What if one morning you look in the mirror and no longer recognize the person looking back?When Leelo can no longer identify herself by the roles that once defined her, it’s both terrifying and liberating. Oh, she feels the loss, the grief, and then the anger, but when she inherits property up north, she jumps at the promise of freedom and independence. Yet not everyone in her new community is … new community is what they seem, starting with the surly mountain man down the road.
As owner of the local fishing lodge, Roar is content with his everyday life. And the older he gets, the less he appreciates change. So when a blue-haired, tattooed ‘city girl’ moves into the old motel, shaking up his daily routine, he’s none too pleased.
Still, something about the woman’s easy smile and almost reckless grit has him step up as her keeper.
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It is another fabulous story from Ms. Freya !
I absolutely love how she has the ability to write characters that you not only fall in love with but you would like to jump in their story and become friends with all of them.
Leelo and Roar are from two different worlds. Leelo is now trying to rediscover herself following a difficulty divorce . Her uncle’s passing has left not only a whole in her heart but a hotel and bar that needs attention. Roar is a rugged, gruff , mountain man of few words. He is still battling his inner demons having been a service man and loosing his best friend to war. These characters are both more mature and set in their ways but are still trying to rediscover themselves. Their gruff interactions early in their relationship only leads you to believe the passion that runs deep within both of them. It may take some time and patience but they may bring out the best in each other. Unfortunately external forces continue to put a wrench in their discovery. I loved their journey …witty banter, sexual tension , mystery and rediscovery ! this book had it all!!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Though this may be her fifteenth novel, I was just as engrossed in the story of Leelo and Roar, as I was in her first.
Freya Barker consistently delivers heartfelt emotions. Readers can’t help but insinuate themselves into the story, not as an outsider who’s observing from afar, but living it as if they were amongst the characters themselves.
You can’t help but empathize with Leelo as she describes herself after her divorce. The impact this event has had on her are devastating, and the repercussions of her actions have altered many of her relationships. Her subsequent move out to BF-Nowhere-Ontario-Canada, is her clean slate, her rediscovery and rebuilding of her much stronger and independent self. Once there, she meets Roar, her burly mountain man of a neighbor – and what a first meeting that was!
I love how this author’s stories are well thought out, with complex plots, but yet neither prevent her from incorporating some well-placed zingers that leave the readers chuckling.
A star was truly born the day Ms. Barker decided to share her stories.
I have romped through this delightful audio, beautifully performed by Austin Barringer and Anneliese Rennie. With attractive, interesting characters and a sense of the effort in making a new family, I found myself immersed in the story and carried along by the voices telling it.
Again, like the first book in the Northern Lights series, I loved the setting – rustic Canadian town/lodge/lake – and many of the characters. The main characters being in their 40s was a nice twist for a romance tale. The section where Roar was fighting the wildfire was really interesting, since I was listening to that while the western US was on fire. That said, two things bugged me about this book: first, the sudden, violent confrontation that included a murder, which seemed to take the story for a really dark turn that to me didn’t fit with the overall feel of the book. Second, the female audiobook narrator (Anneliese Rennie) did NOT FIT Leelo at all – her Northern Midwest accent was incredibly distracting and she somehow made Leelo sound older than 46 and not like a funky, tattoo-covered, blue-haired lady.
A sweet and steamy read that kept me entertained all the way through. I love Roar! He’s older and stuck in his ways, broody and deliciously, gorgeous. His past with a woman he once loved has dictated how he’s lived his life, never really taking a risks with love. Leelo is finally trying to move on now that she’s been given the chance. A divorce from her husband and struggles with her children understanding her choices has motivated her to stand up for what she wants and needs.
An almost enemies to lovers vibe at first because Roar is ultimately a stubborn man. He’s not used to Leelo’s ways and not ready for the changes she’s making to this small, beautifully rustic town. But things progress and when these two are together its an achy, needy seductive burn. I couldn’t help but fall for these characters.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrators did a fantastic job. The narrator for Leelo seemed to have a voice that was a little older that the age of the character. But I grew to love the sassiness of her voice that brought out the character. The narrator for Roar was perfect, a smooth gravel to his voice that my skin tingle. Overall I really loved it!
