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BLOG TOUR: Going Down by Lady Jaguar (Excerpt & Giveaway)
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REVIEW: Death and Destruction by Patricia Logan
Death and Destruction – Patricia Logan
Forced to go into witness protection, ATF Special Agent Thayne Wolfe, is less than thrilled. The State’s Attorney needs him to testify against one of the most ruthless and notorious arms dealers in the world. Expecting boredom and lots of daytime television, he instead ends up with a ridiculous new job, a stupid new name, and the world’s most annoying shadow. Jarrett Evans, is nevertheless tasked with keeping Wolfe alive long enough to put Mills Lang and his crew away for the rest of their miserable lives.
Jarrett Evans, former Marine, has always been a free spirit, doing the dirty work for Uncle Sam whenever and wherever he’s needed. One of the best snipers in the world, Evans is at peace with the man he’s become. That doesn’t mean he’s ever liked the cold-blooded killer who stares back at him from the mirror every day. The moment he meets pretty boy Thayne Wolfe, things start a slow change and redemption begins to sound possible.
Mills Lang, the world’s most ruthless arms dealer, is little more than a serial killer in his own right. Rotting away in prison with nothing but time on his hands, Lang is determined to destroy the man he allowed into his inner circle. Thayne Wolfe will die in the most painful way… along with anyone he loves.
Death and Destruction has been lingering in my TBR pile for a while now. I wished I had picked it up sooner.
While the premise and many elements of the story were not exactly new, Patricia Logan was able to offer a well-written and gripping take on law enforcement romance. From the moment I started reading, I could hardly put it down. If not for the need to sleep, I’d probably finished it in one sitting.
The plot centers around Thayne Wolfe, an ATF agent who is the key witness to the trial of a notorious arms dealer, and Jarrett Evans, the ex-Marine assigned to guard him. Thayne did not go to WitSec as was normally the case. Instead, he hid in plain sight as a hairstylist in Cut the Crap (awesome name!) with Evans as a receptionist. When their covers were blown, they ran with an assassin hot on their trail.
I loved how the pace was consistently brisk even with their stops and couple downtime. The story is mostly Thayne’s and Jarrett’s POVs with brief shifts to other characters. I usually enjoy this type of style because it feels like a movie. Also I like getting inside the head of the villains. It heightens the sense of foreboding.
Aside from all the action and suspense, the way Thayne and Jarrett played off each other, the TENSION and them trying to fight the attraction for as long as they can were some of the things that made this so enjoyable. I loved how the romance worked with the other plotlines. The relationship developed so naturally there weren’t any doubts about these two even if at this point, they’re not official yet. I just love them!
My only complaint was that the bad guy did not get his comeuppance. According to the blurbs for the other books, he’s going to pop up once in a while. Tsk! I don’t want to see the evil bastard again! I want justice for poor Noah!
The story continues with Flash and Bang where the boys are now working partners. There are already 9 books out if you plan on binge-reading the series. I have a feeling I will end up doing exactly that.
Rating:w
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Run
Artist: Foo Fighters
Album: Concrete and Gold -
NEW RELEASE BLITZ: A Touch of Danger by Elaine White (Excerpt & Giveaway)
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REVIEW: Promises Part 2 by A.E. Via
The Bounty Hunters: Promises Part 2 by A.E. Via
Roman “Quick” Webb is one badass bounty hunter on the crime-filled streets of Atlanta. He’s fearless when it comes to carrying out his dangerous job alongside his longtime best friend and business partner, Duke. However, there is one thing that has begun to cause Quick concern and it’s the dreadful thought of living out the rest of his life alone. Seeing his best friend and his son fall in love and sharing the special connection that only true soulmates can, has made him all the more aware of what’s lacking in his life.
Love.
Dr. Cayson Chauncey has been wildly attracted to the big, tattooed hunter for almost a year, ever since he performed the surgery that saved Quick’s best friend’s life. Cayson must’ve mistaken Quick’s gratitude for something more, because the one time he tried to make his desires known, he was harshly rebuffed and left on the man’s doorstep feeling stupid for hitting on an obviously very straight man.
Cayson never dated a man who was willing to come out of hiding and be with him. Now at almost forty, Cayson is intent on no longer being anyone’s dirty secret. Having experienced countless disappointments, and having taken a stand not to fall for any more tricks, Cayson is more than a little skeptical when Quick comes around asking for a second chance to prove himself. The gorgeous man had already made it clear that he was not interested in Cayson… or so he’d thought.
Dr. Chauncey stirred up Quick’s suppressed, most carnal desires from a place deep down inside of him. He’d reacted so badly the first time that now his sexy surgeon wanted nothing to do with him. It was going to take a fair amount of patience and a whole lot of wooing involved as Quick sets out to convince Cayson that he’s worth another chance and that he is the brave lover who Cayson has been looking for.
With a scorned ex and a very dangerous job thrown into the mix, Cayson’s happiness and all of Quick’s promises may not be as easy to keep as they’d hoped.
Let’s make this quick.
Like many A.E. Via characters, I loved her bounty hunters, Duke, Bradford, Brian, Dana and of course, Quick. Dr. Chauncey was a sweet man who badly needed some love Quick was now willing to give.
However, I wasn’t very impressed with Quick’s neanderthal caveman attitude when it comes to dealing with Dr. Joe, Cayson’s psycho ex-friend-with-benefits. It was less protective alpha more juvenile, IMHO. Quick and Cayson’s courtship could have been enjoyable but it was overshadowed that bit.
A major highlight were the appearances from the notorious duo God and Day (Nothing Special). My favorite part here was the King brothers. I ended up slogging through this installment just to get to Brian’s book. I can’t wait to find out why he had PTSD so bad he couldn’t speak.
All in all, this didn’t really hold up. Skip if you can.
P.S.
Promises Part 1 review here
A.E. Via books hereRating:
2 Stars – it’s a struggle to finish the damn bookSoundtrack: Doctor! Doctor!
Artist: Thompson Twins
Album: Into The Gap -
SERIES REVIEW: Exit Strategy Books 2 & 3 by Jocelynn Drake
Let’s talk about my favoritest mercenary boyfriends, Justin Mallory and his G Love, Gabriel Prescott. The two met in book one, Deadly Lover, when they were partnered for a job. They spent the first month trying not to kill each other until they settled on a truce. G Love and Special Sauce were born. The two quickly fell in love and decided to leave mercenary life behind.
The series, which is composed of 3 main novels and 1 novella, follows the two as they go on jobs and work on their exit strategy. Will they live long enough to enjoy a happily ever after?
Justin and Gabriel are on on my top 10 fave couples list because it’s always so much fun to watch the two together, whether they’re taking out a warehouse full of thugs or staking out bad guys or just chilling. Their chemistry is off the charts! I could listen to them banter all day. Heck, I would gladly read more books about them because they play off each other so well. I want more dancing under the stars!
Justin is a major goofball. He’s always ready with a joke or two. But make no mistake, the man is DEADLY. He’s ex-spec ops, ex-CIA, hacker and assassin. He has his cool assassin name which was later revealed in the third book.
Gabriel is more serious. He has a privileged but dark upbringing, having been raised as the successor to his father’s intelligence organization. He is a spy and an assassin, better known in their circles as the Reaper.
Together, they take out the bad guys to help the little guys. They also discuss bathroom remodeling while they’re at it. Multi-tasking like the pros they were.
This is a review of books 2 and 3. Review of book one, Deadly Lover, here.
2. Exit Strategy: Vengeful Lover – Jocelynn Drake
Every assassin has an exit strategy – their ultimate plan for leaving that dangerous life and disappearing. They just never expect to live long enough to enact it.
Gabriel Prescott was no different.
But everything changed when he met fellow mercenary Justin Mallory.
Now he’s racing across Europe with Justin to put to rest old threats before they can end both their lives.
Of course, it will also mean coming clean to Justin about exactly who he is and who wants him dead. Gabriel can only hope that Justin will still want him when the truth comes out.
This is Gabriel’s story.
It was a game of get them before they get us. G goes after members of his family who wanted him dead. Justin goes with him to protect and support his man. They met an unexpected twist when they came face to face with G’s sister.
Their mission takes them across Eastern Europe and Russia, right into the heart of the SVA. The CIA and the Russian police were after them. They seek help from Justin’s ex. Can they trust him? Would he come after Justin? Is that G’s jealous face?
The past lives of the two men were pretty much hush hush in the first book. Vengeful Lover answers questions about Gabriel’s former life. YES!!!
Between the two, G is more open to revealing details about his past even if he has the more taciturn personality. Meanwhile, Justin threw Gabriel, and us, a crumb by revealing his real name. Come on, Mallory, you can do better than that.
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Me and Mine
Artist: The Brothers Bright
Album: A Song Treasury
3. Exit Strategy: Final Lover – Jocelynn Drake
Two assassins meet, don’t kill each other, and fall in love.
It’s happily ever after, right?
Not so fast.
Reformed mercenaries Justin Mallory and Gabriel Prescott have taken the big leap of living together. They’re even working together.
But “one last job” has them taking a falsely accused man and his young son into their home for safe keeping.
While dodging bullets and fellow hitmen out for the $27 million bounty, Justin and his G Love realize that falling in love was the easy part. Building a life together might be more than they bargained for.
Join Justin and Gabriel for their final adventure as they protect an innocent man and uncover the missing piece to their forever.
I thought this would be Justin’s turn to unearth the skeletons from his past. What we got was almost nothing. Well, not really nothing, but it was practically dismissed as trivial so it was a letdown. But after thinking about it for a bit, I thought it was apt afterall. It further reinforces how vastly different their backgrounds were.
The final book introduces another assassin, Kai a.k.a. Ghost. He was contracted to kill a scientist who was on the run. Justin and Gabriel knew the man, Devlin, was innocent and was also protecting his six year old son. They had to protect them both. Could they convince Kai to change his mind?
I’ll go ahead and spoil that question by saying I like the little spark going on between Kai and Devlin. There’s a story there!! Make it happen, please!
Pete and Repeat: genius pet names for their two German Shepherds which I’m totally stealing because my dog just had puppies.
Justin and G Love’s circle of friends expanded. That is, they now have actual friends. More family members come out of the woodwork. Major decisions were made. Closures were achieved. They now have a real shot at normal life, but, well, one more job?
Rating
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: I Love You
Artist: G. Love & Special Sauce
Album: G. Love & Special Sauce
The books are not standalones. It was a delight to be there for Justin and Gabriel from the time they couldn’t stand each other until they couldn’t live without each other. The relationship progression throughout the series was very well-executed. I could really feel the love between the two. They were one of Jocelynn Drake‘s best written couples.
I have many complaints about book one, chief of which was the predictable alternating pattern of work and sex. The second and third books showed much improvement. It’s still steamy but the sex has better timing, the plots less predictable. There was more focus on the missions and relationship development. The humor and the dialogues were consistently enjoyable. Many scenes were OTT. This is how the author rolls when it comes to the action suspense part. You can roll with it too. G Love and Special Sauce are so worth it!
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BLOG TOUR: T.A.G. You’re Heard by A.G. Carothers (Excerpt & Giveaway)
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SERIES REVIEW: Nothing Special Books 2-6 by A.E. Via
The tail end of last year had me binge reading on Nothing Special because A.E. Via knows her business and she had me buying all of them.
This, even if on close inspection, most plots don’t hold much water, police detectives spend more time fucking each other than working on their cases, disbelief needs to be suspended more often than not, many lines were cheesy AF and inconsistencies and editing slips were present.
But who cares?! This series is pure escapist fun. And hella funny especially every time Day opens his mouth. I live for the characters! I love their bonds. These people were real to me and I wanted updates on each one of them on every book.
This is a review of books 2 to 6. Review of book 1, Nothing Special can be found here.
Nothing Special: Embracing His Syn – A.E. Via
Sergeant Corbin ‘Syn’ Sydney had dedicated his life to becoming the best detective. So when he heard there was an opening on the notorious Atlanta Narcotics Task Force, he jumped at the chance. But, what he wasn’t ready for was realizing just how lonely he’d made himself, when he observed the loving and dedicated relationship between the two men he served under: Lieutenant Cashel ‘God’ Godfrey and Lieutenant Leonidis Day.
Syn prepared himself to accept his lonely fate until he walked into a small pub and met the long-haired, tattooed bartender, Furious Barkley. Before Syn can even understand why, he’s overcome with feelings he barely recognizes: passion, yearning, craving. And if the dark, lustful gazes are anything to go by, Furious might be feeling the same things for him.
Just two thing needs to happen before Syn and Furi can give each other what’s been missing from their lives for so long… Syn needs to find the evidence that proves Furi’s innocence of murder, as well as protect him from a past that refuses to let go.
God, Day, Ronowski, and Johnson are still as entertaining as ever…
You’ll swoon over God’s massive take-charge attitude…
You’ll laugh hysterically at Day’s never-ending wit…
You’ll fall in love with Furious’ mysterious, sexy demeanor…
and…
You’ll embrace Syn…
Disclaimer: The main characters of this book DO NOT participate in polygamous sexual pairings.
First of all, I love the name Furious. I think I should name a pet Furi.
Furi is on the run from his abusive husband and is currently working in his uncle’s bar while doing adult videos on the side so he could finish school and open his own garage. Syn was at the bar one night, spotted the long haired tattooed porn puppy (Day’s words) and was quickly smitten. It was very much the insta-lust romance the author is known for.
I love how the team rallied behind their sergeant to protect Furi. There’s the strong camaraderie at play that first drew me to the series and made me stay. I loved how Furi became part of the family.
The infamous polyamory was still present here with Syn noticing how God, Day, Ronowski and Johnson were all staring at each other like “pieces of prime USDA beef“. Him and Furi breaking in on the foursome was the best scene in the book. Thankfully, they declined to join in because a sixsome is too much.
Rating:
3.5 Stars – that place between like and loveSoundtrack: Heaven or Hell
Album: Digital Daggers
Artist: Mixed Emotions
Nothing Special: Here Comes Trouble – A.E. Via
Detectives Mark Ruxsberg and Chris Green are very good at their jobs. Being the enforcers for God and Day’s notorious Atlanta PD Narcotics Task Force causes the crazy duo to get into more trouble than they can often get out of. The pair never misses out on an opportunity to drive their Lieutenants crazy with their dangerous, reckless, and costly stunts, landing them in the hot seat in front God… often.
Ruxs and Green love their jobs and they don’t mind the very demanding schedule that leaves them little time for socializing or dating. It was fine with them, they enjoyed hanging out with each other anyway.
However, most of the men in their close circle of friends and colleagues are pairing off and settling down. God has Day, Ro has Johnson, and their Sergeant Syn has Furious.
For the past several years, Ruxs has only sought out the advice and company of one person, his partner and best friend Green, and vice versa. Both of these alpha males are presumed straight, but neither can deny the heat that’s building in their once ‘just friends’ relationship.
Ruxs and Green are my favorite couple in the series next to Ro and Johnson (who needs their own book please!). But I did feel their book was a missed opportunity to wreck the chaos and mayhem these two were known for. I was really looking forward to all that fun. Sadly it was not to be. Happily, there were more goodness in store.
Their story focused on their realization of feelings and gradual coming together as lovers. I enjoyed this friends-to-lovers development which was done well and did not feel rushed like the other stories. I loved their special connection to Curtis and how their little family came together with all the other guys’ support.
Also super cute side story featuring Curtis and Genesis, God’s little bro who’s not so little at all. Dads Ruxs and Green had their protective dad modes on but there’s no stopping the young ‘uns.
Rating:
3.5 Stars – that place between like and loveSoundtrack: Troublemaker
Artist: Green Day
Soundtrack: Uno!
Nothing Special: Don’t Judge – A.E. Via
AN ENEMIES TO LOVERS STORY
Detective Austin Michaels didn’t think life could get any better after he was accepted into the most notorious narcotics task force on the East Coast, headed up by two of the baddest’ Lieutenants with the Atlanta Police Department – Cashel Godfrey and Leonidis Day.
Michaels knew he would fit right in as the team’s sniper, having received his fair share of commendations for marksmanship. He was just as badass as the rest of the twenty brothers that made up their team. But when Michaels lets their prime suspect get away from a huge bust with over a quarter of a million dollars in drugs, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it right.
Left with no other options, God chooses to bring in outside help, calling on his long-time friend and bounty hunter, Judge Josephson.
Judge was considered one of the best trackers during his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps. After retiring, he used those skills to become one of the most sought out fugitive trackers in the country. When Judge gets a call from his old friend needing his help, he quickly tells God, yes.
Still embarrassed, and intent to prove himself, Michaels immediately volunteers to partner up with Judge to get their suspect back quickly and quietly. Neither man wanted or needed a partner. But, after Judge and Michaels get on the road, the hate/lust relationship they quickly develop between them will either make them heroes… Or get them killed.
