Reviews

Tough Love by Dianna Roman

misscwheeler's review

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

2.5

jen_and_her_books's review against another edition

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5.0

I love Graham and Dami.
We briefly got to know them in book 1 and I am enthralled those two got their own book.
Grumpy Graham is so much sweeter than expected. Dami is feisty, flirty and such a cutie ♥️ During this book Graham struggles with coming to terms with his sexuality but once he does… It is magnificent.
Dami is very patient with Graham, giving him space and time while dealing with his own family at the same time.
Those two are a match made in heaven.
This book is filled with hilarious moments, serious conversations and lots and lots of affection and love.
***
I received a copy from the author and this is my honest opinion
***

kjnrose's review against another edition

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5.0

This is the second book in the 'Men of Olympus' series. In the first book we met Aiden, who is the brother of Graham from this book, and Johnny who is the cousin of Dami from this book. Graham has been married twice so far (to the same woman) and is in denial of how he feels towards other men. This is an absolutely amazing read with wonderful characters and a great storyline.

thef1bookishgirlie's review

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challenging funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes

2.5

achillespatroclus's review

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

chambersaurusrx's review

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

jamie_w's review against another edition

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5.0

These Men of Olympus are killing me!! This was so much more than just a rom com! I love a good gay awakening and this did not disappoint! I also can’t resist the grumpy/sunshine trope with small town vibes with forced proximity! So up my alley!!

Graham was so infuriating!! He refusal to act anything other than grumpy and bitchy to everyone was comical. He simply refused to accommodate anyone’s feelings. However, he lived for his family!! He would literally do anything for them! He was such an ass but also wildly thoughtful. Bit of a juxtaposition. He also just didn’t know who he truly was. He’s spent half of his life thinking he was in love with his 2x ex-wife…but he was harboring such deep seated denial. It also gives some insight into he overall shitty demeanor.

Oh sweet Dami boy! So kind and so unfocused and such a daydreamer. These were the things that made him so frustrating for Graham. Dami wanted to be out. To be free and independent. But no one around him gave him the opportunity to spread his wings or even believed in him. He was so sunny and silly, which made it difficult for others to take him seriously.

The dynamic between Graham and Dami was so tense and uncomfortable at first. But once Graham let his guard down and allowed himself to get to know Dami, he was able to see what a genuine and talented man he was. And for Dami’s part, Graham gave him what no one else had - the confidence to be himself and achieve his goals even he was scared. Their intimacy was so much more profound than I imagined. They were so comfortable and it even seemed effortless at times. That’s not say they didn’t run into huge hurdles around others but they found such peace and contentment together.

jengirlreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Tough Love by Dianna Roman is utter perfection. This is a glorious grumpy/sunshine romance taken to the next level. Truly, I can’t remember loving a book this hard in a while.

Graham Brandt married — and divorced —the same woman. Twice. He’s an expert brickmason who works with his older brothers and twin sister. And he’s grumpy as hell. Being forced to work with the completely inexperienced new hire isn’t making his attitude any better. It doesn’t help that he’s struggling with his sexuality and an inconvenient attraction to said new hire, Dami Andropolis. Dami is sweetness and sunshine, and delightfully oblivious sometimes. He’s just out of college and struggling to figure out what he wants to do, but he jumps at the opportunity to get away from his overprotective mother and washing dishes in the family restaurant.

But if there’s one thing Dami learned in college, it’s how to hook up with and have fun with other guys. Something Graham is just figuring out he wants, too. Enter the greatest, most hilarious, occasionally frustrating, and always sexy as hell love lessons. It quickly becomes apparent that these lessons mean more to both of these two. But can they admit their feelings not only to each other, but the world, as well?

Reading along as these two fall for each was a delight. The way Graham supports and encourages Dami is so powerful, and the way Dami just loves past Graham’s grumpiness is heavenly. Ugh. I cannot properly express how much I loved this book. All of the feels, plus humor, and some amazing chemistry, with the perfect blend of tension and steam.

This is book two in the Men of Olympus series, but it can be read as a standalone, though you’ll understand and appreciate some of the characters more if you read the first book (which is also fantastic).

After I finished my ARC ebook, I immediately went to the author’s website and bought a copy of the special edition paperback — that’s how much I loved this book. Grab this book as soon as you can. You won’t regret it. All the stars, fangirling, and gushing. I have so much more I could say, but I can’t go on forever.

So, so highly recommend.

always_anxious's review against another edition

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I think it’s safe to call it @89%
It feels like I read something completely different than everyone else.
I wish I could erase this from memory

nannersreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Thank you to Katie and Brey PA and Dianna Roman for providing me with a digital copy of Tough Love. This is my honest review.
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I’ve been itching to read You Again for months now, so when I got the opportunity to read Tough Love I decided it was time to take the plunge