What do you think?
Rate this book
Sunday Brothers #2
Hand Picked
Once upon a time, I moved to Vermont… and wound up accidentally sort of married.
Webb Sunday is the straight single dad next door.
He’s lumberjack-gorgeous,
Strong and steady as the trees in his family orchard,
A grumpy fairytale prince...
And entirely off-limits.
Or so I thought.
Until the drunken night the two of us walked into a bar…
And landed ourselves in the middle of small-town history.
Who knew hand-fasting was still a thing?
The town of Little Pippin Hollow did.
And once this bunch of meddling Vermonters gets wind of our accidental betrothal, they are determined to see us seal the deal.
But while the chemistry between us is hot enough to melt the winter cold, Webb isn’t interested in a relationship…
And I’m not sure how long I can keep pretending I don’t want our hand-fasting to be real.
Because while the man might not be the happily ever after I came to Vermont for…
He’s looking more and more like the one who’s been hand-picked for me.
Webb Sunday is the straight single dad next door.
He’s lumberjack-gorgeous,
Strong and steady as the trees in his family orchard,
A grumpy fairytale prince...
And entirely off-limits.
Or so I thought.
Until the drunken night the two of us walked into a bar…
And landed ourselves in the middle of small-town history.
Who knew hand-fasting was still a thing?
The town of Little Pippin Hollow did.
And once this bunch of meddling Vermonters gets wind of our accidental betrothal, they are determined to see us seal the deal.
But while the chemistry between us is hot enough to melt the winter cold, Webb isn’t interested in a relationship…
And I’m not sure how long I can keep pretending I don’t want our hand-fasting to be real.
Because while the man might not be the happily ever after I came to Vermont for…
He’s looking more and more like the one who’s been hand-picked for me.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
April 25, 2022
I wanted something light and fun when I picked this one up, and it was exactly that - low-angst, super fun and surprisingly adorable.
All the characters in this story are pretty great, even the meddling ones. Well, except for Principal Oliver. I didn't like her.
I loved the dynamics between Luke and Webb, both are such wonderful and sweet characters. And I absolutely loved Webb's son, Aiden. He does sound a bit too mature for his age, he is seven, but I didn't mind.
I haven't read the previous book, but I had no problem following this story. I really enjoyed the writing, the humor, the storyline and the way everything came together in the end.
All the characters in this story are pretty great, even the meddling ones. Well, except for Principal Oliver. I didn't like her.
I loved the dynamics between Luke and Webb, both are such wonderful and sweet characters. And I absolutely loved Webb's son, Aiden. He does sound a bit too mature for his age, he is seven, but I didn't mind.
I haven't read the previous book, but I had no problem following this story. I really enjoyed the writing, the humor, the storyline and the way everything came together in the end.
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1626057011i/10717098._UX200_CR0,33,200,200_.jpg)
May 25, 2022
Hand Picked is book two in the Sunday Brothers series by May Archer. I think this might be my favorite book of the year so far! There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t love about this book. I smiled all the way through it and found it so hard to put it down to take care of my normal daily tasks. It was just wonderful, cover to cover!
Luke Williams is the new first grade teacher in Little Pippin Hollow, Vermont. He had been living in North Carolina, teaching and caring for his sick mom. She encouraged Luke to enter an essay contest with the grand prize being a historical farmhouse and surrounding acres. He won which brought him to the Hollow, living on a farm adjacent to the Sunday property. Only things weren’t going exactly as he had hoped.
Webb Sunday is thirty eight years old and is the single father to his adorable seven year old son, Aiden, who is in Luke’s class. We met both Luke and Webb in the first book, Pick Me, so we know there was an incident with Aiden being momentarily lost which Webb still blames Luke for, even though it technically wasn’t Luke’s fault. So Webb is still holding a grudge. Until one night he decides to confront Luke, with the help of several drinks. He realizes that he was so wrong about him. That he’s a good man, a sweet man, and is making him feel all sorts of strange things that a straight man doesn’t feel. With the help of the “Unity Bugle,” hand fasting and some very old historical laws, Luke and Webb find themselves possibly betrothed. Too bad Webb has no interest in every marrying again. Too bad he’s straight.
This book was so much fun, but also so many sweet, adorable moments between these two. The entire town was behind them completing their betrothal steps, even though Webb and Luke had no intention of completing the process. But the more time they spent together, the more they realized that maybe the fairy tale was possible after all. That they were perfect for each other, that they were better together.
I loved the way that they actually listened to each other. That Webb didn’t get angry when Luke told him he was wrong. I loved the way that big bad Webb really was a softy at heart. And that he accepted so easily that there was another side to him he never realized he had. Maybe he was bi-sexual or maybe it was just Luke. But he didn’t hold back once he realized how he felt.
This book was so much fun, so sweet, so sexy, and just plain heart warming. I loved every word of every page. I can’t wait for the next book, Cherry Picked, which will be Hawk’s book. And I definitely need to go through all of this author’s other work. If you haven’t started this series yet, you don’t want to miss the Sunday brothers and this fun, quirky town.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Luke Williams is the new first grade teacher in Little Pippin Hollow, Vermont. He had been living in North Carolina, teaching and caring for his sick mom. She encouraged Luke to enter an essay contest with the grand prize being a historical farmhouse and surrounding acres. He won which brought him to the Hollow, living on a farm adjacent to the Sunday property. Only things weren’t going exactly as he had hoped.
Webb Sunday is thirty eight years old and is the single father to his adorable seven year old son, Aiden, who is in Luke’s class. We met both Luke and Webb in the first book, Pick Me, so we know there was an incident with Aiden being momentarily lost which Webb still blames Luke for, even though it technically wasn’t Luke’s fault. So Webb is still holding a grudge. Until one night he decides to confront Luke, with the help of several drinks. He realizes that he was so wrong about him. That he’s a good man, a sweet man, and is making him feel all sorts of strange things that a straight man doesn’t feel. With the help of the “Unity Bugle,” hand fasting and some very old historical laws, Luke and Webb find themselves possibly betrothed. Too bad Webb has no interest in every marrying again. Too bad he’s straight.
