The Deep of the Sound

By: Amy Lane

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's Summary

Cal McCorkle has lived in Bluewater Bay his whole life. He works two jobs to support a brother with a laundry list of psychiatric diagnoses and a great-uncle with Alzheimer's, and his personal life amounts to impersonal hookups with his boss. He's got no time, no ambition, and no hope. All he has is family, and they're killing him one responsibility at a time.

Avery Kennedy left Los Angeles, his family, and his sleazy boyfriend to attend a Wolf's Landing convention, and he has no plans to return. But when he finds himself broke and car-less in Bluewater Bay, he's worried he'll have to slink home with his tail between his legs. Then Cal McCorkle rides to his rescue, and his urge to run away dies a quick death.

Avery may seem helpless at first, but he can charm Cal's fractious brother, so Cal can pretty much forgive him anything. Even being adorkable. And giving him hope. But Cal can only promise Avery "until we can't" - and the cost of changing that to "until forever" might be too high, however much they both want it.

©2015 Amy Lane (P)2017 Riptide Publishing

Good writing & narration, not my favorite romance

So, you know how Amy Lane has “types” of books she writes – those that are funny, those that are angsty? This gets filed under Angsty – with a capital A.

If you’ve been following along in the Bluewater Bay universe, you know that there was a short story published in “Lights, Camera, Action” by Amy that was the pre-quel to this story. That story was pretty much nothing but tears and the first quarter, third? – of this story is no picnic either.

Basically, Avery is in need of “rescuing” – hence his nickname “Rescue Puppy” given to him by Cal. Cal is a hero. He’s rescued his own family – at his own expense – and continues to fulfill that role – now with Avery. What we get, however, is to see how Avery can “rescue” Cal right back.

In addition to watching Avery and Cal fall in love – which is sweet and adorable – we also get to witness both Cal and Avery stand up for themselves and their own needs – in their own ways. I think that – maybe more than the romance itself – is the most gripping part of this story. Especially for Cal. I loved watching him finally take something for himself!


I’m more and Amy Lane “lite” fan – not that I don’t worship at her angst-ridden alter – but I find myself returning to her lighter stuff over and over and usually when I’ve finished one of her heavier stories – I’m like “phew, thank god I made it!” – because she always puts me through the emotional wringer. This book is a “wringer” book, and the romance definitely helps to “lighten” it up, but it’s still pretty heavy. I didn’t get quite the emotional attachment to either Avery or Cal that I have to some of Amy’s other characters (Whiskey and Patrick, Shane and Mickey, Colby and Terrell) and as a result, this is not one of my favorite Amy books.

It is, however, one of my favorite Bluewater Bay stories – and I think one of the best in that series. This can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the pre-quel- though it’s not necessary.

Audio

When you take an Angsty Amy book and add Nick J Russo – you definitely create magic. Nick is superb when it comes to handling this age group, the emotion, the humor… he’s just got Angsty Amy nailed and was the perfect choice for this book.

I simply adore listening to Nick and he absolutely helped me decide to re-open the wound and delve again into the angst. Had it been another narrator I can’t quite say if I’d have been as willing a victim – ahem – I mean listener!

As with all things Amy Lane, I have to give her super huge props for her amazing writing skills, her adept hand with plucking heart strings, and her abilty to create honest, fully-developed and realistic characters.

For the story I’d give this 4 of 5 stars and the narration 5 of 5 stars, for an overall 4.5 of 5 stars for the total experience.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

so good

Another great story by Amy Lane and FANTASTIC narration by Nick J Russo. I've enjoyed all the Bluewater Bay stories and this is no different. Buy this one you won't regret it.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

New beginnings

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

Yes. It is very sweet and touching.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Deep of the Sound?

Towards the end when Cal's Uncle does something surprising that changes all their lives.

What about Nick J. Russo’s performance did you like?

Everything. Nick J Russo is one of my favorite narrators. He has a smooth sultry voice and a way of making the character come alive.

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

I think everything about Cal moved me. He is a young man that gave up his life to take care of his uncle and brother with very serious, difficult issues.

Any additional comments?

Cal is working two jobs so he can take care of his uncle with Alzheimer's and his brother with lots of psychological disorders. he barely puts food on the table most days and never has time for a life of his own.
One day he stops to help a young man with car troubles and finds himself with a friend and possibly more, but how will he ever make time for a relationship of any kind.
Avery is a sweet young man that comes to Blue water bay for a wolf's Landing convention and decides to stay since he has a bad break up.
I loved both young men and even Cal's family. The story is sweet and Nick's narration kept me engaged trough the afternoon and I finished it all in one sitting.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

It Starts with a Monster

Cal encounters the green monster and it seems to set off a chain reaction of misfortune in his life. The only bright spot seems to be his rescue of Avery. But as the whirlwind of his life seems to spin completely out of control before things come to a head. Cal needs to now figure out the new depth to his life and we also seem him decide how Avery will fit into this reality. This story is bittersweet and yet hopeful. I loved the Uncle and how despite his own struggles he finds a way to be there for his family.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

A tale of forbearance and selfless love....

4.5 stars for everything from me. Another well-written tale from Amy's pen, and well narrated by Nick. Cal, who works two jobs and seems to have the weight of the world on his shoulders looking after his Uncle, who has early Alzheimers and his younger brother Keir, who has Autism, an absolute shedload of other psychiatric ailments and a worrying hatred of anything female.

Into their lives comes Avery from Los Angeles. He's pretty much a lame duck, even by his own standards. Avery's ex seems to think that he's only any good for his bank account, his parents are pretty ambivalent towards him and refuse to listen when he tells them he IS gay, and ups sticks one day to a TV Fan convention in the Pacific North West. Enjoy!!