James (The Gates)

Review\nReviewed By Readers' Favorite
James is the third book in the Gates of Heaven series by M. Tasia. This is the story of James as he tries to keep his head down in life, but fate has other plans for him. James Masterson is just trying to live life on his own terms. He likes to be by himself and he likes his peace and quiet. But all that changes when he goes to visit his brother and somehow becomes the center of attention of many people. Among those is the very dashing Richard Ross. He is a detective and he works like a madman, but there is something about this man that makes James want to tear down the walls around his heart. He doesn't want a relationship. But why does he want to make sure Richard is happy? Sooner than James realizes, Richard's family becomes his own and he will do whatever it takes to protect them all. Is there a place for love in his heart?\nIn true M. Tasia style, you have two very compelling and incredibly complex characters. Richard and James are two very different men yet they have a connection that is apparent from the moment they meet. James: Gates of Heaven Book 3 flows wonderfully and you will fall in love with James. He is the kind of character that demands your attention and will win your heart at the first chance. The plot is very interesting; it was great seeing these two men work together towards one goal. Their relationship is sweet yet very honest; it is apparent in the way they treat each other. The chemistry between them is off the charts and the suspense incredible. This is yet another job well done!\nREVIEW: LoveBytes 5 Hearts
I will give a warning for possible triggers: James is military and deals with severe PTSD and survivor's guilt, with flashbacks and nightmares and such. For most it's not a huge thing, but for those who've dealt with military or been in or are in, just be careful.
I love reading true stories about military men. I know that sounds weird. It's not a uniform fetish or anything like that, but because when the story is told correctly, it gives people a tiny glimpse into the lives of what these men and women do in order to protect us every day. And for that, I will always be eternally grateful. We all take it for granted too much sometimes. This is one of those stories. It's not terribly graphic with what he deals with, but it's enough you get a real sense of things he's seen and having to deal with in his head on a daily basis.
James lives with demons in his head every day. He can't get past his survivor's guilt or the PTSD that tries to take him down daily. And having to save his brother the way he did, just kind of added to what was already there. But now, on top of all that, he's having to deal with the local cop, Ross, up his butt at every turn. He doesn't mean to get into trouble, but he can't sit idly by when someone is hurting someone else either. And now that threat includes Ross's remaining family. His sister and his niece. Thankfully, James happened to be at the right place and the wrong time, but because of it and his military background, he was able to save the family, even though it meant a target on his own head. And now he and Ross seem to be butting heads even worse. Both denying what they truly want. But with the threat of the mob on their shoulders, they have to protect everyone at all costs while finding how deep the corruption goes. And hope that everyone can make it out alive.
Support and love go a long way to helping someone with PTSD. BUT, often times, it needs more. Therapy or some sort of session where the person can deal with what they feel. And for James, it's no different. The problem is, is when survivor's guilt is involved, people often keep saying, 'oh, it wasn't your fault.' And I hate to say it, but it doesn't help. You can say it until you're blue in the face, but until the survivor can believe it, it doesn't help. And that's one thing I loved about Ross. He didn't sugar coat things with James. He didn't pat him on the head or back