Summary:
Baltimore, Maryland, is a city in alarming distress. Rising violence is fanning the flames of public outrage, and all law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are catching blame. Thus the FBI’s latest ideas to improve public relations: a municipal softball league and workshops for community leaders. But the new commitments just mean more time Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have to spend apart when they’re happily exploring how to be more than by-the-book partners.
Then the latest spate of crime explodes in their faces—literally—throwing the city, the Bureau, and Ty and Zane’s volatile partnership both in and out of the office into chaos. They’re hip-deep in trouble, trying to track down bombers and bank robbers in the dark with very few clues, and the only way to reach the light at the end of the tunnel together requires Ty and Zane to close their eyes and trust each other to the fiery end.
Review:
Since I don't do spoilers I'm finding it very difficult to write a review. As Baltimore has become a target, Ty and Zane find themselves given an assignment to help bolster the public's opinion of the police, at city, state, and federal levels. Not exactly their dream assignment but it does allow them to stay in the city. Just as Zane finally let's himself experience an emotional epiphany, the case takes a turn that throws them both for a loop.
Once again, there is action, mystery, humor, fighting, loving, and everything in between. Ty and Zane have quickly become an addiction that I see no plans of me wanting to give up any time soon. Can't wait to see what kind of trouble these two can create next, both on the job and in the heart.
Rating: 5 Stars
Check out my previous post for author bios & links: Author Info
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Fish and Chips (Cut & Run #3) by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux
Summary:
Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are back on the job, settled into a personal and professional relationship built on fierce protectiveness and blistering passion. Now they're assigned to impersonate two members of an international smuggling ring-an out-and-proud married couple-on a Christmas cruise in the Caribbean. As their boss says, surely they'd rather kiss each other than be shot at, and he has no idea how right he is. Portraying the wealthy criminals requires a particular change in attitude from Ty and Zane while dealing with the frustrating waiting game of their assignment. As it begins to affect how they treat each other in private, Ty and Zane realize there's more to being partners than watching each other's backs, and when the case takes an unexpected turn and threatens Ty's life, Ty and Zane will have to navigate seas of white lies and stormy secrets, including some of their own.
Review:
Where to begin? This entry in the ongoing adventures of Ty and Zane is another winner. F&C gives us a chance to see the partners in their role as undercover agents but not their typical assignment. We see them impersonating an openly gay married couple on a cruise ship. A vacation setting is not exactly what the boys are wanting considering how their last actual vacation turned out.
Both Ty and Zane are finding themselves fighting their hearts internally on how deep their feelings are and comparing them to what they think the other is feeling. Ty seems to have come to accept his heart's desire but will he be honest with Zane or continue to hold it in?
Danger just seems to not only find these two but is literally drawn to them. They both manage to face each obstacle with their own personal style of flair and intelligence, which sometimes are quite opposite of the other, but they meld it together like partners who have worked together for years instead of months.
What will find them next? Can't wait to discover what trouble they stumble into on their next assignment.
Rating: 5 Stars
Check out my previous post for author bios & links: Author Info
Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are back on the job, settled into a personal and professional relationship built on fierce protectiveness and blistering passion. Now they're assigned to impersonate two members of an international smuggling ring-an out-and-proud married couple-on a Christmas cruise in the Caribbean. As their boss says, surely they'd rather kiss each other than be shot at, and he has no idea how right he is. Portraying the wealthy criminals requires a particular change in attitude from Ty and Zane while dealing with the frustrating waiting game of their assignment. As it begins to affect how they treat each other in private, Ty and Zane realize there's more to being partners than watching each other's backs, and when the case takes an unexpected turn and threatens Ty's life, Ty and Zane will have to navigate seas of white lies and stormy secrets, including some of their own.
Review:
Where to begin? This entry in the ongoing adventures of Ty and Zane is another winner. F&C gives us a chance to see the partners in their role as undercover agents but not their typical assignment. We see them impersonating an openly gay married couple on a cruise ship. A vacation setting is not exactly what the boys are wanting considering how their last actual vacation turned out.
Both Ty and Zane are finding themselves fighting their hearts internally on how deep their feelings are and comparing them to what they think the other is feeling. Ty seems to have come to accept his heart's desire but will he be honest with Zane or continue to hold it in?
Danger just seems to not only find these two but is literally drawn to them. They both manage to face each obstacle with their own personal style of flair and intelligence, which sometimes are quite opposite of the other, but they meld it together like partners who have worked together for years instead of months.
What will find them next? Can't wait to discover what trouble they stumble into on their next assignment.
Rating: 5 Stars
Check out my previous post for author bios & links: Author Info
Desire: The Seductors Series #1 by B.L. Wilde
Excerpt:
Mmm…I was having the most wonderful dream—one that seemed so real. I could feel myself squirming in my sleep from the vividness of soft lips making their way down my ribs. It wasn’t until I felt my legs being moved apart that I realized where I was. Oh, my! Oliver was clearly a man of his word.
I opened my eyes the moment I felt his fingers slip into my yearning body.
“Morning, Jade,” he smirked as he hovered over me.
“You weren’t joking last night about picking up where we left off in the morning, were you?” I giggled. He answered me with a soft kiss, which I returned as he set a slow pace with his fingers.
I’d never really been one for morning sex, because well…truthfully, it wasn’t very often that I stayed the entire night. I had to admit, though, that I was looking forward to a few more mornings like this with Oliver.
“I never joke about this.” Oliver’s voice a few moments later was like a trigger that set my orgasm into motion. Before I knew what happening, I was falling hard and fast. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of watching you come undone, Jade,” he smiled once I’d regained myself. As my eyes wandered down his exquisite body, I noticed that he’d already put a condom on.
“We’ve only known each other for two days. I can’t believe how well you know my body already.”
“I’ve never felt this connection with anyone before.” Oliver shifted above me and we both groaned as his length pushed against my heated center. “It’s going to be hard for me to leave you today. I’m already used to having you around.”
“I hope we can meet again soon,” I panted, feeling Oliver slowly push deep inside me.
“As soon as I’m free, I’ll fly out to you. It will be easier for me to come to you first, ” he strained. It only took a second to let go, and when I did, I became a slave to his touches.
“You’re eating breakfast?” he questioned over the table a few hours later. I could now happily admit that I loved morning sex! It was clearly the best way to start any day.
“Well, it is the most important meal of the day,” I grinned, taking a bite of my toast. “Not to mention, I think I need the energy after my early morning wake-up call.”
“I’m impressed,” Oliver chuckled, continuing to read his newspaper.
“Are you nervous about your meeting this morning?” I asked, pouring myself some more coffee.
“No. I’m used to these kinds of meetings.” He didn’t even look up from the article in front of him as he spoke.
“Have you met many world leaders in the past?”
“I’ve met most of them, actually.” His tone was a little arrogant as he looked up to smirk at me. Oh, Oliver… You have no idea, but I already know every little detail about you.
“You’ve met most of them?” I gawked with my mouth hanging open. Yeah, I had the act down to a fine art. “Jesus, Oliver, if these are the people you socialize with, what the hell are you doing with me?”
“It’s my job, Jade. I don’t choose to socialize with them. Trust me, I’d much rather spend the rest of the day with you.” He had a gleam in his eyes as he spoke, and I only needed one guess as to what was crossing his mind at that moment. I decided to play with him a bit.
“Is everything about sex with you?” I asked innocently, running my hands through my hair and tilting my head slightly to expose more of my neck to him. I was wearing one of his shirts, and only a few buttons were buttoned.
“What do you mean by that?” By his tone, I thought I might have offended him.
“I was just wondering if that’s what this is.” I started fidgeting with my napkin, intently focused on the task instead of on Oliver. Innocent girls avoided eye contact when it was a conversation that mattered to them, and I needed to know how far I’d gotten with him this weekend. I only had six months to secure the blueprints, and that wasn’t very long if I didn’t get to see him every week.
“Jade, I really have no idea. All I know is that I am deeply attracted to you. Isn’t that enough for now?” I looked up into his burning, dark eyes. Christ, a woman could drown in pure desire from those scorching orbs.
“I’m sorry. I’ll stop with the heavy,” I conceded, looking at my watch. “What time are you leaving?”
“In about ten minutes.” He sighed deeply, raking his eyes over me. “I don’t even have time to take you again.”
I choked a little on my coffee, nearly spitting it across the table. “Wasn’t the five times earlier enough?” Oh, this guy had stamina; I had to give him that. Oliver would be like my dream man if I actually had the option to date. Why did he have to be my target? Why couldn’t I have met him after my contract ended?
“No,” he smoldered, getting up from his chair. He cannot be serious!
“You’re meeting the Prime Minister, remember?” I pointed out as he pulled me out of my chair and to my feet. “I’m pretty sure he’s not the kind of guy who likes tardiness.”
“I’ll be counting each day until I can see you again,” Oliver said with a sigh as he ran his nose down my neck. I couldn’t help but arch up toward him as his hand gripped my ass firmly. “Oh, the things I’m going to do to you when that happens, Jade. Maybe it’s a good thing we’ll be apart for a few weeks.”
“You mean there’s more?”
I groaned as his left hand moved to palm my breasts over his shirt.
“I haven’t even started with you yet, Beautiful,” he murmured huskily before his lips crashed against mine.
I was breathless when we finally broke apart. “You’ll call me as soon as you arrive home, won’t you?” I pleaded, running my hands over the back collar of his shirt.
“Yes,” Oliver smiled, caressing my face softly. “Okay, now I really need to leave.” He seemed honestly troubled by that, as if he didn’t want to go. Wow, I never thought it would be this easy. Then again, I did still have the task of finding out which property stored his secure hard drive. That wasn’t going to be easy.
