Review: ~ Audiobook Review by Caroline
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 19, 2014
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars OverallStory Rating: 4.5 of 5 starsNarration Rating: 4.5 of 5 starsFor original review see The Prism Book Alliance Blog onlineStory ReviewThis is a book that just wants to make you smile, cry a little, then smile again. Oliver has grown up in the care system and as an adult is a very lonely young man. Few friends, no family his life revolves around his work as a chef and his absolute love of cooking. He has cocooned himself into his own little world until the day he finds Mack sitting on his doorstep.Mack has a fascinating story to tell. His best friend Maggie died a few months ago and it turns out that Maggie was Olivers sister. Oliver and Maggie were both the children of a drug addict who couldn’t cope. Where Oliver was moved from one foster home to the next, Maggie was adopted and lived a happy childhood.Oliver sets off on a trip to Hope Cove, Maggies home town, to find out more about her life and decide what to do with her Bakery and belongings. Alongside Mack and his adorable puppy Riley, and through the reading of Maggies journals, we learn more about Oliver and what a sad and lonely life he has led. He is almost scared to dream of ever being happy because dreams just don’t come true.Mack is a well respected member of the Hope Cove community and his personality is completely opposite to Olivers in that he is outgoing and makes friends easily. Mack is also straight and has never looked at another man until he finds himself kissing Oliver in the kitchen one evening. Mack, ever steady in his emotions, doesn’t freak out at this side of himself but isn’t altogether sure he is ready for his neighbours to know.This is a very emotional read as we find out more about Oliver and watch a tentative romance bloom between the two men. He is deeply affected by the death of a sister he never had chance to meet. He is a gentle man and finds himself with very deep feelings for Mack but always at the back of his mind is negativity and fear.Oliver is left scared and unsure when a new fact arises regarding Maggies death. Mack is so gentle and understanding with him, but all the old fears come back and Oliver runs, returning to his home and old life. Oliver will have to let all his old fears go if he is to have his HEA and when matters of the heart force their hands the 2 men find each other again.Macks bravery and determination as he stands for Sheriff again will warm your heart, as will this entire beautiful love story. Cate Ashwood has given us a very emotional story with very real men who deserve every bit of happiness they can get.Narration ReviewJohn Orr might just have become my favourite narrator. He did an excellent job with a very emotional story. There are a few sex scenes in this book that he narrated perfectly and VERY believably! I will look for more titles with him as a narrator.