Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Fresh Pickens
SERIES: Cedar Falls #21
AUTHOR: Shea Balik
PUBLISHER: Siren-Bookstrand Inc.
LENGTH: 146 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 15, 2017
BLURB:
Several years ago Charles Jackson made a mistake, a big one. He bullied several people for being gay. When his mama found out, she gave him a tongue lashing that still stung years later. Charles had been trying to change since then but the residents of Cedar Falls wouldn’t give him an opportunity to prove it.
Austin Reed hadn’t wanted to give Charles a chance, but the more he got to know Charles, the more he found the man funny, sweet, and nothing like the bigoted bully he had been.
Now, the two must find a way to forgive the past and move into the future if they hope to find their happily ever after.
Warning: As usual the residents of Cedar Falls will butt their noses in where they aren’t wanted, but are needed.
REVIEW:
I hadn’t read the blurb to this, because I just love this whole series. I have forgotten about Charles Robert and the trouble his brothers had started at the casino with Jesse and friends causing them to be band. But he’s back and he realizes his mistakes and is trying to make amends. But some people have long memories.
But, of course, one person was willing to give him a chance when he saw how sincere Charles was. And that was Jesse. Yep, smarter than people think he is, I’m telling you. He gave Charles the chance to run Fresh Pickens, the farmer’s market. And little by little, people were starting to notice how much Charles had changed. He was even more reserved now. Quiet. Shy. Austin couldn’t believe this was the same man and he couldn’t get his mind off of him now. But when some people tried to shoot Charles down, Jesse went off on everyone. And Austin stood with him. Everyone deserves a second chance if they are truly trying to change. And Charles is. Even changing to the point, he realizes his cares for Austin more than a friend. But old fears and his brother are keeping him from moving forward with Austin. It takes his mama and Jesse both, and a hateful visit from his brother, to realize he doesn’t want to give Austin up. He just hopes he’s not too late to fix it.
I was so happy to see Charles getting a second chance. Another reason to love Jesse. Jesse is fierce, man. Going toe to toe with anyone who says a bad word. Because he’s right. Charles is trying to make amends and do right. He deserves to be treated better. Especially when he starts seeing Austin. And Austin is perfect for Charles. He keeps him happy and focused on the good. He doesn’t pull punches. He doesn’t want to be a secret and that’s fair, but he’s patient with Charles and understands when he’s nervous or needs time.
I think this is one of my more favorites of the series. Yes, I love them all in their own way but I’m glad to see this about Charles. And Jesse once more, showing people how they need to be. Of course, he’s still up to no good, but, hey, that’s Jesse lol.
RATING: 
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