No Regrets

Healing Hearts, Book 1

By: Nicky James

Narrated by: Adam Gold

Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

Life makes no promises, and sometimes, you draw the short straw.

Landon Johnston's life came to a grinding halt seven months ago when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

With the encouragement of his grandmother, Landon worked his way out of his slump and tried to live life while he still could.

Deciding he didn't want to drag anyone else down his morbid path, Landon gave up all friendships and denied himself love. It was better that way, because all he had to offer was eventual heartache and sadness.

While traveling the world, Landon meets Abel Matheson, a free-spirited, unedited, and nerve-grating man who was supposed to only be a one-night-stand.

Despite Landon's insistence that he can't form a relationship with his current diagnoses, Abel is persistent and will not be ignored.

Fighting against all his ingrained urges to run, Landon finds himself drawn down the road he swore he'd never take.

Intimacy grows and bonds form....

Only...Abel doesn't know Landon is sick.

How can anyone love a man with no future?

Telling him might cause him to run, but staying silent means living a lie. A lie which will only reveal itself in time.

©2017 Nicky James (P)2017 Nicky James

May have SPOILERS

Only knowing that I enjoyed Love Me Whole by this author I decided to get this book. Right away when you start you know something sad is going to happen so you prepare as much as you can. Landon’s story is powerful and sad, but it has so many wonderful teaching moments as well as living life to its fullest. That isn’t easy when your pushing things away. I love that Abel shows him that he isn’t dying he is living. It isn’t for the faint of heart that is for sure cancer is a horrible disease and many of us have had to live through a loved one who has been struck with it. I think that is why this book is so powerful many of us can relate. I am happy in the way that it ended it wasn’t what I was expecting it really was so much more and it was kind of perfect. The narration was ok I like Adam Gold quite a lot, I am just confused why Abel who is from Michigan sounds like he is from Boston. Lol, Whatever it works and I am on to book 2.

Amazing and unforgettable listen - bring tissue

How many good things can I say about one book? I will try not to gush, nor will I give spoilers, but I want listeners to understand how powerful this book is.

The summary of the book makes it clear Landon has terminal cancer and time is not on his side. In her note to readers at the beginning to the book, Nicky promises this is a journey of life, not death. And she keeps that promise.

I don’t consider myself overly emotional or sentimental (although some who know me might disagree), but I’m glad I listened to some parts of the book in privacy with tissues. And even though I’ve waited twelve hours to write this review, I am crying again. Only in part because I know Landon will lose his battle with cancer. Mostly it’s because of how amazing how Abel is and how I know he will grieve when losing Landon.

That is the magic of this book – these two men are real to me. I related to them, I love them, I could see myself being friends with them. And every time Landon didn’t share his secret with Abel, I wanted to give him a good shake. His reasons were sound, but secrets have a way of coming out at the most inopportune moments.

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ 5 stages of grief apply to Landon, his grandma, and, eventually, Abel. Landon is well into the journey through the stages, while the listener is taken through many of them as Abel goes through them with lightning speed.

Landon is trying to pack in as much living as he can in the time he has left. Abel appears in his life at the wrong (right?) time. After all, Landon is dying and he’s already putting his grandma through so much pain, he’s certainly not going to drag someone else down with him.

Okay, let me touch on how humorous this book is. Abel, however, is a force of nature. Undeterred by Landon’s coolness, he first persuades Landon into a one-night stand, and then pushes Landon to let him in – if only for a short time. Landon keeps insisting it has to be short, but Abel is just one of those guys. Look up persistence in the dictionary and his photo will be there.

Which, of course, is why I cheer for him. Why I grieve for him. Why I love him. He’s an abrasive Yank, admitting he has no filter, no edit button. For Landon, the staid Canadian, it is a bit like being hit by a freight train.

Confession time – I know where Petrolia is, and I used to date a great guy from Sarnia (I was MC at his wedding). I am unabashedly Canadian and love that the book is primarily located in my country.

Of course, universal healthcare is never mentioned because it is part of the Canadian fabric. Landon gets the best treatment and doesn’t have to worry about how to pay for it or deal with insurance. He is given the gift of being able to focus on living.

Abel isn’t without issues. His family – especially his father – is one of those (as are Landon’s). Having come from a loving and accepting family, I cringe at what LGBT people face. Homophobia drives me nuts.

There are other bad experiences Landon helps Abel work through. It is truly a reciprocal relationship. There are so many scenes I want to mention, but that would ruin the surprise. Abel’s goal is to bring joy to Landon, and that involves some truly creative dates.

