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  • Better Together Universe Box Set: Books 1-3

  • By: BL Maxwell
  • Narrated by: Curtis Michael
  • Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (9 ratings)

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Better Together Universe Box Set: Books 1-3 cover art

Better Together Universe Box Set: Books 1-3

By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Curtis Michael
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Summary

Book One: Better Together

Since being thrown out of his home by his parents, Caden has been struggling to survive on the streets.

He lives in constant fear, stresses over his next meal, and dreads trying to find a safe place to sleep at night. He eventually finds an unlocked car and settles in to sleep, but is soon interrupted when someone steals the car. With little choice but to ride along, Caden soon learns that first impressions aren’t always correct.

Seventeen-year-old Damario has been raising his little brother and sister by himself since his parents were deported. He never knew how hard it was going to be paying the bills and making sure there was always food on the table. Or how hard it would be to hold his family together when they all depended on him to do it. He finds himself stealing cars to make ends meet, but he never expected to find someone sleeping in the back of one of them. And he really didn’t expect this stowaway to change his life.

When Damario brings Caden home, it was supposed to be just for a shower and a hot meal, but he can hardly kick him out onto the streets again. There is no way he could have seen that by saving Caden that night, he was also saving himself. When Damario’s world starts to fall apart, they both realize that the answer to all of their problems is helping each other, and although the world tries to drive them apart, they really are better together.

Book Two: Chains Required

Rio and Caden have been together for a few years now. It’s a rare weekend they get to spend alone. When Rio suggests they get away to Tahoe for the weekend a few weeks before Christmas, Caden is too excited to even think of saying no. They start their trip, and even though they think they’ve planned for every emergency, they can’t control what Mother Nature has in store for them. When the car in front of them spins out into the newly fallen snow, they stop to help and soon find out that Caden’s not as alone in this world as he had originally thought. A few more planned surprises make for a special weekend for these hardworking guys who really deserve a weekend getaway.

Can be listened to as a stand-alone.

Book Three: The First Twelve

Rio and Caden met under harsh circumstances when they were both teenagers trying to survive on their own. Together, they raised Rio’s brother and sister, and have created a great life for them all, filled with lots of love and warmth. But just one thing is missing.

Together they’ve made a family for themselves, and now they have a chance to add one more - a child of their own. When Caden’s sister offers to be their surrogate, they’re overjoyed. Now, if they can navigate nine months of pregnancy hormones, morning sickness, and mood swings, everything will be easy. Until one little newborn arrives and keeps them busier than they ever imagined possible. Nine months seemed tough, but the first 12 will be even more challenging.

Just like every other challenge they’ve faced, they’ll do it together, and they’ll do it with love.

©2022 BL Maxwell (P)2022 BL Maxwell

What listeners say about Better Together Universe Box Set: Books 1-3

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

True love, found family, sweetness galore!

There are few words to express how much I love this series.
This is my go-to, feel-good re-read, whenever I need a pick me up, some sweetness and to remind myself there’s always good in life, I go back to Rio and Caden and my world turns the right way again. Sometimes I only read a few pages, other times I re-listen to the whole series (Curtis Michael is perfect narrating them!), but it’s always as good as the first time!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Heartwarming

Enjoyable story depicting how two youngsters meet in sad circumstances and gradually grow together, fall in love and nurture a family.

The narrator did well delineating the characters but his delivery was staccato. (It wasn’t the smooth narration I personally prefer.)

I received a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Better together indeed

4,5 *
This is such a tender and softly written bundle it follows which consists of three books: 'Better together', 'Chains required' and 'The first twelve'. There is great character development of the main and side characters.
Caden and Damario/ Rio through their life from 17 years old through to their, I think late twenties/ early thirties. In that time frame they grow and devlop as individuals, parental figures, husbands and actual parents.
They meet in the most unlikely of ways when Rio steals an abandoned car in which Caden has sought refuge after being dumped on the street by his parents. Rio came to steal the car to earn extra money (beside going to school and having a evening job) to support his brother, sister and himself after his parents where deported to Mexico, due to a administrative faufau They together with the support of their neighbour, and refound famiky create a family of sorts and learn to thrive.

For the audiobook Curtis Michael does a great job in distinguishing all the different characters. The voicing could have been a bit more lively, but by choosing this way of narration it was really easy to listen to.

I received an audiobook through Booksprout and leave my honest and voluntary review.

Overall:4,5
Performance:4
Story:4,5

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Absolutely Brilliant ❤️❤️

OH...... WOW ........ I was simply blown away by this box set by BL Maxwell your drawn in and taken on an amazing and heartwarming journey you feel everything that Caden & Rio go through and with the added bonus of Curtis Michael narrating he's new to me he brings out all the emotions and love from their first meeting to what's in store years later there better together he's done a fantastic job and I couldn't stop listening to this recommend so much. ❤️❤️

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Very enjoyable

This was a very enjoyable and emotional read. I found the characters to have real depth and I loved that they built their relationship and it built a brilliant foundation for them. I enjoyed the story and I would be happy to listen to more stories from this author.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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A true to life, cute story

Caden and Rio. Both 17 years old and coming to terms with what life has dealt them. Cade was kicked out of home for being gay and is now living on the streets.

Rio's parents had been deported, which left him looking after his younger brother and sister.

Circumstances bring these two together, but love and necessity bring them closer until they become a couple.

We then move to books two and then three, each extending the story of these two boys and how they develop throughout their lives.

Well written, good solid characters that we can relate to and either know or have known—a love story of how strong you can be with someone by your side. Beautiful HEA.

Good narration from Curtis Michael. Very clear and easy to listen to. Although like usual, I sped up the audio, and I listened at 1.60 speed on audible, I prefer all my audios to be quicker.

I would highly recommend this beautiful story that is such good value for money for one credit.

Better Together Universe Box Set: Books 1-3
By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Curtis Michael
Series: Better Together Universe, Book 1-3
Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins

❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.30 speed on Audible

I received this audiobook for free from the author at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - nor did the author influence my opinion.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved listening to caden and Rios story

I'm recuperating at the moment, and having the concentration for reading is just not there for me so these audible are quite literally a god send from boredom. It gives me all the pleasure of a different world and the relaxation to let the story unfold by listening. I've listened to part of Caden and rios story but having all three parts of their story in one bundle was great as I could listen continuously. The story's sweet and the narrator brings the characters and circumstances to life. His voice flows easily and I'm able to just let the story unfold. A great listen to a fantastic story of two characters making it despite some horrible circumstances.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Sweet story about love and bravery

Caden and Rio are such strong and loving young men, I don't want to call them "boys" since their love and sense of duty makes them mature beyond their years. Despite being dealt bad hands in life they both step up to take care of their family, found or by blood, and it's a joy to read about their journey. This bundle follows the from those first days and into adulthood as their love for each other and for their family is as strong and beautiful as ever.

I liked following Caden and Rio through young adulthood and forward as they became the adults they were always meant to be.

Curtis Michael's narration was good and easy to listen to.

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