LOVER OF BOOKS

His Instant Family by Rheland Richmond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a sweet, contemporary May-December romance.

This is the first book I've read by Rheland Richmond and I enjoyed it. The characters were believable and fun to read. The plot was a little predictable but that didn't take away from the charm of the story. There were a few instances of extra information that wasn't really needed to set the scene, which slowed down the story for me, and a few tropes common to this genre. I admit I had to suspend my disbelief a little at quickly a man who'd never had sex with another male was able to do some of the things the character could do right out of the gate. That being said, I still thought the book was sweet and a lovely light read.

The book starts out with Teo Wright, a slightly absent minded but brilliant author and illustrator of children's books running late to his sister's obgyn appointment. Teo's brother in law traveled a lot so family oriented Teo didn't mind in the least acting as his sister's stand in birthing partner. Already flustered at being late, Teo becomes even more so when he comes face to face with his sister's doctor the gorgeous silver fox Dr. Michael Ashworth, who instantly gets nicknamed 'Dr. Do-me.'

Michael Ashworth is a widower of three children aged seven to mid teens. He's a talented doctor who lost his wife in a tragic (if slightly unexplained) set of circumstances that have left him guilty for not being home as much as feels he should have been despite building his career and practice. He's had a few affairs with women since his wife's passing but has resigned himself to being a widower. And then he meets his patient's partner and feels an instant pull despite the fact that Teo is a 'married' man. And Teo, seeing pictures of a wife and children behind the good doctor, also has to deal with his straight crush.

It turns out both men were wrong about the other's status and at an event for one of Teo's books the two men discover that they are both single and interested. Sparks immediately fly and they start dating. However, a monkey wrench is thrown into the works when Michael's oldest, his son Lucas, lashes out at the idea of Michael dating Teo, 'the young boy toy after his money'. Even when he's corrected and told that Teo is independently wealthy, it doesn't matter. Why can't dad marry Aunt Ashley, his mom's sister? This sets the scene for some family strife. Add to the mix that his deceased wife's family are nasty bigots and there's a whole lot of family drama.

The book does end in a happily ever after with Lucas realizing he was being manipulated by his aunt and finally accepting Michael and Teo's relationship, allowing the two men to finally be together. There is also a tease for book 3 and a tie in to book 1 in the book, providing some nice continuity.

On the whole this was a nice, light read, and one I enjoyed.

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