Audiobook Review: Angelina (The Mates #5) by Teresa Gabelman

So, before we get into what I thought about Angelina, a little disclaimer. I received a free copy of this audiobook from Tantor Media Inc for an honest review. Thanks for the copy.

So, here’s what the official blurb has to say about the story:

“Walking away from her Mate was something Angelina never thought she would have to do. Taking control of her life was something that had to be done for her sake and her sake alone. As she faces a world full of dangers, Angelina begins her new life with the same heart that will forever love her Warrior.

After losing the most important person in his life, Adam vows to defeat the demons that have been relentlessly plaguing him so he can once again be the man Angelina deserves. He hopes it’s not too late. What Adam fails to realize is that in order to defeat his personal demons, he needs his Angel.

The Mate series delves into the kickass world of the Warriors’ mates and how united, they can make a difference—just like their badass Protectors. Follow along to see how these exceptional women’s newfound freedom affect those around them and which Warrior may or may not support their feisty independent mate’s new and exciting path.”

I’d just like to add that Ms Gabelman weaves the main specifics from previous adventures into this one. However, so much has happened that I’m doubtful whether Pam can be read as a standalone title.

Angelina Finally Steps Into the Spotlight!

I’ve been a huge fan of Teresa Gabelman’s The Mates series from the very beginning. Teresa has a wonderful talent for creating believable paranormal characters balancing action, humour, romance, and danger while weaving them into stories that leave me desperate for the next instalment. Angelina was no exception.

Angelina Finally Finds Her Voice

I’ll admit that Angelina has always been a bit of an enigma to me. Unlike the other women in the series, she never seemed to have quite the same presence. Nicole, Pam, Lana, Tessa, and Susan, for example, all had powerful roles outside of their relationships. Whether they worked in Child Services, as undercover police officers, or simply had larger-than-life personalities, they each brought their own strengths to the group. They were women who could hold their own, whether verbally or physically. Angelina, on the other hand, often felt as though she faded into the background and was more defined by her relationship with Adam than by her own story.

Thankfully, this book changed my opinion. Angelina finally gets the opportunity to step out of the shadows, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching her find her voice. Some of my favourite moments were when she allowed her anger to surface and finally let rip. Those scenes showed a strength and fire that I’d been hoping to see from her for several books. I really hope Teresa continues to build on that side of Angelina because she’s far more formidable than I’d previously given her credit for.

More Than Just a Love Story

One of the strongest themes in the story really resonated with me. Love may be the foundation of a relationship, but sometimes love alone isn’t enough. You can love someone with every fibre of your being, but if other important pieces are missing, neither person will ever feel truly fulfilled. I thought Teresa explored this beautifully, giving the story emotional depth alongside all the action and paranormal intrigue.

Jeffrey Kafer Continues to Bring the VC Warriors to Life

Jeffrey Kafer once again proves why he’ll always be the voice of the VC Warriors for me. Jeff perfectly captures the strength, humour, and emotion of Teresa’s characters. As always, I had no difficulty following conversations, and every emotional moment landed exactly as it should. Listening to Jeff narrate feels like coming home to old friends, and he continues to bring this incredible world to life with every performance.

A Worthy Addition to The Mates Series

Angelina delivers everything I’ve come to expect from Teresa Gabelman:

• ✅ engaging characters,
• ✅ gripping action,
• ✅ emotional moments,
• ✅ humour and banter
• ✅ and plenty of heart.

More importantly, it gave a character I’d previously overlooked the chance to shine. I closed this audiobook with a whole new appreciation for Angelina, and I’m already looking forward to seeing where Teresa takes these characters next.

See ANGELINA on Goodreads.com

Visit TERESA GABELMAN‘s own little corner of the web. Support her by buying a copy of this (or any of her books) directly from her website!

Take a look at my profile on Goodreads to see the other books I’ve read, or read more reviews here on The BG Blog.