There is a lot to love about Building Bridges, but let me tell you my top five reasons (in no particular order):
1. Slow build - yes, there's somewhat immediate attraction, which I expect to see in a Romance novel; however, true to her form, Fairchild doesn't throw her characters right into bed, which I appreciate. And I know I've mentioned it in other reviews about her past novels, but the author's ability to write sex scenes and romance without "bodice ripper" words takes her romances to an entire new level for me. Fairchild can write an intensely hot scene without making me want to gag over words or skip pages whilst rolling my eyes so hard back in my head that I may lose them ;) (thanks for that, Lia)!
2. Strong, developed characters - romance is the name of the game so that will be a focus point; however, Logan and Mollie have issues and lives outside of their attraction to one and other and those things are fully explored in the story and don't just serve as quick words in between sex scenes. Additionally, the entire Bridges family is lovable and some of my favorite characters to have read about in 2019 (I read a very early copy and am only writing my review now that the book has published).
3. Heart - Logan is back, somewhat hesitantly at first, with his family after serving in the military. Readers will not be able to avoid being touched at how he finds his way to the hub of a family in pain and in desperate need of support.
4. Story - combined with the strong characters, I appreciate the work Fairchild puts into ensuring her readers get a developed story that has the sexy romance-y parts that lovers of the genre savor, while also including humor, fun, intrigue, and even whimsy. I was invested in this family, the couple, and the evolving story from the first page.
5. Friction - the story has pain, anger, frustration, and more. There are familial issues, mental issues, past demons, and normal, daily struggles that readers can connect with and relate to throughout. I like that about novels that do it well (and this one does). Yes, I read to escape at times and I know many readers do, but escaping while also learning about people and issues you may not have experience with is valuable and authors who make it happen authentically while simply putting together a great story are my favorites.
Bonus reason: try not to ADORE Belly Bean and her relationship with pretty much anyone she interacts with during the story!!
I am once again a raving fan of a Lia Fairchild novel and set of characters. I've thought about Mollie, Logan, and the entire Bridges clan many times since reading this book - almost as if they are real and I can call up and check on them if I like (wouldn't that be nice, readers?).