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The Saints of Redville #1

Audible audiobook

Author: Ava Harrison 

Narrators: Angelina Rocca and Christian Fox

When Pippa arrives at the trailer park with her deadbeat dad, she knows she’ll have to fend for herself. That’s true until she meets Slate. He takes her under his wing, though he’s as broken as her, if not more. His only solace is hockey but his abusive mother won’t let him pursue his dreams and a very selfless act by Pippa sends him off to a bigger and better life. He leaves with a promise: to never ever forget her. Pinkie promise on his puck. 

Fast forward ten years and Pippa is no longer Pippa, but Cassidy, her given name. While watching TV, she sees Aiden Slate, now captain of the Redville Saints, NHL star is “home”. A little liquid courage and she decides to confront him at the hotel he’s staying. That’s when the Universe intervenes and Aiden mistakes her for someone else. He doesn’t even remember her. She’s devastated but she agrees to his proposal to pretend she’s his girlfriend. So many secrets. So much hurt. But they were always meant to be together. And she will always be his girl. 

I felt so much for Cassidy and Aiden. Cassidy grew up in the worst conditions and Aiden was berated and diminished for his OCD by his awful mother. They were pivotal in each other’s lives from a very young age and their path to each other as adults is not an easy one. I loved the mental health discussion in this one and the author based it on her own experiences and it rings true. (I just wish they both seeked help earlier, especially Aiden, who definitely had the means, but I understand the reasoning behind it.)

Narration:

The audiobook is GOLD! This was the narrator pairing I didn’t know I needed in my life! Angelina Rocca is phenomenal as the feisty and so incredibly selfless and loving Cass. Everybody knows how much of a fan I am of The Fox and he’s in top form in this one. Aiden is all yummy and all but CF shines when Aiden is vulnerable. Amazing audiobook!

Rep: MMC has OCD

Content notes: Child abuse and neglect, attempted SA (historical), ableism, bullying, alcohol and drug abuse, deaths by drug overdose