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Lawful Disorder #1
Lipstick and Handguns
[Siren Classic Erotic Alternative Romantic Suspense, M/M, sex toys] For three years after his lover left without a goodbye, the only people Detective Ryder Ward keeps close are his grandmother and his partner on the force. It's no wonder he's unprepared for the feelings Sidney Kessler awakens in him. Finding himself naked and chained to a wall, imprisoned and tortured, and then dumped in the murky harbor weren't high on Sidney's list of things to do. Nor was waking up in the hospital and feeling drawn to the brooding detective stalking about his room. Still, he can't help but feel safe around Ryder. Though reluctant to start a relationship with the vulnerable man, Ryder knows he's falling fast. He has a case to solve and a psycho to catch, though. He can't let his personal feelings stand in the way of his job, nor can he allow Sidney to become another body pulled from the bay. ** A Siren Erotic Romance
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2011
3 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Gabrielle Evans
74 books441 followersGabrielle Evans grew up in a small town in southern Oklahoma. We’re talking one red light that may or may not work depending on the day of the week. She married her high school sweetheart and the rest is pretty much history. They have two very active boys and one high-strung wiener dog that keeps her constantly on the go. For now, Gabrielle parks her car in north-central Texas, but who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Come chat with me on my new Yahoo Group!
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Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)erotic romance author
Come chat with me on my new Yahoo Group!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gabriel...
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)erotic romance author
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 12, 2011
2.5 stars.
The mystery was okay but left open ended for the next book in the series. I was okay with this. I would have like a little more information on what they think the bad guys are doing and why.
I really wasn't feeling the connection between Ry and Sidney. It was typical alpha relationship. Big strong cop and pretty, petite twink. And I am okay with that too.
But I am not okay with the constant victimization of Sidney. He was raped at work about six months before he was kidnapped and "trained" to almost-death. At the end of the book he's attached again at work by a fellow co-worker which means that Ry swoops in to save the day and to clobber the guy, threatened the non-apologetic gay bar running manager only to find out that in the last several months this scenario has taken place at least four times after Ry gets out of the hospital. And all Sidney can think is that is man is hot when he is mad.
Come On.
Take some karate lessons, boxing lessons, take some self-defense classes or at least carry a bottle of mace in your pocket if you are such a magnet for people who can't comprehend the phrase "get your hands off me".
The mystery was okay but left open ended for the next book in the series. I was okay with this. I would have like a little more information on what they think the bad guys are doing and why.
I really wasn't feeling the connection between Ry and Sidney. It was typical alpha relationship. Big strong cop and pretty, petite twink. And I am okay with that too.
But I am not okay with the constant victimization of Sidney. He was raped at work about six months before he was kidnapped and "trained" to almost-death. At the end of the book he's attached again at work by a fellow co-worker which means that Ry swoops in to save the day and to clobber the guy, threatened the non-apologetic gay bar running manager only to find out that in the last several months this scenario has taken place at least four times after Ry gets out of the hospital. And all Sidney can think is that is man is hot when he is mad.
Come On.
Take some karate lessons, boxing lessons, take some self-defense classes or at least carry a bottle of mace in your pocket if you are such a magnet for people who can't comprehend the phrase "get your hands off me".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2012
This is one of those books that I need to review as I read, just to vent. These books fall into one of two categories: incredibly bad and painfully, brilliantly good. Hint: it's not the latter this time.
The immediate falling-in-lust of the two MCs was completely unbelievable and about par for the course for how well Sidney's recovery was handled.
But fine. We'll go with it. Until Ryder starts hitting on Sidney as soon as he's out of the hospital and moved into Ryder's house (of course, this is to help Sidney get some confidence! That's totally waht he needs right then, yes). This is immediately followed by one of the most amazingly idiotic and childish fights I'd ever read: Ryder first refuses to let Sidney leave (yes, good plan there) and then tells him not to "let the door smack that skinny ass on your way out." Let me tell you, I came away from that completely convinced that Ryder was mature and responsible enough to deal with a trauma victim.
It's hard to enjoy a relationship when you're convinced that one half of the pairing is a pervy scumbag.
"A few weeks later" (good timeskip, good job--those few weeks probably should have been the most interesting both recovery-wise and "catching the bad guy"-wise) we find out that Sidney has not seen a therapist. Yeah.
Anyway, I did not finish this book. Good SPAG, but horrible writing nonetheless.
The immediate falling-in-lust of the two MCs was completely unbelievable and about par for the course for how well Sidney's recovery was handled.
But fine. We'll go with it. Until Ryder starts hitting on Sidney as soon as he's out of the hospital and moved into Ryder's house (of course, this is to help Sidney get some confidence! That's totally waht he needs right then, yes). This is immediately followed by one of the most amazingly idiotic and childish fights I'd ever read: Ryder first refuses to let Sidney leave (yes, good plan there) and then tells him not to "let the door smack that skinny ass on your way out." Let me tell you, I came away from that completely convinced that Ryder was mature and responsible enough to deal with a trauma victim.
It's hard to enjoy a relationship when you're convinced that one half of the pairing is a pervy scumbag.
"A few weeks later" (good timeskip, good job--those few weeks probably should have been the most interesting both recovery-wise and "catching the bad guy"-wise) we find out that Sidney has not seen a therapist. Yeah.
Anyway, I did not finish this book. Good SPAG, but horrible writing nonetheless.
July 7, 2011
This is an interesting mix between a mystery and a love story. It was a bit darker than I'm comfortable with, but I liked the characters and the basic storyline kept my attention.
Ryder is such a macho cop, but he has very deep feelings. He is hiding from the past in the same way that Sidney is trying to hide from his tormentors and attackers. Following the journey of how both learn to let go of the past so they can face the future together was great. The violence could have been a little less graphic for my tastes, but if you don't mind that, I think this is an interesting character study that will keep you reading until the last page.
Ryder is such a macho cop, but he has very deep feelings. He is hiding from the past in the same way that Sidney is trying to hide from his tormentors and attackers. Following the journey of how both learn to let go of the past so they can face the future together was great. The violence could have been a little less graphic for my tastes, but if you don't mind that, I think this is an interesting character study that will keep you reading until the last page.
March 14, 2012
typical gabrielle evans serial romance. nothing fantastic, nothing so bad it can't be finished. what is typical gabrielle evans? imagine a shorter harlequin romance but with no t&a (see, i was going to write no surprise pregnancies, but... yeah.).
out of sheer laziness, i will be using this as my template for all books by :
sunny day
lynn hagen
stormy glenn
scarlett hyacinth
carol lynne
gabrielle evans
unless otherwise noted. i'd apologize, but i'm not sorry. i figure it's about as much time as they put into their books. dammit! well, i made it all the way to the end being rather moderate in my assessment. that's a win.
out of sheer laziness, i will be using this as my template for all books by :
sunny day
lynn hagen
stormy glenn
scarlett hyacinth
carol lynne
gabrielle evans
unless otherwise noted. i'd apologize, but i'm not sorry. i figure it's about as much time as they put into their books. dammit! well, i made it all the way to the end being rather moderate in my assessment. that's a win.
July 15, 2016
It was a nice enough book - not badly written and the characters were all right.
I have to say though that the amount of homosexuality in this book bothered me a bit - it's not that I mind a good dose of gayness, it's just that it was so unrealistic. I mean, come on,
Nana was very cute but also very unoriginal - I think every other book I read has a sweet grandma in it that bakes and hugs and loves everyone.
I also thought that Ryder and Sidney's relationship was developing way too fast.
I felt that the conclusion to the case was a bit too easy and I'm still not sure what the church support group had to do with it.
The book wasn't bad exactly, it was just a bit unrealistic. Nevertheless, it was a fun, light read.
