T OMMY ’ S ROOM had been a large linen closet in another life. Both of them were breathless when Tommy dragged him up the stairs to his bedroom. Their eyes met before Tommy kissed him again. Really, really great book.He finally pulled back to look at Bobby. But, I was too devoted to seeking out some peace and anything good for this family, I was ok with what she brought to the table. Now, once Bobby’s mom enters the picture, I feel the book becomes a bit too fairy tale and loses it’s edge. And watching Tommy give in and let his walls crumble a little bit at a time? I felt relieved, and happy, and hopeful. But, the small bits of love that Bobby keeps grabbing for with Tommy…they were like a balm to heart. I spent a lot of the book waiting for the other shoe to drop…for the next tragedy to befall the O’Shea children. He fights to stay in the guy’s life, to help him as much as he can, and to support and love him. Bobby is a hero in so many ways…but in the best way – he won’t let Tommy push him away. Meet Bobby…rookie cop, former classmate of Tommy, wants to be the knight-in-shining-armor, but mostly just wants to love Tommy.

But, what makes this book special is that despite all that, there can be love. The life Tommy (the oldest) and his siblings lead is…hard, and sad, and I wanted to do whatever I could to help them. Is this book angsty? Well, I don’t think the relationship is angsty. The Last Thing He Needs reminds me a bit of Shameless…but without the comedy. But what gets me is this group of kids, dysfunctional and messed-up, in survival mode – the only lifestyle they know is using means legal and illegal to stay together. Stories about kids w/ deadbeat parents, who have to do whatever they can to keep their siblings/family together, who scrape just to survive and do it all over again day after day…they HURT. But, I’m certain I was pleasantly surprised. I’m not quite sure what I expected when reading this book. Purchase Links: Dreamspinner, Amazon REVIEW:

But when a tragedy strikes the O’Shea family and threatens everything he’s fought for, he’ll have to learn to do both to recover from the brutal hit. Tommy isn’t used to trusting outsiders, and he’s never asked for help in his life. As their unlikely friendship turns into a tentative relationship, they weather the daily storm of Tommy’s life with a lot of laughs and more than a few arguments. Rookie cop Bobby McAlister doesn’t belong in Tommy’s harsh world, but Tommy can’t push him out. It takes up every ounce of his energy and the last thing he needs is romance complicating his life further. Since he was fifteen years old, he’s managed to keep the children fed and out of foster care. Tommy O’Shea is raising his seven younger brothers and sisters without any help from his drug abusing father and stepmother. REVIEW: “The Last Thing He Needs” by JH Knight ABOUT:

The last thing he needs jh knight