Loved this. Amy is known for angst but this one was light. I loved how it was the couple telling another couple "their story."

To be honest, I was a little nervous about reading Aaron and even less interested in listening to the audio version. My problem is I really don’t care much about reading or listening to overly violent situations. According to the blurb, I was expecting to do a lot of cringing, but after reading the review by our very own Lisa, I decided to give it a try. At least I knew what I was getting into…right?

OMG…was I totally blown away!

As I listened to the first few chapters, I kept thinking…

Why is this kid still suffering?
Why is his mother coddling him?
Why isn’t Aaron in some sort of therapy?

As I got more involved in the storyline, all of sudden it dawned on me that this wasn’t so much about the trauma that led to Aaron’s problems but more about what was being done to help him recover from it. Instead of being upset, I found myself almost giddy with excitement as this young man took his first baby steps in order to reclaim his life!

For me, this was a well written story about recovering from trauma. J.P. Barnaby did an excellent job researching PTSD and its current treatments. I especially loved the fact that the doctor involved wanted Aaron to wean himself off the drugs he was taking in order to learn proper coping skills to deal with his PTSD symptoms. I haven’t been this moved since watching Good Will Hunting. Finding the right therapist does make a difference in the outcome of treating PTSD.

Anyway, Mr. Tyler Stevens did an awesome job in bringing this story to life. His presentation of the characters involved and the emotions expressed made this a very riveting story worth listening to. I came close to crying towards the end at what Aaron did with his mother, but the smile on my face wouldn’t let me. I know this is fiction, but I’ve know people who have PTSD, and any breakthrough is worth celebrating.

It’s a 5 Stars recommend listen!!! One note, though, I wouldn’t recommend it for those who may be sensitive to certain triggers since it deals with rape.

I am an audio book lover. I travel for work and have lots of time to listen, so I am very picky about narrators. I usually read the books before they come out on audio so I have a picture in my mind of how these characters are supposed to sound, and Tyler Stevens nails Jay.

Jay is a southern farm boy (actually, it’s a massive estate) from Virginia, who comes from a large caring family that raises thoroughbred horses. He is well educated, well dressed, and gorgeous, with a love for techno music, old movies, and talking before he thinks. His best friend is Aaron from the first book, and he has never seen the inside of a closet. He is comfortable in his own skin—until, that is, he has to work with his massive office crush, Peter. Peter has the ability to unnerve Jay in his professional and personal life, and it is fun to listen to the narrator babble through conversations as Jay navigates through his relationship with Peter. He portrays Jay as a formal southerner with a dramatic flair.

Peter is an overachiever of everything, especially work. He is overcompensating for the fact his is gay, and is not what his old, Italian mother expected of him. He does not hide that he is gay (if asked), but having a relationship of any kind does not fit into his plans to conquer the lobbyist world. Tyler does a great job of switching voices and does a great “Peter” imitation.

I cannot decide which of the two audios I love more in this series. I love them both! Tyler Stevens does an excellent job depicting the characters with his voices in this audio book. If you have read the book previously, Jay makes sense. If not, remember my description of the formal, southern drama queen and then it will make sense. He truly brought life into each one of these characters and made it very entertaining for the listener.

This series would go on my re-listen rather than my re-read shelf.

This is the story of Jay and Peter, and their bumpy journey to happiness. Their "friends with benefits" agreement turns into something more. One loves with an open heart, the other is guarded with seemingly impenetrable walls. Very enjoyable story, but have a Kleenex or two at the ready.

The narrator Tyler Stevens made the story all the more enjoyable. I look forward to more audiobooks being narrated by him.

4.5 stars ~ Audiobook Review by Caroline

This is a feel good story with a little bit of angst and a whole lot of loving. A lot of people seemed to have this as GFY but I don’t agree. Matt had already had a sexual experience with another man, admitted to being attracted to men and had no problem admitting his bisexuality to himself.

I digress!

Matt is a student dealing with the usual stresses of studying and trying to ace his grades. He has a girlfriend who he sees every now and again, sex isn’t great but he doesn’t expect it to be, and he surrounds himself with a good group of friends.

Aaron. I loved Aaron. Flamboyant and so secure in who he was, he was an absolute pleasure. He loves loud music, fashion and dancing and will not hide himself for anyone. I would have loved to have gotten a little more of his POV in the story, as for me he was the star...

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