Audiobook Review: Can't Live Without You by Andrew Grey

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Blurb:

Justin Hawthorne worked hard to realize his silver-screen dreams, making his way from small-town Pennsylvania to Hollywood and success. But it hasn’t come without sacrifice. When Justin’s father kicked him out for being gay, George Miller’s family offered to take him in, but circumstances prevented it. Now Justin is back in town and has come face to face with George, the man he left without so much as a good-bye… and the man he’s never stopped loving. 

Justin’s disappearance hit George hard, but he’s made a life for himself as a home nurse and finds fulfillment in helping others. When he sees Justin again, George realizes the hole in his heart never mended, and he isn’t the only one in need of healing. Justin needs time out of the public eye to find himself again, and George and his mother cannot turn him away. As they stay together in George’s home, old feelings are rekindled. Is a second chance possible when everything George cares about is in Pennsylvania and Justin must return to his career in California? First they’ll have to deal with the reason for Justin’s abrupt departure all those years ago.

Successful Hollywood star Justin has returned to the small town he lived in when his father is on his deathbed, and wishes to say goodbye. Justin hasn't heard from his father in years and hasn't forgiven him for kicking him out of the family so showing up at the hospital is not what he wants to do. Justin does his part and is ready to move on with his life, but still has to deal with his father's estate. While back in his hometown, he runs into George. George was his best friend and the man he loved as a teenager, but Justin left him and just disappeared without a word to George. Being around each other makes both George and Justin realize that they both still love the other, but they live completely different lives. Justin has to return to Hollywood and George is a nurse, and has his mom to care for. Both men have to deal with their past and figure out how they're going to have a future together.

I liked both Justin and George and really enjoyed the story. It was heartbreaking learning Justin's story, and what happened to make him leave everything behind and I was happy that both men were able to deal with what happened, and worked to have a life together.

The narrator of this book was Jeff Gelder. He had an easy to listen to voice, but his storytelling felt stilted. I wasn't able to just immerse myself in the story, it truly was just someone reading the book. I found the narrator gave weird pauses, and the flow and pace made the book hard to listen to.

I'd definitely recommend this book, whether in audio or book format is your choice. I think this story is another beautiful, complex story with two strong men working to find a happily ever after by the author. I think this is what the author does so wonderfully, taking non-perfect men and creating a perfect story for them. He creates a family and home, characters that you'd like to get to know better and hope they get everything they want.

Overall: 4 Stars

Performance: 3 Stars

Story: 4 Stars