Yours to Keep

Man of the Year, Book 2

By: Lauren Layne

Narrated by: Alexander Cendese, Samantha Martin

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

An irresistible baseball star and a resistant hometown girl stumble into love in a flirty romance by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

Pro baseball shortstop Carter Ramsey is about to be Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year, but the only title that matters to him is out of reach: World Series MVP. Benched by a recent injury, Carter retreats to his hometown to recover. His ten-year class reunion and a potential reconciliation with the sweetheart he left behind could be perfect distractions. Until another old acquaintance throws Carter a curveball.

Olive Dunn admits that her former high school science partner is still a handsome charmer. But she wasn’t swayed then, and she won’t be swayed now. Because Olive remembers Carter’s little shortcoming: he tends to bail the moment it suits him, without a backward glance. Best to keep her feelings strictly platonic while he’s in town.

Except the entitled boy she knew is a changed man: solid, reflective, and generous. As they ease back in to their familiar friendship, things take a surprising turn, and Carter and Olive must decide if what they have is a passing flirtation or a real shot at love.

©2020 Lauren Layne. (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Sweet Small Town Romance

Overall 4 stars
Performance 3 stars
Story 4.5 stars

I first read this story (see review below) and fell in love! I couldn't wait to reread it via audiobook. Sadly, the casting just didn't work for me. The narrators didn't seem to match the characters very well. Samantha Martin's chapters were more enjoyable than Alexander Cendese's, but overall the audiobook was a miss and I'd recommend skipping the audio.

*****
This was such a fun and sweet slow burn, friends to lovers romance! It was exactly the kind of story my heart needed. I loved that Olive and Carter knew each other from childhood, but that a bit of forced proximity gave them the opportunity and time to truly get to know one another. I did think that Olive’s behavior in the beginning was a little over the top, but it was also quite hilarious and endearing. She was such an intelligent, strong, and determined heroine and I loved how unapologetically confident she was. She knew just how to push Carter’s buttons too and their banter and back and forth was fantastic. Carter had a lot of growing to do through the course of the book, and I liked that he struggled to get things right. A little more groveling would have been great, but he came through when it counted. The plot was fairly predictable, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story at all. There was just enough drama to keep things interesting, but I did feel that the ending felt a little rushed. The epilogue put a huge smile on my face though and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy. Definitely recommend this wonderful small town romance!

Definitely Man of the Year

I've been waiting for this book since I really like Lauren Layne. This book doesn't disappoint me. I loved Carter and Olive's friendship to romance. There wasn't a lot of angst and that made it an enjoyable book. Alexander Cendese and Samantha Martin did a good job of narrating although I personally don't like Alexander's female voices. I hope there is a third book in this series.

too short

loved loved loved everything about this story. loved that the underdog was celebrated and treasured. loved the power of the main character juxtaposed with her femininity.

Very good love story with excellent narrative

Annoying review process many many many many many many many very frustrating process that just makes me angry after a good book. why????

Terrible narrators

I really can’t even make it through the first two chapters. Narration is terrible. The guys voice for his twin sister? Wow. The woman’s voice is incredibly annoying. I love this authors books but wish I could return this one.

Where do they find these narrators?

I think the story is OK… ? The female narrator is good… The male narrator? Kind of stilted on the male narration, but should totally steer clear of voicing female characters- He makes them sound totally asinine.

It was a sweet, sassy, and sexy love story.

The audible version of this book was great. This love story was sweet, sassy, and sexy. The narrators were great and they made it even better. This author never disappoints.

Sweet, fun romance!

Enjoyed this fun, light, slow-burn romance! Great palate cleanser after reading several emotional romances and thrillers.

Carter and Olive were a sweet and funny couple. The banter between the two was laugh out loud funny at times!

I liked the story but the narration was just ok. Samantha Martin’s chapters were good. I enjoyed how her narration gave life to Olive’s quirky character. I didn’t really care for Alexander Cendese’s narration, especially his female voices.

Sweet, light and fun!

This was sweet and fun to listen to. It’s been a while send I’ve read or listened to a book by Lauren Layne and she did not disappoint with this story. She has penned a beautiful slow burn romance between two old friends that due to some forced proximity finding themselves getting to know each other again. I’ve read quite a few insta-love stories lately so this was a nice change of pace. Olive Dunn is a high school science teacher and has found herself in charge of organizing a reunion. Carter Ramsay has just returned back home to Haven, New York after 10 years. He is a pro baseball player for the New York Hawks and is recovering from a shoulder injury. I loved Carter and Olive’s connection. There were a ton of laugh out loud moments equally mixed with the sweeter emotional ones. I adored their chemistry and banter. Each knew how to push each other’s buttons and I enjoyed the push and pull. The drama kept me engaged in the story but wasn’t over done. My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed. Overall this is a fantastic story and recommend it.

I loved Samantha Martin’s voice. This was the first book I’ve listened to her narrate and enjoyed her story telling. Alexander Cendese wad good as well except when he voices the female parts. Overall they did a good job.

loved it

I really enjoyed this book! this author is awesome and I look forward to more.