Handymen, Book 1
Heat Factor: Steamy, but also very vulnerable and sweet
Character Chemistry: “Hello, I’m–SO INTO YOU”
Plot: Handyman/DIY Reality Star Michael almost immediately pegs his new featured couple as being half repulsive/shady and half his future wife. But while Emily leans on Michael to recover from the dumpster fire that was her ex, Michael ends up struggling with a secret trauma that threatens to torch his life and budding relationship.
Overall: This book was really, really awesome. I love a couple who knows how to take care of one another when they’re vulnerable!
This book was so perfectly balanced–I don’t how how a book that deals with heavy subjects ends up being so gosh-darn charming, but it is. Emily’s opening a soup business from her inherited grandma’s house and is chosen by a reality TV show specializing in renovations. But her fiance is a real dud and his true colors start to bleed through the illusion of their life together the moment Emily’s accomplishments are celebrated. After a horrible break-up, Emily turns to Michael for comfort.
Michael is part of a reality TV show with his foxy brothers and is low-key famous for rescuing a day care full of children. But he’s also struggling with something privately that is preventing him from living a healthy or full life. When his burden is brought to light, he has to decide if he is willing to let his loved ones support him the way he always supports them.
This is why it’s deep and tense–traumas aren’t always pretty and sometimes they take a lot of work. For some of these traumas, the person affected really has to choose to take a difficult path to heal. I’m super critical of new relationships that come before a person has chosen to deal with trauma…sometimes it’s just hard to believe the new couple is going to make it if they aren’t being realistic about the work that needs doing. (“You complete me! I feel like anything is possible with you!!” NO! Go to therapy!) This was not at all dismissive of the work and it didn’t at all gloss over what a healthy couple dealing with this stuff looks like. BUT! It also didn’t make it look all gloomy and doomy. It was just really well balanced and also I’m a sucker for a guy who has muscles and knows what tools are called. I don’t normally get all whipped up if they’re sweaty though, but that’s just me.
Anyway, I love this book and I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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Thank you, Ingrid, for this amazing review of A Good Man! I am thrilled you enjoyed Michael and Emily’s story!
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I loved it, so glad I had the opportunity to review it!! I can’t wait to read about the other brothers… 🙂
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Yay! Thanks, Ingrid. Eli’s book, An Irresistible Force, comes out in September. I’d be happy to send him to you! Nick’s book will come next June. 🙂
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