Saturday, March 11, 2017

Block and Strike by Kelly Jensen


Block and Strike by Kelly Jensen

Review by Lauren

source: copy from publisher; all opinions are my own

Official SummaryJacob Kendricks is three months out of prison, estranged from his daughter, and ready to get his life on track. Taking care of the bum curled up on his doorstep isn’t part of the plan. When he realizes the man has been assaulted, Jake takes him to the hospital, where he learns that Max is his downstairs neighbor… and that he could really use a friend. Keeping Max in the friend-zone would be easier if he wasn’t so damned cute.

Maxwell Wilson has been bullied for years, and the only person who ever cared lives too far away to come to his rescue. Now his upstairs neighbor is offering support. Max remains cautious, suspecting he is little more than a project for the handsome Jake. When he learns Jake has had boyfriends as well as girlfriends, Max has to reevaluate his priorities—and muster the courage to take a chance at love.

Just when a happy future is within their grasp, life knocks them back down. A devastating blow leaves Max lower than ever and Jake wrestling with regret. They both have to find the strength to stand on their own before they can stand together.


Review: Block and Strike was a really good read, full of emotion and even a little suspense. I liked that both of the main characters had heartache and drama in their past but they didn't let that define their future. They both worked hard to make things better for themselves. With this inner strength, they were also able to be there for each other when needed. They didn't fix each other, but they were able to help each other a great deal.

Jacob is fresh out of prison for something he'll always regret, but he has a fairly sunny disposition. He's a hard worker and while he has anger problems, he's working on them. As for Max, he's had a rough life and a prickly exterior, but there is definitely more to him below the surface. Meeting Jacob helps him slowly come into his confidence, and it was really great to see!

This book features various secondary friends and family members that just added to the overall story. Max and Jacob aren't living in the void - there are people around them that care a great deal. I loved the emotion in this one too. It brings you into the story, and you end up caring very deeply for these men. You want them to get a happily ever after - together or apart. Definitely a good one!

Want to check it out on Amazon? I'm an affiliate, so I get a small percent of any sale.

5 comments:

Kit @ Metaphors and Moonlight said...

Emotion and suspense, sounds great! And those characters sound like the kind I could really root for. I'm glad to hear they worked on making things better for themselves rather than fixing each other. Great review!

RO said...

This sounds like one of those love stories that will make me cry because of the emotion. Loved your review. Hugs...

Lisa Mandina said...

This does sound like a good one. I'm interested to hear why Max gets bullied. Thanks so much for sharing, and I do love when you get to see the whole world around them and not just that specific story. I feel like both Jay Crownover and Samantha Young do great jobs with that in their stories.

Lola said...

This sounds like a great read with how both characters work so gar to make things better. And that's nice there was a bit of suspense too. And I like how you say they don't fix each other, but do help each other a great deal as I think that's more realistic. Great review!

Verushka said...

Oh I like the sound of a the great worldbuilding around these two main characters -- they enhance a story so much!