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Four Bears Construction #3
Hardwood
I’ve spent forty-four years of my life telling the world I’m a carpet man. Is it too late to admit to myself and everyone else that deep down I’m really all about the Hardwood?
It took me over thirty-five years to admit to myself that I’m gay, another seven to find the courage to say it out loud to anyone else, and exactly thirty seconds to develop a massive crush on my daughter’s music teacher. It’s really not my fault, have you even seen those cute bowties he wears?
After everything it’s taken to get here, am I going to work up the nerve to come out to my ex-wife and my best friends? Am I ready to shake up my comfortable, simple life and take a chance on Watson? Or am I going to throw a wrench in my own chance for happily ever after?
***Hardwood is a steamy, seriously so much delicious tension, single-dad, gay awakening, low angst story, which happens to be the third in the Four Bears Construction Series. It CAN be read as a stand alone. There are NO shifters in this series, only the OTHER kind of bears.***
It took me over thirty-five years to admit to myself that I’m gay, another seven to find the courage to say it out loud to anyone else, and exactly thirty seconds to develop a massive crush on my daughter’s music teacher. It’s really not my fault, have you even seen those cute bowties he wears?
After everything it’s taken to get here, am I going to work up the nerve to come out to my ex-wife and my best friends? Am I ready to shake up my comfortable, simple life and take a chance on Watson? Or am I going to throw a wrench in my own chance for happily ever after?
***Hardwood is a steamy, seriously so much delicious tension, single-dad, gay awakening, low angst story, which happens to be the third in the Four Bears Construction Series. It CAN be read as a stand alone. There are NO shifters in this series, only the OTHER kind of bears.***
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2020
876 people are currently reading
1267 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Neuhold
101 books3,298 followersK.M.Neuhold has long since been a romance junkie. When she’s not writing she’s reading or spending time snuggling with her husky or her husband. She fell in love with M/M romance last year and hasn’t been able to turn back. There’s nothing she loves more than love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 644 reviews
July 10, 2020
Hardwood caught me on a good day where I was able to forgive an entire book of the MC sticking his head up his ass in order to enjoy the first time with a guy-sex and the adorable second MC, Watson.
Sure, I get it. Parts of this book are totally ridiculous. Lack of communication abounds (usually a deal-breaker for me), and the dildo scene??... funny, of course, but whaaa??. But I had just read a series of serious books about serious topics, so this book just rang my bell.
I loved the fact that we got older MCs here, one who wasn't muscle-bound and stereotypically "perfect" and the other closeted for his whole life. The dynamic was really lovely and the relationship was slow-build and engaging.
Yes, the whole being in the closet thing when literally all of your friends are gay is mega dumb, but I was willing to overlook that (and, apparently, a lot of things). I stayed up late into the night to finish this one. Plus, just look at that cover!! I'm weak...
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Sure, I get it. Parts of this book are totally ridiculous. Lack of communication abounds (usually a deal-breaker for me), and the dildo scene??... funny, of course, but whaaa??. But I had just read a series of serious books about serious topics, so this book just rang my bell.
I loved the fact that we got older MCs here, one who wasn't muscle-bound and stereotypically "perfect" and the other closeted for his whole life. The dynamic was really lovely and the relationship was slow-build and engaging.
Yes, the whole being in the closet thing when literally all of your friends are gay is mega dumb, but I was willing to overlook that (and, apparently, a lot of things). I stayed up late into the night to finish this one. Plus, just look at that cover!! I'm weak...
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July 4, 2020
2.5 stars
July 9, 2020
~3.5~
Hardwood is sexy and a lot of fun, but I wanted to smack Ev with a two-by-four to knock some sense into him. Wats had the patience of Job.
I had a hard time believing a man who spent a large chunk of his life in a sexless marriage wouldn't come out to his three best friends, all of whom are gay. I mean, hello? There's no one on earth less likely to judge you, Ev.
And while Ev wanting to come out to his ex-wife first was admirable, I felt like his loyalty was misplaced. Yes, he should have told her he wasn't attracted to women and not let her linger in a misguided marriage, but let's not forget that she cheated on him. She had every right to file for divorce, but cheating is never cool.
Anyway, I did like the interactions between Ev and Wats. I liked that Wats was "cuddly" and didn't have a perfectly chiseled body, and that's what got Ev all hot and bothered.
The dildo scene was kind of hilarious. I mean, I felt like a 12-year-old boy giggling at Ev's predicament, but I couldn't help it.
The ending is a glowing HEA with an epilogue set five years into the future.
Now we just need Ollie's story! That man deserves a break. I am so curious about him and Danny.
Hardwood is sexy and a lot of fun, but I wanted to smack Ev with a two-by-four to knock some sense into him. Wats had the patience of Job.
I had a hard time believing a man who spent a large chunk of his life in a sexless marriage wouldn't come out to his three best friends, all of whom are gay. I mean, hello? There's no one on earth less likely to judge you, Ev.
And while Ev wanting to come out to his ex-wife first was admirable, I felt like his loyalty was misplaced. Yes, he should have told her he wasn't attracted to women and not let her linger in a misguided marriage, but let's not forget that she cheated on him. She had every right to file for divorce, but cheating is never cool.
Anyway, I did like the interactions between Ev and Wats. I liked that Wats was "cuddly" and didn't have a perfectly chiseled body, and that's what got Ev all hot and bothered.
The dildo scene was kind of hilarious. I mean, I felt like a 12-year-old boy giggling at Ev's predicament, but I couldn't help it.
The ending is a glowing HEA with an epilogue set five years into the future.
Now we just need Ollie's story! That man deserves a break. I am so curious about him and Danny.
July 13, 2020
An amazing series culminates in another nearly perfect instalment.
