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Real Men Knit #2
Knot Again
Sometimes local fireman Lucas Strong feels like he can only find any peace and quiet at the local laundromat, where every day is rinse and repeat — until a fateful run-in with his high school crush.
Hoping to attract more customers to his family’s knitting shop, Lucas Strong participated in an FDNY charity calendar and accidentally became a local celebrity. The only place he can find solace is Scrubs—a 24/7 laundromat where he can disappear for a couple of hours. But Lucas’s soapy sanctuary is shaken by an inquisitive little girl with a late-night interest in knitting whose mother is his old school crush.
Sidney Harris-Hughes knows that Harlem is like any other small town, and everyone is probably whispering about how she left such a good man—and a good life—behind to wash and fold laundry by the pound. If only they knew the truth. But Sidney will always put her daughter’s happiness first, even if that means moving back to Harlem and facing her past.
What Sidney never expected was to see Lucas Strong again. A long-forgotten attraction kicks into high gear as Lucas and Sidney start to spend time together at the laundromat, and they must decide if this is true love or just an infatuation, thin and as fragile as a soap bubble.
Hoping to attract more customers to his family’s knitting shop, Lucas Strong participated in an FDNY charity calendar and accidentally became a local celebrity. The only place he can find solace is Scrubs—a 24/7 laundromat where he can disappear for a couple of hours. But Lucas’s soapy sanctuary is shaken by an inquisitive little girl with a late-night interest in knitting whose mother is his old school crush.
Sidney Harris-Hughes knows that Harlem is like any other small town, and everyone is probably whispering about how she left such a good man—and a good life—behind to wash and fold laundry by the pound. If only they knew the truth. But Sidney will always put her daughter’s happiness first, even if that means moving back to Harlem and facing her past.
What Sidney never expected was to see Lucas Strong again. A long-forgotten attraction kicks into high gear as Lucas and Sidney start to spend time together at the laundromat, and they must decide if this is true love or just an infatuation, thin and as fragile as a soap bubble.
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2022
113 people are currently reading
8248 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
August 14, 2022
I struggled a LOT with Knot Again, which is a shame because I really wanted to love it (and yes, wishing doesn't make something a reality but I had high hopes).
I didn't realize when I picked this book up that it's the second in the series, and I'd like to think that explains some of my confusion with this story. Second chance romances can be hard for me because the MCs have a lot of backstory that readers have to catch up on, but I don't think that was even covered in the first book (I'm guessing??) because there were different MCs. Regardless, I was very confused for the first half of this story. Why was there so much drama between these two MCs? Why did they hate/like each other so hard? I felt like their tension wasn't explained well at first, and the way the book was edited, it felt like the story was jumping around too much that I didn't really know what was going on.
I think this book needed to work WAY more on establishing chemistry between the two MCs. Yes, I know there is a backstory there, but readers need to FEEL it in real time. I didn't get the attraction between these two, and I wanted more from both of them.
My main issues were too many flashbacks/thinking about old times, poor communication, and odd editing. I had to force myself to keep reading, and even the New York setting, nice side characters, a FIREMAN MC, and a good premise couldn't win me over.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I didn't realize when I picked this book up that it's the second in the series, and I'd like to think that explains some of my confusion with this story. Second chance romances can be hard for me because the MCs have a lot of backstory that readers have to catch up on, but I don't think that was even covered in the first book (I'm guessing??) because there were different MCs. Regardless, I was very confused for the first half of this story. Why was there so much drama between these two MCs? Why did they hate/like each other so hard? I felt like their tension wasn't explained well at first, and the way the book was edited, it felt like the story was jumping around too much that I didn't really know what was going on.
I think this book needed to work WAY more on establishing chemistry between the two MCs. Yes, I know there is a backstory there, but readers need to FEEL it in real time. I didn't get the attraction between these two, and I wanted more from both of them.
My main issues were too many flashbacks/thinking about old times, poor communication, and odd editing. I had to force myself to keep reading, and even the New York setting, nice side characters, a FIREMAN MC, and a good premise couldn't win me over.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
June 23, 2022
I was a fan of Real Man Knit and had the joy of talking to Kwana during a book club chat and loved her. So, I was very excited to see another Strong Brother book.
The writing is fun (except for the casual use of AF which does bother me…), the characters were lovely and had depth as they dealt with their insecurities and past.
But in the end, this one did not work for me at all. It seems like it might be an issue of mis-editing. Some paragraphs just didn’t make sense in the flow of the narrative or jumped around so much, I never truly understood the romance and why they were attracted to each other AND why they were so scared to be together was never really fleshed out. It almost felt like a three way miscommunication trope between the reader, Sydney, and Lucas because no one was following what was going on. Even the pacing where our MCs had a brief, awkward conversation and nothing else until 50% then go straight to sex (then straight back to ignoring) but have been pining the whole book. I just don’t get it!
