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alicebme's review against another edition
4-LOVED the Tennessee and brothers and omg Drew.
jmill525's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
freadomlibrary's review against another edition
5.0
Trigger warnings: death, grief, cancer, violence, abuse, suicide
January 2023: This is the first book in this series that I have re-read and I haven't wanted to change my rating. This book is top-to-bottom amazing. Not only is the romance great and heartwarming, but the way this book explores grief, family relationships and self-care is amazing. I almost wish I had been introduced to this book before I read the Winston Brothers books because it is such a great representation of this family and how great these characters are. Ashley is one of my favorite characters across Penny Reid's universe. She is so sensitive but works really hard to be strong-willed. I love her humor and her sass. Drew was the perfect balance to her as well as a great companion and I just love how their antagonism developed into friendship which then developed into love. I honestly think this is my favorite book in this series and I could probably re-read it over and over every year and not get tired of it.
January 2023: This is the first book in this series that I have re-read and I haven't wanted to change my rating. This book is top-to-bottom amazing. Not only is the romance great and heartwarming, but the way this book explores grief, family relationships and self-care is amazing. I almost wish I had been introduced to this book before I read the Winston Brothers books because it is such a great representation of this family and how great these characters are. Ashley is one of my favorite characters across Penny Reid's universe. She is so sensitive but works really hard to be strong-willed. I love her humor and her sass. Drew was the perfect balance to her as well as a great companion and I just love how their antagonism developed into friendship which then developed into love. I honestly think this is my favorite book in this series and I could probably re-read it over and over every year and not get tired of it.
mmarzolf's review against another edition
5.0
*5 Melt my Butter Stars*
--Long review alert--
This book was so good that I have to get my feelings out in words so bare with me!
Ashley and Drew!! You guys!!!! I knew out of the Knitting Friends group I was eventually going to read about a 5 star couple and you guys are IT.
But first, let it be noted that I started the Knitting in the City series a little backwards, reading Kat and Dan’s story (Book 7) first. From that moment I knew how much I enjoyed this group of characters. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I. LOVE. THESE. PEOPLE.
Next, I read about Sandra and Alex (Book 3) where my love for these friends only grew. Plus, Sandra and Ashley are good friends so I got some considerable insight into Ashley’s personality even before I started her book.
Each of the Knitting in the City books are unique and special and this one is no different.
The Story
Ashley Winston, sister of six hillbilly bearded brothers, left home (Tennessee) eight years ago and never turned back. Tired of being seen as only a “pretty face, nice piece of ass” and being subject to her brothers’ antics and torture, she’s worked hard to make a life for herself in Chicago. Now, discovering upsetting news about her momma, she’s forced to return home, and is expecting everything to be as she left it. The problem is, everything is different. It seems like Ashley isn’t the only one who’s done some growing up. Her brothers, once wild hillbillies, are still hillbillies, but also civilized members of society. Couple that with the addition of one fictionally handsome, Scottish highlander Viking, Drew Runous, and Ashley is confused. Drew seems to have deep bonds with the members of her family but she’s never heard a thing about him. Even more puzzling is the fact that he’s quiet, always around to help, and stares at her like she's frosting on a cake. Through it all Ashley begins to learn that her opinions about her family are dated and she's missed out on quite a lot by fleeing her home.
Okay, now comes the part where I explain why I loved it so much.
1. Ashley
I could relate to Ashley in more ways than one and completely respected and admired her as a heroine. As I mentioned earlier, she is tired of men treating her badly and only seeing her for her beautiful looks and body. This makes her hesitant to trust at times. Instead, she wants a man who will treasure her inner beauty just as much as the out. And she without a doubt has both. She's level-headed, has a sense of humor and a fighting spirit, always tries to do the right thing, and cares deeply for her family.
"Handsome or not, it didn't matter. I decided he was a jackass."
"I am most definitely not crying. Nope. Not. Crying. I'm eye cleansing...with salt water...made from my tear ducts."
"If you're waiting for me to freak out, that's what my little laughing fit was. I'm over it. It's done."
To top it all off, she is an avid reader and could I hardcore RELATE.
"What I wanted to do was hide in my room with my latest novel and escape into a world without bearded, masturbating hillbillies..."
2. Drew
As Ashley herself says, Drew is a good man. In fact, he's the best man. He too has had a rough childhood and looks upon the Winston family as his own. He's honorable, patient, and kind, plus he's got the whole fictionally handsome Scottish highlander thing going on. And just when you think it couldn't get any better, Drew is a poet. And TRUST me, his poems for Ashley will. Make. Your. Heart. MELT. Drew and Ashley just fit, they want to be with each other. Just be. And it's beautiful. Drew knows when to push her on matters when it's for her own good.
"'I'm carrying you down the hill.'
'Fine.'
'Then I'm driving.'
'Whatever'
'After that you're going to eat.'
'Okay'
'Then you'll sleep'
'Sounds great.'"
He is also very considerate and respectful of Ashley and her situation. She is facing a challenging time and he responds in the most understanding and gentlemanly ways.
"I'm not asking anything of you other than to let me help. I have no expectations. I know your life isn't...it isn't here. You have a job and friends and Chicago. You need someone to help you get through this"
GAHH. A man who isn't strictly here for the physical attraction. YES PLZ.
And after they have had multiple intimate moments--mind you--Ashley, dead serious, says "Maybe you could think of me as a....as a sister." *face palms*. Well, Drew, bless his heart, politely informs Ashley that...
"I'm sorry...But I'm never going to be able to think of you as a sister...None of my feelings for you are familial."
And it's great because he is upfront and honest about it and their relationship can move on from there once that's been all cleared up. We love a man who's a good communicator.
3. The Winston Brothers
Much like my love for each member of the Knitting Friends. The Winston brothers have a similar place in my heart. I think it's partly because I didn't grow up with brothers (I enjoyed living vicariously through Ashley) and partly because I imagine the antics described throughout the book aren't a far cry from a typical brother and sister relationship.
"I'm sorry I put maggots in your macaroni and cheese."
"And I'm sorry we used to hold you down and spit in your mouth."
Plus, the Winston brothers are super protective of Ashley and...IT'S ADORABLE. I just wanted to give each of them a hug for treasuring their sister.
"You want to tell me what you think you're doing to my baby sister?"
"'You're my sister. If you're not happy, then I'll make sure...' His eyes slid over to Drew's. 'I'll make sure no one is happy.'"
"I expect you to treat her right. I expect you to make her believe in magic again--fairies, rainbows, all that shit. We understand each other?"
4. The Knitting Friends
I don't need to go into much more detail here, but Sandra and Elizabeth visit Ashley when she first arrives in Tennessee and let's just say when they meet Drew, they react like any BFF would.
"'So, Charlie...'
'The name is Drew.'
Sandra ignored the correction. 'How often will we be...seeing you?'
His eyes narrowed a fraction.
'Daily.'
'Reeeeally.'"
So in summary, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed Drew and Ashley's sweet romance. It wasn't insta love, and it wasn't all about physical attraction. Drew fed Ashley some pretty swoon worthy lines and his actions reflected his deep feelings for Ashley.
"I'm not going to let you down, and I'm not ever going to let you go."
"I long to soothe her, pet her, hold her fears, burden her sorrows, be the instrument of her ecstasy. I am her safe place and she is mine."
Just perfect :)
--Long review alert--
This book was so good that I have to get my feelings out in words so bare with me!
Ashley and Drew!! You guys!!!! I knew out of the Knitting Friends group I was eventually going to read about a 5 star couple and you guys are IT.
But first, let it be noted that I started the Knitting in the City series a little backwards, reading Kat and Dan’s story (Book 7) first. From that moment I knew how much I enjoyed this group of characters. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I. LOVE. THESE. PEOPLE.
Next, I read about Sandra and Alex (Book 3) where my love for these friends only grew. Plus, Sandra and Ashley are good friends so I got some considerable insight into Ashley’s personality even before I started her book.
Each of the Knitting in the City books are unique and special and this one is no different.
The Story
Ashley Winston, sister of six hillbilly bearded brothers, left home (Tennessee) eight years ago and never turned back. Tired of being seen as only a “pretty face, nice piece of ass” and being subject to her brothers’ antics and torture, she’s worked hard to make a life for herself in Chicago. Now, discovering upsetting news about her momma, she’s forced to return home, and is expecting everything to be as she left it. The problem is, everything is different. It seems like Ashley isn’t the only one who’s done some growing up. Her brothers, once wild hillbillies, are still hillbillies, but also civilized members of society. Couple that with the addition of one fictionally handsome, Scottish highlander Viking, Drew Runous, and Ashley is confused. Drew seems to have deep bonds with the members of her family but she’s never heard a thing about him. Even more puzzling is the fact that he’s quiet, always around to help, and stares at her like she's frosting on a cake. Through it all Ashley begins to learn that her opinions about her family are dated and she's missed out on quite a lot by fleeing her home.
Okay, now comes the part where I explain why I loved it so much.
1. Ashley
I could relate to Ashley in more ways than one and completely respected and admired her as a heroine. As I mentioned earlier, she is tired of men treating her badly and only seeing her for her beautiful looks and body. This makes her hesitant to trust at times. Instead, she wants a man who will treasure her inner beauty just as much as the out. And she without a doubt has both. She's level-headed, has a sense of humor and a fighting spirit, always tries to do the right thing, and cares deeply for her family.
"Handsome or not, it didn't matter. I decided he was a jackass."
"I am most definitely not crying. Nope. Not. Crying. I'm eye cleansing...with salt water...made from my tear ducts."
"If you're waiting for me to freak out, that's what my little laughing fit was. I'm over it. It's done."
To top it all off, she is an avid reader and could I hardcore RELATE.
"What I wanted to do was hide in my room with my latest novel and escape into a world without bearded, masturbating hillbillies..."
2. Drew
As Ashley herself says, Drew is a good man. In fact, he's the best man. He too has had a rough childhood and looks upon the Winston family as his own. He's honorable, patient, and kind, plus he's got the whole fictionally handsome Scottish highlander thing going on. And just when you think it couldn't get any better, Drew is a poet. And TRUST me, his poems for Ashley will. Make. Your. Heart. MELT. Drew and Ashley just fit, they want to be with each other. Just be. And it's beautiful. Drew knows when to push her on matters when it's for her own good.
"'I'm carrying you down the hill.'
'Fine.'
'Then I'm driving.'
'Whatever'
'After that you're going to eat.'
'Okay'
'Then you'll sleep'
'Sounds great.'"
He is also very considerate and respectful of Ashley and her situation. She is facing a challenging time and he responds in the most understanding and gentlemanly ways.
"I'm not asking anything of you other than to let me help. I have no expectations. I know your life isn't...it isn't here. You have a job and friends and Chicago. You need someone to help you get through this"
GAHH. A man who isn't strictly here for the physical attraction. YES PLZ.
And after they have had multiple intimate moments--mind you--Ashley, dead serious, says "Maybe you could think of me as a....as a sister." *face palms*. Well, Drew, bless his heart, politely informs Ashley that...
"I'm sorry...But I'm never going to be able to think of you as a sister...None of my feelings for you are familial."
And it's great because he is upfront and honest about it and their relationship can move on from there once that's been all cleared up. We love a man who's a good communicator.
3. The Winston Brothers
Much like my love for each member of the Knitting Friends. The Winston brothers have a similar place in my heart. I think it's partly because I didn't grow up with brothers (I enjoyed living vicariously through Ashley) and partly because I imagine the antics described throughout the book aren't a far cry from a typical brother and sister relationship.
"I'm sorry I put maggots in your macaroni and cheese."
"And I'm sorry we used to hold you down and spit in your mouth."
Plus, the Winston brothers are super protective of Ashley and...IT'S ADORABLE. I just wanted to give each of them a hug for treasuring their sister.
"You want to tell me what you think you're doing to my baby sister?"
"'You're my sister. If you're not happy, then I'll make sure...' His eyes slid over to Drew's. 'I'll make sure no one is happy.'"
"I expect you to treat her right. I expect you to make her believe in magic again--fairies, rainbows, all that shit. We understand each other?"
4. The Knitting Friends
I don't need to go into much more detail here, but Sandra and Elizabeth visit Ashley when she first arrives in Tennessee and let's just say when they meet Drew, they react like any BFF would.
"'So, Charlie...'
'The name is Drew.'
Sandra ignored the correction. 'How often will we be...seeing you?'
His eyes narrowed a fraction.
'Daily.'
'Reeeeally.'"
So in summary, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed Drew and Ashley's sweet romance. It wasn't insta love, and it wasn't all about physical attraction. Drew fed Ashley some pretty swoon worthy lines and his actions reflected his deep feelings for Ashley.
"I'm not going to let you down, and I'm not ever going to let you go."
"I long to soothe her, pet her, hold her fears, burden her sorrows, be the instrument of her ecstasy. I am her safe place and she is mine."
Just perfect :)
wonder_in's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
careme777's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nourbey's review against another edition
4.0
Never read such an intense male character. Let me tell you, This mf is entirely fictional. Now I know u (the two people who see these reviews), are thinking, “nour, all ur book dudes are fictional,” but this one! I swear he is the most fictional fictional character I’ve ever read. Stg vampires are less fictional than this guy, in fact the aliens from ice planet barbarians are less fictional than him.
Anyways I loved this and I will happily continue to read mindless happiness incarnate books every time I feel slightly upset.
Anyways I loved this and I will happily continue to read mindless happiness incarnate books every time I feel slightly upset.
theabibliophobe's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition
5.0
Do not let the slightly corny title and cover deceive you. This is the genre at it's best and the best romance/romantic comedy novel I've read in a long time. It was sweet, razor-sharp, smart, literally laugh-out-loud funny (which is a rarity for me even with the best of funny books) and played to the genre's tropes without getting stuck down in them. The characters are real - I loved both hero and heroine, the friends and the brothers (oh, the brothers). I'm so glad I picked it up, am already looking forward to re-reading it in future, and will be looking for more of this series immediately.