This was a hard one for me because I really wanted to like this story. I felt like there was a lot of heat on the pages. Some of it went on for chapters which did get a little boring for me. I also felt like the actual story wasn't very exciting. I knew who the problem was right away. I loved Beckett's protection of Gia. And once he knew she wanted him, too, he wouldn't let anything come between them. This is a good series, but this particular story didn't do it for me.

I love it!

I am a mm romance kind of guy. I don't read mf romance that often, and when I do, I make sure it has good reviews and ratings, so I wouldn't waste time. This, aside from the fact that it's is one of the few straight romance that I've read, is beautifully written. I will be recommending it to my sister who would kill for a romance with a female character that kicks ass like Gia.

Some hot scenes going on and plot that just keeps you swiping on your kindle reader screen.

This is Beckett’s story. The security expert and bodyguard member of the Men of Haven. Gia is also a security expert and a bit of a badass. Gia and Beckett are friends who share an attraction, but don’t realize they share an attraction. That is until Gia has a little too much to drink one evening and spills the beans about her feelings when Beckett drives her home.

Which pretty much seals the deal for them as a couple. If I’ve learned anything from this series it’s that when a man from the Men of Haven decides a woman is his, that’s it. It’s happening.

I did think that this couple were well matched. The power dynamics between them were more balanced than with other couples in this series. Beckett is still super alpha, but Gia totally holds her own with him and I liked that.

There is an external conflict involving her stuck up, rich family and a wannabe boyfriend trying to ruin her career which was interesting and kept me reading.

This was a good addition to the series. Not my absolute favorite, but worth reading.
Final Grade C+

Book #5 in the Men of Haven was quite entertaining. This is Beckett Tate and Gia Sinclair’s story. Besides both being in the security business, they are also strong-willed and stubborn so they definitely have met each other's match. The friendship between these two characters is a perfect substance for their steamy happenstances which made for a page-turning, passionate love story. Overall, Stand & Deliver had a good plot and enjoyable characters which made it a must read in my book.

First, my apologies as I should have sent this a lot sooner and just realized that a number of titles I had marked as not reading were not also cleared off of my NetGalley page.

In this case, I was not able to connect with the storyline, and chose to not read farther than the 19% mark in the book.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review and I look forward to the next title.

Thank you,
Laura

This book was pretty good. It definitely held my attention and I’ll be checking out the author’s other books.

What a great series, I'm always excited for the next book!This is by far one of my favorite books in this series.I loved both characters, they were strong. Gia and Beckett have known each other for a few years now as they have worked together off and on. She’s protective of her reputation being a woman in a male dominated field. Therefore, she’s pretty much ignored the feelings she experiences when he’s near. Until one drunken confession and then everything will be changed.

"A man like me doesn’t get a taste of a woman like you and walk away without exploring more…"

Beckett has had his eye on Gia since day one. But she’s quick to shut every man down that even hints at more and he’s pretty sure that would include him. It doesn’t stop him from wanting her, watching her.

Both characters have some issues but I loved seeing them together they were so perfect for each other!

Stand & Deliver is the fifth novel in the Men of Haven series, but only the second one I've read, the first was book #2, and just as I loved that novel, this one packs quite the same punch when it comes to a can't put it down plot, good dialogue, a feisty heroine (Gia), all the hot men of Haven, especially the hero (Beckett), and the wonderful supporting cast, the women of Haven. I'm happy to give it a 5-star rating.

Gia is one tough cookie of a heroine, and I liked her no-nonsense, no-flirting approach to the men she works with, including Beckett. As a women in a field dominated by hunky alpha males, she's had to work 3 times as hard to get the respect, money, and jobs as her male counterparts. One of those counterparts is Beckett. They've worked together for several years on various jobs, and Beckett's had his eye on her since day one, but she knows that getting involved with one of the macho men at Haven will in many ways lose her the respect she's worked so hard to earn. But all that is about to change in one night, when Gia gets drunk, Beckett gets her home, and in her drunken stupor she admits to her attraction to him. He's wanted her ever since the day he first met her three years earlier and this confession is his green light to finally pursue a relationship with her.

As in book #2, Beckett has an odd personality quirk/flaw--it's SPD, Sensory Processing Disorder, a condition I'd never heard of until this novel, and in Beckett, it presents itself as a need for a soothing touch, either a soft piece of fabric, rubbing his own tummy, or, as happens in this novel, holding on to Gia, and Gia putting her hands on him. Since I haven't yet read the entire series, I have the impression that each and every hero in these novels has a physchological issue of some sort and kudos to Rhenna Morgan for enlightening her readers about these issues in her novels.