Honestly such a shame because I can see the bones of it there but, again, I think it needed a different direction in editing to make it more cohesive and coherent.
The writing is fun (except for the casual use of AF which does bother me…), the characters were lovely and had depth as they dealt with their insecurities and past.
But in the end, this one did not work for me at all. It seems like it might be an issue of mis-editing. Some paragraphs just didn’t make sense in the flow of the narrative or jumped around so much, I never truly understood the romance and why they were attracted to each other AND why they were so scared to be together was never really fleshed out. It almost felt like a three way miscommunication trope between the reader, Sydney, and Lucas because no one was following what was going on. Even the pacing where our MCs had a brief, awkward conversation and nothing else until 50% then go straight to sex (then straight back to ignoring) but have been pining the whole book. I just don’t get it!
Honestly such a shame because I can see the bones of it there but, again, I think it needed a different direction in editing to make it more cohesive and coherent.
July 29, 2022
Knot Again is the second book in the Real Men Knit series and it is a second chance at romance story. Sydney and Lucas were high school friends and they had a small crush on one another. He thought he wasn’t good enough for her and didn’t declare his feelings when she left for college and never returned home again. Now she has returned to Harlem as a newly divorced single mother and needs to find a way to make it on her own. She’s also back to also help her ailing grandfather and his laundromat business. When she sees Lucas again she’s aware that there is that strong attraction is still there and wonders what if or did they miss their chance at love. After the success of the first book Real Men Knit, I was looking forward to reading more about the Strong Brothers and the knit shop.
The characters and the storyline had the potential but somehow missed their mark on the development of the romance and their connection. The story spent too much time reminiscing of the past on both characters part and with each encounter they were in I wondered if they were going to do it or weren’t they. I can understand Sydney hesitating to jump back into a relationship because she needed to get her life on track again and stand up on her own. It was nice being a trophy wife but it doesn’t pay the bills and there had to be more than working in her grandfather’s laundromat. Lucas was dealing with the notoriety of being in the FDNY calendar and his misplaced guilt over the death of both his mothers. A couple of things that played in their favor is that family and friends all wanted Sydney and Lucas to have a second chance at the ‘one that got away.’
I love the small town feeling that the Harlem community has when everyone knows your business and the banter between the brothers was genuine and loving. The small town feel she creates along with the realness of the situation made this an okay story but I wish it had given me the feels like the first book. Knot again might have missed the mark but I’m invested in reading more in the series to see the other two brothers get their stories.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
The characters and the storyline had the potential but somehow missed their mark on the development of the romance and their connection. The story spent too much time reminiscing of the past on both characters part and with each encounter they were in I wondered if they were going to do it or weren’t they. I can understand Sydney hesitating to jump back into a relationship because she needed to get her life on track again and stand up on her own. It was nice being a trophy wife but it doesn’t pay the bills and there had to be more than working in her grandfather’s laundromat. Lucas was dealing with the notoriety of being in the FDNY calendar and his misplaced guilt over the death of both his mothers. A couple of things that played in their favor is that family and friends all wanted Sydney and Lucas to have a second chance at the ‘one that got away.’
I love the small town feeling that the Harlem community has when everyone knows your business and the banter between the brothers was genuine and loving. The small town feel she creates along with the realness of the situation made this an okay story but I wish it had given me the feels like the first book. Knot again might have missed the mark but I’m invested in reading more in the series to see the other two brothers get their stories.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
November 9, 2022
Thank you Berkley Romance for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for review consideration.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
TW: infidelity, divorce, mentions of death, loss of a loved one
This was my first read by author Kwana Jackson, however Knot Again is the second book in the Real Men Knit series . These books are a series of interconnected standalones and I’m anticipating we will have four books as there are four brothers. To be clear this is not a Black romance, as it features a Black American female lead, Sydney Harris, and a Korean American love interest, Lucas Strong.
I was rooting for this book from the start, because I love to see Black women happy and in love. However, overall I was a bit disappointed by this one and continuously felt myself wanting more. The majority of Sydney and Lucas’ relationship dynamic was rooted in the past, which was necessary to an extent to provide context into the feelings that shared and hid in high school. However, there was not enough current development. It’s great that they had crushes on each other as teenagers, but now they’re in their thirties I need more than flashbacks to show how and why they are attracted to and like each other. The romance felt shallow and underdeveloped, which hurt this story as it is a romance novel.
Also, yes, we did get to explore Lucas and his career as a firefighter, but outside of his relationship with his brothers I never really connected to his character. I feel like I would've enjoyed his story separately from the romance, but I did not like him as the love interest which tainted my view of him as a character.
