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Man Up #3
Cort—Unbreakable
Cort
I spent years waiting for someone who never put me first.
He took my love, took me for granted.
Took my heart.
Now I’m on my own.
Living life my way.
The crowd only sees my smile.
Never my loneliness and pain.
I need someone to need me.
When I meet another lost soul my friends try to warn me.
He’s a liar.
A user.
Homeless.
Heartbroken.
He’s all that and more.
He’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
Harlan
I’m king of my world.
Untouchable.
Then it all comes crashing down.
My secrets are exposed.
I’m cut off from my family.
Unrecognizable from the man I used to be.
Barely surviving, living day-to-day and out of control.
Nothing to hold on to.
I let go and fall so far there’s no way up.
Until a cowboy reaches into my darkness and brings me back to the light.
With him I can breathe.
I can be who I am.
Who he needs.
He gives me hope
To find myself.
To find love.
I spent years waiting for someone who never put me first.
He took my love, took me for granted.
Took my heart.
Now I’m on my own.
Living life my way.
The crowd only sees my smile.
Never my loneliness and pain.
I need someone to need me.
When I meet another lost soul my friends try to warn me.
He’s a liar.
A user.
Homeless.
Heartbroken.
He’s all that and more.
He’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
Harlan
I’m king of my world.
Untouchable.
Then it all comes crashing down.
My secrets are exposed.
I’m cut off from my family.
Unrecognizable from the man I used to be.
Barely surviving, living day-to-day and out of control.
Nothing to hold on to.
I let go and fall so far there’s no way up.
Until a cowboy reaches into my darkness and brings me back to the light.
With him I can breathe.
I can be who I am.
Who he needs.
He gives me hope
To find myself.
To find love.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2018
85 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Felice Stevens
92 books1,733 followersFelice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
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April 5, 2022
Cort Unbreakable is book three in the Man Up series by Felice Stevens. For me, every book in this series just keeps getting better and better. I suspect it’s because with every book, I develop a closer relationship with this group of men. Now it’s Cort’s turn.
We have met Cort in the previous books. He’s close friends with Austin and Frankie. He’s from Texas, a real cowboy who left the small town life and moved to New York to live his true life, as a gay man. He is a dancer at Man Up. Cort is lonely. Both of his best friends have stopped dancing, found love, and are pursuing their dreams away from Man UP. We know Cort has met and befriended a homeless man who kind of comes and goes from his life. He met him at the book store he loves to frequent. Cort’s friends are concerned with his interest in the man. They don’t want their friend to be taken advantage of, to be hurt. But Cort sees something in him, and refuses to listen.
Harlan DeWitt is from a rich family and never wanted for anything, except love. It was pre-destined that Harlan would go into the family law practice. After being hurt when he was younger, Harlan keeps his true self hidden. He can’t stand his life and chooses to use alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. He is also a bully. He hurts the people around him with his words and actions. He has finally gone too far and Harlan loses everything, his apartment, his money, everything. Now homeless, he’s hit rock bottom, until he met Cort.
These two form a friendship. The attraction between them is strong, as is Cort’s determination to help Harlan. But Harlan still has a little lower he will have to slide before he’s ready to do the work to help himself.
“How do you repay someone when they save your life? You give them your heart.”
First, I think I love the cover of this one most of all. That is exactly how I would picture Cort. And the steam level of this one is scorching hot! I think the hottest one so far. I loved both of these men. They might seem so different from the outside but once you learn their stories, they are so much alike. And it’s with each other that they finally are able to find the direction in their lives they need.
This was a beautiful, steamy story that I dearly loved. Once again, I have to mention James, the owner of Man Up. He is just as much of a mystery as ever, but in this book, we are able to see a little more of the real James. I love him already. His book is next in James, Uncontrollable. I also want to mention that Harlan is first introduced in the book, One Call Away, where we also meet one of the men who he hurt before his fall.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
We have met Cort in the previous books. He’s close friends with Austin and Frankie. He’s from Texas, a real cowboy who left the small town life and moved to New York to live his true life, as a gay man. He is a dancer at Man Up. Cort is lonely. Both of his best friends have stopped dancing, found love, and are pursuing their dreams away from Man UP. We know Cort has met and befriended a homeless man who kind of comes and goes from his life. He met him at the book store he loves to frequent. Cort’s friends are concerned with his interest in the man. They don’t want their friend to be taken advantage of, to be hurt. But Cort sees something in him, and refuses to listen.
Harlan DeWitt is from a rich family and never wanted for anything, except love. It was pre-destined that Harlan would go into the family law practice. After being hurt when he was younger, Harlan keeps his true self hidden. He can’t stand his life and chooses to use alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. He is also a bully. He hurts the people around him with his words and actions. He has finally gone too far and Harlan loses everything, his apartment, his money, everything. Now homeless, he’s hit rock bottom, until he met Cort.
These two form a friendship. The attraction between them is strong, as is Cort’s determination to help Harlan. But Harlan still has a little lower he will have to slide before he’s ready to do the work to help himself.
“How do you repay someone when they save your life? You give them your heart.”
First, I think I love the cover of this one most of all. That is exactly how I would picture Cort. And the steam level of this one is scorching hot! I think the hottest one so far. I loved both of these men. They might seem so different from the outside but once you learn their stories, they are so much alike. And it’s with each other that they finally are able to find the direction in their lives they need.
This was a beautiful, steamy story that I dearly loved. Once again, I have to mention James, the owner of Man Up. He is just as much of a mystery as ever, but in this book, we are able to see a little more of the real James. I love him already. His book is next in James, Uncontrollable. I also want to mention that Harlan is first introduced in the book, One Call Away, where we also meet one of the men who he hurt before his fall.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
August 17, 2018
Talk about angst. This book deals with addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts. There is a tentative HEA, but the MCs have to fight for it.
Cort is a true cowboy. I wanted to cringe every time he said ain't, but he was a really good guy, kind-hearted and a little lonely. He takes in a homeless man and finds him a job. Cort knows there's more to Harlan's story.
Harlan lost everything: his job, his family, his home. He's an alcoholic and struggles with addictive, dark thoughts every day.
Something about the pacing in this story was off. The prologue showed us how the men met, but the first chapter was set a few months later. Both MCs held running monologues that went on for pages. Not much happened for a long time, and I found my attention wandering.
Here's the kicker: I didn't realize until the very end of the book when Harlan asks for Oren's forgiveness that Harland was THAT Harland, the villain in One Call Away who tormented Oren for years. I HATED Harland in that story, absolutely loathed him with the passion of a thousand fiery suns.
I'm sort of glad I didn't connect the dots initially because I don't think I could have forgiven Harland. As it was, I felt sorry for him. I still don't understand how anyone, fucked up family or not, could act like Harland did for years (there's NO excuse for being such a douchebag bully), but he was good to Cort, and that matters.
Cort is a true cowboy. I wanted to cringe every time he said ain't, but he was a really good guy, kind-hearted and a little lonely. He takes in a homeless man and finds him a job. Cort knows there's more to Harlan's story.
Harlan lost everything: his job, his family, his home. He's an alcoholic and struggles with addictive, dark thoughts every day.
