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Shelter #2
Lap Dog
Tristan Beck sells his body for a living; Simon Yeung sold his soul for his family.
Simon’s job is to make things run smoothly for his uncle’s business, and he does his job well. When he’s assigned to convince Tristan to work for a family ally, Simon develops a strategy and then implements it. Nothing personal.
But when “convincing” really means “forcing” it couldn’t be more personal for Tristan and his friends. Tristan may be a prostitute, but as an independent he was in control—not of individual encounters maybe, but at least of his client list and what he was willing to do for them.
As Simon gets to know Tristan better, he begins to question his own beliefs, and when Tristan’s friends get involved, Simon realizes that a family you choose can mean a lot more than a family you’re born into. Thanks to Simon's actions, Tristan has to choose between staying with his friends or losing his freedom--unless Simon takes desperate steps to free the man he's coming to love.
Simon’s job is to make things run smoothly for his uncle’s business, and he does his job well. When he’s assigned to convince Tristan to work for a family ally, Simon develops a strategy and then implements it. Nothing personal.
But when “convincing” really means “forcing” it couldn’t be more personal for Tristan and his friends. Tristan may be a prostitute, but as an independent he was in control—not of individual encounters maybe, but at least of his client list and what he was willing to do for them.
As Simon gets to know Tristan better, he begins to question his own beliefs, and when Tristan’s friends get involved, Simon realizes that a family you choose can mean a lot more than a family you’re born into. Thanks to Simon's actions, Tristan has to choose between staying with his friends or losing his freedom--unless Simon takes desperate steps to free the man he's coming to love.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2016
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March 1, 2016This is the second book in the Shelter series, with a bonus interlude at the end plus the opening chapter from the third book.
I'm really enjoying these boys. Lots of flaws (especially with Simon in this one - you'll probably hate him for a good chunk of the book, but I hope he wins you over by the end), lots of angst, lots of love. They're fun to write, and I love having the opportunity to check in with the characters from the earlier books as I go.
I'm really enjoying these boys. Lots of flaws (especially with Simon in this one - you'll probably hate him for a good chunk of the book, but I hope he wins you over by the end), lots of angst, lots of love. They're fun to write, and I love having the opportunity to check in with the characters from the earlier books as I go.
October 17, 2016
Seguimos con la serie Shelter, y decir que aunque son stand alone realmente son historias de amor, pero también de amistad, de crecimiento y de vida, por lo que es importante, para entender todo el mundo en el que se mueven los personajes, sus relaciones y reacciones entre ellos, leer toda la serie y leerla en orden.
Igual que me pasó en el primer libro Kate Sherwood me sorprende en este con una historia poco convencional en el que los momentos un tanto ingenuos se mezclan con la realidad de muchas personas y con un análisis muy bueno sobre las relaciones de amistad, las relaciones familiares y las consecuencias de las distintas decisiones que tomamos en la vida.
Dos personajes muy distintos, con un Tristan absolutamente adorable y un Simon mucho más serio y contenido, que se complementan muy bien, mucha química, slow burn y poco sexo, y muchas cosas entre medias, conversaciones interesantes, giros sorprendentes en el argumento, secundarios con mucho peso que ya conocemos del libro anterior... Una historia interesante y bien construida.
Quizás no lo habitual, pero recomendable.
Igual que me pasó en el primer libro Kate Sherwood me sorprende en este con una historia poco convencional en el que los momentos un tanto ingenuos se mezclan con la realidad de muchas personas y con un análisis muy bueno sobre las relaciones de amistad, las relaciones familiares y las consecuencias de las distintas decisiones que tomamos en la vida.
Dos personajes muy distintos, con un Tristan absolutamente adorable y un Simon mucho más serio y contenido, que se complementan muy bien, mucha química, slow burn y poco sexo, y muchas cosas entre medias, conversaciones interesantes, giros sorprendentes en el argumento, secundarios con mucho peso que ya conocemos del libro anterior... Una historia interesante y bien construida.
Quizás no lo habitual, pero recomendable.
