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Lovestrong #0.5
How Not To Wait
Eighteen-year-old virgin Shaw Michaelson is alone at his family cabin, waiting both for his parents to return from town and for his dad's hotter-than-hell best friend to arrive to spend New Year's with them. When Nick St. Cloud arrives with a flurry of snow at his back, Shaw's first thought says it all... hello, Santa.
Former Navy SEAL "Saint" Nick can't let himself be attracted to his friend's kid. Even if Shaw does check every box on his list, Nick can't go there... although every part of him wishes he could.
Snowed in, no power, with only the heat and light from the fireplace, Nick and Shaw must spend an evening getting to know each other better and fighting their attraction. But how can Nick keep fighting when he's startled awake by a determined virgin with one goal?
Former Navy SEAL "Saint" Nick can't let himself be attracted to his friend's kid. Even if Shaw does check every box on his list, Nick can't go there... although every part of him wishes he could.
Snowed in, no power, with only the heat and light from the fireplace, Nick and Shaw must spend an evening getting to know each other better and fighting their attraction. But how can Nick keep fighting when he's startled awake by a determined virgin with one goal?
27 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2018
3 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hawke
35 books366 followersSusan Hawke is more widely known for her mpreg writings as Susi Hawke; this new name is a departure from that. Whether written by Susan or Susi, the books are filled with that all-important love, laughter, and family; the only difference is that this name has no male pregnancy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
November 25, 2020
Not really sure how to rate this one... I remember enjoying it a lot more when I read it. The audio really emphasized the sadness. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but when read by Michael Pauley.
January 17, 2019
2★'s = it was ok.
Hmmm...curious. It's very difficult to fairly rate a short book that didn't really have an end. This was just a setup mostly. This didn't have a resolution at all and the first book in this new series is not about these boys. I am guessing they will get a book though, right? I mean, they have to or this shorty was for nothing.
I don't know if I liked it or not. The first book was rec'd to me in an Author's FB Group but I had to read the .5 first. This made me a little bit uncomfortable.
I'll probably still read book 1.
Hmmm...curious. It's very difficult to fairly rate a short book that didn't really have an end. This was just a setup mostly. This didn't have a resolution at all and the first book in this new series is not about these boys. I am guessing they will get a book though, right? I mean, they have to or this shorty was for nothing.
I don't know if I liked it or not. The first book was rec'd to me in an Author's FB Group but I had to read the .5 first. This made me a little bit uncomfortable.
I'll probably still read book 1.
January 1, 2019
I can't wait for Susan (Susi Hawke's new contemporary pen name) to launch hew new series. This is just a taste of what's to come, and I hope that we get more with Shaw and Nick as I feel like there is more story for them left to tell!
March 5, 2019
So yeah. I'm backwards again. I read book one first before this one. I honestly didn't know about this one until a few weeks ago and I'm glad I got to get this one. When I read book one, I was curious about Nick like a few others were. But no one would tell his story. They would just say it's Nick’s story to tell. Now this is not his whole story. It's a short. Just gives you an intro into things.
With Nick's past, he was lucky to have his friends Charlie and Charlie's little family. He would have been lost without them. With too many years gone by since he last saw them, he was determined not to miss this opportunity. But this snowstorm is rough. He makes it to the little cabin, only to think he found the wrong one when he sees the young beautiful man in front of him. Until he realizes it's Charlie's son, Shaw. Time has definitely passed and that little kid has become a stunning young man. But Nick will never act on it. Shaw had different ideas. Big snowstorm, no power, and this warm man he's been crushing on for years, Shaw decides to wake him up in a fun way. But it backfires when Nick berates him. Now it's up to Nick to comfort the young man in spite of his mistake and fight the feelings he brings up.
