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Art of Love, Portland #1
Danny Doormat
It’s time to wipe his feet of the idea that he’s not good enough to be loved.
Danny Dorfmann is dependable, no matter what’s going on in his own life. So when widower Asa needs a sitter for his dog, Minion, Danny is the natural choice. Besides, Danny’s had a crush on Asa—a hot architect who’s way out of his league—for years.
Asa is just climbing out of his grief over the loss of his husband and trying to reclaim his life. Love and dating aren’t on his radar, but as one favor turns into another and he spends more time with Danny, romance sneaks up on them.
Friendly adventures gradually turn into something deeper, but a manipulative roommate and interfering family and friends want to douse the slow burn building between Danny and Asa. To keep the chances of a happily ever after going, Danny will have to take a stand—and to hold on to the man of his dreams, he’ll have to stop letting everybody walk all over him.
Danny Dorfmann is dependable, no matter what’s going on in his own life. So when widower Asa needs a sitter for his dog, Minion, Danny is the natural choice. Besides, Danny’s had a crush on Asa—a hot architect who’s way out of his league—for years.
Asa is just climbing out of his grief over the loss of his husband and trying to reclaim his life. Love and dating aren’t on his radar, but as one favor turns into another and he spends more time with Danny, romance sneaks up on them.
Friendly adventures gradually turn into something deeper, but a manipulative roommate and interfering family and friends want to douse the slow burn building between Danny and Asa. To keep the chances of a happily ever after going, Danny will have to take a stand—and to hold on to the man of his dreams, he’ll have to stop letting everybody walk all over him.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 4, 2023
As I begin to write this review, I’m not yet sure where I’ll land on a rating. Danny Doormat was sweet and I had a very hard time putting it down but there were elements left me feeling a little disenchanted.
What I liked:
- Danny and Asa. They’re both gentle souls, the kind toward whom I naturally gravitate.
- The slow burn and gradual build of the bonds between Danny and Asa.
- The way Danny and Asa supported each other emotionally, especially the way Asa supported Danny’s career choices. Though there is a caveat to that at the end of my review.
- Danny’s character evolution/growth. I empathized with how he avoided confrontation. I also related to how he tried to set boundaries and to not to let people bulldoze him with mixed results. Some of the time he’d feel empowered and great and other times he’d feel guilty and conflicted. All that really resonated and I was able to see why he struggled with it; between his family dynamic and being a gentle soul and a people pleaser, it made sense to me. Both his inconsistency with his boundaries and his guilt over even trying to set them in the first place felt realistic and hit home for me.
- Asa’s emotional journey with his grief. We start the story 2 years from Asa’s husband’s death and he’s seems to be in a fairly good, secure, stable place with respect to his grief and healing. That said, he continues to have occasional days that knock him on his ass. What was beautiful and brilliant in the way McAllister portrays that was how some of these days didn’t have any special ‘significance’ or triggers and Asa would be mystified as to why he got knocked down so hard. That also felt real. At the same time, Sean’s death was a loss for Danny as well so watching them share their remembrances and gently touch and heal their wounds together was poignant.
What I didn’t like:
- I was vaguely uncomfortable with the jump from slow burn to Danny and Asa being together as a couple. The timing felt a little icky to me . There was a part of me that thought that the timing made sense in as much as they were both, but Danny in particular, feeling vulnerable. Seeking physical and emotional comfort in each other under those circumstances could have worked with some characters but didn’t feel organic to me given the personalities of these particular characters. I just didn’t see Asa going there in these circumstances given his own experience with traumatic loss, his time in therapy and his own journey with healing. 🤷🏻♀️ The timing of that development didn’t work for me though it’s a minor quibble.
- I really couldn’t stand their friend, Lane, or Danny’s brother, Derek. Both were classist assholes and as far as I was concerned didn’t do enough to redeem themselves at all. I appreciated the exploration of and pushback on classism but I still hate Lane and Derek.
- I couldn’t stand the I-shit-talk-and-bully-you-because-I-love-you-and-you’re-my-best-friends dynamic between Lane, Walker and Derek 🤮🙄 I know it’s a common ‘friendship’ dynamic but I hate it. It feels like toxic masculinity and passive aggressive bullshit to me and I found it annoying and off putting.
- Finally, though Asa often shows and tells Danny he’s supportive of Danny’s career choices as long as Danny’s happy, at the very end of the story, he makes an offer to Danny which very subtly suggests that Asa is a bit classist as well. It’s couched in terms that make it sound like he’s just being supportive of whatever Danny wants to do and that would have been fine IF Danny would have suggested he wasn’t happy waiting tables or that he wanted to explore other opportunities but to me it was never explicitly clear that Danny felt or wanted either of those things. It was never explicitly clear whether Danny was happy or unhappy waiting tables. And if he wasn’t entirely happy waiting tables, it’s wasn’t clear how much of his unhappiness was due to classist attitudes expressed over and over by his parents, his brother, his friends and the world in general that stigmatize and demean waiters and waitresses and all blue collar/working class jobs. The classist and elitist attitudes throughout the book were so prevalent that when McAllister introduced Asa’s suggestion in the epilogue, it somewhat undermined the previous pushback on classism and elitism. Maybe I’m misinterpreting it but I wished if McAllister was going to go there with Asa’s offer, there would be no room for doubt or misinterpretation.
Prior to Asa’s offer in the epilogue, I was thinking 3.5 stars but was unsure whether to round up or down but ug, that one small, subtle thing bumps my final impression down to 3.25 at best.
Shouts out to waiters and waitresses, cooks and line workers, blue collar workers of any and all kind ✊✊✊ I see you! I support you! I applaud you! I appreciate you! Thank you for all you do 💛💛💛
What I liked:
- Danny and Asa. They’re both gentle souls, the kind toward whom I naturally gravitate.
- The slow burn and gradual build of the bonds between Danny and Asa.
- The way Danny and Asa supported each other emotionally, especially the way Asa supported Danny’s career choices. Though there is a caveat to that at the end of my review.
- Danny’s character evolution/growth. I empathized with how he avoided confrontation. I also related to how he tried to set boundaries and to not to let people bulldoze him with mixed results. Some of the time he’d feel empowered and great and other times he’d feel guilty and conflicted. All that really resonated and I was able to see why he struggled with it; between his family dynamic and being a gentle soul and a people pleaser, it made sense to me. Both his inconsistency with his boundaries and his guilt over even trying to set them in the first place felt realistic and hit home for me.
- Asa’s emotional journey with his grief. We start the story 2 years from Asa’s husband’s death and he’s seems to be in a fairly good, secure, stable place with respect to his grief and healing. That said, he continues to have occasional days that knock him on his ass. What was beautiful and brilliant in the way McAllister portrays that was how some of these days didn’t have any special ‘significance’ or triggers and Asa would be mystified as to why he got knocked down so hard. That also felt real. At the same time, Sean’s death was a loss for Danny as well so watching them share their remembrances and gently touch and heal their wounds together was poignant.
What I didn’t like:
- I was vaguely uncomfortable with the jump from slow burn to Danny and Asa being together as a couple. The timing felt a little icky to me . There was a part of me that thought that the timing made sense in as much as they were both, but Danny in particular, feeling vulnerable. Seeking physical and emotional comfort in each other under those circumstances could have worked with some characters but didn’t feel organic to me given the personalities of these particular characters. I just didn’t see Asa going there in these circumstances given his own experience with traumatic loss, his time in therapy and his own journey with healing. 🤷🏻♀️ The timing of that development didn’t work for me though it’s a minor quibble.
- I really couldn’t stand their friend, Lane, or Danny’s brother, Derek. Both were classist assholes and as far as I was concerned didn’t do enough to redeem themselves at all. I appreciated the exploration of and pushback on classism but I still hate Lane and Derek.
- I couldn’t stand the I-shit-talk-and-bully-you-because-I-love-you-and-you’re-my-best-friends dynamic between Lane, Walker and Derek 🤮🙄 I know it’s a common ‘friendship’ dynamic but I hate it. It feels like toxic masculinity and passive aggressive bullshit to me and I found it annoying and off putting.
