Author: M.J. O’Shea
Narrator:: Tom Vilot
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Run Time: 6 Hours, 15 Minutes
Rating: 3 Stars
Blurb: Justin Foster has 19 years of nothing but trouble behind him. After escaping his abusive father, he finds himself in Rock Bay, Washington, with his cousin Travis. Justin is bruised and has a hard time trusting, but with the help of his family and the small town, he might be able to heal.
Logan O’Brien is also new in town, hoping he can finally get away from his past and the memories of the girlfriend who shattered his heart. It doesn’t take him long to realize Rock Bay can be more than safe harbor: It can also be home. And for the first time in his life, he finds himself captivated by a man – by Justin.
Justin is attracted to Logan, too, but he’s also wary. Physically, Logan reminds him a bit too much of the closeted jerks who used to beat him up after school. But after one awkwardly amazing kiss, he’s smitten, despite how his past and insecurities continue to haunt him. Logan’s love, faith, and stubbornness are just what Justin needs to believe their love is worth fighting for.
Review: When I first started listening to this audio, I was surprised. The narrator sounded like a computer generated voice. I found myself zoning out on the drone of his voice but would pay attention when the characters would talk. So, to really give an honest review on the audio version of M.J. O’Shea’s Finding Shelter, I will have to give it two different ratings: 2 stars for the narration of the book, 4 stars for the characterizations and the story. It was the story that kept me listening.
I would have liked some more angst between Justin and his dad, it would have added more depth to the story. Hell, any angst would have been welcomed. I hated how Justin’s dad talked to him and how his mother would just go to her room. Justin’s family abused him; his dad by doing the hitting and name calling, the rest of his family, and the community, by not saying or doing anything about it. Just when emotion and anger started to heat up, the computer generated, emotionless voice calmed it down, and I hoped the next time Justin was confronted he would fight back. I waited the entire audio… Logan was by far my favorite character because he finally stood up to Justin’s Dad
This audio made me mad, being that passive makes me crazy. I wanted Logan and Justin to fight for each other, but both had so much baggage to work through. Was this an audio book that kept me on edge, had a surprise twist ending? No, it was a story about an abused young man working on trusting others around him, and another man learning how to love him. And love him he did, with tender touches, kind words and patience. So much patience, it drove me crazy at times.
Was this audio worth buying if you’ve already read the book? No .The narration does get better as the story progresses, but I think it’s because the characters speak more towards the end, with less narration.
So buy the book, buy the series, but pass on the audio.
Best of the Audio: Logan O’Brien – he was so compassionate to Justin and his friends.
You can buy Finding Shelter (Rock Bay: Book Three) here:
