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Delarosa Secrets #1
Borderline
Surrounded by secrets, two men search for a serial killer, while trying to keep it from becoming personal.
Mac Guzman is a Texas Ranger and lead detective on a serial killer case rocking the city of Houston. He's willing to take help from anyone, especially when it comes in the form of the gorgeous FBI profiler, Tanner Wallace. Mixing business with pleasure has never been an option for Mac, but he just might change his mind and seduce Tanner into his bed.
Tanner Wallace joined the Bureau and became a profiler to catch bad guys. Also, it might have a little to do with making up for the evil caused by his family's business. When he's called in to consult on a serial killer case in Houston, Tanner never expects to meet Mac. The handsome Texas Ranger brings to mind hot, sweaty nights wrapped in each other's arms, yet Tanner knows Mac would walk away if he ever found out who Tanner's family really is.
With the threat of another murder hanging over their heads, Tanner and Mac will have to find a way to work past their differences before the killer strikes again.
Mac Guzman is a Texas Ranger and lead detective on a serial killer case rocking the city of Houston. He's willing to take help from anyone, especially when it comes in the form of the gorgeous FBI profiler, Tanner Wallace. Mixing business with pleasure has never been an option for Mac, but he just might change his mind and seduce Tanner into his bed.
Tanner Wallace joined the Bureau and became a profiler to catch bad guys. Also, it might have a little to do with making up for the evil caused by his family's business. When he's called in to consult on a serial killer case in Houston, Tanner never expects to meet Mac. The handsome Texas Ranger brings to mind hot, sweaty nights wrapped in each other's arms, yet Tanner knows Mac would walk away if he ever found out who Tanner's family really is.
With the threat of another murder hanging over their heads, Tanner and Mac will have to find a way to work past their differences before the killer strikes again.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2011
2 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Chase
161 books893 followersThere is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates me and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how I share those insights. I live in the Midwest with a wonderful partner of thirteen years. When not writing, I’m watching movies, reading and living life to the fullest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 18, 2011
The prologue is promising because it is written in the perspective of the killer -- and it reminds me of mainstream mystery/thriller novels. Chilling and a taunt of gore/action.
But then our heroes meet, and by chapter 3, on the first night Mac and Tanner are working together, they have sex. Oh, I know, I know, it is said to be made possible because of Mac's relationship with the last victim, and sex is always one of the things people to deal with death. But really?!?
I guess the set-up of the prologue makes me prepare for a murder mystery but what I get is a romance, and it throws my mood off. Plus, the ending is pretty anticlimatic. I already know (or at least guess) the identity of the killer by Chapter 7 with the once sentence of his thought.
The the process of catching the murderer is also downplayed, no action, actually, just in a passing. One moment they're raring to go to capture the murderer, the next is one year later, the murderer is on a trial, and Tanner is thinking on telling Mac his secret (sigh)
I guess, readers better not expect this for murder-mystery/action book when they read the prologue. It probably helps. It's an okay read, but not special.
But then our heroes meet, and by chapter 3, on the first night Mac and Tanner are working together, they have sex. Oh, I know, I know, it is said to be made possible because of Mac's relationship with the last victim, and sex is always one of the things people to deal with death. But really?!?
I guess the set-up of the prologue makes me prepare for a murder mystery but what I get is a romance, and it throws my mood off. Plus, the ending is pretty anticlimatic. I already know (or at least guess) the identity of the killer by Chapter 7 with the once sentence of his thought.
The the process of catching the murderer is also downplayed, no action, actually, just in a passing. One moment they're raring to go to capture the murderer, the next is one year later, the murderer is on a trial, and Tanner is thinking on telling Mac his secret (sigh)
I guess, readers better not expect this for murder-mystery/action book when they read the prologue. It probably helps. It's an okay read, but not special.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2015
2.5 stars
Despite the rather bloody opening scene, I think this is a tame murder story. I imagined the killing were supposed to feel... scary. But no, I didn't really feel the killer's blood-thirsty rage. There's also lack of real actions here - just not what I expected from reading the blurb.
Considering the serial killer they were investigating, the lead investigator and Fed's profiler were too quick on jumping each other bones - I didn't feel their urge to catch the killer, personally I thought this was a pretty laid-back joint operations. Romance wise... well, although they seemed couldn't keep their hands off each other, I couldn't really buy their budding romance.
I might consider the next installment of the series, but... we'll see.
