Cover Image: Stand & Deliver

Stand & Deliver

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Stand & Deliver is the fourth installment of Rhenna Morgan's steamy Men of Haven series, that features a close-knit group of alpha males who have created their own family, regardless of blood ties. While this story could probably be read as a standalone, I do not recommend it. You will want all the mouthwatering details from the beginning, so start with Jace's story in Rough & Tumble to get the scoop on how this brotherhood started.

Our hero in this story is Beckett Tate, a tall dark and handsome security expert. As this series has progressed, I was never that focused on Beckett. I suppose I am just to focused on Axel. Although I am still calling dibs on our sexy Scot, I definitely discovered Beckett's appeal and probably wouldn't kick him outta bed for eatin' crackers. I was also intrigued by Beckett's sensory processing disorder, which made him extremely tactile. While I hated that he had to deal with a disorder, there were certainly times where he made lemonade from those lemons... or revved up his woman with his need to be hands on. I loved that Beckett was supportive, and respectful... but he also wasn't afraid to take control when the situation called for it. He was just as yummy as the other brothers have been.

Our heroine is not new to the series, but we are getting to know Gia Sinclair in depth for the first time. As a woman operating in the male-dominated security business, Gia feels like she has to prove herself at every turn. She can't let down her guard down or appear soft in any manner... until Beckett comes around and shows her a safe space. I really liked Gia. She was capable, ambitious and determined - all great qualities in a heroine. But I especially liked who she was with Beckett, when she let those walls down and relaxed into her true self. But hoo boy - her family just has to go. Her dad is ridiculously pretentious and horrid. I'm glad she was his complete opposite.

The relationship building in this story was mixed with a little suspense, but nothing over the top. I thought the suspense and romantic elements were mixed well, without one overpowering the other. That gave us time to get to know Gia and Beckett, and see them bond as a couple. But the sabotage to Gia's career helped advance the plot and keep our eyes moving around the page.

I was reading this as I was on work travel, and I kept getting aggravated that I had to put it down and pick it up days later. So inconvenient - working. Sigh. I think when Axel's book comes out, I'm going to have to take vacation. If I have loved all the heroes so much thus far... I think Axel's gonna knock my socks off!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Carina Press.

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I have been waiting patiently for Beckett's story to be told and let me tell you it was so worth the wait!!! I absolutely loved the latest book in the Men of Haven series. Beckett has always wanted Gia and waited 3 years to make his move. Gia really liked Beckett but was scared to take a chance and let her guard down. She has a hard time trusting people she cares for cause they have always let her down in some form or another. Well that was until Beckett. He will move heaven and earth to insure that she is loved, safe and protected always. This story kept me hooked and on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. There was action, funny moments, steamy hot moments, and always love. The connection that Gia and Beckett shared was rare and a true treat to read about....they were perfect for each other. I can't wait to read the next book in this great series. Another fantastic book...well done!!!!

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Beckett found a home when he joined the Haven Brotherhood and he has watched his brothers find their soul mates and he wants the same thing for himself. He knows who he wants, and he has been patiently waiting for the right opportunity to claim her as his.

Gia comes from a wealthy background but rather than follow the course they had planned for her future she studied criminal justice and owns her own security company. She has chosen a male dominated field so the last thing she needs is to get involved with Beckett no matter how attracted she is to him especially as they work together from time to time.

One night after Gia had a few drinks too many she confesses her attraction to Beckett and now that he knows his feelings are returned he will let nothing stand between them but first he needs to convince her. If dealing with the attentions of Beckett wasn’t hard enough suspicious things are happening around her but Beckett and his team are not about to let her face it on her own.

These two are soulmates and the chemistry between them is off the charts. He gives her strength when she needs it while she quickly becomes his champion and they have both found the family they have always wanted in the Haven Brotherhood. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

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Stand and Deliver is the fifth book in the Men of Haven series by Rhenna Morgan. This book is a stand alone even though its part of a series. I jumped in and didn't remotely feel left behind. I absolutely loved the chemistry and heat pealing off the pages from Beckett and Gia. You know that guy that hangs with your crowd but you don't really talk to. The one that has a different woman on his arm at every single social event. Yes well that's Beckett. The guy that can make you wet just looking at him. Yet Gia tries to stay under the radar when it comes to him because she knows what she wants from him and well she is just to shy to come and get it. I adored this book and can't wait to read more of the Men of Haven.

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Stand & Deliver is book five in Rhenna Morgan’s Men of Haven series, and it’s just as delectably awesome as the other four books. Highly recommend! Come get you some.

This is Beckett and Gia’s story. They are both in the security business. They are also both deeply attracted to the other but think, “No way would the other go for me.” I forgot how much a good ole fashioned offensive approach just works for me.

Gia is trying to get her business up and running, but a few mishaps are ruining her reputation. And it doesn’t seem on the up-and-up. Beckett can’t keep his mind off Gia, and when it slips that she might be feeling him just as much, he’s determined to show her how sweet (and delightfully filthy) he can be.

Rhenna Morgan’s writing is pretty much magic, IMO. Gia and Beckett have such a great dialogue and add in the whole Haven enchilada, readers feel like part of the family. I know them, and that’s what makes this world so great. I also liked the added disorder that Beckett has to deal with. It’s a new one for me, and bringing awareness to it—and how it was handled—really brought Beckett to life for me.

Gia truly shines here, though. Yes, she's badass and starting her own business and can get things done, she also knows when to ask and accept help which just made me love her even more.

Now, the suspense part was the only thing that didn’t work for me. I knew who it was and was kind of shocked that it took so long for everyone else to figure it out. It wasn’t believable. However, these characters and the romance sold me completely. I’ll definitely re-read this one!

Get your alpha fix, appreciate Gia’s absolute tenacity, and gather ‘round the family table. You don’t want to miss this installment!

4.5 stars!

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ARC received for review

No, I haven't read the first four books in this series. Is anyone shocked by that? I didn't think so. Loving these Haven boys. I wish I had read the first four just so I would know all the back story on them. And low and behold after checking my kindle, guess what? I already own books 2, 3 and 4. Any bets on what I'm reading next.

Anyway back to Beckett and Gia. Somebody bring out a hose to cool these two off. They were amazing together in every way...working together, with his family, in the bedroom, and with her sh*t family. I had a student with SPD but it was not as severe as Beckett's. I loved how in tune she was to him and helping with this. Of course, there was a nasty ex and bad guy to take care of in process of falling in love.

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She's a tough nut to crack, but he's up for the challenge. Gia is more than just a pretty face. She's an ace in a field that is dominated by men. She doesn't suffer fools or hormone driven alpha's easily. Specifically crude jerks like Beckett. He's a walking stereotype that drives her crazy, but punches her card none the less. There's a place for attraction and it's not on the job, but what happens will the feelings are too strong to ignore? Rhenna Morgan is the standard for heroines. She creates warrior princesses that are not afraid to get their hands dirty and their hearts broken.

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We are getting closer to the end of this series and it'll be bittersweet to say goodbye to these alphas of the Men of Haven series. In Stand & Deliver Rhenna Morgan takes us on Beckett and Gia's journey.

To say Beckett is intense is an understatement, his intensity levels are off the charts. He has never had a real family until he met the brothers of Haven. For the first time he can rely on having people watching his back. His mom left him when he was a toddler, abandonment issues come with the territory. Beckett is possessive, protective and his need for touch adds to his fierceness. He has been watching Gia from afar for a long time. They've been friends, co-workers, but he never knew that she felt the same way as he did...until one drunken night.

*** "I like who you are. You’re smart. You’re tough. You don’t take my shit. I’ve got height and weight on you and you still aren’t afraid of me. ***

On the outside Gia might be a bad match for him. She's a security woman and being female in a male dominated profession she has always had to work twice as hard as any man. This has made her into a very controlled woman who takes her work more than seriously. There is nothing soft about Gia at first glance. Secretly she's had a crush on Beckett for years but mixing business and pleasure? Especially since he shows up with a different arm-candy on a regular basis? Nope. Not a great idea. But after a night of booze Beckett's persistent courting gets under her skin and fast.

