Even the best Daddies can’t keep the storms of life away… but they’ll always try.
Morning news anchor Neil Klein has loved being in love for nearly six months with the best kind of “Daddy” ever—his boyfriend and bodyguard, Brody Johnson. Sassy as ever, Neil keeps his man busy at work and even busier at home. And Brody wouldn’t have it any other way. Love has made both their lives complete. Seriously, things couldn’t be better.
Except their idyllic life is about to face its first storm… literally. A tropical El Niño storm is headed toward San Diego, but they’re prepared. A surprise visit from Brody’s family is tense but doable. The real stormcloud ruining their week is that Neil’s stalker appears to be at it again. Brody will have to be prepared for anything to keep Neil safe and happy during the worst week ever.
This is a 31k novella, the second in the News Boy trilogy. Watch out for cranky old men, a little who’s really a middle, and a prudish dog who won’t let anyone have fun. You’ll probably catch yourself giggling out loud, but what else can you expect from a Susan Hawke book?
Susan 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.
Adorable! I love this couple, they're incredibly cute together and I hope this series runs forever.
It was great to see these two find love in News Boy, but it's even better to get a peek into their day to day life in Storm Front. Plus we get to meet the family, which gives Susan Hawke all kinds of possibilities for what could come next, and I'm definitely looking forward to it.
Sweet, with just enough sizzle - plus a little mystery, the News Boy Trilogy is a guaranteed good time. Especially when enjoyed in audio, performed by the marvelous Michael Dean. His voices are great for these characters. He sure knows when to emphasize the humor, and always makes the most of the sexytimes by adding his special brand of romance. Highly recommend.
an audiobook copy of Storm Front was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Same rating as before, and same feelings as last time with this being a filler book. I loved Pops interaction with the two guys and them meeting the families.
3.5 stars August 2022
Compared to book one, not as entertaining, kinda a filler book in my opinion!
My favorite scene was when Neil was doing the news broadcast from home because of the storm and things didn't quite go smoothly...
Everything was going as fine as could be expected until partway into the second hour, when a super-loud peal of thunder sounded directly overhead. Pops screamed and threw himself out of his chair, using his hands to pull himself in a belly crawl toward the door with a terrified expression on his face. He was shouting something about Charlie, crawling for his life. Both cats jumped on the table and raced directly in front of the camera. Then they leaped back down and knocked over the green screen, which crashed into the china hutch behind me, sending several thousand dollars worth of dinnerware to the floor. Unfortunately, the sound whipped Pops into an even worse frenzy. Forgetting all about my fun pajama pants and the two undone buttons at the bottom of my shirt, I lurched to my feet. Brody looked flummoxed for the first time since I had known him. He glanced back and forth between me and his father, as if trying to decide who needed his help more. (..) “Sorry about the commotion over here, Brittany. For the viewers paying attention, the fine hunk of man you saw not merely protects me but is also my boyfriend. I promise we aren’t in the habit of throwing old men on the floor. The briefly seen gentleman was Brody’s father—a Vietnam veteran who served his country proudly in its hour of need and, like so many other soldiers, has invisible, permanent wounds. As for my choice in apparel, I will fight anyone who works at home and swears they don’t take advantage of wearing sweats or PJs on the bottom. As long as it’s business on top, yeah?”
As we drifted off side by side, I couldn’t help but smile at my luck. Having Neil in my life was better than winning the lottery or Christmas and my birthday combined. Neil was my boyfriend, my cute and needy ‘middle’ boy, and pretty much the reason I woke up every morning with a smile on my face. Basically, he was my world.
This was the sweetest sequel ever. I love a very fluffy low angst book and this hit the mark perfectly.
I loved seeing Brody and Neil again, they’re still such a sweet couple and I adored how there was no relationship angst in this. I just loved seeing how strong these two are together and I always love seeing how daddy Brody takes care of his boy, he’s so damn good to him.
I really enjoyed the side storyline with Brody’s father, he was a very entertaining character and I had a good time getting to know him and I loved how friendly he got with Neil and how he stood up for him, it was damn lovely.