“Enjoy your meeting,” I grinned, “and tell the Prime Minister I said ‘Hi.’” Oliver chuckled as he kissed me softly, his hands lingering on my face before he pulled away.
“I’m really glad I met you, Jade Gibbs. I will see you very soon.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” I blushed, watching his eyes roam over me one last time before he turned to leave.
“You’re welcome to get ready here. Just let reception know once you’ve checked out,” he called over his shoulder, picking up his briefcase. His luggage had already been taken down earlier when the breakfast cart had been delivered.
“Okay, thank you,” I replied, smiling weakly.
“I’ll call you every day if you want me to.” Oliver appeared to be stalling, and I was pretty sure I knew why. Jade, you have well and truly hooked him.
“Only if you have the time,” I answered, playing with my hands.
“I’ll make the time.” His voice was firm as he took one last look at me and then finally left.
Wow, this mission was going effortlessly so far.
Synopsis:
Jade has worked as a Seductor in a secret organization for five years now. Her main job? To earn the trust of her targets and secure the object or information her company was hired to steal—by any means necessary. She’s damn good at it, too.
With five years left on her contract, she is handed an assignment that turns her world upside down.
Oliver Kirkham is the attractive, young CEO of Kirkham Industries, a weapons manufacturing company, and is currently in possession of some very important blueprints—blueprints that could change the way war, as we know it, works. He’s extremely focused and doesn't have time to date, at least until he comes to the rescue of a shy but very alluring Jade Gibbs.
What happens when one night of passion turns into more? Will Jade allow her feelings for Oliver to get in the way of her mission? Or will she do what she was hired to do and secure the steal?
Review:
“Rule #3: Case files are confidential. Anyone found sharing information will be dealt with accordingly.
Everyone knew the ‘dealt with accordingly’ part couldn’t be good, so no one had
broken the rule while I’d been here to actually find out.”
This rule on page 12 gives you an idea just how devoted the Seductors are to their craft. And are they devoted. It’s pretty obvious to say that sex plays a big part in this story and new series by B.L. Wilde, but it’s more than just sex. There are amazing characters, both the real character and the Seductor character they create to reach their objectives. I was intrigued at the idea of a female James Bond-like company and I was not disappointed.
“Rule #1: Seductors must never get attached to their target. If this happens, the mission will be classified as a Code 1 and any further contact between the target and Seductor will be terminated.”
“I had no conscience when it came to stealing, nor did I care who wanted these
blueprints. Clients had the choice of remaining anonymous to the chosen Seductor—as
was the case with this job—but I never thought about the outcome anyway. This was
business. It was all about the money, and this deal was worth five million dollars. It was
the biggest mission I’d ever been assigned to, and I would succeed. There was no doubt
in my mind.”
Rule number one and Jade’s own inner monologue explains perfectly how and why she goes into the Seductor character without a second thought to what repercussions her actions or findings may lead to. It’s a very interesting blend of loving and despising Jade, as if she’s two completely different characters instead of one who simply separates herself from her working persona. It seems that her heart may have finally met it’s match in her latest target file in Oliver Kirkham, but will she let her heart win out? You know me, I don’t do spoilers so you have to read Desire if you want to discover the answer to the mystery of Jade’s heart.
I will say that you will not be disappointed and I for one am longing for the next installment of the Seductors series. Sexy, adventure, sexy, intrigue, sexy, romance, sexy, humor, sexy, passion, and did I mention sexy? It’s all here. Oliver is the kind of man that most of us dream about and Jade is definitely the free spirited, independent, and strong woman most of us want to be. And because of Miss Wilde’s amazing writing we feel that we are not only reading Jade and Oliver’s story but actually experiencing it. Can’t wait to see what this author brings us in the future.
Rating: 5 Stars
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Trailer:
Playlist:
My taste is quite varied, but when it comes to writing, I have happy and sad mood music. Here is a small snippet of songs I listen to.
Happy/Love/Passion
Scream- Usher
Love in an Elevator - Aerosmith
Poison- Alice Cooper
Crash into me- Dave Matthews Band
Untouched- The Veronicas
Sail- Awolnation
Do what u want - Lady Gaga and R Kelly
Truly Madely Deeply - Savage Garden
Give Me Love- Ed Sheeran
One More Night- Maroon 5
Another Love - Tom Odell
Amazed- Lonestar
Sad/Fear/Hurt
Incomplete- BackStreet Boys
Colorblind- Counting Crows
I will wait - Mumford & Sons
What about now - Westlife
Iris- Goo Goo Dolls
The Kill- 30 Seconds to Mars
Rehab- Rihanna
Born to die - Lana Del Ray
Crossfire- Brandon Flowers
Stay- Shakespear's sister
Salvation - Gabrielle Aplin
Run -Snow Patrol
General
I listen to albums by Mumford & Sons, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Bon Jovi (This Left Feels Right is a great album to write to), One Republic, Katy Perry, 30 Seconds to Mars, Take That, (Lots of boy bands, to be honest) Robbie Williams, Ellie Goulding, Lifehouse, Snow Patrol, Coldplay, Kodaline, Papa Roach, Gotthard, Nickelback, Kings of Leon, Imagine Dragons, Adam Lambert (earlier stuff), and U2 are to name a few.
Yeah, like I said my taste is varied. I have playlists on Spotify which you can find by following this link:
https://play.spotify.com/user/1127486069
Soundtrack:
Chapter 1) Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Marilyn Manson
Chapter 2) SEX - NickelbackChapter 3) Closer - Nine Inch Nails
Chapter 4) Untouched- The Veronicas
Chapter 5) Closer - Ne-Yo
Chapter 6) I Want You - Savage Garden
Chapter 7) When You Were Young - The Killers
Chapter 8) Sweet Dreams - Beyonce
Chapter 9) Only You - Ellie Goulding
Chapter 10) Love the Way You Lie - Eminem & Rihanna
Chapter 11) Hurricane - 30 Seconds to Mars
Chapter 12) Wicked Game - Stone Sour
Chapter 13) Give into Me - Michael Jackson
Chapter 14) Trouble - Leona Lewis
Chapter 15) Crossfire- Brandon Flowers
Chapter 16) A Love Like This - Kodaline
Spotify link to playlist
https://play.spotify.com/user/1127486069/playlist/5bcH5QfKbcnAARMYao6MKS
Author Bio:
B.L. Wilde is a British author obsessed with many things, including heated love stories. Fully supported by her husband, she can often be found at her desk working on her next project.
Her journey into the world of erotica began when she started writing online stories over three years ago, and she hasn't looked back since.
Author Links:
Goodreads
Website
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
This Tour Organized By:
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Sticks and Stones (Cut & Run #2) by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux
Summary:
Six months after nearly losing their lives to a serial killer in New York City, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are suffering through something almost as frightening: the monotony of desk duty. When they're ordered to take a vacation for the good of everyone's sanity, Ty bites the bullet and takes Zane home with him to West Virginia, hoping the peace and quiet of the mountains will give them the chance to explore the explosive attraction they've so far been unable to reconcile with their professional partnership. Ty and Zane, along with Ty's father and brother, head up into the Appalachian mountains for a nice, relaxing hike deep into the woods... where no one will hear them scream. They find themselves facing danger from all directions: unpredictable weather, the unrelenting mountains, wild animals, fellow hikers with nothing to lose, and the most terrifying challenge of all. Each other.
Review:
I won't lie, as much as I loved Cut & Run, when I read the summary I was expecting this to be more of a filler story or a well written bit of family fluff to further their partnership. I was never so grateful to wrong. Even though Ty and Zane are on vacation they still manage to find trouble, or trouble certainly knows where to find them.
Even being with Ty's family and hiding their relationship from everyone but Ty's little brother, who just happens to be a psychiatrist, the pair manage to find some "us" time. Communication is the one thing that they both seem to either be afraid of or lack all together. They still don't want to admit to the other just how deep and true their feelings are , it's interesting watching them come to terms with their own feelings through their inner monologues.
Rating: 5 Stars
Check out my previous post for author bios & links: Author Info
Six months after nearly losing their lives to a serial killer in New York City, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are suffering through something almost as frightening: the monotony of desk duty. When they're ordered to take a vacation for the good of everyone's sanity, Ty bites the bullet and takes Zane home with him to West Virginia, hoping the peace and quiet of the mountains will give them the chance to explore the explosive attraction they've so far been unable to reconcile with their professional partnership. Ty and Zane, along with Ty's father and brother, head up into the Appalachian mountains for a nice, relaxing hike deep into the woods... where no one will hear them scream. They find themselves facing danger from all directions: unpredictable weather, the unrelenting mountains, wild animals, fellow hikers with nothing to lose, and the most terrifying challenge of all. Each other.
Review:
I won't lie, as much as I loved Cut & Run, when I read the summary I was expecting this to be more of a filler story or a well written bit of family fluff to further their partnership. I was never so grateful to wrong. Even though Ty and Zane are on vacation they still manage to find trouble, or trouble certainly knows where to find them.
Even being with Ty's family and hiding their relationship from everyone but Ty's little brother, who just happens to be a psychiatrist, the pair manage to find some "us" time. Communication is the one thing that they both seem to either be afraid of or lack all together. They still don't want to admit to the other just how deep and true their feelings are , it's interesting watching them come to terms with their own feelings through their inner monologues.
Rating: 5 Stars
Check out my previous post for author bios & links: Author Info
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Cover Reveal for The Resistance by S.L. Scott
Summary:
You don't choose
when.
You don't choose
where.
And you don't get to choose
who you fall in love with.
The minute he opened his sexy
mouth, Holliday Hughes should have known Jack Dalton was trouble. His smooth
pickup lines, broad shoulders, and ridiculously handsome face charmed her right
out of her clothes. She gave into her desires, the instant attraction blinding
her to the obvious.
One night. That was all it
took for Holliday’s world to be flipped on its axis. Jack Dalton was cocky.
Smug. Volatile. Demanding. He ignited something deep inside her like no other,
but there was something more to this brooding bad boy. There was a dark side to
him she couldn't help but be drawn to.
Torn between what she knew about him and a mysterious side he tried to hide, could she walk away or was he simply too hard to resist?
Release Date: April 28, 2014
Author Bio:
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux
Summary:
A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case.
Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He's cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he's paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it's hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic cliché: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.
Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again – this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer's knife.
Review:
Heart-pounding! Exciting! Emotional! Sexy! These all describe what I felt while reading the first book in the Cut & Run series. I can't believe it took me this long to begin this mystery series, now I can't wait to read the rest.
As for the mystery part of the story, I will admit that my internal guess for the killer was right from the beginning, having said that, it was not a guaranteed guess and it by no means took away from the adrenaline rush that comes with the need to know what's on the next page.
In regards to the relationship between Ty and Zane? From their first glance of each other to the last page, the best way to describe that is wild ride. Pretty much every emotion that was said and not said just kept the reader wanting to knock their heads together and scream "Seriously?"
I'm off to start the next entry in the series and see what trouble these two can get themselves into next.
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Bios:
Madeleine Urban is a down-home Kentucky girl who's been writing since she could hold a crayon. A longtime science fiction and fantasy fan, she loves to mix those genres with romance to get explosive, satisfying results. She lives with a partner and two canine kids, visits Disney World twice a year, and still believes dreams can come true.
Abigail Roux is a whimsical girl who likes her beer cold and her sex hot. A past volleyball star and current rabid Braves fan, Abigail has a husband, one dog, six cats, a crazyass family, and a cast of thousands in her head. Her stories often feature love, lust and manly men.
Author Links:
Goodreads-M.Urban
Goodreads-A.Roux
M.Urban's Blog
A.Roux's Blog
A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case.
Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He's cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he's paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it's hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic cliché: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.
Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again – this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer's knife.
Review:
Heart-pounding! Exciting! Emotional! Sexy! These all describe what I felt while reading the first book in the Cut & Run series. I can't believe it took me this long to begin this mystery series, now I can't wait to read the rest.
As for the mystery part of the story, I will admit that my internal guess for the killer was right from the beginning, having said that, it was not a guaranteed guess and it by no means took away from the adrenaline rush that comes with the need to know what's on the next page.
In regards to the relationship between Ty and Zane? From their first glance of each other to the last page, the best way to describe that is wild ride. Pretty much every emotion that was said and not said just kept the reader wanting to knock their heads together and scream "Seriously?"
I'm off to start the next entry in the series and see what trouble these two can get themselves into next.
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Bios:
Madeleine Urban is a down-home Kentucky girl who's been writing since she could hold a crayon. A longtime science fiction and fantasy fan, she loves to mix those genres with romance to get explosive, satisfying results. She lives with a partner and two canine kids, visits Disney World twice a year, and still believes dreams can come true.
Abigail Roux is a whimsical girl who likes her beer cold and her sex hot. A past volleyball star and current rabid Braves fan, Abigail has a husband, one dog, six cats, a crazyass family, and a cast of thousands in her head. Her stories often feature love, lust and manly men.
Author Links:
Goodreads-M.Urban
Goodreads-A.Roux
M.Urban's Blog
A.Roux's Blog
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Dangerous Ground Series by Josh Lanyon
Dangerous Ground (#1)
Summary:
Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt have been partners and best friends for three years, but everything changed the night Taylor admitted the truth about his feelings for Will. And when Taylor was shot a few hours later, Will felt his reluctance to get involved was vindicated. For Will, the team and the friendship have to come first--despite the fact that he hasn't failed to notice just how...hot Taylor is.
Taylor has been in love with his partner and best friend since they were first partnered. There isn't much he wouldn't do for Will--but he doesn't know how much longer they can stay teamed feeling the way he does. Still, he agreed to a camping trip in the High Sierras--despite the fact that he hates camping--because Will wanted a chance to save their partnership.
But the trip is a disaster from the first, and things rapidly go from bad to worse when they find a crashed plane and a couple of million dollars in stolen money. With a trio of murderous robbers trailing them, Will and Taylor are on dangerous ground, fighting for their partnership, their passion...and their lives.
Review:
Good tale of 2 partners/best buds who after 3years begin to realize that maybe there's even more to the connection than work and friendship. Will and Taylor are both likeable and frustrating at the same time as they stumble onto a crime scene on their camping trip.
Rating: 4 Stars
Old Poison (#2)
Summary:
Happy Birthday, Taylor! Taylor has pretty well recovered from his shooting, but not everyone is happy to see him reach his next birthday. Does a cobra pickled in a bottle of wine means someone cares enough to send the very death -- best?
Review:
This next installment of the Dangerous Ground series is even better than the first. We see Will and Taylor's relationship move forward, both personally and professionally. We also learn a little bit about Taylor's past in Japan. Well written characters and plot, definitely one to add to your list.
Rating: 4 Stars
Blood Heat (#3)
Summary:
Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt have been partners forever and lovers for three months, but their new relationship is threatened when Will is offered a plum two-year assignment in Paris.
Will believes the posting only means postponing what they both want. Taylor fears that kind of separation will mean the end of their new and still-fragile relationship. It's a bad time to find themselves in the middle of the New Mexico wilderness responsible for the health and welfare of a suspected terrorist. Especially when everyone else they run into seems determined to see their prisoner - and them - dead.
Review:
I never thought it possible to pack so much into such a relatively small book. Once again, there's mystery, drama, action, and of course tons of Will and Taylor.
Rating: 4 Stars
Dead Run (#4)
Summary:
The boys are back in town -- and Paris is burning!
For Special Agents of the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt, the strain of a long distance relationship is beginning to tell after eleven months of separation. A romantic holiday could be just the thing to bridge the ever-growing distance, but when Taylor spots a terrorist from the 70s, long believed dead but very much alive, it's c'est la vie.
Now instead of sipping wine and seeing the sights, the boys are chasing a wily and deadly foe through the graveyards and catacombs of Paris.
Of course, it could always be worse -- and soon it is.
Review:
Despite being apart for nearly a year, the boys can't seem to completely put their instincts for the job out of their minds even as thy try to reconnect in Paris. As much as I loved the first three in the series, there was just something extra in this one including mystery, drama, humor, and of course love.
Rating: 5 Stars
Kick Start (#5)
Summary:
Will is finally braced to bring Taylor home to meet the folks. Unfortunately, not every member of the Brandt clan loves Taylor the way Will does. Then again, not everyone loves the Brandts. In fact, someone has a score to settle -- and too bad for any former DS agents who get in the way when the bullets start to fly.
Review:
I really enjoyed this newest entry in the Dangerous Ground series. It was interesting to see Will in his family element where he was the hometown football hero. Considering the differences in Will and Taylor's upbringing, Taylor finds himself getting along with his partner's dad very well but not so much with the little brother. I extremely loved the build-up for another entry. Obviously some one is very interested in keeping tabs on one or both of the duo. Looking forward to seeing just who it is that's behind it.
Rating: 5 stars
Author Bio:
A distinct voice in gay fiction, multi-award-winning author JOSH LANYON has been writing gay mystery, adventure and romance for over a decade. In addition to numerous short stories, novellas, and novels, Josh is the author of the critically acclaimed Adrien English series, including The Hell You Say, winner of the 2006 USABookNews awards for GLBT Fiction. Josh is an Eppie Award winner and a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist.
Author Links:
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
www.joshlanyon.com
Amazon
Summary:
Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt have been partners and best friends for three years, but everything changed the night Taylor admitted the truth about his feelings for Will. And when Taylor was shot a few hours later, Will felt his reluctance to get involved was vindicated. For Will, the team and the friendship have to come first--despite the fact that he hasn't failed to notice just how...hot Taylor is.
Taylor has been in love with his partner and best friend since they were first partnered. There isn't much he wouldn't do for Will--but he doesn't know how much longer they can stay teamed feeling the way he does. Still, he agreed to a camping trip in the High Sierras--despite the fact that he hates camping--because Will wanted a chance to save their partnership.
But the trip is a disaster from the first, and things rapidly go from bad to worse when they find a crashed plane and a couple of million dollars in stolen money. With a trio of murderous robbers trailing them, Will and Taylor are on dangerous ground, fighting for their partnership, their passion...and their lives.
Review:
Good tale of 2 partners/best buds who after 3years begin to realize that maybe there's even more to the connection than work and friendship. Will and Taylor are both likeable and frustrating at the same time as they stumble onto a crime scene on their camping trip.
Rating: 4 Stars
Old Poison (#2)
Summary:
Happy Birthday, Taylor! Taylor has pretty well recovered from his shooting, but not everyone is happy to see him reach his next birthday. Does a cobra pickled in a bottle of wine means someone cares enough to send the very death -- best?
Review:
This next installment of the Dangerous Ground series is even better than the first. We see Will and Taylor's relationship move forward, both personally and professionally. We also learn a little bit about Taylor's past in Japan. Well written characters and plot, definitely one to add to your list.
Rating: 4 Stars
Blood Heat (#3)
Summary:
Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt have been partners forever and lovers for three months, but their new relationship is threatened when Will is offered a plum two-year assignment in Paris.
Will believes the posting only means postponing what they both want. Taylor fears that kind of separation will mean the end of their new and still-fragile relationship. It's a bad time to find themselves in the middle of the New Mexico wilderness responsible for the health and welfare of a suspected terrorist. Especially when everyone else they run into seems determined to see their prisoner - and them - dead.
Review:
I never thought it possible to pack so much into such a relatively small book. Once again, there's mystery, drama, action, and of course tons of Will and Taylor.