This book was so much fun, but also so many sweet, adorable moments between these two. The entire town was behind them completing their betrothal steps, even though Webb and Luke had no intention of completing the process. But the more time they spent together, the more they realized that maybe the fairy tale was possible after all. That they were perfect for each other, that they were better together.
I loved the way that they actually listened to each other. That Webb didn’t get angry when Luke told him he was wrong. I loved the way that big bad Webb really was a softy at heart. And that he accepted so easily that there was another side to him he never realized he had. Maybe he was bi-sexual or maybe it was just Luke. But he didn’t hold back once he realized how he felt.
This book was so much fun, so sweet, so sexy, and just plain heart warming. I loved every word of every page. I can’t wait for the next book, Cherry Picked, which will be Hawk’s book. And I definitely need to go through all of this author’s other work. If you haven’t started this series yet, you don’t want to miss the Sunday brothers and this fun, quirky town.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
April 18, 2022
If this book were an object, it would be a big, fluffy teddy bear and I'd hug it to death.
Luke is an elementary school teacher whose favorite student is Aiden Sunday. Too bad Aiden's dad Webb hates him, even though Aiden's estranged mom picking up Aiden was not Luke's fault.
One evening Luke and Webb get drunk at a local bar and decide to make amends by blowing a bugle. Little do they know, bugle blowing is a sacred town tradition and leads to them being handfasted. The entire town is thrilled, of course, but Luke and Webb didn't mean to get engaged. Right?
Cue small town shenanigans and feel-good moments.
Luke is so nice and kind, he's almost a doormat, but he genuinely cares about his sheep, the town, and his students. He won't admit to his mom that the farm house he won in a contest is a dilapidated pile of shit because he doesn't want her to worry.
Webb is a caretaker and takes on all responsibilities. He doesn't think he has time for a relationship, but he can't stay away from Luke and is determined to help.
The cuteness is strong with this one.
Hand Picked is low on the angst, moderate on the steam, and high on the sweetness. The plot is predictable and the school principal deserves to be tar and feathered (how does this woman still have a job?!), but any mild irritations I had were soon buried under a pile of whipped cream.
Luke is an elementary school teacher whose favorite student is Aiden Sunday. Too bad Aiden's dad Webb hates him, even though Aiden's estranged mom picking up Aiden was not Luke's fault.
One evening Luke and Webb get drunk at a local bar and decide to make amends by blowing a bugle. Little do they know, bugle blowing is a sacred town tradition and leads to them being handfasted. The entire town is thrilled, of course, but Luke and Webb didn't mean to get engaged. Right?
Cue small town shenanigans and feel-good moments.
Luke is so nice and kind, he's almost a doormat, but he genuinely cares about his sheep, the town, and his students. He won't admit to his mom that the farm house he won in a contest is a dilapidated pile of shit because he doesn't want her to worry.
Webb is a caretaker and takes on all responsibilities. He doesn't think he has time for a relationship, but he can't stay away from Luke and is determined to help.
The cuteness is strong with this one.
Hand Picked is low on the angst, moderate on the steam, and high on the sweetness. The plot is predictable and the school principal deserves to be tar and feathered (how does this woman still have a job?!), but any mild irritations I had were soon buried under a pile of whipped cream.
September 25, 2023
Oh, this was a total cutie!!! I found some of the books in this series boring but this one was quite lovely. Grumpy Webb and sweetie-pie Luke were ..gah ..so stinking cute!! The writing was good -witty and funny here and there and the small town and side characters were awesome. Also, I adored Webb’s kid!
Loved it!
Loved it!
April 19, 2023
Sunshine in book form
It's official, if I want to read a book which is just joyous and makes me so happy, I'll pick up a May Archer romance.
Hand Picked is sunshine in book form, it's got one of the cinnamony-est characters to ever have been a sweetheart roll in Luke.
And, when you add in grumpy Webb and his adorable 7-year-old son Aiden, a ridiculous historic town ordinance from the 1700s and a drunken bugle blowing, you get this fabulous feel-good narrative
I already wish Little Pippin Hollow was a real place. It's the kind of caring town that Jimmy Stewart's George Bailey would find himself right at home.
With all the madcap hilarity that ensues as the two men manage to fall in love while they're supposed to be avoiding completing any of the handfasting requirements, this book had me smiling from start to finish.
Loved it and cannot wait for Hawk and Jack's next.
It's official, if I want to read a book which is just joyous and makes me so happy, I'll pick up a May Archer romance.
Hand Picked is sunshine in book form, it's got one of the cinnamony-est characters to ever have been a sweetheart roll in Luke.
And, when you add in grumpy Webb and his adorable 7-year-old son Aiden, a ridiculous historic town ordinance from the 1700s and a drunken bugle blowing, you get this fabulous feel-good narrative
I already wish Little Pippin Hollow was a real place. It's the kind of caring town that Jimmy Stewart's George Bailey would find himself right at home.
With all the madcap hilarity that ensues as the two men manage to fall in love while they're supposed to be avoiding completing any of the handfasting requirements, this book had me smiling from start to finish.
Loved it and cannot wait for Hawk and Jack's next.
December 31, 2023
Re-read December 2023
This book just keep getting better and better.
-------------------------
This book was so sweet, so cute. I absolutely loved it.
Since Webb seemed to be quite angry with Luke in the first book I was a bit apprehensive when I started this. I wasn’t quite ready for an enemies to lovers romance. But I was happy the anger Webb had fizzled out when he got confronted with sweet Luke and all the bad luck Luke had.
I loved the part where angry Webb was going to tell Luke the truth at the bar they were at. And when Luke who was feeling miserable and had a few drinks got all these angry words thrown at him he simply burst into tears. Oooooh, the hurt/comfort of that scene!
