Elio
Some mistakes you bury. Others crawl under your skin and never let go. Jaxon Mercer was supposed to be my past. The stolen kiss and the fist that followed. The silence after. But now? He’s here—cocky, dangerous, and looking at me like he already knows how this ends. I should shut him out. I should forget the way he used to make me feel. But when he’s this close, breathing is hard enough, let alone thinking straight. Enemies. Ex-best friends. Rivals. Obsessions. I don’t know what we are anymore. But I know I want him.
Jaxon
He’s scared to want me. I want him desperately. Elio Castelli pretends he has it all under control. I know the desperate way he kissed me two years ago. I saw the fear in his eyes when he shoved me away. And now that I’m standing in front of him again, I know one thing for sure—whether he admits it or not, he’s still mine. I’m done playing it safe. I’m done waiting. I’ll have him even if I have to break him first.
Cost of Redemption is the second novel in the Saints of Westmont U series. It is a largely standalone novel, but some threads continue from Edge of Temptation. Reading in order is not mandatory but will enhance your enjoyment of the series.
‘Cost of Redemption’ is a book that captures the essence of friendship intertwined with the complexities of self-identity. The emotional depth of the narrative is evident, drawing you into the lives of two boys, Elio and Jaxon, who have shared an inseparable bond throughout high school and are now preparing to head off to different colleges. It brought the uneasiness of separation, the fear of facing the unknown, the sadness of losing someone special, and the heartache of rejection in just the first chapter.
Readers navigate through the heart-wrenching fears of facing the unknown, compounded by the painful realization of potential loss. Their reunion after years apart promises a touching exploration of love, redemption, and the happiness that comes when one finally accepts who they are. Elio and Jaxon’s compelling journey is not just about physical distance; it’s also filled with the challenge of confronting their true selves amidst societal expectations.
At the core of their relationship lies an intricate dance of conflicting emotions—Elio grapples with his self-identity, while Jaxon struggles with a heart that has always held love for his best friend. The narrative poignantly deals with themes of homophobia, self-hatred, and the courage needed to embrace one’s truth.
About The Author
Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader. Hayden’s mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels that gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters. His stories are sweet but naughty.
The first book in the Boys of Hudson Burrow review is: The Cinderella Prince.
The second book in the Boys of Hudson Burrow review is: Romeo vs Romeo.
The third book in the Boys of Hudson Burrow review is: Beauty and the Billionaire.
The fourth book in the Boys of Hudson Burrow review is: Mad for Madison.
Another Review of Hayden Hall: Mingle All the Way
Another Review of Hayden Hall: Faking Ever After
The first book in the Saints of Westmont U review is: Edge of Temptation.
