I have never been one to do much re-reading, which is surprising because I can re-watch a movie or television show I love endlessly but books just never seemed to interest me for revisiting. When they introduced audiobooks it gave me a chance to enjoy some of my favorites over and over. The past few years I guess I've changed and there are some books that have become almost required re-reading, the summer wouldn't be complete without a revisit. Here are three more series that continue to intrigue me no matter how many times I read the words.
Overall Series 1st Re-Read Review 2016:
Gaslight Mysteries in another one of those series that even knowing who did what, why, and how it still gets me sitting on the edge of my seat. Simon and Michael may be polar opposites when it comes to attitude and how they face life but at the heart of it all they are a perfect match. The offset each other in a way that only makes them stronger. I'll definitely be revisiting this investigative duo more than once in the upcoming years, perhaps not annually but I'll say hi to them again.
Books #1-3
Original Review 2014:
I read all three books and since the time frame from page 1 of Heart to Hart to the last page of To the Bone only covers about two to three weeks, I'm going to do an overall review for these entries. I won't lie, the beginning was a bit tricky to get into with the Irish slang of the time but I was able to become comfortable with it after only a chapter or so. As I write this I am thinking that it had more to do with me not letting go of the previous book before starting this series and less of the slang language, but whatever the reason, after that first chapter I was hooked. Simon and Michael grabbed my heart and didn't let go. I loved the humorous banter between the new found partners. I found them to be very enjoyable and likeable despite their moments of infuriating debates. At times, they reminded me very much of the banter and bickering of Bogey and Bacall in The Big Sleep. The mysteries are quite intriguing and definitely hold the reader's interest as does the humor and the obvious attraction between the pair. Michael McCree and Simon Hart are a captivating pair that I look forward to read many times over.
Thin as Smoke #4
Original Review 2015:
Simon and Michael are spectacular once again. I love the fact that this installment is centered around their one year "anniversary". We get to see how each of them see that fateful day and when you throw in their new case and the addition of Michael's old colleague, you have yourself a perfect addition to the Gaslight Mysteries.
Speaking of Michael's old colleague, Sam Hammett, it's a special treat for me. Not only does Sam bring a new element to the story, an inkling of Michael's history and Simon dealing with the jealousy that Sam's arrival has brought out, but for me it adds a bit of fangirl moments. Sam Hammett, or as most people know him, Dashiell Hammett, is the creator of my most favorite mystery solving couple, Nick and Nora Charles and The Thin Man. Neither The Thin Man nor Hammett's writing skills have any bearing on this story but just the addition of his character into the mix had me giddy going in and once I finished Thin as Smoke, I was just as giddy. Miss O'Quinn weaves Hammett into the world that Simon and Michael live in with creativity and nearly as much charm as Michael used to originally worm his way into Simon's life back in Heart to Hart.
Now for the mystery itself. Perfect for the duo, or should I say trio in this case. I don't think that the case is as big a part of this story as the cases in the first three of the series. However, I do think that how the characters deal with the case and each other is more at the center of Thin as Smoke, which is still part of the mystery so perhaps it's just from a different angle. However you look at the ins and outs of the case, this is a great addition the series and a must read, especially if you like historical settings.
Masters of Cane #5
Original Review 2016:
Masters of Cane begins less than 24 hours after Thin as Smoke ended and once again Simon wakes before Michael with his ongoing internal debate over their relationship still percolating, though he does seem to come to his wants and needs faster than usual. But nothing comes easy for this lovely duo and this time they find their little friend Squeak the one possibly in danger.
Michael McCree has always seemed a bit on the me first side, at least on the surface, but he truly cares for those in his life and that includes Squeak and Copper as well as Simon and Sam. Yes, Dashiell "Sam" Hammett returns and this time Simon may still hold some elements of jealousy for the history Sam shares with Michael but he also comes to see Sam as his friend too.
There may not be a paying client this time but they do have friends and neighbors to protect and they do it as only Simon and Michael can, with a little ingenuity, spontaneity, and passion. Another great entry in the Gaslight Mysteries.
RATING:
1st Overall Duology Re-Read 2017:
I'll be honest, even though I remembered the whos, whats, whys, and hows of The Dark Horse duology I did forget just how much I loved Sean and Dan. Okay, forget is not really the right word because you don't really forget lovely, heartwarming characters such as Sean and Dan but the duo had kind of settled to the bottom of my heart where I hold fictional characters close. If you are asking me to balance which of the two stories I loved more I would say that The Dark Horse tips the scale but by just a bit.
