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Red's Tavern #8
The Contractor
He’s my best friend, my best worker, and it was just a silly crush.
Then he kissed me. Now it feels like he's mine…
I’ve shown my best friend Tristan everything: how to use a circular saw, how to lay grout, and how to do a kitchen renovation right. On the job, we became close friends—then even closer as we learned to share a camping tent.
It was all harmless. Just like my crush on him.
Then one night at Red’s Tavern, Tristan pretends to be my boyfriend. And apparently he likes it, because he’s trying things with me he never has before.
…Like kissing me. Touching me more. Dragging me into bed. He invites me on a trip back to his Colorado mountain hometown, and I fall in love with his big, awesome, quirky family, then end up in bed with him each night.
He’s moving back there soon, and I know this is just a last hurrah. But I’m addicted to his touch. When he casually asks me to move back home with him, it shatters my world. I’m done with “casual.” I want the real deal. My whole world is back in Kansas, and I have no idea if he just wants me for a fling.
They say to never fall for a straight guy and never fall for your best friend.
What happens when you accidentally do both at once?
Then he kissed me. Now it feels like he's mine…
I’ve shown my best friend Tristan everything: how to use a circular saw, how to lay grout, and how to do a kitchen renovation right. On the job, we became close friends—then even closer as we learned to share a camping tent.
It was all harmless. Just like my crush on him.
Then one night at Red’s Tavern, Tristan pretends to be my boyfriend. And apparently he likes it, because he’s trying things with me he never has before.
…Like kissing me. Touching me more. Dragging me into bed. He invites me on a trip back to his Colorado mountain hometown, and I fall in love with his big, awesome, quirky family, then end up in bed with him each night.
He’s moving back there soon, and I know this is just a last hurrah. But I’m addicted to his touch. When he casually asks me to move back home with him, it shatters my world. I’m done with “casual.” I want the real deal. My whole world is back in Kansas, and I have no idea if he just wants me for a fling.
They say to never fall for a straight guy and never fall for your best friend.
What happens when you accidentally do both at once?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2022
192 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
October 12, 2022
2.5 stars
the deep conversation DURING sex left me speechless like who the hell does that???
cute, but the same things and thoughts over and over and so it became boring.
the deep conversation DURING sex left me speechless like who the hell does that???
cute, but the same things and thoughts over and over and so it became boring.
October 9, 2022
The Contractor is the eighth book int Red’s Tavern series. Each can be read as a standalone. Jack and Tristian are best friends, have been for a long time. When Tristian states he’s moving, Jack is afraid to let him know how he feels. This was a sweet, steamy story. I loved how Tristian trough himself into his bi-awakening whole heartedly! I loved getting to visit with the previous characters from previous stories! I’m sad the series is ending. Overall, a fantastic read!! Well written with nice pacing that sucked me into the story!
dnf
November 7, 2022DNF/paused at 47%
There's things I liked about this book, but ultimately I'm just a little bored...and I'm only halfway? What's really left? Lots of dithering probably.
I did like the solid friendship between the two MCs, and the demisexual vibe that Tristan has. I also liked how Tristan is still working through some baggage from his past and regarding his family, but his family is still sweet and accepting as he works through it. That was very nice.
But again......kinda bored. Might be a mood thing, so I'm calling it paused with no rating for the time being.
There's things I liked about this book, but ultimately I'm just a little bored...and I'm only halfway? What's really left? Lots of dithering probably.
I did like the solid friendship between the two MCs, and the demisexual vibe that Tristan has. I also liked how Tristan is still working through some baggage from his past and regarding his family, but his family is still sweet and accepting as he works through it. That was very nice.
But again......kinda bored. Might be a mood thing, so I'm calling it paused with no rating for the time being.
October 1, 2022
"I'm tired of pretending that I'm not falling in love with you, Blue."
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
I went into this book not having read the rest of the series so I was unsure what to expect. This ended up being such a fun easy read with low angst and a wonderful couple! We have two best friends, Jack and Tristan, who do everything together and are inseparable, until Tristan decides to move back to Colorado to be around his family. Jack had been in love with Tristan for a number of years and to hear Tristan is leaving absolutely devastates him. When Tristan realises he might lose the best person in his life, he sees that there is more than friendship between them and he isn't as straight as he always thought. Watching these two go all in with their new relationship knowing that there would be an end date was bittersweet and witnessing the abundance of emotions and pain these two go through to get their happy ending was incredible. Overall this was a sweet, steamy read that left me feeling all gooey on the inside, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Best Friends-to-Lovers
❣️ Small Towns
❣️ Pining
❣️ Humour
❣️ HEA
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
I went into this book not having read the rest of the series so I was unsure what to expect. This ended up being such a fun easy read with low angst and a wonderful couple! We have two best friends, Jack and Tristan, who do everything together and are inseparable, until Tristan decides to move back to Colorado to be around his family. Jack had been in love with Tristan for a number of years and to hear Tristan is leaving absolutely devastates him. When Tristan realises he might lose the best person in his life, he sees that there is more than friendship between them and he isn't as straight as he always thought. Watching these two go all in with their new relationship knowing that there would be an end date was bittersweet and witnessing the abundance of emotions and pain these two go through to get their happy ending was incredible. Overall this was a sweet, steamy read that left me feeling all gooey on the inside, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Best Friends-to-Lovers
❣️ Small Towns
❣️ Pining
❣️ Humour
❣️ HEA
October 9, 2022
The Contractor was such a sweet and easy read! I was a little hesitant at first since this was the first book I read in the series but it worked fine by itself -however, I am curious about the couples from Red's Tavern now.
I loved Tristan and Jack's friendship, it was just so sweet and pure, their connection was palpable and them turning into more felt sort of natural. Maybe more so since Jack had been pining for a while, but never thought he had a chance so he kept a lid on his attraction to his best friend.
Since Tristan always been identifying as straight, I did expect a little more processing from his side. I liked how Tristan took the lead though, it was hot to see him going after what he wanted, but it just seemed a little too easy at times. Things moved quite quickly, and even if Tristan had experimented with certain things before, being with a guy was new and he must have been surprised about the attraction to his best friend?
Even if the story was a bit predictable I enjoyed it, I liked seeing Jack and Tristan figure things out - through all the hesitation and doubts, feelings and wants. It was a well written and straightforward story, perfect for when wanting something sweet!
I loved Tristan and Jack's friendship, it was just so sweet and pure, their connection was palpable and them turning into more felt sort of natural. Maybe more so since Jack had been pining for a while, but never thought he had a chance so he kept a lid on his attraction to his best friend.
Since Tristan always been identifying as straight, I did expect a little more processing from his side. I liked how Tristan took the lead though, it was hot to see him going after what he wanted, but it just seemed a little too easy at times. Things moved quite quickly, and even if Tristan had experimented with certain things before, being with a guy was new and he must have been surprised about the attraction to his best friend?
Even if the story was a bit predictable I enjoyed it, I liked seeing Jack and Tristan figure things out - through all the hesitation and doubts, feelings and wants. It was a well written and straightforward story, perfect for when wanting something sweet!
June 23, 2023
What a sweet romance, with friends to lovers and bi-awakening themes. I thought that Jack and Tristan were very sweet together, I loved their easy friendship. The change from friends to lovers was seamless and angst/drama-free, which is what I was in the mood for I think.
This is the last book in the series, and the other couples from previous books in this series have lots of appearances. It's also the setup for the newer series with Tristan's family. I'm reading out of order but I haven't felt lost or too confused.
This is the last book in the series, and the other couples from previous books in this series have lots of appearances. It's also the setup for the newer series with Tristan's family. I'm reading out of order but I haven't felt lost or too confused.
October 12, 2022
=4
Pierwsza połowa super, potem gorzej.
Pierwsza połowa super, potem gorzej.
October 1, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
The Contractor is the 8th stand alone in the Reds Tavern series by Raleigh Ruebins. A small town romance where a man realizes that his forever person has been right beside him all along.
Jack has never let himself imagine being with his best friend Tristan because there would be no point since he's straight. When Tristan decides to move back home to Colorado he wishes Jack would come with him. A drunken kiss has him looking at Jack in a different light, and now he can't imagine a future without him by his side. Now he has to convince Jack to move to Colorado with him and that his new-found feelings are genuine and not just a phase.
I was pretty sure I’d let Tristan Wood do anything to me. So what if I was sort -of, kind-of, completely in love with my best friend ? I needed him. He was like a magnet I’d been hopelessly stuck to since the moment we met.
The Contractor has a bit of an opposite set up, with Tristan being the fun and adventurous one and Jack being the more serious and thinking ahead half of the duo. It's a sweet easy read of a book with practically no angst but a good dose of steam. I enjoyed Jack and Tristan's dynamic. I loved Tristan's family, and I'm looking forward to the author writing spin off series about his brother's.
I think this is a it's not you it's me situation with the book. I wasn't really in the mood for it and the gay for you trope, which isn't my favorite nowadays. Especially when there's no hesitation on the straight guy's part. When there's no identity crisis , or any hesitation or nerves in the bedroom. It's not a good sign for me when the cameos from all the past books were the highlight of the entire book. Almost all my favorite scenes involved the past Red Tavern's couples. It was seriously great getting to see them all again.
The Contractor is the 8th stand alone in the Reds Tavern series by Raleigh Ruebins. A small town romance where a man realizes that his forever person has been right beside him all along.
Jack has never let himself imagine being with his best friend Tristan because there would be no point since he's straight. When Tristan decides to move back home to Colorado he wishes Jack would come with him. A drunken kiss has him looking at Jack in a different light, and now he can't imagine a future without him by his side. Now he has to convince Jack to move to Colorado with him and that his new-found feelings are genuine and not just a phase.
I was pretty sure I’d let Tristan Wood do anything to me. So what if I was sort -of, kind-of, completely in love with my best friend ? I needed him. He was like a magnet I’d been hopelessly stuck to since the moment we met.
The Contractor has a bit of an opposite set up, with Tristan being the fun and adventurous one and Jack being the more serious and thinking ahead half of the duo. It's a sweet easy read of a book with practically no angst but a good dose of steam. I enjoyed Jack and Tristan's dynamic. I loved Tristan's family, and I'm looking forward to the author writing spin off series about his brother's.
I think this is a it's not you it's me situation with the book. I wasn't really in the mood for it and the gay for you trope, which isn't my favorite nowadays. Especially when there's no hesitation on the straight guy's part. When there's no identity crisis , or any hesitation or nerves in the bedroom. It's not a good sign for me when the cameos from all the past books were the highlight of the entire book. Almost all my favorite scenes involved the past Red Tavern's couples. It was seriously great getting to see them all again.
October 5, 2022
Arc received in exchange for honest review.
I had no idea we were getting another book in this series and I definitely wasn’t mad about it. Every book in this series has been fun and perfectly steamy when I needed a low-angst light read.
This one follows the story of best friends Jack and Tristan, and they are adorable! Their friendship is comfortable and I so loved Jacks little unrequited crush on his straight bestie as they do just about everything together.
It’s not until Tristan is set to move States to be closer to his family that these two start to finally realise what they mean to each other and what they could mean if some tough decisions are made about their futures.
They’re a little bit opposites attract and they say the absolute sweetest things to each other, so be prepared to swoon a little 🫠
I highly recommend this small town series, every character has been loveable and the found family vibes as they all meet up at Reds Tavern gets me every time. Each book can be read as a standalone, but most couples cameo in each book so why not start from the start and get the full experience!
I had no idea we were getting another book in this series and I definitely wasn’t mad about it. Every book in this series has been fun and perfectly steamy when I needed a low-angst light read.
This one follows the story of best friends Jack and Tristan, and they are adorable! Their friendship is comfortable and I so loved Jacks little unrequited crush on his straight bestie as they do just about everything together.
It’s not until Tristan is set to move States to be closer to his family that these two start to finally realise what they mean to each other and what they could mean if some tough decisions are made about their futures.
They’re a little bit opposites attract and they say the absolute sweetest things to each other, so be prepared to swoon a little 🫠
I highly recommend this small town series, every character has been loveable and the found family vibes as they all meet up at Reds Tavern gets me every time. Each book can be read as a standalone, but most couples cameo in each book so why not start from the start and get the full experience!
February 22, 2024
I love and hated this book in the weirdest ways and I can't even explain it to you. Jack's reluctance to... I don't know... be emotionally available made no sense to me but I adored everything else. Maybe it'll hit better if I reread it sometime.
March 28, 2023
Loved this whole series ❤️
October 7, 2022
The Contractor is an easy read, but it didn’t capture my attention like many of the other Red’s Tavern stories have and had me putting it down frequently to come back to it later.
Jack Damien has spent years trying not to fantasize about his best friend Tristan and deny that he’s in love with him. He’s a contractor who runs his own business and works closely with Tristan every day. Jack is always on, ready to answer calls at any minute from colleagues and clients, and has accomplished a lot in just a few years with his business. But after his father’s death a year ago, Jack has been grieving his loss and has been unable to do any of the renovations they’d planned out together on his family home. Things are changing for Jack and he doesn’t quite know how to handle everything coming his way.
Tristan Wood is Jack’s straight best friend who he’s taught everything he knows to help Tristan get his life back on track. After years of being separated from his family in Colorado, Tristan visits and decides to make the move back home but Jack, the biggest part of his life in Kansas, won’t be going with him. Tristan is impulsive and isn’t afraid to make big changes in his life without thinking too hard about them but he also wants Jack to uproot his life to join him in Colorado.
These two have been best friends for years but with Tristan’s impending departure from Kansas, they both start to feel things on a different level. Even though Tristan was never into men before, he can’t seem to stop thinking about Jack and once they give in to their feelings, it’s full steam ahead. Tristan has to work hard to make Jack realize his feelings are real and that he really is in love with him. Their connection and relationship was cute but the switch from best friends to being in love felt abrupt to me. All of a sudden they were both all in even though it changed so many things.
My favorite parts of this story included the other Red’s Tavern series characters - Sam is adorable in this and I loved Red’s quiet support. Going to miss all of these guys now that we’re moving on from Kansas to Jade River, CO for the next series in this world. The Wood family was a lot of fun, so excited to see where things go from here.
Jack Damien has spent years trying not to fantasize about his best friend Tristan and deny that he’s in love with him. He’s a contractor who runs his own business and works closely with Tristan every day. Jack is always on, ready to answer calls at any minute from colleagues and clients, and has accomplished a lot in just a few years with his business. But after his father’s death a year ago, Jack has been grieving his loss and has been unable to do any of the renovations they’d planned out together on his family home. Things are changing for Jack and he doesn’t quite know how to handle everything coming his way.
Tristan Wood is Jack’s straight best friend who he’s taught everything he knows to help Tristan get his life back on track. After years of being separated from his family in Colorado, Tristan visits and decides to make the move back home but Jack, the biggest part of his life in Kansas, won’t be going with him. Tristan is impulsive and isn’t afraid to make big changes in his life without thinking too hard about them but he also wants Jack to uproot his life to join him in Colorado.
