Rainfall

Seattle Blades, Book 1

By: Alison Rhymes

Narrated by: Megan Wicks, Austin Stone

I met the love of my life at ten years old.

At sixteen, I gave him my heart.

Three years later he was drafted to the NHL and moved across the country.

Five years after, he’s back. And he’s meeting his daughter for the first time.

I still hate him.

Even if my heart says that’s a lie.

***

At ten years old, she changed my life.

At sixteen, I told her I loved her.

Three years after, I left and broke her heart.

Five years later, I’m coming back home to the surprise of my life.

I hate her for it.

Even though my brain says this is all my fault.

©2023 Alison Rhymes (P)2024 Alison Rhymes

hurt so good?

It hurt so good, I know that's horrible! But I love and good gritty second chance romance. I felt this emotional, totally f'd up yet romantic second chance love story!

Loved it!!

Got me out of a slump..absolutely loved this book. Even with the “cheating” trope.

What a gem

New author for me and now I’m hooked. Great story, angst and spice. Can’t wait for the rest of the series.

A story about young heartbreak and second chances!

Isla and Cillian met when they were children whose friendship turned into a relationship they felt would conquer the world. At 19, Cillian is drafted into the NHL, and the distance, attention, and fame got to his head. And one stupid decision led to a devastating result of broken hearts.

This book is narrated in dual by Megan Wicks and Austin Stone with a few scenes thrown in that were duet. These two really brought their 'A' game when it came to capturing the emotions and the journey of these characters overcoming the challenges of colliding once again for a possible second chance.

Megan was phenomenal in portraying Isla's difficulty with PPD but also demonstrating the strength she pulled from her family to raise her daughter with love and kindness. She also depicted Isla's resilience to do what needed to be done to protect her daughter but also allow her to form a bond with her father. Megan exuded Isla's strength that has you rooting for her while navigating the unknown.

Austin definitely had his work cut out for him with this book. He showcased the stupidity of Cillian's choices to make the listener absolutely loathe and despise him to their very core. But he absolutely provided all the groveling, pining, and healing that were detrimental factors to mend the broken pieces from the aftermath of his mistakes. In the end, he fought hard and won for his second chance with his one true love.

♾️⭐️’s

Now that I have had a minute to collect myself and of course re-listen to Rainfall 3 more times I am fully shook by this book. In a way where your heart is slowly shattered, then piece by piece put back together all while you hang on to each special moment, each truth, each secret and each adorable moment. The story of Cillian Wylder & Isla Cole meeting at 10, dating at 16, Cillian Is drafted to the NHL in Boston at 19, and Isla living in Seattle, stays behind to finish her schooling. This book takes you on an emotional journey, when heartbreak happens at 19, Isla & Cillian go their separate ways, 5 years later he’s back in Seattle and playing for her Dad’s NHL team. Little does Cillian know the impact of his actions and their breakup have far more consequences than he ever realized, now the true tests come of re-living painful moments of the past, understanding each other, and trying to forgive, all while proving yourself to be truthful again. I devoured this book, loving every minute of this angsty story and truly connecting to what Isla and Cillian have gone through. Sometimes they say you have to get out of your comfort zone in order to grow and although my heart felt like it was going to explode through this, i understood that exact part & really felt for Isla and Cillian and their journey. Megan Wicks and Austin Stone narrated this in dual with parts of duet and what an incredible narration they did. Every moment of sadness, loss, heartbreak, panic, bravery or understanding to their soul shattering true love was felt through their voices. My heart dropped listening to Austin and his emotions as Cillian, truly feeling the regret and pain as well as his deep love and respect for Isla. Megan’s raspy voice gave me chills knowing what Isla has gone through, yet she made me understand her true self with her spunk and sassy attitude, the confidence she had under her longing for Cillian was powerful and Megan voiced that beautifully. I’m just In awe of how their voices have such an impact on my emotions and the beautiful words that Alison wrote in this book and just when I thought I had a hold on my feelings the epilogue broke me, happy tears of course, but wow, I sobbed. Beautiful ending to an incredible book.

Be ready to cry!

This was an amazing book. Ready to cry people, cos this was one that hit a nerve.. totally loved the book and cant wait what Willo has to come.. amazing.

Book & Audio Review

This was a stellar read. I had so many mixed emotions though the first part of this book. I wanted to scream at Cillian, but the more that was uncovered I felt so sad. I think we all know how easy it can be to fall for someone’s manipulation but I think Alison did such a great job of making you feel for him but also not take away from what he did. I’m happy Cillian owned up to his part in the mistake and never tried to diminish what he did.

Something that’s not talked about enough is Post Partum Depression and I think Alison covered that topic so beautifully in this book. I had my daughter in December of 2023 and was diagnosed with Post Partum depression in March.. it was a blow and hard pill to swallow but you put your child first, you work on yourself. Isla’a struggles were portrayed with care and compassion, the feelings and seriousness really resonated with me.

All in all this was a great and emotional read. You’ll find tropes such as found family, second chance, hockey and many others. The audiobook was also fantastic. Megan and Austin perfectly captured the emotions of Isla and Cillian and delivered an absolutely breathtaking audio.

❤️😊😫😠🥴

I had so many feelings during this book. Love and heartbreak being the most. It’s hard to read about a character cheating. I felt her hurt so deeply, but that meant I also felt the love she had for him too. You can’t be heartbroken if you don’t love each other. I had a really hard time stopping this book to go to bed, but I read until 3am and couldn’t keep my eyes open. I would definitely recommend this book. The narrators were also great.

My favorite type of story

Very well written. Loved the characters. The ending was cute with Sadie wrapping things up.

🔸Angsty!🔸

🔘Hockey Romance
🔘Second chance
🔘Cheating
🔘Angsty

▫️▫️▫️
Cillian and Isla were young when they first fell in love, but their love story took a devastating turn. Now, after five long years, their paths cross once again. This time, though, they must learn to coexist for the sake of their daughter.

✨Thoughts✨
I definitely have a thing for angsty books. I couldn't resist the allure of this emotional story. I immediately grabbed hold of the audiobook, and it certainly did not disappoint. The story unfolded with raw emotion and heartbreak, only to lead to a phenomenal, satisfying conclusion that left my heart happy.

🎧The dual narration by Megan Wicks and Austin Stone was a brilliant touch. Both narrators effortlessly captured the essence of their characters. It was a truly great production that enhanced the overall experience of the story.

For those who enjoy angsty second chances, this audiobook is an absolute must-listen. But do bear in mind that this story explores the cheating trope, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, within the context of this novel, it works. I highly recommend this if you enjoy these tropes!