Sweet Soul

By: Tillie Cole

Narrated by: Cassandra Morris, Thomas Fawley

Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

From the USA Today best-selling Sweet Home Series comes Sweet Soul, a heart-wrenching story of love in its purest form.

One shy lost soul. One silent lonely heart. One love to save them both.

Life has never been easy for 20-year-old Levi Carillo. The youngest of the Carillo boys, Levi is nothing like his older brothers. He isn't dark in looks or intimidating to everyone he meets. In fact he's quite the opposite. Haunted by a crippling shyness and the tragic events of his past, Levi spends his days with his head buried in his books or training hard for his college football team. Too timid to talk to girls, Levi stays as far away as possible and completely on his own...until he saves the life of a troubled pretty blonde - a troubled pretty blonde who might just be the exception to his rule.

Elsie Hall is homeless. Or at least that's all anyone ever sees. Every day is a fight for survival on the cold streets of Seattle, every day a struggle to find food and keep warm. Alone in life - a life that's dangerous and cruel - her will to keep going is an ever-losing battle. In her world of silence, Elsie has given up hope that her life will contain anything but constant heartache and pain...until the beautiful boy she has severely wronged comes to her rescue at precisely the right time.

A new adult novel - contains sexual situations and mature topics. Suited for ages 18 and up.

©2015 Tillie Cole (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

amazing

this book series was absolutely wonderful I just wish there were more books. It has made me want to listen to all tillie cole books

Heartbreakingly beautiful

This book is a rare gem. You don’t find characters written like this often, especially the MMC. I will definitely read this one again.

❤️😢❤️

Once again, I'm going to need therapy after a Tillie Cole series. Loved this depressing love story of acceptance. The family and friends support is so reassuring for these broken souls. We all need that one person who makes us whole.
Warning for bullying and suicide 😔

Tough Life Issues and Sweetly Passionate Romance

Would you consider the audio edition of Sweet Soul to be better than the print version?

I can't make comparison having only listened to the story, but I was captivated by the audio version so I can definitely recommend that.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sweet Soul?

The alley scene near the beginning. It's raining and miserable out, but Levi chooses to help the girl who stole his most prize possession. He can see past his anger that she took his wallet with his mama's rosary and picture to the wretched girl starving, sick, and living on the streets. He not only wants to get her help, but does it. He never blames and is deeply understanding. He has respect and never tears down her dignity. It was a beautiful scene.

Have you listened to any of Cassandra Morris and Thomas Fawley ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I haven't. I thought both did well capturing the story- plot, pace, and tone, and their own character's personalities.
Thomas did great with both male and female and most accents, but the Italian in the Carillo brothers was a struggle.
Cassandra had a tougher time with male voice and I was not fond of her Ally voice though I loved what she did with Elsie.
The emotional connection I felt with their storytelling was strong and I would definitely listen to either of their audio work again.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

You could definitely say that. I cried several times. The themes of extreme bullying, suicide, grief, guilt, loneliness, homelessness, living with disabilities, and family were a tough combo, but were handled well.

On a lighter note, I also found the shyness and innocence this pair had when it came to romantic relations made me smile and swoon.

Any additional comments?

This book is fifth in the Sweet Home series and third in the Carillo Boys series. It's the final book for both and works best read/listened to in order though in a pinch it could be listened to as a standalone.

I received this book free.

Heart wrenching!

5 Crazy Ass Must Listen/Read Stars!!!!!

First off, the narrators did such an excellent job bringing these characters to life.
Tissues are a must. Make that a box of tissues. My heart broke so many times throughout this book for both Levi and Elsie. Even though I knew Levi's story from the previous books, it still broke my heart hearing it in his words. Elsie had me a blubbering mess with everything she had to endure.
This series has become a favorite of mine. Tillie Cole is an amazing writer and continues to surprise me with the versatility of her writing.
This series is a Crazy Ass Must Read!!!

A change from his bad boy brothers

Levi is so sweet, he and Elsie fit together like a glove! The bullying that went on was horrible, stays with people for years after. Think before you speak people, but Elsie had Levi bring her through that! Love heals all wounds!

Touching Right Down to the Soul

This story just has all the feels. Sweet, quiet Levi finds his love is the perfect way to end this series. By listening to the other books in the series, we all know that Levi ends up with Elsie but who could have predicted her story. Tillie Cole is one the best romance authors at creating compelling stories that keep us enthralled to the very last word. This story effectively deals with several serious life issues while always keeping romance as the main objective of the story.This series needed to be sweet to deal with the complex issues presented. I love that Tillie Cole was able to broach these issues without overpowering the romance.

The narrators were good but some of those Italian accents needed help. But overall a very good listen.

Absolutely worth the credit. I have listened to over 1100 romance/erotica books in my library and this series rates in my top 10. A positively amazing series.

So good!

Of all of Tillie Cole's Home series, this is my favorite! The characters of Elsie and Levi were so compelling and neither one felt like they fit in with the world they lived in. This audiobook dealt with issues of bullying, grief and homelessness. The journey they take on their way to love and filling the empty places in their hearts made this such a wonderful story. The narration was excellent also!

Sweet Depression

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I don't know who would really enjoy this book. Maybe angsty teenage girls who feel that no one understands them.

How could the performance have been better?

The actors sounded so young to me (14-17), so listening to the sex scenes made me feel creepy and uncomfortable.

Any additional comments?

Really I don't all of the 4 and 5 star reviews this book got. I've read the other books in the series and didn't dislike the as much as this one. Or maybe I liked them better because I read them and didn't have to listen to them.