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Renovation Romance #2
Good Bones
Settle in for an opposites attract, renovation-to-remember from RITA ® award finalist Aurora Re .
After years of hustling from one adjunct gig to another, Kathleen Kenney has finally hit the big time. Forget tenure, she’s got a best-selling novel under her belt. That means leaving the campus grind for rural Vermont, fixing up the old farmhouse of her dreams, and writing romance fiction from the comfort and quiet of her new home. She doesn’t believe in the happily-ever-afters they promise, but really, who does?
As the youngest member of the Barrow Brothers Construction team, Logan Barrow leaps at the opportunity to take lead on the Kenney job. It’s a chance to prove she can go beyond design and see a project through, from start to finish. Unfortunately, a flirtatious foible puts Kathleen on the defensive and leaves Logan scrambling to be taken seriously. Nothing goes as planned, and their meet-cute is a definite fixer-upper.
The renovation gets done because that’s what Barrow Brothers is all about. The hardest job of all, though, will be convincing Kathleen their love is as move-in-ready as her farmhouse.
After years of hustling from one adjunct gig to another, Kathleen Kenney has finally hit the big time. Forget tenure, she’s got a best-selling novel under her belt. That means leaving the campus grind for rural Vermont, fixing up the old farmhouse of her dreams, and writing romance fiction from the comfort and quiet of her new home. She doesn’t believe in the happily-ever-afters they promise, but really, who does?
As the youngest member of the Barrow Brothers Construction team, Logan Barrow leaps at the opportunity to take lead on the Kenney job. It’s a chance to prove she can go beyond design and see a project through, from start to finish. Unfortunately, a flirtatious foible puts Kathleen on the defensive and leaves Logan scrambling to be taken seriously. Nothing goes as planned, and their meet-cute is a definite fixer-upper.
The renovation gets done because that’s what Barrow Brothers is all about. The hardest job of all, though, will be convincing Kathleen their love is as move-in-ready as her farmhouse.
312 pages, Paperback
Published April 9, 2024
27 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Aurora Rey
35 books287 followersAurora Rey is a college dean by day and a life coach award-winning author of queer romance author the rest of the time, except when she’s cooking, baking, riding the tractor, or pining for goats. She grew up in a small town in south Louisiana, daydreaming about New England. She keeps a special place in her heart for the South, especially the food and the ways women are raised to be strong, even if they're taught not to show it. After a brief dalliance with biochemistry, she completed both a B.A. and an M.A. in English.
She is the author of the Cape End Romance series and several standalone contemporary lesbian romance novels and novellas. She is has been a finalist for the Lambda Literary, RITA®, and Golden Crown Literary Society awards, but loves reader feedback the most. She lives in Ithaca, New York with her dog and whatever wildlife has taken up residence in the pond.
She is the author of the Cape End Romance series and several standalone contemporary lesbian romance novels and novellas. She is has been a finalist for the Lambda Literary, RITA®, and Golden Crown Literary Society awards, but loves reader feedback the most. She lives in Ithaca, New York with her dog and whatever wildlife has taken up residence in the pond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 8, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
This story takes place in rural Vermont. Where the last few books of Aurora Rey’s have been set. This one has Logan Barrow, the youngest child in the Barrow Brothers construction company, getting her first chance of being in charge of a construction project. Kathleen Kenny hires the Barrows to remodel an old house that’s she’s bought in town. Kathleen has given up her job as a professor, to devote to full time writing queer romance novels.
This starts out as insta-lust between the two women. Kathleen is 15 years older and wants the sex but no relationship. Logan starts to fall in love with Kathleen and bends over backwards to give her what she wants.
I didn’t like Kathleen’s character at all she seemed phony and cold to me throughout the book, even if she became a little more accommodating in the end. I will say that she was upfront from the start that she wasn’t looking for a relationship. I felt sorry for Logan to be so in love with her and wished a better partner for her.
I enjoyed the other books in this series a lot better. I missed the banter that those books had and the more likable characters.
ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.
This story takes place in rural Vermont. Where the last few books of Aurora Rey’s have been set. This one has Logan Barrow, the youngest child in the Barrow Brothers construction company, getting her first chance of being in charge of a construction project. Kathleen Kenny hires the Barrows to remodel an old house that’s she’s bought in town. Kathleen has given up her job as a professor, to devote to full time writing queer romance novels.
This starts out as insta-lust between the two women. Kathleen is 15 years older and wants the sex but no relationship. Logan starts to fall in love with Kathleen and bends over backwards to give her what she wants.
I didn’t like Kathleen’s character at all she seemed phony and cold to me throughout the book, even if she became a little more accommodating in the end. I will say that she was upfront from the start that she wasn’t looking for a relationship. I felt sorry for Logan to be so in love with her and wished a better partner for her.
I enjoyed the other books in this series a lot better. I missed the banter that those books had and the more likable characters.
ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.
April 5, 2024
This story has been quite boring, because it is repetitive. I can understand, from my own experience, the insecurity that an age difference causes in a romantic relationship. I also understand, for the same reason, that as the years go by one has less patience or is more demanding and does not tolerate certain things, even going so far as to behave in an unkind way towards others. And with this, Kathleen's personality is defined, at least in most of the book, in the end she changes a little for the better.
And the other component of the romantic relationship represented in this book, Logan, I can't say that she can represent me now or in my past, so I don't empathize much with her behavior, too direct, too dependent on Kathleen's interests, too accommodating.
So, since it took me too long to become interested in this story, although I managed to finish it, it was not even close to what I have recently rated with 4 stars, which leaves it at 3 for me. An average story.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
And the other component of the romantic relationship represented in this book, Logan, I can't say that she can represent me now or in my past, so I don't empathize much with her behavior, too direct, too dependent on Kathleen's interests, too accommodating.
So, since it took me too long to become interested in this story, although I managed to finish it, it was not even close to what I have recently rated with 4 stars, which leaves it at 3 for me. An average story.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
April 1, 2024
This the second in the Renovation Romance series. The series seems to be following members of the Barrow Brothers Construction family. The company has been in the family for four generations. Older sister Maddie got her romance in Sweat Equity (Oct. 2023) now it is Logan Barrows turn. Logan is the youngest and majored in design at college. But she can do construction just like the rest of her family. When Kathleen Kenney purchases a fixer upper in their small town Logan is keen to be the lead. Kathleen is successful enough as a romance writer to no longer be an adjunct professor which she has done for almost 20 years. Logan is instantly smitten with Kathleen but the older woman is concerned about the 15 year age gap. Kathleen also is a little jaded and no longer believes in happily ever after love.
