Unabridged Audiobook
Overall 3.5 stars Narrator: 3.5 Stars Story: 3.5 Stars When I saw the chance to listen to this book, I jumped at it without reading the blurb for it, or the subsequent books in the series. Having read the Nothing Special series, and fallen in love with it, I had high expectations. It was all ‘Yes. Please and thank you.’ I had no inkling that would be a mistake. This book is NOT a flop, by any means. Some people are really going to love it, rightfully so, but this is not the same as the Nothing Special series, as in...all of it. It’s a very different feel and vibe, in my opinion. I struggled at times to stay focused. I wish this book would've been split up. One for Angel and Max’s story, one for Ryker and Bass, and another for the last section of this book. It felt like three stories, and a little disjointed. On to the positives, because I don’t want to tear down this book. It is a pretty good book, as long as you don’t go in thinking this is going to be just like our beloved Nothing Special. Maybe I just set the bar too high; it’s possible. I’m actually a fan of insta-love stories. It’s just a feel-good thing, and I’m actually living proof it happens. It’s not unrealistic at all. It just doesn’t happen to everyone. I like stories that don’t have a long buildup to the relationship. It gives us more time spent elsewhere, like growing it, and the steamy moments. (Wink wink) I’m not going to address the BDSM moments, because I’m not into it past light usage of it. I don’t think I could be objective. If you enjoy it, then you will appreciate Ryker’s and Bass’ relationship. I will say, with zero hesitation, that Angel’s and Max’s relationship was my favorite of the two. I could’ve done without witnessing the interactions both men had prior to meeting, BUT I can appreciate they were to demonstrate who these men were before they came together. I’d rather just read an inner monologue, or in conversations somehow. Aiden Snow will forever be imbedded as the best narrator for AE Via’s work. I’m aware that I’ve been ruined for all others, and being a stick in the mud. Tim Paige is fairly new to narrating, but has been busy making a name for himself in both m/f romance, and m/m. I liked his voice for Max’s character for sure, but I wanted a less dramatic, more sensual voice for Angel. He did a great job with Ryker’s, Bass’, and the various other characters. My wishes for Angel may be personal preference, but I just didn’t feel the voice matched the character. It wasn’t bad or unpleasant, please don’t take it that way. It just wasn’t what I would choose for Angel, but no one asked me. Lol There is absolutely an audience for this book, but unfortunately, I’m not sure I was a good fit for it.
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