Jesse

Boys of Brighton #4

by M. Tasia

Welcome back to Brighton, Texas. Where any man can find home. HEATING UP Royce Evans has worked as a paramedic in Brighton since graduating college. After the accident, though, his life seemed over. His husband died. Then he met Jesse. Handsome, brave, loving—the short-order cook is everything Royce desires. Everything he’d thought forever gone. Now Jesse’s tan, muscled body has brought him back to life, and nothing is going to shut that down. Not his own fears of heartbreak. Not Jesse’s past, or the fact that he ran from it. And definitely not Jesse’s crazy violent family, the Redemption Squad.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Abuse

122 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2017

About the author

M. Tasia is an mm romance author who lives in Ontario, Canada. Michelle is a dedicated people watcher, lover of romance novels, 80’s rock, and happily ever afters (once the MCs are put through their paces), who grew up with a love of reading. She’s a firm believer that everyone deserves to have love, excitement, and crazy hot romance in their lives. Love should be celebrated and shared.

To all my readers: Thank you. There’s no escaping the truth – without all of you, there wouldn’t be me, the author. Your support and kind words have taken me from being a new author who was unsure and panicked to an author with over twenty books under her belt. Okay, I’m still unsure and panicked, but I’m a work in progress. (Takes a sip of wine.)

I love sharing my stories with you and hearing how my characters have touched you and how you’ve cheered them on, cried with them, and even wanted to knock some sense into a few. Your encouragement has inspired me to continue on my writing journey. All the late nights, missed events, and looming deadlines have been worth it, knowing these stories have entertained and
stayed with you long after the book was finished.
Michelle XO

Reviews

[Audi♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh. It was cute. I liked the ending with the shelter. These books are starting to go downhill for me, tho.
We heard a little about Royce and Jesse in the previous books, but I wanted their story from the beginning. Once again, we are spat out months deep into their relationship. I hate that.

I'm not a fan of the Dead Husband troupe. Royce repetitively talked about his dead husband. I think 3 times in this short-ass book, he says they were high-school sweethearts.
We get it.

Also, what's up with this town and the hospital? I swear they all practically live there.

I'm excited about Coop and Matthew's book. Fingers crossed, it's good.

[Carra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the first four books in this series, Jesse is my favorite so far. Just like with Rick's Bear, Jesse is driven by the main characters, Jesse and Royce, and it was very easy to sympathize with Jesse's family situation. In fact, I wanted my chance at Jesse's family to personally rip them up for how they treated him.

Royce is quite protective of Jesse, even when he feels like his heart might be broken by him. I loved the way everyone around them also became Jesse's protectors--the family and community in Brighton are wonderful, if a bit nosy and overbearing at times. As for Jesse, he helps Royce heal and move on, even if it's a bumpy road to get there.

4 stars for Jesse, and this story can be read as a standalone just like the others in the series...though you'll probably enjoy it more if you read them in order so you have everyone else's backstory.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I was going to like Jesse's book more than I did. Maybe it was Royce I didn't like? I don't know. Something was missing.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so wanted for Jesse to get a happy ending. Something. He has been through so much, just trying to protect his friends in this new place he’s at. He’s finally found friends, a boyfriend, and so much more. This book is so good. But I do need to warn you. It deals with severe homophobia, beatings, abuse, attempted murder and more. If any is a trigger for you, you need to be careful.
After being on the run for so long, Jesse thought he finally found a home. He still has doubts when it comes to his boyfriend, Royce, because he’s never had someone love him like that. And the only person in his life who ever loved him period, is long dead and now the reason he had to run. He just wants to be happy and not scared and finally have a life he’s dreamed of. But Jesse’s past has come back to haunt him again. And they aren’t stopping this time. When he learns of the secrets of why they really want him gone, other than him being gay, it sends shockwaves through him. But it also makes him doubt himself even more and everything around him. But as bad as Royce has been hurt through some of this, he’s determined to do all he can to show Jesse, that forever and always is what they are. Now if Jesse will just believe it and let it sink in.
I swear, books really need a way for you to reach in and smack the snot out of people. Holy crap. Because there are some that really need a beat down in this one. I hurt so much for Jesse in this and even Royce. Because Jesse has never had any real love and support, his doubts and fears often kept him holding back on Royce. And could have cost him everything. It broke me. I hate when parents don’t do the job they are supposed to with their kids. It’s shameful. But the one thing I loved, is no matter how many times Jesse thought he was about to get pushed out again, everyone crowded him in and showed him they loved him and were there for him. He was family. And he finally saw himself in someone else that needed a hand and finally got it. Finally got from seeing this young man about what it really meant to have a family and love and support. Because he was sure going to give it to this young man. And make sure his man knew it too.

http://lovebytesreviews.com/

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse found his chance to blossom. To have all that he had been denied. Royce finds in Jesse everything that he thought was lost to him forever. With test and trials laid before them. They find that being together makes them stronger. I loved reading this one. I felt that I could have just jumped right in and started her and not missed a thing in the series. But of course I began at the beginning. Jesse and Royce together have my heart. Jesse has it all by himself.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh jesse and royce.. they are so perfect... as individuals they are so broken and strong.. together they are even more.. it is amazing.. it is sexy and wonderful and i enjoy it so much.. i love how damaged the characters in this series are.. i love how it isnt easy.. i love how much they all love and their family they have made. it is amazing.

[Karolina Cebula · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4,5-5 stars*
Jesse tried to escape from his abusive family, who made his life a living hell. Unfortunately, blinded by hatred, his relatives come to Brighton and clearly try not only to torment the man, but probably kill him. Jesse is terrified, he doesn't know what to do, fortunately, he has Royce by his side. Royce has already lost his beloved once and will not let it happen again. Together they must fight for their happiness.

"Jesse" is undoubtedly another pretty good novella in "Boys of Brighton" series that touches some very important topics. The thing that immediately caught my eye is the motif of a spouse who died years ago. In the vast majority of novels in which we see this problem, the widower cannot come to terms with the death of the one he loved to such an extent that, regardless of the time that passed, he still rejects the thought of a new relationship. Thus, these stories largely revolve around the built by his pain and emotions perceived as negative wall that the protagonist must tear down. In "Jesse" we see that Royce has already accepted the death of his husband, looks to the future, which he wants to build with his new love. Thanks to all this, the story in this novella focuses on the fight for the beloved one, Royce and Jesse's new happy life. M. Tasia doesn't stick to the patterns in relation to Royce's past, but allows us to see him as a strong, mentally stable, trustworthy person who is a strong foundation of his relationship, a support that will not fall, will not bend under any onslaught.

Since "Jesse" doesn't focus on Royce's drama and his irreversibly lost husband, what is the main theme of the novel? Well, the author made a very interesting and to a large extent dramatic problem of an abusive religious family the center of this story. Admittedly, Jesse's biological family belongs to a religious cult, but the fact is that we don't have to look for any cults at all to find families, who believe in assumptions of a seemingly peaceful religion based on love but turn against and hate their own children only because they don't fit in with the religious canons and beliefs. And on this important problem and the attempt to escape or face it, M. Tasia bases her novella.

I think that another topic essential for this novella is the dilemma Jesse faces regarding the hell his family made of his life. Every time he escaped them, they were always able to track him down. And that's what happens also this time, but now Jesse has a lot more to lose, which means that he has to choose between running away and facing his oppressors, between loneliness, fear and happiness, life with his beloved. Let's add that this choice is not an easy one, because the man is guided by enormous fear that does not disappear despite the passage of time, and childhood trauma that can't be erased. To look into the eyes of the torturers, who tormented him when he was a child for a long time, requires incredible strength and courage from Jesse. And even more important to me is the fact that at his side he has Royce, on whom he can rely to give him his strength, perseverance, composure. The author therefore allowed her readers not only to look into Jesse's psyche, but also by properly showing Royce's character made them fit together perfectly, like two parts of a puzzle.

To sum up, "Jesse" is a very good-written and reasonable novel that touches some serious, painful topics, presenting them in the most delicate, but at the same time thorough way. This is another story of M. Tasia, which makes us want to reach for the next volumes of "Boys of Brighton" series as soon as possible.

______________________

Jesse starał się uciec przed rodziną, która za młodu zgotowała mu piekło na ziemi. Niestety oślepieni przez nienawiść krewni dotarli do Brighton i wyraźnie starają się już nie tylko dręczyć mężczyznę, ale prawdopodobnie zabić. Jesse jest przerażony, nie wie co robić, na szczęście ma obok siebie Royce’a, który już raz stracił ukochanego i nie pozwoli, aby doszło do tego kolejny raz. Wspólnie muszą zawalczyć o swoje szczęście.

„Jesse” niewątpliwie jest kolejną całkiem dobrą i poruszającą bardzo ważne tematy nowelką serii „Boys of Brighton”. Tym, co od razu rzuciło mi się w oczy jest motyw zmarłego jakiś czas wcześniej męża. W ogromnej większości powieści, w których widzimy ten problem wdowiec nie może pogodzić się ze śmiercią ukochanej osoby do tego stopnia, że niezależnie od czas, jaki upłynął wciąż odrzuca myśl o nowym związku. Tym samym, fabuła w dużym stopniu obraca się wokół zbudowanego przez jego ból i odbierane jako negatywne emocje muru, który protagonista musi zburzyć. W „Jesse” widzimy, że Royce pogodził się już ze śmiercią męża, patrzy w przyszłość, chce ją budować ze swoją nową miłością. Dzięki temu, fabuła tej nowelki skupia się na walce o ukochanego, o nowe szczęśliwe życie dla Royce’a i Jesse’ego. M. Tasia nie powiela więc fabularnych schematów w odniesieniu do przeszłości Royce’a, ale pozwala nam spojrzeć na niego jako na osobę silną, stabilną psychicznie, godną zaufania, która stanowi silny fundament związku, podporę, która nie runie, nie ugnie się pod żadnym naporem.

Skoro „Jesse” nie skupia się na dramacie Royce’a i jego nieodwracalnie utraconym ukochanym, to co stanowi główny temat nowelki? Otóż autorka w centrum tej historii umieściła bardzo interesujący i w dużym stopniu dramatyczny wątek stosującej przemoc rodziny ogarniętej religijnym szałem. Wprawdzie biologiczne rodzina Jesse’ego należy do jakiegoś religijnego kultu, jednakże faktem jest, że wcale nie musimy szukać żadnych kultów, by znaleźć rodziny, w których niby pokojowo nastawiona, wyznająca religię opierającą się na miłości rodzina zwróciła się przeciwko swojemu dziecku tylko dlatego, że nie wpasowuje się ono ich religijne kanony i wierzenia, co sprawia, że ich przekonania zamieniają się w nienawiść. I właśnie na tym problemie, na próbie ucieczki i stawieniu mu czoła M. Tasia opiera swoją nowelkę.

Myślę, że bardzo ważny dla tej nowelki jest również dylemat, z jakim boryka się Jesse w związku z piekłem jakie zgotowała mu rodzina. Do tej pory uciekał, ale w pewnym momencie pogoń zawsze go doganiała. Tak jest także tym razem, jednak teraz Jesse ma o wiele więcej do stracenia, co sprawia że musi wybrać między dalszą ucieczką, a stawieniem czoła swoim prześladowcom, między samotnością i strachem, a szczęściem i życiem z ukochanym. Dodajmy, że wybór naprawdę nie jest łatwy, ponieważ mężczyzną kieruje ogromny strach, który nie znika mimo upływu czasu oraz trauma z dzieciństwa, której nie sposób się pozbyć. Spojrzenie w oczy oprawcom, którzy przez długi czas znęcali się nad nim gdy był dzieckiem wymaga od Jesse’ego niesamowitej siły i odwagi. Tym istotniejszy wydaje mi się więc fakt, że u swojego boku ma on Royce’a, na którym może polegać i użyczyć mu swojej siły, wytrwałości, zimnej krwi. Autorka pozwoliła więc swoim czytelnikom nie tylko na wejrzenie w psychikę Jesse’ego, ale także poprzez odpowiednie ukazanie postaci Royce’a sprawiła, że pasują do siebie idealnie, jak dwie części układanki.

Podsumowując, „Jesse” to bardzo dobra i z rozmysłem napisana nowelka, która porusza poważne, bolesne tematy, prezentując je w sposób możliwie delikatny, ale mimo wszystko dobitny. To kolejna historia M. Tasii, która sprawia, że chcemy jak najszybciej sięgnąć po kolejne tomy serii „Boys of Brighton”.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, M. Tasia has drawn me into this series. I am having a hard time putting my Kindle down and I am on a binge reading kick to read all 10 books in this series. I just have to find out what happens with each of these wonderful characters. Another thing I am loving about this series is that it picks up almost where the last book left off. This is the story of Jesse and Royce. Jesse is a cook in the diner owned by Bear and Rick. He is basically on the run from his family as they did nothing but abuse him because he was “different”. Royce is a paramedic in Brighton and has been interested in Jesse since he first laid eyes on him in the diner. Royce’s passion for Jesse is fierce and intense. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for Jesse. Of course, Jesse doesn’t feel like he deserves this happiness as he like so many others that have come to Brighton are damaged or broken.

Once again, I was in my emotions while reading this story. I had tears in my eyes at times, I was laughing and I was smiling. All the joy, happiness and love that is shown warms my heart. On to the next book and the next happy couple! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free arc copy from the author for review.

4.5 stars

This can be read as a standalone but if you intend to read the series then read them in order as there are spoilers about the previous books in this one.

