Release Day Review ~ Relative Best by Pat Henshaw

Release Day Review ~ Relative Best by Pat Henshaw

Title: Relative Best
Series: Foothills Pride: Book Five
Author: Pat Henshaw
Release Date: August 17, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 80

Blurb:

Sometimes love sneaks up when you’re least looking for it….

Zeke Bandy, owner of Bandy’s Finest Hotel in Old Town Stone Acres, California, is too busy for love. Not only does he oversee the operations of the historic hotel and uphold his family’s tradition of offering refuge to strays and runaways, Zeke also sings and plays down-home music two nights a week at the Stonewall Saloon and for occasional celebrations. Then Zeke meets Victor Longbow, the man of his dreams.

Vic isn’t looking for love either. In fact, because of his upbringing in a strict, white foster family, Vic’s not sure he believes in love. He’s in Stone Acres to open a branch office of a national brokerage firm. He’s also hoping to find a vintage photo of what might be his Native American ancestor.

After their paths cross, they become friends, then more. Connected by their experiences as orphans raised by flawed fathers, Zeke and Vic realize that some men must find love, hone it, and create families for themselves.

Goodreads

Dreamspinner Press

Heather's Review

*** Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review.***

Relative Best is Book 5 in the Foothill Pride series. This is the first book I've read of this author's. I honestly think this is a series that should be read in order to get the most from the story and characters. There are a lot (A LOT) of characters and it just was a lot of people to learn in a short story. 

The MC's of this novella are Zeke & Victor. Zeke owns a hotel and Vic comes to town because he's opening an office. They meet and a relationship happens immediately. There's no sex on page and for the most part, I didn't really feel like this book was about them. It's more just about the whole town and all its characters. 

There are so many story lines, characters and other stories happening that it was hard for me to concentrate and focus on Vic and Zeke. I was just trying to keep up.  I imagine those that follow this series will love this story and will love seeing the lives from previous characters. This seems like the type of series that will allow you to monitor all your favorite characters throughout the series. 

*** Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***

Zeke is too busy for love, his hotel and other obligations taking most of his time. He feels lonely and longs to find love, though. But it isn't until he's playing his music at a Bachelor's party and he meets Vic, the man of his dreams, who seems just as interested in Zeke.

I've read all the books in this series, and while technically Relative Best can be read as a standalone, there are some cameos from characters from the previous books. 

I liked Zeke and Vic, but I would've liked them better if there had been less working storylines in this book. It was a little too much at times and I feel the romance was sacrificed to make room for the different plotlines, especially considering the length of the book. 

Still, this was an enjoyable read and a good addition to the series. It's well-written, fast-paced and engaging, so I still recommend it. 

Rating: 4 Stars!!!