So, for those of you who have never tried poutine, it is a must. A Canadian staple, as Abel discovers.

Adam Gold is a great narrator. He infuses these two men with joy, pain, and, most of all, LIFE. He adds inflections, chuckles, and emphasis naturally. He can be forgiven for not correctly pronouncing Scottish locations.

Finally, I took a quick peek into Nicky’s list of books, finding (much to my glee) that there are three more books in the series. Of course I hope they will come out on audio, but I’m not sure I can wait. This book has the perfect ending, but I know real life. I had a beloved family member die of this exact cancer. Canada recently lost a singer – a national treasure – to the same cruel fate. Landon’s future is certain, but Abel’s isn’t. I want him to have a happily ever after where he can treasure and honour the life he had with Landon, while finding someone to share his life with.

Did I say enough good things? Five stars just don’t seem like enough. The depth of writing, the ability to bring me right into the story… So I thank you, Nicky, for reminding me that life is short and loving is so important.

So much heart and love in this book. ❤️

I love this book. This book holds such a big place in my heart. This book will tear at your heartstrings and have your emotions in its hold. It’s a must read. The audible had my jaw dropping. I never imagined anyone could replace Landon in my head but I was so pleasantly surprised with Adam Gold took hold of my Landon and made him something spectacular. I could listen to this audible over and over and it will never grow old. Thank you Nicky for your amazing guys and your brilliant story telling and thank you Adam for taking her guys and making them something special. ❤️

LOVED IT!!!

I read No Regrets when it was first released as an eBook and I was so happy when I learnt that the author was releasing an audio.
The narrator, Adam Gold, is new to me, however, he did an amazing job with the narration.

Once I started listening, my real life faded into the background. I got lost in Landon and Abel's story and swooned at Adam's voice.
Adam brought the guys to life for me and I know that this is an audio I will be listening to again in the very near future.
Excellent job Mr Gold.
Congratulations on a beautiful story about love, life and living Mrs. James.

Very moving story!

This is the very best book I’ve ever listened to in this genre. As a person who has personally dealt with cancer, it was very moving & emotional. Be sure to listen to the sequel! Btw, Adam Gold is The Best at what he does!

Different - Visceral - unforgettable

I put this off for ages. I didn't think I could take it. I have to tell you - Landon and Able are believable, joyous and heartbreaking. Bottom line is, you really feel you know these guys, and they don't sugar coat it. What a journey, what a beautiful book Nicky - I'm almost done with Able's story New Beginnings and it is indeed excellent - and wow, having known people with alcohol problems and in grief - it really hits those nerves - I appreciate the reality of the writing - and not falling back on "insta love" but helping us to get to know Landon and Able - and in Book 2, Keiran. Love is Love and Grief is Grief - and it is a long, long climb back. Wonderful narration for both books Adam Gold has the pulse and emotion of these characters! - Hoping for a good epilogue at the end of New Beginnings, glad there wasn't one in No Regrets - I loved the ending for that book. Keep them coming Nicky - inner thoughts, real dialogue, real people - you've got their pulse - Very much appreciated!

Beautiful

This is such a beautiful amazing story and it touched my soul deeply. Landon is dear to me and so many others, thank you Nicky for giving him Abel to show Landon the true love he needed most during the most difficult time in his life.

90% bucket list fantasy 10% character development.

It was ok, I really didn't get invested with the characters what made the book long was all the words it took to describe a room, an outfit, food etc. I was bored. At times I thought of not finishing and just getting into the second book instead. I knew I wasn't getting into a super steamy book, but come on the sex scenes were like 2 words long then back to describing the color blue for the next 2 paragraphs. I would say skip this.

amazing!

Adam Gold made an amazing book come to life even more! Loved listening to him narrate the book!

An Emotional Journey

This was such an emotional story, but I am so glad I decided to give it a listen. No one call pull all the emotions out of me the way this author can. Nicky James tells such a powerful story, and this one was no exception. This narration was amazing. Just fantastic. Adam Gold tells a story the way no one else can. Adam becomes the story and you fall right in with him. You know up front this is going to be an emotional rollercoaster. However, there is so much more than the inevitable sadness. There is humor, an amazing friendship and a love that knows no time. This narration will have you quickly get sucked into Landon’s story. I loved Landon and Abel working through Landon’s notebook together. I especially loved the item Abel added to his notebook and I found myself reaching for tissues (once again). I couldn’t recommend Landon and Abel’s story more. This is an emotional journey well worth taking, just bring your Kleenex with you.