Quinn Reynolds is tired of being in the driver’s seat of his family’s company, Formula Racing Design. He’s ready to sell—if he can get his co-owner and brother, Mac, to agree. Quinn’s not sure what he wants to do with his future, but almost as soon as he meets Ellie, he knows he wants her to be part of it.
Though Ellie tries to resist her attraction to the charming businessman, she’s quickly in danger of losing her heart. But after narrowly escaping “accidents” both on and off the set, it becomes clear that getting involved with Quinn could be downright deadly…
~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~
I have to thank Fatin for letting me return to Novel Thoughts! I had a ton of fun the last time talking about
Dangerous Race, so I’m thrilled to be back.
You’ll have to excuse me today, I’m a little over the moon about the release of my second book,
Danger Zone. The road to Danger Zone has been filled with more amazing twists and turns than you can imagine. For starters, I had the awesome opportunity to narrate the book for Audible. Some of you may know that my background is in acting so I decided it couldn’t hurt to offer myself up for the role as narrator when the opportunity presented itself. But, I’m going to tell you a secret. Shhh, don’t tell anyone. I had never listened to an audio book before. I love to read. I love to have the book in my hands and turn the pages. I love to flip through and reread my favorite parts, be it the action or the love scenes. And you can’t really do that with an audio book. But, I discovered something in my preparation. I love audio books. Now, granted, like anything in life, there are exceptions to everything, but some of the narrators out there are astoundingly fantastic at what they do. I listened to a few books that made me feel as much emotion as reading would have. And honestly, that was my fear. I can interpret the way I read a book, but listening to one is different because the words are interpreted for me. Now that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s less freeing when reading. But give the reins to a talented interpreter and it’s so fun to listen to a book. Now, as the author, I know I delivered my book the way I want people to hear it. The question is if I succeeded in the presentation. Like anything in life, that will be a matter of opinion. I fully realize I can’t please everybody all the time, but I try to please as many people as I can most of the time and that’s all I can do.
So, there you have it. I’ve bared my soul to you guys because I feel at home here at Novel Thoughts. I hope no matter what your preference is for enjoying a book that you keep reading (or listening) for a lifetime. Either way, let me know, what’s your preference when it comes to books? Are you a reader or a listener? What turns you on about audio books and what turns you off? I’m so curious to know.
Thanks for letting me play today! I had a great time!
Comment for a chance to win a digital copy of Danger Zone (either e-pub or pdf).
*Giveaway sponsored by the author
Hey, Dee! Congrats on your new release ~ and on narrating your own Audio book! I think that is amazingly cool, as you know exactly how you wanted each scene to come across. I never thought I’d be into Audio books ~ like you, I very much like to build a picture in my head of what my characters look and sound like, how they talk, etc…a few years back, when I got my first Kindle, i discovered Audible…and that a great narrator can make ALL the difference, and can make me actually enjoy a book I wouldn’t normally have given a chance. I have a long commute to and from work ~ so this has truly been an amazing thing for me! I listen to several books a week, sometimes more. I tend to find narrators I really like, then pick books I think I’ll like or that I’ve always wanted to try from what they’ve narrated. Although a good sale on books will get me to try a new narrator ~ I am totally not a reader of 1st person, just can’t get into it, but love listening to it, so Audible has opened a lot of doors fo me! I’ll be adding Danger Zone to my TBB list at Audible, I think it’s so cool you narrated your own book!!
Hi Melissa,
Thanks! I had so much fun narrating the book! In fact, I just now listened to a sample of it at Audible! It’s the first time I’ve heard any of it. Crazy! I sure hope you enjoy it! Personally, I never realized how much time I spent in the car until I started listening to audio books and going through them so quickly! I agree, it’s nice when you find a great narrator. Thanks for stopping by!
Congratulations on the new release! and for being the narrator for your own audio book. My preference is a book. I have tried audiobooks and my mind tends to wander when I am listening to them. Daughter loves audiobooks on her long 6 hour drives from WV to MD and can listen to a whole book.
Hi Eileen,
I hear you! There is just something awesome about holding a book in your hands. I will always love my books! Hey, your daughter could listen to DZ in one round trip. LOL.
