After the death of their mother, Frank "Saint" Jeffrey knew the only way to protect his younger brother was to strike a deal with their autocratic, cruel, abusive father. In exchange for his brother's freedom to live his life as he wished, Saint promised to follow in his father's footsteps and become a preeminent surgeon in his father's medical practice. When events he never could have predicted took away Saint's ability to perform surgery, the bargain became null and void. With no safety net, and a life without purpose, Saint moved across the country, bought a wreck of a building in DTLA, and hoped while resurrecting the property he'd find a reason to live again. Then Max Connor entered his life, and Saint was dragged from the darkness of desolation into the light of love.
M. Tasia is an mm romance author who lives in Ontario, Canada. Michelle is a dedicated people watcher, lover of romance novels, 80’s rock, and happily ever afters (once the MCs are put through their paces), who grew up with a love of reading. She’s a firm believer that everyone deserves to have love, excitement, and crazy hot romance in their lives. Love should be celebrated and shared.
To all my readers: Thank you. There’s no escaping the truth – without all of you, there wouldn’t be me, the author. Your support and kind words have taken me from being a new author who was unsure and panicked to an author with over twenty books under her belt. Okay, I’m still unsure and panicked, but I’m a work in progress. (Takes a sip of wine.)
I love sharing my stories with you and hearing how my characters have touched you and how you’ve cheered them on, cried with them, and even wanted to knock some sense into a few. Your encouragement has inspired me to continue on my writing journey. All the late nights, missed events, and looming deadlines have been worth it, knowing these stories have entertained and stayed with you long after the book was finished. Michelle XO
This was a good read that I enjoyed and wanted more of. Frank "Saint" Jeffrey has been through a lot raised by an abusive father after the death of his mother he made a deal with his father. He became a doctor and went into practice with his father so he would leave his brother alone. While helping in a third world 🌎 country he was kidnapped and shot three times in both his hands. When he comes home and buys an old building in DTLA he wants to restore. When he meets a guy to help with the restoration they don't get off to a good start. Max Connor entered his life at a time that he needs someone the most. I really liked both these characters and there friends Saint has Finn a homeless youth who he found sleeping outside the building. Max who has a best friend Miguel who also works with him in his construction business and who has a thing for Finn. These two fall in love quickly. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I liked this so much that I picked up the other 2 interconnected series from this author. It was short, sweet, hot, and juicy. Just enough backstory on the MCs to feel something for them. I got teary a few times for Saint. Esp when he was talking about his momma and the wood carvings 😭 He was dickish in the beginning, but you'll understand why when he talks about his dad and brutal time in the jungle. Max was an angel. The way he held Saint through his nightmares...oh! And the gift at the end. GOO! 🥹
The ending had a lil twist. Off to Finns book. I just know his backstory is going to be wild.
Ps- Max made a grilled cheese sandwich with KETCHUP to dip. I'm blown away rn! I have to try. I've always used tomato soup.
Oh my goodness!! I have never read this author before but she has a great start to a series on her hands! Saint has had a relatively rough upbringing, when I say relatively he is forced to follow in his father’s footsteps steps and become a surgeon. He rebels the only way he can and helps the people of third world countries but this puts him in a situation to be kidnapped and tortured. I felt so bad for Saint’s plight in life and his heartbreaking outlook on life now. Then Max comes into the picture completely taking Saint off guard so that’s why Saint is a total prick to Max in the beginning. Max just can’t get the surly man out of his mind. Can Saint let everything go, all of pain and guilt before he lets it consume him? Can Max pull him out of his funk before it takes over his life? I can’t wait for Finn!!!
I'm now officially a fan of this series. I love the writing, the emotional capacity and depth of the characters and how the beautiful vulnerable side of the male leads. This series and Tasia's writing is a breath of fresh air and I'm completely hooked.
Hmm... shortly after the sample pages, Saint loses his edge and the focus of the book changed to pet names and cliched romance. Maybe I’m just in a slump. I don’t think I’ll read this one again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This series is a spin off from the amazing Boys of Brighton series. We met Saint in the final book of that series as he is Johnny's brother. It is not necessary to have read the Boys of Brighton series to follow everything in the book.
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't crazy about Saints character from the Boys of Brighton but I was willing to see what the true story was. Frank "Saint" Jeffery was a prominent plastic surgeon. He joined his abusive father in his practice in order to protect his younger brother Johnny. He felt he was stronger and could survive better against his father than Johnny. His father may have blackmailed him into the practice and controlled Saint's life but he couldn't control Saint on his vacation. So Saint went to help children with Doctors without Borders. Unfortunately for him, rebels overtook the camp. He was kidnapped, tortured, and shot 3 times before he was rescued. For his sin of helping children, the rebels shot him in both hands so that he would never operate again and once in the stomach. Being unable to operate meant he could finally escape from under the control of his father.
Saint moves across the country to DTLA. He is starting over and trying to find himself and where he belongs. He buys a massive building that is desperately in need of major repairs. He wants to restore the building to its former glory and incorporate new technology without losing the charm. He is unsuccessful in finding a contractor who understands that vision.
Saint finds a homeless man named Larry sleeping in the doorway of his property. He takes him in and begins to help him. He gives him a job helping to renovate the home and in return provides room and board. Both parties win. Saint is no longer all alone and Larry is once again feeling safe. Saint feels like he is making up for all the times he couldn't protect his brother from his father. Being with Saint is no picnic either. He is injured, suffering from PTSD, and has anger management issues. He uses Larry to run interference between him and the outside world.
Max Connor is a restoration expert. He goes over to Heaven's Gate to give a quote on a renovation job. He is not particularly interested in trying to get the job but he has been directed by his grandmother Rose to go see Saint. Rose knows Saint through Johnny. She is a prominent character in the Boys of Brighton series. When he arrives to see Saint things do not go smoothly. Saint is abrasive, loud and insulting. Max storms off thinking enough is enough. He doesn't need to put up with that kind of behaviour. Meanwhile Saint realizes that he behaved badly and was lashing out at Max for no reason. He knows he is reacting badly but with PTSD that behaviour is hard control.
That was the start of Max and Saints relationship. Safe to say it had no where to go but up from there. This romance was a slow burn. It takes time for both men to earn the trust and respect of the other. They both have some baggage they have to deal with before they can move on together. Max's calm, cool personality is a perfect foil for Saint's short fuse and anger. As well, the secondary characters mix into the story nicely and support the main characters. Larry and Miguel added a spark to the story.
This is an exciting new series. I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you guys have read Boys of Brighton, you’re going to love this series too. The Masons have a long reach and this is Saint’s story, who is Johnny’s brother from Boys. I do have to warn you, there are possible triggers in this story. Abuse, murder, arson, torture, PTSD, survivor’s guilt, nightmares and more. It’s not a pretty picture. But the end is more than worth it. At the end of the Boys of Brighton series, we find out the truth of Johnny’s brother, Saint. Or some of it. And it wasn’t pretty then. Now we are finding out the whole story and it made me sick. The way some parents are, they should never be allowed to have children. Saint is still recovering from wounds he received while helping women and children in small world countries who couldn’t afford medical attention. It was something he could do to help pay back and pay it forward in what his father had made him do. He wanted something good to come from his doctor degree, not the stupid money or prestige his father wanted. But being tortured has left Saint a little broken and lost and now all he wants to do is restore this beautiful building and find a contractor that will see his dream of making it as beautiful as it once was without gutting it and taking away from it. Finally meeting Max, thanks to the Mason’s, he found what he was looking for. In more ways than one. But as broken as Saint is, can there ever be anything between them, especially with his father’s threats again and a psycho ex running around doing harm? When Johnny’s story came about, I was so hurt for him. To feel like he had no one after the loss of his mother. He knew he never had his father, but feeling he lost Saint as well, had left him really hurt. But what Johnny didn’t know was how Saint was saving him. And for Saint, it broke me. No one deserves what he had to endure and all to save his brother from his father’s grasp. It’s another one of those times, I wish I could reach through a book and beat someone. But what impressed me was Saint. He endured pure horror every day in order to save his brother and that to me is what real strength is. To save someone at the loss of yourself, is pure unselfishness and courage and strength. And I fell in love with him even more. He was still being selfless with all he was still going through and enduring. And it wasn’t easy. He was still helping others. The new one being Finn. And he was trying to be something for Max. And that was hard. Because he was terrified he’d never be able to be what Max needed. And then it made me fall for Max. Because Max didn’t care. He wanted to save and protect Saint. He knew he wouldn’t be able to do it alone. But at least he knew Saint had people in his corner that truly loved and cared for him. Even if it could ever only be as friends. It’s a hard story to endure. But it’s worth it. Because you see a man who basically lost everything, get up and keep going. Even when all bets were against him and he couldn’t even barely leave the house. But he kept getting up and trying and doing all he could to survive. And that makes him unforgettable. And super special. It’s not what happens to you that really matters. Although that’s bad enough, don’t misunderstand me. But it’s what you do with yourself after, that shows the real test of strength and character. It doesn’t mean life is ever easy. It’s usually a day by day process. But you just have to keep pushing through.
Frank "Saint" Jeffrey made a deal with his abusive father to protect his younger brother. He agreed to follow in his father’s career path and become a surgeon if he would leave his brother live his life. When circumstances damage his hand and make it impossible for Saint to perform as a surgeon anymore, he needs to find something to give his life purpose again.
