Finding Shelter by M.J. O’Shea
This is the third book in the Rock Bay series.
- Coming Home (book # 1)
- Letting Go (book # 2)
- Finding Shelter (book #3)
Finding Shelter by M.J. O’Shea
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Blurb…
Justin Foster has nineteen years of nothing but trouble behind him. After escaping his abusive father, he finds himself in Rock Bay, Washington, with his cousin Travis. Justin is bruised and has a hard time trusting, but with the help of his family and the small town, he might be able to heal.
Logan O’Brien is also new in town, hoping he can finally get away from his past and the memories of the girlfriend who shattered his heart. It doesn’t take him long to realize Rock Bay can be more than safe harbor: it can also be home. And for the first time in his life, he finds himself captivated by a man—by Justin.
Justin is attracted to Logan too, but he’s also wary. Physically, Logan reminds him a bit too much of the closeted jerks who used to beat him up after school. But after one awkwardly amazing kiss, he’s smitten, despite how his past and insecurities continue to haunt him. Logan’s love, faith, and stubbornness are just what Justin needs to believe their love is worth fighting for.
So what did I think?
I very much enjoyed how this romance played out!
Justin’s story is slightly stereotypical – he is a gay boy from a small town with a drunk and abusive father. After one bashing too many, he flees to Rock Bay where his cousin Travis lives. His cousin works in Lex and Tally’s coffee shop but is leaving town which means Justin can take his job.
The characters from the first two books all make an appearance (no significant storylines) but enough to offer their support to Justin. Justin does not have any friends, is not really very used to people and is still nervous.
“At least Rock Bay was big enough to have a few other fairies. Sure, they were a little too old to really be his friends in anything other than the boss and mentor category, but it made Justin feel better to know they were there.”
Logan, Mason’s best friend from book 2, is a straight guy who turns out not to be so straight after all! He is instantly attracted to Justin’s beautiful looks.
“And you’re not even a little freaked by it? Justin’s a guy, Loogs. You’re straight.”
“I guess everyone has their exception.”
I loved the way the relationship was handled with neither man rushing into anything. Firstly they don’t share their feelings with each other, Justin because he thinks Logan is straight and Logan because he doesn’t want to make the first move on the fragile Justin. Once the first move is made, the sexual exploration is also handled gently. “It was so new for both of them: Logan with a guy, Justin with anyone at all.
The plot was a little formulaic with some drama provided by Justin’s father but the book is more focused on the emotional journey as the two men realise that they are looking to a future together and what they have is not temporary.
A nice 3.5 star read.
For more information on M.J. O’Shea and her book visit the website.
Buy the series at Amazon.