What do you think?
Rate this book
At Last, The Beloved #2
Be Mine
“My job is to protect you, not like you.”
After years of being bounced around the foster care system and an unwanted medical discharge from the Army, Jase Walker has finally found a place for himself as a bodyguard with Byrne Security. His loyalty to his job goes beyond professional dedication; the Byrnes treat him like family—the one thing he’s always wanted—and he’s not going to risk messing that up just because his newest client gets under his skin.
Kelly Davis, founder of the popular gay dating app bLoved, is a hopeless romantic, but for Kelly, nothing is more hopeless than finding someone to love. His outgoing, hot-tempered personality and high-profile life help him hide his loneliness, but when a series of personal threats force him out of the public eye, the only thing he has to distract himself with is the maddeningly stoic bodyguard who drives him crazy.
When Kelly’s impulsive nature puts him at risk, the two men are forced into a situation that will either bring out the worst in each of them, or help them find the one thing they need the most… each other.
Be Mine is a gay romance novel of approximately 81,000 words that features a tough guy who like chick flicks, creepy death threats sewn into pillows, and a cocky-mouthed man convinced that he’ll never find love. It has a Happily Ever After ending, no pesky cliffhangers, and can be read as a standalone… but if you enjoy Kelly and Jase’s story, be sure to keep an eye out for the other two books in the series! Enjoy!
After years of being bounced around the foster care system and an unwanted medical discharge from the Army, Jase Walker has finally found a place for himself as a bodyguard with Byrne Security. His loyalty to his job goes beyond professional dedication; the Byrnes treat him like family—the one thing he’s always wanted—and he’s not going to risk messing that up just because his newest client gets under his skin.
Kelly Davis, founder of the popular gay dating app bLoved, is a hopeless romantic, but for Kelly, nothing is more hopeless than finding someone to love. His outgoing, hot-tempered personality and high-profile life help him hide his loneliness, but when a series of personal threats force him out of the public eye, the only thing he has to distract himself with is the maddeningly stoic bodyguard who drives him crazy.
When Kelly’s impulsive nature puts him at risk, the two men are forced into a situation that will either bring out the worst in each of them, or help them find the one thing they need the most… each other.
Be Mine is a gay romance novel of approximately 81,000 words that features a tough guy who like chick flicks, creepy death threats sewn into pillows, and a cocky-mouthed man convinced that he’ll never find love. It has a Happily Ever After ending, no pesky cliffhangers, and can be read as a standalone… but if you enjoy Kelly and Jase’s story, be sure to keep an eye out for the other two books in the series! Enjoy!
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2017
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 6, 2017
~3.5~
Be Mine takes place at the same time as Be True, and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Be True first for best results.
I'm a goner for the bodyguard, not to mention the enemies-to-lovers, trope and this story has both, plus oodles of unfulfilled sexual tension.
Jase is Kelly's bodyguard, and he takes his job very seriously. Kelly has been receiving death threats related to bLoved, the dating site he created so gay men could find true love. A stalker is blaming Kelly for taking away his boyfriend.
The police officer in charge of the case, who is also Jase's best friend, insists that Kelly needs to go into hiding. But Kelly is the face of bLoved and about to launch a big publicity campaign. He's not happy about being stuck with a babysitter and makes Jase's job as hard as possible.
Kelly is mouthy and takes stupid risks that put both his and Jase's life in danger. He argues with Jase about everything. Jase is stoic and silent, barely acknowledging Kelly's existence, which irritates Kelly all the more.
Kelly and Jase don't like each other . . . or maybe they like each other a little too much.
Their desire burns hot and bright just beneath the surface. After such a long buildup, I expected a lot of down 'n' dirty, but, much to my indignation, this book was only moderately steamy.
The suspense/mystery wasn't really believable, but it did add tension to the story. I suspect we'll learn more in book 3, which is Brandon's (the police officer) story.
I also think Jase's disability was almost glossed over. I'm glad it wasn't the main focus of the story, but I didn't believe he would have been able to hide it from Kelly for so long. And once the secret was out, it wasn't mentioned again. I was kind of bummed because I love imperfect MCs and a good dose of hurt-comfort.
Despite these little annoyances, I enjoyed this story. Be Mine is a fast, fun read, with an utterly flufftastic and romantic HEA.
I'm very much looking forward to book 3.
Be Mine takes place at the same time as Be True, and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Be True first for best results.
I'm a goner for the bodyguard, not to mention the enemies-to-lovers, trope and this story has both, plus oodles of unfulfilled sexual tension.
Jase is Kelly's bodyguard, and he takes his job very seriously. Kelly has been receiving death threats related to bLoved, the dating site he created so gay men could find true love. A stalker is blaming Kelly for taking away his boyfriend.
The police officer in charge of the case, who is also Jase's best friend, insists that Kelly needs to go into hiding. But Kelly is the face of bLoved and about to launch a big publicity campaign. He's not happy about being stuck with a babysitter and makes Jase's job as hard as possible.
Kelly is mouthy and takes stupid risks that put both his and Jase's life in danger. He argues with Jase about everything. Jase is stoic and silent, barely acknowledging Kelly's existence, which irritates Kelly all the more.
Kelly and Jase don't like each other . . . or maybe they like each other a little too much.
Their desire burns hot and bright just beneath the surface. After such a long buildup, I expected a lot of down 'n' dirty, but, much to my indignation, this book was only moderately steamy.
The suspense/mystery wasn't really believable, but it did add tension to the story. I suspect we'll learn more in book 3, which is Brandon's (the police officer) story.
I also think Jase's disability was almost glossed over. I'm glad it wasn't the main focus of the story, but I didn't believe he would have been able to hide it from Kelly for so long. And once the secret was out, it wasn't mentioned again. I was kind of bummed because I love imperfect MCs and a good dose of hurt-comfort.
Despite these little annoyances, I enjoyed this story. Be Mine is a fast, fun read, with an utterly flufftastic and romantic HEA.
I'm very much looking forward to book 3.
February 28, 2017
This is another trope I enjoy, enemies to lovers. I was really excited for this one. But my excitement slowly died as I read the book.
It started out great. I loved all the sassy snark Kelly could throw. But eventually it got old. Kelly started getting annoying. The middle dragged like a saggy ass. The sexual frustration made me frustrated. I started skimming which is never a good sign. But then it started getting better again so I was therefore, happy again. So you could say this book was an up and down ride for me. One I got off of feeling like it could have been better.
The book just read (for me) like it was much longer than it really was.
It was, in the end, like and not love for me. But I look forward to the next book nonetheless.
August 9, 2017
3 Stars
Consistent Starling fluff.
As the owner of Bloved, Kelly has unfortunately made himself the target of a jilted psycho bent on revenge, thinking Kelly’s dating app stole his true love from him. The threats have escalated to disturbing proportions and against Kelly’s wishes, bodyguard Jase is called in to whisk him away from danger.
Jase and Kelly are like oil and water, and their clashing interactions were fun and amusing. Each think themselves as either not deserving of love or doomed to loneliness for forever, but one knows that attraction will win out and they’ll succumb to their desires.
Overall, no surprises here. Insta-lust and love is strong, but with a feel good vibe all around. Just what one needs when craving something sweet, simple, and entertaining!
Consistent Starling fluff.
As the owner of Bloved, Kelly has unfortunately made himself the target of a jilted psycho bent on revenge, thinking Kelly’s dating app stole his true love from him. The threats have escalated to disturbing proportions and against Kelly’s wishes, bodyguard Jase is called in to whisk him away from danger.
Jase and Kelly are like oil and water, and their clashing interactions were fun and amusing. Each think themselves as either not deserving of love or doomed to loneliness for forever, but one knows that attraction will win out and they’ll succumb to their desires.
Overall, no surprises here. Insta-lust and love is strong, but with a feel good vibe all around. Just what one needs when craving something sweet, simple, and entertaining!
July 14, 2017
4 Stars
Stella Starling has become a safe bet for me, especially when flufftastic M/M romance is required to calm my mind and improve my mood.
I do love me a sexy bodyguard romance and this one worked a treat. Kelly and Jase played off an enemies-to-lovers vibe well, although they were never actually that considering how gobsmacked with immediate lust and awe the men were with one another from the get-go. Their UST built slowly and surely as the story progressed and when feelings and declarations were finally made I was in a sappy-sweet happy place I didn’t wish to leave.
Throughout the story, Kelly could have annoyed me with his reoccurring petulance and refusal to follow advice for his own safety, yet he still managed to endear me to him with his snarky nature and simple need to love and be loved in return.
Bodyguard Jase was just as endearing, with his lonely past and his more recent physical pains. I love a gentle giant with secret hurts and a heart of gold, who is loyal, passionate and protective beyond reproach. Jase embodied all of that and more.
It’s become obvious that each story in this series occurs across the same timeline, so there is plenty of overlap in events and opportunities to see key moments and discussions through various MCs POV's across each book. The stalker storyline, in particular, seems to be the link that binds all three story arcs together, with the catalyst of all events up to this point actually occurring in the third book. It’s kind of trippy when you think of it like that, but it’s an interesting way to approach a series, and so far I’ve enjoyed how it’s all played out.
Stella Starling has become a safe bet for me, especially when flufftastic M/M romance is required to calm my mind and improve my mood.
I do love me a sexy bodyguard romance and this one worked a treat. Kelly and Jase played off an enemies-to-lovers vibe well, although they were never actually that considering how gobsmacked with immediate lust and awe the men were with one another from the get-go. Their UST built slowly and surely as the story progressed and when feelings and declarations were finally made I was in a sappy-sweet happy place I didn’t wish to leave.
Throughout the story, Kelly could have annoyed me with his reoccurring petulance and refusal to follow advice for his own safety, yet he still managed to endear me to him with his snarky nature and simple need to love and be loved in return.
Bodyguard Jase was just as endearing, with his lonely past and his more recent physical pains. I love a gentle giant with secret hurts and a heart of gold, who is loyal, passionate and protective beyond reproach. Jase embodied all of that and more.
It’s become obvious that each story in this series occurs across the same timeline, so there is plenty of overlap in events and opportunities to see key moments and discussions through various MCs POV's across each book. The stalker storyline, in particular, seems to be the link that binds all three story arcs together, with the catalyst of all events up to this point actually occurring in the third book. It’s kind of trippy when you think of it like that, but it’s an interesting way to approach a series, and so far I’ve enjoyed how it’s all played out.
