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Lovestrong #4
How Not to Break
Take one former SEAL with a healthy dose of regret…
Nick St. Cloud is living with shame from the one time he let his lust override his sense of honor. He’s haunted by the memory of when he made love to his best friend’s eighteen-year-old son. The tragic accident that happened that same night has only compounded his guilt. A decade later, he’s doing his best to be there for Charlie’s son, but anything more than that just wouldn’t be right… would it?
Plus the younger guy who he’s tried to forget…
It’s been ten years. Ten long years. Does Shaw Michaelson feel bad about having seduced his dad’s best friend? Umm, maybe? Although he could’ve done things differently, Shaw can’t find it within himself to be sorry for the hottest night of his life with the one man he’s never been able to forget. The man he’s patterned every subsequent relationship after… yeah, Shaw totally has a type.
Equals a pair of men who deserve a second chance at a first time.
The two men are living in an uneasy peace within the same small town and circle of friends, being careful not to let the other get close enough to open old wounds. All their walls fall when a stalker begins terrorizing Shaw, sending him running to the one man he knows will keep him safe.
This is the fourth book in the LOVESTRONG series about finding love and being yourself in a small town. Intended only for 18+ readers, this is an mm romance full of all the fun, fluff, and feels you’d want from an S. Hawke book.
Note: Possible trigger warning for the mention of an animal being harmed off-page and the psychological trauma of being stalked.
Nick St. Cloud is living with shame from the one time he let his lust override his sense of honor. He’s haunted by the memory of when he made love to his best friend’s eighteen-year-old son. The tragic accident that happened that same night has only compounded his guilt. A decade later, he’s doing his best to be there for Charlie’s son, but anything more than that just wouldn’t be right… would it?
Plus the younger guy who he’s tried to forget…
It’s been ten years. Ten long years. Does Shaw Michaelson feel bad about having seduced his dad’s best friend? Umm, maybe? Although he could’ve done things differently, Shaw can’t find it within himself to be sorry for the hottest night of his life with the one man he’s never been able to forget. The man he’s patterned every subsequent relationship after… yeah, Shaw totally has a type.
Equals a pair of men who deserve a second chance at a first time.
The two men are living in an uneasy peace within the same small town and circle of friends, being careful not to let the other get close enough to open old wounds. All their walls fall when a stalker begins terrorizing Shaw, sending him running to the one man he knows will keep him safe.
This is the fourth book in the LOVESTRONG series about finding love and being yourself in a small town. Intended only for 18+ readers, this is an mm romance full of all the fun, fluff, and feels you’d want from an S. Hawke book.
Note: Possible trigger warning for the mention of an animal being harmed off-page and the psychological trauma of being stalked.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2019
170 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hawke
35 books366 followersSusan Hawke is more widely known for her mpreg writings as Susi Hawke; this new name is a departure from that. Whether written by Susan or Susi, the books are filled with that all-important love, laughter, and family; the only difference is that this name has no male pregnancy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 11, 2019
Finally! The book I have been waiting for! We first met Shaw and Nick in the freebie/prologue book that Susan Hawke wrote to launch this new series with her new pen name. We got to read about Shaw's first time with his crush, his dad's best friend, Nick.
How Not to Break picks up about ten years after that short story. Shaw is almost 30, now running his family's shop, and still not settled down. Despite all of his dating, the apps, and attempts at relationships, he still can't find that perfect partner for himself. When he starts getting letters and gifts, he's not too concerned. However, when they start getting serious and invasive, Shaw needs the help of friends to find out what's going on.
Nick also hasn't settled down in the 10 years since his night with Shaw. He's kept a somewhat watchful eye over Shaw, but he still feels a lot of guilt and shame over spending the night with his friend's son on the same night that they passed away.
I really enjoyed the storytelling in this one! The mystery admirer was creepy and well done, and I love all of Shaw's friends doing all they could to make sure that he was safe and protected. I loved Rick, despite his overbearing nature trying to protect Shaw, and think that he needs a boy to look out for him!
And Shaw and Nick still had just as much fire and passion as they did in their short story - maybe even more since they are now on more even grounds when approaching a relationship. I'm glad that Nick especially was able to get past his holdups about their past, and look forwards a future with Shaw - they're just perfect for each other!
Really enjoying this series - this is my favorite story of the series, so far!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
How Not to Break picks up about ten years after that short story. Shaw is almost 30, now running his family's shop, and still not settled down. Despite all of his dating, the apps, and attempts at relationships, he still can't find that perfect partner for himself. When he starts getting letters and gifts, he's not too concerned. However, when they start getting serious and invasive, Shaw needs the help of friends to find out what's going on.
Nick also hasn't settled down in the 10 years since his night with Shaw. He's kept a somewhat watchful eye over Shaw, but he still feels a lot of guilt and shame over spending the night with his friend's son on the same night that they passed away.
I really enjoyed the storytelling in this one! The mystery admirer was creepy and well done, and I love all of Shaw's friends doing all they could to make sure that he was safe and protected. I loved Rick, despite his overbearing nature trying to protect Shaw, and think that he needs a boy to look out for him!
And Shaw and Nick still had just as much fire and passion as they did in their short story - maybe even more since they are now on more even grounds when approaching a relationship. I'm glad that Nick especially was able to get past his holdups about their past, and look forwards a future with Shaw - they're just perfect for each other!
Really enjoying this series - this is my favorite story of the series, so far!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2019
Even though I’ve never read any of the preceding books in the Lovestrong series, I didn’t have any trouble enjoying every bit of How Not to Break. Susan Hawke explains all the relationships and fills in all the background information, and it never feels like she’s playing catch-up. The story unfolds naturally and this one stands on its own.
I enjoyed the audio version of How Not to Break which is beautifully narrated by Michael Pauley. We fans of erotic audiobooks already know how amazing Mr. Pauley is when he performs the bedrooms scenes (there’s no one better!) and he gives his all with this one. There’s some fantastic unresolved tension between the main characters, and when these two guys finally get together every nuance of their longing and passion comes through.
Also impressive is how Mr. Pauley handles the extensive variety of characters in this episode of the series. His ability to infuse each of them with a distinct personality brings them all to life for me and makes listening to a story even better than reading it.
One of the reasons this story grabbed my attention is because it’s an age-gap romance. The added twist of the connection between the characters’ families is taboo enough to make it intriguing and I love the way Susan Hawke makes the most of it. Poor Nick, holding on to all that guilt!
Listening to How Not to Break was a true pleasure and I can’t wait to go back now and purchase the rest of the series.
an audiobook copy of How Not to Break was provided to me for the purpose of my review
I enjoyed the audio version of How Not to Break which is beautifully narrated by Michael Pauley. We fans of erotic audiobooks already know how amazing Mr. Pauley is when he performs the bedrooms scenes (there’s no one better!) and he gives his all with this one. There’s some fantastic unresolved tension between the main characters, and when these two guys finally get together every nuance of their longing and passion comes through.
Also impressive is how Mr. Pauley handles the extensive variety of characters in this episode of the series. His ability to infuse each of them with a distinct personality brings them all to life for me and makes listening to a story even better than reading it.
One of the reasons this story grabbed my attention is because it’s an age-gap romance. The added twist of the connection between the characters’ families is taboo enough to make it intriguing and I love the way Susan Hawke makes the most of it. Poor Nick, holding on to all that guilt!
Listening to How Not to Break was a true pleasure and I can’t wait to go back now and purchase the rest of the series.
an audiobook copy of How Not to Break was provided to me for the purpose of my review
March 20, 2019
So far this is my favourite of the series.
How Not to Break is fun and enjoyable read. I loved both main characters and their chemistry is strong.
Recommended!
How Not to Break is fun and enjoyable read. I loved both main characters and their chemistry is strong.
Recommended!
March 18, 2019
Note the possibility of triggers in the blurb.
