Preview
  • Better Together Universe Box Set: Books 1-3

  • By: BL Maxwell
  • Narrated by: Curtis Michael
  • Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (18 ratings)

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Better Together Universe Box Set: Books 1-3

By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Curtis Michael
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Publisher's summary

Book One: Better Together

Since being thrown out of his home by his parents, Caden has been struggling to survive on the streets.

He lives in constant fear, stresses over his next meal, and dreads trying to find a safe place to sleep at night. He eventually finds an unlocked car and settles in to sleep, but is soon interrupted when someone steals the car. With little choice but to ride along, Caden soon learns that first impressions aren’t always correct.

Seventeen-year-old Damario has been raising his little brother and sister by himself since his parents were deported. He never knew how hard it was going to be paying the bills and making sure there was always food on the table. Or how hard it would be to hold his family together when they all depended on him to do it. He finds himself stealing cars to make ends meet, but he never expected to find someone sleeping in the back of one of them. And he really didn’t expect this stowaway to change his life.

When Damario brings Caden home, it was supposed to be just for a shower and a hot meal, but he can hardly kick him out onto the streets again. There is no way he could have seen that by saving Caden that night, he was also saving himself. When Damario’s world starts to fall apart, they both realize that the answer to all of their problems is helping each other, and although the world tries to drive them apart, they really are better together.

Book Two: Chains Required

Rio and Caden have been together for a few years now. It’s a rare weekend they get to spend alone. When Rio suggests they get away to Tahoe for the weekend a few weeks before Christmas, Caden is too excited to even think of saying no. They start their trip, and even though they think they’ve planned for every emergency, they can’t control what Mother Nature has in store for them. When the car in front of them spins out into the newly fallen snow, they stop to help and soon find out that Caden’s not as alone in this world as he had originally thought. A few more planned surprises make for a special weekend for these hardworking guys who really deserve a weekend getaway.

Can be listened to as a stand-alone.

Book Three: The First Twelve

Rio and Caden met under harsh circumstances when they were both teenagers trying to survive on their own. Together, they raised Rio’s brother and sister, and have created a great life for them all, filled with lots of love and warmth. But just one thing is missing.

Together they’ve made a family for themselves, and now they have a chance to add one more - a child of their own. When Caden’s sister offers to be their surrogate, they’re overjoyed. Now, if they can navigate nine months of pregnancy hormones, morning sickness, and mood swings, everything will be easy. Until one little newborn arrives and keeps them busier than they ever imagined possible. Nine months seemed tough, but the first 12 will be even more challenging.

Just like every other challenge they’ve faced, they’ll do it together, and they’ll do it with love.

©2022 BL Maxwell (P)2022 BL Maxwell
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What listeners say about Better Together Universe Box Set: Books 1-3

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More Than Survival

I am so glad I listened to this box set because you get the whole story of Rio and Caden. It is wonderful to see how their life brings them together. You also get to see the reality of hard choices circumstances might bring you to. Their story continues to turn more and more positive as you move through the stories. Listened to the audio and it was well done.

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a sweet story

I was given this audio book to review and honestly I loved it. The three stories paint a wonderful life picture of 2 boys who are struggling to make it through harsh situations.

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Sweet story about love and bravery

Caden and Rio are such strong and loving young men, I don't want to call them "boys" since their love and sense of duty makes them mature beyond their years. Despite being dealt bad hands in life they both step up to take care of their family, found or by blood, and it's a joy to read about their journey. This bundle follows the from those first days and into adulthood as their love for each other and for their family is as strong and beautiful as ever.

I liked following Caden and Rio through young adulthood and forward as they became the adults they were always meant to be.

Curtis Michael's narration was good and easy to listen to.

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3 Beautiful Stories

With each book, this series just got sweeter and sweeter. From the rough situations that Rio and Caden were in when they met to adding the new additions to their family, these guys loved and protected each other fiercely. I loved it all and Curtis Michael's narration was perfect to represent these characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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love this author

i had read all books in this series and getting to hear them on audible was just as amazing and really brought them to life.

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Caden and Rio really are Better Together

This box set contains three wonderful binge worthy books. Book 1 Better Together is the story of Rio and Caden. Rio had been caring for his younger brother and sister after his parents had been deported. Trying to keep his family together Rio found himself stealing cars. On one occasion he found Caden, who had been kicked out by his parents, asleep in the back of the car he was stealing. The boys had no idea this chance encounter would change their lives forever for the better. I enjoyed this emotional book and was glad Rio and Caden hadn't given up on each other. The kindness of strangers can go along way. Book 2 Chains Required is a short story about a vacation for Rio and Caden. This is a sweet story with a surprise. Book 3 The First Twelve is a story about Rio and Caden adding to their family. Caden's sister Chloe agreed to be their surrogate. This book had all the feels as Rio and Caden await the arrival and the their baby's first year.
Though I felt the timelines were a bit off from one book to the next, I did enjoy this series and would recommend it. 

Narrator Curtis Michael does a good job in bringing these characters to life, though the production could've been edited better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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loved it

I love these stories. This Box Set is amazing. Curtis Michael has a amazing voice that makes the stories come to life and makes you love the characters even more.
-Better together (book 1)--- After being thrown out by his parent Caden is struggling to survive on the streets. Demario is 17 and after his parent are deported to Mexico he has to raise his brother and sister. Struggling to keep his family together he has to do things he wishes he didn't. This is how he finds Caden and offers to help him. Can one act of kindness bring his family together? Will Damario and Caden find love with each other? And can they overcome all the challenges together? After all they will be better together.
-Chains Required Book 2)--- After being together for years. Rio and Caden go on a weekend getaway in Tahoe shortly before Christmas. They plan for every emergency and good thing they did. Snow falls and brings with it the miracles of love.
-The First Twelve (book3)--- After all Caden and Rio have been through. They finally get to be dads after Caden's sister gives then the gift of a lifetime. This is their journey of the first year of being dads. Very sweet story.

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