Title: Hardwood
Author: K.M. Neuhold
First published June 23, 2020
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.1
Overview
For forty-four years, I have been living a lie. I’ve told everyone that I’m a meat-eater, but deep down, I know I’m really all about the veggies.
It took me thirty-five years to realize that I’m a vegetarian, another seven to find the courage to tell my family and friends, and exactly thirty seconds to fall head over heels for the new guy at work. It’s not my fault, have you seen those adorable glasses he wears?
After everything I’ve been through, am I ready to come out to my family and friends? Am I ready to shake up my comfortable, simple life and take a chance on love?
Or am I going to let my own fears and doubts ruin my chance for happiness?
About the Author
K.M. Neuhold has always been passionate about romance. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading and cuddling with her husky or husband.
She discovered her love for M/M romance last year and has been hooked ever since. She truly adores all types of love and finds nothing more fulfilling than exploring it through her stories.
Editoral Review
K.M. Neuhold’s latest novel Hardwood is a captivating read that explores themes of love, loss, family, and second chances. Neuhold is an accomplished author with several successful romance novels under her belt, and this book continues to showcase her skills as a storyteller.
The novel centers around the love story of Noah and Oliver, both of whom are at a crossroads in their lives. Noah is a basketball player contemplating retirement, while Oliver is trying to move on from a tumultuous past relationship.
The two are drawn together in a chance meeting, and despite their initial reluctance, they soon find that they share a deep connection. Neuhold’s writing is poignant and emotive, capturing the raw emotions of the characters with vivid detail.
The narrative flows seamlessly, blending present-day events with flashbacks that shed light on the characters’ pasts. The setting of the book, a small town in Virginia, is also beautifully portrayed and adds to the overall ambiance.
One of the strengths of the book is the way Neuhold handles sensitive topics such as homophobia, bigotry, and the struggles of coming out. These themes are explored with sensitivity and nuance, adding depth and complexity to the characters and their relationships.
The characters themselves are well-developed, each with their own unique motivations and personalities. Noah and Oliver, in particular, are relatable and endearing, making their love story all the more compelling.
The supporting characters, including Noah’s close-knit family members, are also well-executed and contribute to the richness of the story. While Hardwood is undeniably an engaging and well-crafted book, it does have a few limitations.
The pacing, while generally well-done, can lag at times, and there are a few plot threads that are left unresolved. These issues are nuanced, however, and do not detract significantly from the overarching narrative.
Overall, K.M. Neuhold’s Hardwood is a remarkable book that will leave readers feeling moved and inspired. Its relatable characters, evocative setting, and stirring themes make it a must-read for fans of the romance genre.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt and well-executed love story. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.