Rolling the Love Dice

Natural Twenty made me want to buy a bouquet of flowers and join a Dungeons and Dragons group as soon as I finished the book. I have never played a Dungeons and Dragons game in my life, but I really want to change that after reading this book. This was such a fabulous, sweet book about a stoic florist and a gregarious bookshop owner. This romance had it all: humor, cuteness, awkward flirting, supportive best friends, adorable dogs, flowers, games, and fandom. I thought all the characters were wonderfully developed and were full of depth and feeling. The writing was well done and flowed smoothly which made the entire book a joy to read.

The audiobook was narrated by Joel Leslie who did an incredible job. The characters were perfectly voiced and I could feel the emotion and energy, but the performance never became over-the-top – it was just right. I found listening to this book enjoyable which was enhanced by the well done audiobook production.

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Enjoyed

I enjoyed listening to this new series and following Jay and Leo. I like the world building. It’s low angst and fun.

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Tha language of love.

When Leo went to the Grand Opening of the new bookshop up the road from his florists he took a good luck bouquet for the owner and when he got his first look at Nerdy Jay he thought he was gorgeous. They chatted and Leo and Jay had so much in common. Joel Leslie did a great job narrating this wonderful sweet MM romance.

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Lovely story with great english accent!

When I heard that this book is going to be on audiobook and would be narrated by Joel Leslie, I was so happy!
But when I finished the audiobook, my happiness was gone.

It's a first for me that I haven't enjoyed an audiobook from a narrator I love. I can't explain why (probably the strong english accent?! IDK), but I mostly just laughed on the audio. I don't want to be rude, but I think this was just too much on the english accent. I never cared about audiobooks if it's english or american or other accent, I just enjoy the story, but this time I couldn't and my mind was all over the place. (and it was like I was listening to one of Lily Morton's book - Joel is the narrator of those too, and I couldn't separate the voices)

The story itself really good, I love the book, but the audio wasn't working for me. And it's just a me-thing, I believe it's a great book and audio, but this time not for me.

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Great set of stories

Heartwarming unique story set in Lincoln UK about the loveliest characters. Lots of depth and growth, this is the first of a few books I loved reading and very glad they’re now on audible! HEA, fairly low angst (saying as someone with anxiety I was ok with it) and all books are easily standalone.

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Flowers, D&D and so much geeky fun

First let me say, this book had me at hello. A gruff florist, a geeky bookshop owner, and a Staffy? Yep, I’m in.

I also loved that each chapter began with the name of a flower and the secret meaning. I mean, I know nothing about flowers and I came away educated – in a good way. I also didn’t know there was such thing as a twenty-sided dice. Again, I love when a book subtly teaches me new things. I come away feelings satisfied and just a little smarter.

As for Jay and Leo? I loved them. Both have sort of sworn off love and aren’t looking. Jay in particular has a bit of a sordid history. His bookstore is a fresh start and he has his friend Edward to thank for that (and I love the Jacob and Edward reference).

This is a slow-burn romance until it’s not and then it’s hot’n’heavy and then it backs off a bit. Jay’s in a tough spot and he doesn’t know how to reach out for help and Leo wants to help but doesn’t want to be overbearing and eventually it all works out which made me so very happy.

I’m happy to see this is a series because I so can’t wait for Edward’s book.

Finally, the amazing Joel Leslie. He was perfect for this lovely book and he brought just the right touch of humor to it. So, well done and I highly recommend it.

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2 people found this helpful

I enjoyed this a lot.

Natural Twenty is the first book I’ve read by Charlie Novak and I really liked it a lot. I have to admit right up front that I don’t know much about Dungeons and Dragons so a lot of the references to that game went right over my head. However, that didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the story.

Listening to the audiobook was really great. I give Joel Leslie a lot of the credit for my audiobook addiction. He performed the first audiobook that I truly loved (others failed to hold my attention) and I haven’t looked back since. His range of accents is phenomenal and I’ve never failed to enjoy any audiobook that he’s performed.

The story was really great all by itself. I loved all of the references to flowers and their meanings and the way that Leo used them to woo Jacob (Jay) even though Jay didn’t realize what was going on. Jay recently opened a bookstore and Leo loves books so he pays the shop a visit during its grand opening.

Jay is struggling with his new business and his confidence is at a low point. His ex-boyfriend really did a number on him and it’s caused him to doubt nearly everything he does. Leo really has to work hard to get Jacob to agree to date him. Once they get together things really heat up until Jacob begins to doubt himself again.

This story has two great MCs, sweet rescue dogs, a great epilogue and Jacob’s fantastic best-friend, Edward. Edward’s story, Charisma Check is available now.

A copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author or narrator.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

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Adorable!

I read the book back in October, and loved it. I recently listened to the newly released audiobook. Joel Leslie captured these two lovable dorks in the perfect way. His enthusiasm had me grinning and portrayed the emotions in a way that I felt them to my core. I am a sucker for the grumpy, quiet alpha/bubbly bouncy duos, add in books, D&D and cute doggos and you have a perfect natural twenty

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Liked it

Audiobook Review by Mel
4 Blue Roses

4 Blue Flames

5 Headphones 🎧 🎧 🎧 🎧 🎧

Narrator Joel Leslie delivered a 10/10 performance (as usual). His knack for English, Irish and Scottish dialects guaranteed well distinguishable dialogues and personalities. I started out listening at 1.3x speed and quickly had to reduce it to 1.2x as his natural cadence is on the faster side (which I generally like). Joel has a beautiful voice and does narrate as an A+ narrator. This delivery lacked a little humour and deeper connections to the characters. But, it’s my opinion that the narrator did his best to bring to life what was written and given to him.

The author wrote a wonderful and perfect love story, but I struggled to like the characters or connect with them. I really wanted to, they should be likeable, but I feel we rolled too fast from the setup to the confrontation and then to the resolution. If that makes any sense. I did dit not have time to get to know the characters. Otherwise, it was perfect, all the t’s were crossed and i’s were dotted. Wrapped up in a perfect contemporary romantic bow.

I do recommend this audiobook, I did like it. Listeners who love their romances on the serious side with medium drama, may like it more than I.

Happy Listening

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Did not finish

Two and a half hour of tedious talking, eating, visiting each others shops. No plot, no tension, no hopes or dreams, no characters. Add to that the bored Joel Leslie of late.
I bought this because #2 sounded good. So I skip this one.

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