• The Hitman's Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes

  • The Hitman's Guide, Book 2
  • By: Alice Winters
  • Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
  • Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (921 ratings)

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The Hitman's Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes

By: Alice Winters
Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
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Publisher's summary

Jackson

Now that Leland’s decided to give up his life as a hitman and take a walk on the mild side, we’ve been enjoying a simple life of taking down bad guys the legal way. I didn’t know he would be just as reckless as a PI, but it’s not my fault if I happen to enjoy helping him hunt down the occasional criminal. If only I could keep the house from being overrun by Leland’s gun shrine - or stop him from making our cases “more exciting” by terrorizing people into confessing. Overall, life seems perfect, right?

Wrong.

We’ve been called in to investigate a suspicious murder committed by someone claiming to be the Sandman. When we find a note on the victim’s body, we realize that this could ruin our lives forever.

Leland:

I wasn’t involved in the murder. It might look like my writing and my note, but I wouldn’t do that to Jackson -especially after I promised him that I wouldn’t take a hit ever again. At least, not without telling him. I’m finally starting to learn that we’re stronger together, and I’m not going to jeopardize that.

Luckily for both of us, this copycat doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. Game’s on, fake Sandman. You think you can mess with me? Well, maybe you can, but that’s beside the point, because I will protect Jackson no matter what, even if I almost drown him in the process. (Really, that wasn’t my fault. He should learn how to swim better.)

This audiobook contains: Disco ball piñata, camping with Sasquatch, an acrobatic housekeeper named “Mr. Cleanyface”, a questionable massage table, weapons everywhere, Jackson’s nemesis - the fence, a turkey showdown, aerial silk antics, a reappearance of Blow-up Randy, over-the-top body armor, too many hitmen, and so many emotions that Leland’s chest might explode. This is the second book in a series - while you could listen and enjoy it on its own, you really should listen to The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love for maximum enjoyment. 

©2019 Alice Winters (P)2020 Alice Winters

What listeners say about The Hitman's Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes

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Where do they find the energy?

3.5 to 4 Blue Roses
4 Blue Flames

Narrator Michael Ferraiuolo returns to narrate a bold, cheeky romantic comedy, which is also a smartly plotted “hitman gone good ” story. His narration style and unique voices give characters perfect personalities for the comedic scene, the author was trying to convey. This author/narrator duo is making magic by complimenting each other beautifully, and this is why their work is usually an instant see-click-buy-listen for me.

I have mixed feelings about this one, it was not a favourite for me, I loved the first book more. Leland irritated the crap out of me. He was overbearing and just too much to digest. Really, there is something wrong with Jackson. Where does he get the energy to keep up with him? I swear, they must be smoking or popping something. They just go on and on without loosing any fucking steam. They exhausted me.

This story is full-blast engaging. Leland has a child-like sense of humor which I also found very sad, because he had so little love in his life. I don’t mind it at all, as long as I only have to hear him in the audiobooks. If I knew him in real life, I have no clue whether I will play along like Jackson, or run away as far as I can.

Some listeners might not like the long unending joking jokester, but it’s an experience not to be missed. It hits you from all sides, because we hear how Leland was treated, while raised by a psychopathic killer. From a psychiatric point of view, Leland turned out quite all-right in my books. Which brings me back to tipping my hat to Jackson.

Yip, I recommend this audiobook. Good luck, eat all your breakfast plus a banana, you know,,, for energy.

Happy Listening

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Hilarious

This series is amazing! I could not keep from laughing out loud And despite how depressed I may have felt when not listening to it, it all faded away at the hilarity in these books!

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So much fun!! Use a credit.

Leland and Jackson are my favorite couple! Laugh out loud funny, snarky and endearing. Michael ferraiuolo did a great job, he brought so much to these characters. The secondary characters, especially Henry were wonderful. This was a funny, satisfying listen. So many feels and it was so fun listening to Leland handle it all.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Hyperbolic hitman and silly sexual role play

I’d throttle perpetual jokester and drama queen Leland in real life, but for the span of a book, his larger than life, annoying as heck, incredibly vulnerable damaged self is both hilarious and heart wrenching. I love that this book brings in Jackson’s family and expands the couple’s circle of friends. The hitman-wargames plot was also fun, even if it was as over the top as their naughty role play hijinks.
The humor side sometimes was exhausting and mind numbing. And, I felt like the narrator’s differentiation between Leland and Jackson wasn’t as clear as book 1. But, over all this was a bonkers romp with the bentness of The Whole Nine Yards or The Hitman’s Bodyguard, with naughty MM nooky.

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Juvenile and Ridiculous

Folks, I sincerely tried to get into this audio but what came across as hilarious , OTT -over the top- , soapy, quirky in The Hitman's Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love, book 1 , here in book 2 , came across as OTT annoying, repetitive, insufferable and idiotic without trying to be.

Leland and Jackson are caricatures of the characters the were in book 1 . Their banter is the same joke over and over again.

Not even the talented Michael Ferraiuolo , with his perfect comedic timing , clear and precise narration could save , for me, this audiobook. He can only work with the material he is given.

Very rarely or almost never , do I DNF an ebook/audiobook but when I either fall asleep or get annoyed, every single time I tried to listen to this one, that should tell me something. TOD Chapter 3.

#Audible #DNF #SaveYourAudibleCredit #KindleFire #ListenedOn2020

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Epic follow-up

I can never say enough good things about this series. LOL funny!! Can't wait to see if there is more

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Laughter!

Could not stop laughing I absolutely love it! one of my favorite books out there!

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Amazing!

I never wanted this book to end! I loved every single word from beginning to end. It is impossible to explain what is so phenomenal about this book, you have to experience it for yourself. Alice Winters has created one of my favorite characters ever in Leland...I am completely in love with a Hitman! This had everything I wanted and more...humor, snark, wit, charm, emotion, epic storytelling... it was exceptional! Jackson and Leland are back with their friends from the first book as well as some new characters that were a wonderful addition, especially Castle who i hope gets his own book one day.
I cannot imagine anyone but Michael Farriaoulo narrating this story. He just is Leland and Jackson. He adds so much to the story with the way he interprets and narrates this book. He brings the inflections, the feelings and the humor front and center. I laughed out loud, I kept going back and reslistening to parts, I will immediately listen to this again. Everyone needs to experience this audiobook!

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excellent!

Did the story keep me engaged: yes
Did I feel an emotional connection to the characters: yes
Would I listen to it again: yes

• Story is entertaining, dialog amusing and characters likeable. If you go into this book expecting general silliness and nothing particularly deep you won't be disappointed.
• Michael Ferraiuolo does a fantastic job on the narration, his sweet, snarky always enthusiastic Leland is spot on and Jackson comes across as perfectly wrapped around Leland's little finger. 😊

Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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So much fun!

These characters are a blast and I always chuckle when listening to this series. Part of that is the wonderful narration.

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  • Delano
  • 04-23-20

How can it be just as good as 1

I love this book, Leland doesn’t need a gun his wit can slay anyone. And Michael Ferraiuolo Narration is perfect as always. I’ve listened to this twice now already.

Oh and Castle, please say he has a book with Jer Bear lol xx

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  • Steven l
  • 03-08-21

Funny, crazy and sweet

Many funny moments. I laughed so much. Love the relationship between Leland and Jackson. It’s so adorable. The ending didn’t make me cry. I had a bit of dirt in my eye. That’s all.

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  • Kindle Customer
  • 02-19-21

Amazing characterisation

The narrator is just brilliant. I found myself looking like a crazy woman, laughing out loud on my way to work! He brings the characters to life with so much skill. I loved the story and look forward to reading the next one. Loved it!

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  • Aussiebumwearer
  • 09-22-20

Absolutely Brilliant!!

As good as the first, if not better!

AW writes yet another great story and as great as book 1.
Michael Ferraiuolo superbly narrates this audiobook and he excellently brings the characters and storyline to life.
He really gets each character and visually you can see and imagine the characters portrayed and especially the ass hanging over the fence!

Both author and narrator had me in fits of laughter and it seems a shame that the story seems to have ended here.

Hopefully, we may get more in the future?? I certainly hope so, as this has been a highly entertaining series 😁

Definitely worth the 5🌟‘s yet again 🥰😁😊

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  • Emma Burbidge
  • 04-21-20

The past comes back...with a vengeance!

I love these characters created by Alice Winters and brought to life by the very talented Michael Ferraiuolo (one of my favourite narrators). This continues from the story in the first book, although it could, in theory, be read as a stand-alone. I love the quirkiness of Leland as he settles into helping his boyfriend Jackson at his Detective Agency. This story has all the hilarity and thrilling hi-jinks that I've come to expect from these books. Highly recommended entertainment for lovers of action-adventure contemporary MM romance.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 01-19-22

Excellent

Absolutely love this author and this series. Funny and entertaining throughout. Brilliant narrator too! Recommended

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  • Loobylou
  • 08-31-21

Awesome

Michael Ferraiuolo's narration is as sublime as ever - he really brings Leland (especially!) to life. Even though I've read and listened to this before, I was still laughing out loud.
Love it.

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  • Tatyana
  • 06-07-21

I've never laughed so hard with a book before.

So funny, at times I was nearly choking. Even though I think the first book was better, this one had me laughing with tears. I love dry humour. At the scene where they were trying to put the bulletproof pants on Jackson as Henry walked in, I honestly thought I was going to suffocate from laughing. I recommend the books, definitely. I'm off to listen to the 3rd one now.

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  • Jacquie
  • 09-19-20

Narrated perfectly

I love how Michael Ferraiuolo captures Leland! All the characters have their own distinctive voices. The Hitman books are my new cheer me up books because I laugh so much

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  • Kindle Customer
  • 08-01-20

5 stars all round

loved this book Alice winters is a fabulous writer the book is hilarious. highly recommend

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  • A. Cooper
  • 09-02-20

J'adore

Ce 2eme tome est aussi drôle que le premier !
On retrouve bien l'écriture d'Alice Winters avec ces personnages attachants et loufoques.
Leland attire toujours les problèmes, son mentor Lucas est de retour et il veut le récupérer.
On suit Jackson et Leland dans leur aventure pour ce sortir de cette situation avec leur acolytes habituels plus un petit nouveau bien prometteur, Castle !
Michael Ferraiuolo fait un travail de narration extraordinaire, facilement compréhensible même quand l'anglais n'est pas votre premiere langue !

This second volume is as funny as the first one.
We find the writing of Alice Winters with these endearing and wacky characters.
Leland always attracts problems, his mentor Lucas is back and he wants him back.
We follow Jackson and Leland on their adventure to get out of this situation with their usual sidekicks plus a promising new addition, Castle!
Michael Ferraiuolo does an extraordinary work of storytelling, easily understandable even when English is not your first language

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  • Wide Eyes, Big Ears!
  • 07-03-20

More hitman hilarity!

Reformed but unrepentant hitman, Leland, hasn’t quite got the hang of Jackson’s routine private investigator work, preferring to scare confessions out of suspects rather than waste time collecting evidence! When Leland’s past threatens to endanger not only them, but also friends and family, he and Jackson need all of Leland’s 200+ guns to save the day. This second book in the Hitman Guide series is as fun and enjoyable as the first, largely thanks to Leland’s irrepressible and intentionally embarrassing chatter and antics. 🎧 The always hilarious Michael Ferraiuolo delivers the zany lines and scenes with his usual panache!

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  • Kelly
  • 06-17-20

story = 4 1/2 stars

Definitely read The Hitman's Guide series in order - Leland's background from the first book is relevant in understanding what is happening plot wise in The Hitman's Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes (and book 1 is hilarious as well). The reader could manage reading this as a standalone, but it is really a much more enjoyable story reading in order.

Leland is still a crazy funny OTT character that loves messing with people. He's all about crazy antics and poor Jackson just gets dragged along for the ride. The story is filled with constant humour, and banter between Leland and basically whoever he is conversing with. Even the serious moments don't feel that serious because.......Leland! Lots of action happening as well due to the PI/Hitman angle. I really hope there is more Leland and Jackson to come, as I'm loving their story so far.

The narrator is SO good performing these characters. I smiled and laughed listening to his performances (especially of Leland). He really nails the performance of Leland.

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  • Petricia
  • 04-26-20

omg i think i peed laughing

So damn funny. my fave seean that i felt was thee funniest was when the boys were at the kitchen tabe haveing an overly salted dinner. omg thankfully i read the book 5 times or i wouldn't have been prepared for this. i made damn sure i also wasn't drinking or i could have drowned. if you haven't read anything from Alice Winters your a looser and deserve to have Leyland fuck you up. but for us intelligent creatures this is funnier than Leylands first book. i would love more in the series as long as Michael farri fabulous reads it. loved it ! And have recommend this series and author to mm lovers on fb. so i back up my love butand not in the naughty way.

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