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Love doesn’t have to be complicated, but sometimes life can get in the way. In his own words, speaking directly to the woman he’s falling for, Zach recounts a story of love and loss, uncertain whether this tale is one that ends in forever, or is ultimately about the woman who got away.
'My Story of Us: Zach' is the first narrative in the Story of Us collection, modern love stories written as intimate correspondence from a man to the woman he's falling for. Written and performed by Chris Brinkley, these stories are best experienced via audio.
'My Story of Us: Zach' is the first narrative in the Story of Us collection, modern love stories written as intimate correspondence from a man to the woman he's falling for. Written and performed by Chris Brinkley, these stories are best experienced via audio.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2021
27 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Chris Brinkley
3 books49 followersChris Brinkley is an experienced narrator, voice-over artist, NCAA Division I broadcaster, radio personality, and emcee. He is known as the voice of Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers Series, narrating and voicing all six brothers in the popular audiobook collection. Brinkley also narrates Reid’s Handcrafted Mystery Series and the Smartypants Romance Green Valley Chronicles. He is currently one of the top storytellers heard on Kevin Costner’s HearHere travel app and is heard weekly on the Curio audio journalism app. He is heard regularly on several documentary series on the History Channel, including D-Day in HD, and also on PBS. He co-produced, wrote, and hosted two nationally syndicated radio shows heard on stations throughout the US.
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Want to Read
June 29, 2021
GAH IT IS FINALLY HERE PEOPLE!!!
‘My Story of Us: ZACH’ by the voice of the Winston Brothers Chris Brinkley is LIVE! You can grab the audiobook, ebook, and even print copy right now! I am so excited for you all to listen and read Chris's debut novel!
'My Story of Us: ZACH’ is an all-new romantic novella chronicling the journey of love and life in a small-town setting. Written and performed as journal entries, I can’t wait for you to experience the storytelling of Chris Brinkley.
** LINKS **
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3yw8GDU
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3fwjE3m
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3ouw9Rm
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3u7o9qF
Apple Books: https://apple.co/33XCds1
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3yugje7
Nook: https://bit.ly/3uUPw8m
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3yeFEs6
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3eYsdFb
Audiobook: Coming soon!
** BLURB **
Love doesn’t have to be complicated, but sometimes life can get in the way. In his own words, speaking directly to the woman he’s falling for, Zach recounts a story of love and loss, uncertain whether this tale is one that ends in forever, or is ultimately about the woman who got away.
‘My Story of Us: Zach’ is the first narrative in the Story of Us collection, modern love stories written as intimate correspondence from a man to the woman he’s falling for. Written and performed by Chris Brinkley, these stories are best experienced via audio.
Want to Read
June 29, 2021** NOW LIVE **
TODAY is the day!! ‘My Story of Us: ZACH’, book one in the STORY OF US Collection by acclaimed narrator and debut author Chris Brinkley -Storyteller is ALIVE! We’ve got your audiobook, your ebook, and even your print copy. ALL the things! Happy Release Day, Chris! We are thrilled to collaborate with your talented self.
“My Story of Us: ZACH’ is an all-new romantic novella chronicling the journey of love and life in a small-town setting. Written and performed as journal entries, we can’t wait for you to experience the storytelling of Chris Brinkley.
★ ★ Your ebook copy awaits ★ ★
AUDIBLE: https://adbl.co/35MqoFY
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3yw8GDU
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3fwjE3m
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3ouw9Rm
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3u7o9qF
Apple Books: https://apple.co/33XCds1
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3yugje7
Nook: https://bit.ly/3uUPw8m
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3yeFEs6
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3eYsdFb
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
Love doesn’t have to be complicated, but sometimes life can get in the way. In his own words, speaking directly to the woman he’s falling for, Zach recounts a story of love and loss, uncertain whether this tale is one that ends in forever, or is ultimately about the woman who got away.
‘My Story of Us: Zach’ is the first narrative in the Story of Us collection, modern love stories written as intimate correspondence from a man to the woman he’s falling for. Written and performed by Chris Brinkley, these stories are best experienced via audio.
