Ami's Hoard

3.5 stars

It would be easy to dislike Dylan at first because he’s a self-proclaimed gold digger and in pursuit of a sugar daddy. See, Dylan has a plan, if he hooks up with someone old enough – say, thirty years older – who will probably die when Dylan starts losing his good looks, then he can get everything. Yep, sounds like a vile character, right?

This is why the third book in Lou Harper “ Secrets ” series might be my favorite yet. Because it is not exactly that black and white with Dylan. He had experience living on the streets with no money and no family to help him. For Dylan, the idea of living with a sugar Daddy gives him financial security; and he can feel safe and protected.

Throughout the book, Dylan sure matures up, especially after meeting quiet, nerdy Simon, who is not at all like a potential sugar daddy. Simon might be nine years older, and he might have enough money, but Simon is not stinking rich. Simon is simply a reserved assistant professor. Simon offers Dylan solid friendship and support, especially when Dylan finds himself in trouble.

I loved this slow steady relationship between the two of them. Dylan did sleep with Simon early on, but afterwards, Simon refuses to have a repeat performance. But they have fun in Vegas where Simon accepts Dylan’s determination to give him a make-over, to let loose once in a while, while Dylan learns that sometimes being with someone steady and strong is better than one simply with money.

As always, Harper’s writing clicked with me and easily pulled me in, made me care for these two men so much. I would’ve rated this book higher actually … but unfortunately, near the end, Dylan does one thing, a story line I dislike the most in books…and he foolishly assumes that he can handle things on his own. I know that it can add intensity and a thrill but I always find it a very stupid thing for characters to do. I was annoyed by it and it simply ruined things for me.

I will definitely stick with this series, of course, because I’ve really enjoyed every installment to date. Maybe the next story will be about Dylan’s other roommate, Teag? He seems to have a broken-heart over a failed past relationship and I would love to see Teag gets his own happily ever after.

The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.