I am seriously crushing on Boone Thrasher, he is so hot, and unexpectedly, sweet. My feelings for Ripley are a bit more complicated. I love her independence, her sass, and her work ethic, but she is also one of my least favorite types of characters--the one who sacrifices herself for people who don't deserve it. It crushes me when a book I otherwise love, has a heroine (and it always seems to be the heroine, not the hero) who stays to take abuse from family members, usually out of a misplaced sense of loyalty. Even though Ripley has her own reason for staying and running the family bar, it wasn't one that worked for me.. But if anyone deserves an HEA with a smoking hot, sweet, dirty man like Boone, it's Ripley. I couldn't help but love her, and want her to find happiness. 
 I enjoyed the vulnerable side of Boone. He comes across as larger than life, so it was a genuine pleasure to get to know him as a regular guy who loves his family, fishing, cars, and just wants to find a woman to love and have a family of his own. His moments of introspection and self-realization make him more genuine and appealing. 
 As much as I love this book, and I really do, I will be ecstatic when the trend of duets and trilogies for a single couple ends. I would much prefer a full-length novel with the complete story. I may be in the minority--there are probably lots of readers who love this format, but I'm not one of them. Having said my piece, I seriously can't wait for Real Sexy--I'm dying to know what happens to Boone and Ripley! 
 Review copy provided for a voluntary review.