18% grayStory Rating: 4.75 stars
Audio Rating: 4.5 stars

Narrator: Paul Morey
Length: 9 hours, 1 minute

Audiobook Buy Links: Audible
Book Buy Links:  Amazon | All Romance


18% Gray is one of my absolute favorite Anne Tenino books and Paul Morey is one of my favorite audiobook narrators. When I saw that he was reading this story, I was so excited to pick it back up and experience the book again in audio form.

Before I go too far here, let me direct you to my original review of the book, which I read way back in 2011. I just reread that review and found that my explanation of the story and my feelings about the book are pretty much exactly the same, so rather than restate it all here, I’ll let you all check that out first. Ok, back? Let’s continue.

The only appreciable difference in my feelings the second time around is that I loved it even more. I saw my original comments about finding the beginning confusing, and I didn’t feel that way at all this time. In fact, I didn’t even remember that being an issue from the first time around. I am not sure if the slower pace of the audio format made a difference, or if it was just a result of already being familiar with the story, but I had no issues whatsoever keeping up with what was going on. Instead, I found myself continuing to adore this story that mixes a super sexy romance with really fabulous and creative world building. There is a nice touch of humor and banter here, as well as a really thrilling story.

As I mentioned, I picked this one up again in part because I really enjoy Paul Morey’s narration and I think he really did a great job here. The pacing is good, Matt and James’ voices are nice and distinct, and the side characters worked well. Morey gets a nice growly rumble for James’ voice, especially during the sex scenes, that really fits the character so well. I will say that having heard Morey in other books, at times I’d be brought back to other characters (for example, James sounds a lot like Sam from Matter of Time), but I am not sure it is realistic to expect a narrator to have an endless stream of voices, and as I said, James’ voice was perfect for his personality. The women and side characters were also done well and fit in nicely with their characters. I had no problem following along with the story, even with all the acronyms and technical world building elements and really enjoyed this in audio form.

So 18% Gray continues to be one of my favorites by this author and listening to it has just reaffirmed my feelings for this story. Although it is a futuristic tale, it has a very contemporary feel to it, so I encourage you to give it a try even if this is not your normal genre. I really love this story and adore James and Matt. I would highly recommend this book in either written or audio form.

P.S. Pretty please Anne Tenino, tell me we are going to get Laslo and Logan’s story one day? I am dying for it!

A review copy of this book was provided by Dreamspinner Press.

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