddenly took an objective look/listen to the narrator, instead of staying immersed in the story. I began to question if the reason I was enjoying this book was more because of the narrator than the actual story. I still don't know the answer to that question. But that narrator put so much expression into the words, it was amazing. And she gave longer than usual pauses where they actually would come, in real life. The voices were distinguishable, for the most part, although a bit more use of the lower pitch would have given more distinguishable sound to male voices.
Some of the story became a bit far-fetched, especially during the last few scenes, but " ... the suspension of disbelief ..." took care of that.
Guess I'll have to try a second book by this author, and the same narrator, to see if my original impressions carry through to their other collaborations.

Face of Danger

This one was read by me years ago and now I am binging on audio and loving it just as much (or more). Someone is killing the best actress Oscar winners and this year Vivi is posing as the look alike for the winner. What is she going to do when Special Agent Colt Lange also shows up to protect Kara, only it is Vivi. Along the way the stumble upon more than just the red carpet killer but human trafficking. Crazy but true. So much goodness in this one!

Great fun and games.

Good characters and plot make this a great story. Good performance and drama. Two very different people meet and mesh. Recommend.

Decent but improbable plot, dumb main characters

The plot has some twists and turns so that kept my interest. The narrator was decent enough as well.

What I didn’t like are the main characters. The heroine has some shameful secret (in her mind) she kept for 16 years that made her behave like a victim (deny her own femininity, deny any relationships, etc.). Moreover, for someone in the security and investigative business, she sure isn't the brightest bulb in the pack, comes across as untrained, and remarkably lacking in survival skills. Each time she gets into a bad situation her plan is to wait and be rescued by the hero. Not exactly what you want in a kickass heroine. As you read about her antics, you get the sense that she’s a kid pretending to be a grownup but eschewing all of a grownup’s responsibilities. Can one really take her seriously as an investigator when skateboarding is how she spends her free time? I think the author took the heroine’s punk persona too far. Her name, Vivi, unfortunately doesn’t help either, and makes me think of a small fluffy dog.

The hero is no great shakes either. He’s a cardboard character. Angst was manufactured for him by way of a dead fiancée who was a risk taker and he hasn’t moved on in 5 years. He also wasn't the brightest bulb in the pack.

What is it with dumb MCs in RS genre?

The relationship buildup was torturous with her dithering and emotional baggage, and his "sex with no strings" mentality. I got fed up with the heroine when she got all gooey eyed and clingy after she had sex with the hero, knowing full well he is still grieving for his dead fiancée and is moving away to LA. In fact, she almost begged on her knees for him not to go. It was cringey.