• Built to Last

  • By: Aurora Rey
  • Narrated by: Gwenn Dawson
  • Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (469 ratings)

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Built to Last  By  cover art

Built to Last

By: Aurora Rey
Narrated by: Gwenn Dawson
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Publisher's summary

Olivia Bennett is on the tenure track at Cornell University, the resident expert on Southern women writers. After moving to upstate New York from Atlanta, she falls in love with and purchases an old, run-down farmhouse. The only catch: she knows nothing about renovating a house, taking care of land, or snow.

Joss Bauer is a New York native who grew up in her family's construction business. She has a soft spot for old houses, but no patience for overpaid debutantes who want to play at country living. When Olivia hires Joss to do the renovations on her new home, the sparks fly, in more ways than one. It turns out both women have a lot to learn about life, love, and the meaning of home. But when a scandal threatens Olivia's professional reputation, it puts her priorities and her new found love on the line.

©2016 Aurora Rey (P)2016 Bold Strokes Books Inc
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+

What listeners say about Built to Last

Average customer ratings
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  • 4 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

You will love this love story.

Only issue I found was the Narrator had issues with the male voices, it was kinda funny to hear. she did however, an amazing job with everything else. Including her character with the southern accent.
This story was based around a farm house and it's renovations. The contractor that was hired turned out to be more than the owner had in mind.
This is definitely a laugh out loud book. But omg there's one point where the Author just had to create some drama that seriously made me cry at work.... Yup the kinda sadness that cause people to look at me like I was crazy... but in the same sense I was laughed quite loudly as well.
I love this book for those moments. The story was really easy to follow, fun and likeable characters that you can connect to, and, In the end, you will be rooting for them.
This is my first time Reading from this Author, and I have to say I am very impressed. And, I will be reading the rest of her works. She's quit amazing.
So, I feel you shouldn't take my word for it but it's really a must read.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Such a Romance!!!

This was a romance of all romances. The story flowed easily and held so much emotion. The characters were lovable (especially Ben), and brought to life by the narrator Gwenn Dawson in such a way that it made you feel as though you were watching the whole thing take place. The details of every aspect of this story brought the reader that much closer to the characters. The emotions that this story ignited was palpable, taking you on a ride that you will not forgot.
I totally recommend this book to anyone who loves a great love story, filled with tons of romance.
Five Stars Aurora, you really outdid yourself!!!

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Couldn't make it past chapter 4

The narrators vocal choices for the different characters made it hard to listen to. I chose to stop listening around chapter 4 as it seemed like the better option. I rated the story at a two because I wanted to finish the story but couldn't bring myself to do it with that narrator. It is your standard love story so I may some day read the book.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
  • KK
  • 02-07-18

May not finish...not bad story though

I hate not finishing a book. I’m at chapter 17 and figured it was near a sweet happy ending. Was a real surprise to see I was only halfway through. The story for me, though a good premise, is starting to drag a bit. The characters are ok but I’m not invested as I have been with other reads.
The narration could’ve been better. The Southern bell sounded like the love child of Blanche Devereaux and Julia Sugarbaker, and not in a good way. ( if you don’t know who they are, google to see what I mean).
The men sounded...well, could’ve been better.
If I get to the end, I’ll update my review.....we’ll see.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very nice story

I liked the narration even if the southern accent sounded fake...the different voices for each character made it more dramatic.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Don't waste your time

This book is terrible. A waste of anyone's time to listen to, unless all you want to listen to is sex and more sex.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good story

Good story, good characters however the voices were off. The women sounded like little kids, the men sounded like they had marbles in their mouths and anyone over 50 sounded like a 2pack a day smoker. I stuck it out because I liked the story.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Built to last

Wonderfully written! I had no trouble Invisioning myself within the happenings of the story. Love Audible! I began reading the book then decided to try Audible. Just as I would watch a movie, the narration was so well done, I could see the story unfolding in my mind. The other reason I tried Audible is because I read slow. I finished the book sooner, which means I can start another! I like the option of being able to transition between listening and reading if I'm in a public situation. Thanks again for a wonderful story!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Solid

Pleasant listen, sweet story. A good relisten. I will look for more by Me. Rey.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Laugh riot

I haven't laughed so hard in a while. Olivia's southern accent was great. Romance was wonderful and plentiful. Highly recommend reading this book.

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1 person found this helpful