Fantastic Story & Narration🎧Gripping & Heartfelt!

Every once in a while you come across a book that not only captivates your attention, but it tugs your heartstrings like no other can. This is that book and it is one that will stick with me for a very long time. The story drew me right in and I could not pull myself away from it because I needed to know what happens next. Nora Phoenix is a gifted author with a wonderful writing style, her descriptive details bring you in to the story she created right alongside the characters, giving you an inside view of what they are seeing, thinking and feeling. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to, connect with and care about. My heart went out to Kinsey, having to live a lie his whole life, forced to hide his feelings and true self because of his family and religious upbringing. He settled and made the best life he could, found someone who shared his beliefs, got married and had children and a career that was fulfilling. Except he was never truly happy and it all catches up to him after he loses it all, forcing him to rethink his life and starting anew. It is a second chance for him to live the life he wanted to life, there are struggles along the way, but he finds friendship in the most unexpected way, in the gym with his personal trainer. Benoni, a personal trainer and fitness guru, is happy to have Kinsey Lindstrom as a client. Not only is he the best trainer for him, but he gets him and wants to work with him. Benoni may be best friends with Kinsey’s son, Jonathan, but he does not see him as just his best friend’s father, he sees much more. I loved how everything plays out in this book, it is a beautifully plotted story with plenty of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions and a slow burn romance. Watching Kinsey come into his own is heartwarming, hearing what he endured growing up is gut wrenching. The maturity and patience Benoni displays is amazing, that man has a heart of gold, a caring heart one that is just what Kinsey needs. I am looking forward to what happens next in the second part of the duology. Besides the two great lead characters, there are some great secondary/support characters. Nora Phoenix, thank you for this wonderful story, some of the subject matter is not easy, but you kept it real and you did a great job handling addiction and recovery and religious homophobia. That or any homophobia is unacceptable and has no place in my life, and it breaks my heart that people still think that way. We can only hope that one day people will open their minds and their heart and realize love is love.

🎧📚🎧 And for the wonderful narration, as always, John Solo does an amazing job bringing these characters to life, humanizing them, giving each their own distinct voice and personality, making it easy to follow along and tell who is how. He has a complete understanding of the characters he portrayed and takes each role, runs with it and makes it his own. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures all the characters’ emotions and projects them into his performance. This mega talented narrator and a versatile voice is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen.

3 people found this helpful

One of the Best Books I've Ever Read

This book is absolutely incredible! Genuine, truly heartfelt, and depth of character like nothing I've listened to before. I am wowed and I cannot wait for the second in the duology. John Solo does a perfect job of narrating this book. Highly recommend!

2 people found this helpful

Very different but wonderful

I love the fact that this book tackled some of the popular teachings on homosexuality through the eyes of the main characters. I found myself having to reevaluate my own biases. I absolutely recommend reading this book. Definitely worth the credit. As always, John gives a superb performance.

2 people found this helpful

Feels like lectures and speeches

Dialogues between characters feel forced and feels like lectures where the author is trying to teach readers about identity, age, sexuality and such. What makes it worse is those speeches, in the form of dialogue and inner monologue, feels repetitive.

The author seems to be trying to tap on something serious. But the wording, repetitiveness, and the depth of exploration made the book fail at both story and meaning.

Better off to read a lgbtq+ essay collection

Narration:
Narrator has a good voice, but the little to none distinction between characters, between dialogue and inner monologue makes it hard to follow. Whispering voice sounds quite refreshing and intimate in the beginning, but using that tone all the time makes it sound flat

1 person found this helpful

Top notch Entertainment!

Nora Phoenix wrote an entertaining story about an ex-closeted ER doctor, his road to a fulfilling life. I find the way she took on the issue of homophobia by the horns and describes it in a romance novel. I have never read a Gay romance novel like this one before; she meticulously builds up his world, like it’s nobody’s business. I am elated that I could listen to John Solo tell this story; he nailed it! I recommend this book to seasoned and not so seasoned readers of gay romance novels. Love is Love. Always. ❤️💚🤎💙💜🧡💛

1 person found this helpful

Beyond beautiful and heartbreaking and just so good

This book was so different and thought provoking. It really spoke to me and it was amazing. The narrator did a phenomenal job! Brilliant story. Bravo!

1 person found this helpful

Unique, realistic story

I loved this book. I teared up at some parts. I felt really connected to the characters.

1 person found this helpful

obnoxious

I can't understand why the narrator's means of showing vulnerability is through whispering. And the story moves along very slowly. and too much discussion of religious expectations.

This story hits you differently

I have lived the so called religious way and the way it’s portrayed in this book, it touches you deeply and helps you realize it’s all someone else’s agenda and not what religion should be about. The love story, the taboo, the addiction and the twists in the plot keep you coming back for more. Luckily there is a second book to complete the story. Great job.

Starting Over

This story is wonderful and starting it knowing that there was a second part to the story made me able to relax and let the story unfold without wonderful how they would get where they needed to be. There is so much to unpack for Kinsey as he navigates his brand new world. He has much to overcome and it was interesting to see the mix of things that happened to him and things he did to himself. I like how this story doesn't let Kinsey make excuses for those choices but that he does takes person responsibility. On the other hand he sometimes takes on guilt that is misplaced. And this is where we get to see Benoni shine because he helps Kinsey begin to navigate his way not only to physical health but mental health as well.
I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.