Turnabout (Vino & Veritas #9) by Laurel Greer

Release date: May 6^th

This story gave my all sorts of feels. An M/M, second chance romance, set in Sarina Bowen’s True North universe. It’s the story of Carter, who left small town life for a chance to prove himself, and Auden, the one who stayed behind. And even though the story alternates between the viewpoints of Auden and Carter respectively, to me, this was Carter’s story.

So, when Carter’s father needs help with running his print-shop, Carter steps up, puts his life on hold and goes back home to do what he can. However, Carter’s ex, Auden, still works at said print-shop and neither of them have really gotten over the other.

There’s so much to love about this story. Carter and Auden were obviously made for each other. But I just couldn’t see how they could possibly make it work (which of course is how it’s supposed to be). However, it was a bit repetitive the way they both went from hot to cold and then back to hot again.

Also, this is very well written story. But what impressed me the most was the authenticity and detail that went into creating the print-shop back-drop and atmosphere. This is research done right! I know absolutely nothing about old-time printer presses, but it couldn’t be clearer that Greer has done her homework. I love that, it makes all the difference.

And while Auden and Carter kept circling each other (And by circling, I mean them making out, then having second thoughts, then making out again. Over and over.) I couldn’t get past how awful Carter’s family was to him. Always with the digs and the thinly veiled disapproval. Carter was bending over backwards to help, and all he got in return was derision and contempt. His father was the worst of course, but his sister was almost as bad. Even his supposedly supportive aunt – the psychology professor – thought he was a fuck-up, and told him so. The only one who didn’t try to put him down all the time was his mother. But the way she accepted the other’s shitty treatment of Carter – for years and years – was just as bad.

So a huge chunk of my feelings while reading this book was outrage. Outrage at Carter’s sucky family and sympathy for him. His family most certainly didn’t deserve him or his forgiveness. Christ, they made me mad.

But there’s a happily ever after. Auden and Carter did figure it out – because of course they did. And it was glorious. So if you can handle shitty family-members who don’t get their just desserts, then this is a great read. 4 stars!

* A free copy of this book was kindly provided by Heart Eyes Press *