Four Bear Construction co-owner Everett lives for his daughter Livi and has settled to a solitary life surrounded by his gay best friends Cole, Stone and Ollie – most of whom have found their happily ever after in the previous two books.
Little do they all know that Everett isn’t just a single straight guy with a streak of bad luck in love. He’s actually gay and feels ashamed admitting the fact to his ex-wife who divorced him years ago. So he remains in the closet – until he meets Livi’s charming music teacher Watson.
Watson sweeps him off his feet and makes Everett question his decisions in life. For the first time, his desire to share affection and to belong with someone is bigger than his shame towards his ex-wife and the family life he lost when she decided to leave him.
Watson is single, proud and confident that the fling he begins with the hot dad of one of his students is just that – no strings attached fun that may last a few weeks and will at least give him plenty of sexual satisfaction, sharing Everett’s many firsts with him.
What Watson didn’t expect is the gay-curious hottie being exactly the type of man he could imagine sharing a life with. Too bad Everett isn’t willing to come out and be truthful to his ex-wife and friends. And a love in hiding is not a life Watson desires for himself.
This instalment is truly spectacular. Watson is an amazing man. Likeable, relatable, lovable, and most of all a guy I’m rooting for to find his happy ever after.
Everett, however, has many demons that haunt him, and while he knows that his friends would support him no matter what, his shame for having ruined his marriage keeps his mouth shut. Permanently.
This story is such a wonderful path to happiness, I felt truly rewarded after closing the final page, knowing that the perfect romance does exist - at least on paper for Watson and Everett. So beautiful.
And people, you need to check out the moment Everett loses a sex toy. That's all I'm saying.
Now on to poor Ollie. I desperately want him to find happiness with a man who stays.
5 stars to this instalment and to one of the best romance series I have read in a while!
Four Bear Construction co-owner Everett lives for his daughter Livi and has settled to a solitary life surrounded by his gay best friends Cole, Stone and Ollie – most of whom have found their happily ever after in the previous two books.
Little do they all know that Everett isn’t just a single straight guy with a streak of bad luck in love. He’s actually gay and feels ashamed admitting the fact to his ex-wife who divorced him years ago. So he remains in the closet – until he meets Livi’s charming music teacher Watson.
Watson sweeps him off his feet and makes Everett question his decisions in life. For the first time, his desire to share affection and to belong with someone is bigger than his shame towards his ex-wife and the family life he lost when she decided to leave him.
Watson is single, proud and confident that the fling he begins with the hot dad of one of his students is just that – no strings attached fun that may last a few weeks and will at least give him plenty of sexual satisfaction, sharing Everett’s many firsts with him.
What Watson didn’t expect is the gay-curious hottie being exactly the type of man he could imagine sharing a life with. Too bad Everett isn’t willing to come out and be truthful to his ex-wife and friends. And a love in hiding is not a life Watson desires for himself.
This instalment is truly spectacular. Watson is an amazing man. Likeable, relatable, lovable, and most of all a guy I’m rooting for to find his happy ever after.
Everett, however, has many demons that haunt him, and while he knows that his friends would support him no matter what, his shame for having ruined his marriage keeps his mouth shut. Permanently.
This story is such a wonderful path to happiness, I felt truly rewarded after closing the final page, knowing that the perfect romance does exist - at least on paper for Watson and Everett. So beautiful.
And people, you need to check out the moment Everett loses a sex toy. That's all I'm saying.
Now on to poor Ollie. I desperately want him to find happiness with a man who stays.
5 stars to this instalment and to one of the best romance series I have read in a while!
June 20, 2020
Full review tomorrow when I'm at the laptop.
***
This series from KM is shaping up into one of my favourites quite easily. Each one has its own unique selling point and here it's Everett, a 44-year-old who has pretty much always known he was gay but whose circumstances saw him end up married with a kid.
And I really loved that Kyleen didn't make Val a "horrible bitch" or that Ev didn't really love her. He did, he just wasn't in love like he knows he should have been.
Instead, they were best friends and he'd used her as he reason for never coming out after they'd divorced because he didn't want to cause her any pain. He's also not come out to his three best gay friends and work partners because he thinks he's left it too late after 10 years running a business together.
There's relatively low angst, although I did get a wee bit frustrated with Ev, at the same time I absolutely could understand why he couldn't ever quite get the words out to tell his ex-wife and his friends that he actually was gay.
This book still has the humour that the other two in the series were filled with, but it's a more subdued and gentle type because Ev is just all ends up a sweetheart. When he falls, he falls hard and fast and I loved the dynamics in the pairing.
Watson is 40, so I very much appreciated this more mature pairing, and I loved how kind he was and what a massive capacity for love he had in his heart, not only for the kids he teaches, but for his foster siblings and for Everett.
Watching them fall head over heels and try and deny the fact they were doing just that was sweet and exasperating at the same time. The build up to the big outing was done well and the fall-out from it felt wholly believable to me.
Now, having read this one, I'm even more desperate to get Ollie's book because that poor guy really, really needs a man who's willing to shout from the rooftops that he loves him and wants to spoil him rotten.
Please KM?!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
***
This series from KM is shaping up into one of my favourites quite easily. Each one has its own unique selling point and here it's Everett, a 44-year-old who has pretty much always known he was gay but whose circumstances saw him end up married with a kid.
And I really loved that Kyleen didn't make Val a "horrible bitch" or that Ev didn't really love her. He did, he just wasn't in love like he knows he should have been.
Instead, they were best friends and he'd used her as he reason for never coming out after they'd divorced because he didn't want to cause her any pain. He's also not come out to his three best gay friends and work partners because he thinks he's left it too late after 10 years running a business together.
