4.5 overall

After getting off to a rocky start, Fletcher and Harrison settle into a relationship filled with soft antagonism (neither dislikes the other and it covers their attraction at least partially) and steamy aborted encounters (phew the janitors closet!).
This can be read or listened to without reading the prequel, Newcomer, first but it's a sweet novella and adds a lot of context.
Stillwater is a spin off from Chester Falls and some characters to feature but it isn't necessary to have read them either. This stands on its own.
The audio was pleasant to listen to. The narrator did a great job of keeping the two voices distinct and added emotions to key scenes. I listened to most of it in one day I enjoyed it that much.

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Great listen!

I loved the book when I read it and knew the audio would be fantastic - and I wasn’t wrong! John Solo definitely does amazingly at bringing the whole cast of characters to life!

I love Fletcher and Harrison’s characters and relationship. They way things built between them from how they meet to the kids - everything just kept me wanting more.

Looking forward to more from the series!

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The audio is even better!

I loved this book when I read it with my eyes back in May 2022 and the audiobook made me love it even more. John Solo is one of my favorite audiobook performers and he did – no surprise here – a fantastic job with this one.

Below is some of what I wrote when I reviewed the ebook:

I haven’t read a whole lot of books by Ana Ashley but I’ve loved the ones that I have read. Antagonist is a wonderful start to a new series. I love single dad stories and this one has two single dads so that doubles the love!

Fletcher and Harrison don’t meet under the best of circumstances and misunderstanding ensue. When they meet up again a few months later, under way different circumstances, both of them are quite surprised.

I love how much both of them are devoted to their children. Harrison shares custody of Megan with his ex-wife, who he is still great friends with. Fletcher has a loose arrangement with his ex-lover, Fran, but George has been living with him full-time for several years while Fran lives overseas.

This is a pretty low angst story but the romance between Fletcher and Harrison has more than a few ups and downs. Both men are wary of being hurt. Harrison is an attorney and moved to Stillwater to be near his daughter and her mother. His old job keeps trying to woo him back and there is a sneaky rat of a character working in his new firm that causes some grief.

Fletcher’s ex arrives on the scene and throws his life into a tailspin and he’s not sure what to do. Harrison wants to help but Fletcher lashes out at him for trying to interfere, even though he doesn’t deserve it.

A copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author or narrator.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

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4.5 Stars…

I listened to the audiobook narrated by John Solo, who is a wonderful narrator.
Dad's of Stillwater is written extremely well, and John Solo delivers a stunning performance
It begins at a bachelor auction in a small town where Fletcher and Harrison met.
There are always good things and some bad things that happen in small towns and Stillwater is no different .

Single dads, cute and sassy children, awkward women, adding a good plot made this a great listen.
John Solo brings the story alive.
4.5 stars...

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Chemistry and kismet!

Such colourful characters that'll steal your heart and adorable kids that'll make you laugh, this story is everything you need in a heartfelt small town romance!

Harrison and Fletcher are wonderful together and while there's a lot of miscommunication and doubts their feelings always shine through.

This book is witty, frustrating, passionate and uplifting. I loved all the characters and can't wait to see what happens next. i also loved that both main characters are openly bisexual and unashamed! I felt their sexuality was handled well and as a bisexual I felt seen. A great story all round!!

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Hot MM romance with two single dads is a hit!

In the small town of Stillwater, gay/bi single dads attract as much as they repel… Harrison and Fletcher are like chalk and cheese, and their frustrating exchanges are as humorous and enjoyable as you might expect. I loved every minute of these two dancing around each other, trying to figure it all out. They might be my favorite Ana Ashley couple to date! The school fair they are charged with organizing together is the backdrop for some small town tension and narrowmindedness they must confront together, and Fletcher’s ex adds to the conflict with an unexpected request. Harrison and Fletcher have their eyes on the prize however, and getting there is all of the fun. Nuanced narration by John Solo was perfect for these characters.

