Daydreaming! Reviewing LGBTQIA Books, all formats ! Binge Watching A World of Romance
Author: Scattered Thoughts
At over 50, I am ruled by my terriers, my gardens, and my projects. A knack for grubbing about in the woods, making mud pies, and tending to the injured worms, bugs, and occasional bird and turtle growing up eventually led me to working for the Parks.
I was a park Naturalist for over 20 years, and observing Nature and her cycles still occupy my hours. From the arrival of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the Spring to the first call of the Snow Geese heading south in the Fall, I am entranced by the seasons. For more about me see my bio on my blog.
I knew I was in for a wonderful time when I found myself laughing out at a awkward moment just pages in. Hilarious, believable, and totally entertaining. For the readers and other characters watching.
Tyler Morris has a few issues. He loves being a veterinarian, but he can’t cope with losing patients, the heartbreak and grief. He’s also determined to lose his V card. Past trauma has made him feel like no one wants someone like him.
Daly Evans, new owner of the cafe and bakery, is also hiding major issues. Health issues that have effected his body image.
Taking the cafe over from his grandmother , Daly is struggling.
Tyler is a character we’ve met before, but here in Got Me Going, with his background exposed, and his inability to deal with the worst consequences of being a vet, Tyler comes vividly to life. Just as Daly does, as he fights to keep the shop open and his fears for his future in check.
I love this series and each couple has grabbed at my heart, but Daly and Tyler had me laughing, sniffling, and throughly enjoying their journey to HEA.
Cox has written a remarkable romance, full of heart and joy. I’m highly recommending it and the series.
Can a veterinarian lose his V-card before turning twenty-five? Oh, one hun p he can!
On the surface, I’m super sassy and just a little bit extra. But underneath, I’m hiding a painful secret from my past and one hugely embarrassing problem in my present—I’m still a…I’m still a…Dammit, I can’t even get it out.
Let’s just say it starts with V and ends in irgin.
Daly’s the new barista, and he takes Thirsty Thursdays to a whole new level. He’s drop-dead gorgeous with a sexy shaved head, ocean-blue eyes, and an insane smile that lights me up whenever he aims it my way. He’s also kind, friendly, and interesting. In other words, the perfect guy to be my first time.
A night of too much coconut tequila leads to us making a drunken pact. Daly will help me with my V-status issue, but he adds a caveat. We have to get to know each other first. Then, and only then, can the physical stuff happen.
It sounds simple enough. But the more I get to know him, the more I realize what we have is more than just a physical attraction. We share a connection. We like the same things. And stupidly, I’ve gone ahead and caught feelings for the guy.
This was never meant to be anything more than just a physical thing, so why has Daly got me going out of my mind the way he does?
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Another new to me author as well as a new series to read! The Alpha and his King , the first in The Kincaid Pack series, is a hurt/comfort paranormal romance that I really connected with .
Clark has a wonderful premise to begin with, as Alpha Rick Kincaid establishing a pack of mixed shifters, taking in those kicked out or rejected by their own rigid, old fashioned packs. It has a Tiger, bird species, and witches, along with wolf shifters.
So we start with a large foundation of found family, and a Alpha who’s carrying the weight of pulling together the new and old members into a integrated pack.
Clark’s descriptions and scenes make everyone easy to “see” and become invested in the more we learn about themselves and how the pack was established after Rick took over.
But the story really flourishes when it comes to the abused King teenagers and toddlers. From the moment they are rescued all throughout the story where each continues to work through the trauma they have lived through and have not had any help in moving past it or dealing with it.
The little ones are adorable, but the deeply painful, almost entrenched damage is realistic and emotionally painful enough to hold both Kai and Samantha , his sister back from integrating into a new better place and pack.
On top of all this is a mystery and danger to the pack, and new members.
I was absolutely hooked from the beginning and read on until the story was finished. The terrific storytelling and characters kept me engaged and glued to the page until the end.
I’ll be binging the rest of the stories, and so I’m onto the next in the series.
When Kai flies out of a shed, swinging a rake, Rick’s life flips upside down.
As alpha, Rick’s dedication to his pack has never wavered—until Kai. The pull he feels toward the younger man is more than a simple distraction, but Rick won’t let himself lose focus. Not while a hidden enemy is drawing near.
Moving in with the grumpy alpha who saved him is a big change for Kai, and it isn’t long before he begins to ache for something he can’t have. As a half-human shifter responsible for his three younger siblings, he knows he can never be Rick’s mate.
Pushing aside their doubts and insecurities, they grow closer. But when the pack’s enemies strike, bringing their fears to fruition, Rick and Kai have to decide if they’re willing to risk it all to be together.
The Alpha and His King is the first book in the Kincaid Pack series and features a quick-tempered and possessive alpha; a sweet and feisty alpha-mate; shifters, seers, and witches galore; massive amounts of hurt/comfort; and a happily ever after.
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
I was looking forward to The Replacement Husband (Goddess Blessed #1) by Eliot Grayson based on the description and the author. But unfortunately this romance just doesn’t work.
Grayson’s plot has a mythical element (as does the series) where there’s a Goddess based religion, a Goddess who’s a actual influence, and a element where men are characterized as “goddess blessed “ upon birth.
But the foundation, history, or actual facts for any of that is scarce to none. Which is frustrating considering that the main character of Owen Honeywell is a goddess blessed person.
I think it was meant to mean he could be married to a man, but , honestly, the whole thing is never well defined. Owen says at one point he thinks he should act the part of a wife. But however he should act is dropped.
So much of what happens here in terms of plotting or exposition just has so little grounding or narrative legwork done before the scenes occur. Owen agrees to a marriage, we see no courtship. So when the drama arrives, we really are connected to anyone or the situation.
Fighting with the family? Why? Because, due to lack of history , there’s absolutely no reason to believe anyone’s arguments. Why should we care? Plus we don’t know these people.
It continues like that for every aspect of the story except for Arthur’s and Owen’s sex life. We don’t see much of their daily marriage and how they are getting closer. Which I think is a shame. Because what the author does show is sweet and romantic.
A rushed ending, with yet another climactic event just prior, and a few more odd “out of the blue” elements that are needed for the next story, and it was over.
It’s not terrible but it’s just missing so much, like a foundation and details , that would bring this into focus.
There’s two more after this, including one that actually makes the villain of this piece (a vile person) the new main character. Uh no. Skipping that and probably the series.
Owen Honeyfield lives a goddess-blessed life. His picture-perfect courtship and engagement to the man of his dreams is proof of that. But when his betrothal takes a disastrous turn, Owen’s only hope to restore his tarnished reputation comes from a most shocking source—the cold, disturbingly sensual brother of the man who just shattered his heart and abandoned him. Perhaps he’s not as blessed as he’d always thought…
Arthur Drake is accustomed to cleaning up after his impulsive and selfish brother. After all, he’s done it his whole life. The latest debacle, though, is much worse than usual. This time, his brother’s actions have threatened not only their family name, but Arthur’s own happiness. The only honorable choice is to marry Owen. But while he knows he can repair the damage to his beautiful new husband’s reputation, mending his broken heart might prove infinitely more difficult.
It’s not long before the lines between duty and passion blur, and Arthur finds himself in the inconvenient position of falling for his new husband. Will his love be enough to convince Owen to let their marriage of convenience become the happily ever after they both deserve?
This is an M/M romance set in an alternate-universe Regency with waistcoats, awkward tea-drinking, and pagan goddesses on the loose. It is the first in a series, but it can be read as a standalone.
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
If you’re a lover of werewolf paranormal romances, then this new release, The Werewolf’s Heart by F.N. Fanning might just be the story for you.
The first in Fanning’s Supernatural Affairs series, it’s a quick flowing read that features a mystery, a mate bond, and magical evil doings.
Fanning doesn’t add any new elements to the werewolf accumulated species history here but does give us some very engaging characters in Aaron Honeywell, new to the neighborhood, and supernatural detective Merritt Slate, who’s team is “parked” across the street as part of a ongoing investigation into missing werewolves.
