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Haven Hills #2

Or the Highway

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Trying to make it through one day at a time is all Justice has known for the last six years. To say that he had an interesting past is putting whipped cream on top of dog crap. He's done what he's had to to survive, but he's well aware of the stigma that comes with some of those things. Nobody had the ability to keep a straight face when you told them you were a prostitute for five years. After a few bad experiences in a row with Johns, he promised himself he'd never go back to that again. It's time to get his life in order. Starting with getting a normal job in a new town where nobody recognizes him and getting his GED. There's no time in his life for crushing on his gorgeous, older boss with the kind, patient heart and the no-nonsense attitude, and he definitely can't, in good conscience, go into a relationship with somebody without telling them about his past. Luther would never want him if he knew.

Luther takes one look at the gorgeous younger man who shows up looking for a job and slips almost immediately into protective mode. Justice might have a lot of secrets, but he recognizes a soul in need of compassion and love in those pretty brown eyes, because Justice isn't the only one with a past. Though he enjoys the innocent flirting from the sassy waiter, he's not sure he's got what it takes to be in a relationship, but life has a way of throwing two souls together who have the ability to heal each other.

Or the Highway is Book two in the Haven Hills series. It can be read as a standalone, but you will better understand the background characters if you read the series in order. Lowish angst and plenty of humor.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2019

77 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

J.D. Light

118 books406 followers

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5 stars
142 (48%)
4 stars
107 (36%)
3 stars
40 (13%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
January 3, 2020
There's something more real about this book than New Tricks, and I think it's that we can all relate in some way to wanting a fresh start away from the drama our situations can sometimes dump on us. While not all of us can claim resorting to the type of life Luther or Justice led, certain aspects of their striving resonates.

Side note, after learning of Luther's past I find it humorous that he's literally pursuing Justice...if you read it you'll see why the very lame joke I'm attempting not to tell is applicable. Hey, I did say the joke is lame...you got fair warning on that one.

Anyway, Justice is endearing to me because he's damaged and yet seeking love and acceptance so hard from himself and someone who truly sees him and my heart reaches out to him. I love that he's so loving and honest and good. His troubles have followed him and aside from his one moment of panic, he's level-headed and realistic about his situation and refuses to deny any of it. His strength is there.

We got far less of Luther unfortunately, and I wish there had been a better balance between the relationship I, as a reader was able to develop with both men. I do see that they are a great pairing and love that Luther's tenderness and bossiness both worked together to give Justice the emotional and physical freedom he needed to settle into himself in his new home for real this time.

If you thought the ending of New Tricks was abrupt, it's got nothing on Or the Highway. This ending was hot and yet also so abrupt that it was jarring. I enjoyed where we were going with the men and then I felt summarily dropped off a cliff. So yes, again the HEA is implied and relatively believable, but it's much more of an HFN because of the ending we were given.

Another side note...it would seem that the titles of these two books were meant for the other. Unless New Tricks is a little too obvious for Justice and Luther's past versus present, and similarly for Jefferson with Or the Highway, I'd say these titles should be switched.

And I'm done. Not with the series, just the review =]. The scene with Cutter and Hen is hilarious and I cannot wait for their story!
3,759 reviews44 followers
December 22, 2019
Lovely couple: who wouldn't love this boss?!😉

❤🔥👬 Justice has an interesting and messed up backstory, but his present at the story's start is depressingly grim. When his boss Luther finally gets a glimpse into his predicament, it's like a knight in shining armor coming to his rescue. Their story is both sweetness and spicy heat with some nice banter and kidding amongst their regular customers. I enjoyed it.

Although this is the second book in the Haven Hills MM romance series, it's easily read as a standalone. Some characters cross over from one book to the next, but Justice and Luther's romance is given its full arc and no cliffhanger in sight.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,558 reviews48 followers
January 2, 2020
This is a much darker story than the first in the series and we learn that Haven Hills contains a few evil people. We met Justice and Luther briefly in the first book of the Haven Hills series but learned virtually nothing about them. We saw Justice as a young man waiting tables in Luther's cafe, good naturedly giving Luther a hard time and dreaming of a relationship like that enjoyed by Jefferson and Byrum, the main characters in that book. Here we learn Justice is trying to build a new life after fleeing his old one of prostitution and with a huge crush on his boss, Luther who is nineteen years older and has secrets of his own. Little does he know that Luther is just as smitten. A situation causes Luther to ask Justice to move in with him, people from their pasts force eventual confessions and we see two people come out of their self-imposed isolation to find love.
I loved these two characters, especially Luther who quietly goes about helping everyone in town. It also hits several of my favorite romance tropes, forces proximity, age difference, and hurt/comfort. It was also very enjoyable to meet characters from the first book here and see them through Justice's eyes. I look forward to more in this series both to meet new characters and to see all these characters again.
Profile Image for Claudia Lezár.
1,409 reviews39 followers
December 31, 2019
3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews140 followers
January 4, 2020
4.5 Stars

JD Light's Or the Highway, the second book in the Haven Hills series, is great age gap romance.

Justice is poor, barely getting by, just trying to survive. He's got an ugly past he's ashamed of, as he's a former prostitute. Luther is his boss who's very protective of him. With secrets of his own, he's a multi-layered character as well. Despite being 19 years older than the young Justice, the attraction and chemistry is there. Honesly, I absolutely love that Luther fell for Justice at their first meeting. Not only wanting to help him, save him, and protect him, he also wanted to love him. Swoon.

Their story is one of intrigue and compassion, courage and smoking hot spice. It's a story of secrets and hidden pasts. It's a story of violence and growth.

The writing is great, with well developed, likable characters. Told in alternating 1st person pov, the reader is fully invested, as we fully feel the couple's feelings. As well, we once again visit with the characters from New Tricks, which is a bonus.

Or the Highway is a great mix of dark, sweet and spicy. JD Light once again delights in this tale of finding a fresh start.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,055 reviews11 followers
December 24, 2019
An truly emotional read of the traumatic life of a young man (Justice Wright) pulling himself by
the proverbial boot straps from a prostitute's life for 5 years to a better life as a waiter at
Luther's diner. This is an age gap story revolving around a flirty young man and a man
with a kind heart and protective streak who wants to care for Justice but who hides a violent past that carries the potential of scaring Justice away from Luther. Justice comes from a history of violent
treatment from family and a sleazy landlord, living off of ramen, and Luther offers him
a rock to cling to. Luther doubts he's strong enough to avoid the allure Justice offers him
but he just can't keep his distance and prays he doesn't lose his heart when it comes to
allowing Justice into his heart and caring for him. The attraction between these two is there
but each must acknowledge their desires to win this battle of hearts with each other. This is
my voluntary and honest review for the ARC I received.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
December 28, 2019
Forgiving ourselves is a bumpy road.  None of us are perfect and  we are all more than we appear to be.  The surface that folks see is only a layer not the whole person. I really enjoyed the complexity of the characters and how much more levels there were to both men.  I loved the story-line and so fell in love with these MC's.  

Justice and Luther are wonderful together, passion and compassion, protection and love all rolled into a great couple.  I really did enjoy watching Luther show different sides to his character.  Justice really needed Luther's love and acceptance and he got that and so much more.   

This is book two of the Haven Hills series.  This book can be read as a stand-alone, however you do see characters from book one in this one.  I am looking forward to the next one in this series.

I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review  


1,201 reviews8 followers
January 6, 2020
Will love overcome secrets of the past? This is Haven Hills!

What a delightful second book in the Haven Hills series. I loved this book! It pulled me in from the start. I stayed up way past my bedtime reading it. The characters come alive in this vibrant world. You will care about them. It has it all: intrigue, reality checks, hidden strengths, courage, passion & compassion. Friends from book one are back, with all their quirks. You are gonna love this book!
This is Justice & Luther's story. From the day Justice walked in to his dinner looking for a job, Luther was a goner. But you shouldn't date the help. He never thought he'd feel compelled to protect Justice from the world, and his own past. Justice hides a secret past too. When Luther takes him in to his life & home, Justices fears what will happen when he tells the truth of what he used to be.
Come. Share Luther & Justice's journey to HEA. It isn't always pretty, but it is constantlly moving forward. You will get caught up in their lives, feel their fears, hopes and joys. Get. This. Book!
Although this book can be read alone, I recommend reading the first book in the series. You will be glad you did.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
Profile Image for Valerie.
Author 21 books172 followers
December 19, 2019
This is an intense read, but the characters are wonderful and it's worth picking up. You meet Justice, about a year away from a life that about destroyed him, and has been working for Luther as a waiter. He's a conscience worker who lives in a run-down apartment with a leech of a landlord and pays an absorbent amount of money for it. When Luther, who has been secretly watching Justice while fighting his intense attraction for the younger man, believes his past is a barrier to finding someone like Justice to love. Soon, Justice's past brings his past in to his present, and Luther is there every step of the way. I loved this book. The characters are unique and deep, the pain from their past is real, and yet you feel the love between the two men. Highly Recommended!!
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,145 reviews26 followers
December 19, 2019
Sassy, small town age gap romance.

This is a minimal angst, age gap romance about a sassy, flirty waiter and his kind, patient and protective boss.
Justice and Luther have a lot of chemistry between them. It takes a while to spark and start burning but when it does, the heat level turns up to high. They are both easy to like which makes this an easy, enjoyable book to read.
Justice has had a difficult past, is broke and uses his sass and humour to hide how alone he is. Luther is drawn to Justice from the very beginning and circumstances lead to Justice sharing Luthers house. With honest communication and after a minor blip in the road, they get their HEA.
Profile Image for Coline Peterson.
623 reviews6 followers
December 20, 2019
Absolutely love a new book by J.D. Light, have to pick them up and read them, they are just that good. Justice wonders sometimes isn't it funny how life can shape the perception of how you see yourself and because of the choices you're forced to make to survive. Even when you are doing something to change it all, it doesn't make it easier or even better about how you feel about yourself or how other's think but maybe his boss, Luther will be different. We all have our demons but sometimes if we're very lucky we might find the right person to help us put them away and move into the life we are desperate to find and a love we deserve.
Profile Image for Heather.
881 reviews12 followers
December 21, 2019
I'm kind of in the fence about this book. I like the writing style, though there are pervasive structural problems with the dialogue/quotation marks in both this book and the previous one, but the subject matter is difficult for me to enjoy. For me this book was a high angst and stressful read, and the happy parts went a little too quickly to balance the stressful ones. Perhaps if the book was a bit longer I would have enjoyed it more, but it was only okay for me. I'm sure people who love hurt/comfort will love this, but I don't really enjoy that in the books I choose.
Profile Image for Celine.
803 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2020
Heartbreaking and loving story

This was a great second story.
Seeing Justice flirty and sassy in the previous book, I expected someone light and fluffy with a bit of drama.
This was much deeper and even better than I anticipated. Justice was amazing, still sassy and flirty, but there was so much more depth to him, you really fall in love with him (and I just wanted to continuously hug him).
I loved gruff and grumpy Luther. He was amazing and just the right man for Justice.

I really loved this story and couldn't put it down. I can't wait for more in this series
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,766 reviews8 followers
January 3, 2020
Oh, poor Justice and his story made my heart hurt.
Even though he had a horrific life from such a young age, I loved how strongly he was portrayed and his sass and additude were great as well.
Luther was an amazingly caring and protective man who just seemed perfectly made for a Daddy role and Justice his boy.
They both feared their pasts would have terrible repercissions on their developing relationship but it just made them all the better for each other.
A healthy dose of laughter also made this a great, quick read.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
December 19, 2019
Or the Highway is the second book in the Haven Hills series by J. D. Light. Fun, sweet, sexy... I love Justice and Luther's story. Justice has gone through alot but yet is still this sweet and good soul and Luther is exactly what he needs. There is not too much drama, but there is a lot of good story in these pages.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Profile Image for Lyndsay TC.
2,251 reviews5 followers
December 20, 2019
Justice and Luther!

J.D. Light pulled out all of the emotions in this romance between cafe owner Luther and waiter Justice. Even with both of their harden pasts, these two were the most heart warming, lovable characters in this series. I think because of their past it made their love story even sweeter. I loved their happily ever after and cannot wait for more stories within this world!
2,014 reviews25 followers
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December 27, 2019
Or the Highway (Haven Hills 2) is an emotional and beautifully written book. Justice is an emotional scared young man from his past. Justice is sweet, funny and loves to flirt. He's working for Luther. Luther is older, attractive and very protective and secretly he's attracted to Justice but doesn't think he's worthy of him. The book is sweet, romantic, some angst, intense moments and it's very well written. Justice and Luther get their HEA.
178 reviews
January 2, 2020
Loved it!

I liked this book even better than the first in this new series from JD Light-and I liked that a lot! As with book one, it’s a nice contemporary feel and interesting setting, great flow and characters, and a bit of extra maturity and depth while still endearing and lighthearted, just a few darker moments that worked perfectly for balance and were part of what made Justice (whom I adore!) and Luther so perfect.
Anxiously awaiting book 3 already!
1,488 reviews4 followers
December 21, 2019
This second book in the Haven Hills series follows the story of Justice and Luther. An age-gap with some light angst-ish situations that can be a trigger for some readers, helped to round up a great love story. Romance and some sensible hot scenes are just the cherry on top!! Loved it!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kashonna Shaw.
494 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2019
Justice and Luther are perfect. They totally are the best Daddy/Boy couple. Even though the author didn't say this is was they are, it was clear once you read their story. I felt like crying after hearing about Justice's past. It was heartbreaking. Luther's past was quite surprising, but I was pleased that he did have one, and wasn't a squeaky clean guy.
815 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2019
Amazing

Once again JD Light does it again with this series. You can't put the book down their are a few scary moments but when Luther comes to rescue Justice in more ways than one you can't help but fall in love with this story. You also get a sneak peek out of a few characters that I'm sure will have their own books.
3,010 reviews46 followers
January 3, 2020
This May/December story has quite an edge to it. Justice has a past that has been very difficult. Luther offers him a second chance at a life that is positive.
Justice and Luther are wonderful together, there is love, protection, caring and so much more between these two.
I really enjoyed their story.
819 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2020
I thought this was a really sweet story, too. I've read the first two books in this series, and it seems like it will be a good one. If you like seeing characters from multiple books, this should be on your TBR list. It's a standalone book with appearances by characters in other books. Lovable characters. A definite must read!
177 reviews
September 3, 2023
JD Light is hands down one of my favorite, one click, go back and read it again (and again...and again) authors. The books are bite sized, packed full of feels and humor and spicy scenes. I didn't realize that this series was the spin off of the Training Days one and I was super excited to read these!
Profile Image for Jacqueline Palazzo.
122 reviews
December 30, 2019
Or the Highway ( Haven Hills Book 2 )

Another book hit out of the park. I loved this sorry. It was sweet and sexy with just the right amount of feels. I would definitely recommend....
Profile Image for Patricia Nelson.
1,739 reviews20 followers
January 2, 2020
What a fantastic, poignant, grab-you-by-the-feels, emotionally charged, heartbreaking yet hopeful, slow burning, wonderful, lovely, and totally awesome story. I was hooked from beginning to end, and can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for ellymate.
409 reviews26 followers
January 3, 2020
Because it's J.D. Light and because this was a fast read.

So I start with some mushy romance and mm on top of that like previous year.
Well, I do like the style of J.D. Light and this was a cute story with some extreme stuff as usual, but what the heck no?
5,704 reviews39 followers
December 28, 2019
amazing feelings and personalities.. so much fun to read.. such a sweet light hearted story and i enjoy the feel good of it all. very good!
Profile Image for Ali.
2,100 reviews18 followers
January 2, 2020
Poor Justice, he’s trying to live right but keeps getting knocked down and it was just that that finally opened Luther’s eyes since he has been living with blinders on in regards to how Justice is living.

Gha, I feel bad that I can’t remember too much of the story but I totally enjoyed it and was glad for them both to figure it all out. I look forward to more books in this series when they are released.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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