I can’t even begin to express how many inappropriate, totally ill-timed, horribly sinful thoughts explode in my brain in this one instant.
Daryl Banner
Born Again Sinner
Format:
ebook
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Life takes an unexpected turn for headstrong Army Soldier Cody Davis after sustaining a near-fatal injury saving his best friend’s life. Forced to return to his hometown of Spruce, Texas to recover, Cody must endure the town’s prying eyes while questioning his purpose and struggling to find fulfillment.
After scaring away no less than five nurses, his last resort comes in the form of Trey Arnold, the town preacher’s son. Unlike the previous caregivers, Trey isn’t intimidated by Cody. In fact, the more they butt heads, the more Trey is determined to help the young Army vet.
But Trey battles his own demons, too, still haunted by the passing of his mother. Against all odds, an unlikely relationship forms between Cody and Trey. The closer they grow, the more secrets begin to spill. Is there hope yet for these two lost souls?
Point of view:
1st person. Alternating between Trey & Cody’s perspectives.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
This is book 2 in Daryl Banner’s Spruce Texas series. While this stands well on its own, there are a few tiny spoilers to book 1 that make these best enjoyed in order.
While this still has a lot of the fun banter that I enjoyed in Football Sundae – overall I think it’s a much more serious book. I really liked the way that Banner handled all the emotions here. Relationship-wise, things really aren’t all that angsty between Cody and Trey. There’s a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, but it’s unique in that they are both reacting to some very strong hurt but in completely opposite ways. Mostly they get off (hah!) on antagonizing each other.
Much of the stress and tension comes from Cody being wounded during Army service and losing that “found family” he had in the military as well as missing his body being at peak performance. Trey is struggling with breaking free from his father’s expectations and the oppression that comes with being the minister’s son in a small town. (as someone married to a pastor’s kid, I can tell you Banner was spot. on. in regards to that)
These two were a lot of fun together. I like the way that Banner balanced how Cody and Trey changed each other, yet they stayed true to their core selves and kept the quirky nuances. Loved the evolution of their relationship and the HEA.
Can’t wait for book 3, Heteroflexible.
About the author:
You can connect with Daryl Banner here:
My Favorite Quotes
“I can’t even begin to express how many inappropriate, totally ill-timed, horribly sinful thoughts explode in my brain in this one instant.”
“We love testing people’s resolve. It’s like two rough stones wrestling each other as they’re dragged down a river’s current; by the time they’ve settled, both of the stones are smoother, stronger, and polished.”
“He and I were destined to crash into each other.”
“It’s the kind of kissing where you lose your breath. You literally can’t breathe. And the best part is, you don’t fucking care—because this is surely the most beautiful way to suffocate.”
Rellim Reads 