I enjoyed their romance but was missing a lot of world building and background on the universe they lived in, the sort of organization that employed Merritt, and well, just a good grounding in basics.
So I came away with having a enjoyable experience here with a romance that asks little from its reader other than a superficial entertainment. Sometimes that’s just fine.
It will continue in a book that focuses on Merritt’s brother, Chase, also a detective with the agency. This was fun so I expect to pick that one up as well.
A supernatural detective goes undercover to catch a predator… love was never part of the plan. Being a new homeowner is nothing like Aaron Honeywell imagined. Instead of unpacking and decorating, he’s suddenly dodging handsy fox shifters and getting a crash course in the supernatural world. And his teacher is a drop-dead sexy werewolf who seems to crave him too. Except he’s sworn to put Aaron’s safety above everything else, including their desires.
Merritt Slate loves his job. Usually. It’s just impossible to remember why when stuck posing as bait in suburbia to catch a kidnapper powerful enough to abduct werewolves. He won’t let an innocent person get caught in the crossfire, so protecting Aaron is more important than his feelings, no matter what his wolf thinks.
But the threats lurking outside their cozy street are getting closer to home. Kidnapping shifters is just the beginning of a sinister magical plot that may require Aaron’s help to succeed… whether he’s willing to provide it or not. Can the werewolf protect his heart, or will evil forces shatter it forever?
The Werewolf’s Heart is the first spellbinding book in a series of passionate M/M paranormal romances. Fans of Eliot Grayson and The Chosen Champions Series by Macy Blake will love this modern fantasy novel featuring a fiercely protective wolf shifter, a sweet human searching for a place to call home, and the kind of love that’s worth risking everything for.
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
The Boy in the Locked Room is a good example of second book syndrome. The first story sets the characters and world building. The second story needs to continue that momentum going, while further developing the storylines (if that’s the format the author’s chosen) as well as allowing for character growth.
It definitely shouldn’t raise more issues than it does contribute towards a bettering a relationship with the characters and the series arc the author’s laying out.
Which is my problem with The Boy in the Locked Room . See full list at the bottom.
At the end of The Ghost in the Hall , a book I loved btw, the MC the medium, Edward Campion, had become paralyzed from the waist down, due to a battle with a evil spirit.
Avery’s descriptions of Ward dealing with his long recovery, his disability and it’s very real impact on every aspect of his life is raw, filled with tears, darkness, and is absolutely believable.
Ward isn’t thinking about the boy who needs saving. And still visits him nightly, albeit rarely in the beginning of the book. Ward is rightfully concerned with his own personal issues. His business, which is taking a hit because of his recovery. He’s depressed and feeling too dependent on others, like his orc Professor boyfriend, Mason . They’ve moved in together but even that’s feeling out of sync. The adjustment isn’t going smoothly.
This is where I’m conflicted because Avery does an incredible job with Ward in this situation , once having made the decision to injure Ward so severely in the story. However, it now becomes so much a part of the current story that any other subjects or threads are relegated to a lesser narrative status.
Including the boy in the locked room.
What comes next in the high percentage of scenes after the turmoil of Ward adjusting to his disability and new reality is his sex life. Or rather his and Mason’s. This does dovetail into how both parties are relating to each other physically and emotionally after Ward’s trauma.
But, there’s so many that just as we start with a scene or storyline that’s connected to Rayn, the tormented boy that’s dream walking, and crying out for help, it’s stopped. And we’re back to yet another sex scene.
The entire subject of the book’s title is given very little space until the story is halfway finished which is a shame because the horror and mystery is a excellent idea, but truly not given the depth or details it needs.
So where did the space go to? Chapter 19. A chapter the author themselves states, in a Dear Readers note within the book , can be skipped over because it includes,“an attempted sexual assault in Chapter 19. Readers who have survived similar experiences may be more comfortable skipping ahead to Chapter 20.” Avery has written a raw, graphic scene that’s hard to read, where a vulnerable person is being sexually assaulted. This includes a suspenseful build up as well as the scene itself. It’s the entire chapter.
