At Your Beck & Call

by Jane Harvey-Berrick

The shocking and heart breaking story of one man's search for redemption by bestselling romance author Jane Harvey-Berrick

"Fascinating, engrossing, exceptionally written.
This book overwhelmed me. It took my heart hostage and it did not release it until I felt every single emotion that the characters felt, every heartbreak, every doubt, every self-deprecating thought. A perfectly paced plotline, realistically sculpted characters, a heart-warming romance that managed to touch even the most cynical parts of me—this is a story that stayed with me for days after I finished it and even succeeded in shaking some of my most entrenched preconceptions about life, love, age.”
NATASHA IS A BOOK JUNKIE, 5* REVIEW

* * * *
Hallen Jansen has it all. A nice car, a great apartment, and a job he loves – as an escort, working at your beck and call.

And he’s very good at his job

Eloise, a woman of a certain age, sees his potential one evening and grooms him to work as an escort for women, but only those who could afford his exclusive services.

For seven years the business partnership works for both of them, but when Hallen falls in love with one of his clients, a recently divorced woman 20 years older than himself, all bets are off. Can he convince Laura that he really does love her? Can they make their relationship a reality, or will it only be heartbreak for both of them?


Not all services are professional.

* * * * *
Not suitable for under 18
* * * * *

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Adult, Emotional, New Adult

502 pages, ebook

First published May 7, 2014

About the author

Author also writes under Jane H. Berrick

Writing is my passion and my obsession. I write every day and I love it. My head is full of stories and characters. I'll never keep up with all my ideas...

All through 2021, I'll be including a new and original short story in my monthly newsletter. You'll get a FREE copy of my little heartbreaker PLAYING IN THE RAIN when you do.

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I live in a small village by the ocean and walk on the beach every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas.

Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.

I've just published my first ever historical romance - partly set in Britain during World War Two, and partly set in Iowa and Las Vegas today: THE LILAC CADILLAC

Did you know that I also write books with STUART REARDON, talented, kind AND handsome!
UNDEFEATED
MODEL BOYFRIEND
GYM OR CHOCOLATE?
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO VINCE
THE BABY GAME (Nov 24th 2021)

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Reviews

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 the-heroine-frustrated-the-hell-outta-me stars. Review completed June 5, 2014





It's amazing, isn't it, how almost everybody is fine with a 48-year-old man dating a 28-year-old woman but if it's the other way around it's frowned upon and we feel uncomfortable or act judgmental. I think it's simply none of our business. Love is love after all and older women have the same right to fall in love with younger men without feeling guilty. Frankly, I found it irritating the way Laura's son acted when he knew his mother had a much younger lover. His father having a relationship (and a kid) with his former twenty-two-year old secretary seemed to be fine by him. It’s not fair at all to apply double standards. Granted, he came around eventually but it took some time.



Hallen met his love interest Laura at 45 %, and that was, quite frankly, way too late for me. Fact is, At Your Beck & Call should have been cut down a hundred pages. I really enjoyed the beginning because I was intrigued and the author really accomplished to draw me into the story. But the more I read the clearer got the picture. I was actually reading the autobiography of a high-end male escort and that kinda missed the mark for me. He was talking about his numerous (female) acquaintances and after a while I simply lost interest. Besides, I was so antsy to meet the "real" heroine. However, when they finally met the story went round in circles. They hashed and rehashed the same problems over and over and over and over again. I know that Hallen wasn't perfect by any means and he did irritate me a few times but Laura…OMG…she truly took the cake. I get it that a mature woman would have to deal with insecurities if she dated a younger man. Regardless, it doesn't really justify Laura's actions. When she met him she knew about the huge age gap and when they started dating she should have made up her mind already. Either you deal with it and accept and cherish the love you've been offered or you have to call it quits rather sooner than later. Having insecurities in the beginning of a relationship might be reasonable but nothing changed over the course of time. It was like she held Hallen's former profession against him. Where was the trust? Only because he worked as a high-end prostitute didn't mean he wasn't worthy of love and trust. And even more so, because he quit the business before they started dating. Granted, his job as an escort did put a stamp on him and somehow formed him. Still, it's not what really defined him. He was so much more than his past. All he needed was a chance at love and Hallen proved numerous times that he was worthy of Laura's trust.

I was waiting for that to be addressed because there's more than a modicum of truth to be found in that statement...

"Not everyone sees escort work the way you do. You've always talked about it like it was a crusade for women's rights or something--if you can afford to pay for a quality fuck, why the hell not? Yeah, equality, women's rights, yadda yadda yadda. Maybe that's what it's like for you. Maybe you've convinced yourself that you're a pioneer, but the truth is that I'm a whore and you're a pimp. I've been spat on, slapped, punched, whipped, laughed at, jeered at, patronized, pissed on and ignored. I've done some degrading shit that makes me sick to my stomach to remember. I've been a commodity and passed around and yeah, I made a lot of goddamn money because clients like the packaging, and I fuck any woman who pays for it. You think that doesn't have a price? You think it doesn't fucking slay me when someone I actually like for a change is ashamed to be seen with me?

"Because I'm fucking terrified."
"I don't understand."
"I'm terrified of you."
"Hallen?"
"I've never done this before."
"What do you mean?"
"Made love. Never. Only fucking. And I don't know what to do."



Laura's shortcomings got in the way all. The. Time. Yes, her ex did a number on her but still. Just accept that you are a 48-year-old beautiful and mature woman. Accept that a younger and handsome man fell in love with you. Love is beautiful, it should make you happy, it should make you feel incredibly good yet all Laura thought about was how wrong it was. She felt ashamed, embarrassed and inadequate all the time. How many times did she hurt Hallen with her juvenile and thoughtless comments and humiliating behavior? And her kids…I don't even know where to start. Maggie is 19-years-old for Pete's sake and acted like a jealous, selfish and IMMATURE COW! I wanted to tear my hair out because she annoyed me ad freaking nauseam! She treated Hallen like a piece of s@it.



I was so glad she hadn't opted for any of those treatments that erased the signs of a life lived to the fullest. Every line and wrinkle was a page in the story of Laura--I wouldn't wish them gone for anything.
Like most women, she fretted about the signs of aging, but to me she was perfect. And I was only just daring to examine what that meant for me.

I found it terribly annoying that she had to repeat how beautiful Hallen was ad friggin' nauseam but on the other hand she bashed herself by pointing out her wrinkles, the sagging belly, the sallow skin etc. etc. etc. I have noticed that women are their worst and harshest critics. Men who are not overly fixated on a woman's body are much more forgiving when it comes to physical flaws or better yet they don't even notice the flaws. Those men always find something beautiful in a woman. Let's face it, he could have hung the moon for her, tell her a thousand times how much he loved her and she'd have been still hung up on her own insecurities. It. Drove. Me. Nuts. And I felt completely and utterly exhausted and annoyed. I just…don't know how to describe it but I kinda flew off the handle. It was un-friggin-believably frustrating!

Bottom line, At Your Beck & Call could have been a fabulous read but the very late introduction of Laura and all her irritating antics did spoil the story for me. It saddens me very much to give it only three stars because the writing was very good, even splendid at times.

Referring to the trope older heroine/younger hero: sometimes it's worth taking a leap of faith in spite of all the oppositions.

[Lady Vigilante (Feifei) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!

This is probably my favorite Jane Harvey-Berrick book to date – sorry Sebastian and Caroline! Everyone meet my new book boyfriend Hallen Jansen ;)



This is not your typical gigolo story – for one it’s told almost entirely from Hallen’s POV so you really do delve deep into the mind of a longtime escort. Another is, I think you need to be in a certain mood to read this book or all the details and descriptions will become monotonous for you. This isn’t a fun, lovey-dovey story like Damaged Goods or a straightforward client-to-lovers story like Escorted; this book will push boundaries, it will test your ability to be able to stay and finish reading Hallen’s story, and it will make you question the righteousness of a love born out of the most unexpected places.

