Personal Challenges

Personal #4

by K.C. Wells

The final book in the Personal series. Will and Blake couldn’t be happier. They have a beautiful little boy, Nathan, and Sophie finally has the little brother she’s been demanding. But all is not bliss in the Davis household. Coping with reality is going to change all their lives.

Rick and Angelo are sick and tired of trying to get a wedding organized. If it was up to them, they’d be married already, but Angelo’s mother has plans and they keep getting bigger. Angelo can see problems on the big, traditional Italian wedding and gay do not go well together. Something’s got to give.

Colin receives an unexpected call from an ex, with bad news. He feels compelled to help, regardless of the consequences. Ed loves Colin’s big heart and supports him in his efforts, but when the truth comes out, he finds it difficult to keep a lid on his emotions.

As the coming months unfold, the friends are going to need each other more than ever.

Personal Challenges contains wedding hassles and shenanigans, secrets, heartache, trials and tribulations, and a whole lot of hot loving. Six men, three couples – a family.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, M M Contemporary, Family, Contemporary, Gay, Audiobook

383 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2017

About the author

K.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.

If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT

You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:

E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...


And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.

Reviews

[Ele · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 stars**

Technically, you can read this as a standalone, but I strongly recommend against it. First, you 'll be missing out on some pretty amazing stories, and second, you won't be able to get a feel of the dynamics and chemistry between the characters.

If you 're one of those readers who avoid sequels because they don't want their favorite heroes' HEA messed up, fear not! There is heartbreak and angst in Personal Challenges, but the couples are solid and more in love than ever. If anything, this book showcased just how strong their connection and love is.

Blake and Will from Making it Personal are happier than ever. They have a wonderful little girl, and a new baby boy. But things don't always go as planned, and there are challenges ahead. Blake and Will will face it head on as a family, and with a lot of love.

Rick and Angelo from Personal Changes are getting married! But while trying to not let down Angelo's mother (who wants a big, italian, traditional, gay wedding!), they 're pretty close to letting down themselves.

Ed and Collin from Personal Secrets...now that was my absolute favorite storyline, and it starts with a phone call from Collin's ex. This storyline is all about forgiveness, love, life and gratitude. And yes, I did cry my eyes out.

There are sweet and romantic moments, scortching hot sex scenes, and important messages about family and friendship.

I love how K.C.Wells ends each series with a book that includes all couples. She did the same with Final Exam and Endings and Beginnings. I believe that this is exactly how a good series should end. Making it Personal was my very first novel by the author, and I 've been hooked ever since.

Recommended!

-Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.-

[Antisocial Recluse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that just left me a mess of happy tears at the ending and sad thoughts that my time with the Personal men has come to an end. Ed and Colin's story was the very first K.C. Wells book I ever read and not realizing it was a series when I did, I quickly rectified that oversight. So these couples have a special place in my heart. What a great job she did, bringing them all together in this book but with each couple facing different, and personal, life challenges. There are births and weddings, joy and sorrow, and the love between each of them was beautifully displayed.

Mostly, it's a story of family, the families they've created between themselves and with each other. Ed's character absolutely shined in this story and I loved the way he thought of himself as tough and gruff, even as he spouted romantic, loving words to Colin. Will and Blake showed the deep connection they'd forged, supporting each other when they had to face adversity. Angelo and Rick are still going strong, trying to balance practicalities with a traditionally minded Italian mother. K.C. delved deeply into each couples story, once again showing her skill with reasearch and authentic representation of each subject. I am biased but I have to say I liked Ed and Colin's storyline the best. But the storylines are woven together neatly and bringing them all full circle to a heartwarming epilogue.

I saw what I'm certain were some pretty big clues about a future story, so perhaps this isn't the very last we've seen of them. K.C. has been hitting on all cylinders with her last few books and I'll be looking forward to the next.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed elements to this book but it felt a little disjointed for me. Having a focus on the three couples, all with their issues and then loads of sex felt like it was hard to really connect. Maybe it was just me, I know these characters adore each other but this was all over the place for me.