June 29, 2021
You guys. This novella was unlike anything I’ve ever read before.
I. Loved. It.
There was so much EMOTION. The way this book was written - a journal through Zach’s eyes, what he notices, how he feels. His hardships, and fears.
This book made me laugh. It made me shake my head at the cheesy crush level of dorkiness. And it warmed my heart.
I love when something happens in a book that is so closely related to your own life that you say “Oh my gosh! That’s me!! That’s how I feel!! I’m not alone!!!!”
It happened in this book.
There were times I felt like I was there, present in the moment with what was going on.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ loved it.
I. Loved. It.
There was so much EMOTION. The way this book was written - a journal through Zach’s eyes, what he notices, how he feels. His hardships, and fears.
This book made me laugh. It made me shake my head at the cheesy crush level of dorkiness. And it warmed my heart.
I love when something happens in a book that is so closely related to your own life that you say “Oh my gosh! That’s me!! That’s how I feel!! I’m not alone!!!!”
It happened in this book.
There were times I felt like I was there, present in the moment with what was going on.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ loved it.
Read
June 30, 2021DNF.
This was not for me.
I liked the idea of the book and I knew it was written like a journal.
And I so wanted to like this.
But I couldn't get into it.
I didn't like the style. I'm not sure if it was the spacings of the paragraphs, some seemed very long and I think for this type of writing style to hold my interest shorter paragraphs may have helped.
Not for me sorry, I didn't get much past the first few chapters.
I hope it works for you, I recommend trying a sample if you are not sure.
This was not for me.
I liked the idea of the book and I knew it was written like a journal.
And I so wanted to like this.
But I couldn't get into it.
I didn't like the style. I'm not sure if it was the spacings of the paragraphs, some seemed very long and I think for this type of writing style to hold my interest shorter paragraphs may have helped.
Not for me sorry, I didn't get much past the first few chapters.
I hope it works for you, I recommend trying a sample if you are not sure.
October 26, 2022
I read /listened to Thomas' book first (Thomas is Zach's friend).
This is ALL Zach's book & just a brief mention of Thomas.
This is all Zach's POV (just like Thomas's book).
I really enjoyed getting a male pov, since a majority of the time, it's the heroine's story that dominates a book.
This has less angst than Thomas. I love Chris Brinkley's narration. I really enjoyed this story.
This is a perfect valentine. Zach' internal monologue. The story progresses from when they meet to
their dating/relationship building, and Thomas' family issues.
This is ALL Zach's book & just a brief mention of Thomas.
This is all Zach's POV (just like Thomas's book).
I really enjoyed getting a male pov, since a majority of the time, it's the heroine's story that dominates a book.
This has less angst than Thomas. I love Chris Brinkley's narration. I really enjoyed this story.
This is a perfect valentine. Zach' internal monologue. The story progresses from when they meet to
their dating/relationship building, and Thomas' family issues.
August 7, 2024
This is really sweet!
It’s a short novella, which is written in journal form, as a guy writes secret little letters to his girlfriend throughout the year in his version of ‘The Story of Us.’ (I’d love to read her side of things, too.)
It’s very simple, but endearing. There is some self reflection and the facing of challenges, but it’s mostly light and cute. Kind of cheesy. Maybe unrealistic. But maybe every girl is sort of wishing her boyfriend expressed these kind of thoughts and feelings to her. And it’s always kind of fun to get a peek into someone’s secret diary.
There’s not a lot to this, but it was a fun and quick read.
(It’s recommended to listen on audio which could be great; but I only had access to the e-book.)
(I read this for the Alphabet Challenge for Z.)
It’s a short novella, which is written in journal form, as a guy writes secret little letters to his girlfriend throughout the year in his version of ‘The Story of Us.’ (I’d love to read her side of things, too.)
It’s very simple, but endearing. There is some self reflection and the facing of challenges, but it’s mostly light and cute. Kind of cheesy. Maybe unrealistic. But maybe every girl is sort of wishing her boyfriend expressed these kind of thoughts and feelings to her. And it’s always kind of fun to get a peek into someone’s secret diary.