These two have been best friends for years but with Tristan’s impending departure from Kansas, they both start to feel things on a different level. Even though Tristan was never into men before, he can’t seem to stop thinking about Jack and once they give in to their feelings, it’s full steam ahead. Tristan has to work hard to make Jack realize his feelings are real and that he really is in love with him. Their connection and relationship was cute but the switch from best friends to being in love felt abrupt to me. All of a sudden they were both all in even though it changed so many things.
My favorite parts of this story included the other Red’s Tavern series characters - Sam is adorable in this and I loved Red’s quiet support. Going to miss all of these guys now that we’re moving on from Kansas to Jade River, CO for the next series in this world. The Wood family was a lot of fun, so excited to see where things go from here.
October 6, 2022
I’ve read all the Red’s Tavern books and had you asked me before reading The Contractor if I thought anything would top Sam and Fox’s story, the answer would have been no. However, then Blue came along and made me cry every time he pushed his own feelings down and put Tristan first.
Jack loves Tristan and has for the last 12 years. Tristan loves Jack and has for the last 12 years. Jack is gay. Tristan is straight. Their love isn’t the same – until it is. A drunken kiss leads to a sober kiss leads to explorations and declarations. Does it matter? Tristan is moving home, away from Jack and seeing Jack shove his emotions down so that he wouldn’t hurt Tristan with his pain was heartbreaking. Tristan convinces Jack to come with him for a visit with his family where the lines get blurred more.
Tristan wants more, but Jack doesn’t believe him. He’s convinced that Tristan is only experimenting because he’s moving away and will forget about both Jack and his supposed feelings after he leaves. He’s willing to take whatever scraps Tris will give him because he can’t trust his heart not to lead him into pain by believing that his feelings are finally reciprocated. Tristan doesn’t know how to convince Jack that he’s serious about wanting to be together – and about wanting him to move home with him. With the help of our favourite guys at Red’s – Sam & Fox especially, can Tristan and Jack find their way together romantically or will Jack need a contractor to repair his heart?
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
The Contractor: Red's Tavern, Book 8
Raleigh Ruebins
Jack loves Tristan and has for the last 12 years. Tristan loves Jack and has for the last 12 years. Jack is gay. Tristan is straight. Their love isn’t the same – until it is. A drunken kiss leads to a sober kiss leads to explorations and declarations. Does it matter? Tristan is moving home, away from Jack and seeing Jack shove his emotions down so that he wouldn’t hurt Tristan with his pain was heartbreaking. Tristan convinces Jack to come with him for a visit with his family where the lines get blurred more.
Tristan wants more, but Jack doesn’t believe him. He’s convinced that Tristan is only experimenting because he’s moving away and will forget about both Jack and his supposed feelings after he leaves. He’s willing to take whatever scraps Tris will give him because he can’t trust his heart not to lead him into pain by believing that his feelings are finally reciprocated. Tristan doesn’t know how to convince Jack that he’s serious about wanting to be together – and about wanting him to move home with him. With the help of our favourite guys at Red’s – Sam & Fox especially, can Tristan and Jack find their way together romantically or will Jack need a contractor to repair his heart?
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
The Contractor: Red's Tavern, Book 8
Raleigh Ruebins
July 31, 2023
I'm a sucker for a friends-to-lovers romance, so I had to give this one I read. I'm so glad I did; otherwise, I would have missed out on these two.
Tristan and Jack are best friends, co-workers, and pretty much inseparable. When Jack finds out that Tristan is moving back to Colorado, he is crushed. He has been in love with his friend for ages, but Jack is straight, right!
I couldn't get enough of their beautiful friendship, and it was a joy seeing Tristan realise their was more than friendship there. I love how he can to terms with his attraction to Jack and seeing his interactions with him; they were so sweet and how once they got going. He tried to show by his actions how special Jack was to him, and I adored his nickname for him.
There is not really much angst, apart from the whole moving situation. I liked how that was dealt with and seeing the support they got from those around them. Red's Tavern is a special place, indeed!
Tristan and Jack are best friends, co-workers, and pretty much inseparable. When Jack finds out that Tristan is moving back to Colorado, he is crushed. He has been in love with his friend for ages, but Jack is straight, right!
I couldn't get enough of their beautiful friendship, and it was a joy seeing Tristan realise their was more than friendship there. I love how he can to terms with his attraction to Jack and seeing his interactions with him; they were so sweet and how once they got going. He tried to show by his actions how special Jack was to him, and I adored his nickname for him.
There is not really much angst, apart from the whole moving situation. I liked how that was dealt with and seeing the support they got from those around them. Red's Tavern is a special place, indeed!
September 30, 2022
This was so perfect to me, right up my alley! I love love love a bi awakening, especially between friends, where one always thought they were straight but the other was secretly in love. Ugh, so good. Jack and Tristan are too sweet, too. They will do anything to make one another happy, and can't stand being separated. It was cute seeing Tristan realize how the intimacy just ramped up all the care he already had for his friend. Oh and the steam is definitely there. I really enjoy those kinds of scenes when it's so new and exploratory. Seriously, this book checked all the boxes, and we got to see a bunch of Red's Tavern characters.
September 29, 2022
4.5
The Contractor marks the end of the Red's Tavern series and it goes out in style.