- I honestly have no clue as to how to rate this, so, it gets my go-to confusion rating of 2.5 stars
I have to say though that the amount of homosexuality in this book bothered me a bit - it's not that I mind a good dose of gayness, it's just that it was so unrealistic. I mean, come on,
Nana was very cute but also very unoriginal - I think every other book I read has a sweet grandma in it that bakes and hugs and loves everyone.
I also thought that Ryder and Sidney's relationship was developing way too fast.
I felt that the conclusion to the case was a bit too easy and I'm still not sure what the church support group had to do with it.
The book wasn't bad exactly, it was just a bit unrealistic. Nevertheless, it was a fun, light read.
- I honestly have no clue as to how to rate this, so, it gets my go-to confusion rating of 2.5 stars
October 3, 2015
This had everything I loved: danger, deception, intrigue, mayhem, bodily damage, worry, suspense, romance, true love, sex, a dog, etc., so I was willing to forgive the instalove. That stuff is always in this kind of romance series where each book is a new couple. There just isn't a lot of time to build the love in just one (short--these kind are always short) book without sacrificing plot. It can be done by a skillful writer but it's not easy so I expect instalove. At least it wasn't insta-we're going to get together right now.
I liked the characters, and that these people aren't too stupid to live. The victim doesn't just take off trying to solve everything himself. The cops see clues and figure stuff out. The victim actually comes up with ideas to help the case. The characterization is very black and white/good or evil, and of course all the good people are gay men except for the grandma, but she was great.
The plot was plot was interesting, the thriller aspect was suspenseful, the romantic stuff very sweet, there was more danger and mayhem and it linked together. The victim wasn't suddenly okay with everything, either, unlike so many books where being rescued cures all.
There was an issue in this book that was never resolved. Basically near the end, a character says something to the effect of "things justs aren't adding up quite right" but the book moves on to the romantic conclusion and nothing else is figured out.
I really enjoyed it even though I felt like I shouldn't. I suspect that it wasn't written very well but I was too busy trying to find out what happened next that I wasn't paying attention to that.
3.75 stars rounded up, because duh, didn't you take math in school?
I liked the characters, and that these people aren't too stupid to live. The victim doesn't just take off trying to solve everything himself. The cops see clues and figure stuff out. The victim actually comes up with ideas to help the case. The characterization is very black and white/good or evil, and of course all the good people are gay men except for the grandma, but she was great.
The plot was plot was interesting, the thriller aspect was suspenseful, the romantic stuff very sweet, there was more danger and mayhem and it linked together. The victim wasn't suddenly okay with everything, either, unlike so many books where being rescued cures all.
There was an issue in this book that was never resolved. Basically near the end, a character says something to the effect of "things justs aren't adding up quite right" but the book moves on to the romantic conclusion and nothing else is figured out.
I really enjoyed it even though I felt like I shouldn't. I suspect that it wasn't written very well but I was too busy trying to find out what happened next that I wasn't paying attention to that.
3.75 stars rounded up, because duh, didn't you take math in school?
March 10, 2013
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4.5 Kisses!!
To my knowledge, this is the first book I’ve read by Gabrielle Evans. After reading Lipstick and Handguns, it definitely won’t be my last! I really enjoyed the romance and suspense in this story and I can’t wait to read the sequel!
The blurb does an excellent job at describing the story, so I won’t rehash it. I really loved the strong connection these two heroes had together. I believed in their attraction, friendship and their feelings toward each other. Each hero has his own personal demons and insecurities he must work through, so they can be together.
Between the adventure and romance between them, this book kept me on the edge of my seat until I finished reading it from beginning to end. Each character really seemed to bring something to the story, but it was Sydney and Ryder’s love for each other that kept me captivated with the story and I can honestly say I hated to see the book come to an end.
If you are looking for a strong plot as well as interesting and likeable heroes, Lipstick and Handguns is definitely the book for you! It’s the first book in the Lawful Disorder series and it starts it off with a bang! I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author as well as checking out her back list of books to see which of her stories are going to be the right fit for me. Highly Recommended!
