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Made Marian #4
Grounding Griffin
I learned early on that the easiest way to avoid a broken heart is to always be the first out the door. Caring about anyone or anything is asking to be disappointed, which is why I avoid relationships and chase freelance gigs - ghost writing restaurant reviews and penning articles about the efficacy of cheesy pick up lines - instead of chasing my dreams.
Besides, dreams don't come true for people like me. And no one, not even the sexy-as-hell bartender at the club can convince me otherwise. Because I'm never risking my heart again.
As a bartender I've watched a million pick-up artists work their magic, but none as talented as Griffin Marian. He's a flirt, a good time. Hooking up with him was supposed to be just a fling. I wasn't supposed to care abut his fractured past or his buried dreams. I have my own future to worry about, especially after that stupid food critic scuttled my hopes of finally opening my own restaurant.
But, the more time I spend with Griff, the more I'm beginning to realize that my plans mean nothing without him. If only I can convince him to give us a chance to follow our dreams together.
Fair this book includes flirty sweetness, detailed descriptions of man parts touching, and the dirtiest thing to come out of Aunt Tilly's mouth yet.
Grounding Griffin is the fourth book in the best-selling Made Marian series. It can be read on its own but is much more fun read as part of the series. The series begins with Borrowing Blue and each book follows a Marian brother's search for his HEA.
Besides, dreams don't come true for people like me. And no one, not even the sexy-as-hell bartender at the club can convince me otherwise. Because I'm never risking my heart again.
As a bartender I've watched a million pick-up artists work their magic, but none as talented as Griffin Marian. He's a flirt, a good time. Hooking up with him was supposed to be just a fling. I wasn't supposed to care abut his fractured past or his buried dreams. I have my own future to worry about, especially after that stupid food critic scuttled my hopes of finally opening my own restaurant.
But, the more time I spend with Griff, the more I'm beginning to realize that my plans mean nothing without him. If only I can convince him to give us a chance to follow our dreams together.
Fair this book includes flirty sweetness, detailed descriptions of man parts touching, and the dirtiest thing to come out of Aunt Tilly's mouth yet.
Grounding Griffin is the fourth book in the best-selling Made Marian series. It can be read on its own but is much more fun read as part of the series. The series begins with Borrowing Blue and each book follows a Marian brother's search for his HEA.
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First published January 20, 2017
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About the author
Lucy Lennox
94 books4,389 followersI write M/M romance with humor, heart, and heat. Check out my backlist here on GR for a selection of series and standalone or visit www.LucyLennox.com!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 515 reviews
February 6, 2017
I liked this one okay.....but not as well as the others in the series.
It was just as entertaining and hot as the others. Low angst and drama. Maybe it was a little too sappy. And Sam was a bit of a doormat. But I liked him. He seriously had the patience of a saint. Because...GRIFF.
This guy drove me nuts. I either wanted to
(a) roll my eyes...
or (b) punch him in the face...
Frustrating to say the least. Griff ran very hot and cold. Luckily he realized what an idiot he was being rather quickly, yet sadly it kept happening over and over again....and Sam was rather forgiving.
Aunt Tilley and Granny were toned down which was a plus I think.
I'll definitely be reading Maverick's book. We got teased a bit in this one so I am curious to see where that one goes.
It was just as entertaining and hot as the others. Low angst and drama. Maybe it was a little too sappy. And Sam was a bit of a doormat. But I liked him. He seriously had the patience of a saint. Because...GRIFF.
This guy drove me nuts. I either wanted to
(a) roll my eyes...
or (b) punch him in the face...
Frustrating to say the least. Griff ran very hot and cold. Luckily he realized what an idiot he was being rather quickly, yet sadly it kept happening over and over again....and Sam was rather forgiving.
Aunt Tilley and Granny were toned down which was a plus I think.
I'll definitely be reading Maverick's book. We got teased a bit in this one so I am curious to see where that one goes.
February 6, 2017
So far, I have read all the books in this series and I have enjoyed them all. Some I liked more than others though. I'm having a bit of trouble rating this one though, because eventhough I enjoyed reading it, there were also some things that annoyed me.
Griffin in one of the adopted brothers of the "Marian" family. He was kicked out by his parents when he came out to them and has lived on the street for some time. After being beat up and found by a cop, he is giving the choice to go to a youth center or into the foster care system. Griffin decides to go the youth center, which eventually leads to him being adopted by the Marians. Griffin still struggles with a lot of issues due to his past.
Now he's a freelance writer, who mostly writes funny pieces. Such as.. "how do gay men respond to cheesy pick up lines and petnames". This is how he meets Sam.
Sam is a bartender at the bar Griffin uses to test his pick-up lines and petnames. He used to be chef at a restaurant, but one awful review from a food-critic, ruined his dreams.
Sam feels an incredible pull towards Griffin, who he's nicknamed "Fox", but he just doesn't understand, why the guy goes home with a different man every time, even when he seems uncomfortable.
Griffin feels the same pull towards Sam and thankfully things get cleared up pretty quickly. Which leads to some very hot scenes. If there is one thing about this book that I have absolutely no complaints about, it's the steam. It very very nice ;)
"Do you want me to bend you over my bed and fuck your ass, or do you want me to lie you down on your back and go slow and sweet? Because I want to do both. I want to take turns fucking you and loving you all night until neither one of us can move again"
These guys become closer and closer but even after months of fucking and spending all their time together, Griffin still has problems when people refer to them as "boyfriends". This is when I started to get a bit annoyed. I could understand where his issues were coming from, but he just kept pulling the same shit over and over again, which made me lose patience with him. The fact that Sam was always giving into him and his issues, didn't make me happy either.
So, that's what it comes down to. I liked the book, but Griffin annoyed the ever loving shit out of me. Still there were times, when I also loved the ever loving shit out of him. Confused much....
The parts with the family had me cracking up. I loved Granny, Irene and aunt Tilly !!
"Do you have any idea how filthy that girl's mouth is when she really gets going. If we miss Ginger's delivery because you had to clean man juice off your boyfriend, then I'm gonna be pissed."
