Book Review: Breaking Bonds by Ari McKay (Giveaway)

Title: Breaking Bonds
Series: The Walker Boys: Book Two
Author: Ari McKay
Release Date: June 1, 2017
Category: Contemporary, Dreamspun Desires
Pages: 190

Dreamspinner Press  ~  Amazon

From the frying pan into the fire.

After a critic’s review attacks both Chef Liam Walker’s culinary skills and his personal life, Liam can no longer take the heat of the cutthroat New York City restaurant scene. He needs to get out of the kitchen—at least long enough to cool down and regroup.

At the Overlook Resort in North Carolina, Liam meets owner Carter Galloway. Carter has a passion for the hospitality business to rival Liam’s own, and it’s not hard to see where their shared interests—and attraction—could lead. But Carter has no interest in a fling, and Liam has no intention of walking away from the career he fought so hard for. If they want a taste of happiness together, they’ll have to find the courage to break the bonds threatening to pull them apart.

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*

Breaking Bonds is Book 2 in Ari McKay's The Walker Boys series and is part of Dreamspinner Press Dreamspun Desires. Though this is book two in a series, it is possible to read it as a standalone. The characters from book one are mentioned a couple of times, but they're not included in this story.

Liam is a chef at a prestigious New York restaurant and is preening under the tutelage of his mentor when a food critic review attacks his cooking because of his background. When Liam next sees the food critic, he hits him. Liam and his mentor feel it's best if he takes a breather, and a vacation to get his head on straight. Liam randomly picks a resort in North Carolina and while sitting in the restaurant is served the worst food ever. He demands to talk to the owner and discovers Carter, who tells Liam that he needs help. Liam decides to give up his vacation time and instead help Carter.

Carter is in over his head with the resort that he's bought. He can't afford an expensive chef and hired a local boy who wants to go to culinary school but can't afford it yet. Carter has a lot riding on his dream of running a successful resort and restaurant and can't fail. He's open with Liam and accepts the help that is provided. He's attracted to Liam but isn't willing to risk further wrath from his parents for having an affair.

Both Carter and Liam are likable men and they fit together nicely. This is a sweet story between two men who have to decide what is their dream and find a way to make it happen. I loved that Carter and Liam didn't play games with each other. They were open and honest about what they wanted and wouldn't accept anything less. This is an easy read and very enjoyable!

Rating: 4 stars!

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