So after that it was basically Webb trying to help Luke in any way he could. And the accidental handfasting ceremony was hilarious. Also the list of things they had to do to make it official and the way they kept accidentally completing tasks on that list was just the funniest thing ever.
This all made for a very lighthearted, funny book, with a wonderfully sweet romance.
I can’t wait to re-read this.
This book just keep getting better and better.
-------------------------
This book was so sweet, so cute. I absolutely loved it.
Since Webb seemed to be quite angry with Luke in the first book I was a bit apprehensive when I started this. I wasn’t quite ready for an enemies to lovers romance. But I was happy the anger Webb had fizzled out when he got confronted with sweet Luke and all the bad luck Luke had.
I loved the part where angry Webb was going to tell Luke the truth at the bar they were at. And when Luke who was feeling miserable and had a few drinks got all these angry words thrown at him he simply burst into tears. Oooooh, the hurt/comfort of that scene!
So after that it was basically Webb trying to help Luke in any way he could. And the accidental handfasting ceremony was hilarious. Also the list of things they had to do to make it official and the way they kept accidentally completing tasks on that list was just the funniest thing ever.
This all made for a very lighthearted, funny book, with a wonderfully sweet romance.
I can’t wait to re-read this.
April 14, 2022
That was soooo totally worth the wait.
That's the type of family I want. Can't wait for Hawk's book!
My family was a bunch of assholes, and I was going to sell every last one of them except Aiden on eBay.
That's the type of family I want. Can't wait for Hawk's book!
May 10, 2022
4.5 ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Stars!!! This was an adorable read!! Both Luke and Webb were such lovable and misunderstood guys and the plot began in such a funny way. Loved how there was a little bit of a slow burn in the beginning of the story. Great supporting characters too, especially Aidan (Web’s son) who was super cute. The whole blowing the bugle and getting married was beyond silly, but hilarious too with how the entire town was super involved and engaged every step of the way. 🤩
Overall it’s another fluff low angst medium heat M/M romance which has a rom-com feel to it. Highly recommended!! Looking forward to to Hawk’s story with Jack next 😉
Overall it’s another fluff low angst medium heat M/M romance which has a rom-com feel to it. Highly recommended!! Looking forward to to Hawk’s story with Jack next 😉
September 11, 2024
This was lovely!! Funny and sweet and steamy. And I loved both Luke and Webb, but my heart belongs to Luke who was just the most adorable human being ever and I was glad Webb realised that!!
April 13, 2022
5/5 ★
2/5 🌶
This was an utter fucking delight and I loved every minute of it.
2/5 🌶
This was an utter fucking delight and I loved every minute of it.
May 27, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. It was funny with laugh out loud moments.
May 25, 2022
This book was all giggles and no drama, and it wasn’t boring AT ALL!
A free days ago I reviewed a book with fluff and lack of drama, but there, it left me wanting… more. This book here is a perfect example of a light hearted book that’s like a warm hug, that makes you fall in love with literally everyone (well. Almost.) and that makes your day brighter because the moment you set it to the side, you’re still taking that smiley feel-good vibe with you.
I haven’t read the first book in this series (yet), but it wasn’t difficult to get into the story: There’s Luke, a preschool teacher who only recently moved to this adorable town called "Little Pippin Hollow" in Vermont, who’s struggling to make the ruin of a house that he won habitable. And there’s Webb, single father of Aiden, who’s Luke’s neighbour and who -for various reasons- can’t stand the sight of Luke.
After one night spent drinking together, they end up “hand fasted” for 8 weeks.
And trust me - you don’t want me to spoil all the things that lead to that memorable event, as well as the hilarious way they try - and fail - to avoid fulfilling the deeds that would lead to a more permanent relationship. I laughed, giggled and snickered almost the entire time I read it, and it still was so heartwarmingy romantic that I’m still all fuzzy and warm inside after finishing it.
If you want a good time, with extremely likable characters and a swoonworthy couple, then this book is perfect for you.
5 stars - a book I’ll definitely read again when I need a pick-me-up!
A free days ago I reviewed a book with fluff and lack of drama, but there, it left me wanting… more. This book here is a perfect example of a light hearted book that’s like a warm hug, that makes you fall in love with literally everyone (well. Almost.) and that makes your day brighter because the moment you set it to the side, you’re still taking that smiley feel-good vibe with you.
I haven’t read the first book in this series (yet), but it wasn’t difficult to get into the story: There’s Luke, a preschool teacher who only recently moved to this adorable town called "Little Pippin Hollow" in Vermont, who’s struggling to make the ruin of a house that he won habitable. And there’s Webb, single father of Aiden, who’s Luke’s neighbour and who -for various reasons- can’t stand the sight of Luke.
After one night spent drinking together, they end up “hand fasted” for 8 weeks.
And trust me - you don’t want me to spoil all the things that lead to that memorable event, as well as the hilarious way they try - and fail - to avoid fulfilling the deeds that would lead to a more permanent relationship. I laughed, giggled and snickered almost the entire time I read it, and it still was so heartwarmingy romantic that I’m still all fuzzy and warm inside after finishing it.
If you want a good time, with extremely likable characters and a swoonworthy couple, then this book is perfect for you.
5 stars - a book I’ll definitely read again when I need a pick-me-up!
May 21, 2022
Thank you Snjez for the rec 😘. New to me author, I liked it but didn't love it and I can't really put me finger on why. 3.5 rounded up because it kept me reading. Most events in the book were OTT (the premise in particular), I had been warned and it didn't bother me that much but it should be noted. I wasn't a fan of the end (the third act and the epilogue). Luke felt a bit inconsistent to me and I really liked Webb. I also liked the extended family and the small town vibe. I wish we had more time with just the MCs though because the "love" came a bit fast to me.