Almost zero angst, a fair bit of steam and a sweet friends to lovers story. It would have been a 5 star rating but I found the party a little much for my personal taste. Jack and Tristan were ideal for each other. Tristan's bi-awakening was well done and he threw himself into their relationship. They were sweet together.
It was great to see all of the couples over the series enjoy their HEA's and Jack and Tristan were a great couple to end with.
I really liked that it sets the scene for a new series
The Contractor marks the end of the Red's Tavern series and it goes out in style.
Almost zero angst, a fair bit of steam and a sweet friends to lovers story. It would have been a 5 star rating but I found the party a little much for my personal taste. Jack and Tristan were ideal for each other. Tristan's bi-awakening was well done and he threw himself into their relationship. They were sweet together.
It was great to see all of the couples over the series enjoy their HEA's and Jack and Tristan were a great couple to end with.
I really liked that it sets the scene for a new series
October 2, 2022
What a genuinely sweet and steamy couple to end this series with! Their romance perfectly included all of our previous Red Tavern couples throughout the story which was a wonderful catchup and sort of goodbye. I wanted for Jack's happiness so much and it was beautiful to watch Tristan realize their friendship was more and accept that he loved Jack completely and never wanted to lose their special bond! Things got rather and hot and steamy too! Their friends to lover's romance was pretty much drama free which I loved! Looking forward to the spin off series!!
October 6, 2022
I have not read any of this series previously but after reading this book, I am starting from the beginning. Jack (Blue) and Tristan are best friends. Jack has been attracted to Tris forever but Tris is straight. Until one day, he kisses Jack and wants more. I enjoyed their journey to find love. Their sexy times together solidify a long friendship. You love Tris's family and their whole group of friends. This is a sweet book about taking chances. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
October 8, 2022
This is a relatively low-angst take on some a number of tropes: best friends-to-lovers, bi awakening, and a few more. There’s some pining and some sweetness and some chemistry, and overall it’s super easy to see how well these guys fit together as friends, and then how they fit even better together as lovers. The writing style feels smooth and polished and both main characters are well developed and easy to like, separately and together. The romance can stand alone, but fans of the previous books in the series will have the added bonus of seeing some familiar faces here.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 6, 2022
This is a well written friends to lovers MM romance between Jack and Tristan. It's a sweet romance when Tristan discovers his deeper feelings for Jack. I enjoyed watching them come together and loved reading their story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 6, 2022
Jack and Tristan have been best friends for the past ten years and while Jack has always harbored feelings for his friend, he knows enough to fall for a straight man. But time has run out when Tristan announces he's moving to be closer to his family. Jack is the type of guy who wants happiness for his friend and while it's tearing him apart, he steps in a supports Tristan, even as their feelings grow for each other. The story is sweet with wonderful secondary characters. Jack and Tristan are perfect for each other and I liked how their story turned out!
October 9, 2022
This is such an amazing book. I love friends to lovers books and this is the sweetest. Jack and Tristan are best friends for years, Jack is gay and in love with straight Tristan. When Tristan decides to leave for another state everything changes...or not?
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
October 6, 2022
The Contractor: Red's Tavern, Book 8 by Raleigh Ruebins is the final book in this series.
It tells the story of Jack and Tristan, two best friends who are more than that. They are soul mates, but for them to realize it some changes have to happen.
Jack has been in love with Tristan for years, but he knows that it is impossible, since Tristan is straight, so he has tried to compartmentalize his feelings and bury them inside himself and instead has offered his friendship without limits. Also, Jack is a man afraid of change, rooted in his home and his work, the only thing left to him from the only family he had, his father.
And Tristan, who has had a difficult relationship with his family and has been estranged from it, has lived in denial, trying to become what he believed was expected of him. But a visit to his family shows him that this estrangement was not such, and that they were never really disappointed in him and he decides to move closer to them to recover the lost years. Unfortunately, this can cost him his friendship with Jack, due to the distance, and it is in those moments, when he begins to realize that he would not only be leaving behind his friend, but also someone who could be his future. It is then that he begins to show Jack what it could be if Jack were to believe that this change of heart on Tristan's part is real, and worth the risk.
A good story, and a good ending for this series. It's always nice to meet old characters from previous books and see how they continue to live their HEA, and also get to know a little about those who will give way to a new series.
It tells the story of Jack and Tristan, two best friends who are more than that. They are soul mates, but for them to realize it some changes have to happen.
Jack has been in love with Tristan for years, but he knows that it is impossible, since Tristan is straight, so he has tried to compartmentalize his feelings and bury them inside himself and instead has offered his friendship without limits. Also, Jack is a man afraid of change, rooted in his home and his work, the only thing left to him from the only family he had, his father.
And Tristan, who has had a difficult relationship with his family and has been estranged from it, has lived in denial, trying to become what he believed was expected of him. But a visit to his family shows him that this estrangement was not such, and that they were never really disappointed in him and he decides to move closer to them to recover the lost years. Unfortunately, this can cost him his friendship with Jack, due to the distance, and it is in those moments, when he begins to realize that he would not only be leaving behind his friend, but also someone who could be his future. It is then that he begins to show Jack what it could be if Jack were to believe that this change of heart on Tristan's part is real, and worth the risk.
A good story, and a good ending for this series. It's always nice to meet old characters from previous books and see how they continue to live their HEA, and also get to know a little about those who will give way to a new series.
January 8, 2025
Jack! We met Jack in the last book as Theo's contractor for his home remodel. Jack does home renovations with his best friend of 12 years, Tristan. Does that name sound familiar? Well, Tristan is Nathan and Shawn's (from the Fixer Brothers Construction Series) little brother! They have worked together since Tristan fled his family in Colorado for a new start in Kansas. That was also right around the same time that Jack fell head over heels in love with his best friend.
Tristan has just returned from his trip back to Colorado to finally see his family again. Misunderstandings were worked out, and everything went great. Too great, in fact, because at the end of summer, Tristan is moving back to Colorado.
Jack is devastated. Tristan is his best friend, his crush, his absolute other half. Even though Tristan is straight and he's gay, Jack has always believed that they would end up in the same place. Maybe with significant others, yes, but always together. Now, Tristan is leaving and things will never be the same.
When they're drunk at Red's, Tristan ends up kissing Jack out of curiosity. From there, neither man can stop thinking about it. Tristan is pretty sure he's not straight, and all he wants is his best friend in his bed and in Colorado with him.
On the other hand, Jack is scared to death. Being with Tristan is all he's ever wanted, but he doesn't trust his luck. He's scared that someday, everything he wanted will be ripped away from him and he'll lose the love of his life and his best friend. Also, Jack is busy restoring his late father's home, and can't leave Kansas. But what good is Kansas when Jack's reason for living is in Colorado?
I LOVE BEST FRIENDS TO LOVERS WITH A BI-AWAKENING!! This one was just as amazing as book one. I LOVED Red's Tavern. I'm going to miss these men so much.
Rating 🔥🔥🔥🔥 1/2
Tristan has just returned from his trip back to Colorado to finally see his family again. Misunderstandings were worked out, and everything went great. Too great, in fact, because at the end of summer, Tristan is moving back to Colorado.
Jack is devastated. Tristan is his best friend, his crush, his absolute other half. Even though Tristan is straight and he's gay, Jack has always believed that they would end up in the same place. Maybe with significant others, yes, but always together. Now, Tristan is leaving and things will never be the same.
When they're drunk at Red's, Tristan ends up kissing Jack out of curiosity. From there, neither man can stop thinking about it. Tristan is pretty sure he's not straight, and all he wants is his best friend in his bed and in Colorado with him.
On the other hand, Jack is scared to death. Being with Tristan is all he's ever wanted, but he doesn't trust his luck. He's scared that someday, everything he wanted will be ripped away from him and he'll lose the love of his life and his best friend. Also, Jack is busy restoring his late father's home, and can't leave Kansas. But what good is Kansas when Jack's reason for living is in Colorado?
I LOVE BEST FRIENDS TO LOVERS WITH A BI-AWAKENING!! This one was just as amazing as book one. I LOVED Red's Tavern. I'm going to miss these men so much.
Rating 🔥🔥🔥🔥 1/2
October 6, 2022
*4.5*
The contractor is a fairly low angst, best friends to lovers romance set in the small town of Amberfield. Red's Tavern has seen some great romances through the series and this one is right up there.
Jack and Tristan clearly have a really strong friendship, spanning over ten years and doing everything together. Jack was the first to take a chance on Tristan and they've just grown from there. Drunkenly offering to be a pretend boyfriend to stave off an unwanted hookup leads Tristan to really take Jack in a while new light and it doesn't take long to evolve from there.
I love their 'One Hundo Policy' where it's the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. It really helps them to be so much closer and miss any confusion between them. Tristan is surprisingly open with how his attraction and feelings develop whilst Jack is more reticent, having been attracted to Tristan for so long. What hinders their HEA is Tristan is now moving to Colorado, back to his family, whilst Jack is born and raised in Kansas with ties to his family home as his dad left it to him when he passed a year ago. It's time for him to decide what he wants more, to live with him memories or move to a future with his best friend.
It's great having all of the Red's Tavern guys back together, they're such a laugh and always bring a smile, even over text. Tristan's family are a lot of fun too, hopefully we hear more from them at some point in the future.
Another really entertaining read from Raleigh Ruebins and I'm always happy to read more from Red's Tavern.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
The contractor is a fairly low angst, best friends to lovers romance set in the small town of Amberfield. Red's Tavern has seen some great romances through the series and this one is right up there.
Jack and Tristan clearly have a really strong friendship, spanning over ten years and doing everything together. Jack was the first to take a chance on Tristan and they've just grown from there. Drunkenly offering to be a pretend boyfriend to stave off an unwanted hookup leads Tristan to really take Jack in a while new light and it doesn't take long to evolve from there.
I love their 'One Hundo Policy' where it's the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. It really helps them to be so much closer and miss any confusion between them. Tristan is surprisingly open with how his attraction and feelings develop whilst Jack is more reticent, having been attracted to Tristan for so long. What hinders their HEA is Tristan is now moving to Colorado, back to his family, whilst Jack is born and raised in Kansas with ties to his family home as his dad left it to him when he passed a year ago. It's time for him to decide what he wants more, to live with him memories or move to a future with his best friend.
