The Alpha's Perfect Ten, Lorelei M. Hart

When Gage's perfect life crumbles before his eyes, he hides the frustration, and the truth, from everyone.  Except he finds himself on a controversial TV show with an enigmatic, captivating surfer/wizard that challenges everything he's come to believe.  Jax is intrigued by the irritating, gorgeous alpha.  Being set up on three dates with the confusingly wonderful man under the guise of observing a couple who could disprove both of their theories is throwing him into unsettling feelings.  With the cryptic and meddling interference of some rather magical characters both men will find the truth of love and life.  But only if they can relinquish their tight hold on pride and secrecy.

Gage sure knew how to push all the wrong buttons for me right from the start.  But instead of staying annoyed at him, I was increasingly curious as to what made him the way he was, why he pursued The Factors so relentlessly.  His arrogant obliviousness was grating, but with George's exodus and Jax's introduction, his eyes and heart were slowly opening to things and feelings he suppressed for most of his life.  The way he grew, softened, and became the man he was always meant to be was really sweet.  Though I will say that it took him most of the book before finally getting a handle on it all and to really change his tune.

Jax on the other hand was already at peace with who he is and his place in life.  What he was missing was a partner.  While he never would have chosen the stuffy Gage, they really became the best partners for one another.  His character seemed to change a bit in the face of his insecurity though.  I was hoping he would find a more "mature" balance to his new-age life, but instead he became a bit juvenile in his emotional angst.  It was like reading a high-schooler's thoughts.  He found himself again, though, when Gage came around and embraced the relationship in its entirety.

The magic aspect was nothing like what you think it will be.  Synopses can sometimes be vague, but the wording for this one was more misleading than anything.  Not to say the elements were bad, inappropriate, or ineffective, not at all.  It's just a bit of a jarring moment when you realize what the direction of the magic is actually taking.  Magical interference led both men to a weird yet sweet resolution that left the story on a high note with good feelings.  It came full circle with a satisfactory evolution for the individuals and a wonderfully tender relationship.

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!