Recently, I’ve been reading more stories where there are kids involved and I did enjoy the mother-daughter relationship between Sydney and her daughter and how that was a parallel to her relationship with her own mother. It was also nice to see a woman reflect on her previous relationship, how she morphed and changed herself into someone she didn’t recognize and accepted a semblance of “love” or “affection” when it was truly veiled manipulation and narcissism. This book had good dynamics, presenting relationships between parents and their children (both kids and adults), brothers, best friends, and our relationships with our communities. I respected that, I enjoyed that, but I wasn’t reading this book for that I was reading this for the romance, so while other areas were stronger I am going to stick with a three star rating for this one.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
TW: infidelity, divorce, mentions of death, loss of a loved one
This was my first read by author Kwana Jackson, however Knot Again is the second book in the Real Men Knit series . These books are a series of interconnected standalones and I’m anticipating we will have four books as there are four brothers. To be clear this is not a Black romance, as it features a Black American female lead, Sydney Harris, and a Korean American love interest, Lucas Strong.
I was rooting for this book from the start, because I love to see Black women happy and in love. However, overall I was a bit disappointed by this one and continuously felt myself wanting more. The majority of Sydney and Lucas’ relationship dynamic was rooted in the past, which was necessary to an extent to provide context into the feelings that shared and hid in high school. However, there was not enough current development. It’s great that they had crushes on each other as teenagers, but now they’re in their thirties I need more than flashbacks to show how and why they are attracted to and like each other. The romance felt shallow and underdeveloped, which hurt this story as it is a romance novel.
Also, yes, we did get to explore Lucas and his career as a firefighter, but outside of his relationship with his brothers I never really connected to his character. I feel like I would've enjoyed his story separately from the romance, but I did not like him as the love interest which tainted my view of him as a character.
Recently, I’ve been reading more stories where there are kids involved and I did enjoy the mother-daughter relationship between Sydney and her daughter and how that was a parallel to her relationship with her own mother. It was also nice to see a woman reflect on her previous relationship, how she morphed and changed herself into someone she didn’t recognize and accepted a semblance of “love” or “affection” when it was truly veiled manipulation and narcissism. This book had good dynamics, presenting relationships between parents and their children (both kids and adults), brothers, best friends, and our relationships with our communities. I respected that, I enjoyed that, but I wasn’t reading this book for that I was reading this for the romance, so while other areas were stronger I am going to stick with a three star rating for this one.
March 3, 2023
This book was like 80% inner monologue and going back and forth "should I do this?" "no I shouldn't" "but I will!" "but I can't" and I just wanted a nice knitting romance.
August 2, 2022
Who can resist a cinnamon roll firefighter hero trying to save the family knitting shop while also teaching a little girl to knit??? Not me, that’s who!!
The second book in the Real men knit series is a dual POV, second chance romance between Korean American Lucas and newly divorced, single mom Sydney (aka Lucas’s high school crush).
Exhausted from life as a DC society wife with a cheating husband, Sydney moves back to her Harlem neighborhood to help her ailing father with their Laundromat business and can’t resist falling for the quiet and sweet Lucas.
These books are all full of big hearted diverse characters, sweet romances with a little steam and the importance of found family and close-knit communities. Highly recommended for fans of Alexa Martin or the Bromance book club and Knitting in the city series.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This one was also great on audio narrated by N’Jameh Camera and Keong Sim.
The second book in the Real men knit series is a dual POV, second chance romance between Korean American Lucas and newly divorced, single mom Sydney (aka Lucas’s high school crush).
Exhausted from life as a DC society wife with a cheating husband, Sydney moves back to her Harlem neighborhood to help her ailing father with their Laundromat business and can’t resist falling for the quiet and sweet Lucas.
These books are all full of big hearted diverse characters, sweet romances with a little steam and the importance of found family and close-knit communities. Highly recommended for fans of Alexa Martin or the Bromance book club and Knitting in the city series.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This one was also great on audio narrated by N’Jameh Camera and Keong Sim.
August 25, 2022
Thank you @prhaudio @berkleyromance for a copy of the audiobook and book. This was second book of the series focusing on Lucas Strong, one of the brothers and owners of a kitting store. I really enjoyed Lucas's character and wished we saw more interaction between him and Sidney. I felt there was more reminiscent moments then the current time. I did enjoy the dual POV and the narration was great.
November 6, 2022
I was excited to have The Strong Boys back in my life and their equally “strong” women, however, Knot Again didn’t quite pack the same magic for me that Real Men Knit did. I enjoyed Lucas & Sydney’s romance, but never truly felt invested in their relationship.
Thank you to Berkley Romance for a review copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Berkley Romance for a review copy. All opinions are my own.
