A man saddled with grief, who isn’t looking for love… A fiercely independent single woman… And a friendship that should never become more…
Aargon I’m not looking for love. Hell, I can barely see my way through to the end of every day, but I do it for my son. What choice do I have? Not exactly what I planned for my life, but this is where things ended up.
The one bright spot is my best friend, my favorite sparring partner, the funniest person I know, and the only woman who seems able to accept me without demanding more than I can give. Barbra.
And yeah, she’s sexy. But she’s leaving, and friends is all we can ever be.
Barbra Being Aargon’s sister-in-law’s sister doesn’t make us blood. But it does mean we’ll be in each other’s lives… pretty much forever.
And that’s only reason number one why giving in to our desires would be a terrible idea. Reason number two? I’m months away from the trip I’ve been planning my whole life. I’m moving to Europe, and I have no plans to return.
But now? Europe’s shine has faded next to the spark and joy I feel igniting between us.
Leaves in Autumn is a single dad, opposites attract standalone contemporary romance with a happily ever after.
(audiobook) This author loves to mix a little drama with her steamy love stories. This time, I think she perfected the recipe.
Aargon and Barbra are family, but not related–his brother is marrying her sister. But most of all, and despite a nine year age gap and opposite personalities, they’re friends. And I loved their friendship. Barbra’s energy brings out nuggets of fun from Aargon’s broody soul, and he tames her and grounds her somewhat. But not completely, since she’s about to leave for Europe.
Though they objectively find each other attractive, they really don’t see each other in that way. It’s only after a disinhibited night of fun, and maybe after the realization that they don’t have much time left, that they finally cross the line. They had feelings for each other, but when sex joins the party, they see them differently.
Feelings are good, but chemistry? Even better. In bed–or anywhere else–Barbra and Aargon are explosive. But what I enjoyed the most, was that not everything was perfect every time. They’re a bit older, so the old machinery doesn’t work as well as when they were younger. But they also have a lot more experience, and they learned things. I found their intimacy quite realistic. And still hot.
The whole Lyon family makes an appearance. Or two. Or a few. There’s a Dove concert; Van and Layla’s wedding; some family parties; and Gaston and Aurora watch their big tribe with love. Which was in stark contrast with Barbra’s family. Sure, she has quality time with her sister, but if the Lyons hadn’t basically adopted her, she would be quite alone.
So where’s the drama, you ask. Besides Barbra’s familial troubles–that we see more of–it’s mostly regarding Aargon. The man is a widower, and we get to know how he lost his wife, and the impact that death had on his life. The whole story shows how Aargon slowly gets out of the pit of despair he was in, with the help of Barbra, and his therapist. And his son, a little bit. And maybe the rest of his family. It seemed quite surprising that, in so many years, he didn’t manage to do it already. Although, to be honest, his relationship with Barbra, and his therapist, are both quite new.
Narration was perfection. The female narrator did great with Barbra’s energy and sass, and the male narrator nailed Aargon’s broody attitude. It was a good conclusion to the series.
Quickie
- Series: Lyon family #5 (can be read as a standalone) - Hashtags: #friends to lovers #opposites attract #age gap #older couple #single dad #widower - Triggers: mental health struggles, mention of suicide - Main couple: Barbra Silver & Aargon Lyon - Hotness: 4/5 - Romance: 4/5 - + I’m all for an older couple, especially with an age gap - – sometimes there were too many dialogues and not enough introspection?
This is book 5 in the Lyon Family series. While Aargon & Barbra’s relationship is fully covered in this book – there are a lot of characters and events referred to from previous books. The series is best enjoyed in order starting with The Beach in Winter.
Another emotional ride with Leslie Pike and the Lyon Family. I was laughing so hard during most of this book. Not only the regular family antics and banter - but Aargon and Barbra have such a fun friendship. Their verbal sparring and over the top capers are delightful. Pike contrasts this with some serious emotions, feelings, and dealing with past trauma. I also want to share how impressed I was with how Pike handled Aargon going to therapy. He was not "cured" or "fixed" in a single session or with a few pithy phrases. It was hard work interspersed over the length of the book.
