Indiana Book Lover

Book Hangover Ahead! Sooooo good!! <3

Revisado: 06-29-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews.

Ellis doesn’t talk much.  When Lucky unhappily moves to Nebraska from Chicago when his father get a job at the paper mill, his 10-year old life is upended.  Ellis lives next door and although he’s not the same as everyone else, Lucky thinks maybe it won’t be so bad there.  They are best friends.

Lucky is gay but Ellis doesn’t care – and he doesn’t understand why anybody else does either.  He’s got Lucky’s back and given Ellis’s size, he eventually makes sure that nobody else will mess with Lucky when they are in high school ;)  But Lucky wants a boyfriend and he’s been saying for years he’s going to leave as soon as he can.  He’s never been kissed and there isn’t anyone for him to date.  This makes Ellis sad for multiple reasons.  He does what he can for Lucky, but he knows he’ll never be enough.

When Ellis’s mother has a health issue come up, Ellis gives up any idea of leaving that he might have ever had.  But he knows Lucky is meant for bigger things.  As he learned from a young age, you can’t keep a firefly alive if you catch it.  He tries to be a good friend to Lucky but he misses him something fierce when Lucky does eventually leave.

Lucky gets his dream job and then he’s gone.  He’s all over the world taking gorgeous photographs.  He sends them to Ellis and the talk regularly.  Ellis has his job as a husker.  Over time Ellis realizes that his feelings for Lucky are more than friendship, but he knows that Lucky is meant to be free and that he has to stay where he is.

Lucky goes about his life.  He has hookups but his coworker calls him on his feelings for Ellis.  He doesn’t exactly deny it, but he can’t lose his best friend. What if he doesn’t feel the same way?  How can he know how Ellis really feels?

This is my favorite best friends to lovers stories I’ve read to date.  Ellis’s difficulty communicating with his selective mutism is so beautifully written.  Lucky’s acceptance and love for his best friend from the first time they meet is incredibly sweet.  The ups and downs of their lives.  The Nebraska setting is another character in this story.  Ellis’s mother’s love and acceptance and encouragement and Lucky’s friendship have grounded Ellis for so long.  Lucky moving on with his life was hard, but Ellis was his best friend.  He couldn’t hold him back.  Why?  Because he loves him.  It takes a while for Ellis to figure out exactly how he feels about Lucky and he doesn’t want to make Lucky feel guilty about living his life.  He pours his love for Lucky into his art.  Yes there is some miscommunication, but it’s not in the least bit contrived and the resolution and the way Ellis eventually shares his feeling for Lucky?  PERFECT.  It’s the reality of these two men wanting what’s best for each other and finally realizing what’s best for them is each other.  When they do figure it out – well it’s not all smooth, but it is glorious in the end.

Just when I didn't think I could love this story any more, I heard this audio.  I cannot imagine how these performances could have been more inspired and perfect.  I have been a huge fan of Liam DiCosimo since I first heard him dual narrate a beloved series back in 2020 -I think it was his first audio book and it was fabulous.  He's grown so much as a voice performer and this book is absolutely gorgeous - so heartfelt and emotive and just flawless in his take on Lucky.  The growth of Lucky from boy to man - beautiful.  I first heard Blake Lockheart when he narrated another series by another favorite author a couple of years ago - a series that LITERALLY could not be more different from this book.  And yet, his beautifully measured and achingly brilliant performance of the gentle and loving Ellis is so magnificent.   I'll admit when I read the book, I couldn't imagine how Ellis and Lucky would actually sound.  I could "see" them, but I couldn't get a bead on their voices.  Well now I don't have to.  This is truly one of the most beautiful and compelling stories I've ever read and now I have the pleasure of listening to one of the absolute best audio narrations as well.  Bravo to these two narrators who give such nuanced voice and power to this deeply moving story of these two exceptional characters who find their person and their life in each other.  I don't think I've ever read or listened to a more radiant and special story of best friends to HEA.

And the bonus epilogue?  *chef's kiss*

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For fans of enemies to lovers

Revisado: 06-23-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Note:  This book is part of a longer arc series.  As such there are spoilers for prior books in the series, but it can be listened to as a standalone.

I enjoyed this addition to the Bethesda Barracuda Hockey series.  In this one, Mark Sakamoto and Blake Conti start off as something less than friends.  It's clear that this animosity is really the flipside of attraction.  Mark's obviously got some issues though since he basically attacks Blake after hours and kisses him at the practice rink and then runs away.  It's clear he's having a lot of trouble with his sexuality.  But he's terrified of his dad's expected reaction, so he's kept his sexuality WAAAAAY under the radar.  Blake is really pissed off at Sako's hot and cold act. They bond over the pranks that Sako has been playing on the team. Thus Blake and Sako become the Ice Devils - pranksters who keep the Barracudas on their toes.  When Sako finally confesses his issues, Blake gives him the benefit of the doubt because he is really attracted to Mark anyway.  Sako doesn't want anyone to know about them, so they agree to continue their animosity in public despite the heat behind closed doors ;)  They also find it harder and harder to keep their relationship secret.  Their captain has already caught on and others suspect.

When Sako almost makes a really bad judgement call not being honest with Blake about a misunderstanding involving a past hookup, things look like they might go totally sideways.  Thankfully Blake gets talked off the ledge by cooler heads ;)  Sako still is struggling, but he realizes until he comes clean with his family, he won't be able to move on with his life or be truly happy with Blake.  As much as he dreads it, he has to forge ahead and tell his parents his truth.  Regardless of their reaction he has to do it so that he can live his life out with Blake.

I really enjoyed this audiobook and especially Nick J. Russo's narration.  He must be a hockey fan because his narration of the games are filled with drama and action!  As usual, his performance levels up the material.  There is nothing too new or groundbreaking in this story but Sakamoto learning to accept his sexuality was well done.  Both he and Blake are sympathetic characters and I liked how their relationship evolved.  It was fun revisiting the guys from the previous books too :)  This is another good addition to the series and if you're a fan of enemies to lovers, hot sexy times, pro hockey players coming out of the closet and HEAs, you'll enjoy this one too.

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Hilarious!

Revisado: 04-28-17

I've already listened to this book three times. I loved Nick Russo before, but his work on this book is perfection! Lisa Henry is always a great bet and this book does not disappoint. Love love love this! ❤😂

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Another wild ride for Skyler and friends

Revisado: 08-16-16

This is another fun story (although a bit more serious than the others). Once again the narrators voice choices for the characters are spot on. Lots of great scenes with Alex and Ric as well as the SFC.

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Excellent narration added to compelling story

Revisado: 05-18-15

I've been lukewarm at best on audiobooks but finally I've found mother one I enjoyed. Not overdone. Just the right notes hit on this angsty story of a very dysfunctional family that can't seem to buy a break. Highly Recommended

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