REVIEW: Shelf Life by Kelly Jensen (Hearts & Crafts #2)

- January 16, 2023

SHELF LIFE

Hearts & Crafts - Book Two

by Kelly Jensen

Release Date: January 16, 2023

Review

Such real guys. Two 40ish men who are happy in their life but also maybe not. And until a heartache and getting to know one another do they realize that maybe it’s time to examine their life and start living it for themselves. With gentle prodding from the other, they both start to see themselves clearly and find love in someone who only wants them to find peace and joy.

There isn’t any insta-love or grand moment. It’s little steps forward and gentle moments that bring these two together. It’s realizing that first impressions aren’t the entire story. It’s finding the courage to have difficult conversations with family to set themselves free to find happiness with each other.

“The tightness Gray had been carrying for untold months uncoiled by another degree. It hurt—that loosening. As though something brittle had given way.”

I enjoyed this slow-burn romance that I think we can all relate to.

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Synopsis

Good things come to those who bake.

Grayson used to love baking, but the recipe for running his parents’ café changes every day. His dad, overwhelmed by grief, is no help. They can’t even talk about Gray’s mom, let alone the failing business. Of less help is the crush Gray has on Sporty—a trainer from the local gym. Gray barely has time for his friends, let alone scratching the itch Sporty inspires.

Aaron suspects he’s not Gray’s type, meaning Gray probably isn’t into fitness, board games, or redheads. Still, that doesn’t stop Aaron visiting the café twice a week. The day Gray finally speaks to him personally could have been the start of something—if Gray hadn’t immediately suffered a heart attack.

The prescription for Gray’s recovery includes exercise, but when Aaron steps in to help, Gray is dubious. He’s never been fond of working out. The more he gets to know Aaron, though, the more they seem to have in common, especially when it comes to games. Aaron has been quietly designing his own, and when Gray shows interest, they embark on a quest to complete it together: a hero’s journey complicated by family, the demands of their careers, their fledgling relationship, and learning to be honest about what they want out of life.

About Kelly Jensen

If aliens ever do land on Earth, Kelly will not be prepared, despite having read over a hundred stories of the apocalypse. Still, she will pack her precious books into a box and carry them with her as she strives to survive. It’s what bibliophiles do.

Kelly is the author of twelve novels–including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke–and several novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.

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