There’s not a lot to this, but it was a fun and quick read.
(It’s recommended to listen on audio which could be great; but I only had access to the e-book.)
(I read this for the Alphabet Challenge for Z.)
June 29, 2021
Sweet and Simple
Straightforward and so cute! This novella has it all. I liked the journal-style entries and the raw emotion of each big moment. This one is as wholesome as it is sweet.
Straightforward and so cute! This novella has it all. I liked the journal-style entries and the raw emotion of each big moment. This one is as wholesome as it is sweet.
August 10, 2021
3.5 stars - I read this book and listened to it and the audio packs more of a punch of emotion into the story than the book. Chris Brinkley is a gifted story teller, and that has never been more evident than in this situation, reading his own words.
This story is unlike anything I’d read before, even compared to other epistolary books. As the reader or listener it feels like we are privy to very intimate information; it’s almost voyeuristic.
The story is meant to be broken, odd bits and stories that make up a year of a relationship, but at times it feels like it gets a little off track and waxes philosophical.
It is a very big emotional and moving story condensed into a small package. I completely recommend it, but I feel like the audiobook is the only way to go with this one. If I had to rate my reading experience, I think it would be a little lower.
This story is unlike anything I’d read before, even compared to other epistolary books. As the reader or listener it feels like we are privy to very intimate information; it’s almost voyeuristic.
The story is meant to be broken, odd bits and stories that make up a year of a relationship, but at times it feels like it gets a little off track and waxes philosophical.
It is a very big emotional and moving story condensed into a small package. I completely recommend it, but I feel like the audiobook is the only way to go with this one. If I had to rate my reading experience, I think it would be a little lower.
Did Not Finish
September 14, 2021The idea is nice: let's look at a man's perspective in a romance (although it is not a new idea, we have many great love stories with a man's voice). And Chris Brinkley as a narrator of most (I think) Penny Reid's novels should know the types of her heroes.
But, to me, there wasn't enough substance to make me want to finish it. I had the feeling it was written only to make me sigh. I don't mind using a franchise, but you have to give something new/original.
Moreover, the hero wasn't thought through. One moment he said he has the attention span of a goldfish and later that he liked to be prepared (for a meeting, work, etc.). I don't think one person could have both features.
Perhaps I am too critical of it. Perhaps I should give it a chance and read to the end (after all it has only 50 pages).
But, to me, there wasn't enough substance to make me want to finish it. I had the feeling it was written only to make me sigh. I don't mind using a franchise, but you have to give something new/original.
Moreover, the hero wasn't thought through. One moment he said he has the attention span of a goldfish and later that he liked to be prepared (for a meeting, work, etc.). I don't think one person could have both features.
Perhaps I am too critical of it. Perhaps I should give it a chance and read to the end (after all it has only 50 pages).
July 28, 2022
I love Chris Brinkley’s narrations and was really looking forward to this. Unfortunately, My Story of Us didn’t work for me. I know it was short, but I still didn’t feel like I knew Zach that well. Or the woman he was dating - who was never named. I think that contributed to this vagueness as to who she was.
There was quite a bit of repetition for such a short story. The bones/outline of the story was sweet … but the journaling format felt disjointed at times.
Narration:
I enjoyed Brinkley’s performance. I didn’t like all the sound effects: music during the beginning and end of each entry or noises like cell phones, car sounds, etc. It was distracting from his speaking.
There was quite a bit of repetition for such a short story. The bones/outline of the story was sweet … but the journaling format felt disjointed at times.
Narration:
I enjoyed Brinkley’s performance. I didn’t like all the sound effects: music during the beginning and end of each entry or noises like cell phones, car sounds, etc. It was distracting from his speaking.
August 2, 2021
This was a cute story, but I just don't think it was for me.
I love the premise, it was a series of journal entries from the hero's perspective recapping his relationship.
