Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Strings Attached
AUTHOR: Riley Hart
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 267 Pages
RELEASE DATE: January 14, 2022
BLURB:
I spent college worrying about responsibilities and earning my teaching degree, so before graduation and moving to Atlanta with my best friend, Ross, I figure I deserve a little fun. I’ve never been with an older man, but the guy at the bar grabs my attention and doesn’t let go…for multiple rounds, all night long.
The next day, when Ross introduces me to his dad, the last thing I expect is for him to be my hookup from the night before, in town from Atlanta for his son’s graduation.
The best thing would be to pretend it never happened, which is easier said than done. The more I talk to Harrison, the more I like him. We enjoy teasing each other, spending time together, and despite how successful he is, we both know what it’s like to have nothing. Neither of us wants a relationship, so when Harrison suggests a no-strings-attached fling, it’s perfect.
But between bills, worrying about Mom, and wondering how I thought I had what it takes to be a good teacher, Harrison’s always there, even when it’s hard for me to accept help.
Falling for Harrison wasn’t part of the agreement.
I don’t know how to trust, there’s a seventeen-year age difference, and he’s my best friend’s dad.
No strings attached has never been so difficult, because I’m pretty sure I want to be tied to Harrison for good.
REVIEW:
Strings Attached is a lovely best friend’s father, age gap novel featuring forty-one year old Harrison and his son’s best friend from college, twenty-four year old Zander. What makes this story different – and refreshing – is the honesty throughout. There are no secrets kept from Harrison’s son, Ross, about their initial hookup and subsequent relationship. I’m so glad Riley Hart offered us something more creative than the usual formula seen with this trope – lying, anger, and feelings of betrayal.
Zander is on the cusp of graduating college with his teaching degree. He’s never wanted to do anything other than teach and have a positive impact on young lives. His two most identifying attributes are his passion for teaching and his obstinance for independence. He’s about to move to Atlanta with Ross where he’ll soon start his career as a middle school English teacher. He’s a serious guy, always carrying a tinge of worry, but he decides to relax and reward himself with a night of sex with a hookup on the eve of graduation. Little does he know he’s boning Ross’ dad.
Once they return to Atlanta, Zander and Harrison are set on maintaining just a friendship. But the more they refuse to become involved – largely for Ross’ sake – the more their mutual attraction intensifies, so they agree to supplement their growing friendship with some no-strings attached, sexual fun. Neither is interested in a relationship, perhaps ever. Harrison feels he is too set in his ways to settle down. Zander wants to devote himself to his career and deals with too much pressure and worry about money, his mother and sister’s well-being, his deadbeat dad, and concern that he won’t be a good enough teacher. It’s frustrating for Harrison who has the financial means to make Zander’s life much easier, but Zander flatly refuses to accept any kind of help. Even an invitation to dinner makes his hackles rise. Harrison watches Zander’s mounting anxiety but knows Zander will be upset by any attempt to care for him. Zander is insecure and closed-off, reticent to share anything about himself with others.
It gradually becomes apparent that there’s more than sex to their friends-with-benefits arrangement. They enjoy each other’s company, like spending time together out of bed conversing, laughing, and teasing, and reveling in physical proximity. They have a lot in common, both coming from little money and knowing what it’s like to go without. They’re both natural caretakers and deeply kind, selfless individuals. It’s complicated for Zander, however. He can’t trust people and he never allows himself to depend on anyone because he believes he’ll always be let down.
“If my own father didn’t love me enough to stay, how could someone else? If someone as good as my mom couldn’t count on the person she’d loved her whole damn adult life, how could I?”
love both Zander and Harrison. They’re perfectly suited for each other and I like that their seventeen-year age difference is a non-issue for everyone involved in their lives. The pace is well-maintained with the snappy dialogue. The men relate to each other with their teasing, smart ass banter. Not only is it enjoyable, it provides character depth as we’re given a glimpse into their personalities and how well they mesh. The relationship between Harrison and Ross is particularly endearing. Their bond is built on honesty and openness, mutual respect, fun, and a willingness to understand each other’s feelings. I also enjoyed when Harrison acknowledged the little things that made it clear Zander was no longer just a friend, like when he saw Zander wearing his clothes or smelling like his soap.
Let’s not forget the heat. This book is smoking with hot sex, dirty talk, and a smoldering photo session. Ungh!
I recommend this sweet, low angst novel to any contemporary romance readers. As a standalone, it would make a great gateway book to readers new to Riley Hart.
RATING: 
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