I have been waiting for this story since I read How Not to Wait. With Nick and Shaw living in the same town, they were bound to constantly run into each other. Especially when Shaw frequently visited Nick's gay bar with his friends. And Nick needed Shaw rubbed in his face a bit lol. For holding back.
Shaw has been half in love with Nick since he was younger, especially after their one night together, when Shaw gave Nick his virginity. Unfortunately, that was also the night his parents died. Nick has been racked with guilt ever since and has maintained a distance. But Shaw doesn't want him to stay distant. He wants him in his life for good. But with Shaw's stalker, he may not get his wish. The stalker is upping things and getting more dangerous. Shaw agrees to stay with Nick for his safety, and he hope maybe it will help things. As Nick is finally coming around, danger levels go off the charts. They have to get through this to move on with their lives, if the stalker lets them.
If I was Shaw, I don't know if I could have waited for like 10 years for Nick to make his move. Of course, I've never really been that much in love, so maybe my opinion would be different if I had been. I would have at least given Nick a shake or two. Maybe a knock upside the head lol. It was more than obvious they belonged together. Everyone could really tell how they felt about each other. But for Nick, he had to be able to let go of all the guilt he felt. And get over the fact that Shaw is younger than he is. Shaw has more than proved he is all man and takes care of himself. Well, except for the whole burning the kitchen down incidents lol. That boy needs major help there.
But coming from Nick's perspective, I can see things from his side too. Losing the friends who meant so much to him was a blow. But what made the guilt worse is what he was doing while they died. Granted, they were probably already gone, seeing as he passed the wreck on the way to their house. But it's the point. Shaw was eighteen at the time, and a virgin. His little head had taken over. What broke my heart, though, was how much he really did care for Shaw. That's what made it sad. And hard.
Despite their ages, they both had a little growing up to do. They both had to learn to let go of a few things and move on. They had to learn to live in the present and hold on tight.
I've loved every book of this series. This one just adds more to the overall package. I just hope it's not over yet. There's a certain young man I'm ready to see get his happiness.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
I have been waiting for this story since I read How Not to Wait. With Nick and Shaw living in the same town, they were bound to constantly run into each other. Especially when Shaw frequently visited Nick's gay bar with his friends. And Nick needed Shaw rubbed in his face a bit lol. For holding back.
Shaw has been half in love with Nick since he was younger, especially after their one night together, when Shaw gave Nick his virginity. Unfortunately, that was also the night his parents died. Nick has been racked with guilt ever since and has maintained a distance. But Shaw doesn't want him to stay distant. He wants him in his life for good. But with Shaw's stalker, he may not get his wish. The stalker is upping things and getting more dangerous. Shaw agrees to stay with Nick for his safety, and he hope maybe it will help things. As Nick is finally coming around, danger levels go off the charts. They have to get through this to move on with their lives, if the stalker lets them.
If I was Shaw, I don't know if I could have waited for like 10 years for Nick to make his move. Of course, I've never really been that much in love, so maybe my opinion would be different if I had been. I would have at least given Nick a shake or two. Maybe a knock upside the head lol. It was more than obvious they belonged together. Everyone could really tell how they felt about each other. But for Nick, he had to be able to let go of all the guilt he felt. And get over the fact that Shaw is younger than he is. Shaw has more than proved he is all man and takes care of himself. Well, except for the whole burning the kitchen down incidents lol. That boy needs major help there.
But coming from Nick's perspective, I can see things from his side too. Losing the friends who meant so much to him was a blow. But what made the guilt worse is what he was doing while they died. Granted, they were probably already gone, seeing as he passed the wreck on the way to their house. But it's the point. Shaw was eighteen at the time, and a virgin. His little head had taken over. What broke my heart, though, was how much he really did care for Shaw. That's what made it sad. And hard.
Despite their ages, they both had a little growing up to do. They both had to learn to let go of a few things and move on. They had to learn to live in the present and hold on tight.
I've loved every book of this series. This one just adds more to the overall package. I just hope it's not over yet. There's a certain young man I'm ready to see get his happiness.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
March 29, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration: 5
I love a bit of thrill with my romance!!
I loved Shaw and Nick and am so glad they finally got together!! I hadn’t read the opening prequel novella that started this Lovestrong series but I didn’t really feel like I was missing anything even though I need to go back and read it now! Anything for more Nick and Shaw ❤ ❤ ❤
I really enjoy thrillers and I loved that there was a little psychological suspense and stalking in this story that pushes Shaw and Nick together; FINALLY!! I feel for Shaw as he keeps receiving notes from his ‘Master’/stalker, and while I guessed early on who Master was, I was still thrilled ‘watching’ the story unfold. I would have liked a little more detail/depth into the crazy Master and why he was the way he was and why he targeted Shaw, but understand that that may not fit into these lighter stories Susan is creating in the Lovestrong Series.
I enjoyed the humor Susan injects and love all the feelings and mushiness that happens when the angst is over and Nick and Shaw finally admit their feelings for each other. Their sexy times are off the charts hot too which never hurts 😉 I also enjoyed the somewhat prophetic dreams and look forward to seeing them come true in the next stories in this series!!
As ever Micheal’s narration is perfection!! Brilliant dialects, characterizations and story flow. I really enjoyed seeing familiar faces around town, learning more about them and enjoyed Michael’s voices for each character and their individuality! I’m loving this series and look forward to many more Lovestrong series!
Susan and Micheal are a perfect match and this was a total swoon-worthy winner for me!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration: 5
I love a bit of thrill with my romance!!
I loved Shaw and Nick and am so glad they finally got together!! I hadn’t read the opening prequel novella that started this Lovestrong series but I didn’t really feel like I was missing anything even though I need to go back and read it now! Anything for more Nick and Shaw ❤ ❤ ❤
I really enjoy thrillers and I loved that there was a little psychological suspense and stalking in this story that pushes Shaw and Nick together; FINALLY!! I feel for Shaw as he keeps receiving notes from his ‘Master’/stalker, and while I guessed early on who Master was, I was still thrilled ‘watching’ the story unfold. I would have liked a little more detail/depth into the crazy Master and why he was the way he was and why he targeted Shaw, but understand that that may not fit into these lighter stories Susan is creating in the Lovestrong Series.
I enjoyed the humor Susan injects and love all the feelings and mushiness that happens when the angst is over and Nick and Shaw finally admit their feelings for each other. Their sexy times are off the charts hot too which never hurts 😉 I also enjoyed the somewhat prophetic dreams and look forward to seeing them come true in the next stories in this series!!
As ever Micheal’s narration is perfection!! Brilliant dialects, characterizations and story flow. I really enjoyed seeing familiar faces around town, learning more about them and enjoyed Michael’s voices for each character and their individuality! I’m loving this series and look forward to many more Lovestrong series!
Susan and Micheal are a perfect match and this was a total swoon-worthy winner for me!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
March 11, 2019
Finally we get the continued story of Nick and Shaw, who we first met in a prequel to the Lovestrong series a few months back. This book picks up ten years after the prequel, and damn, what kept these two apart was so much more tragic and complicated than I imagined before. Heartbreaking, really. This story is packed full of emotion, from grief to lust to heartache to longing to devastation to love and everything else you can possibly imagine. The bond between Shaw and Nick is so strong that it’s undeniable, even when both are doing everything in their power to do just that. The stalker angle is done so well here; it kept me guessing and concerned, and gave a balancing and suspenseful edge to a story with as much feeling as this one. And when the two finally talk about all the years of hurt and miscommunication and loss, things get STEAMY. Hot damn. These two are smoking hot together and the love between them is so deep, I could not get enough! I have read every book released by this author under both of her pen names and pretty much loved them all, but this one is by far one of the absolute best. I would definitely recommend reading the prequel before this one.
March 20, 2019
Arc provided by LesCourt.
All reviews are my voluntary and honest opinion.
