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Spy vs. Spook #1
Houseboat on the Nile
Spy vs. Spook Book 1 Mark Vincent is WBIS—Washington Bureau of Intelligence and Security. Quinton Mann is staunchly CIA. Mark thinks the CIA is full of dilettantes who leave him and the rest of the WBIS to clean up their messes. Quinn thinks most WBIS agents are sociopathic loose cannons. So they don’t exactly get along. Of course, just because they don’t like each other doesn’t mean they can’t play mind games on each other. Or sleep together. But when an explosion at Mark’s apartment sends Quinn to the morgue to ID a body, he has to reevaluate his position on denial.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
August 20, 2016
You know, I just read this for the points in the Scavenger Hunt. And while the points were good, I'm starting to feel like a rent boy who's been hired to dress like a duck and eat bread while some fucker masterbates on me. Yeah, it pays well, but at the end of the day you smell of stale bread and a dude is wacking it on your tail feathers. At that point you really need to start re-evaluating some of your life choices.
This book was stupid and annoying. We had to constantly reread the same scenes over and over, and were told the same information like 80 different times as if the author was in fear that we suffered from short-term memory loss. Which, yeah, after wanting to bang my head against the wall every ten minutes, maybe he has the right to be afraid that his readers have lost the ability to remember salient points.
So, yeah, I got the points but I'm now having to vacuum out bread crumbs from my sheets and the dude at the costume loan shop is giving me funny looks. Can't help but feel that it wasn't really worth it.
This book was stupid and annoying. We had to constantly reread the same scenes over and over, and were told the same information like 80 different times as if the author was in fear that we suffered from short-term memory loss. Which, yeah, after wanting to bang my head against the wall every ten minutes, maybe he has the right to be afraid that his readers have lost the ability to remember salient points.
So, yeah, I got the points but I'm now having to vacuum out bread crumbs from my sheets and the dude at the costume loan shop is giving me funny looks. Can't help but feel that it wasn't really worth it.
July 9, 2013
Readers, please allow me to express my heartfelt emotions.
This series is just amazing.
I love this series.
And this can't be over.
Noooooooooooooooo.....
Okay I'm done.
Thank you!
And now let's begin with the review.
Note :- This review is for the whole series.
The jobs which the police can't handle are given to the FBI.
The jobs which are beyond FBI's capabilities, are given to the CIA.
And when CIA can't handle the heat, WBIS steps in.
WBIS vs CIA = Ummm..let me guess...Tom vs Jerry.
Well, hopefully you got my point.
Now, Quinton Mann is the best the CIA has to offer.His demeanor is icy cool.His family is like royalty in CIA.He's always calm and controlled.
Mark Vincent...he's the best WBIS has to offer.In fact, he's better than every best anyone has to offer.He gets the job done.But, he's a live wire.When he's there...explosions are bound to happen.
They have nothing in common.They were not even supposed to meet.Not really.Then one day, their paths crossed in an old warehouse and after that they had at least one similarity....
Their obssession with one another.
Not that it would amount to anything.
For Quin, WBIS are loose cannons which can get you killed.
And for Mark, anything personal with the C fucking I fucking A; yeah, not happening.
But then why can't they get over it?
Readers, thus starts their....romance??
Well, I guess I'll let you find out.
Now, to put in simple words, this series is exciting and thrilling with action, humour, sweetness, emotion, twists, drama, love, and what not.Don't miss it.
Now, for those who are interested in reading it -
I'll warn you, this book has dual POV's.I know that's a goood thing but in this book, there is repetitive POV's.For example if a scene is 1st described from Mark's POV, then the same scene is also described from Quin's POV.
Some find this to be irritating.And to be truthful, it was weird as hell and confusing when I started it.
But very soon I fell in love with it.I soon found myself eagerly anticipating what's going through the other one's mind at that point.
So yes I really, really enjoyed this.And I'll hope you do too.
That's all for now,Readers.
Ta-Ta!!
April 4, 2012
4.5 stars
First off the changing POV's were a distraction and during the first half of the story are a bit too much to take, but apart from that annoying factor this was brilliantly written full of intrigue and suspense what a thrill, I can honestly say I wasn't bored for a minute. The mind games played out between Mark and Quinn were seriously good so innocent at first then suddenly its serious business between them they are in love and scared shitless. I love how the relationship has a slow getting to know you feel and the beginnings of trust and respect are slowly established. Mark tries so hard to hide his obsession with Quinn behind that deadly persona and Quinn pretends to act all aloof and contained it doesn't work there is so much chemistry it sizzles. Sexy enigmatic Mark and cool collected Quinn just cant resist each other, dreamy stuff.
The secondary characters are great as well Sweetcheeks and Pretty Boy are rent boys who were Mark's landlords they are incorrigible you can't help but love them. They somehow have managed to wheedle their way into his affections poor Mark doesn't stand a chance he will do anything and I mean anything to protect them especially Pretty Boy. Then there's Wills, Marks protege and replacement out in the field another interesting guy and a little bit of an enigma not sure what to make of him yet. I expect we will find out more in the next installment along with a few others. I enjoyed it and can't wait for more!
