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Drive Shaft #2
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
This edition is no longer available.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going—so start your engines!”
Once in a while, everyone falls on hard times. Every year it seems the cost of living goes up, business slows down and money’s just too tight to mention. But for old Clyde, ever-increasing debts have forced him to turn to a notorious loan shark, Tony Trimboli, just so he can keep the doors to his auto shop open and make sure his two hard-working employees—Dean ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson and Jensen Rivers—are able to pay their own rent and make ends meet.
Now the time has come for Clyde to pay up, or else the troublesome Trimboli Triplets—Tony’s three trigger-happy sons—will not only take Clyde’s business from him… they’ll burn it to the ground.
For Hutch and Jensen, there’s only one way to raise the money in time to save Clyde’s livelihood—win the perilous Reaper’s Rally, an illegal two-day race across the scorching desert with a cool $50,000 cash waiting for the first car to cross the finish line.
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to buckle up and start your engines!
The race is on to save not only the auto shop but each other’s lives, as Hutch and Jensen blaze a trail of turbo-charged testosterone and high-speed action across the burning California desert in Drive Shaft 2: Between a Rock and a Hard Place.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going—so start your engines!”
Once in a while, everyone falls on hard times. Every year it seems the cost of living goes up, business slows down and money’s just too tight to mention. But for old Clyde, ever-increasing debts have forced him to turn to a notorious loan shark, Tony Trimboli, just so he can keep the doors to his auto shop open and make sure his two hard-working employees—Dean ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson and Jensen Rivers—are able to pay their own rent and make ends meet.
Now the time has come for Clyde to pay up, or else the troublesome Trimboli Triplets—Tony’s three trigger-happy sons—will not only take Clyde’s business from him… they’ll burn it to the ground.
For Hutch and Jensen, there’s only one way to raise the money in time to save Clyde’s livelihood—win the perilous Reaper’s Rally, an illegal two-day race across the scorching desert with a cool $50,000 cash waiting for the first car to cross the finish line.
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to buckle up and start your engines!
The race is on to save not only the auto shop but each other’s lives, as Hutch and Jensen blaze a trail of turbo-charged testosterone and high-speed action across the burning California desert in Drive Shaft 2: Between a Rock and a Hard Place.
- GenresM M Romance
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2011
59 people want to read
About the author
Geoffrey Knight
75 books350 followersGeoffrey Knight is the author of more than 30 gay fiction novels, novellas and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense and gay comedies.
The heroes of Geoffrey's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, seeking lost treasures, unraveling mysteries or falling in love.
Geoffrey is the recipient of two Rainbow Awards including Best Mystery Winner and Best Overall Gay Fiction Runner-up. His work has been featured in several anthologies including Best Gay Erotica 2013, and he appeared as Guest of Honor at the inaugural Rainbow Con in Florida, 2014.
Geoffrey has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories. He lives with his partner, their young daughter and their small furry family in a rambling old house in North Queensland, Australia, where the paint is fraying and life is good.
You can find everything you need to know about Geoffrey and his books at— https://linktr.ee/authorgeoffreyknight
The heroes of Geoffrey's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, seeking lost treasures, unraveling mysteries or falling in love.
Geoffrey is the recipient of two Rainbow Awards including Best Mystery Winner and Best Overall Gay Fiction Runner-up. His work has been featured in several anthologies including Best Gay Erotica 2013, and he appeared as Guest of Honor at the inaugural Rainbow Con in Florida, 2014.
Geoffrey has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories. He lives with his partner, their young daughter and their small furry family in a rambling old house in North Queensland, Australia, where the paint is fraying and life is good.
You can find everything you need to know about Geoffrey and his books at— https://linktr.ee/authorgeoffreyknight
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 11, 2015
Jensen and Hutch are settling into being a couple, moving in together, Jensen is even painting over Hutch’s horrible wall paper. It’s very blissfully normal. Until a local thug and his comes knocking at the shop, wanting the money Clyde borrowed back, with a hefty amount of interest. In order to help the man they have both come to care for like a father, Jensen and Hutch decide to do what they do best, drive.
