Tag Archives: rating: 4

Corin and the Courtier by Eliot Grayson (Beautiful Beasts Book #1)

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TITLE: ⟫ Corin and the Courtier (Beautiful Beasts Book #1)

AUTHOR: ⟫ Eliot Grayson

RATING: ⟫ 4/5

BLURB: ⟫ Most people run from beasts, not to them…

Aster didn’t put much thought into his escape. All he knew when he ran up that mountain—straight into the lair of a grumpy dragon knight with a huge grudge against his family—was that he couldn’t submit to an arranged marriage. It never occurred to him that a snowstorm would strand him there. Or that he’d give in to years of longing and beg for the monster’s forbidden touch. But it happened. All of it…

Corin wasn’t trying to be a hero—especially not Aster’s hero. He couldn’t very well let him die, though. So he protected him. Which might have been considered noble…if he hadn’t also fallen into bed with him. Over and over again. But the cost of keeping Aster is far more than Corin’s willing to pay. Corin will eventually be forced to let him go—even if it destroys him.

When Aster’s problems follow him up the mountain—literally—he realizes running is no longer an option. The only question now is whether Corin will fight for him, or burn their potential happily ever after to the ground…

This spicy, steamy, M/M paranormal fantasy romance features a pair of star-crossed opposites, a little forced proximity (with only one bed), some silliness involving a lack of pants at unexpected moments, and plenty of dirty talk.

This series does not contain mpreg. There’s a brief occurrence of self-destructive ideation in this book, but no action is taken. HEA guaranteed!

REVIEW: ⟫ This was a fun introduction to a new series. Corin has sent himself into exile and is, quite frankly, bored. His boredom is alleviated by the last person he should be pleased to see – the twin brother of his ex-fiancee. Somehow, Asher works his way beneath Corin’s cold exterior until the two of them are discovering they have much in common, including a predilection for a little dirty talk and destroying clothing. But when the very thing Asher is running away from catches up with him, do the two of them have what it takes to grab the happiness that is right in front of them?

This was full of witty banter, fun situations and a new look at the old trope of only one bed. I loved learning so much about the dragons and judging by the cover photo, it’s completely understandable why Asher has such a crush on Corin. At turns touching, annoying, exasperating but always entertaining, I really loved this introduction to a new series – and I can barely wait to see how a certain troubadour copes in the future.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Right Place, Right Time by H. L. Day

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Title: ⟫ Right Time, Right Place

Author: ⟫ H.L. Day

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Sometimes the path to true love twists so much that you end up right back where you started.

Ben Sutcliffe’s teenage crush on his best friend’s dad burned hotter than a forest fire. Jasper Bennet was sexy, kind, and caring—the perfect man. He was also straight and off-limits. The wrong man at the wrong time. So when tragedy sent Ben running for the hills, he never looked back… until now.

The sleepy village of Pilsdale is exactly how Ben remembers it, and so is Jasper. Only this time, there’s a glint in Jasper’s eye that says Ben might not have known everything about him.

The key to overcoming Ben’s past can be found in Jasper’s arms. But he can’t stay. He has a whole life waiting for him outside Pilsdale. But the longer he stays, the more he thinks it’s finally the right time to be with the right man.

Right Place, Right Time is a low angst contemporary, small town, best friend’s dad, age gap, M/M romance. It features a main character who had good taste even as a teenager, a main character who always puts others first to his own detriment, an animal sanctuary, not-so-secret admirers, meddling villagers, a massage or three, and a sprinkling of humor.

Review: ⟫ Right Place, Right Time is exactly as described – it’s a sweet, low-angst romance with an age gap, complete with the best friend’s dad twist just for a little more spice. Ben and Jasper were sweet, kind and both deserving of a HEA but Ben is wary especially as he doesn’t want to read into things too much. There were a few mishaps and misunderstandings, but one of the best things about the story is the fact that both Ben and Jasper made an effort to talk to each other – communication wasn’t just a buzz-word, they did make an effort to let the other person know what they were feeling.

I liked the way that they addressed the age-gap thing face-on – in fact, they went through ALL of the possible reasons why a relationship between the two of them wouldn’t work – it was lovely that the author didn’t hide behind any of that to make an artificial complication. Especially when they had a naturally occurring one!

I felt that the ending was perhaps a little rushed and a couple of the characters felt like a little too much, but that feeling will probably depend on the mood you’re in/life experiences. I didn’t grow up in a place where everyone knew who you were, so the village occupants’ actions felt a little over the top for me, but what do I know?

A nice, generally uncomplicated romance, with a smidgeon of humour and a good set of characters, this was a lovely read. I received an ARC from GRR.

