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Can't Take It Back

Written by: Kelly Duran
Narrated by: Gabra Zackman, Ellen Archer, Elizabeth Evans, Suzy Jackson, Eric Michael Summerer
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Publisher's Summary

A perfect next listen for fans of Abbi Waxman and Katherine Center, Can't Take It Back is a fast-paced and relatable debut telling the interconnected stories of four women over the course of a kindergarten school year.

Huddled on their favorite park bench in a quiet Seattle suburb, Holly, Avery, Zoe, and Sasha might look like they've got it all figured out - but there’s more to their stories than meets the eye. When Avery’s husband Carter suggests they open up their marriage, she’s shocked and appalled - but could this new arrangement be the breath of fresh air she never knew she needed? Zoe and Aaron, whose connection has long been the standard by which their friends measure their own relationships, feel that their lives are taking them in different directions, but worry over how a divorce might affect their two young boys. Zoe turns to her best friend Holly for guidance, but as it turns out, this year has tested her own marriage to Jake in ways neither of them ever anticipated. And meanwhile, Holly’s sister Sasha - the no-nonsense PR executive and eternally single girl of the group - must decide if joining the ranks of motherhood is the right step for her.

Captivating and immersive, Can't Take It Back is a deeply emotional novel that celebrates the complex bond of female friendships.

©2020 Kelly Duran (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.
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What the critics say

Can’t Take It Back is the perfect escapist listen. From the first chapter, I was completely drawn into the story world. This plot is full of secrets, lies, and delicious twists...I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen. Duran does a great job of capturing the nuanced complexities of both romantic and platonic relationships.” (Ashley Sands, author of A Terribly Private Club)

“Nicely balanced with real heart and substance, Can’t Take It Back deftly explores the beauty of female friendships and the nuance of marriage.” (Alex Kiester, author of In Her Skin)

“A wonderfully written, complex story about love and friendship with relatable characters that support and uplift each other.” (Anita Kushwaha, author of Secret Lives of Mothers and Daughters)

“Duran’s debut is full of humor and heart. It’s a thoughtful, honest exploration of the female friendships that ground us through the ups and downs of life. How else could you get through an open marriage, a pending divorce and a budding relationship? A great listen for book clubs!” (Alison Hammer, author of You and Me and Us)

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What listeners say about Can't Take It Back

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  • Overall
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So relatable

This is a book for the times and so relatable. The deep friendships are believable to the point, where you wish to be adopted into their tribe. I really enjoyed reading this novel and look forward to more from this author.

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Problematic but fantastic writing

There are admittedly many gender tropes in here that are problematic and offensive - men think with their dicks and women are more reserved, marriage and kids are a cornerstone of happiness, sex is essential for love, etc. But even with these tropes, I still loved the book. The character and story development were amazing. The plot is fairly unrealistic but it was written with such life that it still feels believable. There's also elements of the book that are not problematic- a thoughtful understanding of some of the identity impacts of motherhood, a fairly decent portrayal of non-monogamy for the mainstream, etc. Overall, I was captivated by, and enjoyed, the book.

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I was hooked right from the beginning!

This was my first experience with an audiobook and I loved it! It was very relatable to follow a relationship between a group of women and friends and I enjoyed how the book allowed you to see the story from all different perspectives. I was really engaged by all the different story lines within the main plot. Each story has different aspects and key points, but they connect together so well. With each of these stories, you are bound to find several ways in which you can connect your own life to what the characters are experiencing. These connections to your own life bring some comfort as you are listening to the book, even if they are presented as challenges that the characters are facing in their relationships. I was hooked right from the beginning and I didn't want to stop listening. I highly recommend this book. I loved the author's style of writing and I look forward to her next release!

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    3 out of 5 stars
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good

nice story with good narration worth for the money paid. Gabra Zackman, Ellen Archer, Elizabeth Evans, Suzy Jackson, Eric Michael Summerer did well.

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as good as a holiday!

got totally hooked on this book and invested in each of the characters. Loved the style and narrative flow.

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Worth the read

The characters were great, and the struggles each faced were captivating, raw and emotional, funny at times, however the ending was a little flat. Overall a good read.

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Loved it

The voice actors were amazing and really brought Duran’s story to life! What a journey! With twists and turns throughout the piece, Duran really painted a group of characters you could love, hate, cheer for and cringe for. Great work!

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Good read

Although I cringed at how typical the some of the storylines were, I enjoyed this. It was entertaining and I found myself skipping some of my daily podcasts to listen to this instead. I liked the performances as well!

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    5 out of 5 stars

A complex story about love and friendship

This multiple pov story first drew me in with its wonderful writing and relatable characters. I wanted to know more about these women and how they would manage navigating their unique circumstances, whether it be their careers, identity, motherhood, marriage, infidelity or other betrayals. My heart often ached for them when their partners proved themselves unworthy and my blood boiled when they bore the brunt of the consequences as opposed to the men in their lives, a bold statement in and of itself. The stories interwine and live up to the title. I was happiest for Holly, Sasha, and Zoe. Saddest for Carmen and Avery. The female friendships were the constant throughout all the ups and downs and was for me the most uplifting aspect. No matter what the characters faced, they supported each other with love and honesty, like women do in real life. A story full of love, pain, forgiveness and redemption.

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Wonderful story of friendship

Loved this. A great story of female friendships amidst the trials of marriage and parenting. Beautifully intertwined storylines kept me trying to sneak away from my kids to listen more.

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