I want to live at McCallister's Paradise!

I received a free copy of this audiobook for an unbiased review.

Overall: I loved the book (and have come to love the rest of the series).

Performance: When I first signed up to listen to the audiobook, I had not realized it was Chad C. Martin's first narration. I had already read the book, and about a half hour in, I was a bit worried that, despite being a big fan of McCallister's Paradise, he was going to lose me...but then something changed. You can hear him growing more confident and less robotic as the book continues. I am now looking forward to the chance to hear him narrate other books in the future.

Story: I know this is the first book in a series, and so meeting the other characters were important. I'm looking forward to learning more about each of the McCallister siblings throughout the series.

Watching Quinn change as he acknowledged his growing feelings for Larissa was definitely my favorite part of the book. Being in love, for better or worse, is about finding someone who makes you want to be the best possible version of yourself. Even the most successful and put together people need someone who holds a mirror up to them and says "This is what you really are" and it felt like that's what Larissa was for him.

Janie was my other favorite character. That best friend who won't back down when they're concerned...everyone needs one. Especially when they're also wild and free.

Felt as though the ending...was sort of rushed. Yes, it concluded everything, but it could have been just a bit longer. At the same time, I know it's part of a series and I hope there'll be more to the story.

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A thought provoking and thoughtful story

Any additional comments?

This is the first book of a very promising series that center around the McCallister family, owners of an island resort in the area of Hawaii.
This one gives us Quinn McCallister, and Larissa Benner.
Quinn is the son that is the patriarch’s second in command. He is dedicated to the resort above everything, even his personal life. Especially after a divorce.
Larissa is the new massage therapist. She is a breast cancer survivor whose fiance left her because of her “deformed” breast. She is happy to have this job that she loves and comes with a good health insurance.
These two are attracted to each other but their priorities are not the same. Which causes friction between them, no matter how much they love each other. There will be moments when you will become impatient with Quinn and just want to give him a good shake.
Will they be able to face the obstacles put in front of them, will Quinn re-evaluate his life, will Larissa overcome the curveballs she is thrown, and will they find their happy endings?
A thought provoking and thoughtful story. I am looking forward to getting to know better the rest of the McCallister members.
I was gifted this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

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1 person found this helpful

An emotional, touching story

I wasn't sure what to expect when I found out the story was about a cancer survivor and a workaholic, but Larissa and Quinn's story tugged at my heartstrings. Chantel Rhondeau's writing and Chad Martin's narration were the perfect combination. I was so drawn in to the story that I lost track of time!

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the narrator, author or publisher.

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1 person found this helpful

Deeply Emotional and Touching

This story struck a very deep chord for me. At various times I have felt that my life is not entirely of my own choosing. This story helped me to realize that there are things under our control we need to change and perhaps should change.They may not make a difference to others, but that they would impact us more then we can ever tell.

There is a silent power throughout these pages that will seep into your very soul and gentle instruct and reveal things we need to see. Above all this book will haunt the edges of your conscience mind and prick your feelings to make you face what you continue to ignore.

The wonderful characters hold an inner strength that will delight and touch your heart. You won't be able to walk away from them and be the same. They will own a piece of you.

Above all, give this book a chance, and I guarantee that you will not regret it!

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Great Contemporary Romance

I was taken aback with the first chapter and how the book started. I was hoping he was not a total looser! Glad to see that not all is what it seems and things developed at a good pace and the characters are well developed and very likable.

Narration was well done and brought the story to life.

The story is very touching and emotional. Larissa is a cancer survivor that has gone through a lot. Quinn is a wealthy divorced workaholic that has always put work above everything and everyone else.

I loved the ups and downs and how the story develops. It was a very heartfelt story that deeply moves you. The conclusion does wrap up with a HEA which is a must for me. I’m looking forward to reading/listening to more books by this talented author.

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

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2 people found this helpful

A great new series!

Larissa is a young breast cancer survivor and is trying to get a permanent job as a massage therapist at McCallister's Paradise so she'll have insurance in case her cancer returns. Quinn McCallister is a workaholic being groomed to take over the family island's businesses. They meet under unusual circumstances but are attracted to each other even though she is his employee. She doesn't want to tell him that she had cancer but does eventually. Quinn can't seem to give up control of any of the work responsibilities even when Larissa needs him. It was such a powerful story with real life problems that the couple had to overcome. I really liked the story and the way Chantel Rhondeau was able to draw me into caring about this couple and can't wait for more of this family. This was the first time I've listened to Chad C. Martin and I'm really captivated by his voice. I hope to hear more from him. I was given a copy of this book and am giving my honest review.

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A Powerful Story!

What made the experience of listening to Happy Endings the most enjoyable?

The one word that comes to mind is WOW this book had steam, heartache, love, misunderstandings all mixed into a story done by a gifted narrator Chad C. Martin

What other book might you compare Happy Endings to and why?

I believe Zack's Ranch by Becky Baker both took on different but difficult situations.

Have you listened to any of Chad C. Martin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No this is the first one

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When she found the lump knowing as the listener that the odds were not in her favor.

Any additional comments?

A powerful story. It was a book that you can become totally lost in feeling all the emotions that these characters did. It was a book that showed the best and worse parts of the human psyche. I loved it! My recommendation is to get this book and or audio you will not regret it.

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2 people found this helpful

Sweet

A dream job at an island resort? A hunk of hot man who just happens to run the whole thing with his family? Count me in! I needed something light to read, and Happy Endings fit the bill! There's some light drama, some conflict, and some steamy (but not too spicy, if you know what I mean) love scenes. All in all, a perfect book for the beach, or cuddled near the fireplace. Definitely looking forward to more in this series! Well done by the narrator, too!

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Chantel Rhondeau is magical

I voluntarily listened and reviewed this as a gift from Ms. Rhondeau

This is one of the most heart capturing stories I've ever read, or in this case, listened to. The personality of Quinn and Larissa are so life like that they become real people. There were times during this story that I laughed and just as many times that I was brought to tears. Having lost many family members to cancer, this quickly burrowed into my heart. The narration by Chad Martin swept me away to where I was a bystander watching this story unfold. This is a must have book, just make sure the tissues are handy.

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1 person found this helpful

A great romance where love doesn't come easy!

This story started out with a bang! Quinn is sent in to test Larissa before his family offers her a full time job in the spa of their luxury resort. Will she give a customer a "Happy Endings Massage" if offered more money? Yep, they had a rocky start for a relationship. It stayed pretty rocky throughout. Quinn is a workaholic and has trouble putting a woman first. Larissa had issues in a previous relationship, because the guy wasn't strong enough to stand by her. Is Quinn any different? You can tell he's really a good guy deep down, but his priorities just might put the nail in the coffin and totally kill their chance for a happy ending (no pun intended).
Ms. Rhondeau deals with some serious subjects in this book, but does a good job with the romance, too. Her personal note at the end of the book makes it even easier to connect with Larissa's character.
The book was narrated by Chad C. Martin. I'll admit that I would have rather he had done the narration in his more natural voice. It was a little too dramatic sounding for the story, but overall he did a good job.
This book was given to me by the author. The opinions are my own.

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