Nice enjoyable story

This was a well narrated story of the evolution of two guys. One was learning to find his place amongst the family business and carve out his own niche. The other was coming to terms with past abides. I really liked it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Just as good, if not better, than the e-book!

Where does Choices and Changes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Close to the top. Perfect marriage of written words and narration.

What did you like best about this story?

The way Bo and Erick slowly fall in love with each other.

What about Jonathan Waters’s performance did you like?

Everything. Especially the way he put so much venom in the character of Bo's dad, the man is truly ignorant and hateful, and you could literally hear that in his character.

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

It was, but it took 2 days.

Any additional comments?

It's been almost two years since I initially read Choices and Changes, as it was not only a favorite read but my first gay for you type story, I was anxious to dive into the audio version and visit with Bo and Erick again. Jonathan Waters did an amazing job of bringing Belanger's words to life, of giving Bo and Erick a distinct voice in his retelling. These two young men are portrayed so realistic, relateable, flawed and approachable that you can't help but fall in love with them, and root for them to find their own little piece of happiness.

Something that stood out more so in the audio version for me than it did in the print was the overbearing and abusive personality of Bo's dad. While this isn't the type of story where there is a villain per say, this asshat still managed to achieve villain status in my mind while I was listening to this story. I thought I was going to have to take a chill pill, literally, when he started in on Bo in the office the first time Bo tried to quit. And then to find out the truth behind what happened with Bo's mom, I seriously wanted to strangle the SOB. And Waters truly found this gravely, mean and hateful tone for the father that conveyed just how ugly a character he really was. Great job sir!

Colorful narration brought to life this richly written story about a strong young man that is struggling to figure out who he is and refuses to be labeled. If you have the opportunity, I suggest both reading and listening to this story, as each version is just as good as the other, and both are just a treat!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Not great ending, but good first effort

Bo is a straight guy – really – who is attracted to this “person” (he thinks it’s a woman) at a party. Well, it turns out it’s a guy, but the two end up talking anyway, and striking up a friendship. Bo, it seems, is not so very homophobic that he can’t conceive of something more, though he’d never thought of it before meeting Erick.
Erick is a psych major who doesn’t listen to his own advice. He’s been burned badly in his past and though he sees himself as a “helper to those in need” he doesn’t see a permanent relationship in his near (or even distant) future. He agrees to see Bo, as friends, and the two end up very close.
On a day when every thing bad seems to happen at once, Bo and Erick take their relationship to the next level. It’s everything Bo thought it would be and he’s hopeful about the future. He doesn’t know how to “come out” but Erick urges him to keep it quiet until he’s more secure about their relationship. This will come to haunt the pair down the line.
Meanwhile, at work, things are spiraling downward for Bo and he has to make a tough decision: stay with his jerk of a father as his employee or strike out on his own, possibly losing jobs for his friends. Erick would be there to help with this decision, but he’s tackling ghosts of his own past.
When the dust finally settles, Erick has tackled his ghosts (somewhat) and Bo has made his decision (as well as come out) and the pair decide to try to go forward in what can only be called a solid HFN, probably HEA.
**
Let me say that my first impression of the cover and the blurb were a bit misleading. I thought it was going to be more of a transsexual/transgender/transvestite type book. There is nothing of that in this book. Erick is only vaguely feminine and does not ever cross-dress or even wear make-up.
I really liked the beginning of this book, up to about the 60% mark. It was a slow burn, but it beautifully built up their relationship in a way that I haven’t seen a lot of GFYs do. They were truly friends first and only with careful consideration, did they move forward. It seemed very organic and realistic.
From that point forward, however, it sort of disintegrated for me. I had a hard time understanding Erick’s reluctance to trust Bo – yes he’d had some really bad relationships in his past, but it’s now been literally weeks/months of them being together. Surely he could at least talk about these things, or hint at them. He’s a psych major for Pete’s sake. I also felt the absence of a physical relationship was a little unrealistic. The author talks about the MCs having erections all the time, suggesting the attraction, but there are pages and pages of only dialog. It seems to me that two guys hot for each other would at least acknowledge the attraction and make a “plan” if nothing else.
I really disliked where it was left at the end. It felt so unsatisfying. After the immense build up of friendship, a brief moment of togetherness, a separation, a reconciliation and then the finale, the last 40% seemed disproportionately rushed, especially when there was so much for them to overcome. Though we did get one final closure scene, it was brief and not very fulfilling.
So, for a new author, I was definitely impressed. I would look for more from her in the future, but I did have some complaints with the story arc itself. Her writing was nice and flowed well and I’m looking forward to seeing what she produces next.
I would recommend this as a quiet love story where the back stories overshadow the sex and it would be really age-appropriate for a YA/NA grouping.

3.5 of 5 stars

Audio:
Jonathan Waters is new for new as a narrator and he did a nice job. He is one of the narrators who does not do a lot of voice changes or “acting” but his reading was solid and clear, easy to listen to and immerse in the words of the author.

3.5 of 5 stars

Overall Impression:

3.5 stars – I liked it

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

I loved it, it's heartfelt and beautiful

I loved this book. I loved the simplicity of it. There was no unnecessary drama for the sake of it. It was just life and all the twists and turns, ups and downs that come with it, and I loved every minute of it.

