Rick

Love at the Haven #2

by Stella Shaw

A gift of a man for one night. A promise of so much more.

When Rick Thatcher’s beloved aunt leaves him the run-down Haven Hotel, he’s amazed to find a group of young men running an escorting business out of it. Intrigued and impressed, he allows them to stay. But sacrifices have to be made to keep the hotel running. The hotel is always short of funds, and the guys… they’re sexy, they’re fun, they’re loyal friends. But they can also be a bunch of trouble. Rick has no time left for romance.

Until the night Eliot Walker arrives at the Haven, naïve but brave, looking to discover what it’s like to be an openly gay man at last. He wants to spend the night with a man, one who can excite and guide him. But an escort? He’s nervous of what he’ll find.

He finds Rick. Just the kind of man he’d choose to have his first experiences with, if it was possible. And from Rick’s point of view – on this one special night, and for this one special man he can’t take his eyes off – why shouldn’t it be?

If only this could be more than one night. But their potential happiness and the Haven’s security may already be under serious threat.

A novel in the Love at the Haven series. Each novel is a standalone romance and HEA, but the characters may make brief appearances in other books. And watch out for additional fun short stories in the series!

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Humor

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2011

About the author

Stella Shaw is a pen name of the best-selling author of MM romance, Clare London. Stella's series of Rent Boy romances, Love at the Haven, launched in January 2021.

Join Stella's newsletter at http://bit.ly/stellashawNews or find her on Facebook at StellaShawAuthor.

Reviews

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Rick and Eliot! In fact, I'm loving this whole series so - cute and sweet while being hot and sensual. Along with Eliot's first-time theme, the series is building around one of my favorite themes - family found - where this group of men is making a home together, relying on each other, and forming a family. I can't wait for the next one. Recommended.

[RedsBookReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series but I would say you could read it as a standalone if you wanted to (although the first book is awesome too!). This story focuses on Rick who is the owner of The Haven but also mentions some of the other characters who were introduced in the first book. I loved the interaction between Rick and Elliot and the growth and discovery between them both. Can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book now!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series!

I liked Rick and Eliot's story. Rick was instantly smitten by Eliot's looks and charm, and I liked how Eliot was able to help Rick when he was about to lose his loan. Great addition to the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the series, Rick got a lot more in the way of detail and evolution, and while it gave more insight into both Rick and Eliot, there was the same amount of focus on the actual relationship building as in Dante...not enough for my liking. It was a sweet story overall with a lot of overlap between business and romance and the ending was nice as well.

I felt for Rick quite a lot, but more because of his compassion and understanding shown in Dante's story. His insecurity took center stage a little too often in his story and I wish his character had been written as a more solid presence; his constancy and protection drew me to him in the first place, I just wish it had been shown more here. Kind of like Web from Mary Calmes' Frog and his being a mountain (one of my favorite books ever and definitely worth a read).

Eliot's evolution was a bit missing as well. His backbone and acceptance of his identity was in question for most of the story and only at the big confrontation did he bring both of those together and I would have liked to see that change, not be surprised by it.

Progression in the relationship was physical, but a kind of awkwardness clouded it. It often edged a little too far on the justification and acceptance of Rick's assumed occupation and of The Haven's operation practices instead of something to build on that was uniquely Rick and Eliot's. The chemistry was there, though Rick's sweetness was really the focus of the relationship.

There were also too many conflicts packed into a relatively short story, in my opinion. Eliot's job dissatisfaction, his sexual identity, his plans for his money, Rick's financial situation, his insecurity regarding Eliot's age, to say nothing of their feelings and how they don't do too much to build on that in any solid way...there was just a lot. All of them lasted nearly the entire time but were settled by the end, but really quickly with a grand gesture and a bit of conversation. If the story would have had a better balance I would have enjoyed it so much more and I felt both men deserved that.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The premise for this series, a charming hotel in a precarious financial position and the group of escorts who work out of, and make a home, in it, is absolutely awesome, and I loved it. Rick, one of our protagonists for this story, is the hotel’s owner, and not an escort, usually-- but he makes one exception, for Eliot. It’s hot and sweet and has the potential to be a really cute romance born of interesting beginnings (definitely not your typical meet-cute), but then, of course, a complication arises, and it’s big, with the future of the hotel and/or Eliot’s career on the line. I loved the guys together and I liked the resolution to the conundrum too, as it proves that Eliot isn’t the soulless corporate weasel that he briefly appears to be, but I am going to call out what may be the most convoluted, least plausible reason for not making a simple phone call that drives some of the drama. As plot devices go, it...isn’t subtle. Still, this is a great read, with lovely characters and a satisfying happily-ever-after.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Penumbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick is the second book in the ‘Love at the Haven’ series. This stars Rick Thatcher, the man who inherited Haven Hotel, and Eliot Walker, a consultant that works at a bank. This is told in first person from both Rick and Eliot’s povs.



