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Arbor Heights #1

Beneath the Shield

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Jack Torres has been harboring, zealously nurturing a hidden guilt for three years. This mire of emotions has hardened his heart and his want to reconnect to the living world, keeping him isolated and unapproachable.

Brant Teller is a chance encounter Jack keeps from growing physically violent in a crowded nightclub. Parting ways, Brant doesn't expect to see the brooding, silent officer again. Yet when a domestic violence call brings the surly officer right to his ER, Brant takes a chance. What begins as a Sunday of football has thepossibility to become so much more. If Jack will open himself up enough to release the agony of his own personal nightmare.

103 pages, ebook

First published February 1, 2011

9 people are currently reading
199 people want to read

About the author

Diana DeRicci

71 books186 followers
Diana DeRicci is the sexy, flirty pen name of Diana Castilleja. A romance author at heart, DeRicci’s writing takes you into a saucier spectrum of sensuality and sexual adventure, where a happily-ever-after is still the key to any story.

Diana lives in Central Texas with her husband, one son and a feisty little Chihuahua named Rascal.

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5 stars
45 (13%)
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140 (40%)
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133 (38%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Ami.
6,242 reviews489 followers
February 24, 2011
Jack Torres has been harboring survivor guilt for 3 years ever since his cop partner (on-and-off duty) died during a night when they were together; even if Jack himself had three bullets wound as a result of that fateful night. Jack swears that he will never forget Leo; so he doesn't date and doesn't want to get involved in anyway. Until Brant Teller literally falls into him, in a chance encounter at a club. Somehow, Brant gets into his skin, and when they meet again at the hospital where Brant works, Jack finds himself saying yes to Brant's invitation for hang around watching football with pizza and wings. Brant, on the other hand, feels intrigued with the brooding beat cop, and he is determined to crack Jack's wall, pieces by pieces.

Gosh, I LOVE THIS STORY!! Give me silent brooding tortured guy anytime, and I am there. Those kind of heroes always, ALWAYS melt me whenever I find them in a romance, both m/m or m/f. Jack lives with guilt but Brant is not that easy to push around. I love how Brant is able to chip Jack's resistence bit by bit, simply by being a friend at first, not pushing too much, still giving Jack space and time.

The lovemaking is tender, Brant finding Jack's secret is touching, and I have several moments where my heart squeezed so tight because I want so much for Jack to grasp his happiness with Brent. I love how there is actual courting/romance before the two of them made it to bed. Even if the final "tick" before the sex is a kind of dramatic, it's just the right amount for me. The ending is so sweet because the move is done by Jack, which has a more significant meaning rather than if it's done by Brant.

Another kudos for the cute secondary character, Trevi, Jack's younger cousin ... wish I could have his own story.

An emotional pull and engaging; it's just perfect read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Feliz.
Author 59 books107 followers
March 31, 2011
I really enjoyed this entertaining, character – driven book. Both heroes were very likeable characters. As a newcomer to the city of Arbor Heights and caught in a stressful schedule as an ER doctor, Brant recently suffered through a heavy disappointment with his latest boyfriend (the bully) and was eager for a real connection with someone else. Seemingly unattainable Jack tickled Brant’s ambition, but this turned into real emotion fast. I liked Brant’s patience, his sensitivity and concern for Jack. But Brant is no doormat, he knows what he wants and goes about it with determination, and he refuses to let Jack hide in his shell. Although Brant is a tender lover, he can also be demanding in bed and beyond. He’s a very likely person to cut through the fog of self-blaming that surrounds Jack.
Jack was a well-drawn character too, understandably grief-stricken but with just the right amount of humor to keep him from being pathetic. Yet, I found the drastic means he resorted to in order to deny himself pleasure a little over the top. There was one particular scene where he gave himself a decent case of blue balls - literally! - that had me squirming in heartfelt sympathy while at the same time I laughed myself to tears at the sheer unlikeliness. Aside from this, the issue of his survivor’s guilt was respectfully dealt with and believable.

The writing was smooth and laced with slight irony at times. I liked this, although I found the phrases missed the mark at times. I also had some problems with the timing, though, as sometimes days or weeks passed between chapters almost unnoticeable, which conveyed an unfortunate impression of insta-love between Jack and Brant.

All in all, this was a delectable, well-written story, solid entertainment and a pleasant read. Highly recommended.

Read the full review at reviewsbyjessewave.com
Profile Image for Nic.
Author 44 books368 followers
February 22, 2013
This book is about Brant (the doctor) who has an obsessive ex-lover and Jack (the cop) who is heartbroken. Jack needs to overcome his guilt if he is to move on and find happiness after 3 years of sorrow. Luckily Brant does not give up too easily. The focus is on the characters and their relationship with a bit of drama thrown in (I always love it when one of the main characters in a book plays hero and saves the day!)
Profile Image for Tamara.
878 reviews34 followers
August 27, 2020
I didn't enjoy this book at all. There was literally not one thing I enjoyed about it.

The writing was awkward, clumsy, with unnecessary descriptions. The dialogue felt unnatural because the author stuffed it with unnecessary information at every turn. There are three lengthy sex scenes in a 100 page book.

thats-just-no

Slightly spoilerish rant ahead (although it's not like the book has a plot that can be spoiled, really 🙄):

It was just one thing after another. The only reason I didn't DNF is because it's short and I needed it for a challenge.

This is the second book by Diana DeRicci that was a fail for me, so from now on I'm giving her books a wide berth.
Profile Image for Stacy.
32 reviews8 followers
September 19, 2011
Jack and Brandt are a likable pair. This story is a nice change from some of the more "angsty" stories that I've been reading of late (courtesy Amy Lane and Mary Calmes) as this one has little crime/medical drama (a low dose, nothing major), no coming out drama, no cheating drama, and no "am I gay" drama. Having read the reviews of some others, I am guessing there might be some disagreement (I guess it's the context -the angst in this one did not make me crazy having come off some truly anguishing stories of late).

While the story wasn't "light" (one character was dealing with serious emotional baggage), it was certainly a nice read and fit exactly what I was looking for. At the end of the day it was an entertaining tale that left me satisfied with the outcome. Diana DeRicci is not quite an "auto buy" for me (almost there!), but I do know that I can count on her for a satisfying tale that doesn't make me want to scream/cry before I get to the HEA.
Profile Image for Arthur.
783 reviews94 followers
May 6, 2012
Can an ER doctor mend the broken policeman? Jack was broken from his guilt for failing to save his partner/ lover/ mentor Leo. Brant was an ER doctor that just moved to town. He was breaking up with his cheating lover, Ryan, when the off-duty policeman came to his defense. It turned out their jobs made them cross path often. Brant asked Jack for a date, but was declined. He settled for having not-a-date hanging out watching sports. Slowly, their friendship got stronger and led to a romantic one. Still, Leo's ghost was there, even when they were f*cking. Could Brant accept Jack's fixation to his dead lover?

I liked this book. Brant was relentless in his efforts to have Jack, but he realized that Jack had to face his demon himself before they could have a future together. Still, reading his persistence was a good change from reading many books where the character gives up or sleeping around when first problem arises.
Profile Image for Candice.
2,955 reviews134 followers
August 9, 2013
Oh Brandt and Jack. Luckily Brandt is a doctor to fix this poor cop up. Jack is a beat cop with a guilt ridden heart. For 3 years he's only known he's at fault for a death on his watch. But, of course, it wasn't his fault. Jack can't accept that answer though.

Brandt is a 34 year old ER doctor who happens to be physically assaulted in a club the night of Jack's 30th birthday. Jack is there and stops it from happening.

What they don't expect to happen is for them to see each other again. Brandt is so patient and gentle. I want a Brandt for myself. He's so yummy.



Overall, little drama and sweet story.
Profile Image for Norah.
100 reviews21 followers
June 21, 2011
What can I say , I loved this book , couldnt put it down till I finished. Its the tale of broken cop living in the past, and a Dr who is kind hearted , fun loving and intent on healing the hot cop and winning his trust and love.
Jack and Brant are such lovely characters I fell in love with insantly, even jack with all his issues you just cant help but love the man. the characters just blended so well.The story moved along at a nice pace, kept you turning the page. Only problem with the book , it ended ,, I love love love this book , its definalty one I will reread.
If you love a beautifully written romance, this is a defiante one to pick up and hold on for the ride
Profile Image for Meggie.
5,337 reviews
March 9, 2011
I enjoyed this book even if the story was a bit too tick with guilty emotions. Okay sure guilt is hard emotion which can brake every person, but then you live just once. The plot was well written and both main character, Brant and Jack, fit well together. Nice couple !

Profile Image for Anita.
2,015 reviews27 followers
July 29, 2020
Another gem of a book that languished in the deepest recesses of my tbr. Nicely written tale about Jack, a cop who once worked for the DEA but he and his partner, who was also his lover, were shot by a guy they'd arrested some time ago. Jack is wracked with guilt and shuts his emotions down and withdraws from relationships and becomes a street cop. He meets Brant, a physician, who is quite the cutie, and they start seeing each other. Really liked the writing although there were a few odd boo-boos; nothing that detracted from the story, though. Little angst, minimal drama but some really emotional moments. The scene when Jack freezes while in bed was so genuine and I loved how Brant handles the situation. The sexy bits were a bit cheesy at times, "Reaching up, Jack palmed the back of his head and tugged him to his lips, claiming that hot temptation for himself. “Then fuck me, baby.” Great book. Will dig up more of this author's work out of my endless tbr list.
Profile Image for Denise.
7,511 reviews136 followers
May 1, 2019
Former DEA agent turned beat cop Jack Torres has cut himself off from everyone, drowning in misery and guilt since losing his partner (in every sense of the word) in a shooting that almost killed him too three years ago. Meeting ER doctor Brant Teller opens up the possibility of a fresh start - if only he can allow himself to let go of the past and embrace the present.

A little thin on plot other than Jack's endless wallowing in self-pity and Brant's seemingly superhuman capacity for putting up with it combined with a bunch of explicit sex scenes. A fairly good read nevertheless, though I didn't feel much of a connection to either of the protagonists.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,711 reviews
May 29, 2022
nostalgia

This author was among the first I read when I found MM books. Erotica was more popular at the time but she did add decent plot elements that kept her stories from being too shallow. Enjoyable, even if cliché.
Profile Image for Shana.
76 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2012
Main Characters:
Brant is an ER doctor with a third degree black belt, a man who is used to taking care of himself. He's understanding to a fault but has no problem saying 'no' when the situation warrants it, and doesn't give up easily. He's an interesting, likable character, but somehow too good to be true when taken as a whole, which made it hard for me to invest in him.

Jack is a former DEA agent turned cop after the death of his partner and lover, Leo. He's closed himself off from the world, nursing his pain in silence with only his cousin Trevi for company--and even that is accepted only grudgingly. So much of his characterization is tied in to his psychological solitary confinement that it was difficult for me to get a hold on who he was otherwise. The flashes of him as a person outside of his pain are appealing, but they're also few and far between for the bulk of the book.

Chemistry:
Brant and Jack's relationship begins with a mutual attraction after Jack rescues Brant from a confrontation with an ex, though neither act upon it for some time as Jack is in denial. Brant's early insistence that Jack could at least have a friend was touching, and the way that they developed their relationship into a romance was sweet, even if my eyebrows lifted over how much (or, rather, how little) time it took for "Just keep me warm," to turn into "I'm seducing you." The sex was well-done, but it went on forever; by the end of their first encounter, I was skimming. (Thankfully, follow-ups weren't anywhere near as drawn-out.) I did greatly appreciate the fact that both Brant and Jack considered themselves reversibles, though; a lack of strictly defined roles opens up so very many possibilities.

Secondary Characters:
The supporting cast is small and, honestly, I'm conflicted by it. I enjoyed Janet (a nurse in the ER) in her brief scenes, but Trevi put me off; although he's 24, he came off as a bouncy teenager to me. Ryan (Brant's ex) was a handy impetus to bring Brant and Jack together, but it was never really shown why he was so fixated on Brant; a little more backstory might have helped me see him as something other than a cartoon villain.

Story:
The story is woven between Brant's determination to develop a relationship with Jack and Jack's desire to remain alone and mired in guilt over Leo's death. It moves along fairly well, although it is bogged down periodically by Jack's moping; it's much more even when Brant is the narrator. Once they work past Jack's angst, things seemed a bit rushed; the length of time from their first meeting to lifelong commitment struck me as just way too short to be believable.

Writing:
Although pleasant, there were quirks in the writing that distracted me fairly often. Comma usage is inconsistent, so that I found myself repunctuating as I read. Some word choices threw me (e.g. Brant's tongue shaking hands with Jack's cock) and the order of some phrasing seemed reversed to me, which lessened the impact. On the other hand, there were choices that made me smile, like Brant's wallowing like a happy pig in the mushy feeling Jack instilled in him. There were typos here and there, but nothing truly egregious.

