Enhanced by Audio

Shattered Expectations is the story of Seth Hawkins, lead guitarist for Forgotten Legacy. Seth had a traumatic childhood, bit he’s managed to make a name for himself as an adult. He meets Riley and is entranced by her. They begin a private relationship…movies, bowling, a walk on the beach. Then it all shatters when Seth learns who she really is. This story made me laugh and cry. Having Thomas Locklear voice the characters in this audiobook enhanced all the scenes. His voice, with his grittiness at times, made this listener feel like I was right there in the room with the characters.

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Brilliant!!

Shattered Expectations, the second book in Forgotten Legacy, was one incredible Rockstar, age-gap romance. I loved it! I skipped the first book and wish I hadn't; it's definitely best to read the series in order. The plot is fully developed, and the storyline is super engaging, entertaining, steamy with a few jaw-dropping twists. Seth, the Lead Guitarist, and Riley, a photographer, are three-dimensional characters with complex emotions, making them even more appealing and relatable. Their story is utterly captivating, bittersweet, and heartfelt, one impacted by a past tragedy and shaped by its looming shadow. I couldn't get enough!

A stellar performance by Thomas Locklear. He slipped effortlessly into the characters, portraying their emotions and connections flawlessly. He literally brought the characters to life. Shattered Expectation is a riveting tale, one I highly recommend. I listened to a promotional copy of the audiobook, and my unbiased review above is given voluntarily.

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3 people found this helpful

Epic Rockstar Romance and more!

Seth, a 28 yr old Rockstar with a tragic childhood, so much angst, and the inability to think beyond his sister's well-being.

Riley, a care-free 18 yr old, a passion for photography and rock bands.

There is so much I love about this book, the chapter titles are on point with the vibe of each chapter, the song choices, and the overall feel of life on the road amidst what goes on in the bands personal life.

Thomas Lockear does an AMAZING job narrating each character and the nuances between female/ male, the emotion and tone of the book. He brought these characters to life, especially Seth. I had so much empathy for him and everything he's been through in his lifetime and still come through it.

Riley is a beacon of light for Seth, but this relationship has its highs and lows.

L. Ann has written characters with depth, flaws and beauty.

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Best Audio Book EVER!

I don’t think there are enough gold stars that I can give this Audio book. Thomas Locklear brings the author, L. Ann’s, characters to life.

The story is poignant, heartbreaking, infuriating, amazing, sexy, and so real... it’s refreshing to read a romance where the characters feel real, and add Thomas Locklear’s narration and this becomes an unforgettable story. His portrayal of Seth Hawkins is brilliant, the emotion and feeling he gets across is unbelievable and at times panty melting.

This story will stuck you in and have you wishing that it will never end. A million stars isn’t enough, and I can’t wait for the next book and audio book in this fantastic series.

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Seth and Riley

This second book about Forgotten Legacy is Seth and Riley's story, you do not need to have read or listened to Forgotten Memories to enjoy this book but I would most definitely recommend that you do, this story will mean so much more if you have as the shared history Seth has with Gabe and Harper helps you better understand this story.

I could not stop listening to this book Seth is just so broken, so damaged and yet so strong. My heart broke for him, for the pain he had suffered, for the torment he'd lived through and for the belief he held that he wasn't worth loving because of his past. Seth and his younger sister Lexi were adopted as children but not before the damage had been done and even now he puts Lexi's happiness before his own. He and Gabe formed a firm friendship whilst at school, like finding like as Gabe told him at their first meeting. Their friendship led to the formation of Forgotten Legacy the hot rock band which is now one of the hottest properties around.

Seth's nickname by the fans is The Devil, he keeps everyone but Gabe at arm's length, he appears to be so self-contained, but in fact, he isn't. He never shows emotion that is until he meets Riley, she's ten years younger than him, something he wasn't aware of when he allowed her to get under his skin. She appeared much older, she calmed his soul and made him feel normal for the first time in years. She wasn't an adoring fan willing to do anything for his attention but unfortunately when he found out just how young she was his newfound trust was shattered.

Riley knows she should have told Seth her age, something I'm sure she would have done soon, but when he learned it before she could explain he cut her off. She'd been around the band for years taking pictures and writing a blog, she's mature beyond her years and isn't just a starstruck fan. She's admired Seth the man from afar. Some weeks after the break up she gets the chance of a job as the band's official photographer. She takes the job, the band and its entire entourage go on tour with her determined to avoid Seth apart from work and Seth determined to punish her for what he believes was a lie.