Royce is an EMT. His husband and high school sweetheart died and he didn't think he could love again til he met Jesse and they have been together 4 months. Jesse ran away from his crazy homophobic family that tried to force him into conversion therapy and he has has to keep moving cause they keep finding him even though it's been 10 years.

This was another quick read and I could not put it down. It was low heat and low angst, though it was a rollarcoater of emotions, both happy and sad.The characters were all great. The 2 MCs had great chemistry and complimented each other well. There was great world building and Iam looking forward to reading the other books.

This would have been a 5 star read but holy cliffhanger!!! and I hate cliffhangers. I'm hoping there will be some closure in the next book but that's a different couple so I just don't get the reasoning for it. Other than that I loved this just as much as the first if not moreso and I liked it way, way more than the second book.

[avid reader 1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. The author writes beautiful, damaged characters and their soul mates who defy odds and win their HEA no matter the cost.
Royce is strong and fierce in his love for Jesse. Royce's strength complements Jesse's submissive and timid nature beautifully. Not getting into the reasons for the timidity, the author gives us insight into the mind of such a person. While uncomfortable at times, it feels real and reminds us that there are those that cannot be as strong as others, who need to be propped up and defended at times.
The backstory is disturbing and heart wrenching. The colorful characters in the town warm the heart whereas the nastiness of the antagonists will chill you to the bone.
The passion is strong and the love tangible. Watching Jesse finally realize that he is worth that love is so nice to see.
I look forward for more from this author.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

💖 Loved this book, finding it hard to put down. I fell for Jessie and Royce as their story comes to life as danger is afoot. The story includes drama and action and a little danger is there and well written. The mad redemption squad aka Jessie's family is targeting Jessie but he has no idea why. I loved all the characters, especially Travis and Matthew totally want to read their stories with their prospective partners.

Jessie is running from his family again thankfully his boyfriend and medic, Royce is there for him. They'd been together for 4 months. Royce was recovering from a gunshot wound.
Jessie worked as a cook for Bear's diner but now is offered a promotion and hiring more staff. Travis becomes a new member of staff.
"The Sentinels" a group of ex-military now in Brighton protecting the community.

[Shannon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royce and Jesse Stole my Heart!
“Jesse,” the fourth novella in M. Tasia’s Boys of Brighton series includes all the action, suspense, steamy chemistry, and love that I’ve come to expect in them. Royce, a handsome, caring paramedic and Jesse, the gorgeous, gentle cook in the town diner, find each other in an instant, undeniable connection that both sizzles and tugs at the heart. A widower, Royce is finally willing to put himself out there again and is eager to move forward with Jesse, whose horrible upbringing and violent family keep coming back to haunt him. The storyline is wonderful, weaving in the Mason clan and other beloved characters from Brighton, TX (and really, EVERY town should be Brighton); and the addition of a side plot involving the plight of teens in the LGTBQ community only adds to the beauty of it. So well-done!

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Royce found himself on the wrong side of a gun muzzle in the previous book. Since his injury, Jess has been living with him. But Jesse's religious-cult-like family is still after him! I had a moment reading this particular book when I thought to myself, " don't ever move to a town like Brighton." Someone is shot, stalked, tossed off a building, or run over in every book!

Royce hires the local security team to watch over Jesse while they both struggle to live their daily lives without being fearful. There's a real mystery unveiled in this book that explains a lot about the hostility of Jesse's family so I won't reveal it here!

On a lighter note, Johnny and Gabe's wedding is being planned! And two new characters are introduced in this novella: Travis and Matthew.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

The introduction of the main characters' backgrounds are virtually seamless. Not only do you remember parts of these two as side characters, but now their story continues as main characters.

Jesse and Royce both come from opposite sides but share one common goal - their personal happiness. How they arrive there is most intriguing.
Especially given Jesse's family is a devout religious-like cult and is hot on his heels. Royce, paramedic by trade, lost his husband many years prior and very nearly lost his own life.

One poor choice in judgment almost cost Jesse and Royce their relationship. Walking away to save his love didn't stop the dangers that were evident.

Stronger together - Weaker apart

**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes family can be a burden. It's an excellent author, that can make your bloodpressure rise as a reaction to a character. Jesse, is a large sweet marshmallow. He is on the run from his zealous family, who feels he needs to be rehabilitated for being gay. He ran away 10 years ago, and has been looking over his should ever since. He saw his cousins a few years ago and hopes to continue to avoid them. Royce, his boyfriend assumes the role of his protector. The loving care these men share is like a heartsong. There are a few crisis points which the men must navigate. Does the family catch up with him? Does Royce fully recover from his wound? Will Jesse move in with Royce? Great story. Lots of moving parts. Well done. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesse is such an interesting character, and he's been through a lot-- so it's worth watching him go through a bit more in order to see him find happiness and safety with Royce. So many things happen to them over the course of the novel, but I like that Jesse stays true to himself the whole way through. There were definitely moments that the author's narrational style wasn't for me-- there's a lot of being told what's happening, or has happened, or how characters feel, and very little showing, but stylistic taste is subjective and overall, this was one of my favorite books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Missy Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

As big as Jesse is you would think he is the dominant one, the one who "wears the pants" in a relationship...nope, not Jesse! After all he has been (and is going through) you would think his attitude would be horrible...Nope! Jesse is just a big cuddlebug and I am so happy he has Royce. Being with Royce allows Jesse's true personality to shine through so he doesn't have to be the tough one. I am so happy to have read their story after seeing glimpses of them in the other books from this series and a whole new set of characters are introduced and I can't wait to read about them also.

[Epiphany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth and last book in the Boys of Brighton series. This book to me was a roller coaster ride of emotion. Paramedic Royce Evans and short-order cook Jesse have hard pasts in their lives. If they can get past the hurt in their lives they just might make it. There is loss, grief, abuse, hatred, and love in this storyline. This book and series is about acceptance and love. I wish everyone, no matter what they have going on in their lives, could find this kind of love and acceptance that the men in this series found. I highly recommend this book and series.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book from the cover to the ending. I am really enjoying this series that has a lot of interweaving story lines in addition to the main romance between the two main characters. All these books have been terrific so far and the only problem that I have with them is that they are sucking me into the world of Brighton and I don’t want to do anything other than read the next book. Terrific book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royce, a paramedic is lost. He lost his husband in an accident. He meets Jesse who is a cook and falls hard. Jesse has had a turbulent past that he ran from. Both main characters were so broken. But together, they were strong. I loved this one the best of all the series so far. So many feels…
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse had a very hard life after what his family did to him until he got to Brighton. Bear gave Jesse a chance to be a cook in his restaurant then he met Royce when he got hurt. Royce found his second chance at love and they made it through everything that his family did to them. Really love what Jesse is doing in the end and not letting his family take him down. Great book! Can’t wait to read the next book!,

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this work, I’m loving this series. Each work introduces new characters that I can’t wait to read their stories. I loved the plot and dynamics of this work. It was set up wonderfully and came together smoothly. The story held my attention, the characters were fantastic and their growth over the course of the story was great.

I give this a five out of five stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie has been on the run from his family for years and wherever he goes they seem to find him. He lands in Brighton, gets a job as a cook at the diner and meets Royce the love of his life. Royce lost his husband in a car accident. He thinks he'll never fall in love again and then he meets Jessie. When things start settling down for them Jessie's family up the game. They're trying to kill him now. I enjoyed this book.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is very emotional. Royce and Jesse are both in need of healing as each has dealt with pain and heartache in their lives. These two are a good couple and perfect for one another and the combination of Royce's strength and Jesse's quite and more shy and submissive nature goes well together. Jesse deserved someone like Royce in his life given the fact that his family was awful to him. A must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue bowdley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this one was a bit more tense to read than the last three....Poor Jesse had a hell of a time with his horrible family.....Royce went through hell too....Everyone though stood by them and were there to help...Am so looking forward to the next book which is Coop....Not sen much of him in the first four but I can't wait to read about him and Matthew x

[Richard L. Sprowles · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring....the only reason I finish her books is that I have never started a book without completing it...yes I know, often a waste of time but.......anyway I get so tired of the repetitiousness of the reassurances, the self doubt, the whining of these men. It is so formulaic and predictable and, did I say boring?

[Barbara Lampron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

I love all the stories about those boys from Brighton. And just wondering how many more are there. I just can't get enough! I love them all and even the white haired group. They certainly step in all the time for the boys to help out. Love it.

[Isha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series.

What a great addition to this series. Loved the characters, loved the plot. Love how Royce loved Jesse. The love they have for each other is priceless. And I hope Matthew and Travis gets a book as well!!

[Becki pontius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading Jesse

Loved reading Jesse. Read all four actually in order. Something that usually doesn't happens for me. Enjoyed them all greatly. Good strong characters and good story lines. Enjoyed them all. Hope Matthew and Coop get their own book???

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good quick uncomplicated, no great thought needed to read bk and series. Enjoyable and Entertaining. Insta Love, Insta Relationship, Insta Connection.
Worth the read. Recommend.
Series best read in order.