Review of Always Alex by Robin Alexander, Audiobook narrated by Lori Prince
I’m so happy that Robin Alexander is releasing her back catalogue in audio and even happier that most of them are narrated by Lori Prince. I’ve read Always Alex years ago but couldn’t remember much. I’m happy that I gave this a go as it was a feel-good story about friendship, family and love.
Dana Castilaw and Alex Soileau were childhood best friends in the small town of Barbier Point, Louisiana. Years later both women left town, Alex to college and Dana to get married. More than a decade later, Dana, divorced with a teenage girl and broke, has to return to Barber Point to live with her father with whom she hasn’t spoken in years. As she’s trying to rebuild her life, she discovers that Alex is back in town and, with her, all those feelings that she ignored years ago reappear. As both women reconnect, will they give love a chance?
This book hits the best friends to lovers, return to hometown and coming out tropes. I could also add the slow burn romance but it doesn’t feel so slow as the book is relatively short. It doesn’t feel rushed either as Ms. Alexander gives time for the characters to reconnect and rediscover their feelings for each other.
Ms. Alexander introduces a cast of secondary characters who balance the serious with the funny. Alex’s granny is the typical quirky old lady ubiquitous in this author’s work. There are always guaranteed hilarious and ridiculous scenes that ease the tension of the main conflict and this book is no exception. Lori Prince has the perfect timing for these comedy moments and, as usual, performs them expertly.
The romance is sweet but also passionate. Both main characters are likable and their chemistry is hot. But this novel goes beyond romance and also deals with loss, family conflicts and second chances. It gives a positive and feel-good message, exactly what I needed after a stressful week.
I suspect that the audiobook version has a lot to do with my enjoyment. Lori Prince did a great job switching between emotional and hilarious moments. Her timing is perfect and her deadpan deliveries are epic. Personally, I didn’t like Alex’s voice but it didn’t deter me from enjoying this audiobook. If you are looking for a romantic, humourous and feel-good story, then this one is for you. 4.5 stars.
Length: 6 hours, 18 minutes
