The Art of the Deal, B.A Stretke

- Review by Kazza K

 



Sean Robbins is studying to go into the field of law. He is top of his student group and is all but guaranteed the intern position with Coleman West, the thirty two year old lawyer and self made man with his own Chicago go-to law firm.

It doesn't quite work out, Brittany, his bitchy nemesis, gets the position. However, Sean is thrown a bone via his professor's friend, Ed Murray, a low level lawyer on the third floor at Coleman West and Associates offices. Ed is paying Sean a stipend out of his own pocket to help the twenty three year old student out.

Why didn't Sean secure the position as Coleman West's intern? What were the reasons? His professor gives him a basic, vague reason, but says he will learn all he needs to on the job from Ed Murray. Sean feels there is more to it and, when his professor leaves the room, he spies/takes a letter on Coleman West's letterhead outlining some unflattering reasons as to why Sean won't be accepted anywhere near his firm.

Coleman West just rubbed me up the wrong way from the very beginning. His snobbish attitude towards Sean annoyed me. I can't stand snobby arrogance. He boasts to his colleague, and friend of ten years, that he will ruin Sean if he tries to come near his firm.

Why is that? Because Sean had a leave of absence for one year of college due to family reasons. He didn't bother looking into what those family reasons were, just assumed Sean was a slacker. But that's not enough, God forbid, he worked in a bar and someone as common as that can't be an intern at his law firm. WTF? The kid worked during college. And at a bar. It's what a lot of kids do. Power to Sean for being a hard worker is what I say. SO.....Coleman West started off VERY badly with me.

The basic premise is that Coleman West sees this very attractive man at his law firm around the elevators, near the cars, and he figures he's an intern. But who? Sean runs a few times when he sees Coleman, he's terrified he will lose his internship, and Ed Murray his job, if Coleman finds out he is THAT Sean Robbins; the one he doesn't want near his firm. But Coleman is not to be denied, he wants to meet this young guy that seems so scared of him. Coleman is intrigued as he gets to know Sean. Coleman has never been attached to anyone before. Sean can't stand Coleman at first but he grows on him bit by bit. The basic story develops from there.

What I liked -

The premise was a good one. Something a little different at the core.

Sean was nice. A tad naïve. Coleman kind of redeemed himself, but I struggled with him for other reasons I'll outline later.

It was a sweet read. If you like M/M Harlequin style of romances then this could very well be for you.

Ed Murray was a decent character.

It was easy reading and if you want something light it fits the bill.


What didn't work for me -

The dialogue was very formal. 'I shall not go, it was all good, I should not do this (I'm paraphrasing)...... B A Stretke needs to lean on contractions more in his dialogue. A twenty three year old male would not speak in such formal ways unless, perhaps, English was a second language.

Coleman West was a control freak - he ordered food for Sean, he bossed him out of his accommodation, albeit it for good reasons, organised other accommodation for him, complete with his own interior decorator. He threw Sean's furniture away and replaced it with furniture he bought, he carried him, he would organise a time to pick him up and then hang up, no discussion. He was a personal space invader.

Coleman got over his 'ruthless killer instinct ways' really quickly when he learnt who Sean was. Good thing Sean was attractive.

The alternating POV were too much. They were within paragraphs. Too many voices all on top of one another. I like different viewpoints but I like it clearly delineated.

EVERYONE told Sean about Coleman West's callous man-whoring, dump-them-real-quick ways. EVERYONE. Too many times.

So much back and forward inner monologue that went in a circle - "I'm not good enough for Coleman, I'm not the cream of the crop, he'll leave me soon....."

There wasn't proper development of characters and events - it's not enough to tell the reader something. Show them.


Overall -

Art of the Deal is intrinsically a nice book at heart  If you like sweet M/M romance books then this may well suit. It could also appeal to someone wanting to ease into M/M with a more romantic rather than steamy story. I was glad to see how things ended up for the two MC's. I think the author has promise and it is early in his career. 3 stars.

This book was supplied to me by the publisher, Dreamspinner Press, in return for an honest review.

The Sky Is Dead, Sue Brown

"I try to look up but I can't see anything but darkness.  All the stars have gone out.  I think the sky is dead."

- Review by Cindi

Danny is homeless.  His 'home' is under a bush in a park, the only place where he can get any rest without being run off or harmed.  He often spends time at a local shelter but he refuses to accept any kind of help other than an occasional meal, fiercely guarding his independence.  He has been on his own and independent since the day he was kicked out of his home when he was sixteen for being gay.  

The Sky is Dead begins in the present time with a prologue as David Miles' partner is pushing him to tell the story of his past.  The two men have been together for many years but secrets have been kept that affect both men.  Reluctantly David begins and this is where the story begins and the reader discovers the life of Danny, a young man who later becomes David.  