This one was great. Shaw and Nick fall into a number of my favorite tropes - cute ginger twink, hot navy seal, and an unpredictable mystery.
Shaw is being stalked, as the perpetrator ups the ante, he reaches out to the man he lost his virginity to, Nick St.Cloud, and his ex-boyfriend Rick.
Nick probably spent too long moving past his guilt -- no spoilers -- but he and Shaw are cute together. I also really need Daddy Rick's book now!
The answer wasn't obvious and easy to guess. Always a plus. The book flowed well, I never felt stuck or disinterested.
I'll be reading this one again, and I would recommend it to a friend.
All reviews are my voluntary and honest opinion.
This one was great. Shaw and Nick fall into a number of my favorite tropes - cute ginger twink, hot navy seal, and an unpredictable mystery.
Shaw is being stalked, as the perpetrator ups the ante, he reaches out to the man he lost his virginity to, Nick St.Cloud, and his ex-boyfriend Rick.
Nick probably spent too long moving past his guilt -- no spoilers -- but he and Shaw are cute together. I also really need Daddy Rick's book now!
The answer wasn't obvious and easy to guess. Always a plus. The book flowed well, I never felt stuck or disinterested.
I'll be reading this one again, and I would recommend it to a friend.
May 27, 2019
It wasn't bad, but it wasn't too good either. I liked the story, but overall it wasn't that deep or memorable. Not to mention that I "figured out" who the stalker was at the first mention of said character. I don't know if it was meant to be hard to discover, I hope not LOL
Overall a bit too quick, easy and flat, in my opinion. Also, what were those dreams supposed to be? A door to chat with afterlife or what? In a contemporary?? .... mmmkay. Not a fan.
Writing this I realized that maybe there was indeed something "bad". But it doesn't matter, I'm pretty sure I won't remember much about this book pretty soon. I'm sorry, but it was a bit unremarkable.
Overall a bit too quick, easy and flat, in my opinion. Also, what were those dreams supposed to be? A door to chat with afterlife or what? In a contemporary?? .... mmmkay. Not a fan.
Writing this I realized that maybe there was indeed something "bad". But it doesn't matter, I'm pretty sure I won't remember much about this book pretty soon. I'm sorry, but it was a bit unremarkable.
May 2, 2020
I have loved this series by Susan Hawke from the very first word. I love anything that she writes, no matter her pen name. I have loved all the humor and love in her books, but this one is just wow.
Nick St. Cloud, AKA St. Nick runs the local gay/drag bar and everyone has wondered if there is someone he's interested in. There is someone, but he hasn't told anyone, because he thinks it's wrong.
Shaw had one spectacular night with the man that he was crushing on. He was 18, and the man was is parents' best friend, Nick. Then tragedy struck, and Nick backed away from him, treating him like a child, even 10 years later.
I have to wonder how much longer it would've taken Nick to get his head out of his derriere if his hand hadn't been forced. I liked him, but his stubbornness might've been his downfall.
I like Shaw, even though he's a disaster in the kitchen. In fact, I thought that trait made him endearing. He was just so cute and so sweet, and I wanted to take him home and cuddle him.
Nick St. Cloud, AKA St. Nick runs the local gay/drag bar and everyone has wondered if there is someone he's interested in. There is someone, but he hasn't told anyone, because he thinks it's wrong.
Shaw had one spectacular night with the man that he was crushing on. He was 18, and the man was is parents' best friend, Nick. Then tragedy struck, and Nick backed away from him, treating him like a child, even 10 years later.
I have to wonder how much longer it would've taken Nick to get his head out of his derriere if his hand hadn't been forced. I liked him, but his stubbornness might've been his downfall.
I like Shaw, even though he's a disaster in the kitchen. In fact, I thought that trait made him endearing. He was just so cute and so sweet, and I wanted to take him home and cuddle him.
July 18, 2020
I can’t get past the fact that they hadn’t seen each other since they were 13 and nearly 30 then they see each other for half a day when they’re 18 and just over 30. The 18 year old sexually assaults the older man then they end up
Having sex and basically not talking for 10 years but loving each other from afar. You have no idea how or why they love each other when they’ve never developed a relationship. Then they’re thrown together when one has a stalker and they’re dating and in love immediately. It lacked a lot.
Having sex and basically not talking for 10 years but loving each other from afar. You have no idea how or why they love each other when they’ve never developed a relationship. Then they’re thrown together when one has a stalker and they’re dating and in love immediately. It lacked a lot.
June 20, 2019
3.5 Stars. Typical MM romance with predictable plot. But I'm adding extra points for the steamy forbidden-fruit angle and the likable characters. The dreaming with the lost-loved-ones thing was kind of overkill sweet for me.
June 16, 2020
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
A fortyish ex-Navy SEAL and a not-yet-thirty redhead trying to come to terms with a shared past that is part painful part shameful part lustful—that is, in a nutshell, the primary plot of this last novel of Susan Hawke’s ‘Lovestrong’ bundle (for the readers’ information, it is not the last book of the series, however, as the author has released a fifth novel, ‘How to Heal’, in April 2019; it is not included in the four-plus-one-bundle I have been reading). I have already met these two guys several times throughout the series: Nick St. Cloud is the owner of the small town’s gay bar where, on Thursdays, the local drag queens perform. He is a somewhat taciturn Fighting Single Sugar Daddy with a rare smile, bulging muscles, and testosterone aplenty. Shaw Michaelson is his late best friends’ son—the couple has died in a car accident some years ago—with whom he has had a previous, sizzling-hot encounter the author has recounted in her short prequel ‘How Not to Wait’. Although the chemistry and mutual attraction between them were obvious at once, Nick has been ashamed of his actions ever since, and his relationship with several-years-younger Shaw has been jeopardized in the process.
Shaw has inherited his parents’ toy store Timeless Treasures, which he has been managing ever since the couple’s untimely death. He has had some off-and-on affairs, namely with police officer Rick Matthews, a hot alpha male who has become his best friend, but unfortunately, Shaw is the living proof that the old saying is true: you shall always remember your first time… which means in his case that his heart is still beating for a certain sexy bar owner, despite the latter’s apparent disinterest. Things change, however, when a threatening stalker bursts into Shaw’s life. At first, he receives flowers and bossy messages, but soon, he realizes he is not even safe in his house despite its state-of-the-art security systems; the stalker has somehow managed to enter and take photos of the young man during his sleep. Rick and Nick persuade Shaw that he had better live with the latter for the time being until the police can find out who is behind the increasingly creepy messages and the stalking. Of course, being together in such close quarters can only mean one thing for the two men: that the old flame might be rekindled faster than they can say ‘Hello’… But maybe now is the right moment…
Unsurprisingly I have ached for Nick and Shaw to become an item ever since their mutual attraction was first mentioned in one of the previous installments; that hope has become stronger while I was reading the prequel ‘How Not to Wait’, so I was eager to see how things would work out. Cleverly, the author has added the secondary stalker plot, which gave this novel the necessary oomph and a certain sense of urgency, not to mention a lot of suspense. I will not disclose how that storyline ends; suffice it to say that I suspected the culprit quite quickly (reading crime fiction does something to one’s gray cells, I gather), but still rushed through the pages with bated breath. The ending was satisfactory both in the romantic as and in the criminal departments, which is certainly due to Hawke’s good sense of rythm, her effortless, engaging writing, and the nice familiarity I already had with most of the secondary characters, who, being Shaw’s best friends, show up and support the young man throughout his ordeal. Special mention for Dana, Nick’s sister-in-law, who has already helped Corbin and Andy in book one of the series. She is a lovely character, a loyal and loving friend, the best shoulder to lean on when problems arise, with loads of intuitive and clever insight, a woman everybody would love to have in their lives.
