I just want someone to be proud to call me theirs.
Leta Blake
Smoky Mountain Dreams
Format:
Audiobook
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Sometimes holding on means letting go
After giving up on his career as a country singer in Nashville, Christopher Ryder is happy enough performing at the Smoky Mountain Dreams theme park in Tennessee. But while his beloved Gran loves him the way he is, Christopher feels painfully invisible to everyone else. Even when he’s center stage he aches for someone to see the real him.
Bisexual Jesse Birch has no room in his life for dating. Raising two kids and fighting with family after a tragic accident took his children’s mother, he doesn’t want more than an occasional hook-up. He sure as hell doesn’t want to fall hard for his favorite local singer, but when Christopher walks into his jewelry studio, Jesse hears a new song in his heart.
Point of view:
3rd person. Alternating between Jesse & Christopher’s perspectives.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
At almost 15 hours this was a LONG story. I loved getting to really know Christopher and Jesse as individuals. Interestingly, given the length – I was actually surprised that more of it wasn’t them together as a couple.
I enjoyed Blake’s exploration of really difficult situations and family dynamics. How people honor themselves while still caring for how moving on can impact those around them. I loved Christopher’s compassion and understanding for Jesse’s kids. Jesse’s close relationship with Marcy’s parents. Juxtaposed with the tension in Christopher’s family surrounding him being gay and Jesse’s contention with Marcy’s sister.
It’s a dramatic, funny, and sexy listen – all the emotions leading to a wonderful HEA for Jesse & Christopher and their blended family.
Narration:
I enjoyed John Solo’s narration. He’s a great fit for Blake’s writing and characters. Solo does a wonderful job of bringing a depth to all the emotional parts. Enjoyable listen.
About the author:
Leta Blake: Author of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and the fan favorite Training Season, Leta Blake’s educational and professional background is in psychology and finance, respectively. However, her passion has always been for writing. She enjoys crafting romance stories and exploring the psyches of made up people. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her day job, her writing, and her family.
You can connect with Leta Blake here:
About the narrator:
John Solo has been a professional performer for 20 years, although this whole acting thing is a relatively new development. Prior to all of this he made his living as a salesman, engineer, security guard, mechanic, construction worker, purveyor of polyester dress suits… The list goes on ad nauseum, but he prefers to think of himself as an Itinerant Adventurer and loveable scoundrel! When not acting like someone else in front of a microphone, John prefers to indulge in the simpler things in life; games of chance, sword-fighting and traveling the world… all from the comforts of his own overstuffed couch.
You can connect with John Solo here:
My Favorite Quotes
are you ever homesick for something that you never had? – Smoky Mountain Dreams by @LetaBlake #Audiobook narrated by John Solo @falconsoundco #MM #SmallTown #Romance
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I guess I believe in a God who gives us enough hope and joy to deal with the pain the world doles out. – Smoky Mountain Dreams by @LetaBlake #Audiobook narrated by John Solo @falconsoundco #MM #SmallTown #Romance
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I just want someone to be proud to call me theirs. – Smoky Mountain Dreams by @LetaBlake #Audiobook narrated by John Solo @falconsoundco #MM #SmallTown #Romance
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Rellim Reads 