Tag: first in a series

Review: The Sceptic (Arcana Books #1) by Lily Morton

Rating: 4.25🌈

““What a ridiculous question. Do I look like I have a book on how to reanimate a cadaver? I have enough problems with the living customers without adding dead ones. Go next door.””

— The Sceptic by Lily Morton

That’s a terrific start to a new paranormal series by Lily Morton. And it dives immediately into what is sure to be one of my favorite elements as well as series center, Arcana Books. One of two adjacent bookstores, only this one is full of the weirdness, the magical, the lore or whatever supernatural or paranormal literature you’re searching for has lured a customer there.

It also has , as an occult bookshop would, a Madame Hecate reading tarot cards, if her morning gins haven’t kicked in too much, or the lure of the nearby pub hasn’t been ignored. It’s vastly intriguing, full of wildly imaginative clients and it’s employees, include Will, who’s The Skeptic of this novel.

Tarquin, the Viscount Ingram, who owns the occult bookstore, Tom, the owner of the other more mundane one( a mentor to the psychic Blue) are characters that are pulled from a previous series.

That would be the Black and Blue two-book series, introducing characters such as cartoonist Levi Black, Blue Billings, a psychic, his boyfriend, in two stories of paranormal mystery and horror.

Blue’s background and found family includes Will Buchanan, a gentle giant with whom Blue spent early years that left both with damage they are still dealing with.

Part of this connecting group is Jem Dawson, a well known photographer, who’s also a best friend to Levi Black.

So as you can tell, if you’re like me, and came into this novel not having read those books, you’re missing a substantial amount of important background information.

Morton tries to fill in background for the new reader as best she can, but there’s really no replacement for the foundation those books supply in terms of relationships and events that occurred. Take it from me, read those stories first.

Now having said that, this is still a very good ghost story.

The investigation into what is causing all the issues at the family’s house and the chilling occurrences that help to ramp up the suspense are spread out just enough to give us a lull before smacking us with something to make the goosebumps appear.

And while the paranormal activity is being investigated, there’s a relationship and tentative romance building between two commitment phobic men. That’s something that’s both frustrating and fascinating, because it’s where the missing history is most needed.

Will’s that is. The hints to his lack of trust, the map to the emotional location to his trauma is there but not the details. I expect that’s in Black and Blue.

But there’s enough heft to the men’s internal dialogues with themselves about their feelings, trust issues, as well as the current dangers they were facing to give the reader a excellent window into the men’s personalities and how things were developing between them.

There’s secondary characters in the “ghostbusters “ group that I wasn’t quite as fond of. Not sure if that’s because I think they weren’t as layered or with everything going on with the ghostly elements, just didn’t get as much development as possible.

The main characters, and Blue , who made an appearance towards the end supply the weight for the book and plot. They make it work.

As the first in a series, I wonder how it will go forward. If it derives from customers from the occult bookstore, then I can’t wait!

Until then, read Black and Blue before arriving here at The Skeptic.

If paranormal romances and ghostly horrors are you thing, then this is the book for you. I’m definitely recommending it!

Arcana Books:

The Skeptic #1

Black and Blue – Series – Lily Morton

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Sceptic (Arcana Books, #1) by Lily Morton – Goodreads

Synopsis:

As the best friend of a psychic, Will Buchanan can’t help but believe in the dead. It’s the living that he finds to be problematic. However, after a spate of betrayals, he finally has the chance of a new life within his grasp, and he’s not going to risk it for anyone or anything. Staying safe is the name of Will’s game.

Jem Dawson defines the word temporary. A talented cameraman, he’s here today and will undoubtedly be gone tomorrow chasing adventure and danger. But, while he’s in York, he’s made it clear he wants Will, and Will can’t help liking the charming daredevil.

This inconvenient attraction results in Will accompanying Jem to the site of a notorious poltergeist outbreak. A malevolent spirit has targeted a family, and now the ghost hunting team for whom Jem does camerawork are going to be locked down in the house for three days.

The house is strange and filled with sinister and violent undercurrents. One by one, the group experiences threatening incidents, and as events escalate, Will has to ask himself if he’s risking not just his heart but also his life with this impulsive gesture.

