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Cole Creek #3

Measure of a Man

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We found ourselves by finding each other…

Rachel

Left blindsided and hurt by my ex, I'm slowly making my way back to me, discovering what I want and how to be more than "just a mom".

When Jinx comes into my life, I’m sure he's exactly the reckless distraction I need. Only, he insists on being just friends…

Friends with a few benefits.

Jinx

Reputations are hard to change. I know from experience. My family thinks I'm the kid who will never settle down and take life seriously.

Rachel is proof that isn’t true, yet I force myself to set my feelings for her aside to be the man she deserves. But when her past returns, I know it’s time…

Time to prove that the real measure of a man is in how hard he fights for the woman he loves.

Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2024

121 people are currently reading
330 people want to read

About the author

Molly McLain

43 books1,245 followers
Author of sexy, small town romance. Lover of banana Laffy Taffy, 80's ballads, 90's rock, and road trips. Location: Wisconsin. Sign: Sagittarius. Religion: Coffee and naps.

Check me out on FB: https://www.facebook.com/mollymclaina...

My reader group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/Autho...

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5 stars
377 (63%)
4 stars
168 (28%)
3 stars
36 (6%)
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12 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Profile Image for Cokiereads.
708 reviews38 followers
May 14, 2024
I have a soft spot in my heart for stories where our main girl finds love after divorce. Especially when her ex has clearly moved on. And this one will burn you up when you find out how long it took him to move on. I was fired up!

Rachel is a single mom of two who's trying to get her bearings during her pending divorce. Her kids are sweethearts but are clearly going through it.

Rachel is trying her best to keep their lives as happy as she can. But it's difficult being single, and all these issues pop up.

Surprisingly, she gets some unexpected help from Jinx. He really steps up and helps her (and her kids) out. Jinx is no fan of her ex (honestly, who is?), and when he steps up, it's awesome.

But there's some complications. Jinx is younger. She's still finding her feet. And her ex (boo). I really like books where someone steps up. And Jinx does.
Profile Image for Maria.
516 reviews27 followers
October 13, 2025
I absolutely 💯 adored this story of a divorced single Mom of two, Rachel who falls for her ex husbands co-worker, Jinx, who Noone ever thought would settle down much less with a single Mom. Plus Rachel is 6 years older and has two elementary school age children. Plus her ex is a complete jerkoff. So she has baggage,baggage Jinx doesn't have being in his 20s.

Jinx and Rachel are adorable together and he works hard to prove to her that he's not like her ex, first by being her friend then her lover. I was so excited when they first got ❤️ together.

This book is a must read if you like a live story with just the right amount of drama keeping them apart before they get together.
Profile Image for Diana R. Johnston.
Author 3 books56 followers
October 22, 2024
love for Molly!

Oh my gosh! This was fantastic! It was sweet and hot and adorable!! The plot was perfect and the characters were pristine!! Give it a read!!
Profile Image for Tessa.
882 reviews99 followers
May 11, 2024
I've been waiting forever for Jinx's book and was excited for release day. Hate to say it but Jesse is still my favorite hero from this series even though he had some dick moments in this book. I loved how Jinx's was 100% there for not just Rachel bur her kids. The friendship bracelet scene was so sweet.

I'm looking forward to Amelia's book, but I'm low-key worried that her H is Craig is Molly said the H is anti-hero..can't think of anyone, less deserving then Craig at the moment 😂 So I guess we will see
Profile Image for Kassie.
238 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2024
I was so excited to be back in Cole Creek and it did not disappoint. Molly did a fantastic job with Jinx and Rachel's story. This series holds a special place in my heart as it's near my hometown. 


“The true measure of a man can be seen in how he treats a woman.” Jinx Enders is the epitome of a man. The way he supports Rachel and her children is so sweet and thoughtful. Not only was he sweet, but holy swoon and sexy. He went after what he wanted both personally and professionally. 


“Yeah, but my mom is pretty awesome. If you go on a date with her, you’re gonna fall in love.” Rachel is a strong, confident woman who had some struggles. I enjoyed watching her growth throughout the book. Not only did she open herself up to love again, but she also put herself first and kicked butt to get her Masters. 


