i really enjoyed this book! it was so much fun to read and i'm so thankful that i got an early copy of this book from netgalley. thanks a bunch, bros.

I was so glad to get to read this one. I loved the first book in the series, Mama’s Boy, and was excited to see which of the cousins would fall to love next. Griff was the perfect neanderthal example with his grunts and general overall grumpiness. But it was perfect when love actually zoomed in and caught him, right away. And in a way, you could say it actually knocked him off his feet, lol. I loved how Kinsey was a mile a minute chatterer. I definitely could relate to that, when I’m nervous my talking speeds up, although mine might not be quite as coherent and intelligent as her actual words were. Oh, and I love that she had a Meemaw. Before The Big Bang Theory I’d never heard that term, but I loved it! There was also one moment in the book when I was a little appalled that Griff would take perfect bbq that was Kansas City style and add other lesser flavors to it, but I’m all for experimenting I guess, so maybe it was good? Sorry, that was my native Kansas Citian loyalty there.

These two were perfect for each other. While there were still some of the same types of misunderstandings in this one as annoyed me a bit in the first one, and that I get bugged by in so many romance books, they flowed well enough and the the way the author had the characters overcome them made up for it in my mind. Even the final big misunderstanding was fixed pretty quickly and in a perfect way to make up for that being the final conflict.

I loved the family members, Dixon and Nash, and even Griff’s sister Morgan. I kind of hope that the author will give Morgan her own story at some point. I’m also so ready for Nash’s story now! Like Griff, I’m pretty sure Nash is up to something. Of course I’m still so curious about what is in that final gift from their grandmother, and I wonder what they’ll do if Nash falls in love too. I mean, is the bet just who is the last? Because if so, it doesn’t seem fair that they let him wait to be last with getting set up on dates. Anyway, I’m guessing those questions I have as well as any others will be answered in the next book, Mansplainer.

"Griff was many things- stubborn, and stuck in his ways - but he was not the type of guy to kiss someone in any kind of relationship, let alone someone who was engaged."

Griff didn't believe in love. He definitely did not believe in love at first sight. But the moment he heard Kinsey giving someone a piece of her mind, he was a goner. Then he got a look at her - and that just sealed the deal.

Kinsey came to Harbor City for the the job of a lifetime. She's so excited to put her knowledge to work. It's a bonus that she gets to spend time with her friend, Morgan. When Morgan offers her a place to to stay until she finds something, she had no idea she would be in such close proximity of Morgan's hot brother. He is a man of few words, but the words he does say, definitely matter.

This a cute story of two people who seem to be opposite, yet are so much alike. Great book!

3 stars

I liked this one. I haven't read the previous book but I feel these books can be read as standalone because I didn't feel like I missed any inside jokes or anything. Still I'm definitely planning on reading the rest of the books.

Although this was fun, (and surprisingly very) steamy and enjoyable, it was also a bit predictable in some parts. Still that didn't stopped me of devouring this book in one sitting.
If you like instalove and heros who do everything to win the love for the heroine this is definitely the book for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

It was awhile since I last read a book from Avery, but the blurb of this book was too good to pass up. Griff and Kinsey totally own me over. They were soulmates, more alike then they thought in the beginning. Both extremely smart, like a brain explosion smart, they were trying to prove something to their families, super protective of those they love and stubborn as hell.

The first half of this book, as Griff said, told the epically disaster they both were. He was knock down in a boxing ring, right when he first saw Kinsey and totally feel in love, just to discover that she was engaged. Easy there, soon later we found out that was fake “engaged” to an imaginary person, Todd (F*ck Todd!) in the past so she couldn’t be looked down at work.

The only thing they had in opposite was that she was an extrovert and he, well, an introvert, grunting, small words speaker neanderthal. Seriously, they were a mess as they tip-toe around each other, until the truth comes out and oh damn, suddenly Griff was all talkative with her and he was a big dirty talker! Yes, sir! Give me a Griff anytime!

Kinsey’s Meemaw and Griff’s sister and cousins were the highlight. I know next book is all about Nash, but I’m hoping for a Morgan’s book, she is great! Maybe there’s one already. Anyway, the ending was great, they both had to show their vulnerabilities, which only made me happier

4 Dating Stars
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Oh, this is the linked book about the very sexy group of brothers. At some point, they made a bet about not falling in love and who would be the last hold out, the reason...The last holiday gift from their beloved grandmother who passed. Each brother was so attached and loved her so...

The deal was to go out with a woman for six dates and if at the end of the dates, no love happened, then that brother would get the gift.

Our guy is under the gun, has to participate and when he picks this woman to Pretend date to get the brothers off his back, the unthinkable happens...he falls hard. Oh, the conflicts, oh the sexy times, and oh the final happy ending.

