What do you think?
Rate this book
Silver Oaks Medical Center #5
Instant Family
He finds his true love, but can an instant family really be what he wants?
Just as oncologist, Dr. Allen delivers a baby girl into the world, the mother dies, dimming Allen's typical sunny disposition. Desperate and determined to do something to help just one person, Allen agrees to help Brantley. He's in danger of having his asylum revoked, which will send him right back to an unsafe situation.
But when Allen agrees to "fake it," and pretend that Brantley is his lover, he has no idea what he's in for. As feelings grow deeper between them, the two men cannot resist the passion that ignites them. However, the timing just couldn't be worse. Allen's fighting to adopt his late patient's daughter, while the sword of ICE threatens to destroy them. Can the two men turn something fake into the real love they've both always wanted?
In this 110,000 word gay mpreg romance novel, two men discover that happily-ever-afters aren't just for fairytales. When one man is asked to pretend to love another, he learns firsthand what true love is all about. With steamy scenes and loyal, intelligent, and sexy men, this novel will have you begging for a physical of your own. And when one man discovers he's pregnant, you'll see just how "playing house" can turn into making a home.
Just as oncologist, Dr. Allen delivers a baby girl into the world, the mother dies, dimming Allen's typical sunny disposition. Desperate and determined to do something to help just one person, Allen agrees to help Brantley. He's in danger of having his asylum revoked, which will send him right back to an unsafe situation.
But when Allen agrees to "fake it," and pretend that Brantley is his lover, he has no idea what he's in for. As feelings grow deeper between them, the two men cannot resist the passion that ignites them. However, the timing just couldn't be worse. Allen's fighting to adopt his late patient's daughter, while the sword of ICE threatens to destroy them. Can the two men turn something fake into the real love they've both always wanted?
In this 110,000 word gay mpreg romance novel, two men discover that happily-ever-afters aren't just for fairytales. When one man is asked to pretend to love another, he learns firsthand what true love is all about. With steamy scenes and loyal, intelligent, and sexy men, this novel will have you begging for a physical of your own. And when one man discovers he's pregnant, you'll see just how "playing house" can turn into making a home.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2017
96 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 6, 2017
*** Immigration is the topic here. *** Our screwed up system, and some twisted agents who have a vendetta.
* Brantley, an Oncologist, a Jamaican who has been in the US for 20 years.
* Allen, an omega, Nurse Practitioner, working Obstetrics, in his 30s also, meets the doctor after he loses a patient but saves the premature baby girl.
He'll be fostering her. He goes to Carter's office to regroup and have a cry after the complicated case, and meets Brantley, who needs help.
Allen volunteers to be his fake boyfriend to get ICE off his back. Being deported to Jamaica is a death sentence for a gay man. The men start out on uncomfortable ground with Brantley's closeted ideas. Allen is open and they need to appear close in public.
Things get even more complicated as the homophobic ICE agents cross boundaries and harass them. The men navigate their emotions that have come into play.
Without planning it, they become lovers,
get deeply involved and must fight the system that is failing, and tries to ruin their lives.
Great characters we like, a group of friends who help, a sweet dog,
and a darling baby,
make this amazing. It has a serious vein running through it, but we revel in the true romance that develops and gives us hope. Aiden Bates writes wonderful romance and awesome sex scenes with intense emotion.
A terrific story of adversity and the love that saves them. Marvelous epilogue.
ENJOY !
======
Mpreg, non-shifter
============
* Brantley, an Oncologist, a Jamaican who has been in the US for 20 years.
* Allen, an omega, Nurse Practitioner, working Obstetrics, in his 30s also, meets the doctor after he loses a patient but saves the premature baby girl.
He'll be fostering her. He goes to Carter's office to regroup and have a cry after the complicated case, and meets Brantley, who needs help.
Allen volunteers to be his fake boyfriend to get ICE off his back. Being deported to Jamaica is a death sentence for a gay man. The men start out on uncomfortable ground with Brantley's closeted ideas. Allen is open and they need to appear close in public.
Things get even more complicated as the homophobic ICE agents cross boundaries and harass them. The men navigate their emotions that have come into play.
Without planning it, they become lovers,
get deeply involved and must fight the system that is failing, and tries to ruin their lives.
Great characters we like, a group of friends who help, a sweet dog,
and a darling baby,
make this amazing. It has a serious vein running through it, but we revel in the true romance that develops and gives us hope. Aiden Bates writes wonderful romance and awesome sex scenes with intense emotion.
A terrific story of adversity and the love that saves them. Marvelous epilogue.
ENJOY !
======
Mpreg, non-shifter
============
June 22, 2017
Allen is a well respected Nurse Practitioner at Silver Oak. After losing a patient after she gives birth, Allen is feeling inadequate because he couldn't help her. The newborn baby girl is left without her mother but Allen is determined not to abandon that precious baby girl.
With emotions still raw, Allen runs into his best friend, Carter who introduces him to Silver Oaks' infamous oncologist, Brantley. While they talk, Allen discovers that Brantley is facing having his asylum revoked. If that happens, Brantley will be sent back to Jamaica where he'll face almost certain death. Gay men in Jamaica are literally beaten for who they are. That is exactly what happened to Brantley when he was a teenager, which is why he sought asylum in the first place.
Carter suggests that Allen and Brantley fake a relationship in order to try and convince ICE that Brantley is indeed gay. After the devastating loss of his patient, Allen wants to help someone and since helping Brantley is within his power, he jumps at the chance to help Brantley. Both are reluctant to enter the relationship since the risk of being caught by the government could lead to prison time. They forge ahead and Brantley finds himself in a fake relationship with Allen.
As time goes on, the lines start to get blurred as their fake relationship is becoming anything but. Their feelings for each other continues to grow, but they continue to try and convince each other that what's happening between them isn't real.
I did enjoy this book very much. Allen is one of my favorite characters in the series, so I was looking forward to his story. The relationship between Allen and Brantley started off like a total mismatch but it did eventually develop. I was hoping for more of Allen's story but overall his story was enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
With emotions still raw, Allen runs into his best friend, Carter who introduces him to Silver Oaks' infamous oncologist, Brantley. While they talk, Allen discovers that Brantley is facing having his asylum revoked. If that happens, Brantley will be sent back to Jamaica where he'll face almost certain death. Gay men in Jamaica are literally beaten for who they are. That is exactly what happened to Brantley when he was a teenager, which is why he sought asylum in the first place.
Carter suggests that Allen and Brantley fake a relationship in order to try and convince ICE that Brantley is indeed gay. After the devastating loss of his patient, Allen wants to help someone and since helping Brantley is within his power, he jumps at the chance to help Brantley. Both are reluctant to enter the relationship since the risk of being caught by the government could lead to prison time. They forge ahead and Brantley finds himself in a fake relationship with Allen.
As time goes on, the lines start to get blurred as their fake relationship is becoming anything but. Their feelings for each other continues to grow, but they continue to try and convince each other that what's happening between them isn't real.
I did enjoy this book very much. Allen is one of my favorite characters in the series, so I was looking forward to his story. The relationship between Allen and Brantley started off like a total mismatch but it did eventually develop. I was hoping for more of Allen's story but overall his story was enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
June 22, 2017
All in all it was a good book. It had a nice flow and i really liked allen as a character. but i also really disliked brantley despite allen giving up his life at the time (sort of) he still acted like a jerk. so this book had both my favorite and most disliked characters. i cannot wait for the next book. this couple ended up really cute!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
July 1, 2017
The cover does not match the story and that bothers me.
June 29, 2017
it was OK, but I did not enjoy it as much as the others in the series. I thought that the MC's were a bit boring... they felt something for each other but would not tell each other... even the synopsis was misleading.
3.5*
3.5*
August 5, 2017
Allen!!! <3
July 20, 2017
3.7 Stars Fake Boyfriend / Family
I didn't suppose l could dislike a main character of the Silver Oak Medical Center series as much as I could the CEO Finn Riley throughout a large chunk of his book, well I was wrong. Oncology doctor Brantley Powell initially engendered sympathy. But then his thoughts, actions, and beliefs became often unknowingly cruel, sometimes unwittingly mean, thoughtless, or deliberately obtuse. He also seemed rather narcissistic despite devoting his career to helping people with cancer. He often spoke to people other than patients before thinking how his words would impact someone else.
I felt bad for Brantley at first, but he seemed to wallow in his misery. Stuck in neutral because of a past very traumatic and life altering event. Though he did strive hard to become an Oncologist, Brantley's private life was a mess. A mess that ended up entangling Dr Allen Frye, his family, and friends. Something that was a gesture of altruism turned into a nightmare.
Boogiemen under the bed around the corner and lurking in unlit corners were two ICE agents, Gottlieb and Parris. They made it their mission to turn into a living hell, the lives of those they supposed of obstructing justice by coming to and / or remaining in America under false pretenses. Their zeal and harassment made the people they interacted with scared, uptight, and afraid of the consequences of their actions; which is exactly what the Agents intended. To drive "undesirables" from the country and their accomplices to prison.
Another central theme is lack of or miscommunication between the main characters. One was frozen in the past, the other had some self esteem issues. Each man had carved out lives that comforted them and a Gentleman's Agreement of Assistance shattered all of that. A web of lies began to spiral out of control. Catching innocent people only peripherally involved into it's deadly net.
Importance of family and the loyalty of friends comes to the forefront quickly. The sacrifices talented Omegas make to have fulfilling careers. But Nurse Practitioner Dr Allen Frye made up for not having children by being a licensed Foster Parent and a loving pet parent of a rescued spoiled Golden Retriever. Allen was never more content than when he volunteered for Kangaroo time, especially with Premies. Being tall & thin made Dr Frye think of himself as gangly and a beanpole. What serious good looking guy would ever want to be with him? Or love children as much as he does.
The central events of the book are ripped from the politics of today. Who deserves to be in this country? Who makes that determination? Are there people with agendas of their own who envision/ interpret that immigration laws at their discretion?
This is an interracial, as well as an intercultural relationship / romance all the problems inherent in such relationships. It's notable that the cover does not depict the obvious racial differences between the main characters. So the character pairing was a complete surprise,especially since I had every intention of reading the series without to read the book summaries of each.
Luckily for these two men there are others who care about them enough to bridge the communication gap that had been blown apart, by two very prideful often foolish men. Luckily as an Aiden Bates mpreg novel, a BRA was guaranteed despite all the turmoil.
I didn't suppose l could dislike a main character of the Silver Oak Medical Center series as much as I could the CEO Finn Riley throughout a large chunk of his book, well I was wrong. Oncology doctor Brantley Powell initially engendered sympathy. But then his thoughts, actions, and beliefs became often unknowingly cruel, sometimes unwittingly mean, thoughtless, or deliberately obtuse. He also seemed rather narcissistic despite devoting his career to helping people with cancer. He often spoke to people other than patients before thinking how his words would impact someone else.
I felt bad for Brantley at first, but he seemed to wallow in his misery. Stuck in neutral because of a past very traumatic and life altering event. Though he did strive hard to become an Oncologist, Brantley's private life was a mess. A mess that ended up entangling Dr Allen Frye, his family, and friends. Something that was a gesture of altruism turned into a nightmare.
Boogiemen under the bed around the corner and lurking in unlit corners were two ICE agents, Gottlieb and Parris. They made it their mission to turn into a living hell, the lives of those they supposed of obstructing justice by coming to and / or remaining in America under false pretenses. Their zeal and harassment made the people they interacted with scared, uptight, and afraid of the consequences of their actions; which is exactly what the Agents intended. To drive "undesirables" from the country and their accomplices to prison.
Another central theme is lack of or miscommunication between the main characters. One was frozen in the past, the other had some self esteem issues. Each man had carved out lives that comforted them and a Gentleman's Agreement of Assistance shattered all of that. A web of lies began to spiral out of control. Catching innocent people only peripherally involved into it's deadly net.
Importance of family and the loyalty of friends comes to the forefront quickly. The sacrifices talented Omegas make to have fulfilling careers. But Nurse Practitioner Dr Allen Frye made up for not having children by being a licensed Foster Parent and a loving pet parent of a rescued spoiled Golden Retriever. Allen was never more content than when he volunteered for Kangaroo time, especially with Premies. Being tall & thin made Dr Frye think of himself as gangly and a beanpole. What serious good looking guy would ever want to be with him? Or love children as much as he does.
The central events of the book are ripped from the politics of today. Who deserves to be in this country? Who makes that determination? Are there people with agendas of their own who envision/ interpret that immigration laws at their discretion?
This is an interracial, as well as an intercultural relationship / romance all the problems inherent in such relationships. It's notable that the cover does not depict the obvious racial differences between the main characters. So the character pairing was a complete surprise,especially since I had every intention of reading the series without to read the book summaries of each.
