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L.E.H.D. #1
L.E.H.D. 1: Layma Enforcement & Human Defense
Agent Gage Patton has worked in law enforcement policing his kind since he managed to get out from under his family’s thumb. He’d always worked alone or loosely as part of a team. That changes when he’s forced to take the man he recommended to new government agency when it was created as his partner.
Homicide Detective Dylan Keerist loved his job. He even loved it after the world changed and murders straight from Hollywood became the norm. Being essentially conscripted to the Layma Enforcement and Human Defense agency was a surprise since he never applied. It was a bigger surprise to find out it was his sexy neighbor who suggested him and would be his partner.
Dylan has no time to settle into his new life as a government agent because he and Gage have to find the serial killer stalking Tampa Bay. They also have to find a way to work together as their attraction for one another grows, too. Neither of them is sure which will be harder: catching the serial killer or resisting each other.
This book contains M/M sexual situations and is intended for readers of legal age in the country in which they reside. Please store your adult literature responsibly.
Homicide Detective Dylan Keerist loved his job. He even loved it after the world changed and murders straight from Hollywood became the norm. Being essentially conscripted to the Layma Enforcement and Human Defense agency was a surprise since he never applied. It was a bigger surprise to find out it was his sexy neighbor who suggested him and would be his partner.
Dylan has no time to settle into his new life as a government agent because he and Gage have to find the serial killer stalking Tampa Bay. They also have to find a way to work together as their attraction for one another grows, too. Neither of them is sure which will be harder: catching the serial killer or resisting each other.
This book contains M/M sexual situations and is intended for readers of legal age in the country in which they reside. Please store your adult literature responsibly.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2023
52 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Cothern
80 books307 followersBrenda is an Amazon and ARe best-selling author and resides in Tampa, FL with her husband, six cats, a dog, a turtle named Tammy, and a rabbit named Alice. She is active in the Tampa Bay GLBT, kink, & leather communities, and the owner of Florida Leather & Fetish Pride Weekend event which includes a Mr. & Ms. title contest.
When not putting the voices in her head on paper, Brenda is attending book and fantasy/Sci-fi conventions to meet fans. She also attends leather/kink events as Ms. Florida Leather & Fetish Pride 2016 and teaches about the leather and kink lifestyle.
She would love to hear from you! Visit her on the following:
Website: www.bcothernbooks.com
(Where you can find several FREE reads!)
Facebook: Brenda Cothern Books
Facebook Fan Page:
Brenda Cothern Books, Inc.
Goodreads: Brenda Cothern
Smashwords: BCothernBooks
Google+: Brenda Cothern Books
Twitter: BCothernBooks
Authorgraph: BCothernBooks
For signed digital autograph, please send her a request through Authorgraph! A personalized autographed PDF for the book will be signed and sent to you!
If you enjoy her books, please show your support by giving them stars and/or writing reviews on the various online sites where they can be purchased.
When not putting the voices in her head on paper, Brenda is attending book and fantasy/Sci-fi conventions to meet fans. She also attends leather/kink events as Ms. Florida Leather & Fetish Pride 2016 and teaches about the leather and kink lifestyle.
She would love to hear from you! Visit her on the following:
Website: www.bcothernbooks.com
(Where you can find several FREE reads!)
Facebook: Brenda Cothern Books
Facebook Fan Page:
Brenda Cothern Books, Inc.
Goodreads: Brenda Cothern
Smashwords: BCothernBooks
Google+: Brenda Cothern Books
Twitter: BCothernBooks
Authorgraph: BCothernBooks
For signed digital autograph, please send her a request through Authorgraph! A personalized autographed PDF for the book will be signed and sent to you!
If you enjoy her books, please show your support by giving them stars and/or writing reviews on the various online sites where they can be purchased.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 19, 2024
2.5⭐️
Vampires are real and have come to light and with that, a new world of conflicts, laws and prejudices arise. Our MCs are agents in a a new agency created to deal with the crimes caused by both parties. No mentions on how the vamps fed or functioned before without being so worked around a tiniest speck of blood before the reveal. One cut in the MC’s forehead was enough for a younger vampire to almost lose control.
We have two cops who are neighbours- for years - and barely talk to each other but the vamp cop knew enough about the human cop he had the hots on that he recommended him to this new agency. Not even a month into the job and their sexual tension is up the charts because a 30+ year-old and several years-old can’t function without being aroused.
They only investigate their cases but they don’t really check the crime scenes, they don’t follow-up autopsies (if Dylan hadn’t mentioned would had Gage noticed they were missing?). There’s no mention of prints or any identifying (or lack of) hint. They don’t interrogate their suspects or even see them after the arrest. We have no idea why the cop they arrested was killing the humans.
The relationship between them felt forced and sudden. Gage goes from running Dylan’s house when he accidentally nipped him to fully feeding from him within days.
