Love Happens Anyway by R.J. ScottMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was so different that what I was expecting when I saw the cover. This was not a trivial, corny holiday romance. This totally had me feeling things, like EMOTIONS. I don't do that. So yeah, I loved this.
Derek just took over the marketing company that his dad and his grandfather built. Now, as the boss, he feels the degree of separation from his friends and coworkers. He's lost the camaraderie and friendship now that he wears the title of BOSS. Plus, his parents know best and they know he'd be happier if he had a boyfriend. In an effort to get through the holidays, he hires a boyfriend. Now, this is where I typically roll my eyes and find another book. But there was something so touching to me about Derek. He wasn't a jerk. He needed direction and someone in his life. He had me from the start. I mean, who could turn their back on a guy who said, "I need you to make me look normal tonight. It broke my heart.
So, Luke is a firefighter who was hurt in the line of duty. He was released from his job and now carries a limp. He's got the best heart out there and is just a little lost. Having inherited a bar from his dad and grandfather who were both in the service, he wanted to ensure that their legacy was intact. He needed the money and so he said yes to being Derek's boyfriend.
It didn't take long for them to realize that they were good together. They mended each others broken bits and found that they could make the other smile. I loved the way they loved each other.
I loved the aspect of 9/11 and how reverent it was spoken of. I loved that they created a legacy for those who served, those who lost loved ones, those who survived. It brought together family and it added so much heart to this story.
In the end, family was the theme. Derek grew so much in the few pages of this story and it was an epic transformation. Luke had so much love and gave it so freely. It was a seriously awesome story and I'm so happy to have read it.
*Arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
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