The Voice

by Jennifer Anne Davis

During her abduction and assault, Audrey begins to hear a voice. She hopes she's not going crazy, because after what she's experienced, that's the most logical explanation. However, as she begins to listen to the voice, Audrey realizes that someone may be telepathically trying to help her.

Unfortunately, rescue isn't all she needs. In order to leave behind the constant reminders, she flees to her Aunt Kate's house in San Diego, and assumes a new identity. It works until the eighteen-year-old twin boys who live next door threaten to break through the protective walls she's worked so hard to build.
Between Caleb going out of his way to befriend her and Justin avoiding her at all costs, Audrey doesn't know if normalcy will ever find her again. But one thing is certain: When a familiar danger resurfaces, it's the same voice that she turns to—a voice that is not only real, but a lot closer than she realizes.
Gripping and tastefully told, The Voice is a story of healing, trust, and courage.

Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery Thriller, Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 2013

About the author

Jennifer Anne Davis is the bestselling, award-winning author of YA fantasy and NA paranormal romance. She graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. She lives in the San Diego area with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband and their rambunctious, spoiled GSP.

Her three adult children are in college and graduate school. When she’s not writing, Jennifer can be found reading, crocheting, or baking sourdough bread.

Jennifer has always loved writing stories where the stakes are high and the tension is even higher.

Awards:
Cage of Deceit: Winner 2018 Kindle Book Awards
The Key: Finalist 2014 USA Book Awards
The Voice: Finalist 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
The Voice: Winner 2013 San Diego Book Awards

Visit Jennifer at:
www.JenniferAnneDavis.com

Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews at: www.mybookmuse.com

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

So let's get the bad stuff out of the way. The Voice deals with some pretty heavy subject matter. Sometimes I wonder why I read books dealing with certain issues because let's face it, does any of us really want to read about that?

Of course not. It is one of the most disgusting, deplorable, heinous and downright evil acts that can ever be inflicted on a human being.

But the reason we read about these things happening is because they are real.

Sad but true. I could live in my little world of ignorance and avoid real issues and real emotions but as a reader what would I gain from that?

With that said, the subject matter in The Voice was handled in a very tasteful manner. Yes, I totally cried and certain parts were hard to read but it wasn't overly descriptive, detailed or glorified in any matter.

The story starts out with Audrey moving across country to live with her Aunt Kate after experiencing the kidnapping and assault that broke her spirit. She is extremely skittish, distrustful and completely closed off. The only solace Audrey has had over the past months has been a voice that has been with her during her terrible ordeal.

Then the voice came, comforting me. He helped me hold myself together, and he gave me hope. He offered companionship that developed into friendship. He made me feel safe.

To escape the notoriety of her ordeal, Audrey assumes a different name and starts going to a different school in order to find a way to move on.

No one here knew me. Including me.

While Audrey is still emotionally and physically reeling from the fallout of her attack, she meet fraternal twins Caleb and Justin. They both assume the role of her bodyguards despite her reluctance.

Caleb is good looking, popular, charming and determined to pull Audrey out of her shell. On the flip side, Justin avoids Audrey at all costs but she feels a connection to him despite her own hang-ups and his indifferent attitude. And while Audrey no longer has the voice to comfort her, she finds herself developing friendships with these brothers.

It was clear Justin wanted nothing to do with me, and that was fine. Caleb, on the other hand, attracted more attention than I could handle, and he acted like he wanted to protect me. Little did he know, it was too late for that.

But as her protective walls start crumbling, Audrey learns what it is to be brave, to be strong, to heal, to trust, and most importantly, to survive.

The Voice is equally heartbreaking as it is uplifting. The journey of Audrey from victim to survivor is inspirational. I cried from the pain that she endured, but I also cried from the strength she gained from it.

I recommend this book for anyone that believes that good can overpower evil. That beauty can come from something ugly. And that horrible things happen to wonderful people, but it's how we continue to live that defines us.

5 stars*

[Jessica's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

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The Voice by Jennifer Anne Davis is an emotional read involving sexual child abuse and kidnapping. It does not get too detailed but you will read flash backs throughout the book from what Audrey had to go through during her time kept from her family and being raped.

Audrey is a young 17 year-old girl living a normal life in Pennsylvania until her uncle kidnaps her and rapes her repeatedly. While her kidnapping becomes national news and everyone is looking for this young girl, Audrey hears a voice. A voice that comes to her rescue in many ways; not only helping her escape but the voice also kept her company when she was captured. Audrey thinks she is crazy for hearing this voice, for falling in love with male voice, for needing this voice but she needs the voice from keeping going insane now that she is returned back to her parents. Audrey is struggling to live and is living a life of depression, understandably so. Her family decides she needs to get away and stay with her aunt in California for a little bit to get away from the memories. Once at her aunt’s house Audrey meets twin brothers, Caleb and Justin. The twins have more of a connection to Audrey then she could have imagined and help Audrey become herself again.

First I love, love, love that the story took place in San Diego; not only is it my hometown but I adored how accurate the description and detail to my hometown was in the story. Everything from the houses, the breakfast foods, the street names, the high school, especially the mention of the lack of a school cafeteria and food carts around the quads, it all made me feel like I was back home again. I loved it.

I also loved the twin brothers Caleb and Justin. They were so different but I adored them both the same and what they brought to the story. I am finding difficulty writing this review because I don’t want to give away spoilers and it is hard to write about the characters or book and not do that. I was not expecting the story I read. It is a great emotional read and I expected all the characters to be connected somehow, just not the way they were. I wouldn’t mark this book as paranormal but it does have a supernatural storyline to it.

I really enjoyed this emotional book and I felt the pain for Audrey. I love emotional reads that pull me in to the book and I feel like I am experiencing it along with the character. I wish the ending didn’t wrap up so quickly. I loved the pace of the book but felt the ending should have been longer with more details like the other parts of the book were. I would have liked more closure for Audrey at the end and how it ends for her (again I don’t want to say too much), an epilogue would have been nice. I think if the ending would have been different I would have given it a 5 star review but it was too rushed. I do look forward to reading more from Ms. Davis

I give The Voice 4 Stars.

[RO Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Voice, is a well written novel about a very frightening subject. The main character in this book is 17-year old Audrey. She is a typical teenager, going out with her friends, having fun, going to school, interacting with her three brothers, living a carefree, and ordinary day to day life. That is, until one night, when her parents go out, and she is home alone getting ready to go out with her friends, and an unexpected visitor shows up at her house. Audrey doesn't think anything of it when her father's brother shows up looking for her parents. Then, he proceeds to look at her, in a way that makes her stomach knot-up, (which happens quite often.) Audrey has tried to talk to her parents in the past about things that her Uncle Bill does, and says, that make her scared, but they think she's over-reacting. She tries to get rid of him, but he grabs her by the hair, and drags her out of the house, kicking and screaming. He kidnap's her. Throughout the captivity, which lasts a few months, Audrey hears a voice that helps her through her darkest days. She doesn't know if it's a real person, her sub-conscious mind, or that she has gone crazy. All she know's is that she needs the voice to calm her, keep her alive, and strong enough to do what's necessary to escape.


This is the story of how Audrey regains her strength to fight back, and find hope in a life that she no longer feels she can bear to live. I thought this book was filled with so much sadness, fear, and disconnection with the world, all understandable. I could visualize everything as it was described by Ms. Davis. She did a wonderful job with her writing. The dream sequences were so frightening, and realistic, they had me riveted. Audrey was a tortured soul.

Throughout The Voice, you get to know the secondary characters, Kate, Caleb, and his twin brother Justin, (who all become significant in her life.) These are all dynamic characters that are vital to the story. The Voice is filled with twists and turns, and will keep you glued to your book till the final page. This story is well-developed from beginning to end. This is a must read book.


The Voice, by Jennifer Anne Davis, is another one of those books that need to go on our school shelves. A book that can be helpful to teenagers, and others that find themselves in a victimizing situation like Audrey.


I give this incredible novel 5 frightenly empty, lost, hopeful,
strength-building, love-filled stars!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book that I've read by this author in a week. It all started with a freebie on Amazon (The Key). I really loved this book. Original storyline. I really loved all of the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lying in the dark cabin, I tried not to think about the foul smell of body odor mixed with the stench of urine. I tried not to think about how hungry I was, or when I would eat again. About the plastic zip ties cutting into my wrists, or the spider crawling up my arm. I kept trying and failing. There was nothing to do but think.

When a book's first lines are that, you know to expect some emotion. My emotions were elevated through the entirety of The Voice. Often, I found myself holding my breath or on the verge of tears. I thought I was on the verge of a breakdown right along with Audrey.

Audrey was abducted during the summer before her senior year, she was held captive, neglected and abused for two months. Her only solace was in the form of a voice in her head that found her, comforted her, stayed with her and eventually helped her escape her brutal surroundings.

Upon returning home Audrey finds that the nightmare of the cabin in the woods isn't the only one she'll have to face. Now, she has to learn to live in a world where everyone knows what happened to her. Looking into eyes filled with pity is too much for her to bear and there is no one who understands her. The voice has even left her behind. Deciding the best thing would be for her to get away from the landscape of her horrible memories and try life as the assumption of someone else, she moves in with her aunt across the country.

It's there, during a dark moment in her life, that the voice returns. It's also there that she learns there are still people in the world that care and she can trust, regardless of what they know of her past. It's there she learns to heal and find her own voice.

I'll admit that I had some trepidation with picking up The Voice. I tend to stay far far away from reads that deal with such a delicate subject matter. I am giving huge accolades to Davis for writing with such care. It never goes too far but goes far enough to pull out all the right emotions. The flashbacks to the abduction scenes were hard but readable, the panic attacks that occur throughout were heartbreaking and real and the emotions and reactions from all the characters are very genuine.

Audrey is a great character, the growth and development of her from start to end was captivating. Her aunt Kate was a breath of fresh air as far as YA parental figures are concerned and the twins...what can I say about the twins. I always have a hard time when an author writes young adults as if they have never actually spent time with one. Not the case here. Davis gave me real life teenagers. Caleb is the popular quarterback but not in the stereo-typical asshat sort of way. He has a heart, a big one and uses it. Did you know quarterbacks in YA books could do that? Justin is quite the opposite of his brother but no less caring, more so even. I loved them both.

The telepathy plays a big role in The Voice but even without that aspect thrown in this would have been an amazing read. Watching someone and the people who care about that someone go through the grief, the pain, the guilt and the healing process of something so absolutely horrific and come out on the other side okay; not great but okay, is inspiring and makes me want to be a stronger person myself.

