Book 928: Going Public (Jade Capital #2) – Hudson Lin

I requested an ARC of this one from the publisher after I saw it in their upcoming titles email that I get monthly.* The fact that there was not just one non-white man on the cover of this MM Romance novel, but TWO of them was a definite ‘okay let’s give this Hudson Lin person a try.’

Totally on me, but I also thought it was written by a man (damn you pseudonyms!), but that didn’t change my opinion or reading of the novel, I was just excited that there were BIPOC protagonists AND they were on the cover. Add in that I don’t think I’ve read many with Asian protagonists and it caught my attention.

For the most part, I wasn’t disappointed. There were a few big unanswered questions, primarily though why in the hell was no one at Jade Capital talking to Ray and Elvin about their very clear breaking of rules and crossing boundaries when they finally got together. I mean does HR not exist at these private capital firms?!? I also have questions about whether or not Ray’s family was involved in the paper company fiasco, that plot wasn’t wrapped up satisfactorily for me. It’s either they were involved or Lin struggled with introducing red herrings and making them believable they weren’t involved.

Elvin looked away, dropping his gaze to the floor. Of all the people in the whole wide world, he had to develop these feelings for his boss. Figured. As a demisexual, sexual desire wasn’t a thing for him unless he’d already established an emotional connection with the person. And since he didn’t have much time for a social life, it wasn’t that farfetched that he would latch onto someone who filled so much of his day-to-day routine. (Chapter 3)

The relationship development between Ray, the higher up in the firm who went against his very wealthy family to join Jade Capital and make his own way, and Elvin, his assistant who has worked hard for everything and spends most of his money supporting his parents and four siblings, was a little odd. From Elvin’s side I thought it worked great and it was well written, he pined after his boss for many years and got glimpses of his body while being disappointed while Ray slept around. But the weirdest part, as mentioned above, was the fact that when they were together NO ONE said anything, just gave side-eye and smiled secretly at them.

On the Ray side, it happened a little too slowly and abruptly at the same time. Unfortunately, I think this comes from Lin’s writing. Lin seemed to have a better grasp on Elvin’s voice and situation than she did on Ray’s and that really came across in how Ray finally acknowledged his feelings for Elvin, I think if a few things would’ve been swapped around it might’ve worked better. The one place where she really got Ray right though was his interactions with Ming who may or may not have been flirting with Elvin but was 100% trying to recruit him for a job on another team. Those interactions and the way Ray got super alpha protective of Elvin were fun and interesting to read.

Lin did a great job with both of the protagonists’ families and I felt that she could’ve spent more time with them. And I desperately want to know how Ray’s family reacts to his being with Elvin and his background. I don’t think it’d be a pretty scene, but it would add to the building of Ray’s character as a changed man toward the end of the novel. And frankly, might’ve made the underwhelming climax of Ray’s arrest have a lot more impact since he would’ve had to change/be more vocal about his change and then go to jail.

The sex scenes were interesting with most of the book not having any and then a quick progression from frottage to full-on penetrative sex. There was nothing improbable or impossible about the scenes, but they were like 95% of the way there.

Recommendation: This was a decent read. It wasn’t enough to put Lin on my must-read and check out new releases, but it was enough to make me remember her name if I’m at a reading loss and want a decent MM Romance. This read more like a debut novel that could’ve used a stronger editor to help Lin find the characters’ voices and quite a few of the wrap-up scenes left me wanting more explanation or clearer explanation. Again though, take this with a grain of salt since I’ve already put book one of this series (Hard Sell) on hold at my local library.

*I received a copy of Going Public via NetGalley in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.

Opening Line: “It was a dance Elvin did pretty much every day.”

Closing Line: “Elvin pressed another kiss to Ray’s mouth. ‘Wait until you see the bedroom.'” (Whited out to avoid spoilers, highlight to read.)