First off the changing POV's were a distraction and during the first half of the story are a bit too much to take, but apart from that annoying factor this was brilliantly written full of intrigue and suspense what a thrill, I can honestly say I wasn't bored for a minute. The mind games played out between Mark and Quinn were seriously good so innocent at first then suddenly its serious business between them they are in love and scared shitless. I love how the relationship has a slow getting to know you feel and the beginnings of trust and respect are slowly established. Mark tries so hard to hide his obsession with Quinn behind that deadly persona and Quinn pretends to act all aloof and contained it doesn't work there is so much chemistry it sizzles. Sexy enigmatic Mark and cool collected Quinn just cant resist each other, dreamy stuff.
The secondary characters are great as well Sweetcheeks and Pretty Boy are rent boys who were Mark's landlords they are incorrigible you can't help but love them. They somehow have managed to wheedle their way into his affections poor Mark doesn't stand a chance he will do anything and I mean anything to protect them especially Pretty Boy. Then there's Wills, Marks protege and replacement out in the field another interesting guy and a little bit of an enigma not sure what to make of him yet. I expect we will find out more in the next installment along with a few others. I enjoyed it and can't wait for more!
March 14, 2017
Entertaining from beginning to end!
Vincent... How I love thee. He's smart, ruthless, cunning, paranoid, a loner, manipulative, a master of disguises, and a killer. But as the story unfolds we also find out he is severely loyal to those he allows in his circle and will go to great lengths to protect them. That he has a sweet heart under all the steel walls he has up. I really loved him.
Then there is Quinn... How I adore thee. He is the opposite of Vincent. He's sweet, smart, sensitive, kind, proper, has friends, and is a complete momma's boy. But I loved his mom so that's OK.
The games these two play with each was definitely entertaining. They were both on the edge of their seats trying to figure out what the other was going to do or what they'd had already done meant. The chemistry is strong and the sexy times were hot. I loved when they were on page together. The sarcasm and the back and forth between them was a lot of fun to read.
As much as I loved the book, the constant retelling of events in different POV's was a bit tiring. I went back and forth from enjoying it and being annoyed by it. Some of the time I liked knowing how differently they saw things, but mostly I just wanted it to move forward instead of repeatedly taking me backwards. It took a while to get use to it. It can take you out the story, but thankfully I enjoyed the story and characters enough to not let it affect me too much.
Vincent... How I love thee. He's smart, ruthless, cunning, paranoid, a loner, manipulative, a master of disguises, and a killer. But as the story unfolds we also find out he is severely loyal to those he allows in his circle and will go to great lengths to protect them. That he has a sweet heart under all the steel walls he has up. I really loved him.
Then there is Quinn... How I adore thee. He is the opposite of Vincent. He's sweet, smart, sensitive, kind, proper, has friends, and is a complete momma's boy. But I loved his mom so that's OK.
The games these two play with each was definitely entertaining. They were both on the edge of their seats trying to figure out what the other was going to do or what they'd had already done meant. The chemistry is strong and the sexy times were hot. I loved when they were on page together. The sarcasm and the back and forth between them was a lot of fun to read.
As much as I loved the book, the constant retelling of events in different POV's was a bit tiring. I went back and forth from enjoying it and being annoyed by it. Some of the time I liked knowing how differently they saw things, but mostly I just wanted it to move forward instead of repeatedly taking me backwards. It took a while to get use to it. It can take you out the story, but thankfully I enjoyed the story and characters enough to not let it affect me too much.
October 21, 2014
Sigh. Perfection.
Who would've thought? I've seen this book around before, but decided now to give it a chance, and here we have it folks. 5 whole fucking stars.
This book is the ultimate in cat and mouse.
Spoilers.
This book was fantastic. Fast-paced, fun, the length was appropriate, charming characters, unique plot that was a little sick and twisted in parts, but constantly made me laugh.
There are elements to this book that should've bothered me: An abundance of exclamation marks in the dialogue, the multiple points-of-view (which I normally quite dislike), the hilariously bad sex talk.
Nope, not me. I loved it all. Ate it up.
Vincent. Have I ever fallen for a man so hard? Well, yes, but he's my official new book-boyfriend until I decide to whore myself out to some other fictional character. The ease of which he tortures and kills people is straight-up hilarious. And his constant lying? Hilarious. He seems so cold, but to me, it was so funny and so charming. I love my men who can kill and rampage without blinking an eye. He's so closed off to sweet Quinton's games. And I love it.
I loved Quinton. He was so sweet, and and his Vincent's constant game of, "What the fuck is he up to?" was so hilarious. So hilarious.
Would recommend. To everyone. In fact, read it right this second.
Who would've thought? I've seen this book around before, but decided now to give it a chance, and here we have it folks. 5 whole fucking stars.
This book is the ultimate in cat and mouse.
Spoilers.
This book was fantastic. Fast-paced, fun, the length was appropriate, charming characters, unique plot that was a little sick and twisted in parts, but constantly made me laugh.
There are elements to this book that should've bothered me: An abundance of exclamation marks in the dialogue, the multiple points-of-view (which I normally quite dislike), the hilariously bad sex talk.