- Finally, though Asa often shows and tells Danny he’s supportive of Danny’s career choices as long as Danny’s happy, at the very end of the story, he makes an offer to Danny which very subtly suggests that Asa is a bit classist as well. It’s couched in terms that make it sound like he’s just being supportive of whatever Danny wants to do and that would have been fine IF Danny would have suggested he wasn’t happy waiting tables or that he wanted to explore other opportunities but to me it was never explicitly clear that Danny felt or wanted either of those things. It was never explicitly clear whether Danny was happy or unhappy waiting tables. And if he wasn’t entirely happy waiting tables, it’s wasn’t clear how much of his unhappiness was due to classist attitudes expressed over and over by his parents, his brother, his friends and the world in general that stigmatize and demean waiters and waitresses and all blue collar/working class jobs. The classist and elitist attitudes throughout the book were so prevalent that when McAllister introduced Asa’s suggestion in the epilogue, it somewhat undermined the previous pushback on classism and elitism. Maybe I’m misinterpreting it but I wished if McAllister was going to go there with Asa’s offer, there would be no room for doubt or misinterpretation.
Prior to Asa’s offer in the epilogue, I was thinking 3.5 stars but was unsure whether to round up or down but ug, that one small, subtle thing bumps my final impression down to 3.25 at best.
Shouts out to waiters and waitresses, cooks and line workers, blue collar workers of any and all kind ✊✊✊ I see you! I support you! I applaud you! I appreciate you! Thank you for all you do 💛💛💛
July 1, 2020
If there were a way to reach through a book, grab a character, and take him home with me, I would do that with Danny Dorfmann, a sweetheart who is kind, caring, a hard worker, estranged from his family (mostly due to their opinions on how he should run his life) and a guy who can’t seem to catch a break.
And if I had to pick someone who could love Danny as much as Danny needs to be loved, I’d pick Asa, a twenty-nine-year-old widower who was married to one of Danny’s brother’s best friends. Through his brother, Derek, Danny knows the whole group of friends, and so when one calls to ask him to do Asa a favor, he jumps at the chance to help. The favor is taking care of Asa’s dog, Minion, while Asa is out of town. Danny, who’s often called Danny Doormat due to his inability to say no to someone in need, gladly takes on the work and then helps further when Asa is tied down in an overtime project for his architectural firm. Throughout these times, Asa begins to see Danny in a new light, and he realizes the now twenty-four-year-old is not the kid he once was. He value’s Danny for his independence, his kind heart, and his passion for all he does. And he starts to realize he’s coming out of the grief of losing his husband two years before, because the feelings he has for Danny are starting to be more than friendly.
The author used several different circumstances to bring the men together, all of which are believable. I like the way the author first developed the characters separately, then infused them with qualities that made them endearing, and finally brought them together. They certainly had plenty of hurdles and mishaps along the way. Danny’s family, principally his brother Derek, and Asa’s friends, principally Lane, make their journey difficult with multiple emotional roadblocks. Danny’s roommate, who on a good day was less than friendly, provides a good contrast and a nasty surprise. After all the hurdles, when Danny realizes he’s found something to really fight for—his love for Asa—his strength shines.
Days after reading this story, I still want to visit with these men. In fact, I may just go back and do a quick reread so I can wallow in the happy feels this story generated. I highly recommend this to lovers of contemporary MM romance.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
And if I had to pick someone who could love Danny as much as Danny needs to be loved, I’d pick Asa, a twenty-nine-year-old widower who was married to one of Danny’s brother’s best friends. Through his brother, Derek, Danny knows the whole group of friends, and so when one calls to ask him to do Asa a favor, he jumps at the chance to help. The favor is taking care of Asa’s dog, Minion, while Asa is out of town. Danny, who’s often called Danny Doormat due to his inability to say no to someone in need, gladly takes on the work and then helps further when Asa is tied down in an overtime project for his architectural firm. Throughout these times, Asa begins to see Danny in a new light, and he realizes the now twenty-four-year-old is not the kid he once was. He value’s Danny for his independence, his kind heart, and his passion for all he does. And he starts to realize he’s coming out of the grief of losing his husband two years before, because the feelings he has for Danny are starting to be more than friendly.
