Title: Love Means Family
Author: Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Pages: 191
Characters: Arie Hawkins, Duane Keenan
POV: third person
Sub-Genre: m/m romance
Kisses: 5
Blurb:
Four months ago Robert Edward “Arie” Hawkins lost his sister and the rest of her family in a plane crash. Now his parents have decided it’s time for him to marry and carry on the family name. Arie knows it’s most likely the grief talking—especially from his mother, who’s taken to putting more than ice in her iced tea—so to escape Mississippi, Arie calls his best friend, Robbie, and arranges for a visit.
Life is always changing at the Michigan farm where Robbie lives. Owner Geoff Laughton and his partner, Eli, have started a therapeutic riding program and adopted a little boy, creating a family. It’s while feeding Jakey that Arie meets Officer Hunky.
Officer Hunky’s real name is Deputy Duane Keenan, and he has troubles of his own, but not enough to stop him from pursuing Arie. But Duane’s and Arie’s families are pulling them in opposite directions. Trying to build a connection to support their mutual attraction may prove to be more than difficult… it may be impossible
Review:
Arie lives in Mississippi and is a gifted violinist. He’s devastated when he loses his sister and her family in a plane crash. Arie’s parents pressure him to find a girlfriend and get married. They are grieving the loss of their daughter and want more than anything to have grandchildren to carry on the family name.
The situation at home is so intense, that Arie takes a vacation. He flies up to Michigan to visit his friends on their ranch. This is where he meets the sheriff deputy Duane. Arie and Duane hit it off, and a romance ensues, yet Arie has a lot to sort out. He’s still grieving the loss of his sister. He is about to embark on a career as a professional violinist with the symphony in Mississippi. And his overbearing mother is pressuring him to return home.
I’ve read four books within this series so far, and this one is by far my favorite. I do have to admit that I think every one of them is my favorite right after finishing them, though. I just absolutely love these stories.
My favorite thing about Andrew Grey’s writing is that he never presents the cynical side of his characters. When he gets into their thoughts he does not include all of that depressing, sarcastic, meanness that so many authors like to talk about. I love Andrew Grey’s optimism. It is refreshing to read a book that makes me feel so good about humanity. Not all gay men are self-centered, snarky, and shallow, and these stories depict a community of people who live a life that most of us only dream of.
These books probably won’t be the first choice for the many readers who complain about stories that are too “sugary”. As for me, pour on the sugar. I love it. It’s a beautiful story, and I highly recommend it.
Reviewed By: Jeff
