Fan Service mostly.

Rating it 2 stars because of the story. I listened to this book on Audible and I really believe that the whole thing was better because of the narration of Shane East and Joe Arden. Why 2 stars? Because I'm rating it in comparison to other MM novels, judging it by the depth of the characters and plot. In that regard, there was nothing really there. Man meets man, falling in love, and everything happens so fast it was just... not relatable, not realistic. And I think I immediately lowered my standards after the first two lines of the book, stating something like "there is no homophobia in this world". I believe that stating something like that from the get-go, just aids the author to express the relationship without having to take into account any hurdles the couple could face. It just simplifies everything. There was no real character development, no real, strong emotions, nothing to think about after finishing the story. I'll probably forget it within 1 week. On the other hand, if anyone is looking for just something hot and simple and rom-com kinda story, totally go for it. The x-rated scenes were fairly good, there is love, there is happiness. To summarize, I believe that this book is just fan service. Hot guys, hot scenes, happy ending.

3 people found this helpful

Did not finish

This is so boring. They meet, they talk. That's it. Wait, they have sex too. Why read this? I need some conflict, please? Or does the author expect me to be enthralled by the question whether they end up together or not?

3 people found this helpful

A lovely romance

Some books are just good for the soul, and I believe A Guy Walked into My Bar is one of those books. This book is just full of goodness, and light, and a joy to listen to. It opens with a letter from Lauren about the fact that the book contains no homophobia and the reason why. The short version, love is love. If you don't believe that, this isn't going to be the book for you. And I'm probably not the person for you, either.

As always, Lauren Blakely not only entertains so expertly but hits you in the feels too. How much of those feels were Lauren's words or Joe Arden's delivery of them remains to be seen, I'm sure it's a mixture of the two. The story has very little conflict and drama which was a nice pace, and I love how communication resolved the little spat they had. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, Lauren is a master at the male PoV.

Dean and Fitz are so perfect together, they really were a match made... in a bar, (I know, I know, don't judge me) For me, this story is about two people that meet and have a connection. Even though one of them tries to fight it, it doesn't last long. Some couplings are evitable and this is one of those moments. The steam factor is high in this book, and it worked. What else do you do on a holiday romance? It gave their relationship that sense of urgency, knowing it was for a limited time. And that was also the case with the touristy things they did together, I loved seeing that. Now, there were a couple of instances, as a Brit, that I raised an eyebrow and said, really? But that could very well be a regional issue as opposed to not being a British thing and it didn't really affect the story.

The narration was superb. Shane East and Joe Arden in a duet narration was something I didn't know I needed in my life. Their chemistry and banter really bled through the headphones. Joe is one of those voice actors that is extremely expressive during the emotional scenes, I swear, he can make me choke up with the way he performs them, that was something that I didn't expect with this book but it gave it that sense of realism too, that Fitz was feeling all the emotions. Shane was brilliant as Dean and really brought that cheeky aspect to the story. Shane's alpha voice made a nice appearance, and I'm sure many listeners swooned. They seemed to work off each other well and it took the audio to the next level. Part of that, I'm sure, has been the buildup of their bromance over on Twitter, it was the best marketing ever. The production was wonderful with no issues.

The audio also included a full cast, personally, there were some characters that I felt didn't need to have a 'voice.' Especially when it was just a line or two. But that is just personal taste. I thought Vanessa Edwin's British accent was done really well, I love that she's becoming more sought after. I just love her. Emma Wilder was as fabulous as always - #GirlCrush and Jakobi Diem, sigh, you don't even want to know my reaction when I saw his name attached to this project, and he did not disappoint. At all. If you're not enjoying him in your ears yet, you need to fix that. Stat. There was an extended epilogue with Vanessa & Jakobi that hinted at a story, and I'm telling you, right now, I AM HERE FOR IT!

The audiobook has some bonus features. A fireside chat between Stella Hunter, Joe Arden, and Shane East. Bloopers. A bonus scene that the Joe and Shane bromance Twitter fans will adore. And a clip from Birthday Suit. I want to acknowledge the bonuses because I'm usually not a fan of them, but this fireside chat just filled my heart and restored a little of my faith in humanity, why you ask? Joe Arden. His stance on several of the topics raised was so heartfelt and sincere that it just buoyed me up. If he was in front of me, I'd have given him a standing ovation or bowed. The world would be a much better place if it had more people like him in it.

A little sidenote, and this isn't meant to offend anyone or put anyone down. And taking nothing away from Shane East because the man is bloody brilliant, but based on the description of Dean, I would have liked the narrator to have represented the character's ethnicity. It is wonderful to see more diversity in romance books, I'd just like to see that being taken further and voiced too. In addition, I had already written this when Lauren Blakely announced her stance on diversity and future casting. As always, she is a class act that is working towards a better future for all.

1 person found this helpful

Awesome!

Soo enjoyed the connection Fitz & Dean had, along with a perfect ending. Made so much better with the earlier epilogues.
Cried laughing at the bloopers section at the end. Really wish most audibles would incude these. Brilliant finish to an excellent book. Always expected with Lauren Blakely and two of the best narrators. Thank you so much.

I didn’t want it to end

I have to admit I’m an avid Lauren fan but this book, this book, just wow!!!! I just didn’t want it to end. I cried, I smiled, I laughed and I got that warm fuzzy feeling. I know the actors / narrators were in mind when Lauren wrote this book but bravo. The story and the cast made every moment of listening an absolute pleasure! It will definitely be reread numerous times over.

Nice ensemble

I’m just getting used to this type of audible (where they actually interact with each other). Shane and Joe did a great job. I did wonder if they felt a bit strange narrating a m/m but the interview at the end answered those questions.

Excellent

I absolutely loved this audiobook. The story, the characters and narrators where perfect. Loved the interview and bloopers at the end too. All round perfection.

incredible

I literally felt tranfixed into another world, the chemistry behind the main characters is so witty, charming and romantic. It's nice to read a story with no homophobic issues going on in this created world. It's really refreshing, beautiful and certainly a a incredible story. 5 out of 5 for me easily!

Great cast

Loved this book. The depth of characters and especially loved how a full cast made everyone come to life.
The extra scenes at the end getting to know the narrator’s was fun to!!

loved this!

A steamy romance story with a wonderful cast narrating it. I recommend it very much if you are looking for something fun.