It has just the right amount of tension and drama and the hints of who the future couples are going to be.... just yes. LovedThis book was amazeballs
It has just the right amount of tension and drama and the hints of who the future couples are going to be.... just yes. Loved this one. It's been a while since I've teared up over one of Saxon's books since most are just great HEAs with some frustration built in, but when Molly is confronting Seven? Yeah, almost cried on the bus.
This will get added to the "Listen Once a Year" rotation for sure <3...more
If anything this just made me want to know more!! We got just enough info about these people/traditions/events/words to wet our appetite andLovely <3
If anything this just made me want to know more!! We got just enough info about these people/traditions/events/words to wet our appetite and then the book moved on to the next. I'll need to hunt down a physical copy because I'm shite at remember things that are spoken to me. ...more
*sigh* I really do think that the Famous books are my fav installment in the Fake Boyfriend world that Eden has created. The way these guys interact i*sigh* I really do think that the Famous books are my fav installment in the Fake Boyfriend world that Eden has created. The way these guys interact is just <3 and never fails to make me smile. Blake reminds me a bit of other characters that appear in series that Eden writes (Talon and Cohen come to mind as far as not making this realization about their sexualities a big deal) and it's one of my fav to read. I know that I'll be listening to this group of books again in 2023 <3 they are my comfort books
*third listen* Yup - love this whole group <3...more
I called my BFF immediately after finishing this book <3
If you're a fan of the show, this book offers a lot of behind the scenes commentary about our I called my BFF immediately after finishing this book <3
If you're a fan of the show, this book offers a lot of behind the scenes commentary about our favorite characters. However, it's mainly from the POV of two friends as they navigate motherhood, a full time job, and becoming their own bosses and the stresses that that can put on a relationship.
The audio if full of fun cameos from the rest of the cast as well
Listening to this was a bit trippy because I'm so used to books that are set in the US and therefore have First off, Gary Furlong did a FABULOUS job.
Listening to this was a bit trippy because I'm so used to books that are set in the US and therefore have the words written between dialogue read in an American accent. I remember thinking, why is it when Michael is the main focus, all the in between is still read with a Kiwi accent... and then I realized it's because it's set in New Zealand and the book is by a New Zealand author. Talk about having your little bubble blown wide open XD It was refreshing <3
Content wise... this certainly had its frustrating moments. (view spoiler)[ The "you're better off without me so I'm going to take it upon myself to leave without actually talking to you" thing is hard to witness. However.... Michael is dealing with some deep-seated self doubt and, while it doesn't excuse some of his actions, it makes them a bit more understandable. He's finally found something that he cherishes and that makes him want more and it terrifies him. Josh has showed him how good letting go of some of those stubborn ideas can be truly liberating... but just like with Simon, he just honestly doesn't think himself deserving and goes about handling that the only way he knows how when the other person refuses to give up... he leaves. Now, after the kidnapping... him leaving then was done in the way that he *needed* it to happen. He knew that seeing Josh would ruin his resolve. (hide spoiler)]
Overall, I really enjoyed this and can't wait for Cam's book...more
Ugh... I was right. That was painful allllllll the way until we hit the resolution.
Not only the fact that we had two guys who had to end their relatiUgh... I was right. That was painful allllllll the way until we hit the resolution.
Not only the fact that we had two guys who had to end their relationship due to circumstances and not do to a change of heart, we had acceptance issues between a father and son.... and that one hit me just so very very hard. Carter knows he messed up in the past and was doing his very best to help his Dad's business in a way that prevented them from going under but stayed true to who they were... and his Dad was just so effing stubborn that he made Carter feel like he was never enough... even Auden, who couldn't see past his own trauma, just added to Carter's feelings of inferiority despite his obvious success.
My only gripe with the book is how it ended. Now, it's a HEA, so we know that we have to wrap things up in a neat way and in so many pages... but it's like once Auden has his revelation, we go from 0-60 in a blink of a eye and it just feels... rushed. Also, the epilogue? It ends mid conversation!
Gary Furlong though is AMAZING and his Scottish accent is just... lovely. I'm glad that he was the only narrator on this because we were able to go back and forth between Auden and Carter's POV without having the magic broken because another narrator can't do a good Scottish accent. I'll certainly be looking out for more of his stuff <3...more
I'm adding Gary Furlong to my list of favorite narrators. I didn't realize he wasn't a native Kiwi. This story was lovely <3 I loved Tai and all of hiI'm adding Gary Furlong to my list of favorite narrators. I didn't realize he wasn't a native Kiwi. This story was lovely <3 I loved Tai and all of his sassy-ness. He's such a great balance to Emmett. I'd encountered these two in a book after this one and I was determined to learn more.
Tai was frustrating at times but that's just because he'd been burned so badly in the last relationship, he was all-or-noting on the making his own way bit... to the point that he was *getting* in his own way instead. Admittedly, Emmett had his... overbearing moments and, to someone who just got out of a very possessive relationship, I could certainly see why Tai fought against so much of it.
Also, this book involves a kid and when it's a HEA, I'm a sucker for them. Tai and Leo's relationship was adorable and the moment at the end of the book gave me allllll the feels.
Certainly going into my "reread" rotation of audio books ...more
Dex... I didn't think I could love someone more than the adorableness that is Cohen but, you proved me wrong buddy. His relaI * DEVOURED * this book.
Dex... I didn't think I could love someone more than the adorableness that is Cohen but, you proved me wrong buddy. His relationship with Tripp was just... <3<3<3
It was really nice to just see that love and not have people (once things settled down) going "It won't last!" "You'll get tired of one another" "It's weird how close you are"... ok they still said that last one but I for one was happy to see it. There are couples out there that start like that and STAY like that and I for one and so effing tired of the jaded assholes who try and tell them that it won't last or whatever. I had to deal with that in my own relationship and, yeah, while we may not be as lovey-dovey after 6 years, we still do all that cute shit and are still obsessed with each other.
Anyways... yeah, Tripp and Dex are at the top of my "fav couples list". My heart went out to Dex every time he was in a situation where he just truly didn't understand what was going on only that he would do anything to make it better. The way they get into their mess though felt a little like a stretch... but I guess if Dex is as basic as he seems and Tripp would literally do anything for him to the point of bringing about his own heartbreak, then... I guess it could.
I also really loved how casually Tripp suggests to Dex that he look into what being pansexual is. Dex was so convinced that he had to fit into one of the 3 categories he knew (straight, gay, or bi) and it was just adding to his confusion that none of those three seemed to fit him. He could even be demi considering the only relationship that seems to have actually held and significance to him is the one that he has with Tripp because "it's Tripp". I think that there are a lot of people out there that have such a narrow scope on things that they don't realize that there are other identities/sexualities out there and it just leaves them confused when they experience something out of their understood "normal". I know that just reading through all of Eden's and Saxon's books has opened my eyes and it led me down my own path of self-education , and it's been enlightening to say the least. This is why representation matters soooooooooooooo much. Even if it isn't labeled, even if they don't come right out and tell you point blank what's happening, seeing yourself in characters can help people work through things that they didn't even know they were ignoring/struggling with.
But back to the book, overall it was a really enjoyable listen. Probably my fav performance from Alex so far. I think the only time I actually had an issue was when Iggy forgot that Olly had a Boston accent in one of the last chapters and voiced him as if he was voicing Soren, which, to be fair, is really on the editing team or whomever listens and approves audios before they get released more than him....more
TW: PTSD, discussion and flashbacks to conversion therapy, family/generational trauma
I loved this waaaaaaaaaay more thank I expected to. I also wasn'tTW: PTSD, discussion and flashbacks to conversion therapy, family/generational trauma
I loved this waaaaaaaaaay more thank I expected to. I also wasn't expecting it to hit on such a heavy topic. But I suppose that's why we didn't spend a lot of time on these two coming together; it was so we could spend more time on seeing how they grow. We get our obvious source of Sean's pain but, by the end, he realizes what I think a lot of the newer generations are: even though we love our family ... and they honestly thought they were doing the best for us, that doesn't mean that they couldn't still have unknowingly cause emotional harm.
I do wish that we could have gotten a bit more from Cooper though. The beginning of the book focuses a bit on his phantom pain and whatnot, but by the end, it's only Sean's struggles that we focus on and it would have been nice to see the support on both ends.