Character descriptions



Hallen: He’s got to be the most thoughtful but loneliest character I’ve ever read about. This is his story and though there were moments I chuckled a bit, for the most part I felt the somber seriousness behind the book. Reading this story felt very much like perusing his personal diary (and in a way it was) so it was a pretty intimate reading experience for me. He’s always wanted to be an artist but unfortunately life is often cruel to the deserving and for monetary purposes he was, in a way, coerced into the professional escort business and never really got out. Thus, Hallen’s gotten really good at shutting off his emotions and fully separating his professional life from his personal life.

Laura: She’s 20 years older than Hallen and a former client of his. It’s pretty common to see stories where clients fall in love with the escort but this was not the case here. In the beginning, Laura is an extremely weak woman, but not without just cause – her ex-husband has demolished so much of her self-esteem through verbal abuse and with his constant cheating on her, Laura isn’t a confident woman either. It’s through Hallen that she slowly regains her footing and regains a strong sense of self.

The one thing I didn’t really like or understand was their initial connection – I basically asked myself ‘why pick Laura?’ ‘why be enamored with her and not the other women?’ and so there was a good few chapters I felt disconnected with. However, the strength of their bond is tested later on in the story and by then I already felt convinced of their feelings for one another. In my opinion, the emotional impact is the strongest in the last 30% of the book where you truly see how the unconventional and taboo aspects of their relationship affect the both of them.



I like that the author didn’t shy away from any obstacles Hallen and Laura faced and instead, portrayed them in such a respectful and realistic manner – Laura has 2 kids to consider and Hallen has his escort past to deal with. While I do believe there was some unnecessary drama and angst (particularly on Laura’s part), it’s not everyday you enter a relationship with a man who’s an ex-infamous escort 20 years younger so I could see where her insecurity and vulnerability came from.

This is a story that definitely could’ve gone the cliché route like other gigolo books, but it didn’t. The artistic creativity exhibited is breathtaking, the gradual romantic buildup is believable and sensual, and the overall message this book sends out is awe-inspiring – don’t waste your time doing what you think others believe to be right; follow your own dreams. Make them happen.

And just in case you were wondering, yes, I recommend this book! :D

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5* This story really pushed my boundaries. At almost 500 pages, it was a long time to be feeling slightly uncomfortable.

The prologue simple says: I fuck women for money.

Hallen (28) when the story begins, is an artist. He is quiet, sensitive, introspective, a gentleman. With his Scandinavian heritage, he’s always attracted a lot of female attention. He is also a high-end escort, for mostly older women, all over the world.

The story is written is such an interesting way. Hallen is telling his story to someone. Spelling out the last 8 years of his life in very honest and brutal details. It is exhausting and sometimes very heartbreaking to read. You don’t learn who he is telling his story to until the very end.

The fake intimacy, the casual indifference. Client after client until Hallen's eyes become empty, slowly losing his soul to countless women taking from him what they wanted, leaving him feeling less and less each time.

It wasn’t that difficult being the best these women had ever had. I’m not being arrogant - I just paid attention.

What it must do to your psyche to be used like that over and over again? I know what it did to me just reading it! But all this description is necessary for the story. This backstory is perfectly woven to let the reader experience what Hallen went through.

I stood for a long time, letting the hot water pour over me. Some nights I felt like I’d never be clean again.

The second half of the story is also uncomfortable to read! I know, I’m not really selling this book AT ALL.

Hallen loves art. Being an artist himself, it’s the one part of his life he is afraid to share with anyone. Laura (48) also loves art. Recently divorced, her husband left her for his 22-year old secretary and now they have a child together. Laura just wants to get out of her funk and see some art. Her good friend Eliose, just happens to know the perfect man to escort Laura to an art show.

As Hallen and Laura begin to talk, Hallen finds himself feeling something he hasn’t felt in ages. Actual interest in a women. But he’s insecure and uncertain he has anything to offer her.

I was so fucking dumb. Of course a nice person like Laura would be disgusted by what I was. Hell, I was disgusted myself.

The last 30% of this story is written so well. The reader can finally see why these two are in love, why they work together so well.

Laura's insecurities didn’t feel forced, they were spot on for someone not only 20 years older than Hallen, but also the fact that her boyfriend had over a thousand sexual partners. She doesn’t know how to deal with that. Are the words he says to her real, or are they recycled parts of his working life? I felt this was written from such a realistic pov! Even though it was uncomfortable to read, it felt incredibly genuine.

*I do have a few complaints. The story is so heavy with Hallen’s life as an escort, that I needed much more of them as a couple to balance it all out. I also never really understood what it was about Laura that drew him in so completely. It didn’t really make sense.

Overall, this story is heartbreaking, but also gorgeous. It breaks down so many societal perspectives in a way that made me think so much deeper on this subject. Why do we feel it’s normal for an older man to be with a younger women, why is the opposite almost ridiculed? Is this age related prejudice simply from a procreation perspective, or from being raised in a patriarchal society? I love how this authors words make me reevaluate a topic I’ve always had mixed feelings on. I didn’t 5-star love it, but I think a story like this deserves 5 stars.

TW: Lightly touched on verbal and physical abuse. Miscarriage.

[Natasha is a Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I want a relationship that lasts longer than a night and isn’t billed by the hour!”

It doesn’t happen often but it does occasionally happen that I devour a book quite literally in one sitting. Okay, I might have been on a plane when I started reading this particular one and there was really nowhere to go for a very long time, but let me assure you that only an emergency landing would have succeeded in distracting me from one of the most fascinating, engrossing, exceptionally written stories I have ever come across. From beginning to end, we are drawn into a world that is so different from our own and yet so intriguing we cannot look away, and a leading character who is so self-aware and honest that his thought process slowly becomes our own. This is a book that has the power to make our bodies overheat and turn our hearts into puddles of mush all at the same time, and it is the perfect example of how every life story, even the most unconventional ones, can turn into a splendid fairy tale.

“How could I be proud of being an escort?”

Hallen is a male escort. Pulled into a life of paid sexual services by mere chance, at twenty-one, Hallen is younger than most other men in his line of work, but his natural charisma, intelligence and ability to satisfy his clients’ wildest dreams have made him a highly sought after gigolo. Whether he is hired merely as a social companion or for his sexual prowess, his clients covet his services not only for his attractive physical attributes, but also because of his flawless professionalism and engaging personality. We watch Hallen enter this industry as a naïve young man, desperate to make ends meet, and we get to witness his entire career in broad strokes, in an almost anecdotal fashion, as he tells us of some of his most memorable clients and the lessons he has learned along the way. We see his emotional detachment from the women he is paid to sleep with, the rather clinical way he views those sexual encounters, and his growing cynicism towards relationships in general.

“That’s all I’d ever be to her—a whore paid to f*ck.”

But after almost a decade in an industry where the higher the price tag, the cheaper people are made to feel, Hallen’s increasing sense of humiliation over his clients’ perception and treatment of him has made him question his life choices and what he might have sacrificed due to those choices. And just when we start thinking that there might be no hope for our hero’s love life, a woman twenty years his senior gives him something he never thought he would get—a chance to start his life anew.

“I’ve done a lot of things I’m not proud of, but when you look at me like that I feel as if I’ve been given a second chance.”

Laura is the first woman in Hallen’s life who wishes to know him, the first person who shows interest in who he is rather than what he looks like, who cares about what he thinks, likes, wants. A scorned divorcée and mother to two adults, Laura is not looking for a sexual companion when she hires Hallen for his services, so when they meet again after he has already walked away from his life as an escort, their relationship naturally turns into a friendship at first. Laura’s unassuming personality and obliviousness to her own appeal make her irresistible in Hallen’s eyes, but it is her steadfast support of him and his interests that makes him fall hopelessly in love with her. She fulfils him, takes his loneliness away and inspires him to want to be a better person.

“I was damaged goods, but being with her, talking to her, I felt like I could be more than the sum of my past. I prayed she’d take a chance with me.”

So, after spending most of his twenties being paid to be the embodiment of every female fantasy under the sun, to give pleasure to women and make them feel good about themselves, at twenty-eight, Hallen finds himself in uncharted waters, navigating blindly through matters of the heart, something in which he has no prior experience. His boyish infatuation with Laura is something he has never felt before as an adult, making him vulnerable and unsure of himself in light of his growing feelings for her.