Rating – story 4.5, narration 4
This is the second audio book in this series I’ve listened to and I really enjoyed it, even more than the first.
Leelo inherits a run down motel from her uncle in a remote but beautiful part of the Canadian countryside and moves there alone determined to make a fresh start. She soon finds out it’s not just the amount of repairs she’s up against, as a series of mysterious and increasingly damaging events, would have left her faltering if not for Roar, the grumbly, growly, infuriating but very handsome owner of the neighbouring fishing lodge.
Leelo is sassy and feisty with a lot of grit and determination but hides her insecurities well, thanks to past treatment from her very selfish, nasty ex husband (who does make an unwelcome appearance). She is at times brash and short fused, however, the more Roar gets to know her, the more he sees and the more she slips under his defences.
Both narrators were very good. Austin Barrenger was perfect for Roar, a man of few words but I could really picture this gruff but caring, beautiful mountain man.
The voice of Annelise Rennee also gave me this perfect picture in my head of the blue haired, tattooed, gutsy, brave, independent with an air of vulnerability woman Leelo was.
Told in dual pov, this was a sweet, sexy, heartfelt, slow burn romance. I wouldn’t say enemies to lovers but they certainly managed to rub each other up the wrong way to start with! It was laced with good humour, emotion, drama, mystery, suspense and danger but was really well paced throughout and I loved how the locals and Leelo’s family pulled together when it really mattered. I also loved the fact they were older, mid 40’s with all the life baggage I can relate to, to overcome.
Thoroughly enjoyable and I will look forward to the next in the series
This was my first Freya Barker’s book, and won’t be my last. This is the second book in the Northern Lights Series, a Small Town Romance. Leelo and Roar’s slow burn story is sweet, sexy, and beautiful. They are wonderful characters. Leelo is strong, and independent. Roar is handsome, supportive, and caring. They are opposites attract, and perfect together. The storyline is fun, filled with drama, intrigues, and twists and turns. The cast of supporting characters is great. I loved Leelo’s kids, and Roar’s mother. Anneliese Rennie and Austin Barringer are fantastic narrators. Austin Barringer is a new narrator to me. He has a beautiful voice, very pleasant to listen to. We need more from him! They both are perfect as Leelo and Roar. I enjoyed it. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Wonderful romance, enthralling setting
Roar and Leelo have a genuinely romantic connection, the kind of love that comes once in a lifetime. I loved how they worked their lives together, how they supported each other, and especially how Roar helped encourage Leelo to trust herself again.
This is a complicated story of two people in their mid-40’s finding each other at just the right time. There’s plenty of drama from her family, plus there’s a malevolent presence seeking to destroy her new life. The details did get a bit gruesome at times, but I accepted those parts (and quickly read through) in the spirit of realism. You really do feel like you’re right in the middle of the action with this author’s writing style. The suspense is exquisitely balanced by the passion and small-town atmosphere, so even though it’s a long road until the villain is brought to justice you never feel that the situation is completely hopeless.
I adored the secondary characters, especially Charlie and Ace. It’s always a bonus for me when a big happy dog is featured as a member of the family, and this author has a real knack for that. Roar’s conversation with Charlie at the end was especially poignant and inspiring.
I listened to the audio book I received from NetGalley as I read along in my Kindle app, and I really enjoyed both narrators. The female narrator really seemed to capture Leelo’s spirit, easily bringing the character to life.
I really enjoyed this one and the narrator brought it to life. Leelo inherited her uncle’s run down business in the country in Northern Ontario and even though she is short on funds, very short, she is determined to do all the work herself to get the place back up and running and ready to welcome guests. Her nearest neighbor finds her stranded on her roof in the middle of a thunderstorm and pulls her down before strapping the tarp down. That is how she meets Roar, the bearded ex-military man who runs the lodge next door and ends up showing up to work along side her. These two end up seeing something in each other they each recognize and end up healing each other and Leelo’s adult children along the way. There is also a twist of suspense added in for good measure. Definitely enjoyed this one!
Audiobook: Narrators – Anneliese Rennie & Austin Barringer
What an exceptional narration! This was my first by Mr. Barringer and holy heck, I was completely blown away. He gave his performance so much more than what you normally find in audio-books and I’ll definitely be looking for more from him! Ms. Rennie also brought out these characters with plenty of drama.
I went into this one blind but secure, because anything by this author is going to be safe for me as well as have all the requirements I look for in a great book. So I was a bit surprised by this heroine, Leelo, but I quickly learned to love her. I thought I was going to have an issue but I soon saw her for what she was underneath all the exterior as well as her sometimes harsh demeanor.
Roar on the other hand had me falling in love immediately. Big, bearded, grumpy with few words spoken…oh yeah! Add in that Leelo aggravated him on a whole new level than most and he had me completely.
While this had some drama pertaining to the business Leelo was trying to kick back into gear, the relationship did not. That doesn’t mean there weren’t times this couple had their flare ups and I actually loved watching them deal with them…and make up.
I truly enjoyed everything about this story as well as all the secondary characters and I hope we get to see more of them in the future.
A Change of View
Northern Lights, Book 2
By: Freya Barker
Narrated by: Anneliese Rennie, Austin Barringer
Freya Barker is fast becoming one of my favorites! She writes stories that are easy to fall into, become part of the community and listen to hear the outcome of our new friends. This one features Leelo. I love her! A divorced woman, restarting her life. She inherits some property from her uncle and begins her trek to opening her motel. While she is sometimes over the top, I can totally understand her as she finds her new normal. She is ambitious but when it comes to some of the renovation, she finds her neighbor Roar, to be quite the handyman. Roar is quite taken with Leelo, and he too has some baggage from his past. But these two, even though completely different just seem to fit. Add in Leelo’s kids and Roar’s mother Charlie and we have a fantastic family to visit and enjoy. I have to say, I loved the fact that this was a couple in their 40’s which made it all the more fun for me!
The narration was wonderful! Anneliese Rennie channeled herself into Leelo, giving her all the emotions. Sometimes a little crazy, sometimes frustrated and angry and sometimes loving and passionate. She nails her character perfectly. This is my first Austin Barringer listen, and I can’t wait to hear more from him. He is fantastic! As Roar, he is the calming effect and made his character very appealing. I will be watching for more from him. This was hours of entertainment and I can’t wait for book 3!
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Outstanding Story & Narration A Heartfelt Beauty of a Book
A Change of View
Northern Lights, Book 2
By: Freya Barker
Narrated by: Anneliese Rennie, Austin Barringer
I loved this audiobook, the story is heartwarming and completely engrossing, once I started listening I did not want stop. Freya Barker is a gifted author, the story and characters she created are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. It is a great treat to listen to a contemporary romance that features characters who are in their forties and in the prime of their life. After a failed marriage Leelo fell in to a slump, she decides to leave her life behind and move up north the property she inherited from her Uncle Sam, there was a motel, bar restaurant plus a place to live on the property, it was rundown but she planned on renovating it herself. But this is no easy job but even though she may be in over her head she is determined to make it. Roar property next to Leelo, I loved their first encounter, he is driving him and sees her on the motel roof in the midst of dangerous rain storm. Roar stops to help and he finds out how feisty his blue haired neighbor could be. I loved the chemistry between these two right from the start, the bickering between them and how she stood up to him. I admired her tenaciousness and determination to get things done and to finally accept Roar’s neighborly help. I loved how everything played out in this book, it is wonderfully plotted, in addition to the beautiful romance that develops there is drama happening in Wawa and it is not just about a Leelo’s arrival, strange things start happening, is it pranks or is someone trying to sabotage her business. Freya Barker keeps it all real in this book, the family drama, the heartfelt and emotional moments, the wonderful humor and laugh out loud moments and best of all the slow burn romance. Thank you for this amazing story, I loved every minute of it and can not give it enough praise, even five stars is not enough.
I listened to the Audible edition, Anneliese Rennie and Austin Barringer are wonderful narrators and versatile voice artists. They are perfectly casted to bring these characters to life, they do an amazing job portraying the characters, humanizing them, giving each their own voice and personality. Anneliese Rennie truly grasped Leelo’s persona, she sounded just as I pictured she would sound. Austin Barringer’s Roar was perfection too, a rugged alpha male (way to go for your debut narration, congrats)! They were great performing the voices of the secondary characters too. You could hear how much heart they put into their work as they capture the characters emotions and project them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the awesome listen
Another great read by Freya Barker! It did take a bit to warm up to the heroine, Leelo. She had been walked all over during her first marriage so I’m sure we were just seeing her deciding to not take crap anymore. At times it felt like she was overreacting. I can also appreciate that the author probably did this on purpose. She’s really good about creating flawed characters that you can relate to.
I loved the hero, Roar. He’s described as a hot lumberjack that’s moody and growly. My cup of tea! These two did not hit it off right away but Roar was just such a good guy that came to Leelo’s rescue no matter how stubborn she was. I loved him.
It doesn’t take long for more to develop between these two. I really like how we got quality time with them together. Leelo is a divorced mom with grown kids who do play a part in their story. There is a small bit of other woman drama and a jerk of an ex husband. Neither thing had me loving this story any less.
I’m not even sure where to start with this review. I have read everything that Ms. Barker has written and have loved each and every story. Somehow this book hit closer to home for me, maybe it’s the fact that both Roar and Leelo were only children and their fathers taught them the love of the outdoors. One of my favorite places on earth is the family cabin in northwest Ontario. Maybe it’s the fact that like Leelo, in the past I’ve never felt I measured up to everyone’s ideal of who I should be, or maybe it’s the fact that I see the man I married personified in Roar, right down to the beard and devilish eyes. All I know is I think this is my favorite book so far.
Leelo is trying to rebuild not only her life, but also her view of herself, after spending her life trying to please her mother, her husband, and her children. After a family-shattering divorce, and an unexpected inheritance, she picks up herself up and moves north to refurbish her uncle’s motel. However, someone seems to be sabotaging her new beginning, which she fights tooth and nail. In the process she meets the wonderful characters only Ms. Barker can create. Riordan Doyle (Roar), owner of Jackson’s Point is Leelo’s nearest neighbor and her savior in many ways. His mother, Charlotte is a take no prisoners octogenarian and when I get old I want to be her. What follows after the pair meets is a smoldering story of self-discovery, intrigue, and love.
Throughout the story Ms. Barker weaves her love of her native Ontario along with a beautiful love story. While Roar is a man of few words, his thoughts and emotions run much deeper than he shows. When he shares his thoughts with those he loves, the scenes are beautiful and heartfelt. If you love a book about a strong woman overcoming the odds and the reinventing herself and a man opening his heart to the possibilities of love and a different future, grab this book; you won’t be sorry.
Favorite Quotes:
Reminded me a little of that old Brawny commercial, the lumberjack guy… He probably has abs to match, the kind you can bounce quarters off. Try and do that off mine and you’d need heavy equipment to excavate it.
Sometimes my stubborn drive for independence gets in the way of common sense.
You’re pretty smart for middle-aged, wannabe sideshow headliner.
My Review:
Freya Barker is my go-to source and rocks it like no other. She is better than the mailman as she consistently delivers superbly written and engaging tales that are each richly laced with a unique and indelible cast of worn, flawed, yet realistically drawn characters, who never fail to ensnare my cold heart. Every-single-time! I have cherished and coveted each and every one of her captivating series. A Change of View was an active, eventful, and insightful tale with mature characters, real-life family issues, and a tattered protagonist in dire need of a fresh start. Written from my favorite dual POV, the premise was solid, the storyline was relevant and well-crafted, and the writing was emotive, keenly observant and cleverly insightful. Yet the endearing and oddly matched characters were the heart and soul of the piece. While we begin with and witness Leelo’s steady growth and I applauded her evolving backbone while facing so many unusual challenges; Roar was a complete and unquestionable delight, I adored him in totality but most of all for his secret words which were nothing short of genius.
“She’s my fantasy, my fortune, my fate, and my future.”
I have come to expect a few things from Freya’s books after reading most of her published works, and I have observed a few running themes in the stories. First, I love that her main characters are older and more mature, usually in their late 30s and 40s. Second, they are relatable in their life experiences and the baggage that can come along with it at that age, not to mention they are realistic in the portrayal of their bodies and style. The women tend to have some sort of trauma or painful event in their past, but their stories center around their journeys to finding their way forward and embracing their independence. The men are usually take charge alpha types without being alpha-holes, and while they are protective and lend their strength/ support to their woman, they generally do not steamroll them to make decisions. If that all sounds good to you, then you will want to grab her newest release A Change of View to start then move on to her other books!
Like so many women out there today, Leelo has been on the wrong side of a cheating husband who also happens to be a condescending jerk to boot. After her divorce she went through a rough patch akin to a rebellious teenager in some ways that left her with a strained relationship with her two kids, wildly colored hair and a lot of beautiful ink. When her uncle passes away and leaves his motel in the Canadian wilderness to her, she sees it as a chance to follow a dream while establishing her independence. Her kids are less than enthusiastic about her choice to move so far away and voice their opinions loudly and often, but she is determined to grasp this chance with both hands- until she arrives at the motel to find something that looks more like something out of a horror film than something out of a fairy tale. She is not one to back down from a challenge though despite the resistance of the locals to her colorful appearance which is not helped by her slightly abrasive attitude.
When Roar drives by the motel in the middle of a raging storm and sees someone on the roof with lightning all around, he can’t believe his eyes or the stupidity of the 5 foot nothing woman trying to lay a tarp over the hole in the roof. Being a man of few words to begin with, suffice it to say their personalities do not mix well at their first encounter but he gets the job done and moves on. Roar is a caretaker at his core so he finds himself going back to check on Leelo and jumping in to help with the repairs in spite of himself. That caretaker’s nature finds itself at odds with Leelo’s stubborn determination to do everything herself without having to depend on a man, but little by little they work their way beneath the skin of the other. Life is not without it challenges though. Someone seems very determined to keep Leelo from successfully reopening the motel, and as the incidents mount Roar’s own fishing lodge starts to see a few suspicious incidents of its own. Add in a jealous former friend with benefits and a surly daughter who needs to learn to grow up- fast- and Leelo’s frustration level climbs.
It took me a little while to warm up to the characters, but eventually Roar melted my heart and Leelo grew on me as she let down her guard to lose some of the cold bitchiness that is her armor. I think some of my favorite moments happened between Roar and Leelo’s grown son Matt when he arrived to check out the place and help with repairs. But I have to admit that while this was a still good story, I just didn’t love it as much as the first book in the series and I can’t say why that is because I haven’t put my finger on it entirely. I did find it just a bit long in a few spots, and when the hits just kept coming in Leelo’s life to the point where I just wanted to yell “really???” right along with her, it felt a bit like overkill. That being said, as I noted earlier, it was still a really good story and it seems as though I am in the minority with my opinions, so take it with a grain of salt. I am still very much a fan of this author’s books and I will be looking forward to seeing what she brings our way next.
This book, A Change of View, is the second in the Northern Lights series by Freya Barker and it’s one that will stay with me for a VERY long time to come! Freya’s writing is superb, her character development is spot on, the way she writes makes everything come to life…like you are right there, watching everything unfold in front of you, like you are an active participant in this remarkable story of self-discovery, of letting the baggage from your past go and living your life for YOU…and of finding the love of your life when and where you least expect it!
Leelo is one of my all-time favorite characters…she’s feisty, sassy, takes no prisoners when it comes to telling ANYONE like it is (some might think she’s a bit of a b***h, but I think she’s perfect, considering what she’s had to endure almost her whole adult life!) yet, at the same time (BECAUSE of what she’s had to endure) she’s also sooooo insecure and unsure of herself, but bravely faces everything that comes her way! Mind you, she has the support of one very HOT, VERY Alpha, very intense neighbor, Riordan (Roar)….the likes of which she has never seen! I found my emotions were twisted into knots at times, at others, I wanted to bash some heads together ! There were also some hilarious laugh-out-loud moments and times where my heart just swooned with the love pouring from the pages!
The secondary characters were also superbly hashed out! I LOVED Roar’s mother Charlie and Leelo’s son Matt (who turns out to be a LOT like Roar…that protective, knee-buckling Alpha who looks after what is HIS! Whether that be his Mom, his lover or his friend!) I had issues with Leelo’s daughter, Gwen, at first, but even SHE grew on me and turned out to be not-so-bad!