I liked this story more than I did the first one. Some of the reasons were because there was more emotional build-up and connection between the two characters, and there was also a background plot that hovered behind the romance. The blurb does a pretty good job of telling what the story is about and I don’t want to give away details of the financial conflict.

The romance was better in this book. As mentioned in the blurb, Eliot visits the Haven for his first experience with a man. It so happens that Rick is daydreaming at that instant at the front desk that maybe he should do what the rest of the guys do and take on clients. Then in walks Eliot and Rick is smitten. Eliot is super nervous but the two talk and Eliot thinks Rick is for hire. It surprises Rick, but he wants Eliot so he takes Eliot to his private room where they have a great time.

It's important to talk about the characters because the romance rotates around their longing for each other, their insecurities, and misconceptions. First, Rick doesn’t tell Eliot that he’s actually the manager. Also, since he’s hired by Eliot, Rick’s insecurities rise up telling him if he wasn’t hired, Eliot would never pay attention to him since he’s not clever, he’s just a construction worker/handyman. Rick also torments himself with the idea that Eliot will now go find a proper boyfriend, which makes Rick miserable. Eliot loves the way Rick makes him feel special, but thinks it’s just because he paid for Rick. He doesn’t realize that Rick is acting that way for real. Eliot’s insecurities arise because he thinks he’s not as attractive or experienced as Rick. Each man is insecure, reading things into the other’s behavior that isn’t there, and they don’t speak about their true feelings towards each other, just because Eliot hired Rick. I didn’t have trouble with their insecurities. It didn’t feel overdone, and it made the characters more real. Since the story is heavily character driven, this dance the two men do around each other because of their misconceptions, is part of the problem.

The emotional connection between Rick and Eliot is better in this story than the characters in first book, also the distinction between character voices is more consistent, especially with Eliot. His voice is the same except when he uses his ‘boardroom’ voice as Rick calls it. Rick on the other hand has multiple voices. In the first book, he sounded younger than in this one. In this story, he sounds old and tired at the beginning. When he’s with Eliot the first time, he talks like he’s perfect, knows all the right things to do and ask. I found the voice he used there too sterile. Later his internal voice is voicing lots of insecurities. In the epilogue, he gets this flat tone to his voice that was similar to both characters in the first book. Rick doesn’t sound like himself anymore. I also noticed an inconsistency where he refers to himself by his own name, calling himself, Rick Thatcher. It was confusing because it made me think someone else was talking and I had to stop and reread, which pulled me out of the story. The voices were better than they were in the first book, but Rick’s voice was the most inconsistent, making him sound like he had multiple personalities. I’d like it if the author was better at voice consistency and making the characters sound more distinct.

I liked Rick better than book one. It had better connection between the characters and a better plot. I wish the character voices were more distinct especially on Rick’s part, and more consistent. The concept of the Haven Hotel is interesting and I’d read the follow up books. I give this story, 4 Stars.



I received an ARC copy from the author for an honest and unbiased opinion.

[Lena Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick, of ‘Rick: Love at the Haven’ by Stella Shaw, isn’t an escort like the other guys who work out of the Haven Hotel, but one quiet night when Eliot, a gorgeous young man, walks through the hotel door, he finds himself wishing he were.

Eliot has received a gift card for a session at the Haven from his ex-fiancée, explaining that Eliot needs to find out once and for all if he is gay or not. Reluctantly, he walks through the doors, trying to hide his naivete. In an effort to put him at ease, Rick takes him aside to explain the procedure and the rules of his establishment. Eliot doesn’t know that Rick isn’t an escort himself. Eliot decides that he is the one he wants to show him the ropes. Discreetly, Rick tries to steer him toward someone more suitable but Eliot will not be dissuaded. Rick doesn’t want to embarrass Eliot; besides, since he is so attracted to Eliot anyway, he figures why not pretend to be an escort. After all, it is just for one night. What happens between them is far more than either of them expects. Eliot is a fast learner and besides the tutelage, Eliot receives, they experience a strong emotional connection.

After their encounter, Rick can’t get Eliot off his mind. The other guys realize something is up, especially Arne. While trying to get Rick to open up, he reminds him how much he has done for the men who work as escorts and how grateful they are for his help. Still, Rick hesitates to confide in him. When Arne suggests that he needs sex and refers to ‘the nervous boy from a few weeks ago’, Rick is quick to come to Eliot’s defense. That’s when Arne realizes that this is the issue weighing on Rick’s mind. When Arne suggests contacting Eliot for another meet, Rick tries to blow him off, but the seed is planted. Before Rick can act, Eliot comes back in the door under his own volition. Even thinking that Rick is an escort, Eliot wants more of him. Now that he is back, Rick knows that he will never let him walk out again.

If I thought the first story in the series, ‘Dante’, was hot, believe me, it paled in comparison to Rick’s story. The chemistry between Rick and Eliot is so sensual and erotic but equally as emotional. I felt like a voyeur reading about the intimate times between Rick, the experienced but patient older man, and Eliot, the naive yet eager gay virgin. Also, I enjoyed seeing Dante again especially in a way that displayed his financial brilliance not apparent in his story, but essential in order to help Rick in this one. Eliot’s devotion and faith in Rick almost made me cry. Stella, thanks, this story is brilliant. I can hardly wait for another one in the series.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick is a short and sweet second book in the Love at the Haven Rent Boy romance series. I loved Rick in the first book, Dante and I was looking forward to seeing him get his HEA.

Rick and Eliot start falling for each other in the course of one evening. It’s not quite insta-love but there is definitely a sexual attraction and emotional connection between them. Eliot appears to be a shy and insecure but is very driven in his professional life and his drive to be a success comes up against the requirement to be ruthless in his job. He is put in a position where he has to choose between his personal ethics and precessional pride. His boss advises him to get his priorities straight, and he does so with an amazing scene that had me mentally cheering. Rick is simply a sweetheart through and through, to his own detriment sometimes. He’s treading water and barely staying afloat trying to hang on to his Aunt’s legacy of love. He needs a partner to support him and shoulder some of the burden but he’s also a very prideful man and this is where Eliot’s true character shines through, he is everything that Rick needs but won’t allow himself to have.

As the book progresses we get more glimpses of the other men at The Haven. Each one is quirky in their own way and I can’t wait to find out more about them. I have to admit that Arne is my favourite. There is definitely so much more to him and he deserves to become someone’s treasure. We also get a few moments with Dante again. I miss him at the Haven and it looks like he’d like to be back around his friends again. My hope is we will see more of he and Blake in later sequels.

Rick is a low angst, feel good story with a romantic HEA, and a HFN for the future of the Haven. I’m looking forward to the next story.

[Amy Stauffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another sweet story, and a great follow up to Dante’s book. We even get to see a bit of Dante, when he comes down to help Rick, during a meeting. Despite that, and the fact we first met Rick in the previous book, this story can stand on its own. The main storyline reaches a conclusion in this book, but we still capture moments with the side characters, whom we may see in future books.

Rick is the owner of the hotel. That is the only role he plays at the hotel, despite its many hats, but that changes when Eliot walks in and assumes Rick is an escort as well. These men were drawn to each other from the first moment they saw each other, although it wasn’t love at first sight. It was definitely lust, though. Eliot was so nervous and sweet, and Rick was so patient, with him, and kind as well. Who knew they would find themselves connecting...in more ways than one.

This story was engaging and flowed with ease. I was intrigued by Dante’s book, and hooked on the series by the third chapter of Rick’s story. I cannot wait to see what’s next, and who’s next.

***I received a copy of this book for my reading pleasure. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***

[Jean Malherbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

RICK Love @the Haven 2
Stella Shaw
A lovely "continuation" of this series.
Although each book probably works as a standalone, for the sake of continuity, I would recommend reading the books in order.
This is the story of how Rick, the owner of the Haven finds his true love.
Thanks to a slight misunderstanding, these two come together to find their HEA.
A lot going on in this story regarding the hotel itself and how it's on the brink of being lost, but these parts by no means overwhelm the simmering romance.
In short, I loved this book.
Once again, the side characters play an important role in the storyline and make you want to know more about them.
Good, solid characterization and world building. Good plot and well written, as always from this author.
I definitely recommend.
° Heat level around 3 🔥 for explicit scenes (only a couple. Most intimacy happens off page) and some dirty talk.
° Disclaimer : I received a complementary copy of this title via Stella's arc team. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick: Love at the Haven is the second book in the series by author Stella Shaw. This series just keeps getting better and better. I love the connection and emotions in this book. I am so hooked on this series!

Rick his aunt left him a run-down hotel. The only frequent visitors to the hotel are escorts. They are caring people who wanna help so he doesn’t mind. He has zero time to breathe let alone have a romantic connection to someone. But he cannot resist the newest edition to the family.

Eliot is fresh-faced, naïve, and brave. He is looking to finally explore his sexuality. He is hoping he can learn and be an escort for a while to help him achieve his goal. Though he wants someone special to teach him first.

I loved how innocent Eliot is. He is a breath of fresh air.

I loved this story it is really sweet, steamy, and emotional. I cannot wait to read more from this series in the future. I do suggest reading these books in order. They all connect in some way or another.

Five Shooting Stars

[Alys Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first book in this series I was really looking forward to learning more about Rick and was not disappointed.
This book gives you that warm feeling, the MC's welcome you in and you feel part of the family that they are building here.
The author introduces you to the characters as you would friends and you feel involved in their story.
There is angst - but you know that it will be resolved - and my only criticism is that the issues that evolved between the MS's were predictable as soon as certain circumstances were mentioned. I don't think this could have been helped in the long run and truth be told it drew you in wondering how long till the penny dropped.
Loved this book and cant wait for the next one.
A great read, difficult to put down.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the ‘Love @ the Haven’ series about the ‘rent boys’ who work there, and it didn’t disappoint. This book deals with Rick, the new owner of the hotel and the sweetest man, Eliot, who is new to the hotel and rent boys. From their awkward first meeting to their HEA, we share the growing attachment between the two men and Eliot’s journey from nieve to strong and proud in his support of Rick at his time of need. This is another sexy, sweet, low angst story which could easily be read as a stand alone but as the other boys in the hotel are also part of the story I would suggest starting at the beginning if you want a fuller understanding.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review.
 Rick has taken over Haven Hotel in more ways then one it seems when a handsome stranger walks in with a recommendation, just one thing the guy is shy and in deep need for the right man to show him just what a man can feel like. Eliot what was one night to be his real self without fear or judgment.. only will it be one night? When the Haven's file lands on his desk at the bank, just what is the right answer for him after he learns the truth.  Struggling with the the right choice maybe harder then trying to see if he really meant any thing to someone like Rick.
Both are trying out something new to them but just how far is it an act or real. Wow love the crew of Haven Hotel, they are more like family with some perks.

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

3.5 stars

This was ok. I just preferred book 1 more. This one was longer than the first but still a short story (about 3 hours). You could possibly read it as a standalone and make due if you just focus on the couple but to get a clearer picture of what is happening I would very much suggest reading book one so you understand the circumstances. Plus as I said I just liked that couple more than this one. Normally I love shy awkward characters but for some reason I just couldn't connect to Elliot. He was almost too awkward that it interfered with the chemisty. Also, I enjoyed the plot but unlike the last one that was a page turner, this one I put down a couple times. Though I did enjoy it overall.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just binged all four books in this series and I'm completely hooked. Stella has created a series about rent boys working out of a rundown London hotel and made all the characters sympathetic and real. Each book is better than the last.
Rick is too busy with the never-ending repairs to the Haven for love but one night behind the reception desk changes that. He is so attracted to the beautiful man who mistakes him for an escort that he can't say no when Eliot chooses him to be his companion for the evening.
Eliot wants to finally be himself and finds this bear of a man is just what he needs, but one night will never be enough.
I loved both men and their story, told in dual POVs. Their instant attraction grows and it was a pleasure to read their love story.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick inherited the Haven Hotel from his aunt and when he goes to see what he has, he meets a group of rent boys working out of the hotel. He lets them stay there. One night Eliot comes in, he’d been given a gift card. He picks Rick but Rick isn’t an escort, but he feels and immediate connection with the shy man. I loved their story, Rick and Eliot have amazing chemistry, sinfully hot and steamy. Overall, the story had a great pace, was really well written, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily leaving a review from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sexy romance. Rick was patient and kind with the rent boys working out of his inherited hotel, but he never thought he'd join them until Eliot walked in. Eliot had recently come out, and his ex sent him to the Haven Hotel to experience a night with another man. Eliot mistook Rick as an escort, and Rick was attracted enough to play along. These two had such heat together!
Along with the romantic storyline, we also saw Rick's stress and fears over possibly losing the hotel, and we saw Eliot's conflicting feelings over his job. I was very satisfied with how their issues worked out and helped them along with their happy ending.
This was a strong addition to the series!