Saint bought a 4-story building with lots of history that needed restoration, hoping the project would give him some direction. He wanted a restaurant and lounge on the ground floor and condominiums on the upper three floors with a roof garden and lounges for the owners’ use. He hoped while resurrecting the property he'd find joy and a reason to live again.
Max Connor is a talented building contractor who has the vision and skill to tease an old building's past beauty back. Grandma Rose asks him to talk to Saint as a favor. Unfortunately, things don’t go well at that meeting. Max had wanted to make an offer on the building himself, but he couldn’t with his current obligations. He feared the new owner just wanted to destroy its character and charm just to make a profit. A kid knocked on his truck window and made him spill coffee into his lap, telling him Saint didn’t like unexpected visitors and following him to the door. A gorgeous, tall, well-built but grumpy man asked what he wanted. Max was all set to just walk away, but handed him his card as he told him when he got his head out of his posterior, give him a call. Fortunately the “kid” Finn had Goggled Max and told Saint he should check out the website on this guy. Strangely enough, Saint’s fear mirrored Max’s fear, concerned about tearing the heart and soul out of this old building then throwing it away for something new and undamaged. This building deserved a new life – just as he did. After a week’s wait, Saint called Max.
This is the point where the author digs deep into our heart to keep the reader’s emotions wide open. The characters are amazing, their interaction excellent. You will enjoy their story. How will the project be implemented? Will it be what both of them envision? And will its rebirth trigger the healing in Saint so that he can confirm what he wants, who he wants, and find his well-deserved HEA?
"There is only one we are meant to love, and when you find him you will know. The trick is to never let him go. "
A Feels good romance that checks all the boxes.
Saint found a way to run from his past while recreating his future. He wasn't ready to face what happened. The nightmares still plagued not only his dreams but on occasion his waking moments. He wasn't the same easy going man he once was and he knew it. Pouring himself into the restoration, he thought was the answer. That was until a take no sass contractor knocked on his door changing his life once again if only he could let him in. Max promised Gran he would drop by and see if he could be of help. He figured whoever had bought the place was going to strip its history and modernize shame but usually true. What he didn't expect was the sexy but rude blonde Adonis that tried to scare him off. He knew he should walk away, but every time he closed his eyes he saw him.
Fate finally took the choice from both the stubborn males bringing them together in what would either be a perfect working relationship or a complete disaster of circumstances.
Everything was going somewhat smoothly until old problems became new ones for both Max and Saint. Could Saint find his way back from the darkness and the pain? Could he let go of the guilt he wrongfully carried? Would Max be patient if he couldn't?
Watching Max put up with Saint's grumpy backside was a tickler. They blended like oil and water - absolutely perfect for each other. Just the right amount of obstacles and angst to create a sweet romance. Enjoyed the way this story unfolded. The suspense was a background buzz that kept me curious but didn't overwhelm. A sensational cast that complimented each other sublimely. An easy to follow story line that captivated and entertained. Looking forward to Finn's story.
Fantastic! I did not want this story to end. This was an absolutely well written story. The characters were well developed. The theme was solid and flowed. There were no wasted words. The flow and transitions were smooth. Saint is in the process of rehabilitating his life after surviving a traumatic experience. He came out alive, but he had career ending injuries, survivor's guilt, PTSD and memories from which he can not escape. Larry/Finn is a homeless man who Saint found sleeping in his doorway. He took him in no questions asked. Max is the contractor who works with Saint to restore the building. Miguel is Max's best friend and second in command. Saint and Max share the vision of restoring the building. Max is dealing with abandonment issues. Saint has daddy issues and his PTSD. There are a lot of unresolved issues, revenge, an ex boyfriend, Blake who doesn't understand No, a dad who doesn't understand no, a potential boyfriend with lots of patience, arson, murder and lotsa love and understanding. Not all with the same group of people. I hope the author writes quickly because I can't wait to read more. It's been a long time since I felt comfortable, happy and satisfied reading a story. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Nice cover art!
I’ve just finished reading the Boys of Brighton Series so I decided to start The Gates Series since we were introduced to Saint in the Holidays, since he’s Johnny from Book 1’s (Gabe) brother. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good start to The Gates Series. Saint was a bit of a grumpy a*sehole towards Max initially but he wasn’t coping with his injuries/pain very well and doctors definitely don’t make the best patients that’s for sure. I’m glad that he knew he was being an a*sehole and that Max didn’t deserve his attitude.
I liked how their relationship progressed when they got over their initial hurdle and thought that they were good together. It was heartbreaking hearing everything Saint suffered through while being held captive by rebels. I adored the secondary characters and I’m really looking forward to Finn & Miguel’s book next, as well as more books from M Tasia in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
Frank "Saint" Jeffrey began losing so much early in life. His mom passed away. Then he is faced with the decision of selflessly sacrificing himself to protect his brother from their controlling father. Agreeing to become a doctor in the family practice. Little did he know that deal would lead to an event to ultimately change his career and course in life.