The author used several different circumstances to bring the men together, all of which are believable. I like the way the author first developed the characters separately, then infused them with qualities that made them endearing, and finally brought them together. They certainly had plenty of hurdles and mishaps along the way. Danny’s family, principally his brother Derek, and Asa’s friends, principally Lane, make their journey difficult with multiple emotional roadblocks. Danny’s roommate, who on a good day was less than friendly, provides a good contrast and a nasty surprise. After all the hurdles, when Danny realizes he’s found something to really fight for—his love for Asa—his strength shines.
Days after reading this story, I still want to visit with these men. In fact, I may just go back and do a quick reread so I can wallow in the happy feels this story generated. I highly recommend this to lovers of contemporary MM romance.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 29, 2023
This was a lovely slow burn romance and while it covered some problematic issues I didn't find it heavy on the angst. It deals with grief, familial expectations, money worries and abusive roommates in case any of these are triggers for readers.
Asa is lovely but really this is Danny's story.
Danny who has low self esteem and is treated terribly by those close to him but will do anything for anyone. We don't see any interactions between Danny and his parents but Danny's brother and Lane treat Danny like a total mess up and useless when he's actually very capable. I honestly don't know what Lane's problem is (we don't find out for sure though I have my theories) but he is one step away from a bully. But Asa helps Danny see that he's better than the way others make him feel, that there is nothing wrong with the way he's been living.
It's a glorious slow burn, friends-to-lovers story and I highly recommend it.
Asa is lovely but really this is Danny's story.
Danny who has low self esteem and is treated terribly by those close to him but will do anything for anyone. We don't see any interactions between Danny and his parents but Danny's brother and Lane treat Danny like a total mess up and useless when he's actually very capable. I honestly don't know what Lane's problem is (we don't find out for sure though I have my theories) but he is one step away from a bully. But Asa helps Danny see that he's better than the way others make him feel, that there is nothing wrong with the way he's been living.
It's a glorious slow burn, friends-to-lovers story and I highly recommend it.
July 15, 2020
An enjoyable tale of Asa and Danny and them finally getting it together.
December 8, 2025
3.5 stars
I was rather worried with this book… first, it has the word “doormat” on the title, then the blurb mentions ‘manipulative roommate and interfering family and friends’… I’m a rather stubborn and blunt person in real life. I am definitely NOT a people-pleaser, even if I try to avoid conflict. I can talk back to others, heck, I even talk back to my boss. So, I was worried that I would be frustrated and annoyed with everyone in this book. However, I also like Rowan McAllister’s stories. I figured I should’ve given it a chance.
Well, Danny’s penchant to NOT asking for help, NOT to tell anyone when he’s not okay, and his tendency to shut out people does annoy me a bit. But I don’t really think it makes him a doormat, per se. Yes, he’s not saying anything makes the problem amounted to be bigger than he can handle, but I don’t think it’s a total doormat trait. It’s just that people judge Danny and his ‘life choices’ because it’s not up to their standard of a successful person.
But Danny is kind and dependable and rather resourceful, I think. I can totally see why Asa falls in love with him. Heck, I love Danny too, and I want to punch his brother and Asa’s friends for belittling Danny like that.
Asa might be a little too perfect – because he’s rather described as different than all those others who judge Danny for what he is. At the same time, I’m rather thankful that Danny has someone like Asa in his corner.
I do believe that they still need to work things out, to find the right balance of their relationship. Danny needs to learn that they can be equal partner, despite his lack of economical and career success. While Asa has to navigate on how to offer help and chances for Danny without making Danny feels like Asa is dismissive.
It’s still quite an enjoyable read for me…
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I was rather worried with this book… first, it has the word “doormat” on the title, then the blurb mentions ‘manipulative roommate and interfering family and friends’… I’m a rather stubborn and blunt person in real life. I am definitely NOT a people-pleaser, even if I try to avoid conflict. I can talk back to others, heck, I even talk back to my boss. So, I was worried that I would be frustrated and annoyed with everyone in this book. However, I also like Rowan McAllister’s stories. I figured I should’ve given it a chance.
Well, Danny’s penchant to NOT asking for help, NOT to tell anyone when he’s not okay, and his tendency to shut out people does annoy me a bit. But I don’t really think it makes him a doormat, per se. Yes, he’s not saying anything makes the problem amounted to be bigger than he can handle, but I don’t think it’s a total doormat trait. It’s just that people judge Danny and his ‘life choices’ because it’s not up to their standard of a successful person.
But Danny is kind and dependable and rather resourceful, I think. I can totally see why Asa falls in love with him. Heck, I love Danny too, and I want to punch his brother and Asa’s friends for belittling Danny like that.
Asa might be a little too perfect – because he’s rather described as different than all those others who judge Danny for what he is. At the same time, I’m rather thankful that Danny has someone like Asa in his corner.
I do believe that they still need to work things out, to find the right balance of their relationship. Danny needs to learn that they can be equal partner, despite his lack of economical and career success. While Asa has to navigate on how to offer help and chances for Danny without making Danny feels like Asa is dismissive.
It’s still quite an enjoyable read for me…
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
October 15, 2023
He has a secret crush on his friend and so when they have an emergency he offers to help. They have a pit bull dog who needs to be looked after. He hopes that one day he can take it one step further and he can have them as well. How will it all go? Will he ever have them? See how it will go
July 5, 2020
Loved it very much. Love how generous but also stubborn Danny is. So although he is a bit too nice he does have a spine just hates confrontation. Asa is a very sweet man and both deserved their happiness.
September 15, 2020
Rowan McAllister gives us a treat with this sweet romance about living our truth in Danny Doormat. Danny tried to live by everyone else’s yardstick and when he decided that did not work, he struck out on his own. McAllister illustrates how important communication is and how we communicate whether it be as a parent, a brother, or as a friend is important. Everyone views Danny through a set of standards that are not Danny’s and therefore his life must be a mess. This constant barragement of negativity has set Danny on a different path internally and externally. McAllister skillfully illustrates this through Danny’s relationship with his roommate.
I will warn you that there is some domestic violence in this book - the most violent happens off-page.
McAllister also deals with how everyone grieves differently for a loved one. Once again, perception and other people’s ideas of how one should live their life according to a “standard” is illustrated.
These two competing ideas of how one should live one’s life ends up affecting the romance in an interesting way. This is a romance after all and McAllister brings it home for Danny and Asa. There are no easy answers in Danny Doormat just steps forward. So wipe your feet, take a seat, and hang out with Horsemen and enjoy Danny and Asa because McAllister also brings some heat to this romance.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
I will warn you that there is some domestic violence in this book - the most violent happens off-page.
McAllister also deals with how everyone grieves differently for a loved one. Once again, perception and other people’s ideas of how one should live their life according to a “standard” is illustrated.
These two competing ideas of how one should live one’s life ends up affecting the romance in an interesting way. This is a romance after all and McAllister brings it home for Danny and Asa. There are no easy answers in Danny Doormat just steps forward. So wipe your feet, take a seat, and hang out with Horsemen and enjoy Danny and Asa because McAllister also brings some heat to this romance.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
May 8, 2023
This was SUCH a wonderful book!!! The rating is 4.25 stars (simply because while the ending WAS a wonderful and solid HFN, I wanted a much more spectacular HEA ... I wanted to read about them being TOGETHER after the events of the entire book, perhaps a year or two after the HFN to further compound them planning on being together FOREVER!! I thought the author could deliver just a little more - which wouldn't have been a stretch because this book was SO GOOD - in order to give readers a beautiful, wonderful, solid, all encompassing HEA (instead of just a hint)!! That said, since I legitimately could not put this down, I am rounding this up and adding a star, simply because I was fully invested and read this in one sitting and in one uninterrupted stretch!!! This book was VERY VERY well written and incredibly well rounded! Bravo, Rowan McAllister!!
By the way: Asa and Danny were ADORABLE!!! May we see them again in future books, and also may we get books for Walker and Derek!!! Minion was FRIGGIN' ADORABLE and was SUCH a wonderful character!!
********************
The concept of the title of the book compels me to point out that unlike other readers, I never ever ever thought the term Danny Doormat had anything to do with Danny himself! I see several reviewers mentioning how they don’t see him as a doormat ... And I have to answer that and say, DUH, because he isn’t one and you’re fucking not supposed to!!!
