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At Last, The Beloved #3
Be Loved
“How do you fall out of love with your best friend?”
Police Officer Brandon Byrne has carried a torch for his best friend since the day they first met. He’s mastered the art of keeping his feelings to himself as Shane, a serial monogamist, falls out of one bad relationship and right into another, again… and again… and again. But now, after ten long years, it’s finally time to face reality.
Shane’s getting married, and what Brandon once thought was his destiny is just never going to happen.
On the cusp of saying yes to his boyfriend’s marriage proposal, Shane Allen is getting cold feet. He’s always wanted a happily-ever-after… so shouldn’t he be more excited at the thought that it’s finally about to happen? But when he takes a compatibility quiz on the popular gay dating app, bLoved, it does more than just help him answer that question, it opens his eyes to some scary truths.
Maybe it’s not just cold feet. Maybe it’s time to get out.
Brandon might finally get his chance at the one thing he’s always wanted, but only if he can protect Shane long enough to take it… because when Shane’s rejection exposes his ex’s true nature, it starts to look a lot like that of a psychopath.
Police Officer Brandon Byrne has carried a torch for his best friend since the day they first met. He’s mastered the art of keeping his feelings to himself as Shane, a serial monogamist, falls out of one bad relationship and right into another, again… and again… and again. But now, after ten long years, it’s finally time to face reality.
Shane’s getting married, and what Brandon once thought was his destiny is just never going to happen.
On the cusp of saying yes to his boyfriend’s marriage proposal, Shane Allen is getting cold feet. He’s always wanted a happily-ever-after… so shouldn’t he be more excited at the thought that it’s finally about to happen? But when he takes a compatibility quiz on the popular gay dating app, bLoved, it does more than just help him answer that question, it opens his eyes to some scary truths.
Maybe it’s not just cold feet. Maybe it’s time to get out.
Brandon might finally get his chance at the one thing he’s always wanted, but only if he can protect Shane long enough to take it… because when Shane’s rejection exposes his ex’s true nature, it starts to look a lot like that of a psychopath.
275 pages, ebook
First published March 4, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
March 3, 2017
~3.5~
First of all, this has to be said: Authors, please don't put intense-stare man on your covers. PLEASE. I swear he's the most overused M/M cover model of all time. I cringe every time I see his one-expression face.
Even though this is the third book in the series and all three books overlap, I think Be Loved could be read as a standalone (the other couples are barely mentioned). Book 1 remains my favorite of the three simply because it didn't have a mystery/suspense plot to detract from the romance.
This story focuses on Brandon, a police officer, and his best-friend-forever, Shane. Brandon and Shane met in high school, and each has carried a torch for the other in secret for years and years. Part of the reason is that Shane is never without a boyfriend, and every boyfriend is a bigger loser than the last.
Shane's current boyfriend is a classic abuser: jealous and controlling. He isolates Shane from his friends and tracks everything Shane does. When Shane finally comes to his senses (thanks to the bLoved dating site and a very enlightening quiz he takes about relationship compatibility), Peter loses it.
If you've read the first two books, you know what happens. But book 2 was not the end of the psycho Peter saga, which is fully resolved here.
What I liked about Be Loved is the romance. I love the friends-to-lovers trope, and both Shane and Brandon are likable guys. Brandon is so tender and sweet with Shane, it made my heart melt.
We get some delicious UST and hot sex (this one's sexier than Jase and Kelly's story). The HEA is also ultra romantic (if predictable).
What didn't work as well for me was the mystery/suspense aspect. Brandon seriously came off looking like the dumbest cop in the world. The "investigation" had me rolling my eyes, as Peter ouwitted the cops time and again.
At one point, Brandon, who relies on his "Spidey-senses" (his words, not mine) a lot, is sure Peter is home because his car's in the driveway and the lights in the house go on and off.
RIIIGHT, cause there's no way someone could leave the house without driving, and automatic light timers are the thing of fantasies. I mean, COME ON.
We meet Brandon's brother, Gabe, in this book. He's straight, as in definitely not gay. I repeat: NOT. GAY. *ahem*
I can smell a spin-off in the near future with Gabe as one of the MCs (we meet another potential MC in this book too, and I'm loving the pairing). Hopefully it's all fun and games with no stalkers and attempted murder. I just don't think fluffy and gritty mix well.
I will continue reading Stella Starling's books because I really do enjoy the stories (they're pure escapism), and even though I read an ARC of this book, the copy was clean and polished (you heard me, folks: no typos!).
Rounding up for that alone.
First of all, this has to be said: Authors, please don't put intense-stare man on your covers. PLEASE. I swear he's the most overused M/M cover model of all time. I cringe every time I see his one-expression face.
Even though this is the third book in the series and all three books overlap, I think Be Loved could be read as a standalone (the other couples are barely mentioned). Book 1 remains my favorite of the three simply because it didn't have a mystery/suspense plot to detract from the romance.
This story focuses on Brandon, a police officer, and his best-friend-forever, Shane. Brandon and Shane met in high school, and each has carried a torch for the other in secret for years and years. Part of the reason is that Shane is never without a boyfriend, and every boyfriend is a bigger loser than the last.
Shane's current boyfriend is a classic abuser: jealous and controlling. He isolates Shane from his friends and tracks everything Shane does. When Shane finally comes to his senses (thanks to the bLoved dating site and a very enlightening quiz he takes about relationship compatibility), Peter loses it.
If you've read the first two books, you know what happens. But book 2 was not the end of the psycho Peter saga, which is fully resolved here.
What I liked about Be Loved is the romance. I love the friends-to-lovers trope, and both Shane and Brandon are likable guys. Brandon is so tender and sweet with Shane, it made my heart melt.
We get some delicious UST and hot sex (this one's sexier than Jase and Kelly's story). The HEA is also ultra romantic (if predictable).
What didn't work as well for me was the mystery/suspense aspect. Brandon seriously came off looking like the dumbest cop in the world. The "investigation" had me rolling my eyes, as Peter ouwitted the cops time and again.
At one point, Brandon, who relies on his "Spidey-senses" (his words, not mine) a lot, is sure Peter is home because his car's in the driveway and the lights in the house go on and off.
RIIIGHT, cause there's no way someone could leave the house without driving, and automatic light timers are the thing of fantasies. I mean, COME ON.
We meet Brandon's brother, Gabe, in this book. He's straight, as in definitely not gay. I repeat: NOT. GAY. *ahem*
I can smell a spin-off in the near future with Gabe as one of the MCs (we meet another potential MC in this book too, and I'm loving the pairing). Hopefully it's all fun and games with no stalkers and attempted murder. I just don't think fluffy and gritty mix well.
I will continue reading Stella Starling's books because I really do enjoy the stories (they're pure escapism), and even though I read an ARC of this book, the copy was clean and polished (you heard me, folks: no typos!).
Rounding up for that alone.
March 5, 2017
I didn't like this one as much as the last book. I think I'm over the concurring Peter bullshit and boggling police procedures. I mean really....you're watching the guys house and it never occurs to you that he may have lights on timers, he may have rented a car or canceled his newspaper? Then the airport scene was straight out of Laurel and Hardy, with all the cops fumbling and stumbling around. The romance is sweet and uncomplicated with no big misunderstandings or angst and the author writes epic HEA's. Looking forward to continuing the series without Peter bogging it down.
March 9, 2017
This was better than the other two books.
If not for the excess cheesiness,the length (should've been 40% shorter) and the pet name that got under my skin, it would have been very good.
Obviously,the writing was also better in this one.The crazy ex angle was written so well, I gobbled it up.
Right now, I think the next book is going to be about Gabe(who I loved) and Jake(who was very interesting) and I just might pick it up. :)
If not for the excess cheesiness,the length (should've been 40% shorter) and the pet name that got under my skin, it would have been very good.
Obviously,the writing was also better in this one.The crazy ex angle was written so well, I gobbled it up.
Right now, I think the next book is going to be about Gabe(who I loved) and Jake(who was very interesting) and I just might pick it up. :)
September 11, 2017
I hope this author is finally done with this series, because I'm getting a bit tired of all the "Bloved is the most awesome dating site ever", thankfully, the Bloved part is fairly minor here.
I liked both Shane and Brandon, although I don't know HOW Shane stayed with Peter for as long as he did. But I know it happens, so I'm not going to quibble there.
Where I am going to quibble is with police procedure. Or the lack of it. The cops here didn't seem to really get anything done. Weeks went by, and we are only told they are working on getting Peter, but no details. Ok, this isn't a true police mystery, so I can deal with that. But I can NOT deal with Brandon leaving Shane alone, totally unprotected, the way he did. It was an obvious case of stalking, so I didn't get why no mention was ever made of a protective order, or having police patrolling the area, especially since Brandon WAS a cop.
And then there's the ending. I'll spoiler tag it, but if you read the previous book, you know what happened with Peter in Washington.
So far, for me, the best books by this author have been the first in this series, and the first in the spin off series, about Brandon's brother, because they were straight up romances. I think this author should stick to romance, and leave the cop stuff out of it, because it's just not as well done.
I liked both Shane and Brandon, although I don't know HOW Shane stayed with Peter for as long as he did. But I know it happens, so I'm not going to quibble there.
Where I am going to quibble is with police procedure. Or the lack of it. The cops here didn't seem to really get anything done. Weeks went by, and we are only told they are working on getting Peter, but no details. Ok, this isn't a true police mystery, so I can deal with that. But I can NOT deal with Brandon leaving Shane alone, totally unprotected, the way he did. It was an obvious case of stalking, so I didn't get why no mention was ever made of a protective order, or having police patrolling the area, especially since Brandon WAS a cop.
And then there's the ending. I'll spoiler tag it, but if you read the previous book, you know what happened with Peter in Washington.
So far, for me, the best books by this author have been the first in this series, and the first in the spin off series, about Brandon's brother, because they were straight up romances. I think this author should stick to romance, and leave the cop stuff out of it, because it's just not as well done.
May 18, 2017
I think how these books all kind of take place at the same time is at times distracting. It’s like getting flashbacks that you just don’t need or something.
I was happy to get Brandon and Shane’s story though and really happy that it was a smoother ride than I anticipated. Time lost always makes me a little sad but their happiness about the future helped make it not feel as long. I am happy to report that the wait in this one was not as long as the last one. I was nervous. I was not a fan of the separation once we got the happy though. I understood it kind of but still didn’t like it.
I’m not going to lie to you though. The minute I met Gabe I was dunzo and knew that the new series just had to be about him and it is!! He stole the show for me. Seriously. I can’t wait to read his book.
I was happy to get Brandon and Shane’s story though and really happy that it was a smoother ride than I anticipated. Time lost always makes me a little sad but their happiness about the future helped make it not feel as long. I am happy to report that the wait in this one was not as long as the last one. I was nervous. I was not a fan of the separation once we got the happy though. I understood it kind of but still didn’t like it.
I’m not going to lie to you though. The minute I met Gabe I was dunzo and knew that the new series just had to be about him and it is!! He stole the show for me. Seriously. I can’t wait to read his book.
March 20, 2017
Too much on the stalker plot stops this rating higher
This is the third of the books all set in the same contemporaneous timescale and based around the beLoved dating app.
As such, it's become a bit wearing to be reading the same thing yet again regarding the stalking element of the plot and less of the romance aspect of it.
It's a shame, because I really liked book one and book two had some good moments. This one though makes Brandon seem like an utterly useless police officer and yes, I know beat cops aren't the same as detectives but even so, with an army background as well, he should have known better.
Reading the stalking event for a third time without the backup of a brilliantly executed romance alongside it just meant this book didn't work as well for me.
Plus completely overused cover guy just rounded it all off as disappointing.
This is the third of the books all set in the same contemporaneous timescale and based around the beLoved dating app.
As such, it's become a bit wearing to be reading the same thing yet again regarding the stalking element of the plot and less of the romance aspect of it.
It's a shame, because I really liked book one and book two had some good moments. This one though makes Brandon seem like an utterly useless police officer and yes, I know beat cops aren't the same as detectives but even so, with an army background as well, he should have known better.
Reading the stalking event for a third time without the backup of a brilliantly executed romance alongside it just meant this book didn't work as well for me.
Plus completely overused cover guy just rounded it all off as disappointing.
March 10, 2017
I really loved the blurb. The beginning and the end, especially the epilog were funny, sweet and heartwarming. However in the middle I really asked myself several times if I really should go on reading this.
The stalking part of Shane's crazy exfriend was definitely too much and made me more than uncomfortable. I really was disappointed that the story focused so much on this part of the relationship.
Of course this kept the story going, but in my opinion not in a good way.
So honestly, for me, only the epilog saved this from a 2 star rating...
The stalking part of Shane's crazy exfriend was definitely too much and made me more than uncomfortable. I really was disappointed that the story focused so much on this part of the relationship.
Of course this kept the story going, but in my opinion not in a good way.
So honestly, for me, only the epilog saved this from a 2 star rating...
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 7, 2017
This story was a 3. That's the average score I give most books that aren't bad but aren't really all that great either. It's the just okay category. This one falls under it. It was best friends to lovers. The MC's pined for one another for 10 years but ignored their feelings. Brandon sat back and watch Shane jump from one relationship to another never really having his chance. Shane always being in a new relationship never really opened himself to his feelings for Brandon. First, because he thought Brandon was straight and didn't want to freak him out and then after finding out Brandon was gay it just never seemed right especially since Shane, himself, was always taken. Until Shane's most current bf shows his true colors. This ends up with Shane breaking up with him and leaving to Brandon's house. With the two spending so much time together their true feelings are finally put out there. If only it were that simple. Shane's ex Peter turns out to be a crazy psycho stalker who wants Shane only to himself. In order for them to be together they must stop Peter first. And honestly in order to fill in holes in the Peter story I think you have to read book 2.
Side note: My one pet peeve with romantic books is the overuse of an endearment. When I have to start skipping over the word, it obviously has been used way too much for my liking. In this one HONEY was the winner. Just don't do it! LOL
Side note: My one pet peeve with romantic books is the overuse of an endearment. When I have to start skipping over the word, it obviously has been used way too much for my liking. In this one HONEY was the winner. Just don't do it! LOL
March 3, 2017
The story of Brandon and Shane absolutely floored me. It's an emotional rollercoaster that I wanted to stay on! I initially read this book as a stand-alone, but, now I have #1 and #2... I got so involved with these characters that I want to know everything! The writing is great, character development is very good, and I felt an immediate connection with all of them. Super sweet, sexy, and oh so steamy. You don't want to miss this. I can hardly wait for another installment in this wonderful series... hopefully starring the two men I'd love to read about next! I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy for my honest opinion and review.
August 7, 2017
Interesting portrayal of disconnecting from an abusive relationship. I liked how the author wove this story in with the others in the story.
My biggest peeve was how ineffective Brandon was in solving the crime.
I liked the two MCs together as a couple.
My biggest peeve was how ineffective Brandon was in solving the crime.
I liked the two MCs together as a couple.
August 3, 2018
4.5 stars
March 12, 2017
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
The Review
*~.PROS.~*
The psychological intensity of this book stunned me. I walked in expecting a sugared romance like the first one and BAM! There’s a psycho ex, stalking, police work and very dangerous situations! IT WAS SO REFRESHING! I LOVEEEEED IT <3 Also, both Brandon and Shane are huuuge nerds, so the references are killers!
*~.CONS.~*
The cover, again. And I continue to dislike the series covers.
*~.COVER ANALYSIS.~*
It’s the same problem in book #1: these guys aren’t Shane and Brandon. Brandon doesn’t even has a beard, for crying out loud!!! Just no.
*~.QUOTES.~*
And this killer dialogue:
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
The Review
*~.PROS.~*
The psychological intensity of this book stunned me. I walked in expecting a sugared romance like the first one and BAM! There’s a psycho ex, stalking, police work and very dangerous situations! IT WAS SO REFRESHING! I LOVEEEEED IT <3 Also, both Brandon and Shane are huuuge nerds, so the references are killers!
*~.CONS.~*
The cover, again. And I continue to dislike the series covers.
*~.COVER ANALYSIS.~*
It’s the same problem in book #1: these guys aren’t Shane and Brandon. Brandon doesn’t even has a beard, for crying out loud!!! Just no.
*~.QUOTES.~*
“I’m just a normal guy, who likes video games and cheeseburgers and the Black Eyed Peas, and who just so happens to also like other guys, too. It’s never been a problem for me, and if it’s a problem for anyone else, that’s their problem.” – Shane
It had gotten to the point where every mention of Peter’s name made Brandon want to hit something. Preferably something named Peter.
And this killer dialogue:
Shane: That championship is mine.
Brandon: You’re mistaken, young Jedi. But mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.
Shane: Did you seriously just do a mash up of Star Wars and Bruce Lee?
Brandon: What can I say? I’ve got mad skills.
RECOMMENDED FOR
Fans of M/M, thrillers, contemporary romance, nerdy culture, drama and big loving families <3
March 5, 2017
Voluntarily reviewed an ARC I received from the author.
Brandon and Shane’s story was a great edition to the Be Loved Series.
I love how each book gives a different perspective of the whole crazy Peter fiasco. At least book 2 and 3 does, I haven’t read book 1 yet. I was so happy when I read that it was Brandon’s story, because when I read book 2 I was like “I really hope there’s a story for Brandon, please please please”…. And all the hints made me think it was safe to get my hopes up. Sure enough! And I really enjoyed Brandon and Shane’s love story. Even if sometimes I just wanted to yell at them both to just go for it! But I was super happy with the way it finally went down. Totally worth it!
I loved them together so much. Their love was beautiful, their sex was HOT! Damn, Stella. These two definitely made the magic happen. This is now one of my favorites!
But...now I want a story with Jacob and Gabe. LOL
Brandon and Shane’s story was a great edition to the Be Loved Series.
I love how each book gives a different perspective of the whole crazy Peter fiasco. At least book 2 and 3 does, I haven’t read book 1 yet. I was so happy when I read that it was Brandon’s story, because when I read book 2 I was like “I really hope there’s a story for Brandon, please please please”…. And all the hints made me think it was safe to get my hopes up. Sure enough! And I really enjoyed Brandon and Shane’s love story. Even if sometimes I just wanted to yell at them both to just go for it! But I was super happy with the way it finally went down. Totally worth it!
I loved them together so much. Their love was beautiful, their sex was HOT! Damn, Stella. These two definitely made the magic happen. This is now one of my favorites!
But...now I want a story with Jacob and Gabe. LOL
Shelved as '0-mm-books-i-own-and-to-be-read'
March 2, 2017Let's "Be True", "All I Want" is for this book to "Be Mine" the minute it releases!!
Now, while I haven't read any of the others yet [I know, I know *rolls eyes at self*], I do own them all and I'm very confident they'll all "Be Loved" [adored!] :-P, just as I'm sure this one will be :-)!!
Okay, okay, I'm in a playful mood alright?!? :-P.
Now, while I haven't read any of the others yet [I know, I know *rolls eyes at self*], I do own them all and I'm very confident they'll all "Be Loved" [adored!] :-P, just as I'm sure this one will be :-)!!
Okay, okay, I'm in a playful mood alright?!? :-P.
July 5, 2019
For me this was he weakest of the series. The stalker plot line was fairly boring, which is really saying something. I admittedly thought Shane and Brandon were super cute together. But I kind of hated Shane's character. It was more than him being stupid and immature. But his sudden interest in Brandon seemed like a plot hole. The man simultaneously admitted to never looking at Brandon in a sexual light and then also that he has been pining over him for over a decade? Its kind of like, is it this or that? You can't be both cause otherwise you break the plot and frustrate readers like me. Typical fluffy sweet HEA.
August 13, 2017
From a controlling relationship to lasting love
This was an amazing cap off to an excellent trilogy!
Starting back a bit further, without the obvious initial bLoved connection, we meet Brandon and through him Shane. Brandon has been in love with his best friend for years, but as Shane is a serial monogamous he has kept this quiet to keep their friendship. When Shane's most recent boyfriend, Peter, appears to be both permanent and keeping Shane from Brandon, Brandon is ready to give up. But a night with friends that Peter has been keeping Shane away from, along with a bLoved quiz, shows Shane that this relationship is something he needs to get out of. He runs to his best friend and Brandon helps Shane move out fast and break it off, setting in motion the chain of events that sparked this trilogy.
Shane and Brandon are great characters. When you read the prologue, of them as high school friends, they are so adorable together. The fact that other relationships keep them apart puts some tension between them and it was fascinating reading that build up until it finally burst. As best friends Shane and Brandon already know plenty about each other, and living together as Brandon gives Shane safe harbour lets them see how they mean, and it's all just adorably perfect. It was a great relationship, with plenty of sexual tension in the build up.
Since this book actually follows Peter and the mess he causes I was surprised by how much more it brings up the suspense. Reading things like how he treated Shane for the time they were together, taking more and more control of his life, was really creepy. Also, since this was no longer the faceless threat in Be Mine, but a well established character, his actions were somehow even more disturbing. It put some real suspense into the whole thing and made it just that much better of a read!
Despite this being the end of this trilogy, I am extremely excited that it is not the end of this little world! Having found this series through the Semper Fi series by Starling I am excited to return and see what other amazing romances are in store!
This was an amazing cap off to an excellent trilogy!
Starting back a bit further, without the obvious initial bLoved connection, we meet Brandon and through him Shane. Brandon has been in love with his best friend for years, but as Shane is a serial monogamous he has kept this quiet to keep their friendship. When Shane's most recent boyfriend, Peter, appears to be both permanent and keeping Shane from Brandon, Brandon is ready to give up. But a night with friends that Peter has been keeping Shane away from, along with a bLoved quiz, shows Shane that this relationship is something he needs to get out of. He runs to his best friend and Brandon helps Shane move out fast and break it off, setting in motion the chain of events that sparked this trilogy.
Shane and Brandon are great characters. When you read the prologue, of them as high school friends, they are so adorable together. The fact that other relationships keep them apart puts some tension between them and it was fascinating reading that build up until it finally burst. As best friends Shane and Brandon already know plenty about each other, and living together as Brandon gives Shane safe harbour lets them see how they mean, and it's all just adorably perfect. It was a great relationship, with plenty of sexual tension in the build up.
Since this book actually follows Peter and the mess he causes I was surprised by how much more it brings up the suspense. Reading things like how he treated Shane for the time they were together, taking more and more control of his life, was really creepy. Also, since this was no longer the faceless threat in Be Mine, but a well established character, his actions were somehow even more disturbing. It put some real suspense into the whole thing and made it just that much better of a read!
Despite this being the end of this trilogy, I am extremely excited that it is not the end of this little world! Having found this series through the Semper Fi series by Starling I am excited to return and see what other amazing romances are in store!
August 19, 2018
Brendan and Shane’s story winds up the story arc started in book one of this series. Their story is at turns, touching, sad, frustrating and irritating. The irritation comes mostly at the end as the author’s twisting of common sense and police procedures to make the story work is a bit ridiculous. Can’t really elaborate to avoid spoilers but suffice to say a prisoner wouldn’t be brought back from one state where he would be facing attempted murder charges for shooting someone to another state where he’s facing harassment, stalking and maybe some kind of hacking charges. Nor would that prisoner be escorted the way he was nor would Shane have been there. There’s more and it’s super irritating because I liked Brendan and Shane’s story and it was kind of ruined for me with the laziness of not finding a way to accurately get the story to where the author wanted it to go without making these cops looks like idiots.
March 4, 2017
*I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinion stated are solely my own and no one else's"
I enjoyed this book; it was a sweet yet fun read.
Brandon and Shane were a cute couple. I have to admit, I got really frustrated with both of them tippy toeing around each other. I felt like banging their heads together to knock some sense into them lol. I'm happy to report that they do get there eventually. Brandon was so sweet and my heart melted when he called Shane "honey" - he couldn't hide his feelings even if he tried because his affection towards Shane gave him away.
Shane made me laugh when he got jealous over Jake - but I'm glad it happened because it definitely set off the right chain of events.
Bran's brother Gabe was funny. His nervousness and strange behaviour towards Jacob got me hoping that the author might possibly write their story next - fingers crossed!
This is the first book I've read by this author and she didn't disappoint. I'm definitely going to check out her other titles.
I enjoyed this book; it was a sweet yet fun read.
Brandon and Shane were a cute couple. I have to admit, I got really frustrated with both of them tippy toeing around each other. I felt like banging their heads together to knock some sense into them lol. I'm happy to report that they do get there eventually. Brandon was so sweet and my heart melted when he called Shane "honey" - he couldn't hide his feelings even if he tried because his affection towards Shane gave him away.
Shane made me laugh when he got jealous over Jake - but I'm glad it happened because it definitely set off the right chain of events.
Bran's brother Gabe was funny. His nervousness and strange behaviour towards Jacob got me hoping that the author might possibly write their story next - fingers crossed!
This is the first book I've read by this author and she didn't disappoint. I'm definitely going to check out her other titles.
March 2, 2017
I received an advanced copy for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. The whole series has been great since you see didn't parts of the same story, but individual stories as well. I love Brandon and Shane. They seem like such a great couple and truly, deeply, love each other. It can't be easy to have a psychopath come after the one you love, but they handle it with so much love, strength, and class.
I think that this couple might be my favorite, but they are all so great and connected due to the crazy psychopath. It is always amazing how things can be connected and this book and series shows that so wonderfully.
Please give this book and series a try. I promise that if you love a real ment to be love story, that you will love this.
I really enjoyed this book. The whole series has been great since you see didn't parts of the same story, but individual stories as well. I love Brandon and Shane. They seem like such a great couple and truly, deeply, love each other. It can't be easy to have a psychopath come after the one you love, but they handle it with so much love, strength, and class.
I think that this couple might be my favorite, but they are all so great and connected due to the crazy psychopath. It is always amazing how things can be connected and this book and series shows that so wonderfully.
Please give this book and series a try. I promise that if you love a real ment to be love story, that you will love this.
September 27, 2017
OK... 4-stars for the wonderful characters... but let me tell you, I would have given this book 2-stars for the lack of research into police procedure but I just loved the characters too much to do that.
And why did this read like an M/M "Sleeping With the Enemy"? Although, I have to be honest and admit that I don't recall a lot of the details for the movie!
BTW: This is one of those times that the cover just didn't click with what I felt like the MCs would look like, even though it was accurate description-wise.
Now, I have to skip over to another series by this dynamic duo and see how Little Jakey and Gabe figure things out... you know, with Gabe being straight and a complete commitment-phobe! ;p
And why did this read like an M/M "Sleeping With the Enemy"? Although, I have to be honest and admit that I don't recall a lot of the details for the movie!
BTW: This is one of those times that the cover just didn't click with what I felt like the MCs would look like, even though it was accurate description-wise.
Now, I have to skip over to another series by this dynamic duo and see how Little Jakey and Gabe figure things out... you know, with Gabe being straight and a complete commitment-phobe! ;p
March 6, 2017
This was the perfect end of the story that started with Be True with the bLoved drama, but I hope that it isn't the last that we see of these characters, especially Brandon's family. I'd like to see Jake wear Gabe down in a future book.
Shane really didn't pick his boyfriends well, and Peter certainly took the cake. I didn't like him in the previous books, but he became even more despicable now that we know more of what was going on behind his decision to stalk Kelly and Jase. Brandon was perfect for Shane! He was exactly what Shane needed to help remind him of who he had been before Peter, and to inspire that person back out.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Shane really didn't pick his boyfriends well, and Peter certainly took the cake. I didn't like him in the previous books, but he became even more despicable now that we know more of what was going on behind his decision to stalk Kelly and Jase. Brandon was perfect for Shane! He was exactly what Shane needed to help remind him of who he had been before Peter, and to inspire that person back out.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 6, 2017
I got this from the author for an honest review. This is my first book by Stella Starling. I got the impression at first that everything that could go wrong would go wrong, but it actually was a good read. It is about two guys that were best friends in high school. But wanted to be more than friends about that seems impossible when one of them is going to get married. Brandon and Shane are friend, but not sure how to go about finding their way to each other. That is when BLoved a gay dating app opens up new possibilities. So will Brandon and Shane find their HEA or will life continue to get in the way?
November 19, 2017
Shane and Brandon find each other at 17, but life gets in the way, until 10 years later.
Always friends, Shane has thought himself not Brandon's type, and Brandon's always on the sidelines, while Shane goes from one relationship to the next.
Good examples of emotional abuse with Shane's ex, and some interesting drama as the ex stalks Shane, but also goes after a dating site owner.
Lots of good supporting characters, I really like Mel, and Luis, Clayton and David. Love that Shane gets to confront his ex, Peter, although it leads to chaos at the airport.
Great little book, the author has created another
good series to read.
KU
Always friends, Shane has thought himself not Brandon's type, and Brandon's always on the sidelines, while Shane goes from one relationship to the next.
Good examples of emotional abuse with Shane's ex, and some interesting drama as the ex stalks Shane, but also goes after a dating site owner.
Lots of good supporting characters, I really like Mel, and Luis, Clayton and David. Love that Shane gets to confront his ex, Peter, although it leads to chaos at the airport.
Great little book, the author has created another
good series to read.
KU
June 18, 2018
The last book in the Beloved (bLoved?) series is a friends-to-lovers story. Brandon and Shane have appeared in the other books in the series, so while this can be read as a standalone it's more fun to read them in order.
The mystery part of the series (a hacker stalking and threatening Kelly Davis) finds its conclusion here and we get more background about why the stalker is targeting Kelly and what pushed him over the edge.
We also finally meet the man who captured Brandon's hear many years ago.
I enjoyed reading this book and wish there were more in the series, also it also connects to Semper Fi and All I want.
The mystery part of the series (a hacker stalking and threatening Kelly Davis) finds its conclusion here and we get more background about why the stalker is targeting Kelly and what pushed him over the edge.
We also finally meet the man who captured Brandon's hear many years ago.
I enjoyed reading this book and wish there were more in the series, also it also connects to Semper Fi and All I want.
February 1, 2020
BLoved 3
Friends to Lovers dual point of view
Third in series, can be read standalone
Brandon has been in love with his best friend, Shane, since high school. Shane has found out his long time boyfriend, Peter, is planning to propose and starts to have second thoughts about the relationship. When Peter doesn’t react well to Shane breaking up, Brandon steps in to protect him.
I liked Shane and Brandon’s family. I would have liked to have seen more of Shane’s journey to break away from Peter. It a significant process and I don’t think it had enough attention. Also I don’t think it would have been that easy to move on.
Friends to Lovers dual point of view
Third in series, can be read standalone
Brandon has been in love with his best friend, Shane, since high school. Shane has found out his long time boyfriend, Peter, is planning to propose and starts to have second thoughts about the relationship. When Peter doesn’t react well to Shane breaking up, Brandon steps in to protect him.
I liked Shane and Brandon’s family. I would have liked to have seen more of Shane’s journey to break away from Peter. It a significant process and I don’t think it had enough attention. Also I don’t think it would have been that easy to move on.
April 7, 2021
Yes
I really love this author. All her books are so heartwarming and sweet. My only thing with this book was I found Shane to be just a touch unbelievable with his feelings for Brandon. It totally felt like he jumped yet again from one guy to another. It didn't make since to me that on one hand Shane realized he actually loved Brandon and on the other he's supposedly had a crush since 17 and not once thought of Brandon in a sexual nature? Plus the getting together part came out of left field, I thought that could have been set up a little better. But overall really enjoyed it. Looking forward to Gabe and Little Jakey's story.
I really love this author. All her books are so heartwarming and sweet. My only thing with this book was I found Shane to be just a touch unbelievable with his feelings for Brandon. It totally felt like he jumped yet again from one guy to another. It didn't make since to me that on one hand Shane realized he actually loved Brandon and on the other he's supposedly had a crush since 17 and not once thought of Brandon in a sexual nature? Plus the getting together part came out of left field, I thought that could have been set up a little better. But overall really enjoyed it. Looking forward to Gabe and Little Jakey's story.
July 26, 2017
This third installment in the At Last, The BeLoved series was an enjoyable read. I liked the first two books better, but I think that’s because Peter and his madness were more prevalent in this book. Brandon and Shane were very sweet together, though, and I liked how they finally came together. The airport scene was a bit too melodramatic. I don’t even know why Shane was allowed to be there in the first place. Other than that, the book was pretty good and I’m jumping right into the spin off series.
December 27, 2018
Oh man.. I really wanted to love this book. I really really did. I mean, best friends-to-lovers is one of my most favorite tropes. And both MCs were really great. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the pining, the longing and the eventual coming (*wink wink*) together was really good.
But with that getting together came the bane of my reading experience. Ugh. Brandon, babe.. Can you ease up on the pet name please? It’s sweet and it was cute at first but gotdamn it was waaay overused in the last 10-15% of the book.
But with that getting together came the bane of my reading experience. Ugh. Brandon, babe.. Can you ease up on the pet name please? It’s sweet and it was cute at first but gotdamn it was waaay overused in the last 10-15% of the book.
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December 29, 2019Safety!
Shane had fallen in love with his school friend Brandon but never said. Brandon went into the Army then as a Cop, but remained friends with Shane but never told him that he was in love with him even when 10 years had passed. Peter, Shane boyfriend was away for a few days so Shane invited friends around and when they said it was great to finally see their friend again Shane realised how controlling Peter was. Running to Brandon for safety was what Shane realised he needed to do.
Shane had fallen in love with his school friend Brandon but never said. Brandon went into the Army then as a Cop, but remained friends with Shane but never told him that he was in love with him even when 10 years had passed. Peter, Shane boyfriend was away for a few days so Shane invited friends around and when they said it was great to finally see their friend again Shane realised how controlling Peter was. Running to Brandon for safety was what Shane realised he needed to do.
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