Danny was forced out of his family home for kissing his boyfriend Steve on New Year's Eve.  He manages to stay with Steve for a few days before Steve's homophobic parents take it upon themselves to force him into the system where he ends up with a horrible, homophobic roommate who harasses him at every turn.  He is allowed to go to the same school during this time where he is able to still spend time with Steve.  Steve is the one bright spot of Danny's life until one day Steve betrays him in the worst possible way.  Moments later, something happens at the group home and Danny is forced to run away.  Thus begins Danny's life of homelessness.  

Every few chapters begins another part of Danny's life.  When he is eighteen he meets sixteen-year-old Harry in the park.  Harry is being bullied by two of the local thugs, two thugs who Danny has given a wide range up to this point.  When one pulls a knife Danny knows he cannot stand by and watch the boy be injured or worse.  Once the threat is over and Harry gets over his anger over Danny's interference, he is so appreciative of his life being saved that he takes it upon himself to take care of Danny.  Harry's mother agrees and Harry comes by almost daily to bring Danny food, clothing and other items that are needed.  What starts as a reluctant friendship quickly turns into more as both boys have grown to love the other.  Harry's mother allows Danny to come to her house often and even to stay the night as long as he stays in the guest bedroom.  Harry's mother is aware that her son is gay and she accepts this and she accepts Danny.  Unfortunately something happens and Harry is ripped out of Danny's life right as he is finally allowing himself to care and to give up some of his much-fault-for independence.  

This begins a downward spiral for Danny.  All the nights of sleeping in the cold and rain have affected his health and he is in and out of the hospital with pneumonia.  He is assaulted and almost killed, saved only by a worker at the shelter.  When he is twenty and there is another hospital visit due to pneumonia, Danny is told that one more infection in his lungs and he will not survive... there have been too many.  This is when his saviors Mary and Sylvia step in, two women who are a force to be reckoned with who take Danny in whether he wants to be taken in or not.

A few months after receiving help from Sylvia and her mother Mary, Danny has decided that from now on he will be David.  It is time for a new start and as far as he is concerned Danny died the day Sylvia and Mary saved him.  It is as David that he meets Jack at the shelter volunteering with his family at Christmas during a family vacation from the states.  Jack is only eighteen but there is something about him that draws David to him and in only a day or so the two are involved in a heated relationship with the boys falling in love even knowing that Jack will be going back to the states in a matter of days.  David and Jack are sweet together though there is not a lot of time in the book with David and Jack as an actual couple.  

This is a very well-written and emotional story.  It's difficult to watch as Danny is forced to endure one betrayal or tragedy after another.  He is offered help but refuses it.  He would rather live under a bush in a park than be forced to give up his independence.  Only with the help of two strong women and a shelter worker is he able to move on and start living for the first time since he was sixteen.

One thing (actually two but they are related) bugged me about this book.  I am unable to say what it was because it is the one big spoiler.  There is one particular secret that should come out long before it does in my opinion.  I understand where the author was coming from and I get that the rest of the story could not have played out had this been revealed.  However, I feel that forgiveness for that should not have been as forthcoming by the other party as it was.  Maybe I'm harsh but a lot of pain could have been avoided had David told the truth sooner.  The entire story is about Danny/David being betrayed but yet I feel that he did the same thing. Otherwise, an outstanding book.

Beautiful cover.

This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Small Miracles, Ellen Holiday

A touching story about two men from totally different worlds who find each other.

- Review by Cindi

The first few pages of this book broke my heart.  No, the first few lines.  The story starts with Cal Harrison standing inside a bar on a stormy night trying to get out of the cold rain.  He knows he can't stay but his hands are like ice, he's soaking wet and he's miserable.  He just needs a few minutes and then he will be on his way.  Cal is a runaway and he's homeless.  He has nowhere to go to get out of the weather and no one he could call even if he did have the money for a phone call.  He is literally all alone.  The cover charge to get all the way inside the bar is $5.00... $5.00 that Cal does not have... but all he needs is to stand inside the door long enough to warm up a little before he's run off.  About the time he is convinced he will be pushed out the door, he is approached by a waitress and asked to come inside.. the cover charge has been paid by someone inside.   He doesn't question it.  He just wants to come in out of the rain.


Matt Kirkland knows from the moment he sees him that Cal Harrison is the man he's been looking for all his life.  He doesn't see the tattered clothes,  the dirt or his unkempt appearance.  He sees the most beautiful man he has ever seen and something tells him that this man is the one. 

When Cal finally makes his way to the bar and is told that a drink has been paid for he asks for food instead.  He's not proud.  All his pride disappeared over a year ago.  At that moment, Matt walks away from an obvious celebration and sits next to him.  He never takes his eyes off Cal.  Cal is too hungry.. and too cold... to care.  Over the course of a hamburger Matt speaks with the other man and tries to get him to go home with him for the night.  It's not charity for Matt.  He just knows that if he lets this man get away that he is throwing away his soul mate.  He can't explain it nor does he try to.  He only knows that for the first time in his life a missing piece has been found and he feels whole in the presence of Cal.  Eventually Cal gives in.  Where else does he have to go other than back out in the freezing rain?  And it's only for one night.

At Matt's apartment Cal showers and begins to feel hope for the first time in a very long time.  He pushes it down quickly as hope has never meant anything to him other than heartache.  By the look of Matt's apartment and car Cal knows that he is only a booty call for the night.  Matt is obviously wealthy.  He can also get any man he wants with his good looks so why Cal?  After a major internal debate he makes the decision to see where the night leads.  One night and then he'll never see Matt again.  Cal is not naive enough to think Matt wants more.  But he will enjoy the one night and the kindness of the stranger and in the morning disappear back into the recesses of homeless society.  

Matt definitely wants more.  After a night spent in bed with Cal he knows he has finally found that missing piece.  Matt has it all.  He has just become a millionaire.  He has every material thing he could ever dream of.  What he doesn't have is that special person to spend his life with.  Cal is that person.  Matt knows this right down to his soul.  Unfortunately, Cal doesn't see it that way and he takes off the next morning knowing he'll probably never lay eyes on Matt again.  Only later, and by accident, does Cal find out who Matt Kirkland really is.  He's well known and he has more money than he could ever spend in a lifetime.  The money, while important,  means little to Cal.  All he knows is that he has probably walked away from the best thing that has ever happened to him.

This is a well-written Cinderfella story.  Cal is homeless and has nothing.  Matt is the handsome millionaire who wants to spend his life with Cal though they have only just met.   Instead of the lost slipper from the original story, Matt uses other means to find Cal after he takes off the next morning.  I found this and what happened after to be a total "aww..." moment.

I only wish the story would have been a few pages longer or that an epilogue had been thrown in.  It ends with the two men together but with still so much to be said.  This did not really take away from the story for me but I still ended it wanting more.

Overall, a beautiful story about two men from different worlds who find each other.  Sure, it's insta-love but it's more about knowing in your heart when you have finally found the one.  I absolutely loved it.  This is my first by this author.  I can't wait to discover what else she has to offer.

The cover is beautiful and perfect for the story.

This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.

PUP (A Guards of Folsom Novel #1), S.J.D Peterson

 "I'm very persistent when I want something badly enough." He leaned in, his warm breath tickling, making Tackett clamp down on the shudder that threatened. "And I want you very, very badly."



-Review by Kazza K

What a cover.

Tackett Austin is a Dom in his forties. He has never seen the need for settling down or training a submissive in his personal, day-to-day life. He's been happy on his own. He has a successful business, is financially comfortable, has good friends, and enjoys going to Guards of Folsom for his BDSM requirements. Plenty of subs to choose from there. But something has been niggling at him since his friend Blake has collared Ty. His friends are happy and contented. It's also his forty fifth birthday and this combined with his friends obvious happiness leaves him feeling alone and in a bit of a funk -

Life had become a predictable series of events. Wake, eat, work, fuck, sleep, repeat.

Micah Slayde is twenty five. He's been working as a barman at Guards of Folsom for about a year and he is pretty darn cute. He can shake his arse and get attention. He likes to be submissive. Has had a contract previously at his last BDSM club, Whip, but he feels that the few Doms he's been with don't truly understand him or want him. And he needs both. Just like Tackett knows he likes the lifestyle, being Dominant -

Tackett didn't want a guy just sucking his dick; he liked to force them to take it. Vanilla didn't do much for him, even when it was new.

 Micah has known since seventeen that he liked spanking -

During his teenage years  - while experimenting, learning blowjob etiquette and Tapping Ass 101 - he realized he had a propensity for kink.

Micah is upbeat, hot, unfiltered in what he thinks and says, he's keen and he's tried everything from being a timid submissive to being a naughty pup around Tackett. Anything to see what would/could work to make Tackett take an interest in him. I found Micah to be utterly guileless and lovely. He has ADHD and trouble focusing, which doesn't necessarily make for a great full-time submissive. He is sure about one thing, though, he wants Tackett Austin -

Blake chuckled. "I do believe you have an admirer." Micah placed his hands on the bar in front of the customer at the end, spread his legs, and pushed out his tight little butt. Jesus, the kid was begging to be beaten.  
"Nah. I'm guessing that boy is a terminal flirt."
"He's a flirt. all right. it makes him a very popular bartender, but he saves these kinds of extremes for when you're around." 

