Review: A Fresh Set of Eyes by Liz Strange

A Fresh Set of Eyes

By Liz Strange

David Lloyd Investigations #2

Things have changed for David Lloyd since his last case left him recovering from a gunshot wound and showered with the respect and admiration of law enforcement for bringing down a major crime ring (see my review of the first book). His relationship with his partner couldn't be better now that Jamie was living openly as a gay man and acknowledged David to his family and coworkers. All was looking pretty great until his next client walked in the door with a complex and somewhat futile assignment.

The set up

Ten years ago, three young teenagers were given life sentences for the brutal murders of two young boys. The mother of one of the convicted, Sandra Klassen, hired David to reinvestigate the case to find evidence that would exonerate her son. The notoriety David received from the last case convinced her that he was up to the job. Talk about pressure.

The issues

Although it's been ten years, the memory of the case is still fresh for many who were involved or impacted because they believed the teens were wrongly convicted. While David finds plenty to support that point of view, one he shares, it's all pretty circumstantial and he's going to also need to find out the identity of the real murderer. But, not everyone is willing to cooperate, including the murdered children's mother, and there were a lot of lies told the first go round.

What I liked about the story

This is one of those procedural style mysteries that you get caught up in as the investigation progresses. You get to use your own deductive reasoning as David solidly works the investigation, providing a lot of clues to work through simultaneously and independently. Some of the characters were murky and others who seemed to be an open book had more angles. An added bonus is his relationship with Jamie. Their evolution as an openly gay couple made such a difference for them and the impact on family, friends and co-workers was sensitively portrayed without overdramatizing the reactions. David is pretty special and Jamie is a hottie.

The bottom line

This is an interesting story, inspired by the West Memphis Three. There are a lot of characters to weed out and that made it even more enjoyable, especially as I was able to figure out whodunit before the end. I like these characters, the light element of romance, the strong elements of unconventional family and relationships, and the meaty and interesting case that anchor the story. I'm hoping this series continues and if you like thorny murder/crime investigations, I highly recommend you read both books.

About the author

Liz was born and raised in Kingston, Ontario where she still resides with her family and a menagerie of pets. When not working, writing or spending time with her family she enjoys reading, watching scary movies, spicy food and hitting the gym.

 Liz is a self-confessed sci-fi nerd, loving Star Trek, X-Files, and Torchwood. She also loves anything to do with mythology, history and anthropology, and has a long-standing fascination with ancient Greece and Easter Island.

She has been an avid reader from childhood, and has always been attracted to stories that deal with the darker side of human nature, mysteries, crime, and things that go bump in the night. Her true (and undying) love for vampires was born when she got her hands on a copy of Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot.

Liz loves to hear from her readers and will answer any questions sent her way. 
And yes this is her real name!

M/M Review: Velocity by Amelia Gormley

Velocity 

by Amelia Gormley 

Book #3 in the Impulse series 

REACHING OPTIMUM SPEED For Detroit handyman Derrick Chance and his lover, Gavin Hayes, the holiday season is filled with the promise of new beginnings. Gavin’s officially moving in, and after the New Year, they’ll begin house hunting. But they both know all the talk of gift exchange, whose holiday ornaments go where, and what repairs and remodels will be needed to put Derrick’s house on the market is only a smoke screen.

Before the month is over, Gavin will have the final verdict on whether or not his dangerously delusional ex, Lukas, infected him with HIV. No matter how good Gavin’s chances appear with the three-month hurdle already passed, neither he nor Derrick knows what the future holds for them.

The holidays have always been a time of loss and mourning for Derrick, but now he has to stay strong as Gavin’s own fears and doubts assail him relentlessly. And when Lukas returns, unexpectedly penitent amid troubling revelations, Gavin has to ask himself whether he can offer Derrick the future he deserves, or whether these first few months of happiness are the best they will ever get.

In this final book of the series, Derrick and Gavin become more comfortable in their relationship, especially Derrick. Gavin’s inner turmoil about his pending HIV status brings the best out of Derrick, allowing him to express his commitment in ways important to both of them. There’s a bit of role reversal at play as Derrick becomes the more confident one in the relationship while Gavin’s insecurities become heightened. It was lovely to see Derrick blossom and thrive in his new life and have Gavin allow him to be the person to be leaned on for a change.

This was an intense exploration of the issues confronting gay partners, not just related to HIV but the social aspects of same-sex relationships. While it was enlightening, it was also heartwarming to see how Derrick and Gavin worked through them, both experience a level of commitment that neither had ever had the opportunity to achieve. As with the first two books, the sex scenes were intense and an expression of both of their feelings. They were sensual, explicit and off the steam meter charts!