Consumed by Bailey Nicole (Black Diamond Unlucky 13 #7)

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Title: ⟫ Consumed (Black Diamond Unlucky 13 #7)

Author: ⟫ Bailey Nicole

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Welcome to Black Diamond Resort and Spa…

Growing up in a small town in Georgia, I never dreamed of starting a band that would blow up from a viral video or that I’d live in a mansion on the beach in Miami, Florida.

Since we were seven years old, my best friend Percy had dreamed big enough for both of us. He’d always known this would be our future.

But he’s been slowly killing me for years, and yet he’s the only reason I’m still alive. He needs me. He needs me for comfort. He needs me to hold him and love him. Percy wants to live in my skin, and even that wouldn’t be close enough.

But he doesn’t want me the way I want him.

Money. Fame. Medications. Therapy.

None of that could’ve prevented what transpired that night, and even though it put me in a mental health facility, I don’t regret it. Not one bit.

Because without him, there is no me.

Consumed is an M/M romance between two highly codependent childhood best friends. Please read the content warning at the beginning of the book as there are themes that might be triggering for some readers.

Review: ⟫ This is actually a really difficult book to review for several reasons. The main reason is that the depiction of the mental struggles of the main character felt so personal that commenting on them feels wrong.

The relationship between Percy and Junesy is so incredibly co-dependent that I kinda wondered how they managed to breathe when other person wasn’t in the room. Their relationship was – well, strange – and part of my difficulty in reviewing is that I struggled to understand the miscommuncation. I fully understood Winston’s feelings – he didn’t feel good enough for Percy, and that along with the issues with his mother and father meant that he tried to pull away. But I didn’t get why Percy didn’t tell Winston how he felt – like, outright just say it. Mind you, it wasn’t like he wasn’t giving HUGE clues with the physical aspect of things that were happening.

I feel that this has quite a different vibe to the other books in the series and therefore it’s difficult to review it on the same level. Who am I to say whether or not this is an accurate depiction of the mental disorders that Winston was struggling with? The ‘romance’ was intense, troubling, complicated but also heart-warming and rewarding, with both men well aware of who/what they are to each other.

Winston’s method of handling the management issue was brilliant and I admit, I welled up a little reading the letter.

I would say take any author warnings seriously, consider whether this is a good book for you to read, but if you are not triggered, I think a lot of people will find this book enjoyable.

I received an ARC from Indie Author Creative.

Stepbrother Dearest by Willow Dixon (Crimson Club #1)

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Title: ⟫ Stepbrother Dearest (Crimson Club #1)

Author: ⟫ Willow Dixon

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Of all the people who could have seen me when I was at my most vulnerable, it had to be him.

Caleb. My stepbrother and the golden child of our messed up blended family. We barely know each other, but for some reason he takes care of me when an incident at the club leaves me helpless and alone.

He hates me as much as I hate him, but something about his bossy attitude and unflappable calm soothes me. I don’t want to want him, but no one has ever made me feel the way he does.

Hooking up with my enemy is stupid as f*ck. So is breaking my rules for him. I know this, but whatever is between us will eventually burn out and I can go back to my solitary life and forget all about how amazing it feels to let someone else take control.

* * * * *

Gray and Caleb’s story is an enemies-with-benefits-to-lovers romance between stepbrothers who discover that sometimes the person you hate is the only one who can give you what you need. Expect lots of steamy encounters, tons of dirty talk, and reluctant feels as these two enemies learn the truth about themselves, and each other. It is the first book in the exciting new Crimson Club series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Review: ⟫ I’m always fascinated by the stepbrother trope – I have seen it written so many different ways but I enjoyed reading this one. Gray and Caleb are stepbrothers in name more than anything else – there was very little interaction between them when they were growing up and they didn’t have a sibling relationship. I know that can be something that puts people off reading this trope (although others prefer it if the couple DID grow up together – YMMV).

Gray was very close to rock bottom and feels like a failure when he meets up with Caleb again and lingering resentment from the past taints their interactions. I thought Caleb sounded dreamy and could well understand Gray’s feelings of insecurity and resentment – it seemed like everything had gone Caleb’s way whilst Gray was left to struggle. Add that to his brother’s relationship with Gray’s rival from his past, potentially losing his job and being forced to live in his car again and Gray was not in a good place.

What I loved about Gray was his ability to be honest with himself – to see his brother’s relationship as something to be happy about; his ability to make the most of what he had, especially with his relationships with the other dancers and how that grew stronger throughout the story; his feelings for Caleb and how he slowly began to relax and see that he could have this, that his life could take a new, unexpected turn that gave him a chance for happiness.

Caleb was brilliant – I loved his character, his caring nature, his ability to see past Gray’s prickliness to what was underneath, and ultimately how well he fits with Gray. This was a sexy, involving read, with a host of entertaining characters and a satisfying ending. Definitely a good read and I would recommend it.

I received an ARC from GRR.

Dead Serious: Case #3 Mr Bruce Reyes by Vawn Cassidy

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Title: ⟫ Dead Serious: Case #3 Mr Bruce Reyes

Author: ⟫ Vawn Cassidy

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ Tristan Everett was finally getting used to the strangeness that was his life. Being able to see the dead and helping them solve their unfinished business and cross into the light wasn’t so bad after all, especially when he was accompanied by his best friend, dead drag queen Dusty Le Frey. His boyfriend, sexy Scotland Yard detective Danny Hayes, now knew the truth about Tristan’s “gift,” and they were about to move in together officially.

Life was good.

That is until Death—honest to god, Death (aka The Grim Reaper)—pitches up in Tristan’s kitchen with an unusual stop Dusty’s ghostly hookup Bruce from crossing into the light, which may result in dire consequences.

Determined to do the exact opposite, Tristan and Danny assemble their own ragtag gang of one prickly witch, one snarky psychic private investigator, one living drag queen with an affinity for feathers, and one dead one with an affinity for a deceased rugby player in tiny shorts. Together they must solve a forty-year old cold case, while juggling a dose of the flu, a broken leg, a supernatural storm, and an immortal death deity with the looks and temperament of a sexy but grouchy CEO.

Seriously… what could possibly go wrong?

Review: ⟫ Tristan is back along with Danny, Dusty, Chan and the beginnings of quite the Scooby Gang. The third instalment deals with our very own Bruce, the rugby player in the skimpy shorts who has Dusty in a tizzy.

The relationship between Danny and Tristan seems to be the only solid thing in Tristan’s life as everything else goes haywire – including visits from Death, a supernatural storm, Bruce’s body being found and all of the potential mess that can incur along with Death’s slightly deranged ‘twin’ in the form of chaos trying to escape the book store. So, business as usual.

As is usual with Vawn Cassidy, all of the characters get their chance to shine and watching as the gang get closer together and Danny and Tristan realise how loved they truly are, we learn about Bruce’s life (and death) and get more insight into the strangeness that surrounds Tristan like a fog.

I enjoyed reading this one – as I may have mentioned before, these books feel like reading/watching Murder She Wrote but with more sexy times and a little bit of supernatural thrown in for good measure. I enjoyed seeing Chan being pursued, can definitely sense some tension between other members of the gang, and I was so pleased with how Danny handled Viv – who knew we needed the miserable, cantankerous drunk and could grow to like her?

Despite being a murder case, that took the backseat to revelations from the past, people admitting their feelings and Danny and Tristan finally finding somewhere to live without a leaking roof. A very good instalment in the series and I look forward to seeing just what Tristan, Danny and the gang have to deal with in the next book.

I received an ARC from GRR.

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

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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)

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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)

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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.

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

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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.

Atlas by Eden Finley (Mike Bravo Ops #3)

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Title: ⟫ Mike Bravo Ops: Atlas

Author: ⟫ Eden Finley

Rating: ⟫ 4/5

Blurb: ⟫ ATLAS

Working undercover at a strip club is not my usual kind of job. If it weren’t a great opportunity to show the Mike Bravo team I can run my own op, I wouldn’t have agreed to it.

When my boss asks me to befriend the biggest gossip in the establishment, the person who knows everything, I’m even more reluctant. Because that happens to be one of the dancers. The only dancer to catch my attention in all the wrong ways.

I need to be professional or I will never prove I’m leadership material.

Only problem is, the guy with the stage name Lemon makes me want to be anything but professional.

LEMON

I’m sick of the new bartender throwing dirty looks my way. He’s as judgmental as he is hot, and let’s just say he’s really judgmental.

I don’t know why he’s working here if he looks down on us dancers so much. He could bartend at a regular club.

But when he saves me from a drunken customer getting too handsy, his attitude suddenly flips, and we find ourselves becoming … friends?

Underneath the judgment, it turns out Atlas is a total sweetheart.

Maybe more caring than anyone I’ve ever met.

I’ve never had a relationship before, but something tells me it could be way too easy to fall for the gentle giant.

Review: ⟫ I have to be honest and admit that I didn’t remember much about Atlas – which is a shocker because he sounds absolutely divine! This was Lemon’s story all the way: from the descriptions of his dancing to his sassy attitude and his ‘Mom’ demeanour, Lemon owned this whole book.

I liked how Atlas faced up to his subconscious prejudices and addressed them, and even when he wasn’t perfect about it, he was willing to listen and to learn. I loved Lemon’s audacity in how he chose to take care of his boys, and my heart broke for him when the betrayal was revealed.

This was a really lovely addition to the Mike Bravo series, giving us glimpses of the other guys (especially Iris but everyone has a soft place in their heart for Iris) and I was pleased with the instalment.