Unfortunately it was a little cheesy and old fashioned for me. It felt like if a Nicholas Spark's character wrote a journal.
If you want a romance you can listen to with your mother, this may be the one for you.
I love the premise, it was a series of journal entries from the hero's perspective recapping his relationship.
Unfortunately it was a little cheesy and old fashioned for me. It felt like if a Nicholas Spark's character wrote a journal.
If you want a romance you can listen to with your mother, this may be the one for you.
September 3, 2021
I couldn't get into this book as I didn't like the narrative.
October 16, 2021
Wow! How can I know so little about two characters but care so much! This is one of those books that gets down to who a person is not WHAT he/she is! I finished the book realizing we don’t know what the two main characters do for a living or what they look like - not even an eye or hair color… not their NAMES. But all their feelings and emotions and the trials they go through give us a clear picture who they are as people. This was a male POV journal entry but was as sweet and open and honest as a real journal. We got to know the author very well without even knowing his (or her) name… how often do you write your own name in your own journal entries? Not unless you’re direct quoting something someone else says to or about you. And yet I felt all his hopes and fears and hopelessness. Because it was a novella there are things that could have been expanded upon but again some of the vagueness makes sense for a journal entry, especially for someone new to journaling. So again it just felt very honest and and genuine. It stuck to the romance so it was very clean… this wasn’t a rom/com or an adventure romance… it’s a journal about a man falling for a woman. Anyway I don’t think I’ve read such a unique romance since Shay Savage’s Transcendence… that’s a big compliment in my book!
July 2, 2021
I honestly had no idea what to feel or think after reading this book. I ruminated over it all for a day or two. I think because it's so very different from the kind of straight forward love story I'm used to reading, the kind I always gravitate towards. The love stories with a beginning, middle and end. Whereas this one was a disjointed collection of days and months, involving a man falling in love, experiencing a painful yet beautiful and memorable year, of cementing something long lasting and how it all came to be. Like a wonderful piece of romance you would tell your grandkids after they ask how grandma and grandpa met and fell in love.
It felt a little strange, slightly voyeuristic, almost like I was sneaking a peek inside someone's real diary. But I guess this also added more to the overall story, it made it feel more poignant, sweet and powerful.
It took me a chapter or two to really get into the writing style but the musings, anecdotes and overwhelming emotions evident in each chapter captured me by the end. It was heartbreaking and uplifting, real but also interesting and odd.
It felt a little strange, slightly voyeuristic, almost like I was sneaking a peek inside someone's real diary. But I guess this also added more to the overall story, it made it feel more poignant, sweet and powerful.
It took me a chapter or two to really get into the writing style but the musings, anecdotes and overwhelming emotions evident in each chapter captured me by the end. It was heartbreaking and uplifting, real but also interesting and odd.
June 29, 2021
A beautifully vulnerable novella Chris Brinkley not only narrates but wrote as well. Prepare to fall in love with Zach and his ability to put into words what he feels. You will laugh, cry, swoon and go through all the emotional Rollercoaster stops! From an AB performance aspect Mr. Brinkley definitely makes you feel so many emotions with his performance. His ability to tell a story is stellar and unique in his own way and I'm here for all of it.
March 2, 2024
I believe in love again. I swooned. I cried.
SOUND EFFECTS!!!
It was like the MMC was written by a woman BUT HE WAS WRITTEN BY A MAN!!
I love CB. He can do no wrong. And I was little nervous about listening to this bc I was afraid of being let down. But I’m in love. I’ve always been his biggest fan but I think my fandom just tripled!!!
SOUND EFFECTS!!!
It was like the MMC was written by a woman BUT HE WAS WRITTEN BY A MAN!!
I love CB. He can do no wrong. And I was little nervous about listening to this bc I was afraid of being let down. But I’m in love. I’ve always been his biggest fan but I think my fandom just tripled!!!
March 14, 2024
O Chris Brinkley é narrador de audiobooks e eu gosto muito da voz dele que já conhecia de outros livros ouvidos. E ele escreveu essa história e obviamente a narrou.