I'm gonna go with 3,5 stars for this one and you can bet your ass I'm gonna read the next book, because to me this series is very entertaining.
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
September 12, 2019
I cannot express just how much I love this series!! There is something about the Marian family, about their lives and relationships and love for each other, that is just so warm and comforting and welcoming. I loved them after Borrowing Blue but now, after 4 books, I feel like a part of the family. The first three books in the Made Marian series are amazing so I had high expectations for this installment, and Grounding Griffin does. Not. Disappoint!
Griff and Sam are absolutely perfect for each other. God, I loved them both so freaking much. They complement each other in every way and encourage the other to chase their dreams. Their chemistry is off-the-charts intense and their sweet and tender moments melted my heart. Of course, there were some bumps and angsty times along the way, but the road to their HEA was satisfying and compelling. It was also so, so funny! I was laughing out loud constantly while reading. I love Lucy Lennox's ability to write a story that is sexy, sweet, funny, real, a bit angsty, and heartwarming all at once. It makes her books memorable and impossible to put down!
The secondary characters, as always, are fantastic in this book. AUNT TILLY! She is my idol! We also get to see how things are going with the couples from the previous books, as well as deeper glimpses into the Marians whose stories we have not yet gotten. I need more Marians! I cannot wait for Mav's story, and then Dante's.
This book can be read as a standalone but I encourage you to go back and read the series from the beginning if you haven't already. You will not regret it!
Griff and Sam are absolutely perfect for each other. God, I loved them both so freaking much. They complement each other in every way and encourage the other to chase their dreams. Their chemistry is off-the-charts intense and their sweet and tender moments melted my heart. Of course, there were some bumps and angsty times along the way, but the road to their HEA was satisfying and compelling. It was also so, so funny! I was laughing out loud constantly while reading. I love Lucy Lennox's ability to write a story that is sexy, sweet, funny, real, a bit angsty, and heartwarming all at once. It makes her books memorable and impossible to put down!
The secondary characters, as always, are fantastic in this book. AUNT TILLY! She is my idol! We also get to see how things are going with the couples from the previous books, as well as deeper glimpses into the Marians whose stories we have not yet gotten. I need more Marians! I cannot wait for Mav's story, and then Dante's.
This book can be read as a standalone but I encourage you to go back and read the series from the beginning if you haven't already. You will not regret it!
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July 2, 2024
Grounding Griffin is book four in the Made Marian series by Lucy Lennox. First, I have to admit that I read the previous books in this series a little over three years ago. I can’t explain why I didn’t continue. I must have just gotten distracted by something else which happens A LOT! But after all this time, I was drawn back to this wonderful family and I loved every page. It wasn’t hard to jump back in at all.
Griffin Marian is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. He’s one of the adopted siblings in the huge Marian family. He loves his family and is so grateful to have them in his life but before they found him, his life was completely different. He spent time living on the street as a teenager, fending for himself. Now in his mid twenties, Grif has serious trust issues. He doesn’t do commitment, ever.
Sam Coxwell is a talented chef but after a horrible review at the restaurant he was working at, he got fired. With his self confidence taking a serious blow, he is now working as a bartender at a local gay club.
Sam and Grif’s first meeting might have been a little unusual. And Sam may have gotten the wrong idea about what was going on. But once they got past all the initial misconceptions, and started to get to know each other, those sparks started flying. But Sam knew he would have to tread carefully. Grif was always ready to run. Sam just needed to find a way to prove to him that he could trust him. That he wouldn’t hurt him and that he would never leave.
I loved being back with this crazy family. Aunt Tilly is hilarious. And I loved the way they just accepted Sam as one of them immediately. I also loved that even with some brief errors in judgment, these two found a way to work through it. To continue to prove to each other that they were there to stay. The ending was wonderful and made my heart do the little flippy floppy thing that I love. The next book, book five, is called Moving Maverick. And, after reading the blurb, I’m so excited to get back to this family and see what happens next. But first, I am switching over to Lucy’s Forever Wilde series and reading book one, Facing West. One of the characters, Nico, was introduced in Grounding Griffin so now I need his story.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Griffin Marian is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. He’s one of the adopted siblings in the huge Marian family. He loves his family and is so grateful to have them in his life but before they found him, his life was completely different. He spent time living on the street as a teenager, fending for himself. Now in his mid twenties, Grif has serious trust issues. He doesn’t do commitment, ever.
Sam Coxwell is a talented chef but after a horrible review at the restaurant he was working at, he got fired. With his self confidence taking a serious blow, he is now working as a bartender at a local gay club.
Sam and Grif’s first meeting might have been a little unusual. And Sam may have gotten the wrong idea about what was going on. But once they got past all the initial misconceptions, and started to get to know each other, those sparks started flying. But Sam knew he would have to tread carefully. Grif was always ready to run. Sam just needed to find a way to prove to him that he could trust him. That he wouldn’t hurt him and that he would never leave.
I loved being back with this crazy family. Aunt Tilly is hilarious. And I loved the way they just accepted Sam as one of them immediately. I also loved that even with some brief errors in judgment, these two found a way to work through it. To continue to prove to each other that they were there to stay. The ending was wonderful and made my heart do the little flippy floppy thing that I love. The next book, book five, is called Moving Maverick. And, after reading the blurb, I’m so excited to get back to this family and see what happens next. But first, I am switching over to Lucy’s Forever Wilde series and reading book one, Facing West. One of the characters, Nico, was introduced in Grounding Griffin so now I need his story.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 18, 2020
I actually really enjoyed this one. Some of the books in this series have been more enjoyable than other's, but they have all been solid reads for me.
Griff was no doubt frustrating and I got a little annoyed with some situations, but I could look past them because I just really liked him and Sam together. They worked. The chemistry was strong and the relationship was well developed.
Griff needed Sam to ground him. But they needed each other to follow their dreams. I liked this part of the story. I liked how they cheered each other on and pushed for each other's dreams to come true. It was just a sweet story that I totally enjoyed.
Happy reading, dolls!