July 30, 2022
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: racism
The premise of Knot Again will never cease to hook me. I love the idea of not only a firefighter knitter, but also a single mother trying to figure out her future. And the characters form the backbone of Knot Again. Sidney and Lucas has chemistry and sparks. And not just from their recent run in, but from their past as well. So if you're a fan of second chance romance and childhood crushes come back to life - this is for you! Back at home to re-orient herself, Sidney wonders what happened to her life. How did it turn into being divorced and back to living with her grandfather.
That alone made Knot Again so relatable to me. We can think we know where our life is going, and when we leave our hometown that is how it feels like. But life has a way of getting away from us. Both Sidney and Lucas have to reconcile their past, the water under the bridge, and unspoken conversations. Can they make this flame, the embers of their attraction, burn again? I love Sidney's character, love that she has to figure out not only what she wants, but her relationship with her ex. But I also loved Lucas.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
TW: racism
The premise of Knot Again will never cease to hook me. I love the idea of not only a firefighter knitter, but also a single mother trying to figure out her future. And the characters form the backbone of Knot Again. Sidney and Lucas has chemistry and sparks. And not just from their recent run in, but from their past as well. So if you're a fan of second chance romance and childhood crushes come back to life - this is for you! Back at home to re-orient herself, Sidney wonders what happened to her life. How did it turn into being divorced and back to living with her grandfather.
That alone made Knot Again so relatable to me. We can think we know where our life is going, and when we leave our hometown that is how it feels like. But life has a way of getting away from us. Both Sidney and Lucas have to reconcile their past, the water under the bridge, and unspoken conversations. Can they make this flame, the embers of their attraction, burn again? I love Sidney's character, love that she has to figure out not only what she wants, but her relationship with her ex. But I also loved Lucas.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
January 17, 2023
After reading Real Men Knit, I knew I was going to be obsessed with this series. I complained to my husband about how much I wanted to read the next book, despite the book buying ban, and he surprised me with Knot Again :)
Lucas Strong participated in the FDNY charity calender in an effort to attract more customers to his families knitting shop. Unfortunately, he seems to have become a local celebrity- he seeks and escape at the local laundromat. Sydney Harris has returned to Harlem from DC with her daughter in tow, seeking escape too. When they run into each other a long forgotten attraction comes back, and they must face their past if there's hope for the future.
I loved Lucas so much! He is so strong and capable, but is also vulnerable and hurt. He has his heart well hidden, afraid to lose again. Sydney is a great character too. She is picking up the peices of her life, but will do anything for her daughter. I loved that neither character is perfect, and they make mistakes. But they are ready to grow too.
Lucas Strong participated in the FDNY charity calender in an effort to attract more customers to his families knitting shop. Unfortunately, he seems to have become a local celebrity- he seeks and escape at the local laundromat. Sydney Harris has returned to Harlem from DC with her daughter in tow, seeking escape too. When they run into each other a long forgotten attraction comes back, and they must face their past if there's hope for the future.
I loved Lucas so much! He is so strong and capable, but is also vulnerable and hurt. He has his heart well hidden, afraid to lose again. Sydney is a great character too. She is picking up the peices of her life, but will do anything for her daughter. I loved that neither character is perfect, and they make mistakes. But they are ready to grow too.
did-not-finish
January 1, 2025I've been ruined by reading some reviews. Nah
December 3, 2024
Huhhhh 😬😤 the same way I felt about books 3&4 of bromance book club is the same way I feel about this book. Traditionally published books just aren’t my thing anymore.
July 15, 2022
I received a gifted galley of KNOT AGAIN by Kwana Jackson for an honest review. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, PRH Audio, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Publication Date: 7/26/2022
KNOT AGAIN is the second book in Kwana Jackson’s REAL MEN KNIT series. Lucas Strong is dealing with the lingering fame of participating in the FDNY’s charity calendar. He retreats to the local laundromat to hide out for a bit with his knitting, only to find that his one time crush is back in town with her daughter.
Sidney is dealing with the breakup of her marriage and navigating single motherhood, returning home to help her family with the laundromat. She’s determined to make a good life for her daughter and avoid the attraction she is reluctant to admit she still has for Lucas.
I really like the premise of this book, with brothers reuniting to help keep their grandmother’s knitting shop alive. I did not read the first book and did feel like it probably took me a bit longer to get into the book as a result, but I love to see the way the knitting and the businesses act as a community center to give people a way to connect.
Second chance romance isn’t always my favorite and I there were times in this book that I struggled to see what the original connection was between the characters and where the tension came in that was keeping them apart. That said, I did like the way the whole cast of the book worked together overall.
I do think it would be worthwhile to pick up the first book in the series first, but this book is worth picking up on its own as well. KNOT AGAIN is out now!