March 3, 2016
This book almost passed me by -- I'm a bit behind on MM-book releases these days -- and that would be a crime. Because I love Kate Sherwood's book and I enjoyed Feral, the first book in this series. So I bought it from Amazon, and not even a glitch in delivery could stop me (that is a different technical matter)
So ... I'm still drown by anxiety hours after finishing this book. For what I considered as a contemporary fiction, Lap Dog offered a great suspense as well. Sherwood put both our MCs in a "between rock and hard place" situation which put me on the edge of my seat almost through out the book. Because I seriously had no idea where the story was going, and Sherwood definitely challenged me with how I should feel of Simon. Was he a villain? Was he someone I should hate?
It was easy to sympathize with Tristan -- and it was his situation that put my heart went berserk because I wanted it so bad for him to be okay, but I didn't know what Sherwood had in store for him, so I kept reading with trepidation -- but I couldn't find myself hating Simon either. Which was why I thought this story was sort of being amazing. I love it when an author raises the stake for the characters, and I don't know what will happen next. It is one of the best reading experiences ever!
I also loved the conversations that happened between Tristan and Simon. This is one of 'low steam level' stories -- in fact we didn't get a kiss until around 3/4 of the book -- thus the attraction that happens is more than just physical. It's almost like an attraction of the mind; Tristan is intrigued with Simon, and vice versa. I was very much in trance with their discussions (I couldn't exactly call it banters!) as much as I did with the plot.
One thing that stopped this from being perfect, for me, was that Tristan frustrated me a bit near the end. It was like he refused to do what Simon was offering him just because. At that time, I was already very much a Simon's supporter (even if I sympathized with Tristan in the beginning), so I was basically annoyed on Simon's behalf. Because Simon wasn't (annoyed); he took whatever consequences he would received.
This opinion is vague, I know. But this is a time when I want to focus on my feeling without having to explain what the plot is all about. Bottom line, I loved it. It was an intense reading experience, and I didn't think I've felt that way for a while now. Especially for a book that is not marketed as thriller/suspense.
I can't wait to read about Micah; being an addict like him, I'm sure that Sherwood will again take me for a ride with his road to self-recovery.
So ... I'm still drown by anxiety hours after finishing this book. For what I considered as a contemporary fiction, Lap Dog offered a great suspense as well. Sherwood put both our MCs in a "between rock and hard place" situation which put me on the edge of my seat almost through out the book. Because I seriously had no idea where the story was going, and Sherwood definitely challenged me with how I should feel of Simon. Was he a villain? Was he someone I should hate?
It was easy to sympathize with Tristan -- and it was his situation that put my heart went berserk because I wanted it so bad for him to be okay, but I didn't know what Sherwood had in store for him, so I kept reading with trepidation -- but I couldn't find myself hating Simon either. Which was why I thought this story was sort of being amazing. I love it when an author raises the stake for the characters, and I don't know what will happen next. It is one of the best reading experiences ever!
I also loved the conversations that happened between Tristan and Simon. This is one of 'low steam level' stories -- in fact we didn't get a kiss until around 3/4 of the book -- thus the attraction that happens is more than just physical. It's almost like an attraction of the mind; Tristan is intrigued with Simon, and vice versa. I was very much in trance with their discussions (I couldn't exactly call it banters!) as much as I did with the plot.
One thing that stopped this from being perfect, for me, was that Tristan frustrated me a bit near the end. It was like he refused to do what Simon was offering him just because. At that time, I was already very much a Simon's supporter (even if I sympathized with Tristan in the beginning), so I was basically annoyed on Simon's behalf. Because Simon wasn't (annoyed); he took whatever consequences he would received.
This opinion is vague, I know. But this is a time when I want to focus on my feeling without having to explain what the plot is all about. Bottom line, I loved it. It was an intense reading experience, and I didn't think I've felt that way for a while now. Especially for a book that is not marketed as thriller/suspense.
I can't wait to read about Micah; being an addict like him, I'm sure that Sherwood will again take me for a ride with his road to self-recovery.
February 3, 2018
Dang you, Sherwood! I was supposed to quit this book halfway through in a boiling rage, ready to rip Simon a new one. Instead, I grudgingly liked him by 25% and was rooting for him about halfway through and just hoping everything would work out.
This still isn't perfect. Simom Yeung is the first prominent main character who is Chinese-American in any of Sherwood's books that I've read, and he's in a crime family. Really? And just because the characters call this out doesn't really take away from the problems of this, just as having them call out the old school family honor/respect stereotypes doesn't really mean she's not using those stereotypes.