“Life is too short to live in fear. And when something—or someone—comes along that makes you feel safe in the storm of your own chaos, you hold on tight.” The development of their relationship,  as well as Jinx’s with Mason and Emma, was so swoony. The chemistry is felt and everything was so well written.


I highly recommend this sweet, swoony,  slow burn small town romance. I cannot wait for book four!! Thank you Molly for the ARC and happy release!
Profile Image for Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads.
667 reviews63 followers
May 14, 2024
5/5 rating
3.5/5 spice
eARC

My first read by this author. I didn’t realize it was a series so even though it’s book three this is my first read of the series. I had no preconceived thoughts about what I was going to read. What I found is I could not put this book down.

I love Jinx (Justin)! He works for the Ender family business with his brothers. Hard working, young and sexy. He’s definitely top in the book boyfriend line up. 💋

Rachel is a school teach with two kids who is going through a divorce. Her goal is to get through the divorce and focus on her kids and finding herself along the way.

I loved both of these characters and their families. She’s older than Justin but he doesn’t care. He falls first.

I found this story to be so relatable in so many ways. Even though she was not looking for love, she meets Justin and finds love again.

What to expect
Age gap
Single mom
He falls first
Spicy
Friends to lovers
Profile Image for Karen Keener Young.
605 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2024
So good

Ok ..... I've picked favorites. Book 2 was good. I thought nothing could beat book 1.... But I was wrong. The quote that so eloquently explains it all is this: the measure of a man is found in how he treats a woman. I love how Jinx treats Rachel.... How she's his world from day one, just that he has to decide how to make that work. And I love his extended family dynamics.
Profile Image for Debra James.
Author 16 books315 followers
May 31, 2024
Jinx is cinnamon roll perfection

I don’t think I’ve met a more perfect Hero. The way he showed up for Rachel and her kids gave me all kinds of flutters.
Profile Image for Jillian Engelsman.
12 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2024
This long awaited Story won't let you down. I now have a New favorite Enders brother!!! Molly brought the sweet with heat in the story of Justin(Jinx) and Rachel. I got the ARC and started reading immediately! JUSTIN/JINX IS GIVING PATIENCE, HE'S GIVING KINDNESS, HE'S GIVING 'THIS THIS WOMAN IS MINE AND SHE DOESN'T EVEN KNOW IT YET' VIBES, HE'S GIVING SWOON, HE'S GIVING HEAT, HES GOT IT ALL!! This Blue collar, slightly older, single mother heroine with an ex that doesn't want her but doesn't want anyone else to have her romance and a Hero that won't give up on showing her what she deserves and has been missing, is just what i needed. I couldn't put it down!!
Profile Image for Barbara Cuyler.
Author 3 books2 followers
January 28, 2025
I enjoyed Jinx and Rachel's story. The characters were likeable, and the plot, for the most part, kept my interest. Their relationship progressed in a realistic fashion. I enjoyed Rachel's kids too, especially seeing how Jinx interacted with them, which made him all the more endearing. Jinx's relationship with his siblings, especially Jesse, was well done too.

I wasn't crazy about the last 20% of the book, however. I was expecting a bit more angst and at least one roadblock to their relationship. Instead, there seemed to be an over-abundance of sex scenes.
Profile Image for Jessica Dorman.
443 reviews10 followers
Read
April 10, 2025
DNF 70% but skimmed 40-70% before I got smart and realized I wasn’t enjoying myself
13 reviews
March 28, 2025
Hot, Love, Family and Hot

I loved all of the family moments and the inclusion of the children And the romance between the main characters.
Profile Image for litljen.
1,235 reviews41 followers
May 19, 2024
Molly McLain's newest Cole Creek story, Measure of a Man completely blew me away. I didn't think any man could replace Jesse Enders as my favorite Molly book boyfriend but boy did Jinx Enders steal the show right along with my heart! While this is book 3 in a series, it can be read as a complete standalone. However, I highly recommend reading this series from the start because every book is better than the next! Measure of a Man was funny, sexy, romantic, and beautiful. It's a story about second chances, following your heart, and taking chances well outside of your comfort zone. McLain delivered a poignant, beautiful story that will consume you from the first page until the last.

Jinx Enders was the complete opposite of what I was expecting. This man was stereotyped his entire life. People always thought he was a manwhore, a jokester, someone who never seemed to care about anything. But Jinx was actually the complete opposite. He's a man who constantly gave back to the community under the guise of anonymity, never taking credit for the acts of kindness and good deeds he did around town. He was loving, driven, generous, loyal, and 100% swoon-worthy. All he wanted was the respect of his family and, most importantly, his older brother Jesse whom he looked up to. And, most of all, he was a man who had a crush on a woman long before she was divorced but he kept his distance out of respect for her. Rachel was a single mom to two amazing kids, Emma and Mason. She was a divorced kindergarten teacher who was finally free from her jerk of an ex who moved on within weeks of asking her for a divorce. Rachel was damaged but worked hard on herself to make a better life for herself and her kids.

I adored Jinx and Rachel together! These two were truly electric. They had a ton of chemistry and really complimented one another. I loved how Jinx taught Rachel how to love again. Together they were able to climb the many mountains that they faced in order to reach their happily ever after. Their journey wasn't smooth sailing but boy what a trip it was! McLain did what she did best with her stellar writing and incredible storytelling. I absolutely LOVED Measure of a Man and I promise that you will, too! 5 stars!
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,242 reviews61 followers
May 14, 2024
Measure of A Man, the third captivating read in the Cole Creek series by Molly Mclain, delivers a heart-stopping, irresistible romance that refuses to be put down. Jink and Rachel's unconventional reverse age gap relationship is a tapestry woven with spicy passion, tender romance, and poignant moments of heartbreak. As the story unfolds, it reveals layers of depth and character that deepen with each turn of the page.

At its core, "Measure of A Man" is a story of growth and transformation. Not only do Jink and Rachel evolve as individuals, but we also witness the endearing journey of Rachel's children, 11-year-old Mason and 7-year-old Emily, who effortlessly steal the spotlight with their charm. The prologue sets the stage, offering a glimpse into Rachel's life now one year later she is navigating a divorce, the challenges of single parenthood, and her growing attraction to Jink, who happens to be six years her junior.

Jink's longstanding admiration for Rachel blossoms into something more profound as he becomes her steadfast support through the trials of everyday life. Yet, amidst this growing attraction, both Rachel and Jink grapple with their own family dynamics and personal aspirations. Jink, in particular, confronts the pressures of proving his maturity within the landscaping side of the family business, adding another layer of complexity to their burgeoning relationship.

What sets "Measure of A Man" apart is its emotional resonance, which seeps from the pages, enveloping readers in a tender embrace. From the highs of newfound love to the lows of personal struggles, every moment is imbued with authenticity and raw emotion. The ending, in particular, is a testament to the power of love and resilience, leaving readers longing to revisit its pages time and again.

"Measure of A Man" is a captivating romance that transcends conventions, offering a story that is as uplifting as it is poignant. With its richly drawn characters, evocative storytelling, deeply felt emotions, and sizzlingly hot chemistry it is a romance reader's idea of heaven that shines brightly in the realm of contemporary romance, showcasing Molly Mclain's prowess as a masterful storyteller.
484 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2024
OH MY GOSH!!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE JUSTIN “JINX” ENDERS!!!! BRAVO, MOLLY McLAIN!! Take that bow, this is a phenomenal book! My opinion, this series just keeps getting better and better.
Measure of a Man is the 3rd book in Molly McLain’s Cole Creek series. I have to say, I really love all of the Ender’s men in this series, especially Jesse, however, Jinx is now giving Jesse a really hard run for top spot in my heart for favorite hero in this series. I love all the characters in this book, well maybe not all. Craig, yeah, him? Could not stand him.
I enjoyed this story so much. I loved the way that Justin did not see age as a factor. I loved the way that Rachel’s children are such a huge factor in the relationship between Rachel and Justin. The way Justin relates to them and understands them and sees how their “father” Craig, treats them, (the main factor of why I could not stand Craig), and Rachel.
I love the way Justin worked around and understood Rachel’s reluctance in accepting help. I LOVE the way Justin built Rachels confidence in herself back up. I DO however, think Justin was a total idiot for making Rachel do what he did!! Sorry Ladies, I refuse to give anything away. I LOVED seeing some really old friends (hopefully more in the future). I cannot say enough, how much I loved this book.
I was gifted with a copy of this book because of my love of “romance” books, my love of reading them, and my thoughts and opinions of the story, which I stated above.
Thank you, Molly McLain, for sharing your extraordinary writing talents with your readers. In my most humble opinion, you most definitely have another hit in your repertoire! Again, BRAVO!!!
Thank you for reading my review. Now, what are you waiting for? Go, hit that purchase button! When you are finished, come back and let us know what you think.
Profile Image for Karen Wood.
749 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2024
Measure of a Man completely blew me away. I never thought anyone could replace Jesse Enders as my favourite Molly book boyfriend, but Jinx Enders stole the show—and my heart! Although this is the third book in a series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. However, I highly recommend starting from the beginning, as each book surpasses the last!

Measure of a Man is funny, sexy, romantic, and beautiful. It tells a story about second chances, following your heart, and stepping well outside your comfort zone.

Jinx Enders was not what I expected. He had been stereotyped his entire life; people saw him as a manwhore and a jokester who seemed indifferent to everything. In reality, Jinx was the complete opposite. He quietly gave back to the community without seeking recognition, performing acts of kindness and good deeds around town. He was loving, driven, generous, loyal, and utterly swoon-worthy. All he wanted was the respect of his family, especially his older brother Jesse, whom he admired. Most importantly, he harboured a crush on a woman long before she was divorced, choosing to keep his distance out of respect for her.

Rachel was a single mother to two wonderful kids, Emma and Mason. A divorced kindergarten teacher, she was finally free from her jerk of an ex-husband, who moved on within weeks of asking for a divorce. Though Rachel was damaged, she was committed to working on herself to create a better life for herself and her children.

I adored Jinx and Rachel together! Their chemistry was electric, and they complemented each other perfectly. I loved how Jinx helped Rachel learn to love again. Together, they faced numerous challenges on their journey toward a happily ever after.
Profile Image for Fran (fransbookstagram).
598 reviews59 followers
July 19, 2025
5+ ⭐
Top read for 2025⭐

What a book!!! I tried to savour it because it was INCREDIBLE! Justin was perfect in the book, and I urge you to give this book a chance. The dynamics are there, and they're all good; small town, family, slow burn, divorce, second chance love, slight age gap, angsty goodness, spice, and so much love!

Justin was EVERYTHING in this book. Thus far, has been presented as the goofy brother who loves women and doesn't take life seriously. In this story, he is anything BUT! First off, hot AF with his blue orbs, muscles for days and a dimple that sneaks out at the right time. He's tanned, defined and smells of earth and washing powder. He's sweet and a sexy devil all at the same time. He enjoys making Rachel smile, spending time with her kids and doing nice things for her like planting her favourite flowers and cutting her lawn without asking. He was falling for a girl and placing his heart on the line, and she was secretly doing the same.

Rachel was a beautiful character. Strong, beautiful, a wonderful mum and a kindergarten teacher. When her husband pulls the pin and files for Divorce (she knew her marriage was over) she still felt lost. Over time Justin in there for her as a friend, as a helper, as someone to help her smile, to text and later to love her. He was EVERYTHING she never knew she needed and she complimented him in so many ways. I truly loved their love story.

This book was written so incredibly well. The angst, the slow-burning love, the want, the tenderness, the yummy spice and the love btw Justin and Rachel was just perfect! Shared POV, ending in a beautiful HEA.

Loved getting to know Mason and Emma, along with the rest of Cole Creek. Looking forward to Book Four coming soon.

Profile Image for Nancy Reads.
921 reviews17 followers
September 30, 2024
MEASURE OF A MAN: A Friends to Lovers, Reverse Age Gap Romance (Book 3 in Cole Creek Series) I enjoyed reading Book 1: We're Made of Moments & More Than a Memory Book 2 that I had to start reading Book 3: Measure of a Man soon after! Book 4: The Mistakes We've Made is not being released till November 14th! All these books are by Author Molly McLain.