But proximity, chemistry and attraction bring them together, she's perfect for him, she gets him, her patience with his dark side leads him to let her in on the secrets he's been hiding from the world. Then just as things are going well tragedy strikes and all seems lost.

This is certainly a book that evokes the strongest emotions, the storyline is so dark at times, Seth has suffered so much, he's lost so much but he deserves so much you just keep hoping he'll realise this and let in the people who love him in. Riley's way of dealing with his dark side is perfect she just has to make him see that he's all she wants. The characters are all so believable and well-drawn. L. Ann has created a band and a world I want to visit with again, I can't wait for the next book in this series to be available on audio.

The narration of this book by the wonderfully talented Thomas Locklear could not be improved upon, it's a world he already knows having narrated Gabe and Harper's sorry too. The emotion and feeling he brings to the story and the characters could not be improved upon, I'm so glad L Ann decided to use him for the whole series. She also provides a perfect playlist of songs for this series. I listened to each one on YouTube at the start of each chapter.

This book and series will stay with me it's just so well produced but be warned there are triggers about child abuse and sex trafficking in this book, it's not a book for everybody but if it helps it does end with the start of Seth's healing something I'm sure will continue with Riley by his side.

My review is written voluntarily

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Brilliantly written story!

This story is intense, heart-wrenching, heartwarming, and realistic. Seth and Lexy's severely abusive upbringing will tear you apart. In many cases mental illness now becomes an insurmountable obstacle. L Ann brings these issues to light and make the listener feel the results of this abuse. Seth is a broken man who wants nothing to do with a permanent relationship. Riley accepts Seth for whom he is and being a rock star isn't what draws her to him. She brings light and hope to his life. However, she hides a secret that will tear them apart. This story is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Both Seth and Riley will face many obstacles but her unconditional love will help them overcome many of them. Their friends are also supportive and loving.

Thomas Locklear is a master storyteller who brings these characters to life. He becomes the characters and makes the listener a part of the story. I found it extremely hard to put the book down. He gives the male and female characters their own distinctive voices to the point that you'll think that you're listening to a diet narration. His main male characters have such sexy voices. He also makes the sex scenes even more explosive. I highly recommend this Audible book. It is by far a 10 star book.

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Get read for the raw emotion that'll consume you

If I thought book one in this series was a rollercoaster, man... ! I loved every minute of it. This one did rip my heart out. It's raw emotion touched each part of my soul. Seth is the guitarist that invented the word GUARDED. But he has every right not to trust the world...life. His upbringing was rough and his current life was still rough, even though he was a famous rock star. He meets Riley and she isn't who he thinks she is a first. While she didn't reveal that his assumption was wrong, she technically never lied. Their story is a battle that left it's marks. This story consumed me. But don't worry. It'll break your heart but it will put the pieces back together in the most beautiful way. I can't wait for the next book to be out on audio!! As always Thomas Locklear did the most epic justice for this book. His narration talent blows me away every time. A must read/listen for rock star romance fans.

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I'm ruined

I have to say I enjoyed this almost more than the 1st book. I love books that make you feel all the good and the bad. This book did it for me and I wanted more.

I can't wait for the next book in audio! Narration was wonderful!

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Loved the story.

Seth is a member of a rock band. He’s closed off and doesn’t let people in. He has trauma in his last that he does not share. He has rules.

Riley is a photographer, a blogger, has an attitude that makes her seem older than she is. She is not what she seems.

Seth is drawn to Riley from their first meeting and he can’t stop thinking about her. He starts to let her in, and then finds out something about her that sends him running. What happens? You can read it and find out. It’s a great book!

Thomas Locklears male voices are excellent. I had a hard time with his female voices. I still listened and finished it, but female the voices were just ok.

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Loved Seth's story!

This is a great 2nd book in the series but can also be read as a stand alone. Seth has major trauma in his past and this book takes you through so many emotions. He has to learn to love and live for himself. L. Ann handles the triggers in this book well and tells a great story about healing. I can't wait to listen to the next book! Thomas Locklear's performance was amazing just like in the first book!

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