There's relatively low angst, although I did get a wee bit frustrated with Ev, at the same time I absolutely could understand why he couldn't ever quite get the words out to tell his ex-wife and his friends that he actually was gay.
This book still has the humour that the other two in the series were filled with, but it's a more subdued and gentle type because Ev is just all ends up a sweetheart. When he falls, he falls hard and fast and I loved the dynamics in the pairing.
Watson is 40, so I very much appreciated this more mature pairing, and I loved how kind he was and what a massive capacity for love he had in his heart, not only for the kids he teaches, but for his foster siblings and for Everett.
Watching them fall head over heels and try and deny the fact they were doing just that was sweet and exasperating at the same time. The build up to the big outing was done well and the fall-out from it felt wholly believable to me.
Now, having read this one, I'm even more desperate to get Ollie's book because that poor guy really, really needs a man who's willing to shout from the rooftops that he loves him and wants to spoil him rotten.
Please KM?!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
July 6, 2020
3.5 Stars!
My 2nd favorite of the series. After book 2, I was worried. But I enjoyed this one.
I kind of wish it hadn't taken the whole book for Everett to finally come out of the closet. But I did like him and Watson as characters. And the story as a whole.
Definitely excited to see who Ollie ends up with!
My 2nd favorite of the series. After book 2, I was worried. But I enjoyed this one.
I kind of wish it hadn't taken the whole book for Everett to finally come out of the closet. But I did like him and Watson as characters. And the story as a whole.
Definitely excited to see who Ollie ends up with!
July 14, 2020
I have part of a review on my work computer that I started writing while reading.
I have part of a review on my personal computer that I also started writing while reading.
I have notes in my notebook and scribbles on my work papers.
I have thoughts in my head.
None of those above things are good.
I don't think I'll post any of it.
I hated this book.
I didn't understand this book.
Ugh, ugh, ugh. Book one I have decided was an anomaly.
I have part of a review on my personal computer that I also started writing while reading.
I have notes in my notebook and scribbles on my work papers.
I have thoughts in my head.
None of those above things are good.
I don't think I'll post any of it.
I hated this book.
I didn't understand this book.
Ugh, ugh, ugh. Book one I have decided was an anomaly.
July 11, 2020
*2.5 stars*
I'll round up to three stars because I was engaged enough to finish it but it was mostly annoying. I was tired with Ev's constant inner monologues and the unsent messages. I was actually disappointed with the way he came out to his ex wife .I did not understand WHY he could not talk about it with his best friends before telling the ex wife. And when he did come out to everyone....meh.
Also, LOL, no.
I'll round up to three stars because I was engaged enough to finish it but it was mostly annoying. I was tired with Ev's constant inner monologues and the unsent messages. I was actually disappointed with the way he came out to his ex wife .I did not understand WHY he could not talk about it with his best friends before telling the ex wife. And when he did come out to everyone....meh.
Also, LOL, no.
September 13, 2021
15th Book Before Reaching My READING Goal!!!
I feel like between the time I finished this book and the time I was sleeping and now, about a solid 9 hours later from finishing this book, I have completely lost ANY recollection I have of this book.
And if that isn't a bad sign, my lack or the smallest amount of annotations I have of this book is big red glaring sign.
Soooo this review is going to be somewhat different.
Things I liked:
✨ One of our hero, Watson, not the four bears, isn't some macho pancho well built enthusiast, who doesn't want to work out just because he choose not to, who is comfortable in his own skin and embraces all the parts of his body. This is such an effortless steal of great representation that you don't need abs or thick thighs or need a clean and safe diet to be sexy.
- Everett discovering and exploring his sexuality. I can't imagine how much he has struggled with himself with the denial and the oppression of who he is for his entire life. Watching and reading him be comfortable in his own skin and embracing who he is just makes me so happy for him and it just makes me even more passionate to push for Queer rights and to demolish the oppression this world has for queer identity in this world.
- Watson and his fucking adorable ass bow ties.
- Watson and him making music playlists for a time period in his life and just listening back to it and remembering that time period. And I'm soooooo going to copy this.
✨ And this scene right here, which I won't spoil, but I laughed for a good 10 minutes straight at
What I didn't like
- I have read cheating romances before and generally many books where characters either get cheated on or are cheating but I don't know why but the cheating aspect of his book was like a slap to my face.
Everett, our main character was cheated on from his wife after years of abstinence. His wife, Val, because she missed physical touch and intimacy with him, seeked others out.
Now, this would've been FINE if Everett didn't explain it like he DESERVED to be cheated on. He deserved to be cheated on because he didn't want to have sex with his wife, he deserved to be cheated on because he hasn't been intimate with his wife for years. He deserved to be cheated on because they had separate bedroom during marriage.
No. Nobuddy deserves to be cheated on. No matter how many times I have read cheating romance and have emphasized and felt for both parties in this horrible situation ans have understood both sides of the fault, NOBUDDY deserves to be cheated on. Not even when you opress a part of yourself against another.
Frankly, I'm pissed at the audacity Val has because they were best friends. Best friends since childhood and have been together for so long. How is so much as a conversation between what she was feeling about their abstinence DIFFICULT to actually cheating to him????? How is saying 'im lonely and I miss you' harder than actually cheating on him????
Regardless,
Everett was a highly anticipated character of the four bears of mine. He has such an interesting personality over the course of the two books I have read in this series so far and although I saw some of the ratings before starting this one, I was still excited to see what Neuhold would bring me.
And I'm not exactly sure if I'm dissapointed or just so-so about this book.
If only this book was as hot as this cover.
Also, I think this book was the least steamiest out of the three that I have read of hers so far and it was quite jarring from what I was used to.
So yes, coming forward, I honestly don't remember reading this book AT ALL as I am writing this review so the remaining miniscule information I have based on my annotations is all I can give to this inadequate review.