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Challenges is a pure comfort read. I read and liked the first three books in this series, so it was nice to see all three couples again.

However, I think this book could work as a standalone for readers who enjoy established couple stories.

Blake and Will welcome baby number two into their family. Their son Nathan isn't as communicative as their daughter was, and they worry something is wrong.

Angelo and Rick are eager to get married, but Angelo's Italian mama has taken over as zealous wedding planner and won't even let them set a date.

Colin and Ed are also hoping to tie the knot. Colin, however, is thrown for a loop when an ex-boyfriend calls with shocking news.

All the men get a voice, which I loved. Even after ten years, these couples are crazy hot for each other and navigate life's ups and downs together.

This book does not mess with anyone's HEA!

I absolutely recommend if you're in the mood for something sexy and sweet with a touch of angst and an ending so happy, it just might make you cry.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start off by saying that we haven't read a lot of books in this gene but so far out of the authors I have read Ms Wells is one of my favorites.This author creates amazing characters that you just can't help but fall in love with.

This was a very enjoyable read with yet again an cast of amazing characters.In this story the author caught up on all the lives of her current characters in the here and now.I loved that part.

Blake and Will .I loved hearing what was going on in their lives with their children Nathan and Sophie and how Will and Blake are dealing with their current set back concerning Nathans health. In this relationship Will is my favorite character he is just so sweet and kind to everyone.I like that he is the one that is the emotional one in his relationship with Blake .He not only worries and puts his family first but constantly worries about his friends being happy in their relationships as well.With Will he considers them family and never likes to see them unhappy and moves heaven an earth if they to change all that.

I love Will and Blake they make an amazing couple.They have amazing chemistry a healthy sex life thats fun and playful and they are so in love it just so sweet.

Then we have Rick and Angelo prepping for their wedding and dealing with the mom from hell who just keeps butting in and making it the wedding from hell instead.Taking control back of their wedding and trying to appease moms feeling is not and easy task.

Rick and Angelo another amazing couple that are so in love.They have had so many ups and downs in their relationship but now its time for marriage and children to complete their happiness.What and amazing wedding these two are going to have just love them.

Colin and Ed in this story had so many surprises some amazing an others not so.I love this couple as they are just amazing together and so in love and still amaze me that they still seem to surprise one another.

Another fantastic read.A page turner from beginning to end and we could not put it down.One of favorite things I loved about this story and its series is that Blake and Will acted like the parents in their little family and I am not talking about Sophie and Nathan.Will and Blake hover and worry about Ed and Colin and Angelo and Rick .All these males look to Blake and Will for guidance and support and advice whenever they feel that they are not coping or unhappy.Blake is the voice of reason.Will is the one who acts like the mother hen.Its just so cute to see but not only that it is a collective group that truly loves one another.

A great cast of interesting characters that we loved reading about who all had amazing chemistry ,great sex,amazing friends along with the trials and tribulations that go along with being a gay male in today society.Another emotional tale we could not help but love.Well done another keeper.

Recommended read for all!
5 stars from us.

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

With three couples as the focus of the series, and each couple “starring” in their own book, I did not expect book four – but was ecstatic when it did arrive. These six men, and in some cases their children, really grew on me, and to see them all return for a fourth novel, sharing the limelight this time, was a great surprise. As expected, none of them have an easy time of it, but sharing their problems and working together makes it all manageable. They experience lots of suspense, action, drama and desperation, quite a few personal demons, some secrets catching up, and more than one wonderfully hilarious moment. A great mix and well worth a read, if you ask me, but do make sure you read the other books in the series first so you don’t miss the necessary background.

Will and Blake have a lot to deal with: a new baby - their second child by a surrogate, their four-year-old daughter who is a whirlwind on a good day, a house they have barely settled into, and a garden to organize. But what floors them is a realization about their new son and the adjustment they need to make because of it. It just goes to show – children can be a blessing, the source of many worries, but above all, they are a source of joy and amazement – if you let them.

