I’m very conflicted about this book. I have to take some time to think about how to rate.
So, here goes...
When Nicky James announced she was writing a I’m very conflicted about this book. I have to take some time to think about how to rate.
So, here goes...
When Nicky James announced she was writing a new book, an old-fashioned style Nicky James high angst story, I was thrilled, because I love her for writing those books that devastate me, that make me feel so much. The ones that make me cry and feel the pain of the main characters, those are the ones that stick with me. The book that immediately came to mind was The Devil Inside, my absolute favorite by her, with two of my most cherished broken characters. And with that book in mind, I started reading this one. And that's what might be my main mistake. Because of that, I probably didn't go into this one open minded. My expectations might have been unreasonably high, which is quite unfair to the author. But having said that, Nicky James is one of my very favorite authors in the MM genre and so, for the life of me, I couldn't go into one of her books without these high expectations.
This book sounded so right up my alley. A broken character, another character who dealt with his own problems. Two men who were childhood friends and who needed to heal together. Is it any wonder that after reading the blurb, I had to think of The devil inside? When I started reading, I had a hard time connecting to Koa. Maybe that's what the author meant to happen, with how closed off he was to the world around him, to the people around him, the high walls he erected due to his past trauma. But it bothered me. I couldn't get him. And I think that's because we only learn about the facts and details about his trauma late in the book. Maybe if I had known earlier what exactly had happened to him, I would have felt more for him. I would have understood him better. As for Jersey, he was quite a distant character for me as well, but it's harder to point out exactly why I couldn't connect with him either. I had a hard time feeling their connection, even when they were still young kids at the camp where they first met. Maybe the years for them to reconnect were too long in between to make it believable to me? Sometimes it's frustrating when you're unable to point out exactly why a book didn't work, but seeing as so many other readers were devastated by this book, it's safe to say that it's all me and not the book.
So yes, I was disappointed, but, as I pointed out, most if it had to do with me comparing this book to The devil inside. My brain just didn't let go of that while reading this book. I continued to compare, realizing as I went, that nor Koa, nor Jersey had any resemblance to Oakland or Jameson, they couldn't come near how deeply these 2 affected me and broke my heart. (As if to find some proof, I'm re-reading that book, and it still hurts as hell, so it still stands as one of the most heartbreaking books I ever read.)
My ratings are always mirroring the way a book touched me. How deeply my feelings and emotions were involved. How deeply these characters got under my skin. I wouldn't know how to rate differently. So when I rate this book 3 stars, it doesn't exactly mean it's a bad book, it just shows it didn't touch me the way I hoped it would. So, if you consider reading this book because the blurb speaks to you, by all means, don't let my review keep you from doing so. Read other reviews as well, because it's clear that it's all me and not this book. But it pains me to rate a Nicky James book with only 3 stars, I don't think that has ever happened before. And it hurts even more because this book sounded so promising, so much like the kind of books I search for and long to read. And then it just wasn't...
I kindly received an advanced copy from the author and this is my honest, unbiased opinion. ...more
I’ll admit that after having read book 5 in this series, which was the one I enjoyed least, I became a bit hesitant for this one. Of course Nicky JameI’ll admit that after having read book 5 in this series, which was the one I enjoyed least, I became a bit hesitant for this one. Of course Nicky James is a quality writer, she’s one of the best in the mm romance genre, to my opinion. But the 5th book seemed to lack the attention and enthusiasm it deserved and what I’m used to getting while reading a book written by Nicky. To me it felt a bit like a book written because readers wanted a new Valor&Doyle book as soon as possible, and I think it was an excellent idea of the author to take a break and write something else instead. Because when she got around to write this 6th book, it turned out to be one of my favorites in this series. It felt like Quaid and Aslan were back to being themselves again- the banter, the fun, Quaid’s insecurities and Aslan trying to take them away. Abraham, Quaid’s father, was present again too, and that was a treat on its own. It was quite an emotional read as well, got me all teary eyed at several moments, but it was funny too. And the mystery was so good! It kept me constantly on the edge of my seat and I didn’t guess the bad guy almost until the end of the story. It was very well done! All in all this new addition to the series is one that makes me look forward to the next book....more
The 5th book in the Valor&Doyle series and even though this series is still one of the best, I think it's good that the author is taking a break from The 5th book in the Valor&Doyle series and even though this series is still one of the best, I think it's good that the author is taking a break from writing the rest of the series. Even though this book was still a 4* read for me, it was my least favorite of the series, for several reasons.
What I loved: - The development of Quaid's and Aslan's relationship. It's going to the next level of trust and love and I have confidence that they can make it through any rough time now they were able to get Aslan through the rough period of PTSD since he had to kill Columbus - I loved how patient Quaid was and knew when to leave Aslan alone and when to push a little. - I loved Aslan and his bike rides, how it cleared his head, and how he loved to take Quaid. - As always, the banter and the lovable remarks. - Quaid's new partner, even though she had to grow on me. It took some time, but in the end I can't see why they wouldn't work. She's a great addition to the story, I think. - The side characters (though I did miss Quaid's father Abraham in this story)
The things I enjoyed less: - I get that Quaid and Aslan have a desire to grow their family, but as I'm not too fond of kids in books, I'm equally not too fond of animals that take the stage a little too often. So I'm sorry to be the odd one here, but I didn't really need the cat added to the story. - The mystery didn't put me on the edge of my seat like the previous ones did.
So, that's why I rated 4* instead of 5. Still, it's a great series and Valor&Doyle are still among my favorite mm romance couples!
I kindly received an advanced copy from the author and this is my honest review...more
I forgot to write a proper review for this one, but I remember I was pleasantly surprised by it. The writing was good and engaging and I know I loved I forgot to write a proper review for this one, but I remember I was pleasantly surprised by it. The writing was good and engaging and I know I loved both main characters. There was a little bit of getting used to Deacon, but once I got to know him better, he really grew on me. ...more
I don’t want to spoil, but let me just say that you have to be prepared for another rollercoaster ride in this superb suspense and an ending that willI don’t want to spoil, but let me just say that you have to be prepared for another rollercoaster ride in this superb suspense and an ending that will rip your heart out. With each new addition in this series I find myself falling deeper and deeper for both Aslan and Quaid and they have definitely earned their place as one of my all time favorite couples. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. Until the end Nicky James had me guessing about it and the outcome wasn’t a nice one. Which was the only thing that wasn’t surprising, seeing as Aslan and Quaid (and let’s not forget about Torin!) had to deal with teenagers who seemed to live in their own, selfish and hardly understandable world. It was one of those things that were very well done yet again - the portrayal of these teens felt very realistic and though they might be a bit too much, the selfishness and self centred world teens often live in, is such a typical teenage thing, it felt real enough.
So, yes, on to book 5. How will Aslan and Quaid take the next level of their romantic relationship and how will it affect their working relationship? I can hardly wait to see what Nicky James comes up with!
I highly recommend this entire series, though you have to read them in order since the romance between Aslan and Quaid is the continuing thread.
I kindly received an advanced copy by the author, and this is my honest, unbiased review...more
The second time reading this book, this time in audio, was still the same exciting ride, even though I already knew the outcome of t*Audio re-reading*
The second time reading this book, this time in audio, was still the same exciting ride, even though I already knew the outcome of the suspense. Nick J. Russo is the perfect narrator for the Valor&Doyle books, the way he uses different voices for each character, and Quaid and Aslan in particular. I love the way he performs the tension within Quaid while working on this case, the nerves. I love the intimate moments between Aslan and Quaid, and the desperation when Aslan was not okay. Again, a new winning collaboration between Nicky and Nick. Highly recommend!
*original review*
My God, what a ride!! We finally get some answers here, but this book is intense, both the romance and the mystery. I couldn’t put it down before I knew how the case was solved and that Aslan and Quaid were good.
And for this once, can I gush again over how much I love Nicky James's writing?! I feel so privileged to be part of her ARC team and to have the possibility to read her upcoming releases before most readers do. And seeing as I love her new Valor&Doyle series, I feel extra thrilled about that.
This series, my friends, is a must read if you enjoy mm romance combined with a thrilling mystery. This here is Nicky James at her best. Each book in this series shows us a beautiful character development and both Quaid and Aslan have sneaked their way under my skin when I wasn't paying attention. They occupy my mind even when I'm not reading and there's not a lot of characters who manage to do that. I love how their relationship develops, at just the exact right pace and in the most natural way. In this third book that same relationship gets ultimately tested. Aslan surprised me in the most positive ways and I just wanted to wrap my arms around Quaid and let him feel how worthy he is. His lack of confidence and trust tug at my heartstrings repeatedly and it almost broke my heart. These two men are so good together, and I already look forward to read about how they continue from here.
The mystery in this book kept me on the edge of my seat and I think it was the most intense, thrilling story in this series up til now. We finally get some answers from the past and Nicky once again took us on a wild rollercoaster ride to get them. I just had to keep on reading until I knew how things were solved and that Aslan and Quaid were okay.
Another thing I absolutely love about this series is how perfectly balanced the romance and the mystery is. The mystery is a big part of each book, but it doesn't take away from the growing romance between Aslan and Quaid. Their relationship still takes the center stage, even when they are busy solving the case. It's in the little things, the small gestures, the sweet words and the whispering, the stolen kisses. Their growing love is palpable, their feelings for one another obvious. These guys belong together and I'm really, really curious to where Nicky James will take them (and us readers!)
Now there's 2 things I can't wait for: 1. The narration of this third book, because Nick Russo is doing such an excellent job with bringing Asland and Quaid to life. 2. For the 4th book to be released. I am not ready to say goodbye to these men yet!
I kindly received an advanced copy from the author and this is my unbiased, honest and voluntary review...more
There's something about this Plum Valley Cowboys series that speaks to me. I have loved all books so far (with the first still being my favorite) and There's something about this Plum Valley Cowboys series that speaks to me. I have loved all books so far (with the first still being my favorite) and I think that's because of Emmy's excellent way of creating the world within these books. The small town vibes, the way people know each other and know ABOUT each other. The way everyone cares and is empathetic to their neighbors, always ready to help out when someone needs it. I love how the author describes the town, the landscape, the people living in it. And reading this 4th book in this series felt like coming home. It felt like a renewed meeting with the people I already knew about, heard about. And it felt like a warm blanket. It made me feel good. So, this book is about Nash and Jake. Befriended each other when they were just nineteen years old, but both felt like there was a lot more between them than just friendship. Jake pines after his friend and keeps pining because he thinks Nash is straight. Nash almost immediately falls in love with his friend at first sight, but he doesn't allow himself for reasons he doesn't talk about, and so he suffers in silence and pretends to be as straight as Jake thinks he is. But they're both only human and they can't always pretend like there's nothing else going on between them, as if they are always strong enough to deny the physical attraction. It results in them fooling around. And that lasts for over thirty years. Can you imagine being so in love with someone, spending time with them as much as Jake and Nash do together, knowing that the other one is supposed to be your life partner, your other half, and not being able to truly act on it, to truly make it real?! To never be able to find someone else because there will always only be this one person that you already trusted with your heart, even if they didn't dare to take it?
Jake was such a loyal, beautiful man. Always there for when Nash needed him, always ready to forgive him for putting a distance between them without really telling why. He did everything to keep Nash in his life, to keep hoping there would ever come a day where Nash would admit his feelings for him. Trying to have faith in their happily ever after. Until Nash pushes him away one last time. Fiercely this time too. And Jake demands answers. I thought he had the patience of a saint. How could he accept this push and pull and still come out without his heart shattered into pieces? How did he manage to keep himself together? Pull himself off the floor once again and do it all over when Nash wanted him close again? I'm not sure if anyone would ever be able to do this without going crazy over it. And Nash...I'm still not sure how I feel about him. He sure had his reasons for this push and pull and dancing around he did with Jake. And to him his reasons were valid. But by doing so, I believe he dismissed the feelings Jake had for him. He must have been blind to not see what he meant to Jake. He must have known all along that it wasn't just fooling around for his friend, that there were feelings involved from the beginning. Jake wasn't that good in hiding them - if he loved Nash as much as he did -waiting 30 years, forgiving him - I don't believe anyone will be able to hide that kind of love. Nash dismissed Jake's feeling for too long, fooling himself and fooling Jake. And even if Jake forgave him quite easily, I'm not sure that I can. I felt so sorry for Jake at times! I really would have liked for Nash to communicate his fears sooner, and I would have liked to see Jake to not forgive him so easily. But then again, true love is magical, it heals all wounds and it mends every broken heart. So who am I to judge Jake? I'm truly happy Nash overwon his fears and understood there was no way in denying how much he wanted Jake any longer. That it truly was better to be loved and have loved until the end, whenever that might be. I just wished he could have opened his eyes to that a little sooner.
All in all, I did love spending time in Plum Valley again, to witness Jake and Nash finally reach their well deserved happily ever after. I loved how close they were just being friends, the things they bonded over (fishing) and how they matured and grew into adulthood. This book is a wonderful addition into this already wonderful series, and I would totally recommend both. And though they all can be read as stand alones, you would miss out on this great series if you would do just that.
I kindly received an advanced copy from the author and this is my honest, unbiased review...more
I love this series! I loved the first book, in which we meet Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle. We got a taste of what they were like as a couple, both at wI love this series! I loved the first book, in which we meet Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle. We got a taste of what they were like as a couple, both at work and in private. The hostility between their respective departments (MPU and homicide) is a reason they started off on bad grounds, almost hating one another. But then there was this kiss, and then there was more. But it was just a hook up, wasn’t it? In this book we return to them, finding them working together on a very violent case. And while working so close together, they also have to admit there’s no way to deny their sizzling attraction. And when they act upon it, the fire burns off the page! They are so good together, both in and out of the bedroom. Nicky James did a great job at making these characters grow and find something more with each other than they might be ready for. The relationship grows in a very natural way and as always, the banter and flirting is on point. These men really start to get under my skin, occupying my mind even when I wasn’t reading. The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat, kept me guessing until the end.
Nick Russo and Nicky James are a wonderful combination. The characters Nicky creates in her books are so well fleshed out, so dimensional, that Nick Russo’s performance, giving them both their distinct voices, is the cherry on top. The way he makes them sound when they’re emotional, mad, flirtatious, groaning and moaning from desire, it’s just perfect.
I really look forward to the audio of the third book. The last sentence in this book, wow… it makes me impatient because now I want to know! Even though there are different cases to solve in each book, the romance is a continuing factor, so these books have to be enjoyed in order.
I finished the audio and wow!! What a perfect job Nick Russo did, once again! I can’t wait for him to finish the third book in this series.
4,5 Stars.I finished the audio and wow!! What a perfect job Nick Russo did, once again! I can’t wait for him to finish the third book in this series.
4,5 Stars.
Nicky James is such a talented author - she can write everything, whether it's a heavy, angsty book, a lighter enemies to lovers, suspense, or books about phobia's; they at least have one thing in common and that is that they all touch my heart, make me feel all the feels. Her characters are always dimensional, genuine and real, with flaws and imperfect traits. She can write steamy, sexy scenes, or write a book that's heavier on the romance. Either way, I will read them all.
This is the story of Quaid and Aslan. Opposites, and supposedly enemies since they both work for a different Toronto Police department and they don't think very highly about each other’s departments. Aslan is a homicide detective with a reputation of being a player. He's bi-sexual and hasn't made a secret out of it. Quaid is from the Missing Persons Unit. A gay detective with a supposedly stick up his ass, and they are forced to work together in a case of a missing baby. The MPU is short in personnel and Quaid’s usual partner is temporarily unavailable.
Aslan likes to rattle Quaid every now and then, specially when mentioning the kiss they shared a couple of months before, something Quaid would love to forget about. (You can read all about that kiss in the free prequel to this series, Department Rivals). But for some reason, they work. They find their groove together and get to know each other on a more personal level. Both struggle with different topics in their lives and the longer they work together, the more there seems to be a natural interest in each other's lives. Quaid has his reasons why he joined the MPU and he has a very persistent ex, who cheated on him, but who doesn’t seem to understand the message that they are over. Quaid’s own mixed signals aren’t very helpful in that matter.