And for what it is worth, I hope this review reminds you to FIGHT for yourself, live your life to the fullest and no matter how scary a thought or a feeling is, no matter how scary a journey may be, I hope you never forget and never fail to being yourself up and go through the motions of it all, because although most days I can't give a fuck about life, life is short and make this life, YOUR life. A life to be proud of and an underlying comfort of safety and happiness. Make your life, YOURS, not someone else's.
“I can’t believe how long it took me to realize how this is really supposed to feel. You gave me that. You’ve given me strength and love. You’ve made me a new man, and I’ll never be able to repay you for that.
I feel like between the time I finished this book and the time I was sleeping and now, about a solid 9 hours later from finishing this book, I have completely lost ANY recollection I have of this book.
And if that isn't a bad sign, my lack or the smallest amount of annotations I have of this book is big red glaring sign.
Soooo this review is going to be somewhat different.
Things I liked:
✨ One of our hero, Watson, not the four bears, isn't some macho pancho well built enthusiast, who doesn't want to work out just because he choose not to, who is comfortable in his own skin and embraces all the parts of his body. This is such an effortless steal of great representation that you don't need abs or thick thighs or need a clean and safe diet to be sexy.
I run my hands over his chest and along his slightly rounded belly.
- Everett discovering and exploring his sexuality. I can't imagine how much he has struggled with himself with the denial and the oppression of who he is for his entire life. Watching and reading him be comfortable in his own skin and embracing who he is just makes me so happy for him and it just makes me even more passionate to push for Queer rights and to demolish the oppression this world has for queer identity in this world.
Is it silly of me to enjoy these feelings a little too much? I’ve never let myself have a crush on a man. In the past, I shut the feelings down as quickly as possible, doing everything in my power to avoid being around anyone I was interested in.
- Watson and his fucking adorable ass bow ties.
He’s wearing his typical attire— a pair of black slacks, a button up shirt, and a colorful bowtie. Tonight, he also has a pair of suspenders on that match his bowtie
- Watson and him making music playlists for a time period in his life and just listening back to it and remembering that time period. And I'm soooooo going to copy this.
“I don’t know, I felt like a teenager making a mix tape when I put it together,” I confess. “But I also love the idea of having a soundtrack for important moments in life, and this date feels like an important moment,”
✨ And this scene right here, which I won't spoil, but I laughed for a good 10 minutes straight at
“Well, that was an adventure,” I say lightly, looking away from Ev’s prone, naked body, his glorious ass still fully on display.
He gives a rusty, weak laugh, keeping his face buried in a pillow.
“This was officially the most mortifying experience of my life. But thank you for helping. I owe you one,” he says, his voice muffled by the pillow.
What I didn't like
- I have read cheating romances before and generally many books where characters either get cheated on or are cheating but I don't know why but the cheating aspect of his book was like a slap to my face.
Everett, our main character was cheated on from his wife after years of abstinence. His wife, Val, because she missed physical touch and intimacy with him, seeked others out.
Now, this would've been FINE if Everett didn't explain it like he DESERVED to be cheated on. He deserved to be cheated on because he didn't want to have sex with his wife, he deserved to be cheated on because he hasn't been intimate with his wife for years. He deserved to be cheated on because they had separate bedroom during marriage.
No. Nobuddy deserves to be cheated on. No matter how many times I have read cheating romance and have emphasized and felt for both parties in this horrible situation ans have understood both sides of the fault, NOBUDDY deserves to be cheated on. Not even when you opress a part of yourself against another.
Frankly, I'm pissed at the audacity Val has because they were best friends. Best friends since childhood and have been together for so long. How is so much as a conversation between what she was feeling about their abstinence DIFFICULT to actually cheating to him????? How is saying 'im lonely and I miss you' harder than actually cheating on him????
Regardless,
Everett was a highly anticipated character of the four bears of mine. He has such an interesting personality over the course of the two books I have read in this series so far and although I saw some of the ratings before starting this one, I was still excited to see what Neuhold would bring me.
And I'm not exactly sure if I'm dissapointed or just so-so about this book.
initial reactions
If only this book was as hot as this cover.
Also, I think this book was the least steamiest out of the three that I have read of hers so far and it was quite jarring from what I was used to.
So yes, coming forward, I honestly don't remember reading this book AT ALL as I am writing this review so the remaining miniscule information I have based on my annotations is all I can give to this inadequate review.
The bigger question is, will I have gotten up the courage to get out of the car and go inside the bar by then? Or will that mark another season gone without any forward movement in my life?
My heart lodges itself in my throat, and I reach for my seatbelt, the click of it disengaging echoes like a gunshot in the otherwise silent night. I’ve been living a lie my entire life, deluding myself along with the rest of the world, and all I have to do to set things right is to get out of the car and go inside. So why does that feel like the most impossible task in the world?
And for what it is worth, I hope this review reminds you to FIGHT for yourself, live your life to the fullest and no matter how scary a thought or a feeling is, no matter how scary a journey may be, I hope you never forget and never fail to being yourself up and go through the motions of it all, because although most days I can't give a fuck about life, life is short and make this life, YOUR life. A life to be proud of and an underlying comfort of safety and happiness. Make your life, YOURS, not someone else's.
July 11, 2020
This was my Favourite of the series so far.
Watson was so fun to read about because his personality was awesome! He paired really well with Everett who surprised me with his amiable personality(even when he was being unnecessarily slow about certain things). I'll admit I didn't much care for him from the look their two books because he wasn't as fleshed out as the other characters but this book more than made up for it.
The chemistry between them was palpable and when they finally made it to bed? Wheeeewwww🔥🔥🔥🔥
I gobbled the story all down and wished it was even longer. It was a great read!
Now K.M. Neuhold, can we FINALLY get Ollie's book? It's quite a travesty that the one with the most romantic heart hasn't found his HEA yet. My guy needs to finally get his.
Watson was so fun to read about because his personality was awesome! He paired really well with Everett who surprised me with his amiable personality(even when he was being unnecessarily slow about certain things). I'll admit I didn't much care for him from the look their two books because he wasn't as fleshed out as the other characters but this book more than made up for it.
The chemistry between them was palpable and when they finally made it to bed? Wheeeewwww🔥🔥🔥🔥
I gobbled the story all down and wished it was even longer. It was a great read!
Now K.M. Neuhold, can we FINALLY get Ollie's book? It's quite a travesty that the one with the most romantic heart hasn't found his HEA yet. My guy needs to finally get his.
Read
September 4, 2020Still pondering. Not in reviewing mood.
Read
July 5, 2020At 66% I ended up skipping to the last couple of chapters and realized all I missed was a lot more of the same thing I'd been reading. I was really disappointed with
I don't usually rate books I DNF or skip major portions of but I'd probably give this a 2 stars because it was okay but just too annoying for me.
I don't usually rate books I DNF or skip major portions of but I'd probably give this a 2 stars because it was okay but just too annoying for me.
July 7, 2020
"And I'm not going to get in trouble, although of all the reasons I could lose a job, making out with a hot dad in the janitor's closet would be my preferred way to go."
K.M. Neuhold didn't disappoint with her latest novel, Hardwood! This is the third book from the Four Bears Construction series but still can be read as a stand alone. I still recommend to read the series in chronological order to be honest. This story is light, funny, steamy and opens up an issue that we should all we be familiarized by now: coming out of the closet.
This book surprised me especially halfway into it. In my mind, I have already kinda thought of how things will turn out and those things obviously didn't happen. I realized in the end it wasn't much of a big deal because I loved how all of it turned out. Also, I love how the romance between Everett and Watson even though it has its own ups and downs. It may be conventional for some but I'll take it. The way they struggled to maintain what they have is an A+ plus for me. They respect each other's boundaries and I like that. Everett is a closeted gay man for a long 35 years so obviously dealing with his own sexuality is utterly challenging for him. The way he struggles with his sexuality and the things that he screwed up made him human. The most important thing was how he fixed it all up.
What I didn't liked (this just me being whiny):
Overall, the book was a good read. The writing was excellent. I saw myself flying through it. Excited for the next one!
K.M. Neuhold didn't disappoint with her latest novel, Hardwood! This is the third book from the Four Bears Construction series but still can be read as a stand alone. I still recommend to read the series in chronological order to be honest. This story is light, funny, steamy and opens up an issue that we should all we be familiarized by now: coming out of the closet.
This book surprised me especially halfway into it. In my mind, I have already kinda thought of how things will turn out and those things obviously didn't happen. I realized in the end it wasn't much of a big deal because I loved how all of it turned out. Also, I love how the romance between Everett and Watson even though it has its own ups and downs. It may be conventional for some but I'll take it. The way they struggled to maintain what they have is an A+ plus for me. They respect each other's boundaries and I like that. Everett is a closeted gay man for a long 35 years so obviously dealing with his own sexuality is utterly challenging for him. The way he struggles with his sexuality and the things that he screwed up made him human. The most important thing was how he fixed it all up.
What I didn't liked (this just me being whiny):
Overall, the book was a good read. The writing was excellent. I saw myself flying through it. Excited for the next one!
December 4, 2023
HARDWOOD was a really cute read about coming out and finding yourself late in life. Everett has been the quiet and contained friend of the Four Bears group and while that's partly his personality we now see that a large part of it is his hidden sexuality. Everett was an interesting hero and even though he was married to a woman for 14 years and has a 4 year old daughter with her, he's never really let himself acknowledge that he was gay. Everett had a lot of reasons for why he's kept things a secret but it's obvious that he's using them as a crutch; I don't think Everett handles change or confrontation very well.
Watson is the perfect match for Everett because he's sweet and compassionate and understanding of Everett. He never pushes him to come out, even when he's getting frustrated, and he helps Everett be himself in a way he never has before. I really enjoyed Everett but I loved Watson! He's fun and flirty and enjoys life and this helps Everett come out of his shell. Of course, Watson has some insecurities and a bad track record with dating so he's positive Everett is just looking for some fun now that he's ready to date men. Watson and Everett have a few bumps along the way but for the most part their relationship is easy and comforting.
One of my favorite parts of this series is all the humor and fun characters and I can't wait to get Ollie's story, hopefully next!
Watson is the perfect match for Everett because he's sweet and compassionate and understanding of Everett. He never pushes him to come out, even when he's getting frustrated, and he helps Everett be himself in a way he never has before. I really enjoyed Everett but I loved Watson! He's fun and flirty and enjoys life and this helps Everett come out of his shell. Of course, Watson has some insecurities and a bad track record with dating so he's positive Everett is just looking for some fun now that he's ready to date men. Watson and Everett have a few bumps along the way but for the most part their relationship is easy and comforting.
One of my favorite parts of this series is all the humor and fun characters and I can't wait to get Ollie's story, hopefully next!
July 7, 2020
Well, now that I have been postponing my review and reflecting on it, I am detracting a star. OH GOD, I know. I must have been in a very generous mood or really just plain confused when I rated it in the first place, because my notes on it are anything but 4-star worthy.
This is definitely my least favorite book in this series so far, and I'm praying to the God I don't believe in that it please stays that way. Ollie really needs his happy ending !!
What I liked about it
-I liked both Ev and Watson. Both in their forties, and acting that way. Both.were well fleshed-out characters who seemed to be pretty much perfect together (maybe too much so). But I liked them, I liked their interactions and I especially liked their relationship progression. No insta-love, just very, very strong physical attraction. They at least dated a couple of months before declaring their undying love for each other. And that's always a big plus in my book.
-Val. No jealous, bitchy ex-wife. Yes, that needs extra mentioning.
-Livi and Ev's relationship with her were adorable. Although she didn't play that big of a role, I feel like she at least had more of a personality than some other kids in romance stories.
- the hedgehog
What I didn't like
-the underwhelming humor. This book had a much more serious and much less fun tone than the others, especially book 2. Admittedly, that's on me. I had skewed expectations after the other two...but still, can't help being disappointed, can I? Sure, there were some amusing scenes (as well as a hilarious one that had me almost dying from secondhand embarrassment), but overall its humor paled in comparison to the others. I mean, it must mean something that the few other times that I really smirked were the times that Dare's goat incidence has been mentioned (which then had me remembering the hilarity of it).
-the very dramatic and annoying "break" where Watson acted like a class A drama queen, like their relationship was already over, even though he didn't even deem it necessary to give Ev the opportunity to speak for himself. Tsk. Luckily, that moment didn't last long.
-I absolutely abhorred the cringey big, gesture. The fact that Watson would even appreciate this particular kind of cringefest was only mentioned 1-2 chapters prior to it actually happening. It really came out of nowhere, and felt very forced.
Considering the negatives, and how strongly I felt about them, I was even considering detracting two stars, but because I still did enjoy the majority of this story, I'm sticking to 3.
I would recommend it if you don't mind cringey grand gestures and if you don't go in expecting it to be like the other two books. Everything considered it is a sweet story with sweet characters, so worth a try.
This is definitely my least favorite book in this series so far, and I'm praying to the God I don't believe in that it please stays that way. Ollie really needs his happy ending !!
What I liked about it
-I liked both Ev and Watson. Both in their forties, and acting that way. Both.were well fleshed-out characters who seemed to be pretty much perfect together (maybe too much so). But I liked them, I liked their interactions and I especially liked their relationship progression. No insta-love, just very, very strong physical attraction. They at least dated a couple of months before declaring their undying love for each other. And that's always a big plus in my book.
-Val. No jealous, bitchy ex-wife. Yes, that needs extra mentioning.
-Livi and Ev's relationship with her were adorable. Although she didn't play that big of a role, I feel like she at least had more of a personality than some other kids in romance stories.
- the hedgehog
What I didn't like
-the underwhelming humor. This book had a much more serious and much less fun tone than the others, especially book 2. Admittedly, that's on me. I had skewed expectations after the other two...but still, can't help being disappointed, can I? Sure, there were some amusing scenes (as well as a hilarious one that had me almost dying from secondhand embarrassment), but overall its humor paled in comparison to the others. I mean, it must mean something that the few other times that I really smirked were the times that Dare's goat incidence has been mentioned (which then had me remembering the hilarity of it).
-the very dramatic and annoying "break" where Watson acted like a class A drama queen, like their relationship was already over, even though he didn't even deem it necessary to give Ev the opportunity to speak for himself. Tsk. Luckily, that moment didn't last long.
-I absolutely abhorred the cringey big, gesture. The fact that Watson would even appreciate this particular kind of cringefest was only mentioned 1-2 chapters prior to it actually happening. It really came out of nowhere, and felt very forced.
Considering the negatives, and how strongly I felt about them, I was even considering detracting two stars, but because I still did enjoy the majority of this story, I'm sticking to 3.
I would recommend it if you don't mind cringey grand gestures and if you don't go in expecting it to be like the other two books. Everything considered it is a sweet story with sweet characters, so worth a try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2021
Hated it.
Wow, I don't know if I have the words convey how much I hated this book. 'Hardwood' is absolutely not on par with the first two books in this series, which were great btw. I mean not even within cooee of them.
I would absolutely recommend skipping this book in the series. It honestly wasn't worth the read for me, and really made me disappointed over the hours of my life I lost to this. The plot is simply stupid, and the resolution of that stupidity takes way, way, way too long. Like more than 90% before the misunderstandings, miscommunication, and outright bullshit finally end.
This was an exhausting story to read and it makes me very wary to get into Ollie's story, which is really disappointing because I've been looking forward to seeing Ollie get his HEA since the first book. I really hope the author doesn't let me down with Ollie's story as much as they let me down with Everett's.
Not recommended.
Wow, I don't know if I have the words convey how much I hated this book. 'Hardwood' is absolutely not on par with the first two books in this series, which were great btw. I mean not even within cooee of them.
I would absolutely recommend skipping this book in the series. It honestly wasn't worth the read for me, and really made me disappointed over the hours of my life I lost to this. The plot is simply stupid, and the resolution of that stupidity takes way, way, way too long. Like more than 90% before the misunderstandings, miscommunication, and outright bullshit finally end.
This was an exhausting story to read and it makes me very wary to get into Ollie's story, which is really disappointing because I've been looking forward to seeing Ollie get his HEA since the first book. I really hope the author doesn't let me down with Ollie's story as much as they let me down with Everett's.
Not recommended.
July 4, 2020
I think this was my favourite of the series so far. It was less HAHA and more emotional. I felt for Ev who had lived all his life in a lie and couldn’t get out of it. And Val who has spent 20 years in love with a gay guy. And I felt so much for Watson who was falling for the closet case and kept telling himself it would be over soon and his heart would be trashed.
It was funny, sweet, sad, sexy. I like that this series features guys in their 40s falling for other guys in their 40s. Not everyone finds love in their 20s, but it seems in MM usually the older guys are always falling for a young guy. Which I love, duh, but this is different and nice.
I feel like we were left hanging about the school though. What happened when they found out? Was there consequences for Watson?
