Big Cypress Crossroads

by Bren Christopher

From the deep swamps of the Everglades to the glittering night clubs of South Beach, Miami-Dade police detective Scott Chandler is hot on the trail of the drug running cartel that killed some good officers in a firefight and left him with a steel rod in his leg. The last thing he expected to find was love in the form of a seemingly innocent wilderness guide--a guide who inexplicably knows more than he should.
Noah Taylor lives for the wild backwoods, spending days camping alone and only returning to town on the weekends to lead kayak tours through the dark waterways of the Everglades. But when he finds the remains of a ritually sacrificed body hanging from the twisted limbs of a mangrove tree, his life's going to change in ways he can't possibly predict--or can he?
Gay Romance. Previously published in 2012, now re-published with light editing and a new cover.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance, Mystery, Suspense, Gay

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2011

About the author

Bren Christopher has been an avid reader since she was a kid, but it wasn’t until she discovered erotic romance that the characters who had been content to reside in her imagination started insisting they needed a wider audience. Matt and Jamie of Friday Night Jamie were the first, but others followed in rapid succession. She’s had a lot of fun helping her folks come to life, and hopes you have just as much fun getting to know them.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder, mayhem, sex, drugs, more sex, rock & roll...what more could a girl ask for?

Apparently this girl needed a bit more to take this from ok to really freakin' good.

Noah Taylor is a tour guide in the Everglades and when he's not guiding tours he's off camping alone and finding dead bodies. Hey, everyone needs a hobby, right? Scott Chandler is a Miami-Dade Police Detective and along with his partner he's tracking some series bad guys who lead them straight to Noah because conveniently, or not if you're the bad guys, Noah finds some of them dead out in the Everglades.

For me this was shaping up to be a seriously good mystery/thriller with a strong romance between our two MCs. So what went wrong...first it was the insta-love between Noah and Scott. I tried, I really tried but I just wasn't feeling the love especially when it seemed like every other page Scott was finding out something that Noah was keeping from him.

I was to say the least amused by the conversation that presumably justified the whole insta-love issue...

"I think I'm falling for you. I know we've just met, but..."
"That's how it works. You meet someone. You fall in love. Then you get to know them." Noah shrugged. "That's what Mama says anyway."
"Really? Well, she seems like a smart lady."
"It has to be that way, " Noah explained earnestly.
"Nobody's perfect. If falling in love didn't come first, no one would ever get together. The love is what gives you the patience to overlook each other's flaws."

"Is that right? I don't think I've heard it described quite that way before." Scott sounded like he was trying not to laugh. Noah didn't care. Love worked the way it worked, and it didn't matter what Scott thought of Mama's theories.

I have to admit that while this is in some ways pretty flawed logic at the heart of it there is a sentiment that even I can't argue with and that's the fact that 'love works how it works'.

The relationship between these two men seemed to me to be more a case of instant attraction. Definitely a very strong attraction and one that quickly evolved into something stronger as events tested both of these men and what they believed they felt for each other. Most of all the ending really saved this for me because it didn't turn into an 'all is forgive magic moment'. I liked the process that Scott went through in order to decide what it was he really wanted and what he was willing to do to get it. It worked for me and left me feeling like there really as potential for a true relationship between these two men, once that would be based on more than just good sex.

Overall 'Big Cypress Crossroads' was a good read, not great but definitely good with some entertaining moments and I'm not in the least sorry or disappointed for having read it.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
The first paragraph of the first chapter draws me in: the description of the corpse hanging from the mangrove tree. I think that is the best thing about this book. The description of the backdrop the Glades is well written. I can imagine the place, with the green water, and the trees. I also like the idea of paranormal element here, how Noah sees things that happened in the future in his dreams. Seems to fit perfectly with the aura of the Glades.

Mystery/action wise, it's also engaging, as Noah inserts himself to help Scott to investigate the war between drug cartels that leaves bodies everywhere. I like the addition of the Santeria rituals, it also fits perfectly with the backdrop of the story.

What I don't like is Noah's behavior of keeping his true reason behind him helping Scott. In a sense, it makes me questioning whether he likes Scott or just sees him as a device to get what he wants. I'm not truly sold with the relationship that way. There is HEA though and I hope off screen, the two will work on that trust issue.

I'm sure the sex scenes are hot, but truth be told, I skim most of it after the 3rd sex scene. I'm just not in the mood of reading sex scenes at the moment (go figure!), maybe just one or two scenes. When the third comes only in Chapter 5, I decide I can just skim it and focus on what happens outside the bed :p

[Reggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice read. I would recommend it to anyone who liked The Long Way Home. It has the same feel to it. The paranormal aspect is a little more down played in this book, but handled very well. I wouldn't say it is a have-to-buy read, but if you are feeling the need to read a Detective and the Psychic story this would be a good option. There were a lot of words spent on the smut stuff, it was a little IKEA for me. I just skimmed, so the book still worked well for me, no problem.

