Block and Strike by Kelly Jensen

 

Jacob Kendricks is three months out of prison, estranged from his daughter, and ready to get his life on track. Taking care of the bum curled up on his doorstep isn’t part of the plan. When he realizes the man has been assaulted, Jake takes him to the hospital, where he learns that Max is his downstairs neighbor… and that he could really use a friend. Keeping Max in the friend-zone would be easier if he wasn’t so damned cute.

Maxwell Wilson has been bullied for years, and the only person who ever cared lives too far away to come to his rescue. Now his upstairs neighbor is offering support. Max remains cautious, suspecting he is little more than a project for the handsome Jake. When he learns Jake has had boyfriends as well as girlfriends, Max has to reevaluate his priorities—and muster the courage to take a chance at love.

Just when a happy future is within their grasp, life knocks them back down. A devastating blow leaves Max lower than ever and Jake wrestling with regret. They both have to find the strength to stand on their own before they can stand together.

Block and Strike by Kelly Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Love is never easy.
Especially for an ex-con like Jake and a low self confidence like Max.
Met in not a very common situation, Jake can't help himself but to fall for Max.
This was a slow burn, and I found that I don't mind at all.
Jake has anger issue with him, that's the main problem, and he had to spent a year in prison, for something I barely understood.
While Max, living as a punching bag since he was a kid, and he lost his ability to stand for himself.
Lots to cope, before they can be together and be happy.
I love the process of their struggling with their own issue.
This is not a light read, there's angst and sadness, brutality and roller coaster. But Max and Jake survived, and slowly found their way to each other.
This is a healing comfort love story between two broken soul, and I loved how much Jake adored his Max, and how Max depend on Jake.
I adored Jake and his love to Max, how patient he's waiting for the 'L' word from Max....and the fireworks scene is nothing but adorable. Loved it!

More thoughts to come.

Recommended!

* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest and unbiased review.*


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