Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Unconventional Hearts

SERIES:  Plum Valley Cowboys

AUTHOR:  Emmy Sanders

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  322 pages

RELEASE DATE:  May 19, 2022

BLURB:

One summer. Three men. The proposal that ropes them together.

Cooper
I came to Texas with a single goal: to find my bio-dad before the end of summer. Instead, I found Will, a spitfire of a man with sharp blue eyes and a swoon-worthy drawl. When he proposes adding benefits to our newfound friendship, I’m all in.

The problem? I’m smitten. With not one, but two men. Because Will has a friend that makes me smile like no other. My time in Plum Valley is coming to an end, but if I’m not careful, I’ll be leaving my heart behind when I go.

Will
Spending summer break back home with my best friend was not supposed to be complicated. But then Tru and I kissed, and for the first time, I don’t know where we stand. Now Cooper, the new ranch hand, is mixed up in matters, and I’m even less sure of what it all means.

The three of us fit together effortlessly, but I worry it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. I don’t know how to get out of this tangled mess, and truth be told, I’m not sure I want to.

Tru
To me, it’s simple. Will and I are exploring what it means to go from friends to more. But as an asexual man, there are certain activities I’m uninterested in. Will likes Cooper, and Cooper is all about Will. And me? I have no problem sharing.

But as summer ticks down, I learn a few lessons. One, I feel more at home in Plum Valley than anywhere else. Two, I’ve been harboring major feelings for Will. And three, Cooper’s infectious optimism isn’t something I’m ready to part with.

Time’s almost up. Yet I’m nowhere near ready to say goodbye.

Unconventional Hearts is a lighthearted poly romance between a Southern charmer with a hero complex, a blunt-as-can-be sweetheart who doesn’t need saving, and a lovable golden retriever of a man who has a song for every occasion. There is no cheating and one very HEA. It’s book 3 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

REVIEW:

Note:  This is the third book in this series.  While it can be read as a standalone, I personally think it’s best enjoyed after reading the first book, Fool Hearts, Easton and Wyatt’s story at least.

Will, Easton and Wyatt’s son, is home for the summer after his second year of college in San Francisco with his bestie, asexual roommate Tru.  They have shared a tipsy kiss just before school is out and it’s raised new feelings for both of them.  Both are a little surprised and maybe nervous about the change in their feelings.

Cooper, the new summer ranch hand meets Wyatt at the Moore’s ranch and he sees Will and he’s a little bit smitten.  Will is just as interested and they end up hooking up and boy is Coop surprised by Tru 😉  Will and Tru are still dancing about their feelings a bit.  Eventually Tru speaks his mind and their relationship changes.  Cooper has no idea what to make of these two.  But then they have some heart to hearts and they all seem to be sort of on the same page?

When Will suffers a tragedy and has trouble processing, Tru is over his head.  He brings in Cooper and Cooper surprisingly knows what to do.  But this is a summer thing right?  They are both going to have to go back to their regularly scheduled life.  No one wants this to end though.  And there’s the little things about Cooper’s real reason to be in Plum Valley to find his father.  But that’s definitely taken a real backseat to everything else that’s going on 😉

Well I honestly don’t know how I could love this story more.  First, I have adored Will Moore since Fool Hearts.  He’s a kid with gumption to say the least.  His fiery passion, his love of his family, his fighting for what’s right and for those who can’t fight for themselves is epic.  Here he finds his match(es).  His relationship with Tru is so pure in the best sense of the word.  He loves Tru.  He meets him where he’s at.  He doesn’t try to change Tru at all – just accepts him completely as he is.  Cooper, who is described as a big lovable dog in human form by more than one character in this book is the answer to whatever needs to be worked out for Tru and Will to work completely and forever.  This relationship could be tricky – and is for a lot of this story.  The I don’t think I’ve ever read a story where the feelings of an ace character have been so well articulated.  I hope this will help a lot of people understand and accept that there are many different perspectives around sex and love and commitment and intimacy.  Will has to work through a lot of issues here – not only what a relationship with Tru AND Cooper would look like, but how everyone else is going to accept what this relationship is going to be.  The side story of Cooper looking for his father maybe ends up not as nicely as I would’ve liked, but it just highlights that family is not necessarily who you are related to by blood – and you don’t get to pick them.  So choose your friends and chosen family wisely.  I encourage everyone to read this fun, funny, adorable, sweet, heartwarming story.  These three young men are definitely old souls and wonderful humans.  This family is everything a family should be.  Love love love this.  I feel confident this will be one of my favorite books this year!  Highly recommended

RATING:

BUY LINK:

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