Reviewed by Amber

TITLE: In the Middle of Somewhere

SERIES: In the Middle of Somewhere #1

AUTHOR: Roan Parrish

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 350 pages

BLURB:

DANIEL MULLIGAN is tough, snarky, and tattooed, hiding his self-consciousness behind sarcasm. Daniel has never fit in—not at home with his auto mechanic father and brothers, and not at school where his Ivy League classmates look down on him. Now, Daniel’s relieved to have a job at a small college in Northern Michigan, but, a city boy through and through, when Daniel arrives in Holiday, Michigan, it’s clear that this small town is one more place he just won’t fit in.

REX VALE clings to routine to keep loneliness at bay: honing his large, muscular body until it can handle anything, perfecting his recipes, and making custom furniture. Rex has lived in Holiday for years, but his shyness and imposing size have kept him from connecting with people. Though he loves the quiet and solitude of his little cabin in the woods, Rex can’t help but want someone to share it with.

When Daniel arrives in Holiday, they are smitten with each other, but though the sex is intense and explosive, Rex fears that Daniel will be one more in a long line of people to leave him, and Daniel has learned that letting anyone in could be a fatal weakness. Just as they begin to break down the walls that have been keeping them apart, Daniel is called home to Philadelphia where a secret is revealed that changes the way he understands everything.

Can a scrappy professor, an intense carpenter, and a stray dog make a go of it in their cabin in the woods? Sometimes, you have to go to the middle of nowhere to end up exactly where you want to be.

REVIEW:

I’m completely blown away by this book. BLOWN. AWAY. Roan Parrish where have you been hiding?!?!!? This book was utterly, mind boggling, ridiculously, unbelievably AMAZING! God, I loved this book so much. I love and hate when I’m this blown away by a story. I love it because I’m giddy and excited thinking about what’s to come. I hate it because when a book is this good I feel my review can never do it justice.

This story had so many layers, so much depth. I’d be reading, completely enthralled then I’d be sucked in more and this goes on and on. This author was able to pull me in so completely I’m still feeling the effects of an overwhelming book hangover.

Daniel Mulligan comes from a rough and tumble family in a rough and tumble town. What he’s always known is that he wants more for himself. So he focuses heavily on advancing his education. His home life is tough, however. He has 3 older brothers all of whom seem to hate him and a father who struggles with the idea of affection. Excelling in college he finishes his PhD and lands himself a teaching job in a small college town.

Rex Vale takes the term “shy” to a whole other level. Having been the victim of a horrific crime as a teen he swore he’d never be a victim again so he’s molded his body with great care. Building his muscles to perfection, he prefers seclusion so he’s happiest in his cozy cabin in the woods. Rex is kind, compassionate, caring, protective, gentle, passionate, and so completely taken with Daniel. Rex may be my most favorite thing about this story.

Circumstances arise that bring Rex and Daniel together again and again. Rex is very intense, like strike you to your core intense. Every interaction with Daniel I feel in my soul. These men take chemistry to a whole other level. It’s like a volcanic eruption every time they come together. And it’s 150% believable. The story, the romance, flows effortlessly and beautifully. Oh God…I loved this story!!!

The writing…..have I mentioned the writing??? Good God…the writing….this author came out of the gate with a homerun! No, more than a homerun…whatever is more than a homerun…that’s how good this writer is!! You know what I mean, right?

This story is not fluff. There are some really huge deep seeded issues that Rex and Daniel have to work through, plus issues that arise with Daniel’s family. Have I mentioned how many layers this book has??? It’s phenomenal!!!

One more thing…the side characters….ahhhh, so great!!! Ginger, Will, and my favorite….Leo(tard)!!!

I cannot wait for more stories from this fantastic author. This is a must read…without a doubt, no fooling!! Highly recommend…get this book!! Get it…damn, I just want to keep telling you all how great it is, but I’m going to stop now…psssssst…get this book!!

RATING: 

BUY LINKS:

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

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