Aiden was an Omega who needed a job doing what he loved. He never imagined he’d meet his fated mate during the interview. He was ready to bond right away, but something stopped his Alpha from claiming him. Aiden’s patience held strong, but being near his mate every day without bonding threatened to drive him insane. Brandon owned a successful company, and he wanted to share that success with his mate and their child. But the continued thefts troubled him and the last thing he wanted to do was drag his new mate into any danger. Danger found them anyway.
Jena began writing in January of 2013 as a New Year's Resolution--and so far she has stuck to it!
She lives in Michigan. By day she works as a web developer, and at night she writes. Born and raised on a farm, she spends most of her free time outdoors, playing in the garden, or riding her horses. She also helps run the family dairy farm.
I liked this book ok. I bought the second book by accident. It’s KU so I could have read it for free. After reading authors I love talk about people buying books and then returning them after they read them I didn’t want to do that to an author. So, I’ll read the second book and maybe I’ll love it.
This first book in the Directions series brings readers into a world where there’s mpreg, but there’s also M/F couples as well. That threw me a little since all of the mpreg stories I’ve read so far were strictly M/M, and there really wasn’t any traditional world-building in the story to set the stage for the story and series.
I did like Aiden’s character, though he sometimes acted and spoke in a manner that made him seem younger than he was. Brandon came across as a bit aloof and as if he wasn’t fully invested in the relationship at first, and while his attitude was explained as the story progressed, I didn’t quite feel the full connection between him and Aiden that I was expecting considering this is a fated mates story.
There’s a bit of drama that does introduce some danger into their lives, I was expecting more to come of it but it was resolved pretty quickly and without much fuss.
I think this story would have benefitted from being longer with more time to establish the world, allow for stronger relationship development between Brandon and Aiden, and also to give the drama more of a punch to it. It’s a good start to the series though, and there are some other characters introduced that have piqued my interest so I’ll be checking out their stories as they come up. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
This was book 1 in the "Directions " series. Omega Aiden wants a job that he loves. When he interviews for a tech job at a construction company he comes face to face with his fated mate. Alpha Brandon has just inherited the company from his father. When he interviews Aiden he comes face to face with his fated mate. Brandon wants to wait before they claim each other he has some problems in the company someone is stealing tools. Aiden can't believe that he wants to wait and that he is so calm about it. I liked both of these characters and the secondary characters also. I love reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Review in English and Polish || Recenzja w języku angielskim oraz polskim
*3.5 stars* Trying to get a dreamed job, Omega Aiden Docimo never thought that Brandon Surlin, the owner of the company in which Aiden wants to be employed, would turn out to be not only an incredibly attractive Alpha but most of all his other half chosen by Fate. Usually in such situations, mates bond very quickly but in this case both men have to wait a little bit, even though the mutual attraction between these two is too strong for them to be able to resist it for too long. And all because, before claiming Aiden as his, Brandon would like to make sure that the internal situation of his company is stable enough not to affect his Omega's peace and security. However some incidents can not be predicted and sometimes the risk is simply included in the costs of being in a relationship.
"Up To Code" is a relatively short story that is pleasant to read but unfortunately it has one significant drawback. Namely, in many ways the story is not developed enough. First of all, the fictional universe is quite "foggy". Although we know that it is an alternative reality, it's not much if we take into consideration the existence of the division into Alphas and Omegas, while it doesn't exist in our world. Thus, the reader, or at least that's how it was in my case, would like to know if this division is something natural that existed from the very beginning of humanity or whether its origins were completely different. I think that some of the principles that rule the relationship between Alpha and Omega would be worth presenting, as each author has their own vision of omegaverse. In the case of "Up To Code" it is all the more important because from the reader's point of view the relationship between Brandon and Aiden, fated mates, develops extremely quickly. And yet, according to the main characters, they bond relatively late compared to the others in similar situation. What's more, we also don't have a full insight into their feelings for each other. We don't really know what causes the transformation of their bond into true love. This leads to another problem which is undeveloped storyline. In truth, it consists of successive anticlimaxes. The action doesn't have time to really develop because in an instant all the problems are solved. In other words, this story is too short and it doesn't have time to spread its wings.
