Good, though not my favourite

This is the third in the 5-series Rainbow Place stories.

As always, the narration by Hamish Long is excellent.

However, I found the story less engaging as the first two books.

That’s not to say is wasn’t enjoyable - it is. Just didn’t captivate me as much.

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Love this series

Each book I listen to the more I would love Rainbow Place to exist.
The characters are great and Hamish narration really brings them to life.
Thank you Jay for writing this series. Xx

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Beautifully written,expertly narrated romance.

I absolutely loved this Audiobook!
Beautifully written,expertly narrated by Hamish Long.
Dylan,one of the server's at Rainbow Place,is instantly drawn to Joe,an older man,who sits,working on his laptop,in Rainbow Place.
Dylan crushes hard on Joe and his attempts at talking and flirting are met with awkwardness,at first.
As Dylan continues to talk to him,Joe begins to relax and starts to open up and talk. Shyly confessing to Dylan that he is writing a book.
As their friendship grows Dylan hopes for more but,is disappointed to learn that Joe is not single,he has been with his partner Harry,for ten years.
The more Joe opens up to Dylan,the more Dylan worries about Joe and Harry's relationship,especially when he witnesses Harry's behaviour, when he discovers Joe, working in Rainbow Place.
At first,Joe is indignant at Dylan's suggestion that his relationship with Harry is unhealthy.That Harry is abusive towards him.
With Dylan's gentle concerns,Joe begins to realise that Dylan is right Harry has been abusive towards him for a long time and it gives him the courage to end things with Harry.
Free to act on the growing attraction between them,Joe and Dylan dive headlong into their desire for each other.
Joe revels in the intimacy and passion like a starving man but Dylan is worried that they are moving too fast,that this is a rebound relationship.
Dylan,an abuse survivor himself,is worried that the relationship won't last so he puts on the brakes,much to Joe's annoyance. Dylan is dismayed by Joe's coldness when they part.
Will Joe come to understand why Dylan has done so?
Will they be reconciled?
I highly recommend you listen to this Audiobook and find out.

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That's what friends are for...

I enjoyed Jay’s third story set in and around the cafe. Better Place is an everyday romance, and even though there is some drama between Joe and his long-term selfish partner, there’s nothing OTT about this tale. There’s plenty of eating, drinking, working, and watching TV in this slow-burn, low-angst romance.

Dylan works in the Rainbow Place cafe and that’s where he meets Joe, who’s attempting to write his first novel. I liked how they gradually get to know each other and how their tentative conversations blossom into a supportive friendship. As readers/listeners, we hope this will turn into something more.

I don’t think Joe cheated on Harry, his current partner. We know (and Joe came to realise) that particular controlling/mentally abusive relationship was all but over. Kudos to Dylan for respecting Joe's feelings and situation, remaining his friend and offering him advice. I liked how they move from friends to lovers, but didn’t want to rush their relationship. This is a gentle, sweet romance. My only issue is that Joe comes across as a lot younger than his 42 years at times.

It was great to see more of Seb and Alex and other familiar characters offering Dylan and Joe their support. Plus, we get our first glimpse of the fabulous Lady Gogo!

The narration was spot on. Hamish matched his voice to the various characters’ personalities and their emotions. Clear and enjoyable from start to finish. Great job!

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Third in the series

Third in the series and just as good can't wait to listen to the fourth and last Mud and Lace. This one takes in the scars left by a nasty relationship and the effort of getting past them.

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Continuity

First off, let me say that I'm not 100% convinced that this is a HEA yet. However, it is definitely right that this relationship takes its time because of the main characters respective situations.

I like that it is the younger Dylan who often takes the lead in acting in a more mature fashion. But, he does have the advantage of experience. Joe is still living out his nightmare for the majority of the book. That is what I love about this series...it is so real.

Seb has a strong presence in this novel. It's also great to see more of Alex and Cam and to know they are happy. The continuity of characters from book to book is what I want to see in a series...the soap opera effect!

Having Hamish Long narrate the whole series has also seen a continuity of the voices that bring these books to life. This is another excellent performance.

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Another fantastic installment

This book is the third in the series and tells the story of Dylan and Joe. I loved getting to know them both and was impressed with the developments in their relationship throughout the book.

The story deals sensitively with the issue of abusive relationships and had me rooting for Joe and Dylan from the start.

I also loved how this book introduced the fabulous Lady Gogo who is featured in the next book in the series.

A fantastic listen from start to finish.

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