4.5 Kisses!!
To my knowledge, this is the first book I’ve read by Gabrielle Evans. After reading Lipstick and Handguns, it definitely won’t be my last! I really enjoyed the romance and suspense in this story and I can’t wait to read the sequel!
The blurb does an excellent job at describing the story, so I won’t rehash it. I really loved the strong connection these two heroes had together. I believed in their attraction, friendship and their feelings toward each other. Each hero has his own personal demons and insecurities he must work through, so they can be together.
Between the adventure and romance between them, this book kept me on the edge of my seat until I finished reading it from beginning to end. Each character really seemed to bring something to the story, but it was Sydney and Ryder’s love for each other that kept me captivated with the story and I can honestly say I hated to see the book come to an end.
If you are looking for a strong plot as well as interesting and likeable heroes, Lipstick and Handguns is definitely the book for you! It’s the first book in the Lawful Disorder series and it starts it off with a bang! I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author as well as checking out her back list of books to see which of her stories are going to be the right fit for me. Highly Recommended!
June 19, 2011
I’ll admit up front that I am drawn to this author’s voice and have enjoyed every book she’s written. But wow, has she outdone herself with this one! With mystery and a darker storyline than usual, Evans has hit her stride with the first book in her Lawful Disorder series and I cannot wait to read the next.
Both characters were well-developed, each given their own time to evolve as unique characters. The slow evolution of their relationship worked especially given the trauma Sidney underwent and Ryder’s reluctance to get involved. Seriously, how often do you read a book where the lead characters spend more than a few days with each other before any sort of romance takes place? It was a refreshing change and allowed readers to know them as individuals first.
For my complete review, go to www.theromancereviews.com/rpoma72.
Both characters were well-developed, each given their own time to evolve as unique characters. The slow evolution of their relationship worked especially given the trauma Sidney underwent and Ryder’s reluctance to get involved. Seriously, how often do you read a book where the lead characters spend more than a few days with each other before any sort of romance takes place? It was a refreshing change and allowed readers to know them as individuals first.
For my complete review, go to www.theromancereviews.com/rpoma72.
January 25, 2013
Vaya par. Ufff, sobre todo Ry...
La parte del enamoramiento me pareció demasiado rápida, no hay tonteos, directos al asunto... algo que no es muy lo mío, pero que se entiende cuando lees lo que Gabrielle piensa del amor y que a primera vista y todo rápido, y bla, bla, bla.
Ry todo un tipo alfa, Sidney con demasiada pluma, pero interesante, salvo cuando se comporta como un majadero.
Michael, deliciosamente tentador, como para pasarlo al "lado oscuro de la fuerza".
La parte del suspence y de las investigaciones y ello, bien, yendo más por el lado regular, no es lo fuerte del libro ni tampoco lo principal.
Si las expectativas son una historia sexy, salvaje y algo romántica, bien lo vale, si buscáis más, os puede defraudar.
Las 4 estrellas son para la parte sexy, lo demás se lleva 2 estrellas.
La parte del enamoramiento me pareció demasiado rápida, no hay tonteos, directos al asunto... algo que no es muy lo mío, pero que se entiende cuando lees lo que Gabrielle piensa del amor y que a primera vista y todo rápido, y bla, bla, bla.
Ry todo un tipo alfa, Sidney con demasiada pluma, pero interesante, salvo cuando se comporta como un majadero.
Michael, deliciosamente tentador, como para pasarlo al "lado oscuro de la fuerza".
La parte del suspence y de las investigaciones y ello, bien, yendo más por el lado regular, no es lo fuerte del libro ni tampoco lo principal.
Si las expectativas son una historia sexy, salvaje y algo romántica, bien lo vale, si buscáis más, os puede defraudar.
Las 4 estrellas son para la parte sexy, lo demás se lleva 2 estrellas.