Tackett's good friends, Blake and Bobby and Rig, believe that Micah would be good for Tackett. They would like to see Tackett give Micah a go, take him on a s a sub, train him. And, at a pool party they organise, they make sure that Tackett and Micah are the only single men there -

Boldly he reached up and cupped the hard cock straining beneath the material of Tackett's shorts. "Look around you, sir. Nothing but couples, and then there's you and me. Bobby and Rig must have thought our kinks would make a good match, so stop thinking about all the other bullshit. Instead concentrate on what your body needs from mine." Tackett didn't respond at first; he just sat there with that same neutral expression on his face like he couldn't care less one way or the other. But Micah felt the throbbing pulse and the hardness against his palm.....Tackett slid into the pool, grabbing

Micah's ass in both his hands, and pulled Micah against his hard muscular body. "You have no idea what you have just unleashed, boy."  

So Tackett relents and takes on the cute but scattered Micah. Micah is a tactile creature and is demonstrative in all things he does, which is something Tackett enjoys. He is curious about Micah's mind - he gives sass, nothing malicious more humorous and all over the place, but he also obeys commands. It's a bit confusing at times but incredibly intriguing and Micah is sexy as fuck.

What I liked, and what was written so well, was what both men were thinking and feeling throughout the book. You get both points of view. First of all Tackett sees Micah as being too young and thinks Micah is playing a game of which he knows nothing about. Then, because he is so unfiltered and scattered in his thoughts, Tackett doesn't know whether he has the energy for what he has to do. He is quite unsure how to go about making things work on a day-to-day basis with Micah and is frustrated to a certain extent, not just at Micah but himself -

Tackett rubbed the back of his neck. Micah could tell he was at his wit's end and had no idea what to do with him next.

The thing is, Micah is simple and sensible, he knows what he wants but he doesn't know how to go about showing this to Tackett. He doesn't know how to keep his thoughts from wandering and his focus in place. Micah thinks he has blown things with Tackett and that he can never get it right with his ADHD  -

 He hated it.
Hated that his stupid fucking brain was broken

Watching these two men get together and form a D/s relationship was really enjoyable. Micah is fearful of not pleasing Tackett but he just doesn't know how to go about it. Tackett is fearful of how to train a sub and enter into a full-time contract, albeit for two weeks, but maybe, just maybe, beyond. The sex is off the charts hot and varied. Their pillow talk all kinds of sexy. I loved, loved, loved it. I liked the fact that Tackett spoke to his friend Blake about what to do and the rest he figured out for himself. That he genuinely decided he was worth it, Micah was worth it, having a proper go at their D/s relationship was worth it. When that happened a lot of things fell into place.



Oh, Micah knows how to present

The well named Pup is a fantastic read from the beautiful cover through to the very end. I sat up until 2 AM reading and had 5% to go but couldn't keep reading due to Fuzz-Eye. And here's the thing, I remember thinking to myself about 15% through, "how will I go with this purely character driven BDSM novel?" No drama seemed to be forthcoming - there were no nasty exes in the background that anyone had to contend with. No homophobic parents, no PTSD, no angst anywhere to be seen. None of that was necessary because the wonderful characters that the author created carried this book brilliantly all on their own. I LOVE good, strong characterisations. I inhale that integral component  of a book for breakfast. There are some friends thrown in, but they truly are in the background, well utilised and genuinely likeable. Tackett and Micah were a great pairing, the BDSM just right for the characters, and the sex, yes I know I already mentioned that, was even more fabulous. The relationship was not insta-love. Yes, Micah saw Tackett and had a feeling he was for him. He observed him and just felt it. He then pursued him. But their relationship grew and developed over the time frame allocated. And it was totally credible, even in a matter of weeks. I have several S.J.D Peterson books on my Kindle, why haven't I read them before? This book was excellent reading from beginning to end.

If you love BDSM, good characters, great M/M loving, strong technical writing, combined with an excellent story and plot, then I say grab Pup ASAP.

5 big butt-whacking stars

This book was supplied to me by the publisher, Dreamspinner Press, in return for an honest review.

Unexpected Family, Nate Tanner

Two men whose sons hate each other come together and try to make a family.

- Review by Cindi

***  This review contains a lot of spoilers. ***

I will start with this......... I'm going to guess that this book was written by someone who has absolutely no clue about parenting or children.  Harsh?  Probably but that is what I got from the parenting of the two men in this book, Will and Tom.  I don't claim to be an expert but I did help raise three sons of my own.

Will meets Tom while out on his morning run.  Tom comes across as arrogant right off but when Will takes a tumble Tom helps him out and even walks him back to his car without finishing his own run.  Will, who has only lived in the area for about six months, eagerly embraces what he thinks may be a nice friendship with another man.  Unfortunately, he learns that evening that his ten-year-old son Andy and Tom's son Braden are sworn enemies at school.  A letter has been sent home from the principal advising Will that Andy had punched Braden because he was being made fun of.

Will and Andy barely scrape by financially. Tom and Braden are more than comfortable. Apparently Braden has the attitude that Andy is beneath him because of the clothing he wears and the fact that he goes to a Catholic church for after-school care each day. Andy is already self-conscious about what he doesn't have so he snaps when he hears the other boy making fun of him in front of other children.  When Will goes to discuss this with Tom, Tom surprisingly is understanding and they set up an outing to try to bring the two boys together so they can hopefully become friends.  This outing is a few days later at a science museum.  Everything is going well.  The boys are getting along fine after awhile and it is turning out to be a nice day for all.  Until.........  religion is brought up and not only do the boys have a disagreement but so do the adults... the adults (in my opinion) acting more like children than their ten-year-olds.  Somehow, someway they get over it and there are play dates between the boys and the daily running together helps the men to become friends.  Much later it comes out that each has had experiences with other men so they start working toward getting each other in bed.

All of that is well and good though I liked neither man by this point.

Will is a recovering alcoholic who was divorced a few years earlier because he got drunk one night and hit his wife.  "It was only one time" is said many times throughout the book.  I guess that justifies it?  Granted, the woman had beat the hell out of him and their son for years but that still does not excuse what he did.  You remove yourself...... and especially your child....... from the situation.  You don't punch your wife even if it was only one time.  Somehow he ended up with full custody of the child.

Tom got a divorce from his wife because he decided that being faithful to one person forever was a bad thing so he decided to cheat on her with a man.  The divorce only happened because Tom got caught.  Had he not, he would have continued with his affairs and probably stayed married.  Tom also got full custody of his child.

Then there is the religion thing.  Tom is adamant against any type of religion and he has brainwashed his child to feel the same.  I suppose how one raises their child is their own business but.... Tom not only allows Braden to openly criticize Andy in regards to religion but he also lashes out at Will for his own personal beliefs as well.  This is not a debate or a discussion.  This is a "your views are totally wrong and I'm going to tell you why and push and push until you agree with me" type of discussion.  Will gives in which made me dislike him even more.

Tom basically encourages his son, who he has spoiled rotten, to be hateful and mean.  He is never punished or made accountable for his actions in any way.  There is barely even a discussion when Braden does something wrong.  Will, on the other hand, makes Andy accountable for his bad actions and he is punished accordingly.

So, we've covered the fact that one man is a wife abuser and the other is a cheater.  One spoils his child and allows him to hurt others without repercussions.  The other does try to do right by his child but is criticized for it so he backs down, allowing the child to get away with things.

Will is a recovering alcoholic who uses the alcohol excuse for hitting his former wife.  He has not had a drop of alcohol in over two years.  Tom is aware of this.  So what does Tom do?  Tries to push a beer on him just this one time.  Will refuses it.  Later the two men are on a camping trip (long after they begin their sexual relationship) and Tom has whiskey and what do you know?  Will helps him drink a bottle but that's okay, right?  It's just this one time.  It doesn't work that way and for the author to say it does was wrong on so many levels.  If you are an alcoholic you can't just have a drink or two and all will be okay.  Of course Tom throws this back at him later.

Andy and Braden have finally been told that their dads are in a relationship.  Braden handles it okay but not Andy.  Andy gets upset and sullen.  This is understandable as he has been taught that men are not supposed to be together.  Does Will try to explain things where the child will understand?  Does he sit down with him and try to explain how it's perfectly okay for two men to love each other as a man and woman would?  Not even close.  Will decides to be a jerk about it.

Andy and Braden both turn eleven during the same week.  Will and Andy meet Tom and Braden at the mall with the intention of switching kids so shopping can be done for birthday gifts.  Tom will be with Andy and Braden with Will.  Braden tries to walk off from Will for a few minutes but Will is adamant that the boy stay with him. He is responsible and refuses to allow him out of his sight.  Good parenting there in my opinion.  When Andy and Tom do not meet up with them at the correct time and place Will panics and with good reason.  Later Tom shows up with no Andy.  They frantically search the mall for the missing boy and Will finally figures out that he had gone in a movie theater... not just gone into a movie theater but had purchased a ticket as well as popcorn and a drink.  The kid knew that everyone would be worried but he decided to be bratty and go to the movies anyway as a way to get back at his father for whatever reason.

Bad enough, right?  No problem.  Andy was found and he was fine.

Tom and Will are in the office of the theater manager. It's obvious to anyone reading the book that Andy should be held accountable for his actions.  He knew what he did was wrong.  He knew that he would be punished for it as he should be.  Everyone in the mall had been looking for the child and Will had convinced himself that some random stranger had kidnapped his boy.

What does Tom do?  Threatens to dump Will if he so much as punishes Andy in any way.  No repercussions. No discussions.  Nothing.  Which is basically telling the kid that he can do whatever he wants and not to worry because he won't be held accountable.  In other words, it's okay for Andy to turn out to be as big of a brat as Braden.