In a time where prequels and sequels are commonplace in Hollywood, I found the way Josh Lanyon meshes both into one book in The White Knight to be well written and most interesting. We get to see into how Dan came to be Sean's protector that I loved in Horse but we also get to see how they are both still reeling some from what happened in book one. What I found most intriguing in Knight was although the story is told from Sean's POV we also get to hear a bit how Dan was effected by the stalker case in Horse. Writer's don't always show us how the protector feels so even though it's not done in great length or detail I really appreciated the effort put in Dan's pain being shown.
There's passion, heart, friendship, love, mystery, drama, angst, and a little humor all wrapped into The Dark Horse duology so there's a little something for everyone and considering by word count/pages these two are novellas that means they are packed tight with what I like to call "the uumph factor" from cover to cover. I may not add this duology to my annual re-read list but this certainly won't be the last time I revisit Sean and Dan's story.
Original Duology Review 2014:
Sean captures your heart with his sincerity and his hometown wholesomeness. Dan certainly captures your attention with his take charge bodyguard yet heartfelt attitude. The mystery keeps you guessing throughout both books as it is interwoven wonderfully with Sean and Dan's romance and their professional lives. The supporting characters only heighten the mystery as well as strengthen Sean and Dan's characters both individually and as a couple. I would definitely not turn down another story featuring these two lovebirds.
1st Re-Read Overall Series Review 2015:
This series just got better and better. Re-reading mysteries can be a tricky thing, remembering the whos, whats, whys, and hows can lesson the anticipation factor for some but it didn't bother me one bit. Ty and Zane and the rest of the C&R universe members just got better with age, lol. I may not be able to re-read this every year but its definitely going to be revisited more than once.
Original Series Review 2014:
From the time I started reading M/M books till I broke down and read this series was nearly two years. By the time I was barely halfway through Cut & Run, I was berating myself for waiting so long. I fell in love with Ty and Zane so hard, I barely took a breath until I was completely caught up. I understand that some people were able to tell the difference when Abigail Roux took over the series by herself once Madeline Urban retired but I could not. Had I read the books without the author names, I would never have been able to tell you which book the transition occurred. I love the blend of humor, drama, mystery, and of course sexual tension. I don't think I can say this is my favorite series in the M/M genre but it's damn close to perfect though. I am eagerly awaiting the next and final installment of the series. It will be read with a heavy heart because I will hate to see the final page knowing there won't be another but as Miss Roux's Sidewinder series takes place in the same universe, I'm sure we will see Ty and Zane again, even if it's only in passing.
Cut & Run #1
Original Review 2014:
I'm so glad that I finally had a chance to sit down and read this book. I loved the combination of mystery, action, wit, and of course the sexual tension between Ty and Zane. Hated partners from their first glance of each other quickly becomes so much more than either of them are willing or wanting to admit.
Sticks & Stones #2
1st Re-Read Review 2015:
Just finished rereading and loved it even more than the first time!
Original Review 2014:
LOVED IT!!!! Can't wait to start the next one!!
Fish & Chips #3
1st Re-Read Review 2015:
Finished rereading and once again, it's A-freakin'-Mazing!!!
Original Review 2014:
This was an amazing entry in C&R series. So good. I just don't even know where to begin without leaking spoilers and as you know, I don't do spoilers, so I'll just say once again--LOVED IT!!!!
Divide & Conquer #4
Original Review 2014:
Yet again, Ty and Zane have not only caught my attention but I can safely and honestly say, they are an addiction that I don't want or plan to give up anytime soon
Armed & Dangerous #5
Original Review 2014:
Another great entry in this series. Enjoyed meeting Julian Cross and Cameron Jacobs in this one. The chemistry between all 4 characters really ran the gamut and made every page incredibly interesting. Off to start the next one!
Dash & Dine #5.5
1st Re-Read Review 2015:
I know I read this last year when I re-read the whole C&R series but never posted before. I loved it then and still loved this little ficlet or short story. No matter how small or how large a dose of Ty & Zane it is, it's always perfect and fun.
Stars & Stripes #6
Original Review 2014:
Loved seeing both the guys in their family environments. Some of them I absolutely loved others, well let's just say not so much. Really not a big fan of Zane's mother but I love his dad and sister. LOVED Ty's first encounter with both the mother and Zane's niece Sabrina. Wasn't a huge fan of Ty's grandpa the first time we met him but loved him this time around. Can't wait to read more!
