Title: Choices and Changes
Author: K.L. Belanger
Narrator: Jonathan Waters
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 6 hours and 43 minutes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (09-22-14)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: On the cusp of his twenty-fifth birthday, Bo Sanford grows frustrated with his directionless life. Slaving away at his father’s construction company all week and partying every weekend leaves him little time for introspection, but he knows it’s time for a change. When his best friend, Mac, drags him to a college party, Bo catches sight of a girl. But not just any girl—the girl of his dreams: a delicate blonde-haired beauty with a pink scarf and a smile that promises warmth and humor. There’s just one problem: she isn’t a girl.
Even after Bo discovers the truth, he keeps seeing Erick, and the choice to follow his heart despite the obstacles has profound repercussions on not only his sense of self but his relationship with his family and even his job. Being with Erick makes him all the more determined to be his own man and claw his way out from under his father’s thumb.
But Erick faces choices of his own: the choice to get involved with someone redefining his sexuality, the choice to trust again, and even the choice to believe love can last beyond the temporary.
Product Link: http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Choices-and-Changes-Audiobook/B00NQ82HKY
Reviewer: Tams
Review: It’s been almost two years since I initially read Choices and Changes, as it was not only a favorite read but also my first gay for you type story, I was anxious to dive into the audio version and visit with Bo and Erick again.
Jonathan Waters did an amazing job of bringing Belanger’s words to life, of giving Bo and Erick a distinct voice in his retelling. These two young men are portrayed so realistic, relatable, flawed, and approachable that you can’t help but fall in love with them, and root for them to find their own little piece of happiness.
Something that stood out more so in the audio version for me than it did in the print was the overbearing and abusive personality of Bo’s dad. While this isn’t the type of story where there is a villain per say, this asshat still managed to achieve villain status in my mind while I was listening to this story.
I thought I was going to have to take a chill pill, literally, when he started in on Bo in the office the first time Bo tried to quit. And then to find out the truth behind what happened with Bo’s mom, I seriously wanted to strangle the SOB. And Waters truly found this gravely, mean and hateful tone for the father that conveyed just how ugly a character he really was. Great job sir!
Colorful narration brought to life this richly written story about a strong young man who is struggling to figure out who he is and refuses to be labeled. If you have the opportunity, I suggest both reading and listening to this story, as each version is just as good as the other, and both are just a treat!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