The fourth book brought in a character from the spin-off series, The Bounty Hunters. Judge was God’s bounty hunting friend and occasional bed partner of Duke from Promises Part 1. He’s as tough and alpha as the most of the characters, all leathers, long hair and big guns. Of course my favorite character here was his Great Dane, Bookem.
Michaels is the team sniper who thought he fucked up a mission and felt that he had to make amends. He’s a bit of a hot head who likes to brawl but got along splendidly with Judge’s dad who was terminally ill. The last conversation he had with Judge’s dad was one of the best scenes in the book.
This is probably the book I was least looking forward to reading because I was itching to go to Tech’s book already. But I’m glad this one had some great highlights. I especially liked the dramatic ending where Judge ran away and Michaels was a mess. Then, the all-knowing Day in a rare moment of seriousness said that the bounty hunter will be back. He was right. Judge came back groveling.
Rating:
3.5 Stars – that place between like and loveSoundtrack: Expectations
Artist: Huntar
Album: Bitter
Nothing Special V – A.E. Via
The boys are back and fiercer than ever!
“We were a unit tonight, moving as one.Even apart, we are deadly, but when combined – we are f**kin’ unstoppable.”~~ God ~~
Atlanta’s notorious narcotics task force is at it again. They are stronger, bigger, and better than ever. Especially when a city councilman sends RECON Marine, Edwin Steele – who’s been blacklisted from his Oakland department – to join the team. God and Day weren’t recruiting. They have a lot on their plates, like the fact they’re supposed to be getting married soon. They don’t have the time or the patience to integrate a decorated war hero with a slight chip on his shoulder into their well-oiled machine.
A hothead that’s uncontrollable and terrible with authority… but wasn’t that their team motto?
Steele was ready to hang up his shield. He was done fighting with bigoted bastards that couldn’t respect the job. He was good at fighting; he just needed the right team to fight with. When his uncle – City Councilman, Rasmus Steele – shows him a video of God’s team in action, he knows right away, it’s where his nephew belongs in order to restore his faith.
Steele pointed to the driver, a behemoth of a man wielding those massive firearms like a true beast… like a soldier.“And him. Who the hell is he?”
“That’s your new boss. Lieutenant Cashel Godfrey… they call him… God.”
Steele was skeptical about his new placement, but when he meets God’s technology specialist/computer genius, “Tech,” he’s willing to give it his all, and he definitely shows and proves.
Tech is stunning. His sweater vest and khakis, a stark contrast to the blue-jeaned roughnecks he works with. A beautiful sheep amongst the wolves. Steel thinks there’s no way the brilliant man would be interested in a hardhead like him, but Tech has a few badass hidden talents of his own and manages to fool him… fool all of them.
This story is a part of a series but can stand alone.It does not end on a cliffhanger and has a HEA.There are no multiple pairings in this novel.
The fifth book had four POVs, God, Day, Tech and Steele. I’m happy to be inside God’s and Day’s heads once again. It’s all about the wedding with these two with a rather silly argument between them because God had a hard time explaining why he’s avoiding the topic of weddings. The reason is very much in keeping with the big man’s character and I agree with him. LOLing at Day’s angsty-ings <–this is a word I swear (ﾉ≧ڡ≦).
Tech is the team’s tech specialist dreaming to get out in the field. I like hackers so I was immediately drawn to him. I wished he stayed where he was because he’s good at what he does but a nerdy, bow tie+sweater vest wearing enforcer has its appeal too.
Steele rubbed everybody the wrong way and nearly fucked up first day on the job but then proceeded to fit right in. Him and Michaels were probably the two characters that were the least memorable for me.
Tech and Steele’s romance was not really something to write home about but the book as a whole moved the series forward. One highlight was the introduction of the new tech specialist, Free who had a rather dramatic first appearance.
Rating:
3.5 Stars – that place between like and loveSoundtrack: Handsome Man
Artist: Matt Alber
Album: Wind Sand Stars
Nothing Special VII: His Hart’s Command – A.E. Via
Lennox Freeman (Free) is one of the best hackers in the world which has caused him to spend most of his life on the run. Never able to put down roots, he couldn’t trust anyone not to take advantage of him, even his own family. If it wasn’t for his best friend, Tech, shielding him, Free’s father would’ve sold him and his skills to the highest bidding crime family when he was still a student at MIT. Free owed Tech his life; so when his friend called for him to come to Atlanta to work with him, he couldn’t say no. However, he wasn’t expecting the overprotective group of detectives that made up Atlanta PD’s most notorious task force. And he certainly wasn’t prepared for the large-and-in-charge SWAT Captain that was responsible for their safety.
