BEAUTIFUL REDEMPTION FOR A SAINT AND A SINNER

When A.M. Johnson writes, IMO, she creates magic because her words are priceless, her characters are wounded and her love stories are beautiful lyrical works of art.. and, in Poet, she has surpassed all my expectations. Words are words but in this talented author’s hands the way she matches and manipulates them to describe feelings, thoughts, situations and scenes absolutely awes and floors me. I’ve been lost in, possessed by and totally loved the other two O’Connell brother’s stories.. but wow, the poetic words and descriptions in this book were beautiful.. raw.. powerful.. romantic.. and unique.

Melissa ‘s addiction, choices and lifestyle in her past had left demons in her soul, regret in her heart and self-loathing on her mind.. and that didn’t change the night she was introduced to Kieran O’Connell. The loving handsome youngest brother had almost been a Priest with a tattoo of a rosary and an eight pack that summed up his faith, his strength and his appeal. It was instant attraction and chemistry on both sides but Melissa’s tainted misguided view of herself left little doubt, in her mind, that she was not worthy of this particular Saint. But despite her fears, Kieran showered her with beautiful words, gave her his virginity, showed her truth and trust.. and eventually opened Melissa’s heart up to possibilities. Slowly Melissa’s doubts and dark thoughts were extinguished by Kieran’s light.. by gaving her his innocence, his virtue, his trust, his loyalty and his love.. but in return she peddled in half truths, excelled at misdirection and lied by omission. And, when the truth is accidentally revealed, it’s the lie not the sin that breaks two hearts.

Worth a credit? This book, and its narration, is much much more than just a nicely paced bitter-sweet dual POV beautiful love story.. it’s words hold the power to make you truly feel.. to empathize.. to judge.. to forgive.. to love.. to taste.. and to savor hope and heartache along with its damaged yet perfect characters. So YES, very creditworthy and it’s made me want to listen to the other two O’Connell brother’s stories all over again.

5 people found this helpful

A Powerful Story of Acceptance and Forgiveness

If you could sum up Poet in three words, what would they be?

Honest, Emotional, Beautiful

What did you like best about this story?

Kieran and Melissa's story was so heartbreakingly brilliant in it's honesty and candor. Mel's shame and guilt were almost palpable characters in this story. The demons of her past and the consequences of her decisions were so haunting. We watch her struggle to not only keep her head above water, but also to live and feel worthy of love. I found it refreshing that it was the heroine who was the more broken and dark of the pair. So often the hero swoops in and saves the heroine, but this time they saved each other.

Have you listened to any of Seraphine Valentine and Teddy Hamilton ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to a few books narrated by Teddy Hamilton, but this was my first time hearing Seraphine Valentine. I thought she was amazing as Melissa and her and Teddy were an incredible narrating team! I really hope to listen to more titles by them either together or individually.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES! Even though I previously read the book, being able to listen to it took it to another level and made me fall in love with the characters all over again! Teddy Hamilton as Kieran was especially amazing! He was the perfect amount of sweet and vulnerable, while still being incredibly sexy. I can't recommend this audiobook enough!

Any additional comments?

Poet is book 3 in the interconnected Avenues Ink series, but it can be read/listened to as a standalone. I feel it would be best enjoyed after reading Possession and Kingdom (books 1 and 2), however, since characters in the previous books appear throughout the series.

3 people found this helpful

Such beautiful words

Every time I pick up am A.M. Johnson book, I know I am going to love it. Each one is so distinctive, I fall in love for a different reason. This book features the youngest of the O'Connell brothers, Kieren who is now struggling to figure out who he is since the death of his mother. Almost becoming a priest, taking care of his mother and running the business side of the tattoo parlor has shaped him into the man he is, but there is so much more to him. When he see Melissa Trujillo in church, he thinks his missing piece has been found. Melissa has her own demons and secrets she is dealing with and the addition of Kieren in her life is something she is not sure will work out. While their happiness seems evident, of course something will always get in the way. There is so much woven into this story. AM Johnson has a way of dealing with real life problems that makes the characters so true. Her way of giving the gift of poetry to Kieren is incredibly expressive and so beautiful. The addiction, dealing with death, and living day to day is something that so many live with and Johnson's portrayal of Melissa's journey is hard yet beautiful. The feeling of knowing all the characters and feeling their pain, making decisions with them and trying to figure out how to help them as the story continues. The investment is absolute and doesn't end until the culmination of the story. Bringing Declan, Paige, Liam and Kelly into the mix just makes it more like family, we know these characters so well. Loved seeing the twins too, the softness that the babies bring to these men is priceless.

