Tall, serious, intense. A loner. Exactly what he wants to be. Until he meets her. Cherry Gallagher. Independent. Stubborn. Sexy as hell. And not interested. Or is she? What happens when two lonely people open up and discover there is more to life than being alone? When the sparks they feel become an inferno they can’t control? When they discover the best part of each other is what they were missing? Can they handle the full throttle of love?
Author’s Note: Join this found family in the final story set in the small town of Littleburn, Ontario, Canada. Where this group of blue-collar heroes learn to love fiercely the strong women in their lives.
A bit about me: NYT/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of lots of lovely years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them. While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip. Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com
Full Throttle is book five in the Reynold’s Restorations series by Melanie Moreland. I have loved this series since the beginning but when Dom was introduced in the previous book, I don’t know if Melanie anticipated the reaction she would get to him, myself included! “We want Dom,” was the cry and she listened. So the final book of this series is Dom’s book and it was amazing!
Dom Salvatore is forty eight years old and now works at Reynolds Restorations. He loves his job there and as many of the other employees, has found a much needed family amongst his coworkers. On the outside, Dom might look like he is a rough and tough guy. He has tattoos, wears a leather jacket and is always just a bit scruffy. But when you get to know him, there isn’t a more reliable man who will go to the ends of the earth to take care of the people he cares about. Dom has been hurt in the past and has stayed away from relationships since. But then he walked in to his friend and co-worker, Chase’s house to help paint, and there she was. He was a goner.
Cherry Gallagher is forty six years old and is Hannah’s mom from the previous book. Cherry is a widow and any dating she did since then didn’t go well so she just stopped. Cherry is a hair stylist in Toronto. She is fiercely independent. She can’t help but notice Dom when he walks in but she refuses to give in. No matter what dirty things he whispers into her ear.
“I’m not looking for a man.” “I wasn’t looking for anyone either. But I found you.”
Cherry fought against her feelings until she couldn’t fight anymore. Dom was just too hard to resist! And let me tell you, these two had enough chemistry to power a city block! Still, Cherry tried to keep some distance but Dom wasn’t having it. What I loved is that when Dom entrusts Cherry with his past, she is right there at his side to help him. And when Cherry needs help, Dom is ready to do whatever it takes. Once these two give in, they are all in. I love it when that happens.
“You’re a thief.” “A thief?” “Yes. You stole my heart.” “I’m not giving it back either.” “Good.”
I do want to add that there is one extra thing in this book that made me so so happy. But I don’t want to tell you what it is! Lets just say that maybe my very favorite character from another book shows up and I just might have let out a little squeak of delight when I read it! I finished this book last night at bed time and you know that as soon as I opened my eyes this morning, it all just popped right back into my head. I love it when that happens.
This book was amazing. I adored Dom and Cherry. The whole series is wonderful and is a must read.
"Once you were in my heart, Cherry, it was full throttle. I know what I want, so why wait?"
This quote sums up this sweet, later in life romance. Cherry and Dom both have their hurts and their past weren't easy but they aren't ready to give up on love yet. There are still so many good years ahead. Dom might have to woo Cherry into giving him a shot but after that, it's full steam ahead.
This book is just filled with sugary sweet moments and it was the perfect wrap up to the Reynold Restoration series. Besides seeing Cherry and Dom find each other, we see how all the couples have settled in and are living their best lives. The found family at the garage is so supportive and always there when needed. It's the perfect place to visit when I'm feeling down. It's impossible to be sad when reading these books.
I listened to the audio book, as I have for this whole series, and John Lane & Maxine Mitchel make for a pleasant listen. John has a cheeky gravitas that is particularly comforting to me.
I highly recommend you start this series with Revved to the Maxx, but you could also start here if you want to, I just think it makes the best impact to see the found family build from the beginning. I know I want to start again because I'm already missing this band of misfits.
5 stars 2.5 on the spice scale
CW: cancer, loss of spouse (past), emergency room scenes
Sweet, relaxing and cheesy. Like a palate cleanser for me. Full Throttle is the last one in this series. Miss Moreland signature writing is all over the place. Alpha and loveable hero and super easy cheesy plot.
I loved this series from Melanie Moreland so much, and Dom and Cherry's book was all I wanted it to be. I love the found family theme of this series, and how the guys at the garage are closer than any blood relatives I've ever known. Dom and Cherry were older (I loved reading a heroine my age) but they had insecurities and trepidation they each cured in each other. Cherry was a fierce mom and independent woman despite the emotional setbacks she'd suffered and Dom had a huge and fierce heart despite his own baggage (and with that swagger he could order me around anytime)
Five big stars for this story and a million for this series.
What an amazing way to finish this wonderful series 👏 We see the beginning of the Love story between Cherry and Don in her daughter book, but in this book it evolves and blossoms to an epic connection (despite Cherry's protests 😂) I love that the couple are in their late 40ies, and I loved the twist with the secret that Dom is keeping.
While Full Throttle can be read as a standalone, I do encourage you to start at the beginning, especially if you love small towns, wonderful interconnected characters with lots of character growth, and loads of feels with just the right amount of spice.
The book starts with Revved to the Maxx and features Maxx and Charly and own Reynolds Restorations in Littleburn, Canada. I love that this is a blue-color series with people who met by chance and became a found family. Throughout the series you will meet others who work there and get their back story and follow along as they each find love. In Breaking the Speed Limit there’s Stefano and single mom Gabby. In Shifting Gears, you’ll meet Brett and photographer Kelly, and in Under the Radar, you’ll meet Hannah, a police officer, and Chase, who is very skilled in auto restoration.
Each of the men have a special talent in their industry, and Charly is the office manager and the shining light and can’t help but smile whenever she appears on the pages. I admire how supportive they are of one another and up in each other’s business, and how the author includes them in each book as the stories continue. They each have a unique personality and I felt like I was there right along with them in every conversation. I am a total romantic at heart, and loved being there from the beginning watching each of their love stories unfold.
In the final book of this series, Full Throttle, Domenic Salvatore is our hero and was introduced in the last book. He’s new to town, looking for a fresh start, and was hired at the garage as a mechanic. I loved how he was a bit older, in his mid-40s and how he noticed Hannah’s beautiful mom, Cherry Gallagher, right away.
Dom was very sure of himself and not afraid to speak his mind and pursue what he wants. If you love a confident, alpha protector, who isn’t afraid to settle down and knows how to make a woman feel special and swoon, then Dom is your man. He only has eyes for Cherry, and she is equally smitten. She’s a bit hesitant at first, as she’s been alone for many years, but he broke down her barriers and once she trusted him with her heart, she was all in. He had proved time and time again he was in it for the long haul and I love a man whose actions match his words.
Cherry is a hairdresser and loved how he went into the salon for a haircut and score her phone number! He worked for it! He has old-fashion values, and even though he’s this big tough guy on the outside, he has the kindest heart and once he shares his backstory, you’ll learn his heart has been broken for the past 13 years. But it’s not over a woman, it’s over not being in his son’s life.
I don’t want to spoil this part of the story-line, but this author is one of my favorites for writing very realistic and sympathetic emotional issues that will pull you in and have you routing for the characters who feel like friends. I loved how Dom and Cherry worked together to correct a wrong that was done to him years ago. It only brought them closer and made their HEA all the sweeter.
Loved the extended epilogue in the future featuring the whole gang and their families, and thought it was the perfect ending to this must-read series.
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝟎𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲. I'm not a fan of instalove but this book is definitely an exception. Loved Cherry andbDom's relationship and how ot evolved throw the story!
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞, 𝐃𝐨𝐦, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐨'𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. Then, comes Cherry, the firey, stubborn, play no games, older woman who makes him see everything differently. He knows what he wants and makes it happen. She doesn't have time to entertain the idea of the leather wearing playboy. Sparks fly until their love morphs into an inferno.
𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝. The way their characters grew through the book, not only individually but also together, was so heartwarming. At first, their chemistry wasn't pulling me in like a normal Melanie story does, but when it did, that was all it took. Love this author and I think this was a great way to end the series!
I’ve been anticipating this book since Under the Radar where these characters chemistry was clearly off the charts. This author has mastered writing the found family trope. I love the characters she created with the Reynolds Restorations crew. MM is a magnificent storyteller that exceeds my expectations each and every time she releases a new book. I was invested with the open road this couple travelled as they went full throttle to get to their hea. It was not a rough ride but still had some detours that were needed to be taken as the mmc found a way to navigate the fmc’s hesitancy. When the fmc finally let her hair down and embraced the unexpected ride, she did so putting all her trust and faith on the ride of her life with a man she did not expect but eventually welcomed. They cruised into the sunset leaving me feeling all sorts of giddy. Age ain’t nothing but a number as this book shows that later in life relationships are attainable. I love this couple and their story so hard!
Audio: Yes! Yes! Yes! All the stars for these talented performers. John and Maxine kept me company throughout the day while I adulted. They made my day fly and I can’t thank them enough for my listening pleasure. They truly brought Dom and Cherry’s book to reality. I know I say that each and every time this pair narrates a book together but they are just superior in what they do. They can do no wrong, but together they hit epic levels of awesomeness. I felt all the emotions through John’s tenor and in Maxine’s cadence. This is a must listen to audiobook. I loved the ebook but the audio surpassed all my expectations.
The chemistry, the dirty talk, the heat… This book has it all. Love me a guy that falls first and that’s exactly what happened when Dom met Cherry for the first time.
Even though it took Dom a lot of convincing to make Cherry see that they belong together, she was always there for him when he was in trouble, she’s exactly what he needed. But once Cherry gave her trust to Dom, their love story became literally perfect.
I cried so much and laughed so hard, this book has my heart.
My favorite book of the series! From the first page to the last, I was captivated by Dom & Cherry and their story.
Dom & Cherry’s chemistry was off the charts and I loved their banter. I loved watching Dom & Cherry finding their happily ever after. It was not an easy journey, but worth it in the end. I loved that together they were stronger and saved each other in different ways.
I have loved this series and I hope that there will be more to come with these characters & their world.
It's an absolute pleasure to read about an older mature couple in late 40s finding love in life! Dom and Cherry have both experienced lots of ups and downs in life. Everyone looks at Dom and thinks oh here comes a reformed bad boy good with his tools ( pun intended) but he has so much hidden depth and pain. Cherry has lost her love early in life and her daughter has been her focus but right now, her baby is not so baby anymore and she is cautiously opening her heart again. She has so much love to give.It was sexy and flirty and then emotional and heartbreaking.
Dom Salvatore instantly feels a magnetic pull towards Cherry when they meet through his friend aka coworker at the car mechanic shop, Chase and his girlfriend Hannah. Cherry is Hannah's mom. Dom is determined to wear her down and she slowly starts to believe that Dom is serious. As their life starts to entangle, Cherry comes to know of Dom's son who has been kept away from him by his son's mother. With Cherry's help..can Dom get back and win over his son?
Dom is through and through alpha. His rugged imposing appearance comes with a hotter personality and dirty mouth. He is sexy inside out. He pursued Cherry relentlessly but never disrespected her boundaries. He took her wall down brick by brick with his sweet gestures, his irresistible sex appeal and his open communication. He saved Cherry from a devastating fire too. It started with nuclear hot passion but Dom made it very clear that he wants Cherry in his life for more. She is sassy and stubborn and also, sweet. She has a protective side that came out to play when Dom was dealing with the drama with his ex regarding his son. She was a solid support for him and with her, Dom could face every difficult situation bravely. His vulnerability made him even more amazing. His friends are like his family and I love the found family dynamics! Dom and Cherry both had emotional baggage and together they made it lighter to carry.