All in all this was just pure fluff and fun and I adored it very much.
Neil and Brody are back, and I'm totally down for it. Neil is still his sweet and bratty self and he is even more in love with Brody, and vice versa. Then, Brody's dad shows up.
This was a fun sequel to News Boy! Neil and Brody experienced several turbulent days in this follow up story including unexpected visits from family, El Niño storms, cockblocking pets, and suspicious flower deliveries. All’s well that ends well, although there is reason to believe another book in the series may be forthcoming as there is mention of marriage in the future and Boyd’s brother Jake is stuck in a Tijuana jail as of the end of this book
This was such a sweet, fun, feel-good story with just a touch of suspense to keep things interesting. Neil and Brock are pretty much settled into their relationship and I just adored seeing them together, they're just so perfect in their respective roles as middle boy and his daddy. I also loved Brock's father and the way he accepted his son's new relationship.
Michael Dean did such a fantastic job with the audiobook. He has the perfect voice for Neil in both of his personas and his Brock is to die for. I'm amazed that he always does such a great job in every single book I listen to him narrate. Very recommendable!
Neil and Brody are back! I was hoping I hadn’t heard the end of them after the first novella in the series, and I was thrilled to see their return. I wanted more of the tough Brody who is a bodyguard by day and a gentle Daddy at night. And, of course, Neil. Ah, Neil. Snarky news broadcaster by day and little eight-year-old by night. Although I have no interest in being a little, I can appreciate the desire to – as he puts it – regress. To let someone else handle all the important stuff. To just enjoy juice and Lego.
All well and good, but real life has a way of rearing its ugly head. First there’s Brody’s brother and father just dropping in. Then there’s the tropical El Niño storm bearing down on San Diego. Oh, and did I mention Neil’s stalker is back? Those flower deliveries are unnerving to say the least.
So what did all this give me? A great story with plenty of love, affection, and a bit of sexy times thrown in. Oh, and a temper tantrum. Have to have a temper tantrum. Oh, and there’s the wardrobe malfunction. Needless to say, I enjoyed myself plenty, even laughing out loud a time or two. Susan Hawke always delivers a great story. And if I saw another episode of Brody and Neil? I would seize that one as well.
Of course the story wouldn’t be complete without Michael Dean’s wonderful narration. As always, stellar job.
I loved this lighthearted story. While it’s the second in the News Boy trilogy, I actually think it could be read without reading book 1 first. The author does a good job of referencing things that happened in book one that we need to know in this story. Like the first installment of this series, this one didn’t really end on a cliffhanger either; it has a satisfying HFN but I’m really looking forward to the third book.
Once again, the blurb is really great so I won’t rehash it. I’ll just say that this book made me LOL in several places but there were also tense moments while Neil and Brody were worried about Neil’s stalker showing up again.
The meshing of Neil and Brody’s family members really made it entertaining. I especially loved the voice that Michael Dean did for Brody’s dad; he’s done another fantastic job with this audiobook. Also, the twist near the end was pretty surprising.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
This was a cute follow-up with Neil and Brody happily living together when out of the blue Brody's father and brother show up for a visit. He hasn't seen them in 5 years and his hippy dippy brother takes off suspiciously leaving them with grumpy father in a ... not a wheelchair but rider with his dog. It also seems like Neil's stalker is back.
I really adored Brody's Dad despite his Trumpkin ways. He was so accepting and open to Neil and Brody's relationship and didn't have a problem with Neil being a middle. It was so funny when he started talking about him and his wife (Brody's mom) using the hair brush to spank her. Of course none of us want to think about our parents having sex and being kinky. I also loved how he put Neil's narcissistic mother in her place when she criticized Neil for being weird.
There wasn't too much drama but Pops made the book.
Brody and Neil have a few new adventures set for them, this time in the form of family and an upcoming storm. In this cute second book of the News Boy Series, Neil gets to meet Brody’s family then be stuck in at home during a storm.
I enjoyed the follow up to News Boy, dare I say even more than the first, and I can’t wait for the third book to come out. Neil and Brody were open and honest with Brody’s dad, Jim. I found the interactions to be fun and interesting. Once I started, I couldn’t stop, and finished this book in one go.
