Transition (Oakley's Crew Book 3) by Nicole Dykes


Gabe's new landscaping client is not an old curmudgeonly man, but a young, lonely guy that doesn't feel safe trusting people. Dakota still lives with fears from being bullied, but judging Gabe solely as a good-looking jock isn't fair when he finds Gabe's cheeriness and kindness is not just a facade.


From the blurb:

Gabe
My favorite principle in landscaping and in transition. In life? Not so much.
I can’t stand change when it comes to my life. I was married to the same woman since I was in my early twenties and now I’m just supposed to move on from being married to being single. Sharing custody of our daughter.
Transition works for landscaping. It’s the easiest thing for me. Making sure there’s a natural flow in everything we do.
But that works because it’s gradual.
This feels so abrupt, it’s jarring.I don’t know how to make this change.
I’m not sure that I want to.

Dakota
I like my routine. I love being in my house, working from home and I realize that most think I’m weird.I couldn’t really care less what other people think.
But when I hire Oakley’s Crew to build a new greenhouse, I feel things starting to shift. Like it’s possible that maybe the way I’ve been living my life for the last three years isn’t as satisfying as I’d like to think.
Maybe it is time for a change.
Maybe it will be worth it for…him.


SNik's review:

Third in series (Oakley’s Crew), can be read as a standalone but might be more fun if read in order. Small town. Single dad. Grumpy/sunshine. Demisexual representation. Found family. Slow burn. Quick read. Dual POV. 

His ex-wife has moved on and Gabe is happy he has his daughter but always thought his life would work out differently. When Gabe meets new landscaping client Dakota, Gabe’s cheeriness draws the lonely man close, but Dakota has trust issues in spades. 

The gentle progression of Dakota and Gabe slowly getting to know each other was sweet, and really a nice romance filled with growing trust and feelings. I enjoyed how both Dakota and Gabe were interested in each other and how Gabe accepted his first time feelings for a man with a thoughtful pause but no angst. The secondary characters were important in their support and the importance of Gabe’s daughter in his life was never put aside for Dakota and Gabe’s romance. Overall, another great addition to this series with two likable characters falling in love and getting a sweet HEA.


Heather's Review:

This book is quintessential Nicole Dykes - small town, slow burn, found family and just an adorable read.  When grumpy Dakota meets sunny Gabe, we see the start of a little romantic tension, but it manifests first as friendship and builds slowly to more... I love that Gabe gets to explore his sexuality in a safe space with Dakota and that this book gives good demisexual rep. I also love how supportive the rest of Oakley's crew is with both Dakota and Gabe.   I especially love the way Gabe's relationship with his daughter helps further his relationship with Dakota and how much love there is go around.


Transition is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription

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