Overall Grade: A-/B+
Tropes: close proximity/neighbors; age gap; small town; he falls first; grump/sunshine; golden retriever MMC; girl squad
Kilby Blades’s contributions are among the best things that have happened to Smartypants Romance. Don’t get me wrong; I have a lot of authors whom I love writing in this world, but Kilby Blades has a way of bringing more to her romances, and it brings added layers to this world. In Young Buck, Blades introduces us to neighbors, Buck Rogers (a nice throwback to one of my favorite 80s shows) and Loretta. These two have a wild meet-cute that makes you laugh and feel bad for Buck. As the story progresses, Blades gifts us with Loretta’s capacity as an independent, intelligent woman who transcends a traumatic background to succeed in her present day. She wraps Loretta’s story in the genuine adoration of Buck, who falls first. The PR machine behind this book considers Buck the sunshine of the tale and Loretta the grump, but I think the reality is a golden retriever/black cat trope. Loretta, as a PI of cheating spouses, has seen the worst of relationships while also living through it. It isn’t that she’s grumpy; she’s careful and decisive about relationships. With his privilege, Buck has been less thoughtful about it, but a situation in his life allows him an understanding of Loretta’s past. Buck must also navigate a new job in leadership at the Green Valley Fire Department, which brings tension. Blades challenges him throughout this story, and it adds gravity to his “golden retriever” vibe.
Throughout all of this is an underlying story about Buck’s family that surprises him and the reader. This plotline drives the story forward and keeps the readers engaged. As Buck and Loretta grow closer, their romance becomes the sweet essence of the book. It’s also here where my one criticism of the story lies. Blades makes a choice about Buck that threatens his relationship with Loretta, and I understand its need to create tension in their relationship. However, given how Blades develops Buck’s character, it is “out of character” for him and seems inconsistent.
With Young Buck, Kilby Blades shows us why we should read her more. She crafts entertaining characters and draws us into her romantic stories. The ending of Young Buck is precisely what is needed to put a smile on your face for the day, the weekend, or your week. Smartypants Romance is better for having her on their author list.
In love and romance,
Professor A
Professor Romance 