Nice Sequel to Big Love!

Bigger Love, is a sequel, and I recommend reading Big Love first.

In Rick R. Reed’s novel Big Love, he intertwines several stories that take place in a rural Ohio town. High School teachers Dean and Seth find romance; and freshman Truman, deals with being out and proud in this very bigoted small town.

I really loved Dean, and I'll admit that I was hoping for more of his story. But it's Truman who takes center stage in this one. It’s a few years later, and he’s continued to own it. Facing the small minded folks in his home town is still a challenge, but Truman stays true to himself, and ends up the winner in the process.

The audio is performed by Brian Stoddard, who is a new narrator to me. Mr. Stoddard’s warm voice is a nice fit for the youthful Truman.

an audiobook copy of Bigger Love was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own

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Teenage Love and Self Discovery

Bigger Love is the second book in the Big Love series, but it can be read as a standalone very easy. It’s a sweet coming of age story about love and self discovery. Truman is sassy and confident, but even he has his insecurities and vulnerabilities. Mix that in with the uncertainty of growing up and the visceral hate of bigots, and Truman faces challenges beyond those of a typical teen. What makes this book so wonderful is the character growth of not just Truman but also yet secondary characters. I really enjoyed the romance and the ending left me with so much hope for Truman and Mike.

The audiobook was narrated by Brian Stoddard who does a nice job with narration. He really got Truman’s personality down pat.

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super sweet

Super sweet. Loved Truman from the start. brilliant story line with a happy ending. Brian Stoddard narration was perfect

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High School love

I don’t listen to many YA stories, but this one had me intrigued. I didn’t have any out and proud fellow students when I was in high school (which was, admittedly, about a million years ago). Did my prom date turn out to be gay? Yes. Was I surprised? No, not really. Lovely guy.

So Truman strikes me as all kinds of brave. He’s gender fluid, so he doesn’t stick to conventions. He wears make-up and pretty clothes. He gets teased and harassed mercilessly by bullies. And adults take a few cracks at him as well.

He’s prepared to make his directorial debut in the student production of Harvey when he’s called upon to take a much larger role – one that suits his yearning to be free of his bigoted little town. But to do this, he’ll have to draw on all his courage and strength. His mom, favorite teacher, and best girl friend are there to support him, but it’s the new boy in town who really has his attention.

Mike just wants to fly under the radar screen, finish high school, and move beyond his prescriptive life. Then he locks gazes with the most beautiful man he’s ever met and those yearnings come to the fore. But can he convince Truman they’re meant to be together when his own father is dating Truman’s mother? When things are so Goddamned complicated? I had high hopes for these two. I wasn’t disappointed.

Brian Stoddard is a new narrator to me and I thought he did a great job with this lovely book. I enjoyed it and will look at going back to the first book in the series.

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Didn't really work for me

Story 3 stars (at most, maybe 2.5)

I had a hard time getting into this one. The story was just ok and the characters were kind of dull. Truman came off kind of rude to me without just cause and I didn't really like him. He also came across as way younger than in his final year of high school. I know this is likely meant to be a YA book but it just came across way more immature than that.

Narration 3.5

The narrator had a pleasant reading voice. They expressed the emotions well but there was little to no voice variations among the MCs which was unfortunate. The echo effect also got on my nerves a bit.

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Bigger Love

A lovely YA listen. This is a well-written story that I enjoyed. The characters were good, and there was actual depth. It held up as a stand-alone. I will be checking out more by this author. The narration was pretty good. I did have to play around with speed to adjust to my preference.

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A young adult story

Truman stands up to his name, a young femme man, who's true to his inner self, and loves to wear makeup even to school. He's suffered from the constant bullying and snide comments, but this made him stronger with a very supportive single mum.
Truman takes on his ultimate performance, actually on stage in his school production.

It is a good story that covers everything from romance, bullying, and diversity and allows them to be themselves.

However, I did struggle with some of the audio quality, I think the narrator did this to show the difference between Truman's thoughts and just the story, but it did put me off the narration.

Bigger Love
Bigger Love, Book 1
By: Rick R. Reed
Narrated by: Brian Stoddard
Series: Bigger Love, Book 2
Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.25 speed on Audible

I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.

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Playing His Role Perfectly.

MM, Coming Of Age, Contemporary, Romance. Overall a slow paced story with the main characters not yet 18, a few dramatic scenes but I would describe it as a "walk rather than a run". Small town romance that meanders on a fraction too long in my opinion. The narration was ok, no major issues but I was not keen on the echoey sound effect used at times.

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Nice

A nice addition to the series by Rick R Reed. Interesting characters with their unique journeys. Brian Stoddard did a nice job with the narration.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

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Adorable!

I absolutely loved Truman and Mike.

This was an amazing, sweet listen.

I actually listensd to this one in a single sitting.

This was super compelling and the narrator did an amazing audio delivery.

Definitely recommend

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2 people found this helpful