Carlos

When he was a child in foster care Carlos was abused. Now in his thirties he slowly coming out of his shell. Clay had a hard childhood and now he’s a police officer. Clay was hurt in the past so now he doesn’t do relationships. When they meet Carlos finds peace with Clay and Clay finds hope with Carlos. I really enjoyed this book.

Carlos, an artist is dragging some very heavy baggage behind him. But he's determined to lighten his load and put some down! He knows he has a few challenges, but he is ready to step up. Clay, a cop is carrying some luggage from his childhood, but he can handle the weight. He uses his experiences as a foundation upon which to build. He thinks he has no heart for emotions after a devestating event, but that was before he met Carlos. Carlos is Miguel's rather recently found older brother. The back story is riveting. They unexpectedly meet at Miguel and Finn's wedding. Rather than turn away, they turn toward each other. They are ready for the right relationship, at the right time. They are both absoluely likeable men and this is an easy read, that pulls strongly at all your feelings. M. Tasia has done an excellent job incorporating these two men with the rest of the Gates. There is mystery and action and the right kind of love. Good story. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

4.5

MCs Carlos and Clay meet at Carlos’s brother’s wedding. Carlos approaches Clay, but is rebuffed by the handsome wedding guest. Carlos has a painful history complicated by his bulking size and an impressive scar on his neck, which makes him the target of people wanting to physically challenge him. All of these things make him self conscious about moving about in public. But determined to connect with the brother he met recently and start living life, Carlos moves to DTLA, buys a condo at “The Gates”, and continues his career as an artist.

Despite their mutual attempts to avoid each other, Clay becomes his tour guide and the increased time spent together lead both men to develop feelings for each other.

There is mystery to be solved and brotherly feathers to be ruffled, but all ends in an HEA.

What I like about this author is the strong theme of sibling devotion. Although Carlos, who was raised in foster care only met his brother Miguel at their mother’s funeral, they are as connected and close as siblings raised together.

Great feel-good short read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.