Sam's Reading: A Work in Progress

Hey, all, have I mentioned before that you better clear your schedule when you start on a Santino Hassel romance? Perhaps? What the hell is so addictive about his writing for me? Don't know, but I did really enjoy this.
Characters He does not fuck around in giving us the types of heroes we just know, adore, and root for. I knew immediately that I'd flove the grumpy tight end...but he gives us one with...RAGE ISSUES? Like a legitimately terrible temper. And sells the f*ck out of it.
So knowing that, no problem, not worried one little bit. Then I read and I meet Noah. Noah is the assertive, take-no-shit idealist and I feel him. He is amazing. And holy crap, he's working to pay off school loan debts and living with his dad (!) And his characters are never neat. In fact, I think Noah may be one of the more perfect ones I've run across.
Plot Hassel carefully wedges social commentary on sexuality and masculinity through his characters without feeling overly preachy or having said characters come off as one-dimensional.

A major hurdle for this couple is that Noah is Gavin's PA. There were pages of discussion and internal musings of the characters on sexual harassment and power dynamic. It was important and considered by both of them. And they were both sensitive to it. and it works. (I struggle with certain power dynamics but openly admit that boss/subordinate don't hit my alarm bells for some odd reason.) I know people sensitive to it might steer clear, but I want to emphasize that this piece of the plot actually had some pretty good meat to it-I can't say that I've ever seen it handled quite this way, even though in the end it still may have felt too rationalized.

This book has some great moments, particularly as Gavin starts to melt and soften. Who doesn't want to see a 6'5'' 260 guy turn into goo?

The separation was damn near heartbreaking, but understandable and mature.

Anyway, I can't say enough good things about this author. I am still not sure this is my absolute favorite, but this really appealed to me. Maybe it's because I'm an absolute sucker for the sports romances. Maybe it's because [b:Sutphin Boulevard|25404499|Sutphin Boulevard (Five Boroughs, #1)|Santino Hassell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1435776893s/25404499.jpg|45158379] knocked me off my ass so much, I have never quite been the same. Whatever it is, this read is lighter and still thoroughly enjoyable.

And make sure you set aside the time to binge on yet another incredibly readable book.