Muscling Through

Muscling Through by J L Merrow
Samhain Publishing
Novella
4 out of 5
3/5 PL Scale

Blurb:
The bigger they come, the harder they fall... in love.

Cambridge art professor Larry Morton takes one, alcohol-glazed look at the huge, tattooed man looming in a dark alley, and assumes he’s done for. Moments later he finds himself disarmed—literally and figuratively. And, the next morning, he can’t rest until he offers an apology to the man who turned out to be more gentle than giant.

Larry's intrigued to find there's more to Al Fletcher than meets the eye; he possesses a natural artistic talent that shines through untutored technique. Unfortunately, no one else seems to see the sensitive soul beneath Al’s imposing, scarred, undeniably sexy exterior. Least of all Larry's class-conscious family, who would like nothing better than to split up this mismatched pair.

Is it physical? Oh, yes, it’s deliciously physical, and so much more—which makes Larry’s next task so daunting. Not just convincing his colleagues, friends and family that their relationship is more than skin deep. It’s convincing Al. 

Review:
I am such a fan of the whole opposites attract story line, where two very different people come together and make sweet love. From the very beginning, the book manages to capture your attention with striking humour and the most lovable main character in all the lands. This story offers everything I enjoy when reading. An underdog who comes out on top, and a happy ending.

The start of the book is quite funny. With a dark ally, and a very drunk as hell Larry. In comes big scary Al Fletcher to the rescue, his look says mean and hand over your wallet, but his appearance is far from the truth. Al is a gentle soul, with a kind heart, but because of his exterior people usually are afraid of him. That night of grossly misconceptions leads to an amazing story, and an amazing love.

Though the relationship moves somewhat quickly, it is very realistic to the story and the characters. Al seems like the type to love quickly and wholeheartedly, and in the terms of Larry our college professor Al becomes the exact man he needed. Two men from two very different worlds, with not much in common but they find a common ground.

This book will make you laugh, it will make you cry and you will fall hopelessly in love with Al. It also offers up a great message with “never judge a person by their appearance” because when you do. You only make an ass out of yourself. Al is simple, he might not be a genius but he could careless. Say, what you want about him, he just doesn’t give a damn. Because Al has his mom, Al has his Larry and Al his friends. Life could not be any greater.

"I guess it's not just fucking after all. Larry and me. Although, you know, the fucking is pretty good too" - From Muscling Through

Reviewed for Three Dollar Bill Reviews