Something about the pacing in this story was off. The prologue showed us how the men met, but the first chapter was set a few months later. Both MCs held running monologues that went on for pages. Not much happened for a long time, and I found my attention wandering.
Here's the kicker: I didn't realize until the very end of the book when Harlan asks for Oren's forgiveness that Harland was THAT Harland, the villain in One Call Away who tormented Oren for years. I HATED Harland in that story, absolutely loathed him with the passion of a thousand fiery suns.
I'm sort of glad I didn't connect the dots initially because I don't think I could have forgiven Harland. As it was, I felt sorry for him. I still don't understand how anyone, fucked up family or not, could act like Harland did for years (there's NO excuse for being such a douchebag bully), but he was good to Cort, and that matters.
March 13, 2019
Audio - 5 +++ stars
Story - 2.75 stars
Story - 2.75 stars
August 2, 2018
When Felice Stevens sets out to write a redemption arc there's no holding back and this one nails it completely.
Anyone who has read One Call Away knows how much of an absolute bastard Harlen was, vicious and hateful and the cause of so much pain.
Here, while he's never excused for that behaviour, he is explained, the reasons behind his cruelty were just as damaging to him as his subsequent behaviour was to others.
The villain of that piece really does become a changed man through his own efforts and also because one man wouldn't give up on him.
Cort is the real deal, an honest Texas cowboy in the Big Apple and he knows what it's like to be rejected. He sees something in Harlen and what then becomes a most beautiful love story begins.
Everything in this story worked for me. I loved the two of them together, I loved that Harlen owned his shitty behaviour and that he had the courage to take the hand he was offered.
Now I'm waiting for the ultimate enemies to lovers when James finally gets his story told :)
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Anyone who has read One Call Away knows how much of an absolute bastard Harlen was, vicious and hateful and the cause of so much pain.
Here, while he's never excused for that behaviour, he is explained, the reasons behind his cruelty were just as damaging to him as his subsequent behaviour was to others.
The villain of that piece really does become a changed man through his own efforts and also because one man wouldn't give up on him.
Cort is the real deal, an honest Texas cowboy in the Big Apple and he knows what it's like to be rejected. He sees something in Harlen and what then becomes a most beautiful love story begins.
Everything in this story worked for me. I loved the two of them together, I loved that Harlen owned his shitty behaviour and that he had the courage to take the hand he was offered.
Now I'm waiting for the ultimate enemies to lovers when James finally gets his story told :)
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 27, 2018
Yo sigo insistiendo con esta autora porque está en KU y porque tiene buenas críticas. Pero, no lo puedo evitar, sus historias me parecen poco creíbles y no tengo palabra para los diálogos...
August 8, 2018
Cort has been that sexy, caring cowboy in the background for the past couple of books, always looking out for his friends in the club, with that protective big brother vibe. Cort is a sweetheart; he believes in seeing the good in people, but he’s not naïve or stupid. He has a past where he put other people first to his own detriment and has learned his lesson. He’s living his own life in NYC but he is lonely, especially now that Austin and Frankie have moved on from Man Up.
Then there’s Harlan --- yes that Harlan from One Call Away (this can easily be read as a standalone but One Call Away was great and you will really get the true extent of what Harlan needs to atone for). I have to say at first I was happy to see he had suffered some consequences after what he did to Oren. He was a character with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. An entitled, rich a$$hole who harassed and abused his staff and skated by on his money, name and looks. But the consequences went beyond merely losing his job. He now finds himself homeless, penniless and friendless until Cort takes an interest in him. What first sees as a potential bed and meal quickly becomes more than Harlan could ever have predicted. No matter how much Harlan tries to fight it, Cort is pretty irresistible.
Once again, Felice Stevens is building a large, extended family around Man Up. Cort’s current and former co-workers are all looking out for him and that means not trusting Harlan’s motives, despite what Cort sees in the man. The story is not as angsty as it could have been, both men have family issues and Harlan is a mess all-around, but it also doesn’t sugar-coat things. Harlan’s arc is bumpy and even with as good as things get he knows that addiction will be a lifelong struggle for him. When he finally accepts what he’s done in the past he makes a strong and serious effort to try and atone. Cort is Harlan’s strength throughout, believing that Harlan can to change if he wants to and encouraging him to live his life for himself. The romance is sexy and sweet and brimming with tension before Harlan finally embraces what will make him happy.
In the end Harlan truly redeemed himself, something I wasn’t sure I’d be convinced of, but I shouldn’t have been worried, knowing the author’s talent for taking hard-edged and even unlikeable characters and making me want to see them succeed. I’ve spoken quite a bit about Harlan, but Cort also faces up to his past and owns his future. I think he just might be favorite of the Man Up dancers we’ve met so far.
In the background throughout all of this James and Malcom continue their heated exchanges. The tension between these two is out of control and I can’t wait to find out what happened and how they’ll overcome it in the next book!
Then there’s Harlan --- yes that Harlan from One Call Away (this can easily be read as a standalone but One Call Away was great and you will really get the true extent of what Harlan needs to atone for). I have to say at first I was happy to see he had suffered some consequences after what he did to Oren. He was a character with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. An entitled, rich a$$hole who harassed and abused his staff and skated by on his money, name and looks. But the consequences went beyond merely losing his job. He now finds himself homeless, penniless and friendless until Cort takes an interest in him. What first sees as a potential bed and meal quickly becomes more than Harlan could ever have predicted. No matter how much Harlan tries to fight it, Cort is pretty irresistible.
Once again, Felice Stevens is building a large, extended family around Man Up. Cort’s current and former co-workers are all looking out for him and that means not trusting Harlan’s motives, despite what Cort sees in the man. The story is not as angsty as it could have been, both men have family issues and Harlan is a mess all-around, but it also doesn’t sugar-coat things. Harlan’s arc is bumpy and even with as good as things get he knows that addiction will be a lifelong struggle for him. When he finally accepts what he’s done in the past he makes a strong and serious effort to try and atone. Cort is Harlan’s strength throughout, believing that Harlan can to change if he wants to and encouraging him to live his life for himself. The romance is sexy and sweet and brimming with tension before Harlan finally embraces what will make him happy.
In the end Harlan truly redeemed himself, something I wasn’t sure I’d be convinced of, but I shouldn’t have been worried, knowing the author’s talent for taking hard-edged and even unlikeable characters and making me want to see them succeed. I’ve spoken quite a bit about Harlan, but Cort also faces up to his past and owns his future. I think he just might be favorite of the Man Up dancers we’ve met so far.
In the background throughout all of this James and Malcom continue their heated exchanges. The tension between these two is out of control and I can’t wait to find out what happened and how they’ll overcome it in the next book!
August 4, 2018
I didn’t really knew Cort beside that he’s a dancing cowboy who loves Austin and Frankie, and lost without them after his best friends made couples. Knowing he’s a big sweet nugget inside after Felice ‘introduced’ us to Harlan.
Um, Harlan who, I asked myself. Then my friend Hope gave me a hint about ‘Harlan the bully’ that I hated so much for making Oren’s life miserable (One Call Away). Oooh…that Harlan.
While here I thought that Harlan is just another bad guy we need to hate until the end of the world, Felice gave him one more, two, three more chance to redeem himself, through meeting Cort.
Am I sorry? Hell, yeah. Not sorry I got caught out. Sorry I let myself get to that point. But I can’t live with regrets. Regrets serve no purpose except to keep me thinking about the past, and I’m done with who I was.”
Even before this book when Harlan showed up on Frankie’s book, I felt something for him. Pity? Sadness? I think, I recognized this situation very well.
Because yeah, people made mistakes, people made a mess in their lives, but some never had have a chance to change their lives into the better. As a counselor I’ve met many people like Harlan in real life. Most of them who came to me, wanted to change, wanted redemption, but what makes them getting more lost and desperate to the level of depression, is that they don’t know what to do, their family kicked them out without really ‘listening’, and they have nobody who accepted them, someone like Cort.
There's one scene that really broke my heart, the one with Oren. Thanks for the tears, Felice! I wanted to hold Harlan and put him in my purse so he can't hurt again :(
Cort, bless his heart. I love him so much. He’s the one that easiest to love between the three friends, me think. He’s too adorable, too sweet, too kind, and too sexy (ehem!).
“Have you spent time with him?” I jerked my thumb toward Cort. “Look at him. Gorgeous, sweet, and hot as hell. It’s like the trifecta of all that is holy. Who could resist that?”
Felice outdid herself in Harlan and Cort story, mostly for Harlan. Harlan was a horrible person back then, but he had a reason, and it was heartbreaking. I can’t hate him for that.
"If I'd been with you for ten years, you'd know exactly how I felt about you. You aren't nothing. You're everything. Everything I used to dream about but never dared to allow myself to want"
IMO, Felice writes one of the best redemption stories, and I knew this is going to be continued, because I’m now impatiently waiting for James and Malcolm’s story. I heard nothing but hate about these two.
But, hey, it’s Felice, remember? Anything, I mean, anything could happen!
Recommended!
* ARC provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review*.
Pictures courtesy of the author.
August 10, 2018
The 4th book of Man Up series and we got the 3rd couple, Cort and Harlan. As we know Cort is one of the dancer dressed up as a cowboy at Man Up and originate from Texas, leaving behind his homophobic family. Cort is a kind hearted soul as we see how he befriended the homeless man, Harlan.
My friend was kind enough to remind me that Harlan was a villain from another series. You don't have to read that to follow this story, just know that he is a piece of shit lawyer, a trust fund brat and a totally despicable human being. Is Harlan redeemable? I guess is been so long since I read One Call Away, so I'm not holding a big grudge on him.
Cort is a total angel in this story. I think he is simply too perfect, too trusting and full of empathy and kindness. Who else would actually bring back a homeless man, feed him, find him a job and be his everything. Everyone around Cort is trying to warn him, but Cort follow his heart and his heart tells him Harlan is someone worth helping.
In the beginning of this book, Harlan is still on a downward spiral, in fact he haven't sink further enough yet. It pained me to read about him day to day struggle and frustrated to see him succumb to the evil temptations despite Cort generosity.
I find the relationship between Cort and Harlan a bit one sided with Cort giving more of himself into it, but I understand a relationship is not a tit for tat exchange and it warmed me to see Harlan finally got the help he needed and he's 100% invested to better himself to be worthy of Cort. I won't actually call this a redemption story, more like second chance story for Harlan to take control of his life and found love.
We get to catch up with the other boys, Austin and Frankie. I feel like they are a bunch of gossipy ladies. Austin is still cynical as ever despite being all shacked up. James and Malcolm were emitting too much sexual tension. I'm sure their book is going to be explosive and incinerate my Kindle.
My friend was kind enough to remind me that Harlan was a villain from another series. You don't have to read that to follow this story, just know that he is a piece of shit lawyer, a trust fund brat and a totally despicable human being. Is Harlan redeemable? I guess is been so long since I read One Call Away, so I'm not holding a big grudge on him.
Cort is a total angel in this story. I think he is simply too perfect, too trusting and full of empathy and kindness. Who else would actually bring back a homeless man, feed him, find him a job and be his everything. Everyone around Cort is trying to warn him, but Cort follow his heart and his heart tells him Harlan is someone worth helping.
In the beginning of this book, Harlan is still on a downward spiral, in fact he haven't sink further enough yet. It pained me to read about him day to day struggle and frustrated to see him succumb to the evil temptations despite Cort generosity.
I find the relationship between Cort and Harlan a bit one sided with Cort giving more of himself into it, but I understand a relationship is not a tit for tat exchange and it warmed me to see Harlan finally got the help he needed and he's 100% invested to better himself to be worthy of Cort. I won't actually call this a redemption story, more like second chance story for Harlan to take control of his life and found love.
We get to catch up with the other boys, Austin and Frankie. I feel like they are a bunch of gossipy ladies. Austin is still cynical as ever despite being all shacked up. James and Malcolm were emitting too much sexual tension. I'm sure their book is going to be explosive and incinerate my Kindle.
April 5, 2022
This was probably my least favorite of the series. Not because it was a bad story in itself or a badly written story...it was that there was just so much turmoil, and sorrow, and conflict to wade through. Harlan, turns out to be more altruistic than predatory and that becomes the key to the entire story. Harlan has a past that is so incredibly devastating and heartbreaking in how he lost his job, his fortune his family...his entire life as he knew it. It came as such a shock to those of us that have read the other books. All the other books contained characters that were broken and tormented, but none like Harlan. What i did really like about the book was the way this author can take a totally unlikable character and make you end up caring about them...how she makes them vulnerable. Harlan was the bad guy in an earlier book making him very easy to dislike. When I saw he would be part of the couple in this story I wasn't sure how it would work out...how he could overcome his past. Harlan and Cort were men that had demons that needed to be dealt with. It took a while for me to get into this one. As always, I enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous books. Since I'm hung up this series, I am looking forward to learning James's story.
August 10, 2018
I still have to say Frankie is my favorite, but Cort is a very close 2nd. Hell, who am I kidding? I love all these boys. And it's amazing to watch the transformations in ALL their lives. But this is Cort’s story and a doozy it was. It was cruel in ways, heartbreaking, overwhelming and happy. All in one. It brought you to the edge of your emotions and kept you riding there. (I'm anxious and scared about James’s story lol).
Cort noticed Harlan one day at the bookstore. He looked a lot lost and in need of help. When he saw the way he was acting around the food, he knew the man must be hungry. So he carefully brought him more food. Something about Harlan called to Cort, but dang if he could figure out what. He knew the man needed help though, and little by little on the down low, he helps as much as he can. Yes, he's not super rich but money has been a little better and he can help. But the way everyone is acting with Cort, you’d think he committed a crime. Everyone is so sure Harlan is out to use him and mistreat him, but Cort continues to help regardless. He helps him get work and let's sleep at his apartment, but the past of Harlan's comes calling and Harlan bolts out looking for liquor and a buzz. He totally let Cort down. Harlan tried to warn Cort he was no good but Cort wouldn't listen. And now he's looking at this bridge as if maybe it's time to go. No one would miss him. But Cort wants Harlan to see someone would miss him, if he could get there in time.
I knew there was something about Cort that I loved. But it bothered me so bad sometimes with his friends. I know everyone is caught up in the changes in their lives and their happy and moving forward, but Cort is such a good friend. He's one of those that gives that quiet strength, but remains quiet often. Not totally but….kinda like the strong silent type. And because of it he gets looked over. Friends promise to call but kinda forget. Then one day turns to two and so on. But everyone realized what they were doing to him and made it right. But the in between days still get lonely. He spends time in the bookstore to meet people and read and it's good for him. I love how people misjudge him. The strong, muscular quiet kind of man, must not have a brain. But he does. He's not perfect. He human. But he a damn good one. Sweet, compassionate, and always willing to lend a hand. He was actually perfect for Harlan. Even when Harlen didn't know it. And I felt so sorry for him. He needed Cort but too much past remained and too many addicting demons to confront. So !any times I wanted to shake that man, knowing he was going to hurt Cort, but he didn't know how else to be. He had to learn to be a good person all over again. They both had a lot to overcome for both of their sakes. They had to grow up a bit more and move on. And every page was worth reading.
This series has been phenomenal. The struggles, the loses, but the gains mattered so much more. The hope, the love, the new starts, the growing up. It's a heartfelt journey we all need to take. I can wait to see what comes next. And see more of these guys get transformed and get the love they need. Go READ!
http://lovebytesreviews.com
Cort noticed Harlan one day at the bookstore. He looked a lot lost and in need of help. When he saw the way he was acting around the food, he knew the man must be hungry. So he carefully brought him more food. Something about Harlan called to Cort, but dang if he could figure out what. He knew the man needed help though, and little by little on the down low, he helps as much as he can. Yes, he's not super rich but money has been a little better and he can help. But the way everyone is acting with Cort, you’d think he committed a crime. Everyone is so sure Harlan is out to use him and mistreat him, but Cort continues to help regardless. He helps him get work and let's sleep at his apartment, but the past of Harlan's comes calling and Harlan bolts out looking for liquor and a buzz. He totally let Cort down. Harlan tried to warn Cort he was no good but Cort wouldn't listen. And now he's looking at this bridge as if maybe it's time to go. No one would miss him. But Cort wants Harlan to see someone would miss him, if he could get there in time.
I knew there was something about Cort that I loved. But it bothered me so bad sometimes with his friends. I know everyone is caught up in the changes in their lives and their happy and moving forward, but Cort is such a good friend. He's one of those that gives that quiet strength, but remains quiet often. Not totally but….kinda like the strong silent type. And because of it he gets looked over. Friends promise to call but kinda forget. Then one day turns to two and so on. But everyone realized what they were doing to him and made it right. But the in between days still get lonely. He spends time in the bookstore to meet people and read and it's good for him. I love how people misjudge him. The strong, muscular quiet kind of man, must not have a brain. But he does. He's not perfect. He human. But he a damn good one. Sweet, compassionate, and always willing to lend a hand. He was actually perfect for Harlan. Even when Harlen didn't know it. And I felt so sorry for him. He needed Cort but too much past remained and too many addicting demons to confront. So !any times I wanted to shake that man, knowing he was going to hurt Cort, but he didn't know how else to be. He had to learn to be a good person all over again. They both had a lot to overcome for both of their sakes. They had to grow up a bit more and move on. And every page was worth reading.
This series has been phenomenal. The struggles, the loses, but the gains mattered so much more. The hope, the love, the new starts, the growing up. It's a heartfelt journey we all need to take. I can wait to see what comes next. And see more of these guys get transformed and get the love they need. Go READ!
http://lovebytesreviews.com
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August 8, 2018Cort—Unbreakable is now LIVE. it is at the special release week price of $3.99 and free to read on Kindle Unlimited for 90 days!
Here is the universal link—> getbook.at/CortUnbreakable
Here is the universal link—> getbook.at/CortUnbreakable
August 24, 2018
dnf at 61%
I tried, but I'm not feeling this. And I don't like Harlan. At all.
I tried, but I'm not feeling this. And I don't like Harlan. At all.
August 10, 2018
I owed him the thump of the heart I heard in my chest. I owed him the breath I took every day. I owed him the morning sun in my eyes. I owed him my life. And how do you repay someone when they save your life? You give them your heart. – Harlan.
You maybe think this is funny, but still I need to say it. When I read One Call Away, I hate one of Oren’s homophobic colleagues for what he did to Oren. I even swear and hope that one day he’ll be get his own karma.
When I read a hint about Cort and his homeless guy named Harlan. I get this déjà vu feeling with the name but I must admit that I’m completely clueless about this Harlan guy. At least not until I finally read Cort’s story.
When I started Cort’s story and slowly know a bit more about this Harlan guy then suddenly the realization hit me and I realized that THIS Harlan is actually THAT Harlan!!!
And the next thing I did, I laugh hysterically for not recognized him before!!! Well, karma does exist, right?
Now back to Cort. This sexy cowboy with tender heart had stole my curiosity since the very beginning and I’ve been waiting for his story since Austin’s book, and curiously want to know what actually happen to him back then when he’s still in Texas, because I can sense the hurt and the loneliness he hide behind his smile. Behind his caring and softie act to both Austin and Frankie I believe there’s something deep and sad about his past.
Cort need someone who need him, who will let him help and took care of and keep him safe. And when he saw Harlan for the first time, he just knew that the homeless guy NEED him.
His need to take care Harlan when others keep warning him about the good looking homeless guy real intentions had melt my heart.
I don’t know what magic power Felice’s has but she could turned my hatred toward the asshole Harlan into completely sympathy. No matter how hard I want to hate him, I ended with love him even more!
I believe in karma and second chance, and through Harlan’s I can see it happen in both heartbreaking and heartwarming way. No one can write redemption story better than Felice! *hands down*
And now I'm ready for James and Mal's story...because like what Frankie said,
“Watch out, James. You might be the next one caught by the love bug.”
...and perhaps Tristan will have his own story too (yes, pretty please 😊✌🏻)
Highly recommended!
*ARC is kindly provided by the Author in exchange of a fair, unbiased and honest review*
August 13, 2018
Reviewed by Jenn for Diverse Reader
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cort-Unbreakable is book four in Felice Stevens' Man Up series and is now my favorite in the series. Cort is quite simply one of the most genuine, sweet, lovable and sexy men to come across a page in awhile. And he’s an honest to goodness cowboy!
Cort is living in New York after leaving his small town in Texas. He dances at the men’s strip club Man Up and has made a couple very close friends there, friends that he’s watched fall in love recently. He is happy for them, he really is, he’s just lonely. When he meets Harlan, a homeless man, everyone worries that Cort’s sweet nature will be taken advantage of. Maybe it will be, but Cort isn’t going to walk away from a friend in need.