February 14, 2017
Really enjoyed this follow up to Be True. Not a lot of angst, no Big Misunderstanding or unnecessary conflict like with the previous book. Kelly is a bit high maintenance and he annoyed me a bit in the beginning but that really works for Jase. The chemistry between the two is there from the beginning, which I don't normally like but it worked fine for me here. It's missing some of the heat of the first book but lots of slow burny feelers up til about 75% when we finally get the only complete sex scene (butt secks!!) but it's totally worth the wait (someone is a needy cockslut and I loved it). We do get a couple of stellar blow job and a bit of really hot bathroom solo action. Despite that, I didn't feel like anything was missing. It ends with a lovely epilogue which this author is quickly becoming known for.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
April 22, 2017
This was a solid 4 star read for me. Kelly and Jase were good together, they had good chemistry, and I found them adorable and they made me go "aw," seriously.
I took off one star because the plot was a pretty predictable - and having the bad guy be who Brandon, the detective, thought it was from the beginning didn't make the "reveal" of it being that guy all that surprising, although maybe it wasn't meant to be surprising. Still, I didn't get much of a suspenseful feel from that storyline. Most of the fun for me was in the relationship, and the rest - i thought - was pretty standard, with the stalker storyline.
Peter, the bad guy, was also predictably crazy and unhinged. But while we spend the whole book dealing with this storyline, it ended pretty quickly. But in the end that didn't matter to me because all I really cared about was Kelly and Jase. The story made me care only about Kelly and Jase, and at least it stuck with focusing pretty much only on Kelly and Jase.
These two were hot together, but I am disappointed that the one penetrative scene we got wasn't very detailed. But that's just me being greedy lol.
Overall, a fun and enjoyable read. Just don't expect much complexity plot-wise with this one.
I took off one star because the plot was a pretty predictable - and having the bad guy be who Brandon, the detective, thought it was from the beginning didn't make the "reveal" of it being that guy all that surprising, although maybe it wasn't meant to be surprising. Still, I didn't get much of a suspenseful feel from that storyline. Most of the fun for me was in the relationship, and the rest - i thought - was pretty standard, with the stalker storyline.
Peter, the bad guy, was also predictably crazy and unhinged. But while we spend the whole book dealing with this storyline, it ended pretty quickly. But in the end that didn't matter to me because all I really cared about was Kelly and Jase. The story made me care only about Kelly and Jase, and at least it stuck with focusing pretty much only on Kelly and Jase.
These two were hot together, but I am disappointed that the one penetrative scene we got wasn't very detailed. But that's just me being greedy lol.
Overall, a fun and enjoyable read. Just don't expect much complexity plot-wise with this one.
February 5, 2017
Man, this one totally missed the mark for me.
I’m sad.
I was really, really looking forward to Kelly’s story.
It’s one of those weird books. The kind where you enjoyed it because you knew what was coming, but the longer it took to get there the less you were invested. I think had it not taken so very long, we are talking like 70% here guys, I would have been seriously into it.
Jase and Kelly had so much potential and I liked their dynamic but it just stalled out and by the time it picked back up I kind of didn't care. It felt like nothing happened. For as wordy as the book was about stuff (perimeter checks anyone??) it wasn’t wordy enough on the two of them. I don’t feel like they got to know each other, well, at least I didn’t really read about it. I could almost buy the Stockholm Syndrome…Really though, I was almost skimming toward the end and I was more focused on what I was going to be reading next then the HEA I normally crave.
It happens. I’m still interested in the series and am looking forward to the next book. The series has something about it that I really like even if this book didn’t do it for me.
I’m sad.
I was really, really looking forward to Kelly’s story.
It’s one of those weird books. The kind where you enjoyed it because you knew what was coming, but the longer it took to get there the less you were invested. I think had it not taken so very long, we are talking like 70% here guys, I would have been seriously into it.
Jase and Kelly had so much potential and I liked their dynamic but it just stalled out and by the time it picked back up I kind of didn't care. It felt like nothing happened. For as wordy as the book was about stuff (perimeter checks anyone??) it wasn’t wordy enough on the two of them. I don’t feel like they got to know each other, well, at least I didn’t really read about it. I could almost buy the Stockholm Syndrome…Really though, I was almost skimming toward the end and I was more focused on what I was going to be reading next then the HEA I normally crave.
It happens. I’m still interested in the series and am looking forward to the next book. The series has something about it that I really like even if this book didn’t do it for me.
March 3, 2017
2.5 Stars
I honestly didn't have high hopes for this book going in and with the way the first 60% went, I was prepared to trudge through Kelly's whining and general childishness/selfishness till the end.
However, somehow he got his head out of his butt and fixed his attitude. That's when things started looking up for the book. This was also a bit better with the steam than the other books by Stella Starling.
I'm still on the fence about Brandon and Shane's book as I honestly can't tell how it might go. Only time will tell. :)
I honestly didn't have high hopes for this book going in and with the way the first 60% went, I was prepared to trudge through Kelly's whining and general childishness/selfishness till the end.
However, somehow he got his head out of his butt and fixed his attitude. That's when things started looking up for the book. This was also a bit better with the steam than the other books by Stella Starling.
I'm still on the fence about Brandon and Shane's book as I honestly can't tell how it might go. Only time will tell. :)
Shelved as 'dnr-dnf-not-4-me'
February 28, 2017I'm going to pass since I didn't enjoy the first book in the series.
February 5, 2017
Wow.. so far this series is 2 for 2! I couldn't put this book down and read it straight through! Even tho the authors have only 3 books out thus far and a 4th on it way they write like someone with 100s of best sellers published. I especially love the epilogues at the end of each book.. WOW! Will be reading the prequel to this series "All I Want" (Elliott and Ash) next & can't wait till book 3 in the series "Be Loved" (Brandon and Shane) is released! Highly recommend all the books!
September 15, 2018
Hot military guy? Hot military guy who also grew up in the foster system and felt unworthy of love? Uh, yes, sign me up! I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. I did like Jase's character but I will be honest and admit that I didn't understand what he found so attractive about Kelly. Kelly annoyed me in this story. And their relationship seemed to go from "ugh, you annoy me!" to "you're the only one for me" a little too rapidly for my tastes. Long lasting connections aren't instantaneous. They need to be built. And this story just felt like one too many shortcuts were being made to get the characters from point A to point B. Not a bad read, but the first book in this series was stronger.
August 27, 2018
2,8 stars
pretty average on all counts. completely insta-lovey and the sexual tension the author was trying to build just didn't happen in my experience, so while there were sex scenes, this wasn't all that steamy. there were some interesting themes in the book (mostly the insecurity of both characters'; Jase's insecurity about his amputation and Kelly's insecurity about his own worth.)
not the worst thing I ever read but still ended up feeling like a waste of a perfectly good sunday afternoon.
pretty average on all counts. completely insta-lovey and the sexual tension the author was trying to build just didn't happen in my experience, so while there were sex scenes, this wasn't all that steamy. there were some interesting themes in the book (mostly the insecurity of both characters'; Jase's insecurity about his amputation and Kelly's insecurity about his own worth.)
not the worst thing I ever read but still ended up feeling like a waste of a perfectly good sunday afternoon.
April 18, 2017
Be Mine is a fun and cute book from beginning to end. The characters are fun an likeable the plot moved along at a really good pace and the "villain" is just cheesy enough to fit into this adorable romcom. plus the fact that enemies to lovers of one of my favorite tropes didn't hurt at all.
The author Duo of Stella Starlings have now become my favorite in the M/M romance world their books have such an easy laid back quality to them that I don't even notice that I can't put the books down.
The author Duo of Stella Starlings have now become my favorite in the M/M romance world their books have such an easy laid back quality to them that I don't even notice that I can't put the books down.
March 30, 2017
Kelly and Jase
I really loved these two. Their story was funny and super spot at times but I love a good love story.
I really loved these two. Their story was funny and super spot at times but I love a good love story.
August 5, 2017
Just as good as the others in this series
It's as overblown as a Hallmark Valentine's but that's what makes it a perfect read. The romances in this new series are ridiculous and yet the storyline works.
This is the mirror of book one, while Logan and Trevor were falling in love, Kelly was holed up with bodyguard Jase hiding from a psycho stalker.
There wasn't the same level of steam in this one as the first because that one had needed Logan and Trevor to pretend to be in love.
Instead this one has the bodyguard trope and it works well as Kelly - creator of an algorithm that finds perfect matches - has given up on ever finding his own when a threat to his life brings Jase into his orbit.
For Jase, life's been one rejection after the other through foster care and then being medically discharged from the Army. Kelly pushes all his buttons and together both of them find they might just be that elusive match.
The stalker element didn't really work for me, not sure why, possibly because who it was had been revealed fairly early on and I knew there'd have to be a dramatic contact moment at some point.
I was glad there was no annoying conflict for the sake of it though and the two men communicated well once they'd agreed they were in a relationship.
All in all another lovely romance with an insanely over the top proposal in the epilogue which worked brilliantly. Another gorgeously attractive cover too.
It's as overblown as a Hallmark Valentine's but that's what makes it a perfect read. The romances in this new series are ridiculous and yet the storyline works.
This is the mirror of book one, while Logan and Trevor were falling in love, Kelly was holed up with bodyguard Jase hiding from a psycho stalker.
There wasn't the same level of steam in this one as the first because that one had needed Logan and Trevor to pretend to be in love.
Instead this one has the bodyguard trope and it works well as Kelly - creator of an algorithm that finds perfect matches - has given up on ever finding his own when a threat to his life brings Jase into his orbit.
For Jase, life's been one rejection after the other through foster care and then being medically discharged from the Army. Kelly pushes all his buttons and together both of them find they might just be that elusive match.
The stalker element didn't really work for me, not sure why, possibly because who it was had been revealed fairly early on and I knew there'd have to be a dramatic contact moment at some point.
I was glad there was no annoying conflict for the sake of it though and the two men communicated well once they'd agreed they were in a relationship.
All in all another lovely romance with an insanely over the top proposal in the epilogue which worked brilliantly. Another gorgeously attractive cover too.
February 16, 2017
At first I didn't like Kelly. However, the story ended up being really good.
February 13, 2017
3.5 stars
This was my favorite one so far from the Beloved series.
I just loved Kelly and Jase ♡
This was my favorite one so far from the Beloved series.
I just loved Kelly and Jase ♡
March 14, 2017
Did not last
I struggled to get into this book. Which was a disappointment because I really enjoyed the first book. I am not sure why it was a bit annoying. Will think about reading the third one just because.
I struggled to get into this book. Which was a disappointment because I really enjoyed the first book. I am not sure why it was a bit annoying. Will think about reading the third one just because.
January 29, 2017
Volunteered to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This story felt close to home for me. Since I live practically right where the setting was set, and in a cabin no doubt, "robotic dear" and all. haha. Okay, so maybe ours are actually really REAL.
I really enjoyed this story. Enemies to Lovers tropes are always a fave of mine. And Stella Starling made this one, one of my favorites. The writing was very well done. The characters had plenty of background to get you connected to them. From the very beginning, I loved Jase and Kelly together. Their banter was hilarious and lovable. I never got tired of it. There were also plenty of hot scenes to keep me warm, up here in the mountains. (haha)
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This story felt close to home for me. Since I live practically right where the setting was set, and in a cabin no doubt, "robotic dear" and all. haha. Okay, so maybe ours are actually really REAL.
I really enjoyed this story. Enemies to Lovers tropes are always a fave of mine. And Stella Starling made this one, one of my favorites. The writing was very well done. The characters had plenty of background to get you connected to them. From the very beginning, I loved Jase and Kelly together. Their banter was hilarious and lovable. I never got tired of it. There were also plenty of hot scenes to keep me warm, up here in the mountains. (haha)
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
July 3, 2019
3.75 Stars. This was a very light and fluffy romance. Staring Kelly, founder of Bloved, and the surprisingly low angst orphan/war veteran Jase. Having read previous SS novels it was fun to see Kelly take the spotlight. He was more childish and funny than I would've thought. Straight-laced Jase was a good match. Seeing them clash and argue was both funny and sexy. Typical HEA.
I got the feeling a lot of side characters like Brandon, Shaw, and Jacob are probably main characters with their own books I have yet to read. If not they should be. Regardless I look forward to reading more light romances from Stella Sterling.
I got the feeling a lot of side characters like Brandon, Shaw, and Jacob are probably main characters with their own books I have yet to read. If not they should be. Regardless I look forward to reading more light romances from Stella Sterling.
May 16, 2018
Three-in-One
This review covers the three books in the "At Last, The Beloved Series" because they are sooooooo good and also intertwined with characters and plotlines. I happened to have read the authors' "Semper Fi" series first, which did not blunt my appreciation of this series even though the first book in the Semper Fi was really a follow-up to the third of At Last-Beloved.
First of all, be warned: If you are not a fan of Etta James' version of "At Last," you will not be forgiven, because it plays a sweet role as the theme song of the gay dating app company (bloved) that is central to the series. Of course, you will still enjoy the series because lyrics are quoted throughout in the right places.
Also, please note that the covers for each are brilliant. The somewhat younger and more open character in each--Trevor, Kelly and Shane--is in the foreground of each. These covers capture the essence of each couple's personalities and I found it extremely important to enjoying the whole series.
Also important: I am not a fan of prologues because many of them pluck a scene out of the story and sort of make it almost a spoiler. In these three books, however, the prologues are just that--events which introduce us to one or more of the main characters seven to ten years before the book actually begins and they are crucial to understanding the motivations of the three men in the background of each of the covers.
All that said, here goes:
Be True (Logan and Trevor)
This one involves a rescue mission devised by the bloved brass when its founder and co-owner Kelly Davis is threatened with death by a psychotic stalker who blamed bloved for his lover breaking up with him. Suddenly, Logan Carter, the other co-owner of bloved and a man whose personality can only be described as dull, is thrust into the media spotlight with not a single minute of previous exposure even though he is an extremely wealthy and prominent (but very quiet) businessman.
He is told he needs a PR coach to help him get through six weeks of promotion for bloved and he is terrified--especially since management wants to bring in a Hollywood type to coach him. Logan gets this crazy idea that Trevor Rogers, the openly gay tailor/salesman at the prominent Chicago men's clothier he has visited every month for a year when he comes in from his New York home base is the man to coach him, and all hell breaks loose.
And so does Logan when Trevor accepts and proceeds to "loosen him up" over the course of the book. Trevor is a hoot, and Logan is confused but eminently ready to accept a change in his life. How it happens will make you laugh, cry and hum along to the music of the song that runs the series.
Be Mine (Kelly & Jase)
Kelly Davis goes kicking and screaming into protective custody at the recommendation of the Chicago police in the form of Officer Brandon Byrne because of the threats on his life from the psychotic stalker. He recommends that his uncle's Seattle based security firm dispatch a bodyguard to Chicago to take care of Kelly, and that bodyguard arrives in the very substantial form of ex-military Jase Walker.
Jase has lost one leg due to an IED in Afghanistan but Kelly doesn't know it and that's part of the reason that Jase, a foster child his whole life who never was loved by anyone gets all freaky when Kelly, whom he was smitten by immediately, gets overly friendly with him.
This book is full of tension and some adventure and also violence, but overall it's a wild and wooly ride with loose-as-a-goose Kelly and somewhat uptight Jase trying to get themselves to the point where they can trust each other, if no one at all.
Be Loved (Brandon & Shane)
This one brings all the reasons for the psychotic's motives and actions into play and it is the Chicago-based parallel to the New York and Seattle-based stories in the first two books.
Officer Brandon has never forgiven himself for not coming out to his best high school friend Shane when they were growing up and before Brandon went off to the military (where he met Jase).
Now, he soon suspects that Shane's boyfriend, Peter, is an abusive individual after Shane--at the urging of his friends when Peter is on a business trip--fills out the bloved profile test. Shane freaks out when Peter discovers he's done this (how he finds out is chilling), and he goes running to his still good friend Brandon.
And then all hell breaks loose in Chicago.
This is a perfect denouement to a series that actually works on every page in every book because the characters are so compelling even if the plot is a bit off the wall. Get it and read it in order then go on to the Semper Fi series.
This review covers the three books in the "At Last, The Beloved Series" because they are sooooooo good and also intertwined with characters and plotlines. I happened to have read the authors' "Semper Fi" series first, which did not blunt my appreciation of this series even though the first book in the Semper Fi was really a follow-up to the third of At Last-Beloved.
First of all, be warned: If you are not a fan of Etta James' version of "At Last," you will not be forgiven, because it plays a sweet role as the theme song of the gay dating app company (bloved) that is central to the series. Of course, you will still enjoy the series because lyrics are quoted throughout in the right places.
Also, please note that the covers for each are brilliant. The somewhat younger and more open character in each--Trevor, Kelly and Shane--is in the foreground of each. These covers capture the essence of each couple's personalities and I found it extremely important to enjoying the whole series.
Also important: I am not a fan of prologues because many of them pluck a scene out of the story and sort of make it almost a spoiler. In these three books, however, the prologues are just that--events which introduce us to one or more of the main characters seven to ten years before the book actually begins and they are crucial to understanding the motivations of the three men in the background of each of the covers.
All that said, here goes:
Be True (Logan and Trevor)
This one involves a rescue mission devised by the bloved brass when its founder and co-owner Kelly Davis is threatened with death by a psychotic stalker who blamed bloved for his lover breaking up with him. Suddenly, Logan Carter, the other co-owner of bloved and a man whose personality can only be described as dull, is thrust into the media spotlight with not a single minute of previous exposure even though he is an extremely wealthy and prominent (but very quiet) businessman.
He is told he needs a PR coach to help him get through six weeks of promotion for bloved and he is terrified--especially since management wants to bring in a Hollywood type to coach him. Logan gets this crazy idea that Trevor Rogers, the openly gay tailor/salesman at the prominent Chicago men's clothier he has visited every month for a year when he comes in from his New York home base is the man to coach him, and all hell breaks loose.
And so does Logan when Trevor accepts and proceeds to "loosen him up" over the course of the book. Trevor is a hoot, and Logan is confused but eminently ready to accept a change in his life. How it happens will make you laugh, cry and hum along to the music of the song that runs the series.
Be Mine (Kelly & Jase)
Kelly Davis goes kicking and screaming into protective custody at the recommendation of the Chicago police in the form of Officer Brandon Byrne because of the threats on his life from the psychotic stalker. He recommends that his uncle's Seattle based security firm dispatch a bodyguard to Chicago to take care of Kelly, and that bodyguard arrives in the very substantial form of ex-military Jase Walker.
Jase has lost one leg due to an IED in Afghanistan but Kelly doesn't know it and that's part of the reason that Jase, a foster child his whole life who never was loved by anyone gets all freaky when Kelly, whom he was smitten by immediately, gets overly friendly with him.
This book is full of tension and some adventure and also violence, but overall it's a wild and wooly ride with loose-as-a-goose Kelly and somewhat uptight Jase trying to get themselves to the point where they can trust each other, if no one at all.
Be Loved (Brandon & Shane)
This one brings all the reasons for the psychotic's motives and actions into play and it is the Chicago-based parallel to the New York and Seattle-based stories in the first two books.
Officer Brandon has never forgiven himself for not coming out to his best high school friend Shane when they were growing up and before Brandon went off to the military (where he met Jase).
Now, he soon suspects that Shane's boyfriend, Peter, is an abusive individual after Shane--at the urging of his friends when Peter is on a business trip--fills out the bloved profile test. Shane freaks out when Peter discovers he's done this (how he finds out is chilling), and he goes running to his still good friend Brandon.
And then all hell breaks loose in Chicago.
This is a perfect denouement to a series that actually works on every page in every book because the characters are so compelling even if the plot is a bit off the wall. Get it and read it in order then go on to the Semper Fi series.
June 15, 2017
'The best matches were where two people could fill in the missing pieces for each other.'
This is Kelly and Jase's story. This story is set at the same time as book one (Be True) they can be read as standalones but I recommend you read them in order. I really enjoyed book one and was looking forward to book 2 and it did not disappoint! Loved this book.
'He was the only man in bLoved’s database of hundreds of thousands of eager, eligible gay men for whom the algorithms had never found a match. He was fundamentally unlovable. Destined to be alone.'
Kelly is founder and co owner of bLoved which is a gay matchmaking app. He designed the complex algorithms used himself and to his immense dissatisfaction has never found a match for himself. He therefore uses his time focusing on his business with random hookups thrown in. When he starts receiving death threats the police officer assigned to his case a random recommends his best friend Jase to be his new bodyguard. Jase is a veteran who was medically discharged from the army when he lost part of his leg in an IED explosion.
With everyone but Kelly taking these threats seriously Jase insists on taking Kelly somewhere remote and off the technology grid to hide out until the perp can be found and arrested by police Kelly is really not happy with this plan and particularly leaving his beloved (get it? Har Har) business in the hands of his stoic business partner Logan around all the Valentines Day campaigns.
Everyone convinces Kelly this is for the best and he takes off with Jase. After a few mishaps they end up in Jase's secluded cabin in Washington. This is very much hate (but secret lust) at first sight for these two and Kelly's natural snark and Jase's seemingly endless ability at neutral expressions just clashes from the very beginning but it's very funny to read.