Despite the rather bloody opening scene, I think this is a tame murder story. I imagined the killing were supposed to feel... scary. But no, I didn't really feel the killer's blood-thirsty rage. There's also lack of real actions here - just not what I expected from reading the blurb.
Considering the serial killer they were investigating, the lead investigator and Fed's profiler were too quick on jumping each other bones - I didn't feel their urge to catch the killer, personally I thought this was a pretty laid-back joint operations. Romance wise... well, although they seemed couldn't keep their hands off each other, I couldn't really buy their budding romance.
I might consider the next installment of the series, but... we'll see.
February 19, 2015
Honestly, while this might be a fine book, I found myself bored. It somehow comes across as unengaging, despite involving an FBI profiler, a Texas Ranger and a Drug Kingpin. It almost seems like boredom shouldn't be possible, but apparently it is.
Everything about this book was just OK. The characters were OK. The plot was OK. The setting is OK. The sex was on the low side of OK. The mystery was OK. The writing was OK (though it could do with a little more editing).
Basically, while nothing was horrible, it wasn't great either. My biggest complaints were that the scenes from the killer's point of view were horribly cheesy and stiff. The sex scenes were of the uninspired, stick it in and be done kind, with little foreplay or buildup, and didn't inspire any of the emotions the book claimed were resulting from it. The fact that Mac would risk letting the perp walk on a technicality by not recusing himself from the investigation seemed unlikely, as did the fact that Tanner would risk so very much by telling Mac about his family. And the writing was occasionally stiff, especially in dialogue where names were used far too often to feel natural.
All in all, an OK read, but nothing I'm going to rave about.
Everything about this book was just OK. The characters were OK. The plot was OK. The setting is OK. The sex was on the low side of OK. The mystery was OK. The writing was OK (though it could do with a little more editing).
Basically, while nothing was horrible, it wasn't great either. My biggest complaints were that the scenes from the killer's point of view were horribly cheesy and stiff. The sex scenes were of the uninspired, stick it in and be done kind, with little foreplay or buildup, and didn't inspire any of the emotions the book claimed were resulting from it. The fact that Mac would risk letting the perp walk on a technicality by not recusing himself from the investigation seemed unlikely, as did the fact that Tanner would risk so very much by telling Mac about his family. And the writing was occasionally stiff, especially in dialogue where names were used far too often to feel natural.
All in all, an OK read, but nothing I'm going to rave about.
July 10, 2016
Liked this a lot, found it a lot fluffier than I expected given the darkness of the plot if that makes sense. No real angst between the MCs at all. I liked both, and enjoyed the minor role Victor played.
May 4, 2016
There is a man stalking the streets of Houston-–kidnapping, torturing, and killing women-–and Mac Guzman, Texas Ranger, intends to stop him. But even with several dead women already found, there seems to be very little that law enforcement officers have been able to pin down. That is where Tanner Wallace comes in. As a profiler for the Bureau, Tanner has spent years analyzing the scummier parts of humanity, and the Rangers hope that his help will lead them to something, anything, that will bring this serial killer to justice.
But while Mac and Tanner are determined to get their man, they are also having to deal with the almost instant attraction that they have for each other. Not only is it probably against regulations to fraternize while they are on the case together, but they really should be focusing on the killer, not how to best get into each other’s pants. Still, nothing in either of their lives has been simple, and taking the chance with each other, might be worth all the risk. Well, if their secrets don’t bring everything they have worked for crashing to the ground.
As odd as this may sound, for a book about a serial killer who likes to slice and dice his victims, this is a rather light story. Don’t get me wrong, it was a thoroughly entertaining story, and I really loved the policing in this book (which is something I usually have to suffer through), but it didn’t go in the direction that I thought it would, and I liked that. It had quite a few time where it could have easily skewed toward cliché, but it nicely avoided them.
I will say that it might not be the best thing to read right before you go to bed, even if it isn’t all that angsty. I personally enjoy not dreaming about being chased by a nutso with a knife (though I don’t think I can blame T.A. Chase for the crazy person turning into Lord Voldemort-–that is squarely my fanfic addiction rearing it’s ugly head).
I didn’t go into this with very many expectations. I generally really enjoy Chase’s stories and it has been a while since I read anything crime-related, so it was more of a ‘why not?’ than a ‘give me now!’ But I am really glad that I picked up this story. It was very engaging and Tanner and Mac were awesome. I love their chemistry, and the way that seem to work so well with each other, both in and outside the bedroom. It doesn’t hurt that I was really happy with how all the secrets ended up playing out. It felt realistic enough that I didn’t have too many niggles, but also stayed true to how the characters would act.
