Right Move by A.M. Arthur

Narrated by Greg Boudreaux

When I reviewed Lucky Break, fourth in the Clean Slate Ranch series last year, I hadn’t listened to any of the other books in the series; since then I’ve gone back and listened to the first three (book three, Saddle Up is my favourite). These are mostly low-drama, character-driven stories featuring a group of men who find happiness and second chances when they come to work at or visit the Clean Slate Ranch in California. As in Lucky Break – and most of the other books, in fact – the central romance is a lovely slow-burn which means the protagonists have lots of time to get to know each other properly, and although characters from the other books do make appearances, it’s perfectly possible to listen to Right Move as a standalone.

After the death of his brother Xander (who was married to Robin Butler – see Lucky Break) Levi Peletier went on a year-long bender and did a number of things he isn’t proud of. He’s since cleaned up his act and is now in a much better place; he went back to working for his father’s travelling rodeo, Lucky’s, which came to Bentley Ghost Town in order to take part in the attraction’s opening celebrations. Afterwards, Levi decided to stay on, and he’s now a regular there, working alongside Robin doing trick riding demonstrations for the guests. He’s lived a pretty nomadic life, but living on the outskirts of the beautiful town of Garrett in California has settled him in a way he hasn’t been in quite some time, and he’s content, living in his tiny home with the three cats he rescued three years earlier, Ginger, Baby and Sporty. (Who are SOOOOO adorable!)

Twenty-three-year-old George Thompson has lived something of a sheltered life. A champion figure-skater and Olympic hopeful by the age of sixteen, his entire life revolved around his sport – but parents who saw him as little more than a commodity, intense pressure from a coach who bullied him, and the onset of social anxiety all got to him and he quit – both skating and life, retreating into a protective bubble with his twin, Orry. George and Orry moved into a new apartment six months earlier, and for the first time in seven years, George is coming out of his shell a little bit; he, Orry and their four neighbours have become friendly and George is getting used to being around people again. George has also started to realise that maybe it’s time for him to find a life of his own – partly so that Orry can have a life and not feel guilty that he’s leaving George behind, but also because he thinks there must be more to life than just existing.

Two of those neighbours, Derrick and Slater (Hard Ride) invite Orry and George to go with them to the big Thanksgiving dinner at the Clean Slate, and even though the thought of being around so many unfamiliar people terrifies George, he agrees to go as part of his decision to stop hiding, find a fucking backbone and take his life back. His determination falters a little when they arrive at the event – and George is simply overwhelmed by the noise and the number of people inside the house and bolts. Levi – who was just a little smitten by George when they first met in the summer – follows him to make sure he’s okay, and they end up talking until George feels ready to go back inside. Levi senses that George doesn’t open up to people easily and is grateful that George felt comfortable enough with him to do so – and is impressed with George’s bravery at attempting something that is so clearly difficult for him.

Levi and George’s romance is very much a slow-burn, and the way the author takes time to build security and trust between them makes perfect sense given who these two people are. Levi is a wonderful person; patient, kind and understanding, he’s been to his own personal hell and back, but although he’s turned his life around, he’s still searching for… something. Or someone? George’s determination to push his boundaries and step outside his comfort zone is admirable, and I enjoyed the way Levi gives him the support and encouragement he needs, and helps him to start understanding his needs and wants. George has never really thought much about his sexuality, but although he’s recently realised he’s attracted to men he’s never had a relationship and thus has had no reason to come out.

There’s an age gap of eleven years between Levi and George, but it’s not an issue for them, and there’s no sense of a power imbalance; if anything, Levi is so concerned to make sure George is comfortable with what’s happening between them that George is very much in the driving seat.

The attraction between George and Levi is very well written, and I liked the relationship between George and Orry, even though Orry gets a bit over-protective at times (which, given George’s past, is understandable). The author also does a good job of integrating characters from the other books, and the found family aspect of the series as a whole is something I continue to enjoy very much.

The romance is very low-conflict, which is fine considering that both men have experienced tragedy and trauma that they are still dealing with to differing degrees. But the author chooses to manufacture a bit of extra conflict near the end by having Levi withhold some important information from George – which made no sense to me given he’s so upfront and honest throughout the rest of the book. One thing that did irritate me a little was Levi’s tendency to talk in what I can only call “therapy-speak”. It makes sense for his character and shows how self-aware and mindful he is, and perhaps it’s one of those things that’s more noticeable in audio than in print, but his frequent “I hear you”s and “I appreciate that”s were repetitive and started to detract from the actual conversation.

It must be quite the challenge to narrate books in series in which most of the main characters from the previous books appear, but Greg Boudreaux does a terrific job of voicing the recurring characters consistently and of differentiating them from each other. When it comes to the two principals, the sexy drawl he gives Levi is perfect, and he captures the personalities of both men very well, expertly conveying George’s anxiety and Levi’s innate kindness. Through his characterisations, he enhances the strong emotional connection the author has created between the central couple and brings out the gentle humour in the story; it’s a beautifully understated but expressive performance that fits the tone of this gently, moving romance.

Right Move nicely continues the theme of second chances that runs throughout the Clean Slate Ranch series. Levi and George make a great couple, and although I wasn’t quite convinced by the ending, I enjoyed meeting them, and the story as a whole. The wonderful narration makes this one a good bet in audio, especially if you’re in the mood for something heartfelt and without too much drama.

Caz

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