• book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Guarding Garrett by R.J. Scott

    52237831. sy475

    Hockey Allies Bachelor Bids: Guarding Garrett – R.J. Scott

    A hardworking, competitive, and skilled hockey player, Garrett is the cornerstone of the Burlington Dragons hockey team and one of the league’s most popular playmakers. Blessed with a face that delivers millions in endorsements, he has a legion of fans, and a future so bright that he is the envy of many.

    When his internet fame puts him in danger, and a stalker threatens his life, the team hires Jason, a quiet but deadly former marine, to protect him. Danger is always close, but forced proximity means sparks fly, attraction burns, and somehow, resentment turns to love.

    When Garrett’s stalker ups their game at a charity bachelor auction, there is a real chance it could mean the end for Garrett, but Jason refuses to leave his side whatever the risk.

    These two stubborn men will have to fight to walk away from this alive, but their newfound love is worth every sacrifice.


    Ever since Rachel Reid‘s fantastic Game Changers series, I developed a thing for gay hockey romance despite not knowing anything about the sport. And there are a lot of MM hockey romances out there. I don’t know what it is about hockey players (maybe because they’re so damn cute?) but there something about them that’s so shippable to each other.

    Guarding Garret is your tough, uber-popular athlete needing protection from a stalker. Who you can guess the identity right away because they’re the only person described with some negativity. The romance itself, you already know how it will play out.

    But what I really liked about this was that R.J. Scott was still able to deliver an entertaining falling-for-the-bodyguard romance that’s a breeze to read and satisfying to finish. The story felt like of those beloved rom-coms you’ve seen a million times but can still make you smile every time. And even better, we are spared the requisite big fight commonly deployed in the genre.

    Garrett is pretty much obsessed with hockey. He’s a social media darling with a meme to his name. He’s known as that naked guy with the hippo. He’s also driven, kinda sullen but when he talks about his advocacy, supporting LGBT youth in sports, you could really see how passionate he is about it. He’s like the ideal athlete every sports agent dreams of. I had a fun time going through his thoughts and it was even more fun when he and his bodyguard started bantering.

    Jason was the bodyguard assigned to him. We only see him from Garrett’s POV. Jason is straight-laced, hard to read and kept his distance for as long as he could. For which I’m glad because the man was clearly keen on doing his job properly. I liked how smooth the transition from bodyguard to boyfriend was executed and even after that, Jason was still very profession. This gets a mention because I really hate it when pros fuck up when all of a sudden they’re emotionally involved.

    Guarding Garrett is part of the shared-world Hockey Allies Bachelor Bid. The common thing that unites the books are hockey and a charity auctioning off the players for a date. Garrett was one of the organizers of the event.

    For me, this is a great book to start off the series. It gave a nice backgrounder to the bachelor bid part and introduced the other characters who will appear on the other books. Recommended if you like a straightforward sports romance about a hockey player who broke the internet and his bodyguard who tried to resist.

    The books can be read in any order.

    P.S.

    Thank you to Signal Boost Promotions for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review.

    Rating:
    3.5 Stars – that place between like and love

    Soundtrack: I’m In Love Today
    Artist: The Boyfriends
    Album: I’m In Love Today

  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: The Bodyguard Book 1 by X. Aratare

    18911675

    The Artifact: The Bodyguard Book 1 – X. Aratare

    Dane Gareis is a wealthy, reclusive young man with a traumatic past, but a spine of steel. When his father is killed in a mysterious plane crash, Dane carries on the family business and continues his passion for the very antiquity that got his father murdered — a golden sarcophagus belonging to an ancient cult known as the Ydrath.

    Soon, the Ydrath threaten him as well, and Dane seeks to hire a bodyguard he can trust. Someone who can protect him, and someone who will respect his boundaries. While he gets the first two, the third requirement falls apart when he hires Sean Harding.

    Sean Harding is an ex-detective with a sixth sense for danger. After his entire unit was murdered in a drug bust gone very wrong, he is a broken man who thinks only of revenge until he takes the job protecting the Gareis CEO.

