RO

Great book with poor narration

Revisado: 09-08-18

I loved the story of the oblivious Lei and his amazing Aries. This friend's to lovers worked so well for me. I am so disappointed at the narration. Theo and Leone sound fine. Every other character, including the lovely Jamie, sound nasal, old, oddly cadence, ridiculous, etc.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Gentle way to vegan

Revisado: 02-03-16

Informative as to the reasons for being vegan. I like that the author stresses pb your own time, in your own way.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Fluffy and fine

Revisado: 09-06-15

Right off the bat I have to say I am very partial to the theme music that sets the tone for this audiobook - Hearts On Fire by Kev Loy and Richard Kimmings. To be honest, I was ridiculously happy to have that in there! I not only loved the song (and of course the name) but it was an awesome set up to the tone of the book.

Narrated by Charlie David, this is the story of Jeremy, a world famous musician, with an impeccable Hollywood pedigree ranging from his Oscar winning director grandfather to his (deceased) rock god father and his Hollywood royalty actress mother. He is the leading musician in the world and is incredibly talented and incredibly lonely. He comes across throughout the book as very young and/or very innocent. He has been groomed for fame since he was a small child and so really that’s all he’s ever known. “Regular” activities or experiences have never happened for him, let alone adventures. He’s about to start on yet another international tour where he will be making the music that makes him happy, staying at plush hotels with amazing foods and seeing what he can of a new place all by himself while dealing with paparazzi and a manager who doesn’t really let him rest. Lonely.

His choice of bar in a road trip before the tour is a small place in a little no-where town called Munds Park. It is here he meets (and pretty much immediately offends) the bartender, Reg. He is having a great time for the first time in ages, talking and laughing with Reg for six hours, in the interim getting too drunk to drive. Reg is sweet and invites Jeremy to chill out on his couch. Of course, this is when Jeremy offends, noting that he’s in “Whatever Park…Why would I know anybody here?” Snobby diva. Luckily he realizes it and Reg is an easygoing guy and forgives him, after some teasing.

Turns out even though Jeremy has been playing incognito, Reg has recognized him. As they discuss through the night, Reg’s dream of travel and adventure combines with Jeremy’s aching wish to have someone to talk to and Jeremy comes up with the idea of hiring Reg to be his “pretend boyfriend”, some on the road with him and spend time. Awesome for Reg and comforting for Jeremy. After waiting to make sure Jeremy is serious and it wasn’t the alcohol talking, (and requiring a very funny walk the line) Reg agrees and here really is the first time Jeremy’s innocence (or sheltered life) is apparent, when he “widened his eyes and parted his lips. “An adventure?” he gasped.” Poor Jeremy.

And so begins the adventure of Jeremy and Reg and it is absolutely lovely. Suspend disbelief for a little bit because Reg may seem too good to be true but about time Jeremy had that. He does things that make you think he’s much younger than 31, such as chewing on his collar when he’s nervous. He is surrounded by people but doesn’t have real interactions with them, even those considered “close”. I thought it was sad that Bill had been Jeremy’s manager for eight years and Jeremy knew nothing about him. Of course, Bill comes across as a major jerk at times, though he seems to have Jeremy’s interests at heart. His initial meeting with Reg, well, it just highlights how being THE Jeremy Jameson might just be a pretty tough way to live.

What Reg does, through the glamour and otherwise that is the life of a rock star, is treat Jeremy like a “buddy, an equal, a regular guy.” And this pampered, lonely rock star loves it. And if he starts questioning himself and who he is, well, even better.

Have to say – Jeremy is an adorable drunk. “Raising his hand to rub his eye, Jeremy punched himself in the nose instead.” I laughed at that out loud, even more when Reg helpfully points out, “You hit yourself.” They are just cute together, bickering and teasing. “Is that supposed to be an impression of me?” Jeremy asked incredulously. “Because I so don’t sound like a dying, constipated, one-nutted squirrel.”

Let’s put it out there – Jeremy of the purple hair is a wonderful thing. Purple hair gets me every time. But Reg? I loved him. He’s patient, kind and adventurous but he is also loyal and sweet and is never a doormat despite his chill exterior. He absolutely refuses to let anyone bully Jeremy and he calls Jeremy on his diva behavior. Win-win with Reg, Jeremy. I saw this not as a gay for you on Jeremy’s part but rather as an awakening of the real person, not just the stage persona everyone expected. Jeremy himself questions, “I’m thirty-two years old. How did I not know this about myself?” Maybe because you’ve never had the chance to actually be with someone who wanted you for yourself.

I did want to know – why did Jeremy’s mom support him like she did? That wasn’t addressed and since Mama is clearly a selfish Hollywood diva, I really wondered. I’m glad she did, even if there was trouble later, but still wondered what prompted that decision. Since later in the story she shows the selfish when her use of Harold causes trouble for Jeremy and Reg.

I loved Reg’s declaration, Jeremy’s innocence in contrast with him being such a rock god, adored Becky and was even on board with Bill’s voyeuristic streak even if it was sort of ewww. But mostly, I just loved the maybe too perfect coming together of Jeremy and Reg.

The book is marshmallow fluff at its finest. I thought Charlie David did a wonderful job narrating. Yes, I’d have appreciated a bit more differentiation between Jeremy and Reg’s voices but then again, Charlie David has a sultry voice so when sexy bits came up, it was perfect. I liked this book a lot when I read it. I loved it more when I listened to it. Recommended for a sweet, feel good time.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

A scared rabbit

Revisado: 02-12-15

I loved the narrators voice. He made Jeremy sound like a con man at times, which he was, and lost and confused, which he was even more often. Aiden, just amazing

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Made me smile

Revisado: 12-31-14

Zach is the son of political, rich parents who really don’t care much for their son except as window dressing. He’s the lonely prince in the tower (the penthouse of one of his father’s buildings) who rebelled just enough to be a lawyer who protects people but not much else. He works, he has no friends and he calls in escorts for those times that his loneliness gets to be just too much.
When he meets Sean, substitute teacher, on the elevator dressed as a cowboy, he is bemused. He’s a bit socially awkward, our Zach, but Sean doesn’t mind. So begins the strange relationship of Sean and Zach via the elevator. Admittedly, it’s an odd way to get to know someone but it’s probably the only way Zach would have been able to. While Sean is the younger and definitely poorer of the two, he is by far the more confident and life experienced.
We get to know a little more about Zach and it’s heart breaking, really. When Zach tells the story of the train I wanted to squish him. We get to know more of Sean and when Sean dresses as the conductor I wanted to clap and was happy.
This is the Amy Lane that I love. Solidly on the side of the sweet, with MC that will just grab my heart and twist just a little because I want so much for him, and then make it happy. "You were going to be my dessert." I wanted to reach into the book, pull him out and just hug him. Awesomesauce.
I was a little worried because this was a new to me narrator. He is now firmly on my list of positives because I thoroughly enjoyed his voice and it added just that much more to a fairy tale story.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

Bad Boy Turns It Around

Revisado: 12-24-14

Fully, absolutely expected to hate Lucas after the first few pages of this book. What a self-absorbed, selfish, rude jerk! Whether we blame his way too busy with his career single dad or we blame Lucas, just wow, he’s obnoxious. When Lucas is shipped off to the farm by his father, who is cutting Lucas off from the millions of their family, he is bound and determined to take it out on anyone and everyone he sees. The ever-present phone (which gives our first clue that maybe Lucas is salvageable) , the sunglasses worn inside and the bag he refuses to carry all point to a spoiled LA party boy. The reason he was sent to the farm in the first place shows how confused he is, (the where and when, not the why are what’s important!)


By comparison, the quiet, helpful, lonely Jared just seems like he’s going to be steamrolled by the rudeness. Jared’s best friend, Susan, is his ex-wife and reading his conversation with her, it just seems like he’s not going to be able to stand up for himself with Lucas.

And then, lo and behold, we see it. Jared has a backbone (which he uses with respect) and he isn’t going to be railroaded or treated poorly. He may be shy and not a partier, but he is definitely someone to be taken seriously and he will not tolerate Lucas being rude to the people of his town. When he sets out the way it will be and why, I cheered for him.

As Lucas and Jared get to know each other, histories and personalities come forth. “There was something undeniably intimate about sitting in a quiet room and talking with someone.” Something we of the digital age tend to forget, so it was so different for Lucas.

Of course, he has to go and ruin it and act like a complete and utter asshat so I wanted to smack him. He may have been acting out of disappointment but the phone call to dad was cruel and showed me, nope, he’s not grown up yet. It is after this that we really get to see the awesomeness that is Jared and the growth that occurs with Lucas. “…he’d always remember being cherished.” What an amazing gift to give someone.

When Lucas finally begins to see past himself, it’s a joy to read (hear?) and you get to see the man he really is. I did love that his dad, always too busy for him, showed some remorse. It was a reminder to Lucas, no one is perfect but you can make changes to be better. And Lucas so does this.

As an aside, Jared’s ex, Susan, is a strong female character and I enjoyed listening to her manipulations to get Jared out of his shell.

When I got through with this book, my thought was how much it made me smile. And my second was, it’s just lovely. An interesting thing about the audio, Paul Morey (a favorite narrator of mine) makes Lucas sound exactly like I thought he would. Kudos!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Sweet and second chance

Revisado: 12-07-14

This was my original short thought on this book: Very cute and Joe, he was so adorable.

Edit: Re-read this and liked it just as much. After reading When Adam Kissed Me I couldn't decide who I liked more, Adam or Joe, and I still can't.
Now that I’ve listened to it – I love them both. Adam has temporary amnesia from being hit by a car. As his lifelong best friend, Joe is just horrified that he nearly lost the man. As Joe takes care of him, and as the memories start to slowly return, you get to see the love and devotion there is. Add in Joe’s extremely involved family, and no wonder Adam is a little overwhelmed.
The narrator of this story, Jeff Gelder, just did an amazing job making the emotions of Jeff and the confusion of Adam so palpable. It’s very short so it was the perfect drive to work and home story, but I will be relistening to it. And now, I SO hope When Adam Kissed Me goes to audio!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Sweetest Rock Story

Revisado: 07-24-14

Cassidy is a rocker, his voice so beautiful that he and his band are poised for greatness. He is in the band with his friends, and can't wait to get on with his life. Until the phone call that lets him know his parents were killed in a car accident, and his dreams of rock stardom come crashing down. Cassidy loves his family, and raising his two younger siblings is now his responsibility.
Cassidy takes responsible jobs, singing in karaoke bars when he can. He's the one who no one can hook up with. When he gets a new job working for Malcolm, a former foster kid who is now a rich business owner, he has a near immediate crush. There are times when I thought Mal was going to be a complete jerk (when he is at dinner with Cassidy, gets a call from an ex, and then just takes off, leaving Cassidy to walk) but he more than redeems himself.
While the plot itself was a solid four stars for me, lost dreams and a knight in a shining Maserati, the characters make it a five. They are charming and funny. The brothers together made me laugh, and I could completely picture them. Cassidy, the hidden tattoos and bad boy flavor with his own incredibly likeable siblings was so much fun. And Mal? Adored him. A multi millionaire saying "eleventy billion" and just wanting love? He's delicious. A lovely book.
Definitely recommended for a light, happy read with gorgeous men who have personalities.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Hopeful and sweet

Revisado: 07-24-14

I’ve read this book in the past but hearing it on audio made it even better. The narrator, KC Kelly, does an excellent job portraying both the innocence of Ethan and the difficulty speaking of Carter.

Ethan has had a traumatic brain injury and he has an almost childlike innocence about him. He doesn’t remember much from Before (the injury) but family assures him he’s the same wonderful person. He has a job at a coffee shop with a fierce, awesome friend; he has an amazingly supportive family and he has his “music”. Ethan hears music in everything. He is so aware of the world around him but not as an average person would be.

Carter has moved in next door to Ethan’s family. He has Tourette’s and it has slowly made him shy and hermit-like. When he unwittingly insults Ethan at the coffee shop, he feels the need to make amends. This begins getting to know Ethan, who really is a sunny, sweet person. Ethan needs a lot of support, because the injury makes him unable to remember things. (When he comes out of the shower and realizes he didn’t rinse his hair, I wanted to cry for him.)

As the two form first a friendship and then start to fall a little more, pieces from the past come up to haunt them. It’s a very difficult thing because I could understand why the decisions were made and yet there was always the risk that the truth would come out.

I had a little bit of difficulty with envisioning their future, because Ethan seems to be pretty much where he is going to be as far as recovery goes, and he’s very childlike. But then when I realized Carter has that nurturing in him, treating Ethan as cherished and not dependent, well, okay then.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Historical finery

Revisado: 03-16-14

This was an interesting historical take on Beauty and the Beast, except Beauty carries scars of her own. A former soldier, Simon was damaged and scarred in battle. He has grown reclusive, a subject of gossip by the people in the village. He has shunned his friends and acquaintances. But now he is lonely. He wants company, female company.

To this end, he puts out an ad for a governess for his ward and then plans on making more of the woman who appears. This woman is Hortense, who is desperately trying to begin a new life for herself. I actually felt really bad for her, because the offer Simon puts forth basically brings her right back to her former life and yet really, what choice did she have? Good for her for putting conditions on it.

One night together, that’s what they have between them and they have sex. A lot of sex and Simon is very focused on making things good for Hortense. A lovely thing, that Simon.

As far as the BDSM aspect goes, it’s very light. A bit of tie up is the farthest they go and it was not done as I would have expected, so I liked it all the more.

I have to admit, while I am a fan of audiobooks, this narrator’s performance detracted from the book. While her delivery during descriptions was spot on, dialogue tended to be very over dramatic and made me view the characters as ridiculous when they shouldn’t have been.

As this is a short tale, there is a lot of sex for the length but that’s what the story is about. There is insta-love, as well, but it worked for me. Something I particularly liked was that the situation Hortense found herself in when her father died was exactly what could happen back in those times of women having no status. This is an easy, quick read, particularly for historical fans.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 3 personas