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Enjoyable - 4,5 stars

Antagonist was a book that I enjoyed. Harrison, a lawyer, and Fletcher, an artist, don't get off to the best start when they meet. It doesn't get any better when they meet again months later after Harrison moves to Stillwater. But they both have one thing in common: they are single dads.
I really liked this story. Harrison and Flechter are fathers who interact a lot with their children, and yet the children didn't take center stage in the story. At first, the two were quick-tempered with each other, but you could tell as you listened that there was chemistry between the two. Yes, these two are hot!
Reuniting with people from the Chester Falls series provided a lot of entertainment. And as it just so happens, everyone is trying to give good advice.
I liked the overall package because just like in real life, there were kids, wives, ex-wives, friends and a found family.
Of course it doesn't go without drama and intrigue. But I liked how they both functioned together as a couple with all the outside adversity.
I had entertaining hours in Stillwater and rejoiced with Harrison and Flechter at the end. I'm already on the lookout for the next couple in the series.

The audiobook was read by John Solo and he a is wonderful narrator. He brings the story to life and reads with variety. However, sometimes he whispers quite softly.

I received a free review copy of this audiobook and volunteered this honest review.

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1 person found this helpful

absolutely amazing!

I really loved this book and these characters. It was really great. And the narrator was brilliant.

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Don't always go with 1st, or even 2nd, impression

Antagonist was a lot of fun to read. Two men who rub each other the wrong (and right!) ways throughout much of the book along with getting to catch up with people from the Chester Falls series as well brings a lot of entertainment though there's a good deal of drama as well in the form of meddling, thinks the know best people and a parent wanting things all their own way.
Harrison and Fletcher definitely don't get off to the best start and continue that way for a good deal of the story. It did get a tiny bit frustrating when conversations constantly seemed to end abruptly, causing them to be frequently annoyed with each other and themselves but then that all adds to the drama of the story. The two men have great chemistry and really work well as a couple, very much opposites attract, with a bang. The kids in the story are so sweet, I especially love George for what he goes through.
The dramatic aspects of the plot work both for and against the couple. The holier than thou woman who thinks she knows best actually gives them something to work together for and fight against, even leading to their first kiss. But then someone who causes tension, says kids or at least stretches the truth has them doubting what they each know to be true, that they belong together.
Again, there is a great cast of characters, a wonderful community that Fletcher is a part of and welcomes Harrison with open arms when they move to Stillwater. His relativity his ex wife and best friend is fun and supportive, which is really needed especially towards the end of the book.
another wonderful read from Ana and I'm excited for who gets their story next. if it's anything like the Chester Falls series then it's going to be a lot of fun, love and friendship.
John Solo has a wonderful voice for romance. I felt everything that the characters were and really enjoyed the voices that he provides to them. I think my favourite may now be George and Megan having listened to their antics.

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Fabulously Entertaining & Story & Listen🎧

This is a fabulous single dads romance novel, the story is well-written with interesting and original storylines that are captivating from start to end. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are easy to care about too. Harrison Davis, an attorney, left the big city and the law firm he was hoping to make partner to live in Stillwater to be closer to daughter Megan, and ex-wife, Stella, who he shares custody with. Fletcher, an artist, lives in Stillwater with his son, his ex-wife is also an artist and lives overseas. Fletcher and Harrison first meet at the charity bachelor auction and when he saw Harrison was up for auction, he bid on him. The auction did not thrill Harrison, and neither did Fletcher. But fate was not done with them, neither was expecting to see the other again, especially not in Stillwater, and to make matters worse, their kids attend the same school and have become friends. Fletcher does not give up on Harrison, despite them being opposites in many ways, they do have some common ground, they are both single dads who love their kids. I loved how everything played out in this wonderfully plotted story, there is a perfect balance of drama, humor, heartfelt emotions, and a slow burn romance. I adored their kids, they are adorable and even stole the scene a few times. There were some other secondary characters that were great too, including Harrison’s ex, Fletcher’s ex not so much, though. Ana Ashley, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the amazing narration, John Solo is a versatile voice artist and his talent knows no bounds. He has a complete understanding of the characters he is portraying and the character voices he chooses for each fit that characters persona to a tee. He gives each their own distinct voice which makes it easy to follow along and tell who is who. Solo sets to perfect tone for the story, captures all the character’s emotions and projects them into his performance and makes you feel every single one. John Solo is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another exceptional listen.

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