It was funny, sweet, sad, sexy. I like that this series features guys in their 40s falling for other guys in their 40s. Not everyone finds love in their 20s, but it seems in MM usually the older guys are always falling for a young guy. Which I love, duh, but this is different and nice.
I feel like we were left hanging about the school though. What happened when they found out? Was there consequences for Watson?
July 13, 2020
Just finished this book.
I'll keep it short & sweet: read it.
Kidding, a little more.
It was sweet, sexy, and fun. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I loved everything about this story.
-The writing style
-The characters. From their ages, personalities, body types- it was refreshing.
-The care the author took in developing their relationship.
-The epilogue- it choked me up and brought tears to my eyes.
All of it worked.
5 Stars!
July 11, 2020
Four Bears Construction co-owner, Everett, 44,
a hairy, muscled bear of a man,
loves his work and his daughter Olivia/Livi. He's long divorced from Val and finally ready to explore his "gay" feelings.
He sits outside the gay bar, but can't work up the nerve to go in. He's been out with his gay friends, but this is different, until he sees a man he's drawn to.
Watson, 42, a tall, bow-tie wearing handsome man
is a music teacher at Livi's school, and that's when Everett's attention is full on Watson.
They begin to talk and see each other as friends, and talk, eat, and laugh. We watch the slow burn, as Everett fumbles his strength, by not coming out to his friends, and Val.
Meanwhile our two guys get hotter and more sizzling with every sexy time, which are firsts for Ev.
Watson already likes Livi, and he's been considering fostering, because he remembers his wonderful foster home he grew up in. His side concern is Everett getting out of the closet.
We see lots of fun, deep thoughts, discussions, and the sassy banter, too. Watson took Everett to his families Thanksgiving. And, what happens when Ev "loses" his vibrator?... humiliating much?
Watson's hedgehog...
Everett was too hesitant for my liking, because he's frightened to come out, which I know is scary. Watson is awesome and understanding to a fault, but he deserved more, and sooner, but it was worth the wait. Everyone does things in their own time.
So FINALLY Everett comes out, and we get to see the weight lifted, and the true happiness begin. Everett gives a big display for Watson's heart.
The epilogue is five years later, fantastic !
ENJOY !
=======
a hairy, muscled bear of a man,
loves his work and his daughter Olivia/Livi. He's long divorced from Val and finally ready to explore his "gay" feelings.
He sits outside the gay bar, but can't work up the nerve to go in. He's been out with his gay friends, but this is different, until he sees a man he's drawn to.
Watson, 42, a tall, bow-tie wearing handsome man
is a music teacher at Livi's school, and that's when Everett's attention is full on Watson.
They begin to talk and see each other as friends, and talk, eat, and laugh. We watch the slow burn, as Everett fumbles his strength, by not coming out to his friends, and Val.
Meanwhile our two guys get hotter and more sizzling with every sexy time, which are firsts for Ev.
Watson already likes Livi, and he's been considering fostering, because he remembers his wonderful foster home he grew up in. His side concern is Everett getting out of the closet.
We see lots of fun, deep thoughts, discussions, and the sassy banter, too. Watson took Everett to his families Thanksgiving. And, what happens when Ev "loses" his vibrator?... humiliating much?
Watson's hedgehog...
Everett was too hesitant for my liking, because he's frightened to come out, which I know is scary. Watson is awesome and understanding to a fault, but he deserved more, and sooner, but it was worth the wait. Everyone does things in their own time.
So FINALLY Everett comes out, and we get to see the weight lifted, and the true happiness begin. Everett gives a big display for Watson's heart.
The epilogue is five years later, fantastic !
ENJOY !
=======
October 14, 2020
This is number 3 in the series and it's just as great as the other two.
Everett has been in the closet for a long time and even if his friends are gay and would support him, he just hasn't worked up the nerves to tell his ex wife who he has a daughter with.
And then he meets Watson - flirty, friendly and outgoing and someone who ticks all of Evs boxes. I totally understand Ev since I'm also have a bit of a crush on Wats, he's just lovely.
I really enjoyed their journey and can't wait to see Ollie finally find someone who's not a douche.
Everett has been in the closet for a long time and even if his friends are gay and would support him, he just hasn't worked up the nerves to tell his ex wife who he has a daughter with.
And then he meets Watson - flirty, friendly and outgoing and someone who ticks all of Evs boxes. I totally understand Ev since I'm also have a bit of a crush on Wats, he's just lovely.
I really enjoyed their journey and can't wait to see Ollie finally find someone who's not a douche.
June 30, 2020
I love this series! This is the third book and can be read as standalone.
Gahhhh! Ev is so perfect!! And Ev and Watson (love the name 'cause I'm a huge Sherlock nerd) are adorable together. I just wanted to hug Ev everytime he was struggling to come out to his family. And it hurt everytime Watson tried to set himself up for heartbreak. Hardwood made me laugh and scream and overall so damn happy!!
That vibrator scene is hilarious! I almost died of second hand embarrassment!😂😂
I love Ev's relationship with his daughter and his ex wife. And of course the rest of the Four Bears crew. Stone never fails make laugh. And I really, really want Ollie's book. That man deserves so much love!!!
*ARC provided by the author via Vibrant Promotions in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Gahhhh! Ev is so perfect!! And Ev and Watson (love the name 'cause I'm a huge Sherlock nerd) are adorable together. I just wanted to hug Ev everytime he was struggling to come out to his family. And it hurt everytime Watson tried to set himself up for heartbreak. Hardwood made me laugh and scream and overall so damn happy!!
That vibrator scene is hilarious! I almost died of second hand embarrassment!😂😂
I love Ev's relationship with his daughter and his ex wife. And of course the rest of the Four Bears crew. Stone never fails make laugh. And I really, really want Ollie's book. That man deserves so much love!!!
*ARC provided by the author via Vibrant Promotions in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Want to read
June 23, 2020yay im excited for this one! but of course poor ollie is really going to have to wait for his true love :3
July 2, 2020
It was okay, but I do wish that they would communicate about their feelings - not only with each other, but also Everett with his friends and family.
I'm just going to try to forget about the stuck vibrator scene, because that was just too ridiculous...
I'm just going to try to forget about the stuck vibrator scene, because that was just too ridiculous...
July 3, 2020
Torn on rating this. I really loved Watson; he's confident, funny, flirty and sweet. I picked the book looking for something light and cheering so it delivered. But there were niggles.
There's a lot of will he wont he, actually send that damn text and come out. A lot of broadcasting there. I felt for Everett's struggle but I think more relationship building and less awkward interruptions would have been better. Also young children are not that oblivious; I've had a four year old inform me I'm wearing the same jumper that I was a week ago when she saw me last and that now it has a mark on it. I'd washed it in the interim, I swear! Everyone is very supportive, there's no questioning only a little ribbing. It's nice, I was expecting some more commentary from his friends. The ex-wife is refreshingly lovely.
I skim read the sex scenes more interested in the conversations, banter and wait for him to actually speak up. There's some supreme sillyness along the way and it all ends with bright shiny love.
For a light read between other books it was fun, not sure I'll read the others though.
....we never do find out if Livi gets her Guinea Pig.
There's a lot of will he wont he, actually send that damn text and come out. A lot of broadcasting there. I felt for Everett's struggle but I think more relationship building and less awkward interruptions would have been better. Also young children are not that oblivious; I've had a four year old inform me I'm wearing the same jumper that I was a week ago when she saw me last and that now it has a mark on it. I'd washed it in the interim, I swear! Everyone is very supportive, there's no questioning only a little ribbing. It's nice, I was expecting some more commentary from his friends. The ex-wife is refreshingly lovely.
I skim read the sex scenes more interested in the conversations, banter and wait for him to actually speak up. There's some supreme sillyness along the way and it all ends with bright shiny love.
For a light read between other books it was fun, not sure I'll read the others though.
....we never do find out if Livi gets her Guinea Pig.
August 22, 2024
I was annoyed and disappointed in Ev for not telling his truth sooner. It took him forever to be honest with his friends and ex. I liked the characters but the story dragged, it felt so long and boring.
I didn’t like this book but I still recommend the series
I didn’t like this book but I still recommend the series
May 14, 2021
This series is cute and charming. This one was no different. I want Ollie’s HEA now.
March 13, 2025
I'm really enjoying this series.
I'll be honest, I didn't like this one quite as much as I liked book 2, but it was still good, and I've been super excited for book 4, Ollie's story, so straight on to that one now.
I'll be honest, I didn't like this one quite as much as I liked book 2, but it was still good, and I've been super excited for book 4, Ollie's story, so straight on to that one now.
July 1, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Hardwood is the third book in K.M. Neuhold’s great Four Bears Construction series. It features four close friends and business partners, and each story focuses on one of the men. This one stands alone just fine, though the other bears do appear here and we have met Everett in earlier books. He was an intriguing character as the only (presumably) straight one of the group, but we knew there was more to his story and we get that here. This is a fun and sexy coming out story pitting an adorable flirt in Watson, with a hunky construction worker who is exploring his sexuality for the first time in Everett.
I enjoyed the set up here, as Everett is still incredibly close with his ex, Val, and the two of them are co-parenting their 8-year-old daughter, Livi, well together. I appreciated that Val is neither the evil ex, nor the cutesy gal pal, but instead a solid friend and partner for Everett. Livi is cute, without overwhelming the story. I am not always a fan of kids in romance, but I found there is enough of her here to really showcase Everett’s bond with his daughter, as well as Watson’s way with kids, without distracting from the main romance.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Hardwood is the third book in K.M. Neuhold’s great Four Bears Construction series. It features four close friends and business partners, and each story focuses on one of the men. This one stands alone just fine, though the other bears do appear here and we have met Everett in earlier books. He was an intriguing character as the only (presumably) straight one of the group, but we knew there was more to his story and we get that here. This is a fun and sexy coming out story pitting an adorable flirt in Watson, with a hunky construction worker who is exploring his sexuality for the first time in Everett.
I enjoyed the set up here, as Everett is still incredibly close with his ex, Val, and the two of them are co-parenting their 8-year-old daughter, Livi, well together. I appreciated that Val is neither the evil ex, nor the cutesy gal pal, but instead a solid friend and partner for Everett. Livi is cute, without overwhelming the story. I am not always a fan of kids in romance, but I found there is enough of her here to really showcase Everett’s bond with his daughter, as well as Watson’s way with kids, without distracting from the main romance.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
February 3, 2022
A bit more angst than the others which makes sense since our Lead Isnt out. Still a very cute story
July 2, 2020
Another fun and sexy installment in this series! Not sure what it is, because I've not had the best luck with this author's books outside of this series, but so far all of these have been hits for me!
I did feel like the misunderstanding thing was a little overblown--Watson kept acting like it was a confirmed fact that Everett didn't want to be with him etc. despite never actually having a conversation about it, and something about that whole climactic break didn't sit quite right with me. And, being me, I found the OTT public declaration to be unreadable in its cringeworthiness, but otherwise, I quite liked this one.
I did feel like the misunderstanding thing was a little overblown--Watson kept acting like it was a confirmed fact that Everett didn't want to be with him etc. despite never actually having a conversation about it, and something about that whole climactic break didn't sit quite right with me. And, being me, I found the OTT public declaration to be unreadable in its cringeworthiness, but otherwise, I quite liked this one.
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