The Start of Us

I'm struggling to review this book. I have so many mixed emotions. On the one hand, I love when Lauren goes all angsty on us. It's such a departure from her romcom ways, which I love, but she always nails the angst like she was born to write it. I love how she builds it up. Makes her characters work for it. This is a reworked version, and I'm sure I listened to the original because some things where familiar to me. Any how, why I'm struggling, there is a character that I hate. I don't often use that word but honestly, I hated this character with every ounce of my being. And in turn, it made me very frustrated with Harley for allowing things to continue. But, I suppose that is the joy of a good book, right? That it can evoke such strong emotions and reactions from the reader/ listener? I'm looking forward to diving into book two, even if it is the hope that someone gets hit by a bus...don't judge me!

Joe Arden and Vanessa Edwin are pure perfection. Joe performs the troubled Trey with such sincerity that it was a joy to listen to. And Vanessa, good God, this woman is just astounding, I have loved every book I've heard her perform and this was no different, the delivery of this character and her conflicting thoughts and vulnerability was conveyed beautifully. They performed this book so well, they really showcased the angst, and my heart was breaking at times. So I'll admit, I'm not a huge fan of special appearances in audiobooks, especially when you have such talented narrators cast, however, I should have known Lauren wouldn't lead me astray. It worked perfectly having Teddy Hamilton and Erin Mallon pop in to narrate some of the chapters. It really added to the feel of the story. Who knew Teddy could be such a sleaze bag? And Erin's memoirs chapters really added to the overall feel of the book.

This is the start of a trilogy. Books must be listened to in order.