Kinsey and Griff's story is sweet, light-hearted, and funny. I loved both of the characters, Griff and Kinsey. They're just so relatable and easy to love. It's even more fun with how Avery wrote their storyline. I loved how their story started and went. Seriously, these two have an instant connection. And they couldn't be any more perfect for each other. They get each other and are more similar than others. Then I loved Griff's family. Always loved when books have those! Another book I enjoyed by Avery Flynn.

4.5 Stars for Neanderthal ( Last Man Standing #2) This is a fun, entertaining read that will appeal to all romantic comedy lovers, it’s a great addition to the new Last Man Standing Series. This is Griff and Kinsey’s captivating story. Griff Beckett is the grumpy, quiet type but he is still part of the bet, to be the last man standing. He may be the cousin who doesn’t say much but that doesn’t mean he isn’t extremely hot with his caveman grunts but a meeting with a special lady brings out the best in him and he opens up completely to Kinsey, a woman who walked into the gym and took his breath away. Kinsey has moved to Harbour City for a new job and to meet her online best friend Morgan who happens to be Griff’s sister. Crossing a line could cost her a lot so will this couple who are obviously meant to be, take a chance and take a leap of faith…… This book ticked my boxes, it’s hot, it’s funny and it has wonderful characters who are easy to connect with. A great addition to the series and it’s left me excited for book 3.

I absolutely adored this book. I’m a sucker for stories when the guy falls hard and fast for the girl, but this went so far beyond that trope. Griff is not your typical hero. He isn’t very talkative (he has so much going on in his head that it’s tough for him to verbalize it), while Kinsey goes a mile a minute, saying everything in her very intelligent brain. Their first meeting doesn’t exactly put Griff in the best light, but these two are destined for one another and, boy, is it fun to watch them figure it out. I loved that both the main characters were so unique. And Griff absolutely stole my heart. The book is fun and sexy and sweet and I loved every word. I highly recommend it

I'm going to be honest here-I think this is the first book by Avery Flynn that I have read. And it won't be the last because I really enjoyed this one! Both of these characters are "geeky" in their own ways. Griff is hot,tattooed, and muscled but he also has the brains to be able to back up the things that he says. Kinsey is this smart as all get out woman in a STEM field-which makes my heart happy as the mom of woman who has struggled with how she is perceived in her own STEM field!! But Kinsey also has this lie that she has put around but I completely get why she did it! It's hard for women in science fields, let me just tell you!! These two together made me laugh a lot but they also made me genuinely like their characters. The beginning does start off a little slow for me, it's why I gave it 4 stars vs 5 stars. But honestly, once you get farther into the book-it is definitely well worth the read!! And after reading this book, I have added more of this author's books to my TBR list just because of how much I ended up liking this one!!

With a title like Neanderthal, you know this story is going to be humorous or completely miss its mark. The Last Man Standing book two by Avery Flynn hits dead center in the funny department but also in the steamy one too. Though I haven’t read many books by this author I see her books with outstanding reviews so she is a hot one to follow. Now I \know why. Her characters are not near perfect but so lovable. The writing especially the dialogue is fun and easy reading.

You hope that Griff Beckett can pull off convincing his love at first sight woman in loving him back. That is even as you are shaking your head at his actions sometimes. Then there is his family. He doesn’t seem so outrageous compared to them.

I have not read the first book but had no problem following along or understanding the competition going on between the Beckett cousins. Be prepared to laugh out loud as you read this book.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sweet, sassy and sexily satisfying! With the second book in her Last Man Standing series Avery Flynn delights her readers with a strong, silent hero who falls for his unknowing heroine the second he lays eyes on her in NEANDERTHAL. The characters are fun, the plot is fast paced and the overall feel of the book is humorous and full of heart. I can't wait for Nash's story!

Griff is socially awkward but such a truly nice guy at heart. It didn't take long for me to be his biggest fan.

Kinsey is a go-getter who has been knocked down one too many times for being a brilliant young female. She's determined once and for all to get a leg up in the job she wants.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced story with easy to relate to characters that always bring laughter and love to the table.

When Kinsey gets her dream job, she never dreams she’ll fall in love with her good friend, Morgan’s, brother. Or that he will fall as quickly in love with her. Griff is an introvert who keeps his thoughts and feelings to himself, but when he hears Kinsey solve numerous problems in a matter of seconds, he cannot help but know she is the person for him. Trying to tell her however, is another story. I loved the banter between the main characters, and the secondary characters make this story absolutely unforgettable.

Making my romcom dreams come true! Neanderthal is romantic, steamy, and funny.

Kinsey is a badass, intelligent, sunshine-y woman in STEM. She’s spent much of her life and career being underestimated and treated poorly in her male-dominated field. In Harbor City for a new job, she meets her online best friend’s brother, Griff.

Griff is a grumpy man of few words and he’s head of R&D at his family’s company which just so happens to be Kinsey’s competitor. Griff falls in love at first sight and after offering to help him win a family bet, Kinsey starts to fall too.

I absolutely loved this book and the moments where Griff, who normally does little more than grunt, finds his words for Kinsey because he just loves her that much!

I love the quirky characters this author writes about. And she added a character who you would love to hate in this story! I was a bit overwhelmed with all the Southern sayings in the beginning as it seemed like every second thought Kinsey had was a Southern saying. However, that seemed to have diminished by the mid-point of the story. Or else I was used to it. Lots of chemistry and angst. Great read!

A Lego-nerd who is also a ripped and tattooed boxer? Yes-effing-please.
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As with the other book(s) in this series, the premise is fun, but also demands you suspend reality. That's fine, but my brain can't help but mildly cringe as "the bet" is covered again in this book. That's just a part of reading Contemporary Rom-Coms, I think. But the implausability of the bet doesn't diminish how good this series is!
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After falling in love with Fiona and Dixon in Mama's Boy (book 1) I was so excited to rejoin this kooky family in 𝐍𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐋 and I was not disappointed! Kinsey and Griff are the hottest nerds ever and I was HERE. FOR. IT.
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Kinsey is such a kick-ass female lead. She is a prodigy in a STEM field (Chemistry) and her logical mind leads to the most fun verbal take-downs in this book! A smart woman putting idiots in their place is always a good time! Kinsey is also sweet, Southern, curvy, and adorably likable.
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And Griff may be my new Grumpy lead obsession. He is epically nerdy and smart, while also physically dominating in the boxing ring and fiercly protecting his family. And also...DIRTY TALK FOR DAYS. But we also get to see his vulnerability as this story progresses and I loves his character arc. I may have to pout "Hot Sex in the Lego Room" on my bucket list.
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𝐍𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐋 has great friendships, strong (and also crappy) family relationships, and complex characters who you will fall in love with. There is a LOT of time spent with the main characters and their respective families, hashing things out, and it bordered on a bit too much for me. However, this also helps establish the story if you are reading this as a standalone.
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I really liked this book and can't wait for the next in the series!

What's wrong with grunts?

Nothing, Griff, who stopped talking at a young age, as his father made him feel inadequate. Mr. Monosyllabic is in it to win the bet and his family is "helping" with his dating profile. Its painful and funny and Griff is self-aware of the ignominy of the situation.
Hence, Kinsey who one, totally piques his interest and two, agrees to the six fake dates.

Its a fun read and I was definitely on Team Griff.
Recommend.

I adored Kinsey and growly Griff in Neanderthal by Avery Flynn, the book two in her Last Man Standing series, a breezy, light-hearted, humorous, insta-love story. Prejudices are at the heart of this story; a romance between two unexpected geniuses, one that looks like a bad boy, the other like a young Dolly Parton, but only love helped with looking beyond appearances.

Within the first five-minutes of hearing Kinsey speak, Griff, the man who thought he would never, ever be in a relationship, knew he was in love and had met his perfect match. Griff is described as someone who not only doesn’t talk nor do feelings. He isn’t cold hearted; he has lots of feelings, yet, over time he has learned to hide them; deep inside. Kinsey is super smart, funny and very likeable; all packed in a Dolly Parton look-alike. Kinsey spoke her mind, despite knowing many people, especially men, wouldn’t take her seriously because of her looks and gender. Then, after speaking, she would walk away, leaving them speechless. Griff and Kinsey are both socially awkward geeks in their own right. Despite being “engaged” and hearing the story behind the “Last Man Standing” bet, Kinsey agrees to go on dates with Griff to help him win. Griff was open-minded and respectful of women, with his enjoyment of listening to Kinsey’s “sexy brain” as well as his respect of all she had accomplished; including not complaining about her working for the competition. The chemistry between Griff and Kinsey sizzles off-the charts and the magnetic attraction keeps them needing to spend time together.

Ms. Flynn wrote a wonderful, fun, humorous, insta-love story filled with Beckett family shenanigans, sizzling chemistry, clever banter, and entertaining secondary characters that should definitely not be missed. I highly recommend Neanderthal to other readers and look forward to Nash's story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Griff is a man of few words and regrets taking part of the bet with his cousins. As soon as he hears Kinsey dressing down a couple of men in his gym he is a goner. Unfortunately, she has a ring on her finger, so she is off limits.
Kinsey is smart, beautiful and super nice. She is attracted to Griff, but engaged (fictitiously) to another man. The chemistry is there and once she admits the truth sparks fly.
I loved how she was always more than her looks where he was concerned and how their entire relationship began because she was helping him with the bet. I was rooting for them the whole time, even when he did something that could destroy their relationship. I appreciated that he knew she was the one for him.
I love this series and can’t wait to read the final book in the series. I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

I will never get tired of a growly hero that gets paired with a bubbly, talkative heroine! Griff and Kinsey were amazing together and they had me captivated from the very beginning. We got to see Griff slowly come out of his hard shell and open himself up to Kinsey which was swoon worthy. Especially those moments that he let his vulnerability show. It actually led to some funny moments when Griff just didn't know what to say to Kinsey but kept trying anyway.

Overall, this was a brilliant read and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.