Real Men Don't Quit

Real Men #2

by Coleen Kwan

Serial bachelor. Celebrity author. Her perfect forever?

When famous author Luke Maguire decides to write his next novel in the small town of Burronga, Australia, he's sure he can ignore the fiery redhead next door. Not only has he just been burned from a high-profile breakup, but he's never been one to set down roots. No, he'll finish his novel and leave Burronga. And soon.

Tyler Jones just wants to run her business with her best friend, Ally, and take care of her three-year-old daughter, Chloe. She's never needed help from anyone, especially not a man, and the brooding, rugged writer next door can't tempt her. Not in the least.

Only Tyler and Luke can't stay away from each other. So they set rules. No staying overnight, no future plans, no sappy good-byes when Luke inevitably quits town. But the chemistry between them is too strong to contain in a rulebook. Are Luke and Tyler ready to risk their lives of independence for something more?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance, Small Town Romance, Australia

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 8, 2013

About the author

Coleen Kwan writes contemporary and steampunk romance for Carina Press and Entangled Publishing.

Coleen has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.

Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.

Reviews

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick review:

Cover: Chessy
Rating: R
Steaminess: Fizz
Thumbs Up: 4
Overall: A really good romance
Characters: Good job
Plot: Neither looking for love yet they find each other
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Series of Stand Alones
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Luke

SUMMARY (50 words or less)

I have to say, I really enjoyed the characters and the set up of the romance. It was plausible and believable and didn’t feel like any other stories I’ve read and I have read many. I only had one problem. You’ll have to read the full review to find out.

For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:

http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...

[Melody May (What I'm Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on What I'm Reading

Oh my gosh what a fantastic story I just finished today, which is Real Men Don't Quit by Coleen Kwan. I'm kind of on a book high. Don't you love that feeling. Real Men Don't Quit is book two in Real Men series. I have to say I really have enjoyed this series and this book.

We actually met Tyler Jones in Real Men Don't Break Hearts. Tyler is the best friend of Ally who met the love of her life in the last book. So, Real Men Don't Quit focuses on Tyler even though she has a jaded view on love. Which I can completely understand with her luck on previous relationship. Of course she would meet a guy who doesn't really believe he's marriage material.

Luke Maguire has come across writers block and so he's crashing at his agent's home to write the sequel to his next book. Yet, he's distracted by Tyler and her daughter, Chloe.

Seriously, fantastic read. After reading Real Men Don't Quit, the story left me with a permasmile. I love Tyler and her mama-bear instinct when it comes to Chloe. She's so protective and guarded with her feelings too. Then you have Luke, who isn't looking for anything. Well, maybe some words for his future book. Overall Luke isn't looking for love, actually he's trying to avoid. Again he doesn't see himself as marriage material. I love how they complete each other, but don't want to acknowledge that they do. So, much fun with these two characters.

I did love the story, because Tyler and Luke were fabulous together and made the story entertaining. The Bliss line is known for its sweet happy-ever-afters, and this story is no exception. So, if you are looking for a sweet toe-curling read, I would suggest Real Men Don't Quit. After all it left me giddy with happiness.

Copy provided by publisher

[MsRomanticReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by Coleen Kwan and it’s safe to say that I am already a fan. It isn’t necessary to have read the first book to follow the story of Tyler and Luke. Tyler is Ally’s friend and business partner from Real Men Don’t Break Hearts. Ally and Nate make frequent appearances in this story which I thought was brilliant.

Luke Maguire is a famous writer who has decided to hole up in his agent’s house to finish his manuscript. Tyler Jones is his feisty, sexy neighbor. When they first meet they get off on the wrong foot. Luke finds Tyler’s daughter Chloe wandering around near his pool. Afraid for her safety, he goes grabs Chloe and takes her home. A frantic Tyler meets them halfway, and half dressed. Assumptions are made, tempers flare and libidos flare to life. To say that sparks flew would be an understatement. Getting involved with a single mother would be a very bad idea, or he reminds himself daily. But the more time he spends with Tyler, the harder it becomes to resist her.

Tyler is fiercely independent and her world revolves around her daughter. She doesn’t need a man to complete her, and she’s certainly not looking for love. With Luke as her temporary neighbor, resisting him becomes more difficult each day. Especially when her daughter takes a strong liking to him, and he seems to have a great rapport with her. A little no-strings attached fun wouldn’t hurt, but she’s about to find out that love happens when you least expect it.

Both characters come with a chip on their shoulders and a lot of family drama. Combine the two and you have two people who seem to get each other, but they’re too wary to admit that they’d make a perfect pair. Tyler resents her mother for walking out and leaving her in foster care. As a young mother herself, Tyler fights tirelessly to make sure she never becomes that woman. Her jewelry making isn’t the most lucrative job, but it means stability, pays the bills and ensures that the mother of her ex, Gretchen Stafford, can’t take Chloe away from her. I liked Tyler, especially when her feisty side would come out to play. She’s confident, loyal, and she takes pride in motherhood. In dealing with her attraction to Luke showed us her more vulnerable side. It was fun seeing her be treated with respect and her subsequent reactions. Her character went through a favorable, steady growth throughout the story.

