Points of difference

Having a neuro-divergent main character adds an interesting twist to an otherwise fairly predictable story. It's an enjoyable suspense offering though with its Canadian setting another point of difference in its favour.

Nick Russo is an acceptable narrator except when he's yelling. I don't want to adjust the volume every time he comes to a patch of heightened dialogue. It isn't necessary or effective. Other narrators manage this issue much better.

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A lot of whinging

The excellent narrator could not change all the whinging and whining, angst and anxiety which sadly is imparted to the listener, so much so that it depleted my will to try to get beyond it and properly into the story. I listen for enjoyment not to get stressed out. Gave up before the first hour. DISAPPOINTING

Loved It

I loved the way the personalities of the two MC's changed as they began to trust in each other. I didn't like Takoda initially, with his giant chip on his shoulder but warmed to him as he helped Charlie. Charlie was sweet, even with his OCD and insecurities, which will probably stay with him for the foreseeable future. But to see him blossom and begin to trust was beautiful.

This reminded in some small way of Nicky's Love Me Whole, which dealt with multi-personality disorder for one of the main characters and if you haven't read it, it's well worth a listen.

A suspenseful mystery

I've yet to meet an author who writes suspense as compellingly as Nicky James, and combining that with Nick Russo's expressive narration made for an audio I couldn't tear myself away from. I'm pretty sure this book is what made me earn my marathon badge on audible, because I quite literally listened to the whole thing in a single day.

Nothing gets me quite as excited as a suspense plotline that makes me question my perception of reality, and from the very beginning Charlie was a contradiction I couldn't sort out. What I first interpreted as a very real threat turned out to be just one in dozens of paranoia-driven observations that never led anywhere. Charlie was heartbreakingly aware of his reputation for being crazy, and yet his insistence that his stalker was real was hard for even me to believe given the pattern. By the time I realized that maybe this time Charlie's observations were more fact than fiction, it was too late to reverse course and stop a chain of sinister revelations all linked to Charlie's traumatic past. As scary as it was to see the panic overtake Charlie each time a seemingly innocuous object triggered a forgotten memory, it was also fascinating to piece together the clues and try to uncover what was really going on. I felt a lot like Dakota as the story progressed--initially unsympathetic about Charlie's plight, but as time went on, deeply concerned for his safety and frustrated that no one was taking him seriously. Dakota had a massive chip on his shoulder for those who grew up with privilege, so it was particularly sweet to see how he softened to Charlie over time. Their romance was pretty low-key for the majority of the story, but honestly it didn't bother me because I was much more interested in solving the mystery. That didn't make my heart squish any less every time Charlie and Dakota showed affection for each other, because they were so dang cute once they woke up to their feelings. As time passed and Charlie's stalker hovered ever closer, I was impressed (and immensely frustrated) by how carefully Nicky James doled out little bits of information--never enough to solve the puzzle, but just enough to keep me constantly guessing and second guessing what I thought I knew. To say I was on the edge of my seat for the last few chapters is a severe understatement, but it was so worth it to finally know for sure what was going on. Of course, the ending couldn't come without some truly heart-racing encounters and tests of grit, but Charlie and Dakota proved they were up for the challenge.

**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

WOW! Loved it.

I couldn't wait this book to come out in audio too and OMG it was just perfect. Nicky's story with Nick's voice, that's just the perfect combination. Loved listening to this audio, so so good.

The storyline and the characters were perfect, I loved how both Takoda and Charlie changed, and how perfect they were for each other.

Charlie's character was so well written and his past was handled so good. I loved how Charlie communicated with everyone and how funny he was, especially when he corrected Takoda's words. It was hilarious.
Takoda was a little shit and I really loved how he grew up in front of our eyes and fell in love with Charlie. The best thing about Takoda was that he wasn't handling Charlie with kid gloves and told him everything without filter.

Charlie's PTSD and OCD was so perfectly portrayed, but it's not a new thing, everything Nicky touches is beautifully and carefully depicted.

Utterly Amazing and Brilliant 💖💖

Absolutely blew me away simply brilliant and captivating from start to finish the fantastic book by Nicky James and listening to audio is a whole new level Nick J Russo as done a brilliant and unforgettable job of bringing Charlie & Takoda to life its simply heartbreaking full of suspense and intrigue but oh so beautiful couldn't stop listening to this recommend so much. 💞💞

Gripping and emotional

Story: Nicky James created a riveting suspense story that I was hooked on from the get go. Loved the plot, but even more - I loved the deep dive into the emotions of both characters. A unique pairing and a very unique, and trademark to this author, approach to emotional issues and psychological struggles.
Narration: Great job by Nick J. Russo. Clearly distinguishable characters and perfect portrayal of all the emotions.

I was hooked from the first minute !

What a story !!
What incredible narration !!

Boy oh boy, I couldn't tell you what I enjoyed the most about this story.
Charlie has so many heartbreaking debilities, trying to survive in a world he doesn't really want to, while creating a world he has complete control over, where monsters always die, but he is a real sweetheart.
Then there's Takoda, a police officer with a huge chip on his shoulders. He is aggressive, and loud and rude and hates Charlie's privileged background. I may have called him a name or two in the beginning, but the kinda redeemed himself to everyone. He hated being forced to what he called " holding the rich boy's hand " but his case was so much more than he could have ever imagined .
This story has so many layers and so much depth, the complex and broken characters and the constantly changing and escalating scary situations kept me hooked. I felt deeply for Charlie and his intense anxiety, and cheered when he showed his cheeky side, but Takoda's love for his animals gave me all the feels. That bad-ass copper deserved everything he got from his colleagues, but Charlie showed him the right path, and boy did he have to work for it.
A really enjoyable story made better by the talented Nick. J Russo, the light and shade in his voice and those accents were so good, I loved it all .

Story and narration so far above 5 star.

I’m adding to my book review. I got the gift of being able to listen to the audio book. I listen to and read a lot of books. In this case, Nick J. Russo did an outstanding job. He is able to make each character original. He even has the talent to be able to do accents and articulate the personality that makes the characters individual. I still feel the same about the story. If anything I’m more appreciative of the quality of writing.
Original book review:
I’m stunned. I’m still trying to get over the last book by this author, The Endless Road to Sunshine which is almost indescribable, and she comes up with another story so totally different and yet just as fascinating. Charlie was kidnapped at 12 years old and was supposedly the only child saved. He has so many problems that at 29 he is going to have reasons he will be forced to face them. Takoda is a police officer with more than a chip on his shoulder. He is forced to deal with Charlie’s fears. This book has so many twists and turns. There are just as much emotion all through the story. I love how this author can take a romance with added mystery and make it impossible to set down. I also have to praise this author. She doesn’t miraculously just happily just hurriedly tie up her stories. She takes the time to make the story believable and then takes the time to write a well thought out ending. She doesn’t happily find all the answers, she makes everything possible and makes me feel overjoyed to have found her and her stories. I just can’t imagine what she will have next. This is so far above a five star story.

holy omg

this was.... omg wow.. i have no words.. this was hott.. this was terrifying. .this was sexy and creepy and amazing.. the writing alone is amazing but hearing nick pull this off was seriously frightening in spots. it was amazing!