    Sean’s attraction to the vulnerable Dane gives him new purpose, but his past is not escaped so easily, and his sixth sense tells him that there is more to the Ydrath than even Dane knows.


    This was 95% fluff, 5% everything else.

    By fluff, I both mean things that were designed to make people squee and unsubstantial fillers designed to make a book longer.

    I normally enjoyed the author’s brand of fluff. When deployed properly, it could work to spectacular results. Witness: The Vampire’s Club. But here, it overwhelmed the story, leaving little room for an interesting backstory to work its magic.

    Book 1 took pains to establish the connection between Dane and Sean but I felt it was too forced. I think the two would have come together more naturally had the book been a longer novel instead of three installments. Giving more page time to the Ydrath and the mysterious ongoings would have made this a stronger start to the serial.

    I don’t know yet where this is heading. I’m not sure if there’s enough hook to make me go for the next installment. But this is X. Aratare we’re talking about here so maybe, just maybe I’ll keep at it.

    P.S.

    X. Aratare books here.

    Rating:
    2.5 Stars – far from hate but not quite a like

    Soundtrack: Will You Touch Me?
    Artist: Yoko Ono
    Album: Fly

  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Death and Destruction by Patricia Logan

    30298772. sy475

    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 bits

    Soundtrack: Run
    Artist: Foo Fighters
    Album: Concrete and Gold

  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Sadistic Sherlock by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

    41795497. sy475

    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 here

    Rating:
    3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it

    Soundtrack: Bury It
    Artist: CHVRCHES
    Album: Every Open Eye

  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Deadly Dorian by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

    39182824. sy475

    Someone is trying to kill Marc Foster.

    Attempted poisoning was bad enough, but when the would-be killer messes with the brakes on Marc’s precious Porsche, the art dealer admits he needs help. He just wasn’t expecting help to be quite so dark and sexy.

    Royce Karras loves his job at Ward Security. He’s making up for a lifetime of bad decisions and a bloody past he’d rather forget. But Marc isn’t the spoiled rich boy he thought he’d be protecting. Sticking close to Marc as his “boyfriend” gives Royce insight into his toxic family, but it also reveals a brilliant, compassionate man who completely disarms Royce. Against his better judgment, Royce finds himself falling.

    But can they find a way to make it work when Royce’s past threatens to tear their lives apart? Their futures hinges on a lost Renaissance painting, six Bichon Frises, and a pornographic Robin Hood.

    No worries, right? 


    Ward Security is the spin-off series of Unbreakable Bonds. This features Ward Security employees from the bodyguards like Royce to the tech specialists like Quinn. Ward Security is like a family to many of them

    Hmm…

    Okay so I really like Royce. I really liked Marc. They were great together but finishing their book was a struggle. Seemed like the story let them down somehow.

    There were two major threads running. First was somebody was trying to kill Marc, possibly someone from his own family. This led to him hiring Royce as a bodyguard and pretending to be a couple to avoid letting his siblings know he was suspecting them. This in turn led to their fake boyfriend deal turning into the real thing.

    I loved this part. Sure there was too much ‘desperate need‘ for my liking and also a little too insta but Royce and Marc had undeniable chemistry. Even Marc’s homophobic siblings could see that. So I’m all in for their romance. The mystery of who was trying to get Marc out of the picture had a neat little twist to it that I didn’t see coming. All in all the mystery side of the story was well done.

    The second plot point was Royce’s family woes. Royce was the nephew of a Greek mob boss. Royce mother took him away from the family business when he was young and the uncle never forgave her for that. Royce still ended up working as an enforcer. Somewhere along the way, he met a gentle writer named Michael with whom he had a serious relationship. After some dirty deals gone sour and a tragic incident occurred, Royce resolved to leave the past behind and live a new life. However, the past caught up to him and now his mother was in danger.

    This one could have been great. I loved that we finally learn more about Royce’s past and why he is so damn angry and closed off all the time. However some things here were a bit too OTT even if I did my usual suspension of disbelief trick. The part of him and Marc pulling off a heist in order to get a valuable painting had me scratching my head for a bit. Angelo the thief was kind of unnecessary. Royce could have handled things more smartly than this while still staying true to his Dark Lord persona. The rescue could have been done much sooner.

