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Openly Straight
- Narrated by: Pete Cross
- Length: 9 hrs and 1 min
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-
All That’s Left in the World
- Written by: Erik J. Brown
- Narrated by: Barrett Leddy, Andrew Gibson
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 50
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 42
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 42
When Andrew stumbles upon Jamie’s house, he’s injured, starved, and has nothing left to lose. A deadly pathogen has killed off most of the world’s population, including everyone both boys have ever loved. And if this new world has taught them anything, it’s to be scared of what other desperate people will do . . . so why does it seem so easy for them to trust each other? After danger breaches their shelter, they flee south in search of civilization. But something isn’t adding up about Andrew’s story, and it could cost them everything.
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5 out of 5 stars
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What it says on the tin:)
- By katherine on 2023-01-29
Written by: Erik J. Brown
-
The Gravity of Us
- Written by: Phil Stamper
- Narrated by: Michael Crouch, Jonathan Davis, Gabra Zackman, and others
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 34
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 25
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 25
As a successful social media journalist with half a million followers, 17-year-old Cal is used to sharing his life online. But when his pilot father is selected for a highly publicized NASA mission to Mars, Cal and his family relocate from Brooklyn to Houston and are thrust into a media circus. Amidst the chaos, Cal meets sensitive and mysterious Leon, another "Astrokid", and finds himself falling head over heels - fast. As the frenzy around the mission grows, so does their connection.
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5 out of 5 stars
-
Cute Story with beautiful relationships
- By Darcy Tyrrell on 2020-08-25
Written by: Phil Stamper
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Conventionally Yours
- Written by: Annabeth Albert
- Narrated by: Kirt Graves, Joel Froomkin
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 42
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 36
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 36
Charming, charismatic, and effortlessly popular, Conrad Stewart seems to have it all...but in reality, he's scrambling to keep his life from tumbling out of control. Brilliant, guarded, and endlessly driven, Alden Roth may as well be the poster boy for perfection...but even he can't help but feel a little broken inside. When these mortal enemies are stuck together on a cross-country road trip to the biggest fan convention of their lives, their infamous rivalry takes a backseat as an unexpected connection is forged.
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2 out of 5 stars
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Love this novel...the audio version not so much
- By Kaylie hilker on 2021-09-09
Written by: Annabeth Albert
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Something Fabulous
- Written by: Alexis Hall
- Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton
- Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 47
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 44
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 44
Valentine Layton, the Duke of Malvern, has twin problems: literally. It was always his father’s hope that Valentine would marry Miss Arabella Tarleton. But, unfortunately, too many novels at an impressionable age have caused her to grow up...romantic. So romantic that a marriage of convenience will not do and after Valentine’s proposal she flees into the night determined never to set eyes on him again. Arabella’s twin brother, Mr. Bonaventure “Bonny” Tarleton, has also grown up...romantic. And fully expects Valentine to ride out after Arabella.
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3 out of 5 stars
-
I f***ing hate the Tarlton Twins
- By Mehdi Rifai on 2023-01-16
Written by: Alexis Hall
-
What If It's Us
- Written by: Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera
- Narrated by: Noah Galvin, Froy Gutierrez
- Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 283
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 251
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 250
Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it. Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things. But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them? Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated. Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.
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5 out of 5 stars
-
Not even done
- By bj kilganan on 2019-04-06
Written by: Becky Albertalli, and others
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Boyfriend Material
- Written by: Alexis Hall
- Narrated by: Joe Jameson
- Length: 13 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 338
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 303
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 303
Luc O'Donnell is tangentially - and reluctantly - famous. His rock-star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next 20 years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything. To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice normal relationship...and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He's a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and someone who has never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. He’s perfect boyfriend material.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Here’s hoping!!