Nevertheless, "Up To Code" has its advantages, and the first one, that we can see at the very beginning, is the character of Brandon, or more precisely of perfect Alpha, who is actually not so perfect. And it's not about presenting some flaws which might as well be considered as advantages, as we do, for example, during work interviews. Brandon Surlin is unbelievably handsome, wonderfully built, undoubtedly rich, liked by his co-workers and has a passion for his work. The problem is that his lack of knowledge about the latest technologies is close to ignorance. In his hands the smartphone seems to be an exotic pet that someone gets unexpectedly for their birthday and have no heart to get rid of it, although they have no idea how to look after it. A website of his company? A handy phone app? Sorry but what are you talking about? Not only that, the man does not even show a special desire to fill the basic gaps in his technological knowledge and his thoughts about this topic are clearly visible in the way he speaks and his vocabulary choices. I really like this perfect guy for his lack of perfection. So in this case his creation is a hit!
As an advantage of "Up To Code" I also consider raising and highlighting the topic of Omega working professionally after giving birth to a child. Although sometimes I thought about this problem, I didn't spend much time wondering about it, and yet as long as women are concerned, this issue is always essential to me. I admit that it was Jena Wade who made me finally realize how important this issue is also in the case omegaverse. After all, regardless of person giving birth's gender, a small child needs some special care, and this requires making decisions concerning further lifestyle and personal development. That's why it seems very important to me that not only no one expects Aiden to be a househusband who stays at home with a baby, probably doing some cleaning and cooking, but he doesn't want it either. So he's an example that being an Omega with a child doesn't determine resignation from one's plans and ambitions, and doesn't end anyone's career.
The greatest advantage of this short novel is undoubtedly the "planned" pregnancy. Although I am not an expert on the genre, it seems to me that in most omegaverse stories, and certainly in the vast majority of the books I've read, a child is the fruit of hazard, not of conscious plans. That's why my attention was drawn by the fact that in "Up To Code" starting a family was a decision taken by the lead characters, not the aftermath of a crazy night supposedly without any obligations. I liked it very much because that's how the author emphasized the readiness and willingness of the two leads to start a family, not only showed that their bodies can create a new life just by making love. What's more, she clearly emphasized that Omega is not "a walking incubator", but has the right to decide if he wants to have a child. It really captivated me, because I'm afraid that people often don't pay attention to this issue and yet it is extremely important not only in the context of the genre but also in our everyday life.
In summary, "Up To Code" is not free of obvious flaws but it also has advantages that can not be ignored. Topics related to Omegas's life discussed in the novella give the reader food for thought and although they are not developed in detail, their appearance in this quite short story shows that the author really feels the world she creates, and that's a good reason to praise her.
_______________________________
*3.5 gwiazdki*
Starając się o pracę na wymarzonym stanowisku, będący Omegą Aiden Docimo nie przypuszczał, że Brandon Surlin, właściciel firmy, w której Aiden chce się zatrudnić, okaże się nie tylko niesamowicie atrakcyjnym Alfą, ale przede wszystkim jego wybraną przez Los drugą połówką. Zazwyczaj w takich sytuacjach bardo szybko dochodzi do połączenia partnerów, jednak w tym przypadku obu mężczyznom przyjdzie trochę na to poczekać, nawet jeśli ich wzajemne przyciąganie jest zbyt silne aby mogli długo mu się opierać. A wszystko dlatego, że zanim Brandon uczyni Aidena swoim, chciałby upewnić się, że sytuacja wewnętrzna firmy jest wystarczająco stabilna, aby nie odbiła się na spokoju i bezpieczeństwie jego Omegi. Pewnych wydarzeń nie sposób jednak przewidzieć, zaś ryzyko jest czasami po prostu wliczone w cenę związku.
„Up To Code� to stosunkowo krótka historia, którą czyta się całkiem przyjemnie, niestety ma jeden znaczący mankament, a mianowicie pod wieloma względami jest zbyt mało rozbudowana. Po pierwsze, świat przedstawiony jest mglisty. Wprawdzie wiemy, że stanowi rzeczywistość alternatywną do naszej, jednak to niewiele, jeśli weźmiemy pod uwagę istnienie podziału na Alfy i Omegi, który u nas nie występuje. Tym samym, czytelnik, a przynajmniej tak było w moim przypadku, chciałby wiedzieć, czy podział ten jest czymś naturalnym, co występowało od samego początku u istot ludzkich, czy też miał gdzieś swój zupełnie inny początek. Myślę, że warto byłoby przedstawić także pewne zasady, jakimi rządzi się w takim wypadku związek między Alfą i Omegą, jako że każdy autor ma swoją własną wizję omegaverse’u. W przypadku „Up To Code� jest to tym istotniejsze, że z punktu widzenia czytelnika związek między Brandonem i Aidenem, przeznaczonymi sobie przez Los partnerami, rozwija się niezwykle szybko. A jednak zdaniem głównych bohaterów ich ostateczne połączenie następuje stosunkowo późno w porównaniu z innymi takimi przypadkami. Co więcej, nie mamy także pełnego wglądu w ich uczucia względem siebie. Tak naprawdę nie wiemy, co sprawia, że ich więź partnerska przeradza się w prawdziwą miłość. To prowadzi do kolejnego problemu, jakim jest mało rozwinięta fabuła. Prawdę powiedziawszy, składa się ona z następujących po sobie antyklimaksów. Akcja nie ma czasu tak naprawdę się rozwinąć, ponieważ w przeciągu chwili wszystkie problemy zostają rozwiązane. Inaczej mówiąc, historia ta jest zbyt krótka i nie ma miejsca na rozłożenie skrzydeł.
Niemniej jednak, „Up To Code� ma swoje plusy, a pierwszą zaletą, jaką możemy zauważyć już na samym wstępie jest postać Brandona, a dokładniej mówiąc perfekcyjnego Alfy, który w gruncie rzeczy wcale nie jest taki perfekcyjny. I nie chodzi o przedstawienie jakiejś tam wady, która równie dobrze mogłaby być zaletą, jak robimy to na przykład podczas rozmów kwalifikacyjnych. Brandon Surlin jest nieziemsko przystojny, cudownie zbudowany, niewątpliwie bogaty, lubiany przez współpracowników i odznacza się pasją do swojej pracy. Problem w tym, że jego brak wiedzy dotyczącej najnowszych technologii graniczy z ignorancją. W jego rękach smartfon wydaje się być egzotycznym zwierzakiem, którego dostaje się niespodziewanie na urodziny i nie ma się serca go pozbyć, chociaż nie ma się pojęcia, jak należy się nim opiekować. Strona www firmy? Przydatna aplikacja na telefon? Czarna magia! Mało tego, mężczyzna nie przejawia nawet szczególnej chęci zapełnienia podstawowych luk w swojej wiedzy technologicznej, a jego podejście do tego tematu jest wyraźnie widoczne w tonie jego wypowiedzi oraz doborze słownictwa. Naprawdę podoba mi się ten perfekcyjny w swoim braku perfekcji facet. Pod tym względem jego kreacja to strzał w dziesiątkę!
Za plus „Up To Code� uważam również poruszenie i podkreślenie tematu Omegi pracującego zawodowo po urodzeniu dziecka. Chociaż myśl o tym niejednokrotnie błąkała się po mojej głowie, nie poświęcałam jej jak dotąd zbyt wiele czasu, a przecież kiedy w grę wchodzą kobiety, zagadnienie to zawsze wysuwa się u mnie na pierwsze miejsce. Przyznaję, że dopiero Jena Wade w pełni uświadomiła mi, jak ważna jest to kwestia także w przypadku omegaverse’u. W końcu niezależnie od płci rodzącego, małe dziecko potrzebuje szczególnej opieki, to zaś wymaga podjęcia decyzji, co do dalszego stylu życia i rozwoju osobistego. Właśnie dlatego, niezwykle istotny wydaje mi się fakt, iż od Aidena nie tylko nie oczekuje się, że będzie kurą domową, która zostanie w domu z bobasem, zapewne sprzątając i gotując, ale on sam również tego nie chce. Jest więc przykładem na to, że bycie Omegą z dzieckiem nie przesądza o niczyich planach i ambicjach, jak również nie zamyka nikomu drogi kariery.
Największą zaletą tej noweli jest jednak niewątpliwie planowana ciąża. Wprawdzie nie jestem znawcą gatunku, jednak wydaje mi się, że w większości historii spod znaku omegaverse, a już na pewno w znakomitej większości przeczytanych przeze mnie książek, dziecko jest owocem przypadku, nie zaś świadomych planów. Właśnie dlatego moją uwagę zwrócił fakt, iż w „Up To Code� założenie rodziny było podjętą przez bohaterów decyzją, nie zaś następstwem szalonej nocy, która z założenia nie miała nieść ze sobą zobowiązań. Bardzo przypadło mi to do gustu, ponieważ w ten sposób autorka podkreśliła gotowość oraz chęć dwójki głównych postaci do założenia rodziny, a nie tylko pokazała, że ich ciała potrafią po połączeniu dać początek nowemu życiu. Co więcej, wyraźnie położyła nacisk na fakt, iż Omega nie jest chodzącym inkubatorem, ale ma prawo zdecydować o tym, czy chce mieć dziecko. Naprawdę mnie to ujęło, ponieważ obawiam się, że ludzie nieczęsto zwracają uwagę na tę kwestię, a przecież jest ona niezwykle istotna nie tylko w kontekście gatunku, ale także naszej codzienności.
Podsumowując, „Up To Code� nie jest wprawdzie wolne od rzucających się w oczy wad, ale posiada także zalety, których nie sposób zignorować. Poruszone w noweli tematy dotyczące życia Omeg dają czytelnikowi do myślenia i chociaż nie są szczegółowo rozwinięte to jednak ich pojawienie się w tak krótkiej historii świadczy o tym, że autorka naprawdę wczuwa się w tworzony przez siebie świat, a to się jej chwali.
This was my first Jena Wade book I can honestly say is that I thoroughly enjoyed it and I eagerly read the next two in the DIRECTIONS series. On this occasion I completed my reviews backwards starting with Book 3. But it was this First Book that drew me in.
A fresh start in Colorado was what Aiden was looking for. A "real" job versus freelancing would make his fathers happy. It never occurred to him in a million years that the person who interviewed him would turn out to be his mate. They both were surprised, his Alpha just was able to keep his composure better. He didn't know what bothered him more, getting a job because his mate owned the company or delaying their mating.
Luckily for Brandon's construction company his new mate was an excellent cover and with the assistance of the new women he'd hired to help run the office, they were able to produce amazing results. Just what Brandon's company needed, especially with the problems he'd been experiencing lately. Problems he did not want to drag his newly discovered mate into - but his scent, his laugh, his intelligence, his cuteness, and his body! Oh his Aiden was a pretty present wrapped up in shiny paper and a big red bow that Brandon needed to rip open & claim.
Initially Aiden was concerned that people would think he only got the job because he was the Boss's mate. Now he was chomping at the bit to do the horizontal mambo with "the handsomest man" he'd ever met. Luckily he'd made friends when he'd first gotten to Colorado & they played paint ball and got together for other activities. His friends noticed a change in him and they teased him. Keeping their being mates a secret and being apart became too unbearable & since both parties felt they'd spontaneously combust if they didn't claim each other. They finally did and it was beyond what either had ever imagined.
Aiden now privy to all of the construction company's secrets went out of his way to help his mate get everything worrying him under control. But it was easier said than done - if you weren't a Coder. Using his skills Aiden helped Brandon, while Brandon used his skills to expand their family. Aiden countered with "visiting" in-laws.
This was a sweet romance with passion, danger, suspense, a delayed mating, critical in-law, great friends, super smart Omega, Mpreg, and a little darling.
This is the first book in the Direction Series. It was a good read. It is not a long drawn out read so that was good as well.
Aiden is an omega. He is one of those kinda awkward, nerdy omegas that spends most of his time creating codes then he does hanging out. So when around new people he is awkward and never knows really what to say. He does have his close group of friends that he plays paintball with but other then that he spends his time with his cat and computer.
When he gets a job interview to do computer work for them, he cannot wait. What he did not expect is to walk into the interview and find his fated mate. What was even more unexpected is not only does Brandon own the company but he does not immediately try to claim Aiden. So of course Aiden is extremely confused.
Brandon knows hat Aiden is his fated mate and he is excited to have found him but it could not have come at a worse time. Brandon knows that someone is stealing from his company and he needs to figure out who it is first before bringing Aiden into the mix.
When still nothing has panned out a few weeks later, Brandon can no longer wait to claim Aiden, nor does he want too. Neither does Aiden.
Now Aiden has been brought more into the mix of things and the thefts have increased, as well as the danger. Can Aiden and Brandin figure out who is behind it all or will they figure it out too late?
This was a good read!! I enjoyed it. Though it is not an extremely long read, it was still an informative read with just enough suspense and danger. Enjoyed this read.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
PLEASE READ FIRST MY RATING SYSTEM!!! To my ratings (for all people, who wonder, why I say a 3*-book is a good book and should be readed): 5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like Liberty from Seth King or Save the kids series from EM Leya). it’s like an A+ 4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books) It’s like an A 3* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in hospitals). I can recommend them definitively! It’s like an A-B 2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartly, but it was ok) It’s like an C- D 1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (maybe too many mistakes, not a nice plot, or unlogical story, so a NO-GO) It’s like failure in the whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
Bonded mates...What a sweet love story. I am always fascinated by a/o world and how the author had free reign to do whatever they wanted, especially with the fated mate concept. Everything happens in speed time and once you meet your mate, you bond, start a family and live happily ever after.
Unfortunately, Aiden only wanted a job, and Brandon had too much going on when they met and realised fate was throwing them in the deep end. No matter how much they felt the pull of fate, circumstances got in the way and though they could try to ignore it, that was not how it worked.
How does a computer coder, the boss and a little mystery at work challenge the norm? With fate dealing her hand, these two just have to be up to code.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through GBP.
The first of the Directions series starts off with Aiden and Brandon. Aiden, an omega, needs a job and after a friend put in a good word he gets an interview. When he goes in for the interview, he realizes that his new boss is also his mate. Aiden has no clue how to handle this, and just decides to follow Brandon's lead. Waiting to bond seems to be what Brandon wants, so Aiden will happily do his job while waiting for his alpha to claim him... but just how long will he have to wait?
This was an ok story, I really didn't pick up on any chemistry from the two, and it really seemed that Brandon didn't care that he had a mate, and it had such a clinical feel when they were together. There was a bit of drama, some ok sexy times, but I felt the story was lacking in some way. I give this 3 stars.
� Letto! Aiden era un omega che aveva bisogno di un lavoro facendo ciò che amava. Non avrebbe mai immaginato di trovare il suo compagno predestinato durante l'intervista. Era pronto per l'accoppiamento immediato, ma qualcosa ha impedito al suo alfa di reclamarlo. La pazienza di Aiden era forte, ma stare con il suo compagno ogni giorno minacciava di farlo impazzire. Brandon possiede un'azienda di successo e ha voluto condividere questo successo con il suo partner e suo figlio. Ma i continui furti lo disturbavano e l'ultima cosa che voleva era mettere in pericolo il suo nuovo compagno. Il pericolo li trovò comunque. Un libro molto carino, semplice, corto e senza tanti frufru, per niente impegnativo. Un omega testardo e il suo alfa premuroso. Per me è � � � e 💋
Up to Code is a quick fated mates story and Aiden is absolutely adorable from the start. It did take some time to warm up to Brandon. For a lot of the story, he seemed almost uninterested even though he felt the bond immediately. That reluctance is eventually explained and Aiden is understanding of the reasons, but Brandon's almost aloof attitude hindered the chemistry for most of the story. Once these two do heat up, the chemistry improves, and they are good together. We get a small bit of angst by way of danger, but most of the story is lighthearted and there are a few chuckles along the way.