I could not set this book down, once started, and finished it within hours. It's not a terribly long read and maybe would have been slightly better with some added pages. The last twenty percent didn't have quite the same care and tenderness that the rest of the book did and I think that was the area it really needed it. Which is really the only thing holding me back from giving this a five star rating. Overall, I loved The Voice and will be watching for future works by Jennifer Anne Davis.

[Gary Ghislain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received The Voice by Jennifer Anne Davis as part of a Summer Book Swap hosted by GotToReadThoseBooks. The idea was to have two writers exchange novels, and review one another. As soon as The Voice was assigned to me, I checked the synopsis, and immediately liked it, found the premise both original and intriguing and looked forward to reading it.

Audrey, the seventeen year old heroine, survives a brutal abduction and weeks of abuse by following the instructions of a mysterious voice inside her head.

While captive, she developed a strong bond with the voice and, though it might be the result of her losing her mind, it became her only friend, the one thing that kept her alive, and gave her the strength and the means to escape her captor.

After she's freed, and in order to leave behind the memory of those weeks of captivity and abuse, she assumes a new identity and moves to San Diego to live with her aunt. There, she meets Justin and Caleb, two twin brothers who live next door. Soon, she feels a strange attraction to Justin, and the voice returns - this time to help her heal, recover the ability to love, and most importantly, to reveal its true nature.

As a reader, I enjoyed reading The Voice very much. My initial interest in the synopsis found a constant echo in the pages. As a writer, I was impressed by Jennifer Anne Davis audacity. This is a tough story. It involves rape, abuse and incest from the get go - themes that are massively difficult to tackle in a Young Adult story.

I found that Davis handled those themes elegantly by focusing on Audrey inner struggle. Violence was used only to reveal her strength. And soon enough, the romance with Justin and her path to recovery took over the pages and gave a positively uplifting feel to the novel.

This is the reason why I would highly recommend this title to young readers. The Voice doesn't promote angst or fear. It doesn't use violence and abuse as gimmicks. It's a tough journey that shows that you can start in the darkest place, and finally find love and redemption.

When I reached the last pages, what had potentially started as a very gloomy story had become an inspiring experience, a tale of love, courage and healing, with a supernatural twist that worked beautifully.

[Robyn Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Voice
by Jennifer Anne Davis
288 pages
Published by Lands Atlantic Publishing (1/29/13)
I won this book (ebook version)
5 STARS
The summer before her senior year of high school, Audrey is snatched out of her home. She survives the humiliation, the psychological torture, and the rape with the help of a voice in her head. Guardian angel? Madness? Or the only soul to reach inside and keep her from floating away? The hell Audrey endured carries over to her new life, the one defined by pitying looks, overcrowding loved ones, and an inability to be touched. In a desperate move, her family sends her to live with her aunt in California. Now that she can be someone else, can she take control of her constant nightmares? Will she move past her observer role and act on her new and growing feelings for the boy next door? How will her affection for the voice in her head, the one who saved her, fit into reality? And finally, with the trial of her kidnapper and rapist looming, will she survive long enough to testify?

From page one, I was hooked. Audrey pulled me into her world of pain so thoroughly, I had to follow her to the other side. I needed to be there every step of her journey back to herself. And I'm glad for it because I met her awesome aunt, a high school teacher and a woman with a heart full of hurt. I fell in love with the twins next door, friendly Caleb and anti-social Justin. We only really meet one of her brothers, but he offered a glimpse into the life Audrey had before everything changed. Jennifer Anne Davis doesn't shy away from the terrible subject matter surrounding her main character. She gives evil a face, a name, and a smell. She makes him real, which makes what he did real. First time readers are lucky because they get to be hit with page one and feel the amazing pull of a compelling read.

Stop by http://robgirlbooks.blogspot.com/2013... to read my mini-author interview with Jennifer Anne Davis.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely could not put this book down. I started it at about 9:30 pm last night and ended up finishing the whole thing a few hours later. I can't believe this is the first book by this author. It makes me very excited for things to come because I know she only going to get better and better.

It deals with some very tough subjects like rape, abuse, and kidnapping but it does so in a way that pays great respect to victims without getting too graphic. The main character, Audrey, suffered through all of those thing but this book takes you through her journey of getting better. Plus, the twins next door are adorable! That certainly doesn't hurt. :)

My only negative is that the end felt slightly rushed. I don't think I was ready to be done with the story yet.

Definitely recommend this book!! Read on folks!! :)

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Audrey is a seventeen year old girl whom was abducted from her home by someone she has known all of her life. Someone she knew and trusted most of the time. She was taken from her home the summer before she would enter her senior year in high school. Audrey had no clue where she was and she couldn't get away as she was kept tied up all the time. Audrey was hurt over and over all summer. But she had some condolence as she could hear a voice in her head. Some guy would talk to her telepathically. He was trying so hard to help Audrey you know help her stay sane not to break down and lose it all. He was very compassionate and Audrey came to depend on this voice that she could hear in her head. The voice in her head helped her to escape.

After Audrey went home to be with her family she was so afraid and she couldn't trust anyone. Audrey couldn't stay in the house that she was abducted from so she left home and went to stay with her mother's sister in California. Her Aunt Kate was a school teacher and she helped Audrey to become someone else and enrolled her at the same school where she worked. Audrey was afraid to stay alone so she went to school. There were two guys that lived next door to her Aunt who helped Audrey by being with her at school. Her Aunt and the two guys' twins Caleb and Justin had classes with her so she was never left alone. Caleb tried real hard to help Audrey all he could. But Justin didn't seem to like her very much at all and he didn't talk to her hardly any at all. He would walk with her to the classes that they had together. Audrey couldn't figure Justin out she knew for whatever reason that she kind of like Justin and it bothered her that he wouldn't talk to her. But at the same time she wasn't ready to have a relationship with anyone.

Audrey thought by going to California and staying with her Aunt Kate that she could leave her summer behind and starts to heal. But what she didn't count on was that the person who had kidnapped her could reach her from jail and was still making her life pure hell. But she was lucky that she had her Aunt and the two guys next door that really cared about her. They all helped Audrey a lot. They helped her to know and realize again that not everybody was bad that there were still some very good folks left in the world. People that still had hearts and could care about someone and keep them safe.

I really and truly love reading The Voice. There was times where I would just right out of the blue start crying. My husband got to the point where instead of asking me if I was ok he would say you still reading that book. And sometimes I would laugh right out loud. There was time when Audrey or one of the guys would do or say something that was just so sweet that you couldn't help but laugh after what she had been through. If you want to read a very great book then you definitely want to read The Voice. I wish or hope that there would be another book about Audrey and the twins. I would like to know how Audrey continues to get better and how she deals with what she has been through. I wouldn't want to see her go through the same thing again but it would be nice to see how she handles living out in the world on her own.

The Voice is one of those books that will grab your attention right from the first page and won't let go until the very last page. It will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride of your life. One minute you will be feeling low and the next you will be soaring in the sky. Warning: while reading The Voice be sure you have a box of Kleenexes sitting beside you at all times because you are going to need them big time.

[Jocelyn Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if you had faced a situation, which no one should go through? What if you knew someone that had to go through it? Well this is exactly what seventeen year old Audrey had to face. She was kidnapped, violated, abused, and raped by a person her family thought they could trust. But despite the overwhelming mental and physical abuse Audrey went through for weeks, she managed to escape, with the help of a voice. A voice that helped her get through her days in captivity. A voice that seems to understand her and knows just what to say to help her get through the abuse and fight to survive. Audrey thinks she was going crazy, hearing a voice in her head and all, but she couldn’t have been more wrong. Audrey, now back with her family, will have to learn to cope with her abuse and rape and come out a stronger person. Because she realizes, to give up the fight now that she is safe will give her abuser power and he will ultimately win.

This book is a story about strength and recovering. This book made me really reevaluate the world around me. Like, did you know that 1 out of 4 girls are sexually assaulted by the age of 17? Mostly by their family members? Most teens don’t realize the danger that lies in the world, but with that sense of caution, I also know that the world is filled with a lot of good too. The twins in the book, for example, Caleb and Justin, had a hand in helping Audrey deal with what she went through throughout the book. They were caring, honest, sweet, and overall, protective. They gave Audrey back her life back. I loved reading about how Justin and Caleb helped Audrey gain control of her life and live again. I felt horror in the beginning of the story when I read about what Audrey went through. I cried when Audrey cried. Laughed when she laughed. And most importantly, I rooted for her when she finally found the strength to fight back and take her control of her future. That bravery, the strength that she showed…it made me want to be a better person. I, in a way, look up to Audrey’s character and respected her. This book was crazy amazing. This definitely is a book that I will think about, always, and keep close to my heart. The author did an amazing job writing this book, making the reader feel like they are walking alongside Audrey, seeing her change and her growth as a character. I seriously recommend this book to everyone. A must read.

[Sharrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Original Review!

Initial Reaction:
When I first got the e-mail for this book I assumed it would be about a girl who had been sexual abused and was trying to cope with it after everything was said and done.

Plot:
Audrey thought that once she was free from her Uncle’s cabin, free from the rape and abuse that had gone on for nearly two months everything would go back to normal. Well as normal as things could be with a male voice in her head that got her through everything.

Returning home isn’t as easy as Audrey had thought it would be. In the cabin all she had wanted was to escape and go home. Now home she can barely sleep, her mother is overbearing, her father is distant, and all the looks and calls she receives are filled with pity and questions.

Wanting an escape Audrey goes to live with her Aunt Kate for a little while until she can handle things again. When Aunt Kate suggests a make-over and new identity in a new school Audrey becomes someone else. Thinking she can hide out is a mistake though for the neighbors next door know everything about her and what happened to her over the summer. To make matters worse even with her abuser behind bars, someone is after her.

My Reaction:
I really enjoyed this story. A lot more than I thought I would. Audrey is an amazing character and definitely a strong female character. The writing in this story was amazing, not too much description but just enough and plenty of emotional insight into all the characters. The Voice is the perfect combination of contemporary and supernatural. Loved it.

While the story does deal with rape, and abuse I also thought it dealt a lot with coping and just how hard it is for people to get back to the way things were before the incident even though they want to.

Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who is sympathetic to the problem of any kind of abuse in the world. The Voice is a great contemporary, young adult story with just a hint of romance and the supernatural.

[Brin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Voice is the story of Audrey, a senior in high school who has just experienced an extremely traumatic ordeal, one which she is not sure she will ever truly recover from. She was kidnapped and held for two months by her sadistic uncle Bill. After her rescue, she returns home to Pittsburgh but she finds that there are just too many bad memories which she cannot escape from. Her family, wanting to protect her, have Audrey feeling smothered and anxious. It is decided that she should go and stay with her Aunt Kate in San Diego for awhile to try and regain her equilibrium.

Audrey finds living with her Aunt Kate a refreshing change and she slowly beings to heal. Going under an assumed name so people will not recognise her as the young victim who was so brutalised, she enrolls at the local high school where her aunt works as a teacher. She also meets her neighbours, the twins Caleb and Justin, seniors like her, who play a major part in her recovery. Caleb, the friendlier of the two, treats her like a sister but she is drawn to Justin, the quiet twin who virtually ignores her. What is Justin's secret and how will this affect Audrey's recovery?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although there were many dark elements which were disturbing, especially for a ya novel. The issues that are tackled in this story are always treated seriously though and despite the darkness there is an even greater element of hope. For all that Audrey is suffered through, she gets stronger every day. Although there are many people surrounding her helping her through her recovery process, the strength that she finds within herself is what truly ends up saving her.

This was a really strong debut from Jennifer Anne Davis. Audrey was a great main character and I loved the twins (especially Justin) and Aunt Kate. The story was dark, but although elements such as rape and abuse were touched upon, the focus was more on Audrey's journey to recovery.

Five stars *****

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why should you read it? It is one of the most compelling novels written on the subject. While it does have it's moments of shear sadness it has so much love and healing. In order to overcome such a torturous ordeal the main character Audrey tries therapy and behavior therapy with little success. The fact that she had such a traumatic experience and survives is amazing. The fact that she can actually heal and trust is remarkable.

Character wise, I liked how her family and friends never gave up. Although she had best friends calling and passing by that she didn't see, they didnt give up. I was so torn up at her brothers and how they loved her, but didn't know how to deal. Her Aunt Kate was just as strong as Audrey. The dream boat neighbors Caleb and Justin played the most important role. Their story, as well as their Mom's is remarkable and touching.
When I read it and saw this was the author's first book I was shocked. When this is a debut, just imagine what is in her brain ready to be written on paper. I am so happy to come to know Jennifer Ann Davis and call her a friend. Read the book!
http://wp.me/s2vpp9-6003 Enter the giveaway

[Maggie Thom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story about a tough subject. Audrey goes through something horrific. It is never spelled out graphically about what happened but you get a really good idea of what she went through. You will struggle with her each step she takes in trying to regain a sense of who she is and to learn to trust again. It is a very emotional story – it will horrify you, sadden you, anger you but there is also the tenderness, the caring, the friendship, the love. There is the hope that things can be better. I read it in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. Powerfully written story about the subject of abduction and assault and one young girl’s struggle to put it behind her. It is one of those subjects that really never gets discussed but needs to. It is also about the connection between people and the resiliency of the human spirit when one is open to healing it. It is also a reminder that we really do need others to truly be able to move forward. Well done Ms. Davis.

[Jocelyn James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book intending to read a chapter or two; the next thing I knew it was three hours later and I was at the end. This story deals with the heavy subject of rape, which is made palatable by the charming characters the author has created. Thanks to the intrigue of the Voice that helped Audrey through the darkest time of her life, the excitement that comes with the twin boys next door, and the danger that arises as Audrey tries to heal from her ordeal, this book never slows down.

I commend the author for creating such a real character. She is not supernatural; she is courageous, fragile, intelligent, and likeable. She is someone any girl can relate to.

I highly recommend this fast read - it will give you courage in the end to overcome anything you may be facing (and did I mention the twin boys next door - what's more fun than that?).

[Melanie Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book all in one day! I could not put it down! This book hooked me in the first paragraph, and I didn't stop until I had devoured the whole entire story. I was intrigued by the Voice...drawn to it, much like Audrey. You can really connect with Audrey. Given different circumstances, you can just imagine her in her everyday life. You feel helpless, wishing you could rescue her from her horrible captivity. Then something amazing happens! I loved the boys next door! Caleb and Justin seemed just like regular guys, one more social and jovial...the other more quiet and angsty. I found myself loving both boys for very different reasons. You will love the twists and turns of this story as much as I did! Don't miss it! Jennifer is a very talented writer, and I look forward to reading more of her work!

[Michelle Neuenswander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I picked up The Voice I couldn't put it down. I fell in love with each and every character. They seemed so real that it disappointed me to come to terms with them being fictitious! Audrey's journey through despair will no doubt shine hope into other girls' lives who have faced such unthinkable pain. You could feel her character healing throughout the story. I truly think there are so many messages in this book that will change people's lives for having read it. I can't wait for Jennifer Anne Davis' next masterpiece!!

[June Crossen · Rating 5 out of 5]

" I LOVED this book!! It's about a girl named Audrey who was kidnapped. After she's rescued and returns home, her mom won't let her out of her sight. Audrey is having trouble dealing with the aftermath, so she decides to visit her aunt in California for awhile. While she's there, Audrey meets the twin boys who live next door to her aunt. The boys help her move on with her life. The romance is sooooo good and I loved the ending. I don't want to give anything away but it freaked me out in a totally good way. I couldn't put this book down! One of my favorite books ever!"

[Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I really have to get my thoughts together before I can review this book...sad, horrific, beautiful, powerful, courageous are just some of the words to describe the emotions running rampant within the pages of this novel...

It's more like a 4.5 star rating. I'm having a hard time deciding to just give it 5 stars. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's bothering me:(

Full review to be written soon...

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible! I couldn't put it down and I was completely captivated by the story and the characters. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Jennifer is making this into a series because I NEED more!!!

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Review to come.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read.

[Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

From http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....

4.5 stars

At A Glance
I did a book blitz/giveaway of The Voice a little while a ago and the concept interested me so much I begged the author for a copy. Being all awesome, Davis agreed to send one my way. That was one of the best decisions I ever made.

The Good
Mind. Explosion. I went into this book nervous as hell. What a deep and scary subject matter to write about, right? Davis pulled it off beautifully. I felt like I got a real life look at someone's life post sexual assault and kidnapping. I swear, I still have chills just thinking about this book.

Audrey was an amazing character. She felt so...authentic. All her decisions made sense to me based on what happened to her. She moves to her aunts to get away from the people who know what happened to her and takes on a new identity, which seems logical to me. She's quiet and lost. She feels like she is no longer living, just moving through life. I felt all those emotions with her. Davis made me care and sympathize with Audrey every step of the way. But with the help of the twins next-door, Audrey starts to find herself again. She finds strength to be herself and to fight the nightmares of her past. Audrey's transition was an amazing thing to behold.

I loved Caleb and Justin from the beginning. Caleb is so carefree and friendly. He is easy to get along with and you just want to smile when he is around. He became like a big brother to Audrey and I think she needed that. Justin is quiet, distant, and sometimes a little rude. But you can tell it's not his naturally personality. He has his secrets just like Audrey. It's hard to talk about Justin since his depth is something you have to experience first hand.

I loved Audrey's interactions with both twins. Her easy joy with Caleb and confusion with Justin. Audrey sees something in Justin that draws her to him but she doesn't know why. I loved the complication and misunderstandings between these three. It added some great tension and drama.

Davis did an amazing job of taking an uncomfortable topic and turning it into a must read book. I could not put it down once. The writing was captivating and the heartbreak was intense. The characters felt real. The paranormal aspect with the voice in Audrey's head was well done. It added a little spice to the whole story. I am only sad that the journey had to end. I want to read more.

The Bad
Two things annoyed me in The Voice. First, I think Justin's stand-offish attitude was pretty silly even knowing why he acted that way. And he held that attitude for the majority of the book. I would have liked to see him act normal more often.

Second, the climax of the story happened really fast. I wish the author took her time and added more suspense to the ending.

The Snuggly
The Voice does deal with rape and sexual abuse but Davis handles everything very well. Nothing is graphic or explained in too much detail. I tend to have problems reading about sexual abuse, but Davis wrote about the subject in a way that I could handle.

As for romance, it is very slow in coming, which worked for the book. I loved reading about Audrey slowly learning to let someone in after what she went through.

Final Thoughts
I can't tell you how much I recommend this book to everyone. It's emotional, intense, and heartfelt. The characters blew me away. Davis is an author too look out for. She knows how to write a book that can appeal to anybody and everybody. Highly recommended.

Quotes
Then the voice came, comforting me. He helped me hold myself together, and he gave me hope. He offered companionship that developed into friendship. He made me feel safe.



My body trembled.
“Please help me,” I begged the voice.
Audrey, calm down. It’s okay.
“No, it’s not. Nothing is okay.”
It will be. I promise. Just know that I’m watching out for you. Even if you don’t feel me or hear me, I’m with you. Okay?
“I need you.”
I know.


Lying in the dark cabin, I tried not to think about the foul smell of body odor mixed with the stench of urine. I tried not to think about how hungry I was, or when I would eat again. About the plastic zip ties cutting into my wrists, or the spider crawling up my arm. I kept trying and failing. There was nothing to do but think.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW
The cover shows a female who looks scared on the front cover, you also see a barn or wooden hut, maybe cabin in the background with plenty of trees and perhaps forest there too.
Upon reading the book you learn the scared female on the front cover is in fact Audrey, and when you learn the traumatic ordeal she underwent in a cabin in the woods you totally understand her fear.
I think the cover represents the book really well, and would I pick it up from a book store shelf? Yes I think I would definitely pick it up to learn more.
Now to the book, whilst Audrey is being held captive she begins to hear a voice in her head. she doesn't know if she is going mad due to her ordeal or if someone is truly communicating with her. The voice helps Audrey through her ordeal and when she is freed, the voice still speaks to her occasionally. Audrey naturally tells no one about the Voice as she doesn't want to appear more troubled or strange than she already is in other peoples view. Audrey hates that people look at her with pity, and the way her family look at her with pity and guilt, after all she had told her family about her attacker watching her and making her feel uneasy long before she was kidnapped. Unable to cope in the house she was abducted from she goes to stay with her young modern school teacher aunt Kate. Kate decides to keep Audrey's mind from her ordeal she should attend school so enrolls her and even gets the two guys next door that are Audrey's age to keep an eye on her. Caleb is outgoing, flirty, yet respectful and protective around Audrey. Justin seems to hate being around crowds, a bit of a loner yet is still around if and when Audrey needs his help.
I really don't want to give away more of the story as it is a beautifully written book, that was an interesting read that lead you by the hand through the many emotions that Audrey feels. The Quote about the book that I have taken from the Goodreads book blurb is so totally true. This book tells the story of Audrey's journey where she has to heal mentally and physically, which takes a lot of courage. Probably an even bigger thing Audrey has to relearn the ability to trust those around her, even her family.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes, yes, yes! Would I recommend the book? Yes I have recommended this book to my teen daughter and I think my mum would also read and enjoy the book. Would I read a Bk2? If there was one yes, but how the book ends I doubt there will be. Will I read more by Jennifer Anne Davis? Definitely, I will keep my eyes wide open for more future titles by her. I try not to compare books to each other but the feelings I felt throughout the book and afterwards did remind me of another fantastic book I have read and reviewed on my blog, called Read Me Dead by Emerald Barnes. So if you've read that book this is definitely for your reading tastes.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really 4.5 stars.

Audrey was a normal teenager living in PA until her uncle kidnapped her and held her hostage for several months, repeatedly raping her. While in captivity Audrey started hearing a voice, a voice that eventually helped her escape. The story picks up with Audrey home with her family, but still suffering terribly. She eventually moves out to San Diego to spend some time with her mom's sister where she meets the two twin boys that live next door. Even though they're both very different, Caleb is outgoing and friendly, but Justin is quiet and doesn't seem to like Audrey at all, she forms bonds with both of them and they begin to help her heal.

I loved this book, I can't believe it isn't more popular. It's extremely well written and I feel like the story goes right along with what's happening in the YA/new adult genre now. Audrey is an amazing character. She's hurt and damaged, but she's also so strong. It would have been easy to make her a victim and just let her feel sorry for herself, but that wasn't the case and I absolutely loved it.

The boys next door were also great. There were times where Caleb's personality was a little too much and where Justin seemed too closed off, but ultimately it worked for the story and they were great characters. Kate, Audrey's aunt, was also great. The perfect foil to Audrey's overbearing parents. And the author did a great job of making Audrey's uncle seem disgusting and terrifying.

There are two criticisms I have of the book. First, the writing style of the transitions. Rather than having a new chapter or putting in a page break the next paragraph would often start with "the following date..." or "that afternoon..." which is something I don't think I'd ever encountered before and something I'm definitely not a fan of. Second, I wish the cover had gone in a more hopeful direction and had Audrey at the beach or with the twins in the background or just been text or an abstract image. I hate that it focused on the sad part of the book rather than on the hopefulness, since I think the majority of the book is hopeful.

Also, the whole voice thing is a little weird. You have to kind of suspend belief a bit, but it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would and I also found it more believable than I expected.

I'm not sure why this isn't more popular, I really enjoyed it and I want to encourage everyone to read it. It's really well written and kind of has a Hopeless feeling to it, a book which is incredibly popular now.

This review first appeared on my blog: http://justacouplemorepages.wordpress...

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book itself deals with some terrible but very real and serious issues. Those issues include kidnapping, stalking, violence and rape. The book looks at both the events as well as the aftermath for both Audrey and everyone else around her.
Before the incident happened Audrey was a normal teenager, in her senior year. After the incident she was distrustful, skittish and withdrawn. She wouldn't touch anyone not even family or friends, she refused to see or speak to her friends.
There is one thing that Audrey trusts; The Voice. The Voice that was with her through her ordeal and The Voice that told her to scream and lead to her being found. Since being home The Voice hasn't been there, Audrey hasn't heard it and now feels alone.
As Audrey is struggling to adjust being at home, with the agreement of her therapist and her parents, Audrey is picked up by her Aunt Kate, where she heads back with Kate to San Diego. Audrey sees being in San Diego away from her overbearing mother as a good opportunity to end her suffering.
But The Voice returns as she attempts to do it, so she runs. Audrey ends up meeting Kate's neighbours, the twins; Caleb and Justin.They return Audrey home to Kate. Kate tells Audrey that if she wants to stay then she has to attend school and either Caleb or Justin will be in each of her classes to look out for her. This is where things change for Audrey.

I really felt for Audrey. She has had such a tough time. This book does a great job of explaining how Audrey thinks and feels about both the events that have happened and as she continues with her life.
Kate plays an amazing part in the way she tries to help Audrey by pushing her to do things but in a subtle and reasonable way.
Justin and Caleb, what can I say, Yummy springs to mind! Both the brothers play key parts throughout. Justin is portrayed as the secretive, quiet teenage boy, or at least around Audrey he is. Caleb on the other hand is very popular and all the girls think he's cute. he befriends Audrey with ease.

Overall I loved this book, and I'm really glad I offered to take part in the tour as a few months ago I wouldn't have given this kind of book a second glance. Don't Make That Mistake!
The book is written well. I became thoroughly engrossed so easily. There is a twist in the plot; so its not all plain sailing. Some parts are emotional too; you'll smile, laugh, maybe even cry a little too.
I don't know if there is a book 2 in the pipeline, but if there is I'll definitely be reading it.

[YA Reads Book Reviews]

I went into this one a little nervously, just because it centers around such a horrific, realistic subject (kidnapping and sexual assault). And unfortunately I was right to be wary because I ended up not finishing it, though I’m sure it may appeal to other readers.

Basically The Voice tells the story of Audrey, a girl who was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by someone very close to her. After she is rescued and returned home, she struggles to come to terms with what happened to her and move on with her life the best she can. However, this turns out to be harder than it seems because someone is out to get Audrey, and time is running out.

It started off interesting enough, it really did. It was hard to get through the first chapter or two about her kidnapping and captivity, but I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened to her. After that, she goes to live with her Aunt Kate, which is pretty much where I started to have problems with the story. The thing is, a lot of it felt really rushed and unrealistic. We barely find out what happens to her while she’s kidnapped, and then all of a sudden she’s at home with her parents, and then two seconds later she’s living with Kate, who has a ton of problems of her own. It’s a lot of information thrown at you in a short period of time, honestly. I would’ve loved to learn more about her relationship with her parents, or adjusting to being back at home, or learning about her relationship with Kate. But instead she’s thrust into this new world, and then all of a sudden she’s meeting the hot brothers next door, and getting a makeover, and going to her new school. And it was just a bit much.

I wasn’t a fan of the characters either, sadly. Audrey was decent enough to read about, but parts of her inner dialogue were a bit odd at times. From what I read, her Aunt Kate seemed to be a somewhat interesting character, but at the same time she seemed to be almost a cardboard cut-out of the “cool, young aunt” character who doesn’t really have her life together. Same goes for the brothers next door, who pretty much followed the YA trope of the hot brothers, one of which is outgoing and overly friendly, and the other is brooding and seems to ‘hate’ the girl. Maybe they changed later on in the book, but from what I read, they just weren’t my cup of tea.

All in all, this wasn’t my favorite thing ever. I think it’s definitely an emotional read and may appeal to lovers of contemporary, but personally I wasn’t a huge fan.

Pages: 288

Date Published: January 29, 2013

Publisher: Lands Atlantic

Rating: DNF

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis: “During her abduction and assault, Audrey begins to hear a voice. She hopes she's not going crazy, because after what she's experienced, that's the most logical explanation. However, as she begins to listen to the voice, Audrey realizes that someone may be telepathically trying to help her.

Unfortunately, rescue isn't all she needs. In order to leave behind the constant reminders, she flees to her Aunt Kate's house in San Diego, and assumes a new identity. It works until the eighteen-year-old twin boys who live next door threaten to break through the protective walls she's worked so hard to build.
Between Caleb going out of his way to befriend her and Justin avoiding her at all costs, Audrey doesn't know if normalcy will ever find her again. But one thing is certain: When a familiar danger resurfaces, it's the same voice that she turns to -- a voice that is not only real, but a lot closer than she realizes.
Gripping and tastefully told, The Voice is a story of healing, trust, and courage.”


Review: I was given a copy of The Voice by Ashley’s Reading Bliss in exchange for an honest review.
This book was wow! I was taken in from the very beginning. It was a hard subject because of what happens in the book. But the way that Audrey deals with things and works through it all is amazing. I couldn’t put this book down. I finished it in a matter of hours. It’s not a long read but it was well worth reading. Audrey is a very strong character and although she doesn’t feel like she is. The voice helps her through the abduction and she feels better when the voice is there. But when she gets rescued she doesn’t hear from the voice anymore. She stays hidden in her room for a long time after the trauma. With a very overprotective mother and family, her aunt offers to have her come stay with her in California. She meets the neighbor boys Caleb and Justin. Caleb is nice and friendly and Justin will barely look at Audrey. There is some suspense in this story and I truly loved it. I don’t think that I would have been able to deal with things the way Audrey had but I think that she comes out of it a better person. And I think that everyone should remember it is always better to talk things out and not hold them in. I would rather be overly open that not at all. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars! I highly recommend this book!!!

[Laura Helder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through an online contest! I was excited about that...but I was even more excited because the story sounded intriguing and different and I wanted to know more about this voice...

The main character is Audrey. As the book opens we learn that she has suffered through an unimaginable ordeal. She has been abducted and assaulted. This isn't a story about her captivity, it's about how she deals with being rescued, over bearing parents and brothers and how she plans on coping with the rest of her life.

Her therapist feels it would be good for her to get away. She goes to stay with an aunt in San Diego.

Its in San Diego where she starts to rebuild her life (at only 17), starts to find peace within herself and perhaps falls in love?? No YA novel is complete without a few hot guys, right?

Que, Caleb and Justin...neighbors of her Aunt Kate. The friendship and bond she creates with them and their mother help Audrey in so many ways.

You learn what the "voice" means and I thought it was amazing...you will need tissues for sure!

"My body trembled.
“Please help me,” I begged the voice.
Audrey, calm down. It’s okay.
“No, it’s not. Nothing is okay.”
It will be. I promise. Just know that I’m watching out for you. Even if you don’t feel me or hear me, I’m with you. Okay?
“I need you.”
I know."

The strength Audrey had at just 17 was beyond incredible. She had internal struggles dealing with many things after her ordeal, but always managed to get herself through it.

Ms. Davis has created added elements of drama and suspense to keep this story from ever getting dull...it was far from it!! I couldn't put this book down and when I couldn't read it I was thinking about it and what I thought would happen next. I loved these characters and wished the story didn't have to end!

I gave this story an incredible 5/5 stars!! You will need tissues and a full day to read (because you won't want to put it down) and another day to recover!

ps..I would love a follow up to this novel to see how Audrey deals with college, her love interest and the trial she had to endure to put her abducter away for life. I don't say this lightly because I don't like waiting for sequels but i would make an exception for this, I enjoyed these characters that much!!