Special Delivery (Unabridged‪)‬

Audio Book Review
Elaine Raco Chase’s work is perfectly suited to the audiobook form, her conversation is so alive, so quick witted and responsive that you will feel as if you are overhearing the interaction from your seat. This book flips the traditional “romance” feel on its ear: Bram is the one who is open, direct and first to admit to being smitten with Roxanne. While Roxanne is more reserved, dragging her Pullman car of baggage and fear from her last relationship forward.

Bram is the vice president of the bank that extended Roxanne a loan for her business: telegrams delivered in costume. When her employee couldn’t make her assignment, Roxanne steps in to fill the appointment: a Belly-Gram that the employees of the bank have ordered to celebrate Bram’s new promotion. Roxanne appears and presents a sensual belly dance that impresses everyone, especially Bram.

Unfortunately for both Roxanne and Bram, the mild snowfall turns into a massive blizzard, and they are stranded in the bank while Minneapolis digs out. Then the sparks begin to fly. Slowly but surely Bram convinces Roxanne that there is no “standard time frame” for falling in love, and taking the chance is more than worth it all.

Like all of the books by this author, the characters are well defined, voiced and always clever. Conversational patois and pacing are among the best out there that I have read, with moments that will have you laughing out loud or reaching out to whap someone in the back of their head for being so stubborn. The chemistry in this book was slower to grow than in others, but that just made the scenes that much more steamy for the palpable sexual tension.

The dual narrations of Destiny Landen and Lee James worked well for the characters: Lee has a voice that is fine-grit sandpaper smooth, and always has the hint of a smile behind it, while Destiny manages to fall into a voicing for Roxanne that is fitting and pleasant. I particularly liked the musical interludes between chapters, they enhanced rather than distracted from the storyline. I did have a few moments with some mispronounced words, but those were minor and did not distract overall from the storyline. I will admit that I am a fan of this author’s work, and really do enjoy her work translated into the audiobook format.

I received an audiobook copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.

With the dual voices of Destiny Landon and Lee James, plus music (nice surprise) and fun sound effects (even nicer surprise) I felt I was listening to a movie and then the evocative script did have a movie reeling in my head!

I have never heard an audio book done like this. It's fantastic...you feel like you were in the storm, eavesdropping on these two people who are trapped for three days..it's fun to hear how they broke into the vending machines to eat when the power goes down. How they just learned about each other and fell in love - even in Roxanne denies it!

And then there's the laugh out loud suprise of Aunt Mathilda...a ghostly presense who tends to give vapours rather than use them...she was a wick surprise as was the 'truth' about Roxanne!

This was an outstanding audio book and I bought the ebook as well. Very visual and yikes watch out - your earphones may melt!