Nope, not me. I loved it all. Ate it up.
Vincent. Have I ever fallen for a man so hard? Well, yes, but he's my official new book-boyfriend until I decide to whore myself out to some other fictional character. The ease of which he tortures and kills people is straight-up hilarious. And his constant lying? Hilarious. He seems so cold, but to me, it was so funny and so charming. I love my men who can kill and rampage without blinking an eye. He's so closed off to sweet Quinton's games. And I love it.
I loved Quinton. He was so sweet, and and his Vincent's constant game of, "What the fuck is he up to?" was so hilarious. So hilarious.
Would recommend. To everyone. In fact, read it right this second.
January 6, 2025
7th re-read January 2024
___________________
Still five stars and Mark & Quinn are still among my favorite couples!!! Note to self: read this more often!!!!
___________________
Still five stars and Mark & Quinn are still among my favorite couples!!! Note to self: read this more often!!!!
August 31, 2013
First in the amazing series!
I found Houseboat on the Nile almost accidentally. I was searching for a book I had seen a while before and came across this. The blurb drew me in, but for a while I was skeptical because buying a book based on the blurb or cover (which I love) can bite you in the ass. It has done for me several times. However, this was one of those exceptions that I have to talk about.
This book has two POV's. Mark's and Quinn's. Mark is a WBIS agent. He is known as a very cold, hard man who is good at what he does. Even to go as far as lying about his age so they can keep him on. Quinn is CIA and a famous one too. He comes from a family involved with the CIA and guess what. Mark hates Quinn and Quinn hates Mark.
The story begins at a part where the boys meet again. Quinn doesn't know who Mark is though and they end up going their separate ways. Before that they met and their was an attraction. Nothing happens because they hate each other. But you can tell there is something there. Mark has a lot of fun and I laughed at some of his scenes in Quinn's house.
During this book we get two hot tops who don't want to bottom but want each other. If you want to know who wins. I loved their relationship. It was snarky and not so romantic, but I loved that it was them. You get a really good start to build on and a relationship that you can see develop. If you like enemies to lovers you will adore this!
Damn Spook!
I could not recommend this enough. It has all the makings of a very good series and for the beginning you have a lot to build on. This is only the beginning of Mark and Quinn and there is so much to love. Whether it be Portia (Quinn's mother) or one of the MC's, you would find something to love.
Highly recommend this series!
I found Houseboat on the Nile almost accidentally. I was searching for a book I had seen a while before and came across this. The blurb drew me in, but for a while I was skeptical because buying a book based on the blurb or cover (which I love) can bite you in the ass. It has done for me several times. However, this was one of those exceptions that I have to talk about.
This book has two POV's. Mark's and Quinn's. Mark is a WBIS agent. He is known as a very cold, hard man who is good at what he does. Even to go as far as lying about his age so they can keep him on. Quinn is CIA and a famous one too. He comes from a family involved with the CIA and guess what. Mark hates Quinn and Quinn hates Mark.
The story begins at a part where the boys meet again. Quinn doesn't know who Mark is though and they end up going their separate ways. Before that they met and their was an attraction. Nothing happens because they hate each other. But you can tell there is something there. Mark has a lot of fun and I laughed at some of his scenes in Quinn's house.
During this book we get two hot tops who don't want to bottom but want each other. If you want to know who wins. I loved their relationship. It was snarky and not so romantic, but I loved that it was them. You get a really good start to build on and a relationship that you can see develop. If you like enemies to lovers you will adore this!
Damn Spook!
I could not recommend this enough. It has all the makings of a very good series and for the beginning you have a lot to build on. This is only the beginning of Mark and Quinn and there is so much to love. Whether it be Portia (Quinn's mother) or one of the MC's, you would find something to love.
Highly recommend this series!
February 7, 2013
I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of Houseboat On The Nile! Take two guys, one an operative for the CIA - Quinton Mann - and another - Mark Vincent - for the WBIS (Washington Bureau of Intelligence and Security )and you get a spook and a spy who may not think much of each other on the job but outside of it, can't keep their hands off each other! The ST is 'off the charts ' sizzling and totally made the book for me because even though neither of them want to be attracted to each other, the pull is so strong that resitance becomes futile!! Watching them try to get one up on each other is funny, sneaky and sexy as hell!! Alongside this horny cat and mouse game is also a really good storyline, full of plotting and intrigue.
I really liked the way Tinnean switched their POV's.on the same scenes, it really showed the diferences in their personalities and IMO gave the book a really unique feel. Some people found it annoying but I found it illuminating. There are some fantastic supporting characters who I found myself really caring for, especially Pretty Boy, Sweetcheeks, Spike and Matheson. Read this and I gurantee you will too!
Fabulous series, fabulous fellas and a fabulous addition to my all time faves. Loved it.
I really liked the way Tinnean switched their POV's.on the same scenes, it really showed the diferences in their personalities and IMO gave the book a really unique feel. Some people found it annoying but I found it illuminating. There are some fantastic supporting characters who I found myself really caring for, especially Pretty Boy, Sweetcheeks, Spike and Matheson. Read this and I gurantee you will too!