I confess I felt closer to Shaw, to whose thoughts and emotions I could better relate. He is a young man who seems to be vulnerable, almost helpless, but who shows a lot of determination when needed. In his strange relationship with Nick he is also the first to try to understand the other man’s motivations whereas the older man seems to relish keeping himself imprisoned—a tad too long for my taste—in his self-loathing for actions that have occurred in the past. Nick needs quite a while to overcome the demons of those years, procrastinating and going around in sackcloth and ashes, so to say, as if he were responsible for his best friends’ death. I didn’t dislike Nick, but I often felt the urge to shake him (in real life I wouldn’t have dared, for I might be crazy, but not that crazy—the man has got those muscles!) and tell him to look forward and get on with his life. Luckily Dana did what I wanted to do and talked some sense into the stubborn man. When the romance started to blossom, I surprised myself sporting a huge smile, so I guess Susan Hawke has done yet another good job in providing an engaging read. I think I have no choice now—I have to read book number five as well.
A fortyish ex-Navy SEAL and a not-yet-thirty redhead trying to come to terms with a shared past that is part painful part shameful part lustful—that is, in a nutshell, the primary plot of this last novel of Susan Hawke’s ‘Lovestrong’ bundle (for the readers’ information, it is not the last book of the series, however, as the author has released a fifth novel, ‘How to Heal’, in April 2019; it is not included in the four-plus-one-bundle I have been reading). I have already met these two guys several times throughout the series: Nick St. Cloud is the owner of the small town’s gay bar where, on Thursdays, the local drag queens perform. He is a somewhat taciturn Fighting Single Sugar Daddy with a rare smile, bulging muscles, and testosterone aplenty. Shaw Michaelson is his late best friends’ son—the couple has died in a car accident some years ago—with whom he has had a previous, sizzling-hot encounter the author has recounted in her short prequel ‘How Not to Wait’. Although the chemistry and mutual attraction between them were obvious at once, Nick has been ashamed of his actions ever since, and his relationship with several-years-younger Shaw has been jeopardized in the process.
Shaw has inherited his parents’ toy store Timeless Treasures, which he has been managing ever since the couple’s untimely death. He has had some off-and-on affairs, namely with police officer Rick Matthews, a hot alpha male who has become his best friend, but unfortunately, Shaw is the living proof that the old saying is true: you shall always remember your first time… which means in his case that his heart is still beating for a certain sexy bar owner, despite the latter’s apparent disinterest. Things change, however, when a threatening stalker bursts into Shaw’s life. At first, he receives flowers and bossy messages, but soon, he realizes he is not even safe in his house despite its state-of-the-art security systems; the stalker has somehow managed to enter and take photos of the young man during his sleep. Rick and Nick persuade Shaw that he had better live with the latter for the time being until the police can find out who is behind the increasingly creepy messages and the stalking. Of course, being together in such close quarters can only mean one thing for the two men: that the old flame might be rekindled faster than they can say ‘Hello’… But maybe now is the right moment…
Unsurprisingly I have ached for Nick and Shaw to become an item ever since their mutual attraction was first mentioned in one of the previous installments; that hope has become stronger while I was reading the prequel ‘How Not to Wait’, so I was eager to see how things would work out. Cleverly, the author has added the secondary stalker plot, which gave this novel the necessary oomph and a certain sense of urgency, not to mention a lot of suspense. I will not disclose how that storyline ends; suffice it to say that I suspected the culprit quite quickly (reading crime fiction does something to one’s gray cells, I gather), but still rushed through the pages with bated breath. The ending was satisfactory both in the romantic as and in the criminal departments, which is certainly due to Hawke’s good sense of rythm, her effortless, engaging writing, and the nice familiarity I already had with most of the secondary characters, who, being Shaw’s best friends, show up and support the young man throughout his ordeal. Special mention for Dana, Nick’s sister-in-law, who has already helped Corbin and Andy in book one of the series. She is a lovely character, a loyal and loving friend, the best shoulder to lean on when problems arise, with loads of intuitive and clever insight, a woman everybody would love to have in their lives.
I confess I felt closer to Shaw, to whose thoughts and emotions I could better relate. He is a young man who seems to be vulnerable, almost helpless, but who shows a lot of determination when needed. In his strange relationship with Nick he is also the first to try to understand the other man’s motivations whereas the older man seems to relish keeping himself imprisoned—a tad too long for my taste—in his self-loathing for actions that have occurred in the past. Nick needs quite a while to overcome the demons of those years, procrastinating and going around in sackcloth and ashes, so to say, as if he were responsible for his best friends’ death. I didn’t dislike Nick, but I often felt the urge to shake him (in real life I wouldn’t have dared, for I might be crazy, but not that crazy—the man has got those muscles!) and tell him to look forward and get on with his life. Luckily Dana did what I wanted to do and talked some sense into the stubborn man. When the romance started to blossom, I surprised myself sporting a huge smile, so I guess Susan Hawke has done yet another good job in providing an engaging read. I think I have no choice now—I have to read book number five as well.
April 8, 2019
Favorite of the series (an audio review)
Of all the Lovestrong books, I think this was my favourite. Although there are times when I’m just looking for a bit of fluff, there are times when I’m looking for a bit of angst. Add in a good dash of snarky dialogue. With great secondary characters and cameos from the main characters in previous books, this story had everything I could’ve asked for in a good story.
There’s Shaw. He became orphaned ten years ago and that, coupled with making love to his parents’ best friend at the same time, has left him conflicted. He’d seen Nick St. Cloud as a safe bet for someone who’d take care of him while having sex for the first time, but he hadn’t bargained on the morning after regrets Nick would feel. So for ten years Nick has watched from afar, leaving Shaw unsettled and unsatisfied. He’s dated other men and even been serious with one or two of them, but the relationships never amounted to anything because the other men weren’t Nick. The other men couldn’t compare to a compassionate and frankly sexy as hell ex-Navy SEAL.
I loved Shaw. His ineptitude at certain things (cooking) mixed with his aptitude with others (running a business) leant him a sweet disposition that made me want to wrap him up and take care of him. In some ways he’s a mature twenty-eight and in others he’s still naïve in the ways of the world. I understood Nick standing by, ready to step in when things go sideways, but otherwise keeping his hands literally to himself.
The stalking elements of the story were creepy and well done. I felt Shaw’s anguish at having his whole life upended and no longer feeling safe. That Nick was there to save him felt good, but I liked that Shaw insisted on maintaining some autonomy. He was willing to accept help and protection from Nick, but he still kept some agency. I also liked the little glimpses into his life and all the good things he was quietly doing for the community around him. He understands how lucky he is and wants to give back.
I want to take a quick moment to shout out to the secondary characters. I loved how they all rallied around Shaw, especially Becca. I loved her sassy attitude and great friendship with Shaw. I also liked how it was Dana, Nick’s former sister-in-law, who was such a champion of the men getting together.
Like I said, I really enjoyed this book and hope there are still more to come. Ranger Rick deserves his own happy ending, right?
Finally, Michael Pauley. He’s narrated the entire series and has done a brilliant job. He keeps a separate voice for each character and given the sheer volume of hot men, that’s quite a feat. He also has fantastic voices for the female characters, which I always appreciate. Overall, a great listen.
Of all the Lovestrong books, I think this was my favourite. Although there are times when I’m just looking for a bit of fluff, there are times when I’m looking for a bit of angst. Add in a good dash of snarky dialogue. With great secondary characters and cameos from the main characters in previous books, this story had everything I could’ve asked for in a good story.
There’s Shaw. He became orphaned ten years ago and that, coupled with making love to his parents’ best friend at the same time, has left him conflicted. He’d seen Nick St. Cloud as a safe bet for someone who’d take care of him while having sex for the first time, but he hadn’t bargained on the morning after regrets Nick would feel. So for ten years Nick has watched from afar, leaving Shaw unsettled and unsatisfied. He’s dated other men and even been serious with one or two of them, but the relationships never amounted to anything because the other men weren’t Nick. The other men couldn’t compare to a compassionate and frankly sexy as hell ex-Navy SEAL.
I loved Shaw. His ineptitude at certain things (cooking) mixed with his aptitude with others (running a business) leant him a sweet disposition that made me want to wrap him up and take care of him. In some ways he’s a mature twenty-eight and in others he’s still naïve in the ways of the world. I understood Nick standing by, ready to step in when things go sideways, but otherwise keeping his hands literally to himself.
The stalking elements of the story were creepy and well done. I felt Shaw’s anguish at having his whole life upended and no longer feeling safe. That Nick was there to save him felt good, but I liked that Shaw insisted on maintaining some autonomy. He was willing to accept help and protection from Nick, but he still kept some agency. I also liked the little glimpses into his life and all the good things he was quietly doing for the community around him. He understands how lucky he is and wants to give back.
I want to take a quick moment to shout out to the secondary characters. I loved how they all rallied around Shaw, especially Becca. I loved her sassy attitude and great friendship with Shaw. I also liked how it was Dana, Nick’s former sister-in-law, who was such a champion of the men getting together.
Like I said, I really enjoyed this book and hope there are still more to come. Ranger Rick deserves his own happy ending, right?
Finally, Michael Pauley. He’s narrated the entire series and has done a brilliant job. He keeps a separate voice for each character and given the sheer volume of hot men, that’s quite a feat. He also has fantastic voices for the female characters, which I always appreciate. Overall, a great listen.
March 12, 2019
This is the 2nd Lovestrong book I've read by Susan Hawke and I really enjoyed this one as much as the first I read.
I first met one of the MC's in the first Lovestrong book and I wondered about the mysterious bar owner, Nick St. Cloud, and why he was so sad. In this book I got to learn why, and wow, what a great story.
I should start by saying this is a May-November romance, (yes I said NOVEMBER). Nick St. Cloud is a 40 something (edging 50) out of the closet gay man who is living his life as he wants. A former Navy Seal, he now owns the local gay club and counts a large number of drag queens among his friends. Nick has never been involved with anyone, and many of his queens worry about him, as does his sister-in-law, Dana and his niece Becca. He's single and sad and nobody likes that. But Nick has a secret. Ten years ago he let his best friends eighteen-year-old son, Shaw, seduce him. On the night his best friends died.
Shaw's parents had taken him in when his own family had turned their backs on Nick for being gay, including his ahole brother, Dana's ahole ex-husband. Charlie and his wife had taken Nick in, gave him a family to call his own, and how did he reward their love and trust? by seducing their pride and joy, their son Shaw.
Trouble is, Shaw was the one who had done the seducing. And he didn't regret it. He'd wanted Nick forever, and he'd taken the chance. Yes it had ended in tragedy, and then he'd had to deal with Nick as the executor of his parents estate, but it didn't stop Shaw from wanting or dreaming of the gorgeous ex-SEAL. Nick had made it abundantly clear, however, that Shaw - and that night - had been a mistake. So Shaw had tried to move on. But he had a type. Older, more mature, and if he dreamed nightly about a certain hard-bodied SEAL? Maybe called out the man's name while with someone else? That didn't mean anything, right? Just because Nick St. Cloud had been Shaw's first didn't mean he was his last.
But then Shaw found himself being stalked and the police couldn't seem to stop it. His home was invaded, his _bedroom_ was invaded while he slept, gruesome warning were left and creepy gifts delivered. He wasn't safe in his own home, he wasn't safe anywhere...
Except with Nick. St. Nick riding to the rescue again. But this time Nick had his head out of his butt and his priorities on straight. This time he was letting go of the guilt and not making the same mistake he'd made a decade ago. This time Nick was going to protect and _keep_ Shaw Michaelson. This time Nick was going to tell Shaw he loved him.
**Arc provided by author through LesCourt Author Services for an honest review**
I first met one of the MC's in the first Lovestrong book and I wondered about the mysterious bar owner, Nick St. Cloud, and why he was so sad. In this book I got to learn why, and wow, what a great story.
I should start by saying this is a May-November romance, (yes I said NOVEMBER). Nick St. Cloud is a 40 something (edging 50) out of the closet gay man who is living his life as he wants. A former Navy Seal, he now owns the local gay club and counts a large number of drag queens among his friends. Nick has never been involved with anyone, and many of his queens worry about him, as does his sister-in-law, Dana and his niece Becca. He's single and sad and nobody likes that. But Nick has a secret. Ten years ago he let his best friends eighteen-year-old son, Shaw, seduce him. On the night his best friends died.
Shaw's parents had taken him in when his own family had turned their backs on Nick for being gay, including his ahole brother, Dana's ahole ex-husband. Charlie and his wife had taken Nick in, gave him a family to call his own, and how did he reward their love and trust? by seducing their pride and joy, their son Shaw.
Trouble is, Shaw was the one who had done the seducing. And he didn't regret it. He'd wanted Nick forever, and he'd taken the chance. Yes it had ended in tragedy, and then he'd had to deal with Nick as the executor of his parents estate, but it didn't stop Shaw from wanting or dreaming of the gorgeous ex-SEAL. Nick had made it abundantly clear, however, that Shaw - and that night - had been a mistake. So Shaw had tried to move on. But he had a type. Older, more mature, and if he dreamed nightly about a certain hard-bodied SEAL? Maybe called out the man's name while with someone else? That didn't mean anything, right? Just because Nick St. Cloud had been Shaw's first didn't mean he was his last.
But then Shaw found himself being stalked and the police couldn't seem to stop it. His home was invaded, his _bedroom_ was invaded while he slept, gruesome warning were left and creepy gifts delivered. He wasn't safe in his own home, he wasn't safe anywhere...
Except with Nick. St. Nick riding to the rescue again. But this time Nick had his head out of his butt and his priorities on straight. This time he was letting go of the guilt and not making the same mistake he'd made a decade ago. This time Nick was going to protect and _keep_ Shaw Michaelson. This time Nick was going to tell Shaw he loved him.
**Arc provided by author through LesCourt Author Services for an honest review**
October 5, 2019
One protagonist here is Shaw. Many people in town treat him like a child, though at the time of this book, he's in his late twenties. Shaw doesn't act especially childish, and tries hard to be independent. It's more that the townspeople were familiar with Shaw as a child and haven't changed their views.
The other protagonist is Nick. Nick is overcome with guilt for his actions in book 0.5, where he had sex with 18-year-old Shaw the same night that Shaw's parents died. Shaw and Nick didn't know about the deaths at the time, and Shaw definitely instigated things with Nick. Note that Shaw was technically legal. If he'd been younger, I would have felt differently about it. Nick can't get over it, though, and it's been ten years.
Nick is the owner of the gay bar in town, and is behind the bar most nights. Shaw is fairly content running a toy shop and has good friends in town. Then Shaw acquires a horrible stalker. When Shaw thinks about it, there are a number of possible suspects, which is somewhat traumatizing in its own way. The stalker's actions are much more emotionally traumatizing to Shaw, though.
Shaw has a former on-and-off lover, Rick, who is on the police force and stays over at Shaw's place a few nights to look after him, until certain habits of Rick's make Shaw kick him out. Rick also regards Shaw like Shaw is a child, because Rick wants to be Shaw's Daddy. Shaw isn't interested in being Rick's little boy. That's not a kink that Shaw is into at all.
When things escalate and Shaw makes it clear that he can't live with Rick, Rick reluctantly asks Nick to look after Shaw at Nick's home. This means that Nick and Shaw have actual conversations, and come to revelations about why the other person has certain issues. That part leads to good things.
The stalker plot is resolved. It wasn't one of the people I thought it would be. That plot left me with a yucky feeling.
Nick and Shaw resolve things, and I could appreciate that plot. Nick finds resolution through dreams, too. They could be interpreted as mundane in the sense of the book remaining a contemporary romance, although Nick feels like they could be a little bit on the paranormal side. Anyway, the dreams bring Nick comfort. The romance plot was good. I'm not a fan of the "I'll have misplaced guilt forever, or at least for decades, for a tragedy that I didn't cause" set-up trope, but once the protagonists got past that, the relationship worked for me.
