Friends in Common [Suncoast Society]

SPOILER ALERT: WHILE THIS BOOK MAY BE READ AS A STANDALONE, IT'S HELPFUL TO READ THE PREVIOUS BOOKS WHICH STAR CALI, MAX, AND SEAN. THESE INCLUDE CRAFTY BASTARDS (#12), AS WELL AS KINKO DE MAYO (#21), HAPPY SPANK PATRICK'S DAY (#47), THIS MOODY BASTARD (#50), AND HAPPY SPANKSGIVING (#62). IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THESE BOOKS, THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. There's typical chaos at Cali, Max, and Sean's house. Cali's trying to work on the books for their business, Two Crafty Bastards while Max is making their "toys," and all Sean wants to do is play. Especially when Sean's dressed in an inflatable T-Rex costume! Cali's about to go nuts! Finally Cali sics Max on Sean, and, for at least a time, peace reigns. Venture has been shorthanded ever since Mallory and had her miscarriage, and various members have been volunteering to cover for Kel and Mal's absence. The devastation caused by Mal's loss of their baby hasn't just affected the couple but their friends as well. It's Cali, Max, and Sean's weekend to volunteer, and it's during that weekend that several member of the Suncoast Society have epiphanies, none more so than Cali, Sean, and Max. Friendship is precious, something to be cherished. But what's just as precious is the ability to know when to jump in and help (always a friend's first impulse) and when to listen, hold confidences, and give the friend time and space to work out the twists and turns in their own personal journeys. This story is one of support, love, caring, and learning when to grab on, when to back off, and (most difficult of all) when to walk back to give that space that true friends understand. The lessons learned that afternoon and evening will stay with Cali, Max, and Sean, as well as several other members of Venture and the Suncoast Society, for a very long time. Tymber Dalton's books always demonstrate her extraordinary and innate understanding of human nature, none more so than this one. Each individual situation highlighted in this book, from Mal and Kel's heartbreak, to Rusty and Eliza's current distress, to Cali, Sean, and Max's triad squabbles, and more is highlighted in exquisite detail. It's not just the difficulties the various members of the Suncoast Society experience. It's the true friendship, the bond that holds these people together, that made me once again realize that friendship is about much more than just words and pushing your way into a friend's life when trouble hits. There are nuances, times to hold back, times to jump in and take action, and times when, not matter how much your heart aches for the people you love, you have to walk back and let them have their own time and space to recover. Tymber Dalton understands this and has been able to use her words to communicate these subtle but oh so important truths. This was a quick read but it drives home the true meaning of friendship in every way. Thank you, , Ms. Dalton, for your understanding, empathy, and most of all, your ability to communicate these subtle but all important truths to your readers. One final note. Please be an informed reader! This is an ADULT book. It contains explicit language and BDSM/sexual scenes. This book may not be for you if you already know you won't enjoy this genre. There are book synopses and reviews available on Goodreads and all booksellers' websites. Use these resources. DON'T LEAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW WHEN YOU KNOW YOU WON'T ENJOY THE BOOK. It's not fair to the author! She works hard to provide a quality work product. If you know you'll object to the book's subject matter before you buy it, you're doing yourself and the author an extreme disservice. Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!