Duty & Devotion

Faith, Love, and Devotion: Book 3

De: Tere Michaels

Narrado por: JP Handler

Second edition

A year after deciding to share their lives, Matt and Evan are working on their happily ever after--which isn't as easy as it looks. As life settles down into a routine, Matt finds happiness in his role as the ideal househusband of Queens, New York, but he worries about Evan's continued workaholic--and emotionally avoidant--ways. Trying to juggle his evolving relationship with Evan and his children, Matt turns to his friend, former Seattle homicide detective Jim Shea.

The continued friendship between Matt and Jim is a thorn in Evan's side. Jealous and uncomfortable with imagining their brief affair, Evan struggles to come to terms with what being in a committed relationship with a man means and the implications about his love for his deceased wife, the impact on his children, and how other people will view him. His turmoil threatens his relationship with Matt, who worries Evan will once again chose a life without him. But now,the stakes are much higher.

First edition published by Loose Id LLC, March 2010.

©2015 Tere Michaels (P)2015 Dreamspinner Press

enjoyed it

📖 Story comment: Good pace, likeable characters, nice follow up to Evan & Matt's story.
I like that the struggles this couple is experiencing feel real and aren't instantly resolved, but that they are able to work at their problems and grow as individuals and as a couple.

🎧 Narrator comment: I have no real issues with JP Handler's narration, his style is his own and I found nothing overtly wrong with it. His characters voices are consistent with earlier titles, he has good timing and the emotions of the story come through, overall I enjoyed it and wouldn't not listen to it again.

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📌 Where does it fall on my personal scale? 5, gets a 7 if i'm doing a series re-listen,
• 1 not my thing • 2 didn't like the narration • 3 didn't keep my attention • 4 was good, but once was enough • 5 enjoyed it • 6 will listen again if i'm in the mood for the narrator [4⭐] • 7 goes on the "re-listen" list [4⭐] • 8 kept me up past bed-time [4.5⭐] • 9 recommended to family/friends [4.75⭐] • 10 own it in all formats [5⭐] • 11 keep a copy with me at all times [5⭐]
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All About Devotion

Ah, this sequel to the beginning of Matt and Evan's love story was like a second helping of dessert. You could be full after just one but the second made it all the more delicious. The cast of characters surround them, each bringing a unique dynamic to their story. The author has created the world to feel as if you could join right in and be a part of it. They're normal, struggling with emotions and yet full of promise. I dare anyone to listen to this series and not cheer on these men.

This review originally posted on the Guilty Indulgence Review Site.

Love, love, love this series.

Great story. Great characters. The narration was excellent as well. You root for Matt and Evan and their children. I am looking forward to the next installment!

Wonderful Series, not a great fit for the narrator

What did you like best about Duty & Devotion? What did you like least?

I ADORE this series and am disappointed by the narration.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

To me it sounds like he's on the verge of tears all the time. It can be distracting.

Any additional comments?

(Though this is book 3, it follows right after book one and you don’t need to have read book 2 to read this.)

Matt and Evan are starting to get used to being a couple. Matt is more or less a house-husband and this is both wonderful and somewhat alarming for him to accept. It’d be easier if Evan wasn’t being so difficult – working all the time, jealous of that one time affair with Jim, unwilling to call himself “gay”.

The in-laws aren’t making things easier either. They are threatening to take the kids from Evan.

Luckily, Jim and Griffin give great advice to the couple. Evan finally figures out his priorities and Matt finds something else to do with his time.

**

I really loved this installment of the series. These are real problems these guys are facing – whether you are gay or straight – we all face similar issues.

I loved the intimacy and the closeness the couple now shares. It’s very satisfying to see how their emotional and physical relationship evolves.

Having this “sequel” really adds to the series and helps to cement these guys in the hall of fame of m/m MCs as far as I’m concerned. I really feel like I “know” them and am part of their familes.

Audio:

JP Handler narrates this as well. I still feel that, for me, he’s not to my taste as far as narrators go. Where he excels, dialog, he does very well.