Out of Nowhere

Middle of Somewhere, Book 2

By: Roan Parrish

Narrated by: Spencer Goss

The only thing in Colin Mulligan's life that makes sense is taking cars apart and putting them back together. In the auto shop where he works with his father and brothers, he tries to get through the day without having a panic attack or flying into a rage. Drinking helps. So does running and lifting weights until he can hardly stand. But none of it can change the fact that he's gay, a secret he has kept from everyone.

Rafael Guerrera has found ways to live with the past he's ashamed of. He's dedicated his life to social justice work and to helping youth who, like him, had very little growing up. He has no time for love. Hell, he barely has time for himself. Somehow, everything about miserable, self-destructive Colin cries out to him. But down that path lie the troubles Rafe has worked so hard to leave behind. And as their relationship intensifies, Rafe and Colin are forced to dredge up secrets that both men would prefer stay buried.

©2016 Roan Parrish (P)2016 Dreamspinner Press

✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫

I knew I would love Colin's book! While I didn't like Colin in the beginning and many times I wanted to scream at him during this book, I still got him! He was miserable (yes it was pretty much self inflicted) and he took it out on everyone else. Once He met Rafe, that slowly started to change. Rafe showed him that it was ok to be himself and show him that so many other suffer the same issues he does. I loved their relationship and I have to say I think Rafe was the most patient person in the world. Roan Parrish really knows how to write complimenting characters and characters who are laid back and calm which I love because if both of them would have been just like Colin, I would have hated this book lol. I loved the kids influence in this book too and Daniel's appearance! Can't wait for Leo's book next... I was hoping he was next so I did a little searching and knew I needed to start it right away.

The narration of this book was really good. He did a good job at giving each characters their own voice and he hit all the emotions perfectly!

Completely Blown Away

Would you consider the audio edition of Out of Nowhere to be better than the print version?

With no disrespect at all to the author (Roan Parrish is a rock star), Spencer Goss's narration of 'Out of Nowhere' elevates an already brilliant book to another level.

What other book might you compare Out of Nowhere to and why?

I would compare this book to 'Shattered Glass' by Dani Alexander, which is one of my all time favorite books.

What about Spencer Goss’s performance did you like?

Um... EVERY THING! Spencer breathes individual life into each character he voices, whether it be a lead of a minor character. Nothing is throw away. His narration is reminiscent of 'old time' radio shows. It's as if he is acting out the story.

If you could take any character from Out of Nowhere out to dinner, who would it be and why?

It's a toss up between Colin and Daniel. I fell in love with the character of Daniel while reading and listening to 'In the Middle of Somewhere' and admire his tenacity and positive spirit. Colin broke my heart. I knew there was something more to him and am so glad Roan Parrish told his story.

Any additional comments?

This is the second book Spencer Goss has voiced and I'm blown away by his talent and attention to every detail. I'm going to go on the record right here to say you will not find a finer performance of an audio book anywhere.

Prepare for the heart clench

Between the incredible story and words by Roan Parrish and Spencer Goss' ability to crack your chest open and yank at your poor abused heart, Out of Nowhere is outstanding. Roan could not have picked a better narrator than Spencer...god the way his voice cracks with emotion gets me every. Single. Time. And this is the perfect book for that particular skill. Bravo!!

Let's go back and hear Colin's story.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Heck yes! Roan Parrish knows how to write these riveting stories about guys that are so lost, they have a difficult time finding their way back even with their partners holding their hand.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Out of Nowhere?

The first time they have sex, and let me tell you why. Colin has spent the better part of his life denying who he was to everyone, most of all, himself. When Rafe finally knocks down enough doors to get close enough to Colin to see just a modicum of his pain and denial, it is a beautiful thing. The way Parrrish wrote this scene was beautiful, heart breaking and all encompassing.

Which character – as performed by Spencer Goss – was your favorite?

Okay, admittedly it took me a few chapters to really get into Goss's narration. The reason being, book 1 was a different narrator so it was odd to hear another voice for the characters. That being said, once I jumped that hurdle the story flowed better. I have to give this one to Colin again. While I had some issues with certain characters and the way they were voiced by Goss, I loved how he nailed Colin so vividly.

If you could rename Out of Nowhere, what would you call it?

Out of Nowhere, why mess with perfection?

Any additional comments?

I have to say how much I adore Parrish's writing abilities. She takes each character apart at the seams and slowly puts them back together with painstaking, intricate detailing that pulls you into the story and doesn't let go. I seriously loathed Colin after listening to Daniel and Rex's story and yet, Parrish managed to make me not only love him but root for him and Rafe by the end of this book. My favorite aspect of these stories is the inner monologue with the main character (Colin in this book, his brother Daniel in book 1) and how it's written in such a way that you can feel their pain, not just see it as words on a page, or hear it through narration.

Definitely a must read, but you also must start with book 1. You have to be able to take Colin at face value moving from the Colin in book 1 to the Colin in book 2 or I don't think you'll appreciate him fully.

beautiful

This book is fucking beautiful. I've been binge listening to audible books and this just took the cake. The narraration is amazing and so is the story, I loveee

So Much Internal Pain

There were times when this was just so hard to listen to. My heart went out to Collin so many times. He is really his own worst enemy shutting out the very people who would be there for them. He's not the only one who will need healing because of his attitude toward his brother. We get to see just how much he's been hiding and holding in for so long. Rafe has been through his own long journey and has had to start over in many ways. I love how they compliment each other.

The narration was well done and made a emotional story easier because of the feeling that was put into the telling.

Insanely Good

After Daniel's book, I didn't think Colin would be a redeemable character. Boy was I wrong! First audibook in my life I restarted immediately after it was over.
An intense look at mental illness, social stigma, and love. One of my favorite books ever for sure.

Came for Spencer Goss, stayed for Colin Mulligan.

Colin Mulligan is exactly the type of complex character that I really enjoy falling into. He's just a tangle of anxiety and stress; a fine example of how important acceptance is. This is by far my favorite performance by Spencer yet. You can really just feel the emotion behind his voice. He really does cradle this story and does it justice. Roan Parrish should be proud. It was really hard for me to step away from this story.

(PS: Bonus points for the supernatural reference. It was much appreciated from a Dean Winchester fanboy.)

Fantastic book Fantastic narration

What did you love best about Out of Nowhere?

Roan Parrish took an unlikable character from her series and made him lovable. I appreciate how she depicted anxiety and panic disorder so believably. The two main characters are damaged and looking for different things in life, but they come together so beautifully. Opposites attract and combust!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Out of Nowhere?

The way Rafe reads Collin so well and steps in to support him when he's struggling to keep his emotions and anxiety under control.

What does Spencer Goss bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Spencer Goss is an incredibly talented narrator who shifts seemlessly from character to character. He can use several different voices exceptionally to differentiate the characters. He adds just the right amount of emotion to depict each situation in the book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Collin finally managed to get his act together to be strong for Rafe when he needed him.

not 5 stars but supernova

Chose book because of the overwhelming positive reviews. And they were right, the book is a pleasure not to be passed over. While typical M/M novels more often focus on detailing the sex life of the characters with little very little substance this book creates a story line we can relate to. Each character is properly developed so we can decide if we share empathy or dislike. I read book 2 before 1 which i am glad i did. Book was better than any book I've listened to so far. You will not be disappointed.