I knew there was a story behind Nick when I first read about him. I didn't know it would be that rough, but I knew something was up. I'm so glad of this little short to see a glimpse of him and his background. He seems like such a good guy. Just battle worn, if that makes sense. With his shock at seeing Shaw, you just knew it was going to be instant attraction. The forbidden son. And with Shaw crushing on him for so long, you know what's bound to happen in a snowstorm power outage lol. But it was a good little short. It made me happy.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
With Nick's past, he was lucky to have his friends Charlie and Charlie's little family. He would have been lost without them. With too many years gone by since he last saw them, he was determined not to miss this opportunity. But this snowstorm is rough. He makes it to the little cabin, only to think he found the wrong one when he sees the young beautiful man in front of him. Until he realizes it's Charlie's son, Shaw. Time has definitely passed and that little kid has become a stunning young man. But Nick will never act on it. Shaw had different ideas. Big snowstorm, no power, and this warm man he's been crushing on for years, Shaw decides to wake him up in a fun way. But it backfires when Nick berates him. Now it's up to Nick to comfort the young man in spite of his mistake and fight the feelings he brings up.
I knew there was a story behind Nick when I first read about him. I didn't know it would be that rough, but I knew something was up. I'm so glad of this little short to see a glimpse of him and his background. He seems like such a good guy. Just battle worn, if that makes sense. With his shock at seeing Shaw, you just knew it was going to be instant attraction. The forbidden son. And with Shaw crushing on him for so long, you know what's bound to happen in a snowstorm power outage lol. But it was a good little short. It made me happy.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
June 19, 2022
While these few scenes are compelling, they’re dissatisfying as a short story or taster for the Lovestrong series. It works better as a prologue for How Not to Break (book 4). The author has obviously realised that because this short story has been placed just before book 4 in the box set. Shaw Michaelson has always had a thing for his old family friend Nick St. Cloud. Now 18 yo, Shaw wants to act on his feelings and takes advantage of being snowed in with Nick to progress things. It’s a sexy, if initially non-consensual, scene but needs a lot more context for us to realise its importance. Book 4 provides that … Shaw is attracted to older men. Since the death of Shaw’s parents, Nick feels obligated to protect Shaw having watched him grow from when he was a baby. Frustratingly for Shaw, Nick now finds it hard to view him through any other lens. Thus their ongoing tension. Audio narrator Michael Dean is his usual excellent self.
September 23, 2020
I’ve read this author before. This was a short mm novella. Main characters are Nick and Shaw. Age difference with Nick being elder. Snowed in and with no power these two are designed to be together. I’ll read more from this author and series.
January 1, 2019
Here's hoping they get a full book...
June 19, 2019
2 hot guys stuck in a snowy cabin? What are they to do??? Also can they get their own full length book so they can do it some more??
June 9, 2020
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
This prequel is only twenty-seven pages long, but it serves a purpose—that of being a flashback-prequel to novel number four as well as explaining the strange thwarted attraction between Shaw Michaelson and Nick St. Cloud, a subplot I have already encountered, off and on, in books one to three (as a reminder, Shaw belongs to the group of friends around Seth, Larry, and Andy; Nick is the owner of the bar where Andy and Larry, that is their drag alter egos Kandi and Honey, perform each Thursday).
In this short flashback, Shaw Michaelson, openly gay college student, has come back home to spend New Year’s Eve with his parents in their weekend cabin in the mountains. They have also invited Shaw’s father’s oldest friend, ex-Navy SEAL Nick St. Cloud. But for some reason the parents need to make a last-minute dash to their home town, hoping they’ll be back before the oubtbreak of the snow storm that is threatening. Of course, they don’t make it back; fortunately, Nick arrives in the meantime to save Shaw from spending the night all alone. The sexual attraction is both immediate and mutual, but Nick won’t allow himself to act on his urges, not with his best friend’s young son. He has not reckoned with Shaw’s curiosity and insistence, however…
Well, as short stories go, this one was quite good, its brevity having the positive side-effect of sparing me a story where too much is put into too little space, and its purpose as a prequel making it easier for me not to wish for more: I know I will get more in novel number four, which will tell Shaw’s and Nick’s story in full length. Of course, in so few pages, no character development can be achieved; that’s why I would not recommend the short story as a stand-alone read (it is not intended to be read as such by the author, I guess). But in its nice, perky, and spicy form, with its very romantic setting, it came as a pleasant interlude between novels three and four, especially as I already knew the two main characters a bit. And it made me more than curious to find out what will happen between these two men, so I’m positively looking forward to opening book number four.