The whole point of that is to show and emphasize how unfortunately much of the world sees kindness and generosity and tenderheartedness as a weakness and further emphasizes how much of the world who thinks that are a bunch of fucking assholes!! So the title of the book is about everybody around Danny, with the exception of Asa and Danny themselves!! It says everything about the assholes of the world and nothing about Danny himself! The world needs many many many many many many many many more people exactly like him; what an incredible wonderful remarkable sweetheart!! People like Danny should be protected and treasured!! Always!!!
By the way: Asa and Danny were ADORABLE!!! May we see them again in future books, and also may we get books for Walker and Derek!!! Minion was FRIGGIN' ADORABLE and was SUCH a wonderful character!!
********************
The concept of the title of the book compels me to point out that unlike other readers, I never ever ever thought the term Danny Doormat had anything to do with Danny himself! I see several reviewers mentioning how they don’t see him as a doormat ... And I have to answer that and say, DUH, because he isn’t one and you’re fucking not supposed to!!!
The whole point of that is to show and emphasize how unfortunately much of the world sees kindness and generosity and tenderheartedness as a weakness and further emphasizes how much of the world who thinks that are a bunch of fucking assholes!! So the title of the book is about everybody around Danny, with the exception of Asa and Danny themselves!! It says everything about the assholes of the world and nothing about Danny himself! The world needs many many many many many many many many more people exactly like him; what an incredible wonderful remarkable sweetheart!! People like Danny should be protected and treasured!! Always!!!
October 18, 2023
This slow burn romance was my first time reading this author. It’s the first book in the Art of Love, Portland series and focuses on Danny and Asa that are connected to a core friend group. Danny is the younger brother to Derek and Asa is the widow of Sean, another member of the friend group.
My first reaction while reading this was poor Danny. The title is accurate as Danny deals with overwhelming nonsense not just from his parents and brother but from some of the members of this group. The noise of the secondary characters was frustrating at times to read because I think it takes a little too much away from the growing friendship and eventual relationship of Asa and Danny. The motivations of Lane are questionable at best - is he just looking out for Asa since Sean’s passing or is he harboring an attraction and trying to sabotage Danny’s chances of a relationship and happiness with Asa by bad-mouthing him or quiet put downs at times?
I loved, loved, loved when Danny finally starts to take ownership and stand up for himself. I may have fist pumped because it felt so well-deserved for him. I hope to see more of Asa and Danny in future books and get more of their dynamic and how their relationship develops without the interference of this core group.
And as for Lane, I kinda hope he maybe gets his own story because it felt like his character was totally knocking on the door waiting to be heard. Are there unresolved feelings for Sean that he’s having troubling processing since he’s gone? He frustrated me many times in this book but I think there is definitely potential for him there. I read a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and fair review.
My first reaction while reading this was poor Danny. The title is accurate as Danny deals with overwhelming nonsense not just from his parents and brother but from some of the members of this group. The noise of the secondary characters was frustrating at times to read because I think it takes a little too much away from the growing friendship and eventual relationship of Asa and Danny. The motivations of Lane are questionable at best - is he just looking out for Asa since Sean’s passing or is he harboring an attraction and trying to sabotage Danny’s chances of a relationship and happiness with Asa by bad-mouthing him or quiet put downs at times?
I loved, loved, loved when Danny finally starts to take ownership and stand up for himself. I may have fist pumped because it felt so well-deserved for him. I hope to see more of Asa and Danny in future books and get more of their dynamic and how their relationship develops without the interference of this core group.
And as for Lane, I kinda hope he maybe gets his own story because it felt like his character was totally knocking on the door waiting to be heard. Are there unresolved feelings for Sean that he’s having troubling processing since he’s gone? He frustrated me many times in this book but I think there is definitely potential for him there. I read a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and fair review.
