A review by bookmarkedbybecky
Colton Gentry's Third Act by Jeff Zentner

emotional funny hopeful reflective 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

My favorite book of June!!! Jeff Zentner's novel is a must-read if you enjoy romance with depth. He expertly weaves classic romance elements like second-chance love, small-town charm, and witty banter into a rich, captivating storyline. His writing is so smooth and flawless that you'll find yourself completely immersed, even as he tackles serious topics such as gun violence, alcoholism, and grief. Zentner approaches these topics with sensitivity, healing, and hopefulness rather than the weightiness they often evoke.  

I rarely quote books in my reviews, but I love this quote. “Grief is an arsonist, stealing in under cover of dark to reduce you to ashes. You can expect it or not. But you can't prepare for it, and there's no defense. Well, one maybe: self-immolate first.”

I paired the physical book with the audiobook, and I loved both. I don't often read romances from an MMC's POV, so listening to Charlie Thurston narrate the story was a real treat! Thurston perfectly captured Colton's emotional highs and lows and nailed Colton's sass in the dialogue.

Other highlights: delectable food descriptions, Petey the Dog, country music scene, restaurant scenes, realistic look at sobriety