Better Off

Changing Hearts, Book 0

By: Yesenia Vargas

Narrated by: Ramona Master

There's a lot Ariana isn't allowed to do...

Ariana has never had a boyfriend. After meeting Carlos at a quinceanera party, she wants one. But her parents, who grew up with the traditional ways of Mexico, simply won't allow it.

And she just decided she doesn't need permission anymore...

Ariana is ready for the freedom that comes with having a driver's license. But she must convince her brother, Jimmy, to not say anything when she starts seeing Carlos behind their parents' back, and even then, having a boyfriend isn't what she thought it would be. Because Carlos is still hurting from his past.

Is she ready for the consequences of her decision?

Ariana never would have guessed finally having a boyfriend would come at such a huge price. She doesn't know how long she can keep up the lie to her parents. And she never realized how much her heart might have to pay if this relationship isn't something Carlos is ready for. When Carlos starts showing her just how damaged he is, Ariana isn't sure she's ready for this either.

©2013 Yesenia Vargas (P)2017 Yesenia Vargas

Great Read

Any additional comments?

Better Off by Yesenia Vargas was a great read. Ariana has never had a boyfriend but wants one after meeting Carlos. She decides that she wants freedom from her overprotective parents. Unfortunately Carlos isn't the person she thought he was. I loved reading this book and can't wait to read more by Yesenia Vargas.

Good prequel

I was starting to get frustrated with the heroine. Glad she got that Carlos issue resolved. “I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

Enjoyable

I enjoyed this story, and the characters. I can totally see this story playing out in real life. I angrily wanted to strangle Carlos. The narrator did a great job. I also enjoyed the author's commentary at the end of this book.

Like Fear (1996) but Chilled Out

Trigger Warning: Douchebag BF with anger & violence tendencies.

I loved this! It's very refreshing and realistic. I can easily see Arianna living in the better neighborhood near me. Myra reminds me of my best childhood friend.

I loved how Facebook and texting were included, how their relationship moves slowly through the awkward getting to know each other and nervousness.

The narrator did an amazing job with Arianna and Myra. Her voice changed and dragged out slowly for the guys, which was realistically annoying. Dudes, just spit it out!

The only thing is it's a contemporary romance "with a not so conventional HEA". But it's not an actual happily ever after with a couple like most would expect from romance. It's a happy ending that I loved but the real HEA comes with the first book, Without You.

Good story, but I dozed off

The writer did an excellent job with this book, but the narrator's voice put me briefly to sleep. Granted it was only for a moment, but still.