Rating: 4 Stars
Dead Run (#4)
Summary:
The boys are back in town -- and Paris is burning!
For Special Agents of the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt, the strain of a long distance relationship is beginning to tell after eleven months of separation. A romantic holiday could be just the thing to bridge the ever-growing distance, but when Taylor spots a terrorist from the 70s, long believed dead but very much alive, it's c'est la vie.
Now instead of sipping wine and seeing the sights, the boys are chasing a wily and deadly foe through the graveyards and catacombs of Paris.
Of course, it could always be worse -- and soon it is.
Review:
Despite being apart for nearly a year, the boys can't seem to completely put their instincts for the job out of their minds even as thy try to reconnect in Paris. As much as I loved the first three in the series, there was just something extra in this one including mystery, drama, humor, and of course love.
Rating: 5 Stars
Kick Start (#5)
Summary:
Will is finally braced to bring Taylor home to meet the folks. Unfortunately, not every member of the Brandt clan loves Taylor the way Will does. Then again, not everyone loves the Brandts. In fact, someone has a score to settle -- and too bad for any former DS agents who get in the way when the bullets start to fly.
Review:
I really enjoyed this newest entry in the Dangerous Ground series. It was interesting to see Will in his family element where he was the hometown football hero. Considering the differences in Will and Taylor's upbringing, Taylor finds himself getting along with his partner's dad very well but not so much with the little brother. I extremely loved the build-up for another entry. Obviously some one is very interested in keeping tabs on one or both of the duo. Looking forward to seeing just who it is that's behind it.
Rating: 5 stars
Author Bio:
A distinct voice in gay fiction, multi-award-winning author JOSH LANYON has been writing gay mystery, adventure and romance for over a decade. In addition to numerous short stories, novellas, and novels, Josh is the author of the critically acclaimed Adrien English series, including The Hell You Say, winner of the 2006 USABookNews awards for GLBT Fiction. Josh is an Eppie Award winner and a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist.
Author Links:
Goodreads
www.joshlanyon.com
Amazon
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Indebted by A.R. Hawkins
Summary:
A debt is paid and two lives are changed forever.
For Aaron Quinn, the decision to drop out of med school turns his life upside down, and his father piles on the guilt over the tuition costs. So when his father cooks up a plan to hold off a Mafia loan shark's wrath, Aaron reluctantly agrees, desperate to make up for his failings.
Raised and groomed to take over his father’s position in the Mafia, Liam Sandoval has his own issues. Looking for any escape from his horrible life, he accepts the offer of a weekend of pleasure from Aaron. A mutual attraction ignites, and they realize a weekend will never be enough. But the growing relationship will be put to the ultimate test when enemies target Liam's new weak spot—Aaron. Can they overcome the outside forces threatening to pull them apart?
Review:
I enjoyed this story immensely. Seeing the badass Liam finding his heart when he meets Aaron was interesting. It made for a nice change as opposed to the stereotypical mob bad guy. It's nice seeing how the sins of the fathers had passed on to the sons but in this case, it just might bring the sons some peace and happiness they both thought was not only beyond their reach but that neither believed they deserved. At times, the plot seems a little rushed but not enough to take away from the enjoyment of the story or the development of the characters. Can't wait to see what this author brings us next.
Rating: 4 Stars
Author Bio:
A.R. HAWKINS lives in southern Illinois where she enjoys being a stay-at-home mom to her two small boys. Married to her high school sweetheart and still in love, she can’t help being a romantic. Her romanticism is tempered by her adoration of action flicks, thrillers, and historical dramas, and this shows in her writing. A.R. found her love of M/M romance as a teen when she happened upon a couple of novels at a used bookstore. The men embracing on the covers intrigued her and she fell in love with the idea of relationships in all forms. Writing anything creatively came as a complete surprise to her. One day she couldn’t get a story out of her head and decided the only way to get peace was to write it out. Since then, A.R. has found a passion for writing and sees stories to tell everywhere she looks.
Author Links:
Facebook
Purchase Links:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Dreamspinner
A debt is paid and two lives are changed forever.
For Aaron Quinn, the decision to drop out of med school turns his life upside down, and his father piles on the guilt over the tuition costs. So when his father cooks up a plan to hold off a Mafia loan shark's wrath, Aaron reluctantly agrees, desperate to make up for his failings.
Raised and groomed to take over his father’s position in the Mafia, Liam Sandoval has his own issues. Looking for any escape from his horrible life, he accepts the offer of a weekend of pleasure from Aaron. A mutual attraction ignites, and they realize a weekend will never be enough. But the growing relationship will be put to the ultimate test when enemies target Liam's new weak spot—Aaron. Can they overcome the outside forces threatening to pull them apart?
Review:
I enjoyed this story immensely. Seeing the badass Liam finding his heart when he meets Aaron was interesting. It made for a nice change as opposed to the stereotypical mob bad guy. It's nice seeing how the sins of the fathers had passed on to the sons but in this case, it just might bring the sons some peace and happiness they both thought was not only beyond their reach but that neither believed they deserved. At times, the plot seems a little rushed but not enough to take away from the enjoyment of the story or the development of the characters. Can't wait to see what this author brings us next.
Rating: 4 Stars
Author Bio:
A.R. HAWKINS lives in southern Illinois where she enjoys being a stay-at-home mom to her two small boys. Married to her high school sweetheart and still in love, she can’t help being a romantic. Her romanticism is tempered by her adoration of action flicks, thrillers, and historical dramas, and this shows in her writing. A.R. found her love of M/M romance as a teen when she happened upon a couple of novels at a used bookstore. The men embracing on the covers intrigued her and she fell in love with the idea of relationships in all forms. Writing anything creatively came as a complete surprise to her. One day she couldn’t get a story out of her head and decided the only way to get peace was to write it out. Since then, A.R. has found a passion for writing and sees stories to tell everywhere she looks.
Author Links:
Purchase Links:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Dreamspinner
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Notice Me & Embrace Me by Rebecca Turley
Summary:
If you discovered yourself through love what would you sacrifice?
'Notice Me' is an emotional roller coaster full of money, power and love, which takes the fascinating characters on a whirlwind romantic flight of fear and fancy. One man wants Shannon, the heroine to notice him, and with his hand written love letters she is helpless to resist. The terrible dilemma facing Shannon once she finds him is an impelling one. When she finally decides to give in to an intimidator’s threats and marry him she does it only to save the love of her life.
Breathtakingly tense to the very end.
Review:
This story is amazing. Finding yourself, true love, even a little mystery. I honestly felt such compassion and love for the main character of Shannon from the first page to the last. Where her journey leads her is truly heartbreaking and heartwarming all in the same breath.
Embrace Me
Summary:
What will happen to the girl who has everything?
After a rough start to life, Shannon Downing finally has it all. She has her Mr. Notice Me, she has reconnected with her long-lost mother, and she is the sole heiress to a multi-billion dollar company. The only problem is going public with that information.
Hidden away at a ranch in Texas at her mother’s insistence, Shannon’s world starts to crumble. Not only does she learn of Maisy Field’s kidnapping, but she hears a secret that could destroy everything and everyone she loves.
What will happen when news comes out that she is the missing heiress to Downing International? Will she become the next target for the elusive kidnappers? And what about the secret she overheard? Will the love that she and Mr. Notice me share be enough to hold them together?
Review:
I can't say enough about this and at the same time I don't want to give any spoilers so I feel limited on what I can say. However, I will say this is definitely a must read. You see the next stage of the journey in Shannon Davis' life. We learn answers but they aren't all learned easily. A must read!!!
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Texas Series by R.J. Scott
The Heart of Texas (#1)
Summary:
Riley Hayes, the playboy of the Hayes family, is a young man who seems to have it all: money, a career he loves, and his pick of beautiful women. His father, CEO of HayesOil, passes control of the corporation to his two sons; but a stipulation is attached to Riley's portion. Concerned about Riley's lack of maturity, his father requires that Riley 'marry and stay married for one year to someone he loves'. Angered by the requirement, Riley seeks a means of bypassing his father's stipulation. Blackmailing Jack Campbell into marrying him "for love" suits Riley's purpose. There is no mention in his father's documents that the marriage had to be with a woman and Jack Campbell is the son of Riley Senior's arch rival. Win win.
Riley marries Jack and abruptly his entire world is turned inside out. Riley hadn't counted on the fact that Jack Campbell, quiet and unassuming rancher, is a force of nature in his own right.
This is a story of murder, deceit, the struggle for power, lust and love, the sprawling life of a rancher and the whirlwind existence of a playboy. But under and through it all, as Riley learns over the months, this is a tale about family and everything that that word means.
Review:
WOW!!! The characters are so well written, you'll love them, you'll hate some of them and I was definitely sucked into the story.
Rating: 5 Stars
Texas Winter (#2)
Summary:
Riley’s past comes back to haunt him both professionally and personally.
His dead brother left more than just bitter memories for Riley to deal with. The FBI get involved and suddenly it is more than his good name that is on the line. Jack is always there for him but how much more can Riley’s husband reasonably be able to understand?
Especially when Riley finds out on his delayed honeymoon that he has an eight year old daughter he never knew existed...
Review:
There were so many directions the author could have taken this in and would have been an interesting and enjoyable read but this is so much better than any of those options. Great to see Riley and Jack come into their own.
Rating: 5 Stars
Texas Heat (#3)
Summary:
Against the backdrop of twenty half naked models on DD land, and in the midst of fighting the oil establishment that just won't give Riley a chance, Texas Heat is the story of one hot summer in Texas with a Gay Rodeo, humor, angst and a love between two men that just grows stronger every day.
Jack hires Robbie, a man recovering from a great loss, to be his right hand man. Meanwhile Riley's mischievous photographer friend, Eli, decides the DD is the perfect backdrop for a cowboy themed model shoot. Eli has secrets not even Riley knows about but despite what he is hiding he falls in lust with Robbie at first sight. Everyone except Robbie can see how perfect Eli would be for him.
What happens when secrets spill and lies are discovered? And just how far will Riley and Jack go to play matchmaker?
Review:
Another great entry in this series. There was a bit more humor in this one but it was done so fittingly and mixed with just the right blend of drama, angst, and love, and of course hotness and cowboys!
Rating: 5 Stars
Texas Family (#4)
Summary:
Jack and Riley Campbell-Hayes begin a journey that will change their lives forever.
Set against the backdrop of the Double D, the cast of the Texas books face changes that won’t leave a single one of them untouched.
Jack and Riley want to extend their small family of three. Their first choice is surrogacy with Jack as the father and when all this begins smoothly both men can't help but contemplate at what point would things go wrong. After all, their lives are far from normal and nothing is ever smooth.
Add a small four year old boy in foster care into the mix and suddenly things become a whole lot more complicated.
Review:
Not only was this an amazing entry in the lives of Jack and Riley, but a true testament of family and that family isn't always about blood or perfect. Jack and Riley compliment each other so completely that it's hard to remember how they were when they first got their start in book 1. Even though this book centers around the new additions to their family, the boys haven't lost any of their passion, lust, or love for each other. They can still get the other worked up with just a look.
Rating: 5 Stars
Texas Christmas (#5)
Summary:
Six men with lives linked to the Double D... Danger comes to the Double D from Liam's past and threatens everything Jack and Riley hold dear.
Centering on Jack and Riley, parents, lovers and friends.
Eli and Robbie have their home on Double D land. Their love is rooted in the Texas soil and they weather as many storms as can be thrown at them.
And Liam, a young man with a head full of dreams and sleep full of nightmares, finds that all things are possible when Marcus decides to interrupt his solitary existence.
Review:
Another great entry in the tales of the Campbell-Hayes family, and yes, everyone who seems to come to the Double D works their way into the family network, blood or not. In this installment we get to see Jack and Riley adjust to the addition of Max to their family. I loved the way Liam's story is brought to us intermingled with his new found relationship with Marcus. It's not overdone and yet you feel every emotion that he goes through, good and bad. With the support of those around him, Liam learns to accept what happened to him and that he's worth the respect, responsibilities, and the love that he's being shown.
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Bio:
RJ Scott lives just outside London. She has been writing since age six, when she was made to stay in at lunchtime for an infraction involving cookies and was told to write a story. Two sides of A4 about a trapped princess later, a lover of writing was born. She loves reading anything from thrillers to sci-fi to horror; however, her first real love will always be the world of romance. Her goal is to write stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and more than a hint of happily ever after.
Author Links:
Goodreads Author Page
Facebook
Twitter
Summary:
Riley Hayes, the playboy of the Hayes family, is a young man who seems to have it all: money, a career he loves, and his pick of beautiful women. His father, CEO of HayesOil, passes control of the corporation to his two sons; but a stipulation is attached to Riley's portion. Concerned about Riley's lack of maturity, his father requires that Riley 'marry and stay married for one year to someone he loves'. Angered by the requirement, Riley seeks a means of bypassing his father's stipulation. Blackmailing Jack Campbell into marrying him "for love" suits Riley's purpose. There is no mention in his father's documents that the marriage had to be with a woman and Jack Campbell is the son of Riley Senior's arch rival. Win win.
Riley marries Jack and abruptly his entire world is turned inside out. Riley hadn't counted on the fact that Jack Campbell, quiet and unassuming rancher, is a force of nature in his own right.
This is a story of murder, deceit, the struggle for power, lust and love, the sprawling life of a rancher and the whirlwind existence of a playboy. But under and through it all, as Riley learns over the months, this is a tale about family and everything that that word means.
Review:
WOW!!! The characters are so well written, you'll love them, you'll hate some of them and I was definitely sucked into the story.
Rating: 5 Stars
Texas Winter (#2)
Summary:
Riley’s past comes back to haunt him both professionally and personally.
His dead brother left more than just bitter memories for Riley to deal with. The FBI get involved and suddenly it is more than his good name that is on the line. Jack is always there for him but how much more can Riley’s husband reasonably be able to understand?
Especially when Riley finds out on his delayed honeymoon that he has an eight year old daughter he never knew existed...
Review:
There were so many directions the author could have taken this in and would have been an interesting and enjoyable read but this is so much better than any of those options. Great to see Riley and Jack come into their own.
Rating: 5 Stars
Texas Heat (#3)
Summary:
Against the backdrop of twenty half naked models on DD land, and in the midst of fighting the oil establishment that just won't give Riley a chance, Texas Heat is the story of one hot summer in Texas with a Gay Rodeo, humor, angst and a love between two men that just grows stronger every day.
Jack hires Robbie, a man recovering from a great loss, to be his right hand man. Meanwhile Riley's mischievous photographer friend, Eli, decides the DD is the perfect backdrop for a cowboy themed model shoot. Eli has secrets not even Riley knows about but despite what he is hiding he falls in lust with Robbie at first sight. Everyone except Robbie can see how perfect Eli would be for him.
What happens when secrets spill and lies are discovered? And just how far will Riley and Jack go to play matchmaker?
Review:
Another great entry in this series. There was a bit more humor in this one but it was done so fittingly and mixed with just the right blend of drama, angst, and love, and of course hotness and cowboys!
Rating: 5 Stars
Texas Family (#4)
Summary:
Jack and Riley Campbell-Hayes begin a journey that will change their lives forever.
Set against the backdrop of the Double D, the cast of the Texas books face changes that won’t leave a single one of them untouched.
Jack and Riley want to extend their small family of three. Their first choice is surrogacy with Jack as the father and when all this begins smoothly both men can't help but contemplate at what point would things go wrong. After all, their lives are far from normal and nothing is ever smooth.
Add a small four year old boy in foster care into the mix and suddenly things become a whole lot more complicated.
Review:
Not only was this an amazing entry in the lives of Jack and Riley, but a true testament of family and that family isn't always about blood or perfect. Jack and Riley compliment each other so completely that it's hard to remember how they were when they first got their start in book 1. Even though this book centers around the new additions to their family, the boys haven't lost any of their passion, lust, or love for each other. They can still get the other worked up with just a look.
Rating: 5 Stars
Texas Christmas (#5)
Summary:
Six men with lives linked to the Double D... Danger comes to the Double D from Liam's past and threatens everything Jack and Riley hold dear.
Centering on Jack and Riley, parents, lovers and friends.
Eli and Robbie have their home on Double D land. Their love is rooted in the Texas soil and they weather as many storms as can be thrown at them.
And Liam, a young man with a head full of dreams and sleep full of nightmares, finds that all things are possible when Marcus decides to interrupt his solitary existence.
Review:
Another great entry in the tales of the Campbell-Hayes family, and yes, everyone who seems to come to the Double D works their way into the family network, blood or not. In this installment we get to see Jack and Riley adjust to the addition of Max to their family. I loved the way Liam's story is brought to us intermingled with his new found relationship with Marcus. It's not overdone and yet you feel every emotion that he goes through, good and bad. With the support of those around him, Liam learns to accept what happened to him and that he's worth the respect, responsibilities, and the love that he's being shown.
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Bio:
RJ Scott lives just outside London. She has been writing since age six, when she was made to stay in at lunchtime for an infraction involving cookies and was told to write a story. Two sides of A4 about a trapped princess later, a lover of writing was born. She loves reading anything from thrillers to sci-fi to horror; however, her first real love will always be the world of romance. Her goal is to write stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and more than a hint of happily ever after.
Author Links:
Goodreads Author Page
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Frontline by Alexandra Richland
Frontline (#1)
Summary:
When nurse Sara Peters treats celebrity billionaire Trenton Merrick for a mysterious injury to his forehead, she is blindsided by what follows: a passionate exchange in the examination room, followed by an invitation to Trenton's mansion the next night.
Trenton spins a web of deceit and seduction around Sara that both repels and attracts her. One part humanitarian, the other international financial mogul, his professional and public life are a curious contradiction. As Sara journeys deeper into her feelings for Trenton and begins unraveling the mystery behind his injury, she finds herself embroiled in a game of trust and betrayal, where the odds are stacked in Trenton's favor, and the outcome for the loser is too terrifying to conceive.
Review:
Extremely well written story filled with romance, mystery, and action. Completely sucked into this novel after only about 3 pages. I was able to read this book in about 3 days and it only took me that long because my "quiet me" time was a little limited. I could certainly see myself reading this in one sitting, given the opportunity. The characters are well developed and extremely likeable as well as relatable. Sara Peters first meeting with Trenton Merrick is enticing, intriguing, and definitely memorable. I don't want to say too much because it's not my nature to give spoilers but just let me say it's definitely a must read!
Rating: 5 Stars
Notes: #2 coming in 2014
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Summary:
When nurse Sara Peters treats celebrity billionaire Trenton Merrick for a mysterious injury to his forehead, she is blindsided by what follows: a passionate exchange in the examination room, followed by an invitation to Trenton's mansion the next night.
Trenton spins a web of deceit and seduction around Sara that both repels and attracts her. One part humanitarian, the other international financial mogul, his professional and public life are a curious contradiction. As Sara journeys deeper into her feelings for Trenton and begins unraveling the mystery behind his injury, she finds herself embroiled in a game of trust and betrayal, where the odds are stacked in Trenton's favor, and the outcome for the loser is too terrifying to conceive.
Review:
Extremely well written story filled with romance, mystery, and action. Completely sucked into this novel after only about 3 pages. I was able to read this book in about 3 days and it only took me that long because my "quiet me" time was a little limited. I could certainly see myself reading this in one sitting, given the opportunity. The characters are well developed and extremely likeable as well as relatable. Sara Peters first meeting with Trenton Merrick is enticing, intriguing, and definitely memorable. I don't want to say too much because it's not my nature to give spoilers but just let me say it's definitely a must read!
Rating: 5 Stars
Notes: #2 coming in 2014
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Unearthing Cole by A.M. Arthur
Unearthing Cole
Summary:
Cole Alston swore he’d never return to his childhood home in rural North Carolina, but when his mother dies, he inherits her hoarded property. He hopes to sell everything and use the money to start over in Canada, far away from his abusive ex-boyfriend. It’s a daunting task, and Cole has no idea where to start. Luckily for him, the local antique store owner, Jeremy Collins, volunteers his services in sorting the hoard. Their professional relationship soon evolves into a personal one, but Cole must overcome his past and his anxiety before he can accept a new man in his life or the possibility of a happy future.
Review:
Loved how well written the characters were and even though it's set in a relative short span of time, Cole learns so much about himself as well as his deceased parents and those around him.
Rating: 4 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Summary:
Cole Alston swore he’d never return to his childhood home in rural North Carolina, but when his mother dies, he inherits her hoarded property. He hopes to sell everything and use the money to start over in Canada, far away from his abusive ex-boyfriend. It’s a daunting task, and Cole has no idea where to start. Luckily for him, the local antique store owner, Jeremy Collins, volunteers his services in sorting the hoard. Their professional relationship soon evolves into a personal one, but Cole must overcome his past and his anxiety before he can accept a new man in his life or the possibility of a happy future.
Review:
Loved how well written the characters were and even though it's set in a relative short span of time, Cole learns so much about himself as well as his deceased parents and those around him.
Rating: 4 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Monday, March 3, 2014
Courtland Chronicles Series by Cat Grant
By Chance (#1)
Summary:
A life of wealth and privilege doesn’t equal happiness—just ask Eric Courtland. Growing up with a cold, unfeeling father and unstable mother has taught him exactly what he doesn’t want out of life or love. The troubled young man prefers a solitary life and is content to keep it that way until a campus emergency saddles him with an unwanted roommate.
Popular, wholesome, straight Nick Thompson is far more temptation than Eric’s prepared for, but Nick’s warm, easygoing manner gradually cracks through Eric’s prickly protective shell.
After Eric suffers a traumatic attack, their friendship gives way to an intense passion. Eric’s no stranger to casual sex, but what he feels for Nick is something deeper, and more fragile.
Independent Eric doesn't know the first thing about being in a relationship, much less with a lover who can't even admit he's gay. But conservative Nick can't seem to find his way out of his own personal closet.
Rock, meet hard place.
Review:
Following Eric and Nick navigate their relationship from strangers to lovers is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I found myself rooting for them both as individuals and as a couple and yet there was this nagging feeling that maybe it's just not meant to be.
Rating: 5 Stars
Strictly Business (#2)
Summary:
Eric Courtland is hungry for revenge—at any cost—against the cold, unfeeling father who never loved him, and who drove his mother to an early grave. Tossed headfirst into the shark-tank world of big business, Eric soon learns it’s eat or be eaten, and has no choice but to throw in his lot with ruthless titan of industry Branford Crane.
Still reeling from his mother’s death—and the guilt of not being able to save her—Eric plunges into a dark spiral of self-destruction, rejecting his longtime partner Nick’s love and support in favor of the harsh tutelage Bran offers him, in and out of the bedroom.
But one night, when Bran finally pushes Eric beyond any reasonable limit, Eric realizes how far he’s fallen—and how desperately he needs Nick to help pull him back from the edge.
Review:
Once again we find Eric and Nick in a heartbreaking scenario but will they be able to come back from Eric's plunge into a much darker world? You just want to shake Eric to make him see what's really in front of him, both the good and the bad. An excellent follow-up to By Chance.
Rating: 4 Stars
Complications (#3)
Summary:
Eric Courtland dreams of a powerful career in politics, but when he begins taking his lover, Nick Thompson, for granted, Nick decides that he's had enough of life in the background. Devastated and alone, Eric throws himself into the distractions of liquor—and his college friend, Ally Taylor.
What starts as a passionate rebound affair sparks something deeper in each of them, and as Eric finds healing in Ally's arms, he makes an unexpected proposal: he will offer his wealth and connections to forward her career; all Ally has to do is agree to marry him. But is a promise of fidelity and an intense physical connection enough make a marriage?
Soon, Ally finds herself falling in love with her new husband, but their lives are thrown into chaos with Nick's untimely re-appearance. Secrets, lies, and betrayal threaten to undermine the growing bond between the newlyweds, and Eric is forced to make a painful decision between the man he’s loved for over a decade, and the new wife he can’t bear to hurt.
Review:
Once again, Eric's ambition seems to be getting in the way of his and Nick's love. Will the proposal he makes with an old college friend give him what he wants or will Nick's re-entry into his life shake things up once again? A very intriguing entry in the series of Eric and Nick's relationship.
Rating: 4 Stars
The Arrangement (#4)
Summary:
Most people are lucky to find one love—Eric Courtland found two. He's spent the last decade in and out of a tempestuous relationship with his lover, Nick. But all that is nearly over when his new bride, Allison, discovers that his vows of fidelity came with an exception. Suddenly, Eric is at risk of destroying all he cares about, from his burgeoning political career, to the two loves of his life.
Terrified of losing everything, Eric proposes an unconventional solution: a non-traditional arrangement that neither Allison or Nick can refuse. And despite the betrayal and jealousy that plague the birth of their new relationship, the three begin to discover new ways of achieving harmony and balance—and an intimacy beyond anything they expected.
Even as their secret relationship grows, however, blackmailing political rivals and the pressures of life in the public eye create stresses that threaten to tear the three apart. In the end, Eric must decide what he's willing to sacrifice: the political ambitions he's nurtured all his life, or building a new dream with the only two people he's ever loved.
Review:
Eric finally has to make a decision between his ambitions and his love life. Once again you just want to shake him to make him see what is in front of him. Politics or love--which will he choose and will his choice bring him happiness? You'll have to read to find out.
Rating: 5 Stars
Triad (#5)
Summary:
Eric Courtland has spent the last decade tucked away in a Tuscan villa with his wife, Allison—and their partner and lover, Nick Thompson. Worlds away from the bigotry and hatred they faced in the States, the triad has built an unconventional relationship that is unassailable. Or so they think.
After years of disappointment, Allison is finally pregnant. But the happy news is soon blunted by a family crisis that brings them—reluctantly—back to the country they've foresworn and the emotional riptides that bide there.
Assailed from every direction, the three face blackmail and a potential corporate takeover, but it's the devastating revelations from both Eric's and Nick's pasts that leave them shaken to the core. The three must stand together and face the maelstrom, or risk losing everything they've worked so hard to build—including the unique love that binds them.
Review:
This was a fitting end to the series although I wish it wasn't over. I love these characters, whether you love them or hate them, and you do both at times, they're well written and they really grab a hold of your heart.
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Summary:
A life of wealth and privilege doesn’t equal happiness—just ask Eric Courtland. Growing up with a cold, unfeeling father and unstable mother has taught him exactly what he doesn’t want out of life or love. The troubled young man prefers a solitary life and is content to keep it that way until a campus emergency saddles him with an unwanted roommate.
Popular, wholesome, straight Nick Thompson is far more temptation than Eric’s prepared for, but Nick’s warm, easygoing manner gradually cracks through Eric’s prickly protective shell.
After Eric suffers a traumatic attack, their friendship gives way to an intense passion. Eric’s no stranger to casual sex, but what he feels for Nick is something deeper, and more fragile.
Independent Eric doesn't know the first thing about being in a relationship, much less with a lover who can't even admit he's gay. But conservative Nick can't seem to find his way out of his own personal closet.
Rock, meet hard place.
Review:
Following Eric and Nick navigate their relationship from strangers to lovers is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I found myself rooting for them both as individuals and as a couple and yet there was this nagging feeling that maybe it's just not meant to be.
Rating: 5 Stars
Strictly Business (#2)
Summary:
Eric Courtland is hungry for revenge—at any cost—against the cold, unfeeling father who never loved him, and who drove his mother to an early grave. Tossed headfirst into the shark-tank world of big business, Eric soon learns it’s eat or be eaten, and has no choice but to throw in his lot with ruthless titan of industry Branford Crane.
Still reeling from his mother’s death—and the guilt of not being able to save her—Eric plunges into a dark spiral of self-destruction, rejecting his longtime partner Nick’s love and support in favor of the harsh tutelage Bran offers him, in and out of the bedroom.
But one night, when Bran finally pushes Eric beyond any reasonable limit, Eric realizes how far he’s fallen—and how desperately he needs Nick to help pull him back from the edge.
Review:
Once again we find Eric and Nick in a heartbreaking scenario but will they be able to come back from Eric's plunge into a much darker world? You just want to shake Eric to make him see what's really in front of him, both the good and the bad. An excellent follow-up to By Chance.
Rating: 4 Stars
Complications (#3)
Summary:
Eric Courtland dreams of a powerful career in politics, but when he begins taking his lover, Nick Thompson, for granted, Nick decides that he's had enough of life in the background. Devastated and alone, Eric throws himself into the distractions of liquor—and his college friend, Ally Taylor.
What starts as a passionate rebound affair sparks something deeper in each of them, and as Eric finds healing in Ally's arms, he makes an unexpected proposal: he will offer his wealth and connections to forward her career; all Ally has to do is agree to marry him. But is a promise of fidelity and an intense physical connection enough make a marriage?