May 2, 2022
I didn't know what to expect with this book, I've read one book from May Archer before and I kind of hated it, but I read good reviews from you guys so I picked it!
And I liked it! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🙉
It was really sweet without being too much. It was warm without being boring. Quirky without being ridiculous and fun without exaggeration. The main characters were really fun to meet, we had a sunshine/grumpy situation going on that balanced it all. And... a kind of arranged marriage, with a lovely/fun town involved in making it happen.
I enjoyed it, won't read the first one, but the next one with the other brother and the restaurant guy? I'm in!
I hope I keep enjoying this series. Lovely. ❤️❤️
And I liked it! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🙉
It was really sweet without being too much. It was warm without being boring. Quirky without being ridiculous and fun without exaggeration. The main characters were really fun to meet, we had a sunshine/grumpy situation going on that balanced it all. And... a kind of arranged marriage, with a lovely/fun town involved in making it happen.
I enjoyed it, won't read the first one, but the next one with the other brother and the restaurant guy? I'm in!
I hope I keep enjoying this series. Lovely. ❤️❤️
May 5, 2023
Reread May 4, 2023.
Still loved it.
Original thoughts:
I love this series and the Sunday family. Hand Picked is full of light-hearted moments and the book and ending left me with a smile on my face. I loved Webb and Luke together and thoroughly enjoyed watching them become such a strong, loving couple.
If you are looking for an angst-filled book, this is NOT it. It's Sweet and romantic and full of humor and feel good moments. Realistic? Probably not, but I don't read romances for gritty realism every time.
All I know is...I want to belong in the Sunday family and live in their nosey, amazing community.
Can't wait for the next book!
Still loved it.
Original thoughts:
I love this series and the Sunday family. Hand Picked is full of light-hearted moments and the book and ending left me with a smile on my face. I loved Webb and Luke together and thoroughly enjoyed watching them become such a strong, loving couple.
If you are looking for an angst-filled book, this is NOT it. It's Sweet and romantic and full of humor and feel good moments. Realistic? Probably not, but I don't read romances for gritty realism every time.
All I know is...I want to belong in the Sunday family and live in their nosey, amazing community.
Can't wait for the next book!
April 14, 2022
⭐︎
4.5 "Hand Picked" Stars!
⭐︎
This was so delightful. Truly a fluff-fest that I enjoy from time to time. Sometimes you just need all the happy. Which is ironic considering I literally cried near the beginning. But that's just because Luke is one of the sweetest, kindest, gentlest people and the way he shouldered the burden given to him about this dilapidated house he won in a contest...and how he was still trying to be positive...it just hurt. Because he's so kind and sweet and happy-go-lucky and isn't asking for anything from anyone and yet he's been treated by life so poorly.
But once Webb got over his slight animosity towards Luke, and let himself feel the feelings he so clearly had for him, it was basically sunshine and roses from there.
Which I know might be too much for some people, but I'm someone who loves a good fluff-fest. Real life is never really like that, at least it doesn't last if we ever are having a good stretch of pure happiness in our life, so a good fluff-fest just make me so happy and makes me feel good and we all need that sometimes, when real life is so...blegh.
And there were just some great shenanigans in this, what with Luke and Webb getting very drunk and accidentally "handfasting" in front of a lot of the town, and then the mayor pushing the whole handfasting thing in order to get more tourism to their small town in Vermont.
Of course, there are things they have to do in order for the handfasting to go through at the end of an 8 week period, and since it was all a drunken accident, Luke and Webb are determined not to do as much as they can on the list, so the handfasting thing won't be able to go through and be real.
But of course, in many ways they happen anyway, if by accident or a lot of townspeople kind of machination-ing it themselves haha.
And as the weeks go by, they start to fall for each other, except Webb is determined not to start a relationship, because of everything that happened with Amanda, Aiden's mother.
If there's any slight angst in this, it happens in the beginning and with Webb sticking his mouth in it a time or two, but that's about it.
And Webb, who thought he was straight before Luke, takes being attracted to a man well, for the most part. I think the previous 8 months where he seemingly disliked Luke were him trying to denying his attraction and possible feelings, and it's understandable for him to do so when his whole 38 years leading up to meeting Luke, he'd never been attracted to a guy.
But once he stops denying and lying to himself, he takes being with Luke in stride.
My only real gripe with this is the fairly lackluster sex scenes. The last one in the epilogue they have is fairly hot, but otherwise...they were just okay. The romance was so on point, it was wonderful, but once we got to the sex scenes they just...kinda happened really quickly, glossed over a bit, and didn't have the emotional impact I was hoping for, or the sizzling heat I was hoping for either. For this being Webb's first time with a man, I was hoping for more detailed, sizzling encounters.
But, that was just one aspect of this and while it bothered me, sex not written as well as it could be doesn't deter my enjoyment of the overall story that much, hence only taking .5 stars off.
Otherwise, I just adored this. Luke was the sweetest, most adorable man. Webb was more gruff and grumpy but so kind in his own way, and very protective and stalwart and loyal. Also Webb is a big 6'3" guy while Luke is smaller 5'8" guy and yasss size difference! Love it ;).
The romance was just on point. Of course Webb could do nothing else but fall for Luke. It's like once he got over his hangups and let Luke in, it didn't take long at all for him to fall head first into love with him. It just had to get past his fears and be ready to be with Luke full stop.
I also continued to adore Aiden, Webb's son. He was so sweet as well, and his adoration of Luke was wonderful and heart-melting. Even though he isn't Luke's son, it definitely felt like he was. And I know Amanda is in the picture, but that just means it's more like Aiden has 3 parents in the end. I loved his and Luke's bond so much.
So yeah, this might not be for everyone. If a little too much fluff is too much for you, then this will not be for you. But if you love a good 'ol fluff-fest, then pick this one up. It's so so good.
Next book will be about Jack, Webb's best friend, and Hawk, the youngest Sunday brother, and I can't wait. There will be the age-gap and definitely Jack angst-ing over Webb finding out about them. We already saw a hint of that in this one.
So I definitely recommend this if you don't mind some fluff on top of fluff 😊
Definitely two thumbs up from me! Can't wait for the next one! 😍
My ratings for the Sunday Brothers Series:
🔆 Pick Me: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Pick One: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Hand Picked: 4.5 stars
This was so delightful. Truly a fluff-fest that I enjoy from time to time. Sometimes you just need all the happy. Which is ironic considering I literally cried near the beginning. But that's just because Luke is one of the sweetest, kindest, gentlest people and the way he shouldered the burden given to him about this dilapidated house he won in a contest...and how he was still trying to be positive...it just hurt. Because he's so kind and sweet and happy-go-lucky and isn't asking for anything from anyone and yet he's been treated by life so poorly.
But once Webb got over his slight animosity towards Luke, and let himself feel the feelings he so clearly had for him, it was basically sunshine and roses from there.
Which I know might be too much for some people, but I'm someone who loves a good fluff-fest. Real life is never really like that, at least it doesn't last if we ever are having a good stretch of pure happiness in our life, so a good fluff-fest just make me so happy and makes me feel good and we all need that sometimes, when real life is so...blegh.
And there were just some great shenanigans in this, what with Luke and Webb getting very drunk and accidentally "handfasting" in front of a lot of the town, and then the mayor pushing the whole handfasting thing in order to get more tourism to their small town in Vermont.
Of course, there are things they have to do in order for the handfasting to go through at the end of an 8 week period, and since it was all a drunken accident, Luke and Webb are determined not to do as much as they can on the list, so the handfasting thing won't be able to go through and be real.
But of course, in many ways they happen anyway, if by accident or a lot of townspeople kind of machination-ing it themselves haha.
And as the weeks go by, they start to fall for each other, except Webb is determined not to start a relationship, because of everything that happened with Amanda, Aiden's mother.
If there's any slight angst in this, it happens in the beginning and with Webb sticking his mouth in it a time or two, but that's about it.
And Webb, who thought he was straight before Luke, takes being attracted to a man well, for the most part. I think the previous 8 months where he seemingly disliked Luke were him trying to denying his attraction and possible feelings, and it's understandable for him to do so when his whole 38 years leading up to meeting Luke, he'd never been attracted to a guy.
But once he stops denying and lying to himself, he takes being with Luke in stride.
My only real gripe with this is the fairly lackluster sex scenes. The last one in the epilogue they have is fairly hot, but otherwise...they were just okay. The romance was so on point, it was wonderful, but once we got to the sex scenes they just...kinda happened really quickly, glossed over a bit, and didn't have the emotional impact I was hoping for, or the sizzling heat I was hoping for either. For this being Webb's first time with a man, I was hoping for more detailed, sizzling encounters.
But, that was just one aspect of this and while it bothered me, sex not written as well as it could be doesn't deter my enjoyment of the overall story that much, hence only taking .5 stars off.
Otherwise, I just adored this. Luke was the sweetest, most adorable man. Webb was more gruff and grumpy but so kind in his own way, and very protective and stalwart and loyal. Also Webb is a big 6'3" guy while Luke is smaller 5'8" guy and yasss size difference! Love it ;).
The romance was just on point. Of course Webb could do nothing else but fall for Luke. It's like once he got over his hangups and let Luke in, it didn't take long at all for him to fall head first into love with him. It just had to get past his fears and be ready to be with Luke full stop.
I also continued to adore Aiden, Webb's son. He was so sweet as well, and his adoration of Luke was wonderful and heart-melting. Even though he isn't Luke's son, it definitely felt like he was. And I know Amanda is in the picture, but that just means it's more like Aiden has 3 parents in the end. I loved his and Luke's bond so much.
So yeah, this might not be for everyone. If a little too much fluff is too much for you, then this will not be for you. But if you love a good 'ol fluff-fest, then pick this one up. It's so so good.
Next book will be about Jack, Webb's best friend, and Hawk, the youngest Sunday brother, and I can't wait. There will be the age-gap and definitely Jack angst-ing over Webb finding out about them. We already saw a hint of that in this one.
So I definitely recommend this if you don't mind some fluff on top of fluff 😊
Definitely two thumbs up from me! Can't wait for the next one! 😍
My ratings for the Sunday Brothers Series:
🔆 Pick Me: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Pick One: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Hand Picked: 4.5 stars
March 15, 2024
what was this so wholesome for!!!!
October 11, 2023
Overall nice
But
But
April 13, 2022
3.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Silly, OTT, fun. Enjoyable comfort read 🙂
Silly, OTT, fun. Enjoyable comfort read 🙂
April 6, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Hand Picked is the second book in the Sunday Brothers series by May Archer, but can be 100% enjoyed as a stand alone. I have to say that I am in love with May Archer's O'Leary series and I felt like with her spin off series Whisper Keys and even the start of the Sunday Brothers that they were trying to recapture the O'Leary small town vibes and never quite reached it for me. However, Hand Picked effortlessly gave me all the feelings O'Leary gives me, and I loved every moment of it.
Hand Picked follows single dad Webb Sunday and his neighbor Luke Williams , who happens to be his son's school teacher. When Luke first arrived he accidentally got on Webb's bad side and ever since then Webb has been less than friendly towards him. One night after way too many drinks, Webb calls a truce, and they decide on a friendship which result in them blowing the small town historical Bugle and announcing it to everyone. Little did they know that means they are now hand-fasted which is the equivalent of being engaged. Which is so far from reality, even if Luke does have a crush on him because Webb Sunday is straight. What follows is 8 weeks of avoiding the conditions that would turn their hand-fasting permanent and pretending to be in a relationship to benefit from the situation.
And nearly as much as I wanted him, I wanted to keep him warm and satisfied. To keep him happy ...which was scary as f*ck.
