Hudson's Luck

Forever Wilde #4

by Lucy Lennox

Hudson:

Don't ever accidentally propose to your girlfriend. In front of her family. Especially if her dad is your boss. Because when you make it clear you've made a mistake, he's likely to send you out of the country to get you as far away from his broken-hearted daughter as possible. It happened to me. Now I'm stuck in Ireland trying to redeem myself so I can get promoted and have the life I've planned for: successful career, loving wife and kids, a comfortable, financially-secure home life in Texas.

But all of that seems to evaporate the moment I walk into the historic pub and see the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Only, he's not a woman.

Charlie Murray is most definitely a man—the kind of man who causes me to take a second look for the first time in my life. And a third look, and fourth. I can't help but want to get to know him better... to get close to him, touch him, maybe even kiss him. But I'm straight. Or so I've always thought. Even if I'm not, how in the world could a feisty Irishman ever fit into the safe, predictable life I've always planned for?

Charlie:

Don't ever accidentally fall for the straight guy. Especially when he's trying to pry your family's business right out from under you. I should know. Because when Hudson Wilde walks into my family's pub and begins babbling so adorably, I can't help but fall just a little bit in love. But I'm looking for Forever Man, and the sexy American is certainly not him. He's so confused about what he wants, even choosing something from the dinner menu throws him into a fuddle. But those eyes... how can I resist?

So maybe I’ll give in. One steamy night before he heads home and I go back to life at the pub. We'll never see each other again.

Until, of course, his business deal sends me to Hobie, Texas, right into the middle of Hudson's steady life, more gay Wildes than can fit on a dance floor, and an ex-girlfriend who may or may not be content remaining an ex. But the more time I spend with Hudson, the more I think he might be my Forever Man after all. And I may be his. Is it possible we could both be so lucky?

Hudson's Luck is the fourth book in the Forever Wilde series but can be read on its own. Beware it includes 93k words of delicious man parts touching, grandfathers meddling, neighbors nosy-ing, dogs fornicating, cats being cats, horses... ah, crunching apples? or something... and one very flirty Stevie.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Gay, Audiobook, Gay For You

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2018

About the author

I 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!

Reviews

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

Sexy, funny, and all around enjoyable!

Hudson's Luck isn't quite as good as Felix's story, but I liked it more than the arson plot in book 3. I think this one does work as a standalone, although I suggest reading at least book 1 first for optimal reading pleasure.

I'm not sure how authentic Charlie's Irish brogue was, but I did love his character. I'm a big fan of femme guys who take charge. And Charlie was sassy and snarky to boot.

As much as I liked Charlie, I had mixed feelings about Hudson. He was so wishy-washy, and his reluctance to come out as bi/pan/Charlie-sexual was bizarre considering literally everyone in his damn family is gay!

I also didn't much care for the Darci plot; she was nice, but she annoyed me, and I just wanted her to go away already.

Other than that, the pining and light relationship angst kept me reading, and the sexy times were sizzling.

⚠️ I interrupt this review for an important announcement: BUTT SEX VIRGIN ALERT. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming. ⚠️

I kind of wanted the ending to come full circle (How great would it have been for Hudson to propose with the doohickey but actually have a real ring hidden somewhere?), but I still consider it a HEA.

This series is so much fun. I'm already anticipating book 4 (Saint and . . . maybe August???).

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

This fourth story in the always charming Forever Wilde series was not quite my favourite, but (so far) it’s a close second after the fabulousness of Felix and the Prince.

This installment split its time between Ireland and Hobie, Texas, following the deliciously sexy, wonderfully humorous, and delightfully sweet romance between the sensible and “straight” Wilde brother, Hudson, and Irishman Charlie Murray, who is as stunningly beautiful as he is headstrong and full of snark.

I enjoyed this story very much, although the miscommunication in this one was hair-pulling at times. Instead of using their words, Hudson and Charlie often misinterpreted one another and jumped to conclusions on countless occasions due to their own personal insecurities and general silly-boy behaviour. It frustrated me beyond belief, especially because it’s just so unnecessary for grown men to behave this way and is clearly only used as a plot device to add drama to the story. Usually this would have been the kind of thing that would make me seriously reconsider my rating, but I ultimately found my love for Hudson and Charlie essentially overpowered my need to deduct points for they somewhat stupid behaviour – lucky them.

On a much more positive note, the small town Texas setting is just as delightful as ever, with all the Wilde's making appearances and brightening up the pages with their infectious joy and boundless love and support. I adore this family and I'll happily read all the stories therein until there isn't a Wilde relative left single.

Ultimately, Hudson and Charlie were quite the lovely pair, both heart-achingly sweet and sinfully sexy together once they really got going, and any romance story that can leave me with a dopey smile on my face when all is said and done is a win in my books!

[Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp · Rating 3 out of 5]

|| 3.0 stars ||

This is a sweet and simple read. It wasn’t anything special and could, at times, even be a bit boring, but I do think the story had a certain charm. The characters were likable, and the romance had plenty of adoration and pining between the two of them. It’s just that there wasn’t a lot of depth to anything and everything was super straight-forward.

It’s an insta-love story, and thus, both of the guys are immediately attracted to each other and somehow half-way in love for no real apparent reason. However, they do have a lot of push-and-pull going on, which made their relationship journey a little more interesting to me.


'Forever Wilde' series:
1. Facing West - 1.0 star
2. Felix and the Prince - 4.0 stars
3. Wilde Fire - 2.0 stars
4. Hudson's Luck - 3.0 stars
5. His Saint - dnf
7. King Me - 3.5 stars

Novellas:
4.5. Flirt - 3.0 stars
9.5. Professor Platonic - 3.0 stars

Other Lucy Lennox books:
‘After Oscar’ series - var. ratings
Shy Sheldon - 2.0 stars
Virgin Flyer - 4.5 stars
Say You’ll Be Nine - 4.0 stars
Hostile Takeover - 4.0 stars
Prince of Lies - 4.5 stars

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy + Michael is always a win for me.

I liked this story but didn't love it that much.

Coming off The Blueprint high, i guess i kept comparing the two, since they both deal with GFY/Bi trope.

Still it was cute and fluffy and the chemistry was there from the beginning, the sex was hot but not toned down compared to other Ms. Lennox's books.

Michael Pauley's enthusiastic narration made the story more enjoyable.

I can't wait to read Saint's story.

[Eugenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK - October 2023: Still love this one!

Second listen October 2020: Still deliciously sexy!! 🔥❤️🔥❤️

4.5 Lucky Stars!!!

This is by far my favorite story of the series!! Hmmmm...wait, maybe it’s a tie with book #2... regardless, this book worked for me:

GAY/pan/bi for you
Gender fluid MC with a cocky Irish attitude
Delicious narration by Michael Pauley
Funny as hell—especially our straight Hudson
Virgin MM!!
A realistic introspection of sexuality
Beer
International travel
No insta-love
UST up the wazoo
Frustration
(-non communication....so hate that one!)
Did I mention Charlie’s sexy Irish brogue brought to life by Michael Pauley? Let’s add Hudson’s Texas drawl to that
Hot Hot Sexy Times
A bossy, verse Irish beauty
Did I mention how funny this one was?
An HEA!

[Lisazj1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went directly to Hudson's story after Wilde Fire and inhaled the whole book in just a few hours. I'm not kidding, Lucy Lennox and the Wilde family are my book-crack and I'm happy with that! 💕

I really liked Hudson and Charlie, they had great chemistry. Once Hudson decided how he really felt, they were as romantic and sexy as I could want. 🥰

Thanks so much to Resting Grinch Face Elf for the book, I loved it!