Publication Date: 7/26/2022
KNOT AGAIN is the second book in Kwana Jackson’s REAL MEN KNIT series. Lucas Strong is dealing with the lingering fame of participating in the FDNY’s charity calendar. He retreats to the local laundromat to hide out for a bit with his knitting, only to find that his one time crush is back in town with her daughter.
Sidney is dealing with the breakup of her marriage and navigating single motherhood, returning home to help her family with the laundromat. She’s determined to make a good life for her daughter and avoid the attraction she is reluctant to admit she still has for Lucas.
I really like the premise of this book, with brothers reuniting to help keep their grandmother’s knitting shop alive. I did not read the first book and did feel like it probably took me a bit longer to get into the book as a result, but I love to see the way the knitting and the businesses act as a community center to give people a way to connect.
Second chance romance isn’t always my favorite and I there were times in this book that I struggled to see what the original connection was between the characters and where the tension came in that was keeping them apart. That said, I did like the way the whole cast of the book worked together overall.
I do think it would be worthwhile to pick up the first book in the series first, but this book is worth picking up on its own as well. KNOT AGAIN is out now!
November 14, 2022
I wanted to like this, but it didn't quite work for me. The main characters of Sydney and Lucas held a lot of promise - one a recent divorcee struggling to regain her identity, and one a community-focused fireman dealing with past traumas. When these former high school crushes collide years later, sparks fly.
Unfortunately, the novel didn't live up to its potential, mostly because of pacing issues. 100 pages in, our star-crossed lovers had only met once (briefly), and no significant plot events had happened. I appreciate understanding the inner thoughts and motivations of characters as much as the next person, but in this particular case it was too much of a good thing. Backstory was tortuously revealed, drawn out over multiple chapters, only to never figure into the plot.
Lucas and Sydney's inability to have an adult conversation also frustrated me. There was no real obstacle to their relationship beyond unnecessary secrets and hesitations. Even at the end, when everything is magically fine, the couple still hasn't truly addressed their individual or collective issues.
If you want very character-focused romance, but don't mind a lack of payoff, you may enjoy this. I didn't dislike the setup or characters, but was very frustrated at the wasted opportunities and potential.
Unfortunately, the novel didn't live up to its potential, mostly because of pacing issues. 100 pages in, our star-crossed lovers had only met once (briefly), and no significant plot events had happened. I appreciate understanding the inner thoughts and motivations of characters as much as the next person, but in this particular case it was too much of a good thing. Backstory was tortuously revealed, drawn out over multiple chapters, only to never figure into the plot.
Lucas and Sydney's inability to have an adult conversation also frustrated me. There was no real obstacle to their relationship beyond unnecessary secrets and hesitations. Even at the end, when everything is magically fine, the couple still hasn't truly addressed their individual or collective issues.
If you want very character-focused romance, but don't mind a lack of payoff, you may enjoy this. I didn't dislike the setup or characters, but was very frustrated at the wasted opportunities and potential.
December 4, 2023
I’m not gonna lie.
My perverted mind thought that this was going to be about different kinds of knots. 👀
But no, it’s just about knitting. You know, the perfectly pure and normal kinds of knots.
Not those knots. . .
Ahem.
So anyway, I really don’t know why I didn’t like this book other than my disinterest. And no, it’s not because of that reason.
First off, I didn't know that it was part of a series. I'm sure that it doesn't matter which one you read first, but that stuff always throws me off.
I felt like Lucas and Sidney’s backstory between each other wasn’t properly explained. They weren’t even in a relationship before going their separate ways but there's still this unknown tension between them. And all it is is that they both liked each other back in high school but both were too dumb to act on it. Sidney left town, got married and had a kid. And now she's back in town taking care of her grandpa while going through the backlash of a divorce.
And Lucas is. . . Well. I’m not exactly sure. He's a part time firefighter, local hottie, and runs his family’s knitting shop.
There just wasn’t enough plot for me to care so I ended up not finishing at about 70%.
⋆⁺₊⋆⁺₊⋆
• 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 •
✰ 2.5 ✰ Listen. I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t like it. I got through it, but still just a meh book.
━━━━━━━━━━━━☽✰☾━━━━━━━━━━━━
My perverted mind thought that this was going to be about different kinds of knots. 👀
But no, it’s just about knitting. You know, the perfectly pure and normal kinds of knots.
Not those knots. . .
Ahem.
So anyway, I really don’t know why I didn’t like this book other than my disinterest. And no, it’s not because of that reason.
First off, I didn't know that it was part of a series. I'm sure that it doesn't matter which one you read first, but that stuff always throws me off.
I felt like Lucas and Sidney’s backstory between each other wasn’t properly explained. They weren’t even in a relationship before going their separate ways but there's still this unknown tension between them. And all it is is that they both liked each other back in high school but both were too dumb to act on it. Sidney left town, got married and had a kid. And now she's back in town taking care of her grandpa while going through the backlash of a divorce.
And Lucas is. . . Well. I’m not exactly sure. He's a part time firefighter, local hottie, and runs his family’s knitting shop.
There just wasn’t enough plot for me to care so I ended up not finishing at about 70%.
⋆⁺₊⋆⁺₊⋆
• 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 •
✰ 2.5 ✰ Listen. I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t like it. I got through it, but still just a meh book.
━━━━━━━━━━━━☽✰☾━━━━━━━━━━━━
August 31, 2022
DNF.
I waited impatiently for this book to come out; I don't know if it is the writing or editing (so many short sentences, choppy jumping around reminisces), but I just couldn't care about these people. 30% through the book and nothing has happened other than the main characters staring into space having self-pity parties about their "screw-ups" and hinting about past drama. I'll spend my time reading something else and wait for #3 to come out I guess.
I waited impatiently for this book to come out; I don't know if it is the writing or editing (so many short sentences, choppy jumping around reminisces), but I just couldn't care about these people. 30% through the book and nothing has happened other than the main characters staring into space having self-pity parties about their "screw-ups" and hinting about past drama. I'll spend my time reading something else and wait for #3 to come out I guess.
Read
August 20, 2022Sigh.
One of these days, somebody’s going to write a knitting themed romance that’s actually good.
The wait continues.
One of these days, somebody’s going to write a knitting themed romance that’s actually good.
The wait continues.
April 2, 2022
I LOVED Lucas and Sydney and their second chance. This is a slow burn, sweet, romantic, and sexy story with real issues and challenges that enhance the story! A great addition to the series!
August 19, 2022
Knot Again by Kwana Jackson is part two of a series called Real Men Knit, which is a pretty cool idea for a book series. I know exactly one man that knits, and he is a great guy so my interest in this novel was high. I liked the themes of family and friendship within Knot Again, but I do feel like I missed out on something. I assume perhaps not reading the first book, but wonder what it was I missed.
The past relationship between our two main characters is mostly explored through flashbacks. Lucas and Sydney do not seem like they are in the perfect places in their lives to start a relationship... of course, in real life that is when we typically meet someone, right? Sydney still needs to work through issues with her ex and Lucas needs to push past his fear. Regardless they have this intense attraction and the bonds of friendship are really growing. I really like the neighbors and firefighter family!
The past relationship between our two main characters is mostly explored through flashbacks. Lucas and Sydney do not seem like they are in the perfect places in their lives to start a relationship... of course, in real life that is when we typically meet someone, right? Sydney still needs to work through issues with her ex and Lucas needs to push past his fear. Regardless they have this intense attraction and the bonds of friendship are really growing. I really like the neighbors and firefighter family!
November 24, 2025
This may genuinely be the worst book I’ve ever read. He’s always addressing her as “woman.” There’s no chemistry, more holes than plot. But this book was the only form of entertainment I brought down to the beach so dammit I read this thing.
April 17, 2023
DNF at Chapter 4.
Not a romance. Not even a fun book about yarny goodness and knitting. The first few chapters are just about a firefighter who apparently isn't even very good at his job moaning and bitching that because he's such a hot guy he got suckered into doing a shirtless calendar for charity and now women are falling all over themselves to get him on a date and only pretending to be interested in yarn.
Ew? WTF am I even reading? I can't get on board with this "woe is me, I'm god's gift to women but I'm just a humble, sweet guy who wants to knit instead." Nope nope nope. Not buying it.
Not a romance. Not even a fun book about yarny goodness and knitting. The first few chapters are just about a firefighter who apparently isn't even very good at his job moaning and bitching that because he's such a hot guy he got suckered into doing a shirtless calendar for charity and now women are falling all over themselves to get him on a date and only pretending to be interested in yarn.
Ew? WTF am I even reading? I can't get on board with this "woe is me, I'm god's gift to women but I'm just a humble, sweet guy who wants to knit instead." Nope nope nope. Not buying it.
December 14, 2022
Really like the characters and the non-white every day life, but the story could have used better editing, as some scenes had logical holes (luckily not essential but the timeline seemed off at points). Love how all the good guys knit and the character who doesn't like it-well, is not exactly evil but causes still some damage. 🤣 Also how both MCs save each other from unwanted advances. Would have loved some real work on the mental illness that does get representation and not just the implication that everything is fine as soon as they are together.
July 24, 2022
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I enjoyed Real Men Knit where a knitting shop is owned by four brothers in New York City. It looks like each book will feature the romance of a different brother. Continuing the Real Men Knit series, the next up is Lucas, who is a firefighter. He has always been caught up in the girl across the street from the laundry Scrubs.