'He gritted his teeth, silently chanting Stockholm Syndrome in his head. He didn’t actually like Jase as much as it felt like he did. Besides, even if he were to fall for Jase, which he wasn’t, it definitely wouldn’t happen this fast. Stockholm Syndrome it was.'
Most of this book takes place in Jase's cabin where their relationship develops and Kelly manages to chip away at Jase's stoic nature - mainly through the use of sass and snark which was very funny. Loved both of these MCs and I found them both to be well developed and interesting characters.
“When this is over? Kelly, you’re going to be mine.”
Secondary characters were good and I'm looking forward to Brandon's book! Overall a good read and looking forward to more from this series.
Reviewed by Lulu from Alpha Book Club 
August 4, 2017
Love for those that believe they'll never have it
I am beyond loving this series!
I'm a huge romantic and this pings every romantic bone in my body. Getting to see Kelly and Jase together was so rewarding and I can't wait to read the next book!
From the first book we had already met Kelly. The creator of bLoved, he made the app to find himself a love match, but to find out that he didn't match to anyone out there. While he has resigned himself to flings, a part of him still pines for love and hurts at every rejection he receives. When Kelly gets a stalker who is escalating threats and is sent away with a bodyguard for protection, he is lost and hurt as he sees both his company dying without the promotional tour it should be having, and any love life dying as he is forced to spend six weeks with a man who hates him.
Jase is an ex-military bodyguard. Forced out of the military on medical discharge, he thought he would have nothing until his friend referred him to the family business. Jase had never had family or a home so he devotes himself to the Byrne family and the business, determined to be the best bodyguard they have. When he has to guard Kelly and finds himself attracted and therefore distracted, all he sees is failure for both the Byrne's and his amazing client.
Jase and Kelly really do compliment each other in wonderful ways. It is the emphasis of bLoved to find that, but watching it match up over the course of the book was beautiful. The two aren't exactly the same, but each facet of themselves compliments the other. I love how it points out what having someone like that does; it doesn't make the world suddenly happier, no, it makes it that you can stand all of the crazy stuff in the world knowing you have that someone to go back to. Really beautiful to read.
My other favourite part of this book is how it compliments the first book, Be True. Taking place over the same six weeks, we get to see the other side of some of the events that occurred. From Kelly's perspective at the board meeting, to Kelly side of the phone conversations with Logan, each match up was like a delightful little Easter egg that I looked forward to finding. Made the book even that much better and I can't wait to see how it all looks in the last book!
I am beyond loving this series!
I'm a huge romantic and this pings every romantic bone in my body. Getting to see Kelly and Jase together was so rewarding and I can't wait to read the next book!
From the first book we had already met Kelly. The creator of bLoved, he made the app to find himself a love match, but to find out that he didn't match to anyone out there. While he has resigned himself to flings, a part of him still pines for love and hurts at every rejection he receives. When Kelly gets a stalker who is escalating threats and is sent away with a bodyguard for protection, he is lost and hurt as he sees both his company dying without the promotional tour it should be having, and any love life dying as he is forced to spend six weeks with a man who hates him.
Jase is an ex-military bodyguard. Forced out of the military on medical discharge, he thought he would have nothing until his friend referred him to the family business. Jase had never had family or a home so he devotes himself to the Byrne family and the business, determined to be the best bodyguard they have. When he has to guard Kelly and finds himself attracted and therefore distracted, all he sees is failure for both the Byrne's and his amazing client.
Jase and Kelly really do compliment each other in wonderful ways. It is the emphasis of bLoved to find that, but watching it match up over the course of the book was beautiful. The two aren't exactly the same, but each facet of themselves compliments the other. I love how it points out what having someone like that does; it doesn't make the world suddenly happier, no, it makes it that you can stand all of the crazy stuff in the world knowing you have that someone to go back to. Really beautiful to read.
My other favourite part of this book is how it compliments the first book, Be True. Taking place over the same six weeks, we get to see the other side of some of the events that occurred. From Kelly's perspective at the board meeting, to Kelly side of the phone conversations with Logan, each match up was like a delightful little Easter egg that I looked forward to finding. Made the book even that much better and I can't wait to see how it all looks in the last book!
February 2, 2017
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy*
Another fabulous series from a fantastic duo of authors. This is book 2 of the series, and it runs chronologically the same time frame as Be True, book 1. It can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading All I Want 1st then Be True and then Be Mine. This is the story of how the creator of the gay dating app bLoved, Kelly is in danger from an intelligent and resourceful stalker that threatens to harm him soon. Kelly is alone, he jumps in bed with many guys hoping to find love and never succeeds, his own algorithm he created has found him no match so he feels he will never have the love that his parents had who are now deceased. Jase is the bodyguard that's hired to keep Kelly safe, by taking an assignment for a friend that he considers one of they very few people in family. Jase has never really opened himself to anyone since he never really had a connection to grow close to him, so protecting Kelly brings a dilemma of following duty and then desire he's never felt before. Kelly and Jase have a very long journey to let themselves succumb to their desire and feelings. And while it was very excreting to be patient for them to get together, on the flip side they didn't have the break up scene that some couples go through. The dilemma was for them to stay alive through the ordeal.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy*
Another fabulous series from a fantastic duo of authors. This is book 2 of the series, and it runs chronologically the same time frame as Be True, book 1. It can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading All I Want 1st then Be True and then Be Mine. This is the story of how the creator of the gay dating app bLoved, Kelly is in danger from an intelligent and resourceful stalker that threatens to harm him soon. Kelly is alone, he jumps in bed with many guys hoping to find love and never succeeds, his own algorithm he created has found him no match so he feels he will never have the love that his parents had who are now deceased. Jase is the bodyguard that's hired to keep Kelly safe, by taking an assignment for a friend that he considers one of they very few people in family. Jase has never really opened himself to anyone since he never really had a connection to grow close to him, so protecting Kelly brings a dilemma of following duty and then desire he's never felt before. Kelly and Jase have a very long journey to let themselves succumb to their desire and feelings. And while it was very excreting to be patient for them to get together, on the flip side they didn't have the break up scene that some couples go through. The dilemma was for them to stay alive through the ordeal.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy*
February 6, 2018
This was another good romance and I enjoyed it, but I was able to get out of the romance-fog and catch some flaws that may have gone unnoticed in the first few books I read.
The series seems to follow the same pattern--one guy is rough around the edges while the other is a serial dater that wants love. They are totally hot for each other but spend most of the time angsting about it and not just being honest. There is much internal dialogue and not enough action between the characters, IMO. I want to go on the journey with them and fall in love along side them, but I feel like I'm just getting told about how much they love each other and not experiencing it with them. I am left wanting more.
All that being said.....I still really liked the stories and the characters. They are fun and flirty and I still got major feels. I would save this for a time when you need some light, romantic feels.
The series seems to follow the same pattern--one guy is rough around the edges while the other is a serial dater that wants love. They are totally hot for each other but spend most of the time angsting about it and not just being honest. There is much internal dialogue and not enough action between the characters, IMO. I want to go on the journey with them and fall in love along side them, but I feel like I'm just getting told about how much they love each other and not experiencing it with them. I am left wanting more.
All that being said.....I still really liked the stories and the characters. They are fun and flirty and I still got major feels. I would save this for a time when you need some light, romantic feels.
February 8, 2017
Loved
Jace has a lot of hurt from his childhood and the only people to really "keep" him are his best friend, his best friend's uncle and his family. He haven't felt loved from anyone else and wants to be wanted no matter what he says.
Kelly has always wanted love, but hasn't been able to find it. It hurts to connect so many people, but never find your match.
Reading about these two is fun and touching. I live how feisty Kelly is and how hard Jace has to try to not show emotion around him. I'm so happy when he finally caves. The strength in their connection is great and I'm happy that they get to finally have time together without worrying about the stalker.
A fun, feisty, touching read that I'm sure you will enjoy.
Jace has a lot of hurt from his childhood and the only people to really "keep" him are his best friend, his best friend's uncle and his family. He haven't felt loved from anyone else and wants to be wanted no matter what he says.
Kelly has always wanted love, but hasn't been able to find it. It hurts to connect so many people, but never find your match.
Reading about these two is fun and touching. I live how feisty Kelly is and how hard Jace has to try to not show emotion around him. I'm so happy when he finally caves. The strength in their connection is great and I'm happy that they get to finally have time together without worrying about the stalker.
A fun, feisty, touching read that I'm sure you will enjoy.
April 14, 2019
I'm amazed at how much sweet I'm capable of standing.
This was cute, and overly sweet. It didn't blow my mind, by any means, and the "mysterious"/ action oriented plot wasn't my cuppa; but it was nice enough.
I like the way the MCs love each other. It's almost too much.
I just came down from a high of a great book (just my type of good), so it's going to be even harder to topple that. I'm even more critical and less surprised that usual. Stella is very entertaining though.
Maybe I'll edit this, when I'm in the mood to go in depth about the book, its content, characters and development. But not today.
This was cute, and overly sweet. It didn't blow my mind, by any means, and the "mysterious"/ action oriented plot wasn't my cuppa; but it was nice enough.
I like the way the MCs love each other. It's almost too much.
I just came down from a high of a great book (just my type of good), so it's going to be even harder to topple that. I'm even more critical and less surprised that usual. Stella is very entertaining though.
Maybe I'll edit this, when I'm in the mood to go in depth about the book, its content, characters and development. But not today.
February 9, 2017
Oh wow this is the second book I have read by this author I loved Logan and Trevors story in Be true. I honestly didn't think it could get any better but it just did, when I read Be mine. Amazing characters, wonderful story line and just so well written its addictive! Every page was as illuminating as the last. The end had me in tears in a great way. Stella Starling is definitely becoming a favourite and I can't wait for the next book by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book and I'm so glad I did it's a wonderful book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book and I'm so glad I did it's a wonderful book.
January 30, 2017
Another great in this series. Be Mine is well-written, the dialogue is witty and often hilarious, and the characters practically leap off the page. I loved Logan & Trevor's story, it was so good and I was worried that I'd be disappointed in comparison. Boy, was I wrong. If this is any indication of what's to come in this series, I can't wait for what's next! Jase and Kelly are great together and Kelly's snark kept me smiling throughout. Adding in a bit of suspense and action and it was impossible to put down.
February 2, 2017
This a great book in the already phenomenal Beloved Series. This is Jase and Kelly's story. Kelly has been getting death threats and his company and the police feels that Kelly needs a bodyguard. Jase is hired as the man who is going to protect Kelly. There is a lot of back and forth between the two. The attraction and chemistry is apparent but Jase is resist or tries to be.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I can't wait to see what's next for this series. Well done!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I can't wait to see what's next for this series. Well done!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews