Snow Time for Love: Tales of the Circle Book 3.5

After becoming curious about the slightly off-putting realtor in Heart from the same series, I was weirdly interested in reading his story.  What we got could be sweet so some, sexy to others, but mostly it was rushed and disturbing to me.

To start, did we have to read about Ralph boning his FBuddy with only about an hour and a half of reading in the whole book?  Couldn't we have just started with the morning after?  It was so uncomfortable for me to read the rest of the short story because I was already having a graphic display of what he got up to with one guy in the morning and am expected he comes to love another guy by the end of the night.

Sure, he knew the guy he fell for and was always attracted to him, but the transition from attracted business colleagues to lovers and more felt jarringly abrupt and icky.  Add in the flashback to Ralph's initial come-on to Bo and I'm seriously anti-Ralph on the basis of his behavior just not being okay no matter how much his heart yearns for love.  He's constantly making inappropriate and over-the-line propositions that I can't take him seriously.

Bo, on the other hand, was a bit different because he was sweeter, more earnest, and was in a position to give in to his attraction and did so in a way that was more genuine.  I just liked him better.  That's not to say I didn't feel that "love" came too soon, it just felt more organic from Bo's end.

But honestly the whole thing felt like we were racing to the finish and the subtleties and growth were lost in the rush.  There was so much time spent on reminiscing and describing the moments of attraction that I wondered for nearly the whole story if all their feels were just in their heads.  Overall it was sweet, lots of steam, and while it wasn't a bad story, it just made me uncomfortable for too long, was followed by a rushed romance, and then it ended...nicely.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Lonely for company, Realty-Man Ralph seeks to celebrate a pricey property flip with his favorite contractor, Bo. But Bo is afraid Ralph will discover he’s squatting in the house they’re currently renovating. A winter storm is coming, and the forecast is heavy snow… with a chance of tequila, Chinese food, and love.

Dark Alpha's Obsession: Reapers Book 11, Donna Grant

If you're engaged in the series and have read from the beginning, including the Dark Kings' that precedes and also runs concurrent to the Reapers' series, this fits right in and though short and not filled with a ton of detail, it does bridge the gap and give us a really exciting change that's going to really shake up their world going forward.

This story felt different in that it wasn't complicated with a billion secrets, side stories, and subplots, it was straightforward with one particular situation that needed recon with a couple surprises along the way. One surprise was Fianna. Her strength and vulnerability were perfectly matched to Rordan's vigilance and quiet strength. Though I will admit, Fianna's strength and general badassery was lost along the story outside of the one sparring session and was a bit of a letdown. On the other hand, until she responded to that one call, she really did do what she promised and I loved her for it. Too many times you have the TSTL moment that puts them and everyone else in more danger than necessary because they saw fit to broke their promise.

And then there was surprise number two where Rordan's past came back to, not haunt him, but to free him. I absolutely did not see that one coming and I enjoyed it quite a lot. Despite it not ending in the best way, those moments were ones that set this particular story apart from the whole rest of the series and made it even more unique. Adding in the other unique bit with how the Reaper reveal info came about, and this became a story to appreciate instead of just enjoy for a few passing moments.

So keeping in mind that this is absolutely part of the series and not a standalone, it really worked. On its own it was simple and really light on information, discovery, and action, but there were enough moments of conflict to move the overall plot along. I'm definitely looking forward to what's coming next.

*$4.99 on Amazon

There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I’m coming for you…

When Erith directs me to infiltrate the enemy and topple them from within, I immediately accept the challenge. I figure it’ll be easy until a stunning warrior goddess crosses my path and diverts my attention. The problem? She’s in league with those I was sent to take down. However, I soon discover there is more to her than meets the eye and quickly find my mission divided: disband this new group of Fae Others and save the gorgeous Light from her family—and herself. All it takes is one look, one conversation to know that she’s mine, and I will chance Death’s displeasure to make it so. But the risks are great. Because when you fall in love with the enemy, more than your heart is on the line.