“You’re a really nice person, so I get that there’s no way on earth you’d want to be with a piece of shit whore…”

And while their age-gap relationship might be their biggest obstacle in the eyes of the people around them, it is Hallen’s past as an escort and his many faceless sexual encounters that are their true hurdle, feeding every insecurity in both of them, and forcing them to take a leap of faith in order to stay together.

“I’ve had sex with hundreds of women, Laura, but I’ve only made love to one.”

This book overwhelmed me. It took my heart hostage and it did not release it until I felt every single emotion that the characters felt, every heartbreak, every doubt, every self-deprecating thought. It starts as a rather entertaining chronicle of a man’s life as a gigolo, only to realise that the account of Hallen’s past only serves to make him more three-dimensional in our eyes and to make us understand him better once Laura enters his life. A perfectly paced plotline, realistically sculpted characters, a heart-warming romance that managed to touch even the most cynical parts of me—this is a story that stayed with me for days after I finished it and even succeeded in shaking some of my most entrenched preconceptions about life, love, age.

If you’re looking for a ‘different’ kind of love story, one that doesn’t come in a neat little box with a bow on top, or even meet a given stereotype, I’d recommend this book to you in a heartbeat. It shows life in all its messiness, the ugly as well as the beautiful, and it celebrates the ageless beauty of love.

“There was nothing I wanted in this world until I met you.”

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[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

***10 STARS FOR HONESTLY AND HEART WRENCHING STORY OF A BROKEN MAN***

I'M OFFICIALLY "MARRIED" WITH HALLEN JANSEN!
BACK OFF EVERYONE!!!
HE'S MINE!



This man, Hallen, is obviously my latest obsession. Just can't get enough of him.
Jane Harvey-Berrick has a way writing something unusual stuff and makes her reader addicted to her books. I'm one of them.

Hallen probably not everybody's BBF everyday material.



But I want him real. I'm obsessed to him .
I was crying a lot and devastated by this book. The reason why I love Jane Harvey-Berrick so much is how she write stories that touched my heart, my morals judgment and my humanity. She's not just writing, but she writes beautiful stories about imperfect characters, down to earth, and always touched my heart with her talented writing skills. Not every writer can do it. Let alone, make a forbidden story , feels right.

This is about

acceptance,

forgiveness,

knowing who you are,

what you are,

and who you want to be.

This is about a lost boy, a broken man and how he walk on his path and finding who he really are in the end.

This is not an erotic, lustful and all sex story.
For me, At Your Beck & Call is a heart breaking, tear jerking story. It's broke my heart reading about this boy until even he became a man...8 years of scorned, humiliation, and (actually) a low self confidence about himself.



This is about a life of human being. I see it as a bitter story about Hallen Jansen.
An ex porn star, escort, high paid male companion for rich women.
And yet. This is a very heartbreaking story of a general human being.
We all can be Hallen.
It's the way we chose or path that finally showed who we really are.


It's interesting how Hallen, Laura and even Eloise amazed me since very beginning.

Earlier Jane asked me about Laura specifically. What I think about her.
Well I'm at the same age with Laura. And I know if I have a sinfully beautiful 28 years old boyfriend, I will have the same issue with her. Definitely.

Few years back, I'd a BF 9 years younger than me. It was hard, but we survived and very happy, he adored me like I'm the most beautiful woman on earth, until the day God took him as His angel, we're okay, more than okay.

Laura , as Hallen sees her, is still a beautiful woman on his eyes. He's even love her wrinkles and her gray hair and adored her... (sigh, how many times people get this kind of adoration, I know the feeling, tough).

Maybe I'm a romantic, or maybe I'm little bias because I had my own story about this age differences.
But I think, you should experience yourself , meet Hallen and read his story, feel him.....will you feel him, like I do?

I can't say much today, I'm still drunk and hangover Hallen.
I loved the story, this is is going to stay with me for a very long time. And I'm very sure, I will keep on re-reading it every time I need to remind myself. Life is full of shit, be grateful for what you have in your hand today.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED







Teasers









***ARC was given generously by Jane, not just for honest review, but to share what she wrote with me***

[Lisa *-* GiViNg It To YoU * LoCk StOcK & TwO SmOkiNg BaRrELs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 StArS

*D*I*N*G* *D*O*N*G*

If Hallen Came A Knocking, My World Would Be Rocking!!



Yes ladies, I'm in lust with the lovely Hallen Jansen.



I'm at your Beck & Call, I'll make you SCREAM MY NAME. I'll be YOUR FANTASY. I'll CHERISH AND DEVOUR YOU .

But when the CLOCK STOPS....I go home alone.



This was Hallen's life for 8 years, a professional escort. Then he met's Laura....and this stirs up feelings he hasn't felt before.


The first half of this book was really great, more like a Bible Of How To Seduce a Women, to be the Best of the Best.

We're introduced to many of Hallen's dalliances some touching, some hilarious as hell.

Then the second half of the book is about Hallen meeting Laura. His feelings, the want....for a more normal life.



Laura being an older woman, and Hallen's escort life.....only leads to many questions about their relationship.

Judgement, Insecurities, Love, Acceptance



I really felt for Hallen, he was such a lovely character, I also loved Eloise his employer, surrogate mum, friend. I loved that she called Hallen....."My dear heart" so sweet.

Another superb job done by Jane Harvey-Berrick, I'm becoming a huge fan of her writing.


Final thoughts.....



Girls if you fancy a whip-round for ME....4 hours should do it...*wink*!!

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book this morning and it's been on my mind all day. I've been trying to put into words how this book made me feel. Nothing I write will ever be enough to say how brilliant I think it is.

I have only ever known one author to be able to write a male POV that was convincing....now I know 2. Seriously, the stuff I was reading would be the same stuff that I would be thinking in those circumstances. I'm glad the author didn't just dump a load of swears into his chat and think that is how men speak lol. Yes we swear, but we are much more complex than just a constant swear!

I enjoyed reading Hallen's exploits from his porn star days at 20, right through to him falling in love almost a decade later.

This book had every emotion from laughing hysterically to wanting to cry big ugly man sobs.

A thought-provoking journey that I'm glad I went on. Huge thanks to the author for bringing this story out for me to read. And you can read it too....and you SHOULD read it! What are you waiting for? Get your clicker finger limbered up!!

Thanks to Michelle for recommending this book to me x x

[Brenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - At Your Beck & Call was unexpected, unpredictable, gritty, and emotional. This is a book I won’t soon forget.

Hallen has been an escort for the past seven years and as the blurb says, “not all services are professional.” He’s extremely good at what he does, knowing just what his clients need without them having to say a word. It’s his job to make the woman he sees feel special, at ease, and satisfied, something he can do now with his eyes closed. But after all these years, it finally begins to take its toll.

I stood for a long time, letting the hot water pour over me. Some nights I felt like I could never get clean again.

I wasn’t sure how I felt in the beginning of this. I was interested, but it just wasn’t what I was expecting. What we get is a VERY in depth look at Hallen’s life and events that have shaped the man he has become. Hallen is currently 28-years old, but this story goes back to his time in college and how he got into the escorting business, briefly visits his life prior to that, and extensively details memorable clients he’s worked with during his career.

I think I was expecting a more fun, sexy first half but honestly much of it kind of depressing and left me feeling unsure. There is no sugar coating what happens and at times it was hard to read about - but don't get me wrong, there are definitely alot of steamy parts! Hallen is a really closed off person, he can “turn it on” for his clients but he never shows who he really is and has lost sight of his true goals and dreams for his life. After awhile I really started to understand him and could even empathize with how he compartmentalized his life.

The whole book feels pretty intense, Hallen is bearing everything for the reader and his point of view feels very genuine and is so well done for a guy’s perspective. There is a real shift in the story when it is brought back into present and you can understand just how low Hallen is beginning to feel. When he meets a new client, things begin to change for him. What I loved about him and Laura was that it is very different from how I expected things to go. I really could never predict how their relationship was going to progress.

“I knew there was a cost, but honestly, it didn’t bother me that much. Until I met you.”

Laura is much older than Hallen, having children of her own who are closer to his age than she is. Having a friendship, let alone a relationship, is extremely complicated.

Two sets of emotions were warring in my brain, the side that insisted this was just another job; and the side that said she was mine- my woman. It was confusing, and I was finding it difficult to catch my breath. For the first time in a long time, I was with a woman I want to be with. The balance shifted between us again and I felt like I was surfacing and drowning all at the same time.

These two really just broke my heart and warmed my heart all at the same time. On one hand they have so many obstacles to overcome to be together – their age difference, Hallen’s job, Laura’s past relationship and children, and SO much more that I could have never anticipated (and seriously felt like a punch to the stomach). On the other hand, they bring out so much in each other and how they help each other become the people they want to be is honestly just remarkable to read. There wasn’t a second that I wasn’t rooting for them to be happy and together.

“You’re so beautiful,” she said.
“No.”
“Of course you are. You’re a beautiful man.”
“I don’t feel it, in here,” and I pointed to my chest.
She sighed.
“Oh, you’re so wrong. That’s the most beautiful part.”

Even though At Your Beck & Call didn’t start out how I thought, it ended up exceeding my expectations as I kept reading. I can’t think of a book that I’ve read that is such equal parts emotional, sexy, depressing, and uplifting all at the same time. I loved it! 4.5 stars.

“There’s always change –it’s how we meet it that matters. You and me –together.”

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

See this review & others at No BS Book Reviews.
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[The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Gifted for Honest Review. Full Review is up

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"At your Beck and Call" was not what I was expecting at all. The story was unconventional, unpredictable and unique in it's own right and I was fascinated, enlightened, entertained and most definitely captivated as I turned the pages. If you haven't read this book, you must because you really don't want to miss out on meeting Hallen Jansen ... that man will grab a hold of your heart from the very first page and will not loosen that grip.... not even at the very end... in fact just for good measure... as you read the last word, he'll just give it that extra little squeeze just to thank you for joining him on his journey.... and trust me... it really was one hell of a ride.

Some nights I felt like I could never get clean again.

Told mostly from Hallen's POV, the first half of "At your Beck and Call" gave me a frank, honest and very candid account of this man's past. Let's just say his childhood hadn't been the best and his college years were spent struggling to make ends meet taking any job available... including a brief stint in the porn industry which had me giggling somewhat!!! If he was a tortured, broken soul, I didn't feel it... closed off from letting people see the real him maybe, not getting emotionally involved with anyone ... absolutely... but broken... definitely not. The reasons for his detachment became apparent as I progressed through his story... certain experiences and life events playing a huge part.

I didn't want to get close to anyone, because those you love leave you.

But it was Hallen's recollection of his life as a high class escort that really piqued my interest.. the highs, the lows, the ups, the downs: each encounter he shared with the reader brought something new... a new experience, a new lesson learned and a new rule made (and trust me there were a few). Let's just say, this lifestyle wasn't all it appeared to be and sometimes.... well sometimes it was tough. But Hallen was a true professional with a very strong work ethic so even when things went pear shaped... he got through it (after all what else did he have other than his job?)

You should see some of the things women expected me to go down on- it was difficult not to gag sometimes.

It was the second half of the book though, that really tugged at my heart strings because despite being emotionally closed off from women, Hallen found himself attracted to one of his clients (Laura) ... something that was completely alien to him. It wasn't cheesy despite how it might sound... in fact what transpired was a beautiful yet heart breaking love story and I for one was rooting for this couple to work despite the millions of obstacles they faced... it was one thing after another... but each hurdle was realistic and believable for the situation found themselves in and that's why I was 100% invested in their story. This wasn't a forbidden romance so much as a relationship that was frowned upon... age, social status and career choice playing a huge part in that. Ladies... be prepared for your heart to be left bruised and battered.

"I can hear you," she said. "Your heart is racing."
"I know."
"But why?"
Because I'm fucking terrified."
"I don't understand."
"I'm terrified of you."
"Hallen?"
"I've never done this before."
"What do you mean?"
"Made love. Never. Only fucking. And I don't know what to do."

The shift in Hallen's character during the second half of this book really excited me. What can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic. I loved watching him go from someone that had more or less closed the real him off from the world to a man who was all of a sudden feeling emotions that were confusing the hell out of him. The confidence was gone... in fact slowly but surely the layers were being peeled back and what I found was a vulnerable, yet beautiful man who had so much to give ( god someone pass me a kleenex because he will bring a tear to your eyes).

The secondary characters in "At your Beck and Call" each brought something to the table... Eloise was like a mother to Hallen (OK so maybe a pimp), Vero... his first ever client, Carl (his roomie and best friend from college) and last but not least Laura... this amazing woman who stole the heart of our gigolo. My heart truly went out to her for so many reasons but mainly because all of her fears and insecurities felt so real. I know if I was in her shoes, I'd have felt the exact same way.

"I've done a lot of things I'm not proud of, but when you look at me like that I feel like I've been given a second chance."

All in all, I loved reading Hallen's story. I laughed, I cried, I tore at my nails with nervous anticipation... oh and I got all hot and flustered too with all the very hot sex scenes but that was a bonus because that's not what this story was about. It wasn't even really about being an escort. "At your Beck and Call" was a story about finding who you are, accepting who you are and finding your place in the world. Yes there were a few detours along the way but I honestly believe Hallen found his way home in the end. A beautiful, beautiful story that everyone should read. I rated "At his Beck and Call" 5 Hearts.

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hallen Jansen is what you would call an escort, for the older lady. At 21 he was spotted by Eloise and taught the ropes.
If you can afford him...you can have him and he's quite happy to give you any extra services at a cost..



After 7 years of being some older womens toy, he feels its time to go back to his true love....painting. But that might not be as easy as it seems.

Then he meets Laura a 47 year old divorcee..



Laura has been controlled and manipulated by her husband for years, but meeting Hallen a now 27 year old opens up feelings she thought were long gone.
For Hallen he needs to prove to Laura that his escort days are now over and its only her he now wants.
With a huge difference in ages, can this relationship even get off the ground..

My Thoughts...

I loved The Education of Sebastian and Caroline two of my favourite reads.
Not many authors can write about older women and younger guys the way this author can.
Unfortunately this one didn't quite work for me the same way her others did.
It did start well and I was intrigued to find out what Hallen was about but by 50% it became a little too repetitive.
I struggled at times to keep going and I nearly DNF on two occasions. I found the first half abit like Confessions of an Escort and I would of preferred a more slower build up to his and Laura's relationship.
I just didn't feel the connection between these two.
Their age difference did cause problems but it was sort of never really discussed on their future together.

Please don't be deferred by my opinion, just because it didn't work this time for me, it was still an ok read.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 raw, gritty and emotional stars

Heartfelt and emotional, this book is an in-depth look at the life of a male escort. Gritty and unrestrained, this book wasn’t what I was expecting, but it was a fascinating read which really pulled on my heartstrings, and I really enjoyed it.

Hallen is an escort. He is paid to spend time with women – taking them to dinner, accompanying them to events, and more often than not, sleeping with them. This has been his life for seven years, and he is very good at it. He’s smooth and professional, and he knows how to give a woman exactly what she wants. But as exciting as his lifestyle was to him when he first started, he’s getting tired of the lifestyle, and starting to lose sight of who he really is.

I stood for a long time, letting the hot water pour over me. Some nights I felt like I could never get clean again.

The book begins by showing us where Hallen is at in the present before taking us back to his difficult youth, and his struggle to get by and make something of himself. He literally falls into life as an escort, and we get an up close and personal view of how that happens, as well as some of his encounters throughout the years and how each experience changes him. From eager and excited to blasé and resigned, to being completely jaded with some occasional moments of disgust, we see it all. The story eventually switches back to the present day, and that’s when the story really starts to get moving. The whole mood of the story shifts as Hallen starts to evaluate his life and reorganise his priorities, and when he finds himself unexpectedly attracted to a client, it becomes a trigger point for him to make some big changes.

Hallen’s journey to find himself again is beautifully written. His journey is a personal one, but it’s woven in really nicely with the developing love story.

“I haven’t dated in a long time, Laura, for obvious reasons. But I want that – with you … may I take you to dinner?”

