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The Neeson Boys #2

Groomed to Perfection

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"I don't know where to go from here."

Gavin Neeson worked hard to get into Beasley University—one of the most prestigious institutions in the country—so he could make a better life from himself. Five years after graduating, he's saddled with massive student loan debt and a finance career he isn't passionate about. When his ex-boyfriend cheats on him and he gains weight, Gavin finds himself in a rut. In desperate need of a boost, he goes to Rosebridge's gay bar one night and meets Leigh—the man that'll change his life forever.

"I'm doing it all for them."

Leigh Hensley is a rich kid with a trust fund—but he uses every single cent of it to take care of the animals he's welcomed into his home. Too bad his parents don't approve of him running an animal rescue. They want him to get married... immediately, or they're cutting him off. Leigh's at a loss until he runs into Gavin in a bar and realizes they could come to a mutually beneficial agreement. The two agreed to get married—for each other's convenience.

"We need to be able to trust each other."

Leigh and Gavin find that they have to do more and more to satisfy the Hensley parents' demands, but in the process, they find they might have a connection after all. But Gavin's worried Leigh won't like him just the way he is, and Leigh doubts Gavin's interest in the animal rescue. Will this marriage last long enough for Leigh to get control of his trust fund? And will Gavin overcome his insecurities so he can finally find the love he deserves?

Groomed to Perfection is a 45,000 word steamy MM contemporary romance. This page turner has has no cliffhangers, no cheating, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Groomed to Perfection is the second book in a new Harper Logan series, The Neeson Boys, which features Steven, Gavin and Jay Neeson. Each book can be read as a standalone story, but is more enjoyable when read as a full trilogy!

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2017

62 people are currently reading
117 people want to read

About the author

Harper Logan

28 books140 followers
Author also publishes under the name H.L. Logan.

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5 stars
119 (30%)
4 stars
126 (32%)
3 stars
89 (23%)
2 stars
38 (9%)
1 star
13 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~.
3,642 reviews1,188 followers
June 28, 2018
This is some serious fuckery: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This author pronoun swaps and publishes the same book twice. SHAMEFUL!

Original review below:

Just last week I recommended this author's

Something New (Runaway hearts, #2) by Harper Logan

That book also features a fake marriage trope and is, to quote my own review, a "fun, sexy read."

Groomed to Perfection is nothing like Something New. It's silly, unbelievable, ridiculously contrived, and awkward, like it was written by a different person. (Maybe it was???)

Leigh's wealthy parents object to him hanging out at a gay club, so they insist he get married within a month or lose access to his trust fund, which he selflessly uses to run an animal shelter. They don't care that he's gay; they just don't want him to live the "gay lifestyle."

Cause going to a nightclub is a scandal, but a messy divorce isn't. Riiiight.

Leigh is a total doormat when it comes to his parents. Other than that, he's sweet if bland.

The other MC, Gavin, is whiny and insecure. He thinks he's fat and gets offended when Leigh suggests that helping to walk the dogs would do him good (and Leigh is not talking about his weight).

Everything about the interactions felt fake. The chemistry was nonexistent, and the epilogue had me rolling my eyes (the parents have a miraculous change of heart, and Gavin turns into a buff stud).

I cannot recommend this one. I'm going with 2 stars because cute animals were involved.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
4,051 reviews450 followers
March 20, 2017
Mixed feelings for this one

This book was a bit Jackal and Hyde for me, parts of it I loved, others I wanted to throw something. Mostly the irritating bits were the angsty fears over everything which just felt a bit too forced into the plotline.

Otherwise, it's a typical sweet read with a moderate steam level and two guys who eventually get their heads screwed on right.
The parents 180 in attitude also didn't really work for me, it just needed a bit longer to stew and take effect I think.
Profile Image for SoCalBookReviews.
602 reviews20 followers
Read
June 29, 2018
**Update: Changing my review, removing rating, because I am annoyed... This Author has the same exact book under a pseudonym, H.L. Logan and changed the character Genders From F/F to M/F to M/M. To me personally, it just seems really dishonest to take the exact same books with the exact same wording (basically plagiarizing your own work) and then republishing them all with different gender pronouns, I personally do not feel comfortable reading this authors books and will no longer be purchasing or reviewing them either.***
Profile Image for Elithanathile.
1,927 reviews
March 22, 2017
Holy crap, too many duds for me this week. This drove me batty ... and it made my blood boil with the amounts of sheer crazy so many of the characters seem to have ingested. Nope!!
Profile Image for Duck.
360 reviews50 followers
March 25, 2017
I'm throwing in the towel. The dialog is stilted and awkward. Real people do not talk like the characters in this book. Even the internal dialog is formal and feels forced and the writing lacks a natural flow.