My heart went out to Rick and Angelo. They are still not married three years after getting engaged, and just because they are too nice to tell Angelo’s mother that it isn’t her wedding, it is theirs. Maneuvering around that and other concerns sure keep them busy! It also brings back one of my favorite secondary characters, and Franco, the bike-riding priest, is as entertaining and thought-provoking as ever.

As for Colin and Ed – even without kids and any family interference they have their share of problems. Colin’s ex has something to do with it, emotions on both sides running high don’t help, and Colin’s tendency to close down when trying to deal with difficult, stressful situations is an ever-growing stumbling block for a healthy relationship.

If you liked the other books in this series and want to find out how Will and Blake, Rick and Angelo, and Colin and Ed are doing, if the drama these three couples and their friends can create between them sounds interesting, and if you’re looking for a read that is funny, hot, and much like a family drama or a soap opera, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. It’s a touching and rewarding finale to a fantastic series, and “personal challenges” is definitely a very fitting title!


NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

When K.C. Wells offered me this book for review, I asked her if it could be read as a standalone, since I hadn't read the first three books in this series. She said I'd be fine, and after reading this, I completely agree.

I had no problems whatsoever in following along or figuring out who's who. The other three books are now on my TBR, and I'll get to reading them just as soon as I can, because I want to see how these three couples got to where they are in this book.

We have Will and Blake, who welcome little baby Nathan as their second child, what with older sister Sophie, and their lives are blissful and happy, until they find out that little Nathan might have a medical issue.

There's Rick and Angelo, who are planning their wedding, but are thwarted time and again by Angelo's mother's meddling in their wedding plans.

And there's Colin and Ed, who are also blissfully happy, but then Colin gets a call from an ex who has some bad news which brings back a rather painful period of Colin's life before Ed.

For all three couples, there are hurdles to overcome, and we are given a well-rounded vision into life after their initial romance, and how they are making things work. I enjoyed reading about them all, and I especially enjoyed how close-knit they all are with each other, what with Rick and Angelo and Colin and Ed all serving as uncles to Sophie and Nathan, and how they help each other out, in word and deed, whenever needed. This is a group of friends I wouldn't mind having in my own life.

Of course, none of them are perfect, but they are perfect for each other. And they still burn up the sheets much like they likely did in the previous three books.

Overall, I would say that if you've read the first three books, you'll definitely want to read this book too, just so you can see them all happily together still and riding off into the proverbial sunset, and if you haven't read the first three, you'll still enjoy this as much as I did.

By the way, this is a very British book with very British characters and very British words. Which I love because I'm a total Anglophile, and reading Ed's particular accent was a special treat for me.

K.C. Wells has a real knack for writing massive emotions into her books, sprinkled deliberately with holy hot boysecks, Batman. This book is no exception to that rule.

Read it!


** I received a free copy of this book from its author. A positive review was not promised in return. My apologies for the late review.**

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

These characters feel pretty much like friends...I've followed this series since KC started writing it in 2013, and I'll be really sorry to see them go, but onwards and upwards as we say. There will always be more characters coming along that will be added to my fave couples bookshelf, but KC is definitely aware of my favourite twosome, hehe.

This particular story, which is absolutely chock-full of love and tears....both happy and sad, focuses on the main characters from each of the 3 stories in this series; Blake and Will from Making it Personal, Rick and Angelo from Personal Changes and my little Cockney sparrer with the huge heart Ed [well-known for mangling the English Language] and his partner Colin from Personal Secrets, and I think that out of the three couples, Angelo and Rick with their potential 'Wedding from Hell' have much the easier ride.

I'm not giving anything away that's important. This story has several serious plotlines, it's definitely not all sweetness and light, and to give any hints away before publication would be a great shame but I will just say that I was bawling my eyes out on Mother's Day here in the UK after reading the epilogue [without a doubt happy tears], and dear Author?? We need a story for Franco and Anthony, who both deserve their own HEA...just saying ;) The following pic might have something to do with the story too.....



As I've said before, when one door closes, another one opens....as with the Collars & Cuffs series and it's spin-off 'Secrets', centred around Eli and Jarod's club in London...the first instalment of which, Before You Break, is published by Dreamspinner at the end of May 2017.

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.C. Wells takes us on quite a journey in the fourth book of her Personal series, Personal Challenges! The icing on the cake of a fantastic series, all three couples face an obstacle which tests them. Issues relevant in our society today, Ms. Wells handles each one of them with the sensitivity and insight I’ve learned to expect from her.

The entire series is performed by Cornell Collins who does a spectacular job. This is a very diverse cast, and alternating between all six men (plus all the supporting characters) is an amazing feat. Mr. Collins truly captures K.C. Wells’ spectacular sense of humor, and his emotion during the heavy scenes left me speechless. Honest to god, shivers up my spine… simply lovely.

BONUS: The entire Personal series is available bundled in one volume, and it’s whispersynced.

[The Reading's Love Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...

3.5 stelle


La serie "Personal" è stata la mia prima lettura di K.C. Wells e da allora ho letto tutti i suoi libri, amandola. Mai titolo è stato più appropriato perché dopo dieci anni troviamo le nostre coppie felicemente insieme, sono cresciuti e si sono realizzati ma le sfide che devono affrontare mettono a repentaglio la loro serenità. Questo è un libro corale dove seguiamo le vicende delle singole coppie magistralmente intrecciate tra loro senza avere una lettura ostica. È stato bello poterli ritrovare tutti insieme e viverli ancora, devo dire che ho apprezzato tantissimo i temi, molto difficili e sofferti, trattati con chiarezza e profondità, con positività ed empatia. Ormai sono adulti i nostri ragazzi e affrontano la vita e le sfide con consapevolezza, tenendosi stretti l'amore e l'amicizia perché consci della fortuna che hanno. Tutti sono delineati alla perfezione, ognuno con quel qualcosa in più che ci fa capire che sono maturati: sono sempre loro ma più adulti e consapevoli. Lo stile della Wells è sempre una garanzia di lettura che cattura e fa sospirare, l'equilibrio è perfetto tra situazioni sofferte e momenti di giocosità, la componente sensuale è sempre ben presente ma qua devo fare un appunto: amo l'erotismo della Wells, lei sa come scrivere scene di sesso esplicito rendendole mai volgari, anzi è un qualcosa di meraviglioso da leggere. Purtroppo qui qualcosa non ha funzionato, la scelta di usare una certa terminologia, creando anche molte ripetizioni e probabilmente un editing poco curato ha dato una resa a mio avviso fastidiosa, volgare e poco piacevole dando a me che conosco alla perfezione la Wells l'impressione che non fosse stata lei a scrivere le scene di sesso…

CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/

[Kerry Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhhh a book about all the previous characters!!

There's a lot going on here.

First we have Will and Blake. Still madly in love and happily bringing up their two kids. After noticing a few things about their youngest Nathan, Will and Blake face struggles as they come to terms with a different life to what they imagined.

Next we have Ed and Col. Both extremely in love and living their happily ever after Col gets bad news from an old friend. He tries to deal on his own but Ed won't let that happen. He knows exactly how to support and help his lover.

Lastly we have Rick and Angelo. These two are stressed and busy arranging their upcoming wedding. They're so in love and just want to get married. Angelo's mom has other ideas. Afraid of upsetting her Rick and Angelo need to find a way to take back the control they've lost.

Phewwww yes lots going on!! lol It was really nice seeing all the couples together. From the previous books they're a strong unit of friends and the scenes when they were all together were truly wonderful.

The love and devotion each couple show each other had my heart singing with joy! They're incredible couples and i love how they know each other so well that they fit like jigsaw pieces. Perfect. I also happen to love love love the sexy times. I mean... phewwwwww this author knows how to write an incredible sex scene.

As with previous books the writing was excellent and the story flowed and kept me interested. Although i will say it's a steady read more angsty i guess than action packed.

The only downfall i felt with this book was the amount going on. I know all the stories ran in the same time frame so i get that it had to be written like this but the further in i got, sometimes i just wanted to stick to one couple. Each chapter is a separate character. It would go from Will to Blake to Ed to Col to Rick to Angelo and sometimes it just got me wanting one story i could stick to.

Overall i thoroughly enjoyed this book and the whole series so far. I'm really hoping that sometime in the near future there are more books in this series namely Franco and Anthony!!

I would suggest reading the other books in their series first as this one is about all of them.

Books 2 Blog

[Anu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy to read and review so.

This is the last book in the Personal series that started with Will and Blake, continued with Rick and Angelo and finally Ed and Colin. We catch up with all three couples in this book as Rick and Angelo plan their wedding, Will and Blake welcome a new family member and Ed and Colin deal with things from Colin's past.

The three storylines were wonderfully entwined here, each chapter carrying the story along without overpowering the others - it really felt like one continuous story to me.

While the wedding provides a convenient timeline to the book, the other two couples get their stories wrapped up too - with a surprise at the very end that just made it all worthwhile.

This was a wonderful ending to a wonderful series. It made me realise how invested I was with these characters and their stories, how badly I wanted to see them each get a happy ending and boy did KC deliver here. And Ed remains my favourite character in this series to the end.

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three - that's how many times I had to reach for the tissues when reading this beautiful book which is full of joy and also sadness, but ultimately ends with such love it makes your heart sing.

Ed and Colin are still my favourite couple but both Blake and Will and Angelo and Rick run them a close race as we move 10 years into the future to see where life's journey has taken this group of friends.

It could read as a stand-alone but you'd be missing out on the three wonderful stories before it, watching these six men fall in love.

I won't spoil what happens in this one but there's some struggles with challenges thrown at each pair which they all deal with in their own unique fashion.

The ending is one of the sweetest in any book and proves to me beyond all else that love is the most powerful force in the world.

[Helena Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want this book to end.

The rest of my review will follow closer to the release date.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!! Review submitted for Love Bytes Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

ottimo finale per una serie molto bella,
tra tutte la mia storia preferita è quella tra Ed e Colin,commovente e romantica

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent end to the series. It explores each couple from the series and gives us a taste of their happiness as well as their struggles. They are all more in love than ever but life isn't perfect and this book explorers reactions to trouble and heartbreak. The book has some really great lessons about love, life, and friendship and the dynamic between all couples is showcased here. Really good way to end it all, but If I'm being honest I could use some more Colin and Ed. They will forever be my favorite couple from this series and I just want more of them, I feel like their story isn't over.

[Laina Gruver · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I love the way KC writes! This was a great ending to this wonderful series!

This book focuses on all three couples from the previous books in the series ( Will & Blake, Rick & Angelo, and Rick & Colin). This book made me feel a wide range of emotions; anger, sadness, pain, excitement, happiness, anxiety, gratitude, hopefulness, and everything in between.

***

POV... third person

Standalone or series... 4th in the Personal series NOT recommended as a standalone

Did it give me a hangover... yes

Would I recommend it... yes

Would I read it again... yes

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non ritenevo necessaria questa aggiunta, ma sono rimasta soddisfatta. La storia va avanti e ancora una volta K. C. Wells ci mostra il legame che unisce i protagonisti della sua serie. Un bel finale, molto dolce e piacevole

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is said, if you pick a direction and keep walking in a straight line your journey would end at the same point where it began. This, scholars offer as practical proof the world is round or as my grandmother liked to say, all things go full circle. Well, K. C. Wells and my grandma must have the same philosophy because this is exactly the experience of reading Personal Challenges. She brings the men of the Personal series full circle in the final book, Personal Challenges.

In Making It Personal, we came to know and love Will and Blake. They increased their happiness by having Sophie. In Personal Challenges Will and Blake again increase their family and bring Nathan into the world giving little Sophie the sibling she has been begging for. When life comes full circle for them in Personal Challenges Will and Blake truly come to understand the word reality.