Fabulous series, fabulous fellas and a fabulous addition to my all time faves. Loved it.
May 6, 2015
What can I say about this book?
It was fun.
It was intriguing.
It was sexy.
It was funny.
It was well paced.
It has action.
It was romantic in unexpected places.
It was ridiculous.
It was so much fun.
There has never been such a whacked out individual that I fell hard for the way I fell hard for Mark Vincent. The man, as he will tell you, is the best and he does what ever he needs to do to get the job done, regardless if it's an assigned job or something he believes needs to be dealt with. He is rough and a lethal weapon to the WBIS and anyone who comes near him, and he has an insane crush that went way over the line to obsession on one extremely sexy CIA agent named Quinton Mann. Good lord. Mark, I love you and your psychotic ways even when you are taking care of business, taking care of rent boys, giving death threats to your friend to not fuck with what or rather fuck who you want, being one hell of a kick ass agent, dealing with your crush like a 12yr old one minute and then doing some really hot things the next and of course, the way you treat the dogs in your life. Poor Sam.
Quinton, I adore you. The simple way you repeatedly say Mark's name was like brainwashing the poor man and it was a joy to watch. You yourself are so like Mark and yet so opposite and I would really like to see you in a pair of those silk pajamas because, yeah.
This is a kick ass spy type of story. It reminds me of my favorite movies where rivals have all the dirt on one another but secretly hold that rival in high respect. The just can't show it to the masses but with Mark and Quinn, the respect is also lust and a bit of really deep like and once they start to play with one another and let things get personal, look out because it gets hot.
The only thing that bugged me was the repetitive telling of scenes. I loved the dual POV, you need it with these two, but if the scene is from Mark's POV, I'm good with his rendition of Quinn during that time. I don't need to go back and get a play by play or repeat of each line they said to one another then from Quinn's POV. I think the story could have progressed smoothly without the retelling. That's my opinion of it and the only thing I didn't love about the book. Other than that, it's golden and I can't wait to see what shenanigans happen next for our Spy and Spook.
It was fun.
It was intriguing.
It was sexy.
It was funny.
It was well paced.
It has action.
It was romantic in unexpected places.
It was ridiculous.
It was so much fun.
There has never been such a whacked out individual that I fell hard for the way I fell hard for Mark Vincent. The man, as he will tell you, is the best and he does what ever he needs to do to get the job done, regardless if it's an assigned job or something he believes needs to be dealt with. He is rough and a lethal weapon to the WBIS and anyone who comes near him, and he has an insane crush that went way over the line to obsession on one extremely sexy CIA agent named Quinton Mann. Good lord. Mark, I love you and your psychotic ways even when you are taking care of business, taking care of rent boys, giving death threats to your friend to not fuck with what or rather fuck who you want, being one hell of a kick ass agent, dealing with your crush like a 12yr old one minute and then doing some really hot things the next and of course, the way you treat the dogs in your life. Poor Sam.
Quinton, I adore you. The simple way you repeatedly say Mark's name was like brainwashing the poor man and it was a joy to watch. You yourself are so like Mark and yet so opposite and I would really like to see you in a pair of those silk pajamas because, yeah.
This is a kick ass spy type of story. It reminds me of my favorite movies where rivals have all the dirt on one another but secretly hold that rival in high respect. The just can't show it to the masses but with Mark and Quinn, the respect is also lust and a bit of really deep like and once they start to play with one another and let things get personal, look out because it gets hot.
The only thing that bugged me was the repetitive telling of scenes. I loved the dual POV, you need it with these two, but if the scene is from Mark's POV, I'm good with his rendition of Quinn during that time. I don't need to go back and get a play by play or repeat of each line they said to one another then from Quinn's POV. I think the story could have progressed smoothly without the retelling. That's my opinion of it and the only thing I didn't love about the book. Other than that, it's golden and I can't wait to see what shenanigans happen next for our Spy and Spook.
February 1, 2013
Some of my favorite reviews enjoyed this book and gave it high marks, so I had great hopes for it. Unfortunately, after 50% i just couldn't take any more of it. There is virtually no plot. If there was, it hadn't developed by the half-way mark. I enjoyed the characters, but there was just way too much drooling over sex. I enjoy good sexy scenes, but when every single page is splattered with sexual fantasies, it just gets to be too much. Way too many named characters that were had little to do with the plot. I was so confused by the 3rd chapter I was about ready to call it quits then...like...who the f* is important here?? How many characters do I have to keep track of??
I don't like changing POVs when written in first person. It just seems to me that, while not quite as original, plain vanilla omniscient 3rd person works just fine for this. I don't see that the value added by the extra POV is worth the constant flipping. It just creates too much repetition. It's the cause of many of my issues with this book: much to slow because of all the re-hashing.
I didn't buy the plot. Just seemed really stupid...some fictitious government agency similar to the FBI in conflict with the CIA to the point that they were killing one another for spying on one another...just too preposterous. The only thing the author could come up with was computer hacking. And like the agents themselves were going around investigating and killing other agents for it. Jetting around the world for no reason. God, this was a stupid book.
I was hoping I'd enjoy book one enough to enjoy book two, but alas, I couldn't even get through the first one.
