Dave

LOVE THE SERIES... THIS BOOK IS THE EXCEPTION

Reviewed: 11-19-23

Daryl Banner has done an amazing job creating his Spruce, Texas universe. I have enjoyed every book in the series, especially the fact that he keeps his previous main characters popping up in subsequent books' story lines.

This book was my least favorite, and I think the main reason was that Mr. Banner had decided to narrate the audio book himself. The narrators of the previous books were all wonderful, some with smooth, sexy Texas accents that would melt butter. Mr. Banner's narration unfortunately has none of that.

I sincerely hope the author plans to write an eighth book in this highly entertaining Spruce, Texas series, however, I do hope he just sticks to writing and let the producers go back to some of the other narrators used in his previous audio books.

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IT'S LIKE A SUMMER BEACH READ - LIGHT & FUN

Reviewed: 11-02-23

I liked this story... light and airy with a sweet happy ending. Reminded me of a summer beach read. Don't examine too closely... just listen and enjoy. Loved the narrators, and although they sometimes sounded alike, at the beginning of each chapter the narrators announce which character is doing the telling so there shouldn't be a problem (if you're paying attention). When the narrator who voices Billy relays what Tanner is saying the accent is about as sexy as it gets! You'll understand when you listen to the book!

I look forward to the other books in the series.

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THE STORY COULD HAVE BEEN TOLD IN HALF THE TIME

Reviewed: 10-31-23

In my opinion this book was way too long. The audio book comes in at just over 19 hours of listening, and I feel the story could have been told in half the time. Parts of the book felt very repetitive rehashing scenes over and over.

While the authors' did a good job with character development (they did after all have 19 hours to develop the characters), the narrator had to juggle three different accents of the main characters... French Canadian, Russian and Swedish. The good thing about the accents is it did help differentiate between the characters.

Book #1 in the "On the Board" series "Rookie Mistake" by the same authors was a better book and about three hours shorter.

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LONG BUT WORTH THE LISTEN

Reviewed: 09-15-23

While this audio book is over 13 hours long, the listen was totally worth it. The author did an excellent job with the character development of the two protagonists Daniel and Rex. The narration was excellent as well.

At times Rex seems too good to be true... and why did it take Daniel so long to realize how amazing Rex was? Another reader's review stated it would have been nice to get Rex's view and opinion about Daniel since the story is told from Daniel's perspective. We do get a little snapshot of how Rex sees Daniel when Rex tells Ginger the story of how he and Daniel met.

The end left the story open ended... perhaps in books #2 and #3 Daniel and Rex surface again (maybe in the background) and their story continues on.

One of the best books I have listened to in a while... looking forward to the other books in the series.

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A CLASSIC MUST READ FOR SCI-FI FANS

Reviewed: 09-09-23

I first read this book years ago as a kid, and since then I have reread The Mote in God's Eye multiple times. It is one of the best "first contact" books I have read, and the authors do a fantastic job creating the alien civilization.

Highly recommended... just good old fashioned science fiction.

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NOT WHAT I EXPECTED

Reviewed: 07-31-23

This story is less about enemies becoming friends becoming lovers and more about the emotional issues of the two protagonists. This is a ten hour audio book, and its only in the last 30 minutes that the two title characters really come together in a loving relationship. The story is far too sobering and not the cute rom-com I was expecting (my fault for not diving a little deeper before purchasing the book).

The two narrators did a great job, however, one irksome issue is the character Dylan speaks several lines in Spanish, and no translation is offered or provided.

If you are expecting a light and airy tale this is not the book for you.

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1 person found this helpful

SWEET STORY OF LOVE CONQUERS ALL

Reviewed: 07-01-23

Despite an age difference between the two main characters, Paul and Sean, casual encounters develop into so much more despite a variety of obstacles. Sacrifices are made for a surprise happy ending I did not see coming. Well written with great character development that engages the listener. The story has just enough angst, and in the end love conquers all. Narrator Nick Russo does a great job differentiating the characters... I was never confused which character was talking (something that can easily happen when there is only one narrator).

I look forward to reading the other books in this "Anchor Point" series... hopefully they will be just as enjoyable.

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ROMANCE TAKES A BACK SEAT

Reviewed: 06-29-23

In this book the romance between the two main characters, Julien & Isaac, takes a back seat to male on male sexual abuse and the "#MeToo" movement. The abuse and emotional issues were handled with tact, however, the story does take a disturbing turn down a road that might be difficult for some listeners. The narrator tackles several accents, and while I thought Michael Ferraiuolo did a particularly good job with Julien's French-Canadian accent, his Swedish accent could use a little work.

Still trying to figure out the title "Rookie Mistake". From where I stand the "rookie" Isaac did not make a singular mistake... quite the opposite. Isaac dedicated himself to helping Julien overcome his emotional issues and issues in his past. Perhaps it references a mistake Julien made when he was a rookie?

This book is rather long, and the authors could have probably told the tale in 3/4 of the 16.5 hour run time.

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A GREAT RIVALS TO LOVERS STORY

Reviewed: 06-29-23

In my reviews I try to give my opinion of a book without giving away too much information or spoilers. This is an enjoyable story with great character development surrounding two football quarterback rivals who work through their secret romance. Becks' letter to Jason later in the story will bring tears to your eyes. The two narrators did a terrific job with the audio book. Bonus content at the end of the book is a plus and an interesting addition. Highly recommended... this book is worth it.

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DISAPPOINTING

Reviewed: 06-23-23

The first book in this series, "The Endgame" set a very high bar... loved that book. This book, "The End Zone", not so much. While the problem with differentiating between characters was solved by using two different narrators in the audio book, I just could not swallow the plot line of a hyper masculine, womanizing, superstar NFL quarterback turning gay... seemingly overnight.

I was very much looking forward to this book after the wonderful experience of listening to the "The Endgame"... it is a shame that Riley Hart's strong story telling fell somewhat flat with this saga.

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