Touch & Geaux #7
Original Review 2014:
I'm not an "OMG" kind of lady but this book had me going "O-M-G!!!" with nearly every page. My heart broke for both Ty and Zane at times. So powerfully emotional that really puts the reader through the ringer. Be sure you have plenty of time to read because I really had a hard time putting it down to do menially chores such as eat and sleep.
Ball & Chain #8
Original Review 2014:
Another amazing story in this series. I'm all caught up now and I'm already feeling the withdrawl.
Crash & Burn #9
Original Review 2015:
Where do I begin without giving any spoilers? With Crash & Burn we get to see nearly all of the characters we've come to love and a few we didn't love so much. At the heart of this story, we have the love and partnership of Ty and Zane, but just like the other installments of the series, that love is only part of the tale. We find truths that were so deeply hidden under mountains of lies that you find yourself questioning every character and their true motives and loyalty. The passion that has always been a huge part of these stories is still there as is the wit, the puns-some intentional and some not so much, the arguing, the laughter, and the friendships that hold this ragtag group together. I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever read a book that had me saying "Oh my God!" so many times. Some times it was said out of despair for what the character was contemplating, other times it was out of laughter not being able to believe the character said this or that, and a few times because I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how they were going to get out of the situation they found themselves in. A true masterpiece and a definite must add to your personal library.
RATING:
Erin O'Quinn was born almost literally on the side of a mountain in Nevada and was hauled kicking and screaming into the nearest town, fifty miles away, to attend first grade. To this day, she claims to be kindergarten-deprived.
O'Quinn earned a few degrees from the University of So. California, but her real education began on the back docks of the Las Vegas (NV) Review-Journal newspaper; on the good-old-boy car lots in Abilene, Texas where she sold new Chryslers and used cars; and in a big-box store where she alternately hauled pallets and ran a garden center.
Of 29 published works for adults, 25 are in the MM genre. From the Noble Dimensions series (small town/contemporary) to Old World Ireland and New World Scotland; and back to the retro world of Ireland in the Roaring 20s, she says, "This kind of writing, and these settings, have seized my imagination like no other."
Settle back, enjoy what Erin O'Quinn calls "literotica with a flare for the unusual and men with passions too big for their britches."
Josh Lanyon
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.
Madeleine Urban is a down-home Kentucky girl who’s been writing since she could hold a crayon. Although she has written and published on her own, she truly excels when writing with co-authors. She lives with her husband, who is very supportive of her work, and two canine kids who only allow her to hug them when she has food. She wants to live at Disney World, the home of fairy dust, because she believes that with hard work, a little luck, and beloved family and friends, dreams really can come true.
MADELEINE URBAN RETIRED
Nov. 17, 2011 - I have made the personal decision to stop writing, for reasons that are important to me, including focusing on my family and my health. Writing and publishing comes with a whole set of expectations and pressures, and I find that it's just too much. While I am sad that this will upset and/or even anger readers, this is the right decision for me.
Abigail Roux will be continuing the Ty and Zane series, and I know she'll do a great job.
Abigail RouxAbigail Roux was born and raised in North Carolina. A past volleyball star who specializes in sarcasm and painful historical accuracy, she currently spends her time coaching high school volleyball and investigating the mysteries of single motherhood. Any spare time is spent living and dying with every Atlanta Braves and Carolina Panthers game of the year. Abigail has a daughter, Little Roux, who is the light of her life, a boxer, four rescued cats who play an ongoing live-action variation of 'Call of Duty' throughout the house, a certifiable extended family down the road, and a cast of thousands in her head.
Erin O'Quinn
GAELIC BLOG / BOOKSTRAND / iTUNES / B&N
Josh Lanyon
BLOG / NEWSLETTER / KOBO / B&N
SMASHWORDS / iTUNES / SHELFARI
GOOGE PLAY / YOUTUBE / AUDIBLE
EMAIL: josh.lanyon@sbcglobal.net
Madeline Urban
AMAZON / LIVE JOURNAL / B&N
Abigail Roux
TUMBLR / GOOGLE+ / GOOGLE PLAY
EMAIL: abiroux@gmail.com
The Gaslight Mysteries Series
The Dark Horse Duology
B&N / KOBO / SMASHWORDS
Cut & Run Series
AUDIBLE / iTUNES / GOOGLE PLAY
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