Substitute for Love

De: Karin Kallmaker

Narrado por: Angela Dawe

A deep kiss and a single rule. Like most women in dead-end relationships, Holly Markham was used to finding substitutes for love. But throwing herself into the arms of a leather-clad stranger was never on her list.

When Holly's best friend Tori takes her to a dance for lesbians only, she realizes that Tori is gently trying to push her out of the closet. While it was true that Holly had been trying to come to terms with her growing attraction toward women, no one expected Holly to take one look at the mysterious Reyna and fall hopelessly in lust.

Unable to resist the purely physical appeal of Reyna's sensuous demands, Holly quickly succumbs to Reyna's delicious seduction. After a night of delirious passion, Reyna gives Holly a long kiss and single rule: Call whenever you want me to make love to you. There can be nothing else. Although sexually fulfilled for the first time in her life, Holly soon realizes that pleasure without emotion is no substitute for love—a love she knows she and Reyna could share.

Knowing too well the high cost of living in shadows and denial, Holly risks everything and sets out to pierce the deep shroud of mystery surrounding the woman she has come to love.

©2001 Karin Kallmaker (P)2024 Tantor Media

I'm back quicker than you know who.

You know that I am pretty tolerant, but if you were trying to get to me with this story, you hit the nail on the head. People I truly think you should by this book. Although I am not opposed to ringing Karin Kallmaker's neck, but we would all be at a loss. She is definitely a good author. If I had to say one word, it would be FOREVER. Jackson

“Substitute for Love” by Karin Kallmaker, narrated by Angela Dawe.

Talk about a fantastic slow burn. This was wonderful. The passion, the longing, the angst. It was so good!

Holly and Reyna are like star crossed lovers; so many things standing in their way. But they figure it out!

Lovely. As was Angela Dawe’s narration. This was great!

Always, all about the narrator

Karen Kallmaker delivers another beautifully written novel in Substitute for Love, brought to life by the angelic voice of Angela Dawe. The combination of these two talents is simply extraordinary. Kallmaker’s storytelling is rich with depth, featuring outstanding character and relationship development that truly captivates. I particularly loved that the main character is a math geek—something unique and refreshing—and how the book weaves powerful metaphors related to mathematics throughout the narrative. It’s thoughtful, intelligent, and deeply moving.

However, I must confess that my audiobook purchases are driven more by narrators than by authors these days. Angela Dawe is one of my top three narrators, and her voice, pacing, and emotional nuance make every story unforgettable. As long as Angela is narrating, I’ll be hitting that “buy” button without hesitation. If you’re a fan of Kallmaker’s writing or Angela Dawe’s narration—or both—this audiobook is an absolute must-listen!

It takes time

To get into the story, but it is an excellent book. Well written and as always great narration.
Very recommended.

No Substitute for Karen Kallmaker

i loved the characters how their separate predicaments helped bring them togeter (and, as usual in these stories, kept them apart.)

i love the sex scenes which were not over the top and used sparingly.

i love the Australian connection.
i REALLY loved the impeccable narration by Angela Dore.

Enjoyable Narration, Underwhelming Story

The narration by Angela Dawe was fantastic, as always—she really knows how to bring the characters to life! However, the story itself was a bit underwhelming for me. I really wished the book had built more on the chemistry and dynamics between the two MCs but it felt like we only got about 20% of that. The rest of the story seemed more focused on their backstories and I couldn’t help but feel like I heard more about the male ex than about the developing connection between the MCs.

Old book

This is a old book, one I read years ago. I REALLY REALLY wish there would be original publishing dates, I kinda feel dupped into buying a "new" book, when in fact it's old.
The story itself was sad, sad sad. Set in the late 90's it tells a story of someone coming out and one who is forced to stay so deep in the closet. Both MCs have major issues, and are struggling to find happiness.
I lived through the 90s and was out and proud, and had a family who loved me unconditionally, so relating to either of the characters was hard. Thank goodness things have changed in the last 20 years.
As usual Angela Dawe was EXCELLENT!

Not new

Loved this book the first time I read it. Still do, great story - amazing author, but not fair listing it as “new” feels like I got taken advantage of by using a credit.