Griff was no doubt frustrating and I got a little annoyed with some situations, but I could look past them because I just really liked him and Sam together. They worked. The chemistry was strong and the relationship was well developed.
Griff needed Sam to ground him. But they needed each other to follow their dreams. I liked this part of the story. I liked how they cheered each other on and pushed for each other's dreams to come true. It was just a sweet story that I totally enjoyed.
Happy reading, dolls!
February 23, 2018
3.25 stars
Michael Pauley made this book better for me. I am in love with his enthusiastic narration it matches the Marian Personalities perfectly.
This is the story of Griffin former street kid who was kicked out by his parents when he came out to them and now one of the Marians after being adopted by the wonderful, loving Mr. and Mrs. Marian. And Sam the bartender, son of a former disgraced football quarterback.
I liked
*Sam and Griff together- they complemented each other, encouraged each other to follow their dreams.
* There was no unnecessary miscommunication between these two, when they disagreed they talked it out like adults.
* The Marian clan, this family just sucks me in, and make me feel like one of them.
* The chemistry was there from the start and the Sex hot as ever, this author can write some smexy, panty scorching scenes and Michael Pauley gave me the live version.
* Sam what a sweetheart
* The Banter.
* Nico.
What I didn’t like
*Griff’s 99 problems, he would literary run when he felt like someone was going to leave him or when things got tough. The title says it all, this is truly about grounding Griff.
*Granny and Aunt Tilly, they were too much, and I am not liking them at all. They have become more pervy. They should disappear for a while.
Overall it was enjoyable, Jude’s story is still my favourite followed by Blue’s story.
Michael Pauley made this book better for me. I am in love with his enthusiastic narration it matches the Marian Personalities perfectly.
This is the story of Griffin former street kid who was kicked out by his parents when he came out to them and now one of the Marians after being adopted by the wonderful, loving Mr. and Mrs. Marian. And Sam the bartender, son of a former disgraced football quarterback.
I liked
*Sam and Griff together- they complemented each other, encouraged each other to follow their dreams.
* There was no unnecessary miscommunication between these two, when they disagreed they talked it out like adults.
* The Marian clan, this family just sucks me in, and make me feel like one of them.
* The chemistry was there from the start and the Sex hot as ever, this author can write some smexy, panty scorching scenes and Michael Pauley gave me the live version.
* Sam what a sweetheart
* The Banter.
* Nico.
What I didn’t like
*Griff’s 99 problems, he would literary run when he felt like someone was going to leave him or when things got tough. The title says it all, this is truly about grounding Griff.
*Granny and Aunt Tilly, they were too much, and I am not liking them at all. They have become more pervy. They should disappear for a while.
Overall it was enjoyable, Jude’s story is still my favourite followed by Blue’s story.
December 20, 2017
3.5 Stars
Although I enjoyed this fourth installment in Lennox’s sexy and sweet Made Marian series, Grounding Griffin didn’t quite live up to the standard of its predecessors.
This story is a fun and romantic romp in its own right, with plenty of panty-melting steaminess and lots of delicious drama to keep readers entertained. However, the sheer level of irrepressible passion that I felt sizzling between the previous book couples seemed to be a little less all-consuming here where new MCs Griffin and Sam were concerned.
Even though I genuinely liked Griffin and Sam as characters and as a romantic pairing, I found myself repeatedly perplexed by Griffin’s outlook on life and love. Sure, Griffin’s troublesome past accounted for a lot of his objectionable behaviour here, especially where his flippant treatment of Sam and their “relationship” was concerned, but there were just a few too many times when he seemed unnecessarily dismissive of Sam’s feelings and needs, regardless of if he was conscious of his own behaviour or not. I didn’t hate the guy, far from it, but I definitely wanted to shake some sense into him a time or two.
Still, even with my Griffin related issues, I found myself happily consuming his and Sam’s story, eager to find out more about Griffin’s past and excited to see how the two men would successfully meld their lives together and achieve their professional dreams with each other’s full support.
What I really do appreciate in this series is that even when there is a miscommunication moment in the storyline, the characters immediately talk their shit out and solve their problems together, rather than leading to a prolonged separation/breakup period like so often occurs in the later portion of many romance stories of this kind. The Marian couples have all had their fair share of relationship hindering issues to overcome, yet each pair has never once stopped supporting or loving one another when push comes to shove and I absolutely love that.
Overall, Grounding Griffin is a welcomed addition to a series that I’m finding myself slightly enamored by.
Although I enjoyed this fourth installment in Lennox’s sexy and sweet Made Marian series, Grounding Griffin didn’t quite live up to the standard of its predecessors.
This story is a fun and romantic romp in its own right, with plenty of panty-melting steaminess and lots of delicious drama to keep readers entertained. However, the sheer level of irrepressible passion that I felt sizzling between the previous book couples seemed to be a little less all-consuming here where new MCs Griffin and Sam were concerned.
Even though I genuinely liked Griffin and Sam as characters and as a romantic pairing, I found myself repeatedly perplexed by Griffin’s outlook on life and love. Sure, Griffin’s troublesome past accounted for a lot of his objectionable behaviour here, especially where his flippant treatment of Sam and their “relationship” was concerned, but there were just a few too many times when he seemed unnecessarily dismissive of Sam’s feelings and needs, regardless of if he was conscious of his own behaviour or not. I didn’t hate the guy, far from it, but I definitely wanted to shake some sense into him a time or two.
Still, even with my Griffin related issues, I found myself happily consuming his and Sam’s story, eager to find out more about Griffin’s past and excited to see how the two men would successfully meld their lives together and achieve their professional dreams with each other’s full support.
What I really do appreciate in this series is that even when there is a miscommunication moment in the storyline, the characters immediately talk their shit out and solve their problems together, rather than leading to a prolonged separation/breakup period like so often occurs in the later portion of many romance stories of this kind. The Marian couples have all had their fair share of relationship hindering issues to overcome, yet each pair has never once stopped supporting or loving one another when push comes to shove and I absolutely love that.
Overall, Grounding Griffin is a welcomed addition to a series that I’m finding myself slightly enamored by.
December 15, 2022
5 stars for Griff & Sam. -1 stars for granny, Tilly, & Irene.
I loved the romance story between Griff & Sam. Not a dull moment this entire book. So much to like between these two. None of the side plots were boring. Loved reading their love and connection. It was perfection almost gave this book five stars.
But I am so sick of the granny Irene and Tilly trio. It was kind of funny in book one. It’s gotten less funny and more annoying with each book. I dread knowing they will be in every single book in this series. And they are in it a lot. It’s not funny. It’s not cute. How has no family member put them in their place yet. I want to delete them from this series please.
I loved the romance story between Griff & Sam. Not a dull moment this entire book. So much to like between these two. None of the side plots were boring. Loved reading their love and connection. It was perfection almost gave this book five stars.
But I am so sick of the granny Irene and Tilly trio. It was kind of funny in book one. It’s gotten less funny and more annoying with each book. I dread knowing they will be in every single book in this series. And they are in it a lot. It’s not funny. It’s not cute. How has no family member put them in their place yet. I want to delete them from this series please.
January 21, 2018
3 Stars
Ok, I want to preface this with the fact that I still enjoyed the outrageous antics of the Marian family, but this is a far cry from the first book Borrowing Blue. I’m not saying that that’s necessarily a bad thing, but what started out as wild fun and funny has evolved into something more serious, and understandably, that’s decreased my overall enjoyment factor when crazy ott was what I expected from this series.
Though my rating reflects an overall decline, let me make clear that I still love the interactions between the two protagonists. Griffin Marian is a journalist prone to doing some interesting observations which catches the attention of Sam. Sam is a down on his luck chef trying to find new direction and along the way, he notices Griffin partaking in some unusual behavior at the bar where Sam works and he’s titillated, affronted, and intrigued. The push pull, like with all the couples in this series so far, is the best thing about the book. The playful snark, the uncontrollable urges, the passionate coming together. All very good things.
Perhaps as a warning, because of Griffin’s upbringing (he’s a foster kid who was adopted by the Marian family), he has a tendency to avoid relationships, and he runs when things get tough which became exhausting and frustrating. It’s not that he does this once or twice but several times, and after awhile, I felt Griffin was a tad bit undeserving of Sam who was nothing but loving and supportive. There’s also a couple of secrets looming over these two that was thankfully handled with unnecessary drama, but still loomed through at least two thirds of the book giving me a lot of anxiety.
So, this definitely had some things that were not so fun. However, I still enjoyed the heck out of this fierce loyal family who never hesitates to call people on their shit, and it was also very nice to learn updates on the previous 3 couples. I only wish this had more of the original magic that caught my attention and was so prominent especially in the first two books.
Ok, I want to preface this with the fact that I still enjoyed the outrageous antics of the Marian family, but this is a far cry from the first book Borrowing Blue. I’m not saying that that’s necessarily a bad thing, but what started out as wild fun and funny has evolved into something more serious, and understandably, that’s decreased my overall enjoyment factor when crazy ott was what I expected from this series.
Though my rating reflects an overall decline, let me make clear that I still love the interactions between the two protagonists. Griffin Marian is a journalist prone to doing some interesting observations which catches the attention of Sam. Sam is a down on his luck chef trying to find new direction and along the way, he notices Griffin partaking in some unusual behavior at the bar where Sam works and he’s titillated, affronted, and intrigued. The push pull, like with all the couples in this series so far, is the best thing about the book. The playful snark, the uncontrollable urges, the passionate coming together. All very good things.
Perhaps as a warning, because of Griffin’s upbringing (he’s a foster kid who was adopted by the Marian family), he has a tendency to avoid relationships, and he runs when things get tough which became exhausting and frustrating. It’s not that he does this once or twice but several times, and after awhile, I felt Griffin was a tad bit undeserving of Sam who was nothing but loving and supportive. There’s also a couple of secrets looming over these two that was thankfully handled with unnecessary drama, but still loomed through at least two thirds of the book giving me a lot of anxiety.
So, this definitely had some things that were not so fun. However, I still enjoyed the heck out of this fierce loyal family who never hesitates to call people on their shit, and it was also very nice to learn updates on the previous 3 couples. I only wish this had more of the original magic that caught my attention and was so prominent especially in the first two books.
December 21, 2023
4**** stars
Gawd these two were adorable. Griff and Sam were totally into each other from the beginning even if it took them a bit. I liked bar setup in the beginning where Sam was working and that kinda funny piece about pick-up lines Griff was writing and researching at that bar as a freelance journalist. And wow Sam had a hell of a time to hunt Griffin down into a relationship. That poor guy was sooo into Sam but was ready to bolt by the mere idea of a relationship.
As always this was a cute, lighthearted and fun read with an ending that was sweet as pie and brought the Marian family even closer together. And what is always a delight to witness the Marian family coming together on occasion and you can see all your favorite couples and characters from the previous books again. Its so so lovely. ♡
************
Made Marian Series:
Book 1 - Borrowing Blue - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Taming Teddy - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 3 - Jumping Jude - 4 stars
Book 4 - Grounding Griffin - 4 stars
Book 5 - Moving Maverick
Book 6 - Delivering Dante
Book 7 - A Merry Marian Christmas - holiday tbr
Book 8 - Made Mine
When I opened the door and squinted out, I was attacked in a full-body rush. […]
“Sorry. I woke up horny and had to come find you.”
“Oh my god, you are the cutest damned thing that ever walked the earth. Come here, […].”
Gawd these two were adorable. Griff and Sam were totally into each other from the beginning even if it took them a bit. I liked bar setup in the beginning where Sam was working and that kinda funny piece about pick-up lines Griff was writing and researching at that bar as a freelance journalist. And wow Sam had a hell of a time to hunt Griffin down into a relationship. That poor guy was sooo into Sam but was ready to bolt by the mere idea of a relationship.