Other Thoughts:
Brant's understanding stretched the bounds of belief at times, but there was one part that sucked me into their relationship: Jack is questioning his worth and insisting that he's a bad person who can't even stand to look at himself, and Brant tells him, "[...] learn to trust in what I see, Jack." It made me actually say 'awh'.

On the other hand, there's the balls-punching scene. Frustrated with his attraction to Brant and the erection resulting from it, Jack nails himself in the crotch. I had to reread the scene to convince myself that it was an actual event, and not something Jack was dealing with in his head. I'm still a bit baffled by the reaction.

Overall:
By turns sweet and confounding, I'm torn on this book. Although it was an appealing story, flaws kept me from being fully engaged and invested in Brant and Jack's relationship. A bit more development and a bit less moping would've helped my enjoyment, but it was still a nice little story to pass some time with.
Profile Image for Phaney.
1,248 reviews22 followers
November 27, 2014
2012 Review:

How sweet.
Okay, so this one was a bit heavy, due to the subject matter of Jack grieving in crippling guilt over the death of his lover. But Brant was clearly up to the challenge and just amazing with his patience and that mix of gentle and strong and unashamed and funny, all of which combined into a surprising and real-feeling character.
In fact, for a story like this, with a deceased love equal to the one developing, I am surprised that I feel so at peace with it. Just goes to show the quality.

The writing was not perfect by a long shot, but a welcome change from the overly casual style I have been reading predominantly in the past months.

And here I am, happy with how it worked out. Oh and in a rare occurrence the only person who discovered he was gay was a background character cousin of Jack’s. Who amused me a great deal. The cousin. Jack was too mired in his self-loathing to be funny.


2014 Re-read:

Definitely liked this one, even on the second round. Of course it’s an angsty story, what with Jack’s long-term depression and his sudden bout of . Luckily Brant’s cheerful stability evened things out.

I suppose the resolution near the end came a little too easily – anticlimactically.
That’s okay, I guess? It still made for a sweet story that I don’t regret re-reading.
Profile Image for Donna.
3,367 reviews42 followers
September 26, 2014
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars...because this was an easy story to read!!! I just loved Brant...he added a ray of sunshine to this book!!!haha Jack was a whole other ball game...but you still had to like him...he has lost his lover, best friend and mentor with one unfortunate gun shot...being near fatally wounded himself. This would have been pretty much insurmountable for most of us to over come...but Brant was not giving up on him...persevering until he got his man!!!! I think for such a short story...the author covered most of the important things needed to make this book a good read...not great...not full of woe or thrills...just a nice sit down and enjoy your "free time" read!!! Well done Diana...
Profile Image for Chris.
2,885 reviews208 followers
March 10, 2011
Good m/m romance about a cop, filled with self-loathing for the one he couldn't save, who doesn't get involved with anyone and stays beneath his emotional shield. Then a guy gets pushed into him at a club... could that be the first crack in the shield? (Although a guy punching himself in the groin hard enough to drop himself to the floor seemed damned unlikely to me, no matter how much self-loathing was involved.)
Profile Image for Mandi.
695 reviews41 followers
February 23, 2011
Really enjoyed this love story between the angst-filled cop Jack and Doctor Brant. They were just perfect for each other. I also loved Jack's cousin, Trevi, even though he didn't get as much screen time. :) I've read almost all this author's m/m work, and this has to be my favorite (so far!).

Recommended!
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,163 reviews46 followers
September 30, 2012
Really more of a 3.5 stars but I'll round up because I really did enjoy this book. Nothing overly dramatic or angsty, just a sweet love story about a doctor and a cop. Cop in pain from his past and doctor who helps him through it. Nice read when a break from pain and heartache are needed.
Profile Image for CB.
3,196 reviews6 followers
November 20, 2020
A fun, fast paced read. Sexy characters and a story with some drama make for a very engaging read. There are quite a few books in this series and they can be read stand-alone as the characters do not play pivotal roles in each others books, if they show up it seems to be as brief mentions.
Profile Image for Eve.
443 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2014
Loved this one. I'm glad I found a new series to latch on to during this vacation! I'm excited. Brant & Jack were awesome. This story about healing and comfort has great scenes and a great story. Tortured cops being redeemed with love are a bit of a weakness for me. ;) and Trevi!! Omg, so cute!
Profile Image for Nikko.
767 reviews11 followers
April 10, 2012
Including today I think I've reread this book 10 times!! That shows how much I love this book!!
Profile Image for Claudia.
154 reviews
January 15, 2012
Short but just perfect. I loved it, I felt for both characters and I loved the ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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