Audio Review: Trusting the Elements by Elle Keaton, narrated by Steve Balderson

03 October of 2019 by ButtonsMom2003

Story: 5

Narration: 4

4.5Overall score

A great start to a new series.

Trusting the Elements By Elle Keaton, Narrated By Steve Balderson

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, GLBTQ, MM

Released: Audio September 24, 2019; ebook July 25, 2019

Publisher: Self-Published

Series: Never Too Late, Book 1

Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins

Performed by: Steve Balderson

Cover Design: Cate Ashwood

Cover Photo: Paul Henry Serres

Synopsis

There’s nothing like a near death car accident to open your eyes. Otto Proulx decides surviving was a sign; he’s being given a second chance to claim the life he wants to live. For the past few years he’s been hiding in the shadows, vague texts from a troubled ex-partner keep him at home along with his general lack of luck in the romance department. This is his last chance, he’s certain, this time he’ll meet the man for him, the one he’s sure is out there somewhere.

Greg Trainor runs a specialty kite shop and helps his friends out when they ask. That’s the kind of guy he is, if somebody needs something, they call on Greg. He’s a big guy and no genius, but he’s dependable. So…yeah, when he sees a car precariously perched on the side of the road, he stops to help out; it’s what he does.

One night of passion leads to…several more and suddenly both men are searching around to define what they have together. Neither wants to scare the other off and neither wants to ask for more. Will the two men be able to set aside their fears and create a family together, trusting the elements are in their favor?

Review

Reviewed by ButtonsMom2003

A great start to a new series.

I read and reviewed Trusting the Elements when it was first released as an ebook. I’m happy to report that I really enjoyed the story again listening to it in audio format.

This was the first audiobook I’ve listened to narrated by Steve Balderson and he was pretty good. His voice was easy to listen to after I got used to it. I did find that the narration was somewhat slow. I listened to this one at 1.25 speed and enjoyed it much more. It’s rare that I listen to a book at anything other than normal speed, but even my favorite narrator has done a couple where I’ve felt that I needed to increase the playback speed, so I don’t think this is a negative comment.

Below is a copy of my original review for the ebook when it was released in July 2019.

I loved Elle Keaton’s Accidental Roots series so I was really excited to read Trusting the Elements, her first book in the new Never Too Late series; I wasn’t disappointed!

This story is seriously hot! Our two MCs have what they both think will be a one-night-stand but it turns out to be much more. I really loved these characters; they are both a bit broken. Otto has a stalker ex-husband and Greg was left with no family after he came out.

Trusting the Elements doesn’t have the same level of suspense that her Accidental Roots books have but the tension created by Otto’s ex-husband gets pretty heavy. I loved the connection between Otto and Greg. While both of them felt something for each other after their first weekend, neither of them wanted to say it out loud. Otto doesn’t trust his feelings after the disaster of his relationship with his ex. Greg feels like he’s not smart enough for Otto and has a hard time believing that Otto really likes him.

I loved the secondary characters in this story, too, especially Blaine. I really hope he gets a book of his own. I almost forgot to mention that there are cute kitties and a lonely little girl that will steal your heart. 😊

Note: If you are a subscriber to Elle’s newsletter be sure to read the free short story she wrote for Greg’s friend Dante who appears in Trusting the Elements; it’s hot! I hope we get to read more about Dante.