No Good Mitchell by Riley Hart & Devon McCormack

 

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BRODY

A night on the town after a long workweek at my family's distillery should include shots and dancing--not a hot kiss with a handsome stranger. I'm straight...at least, that's what I figured until I find myself locking lips with a sexy city boy. Now all my circuits are going haywire, and the spark that ignites between us makes me even more curious.

Unfortunately, I kissed the one man who's off-limits: Cohen Mitchell--the sole surviving heir to the Mitchell Creek distillery, a rival neighbor my family has feuded with for nearly a hundred years. Until he arrived in town, no one knew there were any Mitchells left. But the business-savvy city slicker has taken an interest in his legacy. Nothing means more to me than my family, so whether I like it or not, I have to keep my hands off the sexy, green-eyed beauty who Big Daddy has not-so-affectionately dubbed that "No Good Mitchell." Problem is: my hands have other plans...

COHEN

I never expected to inherit a distillery from a father I had never known. That's how I find myself in a tiny Georgia town where everyone knows a family history I've been kept in the dark about. The townsfolk all have a different story about my ancestors, with two things in common: illegal activity and Mitchell vs O'Ralley forever.

Maybe I shouldn't like Brody O'Ralley, but I didn't grow up with this stupid family feud. I enjoy touching him, kissing him and--oops--I'm falling for the man with sweet Southern charm and a big heart. Between the O'Ralley patriarch hating me, getting the Mitchell Creek distillery off the ground, and working through my own family issues, I know I should stay away from Brody.

But I won't, and staying away is not what he wants either. I crave all the time with my country boy as I can get, even if it's breaking the rules. After all, I am a No Good Mitchell.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

No Good Mitchell is a fantastic small town romance by Riley Hart and Devon McCormack. These two can do no wrong when working separately or together. 

It's hard to explain how damn wonderful this book is. This isn't just a romance. Not at all. Instead, it's a tale of family, heartache, wounds, and love. It's a story of things discovered as a result of love. Yes, love is the guiding factor, but it's all about the family dynamics through the years that make this tale so damn messy and addictive.

It's riveting from the start, as Cohen comes to town as the long lost Mitchell boy, aka the No Good Mitchell boy. He never knew his father, always assuming he wasn't loved. But upon returning to the land and business he inherited, his journey is full of discoveries and romance. 

The forbidden romance aspect is ever present. If his coming here wasn't complicated enough, Cohen's attraction to Brody just adds to the problems. He and Brody can't keep their hands off one another. But they also can't be together. Their families hate one another and have caused one another pain through the generations. Until Cohen and Brody meet. 

Their journey includes the family feud that's fueled by jealous, love, lies, and secrets. It's complicated with multi-layered issues and a whole lot of fear and problems. I find myself both impressed and fascinated by the layers upon layers of history that's unveiled. It's one hell of mess and Cohen has no idea how he fits into everything.

As for the romance, Cohen and Brody are great together, despite everything working against them. Both are just trying to do right, for both themselves and their family legacies. The make for a wonderful, heartfelt couple.

The small town aspect is evident throughout, with everyone knowing everyone else's business. I love that the men can't be seen together in town, unless they want everyone to gossip. That is small town at it's finest.

The secondary characters are plentiful, well developed, and constantly contributing to the storyline. There's lots of banter and gossip to be had. Big Daddy is one of their largest obstacles, but in the end, he is nothing that I expected. 

And then there's Isaac. His friendship with Cohen is a thing of beauty. He's always there for him, always supporting him, and ultimately finds some answers for himself. The ending is fabulous and had me cheering!

No Good Mitchell is an amazing tale. This Riley Hart and Devon McCormack collaboration is stellar with it's complexity and the emotional rollercoaster throughout. It's full of sweetness, guilt, and grief, all while keeping things low angst and charming. It's an amazing mix and I can't recommend it enough.

Forever and Ever by Devon McCormack

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Blurb

They missed out on love...or so they thought.

At seventy-seven, Wes Brenner is certain he's lived a full life. But one thing he'll never know is true love.

When he heads to Heathrow Estates retirement community, planning to spend the rest of his days playing golf and taking spin classes, he runs into an acquaintance from his hometown: Art Cromley.

Although they'd never discussed it when they were younger, they shared a secret. And what begins as catching up on the good ole days transforms into long walks, which turns into so much more...

Wes begins feeling something for Art...something he never allowed himself to feel before.

Art Cromley spent his life chasing romance and love, but instead, found liars and cheaters.

He gave up on silly notions of 'happily ever after' and 'forever and ever' a long time ago, but when Wes Brenner comes to live at Heathrow Estates, Art discovers a connection unlike anything he's ever experienced with another man--a connection that gives him a reason to hope.

But isn't it too late for them?

Isn't it too late for love or dreams of forever and ever?

Review 

My Rating -  5 Stars!

Forever and Ever is a very different kind of story for Devon McCormack. And he excelled at this beautiful change in his writing style.

Occasionally we'll get some great romances between middle aged men. But, how often do we get to read a tender romance between two elderly men? Never, right?  Devon McCormack switched things up by gifting us with this emotionally rewarding second chance romance. 

Two men, both in their late seventies, reunite in a retirement home community. They grew up in a time when being gay was really not an option. Yet, one did live his best life as a gay man. The other took the marriage and kids route. 

Their second chance is so damn inspiring. It's never to late to find true love. It's also a fantastic reminder that it's never too old to try to have a sex life, if one can let go of their uncertainties and insecurities.

I love Forever and Ever! Not only is it unique, it is remarkable, impressive, and enchanting. Do not miss out on this phenomenal story. It is truly a gem!