The Prologue starts off with Jinx Enders seeing Rachel Perry at where he works. It's Enders Excavating. She has brought forgotten lunch to her husband, and the one guy that works at Enders Excavating crew that Jinx doesn't like, Craig Perry. That day how he treats Rachel doesn't sit well with him either. He was brought up to be told, “The measure of a man is seen in how he treats a woman.” He was right-on in his guess about Craig, because four months later he left Rachel, and they were in the process of getting a divorce. Not only had he left her after twelve years of them being married with two kids but was seeing his high school sweetheart not even a month after leaving her! Jinx just happened to be at the same bar when Rachel was drinking and tipsy. The bar people saw that someone was going to take advantage of her and asked if Jinx would save her and drive her home. Well, he's a good guy and would do just that. It was how their unexpected friendship started. She is six years older than his twenty-six, but age is just a number. It does not take too much time, and he is her knight in his shiny white truck. Jinx is up against a lot of people not in favor of them being a couple, but he knows it's time to prove his Measure of a Man.
Profile Image for Stephanies.books_.
600 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2024
ABSOLUTELY YES!! 🫶

It was a beautiful story. Beautifully written. The characters were well developed, and you could feel the building relationships between each of them. I loved that the children were not in the background. They were up front and part of the story, and it was fantastic.

Justin, aka Jinx, is very mature for his 26 years. He is definitely that well-rounded, raised, right small-town man. When he sets his mind to something, he goes after it. He also can be his own downfall. Luckily, he's smart enough to know when he's made a mistake. He is just an all-around Swoony Book Boyfriend with green flags flying everywhere.

"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒌𝒊𝒅𝒔. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕, 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕?"
"𝑵𝒂𝒉, 𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒚. 𝑰'𝒎 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒕. 𝑰'𝒎 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐."
"𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆."
"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏'𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖?"
"𝑵𝒐."
"𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑰'𝒎 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖."

Rachel is a mom of two going through a divorce. She's not sure how to spread her wings, and when she does, Justen is there. She lost herself during her marriage, and all she wanted to do was find herself again while navigating, starting over as a single mom while also not trying to lose her cool with the soon to be ex-husband. He definitely gives her and Justin plenty of reasons.

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒗𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒔.
𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒏.
𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒊𝒎, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆...
𝑰 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.
𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒐.
Profile Image for Libby.
313 reviews16 followers
May 15, 2024
Jinxed Hard!!

My goodness, I didn't think that anyone was going to knock the great Jesse Enders off his blue-collar throne...

Then along comes little brother!

Jinx Enders is in another universe. The man knows what he wants out of life and who he wants. The only problem is going to be convincing everyone else that he's not a kid anymore.

Rachel Perry has come to a life changing crossroads in her life. She has to accept that through no fault of her own, her marriage of 12 years is ending. She has given everything to her kids and ex, now is the perfect time to focus on her own life and goals. Then the younger coworker of her ex starts showing up to her rescue, and she is going to get a front row seat of how a man is supposed to treat a woman.

Man, the mouth and the level of swoon that is Jinx has cemented his place above Jesse in my list of Molly McLain men. He shows up in the best and most steamy ways. Not only does he show up for Rachel, but also her kids. He doesn't do it to inflate himself, he does it for the most important reason. Love.

This book will definitely grip your heart. The way the author shows how each character grows to recognize their own self-worth throughout the book calls to every emotion. The kids are an absolute blessing and add their own sass to the hilarious and sweet moments that only kids can bring.

Absolutely deserves every star!
90 reviews
May 16, 2024
Molly knocks it out of the park (again) writing characters that jump off the page and into your heart. Her characters are given the most realistic and relatable traits. They are strong yet vulnerable, sexy yet messy, complicated yet perfectly relatable. Another must read!

(Be warned if you’re a single mom or going through a divorce this book will make you cry as you shake your head that Molly so accurately describes what’s in your head and heart.)


An in the middle of divorce practically single mom of two meets young landscaper that everyone expects to be irresponsible or not committed to a woman when he’s with her- tale that will take you on an emotional roller coaster.

Rachel deserves the world after the man she married. Let’s just say not everyone gets it right the first time no matter how hard they try or how much effort they put in. Boy oh boy did she put a lot of effort into her marriage and kids.

Jinx is the youngest of the Ender boys and joined his brother in the family business but he’s so much more than that. He’s harder on himself than he lets on and secretly seeks his families approval even though he doesn’t need it- he’s amazing without even trying.

“These little moments that probably seem silly to him but feel like so much to me.”

This quote proves how Jinx was written as the perfect man for a single mom. He never once falls short of what a true man should be measuring up to.

Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 2 books37 followers
May 21, 2024
If you’re looking for a swoony, slow burn small town romance that features a dirty talkin’ MMC and a single mom who is trying to find her true self, you’re going to love Jinx and Rachel!

The title of this book is absolute perfection with the journey that Jinx Enders takes from start to finish. He’s spent a lot of his life letting others believe things about him that are true, yet they aren’t the whole picture of who he is as a man. I loved seeing him finally step up and tell his brother exactly what he wanted, as well as how he stepped in for Rachel, Mason, and Emma. He’s been showing the small town who he is all along with his hard work that was off-the-books. After some difficult conversations, it was so heartwarming to see him take a stance as to the real man he is to his brother.

Rachel reminds me of myself and several of my friends who have previously been through a divorce. It hurt more to be left when we realize we should have been the ones to leave long ago. But she’s doing the best she can, keeping her head up to make things as smooth as possible for her children. Jinx steps in and begins proving to her that not all men are a-holes like her ex and earning the trust of her kids as well.

Molly McLain gives us yet another book that showcases her intimate knowledge of small towns. I felt like I was hovering over the scenes, getting a firsthand look at each moment. She can make anyone believe that love is out there for everyone!
3,304 reviews70 followers
May 13, 2024
Measure Of A Man ( Cole Creek book # 3 ) Tropes 🌸Small Town🌸Friends to lovers 🌸single mom🌸he falls first and hard 🌸age gap ( younger man ) 🌸slow burn 🌸all the feels
Hooked from the very first page and devouring every single word to the point I actually lost track of time . Feeling everything from speechless to yelling outta pure frustration to smiling and laughing and sobbing like a baby not to mention rooting so freaking hard from start to finish . Jinx and Rachel OMG how I just adored these two together. Jinx is one of the swooniest male hero’s you’ll ever meet . Sure he’s got a dirty mouth but underneath all the flirting is a guy with a heart of gold who would do anything for the ones he loves . And Rachel as a single mom myself it was so easy to relate to her . Shes definitely been through the wringer still dealing with divorce proceedings but one of the things I loved and respected most was her strength and how she put her child before anything else . Mesure Of A Man was so beautifully written and emotionally charged, filled with angst and humor , witty banter and off the charts chemistry, unexpected surprises, drama , obstacles, love , passion, pain , second chances, family , friendships and so much more . As per usual Molly once again exceeded all my expectations and just completely blew me away in all the best ways 🩷🩷🩷🩷
Profile Image for ReadaholicDeb.
810 reviews23 followers
May 11, 2024
Oh Lordy, could Jinx be any more perfect? I think not. This book grabbed my attention and held on.

Rachel is in the middle of a divorce when she catches Jinx's attention. He understands that she needs time and never wavers in his determination to show her what a real man looks like. The slow-burn progression of their relationship was masterfully done. He bides his time and a friendship develops. I adored the small things he did for her and the relationships he developed with her two children. Jinx defines swoony. He's the ultimate golden retriever and when his protective (and possessive) side showed, I may have melted.

This wonderfully written story is well-rounded. The chemistry of the characters comes right off the pages, but more than this is a story about two people growing and developing. There is plenty of romance and spicy scenes perfectly balanced by the realities of life.

Loved it ❤️

🌻 small town
🌻 friends to lovers
🌻 single mom
🌻 he falls first
🌻 blue-collar hero
🌻 golden retriever energy
🌻 slow burn
🌻 age gap (he's younger)
🌻 open door spice
🌻 first person, dual POV
🌻 interconnected standalone
Profile Image for Laurenreadingrecs .
609 reviews40 followers
May 24, 2024
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Tropes:
🌻reverse age gap
🖤single mom
🌻he falls first
🖤blu collar hero
🌻dirty talk
🖤dual pov

I have loved every book in this series and Jinx is no exception. I absolutely adored Jinx n Rachel’s story.

Justin “Jinx” is the youngest of the Ender boys and joined his brother in the family business . He seems to be harder on himself than he lets on and secretly seeks his families approval even though he doesn’t really need it. The man knows what and who he wants in his life. The problem is going to be convincing everyone else that he's not a stupid kid anymore.

Rachel deserves the world after separating and now in the middle of a divorce from the man she’s been with since she was seventeen. She gave everything to her kids and her ex, and now it’s time to focus on herself. Then everywhere she turns, Jinx is there.

