Volatile by J.R. Gray (A Black Diamond Novel – Unlucky 13 Book #6)

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Volatile (Black Diamond – Unlucky 13 Novel #6)

Author: ⟫ JR Gray

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Welcome to Black Diamond Resort and Spa… and my exile…

A guy in a skirt wouldn’t turn a straight guy on, right?

I spent the last decade performing next to him. I’ve never looked at him as more—until I walked in on him in a skirt.

He’s as broken as I am.

We survived our childhood together. And when he’s finally trying to embrace the parts his father tried to beat out of him, I can’t handle it. He’s taunting me with smeared eye-liner and a filthy smile, singing to a sold-out crowd, and it’s getting too hot under these stage lights.

I can’t look him in the eyes. I can’t be with him—not like that—but I can’t stop thinking about him.

He’s pushing me over the edge.

Now we’re banished to this forsaken celebrity timeout—to play emotional chicken—and he’s determined to make sure I lose.

He’ll push every button I possess until I give in.

Review: ⟫ I still haven’t figured out if I think Royal and Aspen are actually good for each other – Aspen seemed to be such a mess in terms of how he dealt with things, and I struggled with his attitude. He might have been defending Royal to his brother, but at the same time he was constantly pushing him in a way that I wasn’t always comfortable with.

Apart from that, the relationship between the two of them was hot af, full of steamy scenes whether they were on stage or not. I appreciated how, when Royal decided he was all-in, he really was all-in. He turned away from his father’s teachings, was honest with his mother and made sure that Aspen knew that their relationship was his number one focus and I truly thought that was wonderful.

There were links to other works by JR Gray (the Pretty Broken series) and I did enjoy catching those. I have also read most of the book in the Black Diamond series and this is the first one (for me) where the outside world was featured more and I enjoyed that too.

Messy rock stars falling in love and getting steamy on stage – can’t really ask for more than that. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to more in the Black Diamond series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Mr Nice Guy by Isla Olsen (Suits & Sevens Book #3)

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Mr Nice Guy (Suits & Sevens Book #3)

Author: ⟫ Isla Olsen

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Tanner When you’re staring down the barrel of half a century’s existence on this planet, you tend to think about things… Like…maybe I should think about retiring? And I guess I could start crossing things off my bucket list? And should I get my colon checked? Something I wasn’t intending to start assessing too closely at this stage of my life—or ever, really—is my sporadic, complicated, and rather inconvenient attraction to men. Some people do yoga. Others bake. For me, the only sure-fire way to release all that tension and anxiety that’s always building up inside me is…well, I’m sure you can figure it out… But that’s all it is. Stress relief. Or, at least, that’s all it was. Until I met Deacon Stapleton. Gorgeous, funny, and great in bed—it only takes one night for me to decide I want him to be my permanent stress ball. But there are some problems…he’s too young; he’s too nice; and he doesn’t do casual flings. Oh, and did I mention he’s my daughter’s kindergarten teacher? Mr Nice Guy is book three in the Suits & Sevens series and features a billionaire silver fox and a rugby-playing kindergarten teacher. It can be read as a stand-alone. billionaire, single dad, age gap, bi-awakening.

Review: ⟫ A sweet, heart-felt and caring love story between a billionaire who uses men for stress relief and a kindergarten teacher that surprised me. I found Tanner a little confusing initially – the mental gymnastics he seemed to go through to explain what he does would far better have been spent on better therapy and fighting his ex-wife. But the more I read, I could actually see why he didn’t look into it too closely – he’s been through so much but has to remain strong for his kids and his employees – he doesn’t have the mental bandwidth to actually consider his sexuality.

Deacon was really sweet and what I really loved about him was how, despite how frustrating he sometimes found things, he didn’t rush Tanner. He listened, tried to understand but also laid down his own boundaries and I respected that. The rugby players made me laugh and I definitely remember at least one of them which makes me think I’ve read more in this series without realising it.

The sex was hot, the relationship was interesting and loving, and can I just say how very much I love Tanner’s son, Jazz.

A solid read and I am going to see if I can find the other books and catch up with the others.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Reluctant Renegade by Garrett Leigh (Rebel Kings MC)

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Reluctant Renegade

Author: ⟫ Garrett Leigh

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ “I was never scared of dying until I loved you.”

The shy single dad and the gentle assassin. Domestic bliss and a bloodthirsty revenge mission battle it out in the emotional fifth instalment of the bestselling Rebel Kings MC series.

