Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson Published by Berkley on May 19, 2020
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Jesse Strong is known for two things: his devotion to his adoptive mom, Mama Joy, and his reputation for breaking hearts. When Mama Joy unexpectedly passes away, he and his brothers have different plans for what to do with Strong Knits, their neighborhood knitting store. Jesse wants to keep the store open. His brothers want to tie off loose ends and close shop....
Part-time shop employee Kerry Fuller has kept her crush on Jesse a secret. When she overhears his impassioned plea to his brothers to keep the knitting shop open, she volunteers to help. Unlike Jesse, Kerry knows the “knitty-gritty” of the business, and together they make plans to reinvent Strong Knits for a new generation.
But the more time they spend together, the stronger the chemistry builds between them. Kerry, knowing Jesse’s history, doesn’t believe their relationship can last longer than she can knit one, purl two. But Jesse is determined to prove to her that he can be the man for her forever and always. After all, real men knit.
I enjoy knitting and couldn’t miss reading a romance with a knitting shop. Real Men Knit was a fun romance with some great characters. I would have preferred a bit more of developing them, than some of the off-track internal thoughts of the two main characters, Jesse and Kerry. I also could have done with less bickering of the brothers. Not everything felt quite authentic, but I did have some emotional connections.
Kerry was awesome and I loved seeing her strength while she helped the community and the brothers. She took some risks to get things she wanted and improve her life. I enjoyed her progression in the story.
Jesse had his own journey and he really did work on himself. He didn’t have issues before, but other people had some issues with him. It was really a matter of him deciding on his priorities in life and spending time there.
I did hope there would be a bit more time on the business, as that aspect was a bit vague. I love the parts which were included like the hats and the Instagram stuff. The story has developed a great set of characters which could be furthered, along with loves for the other three brothers. I hope we might see more books in this world.
About Kwana Jackson
A USA Today bestselling author, native New Yorker, Kwana Jackson aka K.M. Jackson author spent her formative years on the ‘A’ train where she had two dreams: 1) to be a fashion designer and 2) to be a writer. After spending over ten years designing women’s sportswear for various fashion houses Kwana took the leap of faith and decided to pursue her other dream of being a writer.
A longtime advocate for equality and diversity in romance and #WeNeedDiverseRomace, Kwana is a mother of twins and currently lives in a suburb of New York with her husband.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER-20
It sounds like this was an enjoyable read overall. Kerry and Jesse sound like great characters. Too bad there wasn’t more of a focus on the business though. I am glad you enjoyed this one, Anne!
Well it’s a romance not a business book but I prefer a tad more realism than most people when it comes to a business or a career. It just makes it seem more authentic to me.
Excellent review, Anne? I got this one, too, and was hoping it would be fun!
It is fun! There were many aspects to enjoy. I hope you love it.
sounds like it could be a fun, light read
sherry @ fundinmental
yes, I hope you get a chance to read it.
This one looks fun and I saw another good review so I’m curious
It’s a good story. There’s a great world and some great characters. I wouldn’t call it light or dark but in the middle as there are some true issues tackled. I like all the knitting parts.
I don’t knit but I find that I like books that feature knitting. It’s disappointing that more time wasn’t spent at the business since the blurb gives that as the setting. Ah well. Despite the flaws, the story sounds good. I can hardly wait for my turn with the library copy.
I would say the flaws are mostly minor and it is a very enjoyable read.
Nice review. Thank’s for sharing!
Thank you! It’s a good read.
So happy to hear that you enjoyed this one and it worked so well fo ryou. I know many readers have really loved this one here.
Lovely review
Yes I’ll be happy if she writes more books in this world.
I really enjoyed this, too, Anne. I loved the way she wrote the men. I’d definitely read more, too. Lovely review!
Thank you! I hope it turns in to a series. I am curious about the brothers.
I’m reading this book right now and really enjoying it too.
I especially enjoyed Kerry, the knitting and the community. I hope the author will write about the brothers.
I definitely like the idea of this book. It sounds like a lazy day on the patio read for sure.
I like that the romance is not the only story though. It’s nicely balanced with the character and world development.