Love Lessons by Heidi Cullinan #LGBT #AudioReview

Dana reviews Love Lessons (Love Lessons Book 1) by Heidi Cullinan (Published by Samhain Publishing, October 1, 2013, 299 pages, audio version – Insatiable Press, February 25, 2015, 10 hours 5 minutes) Narrated by Iggy Toma.

An audio copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb: 

Love doesn’t come with a syllabus. Kelly Davidson has waited what seems like forever to graduate high school and get out of his small-minded, small town. But when he arrives at Hope University, he quickly realizes finding his Prince Charming isn’t so easy. Everyone here is already out. In fact, Kelly could be the only virgin on campus. Worst of all, he’s landed the charming, handsome, gay campus Casanova as a roommate, whose bed might as well be equipped with a revolving door.

Walter Lucas doesn’t believe in storybook love. Everyone is better off having as much fun as possible with as many people as possible – except his shy, sad little sack of a roommate is seriously screwing up his world view. As Walter sets out to lure Kelly out of his shell, staying just friends is harder than he anticipated. He discovers love is a crash course in determination. To make the grade, he’ll have to finally show up for class – and overcome his own private fear that love was never meant to last. Warning: This story contains lingering glances, milder than usual sexual content for this author, and a steamy dance-floor kiss. Story has no dairy or egg content, but may contain almonds.

Buy Links: Insatiable Press | Audible  Ebook Links: Samhain | Amazon | B&N | ARe

 

 

The narration:

This was the first book I listened to narrated by Iggy Toma. He immediately made my top 5 narrators. Voices don’t always reflect the age of the person speaking, but there have been times where a little too much gruffness or hoarseness can make a narrator seem old, which reflects on the character who is meant to be in their early 20’s. Iggy Toma’s voice sounded perfect for the college age students that are the main characters for this story. He also differentiates in tones and accents, giving each character a unique voice.

The story:

Prior to Love Lessons the only book I read by Heidi Cullinan was Miles and the Magic Flute, which was as different from this as night is from day.  Still there was a feeling to it that she also conveyed in the other book, a feeling of a moral to the story, a lesson to be learned. Money won’t always make you happy, and not to assume you know someone by appearances seem to be themes I felt were the core of this story.

Walter appears to be a very self-confident big man on campus, despite the fact that he’s gay. His life isn’t necessarily easy, even if he’s outgoing and rich.  He has very few close relationships and his home life isn’t the best. Kelly’s financially stable, but far from wealthy.  His family loves him but tend to be over protective, because what isn’t that boy allergic to?  Walter is a player, while Kelly is virginal and wants love and Disney movie happy ever afters.

It is laid out for Walter to be the stronger more aggressive character, but Kelly often steps up to the plate and is there for Walter emotionally. Despite first appearances, neither character is stronger than the other. They both have weaknesses and strengths that were portrayed wonderfully by the author. It was an excellent story with great emotional content. I definitely want to read more from this author after listening to this.