4.5 Stars for Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson

In my quest to read more diversely this year, I came across Kwana Jackson’s books. More specifically, I came across Real Men Knit.

What first appealed to me is the title. I’m a big fan of knitting and I typically enjoy books set in a knitting shop or that have something to do with knitting. So, right off, this sounded like it would be fun!

Summary for Real Men Knit

Jesse Strong is known for two things: his devotion to his adoptive mom, Mama Joy, and his reputation for breaking hearts. When Mama Joy unexpectedly passes away, he and his brothers have different plans for what to do with Strong Knits, their neighborhood knitting store. Jesse wants to keep the store open. His brothers want to tie off loose ends and close shop….

Part-time shop employee Kerry Fuller has kept her crush on Jesse a secret. When she overhears his impassioned plea to his brothers to keep the knitting shop open, she volunteers to help. Unlike Jesse, Kerry knows the “knitty-gritty” of the business, and together they make plans to reinvent Strong Knits for a new generation.

But the more time they spend together, the stronger the chemistry builds between them. Kerry, knowing Jesse’s history, doesn’t believe their relationship can last longer than she can knit one, purl two. But Jesse is determined to prove to her that he can be the man for her forever and always. After all, real men knit.

background image with soft grey year, book cover of Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson, text Book Review

My Thoughts

I mean, what more could you want. Sexy guys, a knitting shop, and main characters with good chemistry.

I knew right off that I was going to enjoy this book. The writing and the characters drew me in almost immediately.

Ms. Jackson does a great job of setting the stage. We see what a cad Jesse is, but at the same time we can see that he’s heartbroken and fragile. And with Kerry, we can see that she is kind, loving, but sick of being part of the background for the Strong family.

So, when dynamics start to change, the sparks start flying. It’s fun to watch these two characters figure out what they want and how they go about getting it.

Real Men Knit is a fun, sexy romance with an ending that will leave you with a smile!

Setting

Real Men Knit is set in Harlem, New York in a neighborhood yarn shop that has become an important part of the community.

It was fun to hear about the Community Center, the bodega, the apartment buildings. Having never been to Harlem, this book helped me really get a feel for what it might be like.

About the Author

A Native New Yorker, Kwana Jackson spent her formative years on the A train where she had two dreams: (1) to be a fashion designer and (2) to be a writer.

After spending more than ten years designing women’s sportswear for various fashion houses, Kwana took a leap of faith and decided to pursue her other dream of being a writer.

You can find Ms. Jackson at: KMJackson.com