Download Popular Titles Audiobooks in Fiction, Gay & Lesbian

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Title: Love Lessons

Subtitle: Love Lessons Series, Book 1

Author: Heidi Cullinan

Narrator: Iggy Toma

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-25-15

Publisher: Insatiable Press

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 402 votes

Genres: Fiction, Gay & Lesbian

Publisher's Summary:

Love doesn't come with a syllabus. Kelly Davidson has waited what seems like forever to graduate high school and get out of his small-minded, small town. But when he arrives at Hope University, he quickly realizes finding his Prince Charming isn't so easy. Everyone here is already out. In fact, Kelly could be the only virgin on campus. Worst of all, he's landed the charming, handsome, gay campus Casanova as a roommate, whose bed might as well be equipped with a revolving door.

Walter Lucas doesn't believe in storybook love. Everyone is better off having as much fun as possible with as many people as possible - except his shy, sad little sack of a roommate is seriously screwing up his world view. As Walter sets out to lure Kelly out of his shell, staying just friends is harder than he anticipated. He discovers love is a crash course in determination. To make the grade, he'll have to finally show up for class - and overcome his own private fear that love was never meant to last. Warning: This story contains lingering glances, milder than usual sexual content for this author, and a steamy dance-floor kiss. Story has no dairy or egg content, but may contain almonds.

Members Reviews:

Seeing what's in front of you...

I really enjoyed this story. The narrator brought the characters to life and I became engaged in the story of Kelly and Walter. Though at times I wanted to smack Walter upside the head, I understood the aspects of his life that resulted in his perspective on love as a lasting and true construct. A very nice, sit down to relax story with a happy ending...

This was one of my favorite ebooks last year.

What did you love best about Love Lessons?

I originally bought this in ebook format and read it last year. I loved Kelly Davidson and his unabashed love for Disney movies because that was something I'd never encountered before in a male character. It made the character cute, and endearing for me.Walter Lucas, however, reminded me a lot of myself. Even his favorite movie (The Fight Club) was also one of my favorites. He's cynical, and yet a complete romantic. I love how he tries (unsuccessfully) to hide his vulnerability, and how he takes care of the people he loves.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that it was about two people falling in love, in a normal setting, with no over-the-top drama and purple prose. And I liked how Heidi Cullinan was able to convey both Kelly and Walter's feelings through the narrative. The first time Kelly realized he wanted Walter, I could actually feel his yearning. When they were dancing and Walter was working up to kissing Kelly, you could feel their anticipation and nervousness, I could even hear the music in my head.

Did Iggy Toma do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Yes, it was easy to tell who was speaking since he gave them different voices. Wasn't too crazy about his voice for Walter, though, because it sounded rough to my ears at times. And initially I thought (when he was reading the narrative) he sounded too stiff and formal, even had a slightly angry/curt tone.

If you could take any character from Love Lessons out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Kelly Davidson. He is just completely adorable. Genuinely nice, polite, a ray of sunshine.

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Title: Last Salute

Author: Tracey Richardson

Narrator: Maxine Mitchell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-30-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 100 votes

Genres: Fiction, Gay & Lesbian

Publisher's Summary:

From the author of The Campaign and No Rules of Engagement...

Pamela Wright will never forgive her sister for dying in the Afghanistan war or the army for Laura's death or anyone else for making it okay for Laura to go halfway around the world to fight for reasons Pam has never fathomed. Numb with grief, she buries her sister but not her rage. Among the mourners is Trish Tomlinson, who loved Laura long ago and has found the news of Laura's death sharply painful. She remembers Pam as an unwelcome third wheel but now finds comfort in the company of the young medical resident and in the details of Laura's journal that Pam shares.

Brought together by grief, something more grows. Guilt and anger cloud their feelings and jeopardize any chance at a future. How can love blossom in the shadow of death?

Members Reviews:

Sister, Sister

As with Melissa Brayden's How Sweet it is an older sister dies and her partner soon hooks up with the little sister of her woman; one who still carries the remnants of a childhood crush.

In this case Dr. Laura Wright is killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Her younger sister Dr. Pam Wright returns to their hometown of Ann Arbor, Mi. for the memorial service and there she's reunited with her sister's first love Trish Tomlinson and away we go again.

Pamela's crush which has basically been kept alive by her childhood memories for twenty years is resuscitated but so is Trish's attitude towards Pam as her girlfriend's little sister, will Trish's attitude ever change and if so will it work out for them?

By consensus this one ended up getting a 5 star rating from the cadre; though if possible I would have rated it at 4.2 to 4.4. There were a few jarring turns and inconsistencies in the narrative that left me scratching my head. The story itself was quite stirring emotionally and the Afghanistan scenes feel real. The manner in which the protagonists came together felt forced and unrealistic however the conclusion was excellent.

Still I can only wish that those plot twists that elongated the story needlessly had been avoided and the narrative would have been allowed to proceed without all the excess drama.

Loved the book.

this book was great. Loved the story line. this book is a great read for everyone.

Absolutely fantastic story and narration

Wonderful character development of three women's lives intermingled through the years. For those who do not have any experience of family or friends in the military it opens a window into their perspective of life. The tension between characters is believable. The narration I thought was perfect for this story. Listened to it three times.

Excellent, but tearful book.

I just wanted to write a short note and let readers know, that with his book, I was in tears part of the time, laughed a lot, and was very much in love with the characters Pam and Trish. The handling of military matters was well done and I learned a few things. As far as the characters, Pam and Trish, I felt their pain and anguish, as well as their love and hope for the future. I absolutely loved the story and definitely want to read more of her books. The reason this one caught my eye is I love reading about the heroes of our military and the second was it was on the romance package of audible. I have read a couple of her other books and enjoyed them, but I think this one tops those, at least, until I read another one by the author.

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Title: The Boy with the Painful Tattoo

Subtitle: Holmes & Moriarity, Book 3

Author: Josh Lanyon

Narrator: Kevin R. Free

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-06-15

Publisher: JustJoshin Publishing, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 269 votes

Genres: Fiction, Gay & Lesbian

Publisher's Summary:

It's moving day at Chez Holmes. Somehow, against Kit's better instincts, he and J.X. are setting up house together. But while J.X. is off at a writing conference, Kit unpacks a crate that should contain either old books or new china.

It doesn't. Within the mounds of Styrofoam popcorn is a dead body. A very dead body. There goes the neighborhood.

Members Reviews:

Another winner

This was a fantastic listen. Kevin R. Free really knocks this out of the park. He does a perfect Kit and J.X. Now as for the story itself, all I can say is at one point I wanted to strangle Kit. He and J.X. make the big move to live together and Kit is not handling it well. Their relationship really gets tested in this one, especially when Kit does some TSTL stuff. But as always, the writing is great, funny and emotional. There is even a cameo from Adrian and Jake, so great!! I loved it! Definitely worth a credit.

LOL! Gotta Love Kit's Character!!!

Any additional comments?

What a fabulous edition to Holmes & Moriarity! Kit takes the cake in this; from bad decision to his almost delusional innocence, I just could not stop laughing. The performance was fantastic and I, of course, enjoyed the overall semi-mystery of the story! I love J.X., and feel sorry for the poor guy to be so in love with Kit. LOL.

Great audio story!

Just when I want to strangle Kit...

for his seemingly endless whining and angst, he comes though with the solution to the puzzle. Truly, Kit can be so exasperating sometimes and I just want J.X. to apply shoe leather to his backside. Still, it does seem he is a trouble magnet, so I suppose he has a right to b*tch sometimes.

Painful Tattoo is the best of the Holmes & Moriarity series yet. Lanyon's variety of red herrings and plot twists is enough to keep even the most avid mystery solvers scrambling.

And, for those of us who can't get enough of Adrien & Jake, it was a nice surprise to have them meet, and provide, for Kit, a "real life" lesson on how to be a happy couple.

I decided to treat myself on my 70th birthday and The Boy With the Painful Tattoo was a terrific gift!

Good going!

Kit is a hard pill to take.

