REVIEW: The Science of Attraction by Jay Hogan (Mackenzie County #3)

THE SCIENCE OF ATTRACTION

Mackenzie County - Book Three

by Jay Hogan

Release Date: February 22, 2024

Review

I'm so entranced by New Zealand’s sheep station county. A foreign world, with terms I don't fully understand, and yet it all feels so familiar by book 3. It's warm and comfortable, with so many familiar faces. But still provides so many exciting revelations. Really, it just gets better and better the longer we visit there.

There’s an underlying arc to these stories around the inhabitants of the Lane and Miller Stations. Especially regarding the father, Paddy, of Zach (Book 2) and Jules which helps draw the reader into the lives touched in this series and also allows us to see them all grow.

I’ve been anticipating this book because Jules always seemed like such a steady and warm guy. Angry at his father for his treatment of his brother, but committed to Lane Station. He’s only ever dreamed of taking it over one day. That comes sooner than planned when Paddy suffers a stroke. But even in his weakened state, his father remains muleish.

Jules is exactly who I thought he’d be. A strong and steady leader, full of warmth and a true passion for his family, the land, and the animals.

Liam, who comes to the station as a therapist for the father, is a hero. This man who takes no guff from cantankerous old men, and manages to win them over (mostly, ok partly, the man really is a bear) is a joy to witness.

Jules and Liam are both similar - loyal, steady, & strong. They are perfect for one another. Their relationship started in secret, but there was never any shame in it. Though there was plenty of frustration. Thanks a lot Paddy!

“Slick city boy meets quiet shepherd, and the rest is history”

The roles that everyone played in helping Jules to come out, fight for his love of Liam, as well as his place on the station - from the station hands, his mother, Zach, and of course Liam himself - made you want to pump your fist in the air multiple times. Special shout out to Liam’s nephew, I love a strong-willed and principled teenager!

A thousand stars!

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Synopsis

I am Mackenzie Country born and bred. Farming the high country runs in my blood, like my father, and his father, and his grandfather before him. My future has been mapped out for me since the day I was born. Or at least it was, until Liam Skelton walks onto Lane Station, lights a fire in my heart, and turns my whole world upside down.

Bossy, tatted, and out and proud, Liam is everything my father abhors.

And I want him.

Badly.

But having a chance with Liam means risking everything. My family. My future. And my life in these mountains that I love.

Still, the heart wants what it wants, and mine wants Liam.

With so many things against us, maybe we don't have a chance.

Maybe we'll crash and burn.

Or maybe we’ll find a way to have it all.

About Jay Hogan

Jay is a 2020 Lambda Literary Award Finalist in Gay Romance and her book Off Balance was the 2021 New Zealand Romance Book of the Year. She is a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense, primarily set in New Zealand. She writes character driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality and a splash of angst. She's travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life she was a critical care nurse, nurse educator and counsellor.

Jay is owned by a huge Maine Coon cat and a gorgeous Cocker Spaniel

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