Love at First

January 18, 2021
Clayborn follows Love Lettering with this fun but forgettable take on the enemies-to-lovers trope. When Nora Clarke inherits her Nonna’s beloved Chicago apartment, she’s determined to preserve the magic of the old building and keep intact the found family the building’s residents have formed over the years. But another tenant’s death leaves a neighboring apartment in unpredictable hands. Will Sterling is shocked to inherit his estranged uncle’s apartment and immediately detests the building for its “musty-smelling hallways, must-avoid light fixtures, and mustard wall paper” and the unpleasant memory it holds of the first and only time he met his uncle. He wants nothing to do with the apartment, but the will states he must keep it for at least a year before he can sell it—so he decides to renovate and list the apartment for short-term rentals, much to the chagrin of the building’s other occupants. Nora and her eccentric neighbors scheme to delay Will’s progress—and this sabotage often forces Nora across Will’s path, making time for their mutual attraction to evolve into a genuine connection. Though the story feels familiar, Will and Nora’s chemistry and the quirky side characters keep the pages turning. Clayborn’s fans will be pleased.

Narrator Lauren Ezzo's remarkable ability to create unique character voices is on full display in this poignant rivals-to-lovers romance populated with an ensemble of quirky supporting characters. Dr. Will Sterling plans to renovate and rent out the dated condominium he has begrudgingly inherited--but his progress is swiftly disrupted by Nora, the association president, who isn't ready for change. Ezzo takes on an exaggerated congenial manner that matches the passive-aggressive back-and-forth between the pair. As opposition turns to mutual infatuation, Ezzo switches her tone to capture their humorous and emotional journey to compromise. Nora's six retirement-aged neighbors are her support system, and Ezzo gives each one a distinct voice and cadence. Her impeccable range makes this solo narration seem like a full cast. J.E.C. � AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine