Ah, love!

I really enjoy age-gap stories in which the older character is seen to work hard at acting his age while struggling against impulses over which he eventually loses control when love happens. This story doesn't disappoint in that regard. Barrett Reid at forty-two has decided that he'd rather spend his time in vanilla hookups than try to find a new boy, since he'd clearly, as far as he could tell, not done a good job with his last lover who dumped him because of his supposed poor skills as a Daddy. Enter Theodore "Teddy" Mason, twenty-four, freshly dumped by his two boyfriends, who wanted their jobs and social acceptance more than they did him, and one of whom also wanted him as a toyboy for himself, but not as part of something long term. Each man is not into starting anything new, though for very different reasons. And yet, they are drawn together almost inexorably, and the love that grows between them is sweet to watch as it develops.

I don't really know anything about the differences between a Daddy and a Dom, except perhaps that Doms hurt their subs while Daddies don't -- I think -- but I really like Barrett. He's such a caring man, so mature and yet so vulnerable, needing Teddy to help him realize what he truly is and how good he is at meeting Teddy's needs. Teddy is okay, don't get me wrong, though I found him too innocent and almost childish at times, especially with all that Daddying, which I found too much. I'm just drawn more to the older characters in May/December relationships, probably because I'm older myself and can relate. This narrator is new to me and I do love his deep voice...it does great things with Barrett's tones, and still manages to make Teddy sound youthful. Even his evoking of Dylan, Jason and Tony are well done; To be able to move between so many characters with what sounds like relative ease is great.

The only problem I have with his performance is the many awkward pauses and, once in a while, the lack of necessary pauses between sentences in the reading...they were often too long and inexplicable and quite disconcerting, adding nothing to the reading. Additionally -- though this isn't the narrator's issue -- I found the story itself to be too long. It felt more drawn out than it needed to be, which often made me huff in impatience. I love slow-burn stories, but this seemed a bit over the top to me, what with the repetition of points from one lover's perspective to the other as though I hadn't just read the events...pretty annoying, to be frank.

4 people found this helpful

Heat and sweet is the perfect combo

First off, make sure that you are wearing your ear buds or alone while listening to this cause the heat is off the chart. As Teddy tries to recover from yet another heartbreak and disappointment, he leans on the friendship of Barrett. Barrett is trying on the vanilla life since he can never seem to find the right boy for him. Then Teddy happens. As these two figure out where they are going, if it's friendship or more they want, you will find yourself fanning yourself. Can't wait for more!

2 people found this helpful

Good

Good story, tho at some points it did feel a bit long.
A new for me narrator did a good job making this an enjoyable experience.

1 person found this helpful

Loved it

I've had the pleasure of reading this book and listening was even better. I highly recommend this book.

1 person found this helpful

Teddy & His Bear

I really wasn't expecting to feel so many emotions during this book especially right at the beginning. But right from the start you will really feel for and fall for Teddy. He's just such a sweet cute character, and I thought his behavior & personality traits fit the story line really well. I appreciated the dynamic the two guys had together Barrett was the perfect Daddy for Teddy. This book was mostly just light and fun and super adorably cute.

Audiobook - Jack Dale was a new narrator for me. But I really enjoyed this audiobook and felt like he really gave us what was needed for the voices of Teddy and Barrett.

1 person found this helpful

Very Sweet

I liked the book. It is a sweet and lighthearted story, even though it made me cry a bit in the first chapter. I liked the characters and enjoyed following the development of their relationship. This story started so well, and progressed so nicely until about 60% into the book, then the story got a little predictable for me. I enjoyed the ending and the epilogue, so overall this was a good listening experience. Narrator did a very good job with this story. This was my first book by the authors and narrator and I am looking forward to more books in this series.

1 person found this helpful

Such a good slow burn

Narrator is not the worst I've ever heard, he tries and manages well to give each male a different voice which is rare. Some awkward pauses but overall a good performance. This story is super good, takes a nice time to get into things but it's never slow. Really need more books like this in my life. Characters are all funny or cute and feel real. Totally recommend I instantly bought the other two books a few hours in to listening.

Light Fun Read and Narration

This first book in this series is a fun read where you get introduced to all the characters in the series and each of the books focuses on two of the characters coupling up. I felt that the authors were trying to go deep and create drama but just didn’t really get there, even so, I still really enjoyed the story and cared about the characters l. Speaking on the narration: I am re-listening to the story because the authors finally FINALLY complete the series releasing Tony & his tiger. Jack Dale has a great voice. He did a good job changing the voice of each character so you aren’t confused plus he puts in enough oomph that you feel you are there. I just sometimes was left wanting more. I really like it when a narrator reads that their character is chuckling, then chuckle when reading. Overall, I did really enjoy this book and the entire series, especially since I have WAITED YEARS for the final audiobook to come out. Definitely recommend reading today!

You Are Mine

I love the way that Barrett is there just as Teddy really needs him and how they fit together. I really appreciate the way they build up their relation. Barrett's need for truth really works in a way to make things come out right for both of them. I listened to the audio version which was well done and enjoyable.

Love this story.

I love Teddy and Bear, they were so good together. The love they where able to share for each other was great.