I also liked that the Everglades were made a part of the story. Very fun.8)

[Vio · Rating 4 out of 5]

A suspenseful and thrilling story, the investigation through the everglades is tense and fraught with danger. Noah and Scott on constant guard, wary of putting complete trust in each other. A lot happens to keep it interesting, the psychic theme adds to this mystery, and the sex was swoony. I loved it. A fabulous and sexy romance, recommended.

[atmatos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loose Id really loves to give the wrong impression with their book descriptions. This book, I had no problems with, but others might disagree.
For one, there is a huge age gap, and usually I have a problem with that, but in this it kind of fit. So instead of the surly thirty something Glades guide, I got a matter of fact early twenties recluse.
It still worked, but it wasn’t what I expected.
So it starts off with Noah, a young man with hidden depths, finding a sacrificed dead body in the Glades. This find, leads him, and Scott a police officer from Miami Dade in to a whirlwind romance of lust, mystery, near death experiences, and finally love.
I have to say, this book had an ending that I haven’t seen in a while.
I LOVE endings like this, where you get slapped in the face with a twist that you just didn’t see coming.
So all in all, even with a misleading blurb on the back, this is a must read for all mm enthusiasts!

[Betryal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I look for in a story was in this one book. Amazing action and story line plot. It did it for me from page one.

[Three Crow Press · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three Crow Press Review by amaadhatter

Noah Taylor lives deep in the Everglades, coming out on the weekends to lead curious tourists through the beauty of the Everglades. He unexpectedly comes across a hanging body in the Cypress trees and a mystery unfolds as to why the body is there and who put it there.

Scott Chandler is a detective with the Miami-Dade police department, shot in the line of duty and just recently allowed back in the field. He’s been following a large drug cartel and the trail leads him to the Everglades and to Noah. The two men end up working together and it’s not just the mystery that unites them.

Noah has had dreams since he was young and it wasn’t until he met Scott that he realized that he’d been seeing Scott in those dreams. The two fall in love but is it enough to solve the mystery and can Noah keep Scott safe from what he sees happening in the dreams?

I liked this book, for the most part. The mystery was intriguing and I loved the description of the scenery, it made me want to go down to Florida and see the area for myself. Noah and Scott’s relationship was nice to see too, though it was faster than I like to read. I know with books, you have to move things along but I wish there’d been a bit more of them trying to get to know each other.

There were some things that bothered me though. The fact that Noah never really told Scott his involvement in things, especially since he loved Scott. Noah always seemed to have some kind of ulterior motive and that at times, he was using Scott for his own revenge. Yes, he did finally tell him but it was only after Scott had to drag it out of him. Also, I can’t see Noah being allowed to be such a large part of the investigation. Going off and doing things on his own, I could believe that, but not with the police allowing him in so close. Scott’s attitude towards things irritated me also but not as much as Noah’s.

I did like getting the glimpse into Santeria. It wasn’t the stereotypical thing that you see for the religion, it was more real and that was nice to see for once.

Overall, I give this book 3 stars. The mystery was good and for the most part the characters were good. I would’ve liked to have seen a little more of a build up between Noah and Scott but that could just be me.

[Don Bradshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/

Noah Taylor lives as a wilderness guide back in Big Cypress Swamp in Florida. Pretty much a loner when he isn't working, Noah is plagued by nightmare visions of what will happen. He stumbles across a slew of dead bodies out in a crossroads in the swamp and his peaceful seeming world is toppled. Detective Scott Chandler is working to shut down a major drug cartel in Miami when he is sent to check out the bodies in Big Cypress across the state. Noah and Scott hit it off but Noah isn't quite letting all the truth slip out about his involvement in the drug war that's brewing.
I have to admit that I bought this book primarily because I live in Florida and have spent time in Big Cypress Swamp. Ms Christopher did a wonderful job in detailing the swamp and the feel of the area even though she did make it seem that Miami and Big Cypress were near each other. I took an instant liking to both Noah and Scott. The two men made a great couple as they were almost opposites right down to where they lived. The drug war was set up well and was interesting especially with the Latin and Cuban Santeria influences which are high in the southern end of the state. The story read easily and there were some interesting twists and turns in the plot. Noah's psychic ability added interest as did the way that Ms Christopher slowly revealed just how far Noah was involved in the drug war. The presence of a strong woman as a secondary character in the guise of Chief Hanahan was refreshing. The author left some room for the reader to use their own imagination and sense of justice which was chancy but worked well right before the HEA ending. Give this book a try if you're in the mood for some natural beauty and a dose of shoot 'em up action.

[Mtsnow13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mostly liked this story due to the atmospheric elements of the locations. The author did a very nice job of describing the Bayou as well as the Everglades. I could almost feel the air and smell the decay. And the tiny amount of paranormal was something I'd expect with the Bayou.

Any time there is a hardened detective, and a remote location with a handsome young guy, well, there has to be some kind of sparks, right?

For a fairly short story, there was a lot of detail and good closure. A nice comfort read with a feel-good ending.

[SueM · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting M/M romantic suspense novel that was more than I expected it to be - characters that are humanly flawed, a touch of psychic abilities and a plot that had a few twists to raise it above average. I found the pacing just a bit uneven at times to keep it from 5 stars, but I will certainly look out for more novels from this author.

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Good story but I never really warmed up to Noah. Everytime something happened, Noah knew or had something to do with things. I thought Scott could of done better.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book...I loved the characters. Well written...it drew me in and kept me interested. Once I started reading I couldnt put it down!

[Anja · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was in the mood for some M/M romantic suspense without all of my pet peeves I have, so I landed on that book.

Well, I certainly enjoyed the first half, but than I got annoyed by the instant love, soulmate thing and the over-protectivness. I also got really frustrated by the lack of communication, especially from one side of the couple.

The case itself wasn't bad, but in the end it got really convoluted for me and I didn't care much fir the resolution.

So I'm quite indifferent by the book, but I skipped too many parts in the end to settle in the middle.

[Valentina Heart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.

When you combine a curious detective, a handsome young man, a drug cartel and the waterways of the Everglades, you have to get something exciting and interesting. I'm sure there has to be some kind of a rule about it somewhere. One thing this book doesn't lack is abundance of intriguing content.

Noah is a guide in the waterways of the Everglades. He spends days at a time camping in the wild, away from all human life. The peace of his home is momentarily disturbed when he discovers a hanged and mutilated body of a man.

While the body wasn't the original reason for Scott's – a Miami detective – appearance in the Everglades, it is enough of a reason for him to stay. He meets Noah, not liking the secrets the young man hides but soon enough depending on his assistance.

The two of them get together rather quickly, and this is one of those stories where men don't really doubt they were meant to be together forever. Individually I liked all aspects of this book, but combined together it didn't quite click. You also shouldn't really expect something gruesome like I did based on the blurb. Both men are somewhat squeamish.

While I enjoyed the sex scenes they were incorporated into the story at awkward moments. The relationship between Noah and Scott needed more time to grow and reach the stage they jumped to after a very short period of time. Noah's participation in the investigation seemed unbelievable and brought doubt into the competence of the detectives. And of course, you have a lot of classics that always happen in detective stories, first of all being the detective falling in love with a witness/suspect.

Both guys were great, Noah a little more than Scott as Scott's attitude annoyed me on occasion. The setting was something that appealed to me because I haven't read but a couple of books with similar descriptions and the whole idea around the cartel was interesting enough that I wanted to keep reading. I also wanted to know more about the side characters who seemed funny and attention worthy, but even without that I find that I liked this story enough to recommend it. In this instance I think my average rating is based more on my personal preference than the true quality of the book.

[Lady*M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this author's book Friday Night Jamie a lot and the blurb for this one made it sound like something right up my alley. I liked the writing as much as I did in the previous book, but, unfortunately, there were a few things that kept me from giving it any higher rating.

First, insta-love. The men fall for each other and declare their love within days after their first meeting. All this, while one man is participating in, probably, the most important investigation of his life and the other is on the path of revenge. No - no. Second, neither law enforcement nor criminals were described realistically. Or intelligently. There is no way Noah would have been allowed to participate in the investigation. Even if you allow some lenience (this is fiction, after all, and some artistic freedom is expected), the extent of his involvement was just stretching the limits of credibility too much. Not to mention that Noah led both the police and cartel men (whatever we think about them, it takes more than brute force to manage a cartel) by the nose like they were kindergarten kids. Finally, the paranormal-lite element (Noah's dreams and "feelings") were never explained, which made me ask myself - why would they introduced in the first place? The story didn't gain anything by it and it wouldn't have lost anything if it was omitted. In a way, Noah's less than commendable behavior was the most believable element of the story. Loss, guilt, anger can push people in doing some really bad things, even to the people they care about.

All this said, there were also things that I liked about the book. The descriptions of the Everglades and elements of Santeria were interesting. There were some great scenes (like the first one when Noah discovers the body, love scenes, or one chase scene with motorbikes). In spite of Scott's lackluster police work and Noah's dubious morality, there was something about them that still made me cheer for their HEA.

All in all, this was a descent book, but nothing more than that and certainly not candidate for rereading. It's too bad, because I feel that this author can do better. I am only one reader, so others may feel differently. I, personally, will return to Friday Night Jamie.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say upfront I was probably a little influenced by the setting of this story. As a former Floridian, I was familiar with the area and had been to some of the parts like the Hollywood Casino, although nothing exciting happened to me there other than losing money. It was interesting to read more about Santeria, a religion practiced by some of the Cuban & Hatian comunity in Florida. Normally , Santeria makes headlines in Fl for stories like these:

"Suspected Santeria-practicing porn star Raul Armenteros, 46, was under house arrest since Miami cops found he had left a van full of goats, chickens, pigeons and a duck inside his van under the hot July sun and charged him with 22 counts of felony animal cruelty. A goat in the sweltering van died a short time after the cops arrived at the scene, reports WFOR CBS-4 News in Miami."

It was interesting to find it instead associated with this story about drugs and murder. Of course, as this is an m/m romance, we have instant attraction between Miami detective Scott and Everglades guide Noah when they meet after Noah has discovered a body in the Everglades. As Noah has psychic premonitions, he's not really surprised by this love connection. However, Noah has his own motivations for getting involved in a criminal investigations and he hides things from Scott even as they become more deeply involved.

I found the investigation interesting even as it's probably not totally believable that the police would allow a civilian like Noah to get so involved. Noah also does a few questionable things that threatens the relationship he has with Scott. Because of this I could see the two of them not making it as a couple. However, there's an epilogue where a happily ever after is pulled out. I was OK with that although with the way things happened I could have easily accepted them breaking up at the end.

[Heather♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the Everglades (reminded me of some episodes of Swamp People on the History Channel) as well as the Santeria practices, and I thought Scott and Noah had great chemistry. Noah's ability to foresee certain things through his dreams added an interesting and mysterious element to the story, and the constant drama with the drug cartels kept the pace moving quickly. It was entertaining but not exactly realistic as I doubt Noah would really have been allowed to participate in the police investigation as closely as he did. I also didn't believe Noah would have been able to so easily blackmail a high ranking member of a drug cartel by threatening to expose a tape recording. Why would Santiago even care if a dead drug addict told Noah he got his drugs from Santiago? It's all about proving it and Santiago was smart enough where the cops didn't even know what he looked like so a mere drunken tape recording wouldn't scare him in the least. Plus as connected as Santiago was, he could have easily had Noah killed for threatening him. I was also slightly bothered by Noah's deceptiveness with Scott from the very beginning, his almost righteous anger about Kyle's death (and his refusal to admit Kyle freely made his own choices), and the lengths he went to in order to get his revenge against the drug dealers. I don't think Noah would intentionally lie to Scott again but seeing what he was capable of made me have some doubts about their future happiness together. But they were in a good place at the end so I guess that's all that really matters.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

They are so cute together, and it's very romantic, even during the sex. But there's way too much of the sex and it's rather ordinary.

I love the premise and it's interesting. I want to see Noah have more visions/nightmares, and see how he handles them and how Scott would handle them, too.

It's great that the author differentiated between Santeria and Voodoo and showed respect to these religions that people fear so much.

A lot of the sentences were really short, staccato like. He did this. They did that. This was happening.

While I think they started using pet names too soon, I really liked Noah calling him Scotty.

I think they dealt with the aftermath of the shooting well. What Scott needed made sense, as was his inability to voice it. I liked that Noah figured it out and also how to give it to him. It was a nice scene.

Hmm. Lots of great action and danger and peril but no actual injury. And it really wasn't that scary or worrisome, either. I liked the lack of trust thing at the end, it made sense, and of course I loved the angst. But the let down about actually seeing any real danger made me less happy about it.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

The action, suspense, and revelations kept me turning the pages. I am amazed at the depth and intensity of emotions that can consume a person for years and get him to risk and initiate events that seem so out of character and reckless. Noah's actions and Scott's as well definitely had me asking questions... wondering...

There were views, feelings, and thoughts that the characters expressed that struck..., just like this one:

"That's how it works. You meet someone. You fall in love. Then you get to know them... That's what Mama says anyway... It has to be that way. Nobody's perfect. If falling in love didn't come first, no one would ever get together. The love is what gives you the patience to overlook each other's flaws."

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know. I liked this, but I didn't love it. Partially because of Noah and partially because of Scott letting things go too easily.

Also, this is VERY LIGHT PNR. So light I am not even sure why it was brought up if they never talked about it. When did Noah start dreaming real life things? Has he ever told anyone? Is his mom the same way? I wish it would have gotten deeper in that.

I loved the description of the Everglades and the talk of the tours and fishing. It made me feel like I was there.

I didn't like Noah holding things back from Scott, but I also didn't like that Scott let things slide. He should have demanded answers when he thought things were funny. Was he worried about offending his lover?

Overall, it was okay.

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh yes, did like this one.
I really liked the thriller element of the story, felt it was very moving, great descriptive passages, got the reader deep into what was going on. The only niggle I had was that Santiago seemed to disappear very easily, but I suppose not all criminals can be caught.
I did enjoy Noah and Scott too. The story of them was much more romancy, sexy as well. Would have liked a bit more banter/will-they-wont-they before they leapt on each other, but thats my peference and their romance fit the story.
It was a roller coaster ride but only because the thriller element was very tense and fraught whilst the romance was more laid back, sexy.
Enjoyed greatly, will read again.

[Jess Candela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one really didn't work for me, and I'm not sure why. I could barely put down Friday Night Jamie, so it really surprised me how much trouble I had picking this one back up each time I set it down. At one point I set it down while the heroes were in the middle of running for their lives! And I still had to kind of push myself to pick it back up, and push repeatedly in order to finish it.

It kept me interested enough that I did finish it and didn't consign it to DNF status. And I really have no idea why. I guess Noah and Scott's relationship never rang true for me. And I'm not sure I liked either of them all that much. So maybe I've just answered my own question.

[Manluv · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a winner for me! I loved Noah and Scott, and enjoyed their story very much. I couldn't give 5 stars because the slow reveal of Noah's part in the suspense felt like the author was winging it, adding stuff along the way that hadn't been thought out. Most of the details Noah kept from Scott and the police were incredibly stupid choices, even though Noah explains why to Scott. The ending was also a bit anti-climactic.

But don't let these niggles keep you from enjoying a great story!

[Maxine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. The use of epithets (e.g. "the guide" for Noah) is something I'm seeing more and more in published m/m and I can't stand it. The setting and set-up were interesting, but Scott and Noah got together way too quickly for me and were already calling each other "honey" and "babe" during their first sex scene. Considering they barely knew each other, it just rang utterly false. The whole relationship was rushed and forced. I might have stuck it out to see what happened, but the writing style with the aforementioned use of epithets was a dealbreaker.

[Omega696 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott is a cop who's recovering from a fight with drug dealers gone wrong. It's not only his leg that needs healing thought.
Noah seems like a perfectly normal kind of guy, sweet and simple. Aside from the fact that he avoids people, lives far away from the city and spends most of his days on swamps. He has more secrets than it seems.

The guide and the policeman have a case to solve. None of them should be involved in it but somehow the trouble keeps finding them and when it doesn't, they go looking for it.

I liked the story and the characters.

[ElaineY · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off promising.

But...it started to drag halfway through in every part- the romance, the action, the sex...until I couldn't help but skim much of the last quarter and read the last page to get my HEA.

I can't put my finger on it but there was something about Noah that didn't sit well with me and I didn't find him an attractive MC so I wasn't really invested in their romance and am surprised I stayed with this book to the end (even if I did skim a lot).

[Darla Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, let me say that I like this author. Her previous book Friday Night Jamie is one of my favorite m/m books. This book started out the same, romance with reluctant partners and ell written adventure, this book held my attention until the action was resolved and the characters parted/reunited. I did not like the end, I found it lacking. It was like she just needed an ending and here you go! I would have liked a little more interaction between the characters, more of a happily everafter.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know why I kept reading this, other than I hate to not finish books. But in the end I was glad I kept at it. This is one of the those books that could have been infinitely better with the right editorial guidance. Noah is a fascinating character, but not nearly enough time is spent developing him or his intriguing gift. 50-100 pages more of character development could have made this a stellar book.

As it stands, Big Cypress is slow to start, but has a satisfying end.

[Shai Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book but I did have to suspend disbelief on the fact that an experienced cop would get that involved with someone who he knows is holding things back from him. That just goes against the grain since to stay alive they really have to listen to their instincts.

I felt that the sex scenes were very well done and contributed to the plot rather then added just to reach a quota so that the book could qualify as an erotica.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book that started with instant love followed by sex with a little murder added in and than a lot more sex. Scott & Noah are the main characters and they are just a bit too much for my taste. Meet over a dead drug dealer in the Glades, have sex that same night and excessively through out the plot to find the crazy drug lord whose killing everyone. I never take this long to read a book but this was a struggle to finish.