Hi Dee, congratulations with the new release! And I can imagine how thrilling it is to read your own book! I don’t like audiobooks myself, as it takes more time to listen to a book than to read it myself. Also, my thoughts start to wander, even if I really want to hear the news or the weather report, so let alone a whole book. And trying this out in the car would just be asking for major accidents.
But I do hope the people who do like audiobooks (like my best friend) enjoys this, and you will be reading more books in the future.
Hi Aurian,
We certainly want to avoid major accidents. LOL. That was always my thought too, before I started listening to audio books. I read fast, so I wanted to hear the information faster. (I hope I didn’t “deliver” Danger Zone too fast! I guess we’ll see. Haha.)
Congratulations on the release. I honestly have listened to a book. My mom does all the time. She loves them.
I think its neat that you read your own book. 🙂
Marika Weber
maw1725@gmail.com
Hi Marika,
Thank you! I had fun narrating! It was a great four days!
Congrats on the new release!
I haven’t had the opportunity to read the Adrenaline Highs series yet. The first book has been on the to-read pile since I grabbed it back in September. I would love to win a copy of the second book – that way I can zoom from the Dangerous Race to the Danger Zone – without delay.
Hi Heather,
Thanks for picking up Dangerous Race in September! Yes, zooming from one book to the next would be fun, especially since there’s lots of zooming in both books!
Congratulations on doing a great job with an Audible book. Often the audible version helps those who are reluctant readers become the readers they can be!
Hi Renee,
Thanks! I hadn’t thought of it like that, but I think you’re right about Audible helping people to discover books! I like to think of my books as candy for the mind. LOL. Thanks for commenting!
Congratulation! I’ve been eyeing this book for a while as Dee Dams is a new author for me. After reading this post I’m going to add it to my TBR. Thanks for the giveaway.
Hi Susan,
Thank you! Glad you’re going to give the books a try! I think (hope!) you’ll like them.
Just wanted to pop in and wish my buddy – Dee J – all the best with #2 in the Adrenalin High series. Danger Zone was fantastic to read – and I can’t wait to “hear” it! I know you did a great job, Dee J – you never settle for less.
Hugs and best wishes for continued success. Oh – when will the audible version be available?
Hi Lynne!
Thanks! And thanks for coming by!
Congrats to YOU on the release of Courting His Favorite Nurse. It’s a terrific book and it’s been getting awesome reviews! Yay you!
The Danger Zone audible version is out TODAY! I just heard a sample on Audible this morning. And I didn’t cringe. LOL.
Oh, yay! Off to listen to audible sample now. 🙂
Hey – how come everyone has a cool picture (I want the kid with the upside down glasses) but I’m stuck with plain old me? I guess I filled in my stuff instead of clicked on an icon. Okay – never mind. (insert dork picture here)
LOL. You crack me up. Just remember… that audible sample is the very beginning of the book… I get better. Uh.. I think. I hope.
Hi Dee- Wishing you wonderful sales and success with the second installment of your series. Danger Zone is one that will be on my TBR list on my Kindle! Happy Release Day!!
Charlene
Hi Charlene,
Thank you! It’s been an awesome day so far! So glad you stopped by!
Sounds like an exciting book! I got into audio books before I had my nook. I would listen to books on my iphone with headphones while cleaning the house. I get a lot more done when I’m entertained! I’ll check out the Audible site.
On another note- I have purchased audio books because I like the narrator. I’m not sure I’ve ever listened to one narrated by the actual author! Too cool!
Congrats! How exciting to have a new book released and have it in audio form at the same time. From what I understand that doesn’t always happen. Definitely putting this one on my ebook wish list.
Heather E
Hi Heather,
Thanks!
I’ve run across a couple of narrators also and I look for them first. I think a good narrator can probably make a mediocre book really good. LOL.
Yes, it’s kind of surreal that the audio is out today as well. I’ve been lucky that the Audible version of both books was released on the official book release day. Thanks for stopping by!
Congrats on this latest release! Sounds wonderful…
I will admit to never having listened to an audio book… truly not sure I would like it… I like to read at my own pace and absorb its content… who knows I may try it and really like it… thanks for sharing!
Hi Colleen,
I hear ya. That’s what I thought too. You can’t go back and “re-listen” to something the same way you can go back and re-read the words and enjoy the emotion. But there are some amazing narrators out there who really know their stuff. I listened to Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Natural Born Charmer. OMG. A GREAT book to listen to. I had already read it, but the narrator just blew me away. Still… will always love my books.
I’ve never listened to an audiobook – I’m half afraid to listen to one in the car while I drive, for fear I’ll get engrossed in the story and drive off the road! 🙂
Jacki
Hi Jack,
LOL. You’re not the first person who has said that. My fear is missing something in the story because I’m concentrating on driving! I found listening while I’m cleaning the house works too. Uh… unless the vacuum is on. Then not so much!
Please enter me in contest. I really want to read this book. It sounds really good. Tore923@aol.com
Victoria,
Thanks! And thanks for stopping by!
Happy, happy release day, Dee J! I know how thrilled you were when you got the word that you would be the narrator of your own book. You are the very definition of readiness meets opportunity. Fantastic!
audio books are wonderful during long road trips. Ideally they are best if one is a passenger because they can take you so far into another world that you might just miss a turn off or worse. I remember many an hour spent sightless, ostensibly gazing at scenery as it wizzed by, my internal screen filled with adventure and love.
I’m sure the second time around is as wonderful as the first–especially from a gal as talented as you. Write on!
Christine London
http://www.christinelondon.com
Hi Christine!
Thank you! Very kind of you to say! So far I haven’t been able to listen to a book as a passenger. In my house, the one driving gets to choose what we listen to. So when I’m the passenger I’m stuck listening to sports news. (That’s just wrong, I tell ya…) But I’ll bet it’s perfect, letting the story take you away… maybe one day I’ll get to do it, when I’m old and my family feels sorry for me. LOL.
So glad you stopped by! You are a classy gal!
Many an hour (ostensibly) spent gazing out the passenger window at landscape wizzing by—lost in a world of adventure and romance–that is an audio book.
Huge congrats on release number two! Love’s more wonderful the second time around.
🙂
Christine London
http://www.christinelondon.com
Hi Dee! I absolutely love your books, and this one tops the first one, if that’s possible! But the frosting on the cake was just now listening to your narration sample on Audible @Amazon.com! You are soooo easy to listen to, and now I want to get the entire audio version as it will be a whole new experience! Plus, I’ll get to hear you describe those really steamy parts like the first kiss!! Mmmmmm!
Wishing you much luck and congratulations today and always! Can’t wait for the third in the series!
Hi Julie!
I’m so glad you enjoyed that sample on Audible. For some reason, I’m thinking that little sample is getting a lot of play today. LOL. Yes, as far as describing the steamier parts of the book… let’s just say I was glad I was in a booth and the director couldn’t see me blushing. Gah!
I think you’re great! I loved reading Dangerous Race as a book. I share your passion for actual books. However, I have to tell you that after listening to the Audible sample of your next installment of your series I’m going to get that instead. Listening to you (the narrator) read was like being on a road trip with you (the author) and it made me feel like I was on a road trip with a really good friend who was regaling me with an exciting story. You rock, girl!
Hi Robster!!
Thank you so much! That is probably the most awesome thing I could hear about that audible sample! You are a sweetie! I’m so glad you enjoyed Dangerous Race too. I’m grinning from ear to ear!
Happy release day, Dee! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to read Danger Zone!!
I am very much a reader. I’ve never tried listening to a book before, but your voice combined with your words might just be the combo to get me to try! 😉
Hi Robin!
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it. I hear you on the reading part. That was me, too. But I’m glad I’ve expanded my horizons. It’s a great taste of what people used to do way back before television when radio had your mind conjuring up the scene. The imagination is a wonderful thing. I’m so glad you stopped by!
Nothing turns me off about audiobooks but I prefer reading because I’m a visual person. I’m not able to listen to a story all by itself because the story won’t come to me like reading but I have listened to an audiobook of a book I have already read. It rounds out the reading experience.
Hi Na,
I did that too. I’d read SEP’s Natural Born Charmer then listened to the audio book. It was just as fabulous… maybe even more so. A good narrator can make it or break it.