Decoy

I met a dude in a bar once. Tall and strong, he had moon-blue eyes and tawny hair, and he moved with the grace of a lion.

It didn’t pan out, but that’s a theme in my life, and I’ve spent the last five years knowing that kind stranger dodged a bullet.

Divorced and miserable, I’m not exactly a catch.

But the thing is, that man…he’s not a stranger anymore.

And he’s as beautiful as I remember.

Everything you want in a fake boyfriend, right?

Don’t ask me to explain that one. But let me tell you I thought my biggest fear was losing my daughter. Then Folk came home, and I realised you can give your heart to more than one person.

We have a second chance. Goddamn, we deserve it.

But this life, man. It’s a journey.

And there’s no guarantees we’ll both make it to the end.

Reluctant Renegade is an MM/gay biker/MC romance. Content warnings for everything you’d expect in a sizzling biker romance, in addition to divorce/custody stress, addiction, and mental health rep.

Review: ⟫ We finally get to the brother with a kid, the one who remains on the outskirts because getting too embroiled in club business could cost him everything in his divorce/custody battle and it was yet another intriguing look into things.

Decoy is a puzzle – an integral part of the club, he nevertheless seems to remain on the outskirts. It’s been a tough time for the Rebel MC and everyone is more than a little punch-drunk as yet more threats head their way, and in the meantime, Decoy is fighting with his ex for access to his daughter. It was immediately evident that Decoy was kinda drowning – not through lack of support but due to the precarious situation he was in with his daughter, Ivy. Add to that, his hidden past with Folk has come back to bite him in the form of an idea that should keep him and Ivy safe and help with the custody issues.

Folk has his own reasons for being with the Rebel Kings and his history with Decoy is an issue. Add to that being tapped by Alexei for his special skills, and his commitment to looking after his old friend’s children, and Folk has a lot on his plate.

I loved the way they carved out time for each other; how they acknowledged that that night in the past had meant a lot to both of them, and worked honestly to find a way forward. It was also brilliant to catch up with the others and see how they’re doing – Embry is still suffering ill-effects, and the Rebel family is growing so quickly.

I didn’t feel that the romance was as much at the forefront this time and I found it a little difficult to understand why they both held onto the memory so strongly, but Garrett Leigh continues to weave the Rebel MC throughout readers’ hearts and this is an excellent continuation to the series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Overtime by Marina Vivancos (Alpha Omega Hockey Book #4)

Posted on July 10, 2023 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Overtime (Alpha Omega Hockey Book #4)

Author: ⟫ Marina Vivancos

Rating: ⟫ 3.75/5

Blurb: ⟫ Ishir is happy when his best friend Zane is traded to his team, the Brooklyn Cats. Why wouldn’t he be? They’ve known each other since they were kids. Zane was the first person he came out to as gay—an Alpha who’s attracted to other Alphas. Zane has been there for him every step of the way.

Oh, and Ishir is madly in love with him.

Ishir isn’t going to make it a problem, though. Sure, they’re living together, so he has to see Zane strut around shirtless. And, okay, Zane knows about Ishir’s weird little superstition—Ishir can only come when he scores a goal. It’s his thing, okay?

But when Zane starts involving himself in who Ishir can sleep with…in how he gets himself off…well, things start getting a little more complicated.

Zane likes to tell him what to do, and Ishir likes listening.

They’re just best friends, though. Nothing more.

Ishir is just going to have to accept that…or break his heart trying.

This is the fourth instalment of Alpha Omega Hockey but can be read as a stand-alone.

Review: ⟫ I seem to have this issue with Marina Vivancos – I go through a couple of her books and absolutely adore them, then hit one that just doesn’t make it for me. Unfortunately, this is the second of the Alpha Omega Hockey books that I have read that didn’t hit the mark.

I didn’t like Ishir – I tried to, but I just didn’t. And I think I would possibly have enjoyed this book far more if told from Zane’s POV because I found his dilemma far more intriguing. The dynamic between the two of them was intense – to absolutely everyone other than them, it was more than obvious that they were enmeshed far more than they were willing to accept. Zane literally did everything but pee on Ishir to claim his territory, and his pouting/sulking was entertaining. The scenes where Zane insisted on helping Ishir to celebrate were extremely hot – I loved the way that during those moments, there were no insecurities or doubts – they trusted each other and that was lovely.

