I think Tara did a great job of not actually ever “labeling” Tom and yet it’s clear what his situation is. For fans of hurt/comfort or books about people with disabilities I think this will absolutely make your day. I was totally invested in Tom’s happiness and I wanted to see him find his true love so badly! It was great seeing some of the previous MCs from the series – but this was Tom’s story (more than Merle’s) and for that it was perfect! If you’re a fan of the series or new to it, you’re going to want to read this. (However, if he’d done a bit more groveling this might have been a 6 star book ) ) This book had me right from the start and I couldn’t put it down. He’s pretty self-involved and I wasn’t ever as attached to him as I was to Tom – BUT – he does manage to see the light and make me believe that he’s good enough for Tom by the end. Poor Tom had such a low opinion of himself and I was HATING Merle for not seeing how fabulous he was for such a long time! I was also furious with Tom’s sister and – the fact that I felt all those emotions so strongly goes to show just what a great job Tara Lain did! I have to admit, it was a close call – Merle ALMOST didn’t make me love him. I LOVED THIS! Tom is sooooo freakin’ adorable and Merle is (almost) perfect for him! There were so many times that I was absolutely BAWLING while I read this.

Though this is the fifth book in the series, it can absolutely be read/listened to as a standalone. Perhaps that's a regional pronunciation? Regardless, fans of the series should enjoy getting to spend time with the casts from some of the other books in the series who make appearances and even play more supportive roles to help Merle and Tom along in their romance. I've always been taught it's pronounced & quot ow-dee& quot and Kelly kept pronouncing it & quot awe-dee& quot.

My only complaint about the narration was the (to me) mispronunciation of the car brand Audi. Just a nice, low angst, sexy, romance with a lovely HEA. Told in Merle and Tom's dual POV, this is sweet without being excessive. Kelly's narration and really thought he did well and had a good handle on the many different character voices and was able to convey the emotions of many scenes without going over the top. This was a sweet romance and while it slows somewhat in the middle with a frustrating separation, it (thankfully) picks up again quickly.

Fool of Main Beach by Tara Lain