Though I have never been let down by Josh Lanyon's ability to put together a good story, I have to say I really find the Kit character hard to take. 4 hours in and i was really tired of the whining and angst. By the end of the book I was really pushing myself to finish. Beyond that the story is well paced and thought out. I've read most of Mr. Lanyon's work and have never been disappointed. I just don't like Kit as a character.

At Last Another Novel Length Mystery by Lanyon

Although Mr. Lanyon has written that he tires of writing novel length mysteries, I can only hope that the fire will reignite. I've read 80% of Mr. Lanyon's work and prefer his Adrien English and Holmes and Moriarity novels best. It's the traditionalist in me. Short stories are fine literary mediums, but I prefer to work the little gray cells in my own head at the same time his detectives work their's. "The Boy with the Painful Tattoo" is written in the first person through the eyes of mystery writer Christopher Holmes. Mr. Lanyon steps into his character's voice with confidence even though he has not written a book in the series for four years.

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Title: Out of the Blue

Author: Josh Lanyon

Narrator: Alexander Masters

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-19-14

Publisher: JustJoshin Publishing, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 73 votes

Genres: Fiction, Gay & Lesbian

Publisher's Summary:

France, 1916. The Great War. High above the carnage in the trenches, British and German aces joust like knights of old for control of the skies. The strain and tension of living every day on the edge of death leads to dangerous choices and wild risks. When British ace Bat Bryant's past catches up with him, he strikes out in panic and kills the man threatening him with exposure. But there's a witness: the big, handsome American pilot Cowboy Cooper.

Cowboy, it seems, has his own ideas of rough justice.

Members Reviews:

Hot, hot, hot!

Any additional comments?

Warning: Spoilers ahead

I thought this book is hot, that and well, heartbreaking. It's about World War I after all. The story revolved around British flying ace Bat Bryant whose lover Gene perished during one of their missions, and how he accidentally killed their mechanic Sid Orton, who threatened him with exposure.

This book had been sitting in my audible for months as I was too nervous to read this. Because. Murder. No matter how accidental it is still murder. I know, I know, it is fiction. Still, I worried for the main character.

Then of course there was the war. The pilots drop dead faster than the flies and that's saying something. Most often they lasted a day on the job then they'd be replaced by others who get replaced as well later on. Such a vicious cycle but that's war for you.

As the story went deeper I dreaded the coming of a new day, because I knew another pilot will die. And that's how good of a writer Josh is, he brings the readers right into the middle of the action, make them feel dread, make them experience the war, albeit vicariously.

I also loved the characters but I loved Cowboy the most. He's smokin' sexy. I could tell right away he was in love with Bat.

And did I say this book is hot, hot, hot? ^__^

Haunting and Sublime

Josh does it again with this memorable story narrated perfectly. I was transported back in time from the beginning to the end.

I enjoyed this book.

Any additional comments?

I had bought the ebook of this a while ago, but for some reason just couldn't get into it. Then I saw it on audiobook and thought I would try it. The narrator really brought it to life for me. The story was very well done. I've read a few books that were preachy about how difficult and dangerous it is to be gay, but this story just brought you into the characters and their circumstances and let the reality speak for itself. It was very powerfully and effectively done. The characters are compelling as is the time period.

Audible, please come OUT

What would have made Out of the Blue better?

This is a gay romance novel masquerading as a historical fiction. That's ok, except that I didn't purchase a romance novel, gay or otherwise, and had I known the actual intent of the author I would not have purchased it. Fair warning, in case you're in the mood to listen to a good WWI air war story and instead fly right into this little novella which is much more about cheesy descriptions of hot man-love than dog-fights.

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Title: The Fight Within

Author: Andrew Grey

Narrator: Andrew McFerrin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-15-14

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 76 votes

Genres: Fiction, Gay & Lesbian

Publisher's Summary:

A Book in the Good Fight Series

Bryce Morton needs a change of scenery. Since his partner's death a year ago, he's become withdrawn and quiet, so his friends, Jerry Lincoln and Akecheta (John) Black Raven, convince him to go camping with them on a Sioux reservation. Though he's not immediately sure he's done the right thing, Bryce becomes more interested when he meets Paytah, the man who owns the reservation's trading post.