Personal Changes introduces us to Rick and Angelo who decide to get married. All they want is a little wedding and a beautiful honeymoon. Enter Angelo’s mother (who has huge traditional Italian wedding plans) and Angelo’s Italian family (who have definite views on homosexuality). In Personal Challenges Rick and Angelo must bring compromise between the irresistible force of their love and commitment to each other and the immovable object known as Angelo’s mother and her plans to make gay and Italian tradition come together in a wedding too big to be held even in the Vatican.

Last, we have Ed and Collin who came together in Personal Secrets. In Personal Challenges They face down an unexpected call from Collin’s ex, who, bears bad news. Despite the consequences, Collin decides to help his ex. Ed, loves and supports Collin in his efforts even when the truth makes it hard to keep his own emotions in check. Will they successfully weather the storm of life coming full circle?

This final installment of the Personal series illustrates the fragility of life and the priceless value of true friendship. This is simply not a book which can be fully appreciated without reading the series. You need to understand why your heart is breaking even though you can’t stop smiling and why, like me, the word “Epilogue” fills you with unbelievable sadness because you just don’t want this book to end. End it does, however with no cliffhangers or hints of more to come. All questions are answered. In other words, for the men of the Personal series, life truly comes full circle. I highly recommend you read it to find out how.

I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather York · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been nearly a year-and-a-half since I read KC Wells' Personal series so I was a little unsure if I would be able to get into the lives the characters without doing a re-read, which unfortunately I really didn't have the time to spare right now to do so. Well, I worried needlessly, the boys were like seeing old friends after a long absence, everything just falls into place the minute you see each other again. I will say that I think I just might add these boys to my summer re-read list.

Previously, each installment focused on one couple but in Personal Challenges we get to see into the current lives of all three couples. Sometimes, when an author does that, we lose a little bit and feel almost short-changed because there is just not enough pages to tell each story properly. Well, not in Challenges, here it's as if we get three installments in one.

Each couple has individual issues to deal with and they do so in KC Wells fashion but I think what I love about them the most is the friendship between all 6 men. The couples are the primary focus with their individual life events but they are still there for each other which is one of things I've loved most about the entire series but especially this installment. The chemistry is off the charts as it has been since each couple met their significant other, I loved how the connections have only gotten stronger with time.

Someone asked me if Challenges is a standalone, well I'll write here what I told them. It could be but you would be missing out on the beginnings of each couple and how the friendships are tied together. You won't be lost but had I not read the previous installments, I would definitely feel as if I was missing something, kind of like starting a television show with season two or a movie forty minutes in. So personally, I could safely say I don't recommend starting with Challenges but it's not undoable and I highly recommend adding Personal to your TBR list if you haven't already and if you're like me and have read the series, you do not want to miss out with this newest installment.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Challenges is a book 4 in the Personal series. I have to admit I picked this up for a blog tour and had no idea it was a book four. Having said that I realized after already reading that it was a series that needed reading in order.
Already vested in the book and interested in the story I soldiered on. I am so glad I did. I admit I had no idea who the three couples were, how they met or what they looked like, but the story was intriguing enough to make me persist. It is no one's fault but mine that I read a book four out of order, so I have decided not to let that affect my review. KC Wells has a way of pulling you int a story and not letting you go until the end. Once the initial shock that I was on a book four and I got my bearings as to the crux of this book I was taken in by all the characters.

Now grab a box of tissue or two and join me. Personal Challenges is book 4 of the Personal series. The story encompasses the lives of three established couples: Will and Blake and the birth of their second child a son, Angelo and Rick who are battling Angelo's mom to get a wedding planned, and Ed and Colin, who get a shocking message from Colin's ex.

