Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Last Boyfriend
- Author: Nora Roberts
- Narrator: MacLeod Andrews
- Length: 10:42:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01/05/2012
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
- Genre: Romance, General
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something about a good romance novel that feels like a journey in itself, and ‘Last Boyfriend,’ the second book in Nora Roberts’ Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy, is no exception. The story unfolds like a familiar road I’ve traveled before, winding through the charming town of Boonsboro, Maryland, where history and heart intertwine. Owen Montgomery, the meticulous, spreadsheet-loving organizer of his family’s construction business, is at the center of this tale, overseeing the renovation of the Inn BoonsBoro. Across the street, Avery MacTavish runs her popular pizza place, her life intersecting with Owen’s in ways that feel both fated and fraught with past complexities. Their history as childhood sweethearts adds a layer of nostalgia to their rekindled attraction, and Roberts crafts their cautious steps toward love with the kind of subtlety that makes you root for them from the first chapter.
I couldn’t help but connect with this story on a personal level. It reminds me of a time when I was wandering through a small coastal village in Portugal, staying with a family who ran a tiny bakery. The matriarch, Senhora Clara, would tell me stories of her first love – a boy she’d known since childhood who worked on the fishing boats. Their romance had faltered under the weight of life’s demands, but decades later, they found each other again, their connection as undeniable as the tide. Listening to Owen and Avery navigate their past and present, I felt that same ache of unfinished business, the kind of longing that only time and proximity can reignite. That memory made the listening experience of ‘Last Boyfriend’ all the more poignant, as if I were sitting with Senhora Clara again, hearing her voice weave through the years.
Roberts excels at creating characters who feel like people you might meet in any small town, and her depiction of Boonsboro as a character in itself is masterful. The inn’s renovation, with its blend of historical preservation and modern dreams, mirrors the personal transformations of Owen and Avery. The romance here isn’t just about passion – it’s about trust, about peeling back layers of guarded hearts. You can almost feel the sawdust in the air, hear the clink of glasses at Avery’s pizza joint, and sense the weight of unspoken words between two people who’ve known each other forever yet are discovering each other anew. The themes of second chances and community resonate deeply, especially in a genre like romance where emotional stakes are everything. Roberts, as always, balances the sweetness of love with the grit of real human flaws, making this general romance audiobook a standout.
Now, let’s talk about the audiobook experience itself, because a story like this lives or dies on the narrator’s ability to capture its soul. MacLeod Andrews delivers a performance that’s as warm and inviting as a fireside chat. His voice has a grounded, relatable quality that suits Owen’s no-nonsense demeanor perfectly, while also softening during moments of vulnerability. When he voices Avery, there’s a playful lilt that captures her spunk and independence without veering into caricature. Andrews’ pacing is spot-on, allowing the slower, tender moments to breathe while keeping the dialogue-driven scenes lively. The audio quality from Brilliance Audio is crisp, with no distracting background noise, making it easy to immerse yourself in the world of Boonsboro. I found myself listening during a long drive through the Appalachian Mountains, and Andrews’ narration felt like a companion on the road, turning miles into memories.
That said, I must offer a balanced perspective. While the romance audiobook experience is largely delightful, there are moments where the plot feels predictable, even for a genre that thrives on certain tropes. Owen and Avery’s journey, while heartfelt, occasionally treads familiar ground – miscommunications and hesitations that seasoned romance listeners might anticipate. Additionally, while Andrews’ narration is strong, there are times when the secondary characters’ voices blend a bit too closely, making it harder to distinguish who’s speaking without context. These are minor quibbles, though, in an otherwise engaging listening experience.
Comparing ‘Last Boyfriend’ to other romance audiobooks, I’m reminded of works like Kristin Hannah’s ‘The Nightingale,’ though that leans more toward historical drama. Both share a knack for weaving personal histories into broader community tapestries, but Roberts keeps the focus tighter on individual relationships. Within her own catalog, this audiobook stands alongside ‘The Bride Quartet’ series for its blend of professional ambition and personal longing, though the Inn BoonsBoro setting adds a unique flavor. For fans of general romance audiobooks, this is a must-listen, especially if you enjoy stories of rekindled love and small-town charm.
I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who craves a romance that feels lived-in, where the characters’ pasts are as important as their futures. It’s perfect for long drives, quiet evenings, or even as a companion while cooking a meal – there’s something about Avery’s pizza place that’ll make you hungry for more than just love. If you’re new to Nora Roberts or romance audiobooks in general, ‘Last Boyfriend’ offers an accessible entry point, though starting with the first book in the trilogy, ‘The Next Always,’ might provide richer context. And while I can’t confirm if this specific audiobook is free, I always encourage checking platforms like Audiobooks.com for promotions or trials that might let you snag a free audiobook download.
Reflecting on this story, I find myself thinking about the power of place in shaping love. Just as Boonsboro’s inn becomes a symbol of renewal for Owen and Avery, I’ve seen how the landscapes I’ve traveled – from the Atacama Desert to the streets of Oaxaca – have shaped my own connections. There’s a moment in the audiobook where Owen surveys the nearly finished inn, and you can hear the pride in Andrews’ voice; it took me back to watching a family in Oaxaca rebuild their home after a storm, their determination mirroring Owen’s. Stories like ‘Last Boyfriend’ remind us that love, like travel, is often about returning to where you started and seeing it with new eyes.
Until our paths cross again, amigos, keep seeking stories that move you – whether on the page, through headphones, or in the world around you. I’ll be out here, chasing the next tale, but for now, I hope ‘Last Boyfriend’ finds a place in your heart as it has in mine. Hasta pronto, Marcus Rivera.