It's been awhile since I read a book where the two main characters are as incompatible as these two guys.  There are so many reasons they should not be together.  Their parenting is different.  Their beliefs are different.  Their financial statuses are way different.  Everything is different.

I normally jump on books with kids in them.  I am a big fan of books about family.  This one was a huge disappointment in so many ways.  Also, for an author who normally only writes M/M erotica (with titles like In My Best Friend's Butt, My Horny Stepson and Butt Burglar... I kid you not) the one and only sex scene in this book is off-page.  I guess this was the author's way of going in a complete opposite direction from his other work.   I also have an issue with a parent calling their child names in anger.  At one point Will actually, in his head and not out loud thankfully, calls his son a bastard.  Brat is used often... out loud.  This is written as an almost HEA but I have to say HFN because of Tom's earlier stance on fidelity.  This is not a couple that I could see making it.

Overall, this book was obviously not for me.  The cheating and abuse already had me disliking both main characters so that may have jaded me in regards to the rest of it but I don't think so.  I could have marked this as 'read' and moved on but I was too bothered to just let it go.  It's doubtful I will be reading more by this author.

Dirty Laundry (Cole McGinnis #3), Rhys Ford

A well written, emotional continuation of the Cole McGinnis series.

- Review by Cindi

Rhys Ford has jumped up there in my list of favorite authors.  I devoured her other books in a matter of days and I followed her closely to find out when Dirty Secret would be released, counting down the days until I would finally be able to read more about Cole and Jae.  When I was given the opportunity by the publisher to read it early I could not jump into it fast enough.  I was not disappointed.

Cole and Jae have gone through a lot both together and separately.  Cole was forced to watch his work partner and best friend gun down his long-time lover, Rick, a few years earlier and then end his own life.  Cole was also injured in the shooting and by the time he was out of the hospital Rick's family had removed almost everything of Rick's from his and Cole's home.  Still mourning, Cole was not interested in finding love again, convinced he could never love another man as he did Rick.  He is a private detective and in the middle of a case he meets Kim Jae-Min, the cousin of a murder victim and a possible suspect.  There is something about Jae and Cole finds himself pursuing him and hoping Jae had nothing to do with his cousin's murder.  When they eventually get together, there is guilt by Cole.  He feels he is cheating on Rick.  It takes a long while for him to get beyond that.  

Jae is part of a very traditional Korean family.  Unable to be out publicly, he and Cole have to keep their relationship confined to behind closed doors.  Jae knows his duty to his family.  He knows that falling in love with a man is not an option.  Some day he will be forced to marry a traditional Korean woman.  It is his duty to the family and he will do what is required of him.  His life has been planned for him by tradition and falling in love with Cole McGinnis is not part of that plan.    Unfortunately, his heart didn't get that particular memo.

Cole is aware of Jae's family obligations but he will fight them every step of the way.

In Dirty Laundry, Cole and Jae are spending almost every night together at Cole's home though Jae has his own place. Things are going well but Jae's family is always there in the background forcing Jae to hold back a part of himself.   

Cole is asked to investigate the death of three clients of a fortune teller Madame Sun.  Each client has fallen victim to murder or death under questionable circumstances shortly after an appointment with Madame Sun. Thinking the deaths were coincidental, Cole goes in thinking he can have the case tied up neatly with only a few phone calls and maybe a visit or two.  Because this is Cole McGinnis the reader knows there will be nothing routine about this or any other case that he is involved in.  More people connected to Madame Sun start to die and Cole finds a connection between her and a rival male fortune teller.  Saying anything beyond that would be too telling and I refuse to spoil this book for others.

New characters are introduced to Cole and Jae's lives.  Ichiro, Cole and Mike's half brother, makes an appearance and I have to say that I loved him right of the bat.  This reader and others have an idea of where the author is going with Ichiro and I will be eagerly waiting to read that particular book as I have no doubt that pairing will be brilliant.  Sure I'm being vague but again, I don't want to spoil it for others.

Jae's seventeen-year-old sister Tiffany is introduced to Cole in a big way.  In one instance I was smiling but in the next my heart was breaking.  Her unexpected visit almost destroys everything that Jae and Cole have worked toward.  With the sister in town and knowing Jae's secret it is only a matter of time before his mother is made aware or until Jae is forced back to fulfill his duty as the son.  

There is a lot of the typical Cole and Jae humor in this book but there is also sadness.  My heart broke as I watched Jae battle with tradition and family versus the love he feels for Cole.  Cole does not try to be strong, to hide his emotions.  They are laid out for the reader to see and I got teary quite a few times as I watched him struggle with what may be the loss of Jae.

Bobby, Cole's best friend, is there in all his slutty, twink-seeking glory.  Of all the books I've read I don't know that I have ever loved a best friend as I do Bobby.  He's often funny but yet he can be serious when it is warranted, always having Cole's back.