While these two have been friends for a few years, I like the way that Pike spreads their evolution to lovers... and more.. over six months. It's also a subtle way to catch up with all the Lyon family members while solidifying Aargon & Barbra's relationship. Family gatherings, big surprises and changes for everyone, not just the MCs. Especially poignant are Aargon's conversations with his grown son, Teddy.
There's a little epilogue for their HEA that was a total surprise to me. Where they ended up, not that it was an HEA - these two definitely belong together. No idea whether Pike is planning to continue the series or not, and while this would be a lovely conclusion, I wouldn't mind getting to read some of the now-grown Lyon grandsons finding their own HEAs.
CW (spoilers): Suicide of Aargon's wife/Teddy's mom (past), death of Aargon's sister (past), Barbra's dysfunctional mother/upbringing (including a drunken scene)
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving an honest review.
(Audio Review) The fifth book in the Lyon Family Series, ‘The Leaves in Autumn’ takes us on an emotional but fun journey as Aargon and Barbra navigate their slow-burn friends to lover’s relationship.
Aargon is a single-dad (of an adult) and he is still struggling with grief from a tragedy and trauma in his past. Whilst Barbra has dreams of travelling. They have been friends for years and their long-term friendship and Barbra’s travel plans makes their new budding feelings for each other harder to maneuver.
Importantly, I enjoyed how Leslie Pike explored the grief that Aargon suffered and how therapy was highlighted in this book.
Although, this can be read as a standalone, it was also fun seeing characters from previous books appear here. Leslie Pike always does a great job including fleshed out side characters making the books and stories feel well rounded.
The banter between all the characters, but especially between our mains were top tier. In particular, I enjoyed Barbra’s wit. The writing is also great and easy to get into.
I listened to this book on audio which was narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke. Both narrators were excellent with each character they were given and I was able to distinguish all the voices of the characters from each other. The were also able to capture the personalities and spirits of Aargon and Barbra very well. I thoroughly enjoyed this listening experience and highly recommend the audiobook.
I loved the dual narration of Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor
When his wife died leaving him and with a young son, Argon has closed down. After Barbra moved to be close to her sister and nephews, the two became friends. Barbra is Argon's future sister-in-law's sister, The two of them become good friends This book has humour and heartfelt . Oh the friendship, the banter, the steam and the fun family dynamics made this a wonderful listen.
The Leaves in Autumn by Leslie Pike was an emotional, heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance that left me feeling deliciously happy. The Lyon family is a tight-knit family who loves hard and supports each other in the best ways. I was so excited that Aargon, the oldest brother, of the Lyons got a second chance at getting his very own HEA, especially with witty, sassy Barbra.
Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke narrate this audio, and I love it when these two are paired together. Samantha did a fantastic job portraying Barbra’s fun-loving, quirky persona but also captured Barbra’s hesitancies about giving in to love. Jason’s performance of Aargon was spot on showcasing his broody charm, and his emotionally traumatic past. Both narrators tackled various side characters/ Lyon family members and did a great job distinguishing different “voices” (including Gaston, Aargon’s French father) so the listener could keep up!
Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook. If you are a fan of a friends-to-lovers romance with a hunky, grumpy single dad, a sweet amusing heroine, an age gap, “birthday” celebrations with Channing Tatum and Beyonce, hotel room steamy times, overcoming a painful past, a family wedding, game night, a devoted caring son, a reliable sister, learning to love again, and HEA will warm your heart then you will love Aargon and Barbra’s story. I always look forward to more from Leslie Pike.
The Leaves in Autumn was such a wonderful way to closeout the Lyon Family series by Leslie Pike. It may even be my favorite story from the series! I absolutely loved the friends to lovers relationship between Argon and Barbara. Argon, who has let past traumas stand in the way of his happiness, takes really difficult and important steps to free him from his pain. Barbara, is a free spirit with big plans to travel the world. Together they form a strong friendship which leads to strong feelings.
I really enjoyed the growth between the main characters in this story. They have a beautiful friendship and strong family ties. I also really enjoyed the role the older kids played in this story. It was nice to see how they have grown up into young men.
Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke do a beautiful job bringing the characters to life in the audiobook. They have great chemistry together! Such heartfelt narration!
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request, and I voluntarily provided this review.
Wonderful Story & Narration🎧 Captivating & Heartfelt!
The Leaves in Autumn Lyon Family, Book 5 By: Leslie Pike Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Samantha Brentmoor
Leslie Pike pens another beautiful and heartfelt novel, the fifth in her amazing “Lyon Family” series. Each book features a different member of the Lyon family and is just as wonderful as the next, characters overlap and appear in each other’s books and it is beneficial to know each other’s back story, besides seeing them again is like seeing an old friend. This book is Aargon’s story, we have gotten a glimpse of him throughout the series and I have been looking forward to learning more about him. He is a widower and a single dad, he has practically closed himself off from the rest of the world, built walls around him and his heart, despite doing a wonderful job raising his son, Sam, a son who has grown into a fine young man. Barbra came to Montana to be near her sister Layla, she never planned on staying forever, she has plans to travel abroad starting with Paris. She and Aargon became good friends, the chemistry between them was undeniable, but he never wanted to take it any further than that, until they do and it was just magical. Except Aargon can not get past his grief for his late wife and the guilt of what happened, it was heartbreaking to watch him hold himself back from living life as he could, for allowing himself to love again or to let love in. I loved how everything played out in this book, it is a wonderfully written and plotted story that not only captivates your attention the entire time but tugs on your heartstrings as well, you can feel the emotions pour off the pages and straight into your heart. Leslie Pike thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride, it was great to see the entire Lyon family again too, they are some of my favorite characters.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Leslie Pike always casts the perfect narrators to bring her characters and story to life. Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor are wonderfully talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They had a complete understanding of the characters they portrayed, gave each a voice that fit their character’s persona to a tee and were believable in every role they played. Clarke nailed it as Aargon, he brought out every side of his personality, from his strengths to his vulnerabilities and sorrow. Brentmoor was amazing as Barbra grasped her sunny personality with perfection, as well as her inner insecurities too. These two make a great team and you could hear how much heart they put into their work as they capture all the character’s emotions and project them into their performance, making you feel every single one. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another amazing listen.
The Leaves in Autumn Narrated By: Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor Characters: Aargon and Barbara (Layla’s sister) And Teddy (Aargon’s son)
The final story of Aargon, the oldest of the Lyon siblings and Barbara the sister to Layla (Van and Layla book #3). Aargon is pained with the tragic loss of not only his sister but his wife and the mother of his son. Aargon has spent his days raising his boy Teddy and quietly going through his daily routine. With Teddy grown up now, Barbara has came into Aragon’s life with a fun friendship he didn’t even know he needed. When friendship lines get blurred and hook ups start happening, true feelings start coming to the surface. During this book Aargon is struggling with so much guilt of the past with his wife and the loss of her, he starts seeing a therapist and although I truly believe Barbara brought him back to life I also think the therapist gave him a chance to open up to Barbara whole heartedly. I loved Barbara and Aargon’s friendship, i loved their sexy time, their honest communication and I adored her relationship with his family. When Barbara is about to leave the country on a trip of a lifetime, Aargon starts to realize that it’s okay to want more in life, he deserves true happiness and with his son settled back in college he’s going to go after it. Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke are a match made in heaven. Jason’s voice can bring out the love of Aargon’s heart so perfectly and then turn around and make you feel the heartbreak from his sadness. Samantha was fun in this story, she brought out Barbara’s sarcastic banter and flirty side as well as the honesty Aargon needed to hear. She also voiced the compassion Barbara had for not only Aargon but the entire family. It was a beautiful performance by both.
side note, The two epilogues is this book is so beautiful.
-Notes while listening: Love the grumpy / sunshine and Barbara’s fun, free spirit, no nonsense, independent personality.
Emotional loss of his wife
The bond with his son teddy is refreshing to hear.
The openness is beautiful especially with the part of him seeing a therapist.
The mental health aspect is powerful
-Notes on entire Series:
These books are emotional, each story shares a heartbreak but also carries so much love.
The family connection is unmatched. They are all truly there for each other and there is so much love between them all. Also an immense amount of support.