Sydney is the grand-daughter of the laundry owner. Her mother did everything to get her off to a good school in DC, married to a "successful" man. She's been living in DC for about 10 years. Now she's divorced and back at Scrubs with her daughter, Remi. Her grandfather's health has been failing and she is helping him. Plus, she needs to figure out who she is now.
The very beginning of the book was enjoyable and helped develop some of the characters and understand their history and current situations. Unfortunately, then came the middle section of the book which was a miasma of Lucas' or Sydney's jumbled thoughts or hookups without much character development or progression of the plot.
Finally, at about 80% Knot Again got back on track. There were some scenes where things happened. Lucas and Sydney were honest about their feelings and what they wanted. They each made efforts to head in the right direction for the future. Lucas had primarily emotional issues to resolve and Sydney supported him with them. Sydney needed to decide on the direction financially how she could support her grandfather and daughter, and have a relationship with Lucas. She had to work out some problems with her ex-husband.
I really loved the last part of the story and somehow wish some of that progression or analysis of options could have been started earlier. Probably though, they both needed some time just to relax together and re-connect after being apart 10 years, but I didn't feel that until the last part. They relaxed together but Sydney didn't seem to allow a connection other than physically.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I enjoyed Real Men Knit where a knitting shop is owned by four brothers in New York City. It looks like each book will feature the romance of a different brother. Continuing the Real Men Knit series, the next up is Lucas, who is a firefighter. He has always been caught up in the girl across the street from the laundry Scrubs.
Sydney is the grand-daughter of the laundry owner. Her mother did everything to get her off to a good school in DC, married to a "successful" man. She's been living in DC for about 10 years. Now she's divorced and back at Scrubs with her daughter, Remi. Her grandfather's health has been failing and she is helping him. Plus, she needs to figure out who she is now.
The very beginning of the book was enjoyable and helped develop some of the characters and understand their history and current situations. Unfortunately, then came the middle section of the book which was a miasma of Lucas' or Sydney's jumbled thoughts or hookups without much character development or progression of the plot.
Finally, at about 80% Knot Again got back on track. There were some scenes where things happened. Lucas and Sydney were honest about their feelings and what they wanted. They each made efforts to head in the right direction for the future. Lucas had primarily emotional issues to resolve and Sydney supported him with them. Sydney needed to decide on the direction financially how she could support her grandfather and daughter, and have a relationship with Lucas. She had to work out some problems with her ex-husband.
I really loved the last part of the story and somehow wish some of that progression or analysis of options could have been started earlier. Probably though, they both needed some time just to relax together and re-connect after being apart 10 years, but I didn't feel that until the last part. They relaxed together but Sydney didn't seem to allow a connection other than physically.
June 15, 2025
So here’s the deal, Ididn’t realize this was book two in a series until after I finished it. And honestly? That might explain some of what didn’t quite land for me.
Knot Again had a lot of potential. The premise? Solid. The world building around the community? Well stitched. But when it came to the romance, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was rushed and kind of… pushed. Like the characters were being nudged together by an outside force rather than actually finding their way to each other naturally.
The two leads well they are by all accounts, are adults and often made choices and had conversations that felt more YA than contemporary romance. Their dialogue? Chaotic. It felt like I was reading two totally different writing styles at times. One minute, I was cozy and warm in the well paced narrative, and the next, I was yanked into dialogue that felt like an entirely different book.
That said, I didn’t dislike the plot. I also didn’t really love it either. It was just kind of… there. If you’re coming for strong romantic development and deep character growth, this one might feel a little uneven. But if you’re already a fan from book one, you may find that this adds a nice layer to the story.
Knot Again had a lot of potential. The premise? Solid. The world building around the community? Well stitched. But when it came to the romance, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was rushed and kind of… pushed. Like the characters were being nudged together by an outside force rather than actually finding their way to each other naturally.
The two leads well they are by all accounts, are adults and often made choices and had conversations that felt more YA than contemporary romance. Their dialogue? Chaotic. It felt like I was reading two totally different writing styles at times. One minute, I was cozy and warm in the well paced narrative, and the next, I was yanked into dialogue that felt like an entirely different book.
That said, I didn’t dislike the plot. I also didn’t really love it either. It was just kind of… there. If you’re coming for strong romantic development and deep character growth, this one might feel a little uneven. But if you’re already a fan from book one, you may find that this adds a nice layer to the story.
July 25, 2022
3.5 rounded up
I absolutely loved the hunky calendar-worthy firefighter, Lucas. He is such a sympathetic character, especially with his tough start in life. He helps with his family’s knitting shop and saves lives as a firefighter. I really appreciated that the book started with his POV.
