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Lyon Family #1
A Love For All Seasons
Summertime in Paris, nineteen sixty-nine. Men are on the moon, and American tourist Aurora Masters’ head is in the stars. The sensual sculptor she watches, though a timeworn studio window, is her favorite French piece of art. Mona Lisa who?
Gaston Lyon lives up to his name. He is a lion of a Frenchman, strong and confident, with a shoulder length mane. The woman on the bench across the street has come to look for three days. It is time to introduce himself to the one who calls without words.
Two strangers and one relentless attraction. It is the Age of Aquarius. Time and distance are no match for chemistry and destiny.
Gaston Lyon lives up to his name. He is a lion of a Frenchman, strong and confident, with a shoulder length mane. The woman on the bench across the street has come to look for three days. It is time to introduce himself to the one who calls without words.
Two strangers and one relentless attraction. It is the Age of Aquarius. Time and distance are no match for chemistry and destiny.
36 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2021
81 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 20, 2022
6/20/2022 - ebook is currently free & audio is on sale for 99¢ on Kobo, Chirp, & Nook. Also in KU.
6/14/2022 - This is a short story prequel to the Lyons series by Leslie Pike. I didn’t know this was about the parents so it took me a bit to realize the book was set in the 60s. (Totally my fault for not reading the blurb! 🤦🏻♀️)
I quickly acclimated and enjoyed the setting. At just under an hour it’s a sweet and steamy look at how Aurora & Gaston met.
I’m ready for Parish & Scarlett’s story, The Beach in Winter.
Narration:
Maxine Mitchell & Joe Arden were wonderful here.
*While the audiobook is listed as 1hr 18min, the last 21 minutes is a preview of The Beach in Winter.
11/2021 - Rec from Jodi - ebook is free & audio is less than $5. Joe Arden & Maxine Mitchell. Sold!
Now when to squeeze it into my TBL???
6/14/2022 - This is a short story prequel to the Lyons series by Leslie Pike. I didn’t know this was about the parents so it took me a bit to realize the book was set in the 60s. (Totally my fault for not reading the blurb! 🤦🏻♀️)
I quickly acclimated and enjoyed the setting. At just under an hour it’s a sweet and steamy look at how Aurora & Gaston met.
I’m ready for Parish & Scarlett’s story, The Beach in Winter.
Narration:
Maxine Mitchell & Joe Arden were wonderful here.
*While the audiobook is listed as 1hr 18min, the last 21 minutes is a preview of The Beach in Winter.
11/2021 - Rec from Jodi - ebook is free & audio is less than $5. Joe Arden & Maxine Mitchell. Sold!
Now when to squeeze it into my TBL???
October 19, 2021
A PERFECT RECIPE FOR A SIXTIES’ ROMANCE IN PARIS? -- NOT QUITE GROOVY **2.5 stars for execution**
"Who would fault a girl for looking at the artist who himself resembles a work of art?"
Who, indeed? Not me. Nope. This prequel novella had me at Paris. It’s my favorite jam. But not quite this time, and I hate raining on a new-to-me author’s parade. I dove into this book without hesitation because it had the earmarks of a perfect romance: Paris + a Bohemian American girl on backpacking vacay across Europe + a sexy, manly-man artist as yummy as pain au chocolat. Sprinkle in once-in-a-lifetime kismet, a quirky Sixties' setting, and I was sold.
It's 1969, the Age of Aquarius, and Aurora's 21st birthday in the City of Lights and Love … and there's a starving artist sculptor named Gaston (how very French) on the cusp of recognition. Free love is in the air. And did I mention Paris? Their voyeuristic "meet-cute" has people-watcher Aurora stumbling on Gaston's art studio where she spies on him in the window as he sculpts half-naked. The stars are aligned and when they meet face-to-face it’s ooh-la-la. I loved ALL the elements of this romance-in-the-making, except the execution and what happens next ...
48 pages is short, but this novella setup got shortchanged. It was a letdown that many of the MCs' inner thoughts and dialogue were so original and poetic, but everything happened so fast that there was zero chemistry. The narrative was basic in simple sentences that tell rather describe what happens. They just jump each other's bones, and then it ends. No lead-up or seduction. More like "hi, now take off your clothes". Clipped, uninspired, unromantic. Imagine the difference between the most visceral description of a kiss, compared to just being told that the MCs "kissed". That's a fair analogy.
The Sixties' vibe and lingo were right on, as was the free love philosophy befitting a pair of starving student, starving artist lovers. But, it's hard to sense any chemistry or story direction when they skip right to "getting it on" without any mental or physical foreplay. There were moments that really grabbed my attention, but mostly the expression of what was happening was underdeveloped and lacking. The author apparently once wrote for a primetime CBS series. It shows in this novella. Less is not more in a book. As someone in movie development myself, that pared-down, narrative style works for teleplays/screenplays, but not for books. The story needed more description. I never FELT what was happening. The subtleties and nuances of body language and chemistry weren't there. Example: "Tell me where your best talents lie." There is a long pause before he answers, "In bed with you, cherie." This is too much, too soon right after meeting her (palm to the face, buster) … and their actions just jump from one point to the next.
I got no sense of her writing style here and have no idea what's in store for them because there was no cliffy, so continuing with the next book is uncertain. Despite all that, the inner thoughts were great and there were some truly poetic quotes like:
"This is the kind of man that a woman makes mistakes with."
"I feel like gravity has left the earth."
"There is only one first time. That beautiful moment when everything is new. Here we are."
How do I reconcile words like that with the kind of simple sentences that cartoon dog Snoopy plunks on his typewriter?
[FYI: An age continuity issue for Aurora. If she’s 21 in 1969, she was born in 1948 not the 1950s. And she’ll turn 50 before the new century, not after it. Details matter. Also, the "getting to know you" convo when they met wasn’t even on the page for the reader, and is only referred to obliquely later in the story.]
"Who would fault a girl for looking at the artist who himself resembles a work of art?"
Who, indeed? Not me. Nope. This prequel novella had me at Paris. It’s my favorite jam. But not quite this time, and I hate raining on a new-to-me author’s parade. I dove into this book without hesitation because it had the earmarks of a perfect romance: Paris + a Bohemian American girl on backpacking vacay across Europe + a sexy, manly-man artist as yummy as pain au chocolat. Sprinkle in once-in-a-lifetime kismet, a quirky Sixties' setting, and I was sold.
It's 1969, the Age of Aquarius, and Aurora's 21st birthday in the City of Lights and Love … and there's a starving artist sculptor named Gaston (how very French) on the cusp of recognition. Free love is in the air. And did I mention Paris? Their voyeuristic "meet-cute" has people-watcher Aurora stumbling on Gaston's art studio where she spies on him in the window as he sculpts half-naked. The stars are aligned and when they meet face-to-face it’s ooh-la-la. I loved ALL the elements of this romance-in-the-making, except the execution and what happens next ...
48 pages is short, but this novella setup got shortchanged. It was a letdown that many of the MCs' inner thoughts and dialogue were so original and poetic, but everything happened so fast that there was zero chemistry. The narrative was basic in simple sentences that tell rather describe what happens. They just jump each other's bones, and then it ends. No lead-up or seduction. More like "hi, now take off your clothes". Clipped, uninspired, unromantic. Imagine the difference between the most visceral description of a kiss, compared to just being told that the MCs "kissed". That's a fair analogy.
The Sixties' vibe and lingo were right on, as was the free love philosophy befitting a pair of starving student, starving artist lovers. But, it's hard to sense any chemistry or story direction when they skip right to "getting it on" without any mental or physical foreplay. There were moments that really grabbed my attention, but mostly the expression of what was happening was underdeveloped and lacking. The author apparently once wrote for a primetime CBS series. It shows in this novella. Less is not more in a book. As someone in movie development myself, that pared-down, narrative style works for teleplays/screenplays, but not for books. The story needed more description. I never FELT what was happening. The subtleties and nuances of body language and chemistry weren't there. Example: "Tell me where your best talents lie." There is a long pause before he answers, "In bed with you, cherie." This is too much, too soon right after meeting her (palm to the face, buster) … and their actions just jump from one point to the next.
I got no sense of her writing style here and have no idea what's in store for them because there was no cliffy, so continuing with the next book is uncertain. Despite all that, the inner thoughts were great and there were some truly poetic quotes like:
"This is the kind of man that a woman makes mistakes with."
"I feel like gravity has left the earth."
"There is only one first time. That beautiful moment when everything is new. Here we are."
How do I reconcile words like that with the kind of simple sentences that cartoon dog Snoopy plunks on his typewriter?
[FYI: An age continuity issue for Aurora. If she’s 21 in 1969, she was born in 1948 not the 1950s. And she’ll turn 50 before the new century, not after it. Details matter. Also, the "getting to know you" convo when they met wasn’t even on the page for the reader, and is only referred to obliquely later in the story.]
June 12, 2022
(audiobook+ebook) I love contemporary romances who are set a little bit in the past. It gives them some charm, in my opinion, when they’re well done and you get a feeling of the time and place. Oh yes, a different place is nice too. And by different, I mean not the same little American town or big city. Anything outside of the USA is exotic enough.
This story is set in Paris in 1969. What a year, right? The little touches of another time–clothes, words, traditions…–were nice. Especially the mention of free love. I felt it was important because that may be the reason Aurora and Gaston end up in a bed so fast: no qualms about skipping foreplay to go to the end goal. Quite the instalove, as they’re going to build their life on the short week they spend together.
It was a lot sexy considering the length of the story. Not gonna complain.
I had only one problem. As a native French, I often endure people butchering my language in American ebooks and audiobooks. This one did good for the most part, but there were a couple of mistakes, and not only with the words–I’ve never heard of French people eating beans and toast, that’s a British thing.
The narration was good. The female narrator was her amazing self, she did great. The male narrator nailed the French accent… when he speaks English. Not so much when he uses French words–but that’s the picky French in me complaining. It’s short and good, that’s enough for me.
Quickie
- Series: Lyon family #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #novella #nostalgia romance #instalove
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Aurora Masters & Gaston Lyon
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + I loved the little bit about the time and place
- – a bit too short to really feel their love
This story is set in Paris in 1969. What a year, right? The little touches of another time–clothes, words, traditions…–were nice. Especially the mention of free love. I felt it was important because that may be the reason Aurora and Gaston end up in a bed so fast: no qualms about skipping foreplay to go to the end goal. Quite the instalove, as they’re going to build their life on the short week they spend together.
It was a lot sexy considering the length of the story. Not gonna complain.
I had only one problem. As a native French, I often endure people butchering my language in American ebooks and audiobooks. This one did good for the most part, but there were a couple of mistakes, and not only with the words–I’ve never heard of French people eating beans and toast, that’s a British thing.
The narration was good. The female narrator was her amazing self, she did great. The male narrator nailed the French accent… when he speaks English. Not so much when he uses French words–but that’s the picky French in me complaining. It’s short and good, that’s enough for me.
Quickie
- Series: Lyon family #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #novella #nostalgia romance #instalove
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Aurora Masters & Gaston Lyon
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + I loved the little bit about the time and place
- – a bit too short to really feel their love
December 9, 2021
**Audiobook Review**
A Love for All Seasons by Leslie Pike was the perfect start for the Lyons Family Series. This audo novella is narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell. This beautifully written novella tells the story of how Aurora and Gaston met, and instantly fell in love. This story takes place in Paris, France, and really sets a swoony romantic mood for this couple.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are amazing at bringing Gaston and Aurora to life. Joe's French accent is exquisite, and you can feel all Aurora's passion in Maxine's performance. I love these two narrators paired together.
I'm looking forward to diving in to this entire series. Leslie Pike has gained a new fan!
A Love for All Seasons by Leslie Pike was the perfect start for the Lyons Family Series. This audo novella is narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell. This beautifully written novella tells the story of how Aurora and Gaston met, and instantly fell in love. This story takes place in Paris, France, and really sets a swoony romantic mood for this couple.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are amazing at bringing Gaston and Aurora to life. Joe's French accent is exquisite, and you can feel all Aurora's passion in Maxine's performance. I love these two narrators paired together.
I'm looking forward to diving in to this entire series. Leslie Pike has gained a new fan!
June 25, 2022
4 Star Review A Love For All Seasons (Lyon Family #1) by Leslie Pike
AUDIO REVIEW:
Leslie Pike is a relatively new author to me but hat I have read/listened to I have enjoyed. The narration by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell was spot on for the characters in my opinion and they did a wonderful job in bringing the characters they portrayed to life for me. Their voices are easy to listen to and I couldn’t help but be drawn into their performances.
Although not a long book, at just over an hour, Ms. Pike certainly packed a lot into A Love for All Seasons. Set in 1969 this is a prequel to the Lyon family series and is Aurora Masters’ and Gaston Lyon’s story. Can two strangers meet and create a beautiful future?
AUDIO REVIEW:
Leslie Pike is a relatively new author to me but hat I have read/listened to I have enjoyed. The narration by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell was spot on for the characters in my opinion and they did a wonderful job in bringing the characters they portrayed to life for me. Their voices are easy to listen to and I couldn’t help but be drawn into their performances.
Although not a long book, at just over an hour, Ms. Pike certainly packed a lot into A Love for All Seasons. Set in 1969 this is a prequel to the Lyon family series and is Aurora Masters’ and Gaston Lyon’s story. Can two strangers meet and create a beautiful future?
June 15, 2022
3.5 Stars!
(Audio Review)
This is a short story prequel that introduces us to the Lyons series. Bohemian, American tourist Aurora Masters is in Paris as part of her last leg of her backpacking vacation across Europe. This is where she sees and watches sculptor Gaston Lyon through his studio window. This is a kismet romance in which they instantly fall in love.
I loved how it was set in Paris (setting was beautiful). It is also set in the 60s. This was a good intro to the series, although it took me a little while (once I read the next book to the series) to figure out this was about the parents of the couple featured in the next book. It’s super sweet and was enjoyable.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell were amazing with the narration. And they really brought the characters to life. A pleasure to listen to!
I was provided a free audio copy of this book. However, all opinions shared are my honest thoughts about this book.
(Audio Review)
This is a short story prequel that introduces us to the Lyons series. Bohemian, American tourist Aurora Masters is in Paris as part of her last leg of her backpacking vacation across Europe. This is where she sees and watches sculptor Gaston Lyon through his studio window. This is a kismet romance in which they instantly fall in love.
I loved how it was set in Paris (setting was beautiful). It is also set in the 60s. This was a good intro to the series, although it took me a little while (once I read the next book to the series) to figure out this was about the parents of the couple featured in the next book. It’s super sweet and was enjoyable.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell were amazing with the narration. And they really brought the characters to life. A pleasure to listen to!
I was provided a free audio copy of this book. However, all opinions shared are my honest thoughts about this book.
October 19, 2021
A PERFECT RECIPE FOR A SIXTIES’ ROMANCE IN PARIS? -- NOT QUITE GROOVY **2.5 stars for execution**
"Who would fault a girl for looking at the artist who himself resembles a work of art?"
Who, indeed? Not me. Nope. This prequel novella had me at Paris. It’s my favorite jam. But not quite this time, and I hate raining on a new-to-me author’s parade. I dove into this book without hesitation because it had the earmarks of a perfect romance: Paris + a Bohemian American girl on backpacking vacay across Europe + a sexy, manly-man artist as yummy as pain au chocolat. Sprinkle in once-in-a-lifetime kismet, a quirky Sixties' setting, and I was sold.
