Banger

Blue Collar Hearts Series, Book 2

By: Kiki Clark

Narrated by: Kirt Graves

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

If there was one thing Kevin knew, it was that his BFF’s ex was bad news.

Hank is arrogant, a sloppy drunk, and a complete flirt. And he didn't treat Kevin’s friend the way he deserved.

Enough said.

It doesn’t matter that everyone else has forgiven and forgotten what happened between Hank and Kevin’s bestie. He won’t let himself fall for the older man’s sweet words or endearments.

Especially not after...that night.

Getting ghosted by a guy Kevin wasn’t even really interested in—okay, he maybe sort of could have been, but definitely not now—was the final nail in the coffin. Just because Hank wormed his way into Kevin’s life and friend group, doesn’t mean Kevin has to give him the time of day.

Too bad Hank isn’t getting the message.

Banger is book two in best-selling author Kiki Clark’s Blue Collar Hearts series. It features an age gap, enemies (though not really, except yes because you annoy me so much, but why am I so attracted to you?) to lovers, clothes stealing, bookstore dates, apology BJs, and so much more.

It can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, but both main characters were first introduced in book one, Laying Pipe, so why not start from the beginning. *wink*

©2023 Kiki Clark (P)2023 Kiki Clark

Loved it!

As always, Kirt Graves does an awesome job of bringing this story to life.
Banger is a great addition to the Blue Collar Hearts series.
I loved Laying Pipe and was very eager to read this book.
Misunderstandings and previous bad behavior have Kevin and Hank at odds. Kevin really resents how Hand has previously treated Kevin's bff.
I liked that we get to see Hank's character evolve and show his true heart. It takes a minute for Kevin to switch gears and really see Hank but once he does....wow!
Their journey starts out rocky, but when they both give it a real chance, it becomes undeniable that they are made for each other. Love follows shortly but is truly genuine, and leads to a sweetly satisfying HEA

Love some blue collar men

Story:
The descriptions of Hank are just so scrumptious, even if he hasn't always been described in such a good light. But I was so excited he got a story. A story of growth and redemption. And Kevin is adorable too. I found myself smiling at their coupling. Was happy they got their HEA. Enjoyed the small set up to the next story and will look forward to reading it too. Definitely recommend the whole series.

Audible:
Kirk Graves does an amazing job with the differences between Hank's (a little more gruff) and Kevin (a little more carefree). He does an amazing job at bringing these guys to life. Really enjoying this series and will come back again and again.

5 Stars All Around!

I love when an author totally redeems a character from a previous story. Clark successfully made me fall for Hank in Banger. He is my kind of hardworking, dirty talker! He is very generous with his affection for Kevin. Top it all off with breeding kink for an easy 5 stars from me! Kirt Graves gave the perfect performance; sassy for Kevin and dirty talk for Hank. He hit the swoon worthy parts, “The quiet thankfulness with an edge of adoration…”

catnip

this was like catnip for me. it just pushed so many of my buttons that i breezed through it almost against my will. i always do my best to savor books i've been looking forward to for a long time but this was my most epic fail in that department yet.

Kevin came off as wonderfully sassy and 'together' when we first met him, but the moment you get inside his head you just want to give him a hug. Hank was more of a mystery in the beginning, but you can smell the cinnamon roll coming off him like you just turned the corner to a Cinnabon.

Kirt Graves continues deliver.

Great Listen!

I really loved Kevin and Hank’s story. I didn’t expect to like Hank as much as I did, so that was a wonderful surprise. Kevin is also amazing character, devoted to his friends but he struggles to see a happy future for himself. He is very easy to root, his charm and snark hiding a painful past. Kiki Clark delivers two excellent characters, plenty of heat, and beautiful happy ending for Kevin and Hank. I also enjoy the narrator’s performance, both characters have a distinct voice, and the performance really enhanced the story for me. Loved it!

I Enjoyed It

I really enjoyed this book. I've read a number of books by Kiki Clark and knew I wouldn't be disappointed. I liked both Hank and Kevin- though I thought Kevin held a grudge longer than necessary. Hank especially drew me in. I also loved the supporting characters. They were all well thought out and realistic.

I listened to this audiobook narrated by Kirt Graves, whom I've listened to before. He does great work and I really enjoyed the life he gave these characters. He also did a good job of differentiating between the characters' voices.

Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars

Love this series!

I love everything about this series! Depth of characters and relationship with true love and no cheating. Perfect narration. Highly recommend!

Excellent listen

This is a cute enemies to lovers listen. The initial encounter makes them enemies! The characters are awesome and Logan and Jasmine are cuties!

Completely addictive and wonderfully romantic

I love, love, loved this book when it first came out, and the audio made these characters feel even more lifelike. Kevin and Hank were just two regular guys, but their chemistry was completely addictive to me. Hank didn't even bother trying to hide his attraction to Kevin, and Kevin's grumpy protests were way too overdone to be believable. Add to that their shared friend group that forced them to constantly see each other and an almost disastrous late night hookup and these two had all the makings of an enemies to lovers done right. The more I learned about Kevin and Hank separately--Kevin's crushing debt and family issues, and Hank's quiet desire to find a meaningful relationship where he could take care of someone--the more I realized how perfect they would be for each other if they just let go of their preconceived ideas. There was something so playful and fun about watching their cat and mouse game, where Hank would flirt and tease and Kevin would pretend to hate it, but once Kevin stopped trying to resist I really fell head over heels for the two of them. Hank was such a caretaker, and it made me all mushy inside to see all the little ways he showered Kevin with affection and care. He was so thoughtful and sweet when planning cute dates for the two of them or making sure Kevin had a safe place to land, but also totally filthy in bed when Kevin wanted him to take control. I'm pretty sure I melted my last brain cells seeing all the nasty things they got up to, but I don't even care because ugh it was so so good. There wasn't ever a moment when I got scared that Kevin and Hank wouldn't make it as a couple after they initially got together--if anything, each passing day only made me more and more convinced that they were gonna ride off into the sunset like that sickeningly sweet couple everyone else is jealous of. Sign me up for that kind of love, that's all I'm saying.

**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

Oh Hank...

I'm not going to lie, I was not looking forward to a couple where one half of the main mcs would be Hank. I really disliked him when he was Lucas's boyfriend but man, did he get a wonderful redemption arc.

Slight spoilers

So in here we have Kevin, a young man in desperate need of help and also is Lucas's best friend.

We also have Hank, the ex boyfriend of Lucas who is now friends with both Lucas and John from the previous book.

This had no real story line, it was all about these two deciding that they liked each other and that was about it.

Lucas really didn't care that his BFF was with his ex which made this all angst free.

Hank, the total Daddy dom, was awesome to see become a good guy and I'm glad these two were happy.

Kirt did a good job, but a lot of the voices sounded the same so at times I wasn't sure who was talking, which did not take me out of the story, I still liked it.