This also includes a trip to the hospital, rape kit scene, and police investigation. Raw and brutal, as it would be.
There’s one impactful magical element that’s of note. It could be referenced or brought into this story another way outside of this chapter.
So my issue and question is, if a full chapter and entire major aspect of a plot and character storyline be skipped over, is it really necessary to begin with? Especially one that’s so traumatic, carries with it triggers, and deep emotional pain ?
Was it just needed to bring that one magical development to light?
That’s a chapter that could have been used to further the complicated history and horror that’s Rayn. Or any of the other ghosts or families asking Ward and Mason for assistance. Some including Sylvia are fantastic.
And let’s not forget the fantastic elf Detective Hart. His role here was enlarged, remarkable, and again makes me want a series just for him.
So for me? The Boy in the Locked Room (Beyond the Veil #2) by K.M. Avery suffered from :
✓ too many sex scenes, which leads to
✓ a lack of concentration on the actual title subject matter,
✓ the fact it contains an entire chapter devoted to a brutal attempted sexual assault that the author said could be skipped . So is it really necessary?
Final question. If a book has wonderful characters, great ideas, and moments where it seems to come together but just didn’t because of every reason I just stated, would you be recommending it?
The boy begging for help in my nightmares is very real. He’s trapped, and it’s up to me and Mason to get him out. The trouble is, we have to find him first.
It would be a lot easier if we weren’t also trying to solve a series of magical murders and deal with my horrible ex-boyfriend at the same time.
Oh, and on top of that, I’m trying to make this relationship work, but that’s not the easiest thing to do when you’re a magnet for ghosts and murderers, your ex is a complete narcissist, and your boyfriend is an orc witch.
As they say, when it rains, it pours.
A HFN, M/M Paranormal Romance—book two in Mason and Ward’s story.
Book Two of Beyond the Veil.
Book One: The Ghost in the Hall
(TW: Attempted on page graphic sexual assault)
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
I throughly enjoyed Lethal, the first book in this series. It had a sweet twist as far as the main characters, which directly affected their dynamics and relationship.
It was also my introduction to this world of undercover ops, twin semiautonomous agencies, and their operatives who all seem to have a sort of connection between themselves.
The operatives are all ex-professional military personnel, fierce , intelligent and highly effective in their areas of expertise.
Pegasus, the agency here is more undercover and newly established.
That’s the background. Gage and Mason Taylor are our main characters and POVs in Rough. We watched them bicker and circle each other in Lethal, their chemistry obvious. It’s a opposites attract story.
Mason Taylor is old rich money. He’s a known entity and that’s been used as part of his cover in the past. Gage’s past, other than career, isn’t as clear.
This is one of my issues with the series that starts with this story. I’ll table it for now.
Knightley does a excellent job creating interesting, connectable characters, outfitting them with emotionally laden issues, and then pulling it altogether in a fast-paced , suspenseful espionage thriller.
Gage’s family issues are heartbreaking and the character that acts as a bridge to bring them into Mason’s home is everything.
But this is where the suspension of belief sets in. Pegasus is a semiautonomous organization. High security with all that entails. Including high security clearances. Background checks on every operative to ensure they don’t have anything that would make them a security risk. Like a ex with addiction issues, money problems, and an employee with living quarters in risky area because of money flow issues.
Uh no. Red flags. Nope. Not hired.
And this is a narrative problem that carries over into the following stories.
There’s a few other things that’s problematic but that’s such a glaring example of a major issue that I’ll leave that out there.
Does that balance out a hot romance and terrific characters? Along with a fast paced storyline? Well, if this type of book is your jam, probably so.
Opposites attract, Blk Ops adventure, chemistry and hot men, heartwarming romance.
But a little eye roll as well.
I enjoyed it for what it was. And recommending it for that too.
🔹Operation Justice Force series:
✓ Lethal #1
✓ Rough #2
◦ Honor #3
◦ Rebel #4 – Nov 17, 2022
*there’s connecting series that precedes this, Code of Honor Justice Force series as well as Out for Justice Cobalt Security series.
After circling around each other for so long, are they ready to take it to the next level?
Mason can admit that he’s had the hots for rough and gruff Gage Hillcrest for well over a year now. Only Gage is bossy and overbearing as all hell. Not to mention that Gage is a closed book and Mason doesn’t know anything about the man.
Gage has wanted smart mouthed and sexy, Mason Taylor since he first laid eyes on him. But the two of them are like oil and water. Mason is wild. And well, Gage is not. Mason also has a big house and more money than he’d ever need while Gage is drowning in debt.
When Pegasus is asked to help the local police find a missing undercover officer, the unit leaps in with all hands on deck. Lives collide when they roll out on the mission and Mason finds out that Gage needs aid taking care of his family. Of course, Mason jumps in to help.
As the pair grow closer, life gets more complicated when Gage’s son goes missing. With loved ones in jeopardy, Pegasus will do everything in their power to find the little boy and recover the missing undercover cop before it’s too late.
Because in the end, it’s all about family and taking care of those in need.
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
So What If I’m Your Chosen One (Not Your Chosen One #2) by Evelyn Benvie picks up right after the end of I’m Not Your Chosen One, the first one in the series.
Kell is in a emotional muddle. The stars are pushing him towards his “destiny” as The Chosen One without much guidance. There’s Ansel, patiently waiting for Kell to figure out what their relationship is exactly and let Ansel know . Slow burn it is! But the biggest issue is deciding what sort of Chosen , if any, Kell’s going to be and how he’s to achieve the very high goal of saving Allune.
Even if it’s from the gods themselves.
So What If I Am The Chosen One has a tremendous amount of action, new characters, and revelations.
It also has Kell doing a bit more whinging as my British friends would call it. I had thought Kell had settled some of these issues in the first book, but almost immediately they are raised again here. Kell has enormous questions about his destiny, all the beings that want a say in that (perfectly understandable), and not a lot of belief in himself in getting the job done.
I wish he would communicate more with his small group of friends/found family, as they are equally invested with hearts and bodies in his destiny too.
Still, Benvie’s engaging characters, lively , action packed scenes filled with remarkable , often moving moments keeps me fully connected to Kell and his band of heroes as they navigate their way towards the dark landscape of the Lich King.
As Kell continues to turn enemies into allies, or potential friends, and the revelations show the origin behind the magical catastrophe, Kell’s quest looms ever larger and more necessary then ever .
The author’s plotting is complicated, exciting, emotional, and magical. All the components that make a fantastic story so rewarding. That and these wonderful characters.
As the story ends , they’ve completed one mission, but the ramifications have yet to set in.
That comes next in “It’s Hard Work Being a Chosen One”, no release date given as yet.
I’m absolutely charmed by this story and series. I can’t wait to see the next story hit.
That means I’m absolutely recommending both books and this author to all lovers of fantasy.
The stars don’t think Kell needs answers. He disagrees.
Having accepted his role as the Chosen, Kell plans to sail to Port Hull and seek answers no one seems willing to give him. Of course, the stars immediately sabotage him. They feel he’s ready to confront the allegedly evil Lich King and toss Kell and company directly into the Lich King’s territory with no way back. Instead of rushing heroically into battle, Kell retaliates by taking multiple detours on the way to his alleged adversary’s palace.
The roundabout route doesn’t end up being an easy one. With a demon tower, child ghosts, confrontations with the goddess and Ansel’s family, and serious talks about his relationship with Ansel, Kell has more than enough on his plate. But he can’t put off the destined battle with the Lich King forever, even though the odds of failure are high. Kell will need to draw on every ounce of non-traditional Chosen-ness or this might be the end of his time in Allune.
I had really hoped that the third book would see a change in course back to the style and level of storytelling that I found so charming and engaging in The Crazy Bookshop. Then came Where There’s a Witch There’s a Way and what I felt was a breakdown in the narrative which left huge hunks of exposition untold as well as serious character issues and plot issues left dangling.
I was going to leave the series there. But saw this release and thought, maybe the issues I had in book two were just items the author was saving until now. Hence , Double Wolf Dare You.
Reads book.
Me: *hitting head against desk*
Author: ?
Me: remember issues from last book?
Author: nods
Me: not resolved. Added more.
Me: a Big Bad from Books 1 & 2 calls the MC, Temp, threatens him to strip him of magic?
Author: yes
Me: The MC says nothing to anyone. Because, hey, he doesn’t feel it’s a threat . Even though the person says he, a former enemy , is coming for them all AGAIN. Right?
Author: yes
Me: Then of course, he gets sick and blah blah because he told no one.
Author: yes
Me: so if anything logical or smart as telling ppl a former enemy was coming to strip everybody’s magical abilities AGAIN, uh well, 🤔.. you wouldn’t have a book? Correct?
Author:
Me: So stupidity , miscommunication , and repetitive plot issues are in store for the readers for the rest of the narrative because of that factor?
Author:
Me: sigh
And I’m really finally absolutely done with this series. No amount of small imaginative details can save it from decision making like that.
Honestly, towards the end I was flipping pages to save myself a headache from reading the increasingly worsening situations and dialogues before me.
Oh no! Let’s go back to the town full of evil magic and endless catacombs that we should have finished off in
Books 1 and 2, and said so , but didn’t because we needed to be idiotic and return in Book 3! Plus it’s the only evil town around apparently. SMH
Yes, I’m done with characters that are TSTL, TSTC, and plots/writing that just are so narratively illogical and plain awful.
I don’t know who’s a fan of these stories, I’ll leave them to you. I’m bowing out.
I never thought my dreams of being a healer would come true, but it looks like they are about to.
Tempest Tanner is a true witch from one of the original lines of light magic. All he’s ever wanted is to be a healer, and now, thanks to his new family, he can begin his training.
But a dark spell puts Tempest’s life in danger and his magic out of action. Thankfully, Ben Stone, the local mechanic and wolf shifter—and brother to the Alpha— is on hand to help.
With danger lurking around every corner, can Tempest survive long enough to snag his man and receive perfect tens?
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Vin George is another new to me author. Their excellent Fang’d , a paranormal romance, is the first in a new Evergreen Council series and I’m so excited I found it.
George has a somewhat different take on the usual shifter/hybrid vampire romance. Even on the species of vampires and weres themselves.
As a foundation story, Fang’d is such a excellent tale. It peals back the hidden layers of the world Charley Entwhistle and Lucien “Luc” Bradshaw inhabit as they race away from Charley’s hometown and serious wrongful accusations laid against Charley.
Vin George gives their characters and readers a suspenseful, gripping base as a staging point for the story. A dark night, a near crash, a flight into the dark! Then the tale gets oh so better.
Because the driver who, in his kindness in rescuing Charley, is the fascinating Lucien “Luc” Bradshaw .
Luc is so much more than he appears. Luc is also one of two narrators of this remarkable story. The other being Charley, of course..
There’s so much happening to Charley. Much of which he doesn’t understand. His life has been unusual, he’s adopted and had weird physical issues no one has tried to explain. Ones that have escalated since puberty. Now he’s accused of murder, something he knows he didn’t do . He’s hurt, confused, and running.
Charley is such a complicated character that a review can’t portray his real personality. Which is terrific because Charley is at the heart of the story, it’s revelations and astonishing mysteries that move the narrative briskly forward.
Luc is at his side , his equal in depth of character, emotional issues, including historical bigotry between species, homophobia within species, and hidden elements that I’m sure will come out in future stories. Luc is an amazing being.
But Fang’d happens to be packed with them. What a joy. So I’m eagerly anticipating the new release to bring us back into this universe and into these characters lives. There’s still so many mysteries to solve.
Did I also mention the heartwarming moments too? Yes , it has those as well.
Vin George just made it onto my auto buy with this story. It’s beautifully written, the characters are engaging and fully defined, and the story incredibly well plotted with new twists on the paranormal species.
If you’re a lover of the paranormal, then I’m recommending this story and author to you. It’s a fabulous read!
Who is the antsy, beautiful guy in my passenger seat? Or rather, what is he?
Wrongly accused of murder and running for his life, Charley took a chance on the hot stranger with a fast car. He didn’t expect the gorgeous Luc to have any insights into Charley’s increasingly strange symptoms. He certainly didn’t expect to learn the fantastical stories he’d heard as a child were true. And he definitely didn’t expect to feel so strongly for someone he only just met.
Luc’s impulsive offer has landed him in charge of a sexy, enticing, not entirely human someone. Charley might have vampire blood. Surely that should make him less attractive and not more? But the mysterious Charley is irresistible, addictive even. Luc is determined to protect him from anyone and anything…mortal or otherwise.
Fang’d is the sexy first book in the Evergreen Council series, featuring a bratty half-vampire on the run, his stubborn wolf-shifter protector, and a fascinating world of supernatural beings hiding in the shadows. HEA. Standalone.
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
The cover and description give the reader a pretty good indication of what Lethal, the first book in Reese Knightly’s new Operation Justice Force , has in store for them.
Dark alley, hot, muscled men, with tattoos (some of them), just a hint of danger. Works perfectly for a undercover operation filled with ex Black ops, ex Marines , ex CIA agents, you name it, this agency has the law enforcement type employed there.
I wasn’t aware there’s connecting series that precedes this, Code of Honor Justice Force series as well as Out for Justice Cobalt Security series. Neither of which I’ve read but some of the characters from those series do make appearances here.
The agency here is a twin operation of one referenced above, only a tad more under the radar. They are run by the same person and under the same government auspices .
Luckily, Knightly puts all that knowledge in place here so the new reader like myself doesn’t feel like they are scrambling too much to pull together the foundational structure.
Lethal is a two person POV, a dynamic format which works tremendously well with this type of story and characters.
It’s a dark explosive opening, and we’re off to a highly suspenseful, intense storyline diving into a mystery that has a murderous cat and mouse game already in progress.
While the transitions between the differing POV may seem abrupt at the beginning, I found it increased the pace of the exposition, heightened the sense of danger to the men involved, and laid a layer of dark rawness over this section of the storyline.
Dalton Weber, 38, second in command of Pegasus, is chasing Sphinx,a ex CIA suspected of being a traitor and stealing a important in-house list of names. That’s the situation we start at. A meeting between Dalton and Sphinx gone wrong.
Adam Campbell, ex CIA, is on the run, unsure of who he can trust, with information he needs to protect. He’s such a interesting character, exhausted, alone, fighting to survive. Who he is and what his connection is with Dalton makes this story. It’s such a great twist.
I won’t spoil the book but it’s a fast paced , highly entertaining, very suspenseful story. It’s got terrific characters, themes , and a fabulous ending.
There’s a few questions about Dalton’s family history, and his background but in general, this is a story that will keep you entertained and invested right until the end.
And it’s one I’m recommending!
The list of the series to date is below. Check them out.
A traitor with stolen information. Adam Campbell, 33, blacklisted CIA agent, needs to get covert information into the right hands. Alone and on the run, his world suddenly stops when he discovers the identity of the Pegasus operative who is on his tail. Arranging a meeting just to gaze into the eyes of the man he’s always loved, Adam is set up and almost killed. Out of resources and nowhere to turn, Adam returns to the only home he’s ever known.
An operative who always catches the bad guy.
Dalton Weber, 38, second in command of Pegasus, has a job to do: Stop ex-CIA agent, code name Sphinx, from selling classified information. When Sphinx disappears after Dalton’s botched attempt at contact, Dalton takes a much-needed break. Going home for the holiday, Dalton finds Adam, the man he’d walked away from years ago.
A surprising encounter. Imagine Adam’s shock when Dalton shows up. Imagine Dalton’s disbelief when he finds out the facts about the man who has always owned his heart. When explosions, secrets, and attempted murder hit close to home, Pegasus opens up a lethal dose of ass kicking. Will that be enough to stop the bad guys and give Adam a chance to come clean?
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 