This is a fun and quick read and I like the characters but I wish there had been more world building. I also found the writing style difficult to follow at times and there are some inconsistencies in the story. Aiden is a sweet but determined omega and I love his fathers and their family dynamic. Brandon keeps Aiden at a distance after they first meet even though they are fated mates. Things would have been a lot smoother between them if Brandon communicated with Aiden instead of keeping his work troubles to himself. They are an interesting couple and I like how they work together after they bond. The secondary characters are great and I look forward to reading Everett's story.
This is the first book in The Directions Series. An interesting book the writing was good. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters likeable. The characters were developed and thought out. Aiden is an Omega and Brandon is an Alpha and they are the MC’s of this book and mates. There was humor, paintball, friends and family, construction, thieves, camping, and more in this book. This book is told by Aiden’s point of view. I can recommend this book as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Up to Code by Jena Wade is a cute and quick read about an Omega who unexpectedly meets his alpha. Throw in some issues at work and a few threats, and you have an enjoyable story that is sweet and romantic.
I loved Aiden, and I think he was my favorite of the pairing. Don't get me wrong, Brandon was great, however, there were times I felt he was a bit one dimensional. The story progresses quickly and doesn't offer too much depth, but there is enough there to pull you in. That's not saying this story isn't good. I really liked it and highly recommend you one click it today. 4 stars.
A quick and great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Brandon and Aiden are fated mates and are perfect together. It's such a sweet story of 2 strong men bonding. I love that Brandon is so loving and caring of Aiden and doesn't try to change him. Aiden is wonderful with Brandon, he really takes care of him but remains true to himself as well. Great story! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I unfortunately read this series out of order but it did not detract from my enjoyment thereof as each is a stand alone.
Brandon owns a construction company experiencing a theft issue when he meets Aidan (his fated mate). He did not want to get his mate involved but love has other ideas.
Enjoyed the interaction between Brandon and Aidan. They were hot together. The bit of mystery added to the storyline and it was overall a good read.
Fated mates find their forever amid a bit of intrigue. Two driven and creative men find their future working together. i enjoyed Aiden and Brandon's journey to love! Brandon who is creative with his building and Aiden who is creative with technology. i enjoyed their banter and they were super cute together.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my review.
Pure ridiculousness. The author can't even keep the information that was told straight through this story. SMH... just some of the problems that I had with this can be found in my comments. I will not be reading this author again.
Great Book 1 Aiden applies for a job and it turns out the Boss, Brandon is his fated mate and the story starts from here with them both trying to keep each other safe and starting a relationship Boss and Employee. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book.
i seriously loved this.. it was cute. it was fluff and it had just enough angst to give it some non fluff but overall it was total fluff and sweetness.. i cannot wait for the next one haha
This was my first time reading Jena Wade but it will not be my last! I like how quickly the story progressed. It was short and sweet but still had some action!
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
I always enjoy a good mpreg story so I jumped at the chance to read this series. Aiden works hard to show his alpha that he is worthy but still Brandon delays them bonding. Brandon thinks he is protecting Aiden when in reality he is just driving them both crazy. The danger wasn’t really all that much when it actually came about and was cleared up pretty easily.
These two characters work well together once they get the chance to. I liked both of them and was able to understand them for the most part since the story is told through both of their eyes. There just seemed to be a few times where the characters seemed to have the same conversation and both act like they have never talked about it before. That is one of those things that really bug me, if they had just been revisiting a conversation that would be different but having pretty much the same conversation twice, umm no.
The cover art by Silver Heart Design Studio is nice gives visuals of the characters.