Michael Dean does a great job of drawing you in and keeping you interested in the characters he brings to life.
*Listener Note: I received a free copy of this audiobook through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
This second book in the News Boy Trilogy really let me see Neil and Brody a bit into their future and how their relationship has strengthened and changed. The age-play is still quite mild and all sexual contact is with Neil in Adult mode, so no worries. I liked that Brody is still protective of Neil in every facet of their life and having that safety ruffled puts him on high alert. I adored Brody's dad, Jim. The man is irreverent, rude, and has some antiquated ideas. He also amazed me with his acceptance of not only his gay son but of his lifestyle. Between the storms, of every variety, showing up in their life, Neil and Brody just pull together and grow stronger as a couple.
Audiobook: the narrator's take on the characters wasn't my favorite but he did a great job with clarity
News Boy: Storm Front by Susan Hawke is the second book in the News Boy Trilogy This is a quick and fun story that had me laughing and smiling and loving every word. Neil and Brody are amazing characters with a sweet and sexy connection, and the secondary characters are crazy fun and hilarious. A dash of suspense, but mostly hilarious antics, this story is great entertainment.
Michael Dean narrates the audiobook and does a fantastic job making these colorful characters pop and bringing tge action of the story to life. The recording was smooth and the voice performance enjoyable.
Love seeing these characters again and seeing how they're doing. It's been a few months since Neil and Brody got together and it's great to see how well they're doing. This story has them dealing with a big storm, unexpected family visits, and mysterious gifts. Great watching them wade through everything together and seeing that they can truly weather any storm as long as they're together! The narrator did a great job with the characters and the story and I can't wait for their next story! I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this audio book.
(2.5) the first one was slightly more enjoyable, but this one was sweet as well. i just wanted more of brody and neil together, instead of brody's dad staying with them, the dog cockblocking them, and then neil's mom appearing at the end. 😂 at first, i was pissed off dylan would show up again, but good thing the plot didn't go in that direction. brody's dad was also quite jarring and said some stupid shit, but at least he was supportive of their lifestyle and relationship. on to the last book!
*This review is posted for all 3 books of the trilogy*
One thing that I love about these stories are the characters. They are fun and quirky, a little over the top, but in a good way. There is plenty of banter and shenanigans, but there is plenty of sweet feel good moments too. The heat is there too. There are plenty of fun sexy times to add a little bit of bite.
As great as the characters were I found the storyline and conflicts a little weak and lackluster. The conflicts were predictable and/or cringe inducing.
Not a standalone – must be read after News Boy. This is a hilarious and fun-filled addition to Brody and Neil’s tale with some highly entertaining antics including dubious dealings with a Mexican cartel, a cockblocking basset hound and some Iron Man pants that were never meant to be seen on national TV.
I really love Neil and Brody and I'm so happy we got a second book with them. It was sweet and I really liked seeing their relationship grow. The plot was interesting and like in the first book the chemistry between Neil and Brody was fantastic. I really hope we'll get more books in this series because I can't get enough.
Back with bratty middle Neil and his Daddy, Brody. Six months into their relationship, they have to face a storm and, much more worrisome, their families! Funny, sweet and with the right amount of steaminess added into the mix. I love Susan Hawke’s mix of sweetness and sexiness, and I adore Michael Dean’s narration!
I've missed these guys and was so thrilled to see them again, this time with family drama! Pops was a phenomenal addition to the story and really shed light on what was working in their relationship and how well they fit together. I'm excited for the last bit of the trilogy to ensure they weather all the storms!
If you are into happy endings with great romance coupled with humour then this Series is for you. A Daddy and his boy and their family members is in this book 2 and very endearing plus a Storm to scare the living daylights out of a member or two.
These cuties were adorable in their first book and keep getting sweeter. This was a good representation of family being overwhelming at times! Such a cute story!
What can be scarier than a bad storm or a possible stalker? Family, that's what! This was a funny little follow up to the original story with all kinds of shenanigans involved.