Eli Easton

3.5 Stars

I’m going to try and be quick about this review.

I love Easton, and I bought this way back when and have only now just gotten to it. What’s changed for me over the years is that in the closet tropes no longer appeal, so it was with a lot of reluctance and trepidation that I finally finished this book, determined to make a dent in my paid list.

Of course, the writing is great. Easton also does fabulous UST, and she doesn’t skimp here at all. Just know that if you dread waiting for the other shoe to drop, then your anxiety level is probably going to be as high as it was for me. Also, beware some heavy religious repression, bigotry, and hateful violence.

The ultimate win for Christi and David was wonderful, but just take heed that it was a painful angsty journey, and I’m glad it’s over so I can move on to something more fluffy with cute dogs or some spaceships. Cheers.… (more)

4.5 Stars!

Look. I don’t want to give too much away, but this had some flirty banter and some very good smexy. It also had a fabulous alpha male with a military background who is totally undone by a stranger in need who basically falls at his doorstep during a brutal blizzard. The love progression is fast, but it’s very plausible, and that shouldn’t be a surprise in such capable hands as Easton.

Rarely a book can keep me rapt, especially since I do the majority of my reading at bedtime. Let’s just say I read this in one go and was dead on my feet the next day.

Once the twist occurs, the action and suspense never lets up and neither do the swoony feels!

Unfortunately, this looks like it’s in DSP limbo as the audio is the only thing available. However, if you’ve had this waiting in your library, just know it’s giving you the stink eye wondering what the hell you’re waiting for, and I have to say I agree! Read!
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Possible Trigger: Violence involving an animal
This is listed as a romantic suspense novel. It does feature two gay characters, but not much actual romance occurs other that they're together. You will have no trouble figuring out that they love one another. Much more emphasis in the story is placed on the mystery & suspense part. If you enjoy stories with intricate plots and more than a little sexual tension but with less "sheet pressing", then this is absolutely your book. Gabriel has recently moved back to his hometown to become the sheriff and also to mend the rift between himself and his family. Tiber also recently moved to Prophet. Both men have situations and memories that they are trying to escape. Gabriel goes to Tiber for help when a murder victim’s dog, Duke, is found near his body. The dog is terrified and Tiber’s expertise with animals is just what Gabriel needs. I've read R.J. Scott's books before but had never read anything by Eli Easton, but once I started this book, I had to finish it. In addition to the murder mystery, the personal situations that each of the main characters found themselves in had me glued to their drama. Gabriel’s situation with his brother, and the reasons for it, was heartbreaking. The murder gets solved, so there is no cliffhanger or continuation on down the line... but I wondered what the authors were going to do with the personal relationship between Gabriel and Tiber as it was only just getting started here. Watching them “dance” around each other was one of the things that I really enjoyed about this book. It just goes to show that a book doesn’t have to be hot and heavy between the sheets to be a really great story. I can’t wait to see how their romance develops over the course of the series, and I certainly hope the authors let it happen. I gave the book 3.5 stars, not because I didn't like the story, because as I have said, I really, really did. If it hadn't been for the violence that the animal suffered, I would have given it a 5-star rating in a heartbeat.… (more)