Title: Real Men Will by Victoria Dahl
Donovan Brothers Brewery Book 3
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B
Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
It was meant to be a one-night stand. One night of passion. Scorching-hot. Then Beth Cantrell and Eric Donovan were supposed to go their separate ways. That’s the only reason he lied about his name, telling her he was really his wild younger brother. Hiding his identity as the conservative Donovan. The “good one.”
But passion has its own logic, and Eric finds he can’t forget the sable-haired beauty with whom he shared a night of love. When Beth discovers that Eric has lied, however, she knows he can’t be trusted. Her mind tells her to forget the blue-eyed charmer. If only every fiber of her being didn’t burn to call him back.
The Review:
With Real Men Will, Victoria Dahl exposes the hidden depths and secrets that Eric Donovan has concealed from his siblings Tessa and Jamie. The third and final installment in the Donovan Brothers Brewery series is deliciously sexy and sometimes poignant as Beth Cantrell and Eric turn their one night stand into a meaningful relationship.
In the previous novels of the Donovan Brothers Brewery series, Eric’s behavior toward Jamie and Tessa has been controlling and hypercritical. In Real Men Will, a surprising revelation divulges the motivation behind his actions and reveals the vulnerability he hides from Tessa and Jamie. He is an intense man that is attempting to redefine his position in the family owned business. In addition, changing family dynamics are forcing him to question his role in Jamie and Tessa’s lives.
Beth Cantrell is struggling with identity issues as well. Unresolved issues from her past have left her mistrustful of men, and she finds it difficult to embrace her sexuality. With Eric, Beth finds it easy to relax and the sex between these two is explosive and HOT.
Interspersed with Beth and Eric’s story are the ongoing and sometimes complicated interactions between Eric, Tessa and Jamie. Eric and Jamie’s tenuous relationship is tested and miscommunication is a large part of their problem. Tessa is still the family peacemaker who cannot bear to see her brothers at odds with one another.
Victoria Dahl is an immensely gifted author whose writing is startling authentic and immensely appealing. Her characters are easy to relate to, and Ms. Dahl defies convention and writes refreshingly realistic yet happy endings.
Real Men Will is a delightful end to the Donovan Brothers Brewery series. The various subplots that have carried throughout the previous novels are successfully and satisfyingly wrapped up. And I must say that Ms. Dahl spectacularly redeemed Eric Donovan into a sympathetic and likeable protagonist.
While I am sad to say goodbye to the Donovan siblings, I am very much looking forward to Ms. Dahl’s next novel.
My review of Good Girls Don’t can be found HERE.
My review of Bad Boys Do can be found HERE.