Luckily for these two men there are others who care about them enough to bridge the communication gap that had been blown apart, by two very prideful often foolish men. Luckily as an Aiden Bates mpreg novel, a BRA was guaranteed despite all the turmoil.
June 27, 2017
Wow! What an awesome, entertaining and a great read. This is the 4th in the series and it did not disappoint me "nary a bit". We have two MC's who are both doctors: Allan who delivers lives (babies) and Brantley who tries to save lives as an oncologist. Allen is lonely, wanting a family, like his colleges; but in thirties, it did not appear to be on the horizon. After a stressful event(patient died after delivering a baby girl) caused him to agree to "pretend" to date Brantley due to a life or death situation. ICE is threating to deport Brantley, who sought and was granted asylum for being gay twenty years ago. Allen, between trying to coax Brantley into a more date like behavior and tending to the baby girl he delivers from the patient who died is starting to have second thoughts when the ICE agents begin to attack on his relatives. I do not want to say more and give away spoilers. This book touched all my buttons: excitement, angst and the "lack" of communication. I must say I was about to call it quits on about chapter three. I pretty much disliked Brantley and felt Allen should have withdrew his offer to help. However, Brantley grew on me and I can see the change in his character as I read along. If you have not read this series, I recommend them whole heartily. I enjoy Aiden's writing: his sentence structure, his word usage and his imagination to write such an entertaining series. I do not think you will be disappointed in reading this book or his other great books. Aiden uses real life situations and comes up with an amazing book with that "gosh" "darn" HEA!
August 30, 2021
2.5 to 2.75
Another case of Allen, an omega Nurse Practitioner who indulges in self psychological flagellation but with a twist of Brantley, an uptight, alpha, Jamaican Oncologist as the doctor. There are obvious cultural differences as well as ICE trying to deport the good doctor because the agent is homophobic. Allen offers to pretend to be Brantley's boyfriend so that B can prove he is gay and should not be deported to Jamaica where his life would be in eminent danger. Allen has helped deliver a baby to a homeless woman and proceeds to adopt the child. Instant family. Prickly guys who don't know how to communicate.
The good OB-GYN from book 1 fails to help these guys out. Obviously the author thought it was necessary to take the MCs to the brink and beyond even though the other doctor could have helped them out. You know, something always happens to make sure all parties think it is never the time to tell their truths. You just want to slap them all.
As this is a romance novel, you know things will work out in the end. The parts I enjoyed the most were how the black and white plus attendant cultural issues were handled. And surprisingly, I thought the sex scenes were better in this book.
I really should knock another star off due to the publisher using a "tanned" Caucasian doctor on the cover rather than the African American doctor described in the book with dreadlocks. Really unconscionable.
Another case of Allen, an omega Nurse Practitioner who indulges in self psychological flagellation but with a twist of Brantley, an uptight, alpha, Jamaican Oncologist as the doctor. There are obvious cultural differences as well as ICE trying to deport the good doctor because the agent is homophobic. Allen offers to pretend to be Brantley's boyfriend so that B can prove he is gay and should not be deported to Jamaica where his life would be in eminent danger. Allen has helped deliver a baby to a homeless woman and proceeds to adopt the child. Instant family. Prickly guys who don't know how to communicate.
The good OB-GYN from book 1 fails to help these guys out. Obviously the author thought it was necessary to take the MCs to the brink and beyond even though the other doctor could have helped them out. You know, something always happens to make sure all parties think it is never the time to tell their truths. You just want to slap them all.
As this is a romance novel, you know things will work out in the end. The parts I enjoyed the most were how the black and white plus attendant cultural issues were handled. And surprisingly, I thought the sex scenes were better in this book.
I really should knock another star off due to the publisher using a "tanned" Caucasian doctor on the cover rather than the African American doctor described in the book with dreadlocks. Really unconscionable.
October 19, 2020
Allen and Brantley were from different culture. Raised with different view and value. It clearly affect how they live their life especially for Brantley. In Jaimaca, being gay and showing PDA toward man was like a death wish so Brantley used to hold himself back, not showing any affection in public at all.
Meanwhile, he needs to prove that he was gay and in order to do that, he must showing PDA and convince that he was indeed gay and in a relationship with Allen. It was hard for Brantley because he wasn't used to do that. He had relationship before but it didn't last long because of Brantley's attitude.
They were forced to move in together, living in close quarter. It was hard at first but eventually they were get along fine.
At that point, I really did enjoy their story so far. But when Brantley asylum reinstated, he was being an ass to Allen. They split up, both were coward and won't admit their true feeling toward each other.
I give this book 2 stars because of Brantley's attitude. He won't took initiative to get Allen back because he was scared of Allen's rejection BUT he had no trouble at all to initiate his ex to date, to rekindle their romance, ewww!! Brantley can't get Allen out of his mind so he was easily reject his ex. When he was the one who did the rejection, he didn't mind at all. Yeah right..!!!
Meanwhile, he needs to prove that he was gay and in order to do that, he must showing PDA and convince that he was indeed gay and in a relationship with Allen. It was hard for Brantley because he wasn't used to do that. He had relationship before but it didn't last long because of Brantley's attitude.
They were forced to move in together, living in close quarter. It was hard at first but eventually they were get along fine.
At that point, I really did enjoy their story so far. But when Brantley asylum reinstated, he was being an ass to Allen. They split up, both were coward and won't admit their true feeling toward each other.
I give this book 2 stars because of Brantley's attitude. He won't took initiative to get Allen back because he was scared of Allen's rejection BUT he had no trouble at all to initiate his ex to date, to rekindle their romance, ewww!! Brantley can't get Allen out of his mind so he was easily reject his ex. When he was the one who did the rejection, he didn't mind at all. Yeah right..!!!
June 26, 2017
I really am enjoying this series from Aiden Bates, he continually delivers great characters and new story lines and Instant Family is a great addition! This book focuses on Allen and Brantley and what starts as a fake relationship to help with Brantley's citizenship issues, becomes so much more for both of these men.
These two really had quite the journey together and not always an easy one. Their fake relationship becomes more, lines get blurred and it forces both men to open up and be honest to each other and about their feelings. Brantley struggles with his feelings, given his past and where he was raised. I absolutely adored Allen and at times had issues with Brantley and how he handles himself, but in the end I was definitely rooting for these two. I really did appreciate the emotions of both characters and what they were going through.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book and fell hard for both of these men. They don't seem like they would make an ideal couple, but love wins here and these two come together as a beautiful family. This was an emotional and touching story and another great read from Aiden Bates! I am already looking forward to whatever is next from him!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
These two really had quite the journey together and not always an easy one. Their fake relationship becomes more, lines get blurred and it forces both men to open up and be honest to each other and about their feelings. Brantley struggles with his feelings, given his past and where he was raised. I absolutely adored Allen and at times had issues with Brantley and how he handles himself, but in the end I was definitely rooting for these two. I really did appreciate the emotions of both characters and what they were going through.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book and fell hard for both of these men. They don't seem like they would make an ideal couple, but love wins here and these two come together as a beautiful family. This was an emotional and touching story and another great read from Aiden Bates! I am already looking forward to whatever is next from him!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
February 12, 2020
2.5 stars--This one really jumped the shark, and the narration only intensified this over-the-top feeling.
I found the story to be terribly unrealistic. One example--While I will quickly acknowledge that there are major problems with our immigration policies/regulations, I can't believe the actions of rogue agents like Paris and Gottlieb would ever be tolerated as long as they were in this story.
The narration was something else. Initially, I was turned off by the narrator's voice, but it didn't take long to get used to it. He has potential, but he is soo inconsistent. He changed the voices/accents for secondary characters so they sounded completely different from previous times they had spoken. His Jamaican accent for the MCs sounded Indian half of the time. He used ridiculous (quite hilarious actually) accents for bit characters.
The editing of the narration was poor--at least twice, entire sentences were repeated, one right after the other.
I seriously thought the whole thing would have come off better as a farce--perhaps that was the narrator's intent??
I found the story to be terribly unrealistic. One example--While I will quickly acknowledge that there are major problems with our immigration policies/regulations, I can't believe the actions of rogue agents like Paris and Gottlieb would ever be tolerated as long as they were in this story.
The narration was something else. Initially, I was turned off by the narrator's voice, but it didn't take long to get used to it. He has potential, but he is soo inconsistent. He changed the voices/accents for secondary characters so they sounded completely different from previous times they had spoken. His Jamaican accent for the MCs sounded Indian half of the time. He used ridiculous (quite hilarious actually) accents for bit characters.
The editing of the narration was poor--at least twice, entire sentences were repeated, one right after the other.
I seriously thought the whole thing would have come off better as a farce--perhaps that was the narrator's intent??
July 1, 2017
Communication - it helps sort stuff out. :-)
Brantley is a renowned oncologist, but after 20 years in America his asylum status due his being gay is now being reversed according to ICE he apparently is not gay and his appeal is the only thing stopping his deportation.
Allen has just helped a homeless woman give birth to a beautiful daughter and after showing her the baby, the mother was afraid to touch her because she was covered in street grime. Passing the baby two nurses he turned back to the mother and held her hand as she closed her eyes and passed away.
Meeting by accident in Carter's office, they talk about a fake affair to show ICE that he really is gay. But things don't go according to plan!
This is another familiar take on the "fake marriage" story. Fortunately, Allen and Brantley are both sympathetic characters and the ICE agents are evil. Mr Bates has given as a pleasant story but it becomes a bit tangled and tired towards the end.
Brantley is a renowned oncologist, but after 20 years in America his asylum status due his being gay is now being reversed according to ICE he apparently is not gay and his appeal is the only thing stopping his deportation.
Allen has just helped a homeless woman give birth to a beautiful daughter and after showing her the baby, the mother was afraid to touch her because she was covered in street grime. Passing the baby two nurses he turned back to the mother and held her hand as she closed her eyes and passed away.
Meeting by accident in Carter's office, they talk about a fake affair to show ICE that he really is gay. But things don't go according to plan!
This is another familiar take on the "fake marriage" story. Fortunately, Allen and Brantley are both sympathetic characters and the ICE agents are evil. Mr Bates has given as a pleasant story but it becomes a bit tangled and tired towards the end.
September 7, 2017
The first thing about this story, or maybe the entire series is the development of the relationship. It's sweet. I love enemies to lover stories because opposites can and do attract. Allen is a caring guy who is just built to help. I felt really badly for Brantley because he's so traumatized by the consequences of intimacy that he can't bring himself to open up to Allen, but he has to or face getting deported. The fact that this was a fake relationship at the begging and worked itself into a real relationship was probably one of my favorite setups. Those kinds of stories you can't force or even entertain an "insta-love" relationship it develops as whatever plot that requires a fake relationship unfolds. Allen's family were kinda jerks to Brantley and very unsympathetic. I felt they also played a part in getting Allen to ignore his own feelings. Regardless, this was probably a favorite of mine in the series.
October 2, 2019
Not my favourite story in a series that I really love :/
So, why not my favourite story? Let's start with what I liked: I liked the characters and the way they were presented. I liked the overall story-line about immigration and homophobia.
What I didn't like is how over the top were the bad guys, nor the way the relationship developed between Allen and Brantley. The reason why they had unprotected sex was just... stupid. And they aren't stupid men.
And about the baddies... I want to believe that, after their first stunt the immigration agents would have been, at least, suspended pending investigation due to their unlawful procedures. The harassment was obvious, so... why there they still on the streets with their badges? That, right there, killed a lot of my enjoyment of the story.
Kaeomakana Tiwanak did a better job than the previous one I've listened by him, but I still find lots of his voices annoying, and not realistic.
So, why not my favourite story? Let's start with what I liked: I liked the characters and the way they were presented. I liked the overall story-line about immigration and homophobia.
What I didn't like is how over the top were the bad guys, nor the way the relationship developed between Allen and Brantley. The reason why they had unprotected sex was just... stupid. And they aren't stupid men.
And about the baddies... I want to believe that, after their first stunt the immigration agents would have been, at least, suspended pending investigation due to their unlawful procedures. The harassment was obvious, so... why there they still on the streets with their badges? That, right there, killed a lot of my enjoyment of the story.
Kaeomakana Tiwanak did a better job than the previous one I've listened by him, but I still find lots of his voices annoying, and not realistic.
July 9, 2017
Allen is a good man. He is always trying to help people, so when Dr. Idoni suggest he could pose as Brantley’s boyfriend to help him not to be deported, he doesn’t think twice and jump into it.
Brantley is a good man too. He can’t understand why after twenty years in the country he is about to be deported to a country where just for being gay a person could be killed.
A great story about the personal conflicts of two fine people. Both of them full of insecurities and fears. A novel that shows us how bad things can go when a couple of people doesn’t talk to each other openly.
I liked how Silver Oak stands together to help Allen and Brantley. I hated the terrible way Brantley was treated by the ICE people.
I highly recommend reading not just this story but all the ones by Aiden Bates.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Brantley is a good man too. He can’t understand why after twenty years in the country he is about to be deported to a country where just for being gay a person could be killed.
A great story about the personal conflicts of two fine people. Both of them full of insecurities and fears. A novel that shows us how bad things can go when a couple of people doesn’t talk to each other openly.
I liked how Silver Oak stands together to help Allen and Brantley. I hated the terrible way Brantley was treated by the ICE people.
I highly recommend reading not just this story but all the ones by Aiden Bates.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
June 29, 2017
Oh, my goodness Instant Family was wonderful! I found myself at times wanting to kick Brantley's butt but then I had to stop and think just how traumatizing life can be if you had a really bad experience young in your life but in the end this book shone thru like a bright ray of sunshine. And Allen, well I just wanted to wrap him up in all kinds of hugs and kisses. What a pair these two are! This is the 4th book in the Silver Oak Medical Center series and this series just seem to be getting better and better with each book! Please don't miss it because you will be missing a lot of love and a few laughs along the way.
July 8, 2017
Timely romance
I've enjoyed this series. Each book has unique characters and situations. This one tackles asylum for gays from countries with dangerous consequences for those that are homosexual.
I liked the story, hated the bad guys and was glad that not everyone was a bad guy.
You could read each story out of sequence, but it flows better if you don't.
What I didn't like is the cover showing two white characters when one was Jamaican. I can't believe the author was so careless. And then there are the usual editing errors.
I've enjoyed this series. Each book has unique characters and situations. This one tackles asylum for gays from countries with dangerous consequences for those that are homosexual.
I liked the story, hated the bad guys and was glad that not everyone was a bad guy.
You could read each story out of sequence, but it flows better if you don't.
What I didn't like is the cover showing two white characters when one was Jamaican. I can't believe the author was so careless. And then there are the usual editing errors.
August 27, 2017
This is one of those series that always delivers a nice solid story to enjoy. This book was no exception. Allen has been a fixture through the series always there to help deliver the omegas babies. This time around we get to see him finally find his own happiness. Brantley is a little bit of dick through out this book running hot and cold at times but by the middle of the book I came around to liking him. Allen with Aileen could melt any heart with their cuteness. This book also was a interesting in how it paralleled some of own own world problems with immigration in America.
September 3, 2017
Love this series!
I just can't get enough of Silver Oak Medical! Great stories with happy endings and babies!
Allen Frye helps another colleague in this book to fight against deportation. Brantley Powell is from Jamaica where they do not accept gay love. After being beaten there, his parents sent him to the U.S. for asylum. Now ICE is making him prove he's gay. The things they go through is sad but worth it in the end.
I did voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book and will definitely recommend it to anyone who loves mpreg books.
I just can't get enough of Silver Oak Medical! Great stories with happy endings and babies!
Allen Frye helps another colleague in this book to fight against deportation. Brantley Powell is from Jamaica where they do not accept gay love. After being beaten there, his parents sent him to the U.S. for asylum. Now ICE is making him prove he's gay. The things they go through is sad but worth it in the end.
I did voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book and will definitely recommend it to anyone who loves mpreg books.
January 1, 2018
Allen!!
Allen has been one of my favourite characters since the first book. Lovely, lovely man. Some may call him a saint. I know I would have, since Brantley was such an idiot *facepalm*
I love that for each book, the threat is real and always varied. I had my reservations about the fake relationship trope but it was handled very well here. Kudos to Mr Bates!
While I love Allen, this wasn’t my favourite story of the series. Still good, but I think Rick and Dylan are still the reigning champions of my heart *wink wink*
Allen has been one of my favourite characters since the first book. Lovely, lovely man. Some may call him a saint. I know I would have, since Brantley was such an idiot *facepalm*
I love that for each book, the threat is real and always varied. I had my reservations about the fake relationship trope but it was handled very well here. Kudos to Mr Bates!
