A review by kp_hobbitreads
Drilled by K.M. Neuhold

4.0

#1 Caulky: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#2 Nailed: ★★★★✮ | 4.5 stars
#3 Hardwood: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#4 Screwed: ★★★★★ | 5 stars
#5 Stud: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#6 Stripped: ★★★★★ | 5 stars
#7 Drilled: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars

I can't believe this is the final book in the Four Bears series. I absolutely love this cast of characters, but knowing that we are getting a Big Bulls Mechanics spin off where these characters will make cameos makes it a little easier.

I'll admit that I was a little worried about not connecting to these characters as much as the previous books because even though they've popped up a few times, we really didn't know much about them. But, Ridge and Apollo definitely won me over. I really enjoyed watching these two idiots finally get their HEA.

Ridge and Apollo were best friends for basically their whole lives until Ridge leaves Apollo's sister at the altar when he doesn't show up for the wedding. Apollo punches Ridge and moves out of their shared apartment (the fight happens off page) without giving Ridge a chance to explain. Fast forward 15 years and these two find themselves both working at Four Bears construction. The tension is palpable between the two. And, because Stone can't help but stir the pot a little, these two are sent on a month long job at a renovate an abandoned camp. Since they have 4 weeks alone together, Ridge thinks this is his chance to set things right, and Apollo just wants to get the work done without killing Ridge.

As you can imagine, the chemistry between these two is explosive, and before long they are forced to confront both their past and present feelings for each other.

Apollo could definitely give Dare a run for his money in the grumpy gus category, but I really liked him as a character. Even if I wanted to shake him and shout "use your words" on more than one occasion. But, I think he provides the perfect grumpy balance to Ridge's sunshine. And, I think the fact that they came into this book with so much history and friendship behind them, made it easy to root for their relationship. This book has plenty of the steam and shenanigans we've come to expect from this series.

Three Thoughts:
1. We get another Porter cameo that has me even more excited to get his book this summer. “Blame it on too much Disney as a kid,” he explains with a shrug. “Everyone else can keep their Prince Charming, I just want the Beast.”
2. I love that every book in this series has had a different pet, and that we finally get some cats in this book. Even if Ridge's names are completely ridiculous.
3. I am with Stone and Ridge when it comes to the creepy crawlies. Snakes do have murder in their souls. And, I have no time for any kind of pro-spider propaganda.

Ultimately, I think this is a really satisfying conclusion to one of my favorite romance series. And KM Neuhold has easily become an auto-read author for me.

content warnings: sex (on page), mentions of negative parental reaction to coming out