Most gay men wouldn’t expect to see their dreams come true in a small town in the Deep South. But the road to true love can lead to the unlikeliest places . . . Disowned by his conservative Peruvian parents, Lito Apaza headed for gay-friendly Atlanta. Resilient, charismatic, and successful, he’s built a life on his terms—with a new family of friends and the unconditional love of his dog, Spot. … unconditional love of his dog, Spot. Then his job forces him to relocate to tiny Black Lake, Alabama. Here, being fabulous isn’t exactly the town motto. However, Lito can’t help who he is any more than he can curb his feelings for a certain sexy ex-soldier.
A former dog handler in Afghanistan, Dave Schmidt now runs a volunteer K9 search-and-rescue team. Until he met Lito, his nights were free. As their hook-ups grow hotter, Dave and Lito have to admit this could be something nearer to romance. It’s not what Lito expected. And Dave isn’t used to the scrutiny of being visibly gay. Yet everything they’ve been secretly searching for could be right here in Black Lake. If Dave and Lito want a future together, one of them will have to make the first move . . .
Praise for Worth Waiting For
“Qualls provides a sweet romance with some spice while tackling issues such as coming out as an adult, family relationships, and religious acceptance or denial of LGBTQ lifestyles.” —Library Journal
“A sexy new voice, full of promise. These heroes stole my heart!” –Annabeth Albert
“Sexy, fun and well written . . . the perfect book for a cozy night at home reading. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Qualls has in store for us next. –J.L. Langley, bestselling author of The Tin Star
“A charming, sexy, and beautifully crafted tale that tugs at the heartstrings. Can’t wait to read more from this talented author!” —Sara Brookes, award-winning author
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It is a happy read and satisfying in an “old fashioned” way.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie –
3.5 stars
This is the second in the series but is a standalone with a similar theme.
I enjoyed this story, but did feel that it was somehow overly long. The pace was very slow, and at times the inner voice arguing with themselves about whether this was something serious or not went on for too long. For a relatively angst free plot, this indecision was at times frustrating and not news. The men were good together, and some reticence was to be expected, given both the location and their differences. I enjoyed the dog rescue elements, although again I didn’t think that the repeated explanations about Lumpy and Woozy were necessary.
A story with an original backstory and plot, just maybe a little slow for my taste.
Sarah –
3.5 stars
This is the story of a sweet romance between two interesting and likeable men. Lito and Dave meet in a pet store and get to know each other when Lito and his dog, Spot, join Dave’s search and rescue squad.
I enjoyed this more than the previous book in the series, but it is still a little bit too slow and a bit too cute for me. The search and rescue plot is interesting and I really liked learning about Lito’s job. Outside of his rescue work, Dave’s life is pretty bland, and he feels too old to still be so uncomfortable with his sexuality. Lito is a braver, more colourful character but his reactions are a little bit over the top and the miscommunication between Lito and Dave was overdone. There are a couple of steamy scenes in this story but overall it isn’t a terribly sexy romance.
This is a sweet rural romance. It is a simple and fairly predictable story. I didn’t feel much of an emotional connection to either Lito or Dave and I didn’t get very invested in their relationship.
Angie –
This was a sweet romance and low on angst. To be honest, it was super slow and even the few steamy scenes couldn’t pick this book up. There was a lot of inner monologue which drives me nuts, I like dialogue. Lito and Dave are good together, it was just too slow, I found myself putting it down and coming back to it, hoping I would get more into it.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Worth Searching For (Heart of the South #2) by Wendy Qualls to read and review.
Worth Searching For by Wendy Qualls
Heart of the South #2
Misfit –doubtless
Happy in his skin – definitely
Looking for love – debatable
Carlos “Lito” Apaza moves from Atlanta to small town Alabama with a pay raise and increased responsibility BUT he has no idea how or when he will make friends. As he walks through a pet shop in Black Lake he meets a tall manly drool-worthy male. They chat a bit and Dave Schmidt ends up asking Lito and his dog Spot to join the dog-rescue practice happening that week. Both men are attracted to one another but are not sure whether or not that attraction is reciprocated.
There is a slow build to their relationship that is sweet and at times steamy. Their experiences with family, friends and colleagues have varied but neither is “in the closet” and they really begin to care for one another. Well, as with all good romances, there is a problem that causes a rift and yet neither can get the other out of his mind. How they get back together is a delight to read that left me quite happy they managed to work things out.
The supporting characters – human and canine – made me wonder who might show up in a future romance in this series and there was more than one that I would like to know more about, that’s for sure!
This is my first book by this author but I will gladly read more as they are available.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Lyrical Shine for the ARC – this is my honest review
4-5 Stars