If I would have one problem with this story, it would be how the case ended. Not so much with the resolution, but with how we kinda didn’t get to see it get resolved. I would have preferred to go along with Mac for that scene, instead of Tanner. As it is, it feels bit anti-climactic.
Did really enjoy this story though and am looking forward to the next book in the series, whatever or whoever it ends up being about. If you are looking for a good crime mystery but with a lighter taste, this might be right up you alley.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
But while Mac and Tanner are determined to get their man, they are also having to deal with the almost instant attraction that they have for each other. Not only is it probably against regulations to fraternize while they are on the case together, but they really should be focusing on the killer, not how to best get into each other’s pants. Still, nothing in either of their lives has been simple, and taking the chance with each other, might be worth all the risk. Well, if their secrets don’t bring everything they have worked for crashing to the ground.
As odd as this may sound, for a book about a serial killer who likes to slice and dice his victims, this is a rather light story. Don’t get me wrong, it was a thoroughly entertaining story, and I really loved the policing in this book (which is something I usually have to suffer through), but it didn’t go in the direction that I thought it would, and I liked that. It had quite a few time where it could have easily skewed toward cliché, but it nicely avoided them.
I will say that it might not be the best thing to read right before you go to bed, even if it isn’t all that angsty. I personally enjoy not dreaming about being chased by a nutso with a knife (though I don’t think I can blame T.A. Chase for the crazy person turning into Lord Voldemort-–that is squarely my fanfic addiction rearing it’s ugly head).
I didn’t go into this with very many expectations. I generally really enjoy Chase’s stories and it has been a while since I read anything crime-related, so it was more of a ‘why not?’ than a ‘give me now!’ But I am really glad that I picked up this story. It was very engaging and Tanner and Mac were awesome. I love their chemistry, and the way that seem to work so well with each other, both in and outside the bedroom. It doesn’t hurt that I was really happy with how all the secrets ended up playing out. It felt realistic enough that I didn’t have too many niggles, but also stayed true to how the characters would act.
If I would have one problem with this story, it would be how the case ended. Not so much with the resolution, but with how we kinda didn’t get to see it get resolved. I would have preferred to go along with Mac for that scene, instead of Tanner. As it is, it feels bit anti-climactic.
Did really enjoy this story though and am looking forward to the next book in the series, whatever or whoever it ends up being about. If you are looking for a good crime mystery but with a lighter taste, this might be right up you alley.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
October 21, 2011
★★☆ - 1 star for basic plot, 1 star for basic characters, and ½ star for potential...
The blurb of this novel really drew me in, yet as I'm finding more often than I would like with this particular author, I was left feeling that the novel could have been a lot better than it really was.
Overall, my impression of this novel is that it's the bare bones of a story that has been only half-heartedly fleshed out.
The blurb of this novel really drew me in, yet as I'm finding more often than I would like with this particular author, I was left feeling that the novel could have been a lot better than it really was.
Overall, my impression of this novel is that it's the bare bones of a story that has been only half-heartedly fleshed out.
April 3, 2015
3.5
I like this author's writing style, quite a bit actually. They always have interesting characters with solid, unique story lines and this read was no exception. Here we have a Texas Ranger trying to solve a case that hits too close to home and an FBI profiler with with a secret that could ruin his career and his relationship.
This was a quick read for me but the subject matter never seemed glossed over and the MC and secondary characters were richly detailed. I liked the serial killer storyline a lot, being in the killer's head as he was stalking his victims added a very Hannibalesque feel to the read.
The relationship between the men was fast and furious but believable and one that I could see lasting. Great chemistry from start to finish. I'm intrigued with the secondary storyline of the Delarosa drug cartel and how that'll impact further stories in this series. Loved the reveals that happened throughout in relation to it so
I'll definitely be checking out further books to see what happens next.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I like this author's writing style, quite a bit actually. They always have interesting characters with solid, unique story lines and this read was no exception. Here we have a Texas Ranger trying to solve a case that hits too close to home and an FBI profiler with with a secret that could ruin his career and his relationship.
This was a quick read for me but the subject matter never seemed glossed over and the MC and secondary characters were richly detailed. I liked the serial killer storyline a lot, being in the killer's head as he was stalking his victims added a very Hannibalesque feel to the read.