Saint is still physically and mentally struggled with the aftereffects of his gunshot wounds. Two tot he hands that ultimately ended his career and the other to the small intestine.
In walks Max Connor, a man who enters Saint's life at the perfect time. Caught completely off guard, Saint isn't exactly running into his arms. Initially he was a more prickly than expected. Mean and surly is more to the point.
Can Max and Saint work through it all? Will Saint let his guard down and allow much needed love?
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
We meet Saint in the last Boys of Brighton book as he is Johnny's brother. Don't worry if you haven't read Boys of Brighton (even though you really should), you'll still understand everything in this book. Saint is determined to rebuild the life he wants in LA and is looking for someone that will help him realize his dream of the building that he bought. Max is a building contractor with plenty of experience in bringing old building's past beauty out and goes to see Saint as a favor of Grandma Rose. Well, to say these two men do not start off on the right foot would be an understatement. But once they get past that, their story comes alive with emotion and you will love every moment.
This book was such a good read. I really enjoyed Max and Saints story it didn't start off as sunshine and roses for the two for a moment I thought the first were going to fly but once Saint took his head out of his butt like Max suggested the sparks flew. The supporting characters were so likeable as well I can't wait for Finn and Miguel's story next the little glimpses into their lives during the story made me want to see more and I'm also hoping that Finn and his brother get a happy reunion thrown in for good measure. Such a well written story easy to follow with no editing issue's and very entertaining bring on the next one!
Saint strike a deal with his father, leave Johnny alone and Saint will do whatever his father said. It leave him jaded and broken inside. He went to rescue mission to escape from his father's clutch but it turned bad, very very bad. It made him more fucked up even more.
He met Max then he learned that even if you needed help and a shoulder to lean on it doesn't mean that you weak or helpless. He slowly open up and tell Max his dark past and try to live a happy life but when the happy ending is near his grasp, something bad happen and wonder if he ever have a chance to said how Max meant so much to him.
“Saint” Francis Jeffrey has done his utmost to protect the people he cares about since his mother died. To protect his younger brother, Johnny, he agreed to go into medical practice with his abusive and controlling father. While on an expedition to help the underprivileged in South America, Saint is shot and is now unable to perform surgery. In an attempt to put together a new life Saint has purchased a run down building in LA that he hopes to restore. Finding a contractor who shares his vision is difficult until Max Connor shows up. The two men have a difficult start, but sheer determination wins the day as they connect. Old friends and family complicate things. A very engaging love story.
This is Saint's story, for readers of the Brighton Boys, you'll know he needs a break! After being forced to become a plastic surgeon by his father, he rebels by assisting people in 3rd world countries, which puts him in the position to be kidnapped and tortured. You really feel for him, that's for sure! Max is the perfect man for poor Saint's battered soul, not that he doesn't have his own issues!
Overall, this was engaging, steady paced and chock full of all the feels!
I fell in line with Max and Saint right from the start. This book is about leading to live again. Saint has gone to hell and back and just wants to start over. Max wants to get to know the grumpy man even though he tries multiple times to push him away. But once he gets past those barriers that Saint put up there is no going back. This book is sweet and heartbreaking all mixed up in an amazing love story. I can’t wait to read Finn’s story next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Saint is an injured former doctor trying to have an old once glamorous building in downtown Los Angeles restored. He is having trouble getting the right contractor until Max takes the job and shares his vision to restore and save as much as possible. The relationship is slow going ever hopeful but it does blossom through angst, danger and misunderstanding. A beautiful, well written beginning to a new series.
I just loved this story. Loved the characters, main and supporting, loved the intensity of their feelings, loved Saints reluctant to get involved, loved their relationship from the very beginning, basically loved it all. This is such a terrific story. Exciting, romantic and full of life. Just a terrific book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was such a good book. Between Max and Saint it had it all. The good, bad, and everything in between. I just really loved it and I can’t wait for the next book. Thank you for writing it.
It was a great story of people over come their childhood trials and tribulations and make it. No matter their mother dies or their father was never around. It good to see strong people be there for one another.
This started out good but the plot disappointed me. The bad guy came out of nowhere and it wasn’t very suspenseful. Also the problems with Saint and his father bled to death (literally) which was very unsatisfactory.
This story is enough to break your heart. Abused, neglected, and terrorized. Saint still looks out for those he cares for and protects them. He needs his own protector, and he finds the perfect partner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really love this story of Max and Saint. Like hr other books, M.Tasia has done it again by making another 5⭐️ read and I am on my way to read book two!
I love that the start of this new series starts off with Saint. Since I learned his story I wanted him to get his own HEA. I can't wait for Finn's book.