"The difference a good man could have on your entire psyche..."

That quote sums up just about all that Strip Me Bare by Kimberly Brown is really about. In Book 4 of the A Jareau Family series, we get to learn more about Alaina, the bougie, elusive and mysterious only daughter of the Jareau family.

Alaina is running from an abusive past and lots of guilt, the result of youth, bad decisions, and an even worse relationship. Throughout Strip Me Bare, she is thrown curveball after curveball and is forced to make some very difficult decisions about her identity and the woman she wants to be. 

While Roosevelt is dealing with past hurt, the result of being born to an addict, raised by grandparents he lost in his adulthood, and being a single father after his ex-wife succumbed to an alcohol addiction, he sees something in Alaina that gives him the space to be vulnerable and weak - showing his true strength. 

Alaina meets working class loner Roosevelt, the Jareau family's gardener, and the two build a relationship built on vulnerability, love, and admiration for one another. Together they're able to overcome their individual weaknesses and be the best versions of themselves for one another and those in their orbit.

The relationship between Alaina and Roosevelt is organic and gentle. It is easy to respect and admire as a reader. Kimberly Brown really makes you care about both of them. She writes engaging, entertaining and really funny characters. I am excited for Book 5 of the A Jareau Family Series.