Make Me Whole by Marie Johnston

Series: Oil Barrons Book 1
Tropes: Widow; Friends to lovers; Slow Burn; Small Town; Single Dad
PoP: 58%
POV: Dual 1st Person
Rate: 5 Stars

I discovered Marie Johnston in 2021, and I read so many books by her. I was excited to hear she was starting a new series, and couldn’t wait to dive into it. She returns to oil country with this series, and the Barron Family. Kennedy and Liam have been friend for years. She is a widow that lost her husband, who was Liam’s best friend and cousin, and lost her way for a while. These two support one another in a way that neither one of them had previously. Kennedy fell apart after her husband died, and her in-laws as well as her mother have created this bubble around her that they won’t allow her to break out of. Liam, however, recognizes the strength that Kennedy has, but hasn’t been able to truly let out.

Liam’s job gives him tough schedule where he is home for 10 days and gone for 20. He is the father to adorable twin boys that are being raised primarily by his grandmother. However, Kennedy has been a huge part of that their upbringing because of their situation. She truly loves these kids and wants to do everything she can for them. Liam has his own issued with the baggage of his ex and his terrible excuse of a father.

I really enjoyed this story because of the way in which the relationship plays out organically. They both are afraid of these new feelings that are coming out, but they are coming out in a way that makes sense and isn’t forced. Kennedy finds that she is truly capable of more than she ever realized, and the fact that Liam allows her to grow and become an independent person who doesn’t rely on those around her is a huge factor. I adore the way they treat each other, it isn’t without issue because she is still grieving. But each and every moment makes sense. Johnston doesn’t add angst for angst sake, it is logical and thoughtful. The storyline with Liam’s father is an interesting one, and I love the fact that by the end of the book, Liam truly sees that the hold his so-called father had over him no longer matters.

This is a slow burn, but it makes sense. And their intimate scenes took new life. There was a good amount of world building in this book because it is the first in a series, but it works really well and doesn’t overtake the relationship between Liam and Kenny. Johnston sets up the next book by having the epilogue in the POV of another character Laney to set up the next book, and I can’t wait!!