Insta-love.. not for me!

I loved the playfulness and connection between Andrew and Joel. but, when the hard stuff happened and Joel was ready to flip his life upside down for Andrew after only what, five days? It kind of lost me. it didnt feel real after that. the grief and heartache felt way too deep for not knowing someone, and it made the story feel forced. I did like the ending, but wished it had been after at least a few months of conversations and getting to know each other, not a few months of pining and then suddenly reappearing. they didnt even talk during the separation. the narration was okay, but I did struggle following the characters since their voices were so similar.

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Delightful Romance

The story is sweet and delightful. Believable characters and moves at a snappy pace without damaging the storyline. The narrator does an excellent job of bringing the story to life and keeping you engaged. Happily recommend!!

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The Palisade

The Palisade is Book 1 in Rosalind Abel's Lavender Shores. Rosalind Abel is actually Brandon Witt, but books by Rosalind will be different than Brandon's typical books of angst and drama. Just to be clear, that's not an insult, I love Brandon Witt's writing!

The Palisade takes place in small town Lavender Shores in California and sounds like a fantastic place to live! Joel is sent to town by his father to find the perfect location for the coffee shop they plan to open, just another store in their chain of stores. Joel is persuasive, a little used care salesman type personality, and always working for daddy's approval. On his first night in town, he notices the beautiful Andrew. After a hot night together, Joel plans to go about his business of conquering the town and getting what his father wants. Only, things aren't going as well as he planned and he's struggling to find away to get around the rules of the town. Plus, he has to spend his day being shown real estate with Andrew, who he wants more than any man he's ever met.

For his part, Andrew's family are founders of their small town. He loves Lavender Shores and doesn't want to live anywhere ele, which is why he remains single. Andrew longs for a family of his own but doesn't have any prospects in his small town. Andrew feels like Joel is the person he's meant to be with and falls in love quickly, like in a day. I absolutely adored Andrew, his family, and all the characters of Lavender Shores. Andrew's family, especially his dad, were absolutely hilarious, embarrassing and lovable. Honestly, I'd take a book just on his dad so I hope he shows up in the other books in the series!

The narrator of this story is Kirt Graves, who always does a great job with his narration. He has an easy to listen to voice, keeps a good pace, and has no weird pauses. He's able to bring the story to life and give characters individual voices. He really just let me fall into the story through his voice!

This story is an instalove story, but not necessarily an instaHEA one. The men will have to work for their HEA, especially when the truth of who Joel is and what he wants comes out. This is definitely a sweet love story, and one I'd recommend you check out. Especially the audio!


Overall: 4.5 Stars
Narration: 5 Stars
Story: 4.5 Stars

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Amazing!!

This book was great before the audio and with the narration by Kirt Graves it was amazing!! I love that the Lavender Shores people felt more real and I loved every minute of it! Kurt just bring these characters to life and it made me so happy. If you haven't read this book or if you have you really need to get the audio.

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Awesome

Loved The Palisade. Kirt Graves did an amazing job narrating this book. I really enjoyed listening to this book and can't wait to listen to the rest of the Lavender Shores series.

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Audio book is awesome!

i fell in love with Joel and Andrew! The author created multi faceted characters that you dream and cry with. Lavender Shores is now a real place in my heart and i want to go visit and celebrate with everyone!

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great narration

What did you love best about The Palisade?

Not only did I enjoy the book The Palisade, but Kirt Graves made the character come to life for me.
The narrator was clear in his speech and really seemed to get into character and this made for very pleasant listening.
I will definitely be looking out for more Lavender Shores on audio.

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Rosalind Abel + Kirt Graves = One wonderful listen

Lavender Shores is the most wonderful place on earth. Not just the physical beauty – although it is lovely – but it’s a gay-friendly community. If the extent of the graffiti is pink penises, you know you’ve entered a wonderful place.

Andrew, who has lived in Lavender Shores his entire life, has no desire to leave. He tried to go away for college, but came back after one semester and has no plans to ever leave again.

So when his blue eyes settle on mesmerizing green ones across the bar, his heart skips a beat.

Although he’s attracted, he knows it can’t go anywhere. Because every guy he’s ever been with has left him because they didn’t want to leave the Shores and he couldn’t fathom leaving. His heart has taken one too many knocks, but a one-night stand with a hot stranger? That he can do.

Is there such a thing as love at first sight?

Joel might just believe in it because after one night with Andrew and he’s starting to see the possibility of having a relationship. And that’s crazy because his career plan includes taking over the family business in San Francisco. Making his father proud of him is also high on the list of his desires. Lavender Shores is the last place he would ever consider living.

Yet as Joel become more and more enmeshed in Andrew’s life, and as he gets to know the people of Lavender Shoes, he is beginning to look at his life in a new way. When push comes to shove, though, both men have to be true to who they are, and heartache is inevitable. Andrew’s love for his family and town is heartwarming. Joel’s ambition to advance in his career and earn his father’s respect is just as strong.

Can love conquer all when one man has to give up what he’s always dreamed of?

Is love strong enough?

You’ll just have to ask the Golden Retriever and 2 Dachshunds.

Kirt Graves is a new narrator to me, but he is perfect for this series. I can’t wait for the next installment!

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Great narration of a great book!

Love the author and I look forward to every single one of his books! And the audio was fantastic! Definitely did the book justice!! ❤️

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I really enjoyed my time in Lavender Shores!

The story was very sweet, the sex was very hot, and I loved all the supporting characters. Andrew's family was hilarious! I look forward to the rest of the series, but I will wait until they are released on audiobook. Kirt Graves did an outstanding job narrating this one. He is quickly becoming one of my Top 5 favorite narrators :)

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