Overall, I really enjoyed this <3 and Chris Chambers did a fabulous job. I'd forgotten what a joy it was to listen to him.
I really do have a soft spot for characters that put up that tough front only to have that one person that gets them to finally let thI loved this <3
I really do have a soft spot for characters that put up that tough front only to have that one person that gets them to finally let their guard down. I would have loved to have seen a scene where Anton finally meets Ezra's dad and kinda puts him in his place. Also always good to have cameos. ^_~ If you've read Eden and Saxon's other books, expect to see some familiar faces both from Fake Boyfriends as well as CU.
This followed your basic enemies to lovers trope but also had found family, found understanding, and just all around <3 If you liked Beck and Jacobs from the CU series, this one has similar vibes although Anton doesn't hold on to his animosity as long as Jacobs and I think that Beck would give Ez a run for his money not only in ego but in who can make the most inappropriate comments in a 5 min period.
I saw some reviews comparing this to another book and, while I haven't read that particular one, I will say that enemies to lovers can only be done so many ways, even less so when you pair it with something like a specific sport or setting. So if you're familiar with Rachel Reid's book, don't go into this one thinking it's just an imitation. Treat it for what it is: another sports enemies to lovers story. ...more
Second Listen: I know that some people aren't as big of fans of this installment in the series as the others but I think that it may be my favorite. ASecond Listen: I know that some people aren't as big of fans of this installment in the series as the others but I think that it may be my favorite. And for purely one reason: I felt seen.
Seth. I'm Seth. To a degree at least. His anxiety, his approach to both sex and relationships, the way he "lives in subtext"... just yes. I had too many relationship where I thought I was playing the perfect partner role only to be told I was doing too much or overreacting or.. I dunno. It wasn't until I let myself believe that I deserved someone who could love as hard as I do... who is all in when they are with someone... that I actually *found* that person. Hubs is actually a bit like Cohen (we even met online XD), he prefers simple and doesn't play games. He doesn't hesitate to give it to you straight and he doesn't use "subtext"
So yeah. This book gets alllll of my love for the representation it provides <3 Eden Finley and Saxon James I love all your books but Seth and Cohen have a special place in my heart ^_^ ...more
Second Listen through - Awww how I've missed the CU boys. I think that my only issue, and honestly it's not something that Iggy or Alex could really hSecond Listen through - Awww how I've missed the CU boys. I think that my only issue, and honestly it's not something that Iggy or Alex could really help, but there are certain voiced they use for the side characters that later star in their own books and change in voice is a little jarring when listening to them back to back. But, then again, it would be really hard to keep Cohen with that dumber sounding voice for a whole book (especially when we know he's really not) and the same for Jacobs.
Still a really wonderful read/listen. Not only for the story, but to have a lead that's Bi (and it's really not made into a big deal with people questioning him) and the other lead to be on the Autism spectrum (which the Eden and Saxon confirmed in a fan question) I love that these ladies don't stick to the traditional characters that you see in a lot of M/M books <3 ...more
Second read, first time listen to the audio - This is one of the best audio performances of the series so far <3 Kirt's voice is just so well suited fSecond read, first time listen to the audio - This is one of the best audio performances of the series so far <3 Kirt's voice is just so well suited for Auggie ^_^ These two have such a wholesome relationship. Not in the innocent sense but in the fact that they are honest and upfront with each other. And loyal and supportive. When Leon goes to bat for Auggie against it's just <3 ...more
Ok... this lost a star for Quill's... suggestion there at the end. Everything in this one was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much better than the Ok... this lost a star for Quill's... suggestion there at the end. Everything in this one was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much better than the first two. It didn't feel like it was dragging as much and you just wanted Quill to get over his issues and admit what he was feeling but you knew it wasn't gonna happen quickly because of the trauma that's mentioned and just dealing with the toxic masculinity that he had to for so long.
