Home Improvement — a Love Story

May 27, 2019
An unlikely pair take big risks for love in Lain’s sexy take on dating as a single parent. Gabe Mason put everything on hold, including his dream of making furniture for a living, to raise his daughter, Ellie, now 16. Working in a hardware store keeps Gabe’s income steady and cuts down on the odds of his ex-wife challenging the custody agreement. Gabe’s not pretending to be straight, but he’s not openly dating either. But a few awkward encounters at the store with an eccentric young man named Jerry turn into a job overseeing the renovation of Jerry’s newly purchased mansion, and Gabe finds himself drawn to both the house and his client. As Gabe and Jerry spend time together, their attraction grows until neither can resist the other. But Jerry’s a reluctant rock star in hiding, and that secret soon puts their new relationship under pressure it may not survive. Lain throws opposites together in a slow-burn love affair full of lust and laughter. Rom-com fans will delight in this richly drawn romance full of vivid personalities.

June 14, 2019

Gabe Mason put his life on hold when he became a teen father after trying to deny he was gay, and now that his daughter, Ellie, is close to graduating from high school, he won't do anything to endanger his custody arrangement with his ex-wife. While working at the local home improvement store, Gabe meets Jerry, a tall, awkward young man who hides behind sunglasses and a beanie. Gabe quickly realizes Jerry doesn't have a clue how to restore the house he bought, and after Gabe tries to steer him in the right direction for expert help, Jerry hires Gabe to handle the renovations. Gabe believes Jerry is in over his head and is concerned about his finances, while Jerry worries he's attracted to a married man. When their secrets are revealed, some are easier to handle than others, and Jerry's could destroy Gabe's family. VERDICT Lain ("Love in Laguna" series) writes a tender hidden-identity romance with appeal for fans of Heidi Cullinan, Alexis Hall, or Annabeth Albert. Recommended for all libraries.--Melanie C. Duncan, Washington Memorial Lib., Macon, GA

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