Finn

Gates of Heaven #2

by M. Tasia

THIS IS A STANDALONE NOVEL HEART MURMUR Fleeing from his existence as an outcast child in a fanatic cult, Finn Masterson makes his way to Los Angeles, only to find an unforgiving city with little prospects for a teenager with few life skills. After years of living on the streets in DTLA, doing anything and everything required to survive, Finn finds a home, a job, and kindness with Saint Jeffrey, who is renovating a grand old building mere blocks from Skid Row. Finn knows better than to trust a good thing, so when harassing texts and calls culminate in threats to the people he has come to care about—especially a former Marine, Miguel Fernandez—Finn returns to the streets to keep those he loves safe. But one single-minded, stubborn warrior brings Finn back into the fold, and they defeat his last remaining enemy giving them the freedom to pursue their forever.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Gay, Abuse, Crime, Mystery

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2019

About the author

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

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

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

Reviews

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book 2 in the " Gates of Heaven" series this was a short quick read that I liked and wanted more of. Finn Masterson who we met in book 1 was a homeless 23 year old who Saint have a home and a job. While attending business school he begins to notice that someone is texting threatening messages when the person threatens to harm his friends he leaves. Miguel Fernandez who we also met in book 1 he is Max best friend he likes Finn but he thinks he is too old for him. Miguel is a former Marine who still takes jobs for the government. While on a mission he gets hurt when he finds out that Finn is missing he knows it's time to make him his. This was a good read when he finds him Finn is hurt and was almost killed when they help him a lady who was helping him Marian pulled a knife in him I liked her. Turns out Finn was born into a cult and he thinks that one of the leaders are after him. We also meet his brother James who has been looking for Finn. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Audi♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Finns story was horrible. I knew he had it rough from what we heard in Saints' book, but dang. Poor guy had it bad.. Just wait till you hear the reason he was born 💔

It's short, but there's just enough plot and drama to keep it juicy. Their romance was sweet and steamy. I really liked it.
Their found family is my favorite part. I love how close-knit they are. I'm ready to binge the authors interconnected series to hear about the guys from Brighton.
So fun.

Off to Finns brothers book. I just know it's gonna be sad.

[Stital · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series.
Supposedly, when you start from awesome there isn't a lot of room for improvement, but somehow, this series just keeps getting better and better.

Finn is the sweetest guy ever after having to deal with such a bad draw growing up. Somehow, it didn't mute his caring and kind heart.
Miguel is the perfect protector, knowing when and how to support Finn without stifling him.

I've said it before and I will again, M. Tasia's writing holds so much heart and emotions, her characters are deep and full of sincerity, and aren't afraid of showing vulnerability and it's the best possible book magic.

5 stars and a stray

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another special book for me. I adored Finn from book one. I knew his past was going to be a rough one from the way he acted at times, but I never expected it to be this bad. Which brings up possible triggers: sacrificing kids, torture, abuse, cults, hurting children, stalking, murder, etc. It’s a really good book and the end is so worth it all, but it’s not an easy story. And because of who comes back in this story, I can tell you now book 3 won’t be an easy one either. And I haven’t even read it yet. So, just be aware. The endings are worth it. So worth it. But it takes work to get through it.
And that’s why I love Finn so much. He has had a VERY hard road he had to leave from. It was horror in real life. The things the cult did will leave him nightmares for the rest of his life. Help or not. That kind of stuff leaves you with PTSD. But even being the homeless kid on the run, Finn tried hard not to give up. He found people who could educate him streetwise so he could take care of himself. And then he ran across Saint who helped him even more. Helped him get on his feet and start over. But starting over for Finn isn’t all he wants, when the man he desires more than anything looks at him like he’s a kid. Or gives him mixed signals. But when Miguel is away on an assignment. He realizes when he finds out Finn is gone, that it’s time to show Finn how he really feels. And pray Finn wants him in return. But the danger keeps stacking up and hopefully they can even make it out alive.
Finn is so special. I’m so mad at his background. The way they hurt him. Beat him up and down. Made him think he’s worthless and will never be anything more than trash. But in spite of it all, he kept trying, he kept searching for a way to get out and move forward. No matter how hard it was. And that is strength and courage. Found in someone who is weary and scared. But he’s strong. And with Saint, Max and especially Miguel, he has friends who are now his family, who now support him and back him up. They lift him up, make sure he knows how special he really is. And what’s funny, he’s about to have a bigger family when the Brighton boys show up. Shannon is already friends with Miguel, and the other Sentinels may not be as close but they all still have each other’s backs. And that’s more family for Finn. And now a surprise is coming for him. Two surprises really. And they will tip the scales for him.
I love Miguel and everyone else. But Finn made this book for me. Because he’s so courageous and strong when he thinks he’s weak. He keeps going, trying to hold on to any sliver of hope he can find to keep himself moving. And that is one special man.

http://lovebytesreviews.com/

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

So Finn didn't tell Saint and Max what was going on why?! I mean, Saint is like a badass right? Or he was? I don't get it. It was all TSTL moments. Like everything could have been avoided if Finn had opened his mouth.

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pretty sure Finn and Miguel's story would produce some tears and tickle my heart.
I was not disappointed!

In the previous book, Saint had found Finn on his doorstep. Cold and in need. It resonated with Saint leading him to give Finn the opportunity to make a life for himself.
I figured from the little clues that Finn had a tragic back story. Didn't know what happened but whatever it was was enough to make him doubt his self-worth and to have him a little fearful of what was behind. Time and reassurances have helped Finn to find his footing. He still waits for the other shoe to drop but for now, he is going with the flow, enjoying the moment and proving to Saint he was worth the gamble.
Finn is a bit nervous about starting school, and it turns out with good reason. Being no stranger to the bullying he tries to ignore the harassing texts and physical confrontations from his classmate. That is until it begins affecting those he cares for. With Miguel gone and Saint upset with him he only has one option to protect those who are threatened because of him.
He returns to the streets.

I adored Finn. He calls to your protective instincts. He radiates an innocence despite knowing he has seen some of the worst humanity has to offer. His all in attitude is one of the things I enjoyed about him. At times his optimism was quite catching. Sadly it seems more of a defense mechanism.
Miguel is a bit older than Finn and has also seen his fair share of the uglier side of humanity. He is immediately drawn to Finn, but he knows a battle-hardened man like himself is not what the kid needs. It was fun watching Miguel come around. Such a stubborn fool.
We get to meet some interesting new characters in this episode. Some of whom I see possibly staring in their own stories. Others have slipped seamlessly into supporting roles.
There is a bit of suspense and just the right touch of angst. The cast is vibrant and easily worms their way into your heart. The storyline is easy to follow, though a bit short (my greed could be talking here). Some of the happenings were a bit out of the realm of possibility but the story was so good that I was okay with that. Did not even question the scenes till well after. There are some scenes that felt rushed, not in the sense they weren't complete. I think again it could just be me, I just wanted more.
Looking forward to the next journey.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers***********

I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to The Gates Series. Finn & Miguel’s happily ever after is hard fought. My heart hurt for Finn with how he grew up in a cult, he’s finally landed in a safe place after living on the streets of DTLA and has been working for Saint ever since. Saint is protective of Finn and views him as a little brother, just like his actual little brother Johnny but Finn doesn’t realise the true extent of how much Saint actually cares about him.

Finn also believes that Miguel who he has feeling for doesn’t view him the same way but Miguel does but he doesn’t believe that he’s right for Finn. All I can say is guilt is a powerful thing as Miguel lost both his parents while he was away overseas in his early twenties and has taken on the blame since he wasn’t here and he could’ve done something to keep them alive, even though that’s highly unlikely as they died in a car accident.

Miguel also has a dangerous job so doesn’t want to saddle anyone with all his baggage. When Finn starts receiving threatening texts messages he knows that nothing good can last forever so he leaves his safe haven to return to the streets to protect those he cares about. As soon as Miguel arrives home from his latest assignment he stops at nothing to bring Finn back home and find out what made him run in the first place.

