WINDS OF THE STORM

Beverly Jenkins is the nation's most prolific African-American author of historical romances. This spin-off from her popular Indigo novels takes place during the period of Reconstruction. Zhara Lafayette, a Civil War spy, once saved the life of Archer Le Veq. Now he needs her to carry out one more mission. Romances present a unique challenge for male narrators. Generally strong bass and baritone voices that can portray alpha male heroes without relegating female characters to breathy falsettos are most successful. Kevin Free's talents aren't a good fit for Jenkins's fast-paced, steamy prose. His vocal range and stilted delivery make it difficult for him to convey the various emotions and stages of the courtship ritual—from meeting to mating. G.O. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]