Clarity of Lines

Thomas Elkin Series, Book 2

De: N.R. Walker

Narrado por: Nick J. Russo

Book two in the Thomas Elkin series

When some lines blur, others become crystal clear.

Absolutely smitten, Thomas Elkin and Cooper Jones have decided they're prepared to give a relationship a try.

What they're not prepared for is the reaction from their families, who try to force them apart. Both men are about to learn that there are lines that define us. Sometimes the lines blur, sometimes the lines become crystal clear.

©2015, 2017, 2019 NR Walker (P)2019 NR Walker

Very emotional book!

In Clarity of Lines, book 2 in the series, Tom and Cooper are working apart now, but their relationship couldn't be more serious and now they're both ready to share it with their respective families, which might not work as well as they'd hoped. 

I adored this book, it was the more emotional of the three. I cried so much in the second half of the book, but it only showed me how much Tom and Cooper belonged together and how perfect they were for each other, despite their age difference. I loved that even if their families weren't all in favor with their relationship, this was such a non-issue for them. They were together and they wouldn't let anyone interfere in their relationship, standing up to anyone who tried and they both dropped everything to be with each other when they were needed, especially Cooper there in the end. 

Nick J. Russo did a fabulous work again with these characters, giving us a very emotional narration of this amazing story. 

Very recommendable!

loved it 👍👍

This is a terrific series with two strong main characters. Nick Russo does a fantastic job bringing both Thomas Elkin and Cooper Jones to life.

Enjoyed book 2 just as much as book 1.

Better than the first book

At first I didn't think there was really anything special about this installment. Narration was good, story was the usual, sexy times were good. But then Cooper got his chance to shine. I love he and Tom together, their banter, their ease at being with each other, how hot they always are for each other. But Cooper stepping up when Tom needed him, and then getting an epilogue from his point of view? Those two things took this from ordinary to extraordinary. And I understand wholly why people rave about this series.

So good

I love this series. So good. And made even more amazing with great and very enjoyable narration. Can't wait to get the last one.

Tom and Cooper 💜

3.5 stars for the narrator.

5 stars for the story. I love this series. Tom and Cooper are great for one another. Age doesn't matter to them but, unfortunately, it seems to matter to those people around them. In this book, we have Tom's ex-wife Sophia reacting to finding out about their relationship as well as Cooper's parents. They do not welcome them together with open arms but the two of them know what they want and won't let others break them apart.

We also experience the sad loss of Tom's father in this one. The way Cooper is there for him is sweet. I just love these two!

Perfection

This series has always been my go-to reread. My annual Christmas to New Year's read. It's always been comforting, wrapping my heart in warmth, giving me a laugh. I didn't think I could love it any more, but Nick J. Russo has just added a new dimension to Tom and Cooper's story and it's perfection. I am in awe. I have never teared up when reading, especially this middle book in the series, but the narration was just so spot-on and full of life, love and emotion. If I could give this audio book a zillion stars, I would.

Fantastic

Heartwarming . Humorous. Hot. perfectly describes book two in the Thomas Elkin Series.

Nick J Russo brings Thomas and Cooper, the heroes, to life. His vividly , emotionally and sexy narration and characters portrayal was entertaining and mesmerizing. He made me laugh , cry , mad , hot and bothered and everything in between.

Written in a positive and hopeful tone , where common sense prevails , conflicts are resolved with adult conversation and not with OTT drama and love is the driving force of the story , makes Clarity of Lines a highly satisfying and romantic listening experience.

Gen X + Gen Y = XY

"My father taught me that every design has a clarity of lines that bind it, that define it, that make it. Lines that sometimes other people can’t see….that sometimes lines seem undefined but they aren’t blurred at all. Sometimes they’re crystal clear." Thomas Elkin

This book picks up where the first Thomas Elkin book, Elements of Retrofit, left off. Thomas and Cooper have shared the existence of their relationship with Thomas’ son Ryan. Who also happens to be Cooper’s friend. How does one break the news you’re dating your child’s friend? Thomas is forty-four and Cooper is twenty-two. A mature twenty-two to be sure, but he’s newly graduated from college and in his first architectural job in New York City. He’s also in love with Thomas and ready to let everyone know. Tom is still finding his way around in this relationship, but he’s not ashamed of dating his son’s friend. As when he came out four years ago, he’s no longer willing to hide who he is – from anyone.

Which is great in theory but not always so simple in practice. There are ex-wives, parents, and work colleagues, all of whom have opinions on the relationship. I held my breath each time the men shared their news. As they held hands and proclaimed their love. I cheered with each success and my heart broke a little when they faced devastating news. Again, their bond grew stronger.

Then there’s the little matter of living arrangements. Tom wants Cooper to move in but Coop has opinions of his own on the matter. As always, there’s plenty of witty banter and teasing. The dialogue is sharp and the humor evident. And the love – constantly the love.

Nick J. Russo again hits the narration on every note. He’s one of my favorites and perfect for this series. His voice for each character is perfect and I enjoyed it. I also got a kick out of the epilogue – it was a nice touch.

OMG...It's a Cooper Jones Thing!

Adding Audio for January 2021

Nick J. Russo did a fantastic job of capturing the attitude of both characters in this series. Listening to it again after reading it years ago just made me love it and these characters even more.
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Original Review from 2015
I honestly can't remember the last time I read a book where I had a big goofy grin on my face for 85% of the book...which is exactly what happened with this book.

Let it be known that I ABSOLUTELY F&%KING LOVE COOPER JONES. It is definitely a Cooper Jones thing. He is just as confident and smug and snarky in this book as book 1 but we get to see a bit of vulnerability out of him in this one that just solidifies what an amazing young man he is. And his love for Tom just makes you love him all the more.

And tom was even better in this book as well. He showed his vulnerability which made him more human and loveable. His need for Cooper is tangible and just so perfect.

This is an absolutely perfect follow-up to book 1 and prelude to book 3!

Absolutely amazing!!!

Tom and Cooper have been dating for six weeks and it’s time to let their families know. Well Ryan, Tom’s son knows but there is the scorned ex-wife and two sets of parents to let in on their relationship. And none of them are particularly happy about their relationship. So it’s no wonder that emotions run high in this book.

What I really, really loved was how Tom and Cooper stood beside each other through it all. They never faltered, there was no drama between them. Don’t get me wrong, there was plenty of drama going around, but not between our two guys. They just continued to love each other, continued to banter and in general kept moving forward.

I think I might have said this for the first book and if I didn’t I should have; but Nick J. Russo was born to narrate this series. It was made for him to narrate. In sort, it was perfect. He captured both Tom and Cooper perfectly. Cooper’s impishness and playfulness – not to mention his horniness was spot on, just like Tom’s new-found happiness over Cooper and the life he has now.

Another thing that he truly perfects is their age difference. Many narrators have problems narrating that kind of difference and still make both credible, Russo does it seamlessly and perfectly. His narration is so vivid that you see them both before you, hear their banter but more importantly see and feel the love they both share.

Clarity of Lines was fun, sweet and sexy. You will smile, laugh, possibly rage and shed a tear. But most of all, your heart will melt from all of the love that’s so present in this book.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes.