papercranestitches's review
2.0
*** 2.5 Stars ***
I found his book high in mystery and zany antics, but low on chemistry and romance. Honestly, I spent more time trying to figure out how these characters were connected (building family trees in my head) than losing myself in their relationship.
Probably my least favourite of this series.
I found his book high in mystery and zany antics, but low on chemistry and romance. Honestly, I spent more time trying to figure out how these characters were connected (building family trees in my head) than losing myself in their relationship.
Probably my least favourite of this series.
scarletine6's review
3.0
Not the best book in the series and the change in narrator was unfortunate. This new narrator just did a straight read through- with no accents at all. It was hard to discern who was talking at times and he spoke very fast so I had to adjust the narration speed on my device.
janetted's review
4.0
What a wild ride! On the surface Sam seems to be a somewhat dull, small town guy, but after Aaron shows up, that all changes. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns this story has to offer as well as watching Sam's growth. This is another Smithfield must read!
the_novel_approach's review
5.0
This is a 4.5 Star review
My God, I love L.B. Gregg’s Men of Smithfield series. Love. It. I knew it the moment I picked up Men of Smithfield: Mark and Tony, and Mark Meehan walked into a church to do a little Bible-thumping of the decidedly non-biblical sort…all over his soon-to-be ex-boyfriend’s head, as a matter of fact. Right then and there, I knew I’d found an author who’d become an auto-read for me, and I’ll tell you, after what happens in church in Sam and Aaron, well… Let’s just say maybe Ms. Gregg has quite the irreverent sense of humor to go along with all the sarcasm that seems to flow so effortlessly from her characters’ lips. I love all the little absurdities that show up in the relationships between the men in this town called Smithfield. It is a funny kind of place, a place where nothing, and I mean nothing, is off limits for gossip. But, that definitely doesn’t mean there are no secrets.
Not all of the characters who’ve populated the previous books in this series are back in Sam and Aaron’s story. Tony’s there because he’s local law enforcement, and poor Sam can’t seem to quit getting caught with his pants down—literally. Adam (from Adam and Holden) is there very briefly but plays a pretty significant part in the story for our poor Sam, but otherwise folks are there in name only, so I wouldn’t say these books need to be read in order, necessarily, but it is a little more fun to know who’s being talked about and how they got where they are, and with whom.
Sam and Aaron, like all the other couples in Smithfield before them, don’t get off to the most promising of starts, which is what makes it so much fun to watch them begin that dance we all know and love so well, the “I don’t trust you, maybe don’t even like you, but I want you” tango where they think it’s all about lust and sex but then, somehow, it gets all kinds of complicated by feelings and needs. There’s some conclusion jumping going on based largely in the deep, dark secrets in Sam’s and Aaron’s family closets, and while it’s fairly easy for the reader to suss them out, all the fun is in watching the characters try to put the clues together and get it wrong.
There’s a Home Is Where the Heart Is sweetness to Sam and Aaron’s story, as well as a lesson that proves those we choose are as much family, sometimes more so, as those to whom we’re genetically linked. As always, L.B. Gregg brings her characters to life as though they are friends and neighbors, and she does it while alternately keeping her readers laughing at their witty banter and their sometimes comical conundrums, then tossing in a little suspense and a lot of sexual tension between her heroes. Her writing is crisp and fast paced, and her men are at times so awkwardly loveable that you can’t help but root for them to fall in love.
Sleepy little Smithfield may not be a place I’d want to live, but L.B. Gregg sure does make it fun to drop in for a visit from time to time.
Reviewed by Lisa at The Novel Approach
My God, I love L.B. Gregg’s Men of Smithfield series. Love. It. I knew it the moment I picked up Men of Smithfield: Mark and Tony, and Mark Meehan walked into a church to do a little Bible-thumping of the decidedly non-biblical sort…all over his soon-to-be ex-boyfriend’s head, as a matter of fact. Right then and there, I knew I’d found an author who’d become an auto-read for me, and I’ll tell you, after what happens in church in Sam and Aaron, well… Let’s just say maybe Ms. Gregg has quite the irreverent sense of humor to go along with all the sarcasm that seems to flow so effortlessly from her characters’ lips. I love all the little absurdities that show up in the relationships between the men in this town called Smithfield. It is a funny kind of place, a place where nothing, and I mean nothing, is off limits for gossip. But, that definitely doesn’t mean there are no secrets.
Not all of the characters who’ve populated the previous books in this series are back in Sam and Aaron’s story. Tony’s there because he’s local law enforcement, and poor Sam can’t seem to quit getting caught with his pants down—literally. Adam (from Adam and Holden) is there very briefly but plays a pretty significant part in the story for our poor Sam, but otherwise folks are there in name only, so I wouldn’t say these books need to be read in order, necessarily, but it is a little more fun to know who’s being talked about and how they got where they are, and with whom.
Sam and Aaron, like all the other couples in Smithfield before them, don’t get off to the most promising of starts, which is what makes it so much fun to watch them begin that dance we all know and love so well, the “I don’t trust you, maybe don’t even like you, but I want you” tango where they think it’s all about lust and sex but then, somehow, it gets all kinds of complicated by feelings and needs. There’s some conclusion jumping going on based largely in the deep, dark secrets in Sam’s and Aaron’s family closets, and while it’s fairly easy for the reader to suss them out, all the fun is in watching the characters try to put the clues together and get it wrong.
There’s a Home Is Where the Heart Is sweetness to Sam and Aaron’s story, as well as a lesson that proves those we choose are as much family, sometimes more so, as those to whom we’re genetically linked. As always, L.B. Gregg brings her characters to life as though they are friends and neighbors, and she does it while alternately keeping her readers laughing at their witty banter and their sometimes comical conundrums, then tossing in a little suspense and a lot of sexual tension between her heroes. Her writing is crisp and fast paced, and her men are at times so awkwardly loveable that you can’t help but root for them to fall in love.
Sleepy little Smithfield may not be a place I’d want to live, but L.B. Gregg sure does make it fun to drop in for a visit from time to time.
Reviewed by Lisa at The Novel Approach
clak5686's review
3.0
I always enjoy the Smithfield series. I enjoyed this but it was not one of my favorites. Sam is an innkeeper and meets Aaron under weird circumstances. Then he finds out he's a guest at the Inn. I figured out what Aaron was doing as a job pretty quickly. The family pieces were a little convoluted and hard to follow. But, I like the couple and the resolution of their relationship.
lillian_francis's review
5.0
If you liked the rest of the series then I can see no reason why you wouldn't like this. Another cute couple, some interesting uncertainty at the beginning, an amusing subplot with the cooking course and a few of our favourites from previous books getting a mention, a cameo and, as per usual, Tony makes an appearance. Oh and I'd love to see that YouTube video.
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