Achei bem legal ler um romance escrito por um homem e ele contar a história de amor que está começando a viver através das entradas de um diário por 1 ano.
Achei um tanto piegas.
Mas é fofo, rapidinho de ouvir. 2 horas.
Achei bem legal ler um romance escrito por um homem e ele contar a história de amor que está começando a viver através das entradas de um diário por 1 ano.
Achei um tanto piegas.
Mas é fofo, rapidinho de ouvir. 2 horas.
August 12, 2021
I really didn’t care for the sound effects in the production of this audio … but I unexpectedly LOVED that the reader gets to be the love interest of this cute little story!
July 30, 2021
What a wonderful book from first time author Chris Brinkley!! I listened to the audio of this serial-style through the Smartypants Romance Patreon page. Such an incredible story that had me laughing in some parts and tearing up in others. I hope there’s more to come from this author.
March 21, 2024
It's the start of a new year and Zach decides to start a journal to chronicle what could become his love story.
This is the first book in the My Story of Us series. The books in this series can be read as stand-alones and in any order. The concept for this whole series is distinctive in that each of the books is told exclusively from the man’s point of view. The stories are also unique in that the women aren’t directly named and are even described physically. Readers are left to their own imaginings.
I would consider this an epistolary romance. While it does not contain letter writing, Zach is writing these journal entries as though this woman will someday read them. There’s something very sweet about the way Zach details his crush and subsequent relationship. (I smiled a lot while listening. I may have giggled at least once…maybe twice.)
I highly recommend the audio (read by the author) but would suggest listening at the standard 1x speed. There are some sounds and background noise sprinkled throughout the audio that sound weird if sped up. The audiobook is about 2 hours long.
So far there are three books in this series: Zach, Thomas, and Grayson and each are very different. I think there are supposed to be two more at some point and I look forward to listening to all of them.
I purchased my copies of this book and the audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the first book in the My Story of Us series. The books in this series can be read as stand-alones and in any order. The concept for this whole series is distinctive in that each of the books is told exclusively from the man’s point of view. The stories are also unique in that the women aren’t directly named and are even described physically. Readers are left to their own imaginings.
I would consider this an epistolary romance. While it does not contain letter writing, Zach is writing these journal entries as though this woman will someday read them. There’s something very sweet about the way Zach details his crush and subsequent relationship. (I smiled a lot while listening. I may have giggled at least once…maybe twice.)
I highly recommend the audio (read by the author) but would suggest listening at the standard 1x speed. There are some sounds and background noise sprinkled throughout the audio that sound weird if sped up. The audiobook is about 2 hours long.
So far there are three books in this series: Zach, Thomas, and Grayson and each are very different. I think there are supposed to be two more at some point and I look forward to listening to all of them.
I purchased my copies of this book and the audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 24, 2021
2 1/2 Stars - I really like Chris Brinkley as a narrator, so I was excited to see that he had branched out into a short story. But this story just wasn't compelling to me... I didn't have a drive to keep reading. It feels almost like it's an ok outline or first draft of a story, but it starts out with too much telling instead of showing. Once the story branches into a little more content, we end up with a storyline that I hate . This story had a cute premise, of someone keeping a journal of their relationship as it went along, but that format made it seem like looking back on events generally, rather than recounting specifics. If Chris keeps writing, I hope that he spends more time in the editing phase next time. As always, the narration was great.
September 7, 2021
This was a syrupy, sappy story of a dull guy falling in love. Not funny, witty or interesting. Picnics in the park, trip to the museum, classical concert, then some family drama. This was a Hallmark Channel romance. I guess the Smartypants romances are dull and boring. If you love clean and dull, this is for you.
April 10, 2022
Knowing my love for audiobooks, Chris Brinkley reached out and gifted me this audiobook, written and narrated by himself.
This audio is unlike any I've experienced before. Told entirely through journal entries (all addressed to the woman he loves), we begin with a January 1st entry, with Zach telling us of his complete infatuation with her. Through the next entries, during the whole year, we see them get to know each other better, fall in love, fall apart (for reasons out of their control) and find their way back to each other. (The chapters are peppered with little special effects for ambiance. It's perfect!)
This novella is sweet, dorky and cheesy at some times, sad at others, but truly endearing! It's about love, but most of all it's about living - most of of the time we are dealing with things we didn't plan, didn't expect, or hope didn't happen. It's who we choose to lean on in this journey that counts.
I already knew Chris was a talented narrator. Whaddya know? He's a gifted writer too!
Thanks again, Chris, for the gift of Zach's story! It was a joy to listen!
Possible Triggers (spoilerish): alcoholism; dealing with an ailing parent; death of a parent
This audio is unlike any I've experienced before. Told entirely through journal entries (all addressed to the woman he loves), we begin with a January 1st entry, with Zach telling us of his complete infatuation with her. Through the next entries, during the whole year, we see them get to know each other better, fall in love, fall apart (for reasons out of their control) and find their way back to each other. (The chapters are peppered with little special effects for ambiance. It's perfect!)
This novella is sweet, dorky and cheesy at some times, sad at others, but truly endearing! It's about love, but most of all it's about living - most of of the time we are dealing with things we didn't plan, didn't expect, or hope didn't happen. It's who we choose to lean on in this journey that counts.
I already knew Chris was a talented narrator. Whaddya know? He's a gifted writer too!
Thanks again, Chris, for the gift of Zach's story! It was a joy to listen!
Possible Triggers (spoilerish): alcoholism; dealing with an ailing parent; death of a parent
December 8, 2021
✍🏻 My story of us: Zach by Chris Brinkley ✍🏻
🎧 Narrated by Chris Brinkley.
💟 I got this audiobook thanks to Chris Brinkley's generosity while searching for more audiobooks he narrated.
I didn't know what to expect from this audio and I didn't even read the blurb.
🤔 This is so different from what I'm used to.
This story is a personal diary of a man about his love and life. ✍🏻
💞 I don't think I would have felt all the emotions I felt throughout this book if I was reading it and not listening to the audiobook.
I was so drawn to the story and Zach's feelings and thoughts.
😳 I've never read or listened to this kind of book.
💜 This story wasn't only about a man falling in love but also a man discovering that life isn't as predictable as you might think.
💜 And that the real change in your life isn't what's happening, it's how you are handling it.
🎧 It's only my second time listening to Chris Brinkley's narration and I must say it's so good!
His voice has so many emotions and different tones that feels like he's talking to us and not reading a story. 😍
🎧 Narrated by Chris Brinkley.
💟 I got this audiobook thanks to Chris Brinkley's generosity while searching for more audiobooks he narrated.
I didn't know what to expect from this audio and I didn't even read the blurb.
🤔 This is so different from what I'm used to.
This story is a personal diary of a man about his love and life. ✍🏻
💞 I don't think I would have felt all the emotions I felt throughout this book if I was reading it and not listening to the audiobook.
I was so drawn to the story and Zach's feelings and thoughts.
😳 I've never read or listened to this kind of book.
💜 This story wasn't only about a man falling in love but also a man discovering that life isn't as predictable as you might think.
💜 And that the real change in your life isn't what's happening, it's how you are handling it.
🎧 It's only my second time listening to Chris Brinkley's narration and I must say it's so good!
His voice has so many emotions and different tones that feels like he's talking to us and not reading a story. 😍
July 19, 2021
When I heard that one of my favourite narrators was releasing his first book/novella I couldn’t wait to read it, so jumped on line and pre-ordered and waited for the release. And then was even more excited when I realised that there was an audio version. If you’ve ever heard Chris narrate a story then you’ll understand. Wow! So good.
Anyway, the audio version of My Story of Us: Zach , is a great quick easy listening romantic (but with a little heartache (which I love) thrown in) tale or rather diary entries of a man falling in love. It’s written just like one would write down their personal thoughts in their diary/journal to express their hopes, dreams and their feelings both highs and lows. And you are taken on this journey as you listen (or read) each diary entry. You can help but feel all the emotions portrayed as you get caught up within the pages of the story being told (and this isn’t an easy achievement).
