Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: Rumble of the Crumble
SERIES: The Rhubarb Effect
AUTHOR: JP Sayle & Sue Brown
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 151 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 31, 2025
BLURB:
Two alphas. That couldn’t work, could it? If it could, would Leonidis be able to open up his scarred heart and make himself vulnerable when all he’d known was pain?
Universe be damned, that was how Leonidis felt when Fate stepped in to deliver him one stalk-tastic mate, the town Sheriff. A mate he really did not want—or he tried not to want.
Fate and his mate are persistent and as the pair grow closer, so does the danger. With secrets revealed and more at stake than ever, the Sheriff has to consider the entire, growing pride, not just his mate. Can these two find a middle ground in the chaos as everything unravels and danger comes knocking, before it’s all too late?
If they do, which alpha will save the day?
REVIEW:
This is the seventh and final book in the weird and wacky Rhubarb shifter series. I have enjoyed this fun series, its very tongue in cheek but a lovely fun read. The final book is about two Alpha’s one is Leonidis from the shifter pack and the other is Sheriff Butch a rhubarb from the town.
Leonidis feels he is a damaged alpha lion due to the significant pain and trauma he suffered in his past. He struggles with opening up his scarred heart and making himself vulnerable. Despite his initial resistance, he finds himself drawn to his mate, the town Sheriff Butch. Leonidis is a complex character who embodies resilience and the capacity for healing through love.
The Sheriff is another alpha with a big heart. He is persistent and determined, especially when it comes to his mate, Leonidis. As the pair grow closer, the Sheriff must navigate the challenges of protecting the entire pride while also dealing with the secrets and dangers that arise. He is a strong and caring leader who must balance his responsibilities with his personal desires. Initially he finds it difficult to be the Sheriff and give his mate the support he needs, which causes some misunderstanding and conflict.
The story delves deeply into the transformative power of love, especially in the context of overcoming personal trauma and past wounds and highlights how love can be a catalyst for healing and personal growth. Both Leonidis and the Sheriff face numerous challenges and adversities, both from external threats and internal conflicts. The story emphasizes the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming these obstacles and fighting for what they believe in. Leonidis in particular grapples with their identity and his past trauma. Sheriff Butch believes it is best to go slow, and take each day at Leonidis pace, which also causes some misunderstandings and difficulties. The Sheriff’s responsibilities to protect the pride and Leonidis’ own duties conflict with their personal desires to be together.
Leonidis has experienced significant pain and trauma in his past, making it difficult for him to open up and trust others. This emotional baggage creates a barrier to forming a deep and meaningful connection with the Sheriff. Both Leonidis and the Sheriff are alpha’s, which can lead to power struggles and conflicts. Balancing their strong personalities and leadership roles while maintaining a harmonious relationship is a challenge. Initially Leonidis is unwilling to open up about these secrets which creates tension between them. He feels less than because of what happened to him and thinks, wrongly, that he should’ve been stronger, more able to fight back.
Leonidis and the Sheriff take several steps to overcome the barriers in their relationship. They work on being transparent and honest with each other, sharing their feelings and fears. The Sheriff provides Leonidis with the support he needs to heal from his past trauma. They create a safe space for each other to open up and confront their emotional wounds together. They stand united against the external threats posed by the old pride. By working as a team, they strengthen their bond and show that they can rely on each other in times of danger.
They learn to navigate their roles as alpha characters by respecting each other’s strengths and finding a balance in their relationship. They compromise and collaborate to ensure their partnership is harmonious. Despite their responsibilities and duties, they make time for each other and prioritize their relationship. This helps them stay connected and ensures their bond remains strong. Through these steps, Leonidis and the Sheriff manage to overcome the barriers in their relationship, demonstrating the power of love, trust, and resilience
RATING: 
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