REVIEW: Leap Year by AM Arthur (Reconstruction #1)

- February 28, 2024

LEAP YEAR

Reconstruction - Book One

by AM Arthur

Release Date: February 28, 2024

Review

Reclusive artist Russell Schar enjoys his quiet life in the big house he rents from his best friend, so he’s less than thrilled when a small family moves in next door. Neighbors and their noise do not fit into his carefully constructed routines, but as long as they stay on their side of the property? He’ll work it out.

After a series of family traumas, all single-dad Patrick Gillespie wants is to find some balance: school for his seven-year-old son, a full-time job for himself, and a stable place to live while he gets his late mother’s affairs in order. He does not expect his surly, ginger bear of a neighbor to slide right under his skin and stay there. Or for Russell to develop a fast friendship with Patrick’s son.

A mild flirtation between Patrick and Russell turns into more than either man expects or knows how to deal with. They both want to protect their damaged hearts, but sometimes it takes a leap of faith to find true love.

Leap Year is loosely connected to the Neighborhood Shindig series, but can be read independently. Content warning for discussions of past abuse.

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Synopsis

Nothing is better than a grumpy reclusive bear turning teddy bear. And though Russell is none too pleased that Patrick and his son are moving into the carriage house on the property he rents, it doesn’t take Robbie the Frog very long to get past his defences.

Two men whose lives have taken drastically different paths than they had planned due to the actions of others, cross at just the right time. Neither had planned to find someone, but day by day, the more time they spent together, the more quiet nights they spent chatting, and the more swimming lessons in the pool, they found someone they could open up to and trust with their secrets.

It’s sweet and soft, and I love the time they take to explore what they might have. All in all a really lovely story with two beautiful men. It was great writing and great characters.

4.5 frogs

About AM Arthur

No stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments.

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