Rock House Grill

By: D. V. Stone

Narrated by: Emelie Pla

Aden House, successful but driven chef and TV personality, refuses to slow down. His life implodes one night, damaging him both physically and emotionally. He's rescued by a woman he thinks of as his angel.

Shay McDowell has rebuilt her life after her divorce. She juggles volunteer EMT duties and her job, while dreaming of becoming a chef. She finds her way to Rock House Grill and back into the life of the man she helped save.

Can love be the ingredient needed to survive the many obstacles they face?

©2020 Donna Van Stone (P)2022 Donna Van Stone

Narrator's timbre makes for an enjoyable listen

Summary –

In one devasting moment, Shay’s life changes. Catching her husband cheating on her while she’s on duty as an EMT propels her to start over. She loves helping people and when an opportunity arises, she jumps at the chance to work at Rock House Grill, owned by hotshot tv chef Aden House and his sister. She works hard and gains the respect of Aden. When the head chef has to leave, Shay steps in as the restaurant’s chef for the night. He’s a good teacher, though, and she gets hands-on training as a chef. It would be easy for her to fall in love with Aden, but her heart has taken one too many beatings. She erects walls up around her heart, refusing to allow Aden in. Can these two battered souls find comfort in each other’s arms or is love not on the menu at Rock House Grill?


Narrator’s overall voice –

Emelie Pla has a pleasing voice, and her timbre makes for an enjoyable listen. I found her sound effects for certain things like clanging dishes and such creative.


Does the narrator fit the characters?

Yes, Emelie Pla fits the characters, although there were times when I had trouble differentiating between the characters. Her voice for Aden is a lower octave which I liked.


Narrator’s reading style –

Emelie Pla’s reading style is one of reading the text and infusing her own creative whimsy into each scene.


Narrator’s impact on reading experience –

Emelie Pla is a good narrator and increases the reader’s listening experience.


Narrator’s pacing –

Emelie Pla’s pacing is a little on the slow side but adds dramatic pauses to increase the plot’s tension.


Audiobook flow –

The audiobook’s flow is smooth. The listener easily gets caught up in the brilliant story by D.V. Stone.


What makes this audiobook unique –

The storyline is what makes this audiobook unique. It’s such a moving story that will stick with the listener long after they stop listening.


Would I recommend this audiobook –

Yes, I would.


My Rating: 5 stars