Webb is your sturdy , dependable single father carrying way too much weight on his shoulders. He's gruff but kind-hearted and sometimes put his foot in his mouth when it comes to Luke. I liked that he's so confused when he starts to be attracted to Luke, since he thought he was straight. He doesn't readily acknowledge his attraction toward Luke , he has a bit of a sexual identity crisis like he should have, but it wasn't drawn out before he accepts it. I have to mention his adorable and charming son Aiden who is such a great child character, smart, loving, and curious. Now onto Luke! Luke Luke Luke 😍 I freaking love him so much. He plastered a smile on his face so no one could see how much he was struggling. He's sensitive and a sweetheart, all he wants most is to feel apart of the small town community and be surrounded by friends and family. He really tried so hard to not disappoint anyone that it broke my heart. Right from the start, he deserved his happily ever after. Webb and Luke have a little bit of a slow burn and once they act on their attraction it's hard to find alone time together but the intimate scene's between them are well done and have plenty of steam!
Luke Williams was the most delectable thing I'd ever seen, and my very confused, formerly straight self wanted to haul him in my arms and kiss him right there in the middle of the frozen pond and not give a single sh*t who saw us.
I have absolutely zero complaints for this Hand Picked. Every character is on point, from our leading men to all the family and friends surrounding them. The story line was entertaining, no unnecessarily drama and just the right amount of small town meddling.
Hand Picked by May Archer completely surpassed my expectations and I couldn't be happier. A small town romance featuring an accidental marriage, a sort of fake relationship, hockey for beginners, skating lessons, hand tying, Boston Cream Pie ice cream, wood chopping, text messages, and bugle blowing.
Hand Picked is the second book in the Sunday Brothers series by May Archer, but can be 100% enjoyed as a stand alone. I have to say that I am in love with May Archer's O'Leary series and I felt like with her spin off series Whisper Keys and even the start of the Sunday Brothers that they were trying to recapture the O'Leary small town vibes and never quite reached it for me. However, Hand Picked effortlessly gave me all the feelings O'Leary gives me, and I loved every moment of it.
Hand Picked follows single dad Webb Sunday and his neighbor Luke Williams , who happens to be his son's school teacher. When Luke first arrived he accidentally got on Webb's bad side and ever since then Webb has been less than friendly towards him. One night after way too many drinks, Webb calls a truce, and they decide on a friendship which result in them blowing the small town historical Bugle and announcing it to everyone. Little did they know that means they are now hand-fasted which is the equivalent of being engaged. Which is so far from reality, even if Luke does have a crush on him because Webb Sunday is straight. What follows is 8 weeks of avoiding the conditions that would turn their hand-fasting permanent and pretending to be in a relationship to benefit from the situation.
And nearly as much as I wanted him, I wanted to keep him warm and satisfied. To keep him happy ...which was scary as f*ck.
Webb is your sturdy , dependable single father carrying way too much weight on his shoulders. He's gruff but kind-hearted and sometimes put his foot in his mouth when it comes to Luke. I liked that he's so confused when he starts to be attracted to Luke, since he thought he was straight. He doesn't readily acknowledge his attraction toward Luke , he has a bit of a sexual identity crisis like he should have, but it wasn't drawn out before he accepts it. I have to mention his adorable and charming son Aiden who is such a great child character, smart, loving, and curious. Now onto Luke! Luke Luke Luke 😍 I freaking love him so much. He plastered a smile on his face so no one could see how much he was struggling. He's sensitive and a sweetheart, all he wants most is to feel apart of the small town community and be surrounded by friends and family. He really tried so hard to not disappoint anyone that it broke my heart. Right from the start, he deserved his happily ever after. Webb and Luke have a little bit of a slow burn and once they act on their attraction it's hard to find alone time together but the intimate scene's between them are well done and have plenty of steam!
Luke Williams was the most delectable thing I'd ever seen, and my very confused, formerly straight self wanted to haul him in my arms and kiss him right there in the middle of the frozen pond and not give a single sh*t who saw us.
I have absolutely zero complaints for this Hand Picked. Every character is on point, from our leading men to all the family and friends surrounding them. The story line was entertaining, no unnecessarily drama and just the right amount of small town meddling.
Hand Picked by May Archer completely surpassed my expectations and I couldn't be happier. A small town romance featuring an accidental marriage, a sort of fake relationship, hockey for beginners, skating lessons, hand tying, Boston Cream Pie ice cream, wood chopping, text messages, and bugle blowing.
May 30, 2022
"The best time to smile is when things are at their roughest. Find something to be grateful for, and fake it until you make it."
"It turned out, forcing yourself to be positive and optimistic as a means of protecting yourself was approximately the least positive, optimistic thing a person could do."
"Hand Picked" was an enjoyable read. It was my first time reading anything by May Archer. I was excited for it! But sadly it ended up being a disappointing. I didn't expect much, yet I'm disappointed.
Loved the characters and their banter. This book made me laugh out loud several times. Still after the half way mark, the story started going downhill. I was utterly bored and annoyed. 'The Pipping Hollow Mafia' couldn't capture my attention. They weren't cool. In fact I thought the small town society was irritating. The main couple didn't communicate properly. All the drama made no sense. More than anything, I hated the sex scenes. They were bad and cringey. The writing style wasn't good either. Not going to continue with the series. Goodbye!
"It turned out, forcing yourself to be positive and optimistic as a means of protecting yourself was approximately the least positive, optimistic thing a person could do."
"Hand Picked" was an enjoyable read. It was my first time reading anything by May Archer. I was excited for it! But sadly it ended up being a disappointing. I didn't expect much, yet I'm disappointed.
Loved the characters and their banter. This book made me laugh out loud several times. Still after the half way mark, the story started going downhill. I was utterly bored and annoyed. 'The Pipping Hollow Mafia' couldn't capture my attention. They weren't cool. In fact I thought the small town society was irritating. The main couple didn't communicate properly. All the drama made no sense. More than anything, I hated the sex scenes. They were bad and cringey. The writing style wasn't good either. Not going to continue with the series. Goodbye!
April 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this one. Full review to come.
April 28, 2022
whole lotta fluff, light angst free read, loved it!
April 16, 2022
3.5 Stars
Cute and low angst, which is honestly not often my cuppa.
I loved that Webb didn't have much trouble coming to grips with his new-found bisexuality, and though I don't always find it believable when a character accepts new information about themselves so easily, I didn't have that issue here. I did want to smack him a few times for being super bone-headed, though. He had loads more trouble admitting he would want a relationship at all, even when it was obvious he was smitten.
Luke was great, but I wish he would have stood up for himself. He had a tendency to let people walk on him (the principal of his school and Katey at the diner, particularly). He was very easy going. Pick your battles, right? I guess I can relate to that. What I really liked about Luke, though, was that he wasn't afraid to dream. And he's pretty brave, too, considering he up and moved - by himself - several states away from everything he knew even though he knew no one where he was going, all for a chance and a dream. And when things turned out to be much less than he hoped, he persevered rather than giving up and going back home. Plus, he's great with kids and loves teaching.
All in all, I enjoyed this and I am definitely looking forward to Hawk and Jack's story which the author at the end of this book said was "coming soon" ^looks on Amazon^ ... 5 April 2023 . I think we have very different definitions of "coming soon" lol.
Cute and low angst, which is honestly not often my cuppa.
I loved that Webb didn't have much trouble coming to grips with his new-found bisexuality, and though I don't always find it believable when a character accepts new information about themselves so easily, I didn't have that issue here. I did want to smack him a few times for being super bone-headed, though. He had loads more trouble admitting he would want a relationship at all, even when it was obvious he was smitten.
Luke was great, but I wish he would have stood up for himself. He had a tendency to let people walk on him (the principal of his school and Katey at the diner, particularly). He was very easy going. Pick your battles, right? I guess I can relate to that. What I really liked about Luke, though, was that he wasn't afraid to dream. And he's pretty brave, too, considering he up and moved - by himself - several states away from everything he knew even though he knew no one where he was going, all for a chance and a dream. And when things turned out to be much less than he hoped, he persevered rather than giving up and going back home. Plus, he's great with kids and loves teaching.
All in all, I enjoyed this and I am definitely looking forward to Hawk and Jack's story which the author at the end of this book said was "coming soon" ^looks on Amazon^ ... 5 April 2023 . I think we have very different definitions of "coming soon" lol.
April 24, 2022
4.5-5 stars
I was hooked from page one. The small towns May Archer creates makes me want to have my own small town adventures.
Webb and Luke were cute and so was Aiden. I really enjoyed all this! I will say this could be a standalone, I don’t remember too much of book one so this book didn’t feel like you needed to read that book to get in to this one.
I can’t wait for Hawk and Jacks book, I can only imagine Webbs reaction haha
I was hooked from page one. The small towns May Archer creates makes me want to have my own small town adventures.
Webb and Luke were cute and so was Aiden. I really enjoyed all this! I will say this could be a standalone, I don’t remember too much of book one so this book didn’t feel like you needed to read that book to get in to this one.
I can’t wait for Hawk and Jacks book, I can only imagine Webbs reaction haha
November 20, 2023
Silly...sweet...and spicy!
The Sunday Brothers love hard and fast.
An easy and enjoyable read!
The Sunday Brothers love hard and fast.
An easy and enjoyable read!
May 16, 2022
4+
Jedna z niewielu "długich" książek May Archer, która mnie ani nie nudziła, ani nie frustrowała, ani się nie dłużyła. Było uroczo, zabawnie, słodko, lekko, bez właściwie żadnego niepokoju i dramatu - idealna lektura na letnie miesiące czy poprawę nastroju 😁
Bawiłam się świetnie - Luke jest kochany, Webb uroczo zrzędliwy, odpowiedzialny i kochany, historia z przypadkowym zaręczeniem, które po wypełnieniu odpowiednich 12 punktów wg prawa miasteczka z XVIII w. przechodzi w małżeństwo - absolutnie słodka i urocza, scena w barze, która prowadzi do tegoż zaręczenia - świetna 😁 Czekam zatem na historię trzeciego z braci i pewnego właściciela lokalu gastronomicznego, bo ta część do czekania zachęciła zdecydowanie 😁
Jedna z niewielu "długich" książek May Archer, która mnie ani nie nudziła, ani nie frustrowała, ani się nie dłużyła. Było uroczo, zabawnie, słodko, lekko, bez właściwie żadnego niepokoju i dramatu - idealna lektura na letnie miesiące czy poprawę nastroju 😁
Bawiłam się świetnie - Luke jest kochany, Webb uroczo zrzędliwy, odpowiedzialny i kochany, historia z przypadkowym zaręczeniem, które po wypełnieniu odpowiednich 12 punktów wg prawa miasteczka z XVIII w. przechodzi w małżeństwo - absolutnie słodka i urocza, scena w barze, która prowadzi do tegoż zaręczenia - świetna 😁 Czekam zatem na historię trzeciego z braci i pewnego właściciela lokalu gastronomicznego, bo ta część do czekania zachęciła zdecydowanie 😁
October 2, 2023
Actual rating: 4,5-5
Rep: accidental betrothal, bi panic, found family (kind of), a tiny village consisting of only nosy meddlers
This book was utterly ridiculous and I loved every second of it!!! I laughed out loud so many times, it was hilarious!
The style of writing and the humour in this series are unmatched, I can’t wait to read the next one.
The narrator is doing a brilliant job, I can’t believe this could be any better!
Webb has it out for his sons new teacher ever since a little incident where his son got lost.
If he sees him, he crosses the street. He won’t talk or even look at him.
But Luke only recently moved to the tiny village of Little Pippin Hollow, and since Webb hates him, everybody else seems to ignore him too. He feels incredibly lonely, sad and on top of that his house is crumbling down.
