Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Pretty Buoy
SERIES: Swallow Cove
AUTHOR: DJ Jamison
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 360 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 24, 2024
BLURB:
He’s only playing boyfriend to protect me, but Brooks Riggins is everything I need.
After leaving my toxic boyfriend, I flee to my family vacation home in Swallow Cove. Which takes me directly into the path of broody bar manager Brooks Riggins.
He’s large and intimidating, but with a protective streak that I didn’t see coming. When my ex gives me trouble, Brooks tells him to take a hike. Not only that, he also claims to be my new man.
Brooks is as straight as they come, but he’s ready to step up and play the part.
In fact, it may not just be pretend, judging by the way Brooks looks at me. Especially when he catches sight of me in the lingerie I sometimes wear.
My ex said the lingerie made me too feminine. Too weak.
Just a pretty boy.
But as Brooks hands me all the power I need to heal and be intimate again, I can finally see the truth.
I am a pretty boy, and it doesn’t make me weak at all.
In fact, I never have to be weak again.
But can I be strong enough to trust another man with my heart?
Pretty Buoy is Book 2 of Swallow Cove. It can be read as a standalone, but it may be more enjoyable to read Book 1 for an introduction to all the characters in the series.
Trigger Warning: past abuse, toxic ex-boyfriend.
REVIEW:
Note: This story takes place along the same timeline as the first book in the series are there are some spoilers for that book. I recommend reading in order if only to get a solid background on the people and town of Swallow Cove
Skylar Addison has gone to Swallow Cove supposedly to check on his dad’s investments there – the local bar/restaurant and a boating business. But really he’s escaped from an abusive relationship with his ex and to try go get himself together. He’s hiding out there more than anything. But now he’s gotten a therapist and he’s trying to do what he’s there to do.
He meets the big broody manager of the bar, Brooks Riggins, who shows him around. They seem to get along OK but something seems a tiny bit off. Then his ex shows up and not knowing where else to go he shows up at the bar. Brooks of course takes him in and offers him the “break room” for the night. Really it’s where Brooks has been living while his grandmother is recuperating at an assisted living place that required them to sell the house to cover the expense. Brooks works crazy hours to continue to keep here there as she recovers from a broken hip. He doesn’t really have permission to “live” at the bar, but he can’t afford anything else. It’s just him and his grandma when his mother dropped him off and took off. She’s an addict and cannot be counted on for anything 🙁
Sky figures it out pretty quick and when Brooks offers to act as his “boyfriend” to chase off Blaise, the horrible ex, well Sky can’t say no. And Brooks needs a place to stay anyway – so win/win. But the more time they spend together, the les “fake” this relationship seems to be. And Brooks isn’t so much bothered by being into a guy as he is about having actual feelings for anyone. This hasn’t happened to him before. Plus there is Sky’s skittishness after being mistreated by his ex. But if it’s only temporary, he can be what Sky needs, right? Except what if they don’t want it to be temporary 😉 You’ll have to read to see what happens.
Honestly I feel like DJ Jamison just gets better and better with each book. This story is adorable! She has a way of writing about real issues without being preachy or grim. Sky recovering from a bad breakup with an even worse boyfriend was very well done. He’s lost himself in this awful relationship with a controlling man who has made him question his own worth in every way – sexually, intellectually, emotionally. Brooks is just the right guy to help him see just how wonderful he really is. It’s quite the surprise to Brooks, but he really likes Sky before he realizes his genuine attraction to the man. I adored how much he understood what Sky needed – pretty much intuitively. Maybe it was Sky coming to him when the evil ex showed up and how willing Brooks was to take Sky as he is – lingerie and all – that cracks Brooks just a little bit. With his abandonment issues, it’s clear that he does not trust easily. He’s ok with being a distraction and a support for Sky because he thinks there a end coming to this relationship. Sky will be moving on and back to Seattle at some point. The longer Sky is there and the more time he spends with Brooks, the closer they get. Even though Brooks hasn’t been with a guy before, he in no way sees Sky as a weak or too feminine or whatever line of BS his ex was feeding him. He sees a strong man who is getting his feet back under him and he’s determined to help in anyway he can. But he won’t take over despite his protective nature. He understands that Sky has to make his own way and take control back in all areas of his life, even if that means a little worry 😉
The growth of both of these characters in this book are heartfelt and believable. They each have their baggage from the past that keep them from opening up to each other. It’s only after some time and after repeated instances of them letting each other be who they truly are that they give in to the fact that are head over heels for one another. With family and friends encouragement and maybe a little bit of meddling and good-natured teasing too, they step up in big ways for each other. I loved everything about this story including all the time with the other quirky residents of this quirky town (another thing this author does so well). I really cannot way for the next book either. Sawyer and Ash are going to clash and I am here for it! Highly recommended.
RATING: 
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