Review: Shake Me Up

Fiction, LGBTQ Contemporary Romance (M/M)

3***

Blurb: Ronny Ledbetter inherited a bar, The Gingerbread, from his father, and he’s been working his hands to the bone to update the building and keep the business functioning. What he really needs is help… and a life outside of work. What he doesn’t expect is a man like Arden to stumble into his life. Turned out by his parents, Arden Thatcher is living in his aunt and uncle’s converted garage, and he needs a job. Getting desperate to find something, he approaches the sex-on-a-stick hot Ronny, who gives him a test behind the bar and then a job. But that only solves one of his problems; his controlling uncle is still attempting to run his life. With all their issues, neither Ronny nor Arden is looking for a relationship, but one forms more quickly that either could imagine. Arden supports Ronny, helping him build the business. His skill behind the bar draws new customers, and Ronny backs Arden with his family issues that never seem to end. But Arden’s uncle poses a threat not only to Arden, but also his aunt and even the bar. It will take both Ronny and Arden’s combined strength to see things through to a possible future together.

Thoughts: Ronny owns a popular bar in downtown Carlisle, but he is in desperate need of help. When Arden walks in looking for a job, he hires him on, not knowing what he’s getting himself in for. Not only is Arden a capable bar tender, but he’s also got issues. A lot of them. He was kicked out of his home and lives in a small apartment owned by his uncle and aunt. He dumpster dives for food until he can earn enough to live on. But his uncle is no better than his father was and when Arden discovers that his uncle is abusing his aunt, he steps in to try to help. Meanwhile, the sparks fly between him and Ronny, turning into heat. Between Ronny and Arden, they manage to help his aunt, and his mother, come to terms with the abuse they’ve been suffering and take legal action to protect them.

I enjoyed the story for the most part, but it could have a lot of triggers for sensitive people. There is spousal abuse and bigotry and physical violence. So be forewarned about that. The heat between Ronny and Arden is well done and works well in the story. I just think this could have been a lot better.

Recommended with reservations.