Title: Adding It Up
Series: By the Numbers Book 2
Author: Chris Owen and Tory Temple
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (102 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (September 3rd, 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Trey and Deuce have settled into their lives as a couple. Dogs, Trey’s daughter, Lacey, and shift work make for an unpredictable and never boring life together. Trey has managed to keep his ex-wife at arm’s length, but Deuce is determined to make peace amongst them all for Lacey’s sake. When he attempts to establish a friendship with Holly, Trey vehemently protests. Holly is not somebody Trey wants more interaction with. Deuce persists, however, and tensions escalate between them.
Trey doesn’t see how the rift can be mended. Can they make it all add up again?
Product Link: https://www.torquerepress.com/fiction/addingitupbythenumbers2.html
Reviewer: GiGi
Review: A heartwarming continuation of book one, that follows Trey and Deuce’s journey through their growing relationship and growing family. Can one be “friends” with their ex? We will surely find out as both Trey and Deuce try to have a good relationship with Lace’s mom. This book also shows the growing pains of any long-term relationship, dealing with each other’s shortcomings, the stress of work schedules on personal lives, and how couples react to outbursts and hurt feelings. It’s also reaffirmed that you can’t just think of your own needs when in a relationship, and sometimes we’re just weak and selfish and need to make amends. The only real complaint I have, and its there, is that this book dwells too long on the issue between Trey, Deuce, and Holly. It’s kinda beaten to death. I also got a bit angry with Trey, I mean, either let Deuce be a parent or not, you can’t pick and choose exactly when that role is allowed him. But I do like seeing their family unit growing with the addition of Deuce’s dad becoming a bigger part, and hopefully even some of Trey’s family in the future. If you enjoyed book one, this is a nice continuation.