A review by lezreadalot
Clang by E. Davies

4.0

Something told him it was going to be hot at the forge, and he couldn’t wait.

3.5 stars. I found myself in the mood for some cute, low conflict romance, and this delivered all of the cute, mellow, small town vibes I could have wanted, with some added protectiveness on the side. Jackson, who we met in the first book, has been friends with Chase for a few months, and now that he's ready to start seriously dating, he finds himself wanting to take that friendship somewhere further. Chase is used to random hookups and not allowing himself to feel, but he starts realising that he and Jackson are the perfect fit. The secondary plot involves Chase's estranged and very religious family, as well as Jackson's close knit relationship with his brothers. I think I've decided I really like how the author is structuring these books. The prologue begins with a spicy snippet of the couple beginning their relationship, and then we go back to the beginning to see how we get there. In the first book, Cam's book, we had the occasional Jackson chapter; now, in Jackson's book, we had the occasional Thomas chapter. It's a good way of letting us get to know all the brothers and getting us ready for their books. Usually I don't like random third POVs in my romances, but it works here. Especially since I know I'll be eventually reading the entire series.

Like the first book, this honestly got a bit TOO low conflict for me, and the relationship moved so fast it really made me incredulous. But I did really really love Jackson and Chase together, even more than the couple in the first book, and I guess that made all the difference. It helped that they've known each other for a few months, and I'm always so soft for friends to lovers. They were also so intense and smitten with each other, it made me blush a little. Also like Jackson makes Chase a sword?? Chase gives Jackson his first tattoo?? That's my kinda love language my dudes.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Michael Dean, which was great as always; I especially liked his Chase voice. I'm pretty excited for Thomas' book, so maybe I'll read that sooner than I thought.

Content warnings:

Spoiler

recollection of familial rejection, homophobia, religion-based conversion tactics, stalking

He’d done his grieving a long time ago. Now, he was running into Jackson’s arms, and Jackson was reaching out to pull him close at every turn.