blub

A free copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Wiremu (Wire/Moo) is Maori and his stature intimidates everyone. He's not a mean guy (pretty much a big family guy) and isn't at all violent, even if his size says differently. He holds down two jobs (both in security, one as a guard for a retail store, the other as a bouncer) and knows he's good at it. When he catches someone who looks to be stealing from his day job he tries to stop the individual but accidents do happen and when the guy he catches actually cowers from him and tries to negotiate a deal to be let off. Wire is taken aback by the suggestion that is offered.

Sid is Wire's total opposite. He's small, he doesn't have a threatening aura and he's not really living a comfortable life. Sid's a librarian and he barely makes enough to support his sister and himself. When he's caught stealing by Wire, he's desperate to be allowed to leave with what he stole and without the interventions of the police.

Instead of taking Sid up on his offer. Wire counters with his own and even manages to do something unexpected for Sid. There starts the two's meeting and road to friendship and more.

I thought this was a cute read. Readers really get insight into the life of both characters. Both Wire and Sid experienced similar things involving a parent and I liked that it was featured how these experienced molded the two of them. I liked the change they wrought from each other and the support that Wire was to Sid.

The build up was fantastic. The author kept me on my toes wondering when Sid or Wire would make the move, in fact, who would be the one who had enough and just threw caution to the wind. The explosive chemistry and the two being to shy or scared to even initiate anything. In Wire's case his fear that he might hurt anyone due to his size.

I enjoyed the family dynamic (not just Wire's but Sid's too) and the reading/learning the cultural background of the Maori. it was different and I've never read a book with a Maori character before this.