*edit*

Resting Grinch Face Elf literally made my day with this sweet gift! Thanks so much for the smiles! ❤️

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Lennox has once again reminded me why I devour every book she writes... everything from the Marion Grannies showing up on Hudson's flight to Ireland to the Ffing amazing epilogue was epic! I think Hudson and Charlie have taken the honor of my favorite Lennox couple ever! Their chemistry and love was just incredible. I loved the whole story, especially Mama the collie and of course all the crazy Wilde sibs and grandpas, etc. Ms. Lennox has the honor of being in my top 5 m/m romance authors ever and there is no chance of her dropping out of that group. Once again a book that was pure joy and a ride to be savored!!!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty sweet. Follows the same formula of romance- drama- challenges- romance ... cute, fun and adorable really ! So Hudson, the straight brother meets Charlie the fem bartender while trying to please his ex’s father. Yes of course there are issues, first of all with Hudson being straight. His attraction to Charlie takes him by surprise and he’s is a mess trying to work it all out. Of course emotions are involved and then the whole Wilde family- seriously Hudson doesn’t stand a chance ! Really enjoyed this ❤️

[Erth]

Another great add to the series, keeps getting better and better with each new book. Finally we get to see how Hudson turns out and the right man to make his dreams come true. What I really liked from the start was that the beginning of each chapter had a inner thoughts (insights, words to live by, revelations, quotes etc) from the main characters, I really like this idea it was the perfect way to see where their minds and feelings are as they progress in the story. We find out what happened to Hudson at the end of 'Wilde Fire' and as embarrassing as the accidental engagement might be, it has to be the most hilarious, creative thing I've read in awhile. Where does Lucy Lennox come up with this craziness? I love it! We get to know more about Hudson and being the oldest he's always the responsible one, the one they all turn to if they need anyone. Rules, plans and sticking to a schedule. Wanting to "let loose" for once and Ireland is just the place to try something new. He's super adorable in his awkward, stuttering, blushing ways. Charlie wants "the one" and every guy he trust turns out to be a frog instead of his ever-after love. Instead of trying to find forever on the first date he needs to relax and have a fling. He's sweet and genuine, adorable. I fell in love with everything about him. These two have a sweet story, also having to deal with some big issues like living on different continents. Their connection jumps off the page and I couldn't help smiling and swooning the whole time. We also see Hudson deal with self-labeling his sexuality. What is he and why does he have to be in a organized box, I loved that it addressed those types of situations and feelings. Sometimes you don't know, and you met someone who changes your life. Old favorites show up as always (Saint, Stevie, Evan, West, Nico, Doc and Grandpa), surprising and hilarious Made Marian characters and of course new people to love like August, Cait, Sean and some adorable pets Mama and Milo. I can't wait for the next.

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stopped reading Lucy Lennox for awhile - but then really enjoyed a few her recent releases and have been going back through some of her older stuff.

I'm really liking this series. Nothing super wowing, but all have been really enjoyable.

Easy reads
no ridiculous drama
plenty of steam
likable characters
good banter

What's not to like?

[Elsa Bravante · Rating 3 out of 5]

En la línea de toda la serie, no es nada del otro mundo, más bien flojillo, con muchas cosas difíciles de creer y otras que inducen al rolling eyes. Pero, es entretenido y está en KU, perfecto para el verano.

[Anyta Sunday]

I've read a few books in this series, and while I enjoyed them, this one is my favorite. ;-)

So much fun! <3

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth book in Lucy Lennox’s Forever Wilde series, Hudson's Luck, is different because the Wilde brother at the heart of the story, Hudson, isn't gay or bisexual. He's always considered himself straight...until he meets Charlie Murray.

Hudson is adorably clueless, and his stammering and tripping over his own tongue can be very charming. Charlie is strong, fierce, loving, funny, and just so wonderful I wanted to package him up and keep him forever. I'm a sucker for men who embrace their femme side, and Charlie was a treat to get to know and see him knocking over all of Hudson's expectations and plans one by one.

My pet peeve in stories, miscommunication, does come into play here, but Charlie and Hudson are so great together and Michael Pauley does such a wonderful job bringing the characters, locations, and drama to life that I found myself enjoying the listen rather than getting annoyed enough to throw a book. In that respect, I would say the audio definitely enhances the story. Michael does provide character voices, including doing an Irish brogue for Charlie and fam, and his pacing and performance of the emotional nuances continues to make him an entertaining performer.

