Neanderthal

I adored Kinsey and growly Griff in Neanderthal by Avery Flynn, the book two in her Last Man Standing series, a breezy, light-hearted, humorous, insta-love story. Prejudices are at the heart of this story; a romance between two unexpected geniuses, one that looks like a bad boy, the other like a young Dolly Parton, but only love helped with looking beyond appearances. Within the first five-minutes of hearing Kinsey speak, Griff, the man who thought he would never, ever be in a relationship, knew he was in love and had met his perfect match. Griff is described as someone who not only doesn’t talk nor do feelings. He isn’t cold hearted; he has lots of feelings, yet, over time he has learned to hide them; deep inside. Kinsey is super smart, funny and very likeable; all packed in a Dolly Parton look-alike. Kinsey spoke her mind, despite knowing many people, especially men, wouldn’t take her seriously because of her looks and gender. Then, after speaking, she would walk away, leaving them speechless. Griff and Kinsey are both socially awkward geeks in their own right. Despite being “engaged” and hearing the story behind the “Last Man Standing” bet, Kinsey agrees to go on dates with Griff to help him win. Griff was open-minded and respectful of women, with his enjoyment of listening to Kinsey’s “sexy brain” as well as his respect of all she had accomplished; including not complaining about her working for the competition. The chemistry between Griff and Kinsey sizzles off-the charts and the magnetic attraction keeps them needing to spend time together. Ms. Flynn wrote a wonderful, fun, humorous, insta-love story filled with Beckett family shenanigans, sizzling chemistry, clever banter, and entertaining secondary characters that should definitely not be missed. I highly recommend Neanderthal to other readers and look forward to Nash's story. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I absolutely loved Neanderthal by Avery Flynn, the second book in her Last Man Standing series. Avery Flynn definitely did not disappoint with Neanderthal and has delivered an incredible story filled with everything that I love about her books. Neanderthal is an incredible story and I loved reading every moment on every page and could not put it down. Avery Flynn has once again provided her readers with the amazing characters, that I have come to love and expect in her books, they feel like family! I love the lighter moments in Neanderthal, where I found myself smiling and laughing and the bittersweet moments that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments eyes filling with tears. Once again Avery Flynn has shown with Neanderthal that she is a master storyteller. Who doesn't love hot sexy men, strong females, and loving families who always support one another, they are all such wonderful characters? I love how Avery Flynn managed to find the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong woman on her own, to balance out the billionaire Beckett cousin. Once more her characters in Neanderthal are so believable and charming, they share great chemistry, lots of laughs, and steamy romance. I love that Avery Flynn writes from the perspective of the two main characters. Neanderthal is filled with all those things that I have come to love and expect in an Avery Flynn romantic comedy, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Neanderthal is the story of Griffin “Griff” Beckett, scientist and Head of Research and Development for Beckett Cosmetics, and Kinsey Dalton, entry level skin-care scientist at Archambeau Cosmetics, chief competitor to Beckett Cosmetics. Who does not love a love at first sight love story? Griff and his cousins, Nash and Dixon agree to a last man standing challenge. The winner gets to open the untagged final Christmas present from their late grandmother, Betty. The deal is that each one of them must agree to go on six dates with the first person that responds to their profile on the Bramble dating app. When Kinsey relocates to Harbor City, she moves in with her best friend, Morgan, Griff’s little sister. Kinsley and Morgan meet Griff at his gym, he immediately falls in love with her. Griff explains the last man standing bet to Kinsey and she volunteers to date him for the bet. As Griff and Kinsey spend more time together going on dates arranged by his cousins, things begin to change between them, and Griff begins to feel things that he has not felt before. Neither Griff nor Kinsey are willing to admit their real feelings for one another. Griff has a strained relationship with his father, which is heartbreaking. He is not willing to open to Kinsey about his relationship with his father. Kinsey is wary about starting a relationship with Griff because she believes that he is only interested in a relationship with her because of the bet. Kinsey is concerned about her job. She is worried that she will not be able to repay her grandmother, who raised her has risked her home and retirement on educating her. I love Griff and Kinsey’s love story, and how an unexpected plot twist changes everything between them. I love the amazing chemistry between Kinsey and Griff. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Neanderthal, the characters feel like family and friends. I love the conversations between Griff and Morgan, and his cousins and Kinsey’s with Meemaw. I enjoy all the interactions among the Beckett cousins, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. Who doesn’t love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? Neanderthal delivers everything that I love and expect in a romantic comedy, incredible characters, amazing story, light, poignant and bittersweet moments, and surprise plot twists. I love how she resolved the surprise plot twist; a truly a heartwarming moment. I loved the ending; it was favorite part of the book. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Highly recommend.

4.5 Stars for Neanderthal ( Last Man Standing #2) This is a fun, entertaining read that will appeal to all romantic comedy lovers, it’s a great addition to the new Last Man Standing Series. This is Griff and Kinsey’s captivating story. Griff Beckett is the grumpy, quiet type but he is still part of the bet, to be the last man standing. He may be the cousin who doesn’t say much but that doesn’t mean he isn’t extremely hot with his caveman grunts but a meeting with a special lady brings out the best in him and he opens up completely to Kinsey, a woman who walked into the gym and took his breath away. Kinsey has moved to Harbour City for a new job and to meet her online best friend Morgan who happens to be Griff’s sister. Crossing a line could cost her a lot so will this couple who are obviously meant to be, take a chance and take a leap of faith…… This book ticked my boxes, it’s hot, it’s funny and it has wonderful characters who are easy to connect with. A great addition to the series and it’s left me excited for book 3.