The Spencer Cohen Series, Book Three

By: N.R. Walker

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

Length: 6 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

Learning to be in a committed relationship has been easy for Spencer. In fact, too easy. Andrew has fit into his life seamlessly. Spencer's let go of his insecurities and hang-ups, and he and Andrew are enjoying where things are headed. For the first time in years, Spencer's life is unbelievably perfect. 

Andrew overthinks everything. So when Spencer gets a phone call from Australia, he's certain Spencer will push him away. But instead of driving them apart, maybe it will solidify what they already have. Maybe Spencer will depend on Andrew more than ever. Maybe the Spencer Cohen story will come full circle, and maybe, just maybe, Spencer will have the happily ever after he never thought possible. Contains mature themes.

©2016 N. R. Walker (P)2018 Tantor

4.5 Stars

Once again, N.R. Walker proves she can take a storyline with little to no conflict and still create situations that tug at your heartstrings. Hard. Beware - there is a scene in this that I found very sad, and coupled with Joel's performance, had me outright bawling.

Spencer and Andrew go together like Peanut Butter and Jelly...like Vegemite and toast....like Pavlova and cream. They complement each other so well, and I love how Andrew is a rock for Spencer through some pretty rough moments.

I love how much Joel Leslie seems to enjoy performing these characters. His seamless transition between accents, the easily distinguishable character voices, it all comes together to provide a wonderful listening experience. I finished it in one sitting because I could just not bear to put it down.

If I could change anything I really wish this hadn't been broken up into three parts. Especially with the audio, I wish the three parts had been put together as one long book.

I've enjoyed listening to The Spencer Cohen series so much. I would absolutely recommend you buy them (and listen to them together)!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Fabulous Series

I've heard great things about this series – it's my first from N.R. Walker – and I love Joel Leslie's voice (he could read me the phone book and I'd love it), so when I won a copy of book 1 back in March I decided to get the whole series. I just wish I hadn't waited so long to finally listen to them.

Spencer Cohen has an unusual profession – he makes people jealous. More specifically, he pretends to be the boyfriend of his client so that the ex-boyfriend (or girlfriend – although he prefers working with male clients) gets jealous and realizes what they're missing. The hope is that the ex will wake up and want to get back together with his client.

Spencer is an Aussie transplant living in LA. I don't want to say much more about this because learning Spencer's background is a big part of the story. Speaking of which – I don't usually read/listen to books that have sequels/cliffhangers. I've learned to make exceptions to this policy, though, and don't mind reading them at all as long as the entire series is finished before I start – which was the case with The Spencer Cohen Series.

While the first two books in the series don't exactly have cliffhangers, you really should read/listen to them in order. Book one actually ends with an HFN (happy for now). A true cliffhanger usually ends with something very suspenseful so that you can't wait to read the next one. I would have felt very satisfied with the ending of book 1 had I not known that there were two more to come but I was so captivated by the characters that I couldn't wait to start listening to the next one.

Book two reveals much more about Spencer and what has happened in his past to make him wary of accepting the relationship that is developing between him and Andrew. There is a lot of slow build up and a bit of UST (unresolved sexual tension). A new character is introduced via a new client that Spencer takes on – albeit a bit reluctantly since something just doesn't seem right about him. A nice bit of mystery adds to the story. Spencer meets Andrew's parents and this provided a surprise and nice background on Andrew. And boy, book two is HOT!

Book three has several different crises happening, mostly for Spencer. While I loved all three books, this one just about ripped my heart out and had the tears flowing; it was perfect. I absolutely loved the epilogue that takes place two years later. I absolutely recommend these audio books!

Note: the blurbs for each book are great and say things much better than I ever could in this review.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Oh, Andrew...

I read this book in February 2016. I just listened to it (and the previous 2 books) in May 2018. You wanna know the best part about listening to it after reading it? The vocal performance reminded me just how much I loved these characters. I hadn't forgotten, per se...but God Joel Leslie is SO GOOD at bringing these stories to life. I honestly want to shut everything and everyone else out and sit and listen.

If you cried at the end of book 1 with Spencer, you’ll need tissues again. But this book is absolutely perfect and I found myself with a goofy grin on my face throughout most of it. And no matter how slowly I read Ms. Walker's books so I can savor them, they never last long enough. I never want them to end.

Spencer had a bit of a rough go in this book but also had some amazing times. His healing continued, his confidence grew and he really showed us how amazing he is. His job, which was an area of contention for me was handled perfectly. He is adorably entertaining again…his banter with not only Andrew but all his friends, really made me full-on smile.

And Spencer isn’t the only amazing man in this book…Andrew is damn near perfect in this book. His rambling rants are absolutely adorable. His bossy, take over personality is as appealing as it is hot. He still lacked a bit of self-confidence in this story which is baffling when bossy Andrew also takes over at times. He is Spencer’s healer, caregiver, soulmate and his love. AND HE WILL MELT YOUR HEART AT THE END OF THE STORY (if he hadn't already)!

These two are simply perfect.

The supporting cast was awesome again. I don’t want this series to be over and I’ll have to listen to it over and over again to keep it alive.

Needless to say (but I will anyway), this is an absolute must listen book and series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A wonderful ending to Spencer and Andrew's story

This was the epic ending to a wonderfully gentle and sweet three book series. I have to say that the second book was a bit slow going for me and I felt not many things happened there but this one really wrapped their story up in a great way.
As always, Joel Leslie's narration was top notch, he juggles American and Australian accents with ease. and many other voices and characters in rapid succession. he brought this story to life beautifully.
I was looking forward to see Spencer reconciling some of the things from his past and I felt the author dealt with it well.

The Epilogue was so cute! I found myself clapping, giggling, squealing, and saying "awwww" every few seconds. I't was a concentrated dose of sugary sweetness to seal the deal and it was very satisfying to read. This series is the total package for a feel good romance, with a bit of angst and great characters and I am looking forward to Yanni's Story on audio when it come out in a few weeks.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Spencer Cohen, Book 3

This one deserves ALL the Stars...
I LOVE SPENCER AND ANDREW... They are one of my Absolute Favorite Book Couples.
The third and final book in this series following their story. Such a good ending to such a great book. And That Epilogue at the ending was just so damn sweet. And this is how love should be...
Spencer and Andrew have the perfect relationship "for each other". They have great chemistry and communicate their needs to each other, and they fit into each others lives seamlessly. They have great friends, and Family that they have made themselves. Until Spencer gets a call from Australia, that could possibly change everything. But of course Andrew is there to be Spencer's rock and to make sure Spencer has everything he needs to get through it all. It just makes their relationship together stronger. Seriously though, the epilogue at the ending is just Perfect.
And WOW Joel Leslie's narration is just The Best. I cannot say enough good things about how well he communicated their story to us in these books. Not only is this series of books one of my all time favorites, but the narration of these books is now one of my all time favorite series in Audio as well. Joel just brought every part of the story of their lives to life with his voice. Completely enjoyed and Loved listening to all three of these books.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Five Stars all-round.

A well-constructed conclusion to the final part of Spencer and Andrew’s story. Book 3 gives us a glimpse of Spencer’s family and further insight into why Spencer is who he is.

Joel Leslie is a master of emotion and does a spectacular job of bringing each character to life, maintaining each character consistently throughout all of the books in the series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

N.R. Walker and Joel Leslie are brilliant partners

Book 3 begins with Andrew’s co-worker Michelle (Shell) and her girlfriend Wendy coming to Emilio’s tattoo shop. I loved that Andrew was happy to show off Spencer and prove he actually has a boyfriend and a really good excuse for why he’s been grinning like a loon for weeks.

As tattoos played a major role in the first two books, (Spencer DOES have two full sleeves AND lives above a tattoo shop owned by his landlords who happen to also be dear friends…) they are central to this book as well.

Spencer dares (or asks, depending on your perspective) Andrew to draw him the perfect tattoo that Emilio can put on Spencer. Andrew balks, of course. A small one? Sure, he can come up with something simple that he feels represents Spence, but something elaborate? Something permanent? Yeah, even I wondered if he could pull that off.

Since Spencer and Andrew did – eventually – consummate their relationship in the last book, there are some truly sexy times afoot in this story. Whereas Spencer calls Andrew, “Bossy Andrew’ with true affection, Andrew’s demons come out.

“I’m a perfectionist, but not perfect.”
“Don’t ever censor yourself. Don’t ever change…you are perfect.”
“I am not.”
“You are for me.”

Spencer also has a new client, and again, I loved that Andrew was (relatively) understanding and not (overly) jealous. Peter, the new client, is nicknamed ‘Stuffy Old Guy’. Unlike Wanker Lance (Yanni’s abusive ex-boyfriend from the last book), I found Peter’s moniker didn’t’ suit him. He’s not stuffy. (Or old, because he’s younger than me, for Pete’s sake, and I’m not that old…am I?) But Peter has a thing for twinks and so hires Spence to see if there is any hope for a second chance with his ex, Duncan.

Now, I try not to judge others and their relationship choices. One of my favourite books (Julie Bozza’s ‘The Apothecary’s Garden’) had a 40-year age gap and yet it worked. For those two men, in THAT book, it worked.

In real life, I know several couples with significant age gaps and I tell myself it is their business, not mine. Who knows why they are together or what makes them happy?

Still, I could understand Duncan, an apparently quite immature man in his early twenties, not wanting to settle down with a perceived ‘old’ man who is in his early forties and prefers a night in rather than partying at the latest nightclub.

As always, it is Spencer who has to deliver the reality check and his genuine care for Peter’s well-being reminded me why I love him so much. And Peter? He has a story, I know, but his willingness to invite Spencer’s Andrew and a friend of theirs to join his pity party, gave me hope he would soon move on. His kindness to the group despite his heartbreak gave me the notion that I hadn’t seen the last of him, unlike Wanker Lance.

And, in fact, when Andrew and Spencer invite their combined friends to a Universal Studios tour, Peter, and even the very fragile Yanni, join in. Again, this is real life – a couple trying to fit together like pieces of a puzzle by integrating their friends. These moments may be ordinary, but are so powerful because this is often the basis of successful relationships.

Ordinary is good because things get kind of crazy from there. A health scare precipitates a visit to the emergency department and is so serious it requires a stay in the hospital. Fortunately, Helen and Alan Landon (Andrew’s parents) are, uh, good actors and quick on their feet, ensuring Andrew and Spencer aren’t separated.

Have I said how much I LOVE Andrew’s parents?

Upon returning home, Spencer checks his voice mail messages. Since it’s in the synopsis, I’m not giving anything away by saying Spencer has to go back to Australia. Although I guessed some of the plot points ahead of their revelation, I was still dragged through the emotional wringer.

And when Andrew went out of his way to find the ‘perfect’ way for Spencer and his L.A. crew to honour Spencer’s reason for the trip, I was bawling. Yep, sobbing. Thanks, N.R. Remind me to keep the tissues close. And when Spencer realizes ‘this is what a family is’? Well, I pretty much lost it.

And that was only the beginning of the tears, so consider yourself forewarned. That being said, every moment was genuine. My emotions were not purposely being manipulated because what Spencer goes through is the reality for so many children who have been disowned by their parents – whether because they are gay or for other reasons. It hit a little close to home for me.

But there are moments, like in the hotel after a particularly poignant and painful moment when Andrew and Spencer are discussing the their private parts and I was able to find an even keel for my reeling emotions.
Eventually, Andrew and Spencer head back to L.A. or ‘home’. On the flight, Andrew can’t sleep and he draws the tattoo for Spencer on the back of an airline safety manual. (See? Those things are good for something.) Andrew asserts, “It’s not perfect,” but Spencer counters “it’s perfect for me”.

And it is.

I could never have guessed what the tattoo was going to be (but after having spent about eighteen hours with these guys, I was willing to try). I wasn’t close, but the choice was brilliant and I’m hoping there is an artist out there who will create a rendering (if it hasn’t already been done).

After these books, I seriously (okay, maybe seriously is a strong word) considered getting a tattoo. I loved how Spencer’s life could be told through his tats. Just as I loved how Andrew’s love for Spencer came through in his choices of music for Spencer. And I STILL need to find Jeff Buckley’s version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

The book ended as perfectly as it could and I was left without an iota of doubt that these two amazing men belong together.

Yet again, how many great things can I say about Joel Leslie’s narration? From Spencer’s Aussie to Emilo’s Latino to Andrew’s California to Helen Landon’s elegant aging actress, he hit every single note – every single character – perfectly.

I love N.R. and I love Joel. Together, they create magic in the form of a story. Reading the books is wonderful, but hearing Joel interpret them is a special treat.

Happily ever after.

Beautiful audiobook

Another wonderful audiobook N.R Walker her books are absolutely amazing paired with Joel Leslie you cannot go wrong .
The love between Spencer and Andrew is perfect and so with waiting for a love like that ...

Loved it, Loved it, Loved it!!

This series has been a lot of fun to listen to. It's light hearted, sweet and funny. It made me smile and laugh on more than one occasion. These are the kinds of books N.R. Walker is famous for and this book clearly shows why.

🔊 You give me the 'you're so perfect' speech, and I try to kill us with popcorn.

This book is a little more serious (at times) than the previous two. It deals with some heavy subjects, and when that phone call from Australia turns Spencer's ordered life upside down their relationship is tested a bit sooner than either of them expected and forces Spencer to deal with his past once for all and finally moving forward.

Spencer and Andrew are finally figuring their relationship out, Spencer is learning to trust. Learning to love fully, and while there are some sexy times, it's far less steamy than the previous book. In this one, the focus is on the emotional part of their relationship rather than the passion. They have grown into an amazing couple with the greatest of friends.

I've been listening to a lot of books narrated by Joel Leslie lately and I'm running out of new ways to describe his amazing talents. Once again he delivers a book with great quality. The accents, the flow, voices and emotions he puts in to his works always hits the mark, this book is not an exception. He made it a pure joy to listen to this final story about Spencer and Andrew.

Spencer Cohen has been a wonderful series to listen to, and I'm a bit sad to leave these guys, I'm going to miss the fun times and the banter, but at the same time the saga of Spencer and Andrew have come to an end and a beautiful one at that.

Highly recommended!

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes

Enjoyable as always with this author

Enjoyed this book. Not as much happened as in some of the series, but it was like a really extended epilogue that tied up all the loose ends nicely and left you with a warm squishy feeling inside.