”Can I say something?” “No,” he snapped. “For the love of God, please don’t.” “You deserve better than that piece of shit.” “I’ll file your opinion away with everyone else’s, thank you very much.” I huffed a laugh. “Don’t get pissy with me. I’m not the one who stuck his dick where it didn’t belong. How many times before you learn your lesson, huh? This isn’t love.” “Like you’d know what love looks like.”
Aslan struggles with other stuff, like the care for his sister and her kids with an (mostly) absent father, and his alcohol addiction.
Despite Quaid's denial, there is a palpable sexual tension between them, a chemistry that is undeniably there. And as a reader, you wonder how long it will take for them to give in. I loved their dynamics, their banter. How Aslan kept pushing Quaid's boundaries. It was surely entertaining and there was great humor too. When you decide to read this book (and I recommend you do!) you have to be aware that there will be no HEA or not even a HFN, since the romance is still under construction. There’s not even anything more than just plain sex in sight.
”Can we get through this case without it being awkward?” he asked. “Yeah.” “It probably shouldn’t have happened.” I shrugged. “It is what it is. I’m not sorry.” The soft hint of a smile he wore faded and I read his mind like it was a billboard on the side of the highway. “I’m just another nudge in your bedpost now, huh?” “Let’s go figure out what we’re doing,” he said, his voice huskier than usual.
The suspense part - the missing baby - is neatly solved when you close the book. It hadn't put me on the edge of my seat, but it sure held my attention throughout the book, and there were some unexpected twists and turns, so it was just as entertaining as the romance. I thought it was pretty well balanced. Another winner by Nicky's hand, and I can't wait to see what she'll come up with next.
I kindly received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my voluntarily, unbiased review
Wow, just wow. Nicky James and Nick J. Russo are one hell of a team. This was so, so good! FRTC.
Look, the way Nicky writes mystery and romance is justWow, just wow. Nicky James and Nick J. Russo are one hell of a team. This was so, so good! FRTC.
Look, the way Nicky writes mystery and romance is just extraodinary. Somehow she finds the perfect balance between the two and this book was yet again a perfect example. No, there's not a lot of heat, but in all honesty, I didn't miss it. It was so much more about the romance and the feelings than it was about sex.
This book is about Mercy and Nova, who are vacationing at a lake with their teenagers, Mercy's daughter Rae and Nova's son Cooper. From the moment these two notice each other, a friendship (and a crush) develops. Mercy is very protective of his daughter, and Nova repeatedly fears Cooper will be thinking with his dick instead of using his brain. Nova and Mercy hit it off quite well too. There's a mutual interest, though it's clear Mercy is trying not to act on it, because he's sworn Rae would always come first, and that wouldn't work when getting involved in a relationship.
Then Rae and Cooper find a body in the lake and that mystery seems connected to short broadcasts that they hear on a frequency that Nova used to listen to when he was a teenager himself. Broadcasts about a girl that's disappeared a few years ago, a case that was never solved. None of it makes any sense, though, and when they report things with the local sheriff, strange things start to happen, and they all seem to connect to that old, unsolved case from the past.
As usual Nick Russo's narration is spot on. He is such a pleasant narrator, using all these distinctive voices for all the characters, owning all the emotions that this story needs. The mystery was another excellent story, keeping me on edge until the end. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story took another turn and all my theories went out of the window again. I love when a story has twists and turns like that, keep surprising me continuously. And Nicky does that so well! I haven't come across a mystery romance novel by her that has been disappointing.
There were times I wanted to slap some sense into Mercy's head, though. Specially when the moment comes when there are choices to be made. The way he made up his mind already, not open to anything Nova had to say...Got me kind of mad at him! Also, these kids were young. They were still in their early teens. And even though, like every teenager does, they thought they were wise beyond their years, when they thought they knew everything and were stubborn enough to proof it, I don't know if I would have trusted them with all the things Nova and Mercy trusted them with. That's something debatable. But all in all, this story left me with a very satisfied feeling. The mystery solved (of course) and Nova and Mercy on their way to a hea. What more could you ask for in a mystery romance story?!
I was kindly given a complementary copy of the audio by the author, this is my honest, unbiased review ...more