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ravenstreet 's review for:

The Falcon and the Foe by A.J. Truman
3.5
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

⛺⛺⛺ 3.5 camping tents out of 5.
(3.5 = I enjoyed it well enough.)

When single dad Cal's son tells him he wants to join the scouts Cal is not thrilled. Another thing to try to squeeze into his schedule, which is already dominated by his two jobs and the time general life with kids tends to demand of one. He is even less thrilled when he realises the scout leader is Rus, an old nemesis. The dislike is mutual and in the beginning there seems to be no way these two are going to find any common ground or become friends, let alone becoming more than friends.

Hm. I expected something different I think. It's sweet and feelgood, enemies to lovers, all of what I expected but I also expected it to be more fun, more of a romcom. There are jokes and witty banter and funny situations but not really on snort-laugh level.

In the beginning I also disliked both MCs. Cal because of his nonchalant and ignorant attitude and Ros because of his rigidity. They did both grow on me though. I enjoyed seeing them going from snapping and growling at each other to be more accepting and even supportive. I did not mind one bit one of them decking the other one's disgusting ex. 🤪 I also liked that they are described as normal 40+ dad's with dad bods and some junk in the trunk so to speak.

The story is predictable, which pretty much is a ground rule for a feelgood novel. I did end up enjoying it even though it wasn't as funny as I thought it would be. I appreciate mature MCs who speak their minds and address issues instead of creating unnecessary angst. Every time Ros said he was too old to waste time and emotions on issues that could easily be solved by talking them out I wanted to kiss him. 

⛺⛺⛺ 3.5 camping tents out of 5.
(3.5 = I enjoyed it well enough.)