Handymen, Book 2
Heat Factor: I mean, there are handcuffs in the first few pages.
Character Chemistry: Steamy, steamy, and with a shared trauma that they turn into something really good.
Plot: Bernie’s childhood haven is being sold by her horrible uncle, who is the mentor of TV landscaper Eli Zorn. When the property is selected by Eli’s show to be rehabbed, Bernie handcuffs herself to the house and refuses to leave. Eli needs the rehab for his career; Bernie needs the house for her nonprofit. WHAT WILL HAPPEN??
Overall: This series rocks, and #2 is just as strong as #1.
In this edition of The Handymen, we meet the delectable Eli and the complicated Bernie!
Eli desperately wants to be featured in the top landscaping magazine and follow in his mentor’s footsteps. So when his mentor offers his lakefront property as a feature on their show, Eli and the Handymen snap it up. However, despite the property being legally owned by Eli’s mentor, Peter, Peter’s niece has a strong emotional claim and exposes Peter’s true character. So, if they keep the property on the show, Bernie loses her childhood safe haven–but Eli gets his feature. If they don’t, Bernie still loses the house, but at least everyone feels less slimy. Contracts are contracts though…and it’s kind of a huge mess.
This is a true impossible situation. (If you read any of my posts you’ll know that I LOVE IMPOSSIBLE SITUATIONS.) Plus, these two have truly difficult pasts and they are loaded up with heart-wrenching baggage. But just like the first in this series, you will find that heavy baggage does not mean helpless or powerless.
I love it when a couple faces a problem together, and that’s exactly how this book unfolds. If you struggle with bullying and sexual assault triggers, you might have a hard time at a few points–especially because much like in real life, sometimes there aren’t really neatly-wrapped, happy endings to scarring events. If that’s something you absolutely have to have, you won’t necessarily find it here. But you will find two people who share common wounds and support each other as they find ways to create a new, healthier, stronger, and giving future together.
You might also find Bernie to be a bit of a pot-stirrer, on purpose or inadvertently. I really liked that as a natural counterpoint to Eli’s more charming, chill nature. I found her to be someone who learned how to be unapologetically true to herself no matter what, and her true self happens to be a bit bold and brassy.
All in all, an excellent read.
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!! I appreciate you reading my series and am so thrilled you enjoyed book 2 as well! ❤️
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