The boring technical stuff: This book completely stands alone. Although there are other characters from Ms. Locke's books in the story, you do not have to have read them to enjoy this one. There is a lot of swearing (including slang for female genitalia starting with p and f-bombs) and there are a couple of described sex scenes. If you're not a sex-scene fan, you can very easily skim over them and have plenty of amazing story to read as it does not dominate the story. If either of those things will cause you to leave a bad review, you should skip this one but you'll be missing one heck of a good book.
There are a couple of *clearly marked spoilers* in this review.
Trying to decide where to start this review is difficult because there was so much about it that I loved that I don't know what to talk about first. Lance and Mariah. Those two were stupidly perfect for each other from the very start, and I had no doubt that they would find their way to each other, but the journey was an incredible, emotional ride. Mariah was one of the most relatable characters that I have read about in romance novel in a very, very long time. She wasn't tall and svelte with perfect, natural double d's that magically don't sag, and flawless, glossy hair, and she wasn't always dressed in designer clothes with perfect make up; she had flaws and imperfections and was so realistic that I never once rolled my eyes at her. While that might seem like an insignificant thing, it's so rare for a character in the romance genre these days to have a “pooch” or to not be perfect that it really stood out to this normal, imperfect girl who can't relate to a character who is utterly flawless. I also identified with her inner voice and her need to guard herself so much that I wish that she was real so we could be friends. (SPOILER TO END OF BRACKETS: One of her thoughts that most affected me most was “I wonder if I'd be more of a people person had I felt more self-assured growing up.” I have never identified with a character/line in a book more in my life.) Watching Mariah grow more confident and strong as the book went on just made me love her even more. And Lance, although he had his moments that made me curl my lip at his lack of class and his choices, I adored him. He was a bit of a mess, but he was a really good guy at heart, and his big moment at the end broke. my. heart. I adored it. I also loved his moments with Ollie and Brandon, the way that he supported Mariah when she needed it, and every interaction that he had with his family.
Of course, because this is an Adriana Locke book, there were tons of amazing side characters who added a ton of fabulous moments but didn't overwhelm the story. I would happily read a buddy comedy just featuring the Gibson crew going out and doing mundane things because they make even the most boring things fun. Although they were all fantastic, the side character that stuck with me was Ollie. I hope that we learn a lot more about Ollie in the next few boks because I'm completely invested in his future and well-being. Mariah's family made me growl more than once, but I loved how it all eventually worked out (SPOILER to end of paragraph) life isn't perfect and I loved that this solution wasn't all sunshine and rainbows and perfection, but there was hope and that's all we could ask for.
One more little-but-amazing thing is the moment when the title makes sense. It was an absolutely beautiful moment and I LOVED it.
*** MAJOR SPOILERS IN THIS PARAGRAPH *** Of all the things that were amazing about this book, I loved the moment between Machlan and Lance at the cemetery. Although I bawled, I needed that discussion more than anything – probably more than Lance did. Life is difficult right now, but the reminder that blessings come in all shapes and sizes, and that even the worst things in the world can bring out happy outcomes was something that will stay with me forever. Thank you, Ms. Locke, for that reminder.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a well-written not-quite-friends-not-quite-enemies-to-lovers story or just a really well-written story in general. If you're new to Adriana Locke's books, this is a great place to start.
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Popular Highlights in this book
“You live your life and you fill it with all those people who make you feel like getting up in the morning. The ones who give you life. And the rest of them?” She blows a breath. “The rest of them you just let go.”Highlighted by 225 Kindle readers- Love is a choice. It’s a connection with someone else that can’t be explained, a relationship with someone who both helps you feel your best and reciprocates the good you have to give.Highlighted by 168 Kindle readers
- “The only person responsible for your happiness is you.”Highlighted by 125 Kindle readers
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Reviews with images
History 101 is now my FAVORITE class!
Lance, Lance, Lance 😊Adriana has won my heart once again. This time she has blessed us with Lance Gibson, the HAF, playboy history teacher that has no shame about living his life at arm’s length from any kind of connection with a woman that ends in “ship.” Relationships are not part of Lance’s repertoire, but once he sets his sights on Mariah, his steadfast rules about woman go out the window.Mariah is still trying to recover from a shattered heart, the last thing she wants to do is have her heart put threw ringer by Lance. She is well aware of his dating habits and although their attraction is obvious, she’s certain that falling for him will only lead to tears and heartache.This was a more emotional story than I anticipated. A few sniffles here and there, coupled with some schmexy times, dirty talk and fun banter make this a five-star read for me. I loved Lance, loved Mariah and I simply can’t get enough of this family. There is laughter, drama and small-town goodness.Once again, the amazing family dynamic she creates does not in any way detract from the story of Lance and Mariah. The banter, the laughs, the guy talk between this family of rowdy brothers is part of the Gibson Brothers experience. They are sassy, inappropriate and all-around fun to be with. I think that's what I love the most about this series. It's equal parts hot and steamy, honest and real with plenty of laugh out loud humor. I loved this book and recommend you don’t miss out on what the Gibson Boys have to offer. You don’t want to be left behind on this ride!
Top reviews from other countries
Blovesbooks
Playboy Lance .. has a sweet heart
Reviewed in Canada on February 8, 2021
Jessica (mylovelyhobbies)
Only book 2 and I love this series!!
Reviewed in Canada on December 20, 2021
