Ben's Beginning

New Beginnings, Book 2

By: Leona Windwalker

Narrated by: Matt Standley

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Filled with guilt and self-recriminations over his identical twin Sol's kidnapping and abuse, Ben seeks counseling, which reveals he too has scars from his own suffering during the ordeal. He desperately tries to make amends with Sol, Seth, and his foster parents and to make himself a better man. Meeting sweet, funny, gorgeous Marty at the Crab Derby seems like fate is finally smiling on him; then he returns to college in Atlanta and spies Marty at his favorite local coffee shop. Marty causes him to have to face questions he never knew he'd have to ask about himself, as he discovers Marty is not a girl at all as he'd first supposed. Marty's not only a very gender fluid male but the one person who seems to complete Ben's heart, if Ben could only accept both Marty and himself as the people they truly are.

When events from his past return, Ben's left wondering if perhaps karma has returned to pay him in kind and whether Marty will end up as collateral damage. Desperate to hold on to what they might have together, Marty enlists the help of family and friends to help Ben find his self-worth. But is it enough? Marty hopes so. He simply can't imagine a happily ever after without Ben in it.

©2015 Leona Windwalker (P)2018 Leona Windwalker

Good heartwarming story

I liked the story of Ben and Marty very much. Marty was an amazing character, so confident and mature for someone so young. I enjoyed following how their relationship developed and love grew stronger. The narrator did a good job, however, some times the sound was with an echo. It was my first book by this author and I will read/listen to her other works.

Ben's Beginning

While Ben is trying to deal with what has happened to his brother and himself because of his own naivety and self-absorption he meets Marty who turns out to be so much more than Ben thought. As the two begin a tentative friendship, emotions begin to come into play and Ben must figure out just what he truly wants and who he is. All to soon Ben’s past comes back to haunt him and not only is his life in danger but Marty’s as well. Will Ben finally let the past go and fight for a future with Marty?

Ben and Marty work hard for their happy ever after. With the help and support of friends and family the road gets easier for the two. There are many bumps and bruises along the way and it was heartwarming to see the strength that comes from the love that everyone shares. Theirs is a story of love and triumph. We see Ben find his own way and begin to deal with his past. Marty is a great character and it was nice to see the two find a happy ever after, but I did find it odd that the roommate from the first story is mentioned several times, but we never find out what happened to him. Narrator Matt Standley keeps the narrative going at a good pace but I found the difference in audio for the inner monologues of the characters distracting and found that it pulled me out of the story multiple times.

The author has written a nice story of finding oneself and love in the process. If you are willing to fight for it, true love will always be there for you.

I love Marty.

3.5 stars

In this story, Ben was trying to cope with the guilt he felt after the events in book one. Ben met Marty, who I loved. Ben thought Marty was a girl, and he was very attracted. When he learned that Marty wasn't a girl, Ben was shocked at how little that mattered to him. He still wanted to be close to Marty. Meanwhile, as in book one, psychos showed up to try to ruin everything. This was the point where I wanted to shake Ben and tell him to stop being so damn clueless! He put himself in danger over and over, and he didn't learn from it. He was a good guy, but I found myself yelling at him as I listened to this story during my commute.
Thank goodness for Marty. For me, he stole the show. Whether he was feeling feminine or not, he was a big personality with a wonderful heart. I enjoyed the scenes with Marty and Ben spending time together, with or without their family members. It was nice to see more of Seth and Sol, too.
The performance was still just okay for me, though I do like the narrator's voice. I just wish he would loosen up and show more emotion. I'll try other books he performs to see how I feel about those.

oooo yum

omg.. this was tasty.. and the narrator was wonderful... the emotions were brought out and made me feel as if i was a part of their lives.. this story is amazing and i loved it

Ben's turn

Ben got the better and easier outcome than Sol did ( from the previous book). He had kind and supportive foster parents, and so far only suffered a kidnapping and not all the abuse Sol was dealt. The psycho cultists are back to wreak havoc. Seth is so awesome with Sol (and Ben), but my heart bleeds for Sol and the damage from the "church people ". Marty's family seemed ambiguous at times-accepting but not completely. I couldn't believe how naive and gullible Ben was with Shane! Smh!! My heart sank!! It was good to see Marty and Ben work things out, and the family support was commendable. At the conclusion- it seems like both Ben and Sol's lives are falling into place. The narrator added to this experience with his expressive voice.

Not as good as the first

Narration still bad, though maybe a little better that in the first. Story was not as good as the first; a lot of boring introspection - introspection is not always boring, but most of this bored me - and some very preachy bits, which seemed unnecessary; anyone reading gay romance is unlikely to need the message.

enjoyed this story very much

i enjoyed the story but the narration had no life to it sorry but i like my narrator to bring the words to life.

A sweet story about being yourself

This is the second book in the New Beginnings series and is Ben's story. I will admit I lie the first book much better because I fell for Sol. This story is sweet and I admit I really liked Marty. This is a story about being yourself and how hard that can be at times.
The Narration was ok.

Good

Good storyline that could had some tweaks, it was a lot of self blame and rambling. Mixed with bouts of action somewhat repeated bad elements...

Good Story

This is a good follow-up to the first book in this series. This story focuses on Ben as he's trying to get over the guilt of everything that happened to his brother and move on with his life. Marty is a breath of fresh air and I love how comfortable he is with himself and his whole attitude is spectacular. I really like how loving and understanding Marty is with Ben and helps him move on. It was great that they started as friends and built a good foundation for their relationship. The narrator did a good job but sometimes it sounded "tunnel like" and almost mechanical. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.