October 16, 2023
Danny Doormat was good because the characters were so relatable. Asa is recovering from the loss of his husband and Danny is the mid twenties guy still trying to figure out what to do with his life. I Danny and Asa together were sweet if a little awkward and frustrating. Asa really wants to be there for Danny and Danny's refusal to communicate was frustrating to read. I understand why he held back from his family but once he and Asa grew closer, his continued refusal to share his feelings was irritating. However, I completely was able to relate to Asa's grief and Danny's family struggles. It was not at all difficult for me to understand why Danny didn't have his entire life mapped out and I think a lot of people today find themselves in situations similar to Danny's. I loved that Danny and Asa became friends before they became more. Everything about their evolving relationship not only was wonderful to read, but felt very realistic. The book really is worth reading and possibly rereading a time or two. Eventually, Danny and Asa learn to communicate and Asa helps Danny follow his passion. I would have liked to read more about Danny's progression from the person he is in this book to the person he becomes in the sequel (he is a side character and really seems to have found his best life). The message here is that love is supportive not a magic cure all and the author conveys that clearly showing the love and support Asa and Danny provide for each other.
October 17, 2023
The author gets two things 100% right in this story. First, how easy it is to fall into patterns like Danny if your personality is one of not wanting conflict, wanting to make everybody else happy often at the expense of your own needs and wants and how when you do try to change those patterns how hard it can be not to fall back into them. Second, the way Asa's grief is handled in that the things that hurt most after the initial overwhelming period are the little, tiny everyday things that sneak under your defenses and leave you devastated. It's not the big things it's those little ones. When you put Danny and Asa together and let us watch them develop their relationship and learn to be with each other, trust each other, and support each other exactly how they are you have a winner of a romance. It's also fun when there are some really hateful characters to root against as our couple gets their HEA, and these two have a boatload of them in their lives.
July 13, 2020
An awesome read that had me just a bit anxious with a sense of foreboding. When it finally happened I was actually relieved that it was out of the way and progress could be made between Danny and Asa. However - Lane? Dick. Derek? 1/2 dick but slight pass because he's Danny's brother and seemed to actually have Danny's best interests at heart, if buried. I was going to argue that Danny wasn't a doormat but then I started reading up on what that usually means and decided, yeah, I guess he was according to some of the definitions. But heck, the world would be a better place if there were more kind, unselfish, giving people. Even meekness is seeming like a good quality right now with all the blustery buffoons I see on the news.
October 25, 2023
This was a very, very slow-burn romance, but I really enjoyed reading it. The relationship between the MC’s started as friendship while they were still kids, essentially and it took many years to come to fruition. There was a lot that had to happen for the acquaintance-ship to be turned into close friendship to evolve to feelings beyond a basic crush being caught. I enjoyed the dynamics between them and watching their romance blossom over time. Asa was such a stand-up guy and was just what Danny needed to be able to stand up better for himself. All in all, it was a really good book and I am so glad I took the chance on a new-to-me author.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2023
I liked this story as it seemed to be as much about both Asa and Danny needing to figure out who they were and what they wanted. Danny needed to learn how not to be so accessible to people who didn't mind abusing his willingness to help. Asa needed to heal from his grief and decide that he is open to moving forward past the loss of his partner. That meant that it took a while in this story before they could be ready for one another. This was a slow burn but the growth and romance was as much with themselves as it was with one another which made the story interesting on several levels. I was rooting for each as well as for them to be a couple.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2023
This is a new author to me and the highlight of this book for me was the couple, Danny and Asa are very warm and endearing characters. A small thing maybe, but I absolutely loved the cover, it’s eye catching and feels charming and modern. The author also does quite a beautiful job with handling Asa’s grief over losing his husband. It’s very authentic and raw sometimes, but really captures the ebb and flow of living with grief. So, I absolutely loved that Asa gets a second chance at finding love after loss with someone as lovely as Danny. The couple worked for me. What kept me from really loving this was there is too much interference and noise from some pretty unpleasant side characters.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 2, 2020
Such a sweet book and a much needed break in current tense times.
I'm not sure why Danny was presented as a doormat, he's nowhere close to being a pushover.
I liked the romance between Danny and Asa and wanted to kick Lane and Derek's asses with a vengeance.
Very sweet, heart-warming romance, highly recommended. I hope author will come up with a book about Lane and Walker. There is something between them aside from friendship.
I'm not sure why Danny was presented as a doormat, he's nowhere close to being a pushover.
I liked the romance between Danny and Asa and wanted to kick Lane and Derek's asses with a vengeance.
Very sweet, heart-warming romance, highly recommended. I hope author will come up with a book about Lane and Walker. There is something between them aside from friendship.
October 11, 2020
Enjoyable contemporary romance!
I don’t read that much contemporary romance. In fact, my first Rowan McAllister book was from her fantasy series. This book has a solid story and relatable characters. Low on angst, although I occasionally wanted to shake Danny, who suffers from low self-esteem for much of the book. Overall, very enjoyable, and a lovely HEA including a sweet rescued pit bull.
I don’t read that much contemporary romance. In fact, my first Rowan McAllister book was from her fantasy series. This book has a solid story and relatable characters. Low on angst, although I occasionally wanted to shake Danny, who suffers from low self-esteem for much of the book. Overall, very enjoyable, and a lovely HEA including a sweet rescued pit bull.
October 16, 2023
I totally loved this story. I could totally relate to the character of Danny. I thought I was reading about myself sometimes. The author created absolutely wonderfully vivid depictions of the characters. It was extremely easy to picture in your mind. I was totally absorbed in this book and its joy and wisdom. I would be able to read this book again, it was so delightful. Action, angst, love and so much more are involved in this book. I am so glad I got the pleasure of reading this book.
July 24, 2020
This was a pretty sweet slow burn. I really liked how the relationship blossomed. I just felt really sorry for Danny because even at the end I felt he couldn't believe they were together for the long haul. Asa on the other hand was all in: in sickness and in health for richer or for poorer. And Minion... That cover alone made me read this book.
October 16, 2023
Danny and Asa ❤️
3 Stars ⭐️
Very sweet, slow burn hurt/comfort love story. I adored the characters in this book, they were both extremely sweet and enjoyable to get to know. The story was well written and even though I had a few things that I disliked plot wise it was still enjoyable enough to recommend and I will definitely go on to read the next book in this series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
3 Stars ⭐️
Very sweet, slow burn hurt/comfort love story. I adored the characters in this book, they were both extremely sweet and enjoyable to get to know. The story was well written and even though I had a few things that I disliked plot wise it was still enjoyable enough to recommend and I will definitely go on to read the next book in this series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
October 14, 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed the story, it is a slow burn romance story and I liked Danny and Asa as characters and enjoyed reading how their relationship developed, I didn’t really like a few of the side characters in this story so it will be interesting to see if they get their own stories and how they develop through the series.Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
October 19, 2023
While I enjoyed this book, I was not exactly sold on the ending. I couldn’t stand their friend, Lane, or Danny’s brother, Derek. They were all jerks and I was kind of left hanging with that storyline.
July 11, 2020
Terrific. And I am greedy enough to say I can see the Lane, Walker, Derek and even Trevor stories. Probably, though, Lane/Walker/Derek is only 2 (or one?!) story.
October 8, 2023
This story is a slow burn, and not immediately a romance story until the end. It is a book about companionship and how over time, feelings change and deepen. We know Danny has feelings for Asa but we navigate the story as Asa figures out his feelings. There is an element of angst in the story from other characters. Although it would have been good if their relationship had started sooner, it would have been a different story. Ghosts needed to be laid to rest, Asa needed to be sure he was ready for dating again and Danny needed to know that Asa was ready too. It felt a little rushed in the end and his art was only brushed upon at the end. Having read book 2, Danny and his art is prominent so I did wonder why it didn't feature in this book. I have a feeling there was more to Lane's character and would love to know if he gets a story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2023
Fun and sweet start to a new series. Can't wait for the next.
October 15, 2023
Slow burn kind of book that you love to hate. The struggles that both MC’s go through and the way they learn to help and lean on each other is so sweet. It has some angst from some pushy side characters, but Danny is no doormat!
October 16, 2023
Asa and Danny are likeable characters in this snowbird love story. Danny tend to fade into the background in life so when an opportunity to hell his crush leads to a greater connection this shifts his life. This is a cute book and the first of a new series that you should read.
December 10, 2024
DNF @ 7%
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