Reviewed by Valerie 

TITLE:  Tom’s Type

SERIES:  Love at the Haven #8     

AUTHOR:  Stella Shaw

PUBLISHER:  Jocular Press

LENGTH: 208 pages

RELEASE DATE:  May 1, 2022

BLURB:   

Life as an escort is Tom’s kind of fun. His ambitions are simple: to enjoy himself, speak his mind, and finance his eccentric fashion habit. He’s never found romance, security, or trust from anyone except his found family at the Haven Hotel, where the type of men he meets are passing strangers who hopefully tip well. Then on one hot, summer afternoon at the hotel, he has a steamy, delicious encounter with Mr Flash (aka Craig) and a whole new ambition opens up.

Craig is a high-status banker, twice Tom’s age, and infamous for his honest but blunt ways. The type of men he dates are socially acceptable, discreetly dressed, and well-behaved… and Tom is none of that. But Craig knows what he wants, and that’s more of the gorgeous, infuriating young man who gave him one of the most exciting hours of his life.

The chemistry between them is hot and irresistible, and far more than a business transaction. But dating throws their lives into turmoil: a partnership between a fiercely independent street boy and a privately-educated businessman seems doomed from the start. When they attend a prestigious dinner together, Tom meets public disapproval and way too much formality, while Craig finds his whole career at risk from industrial espionage. They share core values, but is that enough?
Two types of men, different everywhere except where it counts; in their hearts. Together they make their own rules.

REVIEW:   

Tom, one of the Haven’s escorts, has never been on a date. He started tricking right out of school, first on the streets then at the hotel. After many months of pursuing him, Craig – dubbed Mr. Flash by the escorts – wore him down and Tom finally agreed to a dinner date. (You might remember Craig as the man who approached Tom when he was in the temporary hot tub at the hotel. Let’s just say Tom’s soak had a happy ending.)

Unfortunately, the date is a giant disaster. Craig takes Tom to a posh restaurant where Tom is completely out of his element. Then Tom reciprocated by taking Craig to one of his favorite dance clubs – way out of Craig’s comfort zone – and then had the audacity to go off and dance with a half-naked man. By the end of the night, Tom can’t take the stares and rude comments from strangers about what a weird couple they are or their age difference. Feeling he’s only good enough to be a rent boy –certainly not good enough for Craig – Tom angrily pulls back and tells Craig he doesn’t want see him again. They’re worlds apart in terms of class and lifestyle.

Craig, a quiet, measured, determined banker, won’t take no for an answer but it takes months before Tom agrees to a paid appointment at the Haven, not another date. The sex is great for both of them and Tom agrees that they’re a good match in the bedroom just not outside of it. But he aches for Craig; he’s never felt like this for anyone. Craig pays attention to him and makes him feel like he matters. Craig, meanwhile, asserts that the sex isn’t enough by itself; he wants more from Tom, more with him.

Even though I’ve enjoyed Tom’s antics in the past, he’s never exhibited a softer side or much warmth. He’s very defensive. He certainly shows vulnerability now but I never quite warmed up to him in this book. I didn’t fully buy into Craig wanting to make a life with Tom, either. They are so different. The other thing missing for me was the wonderful sense of found family that’s been a strong theme in the Love at the Haven series thus far. I love the tight, supportive friendships and camaraderie among the escorts and their partners, but for the most part, Micah was the only one who had much of a role here. Found family is one of my favorite things about the series and I was disgruntled that it was missing in this book.

I enjoyed the second half of the book more once the pace picked up and the men were dating. Once Tom learns to accept himself, their relationship develops. I particularly liked the problems occurring with Craig’s job and Tom’s interaction with Craig’s colleagues and their wives.

While this isn’t my favorite of the series, it’s still entertaining. I suspect I’m in the minority who are not gaga over Tom and the book, so if you’re a Tom fan I’d recommend giving the book a try. I think this is a me thing.

RATING: 

BUY LINK: 

Amazon