Hollywood

Redemption Road #2

by DJ Jamison

Blurb:

Everyone calls me Hollywood because I look like a leading man, but I didn’t expect the starring role of single father….

When my ex-girlfriend, Carrie, is injured in an accident, I take sole custody of my two-year-old daughter overnight. I’ve wanted to be Ruby’s father for a long time, but my ex–and her family–haven’t forgiven me for going to prison.

This is my chance to get to know Ruby and prove that I’ve changed. I leap at the chance, even though I’ve got no idea what I’m doing.

Thankfully, my former best friend Tex shows up and sticks by me. He’s a natural with kids and instantly calms the panic setting in. One night of support turns into another and another. Bit by bit, Tex is moving into my life and making himself a second father to Ruby.

But he’s bailed on me before. Three months ago, he ran from the feelings growing between us. He couldn’t handle the idea of being bisexual.

Now he’s here, plucking all of my heartstrings and making me love him all over again. Ruby is head over heels, too. He’s everything I want in a partner. For me. For my daughter.

But will Tex return the love this time–or will he break both our hearts?

*****

Review:

Hollywood finally gets the chance to get to know his daughter but it means that he has to become an instant dad, with none of the know-how. You can feel how much he wants this chance but how scary it is to find himself responsible for a little girl and having no idea what he’s supposed to do. Luckily he’s got friends on his side, especially Tex.

And Tex is going to take advantage of this opportunity to make up for running away and hurting Hollywood. It takes a little bit to come to terms with his sexuality but he knows how he feels about him is special. As is the family they are creating together, both with Ruby and their Redemption Ridge friends.

And I couldn’t love that any more; found families is one of my favorite tropes and Jamison does it well here. These guys are here for each other, supporting each other, checking in and stepping up when someone needs it. Sometimes they just need to get out of their own way and accept the help in the manner that it is meant, to realize that they are worthy of such care.

While not quite as angsty as Knight, I loved seeing Tex and Hollywood get together. And them getting the opportunity to form a relationship with sweet, little Ruby … oh my heart. There is just so much with the feels and the slow slide to a HEA for them. So while it isn’t necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one, returning readers will love that opportunity to find out exactly how things work out between these two. We got just enough of a teaser before that I was rooting for them from the start. And we get just enough here to have me anxious to get my hands on Joyride!