Soon, Ally finds herself falling in love with her new husband, but their lives are thrown into chaos with Nick's untimely re-appearance. Secrets, lies, and betrayal threaten to undermine the growing bond between the newlyweds, and Eric is forced to make a painful decision between the man he’s loved for over a decade, and the new wife he can’t bear to hurt.
Review:
Once again, Eric's ambition seems to be getting in the way of his and Nick's love. Will the proposal he makes with an old college friend give him what he wants or will Nick's re-entry into his life shake things up once again? A very intriguing entry in the series of Eric and Nick's relationship.
Rating: 4 Stars
The Arrangement (#4)
Summary:
Most people are lucky to find one love—Eric Courtland found two. He's spent the last decade in and out of a tempestuous relationship with his lover, Nick. But all that is nearly over when his new bride, Allison, discovers that his vows of fidelity came with an exception. Suddenly, Eric is at risk of destroying all he cares about, from his burgeoning political career, to the two loves of his life.
Terrified of losing everything, Eric proposes an unconventional solution: a non-traditional arrangement that neither Allison or Nick can refuse. And despite the betrayal and jealousy that plague the birth of their new relationship, the three begin to discover new ways of achieving harmony and balance—and an intimacy beyond anything they expected.
Even as their secret relationship grows, however, blackmailing political rivals and the pressures of life in the public eye create stresses that threaten to tear the three apart. In the end, Eric must decide what he's willing to sacrifice: the political ambitions he's nurtured all his life, or building a new dream with the only two people he's ever loved.
Review:
Eric finally has to make a decision between his ambitions and his love life. Once again you just want to shake him to make him see what is in front of him. Politics or love--which will he choose and will his choice bring him happiness? You'll have to read to find out.
Rating: 5 Stars
Triad (#5)
Summary:
Eric Courtland has spent the last decade tucked away in a Tuscan villa with his wife, Allison—and their partner and lover, Nick Thompson. Worlds away from the bigotry and hatred they faced in the States, the triad has built an unconventional relationship that is unassailable. Or so they think.
After years of disappointment, Allison is finally pregnant. But the happy news is soon blunted by a family crisis that brings them—reluctantly—back to the country they've foresworn and the emotional riptides that bide there.
Assailed from every direction, the three face blackmail and a potential corporate takeover, but it's the devastating revelations from both Eric's and Nick's pasts that leave them shaken to the core. The three must stand together and face the maelstrom, or risk losing everything they've worked so hard to build—including the unique love that binds them.
Review:
This was a fitting end to the series although I wish it wasn't over. I love these characters, whether you love them or hate them, and you do both at times, they're well written and they really grab a hold of your heart.
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Irresistable Attraction Series by Cat Grant
Priceless (#1)
Summary:
"When love's for sale, who really pays?"
Connor Morrison is a 3-D optics pioneer, the star of the UC Berkeley physics department, and a socially inept workaholic. And with his dear friend and business partner, Steve Campbell, handling their investors, he's content to remain in the shadows. That is, until he meets the gorgeous and starry-eyed physics student Wes Martin.
Wes is brilliant but broke. Ever since his scholarship fell victim to the financial crisis, he's had no choice but to sell his body to stay in school. Already half in love with Connor, Wes initially resists Steve's offer to be Connor's thirty-fifth birthday present. But in the end, Wes is too broke--and too smitten--to say no.
Connor has no idea Steve bought Wes's attentions, and he quickly falls under the young man's spell. Yet after one night together, Wes disappears. He can't bear to hook with a man he could so easily grow to love, but he also can't bear to tell him the truth. Besides, if he sleeps with Connor again, there'd be no way to hide the bruises one of his regular johns loves to inflict. Only one thing to do: let Connor go. Walking away is painful, but not nearly as much as building a relationship on lies.
Review:
Interesting story of an older man finding new love with a former student, even though their initial "meeting" is slightly unorthodox. Can love find a way?
Rating: 5 Stars
Doubtless (#2)
Summary:
Loving your best friend is hard . . . especially when he's marrying someone else.
On the surface, Steve Campbell seems to have it all: a beautiful home, a snazzy car, and a dream job as one of the country’s top 3-D optics researchers. But underneath, he’s restless and dissatisfied, tired of empty encounters with leggy lab assistants and endless evenings alone.
A chance meeting with a handsome escort lifts Steve’s spirits and opens his eyes to his long-repressed attraction to men—and his love for his best friend and business partner, Connor Morrison.
Connor might’ve loved Steve like that once, but now it’s too late for their happily ever after; Connor’s about to ask his boyfriend to marry him. Fortunately, it's never too late to learn about yourself, and maybe Steve can find a happy ending on his own.
Review:
More of a "companion" installment as opposed to a sequel to Priceless. This story follows Connor's friend/partner, Steve, as he makes some major realizations about his life and the directions he wants to take, if he's determined to be happy.
Rating: 4 Stars
Fearless (#3)
Summary:
How can you plan for the future when escaping the past seems impossible?
After over a year together, Connor Morrison and Wes Martin decide to tie the knot. But an ethics complaint regarding their deeply non-traditional relationship threatens Connor’s job and Wes’s Ph.D. The fact that Connor tried to keep it from Wes—even with the best of intentions—makes the situation even worse and casts a pall over their plans for a Christmas wedding in New York.
It doesn’t help that Connor still treats Wes like glass, though Wes insists he’s recovered from the brutal assault he suffered a year and a half earlier. Wes may be okay, but Connor isn’t. Memories of taking a battered, terrified Wes to the emergency room that night still haunt him, and he can’t let go of the need to protect Wes from any and everything life might throw at him.
But Wes has had enough. Between the specter of the ethics complaint and Connor’s overprotectiveness, he’s already beginning to question their plans. Add in a family ashamed of and angered by his choices, and Wes might just leave Connor standing at the altar.
Review:
This is marked as #3 of 4 but after reading it and reading the description of #4, I'd say it should have been reversed but it doesn't really make a difference. There's a character mentioned in here that is introduced in #4 but that's about it. A very good addition to the tale of Wes and Connor. We find out what happens next in their relationship as well as some family drama on Wes' side.
Rating: 4 Stars
Flawless (#4)
Summary:
Steve Campbell used to be a player, until a mid-life crisis opened his eyes to his long-repressed love for Connor, his soon-to-be-married best friend and business partner. Coming out at thirty-eight means learning how to date all over again, and this time, Steve’s not willing to settle for empty one-night stands. He wants the real thing.
Gil Alvarez has never had it easy, struggling through childhood and rejected by his family for a body that didn’t match who he was inside. A skilled driver and mechanic, he’s working hard to make his auto shop a success. The last thing he needs is a rich white guy in a candy-apple-red Ferrari tempting him, but Steve’s ready smile and easygoing manner prove irresistible.
One brief, intimate encounter leaves them both hungry for more. Gil’s not ashamed of who he is, but he’s terrified that Steve will reject him—or worse—when he discovers what Gil can’t find the courage to tell him.
Review:
Personally I think this should be read before Fearless but the truth is it doesn't really have any effect on that story other than learning who Gil is. Gil is the exact type of person that you never seen Steve with and yet at the same time, you know they're perfect for each other from there first meeting at the beach. Steve does have an uncanny ability of foot-in-mouth disease that makes you want to just give a good shake.
Rating: 4 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Summary:
"When love's for sale, who really pays?"
Connor Morrison is a 3-D optics pioneer, the star of the UC Berkeley physics department, and a socially inept workaholic. And with his dear friend and business partner, Steve Campbell, handling their investors, he's content to remain in the shadows. That is, until he meets the gorgeous and starry-eyed physics student Wes Martin.
Wes is brilliant but broke. Ever since his scholarship fell victim to the financial crisis, he's had no choice but to sell his body to stay in school. Already half in love with Connor, Wes initially resists Steve's offer to be Connor's thirty-fifth birthday present. But in the end, Wes is too broke--and too smitten--to say no.
Connor has no idea Steve bought Wes's attentions, and he quickly falls under the young man's spell. Yet after one night together, Wes disappears. He can't bear to hook with a man he could so easily grow to love, but he also can't bear to tell him the truth. Besides, if he sleeps with Connor again, there'd be no way to hide the bruises one of his regular johns loves to inflict. Only one thing to do: let Connor go. Walking away is painful, but not nearly as much as building a relationship on lies.
Review:
Interesting story of an older man finding new love with a former student, even though their initial "meeting" is slightly unorthodox. Can love find a way?
Rating: 5 Stars
Doubtless (#2)
Summary:
Loving your best friend is hard . . . especially when he's marrying someone else.
On the surface, Steve Campbell seems to have it all: a beautiful home, a snazzy car, and a dream job as one of the country’s top 3-D optics researchers. But underneath, he’s restless and dissatisfied, tired of empty encounters with leggy lab assistants and endless evenings alone.
A chance meeting with a handsome escort lifts Steve’s spirits and opens his eyes to his long-repressed attraction to men—and his love for his best friend and business partner, Connor Morrison.
Connor might’ve loved Steve like that once, but now it’s too late for their happily ever after; Connor’s about to ask his boyfriend to marry him. Fortunately, it's never too late to learn about yourself, and maybe Steve can find a happy ending on his own.
Review:
More of a "companion" installment as opposed to a sequel to Priceless. This story follows Connor's friend/partner, Steve, as he makes some major realizations about his life and the directions he wants to take, if he's determined to be happy.
Rating: 4 Stars
Fearless (#3)
Summary:
How can you plan for the future when escaping the past seems impossible?
After over a year together, Connor Morrison and Wes Martin decide to tie the knot. But an ethics complaint regarding their deeply non-traditional relationship threatens Connor’s job and Wes’s Ph.D. The fact that Connor tried to keep it from Wes—even with the best of intentions—makes the situation even worse and casts a pall over their plans for a Christmas wedding in New York.
It doesn’t help that Connor still treats Wes like glass, though Wes insists he’s recovered from the brutal assault he suffered a year and a half earlier. Wes may be okay, but Connor isn’t. Memories of taking a battered, terrified Wes to the emergency room that night still haunt him, and he can’t let go of the need to protect Wes from any and everything life might throw at him.
But Wes has had enough. Between the specter of the ethics complaint and Connor’s overprotectiveness, he’s already beginning to question their plans. Add in a family ashamed of and angered by his choices, and Wes might just leave Connor standing at the altar.
Review:
This is marked as #3 of 4 but after reading it and reading the description of #4, I'd say it should have been reversed but it doesn't really make a difference. There's a character mentioned in here that is introduced in #4 but that's about it. A very good addition to the tale of Wes and Connor. We find out what happens next in their relationship as well as some family drama on Wes' side.
Rating: 4 Stars
Flawless (#4)
Summary:
Steve Campbell used to be a player, until a mid-life crisis opened his eyes to his long-repressed love for Connor, his soon-to-be-married best friend and business partner. Coming out at thirty-eight means learning how to date all over again, and this time, Steve’s not willing to settle for empty one-night stands. He wants the real thing.
Gil Alvarez has never had it easy, struggling through childhood and rejected by his family for a body that didn’t match who he was inside. A skilled driver and mechanic, he’s working hard to make his auto shop a success. The last thing he needs is a rich white guy in a candy-apple-red Ferrari tempting him, but Steve’s ready smile and easygoing manner prove irresistible.
One brief, intimate encounter leaves them both hungry for more. Gil’s not ashamed of who he is, but he’s terrified that Steve will reject him—or worse—when he discovers what Gil can’t find the courage to tell him.
Review:
Personally I think this should be read before Fearless but the truth is it doesn't really have any effect on that story other than learning who Gil is. Gil is the exact type of person that you never seen Steve with and yet at the same time, you know they're perfect for each other from there first meeting at the beach. Steve does have an uncanny ability of foot-in-mouth disease that makes you want to just give a good shake.
Rating: 4 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Adrien English Series by Josh Lanyon
Fatal Shadows (#1)
Summary:
Someone's out to get Los Angeles bookseller Adrien English. His best friend has been viciously murdered, now he's getting weird phone calls and sinister gifts from a mysterious "admirer". The cops think he's trying to divert suspicion from himself—with the exception of sexy and homophobic homicide detective Jake Riordan.
Is Riordan really such a great detective—or does he have a few secrets of his own? Is his offer to help Adrien on the level or is he out to nail his favorite suspect—to the wall?
Review:
Very intriguing mystery. Well written characters, some you love to love, love to hate, and hate to love.
Rating: 5 Stars
A Dangerous Thing (#2)
Summary:
Suffering from writer's block and frustrated with his tentative relationship with hot but closeted L.A.P.D. Homicide Detective Jake Riordan, gay bookseller and mystery writer Adrien English travels to northern California where he finds a body in his front drive. By the time the sheriffs arrive, the body has disappeared, and Adrien once again finds himself playing amateur sleuth. But when the game turns deadly, Adrien turns to Jake. Jake may be confused about some things, but keeping his lover alive is not one of them--no matter what the cost.
Review:
I thought this was a good entry in the series, not quite as good as the 1st one. I had a little harder time getting into the story for the first few chapters but after that, I was hooked. Great mystery, interesting characters, at times you want to really bang Adrien and Jake's heads together. Adrien for being too stubborn to not listen to Jake and Jake because he's too afraid to fully accept who he is. But you can't help but love them. Still a very good story.
Rating: 4 Stars
The Hell You Say (#3)
Summary:
After bookstore clerk Angus flees following terrifying death threats, owner Adrien must contend with a mysterious Satanic cult, a hot and handsome university professor, and his on-again/off-again relationship with closeted LAPD Homicide Detective Jake Riordan.
Review:
Another great entry in the Adrien English Mysteries! The mystery is wonderfully complex and yet still easy to follow along with. I really want to just knock some sense in to Jake for refusing to admit who he really is. Adrien is as stubborn as ever and now he's getting a new family since his mother is remarrying. His sisters-to-be are an interesting trio, the youngest, Emma, seems to be the most level headed and likeable, but the other 2 are just as fun to read, especially Adrien's inner monologue when it comes to his interactions with the young ladies.
Rating: 4 Stars
Death of a Pirate King (#4)
Summary:
Gay bookseller and reluctant amateur sleuth Adrien English's writing career is suddenly taking off. His first novel, Murder Will Out, has been optioned by notorious Hollywood actor Paul Kane. But when murder makes an appearance at a dinner party, who should be called in but Adrien's former lover, handsome closeted detective Jake Riordan, now a Lieutenant with LAPD -- which may just drive Adrien's new boyfriend, sexy UCLA professor Guy Snowden, to commit a murder of his own
Review:
Another great entry in the Adrien English Mysteries. I enjoyed the interactions between Adrien and Jake now that 2yrs has gone by since they stopped whatever it was they actually had. The mystery was well developed with interesting and intriguing revelations. Truly a great read!
Rating: 4 Stars
The Dark Tide (#5)
Summary:
As if recovering from heart surgery beneath the gaze of his over-protective family wasn’t exasperating enough, someone keeps trying to break into Adrien English’s bookstore. What is this determined midnight intruder searching for?
When a half-century old skeleton tumbles out of the wall in the midst of the renovation of Cloak and Dagger Bookstore renovation, Adrien turns to hot and handsome ex-lover Jake Riordan -- now out-of-the closet and working as a private detective.
Jake is only too happy to have reason to stay in close contact with Adrien, but there are more surprises in Adrien’s past than either one of them expects -- and one of them may prove hazardous to Jake’s own heart.
Review:
Another great installment in this series and it has left me hungry for more. Thru searching a 50yr old murder, recovering from life-altering surgery, and a couple visits from his past, Adrien has a couple epiphanies of his own, but is it too late?
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
Summary:
Someone's out to get Los Angeles bookseller Adrien English. His best friend has been viciously murdered, now he's getting weird phone calls and sinister gifts from a mysterious "admirer". The cops think he's trying to divert suspicion from himself—with the exception of sexy and homophobic homicide detective Jake Riordan.
Is Riordan really such a great detective—or does he have a few secrets of his own? Is his offer to help Adrien on the level or is he out to nail his favorite suspect—to the wall?
Review:
Very intriguing mystery. Well written characters, some you love to love, love to hate, and hate to love.
Rating: 5 Stars
A Dangerous Thing (#2)
Summary:
Suffering from writer's block and frustrated with his tentative relationship with hot but closeted L.A.P.D. Homicide Detective Jake Riordan, gay bookseller and mystery writer Adrien English travels to northern California where he finds a body in his front drive. By the time the sheriffs arrive, the body has disappeared, and Adrien once again finds himself playing amateur sleuth. But when the game turns deadly, Adrien turns to Jake. Jake may be confused about some things, but keeping his lover alive is not one of them--no matter what the cost.
Review:
I thought this was a good entry in the series, not quite as good as the 1st one. I had a little harder time getting into the story for the first few chapters but after that, I was hooked. Great mystery, interesting characters, at times you want to really bang Adrien and Jake's heads together. Adrien for being too stubborn to not listen to Jake and Jake because he's too afraid to fully accept who he is. But you can't help but love them. Still a very good story.
Rating: 4 Stars
The Hell You Say (#3)
Summary:
After bookstore clerk Angus flees following terrifying death threats, owner Adrien must contend with a mysterious Satanic cult, a hot and handsome university professor, and his on-again/off-again relationship with closeted LAPD Homicide Detective Jake Riordan.
Review:
Another great entry in the Adrien English Mysteries! The mystery is wonderfully complex and yet still easy to follow along with. I really want to just knock some sense in to Jake for refusing to admit who he really is. Adrien is as stubborn as ever and now he's getting a new family since his mother is remarrying. His sisters-to-be are an interesting trio, the youngest, Emma, seems to be the most level headed and likeable, but the other 2 are just as fun to read, especially Adrien's inner monologue when it comes to his interactions with the young ladies.
Rating: 4 Stars
Death of a Pirate King (#4)
Summary:
Gay bookseller and reluctant amateur sleuth Adrien English's writing career is suddenly taking off. His first novel, Murder Will Out, has been optioned by notorious Hollywood actor Paul Kane. But when murder makes an appearance at a dinner party, who should be called in but Adrien's former lover, handsome closeted detective Jake Riordan, now a Lieutenant with LAPD -- which may just drive Adrien's new boyfriend, sexy UCLA professor Guy Snowden, to commit a murder of his own
Review:
Another great entry in the Adrien English Mysteries. I enjoyed the interactions between Adrien and Jake now that 2yrs has gone by since they stopped whatever it was they actually had. The mystery was well developed with interesting and intriguing revelations. Truly a great read!
Rating: 4 Stars
The Dark Tide (#5)
Summary:
As if recovering from heart surgery beneath the gaze of his over-protective family wasn’t exasperating enough, someone keeps trying to break into Adrien English’s bookstore. What is this determined midnight intruder searching for?
When a half-century old skeleton tumbles out of the wall in the midst of the renovation of Cloak and Dagger Bookstore renovation, Adrien turns to hot and handsome ex-lover Jake Riordan -- now out-of-the closet and working as a private detective.
Jake is only too happy to have reason to stay in close contact with Adrien, but there are more surprises in Adrien’s past than either one of them expects -- and one of them may prove hazardous to Jake’s own heart.
Review:
Another great installment in this series and it has left me hungry for more. Thru searching a 50yr old murder, recovering from life-altering surgery, and a couple visits from his past, Adrien has a couple epiphanies of his own, but is it too late?
Rating: 5 Stars
Author Links:
Goodreads
Amazon
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