The Companion

By: Sandra A. Sigfusson

Narrated by: Ava Lucas, Connor Crais

A sorted little world within my circle of friends and family had carried on for years without my knowledge. So when Liam tipped over the rock I was hiding under and exposed his world to me, one fraught with stigma and societal disrespect, I struggled to decide if I should find a bigger rock to hide under or embrace it. He was, after all, the most charming of men, the most handsome of anyone I'd ever dated, and the most incredible lover I could ever have imagined. Still, the stigma remains, hanging like an invisible noose from the bow of a weeping willow, because the first rule of companionship is nobody talks about the companion.

©2021 Sandra A. Sigfusson (P)2021 Sandra A. Sigfusson

Interesting Choice of Hero

We first meet Madison Thurlow at her parents' funeral. She's devastated by her loss and trying her best to keep it together. Any distraction would be welcome. That's when at the service she sees this strikingly handsome man who seems to be her mother's friend's son. 

When everyone leaves after the reception, including her best best friend, she can't stand staying at her parents' house alone. So she heads to the pub they frequented down the street. To her surprise, the handsome man is there too, having a drink. He is indeed Sarah's son and his name is Liam Hennessey. But the biggest surprise is still to come. When asked what he does for a living he  promptly tells her: I am a companion. A few drinks and many misunderstandings later, Maddie takes him home and a relationship develops from there. 

I was really interested when I saw that the main male character in this would be a male *insert whatever euphemism here you are comfortable with for prostitute*. He may be a very high-class one, but just the nature of his profession would certainly be cause for conflict and discomfort. Even though  I ended up warming up to Liam, I was extremely bothered that he hit on Maddie hours after the funeral! I know she was more than willing to be hit on, but, c'mon, she was too vulnerable. Yes, she had no problem being hit on but it made me cringe.  

Obviously Maddie has a hard time accepting his profession but he shows her that he is in the process of "retiring" and he will "cease all transactions" immediately. They navigate through all the problems in this situation, including two curve balls thrown at them. I particularly liked how the author dealt with the characters' feelings, particularly Maddie, who has a ton of crap to deal with.

Note: there is a situation that some people might consider cheating, but I am going to go Ross and Rachel here: THEY WERE ON A BREAK!!

Very good storytelling, though a little slow at times, and a little insta-lovey, but I really enjoyed it.  

Narrated duet style by Ava and Connor, with them doing all the male and female voices and it was as amazing as I was expecting.

Intriguing story

Very intriguing story - Liam is a companion who falls for Madison and tells her all his secrets. They are hard to take but she can’t stay away from him. Their lives end up being more intertwined than they expected. I don’t want to say any more and give away spoilers.
Connor Crais is excellent in this duet style audio, he really brings it all.

It’s worth the credit..

I enjoyed the story and the characters as well. I believe the narrators made all the difference. They were excellent!