    Also Royce was being an idiot with his ‘for your own good’ reasoning when he very stupidly pushed Marc away because he was scared he might put Marc, with his heart condition, in danger. Like if his uncle’s goons jumped his boyfriend and have a heart attack. Eh, should have have let him grovel more, Marc.

    But of course, this series is all about the characters. It’s great that Garrett finally had more page time. He should get his own book. Quinn was adorkable as always (where the hell is Shane) and yay for Sven and Geoffrey. Rowe and Noah nearly stole the show simply by being their usual crazy selves.

    Overall, it was a mixed bag of highs and lows.

    Ward Security might not be as strong a series as Unbreakable Bonds but even if I’m not so impressed with Deadly Dorian, I’m not throwing in the towel just yet. I love these boys too much.

    P.S.

    Dom is next. I’m not so sure about the age-gap thing but we’ll see how his story works out.

    Ward Security is best read in order. WS books here
    Unbreakable Bonds books here

    Rating:
    2 Stars – it’s a struggle to finish the damn book

    Soundtrack: Fear and Loathing
    Artist: Marina and the Diamonds
    Album: Electra Heart

  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Dantes Unglued by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

    38202175. sy475

    Ward Security: Dantes Unglued – Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

    When private investigator, Shane Stephens, is hired by the mayor of Cincinnati to track down the hacker who has been threatening him, Shane is sure this is the opportunity to launch the Merleau Detection Agency into the big time. He even convinces Rowe Ward of Ward Security to loan him one of his best IT specialists, Quinn Lake.

    Shane, a man who prefers casual intimacy, is surprised by his attraction to the moody computer geek, but when Quinn suggests they have fun for the month he’s on loan, Shane happily agrees. Both men are expecting nothing more than a good time.

    But the investigation takes an unexpected turn and they quickly discover they are facing more than a hacker out to ruin the mayor’s re-election chances. And as they spend more time together, they realize their relationship may be a lot more than just a good time.

    With only weeks until the election, Shane and Quinn race to gather the proof they need while dodging bullets and possibly…falling in love.


    Ward Security is the spin-off series of Unbreakable Bonds. This features Ward Security employees from the bodyguards like Sven to the tech specialists like Quinn. Ward Security is like a family to many of them.

    Dantes Unglued is the second book of the series starring IT specialist a.k.a. reformed hacker Quinn Lake and private investigator Shane Stephens. They were to track down a hacker threatening the mayor. The story was about revenge, referencing the characters in The Count of Monte Christo. As is usually the case with this author pair, the mystery was nothing to write home about but since it gave a viable reason for the hacker and PI to work together and be together (because that is really why we’re here), I’m not complaining about that part.

    But, hmm…I dunno. I wanted to like this more. I’m all gung-ho for the entire idea of Quinn and Shane hooking up, I’ve been hearing about Shane in the other books and Quinn had major page time in Psycho Romeo. But, what came out fell somewhere between liked and loved.

    I adored Quinn. Always had. Diggin’ his nerdy hacker vibe. I wanna hang out with him and chill over Assassin’s Creed. Shane, I could take or leave. I liked that he reads, he’s easy going, he’s honest and he’s not afraid to admit he’s scared but he wouldn’t really stand out in a room full of JD & RE characters.

    The book is written in dual POV and that is normally something I go for. In this case, however, I think it would be more interesting to see the story progressed through Shane’s perspective alone. I liked seeing nerds from their lover’s POV and I wanted to see how Quinn put his genius to work and how he blossomed as he went from shy and inexperienced to toppy and happy though Shane’s eyes. I enjoyed experiencing Shane’s growing awareness that there is somebody worth committing to as the truth gradually dawned on him. And I liked his determined pursuit of the man.

    “Sometimes, when it’s real, it doesn’t take long at all.”

    Quinn and Shane were good together. The affection was there, the physical attraction was strong, so was the chemistry. They were upfront that it’s all about fun, casual sex. But it kind of seemed like it was all they had. I wasn’t that convinced that they should be using the L-word already for the mere two weeks they were together. Though I am convinced they’re heading towards that point, they just need more chapters to build their relationship or at least an epilogue. But yeah, if your boy’s a hardcore gamer, a room full of gaming consoles seals the deal.

