Series: Hot & Hammered, #2
Traits & Tropes: second chance; marriage on the rocks
Publication Date: 01.14.20
Genre/Setting: Contemporary; New York, USA
Rating: 3.5 stars
Dominic and Rosie Vega have been together since middle school but now their relationship has hit a few snags. Former Marine Dominic is quiet in the extreme, despite the fact that he's a faithful husband and provider, Rosie can no longer recognize the man she fell in love with and she's had enough. With encouragement from friends, Rosie decides to pursue her dream of opening her own restaurant, with or without Dominic, though she gives him the option of last-ditch marriage counseling, thinking he'll never do it, but this way she'll have tried and won't feel guilty.
Rosie is shocked when Dominic agrees. Not only that but counseling shows her she's also at fault for the deterioration of their relationship. As Rosie and Dominic complete their ridiculous therapy and learn one another's love languages, their relationship comes out stronger than ever, until a secret Dominic has kept for over a year threatens to derail their progress.
I don't typically read a lot of contemporary romance but I requested this one at a time when my husband was annoying me -- he's definitely the strong and silent type as well so I thought this could at least be entertaining. And it was. I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down once I got into it, although I think that may just be because I was stressed and wanting them to get it together. I know several reviewers don't like Dominic and think he's too possessive, but really I think this is his way of showing love and it's rather endearing. I think he got the short end of the stick here and his only desire in life was Rosie and whatever she wanted and he really didn't get much from her in return. Which she finally did realize.
I loved the exploration of love languages and communication and that both characters were so flawed. It made them seem real and relatable. I think Dom's post-war PTSD issues should've been explored more after their brief mention of why he struggles to communicate and then that just goes away. I think it would've been more fulfilling to explore that just a bit at least. Dominic actually was very sweet once Rosie opened her eyes to how insecure and unworthy he was feeling. This was lovely once they learned to communicate, although I would've liked a bit more real conversation between Rosie and Dominic; it was like once they saw each other clearly, everything was better than ever and a lot was left unsaid that I would've liked to see written out. I did enjoy this one and plan to go back to the previous book and then continue with this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7TJTkSgBLN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Rosie is shocked when Dominic agrees. Not only that but counseling shows her she's also at fault for the deterioration of their relationship. As Rosie and Dominic complete their ridiculous therapy and learn one another's love languages, their relationship comes out stronger than ever, until a secret Dominic has kept for over a year threatens to derail their progress.
I don't typically read a lot of contemporary romance but I requested this one at a time when my husband was annoying me -- he's definitely the strong and silent type as well so I thought this could at least be entertaining. And it was. I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down once I got into it, although I think that may just be because I was stressed and wanting them to get it together. I know several reviewers don't like Dominic and think he's too possessive, but really I think this is his way of showing love and it's rather endearing. I think he got the short end of the stick here and his only desire in life was Rosie and whatever she wanted and he really didn't get much from her in return. Which she finally did realize.
I loved the exploration of love languages and communication and that both characters were so flawed. It made them seem real and relatable. I think Dom's post-war PTSD issues should've been explored more after their brief mention of why he struggles to communicate and then that just goes away. I think it would've been more fulfilling to explore that just a bit at least. Dominic actually was very sweet once Rosie opened her eyes to how insecure and unworthy he was feeling. This was lovely once they learned to communicate, although I would've liked a bit more real conversation between Rosie and Dominic; it was like once they saw each other clearly, everything was better than ever and a lot was left unsaid that I would've liked to see written out. I did enjoy this one and plan to go back to the previous book and then continue with this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7TJTkSgBLN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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