Harlan is not only homeless, but is reeling from everything that has put him on the streets. He once had it all and now he’s stealing cheese and crackers at a book store reading. The friendly cowboy who sneaks him extra snacks and some cash every now and then isn’t supposed to become his friend. When Harlan has nowhere to go, Cort opens his home to him. Soon, Cort is opening his heart too. Harlan has demons he needs to face to be good enough to look himself in the eye, let alone a man as wonderful as Cort. Now comes the part where we see how far two men from such different worlds will work for a friendship that makes sense to no one else. A relationship that may be just what the other has always needed.
I loved this book so much, as I said above, Cort is so special. How often in life do we get the chance to meet someone who is so genuinely good? Felice Stevens pairing him up with a character we’ve met before, someone with seemingly no redeeming qualities was genius. I loved watching the care and effort that went into building this relationship. You’re left realizing that even if they stumble along the way, this bond in truly unbreakable. My favorite so far and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
All the feels!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cort-Unbreakable is book four in Felice Stevens' Man Up series and is now my favorite in the series. Cort is quite simply one of the most genuine, sweet, lovable and sexy men to come across a page in awhile. And he’s an honest to goodness cowboy!
Cort is living in New York after leaving his small town in Texas. He dances at the men’s strip club Man Up and has made a couple very close friends there, friends that he’s watched fall in love recently. He is happy for them, he really is, he’s just lonely. When he meets Harlan, a homeless man, everyone worries that Cort’s sweet nature will be taken advantage of. Maybe it will be, but Cort isn’t going to walk away from a friend in need.
Harlan is not only homeless, but is reeling from everything that has put him on the streets. He once had it all and now he’s stealing cheese and crackers at a book store reading. The friendly cowboy who sneaks him extra snacks and some cash every now and then isn’t supposed to become his friend. When Harlan has nowhere to go, Cort opens his home to him. Soon, Cort is opening his heart too. Harlan has demons he needs to face to be good enough to look himself in the eye, let alone a man as wonderful as Cort. Now comes the part where we see how far two men from such different worlds will work for a friendship that makes sense to no one else. A relationship that may be just what the other has always needed.
I loved this book so much, as I said above, Cort is so special. How often in life do we get the chance to meet someone who is so genuinely good? Felice Stevens pairing him up with a character we’ve met before, someone with seemingly no redeeming qualities was genius. I loved watching the care and effort that went into building this relationship. You’re left realizing that even if they stumble along the way, this bond in truly unbreakable. My favorite so far and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
All the feels!
October 11, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Oh, how I love Cort and Harlan! They’re perfect for each other. Each is broken because of their pasts, but together, they can fight for their happiness. Colt has what I consider to be a positive attitude. However, under that positivity is a sadness and deep loneliness. Cort’s the kind of man you would want by your side if you need him. Harlan? Harlan tore at my heart because he wasn’t born to be positive. Go to school, study law, work for the family firm, make a lot of money, marry and continue the line…those were heavily impressed into him. Harlan did the extreme opposite and lost it all. It took awhile, but he finally realized he had a problem and was willing to do what he could to fix it. That’s what I really liked. Everything he’s ever been has brought him to the pinnacle moment where he actually does something about it. He’s also not afraid to admit his fear of failure.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Oh, how I love Cort and Harlan! They’re perfect for each other. Each is broken because of their pasts, but together, they can fight for their happiness. Colt has what I consider to be a positive attitude. However, under that positivity is a sadness and deep loneliness. Cort’s the kind of man you would want by your side if you need him. Harlan? Harlan tore at my heart because he wasn’t born to be positive. Go to school, study law, work for the family firm, make a lot of money, marry and continue the line…those were heavily impressed into him. Harlan did the extreme opposite and lost it all. It took awhile, but he finally realized he had a problem and was willing to do what he could to fix it. That’s what I really liked. Everything he’s ever been has brought him to the pinnacle moment where he actually does something about it. He’s also not afraid to admit his fear of failure.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
March 24, 2019
This one I really wasn't interested to read but I'm happy I did because there was more to Cort than just the happy go cowboy . I'm also glad I read One Call Away before I started this book in the Man Up series because it gave me a better insight of the character Harlan. These two couldn't have been more opposite in personalities but they just seemed to fit and make each other both feel love and needed. I am so glad Harlan got the chance make it right with some of the people in his life he wronged but I would have loved to see both Cort and Harlan tell their parents off! 😤
Looking forward now to reading James story.
Looking forward now to reading James story.
August 15, 2018
Wow. I have been loving The Man Up Series by Felice Stevens. Each of the guys are so wonderful in their own way. I have adored watching them grow and evolve into the men they were meant to be. They are such a tight nit group of friends that are more like a family....
Cort is the 4th book in the series and it totally blew me away. Cort & Harlan stole my heart!! We got glimpses of them in the other books, but nothing prepared me for their extraordinary emotional journey. Felice crushed this one from start to finish....
Two men who seem to be complete opposites yet have more in common then they realize. Their turmulous pasts have made them into who they are today... One who exudes light, while the other is suffering in darkness. An unexpected friendship that turned into an all encompassing love!
Cort is our beautiful damaged cowboy. He's never had unconditional love... Yet he is kind, compassionate and loyal to a fault. Everyone around him can see his light. He very different the his over zealous stripper persona. He's actually quiet and quite loney. He always sees the good in everyone... When he meets Harlan, a disheveled homeless guy, he looks past his appearance and into his soul. He sees someone completely lost and barely hanging on. True to his nature, Cort shows the man kindness and friendship....
"How far the mighty have fallen." That describes Harlan DeWitt to a tee. He used to be a top dog. King of his pack. Until it was all taken away. He doesn't believe in love because he's never had it. (I remember Harlen from One call away. He was the furthest thing from a nice guy. If you haven't read it, you must!) All seemed hopeless for him, until he meets a cowboy with a heart of gold.... Can Cort save Harlan? Is Harlan worth saving? This unlikely pair might just be perfect for each other. Their road was not easy but it was worth it. I loved how their relationship transformed, blossomed and grew. My heart was bursting with love!
Felice did a great job with integrating all the guys from the past books into this one. She gave me just enough of all of them to keep a permanent smile on my face. Sooo much love between them all. Now I must discuss JAMES.... This man is such a force. He's a enigma! Soft, hard, aloof, caring... Gahhhh I love him already. In Cort, we got flashes of who he really is. I can not wait to get my hands on his book. Bring it on Felice!
Wow. I have been loving The Man Up Series by Felice Stevens. Each of the guys are so wonderful in their own way. I have adored watching them grow and evolve into the men they were meant to be. They are such a tight nit group of friends that are more like a family....
Cort is the 4th book in the series and it totally blew me away. Cort & Harlan stole my heart!! We got glimpses of them in the other books, but nothing prepared me for their extraordinary emotional journey. Felice crushed this one from start to finish....
Two men who seem to be complete opposites yet have more in common then they realize. Their turmulous pasts have made them into who they are today... One who exudes light, while the other is suffering in darkness. An unexpected friendship that turned into an all encompassing love!
Cort is our beautiful damaged cowboy. He's never had unconditional love... Yet he is kind, compassionate and loyal to a fault. Everyone around him can see his light. He very different the his over zealous stripper persona. He's actually quiet and quite loney. He always sees the good in everyone... When he meets Harlan, a disheveled homeless guy, he looks past his appearance and into his soul. He sees someone completely lost and barely hanging on. True to his nature, Cort shows the man kindness and friendship....
"How far the mighty have fallen." That describes Harlan DeWitt to a tee. He used to be a top dog. King of his pack. Until it was all taken away. He doesn't believe in love because he's never had it. (I remember Harlen from One call away. He was the furthest thing from a nice guy. If you haven't read it, you must!) All seemed hopeless for him, until he meets a cowboy with a heart of gold.... Can Cort save Harlan? Is Harlan worth saving? This unlikely pair might just be perfect for each other. Their road was not easy but it was worth it. I loved how their relationship transformed, blossomed and grew. My heart was bursting with love!
Felice did a great job with integrating all the guys from the past books into this one. She gave me just enough of all of them to keep a permanent smile on my face. Sooo much love between them all. Now I must discuss JAMES.... This man is such a force. He's a enigma! Soft, hard, aloof, caring... Gahhhh I love him already. In Cort, we got flashes of who he really is. I can not wait to get my hands on his book. Bring it on Felice!
Cort is the 4th book in the series and it totally blew me away. Cort & Harlan stole my heart!! We got glimpses of them in the other books, but nothing prepared me for their extraordinary emotional journey. Felice crushed this one from start to finish....
Two men who seem to be complete opposites yet have more in common then they realize. Their turmulous pasts have made them into who they are today... One who exudes light, while the other is suffering in darkness. An unexpected friendship that turned into an all encompassing love!
Cort is our beautiful damaged cowboy. He's never had unconditional love... Yet he is kind, compassionate and loyal to a fault. Everyone around him can see his light. He very different the his over zealous stripper persona. He's actually quiet and quite loney. He always sees the good in everyone... When he meets Harlan, a disheveled homeless guy, he looks past his appearance and into his soul. He sees someone completely lost and barely hanging on. True to his nature, Cort shows the man kindness and friendship....
"How far the mighty have fallen." That describes Harlan DeWitt to a tee. He used to be a top dog. King of his pack. Until it was all taken away. He doesn't believe in love because he's never had it. (I remember Harlen from One call away. He was the furthest thing from a nice guy. If you haven't read it, you must!) All seemed hopeless for him, until he meets a cowboy with a heart of gold.... Can Cort save Harlan? Is Harlan worth saving? This unlikely pair might just be perfect for each other. Their road was not easy but it was worth it. I loved how their relationship transformed, blossomed and grew. My heart was bursting with love!
Felice did a great job with integrating all the guys from the past books into this one. She gave me just enough of all of them to keep a permanent smile on my face. Sooo much love between them all. Now I must discuss JAMES.... This man is such a force. He's a enigma! Soft, hard, aloof, caring... Gahhhh I love him already. In Cort, we got flashes of who he really is. I can not wait to get my hands on his book. Bring it on Felice!
Wow. I have been loving The Man Up Series by Felice Stevens. Each of the guys are so wonderful in their own way. I have adored watching them grow and evolve into the men they were meant to be. They are such a tight nit group of friends that are more like a family....
Cort is the 4th book in the series and it totally blew me away. Cort & Harlan stole my heart!! We got glimpses of them in the other books, but nothing prepared me for their extraordinary emotional journey. Felice crushed this one from start to finish....
Two men who seem to be complete opposites yet have more in common then they realize. Their turmulous pasts have made them into who they are today... One who exudes light, while the other is suffering in darkness. An unexpected friendship that turned into an all encompassing love!
Cort is our beautiful damaged cowboy. He's never had unconditional love... Yet he is kind, compassionate and loyal to a fault. Everyone around him can see his light. He very different the his over zealous stripper persona. He's actually quiet and quite loney. He always sees the good in everyone... When he meets Harlan, a disheveled homeless guy, he looks past his appearance and into his soul. He sees someone completely lost and barely hanging on. True to his nature, Cort shows the man kindness and friendship....
"How far the mighty have fallen." That describes Harlan DeWitt to a tee. He used to be a top dog. King of his pack. Until it was all taken away. He doesn't believe in love because he's never had it. (I remember Harlen from One call away. He was the furthest thing from a nice guy. If you haven't read it, you must!) All seemed hopeless for him, until he meets a cowboy with a heart of gold.... Can Cort save Harlan? Is Harlan worth saving? This unlikely pair might just be perfect for each other. Their road was not easy but it was worth it. I loved how their relationship transformed, blossomed and grew. My heart was bursting with love!
Felice did a great job with integrating all the guys from the past books into this one. She gave me just enough of all of them to keep a permanent smile on my face. Sooo much love between them all. Now I must discuss JAMES.... This man is such a force. He's a enigma! Soft, hard, aloof, caring... Gahhhh I love him already. In Cort, we got flashes of who he really is. I can not wait to get my hands on his book. Bring it on Felice!
August 27, 2018
3 1/2 stars
This book is the 4th in the series. I skipped the 3rd because I didn’t care for the blurb.
This one called me and glad I read it. I enjoyed Cort’s story a lot.
He is super sexy and super nice. Harlan was ok.
Good steam.
Recommend
This book is the 4th in the series. I skipped the 3rd because I didn’t care for the blurb.
This one called me and glad I read it. I enjoyed Cort’s story a lot.
He is super sexy and super nice. Harlan was ok.
Good steam.
Recommend
August 29, 2018
Clever & Courtly
This one gets us on the right track established in "Frankie," the previous book in the series when Cort, a big cowboy from Texas and one of the dancers at Man Up, starts to reveal that he's been sort of taking care of a homeless guy named Harlan.
Kicked out of his home by his homophobic father, Cort has become a huge success at Man Up as well as in another adult entertainment sideline online. But he's also a closet bibliophile, and hangs out frequently at an old time bookstore in his lower East Side Manhattan neighborhood. There he comes across Harlan, a scruffy, hungry, dirty and about-his-age homeless guy whom he spends the first quarter of the book befriending and taking care of.
That Harlan is hot, but straight, complicates Cort's intentions, but he turns out to be more altruistic than predatory and that is the key to the whole story. That's because Harlan has a past that is so devastating in how he lost his job, fortune and life as he knew it that it will come as a shock to those who have read Ms. Steven other books how the plot of one of them pops up right in the middle of this one in just a brief instant of what otherwise is a routine night at Man Up.
That instant takes place during Harlan's first week of serving as a bar boy at Man Up, a job Cort got him by playing the sympathies of boss James, clearly the most enigmatic character in all of Ms. Stevens' work and a man deserving of his own book. That instant sets the course of the rest of the book, and it's both a clever and an extremely entertaining plotline.
In any case, we digress.
What brings this book out and right up there among all Ms. Stevens' tomes--and the best of the series--are the Big Reveals. Whether they concern Cort and Harlan as individuals or members of truly messed up families; or the interpersonal relationships of them with the previous couples in the series; or the sharp insight and plans which Cort brings to the table when it comes to planning his--and if he wants--Harlan's future. No matter, this book is a winner that will hold your breath many times, but then allow you to exhale with a smile on your face.
Oh, and did I mention that it is also hot?
This one gets us on the right track established in "Frankie," the previous book in the series when Cort, a big cowboy from Texas and one of the dancers at Man Up, starts to reveal that he's been sort of taking care of a homeless guy named Harlan.
Kicked out of his home by his homophobic father, Cort has become a huge success at Man Up as well as in another adult entertainment sideline online. But he's also a closet bibliophile, and hangs out frequently at an old time bookstore in his lower East Side Manhattan neighborhood. There he comes across Harlan, a scruffy, hungry, dirty and about-his-age homeless guy whom he spends the first quarter of the book befriending and taking care of.
That Harlan is hot, but straight, complicates Cort's intentions, but he turns out to be more altruistic than predatory and that is the key to the whole story. That's because Harlan has a past that is so devastating in how he lost his job, fortune and life as he knew it that it will come as a shock to those who have read Ms. Steven other books how the plot of one of them pops up right in the middle of this one in just a brief instant of what otherwise is a routine night at Man Up.
That instant takes place during Harlan's first week of serving as a bar boy at Man Up, a job Cort got him by playing the sympathies of boss James, clearly the most enigmatic character in all of Ms. Stevens' work and a man deserving of his own book. That instant sets the course of the rest of the book, and it's both a clever and an extremely entertaining plotline.
In any case, we digress.
What brings this book out and right up there among all Ms. Stevens' tomes--and the best of the series--are the Big Reveals. Whether they concern Cort and Harlan as individuals or members of truly messed up families; or the interpersonal relationships of them with the previous couples in the series; or the sharp insight and plans which Cort brings to the table when it comes to planning his--and if he wants--Harlan's future. No matter, this book is a winner that will hold your breath many times, but then allow you to exhale with a smile on your face.
Oh, and did I mention that it is also hot?
August 9, 2018
4.5*
With Cort - Unbreakable, Ms. Stevens has written a such a beautiful story of redemption and hope. It’s a story that really pulled at my heart, as both Cort and Harlan had so much weighing them down. Cort is such a doll and has so much love to give, he was just waiting for someone like Harlan to come into his life.
This book really brought out all the feels. Cort’s life in NYC is a huge change for him, having grown up in Texas. Working at Man Up, and while it’s not the ideal career choice, has brought him some great friends who’ve become his family in his new city. But he’s lonely and seeing his friends paired up has made him realize just how lonely he’s been. When a homeless man shows up at the bookstore where Cort helps out, he sees something in the man that calls to him on a deeper level than he’s ever felt before. But Mr. Homeless isn’t quite what he seems, and maybe, just maybe, he’s exactly who Cort has been looking for.
I really enjoyed seeing these two strong yet vulnerable men find their way to each other, and forge new lives for themselves. Harlan in particular had a lot to overcome and answer for, and I think Ms. Stevens did such a wonderful job of showing how how he grew and changed over the course of the book, becoming a man worthy of Cort’s love. Cort and Harlan’s story really did put me through the gamut of emotions. Sad, happy, hopeful, angry, gleeful, I felt it all.
With Cort - Unbreakable, Ms. Stevens has written a such a beautiful story of redemption and hope. It’s a story that really pulled at my heart, as both Cort and Harlan had so much weighing them down. Cort is such a doll and has so much love to give, he was just waiting for someone like Harlan to come into his life.
This book really brought out all the feels. Cort’s life in NYC is a huge change for him, having grown up in Texas. Working at Man Up, and while it’s not the ideal career choice, has brought him some great friends who’ve become his family in his new city. But he’s lonely and seeing his friends paired up has made him realize just how lonely he’s been. When a homeless man shows up at the bookstore where Cort helps out, he sees something in the man that calls to him on a deeper level than he’s ever felt before. But Mr. Homeless isn’t quite what he seems, and maybe, just maybe, he’s exactly who Cort has been looking for.
I really enjoyed seeing these two strong yet vulnerable men find their way to each other, and forge new lives for themselves. Harlan in particular had a lot to overcome and answer for, and I think Ms. Stevens did such a wonderful job of showing how how he grew and changed over the course of the book, becoming a man worthy of Cort’s love. Cort and Harlan’s story really did put me through the gamut of emotions. Sad, happy, hopeful, angry, gleeful, I felt it all.
August 23, 2018
Court and Harlan's story
Hitting rock bottom and finding an anchor before that happens.
That's what happened to Harlan. Lost his job , self esteem and family.
Hunger led him to a book reading where he meets Cort.
Court could see a lost soul in Harlan and decides to help.
Looking through harlan's life you just know that there is some underlying cause for his drinking and drug use. It was heart breaking the reality of the why.
Find Cort was his saving grace.
His journey from drinking to sober was well written. The only p problem I had was it seemed that he latched on to Cort and without him he would relapse. Like giving up one addiction for another.
Otherwise good read
Hitting rock bottom and finding an anchor before that happens.
That's what happened to Harlan. Lost his job , self esteem and family.
Hunger led him to a book reading where he meets Cort.
Court could see a lost soul in Harlan and decides to help.
Looking through harlan's life you just know that there is some underlying cause for his drinking and drug use. It was heart breaking the reality of the why.
Find Cort was his saving grace.
His journey from drinking to sober was well written. The only p problem I had was it seemed that he latched on to Cort and without him he would relapse. Like giving up one addiction for another.
Otherwise good read
August 9, 2018
So much to love about these two men.
I have wanted to see Cort find his HEA since Felice started this series. Harlan is down on his luck and homeless when Cort swoops in with his big heart to try to help. While I worried that Harlan was going to break Corts heart I found myself falling for Harlan when I never thought that would happen. Felice has a way of making me fall For the guys who fall for the men of Man Up. I'm looking forward to do !any more stories from the men of Man Up and Felice.
I have wanted to see Cort find his HEA since Felice started this series. Harlan is down on his luck and homeless when Cort swoops in with his big heart to try to help. While I worried that Harlan was going to break Corts heart I found myself falling for Harlan when I never thought that would happen. Felice has a way of making me fall For the guys who fall for the men of Man Up. I'm looking forward to do !any more stories from the men of Man Up and Felice.
September 28, 2018
This has been an amazing series so far and this certainly is one of my favourites...I loved Cort in the previous books and in this one he's even better......I loved how he saw Harlan like he did....He knew from the start there was something there....I kind of forgot how bad Harlan was in One Call Away but he certainly tries to redeem himself in this....Felice is brilliant at redeeming MC's....Harlan needed to hit rock bottom and he certainly did that but with Cort's help he made his way back to a better person....I can't wait to read James' book...it's gonna be an amazing end to the series x
October 20, 2018
Cort! Co to była za cudna jazda! Kowboj o sercu ze złota i bezdomny, który w wyniku własnych błędów stracił wszystko, pracę, dom, a przede wszystkim szacunek i godność. Nie lubię książek o nałogach. Tak już mam. A tu, o dziwo, nie przeszkadzało mi to. To znaczy tylko jedno, to bardzo fajna książka.
August 13, 2018
Who would've thought it, eh - Cort, the sweet cowboy dancer and super badboy Harlan, the nastiest man around? A great romance of redemption, of taking chances, of seeing past the facade and into the heart of who you really are 💙👬
August 27, 2018
3.5 rounded up
January 31, 2019
Cort was amazingly sweet character, I liked him. His romance with Harlan was a bit rushed, but also enjoyable, even if I couldn't connect with Harlan.
August 9, 2018
I just finished Cort—Unbreakable (KU) (Man Up Book #4) and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!! 💕 WOW! It is such a beautifully written, organic story of redemption and love!! It is sad, sweet, sexy and there are some incredible swoon worthy moments between Cort and Harlan that had me literally sighing out loud! 😍 You turned me in to mush!! You knocked it out of the park!! This is a fantastic series that keeps getting better with each new book!! Bring on James and Mal!! I’m ready for some seriously angry sex! LOL
October 6, 2018
Another HEA for our sexy dancers
So we finally get Cort’s story! It was wonderful! I had never made the connection that Harlan was Oren’s (one call away) villain, and wow, what a way did he end up going, I just loved it! Cort was just everything Harlan needed to guide through a heathy path to happiness, this was just simply amazing.
Not only that but the craving for James and Mal’s story is excruciating, so I’m off to read that!
So we finally get Cort’s story! It was wonderful! I had never made the connection that Harlan was Oren’s (one call away) villain, and wow, what a way did he end up going, I just loved it! Cort was just everything Harlan needed to guide through a heathy path to happiness, this was just simply amazing.
Not only that but the craving for James and Mal’s story is excruciating, so I’m off to read that!
August 10, 2018
4.25 Stars!
I loved Cort. He was an easy-going, sweet, supporting guy with an inner strength that others overlooked at times, thinking he was too naive or easy to take advantage of. And perhaps, in a sense, he was, but it was mostly because he was lonely, he wanted to believe there was good in others, including Harlan and while it could've blown up in his face, in this case, it worked out for him.
Now, Harlan. When I started this book and even while reading Frankie, I hadn't realized who Harlan was. In my defense, I read a lot of books, and since April 2017, I must have read over 400 books, when I realized who he was, I went to read my review of One Call Away and found this: "Now onto the villain, I absolutely hated Harlan with the fire of a thousand suns! He was awful and I would've liked to read more of the aftermath of his poor decisions." I guess I got my wish.
This might get a little long, but please, bear with me. I came into this book with some expectations, I thought homeless = vet or something along those lines. I didn't expect Harlan, ivy league lawyer/summa cum laude graduate from Princeton University and Yale Law School/trust fund brat/little rich boy extraordinaire to have fallen quite like that and really, that kind of bugged me more than a little, but I won't get into that. I wasn't sure if Felice Stevens will manage to redeem Harlan in my eyes like she did with Aaron from the previous book, who I adore, and she did and she didn't. She did, because I warmed up to him and ended up not hating him. He finally put some effort into getting sober, with Cort and James's help, and he was less of an ass, because, let's face it, before Cort started helping him he was the twatwaffle to end all twatwaffles. And she didn't, because his motives to start dulling his senses with alcohol and drugs and being a jerk to everyone and their mother, didn't quite work for me and neither did it work that he couldn't fall back onto his ivy league education when he needed it and instead ended up destitute and on the streets. Until Cort took him to his apartment and got him not one, but two jobs, he'd been unable to do anything for himself. Really? *shakes head*
Despite having gone through similar experiences in their love life, Cort and Harlan were a study in contrasts in how they dealt with it. Cort left everything behind and went to NYC, danced, had his streaming thing and helped Race at the bookstore, he made great friends and had a positive outlook in life. Harlan just wasted his life away, and as James told him, his parents ended up doing him a favor, because otherwise, he wouldn't have met Cort, who was his salvation.
Anyway, expectations aside, Cort and Harlan had chemistry and the sex scenes were hot. I felt like Cort kind of got short-changed because he deserved more, but that's neither here nor there and I guess all well that ends well.
I loved seeing Asher and Oren here and have some sort of closure in that sense. And I loved James, whose story I can't wait for, Rhoades and Aaron. I was more annoyed at Austin than Harlan, with his judgmental ways, which isn't new, so there's that, too. LOL
Overall, while there were several parts of the book that didn't quite work for me, it was an entertaining read and I'm still invested in the series and Ms. Stevens's stories.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I loved Cort. He was an easy-going, sweet, supporting guy with an inner strength that others overlooked at times, thinking he was too naive or easy to take advantage of. And perhaps, in a sense, he was, but it was mostly because he was lonely, he wanted to believe there was good in others, including Harlan and while it could've blown up in his face, in this case, it worked out for him.
Now, Harlan. When I started this book and even while reading Frankie, I hadn't realized who Harlan was. In my defense, I read a lot of books, and since April 2017, I must have read over 400 books, when I realized who he was, I went to read my review of One Call Away and found this: "Now onto the villain, I absolutely hated Harlan with the fire of a thousand suns! He was awful and I would've liked to read more of the aftermath of his poor decisions." I guess I got my wish.
This might get a little long, but please, bear with me. I came into this book with some expectations, I thought homeless = vet or something along those lines. I didn't expect Harlan, ivy league lawyer/summa cum laude graduate from Princeton University and Yale Law School/trust fund brat/little rich boy extraordinaire to have fallen quite like that and really, that kind of bugged me more than a little, but I won't get into that. I wasn't sure if Felice Stevens will manage to redeem Harlan in my eyes like she did with Aaron from the previous book, who I adore, and she did and she didn't. She did, because I warmed up to him and ended up not hating him. He finally put some effort into getting sober, with Cort and James's help, and he was less of an ass, because, let's face it, before Cort started helping him he was the twatwaffle to end all twatwaffles. And she didn't, because his motives to start dulling his senses with alcohol and drugs and being a jerk to everyone and their mother, didn't quite work for me and neither did it work that he couldn't fall back onto his ivy league education when he needed it and instead ended up destitute and on the streets. Until Cort took him to his apartment and got him not one, but two jobs, he'd been unable to do anything for himself. Really? *shakes head*
Despite having gone through similar experiences in their love life, Cort and Harlan were a study in contrasts in how they dealt with it. Cort left everything behind and went to NYC, danced, had his streaming thing and helped Race at the bookstore, he made great friends and had a positive outlook in life. Harlan just wasted his life away, and as James told him, his parents ended up doing him a favor, because otherwise, he wouldn't have met Cort, who was his salvation.
Anyway, expectations aside, Cort and Harlan had chemistry and the sex scenes were hot. I felt like Cort kind of got short-changed because he deserved more, but that's neither here nor there and I guess all well that ends well.
I loved seeing Asher and Oren here and have some sort of closure in that sense. And I loved James, whose story I can't wait for, Rhoades and Aaron. I was more annoyed at Austin than Harlan, with his judgmental ways, which isn't new, so there's that, too. LOL
Overall, while there were several parts of the book that didn't quite work for me, it was an entertaining read and I'm still invested in the series and Ms. Stevens's stories.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
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