Torkel's Chosen

KEPT ME ON MY EMOTIONAL SEAT'S EDGE!

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I was provided this audiobook through Audiobook Boom at no charge by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.

VERY pleased to find that this book was FAR above the shallow alien abduction books that can be summed up in 3 steps: "capture / sex / eternal dying love."

Faith chooses to be part of a inter-stellar marriage program, chooses her planet, and ultimately chooses her guy. From the very first my heart melted for Torkel. I could feel the insecurity and sorry he suffered after attempts to be chosen. Unease immediately settles into the plot after Torkel's right to be chosen is challenged. And from innocent choices made by Faith, all Hell breaks loose.

It's all there... pain, love, fear, angst, regret, suffering, anger, hope, despair and ultimately, grace. The HEA doesn't end the story. There is still too much to be resolved, so I can't wait for the next book!!

Michael Pauley is an accomplished and very talented narrator. Great choice, Michelle Howard! He did a superb job, as he's done in every other work I've listened to.

TWO BIG THUMBS UP!

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

I've "Chosen" Another Favorite!

....couldn't resist. :-)

I loved, LOVED both the story and performance, and was so happy to read book two is currently in production! I do hope it will be the same narrator, Michael Pauley, as he did an amazing job on this story. I absolutely loved the epilogue, the "dirty talk," and drums had me laughing out loud....well after I picked my chin up off the floor.....Wow!

I really enjoyed listening to this story, and liked the sound effects. Most were subtle and actually enhanced the story. The only issue I had was the long pause between the chapters, I kept checking to see if I accidently hit pause; however, I did get used to this fairly quickly and just learned to listen closely for the soft music introduction.

The story was well written, flowed nicely with some pretty intense moments, and had great character development. I loved stories where you get to know the characters as the plot and story unfolds. The attraction between Torkel and Faith was instant and there was plenty of steamy romance between them from day one.

I think fans of Evangeline Anderson's "Brides of Kindred" or Laurann Dohner''s "Cyborg Seduction" would enjoy this series. I will definitely be recommending this story and series to my friends, even the ones who don't listen to audiobooks.

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audio book Boom."

22 of 24 people found this review helpful

WOW! What a ride!

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Everyone reaches a point in their life were they can’t see themselves continuing doing the same thing year after year. Torkel and Faye have both reached this point in their life; whether it’s due to age or constant disappoint.
Faye time is almost up when comes to having a husband and a children of her own, when she gets the chance of the life time to find love off world. Once she reaches the planet she has chosen to find her future husband, things go from bad to worst. A person tries to kidnap her. When that doesn’t work she is forced to help undermined her husband. Can their love overcome her betrayal?
Torkel is an outcast among his adopted people; throughout his life he has had to face adversity because of his birth planet. His only wish is it to find a woman that will love him beyond his heritage. He wants a woman he love and protect with his whole being. When Faye chooses him in the sands, he thinks this is a blessing from the gods. However, their happiness is short lived, due to Faye’s betrayal. He must choose between his heart and his honor as a warrior.
Ms. Michelle Howard does a wonderful job of building a world anyone would love to visit. Her characters jump off the pages and sink into your heart. You feel each emotion of Torkel and Faye. While many Alien romances lack a basic plot this story is well developed and the plot works with and without an alien theme.
If you haven’t read this genre I would suggest giving this author and story a chance.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I want ONE TOO!

This was a very interesting audiobook because there were special sound effects woven into the narration. I just listened to this a second time. I love the action this is a fast paced story and was not predictable. The narrator is great and does the characters voices well. I almost forgot to leave feedback because I was caught up in this story a second time. Each time I listen to this audiobook I hear something new that I missed.

On a planet where men outnumber the women 10 to one having a man of your own is impossible. For $20,000 dollars women can pay to marry an alien - paid for by the woman not the alien. Faith/Faye waited 3 years to save up enough for the Singles Program (SP). Faye is denied by the SP agency once because she is 28 and too old, second time because the slots were full, finally on the 3rd try she is accepted.

Torkel has stood in the choosing grounds for 7 years without being chosen. Torkel looks different from the other men. He is not blond haired and fit…he is taller darker and one big hunk of muscle and good looks. He is the head of an elite group of warriors. His warrior team is faithful to their leader Torkel. Neither Faye nor Torkel expected to fall for each other. Faye is kidnapped. Torkel is betrayed and there are so many sub-plots. All I want to say to finish this review is…..Torkel can do a lap dance for me anytime (this will make sense when you hear the story).

This audiobook was provided by the author at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

Pretty Intense Love Story! Another Great Romance!

I really enjoyed the drama, suspense, and romance. Although, I was shocked with some of the way the story twisted. Perhaps a bit disappointed with Torkel's behavior. I don't want to give anything away so I'll not go into details.

Faith left earth to try to find a husband and build a family. She accepted money for choosing a specific male. Little did she know that she would fall in love but her mistake at accepting money would come back and haunt her.

The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. The little special effects are awesome.

This audiobook was provided free of charge in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Finally a good alien romance!

If you could sum up Torkel's Chosen in three words, what would they be?

Journey for Forgiveness

What other book might you compare Torkel's Chosen to and why?

This is the first book I have listened to by this author. I plan on more.

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

I have never heard this narrator before but he's pretty amazing. It adds another layer of depth to the fantasy.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Moved, yes. In a good way? No. I was screaming at the audio, "what were you thinking!" This book got an honest emotional response from me. It was pretty eye opening.

Any additional comments?

This is miles ahead of any other alien, mail-order-bride, romance novel I've read/ heard. It's solidly written with not only good main characters but also interesting side characters. The plot goes to an almost unforgivable place in terms of ignorance and the law/ treason, but the story was still pretty good. The universe is well thought out and the cultural differences are a very nice touch. If I have a complaint it's that the damsels stayed too much in distress. One is ok, two is forgivable, three is eye-roll worthy, and four is ridiculous. Also, the bad guys in this series are actually bad. It's refreshing!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Wow!

This book was outstanding! OMG!! Having Michael Pauley narrate the story made this book come to life! Michelle created the characters, and Michael's narration truly brought them to life!! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Couldn't Not Listen.

Great to listen to during my workout. Then I couldn't not finish it right away. Can't wait to listen to the next one!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I loved this story; absolutely LOVED it!

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I loved this story; absolutely LOVED it! There are two people who are so desperate for love and family, it’s inevitable they be together. The love scenes between the two are absolutely scorching hot, and I loved this world that Howard built.

This was one of those stories that had me sitting on my couch in tears. I don’t cry often, and when a story can lead me to that point, I HAVE to give it five stars. Faith and Torkel go through so much; these two characters captured my heart.

I really want to jump into the next book and I hope it comes out on audio with Michael Pauley as narrator, he did such a wonderful job in the first; I hope he continues the series....Sara

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

ok, story. interesting drama situations

No diversity but the story had an interesting conflict situation filled with drama and suspense. A lot of culture mis understanding. This story could lead to another book due to the blond friend was not found. Worth a credit....flip a coin.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful