Review – Borrowing Trouble by Kade Boehme

I always appreciate a well-written character driven story and Borrowing Trouble is a perfect example; in addition it was touching, realistic, and a fantastic example that it is never too late to find your happiness and embrace it. ~ Slick, Guilty Pleasures 

Description:
After an amicable divorce, Jay Hill decided to move back to his rural hometown with his teenage kids. Being on good terms with his ex-wife and in laws has made the transition into single life pretty smooth. Things were good and uncomplicated. Then Landon Petty walked into his life.

Landon didn’t expect to still be stuck in his hometown working at his dad’s sawmill at this point in his life. Being an openly gay truck driver was as awkward in practice as in description. When Jay came to take over managerial duties at his dad’s business, Landon was surprised to find a friend. When Jay turns out not to be as straight as he thought, things get complicated.

When feelings for Landon shine a light on how much Jay’s life has been actually half lived, he’s forced to decide if he’ll jump in with both feet or if he’ll let Landon slip through his fingers.

I found Kade Boehme’s Borrowing Trouble after seeing a friend on Facebook recommend it and I’m kicking myself because I can’t remember who it was because I’d really love to thank them. Anyone who knows me or reads my reviews knows I’m a huge fan of gay romance and am always looking for new author’s to explore and after reading this book, I’m ready to read Mr. Boehme’s backlist. This book was really quite perfect; a romance that developed over time, a bit of confusion, small town whispers, family both supportive and not, self reflection and discovery and a love that grew out of a genuine respect and friendship. The author could have thrown in a ton of angst to this book given this book was set in rural Mississippi and the situation of one of the men specifically, but he didn’t do that, there was some but it didn’t overshadow the love story and that right there is what makes me want to read more by this author.

There was much I loved about Landon Petty including the fact that he put his own life on hold to help out his father with the family saw mill even though he had a degree in history. It was a true testament that he valued his family and would do anything for them and that carried over when he became involved with the new plant manager, Jay Hill, a man who had just divorced his wife of 17 years and moved to town with his two children.

I enjoyed the way Landon and Jay’s relationship built over time. They formed a pretty good friendship and how comfortable they were in each other’s company even before they became romantically involved was quite telling that something was happening between them. While Landon was lusting after Jay from the start he believed Jay was 100% heterosexual and he was okay with that and was just happy to have a friend in town close to his age. As Jay began to notice how much he appreciated Landon’s body and how being around him made him happy, things got a bit difficult but I loved that they were able to communicate throughout each step in their burgeoning relationship. I admired Landon for the way he didn’t push Jay and even knowing he might be hurt, he allowed Jay to set the pace for them every step of the way. I love that Jay worried about not treating Landon fairly and that when he began to feel overwhelmed by everything he was feeling he sought out professional help. It was so refreshing to see a mature relationship and men who figured out that communication is key in any relationship, but especially in one that not everyone would accept.

As they explored the physical side of their relationship I liked that it wasn’t perfect every time, that Landon knew Jay needed time to adjust to everything he was feeling, thinking and his new reality, but I also loved they talked it through every step of the way.

While Landon’s parents were fully aware of his sexuality, Jay had to face coming out to his ex-wife and his children who were 11 and 16 and this is another reason this book got 5 stars for me; the reactions of his children and his ex-wife were believable. They all took the news differently and the relationships changed, but I loved that everything wasn’t tied up in a perfect package with a nice, neat bow.

I always appreciate a well-written character driven story and Borrowing Trouble is a perfect example; in addition it was touching, realistic, and a fantastic example that it is never too late to find your happiness and embrace it.

 

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