It's great having all of the Red's Tavern guys back together, they're such a laugh and always bring a smile, even over text. Tristan's family are a lot of fun too, hopefully we hear more from them at some point in the future.
Another really entertaining read from Raleigh Ruebins and I'm always happy to read more from Red's Tavern.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
February 27, 2024
Contact Jack the Contractor with the Wood skills and Multitool in his pocket.
Jack had loved his best friend until finally a move to Jade River, CO to live together with the Wood family in the beautiful mountains West of Denver. But giving up all his links to Kansas was one of the hardest things he had ever done. The Red's Tavern crew helped him decide to take the risk, but when Sam and Fox wanted to buy Jack's father's house, it was the answer to how to sell to strangers and freed up the memories to allow him the ability to move to the Woods in the mountains and a new life with his love without loosing everything from the past.
There may not be more books to follow in this series, but I think a family reunion at Red's Tavern with all of the characters returning for a community celebration is justified. I was born in Kansas and live about 2 miles from the tar paper shack built for workers at the former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant where I lived for about 2 years before moving into Kansas City, MO due to my sister's health issues. I returned to De Soto, KS a few years ago to get the best long term care for my wife at a nursing home until she died from severe health issues. Now my health issues and age may force me out, but the area is booming from the new Panasonic plant being built with about 4,000 workers expected in the multi-billion dollars project currently under construction in the over 7,000 acres of the former Sunflower land that was annexed by De Soto and is being developed as the largest planned community in Kansas. We need Jack to come back to Kansas, and bring Red's Tavern with his family.
Jack had loved his best friend until finally a move to Jade River, CO to live together with the Wood family in the beautiful mountains West of Denver. But giving up all his links to Kansas was one of the hardest things he had ever done. The Red's Tavern crew helped him decide to take the risk, but when Sam and Fox wanted to buy Jack's father's house, it was the answer to how to sell to strangers and freed up the memories to allow him the ability to move to the Woods in the mountains and a new life with his love without loosing everything from the past.
There may not be more books to follow in this series, but I think a family reunion at Red's Tavern with all of the characters returning for a community celebration is justified. I was born in Kansas and live about 2 miles from the tar paper shack built for workers at the former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant where I lived for about 2 years before moving into Kansas City, MO due to my sister's health issues. I returned to De Soto, KS a few years ago to get the best long term care for my wife at a nursing home until she died from severe health issues. Now my health issues and age may force me out, but the area is booming from the new Panasonic plant being built with about 4,000 workers expected in the multi-billion dollars project currently under construction in the over 7,000 acres of the former Sunflower land that was annexed by De Soto and is being developed as the largest planned community in Kansas. We need Jack to come back to Kansas, and bring Red's Tavern with his family.
October 12, 2022
First, let me say that I am heartbroken that this series is coming to an end. Red's Tavern was one of my favorite series I've ever read. The characters were relatable and each time the author wrote a new character, you always knew they were going to end up at Red's.
Jack and Tristan are best friends. They've been best friends for over a decade and all that time Jack has had what he thought was a crush on Tristan. Little does he realize that it's more than a crush and that he's in love with Tristan. Tristan, the "straight" best friend, starts noticing little things about Jack that he can't get out of his head. When he goes too far one night while hanging out at Red's, he realizes he may not be as straight as he thought. His feelings for Jack may go deeper than he thought. When Tristan tells Jack that he's moving away, Jack doesn't know how to feel. When he takes a trip with Tristan to Jade River where he'll be living, he can see that what he's doing is the right thing for Tristan and that's before Tristan asks him to move with him. Question is, will Jack leave everything behind in Kansas to follow his best friend or will he move there for the man he loves?
This story just like the rest of the series was so well-written and engaging. Although it's the last, I hope it won't be the last time we see these characters. I would love to see Nathan, Tristan's brother get his own story. I guess we'll have to wait and see. I would highly recommend this book. I look forward to what Raleigh has in store next.
I received this book for my honest review from Gay Romance Reviews.
Jack and Tristan are best friends. They've been best friends for over a decade and all that time Jack has had what he thought was a crush on Tristan. Little does he realize that it's more than a crush and that he's in love with Tristan. Tristan, the "straight" best friend, starts noticing little things about Jack that he can't get out of his head. When he goes too far one night while hanging out at Red's, he realizes he may not be as straight as he thought. His feelings for Jack may go deeper than he thought. When Tristan tells Jack that he's moving away, Jack doesn't know how to feel. When he takes a trip with Tristan to Jade River where he'll be living, he can see that what he's doing is the right thing for Tristan and that's before Tristan asks him to move with him. Question is, will Jack leave everything behind in Kansas to follow his best friend or will he move there for the man he loves?
This story just like the rest of the series was so well-written and engaging. Although it's the last, I hope it won't be the last time we see these characters. I would love to see Nathan, Tristan's brother get his own story. I guess we'll have to wait and see. I would highly recommend this book. I look forward to what Raleigh has in store next.