This book is very much in the "chicks with dicks" category. I can't imagine 20-something men acting like these MCs.

Leigh's parents are super rich and yet they force him into marriage within one month or they take his trust fund. I found this completely unrealistic and unbelievable.

Too much page time is wasted on specific details about the shelter animals. I understand the animal shelter was a big part of who Leigh was, but I felt it was unnecessary and character development suffered because of that excess.

I can't recommend this one.
Profile Image for Antoinette.
371 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2017
Not as good as the first but I still enjoyed it. In paper Gavin is the perfect guy but in truth he's self-conscious, lost and in debt. Leigh should have everything going for him and his future set. He loves the animals he takes in and cares for and in two years he'll receive his trust fund and expand his shelter. The only problem, his parents are holding his trust fund over his head to manipulate him into marrying. Gavin and Leigh, two complete strangers, meet in a bar and hatch a plan to satisfy Leigh's parents and pay off Gavin's debt. I liked how the two men came together and helped each other grow and become stronger. The premise was great I just didn't feel a strong connection to either man. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jennie.
209 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2017
Groomed to Perfection was a wonderful read, once I started I couldn’t put it down. I loved Gavin’s character, struggling with weight issues and insecurities was something I could totally relate to, and his journey inspired me. And Leigh was so cute and endearing. His love for animals was so heartwarming. This one definitely rivals with the first book. I enjoyed this sexy, sweet, and endearing book, all the way through. A wonderful addition to the Neeson Boys series.
Profile Image for Peri.
11 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2018
Easy and fun

This book was easy and fun to read. Logan has a way of creating main characters that are easy to relate to and fun to read. There were minor pronoun issues and editing misses, but you have to take them with a grain of salt; Most mm -> ff flips will have errors like them. In the mm series, this book is 2nd, which explains the timeline issues with the other Neeson sisters. The original novel is titled:
Groomed to Perfection (Neeson Boys Book 2). They're both well written and easy to get through.
32 reviews
April 20, 2018
I am confused?

Loved the book like always but why does Jaz sound single. Wasn't her book the first one? Love everything by this author and can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Amber.
1,723 reviews7 followers
March 21, 2017
Groomed to Perfection is the second book in the Neeson Brothers series by Harper Logan and it is just as enjoyable as the first book. This book is about Gavin Neeson and Leigh Hensley.

Gavin had decided that he wanted to be different from his blue-collar parents and so he got a degree in finance from a prestigious college so that he could have all of the luxuries that his parents didn't have when he was growing up. What he ended up with is a pile of debt from student loans and a job that pays well but leaves him dissatisfied.

Leigh is a rich kid with a trust fund, however, unlike the rest of the rich kids with a trust fund he uses his to fund his rescue group which he runs from his house by himself. His parents are all about appearances and threaten to take away his trust fund unless he gets married in one month. Leigh doesn't know what to do. His rescue is his life, but his minimum wage job doesn't pay enough to support his rescue. He needs the money from his trust fund, and so he goes to a gay bar to drown his sorrows and meets Gavin.

Gavin and Leigh hit it off and end up getting married. They are aware that it is fake and that it only needs to last for a couple of years until he is 25 when he will have complete control over his trust fund. However, his parents keep throwing obstacles in his way, and Leigh isn't sure if he will ever get to keep his money.

I do have to say that Leigh's parents at the beginning of the book are a real piece of work and I thought that Leigh would be better off without them but by the end of the book they had really redeemed themselves, and I was glad Leigh had stuck with it.

The relationship between Gavin and Leigh was very believable, and I loved the issues that they both had to work through to make their relationship work. I can't wait to read about the third Neeson brother, Jay, and find out who he falls in love with.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Pam Kay.
586 reviews9 followers
March 17, 2017
This was a awesome, great Read! The lives of Leigh and Gaven started out unconventional with a marriage of convenience when Leigh's mom threatened to cut him off from his trust fund unless he got married within a month. Not knowing exactly what to do he goes to the local gay bar and meets Gavin. He told his story to Gavin and surprisingly Gavin jumped in with all fours. One of the conditions of getting married was Leigh was going to pay his student debt off. Leigh felt that was the least he could do. Leigh ran an animal rescue housing the animals in and around his home and he needed his trust fund money to take care of the animals. His parents were more concerned about what people thought so they paid for the wedding and soon demanded he adopt a child ( a blond, blue eyed boy). Gavin and Leigh despite the circumstances grew close, moving in with one another when they bought a bigger house. Gavin's experience in finance was a plus with the animal rescue working on grants. They became a great team. Even Leigh's parent's friends supported the animal effort which caused his parents to quickly reevaluate. It was amazing to see these characters blossom. With them individually and as a couple!!! Beautiful! Great story. A must read❤️
Profile Image for John-Torleif  Harris.
2,729 reviews13 followers
March 16, 2017
I felt more of a connection with Gavin than I did with Leigh in this book, but I did like both characters.

