Scan barcode
mellhay's review
5.0
Wow! Colleen does not waste time or words. We get right in with the case that Shelby is working on, and Shelby wastes no time in getting to investigating. The first chapter dives in to the story line with vivaciousness. In listening to the story, one thing I did notice is that the chapters are longer ones.
This one book has me hooked on Shelby and her daring adventures along with the voice of Wendy. I look forward to getting a chance to listen to the previous books and to continue with the series!
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
A past deal Shelby made comes due as Federal Agent Blake shows up while she's helping her husband with a high profile murder case. Blake is going to Paris tomorrow and needs Shelby to come along to help him, with her special knack for knowing. But, one small problem... Shelby can't speak French and she'll be listening to people who think in French. That's not the biggest problem. The biggest is that there seems to be a bio-hazard weapon in hands of a man hired to stop the Conference, and Shelby is in the middle of it.
I've not listened to Wendy narrate before. Why not? She feels as she IS Shelby. She has the feelings through and through in her words spoken. Like with Shelby's thoughts of Ramos, not only what she says but in the infliction of the words as well! (I want to meet the hunk of a man Ramos!) But the infliction and emotion holds true through out the book for all the characters Wendy voices. There are a few accents to fit the characters, southern accent and the trademark mobster leader relaxed accent too. And the French! All sounds natural. I really enjoyed how Wendy took on Shelby's character and acted as her. The recording sounds clear and clean, that Wendy is a professional at putting the audio together. Oh the emotion when Shelby is upset. And then I got to meet Ramos. Wendy did a smooth voice for him. Wendy really does fit Shelby and the story line perfectly!
I adored Shelby. She's is smart and fun. She's human with flaws and still a resourceful woman. Ramos is all I had hoped! And how Shelby can handle being with him and stay married... I have no idea! lol. I love the connection between Shelby and Ramos. Ramos knows she can hear his thoughts and he uses it to their advantage, along with teasing and flirting with her. Shelby struggles with not giving her ability away. It's so easy to do when she hears what people are thinking like the are talking to her. Yet she does her best to keep her secret, along with help from her friends that do know.
I'm one to read a series in order, but this story is easy to pick up and start new with the series. Colleen gives us enough history in the beginning to get us caught up and at a swift pace that keeps us interested to meet everyone. (I sooo couldn't wait to meet the swoon-worthy Ramos.) All of it driving us into the current hard case Shelby's husband, Chris, wants her help on and to Paris with Blake. Even though there is a history with the characters, this book is it's own adventure and I felt like I was familiar with the characters the whole time, never feeling lost.
Wow! Colleen does not waste time or words. We get right in with the case that Shelby is working on, and Shelby wastes no time in getting to investigating. The first chapter dives in to the story line with vivaciousness. In listening to the story, one thing I did notice is that the chapters are longer ones.
This one book has me hooked on Shelby and her daring adventures along with the voice of Wendy. I look forward to getting a chance to listen to the previous books and to continue with the series!
This one book has me hooked on Shelby and her daring adventures along with the voice of Wendy. I look forward to getting a chance to listen to the previous books and to continue with the series!
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
A past deal Shelby made comes due as Federal Agent Blake shows up while she's helping her husband with a high profile murder case. Blake is going to Paris tomorrow and needs Shelby to come along to help him, with her special knack for knowing. But, one small problem... Shelby can't speak French and she'll be listening to people who think in French. That's not the biggest problem. The biggest is that there seems to be a bio-hazard weapon in hands of a man hired to stop the Conference, and Shelby is in the middle of it.
I've not listened to Wendy narrate before. Why not? She feels as she IS Shelby. She has the feelings through and through in her words spoken. Like with Shelby's thoughts of Ramos, not only what she says but in the infliction of the words as well! (I want to meet the hunk of a man Ramos!) But the infliction and emotion holds true through out the book for all the characters Wendy voices. There are a few accents to fit the characters, southern accent and the trademark mobster leader relaxed accent too. And the French! All sounds natural. I really enjoyed how Wendy took on Shelby's character and acted as her. The recording sounds clear and clean, that Wendy is a professional at putting the audio together. Oh the emotion when Shelby is upset. And then I got to meet Ramos. Wendy did a smooth voice for him. Wendy really does fit Shelby and the story line perfectly!
I adored Shelby. She's is smart and fun. She's human with flaws and still a resourceful woman. Ramos is all I had hoped! And how Shelby can handle being with him and stay married... I have no idea! lol. I love the connection between Shelby and Ramos. Ramos knows she can hear his thoughts and he uses it to their advantage, along with teasing and flirting with her. Shelby struggles with not giving her ability away. It's so easy to do when she hears what people are thinking like the are talking to her. Yet she does her best to keep her secret, along with help from her friends that do know.
I'm one to read a series in order, but this story is easy to pick up and start new with the series. Colleen gives us enough history in the beginning to get us caught up and at a swift pace that keeps us interested to meet everyone. (I sooo couldn't wait to meet the swoon-worthy Ramos.) All of it driving us into the current hard case Shelby's husband, Chris, wants her help on and to Paris with Blake. Even though there is a history with the characters, this book is it's own adventure and I felt like I was familiar with the characters the whole time, never feeling lost.
Wow! Colleen does not waste time or words. We get right in with the case that Shelby is working on, and Shelby wastes no time in getting to investigating. The first chapter dives in to the story line with vivaciousness. In listening to the story, one thing I did notice is that the chapters are longer ones.
This one book has me hooked on Shelby and her daring adventures along with the voice of Wendy. I look forward to getting a chance to listen to the previous books and to continue with the series!
diloretobeth89's review
5.0
Loved it
Shelby does Paris!!! what happens when Blake asks for help? Ramos to the rescue. Finally an end to some sexual tension
Shelby does Paris!!! what happens when Blake asks for help? Ramos to the rescue. Finally an end to some sexual tension
berls's review
5.0
This review appeared first on Fantasy is More Fun.
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When Colleen contacted me, letting me know that there was another Shelby book coming to read I was so excited. And Shelby in Paris! What could be better?! Not much, it turns out. Devious Minds was easily one of my favorite Shelby adventures.
All in all, a great read and I can't wait for more adventures with Shelby! If you haven't picked up these cozy mysteries, you really must!
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When Colleen contacted me, letting me know that there was another Shelby book coming to read I was so excited. And Shelby in Paris! What could be better?! Not much, it turns out. Devious Minds was easily one of my favorite Shelby adventures.
What Worked
- Shelby is of course the main reason I love these books! I wouldn't enjoy spending so much time in some people's mind - but Shelby is just great. She's so honest with herself that she's hilarious. And she does find a way to get herself into all kinds of trouble. Paris was no exception. She may have gotten herself in deeper here than she has in a while!
- Ramos! I got nervous that this book wasn't going to have Ramos in it, but thankful Colleen found a way to mix him in. And even though I'm not a fan of the way Shelby and Ramos skate so close to THAT line, I do love him and a book without him would be a bummer. I probably even like their flirtation more than I want to admit...
- Paris!!! Duh, right? But Paris through Shelby's eyes is a whole different adventure. For one, she's seeing some things that you'd expect to see as a tourist, but she's seeing them after being chased by terrorists and in bullet torn clothes. It's a different vantage point. And the challenge of foreign language is always great with Shelby's mind reading abilities. It's a real challenge that really helps Shelby step in it that much more!
- The plot was, as always, great. It wasn't so much a mystery to solve as much as a spy adventure this time, but as always it was faced paced and I was always guessing.
- As usual, I enjoyed Wendy Tremont King's Narration. She IS Shelby at this point and I don't care if she messes up accents. Which I'm thinking she probably did for the French. Not being an expert I can't say for sure, but it didn't quite sound right to me. But it didn't bother me at all either :)
What Didn't Work
- As much as I liked being in Paris, I missed Uncle Joey, Billy, Dimples, Chris, etc. I saw a bit of them at the beginning but I would have liked more. Is this a fair complaint? No. You can't have your cake and eat it too... or so I've been told.
- I just wish Ramos and Shelby wouldn't push the flirting line quite so far. I get more and more worried they're going to have an affair with every book. And that would stink. I like that Shelby is in a happy relationship. But I do love Ramos!
All in all, a great read and I can't wait for more adventures with Shelby! If you haven't picked up these cozy mysteries, you really must!
theaudioauditor's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lilliths_random_reads's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
amb0517's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. I liked the setting in Paris. My only complaint has more to do with the series overall. I don't like Shelby with Chris. There's been very little time spent developing their relationship. Every book they have the same conversation. He worries, she hides stuff, he hates that she can read minds.... All is forgiven until the next book. So much time is spent with Shelby and Ramos, I find myself rooting for them when I should be rooting for Chris.
bookgyrl's review
5.0
The 8th novel in this great series! I have read it in a couple of hours and it was amazing as always. I just love Shelby and her ability to read minds... it makes for wonderful adventures. The beginning was a bit slow but as soon as Shelby arrived in Paris, the fun could start. Yes, Shelby has an ability that is very special, but SHE is the one that makes good use of it, she is the one who is intelligent to understand and analyze things.
Shelby is off to Paris, to make good on a promise to Blake (an agent she helped before, but he did her a favor regarding Uncle Joey), but soon everything gets out of hand. Chased and alone she is very happy to learn that Ramos has arrived in Paris as well. Uncle Joey was worried and Ramos offered to go and keep an eye on Shelby. And he immediately has to step in to help her after she is in big trouble (again).
The story is going fast and involves a terrorist plot. I always enjoy Shelby's antics and the way the story just flows.
In this book I also noticed the UST between Ramos and Shelby is much more noticeable. Before it was just a bit of flirting but it is now very clear Ramos has feelings for Shelby. I like Chris, but is Shelby really happily married... she seems to have feelings as well.... I don't know. What if Chris had feelings like this for another woman, would Shelby also think it is innocent??!!
That is still the only issue I have with this series. I am a romantic at heart and I don't really like triangles that are never solved. I believe the Stephanie Plum triangle still isn't solved after 20+ books (reason I have never started the series). Even though Chris is a wonderful man, it is Ramos that is kind of the leading man of the series. And that is why I still have the wish that they could/should be together.. somehow, someway..... :-)
Looking forward to the next adventure.
Shelby is off to Paris, to make good on a promise to Blake (an agent she helped before, but he did her a favor regarding Uncle Joey), but soon everything gets out of hand. Chased and alone she is very happy to learn that Ramos has arrived in Paris as well. Uncle Joey was worried and Ramos offered to go and keep an eye on Shelby. And he immediately has to step in to help her after she is in big trouble (again).
The story is going fast and involves a terrorist plot. I always enjoy Shelby's antics and the way the story just flows.
In this book I also noticed the UST between Ramos and Shelby is much more noticeable. Before it was just a bit of flirting but it is now very clear Ramos has feelings for Shelby. I like Chris, but is Shelby really happily married... she seems to have feelings as well.... I don't know. What if Chris had feelings like this for another woman, would Shelby also think it is innocent??!!
That is still the only issue I have with this series. I am a romantic at heart and I don't really like triangles that are never solved. I believe the Stephanie Plum triangle still isn't solved after 20+ books (reason I have never started the series). Even though Chris is a wonderful man, it is Ramos that is kind of the leading man of the series. And that is why I still have the wish that they could/should be together.. somehow, someway..... :-)
Looking forward to the next adventure.
More...