Vanilla Clouds by Roe Horvat
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was such a great romance that started out online.

Magnus and Michal have been online friends for a couple of years now. They originally 'met' on a dating app after sharing a couple of revealing pictures. When Michal got sick hours before the date, he had to reschedule and then Magnus ended up moving out of the country. So, they stayed virtual friends, even though it seemed like more. But Michal was scared to meet in person.

When Michal unexpectedly meets a stranger named Bernard, he's instantly attracted and feels like coming home. But he has a nagging feeling that he's somehow cheating on Magnus.

The difference in reading and listening to a book is so vast. I was unaware of how much I would rely on the change in tones, subtle expressions and inflections in the narrator's voice. And as much as I enjoyed being read to, this one just wasn't everything I was hoping for.

Vance Bastian took me on a journey through Michal's world of chocolate and his fear of people with a somewhat reserved tone. At times it seemed almost monotone, if I'm honest. The difference in pitch between Michal and Magnus was almost non-existent at times, which got confusing.

Towards the end of the book I was more involved and heard the change in expressions more, which made the listening experience better for me. I'm not sure if it was just me finally used to their 'voices' or if Vance Bastian crossed a comfort threshold, but it definitely improved and I actually enjoyed it.

This is such a lovely book and I think the audio version kept the loving sentiment intact, without overstating or confusing the experience.

*Audio version generously provided in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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