For two men that went from zero to sixty in their relationship, the specifics of this race will test the boundaries of that relationship. If they stand a chance of winning, they are about to get a crash course in communication and trust. The goal of the race at the start is to win so they can bail Clyde out and save the ship. It becomes a race for their lives as the Trimboli Triplets do anything and everything possible to sabotage Jensen and Hutch from winning. When the troublesome twosome show they are stronger and smarter than the Triplets initially thought, they resort to deadly measures to win.
This book was full of suspense, action and passion as Jensen and Hutch not only navigate their way through a dangerous and deadly race, they are still learning to navigate their way through each other. Through a snake pit, a dangerous cave, almost drowning and a spooky graveyard capped off by some hot, steamy, paint peeling sex on the hood of the Viper, these two are definitely getting more comfortable in their relationship. I could have done without the constant mentioning of the age difference, which is only six years, and Jensen forever referred to as the young Texan. But overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the edge of my seat action that ran from start to finish in this book.
There was a little sneak peak at the end of this book for book three, and I am so excited for the possibility of threesome. Can’t wait to see how much trouble Jensen and Hutch can strum up in Russia, with a certain Russian.
A must read for anyone that loves an adrenaline rush and some page burning romance.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
For two men that went from zero to sixty in their relationship, the specifics of this race will test the boundaries of that relationship. If they stand a chance of winning, they are about to get a crash course in communication and trust. The goal of the race at the start is to win so they can bail Clyde out and save the ship. It becomes a race for their lives as the Trimboli Triplets do anything and everything possible to sabotage Jensen and Hutch from winning. When the troublesome twosome show they are stronger and smarter than the Triplets initially thought, they resort to deadly measures to win.
This book was full of suspense, action and passion as Jensen and Hutch not only navigate their way through a dangerous and deadly race, they are still learning to navigate their way through each other. Through a snake pit, a dangerous cave, almost drowning and a spooky graveyard capped off by some hot, steamy, paint peeling sex on the hood of the Viper, these two are definitely getting more comfortable in their relationship. I could have done without the constant mentioning of the age difference, which is only six years, and Jensen forever referred to as the young Texan. But overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the edge of my seat action that ran from start to finish in this book.
There was a little sneak peak at the end of this book for book three, and I am so excited for the possibility of threesome. Can’t wait to see how much trouble Jensen and Hutch can strum up in Russia, with a certain Russian.
A must read for anyone that loves an adrenaline rush and some page burning romance.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
September 22, 2012
http://manohmanreviews.blogspot.ca/20...
Reviewed by Joe: I love cars. I love hot boys. I love racing. I was hoping that this book would combine my love for these three things and I was not disappointed. I must admit, I was not familiar with Mr. Knight’s work and I had not read the first Drive Shaft before this but this book makes me want to add Drive Shaft to my bookshelf and I can not wait for Drive Shaft 3!
The characters in this book are real, relatable and likable. The dialogue is sharp and not contrived and there are parts of the book that will make you hold your breath in anticipation of what’s going to happen next.
The main characters are two boys that I was rooting for all the way, the kind of boys I would love to get a beer and play a round of pool with. I loved how in love they were and how they would have little quarrels. I also liked the fact that even though they were gay they were not stereotypical gay guys, they were the type of boys that I usually date, manly men who can pass for straight and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Maybe that’s why I liked them so much.
If you are a fan of cars, boys, racing and adventure run, don’t walk, and get your copy of Drive Shaft 2.
A+
Reviewed by Joe: I love cars. I love hot boys. I love racing. I was hoping that this book would combine my love for these three things and I was not disappointed. I must admit, I was not familiar with Mr. Knight’s work and I had not read the first Drive Shaft before this but this book makes me want to add Drive Shaft to my bookshelf and I can not wait for Drive Shaft 3!