He also decided that he’s going to tell Finn how he actually feels and see if things can work between them. I loved getting to see Shannon and Jackson from The Brighton Boys Series again, as well as snippets of the other Sentinels & their partners. I’m looking forward to reading James & Det. Ross’s book next, as well as more books from M Tasia in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Disclaimer: I did not read book 1 in this series. This is book 2. It can be read as a standalone. I didn't know the previous relationships the characters had but the story was still easy to follow.

4.5 stars

#mm #shortstory

It is just over 2.5 hours so it was a quick read.

Finn was raised in a doomsday cult that he ran away from when he got into College. He lived on the streets doing whatever he had to do to live for years but now he's living with Saint who he also works for renovating a building to earn his room and board and cash to live on. Two other men are present. Max who is Saints boyfriend and Miguel an ex army vet who does undercover work for Feds. Finn has feelings for Miguel and Miguel secretly has feelings for him too but won't admit it out loud. When Finn starts getting threatening texts and his bosses work keeps getting vandalized he decides to go back to the streets to protect the people he cares about. Especially when the only one (Miguel) who he thinks is tough enough to help him is gone out of country on a mission and might never be coming back. However, when Miguel does return and finds out that Finn is gone and based on his behavior while Miguels been away he may be in danger, he makes it his next mission to find Finn, help him and bring the man he loves back home.


I found the story really interesting and it made me want to keep reading to find out what happens. I loved all the characters not just the 2 MCs. It was well written. I felt like the 2 MCs had great chemisty. I loved the old lady too. She was awesome . I have never read anything by this author before but I'll be sure to read the rest of this series. There were a few inconsistencies and a couple things that made me say why????? But not enough to ruin my enjoyment of the story.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read book one, you may remember Finn...

Finn Masterson ended up homeless, escaping a cult and on the streets of Los Angeles. He was luck to be found by a man named Saint. Just as broken, but believed in second chances. Now helping to renovate a building back to its former glory, he's finding his footing in the world, one day and step at a time. Just when he thinks his luck is turning out better, messages persist in the forms of threats to change his outlook and he runs again.

Miguel Fernandez, former marine and the man Finn absolutely loves. Occasionally, he still works for the government. I guess you can't get it all out of your system. He finds out Finn goes missing while on a mission and become distracted. To a point of becoming injured.

With Finn gone, Miguel realizes how much he means to him and will do everything in his power to make the man his. But, first things first. They work together to put the final demon to rest.

Peace at last for Finn, and HEA for both of them.


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

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn was starting his first day back to Uni and was suffering a little anxiety. He was debating leaving, when Miguel shows up and gives him the needed confidence to walk into the classroom. He was initially wary that his old cult would find him when he requested his transcripts. He rationalized that it had been so long, he was off the radar. A cat followed him home and he was uncertan of his standing with Saint, ready to bargain to let the cat remain. Miguel retired from the Core and took contracting jobs leveraging his SpecOps background. It was a vulnerable time since he and Finn were just getting more deeply acquainted. Finn had a large adjustment period considering his baggage and his circumstances before Finn took him in. Finn and Miguel had to dig deep to find their balance. Then the boogeyman found Finn. They had a very rocky road with a lot of dips and twists. Is he in danger? What about his new family? Where can he hide? Good story. Great storybuilding. Excellent new family. Well done.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Gates of Heaven series and it did not disappoint. This is the story of Finn Masterson and Miguel Fernandez. Finn has had an incredibly hard life up until this point. He has found a home, job and kindness with Saint. He couldn't ask for a better friend and boss. He meets Miguel through Saints partner. Miguel is a former Marine (though he still does jobs for the government) turned construction worker. Finn is intrigued by Miguel but Miguel worries about their age gap. He wants the best for Finn and doesn't believe he is it. So much to Finn's disappointment he puts Finn firmly in the friend role. But throw in a near death experience, a stalker and threats and everything changes.

This is a well written short read that is sure to please.