[Arllau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second instalment in the new series Love at the Haven. It`s the story of Rick (the owner of the Haven Hotel) finding his true love, Elliot. I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment even more than the first. You get to know Rick and Elliot and all the interesting characters working at the Haven Hotel. This installment is even 69% longer than Dante giving you more time in characters world. I am looking forward to seeing how everyone's lives turn out.
I received this as an Advanced Reader`s Copy.

[Tessa Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick follows the newest owner of Haven Hotel. He is working hard to keep it running as it is and he’s struggling. You see a bunch of the characters from book one through this story. Then Eliot walks in and everything changes. Theres a connection and a relationship builds between the MC’s . Between struggling to keep the Hotel and Eliot , Rick just needs help finding his was. Such a fun quick read and will continue to read the series and see where it goes.

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the second in the series, I’d say it works fine as a stand-alone. It focuses on the owner of the hotel, Rick, and his growing connection with the sweet and inexperienced Eliot. I adored their developing relationship, from the initial awkward meeting, to their beautiful HEA. There is a bit of predictable angst but I didn’t feel like that detracted anything from the strength of Rick and Ethan’s journey together. A fun, sweet and lighthearted read!

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 was nice. I really did enjoy reading this. Low on the angst scale with a little steam but high on the romance. Rick finding happiness was a bonus. Eliot finding his way both personally and professionally. It really was fate that brought these two wonderful people together. They both saved each other...became partners in business and in love. Real nice.

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

[Margaret Emme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying the Series

Enjoyed Rick and Eliot finding each other at The Haven. Eliot is just finding himself after breaking up with his girlfriend and decides he prefers men. Enter Rick who runs a hotel for escorts. Mistaking Rick for an escort he hires him for a night, but instead finds everything he always wanted in a partner. Enjoyed all the quirky characters around this couple. Sweet and fluffy romance.

[Angel_Angiej · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely insta-love story with hot scènes between the owner of Haven, Rick, and Eliot, who is looking for a hot night to indulge himself for the first time ever after ending an engagement. But how do you start, what is the 'correct' way, is it o.k to follow your instinct, to do what feels good?

When the lust settles, and the paperwork is showing red numbers, is there a future for them and Haven?

[Siobhan Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected job for Rick turns into something special and I was hooked for the journey. Eliot was shy and sweet at first and became more confident and at the end showed his boss he wasn't going to be passive any more. Rick was great and I liked seeing things from his point of view and getting to know more about the men of Haven Hotel. Loved seeing Dante and friends and felt such empathy for Rick and his financial pickle. Interesting characters and a sweet but lovely story.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in the series titled Dante, I was very excited to read the story of Rick. He is so sweet and I loved how welcoming and accepting he was of the guys who working at the hotel. From the moment he met Eliot I started cheering for them to have a hea and I was not disappointed. I love how in finding himself Eliot found love.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Love Rick

What a lovely guy Rick is, so kind and loyal and so supportive of his rent boys who are his family. When I read Dante’s story I fell in love with Rick and wanted him to have his own HEA and Eliot is the perfect guy for him. With Eliot’s help the Haven Hotel lives to fight another day!

[Audrey Pott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous read from Stella, love the complex characters of The Haven hotel, this story is about Rick the owner and Eliot I loved how his character grew, humour a little angst, sensual scenes and most of all satisfying. Another book I’d read again.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this story for my honest review. This book is about the new owner of the Haven Hotel and all he tries to do to get the hotel back in good shape. I liked how Rick and Eliot became involved. This story has low angst with a HEA. Highly recommend this series, even though this is book 2 it can be a standalone.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good second story in the series.

This was fun and unexpectedly sweet, Rick doesn’t expect to find love, especially with a client, but there’s something about Eliot, but they have to break through one another’s walls first.
A good continuation of the story arc, and I look forward to the next book.