I received this book for my honest review from Gay Romance Reviews.
October 11, 2022
I have to “sing” my praises for this story! I absolutely LOVED it! It would definitely make for an awesome TV Movie/Movie! The story flows well for me. I couldn’t stop turning the pages because it was very spicy in a very good way! Who wouldn’t want to be with his own best friend in a romantic way!?!?!? Only if I had a straight best friend I had a CRUSH on! I was pleasantly surprised that it was the 8th book in the “Red’s Tavern” series! I have 7 books to catch up on! I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC or I wouldn’t have heard of the author!
The story focuses on Jack, the owner of a construction company whose best friend, Tristan works for him. The thing is Jack is gay and Tristan is “straight”. They’ve been best friends for couple years and knew each other’s sexual preferences. However, Tristan went back to Colorado to visit his family who he was estranged from for a long while. When he returned, he notified Jack that he was moving back to Colorado which secretly broke Jack’s heart. But unsurprisingly, Tristan asked Jack to move with him because he couldn’t live without him. Jack was surprised and unsure because he had a business to run and he wanted to complete renovating his late dad’s cabin. That’s where I’m going to stop and have you read the book to find out what happens! Happy reading if you do!!!!
The story focuses on Jack, the owner of a construction company whose best friend, Tristan works for him. The thing is Jack is gay and Tristan is “straight”. They’ve been best friends for couple years and knew each other’s sexual preferences. However, Tristan went back to Colorado to visit his family who he was estranged from for a long while. When he returned, he notified Jack that he was moving back to Colorado which secretly broke Jack’s heart. But unsurprisingly, Tristan asked Jack to move with him because he couldn’t live without him. Jack was surprised and unsure because he had a business to run and he wanted to complete renovating his late dad’s cabin. That’s where I’m going to stop and have you read the book to find out what happens! Happy reading if you do!!!!
October 7, 2022
I've enjoyed the books in this series that I've read, and this one was probably my favorite of them all. I also feel like the writing got sharper as the series progressed. The main relationship in this book is very sweet and felt like a natural bi-awakening. I loved how Tristan was still working through stuff from a rough teenage rebellious patch and how it took a lot to see that his friends and family didn't look down on him, and didn't even think as badly of him as he had thought at the time.
I also think this story leans demisexual, as Tristan discusses how being best friends with Jack is one of the reasons he believes it is easy to find him attractive in a romantic and sexual way after thinking of himself as straight for so long.
My main issue with this book is one that is hard to avoid in the eighth book in a series. The cameos from previous couples kind of took over the ending. I thought the inclusions of the other characters were charming until about the 85-90% mark and then it was a bit much.
That minor quibble aside, this really was a lovely, low-angst love story and I would recommend it to fans of the series/author, and I plan to read the new series, as well.
I received a copy for review from Gay Romance Reviews and all opinions are my own.
I also think this story leans demisexual, as Tristan discusses how being best friends with Jack is one of the reasons he believes it is easy to find him attractive in a romantic and sexual way after thinking of himself as straight for so long.
My main issue with this book is one that is hard to avoid in the eighth book in a series. The cameos from previous couples kind of took over the ending. I thought the inclusions of the other characters were charming until about the 85-90% mark and then it was a bit much.
That minor quibble aside, this really was a lovely, low-angst love story and I would recommend it to fans of the series/author, and I plan to read the new series, as well.
I received a copy for review from Gay Romance Reviews and all opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2022
i really enjoyed this! this book is one of those really rare instances where the best friend to lovers trope actually works!
somtimes with these books you feel like the friendship isn´t really that tight or one person is just in the friendship because they are attracted to the other person and that always leaves a bad taste in my mouth because for me that feels like deception.
but this book really did it! both men felt natural in their friendship and when they first kissed we knew tristan well enough to know that this really is something he totally would do ^^.
the attraction didn´t feel forced after that but very natural.
only four stars though because at some point it was just nauseating how enamoured they were... i feel like that is an issue with a lot of romance books. like i want to read about the way they fell in love and then a nauseating epilogue and thats amazing. but when the falling in love reached its peak at 70 % what´s about to come and do i care? lol
that sounds harsher than i mean it because this really i a good book! i just think that realizing you are attracted to someone doesn´t make them a perfect person and that kind of annoyed me to be honest.
so all in all four stars for a good friends to lovers romance
somtimes with these books you feel like the friendship isn´t really that tight or one person is just in the friendship because they are attracted to the other person and that always leaves a bad taste in my mouth because for me that feels like deception.
but this book really did it! both men felt natural in their friendship and when they first kissed we knew tristan well enough to know that this really is something he totally would do ^^.
the attraction didn´t feel forced after that but very natural.
only four stars though because at some point it was just nauseating how enamoured they were... i feel like that is an issue with a lot of romance books. like i want to read about the way they fell in love and then a nauseating epilogue and thats amazing. but when the falling in love reached its peak at 70 % what´s about to come and do i care? lol
that sounds harsher than i mean it because this really i a good book! i just think that realizing you are attracted to someone doesn´t make them a perfect person and that kind of annoyed me to be honest.
so all in all four stars for a good friends to lovers romance
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