Review: The Agent and the Model
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 23, 2014
In an effort to protect Michael, the man he loves, Alex, of 'The Agent and The Model' by RJ Scott, makes the mistake of not remaining objective about a serious situation involving his ability to keep Michael safe. He fails in this attempt because he doesn't take all possible scenarios into account. His plan backfires, leaving Michael in an even more precarious position than before. When the inevitable happens Michael is understandably upset, but when he learns that he was kept in the dark, he is furious because Alex treated him like a child and didn't think he could handle the truth. If Michael can't get past these feelings, he and Alex have no chance of being together in the future.Mikey, as we who have followed the series know, is now Michael, a successful model and all grown up. He thinks he's put his past attack behind him until another attack shatters that idea, and brings back, with force and fury, his fears and anxieties. Michael is incensed because he thinks that Alex  considers him weak and unable to protect himself. Across the years Michael has learned several kinds of self-defense so he can protect himself, but when the time comes that he needs to use this knowledge, he freezes, exacerbating his insecurities. Michael really loves Alex, but is struggling to resolve his inner conflicts before he can even begin to deal with Alex's. The key to being able to put the attack behind him lies in finding the person who so violently assaulted him all those years ago. Only then will Mikey be able to be comfortable in his hometown with people he loves, particularly his Nan.At first Alex comes across as a conceited, pushy boss, who is practically harassing Michael, but when I realized what was actually happening, I began to feel sorry for him. His love for Michael, his desire to protect him, is so strong that he has a false sense of security about his ability to take care of him by himself. It's a classic case of trying too hard to take responsibility for someone without telling them what is happening so they wouldn't be upset, hopefully, needlessly. If Michael had known he had a stalker, then he could have been prepared, but that's not what happened. Alex tries so hard to make it up to Michael, who won't even give him a chance to tell him how he feels. Alex is lost without the closeness they were cultivating and desperately wants it back. Being in Ellery at the same time as Michael seems convenient, but in some ways, it's even harder. There are lots of people around running interference for Michael; they've known and loved him for a long time. When Alex convinces Mikey's friends that he is sincere, they do what they can to help; the rest is up to Mikey.This is another enjoyable addition to the Ellery Mountain stories featuring not only Michael and Alex, but incorporating many of the other characters I've grown fond of, into the action. RJ has a great way of combining angst and tribulation with love and hope and finding a happy ending for all her very special men. I recommend this story to those who have read and love the Ellery Mountain series, along with those who may be new to it, who like sexy men, intrigue, strong female characters, small town ambiance, passion, loyalty, and strong friendships. Thanks, RJ, for giving Mikey and Alex their happily ever after.  Originally published at Rainbow Book Reviews.