Narration is spot on for this book. Teddy Hamilton has a way of creating his characters with such emotion and vulnerability, its easy to get lost in the character. His quiet, yet husky voice is exactly as I would have heard Kieren. Seraphine Valentine voicing Melissa was perfect, bringing the slight accent and angst necessary to make her character so imperfectly perfect.

2 people found this helpful

I don't know who Haley is

But I freaking love her words. Kieran is by far my favorite brother. Decklan, sorry if I spelled that wrong, is your struggling mental health, Liam the Alpha caretaker, where does Kieran fit into that? Right in your heart, that's where. Patiently waiting his whole life to find the one that makes him spark. Faithful to the hilt, in faith and love, man, he just drags you right into the story. Loved this book!

1 person found this helpful

Wow! My favorite in the series!

This was my favorite in the series. I absolutely love Teddy Hamilton and how he brings the character to life. This story was about healing and forgiveness and really touched my heart. It was included in my romance package but it’s worth a credit or even paying money for. Loved how A.M. Johnson weaved the whole series together

1 person found this helpful

Poet

The book is great! I loved the narration. When you put these two together, you will never find one that you don’t like. This book can be read as a standalone so you won’t feel lost if you read it first. That being said, you still need to read the rest of the series. I have read the first and am going to get the second soon because the writing is just that good. The budding relationship that you read in this book is so sweet. Even with the downfalls, they still find their way out and find their happy ever after. Must read book!

1 person found this helpful

Poet and his Muse

I was blown away by this book. I loved how beautifully A.M. Johnson wrote the story of Kieren and Melanie. This story has many facets ... addiction, forgiveness, blame, worry, hope, peace and love. Family support was also huge in this book. I thought the author did an excellent job of bringing Liam & Kelly from Kingdom and Paige & Declan from Possession into this story as family members and not the focus. Each book is a standalone and has intwining characters. This story will stick with me on many levels. I admired how Mel had so many accomplishments and was a survivor with the best attitude. Kieren was cool with his gift of poetry and understanding soul. The quotes included in this book were also fitting. I thought both narrators did an excellent performance with their realistic emotions. I highly recommend listening to this book!

1 person found this helpful

So good

It's hard to review is book and series because they are all really good in their own right. Ms. Johnson does not hold back when it comes to hard topics or issues. Everyone of the books in this series made my heartache and tears come to my eyes. I highly recommend this series.

Liam and Kelly Beautiful

AM Gives you the quirks of the family - and the love of a family - Thanks so much. I did this backwards, I listened to let there be light and Seven Shades of You - (Declan and Paige's Childrens Books) first - I expected little from this earlier series - I WAS WRONG!!! Liam is the big brother of the clan and definitely likes to keep control and deprive himself - that said - these two find their way back and it is beautifully done - and I love the continuity of characters throughout all of AM's novels - WONDERFUL! Keep it up! Love the overall feeling of connection. This is my 6th AM Novel! I love the alternating POV's and the fact that these beautiful and unique people find each other! The inner feelings - it takes a special gift to write that realistically - not boring - well done - I can't wait for the next title, which is in the wings! Seven Shades of You, Let there Be Light, Poet, Possession are ALL Amazing! Getting ready to start Sacred Heart LOVE YOUR NARRATORS - Shedlock, Hamilton and the female narrators so far do not disappoint!!!

Beautiful series I’m sad it’s over!

I loved herring about all three brothers and there love stories but the Poet is my favorite I love how he saved himself and knew she was the one when he met her! It was a really good series and now I’m looking forward to reading more from A. M. Johnson