Paytah Stillwater's life is filled with hurt, and sometimes the only thing he has left is pride. After being abused as a child and disbelieved when he spoke up, he has withdrawn into himself-but he can never truly put his past behind him, because the source of his pain still lives on the reservation. Paytah is proud of his heritage and careful with his heart, but when Bryce commits a selfless act of kindness for one of the reservation's children, the walls around Paytah's heart begin to melt.

Bryce and Paytah each fight the pain within them. When Paytah's abuser sets his sights on one of the reservation youngsters, Bryce and Paytah must set their individual fights aside. Finding a way to stop the abuser unites them to fight their way forward-together.

Members Reviews:

Good Addition to a Good Series

This is not a spoiler, Bryces Percy dies in the first pages of this book, while Bryce is planning the wedding! Bryce is crushed, starts to recover, and travels with Jerry and John up to the reservation to go camping.

At the reservation he meets the grumpy Paytah and though at first they squabble, they later turn into friends, then more.

While knocking down Paytahs grumpy walls, Bryce uncovers Paytahs childhood of abuse. He calls in for reinforcements to help Paytah deal with his past and together they uncover even more abuse.

Though Paytah and Bryce are getting closer, the hurdle of where to live still remains, and what to do with their newfound love.

Andrew Grey does an excellent job of discussin some very difficult subjects in this book. Child abuse. Alcoholism. Racism. Poverty. Death. All in all, there was a lot of tough stuff to get through for these guys. Because of these difficult subjects, I think it was good that Bryce was so light hearted (most of the time) and optimistic. It would have been difficult to have both MCs full of angst and dealing with all those dark subjects.

I also appreciated the delicacy with which Andrew handles the challenges faced by the Sioux in this story. I think he really shows how difficult their situation is, trying to remain true to their heritage while not subjecting others to the racism they themselves face. I thought the Andrew Jackson story was great! Ill never look at a twenty-dollar bill the same way!

I didnt like this book as well as book one, mostly because I didnt feel the connection between Paytah and Bryce as authentically as I did John and Jerry. Maybe it was Percy. Maybe it was because Paytah did such a fast 180 from grump to boyfriend. Maybe because the relationship moved through some pretty difficult subjects partner death, childhood abuse, racism pretty quickly. Im not sure.

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Title: Blindsided

Author: Karis Walsh

Narrator: Betsy Zajko

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-10-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 142 votes

Genres: Fiction, Gay & Lesbian

Publisher's Summary:

Guide dog trainer Lenae McIntyre left the high-speed world of television news writing behind, and now she helps other visually impaired people adjust to life with their canine companions. She teaches her students and their dogs to trust each other, but a past betrayal and the determination to be self-sufficient and independent keep her from trusting her heart to see love.

Cara Bradley compensates for her family's shallow celebrity lifestyle by devoting her life to helping others, while keeping to the background. She reluctantly commits to a year of puppy walking a four-legged whirlwind named Pickwick so she can film regular segments for a local news program while helping promote the McIntyre Training Center, but she is unprepared for the changes that the driven and aloof Lenae will bring to her life. Blindsided by love, can Lenae and Cara learn to trust and guide each other toward a new vision for their future?

Members Reviews:

Blindsided is Awesome!

Would you listen to Blindsided again? Why?

Yes, it's a charming love story that deals a lot in trust issues.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Since I am handicapped you would think I would relate more with the blind girl but it's the report that I liked best, she had such a hard time expressing her true emotions or understanding them until it was pointed out to her.

Have you listened to any of Betsy Zajkos other performances before? How does this one compare?

Nope, but she is AWESOME

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I just loved it.

Any additional comments?

Really good book needs to be heard.

Enjoyable

Which character as performed by Betsy Zajko was your favorite?

Betsy's performance was never distracting or grating with any of the characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I didn't listen to this book in one sitting, but I looked forward to when I would get a chance to continue.

Good little book

Nice story, all books must end if not going on to a sequel and I wished it didn't end. Going well until the last 2-3 chapters and the story line seemed to just Peter out quickly. Could have done more exploring of the relationship and what was to happen to the dog handling.where was that story line to go.. Would have been great had the writer delve into who would get Pickwick and where would he spend his life as a guide dog. On the other hand --the book was the relationship between the women so it seemed to end abruptly-- but that's the way books usually finish. Very nice read though and I would recommend it!

Moving story of learning to trust and love.

The narration was moving. I loved the characters and how they both dealt with their own pasts. The journey they both took together to understand themselves and each other is something I know I will enjoy again and again.

informative and enjoyable

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I started out not thinking much about the everyday challenges of the blind. I'd like to think that's not because I'm callous, but I had never put much time into it. I didn't know that "puppy walking" is a real thing. This book gently taught me quite a bit.

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Title: Shiny!

Author: Amy Lane

Narrator: Tyler Stevens

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-08-14

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 172 votes

Genres: Fiction, Gay & Lesbian

Publisher's Summary:

Will Lafferty and Kenny Scalia are both having sort of a day. Will gets fired for letting fifth graders read Harry Potter, and Kenny finds his boyfriend and his sex toys in bed with a complete stranger. When Will knocks over Kenny's trash can-and strews Kenny's personal business all over the street-it feels like the perfect craptastic climax to the sewage of suckage that has rained down on them both.

But ever-friendly, ever-kind Will asks snarky Kenny out for a beer-God knows they both need one-and two amazing things occur: Kenny discovers talking to Will might be the best form of intercourse ever, and Will discovers he's gay.

Their unlikely friendship seems like the perfect platonic match until Will reveals how very much more he's been feeling for Kenny almost since the beginning. But Kenny's worried. Will's newfound sexuality is bright and glittery and shiny, but what happens when that wears off? Is Will's infatuation with Kenny strong enough to stay real?

Members Reviews:

Made me laugh out loud!

What did you love best about Shiny!?

Tyler Stevens did a wonderful job in his characterizations! It was a sweet refreshing story by Amy Lane. I love that lady, what a great author!

What other book might you compare Shiny! to and why?

Maybe superhero by Eli Easton or any book by Lane Hayes.

What does Tyler Stevens bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

His voices were hilarious! He did a great job!

Who was the most memorable character of Shiny! and why?

Kenny and Will. The beginning of their relationship still makes me laugh and the conversation that Will has with his mom where he blurts out he is gay, still makes me laugh

Any additional comments?

Great story, Great narration, you will not be disappointed!

Sweet and simple, entertaining and nice

Lovely characters, simple but fun storyline, the narrator did a great job! I really like this author.

A happy story from the queen of angst

Any additional comments?

Amy Lane is known for her angst. This book has almost none! This is a very sweet and happy book about Will coming to grips with his sexuality and falling in love with Kenny. Until he met Kenny, Will just never thought of himself as a sexual being. Hes very naïve (he gets kicked out of a Christian school for teaching the kids Harry Potter) and hes a big, bulky, but gentle, dork.

Kenny is an overachiever and workaholic, always dressed to the nines, who is working so hard he doesnt realize his live-in boyfriend is cheating on him a lot! When he figures it out he throws away everything they may have used together which means an entire drawer full of shiny, gaudy, outrageous sex toys and puts them in a box on top of his garbage can.

Will bumps into this garbage can and is attracted to the shiny objects. Later, hes shocked when Kenny explains what the objects are. This starts their improbable relationship. Kenny drops some hints and then later some porn and dildos into Wills lap hoping to trap that mythical beast the straight guy who doesnt know hes actually gay! When the trap is laid, Will stumbles into it head first and WOW is he surprised at what he finds out!

The rest of the story is a mix of Will exploring his sexuality and the developing friendship and work relationship Will and Kenny have and then later their coming together as friends turned lovers.

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Title: Super Sock Man

Subtitle: Johnnies

Author: Amy Lane

Narrator: Sean Crisden

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-08-14

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 88 votes

Genres: Fiction, Gay & Lesbian

Publisher's Summary:

Donnie's crush on his sister's roommate Alejandro has gone beyond childhood dreams - and it's driving Donnie insane! So when Donnie gets a chance to house-sit for his sister and Yandro, Donnie doesn't feel alone. He's got all his vivid fantasies to keep him company! Can a little dumb luck - and a little help from a magical homemade gift - help Donnie's fantasies come true?

Members Reviews:

A SUPER short read!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes indeed. it's short, sexy, steamy and I love Sean Crisden's narration skills.

What other book might you compare Super Sock Man to and why?

Blue Days by Mary Calmes. Both are short and steamy and well told by excellent narrators.

What about Sean Crisdens performance did you like?

I always like Crisden's chops, in fact, I've bought books just because he narrated them.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me smile!

Any additional comments?

Fan's of the series know Donnie as troubled character Chase's best friend. I've always wanted to know more about his character and how the relationship with Chase first formed. Childhood friends, Donnie and Chase discover a lot about themselves through their friendship. The difference between the two in high school is, Donnie came out, and Chase stayed in the shadows.

Donnie is young, slightly naive and totally innocent but certain about who he is and who he wants, his sisters best friend Alejandro. It's his infatuation with the slightly older and completely open young man that helps Donnie decide to be honest with his family about his sexuality. His fantasy comes to life while he's house sitting and accidentally falls asleep in Jandro's bed.

Jandro has never slept with anyone. Oh he's screwed just about anyone that would allow him, but to fall asleep next to someone, to want that type of love with someone, well that is not for Jandro. Coming home and finding Donnie passed out, naked in his bed changes things. Jandro has watched Donnie grow from a shy, awkward teenager to the more assured young man that now lies ass up in his bed, stark white sheets pooled around him.

Johnnies is one of my favorite series, it is emotional and dark and angst ridden, so this short story is as contrasting to the world of Johnnies as Donnie and Jandro are to each other. This was a short, steamy story about a young man that knows exactly what he wants and when offered the opportunity to have it, grabs Jandro with both hands. It's passionate, fun and full of content for such a short story. I think Super Sock Man is a nice reprieve, a little sunshine for all us fans that are anxiously awaiting the release of Black John (book 4) on Audio.

Sean Crisden continues to tell the stories of Lane's boys over at Johnnies as narrator. I love the articulate tone of his voice, how he always enunciates every syllable while managing to inflect different tones for each character. If you are looking for something fast, fun and smexy then look no further. This can also be read as a stand alone as it is solely the story of Donnie and Jandro, not a continuation. But I highly recommend the series as a whole.

A Small Bit of Happy

I came to this story from having read Chase in Shadow and Donnie was such a strong character that when I found out he had his own book I had to read it.

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Title: The Charioteer

Author: Mary Renault

Narrator: Joe Jameson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-01-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 82 votes

Genres: Fiction, Gay & Lesbian

Publisher's Summary:

After surviving the Dunkirk retreat, Laurie Odell, a young homosexual, critically examines his unorthodox lifestyle and personal relationships, as he falls in love with a young conscientious objector and becomes involved with a circle of world-weary gay men.

Members Reviews:

A Gay Classic!

The story is timeless in it's depiction of coming out and finding your own niche. Set in WWII the story of Laurie, a young man out of the army, wounded and coming to terms with his new physical body impairment as well as his sexuality. He breezes from the hospital to a party where he finds another group of like-minded men who round up the characters to be in Laurie's life. I found it interesting that different "types" of men still exist in gay society today. I really enjoyed the narrator who handled each voice well; never too over the top. This novel is a great representation of first loves and lasting loves. Highly recommend this book to young and old gay men of today for a bit of history on how it was like for us back in an earlier time and how some feelings stay the same when it comes to love.

A struggle at first. But then it pulls you in.

Amazingly well done. Psychologically comparable to Gone w/the Wind in many ways. Truly exceptional!

Magnificent story magnificently narrated

I had forgotten how much I love 'The Charioteer ' by Mary Renault.

The story itself is excellent; the depiction of Laurie and Ralph and their struggle to be themselves within the constraints of their society wrenching at times. The characterisation is excellent and I always find myself rooting for Ralph and Laurie, even though I've read it a number of times over the years..

The narration was excellent. I could 'see' the characters as they spoke; their differences were apparent through changes in tone and pitch and I had no problems identifying who was speaking (I shall probably bookmark all my favourite bits so that I can revisit particular sections but I will be listening to this again (& again) as I've thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

The language, setting and characters are immersive to the point where you resent being interrupted reading or listening to go and do something else. It's a book I want to wrap myself up in whether I'm reading or listening and if you like WWII set novels with gay characters figuring themselves out in a restrictive society then I recommend giving 'The Charioteer' a go.

A most compelling listening experience

The novel's philosophical ambiguity, rich language, & subtle,touching, complete characterisation are quite wonderfully caught by a narrator whose variety, emotional conviction and pace are superb, I have never heard narration like this: it is like having a dramatisation with a first rate, perfectly differentiated cast of greats with the story itself rendered with unmatched elan and at the same time astonishingly intelligent restraint. Absolutely wonderful. If you are like me, you will find it incredible that all this is coming through one voice.

Beautiful story, excellent narration

I loved this book. I found myself rewinding several passages to experience again the depth of feeling. It's a classic of gay literature.

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Title: Housekeeping

Author: Kim Fielding

Narrator: K.C. Kelly

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-25-14

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 94 votes

Genres: Fiction, Gay & Lesbian

Publisher's Summary:

When Nicky Hauser walks in on his restaurant-owner boyfriend having sex with a waiter, Nicky loses his lover, his job, and his home all in one night. Although hes nearly thirty, hes never settled on a true career, and he has nothing to show for his years with Tom. Depressed and unable to find work, Nicky ends up couch-surfing with friends until he lands a house-sitting gig for a wealthy family.

When Nickys clients discover that he loves to clean, demand for his services skyrockets. Word of mouth leads him to Spencer Cartwright, a busy computer consultant and a slob. Spencer and his wife divorced when he came out, but hes never found the time or courage to settle down with a man. As Nicky sets Spencers house to rights, the two men find friendship. But Nickys past experiences make him wary of risking everything on love.

Members Reviews:

A nice listen but not my favorite Kim Fielding

*3.5 stars*

Good, light contemporary story about an aimless man finding purpose as a housekeeper for a newly out divorcee.

The story was easy listening. Sweet, no sex on page (drat!), and tender, I enjoyed this novella. However, I had some minor issues. First of all, I thought that the content was too heavy on the buildup to the relationship and less on the delivery. Almost the entirety of the story is the lead up to Nicky and Spencer getting together. There is a lot of focus on Nicky's breakup with Tom, which would have been great except for the fact that it made the back 1/2 of the story feel rushed and underdeveloped in comparison. I liked Nicky and Spencer together and I would have loved to read more about them and their dynamic. I also wanted to know more about Spencer, who remained somewhat of a mystery to me.

In terms of the narration, I thought it was just okay. I really like K.C. Kelly, but I'll admit he was an awkward fit for this story. His voice is too old and he had too little vocal differentiation between all the characters. He is a better match for stories with more mature MCs or something more soulful, with his deep, resonating voice. I would have liked someone more fresh who could have matched Nicky's personality better.

All in all, a decent listen and a nice way to pass the time.

**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Enjoyable

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Depends on what they were in the mood for. It's a fast, fun read, but I wanted a bit more romance.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Anticlimatic

Have you listened to any of K.C. Kellys other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes I have, I love his barritone.

Do you think Housekeeping needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Nope.

Any additional comments?

Nicky Hauser has spent the last five years with a man that not only didnt appreciate him, but cheated on him more than once. When Nicky walks in on his partner, the man he shares his life and home with, banging one of their waiters in his office, Nicky can no longer pretend not to know what Tom is doing. He couch surfs for a while until the opportunity to house sit falls into his lap. The couple is so impressed with how immaculate their home is upon their return, that they start suggesting Nicky to their friends, and Nicky turns it into a solid income from there.

That is all Spencer Cartwright is supposed to be, his employer.