While I love Allen, this wasn’t my favourite story of the series. Still good, but I think Rick and Dylan are still the reigning champions of my heart *wink wink*
October 9, 2019
I liked this book very much, but it definitely is my least favourite of the series so far. I loved Allen from the start. He's warm, caring and totally family orientated. I hadn't warmed to Brantley, even by the end. Yes, he had problems. Yes, terrible things had been done to him in the past. Yet he couldn't seem to see how lucky he was to have the support of Allen and made very little effort to (in my opinion).
The government agents are foul people; the dregs of humanity. However, their awfulness is so well written, I actually looked forward to scenes that they are in.
The government agents are foul people; the dregs of humanity. However, their awfulness is so well written, I actually looked forward to scenes that they are in.
June 25, 2017
Love this series!
Aiden Bates has done it again. Well rounded characters, a bit of drama, a bit of hot and sexy, cute and adorable kids.....Brantley and Allen are pushed together due to outside forces but both soon realize that they truly do have feelings for each other. They just don't tell each other. Brantley because of his life experiences ad Allan because of his relationship past. Well done!
Aiden Bates has done it again. Well rounded characters, a bit of drama, a bit of hot and sexy, cute and adorable kids.....Brantley and Allen are pushed together due to outside forces but both soon realize that they truly do have feelings for each other. They just don't tell each other. Brantley because of his life experiences ad Allan because of his relationship past. Well done!
June 22, 2017
There were some serious communication issues here that dropped the star rating for me. Brantley had a serious case of double standards and Allen needed a whole lot more. While they pulled it out in the end and the ending was truly sweet, it was a hard-won resolution. I voluntarily read and reviewed this as an ARC from the author.
July 4, 2017
Intriguing
Such an interesting story. Although it was frustrating the way they assumed what the other person was feeling. A little more communication would have been better, but I understand the fear and anxiety they both experienced made that difficult. Wonderful story with a great ending.
Such an interesting story. Although it was frustrating the way they assumed what the other person was feeling. A little more communication would have been better, but I understand the fear and anxiety they both experienced made that difficult. Wonderful story with a great ending.
October 2, 2019
Instant Family is the fourth book in the Silver Oak Medical Center series by Aiden Bates. This is a very interesting and entertaining story - a fake relationship turns real and immigration drama theme. Allen and Brantley are great characters and their story gave me feels, made me smile and even pulled a few chuckles out of me.
June 22, 2017
This is my favorite of this series so far.. I loved it so much it was so much fun.. I laughed.. and i felt sadness and anger with each character.. i felt the fear.. and the longing.. it was all amazing.. the writing, the emotions, everything.
July 4, 2017
*I voluntarily reviewed an ecopy of this book*
This is book 4 of the series and it was great but I think the weakest of the series so far. I liked both characters of Allen and Brantley from the beginning but I did not find myself finding any connection between for the 1st few chapters. In my opinion, the book has a rough start but in either chapter 4 or 5 it shifts and starts picking up speed into a great story. These 2 characters come from different backgrounds yet are very similar in guarding their emotions and making assumptions about the other character. It was rollercoaster of emotions and at times I wanted to strangle the characters, mostly Brantley. I greatly enjoyed the theme of the story of battling against racism and immigrants especially in what is currently happening in real life. This book, even with its flaws, gives me hope for a better world if we keep pushing forward as a nation.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ecopy of this book
This is book 4 of the series and it was great but I think the weakest of the series so far. I liked both characters of Allen and Brantley from the beginning but I did not find myself finding any connection between for the 1st few chapters. In my opinion, the book has a rough start but in either chapter 4 or 5 it shifts and starts picking up speed into a great story. These 2 characters come from different backgrounds yet are very similar in guarding their emotions and making assumptions about the other character. It was rollercoaster of emotions and at times I wanted to strangle the characters, mostly Brantley. I greatly enjoyed the theme of the story of battling against racism and immigrants especially in what is currently happening in real life. This book, even with its flaws, gives me hope for a better world if we keep pushing forward as a nation.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ecopy of this book
July 5, 2017
Loved it
I love this entire series! And this book held up to the standard of the others. Great characters, great story, a perfect happily ever after ending. The entire series is a 'must have'!
I love this entire series! And this book held up to the standard of the others. Great characters, great story, a perfect happily ever after ending. The entire series is a 'must have'!
July 7, 2017
Okay, I liked the whole series.. but this one was NOT my favorite. Too much of each person thinking the other person didn't like or want them drawing the whole thing out way too long. Otherwise the characters were good, but the bad guys were a little too weird and creepy for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews