Reviews

Good With His Hands by Lili Valente, Lauren Blakely

kaydanielsromance's review against another edition

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5.0

OMG! This was sweet and sexy and full of more emotions than I was expecting! Lauren and Lili what are you doing to me!?!

When two people are connected by not only a tragic event, but also a lifetime of memories, this makes for a powerful thread that is hard to break. Both Jessie and Ruby have never crossed the line that has been in their lives. Connected by Jessie's little sister, who is Ruby's best friend, there was always a silent understanding that a line would never be crossed, until the chemistry brewing between them finally becomes too hot and they finally step over that line.

I found myself choking up multiple times, as this story was very emotional, but it also held all the hotness, and humor that these ladies are known for. It was the perfect mix that held my attention from the beginning until the very end. 

While Ruby is a young woman who is just getting her life back in order after a tragic accident, Jessie is right there by her side as a constant cheerleader and friend. Before he leaves, to live across country, he wants to help check items off a list (a list that was left behind by his sister). Items that will help Ruby live her life bigger, something she hasn't done since the accident and with time running out Jessie needs to help.

They spend Jessie's last two weeks together, checking off all Ruby's items and boiling over in their chemistry. These two together are pure magic. Smexy, addictive magic that will pull at all your heart strings as well.

thetiffn8r's review against another edition

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lighthearted

4.0

The sadness tugged on my heart strings. Best friends brother, HEA. Super cute. 

pattyfgd's review

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5.0

Looking for a book with all the things you love? Lili Valente and Lauren Blakely have it for you! After the death of Claire, Jesse and Ruby turn to each other. The loss of his sister and her best friend is something only these two can understand. Now at the start of her new normal, Jesse gives her a list that Claire had written for her to live her best life. Offering to help her fulfill the list, these two are off on a mission. Feelings growing, times changing and new lives planned, will this couple find their happily ever after? This author combination is so good, the story is an extension of their talents. The story is easy to listen to, but has a complexity we don't even realize as we listen. Jesse is quite a man. He has stood by Ruby as she healed and understands her like no one else does. Ruby holds so much in heart, from loving and missing her best friend, to survivors guilt to a fear of living. The key is Claire, and though not here, she continues to guide her friend through life. I loved the story, the romance and the good feeling I felt while listening.

Narrated by Joe Arden and Lili Valente, we are treated to a fantastic performance. Emotions run high, the feelings of fear and love all coming through as the two bring Jesse and Ruby to life. Arden brings Jesse a strength and maturity as he deals with life without his sister. Valente lets us feel the healing transformation Ruby goes through. It's a stunning portrayal of the characters.

keller6690's review

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5.0

The newest collaboration of Good With His Hands by Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente is way more than words can truly express. This best friend's big brother story has ALL the feels. Ruby Valentine has been through some very difficult times since she lost her best friend, Claire. Claire’s older brother, Jesse, has been dealing with losing his sister and watching/helping Ruby on her road to recovery. Together, with the help of Claire, Ruby sets out to discover her best life while asking Jesse to be her partner. If you have read Lauren or Lili's books before you know that the between-the-sheets action is quite steamy and amazing you will not be disappointed with this book either. Wow, is all I can say! Will Ruby forgive Jesse for keeping the secret for 2 years? Was it Jesse’s place to make any decision for Ruby? Will these two find their way to their best life, together? This story is beautifully told about a best friend and a brother finding each other after the loss of losing someone they both dearly loved while finding the courage to make their best life happen. Will that best life be separate or together? I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. *****

gabbysreading's review

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4.0

Good With His Hands is a charming and sexy friends to lovers romance that not only made me smile but also touched my heart.

I love, love, love Jesse and Ruby together. Their banter. Their connection. It was oh so perfect. These two are so close and genuinely care for one another. Because of the loss the both experienced, there is an understanding amongst them. When they cross the line between friends to lovers, oh man, it's crazy hot. The chemistry is insane. There is no denying they belong together. I will say, I did feel like the relationship progressed a little too quickly. They went from friends to friends with benefits to something stronger so fast that I didn't get enough of that build up tension.

Although, I loved the relationship between Jesse and Ruby - and I really did because holy cow they're red hot together. - I felt like this book was more about Ruby's self rediscovery above anything else. After a car accident takes the life of her best friend and leaves her with serious injuries, Ruby is lost. She had lost the fire in her eyes. A to-do list left by her best friend that made her go outside her comfort zone was a way of getting that back. The strength it took to overcome not only grief but also injuries, my goodness. She needs to be applauded.

This is the second book by Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente. I have to say, this pairing just works. If you want a good, heartfelt and surprisingly emotional best friend's brother/friends to lovers romance with a fun adventure Good With His Hands is for you.

bookish_kayy's review

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5.0

Healing, growing, changing, so many things take place in this book for both Ruby and Jesse.
I think this was exactly what the dr ordered.
Low in angst, high in heat, and humor, and just all around good times.
The characters are well developed, and the storyline simple enough to keep me hooked, but not require much else from me.
I really enjoyed this.

readwithrach's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book so much! I love Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente's books separately so it made sense I would love their collab. I couldn't put this book down! It was sweet and sexy all at once. I can't wait for the next in the series.

cave5's review against another edition

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5.0

Great story. Loved Ruby and Jesse's story

loopy_83's review

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3.0

3.5*

nhorak05's review against another edition

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

4.25


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