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

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn has escaped his life as an outcast in a fanatic cult and made his way to LA only to find himself doing whatever necessary living rough on the streets. When Saint finds him sleeping in the doorway to the building he's renovating he sees potential in the young man and takes him in giving him a safe place to stay and a job. Just when things seem to be going right Finn starts getting strange and threatening texts. Convinced that the only way to keep the people he's come to care about safe he flees back to the streets. Ex Marine, Miguel, has fallen for Finn and wants him back and is prepared to do what's necessary to keep Finn and the rest of The Gates community safe. A very engaging and exciting story.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars ..A great start to the book as I looked forward to reading this one. This was Finn's story from book one "Saint". I loved the flirting from Finn and the hidden feelings with Miguel. Trouble is always not far which added to the story. I liked Detective Ross in this and I'm sure the next book will be good one.
Includes friends to lovers, fun flirting, age gap, bad guy stalker and danger and more you'll have to read.
Finn 22 yrs was manager of the "Gates of Heaven" building for Saint, attending classes on his first day.
Miguel 35 yrs a former marine come along to give him encouragement that he needed.

[Alicia Gourdine · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!

This is such a good spin-off series. I really enjoyed Finn and Miguel's story the telling of it the well meaning friends who butt in when they shouldn't and are there for you when things get dicey. The chemistry between the two is slow but hot getting to know each other. And they find that both are running from a past that eventually catches up to them which make this story. It's well told easy to imagine and get a feel for the characters and I like how new characters are introduced and old one's pop up. Very good story!

[Courtney Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn’s story is oh so sweet. You can’t help but love Finn and Miguel. Both clueless and trying to protect each other from each other. But good thing they got over it so that they could both get the happy ending they both deserved. This book was cute and has a great story. I can’t sit to read the next book in the series

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

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn is such a good story and such a good example of how hard it can be for people who have been down on their luck to get the purchase they need to move forward. In this story of the fight that Finn and Miguel wage to move forward are well-meaning supporters that give us as readers and this couple hope that they will get where they want to be together.

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

[CMLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding out about Finn’s history makes his story so much more sad and you can understand why he feels that everything he has could be stripped away from him at any moment. Miguel believes that by letting Finn have his freedom that he is doing the right thing. When everything gets twisted, Miguel must take the chance and save Finn.

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another tale from the Gates of Heaven, another two brilliant MCs we get to know very well.
I loved both the plot and the characters, all their emotions and insecurities on full display.
All the descriptions and world building were very vivid, providing a great background for an emotional story of self discovery and developing attraction. A very strong 4,5* read :)

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic addition to the Gates of Heaven series. Finn’s story is heartbreaking the only silver lining is Miguel. The chemistry between the two MCs is a slow burn but Finn’s insecurities get in the way. They both are running from their pasts but can they run fast enough to stay ahead? Will Miguel give Finn the space he needs to let him come around? I highly recommend this book!!

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The relationship between Finn and Miguel just brought all the feels. They were wonderfully well-written and engaging characters and their story totally drew me in. A great second addition to the Gates of Heaven series.

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

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read anything else by M. Tasia but I will definitely be reading more of them. This is a terrific read, very interesting and if you like well written, slow burn m/m romance with some action and suspense thrown in then you will probably like this to.

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

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a lengthy read yet is definitely worth the time. Finn is a good character. He’s compassionate and completely in love. The romance is fun to watch mature into a love story while the drama and excitement of his past keeps you turning the pages.

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

[Kelli Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn and Miguel stole my heart. This is a great Sunday afternoon read. Finn's character jumped off the page as his story developed through each chapter. I loved reading his truth and watching him and Miguel find their home in each other.

[Samantha Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastuc

Once again this author brings a book with real characters and gives them their salvation. Love, action, suspense, angst, and heat. I definitely reccomend and cant wait for the next in the series.

[Carrie Boes · Rating 5 out of 5]

so in love with this serious

I ended up feeling everything Finn felt from being alone and needing to keep everyone safe! Omg my heart! I can’t say too much without spoiling it but this book was super awesome.

[Duke Silver's Duchess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read. Great series.
Loved it. Recommend.
MM.

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read with really sweet ending perfect for Miguel and Finn...!

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5