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Sergeant Joe's Boys #2

Always Be True: Tino

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When Sergeant Joe and his wife, Marlene, adopted Tino Gianelli as a teenager, the foster kid began to heal from his deep insecurities. Now, with a successful military career behind him and a good job as a contractor in the family construction business, Tino shouldn’t have any reason to doubt himself. He’s fallen hard for a beautiful heiress, and she seems to be crazy about him too. So why does he keep trying to hide his working-class roots?

Natalie Kennigan’s ideal guy is someone who will consider her an equal and his best friend, not merely a box to check on the road to success. Tino—with his down-to-earth personality, generous heart, and passionate embrace—might just be the one, at least until he finds out about Natalie’s family money and starts treating her like the typical rich girl who needs to be wined and dined. Natalie will have none of it. She won’t be happy until he accepts her for who she truly is—just as she wants to love the real Tino.

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2016

9 people are currently reading
221 people want to read

About the author

Alexis Morgan

94 books998 followers
Alexis Morgan grew up near St. Louis and received a B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She and her husband have made the Pacific Northwest their home for more than thirty years, where she launched her career as a writer. She is published in paranormal romance, fantasy romance, American West historicals, and most recently, contemporary romances with her new Snowberry Creek series.

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5 stars
51 (26%)
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92 (47%)
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38 (19%)
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13 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Claire.
2,325 reviews743 followers
September 27, 2016
4 - "You've got some skills for an old man..." Stars!

I really enjoyed the second book in Alexis Morgan’s Sergeant Joe’s Boys series.



Both stories so far deal with likeable and honorable men who do not feel worthy of the woman who inevitably falls in love with them, through the telling of their story. Tino had the edge for me against the first book, and that mainly stems from the fact that the writing was a little more relaxed this time. I found Jack’s story to be a little to starchy and not really written to reflect the age of the characters, but the author seemed to have lost that with this story.

Always Be True, was an easy to read story in relation to the tropes used, but I liked Natalie, Tino was huggable, and the secondary characters once again played a pivotal role in the progression of the story. The drama when it came was light and not overplayed, and the author did a really good job of offering up a well-crafted albeit well used story-line with an easy to get along with cast.

"Two down, one to go."

Mikhail’s book, Love, Always and Forever is due in March, and I am interested in seeing who the author partners him up with.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Profile Image for BookLover.
387 reviews77 followers
May 28, 2017
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Always Be True: Tino was a very sweet and enjoyable follow-up in the Sergeant Joe’s Boys series. We first met Tino in Jack’s story and I was very excited to get to hear Marlene’s graveside update to Joe on Tino finally finding love.

Recently out of the military and feeling a bit directionless, Tino found inspiration in the form of volunteering at a community centre and one feisty Natalie Kennigan.

“He didn’t know who she was, but he did know the woman possessed way more energy than any one person ought to have. She was here, there, and everywhere. And right now, she was too busy talking to one of the other volunteers to realize she was about to back into an open five-gallon bucket of paint.”


Tina and Natalie were so cute together and had great chemistry. I really enjoyed how their romance unfolded - with lots of humour, passion and very little angst. The main “struggle” in the story line lived in the insecurities each of them had with themselves. They both came from very different worlds and Tino had a difficult time believing in his worth when it came to Natalie. It was great to see them conquer fears and go after what they wanted.

While the story was told in the third person and showed both points of view, much of the focus was on Tino and his story. I loved the relationship Tino had with his brothers Jack and Mikhail. Though they only came together as teenagers, their bond was solid and their interactions cracked me up.

“The phone pinged again. “Better yet, he thinks you should see if her folks want to go on a double date. I think that’s a great idea. Maybe you and her dad could wear matching outfits or something.”
God, there was no winning with those two. ”


Loved this follow-up and looking forward to reading Mikhail’s story!
Profile Image for Jane Stewart.
2,462 reviews969 followers
August 8, 2016
DNF. It was nice, but not special or different enough.

This is a nice sweet contemporary romance. The main characters (Tino and Natalie) are nice good guys. Natalie was brought up in a wealthy family but is not looking for a wealthy lifestyle. She prefers helping the less fortunate and working in a community center. Tino’s parents died in a car accident when he was 13. He was taken in by Joe - his foster father. Tino recently got out of the army and is deciding what to do. He meets Natalie when he volunteers at the community center.

My problem was everything was too nice - like wishful thinking - like what would I like to happen to me if I were Natalie. It’s normal everyday things in life, doing nice things for others, and being treated nicely by others. And of course the happy romantic ending. I prefer something different, unusual, or quirkiness to a personality.

I stopped reading at 42% and then skipped to the end.

I received an ARC from NetGalley. Thank you.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 3,810. Swearing language: strong but rarely used. Sexual content: none in the parts I read. But there could be some in the second half. Setting: current day Seattle, Washington area. Copyright: 2016. Genre: contemporary romance.
Profile Image for KAS.
317 reviews3,116 followers
August 24, 2016
I must say, I enjoyed this one just as much as the first book in the "Sergeant Joe's Boys" series. I really like the whole backdrop of the series in which three troubled, at risk youth, Jack, Tino and Makhail, were adopted by Army Sergeant Joe and his wife Marlene. Wanting to honor and follow in Joe's footsteps, each enlisted to serve their country when they turned seventeen and then continued to serve others in their hometown once they left military life behind. This is one of those fast paced reads which encompasses a sweet romance, lively banter between really interesting characters and a storyline that warms your heart.

We meet the second brother, Tino Gianelli, in this book. He is only back home three weeks after serving ten years in the army and feeling a bit in limbo as to what he wants to do with the rest of his life. An opportunity to work as a volunteer rehabbing the town's community center is where he meets Natalie Kennigan, the coordinator of the project. Tino and Natalie have an instant attraction. She just recently broke off her engagement with her pompous fiance, but the 'ex' isn't taking "we're over" for an answer. Then there is the matter of her socialite status. She comes from a wealthy family and is the chairperson of a highly renowned, prestigious charity foundation. Growing up in two very different worlds puts Tino and Natalie on a collision course! This was a fun read!

I look forward to Makhail's story in book three. They are stand alones, but all three brothers show up in each one to support one another, which makes the storylines all the more enjoyable.

*I received a copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
August 6, 2016
Sergeant Joe’s Boys were definitely raised right, and damn, if that doesn't make for good reading… I can't express how much I enjoyed being back with these three adoptive brothers, this time watching and waiting for Tino to get his HEA.

And what a truly sweet and fun and sexy HEA it was. My smile stretched from ear to ear as I watched Natalie and Tino circle each other, lust for each other and fall for each other. Always Be True: Tino was a smooth read, with likable characters and an easy but cute storyline. There wasn't much in the way of conflict—although what conflict there was wrapped up maybe a little too neatly for how it began—and that made for a simply sweet story.

My favorite thing about this series lies in the strong and unique sense of family that is threaded throughout the stories. Seeing tough-but-soft-underneath Tino embrace his past, bond with Jack (who, PS, I loved seeing again) and Mikhail, and welcome Natalie into the fold was very rewarding. And this time around, Natalie’s family—in particular her grumpy but fun grandfather, Cyrus—also added a little something extra to the feelgood-ness of this story. (And yes, feelgood-ness is totally a word…)

With plenty of heat, lots of happy and a fair few laughs (and just a little tension), Always Be True: Tino was another enjoyable installment in the Sergeant Joe’s Boys series, and left me awaiting Mikhail’s book with excitement. ~ Beth, 4 stars
Profile Image for Dilushani Jayalath.
1,039 reviews206 followers
October 3, 2019
Kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I tried, I swear I tried but I was bored by this one unfortunately. It was your typical NA novel and nothing bad about it but nothing amazing to capture me either. There are some books with twists and turns that cripple our minds and some books that have the day to-day simple things that make our heart swell and this books just fall flat somewhere between. Although the characters are sweet and nice there was nothing to make me feel attached to them. They kinda just fell flat (like I mentioned earlier).

I really don't want to say anything too bad because this was really a good book just not my cup of tea I think. Although the adoption of the teenagers and the message underlying very subtly on giving everyone a chance to redeem themselves (not in the romantic sense) was a good side plot.
Profile Image for Eteline Rangel.
410 reviews13 followers
May 30, 2018
esta serie me parece bastante dulce pero sin ser empalagosa, la verdad la recomiendo mucho, los personajes me encantan y son una lectura sin muchas complicaciones.

Mi calificación 4 ESTRELLAS
Profile Image for Francoise.
768 reviews35 followers
October 7, 2016
This book is the second in Alexis Morgan’ Sergeant Joe’s Boys series about three adopted brothers who recently lost their beloved foster father. Two of them, Jack and Tino have left the army and returned to their hometown, to be close to their foster mother. The hero of this second stand-alone in the series is Tino Gianelli. He is a decent and genuine character, deeply attached to his foster mother. He has spent the last 10 years of his life serving in the Army, and is trying to adapt to civilian life. Looking for a new purpose in his life, he volunteers for a renovation project at a local community center.

Natalie Kennigan is running the Foundation financing the community center works. She comes from money, but doesn’t want her wealth to define her. She is a doer and loves the hands-on part of the renovation job. Throwing money is simply not good enough for her. There is an instant connection between Tino and Natalie, they enjoy being together. Natalie is at a crossroad in her life, she recently broke off her engagement. She refuses to follow her parents’ expectations and marry the man they chose for her. With Tino, she can be herself, he doesn’t see her as a wealthy heiress.

Overall, I enjoyed this sweet and heartwarming story, with a wonderful family spirit. The characters were well-developed and full of positive energy. Their connection felt real. I loved Tino, he is tender, loyal to his foster father’s last wishes and deeply attached to his close-knit family. This book is a light, entertaining read that takes you on a journey to Tino and Natalie’s happily ever after. I can’t wait to read more about Tino’s younger brother Mikhail in the next book in the series.

An advanced copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
September 27, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It's a sweet, low angst contemporary romance with a small town feel and strong family bonds. It's well written with interesting characters and a good pace making it a perfect book for relaxing and simply enjoying a good story.

After the death of his father Tino Gianelli has left his military career behind and returned home to help his mother through the loss and his brother keep the family business going. He's not sure what direction his life will go but for now he's content. Then he meets the incomparable Natalie Kennigan. She's funny, beautiful, and sexy. Oh and an heiress to one of the wealthiest families around. The doubts and fears that plagued Tino throughout his rough childhood before coming to live with Marlene and Joe are resurfacing. He has nothing to offer a woman like Natalie so what could she possibly see in him. The thing is Natalie is one of the most down to earth people there is. She needs Tino to see her. Really see her and accept that he's more than enough for her.

As I said this was a very enjoyable book and one I am recommending to everyone.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.6k reviews543 followers
June 3, 2017
This one was very sweet. Tino and Natalie were great together when they could just be, sadly that couldn't always happen. Tino had issues from his past, ones where Natalie's wealthy family brought them to the forefront. But Tino had great people to go to talk things through, they all helped him clear his and get his girl in a spectacular way.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,089 reviews13 followers
April 25, 2017
I've been a fan of Alexis Morgan's paranormal books for years, so I was curious how she would be writing a contemporary series. This is book #2 in Sergeant Joe's boys, a trio of men who were the foster sons of the late Sergeant Joe and his wife and it just as good and heartfelt as the first story. Tino is now out of the military and feeling a little lost in what to do with his life. He meets the feisty Natalie who is trying to make a difference by restoring a run down part of town. They make a sweet and fun couple and Natalie's grandpa steals a scene or two. A sweet story with good characters and deserving of their HEA.
Profile Image for Kaleigh ❤️.
30 reviews46 followers
October 6, 2016
Unfortunately, this book was a DNF for me. Don't get me wrong, it was a sweet and easy read. It just wasn't my cup of tea! I prefer books that have angst and emotional roller coasters that give you all the feels. So trying to get into this one was hard for me! If your looking for a light read...this ones for you!

{I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book}
March 9, 2018


Always Be True: Tino (Sergeant Joe's Boys #2) by Alexis Morgan is the second book in the Sergeant Joe’s Boys series.

And while it still feels kind of strange to read Non-Paranormal books from Alexis Morgan it really looks like she got the contemporary department solid under her typing fingers.

Still - Tino came to me a little more shallow than Jack in the first book. But I assume it was because of the basic Blurb of the Book.

I did not feel comfortable with Tino feeling “small” – I liked the “Boys” too much for that. Which was also a reason I was questioning myself in the beginning if I should request the book at all given the not so comfortable Blurb for me.

But I did not want to miss out on parts of this story – simply to not lose the story thread with all of Sergeant Joe’s Boys and I am glad I did not. I worked through it and it was really only my very personal issue and not one of the book.

The plot is solid and well written in the usual solid way that this author is presenting her work. And I can recommend this book warmly to al lovers of solid romances
Profile Image for Ayekah.
1,123 reviews
July 27, 2016
Second book in the series by Alexis Morgan, I loved Book #1. The general plotline of the series is Joe and Marlene adopt three young men who enter military service. When Joe dies, the boys return home to help Marlene with the construction business. This book is about Tino and Natalie. Tino, having spent 10 years as an MP isn't sure if he's keen on the construction business but Marlene, ever the good Mom sends him off to town to help out at the community center where he meets the locals including Natalie. He and Natalie become involved, the story twists when Tino discovers Natalie comes from a family that has money and he starts to treat her differently, feeling like he needs to step up his game. Natalie doesn't want that. Natalie wants Tino for who he is, not what he has or doesn't have. The story develops from there. Alexis wrote a great story, and while I still like book one better, this one has it's pluses as well. We see a young man who has faced much more in the military and caves at the thought of not being enough for this young woman. The plot line was good, backstory was great, there's plenty of steam in it and the supporting cast of characters carry the book! I love Marlene. She truly loves her boys. I look forward to the next book in the series.

*arc from NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Ann Lorz.
1,711 reviews22 followers
October 3, 2016
I really didn't think I'd like Morgan writing contemporaries after I fell in love with her paranormal's. But guess what...I do! I can almost say that I enjoy them as much. I'm still having a affair with her paranormal's so it might take me a while.

Always Be True: Tino is book 2 of her latest series, Sergeant Joe's Boys. I love the whole idea of this series. Having all the boys come from crappy lives only to finally find a family with Joe & Marlene.

Poor Tino is slightly lost in his life. After being in the Army for so long he's not sure what to do with himself. Very understandable. Then he meets Natalie.

You'll love her right away, and her grandfather. In fact, some of my most memorable laughs came from him. The man cracked me up.

Because life is never easy both Natalie and Tino won't find their romantic beginnings easy either. They have a few big bumps along the way but they both really care about each other so they work them out.

Besides really enjoying the story I liked visiting with the characters from book 1.

Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
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ARC received for a honest review
Profile Image for Heather 123.
955 reviews8 followers
August 17, 2016
This book was just okay for me; it was sweet but it didn't have a lot to hold my interest. I absolutely loved the first book in this series and perhaps because of that the bar was set too high for this book.

I found Tino and Natalie to be very immature, especially with the constant joking about sex. Tino's insecurities were the basis for this entire story, which I think would have been warranted if he were a younger adult but by age 28-29 I would have expected his confidence to be a little higher. That or by now he would have developed better ways to hide it.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series; I have to wonder if the boys' mother will get her own book? Maybe it was just me but at the end of this book it seemed like something was brewing between Natalie's grandfather and the boys' mother.

** ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **
Profile Image for Becky Burciaga.
1,539 reviews18 followers
September 9, 2016
The second in the Sargent Joe's Boys series is a sweet HEA romance that can be read as a stand alone, but with characters from the first book making an appearance here, reading the first one helps.

Tino and Natalie's story lacks a lot of drama, angst and tension...making for a comfortable romance without too much heat. The characters, as in the first book, are well developed, making an emotional attachment easy...especially if you've read the first book, the attachment was already formed. There's not really much depth to this story, very different from the first book, with the pace quick and easy from start to finish. I didn't enjoy this second story as much as the first one, but will hang with the series to read the third and final book, Mikhail's story.

This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
Profile Image for Anna.
542 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2016
***ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a sucker for a brother series and enjoyed Tino's story and glimpses of Jack.

The good:
*Story pacing and development of relationship between Hero and Heroine. The emotional and physical relationship made sense.
*Both Hero and Heroine were good people with their heads on straight.

What didn't work for me:
*
848 reviews
July 11, 2016
This couple was cute together and the connection they had. The sex was hot and fan worthy. I liked seeing members from the first book and a little of their life after they found their own HEA. The hero has some issues to deal with from his past if he wants to be with her. She doesn't see those differences and wants him. It takes some time, a few talks with loved ones, and some love on their way to get their happy ending. I cannot wait to see the woman Mikhail ends up with and gets his happy ending.
ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Emma bramley.
2,570 reviews26 followers
May 26, 2020
this is a sweet enjoyable follow up read in this series. this book can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series. this author gives you fab characters in an amazing story. the story is well paced and very enjoyable to read. this book is perfect for relaxing either on the beach or on the sofa. i cant wait to read more from the author in the future.
highly recommended
https://www.obsessedbookreviews.com/
Profile Image for Paraphrodite.
2,683 reviews52 followers
June 16, 2017
3.5 stars.

This is the middle brother Tino and the runt of the family.. if over 6 feet is still considered a runt!! I see Natalie as one of those perpetually cheerful energetic type that would make me feel tired just watching her. And apart from the obnoxious ex-fiance and his family, everyone else is quite decent.

Again, Ms Morgan tries to tackle both PTSD and disadvantaged kids in this book, but in a very light-handed way. Another very pleasant read.
Profile Image for Tami .
1,123 reviews32 followers
September 3, 2016
This review is based on an ARC that the author and/or the publisher sent via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

3.5

This was essentially a standalone. There was some reunion aspects to the book, but not enough that you couldn't follow along and enjoy it. This was a good book.
Profile Image for anita.thebookaddict.
510 reviews54 followers
August 1, 2018
ARC given to me by NetGalley I want to thank them for giving me the opportunity for reading this book in
exchange for my voluntarily honest review.

This is book two on the "Sergeant Joe`s Boys" series
This is Tino`s story with Natalie. I really liked this book, it continues with the same family loyalty and love from book 1. This brother Tino was in the military for 10 years, he was a military policeman. He just decided to retire and return to civilian life after he lost his father, but he doesn't quite know what he wants to do.....he is feeling lost at the moment.
Natalie is a rich good woman, that has been working in her grandfather's charitable foundation......she doesn't enjoy the lifestyle she grew up in, and that her parents live in.
They are from different types of background, can it ever work in between these two? They both have some issues from their past, they must deal with in order to have a future!
Great book, it's a clean romance for those that like it less steamy. (In my case I like them with a little more heat)
Now I will read book 3 Mikhail story!!
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,837 reviews55 followers
September 25, 2019
Very sweet and heartfelt! Loved the connection between Tino and Natalie. Some good steam between the 2. Hot stuff! Loved all the family moments too. Natalie comes from a wealthy family; her family donates money to help those that need it, Natalie takes a hands on approach to helping. She’s working at a community center type place to fix it up. She meets Tino there; he’s just out of the military to be there for his mom since his dad passed away. He’s having a rough time trying to figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life; he gets in his own way sometimes. He doesn’t feel like he has much to offer; especially to someone from wealth like Natalie. There’s also some issues that stem from Tino’s past with being adopted. I was entertained the whole time! I didn’t read the first book, but I really want to now. Sounds like it was a great story! This book flowed nicely and I appreciated all the characters. Lovely story! I’m excited to go back and read the first brother’s story and really looking forward to reading the youngest brother’s story!
11.5k reviews197 followers
November 19, 2016
if you've read others in the series, you'll be happy to read TIno's journey toward Natalie. If you haven't (and you can read this as a standalone). this is a sweet gentle series that has a little bite underneath due to the circumstances of the men. Morgan has a nice writing style and her characters are pretty relatable. Natalie is a switchup for the family but, golly, you know it's just the right thing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
4,578 reviews29 followers
November 4, 2017
Not as good as the previous one, but still good. The characters are pretty likable.
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
5,435 reviews61 followers
October 11, 2022
Al igual que el anterior está bien, sin embargo, le hace falta algo (no se que).
76 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2017
Well developed characters you can relate too and conflict that is also relatable to real life instead of the overly dramatic internal conflict and overreactions that many romance authors create.
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,736 reviews527 followers
October 12, 2016
Tino is the second of Sergeant Joe's Boys to get his story and although his backstory isn't as harsh as Jack's was, it's still pretty sad. Tino had a loving family but they died and he was bounced around from family member to family member until his inheritance ran out and he was put into the foster care system. That is when Sergeant Joe and his wife Marlene met Tino and adopted him. If you have read Always for You: Jack then you know that Joe and Marlene have hearts of gold, and now that Joe has passed on the boys are all doing what they can to help Marlene. Tino has returned home after serving ten years in the Army and is trying to figure out what's next in his life, this is where Marlene gives him a gentle nudge in telling him that the community center is being renovated and they could use a contractor that knows his way around the work-site.

Natalie is overseeing the renovations at the community center, and although she is the head of the charity that is footing the bill for the renovations she is not afraid to get in there and get her hands dirty. Natalie is a little spitfire, she doesn't take crap from anyone especially the men that think she is nothing but arm candy, because of her wealth and social status they just want to be scene with her and that includes her ex-fiance. Boy, now his was a piece of work! there is a major scene where he is involved and it was great.

The chemistry between Tino and Natalie was great, they started off with insta-lust, but it quickly grew to where it was something neither of them could ignore. I have to say that Natalie's grandfather was AWESOME, I loved the relationship they had it was nice to see that the different generations treated each other with respect, kindness, and most of all love. This was a great addition to the series and I highly recommend it. I am really looking forward to reading Love, Always and Forever which is Mikhail's story, he is the last of the three boys adopted by Joe and Marlene to get his story, that being said I will be sad once this series is completed.

Always Be True: Tino (Sergeant Joe's Boys, #2) by Alexis Morgan
Always Be True: Tino (Sergeant Joe's Boys, #2) by Alexis Morgan
Always Be True: Tino (Sergeant Joe's Boys, #2) by Alexis Morgan

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book given to me by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through netgalley*** https://www.netgalley.com/
Professional reader net galleyTop Reviewer100 Book Reviews80% netgalley
Profile Image for Kristiej.
1,548 reviews100 followers
December 10, 2016
I enjoyed the first book in this series, Always for You enough to keep reading the next book. The series is about 3boys who had really crappy childhoods who were first fostered and then adopted by Sergeant Joe and his wife. Joe had just died at the beginning of the first book and the series is how the three young men by now deal with his death. This is Tino’s story. At the end of the previous book Tino was still in the army but he’s out now and a bit a loose ends. He works sometimes with his brother at the construction company has adopted dad has started, but he’s not sure if that’s something he wants to stick with. In frustration his mother signs him up to help work out at the local community centre helping to renovate it since he has experience in building. Right off the bat he notices Natalie, the young woman who seems to be in charge and she in return, notices Tino which makes for instant sparks when they start talking to each other. Tino was originally only putting in the one day to appease his mother but now he’s decided to help some more.

This is a simple story for the most part, not a lot of angst and it went down very smooth on my reading pallet. The main conflict what that while Natalie comes from a family of great wealth, though she’s about as down to earth as they come, Tino had a very trouble childhood and was adopted by a middle class family and he still lives at home in a way. He and his brothers live in a converted garage on his family’s property. Tino doesn’t feel like he measures up enough for Natalie and keeps much of his home life secret from her.

I like both Tino and Natalie. They are both good people. Natalie runs the family foundation, it’s a different project every year and this year it’s the community centre and she doesn’t just do token work, rather she gets very much involved and has no problems getting down and dirty. On the one hand you can understand Tino’s misgivings, he did come from a crummy background but he just doesn’t have enough faith in either Natalie or himself, maybe in part because he hasn’t really settled on what he wants to do now that he’s out of the army. I love the comradery between Tino and his brothers. Though totally unrelated by blood, they have a real deep connection. I loved reading how Tino slowly comes out of his own world and begins to help at the centre in other ways. The secondary characters are also well written, especially Natalie’s grandfather. So all in all I was quite content with this second book and now it seems like such a wait until the third book, Love Always Forever, Mikhail’s book comes out. I do love an angsty read but I also love a comfort read and this is a great comfort book.
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