A Nothing Special New Year

Nothing Special #7.5

by A.E. Via

New Year’s Eve is usually a night of fun and wild celebrations, but for a police officer, it can be the most dangerous night of the year.

Officer Ellis Mason has worked as a beat cop on the streets of Atlanta for over eight years, and he knows what it takes to survive them. But when Lieutenant Godfrey and his infamous narcotics task force issue a dire warning about a lethal drug that’s coming to the city, Mason finds himself fighting a war he’s not trained for, with God pushing him beyond his limits.

Mason and his partner are both on high alert, but the moment he stops the tall, handsome drifter who wandered into town—with the saddest brown eyes he’s ever seen—Mason knows he doesn’t belong.

Jesse Holstrom is lost and possibly in trouble, but Mason’s instincts tell him that it isn’t the drug-dealing kind. Every night that Mason patrols by and sees Jesse huddled on a park bench, cold and alone, it pulls at his heart a little more. Mason doesn’t know how the young man ended up homeless and lost in his neighborhood, but when Jesse ends up on God’s radar, Mason knows he doesn’t have long to find out.

Mason promised himself he wouldn’t let a good thing slip through his fingers again… not this year.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, LGBT, Crime, Novella

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2021

About the author

A.E. Via is an author in the beautiful gay romance genre and also founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books. Her writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to spicy to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

When she's not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family--a husband and four children.

Adrienne Via has tons of more stories to tell, but she really would like to hear yours. Via Star Wings Books is currently accepting submissions for established and aspiring LGBTQ authors. I've contracted and successfully published a couple authors - whose information can be found on my website - who can tell you that my passion is giving other writer's stories the love and care it deserves so it could be a gift to another. Visit my site to learn more!

Go to A.E. Via's official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she'll appear next.

Reviews

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4**** stars
re-read on audio

Gaaawwwwd I could listen to Aiden Snow all day long!!! The first time the audio for this novella wasn’t yet available. And ofc I needed to have it, because…

Gawd I love this series . Yeah yeah they’re all pretty bad ass cops with a bad ass attitude and ofc they know it —what makes them do what they do all a bit extra on top. Yeah yeah. Sometimes I’m not even sure WHY I love it so much, but honestly…

A.E. Via could tell the most boring story ever written with these guys involved, let Aiden narrate it and I. Would. Eat. That. Shit. Up! That’s how much I love it! Just so we’re clear!


And besides (and back to this novella), Officer Mason and the seemingly homeless young man that is Jesse are such cutie pies. Under all these bad asses *lol


Also… I like the covers for the newer books. Until book #5 they look pretty outdated. Somehow I hope they’ll get a redo one day.



**************
Nothing Special Series

Book 1 - Nothing Special - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Embracing His Syn - 4 stars
Book 3 - Here Comes Trouble - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Don’t Judge - 3.25 stars
Book 5 - Nothing Special V - 4.5 stars
Book 6 - SWAT Ed: His Hart’s Command - 4.5 stars
Book 7 - Ex Meridian - 4.5 stars
Book 7.5 - A Nothing Special New Year - 4 stars
Book 8 - SWAT Ed: Fox & Bull - 4.5 stars

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but super sweet instalment

I wished I'd realised that this one happens before book eight but it doesn't actually spoil much for that book fortunately.

Mason and Jesse were super sweet together and I liked how the plot slowly unfolded with them crossing paths as Jesse did his best to stay out of trouble.

Free was his usual super geeky genius self and God was his usual arrogant self too!

Jesse's friend Worm needed a right good shake mind, he infuriated me!

[Jazer (catching up on TBRs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two kind-hearted men of integrity in some sort of like at first sight. ❤️

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't exactly a novella but it is a much shorter addition to the series that features our favorite task force members who as usual are working hard to keep Atlanta safe. The story revolves around a couple of the non-task force members. Officer Mason and his partner are on beat patrol when they find Jesse Holstrom who has been wandering the streets homeless and broke after traveling to Atlanta after a friend invites him to stay with him. However, said friend was arrested for procession of drugs, on his way to pick Jesse up from the bus station. In some ways this was a blessing in itself, however it left Jesse alone in a strange, sometimes dangerous city, struggling. One of his saviors...Ellis Mason, is smitten with him and after Jesse nearly starving and freezing to death, Mason convinces Jesse to trust him and their relationship begins. There is, of course a much larger story before we get to the happy ever after part...but it's well worth the wait.

