Dual Book Review: Hiding in Plain Sight by Bru Baker

Reviewed by Ami and Nikyta

Title: Hiding in Plain Sight
Series: Camp H.O.W.L. #3
Author: Bru Baker
Heroes: Harris/Jackson
Genre: M/M Paranormal
Length: 256 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: September 18, 2018
Available at:  Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Happily ever after is right under their noses.

Harris has been keeping a big secret for years—his unrequited mate bond with his best friend, Jackson. He’s convinced himself that having Jackson in his life is enough. That, and his work at Camp H.O.W.L., keeps him going.

Things get complicated when Jackson applies for a high-ranking Tribunal job in New York City—far from Camp H.O.W.L. The position requires he relinquish all Pack bonds… and that’s when his wolf decides to choose a mate. Suddenly Jackson sees his best friend in a sizzling new light.

Their chemistry is through the roof, but they’re setting themselves up for broken hearts—and broken bonds—if Jackson can’t figure out a way to balance his career and the love that’s just been waiting for him to take notice.

Ami’s Review: In Hiding in Plain Sight, Bru Baker takes the spotlight on best friends Jackson Berrings and Harris Wick. Harris has been hiding his crush and mate-bond for years from his best friend, Jackson. Jackson is not ready to settle down – plus, he’s aiming his career up high as Tribunal Enforcer which doesn’t leave space for any kind of relationship what-so-ever. Harris chooses his friendship over a possible rejection from Jackson. Little does he know that Jackson has started seeing him in a different light.

Ah, friends-to-lovers … I don’t think I will ever get bored with this trope. Although USUALLY, I can get a little bit frustrated when one of the characters is in denial about the possible romance, but in Jackson’s case, I can somehow understand. Look, I know that it’s romantic to choose LOVE above everything else. However, in real life, I’d like to think that if you love someone, you will also support him/her/them to be the best that they can be, including in their career.

So, the fact that Jackson is in denial and struggling about his feelings towards Harris because it’s his long-life dream to be Tribunal Enforcer (which I assume is like an elite SEAL or SWAT team) is ENJOYABLE for me to read. I like it better compared to the “I don’t want to ruin our friendship” reasons.

I also loved Harris so much – he has been so SWEET and understanding about Jackson’s dream. That’s why Harris has been hiding his mate-bond for years, and I couldn’t help to feel for the guy and root for him.

There’s a second sub-plot in this book related to a famous wolfling actress who comes to the camp, and it brings danger to Camp H.O.W.L. I thought it added an intense feel to the story and a little action near the end.

All in all, it’s another wonderful installment of this series.

Ami’s Overall Impression: I really liked it!

Nikyta’s Review:

When I found out this was the last book in the Camp H.O.W.L. series, I was devastated. I didn’t even want to read it because then it wouldn’t end! While I’m sad this was the last story, I think it might actually be my favorite. I loved Harris and Jackson as characters and I loved seeing Jackson feel the same mate pull as Harris has been feeling for years. Jackson called it ‘nesting’ in his reactions and I absolutely adored that term! I really enjoyed seeing Jackson struggle but also seeing Harris try to figure out what was going on and how things had changed between them.

It was intriguing seeing Jackson come to terms with what was happening. My heart broke every time he would bring up that he would eventually leave and broke even more when Harris was willing to take whatever he could get of Jackson. I fell in love with these characters and I really loved their journey to their mate bond. I also really liked that this one showed more of the camp and what happens during emergencies when their secret or safety was threatened, it gave this story more of an intense feel than the others. Plus! We got to see Tate, Drew and Nick again 😀

While I thoroughly enjoyed this one, I had a few issues. For one, I found it odd that we just learned that there were other supernatural beings out there. I also found it odd the fae were the most deadliest and sneaky but they didn’t do a very good job of defending (or killing) two prisoners and I would have liked to actually see these fae instead of hearing about them or being told what happened with them. Add to that, I was kind of confused how Jackson and Harris were best friends but there was a ton of things they didn’t tell each other.

All in all, though, this was a great wrap up to the end of the series. I loved both Harris and Jackson and the fact that Harris had a one-sided mate bond broke my heart but I really liked seeing Jackson struggle with his newfound feelings for Harris. I did have a few niggles with this one but Harris and Jackson as characters and a couple made up for that. I just adored them! I’m sad to see this series end but really looking forward to the Connoll Pack spin-off!

Nikyta’s Overall Impression: I really liked it!

*We received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for fair and honest reviews.*