Gia and Beckett could not possibly have come from more different backgrounds. Beckett's mother walked out on him when he was two years old and he never had much in the way of money or family, not until Haven. Gia was raised by a cowed and cold mother, and an equally cold, distant, and unsupportive father, a well-respected, socially privileged judge--and unless she did and behaved exactly as her parents dictated, they treated her as if she was a failure who wasn't living up to their expectations. Although she was raised in wealth and privilege, she never knew what having a real family was either. When she chose security as her profession, one her family disrespected, and also turned down a relationship with Judd, her family's choice for her husband, who grew up with her as the boy next door, her family practically shunned her, while still trying to force her into this arranged relationship, and I loved the way Gia stood her ground and chose to walk her own path, but she still wanted her parents to be proud of her, her fatal flaw in this story.

I loved the slow build-up of the relationship between Beckett and Gia, especially when insta-lust and insta-love seem to be the order of the day in romance novels. Beckett both respected and admired Gia for her intelligence, her strength, her professionalism, and her refusal to be bullied or overshadowed by the men she worked with. Getting Gia to let her guard down enough to let him get close to her and learn to trust him was handled beautifully, and Beckett turned out to be one of the best fictional heroes in recent memory. Letting Gia make her own decisions, and not always jumping in and solving her problems was also a learning experience for him.

There's a lot more to this novel beyond the romance. Someone tampers with Gia's gun at the shooting range where she practices and competes and she nearly kills someone, bringing her skill set into question. Then Judd seems to overstep his bounds and undermine her authority when she's the primary operative on a security job, and from there things in Gia's life and work seem to quickly go downhil and unravel, and the suspense part of this novel was also well written, well plotted, and kept me at the proverbial edge of my seat. I also loved the way the other men of Haven and the female members of the Haven family got involved and had her back as well.

Quite simply, this was an excellent, emotional and gripping read, filled with fascinating and complex characters, tense drama, danger, suspicion and lies, as well as being a very hot and sexy romance, one that grabbed me from the start and had a more than satisfying finish. Please add this novel and this series to your TBR (to be read) list--I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

Stand & Deliver just became my favorite book in this series. All of the characters were complex and each one had such a distinct voice. This plot was fantastic. The uniqueness making it even better. Gia is a badass and I absolutely loved the fact she was so strong. Beckett was major alpha. They come from vastly different backgrounds and try to keep their distance but when they can't keep away from each other any longer WOWZA!

I freaking love this book. Some things were predictable but I didn't care. I could not get enough of these two. The whole family intimacy of Haven was so wonderfully written I wished I had that! This is book 5 in this connected series, but it can be enjoyed all on its own! The book has characters you are absolutely going to love and those you wish you could pistol whip. This wonderful romance is a huge recommend from me.

I may have mentioned once or twice that I love this series. Each book adds another layer to this family. Readers get to know a little bit more about all the members as well as the couple that each book is centered around. It would be impossible to pick a favorite couple out of all the Men of Haven, but if I was pressed, Gia and Beckett would definitely be close to the top.

Readers already knew a little about Gia going into Stand & Deliver. She’d proven herself to the brothers, their significant others and the moms. The tension between her and Beckett was obvious, but relationships and work don’t mix. At least that’s what Gia told herself… over and over and over again. Beckett didn’t have the same qualms. He was ready to stake his claim and everyone knew it. Gia could take care of herself, but when her career and name are in danger, Beckett can’t wait. He shows Gia exactly what family means. Gia had a hard time letting go, but it turns out these two were perfect for each other. ❤

As much as I loved the action, danger, heat and the strong sense of family that is the main theme in all the books in the Men of Haven series, Beckett’s personal story took me by surprise. Every once in a while you read a book that touches you in an unexpected way and that’s exactly what happened to me while reading Stand & Deliver. Beckett suffers from SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), which I had never even heard of until I read this book. Rhenna Morgan goes into a little bit of detail about this disorder at the end of the book, so if you read Stand & Deliver, don’t skip the back story. There’s not a lot of information about the disorder and it can manifest itself in several different ways. As soon as I finished Gia and Beckett’s story, I called my daughter… and then I emailed Rhenna Morgan. My 3-year-old grandson was recently diagnosed with epilepsy and the medication that he’s currently taking has amplified his anxiety. It’s also intensified his need for a specific type of touch. Since he was very small, when he sits with you or when you hold him, he has to touch your ear. He even pulls at his younger brother’s ears when he’s standing near them. Most of the time you can tell he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it. I know it seems like a small thing, but giving this little “quirk” a name gave it validity. It’s not just a weird little habit, it’s also a physical way for him to cope and something he can’t really control.

One of the reasons why my reading is so eclectic is that I love learning about different cultures, people, lifestyles and places. You never know when one of those stories is going to touch you personally, or give you a different way to look at people that you never considered. You might even learn something that changes your perspective totally. My favorite books are the ones that make me want to learn more even when the story’s over.

They came from two different world but they could no longer deny the pull they felt towards one another. Shared moments together besides the verbal sparring they did with one another slowly became more as Gia whispers how she truly feels. Beckett had tried for years to keep his distance due to Gia’s need to se[erate work and her personal life. Now, he is no longer willing to stand on the sides and watch. He will become part of her life and take a stand on what he wants. He will do anything to protect her and break down the wall that is guarding her heart. Couldn’t put this book down since I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Another man of the Haven Brotherhood falls in love and claims his woman. But this woman is not a girlie girl. She is a tough, independent woman who can take of herself.

Gia Sinclair is a security specialist and protecting people is her business, so she has the skills and mindset to take care of business the way some men don't. She has lusted after Beckett for as long as she has known him, but no one knows. He has a different woman on his arm each time you see him. She doesn't want to part of the revolving door to his bedroom. So, she keeps her feelings to herself.

Beckett Tate is a man that goes after what he wants. He has wanted Gia for three long years. Since they first worked together. But he knew she didn't mix business with pleasure but that was about to change. He was going to show her what they could be together and what her being part of his family would be like.

With the way Gia grew up, it is hard for her to trust and give up control in her personal and professional life. But with someone out to destroy her or her career, she has to accept defeat and give up her career or can she accept Beckett's help?

Will Gia hand over control so Beckett and his brothers can help her? Will Beckett's family be there for her in all ways that count? Can she let go and tell Beckett how she really feels? Will Beckett tell her how he has felt for years? Will they find out who is out to destroy her before it's too late?

I have loved everything about this series and each one gets better and better. I thought the last book with Knox was my favorite, but I think Beckett just nudged his way ahead. I want to find myself one of these Men of Haven and join this family, they are the best. And you can't forget the love and laughter that is in every story. If you are looking for a fantastic series filled with all the feels and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, then this series is for you. I hope you love it as much as I do. And I can’t wait for Axel's story, it just might be the best one of all.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F romance

This is another great story about the Haven brothers. I really would suggest reading the previous books in this series, as there are several characters and relationships that will make more sense if you have a background.

Beckett is a guy who takes what he wants without really questioning... however, he has found his match in his co-worker, Gia. She is a tough, independent woman who can hold her own in their business of protecting people. He has lusted after her since she first saw her, but because Gia was firm in her no dating co-workers, he's lusted from afar. He also has a revolving door of women than he brings to their get togethers after work, so he has never truly left that open for Gia to consider, since she didn't want to be part of his harem.

Gia is a woman who is amazing at her job. She has lusted after Beckett for the whole time she's worked with him... three years. But she is a firm believer that you don't date co-workers. On a night when she has had a little too much to drink, she reveals a more vulnerable part of herself to Beckett and despite not really remembering that, Beckett shows her that he's not willing to wait any longer.

When trouble starts brewing for Gia's career, Beckett and his brothers band together to show her what a family truly is. Gia's family life definitely leaves something to be desired, but when she sees Beckett's family, how much love they have for each other, she knows that being a part of that isn't bad.

The mystery behind this story was much more satisfying for Gia and Beckett. The catharsis in this story is amazing and I felt vindicated for Gia. I wish that we would have known more about the fallout of that, but maybe if there are going to be more books, we will see a little more into that aspect. Let's just say that I do hope that there are more books to come as they are entertaining, hot, and have a lot of action.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is part of the Men of Haven series, and I would highly recommend that you read them in order. I’ve loved every single book. Each one is unique yet joined by the Haven brotherhood.

In this story, Beckett finally makes his move on Gia... three whole years after they first met. You can only imagine the tension that has built up over that time! And thankfully, whilst they do combust when they give into the chemistry, they both also survive the experience and learn that they really are meant for each other.

Gia is a fascinating character as she has bucked the expectations of her father and done well in the male-dominated world of security. Her family life was clearly terrible, but in a completely different way to Beck’s, yet they find that his family now will be all that both of them need in the future.

There is some drama due to someone in Gia’s past wanting to ruin her future, but the pairing is solid from the start, which makes for a really interesting take on the romance. I also loved catching up with all the lovely Haven family members and being along for the ride of a Haven ladies day out!

Definitely a recommended read – but I would suggest you start at the beginning and get all the goodness.

