Written by Chip Cheek read by George Newbern

Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Introduction

Did you know that audiobook sales have grown by over 300% in the last decade, with listeners consuming an average of 8.1 audiobooks per year? With millions of titles available across dozens of platforms, finding your next perfect listen can feel overwhelming! Whether you’re a seasoned audiobook enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of spoken literature, understanding how to navigate audiobook reviews is crucial for making smart listening choices. I’ve spent countless hours sifting through reviews, testing different narrators, and exploring various genres to bring you these thoughtful reviews and recommendations. From decoding reviewer terminology to identifying red flags in poor narrations, we’ll explore everything you need to know about audiobook reviews to enhance your listening experience and never waste credits on disappointing performances again.

The Platform of Choice: Libby

• This app is available to all IOS, Android, Kindle, PC, and Laptop users!
• Libby is completely free to download!
• All you need is a library card! Once the app has been installed onto your device of choice, simply type in your library card info and you have access to all of the library’s electronic copies. You can add more than one library card to expand your access across multiple library’s.
• Including books, magazines, and audio books.
• There are search and filter options so you can refine your search into exactly what you are looking for!
• I prefer Audiobooks, my current filters are set to 1. Audiobooks 2. Available now 3. Mature Content.
• You can change these filters into a variety of choices to suite all of your book needs!
• If there is a title you desire that is not available, you can place a hold so that you are in line for the next copy, once its available.
• There is also an option for creating “Tags” either preselected or that you can name yourself.
• My current tags are 1. Possible Reads 2. Completed Reads 3. Can’t wait to read
• Libby offers multiple different languages, not just English.
• In my opinion Libby is one of the best platforms for your audiobook listening needs, and again IT’S FREE!

The Book

• This Audiobook is overall a good listen multiple twists & turns. A little bit of spice, with lots of frustration!
• During the listening of Cape May I found myself “talking” with the author about some of the turns and decisions made in the book. For a seasoned book/audiobook lover this debut novel offered me lots of emotions.
• This Book is set in 1950s America and focuses on newlyweds Henry and Effie during their honeymoon. This book is a slow burn… AND reserved, but absolutely scandalous. My fellow smut readers shall understand. Perfect read/listen for someone who is interested in dipping their toes into the world of smut literature.
• The narrator George Newbern does an amazing job of creating different voices for the characters and making the listener feel like they can really distinguish between the different characters, their emotions, and understand what is going through their mind. Fantastic narrator for this story. Could not imagine listening with ANYONE else narrating this story.

The Characters

• Henry and Effie, the newlyweds. These two are so shy and reserved at the beginning of the book. Just married and on their honeymoon in the smallest of deserted towns until they meet some very eccentric people who take the book for a whole new turn.
• In the beginning I adored Henry and Effie. Their love story, so sweet. They’ve known each other all their lives and fell in love over time. Both virgins until marriage. During their stay in Cape May they are very much still discovering each other and what they are comfortable with.
• They meet Clara, Max, and Alma. Clara and Max are lovers. Max is a very wealthy playboy who loves to have fun. Clara is an absolute trip. She is wild, afraid her youth is slipping away and grasping onto all the experiences life has to offer.
• Alma is the younger mysterious sister of Max. Her character development is FABULOUS. Alma is my favorite character in this book. The love is real!

The Story

• On the start of their honeymoon Henry and Effie are let down by Cape May being deserted and quite frankly a bit boring. They have a limited time here staying in Effie’s family members home.
• Once Henry and Effie meet Clara, Max, and Alma the book takes quite the turn into betrayal, forbidden lust, and the repercussions of partaking in such activities while later dealing with the decisions made.
• Clara, Max, and Alma turn an otherwise boring honeymoon into a constant party, full of drinking, smoking, and exploring sexuality. I don’t plan to spoil this book, I want you to listen. So my review may seem a bit vague. Please listen and we can discuss!
• Alma (my favorite) and Henry enter into a sexy lust filled affair. Sneaking around using Cape May at their disposal to hide their desire for one another from Alma’s brother Max and Henrys wife Effie. This is HOT and SO GOOD. I restarted some of the chapters for more than one listen. It was that amazing.
• Alma and Henry have a heated affair that is so sexy and thrilling I wanted more!
• The ending of the book however is where I go deaf… I personally was “upset” to say the least by the character Henrys decision to Almas offer. Sure Henrys decision may have been the “right” one for his life and a mutual decision to make his marriage to Effie work. However, this turns out to be an awful choice and leads to quite a sad and lonely life. Full of children and alcoholism. I was left wondering “what if.”

Conclusion

Navigating the world of audiobook reviews doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Stop here and enjoy my reviews of all sorts of audiobooks. This book Cape May was a debut novel by author Chip Cheek and I cannot wait for more! Join the conversation! After you read or listen to Cape May, I invite you to return to Flames and Feels to leave your opinion and review of the story, characters, and narrator. All opinions are welcome, even differing from my own.

Ready to dive into your next great listen? Start by checking out multiple review sources, paying attention to narrator-specific feedback, and don’t forget to contribute your own reviews to help fellow audiobook lovers discover their next favorite title. What audiobook will you review next? Feel free to leave recommendations on audiobooks for me to consume. I am always seeking my next listen and open to hear all of your favorites!

Listening Time: 8 Hours

Published by: Macmillan Audio