Fire Me Up

Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 2

By: Katie MacAlister

Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

The USA Today best-selling author of You Slay Me, Katie MacAlister is a resounding hit with fans who find her vivacious heroine, Aisling Grey, one hot ticket. After making some amusing on-the-job blunders, Aisling squirms out of a sticky situation using her powers as a Keeper to the Gates of Hell. As if her list of new duties wasn't already a drag, she's got to keep her career as a courier on track - and lately things haven't quite gelled on that front either.

Spend some more time with Aisling Grey.

©2008 Marthe Arends (P)2008 Recorded Books

Steamier than Book #1: Hot. Dragon. Sex.

In terms of hot dragon smut, let's quote When Harry Met Sally, "YES! YES! YES!" and "I'll have what she's having."

In terms of the end... NO! NO! NO! My heart plummetted at the end, deflated. I wanted to stomp my foot. I wanted Jim to go bite or drool on someone on behalf of Aisling, I wanted to curl up and cry a little. Although, props to Katie MacAlister on making me seriously consider spending an audible credit for the next book.

The mystery: kept me guessing on this one. My theories would change chapter-to-chapter, I have to admit it kept me on my toes. However... there are a few things that bugged me. I'm not sure if they are included as a 'red herring' to throw the reader off the scent of the real killer, or if it was just one of the plot threads whose end didn't get woven into the overall carpet. Although- one teensy wheensy little thing, that wasn't overly important and such, I did figure out. WAY in advance; but like I said, it was a 'small fries' bit of the book, not a major plot issue.

Narrator: I have a love/hate thing going on with this narrator. I like so much of what she does, except for these freakin' weird pauses. Like pauses that give the feel of being in the middle of a paragraph, but then 'announcements' of which Chapter you're on rides the coattails of the previous sentence like an automatic rifle. What's up with that? It's like someone in post production thought- let's add seconds of silence here, and take it away from there, just to mess with the audio book readers. Seriously. It must not affect me too much, however, because I still want to continue the audio version of the next book in the series.

Did I mention the hot dragon sex? It deserves mentioning twice. Maybe even three times. Maybe shouting it from the rooftops: HOT. DRAGON. SEX. Is it hot in here? I LOVE green dragons.... *shudder* I'm about to totally 'date' myself here... but anyone who is familiar with Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and the scene where Phoebe Cates is coming out of the pool - OK, same water-dripping sex-on-a-stick slow motion action but only it's a hot, wet, male dragon. Oh, yeah... if I was equipped to pitch it, there would totally be a tent after reading that part of the book (reading/listening, tomato/tomato). I swear, the music (from Fast Times at Ridgemont High) was practically playing through my head like a soundtrack for that part of the book. I could play that part of the audio book on repeat... One more time: hot dragon sex. Ok, it's out of my system now, really.

If you're a fan of PNR or Urban Fantasy with steam, and especially if you're a 'dragon' fan- then you need to check out this series.

Tumultuous relationship

Aisling Grey is back and she is trying to find a Guardian mentor in Budapest without the help or interference of Drake, her Wyvern Mate. Things rapidly start getting complicated as she finds Drake and all the Dragon Wyverns in town for a peace conference and staying at her same hotel. Despite all her protests to the contrary, Aisling ends up striking a deal with Drake to commit to him if he lets her pursue her calling as a Guardian. A whole cast of characters show up, including dozens of incubi, ghosts, and a professional virgin. And many of our favorites from the first book return. Just like the first one, the sex is mind-blowing. The main trouble being, we don’t really know Drake or his personality, and neither does Aisling. Aside from how sexy he is I can’t think of a good reason Aisling would be in love with Drake. The book is an action-packed, wild ride but we are left in the same conundrum at the end: Aisling has walked away from Drake a second time, how can their relationship survive?