STUID. STUPID. STUPID.
I don't like changing POVs when written in first person. It just seems to me that, while not quite as original, plain vanilla omniscient 3rd person works just fine for this. I don't see that the value added by the extra POV is worth the constant flipping. It just creates too much repetition. It's the cause of many of my issues with this book: much to slow because of all the re-hashing.
I didn't buy the plot. Just seemed really stupid...some fictitious government agency similar to the FBI in conflict with the CIA to the point that they were killing one another for spying on one another...just too preposterous. The only thing the author could come up with was computer hacking. And like the agents themselves were going around investigating and killing other agents for it. Jetting around the world for no reason. God, this was a stupid book.
I was hoping I'd enjoy book one enough to enjoy book two, but alas, I couldn't even get through the first one.
STUID. STUPID. STUPID.
September 20, 2013
3.5 stars. 4 for the story, 2 for the structure.
This book has been on my TBR for quite some time and I love a good story with a Fed/spy story line, but this one was a struggle for me.
I really liked all the characters in the book. Quinn and Mark are a fantastic "non-couple". Both men at the top of their game in rival government agencies trying to fight their obsessive attraction to each other. The secondary characters were also quite interesting.
Where the book lost me, and apparently other readers, was in the repetitive writing. While I generally am a fan of alternating POV structure that gives me important insight to the motives of the two main characters, I found that it was just too much here. Rather than just giving important differences, I felt that whole scenes were often needlessly repeated without offering me insight to the differences between Quinn and Mark and it also really disrupted the timeline of the story. There were times where several chapters in Mark's perspective went by, then all of a sudden when Quinn's perspective began, it was a jump back to the beginning of those five or so chapters ( I wish I could explain it better but I hope you get the point). I felt like the book was dragging, but very little was actually happening.
The story as it ends is really unfinished and I am torn in wanting to continue the series since I genuinely enjoy the characters, but not wanting to read more of the story in the structure the author employed. The last section of the book actually moved along very well, with all the action of the story unfolding. Unfortunately, in the short preview at the end of the book, I know that book 2 starts with a jump back for Quinn's POV of what we got from Mark in the last section of the book. I would love an edited down version that stripped the unnecessary repetition down.
This book has been on my TBR for quite some time and I love a good story with a Fed/spy story line, but this one was a struggle for me.
I really liked all the characters in the book. Quinn and Mark are a fantastic "non-couple". Both men at the top of their game in rival government agencies trying to fight their obsessive attraction to each other. The secondary characters were also quite interesting.
Where the book lost me, and apparently other readers, was in the repetitive writing. While I generally am a fan of alternating POV structure that gives me important insight to the motives of the two main characters, I found that it was just too much here. Rather than just giving important differences, I felt that whole scenes were often needlessly repeated without offering me insight to the differences between Quinn and Mark and it also really disrupted the timeline of the story. There were times where several chapters in Mark's perspective went by, then all of a sudden when Quinn's perspective began, it was a jump back to the beginning of those five or so chapters ( I wish I could explain it better but I hope you get the point). I felt like the book was dragging, but very little was actually happening.
The story as it ends is really unfinished and I am torn in wanting to continue the series since I genuinely enjoy the characters, but not wanting to read more of the story in the structure the author employed. The last section of the book actually moved along very well, with all the action of the story unfolding. Unfortunately, in the short preview at the end of the book, I know that book 2 starts with a jump back for Quinn's POV of what we got from Mark in the last section of the book. I would love an edited down version that stripped the unnecessary repetition down.
February 1, 2014
Two thumbs up winner!
This is my first book by this author, and I didn’t know what to expect. What I got was a wonderfully written, thoroughly entertaining, I am just loving this read!! But when two friends told me to read it, I did! (thanks Trisha and Macky) I love suspense books, throw in great chemistry, a little mischief, wonderful dialogue, snarky humor, some steamy scenes and I am on it!
In this story we have Quinton Mann, CIA operative and Mark Vincent, WBIS (Washington Bureau of Intelligence and Security) operative. One spy and one spook (really what is the difference, I couldn’t tell), while professionally they didn't think much of each other, at least physically they couldn’t resist each other. So as their physical attractions to each other grows, their emotional attraction grows as well. While this was going on there is also business as usual for these two. Intelligence to be sought, people to get rid of, and friends to be looked after. This book also had changing POV’s which i enjoyed. I liked learning what the other was thinking, it didn't confuse or bother me in the least. I also enjoyed the other characters in this story and bad guys you loved to hate. It was a little disturbing at the ease all of these guys had a “getting rid of” people, all in a days work of spies and spooks i guess!
This was story that kept in involved, made me love these two guys and a lot of the other characters. It was a story that got to me in every positive way, and I will be reading the other books in this series. A winner!!
This is my first book by this author, and I didn’t know what to expect. What I got was a wonderfully written, thoroughly entertaining, I am just loving this read!! But when two friends told me to read it, I did! (thanks Trisha and Macky) I love suspense books, throw in great chemistry, a little mischief, wonderful dialogue, snarky humor, some steamy scenes and I am on it!
