Series: Directions
Volume: 2/3
Publisher: Self-published
Pages: 127
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Publisher: Self-published
Genre/s: m/m romance mpreg
Length: 26 000 words
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✮✰
After years of waiting for the moment when his fated mate will finally be ready to open up to love and see his Alpha in him, Everett Surlin begins to doubt whether this longed-for moment will ever happen. As Matt Jenkins doesn't seem to be aware that his other half is right beside him, inside Everett love and irritation are constantly intertwined, just like patience and lack of it. Except that the man himself decided to wait and not to tell Matt who they are to each other, so he has no other choice but to accept the situation. He doesn't even guess that Matt reciprocates his feelings, but every day he struggles with his painful past that prevents him from seeing that love is waiting on his threshold. These two constantly orbit around each other but still they can not meet. Apparently, Fate must once again take matters into her own hands and more brutally than ever show them where they belong.
Just at the outset let me highlight that "Down To Earth", the second part of "Directions" series, undoubtedly looks better than the previous one. What immediately strikes the eye is the appearance of the second narrator, and it works out perfectly for the story, as on the one hand it significantly broadens the reader's field of view, on the other it allows to get to know the two main characters a lot better. However, this is not all. The most significant seems to me the fact that the author has also changed the way of conducting story by putting more emphasis on the creation of her characters. Thanks to this, they become more three-dimensional, much more interesting and definitely closer to the reader. Jena Wade no longer focuses only on the events taking place in the present, but also clearly outlines the past of the characters, as well as gives us a better insight into their feelings and innermost thoughts. It makes us undoubtedly more open to Everett and Matt, we begin to understand their point of view, the way they behave, and also we start to like them a lot. But more importantly, thanks to all these changes this little novel gains depth, which awakens emotions in the readers, what make them attached to this story and in consequence, they really enjoy reading it.
As one of the huge advantages of "Down To Earth", I also consider the creation of a really strong Omega character. Matt, because he's the one I’m talking about, in the past found the strength in himself to seize an opportunity, accept an outstretched helping hand and stand firmly on his feet. Although it is often the first step that is the most difficult to do, he managed to do it, which proves his strength and courage. Though the scars on his psyche remain and sometimes remind him of his past, Matt tries to bravely move forward and just live on. He is a type of warrior who doesn't give up, who constantly fights, even if he feels lonely. What's more, first of all he relies on himself and not on people around him. However, it's worth noticing, that although he is self-sufficient he's also reasonable and when the situation requires he's not afraid to ask for help. And that's not all, because he repeatedly shows that he is stronger than many Alphas. I even think that it's quite a good idea to take an example form someone like him. Well, knowing my opinion about him, you can not be surprised that I wholeheartedly love Matt.
Another advantage of this part of the series is the presentation of the bond that links Alpha and Omega together. Not every novel in the omegaverse genre refers to it in any way, so I liked the fact that in "Directions", and above all in "Down To Earth", the author found some time to present it quite well. What's important, Jena Wade not only showed the reader how essential in her world the bond is, but she also referred to the fact that the bond is a transmitter of feelings, emotions and states of mind. Thanks to it, the mates can, among many other things, sometimes understand themselves without words, double positive emotions or reduce the negative ones, which is a reflection of the ideals that probably all people being in love dream about. So the bond fits quite well the world of "Directions" where Fate chooses mates who are supposed to fit together perfectly. I admit that until now I had a chance to read about the bond only in fanfictions and novels about shapeshifters, so I enjoyed reading about it in this story even more.
At the end I must admit that I really liked the fact that the author in her story referred to a serious, but often downplayed problem, which is the slow, long-term breaking someone down psychologically. It sounds serious and it is serious, but it is also so simple that people often ignore this problem without realizing the consequences. In fact, one sentence incessantly repeated over the years is enough to shape a person, to destroy or save them. I know it from the autopsy, just like the dismissive comments like: "Oh, give me a break!", "You know that's not true.", "They say it but don't mean it." or simply ignoring the issue. That's why I was captivated by a full understanding and serious reaction to this kind of problem presented in this story.
With all this in mind, I can honestly say that "Down To Earth" is a novella worth reading and one can really enjoy it. This is a short but nicely written story about inner strength, lending helping hand, waiting and searching for love. And believe me, to this little novella you want to come back once again with a real pleasure. It is clearly the best part of "Directions" series.
Headcanon: Matt, Everett and their children, the first two days and one night of every longer holiday spend camping in a cabin built by Everett and Brandon.
Fanfiction idea: At a dance party organized in their city, Matt wins a 4-pack of beer and decides to drink it by himself as he's angry with Everett. Drunk Matt becomes very perverse, which his mate enjoys.
AU idea: Nineteenth century, Matt takes over the ranch after his dead grandparents. Everett is a young stable man whose family has been taking care of Jenkins's horses for many years.
Blurb
Everett Surlin longed for the day that his Fated mate finally recognized him. It’d been eight years since he’d first met Matt Jenkins, he’d never imagined it take this long for his mate to realize their connection.
Matt Jenkins had done his best to put his past behind him. The abuse he’d endured as a child stayed locked away inside him, never to be shared with anyone. He’d assumed that as a result of his upbringing, he was broken and he would never have a mate. That didn’t stop him from desiring Everett and wishing that they could be together.
When tragedy strikes, Matt stays at Everett’s side, which just might be the push he needs to discover what had been there all along and a future he never dreamed would be possible.
This is a 26K non-shifter mpreg novella featuring a sweet romance, a HEA, and no cliffhanger.
This is the second book in the Directions series, but can be read as a standalone.
Matt Jenkins had done his best to put his past behind him. The abuse he’d endured as a child stayed locked away inside him, never to be shared with anyone. He’d assumed that as a result of his upbringing, he was broken and he would never have a mate. That didn’t stop him from desiring Everett and wishing that they could be together.
When tragedy strikes, Matt stays at Everett’s side, which just might be the push he needs to discover what had been there all along and a future he never dreamed would be possible.
This is a 26K non-shifter mpreg novella featuring a sweet romance, a HEA, and no cliffhanger.
This is the second book in the Directions series, but can be read as a standalone.
Excerpt
I twirled the wedding band around in my hand, running my fingers over the smooth, silver metal. The ring had once belonged to my father, and hopefully someday it would belong to my mate.Matt.My body heated at the thought of my mate, as it often did. I'd known for almost a decade now that Matt was my mate.Matt remained oblivious.My fists clenched instinctively. I couldn't help but feel angry at Fate for showing me my mate before he was ready. I often wondered if he would ever be ready. Usually, it was a magical moment full of marvel and enlightenment. Eyes met, fireworks burst, and nature took its course. A mate bond was established, and the couple lived happily ever after. I'd never heard an Alpha recognizing his mate before their Omega.
About the Author
Jena began writing in January of 2013 as a New Year's Resolution—and so far she has stuck to it!
She lives in Michigan. By day she works as a web developer, and at night she writes. Born and raised on a farm, she spends most of her free time outdoors, playing in the garden, or ridin She also helps run the family dairy farm.
Giveaway
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