When everything seems to go wrong, can one person make everything better? Angel read Benji, the first book in the new Walking Disaster series from E.M. Denning.
From the blurb:
Benji Hayes is at the end of his rope. His best friend is an ocean away, he's lost his apartment, his job,
and he's living out of his car. Then—he loses that too. When he calls for help, his knight in shining armor turns out to be the last person he expected to see. Leo Spalding, his best friend's elusive dad. The man he's only met once, and not under the best circumstances.
Leo offers to take him in, and Benji finds himself in more debt than he can ever repay. The tow bill, the dead car, the safe, warm bed to sleep in every night. Not to mention the food Leo cooks when he's hungry, and even when he's not. Benji is in heaven. He never wants to leave, but then he goes and ruins everything—just like always.
Benji is a walking disaster who has no business crushing on a successful older man, especially one who has gone out of his way to help. Benji can't stop himself from falling for his best friend's dad. The crush itself is bad enough, but acting on those burgeoning feelings would only lead to an even bigger disaster, right?
Right?
So why does he do it, anyway?
And what are they going to do now?
Angel's Review:
I wasn't expecting to grow attached to Benji. His character is a walking disaster but in the best way! He's clumsy, and awkward, but is so sweet. He speaks his mind, but is also quiet. He stands up for what he believes, but also lets people help him every now and again. Watching his character grow throughout this book was really amazing, he learned that people do really care for him, and they aren't just going to abandon him.
Oliver's character was fantastic! Even though technically he's a side character, he was a really prevalent character in this story. As he is Benji's best friend and Leo is his dad, he kept popping up in the story. His character was so great, he was so supportive and cared about Benji so deeply. It was really sweet to read about how strong their friendship was.
Leo's character definitely took up the grumpy man aspect in this book. Over the course of the story, we get to learn more about him and realize there is more to him than him being a grump.
I liked the pacing of this story a lot. It was a slow burn, these characters didn't just hop into bed together. They let things kindle for a while, but as soon as Oliver gave his blessing, that kindling turned into a full-blown fire.
Another character I enjoyed was Jordan. He took a chance with Benji and made him feel accepted and valued. Along with letting Benji know that it's okay to not go to college, that having a degree isn't everything. Which I think is an important message.
Overall, this book was really great. I'm really hoping that Oliver will get his own story soon!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Heather's Review:
Benji was an interesting take on a best friend's father tale... with a not so meet-cute leading up to Leo rescuing Benji from his chaotic and clumsy life. I appreciate the pace of this story and the angst that comes from the age gap and relationship between Leo and his son, and Benji and his best friend.... this book had a wonderful build up, great steam and just enough snark!
I love how Leo accepted Benji and nurtured him to build his confidence, and I also loved how Jordan took him under his wing. And we can't forget Oliver! I can't wait to see where this series goes and what HEAs are in store for us!
Rating: 5 Stars
Benji is available to buy as an ebook, paperback, or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Comments
Post a Comment