I can’t wait to find out what next in the series.
Anyway, the audio version of My Story of Us: Zach , is a great quick easy listening romantic (but with a little heartache (which I love) thrown in) tale or rather diary entries of a man falling in love. It’s written just like one would write down their personal thoughts in their diary/journal to express their hopes, dreams and their feelings both highs and lows. And you are taken on this journey as you listen (or read) each diary entry. You can help but feel all the emotions portrayed as you get caught up within the pages of the story being told (and this isn’t an easy achievement).
I can’t wait to find out what next in the series.
August 23, 2021
“I wanted to know the answer to the question of you.”
To preface- I went into this novella blind, other than I kept hearing it said “best enjoyed as an audiobook”. I’ll be honest- there was a part of me that felt frustrated by that statement. “If you write a book- it needs to be enjoyed read with eyes just as well as listened with ears” is my somewhat narrow line of thinking. I *know* Chris Brinkley is a fantastic narrator- and I’ve heard this is fantastic in audio- but, I’m not an audio girl. It’s not my thing.
So- how did I feel after reading this with my eyes? To put it succinctly: I absolutely loved it.
I enjoyed this really unique style of writing. I honestly can’t think of anything to compare it to other than it truly felt like reading someone’s diary. I think anyone who has ever journaled in any capacity will be able to appreciate this honest portrayal of a man falling in love and all the highs and lows that go along with that. I smiled, was tearful, and FELT. I felt. It was sweet and pure, heartbreaking and honest and I just flat out really enjoyed it. I liked the quick journal entries with dates. This was a perfect little novella and I really look forward to whatever comes next from Chris Brinkley.
To preface- I went into this novella blind, other than I kept hearing it said “best enjoyed as an audiobook”. I’ll be honest- there was a part of me that felt frustrated by that statement. “If you write a book- it needs to be enjoyed read with eyes just as well as listened with ears” is my somewhat narrow line of thinking. I *know* Chris Brinkley is a fantastic narrator- and I’ve heard this is fantastic in audio- but, I’m not an audio girl. It’s not my thing.
So- how did I feel after reading this with my eyes? To put it succinctly: I absolutely loved it.
I enjoyed this really unique style of writing. I honestly can’t think of anything to compare it to other than it truly felt like reading someone’s diary. I think anyone who has ever journaled in any capacity will be able to appreciate this honest portrayal of a man falling in love and all the highs and lows that go along with that. I smiled, was tearful, and FELT. I felt. It was sweet and pure, heartbreaking and honest and I just flat out really enjoyed it. I liked the quick journal entries with dates. This was a perfect little novella and I really look forward to whatever comes next from Chris Brinkley.
March 10, 2023
First things first: listen to this as an audiobook. Chris Brinkley's voice is everything.
Second of all: I loved this short book! It's not written in prose, but as an epistolary (diary-style, not letter-style). Specifically, a man writing letters to his (crush, then girlfriend) about how he feels about her during the period when they're falling in love.
In Romance, we see a lot of stories that are dual POV written by women. This book brought something fresh—a male POV that felt utterly authentic. Even in this day and age, so many men in romance novels are portrayed as stoic—capable of deep love for a partner only in spite of emotional disconnection. I believe this common portrayal reduces men and disservices ideas of masculinity. But this book counteracted that. I loved that hero Zach was everything we don't easily allow men to be: vulnerable, emotionally complex, and utterly romantic.
Five enthusiastic stars.
Second of all: I loved this short book! It's not written in prose, but as an epistolary (diary-style, not letter-style). Specifically, a man writing letters to his (crush, then girlfriend) about how he feels about her during the period when they're falling in love.
In Romance, we see a lot of stories that are dual POV written by women. This book brought something fresh—a male POV that felt utterly authentic. Even in this day and age, so many men in romance novels are portrayed as stoic—capable of deep love for a partner only in spite of emotional disconnection. I believe this common portrayal reduces men and disservices ideas of masculinity. But this book counteracted that. I loved that hero Zach was everything we don't easily allow men to be: vulnerable, emotionally complex, and utterly romantic.
Five enthusiastic stars.
December 17, 2024
WHY IS THE BOOK COMMUNITY SLEEPING ON THIS ONE!? In case you need some reasons to go snag you a copy of this book here are 4 reasons.
1. It is written solely through the MMC as a journal and the introspective is as refreshing as it is insightful.
2. The real life scenarios, advice, and anxieties are so relatable that you can really understand the depth/ growth of the MMC.
3. It's clean, and my 14 year old daughter who loves a good pg rated romance book can also read it, so she is SO pumped to listen to this one now that I've finished it. There's not enough like this out there that is perfect for teens and adults that enjoy a good meet cute happy ending romance.
4. It's written in a way that you, the listener, ARE the FMC. As odd as that sounds, when you listen/ read it you'll totally get!
1. It is written solely through the MMC as a journal and the introspective is as refreshing as it is insightful.
2. The real life scenarios, advice, and anxieties are so relatable that you can really understand the depth/ growth of the MMC.
3. It's clean, and my 14 year old daughter who loves a good pg rated romance book can also read it, so she is SO pumped to listen to this one now that I've finished it. There's not enough like this out there that is perfect for teens and adults that enjoy a good meet cute happy ending romance.
4. It's written in a way that you, the listener, ARE the FMC. As odd as that sounds, when you listen/ read it you'll totally get!
July 3, 2021
Fantastic debut novel from my fave male narrator (from Penny Reid and Smartypants Romance - the "voice of Green Valley"). It took me a little bit of listening to get into the character of Zach and out of hearing him as a Winston or other Green Valley character. There have been so many books of him in that role!
I'm never quite sure how a book will go when the storyline is told as a series of letters or journal entries, but it worked here. Zach is writing the story of how he and his love met, from the day after, through the first year of their relationship - it's ups and downs, the little things he loves about her, and he sort of does the journal entries like he's writing her letters professing his undying love, but knowing she will never read them. It's a beautiful love story and they go through the typical difficulties of a relationship, but all seen through his eyes. It feels more like a real relationship than a typical romance. I quite enjoyed it!
I'm never quite sure how a book will go when the storyline is told as a series of letters or journal entries, but it worked here. Zach is writing the story of how he and his love met, from the day after, through the first year of their relationship - it's ups and downs, the little things he loves about her, and he sort of does the journal entries like he's writing her letters professing his undying love, but knowing she will never read them. It's a beautiful love story and they go through the typical difficulties of a relationship, but all seen through his eyes. It feels more like a real relationship than a typical romance. I quite enjoyed it!
October 27, 2022
I do love having Chris Brinkley's voice in my ear.
I love rom-coms, romance novels, and love stories. So I read a lot of them. This is great fun for me, but it does mean that my own personal "market" is oversaturated. It's going to take a truly great romance to get more than three stars. In case you are interested:
Relyn's personal rom-com & romance novel rating system
5 stars - This book is excellent. It stands out from the hundreds of other love stories I've read, and I loved it.
4 stars - Oh, I really, really liked this one.
3 stars - This was a good, entertaining book and I'm glad that I read it.
2 stars - Meh - boring, or overdone, or in some other way just not a good fit for me
1 star - This one stunk.
I love rom-coms, romance novels, and love stories. So I read a lot of them. This is great fun for me, but it does mean that my own personal "market" is oversaturated. It's going to take a truly great romance to get more than three stars. In case you are interested:
Relyn's personal rom-com & romance novel rating system
5 stars - This book is excellent. It stands out from the hundreds of other love stories I've read, and I loved it.
4 stars - Oh, I really, really liked this one.
3 stars - This was a good, entertaining book and I'm glad that I read it.
2 stars - Meh - boring, or overdone, or in some other way just not a good fit for me
1 star - This one stunk.
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