Real Men Knit

March 9, 2020
Longtime friends partner in first business then pleasure in this light, refreshing romance from Jackson (the Sugar Lake series, written as K.M. Jackson). Jesse Strong, one of four adopted sons of “Mama Joy” Strong, has lived a fun-filled, irresponsible life, but he’s forced to finally grow up following Mama Joy’s death. Deciding not to sell his mother’s beloved Harlem knitting store, Strong Knits, which doubles as the Strong family home, Jesse turns to family friend and Strong Knits employee Kerry Fuller to teach him the business side of things. Kerry has crushed on Jesse since they were kids, but she hides her feelings, believing that playboy Jesse views her as just a friend. But as they band together to run the shop, a maintenance mishap in Kerry’s apartment leaves her temporarily living with Jesse. Working and living in such close quarters, their chemistry only grows. Jackson eschews manufactured drama and miscommunication, giving her couple a relatively painless path to love. Jesse’s delightful brothers bring an extra helping of light and laughter to the story, and their distinct personalities will have readers excited for them each to find love of their own in future installments. This smooth romance goes down easy. Agent: Evan Marshall, The Evan Marshall Agency.

Keylor Leigh narrates a story about the power of knitting and relationships. After their foster mother dies unexpectedly, Jesse Strong and his brothers must decide what to do with her store, Strong Knits, which is a neighborhood fixture. At the same time, employee Kerry Fuller must decide whether to act on her long-standing crush on Jesse or move on with her life. Leigh shines when depicting the bond between Kerry and her best friend, Val, imbuing their interactions with warmth and humor that show the depth of their relationship. The Strong brothers however, are not as well defined. The listener doesn't hear the emotional ties that would be expected among them. This slight lack of focus detracts from what is otherwise a capable performance. K.M.P. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine