Making it Happen: Audiobook Review: FOR THE LONG RUN by Elizabeth Noble, narrated by Samuel Mann

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Audiobook Review: FOR THE LONG RUN by Elizabeth Noble, narrated by Samuel Mann

For the Long Run

by Elizabeth Noble

Publisher: Howling Corgi Press

Narrator: Samuel Mann

Release Date: July 12, 2023

Genre: Contemporary, M/M Erotic Romance, Paranormal thriller, BDSM romance, Erotic thriller

Tropes: Fake relationship, hurt/comfort, romantic thriller

Themes: Forgiveness, overcoming parental abuse, D/s and healthy BDSM romance

Heat Rating: 5 flames

Length: 5 hours and 52 minutes

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links

Universal Link | Audible US | Audible UK

Blurb

From the outside Jay’s life seems idyllic, a twenty-something, runs his family’s business with high disposable income and freedom. The reality, is Jay’s life is dictated by a bigoted, controlling, abusive father who insists Jay simply can’t be gay. Jay yearns for his own life with a dominant man, but it’s an out-of-reach pipe dream. When he meets trained Dom, Eric, the most Jay can hope for is the occasional one-night-stand or quick fling.

Eric has his heart set on Jay, and not only for more than one night. Jay is the type of sub Eric could easily spend the rest of his life with, fall in love with. While trying to navigate winning Jay’s love, Eric’s life is further complicated by chasing down a killer who may be something other than human.

When Jay is targeted, Eric wants only to protect him. Can he save Jay’s life and win his heart as well?

Carra's Review

This is a new-to-me author plus a new-to-me narrator, so this was taking a double chance for me. While the setup is one I’ve read many times—two guys meet in a bar and hook up, only to find themselves faced with each other in an awkward situation later—it was the characters who pulled me in and kept my interest throughout the story.

Jay is in an unfair situation thanks to his jerk of a father, but he keeps towing the line and going along with things with an eye towards eventually breaking free of his hold and finally getting to live his life the way he wants…without his father’s strings attached.

Jay and Eric fit easily together, and their connection is obvious and strong. Keeping up appearances for Jay’s sake with his father isn’t ideal, but it all comes down to the same thing—playing the long game to get what they really want in the end. I really liked the two of them as a couple, and the super hot physical scenes were that bonus cherry on top.

The murders that keep happening which seem to be connected somehow to Jay’s family’s resort add a strong element of suspense to the story. That there’s some kind of unidentified supernatural element involved notches the thriller aspect up as well. Add in some family drama—Jay’s dad is a real piece of work—and it makes for an interesting read/listen.

I thought the narration was really good. There was an definite differentiation of voices for the characters, and expression of emotion at the appropriate points. I was easily enveloped in the story as I listened, so I’ll be on the lookout for more from this narrator.

Overall, For the Long Run gets a solid 4 stars from me, with the narration getting 4.5 stars. If you’re a fan of erotic romance that includes a D/s relationship and a bit of suspense and drama, I’d recommend checking this one out. This book is meant for readers/listeners 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

About the Author

Mystery, action, chills, and thrills spiced with romance and desire. ELIZABETH NOBLE lives by the adage "I can't not write." She doesn't remember a time when she didn’t make up stories and eventually she learned how to put words on a page. Those words turned into books and fan fiction that turned into a genuine love of M/M fiction. A part of every day is spent living in worlds she created that are filled with intrigue and espionage. She has a real love for a good mystery complete with murder and twisty plots as well as all things sci-fi, futuristic, and supernatural.

When she's not chronicling the adventures of her many characters, Elizabeth is a veterinary nurse living in her native Cleveland, Ohio. She has three grown children and now happily shares her little, brick house with two spunky Cardigan Welsh Corgis and their feline sidekicks. Elizabeth is a fan of baseball, basketball (go Cavs and Cleveland Baseball) and gardening. She can often be found working in her 'outside office' listening to classic rock and plotter her next novel waiting for it to be dark enough to gaze at the stars.

Elizabeth has received a number of amateur writing awards. Since being published, several of her novels have received Honorable Mentions in the Rainbow Awards. Jewel Cave was a runner-up in the Gay Mystery/Thriller category in the 2015 Rainbow Awards. Ringed Love was a winner in the Gay Fantasy Romance category of the 2016 Rainbow Awards.