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A hot summer day in London, Tom's latest toy, and an intriguing client.
On a lazy Sunday afternoon in London at the Haven Hotel, the outrageous and uninhibited Tom introduces his fellow escorts to the joys of an inflatable hot tub in the garden, even if it’s more urban-casual than Florida-chic.
He gets mixed reactions: one of the guys finds it weird, another has better things to do, and the hotel owners are frantically trying to find time to have a private conversation involving some kind of proposal. Tom is left on his own to enjoy the tub, but that's okay because he's used to looking after himself. He's been on his own for years, he's never had someone caring for him alone, and he's never done 'Romance'. No, he's all about fun, friends, sexy times, and protecting his heart - because no one else will.
Until he’s joined by a sophisticated businessman, just passing through, who’s not only both hot and intriguing, but also seems fascinated by Tom. The escorts call their punters by nicknames, but Mr Flash isn’t remotely like Tom’s usual clientele. He's something much more special.
And what starts as a bit of fun, stirs up a whole new bunch of emotions. There may even be a future in it for them both.
This is a short story in the Love at the Haven series. Tom's own novel will appear later in the series!
A short story 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!
On a lazy Sunday afternoon in London at the Haven Hotel, the outrageous and uninhibited Tom introduces his fellow escorts to the joys of an inflatable hot tub in the garden, even if it’s more urban-casual than Florida-chic.
He gets mixed reactions: one of the guys finds it weird, another has better things to do, and the hotel owners are frantically trying to find time to have a private conversation involving some kind of proposal. Tom is left on his own to enjoy the tub, but that's okay because he's used to looking after himself. He's been on his own for years, he's never had someone caring for him alone, and he's never done 'Romance'. No, he's all about fun, friends, sexy times, and protecting his heart - because no one else will.
Until he’s joined by a sophisticated businessman, just passing through, who’s not only both hot and intriguing, but also seems fascinated by Tom. The escorts call their punters by nicknames, but Mr Flash isn’t remotely like Tom’s usual clientele. He's something much more special.
And what starts as a bit of fun, stirs up a whole new bunch of emotions. There may even be a future in it for them both.
This is a short story in the Love at the Haven series. Tom's own novel will appear later in the series!
A short story 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!
55 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2021
3 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Stella Shaw
14 books66 followersStella 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.
Join Stella's newsletter at http://bit.ly/stellashawNews or find her on Facebook at StellaShawAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 4, 2023
Tom is the fifth book in the ‘Love at the Haven’ series. It stars Tom, the sassy rent-boy, and Craig aka ‘Mr. Flash,’ a businessman. This is told in first person from Tom’s pov.
I was looking forward to reading Tom’s story. He’s quite a character when he shows up in this series. This book however, only gives a brief look at Tom and Craig, who appears to be the man Tom ends up with. I’d say this is more like a prologue story, or one of those ‘half’ books that pop up between novels or novellas. It’s like one long scene that reveals more about what makes Tom tick, and Craig, the ex-boss of Eliot and Simon who now work at the Haven in administerial jobs.
I won’t talk too much about the story because it’s short, but revolves around the hot tub and the interaction between Tom and Craig. It turns out that Craig is quite perceptive, observant, and figures out Tom in a very short time, which leaves Tom feeling a little vulnerable, but also intrigued. Craig doesn’t seem bothered by Tom’s boldness or sass, giving as good as he gets. I’m curious as to why both Eliot and Simon found Craig so difficult to work with because his interaction with Tom showed him to be an okay man although a bit bossy, but also maybe a bit on the Daddy side, a bit of a caretaker.
I’m glad to know there’s another book about Tom and Craig later in this series because these two are interesting. This book is certainly a lot better than the previous book, Liam, which I read not too long ago. I give Tom, 4 Stars, and can’t wait to read the next book about him.
I was looking forward to reading Tom’s story. He’s quite a character when he shows up in this series. This book however, only gives a brief look at Tom and Craig, who appears to be the man Tom ends up with. I’d say this is more like a prologue story, or one of those ‘half’ books that pop up between novels or novellas. It’s like one long scene that reveals more about what makes Tom tick, and Craig, the ex-boss of Eliot and Simon who now work at the Haven in administerial jobs.
