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Imperfect
They say the brightest lights cast the longest shadows. Zach thinks Logan’s been living in that shadow long enough, but can he convince him he deserves to stand in the light?
Detectives Zach Gibson and Logan Armstrong are partners, friends, and something more that they’ve never analysed or put a name to. But it works for them. For now.
When Zach’s grandfather asks them to investigate the theft of a ring from the finger of his recently deceased friend, it opens a can of worms Logan has been struggling to keep closed for ten years.
Secrets, guilt and revelations come tumbling out, and Logan is forced to finally deal with events from his past that have kept him emotionally bound and unable to move on.
Detectives Zach Gibson and Logan Armstrong are partners, friends, and something more that they’ve never analysed or put a name to. But it works for them. For now.
When Zach’s grandfather asks them to investigate the theft of a ring from the finger of his recently deceased friend, it opens a can of worms Logan has been struggling to keep closed for ten years.
Secrets, guilt and revelations come tumbling out, and Logan is forced to finally deal with events from his past that have kept him emotionally bound and unable to move on.
65 pages, ebook
First published April 11, 2011
4 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Cassidy Ryan
50 books35 followersCassidy Ryan lives and works in the West of Scotland, with Angel, the not-very-angelic kitty.
When she isn't writing, Cassidy enjoys football, shopping for the perfect handbag, main-lining coffee and watching TV.
When she isn't writing, Cassidy enjoys football, shopping for the perfect handbag, main-lining coffee and watching TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 19, 2017
This was a re-read after first reading it a year ago. I loved it even better the second time! A perfect story of police detective partners who are also lovers that realize their deep love for one another during a particularly trying case. Very emotional and passionate. Wish it could have been longer! A personal favorite and a must read for all M/M romance fans.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
March 14, 2016
I've looked at this book a few times and finally decided to cave because I have a general rule of thumb that I can look at a book 3 times and then I either have to buy it or pass forever and move on. So this being look number 3+ I decided I needed to follow the rule and I bought it.
I'm not 100% convinced that making it a pass and move on would have been the best idea because I honestly saw some strong potential in this story line but a few things really missed the mark for me. The first being that I got plunked smack dab into the middle of an established relationship with zip, zero, nada background and it left me feeling really disconnected from the MCs, then they went from friends with benefits/fuck buddies/whatever to I love you it was sort of a wham bam thank you ma'am moment for me, I was sitting there wondering what happened. So this in part leads to the third problem I was having which was I just needed more, more detail, more on the plot which honestly seemed interesting but was too brief and easily resolved. I know it's a fine line for an author to walk how much is not enough or when is it too much? While I felt the friendship between the MCs I needed a bit more so that I could really feel the love and passion that was suppose to be there.
At the end of it all I felt that this was a 2.5 star read for me because while it wasn't a strong first read of an author that had me anxiously searching for more it did tell me that there was potential and perhaps I shouldn't just write off the rest of her books so having said that I am going to cautiously check out what else she has written and see if maybe there isn't something that will tick more of my 'oh hell yeah' boxes and give her another chance. And yes, part of what drew me in on this book was the pretty cover...ya' gotta' love a shiny bright airstream, ok dammit you don't but the redneck in me does ;)
2.5 stars rounded down to 2 here on GR because...those half stars still seem to be elusive to this site.
I'm not 100% convinced that making it a pass and move on would have been the best idea because I honestly saw some strong potential in this story line but a few things really missed the mark for me. The first being that I got plunked smack dab into the middle of an established relationship with zip, zero, nada background and it left me feeling really disconnected from the MCs, then they went from friends with benefits/fuck buddies/whatever to I love you it was sort of a wham bam thank you ma'am moment for me, I was sitting there wondering what happened. So this in part leads to the third problem I was having which was I just needed more, more detail, more on the plot which honestly seemed interesting but was too brief and easily resolved. I know it's a fine line for an author to walk how much is not enough or when is it too much? While I felt the friendship between the MCs I needed a bit more so that I could really feel the love and passion that was suppose to be there.
At the end of it all I felt that this was a 2.5 star read for me because while it wasn't a strong first read of an author that had me anxiously searching for more it did tell me that there was potential and perhaps I shouldn't just write off the rest of her books so having said that I am going to cautiously check out what else she has written and see if maybe there isn't something that will tick more of my 'oh hell yeah' boxes and give her another chance. And yes, part of what drew me in on this book was the pretty cover...ya' gotta' love a shiny bright airstream, ok dammit you don't but the redneck in me does ;)
2.5 stars rounded down to 2 here on GR because...those half stars still seem to be elusive to this site.
October 16, 2013
Solid 4 star read for me!
This is another Cassidy Ryan winner for me. I really enjoy her no-nonsense writing and everyday good guy MCs.
Detectives Logan and Zach are partners at work and lovers at home. A new case opens a can of worms and sparks fly, both good and bad.
This book is short and sweet. It has a decent story and smoldering sex scenes. You won't find anything earth shattering here but you will find a very enjoyable romance between two hot detectives. What have you got to lose? Give it a go!
This is another Cassidy Ryan winner for me. I really enjoy her no-nonsense writing and everyday good guy MCs.
Detectives Logan and Zach are partners at work and lovers at home. A new case opens a can of worms and sparks fly, both good and bad.
This book is short and sweet. It has a decent story and smoldering sex scenes. You won't find anything earth shattering here but you will find a very enjoyable romance between two hot detectives. What have you got to lose? Give it a go!
September 18, 2011
I really, really liked this story of Zach and Logan who are partners, friends, and lovers. Since they were already lovers when the story began, it didn't have as much sexual tension as I usually prefer. But that is okay because the story between them is super sweet. It even has a little mystery, too, although that is a bit predictable.
Overall, its an enjoyable, short read and I recommend it to anyone who wants a quick, low-angsty story.
Overall, its an enjoyable, short read and I recommend it to anyone who wants a quick, low-angsty story.
March 29, 2013
Two cops who you think don't get along but boy, do they. ;)
I liked Zach and Logan quite a bit and really enjoyed their relationship. The story was a bit of a throwaway and my only quibble would be with Logan's family and how that played out especially with his brother. Still, a sweet story that I found very rich for something so short.
If you like to read about cops this is a little gem.
I liked Zach and Logan quite a bit and really enjoyed their relationship. The story was a bit of a throwaway and my only quibble would be with Logan's family and how that played out especially with his brother. Still, a sweet story that I found very rich for something so short.
If you like to read about cops this is a little gem.
April 21, 2011
4.85 stars
Good cops who appealed to me very much, I enjoyed the teasing and there is a definite love for Zach and Logan. Loved most dearly, a real favourite of mine and a love match which I wished could have continued on for much longer.
Good cops who appealed to me very much, I enjoyed the teasing and there is a definite love for Zach and Logan. Loved most dearly, a real favourite of mine and a love match which I wished could have continued on for much longer.
April 12, 2011
Detectives Zach Gibson and Logan Armstrong are partners and something a little bit more, even if they never put a name on it or say the three little words. Zach does worry, though, because Logan seems to be a little reckless and likes to endanger his own life, without remembering how much he means to Zach. Until a case that first starts with a little investigation of a missing ring brings out a secret that Logan has kept for a decade
This story is written from 3rd person perspective with Zach as the main narrator. From it, we learn how Logan means to Zach, how he worries. While it means that we don't know what happens in Logan's mind, but considering the storyline, that is not a problem. Because along with Zach, we wonder what happens in Logan's past that makes him so reckless. What secret that Logan keeps from his partner. We feel Zach's love pouring over Logan, and we support Zach to help Logan to move on.
It's a lovely and sweet story; I love both of the MCs. My only complain is that this is a short story. With the length, this feels more of a glimpse of both their life. I guess I want to be in their company a little longer. But I usually enjoy Cassidy Ryan's story, so this one is no exception.
This story is written from 3rd person perspective with Zach as the main narrator. From it, we learn how Logan means to Zach, how he worries. While it means that we don't know what happens in Logan's mind, but considering the storyline, that is not a problem. Because along with Zach, we wonder what happens in Logan's past that makes him so reckless. What secret that Logan keeps from his partner. We feel Zach's love pouring over Logan, and we support Zach to help Logan to move on.
It's a lovely and sweet story; I love both of the MCs. My only complain is that this is a short story. With the length, this feels more of a glimpse of both their life. I guess I want to be in their company a little longer. But I usually enjoy Cassidy Ryan's story, so this one is no exception.
March 30, 2013
3.75
Nice and sweet.The main characters are a likeable couple of policemen who happen to be gay; apparently, they neither advertise nor hide their private connection, it just IS, and their environment doesn't care much. Pleasantly angst-free constellation, and nice if somewhat TMI sex scenes. The conflict comes from another source and is a bit too easily solved.
All in all, an enjoyable, fast read. Recommended.
Nice and sweet.The main characters are a likeable couple of policemen who happen to be gay; apparently, they neither advertise nor hide their private connection, it just IS, and their environment doesn't care much. Pleasantly angst-free constellation, and nice if somewhat TMI sex scenes. The conflict comes from another source and is a bit too easily solved.
All in all, an enjoyable, fast read. Recommended.
October 3, 2015
This was a sweet idea but there was no substance, no suspense, no real mystery, no time for me to get to know the characters enough to know how I should react. There were all kinds of standard romance tropes: fear for someone's safety masked as anger, difficulty saying "I love you," etc. but nothing had context to make it mean anything. The solution to the mystery and a social issue were just too pat. I think this author has potential but this just didn't hit the mark.
September 20, 2014
A very sweet short.
It was nicely written with lovely characters.
It could have easily be more than 3 stars if it was longer and had more development for the MC's.
I enjoyed it!
It was nicely written with lovely characters.
It could have easily be more than 3 stars if it was longer and had more development for the MC's.
I enjoyed it!
July 18, 2011
Zach and Logan are partners on the police force, and have been so for over two years. They are friends and lovers, as well. Logan tends to take huge chances and it makes Zach crazy. When Zach's grandfathers friend dies, and a ring he was supposedly buried in turns up in a local pawn shop, gramps asks the two to investigate.
As they begin the investigation, Logan is clearly keeping secrets from Zach, and they might be big ones. He tends to push Zach away, or withdraw completely and not talk. When they take a ride to Serenity Gardens, where gramps friend is buried, Logan reacts badly. He disappears for a while afterwards, and upon return to the station Zach decides to just act as if everything was okay. It is here that the mother from hell appears, spews hateful words to her son Logan, and leaves.
The story continues with the background of Logans twisted family and the search for the thieves stealing from the dead, along with Logan and Zach trying to put a name to what they have, and for Logan to even grasp they have anything. Logan is a wounded soul, hiding behind charm and laughter, while Zach is in love and willing to do what it takes. It's a great story, though the end was a bit too little too late for me. His parents were awful.
As they begin the investigation, Logan is clearly keeping secrets from Zach, and they might be big ones. He tends to push Zach away, or withdraw completely and not talk. When they take a ride to Serenity Gardens, where gramps friend is buried, Logan reacts badly. He disappears for a while afterwards, and upon return to the station Zach decides to just act as if everything was okay. It is here that the mother from hell appears, spews hateful words to her son Logan, and leaves.
The story continues with the background of Logans twisted family and the search for the thieves stealing from the dead, along with Logan and Zach trying to put a name to what they have, and for Logan to even grasp they have anything. Logan is a wounded soul, hiding behind charm and laughter, while Zach is in love and willing to do what it takes. It's a great story, though the end was a bit too little too late for me. His parents were awful.
March 9, 2012
A romantic, steamy, and sometimes funny buddy cop story. The story starts with a bang, Zach complaining to their boss about Logan. They are partners in job, and sometimes Logan drove Zach crazy. At home, they're also partners, although with a less defined relationship.
The characters are very likable. They're men, they're cops, and they tease each other. While they're already a 'couple,' in this book we see the relationship evolves. The plot is nice. A case started with a dead person wedding ring that moved into murder. The book is about love. Love between the two MCs. Love among family members, and lack thereof.
I really enjoyed reading it.
The characters are very likable. They're men, they're cops, and they tease each other. While they're already a 'couple,' in this book we see the relationship evolves. The plot is nice. A case started with a dead person wedding ring that moved into murder. The book is about love. Love between the two MCs. Love among family members, and lack thereof.
I really enjoyed reading it.
June 27, 2011
This has amazingly well-written, three-dimensional characters for such a short story. It almost felt as a novel, thanks to an interesting plot with a punch and the engaging heroes. I truly enjoyed reading this emotional, heart-warming - and let's not forget scorching hot - love story! Recommended when you like hot gay alpha heroes. 4.5 stars.
October 29, 2013
This was a nice story about two police partners, Logan and Zach, who are also lovers and ultimately become more. I liked the story but there were many areas that felt a little flat to me. It's hard to say why I didn't like it more, but if I had to pinpoint anything I'd say that I didn't find it believable, and the MCs just didn't capture my attention.
April 2, 2017
This was a great cute story. Action, hot snarky cops and smoldering sex. Really don't need more than that sometimes. Right amount of testosterone to overcome the Mary Calmes binge I was just gorged myself through. Thanks for the balance J.
July 18, 2014
Cute and enjoyable with a little side of angst and actually made me laugh out loud a few times. Like many novellas, I just wish this was a little longer, fleshed out a little better, and I felt that the problems raised were resolved too abruptly. Nonetheless, I certainly don't regret reading it.
March 10, 2012
Aww, this was so sweet ! I reaaaally hope there's going to be a sequel though !
April 1, 2013
Short but sweet, with a touch of mystery and angst. Both Zach and Logan are adorable.
April 18, 2013
Such a great book and only 65 pages. I did want it to be longer, but I'm still happy with it. Really, really great book.
April 29, 2011
When I picked this book, I was expecting a cute story from Cassidy Ryan. But what I got was something different – don’t let the blurb fool you. Imperfect packs a solid little punch in 58 pages, so much so that by the end I was hoping this novella would have a sequel.
Zach and Logan are realistically drawn police officers who love their job and each other. As they struggle to define their relationship, old secrets come back to haunt Logan, and Zach must be there for his friend and lover to support him. I can honestly say that Imperfect takes the typical cop buddy theme and gives it a depth and meaning I haven’t seen in a long time. I loved Zach and Logan’s humor, banter and lust for one another. They seamlessly move from their work environment as partners to their home environment as lovers. And the secondary characters like Zach’s mother and grandfather were a delight also. The plot, hard to write in a novella with a low word count, is poignant and compelling and weaves in effortlessly to the main characters so that it feels like a novel rather than a short story.
So if you like great characterizations, witty dialog, hot love scenes with two hunky police officers, then Imperfect is the book for you. I wonder if I do enough begging and pleading would Ms. Ryan write a sequel? Until then, check out this fantastic novella.
Dark Divas Reviews
Zach and Logan are realistically drawn police officers who love their job and each other. As they struggle to define their relationship, old secrets come back to haunt Logan, and Zach must be there for his friend and lover to support him. I can honestly say that Imperfect takes the typical cop buddy theme and gives it a depth and meaning I haven’t seen in a long time. I loved Zach and Logan’s humor, banter and lust for one another. They seamlessly move from their work environment as partners to their home environment as lovers. And the secondary characters like Zach’s mother and grandfather were a delight also. The plot, hard to write in a novella with a low word count, is poignant and compelling and weaves in effortlessly to the main characters so that it feels like a novel rather than a short story.
So if you like great characterizations, witty dialog, hot love scenes with two hunky police officers, then Imperfect is the book for you. I wonder if I do enough begging and pleading would Ms. Ryan write a sequel? Until then, check out this fantastic novella.
Dark Divas Reviews
February 29, 2012
3.5
How absolutely lovable is Logan? I really like Cassidy Ryan's writing style and found myself in a similar situation as when I read Pain Management, the story whetted my appetite and I wanted more from the book. I loved the dynamics between Zach and Logan, Zach's family (too cute)...you did get a lot of character for the size of this book. Very enjoyable read, just need novel size!
How absolutely lovable is Logan? I really like Cassidy Ryan's writing style and found myself in a similar situation as when I read Pain Management, the story whetted my appetite and I wanted more from the book. I loved the dynamics between Zach and Logan, Zach's family (too cute)...you did get a lot of character for the size of this book. Very enjoyable read, just need novel size!
April 28, 2011
Solidly written novella with nice characters and hot interaction between the guys in an established relationship. The setting was clearly American, however the author tends to use the irregular forms of some verbs that are mainly British. The editor should have picked that up. The story is, for my taste, too neatly finished, but that is just me. There was potential there for a longer story. Hopefully, the author will give us a sequel.
April 16, 2011
I really loved this story - my only complaint is how short it was, though for its length it was definitely well-written and well-rounded in defining the characters and the relationship. Great storyline and descriptive emotions, this book tugged at my hear more than a few times. I'd love to read more about Logan and Zach.
November 24, 2011
2.5 stars. Ok m/m romance about two cops who are partners at work and bed partners off duty. But one is prickly and erratic and just might explode... This had a lot of potential; however, the book wasn't long enough for that potential to be realized, so it ended up feeling abrupt and not exactly believable.
December 3, 2025
This book is a nice look at how secrets can affect any kind of relationship. I love the fact that in this book you get to unravel the secret with Zach. I would advise anyone that likes mysteries with a hint of romance thrown in then this is the book for you. Just a warning though there is guy on guy action in this one.
December 19, 2011
With all the power and focus of a sprinter coming out of the starting blocks, this intriguing little whodunit hits the ground running right from the start. Bursting through his boss's door Zach Gibson declares, "I want a new partner. I can't work with this lunatic a second longer." The lunatic being Logan Armstrong taking unnecessary risks on the job. Again. With a bit of smooth talk and claiming to be "irresistibly pretty" Logan charms his way off of Zach's shit list. This is Logan's MO for avoiding issues he doesn't want to deal with. As far as Zach is concerned that gig is up. In the beginning I desperately wanted to know what motivated Logan. However, this is Zach's tale to tell and it didn't take long to figure out why. Zach is clearly the more level headed of the two and therefore the more reliable narrator. Logan's point of view would have given away too much too soon. Just like the case that triggers Logan's meltdown, the slow reveal adds far more impact to the overall story.
Zach is difficult to define as he plays so many roles in Logan's life and in the story. As the narrator his voice is the only point of view which makes him seem larger than life. On the job he is calm, cool and collected, making him the perfect partner for the more unpredictable Logan. Zach and Logan's friendship has a very comfortable and natural feel with lots of warmth and humor and this extends to Zach's family as well. As a lover Zach is more than generous, very intense and he takes dirty talk to a whole new level of hot. When you combine all of these roles, Zach is the ultimate 'man's man'. Once Zach becomes fully aware of Logan's issues he is determined to prove to Logan what he has finally come to realize. Logan is his 'ultimate man'.
Imperfect is a very well written story. It quickly captured and held my attention all the way to its very satisfying conclusion. The dialog is crisp, quick-witted and real. These guys are cops and they talk like cops. They are also masters in the art of witty banter and equally gifted when it comes to sexy dirty talk. It was a toss-up as to what I was most eager to get to... more banter or more sex. The highest praise I can give the author and this story is admitting to having already read this book twice. And since confession is good for the soul, banter vs. sex... it's still a toss up.
NOTE: This book has been provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.
Zach is difficult to define as he plays so many roles in Logan's life and in the story. As the narrator his voice is the only point of view which makes him seem larger than life. On the job he is calm, cool and collected, making him the perfect partner for the more unpredictable Logan. Zach and Logan's friendship has a very comfortable and natural feel with lots of warmth and humor and this extends to Zach's family as well. As a lover Zach is more than generous, very intense and he takes dirty talk to a whole new level of hot. When you combine all of these roles, Zach is the ultimate 'man's man'. Once Zach becomes fully aware of Logan's issues he is determined to prove to Logan what he has finally come to realize. Logan is his 'ultimate man'.
Imperfect is a very well written story. It quickly captured and held my attention all the way to its very satisfying conclusion. The dialog is crisp, quick-witted and real. These guys are cops and they talk like cops. They are also masters in the art of witty banter and equally gifted when it comes to sexy dirty talk. It was a toss-up as to what I was most eager to get to... more banter or more sex. The highest praise I can give the author and this story is admitting to having already read this book twice. And since confession is good for the soul, banter vs. sex... it's still a toss up.
NOTE: This book has been provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.
February 28, 2017
This was to short, there is no development in characters and storyline because of this and the ending felt really rushed. I think this book would have been so much better if the author had made it in a full lenght novel. The writing style is good and all in all i did enjoy reading the story.
December 1, 2015
A great short story that feels a bit like you've lost the first 10 chapters, or its mid series (its not, I checked!).
In a fairly short novel, we get a lot of background on Zach and Logan, resolution on some issues and the growth in their relationship - would love to have had this as a full length story, would be great.
Because we start bang in the middle of things, we get the character info as thoughts or recollections, so allowing greater info to be inparted. A great little read that I wish had been longer
1.12.15 reread - more intense at times than I had remembered, still feels like part of something bigger but I guess that is the mark of sucess of a short story - leaves you wanting to know more. 3.5*
In a fairly short novel, we get a lot of background on Zach and Logan, resolution on some issues and the growth in their relationship - would love to have had this as a full length story, would be great.
Because we start bang in the middle of things, we get the character info as thoughts or recollections, so allowing greater info to be inparted. A great little read that I wish had been longer
1.12.15 reread - more intense at times than I had remembered, still feels like part of something bigger but I guess that is the mark of sucess of a short story - leaves you wanting to know more. 3.5*
November 6, 2011
About 3.5 stars
This was a pretty good short story (about 65 pages) about two detectives Logan Armstrong and Zach Gibson. They have been partners for 2 years and friends with benefits for just under that. I thought that this short story had really good characters. I liked Logan and Zach a lot. The mystery was a little bit light but it did provide some unexpected closure in Logan's life. I liked this story but I think I would have liked it more as a full length book with a little more plot and substance. But a good quick read.
This was a pretty good short story (about 65 pages) about two detectives Logan Armstrong and Zach Gibson. They have been partners for 2 years and friends with benefits for just under that. I thought that this short story had really good characters. I liked Logan and Zach a lot. The mystery was a little bit light but it did provide some unexpected closure in Logan's life. I liked this story but I think I would have liked it more as a full length book with a little more plot and substance. But a good quick read.
September 13, 2011
There was a mention of them having been fuck buddies (or lovers...whatever) for a couple of years already or at least a year, anyway and this pulled me out of the story, wondering if this was a sequel (I just checked and can't find a prequel).
I prefer reading about how a relationship begins rather starting somewhere in the middle of a fuck-buddy relationship so this story didn't do it for at all.
I prefer reading about how a relationship begins rather starting somewhere in the middle of a fuck-buddy relationship so this story didn't do it for at all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews