What do you think?
Rate this book
Rock Bay #3
Finding Shelter
Justin Foster has nineteen years of nothing but trouble behind him. After escaping his abusive father, he finds himself in Rock Bay, Washington, with his cousin Travis. Justin is bruised and has a hard time trusting, but with the help of his family and the small town, he might be able to heal.
Logan O’Brien is also new in town, hoping he can finally get away from his past and the memories of the girlfriend who shattered his heart. It doesn’t take him long to realize Rock Bay can be more than safe it can also be home. And for the first time in his life, he finds himself captivated by a man—by Justin.
Justin is attracted to Logan too, but he’s also wary. Physically, Logan reminds him a bit too much of the closeted jerks who used to beat him up after school. But after one awkwardly amazing kiss, he’s smitten, despite how his past and insecurities continue to haunt him. Logan’s love, faith, and stubbornness are just what Justin needs to believe their love is worth fighting for.
Logan O’Brien is also new in town, hoping he can finally get away from his past and the memories of the girlfriend who shattered his heart. It doesn’t take him long to realize Rock Bay can be more than safe it can also be home. And for the first time in his life, he finds himself captivated by a man—by Justin.
Justin is attracted to Logan too, but he’s also wary. Physically, Logan reminds him a bit too much of the closeted jerks who used to beat him up after school. But after one awkwardly amazing kiss, he’s smitten, despite how his past and insecurities continue to haunt him. Logan’s love, faith, and stubbornness are just what Justin needs to believe their love is worth fighting for.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2013
50 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
M.J. O'Shea
86 books947 followersMJ O’Shea has never met a music festival, paintbrush, or
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
May 9, 2013
From the moment I picked up Finding Shelter I knew I was on to a winner. I’ve been a massive fan of M. J even since I read her co-authored works with Piper Vaughn. So when she started writing the Rock Bay series, it was a no-brainer purchase. Book One Lex and Tally’s story ( Coming Home ) was my favourite and stayed in pole position after reading book 2, Mason and Drew’s tale ( Letting Go ) which I also enjoyed, but Logan and Justin’s story has just taken pride of place and is now número uno in the whole series, just for the fact that it had me feeling all tingly and smiley from the moment that gorgeous Logan set eyes on the lovely sweet Justin.
Logan is probably one of the nicest MC’s I’ve come across in M/M genred books. He’s kind, patient, loving, protective and…… straight! Having just finished a long term relationship with his ex-girlfriend he’s living with his best friend Mason, who’s now in a committed relationship with his new boyfriend Drew (characters from Rock Bay: Book 2). Not having homophobic bone in his body, Logan is very touchy-feely, a tactile “hugging” person and everyone, male or female, gets the same treatment.
Justin is small, bit girlish by looks owing to his pretty features and long straight hair. He’s scared of his own shadow. A not-so-happy home-life and having an abusive alcoholic father who hates him because he’s gay aren’t the only reasons. All his young life, he’s been bullied at school too, so he’s wary of people. That is the reason he finds making friends difficult except for his cousin Travis, who you’ll know if you’ve read the series, works at the coffee shop, owned by Lex and Tally(from Book 1). To escape his unhappy home life, 19 year old Justin runs away to Rock Bay to stay with Travis, hoping his father won’t find him, and ends up getting Travis’ job at the cafe when he leaves town to be with his girlfriend. Being worried about his cousin, Travis asks Logan to befriend Justin knowing and trusting that he’ll look after him whilst he’s gone.....read the rest of the review at http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/05/...
Logan is probably one of the nicest MC’s I’ve come across in M/M genred books. He’s kind, patient, loving, protective and…… straight! Having just finished a long term relationship with his ex-girlfriend he’s living with his best friend Mason, who’s now in a committed relationship with his new boyfriend Drew (characters from Rock Bay: Book 2). Not having homophobic bone in his body, Logan is very touchy-feely, a tactile “hugging” person and everyone, male or female, gets the same treatment.
Justin is small, bit girlish by looks owing to his pretty features and long straight hair. He’s scared of his own shadow. A not-so-happy home-life and having an abusive alcoholic father who hates him because he’s gay aren’t the only reasons. All his young life, he’s been bullied at school too, so he’s wary of people. That is the reason he finds making friends difficult except for his cousin Travis, who you’ll know if you’ve read the series, works at the coffee shop, owned by Lex and Tally(from Book 1). To escape his unhappy home life, 19 year old Justin runs away to Rock Bay to stay with Travis, hoping his father won’t find him, and ends up getting Travis’ job at the cafe when he leaves town to be with his girlfriend. Being worried about his cousin, Travis asks Logan to befriend Justin knowing and trusting that he’ll look after him whilst he’s gone.....read the rest of the review at http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/05/...
May 10, 2013
This was sweet and if you're looking for a nice, romantic read then this would be a good choice. The characters from the other two books in the series have prominent parts here so treating this as a standalone may make things a bit fuzzy.
There's angst here but it's not overwhelming and the story is a very simple relationship build. I liked the characters and the read and I'm glad to have read it but it didn't make any real lasting impression on me, but if there are more in the series I'm sure I'll be reading them though, I like Rock Bay.
There's angst here but it's not overwhelming and the story is a very simple relationship build. I liked the characters and the read and I'm glad to have read it but it didn't make any real lasting impression on me, but if there are more in the series I'm sure I'll be reading them though, I like Rock Bay.
March 18, 2017
2.5 stars
This started out really great, but I eventually got fed up with the non-cumminication between these guys.
19 year old Justin has escaped from his home and his abusive father before things get really out of hand. He gets taken in by his aunt and uncle and he finally can start somewhat of a normal life. His cousin, Travis, gets him a job at a coffee shop.
It is there that Justin meets Logan. Logan is sweet, fun, always smiling, and straight. That is until he meets Justin. It is lust at first sight between these two, but instead of acting on that, they both act awkward every time they're around each other.
After a lot of awkward moments, the two finally start a friendship. Logan tells himself what Justin needs is a friend and not a lover. And Justin keeps telling himself that Logan is straight.