Logan is a golden retriever type character. Very positive, wanting too much to please, very sensitive to moods and big on consent. As the youngest she considers herself an old soul but also wants a nesting relationship. Kathleen is in a different place in her life and the book spells out her feelings well. Sometimes she can get caught up in her head but it fits her character. I liked the amount of steam and that if follows the pair for a couple of months giving time to get to know each other. Having read the first book in the series I enjoyed Maddie and her befriending Kathleen. I don’t understand Clover much. The differing expectations in the relationship give a realistic reason for the unsureness in the romance.
I liked the story and the maturity Logan demonstrates. I’m assuming there is another romance coming for Jack who is trans. And there is still the question of how the uncle’s relationship will impact the family business. I will be waiting to read it. (3.5 Stars)
Logan is a golden retriever type character. Very positive, wanting too much to please, very sensitive to moods and big on consent. As the youngest she considers herself an old soul but also wants a nesting relationship. Kathleen is in a different place in her life and the book spells out her feelings well. Sometimes she can get caught up in her head but it fits her character. I liked the amount of steam and that if follows the pair for a couple of months giving time to get to know each other. Having read the first book in the series I enjoyed Maddie and her befriending Kathleen. I don’t understand Clover much. The differing expectations in the relationship give a realistic reason for the unsureness in the romance.
I liked the story and the maturity Logan demonstrates. I’m assuming there is another romance coming for Jack who is trans. And there is still the question of how the uncle’s relationship will impact the family business. I will be waiting to read it. (3.5 Stars)
May 14, 2024
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Sweat Equity: A Renovation Romance, and was excited to read Logan's romance.
Good Bones brings us back to rural Vermont, where Logan Barrow, the youngest member of the Barrow Brothers construction company, takes on her first solo project. She is tasked with remodelling a house for Kathleen Kenney, a former professor turned full-time queer romance novelist. While their initial connection is fuelled by instant attraction, the dynamic between the younger, eager-to-please Logan and the older, guarded Kathleen unfolds with predictable complications.
Despite the initial insta-lust between them, I struggled to connect with Kathleen, who came across as cold and somewhat insincere, even though she was upfront about not wanting a relationship. Logan's unwavering affection and efforts to win Kathleen over felt both endearing and somewhat heartbreaking, as the emotional imbalance in their relationship was evident throughout. The chemistry between the leads was decent, but the story often felt slow and the plot predictable, especially with the older/younger woman dynamic.
While the detailed focus on the house restoration was engaging, the story’s progression stalled with repetitive themes and dialogues. The character development was sufficient to understand their motives, but it lacked depth, particularly concerning Kathleen's background. The narrative seemed to lose its initial spark, making the latter half of the book feel flat and less compelling. Despite these shortcomings, fans of small-town romances and age-gap dynamics may still find Good Bones a worthwhile read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Good Bones brings us back to rural Vermont, where Logan Barrow, the youngest member of the Barrow Brothers construction company, takes on her first solo project. She is tasked with remodelling a house for Kathleen Kenney, a former professor turned full-time queer romance novelist. While their initial connection is fuelled by instant attraction, the dynamic between the younger, eager-to-please Logan and the older, guarded Kathleen unfolds with predictable complications.
Despite the initial insta-lust between them, I struggled to connect with Kathleen, who came across as cold and somewhat insincere, even though she was upfront about not wanting a relationship. Logan's unwavering affection and efforts to win Kathleen over felt both endearing and somewhat heartbreaking, as the emotional imbalance in their relationship was evident throughout. The chemistry between the leads was decent, but the story often felt slow and the plot predictable, especially with the older/younger woman dynamic.
While the detailed focus on the house restoration was engaging, the story’s progression stalled with repetitive themes and dialogues. The character development was sufficient to understand their motives, but it lacked depth, particularly concerning Kathleen's background. The narrative seemed to lose its initial spark, making the latter half of the book feel flat and less compelling. Despite these shortcomings, fans of small-town romances and age-gap dynamics may still find Good Bones a worthwhile read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4
March 22, 2024
Book 2 of the Renovation Romance brings us the youngest Barrow sibling, Logan. Logan’s first solo reno project is Kathleen Kenney‘s farmhouse. While Logan is instantly struck by her new client, Kathleen is reluctant not only at the thought of a a relationship but one with a younger woman who may have a different view on the future. Logan’s mission is to convince Kathleen that they are meant to be. A good read, enjoyed it.
Free ARC via NetGalley
Free ARC via NetGalley
May 15, 2024
So Sweet!
Logan gets the opportunity to take lead on a renovation project but things get complicated when she is instantly smitten with her client, Kathleen. Kathleen has given up her tenure to focus on her writing career but is wary of Logan’s behaviour towards her, so everything quickly becomes tense. But when Kathleen starts embracing romance, rather than just writing about it, she discovers it’s not so bad.
Such a lovely slow burn romance! I adored Logan’s enthusiastic spirit, both for her work and love. It was really sweet how she was taken with Kathleen from the moment they met, and just wanted to impress her and be liked. For Logan there was a lot she wanted to prove by leading on the project, but she put her foot in it with her flirtatious ways with Kathleen and it unbalanced her, not professionally, but in a way that made me just want to give her a big hug. She just loved love and wanted that big romance, a chance at doing her best in her work, and to be a part of something special. I know that feeling and how easy it is to feel like you’ll never have it or you never fit, so I just kept my fingers crossed for her that Kathleen would realise all Logan did was because she was just a genuinely nice and kind person, who just liked her and wanted a chance for them to build on an undeniable obvious connection.
Kathleen was quiet and reserved, shy about love and her reactions to Logan were completely what I expected. She was excited for her renovations and bit hesitant about her new off grid life, still I thought that she really embraced it and loved the friendships she started building with Logan’s siblings and other friends within the community and their family business. It really helped make her feel more welcomed and brave acting on the feelings she was getting for Logan that she desperately tried to avoid.
Really enjoyed this story, it was fun, flirty, explored insecurities of age gap relationships and kept me hooked from the very beginning.
Logan gets the opportunity to take lead on a renovation project but things get complicated when she is instantly smitten with her client, Kathleen. Kathleen has given up her tenure to focus on her writing career but is wary of Logan’s behaviour towards her, so everything quickly becomes tense. But when Kathleen starts embracing romance, rather than just writing about it, she discovers it’s not so bad.
Such a lovely slow burn romance! I adored Logan’s enthusiastic spirit, both for her work and love. It was really sweet how she was taken with Kathleen from the moment they met, and just wanted to impress her and be liked. For Logan there was a lot she wanted to prove by leading on the project, but she put her foot in it with her flirtatious ways with Kathleen and it unbalanced her, not professionally, but in a way that made me just want to give her a big hug. She just loved love and wanted that big romance, a chance at doing her best in her work, and to be a part of something special. I know that feeling and how easy it is to feel like you’ll never have it or you never fit, so I just kept my fingers crossed for her that Kathleen would realise all Logan did was because she was just a genuinely nice and kind person, who just liked her and wanted a chance for them to build on an undeniable obvious connection.
Kathleen was quiet and reserved, shy about love and her reactions to Logan were completely what I expected. She was excited for her renovations and bit hesitant about her new off grid life, still I thought that she really embraced it and loved the friendships she started building with Logan’s siblings and other friends within the community and their family business. It really helped make her feel more welcomed and brave acting on the feelings she was getting for Logan that she desperately tried to avoid.
Really enjoyed this story, it was fun, flirty, explored insecurities of age gap relationships and kept me hooked from the very beginning.
March 23, 2024
Perhaps somewhat ironically, this story did have good bones. The premise was solid and I'm SUCH a sucker for the soft butch handywoman love interest but that just didn't have enough pull to win me over with this one. The chemistry was decent and the sex scenes were good but it just felt way too long, like it took ages for anything to happen and then more happened in the last 20% then the rest of the book. The story was also somewhat predictable with the way the older and younger woman plotline was handled. By no means a bad read but just didn't quite do it for me.
Thank you to Netgally and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgally and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this second book in the series and what a book
we meet up yet again with the barrow brothers construction team and logan barrow the youngest member of the family has been given the chance to prove herself by taking on the lead for the kenney job... she has fought for years to be given the chance and now its here for her
katherine kenney has bought a fixer upper an old farmhouse that needs quite a bit of work doing to it but she has big dreams about this house...her home
when logan and katherine meet though katherine has fallen through her porch and needs a hand up... and just so happens logan is willing to help...the spark of attraction is there for logan but katherine aware of the age gap is more reticent ....
but as the days roll on can logan break down katherines barriers to see how good they could be together....
an interesting read i love a good building and fixer upper storyline and these barrow brothers construction team certainly know a good thing when they see it
looking forward to reading more of this authors works
we meet up yet again with the barrow brothers construction team and logan barrow the youngest member of the family has been given the chance to prove herself by taking on the lead for the kenney job... she has fought for years to be given the chance and now its here for her
katherine kenney has bought a fixer upper an old farmhouse that needs quite a bit of work doing to it but she has big dreams about this house...her home
when logan and katherine meet though katherine has fallen through her porch and needs a hand up... and just so happens logan is willing to help...the spark of attraction is there for logan but katherine aware of the age gap is more reticent ....
but as the days roll on can logan break down katherines barriers to see how good they could be together....
an interesting read i love a good building and fixer upper storyline and these barrow brothers construction team certainly know a good thing when they see it
looking forward to reading more of this authors works
March 28, 2024
A lovely sapphic romance. Second book in a series that can be read as a stand alone (but really… just go ahead and read the first one first 😉). Sweet romcom but also quite steamy.
A former professor who is finding success as an author, Kathleen buys a fixer-upper and hires Logan’s company to help. The attraction is instant, but even though Kathleen writes romance books, she isn’t so sure about happily-ever-afters, especially when there is an age gap.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Good Bones to come out April 9, 2024.
A former professor who is finding success as an author, Kathleen buys a fixer-upper and hires Logan’s company to help. The attraction is instant, but even though Kathleen writes romance books, she isn’t so sure about happily-ever-afters, especially when there is an age gap.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Good Bones to come out April 9, 2024.
May 10, 2024
Kathleen is so unfair to Logan multiple times, leading her on and then backpedaling, trying to take them back to where there were a few minutes before. But you can’t put the cat back into the bag. It only made things difficult between them, and I felt that was all Kathleen’s fault, that she was being a self-centred bitch. However, I can also see her insecurities and her indecision. There were times when if I had been Logan, I would have just walked away and passed the house job to her sister, but with the distant hope that would encourage Kathleen to eventually initiate something again.
Once they are hooking up, the moments seem very fragile, as though Kathleen would close up suddenly, and Logan was walking a thin line between pleasing and pushing her too far. This doesn’t feel like an equal relationship; it feels like Kathleen always treating Logan as a young girl, instead of the woman she is, and the emotional relationship seems very one sided. Kathleen wants everything on her own terms, and Logan is happy to give that because she is so in love; however in the long run I think it could cause resentment from Logan, and a slow breakdown of their relationship. It’s obvious that Kathleen has been emotionally mistreated herself, making her vulnerable, and she is just protecting herself, but also Logan is vulnerable, and part of the cause of that is the way Kathleen treated her throughout the story. In my mind Kathleen was emotionally abusive to Logan, even though she wasn’t doing it intentionally.
The beginning of the story is good, fun and original when everything is based around the house restoration, but later it gets too mired in the specifics of the relationship between the women; it becomes very slow moving and pedestrian, Kathleen stating the same things over and over, and Logan having similar comebacks. Their relationship never seems to go anywhere. Throughout this part Kathleen thinks she is the mature one with all her experience and ability, and Logan is the flighty younger woman, but overall Logan seems far more mature in her outlook, and in her ability to express herself. Even when things have sorted between them, I felt that Kathleen couldn’t be trusted to be all in, that she could at any moment reverse her decision, and that makes their ongoing relationship one-sided.
As you can tell, I don’t like Kathleen at all, but I found Logan adorable 😁 This is a happy(ish) ending, but it seems a bit jaded, just a tack on to the end of a long and angst-ridden story.
This is a good, well written examination of the women’s characters, but it doesn’t really make for a very interesting story once we get past the completion of Kathleen’s house. The lively brightness of the cover implies something different than the style of the majority of the story. It’s as if the author couldn’t decide which type of book it should be; a fun, situation-led story, or an introverted character inspection, especially for Kathleen. Trying to mix these two types doesn’t work here.
Once they are hooking up, the moments seem very fragile, as though Kathleen would close up suddenly, and Logan was walking a thin line between pleasing and pushing her too far. This doesn’t feel like an equal relationship; it feels like Kathleen always treating Logan as a young girl, instead of the woman she is, and the emotional relationship seems very one sided. Kathleen wants everything on her own terms, and Logan is happy to give that because she is so in love; however in the long run I think it could cause resentment from Logan, and a slow breakdown of their relationship. It’s obvious that Kathleen has been emotionally mistreated herself, making her vulnerable, and she is just protecting herself, but also Logan is vulnerable, and part of the cause of that is the way Kathleen treated her throughout the story. In my mind Kathleen was emotionally abusive to Logan, even though she wasn’t doing it intentionally.
The beginning of the story is good, fun and original when everything is based around the house restoration, but later it gets too mired in the specifics of the relationship between the women; it becomes very slow moving and pedestrian, Kathleen stating the same things over and over, and Logan having similar comebacks. Their relationship never seems to go anywhere. Throughout this part Kathleen thinks she is the mature one with all her experience and ability, and Logan is the flighty younger woman, but overall Logan seems far more mature in her outlook, and in her ability to express herself. Even when things have sorted between them, I felt that Kathleen couldn’t be trusted to be all in, that she could at any moment reverse her decision, and that makes their ongoing relationship one-sided.
As you can tell, I don’t like Kathleen at all, but I found Logan adorable 😁 This is a happy(ish) ending, but it seems a bit jaded, just a tack on to the end of a long and angst-ridden story.
This is a good, well written examination of the women’s characters, but it doesn’t really make for a very interesting story once we get past the completion of Kathleen’s house. The lively brightness of the cover implies something different than the style of the majority of the story. It’s as if the author couldn’t decide which type of book it should be; a fun, situation-led story, or an introverted character inspection, especially for Kathleen. Trying to mix these two types doesn’t work here.
April 8, 2024
This book has everything! Age gap, small town, a protagonist that has sworn off happily ever after and the striking younger woman that makes her doubt everything she believed in. A delightful story to get lost in!
I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kathleen Kenney is finally where she wants to be. After decades of slapping through adjunct professor jobs, she can now fully devote herself to what she loves: writing sapphic romance. Not that she actually believes in HEA, no, that’s for her made up characters. The only thing between her and her delightful introverted future of writing in a small Vermont town is the remodeling of her new house. Barrow Brothers construction company came highly recommended, if only she didn’t meet the gorgeous project lead in a cringe-meet instead of a meet-cute. Logan Barrow is way too young for her anyway and has the falsely optimistic hope for forever love that young people do. Absolutely not what Kathleen is looking for. Right?
Logan Barrow can’t help but be excited. The Kenney remodeling is the first project she will lead solo. She’s going to do everything in her power to deliver the dream home of her client. Said client is gorgeous and somewhat of a mystery but Logan is immediately drawn to her. Kathleen brushes off Logan’s first clumsy advances. But the more Logan chips away at her walls, the more Kathleen lets her in. Can this be it? Can this be her dream project and her dream woman?
Give me a hot builder paired up with a reclusive writer story anytime of the day! Aurora Rey definitely delivered a very good one in this category. She writes sweet romance just as well as the vulnerable, emotional side of it all. Kathleen struggles with her own beliefs. The dichotomy between her mind and heart is very relatable. Logan knows what she wants and works relentlessly to show exactly that to Kathleen. She does so with the utmost respect and that is a sight to behold. Very, very swoon worthy!
This is a standalone book but somehow also the second in the Barrow series. It was great checking in with Maddie, Sy and Clover from Sweat Equity. If you haven’t read that one yet, I highly recommend it too!
Somehow I can’t resist a small town romance. There’s something so charming about a tight community where people know each other and have each others back. The relationship Kathleen instantly builds with Maddie, Clover and Leah are a great example of that. They effortlessly click despite Kathleen being reserved and introverted at her core. Found family is an important part of the story and you can’t help but want to be part of that too.
Pick up an Aurora Rey book and you can’t go wrong. This is another heartwarming example of her skill.
I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kathleen Kenney is finally where she wants to be. After decades of slapping through adjunct professor jobs, she can now fully devote herself to what she loves: writing sapphic romance. Not that she actually believes in HEA, no, that’s for her made up characters. The only thing between her and her delightful introverted future of writing in a small Vermont town is the remodeling of her new house. Barrow Brothers construction company came highly recommended, if only she didn’t meet the gorgeous project lead in a cringe-meet instead of a meet-cute. Logan Barrow is way too young for her anyway and has the falsely optimistic hope for forever love that young people do. Absolutely not what Kathleen is looking for. Right?
Logan Barrow can’t help but be excited. The Kenney remodeling is the first project she will lead solo. She’s going to do everything in her power to deliver the dream home of her client. Said client is gorgeous and somewhat of a mystery but Logan is immediately drawn to her. Kathleen brushes off Logan’s first clumsy advances. But the more Logan chips away at her walls, the more Kathleen lets her in. Can this be it? Can this be her dream project and her dream woman?
Give me a hot builder paired up with a reclusive writer story anytime of the day! Aurora Rey definitely delivered a very good one in this category. She writes sweet romance just as well as the vulnerable, emotional side of it all. Kathleen struggles with her own beliefs. The dichotomy between her mind and heart is very relatable. Logan knows what she wants and works relentlessly to show exactly that to Kathleen. She does so with the utmost respect and that is a sight to behold. Very, very swoon worthy!
This is a standalone book but somehow also the second in the Barrow series. It was great checking in with Maddie, Sy and Clover from Sweat Equity. If you haven’t read that one yet, I highly recommend it too!
Somehow I can’t resist a small town romance. There’s something so charming about a tight community where people know each other and have each others back. The relationship Kathleen instantly builds with Maddie, Clover and Leah are a great example of that. They effortlessly click despite Kathleen being reserved and introverted at her core. Found family is an important part of the story and you can’t help but want to be part of that too.
Pick up an Aurora Rey book and you can’t go wrong. This is another heartwarming example of her skill.
April 10, 2024
5 stars! Absolutely!
Thank you to the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Seriously, THANK YOU. I have spent YEARS reading lesfic by this publisher and I am SO excited to finally get to read e-arcs. I feel like a very professional lesbian.
Aurora Rey does it again with another fabulous romance. Kathleen buys a house and Logan ends up working on it. They meet when Kathleen falls through her porch (literally) and in dreamy butch fashion, Logan is there to save the day. The two can't help being veerrry into each other despite their age difference and Kathleen's borderline "ice queen" vibes. Will love conquer all? Is there more to relationships than love? Can love solve everything? Do age differences matter?
The characters are so well written and come to life. Throughout the book I kept getting so annoyed at Kathleen, but also having a lot of compassion for her, and whenever I got annoyed I thought "dang, Aurora Rey really made this character good!" This book has a lot of similarities to a romance I've experienced myself, and it was both validating and frustrating to see it played out - because it was so accurate and lifelike! Will Kathleen get over her avoidant attachment? You'll have to read to find out. Aurora Rey also does a great job at showing how the older half of a partnership can get all caught up in the maturity levels of the younger partner, but she herself has a lot of growing up to do. Logan made me believe in love again.
I love knowing that anything written by Aurora Rey will be 1. well written 2. captivating and 3. not depressing. Seriously, in a depressing world, I don't always want to read books that have sad, heavy stuff. There are certainly big themes dealt with in here, but in a way that didn't make me feel existential. I love Aurora Rey for that. Also I just love her writing. You should too.
Thank you to the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Seriously, THANK YOU. I have spent YEARS reading lesfic by this publisher and I am SO excited to finally get to read e-arcs. I feel like a very professional lesbian.
Aurora Rey does it again with another fabulous romance. Kathleen buys a house and Logan ends up working on it. They meet when Kathleen falls through her porch (literally) and in dreamy butch fashion, Logan is there to save the day. The two can't help being veerrry into each other despite their age difference and Kathleen's borderline "ice queen" vibes. Will love conquer all? Is there more to relationships than love? Can love solve everything? Do age differences matter?