This prequel is only twenty-seven pages long, but it serves a purpose—that of being a flashback-prequel to novel number four as well as explaining the strange thwarted attraction between Shaw Michaelson and Nick St. Cloud, a subplot I have already encountered, off and on, in books one to three (as a reminder, Shaw belongs to the group of friends around Seth, Larry, and Andy; Nick is the owner of the bar where Andy and Larry, that is their drag alter egos Kandi and Honey, perform each Thursday).
In this short flashback, Shaw Michaelson, openly gay college student, has come back home to spend New Year’s Eve with his parents in their weekend cabin in the mountains. They have also invited Shaw’s father’s oldest friend, ex-Navy SEAL Nick St. Cloud. But for some reason the parents need to make a last-minute dash to their home town, hoping they’ll be back before the oubtbreak of the snow storm that is threatening. Of course, they don’t make it back; fortunately, Nick arrives in the meantime to save Shaw from spending the night all alone. The sexual attraction is both immediate and mutual, but Nick won’t allow himself to act on his urges, not with his best friend’s young son. He has not reckoned with Shaw’s curiosity and insistence, however…
Well, as short stories go, this one was quite good, its brevity having the positive side-effect of sparing me a story where too much is put into too little space, and its purpose as a prequel making it easier for me not to wish for more: I know I will get more in novel number four, which will tell Shaw’s and Nick’s story in full length. Of course, in so few pages, no character development can be achieved; that’s why I would not recommend the short story as a stand-alone read (it is not intended to be read as such by the author, I guess). But in its nice, perky, and spicy form, with its very romantic setting, it came as a pleasant interlude between novels three and four, especially as I already knew the two main characters a bit. And it made me more than curious to find out what will happen between these two men, so I’m positively looking forward to opening book number four.
September 18, 2020
3,5*
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save 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 a year (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,
maybe 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
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save 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 a year (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,
maybe 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
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
April 19, 2019
If only we were all as "lucky" as reindeer!
I read this little FREEBIE after reading, "How Not to Blend," which is over the top fabulous, honeyyy.
In this shortie, we get a look at young Shaw, and his man crush, Nick St. CLoud, who has just returned home after leaving the Navy where he was a SEAL. Ummm... Can you say, sexy-as-fck-SEAL ten times real fast without it sounding like, shexxy ask fox hill? Well, it doesn't matter because that is precisely what Nick is, and college freshman, Shaw and his reindeer pajama pants are struggling with the fact that he and the succulent Seal are snowed in at his parents cabin, with no power, no phone service, and no way to keep warm except by the fire and with each other's body heat. In the words of George Takei, "Ohhh Myyy..."
Unfortunately, not all good things last and young Shaw and Nick are struck with tragic news that will change the course of both their lives.
This is not a HEA or HFN, but more of a long prelude to the LoveStrong series. A series I personally love and adore! 💖🌈💖
I read this little FREEBIE after reading, "How Not to Blend," which is over the top fabulous, honeyyy.
In this shortie, we get a look at young Shaw, and his man crush, Nick St. CLoud, who has just returned home after leaving the Navy where he was a SEAL. Ummm... Can you say, sexy-as-fck-SEAL ten times real fast without it sounding like, shexxy ask fox hill? Well, it doesn't matter because that is precisely what Nick is, and college freshman, Shaw and his reindeer pajama pants are struggling with the fact that he and the succulent Seal are snowed in at his parents cabin, with no power, no phone service, and no way to keep warm except by the fire and with each other's body heat. In the words of George Takei, "Ohhh Myyy..."
Unfortunately, not all good things last and young Shaw and Nick are struck with tragic news that will change the course of both their lives.
This is not a HEA or HFN, but more of a long prelude to the LoveStrong series. A series I personally love and adore! 💖🌈💖
March 25, 2019
3.5 rounded up because I know things will get a full explanation in How Not to Break.
I read this directly before reading How Not to Break, knowing Nick and Shaw would get their second chance a decade later. That helped immensely because this was extremely short and jumped pretty much right into the sexy thoughts and eager middle-of-the-night passion. Without knowing whether or not this couple is going to get a full story, this little novella can be quite jarring and will likely make you a little uncomfy. That being said...
There was just enough background on these two men to give the short story enough depth to jump right into the steamy encounter. The attraction is absolutely incendiary and the way they come together is all kinds of awkward and a little bit inappropriate, but the sparks between them are absolutely real. While it's not the ideal first encounter, it gives us a very clear image of why it takes them a decade to do anything about it.
I read this directly before reading How Not to Break, knowing Nick and Shaw would get their second chance a decade later. That helped immensely because this was extremely short and jumped pretty much right into the sexy thoughts and eager middle-of-the-night passion. Without knowing whether or not this couple is going to get a full story, this little novella can be quite jarring and will likely make you a little uncomfy. That being said...
There was just enough background on these two men to give the short story enough depth to jump right into the steamy encounter. The attraction is absolutely incendiary and the way they come together is all kinds of awkward and a little bit inappropriate, but the sparks between them are absolutely real. While it's not the ideal first encounter, it gives us a very clear image of why it takes them a decade to do anything about it.
July 12, 2019
Meh. Shaw is cute and recently out. Nick has been his dad's best friend for years and kind of an older brother/uncle figure. Now Shaw wants to have sex with him? I get that this is a fantasy for a lot of people. I get that Nick is hot. I don't get how this all leads to Nick not being able to control the situation better. He's the one with more experience and should be able to understand that this isn't going to lead to good things for his relationship with Shaw's parents (if they are still alive...).
This just felt like a teaser and not a complete story. I didn't buy the premise for the sexual encounter. I read this after reading the first book, so I was hoping for more insight into what holds Nick back in his later life but I didn't really get that. Therefore... meh.
This just felt like a teaser and not a complete story. I didn't buy the premise for the sexual encounter. I read this after reading the first book, so I was hoping for more insight into what holds Nick back in his later life but I didn't really get that. Therefore... meh.
January 10, 2019
This would have easily been a DNF for me if it was any longer. I'm already not a fan of age gaps but I try to give them a chance but this one was just too much.
It is a forced proximity (snowed in) story about an 18 year old virgin and his dads friend who is visiting. The book missed a few steps that are important in any type of encounter, communication and consent. No you really CAN'T just blow someone while they are sleeping. Everything that happened after was so bad it was cringe worthy. It ends in a weird place and acts like a teaser so maybe this series will see more of these 2 MCs but I kind of hope not.
It is a forced proximity (snowed in) story about an 18 year old virgin and his dads friend who is visiting. The book missed a few steps that are important in any type of encounter, communication and consent. No you really CAN'T just blow someone while they are sleeping. Everything that happened after was so bad it was cringe worthy. It ends in a weird place and acts like a teaser so maybe this series will see more of these 2 MCs but I kind of hope not.
June 20, 2020
I'm not at all sure why Goodreads lists this as 0.5 - though it comes chronologically before all the other books start, it's the prologue to book 4, How Not to Break. It has no ending other than to go into book 4. In fact, in the audio collection for all of the books, that's exactly where it's positioned.
In this short, we get to see exactly what happened to shape the relationship and conflict that begins the romance between Nick and Shaw. It's hot, angst-y and bittersweet.
I'm not totally on board with how the characters behaved; I'm sure I could say more, but anything else would be a spoiler. I still enjoyed it.
In this short, we get to see exactly what happened to shape the relationship and conflict that begins the romance between Nick and Shaw. It's hot, angst-y and bittersweet.
I'm not totally on board with how the characters behaved; I'm sure I could say more, but anything else would be a spoiler. I still enjoyed it.
January 10, 2019
This short story started out fine, continued on okay and then turned steeply downhill towards the end just to finish with a weak and inconclusive ending.
It's a prequel to the Lovestrong series, and Nick is a minor side character in How Not To Blend and my best guess is that there might be another book coming for Shaw and Nick maybe? Though if this short story is any indication of how that's about to go, then no thank you.