5 Star review of Full Throttle (Reynold’s Restoration #5) by Melanie Moreland
eBook/Audio:
I could not wait to get back to The Reynold’s Restoration world for Dom Salvatore and Cherry Gallagher’s story.
When I pick up a book by Melanie Moreland, I know I am in for an entertaining read. I was drawn into the story that Ms. Moreland wove, and it was great to see some familiar faces make an appearance.
Full Throttle was beautifully written with characters whose story you cannot help but become hooked on.
I love stories that are about people who have come together and formed bonds that cannot be broken. They may not be family by blood, but they are family by choice and to me that adds something special to the read.
The performances by Maxine Mitchell and John Lane were wonderful. Their voices are easy to listen to and they did justice to the characters and the story Ms. Moreland wove. They brought out the passion and emotions that Dom and Cherry went through and I was riveted to their performances.
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this final book in the series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. I met Dom and Cherry in Hannah and Chase’s book. Their chemistry was intense, so I am glad they got their happy ending. Dom is very persistent about going after Cherry. He knows what he wants, and he will not settle for less. Cherry is a little more reserved. She doesn’t want to get hurt and I think she realizes that her feelings for Dom were already big ones. They face some challenges along the way, but they only draw the couple closer together. I adore that there is no third act break-up. These are mature characters who handle life’s challenges like adults. I love that they are passionate with each other. They sizzle on the page. This was a wonderful wrap up to the series and I loved seeing all the couples with their families. I also loved seeing how the found family they developed only grew stronger (and bigger) over time. This is a fantastic series, and this was a fantastic read. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
Bittersweet that this is the last book of the series. I love the whole crew, the found family and how it ends in full circle. Book 1 and 5 are my favorite.
This book was incredible. It was emotional- but in a good way that had tears in my eyes. My heart totally went out to Dom & the pain he felt over missing his son. So it so special to watch them reconnect & form a bond after so many years. It wasn’t fair what his ex did, but she did do the right thing in the end. This was my first time reading a romance where both mc’s are older (mid/last 40’s), & at first I didn’t know if I’d enjoy it, but I definitely did! I loved everything about this book, f/the characters, to the close bond they share, the good banter, & especially seeing Josh become a part of it all. Dom & Cherry were also pretty hot! The mouth on Dom was panty melting good! And for as sexy as he was, he also had an incredible heart too. After everything his ex did to sabotage his relationship w/his son, him & Cherry both were still willing to be there & help her in the end. He was an amazing man.
All the feels! Cherry & Dominic’s love story is one you won't be able to forget. A hot hero with a heart of gold and a feisty heroine who never gives up. The perfect blend of intoxicating chemistry, swoon, sass, witty banter, laughs, feels, and an abundance of steam. These characters together were so beautiful. Passionate. Real. The details provided throughout gave you an amazing mental picture while reading as if I were right there with them. I LOVED everything about this book.
As the last book in the Reynold’s Restorations Series, Moreland delivers a second chances and new beginnings story in Full Throttle. This steamy romance will pull at your heart strings and never let go. A must-read!
At the beginning of the story we are introduced to Dom Salvatore, a mechanic who is ready to settle down in one place. Getting the job at Reynold’s Restorations has given him the chance to finally feel part of a family. They have accepted him for who he is, but that only reminds Dom of his past. He is not ready to feel disappointment again, especially after meeting Cherry Gallagher. She is smart, independent and there is an undeniable connection that neither can deny. Yet, she has build walls around her heart and Dom is set on prove that they might be meant for each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Full Throttle, the characters were relatable and their chemistry was sizzling. As a single mom, Cherry has been focusing on taking care of her daughter for a very long time. Now that her daughter is older and moving on with her life, Cherry still feels like she has to protect her heart. Meeting Dom for the first time is electric and his intense/sexy persona is what gets her to want to give him a chance. Discovering that they have a lot more in common than she originally thought, makes Cherry want to give them a chance. But neither of them expected for his past to threaten their chance to be together. I loved the wholesome family aspect that Melanie Moreland always brings to her books. The ending was perfect for the characters and their story. I would highly recommend checking out this series and any other book by the author, you will not regret it! :)
***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***
Tropes: Love over 40 Single Parents Mechanic MMC Hairdresser FMC Found Family Reunion
I don't even know where to begin! Melanie is the QUEEN of found family and this book was no different! While it was a short read it was jam packed with maturity, fun, emotion, & growing connections. My heart was so full after finishing this story!
I absolutely loved that both MCs were over 40 and that there wasn't an age gap! Both single parents and mature in their ways.
Dom is blunt and not afraid to go after what he wants and what he wants is Cherry! I loved that he was so persistent with his pursuit of Cherry. He never backed down. He did push Cherry, but always gave her the option to completely push him away. It was so sweet seeing him open up to not only Cherry, but everyone else too. His longing for a family was finally fulfilled!
Cherry has such a strong and incredible soul! She's spent her whole adult life raising her daughter. She protects her heart with strong walls. I was so happy that she listened to reason and didn't let her own views of how Dom was to ruin a beautiful relationship they could have. She was so supportive and always stood by Dom. And an amazing mother figure to Josh.
The ending was definitely bittersweet, but brought tears of joy with how everyone was such a big and supportive family.
After reading the 4th book in this series, I was definitely intrigued by Dom and Cherry's relationship. Dom doesn't turn out anything like I expected. He's even better. Dom & Cherry both had their own baggage but I loved seeing them fall for each other. Dom wasn't going to give up on her. She just had to realize he was serious about her. They both needed each other. I love the found family between all the guys at the garage and their significant others. They would do anything for each other. This was a great ending to the series.
Thank you to Melanie Moreland and Grey's Promotions for this ARC. This is my honest review.
Older couple that both had a bad past experiences and give their love a chance!! Dom pursues this Hair stylist who is mom to the previous female Lead.. (cop).
Dom has a son he never sees due to a crazy ex and a mechanic. He doesn't take no for an answer when he pursues Cherry.
This whole series has had basically every emotion you can feel. Dom and Cherry being the last couple of the series makes it complete. Like Maxx and Charly they are the “parents” of the crew. Cherry is Dom’s perfect match. She puts him in his place when needed like most of the girls of Reynold’s Restoration. I’m sad to see this made family go off in their dust. Considering this is Melanie who knows if there will be next generation to come with glimpse of the whole gang.
This was the perfect way to end this amazing series! Dom and Cherry made me so happy with their banter, chemistry, and love.
So much happens in this book! Not only do we get their love story but we also get a father and son reunion, a touch of danger, heartfelt moments, and new beginnings. I just love Dom and Cherry! He is possessive and protective, sweet and sexy. He fights for what and who he wants. Cherry is feisty and independent. I love her sass and her kind heart. Dom knew from their first meeting that they belonged together. It took Cherry a little bit to let herself go after what she wanted, but when she does it's fantastic. These two could not have been more perfect for each other. I love this series so much and I'm sad to see it end!
This is the 5th book in Reynolds’s Restoration series. If you haven’t read the first 4 books you could perfectly read and like this one but I really recommend you to read them before. I loved the first 4 books and this one was really needed. I loved Dom since it was introduced in the previous book and also Cherry. They make a perfect couple. I have to recognize that still feels a little weird when I read a book and the main characters are “old” but they are my age.. 🙈 But I love to read love stories with characters around my age. Back to the book.. Dom and Cherry have their insecurities and a past, they are both independent and know what they want but they find each other they are perfect together. Their love story is very easy, no dramas or fights. While you read the book you will always have a smile on your face. I would say is a happy book and an easy ready
Aww this story was AMAZING. It is a later in life romance and I’m a sucker for those. This one was so good! It was the perfect weekend read. Dom really was in Full Throttle but Cherry G didn’t stay behind for too much. The chemistry between them was really good, the passion incredible and the laughter moments on point. I love it so much specially reading about all the Reynolds Family. They are all amazing, reading about them in this story was definitely a good throw back moment with each of the character. And the audiobook was totally perfect John and Maxine did an excellent performance as always. John made me cry in one scene… I wasn’t expecting those feelings reading this book lol. It was definitely the perfect end of the series.
Boy, this book took me by surprise. I thought I was going to read something sweet and call it the day. I wasn’t expecting for Full Throttle to be chuck full of surprises. The way the author walked me through the story was a delightful surprise, this book had me in my feelings and I found myself so engrossed in the story that I forgot to eat lunch. There were so many great things about this story, it’d take me a long time to write a review and difficult not to give anything away. Please read this book, it’s worth your time.
Full Throttle by Melanie Moreland is book five and the last in the Reynolds Restoration series. What a wonderful and delightful way to end to this series. It is a fun rom-com about love later in life for Dom Salvatore and Cherry Gallagher. We were teased by the author at the end of Under The Radar about this couple and she didn’t disappoint.
“Once you were in my heart, Cherry, it was full throttle. I know what I want, so why wait,”
Dom recently joined this great group and enjoys working with them. He has become very close to Chase and loves the sense of family at the garage. Underneath the tattoos and the bad boy persona is a thoughtful, helpful and loyal guy. He doesn’t do relationships due to his past and is carrying a secret. One weekend Chase and his new housemate Hannah need some help painting. Dom offers and his life changes forever the moment he walks into Chase’s house. It’s definitely a case of he falls first and may even be love at first sight - well for Dom as Cherry isn’t convinced!
Cherry is Hannah’s mum. After her husband died it took her some time to start dating again and unfortunately it didn’t go well so she is reluctant to try again. She is currently a hairdresser and living above the salon in Toronto. She misses Hannah but is glad she is safer working in Littleburn. She is very independent and is determined to resist Dom’s charms but he doesn’t make it easy with his naughty comments. He doesn’t give up and is relentless in his pursuit of her.
It was so refreshing reading a romance about a more mature couple. Both in their forties, they have different issues to the youngsters, which made their journey so interesting. The trust between them builds and the way they each revealed their past was emotional. I loved how understanding and supportive they are towards each other. Their chemistry is undeniable and their witty conversations will captivate you very quickly.
Dom absolutely cracked me up with his banter, teasing and dirty thoughts. It was hilarious how he lived up to his name. His caring ways were fantastic and the twist really showed what a wonderful man he is. There is a brilliant appearance from a Vested Interest character that will please many readers. As usual Melanie leaves us with an excellent epilogue. This found family has been building since Max and Charly, and everyone makes an appearance as the author wraps up their stories and the series. This couple were such a pleasure to read about and I really enjoyed their story even though it meant an end to this exceptional series.
We’re back with the Reynold’s Restoration crew for the fifth (and presumably final) book in the series between dark, delicious loner, Dom, and single mum, Cherry. I’m not sure when Dom appeared in the series but I’m pretty sure Cherry first appeared in the previous book where our pair were seen bickering and flirting. We got hints that something was going on but now we get to find out what as they get their own story.
Can you read this without having read any of the other Reynold’s Restoration books? Yes, I really think you can. This book takes place on roughly the same timeline as the previous book (Under the Radar - about Cherry’s daughter, Hannah) and although most of the previous characters do appear, it just makes you want to go back and find out their stories rather than making you confused.
This is billed as a ‘later in life’ love story which I always take exception to. Dom is 48 and Cherry is 46. Hardly more than middle aged and certainly not into their dotage. But I grumpily digress.
Dom is a loner but still very much part of the Reynold’s Restoration family. He works with the crew at the garage and is a loyal friend and an all-round nice guy. He may look big, mean and scary but he’s one of the good guys. He’s never really found his home but as soon as he sets eyes on Cherry, he’s a goner - and not afraid to admit it.
Cherry isn’t quite as sure about Dom - or she’s maybe not quite as sure it would be a good idea, as much as she wants to indulge. Having suffered loss and a lack of luck with men, it takes a while for Dom to break down Cherry’s walls - but it’s worth it when she does. And oh so sexy!
I loved Dom and Cherry as a couple. Cherry is a little bit stubborn and a little but argumentative and Dom loves her just as she is. He enjoys riling her and then soothing her. And equally, Dom often gets overwhelmed with his emotions and the weight of his responsibilities. Cherry is the calming influence that balances Dom out. Each accepting the other 100% - catnip!
I really liked the Josh storyline and we get a lovely little cameo from one of the Vested Interest men in relation to that. If I had one note it’s that sometimes the Josh thing overshadowed Dom and Cherry’s relationship. I would really have loved to delve more into Cherry and her feelings of losing her first husband so young and then being single for so long. But that’s just a nitpicky thing from me and a four star book from Melanie Moreland is still better than 5 stars for most other authors. This book still delighted me and I loved seeing all the couples and families from the previous books.
It’s quite sad to see the Reynold’s Restorationbooks come to an end as the first in the series was the one that introduced me to - and made me fall in love with - Melanie Moreland. So this series will always have a special place in my heart - and this is a worthy addition. Definitely recommended.
Cherry is a widowed, forty-six year old hairdresser in the small town of Littleburn, Ontario, Canada . She is the fierce, independent, strong and determined mother of the previous books (book 4) FMC, Hannah . And while Cherry has tried her hand in the dating game since losing her first love, she has found that it is much simpler to be alone . That is until Dom Salvatore walked into her life and she couldn’t resist his temptation any longer .
Dom is a forty-eight year old newcomer into Little burn and has found a job Reynolds Restoration . You might take one look at Dom with his rough and tough, tattooed covered, grouchy exterior and walk the other way .. but deep down he is the most loyal of a man and he wall burn the earth down if it means helping his family and his family is slowly but surely becoming Cherry .
Oh this book was so good just like everything Melanie Moreland writes . Dom and Cherry are the most perfect pairing and you can tell from the very first moment they meet . Their chemistry is off of the charts and even when Cherry is trying to stay away - they both know there is this inevitable pull that brings her right on back . There are a few fun surprises that take place in this book that will make you so happy if you’ve read the rest of the series .
This is the fifth and final book in the Reynolds Restoration series and it can be read as a complete standalone .
This book was given to me for honest review by the author .
A welcome return to the small Canadian town of Littleburn, the home of Reynolds Restorations and the latest employee to have found his way to the garage, Dom Salvatore. Dom had been made to feel part of the Reynold’s extended family, but he was still lonely. He saw what his friends had and someone to come home to and share his life. One look at Cherry Gallagher and he knew he’d found her. But Cherry after losing her husband and being let down in love more than once was more reluctant. However, Dom knew he’d found something special in Cherry and just had to prove he was in it for the long haul
This series started with five stars and has ended the same way. Dom and Cherry’s story was filled with chemistry, heat, steam and ultimately love. It was the perfect combination of everything I love in a book! Plus, I got to revisit with all the previous characters and their growing families. While I hate that with Full Throttle, the series that introduced me to Melanie Moreland, is now over I absolutely loved this book. It has been the perfect ending to what has been a wonderful series. I fell in love with Maxx and Charly back with Revved to the Maxx and each subsequent book and couple only deepened that love until now with Dom and Cherry it has come to an end…… although perhaps there could always be a series featuring the next generation? Until that happens, I would have no hesitation in recommending the books of Reynolds Restorations to anyone.