Review by Christine

Fantastic, original story! 5 Stars!

I've gone back in my mind as far as I can remember and don't recall ever reading a story like this. The premise did seem a bit familiar; I admit that, but once I started reading, I was so wrong. I can honestly say this was an original read for me. That does not happen often. Each character, including secondary were amazing. The H/h were so good together. Not only was their chemistry and sexual attraction believable, it was profound. Complexity is definitely a word I would use to describe not only Michael and Emily, but this book in general. Yes, there is angst though not too much that it didn't overshadow the bit of suspense and mystery going on as well. In addition, both Michael and Emily were dealing with personal issues of their own.

Michael was an honest character. A gentleman and protector by nature. The oldest of three brothers; incredible characters with whom he stars on a home-renovation show. With constant popularity and attention, these Handymen are the epitome of perfect heroes. I especially love how their morals and values stay true to who they are. Despite Michael being a great guy, he is suffering from his experience in a past tragedy. Michael's suffering of PTSD was very realistic. I believed it. The author wrote so beautifully, with exceptional attention to detail and facts. Not only did I love this book, I learned from it.

Emily was a sweet woman. A bit naive but full of heart. I loved her character from the first pages. From the synopsis, you know she starts off this story engaged. I am not going into any more details regarding Emily and Trent. Because this book has a good pace, you won't wait long for drama. And there is quite a bit of it going on. Don't worry though because this is not one of those stories where there is so much going on, you'll end up confused or frustrated. So many feels in this book. I had quite a few surprises as well. There were just so many great elements to this book. I can go on and on with all the positives. The only negatives in this book were the antagonists, but hey, that is expected.

A Goodman is such a perfect title for this book. I absolutely recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading about the next Zorn brother, Eli. That book is coming out soon!

  Review by The Smut Report

This book was so perfectly balanced–I don’t how how a book that deals with heavy subjects ends up being so gosh-darn charming, but it is. Emily’s opening a soup business from her inherited grandma’s house and is chosen by a reality TV show specializing in renovations. But her fiance is a real dud and his true colors start to bleed through the illusion of their life together the moment Emily’s accomplishments are celebrated. After a horrible break-up, Emily turns to Michael for comfort.

Michael is part of a reality TV show with his foxy brothers and is low-key famous for rescuing a day care full of children. But he’s also struggling with something privately that is preventing him from living a healthy or full life. When his burden is brought to light, he has to decide if he is willing to let his loved ones support him the way he always supports them.

This is why it’s deep and tense–traumas aren’t always pretty and sometimes they take a lot of work. For some of these traumas, the person affected really has to choose to take a difficult path to heal. I’m super critical of new relationships that come before a person has chosen to deal with trauma…sometimes it’s just hard to believe the new couple is going to make it if they aren’t being realistic about the work that needs doing. (“You complete me! I feel like anything is possible with you!!” NO! Go to therapy!) This was not at all dismissive of the work and it didn’t at all gloss over what a healthy couple dealing with this stuff looks like. BUT! It also didn’t make it look all gloomy and doomy. It was just really well balanced and also I’m a sucker for a guy who has muscles and knows what tools are called. I don’t normally get all whipped up if they’re sweaty though, but that’s just me. 

Anyway, I love this book and I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.

  Review by Wendy's Book Blog

This is the 1st in a new series and is Michael and Emily’s story. Michael has a successful home improvement show and signs up to convert Emily’s grandma’s house into a store for her homemade soup business. These two are both haunted by demons and the chemistry between them is explosive. No spoilers: this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a well written tale which is filled with drama, emotion, which all leads to a steamy and all-consuming read with engaging characters. I was totally hooked throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.

  Review by Sexy Sirens Book Blog

This author gave me a magical read in that it kept me smiling and my heart happy even through the rocky times. The characters were very well defined and down to earth with everyday problems I could easily relate to. The character's charm and actions made me feel like I knew them and had for years. As for the storyline - just wow… it was written to the point I felt like I was right their living the action with the “Handyman Crew” both on and off the set. Kudo’s Ms. Leo for a very enjoyable read.

The book is appropriately named because Michael, the hero/star of the book, is just that: a good man - despite what he believes of himself. Michael is the star of a handyman show but he is also a local hero due to a past incident. All Michael wants is for people to leave him alone, let him do his show/handyman work and somehow find some peace in his head. But when he meets Emily, the owner of the home for his next TV project, everything changes. She brings him a sense of calm and happiness (even though she’s engaged to another) yet the more he gets involved with her personal issues the more his demons rise to the surface. Will Emily convince Michael to get the help he needs before it’s too late? Will Michael finally seek help so he can live a normal life and be the kind of man Emily and others think he is?

  Review by AVG Books

4.5 stars!

This book was amazing! I had a great time reading it, and was rooting for Michael and and Emily all along. The chemistry and sexual tension between them was off the charts! I am so happy they found each other and their happily ever after.

Also I want to point out that Rosanna did an amazing job at portraying Michael's PTSD. It felt so real and how it was handled was brilliant! You can tell Rosanna did extensive research and it shows.

Highly recommend this story!

  Review by Happily Ever After or Bust

I was very glad to see this wasn't a "your love healed me" kind of story, because that's just not reality. And while fantasy can be a powerful tool, when it comes to mental illness, ignoring the importance of professional help and healing can be dangerous. Michael and Em work together to get him started on the road to recovery, which I loved to see.

Lastly, I wanna talk about the sex because daaaaaaamn. It hit me in the face with it's sexiness. I wouldn't necessarily say that outside the bedroom Michael is the usual Romance Alpha, but he definitely takes charge and gives Em everything she needs. And when I say Michael takes charge, I mean Michael TAKES CHARGE, ya feel?
 

  Review by The Word Nerd Reviews

In A Good Man, Rosanna Leo has once again woven an emotional journey of betrayal, trauma, love, and most importantly, hope.

This book, A Good Man, is the first in a new series titled The Handymen. I have a feeling that the series will follow the Zorn brothers, and if so, I can’t wait to see who is up next. All the brothers are fantastic men in their own right, and it will be fun to watch them succumb one by one to love.

A Good Man is about Michael Zorn and Emily Daniels who are both emotionally damaged and vulnerable, but together they overcome the obstacles to find peace and hope. As expected in a novel from this author, the characterisation is extremely well done. Both Michael and Emily are genuinely likeable people. Yes, they have their flaws, but let’s face it perfection is boring; however, their shortcomings are not of the malicious or vindictive kind, merely the results of their past experiences. As for Michael, well, I dare any woman not to fall even a little in love with him. He is certainly book boyfriend material!

In A Good Man, Rosanna Leo 

has delicately dealt with the matter of PTSD outside of a military setting; raising awareness that PTSD can occur after a wide range of circumstances and that it is not restricted solely to members of the armed forces. For the sufferer, it is the belief in their guilt and their self-condemnation for surviving the incident that leaves them feeling isolated. However, they are not the only ones affected by their illness; those around them also feel isolation and a sense of frustration and helplessness that they are not doing enough to help. The many sides and emotions of PTSD were sensitively identified and demonstrated not only by Michael, but also in the reactions and emotions of Emily and his brothers.

This author always has an engaging writing style; with the ability to capture and hold your attention from the first page to the last. Rosanna Leo does not shy away from emotional triggers; instead, she chooses to face them head-on, and in the case of A Good Man, the result is an addictive read that you will not want to put down until the end.

I would recommend any of this author’s books, but I particularly enjoyed A Good Man. It is light without being fluffy. It is emotional without being too heavy or overly dramatic. Overall, it is a fantastic weekend read, but I’d recommend not starting it at night if you have to get up early the next morning!

  Review by Fantasy Land Blog

Michael Zorn is the first brother of three. The Zorn brothers have their own TV show that is a hit. When they have their next project picked out Michael just happens to find the woman that owns the house very attractive. But she is engaged and getting ready to open her new business. She has no room for him.

Emily is a strong self-sufficient woman who just happens to be engaged to a total jerk. When her grandmother's house is chosen to be remodeled for tv with Michael Zorn as the project manager she is over the hill. Little does she know the heat that will be coming off the two of them. Or the problems that will come up in her relationships.

I really enjoyed this contemporary romance story. I can't wait to see what happens with the other brothers.

  Review by Sara Ohlin

What I hoped would be a fun, sexy romance between a hot handyman and a woman with a crappy ex turned out to be that and so much more! I’m addicted to home design shows so this premise delighted me right away. The hero, Michael is the lead handyman on the show and they’re filming the reno of a house for Emily to use as her soup-making business, or rather, her dream. Emily’s life is a bit sour in the beginning due to her idiot of a fiancé who thankfully doesn’t last long in her life so that Michael can swoop right in. However, Michael has some deep issues of his own in the form of PTSD from a traumatic experience where he saved a group of small children from a man with a gun, which adds some rocky mountains to their relationship path. Strong and confident in their love, Emily has to save him. I love it when the lady saves her man!!