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Irons and Works: Key Largo #1
Fine Line
Paris is pretty sure it doesn’t get worse than being forced to listen to his hot Deaf neighbor having a very good time with his FWB.
All.
Night.
Long.
And to make matters worse, Ben is one of the nicest guys he’s has ever met. He makes Paris want things he’s never allowed himself to want.
Paris moved across the country to start work at the new Irons and Works shop in Key Largo for a fresh start, but that wasn’t supposed to involve falling for the adorable, shy motel owner.
It wasn’t supposed to involve allowing himself to be vulnerable for the first time in his life. But helpless against Ben’s charms, Paris wants to flay himself open and let himself be overwhelmed.
There’s a fine line between hope and reality, and Paris will give anything for Ben to have the patience to wait as he learns how to cross it.
Fine Line features slumber parties, first kisses, blanket forts, menacing jellyfish, emotional hurt/comfort, found family, and grumpy soft for sunshine. Each book in the Irons and Works: Key Largo series can be read as a stand-alone.
All.
Night.
Long.
And to make matters worse, Ben is one of the nicest guys he’s has ever met. He makes Paris want things he’s never allowed himself to want.
Paris moved across the country to start work at the new Irons and Works shop in Key Largo for a fresh start, but that wasn’t supposed to involve falling for the adorable, shy motel owner.
It wasn’t supposed to involve allowing himself to be vulnerable for the first time in his life. But helpless against Ben’s charms, Paris wants to flay himself open and let himself be overwhelmed.
There’s a fine line between hope and reality, and Paris will give anything for Ben to have the patience to wait as he learns how to cross it.
Fine Line features slumber parties, first kisses, blanket forts, menacing jellyfish, emotional hurt/comfort, found family, and grumpy soft for sunshine. Each book in the Irons and Works: Key Largo series can be read as a stand-alone.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2023
225 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
139 books1,351 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
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November 3, 2023I’m going to tap out at 70%. I just can’t connect with Paris and Ben as lovers. There’s something that doesn’t work for me.
Neither man is unlikeable BUT Paris is presented as cold and distant but he was literally never like that with Ben. He also torments himself with the idea that he’ll ruin everything but we are never given any insight into why that would happen. He did everything he could to give his brother, Max, a good life or at least better than what they had with their father and evil stepmother (eye roll).
Look. We’re told that after his mother died, right after giving birth to Max, their life kind of fell apart when their dad remarried. Apparently so much so that Paris didn’t even know how to swing on a swing-set as an adult (cue another exaggerated eye roll). In an effort to woo Paris, Ben takes him to a playground for the first time ever in his life as a grown ass adult.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a good woo-ing but this wasn’t a cute look. Why not take him on a roller coaster or go to the zoo? I mean. It was trying too hard to be sweet that it just felt weird.
And ultimately that’s how it all felt - so much set up to show how miserable(ish) these two were before they found the other that their current relationship felt overshadowed by all the past melodrama.
Neither man is unlikeable BUT Paris is presented as cold and distant but he was literally never like that with Ben. He also torments himself with the idea that he’ll ruin everything but we are never given any insight into why that would happen. He did everything he could to give his brother, Max, a good life or at least better than what they had with their father and evil stepmother (eye roll).
Look. We’re told that after his mother died, right after giving birth to Max, their life kind of fell apart when their dad remarried. Apparently so much so that Paris didn’t even know how to swing on a swing-set as an adult (cue another exaggerated eye roll). In an effort to woo Paris, Ben takes him to a playground for the first time ever in his life as a grown ass adult.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a good woo-ing but this wasn’t a cute look. Why not take him on a roller coaster or go to the zoo? I mean. It was trying too hard to be sweet that it just felt weird.
And ultimately that’s how it all felt - so much set up to show how miserable(ish) these two were before they found the other that their current relationship felt overshadowed by all the past melodrama.
June 18, 2024
I read book 3 first, then jumped back to this one. I've also not read any of the Iron and Works and there are a lot of cameos here, but that wasn't a big issue. This one didn't work as well for me as Cover Up but it was a sweet story even though both characters have significant trauma in their past and issues in their present.
July 10, 2023
⭐️4 stars⭐️
Lovely and well defined cast of characters, showcasing various disabilities and backgrounds.
Having only read two of the original series Iron and Works, I didn’t quite follow with the cameos and backstory, but it was still fully enjoyable as a stand-alone.
Paris and Ben’s relationship was heartwarming and I found myself falling for them, which is why I felt this was too short of a read.
Other than its length, everything else was great — the location, the found family vibes and even the murderous iguanas.
Side note - what about the dog that kept pooping on the sidewalk? How are you going to mention it multiple times and not tell me how it ends?
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- deaf mc
- motel owner vs tattoo artist
- neighbors-to-lovers
- shitty childhood
- grief
- strict top/bottom
- side character HIV+
- hurt/comfort
POV: dual, 3rd person
Lovely and well defined cast of characters, showcasing various disabilities and backgrounds.
Having only read two of the original series Iron and Works, I didn’t quite follow with the cameos and backstory, but it was still fully enjoyable as a stand-alone.
Paris and Ben’s relationship was heartwarming and I found myself falling for them, which is why I felt this was too short of a read.
Other than its length, everything else was great — the location, the found family vibes and even the murderous iguanas.
Side note - what about the dog that kept pooping on the sidewalk? How are you going to mention it multiple times and not tell me how it ends?
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- deaf mc
- motel owner vs tattoo artist
- neighbors-to-lovers
- shitty childhood
- grief
- strict top/bottom
- side character HIV+
- hurt/comfort
POV: dual, 3rd person
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2023
EM Lindsey doesn't shy away from giving her characters real world issues and traits. Ben is profoundly deaf and uses Cochlear implants and Paris grew up in an abusive home, ignored and starved for affection... but these two wonderful men meet and embrace their attraction to one another and the story is beautiful.
With elements of hurt/comfort and a chance to explore fun and frivolity on inventive dates, their relationship is strengthened until it's tested...
I'm really looking forward to the way the next chapter of Irons and Works Key Largo will unfold and I hope that we see more of the killer iguanas, the great cast of characters including Ben's friends and co-workers and of course the guys from the tattoo parlor!
With elements of hurt/comfort and a chance to explore fun and frivolity on inventive dates, their relationship is strengthened until it's tested...
I'm really looking forward to the way the next chapter of Irons and Works Key Largo will unfold and I hope that we see more of the killer iguanas, the great cast of characters including Ben's friends and co-workers and of course the guys from the tattoo parlor!
March 28, 2023
Tropes: neighbors
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: grief, bad parents, deaf MC, HIV+ minor character
Ben owns and runs a motel that's been in his family for a while. Paris is a tattoo artist who recently moved to the city. He's staying in Ben's motel for the first couple months before committing to staying in town / getting a place. Ben in paris's rooms at the motel share a wall. Ben has a FWB and Paris hears them getting it on pretty loud and he awkwardly tries to confront Ben about keeping it down so that he can sleep. But then Paris realizes Ben is deaf and doesn't know he's making noise others can hear.
Ben and Paris both start crushing on each other and Ben dumps his FWB to pursue something with Paris. Ben's parents are awkward about his deafness, his dad only bothered to learn 12 words of ASL. Everyone in Ben's family is still grieving the loss of Ben's brother Levi. Paris was from an abusive home and left at age 16 with his 10-year-old brother and raised his brother from then on. He never had a childhood he was always either abused or trying to make it on his own.
These guys have a loving relationship. They both care about each other from the start and want to make the other one feel special and valued. Ben's never been one for hookup culture, but he's never been able to find anyone who would be serious with him. And Paris has been really closed off and doesn't really know what it's like to be cared for and that it will fill a hole inside of him. They fit together nicely. They have good chemistry.
A couple things I didn't love. Ben tries to make up for Paris's lost childhood and some of the activities that he plans for them are super super cheesy. It was a little over the top that Ben and his former FWB had to have a big moment cause a misunderstanding at Paris's first ever birthday party. And at times I felt like this book kind of was slow paced. I feel like some books convey more in the space of the same amount of words than this one did. But overall it was a good story and I liked the healthy approach to communication that various people had in this book.
Some notable moments:
"Paris snorted. “He’s scared of storms. When he was twelve, he used to sleep under my bed with his Super Mario blanket whenever there was thunder.” Max looked pissed as Felix laughed. “Fuck off.” “I think it’s cute,” Felix said. “Little Mario.” “It’s-a-me, the guy who’s gonna rip-a-your d*ck off if you keep talking shit,” Max said, making Felix laugh harder."
"He moved closer. “Are you okay?” Paris nodded, his throat tight. “Yeah. I…yes.” “You’re going on a face journey, but I have no idea what kind.” Paris let out a strained laugh. “It feels like…I’m horny, but like, with my emotions.” Ben stared, then burst into laughter, pushing Paris against the shelf. He let out a quiet huff when Ben’s body collided with his, and then he was kissed."
"“You’re gonna have to decommission the rooms next to ours pretty soon, or people are gonna start mentioning this shit on Yelp,” he said when he pulled back."
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: grief, bad parents, deaf MC, HIV+ minor character
Ben owns and runs a motel that's been in his family for a while. Paris is a tattoo artist who recently moved to the city. He's staying in Ben's motel for the first couple months before committing to staying in town / getting a place. Ben in paris's rooms at the motel share a wall. Ben has a FWB and Paris hears them getting it on pretty loud and he awkwardly tries to confront Ben about keeping it down so that he can sleep. But then Paris realizes Ben is deaf and doesn't know he's making noise others can hear.
Ben and Paris both start crushing on each other and Ben dumps his FWB to pursue something with Paris. Ben's parents are awkward about his deafness, his dad only bothered to learn 12 words of ASL. Everyone in Ben's family is still grieving the loss of Ben's brother Levi. Paris was from an abusive home and left at age 16 with his 10-year-old brother and raised his brother from then on. He never had a childhood he was always either abused or trying to make it on his own.
These guys have a loving relationship. They both care about each other from the start and want to make the other one feel special and valued. Ben's never been one for hookup culture, but he's never been able to find anyone who would be serious with him. And Paris has been really closed off and doesn't really know what it's like to be cared for and that it will fill a hole inside of him. They fit together nicely. They have good chemistry.
A couple things I didn't love. Ben tries to make up for Paris's lost childhood and some of the activities that he plans for them are super super cheesy. It was a little over the top that Ben and his former FWB had to have a big moment cause a misunderstanding at Paris's first ever birthday party. And at times I felt like this book kind of was slow paced. I feel like some books convey more in the space of the same amount of words than this one did. But overall it was a good story and I liked the healthy approach to communication that various people had in this book.
Some notable moments:
"Paris snorted. “He’s scared of storms. When he was twelve, he used to sleep under my bed with his Super Mario blanket whenever there was thunder.” Max looked pissed as Felix laughed. “Fuck off.” “I think it’s cute,” Felix said. “Little Mario.” “It’s-a-me, the guy who’s gonna rip-a-your d*ck off if you keep talking shit,” Max said, making Felix laugh harder."
"He moved closer. “Are you okay?” Paris nodded, his throat tight. “Yeah. I…yes.” “You’re going on a face journey, but I have no idea what kind.” Paris let out a strained laugh. “It feels like…I’m horny, but like, with my emotions.” Ben stared, then burst into laughter, pushing Paris against the shelf. He let out a quiet huff when Ben’s body collided with his, and then he was kissed."
"“You’re gonna have to decommission the rooms next to ours pretty soon, or people are gonna start mentioning this shit on Yelp,” he said when he pulled back."
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
April 30, 2024
Started off super cute, but after the leads got together everything got a bit too sickly sweet for me. There's a lot of "healing your inner child" moments in this - building forts, a slumber party, movies at the drive in. Very sweet in theory - too much for my wilted heart 🥲
I did love seeing cameos from the original group, Miguel and his husband Amit showed up! I am finding that I am more invested in the world/shops/side character shenanigans than the actual romances anymore for this series and spinoff, at least it's nostalgic when I need a comfort read!
Check out CWs for this one - there's a big health related scare of a significant side character that comes up near the last quarter of the book.
I did love seeing cameos from the original group, Miguel and his husband Amit showed up! I am finding that I am more invested in the world/shops/side character shenanigans than the actual romances anymore for this series and spinoff, at least it's nostalgic when I need a comfort read!
Check out CWs for this one - there's a big health related scare of a significant side character that comes up near the last quarter of the book.
March 24, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Fine Line is the first book in E.M. Lindsey’s Irons and Works: Key Largo series, a spin off of their popular and really engaging Irons and Works series. The original shop is in Colorado and now they are opening up a second location in Key Largo. The final book in the original series, Snakebites, serves as a transition story and begins introducing some of the new characters. We also get cameos from some of the original cast here, with indications that others will be dropping by the Florida shop. So having some familiarity with this world will definitely make things richer here, but I do think this story stands alone just fine and you could begin with this series if you want.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Fine Line is the first book in E.M. Lindsey’s Irons and Works: Key Largo series, a spin off of their popular and really engaging Irons and Works series. The original shop is in Colorado and now they are opening up a second location in Key Largo. The final book in the original series, Snakebites, serves as a transition story and begins introducing some of the new characters. We also get cameos from some of the original cast here, with indications that others will be dropping by the Florida shop. So having some familiarity with this world will definitely make things richer here, but I do think this story stands alone just fine and you could begin with this series if you want.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 22, 2023
Let’s start with the positives of this Irons and Works spinoff:
1. Strong sense of place with the Key Largo setting
2. Neighbors to lovers, courtesy of sharing a wall at the motel Ben owns
3. Ben is Deaf and wears processors but also signs. He didn’t learn ASL until college because of his parents’ ableism. His dad only knows a few basic signs and they’ve never learned more. Most of his hearing friends haven’t learned ASL. When Tony comes out to the shop for a couple of weeks, he’s understandably upset by the lack of inclusivity and lays into everyone. And Ben doesn’t even work at the shop! Ben has mixed feelings; he doesn’t think he has the right to ask anyone to learn ASL for him. I loved how this arc evolved with the people in Ben’s life. Paris decides to learn ASL before he and Ben are officially involved! How is that for a sign of interest? So good.
4. Paris and Ben are child-free (love when this is spelled out and not assumed)
5. HIV subplot. Romance as a genre could easily do more in terms of STI education and destigmatizing. An easy way for authors to do this would be to stop presenting test results by characters saying they’re “clean.” Also normalizing sharing test results before any kind of sex begins.
6. Paris’s relationship with his brother Max. They’ve been through so much and I’m glad they have each other.
7. Queer and disabled characters galore (although still very light on female characters, as is par for the course with this author)
Here’s where it struggled for me. Paris has a ton of trauma (see CWs) and has never been in a relationship before. This takes place over the course of one month. Paris’s progress with Ben felt unbelievable to me. He’s never even seen a therapist! It didn’t fully come across as “magical penis” but it wasn’t clear what besides Ben was motivating these changes for as quickly as they happened. Like he’s never celebrated his birthday as an adult and doesn’t even want anyone to know when it is. But just a couple of dates with Ben and he’s fine with telling his coworkers that his birthday is in a couple of weeks and he’s okay with having a party, the first he’s had since he was a little kid. It didn’t feel believable.
Add to that, the contrived low moment during his first birthday party. It was both predictable and unnecessary. It really knocked my enjoyment. Yes, it was a believable trauma response but it would have been just as believable had things not been so rushed and had Paris had outside emotional support. If Ben is going to trust Paris won’t jump to wild assumptions in the future and run away, he needs to see Paris actually doing the work. We also need to see Paris take the lead on some things, like planning a date, instead of always leaving it up to Ben. Ben hasn’t had a serious relationship before either but he still manages to figure things out. A little reciprocity would go a long way.
Also: Ben’s inclination to help Paris experience all the things he missed out in childhood was a good one. Except a number of his ideas were, well, childish. Grownup sleepover? Excellent for obvious reasons. Buying games that have slime? Pass. There’s no way to make slime sexy.
Characters: Paris is a gay white tattoo artist. His brother Max is six years younger than him; he became Max’s guardian when Max was 11. Ben is a 28 year old gay Deaf Jewish white motel owner with a tongue piercing. This is set in Key Largo, FL.
Content notes: perceived infidelity , HIV diagnosis for secondary character/Ben’s prior sex partner (Ben tests negative), ableism, internalized ableism, jellyfish sting, Deaf MC (became deaf at 9 months old after illness and got cochlear implants at 3 years old. He didn’t learn ASL until college.), past emotional abuse by Paris’s father and stepmother (he left home at 16 and got his younger brother when he turned 18), past child neglect, past death of Paris’s mother (car crash when he was 6 and brother was 2 weeks old), past death of Ben’s brother (drove drunk and crashed motorcycle), secondary character’s ex abandoned him and their child 4 years ago, secondary characters with various disabilities, past bullying, past transphobia (secondary character), past shoplifting, family planning discussion (neither want kids), on page sex, car sex, rimming, alcohol, inebriation, past marijuana, past drug use (secondary character), gendered pejoratives, ableist language, mention of intimate partner violence (secondary character’s sister), mention of past death of grandfather, reference to parental pressure for grandchildren
1. Strong sense of place with the Key Largo setting
2. Neighbors to lovers, courtesy of sharing a wall at the motel Ben owns
3. Ben is Deaf and wears processors but also signs. He didn’t learn ASL until college because of his parents’ ableism. His dad only knows a few basic signs and they’ve never learned more. Most of his hearing friends haven’t learned ASL. When Tony comes out to the shop for a couple of weeks, he’s understandably upset by the lack of inclusivity and lays into everyone. And Ben doesn’t even work at the shop! Ben has mixed feelings; he doesn’t think he has the right to ask anyone to learn ASL for him. I loved how this arc evolved with the people in Ben’s life. Paris decides to learn ASL before he and Ben are officially involved! How is that for a sign of interest? So good.
4. Paris and Ben are child-free (love when this is spelled out and not assumed)
5. HIV subplot. Romance as a genre could easily do more in terms of STI education and destigmatizing. An easy way for authors to do this would be to stop presenting test results by characters saying they’re “clean.” Also normalizing sharing test results before any kind of sex begins.
6. Paris’s relationship with his brother Max. They’ve been through so much and I’m glad they have each other.
7. Queer and disabled characters galore (although still very light on female characters, as is par for the course with this author)
Here’s where it struggled for me. Paris has a ton of trauma (see CWs) and has never been in a relationship before. This takes place over the course of one month. Paris’s progress with Ben felt unbelievable to me. He’s never even seen a therapist! It didn’t fully come across as “magical penis” but it wasn’t clear what besides Ben was motivating these changes for as quickly as they happened. Like he’s never celebrated his birthday as an adult and doesn’t even want anyone to know when it is. But just a couple of dates with Ben and he’s fine with telling his coworkers that his birthday is in a couple of weeks and he’s okay with having a party, the first he’s had since he was a little kid. It didn’t feel believable.
Add to that, the contrived low moment during his first birthday party. It was both predictable and unnecessary. It really knocked my enjoyment. Yes, it was a believable trauma response but it would have been just as believable had things not been so rushed and had Paris had outside emotional support. If Ben is going to trust Paris won’t jump to wild assumptions in the future and run away, he needs to see Paris actually doing the work. We also need to see Paris take the lead on some things, like planning a date, instead of always leaving it up to Ben. Ben hasn’t had a serious relationship before either but he still manages to figure things out. A little reciprocity would go a long way.
Also: Ben’s inclination to help Paris experience all the things he missed out in childhood was a good one. Except a number of his ideas were, well, childish. Grownup sleepover? Excellent for obvious reasons. Buying games that have slime? Pass. There’s no way to make slime sexy.
Characters: Paris is a gay white tattoo artist. His brother Max is six years younger than him; he became Max’s guardian when Max was 11. Ben is a 28 year old gay Deaf Jewish white motel owner with a tongue piercing. This is set in Key Largo, FL.
Content notes: perceived infidelity , HIV diagnosis for secondary character/Ben’s prior sex partner (Ben tests negative), ableism, internalized ableism, jellyfish sting, Deaf MC (became deaf at 9 months old after illness and got cochlear implants at 3 years old. He didn’t learn ASL until college.), past emotional abuse by Paris’s father and stepmother (he left home at 16 and got his younger brother when he turned 18), past child neglect, past death of Paris’s mother (car crash when he was 6 and brother was 2 weeks old), past death of Ben’s brother (drove drunk and crashed motorcycle), secondary character’s ex abandoned him and their child 4 years ago, secondary characters with various disabilities, past bullying, past transphobia (secondary character), past shoplifting, family planning discussion (neither want kids), on page sex, car sex, rimming, alcohol, inebriation, past marijuana, past drug use (secondary character), gendered pejoratives, ableist language, mention of intimate partner violence (secondary character’s sister), mention of past death of grandfather, reference to parental pressure for grandchildren
March 24, 2023
There's something about the "Irons and Works" series, they are consistently Ms Lindsey's best books and this one is no exception. The characters are well defined, likeable and feel like people you'd want to hang out with. The story is smooth and well plotted and even though she falls into the cliche of the third act breakup, it's plausible and doesn't over stay it's welcome. I think maybe Paris rebounds faster than one would realistically expect, but it's rather nice to see the more macho, dominant partner doing the apologizing.
April 3, 2023
Love conquers all
Brilliant characters helped make this story fantastic. Lots of hard issues raised that brings a sombre mood but the love between the two MC's was beautiful. There was some funny bits, so not all low mood. The thin walls gave me a laugh and the special dates Ben arranged were so sweet. Glad we got a happy ending. Lots of TW'S to be aware of which bought about a small level of angst. I am looking forward to reading Max's story.
Brilliant characters helped make this story fantastic. Lots of hard issues raised that brings a sombre mood but the love between the two MC's was beautiful. There was some funny bits, so not all low mood. The thin walls gave me a laugh and the special dates Ben arranged were so sweet. Glad we got a happy ending. Lots of TW'S to be aware of which bought about a small level of angst. I am looking forward to reading Max's story.
Read
April 17, 2024I haven’t rated this book because I DNF at 20%. There were too many side characters for my liking and I couldn’t connect with the main mc’s they very one dimensional.
March 23, 2023
I absolutely love Ben and Paris soooooo much! These two were both heartbreaking and so unbelievably sweet. I love how EM takes what seemed to be flawed characters and gives them new life and new meaning and while it includes a new love interest, the changes aren’t all based around a person. Paris was always sweet and loving, he just had to find it under all the scars of his past. Ben finally saw that he was worth trying for. This was a beautiful, low angst story and I loved it!
April 10, 2023
meh...felt more like an introduction to the new cast of characters than a story about Paris and Ben.
October 7, 2023
The story plot was shallow and so nothing but boring.
March 20, 2023
CWs and CNs at the end.
I am delighted at this brand new addition to the world of Irons and Works, and much like its original, *Irons and Works: Key Largo* is shaping up to be just as wonderful and heartfelt with all the swoon and angst I want.
I had such nostalgia reading this book and thinking of my introduction to the original series with *Free Hand* since Paris and Ben’s love story had a lot of great parallels to Derek and Basil’s romance. Apart from also featuring a Deaf character, I enjoyed how, as usual, this novel explores some deeply complex emotional arcs with really meaningful learning curves for the characters. Of course, this book also elevates some of the issues we have come to recognize in the original series and adds layers of nuance particularly when it comes to the experience of Deaf characters in a world that is rarely adequately accessible to them.
Paris and Ben were adorable. I fully lost my heart to both of them as they fall head over heels in love with each other, though both are so afraid to say it out loud. Having never had examples of healthy relationships and or been a priority for anyone, Paris is flailing and completely out of his depth with these feelings and it is fascinating to watch him slowly realize he is worthy of love and affection and respect. Ben has the biggest heart and this book might have some of the most precious date ideas I’ve seen in a long time. The way he carefully shows Paris how special he is was so swoony and I was all but squealing at the pureness of their courtship.
EM Lindsey’s particular skill of creating believable and utterly relatable drama out of the rhythms of emotional upheaval is also so very present in this book. When a simple misunderstanding causes Paris to totally panic, it is such a testament to the way trauma seeps into the foundations of who we are. I loved watching these shifts and seeing how Paris and Ben worked through the subtleties of their feelings in order to seek a resolution and embrace their HEA. 5 massive stars and I’m SO excited for the rest of this series!
CWs: audism and ableism; HIV scare; mentions of past childhood neglect and abuse
CNs: This series is an MM contemporary romance and first in a series featuring the various tattoo artists at the Irons and Works shop in Key Largo. This series is a spinoff of the original Irons and Works series by the author that is set in Colorado. This book can be read as a stand-alone and is medium- to high-heat with several on-page sex scenes. Thank you to the author for the ARC and this is my voluntary review.
I am delighted at this brand new addition to the world of Irons and Works, and much like its original, *Irons and Works: Key Largo* is shaping up to be just as wonderful and heartfelt with all the swoon and angst I want.
I had such nostalgia reading this book and thinking of my introduction to the original series with *Free Hand* since Paris and Ben’s love story had a lot of great parallels to Derek and Basil’s romance. Apart from also featuring a Deaf character, I enjoyed how, as usual, this novel explores some deeply complex emotional arcs with really meaningful learning curves for the characters. Of course, this book also elevates some of the issues we have come to recognize in the original series and adds layers of nuance particularly when it comes to the experience of Deaf characters in a world that is rarely adequately accessible to them.
Paris and Ben were adorable. I fully lost my heart to both of them as they fall head over heels in love with each other, though both are so afraid to say it out loud. Having never had examples of healthy relationships and or been a priority for anyone, Paris is flailing and completely out of his depth with these feelings and it is fascinating to watch him slowly realize he is worthy of love and affection and respect. Ben has the biggest heart and this book might have some of the most precious date ideas I’ve seen in a long time. The way he carefully shows Paris how special he is was so swoony and I was all but squealing at the pureness of their courtship.
EM Lindsey’s particular skill of creating believable and utterly relatable drama out of the rhythms of emotional upheaval is also so very present in this book. When a simple misunderstanding causes Paris to totally panic, it is such a testament to the way trauma seeps into the foundations of who we are. I loved watching these shifts and seeing how Paris and Ben worked through the subtleties of their feelings in order to seek a resolution and embrace their HEA. 5 massive stars and I’m SO excited for the rest of this series!
CWs: audism and ableism; HIV scare; mentions of past childhood neglect and abuse
CNs: This series is an MM contemporary romance and first in a series featuring the various tattoo artists at the Irons and Works shop in Key Largo. This series is a spinoff of the original Irons and Works series by the author that is set in Colorado. This book can be read as a stand-alone and is medium- to high-heat with several on-page sex scenes. Thank you to the author for the ARC and this is my voluntary review.
March 18, 2023
E.M. is an author that I'm probably always going to admire. And.. always buy their books, they just have such a way with words. The characters they create are always fantastic, and the places they write about are so immensely detailed. Their books blow me away every time I read them, and this one is no exception!
So, I've read the original Irons and Works series, not every single book but a majority of them. I was nervous about this book, but also really excited. I was nervous because we had to say goodbye to characters and places, we as readers, hot attached to. But! EM created new places and new characters for us to grow attached to, and get excited about. Want to know my favorite part about this book? We got to see characters from the previous books, and it was mentioned in the story, that we could potentially see more past characters pop up in this series! Which makes me soo excited!!
This book, like the other Irons and Works books, was well written, heavily detailed, the topic matter was clearly well researched, and the characters were fantastic! All of the side characters had a reason to be there, and they all added so much depth and emotion to the story. Not to mention all of the possible stories for all of them. Eli, Andrew, Callisto.. I could go on, and on, but those men's stories are ones I really would like to read about! Especially Callisto, his character intrigued me so much in this book, and I want to know more about him and his daughter!
The main characters in this book were great! It warmed my heart the way Ben tried to create memories for Paris, he tried to give Paris experiences he missed out on when he was a child. Those tender and thoughtful moments warmed my heart! Paris was a tricky character, a bit aloof, definitely rough around the edges. He had to grow up fast to get himself and his younger brother out of a bad situation. He doesn't know how to accept other people caring about him, or wanting to help him. But with the help of Ben and his new family at the shop he slowly learns how.
I really enjoyed the scenes we got of Max and Paris's relationship. It was unorthodox and maybe not what you first think of a sibling relationship, but it was how they showed their love for one another.
Overall a fantastic book, and I'm excited for Max's story!!!
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
So, I've read the original Irons and Works series, not every single book but a majority of them. I was nervous about this book, but also really excited. I was nervous because we had to say goodbye to characters and places, we as readers, hot attached to. But! EM created new places and new characters for us to grow attached to, and get excited about. Want to know my favorite part about this book? We got to see characters from the previous books, and it was mentioned in the story, that we could potentially see more past characters pop up in this series! Which makes me soo excited!!
This book, like the other Irons and Works books, was well written, heavily detailed, the topic matter was clearly well researched, and the characters were fantastic! All of the side characters had a reason to be there, and they all added so much depth and emotion to the story. Not to mention all of the possible stories for all of them. Eli, Andrew, Callisto.. I could go on, and on, but those men's stories are ones I really would like to read about! Especially Callisto, his character intrigued me so much in this book, and I want to know more about him and his daughter!
The main characters in this book were great! It warmed my heart the way Ben tried to create memories for Paris, he tried to give Paris experiences he missed out on when he was a child. Those tender and thoughtful moments warmed my heart! Paris was a tricky character, a bit aloof, definitely rough around the edges. He had to grow up fast to get himself and his younger brother out of a bad situation. He doesn't know how to accept other people caring about him, or wanting to help him. But with the help of Ben and his new family at the shop he slowly learns how.
I really enjoyed the scenes we got of Max and Paris's relationship. It was unorthodox and maybe not what you first think of a sibling relationship, but it was how they showed their love for one another.
Overall a fantastic book, and I'm excited for Max's story!!!
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
April 10, 2023
Another book in the iron and works series. I absolutely love this series and was looking forward to reading more in this universe. So happy we got another book!
Wasn’t sure how I felt about the friends with benefit trope in the story with Ben and Theo. It’s not my favorite but was thankful when it didn’t last very long and ended early on in the story. And towards the end of the story I ended up feeling so much for Theo and just want him happy so I really hope we get a book for him.
Just like EM Lindseys other books the couples relationship does move at a faster pace. They is definitely no pinning in this book. I just know when going into a book in this series that it gives almost Insta love feelings and you just got to buckle up for the ride. Which I very much enjoyed in this book.
I love seeing Tony again in this book and hearing about the guys back in Colorado I miss them so much and I loved that we got to see some of the guys again when they came down to help with the new sister shop. I love that Tony doesn’t take any shit about people being ignorant towards not having to learn sign and it was so nice to see his papa bear side show. He just absolutely love the guys that work for him like they’re his own family, which they are.
I really enjoyed the slow build up to spicy times between Paris and Ben. They are taking their relationship slowly and seriously not wanting to fuck it up. And when we do get to the spicy times its definitely spicy and good. I loved all the dates that Paris and Ben go on it’s so fucking cute and sweet of Ben. I loved that Ben took the time to really show Paris that he listens and really does care about giving them a real shot at something real and long term. It was such a joy to see Paris slowly open up and trust Ben throughout the story. To see the growth of Paris learning to open up and take accountability for his actions and wanting to be better for Ben was so nice especially after seeing Ben try hard with Paris.
I only wish we got to see Paris make a little more of an effort to woo Ben like Ben did for him with all the cute dates. Other then that I loved everything else about this book. I love how her characters are so perfectly imperfect.
I love this little world that EM Lindsey has created and keeps growing and I can’t wait to read more in this universe and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Wasn’t sure how I felt about the friends with benefit trope in the story with Ben and Theo. It’s not my favorite but was thankful when it didn’t last very long and ended early on in the story. And towards the end of the story I ended up feeling so much for Theo and just want him happy so I really hope we get a book for him.
Just like EM Lindseys other books the couples relationship does move at a faster pace. They is definitely no pinning in this book. I just know when going into a book in this series that it gives almost Insta love feelings and you just got to buckle up for the ride. Which I very much enjoyed in this book.
I love seeing Tony again in this book and hearing about the guys back in Colorado I miss them so much and I loved that we got to see some of the guys again when they came down to help with the new sister shop. I love that Tony doesn’t take any shit about people being ignorant towards not having to learn sign and it was so nice to see his papa bear side show. He just absolutely love the guys that work for him like they’re his own family, which they are.
I really enjoyed the slow build up to spicy times between Paris and Ben. They are taking their relationship slowly and seriously not wanting to fuck it up. And when we do get to the spicy times its definitely spicy and good. I loved all the dates that Paris and Ben go on it’s so fucking cute and sweet of Ben. I loved that Ben took the time to really show Paris that he listens and really does care about giving them a real shot at something real and long term. It was such a joy to see Paris slowly open up and trust Ben throughout the story. To see the growth of Paris learning to open up and take accountability for his actions and wanting to be better for Ben was so nice especially after seeing Ben try hard with Paris.
I only wish we got to see Paris make a little more of an effort to woo Ben like Ben did for him with all the cute dates. Other then that I loved everything else about this book. I love how her characters are so perfectly imperfect.
I love this little world that EM Lindsey has created and keeps growing and I can’t wait to read more in this universe and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
March 17, 2023
This is a new book in the Iron and Works series where some of the more established tattoo artists from other locations move to the Florida keys to open up a shop there. Paris has worked in the I&W family for a while along with his younger brother Max and they jump at the opportunity to move away from California to Florida for a change of pace and scenery. Paris had a hard childhood, was ignored and neglected by his step mom and dad when his mum died when he was 5 and has spent his life trying to offer love and support to Max. As he was never shown love and missed out on so much during his childhood and teens, always working, he feels like he isn’t worthy of ever being loved and has nothing to offer.
Ben is deaf after a childhood illness and wears cochlear implants, signs, reads lips and talks. His brother recently died and he is grieving the loss. His parent’s offered for him to take over their motel in the keys as they couldn’t take the memories of his brother anymore. It’s a constant struggle to keep the busy motel going and he does his best.
Paris moves into a room (next to Ben’s) for three months to get settled before renting something. What follows is a slow burn as they try to overcome their insecurities and fears whilst trying to build something special and long lasting. Ben is incredible and really tries to get Paris to experience simple things that he wasn’t able to in his difficult childhood. He’s really patient with Paris and shows that he is loveable and worthy. Paris tries to be what Ben needs and even takes ASL classes so that he can communicate better with Ben.
I loved watching these two men who have suffered so much in their lives, find love and happiness together. There were lots of funny moments, cameos of characters from other books and misunderstandings. I love how the author continues to find characters with new flaws and insecurities and showing they all deserve to be loved. I also think it’s great that the author has written a few books on the Deaf community as there is so much we all still need to learn about others who may be different but deserve to be treated as our equals and the importance of learning ASL and being more aware of others around us.
Ben is deaf after a childhood illness and wears cochlear implants, signs, reads lips and talks. His brother recently died and he is grieving the loss. His parent’s offered for him to take over their motel in the keys as they couldn’t take the memories of his brother anymore. It’s a constant struggle to keep the busy motel going and he does his best.
Paris moves into a room (next to Ben’s) for three months to get settled before renting something. What follows is a slow burn as they try to overcome their insecurities and fears whilst trying to build something special and long lasting. Ben is incredible and really tries to get Paris to experience simple things that he wasn’t able to in his difficult childhood. He’s really patient with Paris and shows that he is loveable and worthy. Paris tries to be what Ben needs and even takes ASL classes so that he can communicate better with Ben.
I loved watching these two men who have suffered so much in their lives, find love and happiness together. There were lots of funny moments, cameos of characters from other books and misunderstandings. I love how the author continues to find characters with new flaws and insecurities and showing they all deserve to be loved. I also think it’s great that the author has written a few books on the Deaf community as there is so much we all still need to learn about others who may be different but deserve to be treated as our equals and the importance of learning ASL and being more aware of others around us.
March 19, 2023
Irons and Works is the tattoo shop family that keeps on giving, and I've lost track of how many times they've made me fall in love. Paris and Ben's story was another wonderful, realistic, emotional romance, and I was invested in their journey from start to finish.
There's usually elements of prior trauma in E. M. Lindsey's books, but this time it was clear how much the past had shaped these characters into the people I met in the first chapters of this book. For Ben, it was the grief of losing his brother that set him on a different life trajectory, while for Paris it was more of a continued series of putting his brother's safety and happiness above his own at every opportunity. I really related to the loneliness these men felt in their personal lives, the lack of deep, emotional connections that they were craving. It's a hurt that goes unnoticed for so many, and it's part of why I was so excited when Paris and Ben started opening up to each other and going on dates. Yes, their physical chemistry was natural and very hot, but what I enjoyed more was the thoughtfulness Ben put into planning dates and the way Paris began to share truths about himself that he'd never felt comfortable with before. I could see that these two were building something more than a steamy hookup, and it was warm and comfortable and happy. Paris may have been a giant grump to the rest of the world, but he melted like chocolate in the sun around Ben. It made me so happy to see these men reach out and grab happiness for themselves, and while their relationship was by no means smooth sailing, when they messed up, they gave themselves space and then talked about it instead of sweeping it under the rug. I have no doubt that Paris and Ben will experience a few more ups and downs while settling into their relationship, but this story has me wholeheartedly convinced that they're deeply in love and willing to put in the time to make things work for the long haul.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
There's usually elements of prior trauma in E. M. Lindsey's books, but this time it was clear how much the past had shaped these characters into the people I met in the first chapters of this book. For Ben, it was the grief of losing his brother that set him on a different life trajectory, while for Paris it was more of a continued series of putting his brother's safety and happiness above his own at every opportunity. I really related to the loneliness these men felt in their personal lives, the lack of deep, emotional connections that they were craving. It's a hurt that goes unnoticed for so many, and it's part of why I was so excited when Paris and Ben started opening up to each other and going on dates. Yes, their physical chemistry was natural and very hot, but what I enjoyed more was the thoughtfulness Ben put into planning dates and the way Paris began to share truths about himself that he'd never felt comfortable with before. I could see that these two were building something more than a steamy hookup, and it was warm and comfortable and happy. Paris may have been a giant grump to the rest of the world, but he melted like chocolate in the sun around Ben. It made me so happy to see these men reach out and grab happiness for themselves, and while their relationship was by no means smooth sailing, when they messed up, they gave themselves space and then talked about it instead of sweeping it under the rug. I have no doubt that Paris and Ben will experience a few more ups and downs while settling into their relationship, but this story has me wholeheartedly convinced that they're deeply in love and willing to put in the time to make things work for the long haul.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 20, 2023
Though this book fits in the larger scope of Lindsey’s Irons and Works series, it is a good place for new readers to enter this world because it features the opening of a tattoo shop in a new setting. A few characters are familiar from earlier works in the series, but we also meet plenty of new faces that I’m excited to read in stories of their own. Overall, this book presents the lovely dichotomy of new beginnings, with Paris settling somewhere new, and reluctant homecoming, as Ben has returned to Key Largo to take over the family hotel.
Instead of a meet-cute, Paris and Ben have a hilarious meet-awkward that incorporates Ben’s Deafness in a manner that does not make it the butt of a joke but instead a facet of his life. One thing I especially appreciate about how Lindsey features characters with various disabilities in their fiction is that these characters never feel repetitive. For example, Lindsey does not present a Deaf monoculture across books or even for the characters within this specific text.
Ben and Paris are drawn together due to attraction and obvious chemistry, but there is no insta-love. There’s not even “insta-sex,” and I appreciate the slow burn between characters that comes from a place of intentional emotional intelligence. Unfortunately, that’s about the limit of Paris’ emotional capacity, especially in the face of Ben’s efforts to care for him. The dark moment in this book is a twist on the traditional misunderstanding, but Lindsey layers in the obvious communication complications and capitalizes on timing that coincides with some of the book’s other major character elements.
I was originally bummed to learn that we were moving away from the Colorado Irons and Works shop, but consider me corrected after reading this excellent book. I’m all in for more Florida humidity if it accompanies excellent romances with Lindsey’s particular touches of amazing characterization.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Instead of a meet-cute, Paris and Ben have a hilarious meet-awkward that incorporates Ben’s Deafness in a manner that does not make it the butt of a joke but instead a facet of his life. One thing I especially appreciate about how Lindsey features characters with various disabilities in their fiction is that these characters never feel repetitive. For example, Lindsey does not present a Deaf monoculture across books or even for the characters within this specific text.
Ben and Paris are drawn together due to attraction and obvious chemistry, but there is no insta-love. There’s not even “insta-sex,” and I appreciate the slow burn between characters that comes from a place of intentional emotional intelligence. Unfortunately, that’s about the limit of Paris’ emotional capacity, especially in the face of Ben’s efforts to care for him. The dark moment in this book is a twist on the traditional misunderstanding, but Lindsey layers in the obvious communication complications and capitalizes on timing that coincides with some of the book’s other major character elements.
I was originally bummed to learn that we were moving away from the Colorado Irons and Works shop, but consider me corrected after reading this excellent book. I’m all in for more Florida humidity if it accompanies excellent romances with Lindsey’s particular touches of amazing characterization.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
March 22, 2023
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Is it possible to ever get enough of these Irons & Works men? No, absolutely not, and Fine Line, book one of the Key Largo spinoff will show you why.
Paris and Ben have all the hallmarks of what make an EM Lindsey book so incredible. Realistic men with trauma or struggles that come with being human. Through which they bring us an emotional and incredibly satisfying journey. In the end, you will be so invested in their story you’ll be a little bereft that it’s over.
Ben has come back to Key Largo to run the family motel in the wake of his brother’s death. A death that has left him lost. Moving back also meant leaving behind a group of friends that understood his deafness. Here there’s only his sometimes hookup. He has friends, but it’s not the same as people who are a part of your community. There’s a loneliness to our sunshiny Motel Keeper.
Paris’s childhood will break your heart and you’ll want to burn down the world of crappy parents. He has strength that few can truly imagine. One that was built around protecting and caring for his brother. It was only them for so long. But now he also has this family of tattoo artists and piercers.
What Ben does for Paris, planning dates, and filling his soul with joy and warmth was so incredible. But don’t undercut our stoic Paris and what he does for Ben in his own quiet way.
Though this is a beautiful and emotional journey. You will find the usual humour the EM also manages to bring as well. From motel walls that are far too thin, to the reason why wetsuits are recommended in jellyfish-infested waters! Not to mention the usual antics of all those tattoo artists and their partners.
Is it possible to ever get enough of these Irons & Works men? No, absolutely not, and Fine Line, book one of the Key Largo spinoff will show you why.
Paris and Ben have all the hallmarks of what make an EM Lindsey book so incredible. Realistic men with trauma or struggles that come with being human. Through which they bring us an emotional and incredibly satisfying journey. In the end, you will be so invested in their story you’ll be a little bereft that it’s over.
Ben has come back to Key Largo to run the family motel in the wake of his brother’s death. A death that has left him lost. Moving back also meant leaving behind a group of friends that understood his deafness. Here there’s only his sometimes hookup. He has friends, but it’s not the same as people who are a part of your community. There’s a loneliness to our sunshiny Motel Keeper.
Paris’s childhood will break your heart and you’ll want to burn down the world of crappy parents. He has strength that few can truly imagine. One that was built around protecting and caring for his brother. It was only them for so long. But now he also has this family of tattoo artists and piercers.
What Ben does for Paris, planning dates, and filling his soul with joy and warmth was so incredible. But don’t undercut our stoic Paris and what he does for Ben in his own quiet way.
Though this is a beautiful and emotional journey. You will find the usual humour the EM also manages to bring as well. From motel walls that are far too thin, to the reason why wetsuits are recommended in jellyfish-infested waters! Not to mention the usual antics of all those tattoo artists and their partners.
August 16, 2025
Stessa serie ma diversa ambientazione.
Tutto comincia con l’apertura di un nuovo negozio Iron and Works a Key Largo, in Florida. A guidarlo c’è Zeke, affiancato da una squadra di tatuatori tutta da scoprire. Alcuni volti noti come Tony, Miguel e James fanno delle brevi apparizioni, ma questa nuova avventura ci porta soprattutto verso storie inedite e protagonisti diversi.
Uno dei due protagonisti è Paris, deciso a lasciarsi alle spalle un’infanzia difficile e le proprie insicurezze per ricominciare da capo. Insieme a suo fratello Max, anche lui tatuatore, accetta la sfida di trasferirsi in Florida e lavorare nel nuovo negozio.
A Key Largo, Paris incontra Ben, un ragazzo sordo che gestisce il motel dove alloggia temporaneamente. Tra i due nasce subito una connessione dolce e delicata, raccontata con quella sensibilità che ha reso speciale ogni libro della serie Iron and Works.
Come sempre, E.M Lindsey non si limita a narrare una storia d’amore: ci accompagna tra fragilità, paure, nuove possibilità e la bellezza del lasciarsi andare a un futuro diverso e nella cornice di Key Largo, la serie si colora di nuove sfumature.
Non vedo l’ora di conoscere meglio anche gli altri ragazzi che abbiamo appena intravisto in questo primo libro. Se questo è solo l’inizio, la nuova parte si preannuncia intensa e indimenticabile quanto la prima.
Tutto comincia con l’apertura di un nuovo negozio Iron and Works a Key Largo, in Florida. A guidarlo c’è Zeke, affiancato da una squadra di tatuatori tutta da scoprire. Alcuni volti noti come Tony, Miguel e James fanno delle brevi apparizioni, ma questa nuova avventura ci porta soprattutto verso storie inedite e protagonisti diversi.
Uno dei due protagonisti è Paris, deciso a lasciarsi alle spalle un’infanzia difficile e le proprie insicurezze per ricominciare da capo. Insieme a suo fratello Max, anche lui tatuatore, accetta la sfida di trasferirsi in Florida e lavorare nel nuovo negozio.
A Key Largo, Paris incontra Ben, un ragazzo sordo che gestisce il motel dove alloggia temporaneamente. Tra i due nasce subito una connessione dolce e delicata, raccontata con quella sensibilità che ha reso speciale ogni libro della serie Iron and Works.
Come sempre, E.M Lindsey non si limita a narrare una storia d’amore: ci accompagna tra fragilità, paure, nuove possibilità e la bellezza del lasciarsi andare a un futuro diverso e nella cornice di Key Largo, la serie si colora di nuove sfumature.
Non vedo l’ora di conoscere meglio anche gli altri ragazzi che abbiamo appena intravisto in questo primo libro. Se questo è solo l’inizio, la nuova parte si preannuncia intensa e indimenticabile quanto la prima.
August 11, 2025
Continua l’avventura del Irons and Works e con Fine Line conosciamo nuovi protagonisti che ci accompagneranno fino all’undicesimo volume della serie. Serie che ho amato tantissimo e che sicuramente continuerà a farmi innamorare dei suoi ragazzi. Ognuno ha contribuito a insegnarmi che tutti possono reinventarsi, che nessuno deve ritenersi al di sopra o superiore solo se si ha la fortuna di nascere sani. Tutti hanno le stesse opportunità e a tutti è dato di vivere da persone normali senza essere oltraggiati da chi si sente in diritto di essere migliore.
Lindsey descrive ogni disabilità con accuratezza e gentilezza portando il lettore ad avere rispetto nei confronti di tutti.
Ben e Paris sono adorabili e allo stesso tempo fragili per situazioni diverse ma che hanno dato il loro carico di sofferenza non indifferente.
Bisogna credere in se stessi, amarsi e dare la possibilità all’altro di ricambiare questo amore che entra e bussa al cuore senza porsi problemi.
Una storia che bisogna leggere perché non si è mai grandi abbastanza per non desiderare ciò che l’adolescenza ti ha precluso non per tuo volere ma per cause esterne.
Una storia che ci proietta verso i successivi protagonisti che sicuramente avranno da dirci tanto altro ancora.
Alla prossima
Lindsey descrive ogni disabilità con accuratezza e gentilezza portando il lettore ad avere rispetto nei confronti di tutti.
Ben e Paris sono adorabili e allo stesso tempo fragili per situazioni diverse ma che hanno dato il loro carico di sofferenza non indifferente.
Bisogna credere in se stessi, amarsi e dare la possibilità all’altro di ricambiare questo amore che entra e bussa al cuore senza porsi problemi.
Una storia che bisogna leggere perché non si è mai grandi abbastanza per non desiderare ciò che l’adolescenza ti ha precluso non per tuo volere ma per cause esterne.
Una storia che ci proietta verso i successivi protagonisti che sicuramente avranno da dirci tanto altro ancora.
Alla prossima
March 22, 2025
Couldn't stop smiling
I really liked this. Can't put my finger on what stood out the most. But we have MC that are both been broken several times. Both have learned not to expect things from people around them. And people who were supposed to love, support and protect them have disappointed them all their lives. Paris has only one person and one thing in life that has kept him going and those are his little brother and tattooing. He's been in survival mode since he was 6 years old. Ben had a nice childhood but he's carrying a lot on his shoulders. He has few really good friends even though he's liked by many but they can't be counted as real friends because they are basically inconsiderate. Ben is grieving his brother and trying to live with the loss. He lives between the world of hearing and deaf people not really belonging with either. He hates to be a bother but he also wants to be worth the effort. Someone to see and want him.
It is a delicate story when these guys come together and start to realize that maybe they are worth more than they think.
Easy and fast read and if you are MM romance fan you really should give this a chance.
I really liked this. Can't put my finger on what stood out the most. But we have MC that are both been broken several times. Both have learned not to expect things from people around them. And people who were supposed to love, support and protect them have disappointed them all their lives. Paris has only one person and one thing in life that has kept him going and those are his little brother and tattooing. He's been in survival mode since he was 6 years old. Ben had a nice childhood but he's carrying a lot on his shoulders. He has few really good friends even though he's liked by many but they can't be counted as real friends because they are basically inconsiderate. Ben is grieving his brother and trying to live with the loss. He lives between the world of hearing and deaf people not really belonging with either. He hates to be a bother but he also wants to be worth the effort. Someone to see and want him.
It is a delicate story when these guys come together and start to realize that maybe they are worth more than they think.
Easy and fast read and if you are MM romance fan you really should give this a chance.
March 18, 2023
“I want to be good for you, Ben. I’m so tired of being lonely and ignored. And I know most of it is my fault. I just…I want it to be different here.”
Oh my heart! There are a few authors that can absolutely destroy me with words and characters and EM Lindsey is definitely one of them! And the disabled rep present in their books makes me so happy. I love the Iron and Works family! Ben and Paris are so much! They are softness, heart, light, pain, joy, and heat. Both are recovering from trauma of different types and neither one has known what it was to have someone make an effort for just them. Ben was loved by his parents but the death of his brother has left him isolated. Paris has been working so hard for so long to take care of his brother and make sure he is okay, but no one has taken care of him. These two are on a journey of trust that just might either make them or break them. Absolutely gorgeous book and I teared up a little. Also met some amazing side characters that I hope get their own story at some point.
Oh my heart! There are a few authors that can absolutely destroy me with words and characters and EM Lindsey is definitely one of them! And the disabled rep present in their books makes me so happy. I love the Iron and Works family! Ben and Paris are so much! They are softness, heart, light, pain, joy, and heat. Both are recovering from trauma of different types and neither one has known what it was to have someone make an effort for just them. Ben was loved by his parents but the death of his brother has left him isolated. Paris has been working so hard for so long to take care of his brother and make sure he is okay, but no one has taken care of him. These two are on a journey of trust that just might either make them or break them. Absolutely gorgeous book and I teared up a little. Also met some amazing side characters that I hope get their own story at some point.
July 28, 2024
4.25 Stars
This book was so genuinely sweet and heartwarming, and I just ate it up in a day. I love the found family that is being built in this book and wish we got a bit more development there... but obviously, the shining stars of the book were Paris and Ben. These two were a little bit stumbly with each other, but we're adorable as they started to connect. I absolutely die for how much Paris is trying for Ben, especially because he's never had this level of effort put in for him. Ben is so sunshiney and sweet and grumpy Paris is just what he needs (and vice versa).
I think I wanted a bit more relationship development here for these two because the pace really sped up towards the end of the book... but this didn't detract from my enjoyment. This is definitely worth picking up as it is such a quick and adorable read.
Tropes Include:
MM Love Interests
Dual POV
Opposites Attract
Grumpy x Sunshine
Deaf x Hearing
Hurt/Comfort
Found Family
Low Angst
Low Heat
HEA
Check TWs
This book was so genuinely sweet and heartwarming, and I just ate it up in a day. I love the found family that is being built in this book and wish we got a bit more development there... but obviously, the shining stars of the book were Paris and Ben. These two were a little bit stumbly with each other, but we're adorable as they started to connect. I absolutely die for how much Paris is trying for Ben, especially because he's never had this level of effort put in for him. Ben is so sunshiney and sweet and grumpy Paris is just what he needs (and vice versa).
I think I wanted a bit more relationship development here for these two because the pace really sped up towards the end of the book... but this didn't detract from my enjoyment. This is definitely worth picking up as it is such a quick and adorable read.
Tropes Include:
MM Love Interests
Dual POV
Opposites Attract
Grumpy x Sunshine
Deaf x Hearing
Hurt/Comfort
Found Family
Low Angst
Low Heat
HEA
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March 24, 2023
Okay....wow. This book was amazing. I love Irons and Works, and I was looking forward to these stories set in Key Largo. I love the mixture of seeing old favorites (Tony, Miguel, Amit, etc) and introducing the new ones. In this story, we have Ben and Paris.
These two meet when Paris rents a room for three months in Ben's hotel. They are attracted to each other and eventually decide to "slowly date". Ben's plan to woo Paris was so freaking sweet and romantic. Paris had been abandoned by everyone in his life and he needed someone like Ben to show him how lovable he actually was. The dates that Ben planned were phenomenal and so unique. I felt myself tear up a few times at how thoughtful Ben was, so I can only imagine what Paris felt like.
I love how Paris wanted to learn ASL to be able to communicate with Ben better because he knew that Ben was somehow important to his life. No one had ever done that for Ben before. The Irons and Works family is so special and I am so glad that we get to see a new group learn how to support and love each other.
The surprising news at the end from Ben's ex-FWB was well done, and I was happy that Paris got his head out of his butt sooner rather than later. The ending of course was perfect.
I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am for the upcoming books in this spin-off series.
I received an ARC for my honest review
These two meet when Paris rents a room for three months in Ben's hotel. They are attracted to each other and eventually decide to "slowly date". Ben's plan to woo Paris was so freaking sweet and romantic. Paris had been abandoned by everyone in his life and he needed someone like Ben to show him how lovable he actually was. The dates that Ben planned were phenomenal and so unique. I felt myself tear up a few times at how thoughtful Ben was, so I can only imagine what Paris felt like.
I love how Paris wanted to learn ASL to be able to communicate with Ben better because he knew that Ben was somehow important to his life. No one had ever done that for Ben before. The Irons and Works family is so special and I am so glad that we get to see a new group learn how to support and love each other.
The surprising news at the end from Ben's ex-FWB was well done, and I was happy that Paris got his head out of his butt sooner rather than later. The ending of course was perfect.
I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am for the upcoming books in this spin-off series.
I received an ARC for my honest review
March 26, 2023
Fine Line is the tenth book in the Iron and Works series but the first book in the Key Largo spin off. It features Paris and Ben. Paris is a tattoo artist who recently moved to Key Largo from the west coast to work in the Iron and Works tattoo shop along with his brother Max. Paris doesn't have a place to stay yet so he decides to stay in a hotel which happens to be owned by Ben. They see eachother in passing since they are in the rooms next to one another but they don't interact much until they find out they have mutual friends. They run into eachother the same day Paris confesses to the whole shop that he heard Ben and his friend with benefits having sex all night. Soon Ben and Paris start spending time together and dating. Both of them have past trama but together they start to heal. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series featuring Paris' brother Max.
March 21, 2023
I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.
Iron and Works gets a new shop! Tony decides to open a shop in Key Largo, and we get cameos from our Colorado boys throughout. This is the story of Ben and Paris. Ben is deaf and Paris is renting a room in the motel that Ben runs.
I love this series because it approaches difficult trauma/injuries/disabilities/damage in its characters. They are a part of these men but they don't define who they are. I love that Paris works on growing past his childhood trauma and makes an effort to learn ASL for Ben.
There is drama, but all of the parties pull their adult pants on and communicate. I'm excited to see a branch off of the original series and look forward to getting to know the guys in Key Largo. I wouldn't mind more cameos from the Colorado boys though!
Iron and Works gets a new shop! Tony decides to open a shop in Key Largo, and we get cameos from our Colorado boys throughout. This is the story of Ben and Paris. Ben is deaf and Paris is renting a room in the motel that Ben runs.
I love this series because it approaches difficult trauma/injuries/disabilities/damage in its characters. They are a part of these men but they don't define who they are. I love that Paris works on growing past his childhood trauma and makes an effort to learn ASL for Ben.
There is drama, but all of the parties pull their adult pants on and communicate. I'm excited to see a branch off of the original series and look forward to getting to know the guys in Key Largo. I wouldn't mind more cameos from the Colorado boys though!
March 24, 2023
I have always enjoyed this series from this author, it was the first books I read by them. This new spin off series has a new shop down in Key Largo with a new group of tattoo artists looking for love, maybe reluctantly. Paris moves from LA to Key Largo with his brother to work in the shop and is not looking for a relationship until he meets Ben. Both MC's are dealing with personal reasons to resist a relationship but their connection is too strong and they find themselves falling for each other even when Paris especially tried to resist. Another well written story where the author tackles difficult topics (Ben is deaf with a cochlear implant) in a direct but supportive way while slowing building a romance between the MCs. I'm super excited that they have continued this series with new artists and the men they fall in love with.
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