This is the first book in the Arcana Books series featuring characters from the bestselling Black and Blue series

Review: Playing for Keeps (Miami Piranhas #1) by Beth Bolden

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Beth Bolden’s new book, Playing for Keeps, is the first in her new Miami Piranhas series about a fake Miami, Florida NFL football team that’s scrambling to come together. New coach and coach teams. And a slew of incoming new players to mesh with the ones already there.

One of those new players is one of the NFL’s legendary players, Sebastian Howard. Howard’s reign as one of the NFL’s outstanding corners is coming to an end as age has caught up with him.

But his agent and the coaches at the Piranhas have gotten him to Miami to talk about playing there.

But there’s a catch. He needs to play safety.

Beau Dawson, assistant coach and son to legendary head Coach Asa Dawson, sees a bright future ahead with the struggling Piranhas. But it includes convincing Howard, a brilliant player, to switch positions.

Playing for Keeps has multiple storylines. All important and all balanced beautifully to maintain our connections to each character, their evolving relationship, and to the team that’s trying to find an identity.

It’s also about family dynamics, juggling how they determine one’s journey in life, and the manner in which each still goes forward.

It’s a lot to pack in but Bolden does so without making this feel dense or heavy.

It was only at the very beginning where Sebastian Howard’s complaining veered towards non-stop whining that it almost lost me. Yes, I got that he was the GOAT at corner. But after a while I wanted his agent to give him a reality smack.

Luckily, it and Sebastian turned a corner and things smoothed out , sort of. Bolden’s run at a struggling NFL team feels believable. Down two, they aren’t functioning as a team. Having several of the people looking at answers feels about right.

The dynamics and talks among players on the queer spectrum? Also real. Putting out the pros and cons, the issues they’ve faced and those to come seems about right. As is the question about coming out while continuing to play. That’s a pertinent question that’s on the mind of many a closeted queer athlete because of toxic environments they play in.

While this is a low angst romance, it’s not without its drama and obstacles that each person raises to the possibility of a relationship. I liked how each man handled it in turn.

The romance between Sebastian and Beau is sexy, believable, and makes for great reading.

Bolden gets the football elements right, from exciting action on the field to tense drama inside the team. Great stuff.

I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment. Until then, I’m highly recommending Playing for Keeps (Piranhas #1) by Beth Bolden.

Happy Reading!

Miami Piranhas series:

Playing for Keeps #1

https://www.goodreads.com › showPlaying for Keeps (Miami Piranhas #1) by Beth Bolden – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Sebastian Howard is the best damn cornerback in the NFL.

Or at least he was.

Age and injuries have taken a toll, and while most people have written him off, Sebastian isn’t ready to acknowledge that at only thirty-two, he’s already in the twilight of his career.

He signs with the Miami Piranhas intending to prove everyone wrong.

Only to realize that the head coach’s son, out-and-proud Beau Dawson, doesn’t believe he can.

Beau is infuriating but brilliant, and when he offers to help him on the field, Sebastian wants to say yes, but there’s one thing stopping him: the unexpected, inconvenient, and all-consuming crush he doesn’t want to have on Beau.

But Beau isn’t interested in playing it safe, with football or with anything else, and soon they’re embroiled in a hot—and secret—affair that would finish Sebastian’s career if Coach Dawson found out.

As Sebastian falls harder for Beau, he begins to realize that actually the worst thing in the world isn’t getting benched, but losing the man he loves.

Review: Crankshaft (Big Bull Mechanics #1) by K. M. Nuehold

Rating: 4.5🌈

I have been looking forward to this new release since the author’s announcement at the end of The Four Bears Construction series. That’s where we met the men of Big Bull Mechanics Shop, the other automotive shop in town, other than Dare’s, husband to Stone, one of the Four Bears.

Steele’s the owner of Big Bull Mechanics and half of the two POV narrative. He’s weighed down by the responsibilities of small business ownership, it’s long hours and his own feelings making it hard on relationships . Plus, the fact he’s always tasked with bailing out a 40 ish irresponsible younger brother.

His companion, his Husky puppy, Denali.

Dr. Porter Grant, Veterinarian, is our other perspective. He’s a character from Four Bears Construction series. There a intern , now he’s graduated and a Licensed Vet with his own clinic . But Porter is also someone suffering from overwhelming issues hitting him. First time vet, beginning small time business owner, no social life. And a big corporation wanting to buy his clinic or threatening to put his small veterinary clinic out of operation. That’s so much to handle on his own.

Nuehold makes us understand and completely relate to both men and the circumstances they find themselves in.

A one night stand that turns into awkward, clumsy meetings afterwards? Yup. Dates that don’t go as planned because one or both are just too exhausted to mentally or even physically show up? Yes. Nuehold gives us, and her wonderful characters, a firm foundation in every day reality. Steele’s late? He’s also covered in the appropriate grease and grime associated with working in a busy garage. Porter’s on call with animal emergencies that sound exactly right for the season. Lost dogs found overheated from running around in the hot summer day.

Love this that both men are defined so perfectly by their personalities and refined by their love of their jobs.

Even their romance, halting as it is as they work their way through layers of responsibilities into a relationship, is worked out in believable steps, one small barrier crossed at a time. Even their sexual relationship, when they actually have time to have it, is extremely hot!

I found myself absolutely connecting to this couple, and their romance.

Plus each comes with a host of friends that can be considered found family. For Porter, he’s adding a new one that I’m sure will have a story later on. Steele’s friends and brother’s books will follow as well. They are a interesting and wonderful bunch.

I’m looking forward to each and everyone getting their HEA!

Start here . It’s one I’m highly recommending.

Big Bull Mechanics series:

🔹Crankshaft #1

https://www.goodreads.com › showCrankshaft (Big Bull Mechanics #1) by K.M. Neuhold – Goodreads

Synopsis:

I don’t have time for a relationship, not even with the adorably dorky vet I can’t seem to stop bumping into… *sigh * pass the oil and lube

Between running a garage full of beefed up, gear head mechanics and bailing my idiot brother out of trouble every other week, the last thing I have time for is a relationship.

I’ve tried it too many times, and the ridiculous reasons I always find to end it have become a running joke around the garage. But I’ve learned my lesson. No. More. Boyfriends.

I don’t care how many times Porter falls asleep drunk in my bed or how cute he looks covered in oil smears while I teach him how to fix up the vintage car he has rusting away in his garage, I’m not going to fall for him.

Even if I did, what do a mechanic and a veterinarian have in common anyway?

It’s better if we’re only friends… friends who occasionally fiddle with each other’s crankshafts…

🔹Connected to The Four Bears Construction Company series.

Review: Wicked Heat (Chicago Heat #1) by Ella Frank

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Wicked Heat is the first book of a two story series, Chicago Heat. It’s fantastic and, luckily, with both novels released, the reader is able to read one story after the other as I did.

Combined, they tell the story of the stumbling path to romance, love, and a lasting relationship between PA Ryan Carrigan and troubled CFD firefighter Jameson Clarke.

Both characters are perfectly defined by the author. Ryan by his job as a personal assistant to a popular cable network anchor, his family, and his personality that was formed by his upbringing. We immediately like him, then learn to adore him.

Jameson Clarke’s background is darker, layered in abandonment, drugs, the foster system, and the pain of loss. His is a story that’s slowly revealed as he begins to trust the relationship he’s building with Ryan.

How they meet, how they find each other, and all the many issues that arise between them are humorous, realistic, painful, emotional, and, especially sad when you consider how much gentrification is going on today.

It’s interesting that some of the characters from Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine’s Dare To Try series make appearances here, either by mention or by actually being a part of the story. Nice to see them again.

But the heart here is the developing relationship between Ryan and Jameson. It’s a great beginning. And it ends at midway with so much promise.

So do yourself a favor, pick both up if you love contemporary romances, and read on for the rest of their HEA.

I’m highly recommending both.

Chicago Heat:

🔹Wicked Heat #1

🔹Wicked Flame #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showWicked Heat (Chicago Heat, #1) by Ella Frank – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Ryan

Kind, caring, and protective. Those are the three qualities I’m looking for when it comes to my dream man. In a city as big as Chicago, you wouldn’t think he would be that hard to find, right?

Wrong.

Sure, my boss found a super-sexy detective and my best friend fell madly in love with the most eligible bachelor around. But the only person I’ve met recently is a broody bad boy who saved me at a sketchy pub.

He’s grumpy, rude, and honestly, not that likeable at all. Hardly my “dream” guy.

So why can’t I stop thinking about him?

Jameson

I don’t do friendships. I don’t do relationships either. The very last thing I’m looking for in life is to fall in love and live happily ever after.

So saving some rich guy from losing his wallet is the last thing I want to do on a Friday night. Especially when he looks like someone who just stepped off the cover of GQ.

Fate seems to have other ideas, though, and every time I turn around, he’s there.

A wicked heat simmers between us, threatening to ignite, and though I’ve been trained to put out the flames, I can’t help but think: What’s the worst that could happen if I let this desire burn out of control?

Wicked Heat is book 1 of 2 in Ryan Carrigan & Jameson Clarke’s story.

Review: The Botanist’s Apprentice ( Flos Magicae #1) by Arden Powell

Rating: 4.25🌈

The Botanist’s Apprentice is the first in Arden Powell’s Flos Magicae series about a world where magic and magical studies exist, if somewhat uneasily.

A slow burn romance builds around the shared love of two mens passion and study of deadly plants. That’s such a fascinating idea that’s gets even more marvelous when the author creates a few charismatic, albeit horrifying deadly flora to add into the story as a main element.

Eli Katz is all young enthusiasm, , his intense passion for and research about deadly plants have led him to the very man and his well known greenhouse that can help him achieve his dreams. Powell ‘s Katz is believable, adorable in his intensity, and grounded in the way he views his new surroundings and Mr . Robert Lord-Harding. It’s both with the highest respect. And , to himself, acknowledging a growing attraction.

Robert Lord-Harding starts off as the lonely stiff researcher, who upon realizing he’s met a kindred spirit , starts to share his passion, watching with a quiet joy.

I love this aspect of the story. The beginning of their journey together as he opens his amazing greenhouse to Eli for the first time…

This story is short but has some unexpected moments and elements to it. Ones that brings chills, a gasp or two, and a lovely epilogue.

I started this trilogy with the much darker Winter’s Dawn so wasn’t expecting the lightness , joy of magic, or a slow burn romance. Even with killer plants. I always appreciate a deadly bit of flora!

Love it! Highly recommending this and the much darker bookend to this trilogy, Winter’s Dawn. Now to finish it up.

Flos Magicae:

🔹The Botanist’s Apprentice #1

🔹The Batchelor’s Valet #2

🔹Winter’s Dawn #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Botanist’s Apprentice (Flos Magicae, #1) by Arden Powell – Goodreads

Recent college graduate Eli Katz is desperate to continue his studies in the field of magical botany. When a family friend arranges an apprenticeship for him with the most famous botanist in the country, Eli leaps at the chance without asking questions.

Robert Lord-Harding is a reclusive bachelor with an interest in dangerous plants. What he’s not interested in is another apprentice—especially not after the scandal of his last one. But, intrigued by Eli’s research, he offers Eli the chance to prove himself and earn access to his greenhouse.

Ever the keen student, Eli thrives under the attention. And if Lord-Harding is younger and more attractive than Eli had imagined, and if his teaching methods are more hands-on . . . Well, it’s not the first time Eli has had a crush on an instructor. It doesn’t mean he has to act on it.

But Eli and Lord-Harding aren’t the only ones in the greenhouse. A carnivorous plant that emits pheromones to lure men into its deadly embrace has been watching them flirt for weeks. Its pollen is irresistible, and it has certain effects on male physiology that make it impossible to ignore. Eli and Lord-Harding might be able to resist their attraction to each other, but resisting the man-eater is something else altogether.

The Botanist’s Apprentice is an 18,000-word standalone fantasy short with an HEA.

Review: Last Gasp (Kip O’Connor Mystery #1) by S.C. Wynne

Rating: 3.5🌈

I’m a fan of the cozy mystery so I was interested when I saw this series by author S.C. Wynne.

It has all the elements one expects of the cozy mystery. Small town , Pearl Bay, where everyone knows everybody. Main character, Kip O’Connor, who’s lived there his entire life. And has a semi-unusual job, in this case a dog walking and animal day care business. With chatty employees who have a pipeline to the town’s gossip!

And a small town/village police chief who’s the would be romantic interest. Here it’s Police Chief Merrick Dawson, best friend of Kip’s older brother.

There’s a lot of history between Kip and Merrick, none of it pleasant as Kip was bullied by his brother and friends as a child. Something they’ve never apologized for.

I enjoyed the author’s characters and plots. It’s right along the lines of a cozy with several mysteries happening at once. And like any main character in this type of mystery,Kip, at one point, goes off to investigate on his own.

Unlike other novels where the plots and details are more gritty and the investigations are tightly realistic (and my expectations higher), the holes both in the exposition as well as in the small town police work just sort of blend together.

I think what bothers me most about the dynamics here between Kip and Merrick is the lack of communication. Merrick has known Kip all their lives. Merrick and Kip’s older brother played “pranks” on the much younger brother that to the present have caused emotional harm. Neither older man has ever apologized but expected Kip to “get over it”.

Even towards the end, after an explanation, there’s not a real connection or understanding of the harm that bullying causes.

Thats not a relationship or character that’s relatable for me.

The mysteries also had little complexity. While some might think that’s not a issue with a cozy, I’ve read many a cozy mysteries that layered their mysteries with greater depth and I’m missing that here.

The book ends with a promise of a friendship. And two more books in the trilogy.

I’ll probably save the rest for late summer reading.

If light cozy mystery with no romance is the thing for you, pick up Last Gasp (Kip O’Connor Mystery #1) by S.C. Wynne.

Kip O’Connor Mysteries :

🔹Last Gasp #1

🔹Last Date #2

🔹Last Chance #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showLast Gasp (Kip O’Connor M/M Mystery, #1) by S.C. Wynne | Goodreads

Cozy gay mystery romance.

Kip O’Connor lives a simple life in the little seaside town of Pearl Bay. Unless it’s tourist season, things tend to be pretty peaceful. There is, however, one never ending source of irritation in the form of Police Chief Merrick Dawson.

Merrick is Kip’s older brother’s BFF, and nothing seems to bring Merrick more joy than nagging Kip about silly things. You’d think a Police Chief would have more important things to do than lecture Kip on parking tickets and picking up pet waste, but somehow Merrick always finds the time.

Kip decides to take an art class at the local community college, and he’s annoyed to find Merrick has also enrolled in the course. The instructor takes a shine to Kip, and soon they become friends outside of class. Merrick warns Kip of the dangers of blurring those lines and befriending his teacher, but Kip is flattered by the attention.

When his art teacher is found stabbed through the forehead with a palette knife, Kip is determined to figure out who killed his new friend. Merrick naturally thinks Kip getting involved in the investigation is a horrible idea, but when has Kip ever listened to that irksome, pig-headed Merrick Dawson?

This is book one in my brand new Kip O’Connor M/M Cozy Mystery series. Each book has a cozy feel to it and there is a strong romantic (slow burn) story-line in each book. No on page steam but some mild violence. I hope you enjoy reading this series as much as I enjoy writing it.

Review: Remedy (Tulip Farm #1) by Alex Hall

Rating: 4 🌈

Remedy , the first in the Tulip Farm series by Alex Hall, is a very good contemporary story. The author certainly knows the show circuit or at least has done their research most effectively so that the world of competitive jumping, and later Dressage, is absolutely believable.

From the heartbreaking prologue to the story lines that involves the recovery of a high performance/level mare and rider , who were destined for the Olympics before a tragic accident sent both to various hospitals and clinics for surgeries and assessments.

Peter Griffin , one of the legendary McAuley-Griffin family and riding barns, is finally coming home after that devastating accident. But his future as a rider is unclear.

His mare is also at the barn, recovering, and waiting on a direction for her future too.

The key for both is Reed Androku. A Russian emigrant who’s specialty and passion is holistic equine rehabilitation, something that’s made them extremely well known in the equine world.

They are working for Peter’s sister at Tulip Farm and have use of another barn for their own animals.

Hall builds a great universe around this big Irish American family that’s equine royalty, their history and the Farm. Then brings in the haunting and painful background that arrives with Reed.

Reed works to bring Peter into decisions that need to be made about Annie’s future as a high level performance athlete, one’s Peter’s been ignoring as well as not dealing with his own.

These elements are real, grounded in the horse world, and , you genuinely get a great feel for all the characters as tenuous relationships and friendships are built over the knowledge and love of these animals.

The horse world, something I’ve been a part of my entire life (although not at this level) , the various levels of people you meet, the animals from show ponies to rescues are all well represented here.

Love every aspect of this part of the story and characters.

There’s other plots threaded into the romance one as well, including one that seems to overflow into the next book in the series.

There’s several mysteries, both of which have the culprits revealed but only one gets a semi resolution.

I would have been very happy with this book but a couple of things kept taking me out of the narrative. Things so easy to notice because frankly, it’s stands out. It’s a description Hall uses repeatedly to have Reed describe Peter’s eyes.

Once, twice even . Ok. But I was noticing this phrase so much that I started to guess when I’d see it next. Not a good thing when I’m paying more attention to counting certain words than content.

A few examples…

“Peter’s Lake Baikal eyes sparkled.”

“The gorgeous specimen in front of Reed rolled Lake Baikal eyes.

— Remedy (Tulip Farm Book 1) by Alex Hall

And when Lake Baikal eyes weren’t sparkling, then Reed’s eyes were peering up through their lashes…a lot.

Things like that should be caught, its ok to say blue. And Reed can just look up at Peter, without any lashes whatsoever coming into play.

When descriptions or phrases become overused to the point they are noticeable? Time to edit. At least in my opinion.

This book is so good without this taking away from the reader losing themselves in a lovely relationship and romance.

There’s another story coming soon. Absolute. I’ll be there to check it out.

If you’re a fan of Alex Hall, of contemporary romance, equine elements, this is a terrific place to go for all three.

Tulip Farms:

🔹Remedy #1

🔹Absolute #2 – summer 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showRemedy (Tulip Farm, #1) by Alex Hall – Goodreads

At just 28, Peter is one of the youngest athletes ever to secure a spot on Team USA’s Show Jumping roster for the Paris Summer Olympics. With the support a large, equestrian-centric family behind him Peter’s a shoo-in to win individual gold—

—until a freak on-course accident badly injuries Peter and the talented mare he’d been riding. Dreams of success in Paris quickly coming apart, he holes up at the family complex, Tulip Farm, to rehab and re-assess. His parents and three siblings try to keep his spirits up, but it’s hard to focus on the future when by night he’s plagued by reoccurring headaches and by day he can barely walk without pain.

Reed Androku has recently chosen to follow their passion: holistic equine rehabilitation. Tulip Farm – an immaculate facility run by the famous McAuley-Griffin clan – seems the perfect place to chase that dream, and when the family unexpectedly opens up Barn A to boarders, Reed jumps at the opportunity. They’ll happily take advantage of roomy stalls, heated arena, and state-of-the-art footing even if it means putting up with Peter Griffin, the family’s youngest son and ex-Olympic hopeful.

Peter needs healing, and a reason to hope. Reed’s got a knack for rehab and a soft-heart for hard cases, but they also have a dangerous secret. Fate throws Peter and Reed together, sparking a passion that could turn into something deeper, but first they must weather Peter’s recovery, the McAuley-Griffin family’s obsessive need to meddle, and Reed’s violent past.

Review: Temporary Partner (Valor and Doyle #1) by Nicky James

Rating: 4.75 🌈

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

🔹Temporary Partner #1

🔹Elusive Relations #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showTemporary Partner (Valor and Doyle Mysteries, #1) by Nicky James – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Can two rivals work together to solve a case?