Claudia, Cole's amazing office manager, is here but not to the extent of the first two books.  But when she is in it she's a total blast.  She is the perfect mother to not only her own children but to Cole as well.

The killer is revealed and while I suspected this person a little early on I quickly ruled this person out because of the way the character is written.  It was a nice surprise when it was revealed and the reasoning behind it.

There is a lot of emotion in this book and some may say that it leans toward the sappy side at times.  Personally, I felt that it was written brilliantly.  To watch Cole go from being the bad ass private detective to seeing his heartbreak laid out for the reader made his character more real. My heart broke for Jae as well but there is something about Cole letting his complete guard down that got to me.

Normally when an author writes a series about the same couple (in each book) I tend to get bored.  I'm not a fan (by any means) of series that focus on the same couple because I am eager to see them have their happily-ever-after.  Unlike another series that I am currently involved in, I do not see myself getting bored with Cole and Jae.  They still have so much to work through to get where they need to be and this reader will be along for the ride every step of the way.

The confusion that I felt in the first two books in regards to Korean dialogue and names was not present in Dirty Laundry.  One, the author put a glossary of terms and a list of individual family members in the beginning of the book so I was easily able to refer to it as needed.  Two, I had already familiarized myself with a lot of the characters and lingo in the first two books so it was easier this go 'round.  

Once again, a lot is left unresolved but that is to be expected.  Something happens with Jae and with a character from Cole's past.  Each left much to be explored in future books.  My only complaint, though I can't quite call it a complaint, is that I wish that one specific thing would have been elaborated on a bit more.  Also, I wish there would have been more time with Cole and Jae together.

Overall, an outstanding continuation to the Cole McGinnis series.  The emotions are written wonderfully, both the serious and the humorous.  The sex is hot, as always.   I can't wait to see what happens with these guys next.

This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Chance Assassin: A Story of Love, Luck and Murder, Nicole Castle

A paid assassin.  A sixteen-year-old boy.  A twisted romance full of violence, odd characters and eventually love.  An outstanding debut novel.

- Review by Cindi

*** This review has some spoilers. ***

Sixteen-year-old Vincent Sullivan is down on his luck.  He has nowhere to live, no job and no prospects.  Desperate, he accepts what he thinks is the kindness from a stranger, Charlie.  What he doesn't know is that stranger is anything but kind and he has plans for young Vincent.  Charlie sends Vincent on a 'job' that is supposed to go off without any complications.  Instead, Vincent is almost killed and is forced to defend himself.  Somehow he manages to stumble a mile through snow and with a knife wound to the motel where Charlie is staying.  Weak from blood loss, he somehow manages to knock on the door only to collapse moments after making eye contact with a man who opens the door, a man who is definitely not Charlie.  When Vincent wakes up his knife wound is bandaged and he is in a room with Charlie and the stranger.  The stranger is Frank and he is the most handsome and sexy man Vincent has ever seen... early thirties maybe, beautiful green eyes and he hates Vincent on sight.

Vincent is young but he is no stranger to sex... or survival.  He lost his parents years earlier and was forced to do whatever was necessary to survive.  Meeting Charlie was supposed to be his way off the streets and out of the beds of random strangers who he used to survived.  It doesn't take long before he realizes that Charlie is a horrible human being who only cares about himself... and money.  Frank works for Charlie though in reality it is the other way around.  Without Frank Charlie is nothing but a nasty old man.  

During Vincent's recovery from the knife wound, Frank is there often though he never speaks and he rarely acknowledges Vincent. Charlie brings Vincent food when he feels like it but that is the extent of his taking care of the injured teen.  Vincent is eager to learn all there is to know about Frank but Frank is not talking (literally) and Charlie isn't forthcoming with much information.  Vincent eventually gets Frank alone and over a period of time the two begin a reluctant relationship though not the type that Vincent desperately wants with the older man.  Frank is straight... or so Vincent thinks... but even if he was gay he would not be having sex with an underage boy.  

Frank is a paid assassin and has no problem killing as long as the price is right.  The 'mark' can be good, bad, whatever.. Frank doesn't care as long as he gets paid.  One day he shows up back at Vincent's motel room only to find Vincent in trouble (thanks to Charlie).  Vincent, of course, has not gone down without a fight and Frank walks in as the boy is trying to defend himself.  The way he does this immediately puts a mark on his head and Charlie orders Frank to kill him.  Frank agrees... for a price.  What Charlie doesn't know is that Frank and Vincent have become friends (though the word friend is probably not the correct word to use) and Frank has no intention of following through on the murder.  They set it up where Charlie believes otherwise and they go across the country with Frank continuing to do his job with Charlie believing that Vincent is dead.  Shy, quiet Frank gradually comes out of his shell and the two become very close only not as close as Vincent would like.

This book is similar to Angel and the Assassin by Fyn Alexander in some ways.  In each book there is a paid assassin who has been ordered to kill a teenage boy but the assassin does not follow through and ends up taking the teen on the run with him.  The assassin begins a sexual relationship with the teen and they end up falling in love.  The two books are even similar in specific things they do while on the run.  However, and I need to stress this highly, that is where the similarities end.  Similar, but not exact.  Frank is the polar opposite of Kael and Vincent the same with Angel (though Frank does call Vincent 'angel' often).  I am only pointing out the similarities as I noticed them early on and I loved the Angel and the Assassin series so of course they would stand out for me.  Chance Assassin:  A Story of Love, Luck and Murder is its own story.  I cannot stress that enough.

Another thing that needs to be stressed is that there is no sexual contact between Frank and Vincent while Vincent is sixteen.  This is not one of those types of books.  Vincent, a teenager, also has experienced enough in his lifetime where the reader feels that he is older at times.  He still has his typical teenage boy moments but at no time did I feel funny about him and Frank once the intimacy started.

Over a period of two years, Frank and Vincent go from place to place with Frank doing jobs for an unknowing Charlie.  Eventually Vincent wears him down and Frank begins training him to do what he does: kill people for money.  Vincent is a natural right off and in no time at all they are a team.  Only later does Frank finally give and begin a sexual relationship.  For a year Vincent has tried to get him in his bed but Frank balked.  The way this is done is hilarious.  Vincent is convinced that he is in love with the older man and he makes passes at every turn.  Frank's response is always "Behave".  

I found myself laughing quite a bit while reading this book which is odd considering that it is about an assassin and his assassin trainee.  The killngs are brutal and they are described in graphic detail.  But yet I totally loved Frank and Vincent.  Frank is shy and quiet and not very forthcoming with information about himself and his past.  Vincent, on the other hand, doesn't have a shy bone in his body and he never shuts up.  You can't help but fall in love with him.  They are the ultimate in opposites but once they come together it is obvious that they are meant to be together... age difference be damned.

There are quite a few secondary characters and back stories.  There are reasons why Frank refuses to walk away from Charlie and there are reasons why Vincent is the way he is... meaning overly sexual.  Little by little information is brought out about each man.  I could not put the book down until I found out everything.  When Charlie finally catches up to them and secrets are revealed, Vincent is put in a very dangerous situation that he almost does not survive.  The author pulls no punches in the brutality of what happens to Vincent.  She pulls no punches in the brutality of anything up to this point.  There is no sugar-coating or off-page violence.  It is all written brilliantly front and center with all the gory details for the reader to see.

This is a very good book.  It was a freebie on Amazon so I admit to going into it hesitantly.  It was also long by my standards coming in at close to 350 pages.  Throw in the fact that this is a debut novel and I almost didn't read it.  Something made me give it a shot anyway and I'm glad I did.  Had I not taken a chance on another Amazon freebie a few months ago I would not be part of this blog.  

My only complaint is this and other reviewers obviously agree with me ........ Up until the 85% point on my Kindle the story was full of action, murder, secrets and Vincent and Frank coming together as a couple through it all.  The book is literally nonstop action and I found myself frustrated if I had to put my Kindle down even for a little while.  But at around 85% or so new secondary characters are introduced and they play more of a part of the end of the book than the two main ones.  Not only did the action come to a halt but it took on an entirely different turn.  Frank and Vincent go from being killers without a conscience to being sweet.  Don't get me wrong, I am all about sweet in my books but not when it happens as suddenly as it did in this one.  The new characters, who are people from Frank's past, literally take up the entire last 15%.  Granted, Frank and Vincent are still center but I felt that by taking the book in such a sudden and different direction that it downplayed all that the two men had endured up to that point.  Unlike some readers who wanted to see them go out in a blaze of gunfire, I wanted to see them survive it all and come together as a long-lasting couple... but not in the way it was done.  There is an epilogue that I ended the book at a loss in regards to how I feel about it.  It shows Vincent and Frank later but I don't think it tells how much later.  What happens during those few pages did not, in my opinion, further the story with the exception of Frank finally doing something he had always dreamed of doing and even that is downplayed.

Overall, a fantastic book that took an unexpected turn.  Up until what I mentioned above this was a solid 5-star read for me.  Had the author continued the story in the same vein it would have ended as one.  By making such an abrupt change I find myself having to drop that rating a little and I hate that because up until that part it was one hell of an amazing book.  All in all, it ends well and Frank and Vincent finally get their happily-ever-after.  There is a lot of humor in this book on top of the violence.  When I can laugh during a brutal scene that says something about the talent of the author.

It should also be noted that this book is self-published and I have to say that it is one of the best edited self-published books I have ever read.  I saw a couple of inconsistencies (that others may have missed) but I saw very few editing issues.  I will definitely read any future books written by Nicole Castle.

The cover is perfect.