Luke hates his father for leaving his mom to raise five children all on her own. Her death six months prior to when the story takes place leaves Luke gutted. He is beginning to despise the book series he’s famous for penning, and the deadline for his latest installment looms over him like a dark cloud. Hiding out in his agent’s home under the guise of needing peace and quiet to finish his work is just another excuse to avoid the tabloids and rumors of his broken engagement to a popular tv anchor woman. His family troubles and his current lifestyle effectively chase away any thoughts of settling down. Until Tyler. He fights his own battles around the exact same time as Tyler, and they seem to be on the same trajectory for emotional growth. That’s what I liked the most about the execution of this story.

Ms Kwan teases with a lot of sexual tension. The love scenes are mentioned, not consummated for us to witness. But going by Tyler’s reactions, I’d say they were very good. The story didn’t feel rushed, and like I mentioned before, Ally and Nate are also in this story and have their own mini drama to deal with. I loved Nate in book one, but after this, I love him even more. The ending was perfect for everyone involved. I started this book with a grin, and when I turned the last page, my grin was still in place. If you love sweet romantic comedies with a bit of drama to keep things rolling, then definitely pick up this series.

Favorite Moment

“Listen–” As he started toward her, several metallic objects scattered beneath his feet.

“You’re losing my nuts–”

“You’re driving me nuts!”

Disclaimer: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm such a sucker for these fun, adult contemporary romances. The Bliss line from Entangled publishing has so many fantastic ones. They are quick to read and reel you in. Tyler was a pretty present character in the first book, Real Men Don't Break Hearts, so I was excited to get her story in this book. She was really great to get to know, and I loved her story and how her relationship with Luke went from a pretty bad start, to one that was totally swoon worthy!

Tyler is a single mom, who has a bit of a hard time with commitment. She has no problem with having a good time with men, but she has been down the failed relationship path, and doesn't want to do it again. The only way she sees to protect herself, and her daughter, is to not get too involved with anyone. That's until super sexy Luke comes into the picture. She is very into him, and falling fast and hard, but she is worried about how attached Chloe, her daughter is getting to him. Her daughter is everything to her and everything she does is for Chloe. She is sometimes a bit over protective and isolating, but I totally get that. Momma bear instincts are fierce. I really liked Tyler and I loved how she was able to let her guard down a little and open up by the end of the book.

Luke was fun and charming, and had a bit of a mysteriousness to him. He doesn't do commitment either. That's the fault of his father unfortunately. He fears commitment. He is a wanderer, never staying in one place too long. He has no desire to put down roots and settle. He is also in a rough spot with his contract for his books sequel month over deadline, and having nothing at all started for it. He thinks getting away will help his mind get focused on the book, but when he meets hot and feisty Tyler, he only has eyes for her. At first what seems like more of a distraction ends up exactly what he needs. He isn't happy with the book he wrote, he doesn't want to do the sequel, but writing is his passion. Just not what others want from him. He needs to write for him. He also needs to come to terms with the past and things that still haunt him. I thought the changes in him were great and I loved getting to know him along with Tyler.

The romance was awesome in this. What starts off as friendship, and trying to keep things casual grows into so much more as the both realize (and totally try to deny to themselves) that they are falling for each other. Yes, there are complications, but that's what makes it so good. People have issues. Some issues that they would prefer to keep hidden, especially when getting to know someone. But as they get to know each other, and grow closer, they confide in each other. They are there for each other when needed. Their relationship was anything but easy, but they fight for it to work. That's true commitment. That's what caring for each other and being in a relationship is all about.

This was such a fantastic book. I loved the romance and the characters. I think they were both very stubborn and strong willed, but fabulous too. I loved the family dynamics also. Family was a big part of this story. I think perhaps the only thing that really bothered me was that Chloe is supposed to be three years old, but doesn't talk the way a three year old would. I know that shouldn't be a big deal, but it just really bothered me. Overall she acted the way a child her age would, but her speech seemed more suited for a child older than her. In general I thought this was a really great romance though. Perfect for a quick, sweet escape that leaves you smiling.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real Men a Real Winner

I only recently discovered my first 'Real Men' novel and have to say I fell in love with it. So I'm delighted to have been able to devour the second in the series, also set in Burronga, New South Wales, so soon after the first.

"Real Men Don't Quit" continues the story of Tyler Jones and her young daughter, Chloe, first introduced in Ally and Nate's story (Real Men Don't Play Games) which, to my great satisfaction, forms a lovely backdrop to Tyler's discovery of her own real man. It also reinforces the theme that real men play for keeps when they find the right woman to love.

Luke Macguire is the next 'Real Man'. A best-selling author who's lost his desire to write after the recent loss of his mother, he moves in to his agent's home in Burronga, right next door to Chloe and Tyler or Little Miss Moppet and Crazy Sexy Rude-as-hell Lady as he initially dubs them. Attraction simmers between Luke and Tyler, but they keep a lid on it by agreeing "nothing below the collar bone and no hands under clothes", although it's a temporary rule at best, given how the pheromones fly around these two. Tyler is a feisty and independent single mum, doing her best to provide for Chloe through her shared partnership with Ally in the coffee shop cum gallery where Tyler sells her unique jewellery.

Both Luke and Tyler have issues with parents, and fear becoming just like them. Luke's father has made Luke fear his inability to offer a stable life to a woman, let alone one with a young child. Tyler's mother had dumped her in foster care after the death of her husband which makes Tyler all the more determined to be all that her daughter needs. Their struggles to avoid becoming clones of their less than stellar parents forms a large part of the tension and shapes the problems they must overcome. They can see other's strength of character but still be blind to their own.

Family is also central to their story, and once again, the secondary characters are realistic, offering another perspective of the strengths and weaknesses of the protagonists. No one was perfect, all were flawed in the way real people are, yet they fought so hard to be what they knew was right for family.

This was a top read. I love the penultimate chapter in particular, though I won't give away what happens. Suffice to say, it satisfied me very well. I'm hoping that somewhere down the track there might also be a 'real man' for Paige Kerrigan. Got my fingers crossed!

[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, sweet, easy little read. I hadn't read Kwan before but I absolutely loved her style. Her writing flowed nicely, the characters were charming and likable and they fit well together and had excellent fire between them right from the start.

Scowling, Luke stared after her, his blood pressure still thumping, hands fisted on his hips. The woman's long, smooth legs flashed as she motored away, the purple lace panties accentuating the rounded curves of her firm butt. He couldn't help staring after her. There wasn't an ounce of flirtation in her walk--quite the opposite, in face--but she had him riveted.

Damn his stupid male hormones.

I loved both Tyler and Luke. They're strong and determined and each dealing with some inner turmoil. Luke's a writer who hates his lead character and can't seem to write another word about him and Tyler's a single mum juggling all sorts of things from running her business to dealing with crazy grandparents who keep trying to take her child. They could be a little head strong and stubborn but damn if that didn't work for them.

I loved that neither of them were really looking for a relationship when they found it. They're both dealing with a lot in their own lives but for some reason they keep finding themselves smooshed together and the sparks are impossible to ignore. They were really just easy together. It didn't feel forced or rushed or fake. They even managed to have really endearing fights that made me love em even more. And again it was stuff you could see happening. Little things the escalate and then damn you're having a fight and going what the hell?! While it's more of a closed door/easy on the sexy details type of read there's a nice fire and heat between them that makes up for it.

He was halfway to the door when there was a flurry of movement as Tyler came up behind him and flung her arms around him, halting his progress.

"Thanks," she muttered into his back.

"For what?"

"For caring enough about Chloe to start an argument with me."

Would she ever cease to surprise him?" "Does that mean I'm right?"

"Course not," she scoffed, squeezing him tight.

Things did get a wee bit cheesy towards the end but still it made me smile and that's what's important to me. There are some awwww make-you-swoon moments with the hero and the heroine's daughter. I do love a man who is good with a child. Yum. Some humor and some heartache and a lot of great moments between Tyler and Luke that had me falling for them both. If you're looking for a fun light read that won't stress you out and will just make you happy and give you that warm feeling this is it. And you can totally read it without reading book one. I never felt lost or like I was missing something important.

[Christi Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review:
This is Tyler's story. We got to meet this funky artist in Coleen Kwan's book, Real Men Don't Break Hearts, where she's the heroine's best friend. Both books absolutely work as stand-alones, but the characters from both make appearances in both books....even better, this book also features the wedding from the H/h from RMDBH.

But this book is Tyler's story. She's a single mum from Australia. She's a jewelry artist and owns half the shop with her friend, Ally, from book #1. She's busy, and stretched, and living the stressful life of a single mum with a small 3 yo child.

Luke moves in next door to Tyler. He's a best-selling novelist. His first book hit the NYT best seller list and everyone is anxiously awaiting his follow-up novel. The follow-up novel that's now 8 months late and getting no closer to actually being written. The secret...Luke despises his first novel...HATES it! Not a good thing, since he needs to write another one. So he's hoping a change in scenery will help his writer's block. Luke is a guy who has commitment issues. His dad walked out on the family when he was young and he's been told his whole life that he's a lot like his father. He has no plans to ever be the one responsible for someone else's heartbreak like his dad did.

I liked everything about Luke's story line. I liked the backstory with his dad's desertion and the desolation he's felt ever since his mom died. I liked his four older sisters. The youngest of five...all the rest girls, he holds an interesting place in this family dynamic. I loved that he's a novelist and all the reasons that's causing him problems now. That whole side of the story was just perfect for me as a reader.

Tyler's story I found to be a little more cliche. She got pregnant early, the father was a loser, but his mom wants custody. She's struggling. There's never enough money and she desperately wants to do everything right by her child. Tyler was left to foster care by her mother and this part of the story line was interesting as it raised some thought-provoking debates. She's always hated her mother for abandoning her, but as Luke and her Aunt point out....not everyone is made to be a good mother. This is definitely a point of contention for her and I wanted her to see the epiphany in that.

I did really enjoy watching the relationship between these two characters develop. It wasn't an easy go, but I thought it was very realistic the way that it played out for them. It was an entertaining book and the two in the series definitely make for a fun read. PLUS they take place in Australia...LOVE that!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last week I came upon an offer to review Real Men Don't Quit by Coleen Kwan and after seeing what the book was about I decided that it look like just the right book for me even though I'm not a contemporary romance fan in general.

However, the good news is that this is one awesome contemporary romance novel. I had a feeling that I would really enjoy the book but was surprised at how much I ended up liking it when I read it the other night.

As soon as I started the book I was completely sucked into Luke and Taylor's small town romance set in Burronga, Australia. Luke is our brooding writer who loves his gypsy lifestyle and moving around and single mom Taylor struggling to raise her daughter, live her life and is a business owner and their sweet romance.

Real Men Don't Quit had me either laughing or smiling 95% of the time while I was reading and the other 5% of the time I was wanting to strangle Luke and Taylor and tell them to hurry up and get together already because them ignoring their feelings just wasn't doing it for me. I loved Luke even though he was rather reserved but what really endeared him to me was how he was with Taylor's three year old daughter Chloe who was such a cutie! I really liked Taylor too because for the most part she knew what she wanted and her devotion to her daughter was admirable.

This was my very first read by Coleen Kwan but I can absolutely guarantee that it won't be my last. I loved how realistic the portrayal of all the characters in the book was extremely realistic and I could totally see a real life romance playing out like the one in Real Men Don't Quit. I thought Coleen did a great job infusing a sweet romance with a lot of humour and I really enjoyed this second book in her Real Men series which can be read as a stand alone.

I would recommend Real Men Don't Quit to any contemporary romance lover. The book has everything that a well rounded contemporary romance novel needs. If you're looking for a romance that's a quick read and that will have you smiling I highly recommend checking Real Men Don't Quit out right away.


*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

[Julie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke Maguire has a massive case of writer's block. He's blaming his troubles on trying to write in the house where he grew up, a mere six months after his mother's death. In an effort to break that connection, he jumps at the chance to use his agent's house in Burronga.

Tyler Jones is a jewelry designer and small business owner, who happens to live next door to Luke's agent in Burronga with her daughter, Chloe. She has her fair share of emotional baggage. Her mother dumped her in foster care, her daughter's father chose to use his inheritance to get high, and her would-have-been mother-in-law keeps trying to take her daughter away.

Their first meeting is less than cordial: Three-year-old Chloe sneaks out to go swimming next door. When Luke stops 'Little Miss Moppet' and carries her down the walk toward home, Tyler comes running. He sees an unfit mother; she, a molester/ kidnapper. Luckily, their relationship does improve; by leaps and bounds.

But both, despite strong feelings for each other, are afraid of commitment. They have been hurt by family members, who made them question their ability to have a permanent relationship and, as the story progresses, keep popping up to further complicate the situation.

Luke and Tyler are believable characters. Their fears and situations are realistic. The families are, as families are wont to be, a source of endless annoyance and frustration. For every step forward the main characters take, their families knock them back a step or two.

One of the things I loved best was the 'voice'. Set in Australia, the phrasing and language just feels ... right. It wasn't heavy with slang or indecipherable idiom, but simply sounded authentic.

Although I've read and reviewed more than a dozen books from Entangled Publishing, this is my first venture into the Bliss imprint. I, honestly, wasn't certain what to expect. Frankly, I can only hope that every other book is as well-written as Real Men Don't Quit.

~*~*~

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from the publisher [...]. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[The Smutty Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

As posted on The Smutty Kitty

4 out of 5 Licks

I really enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting it down to go to bed and I snuck in some reading time at the EDJ (shhh don't tell anyone-he I'm allowed a break). It's also set in Aussie which always helps. When I read books set in Aussie I always hear the accent in my head. lol Anyway I like the Luke is a wanderer with no strings left behind anywhere. I find his brooding moodiness intriguing rather than off putting. Tyler's love for her daughter was apparent. Her abrasive feelings of independence could go a bit far at times, but I have an understanding of why she feels the way she does. Chloe (Tyler's daughter) added a nice bit of sweet innocence to the story. I enjoyed the fact that we got to have a little more of Ally and Nate's (Real Men Don't Break Hearts) story as well. I always love going back and peeking in on characters from a previous story. There is no outright sex in this story-they have it but it's behind closed doors, but that didn't bother me. There was enough emotional connection between the characters that it all still worked out. It sure feels like more books could be coming in this series, but I suppose we will just have to wait and see. For now grab this one and enjoy a sweet read with an ending that's all wrapped up in a pretty little purple package just for you-which is exactly how I like my books to end!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke Maguire is a best selling author who is having trouble meeting the deadline on his follow up book. He moves into his agent's home in order to see if a change of scene will stimulate his creativity, but the real problem is he feels like a fraud and hates the m/c of his best-selling novel. Following the death of his mother six months earlier Luke has been clashing with his four older sisters, particularly the eldest Helen, who want him to live in his mother's old home but Luke is a rolling stone, a bit like his deadbeat Dad who liked smoking and drinking more than he liked staying at home with his wife and five kids.

Tyler Jones lives in the run down house next door with her three year old daughter Chloe. Life is a struggle what with her co-ownership of a coffee shop and art gallery, making jewellery in her spare time and being a single mum. Not only that, she has to battle her ex's mother who is determined to take Chloe away.

When Luke sees a little girl walking through his yard one morning he is terrified that she could fall into the pool, he rescues her and is accosted by Tyler who thinks he is trying to abduct her. In retaliation Luke suggests she is an unfit mother. Despite their bad beginning Tyler and Luke become friends over Chloe but fight their growing attraction.

I liked this, there was low level angst but no real drama llamas. Luke and Tyler were likeable characters with believable life stories.

Yet another winner from Coleen Kwan.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Men Don't Quit is loosely connected to Real Men Don't Break Hearts but can be read stand alone.
Famous author Luke Maguire moves next door to single mother Tyler Jones. He is a gypsy type keeping his possessions few and never staying anywhere very long. He has Daddy issues as in his didn't stick around. When he looks in the mirror he sees his father and vows never to do to any woman what his dad did to his mom. Tyler has Mommy issues. Her mother dropped her off at a foster home and never looked back. Tyler was in the system for a couple years until her aunt found her and took her under her wing. Tyler is determined to be the best mother she can be to her daughter and not depend on anyone else. When Luke and Tyler meet the chemistry is volcanic. Can these two independent souls find happiness with each other or will they let the past prevent them from having a future?
I was afraid that this was going to be one cliché after another and admittedly there were some rather done scenes but over all I really enjoyed this story. Luke was real and Tyler was charismatic. Tyler is the girl I want to be friends with. Luke wasn't perfect but that’s what made this story fun to read. For those who enjoy contemporary romance this is a fun read.

ARC provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Men Don’t Quit by Coleen Quinn is a fun read about a best-selling author with writer’s block and single mother with trust issues. They are brought together by Tyler’s three year old daughter Chloe.
The last thing Luke Maguire wants is a committed relationship. He arrived in town for solitude to work on his long overdue book. But from the time the three year old next door wandered on to the property he was staying at to use the pool, he found himself enmeshed in Tyler and Chloe’s lives. He fears commitment because he believes he is a wanderer like his father and he doesn’t want to hurt anyone, especially not Tyler and Chloe.
It’s quite enjoyable watching Tyler and Luke help one another through their various troubles and fight their growing attraction. But soon, they are giving in with the understanding that it is not permanent but both are falling in love despite their best attempts.
Real Men Don’t Quit is a nice escape from a stress filled life and the characters are well-rounded and likable. My only complaints were that at times Chloe seemed to sound like she was older than three and that the relationship was resolved with no real instigating development.

I received this ARC from the publisher for an honest review.

[Yazmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Real Men Don’t Quit by Coleen Kwan, Luke Maguire wants peace to write the sequel of his bestselling book. He is over 8 months past due on the book that made him into a famous author but he feels like a fraud and with the recent death of is mother, his inspiration is even more shot. So he is living in his agent’s house for the time being while he tries to concentrate on his book with no outside interruptions.

Tyler Jones wants to be able to raise her daughter the best way she can. She is a part owner of Java Joolz a coffee and art shop in one. She makes her own jewelry out of silver and precious stones that she sells in the shop. But she knows that she can only do so much during the day. Read More...

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Men Don't Quit is the second story in the Real Men series. However, this book can be read as a stand alone. You see in the first book we met Tyler's friend, Ally. In this story Ally makes a couple of appearances since not only do they co-own a business together but Tyler is helping Ally prepare for her wedding. So even though this is the second in the series, it deals with a whole new set of people who we met briefly but didn't really get to know in the previous book.

I normally don't like stories with kids in them. They can be a bit weird and uncomfortable, especially when it comes to romance novels but Coleen did a great job with it. Tyler is a single mom who's making ends meet to provide for her daughter. She learned early on to be self efficient and to rely on no one but herself. She is very protective of her daughter, Chloe. So when she wakes up one morning to find Chloe missing from her bed and then entire house, only to find Chloe in the arms of a stranger, she immediately goes on the offensive, scoops her 3 year old into her arms and takes off back to the house.

Luke is the leading man in this story and he was definitely different from the typical males you see in stories. He's been having trouble writing the sequel to his best selling book. So in an effort to get the juices flowing, he's staying at his agent's house to get some piece and quiet to concentrate on the novel. However, those plans are quickly squashed when he wakes up one morning to the sight of a little girl trying to get into his fenced in pool. He runs outside to keep her from getting in and to look for her mother, which is when Tyler comes bulldozing over to him. He's instantly struck with her and he finds himself slowly but surely integrating himself into their life.

"Scowling, Luke stared after her, his blood pressure still thumping, hands fisted on his hips. The woman's long, smooth legs flashed as she motored away, the purple lace panties accentuating the rounded curves of her firm butt. He couldn't help staring after her. There wasn't an ounce of flirtation in her walk- quite the opposite, in fact- but she had him riveted."

With Tyler being as independent as she is, it was interesting to see Luke interact with her. He didn't try to dominate situations and in fact would step back on occasion and would let her take over. However, when it would seem like Tyler was acting rash, he was the first one to diplomatically point it out to her. He was also very caring towards Chloe, which was really adorable. He "helped" Chloe make dinner so that Tyler could relax and get some work done. He'd carry Chloe in the house and put her to bed when she'd fall asleep in the car when they'd go out somewhere. He was just so darn sweet to that little girl. And he always called her "Little Miss Moppet".

"He ruffled Chloe's hair, and when the girl offered him one of her mangled daisies, he tucked it into the buttonhole of his jacket. The air caught in Tyler's throat at the sweet, casual interaction between the two."

This is a very sweet romance. There's isn't really any spice to it but that was okay with me because the story was solid, the characters were likable and it grabbed my attention the entire time. I really do enjoy Coleen's writing style and this series is starting to look like something that I will actually keep up with. (I usually get bored by the second book) I wonder who will gain the spotlight next. If I had a guess, I would say one of Luke's sister. I know he has nieces and nephews but I'm not sure if all of his sisters were married or not. We shall see...

Favorite part...
"Ten minutes later, Tyler's head was nodding against her headrest, and Chloe had already fallen asleep. Luke slackened his foot off the accelerator and eased back to catch the breeze flowing through the window. They would arrive soon enough, but for now he had everything he needed right here."

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Men Don't Quit is the second book in the Real Men series penned by author Coleen Kwan. This second installment shifts the spotlight on to book one's female lead character's best friend and her life as a struggling single mom and business owner and how love moved in next door in the form of a successful writer stuck in a terrible case of writer's block. Both of them aren't really looking for a committed relationship but commitment is exactly what they'll need if they decide to listen to their hearts.

Tyler Jones wants to provide the best life she can for her young daughter Chloe. Gone is the goth girl who used to do whatever she wanted, replaced by someone determined to be more responsible in the choices she made as soon as she found out she was pregnant. She designs and makes her own jewelry and co-owns a shop with her best friend. She's so busy doing anything and everything for Chloe and herself that she doesn't have time to fall in love; but she's not blind to the hot new guy living in her neighbor's house.

Luke Maguire has achieved success and popularity, thanks to his first full-length novel becoming a much praised bestseller. However, the loss of his beloved mother appears to have triggered a months-long struggle of stringing even a few words together and the deadline for the book's sequel has come and gone. He knows he's supposed to come up with the goods, especially since it's so anticipated, but he can't gather up the inspiration or energy to do so; but he does seem to have enough of both for his new neighbor.

Luke doesn't make a secret of the fact that he's only living in his agent's home for a certain period of time and then he's off to wherever. He doesn't have a permanent address, something Tyler is more than aware of the more time she and Chloe spend with him. But there's no denying that there's something going on between the two of them. When things appear to become more serious, their past experiences of being children with parental abandonment make them apprehensive and hesitant, causing hearts to break.

I enjoyed reading Tyler and Luke's love story and the addition of family issues made it more interesting and provided the back stories needed to fully understand both Tyler and Luke. Having Luke become a constant in Chloe's life didn't mean he was filling a void but added even more to the lives of both Chloe and her mother. I'm glad that Luke's character didn't feel forced to be nice to Chloe and that Tyler was careful of having Chloe see Luke in their home "after hours", showing her priority was her daughter.

An all-around good book about love and family, this second book in what's becoming an addictive series shows that even when one becomes a parent, they don't stop being a son or daughter to their parents or a brother (or sister) to their siblings. An absolute bonus was getting to read even more about Ally Griffin and Nate Hardy, the lead characters from book one. See why I prefer reading books in a series in order? ^.^ Living up to the standard set by its predecessor, Real Men Don't Quit gets four out of five stars. ♥

[Ailsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Review originally published by me on The Book Bundle - link in my profile.] This is the second book in Coleen Kwan's 'Real Men' series, following 'Real Men Don't Break Hearts' (which I reviewed earlier this year). This one follows Tyler, who we saw a little of in the previous book. I was looking forward to learning more about her, as she seemed like a woman who is very self confident and sure about what she's doing. Of course, this is her friend's view of her, and the reality isn't quite the same. Tyler loves her little daughter, but as a single parent is finding it stressful trying to take care of her while making ends meet. Luke and Tyler don't get off to the best start - Luke has moved in to the house next door, and sees the daughter, Chloe, stood in the garden beside the pool. He takes her home, but Tyler, seeing her kid with an unfamiliar man, jumps to conclusions & doesn't let him explain what happened. Luckily, when her car breaks down a little later, he gives her a lift and they manage to sort things out a little.

Luke is an author, and was lucky enough to be very successful with his first novel. The downside is that he really doesn't like his main character, and he's struggling to write a sequel. Staying in Burronga is meant to help him finish it, but it takes Luke most of the story to accept that maybe he should try writing something else. Side note - Luke's agent is horrible! As someone interested in being published one day, I couldn't believe the way the agent spoke to Luke and acted towards him, and I was glad when Luke finally stood up to him.

I think something I really liked about the story was the gradual way Tyler and Luke get closer together. There are plenty of challenges for them to overcome both separately and together, and I found it to be a very sweet story. Luke gets on very well with Chloe, but Tyler is concerned about her daughter getting attached to him when he's not going to be there forever. I got pretty cross reading about some of the characters treating Tyler badly because she's a fairly young single parent, and I was cheering for her friends who are as likeable as the others were annoying. I like the way this book finishes - there's an argument/make-up in the rain that had me snuffling into the tissues - and there are one or two things in the characters' lives which we don't see fully resolved, but I felt that fitted the story and was much more believable.

Overall, I felt this was a cute, enjoyable romance, with realistic characters and believable situations. I give this 7 out of 10, and I'm looking forward to what Ms Kwan writes next.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Review copy provided for an honest review.

4 STARS

ometimes you read a book and it’s just an unexpected treat and that’s exactly what I got with Coleen Kwan’s Real Men Don’t Quit. The author had my interest from the first scene and it never wavered, I was captivated by these characters, their situation, and their budding relationship.

Luke Maguire is a celebrated author who has moved into his agent’s summer house to get over his mother’s death, his writer’s block and to write the sequel to his bestselling novel. His first morning there he rescues a small child before she falls into his pool and is accused by the child’s mother of being a child abductor. He’s there for peace and quiet and ends up dealing with “Little Miss Moppet and Crazy Sexy Lady” which is the last thing he needs or so he thinks…

Tyler Jones is trying her damndest to be a good mother to her daughter and run the small business she owns with a friend. Unfortunately life hasn’t been easy lately and she’s starting to feel the stress. The last thing she needs or expects is to have her competency questioned by her new nosey next door neighbor. Too bad he’s sexy as sin and awakens the long dormant sexual feelings in her body.

Luke and Tyler get off on the wrong foot immediately but what I found interesting is they both kind of realized soon after that they judged without really thinking. It was a high stress situation and neither of them was at their best. When Luke helps Tyler out of a jam, they both begin to enjoy the time they spend together along with Tyler’s daughter, Chloe. I really liked both of these characters despite their many issues. I found it very interesting that despite trust issues on both sides, they were able to open up to each other and form a friendship. I loved while they both agreed to no sex; they had a hard time keeping their hands and lips to themselves. When they did finally succumb, it was as hot as it was sweet and brought up some scary feelings for them both. In addition both Luke and Tyler are dealing with family issues that seem to bring about insecurities that make them both question what they are doing with each other.

This is one of those romance books that will make you glad you read this genre. Real Men Don’t Quit has it all; flawed but likeable characters, a fully developed plot with lots of twists and turns, and just plain good writing.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
www.readyourwrites.blogspot.com

Tyler Jones and her daughter Chloe were first introduced to readers in Real Men Don’t Break Hearts. Tyler is a single mother to her three- year-old daughter, whose father has never been in the picture. Tyler is a woman who comes off being stronger than what she is. There are times when she needs help but is afraid to ask, thinking that asking will make her less than the mother she thinks she should be. She also has the pressure of her ex’s mother constantly trying to take Chloe away from her, and saying that she doesn’t deserve to have Chloe.

Luke Maguire is a popular and well known author who moves into his agent’s house, next to Tyler’s, to work on writing his next book. His highly acclaimed book wasn’t who he wanted to be as an author and he can’t seem to write its anticipated sequel. He’s terrified that people will look at him as a fraud. Add to that, the pressure of recently losing his mother. Luke has simply lost his way and doesn’t even realize it. Luke doesn’t like putting down roots. In fact, he hasn’t had a permanent address in four years. All he needs is his car, laptop, and whatever clothes will fit into his suitcase. Luke’s life is simple and that’s just the way he likes it. Or so he thinks.

Tyler and Luke are alike in so many ways. Neither is looking for a permanent lifetime commitment but that’s just what they both need. They each have serious family issues that have contributed to them having inner self worth issues. But they manage to be strong enough for each other to push the other into taking leaps of faith and doing what’s right no matter how scary or hard it is.

I think one thing which makes this book so likeable and enduring is the relationship you see develop between Luke and Chloe. From the very start, Luke is a natural when it comes to taking care of Chloe. There is just something extremely sexy about a guy taking care of a kid.

I love the Real Men Series books because of the sweetness of their romances. Real Men Don’t Quit is the second book in the series but is completely standalone. It’s a great read with characters you’re going to immediately fall in love with.

Source: Publisher

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coleen Kwan has given us a lovely addition to the Real Men series. It has a realistic story that's sweet, romantic, witty and with wonderful characters. Whilst light on the steamy stuff, it has plenty of tension and build up with everything else left to your imagination.

We met Tyler in Real Men Don't Break Hearts. Ally's best friend and now business partner, she's the proverbial redhead; feisty, fiery, snippy and stubborn. But she's like this for a reason and has a heart of gold. She works herself to the bone, money is tight and she's a little reticent when it comes to relationships as she's a single mum with a 3 year old daughter. She has her priorites right, but she deserves some fun. Enter Luke; wealthy author, introvert and doesn't do relationships. Delve deeper and he is a man that any woman would love; he's witty, amazing with children, thoughtful and a bit bossy. De-motivated and struggling with the deadline for his next novel, he borrows his agents house for peace and quiet to get his act together. Until a tiny chatty little cherub wanders into his garden one morning clutching her bunny rabbit...

It was a pleasure to read. Alongside Tyler and Luke's journey, Ally and Nate's story continued to evolve, characters from the first book resurfaced and I didn't want to put it down. With heartwarming moments combined with those that pull on the heartstrings, I smiled, I laughed and I swooned. Chloe was a wonderful little character with the innocence, honesty and resilience toddlers have and her interactions with Luke were simply lovely. I truly wanted him and Tyler to find their HEA. Can certainly recommend and here's to hoping we'll meet more 'Real Men' in the future.

[Kame · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Tyler is a believable character a single Mom trying to do the best for her 3 year old daughter. Luke is a writer (I love when authors have characters that are writers) who is trying to write the follow-up to his best seller. After a rocky start a friendship ensues, and after fighting some sparks of attraction a romantic relationship evolves.

This was a quick light read for me. A minimal amount of background on characters was given, and any internal dialog a character had to “ponder” a situation was required to move the story and not overly done. Tyler’s concerns and difficulties were believable. Luke’s character grew during the plot and I found his journey the more interesting of the two. The intimate scenes between Tyler and Luke were implied, which made the focus of the book the emotional relationship between Tyler and Luke.

This was the perfect book I needed at a busy time in my life. I could easily pick up and read when I had a moment, but was also able to put it down; allowing me to pick it back up and quickly get right up to speed in the story. Since finishing the book I have realized this is the second book in a series, given the opportunity I would read book 1, and read any other books when they came out.

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luke Maguire has a classic case of writer's block and his agent is breathing down his neck as his next book is months behind schedule. As he borrows the agent's house to have a quiet place to write he gets more than he bargained for when the neighbor's daughter wanders over to check out his pool.
When her frantic mother appears, Tyler Jones is mad and thinks Luke means to do harm to the child and once Luke clears up the wrong conclusions they spend time together and he learns that Tyler has fears from her past that make her overprotective and she has walls up when someone gets too close. As Luke knows he can't get involved and his book is no where close to being finished they try to put the brakes on their attraction.
When family members complicate the situation Luke gets more than he bargained for and learns to open his heart to love and to seeing a new path for his future as a writer.The book was a bit slow moving at times but I liked the author's protectiveness towards the mother/daughter bond and it didn't feel like a love at first sight but rather took the spotlight off the couple and Luke had to deal with his dad and sisters and the death of his mom. I do not know how he stayed sane except for Tyler.
I loved the cover art and would read more books by this author.
I received an advanced reading copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[LJT · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first experience reading a book by Coleen Kwan and it definitely won't be the last. The book is well written and flows at a nice pace. The characters are developed to the point where you truly feel their emotions. Real Men Don't Quit is a feel good story.

The book is about two lonely people, Luke Maguire, a successful author and Tyler Jones, a single mom, jewelry maker and boutique/coffee shop owner. Both Luke and Tyler are trying to discover their true selves while working through their past relationships and heartaches.

The opening of the story is quite powerful. Tyler Jones lives next door to new neighbor Luke Maguire. Unbeknown to Tyler, her young child Chloe has wandered over to the pool in Luke's backyard. Luckily, Luke notices Chloe and rescues her before anything horrific happens. Luke meets Tyler while returning Chloe home.

The story continues with the developing relationship of Tyler, Luke and Chloe. Their histories are unveiled as their future begins to be discovered.

Overall, this is a really good book.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Real Men Don't Quit the h/h are both with real issues who are not looking for love. Luke is a writer who has lost his passion to write. Tyler is a mom who as a child was placed by her own mom in foster care. Her daughter is who I believe steals the show sort of speak. She is precocious and adorable. Luke first meets her when she is trying to get to the pool by herself. A misunderstanding of sorts happen between Luke and Tyler. She thinks that he is trying to harm her child and he thinks that she might be an unfit mother. This is just some of the great scenes between Tyler and Luke. Overall this a great light romance. Tyler, Luke and Chloe make a wonderful family.

Review copy given to me by Entangled Publishing for an honest review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this from Net Galley. I enjoyed this romantic story. It was a cute storyline where the famous author meets the local lady who doesn't know he is a famous author, etc. She has a little girl that she is very protective over. The father is a druggie with no interest in her so they are on their own basically. Luke, the author and the little girl bond and form a lovely friendship too. Tyler the mom, has severe trust issues and is afraid her ex's mother is trying to take away her little girl. Tyler ends up meeting Luke's family and they all take to each other well. It was fun to read and the end was quite nice too.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book...and loved it! I never read the first book in the series, but I plan on reading it ASAP now. The story line was plausible and moved along very well. I loved the characters, and enjoyed watching their feelings for each other grow. Additionally, I enjoyed seeing how they dealt with childhood issues of parent abandonment. Not your standard romance fare, but definitely better because of it. Luke, Tyler (and her daughter Chloe) were just so much fun to read about. It felt like they were friends from next door.
This is definitely a book I'd recommend to someone that wants to read a feel good story that's not just fluff!

[Jane Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

This book could have been a winner, but it bored me.
I found myself skipping a lot of pages and still not missing anything.
And the ending made me more than a little irritated, the way they got together at 94% and the fact that the girl had to make the first and the thousand move because the guy thought he wasn't enough so he wouldn't even try....
The only good(more like ok) part was the epilogue.

[Melissa Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Luke and Tyler's story. Tyler is Ally's best friend and a single mother. She makes jewelry and is part owner of the local coffee and gift shop with Ally. Luke is a best selling author who is in town to finish the highly anticipated sequel to his book but is having a bad case of writers block. The more he is around Tyler the harder it is to write the sequel. He is dealing with a lot of family issues and falling in love. I love the ending and just want to read more from this author.

[Marg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A generous four on this one.. A bit too much family drama but I did like Luke and Tyler together. I do fine Kwan's writing very easy to read.

Now if only I could find a hunky guy had moved in next door and he was willing to do my gardening!

[Paris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really quick, enjoyable read. I didn’t realize until half way through that this book was the second book in a series. You do not need to read the first book to enjoy the second, although the characters of the first book do appear in this one. I liked Tyler straight out of the gate. She was spunky and fun and a really great mom to her daughter Chloe. Although there were a lot of struggles in her life, she never gave up because she knew that Chloe deserved the best.

Luke on the other hand took a bit for me to like him. Although he and Tyler had crazy awesome chemistry, he was a bit of a stick in the mud at times. I didn’t really understand his motivation to write his book, to run away from his mom’s house and his sisters. Eventually none of that mattered because of how amazing he is with Chloe.

This book was fun. I enjoy reading books set in another country, so the setting of this one (Australia) added to my enjoyment.

Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review