Gavin had to look at his life and grow into the man that he wanted to be. He was dissatisfied with his job and had to work through learning about himself enough to first realize that he actually wasn't happy, and then figure out what he wanted to change in order to find satisfaction. Gavin's self-confidence had been shattered before the story started because his ex had cheated on him; the result was that he felt that he was lacking and so he acted like it was true - leading to a self fulfilling prophecy. Throughout this book, Gavin grows and develops into the version of himself that he wants to become.

Leigh didn't have that level of character development, and so his character felt much more flat to me. He runs an animal rescue out of his home, funded from his trust fund. Because he hasn't reached 25 yet, his parents still have primary control of the trust and they decide that, in order to keep up appearances with their social circle, he must marry within a month of their ultimatum in order to keep the trust. While Leigh chafes at the restrictions that his parents put on him, I didn't feel that he ever really took any steps to actually gain his independence from them. What freedom he did gain was mostly due to Gavin and really just traded his dependence on them to dependence on Gavin. Since Gavin was his husband, that isn't necessarily a bad thing to rely on, but it wasn't really the independence that he talked about.

Overall, I enjoyed reading about Gavin and Leigh, and this book definitely can be read as a stand-alone, but I think that I will ultimately like it better as a part of the Neeson boys series than on it's own merits.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for avid reader 1.
826 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2017
This is a nice, quick read on a slow afternoon. I did not enjoy it as much as I did the first in the series though.
Gavin is understandable in questioning his choices in life. Struggling with his weight and his perception of himself is a battle. His willingness and ability to make changes in his life endeared him to me. He is a smart and gentle man who just needs someone to be patient and understanding with him. He finds that in Leigh.
Leigh is unable to stand up to his parents and take control of his life. He takes charge of his life in all other ways, but hits a wall when it comes to defying his parents, his mother in particular. He finds his strength in Gavin.
The romance between Gavin and Leigh is awkward and hesitant but I guess any of us would be when facing the situation they are. The spicy scenes were reserved for the most part but I really enjoyed it when Gavin came into his own in the bedroom.
I did not care for the premise of marrying for money. The first meeting and subsequent marriage in such a short amount of time was also hard to swallow. They just did not seem to be “that” type of characters.
That being said, it was a sweet romance and I look forward to Jay’s story.

I am voluntarily reviewing the advance reader copy I received from the author.
Profile Image for Adiehardbearfan Da bears.
350 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Then I bought it.

Leigh has some controlling parents who only care about how they look in front of their friends. Belonging to a family of wealth Leigh struggles with finding his independence from them. When he is told by his mother that he needs to be married within a month or lose his trust fund he is devastated.

Gavin is struggling with his weight and self-esteem. After being cheated on he has no desire to find love again or even date for that matter. While sitting at his favorite bar people watching he sees someone new and decides to approach him. While talking to Leigh he learns about his parents demands and says he'll do it. After talking all night and exchanging numbers he cannot believe he just became Leigh's fiancé.

Leigh knows they have to make this union believable but he also feels something for Gavin. Gavin is falling for Leigh as well as they both start to know one another better. It's weird dating while you are already married but these two learn that being married only makes the dating that more exciting.

Loved the story and how it developed two lost souls to finally figuring out it's what's in the inside the matters the most.
Profile Image for Michele Howell.
207 reviews
June 24, 2018
Enjoyed the story development

The story of Leah and Gillian two woman unlucky in love agree to an arranged marriage forced on Leah by her parent is she wants to continue access to her trust fund for the next two years. Leah needs this money to continue her animal rescue. Over the course of the first year of marriage both women show personal growth. With more confidence and the love and trust growing between the two women allows Leah to stand up to her parents and Gillian to realize the choices she made in her life were not leaving her fulfilled or happy. Both women enjoy the animal rescue and need to decide if they are going to continue with their fake marriage after Leah gets control of her trust fund. I really enjoyed the background on the two women to understand where they were coming from as well as the character development.
Profile Image for Tammy.
646 reviews9 followers
March 25, 2017
Got ARC, for a honest review.

