Rescued

By: Felice Stevens

Narrated by: Charlie David

Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Ryder Daniels is all too familiar with rejection. His parents cut off contact because he's gay and his boyfriend left him, choosing drugs over love. Aside from his rescued pit bull, his only joy is hanging out with his younger brother. Then his mother does the unthinkable and forbids them from seeing each other, leaving Ryder devastated and alone. His friends urge him to date, but Ryder would rather throw himself into working at the dog rescue and figuring out a way to see his brother again.

When Jason Mallory's girlfriend gives him an ultimatum to get married, he shocks everyone by breaking up with her instead. He believes he's too busy for a relationship now that the construction company he started with his brother is taking off. When he discovers a group of abandoned pit bulls and calls the local dog rescue group to pick them up, an uncomfortable encounter with Ryder causes Jason to question feelings he's hidden deep inside for years.

Jason and Ryder build a friendship - until an unexpected kiss sparks the attraction they've been fighting. Jason gives Ryder unconditional love and helps him reconnect with his brother, while Ryder shows Jason the passion he's always missed in relationships. Together, they must battle through their family differences and ugly prejudices. Only then can they prove that once you find the right person to love, there's no turning back.

©2016 Felice Stevens (P)2017 Felice Stevens

Sweet story

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I loved the fact that Jason 'the straight guy' was the pursuer, but about 3/4 of the way through the book, Jason had this odd episode of doubt. It seemed to be more of a temporary plot device than the natural flow of the story. Oh, I despised the character of Astrid Daniels. I was wanting to go to New York and slap her.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It was still enjoyable despite the blip with Jason's character.

WONDERFUL READ!

A romance novel that also includes one of the main characters had a rescue for pitbulls was a pleasure to read. A little bit of education goes a long way no matter where you get it regarding the plight of pit bulls. Plus, the story of two people falling in love was heartfelt. Ryder and Jason's story was one of warmth and understanding what it takes to build a relationship. Their story was totally enduring. The narrator did a really good job. I totally relaxed, while listening to this wonderful story being read to me. I totally recommend, enjoy!

Full of awesomeness

Story: I admit this one had 5* for me from the get go for the pitbulls alone. Glad to say the story and characters (in all their grumpy, clueless and infuriating glory) only made the score more appropriate. It was a very entertaining story in every way!

Narration: a great job! Pure pleasure to listen.

He rescues him right back! Pretty Women quote :)

Would you listen to Rescued again? Why?

Heck yes, it was fantastic! The story had so much meat to it, well paced and Charlie David really brought the characters to life.

What did you like best about this story?

The way Ryder and Jason connect, become friends first and then move over to the romance.

Have you listened to any of Charlie David’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I buy audiobooks simply because Charlie David narrates them. He's amazing and this book was no different, absolutely loved it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both. I laughed so hard at times, but my heart broke for Riley, the way his mother was, what she did to him that you don't even realize the full extent of until the last few chapters of the book.

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed every little thing about this book. Well written, perfect marriage of action, suspense and romance. And the narration was fanfriggintastic! Definitely, highly recommend you listen to this one and I hope Charlie is getting Reunited ready for my ears as I type!

Why did I wait so long to listen?!

Really enjoyed this book. Great MCs. I loved the families even with the little drama. Oh and the dogs!! Great easy listen.

Sometimes You Need Help

A simple animal rescue turns into so much more. Jason has to go through some recalculations about himself. Ryder also has to be willing to rethink some things as well. There are a few really touching moments as they interact with others.
I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

Mildly entertaining

A pretty standard love story, mildly entertaining. I would have looked to have seen more of the dog rescue operation, but that was only there to prop up the love story, also pretty standard for the genre. Maybe I've been spoiled by the few well written political thrillers and police procedurals I've found in this genre. Anyway, the story was enjoyable enough that I made it to the end.

The narrator was quite good, better than some I've heard recently. He does a good job with voices. I had no trouble recognizing o e character from another. Overall, this one was worth the time on a lazy day.

Enjoyable and Engaging

Felice Stevens is a gifted author who writes about exciting men and their beautiful love stories. Rescued is no exception! The story of Jason and Ryder is a straight to gay, friends to lovers romance with plenty of hot sex thrown in. After reading the book first and LOVING it, I was excited to listen to the story. But, I have to admit, the narration was lacking. He couldn’t quite keep me interested in the story and it took longer to listen to than other stories I have listened to.

3.5 stars- A heaping cup of sugar

Rescued is a revised re-release of Miss Steven’s debut novel. I didn’t read the original, so I can’t comment on the editing or new material, but this is a great lower angst, sweet romance featuring good characters. The narration of the audiobook was smooth and kept with the easy going, enjoyable tone of the story.

The heroes in Rescued meet through a pit bull rescue organization. Their attraction is immediate though stifled by the men’s cynical views of love and relationships. The dogs and rescue center play a significant role in the story, and that made for an interesting touch dog lovers are sure to enjoy. Ryder and Jason were both very likable throughout the book. They had bad experiences in the past that made them a bit nervous about entering a long term relationship, but this hesitation was overcome fairly rapidly. In fact, the bulk of the conflicts that rose between Ryder and Jason as well as those involving secondary characters were fairly low-key.

While Rescued has some characteristics of a gay-for-you romance, it’s less that and more Jason recognizing and embracing his bisexuality following his strong, immediate connection with Ryder. I appreciated that the author spread their friendship which evolved into a romance over a couple months, because it made Jason’s acceptance of his attraction and burgeoning feelings for Ryder much more believable. However, I wished the audience had gotten to experience the build of emotions a bit more. I think by glossing over these moments, it kept the angst to a minimum but also coated the romance with an abundance of sweetness. Though I appreciated the easy fit of this couple, at times it got a little too syrupy for my personal preferences. I did enjoy the contrasting family reactions to the men coming out and liked the way the couple approached conflicts as a united front, embracing the friends and family who loved and supported them unconditionally. Happily, this wasn’t the type of sweet romance that shies away from the heat. I was pleasantly surprised at just how sexy the scenes between Ryder and Jason got. It made for a nice balance- sort of like a delicious chili chocolate.

Overall, this was an enjoyable audiobook with genuinely nice characters, a cute romance, and a solid performance by the narrator. Was I blown away, not really, but it definitely injected some happy into my day. Should you be in need of a sugar high that also boasts a good storyline and some heat, Rescued is a good choice.

*Reviewed audiobook for Alpha Book Club*

Ryder & Jason

I knew this was going to be a win-win listen for me. Charlie David is one of my favorite narrators, and Felice Stevens is one of my favorite writers! I read this book what seems like forever ago, but it was well before I got as into Audios as I am now. Charlie did a great job bringing Ryder and Jason to “life” for me! As always, Charlie was able to draw me Ryder and Jason’s story. He did a great job making me feel the emotions of these characters. I loved their personalities, and together they had an amazing chemistry I loved. I loved the easy friendship that developed between Ryder and Jason. I could really feel the attraction these two men had to each other, despite Jason having always identifying as straight. Ryder really struggled there with not wanting to get involved with a straight man but could not deny the chemistry they had together and how he was feeling about Jason. I love when a MC starts to explore his sexual identity and it really pulled me into the story here. Hello super steamy sexy times here!! I enjoyed the side characters that added to their story. Each man had their own family demons they were facing. Ryder’s family had disowned him for being gay, and Jason’s family had their own issues with him coming out after having dating women in the past. I enjoyed them working through those who felt the need to meddle in their happiness and I feel it worked out the way it should have. I really was a great read, and a fantastic listen!