One Real Thing

By: Anah Crow, Dianne Fox

Narrated by: Max Tatch

Length: 7 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

Nick Addison has taken care of Hollister Welles since college. Though the responsible grad student and the uninhibited partier were total opposites, they had always shared an inexplicable bond. Nick knows he should stop saving the out-of-control Holly, but when Holly hits rock-bottom hard—and publicly—he can't resist coming to his rescue one last time. Can't resist the feeling of having Holly need him again.

Bringing Holly back to New York City, Nick gives Holly the chance to face his demons and break his dangerous habits—while keeping Holly's presence a secret from Nick's wife. He doesn't want to face Caroline's hatred of Holly... or the reasons she might have to resent him.

Then the tables are turned. Just as Holly pulls himself together, Nick's life falls apart. Now it's up to Holly to bring Nick back from the brink—and to make Nick finally face the desires he's long denied.

©2010 Anah Crow and Dianne Fox (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Give it time

This book grew on me. While I'm usually sick of gay romance novels that have D/s, not for the topic but because they are overdone to death in this genre, the topic is handled gently in this book. What's more, I liked it! Not everything has to be about leather and whips, and this book isn't. The relationship is portrayed very intensely with strong themes of addiction, promiscuity, and D/s, but I advise that if you read and don't hate the book, then reread! By the second read it will be better. By the third, you will love it. I've grown to love every word in this novel, but I agree, understand, and even warn that not everyone will feel the same. The reader, Max Tatch is brilliant by the way. He makes the characters 3 dimensional and gives perfect voice to them, conveying each man's dialogue and feelings in a hauntingly gorgeous way.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

A Great Romance...

Crow and Fox provide an excellent love story in which one can get lost in. The story of Nick and Hollie are what one dreams real life could be like. 'You keep the ring and I'll keep you'...what a great line. Max Tatch, the narrator, adds realism and emotion to the characters and his soothing voice allows you to get lost in the imagination of the story. Can't say enough about this book...great all around!!!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

one real thing

This book is one of my fave it has everything , and it's not just sex it has that little some thing that just put it over and narrator is one of the best i have heard so far .you can't go wrong with this one .I hope audible get some more

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This was an amazing story!

So... I read the review for this book... and several people liked it. They said nice things and caught my interest... but they all seem to just like this book... so so... Nothing amazing...

I don't understand why! This was one of the most refreshing stories I have listen to in a long long while. This is a m/m romance, but it is so much more than that... Nick and Holly are two awesome characters... Especially Holly! And yes, Holly is a guy, short for Hollister. I really like how the dom and sub thing was never really stated in the book, but it all seem to come naturally for both characters. Even before they started their smexing, the dom/sub thing was there.

When Nick life began to go crazy, I simply loved it that it was Holly who got him back on track... when Holly was the f*ckup for sooooo long. And Holly's bosses!!! Loved it... And her shoes! WHAT... can I get some of those shoes!!!

This was my first Tatch listen, and I have to say... he was pretty good. He reminded me of Sean Crisden, the best m/m narrator by miles. At times, in the beginning, I couldn't tell which character was talking, but after like chapter 2, you get use to slight gruffness Tatch use for Holly's voice, so you always can tell which is Nick and which is Holly.

Great credit. Even though I loved this book, I only recommend buys if there is possibly a second... and this is a standalone I believe. So wait for your credit...but definitely get this!

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

One of my All-Time Favorites

This is one book that I ALWAYS come back too. It has a permanent place in my heart. I will always make sure to have this book on my iPhone when I'm wanting to visit an old friend.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

One Real Thing - A Great Love Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I have searched high and low for something different. I was sick of the cookie cutter stories. My reading buddies will find this story funny and sweet. Holy and Nick with lighten up their hearts.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Holy, he was exciting and entertaining. I waited for his next move to get the one he loved. He was a mess at the beginning but when Nick gives him his class ring as a reminder to be strong. My heart melted for them both. I actually love both characters which is unusual for me, this story is a sweet love story.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the story, and I don't want to spill the beans but when Holy went to his old apartment.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Anah Crow and Dianne Fox does an excellent job creating a perfect love story between two males who had both been in previous relationships with females, and Nick was married. The compassion, loyalty, friendship, love and lust they have for one another kept my heart beating for them to get together. It kept me laughing.

Any additional comments?

I really would like to comment on the Narrative. He was excellent, his voice for male and female was perfect. Most male narratives

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

not amazing bit not bad

I think the problem with this story is that it's not long enough
if these character's were not fleshed out enough but the narrator pushes you along. I find some of the plot a little out of the ordinary like I dont think its possible that two guys whom are obviously very attracted to one another and physically touch in a way that would be classified as gay as the story pans out ( I dont mean bro hugging I mean kisses on the forehead or stroking each others hands even lap headrests show me a straight male adult who's willing to hold another man's head in his lap!!) not fool around at least once in like 5 -10 years. anyway the rest of the writing is pretty smooth. until we get to the sex the after like 3 easter eggs about DS (DS=dominat/submisive relationship) 2 are in a full blown DS relationship.( and their relationship was a little foot fettishey) the sex happens in like 2 hrs left of the book so if your like me and read some books with sex then HEA in mind you may be disappointed. over all the story was heartfelt and the narrator made the book. (sorry for all the rambling)

it took way too long to get going.

Any additional comments?

I honestly don't know why so many people like this book ...
Not much happens, and most of the book is taken up by continuous rehashing of their disturbing, co-dependent relationship. Nick is really boring and unlikable, and he has a wife whom he isn't attracted to at all. Also, in spite of the "BDSM" tag that some readers have assigned to this book, there is nothing kinky about the sex. There's a severe power imbalance in the nonsexual part of the relationship.
Frankly I was bored and I didn't really connect with the characters. Oh well.

Too much desperation

What disappointed you about One Real Thing?

I was hoping for a well-written story that didn't feel too much like a "romance" novel but the writing didn't fulfil that premise.

Would you ever listen to anything by Anah Crow and Dianne Fox again?

Probably not. The writing was the low point of the production I'd say in that it was too corny a lot of the time.

Which character – as performed by Max Tatch – was your favorite?

Danner and Julie.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Yes. I think Max Tatch did a decent job and some of the more intimate moments served their purpose in that you feel as though you could be there - you knew what was going on in so much detail.

Listening was Quite a Chore

Would you try another book from Anah Crow and Dianne Fox and/or Max Tatch?

I didn't have a problem with Max Tatch as the narrator. I would take a break from the books of the authors though but would give them another chance.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I downloaded the first book by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux.

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

Max Tatch gave a satisfactory performance.

What character would you cut from One Real Thing?

Danner