One EXTREMELY drunken night leads to these men finally talking, but not only that. They accidentally get kind of…betrothed?
But Webb has sworn off relationships after his car crash of a marriage, and he’s not even gay! Or is he?
Luke was such a sweetheart!!! I immediately wanted to cuddle him and make him feel better. He’s doing everything for his students, is always there to help and offers a smile to anyone near him.
He was new at the school and only did what his boss told him. He didn’t know any better.
I totally understood Webb being pissed, but he was really too hard on him.
I loved how when they both were super drunk they finally talked it out and became friends…and more.
This whole story of an old tradition including a bugle ceremony and a whole list of tasks to complete was so ridiculous and therefore so much fun!
It was simply hilarious how they just accidentally ticked them off without even realising it! 😂
I also really loved Webb and his bi panic, how me was simply refusing to be attracted to Luke, but thinking about nothing else. He made me laugh so much, his thoughts were priceless!
This whole town is just a huge meddling mess and I really laughed my ass of listening to this.
There were one or two events that were a little overdramatic, but I get why they had to occur (to tick off the list), so I’m not too mad about it.
Now after what happened in the end I can’t wait to get the next book in my hands!!!
Rep: accidental betrothal, bi panic, found family (kind of), a tiny village consisting of only nosy meddlers
This book was utterly ridiculous and I loved every second of it!!! I laughed out loud so many times, it was hilarious!
The style of writing and the humour in this series are unmatched, I can’t wait to read the next one.
The narrator is doing a brilliant job, I can’t believe this could be any better!
Webb has it out for his sons new teacher ever since a little incident where his son got lost.
If he sees him, he crosses the street. He won’t talk or even look at him.
But Luke only recently moved to the tiny village of Little Pippin Hollow, and since Webb hates him, everybody else seems to ignore him too. He feels incredibly lonely, sad and on top of that his house is crumbling down.
One EXTREMELY drunken night leads to these men finally talking, but not only that. They accidentally get kind of…betrothed?
But Webb has sworn off relationships after his car crash of a marriage, and he’s not even gay! Or is he?
Luke was such a sweetheart!!! I immediately wanted to cuddle him and make him feel better. He’s doing everything for his students, is always there to help and offers a smile to anyone near him.
He was new at the school and only did what his boss told him. He didn’t know any better.
I totally understood Webb being pissed, but he was really too hard on him.
I loved how when they both were super drunk they finally talked it out and became friends…and more.
This whole story of an old tradition including a bugle ceremony and a whole list of tasks to complete was so ridiculous and therefore so much fun!
It was simply hilarious how they just accidentally ticked them off without even realising it! 😂
I also really loved Webb and his bi panic, how me was simply refusing to be attracted to Luke, but thinking about nothing else. He made me laugh so much, his thoughts were priceless!
This whole town is just a huge meddling mess and I really laughed my ass of listening to this.
There were one or two events that were a little overdramatic, but I get why they had to occur (to tick off the list), so I’m not too mad about it.
Now after what happened in the end I can’t wait to get the next book in my hands!!!
August 26, 2024
Ridiculous premise. Flawless execution.
Seriously, when I first saw the 8 acts these two had to fulfill before they'd be considered legally married, I thought to myself, 'oh great. Now I have to read these outlandish things get woven into the story in various implausible ways.' Nope. Wrong.
It was done so seamlessly that each time it actually happened, I was just as gobsmacked by how natural it was-just like these two MCs.
Honestly some of these came to pass so easily that I'm surprised more residents of this town don't find themselves married to each other all over the place.
Underpinning all this is a sweet love story of a man within whom hope springs eternal and another who's afraid to hope, and about a hundred meddlesome townsfolk. And a precocious yet conniving 7 year old.
Seriously. These people CAN NOT MIND THEIR BUSINESS. Good thing, too, because as sweet as these MCs are, sometimes they're dumber than rocks and need meddling to see what's right in front of them.
But eventually they get there. And all is right in the world....
"I want my descendants to be your descendants, Webb.” (awwww🥰)
...... Well. Except for Hawk. Whose cherry will apparently NEVER get picked. Lol. I didn't want to read more about this sweet but silly town and it's busybody inhabitants but now I have to.
*note. This has the dreaded epilogue sex. But I'm not docking a star for that.
Seriously, when I first saw the 8 acts these two had to fulfill before they'd be considered legally married, I thought to myself, 'oh great. Now I have to read these outlandish things get woven into the story in various implausible ways.' Nope. Wrong.
It was done so seamlessly that each time it actually happened, I was just as gobsmacked by how natural it was-just like these two MCs.
Honestly some of these came to pass so easily that I'm surprised more residents of this town don't find themselves married to each other all over the place.
Underpinning all this is a sweet love story of a man within whom hope springs eternal and another who's afraid to hope, and about a hundred meddlesome townsfolk. And a precocious yet conniving 7 year old.
Seriously. These people CAN NOT MIND THEIR BUSINESS. Good thing, too, because as sweet as these MCs are, sometimes they're dumber than rocks and need meddling to see what's right in front of them.
But eventually they get there. And all is right in the world....
"I want my descendants to be your descendants, Webb.” (awwww🥰)
...... Well. Except for Hawk. Whose cherry will apparently NEVER get picked. Lol. I didn't want to read more about this sweet but silly town and it's busybody inhabitants but now I have to.
*note. This has the dreaded epilogue sex. But I'm not docking a star for that.
January 22, 2023
I adored this. Webb was the perfect book boyfriend and Luke was just the sweetest. Loved their story and characters, and I loved all the supporting characters, especially the Sunday family. This was sweet and funny and just lots of fun to listen to. Who else other than May Archer could possibly write a heartwarming yet hilarious story about a small town where you can accidentally get hand-fasted and all the meddling townspeople that come along with it?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews