Reviewed by Minxhalo
TITLE: Breaking Bonds
SERIES: The Walker Boys (Dreamspun Desires)
AUTHOR: Ari McKay
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 190 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2017
BLURB:
From the frying pan into the fire.
After a critic’s review attacks both Chef Liam Walker’s culinary skills and his personal life, Liam can no longer take the heat of the cutthroat New York City restaurant scene. He needs to get out of the kitchen—at least long enough to cool down and regroup.
At the Overlook Resort in North Carolina, Liam meets owner Carter Galloway. Carter has a passion for the hospitality business to rival Liam’s own, and it’s not hard to see where their shared interests—and attraction—could lead. But Carter has no interest in a fling, and Liam has no intention of walking away from the career he fought so hard for. If they want a taste of happiness together, they’ll have to find the courage to break the bonds threatening to pull them apart.
REVIEW:
Ever read a character and immediately wanted to kick them for being such a jerk? Well that is Liam. I’ve heard all about arrogant chefs, and I wasn’t impressed. Though the authors try to build some sympathy for him by talking about the bad review he’s received and how hard he’s worked, but all I could think of as he berated the resort staff was “what an a##hole.” However, he redeems himself when he offers to help Carter out with his restaurant issues.
Now Carter? Carter I just wanted to wrap him up in a big hug and fix all his hurts. His dedication to his dream of running his own resort didn’t turn him into a self- centered twerp (take note Liam, ya putz). Instead, his excitement spilled over onto how he treated his staff, and they became his family.
It doesn’t seem like it, but this odd couple somehow works. I was rooting for them all along – ok, after I stopped wanting to punch Liam in the nose.
The writing team of Ari McKay has, once again, neatly crafted a sweet romance perfect for the beach or vacation. There wasn’t any mystery – you could see the ending coming a mile away. But I liked the characters so much, it kept my interest.
Also, speaking of characters – I fell in love with Rocky. I know he’s just a supporting character, but his sweet earnestness was adorable. Here’s hoping he’ll maybe get his own story someday.
All in all, a perfect book to take on vacation, to put you in a good mood and keep you smiling.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
Dreamspinner Press