The second book in the series, Rick got a lot more in the way of detail and evolution, and while it gave more insight into both Rick and Eliot, there was the same amount of focus on the actual relationship building as in Dante...not enough for my liking. It was a sweet story overall with a lot of overlap between business and romance and the ending was nice as well.
I felt for Rick quite a lot, but more because of his compassion and understanding shown in Dante's story. His insecurity took center stage a little too often in his story and I wish his character had been written as a more solid presence; his constancy and protection drew me to him in the first place, I just wish it had been shown more here. Kind of like Web from Mary Calmes' Frog and his being a mountain (one of my favorite books ever and definitely worth a read).
Eliot's evolution was a bit missing as well. His backbone and acceptance of his identity was in question for most of the story and only at the big confrontation did he bring both of those together and I would have liked to see that change, not be surprised by it.
Progression in the relationship was physical, but a kind of awkwardness clouded it. It often edged a little too far on the justification and acceptance of Rick's assumed occupation and of The Haven's operation practices instead of something to build on that was uniquely Rick and Eliot's. The chemistry was there, though Rick's sweetness was really the focus of the relationship.
There were also too many conflicts packed into a relatively short story, in my opinion. Eliot's job dissatisfaction, his sexual identity, his plans for his money, Rick's financial situation, his insecurity regarding Eliot's age, to say nothing of their feelings and how they don't do too much to build on that in any solid way...there was just a lot. All of them lasted nearly the entire time but were settled by the end, but really quickly with a grand gesture and a bit of conversation. If the story would have had a better balance I would have enjoyed it so much more and I felt both men deserved that.
*$4.99 on Amazon
A gift of a man for one night. A promise of so much more.
When Rick Thatcher’s beloved aunt leaves him the run-down Haven Hotel, he’s amazed to find a group of young men running an escorting business out of it. Intrigued and impressed, he allows them to stay. But sacrifices have to be made to keep the hotel running. The hotel is always short of funds, and the guys… they’re sexy, they’re fun, they’re loyal friends. But they can also be a bunch of trouble. Rick has no time left for romance.
Until the night Eliot Walker arrives at the Haven, naïve but brave, looking to discover what it’s like to be an openly gay man at last. He wants to spend the night with a man, one who can excite and guide him. But an escort? He’s nervous of what he’ll find.
He finds Rick. Just the kind of man he’d choose to have his first experiences with, if it was possible. And from Rick’s point of view – on this one special night, and for this one special man he can’t take his eyes off – why shouldn’t it be?
If only this could be more than one night. But their potential happiness and the Haven’s security may already be under serious threat.
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