The characters in this book are real, relatable and likable. The dialogue is sharp and not contrived and there are parts of the book that will make you hold your breath in anticipation of what’s going to happen next.
The main characters are two boys that I was rooting for all the way, the kind of boys I would love to get a beer and play a round of pool with. I loved how in love they were and how they would have little quarrels. I also liked the fact that even though they were gay they were not stereotypical gay guys, they were the type of boys that I usually date, manly men who can pass for straight and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Maybe that’s why I liked them so much.
If you are a fan of cars, boys, racing and adventure run, don’t walk, and get your copy of Drive Shaft 2.
A+
January 26, 2015
2.5 out of 5 stars
Can you say testosterone? With the exception of the token appearance of Strawberry and Peaches in the race, and the introduction of the lovely delightfully – um – delectable one eyed Russian – um – goddess Anastasia Novakov, this was extremely heavy on the testosterone. Not all of it was anywhere near the good kind.
I thought the first book was total craziness. I was wrong. This one was worse. I do have to admit, the main characters, Jensen and Hutch are fun and entertaining. Clyde was cute falling all over himself when he met Ana. And well, who cannot love an old blind black Lab named Moses? But the villains in this piece – the Trimboli family – how about the word cliché? I mean really? I think at some point every Italian mob cliché made this book, and not necessarily in a good way.
This book was definitely action packed with two story threads happening. It bounced back and forth between the two often leaving the reader hanging for a bit in between. Overall there is the loan shark business and the desperate attempts to keep the Trimboli’s from killing them.
Hutch and Jensen decide to enter an illegal auto race between Palm Springs and Las Vegas. The race itself was hair racing without the added help of the Trimboli triplets. A race with no rules was just screaming for a trio of thugs to take advantage. Again, it was often clichéd, not to mention eye roll worthy.
Meanwhile back at the garage, Clyde and Ana are stumbling around each other falling in love. It was really kind of cute when you consider these two are well past the prime of life. Just to stir things up, Papa Trimboli shows up again. *eye roll*
If you remember the movie Cannon Ball Run from 1981, you might like this book. It is just a crazy, though this book is more violent. I just think both are over the top. I can now say I have read it, if I actually want to admit to such a thing. It was okay, reasonably well written. Just not really my cuppa at the end of the day.
I was provide a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Can you say testosterone? With the exception of the token appearance of Strawberry and Peaches in the race, and the introduction of the lovely delightfully – um – delectable one eyed Russian – um – goddess Anastasia Novakov, this was extremely heavy on the testosterone. Not all of it was anywhere near the good kind.
I thought the first book was total craziness. I was wrong. This one was worse. I do have to admit, the main characters, Jensen and Hutch are fun and entertaining. Clyde was cute falling all over himself when he met Ana. And well, who cannot love an old blind black Lab named Moses? But the villains in this piece – the Trimboli family – how about the word cliché? I mean really? I think at some point every Italian mob cliché made this book, and not necessarily in a good way.
This book was definitely action packed with two story threads happening. It bounced back and forth between the two often leaving the reader hanging for a bit in between. Overall there is the loan shark business and the desperate attempts to keep the Trimboli’s from killing them.
Hutch and Jensen decide to enter an illegal auto race between Palm Springs and Las Vegas. The race itself was hair racing without the added help of the Trimboli triplets. A race with no rules was just screaming for a trio of thugs to take advantage. Again, it was often clichéd, not to mention eye roll worthy.
Meanwhile back at the garage, Clyde and Ana are stumbling around each other falling in love. It was really kind of cute when you consider these two are well past the prime of life. Just to stir things up, Papa Trimboli shows up again. *eye roll*
If you remember the movie Cannon Ball Run from 1981, you might like this book. It is just a crazy, though this book is more violent. I just think both are over the top. I can now say I have read it, if I actually want to admit to such a thing. It was okay, reasonably well written. Just not really my cuppa at the end of the day.