I wanted to like this more than I did but ultimately, I enjoyed this entry into the Alpha Omega Hockey verse and I will be reading any further entries.

I received an ARC from GRR.

The First and Last Adventures of Kit Sawyer by S.E. Harmon

Posted on July 10, 2023 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ The First and Last Adventures of Kit Sawyer

Author: ⟫ S.E. Harmon

Rating: ⟫ 4.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ In the archaeology community, Christopher “Kit” Sawyer’s family is a legacy. And while he may be a historian, not a treasure hunter, he thinks he does a pretty good job of living up to the Sawyer name. He’s a book-smart research fanatic and does his best work at his tidy desk. No fedora and whip for him, if you please—a nice cup of coffee and a comfy chair will do. But decoding an ancient relic soon gives him more adventure than he bargained for.

Unwittingly, he unleashes a force he doesn’t know how to control. And now he has to reunite the relic with a powerful Aztec God. The trouble with that? Kit doesn’t where to find the Tlaloc’s temple. No one does, in fact. Finding it could be a discovery for the ages. It could also lead to his untimely death. So…yay? But it’s not like he has a choice. So off to the Mexican jungle he goes.

At least he isn’t going alone.

Ethan Stone, former stepbrother and overall pain in the rump, horns in on the expedition. An experienced archaeologist, he’s only coming along at their grandfather’s request—which annoys Kit to no end. But he knows Ethan is just the right person to get them through the jungle safely. It’s just too bad someone is trying to beat them to the temple. And he’s willing to do anything to get there first.

Ethan thinks Kit is in over his head. Kit is secretly afraid he just may be right. In manners of archaeology…and manners of the heart….

Review: ⟫ Ooh think Indiana Jones meets National Treasure and you have this book, but throw in some hot men falling in love and it gets SOOO much better! I happen to list the Indiana Jones and National Treasures as some of my favourite comfort movies, so reading the blurb of this had me happy dancing in my seat.

And I was not let down!

This book was a humdinger of a ride, with thrills galore, a smidge of the supernatural and banter and hot sex – an absolutely perfect recipe if you ask me! Kit made me laugh with his self-deprecating humour and he touched my heart – feeling such an imposter in a famous, adventurous family and health concerns meaning he literally couldn’t pick up the family mantle.

I felt for poor Ethan – there he was, thinking he was being so blatant and at every turn Kit misunderstood him and his intentions. It’s enough to drive a swashbuckling hero insane. His protectiveness over Kit yet his willingness to stand back and let Kit have his shot was just one of Ethan’s good points – he was an absolutely brilliant foil for Kit, understanding both sides of his personality and aware of his history enough to just get why Kit felt the way he did.

This was a fun read, with some hot sex amidst the adventure and I am really pleased I read it – S.E. Harmon has never let me down yet!

I received an ARC from GRR.

Obnoxious Bad Boy by Devon Doe (Am I the Problem? Book #3)

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Obnoxious Bad Boy (Am I the Problem? #3)

Author: ⟫ Devon Doe

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Tl;dr: Am I the problem for hooking up in secret with the local bad boy? (Everyone thinks I hate him)

I [20M] am an accomplished pre-law student with my life mapped out for me by my parents. One day, I’ll be a respected lawyer, but in the meantime, I’m enjoying college, writing shameless gay smut, and getting absolutely zero action.

But I do have a crush. On the most obnoxious local bad boy [25M] and the exact type of person I shouldn’t like. He’s a tattoo artist, an ex-burglar, and, worst of all, an influencer. He’s ripped, inked, and his ice-blue eyes pierce my heart (even if he did once spill coffee on my laptop and was very mean about it).

He’s also straight and I hate him because I can’t have him.

Or so I thought, because one day, when he notices me, my world spins out of control, and my morals go out the window. I’ve always been the skinny pale nerd with no flirting game, but to Vex, I’m his sweetie, his baby boy, and his eager plaything. I can’t help but love it.

But he doesn’t want to come out, my trust fund is on the line, and I’m falling for him all too fast. This was supposed to be a no-strings-attached arrangement, so I shouldn’t want him to be my boyfriend. But I do.

Am I the problem for trying to get more than he’s willing to give? Or is he the problem for dragging me into this?

Addendum: If my parents find out I’m seeing an ex-con, they’re gonna kill me.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

“Obnoxious Bad Boy” is an enemies-to-lovers, steamy, opposites-attract romcom where a snotty nerd gets the bad boy of his dreams and has to deal with the consequences of their hush-hush relationship.

