Enchanting!

I love slow-burn romances, and this was just so sweet. And passionate at the same time! The writing felt very fluid and there was a quality to the prose that sometimes made it feel like almost like a poem. It gave the story this feeling of magic and enchantment, although there was also this darkness there, and I liked the deeper theme about being different and being rejected by society because of it, and finding the courage to accept that you are such, and even then you can be loved and happy.
It did leave me with questions about the state of mind of the MC and if maybe, it was somehow downplayed and some medical assistance would be required in reality, but I suppose it works because it's not stated explicitly.

Narrator suited the story and the characters I think, but sometimes felt a bit lacking, especially in the more emotional scenes.

Overall I liked the story. It's worth a credit, if you like slow-burning romance with a bit of angst, and a bit broken characters not healed, but accepted with love.

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Nice slow burn

This was a lovely slow burn holiday romance with a splattering of mental illness, curses, snow and delicious baked goods. I do love this narrator and have listened to scores of his reads as I work my way through his catalog- which is how I found this gem.

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3.5 stars

I wish the narrator had created stronger voices for the MCs. Both voices felt like variations of the same person. Also I was listening to this at 1.25x speed and Corbin still spoke slowly. I have no idea what I would have done listening to it any slower.

This might have been a #MiddleLifeRomance…I think so. I don't recall the MC's ages.

Really this book is so darn sweet. I adored it. I kind of wish I had brain read it instead of listing to it. Corbin's fantastical world would have jumped off the page.

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Character voices OK but otherwise fairly dull...

I adored Corbin & Alex, but was otherwise quite disappointed by the narrator's flat delivery of the story...other than for the actual characters themselves. Chris Chambers' general pitch and tone was low and monotonous [which unfortunately reminded me of Paul Morey and Robert Nieman...not good at all 😔]. 2.5 stars rounded up. I understand Gareth and Orin will eventually get their own story.

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Quite poetic

It was different and at times it made me feel uncomfortable but I quite like it because of it. Definitely a story that stands out.
Making-love parts were very poetic.

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Performance was amazing

Sounded very magical and soothing. I liked the story but there were various loose ends not tied up which was a little annoying.

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Just gorgeous

This was an utterly magical and wonderful experience. Like some other reviewers, I wasn't sure of the narrator when I listened to the sample, it sounded flat and monotone, but because of the great reviews I gave it a chance, and I am so glad I did. Two minutes in I was hooked. My imagination is somewhat rubbish so I rarely see in my mind what's really happening in a book, but this poetic prose was so wonderfully descriptive that I could really see the scene - I could smell the breads and coffee, and almost taste the cakes! The narrator was perfect for this dreamlike story, with the delicate speech of Corbin perfectly in balance with Alex's more confident voice. Both author and narrator were new to me but I'll be looking for more of each very soon. This is my new favourite listen for sure. It feels like there is more to this story, so I'd love a sequel, if only to tie up some of the other characters stories, but I'd love more of Corbin and Alex too.

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Stunning...

This is one of the most beautiful books I've had the pleasure to read - like being enveloped in a shimmering cloak of images, sensation and warmth; just exquisite. Read this book as an act of self care!

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Simply wonderful

I thought I’d made a mistake with the choice of read as the narrator seemed flat. So glad I continued….. the characters came alive and I instantly started to fall in love with the adorable Corbin. It as one of those stories whereby when you reach the end it feels like losing a friend! I have listened to many books and this one really touched me.
It will appeal to romantics.
I will certainly look for more titles from this author and also ones read by the same narrator.

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omg magical!!

What a wonderful wonderful book. It was so wholesome and whimsical! It absolutely warmed my heart. I loved every single word. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing this magical story to life.

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