Throw in some drama with some really scary incidents that had me sitting on the edge of my seat while reading and you have another MUST READ from an author who has hit my TOP 10 Authors List! Thank you, Freya!
Freya Barker writes from the very depth of her soul. She takes real life lessons and turns them into spectacular characters that touch your heart as they heal and move forward in life. The will and empowerment that her heroine’s find within makes me believe, I have it too.
The past few years have been one of self rebuilding for Leelo. Learning to love and value herself after the years of doing what was expected of her. She still struggles with the effects the breakup of her marriage had on her relationship with her children. Against everyone’s shows of concern she packs up to move to Wawa to bring her dead uncles Motel back to life. Does She have all the skills need to accomplish, NO. Is she willing to give it everything she has, YES.
Roar has spent his whole life living in Wawa and loving the land aside from his time away serving his country. He quickly learned not to judge others by appearance or impressions. He has found a happiness at his lodge and is not searching for companionship. Until he meets his new neighbor and all her fiestiness. Somehow she gets stuck in his head, and then he is doing what he can to help her.
Can the draw of the north country help heal slit relationship of a mother and her children? Will Leelo and Roar find the path to happiness? Will the interference of others keep them apart or push them closer together?
I am loving the setting and atmosphere of the Northern Lights series. Taking a little time with nature to heal the soul. can’t wait for more Northern Lights and fabulous characters.
Freya Barker’s Change of View is a sometimes gut-wrenching but emotionally satisfying romp. Leelo and Roar are funny and sexy and most of all, real. Leelo has a chance for a fresh start, and she’s determined to do it by herself. Roar is her down-the-road neighbor, who can’t quite seem to not help this fiercely independent woman. These two butt heads, infuriate one another, and ultimately fall in love and help each other heal, and the story of Leelo and Roar’s journey, is everything a reader could possibly want in a mature romance.
A Change of View is my first reading experience with Freya Barker, and it’s left me somewhere in the fair to middlin range. It’s a good story, but it felt like it was stretched out unnecessarily.
There were several things that I really liked about this story. I love that the characters are around my age, which is a rare find in romance lately, and I liked both Roar and Leelo. They didn’t act like lovestruck teenagers, they’re both strong characters, and I like that the author paints them realistically. Granted, Roar seemed to be aging more gracefully than Leelo, but isn’t that always the way? Either way, it felt real as far as their experience and actions. Leelo is understandably insecure after a bitter divorce, but she’s working hard to accept herself and she’s unapologetically a what you see is what you get kind of woman. Roar, of course, is the typical sexy love interest, but he’s also a complete sweetheart and he’s comfortable in his own skin.
Of course, I can’t talk about an audiobook without mentioning the narrators. Both Anneliese Rennie and Austin Barringer do a great job with this story, and I like that I didn’t feel like I was just listening to someone read a story. The emotion came through wonderfully, and the performances of both narrators worked well for these characters.
As I mentioned, I was left in mid range with this book, and a lot of that can be chalked up to the length of the book. Now, I have no problem with longer books, and I’ve read quite a lot of them, but if a book is going to be 400+ pages or almost 10 hours listening time, then it should be paced so that there are no lags in the story. This one is not. There is just too much of the mundane for my tastes. I didn’t need a detailed account of Leelo building a webpage for her hotel only to forget to save it when she went to get clothes out of the dryer. Really? I can get that right here in my own everyday life.
Then we have the suspense part of this story. Honestly, with the way it’s done, I wouldn’t have considered this a romantic suspense if I hadn’t already known that’s what it was supposed to be. It was easy enough to figure out who was behind everything, and it was even pretty easy to figure out the why – maybe not all the details of it but enough that it didn’t have a mystery vibe at all. Other than one scene with some danger, the ‘mystery’ felt more secondary – like something to move the romance along, something to give Roar a reason to be the big protective male and hang around. The things that happened could’ve been played up a bit for a sense of mystery, but that just wasn’t the case here.
To sum it up, this one is an entertaining romance with great characters, but it meanders much more than I liked, and I didn’t consider it suspenseful in the least. In the end, I liked it okay, but it’s not something I feel like I’d listen to again anytime soon.