I loved Gavin and Leigh characters. Thought they had clicked and had the right amount of chemistry. Loved the animals Leigh took in to rescue. Was happy to see Gavin get his self esteem built back up. The story had a nice steady pace and the right amount of hot steamy moments between Gavin and Leigh. The parents of Leigh trying to hold the trust fund over his head, made me growl a little bit. Was happy when Leigh finally told his mom to forget it and keep it. Which made everything change for the best for Leigh. Parents finally gave the trust fund to Leigh. Made me happy to see them coming around. Loved Gavin and Leigh's happy ending. Loved reading another great book by the author.

Thank you for letting me read another part of the series.
Profile Image for Susan.
671 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2018
Wonderful!

This is book three in a very well written series. The characters are all well developed and each storyline flows easily. Each book can be read as a stand alone. In this book, a marriage of convenience between two virtual strangers in order to save access to one of the women's trust fund. She relies heavily on the money to fund her small but growing animal rescue operation. As time passes, the women rely more on each other than just for appearances. This book and this series belong on your must read list.
Profile Image for K.K..
635 reviews23 followers
September 19, 2017
The second book in the Neeson Boys series was another book with an unbelievable setting. Still, I liked the book. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the couple. If you didn't think much about how unreal the plot was, it was a really sweet and romantic read. And Gavin and Leigh were really good people.

3.5 stars
Profile Image for Nicole.
156 reviews
July 22, 2018
Cute

They seemed well matched and they’re adorable together- I just didn’t feel the chemistry between them sometimes. Sometimes the things that they’d worked out between chapters seemed like it would give me the connection I needed. I did like the book and I’ve read other of Logan’s work and enjoyed it more; this one is just not my favorite.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
466 reviews
September 30, 2018
A Fake Marriage Comes to the Rescue

Leah is not you typical trust fund recipient. She use the funds to run an animal rescue out of her home. Gillian has almost $200K of student loan debt. When Leah’s mother threatens the trust fund if she doesn’t marry within a month they agree on a fake marriage. Can the spark between them grow? Recommend.
Profile Image for Marguerita Howze.
206 reviews
September 25, 2019
Groomed!!

Insecurity is the theme for Gavin and Leigh. One has parents who are not happy with his choices, the other is not happy with the choices that he made. Groomed is a continuation of the Neeson brothers. Hurry up and one click this book. You can't go wrong with this book. Love Harper Logan.
Profile Image for Marty Preslar.
Author 3 books14 followers
April 11, 2018
Sweet

A heartwarming, sweet story, completing the trilogy of love stories about the Neeson sisters. While not enough to impact my rating, this book is in dire need of editing, with multiple issues with incorrect pronouns, typos, and other errors.
Profile Image for charles clayson.
1,365 reviews6 followers
May 1, 2018
WARM AND CUDDLY🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹. Filled with great sentiment,moments of joy and laughing parts; that will tickle your funny bone.
I was moved from the moment I started reading it.
Good work. H. L. Logan. And Thank You for writing this warm and cuddly story.🔥💥😍
71 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2017
Another winner

Another winner , I enjoyed the story line ,enjoyed the characters ,hopefully there will be a few more books in this series.
Profile Image for Heather Henkel.
1,404 reviews23 followers
May 10, 2018
Nice story

I enjoyed reading this story and loved the way the relationship developed between the women over time. I thought they are sweet together.
21 reviews
June 6, 2018
No impressed

Seemed very child like in the writing. Glad it was free. The storyline could have been great. Just not very deep.
Profile Image for Nessa.
1,858 reviews21 followers
March 17, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.... ... I enjoyed reading about the next Neeson brother, Gavin, and how he finds the love of his life in Leigh who has a controlling mother who consistently holds his trust fund over his head. The characters were well developed and I could especially relate to Gavin who struggled with his weight. This was fun for me because Steven and Kalvin (famous actor) pop up and surprise Leigh who really admires Kalvin. I read their story and I loved it immensely. I definitely had mad respect for Leigh because of his love of animals. This was just so beautifully written and very heartfelt, and I hope that Leigh's mother learns a lesson through her experience with her high expectations and manipulative tactics. Ugh. I'm excited to read Jay's story next. Very Pleasurable read. :)
Profile Image for Fallon Cahan.
Author 1 book5 followers
March 17, 2017
Gavin and Leigh. The second book in the series didn't seem to flow as well as the first. I did like the story, but there were times I had to put it down and come back to it later. Leigh was adorable. Gavin had a hard time accepting himself to the point to where he could let Leigh in. There were times I could relate to both of them, and others I really wanted to shake them. The sexy times felt rushed and awkward, most likely due to Gavin's insecurities. I enjoyed the ending with the appearance of the MC's from the first book and I'm looking forward to book #3. I voluntarily read a free Advance Reader Copy for my honest opinion and review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews