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javalenciaph's review
5.0
Check out my full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ebook was provided by Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Wedding Favors, written by Anne Tenino, is the seventh novel in the multi-authored Bluewater Bay series from Riptide Publishing. This is one of my favorite series and one of the best things about it is that the books are written by different authors and can be read as standalones but still feel connected to one another. Book six has a prequel entitled Helping Hand and is about what happened between Lucas and Gabe twelve years ago and can be found in the Valentine's Day anthology entitled Lights, Camera, Cupid.
Having read Lucas and Gabe's beginning in the anthology, I'm glad I finally got to find out what happened to them afterwards, even if there is a twelve-year gap between the prequel and this novel. I always felt there was more than meets the eye when it came to these two and that Gabe had his reasons for doing what he did back then. Every person they had been with since that time couldn't quite measure up to not just the memory of each other but the possibility of what life could have been had things gone differently.
Lucas and Gabe seem like two different people. Lucas has always wanted to experience life away from Bluewater Bay, especially since he leaned more toward the arts and didn't see how he could flourish in the small town. Gabe has never seen himself leaving Bluewater Bay and has a strong connection to both his family and the land. But they also both like to work with their hands and are passionate about the work they do. Lucas and Gabe were meant to be together, even if it did take a dozen or so years for it to happen.
This was a great story about second chances with the person you shared a lot of firsts with, about true friendship going beyond gender, and about family being able to surprise you. It's also about learning to look back and truly seeing with an open mind and heart where you came from and appreciating it. Lucas and Gabe, along with Audrey, Zach, Seth, and their respective families, were characters who made me smile and swoon and left me one satisfied reader. Wedding Favors deservedly gets five out of five stars. ♥
Note: This ebook was provided by Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Wedding Favors, written by Anne Tenino, is the seventh novel in the multi-authored Bluewater Bay series from Riptide Publishing. This is one of my favorite series and one of the best things about it is that the books are written by different authors and can be read as standalones but still feel connected to one another. Book six has a prequel entitled Helping Hand and is about what happened between Lucas and Gabe twelve years ago and can be found in the Valentine's Day anthology entitled Lights, Camera, Cupid.
Having read Lucas and Gabe's beginning in the anthology, I'm glad I finally got to find out what happened to them afterwards, even if there is a twelve-year gap between the prequel and this novel. I always felt there was more than meets the eye when it came to these two and that Gabe had his reasons for doing what he did back then. Every person they had been with since that time couldn't quite measure up to not just the memory of each other but the possibility of what life could have been had things gone differently.
Lucas and Gabe seem like two different people. Lucas has always wanted to experience life away from Bluewater Bay, especially since he leaned more toward the arts and didn't see how he could flourish in the small town. Gabe has never seen himself leaving Bluewater Bay and has a strong connection to both his family and the land. But they also both like to work with their hands and are passionate about the work they do. Lucas and Gabe were meant to be together, even if it did take a dozen or so years for it to happen.
This was a great story about second chances with the person you shared a lot of firsts with, about true friendship going beyond gender, and about family being able to surprise you. It's also about learning to look back and truly seeing with an open mind and heart where you came from and appreciating it. Lucas and Gabe, along with Audrey, Zach, Seth, and their respective families, were characters who made me smile and swoon and left me one satisfied reader. Wedding Favors deservedly gets five out of five stars. ♥
blessedwannab's review
4.0
I know that Wedding Favors is only my second read by Anne Tenino so far, but darn if I didn’t really like it! I mean, if I’m being fair here I can’t say that there was anything super deep or intense. There wasn’t any earth shattering characters or a mind blowing plot. What it had was two cute guys with good chemistry falling in love, and sometimes what could be better than that?!
Plot-wise, a lot of drama and heartache could have been saved if Lucas and Gabe had just talked to each other about their current situation AND their history. Like human beings are always open and honest about where they’re at emotionally, right?. We’re especially closed off if we anticipate that the truth will only lead to more hurt. None of the actions, I thought, were unrealistic and it all led to a happy ending so I was a happy reader.
Lucas’s ‘craft’ or what normal people call artwork was spectacular. I would love to have been able to manifest his sculptures in the real world and bring them home. I think it was really creative of Anne Tenino to put so much thought into the type of art that Lucas created. (Puzzle sculptures, man that’s brilliant. I want that darn horse!)
I think the only aspect of the story that I didn’t enjoy was the character Audrey. Speaking frankly, she was a bitch. She wasn’t very nice, and in particular I didn’t think she was very nice to Lucas. There’s a fine line between cute/funny snark and just a straight up meany-head. Audrey was a meany-head.
In closing, I enjoyed Wedding Favors. It doesn’t hold a candle to Too Stupid to Live but it definitely showed me that Anne isn’t a one trick pony, and I’m eager to try another one of her books.
Thank you to Riptide Publishing and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you like this review, check out others like it at Badass Book Reviews.
Plot-wise, a lot of drama and heartache could have been saved if Lucas and Gabe had just talked to each other about their current situation AND their history. Like human beings are always open and honest about where they’re at emotionally, right?. We’re especially closed off if we anticipate that the truth will only lead to more hurt. None of the actions, I thought, were unrealistic and it all led to a happy ending so I was a happy reader.
Lucas’s ‘craft’ or what normal people call artwork was spectacular. I would love to have been able to manifest his sculptures in the real world and bring them home. I think it was really creative of Anne Tenino to put so much thought into the type of art that Lucas created. (Puzzle sculptures, man that’s brilliant. I want that darn horse!)
I think the only aspect of the story that I didn’t enjoy was the character Audrey. Speaking frankly, she was a bitch. She wasn’t very nice, and in particular I didn’t think she was very nice to Lucas. There’s a fine line between cute/funny snark and just a straight up meany-head. Audrey was a meany-head.
In closing, I enjoyed Wedding Favors. It doesn’t hold a candle to Too Stupid to Live but it definitely showed me that Anne isn’t a one trick pony, and I’m eager to try another one of her books.
Thank you to Riptide Publishing and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you like this review, check out others like it at Badass Book Reviews.
geeknb's review
5.0
All the stars. This is quite easily my favourite of the series so far.
Adorable. Second chances. First love. Lumberjacks (okay they call them loggers but...).
Adorable. Second chances. First love. Lumberjacks (okay they call them loggers but...).
dreamerfreak's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug use, Sexual content, and Alcohol
teresab78's review against another edition
4.0
Communication!!! They needed more of it. But I loved the horses, the sculpture, and the love <3
papercranestitches's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the bedroom scenes, but there was something about Tenino's writing style that was too jarring (especially in the first 50-60% of the book) to let me settle into the story and be swept away by this quirky second chance romance.
janetted's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
I've been really looking forward to Anne Tenino's contribution to this amazing series for a while now. I always enjoy her stories because they offer unique spins on familiar tropes, complete with vibrant, lively characters. I think you'll find Wedding Favors is truly no different - Lucas and Gabe keep things very interesting in quiet little Bluewater Bay.
If anything these guys are a study in contrasts. Lucas is a famous sculptor who's sworn never to return to Bluewater Bay. He spent most of his life waiting to get out, so why would he ever go back? Instead he's traveled the world in pursuit of his art before settling in LA. Gabe's a down-to-earth logger who can't imagine being anywhere else. He's content to run his family business, working the land and taking care of his family. That isn't where the differences end either; their personalities and preferences make me wonder if it's even possible for them to get on the same page.
The one thing they do have in common is that spark of attraction and shared memories of a one-time hook-up. Okay, so they each remember that night differently, but the result is basically the same - in all the years since Lucas left Bluewater Bay to take on the world, neither has been able to forget it. Lucas coming home for his best friend's wedding and finding out Gabe's the Best Man might just be the push they need to forgive and forget.
Gabe seems like my kind of guy - warm, caring and genuinely kind - and I liked him immediately. Lucas took me a bit longer, but only because he's that sassy kind of self-involved that makes you wonder if he's really a jerk or it's all a facade. In this case, getting to see the real Lucas is a revelation. Tenino slowly shows his true character, and we find him growing, changing, maturing. He's able to shrug off the superficial armor he's unknowingly donned living in LA, relax and finally just live. That kind of awe and wonder is refreshing to share with a character, and it gives me such hope that maybe love doesn't have to be so painful after all.
But of course it is. Painful, I mean. It's clear as the story progresses that what Gabe and Lucas share is much more than a physical attraction. Without even trying, Gabe is everything Lucas never realized he wants in a partner. He's kind, considerate, attentive - all things Lucas really needs. Most of all he's unconditionally accepting, and for someone who's used to hiding parts of himself out of fear of censure like Lucas, that's critical. But Gabe and Lucas' arrangement has an expiration date, and as it draws near, the angst and tension really ramp up. Tenino builds toward a climax that I'm not sure I ever want to reach. (Now there's a first. :) Sorry, I had to. This is Anne Tenino after all, a woman lauded for good sexual humor and giving away handmade male genitalia.) Anyway, getting back on track...you won't want to miss the emotional, sensual journey these guys take.
If you've been reading and enjoying the Bluewater Bay series, you'll find this story has the same vibe and feel as the others. How multiple authors manage to achieve that kind of consistency is always astounding to me. It's inherent that each has his/her own style and flair, but those nuances are blended into a singular sensation of belonging in Bluewater Bay. Each story expands an already amazing cast of characters in this rather quaint, charming setting. I like that Tenino's story mentions but doesn't directly involve Wolf's Landing; I think it's one of the few to do so. It's a nice reminder that there's more than just movie star magic in Bluewater Bay.
I've been really looking forward to Anne Tenino's contribution to this amazing series for a while now. I always enjoy her stories because they offer unique spins on familiar tropes, complete with vibrant, lively characters. I think you'll find Wedding Favors is truly no different - Lucas and Gabe keep things very interesting in quiet little Bluewater Bay.
If anything these guys are a study in contrasts. Lucas is a famous sculptor who's sworn never to return to Bluewater Bay. He spent most of his life waiting to get out, so why would he ever go back? Instead he's traveled the world in pursuit of his art before settling in LA. Gabe's a down-to-earth logger who can't imagine being anywhere else. He's content to run his family business, working the land and taking care of his family. That isn't where the differences end either; their personalities and preferences make me wonder if it's even possible for them to get on the same page.
The one thing they do have in common is that spark of attraction and shared memories of a one-time hook-up. Okay, so they each remember that night differently, but the result is basically the same - in all the years since Lucas left Bluewater Bay to take on the world, neither has been able to forget it. Lucas coming home for his best friend's wedding and finding out Gabe's the Best Man might just be the push they need to forgive and forget.
Gabe seems like my kind of guy - warm, caring and genuinely kind - and I liked him immediately. Lucas took me a bit longer, but only because he's that sassy kind of self-involved that makes you wonder if he's really a jerk or it's all a facade. In this case, getting to see the real Lucas is a revelation. Tenino slowly shows his true character, and we find him growing, changing, maturing. He's able to shrug off the superficial armor he's unknowingly donned living in LA, relax and finally just live. That kind of awe and wonder is refreshing to share with a character, and it gives me such hope that maybe love doesn't have to be so painful after all.
But of course it is. Painful, I mean. It's clear as the story progresses that what Gabe and Lucas share is much more than a physical attraction. Without even trying, Gabe is everything Lucas never realized he wants in a partner. He's kind, considerate, attentive - all things Lucas really needs. Most of all he's unconditionally accepting, and for someone who's used to hiding parts of himself out of fear of censure like Lucas, that's critical. But Gabe and Lucas' arrangement has an expiration date, and as it draws near, the angst and tension really ramp up. Tenino builds toward a climax that I'm not sure I ever want to reach. (Now there's a first. :) Sorry, I had to. This is Anne Tenino after all, a woman lauded for good sexual humor and giving away handmade male genitalia.) Anyway, getting back on track...you won't want to miss the emotional, sensual journey these guys take.
If you've been reading and enjoying the Bluewater Bay series, you'll find this story has the same vibe and feel as the others. How multiple authors manage to achieve that kind of consistency is always astounding to me. It's inherent that each has his/her own style and flair, but those nuances are blended into a singular sensation of belonging in Bluewater Bay. Each story expands an already amazing cast of characters in this rather quaint, charming setting. I like that Tenino's story mentions but doesn't directly involve Wolf's Landing; I think it's one of the few to do so. It's a nice reminder that there's more than just movie star magic in Bluewater Bay.
bookcraft's review against another edition
By about the 65-70% mark, the D/s aspects had hit a point that I couldn't deal with. This is very much a YMMV issue; certain types of humiliation/shaming in D/s are triggering for me, and there was an awful lot of sex, with each encounter pushing the envelope further.
Otherwise, I had been enjoying the book. The story was good, the characters were likable (if a little flat), and the logging and horse training detail was interesting.
Otherwise, I had been enjoying the book. The story was good, the characters were likable (if a little flat), and the logging and horse training detail was interesting.
jaimesamms's review
3.0
I enjoyed this read, although I did sort of want to lock the boys in a room and force them to actually SPEAK to one another. Still, the characters were engaging, I liked the author's writing style, and appreciated the distinct character voices.
janetted's review
4.0
4.5 stars
I've been really looking forward to Anne Tenino's contribution to this amazing series for a while now. I always enjoy her stories because they offer unique spins on familiar tropes, complete with vibrant, lively characters. I think you'll find Wedding Favors is truly no different - Lucas and Gabe keep things very interesting in quiet little Bluewater Bay.
If anything these guys are a study in contrasts. Lucas is a famous sculptor who's sworn never to return to Bluewater Bay. He spent most of his life waiting to get out, so why would he ever go back? Instead he's traveled the world in pursuit of his art before settling in LA. Gabe's a down-to-earth logger who can't imagine being anywhere else. He's content to run his family business, working the land and taking care of his family. That isn't where the differences end either; their personalities and preferences make me wonder if it's even possible for them to get on the same page.
The one thing they do have in common is that spark of attraction and shared memories of a one-time hook-up. Okay, so they each remember that night differently, but the result is basically the same - in all the years since Lucas left Bluewater Bay to take on the world, neither has been able to forget it. Lucas coming home for his best friend's wedding and finding out Gabe's the Best Man might just be the push they need to forgive and forget.
Gabe seems like my kind of guy - warm, caring and genuinely kind - and I liked him immediately. Lucas took me a bit longer, but only because he's that sassy kind of self-involved that makes you wonder if he's really a jerk or it's all a facade. In this case, getting to see the real Lucas is a revelation. Tenino slowly shows his true character, and we find him growing, changing, maturing. He's able to shrug off the superficial armor he's unknowingly donned living in LA, relax and finally just live. That kind of awe and wonder is refreshing to share with a character, and it gives me such hope that maybe love doesn't have to be so painful after all.
But of course it is. Painful, I mean. It's clear as the story progresses that what Gabe and Lucas share is much more than a physical attraction. Without even trying, Gabe is everything Lucas never realized he wants in a partner. He's kind, considerate, attentive - all things Lucas really needs. Most of all he's unconditionally accepting, and for someone who's used to hiding parts of himself out of fear of censure like Lucas, that's critical. But Gabe and Lucas' arrangement has an expiration date, and as it draws near, the angst and tension really ramp up. Tenino builds toward a climax that I'm not sure I ever want to reach. (Now there's a first. :) Sorry, I had to. This is Anne Tenino after all, a woman lauded for good sexual humor and giving away handmade male genitalia.) Anyway, getting back on track...you won't want to miss the emotional, sensual journey these guys take.
If you've been reading and enjoying the Bluewater Bay series, you'll find this story has the same vibe and feel as the others. How multiple authors manage to achieve that kind of consistency is always astounding to me. It's inherent that each has his/her own style and flair, but those nuances are blended into a singular sensation of belonging in Bluewater Bay. Each story expands an already amazing cast of characters in this rather quaint, charming setting. I like that Tenino's story mentions but doesn't directly involve Wolf's Landing; I think it's one of the few to do so. It's a nice reminder that there's more than just movie star magic in Bluewater Bay.
I've been really looking forward to Anne Tenino's contribution to this amazing series for a while now. I always enjoy her stories because they offer unique spins on familiar tropes, complete with vibrant, lively characters. I think you'll find Wedding Favors is truly no different - Lucas and Gabe keep things very interesting in quiet little Bluewater Bay.
If anything these guys are a study in contrasts. Lucas is a famous sculptor who's sworn never to return to Bluewater Bay. He spent most of his life waiting to get out, so why would he ever go back? Instead he's traveled the world in pursuit of his art before settling in LA. Gabe's a down-to-earth logger who can't imagine being anywhere else. He's content to run his family business, working the land and taking care of his family. That isn't where the differences end either; their personalities and preferences make me wonder if it's even possible for them to get on the same page.
The one thing they do have in common is that spark of attraction and shared memories of a one-time hook-up. Okay, so they each remember that night differently, but the result is basically the same - in all the years since Lucas left Bluewater Bay to take on the world, neither has been able to forget it. Lucas coming home for his best friend's wedding and finding out Gabe's the Best Man might just be the push they need to forgive and forget.
Gabe seems like my kind of guy - warm, caring and genuinely kind - and I liked him immediately. Lucas took me a bit longer, but only because he's that sassy kind of self-involved that makes you wonder if he's really a jerk or it's all a facade. In this case, getting to see the real Lucas is a revelation. Tenino slowly shows his true character, and we find him growing, changing, maturing. He's able to shrug off the superficial armor he's unknowingly donned living in LA, relax and finally just live. That kind of awe and wonder is refreshing to share with a character, and it gives me such hope that maybe love doesn't have to be so painful after all.
But of course it is. Painful, I mean. It's clear as the story progresses that what Gabe and Lucas share is much more than a physical attraction. Without even trying, Gabe is everything Lucas never realized he wants in a partner. He's kind, considerate, attentive - all things Lucas really needs. Most of all he's unconditionally accepting, and for someone who's used to hiding parts of himself out of fear of censure like Lucas, that's critical. But Gabe and Lucas' arrangement has an expiration date, and as it draws near, the angst and tension really ramp up. Tenino builds toward a climax that I'm not sure I ever want to reach. (Now there's a first. :) Sorry, I had to. This is Anne Tenino after all, a woman lauded for good sexual humor and giving away handmade male genitalia.) Anyway, getting back on track...you won't want to miss the emotional, sensual journey these guys take.
If you've been reading and enjoying the Bluewater Bay series, you'll find this story has the same vibe and feel as the others. How multiple authors manage to achieve that kind of consistency is always astounding to me. It's inherent that each has his/her own style and flair, but those nuances are blended into a singular sensation of belonging in Bluewater Bay. Each story expands an already amazing cast of characters in this rather quaint, charming setting. I like that Tenino's story mentions but doesn't directly involve Wolf's Landing; I think it's one of the few to do so. It's a nice reminder that there's more than just movie star magic in Bluewater Bay.