Robin felt… well… He felt different.
He was my exception.
In most things.
One thing Robin “Trashmouth” Johnson has never had was someone looking out for him. He was more of a caretaker than a sibling to his younger brother growing up thanks to a neglectful mother and as soon as he could, he ran off to pursue his dreams of becoming a musician. And even though he achieved his dream, his life has been a nonstop parade of churning out music and endless touring that’s left his body and soul exhausted. A quiet Christmas, visiting his brother, in the small town of Belleville, VT is just what he needs to reset and figure out what he wants for his future. He never expected to meet someone like Ben Montgomery there. Ben, who wants to take care of Robin in a way that no one ever has before, and the man who makes Robin start to dream of a different future – a future where he finally sets down roots.
Ben made me feel the way no one ever had before. When I was with him, I fit. Like we were puzzle pieces. Or harmonies. Two shapes, two notes, same tune.
It was nice being back in Belleville, although I’ve been spending a lot of time there recently as I’ve been re-listening to the first two books in the series leading up to reading this one. I enjoyed Ben and Robin’s story, they were very cute together and complemented each other well. Ben is a natural caretaker and Robin was so starved for affection that he ate it right up. Robin was an interesting character, his past did a number on him and he was very lonely and so weary. But despite all that, he was also a little ball of sunshine. I was glad he was finally able to slow down and find some healing during his time in Belleville.
Ben was basically perfect, he always seemed to know just what to say or do when it came to Robin. He had his anxieties which presented themselves from time to time but they never really caused any issues when it came to him and Robin. Overall the book was very low angst. The things I thought might become problems never did but that’s fine by me because I enjoyed seeing these two getting to know each other and falling in love with the backdrop of Belleville at Christmastime.
I’d never expected to find a partner. I’d never looked. And yet, one had stumbled upon my little nest and found me anyway. It seemed the universe was looking out for me because Robin was the happiest accident I’d ever made.
I wish there had been a little more focus paid to see Robin and his brother, Miles, repairing their relationship, especially after everything that happened in the second book. There were a few chats between them on the page but I was hoping for just a bit more. I would have also liked to see more of Robin and Bubba together. Robin was so great with Ben’s girls, I would have loved seeing him step into the uncle role for Bubba while he was in town. But aside from that, this was a sweet (and yes, spicy) holiday romance and I hope it’s not our last trip to Belleville!
“I’m your favorite person?” Robin asked, voice tiny and sweet.
“Of course you are,” I said honestly. “You’re my Robin.”
“Oh,” Robin said, warmth flooding his voice. He wriggled, grinning up at me, the lost look in his eyes gone. “You’re my favorite person too.”
The Book Boyfriend Addict 