Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Haydn
SERIES: Bar 28 (Book 5)
AUTHOR: JJ Harper
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 246 pages
RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2022
BLURB:
Haydn
I’ll never find a boyfriend. Who would want me? I’m too shy, too geeky, too boring. And I carry a truckload of baggage.
A few hook-ups, some quick groping in the dark, is all I’ve had, but I want more.
A man who takes over the reins every now and then. A man who tells me what to do and takes care of me.
Jonas is the man I’ve dreamt about. Quiet and funny, kind to patrons and staff alike. When his voice turns to steel, all I want to do is drop to my knees before him.
Too bad he’s my boss. No way would he be interested in me. And even if he is, can I trust him with my past?
Jonas
I’ve given up on finding my man. My brothers found their happily ever after, and I’m happy for them. But it’s not in the cards for me. Believe me. I’ve tried. I’ve had boyfriends, but as soon as my instinct to control kicks in, they broke up with me.
One look at Haydn and I know he’s the one for me. A ray of sunshine, bubbling with energy, and so eager to please.
He has secrets he’s not willing to share. I’m a patient man, though. I’ve waited thirty-six years for the perfect man. I can wait until he trusts me and opens up to me
Haydn is an MM romance featuring hurt/comfort, low angst, instant attraction, a bubbly geeky boy, and a man who likes to be in control. It’s book 5 in the BAR 28 series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. This book is based in the Uk and is written in British English
Trigger Warning: This book contains mention of injury by fire and subsequent surgeries.
REVIEW:
This series has captivated my attention. I have fallen hard for each of the men from Bar 28’s stories. They are each uniquely different as each man is but they are a found family that the will hold on to and protect fiercely. I couldn’t wait for Jonas’s story with the geeky newest member of their team.
Haydn has had a lifetime of hurt and loneliness. His dream of attending University fulfilled he now needs a job to pay the bills until a position finally opens up in social work. When his roommate Kieran convinced him to fill out the application for being a bartender while in their favorite bar he thinks Kieran is crazy. All the men that work at Bar 28 are gorgeous and he’s just a geeky nerd. When Max and Jonas, owners of Bar 28, offer him the job during his interview he is floored. Especially because that means that he will be working with the sexy Jonas with the most amazing voice that did things to him. Jonas has waited 36 long years for his one as the guys put it and he just trolled into his office. Now he has to take his time to not scare the shy boy away. But do they want the same things???
I never saw Hayden’s story coming. It has always been described as cheerful, bubbly and enthusiastic. I never would have guessed he had so much trauma and hurt in his short lifetime. A lifetime filled with pain and recovery. But Haydn knew what life was like to be shut down in pain and chose to enthusiastically live each moment of life to its fullest. I can’t imagine being that upbeat with all he has lived through in his young life.
Jonas always seemed to stoic to me so I loved to see his real side. Being able to be his real self with Haydn, who really was his perfect match, was a true treat. He could be is tough Sir side but he truly loved and worshipped Haydn and would never hurt him in any way. But you had better never be the one to cause Haydn any anguish because he is fiercely protective of his sweet boy and you will pay the price!
I was a bit confused about Hayden’s foster father and his reasons for why he did what he did. He seemed to care so much for Haydn. But that wasn’t answered. At least he got closure and the ability to move forward.
And moving forward he did. I loved how this story ended. It was the perfect solution for Haydn and he could help so many people putting his experiences to positive use. It warmed my heart.
I think I read somewhere that this might be the last book in the Bar 28 series but there is still Steve, the bouncer’s story and I am wondering if it somehow ties to Hayden’s roomie Kieran. I loved the story of how Hayden and Kieran became such good and close friends and I want Kieran to get his HEA too now. He was there for Haydn when he needed someone in his corner and deserves to be happy too. I know there is a back story there and JJ is just the one to give it to us.
I really loved this book and this entire series. Make sure you have a box of tissues near by because parts are going to break your heart.
RATING: 
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