The families getting married and having kids and other kids going off to college. It was such a beautiful story to listen to and watch them all grow together.
Each book has its own bit spice, some more than others and all passionate.
Thank you Home Cooked Books for the chance to listen and review
This is the 5th in the series however it stands alone. When you need to know from the previous stories is provided to you, but if you have read in sequence, then you get some wonderful emotional payoff as this family is always up in everyone else's business (in the best way imaginable).
Argon Lyon is a single father still dealing with the trauma of how he became a widower. His journey to come to terms with his past and how it impacts his relationships now it woven delicately into the story and is a big part of finding the courage to go after what he wants.
Barbra has been welcomed into the Lyon pride right along with her sister and nephews as they formed a new family with Argon's brother (Book 4, The Sky in Summer, if you're curious). She and Argon have become fantastic best friends. They are such a good team at all family events, everyone else is just waiting for something to happen between them.
We end up following this pair on a journey of "will they, won't they" as events pull them together, make them face their feelings and decide how to handle new dynamics. However with Barbra planning her epic year abroad to fulfill a lifelong dream, they are both holding back trying to figure out what happens next.
As always with the books in this series, there are some heavy emotional issues to deal with that are shadows of the past effecting the joy of the present. There are also amazing family gatherings that show how awesome it would be to be able to call this family your own. I want to go back through all 4 of the books that have "Family Game Night" and make a list of things to do with my own friends/family. The laughs just won't stop at a Lyon Family Game Night.
The audiobook for this one was performed by Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke. They work really well together. Samantha has a lightness in her tone that is perfect for Barbra's fun loving nature. She brings the emotions when she's feeling deeply for others and when she's internally torn over choosing which path to follow. Jason is perfect for grumpy/moody Argon at the start of the story, and he brings all the feels as Argon deals with his past, talks openly with his son or family. The depth that he brought just held me tight. I felt it all though both of their narrations.
I requested and was provided with an advanced copy of this audiobook. These are my honest opinions.
Leslie Pike’s Lyon Family series has been incredible. Each book has been full to bursting with big family shenanigans, beguiling heroines, and charismatic heroes. The Leaves in Autumn is no exception, and one of my favorites of the set. Aargon is the eldest Lyon and the last man standing among his siblings. After a devastating loss, Aargon has raised his son, Teddy alone with the help of his family. Now that Teddy is a grown man, Aargon is adrift in his lingering guilt and grief. Barbra is an ebullient, fun-loving, alluring character. I loved her hilarious, adorkable personality within seconds. Leslie had written a beautiful story of love after forty, love after loss, and embracing the beauty in life and family. I love the way the Lyons have welcomed Barbra into their family since her sister is engaged to Aragon’s brother. I’ve loved each Lyon story for various reasons, and The Leaves in Autumn is a wonderful series wrap-up.
Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor! I adore the work of these two narrators as individuals, but teamed up in a dual narration and they are off-the-charts fantastic! Jason’s performance as the curmudgeonly, guilt-ridden forty-eight year old Aargon is amazing. He places a grouchy, reclusive “old man” perfectly. Samatha Brentmoor brings Barbra to life with a beguiling, emotional, delightful performance. Samantha and Jason’s styles and pacing complement each other perfectly. This audiobook flows seamlessly. I strongly recommend you add the entire Lyon Family series.
I listened to the audiobook and I can't say enough good things about the audio performances. Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor are both such incredibly talented voice actors. Their delivery is very realistic, with varying amounts of energy and emotion that keep the story flowing naturally. At one point, Aargon was sharing some of his thoughts and it struck me how it truly sounded as if a friend was telling me about his impressions in a very one-sided conversation, with all the pauses and volume changes and energy variations you expect when catching up with friends. The audio performances enhance the story, and if you haven't tried an audiobook yet, this is a great narration team to start with.
Which brings me to the story itself. It was significantly different from The Sky In Summer. Both have friends-to-lovers, single parent stories with one of the characters about to move away (all mentioned in the book descriptions-no spoilers here), but the story lines go entirely different directions from there. The Leaves in Autumn also brings up some heavy topics that happened in the past (loss of a parent, suicide). I liked how Leslie Pike incorporated therapy into the storyline and that she brought up mental health awareness.
