Title:  A Hunted Man (The Men of Halfway House #2)
Author: Jaime Reese
Release:  April 29, 2014
5 Star Review

After surviving ten years in prison, Cameron Pierce is attempting to put the past behind him. He tries to adjust to his newfound freedom with a place at the halfway house and a job. But one lesson he learned in prison keeps him guarded: hope is a dangerous thing.

Hunter Donovan, Assistant State Attorney, is a man of justice who loves a challenge. After a lifetime of putting his career first, a milestone brings him to a harsh realization—he's lonely.

Hunter's world changes when he meets Cam. The wary young man intrigues him and awakens a desire unlike anything he's ever experienced. When Cam's past resurfaces and threatens to rip them apart, their budding relationship is challenged and Cam's hope for a future begins to dim.

These outside forces hunting Cam will stop at nothing to send him back to prison. But they'll have to get past Hunter first.

This is the second installment of The Men of Halfway House....A Hunted Man by Jaime Reese!
 
Cameron Pierce has survived his 10 years in prison and now he must try to put his past behind him which is no easy task. Now that he is a free man he must adjust to the outside life which brings him to the halfway house and a job. The one thing he has learned in prison is that hope can be a very dangerous thing to strive towards. Hunter Donovan is the Assistant State Attorney and he loves nothing more than a challenge except maybe justice. He has dedicated his life to his career and now that his career is thriving, he has come to realize how lonely he actually is.
 
When Hunter meets Cameron everything in his world is about to change. Young Cameron awakens things in Hunter that he has never experienced before and this opens his heart to love. Cameron's past comes back and it threatens their new blossoming relationship and might possibly be too much for them to endure. Now Cameron's hope for a fresh new start and a happy and loving future doesn't look as bright. Will the outside forces that are hunting Cameron to send him back to prison be able to catch him or will Hunter protect and defend the man he loves? I was very happy to see Matt and Julian from book 1 in The Men of Halfway House but they are secondary characters but so nice to see them again. I loved the beautiful bond that Cameron and Hunter developed as I was glued to their connection and to see how much they cared for each other. The author wrote these characters in such an emotional and brilliant way that I couldn't wait to see what happens next. I fell in love with Cameron and Hunter and was so rooting for them and I felt very protective of their characters, especially when outside forces were trying to break them up and take Cameron away from his beloved Hunter. I adored how Hunter becomes so emotionally committed to Cameron but Cameron has a hard time expressing himself to Hunter as he's afraid that Hunter will disappear with his heart.  I loved that the author introduced new characters in this 2nd book as it's always fun getting to know her characters. Hunters father is quite the most amazing father ever, the way he loves his son unconditionally and even cares deeply for Cameron also. I just love his father and how his character brings so much much love and caring to the men was so brilliantly and well written. I highly recommend this beautifully written love story to anyone who loves reading about M/M love, hot sex, redemption, trust, loyalty, drama and brilliant and I mean brilliant writing!

#1

Chapter 1

Cameron Pierce didn't really know what to expect when the entire nightmare began days before his eighteenth birthday, but here he was, standing behind a large metal door waiting for it to open and grant his freedom. Nine years, eight months, two weeks, and five days of hell. Even though he had to stay in a designated halfway house for the next few months, at least he wouldn't have these bars or barbed wire fences to constantly remind him of his nightmare.

He fidgeted. In exchange for almost ten years of his life, the prison system gave him a hundred bucks for expenses during transfer, and a plain, standard-issue cardboard box containing his

personal items—a watch, ten bucks, and a pack of gum. Everything broken or useless, which pretty much mirrored his existence. He ditched the box and everything else then pocketed the cash. 

The gears of the large metal door ground as they inched open. Cameron shifted his weight from foot to foot, waiting for just enough space to squeeze through the door. He looked over to the guard and concluded he'd be better off attempting to walk out of this prison with a little dignity. At the pace these doors opened, he figured he'd age another decade in the process. He closed his eyes and counted, begging for a little patience to come his way. He finally heard the grinding stop and opened his eyes.

There, in the middle of the empty parking lot, Sam leaned against a car with crossed arms and a smile.

Cameron groaned as he finally exited the prison gates.

Mr. Samuel Issacs, rehabilitation officer, also secretly campaigned for sainthood every chance he had. His job was to help a group of assigned inmates rejoin the world with others but his mission was to mentor them. Sam wanted to talk, help, and offer support. Cam, on the other hand, knew better than to open his mouth, and he damn sure wasn't going to risk Sam becoming some form of collateral damage. 

Cam had learned that lesson the hard way.

"Hey, Sam," he said once he arrived where Sam was parked. 

"Hey, Cam. I thought I'd give you a ride to the halfway house instead of having you take the bus," he said as he opened the passenger side door of the car.

Cameron waited, not sure if sitting in a car for hours with Saint Sam was a good idea. 

"C'mon, Cam.  I can guarantee you the drive with me will be better than a busload of people coming back from Universal Studios with stinky feet and a crapload of gas." 

Cameron groaned.

Sam laughed. "Besides, I already filled out the paperwork so you're stuck with me. Get in."

Cam didn't say a word. He climbed into the car, sat in the passenger seat, and then closed the car door.

"Buckle up, it's the law."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Nope, state of Florida, it's the law."

"Since when?"

"Just strap in so we can get out of here."

Cameron groaned again as he pulled the belt and clicked it in place. He hated the way it cut into his damn shoulder. Who knew what else had changed while he was in prison. Just another reminder of things he had missed. He shifted in his seat only to have his movement limited by the seat belt restraint. 

Wonderful. 

Here he was, finally out of prison, yet somehow still found a way to be constrained in a small enclosed area.  Hell, this was even smaller than the six-by-eight cell he’d called home for almost a decade. 

How ironic.

#2

Hunter stood in line and watched Cam tend to the few lingering post-lunchtime customers. Cam's smile came a little easier and his stance less guarded.

His body, although still lean, was tighter and a little broader from the yard work at the halfway house. A slight tan colored his skin now, the faint golden tone further accentuating the blue in his eyes and the white of his smile. His hair had a sprinkling of highlights as if the sun had kissed his head. Sunrises gave him hope, but they also seemed to awaken a natural physical beauty that had been hidden for far too long.

"How can I help you? Sir," Cam said when it was finally Hunter's turn at the register.

Hunter leaned over the counter. "You know that drives me nuts."

Cam smiled and grabbed Hunter's tie to pull him closer. "I know." After a quick peck, Cam released him.

Hunter reached over and rubbed Cam's stubble. "Are you letting this grow out?"

Cam shrugged. He looked away and scratched his growing scruff. "It makes me look older."

"Since when do you want to look older?"

Cam shrugged again and fidgeted with the receipts.

Realization finally hit Hunter. He grabbed Cam's chin and forced him to make eye contact. "Are you doing that for me?"

Cam's mouth narrowed and his brows lowered. "There's not much I can do for you. So if growing some hair on my face will make you feel a little less self-conscious, then I'll grow a full fucking beard if I have to."

Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.

Title:  A Hunted Man (The Men of Halfway House #2)
Author: Jaime Reese
Release:  April 29, 2014
Gay Media Review Date: May 12, 2014

After surviving ten years in prison, Cameron Pierce is attempting to put the past behind him. He tries to adjust to his newfound freedom with a place at the halfway house and a job. But one lesson he learned in prison keeps him guarded: hope is a dangerous thing.

Hunter Donovan, Assistant State Attorney, is a man of justice who loves a challenge. After a lifetime of putting his career first, a milestone brings him to a harsh realization—he's lonely.

Hunter's world changes when he meets Cam. The wary young man intrigues him and awakens a desire unlike anything he's ever experienced. When Cam's past resurfaces and threatens to rip them apart, their budding relationship is challenged and Cam's hope for a future begins to dim.