While the books in the series share a setting each can be read as a standalone.

(Aaron and Vex’s story)

Will our nerdy protagonist find the courage to fight for what he truly wants, or will he lose everything he holds dear? Don’t miss out on this scorching hot enemies-to-lovers romcom that will leave you crying with laughter!

Review: ⟫ I’m actually in two minds about this book so my review will probably reflect that. On the one hand, the chemistry between Aaron and Vex is steaming hot and there’s no doubting that they really want each other. I also really liked the way in which Vex encouraged Aaron and gave him the confidence to become more ‘himself’ around other people and particularly with his parents.

However, the whole in the closet and flirting with other people thing niggled at me. I could well understand Vex’s dilemma – if you are selling a product, you give the people what they want. And I would imagine it’s incredibly difficult to make a life-changing decision, especially if you’ve seen it go sideways for someone else. All that being said, there were more than a couple of times when I was side-eyeing, and his lack of support to Aaron during something pretty big made me very unhappy with him.

I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the previous two but this book has solid writing, excellent chemistry between our leads and of course, the background characters we are growing to know and love. Not my favourite but well worth a read.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Unfortunate by Nicole Dykes (Black Diamond Novel – Unlucky 13 Book #3)

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Unfortunate (An Unlucky 13 Novel)

Author: ⟫ Nicole Dykes

Rating: ⟫ 3.5/5

Blurb: ⟫ Welcome to the Black Diamond Resort and Spa . . .

I’m in exile in this luxurious refuge after a scandal, which shouldn’t be a scandal at all.
I’m Elijah Hunt, former child actor, now beloved action star.

When a picture of me in a compromising position is posted online, for the entire world to see, my agent sent me here to escape the limelight.

But here, it’s different from my crazy, loud, glitzy life. It’s quiet and peaceful. No one seems impressed with my celebrity.

And no one is less impressed than the sexy, aloof member of the cleaning crew. He couldn’t care less who I am or why I’m here.

He’s convinced I’m one of the fortunate ones—and I suppose I am. I’ve had it all—big houses, the best care, money, fame, and shallow adoration . . . but I’ve never been loved.

I’ve never known if people like me for who I am underneath it all or just for my money and fame.

And to me . . . that seems awfully unfortunate.

Review: ⟫ I think I must be missing my emotion chip this week because I can tell that this was an emotional read, with both Atlas and Elijah daring to hope for more, all whilst being terrified of the potential consequences to their heart, mental health, life yet I didn’t find myself connecting with either of the m/c.

I could well understand the underlying message about what can be perceived as fortunate not always being the prize that it seems, but I just wasn’t feeling anything. I can see from other reviews that other people definitely felt that connection and I’m sorry I missed out on it.

The other thing I would say was that the ending/resolution felt a little rushed. Now it may be that we see more of this couple further on in the series, but I wanted to see more. I think this is more of a me issue –the book was well written, the sex scenes were good and I enjoyed the story in general.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Anonymous Alpha by MM Farmer (Bangers & Mash #7)

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Anonymous Alpha (Bangers & Mash #7)

Author: ⟫ MM Farmer

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ When everything goes wrong and the world is set against him, who can a desperate omega in trouble turn to for help?

Evan

I should have been careful what I wished for, because after the most amazing and torrid heat I’ve ever experienced, I certainly got it! The glittery, bubblegum pop image that the record label created for me, the one I was so ready to move away from, has been blown out of the water, because someone leaked a tape of me and the ESA I’d hired to take me through heat.

And on top of that, despite precautions, I might have an even bigger “little” problem after that heat. I have no one to turn to but Sable, who the media is calling the “anonymous alpha”. I barely know him, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him.

Will he help me, or will he think I’ve ruined his life?

Sable

I’m used to helping high-profile omega clients, but nothing could have prepared me for the media firestorm when a tape of me and Evan Mercer hit the internet. Everyone is saying Evan leaked the tape on purpose to get out of his recording contract, but when I get a tearful, panicked call from Evan, an entirely different story comes out.

I will do whatever it takes to protect my omega, because Evan is mine now, even if it was just an ESA call that brought us together. I’m ready to stand by my man, and once we figure out who blasted his career and his life to bits, the gloves will come off and I’ll show the world just what it means to defend the man I love.

Anonymous Alpha is a stand-alone, an omega in distress, alpha to the rescue story in the Bangers & Mash series. It contains a very good boy doing very, very bad things, the worst day ever, hidden cameras (not the good kind), an escape from the media, friends coming to the rescue, and Evan Mercer’s BIGGEST FAN EVER!!!

PLEASE This is not a shifter series. But you know how the other books have had a warning that no omegas are impregnated during the course of the book? *whistles innocently*

Review: ⟫ I haven’t read any of the previous books in this series so went into it completely blind. I found it fascinating the whole idea of having a service where alphas would help omegas through their heats and enjoyed the way that this was handled in the book – the sex work aspect of this was handled very professionally which was nice to see.

Evan is ready to move on from his teeny-bopper image – and his awful manager. Once he’s through this heat, his contract will be up with the record company and he can outwardly become the grown-up they refuse to allow him to be. His manager is a complete sleaze who sees Evan as a cash-cow and is not happy at the changes ahead.

Into this mix comes Sable, an Emergency Support Alpha, who feels a pull towards Evan that he’s never experienced before in all of his time helping omegas through their heats. He certainly isn’t expecting a sex tape to be released, labelling him as Evan’s anonymous alpha and splashing the time they spent together all over the press.

The 180 turn of the media and some of the fans towards Evan at this negative happening felt a little too realistic – we all know that the press loves nothing more than a scandal and this is a huge scandal. How Evan and Sable find their way through the terrible situation that they’re placed in whilst adjusting to their new bond and a surprise pregnancy makes for an interesting story.

It is light and doesn’t dwell too much on the negative side of fame and the role that social media plays in that, but the subject is touched on and I appreciated that. Otherwise, this is a fated-mates/insta-love story with some hot, very kinky sex and a fight for justice that was entertaining.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Tink by Emmy Sanders (Elite 8 Studios Book #3)

Posted on June 7, 2023 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Tink (Elite 8 Studios Book #3)

Author: ⟫ Emmy Sanders

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Have you heard the tale of Goldie and the Two Bears?

Alex

Working in the adult entertainment industry has its challenges. Mainly, scoring a date that lasts longer than a night. I’d started to wonder if my own happily-ever-after wasn’t in the cards.

But then a hookup turned meet-cute lands me right on top of Rowan, the shy, submissive bear of my dreams with a serious weak spot for sweetly spoken words. He doesn’t see Tink, the performer. He sees me.

Yet before I can lick my territory, Rowan’s neighbor Finn walks in. Quite literally. And the tatted, pierced, ginger-haired papa bear has his sights set on my new crush. Even worse, Rowan returns his interest. I assume that’s game over, so imagine my shock when Finn suggests a less-than-traditional arrangement in which we all win.

They say you should never run from bears. So really, what’s a boy to do when faced with his ultimate fantasy?

After all, maybe happily-ever-after is meant for more than two.

Tink is a poly MMM romance between one golden-haired troublemaker and two very delicious bears of the human variety. There’s praise, furry chests and unexpected piercings, an extensive collection of orchids, tight white pants, coworkers who are like family, and one very HEA. It’s book 3 in the Elite 8 Studios series but can be read as a standalone.

Review: ⟫ I haven’t read any of the previous Elite 8 Studios novels but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story. This was a sweet, easy read that covered some pretty big topics but not in a preachy way.

Rowan is looking to dip his toe back into the dating scene after an absolutely awful breakup, just in time for Alex to take him up on the offer of a night of passion. Both men feel the pull of something more and it would have been quite a simple story if it had remained on that level.

However, Alex is a porn-star and has had previous lovers who didn’t like his choice of profession, so is understandably guarded. Especially when Rowan’s neighbour, Finn, throws his hat into the ring and what began as a hook up begins to turn into a hot relationship between the three of them.

The way in which this trio communicated with each other was gold – there were no misunderstandings about where they all were and how they felt; the support for each other was beautiful and the relationship as it grew was beautiful to witness. They each have their vulnerabilities but they were all ready to throw everything at this chance at a once in a lifetime love and that was amazing.

There were plenty of sex scenes, including a very intense scene later in the book and they were well written. Perhaps a few too many for my taste but they didn’t detract from the main story. I liked how everything wove together – from handling Manuel, building Rowan up so that he got a handle on his self-esteem issues; seeing the people who worked for Elite 8 as people rather than just performers, with outside lives and interests that further fleshed them out.

I did enjoy reading this and based on some of the character descriptions, I think I might have a look for the other Elite 8 studio books. The puns about Goldilocks and the Bears came thick and fast, and I loved the way it was incorporated into what Alex was working on. The reality of polyamory and how people might view it was shown gently, and the outing of Alex’s profession and how various family members felt kept this from being too fairy-tale-esque. If you’re looking for something low-angst, sexy and with some interesting themes underlying the story, this might just hit the spot.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Goes Unpunished by M.J. May (Maverick Insurance Mystery #2)

Posted on June 7, 2023 by Book_Endz

Title: ⟫ Goes Unpunished

Author: ⟫ M J May

Rating: ⟫ 3/5

Blurb: ⟫ Three years ago, Perry Atherton’s young life almost ended in a dark alley when he tried to play a superhero. Now, Perry’s stagnant life has been resurrected into happy contentment. No one’s tried to kill him in months, and beyond Wille Slater’s creepy vibes, Perry’s custodial position at Maverick Insurance is going well. Even better, his relationship with Detective Nathaniel Harmon has the potential to turn into something loving and lasting.

Lying in the back of a pick-up truck, the Milky Way stretched above him and snuggled up next to Nate, Perry couldn’t be happier. A phone call from Nate’s work partner ends the best date Perry’s ever been on and throws his boyfriend back into another murder investigation.

As a homicide detective, Nate’s used to the inconvenient calls, late hours, and missed promises with Perry. What he’s not used to is sort of, kind of knowing the homicide victim and the need to interrogate Perry’s best friend—Gayle Ridley.

Death is never easy. Murder is worse. Dealing with your boyfriend’s hurt feelings and protective instincts is brutal. Nate needs to solve this murder pronto so he can get out of the doghouse and crawl back under the covers with the man he loves.

When a suspect in Nate’s latest murder investigation threatens Perry, Nate will push himself to the limits. Perry has suffered enough, and Nate will be damned if he brings his dangerous work to Perry’s door. The world needs to learn that Perry Atherton is off-limits, and Nate will make sure the message is delivered loud and clear.

Goes Unpunished is the second book in the Maverick Insurance Mysteries series. The first book, No Good Deed, should be read prior. Goes Unpunished is a m/m romantic mystery and contains good friends, sketchy coworkers, lazy and hungry cats, thoughtful dating, and an exhausted detective and his understanding boyfriend.

Goes Unpunished contains descriptions of homicide and a character using a homophobic slur once.

Review: ⟫ When I saw this book offered by GRR, I made a point of reading the first one in the series so that I knew what was going on, but to be completely honest, I’m still not sure!

The majority of the novel concentrates on the homicide case Nate is working on. Keith just so happens to be dating the roommate of Perry’s best friend, Gayle, who is in the unfortunate position of having been completely upfront and honest about just how much she hates Keith. It’s this tenuous link that involves Perry in the investigation – Nate has to be careful to be impartial, even if it means sitting back whilst Perry’s best friend is accused of murder.

That all sounds good so far and we are involved in the investigation as we follow Nate and his partner as they follow the clues. But absolutely none of that has anything to do with Maverick Insurance and that’s where my confusion lies. There is something odd going on where Perry works as a custodian for Maverick Insurance – he has found himself amidst a group of killers and that is made plain in the book – but it has nothing to do with Nate’s investigation.

And that’s where my suspension of disbelief struggles. The big story is obviously Maverick Insurance – how it came to be, who they are, and why they are watching over Perry – but none of that is discussed or alluded to in the two books in the series so far. And, to be a little blunt, I think that story would be far more interesting than the ones we’ve read so far. We don’t get to find out just why Delia and Malcolm are so attached to Perry – apart from the fact that he shows basic human decency.

The relationship between Nate and Perry is moving along at a quiet pace, and despite both men stating how much they care for each other, this isn’t some madcap, passionate affair. Their relationship is handled on a superficial level which I found frustrating. Perhaps that’s where I’ve gone wrong with this series – I’ve been reading it as a romance/mystery type thing, with the relationship between Perry and Nate being at the forefront and Maverick Insurance as the backdrop. Instead, it is the police procedural aspect of things that are concentrated on, with details about relationship/mystery only being given to the reader very sparsely.

I wanted to enjoy this more than I did and I think my frustration is evident in my review – there are so many other things I would prefer to find out than how well Russ cooks or the minutiae of police investigating. I don’t know if I’m going to read any more of these books if/when they come out because of this frustration and that feels like a shame because I feel like those details would be fascinating.

I received an ARC from GRR.