Hide and Seek (Stories from the Sound #6) by TM Smith - Audiobook Review

Mackenzie Brennan narrates TM Smith's "Hide & Seek"

By Ted RyanPublished 3 years ago • 5 min read

Coming into this story thanks to Gay Book Promotions, this is my first time reading TM Smith. As I had not read the previous books, I was relieved that each book focused on a different standalone story - but it does feature characters or plot points from previous books.

Dusty - an aspiring actor who instead found a career in the gay pornography industry, finds himself falling for the brother of a shooter which his friendship circle was caught in. David - after years of suffering homophobic abuse has no memory of what happened to him which landed him in a coma, but is drawn to the stranger who visited him for months.

There were times that I found the romance a bit quick, but the interactions between the characters had a nice balance of budding flirtation and mutual fondness. I didn't mind that much after awhile for reading purposes. It was also refreshing to read an entirely gay cast without the stereotypical stigma or tropes that often appear in this genre, but also not ignoring serious issues that are addressed within the plot. It's also worth noting that Smith avoids writing the porn industry with negative stereotypes either or sensationalises those scenes - instead showing the characters in a safe and professional working environment. Smith has an natural style that is easy to sit back and enjoy while reading. There were times where I wondered whether I should have listened/read the previous five books, but it's safe to say this can also be read as a standalone. One aspect I would say I weren't a fan of was every significant character had a D name, which was confusing during the early chapters and took awhile to put a character to their name and not get them mixed up. However, this book offered nice escapism for a weekend read.

Mackenzie Brennan lends his voice to this book, bringing the romance of Dusty and David to life. I found his voice to be quite soothing, which suited the plot of the story rather well. His performance complimented the dialogue and he had a rich tone to it - I think I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for his other audiobooks.

Overall, I gave this one a 3 star on Goodreads and Audible. Like I said, as a fledgling reader of Smith's I found this a quick and enjoyable read that I was able to dive into and hit the ground running.

Truths come out and trust is put to the test. Can the All Cocks family find the happiness they deserve?

Blurb

Dusty Anderson left his hometown in Justin, Texas, for the Big Apple not long after graduating high school with dreams of becoming an actor. A year later, no closer to realizing his dream but pretty damn close to being broke, he comes across a flyer in a local gay bar that provides a solution to his dilemma.

Six years later, Dusty has all but forgotten his dream to be an actor. The family he gained when he went to work at All Cocks and the job itself are enough for him - for now, at least.

David Thompson is barely 21, high on life and starting his second year at NYU as an art student. Now that he is old enough to enjoy the city’s nightlife, David finds his first crush at a local hot spot in the village, The Monster Bar. Young love is laid to rest, though, when David comes out to his mother and older brother...with disastrous results.

A tragic incident at the hands of David’s brother changes the course of all of their lives and brings the two together, but is it coincidence or fate? Regardless of unlikely circumstance, Dusty is inexplicably drawn to David, who suddenly finds himself alone in the world. Protective of David from the start, Dusty realizes his extended family at All Cocks and his best friend Kory will not understand this new relationship. Fearing the worst, Dusty plays a dangerous game of hide-and-seek, risking everything to keep David safe and sheltered.

But hiding can only last for so long, and David and Dusty aren’t the only ones dealing with uncertainties. The Dimir men find that the one thing they’ve longed for might be within reach and Dusty’s father, Dean, arrives in town unexpectedly with secrets of his own.

Note: This book was previously released in the All Cocks Stories series. This book is intended for mature listeners due to adult content.

Further Details:

Title: Hide and Seek: Stories from the Sound (All Cocks Stories) book 6
Author: TM Smith
Publisher: TTC Publishing
Narrator: Mackenzie Brennan
Release Date: February 12, 2021
Genre: M/M Romance
Trope/s: Strangers to lovers
Themes: Hurt/comfort
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Length: 7 hours and 7 minutes
It is book 6 in the series.

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Get your copy of Hide and Seek:

Audible US | Audible UK

Amazon US | Amazon UK

About the Author

A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; Smith is an avid reader that just happens to write sweet & sexy gay romance. A Texas transplant, she now calls DFW her home. Most days she can be found curled up with a good book, or ticking away on her next novel.

Smith is a single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Besides her writing, she is passionate about Autism advocacy and LGBT rights. Because, seriously people, Love is Love!