***“Now, settle in and do whatever you need to do to fortify your defenses. Come morning, I’m coming at you with all guns loaded.”***

Aaaah! I loved these two together. The one thing that sets Beck apart from the other men is how seriously HE takes Gia's position in their professional world. I loved how he supported her, respected her and how passionately he had her back and bolstered her confidence. His acceptance of her, how he loved her quirks and spitfire personality, it all added to the full package that was Beckett.

***God, he loved her spunk. Loved the ten-foot-tall sass that came out of such a petite package and the razor-sharp wit that backed it up.***

Gia was controlled and giving that up in any aspect of her life took herculean effort but this wonderful, stubborn man coaxed her out of her shell and soon she learned how freeing it could be. I loved Gia's warmth which was unexpected seeing how tightly leashed she kept her control. When she stood up for Beckett, the ferocious protectiveness of her man was just beautiful to watch. Gia was a badass.

Their chemistry was explosive and, gaaaahd, Beckett was a beast. I loved their banter, how devoted they were. Beck's single-minded pursuit of Gia left no doubt that she was it for him.

***“Sweetheart, I never said I didn’t like you being in control. I said you needed me in control. If it’s between what gets me off and giving you what you need, you’ll trump me every time.”***

This book like no other in this series underscores the fact that blood doesn't make a family. Gia's is a stark contrast to the tight bonds of Beckett's. The love that runs in this family by choice is fierce. I love the brothers' ribbing, how the women soften their edges but don't take the away completely.  Now we have one more book left in this series and it's the one I've been waiting for since the beginning. Axel is the man-ho of the lot. Nobody can really see him settling down with one woman but in Stand & Deliver there is a foreboding, a little crack in his facade that has him riled a little. You bet I wanna see him getting his panties in a twist for a woman!

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Stand & Deliver by Rhenna Morgan
Men of Haven #5

Love this series with men who have created their own family – a family anyone would love to be a member of. These men have had rough lives but together have created a safe haven where they are there for one another no matter what may come their way. And, when they fall in love the person they tie themselves to is pulled into the fold and becomes a loved and protected member of the family.

So, in this book we have the fifth story of the series that brings Beckett Tate and Gia Sinclair together. They have known one another for a couple of years and though they have been aware of one another have neither acted on their interest until…one night…Gia needs some help and Beckett is there for her. His eyes are opened to the fact that she and he definitely have potential for a HEA and he takes the brakes off big time and begins to pursue the woman he wants and thankfully Gia is equally invested in the relationship. This is a fun romance to read as they get closer to one another without a great deal of interpersonal friction as she also gets to know his family. Throw in the fact that the two are in the same security/bodyguard type business, there is a jealous guy causing trouble and a few other issues to deal with and you have not only a steamy romance with wonderful characters but a bit of a mystery and some suspense to make things even more interesting.

I am hoping the Men of Haven will keep adding members to their group so that this series won’t end any time soon. And, if it does have to end…well…I hope that Ms Morgan will come up with an equally divine series to follow it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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I’m not sure I can fall more in love with the Men of Haven than I have with Beckett in Stand & Deliver. This book is everything I love when reading. And Beckett. Oh my gawd! I love Beckett!

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. Or at least she’s tried to. Until one drunken confession opens the door to an opportunity she could never have imagined.

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 and taking into account all of her likes and dislikes along the way. On a night that she’s drunk out of her mind, Beckett jumps on the chance to escort her home. What he learns that night is exactly what he has dreamed of. Now all he has to do is go slow and teach her to trust him.

I absolutely loved everything about this couple. Sometimes a tough heroine can grate on my nerves but Gia was mature enough to slowly let go of the reins and allow Beckett to have her back. The fact that Beckett proved he could step aside and let her lead made that decision easier.

Together, they both had their issues and it was together that they found a way to deal with them. Each of them supplied the outlet and support for the other, strengthening their relationship along the way. This was probably one of the most organic and beautifully written progressions into love I’ve read in a long time. When these two came together sexually it was not your typical “place A in slot B” scenes. Each time increased the trust and emotions between these characters. The scenes added to the overall story rather than act as a filler or something that readers expected. That made this book just that much more enjoyable!

All the characters from the series play a part in this story and added to the growth of the heroine as she moves from a place of isolation into one of family. No unnecessary secondary characters here. There was never a lag in the story and no point at which I felt the need to skim. I wanted to absorb every wonderful word this author had written. In case I haven’t made myself clear…I LOVED Beckett, Gia, and Stand & Deliver!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Carina Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Excellent book. Each time I read one of the books in this series I think it is definitely my favorite. Then the next comes out and I have the same thought. All of the books are wonderfully written and this one is no exception. The characters are one big family so you really get to know them. This is Beckett's story. He's the security specialist for the Haven brotherhood. He's a big tough alpha but he has issues he has to deal with making him feel a bit more human. Gia is a colleague and I loved how supportive Beckett is of her. The suspense and mystery of this story really blended well with the nice slow build romance between Beckett and Gia.

I definitely recommend this book and the entire series.

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I freaking love the series. I love the Men of Haven. I just love them.

Things I loved about Stand & Deliver:

1. Beckett
2. Beckett
3. Beckett
4. Gia the badass
5. Gia the badass
6. Gia the badass

What I loved about Beckett and Gia? Them. Them Together. There is a thing that many stories like this share in common and that's the fight. That fight between the two MCs until they finally give in, or one of them gives in and they do what we all know they'll ultimately do and that's get together, be on the same page, and work as a team in all things, not just the love stuff. Something Morgan does with Beckett and Gia is move past that really fast. There was not a long time to wait for the beauty that is Beckett and Gia working together in a way that they needed. For Gia to become part of the family... a family that all fans of this series knows will forever have her back. I loved that I didn't have to wait too long for that moment because once it happened, the fireworks started to get even better.

And yea, the romance is fantastic, and they're really great together. But the other part of the story, the part where Gia is working to save her career, where Beckett and family help her when she needs it was the best. There is a mystery, there are plots to uncover, and there was a major dickhead to defeat. All of it was done in a way that had me not wanting to put the book down.

I wanted more... I always want more. So please, Rhenna, please give me book 6 soon. I hate to be away from the Men of Haven.

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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Stand & Deliver by Rhenna Morgan is book Five in the Men of Haven series. This is the story of Beckett Tate and Gia Sinclair. I haven't yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Beckett and Gia both have been attracted to each other for a while but each thinking the other wasn't into them that way until one night Gia got drunk and let loose on how she attracted to him.
This was enough for Beckett to go full force on his attraction to her and they started to see where this would leave them.
I couldn't put the book down and had to read it in one sitting....which is how I always read Ms. Morgan's books. They are too good to stop reading them!

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This series just keeps getting better and better. It's no secret that the men of Haven are alpha males, but Beckett may be the most alpha of them all. He is 100% pure sexy, dirty-talking, alpha male perfect, and I couldn't get enough of him. I loved him and Gia together. Their back stories made them perfect for each other, and the fact that they had been building up to this relationship for several years made the insta-love real. The family and camaraderie plays just as much of a part as the steam and romance in this book and I always enjoy that element to this series. I can't wait to see who the next Haven brother to fall will be!

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another fab read by Ms. Rhenna Morgan. Solid plot and characters which allowed the story to flow rather nicely.

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I was anxiously awaiting the story of Beckett and Gia. He's been one of my favorite characters throughout this series. Thankfully, this book did not disappoint. The story sucked me in right from the beginning and kept my attention till the very end. Another great job by Rhenna Morgan.

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Oh. My. Goodness!!! I seriously can't get enough of these Men of Haven. I mean. These guys are panties drippin' hot and I have a feeling there will be more to this series. Which just makes me more excited. But I digress.

Gia is the badass security chick we've met before in the previous installments. But this time, we get to learn more about who she is and what makes her tick. Besides the fact that her relationship with her father isn't exactly picture perfect, the thing that's been making her tick has been Beckett. One of Men of Haven, co-workers and staring role in her dreams, she can't seem to get him off the brain. So when she gets a little too drunk for her own good and ends up letting her guard down enough to admit things, Beckett sees the window he never thought was open.

Beckett is the playboy of the brothers, right? Eh...not so much. Looks can always be deceiving. What's the term? Perception is everything. Well, that seems to be Beckett's theme. Because despite the fact that he's been seen with many women, there's only been one that's been on his permanent radar. And now that his eyes are wide open and truly looking, there's no way he's gonna let her slip through the cracks.

Have I mentioned how much I love these guys? I swoon just thinking about them. Ms. Morgan has done it again with her sexy, suspenseful and every loving contemporary romance. To say that these two character weren't meant for each other is ludicrous. The literally fit together like a glove. A bullet to the perfect glock, so to speak. The physical chemistry is outstanding, but the story chemistry is what I found to be perfect. I LOVE THESE GUYS!!!!

reviewed by Chris

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***5 ‘#TeamHaven’ Stars***

I didn’t think it was possible.
I didn’t.
I didn’t think that any book coming after Tempted & Taken could best it, or at least push it to the side so that it could share the same spot.
But I was wrong.

I’m woman enough to admit that Ms. Morgan did just that, not only with Stand & Deliver as a whole, but with Beckett & Gia making Knox & Darya scootch over a bit so they can share the top spot as my favorite couples of the series. Because they were kinda everything, just like the book as a whole was. It was filled with sweet and swoon worthy, lots and lots of smexy, a good dose of suspense and a whole bunch of heart.

Gia I LOVED upon first meeting her a few books ago. Fierce, independent, sassy and with a good dose of snark. This woman holds her own in a world where being a woman is difficult. But she hustles and loves what she does. But getting to see behind the armour she wears just solidified why I adore her.

Beckett is simply all kinds of alpha AF nummyness. Protective, observant and all kinds of dominant (but only in the best of ways). I’ll admit I didn’t expect to adore him as much as I ended up adoring him, but his honor and honesty were just as much a drug as his tenacity when he picked a target.

I thoroughly enjoyed Gia and Beckett’s journey to their HEA. It had it’s bumps in the road as they worked out and through their issues, but they did it as mature adults. The mutual respect they had for each other and how much they truly appreciated every facet of the others personalities made this a fun read...and the smexy? Nuclear. But how couldn’t it be when two alpha personalities collide? In the end though, they fit.

I know I shouldn’t be surprised that I loved and devoured this baby, but one never knows, especially when the last book you read in the series knocked your socks off. The suspense aspect was very well done, though I did figure out at least the ‘who’ behind it all, but finding out all that went into the crazy? Now that was an experience. And then there are the members of Haven. This one, for me, really showcased the bonds each of the crew have with each other and brought that family vibe out in spades. I say it every time, but Ninette and Sylvie are AMAZING, I want to be them when I grow up. And I loved hanging with with all the men, women and kids of Haven and most definitely cannot wait to get my hands on Axel’s book!

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

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I couldn't wait to dive into Beckett's book and what a treat it was.

As usual, Rhenna created characters that will stay with you forever. I'm completely in love with Beckett and Gia's story. There was so much depth to their characters, it made rooting for them easy.
I just love the dynamic of these men and how they came to be a family.

Am I the only one that doesn't want this series to end... ever...

Didn't think so.

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I am loving this series and this book is one of my favorites. Beckett and Gia are just lovely people who have some issues but overcome them through their love and trust of their friends. I enjoyed reading about their ups and downs and how they learned to trust each other.

Looking forward to Axel’s story…why is he being so secretive?

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