Up for Air

A Steamy Love Triangle Romance (Lost in Austin, Book 1)

By: Christina Berry

Narrated by: Laura Horowitz, Ryan Lee Dunlap

Am I happy? How would I know? What is the measure of happiness?

Deep thoughts to indulge on my birthday, while at a funeral. As I stare down into my grandfather-in-law’s grave, it’s all I can think about. When was the last time I felt truly happy with my life?

Those questions linger long after the funeral, eating away at my tranquility like a necrotic wound, until one night I finally ask my husband if we can open our marriage to "live a little." Surprisingly, he says yes.

I throw myself headlong into an adventure through the bars and bedrooms of Austin, Texas. For the first time in my life I’m living in the moment—new friends, new lovers, new boundaries to cross. It's all just innocent, no-strings fun...until I meet Alex. Alex changes everything.

During self-discovery, have I stumbled across love?

Book one of the award-winning Lost in Austin series, Up for Air, is an unconventional romance that can be listened to as a standalone.

©2022 Christina Berry (P)2025 Blue Nose Publishing

Amazing, emotional, and not to be missed!

Story - ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Narration - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Up for Air is book #1 in the Lost in Austin series. I didn't go into this book completely blind. I knew it was about a married couple that decided to "open" their marriage, but WOW! This was so much more than what I expected. What starts as a simple request for some sexual self-discovery becomes a twisted (and sometimes dangerous) road of hedonism, BDSM, self-expression, and finding love unexpectedly. This one is pretty spicy, so buckle up and check the trigger warnings. I think everyone has identified with Ari's feelings of boredom with an unexciting life, especially when everyone else is living theirs all around you. And you can't NOT like the main characters, even while seeing the situation spiral out of control. Oh, I did have some "unaliving" feelings towards Greg, but he led me back to his side in the end. Ms. Berry is a new author for me and I sure hope she brings more of her talent to audio! I can't wait for the rest of this series!

The duet narration was absolute perfection. Ryan Lee Dunlap and Laura Horowitz are two favorite narrators of mine. I've never heard them in something this gritty, so I was gobsmacked with their performances of so many different voices. These two made me laugh, cry, and scream...sometimes in the same chapter! Definitely an award-worthy voicing. 5/5 brilliant stars!! 🌟

An unconventional journey of romance and finding yourself, loved it!

4.5 stars! Ari’s story is definitely an interesting one. She met her husband young, and they’re seemingly very happy in their marriage and relationship. But when reflecting on the life of someone they lost, she begins to question whether she is truly happy, or if she has missed out on something, or is missing out on something in her life. When she talks to her husband, Greg, about opening their marriage, while initially taken aback, he actually agrees fairly quickly, laying down some initial ground rules, and then they move on.

Things start off slow. Ali is testing the waters, and her comfort level, when she ventures into a bar, not knowing what to expect. She almost immediately meets the people who will help shape her path and become a wonderful found family in her life. As Ali maneuvers through her « bucket list » of experiences, some going much better than others, she learns many new things about herself and her marriage - including that seeing her husband explore his new freedoms brings on a slew of very mixed emotions. I found myself surprised at how easily Greg agreed to the entire situation, and their navigation of this new relationship status seems almost disconnected. But in the end, I feel like this was by design. When Alex really comes in the picture, the dynamic has changed so many times, and it’s so interesting to see how everything ultimately plays out between them.

The journey that Ali goes on is entirely intriguing. And the relationships she builds and changes are varied and emotional on many different levels. Since this is single POV, from Ali’s perspective, it’s strictly her journey, but clearly there is more behind this for Greg as well. The resolution of Ali’s journey, which to be fair, is not completely resolved, in the end feels like what it should be for her. There are some loose ends, and since this is an ongoing journey for this group of friends, they are sure to be touched upon as the series continues. But overall, it’s a great story, and I love not only the path, but all the characters that become a part of Ali’s life.

Audiobook Review - The narrators for this book are excellent! Both the male and female narrator do a fantastic job not only with bringing life to Ari and Greg, but all the other characters come wonderfully to life in just the right way for each of their personality. I already enjoyed this book, listening to it was just another level of happiness for my ears!

Up for Air

This was heartbreaking but eye opening and holy moly spicy!

I got to finally listen to Laura Horowitz as she narrated this story along with Ryan Lee Dunlap through the Blue Nose Audio app as an advanced listener copy.

High school sweethearts Ari and Greg have been married for 12 years. After the death of Greg's grandfather, Ari realized she hadn't truly lived. She married her first love and was reevaluating her life and experiences.

To her surprise, Greg was supportive of opening their marriage, as long as she included him in her decisions, and he did the same.

Cue the absolute hotpot of crazy spice.

The way Ari and Greg grow, obviously not without their struggles, and include those into their bed.

Horowitz and Dunlap had great chemistry, even while knowing they record separately. Their banter flowed so seamlessly.

Up For Air

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

♡This was my first read by Christina Berry & I really enjoyed it! This story follows Ari a women un-happy where she is in life & her journey of self discovery through polyamory. I won't go into detail because I feel like this story is best read going in blind! This story was one big emotional journey & I loved the characters so much. I'm so excited to hear the next book come to life!

The duet narration for this audiobook was fantastic! Ryan & Laura both did a phenomenal bringing each & every character in this story to life!♡

~As Always Happy Reading~

Wow. That's all I got.

I've been a fan of Christina for ages but this is my first time reading/listening to this book. The spice is not only super hot, but it's done so well that it doesn't feel gratuitous. The story actually has a plot and I enjoyed following Ari through her self-discovery journey.

On top of that, the narration was absolutely perfect. Laura and Ryan did an excellent job of portraying the characters in all their layered glory. I loved every second of it. I'm looking forward to more by this author AND the voice actors. 10/10 Highly recommend!