Sidney was the girl next door who has come home with her daughter to help with the family business and get away from her cheating husband.
The romance between Sidney and Lucas takes a circuitous route with a few starts and stops. I think this is why the romance elements of the book didn’t work for me. I just never felt the connection between these two characters.
I haven’t read the first book in the series, so I did have to spend some time getting to know the characters. Well, all the characters except Lucas where it was insta love for me!
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy second chance romance.
I received a free review copy from the publisher via Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved the hunky calendar-worthy firefighter, Lucas. He is such a sympathetic character, especially with his tough start in life. He helps with his family’s knitting shop and saves lives as a firefighter. I really appreciated that the book started with his POV.
Sidney was the girl next door who has come home with her daughter to help with the family business and get away from her cheating husband.
The romance between Sidney and Lucas takes a circuitous route with a few starts and stops. I think this is why the romance elements of the book didn’t work for me. I just never felt the connection between these two characters.
I haven’t read the first book in the series, so I did have to spend some time getting to know the characters. Well, all the characters except Lucas where it was insta love for me!
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy second chance romance.
I received a free review copy from the publisher via Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
April 3, 2024
Attempted to read, I'm giving it two stars just because I didn't hate what I read-- I also like the cover art.
I only read 36 pages in before DNFing it-- after deciding to go on goodreads and look at other reviews to see if I might expect it to get any better.
36 pages, 3 chapters in and there has been virtually no actual dialog between any characters I have very little idea of what is happening besides 5) Locations. The synopsis of the book gives you much of the same information much faster. It was pretty repetitive with both main characters ruminating on their respective struggles and I just got bored.
I only read 36 pages in before DNFing it-- after deciding to go on goodreads and look at other reviews to see if I might expect it to get any better.
36 pages, 3 chapters in and there has been virtually no actual dialog between any characters I have very little idea of what is happening besides 5) Locations. The synopsis of the book gives you much of the same information much faster. It was pretty repetitive with both main characters ruminating on their respective struggles and I just got bored.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2023
Gosh I loved this book! I will always love a series that has one book per sibling! But add in knitting and boy I’m sunk!! This book had great banter and spice and light but also touching on deeper tramas. I also love a good “I’ve been in love with you this whole time” book. Makes me want to hang out at a local yarn shop even though I have a yarn purchasing ban on myself.
I love the way Sydney wasn’t certain of her emotions I know that’s pretty common but I particularly like the way it was portrayed here.
I liked the way Lucas acknowledged the way that he shouldn’t use Sydney as a therapist but I do wish that he had actually started therapy. I also wish we had heard more about Sydney’s jewelry making before the second half of the book.
I am excited for the third book no matter what but would be interested in something that isn’t “I’ve been in love with you this whole time”.
I love the way Sydney wasn’t certain of her emotions I know that’s pretty common but I particularly like the way it was portrayed here.
I liked the way Lucas acknowledged the way that he shouldn’t use Sydney as a therapist but I do wish that he had actually started therapy. I also wish we had heard more about Sydney’s jewelry making before the second half of the book.
I am excited for the third book no matter what but would be interested in something that isn’t “I’ve been in love with you this whole time”.
Read
August 6, 2022Such a fun and emotional romp through the real-life struggles of finding love, forgiveness, and a sense of self! Newly single mom, Sydney, has moved back to Harlem to with her daughter to help her grandfather run the family laundromat and find a sense of purpose besides being "the picture perfect wife and mother". Unfortunately, her ex-husband knows no boundaries and pushes her to the brink of sanity and security. But her rescue comes in the form of a childhood friend/crush who just so happens to live across the street (and is Mr. November in the NYFD sexy firefighter calendar)! Can Lucas find forgiveness from his own past in order to help himself and Sydney find a future together? Let's just say, there are some knots to untangle!
#KnotAgain #NetGalley
#KnotAgain #NetGalley
April 20, 2023
started this after reading the first one and then life immediately started lifeing. i had to get this from libby twice to finish it. i might have liked it better had i not stopped in the middle of the book for nearly two months. i thought it was fun how much of the book took place on the same block. stuff at the end felt too coincidental in terms of timing but also makes sense for the type of book it was. it was fun to see characters from the last book show up in this book in similar and different ways.
July 28, 2022
Lucas finds solace at a 24 hour laundromat. He somehow becomes a local celebrity after posing in an FDNY calendar. While hiding out he meets a knitter, who happens to be the little girl of his old high school crush.
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When Sydney returns home she never expected to see her old crush, least of all at a laundromat. This was a cute one and would make an adorable movie.
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This book is out today!
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Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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When Sydney returns home she never expected to see her old crush, least of all at a laundromat. This was a cute one and would make an adorable movie.
.
This book is out today!
.
Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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