As always this was a cute, lighthearted and fun read with an ending that was sweet as pie and brought the Marian family even closer together. And what is always a delight to witness the Marian family coming together on occasion and you can see all your favorite couples and characters from the previous books again. Its so so lovely. ♡
************
Made Marian Series:
Book 1 - Borrowing Blue - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Taming Teddy - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 3 - Jumping Jude - 4 stars
Book 4 - Grounding Griffin - 4 stars
Book 5 - Moving Maverick
Book 6 - Delivering Dante
Book 7 - A Merry Marian Christmas - holiday tbr
Book 8 - Made Mine
February 6, 2017
*** Amazing, fabulous, magnificent and delicious ! Worth more than 5 stars !
Griffin, does a friend a favor,
by reviewing a restaurant, and there are consequences. Griff is a writer/artist and is currently working on a funny article about the use of "pick-up" lines in bars.
Bartender, Sam, watches
curly haired Griff night after night, flirting, and thinks he's either a slut or a hooker, until he finds out the truth.
Sam finds Griff beautiful, and vice versa. Sam manages to help Griff as Griff is trying to get up after he was attacked by a drunken man who had followed him from the bar. In helping him, the men begin their sexy times.
And we do get a lot of hot sizzling super erotic, sex scenes throughout. Hot and steamy !
We learn more about Griff's tragic childhood and his sadness, but at least his big loving, supportive family of Marions are there for him now.
Sam had a different but sad childhood also, and he and his sister are close. They've only had each other. We absolutely love these two men and the cast of characters. When the men slowly become a pair, it's phenomenal.
Lucy Lennox knows how to bond us to her people and we feel like we're in the room, watching the well written story that will melt your heart.
The three previous books in the series are just as fabulous. Each can stand alone, but IMO, in my opinion, I got more out of each story because I knew so many people's history.
Each man has issues, and they tell each other what has made them who they are. That understanding and acceptance is priceless, because it puts their love on solid ground, even when the road gets bumpy.
It's a delicious M/M romance. LOVED IT !
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
========================
Griffin, does a friend a favor,
by reviewing a restaurant, and there are consequences. Griff is a writer/artist and is currently working on a funny article about the use of "pick-up" lines in bars.
Bartender, Sam, watches
curly haired Griff night after night, flirting, and thinks he's either a slut or a hooker, until he finds out the truth.
Sam finds Griff beautiful, and vice versa. Sam manages to help Griff as Griff is trying to get up after he was attacked by a drunken man who had followed him from the bar. In helping him, the men begin their sexy times.
And we do get a lot of hot sizzling super erotic, sex scenes throughout. Hot and steamy !
We learn more about Griff's tragic childhood and his sadness, but at least his big loving, supportive family of Marions are there for him now.
Sam had a different but sad childhood also, and he and his sister are close. They've only had each other. We absolutely love these two men and the cast of characters. When the men slowly become a pair, it's phenomenal.
Lucy Lennox knows how to bond us to her people and we feel like we're in the room, watching the well written story that will melt your heart.
The three previous books in the series are just as fabulous. Each can stand alone, but IMO, in my opinion, I got more out of each story because I knew so many people's history.
Each man has issues, and they tell each other what has made them who they are. That understanding and acceptance is priceless, because it puts their love on solid ground, even when the road gets bumpy.
It's a delicious M/M romance. LOVED IT !
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
========================
November 30, 2025
This book had just drama for the sake of drama 🤦🏻♀️ I don’t know why I keep reading this series. Their relationship problems were all over the place and most of the time made no sense at all.
May 15, 2023
I love this book! This was book 4 in the
"Made Marian"
series. I loved this book and this series its like a feel good series too me. Griffin "Griff" Marian learned early that the best way to avoid getting hurt is to run. He was kicked out for being gay his mother died when he was 8 he lived on the street until he was adopted by Thomas and Rebecca Marian adopted him. Griff is a freelance writer and while doing an assignment at a bar about pick up lines he meets Sam Coxwell. Sam is a bartender at a bar called "Harry Dick's" he is a trained chef that lost his job when he got a bad review. Sam see's Griff come to the bar hitting on men left and right and he thinks he is a hooker at first when they meet at a shelter that Griff and his family volunteer at he begins to get to know him. Sam who raised his little sister after his parents got divorced and his mother left them with their grandmother his father owns a NFL team. Both of these guys have been hurt by people who were suppose to love and protect them. When these two started hooking up it was hot and heavy Griff's family loved and welcomed Sam into there family. I really liked the fact that both of them decided to push each other to follow their dreams and not let fear rule them. I also loved how Sam showed Griff that he would be there for him no matter what. We also got to see the other couples Tristian and Blue had a baby and the grannies are still up to no good. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I love this series and enjoyed listening to it.
February 6, 2017
Whelp. That was disappointing. The huge conflict was weak as fuck. Griffin is a commitment-phobe because of childhood abandonment issues so he runs hot and cold all throughout the book. He's loving, sweet and kind to Sam, the guys spend all their time together and he acts like they're a couple but whenever anyone comments on them dating or being boyfriends, he shoots them down and completely downplays the relationship as casual and insinuates it's just a friends with benefits type of thing right in front of Sam. In fact he humiliates Sam several times throughout the book to the point that Sam kind of became a doormat and I began to seriously dislike the guy. It happened too many times and then BAM all of a sudden Griff does an about face and proposes marriage in the corniest of ways. Most of the book was a big old cornfest and the crazy, dirty ass Grannies stopped being funny about 2 books ago. But despite all of that I really liked Sam and I was glad Griff finally yanked his head out of his ass.
But I'm intrigued about Mavericks story. It's mentioned in the book that he's dating a Dr. at the hospital he works at who has a reputation for fucking the nurses and he's married but him and his family didn't seem to care when the cats let out of the bag which didn't seem to mesh with the tight and protective family I've come to know. I'm hoping there's more to the story and Maverick doesn't turn out to be THAT kind of guy.
I've enjoyed the series so far so I'm hoping this one was a fluke and the next one will be better. *crosses fingers*
But I'm intrigued about Mavericks story. It's mentioned in the book that he's dating a Dr. at the hospital he works at who has a reputation for fucking the nurses and he's married but him and his family didn't seem to care when the cats let out of the bag which didn't seem to mesh with the tight and protective family I've come to know. I'm hoping there's more to the story and Maverick doesn't turn out to be THAT kind of guy.
I've enjoyed the series so far so I'm hoping this one was a fluke and the next one will be better. *crosses fingers*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2017
I think this series improves with each book. I enjoyed Griff & Sams story - even though there were a few frustrating moments with Griffs " on the run" behavior. I would have possibly left out the section with Sams long forgotten parents at Xmas as this really was a waste of Sam & Griff time but I guess Sam needed some drama too ! Looking forward to the next installment
September 12, 2017
I really like this novel but I didn't love it as much as I did for the other 3 books prior to this one. The story started very strong and interesting. The concept of Griffin working as a freelancer and using endearments to pick up strangers at a bar, that idea was really genius. And our all macho protective Sam mistakenly assumed that Griff is a prostitute, that was hilarious. And then, it goes a bit meh. Don't get me wrong, the story is still interesting but it's quiet flat. There's nothing major going on .. just Griffin being afraid of commitment due to his childhood traumas and trying to overcome it and finally decided to go all the way into the relationship. The Marian family's banter is as always, VERY hilarious, our beloved three crazy lady trio is as awesome as always.
For what it's worth, the cover models are hot as hell as always.
Well, a decent read. You get a HEA .. you get to keep up with crazy Marians. I hope the 5th book will pick up the momentum of the first 3 books that I loved so much.
3.5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
For what it's worth, the cover models are hot as hell as always.
Well, a decent read. You get a HEA .. you get to keep up with crazy Marians. I hope the 5th book will pick up the momentum of the first 3 books that I loved so much.
3.5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
December 27, 2018
4 Stars
The whole time I was listening my stomach hurt with anticipatory anxiety as I waited for Sam to find out what Griffin had written...took a little longer than I expected given how often he kept meeting Griffin's friends, but progressed exactly as expected when the shit hit the fan.
Putting the next one on the TBR shelf.
(And is it me or were the Grannies less inappropriate this go 'round? Just enough to be cheeky and embarrassing, but not so over the top as before.)
The whole time I was listening my stomach hurt with anticipatory anxiety as I waited for Sam to find out what Griffin had written...took a little longer than I expected given how often he kept meeting Griffin's friends, but progressed exactly as expected when the shit hit the fan.
Putting the next one on the TBR shelf.
(And is it me or were the Grannies less inappropriate this go 'round? Just enough to be cheeky and embarrassing, but not so over the top as before.)
July 20, 2022
2.5 stars
Ehh… this was very jerky. I felt like the author had too many ideas for what the characters needed to go through that when she put it together it was like a duck taped mess. Or if anyone has been on the Matterhorn at Disneyland, that is how this book felt mentally haha the jerkiness of this relationship was tiring 😂😂
Griff dear god I would honestly hate to have you as a boyfriend, the amount of flakiness you showed to Sam was unreal..I get you had a horrible upbringing but god couldn’t you see Sam was literally not going to go anywhere what else did he need to do to prove that.
And Sam.. you really are either the biggest pushover who is distracted by cock or an idiot… can’t decide which. If Griff did something wrong they would make out then have sex then bam argument done… no talking.. if there was talking about the issue then it wasn’t done well.
Overall real disappointed, but I am wanting to read the rest of the brothers. You can’t love or even like every book you read. So on to the next!
Ehh… this was very jerky. I felt like the author had too many ideas for what the characters needed to go through that when she put it together it was like a duck taped mess. Or if anyone has been on the Matterhorn at Disneyland, that is how this book felt mentally haha the jerkiness of this relationship was tiring 😂😂
Griff dear god I would honestly hate to have you as a boyfriend, the amount of flakiness you showed to Sam was unreal..I get you had a horrible upbringing but god couldn’t you see Sam was literally not going to go anywhere what else did he need to do to prove that.
And Sam.. you really are either the biggest pushover who is distracted by cock or an idiot… can’t decide which. If Griff did something wrong they would make out then have sex then bam argument done… no talking.. if there was talking about the issue then it wasn’t done well.
Overall real disappointed, but I am wanting to read the rest of the brothers. You can’t love or even like every book you read. So on to the next!
February 26, 2019
I enjoyed Griff and Sam’s story it wasn’t my favorite but I liked how they fit. Sam just gets Griff and Griff needed Sam to push him just a little to see what he was missing by always being so closed off.
Sam also got pushed and I think that is why they worked so well they just needed each other.
Oh my gosh, the grandma cracks me up she gets, even more, bolder in this book haha.
Again I am enjoying Michael’s performance.
Sam also got pushed and I think that is why they worked so well they just needed each other.
Oh my gosh, the grandma cracks me up she gets, even more, bolder in this book haha.
Again I am enjoying Michael’s performance.
September 4, 2019
This is the fourth story in Made Marian series of contemporary romances, but worry not if you are not familiar with the previous ones :) each book tells a story about a different sibling in this big family, and all of them work perfectly well as standalones ;) of course, when you read them in order, you get a better understanding of a lot of relationships and connections between certain characters, but again, it's not necessary to enjoy each story :) ok, so let's get into a bit more details about this particular installment :)
Our main couple of this story is Griff and Sam :) Griff is one of the adopted brothers in the Marian clan... after raising a bunch of their biological kids, the absolutely amazing parents of said bunch decided to adopt a few of the boys from the LGBTQ+ youth center when they are volunteering :) and Griff is one of them :) he went through quite a lot on the streets, and all that definitely had an impact on him and his personality... or the way he handles certain situations... but I get into all my thoughts and feelings about all that in a minute... Sam on the other hand, is an ex-chef currently turned bartender, who is saving up to open up his own restaurant... they meet, because Griff keeps coming back to the bar where Sam works, and every time, he is picking up guys using the most ridiculous nicknames for them :) yes, it's as hilarious as it sounds :) and even though Sam is hesitant at first, and who could blame him after everything he witnessed, Griff soon charms his way into his life ;) ok, now that we have some basic informations out of the way, let me jump into all my thoughts and feelings about this one...
