Shadowy Solutions is a great series and in this story James has not only a terrific murder investigation but a case that will let a newly formed couple show individual development as well as their partnered maturity show.
It also allows for other aspects of Diem’s personal life to change for a more positive outlook instead of the same negative status and brutality it’s been at for the last books.
The case that draws Diem and Tallus out of town is a call from a heart broken mother who’s convinced that her son, now on life support, was murdered. But no one will believe her.
With little to show for her belief, she’s willing to pay enormous sums of money to have the case investigated by Diem and Tallus. Money Diem desperately needs.
The investigation is a complicated process, and James uses it to show the tremendous amount of growth for Diem personally as well as the potential for a larger healthier relationship between them as a couple. Diem’s working on his trauma and anger issues, and letting Tallus into his own life.
The mystery is one where I had several people pegged as the ultimate villain, an aspect of a story I liked.
And I can’t giveaway one element I both love and wanted a deeper dive into. I honestly don’t think James could have done that given the storyline and stakes as they were, but, going forward, I can’t wait to see this side character fit in with Diem and Tallus again.
This series is shaping up to be such a stellar series and with such outstanding characters. It’s a must read.
Shadowy Solutions:
Invisible Scars – prequel
Skeletons in the Closet #1
Power of the Mind #2
Reading Between the Lines #3
A Breath of Life #4 – Sept 18,2025
Connected and preceding series in the same universe:
One headstrong boyfriend I can’t function without.
I’m doomed.
Without solving a peculiar out-of-town case, Diem’s career is over. He can’t afford to live, let alone pay bills and run the business.
The case involves a mostly dead teen and a small-town police department who are convinced the boy suffered an accident.
All hope lies on the hunch of a grieving mother.
Unable to handle such a delicate situation on his own and unwilling to go bust, Diem invites his boyfriend/almost-partner along to make sure his rough edges don’t cost them a payday.
What he didn’t expect was a high school full of secrets and suspects, a bed-and-breakfast from hell with only one m*#@er f*#@ing bed, and danger around every corner because someone doesn’t want the truth to be unveiled.
Diem can handle threats. Risking life and limb to get answers is part of the game. But as the mystery unfolds, he realizes there is one thing not worth jeopardizing for a case: Tallus.
I’m not sure if Shadowy Solutions won’t surpass Valor and Doyle as the series I come to adore the most. Just based on the three novels that James has given us, the characters of Shadowy Solutions have me in their thrall totally and anxiously waiting for more.
It’s been 3 months since the last case, time frame, 10 months since they met during the events that occurred previously. Diem Krause, ex cop, overburdened PI, scarred , damaged man that he is, can’t get
the intriguing Tallus Domingo, PD records clerk, out of his head.
Tallus, with his own fascination with this huge, quiet dangerous man, will let nothing stop himself from pursuing a relationship with Diem, no matter what the obstacles he throws up between them.
James has built and continues to construct two incredibly powerful, complicated men who are almost magnetically connected to each other but who are also fighting one’s inner demons that’s keeping them apart. It’s a compelling, moving dynamic that’s being developed and one that connects the reader instantly to these men.
With the relationship as a foundation and as a way to propel the story forward, James creates an interesting mystery that’s as layered as the characters and relationships found here. It starts with Memphis, old friend of Tallus’, who decides to have his fortune told and swings into a mysterious investigation that sees a crossover with Valor and Doyle, bringing suspense and excitement.
It’s a great story, excellent character development, exciting scenes, and just such emotional moments that make this a series to watch and put on your must read list.
Highly recommend!
Shadowy Solutions:
Invisible Scars – prequel
Skeletons in the Closet #1
Power of the Mind #2
Connected and preceding series in the same universe:
It’s not a real case, he’s not my boyfriend, and we aren’t partners.
Three lies I told myself for survival.
After ten months of shamefully stalking and showing up randomly on Tallus’s doorstep at midnight (for reasons), the sinfully hot records clerk decided he’d had enough of my games.
In fact, he went out of his way to bring me the most ridiculous case (it was not a case) on the planet as an excuse to push me over the line (he wanted a date). Our arrangement (hooking up) didn’t suit him any longer.
Could I say no? Of course not (this was Tallus).
Five days, I told him. Five days to prove his silly theory, then we were done.
Little did I know, Tallus had a deadline of his own.
Investigating a mind-controlling-murdering psychic was hard enough (because it was not a thing), but resisting Tallus’s charm was the real challenge.
Nicky James is following up the successful Doyle and Valor police investigation romance series with a new series that is heavily intertwined with the one that preceded it while setting off in often newly emotional and psychological directions.
It helps a reader to have knowledge of both the Doyle and Valor stories as well as have read the prequel novella, Invisible Scars, to get a firm sense of the foundation of this new series and the characters that will be inhabiting each story.
Especially as one of the main characters here, Tallus Domingo, is a Toronto Police Department records clerk and runs into the characters during investigations from the preceding series. But he’s also a cousin to Costa,Valor’s best friend within the department . Tallus and Costa have their own complicated story.
The interactions continue with Diem Krause. Diem is ex Toronto police officer, now a PI with a tortured, violent past and equally troubled present. He’s well known and not well respected by many in the department because of his past actions.
Tallus has Protanopia, color blindness, a disease along with poor vision and migraines, that’s kept him from getting the only job he’s ever wanted, being a police detective .
James has created in Tallus and Diem two diametrically opposed characters who are magnetically connected to each other . Tallus, complicated, colorblind yet always elegantly dressed, confident of his abilities and wants (in and out of bed).
Then there is Diem. I believe that the author included trigger warnings about child abuse, DV, DA, and violence here. I’ll repeat them. When it comes to this character and other aspects of his life (and this story), DA is a very real element. Please keep it in mind when reading this story.
Diem is heavily scarred. He’s deeply scarred physically and mentally and emotionally. Skeletons in the Closet just begins to explore his trauma and its origins . James and some horrific scenes give the reader (and Tallus) hints but it’s never explicitly stated. I’m sure this will be a slow process for him to reveal and for Tallus and the readers to understand.
The intense emotions and unstated feelings/relationship that’s starting to emerge between Tallus and Diem is the best thing about this book. It’s damaged, hugely emotional, darkly complex, yet even the smallest steps are so rewarding to watch and read.
The many investigations were well done, felt professionally conducted, and very satisfying at the same time. But it’s hard to frame them up against that fantastic dynamic playing out between Tallus and Diem. Just superb.
I even enjoyed my visits with Doyle, Fox and Costa . But Valor? Sigh. He became an issue that shouldn’t be found in an otherwise extremely well written novel.
A once fine character has again been reduced to a caricature as James simply cannot let Quaid Valor have any expression other than “sneering”. Aslan Doyle, his police partner Fox, Doyle’s husband, Valor, and Costa (all from the previous series ) make strong appearances here. But it’s Valor, who once was a complex figure, now is all but defined by a single annoying facial expression. He sneers. Sneering, sneered. Note to James: pls enlarge Valor’s facial expression.
And it’s become so repetitive and annoying that it has the ability to pull a reader out of the narrative. It did that in their own series and it’s doing it again here.
Outside of Valor, this is a great new series and an intriguing, magnetic new couple. I can’t wait to see what the next book holds for them.
◦ Shadowy Solutions-sequel series:
✓ Invisible Scars , prequel
✓ Skeletons in the Closet #1
◦ Power of the Mind #2 – September 12, 2024
Connected series:
Valor & Doyle Series – same universe, characters and overlapping locations:
The last thing Diem Krause wanted to do was ask for Tallus’s help.
The too-hot-for-his-own-good records clerk was so far outside Diem’s league that he became tongue-tied in his presence. Six months ago, after an embarrassingly unimpressive exchange in the bedroom that accentuated Diem’s flaws, he swore never to go near the sultry man again.
When a new case lands on Diem’s desk, one involving a dead, allegedly unfaithful husband, Diem exhausts every means of investigation until he has no choice but to seek out the man he swore never to see again.
Tallus has skills Diem doesn’t. In addition to being confident and sociable, Tallus can act and help him get answers.
But inviting Tallus into his case means relinquishing control, and Diem hates not being in control. Not only is the Toronto Police Department’s records clerk fanatical about investigative work, but he also has a thing for making Diem uncomfortable and pushing his boundaries.
When the case takes a dark and dangerous turn, the two spend far too many long nights trying to puzzle things out. Tallus’s flirty, suggestive behavior is going to get them in trouble, and the last thing Diem wants is to end up in bed with him again. It was a disaster the first time, and Diem doesn’t want to revisit the shame.
Will Diem be able to resist Tallus’s charm?
Can the two work together to solve the unusual case without crossing lines?
Diem isn’t so sure. He doesn’t want a partner. He doesn’t need a lover.
But with Tallus Domingo, he somehow ends up with both.
I had real trouble arriving at this rating. Matrimonial Merriment is the last Valor and Doyle book by Nicky James. It’s a 7 book series that I found incredibly strong and emotionally compelling at the start, only, imo, to chart a very strange path for the characters and their various storylines.
This story has its strengths and its weaknesses, much like its characters.
Quaid Valor was a tragic character. His young sister had been kidnapped while he and his father were ‘in charge’ of her during a parade. But he was a child himself and his father was a policeman at the parade occupied with security. It destroyed his family and him emotionally, as his mother left them shortly afterwards, abandoning him. Also the devastating betrayal by a man Quaid thought loved him. These events reverberate throughout the series, including finding out how the events happened and who the kidnappers were.
Then there’s Anslan Doyle who has his own personal demons to fight. That includes his professional reputation, the on the job abuse of alcohol, his alcoholism, his emotional recovery on and off the job. He is the opposite of Quaid. Where the Doyle clan is loud and boisterous, it’s just Quaid and his now retired father, quietly playing chess in a house that’s frozen in time.
The journey that takes them through the start of their relationship, the beginnings of understanding of each other’s faults , severe struggles and strengths , all while solving missing persons cases and murders, that’s what makes the series and this couple.
But then as the author wove their personal histories and solved their mysteries into the cases each book was featuring, certain things started to unravel. The very strengths and failures that led to them becoming more powerful and complete individuals were starting to be forgotten in parts of their dynamics . In their interactions the forward movement in overcoming certain obstacles or challenges now seems stalled or even moving back towards what they were in the books that were written earlier.
Especially the penultimate book when Aslan actually caused Quaid to have an emotional breakdown over a poorly thought out proposal. In fact most of that book came close to a DNF as it felt like the author had backtracked the relationship between the two characters and their understanding of each other. The astonishing lack of communication and understanding that brought about a crushing emotional breakdown of Quaid should have been unthinkable by this point in their relationship.
Now comes the finale story and a couple of different issues. Both seen here, one of word choice and another again of author’s characterization. The word is one that’s shown itself increasingly throughout this series.
Imagine a story where the author uses the term ‘purple orb’ every few sentences. Or at least, ten times a page when speaking with regard to a character. Now how distracting would that be?
Sneering is James’s purple orb. It’s everywhere. It’s a feature of Quaid. He sneers constantly. He even smiles sneeringly. It should have been retired. The “sneering”. The overuse of this word is beyond tired. It starts in the first book as a part of Quaid’s common facial expression.
“Can you bring the binder?”
“What binder?”
I stalled and sneered at my phone. “Please tell me you’re joking. It has been attached to my hip morning, noon, and night for a week.”
“Gross. Save it, Valor.” Jordyn’s sneer won a solid silver medal on the sneer-scale, but it would never surpass the master’s.
Quaid sneered back—proving my point—then closed his eyes and let me continue to work.”
So many sneers.
Also, although I get why, James turns Quaid from a thoughtful interesting layered character with issues to caricature bridezilla. For the majority of this book he’s beyond frantic over the wedding planning process . All due to the fact that Doyle decided they must be married before Christmas.
Solution? Don’t get married before Christmas. No one is forcing them to do this, except a whimsical decision (by Aslan and the author). But no, per the author’s storyline, it increases the stress on Quaid to the point he lands in the hospital, again.
Yet, it’s never acknowledged that at least some of the issues lie with the fact that the short deadline was his partner’s choice and could be changed.
It’s all on Quaid, here. The imbalance is stark. And while the push to have Quaid seek therapy is a good sign, there’s also another side that’s being ignored.
From men who fought to get a deep understanding of each other and their relationship dynamics to people who seem to forget they know each other and each other’s foibles.
There’s good elements here. The gardener’s who marrying them. Quade’s relationship with Ruiz, something that has greatly evolved over the series has Ruiz will talk about here. That’s a remarkable and heartwarming thread.
It’s also setting up the new sequel series, which will feature Ruiz’ cousin and a ex police officer.
So this raises the question. The rating. It’s a finale book. Yes, the final part of the story with Aslan and Quaid finally getting married was heartwarming and satisfying. I think it was the best part of the story and made me happy to see this come to an end. It was time.
The narrative before was a mix of lovely bits of storytelling that reminded me why I loved this series and couple entwined with sections of scenes and moments that made me want to stop reading, remembering why I thought it had lost its charm.
So read it for all the above. To finish the series, to see the couple off, and, if you’re curious, get an introduction to the new series to come.
Quaid Andrew Valor and Aslan Ronan Doyle cordially invite you to be an honorary guest as they join their lives in matrimony. The ceremony is set to take place at Strongwind Castle on December 23rd. Save the date!
Time is short. Quaid has less than three months to plan the wedding of his dreams. A wedding that happens to land two days before Christmas. Don’t be fooled. It is not a Christmas wedding—at least not if Quaid has anything to say about it.
The wedding binder is fat and the list of things that need to be done is long, so when the department decides to implement a mandatory team-building Secret Santa event that will take up every one of Quaid’s available Saturdays, he is livid. There is no time for nonsense on his tight schedule.
When Aslan sees what the stress is doing to his fiancé, he calls in the cavalry to help plan the wedding. What could possibly go wrong with Ruiz and Torin on their side?
Relationships grow deeper. Friends and family come together to celebrate. And Quaid and Aslan finally tie the knot.
**Matrimonial Merriment is the seventh book in the Valor and Doyle series. Unlike the other books, this one does not contain a mystery and is wholly focused on our two favorite detectives finally getting married. It was meant as a bonus book but somehow came in at over 100k words. Oops. More of them to love.**
Nicky James has written an extraordinary story with Unstable Connections, the third novel in the amazing Valor and Doyle series.
Usually there’s one element that’s lacking when you have a couple and series with such serious storylines and a myriad of emotional issues. Most of which, like past domestic abuse , alcoholism, and deep loss, thread through the couple’s new shaky relationship and the main mystery that involves both missing children and a presumed kidnapped sister from decades past.
But Unstable Connections has no flaws.
The relationship that slowly being established between MPU Detective Detective Quaid Valor and that of Homicide Detective Aslan Doyle is so beautifully written, full of emotional nuances and realistic complications that it brings the men even more vividly to life as they struggle with every aspect of their lives.
It’s Quaid fighting constantly with the demons and fears and damage the domestic abuse of his last relationship has inflicted on him that continues into his current romance with Aslan.
It’s the now sober Aslan’s past as a out of control drunk that threatens his present day relationships, both work and romantic. It’s the tough lifting he’s with Quaid to counteract the deepest wounds done by Quaid’s ex. And now the stress and pain of the latest information that’s been recovered from the missing girls case that’s got both Quaid and his father riding an emotional edge.
The plotting and narrative is perfection. We are carried along with the characters on a horrifying set of mysteries that twists and turns with a subtle swiftness on its way to a poignant , deeply layered closure to a story element that had its beginnings at the first novel and with issues embedded in our characters at a cellular level.
While the mystery is solved, the relationship between Aslan and Quaid is still moving slowly forward with all the issues the latest events have brought up.
The supporting cast is as outstanding and fully realized as any I’ve read. I’m so in love with them as well.
I can’t wait for the next story to be released.
If you’re not familiar with this series and couple, you’re missing out. Start at the beginning and work your way through as they must be read in the order they are written.
Missing children are reappearing, and ties to a thirty-year-old cold case can’t be ignored.
Between his shaky, brand-new relationship with reformed office playboy Detective Aslan Doyle, his sister’s case going from cold to hot overnight, his father insisting on being involved, and his boss breathing down his neck, Detective Quaid Valor is on edge.
The stress of the case is impacting Quaid’s whole life. He isn’t eating or sleeping, and every time he and Aslan are together, he is overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, which threaten to ruin the one good thing he has. Aslan’s patience seems unending until something happens to turn his life upside down too.
Can their relationship survive the personal and professional pressures they’re facing, or will it crash and burn?
Between media rumors and unstable connections, Quaid and his team need to work quickly to piece together a complicated case before more children fall victim to their unknown serial kidnapper. Maybe once everything is solved, Aslan and Quaid will have time to work on their rocky relationship and find stable ground once again.
** Unstable Connections is the third book in the Valor and Doyle Mystery Series. It is a same-couple series that should be read in order. Although each book has a self-contained mystery with no cliff-hangers, the romance is overarching and progressive throughout the series. **
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Prequels are tricky things, they are stories that set the stage and briefly introduce characters for a series to come.
I’m always fascinated how each author’s treatment of a prequel storyline differs,their take on formatting as well as what the approach will be.
James makes Department Rivals happen within the span of one day. Two interdepartmental law enforcement bitter rivals, Homicide and MPU (Missing Persons Unit), are forced by each other’s department heads to attend a team building day to start to break down the long established antagonism.
Teams made up of a Officer from each department will work together to solve a “crime puzzle” laid out throughout the city and win a prize.
This is our first time to meet the detectives, Quaid Valor (MPU) and Aslan Doyle (Homicide) as well as their partners .
James does an excellent job of creating strong characters in a short amount of space. Valor’s behavior in just the sounds of his phone chiming with texts from his ex is beyond expressive, telegraphing a history and pain that’s so complex.
As is Aslan’s reaction to Valor, a man his department has made mockery of, including derogatory names. He now starts to see a person with frailties behind the need for adherence to the minutiae of the law he’s known for.
As James puts Aslan and Valor through the game and investigation, and us with them, it becomes a revelation of character and personality.
I won’t spoil the ending. But if you’ve read the first book, you know this is the situation that they both refer to, and think of often. It’s an important day for them both.
I love Department Rivals (A Valor and Doyle Prequel) by Nicky James. It’s a concisely written, beautifully constructed prequel. Great format and wonderful characterization.
It has a job and boy, it got it done and then some.
I’m highly recommending it and the series that follows.
The hostility between homicide and missing persons division is high. Something has to give.
When forced to participate in the department’s first annual team-building day, rival detectives, Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle, need to learn to work together to win the prize. Can they put their animosity aside? Will their mutual attraction to each other get in the way?
**Department Rivals is a short, fun little prequel to the Valor and Doyle Mystery series**
———-
Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
From the seething long- standing animosity between their two departments, Homicide and MPC , has emerged an incredible series and two books to date focused on a detective from each department. Each man with his own personal traumas and battles, opposing personalities, differing family histories, as well as departmental bad blood between them.
From these basic elements, as well as cold cases and murder mysteries, James has built one of the most fascinating, compelling growing character dynamics I’ve read recently.
Temporary Partner, the first in the series, established the men’s background and departmental histories. A joint case, temporary partners and a cease fire within departments, meant these men had to work together to solve a complicated awful crime with emotional implications for both. It was revelatory for each, personally and professionally.
Shattering assumptions about each other, breaking personal boundaries, in ending up in a one night stand neither can forget about.
Elusive Relations begins as detectives Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle return physically to their departments and lives, but emotionally it’s each other they’re trying not to think about. It’s all about denial.
Aslan’s coping with his alcoholism, his recovery, AA meetings, and his unhappiness with his social life. And exactly what that means. While Quaid is in a recovery of a different sort, that of having left an abusive relationship, feeling a failure, and alone.
James has created such rich layered portraits of men still working through fundamental issues within themselves, with grief, doubt, deep pain, and emotional resolve that you can’t help but believe in them completely. Whether it’s alone or with support, it comes across as absolutely raw and realistic.
These are elements that each man will continue to work on, grow with throughout both books and, I anticipate, the series. They are deep seated issues, and with alcoholism, a lifelong recovery.
As Aslan’s Homicide Unit arrives to investigate a crime whose victim has unexpected ties to Quaid, the men and departments join forces once more in a case that becomes increasingly convoluted. As well as deeply painful.
The author manages to balance a slow growing relationship between Az and Quaid, the detailed investigation with its revelations, and multiple other seemingly minor storylines that will swing back with a huge impact. There’s no holes, things that look like dead ends aren’t exactly, but just a sideways hill to the right direction. Great mystery btw.
But the heart is really the developing nature of the relationship between Az and Quaid that could so easily be derailed by a misstep by one person. It’s of such a tentative stage that it adds it’s own anxiety and suspense to the storyline.
And then that heartbreaking ending.
I am not a fan of cliffhangers. But this is different. Not one of action but of information. It’s shattering.
And I have to wait until October to see what happens next. But considering how the arc has played out so far, I’m not sure the mystery will be solved in that book either. It’s that’s deep, and has a long process behind it. I’ll be happy to have several more novels to go.
Until then, I’m highly recommending this series and absolutely Elusive Relations (Valor and Doyle Mysteries #2) by Nicky James.
It’s beautifully written, outstanding characters, fantastic arc, slow burn romance. The books must be read in the order they were written for characters histories, relationships, and arc development.
Life was easier when rival detectives, Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle, kept to their own sides of the building. They could forget the one glorious night they’d shared and move on.
But when Aslan is called to a homicide and discovers one of the victims has a personal history with Quaid, he knows a confrontation is inevitable.
When news about the case spreads, Quaid can’t help but get involved. He wants answers; if not for himself, then for the families of the victims.
Joining Aslan and his partner, Quaid uncovers more than he bargained for—too many secrets and lies in a case that is dangerously personal.
Plus, the more time he spends with Aslan, the harder it is for Quaid to ignore his attraction to the playboy detective.
Aslan, who doesn’t believe in repeats, can’t seem to stop flirting with the grumpy MPU detective, and his rules go out the window as they’re drawn deeper into the case.
But what happens when one more night turns to two, and two turns into three?
Does Quaid want to risk his heart again?
Has Aslan developed feelings?
Can they put a stop to their fun and walk away?
Do they want to?
**The Valor and Doyle Mysteries are a same-couple, ongoing series and should be read in order. The main mystery plot of each book will be resolved within the story, but there are elements that are overarching throughout the series**
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer
Temporary Partner by Nicky James is an excellent law enforcement mystery that’s has elements of a romance to it. It’s the first of a two part series, Valor and Doyle, featuring Ontario detectives from different departments, often units that see each other as departmental rivals.
Quaid Valor is a Detective with the MPU, that’s missing persons. He’s following the career path of his recently retired father, a decorated detective from the same unit. The tight-knit Valor family of two is a knot of familial love, ingrained police laws and regulations, and a sadness that’s explained as the storylines enlarge.
Quaid himself is full of complications, lonely, burdened, consumed by job and family. He’s undeniably an incredible character.
Aslan Doyle is his counterpart. A excellent detective but in Homicides. Both men queer and out at work but Aslan’s ,bi , very casual outlook on sexuality as opposed to Quaid’s , who’s gay, ongoing issues with his ex make them diametrically opposed. Especially when Aslan’s attitude carries over into work.
They’ve worked together before, successfully professionally. Privately? That harder.
But a shortage of personal , a heartbreaking case with a tight time frame to close it, and a order from their superiors brings them together.
James creates a truly puzzling, heartbreaking case. That of a stolen infant, then proceeds to build a huge investigation around it, with a ticking clock. There’s superb and tedious leg work, lines of questioning that appears to have no results, more data to analyze, small victories that fade, and a fantastic, mesmerizing relationship that’s trying to establish itself between two prickly, damaged men who have trust issues.
The POV alternate’s between Quaid and Aslan, often as the men despair, feel they have it, only to realize, they need another direction. It all feels raw, anxious, heartbreaking, and painful.
Even the ending, when it arrives, is not without, some realistic elements, that have you really looking at everything that’s happened here. There’s no HFN even. But there’s a solution to this case. It’s solved.
It’s up to the reader as to how you think about it.
As to Aslan and Quaid? Book 2 , Elusive Relations, is due out July 25, 2022.
I’m eagerly awaiting their return and the new case that will surely bring them back together again.
This is a wonderful story. If you love mysteries, law enforcement tales, with the promise of a romance, grab this right up.
Outstanding characters, fantastic storylines, and a realistic ending.
Love it.
Valor and Doyle:
🔹Department Rivals: A Valor and Doyle Prequel #0.5
When an infant is taken from his carriage in broad daylight, missing persons detective, Quaid Valor, must race against the clock to find the child and bring him safely home to his family. Unfortunately, Quaid’s partner isn’t available, and his team is spread thin. Begrudgingly, Quaid must accept the help from his rival, homicide detective Aslan Doyle, if he wants to get the job done.
Aslan is Quaid’s opposite in every way. He’s bold, outspoken, arrogant, and the office playboy. And much to Quaid’s chagrin, Aslan seems to have set his sights on Quaid as his next conquest.
Quaid doesn’t have time to deal with Aslan’s flirty behavior when he’s trying to solve a case and juggle his cheating ex’s incessant interruptions. It doesn’t matter how attractive Aslan is or the undeniable chemistry they seem to have. Getting involved with Aslan would be a huge mistake. But as tension with the case builds, Quaid keeps forgetting he’s supposed to hate this new partner. Maybe Aslan is exactly the kind of distraction he needs. Temporarily at least. Right?
**Temporary Partner is the first in the Valor and Doyle Mysteries. Please view any trigger warnings by using the Look Inside feature**
Radio Static is the first novel by this author and it’s a terrific story. A murder mystery romance, it incorporates a number of elements that keep you involved in the many storylines the author’s weaving.
We have two families. One is a single gay dad and his 14 year old daughter. That Mercedes “Mercy” Reed and Rae. He had her with his best friend, Tammy (now married) after a series of bad relationships seemed to mean that he’d never be a father. Now Rae’s his life along with his work. Now it’s time to relax, and enjoy some peace and quiet.
The other one? That’s Nova Charette and his teenage son, Cooper. Divorced although on friendly terms with his ex wife, it’s the 16 yr old son he needs to establish a closer relationship with. A summer vacation at their cottages at Lake Lucent should be the thing to get reacquainted.
The perfect place or so each family thinks. Then they find they are living next to each other… a 16 year old boy and a 14 year old girl. Suddenly, two dads are finding their plans overturned and fighting their own attraction for each other, as well as two hot hormonal teens.
This part of the novel is really my favorite. The meeting of the families over the instant teenager magnet action that happens between their kids , so realistic and on point funny. It makes for just great reading. From the dads reactions, to their teenagers snarky put upon dialogue, and yes, the swimsuits that dad’s just not really ready for, you get it. These are terrific fathers and parental role models. The issues they cover with both kids are one every parent should be on solid ground with their children. The doubts, the pride, love . Nicky James obviously gets what it feels like to be a parent. It flow through both characters!
To make matters increasingly interesting, Nova and Mercy? They find each other just as mutually attractive as their kids are finding each other. Awkward! Because, while Nova has always been open about his bisexuality, the one person who’s unaware? That would be his son, Cooper. One of the best scenes is the father coming out to his son here. Wonderful!
The romance is complicated by their kid’s relationship, each man’s past, the fact that Mercy is a single dad who’s developed tunnel vision with regard to his responsibilities and any other relationships just makes the fumbling and hesitation towards something they want believable.
The mystery and murders are fine . I liked the element of the voice over the crackling radio airway that grabs everyone’s attention with sparse details that lures them into a maze of mystery and murder in the small town.
That I almost immediately glommed onto who the villain of the story was because the author has strewn a lot of clues around which made this interesting to see how it would play out instead of anxious to see who the murderer was. Like this part but didn’t necessarily love it.
For me, what saved the mystery was the families part in it, especially at the end. That was thrilling and emotional. I was invested in Mercy and Nova as well as Rae and Cooper. I needed to see all home safe and sound. Happily and romantically.
At least the dads! And that’s what happened! Wonderful ending.
So I’m off to seek out another by this author. I’m highly recommending this to lovers of contemporary romance and murder mysteries. Enjoy.
Two single dads. Two headstrong teenagers. One dead body.
A cabin in the middle of nowhere, nature all around, peace and serenity. It was supposed to be a vacation to help Nova reconnect with his son. But he didn’t expect to fall for his neighbor in the cabin across the lake. He didn’t expect an erratic and unusual broadcast on a radio station no longer in existence. And he definitely didn’t expect a dead body in the water.
Mercy likes his mysteries to stay within the pages of his novels. When strange things start to happen at his summer cabin, he and his daughter team up with the man and his son on the other side of the lake to get to the bottom of it. A little amateur sleuthing won’t hurt anyone, right?
Someone out there knows the truth. Who is the man on the radio? What does he know? Mercy and Nova are determined to solve the mystery, but are they willing to risk life and limb for answers? Because someone doesn’t want their secrets revealed.
**Radio Static is an MM romantic mystery involving two single dads in their midforties.**
Who wouldn’t love a job that entailed all these things?
After giving up on school and being cast aside by an unsupportive family, Soren Matheson figured he’d landed every young man’s dream job.
But… there is a catch.
Not everything is as it seems and at the end of the day…
Maybe even dream jobs don’t exist.
Remy Moretti lives in a world of precision and order. When a chance run-in with a sassy, sarcastic blond one evening upsets his structured world, Remy needs to find out who he is.
What he discovers makes his hair stand on end.
The defeat and fear hidden behind the young man’s eyes gives him nightmares.
Someone needs to get to the bottom of this.
Until then, Remy will need to do whatever it takes to keep Soren safe.
Nicky James lives in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada. She is mother to a wonderful teenage boy and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband who, thankfully, doesn’t think her crazy.
Nicky has always had two profound dreams in life; to fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world and to write novels. Since only one of those dreams was a possibility, she decided to make the other come alive on paper.
Nicky writes MM romance books in a variety of styles including contemporary, medieval, fantasy, and historical.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 