I love this series and these characters. They were smartly drawn, flawed individuals who I became invested in pretty quickly. The writing is extraordinary writing and I pretty much will be reading anything Amelia Gormley chooses to create going forward. If you’re interesting in exploring m/m romance with a strong storyline and finely developed characters, I highly recommend this series.

   

Check out reviews in the series by clicking on the covers.

2013 Top Read Review: Sticks & Stones by Abigail Roux

Sticks & Stones 

by Abigail Roux, Madeleine Urban

(Cut & Run #2) 

Six months after nearly losing their lives to a serial killer in New York City, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are suffering through something almost as frightening: the monotony of desk duty.

When they're ordered to take a vacation for the good of everyone's sanity, Ty bites the bullet and takes Zane home with him to West Virginia, hoping the peace and quiet of the mountains will give them the chance to explore the explosive attraction they've so far been unable to reconcile with their professional partnership.

Ty and Zane, along with Ty's father and brother, head up into the Appalachian mountains for a nice, relaxing hike deep into the woods... where no one will hear them scream.

They find themselves facing danger from all directions: unpredictable weather, the unrelenting mountains, wild animals, fellow hikers with nothing to lose, and the most terrifying challenge of all.

At a glance: Stick & Stones is an intense read with action, mystery and an emotional and hot budding romance.

The Characters: Ty and Zane are two FBI agents that are so messed up and share a dysfunctional partnership and are in love but neither can see it. Ty is ex-military smart ass. Zane is an uptight by the book agent.

The Plot: Ty and Zane are finding it after to cope with the events in Cut and Run and have been on desk duty until they can get their heads on straight. Both are ready to head back into the field but after not passing their mental evals they are forced to take a vacation. But this is no relaxing vacation on a beach. It's chalked full of life and death events on a mountain.

Lasting Impression: I love this series. Ty and Zane make my heart break for them in their hard times and make me laugh my ass off during the funny/snarky times. Many are thinking that M/M is not for them but you should try this series. It's not so much about a gay couple but about two people that work together and grow to love each other. They just happen to be men.

“You’re okay,” Zane said quietly but clearly. “Just focus on me for a few minutes. What’s the first thing that comes to mind?” While talking, he was gently wiping away the blood. Ty blinked at him, opening his mouth as he thought the very first thing that came to mind when Zane prompted him. I love you. He snapped his mouth closed and stared at Zane, unable and unwilling to answer”

Review: Acceleration by Amelia Gormley

Acceleration


By Amelia Gormley


Book #2 in the Impulse series


Contemporary Romance, M/M romance


Gaining Momentum Gavin Hayes is everything Derrick could ask for in a lover. Gorgeous. Passionate. Great in bed. Derrick finds it very easy to just let himself go, to let Gavin guide him and teach him all the things he missed during a decade of celibacy. In the course of a single weekend, Derrick’s routine is transformed, his mornings and evenings filled with sex. Sweet, seductive, wild, or raunchy, Gavin offers Derrick all the pleasure he’s denied himself for so long. But learning how to be a lover in bed is one thing. Learning to be one out of bed is another. For Derrick, being alone has become habit. Sharing his confidences doesn’t come nearly as readily as sharing his bed. After so many losses, the last thing Derrick wants is to become dependent upon another person who might not always be there. And Gavin always being there is far from certain. With an ex-lover lurking in the background, and the question of Gavin’s future health still outstanding, neither Gavin nor Derrick feel capable of asking for anything more than right now. But Gavin won’t be kept on the fringes of Derrick’s life. Can Derrick let someone in before the opportunity passes him by?

Now that Derrick and Gavin have progressed beyond the magic of the start of a new romance, the real work of the relationship begins. While Derrick continues his sexual exploration (and he doesn't hold anything back), learning to shed his ingrained solitary behaviors of the past ten years isn't as easy to do. He's not accustomed to sharing his feelings with anyone and is conditioned to repress. Derrick also is unprepared for the realities of the world and it's attitudes towards homosexuality and he's somewhat in denial that some of his current relationships may change. Also, his inability to open up to Gavin threatens to end their relationship.

Meanwhile, Derrick has also awakened to other aspects of his sexual needs, specifically his preference to be dominated. He and Gavin pursue a dominant/submissive sexual relationship, which to some degree helps him deal with his repressive nature.

There was much more emphasis on the sexual exploration in this story as compared to the first book. However, we learn more about what drove Derrick underground and Gavin's background. Derrick is also beginning to take his first steps in fully participating in a committed relationship.

I'm still smitten by these characters and cannot wait for the next book. I really want their relationship to work and love Gavin's honesty in demanding more from Derrick. This is a wonderful romance.