Fun till the last drop.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun romp and I like most of the characters. Even if the mystery wasn't all that surprising I still had fun. I was slightly annoyed at Aisling because she whined too much, but the story had me frequently laughing out loud so I gave her some leeway. Again Drake was slightly overbearing, but I think he's learning. I will defiantly be getting the next book. Recommend starting with You Slay Me first. Narrator was much better this time around. Same narrator but without the smacking and swallowing that was the biggest complaint of the last book. Other authors I recommend if you like this series is Janet Evanovich, Jennifer Crusie, and Molly Harper.

Great Story but not in love with the narrator

Would you listen to Fire Me Up again? Why?

Yes. It is a great story and I love the series.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator had too old of a voice for the character. Her voice was also to raspy for what is supposed to be a young character. Her actual performance was great but just wrong for the character.

Can't get pass the narration

I just cannot get past the narration. This performance doesn't suffer from constant spit swilling like the last one did but I still don't by the narrator for this role. Every time the story mentions Aisling's age I am shocked Ms. Rosenblat does not have the voice of a 31 year old, she sounds like a past middle aged pack a day smoker recovering from laryngitis. Her voice is jarring and she sounds like she talks out of the side of her mouth. I can't imagine the circumstances in which she was cast for this series. The voice and the story just doing compliment each other. I did enjoy the story but it was very very similar to the first novel. There was not a lot of character or plot development but I did enjoy listening.

Ashling solves another murder

I really like how this series is developing. In the first book, I was mildly put off with Drake but, while still aggravating, he is aggravating in a good way. He is slowly evolving from a total control freak to one who is willing to compromise with his mate, Ashling. However, he leaves no doubt that he is THE head dragon and in control.

Jem is becoming a wisecracking and loyal sidekick. He adds much to the storyline. I like that Kate is increasing his involvement. Can't wait to see where she takes him.

While for the most part, Ashling is still clueless but she is gaining knowledge even if it is earned by trial and error.

I find these books to be extremely enjoyable and I have moved directly on to the third book. And I have actually laughed out loud. I'm half way through and some suspicions concerning characters have been are being confirmed.

If you are on the fence about this series, jump off and spend the credits. You won't have any regrets and will have many hours of enjoyment.

Can't get enough of Katie and Barbara!

I have been a faithful Katie Macalister fan from day 1.... Before I joined Audible-I READ every series she has out and in doing so, my mind had created it's own opinion of all the character's voices, traits, etc... So, when I purchased and began listening to the Audible versions- narrated by Barbara Rosenblat, I admit I was a bit worried it wouldn't do them justice.... Her voice is very distinct- BUT... Oh, how I was SOOOO wrong!!!! Barbara's unique vocal ranges and absolutely superb variations on the characters accents BLEW ME AWAY!!! There really is no other narrator who could pull it off so flawlessly! Bravo Katie, and BRAVO Barbara!!!!

Incredible Aisling!

KM does an incredible job with Aisling part2, where she goes to Budapest for an Otherworld conference in hopes of finding a mentor to train her. And accepts a commission from her Uncle to deliver an amulet. And meets up with Drake who has moved his Dragon conference to the same hotel, knowing she will be there. Of course Aisling is again under suspicion in two murders; of course she is threatened with Death multiple times over; of course she and Drake have a falling out.... stay tuned...

Rosenblat does an excellent job with narration!
Recommend!

Barbara Rosenblat

Several years ago I stumbled onto a book with Ms Rosenblat....thanks to her incredible performance I have listened and enjoyed several series by authors I normally would have overlooked. Thank you!

Fire Me Up

If you could sum up Fire Me Up in three words, what would they be?

Captivating, Funny, Sweet

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fire Me Up?

When Drake agreed to give up the sept to save Aisling and admitted he loved her.

Which character – as performed by Barbara Rosenblat – was your favorite?

If I had to pick one, I would choose Jim. You have to love the character, even if it sometimes can make you want to send it to "Abaddon." I also loved Drake because I am half Hungarian and love his voice and mannerisms.

If you could rename Fire Me Up, what would you call it?

The title suits the dragon theme. Leave it alone.

Any additional comments?

Love the series. I hope there are more books that include Drake and Aisling.