I was provide a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2015
4.5 heart review by Tidal
This book was awesome! Usually when I read a later books in a series, often times I feel disappointed and feel it is nothing more than a rehash of the first book. That is not the case with this book! This book is fast paced and offers all the excitement of all seven “The Fast and the Furious” movies rolled into one plus hot sex too. This installment brings in more characters and really takes the time to flesh them out and lets each of them shine.
The sex scenes are hot but the action is just as exciting. The characters have grown since the first book and it is neat to see how they have evolved. We also are introduced to not only one villain but a family of four villains. The Trimboli Family is a force to be reckoned with. The odds are stacked against Hutch, Jensen and Clyde but that has not stopped them before and it does not this time either. To save Clyde’s business Hutch and Jensen enter the famous cutthroat Reaper Rally Race. It is illegal, cutthroat, has no rules and offers a $50,000 dollar prize. Losing this race is not an option.
This book is exciting to the last moment! The action in this installment stood out so much. We meet some new characters and all of them are so well developed and each carried their part of the story making it appear seamless. I like that the story was not totally predictable and had a few surprised at the end.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
This book was awesome! Usually when I read a later books in a series, often times I feel disappointed and feel it is nothing more than a rehash of the first book. That is not the case with this book! This book is fast paced and offers all the excitement of all seven “The Fast and the Furious” movies rolled into one plus hot sex too. This installment brings in more characters and really takes the time to flesh them out and lets each of them shine.
The sex scenes are hot but the action is just as exciting. The characters have grown since the first book and it is neat to see how they have evolved. We also are introduced to not only one villain but a family of four villains. The Trimboli Family is a force to be reckoned with. The odds are stacked against Hutch, Jensen and Clyde but that has not stopped them before and it does not this time either. To save Clyde’s business Hutch and Jensen enter the famous cutthroat Reaper Rally Race. It is illegal, cutthroat, has no rules and offers a $50,000 dollar prize. Losing this race is not an option.
This book is exciting to the last moment! The action in this installment stood out so much. We meet some new characters and all of them are so well developed and each carried their part of the story making it appear seamless. I like that the story was not totally predictable and had a few surprised at the end.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
July 30, 2017
Hutch and Jensen are back and living together in this sequel to Drive Shaft. Things seem to be going well until Clyde gets himself into trouble with the Trimboli Family, four nasty brothers, whom he owes money to. They are nasty and want more than what he owes. They are determined to get his garage. Clyde wants to handle it himself, but Hutch and Jensen won't let him. They enter the viper in the Reaper Rally Race. An illegal race that has no rules that is cutthroat, where participants will do anything to win the $50,000. What happens next is a all out war between the Trimboli brothers, who also enter the race, and Hutch and Jensen, to the finish. Hutch and Jensen get themselves into some pretty scary situations along the way. There are times when you think they are out of the race for sure. Clyde gets a love story of his own in this one. As in the first book, Hutch and Jensen sizzle together. The plot is so well written because there are twits that keep you guessing and keep the story from being predictable. It's very much like the "Fast and the Furious". It's a good story to read if you are looking for action, fast cars, hot guys, and hot sex.
January 24, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Between a Rock and a Hard Place continues the story of Hutch and Jensen from the first Drive Shaft. While it would be possible to read it on its own, it would be best enjoyed having read the first installment.
There are many areas of the book that emulate a movie, and if it were a movie, it would be the action movie that you would watch with friends multiple times just for the sheer entertainment value of it. There’s action, adrenaline, thugs, grand romantic gestures, and two guys that love each other unconditionally. It’s over the top and just a helluva good time.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Between a Rock and a Hard Place continues the story of Hutch and Jensen from the first Drive Shaft. While it would be possible to read it on its own, it would be best enjoyed having read the first installment.
There are many areas of the book that emulate a movie, and if it were a movie, it would be the action movie that you would watch with friends multiple times just for the sheer entertainment value of it. There’s action, adrenaline, thugs, grand romantic gestures, and two guys that love each other unconditionally. It’s over the top and just a helluva good time.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews