REVIEW: Stubborn as a Mule by Juliette Poe

Juliette Poe (aka Sawyer Bennett) is back with her second, stand-alone book in the Sex and Sweet Tea series, Stubborn as a Mule, and it’s a charming, heartfelt, and fun romance. New Yorker Melinda Rothschild has purchased the historic Mainer House is in Whynot, North Carolina, and she’s renovating the home and causing a buzz throughout the small town. She’s immediately challenged by Lowe Mancinkus, who has a personal connection to the home and hates seeing a “stranger” changing it. He does some hilarious but petty things to try and slow Melinda’s construction and possibly deter her from her plans.

Melinda immediately reports Lowe to the authorities, but everyone knows each other in Whynot, including the judge, and Lowe is given a slap on the hand and actually ordered to help her with the renovations. They are forced to work together, and they begin their association trading sarcastic quips and finding ways to annoy each other. Beneath their snark, it becomes apparent that there is an attraction that surprises them both. As they get to know each other, they discover that they share an affection for Mainer House, and they enjoy each other’s company. Lowe is still leery of Melinda’s plans for the house and how long she’ll be in the area, but they begin a journey that neither ever expected when they first met.

Lowe is simply adorable, and he will melt reader’s hearts. He’s sensitive while being sexy and strong. He’s turned upside down by Melinda, and they have a wonderful repartee as their relationship develops from antagonistic enemies to passionate lovers to supportive partners. Poe’s endearing secondary characters, including Lowe’s grandfather, Melinda’s best friend, and various townsfolk, add magic to the story when we get to hear their view point and interpretation of Lowe and Melinda’s various shenanigans. Stubborn as a Mule hits all the right sweet and romantic spots, and readers will enjoy this southern gem.

Book Info:

Publication: 7/20/17 | Self-Published | Sex and Sweet Tea #2

Down in Whynot, NC, there are three things that hold true: 1) life moves just a little bit slower, 2) family means everything, and 3) you don’t mess with history.

When his family decides to sell a home that’s been part of their history for over a century, Lowe Mancinkus is madder than a hornet. To add insult to injury, the woman who purchased it is some fancy pants, city girl looking to fix it up and sell it off. Doesn’t matter that she’s sexy as hell or that just being near her gets his blood racing like never before. That home belongs to his family, or at least it did until she came to town.

Well that just won’t do, now will it?

From the moment that she laid eyes on the historical home in rural North Carolina, Melinda Rothschild knew Mainer House was something special. The perfect escape from life in New York City, Melinda signed the papers and set to work restoring the house to its natural beauty. That is until an angry Lowe showed up on her doorstep one day. With a scowl on his handsome, chiseled face. And a shotgun in his strong, muscular arms.

Is it getting hot in here?

Melinda’s about to get a lesson on life in the south, but Lowe is about to learn a lesson of his own – this city girl doesn’t back down from a fight.