If good things come to those who wait, Gabe’s longtime crush on his straight best friend is about to pay off big time. Clark Summers, all rippling muscle and sunny smiles, is every bit as hot as his name suggests. Gabe should know—he’s been crushing on him since forever. Which is long enough to have discovered that while Clark is down to spoon him in a best-friend kind of way, he’s not looking … he’s not looking to fork.
Gabe knows he should move on, but when he comes home from college and gets sucked into being Clark’s private tutor, there’s nothing he can do. Clark is irresistible, and Gabe… well, Gabe’s determined to nail this job in more ways than one.
Before the Call is the hot and hilarious second book in the Small Town Hearts series, but no knowledge of previous books is needed to fall in love with this one.
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Emma Alcott’s newest novel in her standalone Small Town Hearts series, Before the Call, has been released in audio, beautifully performed by Michael Ferraiuolo.
A sweet friends-to-lovers story, Before the Call also touches on a few deeper issues as well. Without spoiling too much, I’ll just say one of the younger brothers is a victim of a cat-fishing predator. Everything turns out okay, plus the entire community rallies around the family in the best of ways.
Michael Ferraiuolo does a wonderful job bringing this one to life. His soothing voice is the perfect way to enjoy Ms. Alcott’s heart-warming story. I highly recommend this one!
Before the Call is book two in the Small Town Hearts series by Emma Alcott and I have to say it was quite the letdown. After the Crash (book one) was everything and more but this story fell flat in so many ways to me.
I can’t say I didn’t like it because it was an OK story. I really expected more after book one though. There was never a point through the whole book where I could connect with either of the MC’s. I kept waiting for something to happen, or something to pull me in but it just didn’t happen.
The story of Clark and his family was truly adorable, and I love the family aspect, but it felt so out of place with the rest of the story to me. Book three sounds like it is going to be a continuation of an open story line in this book, but I could be wrong. There was HEA which is always a plus but this just didn’t do it for me at all….
Before the Call is the second book in the Small Town Hearts series, but it is a standalone book. The characters and events from the first book are not connected with the second book at all. The only thing the two books have in common is the theme of a small town and contemporary romance.
Gabe and Clark have a beautiful friendship which transforms into a beautiful romance. Watching these two men discover that the feelings they have for each other is more than just friendship, and they both feel the same way, was beyond sweet and made my heart feel warm and fluffy. I really liked the family dynamics within the book, especially with Clark’s younger siblings, and how everyone rallied together when an outside force threatened one of their own.
Michael Ferraiuolo narrated the audiobook and did a great job. He kept his characters consistent and distinct (and there were a lot of characters to voice). There was one voice he did for a female side character (Missy) that I did not really enjoy, but that was an artistic interpretation of a character and the character only made a few appearances. The audiobook production was well done and overall I thought the audiobook was a splendid.
Good book, a bit slow but bear with it.
Second book in the series and Michael does a fantastic job of narrating again. This book does tend to be a heavy slow read but seriously, the characters develop and the story is good.
Gabe has been apart of Clarks family for years, but ran away to college and wasn’t ever to return. However he’s desperate to be a teacher and he’s useless at interacting with adults, one of the few jobs available and desperate for a teacher is his home town.
Should he go back and face everyone.
Clark has dated his way through the towns women, including his second best friend but nothing feels right. He misses his best friend Gabe, he’d be able to help.
The ending is great, a HEA which we all love.
Before the Call
A Small Town Hearts Novel
By: Emma Alcott
Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
Series: Small Town Hearts, Book 2
Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins
Overall
Narration
Story
Read at 1.10 on audible
Gabe and Clark have such a strong connection. It was painful at times to see them each struggling with their own confusion or secrets. I like how they get a push to get them moving in the right direction. The side story with Clark brother adds another wonderful rich layer to the story as a whole but also to the building relationship between Gabe and Clark themselves. And I really love a small town that shows that all small towns are not created equal.
This friends to lovers romance featuring Clark and Gabe was cute and witty. Clark never knew he had feelings of the romantic variety for Gabe until he was forced to imagine him with someone else. After that, the romantic relationship developed pretty quickly between the two. With some touch and go situations with Clark’s family, it was a happily ever after for this pair.
Before the Call is a Small Town Hearts Novel by author Emma Alcott. This series does not have to be read in order to get the storyline.
This story is written in dual POV, works really well for this story letting me into both character’s thoughts and feelings.
Gabe: he and Clark had been best friends. He wanted to be a teacher but finding a job after college had be hard. He has not talked to Clark in three years. He still worries about him. Now he is going home, to teach in the local high school.
Clark has not seen or heard from Gabe; he thought the was never coming back. Clark has never left the small town he grew up in. He really missed Gabe. He takes care of his siblings and works. That is his life.
This story is so great. I love the humor that is in this story. The chemistry between Clark and Gabe is off the charts hot. I highly recommend this book to a true romantic. It is sweet, has some suspense and angst, and a whole lot of love.
Five Shooting Stars
Audiobook Review:
Before the Call is the second standalone in the Small Town Hearts series and, in my opinion, even better than the first book. Not only do I love friends to lover romances, but this audiobook happens to feature one of my favorite narrators, so it was an obvious must-listen for me. I really enjoyed Before the Call. It boasted a few surprise deviations from the way many small town romance books go, including a supportive small town and main characters with great, loving families.
I immediately liked the “dorky” Gabe. He was quirky with a beautiful heart and sometimes bumbling mouth that was constantly making me smile. Clark was equally likeable, though somewhat oblivious at times. I enjoyed the friendship between these two and the unwavering support they offered one another, especially the way Clark cared for Gabe. From a relationship, gay-for-you standpoint, things did feel a bit rushed regarding Clark realizing his feelings and going all in, but there’s something to be said for low angst romances that offer all the warm fuzzies the way Before the Call does. As much as I enjoyed the easy romance and relationship development between Gabe and Clark, the narration only made it better with a smooth voice and delivery that allowed for a relaxing, easy listen I was happy to get lost in. If you are looking for a good story with some angst in the storyline but minimal conflict in the relationship, I’d definitely recommend Before the Call.
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 4
Narration: 5
Sweet, Sexy and heartwarming!
I loved this one and couldn’t help but fall for the characters.
I love Emma’s writing style and how they manage to create sweet, wonderful and caring characters that can’t help but weave their way into your heart. I loved the batter between these too and felt this was a beautiful and somewhat epic (3 years in the making) best-friends to lovers/second chance romance!
I loved the Dork and his Jock and I loved how Clark embraced his sexual awakening quickly and with no real reservations. He was honest and forthcoming with his care for his best friend and realized he’s cared for and even been in love with him for years and years. Their connection is so sweet and will give you all the feels and “heart-eyes”!
I also felt for Clark’s brother and his challenging and somewhat traumatizing situation and I hope he gets a HEA in one of Emma’s future books.
I’m loving this series and can’t wait for more from this powerhouse author and narrator pair!!!
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Gabe and Clark are fun and sexy and their story was super easy to read. A wonderful tale of friends, family and an understanding of all kinds of love. This is the kind of book that will suit many readers and most will have trouble putting it down!
Audible. Also in KU.
While this is the second book in the series – there’s no connection in any way to the first book, so this can be listened to all on it’s own. Emma Alcott has given another wonderful comfort/low-angst listen with adorable characters. While there is a bit of drama, it’s not between Gabe & Clark it’s from external situations.
Not exactly GFY as much as Clark just not realizing what it is he wants, while Gabe has always known he wants Clark. I think this fits better in the best friends to lovers category.
Michael Ferraiuolo is amazing here. It’s only the second book I’ve listened to him narrate and I love his ability to be a full cast all by himself. I wouldn’t hesitate to listen to anything else he narrates.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I love a small town romances!
Gabe and Clark were wonderful best friends but once they became more their chemistry was adorable, sweet and off the charts explosive.
Plus, I never new math could be so sexy but this author absolutely made that happen. If you’re looking for a feel good romance that will make you laugh and swoon look no further these books have it all!!
This story has the best type of witty and humorous narration ever! I loved the story and the characters of course, but Gabe’s inner monologues are everything! I really really enjoyed the story a lot!
I kinda loved this story. Gabe and Clark were completely adorable together. Very heartwarming storyline, with soo many “aawww” moments. Looking forward to Book 3.