It takes the two a long time to finally kiss, and even after that it's not all rainbows and puppies...
Even though Logan constantly tells Justin how much he means to him and how happy Logan is, Justin still thinks their relationship is temporary for Logan.
It's not until the last page that things are finally cleared up. But by that time I just wanted them to go away.
This was not bad book, and there were some sweet moments I enjoyed, but overall the lack of communication killed me.
This started out really great, but I eventually got fed up with the non-cumminication between these guys.
19 year old Justin has escaped from his home and his abusive father before things get really out of hand. He gets taken in by his aunt and uncle and he finally can start somewhat of a normal life. His cousin, Travis, gets him a job at a coffee shop.
It is there that Justin meets Logan. Logan is sweet, fun, always smiling, and straight. That is until he meets Justin. It is lust at first sight between these two, but instead of acting on that, they both act awkward every time they're around each other.
After a lot of awkward moments, the two finally start a friendship. Logan tells himself what Justin needs is a friend and not a lover. And Justin keeps telling himself that Logan is straight.
It takes the two a long time to finally kiss, and even after that it's not all rainbows and puppies...
Even though Logan constantly tells Justin how much he means to him and how happy Logan is, Justin still thinks their relationship is temporary for Logan.
It's not until the last page that things are finally cleared up. But by that time I just wanted them to go away.
This was not bad book, and there were some sweet moments I enjoyed, but overall the lack of communication killed me.
February 22, 2014
3.5
Sweet with a definite n/a vibe and perhaps too long of a slow burn. I liked visiting with Lex and Tally again. This was very low angst, with a couple conflicts inserted at the end.
Sweet with a definite n/a vibe and perhaps too long of a slow burn. I liked visiting with Lex and Tally again. This was very low angst, with a couple conflicts inserted at the end.
October 7, 2015
Nineteen year-old Justin Foster flees his abusive home and the father who thinks he's too effeminate and treats him like a punching bag. Justin seeks temporary shelter with his cousin and his family in Rock Bay Washington. There he encounters Logan O’Brien, a straight but sweet guy who's come to Rock Bay to lick his wounds after being dumped by his fiancee. Logan's best friend growing-up is gay and they even went so far as a non-thrilling experimental kiss a few years back which only further convinced Logan that he was straight. That is... until he met Justin.
This is a story of two guys that are drawn to each other instantly but neither can believe that a romantic relationship is in their cards. After years of abuse Justin has almost no self esteem and can't imagine that a guy that looks so much like those that tormented him in school could be any different. Logan has no problems with gay men, his best friend is gay and many of his friends and co-workers are. Yet openly gay Justin is prickly every time Logan tries to be friendly but there's just something about Justin that make Logan want to keep trying.
This story reminded me a lot of the increasingly popular sexual practice of "edging." "Edging" is where one tries to get one's partner as close to a climax as possible and then to sustain that tension until it becomes a form of exquisite torture. These two guys are so clearly drawn to each other that everyone sees it except them. One problem after another comes in their way and one wonders if they ever will truly get that payoff that we all want. But rest easy. Eventually we get that payoff and it's abundantly clear why the anticipation itself makes the journey worthwhile.
Rather than reading this, I listened to the audio-book version narrated by Tom Vilot. At the outset I wondered if that media choice had been a mistake. In the initial scenes Vilot sounded surprisingly like an almost adequate text to voice app. He gets better when he's doing dialogue but the straight up prose could use a lot more inflection. This problem seemed to fade as the book went on. I'm not certain if it was because I was more wrapped up in the story, or whether he'd gotten better or maybe I'd even grown accustomed to it. I suspect that it was some combination of all of these.
If you're into first times and GFY romances, by all means check out the book, but if you're somewhat skeptical about audio-books vs. text, you might do better to stick with the text version for this one.
*** Note: I received a copy of this audio-book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
This is a story of two guys that are drawn to each other instantly but neither can believe that a romantic relationship is in their cards. After years of abuse Justin has almost no self esteem and can't imagine that a guy that looks so much like those that tormented him in school could be any different. Logan has no problems with gay men, his best friend is gay and many of his friends and co-workers are. Yet openly gay Justin is prickly every time Logan tries to be friendly but there's just something about Justin that make Logan want to keep trying.
This story reminded me a lot of the increasingly popular sexual practice of "edging." "Edging" is where one tries to get one's partner as close to a climax as possible and then to sustain that tension until it becomes a form of exquisite torture. These two guys are so clearly drawn to each other that everyone sees it except them. One problem after another comes in their way and one wonders if they ever will truly get that payoff that we all want. But rest easy. Eventually we get that payoff and it's abundantly clear why the anticipation itself makes the journey worthwhile.
Rather than reading this, I listened to the audio-book version narrated by Tom Vilot. At the outset I wondered if that media choice had been a mistake. In the initial scenes Vilot sounded surprisingly like an almost adequate text to voice app. He gets better when he's doing dialogue but the straight up prose could use a lot more inflection. This problem seemed to fade as the book went on. I'm not certain if it was because I was more wrapped up in the story, or whether he'd gotten better or maybe I'd even grown accustomed to it. I suspect that it was some combination of all of these.
If you're into first times and GFY romances, by all means check out the book, but if you're somewhat skeptical about audio-books vs. text, you might do better to stick with the text version for this one.
*** Note: I received a copy of this audio-book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
August 22, 2020
Audiobook reviewFinding Shelter is another book that I’ve recently re-visited. I read it years ago and remember liking it. So I decided to go back to it for this week’s Flashback Friday review and experience in in audio.
This is the third book in the Rock Bay series, but each book can be read as a standalone as it features a new couple in every book. This one features Justin and Logan. Justin had a rough start on life, living with an abusive father, and one day he’d just had enough and runs away. He finds himself in Rock Bay, being taken in by his cousin Travis who also offered him a job at his café helping out and earn some cash. It’s where he meets Logan and the two are off to a rocky start. Justin is skittish and wary of others, but little by little he comes out of his shell and starts to rely on and trust Logan.
Which is why his attraction to Logan scared him. For one Logan was straight, but he was also his safe place and he did not want to lose it. Logan for his part was drawn to Justin from the start. It was a bit of a surprise, but it never caused any drama. It was refreshing, but it would also have been nice to have some internal struggle at least. It can’t be that easy to change everything you thought you knew. I did like how their relationship was slow-growing and that Justin was given time to land and start feeling safe, to heal. But once they got together it was full throttle all the way.
This is my first experience with Tom Vilot and it will probably be my only one. There were a few too many things that’s not to my personal preference. My first being that he’s a reader rather than a performer. It’s not my preference as I have a harder time connecting to the story. However, a good reader can still do that, but Vilot couldn’t quite get there. There was no infliction to the words and he missed a lot of the punctuations making the sentence structure feel off. At the surface it might seem like small things, but they really affect how the book is perceived. When all you have is the narrator to tell the story those minor things become important.
The narration also shows his inexperience with narrating a book. It lacked consistency. At times he differentiated between dialogue and narrative with small changes in his voice. Other times it was all the same monotone voice. Characters also switched voices and blended together, in the same conversation and it made it hard to follow which character was speaking. I truly believe his intention with this was good, but he couldn’t follow through all the way.
Sadly Finding Shelter didn’t live up to my expectation and personally if I do revisit these guys again it will be by reading their story rather than listening to it.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
September 29, 2013
4.5 stars.
I think this was my favourite of this series.
This was a very enjoyable book.
Logan and Justin don't share their feelings for one another for different reasons but I loved how these two didn't fight their feelings towards one another and they didn't fight being more than friends. They took take their relationship slow and didn't rush into anything. There was drama and light angst. I loved how Logan didn't fight his attraction towards Justin. It just was what it was. He was never weird about feeling attraction towards another guy. He's a very open minded character and very secure in himself. It was very refreshing to read about a character like him.
I adored this quote. It sums up Logan's thoughts about being wanting to be in a relationship with a male for the first time.
"You really do like him, don't you?"
"Yeah, I really do."
"And you're not even a little freaked by it? Justin's a guy, Loogs. You're straight."
"I guess everyone has their exception."
I think this was my favourite of this series.
This was a very enjoyable book.
Logan and Justin don't share their feelings for one another for different reasons but I loved how these two didn't fight their feelings towards one another and they didn't fight being more than friends. They took take their relationship slow and didn't rush into anything. There was drama and light angst. I loved how Logan didn't fight his attraction towards Justin. It just was what it was. He was never weird about feeling attraction towards another guy. He's a very open minded character and very secure in himself. It was very refreshing to read about a character like him.
I adored this quote. It sums up Logan's thoughts about being wanting to be in a relationship with a male for the first time.
"You really do like him, don't you?"
"Yeah, I really do."
"And you're not even a little freaked by it? Justin's a guy, Loogs. You're straight."
"I guess everyone has their exception."
December 29, 2015
I actually bypassed the second book in favor of this one. I didn’t care much for Drew because I thought he’s such a shitty friend during the first book. The story of Justin and Logan is all kinds of lovely. I loved the slow-burn – but it gets too slow for our couple to make their moves but I guess I’m okay with that. And jeez, what the problem with Justin’s dad. What a cray-cray. And the ex – girl, seriously wtf? LOLS.
I added another star because of Tally and Lex. Loved these guys!
Terrific read! Thank you M.J.!
I added another star because of Tally and Lex. Loved these guys!
Terrific read! Thank you M.J.!
May 1, 2013
While I liked Coming Home and really enjoyed Letting Go, Finding Shelter is definitely the best book in the series. I totally fell in love with it! I loved Justin and Logan soooo much! And I have no doubt that I will read their story again someday.
Highly recommended read.
Highly recommended read.
June 25, 2013
Probably more like 3.5, but I'll round up for mah girl M.J.
I could complain a little that it's too long, it's a little "blah blah"ey, a lot of internal dialogue and not much action. That's all true, but just like every M.J. book, these characters are adorable, and their romance is like rubbing velvet all over your insides. So fuzzy!!! But not in that disgusting, sugar coma/toothache kind of way. More in that, "Damn, I want that" kind of way.
Go read it.
I could complain a little that it's too long, it's a little "blah blah"ey, a lot of internal dialogue and not much action. That's all true, but just like every M.J. book, these characters are adorable, and their romance is like rubbing velvet all over your insides. So fuzzy!!! But not in that disgusting, sugar coma/toothache kind of way. More in that, "Damn, I want that" kind of way.
Go read it.
April 7, 2014
Sweet story..a bit of angst but not between the MCs. I've been really enjoying this series so I was definitely happy getting to peak in on the others from past books. I think some of my favorite parts were the movie/tv time that the guys shared together...it felt really 'real' and gave me the warm and fuzzies!
Another winner from MJ!
Another winner from MJ!
May 5, 2013
I have not read the rest of this series, so I can not compare this one to any of the others. I can say that I was not lost when reading this novel.
It was a bit angsty and tropey, but overall enjoyable.
It was a bit angsty and tropey, but overall enjoyable.
July 14, 2014
Note: This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Justin narrowly escapes another beating from his drunken brute of a father when he furtively slips away from his home and heads to Rock Bay where his cousin, Travis, and his aunt and uncle await his arrival. He’s so bruised that Travis encourages him to stay home for a week or so before venturing into the coffee shop where he’s going to be working for Lex and Tally, MCs first seen in Coming Home. He’ll be taking over Travis’s job when Travis leaves town with his girlfriend as she heads to college in California.
When Justin finally arrives at the shop and meets Logan, whom we met in the last story, Letting Go, he freezes up and gives Logan the cold shoulder. Logan is gorgeous but looks like the jocks who made Justin’s life miserable in high school. Now nineteen, he never wants to go near a jock like that again. But Justin has to work with Logan, so he manages to overcome his initial hesitation and makes do as best as he can.
Logan, meanwhile, is starstruck when he meets Justin— whammied, flummoxed, whatever the word, this straight man who came to Rock Bay to heal his emotional wounds when his long-term girlfriend left him, can’t believe his gut reaction to a guy. He’s determined to make a good impression on Justin, and it takes him a while, with a lot of encouragement from his best friend, Mason, but he slowly begins to conquer Justin’s anxiety, and they become friends.
In fact, Justin trusts him so much that, when his dad contacts him and he’s terror-stricken, he calls Logan to talk and share his fears. Worrying that his father will find him in town, he wants to run, but Logan convinces Justin to stay with him since he’s in a two-bedroom apartment.
This is a long, slow burn/ust story and a G-F-Y, both of which hit all my buttons. I felt like I won the M/M lottery with this book! Justin’s emotional healing is a long and painful process that takes place over the course of the fall and into the holiday season. Logan’s support and friendship provide him with a solid base, but watching the two flash sparks back and forth to the point where they finally act on their attraction was so satisfying!
Finding out what happens to disrupt their peaceful journey toward their HEA and learning how the guys handle dealing with life on life’s terms just heaped on more enjoyment. This is a terrific series, and this story just tipped the scale over to being my favorite of them all. If you’re like me and like that slow burn/ust, a GFY, or just a story that makes you feel good all over, by all means, choose this book. It can be read as a stand-alone, however, there’s much more enjoyment from following the cast of characters as their lives unfold over the course of the three books.
This review is of the 2014 audiobook version, and I enjoyed the narration immensely. I’m familiar with the voice of Tom Vilot, having listened to his narration of the previous book in the series, and I can honestly say that I believe that the way he gave life to the characters contributed to my enjoyment of this story. I may not have enjoyed the book as much without his characterization of Justin and Logan and the rest of the guys, and girls, from Rock Bay. Highly recommended.
Justin narrowly escapes another beating from his drunken brute of a father when he furtively slips away from his home and heads to Rock Bay where his cousin, Travis, and his aunt and uncle await his arrival. He’s so bruised that Travis encourages him to stay home for a week or so before venturing into the coffee shop where he’s going to be working for Lex and Tally, MCs first seen in Coming Home. He’ll be taking over Travis’s job when Travis leaves town with his girlfriend as she heads to college in California.
When Justin finally arrives at the shop and meets Logan, whom we met in the last story, Letting Go, he freezes up and gives Logan the cold shoulder. Logan is gorgeous but looks like the jocks who made Justin’s life miserable in high school. Now nineteen, he never wants to go near a jock like that again. But Justin has to work with Logan, so he manages to overcome his initial hesitation and makes do as best as he can.
Logan, meanwhile, is starstruck when he meets Justin— whammied, flummoxed, whatever the word, this straight man who came to Rock Bay to heal his emotional wounds when his long-term girlfriend left him, can’t believe his gut reaction to a guy. He’s determined to make a good impression on Justin, and it takes him a while, with a lot of encouragement from his best friend, Mason, but he slowly begins to conquer Justin’s anxiety, and they become friends.
In fact, Justin trusts him so much that, when his dad contacts him and he’s terror-stricken, he calls Logan to talk and share his fears. Worrying that his father will find him in town, he wants to run, but Logan convinces Justin to stay with him since he’s in a two-bedroom apartment.
This is a long, slow burn/ust story and a G-F-Y, both of which hit all my buttons. I felt like I won the M/M lottery with this book! Justin’s emotional healing is a long and painful process that takes place over the course of the fall and into the holiday season. Logan’s support and friendship provide him with a solid base, but watching the two flash sparks back and forth to the point where they finally act on their attraction was so satisfying!
Finding out what happens to disrupt their peaceful journey toward their HEA and learning how the guys handle dealing with life on life’s terms just heaped on more enjoyment. This is a terrific series, and this story just tipped the scale over to being my favorite of them all. If you’re like me and like that slow burn/ust, a GFY, or just a story that makes you feel good all over, by all means, choose this book. It can be read as a stand-alone, however, there’s much more enjoyment from following the cast of characters as their lives unfold over the course of the three books.
This review is of the 2014 audiobook version, and I enjoyed the narration immensely. I’m familiar with the voice of Tom Vilot, having listened to his narration of the previous book in the series, and I can honestly say that I believe that the way he gave life to the characters contributed to my enjoyment of this story. I may not have enjoyed the book as much without his characterization of Justin and Logan and the rest of the guys, and girls, from Rock Bay. Highly recommended.
April 26, 2013
3.75 stars
Finding Shelter is the third book in MJ O’Shea’s Rock Bay series. It begins with Justin Foster’s flight from an emotionally and physically abusive father to Rock Bay, where he meets Logan O’Brien – charming, good-looking and straight? Well…Maybe not so much!
There’s a good balance with the seriousness of Justin’s backstory without it descending into over the top angst. This is, after all, first and foremost a romance. And it’s a lovely one at that, with very endearing characters. Logan is gorgeous. Warm, friendly, funny, fun-loving and open. In the words of Justin, it was impossible not to be enchanted by him. Although in the previous book of the series, Letting Go, he is portrayed as absolutely straight, he is just so accepting of the fact that he’s completely attracted to a guy that it’s easy to just go with it. His best friend is gay, as are his two bosses at the cafe, so he’s already been shown as open-minded and secure within himself. It was nice not having the additional angst of the ‘straight’ man coming to grips with his sexuality. There’s enough with Justin’s issues that it would have just felt like overkill. Justin is comprised of contrasting layers as a result of the violence he’s lived with. Alternately vulnerable yet strong, unsure yet fearless. He’s just so easy to adore. I really loved both characters.
Read my full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
Finding Shelter is the third book in MJ O’Shea’s Rock Bay series. It begins with Justin Foster’s flight from an emotionally and physically abusive father to Rock Bay, where he meets Logan O’Brien – charming, good-looking and straight? Well…Maybe not so much!