I received a copy of the audiobook at my request (and can read it in KU), and the opinions here are my own.
I’ve loved this whole series, each book more than the last - and The Leaves in Autumn was a beautiful conclusion!
Leslie Pike is an amazing author who I’m so glad to have discovered. Her writing is brilliant to the point I’ve been completely immersed in all of her storylines, not wanting to stop listening to any of the books in this series (or the others I’ve read/listened to). Fantastic storyteller, always has the perfect pacing, great characters and the chemistry not just between the main couple being off the charts, but between the family members and friends is such perfection that you wish you were part of it.
This final story is about oldest brother (and Widower) Argon, and his brother’s about to be sister-in-law, Barbra, Layla who is marrying Van. They spend a lot of time together because the family spends so much time together, but have also become the best of friends do spend a lot of extra time together alone - as friends. Argon still grieves his late wife, and this summer with his son home from college and the wedding coming up, and Barbra’s long-term plan to move to Europe fast approaching, everything is changing, so quickly, as they give in to pent-up, mutual feelings…
Audio - narrated by 2 of the absolute best there are, king Jason Clark and queen Samantha Brentmore. Could not have had better or more appropriate voices picked for these characters! Samantha’s accent was noticeable a couple times (I love her accent, but she usually suppresses it), but otherwise, absolute perfection! These two were absolutely Argon and Barbra, and no one else could have done a better job. Love them so much!!
1000% recommend this book (better read after the rest of the series to know the whole back-story, but could technically be a standalone)! Everyone needs The Lyon’s and Leslie Pike in their lives!!
I received an advance listen copy from Leslie Pike and Home Cooked Books (and also read along in KU), and this is my honest feedback.
I can not express how much I enjoyed this book! This could be my new favorite of the series! There is a lot of fun, laughs and some more serious moments. The story just really made my day! There is a lot of attraction between these two main characters. It was easy to see and feel when they were together. They have great verbal sparring! She is super energetic while he is…not. She really brings him out of his shell. The thing they do for each other is just the sweetest! (Ahem…birthday parties! )
One of my favorite things about this series is the Lyon family. We always get to see them but in here they play a larger role in the story. They have crazy challenges and play wild family games. They together are the soul of the story. I always love family time!
Overall this book is full of wonderful characters and an amazing story of overcoming the past and finding that one special person. I laughed a lot and mostly had a smile on my face while listening! I highly recommend this book or better yet..the series!
I did listen to this on audio. Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor are amazing narrators in here! They both fully encompassed their characters and are a delight to listen to.
I really enjoyed this story it was both laugh out loud funny and hit me emotionally. Aargon and Barbra had all that fun flirty banter and a great chemistry and friendship. They are complete opposites and I loved that she brought out his fun side. Throughout the book you see Aargon take the steps to deal with his wife’s suicide and I loved that we were able to see that. The Lyon family is a close family and it was so much fun seeing their family dynamic and all the family gatherings throughout the book.
Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke did amazing at bringing these characters to life. Samantha brings out Barbra quirky fun personality perfectly as does Jason bringing out the broody side of Aargon. This was my first story Leslie and I’m looking forward to going back and reading/listening to more of the Lyon family.
I’ve been looking forward to Aragon's story in this series and I got to say it was the perfect conclusion to the Lyon Family Series (until the next Generation? One can hope)
Argon had really closed himself off from love since his wife died when their son was just little. He has never opened up about his feelings and it impacted him in so many ways. When Barbra moved to town to be close to her sister and nephews the two developed a wonderful friendship and for years they never crossed the friend line until one night they do and it’s more of an emotional connection then either had expected or was ready for….
This book was a truly hilarious heartfelt journey about self discovery, following your dreams and finding love in the midst of it all. The friendship between these two characters was everything and it gave them such a solid foundation to build on I loved their relationship. The banter, the steam and the fun family dynamics made this such a joyful listen.
Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke delivered flawless performances. They brought all the witty laughs and emotional moments to life. I think both were the perfect choice to give a voice to Aragon and Barbara’s story
This is book 5 in the Lyon Family series by Pike and this family just gets better and better. While this technically can be a stand alone, I think it's better when read in series order. This is a well written, captivating romance read / listen that will capture your attention and your heart! Our main characters in this book are Aargon and Barbra. I love the banter, not just between these two characters but the Lyon family as well. Sweet, fun and emotional - this book has it all. Beautiful narration that brings these characters to life and a storyline that is sweet and pulls at those heartstrings. I adore this family and all it's family members and I am completely hooked on Pike's writings and can't wait to see what treasure of characters and stories we'll have next!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review. *this review is based on the audio version of this read
This was such a fantastic friends to lovers/single dad romance. Narrated perfectly by Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor.
These two had such a wonderful friendship which turned into so much more. They had always found the other attractive but never wanted to disrupt their friendship. But when a night of passion happens, they aren’t sure how to handle it.
Aargon is still struggling with the loss of his wife and how to move past his feelings regarding it all. Barbra is planning on leaving the country in just a few short months. They aren’t sure what could possibly happen between the two but they know they don’t truly want to let the other go.
I really loved how mature they both were in this story. Being older they knew what life was like without each other. These two were so passionate together and I couldn’t love it more.
The Leaves In Autumn- Leslie Pike Narrated by Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
This was such a great series finale. I loved being able to seeing all the previous couples in the series since this is such a tight knit family. I especially loved seeing the kids grow. I’d love to see a next generation series with the older kids. Leslie has a way of breaking your heart with grief and loss but she puts it back together by forming new relationships out of the healing.
Jason and Samantha did an incredible job. I don’t think I could have come up with a better duo for Argon and Barbara. Beautiful job!
Jason and Samantha Brentmoor knocked it out of the ballpark on this one. Such a heartwarming story that's filled with sooo much family love. This is my first book from Leslie Pike, so the Lyon family was new to me, but I was still able to keep up with all of the characters throughout the book. I am antsy to listen to the four previous audiobooks to get the back story of each and every one.
This was my first audiobook with Samantha Brentmoor. She is amazing. Both narrators did a remarkable job distinguishing each personality, especially with the French accent.
Aargon is a widowed single dad that has been struggling for years, convincing to himself that he is partly to blame for the death of his wife. Barbra is the beautiful carefree friend (who also happens to be his sister-in-laws sister) that matches his bantering to a tee, and always brings out his fun side. This is a audiobook you will want to grab if you are a fan of the single dad, opposites attract romance tropes.
I was sent a free audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I have been waiting for Aargon’s story and it did not disappoint. “Leaves in Autumn” is an emotional, heartfelt and wonderful story about second chances and finding your forever after loss.
Aargon has been living day to day for his son ever since his wife had died when he was younger. He hasn’t been looking for love convinced it isn’t for him and is okay with it. Barbra has moved to Montana to be near her sister, who is also Aargon’s sister-in-law. Barbra is close with her sister and is ready to go on her great adventure. But a friendship between the two forms and they become very close. But as they grow closer, so do their feelings.
I just loved these two together so much. They are opposites but they fit so well together. Aargon is settled in his ways and Barbra still wants to see the world and experience all she can. Aargon’s past trauma was hard but having him deal with it with therapy was so nice to have in the story. I loved Barbra’s free and caring spirit. And her closeness with her sister was so sweet. Their chemistry was pouring off the pages and I could feel it as I listened to them. And their friendship was so pure and what each other needed. And I love the Lyon family so much. They are so caring, giving, and bring everyone into their Lyon pride with open arms.
Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor were fabulous as Aargon and Barbra. This is a fun yet emotional story and they both brought all of the beautifully to life. I loved listening to these two co-narrate a book together. Both of their styles compliment each other so well.
“When I am with her, the weight of sorrow seems lighter.”
The Leaves in Autumn was a captivating and emotional story of the healing power of love. Aargon and Barbra were a perfect fit for each other. They had developed a powerful friendship that offered support and encouragement to one another and then one day their feelings began to shift.
“Sometimes you have to go further than you ever have before, you have to go outside your comfort zone, to find peace.”
Aargon was a portrait of a man who was suspended in time. He had never fully dealt with the tragic events in his past. Instead he had concentrated on raising his son and he did not face or heal from the pain he felt. When he realized that Barbra deserved more than he could offer, he began to take steps to deal with his trauma. She was the catalyst that led to change.
“If something is meant for your life, it happens. I think that’s true about people and about places.”
Barbra had dreams for her life and she wasn’t willing to compromise her happiness. I loved her strength and determination to fulfill her dreams. She offered Aargon her friendship and support because she knew that was what was needed in order for him to heal.
Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor narrated the audio book. As always, Jason Clarke did a masterful job of bring Aargon to life. His deep voice is yummy. Samantha also does a terrific job narrating Barbra. You can feel all of Barbra's sassiness and love for life in her narration. I really enjoyed listening to the audio as well as reading the book.
“Liking Barbra is not a small gift in my life. But loving her is so much more. It cannot be removed from the equation.”
This was a beautiful story that I loved and it gave me all the feels. The Lyon family is such a warm and loving family that always supports each other with so much humor and fun. Aargon and Barbra were genuine, well-developed characters that told a story full of love, heat, and passion.
The Leaves in Autumn by Leslie Pike Just One More Chapter-Audiobook review Narrated by Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor Oh my goodness!! I love love love this book!! I laughed so hard. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of heart wrenching moments, but this family… I love them. They laugh, live and love so loud. Family traditions are so important in my family and this book is full of them. This is such a beautiful story. So emotional and heartfelt. I, unfortunately, have not read the other books in this series but I will be rectifying that immediately. Jason and Samantha give phenomenal performances as always! I can’t imagine following Aragon’s journey through his grief to finding love again in any other voice but Jason Clarke’s. Samantha gives Barbra the perfect mix of confidence and strength and the two narrators bring this book to life like no others could IMO. It was great listening to a story with a H and h that were in their 30’s and 40’s and Aragon’s support from his son is such a sweet addition to this story. You will not be disappointed with this one!
This is one of those stories that you can get lost in. The Lyon family just seems like so much fun, with some pretty hot guys. The story was sweet and endearing. Leslie Pike sure knows how to write a love story with some very steamy parts. These narrators made the characters so real and interesting.
This is the fifth book in the Lyon Family Series. Aargon and Barbra's story is beautifully written, emotional, and heartwarming. Aargon is such an handsome man, enigmatic, and caring. Barbra is beautiful, kind, and smart. The storyline is filled with drama. This is an excellent friends to lovers romance. Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor did an amazing job with the narration. I enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it. #ALC
I have been waiting to read Aargon's story since book 2, Beach in Winter. He's serious and broody and pretty much lost all joy when his wife died. Aargon’s story is swoony, sweet, and even sad. It's easy to see there's more to Aargon's friendship with Barbara, even if he doesn’t. I loved how Barbara pushed him to do things and he was a completely different person with her.
Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke did a wonderful job narrating this beautiful story.
Updated 12/6/22 - audiobook review Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor’s performance was spectacular. Jason’s deep, smooth and sexy voices is fantastic for Aargon. He gives him a confident, caring and determined voice. Samantha’s voice is so amazing, sexy and strong. She’s gives Barbara a loving, determined and confident voice. I saw Samantha perform live earlier this year and had the pleasure to meet her. She blew me away with her amazingly talented performance and voice! She is so lovely and kind.
The Lyons family is one of my favorites and I’ve enjoyed every book in this series. This book is fantastic, full of emotions and some lol moments.
Leslie brings us characters that are a bit broken, seeking help/acceptance and who are full of love but just trying to figure out how to let go and let it happen.
Aargon and Barbara are best friends and share everything with each other. Their relationship is fun, sweet and caring. Leslie tackles tough topics and these two characters handle their challenges with such grace.
I was laughing so hard I was crying during the tortilla challenge. One of the best cometic scenes I’ve read.
The moment between Aragon and Teddy (his son) in Chapter 25 is sweet and heartbreaking. Their relationship is something special.
Great read that will give you all the feels, many laughs and possibly a few tears.