The book has serious formatting issues. Chapter 6 is a repeated of ch.5 and the first couple of pages of chapter 7 are badly formatted. There’s also several grammar and punctuation problems. Once Gage’s name was changed to something different. There’s also a mention of no other human working in their dept but when they go training there are one who spars with Gage. And if humans were being conscripted into joining the agency, where were they?
Vampires are real and have come to light and with that, a new world of conflicts, laws and prejudices arise. Our MCs are agents in a a new agency created to deal with the crimes caused by both parties. No mentions on how the vamps fed or functioned before without being so worked around a tiniest speck of blood before the reveal. One cut in the MC’s forehead was enough for a younger vampire to almost lose control.
We have two cops who are neighbours- for years - and barely talk to each other but the vamp cop knew enough about the human cop he had the hots on that he recommended him to this new agency. Not even a month into the job and their sexual tension is up the charts because a 30+ year-old and several years-old can’t function without being aroused.
They only investigate their cases but they don’t really check the crime scenes, they don’t follow-up autopsies (if Dylan hadn’t mentioned would had Gage noticed they were missing?). There’s no mention of prints or any identifying (or lack of) hint. They don’t interrogate their suspects or even see them after the arrest. We have no idea why the cop they arrested was killing the humans.
The relationship between them felt forced and sudden. Gage goes from running Dylan’s house when he accidentally nipped him to fully feeding from him within days.
The book has serious formatting issues. Chapter 6 is a repeated of ch.5 and the first couple of pages of chapter 7 are badly formatted. There’s also several grammar and punctuation problems. Once Gage’s name was changed to something different. There’s also a mention of no other human working in their dept but when they go training there are one who spars with Gage. And if humans were being conscripted into joining the agency, where were they?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2023
This book simultaneously dragged and felt rushed. Too much of the plot was wasted in setting up Dylan as part of the L.E.H.D and not enough on the crime investigation or romance. I felt like I was reading an employee manual at one point. Did we really need to know that Dylan turned the computer on, and input a password, and clicked program files, and then clicked More program files…
The way that crimes are investigated by the L.E.H.D also doesn’t leave much action and suspense for our MC’s to develop a work relationship and friendship.
If the MC’s:
- Don’t meet with the coroner and just get autopsy reports emailed.
- Don’t interview suspects or witnesses. Other than getting witness statements at crime scenes.
- Don’t throughly examine crime scenes other than a superficial glance.
- Don’t do stakeouts.
- Don’t apprehend suspects without a special “swat” team.
- Don’t have to fight superiors and red tape for warrants, wiretaps, or other special requests.
- Don’t have a minimally set work schedule.
What is the point of the job title then?
The switching of character point of views made the reading extremely difficult. At times, I had no idea what character was speaking.
Finally, Gage the vampire is a homicide detective “agent” incognito prince of a vampire nation. Wow!
⭐️⭐️ because I pushed myself to finish it since I wanted to know who the killer was.
The way that crimes are investigated by the L.E.H.D also doesn’t leave much action and suspense for our MC’s to develop a work relationship and friendship.
If the MC’s:
- Don’t meet with the coroner and just get autopsy reports emailed.
- Don’t interview suspects or witnesses. Other than getting witness statements at crime scenes.
- Don’t throughly examine crime scenes other than a superficial glance.
- Don’t do stakeouts.
- Don’t apprehend suspects without a special “swat” team.
- Don’t have to fight superiors and red tape for warrants, wiretaps, or other special requests.
- Don’t have a minimally set work schedule.
What is the point of the job title then?
The switching of character point of views made the reading extremely difficult. At times, I had no idea what character was speaking.
Finally, Gage the vampire is a homicide detective “agent” incognito prince of a vampire nation. Wow!
⭐️⭐️ because I pushed myself to finish it since I wanted to know who the killer was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2023
It’s been three years since vampires (AKA Layma) made themselves known to the world and the President has just announced a new federal law enforcement agency, Layma Enforcement & Human Defense (LEDH), to investigate Layma-related crime. Human homocide Det Dylan Keerist with the Tampa PD is surprised to be recruited by LEHD but is even more surprised to find his new mercurial partner is his hunky neighbour, Gage Patton. Dylan didn’t even realise he was a Layma! After an induction, Dylan and Gage throw themselves into finding a Layma serial killer who is killing humans.
This supernatural, romantic police procedural was right up my alley! I loved the world-build, the plot, and the two leads. The slow-burn workplace romance was great, it was amusing to see the guys keep getting distracted by each other. I also enjoyed new-to-me US voice actor Leo Spain’s audio narration, his voice and style remind me a lot of the late, great Kenneth Obi. I didn’t mind the writing but I found that new-to-me author Brenda Cothern can over-explain: at times she labours the point until it feels repetitive. However, it wasn’t a deal breaker and I’ll definitely seek out her other audios.
This supernatural, romantic police procedural was right up my alley! I loved the world-build, the plot, and the two leads. The slow-burn workplace romance was great, it was amusing to see the guys keep getting distracted by each other. I also enjoyed new-to-me US voice actor Leo Spain’s audio narration, his voice and style remind me a lot of the late, great Kenneth Obi. I didn’t mind the writing but I found that new-to-me author Brenda Cothern can over-explain: at times she labours the point until it feels repetitive. However, it wasn’t a deal breaker and I’ll definitely seek out her other audios.
