Someone to Love

Wild Widows Series, Book 3

De: Marie Force

Narrado por: Janine Granda, Timothy Bell Reese

She’s his nanny and his close friend. He shouldn’t be thinking about her that way…

Adrian

In the year since I lost my wife in childbirth, I’ve been all about survival as I adapt to life as a single dad to our son. That’s especially true after my mother-in-law also died suddenly. Life has been way more than I can handle, but somehow I’m getting by, thanks mostly to the Wild Widows, a group of fellow travelers who make me feel less alone with my grief. They encourage me to hire fellow Wild Widow Wynter as my nanny, and that’s been working out great, until two things happen—she and my son go missing, and when they’re found safe, I realize my feelings for her are anything but platonic.

Wynter

I cannot be feeling this way about my employer. He’s entrusted me to take care of the most important person in his life, and I nearly screwed that up epically. After the big scare we had, I should be giving Xavier my undivided attention, which I do until his daddy is in the room. All I see is him. Then I catch Adrian having sex, and now all I can think about what it would be like to be with him that way. He’s my boss, my close friend and we share many mutual friends. A mess between us would be devastating, and not just to us, so I need to avoid that at all costs. I’ve got enough on my plate managing my grief for my late husband. I don’t need the complication that could come with Adrian. If only I hadn’t seen him naked…

©2023 Marie Force (P)2023 HTJB, Inc.

Love it

I absolutely love this series! I can’t wait for more !! I have not lost a spouse to death, but I have lost what I thought my forever was. I love the group that they have and the support that is there no matter what.

So So

I love all of Marie’s books. I’ve read every series multiple times. This was not a favorite. I think it was the narration. Female narrator has the most annoying, whiny voice. It was very hard to get past that and become immersed in the story. Male narrator was ok but again hard to get into the story. I would recommend the book in another format and avoid any other book performed by either of these narrators.

Wonderful Series

I had so many feelings while listening to this story. Adrian and Wynter have been friends in the Wild Widows group and now she's his nanny. After losing their spouses, they are just getting to the point of seeing themselves in a relationship. They have their challenges with grief and fear of losing each other but the Wild Widows are there to help them. I like seeing the other couples, too. I can't wait for the next one. Janine Granda and Timothy Bell Reese were terrific narrators.

Book 3 Wild Widows

I love series and this doesn’t disappoint. Liked the male narrator but not the female. Usually I reread series before a new book comes out so I’m fresh on the recurring characters but didn’t this time. Now I’m going to reread them all. The concept of the Wild Widows is different that any grief group I’ve envisioned and love the authors concept. I find some of the characters too perfect but tolerable. I love this authors work and her ability to create so many series for all of our enjoyment.

Love the series Wild Widows

I love the series Wild Widows not so much this particular book. I think it was the narrator, who’s take on Wynter in the beginning was unsettling it did get better as the book progressed. That being said looking forward to the next book.

Sweet story with cliff hanger ending

Hope next book isn’t a reprise of state of shock theme. Did not care for male narrator's Derek Kavanaugh's voice which sounded very wimpy for someone in his position and not how he was portrayed in any other recording. Not crazy about cliff hangers as a ploy to sell the next book.

Winter & Adrian’s story dragged out the drama

Adrian lost his wife in childbirth about the same time Winter lost her husband to bone cancer. Once Winter settles in as nanny to baby Xavier the couple begin to recognize their attraction to each other. Both main characters are definitely immature but doing their best given their situations and their own childhoods. This series provides insight iron various coping mechanisms for loss as the characters struggle with sadness and daily challenges so it is not a very upbeat or happy group of stories but there are happy endings..

This story is a bit uncomfortable on a few levels and yet not on some of the stated or more obvious ones. The story brings up a few times their 7 year age difference but that is negligible given they both have gone through so much loss, are both in their 20s, and that “old Soul” Winter is an example that girls usually mature in behavior much sooner than guys. This is evident in Adrian’s attitude with hookups which does bother him but only after the deed is done. The fact that Winter started having sex so young is also brushed over and there is no suggestion of furthering her education maybe with child development classes even in the discussion with the larger group about learning parenting through trial and error. There is discussion of some social services in relation to another character not sure about parenting but never any mention of faith based services and those are widely available in the DC area.
Then there is Winter’s outspokenness which is enjoyed by other Wild Widows but that seems to occur when she is in a safe place- not constant nor confronting strangers- so it should not be a not big a deal. Finally there is the biracial couple issue which is not uncommon in suburban DC. it is mentioned twice - once by Adrian’s sister as something to address as she suggests they have an adult conversation about dealing with the inevitable racists but she doesn’t bring up an equally important topic of preparing kids to face racism. Since she is raising 2 kids of her own and is an attorney that would have been a good opportunity to discuss parental concerns regarding racism but it was not addressed. Instead we get 1 casual comment in the epilogue with no details- which is somewhat insensitive given the last few years and the hyper political climate. Also a bit troubling is the way the main tension between the two lovers is handled with little exploration of other solutions. First the advice given to Winter about a life-changing decision, after pointing out her youth several times earlier in the book, is to think carefully about her decision bu no pros or cons just ultimately “go for it and do what you want”. How about “wait- you have plenty of time- give this 6-12 more months- until you are beyond that tough second year” this group has warned about. She is after all only 21 not 41 and has plenty of time; it feels suspiciously like her mother-in law would like to rent her womb to replace her dead son who tragically died so young. No considering a consultant in case there was possible a genetic propensity to cancer? Then there is big strong panicky Adrian, who rationally knows his fears are getting the better on him but gets more sympathy than constructive advice from everyone except his sister. It’s great the guys in this series are in touch with their feelings but take a breath dude… How about trying hypnosis or reciting positive statistics or going to therapy sooner? While the solution makes sense, it is a bit ironic to be introducing what could be a slippery slope involving magic meds, given the addition story lines in the related Fatal series.

This story advances the overall narrative of several of the Wild Widows so it is worth a a read if you are a fan of the series, but it would have been less time consuming as a read than audio as it would have been easier to skim some of Adrian and Winter’s excess drama. I had no issues with the narration other than the female performer sounded occasionally flat and toneless. Not the best but have heard worse. I just think this is one where the book wins as the better option. I did both but will not be relistening to this audiobook.

Entertaining and Healing for Grieving Hearts

The characters and stories in this series draw you into their world, sharing their experiences, joys and sorrows. Although reference is often made to the unique challenges of “young widowhood “, I totally relate to the feelings and challenges as a 2 year widow in my sixties. The overriding message reinforces that joy-filled living and loving are possible and can coexist with the ongoing longing for the loved one you’ve lost. That message is comforting and healing whether you’re in your twenties or an older widow missing your spouse or 40+ years.

Entertaining

After the emotional read of the first two books in the series I was looking forward to listening to Someone To Love and it did not disappoint. From the moment I started this book I knew I was in for a long night.

This is Wynter and Adrian’s emotional roller coaster of a read and one I couldn’t put down once I started. Their journey was a rocky one, full of ups and downs.

My emotions were all over the place whilst reading; there were times that I laughed and times that I was moved to tears. My heart went out to both Wynter and Adrian for everything they have been through, it just about broke my heart.

The narration by Jamine Granda and Timothy Bell Reese (both new to me) brought all the passion and drama of the story to lie for me and I am so glad that Ms. Force has decided to use a male narrator as well for this series.

not a happy

The slow reading and interwoven unhappiness does not leave the Reader with alot of hope.