I thought Jesse was my favorite boy was I wrong… Jinx has moved up the ranks. He shows up in the best ways not only for Rachel but for her kids too.

I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait more of the Cole Creek series. Thank you to Molly for gifting me a copy of this book, even though it took me a couple weeks to get to read it 🩵
Profile Image for Becky.
1,251 reviews123 followers
May 29, 2024
What I Loved:
The chemistry between Jinx and Rachel is undeniable, and their banter brings a delightful energy to the story. Jinx’s care for Rachel and her children makes him the epitome of a book boyfriend—thoughtful, supportive, and utterly swoon-worthy. The small-town setting of Cole Creek adds a cozy, intimate backdrop that enhances the overall charm of the story.

What Could Have Been Better:
While the book maintained a strong narrative for the majority, the final 23% felt lacking. The absence of a typical third-act breakup left the plot feeling dragged out. It seemed as though the author struggled with how to conclude the book, resulting in a drawn-out ending that lost some emotional impact.

Final Thoughts:
Despite the less-than-satisfying ending, A Measure of a Man remains a captivating and heartwarming read. Jinx Enders is a standout character who will undoubtedly earn a place among your favorite book boyfriends. If you're a fan of small-town romances with endearing characters and genuine chemistry, A Measure of a Man is definitely worth a read. Just be prepared for an ending that might leave you wanting a bit more.

Full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
July 7, 2024
The end of Rachel’s marriage was disappointing but to realize that it should have ended a while earlier only made it more difficult. Now she must focus on making the transition as easy as possible for her children while she decides what the future may bring. She never expected assistance would come from Jinx, who is not only younger, but she doesn’t believe he would be able to offer the stability that she and children need.

You may think that you know Jinx, but you are about to realize how wrong you are. He is used to being underestimated but when it comes to Rachel, he isn’t going to let that happen. He has been hiding his feelings for her as she was married but being that is no longer the case, he is determined to show her that he is the man that she and her children need.

Due to her past Rachel’s need to be cautious was understandable however it didn’t diminish the feelings she has for Jinx while Jinx is a man determined to claim the woman and life he wants, and he is willing to be patient until she realizes it as well. Filled with romance and emotion I enjoyed seeing Rachel reclaim the woman she was meant to be.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,172 reviews3 followers
July 11, 2024
I love the Cole Creek series! I hated the hints (in book 2) of how Craig was treating Rachel. And apparently Jinx didn’t like it either! He is younger than Rachel by several years but treats her like a man should. He opens her eyes to a life she deserves.

Justin (I think he proves he is much more than the nickname Jinx) has struggled being the youngest son. He has two older brothers who he wants to make proud, especially Hayden. He is a great guy who doesn’t see his own worth. Until Rachel. He finally sees the life he has worked hard for but was too scared to reach out and grab. Watching him stand tall and voice his wants made me smile for the man he grew into.

Rachel doesn’t want to jump into another relationship, but Justin keeps showing up for her and making it difficult to resist him. He not only shows up for her, but her kids too. Something their father hadn’t been doing. Her heart didn’t have a choice but to accept the love she grew to feel for him.

I adored Jinx with Rachel’s kids. Those scenes melted my heart, especially the bracelet one! This is definitely a book worth reading!
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,259 reviews53 followers
June 23, 2024
4.5 Stars
This is the third book in the series. Man oh man does Jinx make me swoon a lot in this one. The title fits so perfect because his father taught him the measure of a man is how he treats a woman. Jinx may have a playboy reputation, but trust me he knows how to treat a woman. Rachel is in the next chapter of her life as the door closes on her marriage. You can't deny what a great mom she is. Her kids have spirit especially her daughter. Some of my favorite scenes are between Jinx and her kids. He is such a great listening ear for all of them. Jinx has a lot of growth in this one. I still love his family to pieces. I loved catching up with his other brothers who found their HEAs. I like the relationship Rachel has with her dad. You can tell how close they are. There is plenty of feels and emotion, but this book also delivers on the heat. Jinx and Rachel burn the pages with their chemistry. What makes it special between them is the connection they have. There is also plenty of humor. Such a great read that had me right from the beginning!
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