The other protagonist is Nick. Nick is overcome with guilt for his actions in book 0.5, where he had sex with 18-year-old Shaw the same night that Shaw's parents died. Shaw and Nick didn't know about the deaths at the time, and Shaw definitely instigated things with Nick. Note that Shaw was technically legal. If he'd been younger, I would have felt differently about it. Nick can't get over it, though, and it's been ten years.
Nick is the owner of the gay bar in town, and is behind the bar most nights. Shaw is fairly content running a toy shop and has good friends in town. Then Shaw acquires a horrible stalker. When Shaw thinks about it, there are a number of possible suspects, which is somewhat traumatizing in its own way. The stalker's actions are much more emotionally traumatizing to Shaw, though.
Shaw has a former on-and-off lover, Rick, who is on the police force and stays over at Shaw's place a few nights to look after him, until certain habits of Rick's make Shaw kick him out. Rick also regards Shaw like Shaw is a child, because Rick wants to be Shaw's Daddy. Shaw isn't interested in being Rick's little boy. That's not a kink that Shaw is into at all.
When things escalate and Shaw makes it clear that he can't live with Rick, Rick reluctantly asks Nick to look after Shaw at Nick's home. This means that Nick and Shaw have actual conversations, and come to revelations about why the other person has certain issues. That part leads to good things.
The stalker plot is resolved. It wasn't one of the people I thought it would be. That plot left me with a yucky feeling.
Nick and Shaw resolve things, and I could appreciate that plot. Nick finds resolution through dreams, too. They could be interpreted as mundane in the sense of the book remaining a contemporary romance, although Nick feels like they could be a little bit on the paranormal side. Anyway, the dreams bring Nick comfort. The romance plot was good. I'm not a fan of the "I'll have misplaced guilt forever, or at least for decades, for a tragedy that I didn't cause" set-up trope, but once the protagonists got past that, the relationship worked for me.
March 25, 2019
A snowstorm and a sexy night ignites a longing that lasts a decade and only a stalker after Shaw shakes Nick's head out of his...well, gives him a chance to truly see Shaw as the man he is and not the boy he was. They've got a lot of chemistry together and it's clear there's more than lust, but a lot of time is between a moment and a lifetime. They'll both have to be honest with themselves and one another if they've got any chance to make that moment become their life.
With the hints we've gotten over the course of this series already we can see there's a lot of unresolved issues and tension between Nick and Shaw. What I enjoyed most was that they both came to the realization that they needed to grow on their own and come to terms with who they were outside of grief and the one night that changed their whole world in so many ways before they could have something real together.
The focus was kept on Shaw and Nick finding a way forward together amidst the crazy stalker issues and I appreciated that it stayed focused throughout. Even with the potential awkwardness with Rick, there was no unnecessary drama or complications to distract from Nick and Shaw together and solving the crime that gave them their second chance. The villain was kept predictable and simple, but not in a bad way. By having a few names thrown around as possible suspects but the feeling that it was really one person kept the suspense at the same time as not drawing it out or making it unnecessarily complicated. Shaw's pride and determination to maintain his independence didn't trump smart actions to stay safe and I can't fully express how much I liked and respected that about him. It's a big pet peeve of mine when the "I have to do this myself/I can take care of myself" attitude smothers common sense.
The dreams were helpful for the individuals and ended up being really sweet moments, though I will say they felt a little out of place on the whole mainly because it didn't exactly jive with the overall feel of the story or any kind of spiritual-ish vibes from either Nick or Shaw up to that point. The ending, though, was totally perfect for these men and the story was a really great way to showcase their happiness, it felt so right for the couple. I really enjoyed getting the story of their second chance, finally watching them find their forever was worth the wait.
With the hints we've gotten over the course of this series already we can see there's a lot of unresolved issues and tension between Nick and Shaw. What I enjoyed most was that they both came to the realization that they needed to grow on their own and come to terms with who they were outside of grief and the one night that changed their whole world in so many ways before they could have something real together.
The focus was kept on Shaw and Nick finding a way forward together amidst the crazy stalker issues and I appreciated that it stayed focused throughout. Even with the potential awkwardness with Rick, there was no unnecessary drama or complications to distract from Nick and Shaw together and solving the crime that gave them their second chance. The villain was kept predictable and simple, but not in a bad way. By having a few names thrown around as possible suspects but the feeling that it was really one person kept the suspense at the same time as not drawing it out or making it unnecessarily complicated. Shaw's pride and determination to maintain his independence didn't trump smart actions to stay safe and I can't fully express how much I liked and respected that about him. It's a big pet peeve of mine when the "I have to do this myself/I can take care of myself" attitude smothers common sense.
The dreams were helpful for the individuals and ended up being really sweet moments, though I will say they felt a little out of place on the whole mainly because it didn't exactly jive with the overall feel of the story or any kind of spiritual-ish vibes from either Nick or Shaw up to that point. The ending, though, was totally perfect for these men and the story was a really great way to showcase their happiness, it felt so right for the couple. I really enjoyed getting the story of their second chance, finally watching them find their forever was worth the wait.
April 19, 2019
"the mighty St. Nick is finally in lurve…"💖🌈💖
Ten years is a long time to harbor guilt, regret, longing, and unrequited love. However, for Nick & Shaw that disastrous decade while rife with passive aggressive communication between the two of them has also been one of growth and success in their individual lives.
Shaw has a great group of friends, a successful toy store in town, helps out local charities, is even active with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters. With all this, he still feels lonely and even struggles with dates through the May/ December dating app. No one ever seems to measure up to the guy he gave his heart and virginity to... Nick St. Cloud.
St. Cloud, ex Navy Seal and current owner of Saints Place Bar. St. Nick to his friends, and Santa to the drag queens, Nick is an enigma to most. Not typically social, most believe he never leaves the bar, and the queens often gossip about his non-existent date life (read "How Not to Blend"). Even though Nick believes what happened between he and Shaw ten years ago was a mistake, he tried to look out for him because he promised the guy's parents he would. Nick would do anything to change that fateful night. His typical mantra regarding most things, Shaw related or not... F*ck My Life!
Now Shaw has captured the attention of a secret admirer and what seems innocent, albeit odd, in the beginning turns violent as time goes by. Shaw is terrorized and forced from his home into the protection of St. Nick. Problem is, will Nick continue to see him as a kid, or will be finally recognize Shaw for the man he has been for years?
****I LOVE LUV LURV THIS SERIES!!!****
I confess, I am a series nympho by nature, BUT not all series are created equal and This is one of them.
The characters in each of these books are unique and fully realized. They each fit perfectly together creating lovely individuals, pairs, and groups in each story.
You can definitely read each book as a standalone, but they are really fun to read as a series. I promise.
5 unbreakable-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Don’t waste your time wishing for what might’ve been. Hold today in your arms and dream of all the tomorrows that lie ahead." ~Nora (Shaw's mom)
Ten years is a long time to harbor guilt, regret, longing, and unrequited love. However, for Nick & Shaw that disastrous decade while rife with passive aggressive communication between the two of them has also been one of growth and success in their individual lives.
Shaw has a great group of friends, a successful toy store in town, helps out local charities, is even active with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters. With all this, he still feels lonely and even struggles with dates through the May/ December dating app. No one ever seems to measure up to the guy he gave his heart and virginity to... Nick St. Cloud.
St. Cloud, ex Navy Seal and current owner of Saints Place Bar. St. Nick to his friends, and Santa to the drag queens, Nick is an enigma to most. Not typically social, most believe he never leaves the bar, and the queens often gossip about his non-existent date life (read "How Not to Blend"). Even though Nick believes what happened between he and Shaw ten years ago was a mistake, he tried to look out for him because he promised the guy's parents he would. Nick would do anything to change that fateful night. His typical mantra regarding most things, Shaw related or not... F*ck My Life!
Now Shaw has captured the attention of a secret admirer and what seems innocent, albeit odd, in the beginning turns violent as time goes by. Shaw is terrorized and forced from his home into the protection of St. Nick. Problem is, will Nick continue to see him as a kid, or will be finally recognize Shaw for the man he has been for years?
****I LOVE LUV LURV THIS SERIES!!!****
I confess, I am a series nympho by nature, BUT not all series are created equal and This is one of them.
The characters in each of these books are unique and fully realized. They each fit perfectly together creating lovely individuals, pairs, and groups in each story.
You can definitely read each book as a standalone, but they are really fun to read as a series. I promise.
5 unbreakable-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Don’t waste your time wishing for what might’ve been. Hold today in your arms and dream of all the tomorrows that lie ahead." ~Nora (Shaw's mom)
April 1, 2019
Although this is book four in the Lovestrong series and the first time I have read anything from this Author, I would definitely recommend that this story is read as standalone. I followed the story really well considering there are previous books. It’s a credit to the Author that the characters and storyline were so well developed.
Hot SEAL aka Nick St. Cloud ticks all the right boxes. Hard working, caring, friendly, protective of his love ones, and let’s not forget the man is a SEAL which may be an acronym for Sea Air and Land, but in my world it stands for, Sexy, Electrifying Alpha Lover.
Shaw Michaelson is equally as hot, he has a fiery personality, but can't cook at all. Even a microwave meal is too risky. Seems there’s been quite a few fires at Shaw’s place. He’s not short of some very hunky male attention, but only one man really holds his interested. Yeah, our delicious SEAL, Nick. It becomes very clear that these two men have a past, and were once very close indeed.
Shaw has a stalker, a very scary unknown stalker. It starts out to be quite tame. Notes left while he’s working in his shop, flowers and then the letters get darker. Nobody that loves Shaw is willing to take any chances. He must be protected.
Of course once Nick finds out what’s going on he goes all alpha male on Shaw. It doesn’t go down too well at first, but Shaw relents, and stays with Nick.
Nick and Shaw are most definitely meant to be together. Their journey is painful for both of them, but hopefully they can put it behind them and move forward together.
I really loved this story. It was an exciting, entertaining and sexy read.
March 18, 2019
Such an enjoyable series so far from Susan Hawke and we take a slightly darker turn in How Not To Break. This book is all about Shaw and Nick, the couple from prequel (#1) in the series. After dancing around each other for so long, the secret admirer turned stalker brings Nick right back into Shaw' life, his need to keep the young man safe at a high level.
There's a lot of tension between the two men, especially in the beginning of the book. The plot of the book builds up pretty much from the start with Shaw receiving gifts from an unknown person but with notes attached they lean towards him having a stalker, especially when they take a more aggressive approach in showing their attention. Susan has written a great story with a lot of angst, stress, drama and fear but equally balances is out with friendship, love, attraction and affection. It's easy to get drawn in and there's a continuous need throughout the book to know what happens next and to figure out who the culprit is.
Friends around them lend an ear and offer support, all characters we have met in previous books but there would be no confusion if you were reading this as a standalone. The story flows really well, giving us a chance to build a connection with the characters without feeling stagnant or rushed. Watch out for the dreams that Nick has, they are some of my favourite parts.
A definite recommendation for the book and the series!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
There's a lot of tension between the two men, especially in the beginning of the book. The plot of the book builds up pretty much from the start with Shaw receiving gifts from an unknown person but with notes attached they lean towards him having a stalker, especially when they take a more aggressive approach in showing their attention. Susan has written a great story with a lot of angst, stress, drama and fear but equally balances is out with friendship, love, attraction and affection. It's easy to get drawn in and there's a continuous need throughout the book to know what happens next and to figure out who the culprit is.
Friends around them lend an ear and offer support, all characters we have met in previous books but there would be no confusion if you were reading this as a standalone. The story flows really well, giving us a chance to build a connection with the characters without feeling stagnant or rushed. Watch out for the dreams that Nick has, they are some of my favourite parts.
A definite recommendation for the book and the series!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
April 4, 2019
Nick was a character in the first book, and we met Shaw in other books. There were hints that there was something going on with these two, and I am so glad that we finally got their story and ultimate HEA. Nick was the best friend of Shaw's father, and they had one earth moving night together 10 years prior. Unfortunately, that was also the night that Shaw's parents were killed in a car accident, and Nick and Shaw were separated by guilt, sadness, and so many other emotions and situations. Shaw ends up getting a creepy stalker, and Nick rides to the rescue again. Luckily, Nick gets out of his head long enough to realize that he is allowed to be happy and that Shaw is what can do that for him. It isn't an easy road overall, but when they finally start talking and really gelling together, they come together solidly and quickly. I liked these two, and I am so glad to see them be happy. There were moments that made me tear up when they dreamed or talked about his parents, and those scenes were so beautifully done. I never read the prequel to know what really happened in the past, but I didn't need to read that to enjoy this story.
Now I'm interested in seeing Rick find love. It sucked for him to watch Shaw find love with someone else, so he needs to be happy now.
Michael Pauley is so dang amazing. Love him so much. He narrates these books so beautifully.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
Now I'm interested in seeing Rick find love. It sucked for him to watch Shaw find love with someone else, so he needs to be happy now.
Michael Pauley is so dang amazing. Love him so much. He narrates these books so beautifully.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
March 28, 2019
I didn't read the prequel so I didn't know about Shaw and Nick's story, but that's okay it didn't take away from this story. We have the story of Shaw who is the son of Nick's best friends who died in an auto accident which happened in the prequel. Nick took Shaw's virginity in that book and determines that it was all a mistake as he was listed as Shaw's caregiver should anything happen to Shaw's parents. But Shaw was older so he didn't need a guardian but Nick still feels guilty. What I didn't like is that it took, IMO, way to long for Nick to come to his senses and see that Shaw is a grown man and that holding on to this guilty is misplaced. So Shaw has a stalker who is super creepy calling Shaw boy & himself Master. I never figured out who the stalker was. I thought it was someone else all through the book but I was so wrong. So when the stalker actually invades Shaw's home and does some stuff in the bedroom while Shaw is sleeping, Nick comes to the rescue. Once Nick decides to pull his head out of his butt, he lets go of his guilt and decides to prove to Shaw that he wants to keep him forever. These two were so hot & sweet as a couple. I can't wait to read Rick's book, he has to have one, I so love him.
Audio ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
Audio ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2019
Engaging with a suspenseful stalker story-line, and a rewarding and delightful story of love. This is the sequel to a must read novella, How Not To Wait. That story occurred ten years ago and was a night of passion between these two MC's. However, tragedy grief and a debt of gratitude and honor kept them apart as lovers.
This is such a well told story with the writing just flowing beautifully. I was engaged from page one and read it in one sitting. My heart hurt for these two men who lost so much time, but was so thankful that they found their way to each other. I loved how Nicky and Shaw really learned to communicate and how honest they were, once they really started talking. These guys will definitely steam up your kindle with some of their communication!
I was surprised at the identity of the stalker and thought the pacing was well done. I loved seeing the MC's from the previous books making appearances and adding support to our guys finding their way to love.
This is the fourth in the Lovestrong series and i am so glad that it will have more stories. I am looking forward to seeing Rick find his happiness.
This is such a well told story with the writing just flowing beautifully. I was engaged from page one and read it in one sitting. My heart hurt for these two men who lost so much time, but was so thankful that they found their way to each other. I loved how Nicky and Shaw really learned to communicate and how honest they were, once they really started talking. These guys will definitely steam up your kindle with some of their communication!
I was surprised at the identity of the stalker and thought the pacing was well done. I loved seeing the MC's from the previous books making appearances and adding support to our guys finding their way to love.
This is the fourth in the Lovestrong series and i am so glad that it will have more stories. I am looking forward to seeing Rick find his happiness.
March 13, 2019
I love this series and I have been waiting for How Not to Break since I read the novella that introduced Shaw and Nick. Their story far exceeded my expectations and I was fully engaged from the very first page and I could not put it down. It is beautifully written, emotional, sweet, sexy, has some surprising twists, a chilling mystery, a second chance love story and amazing characters. Shaw and Nick are perfect for each other but they have allowed an untimely incident from their past to keep them apart for ten years. I love how they reconnect even though the circumstances are less than ideal. Nick is determined to keep Shaw safe and he finally is able to see him for who he really is instead of the kid he watched grow up. Shaw is finally getting a chance to be with Nick but they have to find a way to deal with his stalker if they want their HEA. I love that we get to see everyone from the previous books and I hope that Rick will get his own story soon. The ending is perfect and I look forward to reading the next book in this incredible series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
June 20, 2022
Toy shop owner Shaw Michaelson’s life is turned upside down when a determinate stalker starts leaving creepy messages and gifts. He struggles not to panic as the messages become more threatening and the incursions more obtrusive. Older family friend Nick St. Cloud promised Shaw’s parents he’d look after him but whenever he tries to help, Shaw sees him as condescendingly interfering and rebuffs him. This time Nick is not taking ‘no’ for an answer. Given the LOVESTRONG series generally has a low-angst / feel-good vibe, this stalker mystery is surprisingly creepy and suspenseful! There were plenty of juicy red herrings with Shaw second-guessing some of his closer contacts. The second-chances romance … welp … it was foreshadowed in How Not to Wait. I get Nick’s guilt over what happened in the past, but how do you interpret “If something happens to us, look after our kid” as “He’s all alone in the world but have nothing to do with him unless he’s really in trouble”? It was just cruel and I understood Shaw’s easy impatience with Nick. If you can ignore this bum note, the rest of the melody is excellent. Michael Dean, your narration is always music to my ears!
March 29, 2019
This is the story of Shaw and Nick, but it's also an amazing mystery.
Nick can't overcome the guilt of taking Shawn's virginity ten years ago, and the fact that that did happen the same night that Shaw's parents and Nick's friends died in a car accident hasn't helped. But he can't forget Shaw, either.
Shaw, meanwhile, has kept going on with his life, managing the toy store, working with his charities and using an app to find a date, as Nick is not willing to even look at his way. Or at least, that's what he thinks.
But when a stalker seems to be decided to make his life a living hell, Nick and Rick (his ex-boyfriend) are ready to step up and keep him safe.
I loved it. As much as I enjoyed the romance, and loved when these two men actually talked about that night, and what it meant for each of them, what kept me listening with no stop was the mystery. The stalker was really, really creepy, and the way the things kept escalating was downright frightening.
An amazing story, that I recommend with all my heart.
Nick can't overcome the guilt of taking Shawn's virginity ten years ago, and the fact that that did happen the same night that Shaw's parents and Nick's friends died in a car accident hasn't helped. But he can't forget Shaw, either.
Shaw, meanwhile, has kept going on with his life, managing the toy store, working with his charities and using an app to find a date, as Nick is not willing to even look at his way. Or at least, that's what he thinks.
But when a stalker seems to be decided to make his life a living hell, Nick and Rick (his ex-boyfriend) are ready to step up and keep him safe.
I loved it. As much as I enjoyed the romance, and loved when these two men actually talked about that night, and what it meant for each of them, what kept me listening with no stop was the mystery. The stalker was really, really creepy, and the way the things kept escalating was downright frightening.
An amazing story, that I recommend with all my heart.
June 22, 2020
This was an enjoyable read for me, quite light, but not totally fluffy. It was also a book that I ended up liking this more and more as it went on, as pitfalls I feared would come to pass did not end up happening. I liked the characters, both the main characters and the side characters. I'm sure that one could point out various flaws based on one's own preferences, so far as realism or even just what various readers' pet peeves might be, but I enjoyed the time spent getting to know them and their story. The stalker aspect of the story provided a lot of suspense and made the story darker than the others in the series to an extent. (I will say that I figured out the whodunit aspect of the story, which appealed to my feeling of intellectual superiority, but I will not give a single thing away on that part). I didn't necessarily always agree with decisions characters made along the way, but who doesn't want to smack a character on occasion?
The narration was good and helped keep me sucked into the story.
I've enjoyed this series overall and have already started the next book. :)
The narration was good and helped keep me sucked into the story.
I've enjoyed this series overall and have already started the next book. :)
March 11, 2019
Finally their book is here!!!! I have been waiting ever so patiently for their book and it was so worth the wait!! They shared one hot night together ten years ago...what should of been the best night of their lives turned tragic when Nick's best friends and Shaw's parents passed away in an accident. Nick has a lot of guilt over what had transpired but Shaw is not sorry it happened at all. All Shaw wants is for Nick to see him as a man....not the child he needs to take care of. When Shaw discovers that he has a unwanted stalker it scares him to his core. When Nick finds out he wants to take care of Shaw and show him that he can be the man he can depend on. It brings them closer than ever before. It was so sweet to watch them find their way to each other. It is sad that it took so long but they finally found their happy with each other. It was such a great story one that I recommend to all. I can't wait to read what is coming next (really hope its Rick!) Well done!!!
April 9, 2019
This was another fantastic story in the Lovestrong series. There was excitement, a mystery, and a long awaited love in Nick and Shaw’s story. While Nick was Shaw’s first of a lot of things, it took them years to become each other’s last’s. There were mixed feelings on what transpired between the two of them many years before. It took some vivid dreams and time for them to realize how the other may be feeling. There were points I wanted to shake them both and say “just talk about it!!!”, but alas they each found their way. Their long-lost love wasn’t the only excitement happening, Shaw also had a stalker! Nick’s overprotectiveness came out in spades, along with Rick’s, as they tried to keep Shaw safe. Overall their story was a great listen, and I’m completely hooked! I can’t wait to listen to the next book in the series!
As always from this narrator, the narration was fantastic, truly bringing the characters life.
As always from this narrator, the narration was fantastic, truly bringing the characters life.
January 20, 2020
A wonderful story about second chances and growing up. Shaw and Nick have history together, including the tragic loss of Shaw's parents (Nicks best friends), the night Shaw and Nick first sleep together. Fast forward ten years, Shaw is a successful toy store owner, and Nick runs a thriving bar, but there is a distance in their relationship that they haven't closed. Then a dangerous stranger begins to stalk Shaw. This is the catalyst that brings Shaw and Nick together again and re-starts their relationship. The plot was fast paced and fun, and relationship development between Shaw and Nick was delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The audiobook was narrated Michael Pauley/Dean who does a wonderful job as usual. He really brings the story to life and makes it entertaining to listen to.
The audiobook was narrated Michael Pauley/Dean who does a wonderful job as usual. He really brings the story to life and makes it entertaining to listen to.
March 9, 2019
Well this has been one of the stories I have been waiting for since the beginning. I highly suggest you read the short novella called How Not to Wait first. It just enhances the story so you know what happened that one long ago night.
I was definitely not disappointed in this book. Although more intense then the others in terms of angst, we still get LOTS of humor. Nick really is that great and Shaw isn't as quiet as I thought he was prior. He has SASS. He certainly puts the ICKs in their place more than once.
The only thing this series needs is Gray and Clark to get a HEA (even if it's not together) and a spin off of those Matthews brothers.
I was definitely not disappointed in this book. Although more intense then the others in terms of angst, we still get LOTS of humor. Nick really is that great and Shaw isn't as quiet as I thought he was prior. He has SASS. He certainly puts the ICKs in their place more than once.
The only thing this series needs is Gray and Clark to get a HEA (even if it's not together) and a spin off of those Matthews brothers.
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