The Next Always by Nora Roberts Narrator: MacLeod Andrews
Length: 11 Hours 21 Minutes
Series: Inn BoonsBoro #1
Published by Penguin on November 1st 2011
Genres: Fiction, Romance, General
Pages: 336
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
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"America's favorite writer" (The New Yorker) begins an all-new trilogy-inspired by the inn she owns and the town she loves.
The historic hotel in BoonsBoro, Maryland, has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it's getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect of the family, Beckett's social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there's another project he's got his eye on: the girl he's been waiting to kiss since he was fifteen...
Why Did I Listen To The Next Always by Nora Roberts?
I have actually never ever read a Nora Roberts book before. I feel like that makes me someone who should not have any romance fan creds. I mean, how can I claim to love romance novels when I have not read like one of the foundation authors. A while ago, Audible was offering The Next Always by Nora Roberts FOR FREE and so I grabbed it and then just never listened to it. However, after listening to two books about murders, I thought, what the hey, I should listen to a happy audiobook. Straight up, I really enjoyed my first Nora Roberts book.
What’s The Story Here?
The Next Always by Nora Roberts is about this inn that’s being renovated in BoonsBoro by these three brothers and their mother. It’s about Beckett who is the architect and putting together the design. It’s about this woman named Claire who runs the local book store in town. Claire is a widow with three awesome boys. Beckett has always had a thing for Claire and finally, while she helps to write a brochure to advertise the inn, he gets his chance with her. There’s also a ghost who is named Lizzie who lives in the inn. Basically, this is a small town romance centered around the renovation of the inn.
How’s The Writing?
You know, I saw a few reviews that were not very keen on the aspect of the Montgomery family rehabbing the inn. Personally, I enjoyed listening to these parts. I thought it added an interesting dimension that’s more than just making out or child rearing. I loved the setting too. The town just feels so charming and like everyone knows everyone, but without the issues that plague the small town that I personally recently left. I actually liked listening to this so much that I am considering listening to the next two books in this trilogy. I felt like this book brought the perfect amount of escapism necessary at the beginning and end of a very long day.
How’s The Romance In The Next Always?
GIRL! I did not even expect this romance to be so good and SO STEAMY. Okay, so there are curse words in the story and like actual sex scenes. I did not expect that. Like, I feel like I always see the elderly church lady sort reading Nora Roberts, so I was expecting like a gentle sort of romance. OH NO NO. I was so wrong, which is awesome, because I actually really loved this romance. I thought that Claire and Beckett were a perfect couple and the payoff was something that I was really invested in – so, I just love how it all turned out. ALSO, there is a stalking subplot that a lot of people hated, but that I liked because it brought a dimension of action.
How’s The Narration of The Next Always?
MacLeod Andrews is the narrator of the audiobook for The Next Always and he is EXCELLENT. I was so sucked into this audiobook that one night when Josh was working overtime, I ended up listening to it all the way to the end while in bed. The only thing I was not all in with was the voices of the children. I mean, listening in the morning at work, this was kind of embarrassing. Aside from that, well, I am so glad I went with an audiobook format for my first ever Nora Roberts book.
Sum It Up With A GIF:
I surprisingly loved this book!
Other reviews of The Next Always by Nora Roberts:
Quinn’s Book Nook – “a very typical Nora Roberts’ book, and that is a good thing.”
Brazen Bookworm – “representative of what Roberts does so well.”
The Intrepid Reader – “the customary comfortable Nora Roberts read for me, but definitely not her best”
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I’m glad you liked this series, I saw the entire series on sale for like $1 each at a used bookstore and brought it because of the shiny covers! I really like Macleod Andrews YA narration he does Will Grayson, Will Grayson so well
That makes me want to reread Will Grayson, Will Grayson via audio. Also, I totally do the same thing when it comes to inexpensive books and shiny covers.
I’m glad that you liked this! I listened to this not too long ago and enjoyed it too. Although, I will say that I love other Nora Roberts books more. I’m a big fan of her Stanislaski series and her MacGregor’s series. They are a bit dated (not in consent or anything), and I feel like they are a bit more . . . warm I guess.
I listened to the second book too and really liked it. I highly recommend it. I haven’t listened to the third book, but I definitely want to.
Oh, and if you want to, we should get together again!
I have read every Nora Roberts book in existence – well everything up to 2014 anyway. She was my go-to author for years, and I loved her books so much that for a decade I hoarded and re-read them. Finally I donated the whole lot to the library – earning their forever love I might add. Welcome to the Nora Roberts fan club. 🙂
I love this book series so much! I really liked that the characters were creating a town and community while finding themselves. I also like Nora Roberts Dark Witch series. Great review!