It's a prequel to the Lovestrong series, and Nick is a minor side character in How Not To Blend and my best guess is that there might be another book coming for Shaw and Nick maybe? Though if this short story is any indication of how that's about to go, then no thank you.
January 10, 2019
So, this is a quick read that (at least in my mind) sets us up for a longer story later. Shaw is at his family's cabin while his parents have went into town to ensure everything is okay prior to a snow storm. Nick, a long time friend of his parents, is on his way there and makes it through the storm. What happens next is a little bit of everything.
I am really looking forward to more from this author and cannot wait to find out how Shaw and Nick work out.
I am really looking forward to more from this author and cannot wait to find out how Shaw and Nick work out.
April 11, 2023
I realize this was intended as a little bit of back story before the first book of the series, but Ahhh!!! I am now aching since I just wrapped up book 3. Patience of a saint indeed!!! Yikes. So, I had to get this one in before their story in book 4. And now I can’t wait. Are there issues, yes. Is it an educational experience for Shaw, yes. But the night with be forever marred though, which is the saddest of all.
December 31, 2018
A well-rounded short story. I like when I read a short and have a good sense of the characters lives. I liked seeing Nick and Shaw trapped together and Nick trying to fight his attraction to Shaw. They were good together and I'd like to think that they'll eventually find their way to a relationship.
March 10, 2019
How not to Wait, Lovestrong book 0.5 by Susan Hawke. This is a very short story. I’m thinking we’re going to here more about these characters in a future book in this series. I hope a lot more. I’m also afraid it’s going to be sad. Can’t wait to read more. I think it could be a fantastic story!
December 31, 2018
It could have been such a nice short story...
Unfortunately, the age difference was too huge for me, comparison with Santa turned me off plus as Nick said, who the hell does things like that? What about consent?
Unfortunately, the age difference was too huge for me, comparison with Santa turned me off plus as Nick said, who the hell does things like that? What about consent?
February 13, 2019
I'm looking forward to Shaw and Nick's full story, but I could have done without this. I don't mind a 14-year age difference, but not when one is a teenager. Plus, the lack of consent with the blowjob, and no discussion of protection left me feeling icky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2019
Interesting storyline and not sure of it. However this short steamy read is got a 3 star from me. Might review if I read book 1 of the series and see how these two men develop or perhaps they just grow in their own separate journey towards a HEA
April 19, 2019
4 stars
Cute short story about a barely adult guy who is crushing on his father’s friend, gets snowed in with him, and things happen...
*****
POV... multi first person
Standalone or series... prequel to series, CAN be read as standalone
Hangover... no
Recommend... yes
Reread... yes
Cute short story about a barely adult guy who is crushing on his father’s friend, gets snowed in with him, and things happen...
*****
POV... multi first person
Standalone or series... prequel to series, CAN be read as standalone
Hangover... no
Recommend... yes
Reread... yes
April 19, 2019
I think the author made a mistake with the non-con bj but I super stoked to finally get Shaw and Nicks story. I'm also glad that this wasn't the book that brought the series to my attention as I don't think I would have continued.
May 2, 2019
Awww...hot, sweet, sexy, a bit unbelievable but hey, I don't care. I read this when "How To Not Break" hadn't been released yet so I had to wait for their story, which didn't dissapoint at all.
Niiiice :)
Niiiice :)
July 28, 2019
Not sure what to think of this one. Kind of a teen fantasy thing, where his crush actually does take his virginity, but kind of iffy if you look at it from the perspective of the older guy... but yeah, well written and easily read...
2.5-3 stars
2.5-3 stars
March 20, 2024
Working my way through some short freebies knowing you're not likely to get the very best of the author's works, this one was an ok read. Rather sexy as a young man meets his heartthrob, his parents good friend. Snowed in alone, well . . . you can guess the rest.
December 31, 2018
This was my first book by this author and it has so much promise to be a great full length novel so I hope there will be more from them in the future.
January 1, 2019
A short but sexy read that ends in a HFN that I really enjoyed. Great set up for the series & looking forward to the first book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews