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Can't Take It Back cover art

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.

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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Love the characters in this book!

Loved this book! Was a pleasure to listen to.

The characters were easy to love and their struggles real and relatable. The friendships between the women were touching. The way the relationships developed with each other while they dealt with varying issues in their marriages, is a beautiful testament to female connection.

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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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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Not housewives of.. bitches!

This is an authentic story with supportive female friendships navigating real-life problems. I really enjoyed it. Done in day!

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1 person found this helpful

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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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1 person found this helpful

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  • Pm
  • 2022-01-27

Riveting

Good realistic and raw storyline of today's society and all the hardships and struggles that goes with it. A story also of true friendships through thick and thin.

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  • J W
  • 2021-11-26

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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Loved it!

I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book! My expectations where exceeded. I found myself trying to find time to listen just for a couple minutes here and there during the day. Wondering what was going to happen next! Highly recommend. The characters/relationships were relatable as a mom married for 13 years with 2 small kids and girlfriend that would be there for me much like these ladies were. Can’t wait to see what Kelly Duran writes next!

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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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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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A must listen

Wow! This book is something special.
The author does an amazing job delivering an original, engaging and touching novel. One that shares the challenges of marriage and motherhood; and the power of sisterhood and female friendships.
There’s secrets and lies, romances and what-if’s; all tied up with a bow; into a book that will have you thinking about it long after your done.
The characters were compelling and relatable, and If you loved Desperate House Wives or Big Little Lies, and a fan ( like me ) of Katherine Center, then I’d definitely give this wonderful debut a listen.

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