Amy Lane (1) (1967–)

3.5 Stars

Really, there isn’t much to say except if you like romance and mystery, if you like MC’s who are either cops or PI’s and/or lawyers fighting the good fight, then this is for you.

I’m no expert on Lane having only read 11 books, but this didn’t quite feel like the author. I’m not saying that’s good or bad. Perhaps with me listening to Tremblay narrate, it confused my poor brain with another author who uses him almost exclusively, as this similarly had the typical hurt comfort, insta love, and the requisite MC who has been through absolute hell, bringing a sense of deja vu over and over again.

Anyhoo. This was entertaining despite it taking me forever to finish, and I don't know why it did. You've got ex cop Jackson, who’s been done so much wrong in the past and is now a PI. He’s kinda a reluctant hero, being everything to everyone but never thinking he deserves love and comfort in return. Throw in Ellery, top lawyer at the firm Jackson works at, a person Jackson avoids at all costs until one day, he desperately needs Ellery’s help to exonerate his brother for a murder he didn’t commit.

Racing against time and formidable opponents, these two discover a deep twisted crime ring that involves the top echelon on many many levels. Ensue action, violence, a smoldering attraction that has been brewing on both sides, and a quick evolution to love with plenty of claiming smexy.

There’s good bones here that should satisfy any fan of romantic suspense, and I look forward to reading more about these two as they navigate their new relationship dynamic, all the while taking down more bad guys!
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4 Stars!

I’ve got to say that though I haven’t read a lot from this author, this is probably my favorite by far.

What happens when two seemingly straight best friends accidentally? explode together, having the best intimate experience ever? Only great things right?

Skipper simply wants to give himself all the stuff he missed out on as a child - good friends, reliable family, and holiday traditions, and Richie pretty much fits that bill. This is made all the more clear as these two navigate their new relationship status.

Richie is a bit stuck in life. He feels obligated to work for the family business, despite being harassed and unappreciated repeatedly. Skipper is definitely the best thing he has, and Richie’s not giving him up. He just has to reconcile some things first before he’s all in.

Thankfully low on the actual relationship angst - these two communicate! It was quite lovely to see how they smoothly transition from friends to lovers, becoming exactly what the other needs. Although there are some realistic doubts and fears that have to be resolved, they both realize that finally getting their happy ending is so worth fighting for.

I’ve got to say that this was also the smexiest Lane book I’ve come across. A very, very nice blend of twisty-lite feels and first time, hot explorations, all with a warm holiday backdrop!… (more)

4 Stars

"Godsbedamned!" This was good. Really good.

There's not much else to add to any of the great reviews already out there. I will be the first to admit that I'm scared of angst and this is freakin Amy Lane! You can't read m/m and not hear about her. But Rosa gently nudged me towards this lovely tale; she promised me it would be ok...

So I was expecting angst and I got it. It was my favorite kind - want, doubt, insecurity - and this had it in spades. What I didn't expect was the enjoyment I got out of it as well. The verbal sparring these two undertake was smart and fun and funny. In and amongst that were some extremely scorching UST and wonderful smex. These men fall hard for each other and through their forced time together, they learn about love, forgiveness, and acceptance. I appreciated the ending where Naef didn't magically and neatly remain beautiful and was so touched by the raw vulnerability of both Naef and Aerie-Smith. It was wonderful to witness and know that they healed each other and in the end, finally found their much deserved happiness.

Thank you Rosa! However, that doesn't mean I'm ready for something more hardcore from this author ;) Baby steps...… (more)