    P.S.

    The Dark Lord is next. Fuck yeah Royce!

    To fully enjoy Ward Security, it’s best to also read Unbreakable Bonds. The books should be read in order.

    Ward Security books here
    Unbreakable Bonds here
    Jocelynn Drake books here

    Rating:
    3.5 Stars – that place between like and love

    Soundtrack: Little Bit
    Artist: Lykke Li
    Album: Youth Novels

  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Psycho Romeo by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

    36262555. sy475

    Ward Security: Psycho Romeo – Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

    The Ward Security Series is a spin-off of the Unbreakable Bonds Series.

    Geoffrey Ralse is known for being the life of the party. He loves the club scene, hanging with his friends, and flirting with whomever catches his eye. He certainly isn’t going to stop living his life just because some would-be stalker starts sending him threats. 

    But it all changes when Geoffrey is drugged and wakes up half naked in his own home with a new message from his stalker. 

    He needs help and there’s only one person he trusts… 

    Protective Agent Sven Larsen has been fighting Geoffrey’s flirtatious advances for months, even though he’s impossibly drawn to the man. There’s no way he can be around him twenty-four/seven and not finally crack. But one look at Geoffrey’s haunted eyes, and he knows there’s no way he’s letting Geoffrey walk out of Ward Security without him. 

    Even if it means breaking his own rules, he will keep Geoffrey safe.

    Trigger warning: There is a very short section with sexual assault that some could find upsetting


    Ward Security is the spin-off series of Unbreakable Bonds. This features Ward Security employees from the bodyguards like Sven to the tech specialists like Quinn. Ward Security is like a family to many of them.

    Rowe and Noah had a lot of page time here. My heart gave happy lil jigs every time the UB characters show up on page or there were updates on how they’re doing.

    I’m super amused at how the book kept emphasizing that Geoffrey, at 5’5, is smol while here I am, an inch shorter than him and considered ‘tall’ by everyone I know. We’re all hobbits to Sven, who stands at 6’7(?).

    “Looks like I am doomed to stand in the land of giants.”

    It’s not only the size difference that made up their crazy good opposite-attracts chemistry. Geoffrey is vivacious and talkative while Sven is taciturn and still. The bodyguard tried to put up a distant, stoic front but Geoffrey was adorably relentless. The great Nordic giant stood no chance. And I knew, that moment in Unbreakable Bonds when Geoffrey flipped him over his back with his badass Aikido move, they were IT!

    Psycho Romeo has some noticeably wonky parts. The mystery took longer to solve than it was supposed to and the showdown with the villain was a bit meh though I’m happy Geoffrey was no damsel in distress. I hardly felt any suspense but as a whole, these weaknesses could be overlooked because the book delivered where it really mattered.

    The thing with JD & RE so far is that they write great romance but the other aspects of the stories are not as strongly executed. These things might or might not be a big deal depending on how good the book is in general. Be that as it may, they have created many memorable characters and it’s quite easy to get hook on their books.

    From the look of things, Ward Security is shaping up to be as addicting as the original series. I’m already starting on Quinn and Shane’s story.

    P.S.

    To fully enjoy Ward Security, it’s best to also read Unbreakable Bonds. The books should be read in order.

    Unbreakable Bonds books here
    Jocelynn Drake books here

    Rating:
    4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits

    Soundtrack: We Fit Together
    Artist: Jess Penner
    Album: Love, Love, Love

  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Shiver by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliot

    26695561. sy475

    Unbreakable Bonds: Shiver – Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

    Lucas Vallois is always in control. He’s building an empire in the glittering city of Cincinnati and created his own family from his three close friends. The self-made millionaire has everything he wants within his tight grasp. But his world starts to crumble after he’s jumped by a trio of thugs late one night after leaving a club. The warning is clear—give up his new property venture or end up dead.

