Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson

Real Men Knit

by Kwana Jackson

"If you're looking for an easy charmer, this is the novel for you."—Shondaland
 
When their foster-turned-adoptive mother suddenly dies, four brothers struggle to keep open the doors of her beloved Harlem knitting shop.


Jesse Strong is known for two things: his devotion to his adoptive mom, Mama Joy, and his reputation for breaking hearts. When Mama Joy unexpectedly passes away, he and his brothers have different plans for what to do with Strong Knits, their neighborhood knitting store. Jesse wants to keep the store open. His brothers want to tie off loose ends and close shop....

Part-time shop employee Kerry Fuller has kept her crush on Jesse a secret. When she overhears his impassioned plea to his brothers to keep the knitting shop open, she volunteers to help. Unlike Jesse, Kerry knows the “knitty-gritty” of the business, and together they make plans to reinvent Strong Knits for a new generation.

But the more time they spend together, the stronger the chemistry builds between them. Kerry, knowing Jesse’s history, doesn’t believe their relationship can last longer than she can knit one, purl two. But Jesse is determined to prove to her that he can be the man for her forever and always. After all, real men knit.

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on

4 of 5 stars

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Rating: 3.5 Stars

When local legend, Mama Joy, passes away, the fate of Strong Knits hangs in the balance.

Overall, I thought this book was good. I liked it, but didn't love it the way I thought I would. I am just starting to believe, that super slow burn romances are not for me. I like them more in my face and front and center, and that was not what I got here. I think they finally kissed at about 75%, and then the romance part of the story had to be rushed through. Maybe it was a case of adjusting my expectations, but after reading my slow burn this month, I feel like I just am not a fan.

However, there were many aspects of this book, which I enjoyed.

The Brothers - I loved how this group of men became brothers, and found their dynamic interesting. There was tension, but a lot of love, and I liked how they came together when it counted most. Each of the Strong men had a story to tell, and I wouldn't mind reading those stories.

Jesse - I was very pleased with the way Jesse stepped up to the plate, and how he was finally able to shine in his own way. It was a sort of redemption for him in the eyes of his brother, and I liked that he surprised me as he worked to bring Strong Knits back to life.

Community - Strong Knits was an integral part of this Harlem community, and I really enjoyed the parts, where Jackson focused on the community and the denizens, who made it such a wonderful place.

History - I always appreciate when my hero and heroine have history, and these two have been part of each other's lives for a long, long time. It was fun and sweet reliving some of their childhood memories, and also finding comfort in each other as they mourned the loss of Mama Joy.

Overall, I loved the community and family aspects of this book, but wish the romance played a bigger role in the story.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 27 April, 2020: Finished reading
  • 27 April, 2020: Reviewed