Love You So Sweetly: Love You So Book 4, Tara Lain

This was...way too similar to Love You So Madly.  A rich guy and a poor guy, one in a committed relationship for most of the story, an insanely fast turnaround from breakup to in love with the other MC, remaking a life/location for the relationship extremely soon after getting together as a grand gesture...far too many similarities and very little transition between the relationships to make either believable.

Unlike Ben making an effort to be around and involve Dusty in a lot of his life, in Remy's case he spent so long dithering and also sending Harper to other admins and departments that he didn't actually have more than a passing acquaintance with the man in order to develop the kind of love they're professing by the end.  I just didn't buy it.  And with almost a deus ex machina saving of Windy Pines that magically solved Merced's grocery business it was just too much with too few pages to do any of it any justice.

I liked the story overall, it wasn't complicated, but it was convoluted and way too rushed to find it truly enjoyable enough to recommend.  My least favorite of the series by far.  Not a bad story, just not one for me.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Can he read his future in a glass of sweet tea?

Remy’s a sophisticated LA billionaire.

Harper’s a rural Arkansas, small town boy.

Remy’s rich.

Harper’s poor.

Remy has a girlfriend.

Harper has a boyfriend.

Harper’s gay.

So’s Remy, he just doesn’t know it yet.

In a desperate effort to save Remy’s family business, the two join forces, but before they can forge a future—they have to let go of the past.

Micah: Love at the Haven Book 3, Stella Shaw

I've been intrigued by the men at The Haven from the beginning with their personalities and unknown backstories.  I was looking forward to Micah's story with all the hints of still waters running deep, his ability to keep the peace, the music he brought to the hotel, and his generally calm nature.  He maintained all those things in this story, but I felt they got lost within all the drama that was often overdramatic rather than a byproduct of more organic conflicts.

This was the most juvenile story of the series, though with how the characters were written, especially Micah, that shouldn't have been the case.  Both Fox and Micah didn't do a ton of growing in the story despite it having adequate page time to do so.  Fox was definitely young and sheltered and found difficulty standing up for himself until things really came to a head.  He had to make a lot of difficult choices and so his maturing was there, though off page.  Micah had a lot of life under his belt for being so young, and a lot of hardship to face.  But when faced with hard personal choices he ran.  Can't say I was a fan of that.

For Micah to throw the appropriateness of their relationship due to obligations and responsibilities, basically laying selfishness at Fox's feet, was a low move yet one he should have taken to heart as well.  Seeing him do nothing to fix his issues as he said he needed to in the same breath as chastising Fox to do the same was an unfortunate misstep as it decreased Micah's appearance of maturity and resolve.  All ended up well, but the journey there was crisis after crisis softened only in The Haven's Room 2 where both Fox and Micah could let down the walls and be themselves without shame or pretense.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Micah and Fox weren’t each other’s first choice - but might they be the last?

Easygoing Micah takes the role of peacemaker at the Haven Hotel, where he's one of the long-standing escorts. But beneath his tolerance he’s hiding turmoil and anger he daren’t let loose—the last time it got the better of him, his whole family fractured. However, on one fateful night, Micah strikes back at an abusive client, and also finds startling passion with a pop star travelling incognito. Blindsided by both, his life is never going to be the same.

Fox's band is an online sensation, just about to break into live events. A talented songwriter with his career on the rise, he’s held the band together since they were all in college. So why does his public life now fill him with dread, threatening to rob him of his precious voice? Seeking anonymous comfort at the Haven, he’s mistakenly paired with Micah, and what was meant to be a straightforward business transaction affects him in a way he never imagined.

Two confused men in need of love and understanding—can they find it together?

Royal Line: Tattered Royals Book 1, Carrie Ann Ryan and Nana Malone

From the start it was easy to tell that London wasn't truly a pampered royal and it was easy to like her right away.  I grew to love her when it was clear that even under duress, while stressed, feeling vulnerable, and nearly blindsided by an unexpected lust for her savior, she didn't run in fear and was absolutely in control of her reasoning.  She knew not to be an idiot about her safety.  While not wanting to give up everything about her life, she could also admit when it was far too dangerous for her to continue and again, not be an idiot about her safety.

