Jackson and Blakely!

Jackson is fining it difficult to be around his best friend when he is in love with her, and she is in love with someone else, so he returns to California to fulfill his father’s dreams of renovating cars for the big screen. It is at his job where he meets the owner’s daughter Blakely and what started out as keeping an eye turned into so much more when he saw who she truly was.

Blakely is a social media influencer who knows that her success or failure depends on her appearance and actions. She presents one image to the public but her personal image is much different so even though she is seen by many the only person who truly sees her is Jackson and the reverse holds true.

Jackson is everything you could ask for in a man and so much more. He is always there with support and understanding whenever Blakely needs someone, and the evolution of Blakely’s characters was wonderful to see. The depth of the characters and everything they were feeling and dealing with came out in spades through the performance of the narrators. 🎧 Audiobook Obsession

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Age gap romance

Jax moves from Sugar Lake to get away from the Leigh who broke his heart. When he meets Influencer Blakely Donahue he thinks she’s a pretentious brat but as he gets to know her he sees the real her that no one else seems to notice. Things and people come between them especially her Dad who insists on treating her like a child. Gideon Frost and Ramona Master narrated perfectly .
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Favorite book of the series

Emily McIntire is doing a fantastic job writing complex, multifaceted characters that really just leap off the page. I've been waiting for Jax's story because I really hated how he was treated across the first book- not outright because Lee from book 1 (his best friend who he has been in love with and now is running from) does love him, just not that way. If you read my reviews from the first two books, you'll note that I would give both books 3.5 stars. There were aspects of the stories I tend to not like in my stories (totally a personal preference). In this story, what really stood out to me is how well characterized the issues are for both Jax and Blakely and this really drew me in the story. There is an age gap (28 for Jax, 19 for Blakely) and Blakely being the daughter of an Hollywood icon adds to the melodrama of the story. Overall, their romance was well done, there is plenty of angst between the characters and the writing is well done.

The narration is done duet style and is fantastic. Gideon Frost and Ramona Master are both fantastic, filling their reading with plenty of emotion. I loved living through this story via the narration!

🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer, PinkFlamingo, TheFlock

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A Forbidden Age Gap Romance

Beneath The Hood by Emily McIntire is a forbidden age gap romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Gideon Frost and Ramona Master. This is the third book in the Sugarlake series and can be read as a standalone. However, I the stories are interconnected so I would highly recommend reading them in order.

The book comes with a caution: "Beneath the Hood features strong language, explicit sexual scenes and mature situations which may be considered triggers for some. Reader discretion is advised."

This is the third book of Emily's that I have read and it definitely won't be my last. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Blakely and Jackson. Their relationship took me on an emotional roller coaster, but you couldn't help but root for them. I loved getting both of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

I can't wait for the next book in the series Beneath The Surface to be released on audio so I can get Lily and Mason's story.

Gideon and Ramona did an amazing job on the narration. They made me feel every emotion that Blakely and Jackson were going through.

I would highly recommend this book if you love forbidden romances, age gap romances, or contemporary romances.


The Flock Team
Audiobook Obsession Reviewer

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Finally!

Finally Jax got his happy ending. I've been rooting for him getting his happy ending ever since the first book. And boy, did this story not disappoint. I loved this forbidden age gap romance, with Jax being the perfect being that he is. And I really enjoyed seeing Blakely's character development throughout the story. The narrators did a wonderful job at vpocing the characters, it was so easy to distinguish. They are truly pros! I highly recommend this story.

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Age Gap with all the feels

I loved Jackson in the first books and knew I needed his story. I wanted to see him get the happily ever after he deserved. I wanted him to find his happiness and find his other half. I wanted to see him find his place and feel like he belongs.

I didn't care for Blakely in the beginning, the need to be something she is not and the need to fit into this little box of unrealistic expectations. I hated it and hoped that wasn't really who she was. However I did see how much she loathed it and that gave me hope.

When Jackson and Blakely were together just the two of them they were authentic and their true selves and I lived for that. It was everything I hoped for. I loved witnessing them learn who they are and what they truly want with each other.

Blakely's downfall so to speak was heartbreaking. I hated the turmoil and self doubt she went through daily and I wanted to throw the measuring tape and scale in the trash for her. But I really loved the fact that Jackson knew not to blow up at her like that, he knew it needed to be treated gently. This part of their story truly broke my heart. I hated it so much. I knew it was necessary but hated it all the same.

Jackson and Blakely's connection was so real and authentic and the age gap was a nonissue when it was just the two of them but then the world felt the need to go and get in between them and that was when the age gap really became prominent, but I loved the way they overcame it and became what they always had the potential to be. In fact, I loved the fact that Jackson was older and mature and knew what he wanted and didn't play childish games with Blakely. It felt like his age helped him to show her true love and that in turn helped her to be able to truly love herself the way she deserved. THAT... That was the best part of this book.. That is what made this my favorite story in this entire series thus far. It was everything to me.

Gideon Frost was perfect for Jackson. He was exactly what I wanted and more! Ramona Master absolutely killed it too, she was amazing with the emotions and turmoil that Blakely dealt with on a daily basis.

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Such a fantastic series!

What a series! Every book is original and fantastic! Emily McIntire gives us Jackson's story and boy, I was completely lost in it! Jacks leaves Sugarlake to get over his old love. California is the opportunity he is needs, rebuilding cars and having them in movies as was his father's dream. Blakely, his boss's daughter is nothing but a bratty child in his eyes. She is always doing her best to get under his skin. Blakely is working with her dad since he does not think her job as social media influencer is worthwhile. But what he doesn't see are all the problems Blakeley has. When her dad asks Jacks to keep an eye on her, things begin to change. Their chemistry builds and when they finally give in, it's explosive! He is the only person who sees her for who she is. Will these two have a chance at happiness? McIntire weaves threads of such relevant life issues into her stories, and I can't help but love all of her books. This story has incredible characters we love to hate and can't help but love. We see our friends from Sugarlake and I love the way they push Jacks. This small town keeps me coming back and involving my heart in their lives. Looking forward to the next book!

Gideon Frost and Ramona Master are fantastic together. I enjoyed Frost's interpretation of Jacks. He is warm and loving, easy to relate to and I just loved his voice! Master is a favorite. Each of her narrations is spectacular. She understands her characters and brings out their personalities. Loved this perfectly cast narration!

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Beneath the Hood

I'm in love with Emily McIntire's writing and the way she can write about one of those 'taboo' topics we don't usually talk about. I loved the first book in this series Beneath The Stars and the way she handled alcoholism. In this book it was trickier but she did an amazing job.
I had a love-hate relationship with Blakely the entire time. What I mean is, I liked her enough but at the same time I felt like she was a little annoying in a sense. Her battles were real though and the way Jacks saw it and helped her just made me love him more.
I need to go back and read/listen to book 2 and continue the rest of the series because I truly am in love and Ms. McIntire has a new fan!

#vipflock #vipflockreviewer #flockreview

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so good!

i don't know how she does it, but all her books make tear up. so beautifully written and it all makes sense. the characters are wonderful and the way she described food disorders was very accurate. i can't wait for the next one. about the narration, both Ramona and Gideo were perfect, but i think i may have fallen in love with gideon's voice. so good!

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Sugarlake book 3 Jackson and Blakely

Beneath The Hood Sugarlake Book 3 by Emily McIntire
Narration by Gideon Frost and Ramona Master

Jackson or Jax has left Sugarlake behind, as well as his heart, and returns to California with aspirations of getting his restored vehicles into the movies. Which was his late father’s quest. While there and working his boss makes a request for Jax to watch over his daughter. At the start Jax sees Blakely as nothing but a spoilt child yet as they’re together more and more Jax sees what everyone else doesn’t in what Blakely hides from others. Which starts Jax really seeing Blakely as a woman that he’s starting to admire and care for. Loved the banter these two have. Both like each other and skirt around each other and when they finally give in to their attraction it’s really hot. Jax is gentle with naive Blakely and they secretly see one another because Jax is working for Blakelys Dad and there also her reputation as a media influencer to protect. Everything is going great until Blakelys Dad finds out about them. These two need a break and it comes along as apart each work on themselves. Emily’s written a heartfelt story that is real with situations that show her characters growth which I loved.

I was charmed by Gideon’s Jax as he showed his patience with Blakely and his caring too. Also playing Chase when he opens up Jax’ eyes to the past. Again with the heartfelt moments in this book. Ramona was wonderful performing all of the various gals from young to seasoned with ease and distinction. These two are professionals and I really enjoyed their acting.

I loved this series and the characters are realistic and Emily’s way of sharing the characters growth as they lived their lives made me eager to hear more.

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