- By Tre2020 on 2020-11-05
Written by: Alexis Hall
-
All That’s Left in the World
- Written by: Erik J. Brown
- Narrated by: Barrett Leddy, Andrew Gibson
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 50
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 42
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 42
When Andrew stumbles upon Jamie’s house, he’s injured, starved, and has nothing left to lose. A deadly pathogen has killed off most of the world’s population, including everyone both boys have ever loved. And if this new world has taught them anything, it’s to be scared of what other desperate people will do . . . so why does it seem so easy for them to trust each other? After danger breaches their shelter, they flee south in search of civilization. But something isn’t adding up about Andrew’s story, and it could cost them everything.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
What it says on the tin:)
- By katherine on 2023-01-29
Written by: Erik J. Brown
-
The Gravity of Us
- Written by: Phil Stamper
- Narrated by: Michael Crouch, Jonathan Davis, Gabra Zackman, and others
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 34
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 25
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 25
As a successful social media journalist with half a million followers, 17-year-old Cal is used to sharing his life online. But when his pilot father is selected for a highly publicized NASA mission to Mars, Cal and his family relocate from Brooklyn to Houston and are thrust into a media circus. Amidst the chaos, Cal meets sensitive and mysterious Leon, another "Astrokid", and finds himself falling head over heels - fast. As the frenzy around the mission grows, so does their connection.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Cute Story with beautiful relationships
- By Darcy Tyrrell on 2020-08-25
Written by: Phil Stamper
-
Conventionally Yours
- Written by: Annabeth Albert
- Narrated by: Kirt Graves, Joel Froomkin
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 42
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 36
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 36
Charming, charismatic, and effortlessly popular, Conrad Stewart seems to have it all...but in reality, he's scrambling to keep his life from tumbling out of control. Brilliant, guarded, and endlessly driven, Alden Roth may as well be the poster boy for perfection...but even he can't help but feel a little broken inside. When these mortal enemies are stuck together on a cross-country road trip to the biggest fan convention of their lives, their infamous rivalry takes a backseat as an unexpected connection is forged.
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2 out of 5 stars
-
Love this novel...the audio version not so much
- By Kaylie hilker on 2021-09-09
Written by: Annabeth Albert
-
Something Fabulous
- Written by: Alexis Hall
- Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton
- Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 47
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 44
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 44
Valentine Layton, the Duke of Malvern, has twin problems: literally. It was always his father’s hope that Valentine would marry Miss Arabella Tarleton. But, unfortunately, too many novels at an impressionable age have caused her to grow up...romantic. So romantic that a marriage of convenience will not do and after Valentine’s proposal she flees into the night determined never to set eyes on him again. Arabella’s twin brother, Mr. Bonaventure “Bonny” Tarleton, has also grown up...romantic. And fully expects Valentine to ride out after Arabella.
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3 out of 5 stars
-
I f***ing hate the Tarlton Twins
- By Mehdi Rifai on 2023-01-16
Written by: Alexis Hall
-
What If It's Us
- Written by: Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera
- Narrated by: Noah Galvin, Froy Gutierrez
- Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 283
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 251
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 250
Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it. Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things. But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them? Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated. Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Not even done
- By bj kilganan on 2019-04-06
Written by: Becky Albertalli, and others
-
Boyfriend Material
- Written by: Alexis Hall
- Narrated by: Joe Jameson
- Length: 13 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 338
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 303
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 303
Luc O'Donnell is tangentially - and reluctantly - famous. His rock-star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next 20 years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything. To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice normal relationship...and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He's a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and someone who has never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. He’s perfect boyfriend material.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Here’s hoping!!
- By Tre2020 on 2020-11-05
Written by: Alexis Hall
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The Music of What Happens
- Written by: Bill Konigsberg
- Narrated by: Joel Froomkin, Anthony Ray Perez
- Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 49
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 45
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Story4 out of 5 stars 45
This is a story about two teens falling in love over a summer that throws everything possible to keep them apart. Max: Chill. Sports. Gay and not a big deal. And a secret: An encounter with an older kid that makes it hard to breathe, one that he doesn't want to think about, ever. Jordan: The opposite of chill. Poetry. His "wives" and the Chandler Mall. Never been kissed and searching for Mr. Right, who probably won't like him anyway. And a secret: A spiraling out of control mother, and the knowledge that he's the only one who can keep the family from falling apart.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Interesting contemporary narrative
- By alex on 2019-12-14
Written by: Bill Konigsberg
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Love, Hate & Clickbait
- Written by: Liz Bowery
- Narrated by: Michael Crouch
- Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 23
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 20
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 20
Cutthroat political consultant Thom Morgan is thriving, working on the governor of California’s presidential campaign. If only he didn’t have to deal with Clay Parker, the infuriatingly smug data analyst who gets under Thom’s skin like it’s his job. In the midst of one of their heated and very public arguments, a journalist snaps a photo, but the image makes it look like they’re kissing. As if that weren’t already worst-nightmare territory, the photo goes viral—and in a bid to secure the liberal vote, the governor asks them to lean into it. Hard.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Really Fun
- By loic alexandre on 2023-08-23
Written by: Liz Bowery
-
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
- Written by: Mackenzi Lee
- Narrated by: Christian Coulson
- Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 232
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 202
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 200
Henry "Monty" Montague doesn't care that his roguish passions are far from suitable for the gentleman he was born to be. But as Monty embarks on his grand tour of Europe, his quests for pleasure and vice are in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family's estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Disastrous socialite bisexual meets love
- By Amazon Customer on 2018-06-03
Written by: Mackenzi Lee
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The Darkness Outside Us
- Written by: Eliot Schrefer
- Narrated by: James Fouhey
- Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 43
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 40
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 40
Ambrose wakes up on the Coordinated Endeavor with no memory of a launch. There’s more that doesn’t add up: evidence indicates strangers have been on board, the ship’s operating system is voiced by his mother, and his handsome, brooding shipmate has barricaded himself away. But nothing will stop Ambrose from making his mission succeed—not when he’s rescuing his own sister.
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5 out of 5 stars
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HOLY SHITTT
- By sadie on 2021-06-05
Written by: Eliot Schrefer
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The Alpha's Son
- Written by: Penny Jessup
- Narrated by: Michael Mola
- Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 10
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 10
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Story4 out of 5 stars 10
Max Remus couldn't care less about finding his mate—unlike the rest of his fate-obsessed pack. He totally prefers hanging with his bestie, eating his dad's steak sandwiches, and drawing in his trusty sketchbook. But all that is about to change at the Blue Moon Festival—a summer camp where Elite Pack wolves go to find their mates. The festival is a rite of passage for every teen werewolf, and this year's festival will be one to howl home about. The alpha's son, Jasper Apollo, is attending for the first time.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Really wanted to like it.
- By Joshua McDonald on 2023-03-09
Written by: Penny Jessup
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Neglected No More
- The Urgent Need to Improve the Lives of Canada's Elders in the Wake of a Pandemic
- Written by: André Picard
- Narrated by: Miles Meili
- Length: 5 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 19
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 15
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 15
It took the coronavirus pandemic to open our eyes to the deplorable state of so many of the nation's long-term care homes: the inhumane conditions, overworked and underpaid staff, and lack of oversight. In this timely new book, esteemed health reporter André Picard reveals the full extent of the crisis in eldercare, and offers an urgently needed prescription to fix a broken system.
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5 out of 5 stars
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A must read for those planning for later years.
- By B McGaw on 2021-12-22
Written by: André Picard
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Boyfriend Goals
- Written by: Riley Hart
- Narrated by: Iggy Toma
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 35
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 32
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 32
Milo. Unusual. Quirky. Different. I’ve heard it all. I’ve accepted I’m not for everyone. When I find out I inherited a bookstore and apartment on a small East Coast island, I jump at the chance for a new life. Turns out I’ve also inherited a sexy, tattooed guy who not only rents the space next to my store but my apartment too. Gideon. I wasn’t looking for a roommate, but it’s not like I can stay at Milo’s place while he’s banished to a hotel. According to Milo, we’re bestie goals. And if he doesn’t wear pants at home, who am I to complain?
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5 out of 5 stars
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loved it!
- By Glence Glasgow on 2022-11-12
Written by: Riley Hart
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Roommate
- Written by: Sarina Bowen, Heart Eyes Press LGBTQ
- Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Stephen Dexter
- Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 119
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 108
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 106
I’m a man with too many secrets, so the last thing I need is a new roommate with a sexy smile and blue eyes that see right through me. Eight years ago, Roderick left town after high school. We’re not friends. I owe him nothing. But back then, I let one of my secrets slip, and he’s the only one who noticed. Part of me knows I should run far, far away. But the other part wants him to come upstairs and spend the night. But if I let him in, I could lose everything.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Great Story
- By Amazon Customer on 2021-03-31
Written by: Sarina Bowen, and others
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Pine Cove: The Complete Series
- Written by: HJ Welch
- Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
- Length: 59 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 18
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 15
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 15
Welcome to Pine Cove, where true love lives happily ever after! This box set contains all six novels as well as all five companion short stories. Safe Harbor: Robin Coal needs a fake boyfriend for his high school reunion. He asks his housemate: A gorgeous, totally straight ex-Marine. What could go wrong? There’s only one bed, and Dair might not be so straight after all...When Robin’s past threatens their future, only Dair can save him.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Great stories, hot romance, humor
- By Michelle Benincasa on 2023-01-05
Written by: HJ Welch
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The Charm Offensive
- A Novel
- Written by: Alison Cochrun
- Narrated by: Vikas Adam, Graham Halstead, Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 55
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 45
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 45
Dev Deshpande has always believed in fairy tales. So it’s no wonder then that he’s spent his career crafting them on the long-running reality dating show Ever After. As the most successful producer in the franchise’s history, Dev always scripts the perfect love story for his contestants, even as his own love life crashes and burns. But then the show casts disgraced tech wunderkind Charlie Winshaw as its star.
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5 out of 5 stars
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So Glad I Listened
- By Glence Glasgow on 2023-10-14
Written by: Alison Cochrun
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The Three Musketeers (AmazonClassics Edition)
- Written by: Alexandre Dumas, William Robson - translator
- Narrated by: Guy Mott
- Length: 27 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 8
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 7
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 7
Young nobleman d’Artagnan has arrived in Paris intent on joining the guardians of King Louis XIII. He befriends the regiment’s most formidable musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, and together they unite in their commitment to uphold justice. Soon, a royal indiscretion thrusts them into an audacious escapade of courtly intrigue, thwarted romance, and daring rescue. But it’s the Machiavellian schemes of a powerful enemy and the wicked seductions of an ingenious female spy that will be their greatest challenges.
Written by: Alexandre Dumas, and others
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Out of Time, into You
- Written by: Jay Bell
- Narrated by: Kevin R. Free
- Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 4
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 3
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 3
My name is Reggie Valentine, and if you’ve heard of me, it’s because I’m the guy who vanished shortly after graduating high school. I know how crazy this will sound, but after a freak accident, I woke up in the 1950s and met a really special guy. His name is Daniel Parker. He’s adorable, sweet, hot, and everything else I’ve been searching for. There might be a way to return to my own time, but I’m not sure I can leave him. Daniel didn’t even know that two men could be together like this before I arrived.
Written by: Jay Bell
Publisher's Summary
Rafe is a normal teenager from Colorado. He's been out since 8th grade, accepted by his peers & championed by his progressive parents. And while that's important, all Rafe really wants is to be a regular guy. To have his sexuality be a part of who he is, but not the headline, every single time. So when Rafe transfers to an all-boys' boarding school in New England, he decides to keep his sexuality a secret - not so much going back in the closet as starting over with a clean slate. But then he sees a classmate breaking down and realizes his own labels aren't well-concealed. And most of all, he falls in love with Ben...who doesn't even know that love is possible.
What the critics say
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Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Adam
- 2020-08-22
I wish I listened to this sooner.
First, let me start with this, I am come from a completely bias opinion, I freaking loved this book. I loved the characters, I loved the story, the storytelling was amazing, I never thought I could love something some much, and this, this brought me joy I haven't felt in a long time, and I am so happy I took the leap and got this book, because it was amazing. If the description sounds good to you, and you're checking reviews you decide if you should check it out. Do it, and I hope that this will be just as amazing as it was for you, as it was for me.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Adoptivemom
- 2022-12-13
Did not like the ending - loved the book
I loved this book and the very much coming of age feel it had.
I laughed, cried for frustrated and felt emotions going in all directions.
Definitely a book for any teens/adults who feel like they might want to find themselves or that they fall into the “different” category. Great for teens as the swearing is not excessive the sexual conversations/references are not explicit I feel.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Just Me
- 2022-05-28
Better than Expected
I'm a straight social worker and always looking for material to help me understand the LGBT world. This encapsulated the impact of labels and the dilemma of honesty. It captures the longing for connection with others and with self.
Narration does an amazing job of bringing the story to life.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Teo Popa
- 2021-02-08
Cute and funny (mostly)
The good:
This book cracked me up a lot, not gonna lie. The characters are (for the most part) fleshed out and interesting, and I especially liked the roommate character and his friend. The MC (Rafe) is a dorky idiot, but in a good way.
There’s a neat meta thing where Rafe is actually writing part of the novel in the story, and he gets some interesting feedback that made me want to pause and think.
Overall it’s an entertaining, easy listen.
(Also the narrator does a GREAT job with the different character voices... there’s even a moment with an accent that sounds exactly like how it’s described.)
The bad:
The premise is a little far-fetched, it’s hard to believe that this kid buys into his own excuses so hard it takes him months to figure out what he did wrong. However, to be fair, I enjoyed the way in which he does reach his final conclusion.
(sorry, I go on a rant now)
So, this book has weirdly problematic moments that kind of came out of nowhere. There’s a character that’s presented as “some guy Rafe just doesn’t get along with” and later we find out, on a seemingly unrelated note, that this guy is more “outwardly gay,” like the way he dresses and talks... and the subtext suggests that this is a bad thing. This character is presented as super annoying, and Rafe (who can easily pass as a straight jock) doesn’t learn anything from his own prejudice. The other obviously gay character is presented as a total weirdo and an outcast, though thankfully Rafe is friends with him.
There are also some tone-deaf pro-animal cruelty comments (I found the phrase “a live pig” ironic when used to refer to a pig roast...)
Oh, and the R-word is dropped for seemingly no reason other than “realism” I guess, and is never addressed.
I know I’m probably nit-picking, but in a book that wants to be super progressive, these moments gave me whiplash.
tl;dr cute book sometimes problematic but makes up for it with humour, one thumb up :)
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jay
- 2019-08-23
Wonderful book
This book really made me think. There are so many books similar to this one, but yet so different. This book truly was so amazing, once I started, I didn’t want to stop. It taught me a lot of important lessons and made me understand more about the lgbtq+ community. It also taught me some very important literature knowledge, like what speed writing is. All and all this book was fantastic. The storyline, the characters, just everything about it was amazing. Highly recommend.
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Johnathan
- 2017-08-20
Dissapointing
Don't buy this if you want a good story, much less a romantic story.
This book is little more than a vehicle for the author to express his opinions on how gay people should behave and feel about their own sexuality.
It's essentially the "if you're not flaming gay, you're really just repressed or self hating" argument stretched over way too many pages.
I felt betrayed when I realized this, having already become attached to the plot and characters, who were never really done justice as they were clearly playing second fiddle to the author's "message."
Only positive thing I can say is the narration was decent (but I don't want that to factor into my overall rating, lest I understate the disappointment this novel proved to me.)
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109 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Ray Paramo
- 2017-04-15
A Novel Worth 'Celebrating.'
Any additional comments?
Though I was a bit apprehensive about this novel's premise at first, I ended up falling in love with its narrative. It does take a little while to warm up to Rafe, but he ends up revealing an authentic, sympathetic side with which readers/listeners can genuinely connect. With an entertaining cast of characters and a heartwarming story about growth--a realization that others should not only be tolerated, or accepted, but celebrated--Konigsberg's 'Openly Straight' is a surprising delight. I cannot wait to dive into its companion novel, 'Honestly Ben'!
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21 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jacob
- 2018-04-09
Beautiful story
Where was this book when I was 17!? This helped heal very real and deep wounds I didn’t even know where there. Funny, gut wrenching, heart ache and triumphs are all in this wonderful journey our young protagonist starts.
Love, from a foot tapper.