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**

Review: Stay With Me (The PI Guys #1) by S.E. Harmon

Rating: 2.75🌈

Originally published in April of 2014, Stay With Me (The PI Guys #1) by S.E. Harmon immediately dates itself with continuing references to popular technologies (Walkmans,DVDs), on trend brands, Mom vehicles of the day (Dodge Caravans), and new leading edge wearables like head sets, iTouch and Nanos. Every sentence is a pull back into a framework of cultural references that makes one pause enough to consider the source, and maybe the need for a Google moment.

Kevin McCallister and Home Alone?

I know, I know. 😱

How this constant immersion in a dated timeframe affects a reader might depend on their age. Some will feel nostalgic, others mildly irritated, others confused by the ongoing usages of elements they simply aren’t familiar with or don’t understand.

Authors beware the need to appear plugged in or knowledgeable by the overuse of trendy or highly popular technology in your stories. In a few years or more? They and your story are obsolete. Or at best rendered Recent Historic Contemporary Fiction.

Next. Relationship issues with the main characters.

As you can tell this was a problematic book for me. A surprise as I very much like their newer series.

Private investigator Mackenzie Williams has a history of bad relationships. The last one was a “straight “ lawyer he was in love with, they were saving to move in together, even had a dog. Yet no one outside of his family, knew they were together. Mac, a outwardly gay man , was in the closet when he was around the man he was supposed to move in with. Until that man proposed to another lawyer, a female one.

Mac Williams comes off as a emotionally torn individual ,who in relationships, becomes a doormat.

It’s not especially enjoyable to read about someone who tells himself not to fall instantly for a straight guy again, does so, then proceeds to make all the same errors one shouldn’t make in that situation. With a client too.

Jordan Channing is one flag after another. Engaged to a woman who’s also a good friend. Also believes himself to be straight. Charming. Becomes attracted to Mac. Eventually decides he needs a experiment to see if he’s gay. With someone who’s told him not to come after him until he’s figured things out. So there no respect of established boundaries. He’s also sees himself as the arbitrator of what is happening in their relationship.

I won’t go into using someone to figure out if you’re on the Spectrum or not. Nor do I think people should be rushed into figuring out their sexuality.

My issues with the character of Jordan is that he repeatedly lies to Mac about different situations and issues. Gets discovered in those lies, gets angry, then makes Mac feel hugely guilty because he’s discovered Jordan’s lies .

“But I did it because I knew you’d be upset…”

Flag!

Is this a couple and relationship I’m supposed to get behind?

There is so much more. The supposedly ex fiancé not aware of Mac, Jordan not acknowledging him , that he even had a right to a key. I could go on and on. As I said flags. A boatload of flags.

The relationships Harmon’s written in their latest series don’t seem to have any of these issues. Maybe it was 2014 . I don’t know. But, honestly, whether it was then or now, those things are aspects of a relationship that should be addressed.

I’m going to read the second book in this series to see if it’s the author’s take on this couple and characters or the entire series.

I’m confused as to why someone would write such a relationship. Or one that comes across as such to me.

Maybe I’m the only person seeing issues here.

Add that couple, that relationship, to a story full of old brands, past it’s time technology, and names rarely heard anymore, and it’s no wonder that the smallest issue stood out amongst all of that.

Yes, there’s a happy ending. If you enjoy this couple, then you’ll be pleased by the satisfying manner in which the author leaves them.

Overall, the story moves quickly, with only a few places where it seems to slow for emotional issues to resolve.

I hesitated over the rating. It’s well written but I think the issues for me made it less than enjoyable.

The PI Guys series:

Stay With Me 1

So Into You #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showStay with Me (The PI Guys, #1) by S.E. Harmon – Goodreads

The PI Guys: Book One

Private investigator Mackenzie Williams’s newest client is everything he’s looking for in a guy—charming, beautiful, intelligent, and successful. There’s only one itty bitty problem—the guy’s not exactly gay. In fact, Jordan Channing is looking for a PI to follow his fiancée. The smart thing would be to thank Jordan for his time, turn Mr. Perfect away (don’t let the door hit you on the rump, thank you very much), and forget he exists.

Of course, Mackenzie has never been accused of doing the smart thing. Being a smart aleck is more his MO. Relationships aren’t up his alley, never have been. So why’s he so inexplicably drawn to his new client?

Jordan has always been the high achiever, a man who lives in a focused, controlled, and carefully constructed manner. But for the first time in his life, he has to admit the impossible—another man is getting his engine running on all cylinders. Despite Jordan’s denial, it’s not long before he can no longer resist the strong undercurrents pulling them together. Now Jordan must decide if he can go against everything he’s ever known to have the only love he’s ever wanted.

Review: Tending Tyler (Lone Star #1) by Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga

Rating: 4🌈

Tending Tyler is another of Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga’s incredibly sweet contemporary cozy cowboy romances. The beginning of the Lone Star series , that’s Texas, ranches, and cowboys, with the addition of cute kids.

Truly you can’t go wrong with those elements and these writers.

Payne and Tortuga have the local lingua and food of the heart down pat, as well as the expected community musts (WallyWorld anyone). Their affection and cellular knowledge of the people and regional landscape add such a richness to this and each story that you know immediately who authored them.

There’s other aspects too. The instant love factor that needs a firm grounding to make us believe in it and the relationship. As well as the ability to write children, of multiple age groups, realistically.

The character of Tyler McKeehan, a NYC bartender who’s had a lifetime of loss and just undergone another heartbreaking one, is a portrait of lonely vulnerability and stasis.

The recent death of his best friend has him moving in place, from the flow at the gay bar he works at to the overtime that fills his schedule. The tragedy behind Will’s death is part of the storyline I feel was underutilized by the authors.

It’s a connection shared by the other main character, rancher Matthew Whitehead. The cowboy had come to NYC for the book fair and ends up with not only boxes of books, but meeting Tyler with whom he shares an immediate bond.

And more , as his sister underwent much the same devastating loss.

With such a strong, emotional topic to help bind the men together, I’m not sure why this thread was dropped altogether. For me, it would have been a deeper journey , full of familial ties, a shared history, and growth.

Instead, for dramatic impact, we had another less developed idea. One that came, hit, then was just as quickly resolved, without much explanation or background.

A shame, because the romance. The welcoming of Tyler by the girls into ranch life, however, overwhelming, was lovely and adorable. Tyler and Matt worked without too much effort as a delightful couple that readers of contemporary romance, and lovers of cowboys, will slide into.

Payne and Tortuga bring along a cast of other fabulous characters to support the love story of Tyler and Matt. These people always make each book so much stronger.

I’m recommending Tending Tyler (Lone Star #1) by Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga . Another captivating cozy cowboy romance from these wonderful authors!

Lone Star series:

🔹Tending Tyler #1

🔹Roped In #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showTending Tyler (Lone Star #1) by Jodi Payne – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Bartender Tyler McKeehan feels like his whole life is on hold. All he does is work and sleep because he doesn’t know how to move on with his day to day after the shocking loss of his best friend. When he meets Matt at Les’s Bar where he works in New York, though, he thinks he might have found someone who can nudge him out of his rut. The cowboy seems to live on fast forward, but at the same time this kind, generous man makes Tyler feel wanted and safe.

Ranch owner Matthew Whitehead is just in New York for a visit. But when he runs into Tyler at Les’s Bar, he knows right away that Tyler is special. Matt’s family thinks he makes snap decisions, and they worry about him, but he knows what he wants, and even after just a few days he’s willing to fight to keep Tyler in his life. When Matt has to head back to Texas, he asks Tyler to come visit him and meet his kids. Soon.

Tyler doesn’t know if he can pick up and go to Texas, but he misses Matt’s affection and calming presence, so when life gets overwhelming, he makes the call. Between Matt’s huge, boisterous family, his children, his busy ranch, and the vast differences between New York City and Texas, Tyler wonders every day if he should go back to his old life. Matt is determined to keep Tyler right where he is, but can they overcome the odds against them and make a new life together?