Of course, she chafed at the restrictions, but that was completely understandable under the circumstances.  And not just because of the threat nipping at her heels.  I applauded her for chafing at the high handedness of all the men in her life and especially calling Kannon out numerous times about his astonishingly awful behavior.

In fact, I am so, so sad to say that I didn't like Kannon and he never grew on me.  Not even a little.  His attitude was more than just growly lion with a thorn in his paw, a tortured hero with a traumatic past, or even just a plain ol' jerk in unnecessarily large quantities.  He was disrespectful and patronizing and hurtful on so many occasions that not even his groveling near the end nor his confession enough to redeem him for me.

So the romance didn't just fall flat for me, it tanked and I'm incredibly sad about that.  And honestly, everyone except for London, Sparrow, and Rian were Judgy McJudgersons in virtually every aspect and at every opportunity.  I got really tired of that.  Adding in the very, very obvious villain (way, way too many references to how good and obligated they were smacked of trying too hard to direct attention elsewhere) with a lackluster confrontation (insanity and monologuing and a far too descriptive fight scene?) and you've got a 2.5 star story for me.  I rounded it up because London was a woman worth knowing.

The epilogue was incredibly predictable, I mean, the only surprise was the hair color(s).  I can't say I'll be reading the brothers' stories because they really didn't wow me in any way, it was London that was memorable.  Though I will admit that the chemistry was definitely there, it needed a balance of tenderness and affection, not a wishy washy, fickle, woe-is-me martyr of a dude who suddenly decides London is worth a forced plane trip and no counseling to get his issues taken care of before attempting to win her back.

I love Nana Malone and her writing, her characters are usually compelling, the action well-written and complex enough to draw interest, and the love just as palpable as the physical chemistry.  This story did not live up to what I know I'll get from her books.

*$4.99 on Amazon

I never asked for my tiara.

My dreams were always bigger than a palace. They're as big as the world.

Being fourth in line for the throne should have guaranteed me freedom.

I thought I was one step from walking away forever, but a long-forgotten rule forces me to run instead.

I refuse to marry a Duke and bear an heir to save our titles.

I trust my brothers to find a way to save my future, but first I need to save myself.

Only I never expected to meet danger...and Kannon Adams along the way.

I never asked for her.

My security business has secured all the clueless princess types I can handle.

Princess London Waterford of Alden is a whole other level of trouble.

Not to mention gorgeous and tempting as royal sin. Too bad she's also in danger.

When the bullets fly, I trust no one else to protect her, even if she pushes me away.

Together, we must find who's behind the threat to her life and try not to get caught in the crossfire.

One night together might never be enough, but if those who want her dead have a say, it'll be our last.

Rick: Love at the Haven Book 2, Stella Shaw

The second book in the series, Rick got a lot more in the way of detail and evolution, and while it gave more insight into both Rick and Eliot, there was the same amount of focus on the actual relationship building as in Dante...not enough for my liking.  It was a sweet story overall with a lot of overlap between business and romance and the ending was nice as well.

I felt for Rick quite a lot, but more because of his compassion and understanding shown in Dante's story.  His insecurity took center stage a little too often in his story and I wish his character had been written as a more solid presence; his constancy and protection drew me to him in the first place, I just wish it had been shown more here.  Kind of like Web from Mary Calmes' Frog and his being a mountain (one of my favorite books ever and definitely worth a read).

Eliot's evolution was a bit missing as well.  His backbone and acceptance of his identity was in question for most of the story and only at the big confrontation did he bring both of those together and I would have liked to see that change, not be surprised by it.