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17 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Greg Hollinshead
- 2020-04-28
Not a romance novel
I grabbed this with my monthly credits as 1) a romance novel, 2) a queer romance novel and came out of the experience pretty disappointed. After thinking about it, my disappointment is because this is not even slightly trying to be a romance novel and shouldn't have been marketed as such because this is a story about how Rafe comes to terms with both being gay and how people and the world change to respond to that fact. I came into being pansexual as a straight-presenting cis man in my later twenties so perhaps I am not the target audience for a coming-of-age story of a teenager who only fancies men, so if that is you, I hope this rings much more true for you, but definitely don't go into this expecting a gay romance
Toby, Alby, and Ben are all great characters that we don't get to see enough of. The only sexual experience with Ben gets yada yada'd "I mentioned the bisque", which, aside from two kisses, is the only physical romance we get. The relationship with Ben and where it leads is totally unresolved as is the potential for conflict and growth with the school's homophobic atmosphere and jocks. Bryce is brought up as a very interesting character who suffers from depression and is one of the few black students in a mostly-white school, yet he exeunts stage left very early and both his race and character are largely irrelevant to the remaining story aside from 2 short scenes which leaves a lot of room for narration, introspection, and conversation unfulfilled in my opinion. It's just odd that we spent the entire book talking about making space for and accepting people who don't fit into labels around cliques or sexuality so that they can feel like full human beings, but we couldn't find any space for the one black kid in junior year other than to use him as a plot device for our two white characters to forge a relationship over his exit now that his bed next to Ben is empty which gives us a chance to get closer to our love interest. It's like, we went out of our way with the Mr. Scarborough scene to point out how being the only black character in a school of whites would be isolating and contributing to his depression, but we still dumped the character unceremoniously just to give our romantic characters a chance to smooch
In the positive things I have to say, the characters are written pretty much how I might expect sixteen year olds (I had to look this up because I had no idea how old juniors were as a Canadian, it's grade 11 fyi.) to act, however, there is a use of the R slur for neuroatypical people by one of the characters that was totally unnecessary imo, as well as several uses of the F slur (not the fuck word) so prospective viewers should be forewarned. I also think the narrator did a great job with voices differentiating the main characters (toby, alby, rafe) and I only had a few small instances where I had trouble discerning who was speaking because of terse back and forth dialogue
Finally, when I came back to review this, I see this novel is part of a series but I must say that even though the book ended seemingly very abruptly I'm not interested in seeing how it progresses but I hope that Ben can find some support and found family in his journey, wherever it leads him.
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15 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Claire Mueggenberg
- 2017-04-19
A+++
A wonderful, memorable experience. I felt it accurately portrayed the plight of the modern gay kid while maintaining a light hearted tone. Very very good.
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12 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- A's Mom
- 2017-09-23
Perspective
Great writing and eye opening perspective. Although sometimes painful, this story seems so valuable for sharing a view that is impossible to get from the straight side. I also appreciated that the character is in high school and how being gay affects his view of the world.
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7 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- sremel9
- 2017-08-01
Good book
Narration took some getting used to but really enjoyed the book as a whole. Would definitely choose the book again and will look for more from this author.
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6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- work in progress
- 2017-09-24
I love this book
This book is wonderful. I was just thinking about the fact that I haven’t heard a book in awhile where I actually care what happens to the characters. I love these beautiful kids. I want them to be real. I think think they are real. I chose this story because it was the Audible Pick if the Day. I know I wouldn’t have tried it otherwise; I wouldn’t have waisted my credit on it because I normally read thrillers. This story tugged at my heart strings and made me laugh out loud. It’s beautiful.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Roy Casstevens
- 2017-09-25
Hated to have it end.
What did you love best about Openly Straight?
Mr. Konigsberg has a great style that make an audio book really easy to listen to. The story grabbed me right away to see if Rafe's experiment would work.
What other book might you compare Openly Straight to and why?
I love Haley Walsh's books. But really hard to make any kind of comparison.
Have you listened to any of Pete Cross’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
The is the first I've heard from Peter Cross. I found it well paced and he did a great job with voices for each of the characters.
Any additional comments?
I had hoped for a happier ending for Rafe and Ben. It kind of wrapped up quickly. I hope Mr. Konigsberg's next one take me where i'd like it to go. I'm hooked, though..
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lionel
- 2017-10-02
so much more than a coming out novel
I was not prepared for the questions this brought up. outstanding and unique perspective.
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2 people found this helpful