Narration 1, production 0...

Well, I'm sticking with 4 stars for this one. Michael Stellman's narration was good as per usual but the production of the audio left quite a lot to be desired. Long pauses in chapters, and the sound quality was pretty meh...lots of hissing and also on my copy, some of the words repeated, as in 'heebie jeebies'...we got 'bies' repeated, as well as other stuff. All of which I think should have been taken care of in post production.

***2016 Book Review***

4.25 stars from me. Beautifully written as per usual by Eli, and yes, there were a few sniffles, especially at a certain note left in the snow, and I can't deny being completely ticked off with Mark at one stage, but yay!! HEA....

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Pure Bliss

On 29th November 2016 I posted this about the ebook version:
" As usual Eli didn't disappoint and the story was riveting. It gave me hope and tears in equal measure and in between it gave me humour and compassion. I had trouble putting it down because I was so invested in Josh and Mark and the hope that there would be a happy end. It isn't too much of a spoiler to admit there was *what was I expecting from Eli? There's always happy endings!* I highly recommend this story to you if you like Eli Easton's work or if you enjoy a truly well written story about two guys finding their happy ending after a tumultuous start."

Today I finished listening to the audio version and all I can say is it's a pity I can't give more than 5* ratings, as the story was even more moving and enjoyable to listen to Michael narrate it. If you haven't yet read this story and like listening to audio books I highly suggest you go buy this one and treat yourself to 7.5 hours of pure bliss.

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One of my favourite stories

I read this story when it was first published a few years ago and was eager to listen to the audio version.

I always enjoy Eli Easton's writing and this story was no exception. From the start, my heart went out to Josh and his sorry plight. For one so young to see no point in living brought tears to my eyes and did so throughout the story. This wish to end it all had me wondering ‘will he or won’t he’ even after he met the lovely and caring Mark. I kept saying to myself, Eli wouldn’t write such a tragic ending. Even so, I worried what effect even an attempt would have on Mark, whose own life had been tragic in many ways.

The setting was wonderfully painted in words, both the beautiful fall leaves in New Hampshire and the snow-filled landscape towards the end of the story. I could picture the scenes and the emotions they stirred within Josh.

Josh and Mark’s blossoming friendship progresses at a delightful pace—perfect for them and their situation—and when they finally express their desire for each other, the days afterwards are filled with affectionate and steamy love-making.

And all through the happy times they share, I was anticipating the snow with a sense of dread and what it might mean for Josh.

“No matter what else happened from here on out, no matter if he stayed with Mark or had to leave. No matter if Josh lived till he was ninety or found his peace in the snow, he would love Mark 'til the end. He was suddenly so grateful to have experienced that.”

The final chapters of the story had me on the edge of my seat for what seemed like a long time. I was willing for things to turn out well for them. And thank goodness they have their happy ending.

This is such a beautifully written story—definitely one of my favourites. I loved the characters and everything about the story.

Michael Stellman captures the story and emotions well in his narration. His voice suits the characters and the pace of the story. My only grumble is with a few minor technical issues—there are overly long pauses after most scenes, making me wonder many times whether I had reached the end of the chapter. Plus there are the occasional words and phrases that are repeated.

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It was ok

This was an ok listen, if a little melancholic and glum. I didn’t feel like the young lead grew enough through the story and he still seemed really young by the end. The relationship seemed more convenient and grasping onto another person (for both leads) and I didn’t ever feel that they were it for each other. There were still good elements to the story.

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Excellent story and narration.

Beautiful story, as one would expect from Eli Easton . Not really angsty in the true sense, kind of hauntingly sad, but with a thread of hope sneaking in every now and again. I loved both of the MCS, they were perfect for each other, loved their HEA. Definitely a keeper. There is talk of suicide, so beware if this is a trigger for you (tho this is actually clear from the blurb). The narration is first class.

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Great story, but..

Great story, but let down a little by bad sound engineering. It wasn't so bad that I couldn't enjoy the story, but it was definitely noticeable, and thus I couldn't give this 5 stars over all, which I would have otherwise.

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1 person found this helpful

A favourite read

I read this book 3 years ago when it first came out, and it became an instant favourite that I have since re-read several times. The story is a definite 5 star for me.

The actual narration by Michael Stellman is excellent, both clear and well paced. What is not so good are the long pauses in chapters when a scene changes. These are off putting, and yet aren't used when a chapter changes which is the more usual. There are also a few repeated words, so the editing definitely needs tightening up.

An overall 5 stars, though.

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loved it, poignant sadness and happiness.

Excellent listen, large silence gaps between chapters a bit odd. Full of sadness, emotion and happiness, quite a compelling listen, would recommend.

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I could get addicted to Eli’s storytelling

This is the third title that I’ve listened to by this author in the past couple of weeks. I loved this story of love, hope and second chances at life and happiness. It’s brilliantly narrated and the development of Josh and Mark’s relationship draws you deep into their world. If you need your heart warming, give this a listen.

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This narrator lulls me into sleep

No idea what happens in this book. It just goes on and my mind wanders off. I gave the story an avarage 3 stars because I can't judge it if I can't remember it. Narration was bland. Sound editing was appalling.

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