Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Things We Never Said by Samantha Young Narrator: Amy Melissa Bentley, Alex Kydd
Series: Hart's Boardwalk #3
Published by Tantor Audio on May 31, 2019
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 14 hours, 25 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
Local metalsmith and gift shop owner, Dahlia McGuire, likes her quiet life in Hartwell, Delaware. It’s the perfect place to hide from her family and the tragic events that led to their estrangement. However, when her father, the person she loves most in the world, needs her Dahlia has no choice but to return to Boston to face her ghosts. One of those happens to be her ex-boyfriend’s best friend, Michael Sullivan. The man she was never supposed to fall in love with.
Michael Sullivan has never forgotten Dahlia McGuire. Some might say he’s never gotten over her. For years he lived with the anger of her desertion, and now, newly-divorced, he’s finally ready to move on. That proves impossible when Dahlia returns to Boston and reawakens their explosive connection. Despite everything, Michael wants her back, but Dahlia can’t seem to let go of the tangled emotions of the past. When she flees home to Hartwell, Michael follows, determined to do everything in his power to convince her they belong together.
However, when the unthinkable hits the quiet seaside town, Michael finds himself trying to unravel more than the mystery of Dahlia’s broken heart. It’s time for truths left unsaid to finally be spoken or Michael and Dahlia might find themselves torn apart forever…
Things We Never Said is another installment in the Harts Boardwalk series by Samantha Young. It’s a second chance romance designed to pull out one’s heartstrings and tie them all up in a knot. Although, seeing as it is Samantha Young, I totally expected that! I’ve eagerly awaited this book since Michael Sullivan’s cameo in the Every Little Thing (the second book in the Harts Boardwalk series ).
Dahlia McGuire is a confident, creative, independent business owner, known for cheering on her girlfriends and encouraging them to go after their dreams. She’s made a life for herself in the charming resort town of Hartwell, Delaware, hiding from the tragedy and heartbreak of her past. When Dahlia finds herself back in Boston, she’s forced to confront her estranged family and the recently divorced Michael Sullivan.
The story is told alternating between present day and ten years in the past. I normally dislike reading flashbacks, but it really is the only way the story could be told. The author does an admirable job of keeping the timelines distinct. Things We Never Said is a emotional whirlwind with a heavy dose of angst. Fury, heartbreak, passion, and betrayal encircle the couple as they sort through the events that brought them together and tore them apart ten years before. Amidst the regret and guilt is an intense desire to get things right this time around.
Although Michael and Dahlia’s story isn’t unfamiliar, it has depth and meaningful scenes that make it feel fresh and new. There is a little bit of a mystery and some action that provides the perfect excuse for Michael to move to Hartwell and keeps the story moving forward. I love that the author didn’t feel it was necessary to solve all of Dahlia’s relationship problems by the end of the book. It made the outcome more real because life doesn’t need to be perfect to find your happily ever after.
Narration:
I enjoyed the narration for this story and appreciate the use of both a male and female narrator to read the alternating points of view. I liked that Amy Melissa Bentley was able to differentiate between the past and present Dahlia using her Boston accent. The pacing was spot on. I wanted to savor this story and listened at normal speed, although I think that if you were in a rush, you could listen to this at 1.25 speed without a problem.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Amy Melissa Bentley
I am a New York/Connecticut based actor with training in: theater performance, film acting, vocal performance and improvisation.
I spend my time doing voice over work, performing on stage and actively pursuing any and all film/televsion projects.
I am a proud member of SAG-AFTRA!
Recent Notable Work:
AudioFile Earphones Award Winner (The Education of Dixie Dupree)
The Murder Pact -Lindsey (Lifetime Movie Network)
The Crickets Ate the Moon (YIPAP at Yale JE Theatre)
About Samantha Young
I’m a contemporary and paranormal romance author with 21 titles to my name so far. I love anything that allows me to be creative which means I love my family a whole heck of a lot. They’ve put up with my stories, a number of forced bedroom redecorations, singing, artwork, messy art supplies, a failed attempt at learning guitar, whiny emo music, two house moves (and redecoration) that they should have let me get on with myself but are far too nice to have done so, and a level of sarcasm they only have themselves to blame for since they raised me that way …
As a young girl I never imagined in a million years I’d get to spend my hours day dreaming up stories for myself and other people to enjoy. Much to my delight and amazement there are readers out there who can relate to my dry humour, my mad worlds, and all my heroes and heroines who sometimes do the saving and sometimes just need to be saved. Moreover readers seem to love my home country as much as I do. If I didn’t already love my readers for supporting me, I’d love them for loving Scotland. I’m quite attached to the place.
I find my inspiration in many places but one of the most important is in the world of music. Artists such as The Killers, Amy Macdonald, Biffy Clyro, Birdy, MS MR, The Airborne Toxic Event, Alex Winston, Florence + the Machine, Imagine Dragons, Carolina liar, Arcade Fire, Bastille, The Black Keys, Ingrid Michaelson, Paolo Nutini, Metric, The Naked & the Famous, The National, We Are Scientists, White Lies, The Steeldrivers, Olin & the Moon, The Rumour Said Fire, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Pink, Lana Del Ray, Mumford & Sons, Matchbox Twenty, The Lumineers, La Rocca, Butterfly Boucher and many more inspire the heck out of me.
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I've developed a preference for audiobooks over the last few years, which allow me to complete chores, run carpool, or work on my many building and craft projects while 'reading.
My all time favorite selections include Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, and all of Robin Hobb's books set in the Farseer world. Honorable mentions to Elle Kennedy, Penny Reid, Meljean Brook, Ann Aguirre, Krista and Becca Ritchie, Jeaniene Frost, and Kristen Callihan.
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I’ve not picked one of her books up yet, but I do like that they can get deep into the emotional side. Glad the split time line worked well in this one for you.
On Dublin Street is a great place to start if you’ve never read one of her books. She’s a fantastic writer.
I like a realistic ending too. I’ve been meaning to try this author. Makes me wish I had all the time in the world to just read:)