Something in the Way

This is the first Jessica Hawkins book I've read/ listened to. I have a couple but as of yet, haven't listened to them. I'm going to have to rectify that pronto. This book gave me all the feels... and I do mean all. So many different emotions with this story. It was beautiful, and it was heart-breaking, and it is only the beginning. Jessica gutted me in the most perfect of ways. I'm not sure how I'm going to survive two more books but I'm also looking forward to it. This is one of my favourite books of 2017, I listened to it in one sitting, I just couldn't pull myself away, I was so invested in this story and these characters.

I've not read a lot of forbidden romances, so I wasn't quite sure how this story was going to play out. I really enjoyed the pacing of the story, it didn't feel rushed or too slow, it felt like everything was happening as and when it should. The story needed to be told and Jessica's writing is incredibly engaging and on point that it immerses you into the story and the lives of these characters. I am so tempted to eyeball the remaining two books in the series but I'm going to hold off for the audio because this audiobook was something special and I have a feeling the next two will be as well and it'll be worth the wait.

The characters in this book were enchanting. I adored Lake, she was sweet and innocent and a little naïve but that just made her all the more appealing. The way her character developed and starting questioning things that were a given in her life. It was beautiful. Her feelings for Manning started innocent enough, but seeing the change in her, as her feeling developed was something that I think many women are going to be able to relate to.
Manning, sigh, I just loved him so much. He was so endearing. The way he was with both Lake and Tiffany, he gave them both something they were lacking. He didn't take any crap, and obviously cared about them both a great deal and it showed. His past is heart-breaking, and I couldn't help but shed a tear for him.
Throughout the story my opinion on Tiffany kept changing, it ranged from thinking she was a horrible person, to feeling sorry for her, and back to disliking her. It was also tough, due to how she was really a means to an end. Manning saw in her things that I wasn't able to until they were obvious. I did love how Manning put her in her place in regards to Lake. The way he was helping her to become a better person.

The progression of the relationship between Manning and Lake was beautiful to watch unfold. The way Manning's feeling developed and how he fought it, and in turn, how Lake's feelings developed, and she tried everything not to fight it. They were on opposite sides, but it worked. The touch of forbidden gave it an air of angst that I wasn't expecting, and it worked perfectly.
The meeting between Lake and Manning was sweet yet awkward. Lake is young and naive. Manning is older and gruff. Together they made such a cute couple, even though they shouldn't have. I was rooting for Lake throughout, I cannot wait to see where their story goes next.

This dual narration was wonderful. I've listened to many audiobooks narrated by Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber – both together and separate, however, I think this might be my favourite. It was so beautifully performed, I even raved to my husband who wasn't interested but he let me go on about it for 20 mins lol. Andi Arndt is fabulous. I wasn't sure what to expect with Lake only being 16 but she pulls it off perfectly. It's incredibly believable. Zachary Webber was the perfect choice for Manning. He is wonderful at delivering a sweet but gruff performance. The way they both conveyed the emotions the characters were experiencing was stunning. The whole audiobook was a riveting experience and I cannot wait for books two and three to do it all over again. The production was fantastic with no issues.