Adrian Rizzo’s life as she knew it changed when she was seven years old and met her father for the first and last time. It was a violent and pivotal moment that shaped her future. Her mother, Lina, had a successful and thriving fitness business that became even more high profile after this event and she left Adrian with her parents for the summer to heal. There she created lifelong relationships that would become even more meaningful for the rest of her life. When Adrian started her own fitness business as a teenager, it not only did well but ignited some unwanted attention from someone who sent her poetic threats with regularity until the day they became something more.
I’ve come to expect these stories to take considerable time to develop, laying the foundation for not only the characters but the situational settings that immerse you so deeply into their lives that you feel you’re a part of it all. I love how it envelops me and won’t let go. Yes, there are dramatic moments but they’re not the heart and soul of the whole of it. It’s a different kind of suspense so that’s important to consider before starting.
I loved getting to know not only Adrian the child and the adult, but all of the people who were important in her life. Even though I suspected who probably was the author of those sinister notes throughout the years, that knowledge didn’t detract from my level of enjoyment in the least. The relationships were rich and meaningful and when she connected with her childhood crush, Raylan Wells, that felt as natural and complete as it should. The final confrontation with the “poet” couldn’t have been more exciting, satisfying that aspect of my expectations and concluding with a magnificent crescendo. Finally, the narrator, who is one of my most favorite, just elevated this story to a higher plane as she managed to create distinctions for a host of characters with diversity not only in gender but age and background. I actually had to check to ensure there weren’t multiple performers! I loved everything about this story, which celebrated the value of family in all its beauty and messiness.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 25, 2021
- Narrator: January LaVoy
- Audio Length: 14 hours, 57 minutes
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
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(Thanks to Macmillan Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
A perfect review once again, Jo! I liked the way you alerted the reader to a possible slow story that is worthwhile.
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 Roberts is gradually changing her writing style and this really is the most dramatic shift to date. She’s definitely grown as a writer. I listened to 15 hours of a story in about two days, reluctant always to pause. That means something.
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Wonderful summing up 💚 I’m listening to it now!
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Thank you, Cathy💜 I so hope you love it, too! Isn’t January LaVoy wonderful?
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She’s fabulous!
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Wonderful review Jo!
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Thanks, Nicki💜
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This sounds like I need to read it 😊. Great review!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 Remember to go into it as contemporary fiction with romantic and suspense elements and you’ll love it.
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When I read Nora Roberts I usually think romance but I’m glad this is more contemporary since I enjoy that more ❤️
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I read instead of listening to the audio version. It was a great story but a bit predictable. I did enjoy it.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Whenever I see January LaVoy listed as a narrator, I’m sold on the audio version. She’s so, so good.
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A wonderful review! I am listening to this one and reading it. I love when I have both. I’m really enjoying this story. Happy you did too! 🙂 ❤
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Thank you, Deanna💜 Oh, I hope you’re enjoying your dual format reading experience!
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Wonderful review Jo. I have read mixed reviews about this being too long and drawn out, but I agree with you. One of the things I like about her books is that we really get to know the characters. This one sounds good and I can’t wait to read or listen to it.
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Thanks, Carla💜 I think many of those disappointed in the story are looking for her traditional romantic suspense stories. But, I love how her writing is evolving.
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