    Caving to the demands of his friends, Lucas accepts the help of bodyguard, Andrei Hadeon, as as he hunts for the source of this new threat. But as Lucas gets closer to uncovering the danger, he realizes the sexy Romanian bodyguard poses an even bigger risk to his carefully constructed world. Trapped by a need he never expected, Lucas must find a way to deny the shiver of longing he cannot control.

    His brother. His warrior. His heart. Four friends. Unbreakable bonds.

    Unbreakable Bonds is centered around four men who have deep connections with each other. Lucas Vallois, the alpha and the center who holds everything together. Ashton ‘Snow’ Frost, dark and brooding, is a trauma surgeon and the one Lucas considers his brother. Rowan ‘Rowe’ Ward, laid back and goofy, they met him during basic military training. He is their warrior. Their heart is Ian Pierce, a talented chef. He’s adorable, the type you want to put in your pocket to keep safe. Well, I want to put them all in my pocket really. I love these guys! ♡

    Shiver is Lucas’ story.

    Lucas, a born protector, suddenly found himself in need of protection. Because of his new business venture, he received threats to his life which landed him in the hospital. Rowe, a security specialist, insisted he had a bodyguard and brought in his best employee, Andrei Hadeon, a former MMA fighter. Lucas, who was bi, found himself instantly attracted to the bodyguard but he has a rule of not sleeping with straight men and Andrei screams straight. Meanwhile, Andrei, who was not 100% sure he’s straight, was unexpectedly drawn to Lucas who made it hard for him to do his job.

    The story is first a romance, the rest comes in second. There’s some insta-love in play which I’m not really into. They came together in a matter of days. Still, the authors made it work. The chemistry between Lucas and Andrei was obvious from the start and it was fantastic!

    Lucas had a thing for Andrei’s hair and couldn’t resist touching it every chance he gets. One time, it was singed so he had his best hairstylist work on it and refused to let him cut it short. Meanwhile, Andrei tried to figure things out.

    “It’s that I’m attracted to Lucas. He’s…”

    “Beautiful,” Ian supplied and Andrei glared at him. That word went without saying. “But I think you mean that Lucas is one hundred percent pure alpha. He’s controlling and dictatorial. He’s dominant and there’s no way around that. It’s his comfort zone and I have a feeling it’s the only way he knows how to be.”

    “Yes.”

    He even went so far as to test it, kissing other guys to see if he liked it. Which made Lucas possessive and growly. ♡〜٩(^▿^)۶

    With the “am I gay” question, I was hoping the authors would go with something like Andrei liking Lucas as a person and not worry about the gay thing. I mean, you like who you like, unless you’re a pedo.

    The mystery was moderately interesting and, IMO, a bit thin. The men needed to find out who’s behind these threats. It could have been solved sooner. It felt like it was just there to provide some action and conflict. Andrei’s MMA background proved useful when he needed to infiltrate the gang running illegal fights to identify the boss behind the threats. When the bodyguard’s life was in danger, Lucas was all but ready to rain fire on the city. Rowe and Snow rallied around him and the three ex-soldiers immediately got their soldier mode on. It was a suspenseful moment but I already had an inkling who was behind the threats and the guy turned out to be laughably weak in the end. Meh.

    Now, if I didn’t know Hollis Banner was being set-up for Ian, I would have said the guy was up to no good. He kept showing up, accomplishing what exactly? Spreading his germs? Why was he out and about with that flu? And why was he alone? Don’t detectives normally work in pairs? I wished he had a more compelling reason to be around and a more useful role but I guess it’s still not his moment.

    Shiver is best read for it’s sizzling romance and lovable characters. Lucas, Snow, Rowe and Ian are fast becoming my favorite found family. What they had was something special. The authors did a great job portraying their awesome group dynamics. I loved how Andrei won his place in this tightly-knit group and I’ll be sticking around to see where he and Lucas would take their ‘monogamous no-strings attached‘ arrangement.

    P.S.

    Snow is up next. YES!!! We all know the dark, brooding ones are always the favorite.

    Other Jocelynn Drake books here.

    Rating:
    3.5 Stars – that place between like and love

    Soundtrack: Shiver
    Artist: The Gazette
    Album: Shiver