Each story is amazing. There is so much going on in this book, but it is easy to follow. I loved the way the friends all stuck together through thick and thin, happy and sad. There were even everyday things tossed in that melded the story, like the friends all helping wth the garden.
Now I warn you to grab some tissue. There are a few ugly cries in this story. There is sickness and death, then a beautiful wedding with a few surprises tossed in ( we all cry at weddings right?) then the baby there are good and bad times here with a happy cry at the end, and this was my hardest cry (at least three tissues)

Another thing I love about KC Wells stories is the English charm. I loved the words from her language that are different from our American ones like the baby's cot and push chair. I also loved the descriptions of the wedding venue, I felt like I was there and the short trip to Scotland. I'd also like to give her a pat on the back for dealing with not one but two deep subjects.

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Personal series and what an amazing, wonderful book it is.
We meet up again with the couples Blake and Will (Making it Personal), Rick and Angelo (Personal Changes), Colin and Ed (Personal Secrets), situated a few years later.

This book follows the three couples toward the upcoming wedding of Rick and Angelo. KC has written all three couples their own story leading up to the celebration, but she has blended them together beautifully.

As always the story is full of fun and witty banter, the writing fluid and effortless, the scenes hot and steamy. The characters are even more developed and richer. Blake, protector of all those around him. Will, his soulmate and perfect father. Rick, sometimes too selfless in his relationship with Angelo. Angelo, struggling with his Italian heritage. Colin, forgiving and caring. Ed with his no filter Cockney and a heart of gold.

It is not all sunshine and red roses, though. KC doesn’t shy away from addressing some serious subjects, that will touch your heart and soul. They will keep you on the edge of your seat and most of all they will have you pondering and wondering what you would do in the circumstances.

KC takes you through a myriad of emotions and the one that stayed with me throughout the book was love. Love for family and friends, old and new. Love for their life partners and for their brothers from the heart. Secure in the knowledge that this love is strong and solid they can face their personal challenges with faith and hope.

If you haven’t read the first three books I highly recommend you do before reading Personal Challenges. You will appreciate and enjoy this book so much more.

[T.K. Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well hell... This is it. The final book in this series and I almost didn't want to read it because I didn't want it to be over. I always have mixed emotions about the end of a series... What if I don't like how the author wraps it up? What if the ending kills the series for me and I'll never be able to go back and enjoy it again? (I'm looking at you Anne Bishop)

I worried for nothing in this case.

Each couple has been together for a long time now. And in this book they have their own struggles that showcases their strengths as a couple and in Will and Blake's case, as parents too. There were times that almost (definitely) brought me to tears. The men weren't perfect. They each had the fears and doubts over the issues confronting them, yet they each would try to step up to
help their partner/husband in spite of their own struggle.

And it was wonderful to see friendships between the couples being supportive. Not one person acted like the troubles of another couple wasn't as important as their own.

Sometimes I'll read a romance and wonder how the main couple would stay together for the long haul in real life. Even if I loved the book and characters I could see the problems being glossed over for a HEA.

But in Personal Challenges, Kc showed me, in loving—sometimes painful—detail that these three couples would make it. Not because it was easy to stay "in love", but because they chose to work at it and not take each other for granted.


P.S. Kc This series is over and I accept it... However Franco and Anthony will be getting a spin off, right? Please!

[Light · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 Stars

Have you ever wondered what happens after the HFA? Well, you get the answer to that with this book.

The book shows our favorite characters (Ed and Collin, Angelo and Rick, Will and Blake), which seem to have an almost idyllic relationship by now. Not everything is perfect, though. Each couple will go through rough times that they will need to overcome. The loving support these guys show as partners and friends is outstanding, makes you wish to have someone like that in your life.

It has different POVs, the three couples have their own story to tell, some are more difficult than others, one in particular made me shed some tears. I didn't expect it to be that sad. When I said there are some tough moments I meant it. Despite not being a fluffly read, it presents a very good perspective of a established couple that goes through the ups and downs of life.

I think this is a very well done goodbye to this series, I will miss it but hey, that's what I have my re-read list for.