Hallen and Laura’s relationship is not a conventional one, not only do they need to contend with Hallen’s past and all that that means, but it’s also an older woman/younger man scenario – she is 48, he is 28 – she has grown children, and is only recently divorced after being horribly betrayed. But together they are something truly special. It’s all very tentative, but they are undeniably drawn to each other and despite his experience, Hallen’s wonder and innocence with relationships and real romance is beautifully written.

“Being with you…I really like how that feels. I’m going to be greedy for you, Laura. I want more than… I just want more. Do you?”

They have a lot they need to deal with, but that just makes every little moment of happiness that they are able to find together even more special, and I loved watching them fall in love. It’s heartbreaking at times, but I thought all that they go through and the way they react and handle it all was realistic and understandable, and I was desperate for them to find the happiness together that they both wanted so badly.

“Laura, I can’t take away everything that I’ve done. I wish I could. I don’t like who I’ve become. I wasn’t always this … I’ve done a lot of things I’m not proud of, but when you look at me like that I feel as if I’ve been given a second chance.”

If you’re nervous about how Hallen being an escort plays into the relationship… it doesn’t really. Laura hires Hallen as an escort, but there is no sex between them and when he starts to have feelings for her, he puts a stop to their meetings. He has been wanting to leave the business for a while, and it’s not until after he does that he and Laura reconnect. And from the moment he and Laura meet, even while he is still ‘working’- he doesn’t sleep with anybody else. .

I’m a big fan of JH-B’s writing, and I love the way she’s written this one. Hallen’s voice is wonderful, and the
way he tells his story is mesmerising and incredibly emotional. There is so much to him as a person, and I love that those different sides of him were explored.

“What do you want, Hallen? You’ve been at everyone else’s beck and call for years – what do you want?”

Although having said that, I did find parts of this book so to be slow moving. I was expecting that we would get some of his background, but I wasn’t expecting it to the depth that it was written, and while parts of it were fascinating, it went on and on, and I found it a bit boring. I understand the reason for it, and the detail of it all works well to show how each experience changed him - It shows us how he became the man he is, but I think there was just too much of it.

But I did really enjoy this read. It’s darker than I was expecting, and it hit me emotionally a lot harder than I thought it would, and even though I felt it could do with some editing, it’s a really interesting, heartbreaking but ultimately heart-warming story.

3.5 stars.

[Charmaine Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this story. It had that "it" factor that always kept me wanting to go back for more to discover what will happen next. And I felt like it was the perfect balance of a meaningful story, yet had steamy hotness & a good deal of heartfelt emotions. And this is completely told through Hallen's POV, which I loved. Something about a man's POV makes it 10x sexier to me.


I couldn't help but fall for Hallen. My heart went out to him with how he grew up. And how his mother was neglective & cruel to him half the time. I think its a beautiful thing how he turned all that negativity into a positive thing. Granted the line of work he goes into at first isn't the smartest or safest choice. But somehow he makes it work. Somehow I didn't even feel it was dirty or wrong. The way this is written you begin to fully accept him. And accept all that he is. I think he has a big heart and has gotten so used to keeping so much of himself compartmentalized that its just so refreshing to watch him fall in love for the first time.


And then Laura. She comes in a bit later in the story. And she's significantly older than Hallen. I didn't necessarily think there's anything wrong with that. I think as long as two people are grown consenting adults over the age of 18. Its their business what they do. But I did get so annoyed with her constant doubts of Hallen's sincerity or herself and her low self esteem. So many moments I wanted to be like, "Snap out of it woman!" one thing that annoys me sometimes in romance stories is when the women in it act like their these ugly ducklings and act all surprised, shocked and in disbelief that a hot guy actually wants them. It just gets old after a while. She was very wishy washy one moment having confidence, the next thinking the worst of herself. I don't blame her for having doubts about Hallen's previous job. Anybody in their right mind would. So thats understandable.


I liked Eloise a lot as well. I feel like she was sort of a mother/family figure to Hallen. She helped him a great deal, and helped take him under her wing & sort of groomed and trained him. I think she usually had his best interest at heart.


The sex in here was so hot!! I love the sensuality that just oozed from the pages to me. There's so many different kinds of sex that go on in here. From BDSM, to regular M/F to orgies, to foursomes, etc..But I think its all done in a tasteful way.


I think this was a fabulous story and i look forward to more books from this great author.


*ARC kindly provided by the author Jane Harvey-Berrick**

Much love and thanks to Jane Harvey-Berrick for this ARC.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another eye opener story by Jane. It's not your normal escort story for sure.

Full review to come.

Warning: hold on tight and enjoy the ride. You're in for a surprise.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Unexpected stars



This was a totally different, raw, and realistic aproach to the escort business. This is a tale of Hallen Jansen and the road he traveled while working in the sex industry. The unbelievable highs and very deep lows. An inside look at what we believe would be a glamorous lifestyle, that in actuality is filled with pain, loneliness, and shame.

I am by no means an expert when it comes to books about escorts, but I have read my fair share, and I will say this was so much different than any other one I've read. Usually in these books, the author skims over their backstory and clientele, not truly giving you the authenticity of what it is really like to sell your body. I wouldn't exactly say other books prettify this job, but this one definitely left more of an impression. This was a true portrayal of this life, or what I might assume.

The story starts with the prologue "I fuck women for money". That is it. Well if that doesn't get your attention...

Twenty eight year old, Hallen Jansen confesses his life story. Starting from his home life, his first paid job, his experiences in his 7 years as an escort, to him finally finding love and contentment.



Hockey player and closet artist, the 21 year old, very attractive Hallen is finding difficulty making money while he is attending UCLA. As he is from Canada, he doesn't have a work permit, and needs to find the means to survive. So what starts as a quick and enticing way to earn a few bucks, he finds himself doing porn. Hallen wises up pretty quickly, and realizes that this lifestyle of sex, drugs and diseases is not the path he wants to travel. Then while tending bar, he is approached by and older lady, Eloise, who wants him to take her daughter out on a date. This one date leads to the taste of being a paid escort. He is attracted to the money and the sex. Eloise jumps at the opportunity for a new business endeavor, and the two start out something that will pay big money, with little effort. Or at least that is what Hallen thinks. He find himself in some very uplifting and some very degrading situations. And the job starts to take it's toll.



After being in the profession for seven years, he meets 48 year old and divorced Laura Anderson. She starts as a client, but he soon finds she is different than any other client he has had. He feels relaxed around her, comfortable, and finally feels like he can be himself. It doesn't hurt that she is also very attractive despite having 2 children, one of which is only 5 years younger than him.

They both like the idea of starting a relationship, but there are too many obstacles and differences that are piled against them.

Is this Hallen's true love, and a start to having a happy life, or are the they doomed before they even begin?

*********
I have a little bit of mixed emotions about this book. I really liked it, and for the most part enjoyed the story. The writing was fabulous and the detail was exceptional. However I did find it rather long and tedious. At around 54%, I had to message a friend of mine to ask her if it got any better, as I was starting to get a little bored and things were just really drawn out. I think most of this had to do with the length, and not so much the story itself. I was reassured it would get better with some good ol' angst, and it definitely delivered this.

I loved the explicit detail of his different jobs, and how they made him feel. We get to see the trial an error of starting out and working as a paid man. Some jobs were very positive, like making a woman with low self esteem feel better about herself, or just having someone to talk to. Some jobs were extremely negative, where he felt like he wasn't even a person, just a whore. Those were hard to read. You felt his pain and how he had to compartmentalize his life. It made the profession more seedy and very sad. This was one of the best parts of the book, realistic.

I also loved that it was written almost entirely in Hallen's POV. Hallen was a great character, and you really wanted him to be happy. I always love the male perspective, but sometimes when this happens, you lose a good connection with the heroine. I felt this with Laura. Not sure if I really liked her. They fought a lot and I struggled a little with this. As much as it was very real, and I understood both POV's, I was starting to wonder if Hallen was just too sensitive, or if Laura was just being a bitch. This got pretty frustrating.

All in all this was very unexpected. As mentioned before, it was so different from any other book about escorts that I've read. It was gritty, it was flawed, and it made you feel, which is never a bad thing. Maybe if I had a better attention span, wasn't so impatient, or knew this wasn't use your typical romance story, I would have had a better experience with it. If you want to get a true life story of a broken man earning a living to get paid for sex, I think this is perfect. If you want a fun and sweet read about two people finding love despite a few bumps and hurdles, then this is not your book.

