Wesley (Leopard's Spots #8) in Totally Bound Publishing

Aug 28, 2013 Christy rated it really liked it

Shelves: shifters, arc, calibre-library, fantasy-paranormal-science-fiction, m-m

'Wesley' is book eight in the 'Leopard's Spots' series by Bailey Bradford and it continues the excitement of the series' story lines and its wonderful romances. This story focuses on two young men who will need to learn the age-old lesson that you have to take responsibility for your own actions no matter how much you want to hide and try to remain a child. That's not to say that neither man has the right to feel what they do, just that they'll need to overcome their anger, hurt, and feelings if 'Wesley' is book eight in the 'Leopard's Spots' series by Bailey Bradford and it continues the excitement of the series' story lines and its wonderful romances. This story focuses on two young men who will need to learn the age-old lesson that you have to take responsibility for your own actions no matter how much you want to hide and try to remain a child. That's not to say that neither man has the right to feel what they do, just that they'll need to overcome their anger, hurt, and feelings if betrayal before they can move on.

Wesley is Sully's younger brother and two years have passed since Sully moved to San Antonio and mated with Bobby. Wesley was angry and hurt because Sully did a very bad job of keeping in touch with Wesley, no matter how many times Wesley e-mailed, called or texted. In his loneliness and anger, Wesley was stupid and started abusing prescription drugs. When his parents caught him, they sent him to live with Sully and Bobby. Well-meaning action by his parents, but probably not the smartest. Luckily for Wesley, before too much more damage can be done, Remus, the pack shaman, steps in and offers his home for a few days to help Wesley find some peace within himself.

Armando, Mando from Sully's story, is now two years older, and knows about shifters from living among them. He works at a GLBTQ center for homeless teens and loves his job. Armando is still dealing with repercussions from his rape two years ago, and basically he's hiding from a lot of memories, not just the rape but from childhood, too. He's done everything possible to insure no one looks at him with desire, giving up his half-starved waif look, in favor of a little more protection on his body. He hasn't spoken to Sully or Bobby in the past two years, holding on to his (unreasonable, his words) grudge and not willing to let it go. When Sully's little brother, Wes, turns up as a volunteer at the center, it might just be time for Armando to deal with a few things.

What follows is a really sweet and very tender beginning of a relationship. Wes knows Armando is his mate, and he just wants him happy, but he also knows something is going on with Armando, something that causes him to pull away from Wes. Armando only knows his libido has been woken up by Wes, regardless of the fact that Armando considers himself worthless and trash because of his history, and therefore not good enough for Wes.

I liked this eighth installment of the series and the story of these wounded young men, one, in particular. Due to issues revolving around both Wes and Armando, there was drama, but it was handled well and I didn't feel like it dragged me down. This story was different in that Armando is human, and because of his abuse, he and Wes were a little more patient about some things than the other couples. A good addition to the series!

NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews ...more

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