Book Review: Overruled

Overruled Audiobook Review

Introduction

Overruled is the first book in Emma Chase's The Legal Briefs series. Released in 2015, this contemporary romance novel dives into the life of a charismatic, sharp-tongued defense attorney, Stanton Shaw, as he navigates love, career, and the complexities of human relationships. The audiobook adaptation, narrated by Jason Carpenter and Charlotte Penfield, brings the story to life with a compelling performance that captures the essence of the characters and the emotional depth of the narrative.

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Story Overview

The plot of Overruled centers around Stanton Shaw, a successful defense attorney in Washington, D.C., originally from a small town in Mississippi. Stanton's life appears to be perfectly balanced—he’s got a promising career, a beautiful daughter, and a long-distance relationship with his high school sweetheart, Jenny. However, the equilibrium of his life is shattered when Jenny announces her engagement to another man, throwing Stanton into an emotional whirlwind.

Convinced that Jenny is making a mistake, Stanton decides to return to his hometown to stop the wedding. His colleague and casual lover, Sofia Santos, joins him on this journey, intending to help but also finding herself caught up in the complicated dynamics of Stanton's personal life.

The story is an exploration of love, commitment, and the sometimes blurry lines between friendship and romance. It’s a tale about realizing what—or who—truly matters, and the lengths one might go to for the people they love.

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Character Development

Emma Chase excels in creating multidimensional characters that feel both real and relatable. Stanton Shaw is a charismatic, confident, and sometimes infuriating protagonist. He’s a man driven by both his heart and his ego, which often leads him into complicated situations. Despite his flaws, Stanton is a likable character because of his genuine love for his family and his vulnerability beneath the tough exterior.

Sofia Santos, on the other hand, is portrayed as a strong, intelligent woman who is fiercely independent but also deeply caring. She’s Stanton’s equal in every way, making her a compelling character in her own right. Sofia’s internal conflict—her growing feelings for Stanton versus her understanding of his attachment to Jenny—adds depth to the story, making her more than just a side character or a romantic interest.

Jenny Monroe, Stanton’s high school sweetheart and the mother of his child, is portrayed as a grounded and pragmatic woman. Her decision to move on from Stanton is a testament to her strength and maturity, offering a counterpoint to Stanton’s emotional turmoil. Jenny’s character adds complexity to the love triangle without falling into the trap of being a stereotypical obstacle to the protagonist’s happiness.

The supporting characters, including Stanton’s friends and colleagues, add humor and warmth to the story, creating a rich tapestry of relationships that enhances the main plot.

Themes and Motives

Overruled delves into several themes, the most prominent being love and the various forms it takes. The novel examines romantic love, the love between parents and children, and the love between friends. It also explores the idea of commitment—what it means to be committed to someone, and whether love alone is enough to sustain a relationship.

Another significant theme is the concept of self-discovery. Throughout the novel, Stanton embarks on a journey of understanding his true feelings and desires. His initial belief that he can dictate the terms of his relationships is challenged as he realizes that love and life are far more complex.

The book also touches on the idea of identity, particularly through the lens of Stanton and Sofia’s careers. Both characters are defined, to some extent, by their work as lawyers, and the novel explores how their professional lives influence their personal relationships.

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Audiobook Narration

The audiobook version of Overruled is narrated by Jason Carpenter and Charlotte Penfield, who alternate between Stanton’s and Sofia’s perspectives. The dual narration is a significant strength of this audiobook, as it allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in the minds of both protagonists.

Jason Carpenter delivers a compelling performance as Stanton Shaw. His deep, commanding voice perfectly captures Stanton’s Southern charm and confidence. Carpenter’s ability to convey a range of emotions—from Stanton’s cocky bravado to his moments of vulnerability—adds a layer of depth to the character that might be less apparent in the written text. His pacing and tone are well-suited to Stanton’s personality, making it easy for listeners to connect with the character.

Charlotte Penfield as Sofia Santos is equally impressive. Her voice is warm and engaging, perfectly embodying Sofia’s intelligence and emotional complexity. Penfield’s narration brings out Sofia’s strength and independence, while also highlighting her softer, more vulnerable moments. The contrast between Carpenter’s and Penfield’s voices helps to distinguish the two perspectives, making the audiobook easy to follow and enjoyable to listen to.

The chemistry between the narrators enhances the romantic tension between Stanton and Sofia. The seamless transitions between their voices create a dynamic listening experience, drawing the audience deeper into the story.

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Writing Style

Emma Chase’s writing is witty, sharp, and infused with humor, which is one of the hallmarks of her storytelling. Her ability to balance humor with emotional depth is evident throughout Overruled. The dialogue is snappy and realistic, often reflecting the legal backgrounds of the characters. Chase’s descriptions are vivid without being overly detailed, allowing readers (or listeners) to visualize the settings and scenes without getting bogged down in unnecessary exposition.

The pacing of the novel is well-executed, with the plot moving at a steady pace that keeps the reader engaged. The alternating perspectives between Stanton and Sofia add variety to the narrative and provide insight into both characters’ thoughts and motivations. This dual narrative approach also allows Chase to explore the same events from different angles, enriching the reader’s understanding of the characters and their relationships.

Chase’s portrayal of Southern life and culture is another highlight of the book. Stanton’s Mississippi roots play a significant role in shaping his character, and Chase does an excellent job of weaving these cultural elements into the story. The contrast between Stanton’s Southern background and his life in Washington, D.C., adds an interesting layer to the narrative, highlighting the differences between the two worlds he straddles.

Strengths

One of the greatest strengths of Overruled is its characters. Stanton and Sofia are both complex, well-developed characters who are easy to root for, despite their flaws. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions are filled with a mix of humor, tension, and genuine emotion. The supporting characters also add depth to the story, making the world of Overruled feel lived-in and real.

The audiobook narration is another standout aspect. The dual narration by Jason Carpenter and Charlotte Penfield enhances the storytelling, making the characters’ emotions and personalities even more vivid. The narrators’ performances bring the characters to life in a way that the written word alone might not, making the audiobook a highly engaging experience.

The novel’s exploration of love, commitment, and self-discovery is handled with a deft touch. Chase doesn’t shy away from the complexities of relationships, and her portrayal of Stanton’s journey to understanding his own feelings is both realistic and satisfying. The story’s themes are universal, making it easy for readers to relate to the characters’ struggles and triumphs.

Weaknesses

While Overruled has many strengths, it is not without its flaws. Some readers might find Stanton’s initial obsession with stopping Jenny’s wedding frustrating, as it takes him a considerable amount of time to realize what (or who) he truly wants. This aspect of the plot can feel drawn out at times, potentially causing some impatience for readers who are eager to see the resolution.

Additionally, while the dual narration adds depth to the audiobook, there are moments when the transitions between perspectives can be jarring, especially if the listener is not fully paying attention. The shift from Stanton’s to Sofia’s point of view can occasionally disrupt the flow of the narrative, though this is a minor issue in an otherwise well-produced audiobook.

Another potential weakness is the predictability of the plot. While the journey is enjoyable, seasoned romance readers might find the overall arc of the story somewhat predictable. The “will they, won’t they” dynamic between Stanton and Sofia follows a familiar pattern in the romance genre, which might not offer many surprises for those well-versed in similar stories.

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Conclusion

Overruled by Emma Chase is a delightful contemporary romance that explores love, commitment, and self-discovery with wit and heart. The audiobook adaptation, narrated by Jason Carpenter and Charlotte Penfield, is a standout experience, bringing the characters and their emotions to life in a vivid and engaging way.

Stanton Shaw and Sofia Santos are compelling protagonists whose chemistry and banter make for an entertaining listen. Despite some minor flaws, the story’s exploration of complex relationships and the universal themes of love and identity make Overruled a worthy addition to the romance genre.

Whether you’re a fan of legal dramas, small-town romances, or character-driven stories, Overruled offers something for everyone. The audiobook format, in particular, is highly recommended for its immersive and dynamic narration. Emma Chase has crafted a story that is both heartfelt and humorous, making Overruled a must-listen for fans of contemporary romance.

Click here to read “Overruled” audio book for free with a 30 day free trial

This review offers an in-depth analysis of Overruled, covering various aspects like character development, themes, and narration, providing a thorough understanding of what listeners can expect from the audiobook.