This was the most anticipated installment of the Lyon Family series for me. Aargon captured my attention from the first moment we met him in the Beach in Winter. He was mysterious and broody and I wanted to know what made him that way. The Lyon Family has experienced their share of tragedy over the years and their individual journeys have a way of shredding your soul. Aargon’s story ripped my heart out. I was completely invested in the outcome and I couldn’t help getting lost in the crazy family dynamic along the way.
This was a successful collaboration between Leslie Pike, Samantha Brentmoor, and Jason Clarke. These talented narrators did an incredible job of bringing Leslie’s tale to life.
The Leaves in Autumn Lyon Family Series Book 5 By Leslie Pike Narrated by Jason Clarke & Samantha Brentmoor
Listening to the Lyon Family is like coming home for me. These characters are warm and inviting, and I can't get enough of them. This is a friends to lovers romance featuring Aargon and Barbra. These two have been friends for years and have a very special relationship. Aargon is heartbroken, and it's taking him a long time to get over his past. What keeps him going? His son and therapy. Barbra has a dream to travel and live in Europe. These two are very different, but their time together is fun and their banter hysterical. Nothing more than friendship can ever take place though, right? Until it does. Now with feelings, these two have to wade their way through the murky water and figure out if it is really more. Will they figure things out or just remain friends? Pike is a master at giving us that easy feel while listening but is dealing with real, and relevant issues. She gives us all the feelings, all the wonderful characters and makes us feel at home. This is a standalone story, but I would definitely start at the beginning of the series. It will give you the history of the warm family the Lyons are. It's a fabulous time!
Creating our amazing world are our storytellers, Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor. These two are magic together! Clarke finds his way through the many emotions that Aargon has. This character has a lot going on, and each emotion is real. Brentmoor is fabulous as the easy going Barbra. Barbra is independent and smart, each facet coming through in her narration. These two are masters at comedy too, and the banter is spot on. Add in the accents that come in from the parents and we have a perfect listen.
The Leaves in Autumn by Leslie Pike is the 5th installment to the Lyon Family series. It is a friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and age-gap romance. In this particular book, we get to follow Aargon and Barbra. The Lyon family are a close family full with meddling parents and siblings who at the end of the day just want what is best for each other. They also enjoy the occasional prank and tiktok challenge - all of which is the promise of a good time!
Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor narrate this audio; I am familiar with Jason's narrations but this was my first time experiencing Samantha and I have to say that I was extremely pleased with the outcome! Samantha did such a fantastic job at portraying Barbra's spunky and sunshine personality. At the same time, she also captured Barbra's inner tormoil between following her dreams vs falling in love and what to do in the end. Jason brought to life the emotions of Aargon; The sexy broody side of him along with the part of him that was still struggling with the emotions that were brought on from the trauma in his past. Jason really captured the way that Aargon grows as a character and the way that he heals throughout the book.
Both narrators did such an excellent job with their side characters, including a French accent! They both brought so much emotion to all the characters that they had me laughing as well as crying with the characters.
This was another five star read and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did!
I loved this hilarious, heartfelt, and steamy, friends-to-lovers romance! Aargon and Barbra just get each other. They are complete opposites with Barbra being independent, fun, and adventurous and Aargon is a protector, but in his grief has become detached, and sharp-tongued. The way they see people and situations so differently amuses them and has brought them closer together. Barbra is sisters with his new sister-in-law, so they spend time together with and without the family. Aargon begins to see some light in the darkness his world has become after the tragic loss of his wife. But now he wants to be a better man and live again. Barbra brings that out in him. They have fun together, and their attraction grows stronger and more electric day by day, until they can't ignore it any longer. Aargon and Barbra are explosive together and bring the best out in each other. But what happens when the grand adventure she has planned her whole life is closing in, and she is moving to Europe, leaving him alone once again? I loved Aargon and Barbra together! They had fun together, enjoyed bantering, and their chemistry was explosive! I laughed out loud so many times, especially during Lyon family game nights, but there were many sweet, moving, and passionate moments that completely captivated my heart! I am a huge fan of a great epilogue, and this one was so beautiful, and romantic! I absolutely loved this heartfelt, hilarious, and sizzling romance!