Progression in the relationship was physical, but a kind of awkwardness clouded it.  It often edged a little too far on the justification and acceptance of Rick's assumed occupation and of The Haven's operation practices instead of something to build on that was uniquely Rick and Eliot's.  The chemistry was there, though Rick's sweetness was really the focus of the relationship.

There were also too many conflicts packed into a relatively short story, in my opinion.  Eliot's job dissatisfaction, his sexual identity, his plans for his money, Rick's financial situation, his insecurity regarding Eliot's age, to say nothing of their feelings and how they don't do too much to build on that in any solid way...there was just a lot.  All of them lasted nearly the entire time but were settled by the end, but really quickly with a grand gesture and a bit of conversation.  If the story would have had a better balance I would have enjoyed it so much more and I felt both men deserved that.

*$4.99 on Amazon

A gift of a man for one night. A promise of so much more.

When Rick Thatcher’s beloved aunt leaves him the run-down Haven Hotel, he’s amazed to find a group of young men running an escorting business out of it. Intrigued and impressed, he allows them to stay. But sacrifices have to be made to keep the hotel running. The hotel is always short of funds, and the guys… they’re sexy, they’re fun, they’re loyal friends. But they can also be a bunch of trouble. Rick has no time left for romance.

Until the night Eliot Walker arrives at the Haven, naïve but brave, looking to discover what it’s like to be an openly gay man at last. He wants to spend the night with a man, one who can excite and guide him. But an escort? He’s nervous of what he’ll find.

He finds Rick. Just the kind of man he’d choose to have his first experiences with, if it was possible. And from Rick’s point of view – on this one special night, and for this one special man he can’t take his eyes off – why shouldn’t it be?

If only this could be more than one night. But their potential happiness and the Haven’s security may already be under serious threat.

Dante: Love at the Haven Book 1, Stella Shaw

With such a short story there wasn't much time to develop a complex plot or convoluted characters.  I appreciated that the conflicts were kept simple and didn't change throughout the story.  While the last minute hesitations came from an understandable place, the resolution was quick and a little too uncomplicated.  I enjoyed the story alright, but would have loved it to be at least 20-50 pages longer to give a better resolution before the epilogue and to get more of Blake.

The chemistry was kind of there, mostly being read as there because we were expected to expect it rather than in the way it was written.  I feel that was more because we didn't get to know Blake hardly at all and aside from some steamy moments in The Haven, they didn't have much of anything to build on at all.

Getting Dante's POV until the epilogue made sense because he was the one needing to evolve and accept the hope and love in the circumstances, in the person offering them.  I was very glad the epilogue was in Blakes POV though because we really needed it to make their relationship and the life changes on Dante's part even remotely believable.

Overall this was a good story and a good introduction to The Haven and all the men we'll get to know and root for throughout the series.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Everyone deserves a second chance – both in life and love.

Dante's been fooled in love before, and his career is dead in the water – he’s determined he won’t be betrayed again. In between part-time jobs, he’s been tricking at the Haven, a run-down London hotel, and rebuilding his independence. But on a particularly cold winter’s evening, a disaster in Room Four nearly finishes him off for good. Will he and his new friends lose the shelter they’ve come to rely on?

When they meet the hotel’s new owner, Rick, they don’t expect him to accept the rent boys who’ve been using the hotel’s hospitality, however respectful they’ve been. But while negotiations are in progress to renovate the Haven, Dante meets Rick’s friend Blake. Neither of them can ignore the sudden, fierce spark of attraction between them.

Blake is successful, rich, and totally committed to honesty. And, apparently, just as determined in having a relationship with Dante. As they explore the physical fascination between them, they can’t help developing the emotional bond too.

But if Dante confesses his past to Blake, will that be the end of everything? Or will their time at the Haven provide the comfort and understanding that both men have been seeking?

King & Queen: RELIC Book 3, Maz Maddox

Sadly this one didn't measure up to its predecessors.  The MC's were tolerable, Royal more so than Blaise, but lacked convincing chemistry.  I did quite enjoy the inclusion of Simon and Dalton, they're always a high point in any reading of RELIC's stories because they're amusing, sweet, and a whole lot of awesome.

And I hate to say it, but B was selfish.  Sure, there was a moment or two when he was concerned for Royal's physical well-being, but every other moment was about him.  How was B coping, what about B's career, B was scared, B needed space, B couldn't try for a relationship with Royal who only ever proved interested and loyal...  On and on, Royal and B were both concerned about B.  Only when Montana questioned Blaise's commitment at the end did he say anything remotely convincing regarding his own regard for Royal.  And that wouldn't even have come about if it weren't for Henry.

The danger from the Giganotosaurus and an unknown plot in the shadows was truly interesting, but it was largely left alone with no satisfying conclusion.  His goal or intentions weren't made clear or even known, neither were their hints that this particular issue wasn't going to come up again.  The thread wasn't dangled at all, we can just kind of guess that it might be another threat to RELIC's objective.  Though maybe not, because there haven't really been any recurring issues as of yet beyond RELIC's goals and the same generic threat they get sent out to thwart.

Royal and Blaise's chase to track the rogue shifters felt incidental rather than an active motive to their travels and it seemed more like Blaise's career aspirations became the focus of each stop rather than evidence finding and seeking out the Albertosaurus shifter.  And though the drag inclusion was predictable, it turned out amusing and all due to Dalton who has a magically ridiculous way of making things work out.

Henry, he was truly interesting and I'm really, really eager to see him as he learns and adapts to RELIC's way.  The basement scene with him was probably the highlight of the story for me, though the courting scene was adorably wonderful...until B found a way to make that about him too, more than just being humbled or grateful or enchanted by Royal's obvious feelings and intentions.  So yeah.  I'm still a fan of the series and will absolutely be back for more, this particular story just didn't work for me despite all my hopes for the sassy duo.

*$4.00 on Amazon

Running into your one night stand is always awkward.

It’s especially awkward when said hunky hookup pulls you into a secret war over fossils and a kidnapped, newly awakened Albertosaurus shifter.

As if my life wasn’t already a mess (understatement), now I’m cruising through Canada hunting down an ancient monster who tried to kill us, attempting to get my social media career off the ground, and ignoring my feelings for my one time fling.

Royal is hot as fire, funny, brilliant and has a thing for dinosaurs almost as much as I do.

Probably because he is one.

Bonus.

Forever Mann: Bear Valley Book 1, Aries France

This wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but while this author's style isn't something I'd gravitate toward, I couldn't help but be insanely curious about the men of the Mann family.  Each one is different, has their own trauma and needs, and are a part of a family and community that draws you in and threatens to keep you.

There was a lot of tense switching, something I struggle with myself, but it made for a confusing first few chapters.  Likely this was the author getting their flow going and the voice set up, but it was jarring and difficult to follow until the story found its footing.

Drama didn't show up for a while, but when it did, it did so with a huge set of teeth.  I thought it would have played more on the family side of the drama, Perrin's family, as the constant conversational evasions lead to a tense social gathering that forced out some answers, but while that was a passing moment that got absolutely no conclusion or resolution, the more serious drama came from Perrin's relationship and career history.

When it came it was pretty sudden and then it became a slow build up to a really big, violent climax.  As the progress was on the periphery to catch the villain it also got a longer timeline.  We followed along with Jack and a few moments with Perrin and though the view we got was more a glimpse each time of the progress, it was more believable plot-wise because no investigation with legal and FBI-type ramifications is over in a second.

Jack and Perrin were good, solid, and engaging, but I'm not sure they really packed a memorable punch.  It was the story and plot rather than the men that keep me reading until the end.  Though I have to say that the big question came from exactly who it should have come from.  It was a fantastic way to bring them back from the trauma they both experienced and to show exactly where their path was going to lead them on the way forward.  I will absolutely be back for Quinn and Bishop's story.

*$5.99 on Amazon

Jack: 

Family. Bear Valley. Work.

My life is full. I wouldn’t mind finding someone to share these things with, but finding something that fits is harder than it looks. But, then Perrin Thayer moves to Bear Valley and fits so right - in all the ways - I can’t help but fall hard for the sexy C.R.N.A.

Perrin:

Hospitals. Skiing. Travel.

I’ve been gone from the U.S. for five years of some long soul-searching. I want a permanent life somewhere. And I want it with a guy like Jack. But, when my past shows up in Bear Valley, I’m not sure if Jack and I can get through it for a future on the other side.

Thin Ice: Pine Cove Book 6, HJ Welch

Okay, so I'll be honest. There were issues in the story. Ones that would likely decrease a lot of people's enjoyment of the book and the characters. But for me, even though I saw those things, I still loved the overall story, and the men, and the ridiculousness, and the side characters, and the confessions, and the grand gesture...I enjoyed so many moments that even the missteps weren't a road block for me.

Kamren was vulnerable, sassy, and definitely not an idiot. While I do wish we got a little more of his evolution, his overcoming the insecurities and commitment hesitations, it was very clear that he did grow; he did come to accept love, change, and a whole lot of reasonable pampering.

Lee had a bit of a backbone issue and his own insecurity issues to deal with, mostly stemming from his family situation. Until he could come to terms with himself and realistic expectations he could place on both his own shoulders as well as the judgy family members, he was as stuck as Kamren in a cycle of unfulfilling life choices.

Together they found a love that, as cliche as it sounds, conquered all. The resolutions to so many of the issues were simple and quick, which I actually kind of liked because all the stuff already going on was getting a little extra so big, sappy, slightly unrealistic decisions fixing everything kind of worked for me.

So yeah, I'm not blind to quite a few things that didn't really work or make sense or weren't given enough fleshing out, but at the end of it, I just didn't care. The men just worked for me, Gamma and Mia cracked me up, the big emotional moments were suitably cheesy and wonderful, and I felt the feels.

*$5.99 on Amazon

Kamran’s ex broke his heart, tricked him into aiding a bank robbery, and now he wants him to do one last job. There’s only one way to say no: seek the protective custody of the biggest, grumpiest FBI agent ever. And pretend to be his boyfriend for a week-long family reunion in their giant mansion. Wait, what?

Agent Lee Marshall is notoriously all work and no play. Letting a flirty, hot-as-sin playboy like Kamran get under his skin is not an option. He has to protect him, not hook up with him. But pretending they’re an item for a week? That couldn’t hurt…

Kamran swore he’d never love again, but Lee will do anything to keep him out of harm’s way. Maybe there’s a teddy bear heart under the hunky FBI agent’s gruff exterior, and Kamran is the only one who can tease it out. What started out fake becomes all too real, but when Kamran’s past catches up to him, Lee must risk everything to save him.

Love You So Special: Love You So Book 3, Tara Lain

Artie, precious, wonderful Artie.  His unpretentiousness and genuine appreciation of music, his surprising insight, and his love of his fish, all of it worked together to become one of my favorite characters this author has created.  Francois worked well with him in all his invulnerability and genuine need to be seen, truly seen.  Together they were sweet and simply fit together just right, and that was the overall feel of the whole story.  Sweet, uncomplicated fluffiness.

So this earned a respectable 4 adorable stars with how precious Artie was and how fascinated by him Francois was, but seriously, what was up with the mall sequence?!  It didn't work with the story's flow, it was random and unnecessary, and it felt so out of place.  If it weren't for that it would have kept all four of those stars, but that whole scene was like minding your own business on a lovely day and then getting slapped with a fish...yeah, random, bizarre, and somehow insulting.

*$4.99 on Amazon

The plumber, the pianist and a tank full of fish.

Artie knows he’s nothing special—just-your-regular-brown hair, a solid plumber’s job, not much education, and a family that can barely get off the couch.

Francois was born special— famous, rich, and revered as one of the world’s great classical composers and pianists.

But then Artie loves tropical fish, his existential philosophy-quoting neighbor, and anything that Francois plays.

While Francois’s fear of crowds reaches near paralysis and only Artie’s strength and certainty gets him through.

This might be a match made in heaven if Artie can believe he deserves it.

Silent Knight: Fog City Book 5, Layla Reyne

 

Friends-to-Lovers is way too simple a trope for the men here.  I've already come to love these men so much throughout the previous stories in this series and I needed to know their story.  There is complication after complication, a wife and kid, deep affection, shared history, separation and reunion...what Brax and Holt have is so vast that they needed to tell their story, I needed to read it.

But something to keep in mind before reading...  This is the conclusion of the drama and danger surrounding the family and the villain is one that is important enough that you have to have context behind why it's such a huge deal and you won't get that by starting here with Silent Knight.  For that you have to dive in from the beginning with Prince of Killers.  It's also in the rest of the series that you see all the complicated mess and longing and affection that's apparent between Holt and Brax.  So my suggestion is to go back to where it all started.

Holt and Brax didn't get a trilogy like Chris and Hawes got, but the angst building up throughout all of that up to this moment was enough to make me yearn for Brax and Holt's story.  FINALLY!!  They get their HEA.  And while it took a long time to get there, including most of this book too, it happened.  We started with the past, the one hinted at but never shared before now.  In Brax's words, his feelings, we see just how deep his feelings went and how they built from their first fated meeting where he fell head over combat boots in love with the scared giant of a young soldier.  It answered all the secret questions of how a bond so strong could have existed.

Both men were fierce, caring, and committed to saving the other, almost to their own detriment.  Holt had been the quiet force, the tortured gentle soul in the other books in the series, but here we got to see him take charge, running in to save, to protect, and threatening their worst enemy for the sake of those he loves.  The ultimate villain was expected, but the way it played out, seeing everyone put the pieces together while also battling Brax's savior complex and his pride and stubbornness, it all worked out to a sufficiently dramatic confrontation that was resolved without the flash-bang of the drama and distractions that preceded it.

I do wish we had spent more time with them on the happier, more settled side of the conclusion.  It was a little too abrupt and off-page for all the angsting we'd done up to this point.  The choices made at the end were exactly right for everyone and I couldn't be happier with finally seeing Holt and Brax be together as they were meant to be.  There was a mention of a certain company, Redemption Inc., and I'm pretty much salivating over that becoming a new spin off series.  The world the author has created in San Francisco is addictive and compelling; I'd be ecstatic for another reason to rejoin it.

*5.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

I won't let anything happen to you.

Fourteen years ago Braxton Kane's feelings were forbidden.  As an officer, he couldn't fall for an enlisted...no matter how much he longed for Holt Madigan.

Now―as a police chief in love with a digital assassin―his promise to always protect Holt is becoming harder to keep.

I'll protect you.

Holt doesn't understand why his best friend has been pushing him away for months.  But when Brax's life and career are threatened, Holt refuses to allow the distance any longer.

The Madigans protect their own, and Brax is family, whether he believes it or not.

I won't let anything happen to you either.

Forced together, Holt realizes his feelings for his best friend have changed.

His desire to explore the promise their single night together held is undeniable.

His resolve to protect the man who has always protected him is unshakable.

But if Holt wants a future with Brax, he'll have to search and destroy the person who attacked him―before Brax activates the kill switch and sacrifices himself.

*Silent Knight is the fifth book in the Fog City romantic suspense series. It can be read as a stand-alone but is best enjoyed after reading books one through three of the series, in fact, it's definitely my opinion that you should really start with Prince of Killers.

About Layla

Layla Reyne is the author of the Fog City, Agents Irish and Whiskey, Trouble Brewing, and Changing Lanes series.  A Carolina Tar Heel who now calls the San Francisco Bay Area home, Layla enjoys weaving her bi-coastal experiences into her stories, along with adrenaline-fueled suspense and heart-pounding romance.

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