(I was provided ARCs from the author)

Review: Inertia by Amelia Gormley

Inertia
 

By Amelia Gormley


Book #1 in the Impulse series


Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance


By the age of 21, down-to-earth Detroit handyman Derrick Chance had lost everyone he'd ever loved. Too worn-out and wounded to play the dating game, he wrote off the possibility of relationships, or even just sex. Living alone in the old house his grandparents had left him, with only his dog and a few close friends for companionship, he refused to consider himself lonely, or let himself wonder what he might be missing. He knew who he was and where he was headed. His life was comfortable, organized, predictable, and best of all, risk-free. He was content.



Until the day he installed some shelves for accountant Gavin Hayes. A contradictory combination of confidence and uncertainty, Gavin’s shameless flirtations drew him in with an intensity Derrick had never known he longed for. As undeniable as the force of gravity, he abandoned ten years of self-imposed solitude and found himself falling rapidly for Gavin in defiance of all his usual slow and methodical ways.



But Gavin carried wounds of his own. Fresh from an emotionally abusive relationship that ended with a potentially dangerous betrayal, his future was far from certain. Derrick would have to decide if his rediscovered passion was worth taking the chance of another loss.



REVIEW: 


Derrick Chance lives a contented life in the outskirts of Detroit as a handyman. He has few friends and lives alone with his dog, Chelsea, in his grandmother's house, left to him following her death. His last relationship was almost ten years ago and it was with his high school girlfriend, before his realization that his preference was for men. Derrick had suffered so much loss by the time he reached the age of 21 he was unwilling to risk his heart anymore for any kind of relationship. But then he installed some bookshelves at the home of Gavin Hayes and his days of loneliness and solitude were over. 



Where Derrick is introverted and quiet, Gavin is living full out and is pretty comfortable in his skin and lifestyle. He flirts shamelessly with Derrick who has no idea how to respond but is very interested and can't stop thinking about him. What follows next is the romancing of Derrick and his metamorphosis. Gavin intrigues Derrick and stirs life into him, even though Gavin bears some scars from his last abusive relationship. Their romance was wonderful and Derrick is pretty special in his own right. He has a huge heart and the few people in his life are determined that he find happiness. 



Gavin also introduces Derrick to the joys of sex and his inventiveness is remarkable. There are a few scenes that bust the thermometer and are highly erotic! Be prepared for some of the best intimate moments you're ever going to read. Yes, I'm a heterosexual female and the sex in this story was a huge turn on. 



The next story promises to be even more exciting. This is Derrick's awakening and we'll learn what that means in the full spectrum of his and Gavin's life. I loved this story, full of romance and steam, with two very appealing characters. It's a very well written story and I'm in lust with both Derrick and Gavin. 


2013 Top Review: Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban, Abigail Roux

Cut & Run 

by Madeleine Urban, Abigail Roux 

(Cut & Run #1)

A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case.

Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He's cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he's paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it's hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic clich: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.

Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer's knife.

First I have to give a shout out to Jen over at Red Hot Books for bullying me into reading Cut & Run. THANK YOU!!!

I went into reading Cut & Run with the attitude, sweet hot M/M sex and nothing else in mind..... This is not a fluff book with hot sweaty men going at it. Well there is hot sex but that's not the main focus. Cut & Run has a real back bone.

The M/M romance aspect of the book was really just the cherry on top of a great read. I was so caught up in the serial killer case and what was going to happen next. I really had to use my brain to work the case with Ty and Zane. And I love watching cop shows I enjoyed taking the clues that was given to use a little a time and watching the case unfold.

Ok so the plot was entertaining now lets talk about the romance part of the book. Ty is an ex-Marine working undercover cases and profiling for the FBI. He is all alpha and a real smart ass when the story starts. Zane is the clean cut company's man and works at a desk at the FBI. They are sexy version of the Odd Couple.

There is so many times that you think the two is going to kill each other and there is no way they are going to be able to work together much less have a romance. But some of their moodiness is the sexual tense. They are both attracted to each other but don't act on it thinking there is no way the other feels the same. Then all it takes as on well place touch and the fire ignites. When Ty and Zane aren't beating the crap out of each other or calling each other asshole they are all over each other.

It was beautiful to watch the romance unfold. Yeah the sex was hot but the actual romance was heart breaking. By the time we get to the end of the story they have changed places and Ty is the clean cut company man and Zane is the pissy acting undercover agent. See both men wear a mask and in between their moody swings we get a look into what kind of man each of them might be.

I just LOVED EVERYTHING about this book, the action, mystery and romance. If you've never read a M/M I highly recommend making this your first one to try.

Series Reading Order:
Cut & Run (Cut & Run #1)
Sticks & Stones (Cut & Run, #2)
Fish & Chips (Cut & Run, #3)
Divide & Conquer (Cut & Run, #4)
Armed  Dangerous (Cut & Run, #5)
Dine & Dash (Cut & Run, 5.5)
Stars & Stripes (Cut & Run, #6)  
Touch & Geaux (Cut & Run #7)

M/M Review: Missing Daughter, Shattered Family by Liz Strange

Missing Daughter, Shattered Family 

By Liz Strange 

Book #1 in the David Lloyd Investigations series 

Mystery, Romantic Mystery 

 

When a brutal homophobic attack ended David Lloyd's career as a police officer, his life was changed forever. Five years later David is running his own private detective agency, where a missing person's case comes to his attention. Digging into the circumstances of her disappearance forces David to realize he has not dealt with what happened to him, and that he can no longer deal with his long-time partner's fear of being honest about their relationship. Solving the case might not only bring peace to a shattered family, but could finally put David's own demons to rest.

REVIEW:

David Lloyd was a Toronto police detective until a brutal homophobic assault ended his career and changed his life. It's been five years and he now owns a private detective agency. Marjory Barrowman enlists his help to find her troubled daughter, Stella, who has been missing and not heard from for over two months.

On the surface, discovering what has happened to Stella shouldn't be that difficult given her circumstances. She has a serious drug habit and had a pretty small circle of acquaintances, including her drug buddies. However, David soon finds out that not everyone wants her found and has to struggle through lies, deception and cover ups from just about everyone connected. Meanwhile, he's also in a relationship with Jamie Brennen, a successful prosecuting attorney who hasn't yet come out about his sexuality and that's creating tension.

This is very much an investigation procedural but unencumbered by process and police protocol. David is pretty skilled and takes a lot of risks. The case was interesting and had me shifting emotionally throughout as what began as a belief of the truth kept being dismantled as David continued to explore the case. The search uncovered some real nasty characters and circumstances and unexpected turns of events. Some I saw coming and others took me by surprise. I also liked how his relationship with Jamie was woven throughout the story and not as a disconnected, separate storyline. Both are really well designed characters and I loved their relationship. Their romance was sensitively portrayed and you couldn't help but root for them as they faced obstacles from family and other relationships.

There were occasions where there seemed to be extraneous dialogue that could be implied to have occurred by the reader. It didn't bog down the story or my reading enjoyment but was something I noticed.

I enjoyed the mystery and the journey to solve this case but even more, I loved David and Jamie's developing relationship. This is the first book in the series and I plan to continue it as soon as the author writes the next one.

(I was provided an ARC from the author)

AADSAV Review: The Bodyguard's Princess by Ann Mayburn

The Bodyguards' Princess 
by Ann Mayburn 

ebook, 132 pages
Published August 2nd 2011 by Liquid Silver Books
Amazon - B&N
★★★ 1/2

Lalita Chetana, daughter of a United Nations Diplomat, survives an attempted kidnapping by a terrorist group known as the anarchists. She has a difficult time with her recovery, and her father hires two bodyguards, ex-Marines Asher Epson and Kent Warne, to keep her safe and give her time to heal. Unfortunately, even their skills can't save her from an enemy determined to destroy her.

Hypnotized into stealing UN secrets, she is framed by the anarchists. As part of their plan to humiliate and break her father, they plant a hypnotic trigger that anytime she hears the word “bitch” she will become aroused to the point of pain. She is forced to flee and go into hiding with Asher and Kent. The men become unable to hide their real feelings for her after her trigger is hit and they have to relieve her of her sexual torment.

Warning: This book contains hot, dominant men who will do anything to please their lady including light bondage, spanking, public caning, and decadent ménages.


REVIEW:

The Bodyguards’ Princess is a unique story filled with suspense: terrorism, fugitives, hypnotism, and near death experiences. These aspects combined with the pure hotness of the main characters are wonderfully entertaining.

Lalita is a diplomat’s daughter who is wrongly accused of being a terrorist. On the run, her bodyguards, Asher and Kent, protect her and help her clear her name while searching for the bad guys. It doesn’t take long for the three to realize Lalita has been conditioned/hypnotized by her enemies to respond sexually to the word “bitch”. Though they work at finding a way to break her conditioning, the three also enjoy her intense sexual response. The sex scenes were hot while the ménage depicted was well written, with light BDSM and some M/M.

There were a few drawbacks, for example, Lalita’s personality annoyed me at times. She was…brattish at times and I thought Asher and Kent’s long lasting relationship goals with women were a bit ridiculous.

This is the first Ann Mayburn’s books I have read and I must say, her writing style has caught my interest and I’ve already added a couple of her books to my to-read list.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy ménage with some light kink.

Check Ann's website for more books.