Michael, Reinvented

I love this series. Each book gets better and better. I fell in love with Michael in David, Renewed. In Michael, Reinvented we learn even more about him and why he stays so closed off. Diana Copland writes such deep, intriguing characters and page-turning books. I am not one that rereads a lot but This is definitely on my will read over and over list.

Gil has a definite type in men and Michael fits the bill. Being feisty and playing hard to get makes it all the more challenging and intriguing for him.
Michael has been hurt in the past and has trust issues. he doesn't let anyone close except his best friend David.
I loved the back and forth exchange between the two. We also get more of the other characters from David, Reinvented. There is a slight ongoing storyline as well, but I think the story stands alone just fine.
There is a very intriguing turning point that I suggest you grab some tissues.
If you like construction workers, painters, artists, interior designers, broken men and some hot romance this is for you.

Interesting most of the reviews on this site are from other authors, book clubs or readers, mostly female, who received a free copy to review. More gay male readers should post reviews.

I thought the story was ok, kind of formulaic. I enjoyed the first in this sequel more. I did not turn the pages quickly, and found it hard to stay involved.

Reviewed by Morningstar for Diverse Reader

Sometimes fear and rejection can hold us back, but other times it can be the thing that finally propels us forward.


First and foremost, let me mention this is NOT a standalone book. You need to read book 1, David, Renewed, to get a clear understanding of the group dynamic as well as the mystery of the vandal that attacks Michael.


That being said, I loved this book! I’ve been looking forward to reading Michael’s and Gil’s story since we met them in David’s book and I fell in love with them and their snarky banter. The push and pull between these guys is what I loved, and I was glad that the author (or maybe the characters) continued that for a while in this book.


Michael doesn’t make it easy on Gil. You can tell he really likes the guy, maybe more, but is hesitant and closed off due to a past hurt that turns into a current mistrust in all things relationship. Gil is a gentle giant that was the perfect amount of strong, caring, and with a terrific sense of humor for Michael. Gil gives into the one night he can get with Michael even though he does want more. Gil is willing to stand by Michael and wait until Michael is ready to stand by his side too.


The secondary characters in this series are some of my favorites which included Pixie (because Michael’s reaction was priceless!) and Scooter (viciousness can come in small packages), to Vern (this man needs a partner...maybe Matty?) and Matty (who finally came out of his shell a bit), to Beverley (David’s Mom) and Shirley (Jackson’s Mom), to the whole town of people. These characters are what help tie the whole thing together for me. Without these secondary characters, there would be a hole left in this story. The criminal mystery that was carried from David’s book to Michael’s was woven perfectly and although it was a big part of this story it never felt like it was too much.


If you haven’t picked up David, Renewed yet DO IT NOW, then come back for Michael’s story, you will not regret it. The snark and family are strong in this one.

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*

Michael, Reinvented is the second book in Diana Copland's Delta Restorations series. I absolutely loved David, Renewed and was a little worried that Michael's book would not be able to reach that same level of perfection for me, but it absolutely did! Both Gil and Michael were introduced in David, Renewed. You really need to read these books in the appropriate order since characters and storylines flow from one story to the other.

In David, Renewed, the attraction between Gil and Michael was obvious, but Michael was being difficult. Michael is sassy, snarky and unwilling to give love a chance. He finally decides the only way he can get over his attraction to Gil is for them to have one night together. Gil is sweet, with a sense of humor that can appreciate Michael's level of snark. Gil is looking for a relationship and Michael is who he wants in his life. He's willing to wait for Michael to get himself together so they can have a future together.

I loved both Michael and Gil from their introduction in David, Renewed. All the men and friendships in this book really bring this series to life. The guys work together and are great friends. They're there to support each other when they need it, or to offer a dose of humble pie if needed! They are everything you would want in friends! Michael's character could be a little abrasive, but as a snarky person, he totally spoke my language. And we found out that his snark hid his feelings of fear and rejection. He allowed a past hurt to control too much of his life, but he finally gets himself together and we see how fiercely he can love (not that he hasn't shown that with his love of David!).

This book made me a little sappy! There is a scene between Jackson and David that made me cry at how sweet it is! Then I found myself with tears for Michael and Gil later in the story. In Jackson and David's story, their love just flowed together easily. For Michael and Gil, it takes work but it finally happens for them! A large part of this story is dealing with a crime in the first book that went unsolved and it continues in this book. When reading David, Renewed I was a little surprised that it was left unsolved, but now it makes total sense! The author did a great job carrying and escalating this storyline from the first to the second book!

If you have not read David, Renewed yet, please do so and then read this Michael, Reinvented, you'll thank me for it! This is a wonderful series full of love, friendship, snark, and family. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Rating: 5+++ Stars