These outside forces hunting Cam will stop at nothing to send him back to prison. But they'll have to get past Hunter first.

Cameron Pierce didn't really know what to expect when the entire nightmare began days before his eighteenth birthday, but here he was, standing behind a large metal door waiting for it to open and grant his freedom. Nine years, eight months, two weeks, and five days of hell. Even though he had to stay in a designated halfway house for the next few months, at least he wouldn't have these bars or barbed wire fences to constantly remind him of his nightmare.

He fidgeted. In exchange for almost ten years of his life, the prison system gave him a hundred bucks for expenses during transfer, and a plain, standard-issue cardboard box containing his

personal items—a watch, ten bucks, and a pack of gum. Everything broken or useless, which pretty much mirrored his existence. He ditched the box and everything else then pocketed the cash. 

The gears of the large metal door ground as they inched open. Cameron shifted his weight from foot to foot, waiting for just enough space to squeeze through the door. He looked over to the guard and concluded he'd be better off attempting to walk out of this prison with a little dignity. At the pace these doors opened, he figured he'd age another decade in the process. He closed his eyes and counted, begging for a little patience to come his way. He finally heard the grinding stop and opened his eyes.

There, in the middle of the empty parking lot, Sam leaned against a car with crossed arms and a smile.

Cameron groaned as he finally exited the prison gates.

Mr. Samuel Issacs, rehabilitation officer, also secretly campaigned for sainthood every chance he had. His job was to help a group of assigned inmates rejoin the world with others but his mission was to mentor them. Sam wanted to talk, help, and offer support. Cam, on the other hand, knew better than to open his mouth, and he damn sure wasn't going to risk Sam becoming some form of collateral damage. 

Cam had learned that lesson the hard way.

"Hey, Sam," he said once he arrived where Sam was parked. 

"Hey, Cam. I thought I'd give you a ride to the halfway house instead of having you take the bus," he said as he opened the passenger side door of the car.

Cameron waited, not sure if sitting in a car for hours with Saint Sam was a good idea. 

"C'mon, Cam.  I can guarantee you the drive with me will be better than a busload of people coming back from Universal Studios with stinky feet and a crapload of gas." 

Cameron groaned.

Sam laughed. "Besides, I already filled out the paperwork so you're stuck with me. Get in."

Cam didn't say a word. He climbed into the car, sat in the passenger seat, and then closed the car door.

"Buckle up, it's the law."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Nope, state of Florida, it's the law."

"Since when?"

"Just strap in so we can get out of here."

Cameron groaned again as he pulled the belt and clicked it in place. He hated the way it cut into his damn shoulder. Who knew what else had changed while he was in prison. Just another reminder of things he had missed. He shifted in his seat only to have his movement limited by the seat belt restraint. 

Wonderful. 

Here he was, finally out of prison, yet somehow still found a way to be constrained in a small enclosed area.  Hell, this was even smaller than the six-by-eight cell he’d called home for almost a decade. 

How ironic.

Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.

Title:  A Better Man (The Men of Halfway House #1)

Author:  Jaime Reese

Release:  January 16, 2014

5 Star Review

A Better Man-The Men of Halfway House Book One by Jaime Reese!!!

Mathew is starting his life over after a five year prison sentence. His aunt has bequeathed him money on the terms that he make things right this time around. He has decided to create a safe place where people like him can also start a new and meaningful life! Julian is a very confident man but also very stubborn and loves a good challenge and this is what Matt has been waiting for. Since Julian is out of work, he accepts a position to fix up Matt's crumbling building. Romance builds between Matt and Julian but to make it as a couple, they have to learn to trust each other or their pasts will rip them apart.

I loved the sexual tensions between these two guys and working together on renovating the building and trying their best to keep things as professional as possible but that is not always so easily done. The secrets that neither Matt or Julian want to share is going to come between them. I am really hoping they can weather the storm that was approaching their relationship. What I loved most was that the story takes place over a year as their working together to renovate the building. How they handle being so close and flirting so much and waiting for them to connect was so explosively fun to read. I really enjoyed the character of Sam who Matt met while in prison and he becomes a big support for him as he helps Matt realize his vision of the halfway house. It is so cute to read how Julian becomes jealous of their friendship as he has no idea how they met. I loved how protective both Julian and Sam were of Matt as it was so sweet and quite endearing to read. You will appreciate how they care for Matt when you meet his mother, now this woman is a complete BITCH and there is no other way of describing her. This woman is pure evil and has not one good quality about her and trust me I tried to find it. Now you will see the alpha male in Julian come out to protect his Matt from this nasty mother from hell! Will Matt realize his dream and get this building fixed up for the purpose that he is intending it for? Will outside sources stop him? Will Matt and Julian make it as a couple or will their secrets and outside drama break them up?

After reading A Better Man, I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment of A Hunted man in The Men of Halfway House Series which is due out on April 29, 2014. I highly and I mean highly recommend this beautifully written and heartfelt story by Jaime Reese! If you like to read about love, passion, redemption, loyalty, trust and hot men then this is the book for you!

Matthew Doner is starting over. After a five-year prison term that alters every aspect of his life, he receives a bequest from his aunt with the stipulation that he use the money to make things right. Breaking free of the long-standing role he’s played and inspired by the few who support him, he decides to create a safe place where people like him can find purpose and start a new life. Julian Capeletti likes challenges. He is confident, brash, stubborn, and just what Matt needs. Desperate for work after a downturn of luck, he accepts the job to renovate Matt’s crumbling building. Over the course of a year, romance simmers between them as they restore the house. But there’s a bigger renovation that must take place in their hearts. To become better men, they need to learn to trust each other even with secrets and painful memories they fear may rip them apart.

Chapter 1

June


"It's going to be another hot one."

This was the last thing the bubbly radio forecaster announced before Julian Capeletti switched off the radio. It was just too damn early in the morning for that much perkiness.

"Great," he grumbled as he sat up in bed and tried to rub the sleep from his face.

He hated mornings. Some people heard birds chirping, appreciated sunrises, and saw everything through rainbow-colored glasses in the early morning hours, but that just wasn't him.

Especially when he didn't have work.

He just couldn't muster the energy needed to be as functional as he was in the late hours—when he found his groove and could tackle even the most complex third plane mathematical equation anyone could throw at him. Mornings, well, it was a short list. Wake up, shower, drink coffee. Oh yeah, and don't forget to get dressed

somewhere in between. He didn't need to have the perky announcer tell him about the weather, he could feel it firsthand as the sweat began to trickle down his chest.

"Fucking gross," he moaned as he rose from bed and made his way to the bathroom.

He followed the same routine every morning. He stared at himself in the mirror, in search of…what, who knew. He splashed some water on his face and looked again. Maybe he should try holy water or some other miracle that would change what stared back at him. He saw the hint of dark circles under his eyes and he hated it.

Vanity wasn't the issue, the dark circles were a reminder of the turn of bad luck that had plagued him for almost two years.

Like a series of snapshots, he always ran the images of that day through his mind. The one that marked the beginning of when it all started going to shit with no end in sight. Well, more than usual at least. The day his last steady foreman project ended because the owner faced trafficking charges and fled the country to avoid his impending capture. With assets frozen, the site was closed down and everyone was out of a job and a steady paycheck. He'd left work early to seek comfort in the arms of his partner, an eternal optimist, and found him busy giving comfort of a different type to another guy.

"Asshole," he mumbled into the towel as he dried his face. Maybe a shower would work. Even if it didn't wake him up, at least it would wash away the disgusting reminder of the South Florida blazing summer heat and humidity.





Freshly showered, Julian read the classifieds as he sipped his coffee. He closed his eyes and exhaled, enjoying the caffeine and sugar slowly bringing him to life. Finally. He skimmed the want ads searching for anything new that morning, something he hadn't already called on that week. He grabbed the monthly community paper and spotted the listing with a large bold headline "Handyman Wanted for Repairs". A long list of requirements followed, far beyond those for a traditional handyman. He exhaled sharply and frowned. He had seen this a lot lately, another potential employer taking advantage of the desperation in the workforce, wanting to hire someone for nothing. The laundry list of responsibilities read like the licensing exam for a contractor, not a handyman's job description. Cheap bastard. "Contact Mr. Boner" it read toward the end, followed by an address and phone number. He couldn't resist smiling at the play on words.

"No wonder Boner wants a handyman." He chuckled.

A knock at the door interrupted his morning read through the ads.

"Hey, Jules, you in there?"

Julian cringed, not just at the nickname he hated so strongly, but at the voice he knew came to deliver bad news. He reluctantly rose to answer the knock.

"Hi, David," he said as he slowly opened the door to greet the short, paunchy landlord.

"So, you got my rent this month?" David asked hopefully.

"I'll have some money for you by the end of the week." He rubbed his hands on his towel and looked away.

"That's what you said last week." David shifted to cross his arms in an attempt to intimidate.

Julian looked down at the short man and couldn't blame him for trying. He knew David well enough to realize that he didn't have a choice but to push at this point. He figured the guy was getting some unneeded pressure from the boss.

"I gave you some money last week."

"That was to cover the rent from two months ago. What about last month or this one?"

Julian's head began to hurt. This had been the ritual almost every day for the last month. He was a creature of habit, but there were some customs he wished would change. 

"David, I told you I'd have some by the end of the week. I just need a little time."

"That's what they all say!" His landlord raised his arms in frustration.

"Look, I know I'm late, I'm not denying that, but at least when you come knocking, I don't run and hide from you like your other tenants. I said I'll have money for you at the end of the week and I will. I've never backed down on my word."

"Yet, you're late on your monthly payment."

"And I told you I would be. Fuck, David, I said I was going to be late and you agreed it wasn't a problem as long as I paid you something each week. I'm doing that." He rubbed his shaved head roughly.

"How much? Will it be enough to cover the two months you owe me?" David pleaded.

"I don't know. I'm guessing probably not by the end of the week."

"Jules, I can't keep doing this."

"I know. I just need some time," Julian said quietly, looking away as he rubbed his wrist cuff.

"Why don't you sell your truck?"

Julian looked at him as if the burly man had sprouted another head. "Dude, I'm not selling my truck. I need it for work."

"Please, Jules, I like you, but I can't have you livin' here for free. You know that. My bosses are pushing me for the rent. I need two months' rent by the end of the week or they're forcing me to kick you out of here."

Julian could see both frustration and understanding in the man's eyes. He'd known this day would come. Had dreaded it for the last few weeks. He rubbed his head and looked away. He tried to make an honest living, avoided trouble, and where did that leave him? Standing in his doorway with a towel around his waist trying to think of ways to scavenge up two months' rent just to be back at square one again. He couldn't think of anything to say so he simply nodded.

David looked at him and patted him on the shoulder. "Jules, you're a hard worker and a smart cookie. I'm sure you'll find a way."

Ugh. First Jules now cookie. Seriously?

"Thanks, David," he grumbled, hoping that would give the man the signal to turn and leave.

Mission accomplished. He closed the door and leaned his forehead against it. He blew out a deep breath, willing a new idea to blindside him. He thought of different quickie jobs and crossed each one off for different reasons. Well, he always had the option to sell his ass on Eighth Street, but who was he kidding? No one would give him two months' rent for his bits. He laughed at himself. He had to. It was the only way he'd remain sane when life gave him the shit end of the stick. He turned to see the newspaper still sitting on the table. He walked over and grabbed his coffee and gulped the little bit of remaining java along with his pride.

If the guy needed a handyman, he was going to be the best damn handyman that cheap bastard had ever seen. If that didn't work, well, Eighth Street was actually starting to sound pretty damn good.

Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.