[Beverly Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review."

Jane Never Disappoints. I was looking forward to read this book. A story about an Escort? What's not to like. I expected the typical hot as hell Escort story, I really wasn't prepared for what I read.



I must say Jane has a gift. She writes beautiful stories and makes the reader prisoner. Addicted. Part of the story. How? Her characters are believable. Down to earth. Imperfect. Her books take the reader through a journey. Jane's writing is full of details. Experiences. Feelings. Lessons. Things you can relate to.
There's Passion. Reality. She gives the reader not only a new story to read. She gives the reader a new lesson to learn. A new journey to travel.



I highly recommend this book. It's a love story like no other. It's about learning from your mistakes. Growing as human being. Learning to trust and love. Accepting who you are and Loving with all your heart no matter what.





“The last couple of months, it’s like you’ve been so lost, and I didn’t know how to find you. I thought if … I wanted to show you how you look to me."



This is what love is all about :



Five "Amazing" ☆☆☆☆☆

[Milot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.!!! This book is absolutely a MUST READ. I love it so much.!

5 heart wreaking unique inspiring beautiful stars

Im in love with Hallen Jansen.!!!!

I'm such a big fan of ms Jane Harvey Berrick books, her writing is unique, astonishing and she always write intriguing and captivating books. She made us reader see how one's imperfection or flaws can be overcome because of love. At your beck and call is another masterpiece she'd given us and definitely one of my fave book of her ( I'm torn between Sebastian and Hallen lol)

At Your Beck and Call is not your TYPICAL story about a gigolo. It's not a sex filled lustful book, where escort meet client- sex- then fall in love. This book is so much MORE.! More About life and love. It's enlightening, fascinating, and unpredictable. A heart breaking and inspiring book about a man trying to find his self in his journey in life. A journey where he's been faced with what REALITY IS..... ugly and cruel.

The first part of the story give us an insight what HALLEN's past have been. From his lonely childhood to his fuck up college years and what drives him to be in the escort service. It's not an easy journey for him. He experience a lot of things that made him be detached in his life. It's been one hell of a ride to read all his experience as a professional escort. From one client to another.....( and every scene is freaking HOT.)

But what made me really love this book is when im on the second half of it. Where I got to know more about Hallen and when he'd meet Laura his former client. It's fascinating how HALLEN's actions changed when he feel something for Laura. It's an unknown feeling for Him but he still manage to sweep me of my feet with he's charm. The building of their relationship and their connection is palpable I could almost feel it. I swoon every time they're together but some part made my heart shattered for both of them. For what's the reality of their situation is and the ugly truth of Hallen's past and considering Laura's situation. This story transcends all the other books I read with the same theme about a gigolo.It's inspiring and an eye opener to me as reader and Hallen's story touches my heart. I love Him so much.

Life Lesson: This book is all about acceptance, forgiveness, finding yourself and choosing what you want to do in life, and most importantly you should follow your dreams.

Recommendation: Highly recommended

[Lindsey Melia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Jane. And I can easily say that by the time the first chapter of this book was finished I knew I would be addicted to her writing!

This book was like anything I have ever read before. Told from the males point of view which in itself is weird but add to the mix that he is a male escort and you got yourself a drama packed book!

The book starts off with Hallen going on one of her numerous 'Dates'. This is where you first see his male escortness(Yes its a word LOL) kick off. He has been doing it years at this point so its not his first Rodeo. He could do this blind and know what to do and what to say. Like an actor reading from a script. He gives the woman just what they want and says just what they wanna hear.

After that he goes back and shows you his story, and boy is it some story he has to tell us! Years of been an escort has gathered some tales to tell.

My god some of the stories he has is UNREAL! Some of the women are bat shit crazy! Others are just lonely housewifes or just fed up been dateless.

Some parts of this had me so sad. The low self esteem Hallen has is so sad. There was bits in the book where I wanted to take him in my arms and tell him to f**k what everyone else taught! This job has him horrified with himself. He hates himself more then society does. And he shouldn't because he truly is an amazing person and one in a million.

After 7 or so years Hallen is fed up, does he really want to be doing this forever?

Then one woman really makes him look at what he wants. Of all the woman he's been with and yes he's been with ALOT why her? Don't worry she asks herself this REPEATEDLY.

Laura is SO different from the girls he's been with. He doesn't just want a date or even sex with her. He wants forever's with her,making love, holding hands watching sunsets.....*Sigh* Everything...

But there are some things standing in there way.... Kids....ex husbands.....*Cough* Twenty year ages gaps*Cough*...... So there start is not plain sailing, far from it. And wanting to try to be with a male escort is hard enough when you think your living in the shadow of over 1,000 other woman. It tends to send a girl a LITTLE crazy.....

But Hallen's story, and then Laura when she joins in one that will keep you begging for more. This book is scorching hot, how Jane got into the mind of a male escort and done it so well I would love to know! Maybe there's a story there..... ;)

[HMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has such a knack for stories that are unusual and that have you examine your preconceived notions about a subject. I just LOVE Hallen and while insecure, Laura is an excellent heroine. Many of the other reviewers focus on the first half of the book, all of Hallen's clients and how difficult it is to read. Some readers didn't finish the book because of the discussion and details of his clients. At first I thought it to be tedious and was tempted to skip around a bit. I then figured out that all that backstory was essential to really know and connect with his character. Bloody brilliant!!!

[Jan]

Read this book on 30May. Wrote a few words that have been deleted when I was fixing my duplicated books :(
I have to split this in two parts:
First half of the book was just ok :( So, I am going for a 3 stars here.
Second part, when Hallen meets his lady (clearly this took too long and It shouldn't take this long for someone start to enjoy a book :( ) is where I started to love the story. It really touched me how the author show how hard and painful was for Laura let go all her fears about their 20 years age gap and finally be happy with Hallen.
5 Stars for the second part.

[Swoon Worthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela's 5 Star Review

A copy of the book was gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review.

"So what other services do offer, Hallen?"

At Your Beck & Call is not your typical love story, boy meets girl they date, have sex, fall in love, etc...No this a story about a young man Hallen Jansen who's lonely, broken, sweet, caring, thoughtful kind of guy. You see Hallen is an escort, working at your beck and call, he's a high paid male companion for wealthy woman. This is his story to tell told in his POV, you'll get to go inside the mind of a male escort and hear his deep down thoughts.

Hallen was not to love about him he has all the qualities woman are seeking, extremely good looks, charisma, sweet, caring. Deep down he's also a broken boy, Hallen lost his dad when he was 11, and isn't close to his mother. Hallen left home at 18 to attend UCLA and never wanted to go back he wanted to make something of himself, he majored in fine arts, his true passion was art. He wants to become a famous artist.
Once Hallen graduated college he found himself in debit with student loans pilling up, at the age of 21 he landed a part time job tending bar, then one night Hallen's life changed dramatically when he met Eloise, she made him offer he couldn't refuse. "How would like to earn $500 for a day's work, Hallen". Escort her daughter to a friend's wedding, an offer he couldn't refuse and the rest of course is history.

Hallen tells his story like your reading his personal diary starting from day one until the very end, a span of 8 years, from a boy to a man. Eight years of humiliation, low self confidence, woman degrading him, calling him a male "whore". Yes it seemed on the outside Hallen had the perfect life money, fancy cars, house, on the inside was a lost soul looking for acceptance, purpose in life, maybe even love.

"Love doesn't come in neat little boxes, its' messy and disorganized and a pain in the ass. Get used to it."

Laura a recently divorcee married for 26yrs, with two grown children, she's also 20 years older than Halen, and a former client of his. Laura has her own issues to deal with she's weak, has trust issues, low self esteem, the blame stems from her husband with his verbal abuse and constant cheating on her. Laura's husband loved to put her down in front of their friends and colleagues. Laura also has no confidence in herself, she feels that no man could ever want her, so when she meets Hallen she has some strong reservations towards him.

"I've wanted to touch you like this since I first met you...and then at the beach...you looked so perfect."

