Single

Stockton Beavers, Book 1

By: Collette West

Narrated by: Aundrea Mitchell, Gary Furlong

Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

Underdog Luke "Single" Singleton is yearning to make a comeback. After getting hit in the neck with a pitch - an injury that nearly cost him his life - he has one last chance to play for his hometown team, the Stockton Beavers. But his mom has Alzheimer's, and he's all she has to depend on. How can he pursue his career, much less someone special?

Personal care aide Roberta Bennett is done dating baseball players. Having had her share of heartbreak, she heads to Stockton hoping for a fresh start. But after she finds Luke's mom outside, lost, and alone, she can't refuse when he hires her on the spot. Unbeknownst to Luke, Roberta is all too familiar with the violent tendencies of the pitcher who hit him.

Now that they're living under the same roof, the last thing either of them is looking for is a relationship. But it's not long before they find themselves drawn to each other. And right when Luke is thinking about finally making a change to his single status, a secret from Roberta's past emerges with the power to tear them apart.

©2016 Collette West (P)2016 Collette West

Sports Romance with Heart 💝

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. After reading one of the negative reviews, I wasn't expecting too much but I'm thinking that maybe that reviewer just didn't truly relate to some of the issues in this book.

Single is a story about an "underdog" (Luke) who is a sweet and dedicated baseball player who is very loyal to his family. Roberta, is a misunderstood young woman with a good heart. Together, they start toward a path of friendship, respect and love. It's a sweet story that touches the heart.

There was a lot I could relate to in this book but the topic of Alzheimer's and abuse was front and center for me. The author was very respectful of Luke's and Roberta's journey dealing with these issues. Every Alzheimer's and abuse case is different and it was nice to see this written with dignity.

The narration was good. It took me a while to get used to the female narrator but once I did....she did fine. As always, listen to the audio sample before purchasing. Everyone's narration preferences are different.

Note: For those who want to know.......There is some swearing and are sexual situations in this book.

Overall: 3.75

I would like to thank the author, narrator, or publisher for providing me this audiobook at no cost in exchange for my unbiased review.

Slow burn, sports romance with heart!

A true sports romance, but filled with so much more. This slow burn love story had heart, but there was also a great immersion into the baseball life. I liked that there was a balance and the story wasn’t solely centered around either.

Luke ‘Single’ Singleton was my favorite, because he wasn’t your typical romance hero. There was no cockiness, no player lifestyle, no asshole alpha personality. Physically, he’s shorter than most with no Adonis muscles to speak of. He’s a good ol’ fashion good guy. Luke’s a good baseball player trying to come back from a serious injury and debilitating moment in his career that almost cost him his life. As he attempts to return, he’s considered the underdog.
Luke’s mother is his everything. He even puts her before his baseball career despite loving being on that field. Unfortunately, as her Alzheimer’s worsens, it becomes impossible for him to take care of her by himself, despite his determination. The stress of it continues to pile on, and keeps him from concentrating on the game.

Enter Roberta who he hires as his mother’s caregiver. What appealed to me the most was how fluidly they built up their relationship. They took their time getting to know each other, and chose not to rush into anything despite their blaring feelings.
There are a lot of other subplots and happenings that were incorporated, but they never overwhelmed the overall story.
Going into this, I had no clue it was a spin-off. That being said, I don’t think my not reading the other series hindered my reading experience of this book. Though it might have improved it.


*This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

Single Owns My Heart

Where does Single rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Beautiful story, and Single is the best son a mother could ever ask for so it ranks in top 30 for 2016.

What did you like best about this story?

The love Luke has for his mother, his a beautiful person with so much compassion for others.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the boys in the team are all lined up ready to be auctioned off for a charity event, I love the banter between Luke and his team mates.

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

When Luke was taking care of his mom after the fire, it was very moving and emotional.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

Very Insightful

I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review via audiobook boom. I loved the way the author dealt with Alzheimers and how Luke loved the game of baseball but he loved his mother more. I also like the fact that Roberta was a true caregiver not just someone out for money. The story was interesting in the fact that luke was injured by Roberta's X-husband who also beat her so badly that she lost her child. These two things were very well presented especially being able to heal after such an event. Loved the narration although at times it got a little strange.

Good story that shows building a relationship

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The ending was sweet.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I liked Gary Furlong, he did a great job with the voices but I did not like when Aundrea Mitchell did the voice of Luke, it made him sound really corny. If I didn't have Gary Furlong to bring me back to Luke I probably would have not cared for him.

Any additional comments?

The book was a good love story, you had these two people who had their own issues and you watched them help each other grow and get past it. Watching how they handled Luke's mother with Alzheimer's really hit home for me as my Grandmother took care of my Grandfather as long as she could while he suffered from the disease.

I received this book via Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review.

Star Rating - 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Any additional comments?

Star Rating - 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Single is a story about triumphing over adversity and true love conquering all, told in joint POV and narrated the same IT was a different experience for me. It's been a long time since I listened to an audio book, think back to the 80's early 90s where cassette was king and you have my last foray into that world. I wondered how the modern audio experience would compare the last audio book I listened to a children's story; well I still like a happily ever after at least.  Baseball player Luke Singleton had it all only to have it crash down around him with a rogue hit from a head hunting Pitcher. On the way to the majors only to have his dream die Luke resigns himself to taking care of his mother when his opportunity to play is returned but with his mother deteriorating how can he put his dreams first?

Roberta has become entrenched in the world of baseball and despite her best efforts to avoid ball players she has a type and they are it despite the hurt a certain player caused her in the past. When her latest assignment finishes in Newyork home carer Roberta makes the move to Stockton with ex boss Landry intending to start fresh in a new town. However Roberts's past and Luke's are more entwined than you realise and with her pitching in to help Luke with his mothers care the two become close. I liked the story hearing the pair fall in and overcome the adversities they faced. However for me the narration made it feel a little inner monologue which isn't my favourite style of book but overall the book was enjoyable.

I never expected for an audio book to be a longer listening/reading experience especially as with a modern day audio book you don't listen for the tinned posh voice saying 'end of side A please play B', In theory it's a non stop listening experience. Unfortunately theory did not come into fruition, where as with an e book you read privately setting your own pace, that is not the case with an audio book. You are a slave to the narrators skills both as an orator and a reader. Having said this with audible you do have the option to increase the speed however it then felt rushed. I don't think the audio book is for me I missed turning the pages and reading through the chapters and envisioning the story in my head I just didn't get that feeling listening to someone else telling the story. 4 stars for my first Audible read/listen.

Hattie 🐝

AMAZING NARRATION

Any additional comments?

This is the first audiobook I have listened to by these narrators. Narrators Aundrea Mitchell and Gary Furlong did a great job in keeping my interest in the story about Luke Singleton.


Luke is a baseball player that plays for the hometown team, the same one his father played for. After an injury where he was hit in the neck by a ball, he wasn’t sure if he would be able to play again. He has a big decision to make, does he go back to the game or does he take this setback as fate trying to tell him something, especially with his mom that is suffering from Alzheimer’s getting worse. When Luke meets Roberta Bennett, he hires her on to help with the care of his mom since he doesn’t want management to know his mom’s illness. Living under the same roof, neither were looking for a relationship especially Roberta with the past she so desperately wants to keep hidden, but they form a friendship that draws them to each other. What will happen when secrets are discovered?


The story kept me wanting to know more. The author hinted at the secret throughout the book keeping me guessing The narrators did a fabulous job of changing their voices for the many different characters in the book. It made for some very enjoyable listening. I love how Gary did Roberta’s voice when it was Luke’s point of view chapter and Aundrea did a great job with Mrs S. I could actually picture some of the things that she was doing especially with the butterfly scene. I’ll be looking for more books written by this author as well as books narrated by these two narrators

Determination Over Fear

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

I think they're both great, with both having their positives. The audiobook makes it extremely easy to do other things while reading while the print version makes it easier to quote a specific passage. Love both options

What did you like best about this story?

How they worked together to come up with a solution

Have you listened to any of Aundrea Mitchell and Gary Furlong ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't

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

I laughed and cried throughout this story. Although this is a tough story to tell, Collette did an amazing joc!

Any additional comments?

Favorite Passages

Just wait until next time." "Oh yeah. Who says there'll be a next time?" "Your lips."
- Never lie to a good man about your past. It may seem like the right idea at the time but, you'll only end up hurting him in the end. Take heed and listen, he's the one who deserves your trust, not the one who came before him. A bad man can warp your heart, but a good man can open it up again. Don't deceive him like you were deceived. Both of you deserve better than that.
- Family always comes first.
- Love never dies, it goes on and on.

Pulse Racing Romance

If you could sum up Single in three words, what would they be?

Compassion, Tension, Love

What was one of the most memorable moments of Single?

I love the way Luke cared for his mother who is battling the Alzheimer's disease. That really touched my heart.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't pinpoint one.

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

Some moments I cried. This book covers Alzheimer's and abuse.

Any additional comments?

"Single" audiobook is 7 hours and 21 minutes. With the help of narration from Aundrea Mitchell and Gary Furlong, I listen to the audio book in three days. The audio moves at a great pace that keeps you tuned in. I always been a fan of the author Collette West sports romance book and Mitchell and Furlong bring the characters Luke and Roberta to life.

If you read the New York Kings series by Collette West, some of the male characters are cocky and some even manwhores. In "Single" the main character Luke isn't the god send handsome superstar baseball (recovering from an injury). What makes this story great is the relationship Luke has with his mother who is battling Alzheimer's disease. There's also issues of abuse with Roberta. West captures this topics well as Luke and Roberta develops a romance.

Disclaimer: I received a free audio book in exchange for an honest opinion.

Sports romance that, hit it out of left field!

Any additional comments?
I am a huge audiobook fan! So when I finally got my hands on the audiobook. I was overjoyed and delighted, to say the least.
The narrators were clear, steady and entertaining. I will say they keep the story going.
“Single” was that, sports romance that, hit it out of left field! You were given those comical moments and also those thoughtful forsaking moments. You know the one that just hits you! Where it counts!