AUDIO REVIEW: 'Under the Boardwalk' by Felice Stevens
Title: Under the Boardwalk
Author: Felice Stevens
Narrator: Nick J. Russo
Published: August 7, 2017
Audio: February 13, 2018
Publisher: Self-Published
Cover Artist: Reese Dante/Photo: Eric McKinney at Cover'd By 6:12
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Erotic Romance; New Adult
Length: 170 Pages/3 Hours and 56 Minutes
Tags: Gay; M/M; Coming of Age; Coming Out; Family Drama; HEA; Audiobook
About Under the Boardwalk
Beneath the famous Brooklyn landmark, love is hidden but not denied:
All his life, Alexi Kharpov has dreamed of traveling to unknown exciting places instead of working at his family’s frozen custard stand on the famous Coney Island boardwalk. Every year is the same until a gorgeous man picks a spot in front of his stand to sing, captivating him with his beautiful voice. After two summers of listening, it might finally be the time for him to cross that boardwalk and take a chance.
Opera singer Cameron Maxwell has traveled the world, but the sight of the beautiful man serving custard to tourists touches his heart like nothing ever has before. A summer fling might be exactly what he needs to put his problems out of his mind, but the last thing Cam expects is to want the summer to last forever.
It’s a season of discovery for both men who learn to dig deep within their heads and hearts to decide whether secrets old and new should remain buried, or if love is too important to keep hidden under the boardwalk.
REVIEW:
In written format alone, Under the Boardwalk by Felice Stevens would be a beautiful love story. Add in the narration of Nick J. Russo, and the collaboration hits it out of the park. This is a coming of age story for two young men from vastly different backgrounds and set at Coney Island in New York.
Alexi Kharpov and his family left their Russian homeland in search of a better life, although his family is stuck in the “traditional” ways. Alexi is being raised in a loving and close knit family, however he lives in fear that when his family learns his deepest secret and desire his cherished family bond will be forever broken.
Cameron Maxwell has enjoyed singing from a very young age and made a very successful career of it. With his career cut short by illness, he spends his summers singing on the boardwalk for tips, and the rest of the year teaching music. In contrast to Alexi, Cam is out with the acceptance and support of his family.
In written format alone, Under the Boardwalk by Felice Stevens would be a beautiful love story. Add in the narration of Nick J. Russo, and the collaboration hits it out of the park.
Alexi and Cam spend one summer admiring each other from afar. It isn’t until the following summer that they come together. With their days and nights spent close, they quickly fall for each other and form an immediate and intense connection. But this was only supposed to be a summer fling...
As their summer comes to a close, each realizes their time together is short. Cam has seen the world and Alexi desires to discover what is beyond the confines of his Coney Island existence. With an offer that Alexi can't refuse, he struggles with conflicting desires between Cam and exploring the world. Cam also struggles with the recurrence of his health issues and what impact this will have on his connection to Alexi. Each man must make some tough choices.
Given low angst and two mature young men, Cam and Alexi navigate their desires and make realistic choices leading them down the path for a strong future. As secrets are revealed and hurdles overcome, their love blooms and each young man grows into the man who can create a strong, happy, and loving future.
Under the Boardwalk is aptly titled with that of the popular song by The Drifters. As Cam and Alexi steal kisses under the boardwalk and enjoy their “summer fling” a beautiful relationship forms. Add in the voice that Nick J. Russo gives these young men, and the story melts your heart in a good way.
An audiobook of Under the Boardwalk was purchased by Jay of Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter so that we might offer our fair and honest opinion on behalf of our readers.
Meet the Author
I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner, My characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love, but getting there is oh so fun and oh so sexy.
I live in New York City with my husband and two children. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass (or two of red wine). I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there are bound to be a few bumps along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.
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For more from Felice be sure and visit her website!