May 20, 2023
Vampires a real, they call themselves Layma and they just revealed their existence to the world. In a perfect world they would be accepted but the world is far from perfect and riots break out. A new Layma-Human mixed enforcement agency is established by the US government and Dylan, homicide detective with the Tampa PD is recruited and his very attractive neighbor turns out to be a Layma. If you like paranormal and law enforcement romance that are packed with action and suspense and great (but slightly grumpy) MC's, give this one a try. I very much enjoyed reading this story, can't wait for the next one.
Admin note: in my version (May 2023) chapter six repeats itself, I assume the author will fix this issue shortly. Even with the editorial issues 4.5 stars because I really enjoyed the story and will definitely reread it.
Admin note: in my version (May 2023) chapter six repeats itself, I assume the author will fix this issue shortly. Even with the editorial issues 4.5 stars because I really enjoyed the story and will definitely reread it.
October 25, 2023
Interesting
I don't normally comment on editing errors or grammar, but a repeat of a whole chapter? The mess-up was so bad found myself going back and forth several times just to be sure.
The book itself was interesting. I like a mystery, it is much more interesting than meeting and a day or two later the MCs are humping like bunnies. World building was enough to explain things and not bog down the story. Still a little confused about the facial markings and the power the royals have over the other vampires. Hopefully those questions will be answered in the next book.
I don't normally comment on editing errors or grammar, but a repeat of a whole chapter? The mess-up was so bad found myself going back and forth several times just to be sure.
The book itself was interesting. I like a mystery, it is much more interesting than meeting and a day or two later the MCs are humping like bunnies. World building was enough to explain things and not bog down the story. Still a little confused about the facial markings and the power the royals have over the other vampires. Hopefully those questions will be answered in the next book.
August 3, 2023
A book for paranormal thrill seekers - serial case and threat to reality.
Agent Gage is lead Detective and he recruited his neither from homicide detective to be co lead with human and Layma. It is a great spin to be "witness to discrimination" and mobs protest.....all while catching A serial killer. MM romance
Only complaint "quick end", so hint grab the next book or series....binge watcher/readers its your book
Agent Gage is lead Detective and he recruited his neither from homicide detective to be co lead with human and Layma. It is a great spin to be "witness to discrimination" and mobs protest.....all while catching A serial killer. MM romance
Only complaint "quick end", so hint grab the next book or series....binge watcher/readers its your book
February 8, 2024
DNF 43% Had potential but...
The story line has potential, the characters aren't developed badly but the story changes POV back and forth too often. In one section it was Dylan's POV, Gage's the next 2 paragraphs, Dylan's again, Gage's again, etc, with no warning or reason.
Chapter 6 was repeated in full.
The story line has potential, the characters aren't developed badly but the story changes POV back and forth too often. In one section it was Dylan's POV, Gage's the next 2 paragraphs, Dylan's again, Gage's again, etc, with no warning or reason.
Chapter 6 was repeated in full.
July 3, 2023
buddy cop show
A bit confusing when the perspective swapped from person to person within a chapter, sometimes just a paragraph in one person’s head before jumping back.
That aside, a smoldering office romance between work partners, complete with angry sex and blood donation.
A bit confusing when the perspective swapped from person to person within a chapter, sometimes just a paragraph in one person’s head before jumping back.
That aside, a smoldering office romance between work partners, complete with angry sex and blood donation.
May 28, 2023
Good
I loved the concept and the plot was good. I loved the chemistry between the two MC’s. The only negative was it needed an editor and chapter 6 repeated.
I loved the concept and the plot was good. I loved the chemistry between the two MC’s. The only negative was it needed an editor and chapter 6 repeated.
June 26, 2023
2.75 stars. The main focus was the lust between Gage and Dylan. Although the dead bodies kept piling up, the murders were secondary. The mystery was a disappointment.
June 14, 2024
Really enjoyed
I really loved this mystery even if it was easy to figure out. I really liked the characters and look forward to learn more about them.
I really loved this mystery even if it was easy to figure out. I really liked the characters and look forward to learn more about them.
February 6, 2025
good concept, poor writing
March 28, 2025
3/5
I listened to the audiobook.
I have a sweet spot for UF/PRN Procedural books so I enthusiastically read this book. It was quite good! I have a bit of a complain with the writing sometimes and the romance coming a bit late in the book but I enjoyed the book. It was a good start of a new series and I will read the sequel when available in audio.
**I received a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.**
I listened to the audiobook.
I have a sweet spot for UF/PRN Procedural books so I enthusiastically read this book. It was quite good! I have a bit of a complain with the writing sometimes and the romance coming a bit late in the book but I enjoyed the book. It was a good start of a new series and I will read the sequel when available in audio.
**I received a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.**
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews