Elysia Whisler - Becoming Family

There’s nothing like an important birthday to make a person realize all the things they haven’t accomplished. As Tabitha Steele blows out thirty candles, she makes a wish to take charge of her life. It’s a tall order, considering she doesn’t have much to show for herself since leaving military service. She works at a motorcycle shop but has never even ridden a motorcycle; she’s floundering in massage school; her social life consists of her aunt and her gym buddies; and her closest relationship is with Trinity, the service dog who helps her manage every day. She feels like an imposter in every aspect of her own life.
Playful and wild-hearted gym coach Chris Hobbs is Tabitha’s opposite. He likes to keep things fun and temporary, which is why he’s never tried to move the deepening friendship he has with Tabitha into anything more. But he’s the perfect person to help Tabitha discover her strengths. Then the sudden reappearance of his estranged brother forces Chris to face his past and the vulnerable part of himself behind the party-boy persona…and that means letting Tabitha in.
As difficult as it is for Tabitha and Chris to leave the old definitions of themselves behind, the journey is better with someone special at their sides, becoming who they’re meant to be, together.

Comment: This is the third book in the Dogwood County series and so far I have not found information if there will be more books or if this will remain a trilogy. The series have featured some of the people in the community, namely the former military who now are directly involved with one of the local gyms and the animal rescue association.

In this third book, Tabitha Steele, who left the military as the chaplain's assistant, is still dealing with her own PTSD. Her dog Trinity is a huge help, as is Delaney, her boss at the bike shop and a previous solider her unity worked with. Being around Delaney and the others at the gym has helped Tabitha to regain her confidence but she feels it won't be that easier to let go of her past fears and guilt. At the gym, she is also working on more than her psychical stamina and Christ Hobbs, one of the trainers, is balm for the eyes but she thinks he won't be able to let go of his ladies' man ways...

Hobbs is actually hiding a past where he felt he would never be strong enough to win his fears but time and life have taught him he can. He is still wary of commitment but something about Tabitha calls to him. As their connection seems to become stronger, his past is back to haunt him but this time he can have the means to deal with it. the issue is, will he want to let go of what was bad and embrace his possible happy future?

I have enjoyed reading the other books in this (yet) trilogy, especially the first one, which hit the right emotions for me. The second was good but not as powerful in terms of romance, and now this third is again not as amazing. I liked the book, no questions about it, but mostly for the emotions being dealt with by the characters and some specific scenes. The romance, however, didn't win me over, to be honest.

My favorite part of this story was seeing the interactions between the characters, the dogs they are taking care of or who are part of their lives and all the secondary situations they all see themselves involved with. I don't mind this had multi POVs and I was even able to imagine things about what everyone could possible do and what would happen next, my romance reader persona even envisioned a possible new romance if the author were to continue the stories... in terms of writing and atmosphere, this book remains as appealing and consistent as the other ones.

I do like this aspect of the author's novels, how the setting is engaging and how the characters are likable and easy to connect with, no one is perfect or easy to read and I do like the emotional journey everyone has to do to reach a place where happiness is indeed possible. Regarding this, of the main couple in this story, Hobbs is a little easier to read than Tabitha. His issues are no less valid and worthy to be discussed, even though Tabitha's seem more obvious considering the way she reacts to triggers and how more "visible" that is.

Hobbs has had an abusive father, who beat him and whom he couldn't fight. Now, an adult and much stronger, he knows he has it all different but it's hard to let go of previous traumas. He gets calls from his brother which he ignores but then his brother shows up and says that their father is dying and that means Hobbs has to have a reaction. It seemed "easier" to see Hobbs' issues and how he goes to try to deal with them but his personality did seem a little... static, never really open to others, never really closed off.

Tabitha is a shy, quiet young woman and personality wise, she seems to be easy going, if not a little too bland. I get it that what happened to her, the trauma, the PTSD and her more introverted personality are all things that contribute to her lacking self esteem and confidence. Sadly, despite accepting the fact this is very realistic, it is also a little boring to read about and it takes a long time for her to get out of her shell, so I've never really warmed up to her. I had moments where it felt she was also a little too naive, too innocent.

The romance, therefore, disappointed me. I could never believe the connection Tabitha and Hobbs had, nor that they were both going in the same direction, emotionally I mean. They say words, they have some intimate moments where we see them talk and interact in a way one would not with a mere friend, but those scenes and situations seemed forced somehow, and not really as if it was what they were feeling. I don't think they also had chemistry, even though they kiss once and Hobbs in particular shows signs of jealousy when a "rival" comes along.

I had a good time reading this because, like I've said, I could focus on secondary issues which appealed to me, and after two other books many characters are already familiar, as are the pets and all the animals mentioned. I like reading about these people, but the romance was truly a let down. 

Here's hoping there will be one more book, perhaps with the couple I've imagined in my head..?

Grade: 7/10