In this story we have Quinton Mann, CIA operative and Mark Vincent, WBIS (Washington Bureau of Intelligence and Security) operative. One spy and one spook (really what is the difference, I couldn’t tell), while professionally they didn't think much of each other, at least physically they couldn’t resist each other. So as their physical attractions to each other grows, their emotional attraction grows as well. While this was going on there is also business as usual for these two. Intelligence to be sought, people to get rid of, and friends to be looked after. This book also had changing POV’s which i enjoyed. I liked learning what the other was thinking, it didn't confuse or bother me in the least. I also enjoyed the other characters in this story and bad guys you loved to hate. It was a little disturbing at the ease all of these guys had a “getting rid of” people, all in a days work of spies and spooks i guess!
This was story that kept in involved, made me love these two guys and a lot of the other characters. It was a story that got to me in every positive way, and I will be reading the other books in this series. A winner!!
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March 25, 2017DNF at no clue where. This was so juvenile. These are supposed to be educated, older CIA characters. They sounded like 7th graders. And good lord someone take the exclamation point key away.
January 24, 2021
DNF at 21% after hitting one of my personal hard limits: detailed sex scenes between one MC and a tertiary character. I get that it sometimes adds to the story to have one of your MCs engage in sex with someone other than their intended, but do I really need to read all the gritty details about said sex? It bothers me on an emotional level already ("I'm obsessed with/like/love THIS person, but I'm going to fuck this other one"), but then being forced to read the details just makes everything worse. And I get that I'm somewhere in the gray ace/demisexual arena of sexuality and not everyone will be bothered by this type of thing, but I. Cannot. Stand it. It makes me depressed and angry and I can no longer sympathize with the character doing the extracurricular boinking. I'm also angry at the author for thinking anyone would want to read that. Why is it necessary, in an even remotely romance-esque novel, to detail sex scenes between two people who aren't going to end up together? You can imply that people had sex without writing three pages of details.
Strike #2 is Mark Vincent as a main character. He's a 40-year-old man child who appears to have no conscience. This is supposedly an intelligent, highly trained operative with a secretive US alphabet agency, yet he thinks and behaves like a 19-year-old frat guy who's just out to irritate people and get his dick wet. He becomes obsessed with Quinton to the point of posing as an old school chum to interview the man's mother, yet he keeps denying that his interest is personal. He's annoying.
Quinton? I wasn't really able to get to know him all that well, which is telling considering as far into the story as I made it and the fact that some of the chapters were in Quinton's POV. But from what I was able to gather, he seems like he might be an okay guy...? Probably someone who deserves better than the likes of Mark Vincent.
Speaking of POVs, it's generally not a great idea to write the same scene from two POVs and then include both in your finished product. I was jumping around in time so much that it was disorienting, and I read the same information two or three times.
So between the annoying, shallow characters, the constantly switching POVs, the pointless sex scenes, and the fact that it's not a KU read, I'll be returning this one for a refund.
Strike #2 is Mark Vincent as a main character. He's a 40-year-old man child who appears to have no conscience. This is supposedly an intelligent, highly trained operative with a secretive US alphabet agency, yet he thinks and behaves like a 19-year-old frat guy who's just out to irritate people and get his dick wet. He becomes obsessed with Quinton to the point of posing as an old school chum to interview the man's mother, yet he keeps denying that his interest is personal. He's annoying.
Quinton? I wasn't really able to get to know him all that well, which is telling considering as far into the story as I made it and the fact that some of the chapters were in Quinton's POV. But from what I was able to gather, he seems like he might be an okay guy...? Probably someone who deserves better than the likes of Mark Vincent.
Speaking of POVs, it's generally not a great idea to write the same scene from two POVs and then include both in your finished product. I was jumping around in time so much that it was disorienting, and I read the same information two or three times.
So between the annoying, shallow characters, the constantly switching POVs, the pointless sex scenes, and the fact that it's not a KU read, I'll be returning this one for a refund.
April 20, 2020
***Don’t read the blurb for this book. It reveals the only plot twist in this story.***
I enjoyed reading this book, but now that I've finished it, I'm able to admit it's not that good. This is a slightly missed opportunity. I'm a bit disappointed.
I don't even know where to start. I really want to start with the character and plotline, but I think I will start with what catches the eye from the very beginning and what probably bothers everyone most. From the strange and probably not entirely thought out construction of this book.
We have two main characters here - Mark and Quinton. The story is told alternately from the perspective of both. What's the problem? Typically, in this case, the Quinton chapter should begin where Mark's chapter ended. But this is not the case here. The Quinton chapter from the beginning tells everything that happened in Mark's chapter, only from the perspective of Quinton this time. As a result, we read about the same events twice. We read the same dialogues twice. We watch everything twice. It's completely useless. Of course, this allows us to get to know the main characters very well, but it's so annoying. I am not sure if this is true (and I admit I did not check it), but it seems to me that this book was created on some online platform for fanfiction on which you can publish chapters of the book on a free access basis. It feels like a serialized novel. This format didn’t work for me at all. And I think that it was also the basis for my second and probably the biggest problem with this book.