If you listen, or read, you'll get to enjoy the large and rambunctious Wilde family, see the trials and tribulations Hudson and Charlie go through to get their happy ending, and even get to enjoy a cameo from a trio much adored in Lennox's other Marian series.

Sexy, fun, funny, and sweet with a bit of miscommunication, some light angst, and a very happy ending Hudson's Luck was an enjoyable, fun listen.

I'm looking forward to continuing on with the Wilde family, especially up next with Saint's story!

3.5 Stars

Audio copy of Hudson's Luck (Forever Wilde #4) provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm beginning to feel bad for the Wilde siblings. It seems the only thing they've been taught is that love is love, and careers are important. Not one of them has any common sense or good self-esteem!

Hudson is absolutely clueless, trying to live up to his fathers expectations and may as well be an ostrich for all the time he spends with his head in the sand. He's never been taught that he can put his dreams first, he's just a convenient babysitter/surrogate parent to his sibs.

West was never taught that being judgmental, especially of someone's actions when they were a kid and you know nothing about their situation, makes you a prick.

Otto was never taught to have a backbone and stand up for himself and what he wants, he thinks its ok to sacrifice himself repeatedly but no one appreciates it, he just repeatedly shoots himself in the foot and I wish he'd actually lost Walker because of his stupid actions.

Felix was never encouraged to be confident in his skill as an artist and was taught to run and hide rather than deal with shit head on.

Honestly I'm kinda thinking this is one of the most frustrating series I've ever read!

I guess Charlie was ok but he came across as an Irish stereotype to me - I highly sympathise with his fear of flying metal death tubes though.

Sometimes I really wish I didn't feel the need to complete a series 😂😂

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ding ding ding*
We have a winner!!
Hudson and Charlie soared to the top of my Wilde boys.
I LOVED them.
The Wilde family is pretty darn gay, except for Hudson.
Hudson is loyal and hard-working, devoted to his family, and...straight.
But as Nico so smartly put it, "he's a Wilde, how straight can he be?!"
Turns out he's Charlie-sexual. And I was so here for it!
Hudson is sent to Ireland for work (not bad as far as punishment goes) and quickly falls into a puddle of his own drool for the sexy red-headed bartender at the pub he's assessing.
To his grand surprise, the gorgeous human behind the bar is actually a man.
Charlie has delicate feminine features with a biting attitude. I easily fell for Charlie too.
The obstacles are stacked against them...and it seems impossible before they even start.
But Lucy kicks up the romance and makes magic happen.
Charming, flirty, and downright scorching!
The secondary cast is delightful. I was thrilled we had a chance to check in with the other Wildes.
And the best ending *sigh* so so good!!

*5 lucky stars*

[Vanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars! 😍 Loved it!! I have been a huge fan of Ms Lennox since "Borrowing Blue" and consider her Made Marian series as one of the best MM books in the contemporary genre. So obviously I have been on the Forever Wilde bandwagon since the first book with West came out and although I really liked both his and Felix's stories, Otto's story was a bit disappointing and I felt that the Lennox magic was missing. However with Hudson's story the ✨sparkle ✨is back!! This book had the full dose of Ms. Lennox's amazing characters who look and sound real, with conversations and humor between them seem genuine, with trials & tears that touches the hearts and finally a romance that sizzles and burns.
Hudson had always been a interesting but a tad bit conventional (and straight) member of the Wilde Family and that is why I was super delighted to see him fall for Charlie in a "confused-lust-in-first-sight". Charlie having been in so many failed relationships does not want to have feelings for another "straight" man and so the two begin a tentative professional friendship after a passionate and sizzling night 🔥💕of experimenting . 😉. Nevertheless, weeks and weeks of working together and enjoying each other's companies, comes to a boiling point and they succumb to their feelings again and again while trying to keep things casual. How they try to fight their feelings for one another and yet fall deeper and deeper in love is the heart of the story.
I loved the little snippets of their thoughts before every chapter.😍. I loved how real Hudson's misgivings felt.. and how genuine his struggle felt when he had to choose between family, love or career. It was such a wonderful, heart-felt story that I am giving it a rare 5 stars. 🤩.
I can't wait to read Saint's story.. but before that comes out, I have got to check out if Stevie gets his HEA. 😉

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** This is as cute as any story can be ! ***
A beautiful telling of personal discovery and a love that is destined. All of the circumstances that led Hudson, 34, financial wiz and inventor, to Charlie, a 28 yr. old ginger, in Ireland, are amazing.
Charlie is brave and true, loyal and lovely,

and a fantastic character.
Hudson, discovering his true self, has changed his life forever.


This adventurous pair are so adorable together, extremely hot and sexy; especially with all of Hudson's first M/M times. I loved the side cast, the Wilde family, the Murphy family and the darling animals. I liked the deep thoughts, the witty words, and the passionate emotions. Several things are happening simultaneously.


What a fun "fairy-tale" type story !
We get a sweet and yummy romance, big and small surprises, plus an HEA.
I look forward to Saint's story. Highly recommended.
ENJOY !

======
Thank you sweet Hadis for the rec !
===

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dulce, lindo, romántico

Hudson solo espera liberarse del fiasco con su ex novia, y acepta viajar a Irlanda para "analizar" la adquisición de un pub. Pero su aventura en Irlanda le traerá mucho más de lo que pensaba, cuando conoce a Charlie y se da cuenta que no es tan hetero como creía. Pero será capaz de aceptar su nueva sexualidad? Charlie aceptará ser el primer hombre en su vida?

Es una novela dulce, romántica, en la que no puedes dejar de suspirar mientras lees. No hay casi ningún mal entendido, y los secundarios son entretenidos. Me gustaron mucho los protas, sobre todo Hudson, por qué a pesar de todo lo que cambia en su vida sigue siendo fiel a si mismo.
Vi que es parte de una serie, es probable que continúe con ella más adelante.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After I read some of this authors standalones and the Marian series I ended up printing out her reading order list with the goal to read all of them - but wow this Wilde series has felt like a chore to get though.

I think this is what the kids call mid ?

[Gustaf · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's so many things about this book that didn't work out for me. I was not a huge fan of Hudson. His actions made me wanna pull my hair on so many occasions. GFY is a trope that's usually not working for me, however I'm slowly warming up to it. Might have been too many GFY books in a row for me though. I just didn't buy it with Hudson. It felt very constructed.

[Sanaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars.

Hudson's Luck was an adorable story. Although not my favorite, I did end up enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would've. If I'm being honest, I need to find a guy with an Irish accent. I just need a Charlie, to be honest. He kind of stole my heart. He was sassy and snarky and just a very likable person.

Although I wasn't the biggest fan of Hudson for a while. I wasn't sure where Lucy was taking him. He annoyed me with his inner monologue with the fact that he wasn't gay and that his family was trying to 'convert' him. He did end up growing on me, but not as much as Charlie.

You know who I would love a book for after reading this? Stevie. I adore him and I know he's not a Wilde but he might as well be.

[Kelley Vandiver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will try to keep this review brief. It is described as an m/m romance, but I would like to see sub-genres used when advertising a book (examples: m/m cowboys, m/m military, m/m straight but suddenly gay) and in the case of "Hudson's Luck", by Lucy Lennox, we have a hybrid of m/m straight but suddenly gay for Hudson and m/m feminine for Charlie. I have this theory that since most m/m romances seem to be written by women and read by women, there are often main characters that are small and feminine and paired with a large brawny man to mimic the dynamics found in straight relationships. I can tell you from experience from being a gay man that it is usually men that look like each other that end up together. I saw a gay couple the other day that was wearing pretty much the same clothes and had the same beard style.

"Hudson's Luck", was well written with no grammatical errors or spelling errors (a big plus). My complaint is that while trying to read the book, I was constantly hit over the head with how feminine Charlie was. He was described as the girlie Irishman and often mistaken for a woman. The writer wouldn't let up. I would let my own fantasy take over and change him into a beautiful Irishman, but with long hair and them bam, I would be yanked back by more feminine adjectives for Charlie. I guess if I wanted a straight romance I would have purchased one.

The tension in the book pretty much all happens in internal dialogue. This can be very frustrating when the main characters are working together for weeks...WEEKS, and no one says anything out loud or does anything. In fact, this use of internal dialogue to show tension is used at the end and I found myself wondering how stupid these characters must be when they are talking on the phone all the damn time and no one is saying anything of importance?

This isn't a bad book it is just that there were so many missed opportunities. I would have liked to see more of the sheep dog trials or life in Ireland. Because of the descriptions of Charlie, I kept envisioning a chihuahua humping on a German Shepherd. I found the book very well written but not very exciting. I won't be reading this one again because it sure didn't float my boat.

[Gerbera_Reads]

DNF at 44% I really tried to like it, and I am a minority here with this book but I was not a fan of Hudson. He was irritating af. Charlie was ok, I guess. There is the reason I don't read books with too much humor, and this time it was not for me. It's hit and miss with this author for me, and this time it was a miss. First intimate scene between them was ouch. I am glad they got their HEA though but it will forever remain a mystery for me how they got there. I hope I will have better luck with Saint!

[Smutty Sully · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a DNF no rating

I think the American acting so clueless and making really asinine comments about Ireland/the Irish, it just got under my skin. I don't cope well with bumbling naivete that's supposed to come off as cute and endearing. 🙄


“Um, sorry,” I stammered. “I only meant… that, ah… I’ve never met someone with… Oh, hey, do all Irish people really have red hair? Ha. Um, and I found a four-leaf clover. So, that’s a thing that happened. Weird, right?”

[Ash&#x1f349; · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking forward to Hudson’s story since book one and it definitely did not disappoint. But as soon as I found out there was gonna be an Irish character and setting involved, I became a bit wary cause I’m too used to having authors go overboard with Irish stereotypes, and also getting absolutely everything wrong about Ireland and it always turns me off the story. But thank the gods I was totally wrong, and clearly Lucy Lennox has either lived in Ireland herself or had the help of someone Irish because (almost) everyone was spot on. She even avoided my two biggest annoyances which is when people call the Irish language “gaelic” (she called it Irish which is what it is) and calling St. Patrick’s day “St. Patty’s” (it’s Paddy’s and she had her characters say that right too) so I was actually able to enjoy this for the incredible book it was without nitpicking on the details.

This is a GFY which is something I haven’t read in a while, but still enjoyed. I usually prefer awakenings but I still enjoyed this. There was a load of big shock moments for side characters when they saw Hudson and Charlie together and I love those 😂 the more dramatic the reveal the better. Mostly I just love with a character is so in love around their partner and can’t keep their hands to themselves even though no one else knows and that’s how they end up finding out, and I got a lot of that here. Charlie and Hudson were just so sweet together and I really loved this. They’re my second favourite couple of the series so far, I don’t think anyone with knock Nico and West off the top but Charlie and Hudson are a close second.

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a bit hit and miss with these books, but while I struggled with the previous one, I absolutely loved this one!

Is the story of Hudson, the only straight Wilde brother (don’t overthink it, just take it as it is- there’s obviously something in the water in Hobie, Texas).

Anyway. He just broke up with his girlfriend and it’s on his way to Ireland to asses an investment opportunity for his boss (his ex gf’s father). Said investment is a pub, and there he meets Charlie Murray, a beautiful femme man. Turns out Hudson isn’t quite as straight as he thought. He isn’t exactly gay, either, but definitely attracted and fascinated by Charlie.

Thankfully, the feeling is mutual, and we get an absolutely adorable love story between a bossy Irish twink and man who everyone (including himself) thought is a slightly boring workaholic with an urge to take care of everyone.

Let’s cut it short: both Charlie and a Hudson are so lovable, I laughed and swooned and now I’m all fuzzy and happy inside, which is just what I needed.

It might not be perfect, but whenever a book makes me as happy as this one did, I tend to be generous with my rating - so 5 stars it is 😊

[yaishin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah...no. Did nobody else think that conversation with the old ladies was completely bizarre and incredibly rude? Also I get that the author is trying to promote lgbtq+ or whatever but- the old lady, a virtual stranger by the way, was literally like ,"Your only straight relationship I know of has suffered a pathetically hilarious end so I'm going to pressure you into giving guys a try instead because otherwise you're a homophobe."💀

If asking a gay person if they've ever tried being straight is rude and just plain moronic then how is asking a straight person if they've only tried being gay, not.

[Elsbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

*2.5 stars*

[haletostilinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately while I liked this overall, I didn't love it and it's been my least favorite in the series so far.

In the past books Lennox has been able to make the trope-y things work and make sense for the most part, even if it was a little silly. But I don't know if she quite managed to make it work with this one.

I felt them not talking about shit annoying to no end. I wonder if it's just been building as the books have gone on - because the books have just LOVED that trope - or if it really was Charlie and Hudson.

I think it was partly both. Which is why I can't be too angry, but also angry enough to not give this 5 stars.

Mostly for things like, Charlie and Hudson are getting hot and heavy when Hudson stops them, and Charlie ASSUMES it's because Hudson is so sure he's straight and so he runs off without giving him a chance to explain, Hudson runs after him but Charlie fucking locks his door and puts earbuds in - like are you kidding me? How fucking immature - and Hudson gives up, but then Hudson, who was so determined to get Charlie to talk to him...all the sudden tried to avoid him??? Why?

It was completely ridiculous as it was page turning. It pissed me off at the same time I wanted more, so that's why I couldn't give this book less stars either. But seriously? And then shit with Darci happens and Charlie assumes the worst - although not his fault this time because Hudson doesn't SAY anything to correct the assumptions when he could.

Okay, sure, Darci doesn't want anyone to know what happened to her...Hudson could have just said "No Charlie, it's not like that. I'm helping her out because something happened to her she doesn't want to talk about." Like...why the extra drama for no reason?

It took them until about the fucking 60% mark to get their shit together and DO something about their attraction. And even at the end there's some mini-drama for all of 5 seconds...for what? To make us worry? It was ridiculous.

All that trope-y ness just did not work out this book and I had to take a star off.

Saying all that, though, I did enjoy these two together - not as much as the other couples, but still enough, and they had great chemistry and had me needing a fan several times throughout this book.

I do think that while we got some family stuff, there was still less than in past books and I found myself wanting more. I've found myself endeared to this big, wonderful family and it's cast of characters. We did get more West and Nico than we have in the last two books, which was nice. I do wish we had gotten the scenes of all these couples getting married though. They all just...get married before the epilogue or after and I want those weddings, mmkay!

I do feel that Charlie's coming to love Hobie was natural and it very much fit for him to move there instead of staying in Ireland. Hobie became his home because of Hudson and his family and the people in the little town.

I was also happy that Darci was never villainized for the sake of drama though. She was a sweetie from start to finish and once she knew about Charlie and Hudson, she was supportive and sweet and she and Charlie even became friends. I would love to have seen them become even like best friends, I just enjoyed the small friends moments we got with them.

I was happy with where Hudson and Charlie ended up in the book and while this wasn't my favorite, with frustrations with all the tropey-ness that didn't work out, I still enjoyed it over all and will definitely continue with this series.

[Courtney Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this was CHARMING. As hot as the cover model is - those eyes! - I wish we could have gotten feisty Charlie, the twink with the long red hair. He is just lovely, inside and out, and I fell for him hard (as did Hudson, which isn't exactly a spoiler as this is a ROMANCE and one would hope that would be the case. LOL).

Despite an amazingly sexy encounter in Ireland, it took a while - longer than I thought it would - for the two main characters to hook up stateside. But that made it more believable, really. I can't imagine a guy who'd been straight all his life being able to jump in and change his thinking overnight, not to mention outside circumstances at work. Despite that, there wasn't as much angst/drama as the situation could have warranted (which is a PLUS for me), though there was some fabulous UST between Charlie and Hudson.

We got to see some Marian characters in this book, which was wonderful, and as always the side characters have depth and aren't just cardboard backdrops to the story. I am excited for the hints of future stories we got!