Sweet but clueless, Paul Hannon never felt like he came first for anybody. Can El Rozal, a man that knows all about second hand things but nothing about relationships, convince Paul that he’s first for him?

Paul is stuck in a new town with a rental home he can barely afford after being dumped by Stacey, his ex-fiancée. He’s in a job that is one step below where he really wants to be. His house is full of stuff that he couldn’t afford to buy in the first place, but did it to make Stacey happy. He has the brilliant idea to get rid of his stuff at the local pawn shop where he meets El, the owner. El is immediately smitten with Paul, and finds ways to make sure that they can spend time together. The story focuses on the development of their relationship while dealing with the ex-fiancee and family issues.

I loved this story! I enjoyed the new-friends-to-lover theme with El and Paul spending a lot of time together just hanging out before it turns into something more. Paul is pretty gullible in so many ways, but he’s so sweet that you just want to protect him. El, who doesn’t believe in relationships, truly enjoys being with Paul and genuinely cares for him. They spend quite a bit of time “dating” which I always find very romantic. Paul’s acceptance of his desire for El was very realistic especially given his long-term relationship with Stacey. Once they pass the point of friendship, the sex was extremely erotic and steamy!! Although characters from the other Tucker Springs series appear in this story, it isn’t necessary to read them in order. I’ve enjoyed all of the ones I’ve read so far!

Originally reviewed for Swept Away By Romance. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

BLURB

Paul Hannon moved to Tucker Springs for his girlfriend, but she’s left him with a house he can’t afford and a pantry full of useless gadgets. All Paul wants is to get back to normal, even if he’s not sure what that is anymore. When he wanders into Tucker Pawn for a gift to win her back, he meets El Rozal, pawn shop owner and all-around cynic. El Rozal doesn’t do relationships, especially not with clueless straight boys still pining for their ex. El may make his living dealing in castoffs, but that doesn’t apply to men. Still, when Paul starts clearing out his old life, pawning kitchen equipment he never wanted in the first place, El is drawn to Paul in spite of himself. Paul and El have nothing in common except a past full of disappointments. There’s no reason to believe the two of them could fit, but in El’s line of work, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. When it comes to love, El and Paul may learn that secondhand doesn’t mean second best. This title is part of the Tucker Springs universe.