Rick: Love at the Haven Book 2, Stella Shaw

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.

Single Omega Dad: Omega Misfits Book 4, Wendy Rathbone

After what happened in Trust No Alpha with Mathias I was set to make him earn his redemption.  I didn't expect to see his detachment and listlessness from the very start and then his quick change after truly seeing Saber.  His redemption didn't fully come until near the end, but that's because part of the process is making amends.  While he spent most of this story attempting to do what was right by the Omega that he was falling for, he had to come to terms with his past and that was his hurdle.  It took a while, but when he got there it was sweet because Kris was a wonderful human being that saw the heart of the man rather than holding a grudge from the past.  Though it did all work out, I felt the reconciliation was a bit too tame for what was necessary.

Finding a strong Omega who knew his mind and was still a wonderful father is something that doesn't always find a balance in many mpreg stories.  I was very happy that this wasn't the case here because Saber was truly a good dad who wanted the best for his sons.  Having a great Alpha to support him in that and to become a true partner in the task was icing on the cake.  I'm glad the kids played a role and at the same time were off screen as an integral part of their story but not taking up a lot of page time because there was a lot to cover with just the two men on their own.  The passion the two shared was definitely steamy and also full of unspoken feels most of the way through the story.  What they found in the end was a bond stronger than either ever anticipated they'd have for themselves and I was happy they got what they needed.

The issue of personal struggle for Mathias was something I felt evenly torn between.  Part of me wished they found a way to get what they wanted and needed without the miracle moment and part of me was grateful that they found a kind of completeness that worked for them.  It could have gone either way and while I enjoy what we got, I kind of feel like the grass may be greener on the other side.  Finding a way to accept yourself for exactly who you are, as you are, is a tough endeavor without anything out of your control getting in your way.  There's a message missing with the cure we found because the toxicity behind Mathias' father's ideas of what makes a strong Alpha is nearly reinforced by having that "flaw" of Mathias' be the thing that solidifies their bond.

Despite that bit of ambivalence, this was such a great story that needed to happen in the series.  It's definitely a stand-alone story, but to understand the depth of Mathias' guilt and resentment I highly suggest reading Trust No Alpha prior to this one.

*$3.99 on Amazon

My new financial guardian, Mathias, is a cold, self-centered, rude-ass Alpha and the son of one of the wealthiest men in the country. To him, I am a burden on society, only fit to live on a chattel farm.

It doesn’t matter that I’m drawn to him, to his ominous presence and chiseled jaw, his muscular body in his fitted silk suits. I’m a single dad with kids and responsibilities--I don’t have time for that rich bastard.

He keeps coming by the house so I can sign documents, fine. But then he’s got cute gifts for my kids. It’s got to stop. I don’t have time to fix him. Don’t have time to fall in love with an Alpha right now.