My Favorite Shade

by Rebekah Dodson

Erik Green symbolizes so much in our lives. Go. Envy. Money. Nature. Luck. Enter me, Erik, and ironically, I only represent one shade of green. Go. Run to the store? Yes. Stay late? Yes. Walk the neighbor’s dog? Uh, okay. It didn’t matter who asked from my mother to my boss. Everything is a green light. I wish my life is more than this daily retail rerun and TV dinner repeat, but that’s my life and it blows. Until I meet her. Kris Shade. She’s amazing. Sexy, geeky, perfect. Is this a dream? Kris Alpha Males? Over them. Cheaters? Never again. I thought I had it all when I found out my husband was cheating on me. And with his secretary, nonetheless. Running into Erik when my world was going to crap was the best thing that had happened to me in months. A shoulder to cry on, an ear to vent to, and someone to hang out when I don’t want to go “clubbing” with my friends. A bowl of D20’s, a stack of character sheets, and zero pressure to be someone I’m not? Erik is everything I needed and never knew I wanted in life.

Genres: Contemporary, Friends To Lovers

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2020

About the author

Rebekah Dodson is a prolific word weaver of romance, fantasy, and science fiction novels. Her works include the series Postcards from Paris, The Surrogate, The Curse of Lanval series, several stand alone novels, and her upcoming YA novel, Clock City. She has been writing her whole life, with her first published work of historical fiction with 4H Clubs of America at the age of 12, and poetry at the age of 16 with the National Poetry Society. With an extensive academic background including education, history, psychology and English, she currently works as a college professor by day and a writer by night.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/19/2020)! 🎁

[Arti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some stories are not just about falling in love and living happily ever after, they are about supporting each other, about understanding each other and about being there for one another. This story belongs to this category.
The characters are realistic and flawed and so are the secondary characters, be it their friends or even their parents. I loved the relationship that Kris shares with Sam and Garrett. I loved the comfort level between Kris and Erik.
Written in a simple language, this book is a nice read which tells us that there is a lot to love than just romance.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things I liked about this book:
-Erik’s growth arc
-Geek love! Both the main characters are unapologetic geeks
-Sweet HEA
-The scene where they play D&D- hilarious!
Things I didn’t like about this book:
-Erik’s habit of taking off when he’s upset
-slow pace
-Kris’ bossiness at the beginning (which later turns into support)
Cute book, but I really had trouble with the slow pace.

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance and an enjoyable read. This book has unique, likable characters with a strong connection and intense chemistry. This book has drama, twists, turns, and a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vida Sik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshingly different romantic hero
Well, I simply had to read this story from start to finish in one sitting. That’s the biggest compliment I can offer the writer. Her story offers a refreshingly different hero. Who says nice/geeky guys always finish last?

When we first meet Erik, he doesn’t come across as a romantic hero you can fall in love with. But, his transformation over the course of the story is compelling, and you cannot help root for him to overcome his hangups. It’s a pity that what makes him unique is something that’s often frowned upon by most. What a strange world we live in.

Kris is a no-nonsense or excuses kind of girl who has a soft heart able to see Erik’s heart of gold. And you can’t help but applaud as they overcome the obstacles to their HEA.

The lifestyle of some members of the supporting cast of friends may upset conservative readers. But they fit right in with the overall theme of the story, which is not to be judgemental.

Overall, this is a quick, fun read.

[Katie Belton · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This is my first review despite reading hundreds of books....284 in the last year at latest check, so apologies if it's a bit rough!*

I received a free ARC copy of this book and leaving my honest voluntary review.

Rating: 4.5* - didn't quite have the level of intense emotional engagement I normally get from 5* but I loved how genuine it felt so couldn't justify only a 4*, will likely read again sometime now it's released for KU.
[a 3* rating means it was alright, nice enough but nothing special; 4* is for good books I really enjoyed and stood out a bit more, would reread; 5* is reserved for books that are un-put-down-able and particularly emotive for me and I absolutely loved, can wax lyrical about and probably already read more than once]

Having read lots of romance recently in lockdown (blame the KU recommendations) this was a breath of fresh air from the standard fare I found. It was closer to a gentle snapshot of the lives of Erik and Kris and covered more of their relationship challenges and growth over a longer period of time than typical. It was honest and genuine and down-to-earth, maybe that' to do with my personality etc, but I found I related more to it than I usually would.
Both Kris and Erik are nerdy in their own ways from video gaming, cosplaying and tabletop RPGing (d&d) which I loved seeing as that's a massive part of my life and I loved how it was just there as part of their everyday - if you understand or are involved in these worlds you'll pick up more but I don't think it was done in a way to exclude someone that had no idea (though it is my world so I stand corrected if not).The cover is cute but I wouldn't have expected this sort of story from it but that certainly wasn't a bad thing!
Erik is certainly not an 'alpha' male, he's real life boyfriend material and more like the majority of my male friends than any standard romance book guy (and the guy I have a crush on!). He is anxious about talking to girls, is nerdy, but he cares deeply and supports those he does care about. The way he was described and came across to me was as cute but normal cute not unobtainable cute, and the same was true of Kris - there are hints to them both being average attractive, not model slim/fit and I liked that and what really helped the story feel so genuine to me.
I got partway through thinking I was near the end of when I would typically expect a romance story to finish and realised there was still so much more to go and that developed and grew the depth of their relationship further. It was pretty humbling to see some of the highs and lows they faced that are pretty ordinary for couples to face.

I would recommended it to someone wanting a more real romance book (with nerdy hints), it wasn't as intense as many but that made for very pleasant, gentle and thoughtful reading. If you straddle nerd cultures yourself then it may be more emotive for you as it really portrays aspects of that, like Erik's initial very lonely lifestyle because of his anxious and awkward nature.

[ShariLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Ms. Dodson and it will not be my last. I would have finished the book in one sitting, but sleep disagreed. It drew me in quickly and kept my attention.

Erik and Kris make a fabulous couple, proving opposites can attract. The characters were fully developed; watching them grow as individuals and as a couple, really kept the story flowing. The secondary characters were all very likeable, unique and quirky as well.

I particularly enjoyed that Erik was not an alpha male. I rooted for him during everything throughout the book. He proves that it is possible, that the quiet, nerdy guy could turn out to be the best thing in your life. This is a couple that almost...wasn’t. Their relationship is full of hot chemistry, with a very slow, sometimes frustrating, burn, all leading to their HEA.

I definitely recommend reading this book as you will not regret it.

I gratefully received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via StoryOrigin.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and characters. It is a sweet romance between Kris and Erik. These very different characters are likeable, the connection strong, the chemistry hot, and the unique plot makes for an enjoyable read. It is a love story with enough drama, frustrating moments, sweetness, some twists and sizzling chemistry. Overall, it is an easy read with engaging secondary characters and a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is a journey of self discovery and growth

My Favorite Shade is the story of Kris and Erik. They meet and become friends who then grow into a couple, as they both grow and change individually. The story is well written, very engaging and keeps you intrigued, the characters are fantastic and one's that you would want to be friends with IRL. Kris and Erik are somewhat opposites in many ways but as the story progresses the both change in ways that makes them work in many ways. The journey they take to their perfect HEA is one that will keep you reading to the end.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Rebekah Dodson; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robin Blanksguster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining book about a dropout, Erik, from a wealthy family whose Mother put pressure on him growing up. He meets Kris, a high school teach getting a divorce, and they hit off. Kris is his muse and lover and tries to help him grow and find his potential. It had some poignant and Aha moments in it and had you rooting for Erik. I liked the story a lot.

Red Robin

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I typically read darker romance but was pleasantly surprised when I enjoyed this book after a fellow reader recommended it to me and sent me a link to receive a review copy. I loved this book actually, I enjoyed a different kind of H for once...and I’m pretty sure I’ll back to read for by Dodson in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor: Get. This. Book.
It is worth every penny.

This story is really well written, has characters that are created with tantalizing depth and a captivating story line.

It grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and turning page after page throughout the whole book!
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's cute, fun and an entertaining story that's a joy to read. The story line flows smoothly and captivates you from start to finish. The characters are great, well rounded and definitely likable and have chemistry they can't deny. Would recommend for your end of summer reading list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a new adventure into reading from this author for me. It was a nice story but I often found that I skipped pages to get to the good parts. It good be that I was just used to her previous style of writing.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet romance is a fun, entertaining read with likable characters and a story that flowed smoothly. I like the way the author brought Kris and Erik together and how they didn't rush their relationship. My Favorite Shade has it all drama, angst, romance unexpected twists sweetness and a great HEA.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.
The characters were great, the plot was strong and well written.
The connection and chemistry between Erik and Kris was strong, sexy and sweet, their courtship slow and steady. They were great together.
You will really enjoy reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Patty Mele · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I received this book I was able to read it from the very beginning to the very end and I thought the charcter built up was so well done it and made the story feel so good in my opinion. The storyline was already a good book to read in my opinon. I got this book for free thru an Advanced Review Copy, ARC, with an honest review freely given.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute story and just when you think you know what's going on, more is added into the story. Erik and Kris make a great couple and I loved joining them on their relationship journey! From bubble wrap to new beginnings it was a fantastic read. My absolute favorite was the back of the truck scene. It was so totally perfect and just made me giggle in frustration.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author.
I absolutely loved the first person point of view of the story. This is always a huge deal breaker for me.
This was a really good and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
I received a copy of this book through StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest voluntary review.

[Geraldine Streit · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a great story. The characters are unexpected.and surprising . It feel like it’s the type of story who can happen to anybody and it make you feel optimistic

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helena Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a little tired of alpha males you are going to love this story. Erik is everything a man should be with out being a doormat or an alpha as****e.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself engaged from the start with the well written and developed storyline. The characters are engaging and kept me entertained throughout the pages with how well they connected.

I received a copy and am voluntary leaving my honest review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is sweet story with great storyline and very likeable and realistic characters.
From friends to lovers with some drama on the road to.
Secondary characters are as good ,very supportive family and friends.
Very entertaining and fun to read.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story that I didn’t put down once I started reading. I liked the characters, the story and the way the story ended. Enjoyable read.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Eric & Kris's book. Good characters. It was an entertaining read. I received a free arc of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this story! The characters have a great chemistry and try to get over some struggles.

It was a sweet and well written book. A real recommendation.

[melissa smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super spicy read. Really enjoyed reading as this book kept you turning the pages.

[Samantha]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. I really enjoyed this book. I thought the characters were great. Erik and Kris have a great chemistry between them. The storyline is well written with only a few hurdles. Kris and Erik seem to get past their own issues. They find a well deserved happy ending together

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.