Learning to Love

By: Felice Stevens

Narrated by: Derrick McClain

After 10 years away from home, bad boy caterer Gideon Marks has a lot to prove. Getting the holiday catering job at his childhood synagogue is the first step in demonstrating to everyone he didn't turn out to be the failure they predicted. What he doesn't count on is Rabbi Jonah Fine, his high school nemesis and secret crush, stirring up old feelings Gideon thought long gone and secrets he's buried deep for years. An unexpectedly passionate encounter shocks Gideon, but he pushes Jonah away, convinced he isn't good enough to be in a relationship and would never be accepted by Jonah's father. But Jonah hangs tough - he won't allow Gideon to hide or run away from life again. And when it comes to love, Gideon learns the most important lessons aren't always taught in school.

©2016 Felice Stevens (P)2017 Felice Stevens

McClain nails it.

Gideon and Jonah have had a special place in my heart since they first appeared in a holiday anthology a few years ago. I was one of the readers clambering for their full length story. Stevens did not disappoint. When I found out it was coming out in audio, with one of my favorite narrators, I was excited but cautious. Expectations and all. However, Derrick McClain nailed the performance. Gideon and Jonah lived up to the voices in my head. I can't give an audiobook higher praise.

Absolutely phenomenal book

When you need a pick me up, Felice Stevens is always a way to go. This story was sweet, emotional, and sexy. The narrator did an amazing job really pulling you into the story.

My heart sincerely ached for Gideon and all the hardships he has and still is carrying. Battling dyslexia for his whole life, pushing away everyone because he is ashamed.

Jonah cannot believe it when he sees Gideon catering the synagogue event. He tries to get Gideon's attention. Gideon does everything in his power to break down his walls until he let's him in

A story of love stronger than anything.

OMG, this book was so sweet! I totally fell in love with Gideon & Jonah. I read All or Nothing ages ago when it was released and was always curious about Gid & Rabbi Jonah, but never got around to reading their book untill now... I really don't know what took me so lomg!!!
Their bond is so strong nothing can break it, despite Gideon's prickliness, jonah is strong enough in his love and his conviction about how right they are together that he's not about to let Gideaon run away from him!

I loved the book, but the audiobook blew me away!

Gideon is back home for the holidays, intent on making his catering business a success and show everyone, especially Jonah Fine, his high school crush, that he could make it despite what they all thought of him. Jonah seems really interested in him now that he's back, but Gideon has a secret that makes him push the young Rabbi away. Jonah is not willing to be pushed away, though.

Jonah was the stuff dreams are made of, so sweet and so determined to make things work, despite Gideon pushing him away. And Gideon was just awesome! I just wanted to cuddle him at times, he had such a hard life and it was difficult for him to get to the place he is now, but I loved his drive to make his business the best he could, despite his limitations. Jonah and Gideon together were smoking hot, too! I adored that we got to see more of them as a couple this time.

I've read this story several times and it's in fact one of my favorite Felice Stevens' books. There's just something about Gideon and Jonah that I can't get enough of. Added to that, I'm a huge Derrick McClain fan, so of course I was going to jump at the chance of listening to one of my favorite books narrated by one of my favorite narrators and you know what? I was blown away by Mr. McClain's performance. He captured Gideon's essence perfectly, bringing to his narration all the intensity and emotion that his character required. I adore Jonah, too, who was Gideon's perfect counterpart, more serene, understanding and patient, but also showing the love he felt for Gideon. I loved the other characters' voices, as well, they were all pretty distinguishable. Mr. McClain's voice is nice and smooth, without going overboard, and he brought Gideon and Jonah to life for me. While I love the book to pieces, I was thoroughly enchanted by the audiobook. Highly recommendable!

Hard Headed Gideon

Unfortunately this was just an okay read/audio for me. If I can't like one of the main characters in a book it's usually a bust for me. Gideon was just to much for me, the issues I had with him were:
He carried around a huge chip on shoulder.
When something wasn't going his way he blew up and never gave people a chance to explain themselves.
Just overall acted like he was the only person in the world to have a shitty childhood.
My issue with Jonah was he let himself be a door mat for Gideon.
Normally I enjoy Felice Stevens books but this one not so much. :-(