There’s a good balance with the seriousness of Justin’s backstory without it descending into over the top angst. This is, after all, first and foremost a romance. And it’s a lovely one at that, with very endearing characters. Logan is gorgeous. Warm, friendly, funny, fun-loving and open. In the words of Justin, it was impossible not to be enchanted by him. Although in the previous book of the series, Letting Go, he is portrayed as absolutely straight, he is just so accepting of the fact that he’s completely attracted to a guy that it’s easy to just go with it. His best friend is gay, as are his two bosses at the cafe, so he’s already been shown as open-minded and secure within himself. It was nice not having the additional angst of the ‘straight’ man coming to grips with his sexuality. There’s enough with Justin’s issues that it would have just felt like overkill. Justin is comprised of contrasting layers as a result of the violence he’s lived with. Alternately vulnerable yet strong, unsure yet fearless. He’s just so easy to adore. I really loved both characters.
Read my full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
February 12, 2014
This was the best book in the series.
Justin Foster was a son of an abusive alcoholic homophobe who used Justin and his mom as his punching bags. After his father almost beat him to death, Justin and his mother snuck him out of the house and put him on a bus to hide out with his Aunt in Rock Bay Washington State.
There Justin had his cousin Travis for company, and began the process of trying to live a life devoid of fear and bruises. He got a job working for Tally & Lex at their Coffee & Cake shop, and there he met Justin, Mason's best friend and roommate. Sparks flew immediately, but Justin was still too dealing with the fear his father would find him and didn't need a complication in his life. Besides Justin was straight and couldn't be interested in him, right?
this one was much more emotional and the writing was more engaging that the prior book. I love these stories where people get to overcome abuse and find happiness. It makes me so hopeful and I smiled a lot in this book. It was very sweet.
Justin Foster was a son of an abusive alcoholic homophobe who used Justin and his mom as his punching bags. After his father almost beat him to death, Justin and his mother snuck him out of the house and put him on a bus to hide out with his Aunt in Rock Bay Washington State.
There Justin had his cousin Travis for company, and began the process of trying to live a life devoid of fear and bruises. He got a job working for Tally & Lex at their Coffee & Cake shop, and there he met Justin, Mason's best friend and roommate. Sparks flew immediately, but Justin was still too dealing with the fear his father would find him and didn't need a complication in his life. Besides Justin was straight and couldn't be interested in him, right?
this one was much more emotional and the writing was more engaging that the prior book. I love these stories where people get to overcome abuse and find happiness. It makes me so hopeful and I smiled a lot in this book. It was very sweet.
January 31, 2015
When I'm feeling down I just pick up some M.J. O'Shea.
Always works. <3
Book 3 is my second favorite of the series; Logan and Justin are super lovable.
Tally and Lex from book 1 are still my #1 boys, so it was nice to see them again, especially Tally *swoon*
Always works. <3
Book 3 is my second favorite of the series; Logan and Justin are super lovable.
Tally and Lex from book 1 are still my #1 boys, so it was nice to see them again, especially Tally *swoon*
March 14, 2016
I am a happy melted puddle of sappy goo. Wow just wow! I adore Logan & Justin sooooo much. This whole series has been so wonderfully adorable but Finding Shelter is definitely the icing on my cupcake!
May 29, 2013
3.5 stars
Another sweet love story in the Rock Bay series. Had more of a YA/NA feel to it for me, but was a quick, sweet read nonetheless.
Another sweet love story in the Rock Bay series. Had more of a YA/NA feel to it for me, but was a quick, sweet read nonetheless.
August 24, 2013
I enjoyed Justin and Logan's love story, however sexual tension in almost the entire book is a little to much! Nevertheless, their relationship is sweet and beautiful.
April 6, 2016
Sweet and tender and adorable. Minimal angst, very YA feeling, but gave me the fuzzies:) Gotta love these boys!
February 27, 2017
Lots of UST and pining. Both characters were lovable and the secondary characters (from the other books in the series) were fun to revisit.
June 1, 2015
I enjoyed this final book in the series. It was great to see Lex, Tally, Drew and Mason from the previous books.
May 9, 2022
Guter Abschluss der Serie
Justin ist auf der Flucht vor einem gewalttätigen Vater. Er kommt nach Rock Bay, um bei seinem Cousin Travis zu bleiben, der in Lex' Café arbeitet. Als Justin zum ersten Mal nach Rock Bay kommt, ist er am Ende. Er ist durch die Misshandlungen seines Vaters verletzt und hat Angst vor seinem eigenen Schatten. Er braucht ein paar Wochen, bis er soweit ist, um mit Travis zu arbeiten.
Masons bester Freund Logan ist nach einer schwierigen Trennung von seiner zweijährigen Beziehung zu ihm gekommen. Er möchte den Sommer bei ihm verbringen. Während er in der Stadt ist und seine Wunden leckt, arbeitet er mit Tally zusammen, um die Catering-Seite des Coffeeshops aufzubauen.
In dem Moment, in dem Justin und Logan sich sehen, sprühen die Funken, und beide versuchen, es zu ignorieren. Logan weiß, dass Justin immer noch heilt und versucht, seinen Platz zu finden. Justins Vergangenheit macht es beiden nicht einfach, aufeinander zuzugehen.
Mir hat die Story gefallen. Es war schön zu lesen, wie die beiden Männer trotz aller Widrigkeiten zueinander finden.
Justin ist auf der Flucht vor einem gewalttätigen Vater. Er kommt nach Rock Bay, um bei seinem Cousin Travis zu bleiben, der in Lex' Café arbeitet. Als Justin zum ersten Mal nach Rock Bay kommt, ist er am Ende. Er ist durch die Misshandlungen seines Vaters verletzt und hat Angst vor seinem eigenen Schatten. Er braucht ein paar Wochen, bis er soweit ist, um mit Travis zu arbeiten.
Masons bester Freund Logan ist nach einer schwierigen Trennung von seiner zweijährigen Beziehung zu ihm gekommen. Er möchte den Sommer bei ihm verbringen. Während er in der Stadt ist und seine Wunden leckt, arbeitet er mit Tally zusammen, um die Catering-Seite des Coffeeshops aufzubauen.
In dem Moment, in dem Justin und Logan sich sehen, sprühen die Funken, und beide versuchen, es zu ignorieren. Logan weiß, dass Justin immer noch heilt und versucht, seinen Platz zu finden. Justins Vergangenheit macht es beiden nicht einfach, aufeinander zuzugehen.
Mir hat die Story gefallen. Es war schön zu lesen, wie die beiden Männer trotz aller Widrigkeiten zueinander finden.
April 15, 2022
It's nice to read a lgbtq+ themed book and not have it be full of the stereotypical plot points, or be overly graphic and inundated with sex scenes. This novel was funny, touching, romantic and leaves you wanting more in the best way possible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2013
This is the third book in the series. The previous books would give you background on the supporting characters, but this could be read as a stand alone.
In the past, Logan has always hovered in the background as Mason’s best friend. He was the guy who supported and defended Mason throughout high school and college. Anyway, his longtime girlfriend dumped him right at the end of the school year. He thought that was the girl he would marry, so he was devastated. He needed to get away from her and the life they had shared, so he picked up and moved in with Mason for the summer. He also got a temporary job, which he loves, working at Lex and Tally’s coffee shop. Not only does he love the work, he has also met some great people. The move, which was supposed to be temporary, is starting to feel like home.
Justin is Travis’s cousin, who moves into town to get away from his abusive father and indifferent mother. Travis works with Logan at the coffee shop and is really good friends with Tally and Lex. They’ve heard about Justin’s situation and want to help, so they offer him a job at the shop too. The basic connection throughout the series has been this fantastic group of friends. They look out for one another, but show their love through constantly teasing and giving each other a hard time. Relationships like that are comfortable for me, so I like reading about them.
Sparks fly the minute Justin and Logan meet, but neither of them know how to deal with it. Justin has never had any type of healthy relationship. Friendship is almost more than he can process at this point, so he is nowhere near ready to deal with a romantic relationship. He is terrified by his attraction to Logan and the vulnerability it brings on. Logan is surprised by his attraction to Justin. This is his first time he has ever had a crush on a guy, but that doesn’t phase him. His only concern is how to get closer to a very prickly Justin. Their initial interactions are awkward and uncomfortable for everyone. They have to work together, so they decide a tenuous friendship is the way to go.
This was my favorite book of the series. It was so close to being perfect, but I had one big issue with it. I had a really hard time believing that Logan could have gone his entire life without ever having the slightest inkling he might be attracted to men. I wasn’t buying it, and that hurt because I really like Logan. His easy acceptance of suddenly being gay never made sense to me. I had to just ignore that point and move on. I was able to enjoy the romance after that. The pace of their relationship was perfect. Justin was slow to warm up to strangers, but Logan was determined enough to stick it out. Seeing them tiptoeing around one another, afraid of pushing the other, was almost more than I could stand. How they could both be clueless to the other’s feelings for so long was beyond me! Logan has always been one of my favorites, so it was great to see someone appreciate him. Logan has been stuck in a nice guys finish last type of cycle, and I loved seeing finally get what he deserves.
I absolutely recommend Finding Shelter to fans of the series, but it would be a good read for anyone who can enjoy a bit of angst and doesn’t mind a gay for you romance.
In the past, Logan has always hovered in the background as Mason’s best friend. He was the guy who supported and defended Mason throughout high school and college. Anyway, his longtime girlfriend dumped him right at the end of the school year. He thought that was the girl he would marry, so he was devastated. He needed to get away from her and the life they had shared, so he picked up and moved in with Mason for the summer. He also got a temporary job, which he loves, working at Lex and Tally’s coffee shop. Not only does he love the work, he has also met some great people. The move, which was supposed to be temporary, is starting to feel like home.
Justin is Travis’s cousin, who moves into town to get away from his abusive father and indifferent mother. Travis works with Logan at the coffee shop and is really good friends with Tally and Lex. They’ve heard about Justin’s situation and want to help, so they offer him a job at the shop too. The basic connection throughout the series has been this fantastic group of friends. They look out for one another, but show their love through constantly teasing and giving each other a hard time. Relationships like that are comfortable for me, so I like reading about them.
Sparks fly the minute Justin and Logan meet, but neither of them know how to deal with it. Justin has never had any type of healthy relationship. Friendship is almost more than he can process at this point, so he is nowhere near ready to deal with a romantic relationship. He is terrified by his attraction to Logan and the vulnerability it brings on. Logan is surprised by his attraction to Justin. This is his first time he has ever had a crush on a guy, but that doesn’t phase him. His only concern is how to get closer to a very prickly Justin. Their initial interactions are awkward and uncomfortable for everyone. They have to work together, so they decide a tenuous friendship is the way to go.
This was my favorite book of the series. It was so close to being perfect, but I had one big issue with it. I had a really hard time believing that Logan could have gone his entire life without ever having the slightest inkling he might be attracted to men. I wasn’t buying it, and that hurt because I really like Logan. His easy acceptance of suddenly being gay never made sense to me. I had to just ignore that point and move on. I was able to enjoy the romance after that. The pace of their relationship was perfect. Justin was slow to warm up to strangers, but Logan was determined enough to stick it out. Seeing them tiptoeing around one another, afraid of pushing the other, was almost more than I could stand. How they could both be clueless to the other’s feelings for so long was beyond me! Logan has always been one of my favorites, so it was great to see someone appreciate him. Logan has been stuck in a nice guys finish last type of cycle, and I loved seeing finally get what he deserves.
I absolutely recommend Finding Shelter to fans of the series, but it would be a good read for anyone who can enjoy a bit of angst and doesn’t mind a gay for you romance.
May 10, 2013
Originally reviewed for The Book Vixen
In a Nutshell: Good MM romance with a decidedly New Adult flavor but the community was so lovely I enjoyed the book anyway.
Why I Read this Book: I read one of this author’s other book, One Small Thing (my review), and loved it so thought I’d try another of hers.
What I Liked: It’s impossible not to root for the emotionally scarred Justin and the open and loving Logan. They’re both such likable characters that I truly cared and hoped they’d find their HEA with each other. Logan’s gentle seduction of Justin is lovely to read as he builds a friendship with Justin before asking for a sexual one. Justin is very reluctant to have any relationship with Logan but given his past with his father and the bullies and sexual predators at his school this is explicable. Logan and Justin’s sexual relationship has the youthful exuberance readers would expect from a New Adult book and I enjoyed this emotionally laden sexual intimacy.
What I Also Liked: I love romances set in communities and that’s the case here. Rock Bay is a small town but one where the gay men support each other. Justin and Logan work in a coffee shop owned by a couple who become a family for the young men, as well as Justin’s cousin and Logan’s best friend along with their significant others. I like the holiday parties and gentle ribbing of friends that this book contained. I hadn’t read any other books in this series but I enjoyed the setting and secondary characters enough that I may just pick them up.
The plot revolves primarily around Justin and Logan’s romance and I like this. Justin’s father plays a plot role but it’s nothing surprising and offers more character development for Justin than anything else.
What I Didn’t Like: I’m not a New Adult fan. I like my leads old enough to drink and not have to use fake IDs, as in this book. I know Justin had a lot of hard living so he was mature for his age but he was still nineteen and Logan wasn’t out of college himself. I’m not saying this was an absolute negative but not exactly my preference for character ages and development. At least the men were of similar age and maturity so I can’t complain about that.
I have to also mention the romantic tension drove me a bit batty. If these two would have just talked to each other the book could have been half as long and irritated me less. Even after Justin and Logan start building a life, Justin falls back into comfortable thinking patterns that nearly doom his relationship with Logan and frankly that irritated me. Logan couldn’t have been more loving and supportive of Justin and I think this is where the New Adult character of Justin irritated me. The social worker in me says Justin needs a therapist and some heavy duty counseling work to be able to sustain an adult relationship like the one offered in the book.
IMO: This is a good romance that I enjoyed, even if the leads were a little young for my taste and Justin’s abuse-survivor thinking wasn’t dealt with in a way I think was realistic.
*review copy from publisher*
In a Nutshell: Good MM romance with a decidedly New Adult flavor but the community was so lovely I enjoyed the book anyway.
Why I Read this Book: I read one of this author’s other book, One Small Thing (my review), and loved it so thought I’d try another of hers.
What I Liked: It’s impossible not to root for the emotionally scarred Justin and the open and loving Logan. They’re both such likable characters that I truly cared and hoped they’d find their HEA with each other. Logan’s gentle seduction of Justin is lovely to read as he builds a friendship with Justin before asking for a sexual one. Justin is very reluctant to have any relationship with Logan but given his past with his father and the bullies and sexual predators at his school this is explicable. Logan and Justin’s sexual relationship has the youthful exuberance readers would expect from a New Adult book and I enjoyed this emotionally laden sexual intimacy.
What I Also Liked: I love romances set in communities and that’s the case here. Rock Bay is a small town but one where the gay men support each other. Justin and Logan work in a coffee shop owned by a couple who become a family for the young men, as well as Justin’s cousin and Logan’s best friend along with their significant others. I like the holiday parties and gentle ribbing of friends that this book contained. I hadn’t read any other books in this series but I enjoyed the setting and secondary characters enough that I may just pick them up.
The plot revolves primarily around Justin and Logan’s romance and I like this. Justin’s father plays a plot role but it’s nothing surprising and offers more character development for Justin than anything else.
What I Didn’t Like: I’m not a New Adult fan. I like my leads old enough to drink and not have to use fake IDs, as in this book. I know Justin had a lot of hard living so he was mature for his age but he was still nineteen and Logan wasn’t out of college himself. I’m not saying this was an absolute negative but not exactly my preference for character ages and development. At least the men were of similar age and maturity so I can’t complain about that.
I have to also mention the romantic tension drove me a bit batty. If these two would have just talked to each other the book could have been half as long and irritated me less. Even after Justin and Logan start building a life, Justin falls back into comfortable thinking patterns that nearly doom his relationship with Logan and frankly that irritated me. Logan couldn’t have been more loving and supportive of Justin and I think this is where the New Adult character of Justin irritated me. The social worker in me says Justin needs a therapist and some heavy duty counseling work to be able to sustain an adult relationship like the one offered in the book.
IMO: This is a good romance that I enjoyed, even if the leads were a little young for my taste and Justin’s abuse-survivor thinking wasn’t dealt with in a way I think was realistic.
*review copy from publisher*
May 19, 2013
I very much enjoyed how this romance played out!
Justin's story is slightly stereotypical - he is a gay boy from a small town with a drunk and abusive father. After one bashing too many, he flees to Rock Bay where his cousin Travis lives. His cousin works in Lex and Tally's coffee shop but is leaving town which means Justin can take his job.
The characters from the first two books all make an appearance (no significant storylines) but enough to offer their support to Justin. Justin does not have any friends, is not really very used to people and is still nervous.
"At least Rock Bay was big enough to have a few other fairies. Sure, they were a little too old to really be his friends in anything other than the boss and mentor category, but it made Justin feel better to know they were there."
Logan, Mason's best friend from book 2, is a straight guy who turns out not to be so straight after all! He is instantly attracted to Justin's beautiful looks.
"And you're not even a little freaked by it? Justin's a guy, Loogs. You're straight."
"I guess everyone has their exception."
I loved the way the relationship was handled with neither man rushing into anything. Firstly they don't share their feelings with each other, Justin because he thinks Logan is straight and Logan because he doesn't want to make the first move on the fragile Justin. Once the first move is made, the sexual exploration is also handled gently. "It was so new for both of them: Logan with a guy, Justin with anyone at all.
The plot was a little formulaic with some drama provided by Justin's father but the book is more focused on the emotional journey as the two men realise that they are looking to a future together and what they have is not temporary.
A nice 3.5 star read.
Justin's story is slightly stereotypical - he is a gay boy from a small town with a drunk and abusive father. After one bashing too many, he flees to Rock Bay where his cousin Travis lives. His cousin works in Lex and Tally's coffee shop but is leaving town which means Justin can take his job.
The characters from the first two books all make an appearance (no significant storylines) but enough to offer their support to Justin. Justin does not have any friends, is not really very used to people and is still nervous.
"At least Rock Bay was big enough to have a few other fairies. Sure, they were a little too old to really be his friends in anything other than the boss and mentor category, but it made Justin feel better to know they were there."
Logan, Mason's best friend from book 2, is a straight guy who turns out not to be so straight after all! He is instantly attracted to Justin's beautiful looks.
"And you're not even a little freaked by it? Justin's a guy, Loogs. You're straight."
"I guess everyone has their exception."
I loved the way the relationship was handled with neither man rushing into anything. Firstly they don't share their feelings with each other, Justin because he thinks Logan is straight and Logan because he doesn't want to make the first move on the fragile Justin. Once the first move is made, the sexual exploration is also handled gently. "It was so new for both of them: Logan with a guy, Justin with anyone at all.
The plot was a little formulaic with some drama provided by Justin's father but the book is more focused on the emotional journey as the two men realise that they are looking to a future together and what they have is not temporary.
A nice 3.5 star read.
May 17, 2013
Justin is a 19 year old who takes off after he can no longer handle his violent and mentally unstable father. His mother is no help as she is abused as well...even though she should have put her child first.
Justin heads out of state, to Rock Bay, to stay with his cousin Travis and his aunt & uncle. Really good people who outright lie to Justin's family about knowing where he is so he can stay safe. Travis also gets him a position at Lex and Tally"s Coffee shop.
Here is also where Logan works. Logan looks like every other popular, athletic jock who abused and bully Justin, and unfortunately seems to hate Logan on sight.
Logan is stumped. He is straight, or so he thinks, but completely enamored with Justin. He just can't understand why he hates him so much.
It takes quite a while, and a lot of help from their friends, but eventually Justin learns to trust Logan and together they learn how to be boyfriends. Justin because he was never in a relationship and Logan who in the past only dated girls.
I thought it was written very well and even though it took some time for them to work things out, I think it was for the best and more realistic in the long run.
By the end, Justin's dad is no longer a threat, and his loser mom deserves worst mother of the year award.
Justin heads out of state, to Rock Bay, to stay with his cousin Travis and his aunt & uncle. Really good people who outright lie to Justin's family about knowing where he is so he can stay safe. Travis also gets him a position at Lex and Tally"s Coffee shop.
Here is also where Logan works. Logan looks like every other popular, athletic jock who abused and bully Justin, and unfortunately seems to hate Logan on sight.
Logan is stumped. He is straight, or so he thinks, but completely enamored with Justin. He just can't understand why he hates him so much.
It takes quite a while, and a lot of help from their friends, but eventually Justin learns to trust Logan and together they learn how to be boyfriends. Justin because he was never in a relationship and Logan who in the past only dated girls.
I thought it was written very well and even though it took some time for them to work things out, I think it was for the best and more realistic in the long run.
By the end, Justin's dad is no longer a threat, and his loser mom deserves worst mother of the year award.
August 4, 2015
First of all, I'm going to regret staying up this late tomorrow. I could not stop reading. Right now, however, I don't care. It was worth it.
I loved this book. I've enjoyed the previous two books which I borrowed from the library. I debated waiting for this one to be available, but I couldn't wait. I HAD to know Logan's story. I already liked Logan based on his appearance in Letting Go. Justin broke my heart. I could not have imagined that life without this story.
I don't think this was insta-love because what the men felt when they met was normal attraction. Lust, even. The story moved from attraction, to friends to boyfriends just like real life. It is a little GFY, but who knows, maybe Logan just never realized he could like guys. There is some drama from Justin's past, and Justin's insecurity. Insecurity that might be increased by a lack of communication. ;)
I really felt like I was there. I was part of the clique, the in group. I didn't have any lines, but I was included in all the fun. Logan confided in me, and Justin cried on my shoulder. I laughed, I cried, and I celebrated the HEA. I don't know how else to describe the joy this book brings. I highly recommend this book.
I loved this book. I've enjoyed the previous two books which I borrowed from the library. I debated waiting for this one to be available, but I couldn't wait. I HAD to know Logan's story. I already liked Logan based on his appearance in Letting Go. Justin broke my heart. I could not have imagined that life without this story.
I don't think this was insta-love because what the men felt when they met was normal attraction. Lust, even. The story moved from attraction, to friends to boyfriends just like real life. It is a little GFY, but who knows, maybe Logan just never realized he could like guys. There is some drama from Justin's past, and Justin's insecurity. Insecurity that might be increased by a lack of communication. ;)
I really felt like I was there. I was part of the clique, the in group. I didn't have any lines, but I was included in all the fun. Logan confided in me, and Justin cried on my shoulder. I laughed, I cried, and I celebrated the HEA. I don't know how else to describe the joy this book brings. I highly recommend this book.
January 16, 2014
It was an good read but i felt that as the series goes on, i find the author restricting the characters to a circle of people.
We see Tallis, Lex, Amy , Drew, Mason , Travis and his GF and then no one else. its a repeat of these names through out the story.
What happened to the other town folks?
We met so many people in the first book and even the second book had the required people to make the town feel real. its like the entire story was happening either in their respective houses or the coffee shop which made the story seem unreal as there was nothing which was said about the town.
All we get to hear from Justin is that the town was the best even though we hardly see him talk to anyone other than Tallis, Lex, Amy , Drew, Mason , Travis and his GF. he repeats that this is a good town but if that was the case, then what happened in the first and second book felt like the whole homophobic feel was blown out of proportion.
Other than this aspect, i liked the book.
the characters were sweet and genuine.
We see Tallis, Lex, Amy , Drew, Mason , Travis and his GF and then no one else. its a repeat of these names through out the story.
What happened to the other town folks?
We met so many people in the first book and even the second book had the required people to make the town feel real. its like the entire story was happening either in their respective houses or the coffee shop which made the story seem unreal as there was nothing which was said about the town.
All we get to hear from Justin is that the town was the best even though we hardly see him talk to anyone other than Tallis, Lex, Amy , Drew, Mason , Travis and his GF. he repeats that this is a good town but if that was the case, then what happened in the first and second book felt like the whole homophobic feel was blown out of proportion.
Other than this aspect, i liked the book.
the characters were sweet and genuine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews