Audiobook, Audible
Author: Jewel E. Ann
Narrator: Connor Crais
Emmett Riley cannot believe his luck when Tatum Bradshaw walks into the bar and assumes that he’s the red-head in a red shirt that she has a blind date with. So, he “steals” the other guy’s date. It takes very little for “Emmett The Thief” to convince Tatum that he is not a creep, and pretty soon his wit and sexy smile win her heart. A road trip together, an unexpected pregnancy, and marriage… all leading to a perfect life. Until the unimaginable happens. And he has to do everything he can…For Lucy.
Told through Emmett’s POV entirely, the story goes back and forth in time and we start putting the pieces together why Emmett and Tatum have been divorced for 5 years. I loved how we followed the story through his eyes and fell in love with Emmett.
I strongly suggest you go into this book blindly (If you have triggers, I urge that you read the CW at the end of this review). Part of the reason the story works so well is that you keep asking ‘what the hell happened?’
This book wrecked me. I’m not one to tear up easily and this one had me freaking sobbing. I wanted to hug Emmett so badly and for Tatum to forgive me without knowing “the secret” (to be honest, I wanted to smack her sometimes, which got me all conflicted because I understood her pain). He loves his wife and kids so deeply he will risk his own happiness to ensure theirs.
We do get an HEA, but we are put through the wringer. (Yes, I am being vague because I don’t want to spoil anyone.)
From this point on, SPOILERS:
Narration: Sweet. Baby. Jesus. I already knew Connor Crais was an amazing narrator but I wasn’t prepared to be slaughtered like this. From the young, carefree Emmett to the grieving man who couldn’t save his son, to the the loving husband who’s willing to let go of his wife so that she can be happy again… he freaking NAILED IT. There is so much talent put into this that I have no words to describe it to you. You have to experience it yourself. If you consider reading this book, please please listen to the audiobook. It’s pure gold.
Connor, you warned me. It knocked me on my ass, but you are PHENOMENAL in this one. A million stars.
Possible Triggers: death of a child by drowning on page, marriage in crisis, car accident leaving a character temporarily unable to walk, grief, miscarriage, divorce, child custody issues
