Romance on Aisle Sixteen—opposites attract amid the hammers and screws of the home improvement store.
Gabe Mason became a father at seventeen, and his daughter, Ellie, is the most important thing in his life. But being the parent the courts demand means Gabe has given up most of his dreams—education, making furniture, a gay social life—to be a model dad with a steady, reliable job in a home improvement store. Life’s predictable until Jerry, a shy, eccentric guy in a hat and sunglasses, begs Gabe to oversee the renovation of his run-down mansion.
Gabe loves the house and the work, and Jerry’s pretty lovable too, but when Gabe discovers Jerry’s secret identity, he fears their passion could overturn both their lives forever.
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Tara Lain can be a hit or miss for me. For the books I like, I REALLY like them. And this one, I really liked.
The premise wasn’t anything original. Big time star trying to hide from the world. Small town guy just trying to live his life. Even the small town guy’s self imposed celibacy to focus on taking care of his near perfect daughter. But the way she told the story and wove it all together, it didn’t come off as a story told a million times.
The story was sweet without being schmoopy. I loved the misunderstanding before the big reveal. Gabe’s ex is a wild card. Seems that they were on decent terms until she started with her newest boyfriend who is a bit of a religious zealot. So poor Gabe is always afraid she will fight for custody. Which is kind of silly because of her age (16? 17? I forget exactly) but I also understand when you have a tenuous grip on something and are afraid to lose it.
I also loved that it is Gabe, the small town guy, who has a life outside of the big star, Jerry, instead of the other way around. Gabe makes furniture but it doesn’t tend to sell because no one wants to pay what it is worth. I cheered at that. CHEERED! This is absolutely true!
Moving on. Gabe’s daughter was not only an integral part of the story, but she was also like the conscience of both of them. It was pretty cool.
Well rounded story, good characters, hot romance, just a good, fun read.
4 Pieces of Eye Candy
Tara Lain says
Thank you so much for reading the new book, Denise! So glad you liked it. : )
Tara Lain says
OOps. Thank you Erin!! Hugs!
H.B. says
Thank you for the review!
Ginger Connatser says
Sounds like a good book.