[AussieMum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and fun little addition to the series. Not much happened in the way of the drugs plot as it was all resolved off page but the swift romance was satisfying and the cameos from God, Day and the gang were written really well as they were ever-present but never took over the story of Mason and Jesse.

As an avid fan of the “foursome” in this series, I can’t help but wish the author would do a little novella like this that people could just skip over if they didn’t want to deal with sex outside a relationship. Me, I’d read the heck out of it. 🤣🤣

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one for the most part. I struggled a bit with the timeline and for an intelligent guy Jesse took a hell of a lot of risks. I know he was in a bad position but surely there was something he could have done.
But Mason is such a cutie and I loved these two together.

[Zuzu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

All I can say is that this author isn’t for me. I started the first book in the main series several years ago, and nothing’s changed.

I’ll leave it at that.

[Bitchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The timing was a little wonky for me. I guess Jess was on the streets for a couple of weeks? But he never tries to get help or work or anything, but he’s a college graduate.

Also, there’s a scene where he mentions being shot at, but I guess I missed it? I even went back, and all I found was him being roughed up, and God’s men helping him out.

I guess this one just felt rushed, and not just because it’s short, but because it’s disjointed to me.

[Della Slight Hiatus Senpai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohh how I've missed my Nothing Special Hot Boyz 🥰😍🤩😘❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Not going to lie the only thing that disappointed me honestly was the length of the audiobook. Barely 4 hours 😪. But I still enjoyed it. And is one of my favorite series EVER!!!!!!! CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT AUDIO BOOK...

And Aiden Snow as usual can talk the syrup off of a stack of pancakes....lordt help meee 🎧🎧🎧🎧.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*
I liked the idea of this story, more than the actual story itself. But it was nice to see both Jesse and Mason happy together, so that's the rounding up to 3*.

*I have not read any of the other books in this series but that had no bearing on my rating. You definitely can tell this is part of a larger series but I feel like it works fine as a standalone.

[Ronie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella presents one of my fears. This one could happen irl. Well, it did happen to three of my cousins. With only one returning home with a pulse.

Any way Jesse was kicked out of his aunts home. Well let's see how far a degree in elementary school teaching, will take you on the streets. I mean that's twice that Jesse. Mister I Can Do It Myself, asked for help.

Here enters Officer Mason...what an adventure. The best entry into a new year.

Happy reading! #atravelinglibrarian #roniemichelle

[Bethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly just love A.E Via's books as always , especially the Nothing Special series! Really loved this book and honestly can't wait until the next one it out!

[Noona [ON theStoryGraph] · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short installment in this fantastic series. There are many side characters that I've met along the way that I've wanted to get to know more about and this story satisfied that.

[Verónica Fleitas Solich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ridiculously adorable.
Nothing more to add.

[Ninni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason and Jesse - sweet short story. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, I love the special task team set up and how aptly named God is. Poor Jessie. Took a while for me to remember who Mason was, the same with Steele and Tech. Just means a re-read. I’ll probably wait until Fox’s book is out. I felt sorry for Jessie, the guy literally is as innocent as they come. I would’ve thought God was a bit more sympathetic towards him, but maybe Free wasn’t listening in and passing on a word by word play. Mason’s computer fails made me laugh. It felt a bit strange with Mason and Free, borderline chemistry. I did like how Free kept popping up randomly and God being a cock block. Nice holiday addition to the series.

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I loved Officer Mason when we first met him and he just grew on me even more and so happy he found his HEA with Jesse. Jesse is so sweet and kind and struggling big time after losing what little security he had left.

This story was a perfect story for the guys as both are sweet, caring, super intellectual. Throw in special appearances by our favorite narcotics task force and there is nothing more you can ask for

AE has set up Fox and Bulls book perfectly in this book and I can’t wait.

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute addition to the series. Mason deserved his own story and what a perfect love this author found for him!

Nothing Special Series
Book 1 - Nothing Special - 3.5
Book 2 - Embracing His Syn - 4.0
Book 3 - Here Comes Trouble - 3.0
Book 4 - Don’t Judge - 4.0
Book 5 - Nothing Special V - 5.0
Book 6 - His Hart’s Command - 3.0
Book 7 - Ex Meridian - 3.5
Book 7.5 - A Nothing Special New Year 4.0

[Thamyres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like A. E. Via's books.
They're corny, but highly entertaining.
I had fun with this little novella.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason is a beat cop we have seen in previous books. He's the really, really (like really) severely technologically challenged one that Free often helps out and has become friends with. On patrol one night, he sees Jesse who is sleeping rough and though Jesse is suspected of drug dealing, the two show each other small acts of kindness and are clearly very attracted to each other.