May 4, 2011
Men are being kidnapped, tortured and drowned in the harbour. It's Detective Ryder's job to find out who is behind it and to stop more young men from dying. Sydney is one of these men and when he somehow manages to survive the ordeal, he finds himself in the hands of a moody, protective police detective and sparks fly. I liked the characters and the mystery was good too. It got me curious about the next books in the series, particularly the Dom cop's story but it looks like the next one will be about Ryder's spoiled ex-boyfriend which I have no interest in, but oh well.
February 9, 2013
To be honest the whole reason I started this series was bc the third installment came out and it sounded good lol. I have ocd and I must read in order! Lol. I was pleasantly surprised at how good this book was! It is longer than most books in the genre but every page is quality material! The MCs are well developed and completely investable ( i might have made that word up).
The cons are typical. The MCs are the ever common stripper twink and the macho man in uniform. But its easy to overlook the stereotyping bc the story sucks you in.
The cons are typical. The MCs are the ever common stripper twink and the macho man in uniform. But its easy to overlook the stereotyping bc the story sucks you in.
April 13, 2011
Nothing new in the story - slight, sweet, vulnerable boy meets hunky, protective cop who wants to do nothing but wrap trembling, vulnerable boy in his muscular arms...and I actually am a sucker for these type of MM romances.
But not this one because the way it was written (both the dialogue and narrative), I couldn't help feeling as if I ought to be 9 or 10 years old and any hint of maturity and sophistication would overwhelm me.
But not this one because the way it was written (both the dialogue and narrative), I couldn't help feeling as if I ought to be 9 or 10 years old and any hint of maturity and sophistication would overwhelm me.
April 15, 2011
I wavered back and forth between 3 and 4 stars, but I really did enjoy reading this...just what I was in the mood for tonight. Sure, it may not be anything groundbreaking new in the genre, but I enjoyed the characters and I especially the group of all of them working together. I'm looking forward to the next book and hopefully with a couple of the characters from this one.
April 10, 2011
4.5 Stars. I really enjoyed this book a lot. It was one of the better mysteries that I have read in the m/m genre. It wrapped up a bit too fast for me though or I would have given it 5 stars. I eagerly await the next book in this series!
May 13, 2011
4.5 Gold Crowns. Lipstick and Handguns by Gabrielle Evans was filled with ups, downs, and sideways moments that eventually all straightened out into a brilliant story. To view the rest of this review, please visit http://thereadersroundtable.com/eroti...
May 22, 2011
Ok m/m romantic suspense about a cop who finds himself getting too attached to a guy who survived being abducted and tortured. I kept getting distracted from the story by typos and descriptions that had me rereading to see if I'd read them right.
June 7, 2011
very good, good everything from the crime to the romance it was all very nice, loved all the characters also i love how they solved the case but there is still more to find out which makes me want to read more books in this series when they come out =)
May 19, 2011
4.5 stars
April 10, 2011
really good cop story. looking forward for the 2nd book ! maybe this one will have bdsm in it !
April 13, 2011
Nothing new here.
small pretty young thing and hunk detective.
Some disconcerting lack of continuity in the story, but they didn't make any difference to the end result.
Not worth a repeat read.
small pretty young thing and hunk detective.
Some disconcerting lack of continuity in the story, but they didn't make any difference to the end result.
Not worth a repeat read.
April 17, 2011
I loved it. It has just the right amount of suspense, romance and fun. You can't help but love Sidney and Ryder. I am looking forward to the next book.
April 17, 2011
Enjoyable read!
May 23, 2011
I like it!
June 18, 2011
Overall, a fairly good romping read with a mystery-ish subplot. I was torn between 3 stars or 4. I wish 3.5 was an option.
September 4, 2013
review to come soon :)
June 7, 2011
3,5 stars
September 30, 2013
3.5 to 4 stars
Read
April 30, 2017I don't know why, but I just got bored and started skimming to the end
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews