Lennox + Kennedy + Pauley = A Must Listen

Normally I start my reviews with the story and move to narration near the end. This time I want to start with Michael Pauley and his amazing performance. I have heard a few cringe-worthy narrations where the narrator tries to convey emotions – a person orgasming (man or woman), anger, delight, or even crying. Often it is over-done and hackneyed.

Michael Pauley never has that problem. He always hits the perfect note, conveying the story with strong and potent emotions while never pulling me out of the world the writer has created. Only at the end of the audio did I reflect on how unobtrusive and smooth the performance was. Michael Pauley is one of my favorite narrators, but this performance was him at his very best.

So, now that I’ve waxed poetic about Michael, I’ll move on to Lucy and Sloane. I found Lucy through word-of-mouth and Sloane through an amazing blurb. I took a chance on each of them – buying and listening to their first audiobooks. The rest was history. I buy their audios the day they come out.

Book 1 in the Twist of Fate series was “Lost & Found.” I really enjoyed the audio and fell in love with Bennett and Xander. Revisiting their love story and seeing how Lucky is flourishing now the two men have adopted him was wonderful. “Safe & Sound” is a stand-alone, but it is always nice to see old friends. Which brings me to Aiden – Bennett’s best friend. At the end of book 1, it was clear there was more to his story, so I was thrilled to learn why he is the way he is. As with all of the characters from these authors, there is more than first meets the eye.

Let me pause and say this is not an easy listen. I thought I had some idea but…well, it’s a good thing I had tissue handy. And every time I thought I was good, there would be some little twist I didn’t see coming that would break my heart just a little bit more.

Then there would be a moment of great levity and I would laugh out loud.

I expect some angst when I dive into a book by one of these women and maybe I should have known I would get a double dose. But don’t let that deter you. Ash’s and Aiden’s stories needed to be told and I’m so glad I listened. There were some really tough issues addressed, including why Ash so desperately needs help, but these things never felt heavy-handed.

I also want to say that I loved the secondary characters (the good ones, anyway, although I guess it’s a good sign that I really hated the bad guy – I mean really hated – and thought of all the men I know who are like him).

Emily, Ash’s boss, and Chance, Aiden’s brother, were integral to the story. And although you don’t have to be a geek or Trekkie, the references are more fun if you are.

But as often as I cried and despite how often my heart came close to breaking, Ash and Aiden did get their happy ending. Not that I had my doubts – this is a romance – but I wasn’t sure how much more I could take.

This book is near the top of my list of favorites because I just didn’t want to stop listening. (Okay, I listened to it in one day). I didn’t want the story to end and in a way it hasn’t because Book 3 is nicely set up. And since Jake has always been a favorite and enigmatic character, all I can say is, Lucy and Sloane – I’ll hold on, but please don’t make me wait too long.

Reviewed on Rainbow Gold Reviews

16 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

OMG

I have cryed, smiled, gotten so mad and have finally got through this book. This book has so many ups and downs and twists. There's nothing I can say about this book this is one that you just have to read for yourself to know how amazing it is.

6 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Warning

There are depictions of physical and psychological abuse, so if dont want that in your romance novels then skip this one! I also agree with some of the reviews, that there is no real sense of justice in the end. I know that being a victim of abuse is complicated, and i would never judge someone actions or responses to their abuser or the abuse they went through, but the authors could have literally done something! I mean, two freaking people wrote this!

Spoiler********






Being outed isn't justice for attempted murder

4 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

this is amazing

i loved listening to the audio as much as i loved reading the story.. Aiden Vale has everything in this world but happiness. He runs into a smart Sexy but shy man Ash Valentine... Ash is running hard from his past where all he knew was anger an pain.. Instead Aiden shows him how love can be protective an safe. Just as the worlds collide Ash's past catches up with him can he safe Ash in time. Can they last forever.

2 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Simply Incredible

If I had the power to I would give this book 20 golden Stars. I have alot to say about this book. Ash & Adain are just going to suck your soul out of your body. Ashton is so very sweet but also terrified. Many times I wanted to slay his demon for him. While Adain is so haunted by his youth, that it cripples him as an adult. He is a man full of love but is scared to freely give it to one special person. Then we have Billy......don't even get me started on him. He is a jerk who just needs a really good beating to show him how it feels.

As an FYI: The letter that Ash got from the donor family will tear you up. It is beautiful and I cried so much. Because I too have received this kind of gift and I am humbled that Lucy & Sloane included this in their storyline. Many people will be able to read how much a gift like that means to the recipient.

So in short this book should be a must read for anyone who loves to read MM romances.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Long and drawn out

the start was a bit long to read but I stick with it. the story was not bad and it hit upon a tank topic of partner beating. I found it very emotional at times without just cause for so much emotion. there was no real justice as the villain got away with not punishment.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Teary Romantic Story: Lots of Ups and Downs!

After listening to most of Lucy Lennox's books, I must say this is not the typical. This book has more teary moments and lots of ups and downs. The "downs" are really down!

Sadly, the least amount of sensual scenes as I am accustomed to with her books. I would have preferred more romantic and hot scenes.

The picture on the cover seems to be misleading. One of those guys can't possibly be Ashton. That is not how he's portrayed in the book. No biggy.

As for Aiden, he didn't seem anything like how he was introduced in Lost and Found, Book 1. Totally different in this book. Again, no biggy.

The story line is quite involving and keeps you guessing on what will happen next. Very well written and involving. Lucy is simply amazing.

As for the narration, you can't question perfection. I have already learned many books ago that Michael Pauley is perfect. He brings the book to life like no other. You just can't go wrong with Michael. Simply AMAZING!!

This book is definitely worth the read. A perfect story with the perfect narration. However, if you are looking for the hot and steamy ... this is not it. Get your tissues ready instead. It lacks humor and laughter that I'm accustomed to as well in Lucy's books. Definitely not a "light fluffy romance". The story will grip you till the end and you won't be able to put it down.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Decent Rescue Romance

Aiden and Ash, a completed pair. This one made my heart hurt for Ash and a situation too many find themselves in. In the end everyone ended up where they needed to be and Aiden became the man we wanted him to be in the beginning. I like Aiden a lot, He has enough to make you feel for him and want to continue to look out for him in future novels. Ash, bless, I only wanted to take him home and take care of him.
Michael as always did a great job. He is typically spot on in his performance.

Loved This Book But Very Disturbing Content

***Trigger Warning*** ***Spoiler Alert***

This book was exceptional in dealing with the heart wrenching topic of severe mental and physical abuse. Even though the ending was not satisfying to many readers as stated in many reviews it is unfortunately the reality that many abusers are not prosecuted for their actions. Abuse and mental illness happen right under people's noses, you never know what someone you meet might be going through. Normally Lucy Lennox and Sloane Kennedy write only HEA stories, this is no exception but what it takes to get there will not be for everyone. If you have triggers for abuse, mental illness, or suicide you should skip this book. I highly recommend it to everyone else if you want to follow along with the series.

Cheesy cliché plot ruined it 😔

This book had me absolutely hooked with fantastic character development, swoon-worthy romance, without a trace of insta-lust to ruin it. But then the freaking PLOT ruined it! And what sucks was at that point I was invested in the darn thing and it was so disappointing. Why? Why must authors ruin perfectly enjoyable books with this sort of b.s. drama? Ugh.