I have a new favorite in the series. Maybe it’s the time lapse since the last Men of Haven novel I read, but I don’t think so. Stand & Deliver offers the perfect blend of two people falling in love and a true understanding of family whether connected by blood or choice. Ninette (one of the clan mothers) has a perfect line in the book that defines why I enjoy this series, but the basics are because it’s people supporting those they love without undercutting them. You can be strong and cared for at the same time, but it’s something rarely shown so well in fiction.

As with the others, the book had detailed sex scenes with talk of more risque acts (but no action), swearing, and violence. Some of the last went beyond my lines, specifically in the very end though off-screen, but the reasons were clear and a natural extension of Beckett’s character. This is down-to-earth real, not perfect, people facing real crises. Yes, the Haven men have hard-earned wealth to pad their way, but they don’t use it to make things easy so much as to expedite what’s important… Well, except for when Trevor brings home special Scottish ale for Axel. Which also brings up the element of humor that laces through heavy emotional and sometimes scary story lines.

Each book in the series blends a love thread with some kind of deadly crisis, and how this particular one came together was critical. While all the Haven women are strong in their own ways, Gia is strong in traditionally male ways, or so her father believes. She’s a security professional in her own right, so the muscle Beck has to offer her didn’t come about in the same way even Darya’s story did (Darya being a serious hacker). Sure, Beck makes mistakes in that area, but understandable ones. It’s what the whole crew does at one point that really hammered home their acceptance of Gia as who she really was, though, and I wouldn’t have expected it in a million years.

The “big bad” I figured out in the first third of the book, though I hoped I was wrong. What I didn’t peg was the whole story. When things went south, it was much worse than I’d foreseen by a measure of ten, and worked wonderfully.

Then there was Beck and his sensory processing disorder that gave Gia every opportunity to prove she had what it took to take him on. That’s an odd comment considering it was Beckett who had to convince her and get through her walls, but if you give the book a read, I think you’ll see what I mean.

There are a ton of other aspects I could comment on, but instead, I’ll leave you with this: I started Stand & Deliver because I needed a read I could trust after a few less satisfying ones. Rhenna Morgan repaid my hopes in spades.

P.S. I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This book is part of a series and while it can be read as a stand alone it really shouldn't be. If you don't read the other books in the series I don't think you will fully understand the brotherhood and how it all works or why they all came together. The author doesn't go into great detail about it in this book but it is covered in the earlier ones.

I loved that Gia and Beckett knew each other before things heated up between them. I loved reading the banter between the two of them but also between Gia and the other guys. The author did a great job writing about the stress Gia had trying to fit in a male dominated field.

The bad guy was easily figured out pretty early in the book, however the lengths the person went to wasn't expected. I loved how Beckett supported Gia when it came to her family but didn't take over.

I LOVE the Men Of Haven!!! It's so hard to wait for these books to come out. This book is the story of Beckett Tate and Gia Sinclair. Readers are familiar with Beckett and he's done his fair share of making fun of his brothers who have settled down. We've also met Gia before when Knox hired her for some security jobs. Readers will finally get to know Beckett and his story. Beckett is tough, possessive and totally alpha. He doesn't really seem like he is the settling down kind of man. He is all about justice and being fair, which Gia has learned when she secretly watches him. Gia is tough and never lets her security colleagues see what she is really like. She has had to work twice as hard as anyone else to get to where she is at. She has also been fighting against her parents disapproval with her choice of career. Gia let a little too much information slip one night after a few too many tequila shots. Now that Beckett knows where he stands with Gia, he will work to win her over.

Gia has gotten a really big job, but she has to call in some of the Men of Haven for reinforcements. She thought she could handle things and she has handled big jobs in the past, but someone is trying to sabotage her and it is getting dangerous. Beckett shows her nothing but professionalism when working. He trusts Gia, but Gia has to learn how to trust Beckett. They both have some issues, but that's what makes the story interesting ;) In the bedroom, the sex is off the charts. I would expect no less from the author. She does this couple justice with some mind blowing sex scenes. *fans self* If you have read the other books in this series, then you have to continue with this book. It could be a stand alone book, but it sure is a lot more fun to meet the other Men. Totally recommend this for a weekend pleasure read.

When two strong personalities let mutual attraction take over, there’s plenty of sparks that fly.

Author Rhenna Morgan matches Beckett Tate and Gia Sinclair in Stand & Deliver, the fifth installment in the Men of Haven series. Although this was my first introduction to this series, I had no problems reading it as a stand-alone. I did, however, quickly decide that I definitely want to read the other books in the series.

The story concept about a core group of men who treat each other like family really appealed to me. Beckett, in spite of a very challenging upbringing, finds his place within the group. In this installment, several of his “brothers” have already paired off. While Beckett isn’t really looking for a relationship, there’s no denying the attraction he has to Gia.

As the female lead character, Gia is the epitome of a strong woman who knows how to handle herself. She has built a successful career that leaves very little time for her to be vulnerable. Yet that is exactly what happens when she ends up having a wee bit too much to drink. With her defenses down, she and Beckett no longer get to dodge the attraction.

I absolutely loved the push/pull dynamic between these two characters. There’s an added twist that throws a major kink in Gia’s professional career. That piece of drama coupled with the secondary characters makes this a fantastic story.

Steamy, passionate, and exciting!

Stand & Deliver is a heartfelt, seductive adventure that takes us into the lives of two main characters, Gia, a strong, tough, young woman determined to prove she’s more than capable of working in the male-dominated field of security, and Beckett, the sexy alpha who’ll protect her at any cost.

The writing is emotive and sensual. The characters are focused, supportive, persistent, and kind-hearted. And the plot is a sultry, suspenseful mix of life, love, jealousy, obsession, familial drama, Sensory Processing Disorder, friendship, tender moments, and red-hot chemistry.

Overall, Stand & Deliver is an alluring, entertaining tale that does an exceptional job of highlighting some of the manifestations, limitations, and symptoms of SPD and reminds us that family is not always those related by blood, but those that love, care, accept, and support us.

This time around it's Beckett's time to fall.

I did quite like Beckett but Gia drove me a bit batty at times.


~Gia refused to fall into the same traps. She was strong. Smart. A whole person who didn't need someone else to define her. But, having been with Beckett, she was starting to see how easy it would be to get lost. ~


Repetitive story line to other stories in this genre. That it turns into blah blah instead of capturing my attention. I want more from heroines. The ones who don't think they can still be strong if with a partner. Argh!

Meh!

A bit frustrating because I was starting to like the series. Oh well! I will still continue even though this story didn't grab me but the suspense was good and Gia did have some strong moments.

Synopsis: Gia has her own personal security business and she has worked very hard to build her reputation. She is not helped by the fact that her parents don't support her; in fact, they think that she should marry a nice man and settle down to be a housewife. Gia has been in the business for a few years, and has often worked with Beckett and his brothers.
Gia doesn't appreciate the fact that Beckett never seems to have the same woman with him twice, but finds him gorgeous. She and Becket seem to strike dislike sparks off each other. One night, Beckett interferes when Gia is trying to have a good time when they are out at the bar, and ends up taking her home when she can't make it herself. Beckett discovers that Gia has feelings for him, and he decides that they are going to have a relationship.
Gia is more reluctant, still trying to prove that she can make it in her chosen business. It doesn't help that someone seems to be trying to maker her look bad. Before they know it, though, Gia and Beckett are family serious.

What I liked: that Beckett and Gia understood each other, and supported each other. They both respected the other's ability, and helped each other whenever they could. I liked the friendships between the Women of Haven, and the family dynamics between the Men of Haven. Gia was strong and competent and willing to accept help when she needed it. Beckett was also strong, and believed in Gia all the way. Gia and Beckett weren't afraid to tell each other they loved the other person, and they said it often.

What I didn't like: how reluctant Gia was to see the bad in someone who she had known for most of her life.

Overall impression: well written characters who were easy to spend time with. I would definitely read another book by this author. Alternating 3rd person POV between Gia and Beckett.

*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The men of Haven are strong, sexy, caring, lovable and protectively Alpha to the nth degree. This story with my favorite sarcastic bad-boy isn't any different.

The characters are well developed and it is easy to understand where Gia's thoughts and feelings are coming from. Well, let me say in everything but in regards to Beckett. (Insert big grin) Seriously though, in everything. She is who I want to be when I grow up, if I grow up. Why? For one thing, she gets to do the nasty with Beckett. For another, she kicks butt, is a smart, savvy, capable woman and still manages to look gorgeous while doing it all.

Beckett...mmm Beckett. He can pet me anytime. But I've digressed yet again. What do I love most about this character? Morgan has written him with a disability, but one he has learned to control or at least recognize when its a problem. He isn't afraid to ask for help. He doesn't take any shit from anyone, but he also doesn't alone someone (Gia) to hide her feelings either. He stands up for what is right and he isn't afraid to get messy. There is much more to Beckett than meets the eye. I guess that is what I love best about all the men of Haven.

There isn't much more that I can say about this book that my co-reviewer hasn't already said. I'm looking forward to reviewing Axel's book and am heading to my local bookstore to add the paperback to my library as soon as possible.