Author: JP Barnaby
Narrator: Tyler Stevens
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Run Time: 7 Hours, 33 Minute
At a Glance: Between JP Barnaby’s writing and Stevens’ performance, it gave Spencer a touch of reality—bad things do happen to good people.
Reviewed By: Kim
Blurb: It’s been nearly five years since Aaron woke up in the hospital so broken, he couldn’t stand the sight of his own face. The flashbacks no longer dominate his life, but he’s still unable to find intimacy with his lover, Spencer Thomas. With time, patience, and the support of his family, his therapist, and his loving partner, Aaron has figured out how to live again. The problem is, Spencer hasn’t. His life has been on hold as he waits for the day he and Aaron can have a normal relationship. Hoping to move things forward for them both, he takes a job as a programmer in downtown Chicago, leaving Aaron alone.
Reeling in the wake of Spencer’s absence, Aaron receives another shock when his attackers are caught.
Now, he must testify and verbalize his worst nightmare. Publicly reliving his trauma without Spencer at his side destroys his precarious control. But he finds someone who can understand and empathize in Jordan, who watched his brother cut down in a school shooting. With Spencer gone and the DA knocking at his door, Aaron seeks solace in Jordan, and Spencer will have to risk everything to hold on to Aaron’s love.
Review: Our very own Lisa did a very riveting review on the book version of Spencer, and I wholeheartedly agree with what she had to say about it.
Spencer was frustrating for me to read and listen to, mainly because I understand where Aaron is coming from. His life was literally stolen from him during a night of terror, and no matter what, through his eyes life for him will never be the same again. How this young man goes about reclaiming his life is nothing short of a miracle. Others would have let the bastards win by giving up. It’s frustrating for Aaron because he would like nothing better than to be free of his monsters. Knowing that he’ll struggle with PTSD for the rest of his life, he still keeps trying to improve his life and his relationship with Spencer.
It’s frustrating for Spencer, who loves Aaron but doesn’t know exactly what to do for his lover. Spencer is having trouble accepting that Aaron has to do things in his own time, in his own way. But while Spencer does love Aaron, I could see that he wanted to spread his own wings when he took the job in Chicago. It was something Spencer needed to do for himself.
What made Spencer less frustrating was when Aaron had a chance to meet others like him. It made the world a little less lonely and scary, knowing there were other survivors like him who were willing to give him hope that someday things might work out. Jordan made a really good friend to talk to about the PTSD, and the surprise guests that appeared in Spencer gave Aaron a look into his future, if he could manage to take back control when it came time to testify.
I’m was so glad that Tyler Stevens narrated Spencer. He did such a outstanding job with Aaron it was only fair he continue with this second story. Between JP Barnaby’s writing and Stevens’ performance, it gave Spencer a touch of reality—bad things do happen to good people. But with a whole lotta love and support, the victim can transform into a survivor and take back control of their lives.
You can buy Spencer here:
Loved Tyler Stevens narrating the Better Than series by Lane Hayes and really looking forward to JP Barnaby’s books narrated by him as well! Loved the ebooks so audible should be equally fantastic!