✫✫ 4.5 Stars ✫✫

I was dying for this book to come out and I gotta say the story and narration was everything I wanted it to be. I love Sarina Bowen's books and her characters are also so interesting that you just want to be friends with them all. Kieran is my favorite type of guy, he is quiet and observant. I loved how much he grew and came out of his shell in this book. He just needed someone to put him first and show him that he mattered. Rodrick was hard for me to grasp but that I think is a production issue for me(see end of review). In the beginning he seemed more serious and had a lot of people let him down in life and was now just trying to find his place. Once he found his place he seemed to loosen up and be himself. I really enjoyed their story and loved the way they became what mattered to each other and knew that anyone who didn't see them for who they were didn't matter. I also loved all of the side characters, especially because it felt like visiting with old friends. The steam level of this book was surprisingly not what I expected but it just made this book more about the love story than the sex, not that i would have minded a little more steam. The narration was incredible. Teddy is my favorite male narrator so I knew he would be perfect but I have to say, Stephen Dexter was very surprising in this book. He did an amazing job at giving every character their own voice and with that gravely smooth voice I am hoping we hear more from him. Ok so here it is my one and only issue with this audiobook production which I am not blaming either narrator for, I think maybe it's more on the editor/proofer for not noticing or who ever is in charge of giving the narrators direction for the characters (I don't know the actual process). I really struggled getting a grasp on Rodney's character because each narrator made him seem like a different person. I don't expect both narrators to be able to give the character the same voice but it should flow at least and this did not. One made him seem a little feminine and almost chipper, while the other made him come across a little lost, guarded and not feminine at all. I honestly would have liked him either way but I need consistency. (This is just a listeners 2 cents and I didn't let this change my rating of the book or narrators)

8 people found this helpful

Wonderful opposites attract M/M love story

I love this! It took me a while to get into M/M romance. Ironically, I didn't think they had much romance. I needed to find a writer that I enjoy. I also want to like, and hopefully love the characters. I knew a little bid of Kieran (from the True North series). This is a standalone. You can read or listen to this without reading the TN series. Kieran and Roderick are so different. At first, Roderick seems more bold, but he does get knocked down a bit. Kieran is just starting to become independent. He cares a lot for his family and doesn't want to shake things up . Kieran and Roderick become friends first. I think that this is new for Roderick. He's been rejected and betrayed. I love how determined he is. He picks himself up and doesn't wasted time whining about his troubles. Reread in my future (I did this with Loverboy too). Read this or listen to the audio. Enjoy. I love the ending. PS, Grandpa Shipley is awesome. Plus, there's another supporting character or two that may surprise you! I always love Teddy Hamilton's narrations. I really enjoyed hearing Stephen Dexter as Kieran. *A wonderful tease to an upcoming spin off series Vino and Veritas !! PS. I did go back and listen again to my favorite parts. The first 10-15 chapters is wonderfully setting up the relationship between Kieran and Roderick.

3 people found this helpful

Beautiful!

Sarina Bowen writes beautiful m/m books tackling difficult and realistic hurdles to happiness. Roderick and Kieran came from very different backgrounds and experiences but found that opposites do attract. Their relationship grew very organically and slowly until they finally admitted their attraction. Their story is a study in common themes experienced by the LGBTQ community. Stephen Dexter and Teddy Hamilton were brilliant and brought these two characters and their extended families to life perfectly. Definitely worth a credit. Bravo Sarina Bowen!

1 person found this helpful

Just what I wanted

Not an overly complex story but filled with warmth and coziness. I know that might sound unexciting, but when you’re in the mood to retreat from personal angst and just enjoy a romantic escape this hits the mark. Narrators, Teddy and Stephen, bring life to the words and bring you into the lives, struggles, and romance of the main characters. Sarina Bowen’s story was just what I needed!

1 person found this helpful

Love love love !

Once again Sarina Bowen delivers a story that is sweet, honest, (sexy) , and not angsty! and I CANNOT say enough good things about the narrators . *mwah*

1 person found this helpful

Amazing

This. Book. Is. Amazing. Also the narration is fabulous!! Teddy Hamilton is one of my absolute favs, and now I’ll also be adding Stephen Dexter to that list! They did a great job.

1 person found this helpful

What a great book

The story is just great. I love how the characters discover themselves and love for each other. It's a great addition to the true north world.

1 person found this helpful

So Amazing! A Must Listen!!

I have been anxiously awaiting this book. And it was sooo worth the wait!  Both Roderick & Kieran have stolen my heart. Their sweet story captured me in a way I haven't felt before. Thank you so much for bringing them to us, Sarina! I think they "may" have surpassed my love for #Wesmie. And I don't say that lightly because I love #Wesmie. But man oh man, Roddy & Kieran are amazing! TOTAL SWOON! I can't decide which one of them I like better. Teddy Hamilton & Stephen Dexter were both amazing and were perfect for their roles!

1 person found this helpful

Love Love Love

I was melting by the end of this story! The shy quiet farmer guy, Kieran meets chatty outgoing Roderick at the small town Vermont coffee shop. Kieran wants to run away from his life and Roderick is trying to find his way home. It’s sweet, sizzling, heartwarming and funny. It’s in my Love Love Love Goodreads folder. Thank you to author, Sarina Bowen for Kieran and Roderick’s story. Stephen Dexter and Teddy Hamilton give fantastic performances in their narration. #smalltown #vermont #findingyourway #comingout #cookinglessons #badparents #mm #gayaf #loveislove

One of the best books I’ve ever read

This is legit one of the best books I’ve ever read! The duel narration is exceptional, the storyline is realistic and the characters are likable. Highly, highly recommend!