Generally speaking, I prefer heroic characters, and, generally speaking, Stanley is no hero. But there are many kinds of heroic acts, and taking a chance is definitely a biggie. You don't have to knit to love this story, but it helps to be a big sap. I accidentally borrowed this from my library, so now I have to go play catch-up with the rest of the series! ( )

Liked seeing Stanley get his HEA, however... at some points certain characters made decisions that bordered on TSTL, mainly I'm looking at you Jeremy but Johnny too. Nice to see the full cast again in this book but it did dilute Stanley and Johnny's relationship just a little, especially at the end when I wanted a big reunion. ( )

A Knitter in His Habitat by Amy Lane is a romance novel that details Stanley Schulze's search for love after his friend and part-time hook-up, Craw finds the love of his life. Stanley is working in a yarn shop, Ewe'll Love This-- not exactly a hot-bed of gay romance and while he used to play the gay scene in Boulder that's starting to get old.

If you've read any of Lane's books in the past then you know that she is a great writer. Her best stories are full of emotional angst and sometimes physical pain. A Knitter in His Habitat is not angst-filled; the book has some tense moments, but this is light fare for Lane.

Lane tells great stories and this is no exception. I can almost envision Stanley puttering around the yarn shop telling his customers about the different types of yarn available. I can see the pole-axed expression on his face when he first lays eyes on Johnny.

Lane knows how to turn a phrase. She has a clear writing voice and excellent style. The characterizations in A Knitter in His Habitat are good. Secondary characters such as chunky Alice, the owner of the yarn shop, her daughter, Candace, and the very pregnant, hospital bed-confined Ariadne are all strong characters who lend their own flavor to the story. Craw and his boyfriend, Ben also add some interesting spice to Stanley and Johnny's love story.

Lane takes time to build up the relationship between Stanley and Johnny; two dramatically different men. Stanley lost his family when he outed himself as a young man, while Johnny has some dark secrets in his past; secrets that might cost him and Stanley a great deal if they're not careful. Johnny appears more cautious than Stanley, and with good reason. Still, he also seems more eager for a long-term, committed romance.

The road to sexual bliss builds slowly, with such a fine tension, that I was waiting anxiously for the first kiss. Nevertheless, there's no lack of heat; the passion is very evident. Stanley and Johnny are definitely hot for each other. It's clear though that they both want something other than a forgettable roll in the sack. Lane knows how to build relationships and Stanley and Johnny's story is no exception. Their road to love and romance may be a hazardous one, but the journey is well worth it. I loved A Knitter in His Habitat. I may even take up knitting again; I forgot what fun it can be!

Reviewed by Creative Ink Romance Reviews ( )

In the same tradition as the first two books in this series, 'Knitter in his Natural Habitat' is more than a love story between two men who are each trying to deal with their pasts as well as their newfound love. It is also the story of Stanley coming to terms with what he really wants from life, and a partner, and Johnny finally getting what he's always wanted: a man to love who loves him back. And, of course, it is about knitting and the almost miraculous benefits attributed to it. I was immediately invested in this story, not just because Stanley's story proved to be particularly interesting after what we saw of him in the second book. I was also really looking forward to finding out what was going on in Granby and everybody's lives there.

Stanley is a man who doesn’t have a lot of self-confidence, doesn’t believe he is worth being loved, and ends up having a string of one-night stands and quick encounters in club bathrooms. It takes a lot out of him, but when his most steady partner (whom he always met in the bathroom over lunch) falls in love and stops seeing him, Stanley decides it is time for a change. He wants something more meaningful, and he finally admits that what he's been doing isn't exactly the way to find Mr. Right. He withdraws from the scene and knitting becomes a symbol of wanting a commitment for him. He's never knitted before, despite working in a craft shop, but once he does, the changes are amazing.

Johnny, the new delivery man, is exactly what Stanley has been dreaming of: he is tender, doesn’t believe in quickies in bathrooms, and actually wants to date Stanley. Johnny has his own secrets, and it became pretty clear to me who he was (based on what happened in the first two books) early on, but Stanley takes a little longer. Johnny's past doesn’t leave them alone, though, and they each need to face some pretty horrible obstacles before they can be together. But both of them are determined to do this right, so they have little choice but to go by the book.

This is a touching love story, and shows some wonderful character growth in Stanley. His hesitant steps into a life where he is lovable and worth someone's attention are initially small, but it was encouraging to see how he gained confidence. His internal dialog, and his thoughts and reflections are written in a vice that is uniquely his, and I loved how real and even desperate he sounded at times. The group of secondary characters is as wonderful as ever. They are as much a part of each of these stories as the main characters, and their support makes a big difference to Stanley.

If you like lots of angst and drama, if you prefer your romances to be about real men with real flaws and issues, and if your looking for a book that will pull you in and make you suffer and cry along with the characters, then you will probably love this book as much as I did.




NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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Story: 8
First MC: 9
Second MC: 8
Secondary characters: 7
Mystery: 5
Sexual tension: 7
Humor: 7
Hotness: 6
Product placement: 6
Ridiculousness: 3
Annoying: 2
Audio: 9 (5h 30min)
To re-read: 6

“Stanley tweezed his eyebrows once a week, to make sure they arched just so, and now he arched them just so, in order to look quizzical”


Stanley wants to be a nice guy, so he takes up knitting. Works well for him; since he meets prince charming that calls him cupcakes. First half of the book is sweet courting. Second half has some action. Seems the author ran out of “sugar” in this installment and opted for salt. We have many characters with their own side stories taking up space. Still it was a decent read.
steak, cupcakes, sweet dates, knitting, crazy mob thugs and Cadillacs.

I think I will stop here, will not read the next book. I’m thinking its better to quit while a head. ( )