It's 1969, the Age of Aquarius, and Aurora's 21st birthday in the City of Lights and Love … and there's a starving artist sculptor named Gaston (how very French) on the cusp of recognition. Free love is in the air. And did I mention Paris? Their voyeuristic "meet-cute" has people-watcher Aurora stumbling on Gaston's art studio where she spies on him in the window as he sculpts half-naked. The stars are aligned and when they meet face-to-face it’s ooh-la-la. I loved ALL the elements of this romance-in-the-making, except the execution and what happens next ...
48 pages is short, but this novella setup got shortchanged. It was a letdown that many of the MCs' inner thoughts and dialogue were so original and poetic, but everything happened so fast that there was zero chemistry. The narrative was basic in simple sentences that tell rather describe what happens. They just jump each other's bones, and then it ends. No lead-up or seduction. More like "hi, now take off your clothes". Clipped, uninspired, unromantic. Imagine the difference between the most visceral description of a kiss, compared to just being told that the MCs "kissed". That's a fair analogy.
The Sixties' vibe and lingo were right on, as was the free love philosophy befitting a pair of starving student, starving artist lovers. But, it's hard to sense any chemistry or story direction when they skip right to "getting it on" without any mental or physical foreplay. There were moments that really grabbed my attention, but mostly the expression of what was happening was underdeveloped and lacking. The author apparently once wrote for a primetime CBS series. It shows in this novella. Less is not more in a book. As someone in movie development myself, that pared-down, narrative style works for teleplays/screenplays, but not for books. The story needed more description. I never FELT what was happening. The subtleties and nuances of body language and chemistry weren't there. Example: "Tell me where your best talents lie." There is a long pause before he answers, "In bed with you, cherie." This is too much, too soon right after meeting her (palm to the face, buster) … and their actions just jump from one point to the next.
I got no sense of her writing style here and have no idea what's in store for them because there was no cliffy, so continuing with the next book is uncertain. Despite all that, the inner thoughts were great and there were some truly poetic quotes like:
"This is the kind of man that a woman makes mistakes with."
"I feel like gravity has left the earth."
"There is only one first time. That beautiful moment when everything is new. Here we are."
How do I reconcile words like that with the kind of simple sentences that cartoon dog Snoopy plunks on his typewriter?
[FYI: An age continuity issue for Aurora. If she’s 21 in 1969, she was born in 1948 not the 1950s. And she’ll turn 50 before the new century, not after it. Details matter. Also, the "getting to know you" convo when they met wasn’t even on the page for the reader, and is only referred to obliquely later in the story.]
"Who would fault a girl for looking at the artist who himself resembles a work of art?"
Who, indeed? Not me. Nope. This prequel novella had me at Paris. It’s my favorite jam. But not quite this time, and I hate raining on a new-to-me author’s parade. I dove into this book without hesitation because it had the earmarks of a perfect romance: Paris + a Bohemian American girl on backpacking vacay across Europe + a sexy, manly-man artist as yummy as pain au chocolat. Sprinkle in once-in-a-lifetime kismet, a quirky Sixties' setting, and I was sold.
It's 1969, the Age of Aquarius, and Aurora's 21st birthday in the City of Lights and Love … and there's a starving artist sculptor named Gaston (how very French) on the cusp of recognition. Free love is in the air. And did I mention Paris? Their voyeuristic "meet-cute" has people-watcher Aurora stumbling on Gaston's art studio where she spies on him in the window as he sculpts half-naked. The stars are aligned and when they meet face-to-face it’s ooh-la-la. I loved ALL the elements of this romance-in-the-making, except the execution and what happens next ...
48 pages is short, but this novella setup got shortchanged. It was a letdown that many of the MCs' inner thoughts and dialogue were so original and poetic, but everything happened so fast that there was zero chemistry. The narrative was basic in simple sentences that tell rather describe what happens. They just jump each other's bones, and then it ends. No lead-up or seduction. More like "hi, now take off your clothes". Clipped, uninspired, unromantic. Imagine the difference between the most visceral description of a kiss, compared to just being told that the MCs "kissed". That's a fair analogy.
The Sixties' vibe and lingo were right on, as was the free love philosophy befitting a pair of starving student, starving artist lovers. But, it's hard to sense any chemistry or story direction when they skip right to "getting it on" without any mental or physical foreplay. There were moments that really grabbed my attention, but mostly the expression of what was happening was underdeveloped and lacking. The author apparently once wrote for a primetime CBS series. It shows in this novella. Less is not more in a book. As someone in movie development myself, that pared-down, narrative style works for teleplays/screenplays, but not for books. The story needed more description. I never FELT what was happening. The subtleties and nuances of body language and chemistry weren't there. Example: "Tell me where your best talents lie." There is a long pause before he answers, "In bed with you, cherie." This is too much, too soon right after meeting her (palm to the face, buster) … and their actions just jump from one point to the next.
I got no sense of her writing style here and have no idea what's in store for them because there was no cliffy, so continuing with the next book is uncertain. Despite all that, the inner thoughts were great and there were some truly poetic quotes like:
"This is the kind of man that a woman makes mistakes with."
"I feel like gravity has left the earth."
"There is only one first time. That beautiful moment when everything is new. Here we are."
How do I reconcile words like that with the kind of simple sentences that cartoon dog Snoopy plunks on his typewriter?
[FYI: An age continuity issue for Aurora. If she’s 21 in 1969, she was born in 1948 not the 1950s. And she’ll turn 50 before the new century, not after it. Details matter. Also, the "getting to know you" convo when they met wasn’t even on the page for the reader, and is only referred to obliquely later in the story.]
April 1, 2023
This is a short story/novella that tells us how the Matriarch of the Lyon family found her Partner while on a backpacking trip through Europe.
This was beautiful ❤️
Narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell
He did a French accent for this as the main male character IS French. He did a pretty good job overall but he slipped into his native tongue a few times and when he said “Paris” he annunciated the “s” at the end and that’s not how it’s said in France. Very minor criticisms for a Native American doing a foreign accent.
Maxine seemed to slip into the French accent like a second glove though. It was so soft. She said “Paris” like pear-ree which is more native.
Lovely voices, lovely pairing, lovely writing ❤️
This was beautiful ❤️
Narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell
He did a French accent for this as the main male character IS French. He did a pretty good job overall but he slipped into his native tongue a few times and when he said “Paris” he annunciated the “s” at the end and that’s not how it’s said in France. Very minor criticisms for a Native American doing a foreign accent.
Maxine seemed to slip into the French accent like a second glove though. It was so soft. She said “Paris” like pear-ree which is more native.
Lovely voices, lovely pairing, lovely writing ❤️
October 19, 2021
I love this novella and this family. Here we see how Gaston and Aurora started. How they meet. How they fall in love. It takes place in another time and I loved that. It’s quick and fun and a great introduction to the series. I totally recommend it!! Go one click!
Want to read
October 21, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (10/21/2021)! 🎁
June 17, 2022
This story is the perfect teaser for the series to come. I like Joe Arden's voice, really like it but this french accent .. no. This narrator team is so good, the way they bring these characters alive is so amazing. I already know that Leslie Pike is a great writer, now another series that sounds like i'll be devouring.
June 10, 2022
Joe Arden and Maxime Mitchell were fantastic in their reading of this book. This was the perfect series opener! Honestly I wanted to listen to more of their story. That was the only short coming of this audiobook, not enough...That French accent was magnificent. This portrays a time when love and passion were so freely given. These two connect in such a powerful way. Instant chemistry and love. Truly a beautiful read/listen. Can't wait to read/listen to the rest of the series.
June 13, 2022
A Love for All Seasons is the first book in the Lyon Family series by Leslie Pike and a quick read or listen, depending on your preference. Set in 1969, it's the story of when Aurora Masters meet the sexy Gaston Lyon in Paris, France. There is nothing that can stop the chemistry and attraction between this American tourist and Frenchman.
The more I dive into Leslie Pike's work, the more I like it. Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell bring these characters to life in a way that other narrators wouldn't be able to. Joe's French was amazing and Maxine really brought was Aurora wanted in life to life. I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series.
The more I dive into Leslie Pike's work, the more I like it. Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell bring these characters to life in a way that other narrators wouldn't be able to. Joe's French was amazing and Maxine really brought was Aurora wanted in life to life. I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series.
August 14, 2022
*Audio Review*
I so LOVED this romantic prequel to the Lyons series. This is where it all begins. It's 1969 in Paris and Aurora is closing out her last week of her backpacking trip in the city of love. Gaston is a sculptor who falls for a young adventurous American woman. Even though it was quite a short prequel I felt complete with their love story. But I so wished it lasted a bit longer. Gaston and Aurora have set a great romantic foundation for this series.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell narrate with Joe doing a wonderful Gaston voice in a French accent.
I so LOVED this romantic prequel to the Lyons series. This is where it all begins. It's 1969 in Paris and Aurora is closing out her last week of her backpacking trip in the city of love. Gaston is a sculptor who falls for a young adventurous American woman. Even though it was quite a short prequel I felt complete with their love story. But I so wished it lasted a bit longer. Gaston and Aurora have set a great romantic foundation for this series.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell narrate with Joe doing a wonderful Gaston voice in a French accent.
January 23, 2022
Love For All Seasons (Lyon Family Series Book 1) by Leslie Pike. Narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell.
This start to the series is set back in the past in Paris. The city of love is an amazing backdrop for the meet up of Aurora and Gaston.
Picture a young Aurora backpacking her way across Europe and now in Paris where she hopes to soak up as much ambiance as she can prior to returning home to Montana. She’s found some interesting eye candy for her remaining days there but the sculptor Gaston is also watching her. Chance has these two peeping toms bumping into one another and it’s love at first site. Their connection was unreal and instantaneous and just how I would picture meeting a compelling stranger while abroad. Sizzling sexy strangers who take advantage of their time together.
I loved this audiobook because both Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell play so well off one another and their performances were real and fun loving too. This being the first instalment into what’s sure to be endless enjoyable series. And those accents were fantastic! It’s performances like this that makes me love audiobooks more and more.
#LesliePike
#JoeArden #MaxineMitchell
This start to the series is set back in the past in Paris. The city of love is an amazing backdrop for the meet up of Aurora and Gaston.
Picture a young Aurora backpacking her way across Europe and now in Paris where she hopes to soak up as much ambiance as she can prior to returning home to Montana. She’s found some interesting eye candy for her remaining days there but the sculptor Gaston is also watching her. Chance has these two peeping toms bumping into one another and it’s love at first site. Their connection was unreal and instantaneous and just how I would picture meeting a compelling stranger while abroad. Sizzling sexy strangers who take advantage of their time together.
I loved this audiobook because both Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell play so well off one another and their performances were real and fun loving too. This being the first instalment into what’s sure to be endless enjoyable series. And those accents were fantastic! It’s performances like this that makes me love audiobooks more and more.
#LesliePike
#JoeArden #MaxineMitchell
November 13, 2021
A Love for All Seasons
Lyon Family Series, Book 1
By: Leslie Pike
Narrated by: Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell
Paris. The setting for love. Aurora notices a handsome French sculptor, and for several days goes stealthily to observe him She doesn't go unnoticed though, and Gaston Lyon tells her so when she finally gets up the nerve to talk to him. Instant attraction, an unfathomable chemistry and a feeling of finding her soulmate, she is taken in as is he. But could it really last? Leslie Pike's quick introduction to this couple only left me wanting to know more. What happens, do they stay together? Could a love like this truly be real? I was taken in, quickly invested and now can't wait to hear more about their adventure to love. It's a fun look at Paris in 1969!
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are such a fantastic team. Arden with his French accent pulls us in and warms our hearts. Impossible not to fall for Gaston. Mitchell instills that fluttery feeling of new love and attraction. Loved these two and can't wait til their next performance.
Lyon Family Series, Book 1
By: Leslie Pike
Narrated by: Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell
Paris. The setting for love. Aurora notices a handsome French sculptor, and for several days goes stealthily to observe him She doesn't go unnoticed though, and Gaston Lyon tells her so when she finally gets up the nerve to talk to him. Instant attraction, an unfathomable chemistry and a feeling of finding her soulmate, she is taken in as is he. But could it really last? Leslie Pike's quick introduction to this couple only left me wanting to know more. What happens, do they stay together? Could a love like this truly be real? I was taken in, quickly invested and now can't wait to hear more about their adventure to love. It's a fun look at Paris in 1969!
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are such a fantastic team. Arden with his French accent pulls us in and warms our hearts. Impossible not to fall for Gaston. Mitchell instills that fluttery feeling of new love and attraction. Loved these two and can't wait til their next performance.
January 23, 2022
The free love philosophy of the sixties was brought to us in the most beautifully passionate way in this short prequel novella which gives us the story of Aurora and Gaston.
It is the summer of 1969 in the city of love. Aurora and Gaston had a voyeuristic meet cute. Aurora stumbled upon Gaston’s art studio and saw him sculpting half naked in the window, interest piqued in the manly man with the beautifully wild shoulder length mane, she goes back every day and sits across the street to watch him work.
Gaston put Aurora out of her misery on day three, their eyes met through the window before they met face to face and the stars aligned for the inter-continental lovers!
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are spectacular as Gaston and Aurora. Joe’s French accent is simply magnificent and Maxine’s performance as the free-spirited Aurora is enchanting. These two narrators are the perfect pairing, I love anything these two lend their voices too.
This beautifully written, insta love novella is the perfect introduction to the Lyon Family series.
It is the summer of 1969 in the city of love. Aurora and Gaston had a voyeuristic meet cute. Aurora stumbled upon Gaston’s art studio and saw him sculpting half naked in the window, interest piqued in the manly man with the beautifully wild shoulder length mane, she goes back every day and sits across the street to watch him work.
Gaston put Aurora out of her misery on day three, their eyes met through the window before they met face to face and the stars aligned for the inter-continental lovers!
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are spectacular as Gaston and Aurora. Joe’s French accent is simply magnificent and Maxine’s performance as the free-spirited Aurora is enchanting. These two narrators are the perfect pairing, I love anything these two lend their voices too.
This beautifully written, insta love novella is the perfect introduction to the Lyon Family series.
April 15, 2022
This is the first book by the author that I have read and it won't be the last.
I was excited by the prospect of it being set in the 60's and in Paris, having lived there and being my favourite city.
The clothing was described so well and I could picture myself right there, but I was underwhelmed by the lack of romanticism, both in terms of setting and their chemistry. It was literally I spy, meet and get it off.
Having experienced long distance love affairs, I was surprised by the lack of description of the why's and wherefore's. Gaston is a French sculptor but what about Aurora? Why couldn't she stay and why did he have to go to Montana?
I appreciate this is a very short story, but surely more could have been said about this, instead of what was happening in the airport? Will all this come out in future books?
Although Joe did a sterling job narrating, wouldn't it be possible to get a French narrator, e.g. Jean Reno or Vincent Cassel?
I look forward to reading one of the author's novels.
I was excited by the prospect of it being set in the 60's and in Paris, having lived there and being my favourite city.
The clothing was described so well and I could picture myself right there, but I was underwhelmed by the lack of romanticism, both in terms of setting and their chemistry. It was literally I spy, meet and get it off.
Having experienced long distance love affairs, I was surprised by the lack of description of the why's and wherefore's. Gaston is a French sculptor but what about Aurora? Why couldn't she stay and why did he have to go to Montana?
I appreciate this is a very short story, but surely more could have been said about this, instead of what was happening in the airport? Will all this come out in future books?
Although Joe did a sterling job narrating, wouldn't it be possible to get a French narrator, e.g. Jean Reno or Vincent Cassel?
I look forward to reading one of the author's novels.
June 24, 2022
Audiobook review
This is the start of something good!
This is A standalone novella Narrated by joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell who if you read my audiobook reviews know is my absolute favorite duo in narration, and bonus ya'll Joe with a French accent!!! Good lord is there anything hotter then that? Yes, yes there is… a steamy chapter where sex is involved read by Joe with a French accent 🥵🔥
Am I ashamed I’ve listened to this more then once? Hell no! It was short, it was sweet, swoony and steamy. I basically played it on a loop for 4 hours….☺️
Leslie Pike sure knows how to write every aspect of a great romance even in a short Novella. Gaston Lyon a starving artist in Paris meets Aurora Masters an American woman backpacking through Europe in 1969. A whirlwind romance with all the fun, flirty, sexy charm that leads to a lifetime. This Novella kicks off the Lyon Family Series and what a kick off it was! I lived it 5/5⭐️ I’m looking forward to the rest of this series.
This is the start of something good!
This is A standalone novella Narrated by joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell who if you read my audiobook reviews know is my absolute favorite duo in narration, and bonus ya'll Joe with a French accent!!! Good lord is there anything hotter then that? Yes, yes there is… a steamy chapter where sex is involved read by Joe with a French accent 🥵🔥
Am I ashamed I’ve listened to this more then once? Hell no! It was short, it was sweet, swoony and steamy. I basically played it on a loop for 4 hours….☺️
Leslie Pike sure knows how to write every aspect of a great romance even in a short Novella. Gaston Lyon a starving artist in Paris meets Aurora Masters an American woman backpacking through Europe in 1969. A whirlwind romance with all the fun, flirty, sexy charm that leads to a lifetime. This Novella kicks off the Lyon Family Series and what a kick off it was! I lived it 5/5⭐️ I’m looking forward to the rest of this series.
November 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this steamy novella about love and passion in Paris, the city of love and romance. Aurora Masters, has been traveling thru Europe, and Paris is her last stop before flying home to Montana. She is intrigued by a handsome French sculptor, who she surreptitiously watches for several days. But Gaston Lyon notices her as well and must meet the free spirited, beautiful woman. They connect from the start and their chemistry is explosive. When it is time for Aurora to leave, Gaston cannot bear to let her go. So begins the legacy of the Lyon family and allows us to understand the passion that drives them.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell were so perfect to give voice to these characters, making me care for them both in a short time. I loved their passionate performances and their accents, making this an enjoyable quick listen.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell were so perfect to give voice to these characters, making me care for them both in a short time. I loved their passionate performances and their accents, making this an enjoyable quick listen.
June 4, 2022
Insta-love in the Age of Aquarius
"A Love for all Seasons: Lyon Family Series Prequel" is the start of the Lyon family, although not the first book written in The Lyon Family Series. Depending on which Copyright you look at its either the third or fourth book published. But I decided to start here. Glad I did.
In Paris in 1969, 18 yr old Aurora becomes enamored of a sculptor she spies in a 2nd floor window opposite the cafe she's having her morning coffee. Gaston Lyon (the sculptor) notices, approaches, and BOOM a new family (and book series) is born. But seriously there are many steps in between. However it's only a 33 page story.
A Love for all Seasons is a fun and touching book. I enjoyed the 60's colloquialisms, clothing, attitudes, and dreams for the future. Looking forward to the next in series.
"A Love for all Seasons: Lyon Family Series Prequel" is the start of the Lyon family, although not the first book written in The Lyon Family Series. Depending on which Copyright you look at its either the third or fourth book published. But I decided to start here. Glad I did.
In Paris in 1969, 18 yr old Aurora becomes enamored of a sculptor she spies in a 2nd floor window opposite the cafe she's having her morning coffee. Gaston Lyon (the sculptor) notices, approaches, and BOOM a new family (and book series) is born. But seriously there are many steps in between. However it's only a 33 page story.
A Love for all Seasons is a fun and touching book. I enjoyed the 60's colloquialisms, clothing, attitudes, and dreams for the future. Looking forward to the next in series.
July 4, 2022
*I received access to the audiobook via Bookfunnel in exchange for my honest review.
In this novella, Leslie Pike brings vintage flair to the insta-love trope with American Aurora and Frenchman Gaston. Upon meeting and feeling strong mutual attraction, the couple acts on their desire passionately. Though they’ve only just met, we feel the authenticity in their bond. We want them to be more than a one night stand. Are they beginning a love story to share for generations?
A dynamic narration duo, Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are well cast. Joe’s French accent is clean, where other narrators may fall into caricature. Maxine makes thoughtful choices while emoting, bringing visibility to Aurora’s humanity.
Overall, I recommend this short introduction to the characters who originated the family and I’m looking forward to subsequent titles in the Lyon Family Series.
In this novella, Leslie Pike brings vintage flair to the insta-love trope with American Aurora and Frenchman Gaston. Upon meeting and feeling strong mutual attraction, the couple acts on their desire passionately. Though they’ve only just met, we feel the authenticity in their bond. We want them to be more than a one night stand. Are they beginning a love story to share for generations?
A dynamic narration duo, Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are well cast. Joe’s French accent is clean, where other narrators may fall into caricature. Maxine makes thoughtful choices while emoting, bringing visibility to Aurora’s humanity.
Overall, I recommend this short introduction to the characters who originated the family and I’m looking forward to subsequent titles in the Lyon Family Series.
November 14, 2021
This short romantic vignette, is set in the late 1960's, in city of love, Paris.
Aurora Masters, a free spirit is traveling thru Europe, Paris is her last city she was visiting before returning home to Montana.
That is where she meets the sculptor, Gaston Lyon. He looked at her as if she was a piece of treasured art. Their attraction is wild, sizzles and hot. For a short shory, it packs a lot of emotions, passion and love, They knew their two weeks of passion would be their lifetime of dreams.
Joe Arden is perfection as the sexy, hot Frenchman Gaston.
Maxine Mitchell has the perfect sass and sexiness to portray Aurora.
I enjoyed listening to the first story in the Lyon family series and look forward for more. I was gifted this audio by Leslie Pike and offered my honest review.
Aurora Masters, a free spirit is traveling thru Europe, Paris is her last city she was visiting before returning home to Montana.
That is where she meets the sculptor, Gaston Lyon. He looked at her as if she was a piece of treasured art. Their attraction is wild, sizzles and hot. For a short shory, it packs a lot of emotions, passion and love, They knew their two weeks of passion would be their lifetime of dreams.
Joe Arden is perfection as the sexy, hot Frenchman Gaston.
Maxine Mitchell has the perfect sass and sexiness to portray Aurora.
I enjoyed listening to the first story in the Lyon family series and look forward for more. I was gifted this audio by Leslie Pike and offered my honest review.
June 22, 2022
A wonderful short about how a vacation fling can become the foundation for something incredible.
A quick audio narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell. Joe was suave and sexy in full French accent as artist Gaston and Maxine was perfection as science minded American Aurora. The performances delivered by both made this short a full experience.
The story moved quickly without feeling rushed. It’s a pivotal moment in the life of these two characters that will change the course of their futures. It’s a tease that makes you curious for more and to find out how this prequel will fit into the broader series that starts with The Beach in Winter.
I requested and was provided with a copy of this audiobook. These are my honest thoughts.
A quick audio narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell. Joe was suave and sexy in full French accent as artist Gaston and Maxine was perfection as science minded American Aurora. The performances delivered by both made this short a full experience.
The story moved quickly without feeling rushed. It’s a pivotal moment in the life of these two characters that will change the course of their futures. It’s a tease that makes you curious for more and to find out how this prequel will fit into the broader series that starts with The Beach in Winter.
I requested and was provided with a copy of this audiobook. These are my honest thoughts.
June 15, 2022
This is a wonderful prequel novella for the Lyon Family series and tells the story of Aurora and Gaston. The setting is Paris 1969 details how they met and beginning of their beautiful relationship.
These two have an intent attraction and a blazing love affair. The opening scene of Aurora watch Gaston is magnificent.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are the perfect narrator voices for these characters. Their voices are so sexy, emotional and bring beautiful life to these characters.
I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review.
These two have an intent attraction and a blazing love affair. The opening scene of Aurora watch Gaston is magnificent.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are the perfect narrator voices for these characters. Their voices are so sexy, emotional and bring beautiful life to these characters.
I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review.
October 23, 2021
This novella is super quick as the love that explodes between Aurora and Gaston. Aurora is backpacking through France before her real life begins. She spots him in Paris and can't seem to take her eyes off him become a voyeur of sorts. Her imagination runs away with all sorts of thoughts about him. Gaston come to her rescue and knows she must be his. The story that we don't see is the week they spend together and I would have liked to see that unfold but what we do see I loved.
November 13, 2021
This quick and spicy novella tells the story between Aurora, an American tourist, and Gaston, a French sculptor. Set in Paris, their whirlwind romance shows how time and distance are no match for love. Their chemistry was instant and explosive. Because this is a novella, the story is fast-paced, and the romance develops quickly, yet it was a treat to get glimpses into the beginnings of this beautiful family.
November 14, 2021
***** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *****
The story is a quick super hot, super insta love. It's good if you"re looking for somethibg ultra light... no angst, no drama... just pure insta romance! The narration was AWESOME! I mean, Joe Arden goes french! How can i not love one of my favorite narrators speaking in the accent of love? i was held captive! Maxine Mitchell is an amazing hippie. i adored her free spirit and easy banter in this book.
The story is a quick super hot, super insta love. It's good if you"re looking for somethibg ultra light... no angst, no drama... just pure insta romance! The narration was AWESOME! I mean, Joe Arden goes french! How can i not love one of my favorite narrators speaking in the accent of love? i was held captive! Maxine Mitchell is an amazing hippie. i adored her free spirit and easy banter in this book.
March 2, 2022
I didn't realize that this was not contemporary romance. it's set in 1969, so that threw me some. it was really short, which isn't a complaint, but the last 18 or so minutes is a preview of another book. the narration was good. I don't think I was familiar with Maxine Mitchell before this. I wouldn't mind listening to her do something else, something longer. never had an issue with a Joe arden book. I liked the accent, it kicked up the spice a lot
June 19, 2022
I can’t say I loved this story about Aurora and Gaston. It was cute to see how they met. But I have to say I have met them as the “parents” in the previous books in the series and seeing them as sexy, young desirable things was difficult. Their story is short and ends abruptly as it almost feels unfinished.
I did listen to this on audio. Joe Arden is has a sexy french accent in here and Maxine Mitchell does a wonderful job as Aurora too.
I did listen to this on audio. Joe Arden is has a sexy french accent in here and Maxine Mitchell does a wonderful job as Aurora too.
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