Review: Leap Year by A.M. Arthur (Reconstruction #1)


Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author via Gay Romance Reviews.

It's been a minute since I last read an A.M. Arthur romance, so I'm glad the opportunity to re-acquaint myself with this author's writing came about, thanks to finding out that she's got a new series starter. Leap Year is book one in the Reconstruction series, which is a loosely connected spin-off of Arthur's Neighborhood Shindig series. That being said, you can totally read this new novel without feeling lost if you have yet to read the aforementioned previous series; and I'm saying this based on my personal experience.

Leap Year starts off with some grumpy/sunshine vibes when the main characters first meet. Russell Schar relishes his solitude. He has his puppets and art to focus on, and his best friend--and landlord--makes sure that Russ doesn't become too much of a recluse. When he learns that the carriage house on the property will be rented out to Patrick Gillespie and his seven-year-old son, Russ isn't exactly jumping for joy. But time spent getting to know the single dad opens the door to friendship, then flirtation, and maybe even forever.

This age gap, king size/fun size, small town romance had that nice mix of sweet and steamy. Russ and Patrick had a pretty strong connection, albeit there were moments of insecurity and miscommunication between the two, even as they began to cross that line between friendship and romance. I liked the fact that while they kept their circle small, it was very close-knit, and I can't wait to see if Bryan and Angelo will be getting their own stories as the series moves forward. All in all, Leap Year was a satisfying, four-star read.

Release Date: 28 February 2024

Date Read: 23 February 2024

Learn more about A.M. Arthur.

Pre-order Leap Year on Amazon.

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