Some may question the age difference between Halen and Laura (20yrs), who are we to judge who we fall in love with, the heart wants what it wants, it doesn't know age and has no boundaries. If that person makes you feel special, loved, accepted, beautiful, like no one else in the world exist, isn't it worth the chance.

This was a beautiful told story about learning to be accepted, forgiving one self, moving on from the past, trusting one self and others. Knowing that your life has purpose and meaning. The author did an amazing job telling the story about two lost souls who eventually find each other, the romance builds gradually making you believe in it.
This is my fourth book I've read by Jane and it's also one of my favorites, it was so different then her other books, it's heartbreaking, comical at times, you'll even feel sorry for the life Hallen has lead. But in the end it's a feel good kind of story, you will be happy to say you had the pleasure of meeting Hallen Jansen.

Can Hallen overcome his escort past and move on from it, or will he fall back into his old ways? Will he be the one to help Laura overcome her fears?

Can Laura overcome her trust issues and accept Hallen faults and all in her life, will she be the one to make Hallen see his life is worth it?

"I knew that I was damaged goods, but being with her, talking to her, I felt like I could be more than the sum of the past. I prayed she'd take a chance with me."

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complimentary copy was provided by author for Blog Tour

Amazon Buy Link--->> At Your Beck & Call

~~ 4.5 Stars ~~

This is the second book by Jane Harvey-Berrick that I have read and so far this is by far my FAVORITE!!! This book was so different than I expected. I kind of expected it to be like all the other escort books I have read, but that is not the case. This was told kind of like a "day in the life" of…. It's almost like we were interviewing Hallen and he gave us his story of how he became a male escort. What a fantastic journey it was ;) I loved that this book was told almost completely in the male POV (We do get a couple chapters from Laura's POV). This book was a thought provoking story!!! I thought the way Jane wrote and told this story was fantastic. I will say that I did get a little confused with some of the time jumps in the beginning, but it wasn't enough to deter me from really enjoying this story. I will say that I do think this book might be hard for some readers….it will definitely take some out of their comfort zones. What I loved the most about this story was the feelings behind the story. In the first half of the book, I thought Jane did a wonderful job expressing the true feelings for someone in the Escort business. I felt that everything Hallen went through and described was believable. The second half of the book was such an emotional roller coaster for me….and the last 30% of the book really kind of gutted me. I couldn't stop crying!!! My heart broke for Hallen. But I did end this story with a HUGE smile on my face. I loved the Epilogue :)

Hallen is the main character of this story, but about half way in we meet Laura. Laura hires Hallen to escort her to an Art Gallery showing. This is how they meet for the first time. After that meeting something snapped in Hallen and he realized being an escort wasn't the life he wanted anymore. After he meets Laura and they start dating, this is were the story shows a different side of Hallen. I loved him so much. He totally made my heart melt. The second half of the book really focused on what Hallen and Laura had to overcome to be with each other. This is the part of the book were most of the drama occurred, but it was mostly brought on by Laura. She had some serious trust issues…not that I blamed her, but I was getting frustrated with the fact that she kept throwing Hallen's past in his face. My heart broke for him so many times during this time :( I was glad to see that by the end of the story Laura grew into a stronger more confident person and was willing to fight for what she wanted.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the escort type story. But let me warn you…if you go into this thinking that it is going to be like the book Damaged Goods….then you will be sorely mistaken. This book was so much more then just a great love story. This isn't a happy go lucky story of an escort falling in love with a client and living HEA…it is so much more then that…it shows the gritty, hard and realistic side of what it is like to be an escort and to be the person who falls in love with that escort. If you are a fan of Jane's books then you for sure don't want to miss this book !!!! This is definitely a standalone and completed story!!!!

For more reviews go to Book Bitches Blog

[Funzee Shu · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** SEVEN-PUREFECTLY-BEUTIFUL-HEART WRENCHING-HALLEN's-STARS

Seven is my lucky number.
Seven is also mean a "perfect" number for me.

So, you know what it means when I give a book "7 stars" ?
Yup ! That's only have one meaning....

"TOTALLY PERFECT" !!!!








What cross on your mind when you read word "escort" ?

Mmm-hmmm.....
I saw where your mind will go, ladies !!!

When I read the blurb and know that the hero is an escort.
I have all dirty scenario playing on my naughty mind ! *grinning*

I've read few books with "escort theme", but...none is like this.

Behind a glamorous escort life, there is a broken-lonely-guy who seek for someone who could "see" him as a person, not just as an object of desire.

And this lonely-broken young man really know how to make women feel....
Special....

Let me make all things clear, ladies....
This is not your usual ordinary-sexy-hot-escort story...

If you lookin' for another ordinary book with "escort theme" as main plot, or If you lookin' for a romance story with hot sex scenes ?

Sorry, ladies...cuz I hv to tell you this....

You'll not find that in this book !

Cuz this book is way much deeper from what you ever think.
This story really is an eye opener for those who can see behind what it seen ....

Wait !
Did I just said "ordinary" ?

Well, there's nothing "simple" and "ordinary" when it comes from Jane, right ?

Only Jane could write a simple story but feels far....far away from what word "simple" mean is.... and yet so beautiful...

At Your Beck and Call not an ordinary escort story like others, It's more like a life journal of a guy who being escort for 8 years - a Hallen Jansen's life journal. ~ A beautiful-broken-young-man-with-golden heart-that-worth-to-melt-for !



And I'm totally fallin' deeply in LOVE with Hallen Jansen, not only because he has everything women desired about, but more because of his beautiful kindness heart...



There are few times this guy made me cried and wanna hug and cuddled this poor guy for what had happened in his life....







HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!

NOTE :

Find more teasers about AYB&C on my Pinterest !
here

[Emma Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Shiny Sparkling Stars!!

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of At Your Beck & Call from the lovely Jane Harvey-Berrick.

Being as Jane is a friend of mine and I have known about this book for sometime I'm very protective of it and Hallen (my reason will be come apparent, lol. My alter ego makes an appearance so look out for chapters 6 & 7 and the one and only Emma Darchelle. I was over the moon when Jane asked me if I'd like to be a character in At Your Beck & Call and Emma Darchelle is definitely one of a kind and I actually love her (please note, I'm not actually like her, ha ha).

So, this is Hallen's story and his life as an ex porn star and male escort and let me tell you it's a colourful and heartbreaking life that he has lead, his life seems easy with no attachments or emotions and he leads this life for 8 years until he meets a certain lady - Laura and his whole world is turned upside down.

This book has a bit of everything in it from sex and more sex, turmoil upset, acceptance, forgiveness, love & lust.... it has it all and I totally loved it.

Jane is an amazing writer and describes everything with such brilliant, clear details that you can actually picture it rolling out in front of you.

I'm not going to give too much away as I don't want to spoil it but what I will say is - YOU HAVE TO READ IT! You will not regret it.

Jane congratulations on another amazing book - it is an absolute gem and it will remain in my heart forever - Thank u for letting me a part of At Your Beck & Call.

Some of my favourite quotes: (couldn't list all of them I'd be here all day, lol)

All of chapter 6 & 7 = Awesome (Had to get that in there, ha ha).

. "So what other service do u offer Hallen?
. "Your gorgeous when your grumpy, but that smile could make the angels weep."
. "I'm at your beck and call Emma."
. "If only I were a decade or two younger. Never mind my dear, I will play the fond aunt while I stare discreetly at your ass."

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Acceptance Stars!!!

The story of this book is about Hallen, a male escort - on how he became one and his life from then on.

The first half talked about his teen life, but most of it is about the various clients he had as a professional escort, somewhat like a diary of being a gigolo - just like what my friend Feifei had said. This is your "getting to know stage" with the hero. In here, you'd know how some of the male escort might felt for being one.

The second half of this book is the "romance" part. I really cannot say if it was another kind of thing coz it sure felt like one. The good thing is that it's not that cheesy, in fact it's more realistic in a sense that reading this just made me realize how stereotype and judgemental people tend to be, whether they wanted to be one or not.

Sometimes, I find myself irritated for both main characters because one cannot help but feel undeserving of love and lacks self confidence, while the other cannot help but be sensitive over everything because of the past. It's really a bit tiring, but come to think of it, the story wouldn't felt more real should everything falls into place easily so I guess the author did a great job there.

This is my third book from this author and I don't know if it was just a coincidence or the author just loves writing about older woman and younger man. Makes us think that age doesn't really matter when it comes to love, after all....

Love doesn’t come in neat little boxes—it’s messy and disorganized and a pain in the ass.

Really enjoyed the book, I hope you'll give it a try.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! 5 holy steamy stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


So this book was very long, but you know what, I see why it had to be. The author had to explain the escort life of Hallen Jansen. Without seeing into the years of his escort life, we wouldn't see and understand what made him who he was.

This book was so detailed and had scenes I have never read before. It was different. I needed that, because I have been in a book slump for about 2 weeks, so this was the book that pulled me out. Some of the scenes were so steamy and extremely explicit. This is not a book to read in public.

I love this author's work. I have read several books by her. I do have to say my favorite is still Sebastian and Caroline, but this is just as good as well.

If you are looking for a steamy, different book, this is the one for you! Go for it!

Thank you Jane Harvey-Berrick for your brilliance!

[Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ ~ Sweet Spot Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

**Possible spoilers below**

Rough. Urgent. Taking. Giving. Blaming. Forgiving. Hands. Voices. Tongues. Lips. Fingers. Flesh. Biting. Biting. Licking. Touching. Tasting. Sucking. Kissing. Kissing. Breathing. Writing. Pleasure. Pain. Punish. Feeling. Tears. Eyes. Eyelids. Fluttering. Closing. Faster. Faster. Building. Rushing. Pushing. Craving. Needing. Release. Lights. Burning. Slowing. Sighing. Lips. Eyes. Words. Kissing. Kissing. Touching. Hope.

When I heard this book was coming out, it was a no brainer – it was a must-read. First off, this written by Jane Harvey-Berrick and if you don’t know already, this author is a freaking phenomenal storyteller. Plus if you’ve read the synopsis, you also know that the H/h are not your typical characters. A young sexy male escort falling for an older client – yea, you knew I’d be all over this.

I tried to remember when I stopped selling sex and started selling myself.

Hallen has been through a lot. After leaving Newfoundland for the city of Angels to attend UCLA, he found himself struggling to keep his head above water. His hockey scholarship wasn’t enough and he needed to find a way to make money, even dabbling in porn; he was that desperate. After that didn’t pan out so well, he ended up bartending. It was here where he met Eloise and his life drastically changes.

Because she sees me. She cares about what I think, she cares that I have an opinion. She inspires me – to paint, to live, to be a better man, a whole man. We laugh a lot and when we’re together, I don’t feel alone anymore.”

First and foremost, Hallen is an artist, but his passion took a backseat while he immersed himself as an escort. Though he graduated, it was hard to find a well paying job in the industry. As an escort, each job he took, each woman he escorted, the more he lost a bit of himself. It wasn’t until he met Laura, a friend of Eloise, that he began to see more of who he wanted to be.

If she could really accept me for who I was and, more importantly, what I was, what I had been … it was a big risk – I knew that. I was damaged goods, but being with her, talking to her I felt like I could be more than the sum of my past. I prayed she’d take a chance with me.

Laura was forty-eight to Hallen’s twenty-eight. After a failed marriage of twenty-six years, she is recently divorced and her self-esteem is pretty low. She doesn’t understand her draw to Hallen, or better yet, she doesn’t understand why a young sexy man like him would want someone like her. Hallen, however, knew there was something different about Laura. He wanted to become a better; someone who he, himself, can be proud of. But can Laura get over his past and truly see him for the man he is?

Love doesn’t come in neat little boxes – it’s messy and disorganized and a pain in the ass.

I enjoyed this book for the most part, but I have to be honest -- the beginning was a little slow and I almost gave up. I didn’t mind reading all about Hallen’s escapades, but after a while, I wondered when and where the heroine actually showed up. By the time she did, that started out a little slow moving, too. Plus add in Laura’s reluctance, my patience was wearing thin. I’m thankful that the author included her POV because it helped explained a lot -- otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have liked her as much.

As much as my patience was wearing thin, I invested too much already and I wanted to know if Hallen and Laura will ever find their HEA. I’m glad I didn’t give up because the overall story did make me smile. Hallen’s story was heartbreaking, but I was so happy with the overall outcome.

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[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallen Jansen is a paid escort. Not every date ends with sex, but most do. He is gorgeous, buff and smart. Eloise is his pimp, the one who lines up his "dates"�. Years ago, he fell into doing some bit parts in porn movies, but after his first STD, the bloom was off that rose and he backed away. While bartending, he met Eloise, an older, wealthy woman who asked him to escort his recently dumped daughter to a wedding that her ex would be attending with his new girlfriend..and she would pay him handsomely to do so. He did it, had a great time with the daughter; the night carried over into the next day and he was paid for his "services"� by the daughter. Not to mention that when Eloise questioned him about it, he ended up getting over their agreed fee for that too. (it didn't hurt that he refused to discuss any details with Eloise about his night. She values discretion.)

Eloise made Hallen a proposal-to do this on a regular basis and she would teach him the finer things he would need to know to mingle with the class of women that would be paying for his services. She would also take care of his education for the arts and his clothing. Of course she makes a nice hefty fee for each "date"�. Hallen was a quick learner and acquired quite a client base. He liked to keep his clients' personal preferences and habits on a spread sheet, so he could keep them straight. Even he had his limitations though, he was into screwing his women clients, but doing so in front of the husbands made him uncomfortable. And he wasn't down with any man on man action.

But Hallen gets weary of this life; the money and travel are wonderful, but there is no real connection to his clients. He may like some more than others, but they aren't real love interests or friends. This leads him to his newest client-Laura.

She is the exception, the one that makes him yearn for more. But when she finds out all the gory details of his life as an escort, where does that leave them? Will Hallen ever be able to break away from this life and do what he is passionate about-painting?


I liked this story. It had some unique aspects that separated it from the onslaught of male escort books flooding the reading market right now. It had great humor, and some steamy sex. This is easy reading, little angst and no cliff hanger. Fits the bill nicely.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to keep this review short and sweet. Due to a crazy life lately I have been reading this book for what seems like weeks and I haven't been able to really enjoy it like I would wish to. Having said all of that, I did enjoy it and am pleased to say that yet again Jane Harvey-Berrick did not disappoint me.

I have read books about male escorts before, The Curio series by Cara McKenna was a particular favourite of mine, but At Your Beck Call was just as much of a brilliant book, mainly because it just felt so different. Told in the POV of Hallen, the male lead, Jane takes us on his complete life journey. I felt like I knew Hallen more than I've known a lot of characters I read about. There was so much depth to not only his character, but his whole story too. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about him.

When we finally meet the woman, Laura who is to change Hallen's life, I wasn't sure what to expect. Their lives are so different, their ages are different and with Hallen's past I didn't know how it could work out. I didn't need to worry. Despite all of their worries, troubles and obstacles, Hallen and Laura ultimately bring out the best in each other and the whole way through their journey I was just dying for it to work out for them. Jane's writing is so superb that you feel like these characters are life long friends.

I really enjoyed this book, as I always do Jane's books, and I can't wait to see what comes next.

*ARC provided by author in turn for an honest review.*
*Reviewing for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog as part of the 'At Your Beck & Call' blog tour.*

[Reckless Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

****arc given by author in exchange for honest review****

Where do I start!!!! This book was fantastic. It was amazing to get in the mind of a male escort. The author kept me intrigued at all times. I could not put the book down. The writing was impeccable. Very well written. Awesome job.

Hallen quest to be a successful artist was a hard road to success. After not being drafted to play professional hockey he must do anything and everything to make ends meet. While working in a bar he meets Eloise who asks him to escort her daughter to a event. After that one night he becomes a high paid and well demanded escort to the wealthy and elite worldwide. After spending over eight years in the trade he meets a client named Laura that inspires him to start pointing again. The ups and downs that Hallen goes through with Laura had me feeling sorry for him. At times I wanted to stick my hand in the book and shake some sense into Laura. It's an incredible love story of two people trying to put their pasts behind them. I recommend this book to everyone. Great job Jane.