Choosing Happy

I wasn't too sure I'd be interested in reading about Steve as he was the “villain” of [b:Drunk in Love 20647672 Drunk in Love (More Than Friends, #2) Aria Grace https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1471915763s/20647672.jpg 39941157] the previous installment in this series. However villain is a strong word and whatever Zach & Ryan allowed to happen was perhaps born out of growing pains and stupidity but nonetheless a choice they made.Turns out Steve has been dealt a few bad hands in life and has also made bad and thoughtless choices but on the plus side he's not in denial and is willing and trying to redeem himself and go down new paths in his life. His chance comes in the form of Joey or as Steve calls him Little Duck, and abused member of a boy harem kept by a mafia boss.Steve rescues Joey from his abuser and starts to discover what it is to be thoughtful and selfless in a relationship. Joey gives the appearance of a shrinking violet but is in fact quite strong and exactly the right foil for Steve.If like myself you are a completist and are doing this series you won't be sorry to read this one. I know it seems like faint praise but ... it was just good. It didn't have me tingling inside. However I will say that Steve & Joey do complement each other quite well and I'm always happy for people finding their joy.The audio by [a:Michael Ferraiuolo 13467952 Michael Ferraiuolo https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is quite nice. And it made sense to have a different narrator for a different character in the series.