A review by mollyreadsandcrafts
Throw Down by Parker St. John

4.0

Briar moved to Sweetwater with Nate to escape his past and have a fresh start. He's always felt like an outsider, and being a flamboyant city boy in this small town makes him stand out even more. Derek is a large man with a bad attitude who's gotten himself a reputation around town. At a young age he had to put his life on hold and take care of his family, making him resentful and jaded. When they cross paths they have an undeniable connection, but have to carefully navigate their troubled pasts for a shot at happiness. 

Briar and Derek couldn't be more different. I'm always a sucker for grumpy/sunshine kind of love and these two were a perfect example. While Derek was forced to be the protector and caregiver for his family, he finds himself actually wanting to be those things for Briar. Briar not only doesn't take this for granted, but he wants to give Derek that love and affections he's starved himself of. Briar looks past the prickly exterior to the big-hearted man underneath who just wants someone to take care of him for once. They did fall pretty fast for each other, but I was able to overlook it because they're so cute together. There were times I wanted to shake Derek a bit, but I love that Briar never gave up on him. They're definitely an odd but very endearing couple.

It was nice to see some of the other characters - especially West and his family from Derek's POV. You know he loves him family but it's such a complicated situation. They finally worked things out, a little late in my (and Briar's) opinion. I loved how Briar stood up for his man and didn't let them get away with how they've treated him. Derek needed someone just like Briar in his corner, fighting for what he's given up on. This whole family is loyal and devoted to one another, and Briar was right when he said they needed to remember why they've been fighting so hard for each other.

This is easily my favorite of the series, and I think it's because the dual POV. It added that depth that the previous books were missing. I'm loving small town, cowboy (adjacent) stuff right now and this was just what I wanted. I'll also never say no to a good fast and easy read. Onto the last one! 

Read if you like: 

• small town romance          

• opposites attract        

• size difference              

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