Bo is dragged to a college party by his best friend and is reluctantly trying to have a good time. That is until he sees her. The One. He instantly recognizes her as the person he’s supposed to spend his life with. The is only one problem. She is not a she. She is Erick, a psychology student and a man. Shocked by that discovery Bo literally runs and hide to try to make sense of what he’s thinking and feeling. Only Erick follows him and they strike up a conversation, a conversation that lasts all night and is brutally honest and real.

They start something that night that neither of them is sure of. They have this instant connection, but are unsure what to make of it. If they can trust it – or each other. The relationship is a slow-burn one, and watching them grow into the relationship was beautiful.

One of my favourite things in books is when I can believe in the story and the characters. I don’t want picture perfect and flawless, nothing bores me more. Give me flawed, insecure or scarred characters – human characters and I will be truly happy. Belanger delivered that in spades. Choices and changes is the one and only published book by this author (as far as I know at least). But that doesn’t show with this book. It’s well written with a well thought-out plot and developed characters. If she ever decides to publish more books I will happily read them.

Jonathan Waters end up in the okay column for his narration of this book. A huge plus for me is when the narrators adds feeling to what they narrate and not only reads the words. Waters did that really well. The only thing I wished for was more distinction between the voices, at times it could be a bit difficult to follow who was speaking.

This book is real, everything about it is genuine. It’s heartfelt and simply beautiful. You can’t help but falling for the characters, feel with them when they struggle, and be happy with them when things are good. It’s just a wonderful read and one I highly recommend.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Well worth the money it costs

Where does Choices and Changes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top half.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Choices and Changes?

Dinner at Bo's birthday, when Ham says - after it took ages for him to realize who Erick is -there must have been something in the water at home.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Waters – was your favorite?

Ham and Robert - it is sad that Ms. Belanger only wrote about them briefly. Hope we can expect a story of Andrea&Ham and Robert&Charlie.

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

Absolutely, I also kinda did...I stayed up way to late just to isten to one more chapter and one more

Any additional comments?

I do not like rape scenes - even if it is only retelling - but in this story it was well placed and not unnecessary too graphic and it was not in just for the effect.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Good Book

Well written and rather realistic. I have written critiques in the past complaining when miscommunication is the engine driving plot .. but that is not the case with this book. I say this because its completely believable that a person can be so wrapped up in their own brain that they don't even see what they think .. I loved how although the attraction was instantaneous and very strong for both - the relationship doesn't jump into sexual for some time (and I usually hate "slow burn" lol) .

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Touching!

This is a poignant story of discovering one's true self and understanding that it's always been a part of a greater plan. Bo is struggling with his life as what he sees as being a verbal punching bag for his father at Sanford and Sons Construction. His vision is to go into business for himself, but it will come with certain sacrifice. At a party, he notices a beautiful blonde woman and feels a strong draw to her. The "woman" is actually Erick, beautiful blond man who will change Bo's life. There is an immediate spark, but the slow burn between them is delectable. This is a well-conceived and nicely-written story of self-discovery and self-acceptance that I never knew I needed. 
Jonathan Waters did an admirable job with the narration as he brought all of the characters to life. His rendition of Bo and Erick is realistic and sensitive, while he gives Andrea a starring role! 

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

emotional trip

I went through so many emotions listening to this. I empathized for Bo and Eric. Scott was a vile vicious creature who deserved jail time. Bo's dad sickened me with his verbal abuses and controlling nature. He alienated hid kids rather than holding them close im his heart. I was happy Bo and Eric had the strength to go after what they needed and wanted. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a great job bringing the characters and story to life.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Nice gay for you story

The summary was what made me buy this - it sounded like a good storyline. It is and the book is not bad but i think that it had more potential than it accually showed. I liked the MCs but their background could have been explored more and thier characters could have been developed more. The drama before the happy-ever-after could with their background stories have been more explosive - because is that not what we look for in gay-for-you stories - a lot of conflict and then solution? It would have lifted this story too another level. As it is, its not a bad buy - just not the best either.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

They first become good friends

Though the writing wasn’t exceptional, for being the only book by the author, it wasn’t half bad. What I enjoy the most was that, despite their immediate attraction to each other, Bo and Erik don’t act on it at first–even after admitting it to each other. They first become good friends.

I also liked that Bo ends up accepting and claiming his bisexuality. Sure, Erik is the first man he’s attracted to, but he doesn’t deny his past relationships with women, and he doesn’t suddenly become gay. He just discovers his bisexuality late.

The dynamics between those two guys, with the silent support and the deep feelings, felt good and natural. They have serious conversations as well as silly banter. They were both interesting too–even Erik, with his cliché past as a rejected homosexual, though I liked Bo, with his messed up family and misplaced sense of loyalty, a bit more.

I also quite liked everything around Bo’s work–his relationship with his friend/co-worker, the devotion to his work and co-workers, the ups and downs of such a job… It helped with giving Bo a real life, while we barely ever see Erik studying. It put him in a setting other than the romantic one, offering another side of the character, through his work and his family.

Though the first meeting is kind of problematic–Bo mistaking Erik for a girl–it makes for an interesting MM romance. And if the narration could have been a bit better, with more feelings and variations for the voices, it wasn’t bad and I enjoyed the book as it is.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!