I was thinking long and hard how exactly I want to rate this story... and ultimately I landed on 4 stars, but make no mistakes, this was my least favourite novel from this series so far... *sighs* where to start... I still enjoyed a lot of it, but I had a few issues, and the biggest one of them all was Griff... *sighs heavily* I just couldn't deal with him... he irritated me throughout the most of the book... I mean, I get that his life was hard... I really do... and I wasn't mad that he had issues... it was perfectly understandable after the life he lived... what did irritate me to no end is how he decided to deal with them... as in didn't... like, not at all... his attitude of like "oh, that's just how I am" was truly annoying... I honestly think that this story would benefit if Griff would go to therapy to show that there is a safe way to deal with everything... and instead of that he was this hot-and-cold type of a guy to Sam throughout the majority of the story and the whiplash of his hypocritical behaviour made my head hurt... there were times when I wanted to smack some sense into him... I was hoping that Griff would, at least at some point, start working toward getting better on his own with his issues than just sort of hoping Sam will stick out through everything he's been putting him through almost like Sam should be the one to "fix him" which is not a very healthy coping mechanism in my opinion... even after finishing the story I'm still not sure that Griff's issues and how he deals with them were properly addressed and it still bothers me... Sam on the other hand was an absolute sweetheart and a ray of sunshine in this story... his patience appeared limitless ;) he was understanding and totally swoonworthy... trust me, he wasn't perfect by any means, but compared to Griff, he definitely seemed that way ;) as always I loved the Marian family, and enjoyed all the appearances of the previous couples and the still single siblings ;) once again I listened to the audiobook version of this story and once again Michael Pauley as the narrator was wonderful :) he always does two very different voices for the main characters and I enjoy his performances a lot :) I will definitely continue on with the series in the future, but this was a disappointment for me, especially when you compare it to other installments in this series... but that's my own personal opinion, and I'm sure that a lot of you will love it :) case in point, my own sister absolutely adores this book and that's perfectly fine :) I encourage you guys to check out some other reviews before making your own decision about picking this story up :)
XOXO
A
Our main couple of this story is Griff and Sam :) Griff is one of the adopted brothers in the Marian clan... after raising a bunch of their biological kids, the absolutely amazing parents of said bunch decided to adopt a few of the boys from the LGBTQ+ youth center when they are volunteering :) and Griff is one of them :) he went through quite a lot on the streets, and all that definitely had an impact on him and his personality... or the way he handles certain situations... but I get into all my thoughts and feelings about all that in a minute... Sam on the other hand, is an ex-chef currently turned bartender, who is saving up to open up his own restaurant... they meet, because Griff keeps coming back to the bar where Sam works, and every time, he is picking up guys using the most ridiculous nicknames for them :) yes, it's as hilarious as it sounds :) and even though Sam is hesitant at first, and who could blame him after everything he witnessed, Griff soon charms his way into his life ;) ok, now that we have some basic informations out of the way, let me jump into all my thoughts and feelings about this one...
I was thinking long and hard how exactly I want to rate this story... and ultimately I landed on 4 stars, but make no mistakes, this was my least favourite novel from this series so far... *sighs* where to start... I still enjoyed a lot of it, but I had a few issues, and the biggest one of them all was Griff... *sighs heavily* I just couldn't deal with him... he irritated me throughout the most of the book... I mean, I get that his life was hard... I really do... and I wasn't mad that he had issues... it was perfectly understandable after the life he lived... what did irritate me to no end is how he decided to deal with them... as in didn't... like, not at all... his attitude of like "oh, that's just how I am" was truly annoying... I honestly think that this story would benefit if Griff would go to therapy to show that there is a safe way to deal with everything... and instead of that he was this hot-and-cold type of a guy to Sam throughout the majority of the story and the whiplash of his hypocritical behaviour made my head hurt... there were times when I wanted to smack some sense into him... I was hoping that Griff would, at least at some point, start working toward getting better on his own with his issues than just sort of hoping Sam will stick out through everything he's been putting him through almost like Sam should be the one to "fix him" which is not a very healthy coping mechanism in my opinion... even after finishing the story I'm still not sure that Griff's issues and how he deals with them were properly addressed and it still bothers me... Sam on the other hand was an absolute sweetheart and a ray of sunshine in this story... his patience appeared limitless ;) he was understanding and totally swoonworthy... trust me, he wasn't perfect by any means, but compared to Griff, he definitely seemed that way ;) as always I loved the Marian family, and enjoyed all the appearances of the previous couples and the still single siblings ;) once again I listened to the audiobook version of this story and once again Michael Pauley as the narrator was wonderful :) he always does two very different voices for the main characters and I enjoy his performances a lot :) I will definitely continue on with the series in the future, but this was a disappointment for me, especially when you compare it to other installments in this series... but that's my own personal opinion, and I'm sure that a lot of you will love it :) case in point, my own sister absolutely adores this book and that's perfectly fine :) I encourage you guys to check out some other reviews before making your own decision about picking this story up :)
XOXO
A
March 23, 2023
Oh well, I am still a huge Marian fan. And this was a pleasant read. However, I can’t stop myself from thinking it was a tiny bit too easy. Sam was too forgiving and Griff kept doing the same mistakes over and over again. However it was sweet and not much angst. Always a plus for me. And it was steamy as fuck!
+ for toning down Tilly and Granny a bit.
Overall a very good read.
+ for toning down Tilly and Granny a bit.
Overall a very good read.
February 14, 2017
Once again this author managed to up the anty and write a truly incredible story. I have found reading her books in public to be a definite hazard; believe me crying on a bus is not good for one's ego! :-) Anyway, I am gonna have to just survive by reading the 2 short stories on the author's website while waiting for book 5 to by released next month; unless I go back and reread the first 4 again! Can't wait to see what happens next to the Marian clan!
March 23, 2017
Overall book rating: 3.5 Stars
Audio book: Narrator - Michael Pauley - 3 Stars
Book Cover: 3 Stars
MC1: Griff
MC2: Sam
Griff and Sam's story was nice and sweet but to be honest after the high I was on after Jude's book I don't think my rating will be fair on this book - so I am just going to leave it like this.
Audio book: Narrator - Michael Pauley - 3 Stars
Book Cover: 3 Stars
MC1: Griff
MC2: Sam
Griff and Sam's story was nice and sweet but to be honest after the high I was on after Jude's book I don't think my rating will be fair on this book - so I am just going to leave it like this.
February 2, 2017
This just missed the mark for me.
It wasn't as exciting. I don't know if that is the right descriptor but, yeah, something was missing.
I still love all the is Marian, this just wasn't one of my favorites.
Regardless, I think I'll always crave more in this series.
It wasn't as exciting. I don't know if that is the right descriptor but, yeah, something was missing.
I still love all the is Marian, this just wasn't one of my favorites.
Regardless, I think I'll always crave more in this series.
April 13, 2017
I think this might be my favorite of the series so far. I LOVED Griffin and Sam. I loved how the Big Misunderstand was subverted by *gaspshock* talking it out. I liked how they supported each other and I really enjoyed their romance. I wish there had been more resolution with Griffin's brother, I wish he'd told his family or started looking for him or something. I wish there had been development with Sam's Dad and his Mom. We hear how horrible they are but even when they visit we don't see them. I noticed the ground work being laid for future books with Nico and Dante (separately it turns out, I thought it was heading for them together). I'm so pleased with this series. I can't wait to read Mav's book.
February 6, 2017
Book four of the Marian boys delights but isn't quite a wow romance
I've five starred the first three books in this series but for quite a while with this one, it just wasn't working for me.
Thankfully though, it did pick up considerably and by the end I was thoroughly enjoying it.
It's difficult for me to put my finger on just what is missing to stop it being another 5 star read but I think perhaps it took a little bit longer to get into the emotional exchanges which made the first three such a hit with me.
This one probably had a bit too much of the three old ladies and their sexual innuendos which at times stopped it being as amusing as I've found it before and instead moved beyond that into feeling like it was there just for effect. Previously their quips felt organic and fit into the narrative but this time on a few occasions, they were just jarring.
Still, Sam was a beautiful character, delightfully drawn and with a sweetness and quiet strength which worked well against the more flighty Griffin, who found it hard to believe and out his trust in someone outside his adoptive family.
The side plot of both men being scared to go for their dreams, however, worked really well, and I was glad there wasn't a huge drama created when Sam found out Griff had written the restaurant review which got him the sack - even if that situation itself was totally unbelievable and would have been grounds for an unlawful dismissal suit ;)
Still, Lucy Lennox has a deft hand at crafting this huge interconnected family and I'm looking forward to reading Maverick's story next.
ETA: I have to give a shout out for the covers in this series, they're beautifully done and match up wonderfully with the stories inside.
I've five starred the first three books in this series but for quite a while with this one, it just wasn't working for me.
Thankfully though, it did pick up considerably and by the end I was thoroughly enjoying it.
It's difficult for me to put my finger on just what is missing to stop it being another 5 star read but I think perhaps it took a little bit longer to get into the emotional exchanges which made the first three such a hit with me.
This one probably had a bit too much of the three old ladies and their sexual innuendos which at times stopped it being as amusing as I've found it before and instead moved beyond that into feeling like it was there just for effect. Previously their quips felt organic and fit into the narrative but this time on a few occasions, they were just jarring.
Still, Sam was a beautiful character, delightfully drawn and with a sweetness and quiet strength which worked well against the more flighty Griffin, who found it hard to believe and out his trust in someone outside his adoptive family.
The side plot of both men being scared to go for their dreams, however, worked really well, and I was glad there wasn't a huge drama created when Sam found out Griff had written the restaurant review which got him the sack - even if that situation itself was totally unbelievable and would have been grounds for an unlawful dismissal suit ;)
Still, Lucy Lennox has a deft hand at crafting this huge interconnected family and I'm looking forward to reading Maverick's story next.
ETA: I have to give a shout out for the covers in this series, they're beautifully done and match up wonderfully with the stories inside.
November 13, 2018
Hilarious and Awesome. I Loved this one. Now my only problem is deciding on which book in this Series is going to be my favorite. Lol. Anyways.
This book was so freaking funny with some Hot and Steamy scenes mixed in. I laughed throughout the entire book.. Sam and Griff have a great story and the chemistry between them is perfect. All of the fun names and pickup lines these use throughout the book are really cute and funny. Definitely an Awesome read. Highly recommend checking out this entire series! You will fall in love with the whole Marian Family.
Audio - Michael is a great narrator. He really makes this a fun book with his narration of Sam and Griffin as well as the other Marians we see in this book. You cant help but laugh along with him for all the little pet names used in the book. I really think he's done a fabulous job with these audiobooks. He was the perfect fit for the Marian clan.
This book was so freaking funny with some Hot and Steamy scenes mixed in. I laughed throughout the entire book.. Sam and Griff have a great story and the chemistry between them is perfect. All of the fun names and pickup lines these use throughout the book are really cute and funny. Definitely an Awesome read. Highly recommend checking out this entire series! You will fall in love with the whole Marian Family.
Audio - Michael is a great narrator. He really makes this a fun book with his narration of Sam and Griffin as well as the other Marians we see in this book. You cant help but laugh along with him for all the little pet names used in the book. I really think he's done a fabulous job with these audiobooks. He was the perfect fit for the Marian clan.
January 27, 2020
It's been way too long since I listened to one of the Made Marian stories... It was way overdue. Griffin is super sweet, and he's got a lovely hurt/comfort story.
Audio by Michael Dean - nobody else can perform this series ❤.
Audio by Michael Dean - nobody else can perform this series ❤.
May 14, 2020
3.5⭐
October 8, 2017
Grounding Griffin is another fantastic entry into this series. It was full of heart, humour and left me with a huge smile over my lips. It was so much fun to get back into this world, and all the family times we got to see were brilliant. I also loved Griffin and Sam. They were both so great, and I loved being in their heads, plus how they handled situations in an adult way. This is a definite must read for fans of this series. It is fun, sexy and such an enjoyable read. Can’t wait to read the next one!
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