I won’t talk too much about the story because it’s short, but revolves around the hot tub and the interaction between Tom and Craig. It turns out that Craig is quite perceptive, observant, and figures out Tom in a very short time, which leaves Tom feeling a little vulnerable, but also intrigued. Craig doesn’t seem bothered by Tom’s boldness or sass, giving as good as he gets. I’m curious as to why both Eliot and Simon found Craig so difficult to work with because his interaction with Tom showed him to be an okay man although a bit bossy, but also maybe a bit on the Daddy side, a bit of a caretaker.
I’m glad to know there’s another book about Tom and Craig later in this series because these two are interesting. This book is certainly a lot better than the previous book, Liam, which I read not too long ago. I give Tom, 4 Stars, and can’t wait to read the next book about him.
November 19, 2021
Thank goodness it said that Tom will get his own book later in the series. I know Tom has had a short fling story, but I was hoping this was his book. It felt like another trick/fling to me, so I'm not sure if this will lead to a bigger story, but I can hope so. I liked seeing this softer side to Tom, and I liked the chemistry between him and Craig. It was a great interlude that I wish were longer. More like a 3.5 star read, but bumping up because Tom is adorable.
August 23, 2021
Thank you Stella Shaw for this amusing and heartwarming short story about Tom, one of the adorable rent boys at the Haven Hotel.
Tom is a character with many facets to his personality, from his smart mouth, impulsiveness and wicked dress sense, all from bags left outside his favourite charity shops, he is also kind and smarter than people give him credit for.
His idea to buy the guys a hot tub for the tiny bit of yard behind the hotel (knock off) was hilarious and what followed a surprise.
Tom has watched as one by one all the rent boys are finding their HEA including his best friend Micah, but he has never wanted a relationship or love but then we don’t always get what we think we want!
I hope Tom gets a longer story as I feel there are even more layers to him that we haven’t seen yet.
Tom is a character with many facets to his personality, from his smart mouth, impulsiveness and wicked dress sense, all from bags left outside his favourite charity shops, he is also kind and smarter than people give him credit for.
His idea to buy the guys a hot tub for the tiny bit of yard behind the hotel (knock off) was hilarious and what followed a surprise.
Tom has watched as one by one all the rent boys are finding their HEA including his best friend Micah, but he has never wanted a relationship or love but then we don’t always get what we think we want!
I hope Tom gets a longer story as I feel there are even more layers to him that we haven’t seen yet.
December 15, 2021
Adorable definition: inspiring great affection or delight. This definition of adorable
is
Tom. In my eyes.
Tom is quick with an answer or a quip, a lover of knowing who's doing what, and to whom, a lover of eclectic fashion. He's the most quirky of the escorts at the Haven Hotel. This was short but fantastic. There was a lovely, endearing and whimsical quality to this novella. Tom will be - according to the above blurb - getting a longer story later on and I cannot wait. I'm reading my way though the Love at the Haven series and enjoying myself.
Tom is quick with an answer or a quip, a lover of knowing who's doing what, and to whom, a lover of eclectic fashion. He's the most quirky of the escorts at the Haven Hotel. This was short but fantastic. There was a lovely, endearing and whimsical quality to this novella. Tom will be - according to the above blurb - getting a longer story later on and I cannot wait. I'm reading my way though the Love at the Haven series and enjoying myself.
March 24, 2022
Loved it!
I loved Tom: Love at the Haven by Stella Shaw. It's the fifth book in the Rent Boy series. I loved getting to see Tom with someone who actually sees Tom. The scene at the hot tub between Tom and Craig was hot. I can't wait to read their full story which is book eight of the Rent Boy series.
I loved Tom: Love at the Haven by Stella Shaw. It's the fifth book in the Rent Boy series. I loved getting to see Tom with someone who actually sees Tom. The scene at the hot tub between Tom and Craig was hot. I can't wait to read their full story which is book eight of the Rent Boy series.
May 14, 2022
A cute little short where Tom sets up an inflatable hot tub in the backyard on their day off. While there he has some observations about the other people at the Haven and Eliot's former boss shows up and ends up alone with Tom and the hot tub setting up another book for the two of them. Just cute and fun.
August 24, 2021
Tom is ever a surprise. Just when you think you know what to expect from him, he changes things up. That hot tub mix up-- I didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or squee!!
My only complaint is it all ended too soon. I wanted more!! These guys are brilliant and have stolen my heart.
My only complaint is it all ended too soon. I wanted more!! These guys are brilliant and have stolen my heart.
August 24, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised with Tom's short story. We get to see a bit of the real person that Tom is. I can only hope that there will be a Love at the Haven #5.5 or #6 letting Tom find his HEA"
I received this short story as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
I received this short story as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
November 29, 2021
Tom is a short story in the series and follows Tom and a fling/Trick. Craig’s story. It is an overall quick and steamy read with a nice storyline and interesting characters. Well worth the read and looking forward to reading the other rent-boy's stories in the Haven hotel.
December 28, 2021
Love Tom with all of his sass and quirkiness - and I liked seeing him drop some of his protective layers with ‘Mr Flash’. I hope this develops into something more as Tom deserves his HEA - as does Craig too it seems!
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July 3, 2021Currently available as a FREE giveaway at the Red Hot Romance Summer promotion until 15 Jul 2021 here: bit.ly/redhotsummerSS. Reviews much appreciated xx
September 10, 2021
It felt unfinished. Definitely doesn't count as a HEA, which all the books in the series are supposed to be.
April 13, 2025
3,5 stars.
Short but sweet, and it made me even more eager to get Tom's full story!
Short but sweet, and it made me even more eager to get Tom's full story!
October 2, 2021
Great book.
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2021
The cheekiest of the rent boys gets a moment in the sun
I have read The Flat Tyre - Tom's Tricks #1, the short story that introduces Tom and is a precursor to the Love at the Haven series. I loved Tom, who is quite a character, and it made me want to read the series. I have now binged books 1-4 and was very happy when I found this new story free in a Bookfunnel promotion.
Tom has appeared in all four books as a cheeky, flirty, nosy, lovable character. He is always around when you don't want him to be, wearing designer clothes he has found at charity shops, looking outrageous and gorgeous and acting more outrageously. He is fiercely loyal and protective towards his fellow Haven boys though, and they are fond of him, however much they roll their eyes at his antics.
This story of his encounter with an older man on a hot summer afternoon at the Haven gives us far more of an insight into him than we have previously had. The man seems to understand him and is not afraid of showing his own feelings, both of which throws Tom completely. He is all at sea (almost literally, being stuck in a hot tub!) and seeing him at a loss for words for once is marvellous.
I hope he gets his HEA at the end of the series but in the meantime, this will hold me over until he next appears.
I have read The Flat Tyre - Tom's Tricks #1, the short story that introduces Tom and is a precursor to the Love at the Haven series. I loved Tom, who is quite a character, and it made me want to read the series. I have now binged books 1-4 and was very happy when I found this new story free in a Bookfunnel promotion.
Tom has appeared in all four books as a cheeky, flirty, nosy, lovable character. He is always around when you don't want him to be, wearing designer clothes he has found at charity shops, looking outrageous and gorgeous and acting more outrageously. He is fiercely loyal and protective towards his fellow Haven boys though, and they are fond of him, however much they roll their eyes at his antics.
This story of his encounter with an older man on a hot summer afternoon at the Haven gives us far more of an insight into him than we have previously had. The man seems to understand him and is not afraid of showing his own feelings, both of which throws Tom completely. He is all at sea (almost literally, being stuck in a hot tub!) and seeing him at a loss for words for once is marvellous.
I hope he gets his HEA at the end of the series but in the meantime, this will hold me over until he next appears.
August 22, 2021
I love Tom and this new glimpse of him was wonderful. Dare we hope we have finally seen the man for him? I can’t wait until he gets his own HEA but for now, this small window into his life will keep me going. A great short from the amazing Haven Hotel series that is well worth the read.
November 12, 2022
A gorgeous short tale featuring Tom, the outrageous Haven mascot and a knock-off blow up hot tub where he meets Craig, Eliot's former boss who disgraced himself with his hard-nosed business attitude in Rick and Eliot's story.
But here we see a softer side to both these characters as sparks fly between them, with the promise that this is only the start of things...
But here we see a softer side to both these characters as sparks fly between them, with the promise that this is only the start of things...
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews