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Can't Take It Back cover art

Can't Take It Back

By: Kelly Duran
Narrated by: Gabra Zackman, Ellen Archer, Elizabeth Evans, Suzy Jackson, Eric Michael Summerer
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Summary

A perfect next listen for fans of Abbi Waxman and Katherine Center, Can't Take It Back is a fast-paced and relatable debut telling the interconnected stories of four women over the course of a kindergarten school year.

Huddled on their favorite park bench in a quiet Seattle suburb, Holly, Avery, Zoe, and Sasha might look like they've got it all figured out - but there’s more to their stories than meets the eye. When Avery’s husband Carter suggests they open up their marriage, she’s shocked and appalled - but could this new arrangement be the breath of fresh air she never knew she needed? Zoe and Aaron, whose connection has long been the standard by which their friends measure their own relationships, feel that their lives are taking them in different directions, but worry over how a divorce might affect their two young boys. Zoe turns to her best friend Holly for guidance, but as it turns out, this year has tested her own marriage to Jake in ways neither of them ever anticipated. And meanwhile, Holly’s sister Sasha - the no-nonsense PR executive and eternally single girl of the group - must decide if joining the ranks of motherhood is the right step for her. 

Captivating and immersive, Can't Take It Back is a deeply emotional novel that celebrates the complex bond of female friendships.

©2020 Kelly Duran (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Critic reviews

Can’t Take It Back is the perfect escapist listen. From the first chapter, I was completely drawn into the story world. This plot is full of secrets, lies, and delicious twists...I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen. Duran does a great job of capturing the nuanced complexities of both romantic and platonic relationships.” (Ashley Sands, author of A Terribly Private Club)

“Nicely balanced with real heart and substance, Can’t Take It Back deftly explores the beauty of female friendships and the nuance of marriage.” (Alex Kiester, author of In Her Skin)

“A wonderfully written, complex story about love and friendship with relatable characters that support and uplift each other.” (Anita Kushwaha, author of Secret Lives of Mothers and Daughters)

“Duran’s debut is full of humor and heart. It’s a thoughtful, honest exploration of the female friendships that ground us through the ups and downs of life. How else could you get through an open marriage, a pending divorce and a budding relationship? A great listen for book clubs!” (Alison Hammer, author of You and Me and Us

What listeners say about Can't Take It Back

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Couldn't stop listening!

I loved this book from the moment I hit play - the characters are each so relatable in their own way, and the author really made you feel like you knew them. I started it on a Thursday and finished on Sunday - I couldn't stop listening! Can't wait for the next book by Duran!

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6 people found this helpful

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Predictably a simple book

I was quite disappointed with this book. I had high hopes but unfortunately it just didn’t meet them.
The predictable open marriage/separation/affairs could have been so much more. Then it just…..ended with no development.

Well written and read just a simple story which I guess is great if you just want to sit and listen, however I like to become involved in my books, feel for the characters and I didn’t here.

It’s a shame as it has potential.

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Nice insight to married life

Good characters, and interesting plays on different marriages.
I liked how things progressed and felt I understood many of the characters. Good listen

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2 people found this helpful

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amazing, addictive

I loved the book, the way Kelly Duran writes is amazing ,I couldn’t stop .
the stories feel so real so us. Keep the good work and I can't wait for more books

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I enjoyed listening to this book.

I have really enjoyed listening to this book. The characters, narrator, and author were very good.

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Can't take it back

I enjoyed listening to this book.the narration was great throughout. I could easily listen to it again. I enjoyed learning about the different families.

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A brilliant listen. Loved it.

What a fantastic listen. I thought I’d take a chance with this one and am so glad that I did. Fantastic 5 stars all round. Looking out for further titles from this author. Narration was brilliant also and made the book. Binge listened to it. Wishing it hadn’t ended yet.

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Loved this

Such an enjoyable listen. Characters were believable and relatable. Great narration too. Would highly recommend.

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Fantastic!

Absolutely loved this book. Kelly I hope you're writing more. I'll be waiting for your next book release.

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Enjoyed it from start to finish

This could have been a kind of sickly chick-lit type of book, but was actually quite gripping, with great (but reassuringly flawed) characters, and had comic moments even in the serious situations. Really enjoyed it 😃

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