Thirty (The Sun Series, Book 4) by Rae Lyse
A Review By: DWP
After the introduction of a controversial criminal justice reform bill, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles grants Andre “Dre” Owens clemency.
Suddenly, he’s forced back into a world that’s more complex than what he remembers…and full of tempting distractions. Most are skeptical that he deserves a second chance, and he is too, until a free-spirited dancer bounces into his life.
Much to her family’s dismay, Natasha “Tash” Breaux dances to her own confusing beat. She’s used to existing in a world that refuses to understand her and carrying the weight of a past that still lingers in the present.
After a mutual friend thrusts them together, Natasha agrees to help Andre cope with his newfound freedom, but there’s a problem—he makes her question everything she thought she knew about herself and the people around her.
She’s the ultimate distraction. He’s the ultimate enigma. And they’re so focused on how different their worlds look that when they endure them together, neither of them realizes the trouble that lurks beneath their budding friendship.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2022
An installment in a Series? Yes
Narrator (s): Winston James, Phoenix McKay
This beautifully written story opened my eyes to the journey of rehabilitation and the pressure that it puts on the people that love the men and women who are newly released. This one was my favorite out of the whole series.
Winston James was my favorite as Andre. At first, I had to do a double take to see who was narrating this story. This was Winston James like I’ve never seen him before. He became Dre. He brought this man’s struggles to life in a way I’ve never read before. He truly embodied this character and enhanced Rae Lyse’s writing. It was like Rae Lyse hand picked him because I can’t see anyone else being Dre. He did a fantastic job with this book. Phoenix McKay gave us a different side to her as Natasha. I don’t know if I was expecting her to bring the same energy and vibe to Tasha that she brought to Jade, but she was completely different. She was more confident in her uniqueness. Tasha was a free spirit and Phoenix showed that so well. I loved her take on this character. She made it so easy to envision the beautiful young black woman just enjoying her life and living on her own terms. The way Rae Lyse brought these two together was pure magic. Rae Lyse has such a unique and enchanting way of writing that the narrators have to always bring their A game and these two did that and then some. This was such a great audiobook.
It was perfect. There was nothing not to love about this book.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: NORTH STAR RATING
Content Warnings? Human or animal loss, Physical abuse/violence