The relationship between the men was fast and furious but believable and one that I could see lasting. Great chemistry from start to finish. I'm intrigued with the secondary storyline of the Delarosa drug cartel and how that'll impact further stories in this series. Loved the reveals that happened throughout in relation to it so
I'll definitely be checking out further books to see what happens next.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
August 3, 2016
It's been two days since I read this book and I've already forgotten what it was about.
The only reason I gave it two stars is because I reserve one stars for books I hate. So it was just an "ok" read.
The only reason I gave it two stars is because I reserve one stars for books I hate. So it was just an "ok" read.
February 14, 2012
I really enjoyed this, it was like I was reading about an episode of Criminal minds with a M/M romance for a backdrop. I think a sequel would be cool to read, but with Tanner's brother, because I think he deserves his own story and happy ending.
October 3, 2020
Despite the theme this isn't violent, personally I think the scenes were too short to be scary and the state of the victims isn't described in detail.
At first I thought they were taking their mutual attraction slow, but it wasn't long before they started having sex. The explanation kinda made sense, what doesn't add up is that they both never had serious relationships before yet they're quite sure they found the one (instalove).
The investigation was weird, there's supposed to be tension because they hired an outsider but I don't see it. I also don't see the frustration about Delarosa always being one step ahead of the police.
I liked the relationship, and a psychotic serial killer can be interesting, but mostly this didn't work.
At first I thought they were taking their mutual attraction slow, but it wasn't long before they started having sex. The explanation kinda made sense, what doesn't add up is that they both never had serious relationships before yet they're quite sure they found the one (instalove).
The investigation was weird, there's supposed to be tension because they hired an outsider but I don't see it. I also don't see the frustration about Delarosa always being one step ahead of the police.
I liked the relationship, and a psychotic serial killer can be interesting, but mostly this didn't work.
December 9, 2017
Loved it
August 30, 2019
This book blended my serial-killer fascination with M/M-ROM. What more could a gal ask for?
February 19, 2015
We have Mac, a Texas Ranger and lead investigator on a serial killer that is attacking the women of Houston, TX. And Tanner the FBI profiler that has been called in to assist when the Rangers need a fresh looks on the case. Both men have secrets that they are hiding from the job and each other. Can they overcome these, solve the case and see that being alone together is better than being alone?
This 112 page story is fast past, even if pretty predictable. I liked the quick chemistry between these two; they know what they want and they get it. Both are excellent at the job but have had hard childhoods and are still affected by that every day. They are willing to help each other out because finally even through the case they can see a connection that shouldn’t be ignored.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many Reviews
This 112 page story is fast past, even if pretty predictable. I liked the quick chemistry between these two; they know what they want and they get it. Both are excellent at the job but have had hard childhoods and are still affected by that every day. They are willing to help each other out because finally even through the case they can see a connection that shouldn’t be ignored.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many Reviews
March 8, 2015
FiveStars
Mac and Tanner were a great duo. Mac was always looking for the answer. His inquisitive nature was something that I loved about his character. Tanner was more of an introvert – more bookworm type. Both characters seemed to be looking for something (other than the killer) throughout the story.
I liked how Chase set up for what could be the next book. Both characters were deep, but I do wish that we had more information on Mac. Tanner’s background helped a lot in allowing me to understand where he was coming from.
The mystery of the killer, the family drama, and the secrets that Tanner keeps – they made for a great story. I can’t wait for the next book!!!
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
AvidReader
Mac and Tanner were a great duo. Mac was always looking for the answer. His inquisitive nature was something that I loved about his character. Tanner was more of an introvert – more bookworm type. Both characters seemed to be looking for something (other than the killer) throughout the story.
I liked how Chase set up for what could be the next book. Both characters were deep, but I do wish that we had more information on Mac. Tanner’s background helped a lot in allowing me to understand where he was coming from.
The mystery of the killer, the family drama, and the secrets that Tanner keeps – they made for a great story. I can’t wait for the next book!!!
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
AvidReader
August 29, 2012
Tanner is an FBI profiler helping Mac Guzman, a Ranger, on a serial killer case. I liked both the characters and there was not a lot of angst relationship. For a closeted Ranger, however, I thought the relationship was almost too easy. It was almost secondary to the murder mystery and that would have been fine if the mystery was a little stronger. I thought the story line was pretty decent although nothing was really gripping about it, and the ending was a bit anti-climactic. I did like that we got some of the killers POV at times. That was interesting. Overall, this was a good short story (novella length) and I enjoyed the quick read.
August 28, 2012
This was a so/so story for me. Overall, I enjoyed different aspects about it, but it seemed to lack any sort of wow factor for me. The guys were a nice couple and seemed to fit well together, but I really wasn't feeling any kind of spark or intensity with their relationship. Some of this may have been caused by the focus on the killer, but that too had a rather anticlimactic ending. I liked the bit of mystery surrounding Tanner "secret," but when it finally came out, there were a lot of things that just didn't add up for me.
July 21, 2014
Well, it's nice to read something new aside from the usual romance/female-oriented genres I usually read now a days. I enjoyed this book quite alot. The romance was present but subtle, seeing that this story revolved around the case and family. At some point I was thinking someone among the mentioned characters was the killer, an inside man, but I was caught off guard when it wasn't. I like some unpredictability when I read Law Enforcement centered plots. I would've liked to read the story between Victor and Perez though.......
4.5 stars! Cheers!
4.5 stars! Cheers!
October 24, 2011
3.5 stars.
Not sure about this one. I liked certain aspects of the book, but other felt tacked on and unrealistic, especially the part about
The serial killer POV did not work for me. However the relationship between Tanner and Mac was interesting enough that I would probably buy a sequel if one is published. Not the best TA Chase book I've read, but not the worst.
Not sure about this one. I liked certain aspects of the book, but other felt tacked on and unrealistic, especially the part about
The serial killer POV did not work for me. However the relationship between Tanner and Mac was interesting enough that I would probably buy a sequel if one is published. Not the best TA Chase book I've read, but not the worst.
October 29, 2011
Good plotted story with enjoyable romance between Mac Guzman, Texas Ranger and Tanner Wallace FBI profiler. All emotions between them were well written and simply felt right. The plotted story around a serial killer was pulling, but the ending was a bit soft. We got into the killers mind and that kind of ending didn't give him a credit. Something was just missing at the end. It felt empty. But the plot around the relationship, between mac and Tanner, had smooth romantic touch. I liked it.
October 15, 2015
This was a miss for me.
The opening scene was promising, and I expected a gritty, suspenseful mystery. But then the characters meet and have sex. Which was somewhat hot, I give you that, but I couldn't get into the rest of it. The writing didn't flow, the mystery was lacking and the background story was a little unusual, but also unbelievable. Didn't catch me as a crime reader, didn't fly with me as a romance.
The opening scene was promising, and I expected a gritty, suspenseful mystery. But then the characters meet and have sex. Which was somewhat hot, I give you that, but I couldn't get into the rest of it. The writing didn't flow, the mystery was lacking and the background story was a little unusual, but also unbelievable. Didn't catch me as a crime reader, didn't fly with me as a romance.
January 7, 2017
Really liked this book. A smidge confusing at times thanks to POV changes, but good overall. Dialogue wasn't very convincing at points, especially with they're texting. They are grown ass men in law enforcement. They aren't going to text "thx." Then the ending kinda wrapped up too quickly, especially compared to the pace from the rest of the book. But otherwise I did really enjoy this novel. It's characters were deep and interesting and the story was just enjoyable overall.
November 30, 2014
I almost didn't read this novel after reading some of the reviews, but i am glad I read it. The novel was wonderful. i enjoyed the main characters and their relationship. My only issue was that I wished the solving of the crime was more climatic. I am just getting used to reading this author and he has been steadily progressing in my eyes.
Happy reading everyone.
Happy reading everyone.
February 20, 2015
Both Tanner and Macario (Mac) are likeable characters who have their little (or not so little) secrets. They meet while working on a case of a serial killer and are both very much attracted to each other. I like the crime/serial killer factor in this book. Although sometimes this book is a bit predictable i did enjoy reading it and i will definitely be reading the second book when it's published.
March 16, 2015
It was well written, but brief. I feel like the characters and plotline could have been given more time to be fleshed out. The conclusion of the plot that brings our heroes together happens offstage, which is I think a disservice to the story. Some magical coincidences happened to, but I was willing to overlook those. I guess I just wanted more of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2015
I was waiting for more.
Overall, I feel disappointed. However, I might give book three a try.
Overall, I feel disappointed. However, I might give book three a try.
October 2, 2020
This has been on my tbr since 2015. A good story that thankfully wasn't too gruesome considering the crime. Found the bit about the crime boss etc a bit unreal though. Due to the shortness of the book the ILU came rather quick as did the profiling and break through.
December 30, 2011
A good mystery, I really liked it...
June 26, 2012
A nice read but a bit rushed towards the end...
August 18, 2013
i love the story. it's my first time reading a gay story and i enjoy every minute reading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews