by Beau North
Narrator: Becci Martin
Length: 4 hours and 39 minutes
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 3 cups
"Love at first sight wasn't meant for millennials," thinks Alice Aberdeen: art student, recovering addict, David Bowie enthusiast. Alice is among the recently dumped and only wants to keep her nose to the grindstone until she finishes her degree. Her sister has other ideas and sets her up with new-in-town Will Murphy--tall, dark, and aloof. To say it wasn't an instant attraction is an understatement: He finds her abrasive, with her sharp tongue and don't-screw-with-me attitude. She thinks he's excessively reserved, too damn serious. But the more time Alice spends with Will, the more their slow burn begins to thaw her heart.
A man of two worlds, half-Irish, half-Indian, Will feels at home with Alice. He soon realizes her tough shell is hiding extensive scar tissue--from her addiction and recovery to her spectacularly bad ex-girlfriend to the loss of her mother.
Modern Love isn't a story about love at first sight but learning to love yourself before being able to see the one you love.
A dual POV, diversity and miscommunication gave way to a timeless romance in Modern Love by Beau North. Narrated by Becci Martin, this short story quickly pulled me in with its complex characters and banter.
Both the author and narrator were new to me, but a fellow blogger recommended I take a chance. I am glad I did. While this wasn’t a full-length novel, falling somewhere between that and a novella, North created a complete story with complex characters that I emotionally connected with despite our age gap.
Alice Aberdeen works as a bartender while attending art school. She has been down in the dumps after a breakup. Her roomie, determined to cheer her up, takes her out to a club. Her roommate’s boyfriend arranges for Will Murphy to meet them. Yep, they are matchmaking..only no one told Alice. The two have a rather awkward, snarky encounter before discovering the setup.
Thus begins a series of encounters filled with banter that leads to more. There was great chemistry mixed with bouts of miscommunications which made me a little grumpy. Other characters added further complications, but despite it all, I enjoyed the ride.
I enjoyed the growth we see in both characters. Each has hang-ups, fears and struggles to overcome. I felt North researched or had personal experience with some issues that were present. They felt genuine allowing the reader some insight.
I prefer dual narrators for this type of romance, but Becci Martin grew on me. I thought she had a firm grasp of Alice and her voice for Will eventually became comfortable. Her pacing and tone worked well, and the soundtrack was well done.
If you’re looking for a realistic romance with character growth, Modern Love is a great listen.
Modern Love by Beau North offered a realistic romance with flawed characters who ultimately won me over. #loveaudiobooks Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Anne
This sounds more authentic than some of the regular contemporary romance stories. Great review! Anne – Books of My Heart
Kimberly
The characters were complex, flawed and felt genuine.
Karen
I don’t think I’ve read anything by her yet.
I’m not great with audiobooks but 4 hours seems doable for my attention span lol
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
Kimberly
Yeah 4 to 6 hours for romance novel is perfect on audio.
Crystal @ Lost in Storyland
“Love at first sight wasn’t meant for millennials.” That got my attention. I love the concept of a story about learning to love yourself before being able to see the one you love and that you saw character growth in this story. Adding this to my TBR!
Kimberly
Agreed.I look forward to your thoughts Crystal.
Angela @ Simply Angela
You had me at David Bowie enthusiast! I’ve not heard of this one but now I need to get my hands on it!
Kimberly
Right. We got some fun references to songs.
Angela Adams
A very sweet, tender looking book cover…a good match for what sounds like a sweet, tender story. Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
Yes, it was one that stays with you.
Tyler H. Jolley
I love that you took a chance on this because of a the recommendation of a fellow blogger. It makes it all worth it, you know? As always, nice a review, Kimba!
Kimberly
Yes, I owe a lot of my book addictions to fellow readers and bloggers!
Sophia Rose
I think the way she had a lifetime of fighting her addictions paired with the end results of the romance are what really got me for something different. I thought the narrator did a good job, too.
Glad you liked it, too, Kimberly!
Kimberly
I did, and yes the character felt very real.
Melliane
it’s always interesting to see the characters evolve. I didn’t know about this one either
Kimberly
Happy to have shared it 🙂
Lorna
I liked this one too. Thought it was pretty different than the “norm” contemporary romance. Glad you enjoyed it.
Kimberly
Yes, I agree. Thanks Lorna
sherry fundin
It is a sweet cover. Enjoyed the review.
Kimberly
Thanks Sherry.
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
There’s something about that cover I find lovely. Wonderful review, Kimberly!
Kimberly
Yes, I liked it too.
Debbie Haupt
Love this trope thank Kim. Short n Sweet 🙂
Kimberly
Thanks Debbie, yes a short and sweet romance alway hits the spot 🙂
Angie Elle
Oh, I do love a good surprise friends set up story line!
I’m glad you were able to enjoy this one. Great review!
Kimberly
Yes matchmakers always make me smile.
Ailyn Koay
well. if I were to be at that low point i’d be suspicious of everything too. Great story with the whole background ^^
Kimberly
Agreed. 🙂