I knew I was going to like this book from the very first page! Jackson Decker is a building contractor who is very skilled with his hands as well as his other body parts! He’s young, studly, smart, strong, and single, and makes sure he leaves all his female clients very satisfied. He is very content with his life, or so he thinks, until he lands on the doorstep of Madeline Callaway who hired him to renovate her master bathroom and basically turns his life upside down.
Jack is such a work in progress. He’s smart, funny, charming, endearing, but oh so troubled on the inside. Remy Rose has such a wicked sense of humor and it shines through in every one of their conversations. Madeline is his match in every way and the two really bring out the best in each other. Their banter, including their “scoring system,” is both hilarious and heart warming. Both were burned by past loves, but Jack seems to think the best way to move forward is to build a wall around his heart, but piece-by-piece, Madeline tears it down.
Madeline is the perfect heroine. She’s beautiful, funny, a great friend, a smart businesswoman, independent, thoughtful, and realizes her self worth. I so admired how she gives Jack the space he needs, and how she respects herself enough not to go chasing after him even when her heart was breaking.
Jack has family issues to work out, career decisions to make, and some soul searching to do. He seeks solace and guidance from one of his clients, Ed, an older gentleman who recently lost his wife. Ed is very wise and I enjoyed their conversations very much. Ed, a retired teacher, explains the importance of not wasting time and cherishing the moments you have with those you love, and really serves as a mentor to Jack.
This book has all the feels including lots sexy times! Their chemistry was undeniably explosive and you could feel their attraction to one another on every page. There was also lots of angst in this book, but once Jack came to term with his feelings and was no longer tormented, there was no turning back; he was all in.
I loved their inner dialogue and the character development throughout this book. The writing is excellent, and the reader gets pulled into the story and routes for them to have their HEA the entire time. If you love romance with strong heroines, and sexy vulnerable leading men, then read Big Deck!