Ivan Hart has lived and bled one creed all of his life: To Serve and Protect. His intense focus and determination in law enforcement has led him to finally commanding his own team. He’d worked hard to put together a squad of badasses capable of backing up a very dangerous team of detectives. Being God and Day’s last line of defense came with a lot of responsibility that he took very seriously.
After his divorce was final Hart turned right around and remarried his job. He had his good friends there in the office with him every day, so it was easier to ignore the few quiet hours he spent at home alone each night. He’d settled well into his new routine and was comfortable with it. Then God decided to disrupt everything by hiring another tech specialist for his department. A man whose brains, trendy looks, and voice would leave Hart tongue-tied and captivated at their first introduction.
Free quickly awakens a passion in Hart that he long thought was dead. An attraction he didn’t know existed. He couldn’t fathom that the sexy cyber genius could be interested in an over-sized, big-bearded brute that served criminals the bottom line for a living. No matter what his best friend, God said.
A future with Hart could be potentially dangerous and often times full of terrifyingly close calls; but little did he know that so could falling for the most hunted hacker in the world. All Lennox Freeman wants in life is security, love and protection… Hart had all that to give and more.
This novel is a part of a series and contains previously mentioned characters, but CAN BE read as a standalone. No cliffhangers.
The most improved installment in terms of diversity, action and deployment of sex scenes. It’s to be noted that the series so far is a mostly white, testosterone overload with female characters barely making it on page. This one had the welcome addition of a female POC sergeant in Hart’s team who was actually doing something significant. And if I remember right, the mayor was black too.
The story is still romance-centric as with the other books but had more scenes showing Hart in the field as oppose to just paying lipservice to a case. Also, the smexy times came at a more appropriate moments rather than just being put there to make the book steamy.
This is a tender, hurt/comfort love story between Hart, SWAT Captain and big teddy bear, and Free, Tech’s best friend and genius inventor. Hart is a victim of domestic abuse. His ex-wife hated practically everything about him. He zoomed in on Free the first time they met and wonder of wonders, the hacker loved everything his wife hated!
This one also had a very intriguing bonus side story of Fox, Hart’s lieutenant and Bull, the farmer Free and Hart befriended. Will the silver fox catch the big bull?
Rating:
3.5 Stars – that place between like and loveSoundtrack: Beautiful to Me
Artist: Curt Smith
Album: Soul on Board
Do I recommend this series? Well, if you don’t mind the messy parts and just looking for something purely entertaining, I say go for it. Reading the books in order is the best way to deal with these boys. God said so.
P.S.
Review of book 1, Nothing Special here.
Review of Promises Part 1 here.
A.E. Via books here. -
AUDIO REVIEW: Promises Part 1 by A.E. Via
The Bounty Hunters: Promises Part 1 – A.E. Via
Duke Morgan owns and operates one of the largest bail bond companies in Atlanta. Not only does he bond criminals out of jail, he and his notorious group of bounty hunters will also track them down and ensure they show up for court.
Roman ‘Quick’ Webb is Duke’s business partner and best friend. Both men are in their forties and have given up on the happily ever after with the ranch-style home, and white picket fence. They’d both tried it and failed miserably. But they have their friendship and they have the business.
When Quick’s son, Vaughan Webb returns – after seven years – from studying abroad with his law degree in hand, he’s back to claim what he’s always wanted…his fathers’ best friend… Duke Morgan. Vaughan has always claimed to be a classic gentleman with an old soul. He didn’t party and screw up in school like his buddies. He was focused and dedicated to becoming the man worthy of Duke’s love.
It’s a complex and messy situation as Duke and Quick figure out how to still be best friends when one of them is sleeping with his friend’s one and only son. But when Duke is hurt on the job, all the unimportant trivialities fall to the wayside and Vaughan and Quick put their heads together to save Duke.
Part I of the Promises story is about Duke and Vaughan. Part II will be about Quick and his realization that it’s not too late for any of them to find love.
You got to hand it to Vaughan. He really knew how to woo a man.
The lawyer fell in love with his father’s bestfriend, Duke when he was 16 and since then, he embarked on a single-minded pursuit of the bounty hunter. But before he can make his move, he had to grow up and make Duke see him as a man.
I love Vaughan’s determination and devotion! He literally gave a piece of himself to the one he loves just so they could be together. He’s my favorite character here.
Duke was this big bad bounty hunting boss. Is really a big, needy softie. Nothing against him. He’s alright, I suppose.
Quick is Duke’s bestfriend and Vaughan’s father. He has long since accepted his son’s crush and is very supportive of his son and his bestfriend’s romance. He has some potential romance of his own with a handsome doctor if only he admits the attraction to himself before it’s too late.
I loved the first parts. It was more dramatic especially when Duke was injured and he only had weeks or months to live unless he undergoes an operation. This is where Vaughan went above and beyond the usual love declarations and made a sacrifice without telling Duke. He swore the doctor and his father to secrecy knowing Duke would refuse if he knew.
There is little conflict between the characters, apart from initial reactions. I wouldn’t mind it if the story revolved around Duke’s job and his recovery. However, as with most of A.E. Via‘s works, it is very romance-centric. Which means a lot of cheesy lines and couple downtime that I usually skip to make the story go faster. The plot is thin and the latter part where Duke and his friends went after the man who injured him seemed like rushed attempt to wrap up a loose thread.
Aiden Snow, who narrated Via‘s Nothing Special series, also did the reading for The Bounty Hunters. He is one of the reasons I stuck with the author’s works. He voices alpha males to perfection. Nothing Special has a big cast and I had no problems distinguishing the voices of the characters. Same with The Bounty Hunters. The voices were very apt for each character and emoted well. I recommend getting The Bounty Hunters in audio because Snow is eargasm!
All in all, this is a book you go for if you want steamy, entertaining stories about alpha males getting in touch with their emotions. Suspension of disbelief may be necessary but the author certainly knew how to hook her readers because I’m eagerly awaiting Quick and Doc’s story.
P.S.
A.E. Via books here.
Thank you to Signal Boost Promotions and Audible for providing the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Rating:
3.5 Stars – that place between like and loveSoundtrack: For Your Love
Artist: Josh Record
Album: Pillars -
REVIEW: Nothing Special by A.E. Via
Nothing Special – A.E. Via
Detective Cashel ‘Cash’ Godfrey is big, tattooed and angry so people typically keep their distance. He’s fresh out of the police academy, however, no one is looking to partner with the six foot four beast with a huge chip on his shoulder and an inability to trust. When Cash scans the orientation room he wasn’t expecting to find sexy hazel eyes locked onto him. Eyes of the handsome Detective Leonidis ‘Leo’ Day.
Leo is charming, witty, hilariously sarcastic and the only one that can make Cash smile. He’s proud, out and one bad-ass detective.
Together Cash and Leo become the most revered and successful narcotics detectives Atlanta’s ever seen. Able to communicate and understand each other, without even having to voice it, they quickly climb up the promotional ranks.
When Cash saves Leo’s life in a raid that turns deadly, Leo begins to see something in the big man that no one else does…something special. But Leo fears he’ll never break through the impenetrable wall that protects Cash’s heart.
Nothing Special takes the reader through various emotions throughout the richly fulfilling plot that’s full of erotic gay romance, heartache, passion, trials and tribulations, police action scenes, and an intriguing twist that comes to an amazing ending that’s impossible to see coming.
Well, what do you know! Turns out I liked the controversial poly hookup.
Just a heads, up, MCs God and Day had some fun with their co-workers Johnson and Ronowski. The two supporting characters got together through God’s matchmaking skills. The 4 men made it work! The chemistry was fantastic! Also, the homophobe Ronowski turned out to be my favorite character after he saw the light and stepped out of his closet.
Prior to that, God and his out and proud partner, Day were the best detectives in the precinct. They were also attracted to each other but God is, for all appearances, straight. It took a big fight and judicious use of the Find Your Lover app for God to realize his feelings. After four years of stoicism, he flipped just liked that.
I was rolling my eyes out of their sockets at how ALPHA God and Day were. They were so alpha, any more they would start howling at the moon. There was so much OTT posturing and testosterone it was hard to take seriously.
And there was too much sex. I understand smexy times are vital to most couples but inserting a sex scene almost every other chapter when these pages could have been used to bolster the barely there plot, the suspense and the investigation just kills the momentum for me. I was bored at some points.
BUT, I also found the book entertaining overall. There were many scenes and lines that were genuinely funny. Usually courtesy of Day’s inappropriate humor and his banters with God and Ro. I was drawn to most of the characters, even the two main numbnuts, God and Day. Though what I really want is more of Johnson and Ronowski.
In many way, the book reminded me of cheesy buddy cop movies except the characters were gay. It’s not going to win any Oscars but it’s sure as hell fun to watch. You could just shut your brain and enjoy the ride. Then you come back for more.
Which is why at the time of this writing, I’m already done with book two.
Rating:
3.5 Stars – that place between like and loveSoundtrack: Gotta Know the Rules
Artist: Social Distortion
Album: White Light White Heat White Trash -
REVIEW: Sadistic Sherlock by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott
Ward Security: Sadistic Sherlock – Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott
Ten years ago, Dominic Walsh faked his own death. With no true identity, it wasn’t hard. But if he’d stayed, he would have been drawn further into a life he’d never chosen. He has friends and family at Ward Security now and has managed to escape his dark past. There is only one thing he truly wants.
Abraham Stephens.
When Dom was first tasked with watching over his friend’s father, he didn’t expect to fall so hard for the gorgeous silver fox. But Abe is interested in friendship only. He’s at a point in his life where he wants something permanent, not a romp with the sexy redhead who happens to be the same age as his son.
But Abe finds himself drawn deeper into Dom’s life when cryptic messages start appearing—ones that frighten the skilled security specialist. The more Dom tries to hide what’s happening, the more Abe wants to help him.
And maybe, just maybe, he’ll find a way to trust the strength of the bond Dom understood from the start.
Ward Security is the spin-off series of Unbreakable Bonds. This features Ward Security employees from the bodyguards like Dom to the tech specialists like Quinn. Ward Security is like a family to many of them
I think Ward Security rule #1 should be: At the first sign of trouble, tell Rowe.
Yet another Ward Security employee is neck-deep in trouble and failed to tell the boss. Dom, whose cheeky personality reminded me of Rowe, saved an A-list movie star from a stalker. His heroic act was caught on cam and became a viral video. This led people he ran away from and who thought he was dead to track his whereabouts. And then, these people threatened him and Abe via ciphers.
At first he tried to handle it himself. But he was caught and had to be rescued. Stupid, stupid move, Dom.
I enjoyed the unveiling of Dom’s mysterious past. Because of his goofy personality, you would think he had it easy but his childhood was spent thieving and conning. I especially liked the meeting with the last of his family. His brother was a ruthless psycho, though I’m kind of interested in him and his boyfriend. Too bad he was almost 100% evil so it’s a no go on more appearances.
Abe and Dom’s slow-burn romance began in book one. Abe was the mysterious person the bodyguard was so hang up on. And Dom, who was normally a playboy, had been pursuing him for a year.
I pictured Abe as a Henry Rollins lookalike because the punker is THE silver fox. Abe had known he was bi since his younger days but had never really acted on his attraction to men. Until Dom.
Truth be told, this is the book I’m least looking forward to read. The romance had the age-gap, silver fox trope. It’s not really something I go for. I find it kind of awkward that Dom is same age as Abe’s son, Shane. I’m ok with mature MCs. I just prefer them with love interests close to their age.
Still, I rate this a notch higher than the previous book, Deadly Dorian. Even if the romance was not my cup of tea, I liked Dom and Abe individually. Also, the troubled past had been done in the series before with Royce’s story, but, Sadistic Sherlock was able to offer a different take while still having the usual elements we love, like the missions, the humor and the OTT action scenes. This was also a more fun story with more involvement from the other guys.
This series has been hits and misses so far, but I’m pretty much committed to it. The characters feel like old friends and I love catching up with each of them every time there’s a new story. Here’s hoping the next one would be better.
P.S.
Ward Security is best read in order. WS books here
Unbreakable Bonds hereRating:
3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked itSoundtrack: Bury It
Artist: CHVRCHES
Album: Every Open Eye
