Adam's Song

8 Million Hearts, Book 1

By: Spencer Spears

Narrated by: Michael Fell

Length: 12 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

They say it’s a bad idea to fall for your best friend. But since when do I say no to bad ideas? 

Adam: It’s not like I wanted to fall in love with Ben. But I didn’t really have a choice. Not only is he hot, he’s sweet, funny, and insanely talented. We’d both been struggling musicians for years, but even after Ben got signed by a major label, he still wanted to be friends with a nobody like me. Honestly, if he didn’t want me falling for him, he should have been less goddamn perfect. 

Well, except for the part where he’s straight. Did I forget to mention that? 

In my defense, responsible decision-making has never been my strong suit. Case in point - collapsing on stage, guitar in hand, after discovering my then-boyfriend, now-ex was cheating on me, and downing a bottle of bourbon in response. But I’m cleaning up my act - no more hiding in the closet and no more bad life choices. But that also means no more waiting around for the day Ben magically decides he likes me. 

So why did Ben have to pick now to make me question everything I thought I knew about us? 

Ben: It’s not like I planned this. I was on tour when Adam collapsed back in New York and he wouldn’t even let me come home early to visit him. But that’s Adam for you - brilliant, breathtaking, and pathologically afraid of vulnerability. All I wanted was to be there for him - and him coming out didn’t change that in the slightest. Yeah, I couldn’t help seeing him a little differently. And no, I couldn’t quite explain why I was suddenly noticing the curve of his back, the freckles on his cheeks, or wondering what his lips tasted like. But whatever weird awakening I was having, Adam needed support, not more confusion. 

And then I kissed him. Whoops. 

I know it’s fast. I know it’s unexpected. And I know my label would be livid if they found out I was dating a guy. But I also know, deeply and inexplicably, that this could be something real. 

So how do I convince Adam - beautiful, broken Adam - to risk everything on me?

©2017 Spencer Spears (P)2018 Spencer Spears

Wow! What a drag!

The story of Adam and Ben, two musicians with different success arcs, was one of the longest and most exhausting things to listen to. Adam's persona is whiny and immature, Ben's was just bland when he wasn't being dramatic about his perceived neglect of his friend or his concern for his family or his lack of artistic freedom. I grew very impatient with the exhaustive descriptions and explanations and thinking that made up the story's narrative style. It bordered on rambling, like an old guy regaling his family with stories of his glory days. The repetition of certain events from the chapter before in the next one was overkill of the most awful kind. Who needs that? The plot was predictable, the ending expected, the characters unremarkable. I lost interest in them pretty quickly and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't muster even one iota of interest. I didn't care WHAT happened to them long before the end. If I had read it, I would have skimmed it but listening to it made skimming more difficult. The length of this story is not warranted by its contents.

Good story

This is a good story a bit long. There was a few moments where I lost interest but I stuck with it. The narrator did a good job:)

A good story, but long

This was a good story. I liked Adam and Ben, though I found Ben a little bit of a drama queen, but then, I suppose he was meant to be. All of the characters were pretty interesting. The dialogue was realistic, fun, with lots of snark and sarcasm. I loved the way the author handled Adam's reaction once he became aware of his own feelings. The story was well paced but a little long.

Michael Fell did a good job with the narration. It was easy to discern each character by the voice he gave to him or her and the energy of each.

New writer but old friend narrator

Loved this book. I had listened to Michael Fell many times but Spencer Spears was new to me. I am a fan. If you like friends to lovers and coming out stories with excellent narration this is a great book for you.

Neither the best nor the worst of audiobooks

While nearly everything Spencer Spears writes is enjoyable, 'Adam’s Song', Book 1 in the Million Hearts series, was just a little too long and had just a little too much angst for me. There’s no question that Adam and Ben are likable characters and it was definitely the two of them that held my attention.

Unfortunately the audiobook isn’t helped by Michael Fell’s narration. In so many sections he seemed simply to read the story, with little or no attention to varying his vocal tone or inflection to distinguish among the many characters Spears has created.

Bottom line: Neither the best nor the worst of audiobooks.

The Sweet Music of Love

Adam’s Song is the first book in the 8 Million Hearts series and introduces us to an interesting cast of characters. This book focuses on Adam and Ben, two musicians who are meant to be together – unfortunately, their own personal baggage seems to be getting in the way. I really enjoyed this book and found the character development and plot to be interesting. I really enjoyed the fluffy moments and how all the angst and drama was solved.

The audiobook was decent, and I liked the narrator’s voice, but I did think that the performance sounded a little stiff at points. As the audiobook went on, the narrator became much better. Regardless, I still recommend this book and enjoyed listening to it.

Glad I got this on audible

I had been trolling for a series to listen to basically in a slump. Nothing was looking interesting to me. I like to look for books I have already read that I enjoyed that way. So glad I found this series again. Kind of forget about it. It been that long. OMG I so enjoyed listening to Micheal narrating this. I didn’t pick up the snark when I read it but he just brought out these two guys so much. Good story. Next please.

Great Story Line

Loved it. a little long, but I kind of enjoyed that about it. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Just beautiful.

love it. a must read, couldn't stop. on to the next book. Next book club.

Loved this book!

This is the first novel by Spencer Spears that I’ve “read”, and my first audible I’ve listened to. I really liked Spencer’s humor, character development, and dialogue (both internal and external). I’m looking forward to getting the next book in the series.

A realistic cast of characters

A realistic cast of characters who are further brought to life by an appropriate choice of reader.

Just Fabulous

pure joy and fun. And the banter! OMG. The banter was EVERYTHING!
Matthew Fell did a wonderful job with the narration and the characters

Absolutely wonderful friends to lovers story

I loved this absolutely wonderful friends to lovers story. In a way they both saved each other from their uncertainty and insecurities. There is plenty of emotion, angst, and steamy times (once the duo get together). I loved the way Nick and Gray helped, and sometimes goaded, Ben and Adam to acknowledge and act on their feelings for each other. Sometimes the only way to know what will happen is just to take the plunge. I saw the discord that was coming watching the secret that Ben kept from Adam. It was bound to cause heartache, but Ben's realization and the ending were absolutely beautiful.

The narrator was new to me, and he did a fantastic job individualizing the characters and voicing the emotions. I especially loved Nick.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

Awesome

This was such a great beginning to this series.
I loved this sweet and funny friends to lovers romance.
I can’t wait to listen to more of this series.

Friends to lovers

This book is jam packed with a great story, loveable characters and all the feels. It’s emotional and it does take you on a bit of a roller coaster but it’s worth everything.

Enjoyed

I really enjoyed listening to this slowburn story when friends finally act on their chemistry.

great!!!

this is a new narrator and a new author to me. Spencer Spears has been on my TBR for a while now but I hadn't actually gotten the chance to dive in. I took this audio opportunity to test them out.

I must say i was not disappointed at all. I actually had a hard time not listening straight through as both the story and narration were both great. I am diving into book 2 right away!!!!

🎧 LesCourt Reviewer 🎧

Adam's Song (8 Million Hearts Book 1) by Spencer Spears. This story develops nicely. A good combination of world building and character development. This is a slow burn friends to lovers romance. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
The Narrator Michael fell did a fantastic job bringing these characters and story to life.

Goosebumps

This book was absolutely enjoyable. Spears’s knack for spinning this tale left me with so many happy feels. Fell’s narration was enjoyable and gripping at times leaving me in goosebumps.

Sweet sarcastic Adam...

I loved Adam and Ben’s easy going friendship. They were so perfect for each other and never knew. Ben hides his feelings behind sarcasm and no touchy feely attitude but deep down that’s what he craves. Adam is more than willing to love and show his friend he cares. So many things happened, some very hot scenes and also some heart breaking ones. I enjoy this book so much.