A Change of View

This is a great book following a couple in their mid 40s. I loved especially how mature they appeared, while still fun, making this a realistic take on a relationship between two good, well-rounded people. As someone who is mid 40 as well, I appreciate books where the authors don't introduce silly misunderstandings and issues that are irrelevant and easily fixed by just a tiny bit of communication, just to provide some angst. This book doesn't do that and the couple stands strong against a real threat and they work together to bring happiness into their lives and the lives of the people around them. (I loved the supporting cast too, including Leelo's children and Roar's mom)

The narration is well done as well. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the book. I have to say, I'm especially impressed with Austin Barringer who has a very smooth voice and ability to play multiple characters. I looked up his history of narration and I think this is his first book? He did amazing. .Anneliese Rennie did well too although her narration was a little tinny- I am not sure if that is due to the equipment she used or if it was just my version of the audiobook. Overall, this was very good narration that elevated my immense enjoyment of the story itself.

A change of view
By: Freya Barker

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

Authors Blurb;
When Leelo can no longer identify herself by the roles that once defined her, it's both terrifying and liberating. Oh, she feels the loss, grief, and the anger, but when she inherits property up north, she jumps at the promise of freedom and independence. Yet, not everyone in her new community is what they seem, starting with the surly mountain man down the road.

As owner of the local fishing lodge, Roar is content with his everyday life. And the older he gets, the less he appreciates change. So, when a blue-haired, tattooed "city girl" moves into the old motel, shaking up his daily routine, he’s none too pleased. Still, something about the woman’s easy smile and almost reckless grit has him step up as her keeper.

Awesome rom-com, includes Leeola's feelings about her ex, dealing with menopause, learning who she is &men who underestimate her.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

I liked the premise of this book. It's always nice, refreshing really, to see stories that center around people in their forties. I had trouble with the narration, however, it felt grating to me, a bit shouty, so that I didn't want to listen to it for extended periods and it distracted from actually following the story. Perhaps, I would have enjoyed this one more in text.

I received an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

** audiobook via netgalley **

I was hesitant to request for this audiobook because I had quite a horrible experience trying to download using the Netgalley app. My first try, once again it hung at 8% and refused to budge. I almost gave up but gave it one last try the next day. Finally downloading was quite a breeze *phew*

I enjoyed the 2 narrators, Anneliese Rennie and Austin Barringer did a great job, it was really well done. I do believed that this was my first time listening to Austin Barringer and I'm sure it wouldn't be my last.

Storywise, as always I truly enjoyed Freya Barker books and it is quite rare for me to be disappointed. Ms Barker is really good at writing characters, although this time I struggle a wee bit with our FMC Leeloo, at times I find her a bit of a b**ch and grating but not so much that I want to strangle her. As for Roar, can I keep him? I think I should keep him, he's just so delicious!

I look forward to reading more books from this series. I received and audible arc from NetGalley but the views above are all my own. Thank you!

This was a great romance that shows love and desire don't end after 40. When Leelo takes over her Uncles motel and bar that has fallen into disrepair, she feels daunted by the task of the renovation but ready for the change. After a failed marriage to a manipulative verbally abusive man and an estranged relationship with her kids this move is just what Leelo needs.

Roar owns the lodge down the road from the motel, alone since his marriage ended due to infidelity Roar puts all his energy into helping his neighbors and his mom while trying to hold himself together. Several tours in Afghanistan, the loss of his baby, the infidelity of his wife and the loss of a best friend have left him raw and closed off until he sees the tattooed blue haired woman determined to make a go of the motel next door.

This romance combines with a mystery as the lodge, and the motel keep getting vandalized and Leelo doesn't seem to be able to catch up. As despair starts to settle in she also has feelings blossoming for the handsome cranky neighbor next door.

This is turning out to be an excellent series. I wasn't sure about the female narrator at first but her voice grew on me.

Wonderful romance, enthralling setting

Roar and Leelo have a genuinely romantic connection, the kind of love that comes once in a lifetime. I loved how they worked their lives together, how they supported each other, and especially how Roar helped encourage Leelo to trust herself again.

This is a complicated story of two people in their mid-40's finding each other at just the right time. There's plenty of drama from her family, plus there's a malevolent presence seeking to destroy her new life. The details did get a bit gruesome at times, but I accepted those parts (and quickly read through) in the spirit of realism. You really do feel like you're right in the middle of the action with this author's writing style. The suspense is exquisitely balanced by the passion and small-town atmosphere, so even though it's a long road until the villain is brought to justice you never feel that the situation is completely hopeless.

I adored the secondary characters, especially Charlie and Ace. It's always a bonus for me when a big happy dog is featured as a member of the family, and this author has a real knack for that. Roar's conversation with Charlie at the end was especially poignant and inspiring.

I listened to the audio book I received from NetGalley as I read along in my Kindle app, and I really enjoyed both narrators. The female narrator really seemed to capture Leelo's spirit, easily bringing the character to life.

I really enjoyed this one and the narrator brought it to life. Leelo inherited her uncle's run down business in the country in Northern Ontario and even though she is short on funds, very short, she is determined to do all the work herself to get the place back up and running and ready to welcome guests. Her nearest neighbor finds her stranded on her roof in the middle of a thunderstorm and pulls her down before strapping the tarp down. That is how she meets Roar, the bearded ex-military man who runs the lodge next door and ends up showing up to work along side her. These two end up seeing something in each other they each recognize and end up healing each other and Leelo's adult children along the way. There is also a twist of suspense added in for good measure. Definitely enjoyed this one!

**Received this ARC for review in audio form from the publisher via NetGalley**

This one has more of the small-town vibes I was expecting from the first book in the series (can be read as a stand-alone). There are still plenty steamy moments though not as many.

Leelo is a fun character I enjoyed reading about. She’s very engaging and relatable. It was enjoyable though not very exciting following her relationship with the aptly named Roar as they come together and soothe the aches from each others past.

This was my first Freya Barker's book, and won't be my last. This is the second book in the Northern Lights Series, a Small Town Romance. Leelo and Roar's slow burn story is sweet, sexy, and beautiful. They are wonderful characters. Leelo is strong, and independent. Roar is handsome, supportive, and caring. They are opposites attract, and perfect together. The storyline is fun, filled with drama, intrigues, and twists and turns. The cast of supporting characters is great. I loved Leelo's kids, and Roar's mother. Anneliese Rennie and Austin Barringer are fantastic narrators. Austin Barringer is a new narrator to me. He has a beautiful voice, very pleasant to listen to. We need more from him! They both are perfect as Leelo and Roar. I enjoyed it. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.