Three years ago, Bear McKenna’s mother took off for parts unknown with her new boyfriend, leaving Bear to raise his six-year-old brother Tyson, aka the Kid. Somehow they’ve muddled through, but since he’s totally devoted to the Kid, Bear isn’t actually doing much living. With a few exceptions, he’s retreated from the world, and he’s mostly okay with that - until Otter comes home.
Otter is Bear’s best friend’s older brother, and as they’ve done for their whole lives, Bear and Otter crash and collide in ways neither expect. This time, though, there’s nowhere to run from the depth of emotion between them. Bear still believes his place is as the Kid’s guardian, but he can’t help thinking there could be something more for him in the world ... something or someone.
©2011 TJ Klune (P)2012 TJ Klune
"Laugh almost cry and want to strangle Bear"
The story is great and less predictable then most male/male romance books in many ways. it is funny, very few books can make me laugh out loud. The Kid quickly became a fav of mine funny smart and perceptive. The ocean metaphor got overdone for me. but that is a small thing. Bear is one of those people we are encouraged to like and I do for most part but some points you want to strangle him for missing what's staring him in the face.
The narrator is not the best is ok and i have noticed if like this type of book you're stuck with him
In short buy this book its cheap and fun and in today's world we all need some escapes
"Nothing But the Best!"
I vaguely remember this title previously being given five-star reviews on some known review sites, but admit that such ratings never swayed me before. Truthfully, I bought this book entirely on merit of Sean Crisden being the narrator. He did not disappoint me! Neither did the novel itself. Admittedly, I'm a huge gay-for-you fan and as Sean Crisden is one of my top ten favorite audiobook narrators, I knew I would not regret this purchase.
Even at its angsty-est moments, this novel is a cut above the rest. Personally I found that the storyline reminded me quite a bit of the movie Shelter (2007) and as the previous reviewer mentions, there is an overdone ocean imagery that could have been reigned in. I'm also not the biggest fan of the main characters (incl. the supporting cast!) bursting into tears at any given emotional moment. But all this is forgiveable in light of a well-written, well-narrated story. And it is indeed a well-written novel! I never got bored, never had a moment when I was tempted to skip forward. The pace and the story arc was excellently done, balancing angst with humor very well. To his credit, Sean Crisden does what he does at his best, giving personality to the characters and diving into every scene with such enthusiasm and fearless animation that it was difficult to turn the audio off, and I never really wanted the book to end. With over 12 delicious hours to enjoy, I say forget listening to the sample. Just go ahead and buy this one!
"Loved it!!"
I've always loved Sean Crisden as a narrator! He just makes the characters come to life...I will always be a fan of his...this story was so good I found myself becoming emotional...
I know when a story is good is when I shout at the characters!
"Heart Warming"
YES! I already have. This was one of the sweetest most heart warming stories that I have heard in a long time. It was totally worth the purchase and I will be listening to it again and again!
There are so many...but I think my favorite part, with out giving too much away, was Bear and the kid sitting in the tub to be safe from the "Earthquakes"
No I haven't, but this was pretty good. He has a good voice and he really seemed to portray everything the way it should be. The only negative thing I have to say is that sometimes his voice got so low that the word he was saying seemed to be whispered and was kind of hard to hear.
"Don't judge a book by its title"
The print version was better only because I liked the sound of Kid's voice in my head better than the narrator's attempt.
I like Bear the most because of the voices in his head that he argues with. I can relate.
I didn't really care for Ty or Otters voices. I liked Creed and Bear. He portrays emotion really well
The fight for him is all he's ever known...
I Would like to hear the next book.
"Odd title, but engaging and heartwarming read"
It's a comfortable read, the emotions are real you're easily drawn into the lives of Bear and the kid.
The story is peppered with emotional extremes, the good kind. The story takes you into the thick of it; it's like your watching the funny bits play out, like the heartbreaking bits are happening to you, but most of all, you know it's all going to be okay in the end.
Sean Crisden is one of my preferred narrators. Well done
All the time.
"Great Book and Great Listen!!"
I would in a few years.
I've enjoyed a number of his books even though his male characters sound alike, lol. I thought for a hot second I was listening to Fish & Chips, lol.
The Kid of course! He was funny but almost "not real" or to grown up. I just can't imagine any kid saying the things he says or making the realizations. He seems to made Bear's character seem like a kid when it came to adult thinking. Bear was there to keep the bills paid, thats it, lol.
I'm still at a loss over the mother. I just knew she arranged for the ex-boyfriend to show up or maybe he was going to pay the mother some money to help him get Otter back but it seems she just showed up for a few hours and vanished. It was like she made an empty threat and didn't even show back up to sell wolf tickets. I thought i may have missed her second return. All in all though, I really enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it.
"Such a great story!"
This almost doesn't qualify as a gay romance novel, in a very good way. Yes, there is some of that, but only enough to cement the relationship between Bear and Otter, and it's not nearly as graphic as some of the novels I've come across. The Kid is a great character, and he's supposed to be super smart with great intuition, but he sometimes seems far too intelligent for a 9 year old, almost to the point of unbelievability. But that's really the only big flaw in this story. You will find yourself rooting for Bear, Otter and the Kid. I didn't want it to end, and I hope there's more to come.
"Great Book and performance"
Good story and the narrator did a great job. I was also like Bear, coming out of the closet was not easy.
The beach seen when Bear tells Otter he loves him.
I really enjoy the world of books! Narration just add layers to that world... don't u think? :)
"Do not let the title steer you away! Great Story!"
Boy, what a TEAR-JErker! I was ignored this book for so long, just b/c of the title... I thought, this is gonna be stupid right? WRONG! If it wasn't for Crisden narration, I would still be dodgeballing this book, but I am so glad I have become a Crisden follower.
Short summary: Bear's mom left him to raise (the kid) his brother when he was 18. His best friend and his best friend brother (Otter) provide emotional support b/c Bear won't let them help him finically. Bear and Otter kinda fall in love, but Bear push Otter away. 3 yrs later, Otter is back and him and Bear kinda of fight and fall in love again.
This is just short summary b/c so much more happen and with Crisden narration, every single emotion comes to life in like techni color...!!! The drama is just great.
Good buy or credit. I actually with more T.J. Klune's were on here. I would scoop them up, especially if Crisden narrates.