Rebound

The Oleander Chronicles, Book 2

By: Lynn Van Dorn

Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

All Jacob Goldman wanted was for his boyfriend to not take him for granted. His plans, however, only gained him an ex-boyfriend, a damaged classic car, a charge of bird murder, angry townsfolk, and a hot mechanic he wants nothing to do with. All he wants now is his car fixed and to not be run out of town by the angry townsfolk of Oleander for involuntary bird-slaughter. Falling for his annoying mechanic is no part of Jacob’s plan.

Levi Greene is tired of being alone. He’s also tired of pining for his best friend, a man who’s in love with someone else. Jacob Goldman, an uber-twink from South Florida, isn’t even close to being Levi’s type. Nevertheless, he’s uncontrollably drawn to Jacob, and it isn’t just the lure of fixing his damaged classic car. Jacob touches Levi in a way that makes him want more, even if Levi knows that more isn’t in the cards for either one of them.

Rebound is the story of two men giving up on hopeless relationships only to fall into each other’s arms, more or less, and find that they complete each other in a way no other man could. There is hate sex, a bird funeral, “special” baked goods, a redneck seder, and an accidental overabundance of flamingos. Jacob and Levi fight each other, but find they can’t fight the bond that forms between them or the love that will, despite all obstacles, have its own way. This novel is a sequel to Reunion, but features a new couple and can be listened to on its own.

©2021 Lynn Van Dorn (P)2021 Lynn Van Dorn

Small town sweetness and outlandish humor

We return to the kooky town of Oleander where the spoiled, rich ex of our previous protagonist has just run down the Town's beloved flamingo. Aka Involuntary bird slaughter. If Jacob wants to get his car repaired and not get chased out of town by flamingo lovers with torches and pitchforks he's going to have to make nice. And he really doesn't want to. It doesn't matter that the mechanic Levi is totally hot with all his muscles and tattoos, he's probably just a macho dick bumpkin. Levi on the other hand is loving Jacob's aggression. While twinks aren't usually his style Jacob definitely has the long sought after dominance Levi longs for in a lover. As the sexual tension between the two men begins to simmer, they discover the deeper meaning behind the exterior package. Oleander might be crass and lower class, but it has a warmth Jacob has never felt before. And though Levi seems like an entitled prick, there's a hurt man longing for love underneath the surface.
So very touching and emotional while still squeezing in a bird funeral, where the widow in question chases a man with a shrimp platter. I think that had to be my favorite part! And Michael Ferraiuolo did an awesome job narrating! He got all the emotional and comical cues on point.
***
I got a free copy for honest review. I already read book way back so honestly this was a sweet deal for me to sit back and enjoy the melodies tone of Michael Ferraiuolo's voice. Totally recommend!

Dirty Mechanic

OMG this was gold! I was prepared to continue to tolerate Jacob, but Lynn wouldn't let me. She wrote a really complex character that I couldn't help but fall in love with.

We met Jacob previously as just this spoiled rich kid. A guy who thought that he could have anything he wanted just because of who he is. But in this vol, we get to see why he acts like this. We are taken on a journey to why this man acts the way he does. We see that he is only putting up a front because of the challenges in his life. The tragic circumstances in his past made him who he is today. And it only takes a few days with a hot mechanic and his crazy family to get him to thaw out.
Levi, our lovable mechanic. While we know he had feelings for Tony, I never got the feeling they were too deep. Levi, I think gravitated to him just because they were living in a small town and they were the only gay guys in their class. But we get to learn more about him and what it really is he wants and needs.
This story was a joy to read. We got to continue seeing the crazy town folks, get to meet a hillbilly/Jewish family that really isn't Jewish and learn a ton about "Mary Jane". While this is book 2 you don't really need to read the 1st since you get plenty of backstory in the first few chapters. If you want to really get a full scoop of the town and the other characters, than yes read book 1 first. I can't wait for book 3.

Loved this story

I read this series before I listened to it. I enjoyed reading it but I have really enjoyed listening to Michael Ferraiuolo tell this story. These two ounce off each other really well. Both of these guys having feeling for others that is t returned. They are angry in the beginning but have to work out their feeling throughout the book.

Great Listen

I loved this story even more than first one. Jacob was such unlikable character in the previous book that I was curious to see how he can make MC I could care about. I liked both Levi and Jacob and enjoyed them together🔥⚡️🍪. Narrator did a great job with the story and the voices. Overall this was a very good listening experience.

Loved ! sweet & sexy and awesome

As usual Lynn Van Dorn doesn't disappoint . The relationship between Levi & Jacob is full of spice and heat (🔥) but also an in-depth storyline with nuance . ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Super Awesome Enemies (??) to Lovers

So, it's sort of a an enemies to lovers in the fact that Jacob cannot stand Levi in the beginning but not in the fact that they've known each other a long time. In fact, they've known each other for all of 5 minutes before Jacob's already passed judgement and hates Levi. This is by far one of my FAVORTIE stories and I will listen/read this one over and over again. As always, Michael does a FABULOUS job of brining Jacob, Levi, and the rest of the cast to life (his Maxie is on point!). Jacob comes from a type of awful family and Levi's family is just this side of right kind of crazy. The story is pretty unique, brings in all of my favorite kinks, and delivers a pretty powerful shot to the heart. While you don't necessarily need the first to understand this but it definitely lays some ground work for a couple of the side characters. If you like characters who are kind of a jerk to protect their heart and big guys who like to be bossed around, then this is 100% for you!

Outstanding!!

This story hit all my buttons! Jacob has come to town to try and get his boyfriend back, but unfortunately for him he’s already moved on. He seemed so cold and icy until we get to know what makes him tick! Levi is the “typical” bad boy, ok not really! These two are so very opposite of what you’d assume they are. Jacob is grumpy to Levi’s sunshine. What that being said, this was sooo good, fantastic!! Hot and steamy and laugh out loud hilarious! The secondary characters are way to funny for words, Bubbe with her pot infused gingerbread, Leah, and Maxie to name a few and don’t forget the flamboyance of flamingos! Levi has an amazing support group in his family while Jacob’s are just plain horrible, too terrible for words! Michael Ferraiuolo did a fatastic job with his narrative, so freakin good!!

Perfection brought to life

I loved this story going in. Levi and Jacob are the perfect pairing. I was super excited to be able to listen to it on audible and hear these two brought to life. This book had it all, it was witty, steamy, and humorous. Michael made all these aspects all the more real. This book is so worth the listen. Jacob initially comes across as the ultimate jerk, but once you get to know him and who he truly is he is absolutely redeemable m. At that he became one of my favorites. This book was perfectly written and perfectly delivered. Overall a must listen.