But that bit at the end? (view spoiler)[I mean... I guess if they need to get married to 100 percent make sure that they get to stay in the same area, fine... but married? And it's not that I don't think that people can't get married that quickly and make it work... but I was fully with Owen on this one: it felt like Quill had had a personality transplant. He went from being so stuck in his ways, so affected by past events... him realizing and deciding he wanted to work on a future with Owen was believable. Him deciding that the only way to do that was to marry him was just.. off. I've never rolled my eyes so hard. Now I don't know a whole lot about Alaska and how things work with rangers so it could very well be that that is the only option that they had... but still. It felt like it came out of nowhere. (hide spoiler)]
Overall though, I really enjoyed this one. Iggy read it flawlessly as usual too <3 I just wish the other two had grabbed my interest the way this one did. ...more
This was actually my first venture into the Vino and Veritas series. I'm a huge fan of Eden Finley as well as Iggy Toma so it was a bit of a no braineThis was actually my first venture into the Vino and Veritas series. I'm a huge fan of Eden Finley as well as Iggy Toma so it was a bit of a no brainer to start here since they are mostly stand alone.
Part of the reason I love Eden is because I know I'll get a HEA. Parts of the book may have me crying or wanting to throat punch someone but I know we'll get there. And, Yeah... it may not be super believable/likely that the straight guy you just met will suddenly wonder why he's getting all possessive over you but, alas, that's the "gay for you" trope.... and I LOVE IT <3
Also, for her fans, Eden drops little nuggets from other series. Middle of the book, it's suggested to Rainn that he call a guy who has started a hockey camp for underprivileged kids. If you've read Eden and Saxon's CU Hockey series, then you know *exactly* who that is. ^_~ And I was super excited to see him and his better half again. Toss in the fact that Iggy was also a narrator for that book and you even get the same voices <3 I squeed a little lol ...more
I think that Denny and Mason are my faves so far. There was so much to unpack in this book and at so many different levels. AndI. Effing. Loved. This.
I think that Denny and Mason are my faves so far. There was so much to unpack in this book and at so many different levels. And it's nice that they were trickled in... like we dealt with issue A and then that was seeming to coming to a resolution, then there was issue B, and right when that felt like it was working itself out, BAM! issue C which complicated issue B again and... just... yeah. Kudos as always to Eden <3 Can't wait for the audio of the last book to come out... although I dunno that I can wait that long and I'll probably end up getting the ebook to read and then relisten to it once the audio comes out.
Second listen - Ok so it's probably too hard to pic a fav couple but Mason and Denver are <3 for different reasons than the others. They are the one couple that have to really work toward their relationship... have to deal with the hard stuff like never being enough for anyone, self-doubt and self-worth, and love vs career. This book makes me tear up multiple times and for all very different reasons... like "I wanna skip this part because I know it's a HEA and I just wanna get to the happy times already" reasons. Still a fabulous book. Now on to my second listen-through of Encore because I can't just not finish out the series even if I did just listen to it last month lol .
Third Listen - The drama didn't his as hard as it did the first time. The more I relisten to Eden's books, the more I start to see the formula ^_~ Denny and Mason are a bit like Talon and Miller minus all of Talon's snark (Harley has that in this series) I actually really love that Mason didn't make a big deal of realizing his feelings may have been misinterpreted/ go deeper than he thought. While that's not often the case when someone realizes the are sexually attracted to someone of the same sex, it's nice to see every once in a while because I do believe that as more and more people educate themselves, they get better at handling those thoughts and feelings when they do come up. Mason was around Ryder enough to to have the "sexuality is a spectrum" drilled into his head so instead of freaking out, he approached it logically. And understandably, Denny was really thrown by that because "how are you NOT freaking out?!?!" I love all the boys so much in this series. Like warm blankets, each and every one of these books ...more
I've always been a sucker for relationships that involve littles in this kind of way. The end of this was just sooooo sweet and I have a feeli<3 <3 <3
I've always been a sucker for relationships that involve littles in this kind of way. The end of this was just sooooo sweet and I have a feeling that this series is going to be just like Eden's others and I'm going to love each couple more than the last.
3 listen:
Yes, this story is 100% my go to when I need a sweet romance with lots of laughs. I'll be relistening to it every year along with Ready Player One <3 I've already listened twice this year.
4th: I needed an easy listen that I knew would make me smile beginning to end <3...more
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