*I received an advance reader copy for my reading pleasure*

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Challenges by K.C. Wells is the (for now) last book in The Personal Series.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend to read the other books first. There is a great boxed set that contains all other books in this series.

Will and Blake welcome their babyboy Nathan into the world. Their family could be perfect. Sophie is a adorable little girl and both are so in love with each other.
Rick and Angelo are trying to organize a wedding, but family has other ideas.
And Colin gets bad news from an ex and Ed blows his lid.

It was so good to meet every couple again in this book.
Evrey has his own story and drama.
There are scorching hot sex scenes, drama, love and action.

Personal Challenges is a full-length contemporary romance novel, a wonderful read that I couldn´t put down and I give 5 Stars.
Thank you KC Wells!

[Lorenzo Adduci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voto 4,5 💗
“Sfide personali” è il sorprendente e commovente epilogo di una serie che mi ha davvero emozionato. In questo libro, ambientato esattamente dieci anni dopo il primo incontro tra Will e Blake, ritroviamo tutte e tre le coppie e possiamo comprendere come si sia evoluto il loro rapporto durante questo tempo.
Will e Blake, dopo la piccola Sophie di quasi quattro anni, hanno appena avuto un altro figlio, Nathan, un bambino bellissimo e tranquillo. La vita di famiglia sembra procedere serenamente fino a quando i due genitori non si accorgono che qualcosa non va e fanno una scoperta molto dolorosa. Tuttavia, grazie al loro legame, Will e Blake cercano di sostenersi a vicenda e di affrontare con forza ogni criticità.
Ed e Colin stanno insieme da quattro anni e sono sempre più innamorati. Lo stesso Ed, a volte, fatica a credere che possa essere esistito un periodo in cui Colin non faceva parte della sua vita, è come se quel ragazzo fosse andato a occupare un posto che gli spettava di diritto da sempre. Tuttavia, Colin riceve una telefonata dal suo primo ragazzo, Ray, con cui aveva rotto circa tredici anni prima a seguito del trasferimento di quest’ultimo a Edimburgo. Colin era molto innamorato di quell’uomo e ha sofferto per il brusco allontanamento, per cui sapere che Ray è in fin di vita a causa dell’AIDS lo getta in un profondo sconforto. Fortunatamente, Colin ha al suo fianco un uomo meraviglioso come Ed che lo sostiene e lo incoraggia ad assistere Ray fino alla fine offrendogli tutto il suo conforto.
Rick e Angelo hanno deciso di sposarsi circa due anni prima, ma la madre di Angelo sembra voler dare la sua opinione su tutto facendo ritardare i preparativi. Toccherà ai due futuri sposi prendere in mano la situazione per dedicarsi all’organizzazione del loro matrimonio, perché il desiderio di iniziare una vita da sposati è più forte di qualunque cosa.
L’autrice, con la sua scrittura fluida, ha intrecciato sapientemente le tre storie fornendo un quadro completo dell’evoluzione di ciascuna coppia nel corso del romanzo, tra momenti toccanti, situazioni esilaranti e diverse lacrime versate. Un finale meraviglioso che mi ha toccato il cuore.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:

OMG. I'm so glad I stuck with this. I'd listened to the first books and really enjoyed them and the three couples from their stories. When I first started this one, it was somewhat boring to me. Just the same things with the same couples, but then it turned into the everyday life issues that couples go through once they're past the onset of being together.

It was raw and full of emotion, obviously showing the love and admiration and trust between them all.

I ended up really enjoying this book as well.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieser Band ist absolut toll!
Humorvoll, bedrückend, heiß, traurig, wunderschön 😍🥺🔥 ein Wechselbad der Gefühle. Die Story liest sich super, sehr bildlich - manchmal super, manchmal eher weniger.
Für mich ein absolutes Muss!
Lesenswert und verdiente fünf Sterne 🤩

[Vinga]

It was so great to meet Will and Blake, Rick and Angelo, and Ed and Colin again.
I loved this book. Didn't want it to end.
Great read.