Free Me Audiobook

Free Me is the story of two very different people coming together and finding that they have a lot more in common than they thought. Blake is a 40-something workaholic who lives and breathes his job as the owner of a publishing company. Despite his brother (Tadgh from Embrace Me) and others asking him to slow down and take a break, he refuses--until a health scare forces him to rethink his priorities.

Enter Stef, a fabulous, gender fluid meditation coach (older sibling to Jules from Choose Me). Stef is nothing if not professional on the job, so realizing a new client is a recent (and rare) hookup is pretty horrifying. Determined to keep things professional, Stef puts the brakes on anything happening between them while they have a business relationship.

Too bad the attraction between them is so irresistible...

Free Me was a great listen. Watching Blake learn to let loose a little was fun. At first, it was heartbreaking to hear the way Stef just expected people not to understand them, and not to accept them for who they were. Seeing Stef becoming more and more secure in expressing their identity as a gender fluid person was awesome.

Gary Furlong was amazing as always. His voices for Stef and Blake were very different from each other, and both fit the characters very well. The secondary characters were distinct too, and they matched the voices he did in previous books. I highly recommend Free Me, especially as an audiobook!

I'm a fan of Beck Grey's books, and this one was no different! I listened on audio, and I definitely enjoyed it.

Great story and lots of emotions. It also helps with understanding the non binary sect.

Very pretty book to read. I love this book so I took my sweet time to read and review this book. In the last book I could find myself to like Stef but in this book I couldn't help myself but love him.
Blake was perfect for him. A bit older, successful in life confident in his feeling was what helps Stef so much and help him change himself.
Together they're so sweet and supportive and beautiful. It's overall a lovely story. Love this one as much as the previous one.

I absolutely loved the ebook version of Stef and Blake’s story, and the audiobook was an absolute delight. The narrator is quite skilled and I love that Blake and Stef are given such distinct voices in the performance. I loved these characters, all the couples are amazing but Stef and Blake are my favorite. Stef and Blake have an epically hot club hook up that evolves into one of the most genuinely lovely romances I come across in a long while. Lovable characters and excellent world building, Blake and Stef’s story is filled with humor and heart. Loved it a whole lot!

**4.5**
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Love in the Pacific Northwest series so far and Free Me is a wonderful addition. Stef is a much loved character that we've met in previous books and is overdue for their own HEA that comes in the unlikely form of Blake.
There is an extremely hot anonymous encounter and they don't expect to see each other again but when Blake is recommended to get some help with meditation and relaxation after a medical scare, Stef turns up at his door. Surprise is an understatement but neither can deny how happy they are to see each other again.
One of my favourite things about this couple is the complete acceptance that Blake has for Stef, his gender fluidity and however they present and dress from day to day. He falls for the person that Stef is, their over exuberance, confidence, and general fabulousness. Stef has an undeniable inner strength to get to where they are today, comfortable in their own skin and identity, not willing to let the nay sayers get them down, of which there are a couple in this story. There's a great dynamic between them, with a slight age gap, different living and income situations making no impact on how much they like each other. The two share an intense connection and it's a fairly fast paced romance that is also very low angst. The drama comes at the beginning with Blake and his health scare, and towards the end with a much disliked character coming out with all of the wrong words.
Another fabulous story in this series from Beck Grey. Very well written with a wonderful group of friends whose stories all link together but they can be read as standalones.
Gary Furlong is one of my all time favourite narrators and getting to listen to him voice Stef and Blake's romance was just a joy! Stef's personality is perfectly brought to life, along with their insecurities and reassurances that they need from time to time. Stef and Blake together, along with the rest of the LitPN crew, makes for a hugely enjoyable listen that I cannot recommend enough!

It's no secret that I love Gary Furlong's narration - he is my favourite narrator. I've loved every book in the Love in the Pacific-Northwest series.

In Free Me he does a fantastic job of bringing to life the larger than life, but intensely sweet personality of Stef AND the older Blake who is used to looking before he leaps, but when it comes to Stef all he wants to do is leap!
I loved how supportive Blake was from the start, he might not have understood Stef's gender expression and identity at the start, but he makes real effort to know better and be better and does not expect Stef to do the emotional work of educating him.

They way he loved and supported Stef was so fantastic to read.

Stef has been told their whole live that they are either way too much, or way too different, or way too wrong to be loved and accepted for who they are, not by their friends and family who love Stef with the love of a thousand suns, but by romantic partners and strangers. To see how they stay true to themselves and work at building a happy and fulfilling life was really joyful to read.

I really liked that Stef also brought lightness and balance to Blake's life - this is not a story of the handsome, older businessman rescuing their younger partner.

It's a story of BOTH characters being freed to be themselves wholeheartedly by the person they grow to love the most in life. And surely that's what we all want? To be loved for who we are and be given space and support to be free to be ourselves.

I could not recommend this series any higher!

It's no secret that I love Gary Furlong's narration - he is my favourite narrator. I've loved every book in the Love in the Pacific-Northwest series.

In Free Me he does a fantastic job of bringing to life the larger than life, but intensely sweet personality of Stef AND the older Blake who is used to looking before he leaps, but when it comes to Stef all he wants to do is leap!

The story:

I loved how supportive Blake was from the start, he might not have understood Stef's gender expression and identity at the start, but he makes real effort to know better and be better and does not expect Stef to do the emotional work of educating him.

They way he loved and supported Stef was so fantastic to read.

Stef has been told their whole live that they are either way too much, or way too different, or way too wrong to be loved and accepted for who they are, not by their friends and family who love Stef with the love of a thousand suns, but by romantic partners and strangers. To see how they stay true to themselves and work at building a happy and fulfilling life was really joyful to read.

I really liked that Stef also brought lightness and balance to Blake's life - this is not a story of the handsome, older businessman rescuing their younger partner.

It's a story of BOTH characters being freed to be themselves wholeheartedly by the person they grow to love the most in life. And surely that's what we all want? To be loved for who we are and be given space and support to be free to be ourselves.

I could not recommend this series any higher!

I have adored and loved every single book in this series, Beck Grey has a wonderful writing talent and the group of family and friends they have created warms my heart and ensures that this is one of my favourite series.

Audiobook Narration (Gary Furlong) - 5 stars
It likely comes as a surprise to nobody that I loved this audiobook.

Free Me is my favourite (so far) book by Beck Grey. Stef and Blake are so perfect for one another; I mean,“You keep being you, and I’ll keep loving you for it.” - nevermind Stef, now *I've* got emotions in *my* eyes!

I've adored listening to Gary Furlong since ARC listening to Choose Me. I was relatively new to audiobooks at that point and he became the first narrator I began to actively seek out because I knew I would enjoy listening to pretty much anything he read. He's a consistently great narrator that is guaranteed to deliver a heart-felt story that captures the spirit of the characters he performs.

Free Me is a prime example of that. It's easy to get swept away in the story and get caught up in the feelings and emotions of the characters. He imbues his performances with subtle nuances that make it easy to differentiate between all the characters, he even does a halfway decent Irish brogue ;) (IYKYK)!

The combination of Beck's writing and Gary's voice is a match made it heaven, it is so easy to listen to and enjoy.

I was given an audio ARC and voluntarily wrote a review (June 2024).


Original Story Review (01May2023)
Story - 5 stars
First-person, present tense, dual POV

Stef Evans (35), self-employed physiotherapist, who also does in-home meditation and stress reduction sessions.
Blake McCarthy (44/47), owner of Hibernian Press, a publishing house.

I love, love, loved Free Me.

Right from the scorching hot meet-cute hook-up in a club (I am dying for more background about Stef's connection to the club because it seemed like there was more to the story there) to the flawless way in which the 'villain' was dealt with and everything in between - the unexpected way in which Stef reenters Blake's life, the adorable dates, the excellent communication, the care-taking, the friends and family commonalities, I adored every moment reading this book.

Stef is a vivacious, gender fluid sweetheart (I'm going to use they/them pronouns in my review, but that isn't how they feel every day); they are eternally optimistic, passionate, caring, and just jumped off the page with their larger than life personality. Sadly, as a result, Stef has had a lot of heartache with past partners describing them as "too much", and while they are a lot, it's a whole lot of awesome! After the first mention of this aspect of their personality all I wanted to do it send them some of Elyse Myers' "Go Find Less" merch because they are perfect and I am so stinkin' happy that Blake came into their life.

On the surface, Blake is Stef's opposite, a much more reserved, older, workaholic without a work-life balance. What they have in common are the things that really matter, big hearts, and a willingness to do anything for their family, both blood and found. Blake's easy acceptance of Stef's identity, checking in (what pronouns today?), being on the same page relationship-wise, what a catch! It just goes to show that when it's meant to be, the stars align, and Stef and Blake just seamlessly fit together.

The angst is low, and mostly external to the couple, the only thing missing was Jules and Erik's wedding - after the frequent references to it I really wanted to see it go off without a hitch. It was only after I started reading that I realized that I had already read their story, Choose Me (book #3 in the Love in the Pacific Northwest series) a couple months back, but this could be read as a standalone. I love how fully fleshed out all the secondary characters are, it really makes the story feel real.

I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote a review then promptly proceeded to read the first two books (and novella) in the series.

There is nothing like reading a book based on your home town. This is another excellent book within the series. I love how other characters from the other books cross over. The narrator did a great job of keeping solid with each character. You’ll love Blake and Steph. I think they both complement each other. Blake is a workaholic who doesn’t know how to relax, and Steph is a bright person on a dark day. They both need each other for different reasons.

All Blake wants is to get this new author signed with his company, but it's a pain. Steph wants love, but I'm unsure he’ll ever get it.
Blake finally goes out with friends and meets this sexy little spitfire. Who would’ve thought it was Steph? Please leave it to Blake to let stress at work finally get to him. With the help of family and friends, they are brought together. This was a fun read, and I can’t wait for the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Monica

I listened to this title expertly narrated by Gary Furlong. The narration was excellent, I loved the way he voiced Quinn's halting ASL, and listening in audiobook really enhanced the book.

This was another strong book from Beck Grey. I adored Free Me and was fascinated by Tadhg and Quinn in that book, so definitely wanted to read their story. Beck is a great author who writes really well and I love their characters.

Embrace Me was a fun and engaging book that was low angst most of the way through, although it got a bit more tense towards the end, although still with a great HEA. It was a twist on the classic workplace romance, with Tadhg and Quinn both being architects, and I very much enjoyed them getting to know each other and their respective families and friendship groups. The chemistry between them was intense, and was drawn out for a really long time before it exploded. I was very invested in the characters and story, to the point where I found myself talking back to them and yelling at them not to do things. It was a great book and I recommend it.

Blake, the owner of a publishing company, is a workaholic. He is brought to a club by one of his clients. That is where he means an unnamed stranger. Stef shows up at Blake's door to be his meditation specialist. At first, Blake does not recognize Stef. Turns out they have so many friends in common. This was such a beautiful and sweet story. I learned so much about gender fluid community.

I listened to the audio book, which was narrated by Gary Furlong. He did a wonderful job.

4.5 stars
I have now listened to this book as well as read it, narrated by the hugely talented Gary Furlong, and although I loved it the first time I adored revisiting these characters through audio even more. As an aside, I have now caught up with all of Beck's books and this one and Choose Me are joint favourites, I can't just pick one! Beck Grey is a great author and I can't wait to read or listen to more of their work. They have a knack for great characters who are believable and sympathetic without being perfect, and I very much like their style.

Original book review below.


I enjoyed this book! I haven't read any of the others in the series, but I didn't have any difficulty following. There were several cameos from previous couples, and I enjoyed those even though I hadn't read the relevant books.

This was a low angst book. Both MCs initially declare that they won't ever risk a serious relationship, but they jump into one anyway, and fall hard and fast. Stef especially is absolutely adorable and I want to adopt them, and Blake is equally wonderful and very supportive. The book was well-written and easy to read, and I would recommend it as a fun, sweet, low-angst romance.

Did I know what to expect when I began listening to 'Free Me'? Not at all, well maybe I thought I knew what Gary Furlong would sound like but honestly, even that surprised me. Gary is talent on two legs! Beck Grey? They are talent through and through. The combination is explosive! In the best possible way.

'Free Me' is a story that will make you laugh, make you cry, make you blush, make you smile oh and it might have you doing all the above at the same time, so good is not only the writing but the narration. Gary has nailed both characters, they sound as I would imagine them to sound, they completely complement one another, just as the story wants to show us they will, but I am getting ahead of myself for it takes time for them to realise just how complementary their persons are.

Blake is a workaholic, in his late forties he keeps himself in excellent shape but he is devoted to his job. Blake owns a publishing company and is entertaining a potential new author, one he needs to help him realise his dream of opening a new branch of the company. The nights entertainment has taken them to a club where the author so disgusts Blake that he is ready to leave until that voice, that person on the stage. She is stunning and when their eyes meet there is no denying the instant attraction. One thing leads to another and a hot, steamy if quick hookup. Blake doesn't forget his night with the stunning singer but work is his focus, so much so that he finds himself in the hospital, a suspected heart attack is thankfully stress but it is a wake up call and he is made to agree to a meditation coach.

Stef is a gender-fluid cutie whose stress levels are high but Prince Charmings are low in number. They have a job they love, a business they are building, great clients. They have great family and friends but they know something is missing and what better way to forget everything than to head to the club, ready to recharge with a dance, a song and wow... A hottie? As Stef sings their eyes meet Blake's and can't move away. A hookup was not in their plans but somehow it happens, how could it not with such a hottie? Forget self-restraint this could be just what they need. The only problem? They can't get hottie out of their minds afterwards.

Move on a little, Blake has had his scare, his family have done their convincing and he has booked his meditation coach. Stef recognises the new client immediately and Blake is certain there is something familiar. As soon as the penny drops, and they discover one of Stef's close friends is Blake's stepbrother all plans go out of the window. Even more so when Stef discovers that Blake accepts them for who they are, is sensitive about pronouns, loves every part of Stef for who they are. But can they both manage to find a way to mix their business with their pleasure, will something have to give or can they truly make it work?

There are tests ahead but at every potential hurdle Blake proves once again how committed he is, how deep his understanding is and Stef knows they are falling and falling hard. There are scenes in this story which I had to listen to more than once, not because they confused or muddled me but because they are simply so heart achingly beautiful. When you listen you will understand why the botanical gardens and the formal dinner are just a couple of examples of this. I love Stef, their enthusiasm, energy and love for life as well as their acceptance of who they are. I can understand their journey and they have been an inspiration for me, encouraging me to stand proud of who I am. I love Blake, he is open, honest, non judgmental and passionate. Neither are perfect but they are who they are, they are happy and proud. Their worlds have collided and they decide to make a go of it. Their hookup went in the right direction and their HEA is stunning.

I was hooked on every word. This is a story I could listen to endlessly, I want to read it too, to hear it and see it in my mind as I read the words. Beck Grey has a skill with words, with storytelling that makes me want to step into their stories and stay there. I am never looking back now, their books, their audiobooks are in my life and staying here.

Free Me Audiobook by Beck Grey
Narrated by Gary Furlong

✍️review✍️

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
feelings: 👿😭🥰🥵😍

Edit is mine, pictures are not!

I had no idea who Beck Grey was when my BFF gave me this audiobook to listen to. The story of Blake, a publisher, and Stef, a non-binary person, had me hooked from the start!

Blake is a workaholic who is negotiating with a difficult author. When he takes him out to a club, Blake meets glamorous dancer Stef, and the two spend a very hot evening together. When he is hospitalized after a stress-related incident, his stepmother insists that he work on his stress levels with a physical therapist.
Fate reunites Stef with Blake. Will he be able to break down her/his walls?

Gary Furlong brings the book to life. His voice is emotional and absolutely true to both characters.

Bravo. I can't wait to read/hear more from this author.

Blake, the owner of a publishing company, is a workaholic. He is brought to a club by one of his clients. That is where he means an unnamed stranger. Stef shows up at Blake's door to be his meditation specialist. At first, Blake does not recognize Stef. Turns out they have so many friends in common. This was such a beautiful and sweet story. I learned so much about gender fluid community.

I listened to the audio book, which was narrated by Gary Furlong. He did a wonderful job.

Audiobook review - Gary Furlong has brought these incredible characters of Beck’s alive! I am even more in love with these characters than after initially reading the book. The connection between Stef and Blake made my heart swoon every time and when Blake calls Stef ‘Sweetheart’. I can listen to this time and time again. Thanks so much for the audio Beck and Gary.

This book is easily my favorite of the series. Stef and Blake are everything good and wonderful. These two have scorching chemistry. Their story is sweet, steamy, just a whole lot of perfect. Stef is my soul twin and I love him so much. These characters are so easy to love. And Gary Furlong is always a magnificent narrator. He really brings all of these people to life.

Wow, Gary Furlong makes this already steamy book even hotter! I loved Stef and Blake.They at a bar in a quick hookup never expecting to see one another again. But fate steps in when Blake, a workaholic, has a panic attack landing him in the ER. He's advised to learn to relax and ops to have a yoga instructor come to his house. And in walks Stef, his yoga instructor. Stef is genderfluid, doesn't use the same pronouns everyday and doesn't expect to find a love that will be able to handle them. They have been disillusioned and heartbroken before and think love isn't in the cards.

This book is low on angst and high on spice. And Gary's voice makes this an audiobook that I could listen to again and again.

I have really loved this series and this installment was a great one! I loved the portrayal of Stef’s gender fluidity. In particular, this book features one of my favorite sex-positive one night stands, as well as one of my favorite “be the queer you wish you’d known as a kid” moments that I’ve read.

I originally read this in e-book format, and just listened to the audiobook. I loved it just as much as my first read! The narrator, Gary Furlong, has good pacing and did a great job narrating the characters distinctly and in ways that feel authentic to them without becoming stereotypical caricatures!

I recommend the Love in the Pacific Northwest series for anyone looking for found family and stories that grapple with real challenges with sweetness and care! Free Me in particular has great representation of an older romantic lead (mid 40s) and a nonbinary romantic lead.

Free Me was such a great book! Blake and Stef work. They just do. I love how kind and open Blake is, and Stef’s sass is awesome. The side characters from previous books in the series make this book even better. The spice level was perfection. Another winner from Beck Grey and Gary Furlong as narrator!

This review is specifically for the audiobook where Gary Furlong brought both characters to life by seamlessly creating distinct character voices and mannerisms. The story comes to life through the narrator. Beck Grey’s audiobooks have never let me down! This book was exactly what I needed! The respect for gender identity along with a great love story between two dynamic and well developed characters made for an amazing read! Not only does Stef find someone who loves and appreciates every aspect of them in Blake, we also get to see the characters we know and love again!