Yet despite that, this was a great story. I don't know if I'd categorize it Romance (™) but Simon and Tristan do come to first respect each other, then kind of like each other, then warily admire each other and finally care for each other. I didn't think it was possible from the initial set up that opens the story, but their journeys and getting to know each other were well-paced and given the time to really breathe, despite all the chaos going on around them. The resolution was perhaps too easy and convenient, but I honestly don't care because I wanted these two to get their HEAs - not just with each other but for themselves as well. They still have things to figure out about their new lives though, so there's more room to tell more stories about them later. (And hopefully resolve a few more of those dangling threads that didn't get addressed here.)
It was also great seeing Shane and Noah again, and seeing glimpses of their relationship throughout. They even get a short story interlude at the end of the main story. It felt more like it was there to explain why Shane doesn't label himself asexual (though he is clearly on the spectrum) but whatever label someone wants to use or not use is up to them.
This still isn't perfect. Simom Yeung is the first prominent main character who is Chinese-American in any of Sherwood's books that I've read, and he's in a crime family. Really? And just because the characters call this out doesn't really take away from the problems of this, just as having them call out the old school family honor/respect stereotypes doesn't really mean she's not using those stereotypes.
Yet despite that, this was a great story. I don't know if I'd categorize it Romance (™) but Simon and Tristan do come to first respect each other, then kind of like each other, then warily admire each other and finally care for each other. I didn't think it was possible from the initial set up that opens the story, but their journeys and getting to know each other were well-paced and given the time to really breathe, despite all the chaos going on around them. The resolution was perhaps too easy and convenient, but I honestly don't care because I wanted these two to get their HEAs - not just with each other but for themselves as well. They still have things to figure out about their new lives though, so there's more room to tell more stories about them later. (And hopefully resolve a few more of those dangling threads that didn't get addressed here.)
It was also great seeing Shane and Noah again, and seeing glimpses of their relationship throughout. They even get a short story interlude at the end of the main story. It felt more like it was there to explain why Shane doesn't label himself asexual (though he is clearly on the spectrum) but whatever label someone wants to use or not use is up to them.
March 3, 2016
Everything is working fine in Tristan's life until Simon Yeung decided to swoop in like a boss forcing him into becoming a contracted escort to another high-paying Chinese family which Simon’s family is trying to get in good relationship with. Tristan naturally didn’t like this one bit and along the way, the spineless henchman that is Simon grew some conscience. When shit started to hit the fan, Tristan is still the one receiving the brunt of Simon’s doing. So really, I don’t even have to say how I totally despise Simon 80% of the story. He’s a family robot whose loyalty never faltered until he met Tristan.
I still don’t like Simon by the end of the book unfortunately. Although I really liked Tristan, I thought everything about his job and personality was simplified. He’s obviously a smart boy when he talks “shop” with Micah and I would’ve liked more exploration on his character.
Also, I didn’t feel the romance aspect of the book. I didn’t think there was a really prominent one either. It felt more like a friendship – something similar with Tristan and Shane’s relationship.
To be completely honest, I thought this was a bit of a downgrade from the awesomeness of the first book, Feral with Shane, Noah and Dodger. I thought their appearance here added to the likability of the book. Not saying this is a total drag but it would’ve been way better for me if there was more to Tristan than his job and friends, and the whole thing about the development of his relationship with Simon was given more space. I’d still read the next book in the series tho.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
I still don’t like Simon by the end of the book unfortunately. Although I really liked Tristan, I thought everything about his job and personality was simplified. He’s obviously a smart boy when he talks “shop” with Micah and I would’ve liked more exploration on his character.
Also, I didn’t feel the romance aspect of the book. I didn’t think there was a really prominent one either. It felt more like a friendship – something similar with Tristan and Shane’s relationship.
To be completely honest, I thought this was a bit of a downgrade from the awesomeness of the first book, Feral with Shane, Noah and Dodger. I thought their appearance here added to the likability of the book. Not saying this is a total drag but it would’ve been way better for me if there was more to Tristan than his job and friends, and the whole thing about the development of his relationship with Simon was given more space. I’d still read the next book in the series tho.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
April 4, 2017
Loved this so much! This one kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, as I couldn't figure out a way that those two could end up together. Well, I'm glad Simon's an evil genius, and he did find a solution after all :) They were so well matched together, the 'innocent', idealist Tristan and the jaded, responsibility-bound Simon, and I just ached for them the whole time.
I really needed some sexy times though; I don't usually mind the lack of sex scenes, and it didn't bother me at all in the first book where it somehow fit with the heroes' age and character, but here, with so much chemistry between them, I actually felt cheated :(
I really needed some sexy times though; I don't usually mind the lack of sex scenes, and it didn't bother me at all in the first book where it somehow fit with the heroes' age and character, but here, with so much chemistry between them, I actually felt cheated :(
April 10, 2023
Well-written, as are all Kate Sherwood's books, but I couldn't get past the initial set-up.
CW for forced prostitution.
Simon (acting as his uncle's factotum) forces Tristan out of his (relatively content) life as an independent prostitute into "slave" status working for a hard-core BDSM outfit. Simon's subsequent change of heart does not redeem his action for me. This is way over the line for a "romance" MC and I felt profoundly uncomfortable with Simon's eventual "redemption".
CW for forced prostitution.
Simon (acting as his uncle's factotum) forces Tristan out of his (relatively content) life as an independent prostitute into "slave" status working for a hard-core BDSM outfit. Simon's subsequent change of heart does not redeem his action for me. This is way over the line for a "romance" MC and I felt profoundly uncomfortable with Simon's eventual "redemption".
January 28, 2017
The fact Simon is Chinese American and that he works as a behind-the-scene coordinator between his uncle's legitimate business and another Chinese family's illegal one, reminds me of Hong Kong mafia movies I used to watch and love as a kid. The relationship between Tristan and Simon is unbelievably convincing in spite of the implausible set up and their social differences. Simon reminds me why I prefer guys with brain rather than brawn. Indeed, so many of the conflicts in this novel, there's no way any of them can be solved with violence, and Kate Sherwood does a great job of covering all bases to portray why Simon is such an ideal troubleshooter. He is well-connected, systematic and resourceful. He's also ambivalent about his family obligation and the feelings he has for Tristan. As for Tristan, he'd rather work as an independent whore rather than some underground organization's prostitute, so at first he really didn't like Simon that much. I love how there's always an undercurrent sexual tension between the two, and Simon is the one who always tries to postpone or resist Tristan's sexual advances because he doesn't want to give in to 'short term' gratification. That's probably one of the things that make him truly special for Tristan who has been selling his body for money and none of his clients really cared about him or who he was as long as they got what they paid for. This is certainly an intriguing read about the characters who don't usually get to be heroes in the mainstream contemporary romance (or even mainstream contemporary mm romance imo) with just the right amount of drama, wit and sexiness to make it my top read for the first half of 2017.
March 2, 2016
I was looking forward to this book since its preview in "Feral", so I, like, *ran* to read it as soon as it was out. I liked Tristan very much, and the situation he was in made me feel immediate sympathy. I think I enjoyed the first third of the book most of all. Simon was a guy I loved to hate, and it was fascinating to wonder how he could change so that he and Tristan worked. The chemistry between them was explosive.
November 19, 2016
If Kate Sherwood was closer, I'd have to hug her because she really made me happy with this book. Or maybe I should say that her stories make me happy? Probably.
I LOVED this. Even though Shane is still my absolute number one, Tristan is almost as good and together with Simon they are "damn close to perfection".
It is said that it'd take time to like Simon, but it is not true. Once I understood him, I was quite sure he's a good guy deep down in his heart. Sure, I felt sorry for Tristan and it was hard to read and even harder to even imagine how scared and frustrated he was, but it all ended well and the HEA was AMAZING! (their HEA, since Micah broke my heart in the end :( and that's why I had to start reading book #3 right after finishing this).
This book kept me on edge, I never knew what to expect and if Simon's or Simon and Tristan's ideas were good or would make things even worse. I admire Shane for his courage to fight for his best friend even though the whole situation was hopeless and I am full of awe when I think about Simon and what he did. Not the threads at the beginning of course, but later - fighting to help a guy he didn't really know just because he realized that what he (and his family) was doing was wrong.
This book is great and I loved every single thing about it.
I LOVED this. Even though Shane is still my absolute number one, Tristan is almost as good and together with Simon they are "damn close to perfection".
It is said that it'd take time to like Simon, but it is not true. Once I understood him, I was quite sure he's a good guy deep down in his heart. Sure, I felt sorry for Tristan and it was hard to read and even harder to even imagine how scared and frustrated he was, but it all ended well and the HEA was AMAZING! (their HEA, since Micah broke my heart in the end :( and that's why I had to start reading book #3 right after finishing this).
This book kept me on edge, I never knew what to expect and if Simon's or Simon and Tristan's ideas were good or would make things even worse. I admire Shane for his courage to fight for his best friend even though the whole situation was hopeless and I am full of awe when I think about Simon and what he did. Not the threads at the beginning of course, but later - fighting to help a guy he didn't really know just because he realized that what he (and his family) was doing was wrong.
This book is great and I loved every single thing about it.
March 14, 2016
3.5 stars
March 28, 2019
Once again we have a story with very little sex which is strange when dealing with a prostitute. Tristan was an interesting character in the first book as decent guy trying to help the less fortunate by being a friend and letting people crash at his place. He was also sweet and seductive at the same time. This book while enjoyable took that character on road that focused mainly on his own problems of being forced out of being an independent prostitute. We don't get to see alot of him helping out others or him working his job. Instead he tends to be waiting for whatever Simon comes up with next to see what direction he goes in. Simon does make the story a little more interesting watching he come to terms with his life and what he wants to change in it. I enjoyed this book a great deal it just wasn't the story I was expecting from the fascinating character in the first book.
May 1, 2024
I'm thoroughly enjoying this gritty series by Kate Sherwood, set in urban Seattle with an ensemble cast.
I was really drawn to Tristan as a supporting character in Feral, the first book, so it was great to get his story. Tristan is a sex worker, relatively successful and completely freelance, surrounded by his found family of close friends. But that situation is threatened when a corporation decides to use him as an asset, arranged by 'fixer' Simon Yeung, from a powerful Chinese American family with criminal connections.
I loved the dynamic between free-spirit Tristan and hidebound Simon. The storyline of the book was dictated by the concept and value of freedom and independence, which Tristan appreciates and fiercely defends and Simon has yet to acknowledge. Their story is a learning curve on many levels and made for a fascinating read.
I was really drawn to Tristan as a supporting character in Feral, the first book, so it was great to get his story. Tristan is a sex worker, relatively successful and completely freelance, surrounded by his found family of close friends. But that situation is threatened when a corporation decides to use him as an asset, arranged by 'fixer' Simon Yeung, from a powerful Chinese American family with criminal connections.
I loved the dynamic between free-spirit Tristan and hidebound Simon. The storyline of the book was dictated by the concept and value of freedom and independence, which Tristan appreciates and fiercely defends and Simon has yet to acknowledge. Their story is a learning curve on many levels and made for a fascinating read.
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November 28, 2017This was a four star read for me until the last fifteen percent, then things sort of fell apart, or at least, got troublesome enough that I didn't end the book with the good feelings I had previously. Perhaps I should make it 3.5 stars thpugh since I did like most of the book so much. The addendum about Shane's identity really felt off, like she'd gotten comments about it from the first book, and maybe got a little defensive. Plus it kind of felt weird tacked on at the end of this book. I really did love Tristan and Simon though, they were wonderful as characters. Their coupledom was a little less satisfying, but that may have been because it took so long to get to it.
September 8, 2017
I was not expecting the complexity I found here, or the compelling conflicts. Or the several times Tristan made me laugh. This is a rare low-erotic romance, relatively, which is funny considering Tristan's profession. I loved and felt deep sympathy for Simon, and the respect he shows Tristan is endearing. There's also a short, sweet afterword with Noah and Shane. I am delighted to have found another author whose work leaves me smiling and happy.
January 7, 2018
3.5 *
July 19, 2016
A copy of this book was provided for a fair and honest review through Love Bytes Same Sex Book Reviews.
Lap Dog is the second book in the Shelter series. I had not read the first book, but this did not pose a problem in the reading of it at all. Everything that I might have missed was explained well and the supporting characters were introduced well. The story is written well and engaging. I initially was not sure about the story at all. I really was unhappy with Simon continuing to refer to Tristan as ‘the whore’. This just rubbed me the wrong way. It was not until about the 30% mark that Simon started to see Tristan as a human being and not an object. Despite this, I ended up really enjoying the story. I was drawn into the dilemma that the characters faced. How were Simon and Tristan going to get out of the mess that they were in?
The supporting characters are colourful and substantive and really help the story move along without outshining the main characters.
Simon has a real transition in this story in the way he views the world, himself and others. He has no one in his life that he trusts. His family interactions are mostly cold and he is emotionally alone. Then he is shaken to discover how much Tristan’s friends are willing to sacrifice for him. What would it be like to have that kind of loyalty in your life? Could he ever find that for himself?
Tristan is facing a situation that he cannot control or wish away. He has always exerted control on the way he leads his life and the decisions he makes. Being forced to do something he does not want to do initially makes him want to bury his head and ignore it. But the real threat to his friends, by Simon and who he is working for, is a game changer in the way he views his choices.
Simon’s change in thinking is a catalyst to a journey full of twists and turns, plots and sub plots, that have you rooting for them to not only win, but to find a way to do so together.
Lap Dog is the second book in the Shelter series. I had not read the first book, but this did not pose a problem in the reading of it at all. Everything that I might have missed was explained well and the supporting characters were introduced well. The story is written well and engaging. I initially was not sure about the story at all. I really was unhappy with Simon continuing to refer to Tristan as ‘the whore’. This just rubbed me the wrong way. It was not until about the 30% mark that Simon started to see Tristan as a human being and not an object. Despite this, I ended up really enjoying the story. I was drawn into the dilemma that the characters faced. How were Simon and Tristan going to get out of the mess that they were in?
The supporting characters are colourful and substantive and really help the story move along without outshining the main characters.
Simon has a real transition in this story in the way he views the world, himself and others. He has no one in his life that he trusts. His family interactions are mostly cold and he is emotionally alone. Then he is shaken to discover how much Tristan’s friends are willing to sacrifice for him. What would it be like to have that kind of loyalty in your life? Could he ever find that for himself?
Tristan is facing a situation that he cannot control or wish away. He has always exerted control on the way he leads his life and the decisions he makes. Being forced to do something he does not want to do initially makes him want to bury his head and ignore it. But the real threat to his friends, by Simon and who he is working for, is a game changer in the way he views his choices.
Simon’s change in thinking is a catalyst to a journey full of twists and turns, plots and sub plots, that have you rooting for them to not only win, but to find a way to do so together.
May 9, 2016
Like Feral, Lap Dog isn't a romance novels (at least I don't consider it to be). There is some attraction between Tristan and Simon, but nothing happens till the last pages. For me it's a big flaw because I need my dose of romance and for this reason this entire series isn't touching me emotionally. Plus, it was very hard to like Simon. He kind of redeemed himself later in the book, but when the word whore is being used 149(!) times throughout the book, and most of the times by Simon while talking or thinking about Tristan, it does become very off-putting. Yes, there was a moment when he stopped referring to him as such and started using his real name, but by then I already disliked him.
As for the conflict, I found it to be unrealistic yet believable, and since I wasn't getting enough romance, the only thing I was looking forward to was the resolution.
Another thing that didn't quite work for me were the conversations between Simon and Tristan. The author tried very hard to make them deep and meaningful, but all it did was make me confused and bored. This quote by Simon pretty much sums up my feelings:
"I’m going to need you to spell things out a little more clearly."
Bottom line, there were too many things that I didn't enjoy to call it a hit, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a miss either, because this entire series has something that captures your attention and makes you want to continue. For that reason I'll probably read Micah's book, "Twice Shy", when it comes out.
As for the conflict, I found it to be unrealistic yet believable, and since I wasn't getting enough romance, the only thing I was looking forward to was the resolution.
Another thing that didn't quite work for me were the conversations between Simon and Tristan. The author tried very hard to make them deep and meaningful, but all it did was make me confused and bored. This quote by Simon pretty much sums up my feelings:
"I’m going to need you to spell things out a little more clearly."
Bottom line, there were too many things that I didn't enjoy to call it a hit, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a miss either, because this entire series has something that captures your attention and makes you want to continue. For that reason I'll probably read Micah's book, "Twice Shy", when it comes out.
November 30, 2019
Kate is one of my favorite authors - always on my autobuy list. The books that she writes that are character driven are hands down among my favorites.
This is the second book in the "Shelter" series. Book 1 revolved around Shane and Noah. This book is about one of Shane's friends - Tristan.
Tristan is a prostitute on his own terms - he says who, he says when, he says how much. And then a mysterious man appears in his life - Simon. Simon seems devoid of almost all human emotion. He is someone who is given a lists of tasks to carry out (by his controlling uncle) and he follows through because it's the right thing to do.
Simon and Tristan meet because the Chen family wants Tristan in their stable of whores. So basically - no more selling himself on his terms. Tristan of course is not cool with that plan however after Simon starts taking away some of Tristan's options, Tristan has no choice but to take him up on his offer.
For the remainder of the book, we see how everything falls apart but then comes back together.
Shane, from book 1, is instrumental in Simon reflecting on his choices. I was a huge fan of Shane's from book 1 and I was thrilled to see him add his special touch to the story and characters.
Simon is someone I came to care very much about. Tristan - I liked him well enough in book 1 but in book 2 - his consistent me me me and whining had me downgrading the book to a 4 rating.
Book 3 - which will be about Micah - looks to be interesting.
This is the second book in the "Shelter" series. Book 1 revolved around Shane and Noah. This book is about one of Shane's friends - Tristan.
Tristan is a prostitute on his own terms - he says who, he says when, he says how much. And then a mysterious man appears in his life - Simon. Simon seems devoid of almost all human emotion. He is someone who is given a lists of tasks to carry out (by his controlling uncle) and he follows through because it's the right thing to do.
Simon and Tristan meet because the Chen family wants Tristan in their stable of whores. So basically - no more selling himself on his terms. Tristan of course is not cool with that plan however after Simon starts taking away some of Tristan's options, Tristan has no choice but to take him up on his offer.
For the remainder of the book, we see how everything falls apart but then comes back together.
Shane, from book 1, is instrumental in Simon reflecting on his choices. I was a huge fan of Shane's from book 1 and I was thrilled to see him add his special touch to the story and characters.
Simon is someone I came to care very much about. Tristan - I liked him well enough in book 1 but in book 2 - his consistent me me me and whining had me downgrading the book to a 4 rating.
Book 3 - which will be about Micah - looks to be interesting.
May 16, 2016
I won't repeat the plot since several Goodreaders have done that admirably. I didn't read the first in the series and though it was a bit confusing to get into all the characters, you can read it as a stand alone. I wouldn't though. I missed understanding the dynamics of the motley group of friends who revolve around Tristan. There's very little sex which means it forced me to focus on the story line which was absorbing! That bit of suspense and crime added a unique touch. What really sent this to a 4 star was Simon. Such depth, such insight and such an intriguing person. His struggle with his dependence and loyalty to the family and his attraction to Tristan made this such a cerebral and thoughtful read. As always, Kate Sherwood brings unbelievable characters, depth and emotion to her books. Going back to read
and look forward to Michah's book 3.
and look forward to Michah's book 3.
September 29, 2016
Another slow burn of a build up to this lovely pairing. It's true that we wonder how Simon will make all his complicated secret dealings turn out for the best.
So there's real tension as well.
This series is almost one long book, with the over-arching community sub-plot bringing them all together.
Loved this.
So there's real tension as well.
This series is almost one long book, with the over-arching community sub-plot bringing them all together.
Loved this.
March 5, 2016
Enjoyed this but I would have liked more of it, would have liked more character development and a little more of this couple's future.
Lap Dog is part of a series and each book can stand alone, but I sure hope we get more of the African violet in the next book!
Lap Dog is part of a series and each book can stand alone, but I sure hope we get more of the African violet in the next book!
March 12, 2016
I was burning with righteous anger on the beginning of the book. I could feel Tristan desperation and anger, and how trapped he felt.
July 2, 2016
3.5 stars
April 9, 2016
A clever and thought provoking book abut choices and family and love.
Full review over at Prism
Full review over at Prism
November 26, 2017
I don’t know how to rate this one. Simon was so cold, a bit robotic, that I never felt the connection between them. But there were some excellent scenes in their. The cat, the plant. I don’t know if I’ll read this one again or not. I wish we could give half stars. Ugh.
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