Beautiful Life

Carpino, Book 2

By: Brynne Asher

Narrated by: Lauren Sweet, Aiden Snow

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Webster’s defines to heal as “to make healthy, whole or sound; restore to health, free from ailment.” But Webster’s also defines to heal as “to free from evil; cleanse; purify: to heal the soul.”

My soul is shattered.

I’m one hell of a mess because I need both and I don’t know how both can possibly happen. Sure, I know my body will heal. I understand the science of healing - it’s my profession. But the ache in my heart and fear in my head? I’m not sure I’ll ever get over that. Losing your unborn child at the hands of your abusive husband will do that to you. I’ve been trained to fear those who are supposed to love - conditioned to watch my every move and word so as not to suffer the consequences. For me, healing might never be a possibility.

Or I didn’t think so until Tony Carpino fixated himself in my life.

Tony is patient. Determined. He knows exactly what I need even before I do. He wants to give me everything, make my life beautiful when it’s always been ugly. But as determined and patient as he might be, I don’t know if I can ever be whole again. It doesn’t matter how long I’ve wanted him...and I’ve wanted Tony Carpino for a long time.

This is a story of heartache and broken souls. A story of being exactly what the one you love needs when they need it, even if it goes against every being of your nature.

Because love isn’t love unless it’s selfless.

©2015 Brynne Asher (P)2020 Podium Audio

4 “Beautiful Gem” Stars!!

After reading Overflow I was really looking forward to Tony and Leigh's story. Leigh is one of Gabby’s best friends and have been best friends since third grade. Leigh is beautiful but she’s broken. Leigh has suffered years of horrific abuse from her husband until one day he goes too far and she’s hospitalized. Gabby comes to her rescue and pretty much forces her to move in with her and Jude when she’s released from the hospital.

Tony Carpino, Gabby’s cousin has been waiting in the wings for her and will do whatever it takes to make her his. This book is about Leigh's healing, learning to trust, and getting back to the confidant woman she once was. I LOVED how patient, supportive, and loving Tony is. He’s determined. He’s in love. He want’s Leigh to be his forever. We get some suspense when it looks like someone is out to hurt Tony and using Leigh as a pawn to get to Tony.

All-in-all a great read with a great storyline, great H&h, a cute puppy, and a big loving Italian family.

Beautiful!!

2nd read review: I did a re-read by audiobook. The narrators were wonderful. They easily pulled me into the story and I highly recommend the audiobook version. I enjoyed revisiting the Carpiono's!

1st read review: I'm loving this series. It's pretty perfect for my Dominant Alpha preferences. Brynne Asher did a beautiful job of writing a dominant alpha in Tony that was still sensitive, sweet and protective over Leigh who is a victim of domestic violence.

Despite Leigh's past with her ex-husband, this is a pretty low angst book. The drama wasn't too much, just enough to bring some excitement to the story. Also, we got more of my favorite man, Jude and Gabby.

The beginning of this book overlapped just a little with the ending of Overflow. You just get the overlap in Leigh and Tony's pov instead of Jude and Gabby's. This allows you to read this book as a standalone if you wish. I highly recommend reading both.

Best book boyfriend ever.

Tony and Leigh's story is one of my favorites, first in print and now in audio! The narrators did an incredible job of bringing these characters to life and doing Asher's writing justice. I know this is one audiobook I will listen to on repeat many times over.

Emotionally charged but oh so sweet!!!

Tony and Leigh deal with some serious subject matter at the beginning of this book. Heartbreaking and tragic. It makes the rest of the book so incredibly beautiful. This book is true to its title.....Leigh and Tony give each other a Beautiful Life!! 💜

Amazingly beautiful book

I love Leigh and Tony's journey. it's so heartfelt and emotional. I didn't think I could could love anymore than I already do. I was wrong. Hearing it narrated from these amazing narrators blew it out of the water. They captured the characters' personalities perfectly. I loved sitting and listening while following along in the book. Absolutely stunning. Every single word. I can't wait for the audio of Athica Lane! Five of the easiest stars I've ever given!

beautiful

what a great story. some action and lots of love. looking forward to #3 book

TONY MAKES YOU SWOON

The story of Leigh and Tony is so heartwarming. From the beginning your heart is with Leigh and all the turmoil she endured. And you immediately fall in love with Tony because he is there from the beginning being so patient and kind to her. But as patient as he is with Leigh he is ready for more from the beginning. I loved the book but this audio book was awesome - love hearing the characters come to life. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for sweet and some hot love!

very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

Good Read

I liked it all. Love, hot moments and suspense. I like this author, even though there’s a lot of stress for the big family to endure. Yikes! I would be a nervous wreck!

He's going to give her a Beautiful Life!

The audiobook for Beautiful Life by Brynne Asher is spectacular! I love the Carpinos so this is no surprise, but the narrator's are two of my favorites, Aiden Snow giving Tony Carpino that gruff, commanding quality I always imagined and Lauren Sweet lending a delicate, loving note to every syllable of Leigh Briggs.

Leigh has been best friends with Gabrielle Carpino since they were little girls, and always felt adopted by her parents since Leigh's own Mom was less than steller, but Leigh has had to reach out in a way she never would have imagined when her soon to be ex husband damaged her in ways she never could have foreseen.

I love Leigh's strength and bravery. Even though she can't see it, and has a hard time accepting love and kindness from other people because of all she's been through, she could have just laid down and given up. Instead she moves steadily forward, healing at small increments, even when others can't see it. I love her relationship with Gabby, Paige and Rosa, she's always so sweet, putting everyone else's needs before her own.

Tony is the perfect grumpy cinnamon roll, kind of grouchy on the outside but gooy on the inside. He has the best relationship with his sisters, even when they get on his last nerves, and making sure the guys they're with understand that they better treat them right.

Tony wanted his chance with Leigh a long time ago, but felt like the age difference was too much, and by the time he was ready she was... not. This time around he's not taking any chances, Tony's going to make sure his "Gem" knows exactly how he feels!

As always the side characters are a riot! I absolutely adore the Carpino family, they're big, loud and loving - just the kind of family I wish I had, all the noise and kids, they're just so much fun!

Brynne Asher dealt with the very sensitive topics in this book in a kind and gentle way, ensuring that even readers with a history of this would not feel surprised with it.

5/5 ⭐'s
4/5 🌶's

TW: DV, Substance Abuse, Miscarriage