ARC Review: Soft Flannel Hank
Friends. Pals. Buds. Holy fuck. This freaking book just wrapped me up in burly flannel covered arms and loved me from the very beginning to the very end. Soft Flannel Hank might be a new comfort, forever favourite, all time delicious romance for me. So, what I’m saying is “hold on spider monkey, this is an advance review of a fan, Bella”.
I’d like to thank Eliza for the advance copy, thoughts below are my own enjoy!
I’m a elder (geriatric) millennial, so I hit the OG Twilight wave pretty shortly after graduating from high-school. And now being much (much) closer to 40 than I am to 19 - so a callused, stoic, deep feeling flannel-clad man who chops wood to process, and will power wash your walk because you deserve to walk on a clean ground is uh what’s the word, MY FUCKING CATNIP.
Soft Flannel Hank, is set in an AU of Twilight’s Forks and follows Hank Dove as he processes what I would consider a series of major life shifts. His daughter has moved away, he’s aware of vampires and the paranormal world, he’s left law enforcement after waking up to the systemic injustices, and is moving through a period of depression and languishing. Like his physical form, Hank feels big feelings. In every way.
Esther, a witch on the run from some nefarious vampires, lands in World’s End (aka Forks), and has a tarot based meet cute with Hank in a diner, and your honor I LOVE THEM. What I loved about this (among so many things) was the deep and resonate way Esther and Hank connect to each other, and see the other. Even when things (and feelings) can feel big and scary.
Also this book is so horny. Like a delicious, delicious amount.
Eliza’s writing and narrative voice is so comforting. The world she’s re-created and expanded upon is lush, and how she tells this story jumps so far off the page that it will dive right into your heart and cuddle under an afghan with you. There’s really something for everyone: longing, angst, suspense, self-sacrificing ding dongs, flannels, soul-mates, repetitively trying to gift flowers, callused hands, HORNINESS.
Truly it does it all.
Friends, I loved them and the story an extreme amount. BUT. I also fucking LOVED the extended characters in Jory, Callum, Nat and Niamh. I need all of their happily ever afters like I need to be saved from a Chevy Astro Van spinning out on black-ice (which is to say A LOT). Which for me is a mark of a fantastic romance. I wasn’t ready for it to end, I could have stayed with these horny babies forever. And I am already jealous of everyone that is going to be able to read this for the very first time.
I hope you’ll add this to your TBR’s, call your libraries, and or pre-order it today. It’s headed your way April 10th 2023, and I have a strong sense that Soft Flannel Hank is going to be on a lot of best-of lists this year, trust me.
xo Kels