Jesse is homeless through no fault of his own, having headed to Atlanta to escape a difficult home situation. When he arrives the friend he was to stay with has disappeared and with no money he finds himself on the streets. He draws the attention of God and Day's unit but unrelated to that, also Mason's attention.

Discovering the joy of Mason in this book was a delight. He had a crush on both God and Free!!! As he didn't act on either both have partners and he is feeling very alone 😥. Though now Free, as his friend, is so affectionate with him its almost excruciating to read. I felt so bad for him - he is totally just the sweetest guy!

This was a novella so the story is pretty short (just over three hours of audio) but the relationship development was cute. Both the MCs were really likeable though Jesse was very innocent and it was heartbreaking to see how he struggled in trying to help his friend and also stay safe.
This was just a very sweet (and 🔥) little listen. I adored seeing Free so comfortable with his friends and the glimpses of the other task force members. And the lead in to Fox and Bull's story was irresistible.

Oh, and yes. Narration by Aiden Snow? 🥵 as always!

[AshPenny37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atlanta Police Officer Ellis Mason's appearance (when Free offers him some very much needed IT support in his and Hart's book) made me like the sweet if technically challenged man, but I totally love him in this story. In this novella, he is in the spotlight when he helps and falls for Jesse, a newcomer to the city who draws the attention of God's task force.

A Nothing Special New Year is a great blend of police procedural with sequences where Mason is on shift with his partner, the narrative of the young man whose circumstances leave him trying to survive in a terrible situation whilst maintaining his safety and his integrity; and where these two meet there is the super sweet burgeoning romance.

This is a fabulous addition to the Nothing Special series, which wouldn't be complete without a little cameo of our favourite narcotics task force in all their alpha glory. We also get the set up for the next main book in the sequence. I cannot wait for Fox and Bull's story and I hope we get to check in with Mason and Jesse in the future too. 5*

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much!! I have been waiting for Ellis to get his book. He has seen everyone find there one and that is what he wants, to find his one. He meets Jesse and there is an instant attraction between them. I love that we get to see the couples from previous books. Now the narration was 🥵🥵 Aiden snow is one of my fav narrators.

[I~❤️~Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story- ✮3.5 Stars✮
AudioBook Narration- ✮5 Stars✮ 💗

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mason ♥︎ Jesse


This was way too short, by the time the MCs got together everything happened way too fast, I blinked and it was over. Which is a bummer because the characters were endearing and seemed to be perfect for each other. I would’ve liked to see the relationship progression after Jesse had started a job and how things went from there.


Also, what was up with the beginning with Mason trying not to have a physical reaction to Free being close to him ? It was kinda awkward how Free was acting flirty but the author is quick to correct that thought by saying that Free is happily with Hart ( the MCs from book 6) and that since he’s happily in love with his partner Mason knows it’s not flirting. There’s a way to think someone is endearingly cute without it seeming flirtatious and it just rubbed me the wrong way especially since I had just read Free and Hart’s book. It’s very minor and isn’t meant to be flirty, guess it’s just meant to show that Mason had a crush on Free and was waiting for the right time to ask him out but the right time never came cos Free and Hart got together and Mason isn’t going to make the same mistake of not going for what he wants but 😒

[Krissreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short story about a young man, Jesse (20’s) who leaves a shit situation by moving to Atlanta to be with his best friend. Only his best friend came up short leaving him to fend for himself which is where he meets the ever so lovely patrol officer Mason (30’s)… I loveeeeee these two 🥺

Mason and Jesse are so freaking sweet and honestly deserve everything bless them! I loved that it was straightforward and pulled you in without bullshit. Not to mention how Free looks after Mason and fucks with Vazquez yet again 😂😂


Audiobook: 🎧🎧🎧
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Finnegan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mason, a beat cop, met Jesse, a homeless drifter, on the mean streets of Atlanta. Jesse was recently graduated, but homelss because of vague reasons that made no sense. More nonsensical actions followed, then BANG!! All over, happily ever after, God and his team was somehow involved, I was super bored and don't care anymore.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun little story. It took me some time to figure out who Mason was, and when I did I was so happy to be getting a story for him. It was quick and sweet, and I hope he and Jesse pop up again in the future.

[Pye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Nothing Special series!

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. I really do like this series and this was another good book. Not my favorite but still entertaining.