The characters are so well written and come to life. Throughout the book I kept getting so annoyed at Kathleen, but also having a lot of compassion for her, and whenever I got annoyed I thought "dang, Aurora Rey really made this character good!" This book has a lot of similarities to a romance I've experienced myself, and it was both validating and frustrating to see it played out - because it was so accurate and lifelike! Will Kathleen get over her avoidant attachment? You'll have to read to find out. Aurora Rey also does a great job at showing how the older half of a partnership can get all caught up in the maturity levels of the younger partner, but she herself has a lot of growing up to do. Logan made me believe in love again.
I love knowing that anything written by Aurora Rey will be 1. well written 2. captivating and 3. not depressing. Seriously, in a depressing world, I don't always want to read books that have sad, heavy stuff. There are certainly big themes dealt with in here, but in a way that didn't make me feel existential. I love Aurora Rey for that. Also I just love her writing. You should too.
March 25, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books and to Aurora Rey for providing me with a copy of this book. This one was an easy read for me: I love lesbian romance novels! Now, let's get into the review:
The plot: Not a lot happens in the book. But to me, that didn't matter so much this time around, because what was really focused on and fleshed out were the relationships between the characters. The book thrives on the central romance plot between Kathleen and Logan, therefore it wasn't that important to me that it felt more like a slice-of-life kinda book.
The characters: Very likable. I love when you understand a character's action and when it doesn't come out of left field. Especially with Kathleen and her inner monologue you could relate to her reasoning why she was pushing Logan away. Even though I wish that the revelation of Kathleen's mom not approving of Logan was a major catalyst for her breaking things off with her had been handled in a more in-depth manner, it was still nice to see that not only the age-difference played a role and that there was another reason behind Kathleen's apprehension of getting into a serious relationship with Logan.
Logan: Do people like her exist? If so, I'd like to have one Logan, please.
The setting: Ahhh, I love a renovation romance. It felt all very domestic, what with the scenes in the house but also Logan's house and her family and just...yes. I'm a sucker for a feel-good story.
The ending: Was a bit anti-climatic. The book was very predictable in a sense that you knew that Logan and Kathleen would end up together; but then again, that's what happens in almost every romance novel with the two main characters, so no surprise there. As a reader, when you can already guess the ending at the beginning of the book, it is so much more important then that the story line, aka what happens in between, delivers. And I would say that's what the author did quite well.
Final thoughts: All things considered, this was a very nice romance read for me. The one thing that bothered me a bit was the predictability of the story; I love a bit of drama and enemies to lovers. The book would have been so much more juicy for me if Kathleen and Logan had an enemies to lovers beginning, but ultimately, it was also nice to read something that is much more realistic and transferable to real life, especially with the struggles that Kathleen faced in her relationship to Logan (and also vice-versa).
Overall a very satisfying read, 4/5 stars, can recommend.
The plot: Not a lot happens in the book. But to me, that didn't matter so much this time around, because what was really focused on and fleshed out were the relationships between the characters. The book thrives on the central romance plot between Kathleen and Logan, therefore it wasn't that important to me that it felt more like a slice-of-life kinda book.
The characters: Very likable. I love when you understand a character's action and when it doesn't come out of left field. Especially with Kathleen and her inner monologue you could relate to her reasoning why she was pushing Logan away. Even though I wish that the revelation of Kathleen's mom not approving of Logan was a major catalyst for her breaking things off with her had been handled in a more in-depth manner, it was still nice to see that not only the age-difference played a role and that there was another reason behind Kathleen's apprehension of getting into a serious relationship with Logan.
Logan: Do people like her exist? If so, I'd like to have one Logan, please.
The setting: Ahhh, I love a renovation romance. It felt all very domestic, what with the scenes in the house but also Logan's house and her family and just...yes. I'm a sucker for a feel-good story.
The ending: Was a bit anti-climatic. The book was very predictable in a sense that you knew that Logan and Kathleen would end up together; but then again, that's what happens in almost every romance novel with the two main characters, so no surprise there. As a reader, when you can already guess the ending at the beginning of the book, it is so much more important then that the story line, aka what happens in between, delivers. And I would say that's what the author did quite well.
Final thoughts: All things considered, this was a very nice romance read for me. The one thing that bothered me a bit was the predictability of the story; I love a bit of drama and enemies to lovers. The book would have been so much more juicy for me if Kathleen and Logan had an enemies to lovers beginning, but ultimately, it was also nice to read something that is much more realistic and transferable to real life, especially with the struggles that Kathleen faced in her relationship to Logan (and also vice-versa).
Overall a very satisfying read, 4/5 stars, can recommend.
April 7, 2024
Good Bones was such a delightfully wholesome, sweet story. I loved how it showed Kathleen’s journey of learning to embrace joy and delight, and to let go. I loved how it showed Logan’s eagerness and communication, and demonstrated her respect and value for consent in all things. The flirtiness and conversation between the two of them was extra sweet.
It was almost comforting to read about a romance author who in “real life” actually had awkward sex from time to time and was romance-adverse and jaded.
I loved the acknowledgement that it was ridiculous to insinuate someone doesn’t look “middle-aged”, as if it’s a bad thing for women to look their age - and the honest acknowledgement of different concerns about age gaps. It was beautiful to see the “modest but meaningful gestures” rather than love-bombing and grand romantic gestures.
All in all, a super lovely, emotional story with a healthy dose of angst and a lot of longing, great friends with great advice, and amazing spicy scenes!!!
It was almost comforting to read about a romance author who in “real life” actually had awkward sex from time to time and was romance-adverse and jaded.
I loved the acknowledgement that it was ridiculous to insinuate someone doesn’t look “middle-aged”, as if it’s a bad thing for women to look their age - and the honest acknowledgement of different concerns about age gaps. It was beautiful to see the “modest but meaningful gestures” rather than love-bombing and grand romantic gestures.
All in all, a super lovely, emotional story with a healthy dose of angst and a lot of longing, great friends with great advice, and amazing spicy scenes!!!
March 31, 2024
Another excellent addition to Rey's collection. I have a been a long time fan of Rey and I really enjoyed the first book, Sweat Equity, and this one did not disappoint. This book follows Kathleen, a romance writer that decides to buy a house that needs some extra work, and she employs Barrow Brothers with Logan, the youngest sibling is only too excited to take lead on the project. As Logan and Kathleen work together, their chemistry proves not only good for the house but also each other.
I enjoyed following Logan and checking in with Maddie and the Barrow Brothers company. Logan, the youngest, has been trying to be taken seriously and taking lead for the first time is just what she needed, if only she wouldn't put her foot in her mouth around Kathleen. I liked Logans confidence and that she learned from seeing Maddie did with her relationship. Kathleen was an interesting character, but I like her best friend, Trudy, more. Trudy kept using kathleens job as a romance writer to make fun of the different tropes that Kathleen and Logan represented. I loved that. The self awareness was a welcoming experience and I wished it made it all the way through the book. Dropping the tird act breakup would have been awesome.
All in all, this was a cute and self aware romance. I hope there is more with these characters, I want to know how the family business plays out. This can be read solo but always better when series are read together, in my opinion. I would recommend this for fances of age gap romances and of the first book.
I enjoyed following Logan and checking in with Maddie and the Barrow Brothers company. Logan, the youngest, has been trying to be taken seriously and taking lead for the first time is just what she needed, if only she wouldn't put her foot in her mouth around Kathleen. I liked Logans confidence and that she learned from seeing Maddie did with her relationship. Kathleen was an interesting character, but I like her best friend, Trudy, more. Trudy kept using kathleens job as a romance writer to make fun of the different tropes that Kathleen and Logan represented. I loved that. The self awareness was a welcoming experience and I wished it made it all the way through the book. Dropping the tird act breakup would have been awesome.
All in all, this was a cute and self aware romance. I hope there is more with these characters, I want to know how the family business plays out. This can be read solo but always better when series are read together, in my opinion. I would recommend this for fances of age gap romances and of the first book.
June 22, 2024
One of the main characters was not that likable. Over 100 pages in and nothing had really happened yet.
Rey has definitely had much better books than this one.
Rey has definitely had much better books than this one.
March 28, 2024
This is the second book of the Barrow Brothers series and it did not disappoint. Rey has a knack for creating an inviting setting with engaging characters and wonderful writing.
Logan Barrow is the youngest and is out to prove herself. She gets lead on her first project and it doesn't start out as well as she hoped when she is attracted to her client, but she's determined to do good work and show that she can handle everything even her crush on Kathleen.
Kathleen Keaney gave up her teaching gig to become a full time writer and move to a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. She's jaded by love and even though she's a romance writer, she doesn't believe in happy endings. That all changes when she meets Logan. Not only is there an age difference, but their outlook on love and fairytales differs, but it doesn't stop them from acting on their attraction.
This was well written even in depth backstories for both and how they navigate their fling that turns into more. This was low angst and very enjoyable. I highly recommend and look forward to Jack's story, which will hopefully be next.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Logan Barrow is the youngest and is out to prove herself. She gets lead on her first project and it doesn't start out as well as she hoped when she is attracted to her client, but she's determined to do good work and show that she can handle everything even her crush on Kathleen.
Kathleen Keaney gave up her teaching gig to become a full time writer and move to a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. She's jaded by love and even though she's a romance writer, she doesn't believe in happy endings. That all changes when she meets Logan. Not only is there an age difference, but their outlook on love and fairytales differs, but it doesn't stop them from acting on their attraction.
This was well written even in depth backstories for both and how they navigate their fling that turns into more. This was low angst and very enjoyable. I highly recommend and look forward to Jack's story, which will hopefully be next.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2024
I enjoyed this opposites attract, age gap story.
Kathleen is a successful 40 something author that has decided to leave her tenure behind and move to rural Vermont to write and start her new life. She has been single and anti-relationships for awhile as she doesn’t believe the happy endings she writes in her books really exist. She buys an old farm house and hires Barrow Brothers Construction for a complete remodel. Twenty nine year old Logan Barrow is the youngest of the siblings and takes the lead on the remodel. She is an old soul and excited to prove herself in her family company.
As the story unfolds and their attraction builds, the tension escalates as the reader wonders if Logan can chip away the ice that Kathleen wields as protection around her heart.
The story flows well and is engaging
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the are in exchange for an honest review.
Kathleen is a successful 40 something author that has decided to leave her tenure behind and move to rural Vermont to write and start her new life. She has been single and anti-relationships for awhile as she doesn’t believe the happy endings she writes in her books really exist. She buys an old farm house and hires Barrow Brothers Construction for a complete remodel. Twenty nine year old Logan Barrow is the youngest of the siblings and takes the lead on the remodel. She is an old soul and excited to prove herself in her family company.
As the story unfolds and their attraction builds, the tension escalates as the reader wonders if Logan can chip away the ice that Kathleen wields as protection around her heart.
The story flows well and is engaging
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the are in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2024
It was an enjoyable read, I’m more of an Audible fan when it comes to Aurora Rey book though, feels like the narrator Keira Grace brings the books to life. Hope they pair up again someone in the near future.
March 27, 2024
HGTV meet cute? Age gap romance? Home renovation porn?
Check, check and check. This sweet, feel good romance delivers it all in spades including indulging my fantasy of moving somewhere rural and renovating an old farm house surrounded by books and swoon-worthy contractors...
Kathleen is looking for a fresh start in her newly purchased Vermont home when she hires Logan’s family construction company to complete the renovations.
Immediate attraction builds slowly into romance as Logan tries to show Kathleen that something more is possible between them, despite their differences in age. It's a slow burn, with Kathleen initially hesitant - but not even she can resist Logan's charm.
After reading the first installment in this series, I have to say Aurora Rey did not disappoint with this one. Also, we all need a knight in carpenter pants and plaid!
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books, and Netgalley for the ARC!
Check, check and check. This sweet, feel good romance delivers it all in spades including indulging my fantasy of moving somewhere rural and renovating an old farm house surrounded by books and swoon-worthy contractors...
Kathleen is looking for a fresh start in her newly purchased Vermont home when she hires Logan’s family construction company to complete the renovations.
Immediate attraction builds slowly into romance as Logan tries to show Kathleen that something more is possible between them, despite their differences in age. It's a slow burn, with Kathleen initially hesitant - but not even she can resist Logan's charm.
After reading the first installment in this series, I have to say Aurora Rey did not disappoint with this one. Also, we all need a knight in carpenter pants and plaid!
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books, and Netgalley for the ARC!
March 31, 2024
This was my first ARC through NetGalley and I am so excited I had a chance to read it.
My overall impression of this book was just WOW, this book was the most opposite of toxic I have ever read, in all the best ways. The motivations, thought processes, and dialogue between the characters was so beautifully thoughtful, both the characters to themselves and to us the reader. There was so much grace granted to the issues between the characters and nuance for days. The whole thing just made me feel good to read.
Oh, and we should talk about Spice. This one took Consent is Sexy to a whole new level and I was so here for it. Plenty of spice throughout the book and it is given the same delicate and detailed touch that this whole book had.
This was my first Aurora Rey book, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but after reading this one, I will DEFINITELY be coming back for more.
My overall impression of this book was just WOW, this book was the most opposite of toxic I have ever read, in all the best ways. The motivations, thought processes, and dialogue between the characters was so beautifully thoughtful, both the characters to themselves and to us the reader. There was so much grace granted to the issues between the characters and nuance for days. The whole thing just made me feel good to read.
Oh, and we should talk about Spice. This one took Consent is Sexy to a whole new level and I was so here for it. Plenty of spice throughout the book and it is given the same delicate and detailed touch that this whole book had.
This was my first Aurora Rey book, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but after reading this one, I will DEFINITELY be coming back for more.
March 27, 2024
This was an absolutely lovely read. It had such beautiful focus on family, both blood and chosen. Logan and Kathleen had an organic relationship develop over the course of the book - and I loved all the detail and descriptions of the house! This was a great read and I would love to read a spin off about any of the other characters. Great book!
March 19, 2024
Logan Barrow totally blows a important meeting with client Kathleen Kenny, but she HAS to manage the construction job to show her family business she's capable.
Kathleen, having just bought a new home, needs it fixed up. She was totally NOT prepared for the cute butch to rush to her rescue.
Logan is extremely charmed by Kathleen, but the other woman refuses to believe the younger woman is into her.
The Barrow family in general are very fun. They tease Logan, the youngest, a lot plus they are very amused by the romantic mishaps.
Mild nit pick: it does feel weird that Kathleen seems to have no friends other than Trudy, to start with.
GOAT YOGA. Ha.
Good read, fun, a enjoyable cast and the romance works pretty well. Good general LGBTQIA representation too.
Kathleen, having just bought a new home, needs it fixed up. She was totally NOT prepared for the cute butch to rush to her rescue.
Logan is extremely charmed by Kathleen, but the other woman refuses to believe the younger woman is into her.
The Barrow family in general are very fun. They tease Logan, the youngest, a lot plus they are very amused by the romantic mishaps.
Mild nit pick: it does feel weird that Kathleen seems to have no friends other than Trudy, to start with.
GOAT YOGA. Ha.
Good read, fun, a enjoyable cast and the romance works pretty well. Good general LGBTQIA representation too.
June 5, 2024
I liked this book much more than its predecessor. There was plenty of conflict and angst to go along with the romance. I had a couple of hangups though. One of which was the abrupt, jarring, unsignalled change of POV mid spicy scene not once, but two different spicy scenes. I had to go back and reread sections to navigate who was feeling what. The other was the scene Kathleen wrote out in her book. I'm not a fan of the book within a book trope even a little bit. Thankfully that only happened once.
Reading some of the other reviews of this book, I feel almost like we didn't read the same book at all. Lots of people complained about Logan pushing her unrequited feelings onto Kathleen, but I never felt like that was happening. When Kathleen put the brakes on in the beginning, Logan respected that and didn't make more advances. Was she still pining over her? Sure, because attraction isn't a switch that you can turn off and on. It was not just believable, it was very human. Did Logan still act nice and try and be kind to her? Also yes. Logan isn't the type to harbor a grudge or take out her feelings on someone over something like that.
The romance is slow going, with lots of stumbles along the way. Initially Kathleen turns Logan down cold and then is very distant with her. Kathleen is eventually swayed not just by Logan's continued thoughtfulness and kindness, but by her new friends in town as well. The entire time they're in a relationship though, Kathleen has one foot out the door. She never commits her whole self or lets herself be vulnerable or even shares much about her own life. Logan picks up on this since she is always careful not to push Kathleen too far or too fast. For this to work Kathleen is going to need to put in a lot more of the work than she has. I'm not optimistic, but I am hopeful that she can. I was not the biggest fan of Kathleen in this book.
There is a third act breakup, because Kathleen has been looking for an excuse the entire time. She latches onto something trivial someone says about Logan and then shuts down. She refuses to have meaningful conversation or treat Logan like an adult capable of making her own decisions. The breakup doesn't last very long in the book, and it is unclear how long it takes chronologically, but it doesn't seem to be very long at all either. When they get back together, they vow to communicate better and be more vulnerable with each other, though I didn't see it actually happen.
Reading some of the other reviews of this book, I feel almost like we didn't read the same book at all. Lots of people complained about Logan pushing her unrequited feelings onto Kathleen, but I never felt like that was happening. When Kathleen put the brakes on in the beginning, Logan respected that and didn't make more advances. Was she still pining over her? Sure, because attraction isn't a switch that you can turn off and on. It was not just believable, it was very human. Did Logan still act nice and try and be kind to her? Also yes. Logan isn't the type to harbor a grudge or take out her feelings on someone over something like that.
The romance is slow going, with lots of stumbles along the way. Initially Kathleen turns Logan down cold and then is very distant with her. Kathleen is eventually swayed not just by Logan's continued thoughtfulness and kindness, but by her new friends in town as well. The entire time they're in a relationship though, Kathleen has one foot out the door. She never commits her whole self or lets herself be vulnerable or even shares much about her own life. Logan picks up on this since she is always careful not to push Kathleen too far or too fast. For this to work Kathleen is going to need to put in a lot more of the work than she has. I'm not optimistic, but I am hopeful that she can. I was not the biggest fan of Kathleen in this book.
There is a third act breakup, because Kathleen has been looking for an excuse the entire time. She latches onto something trivial someone says about Logan and then shuts down. She refuses to have meaningful conversation or treat Logan like an adult capable of making her own decisions. The breakup doesn't last very long in the book, and it is unclear how long it takes chronologically, but it doesn't seem to be very long at all either. When they get back together, they vow to communicate better and be more vulnerable with each other, though I didn't see it actually happen.
dnf
October 13, 2024DNFed at 20%…
Okay, I can't deny anymore that I have a pretty big reader slump this year. This is the 17th book I've DNFed this year, I've never had so many in any year, and August just finished. That's 20% of my reading this year... A lot... But what if I just got bored with the book and the characters were so unlikeable?
The book is about a home fixer-upper, where of course the two protagonists will fall in love. I love home makeover shows. So much so that I signed up for Max just because of these shows, and since then I've only watched them, so I thought it would be great to read a similar book as well. But no... So far, the writer has written too many pages about what happens during the makeover, e.g. what colours are on the walls, what tiles should be, what colour the furniture should be, what walls will be taken out, etc. It's interesting when you see it on a show, but reading about it was so boring. One of the things that really annoyed me was the following: We are currently under construction, so I know how difficult it is to find the best choice for some things. I spent days thinking about how the bathroom should be arranged or I saw a beautiful kitchen live, which was beautiful, but not what I originally wanted and I just can't choose now, etc. Here, Logan (who is the constuctor) outlines the possibilities, what they recommends, and Kathleen (whose house is being designed) can see right before her eyes that it will be perfect. And, of course, Logan has all the ideas for her... Maybe there is such a scenario, but since I suffer with these decisions, I was terribly annoyed by her determination. For more than a month, I didn't read almost anything on my e-reader (when I put my son to sleep in the dark, I like to read on the e-reader), because I had to read this, and I preferred audiobooks, series, etc., because I didn't want to read this one.
As I already mentioned, both protagonists were annoying to me. Logan was so pushy. They can see that Kathleen is bothered by her pushiness, but they doesn't stop. They brings up the subject again and again. Kathleen is so dismissive that it was too much, too.
Okay, I can't deny anymore that I have a pretty big reader slump this year. This is the 17th book I've DNFed this year, I've never had so many in any year, and August just finished. That's 20% of my reading this year... A lot... But what if I just got bored with the book and the characters were so unlikeable?
The book is about a home fixer-upper, where of course the two protagonists will fall in love. I love home makeover shows. So much so that I signed up for Max just because of these shows, and since then I've only watched them, so I thought it would be great to read a similar book as well. But no... So far, the writer has written too many pages about what happens during the makeover, e.g. what colours are on the walls, what tiles should be, what colour the furniture should be, what walls will be taken out, etc. It's interesting when you see it on a show, but reading about it was so boring. One of the things that really annoyed me was the following: We are currently under construction, so I know how difficult it is to find the best choice for some things. I spent days thinking about how the bathroom should be arranged or I saw a beautiful kitchen live, which was beautiful, but not what I originally wanted and I just can't choose now, etc. Here, Logan (who is the constuctor) outlines the possibilities, what they recommends, and Kathleen (whose house is being designed) can see right before her eyes that it will be perfect. And, of course, Logan has all the ideas for her... Maybe there is such a scenario, but since I suffer with these decisions, I was terribly annoyed by her determination. For more than a month, I didn't read almost anything on my e-reader (when I put my son to sleep in the dark, I like to read on the e-reader), because I had to read this, and I preferred audiobooks, series, etc., because I didn't want to read this one.
As I already mentioned, both protagonists were annoying to me. Logan was so pushy. They can see that Kathleen is bothered by her pushiness, but they doesn't stop. They brings up the subject again and again. Kathleen is so dismissive that it was too much, too.
August 11, 2025
I really wanted to like this book. The first one in this series was very charming but this one just didn’t work for me. The whole series (I assume there will be at least one more?) revolves around a family business that does renovations. This book is about a happily single writer of lesbian romances who hits it big, buys a house in the country in Vermont, and invests in a gut reno. And of course the lead on the project is a hot butch lesbian who flirts with her, making her uncomfortable. It all goes downhill from there. Rather than just being a normal person, she acts like a cold bitch and I personally don’t think she ever recovered from that. This is an age gap romance, which I don’t love anyway, but Logan, the young, hot, butch contractor/designer, is also written to be SUCH a puppy that she’s a pushover wuss. She doesn’t say a harsh thing to Kathleen, the writer AT ALL despite being treated like shit several times. I never bought into their relationship. It felt forced. Kathleen never really seemed to have a good reason for liking Logan besides the sex. They didn’t have anything in common or talk about anything important. It was lame. Kathleen felt more for her fucking HOUSE than for her girlfriend. Meh. It made for a good vacation read though.
April 5, 2024
After years of being a professor on the go, Kathleen Kenney finally sold her first novel and with a contract from her publisher she’d finally be able to retire from teaching. Retiring was step one, now she just needed to find the perfect place to live. Luckly she found the home she wanted but lit still required some work. While work was being done she’d just stay at the small rental she’d found.
When she gets to her destination she finds she needs help right away so she calls the number of Barrow Brothers Construction asking for someone to come to her house and give her a timeline on how long the work would take. When Logan Barrow arrives they don’t seem to get along but as time goes by feelings for each other grow.
The number one reason Kathleen wanted to end things was the difference in their ages. Logan had no problem with their age difference. Ms Rey writes a good story, always but this one has a little more depth to it. I found myself unable to lay this one down until I’d finished. (Good thing I read fast so I didn’t miss any meals or sleep..ha!) Truly a very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books
When she gets to her destination she finds she needs help right away so she calls the number of Barrow Brothers Construction asking for someone to come to her house and give her a timeline on how long the work would take. When Logan Barrow arrives they don’t seem to get along but as time goes by feelings for each other grow.
The number one reason Kathleen wanted to end things was the difference in their ages. Logan had no problem with their age difference. Ms Rey writes a good story, always but this one has a little more depth to it. I found myself unable to lay this one down until I’d finished. (Good thing I read fast so I didn’t miss any meals or sleep..ha!) Truly a very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books
April 15, 2024
Thank you to the publisher for sending this book to me at no charge in exchange for my honest review. This book is about a masc, charming, forward, and adorable contractor named Logan and her older and hot client, Katherine. There are instant sparks between the two of them as they tackle a full-house renovation at a property Katherine just purchased. She's a writer and past professor. Katherine panics when she realizes how young Logan is, even though she's incredibly mature and even more level-head thinking than she is at times. She finally gives in with some encouragement from friends. If you find consent and consciousness sexy, this is the book for you! The spice in this book is so tasteful, so real, and so loving. I absolutely loved every moment, and all the sweet ways Logan checked in throughout the novel. The book wraps up on a quick and realistic conflict for lesbian couples, especially age-gap couples. The author does a fantastic job of bringing in communication to realistically address the conflict without it being too compromising. Amazing story! It gave me all the fuzzy feels.
April 3, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This one was a bit hard to get into at first. It seemed like it was going to be insta-love from the first few chapters, which I'm not generally a fan of. As well, I couldn't understand the attraction between them at first when their only dialogue seemed to be discussing particulars of the house, there was very little other conversation at the beginning. Things did change around the halfway mark and they embarked on a relationship that seemed a lot more realistic and wasn't the insta-love I had thought it was going to be from the start. However, I still wasn't crazy about this one. Nothing particularly stood out to me and I felt like some of it was a bit dry or redundant towards the end. But I do think some people will really enjoy this one! It has a lot of house renovation, realistic discussion and fears regarding age differences and children, and some spicy scenes. It didn't quite work for me, but if it sounds like your cup of tea don't pass it up on my count! 3/5 stars.
This one was a bit hard to get into at first. It seemed like it was going to be insta-love from the first few chapters, which I'm not generally a fan of. As well, I couldn't understand the attraction between them at first when their only dialogue seemed to be discussing particulars of the house, there was very little other conversation at the beginning. Things did change around the halfway mark and they embarked on a relationship that seemed a lot more realistic and wasn't the insta-love I had thought it was going to be from the start. However, I still wasn't crazy about this one. Nothing particularly stood out to me and I felt like some of it was a bit dry or redundant towards the end. But I do think some people will really enjoy this one! It has a lot of house renovation, realistic discussion and fears regarding age differences and children, and some spicy scenes. It didn't quite work for me, but if it sounds like your cup of tea don't pass it up on my count! 3/5 stars.
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