Shameless Expectations

By: Adrian J. Smith

Narrated by: Quinn Riley, Lori Prince

Escaping the past is hard. Living in the present is harder.

Monti Schroeder is on a quest for peace. She has been since the moment she was born. But peace has remained elusive.

Living as a nomad, she takes work where she can get it. When her sister calls with a favor for her neurotic boss, Monti agrees to it for a few extra bucks. What Monti finds when she arrives is a woman just as broken as she is. And no matter what, she can't leave Athena to flounder on her own.

Athena Pruitt has made it through the last twenty-two years with one rule: Avoid everything uncomfortable. Her house has become her prison, and she is desperate for respite. Unable to handle physical touch, she's wary when her personal assistant hires a "special" masseuse who can help. But Monti isn't a typical massage therapist.

Each day, each massage, each moment Monti and Athena spend together they unravel just a little more. With wells of trauma and pain filling both to the brim, just what will happen when their vessels break?

Will Monti find peace? Will Athena learn to live without shame? Will they both mend their brokenness beyond repair?

Shameless Expectations is a book that crosses boundaries to find healing, a sapphic age-gap novel that explores deep trauma and the potential for healing decades later. If you're looking for a book that touches on hope and explores PTSD through the lens of romance, this is it.

©2024 Adrian J. Smith (P)2024 Podium Audio

Painful yet beautiful

I thought this book did a beautiful job show two different women battling their own traumas but wanting to overcome them both individually and also for the other person.
I would give it a 3.5/5 on the spice level. There are several sex scenes, most of them are a decent length and descriptive.

Thought I would need a shrink with this one

This story is like a yoyo. It's up and down. both characters have difficult problems to solve. I can't tell you if they solved them because that would spoil your listening pleasure. I can say that I liked the book, but it drained me. I truly didn't know what was going to happen at the end. You are going to have to listen to this one yourself. Let me know what you think. Oh shoot, you can't. So have someone else read it or share it. You two should then make a shrink appointment and keep on sharing. Jackson

This is now one of my favorite books hands down

I loved the dynamic between these two, and the storyline always had me guessing in a good way. It was in no way predictable and put a great twist on standard or vanilla relationships.

Good story

Tragic backstory for both MC. References to past violence. MCs assist one another to overcome their trauma. HEA. Good narration. But… wayyyy too long.

good not my favorite

This story was good but not my favorite. the 1st of this series is a bit better. I still enjoyed it and would recommend this book and the 1st one in the series. The Narrators are superb as usual.

Not what I was expecting

I tend to steer clear of books with trauma, either fictional or not. The fact Lori Prince was apart of the narration is what got me through it. I was worried before each chapter what I was about to hear. After getting through the story however it really is quite a remarkable journey for both women.

Great story with two of the best voices.

I was looking for a story exactly like this. I never know what to write because I don't want to give spoilers. I loved the two main characters and the narrators are two of my favorite. If you enjoy this author already you'll love this story.

Moving, heavy, and erotic. Perfect narration.

There are moments in this that feel so raw and charged, you can actually feel the swell of love, trust, and lust. Beautiful, cleansing, hopeful, healing. Lovely performance from two fantastic, seasoned narrators.

What a pleasure

An excellent book, well written, wonderful MC and the narration? WOW. I love the cooperation between Lori Prince and Quin Riley.

So amazing

This is such a beautiful story about making peace with your past and allowing love into your life.
Even though this title deals with recovery and the event is mentioned, it's never described in any way.
The spice is hot and just the right amount. The subject was handled with care and grace.
The narration was beautiful.