Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Wanted
- Author: Kelly Elliott
- Narrator: Arika Rapson, Nelson Hobbs
- Length: 14:27:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 30/09/2013
- Publisher: Tantor Media
- Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Contemporary
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something about a good romance audiobook that feels like a companion on a long journey, and ‘Wanted’ by Kelly Elliott, narrated by Arika Rapson and Nelson Hobbs, is no exception. The story unfolds like a sunlit highway stretching through the plains, full of unexpected turns and breathtaking views. It centers on Ellie Johnson, an 18-year-old who’s endured years of verbal abuse from her mother, believing she’s unlovable, unwanted. Her escape is her dream of attending the University of Texas, but love – messy, beautiful, and persistent – finds her in the form of Gunner Mathews, a star linebacker and her brother’s best friend. This contemporary romance audiobook experience pulled me in with its raw emotion and the push-and-pull of two souls fighting their own demons to find each other.
I couldn’t help but connect deeply with Ellie’s story. It reminds me of a time when I was backpacking through Oaxaca, staying with a family whose grandmother spun tales of heartbreak and resilience every evening under a flickering lantern. Her voice, weathered by time, carried the same intimate, personal quality that a great audiobook narrator can capture. Listening to ‘Wanted,’ I felt that same warmth, that same pull of human connection, as if Ellie’s fears and hopes were being whispered directly to me. I’ve always believed stories of love and healing resonate most when they feel like they’re shared over a quiet fire, and this audiobook experience delivers just that.
The core of ‘Wanted’ lies in its exploration of vulnerability and trust. Ellie’s struggle to let go of her past and accept Gunner’s unwavering devotion is a dance of hesitation and longing. You can almost feel the weight of her self-doubt, the sting of every harsh word she’s internalized, and the slow bloom of hope as Gunner proves, time and again, that he’s in it for the long haul. Gunner, with his dual passions for football and his grandfather’s ranch, is a man of quiet strength, but his impatience to win Ellie’s heart adds a layer of tension that keeps the story gripping. Kelly Elliott crafts a narrative that’s quintessentially contemporary romance, weaving in themes of family, friendship, and the courage to rewrite your own story. It’s a tale that mirrors the rugged beauty of Texas itself – unpolished, vast, and deeply felt.
Now, let’s talk about the listening experience, because an audiobook can make or break a story. Arika Rapson and Nelson Hobbs bring ‘Wanted’ to life with a duality that mirrors the push-and-pull of Ellie and Gunner’s relationship. Rapson’s portrayal of Ellie is tender and nuanced – you can hear the tremor of uncertainty in her voice, the gradual shift as she begins to trust. Hobbs, on the other hand, infuses Gunner with a rugged charm, his deep timbre carrying both frustration and fierce determination. Together, their voices create a dynamic that feels like a conversation you’ve stumbled upon, raw and real. The audio quality is crisp, with no distracting background noise, allowing you to sink fully into the emotional landscape of this romance audiobook. Their pacing is spot-on, giving weight to quiet moments of introspection and urgency to the heated exchanges that define Ellie and Gunner’s journey.
That said, no story – or audiobook – is without its flaws. While the chemistry between Ellie and Gunner is palpable, there are moments where the pacing of the plot feels rushed, as if certain emotional beats could have been savored a bit longer. I found myself wanting more depth in Ellie’s backstory, a deeper dive into the scars her mother’s abuse left behind. On the audio side, while Rapson and Hobbs are compelling, there are occasional shifts in tone that feel slightly inconsistent, particularly in high-emotion scenes where the intensity doesn’t always match the dialogue. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise immersive contemporary romance listening experience.
Comparing ‘Wanted’ to other works in the genre, it holds its own against heavyweights like Colleen Hoover’s emotionally charged novels. Like Hoover’s ‘It Ends with Us,’ this story grapples with the lingering effects of trauma on love, though Elliott leans more heavily on the slow-burn tension of forbidden attraction – Gunner being Ellie’s brother’s best friend adds a delicious layer of conflict. If you’re a fan of contemporary romance audiobooks with heart-wrenching stakes and steamy undercurrents, ‘Wanted’ will feel like a familiar, comforting stop on your literary road trip.
I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who craves a story of redemption and passion, especially if you’re drawn to narratives about breaking free from toxic pasts. It’s perfect for long drives or quiet evenings when you want to lose yourself in a romance that feels both grounded and aspirational. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned listener of contemporary romance, this audiobook offers a heartfelt escape. And while I don’t have confirmation that it’s a free audiobook, I encourage you to check platforms like Audiobooks.com for deals or trials that might let you snag this gem without cost.
Reflecting on ‘Wanted,’ I’m reminded of another journey – driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude.’ The surreal landscape outside my window paired with the narrator’s voice felt like stepping into another world. ‘Wanted’ gave me a similar sense of transport, though instead of magical realism, it was the gritty, tender reality of love against all odds. As a travel writer, I’m always chasing stories that reveal the heart of a place or a person, and this audiobook delivered that in spades, painting Texas and its characters with vivid, emotional strokes.
So, my fellow story seekers, that’s my take on ‘Wanted.’ I hope it finds a place in your playlist and your heart, just as it did mine. Until our paths cross again on this winding road of tales, keep listening, keep feeling, and keep chasing the stories that move you. Adiós for now, Marcus Rivera.
