Clear Water

By: Amy Lane

Narrated by: Robert Nieman

Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Meet Patrick Cleary: party boy, loser, and spaz. Patrick’s been trying desperately to transform himself, and the results have been so spectacular, they’ve almost killed him.

Meet Wes “Whiskey” Keenan: he’s a field biologist wondering if it’s time to settle down.

When the worst day of Patrick’s life ends with Whiskey saving it, Patrick and Whiskey find themselves sharing company and an impossibly small berth on the world’s tackiest houseboat. Patrick needs to get his life together - and Whiskey wants to help - but Patrick is not entirely convinced it’s doable. He’s pretty sure he’s a freak of nature. But Whiskey, who works with real freaks of nature, thinks all Patrick needs is a little help to see the absolute beauty inside his spastic self, and Whiskey is all about volunteering.

Between anomalous frogs, a homicidal ex-boyfriend, and Patrick’s own hangups, Whiskey’s going to need all of his patience and Patrick’s going to need to find the best of himself before these two men ever see clear water.

©2011 Amy Lane (P)2012 Amy Lane

A sweet story

This was an enjoyable, somewhat sweet, book. At first, the characters seemed somewhat flat, almost caricatures, but as the book continued, multiple layers of their personalities emerged. Robert Nieman did a good job, although there were a few odd gaps between words. This is a male-male romance, so there is some explicit sex, and those parts were read well. Sometimes the readers of explicit sex scenes seem to want to rush through them as quickly as possible without any emotion, but Mr. Nieman did not do that.

If you are looking for an easy MM romance, I recommend this one.

Great story and love the narrator!

Would you listen to Clear Water again? Why?

Yes, I love to listen to Robert Nieman's voice narrating audio books.

What does Robert Nieman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings out the characters in the story

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

A Gem

A special story told with the perfect voice.

The characters are so well developed I felt like I knew them. The love story is tender, sensual, and passionate. I had so much invested in these people the climax had me on pins and needles.

Usually I would enjoy a book like this over at least a week if not two. I could hardly bring myself to stop listening to this. I had to know what happened next. I finished this book in 2 days.

Good story borrrrring narrator

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. Giving up before half way. Love Amy Lane but this narrator is making my brain hurt.

What did you like best about this story?

Not sure yet. Going to buy ePub to finish it.

How could the performance have been better?

Some emotion would be nice. Everyone had the same "voice" with not a trace of inflection or emotion. I couldn't tell when characters changed.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

A good narrator

Any additional comments?

I think I said it all.

Ok overall

What did you like best about Clear Water? What did you like least?

I liked the river boat type of biology was an interesting aspect. Overall it was fluff to me. Patrick seemed as if teenage angst queen. He was written as niave innocent "always kind" person. It was OTT for me. I felt the character was to Disneyesque . Ms Lane writes well, but Patrick was superficial fluff to me. THE best character was Whiskey imo. His study partner was also well developed. I didn't find there to be much mystery but meh still fine over all

Would you be willing to try another book from Amy Lane? Why or why not?

yes

Have you listened to any of Robert Nieman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I liked his voice altho I do agree with other listeners tht I often had to back the audio up to figure out whom was " talking/thinking" his voice never really changed for the characters. Still was nicely read and has promise.

Was Clear Water worth the listening time?

It was ok, but the storyline really didn't hold me, I found myself drifting away from the story frequently .

Any additional comments?

I think had great potential not totally delivered in the plot. I just cant give it more than a fair rating.

Loved the story, but narration a little off

This isn't the first time I've read this book, as it's one of my favorites. Mostly I think the narrator was fine (it's not an easy story to tell outloud), but there were times he rushed through the words, making them lose their meaning. It bothered me a lot throughout the whole book. I'd also have prefered if the narrator had changed his voice a bit when the different characters spoke, but that's entirely personal preference.

Whiskey and Patrick

I love this story. I read it and had to get the Audible. As she does in Bonfires, Amy gives us a new perspective on love. With Patrick, she gives us a new view on ADHD. Whiskey helps Patrick and sees Patrick with fresh eyes. As a Christian, I follow Jesus's extensive teachings on Love (including Love Never Fails). Amy shows us a beautiful example of this in this story. Thank You Amy, I look forward to all of your stories. As always, your narrator, Robert Niemann, was amazing. (My favorite books I have both Kindle and Audible editions! Double the fun!)

I Love this book and this narrator

I got this book a year ago and I have listened to it about 3 or 4 times at this point. I love this narrator b/c he perfectly embodies the characters. I know some don't like his voice b/c it is a little "California club kidlike." But that is perfect for Patrick and Whiskey. I think the audio version of this book is the way to go b/c of the narrator. He brings these guys to life for me and it is hella funny. "Totally" worth a credit.

Wonderful listen

What did you love best about Clear Water?

The love story was very moving. The slow blooming of Patrick's inquisitive and wonderful nature coaxed by a nurturing, patient Whiskey was emotionally fullfilling.

Gay Romance meets Ecological Mystery Novel

This book is set in the Sacramento, California area. I live there, and it added an additional "je ne sais quoi" to the experience. Robert Nieman does a good job reading with different voices for different characters. Most importantly, the story had me hooked in the first five minutes. I listened to the whole thing in one sitting. I really liked it. You will too.