Thanks for stopping by!
I always have a different voice for the characters than what an audio book (narrator) has. It throws me off. I prefer an actual book or eBook to an audio book. Thanks for the opportunity to when a copy of your book. Even if i don’t win I will buy your book. I am always looking for new reads. Thanks again!
brianacrump@gmail.com
Hi Briana,
I totally understand that concern. We make those characters sound exactly how we want them to sound in our heads so when we hear something else different, it might take the fun -or imagination- out of it. It’s nice that we get a choice though.
Good luck in the drawing!
Congrats on your release and on narrating your book! I enjoy listening to audiobooks.
Hi Chey,
Thank you! I had a ton of fun doing the narrating. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I have always been a paper book lover. I fought the ebook revolution but then broke down and bought a Kindle. Love, love my Kindle! But, I was still a reader and not a listener. THEN, I learned how to have the Kindle read out loud. OMG! Now I can “read” while I do housework. Eeeee! I now have a few audible books in the queu. I am leary but I plan to listen to them soon. I just hope it is great.
Hi Jen,
Look at you breaking out of your mold! It’s fun, isn’t it? I was the same way. I really fought the e-thing… then I sold to an electronic publisher and got my iPad. Never looked back. LOL. But I still love my paperbacks and hardbacks. I’m learning to love all the ways to enjoy a book. My recommendation… find a best-selling author with a great series because chances are they’ve got the best narrators. Just a thought.
Congratulations on the book! It sounds very good.
Hi Bn100,
Thank you! Thanks for dropping in too.
🙂
We listen to audiobooks as a family while on driving vacations. Nothing makes the pain of I95 to Florida pass quicker like a Harry Potter! I’ve never listened to a romance audiobook though. I prefer physical books and my Kindle.
Hi Karen,
A long drive is absolutely perfect for an audio book. But, a family vacation would definitely require “reading” suitable for the whole family. I certainly couldn’t pop in one of my books with my daughter sitting next to me. LOL. (I’ve always said the age range for my books is 18 – 118. ) If I had to decide, I’d probably choose an old fashioned paperback, but it would only win by the tiniest of margins. Thanks for stopping by!
I love them both. My girlfriend and I have a small business together. Several times a year we drive out of state for shows and stuff. We always bring along audio books – they are awesome for any long drive. I have to admit that books I’ve read and loved I’ve purchased in audio to share.
If I could only get one of a book – it would be the written one but there are times and places for a great audio book too
Hi Merritt,
You said it perfectly. There are just better times than others for a great audio book. Being stuck on a drive is the #1 perfect time, I think. I do love all the ways I get to enjoy a good book. I always wonder… what can they think up next? Is there going to be even another way to read a book? Technology is crazy. Glad you stopped by! Thanks!
I am a reader, I’m not much into audiobooks. I’ve tried, but I’d rather read them myself. I actually prefer paper books but have joined the digital age and now read them that way too.
Linda
Hi Linda,
I hear you. (Uhm, no pun intended!) That was my fear with audio books because I’m a fast reader. I want to get the story quicker and narrators can only speak so fast. Glad you jumped into the digital age! There are a ton of great stories out there not yet in print form and digital is giving them a home. Thanks for stopping by!
It seems like things are winding down. I just want to say thank you again to Fatin for letting me come play! I had fun! We’ll be announcing a winner soon, I’m sure.
Danger Zone sounds very intriguing, thanks for the giveaway! As for audiobooks, I’ve only tried listening to one and just really can’t get into it so i definitely prefer paperbacks or ebooks over that option.
Hi Winnie,
I hear you. I think audiobooks aren’t for everyone. But I also think a really great narrator can make the difference. Thanks for stopping in!
Congrats on your new release!!! I have never listened to an audio book. I have been curious, just haven’t crossed over yet. I enjoy having a book in my hand. I have a kindle, but my love of paperback books is top priority 🙂
Hi Jolene,
I like the book in my hand too. I think I always will, but it is fun to enjoy other ways to “read” a book… Well, you could give Danger Zone a try as your first audio book. LOL. Then you’ll have me in your ear for 11 hours. It’s still a concept I’m trying to get used to myself. LOL. Thanks for dropping by!