Well the bastard got what he deserved. But even though I stopped at 11% I already got irritated because the two main characters kissed without any preamble. ( )

In a continuation of the very entertaining family drama about the Hills and their six gay sons, this second installment focuses on perfectionist Storm and the man he is trying very hard not to be attracted to, attorney Cruz Baker. It was clear to me that something was going on between them from the start, and it was fascinating to see them battle it out. Between Storm’s desire for “a perfect man” – an orderly individual more like himself – and his attraction to chaotic but highly successful Cruz, Storm has a lot of thinking to do. Cruz knows what he wants from the start, but hesitates because he is not sure if Storm will be willing and able to compromise. None of the issues are life-threatening, so the resulting story is dramatic without being too intense.

Storm is the second youngest of six brothers, and that position in the siblings’ pecking order has a lot to do with his need for order. For him it is about controlling at least part of his environment, since he cannot control his brothers. And while not everyone would react the same way in his situation, for Storm, with his slight tendencies toward OCD, it is a good solution. Until he encounters Cruz. Storm’s first reaction is “no way” but that quickly morphs into “why can’t he be more like me” only to end in “maybe he has a point about me needing to relax”. Storm’s initial “objections” may sound superficial, because he fixates on external factors, but for him it is about learning to understand why Cruz does not need to be in control of everything – his body, his apartment, his life.

Cruz is a successful lawyer, his success at defending Chris and obtaining proof of her deadbeat ex-lover’s paternity is proof, but he is not all about the status. His car works – so what if it’s an “ancient rust bucket” that Storm is afraid might leak oil. He enjoys eating so what if he carries a little extra weight. Cruz knows how to dress up when in court where appearances are everything, why should he do it all the time? Meeting Storm and falling for him is a challenge for Cruz as well. He knows that he won’t change to become exactly like Storm, but he is ready to compromise. For Cruz, getting to know Storm is about finding out how far each of them can move toward middle ground. I found that whole process fascinating, and the way the author has written it made it entertaining.

If you want to find out how the Hills and their efforts to protect Chris and her unborn baby are doing, if the differences between Storm’s perfectionism and Cruz’s joie de vivre sound interesting, and if you’re looking for a read that is as funny and entertaining as it is hot, then you will probably like this novella.
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