Namely, the lack of a plot. How come having two such interesting heroes this book has no plot? Don't get me wrong, I like the game between Mark and Quinton. But I was waiting all the time for them to work together or something. And in vain. By God, Mark and Quinton are two excellent special agents, but they don't handle a single interesting case that we can read about in this book! You would expect it to be different. Blurb suggested that Mark's life may be threatened and I had high hopes for it, but again in vain. Not only the villain is obvious from the very beginning, but he also accidentally kills himself rather quickly. Can you imagine?! This book doesn't need two such good agents as Mark and Quinton. There is nothing here but an unfinished love thread.
Reading this book was not an unpleasant experience. I honestly like Mark and Quinton, and that was the only thing that saved this book. That's why I decided to give it three stars. But I don't care whether I read the next book or not.
I enjoyed reading this book, but now that I've finished it, I'm able to admit it's not that good. This is a slightly missed opportunity. I'm a bit disappointed.
I don't even know where to start. I really want to start with the character and plotline, but I think I will start with what catches the eye from the very beginning and what probably bothers everyone most. From the strange and probably not entirely thought out construction of this book.
We have two main characters here - Mark and Quinton. The story is told alternately from the perspective of both. What's the problem? Typically, in this case, the Quinton chapter should begin where Mark's chapter ended. But this is not the case here. The Quinton chapter from the beginning tells everything that happened in Mark's chapter, only from the perspective of Quinton this time. As a result, we read about the same events twice. We read the same dialogues twice. We watch everything twice. It's completely useless. Of course, this allows us to get to know the main characters very well, but it's so annoying. I am not sure if this is true (and I admit I did not check it), but it seems to me that this book was created on some online platform for fanfiction on which you can publish chapters of the book on a free access basis. It feels like a serialized novel. This format didn’t work for me at all. And I think that it was also the basis for my second and probably the biggest problem with this book.
Namely, the lack of a plot. How come having two such interesting heroes this book has no plot? Don't get me wrong, I like the game between Mark and Quinton. But I was waiting all the time for them to work together or something. And in vain. By God, Mark and Quinton are two excellent special agents, but they don't handle a single interesting case that we can read about in this book! You would expect it to be different. Blurb suggested that Mark's life may be threatened and I had high hopes for it, but again in vain. Not only the villain is obvious from the very beginning, but he also accidentally kills himself rather quickly. Can you imagine?! This book doesn't need two such good agents as Mark and Quinton. There is nothing here but an unfinished love thread.
Reading this book was not an unpleasant experience. I honestly like Mark and Quinton, and that was the only thing that saved this book. That's why I decided to give it three stars. But I don't care whether I read the next book or not.
April 10, 2017
DNF.
*hysterical laugh*
That's something like the fourth book I couldn't get to finish. This week only.
*eye pops out*
I think I need my levels of tolerance and acceptancy checked up.
But seriously, authors all around the world... Please hear me out.
I've stumbled upon this issue one times too many and, as a man, I feel like I have a social responsability towards every male character out there.
There is no way, no way, that a man can have any kind of control over his... leg appendix. It doesn't matter how ever intelligent he might be, how many degrees he may have, if he's either CIA or the President of the US of A. We're all gonna wake up with an abnormous fire hose between our legs, and we'll blind ourselves, and we'll blind our neighbor's wife, and we'll even make Pandora's box fall off the table.
So no way, my dear authors, no effin' way a man makes it to his forties having had control over his D, suddenly to meet one person that blows his hormone system in such a biblical way.
Ugh. He's so sexy. Whatcha think, my little friend? Oh, you're not listening? Oh, you've never felt this way before? Alrighty, I'm gonna turn my mind off and let you take over. Dicks, dicks, dicks, human-shaped dicks.
C'mon. Dicks are ancient creatures. They're smart. They like to embarass young kids in high school. But at forty, you see, one must have already made peace with them. It takes strong character, but we tame them. Or at least that's what we let y'all think. We'd never admit it. Never. We'd rather go to hell.
So I don't want to hear no more I can't control it, okay? Cos that's embarassing.
Seriously. I'm tired of these sex-driven characters. It's just dumb.
And, please, don't come at me for the excessive use of the D word.
*hysterical laugh*
That's something like the fourth book I couldn't get to finish. This week only.
*eye pops out*
I think I need my levels of tolerance and acceptancy checked up.
But seriously, authors all around the world... Please hear me out.
I've stumbled upon this issue one times too many and, as a man, I feel like I have a social responsability towards every male character out there.
There is no way, no way, that a man can have any kind of control over his... leg appendix. It doesn't matter how ever intelligent he might be, how many degrees he may have, if he's either CIA or the President of the US of A. We're all gonna wake up with an abnormous fire hose between our legs, and we'll blind ourselves, and we'll blind our neighbor's wife, and we'll even make Pandora's box fall off the table.
So no way, my dear authors, no effin' way a man makes it to his forties having had control over his D, suddenly to meet one person that blows his hormone system in such a biblical way.
Ugh. He's so sexy. Whatcha think, my little friend? Oh, you're not listening? Oh, you've never felt this way before? Alrighty, I'm gonna turn my mind off and let you take over. Dicks, dicks, dicks, human-shaped dicks.
C'mon. Dicks are ancient creatures. They're smart. They like to embarass young kids in high school. But at forty, you see, one must have already made peace with them. It takes strong character, but we tame them. Or at least that's what we let y'all think. We'd never admit it. Never. We'd rather go to hell.
So I don't want to hear no more I can't control it, okay? Cos that's embarassing.
Seriously. I'm tired of these sex-driven characters. It's just dumb.
And, please, don't come at me for the excessive use of the D word.
April 14, 2013
Gah! I loved this book! I ♥ Mark and Quinn!!
Not sure why I put off reading this for so long. Maybe the right person had never forced me to understand how good it really was...until recently.
I wouldn't really call this a mystery...although there may be some long standing underlining mystery that might reach some form of conclusion by the end of the 3rd book? But who the fuck really cares?! This is ALL about Mark Vincent and Quinton Mann; two men from rival agencies on a mission to see who can out "mind fuck" the other. Yes, there is lots of mind games and sexual tension and mind fucking sex. Is it possible that these two could actually fall in love with each other? Trust each other? Depend on each other? Hmm, I think I will now read Not My Spook! and see what happens next.
Oh, and Matheson and Sweetcheeks are just about the most adorable thang I've ever seen!
P.S. The POVs changes and repeat scenes were a little confusing at times, but they really didn't bother me at all. In fact I actually loved getting both characters' sides of the story. I feel like I know Mark and Quinn, like I really know them now and how they think and what the feel. I loved the uniqueness of the style.
Not sure why I put off reading this for so long. Maybe the right person had never forced me to understand how good it really was...until recently.
I wouldn't really call this a mystery...although there may be some long standing underlining mystery that might reach some form of conclusion by the end of the 3rd book? But who the fuck really cares?! This is ALL about Mark Vincent and Quinton Mann; two men from rival agencies on a mission to see who can out "mind fuck" the other. Yes, there is lots of mind games and sexual tension and mind fucking sex. Is it possible that these two could actually fall in love with each other? Trust each other? Depend on each other? Hmm, I think I will now read Not My Spook! and see what happens next.
Oh, and Matheson and Sweetcheeks are just about the most adorable thang I've ever seen!
P.S. The POVs changes and repeat scenes were a little confusing at times, but they really didn't bother me at all. In fact I actually loved getting both characters' sides of the story. I feel like I know Mark and Quinn, like I really know them now and how they think and what the feel. I loved the uniqueness of the style.
September 23, 2012
I want so much to give this 5 stars because it has all the ingredients that I look for in an MM romantic suspense. Unfortunately, the Alternate 1st Person
POV was so so overdone I can't give it the 5 stars it would have easily had.
The book starts off with Mark's POV then the next chapter switches to Quinn's POV. The problem is that Quinn's POV includes almost the entire scene already covered in Mark's POV. Worse, some parts are repeated verbatim so you're taken through the entire scene all over again, same dialogue and end up with very little that's new. After several chapters of this hit-the-rewind-button, I just skipped all the repeats and I know I missed nothing because the previous coverage of that scene already gave me enough insight into both characters.
MoMD is one case where the 1st Person POV would have sufficed because the author already did a great job giving the story through Mark Vincent's POV so much so that it was also easy to figure out Quinn's feelings on whatever the issue was. In fact, 3rd Person would have been even better.
This repetitiveness really aggravated me but the story is still so enjoyable that if you haven't read it and you like MM romance with hot sex, covert agents, nasty European covert agencies, nasty American politicians, great secondary characters and a great romance, please do not miss this. For me, it ranks up there with Zero at the Bone and Mexican Heat.
MoMD is about two covert operatives - Mark Vincent, from WBIS (a fictional agency), and Quinton Mann, from the CIA. There's no love lost between these two agencies so when Mark finds himself drawn to the CIA operative, he's none to pleased with himself. When Quinn, intrigued by Mark's interest, finds out the latter has a file on him he sets out to fuck with Mark's mind.
He's very successful in this and Mark, a legend amongst his peers, becomes obsessed with the CIA op who's managed to get under his skin. Bit by bit, the two men become entangled and obsession turns into a real need for each other in every way. The love that develops from this power game was a very fulfilling ride and not once in this 1,000+-ebook-page book was I bored - the repetitive scenes notwithstanding.
Body count is fairly high as Mark Vincent has no qualms offing his enemies but while MoMD isn't fluff, (paying mere lip-service to our MCs jobs), it isn't dark nor does it contain controversial material which would turn off some of the mainstream het romance readers - at least I don't remember any. In the second half of the story, the action scenes heat up. The first half or more is focused on building Mark's and Quinn's relationship and by the time you reach the last few chapters, you know our guys are deeply in love.
And shit-scared about it. You won't even get the I-Love-You here in this book but, as I said in my comment, it may not have been necessary. It isn't.
Loved this book, warts and all. I'd love to see it published and those repetitious chapter-POVs re-worked. It's worth paying for and goes straight to my To-Read-Again shelf.
POV was so so overdone I can't give it the 5 stars it would have easily had.
The book starts off with Mark's POV then the next chapter switches to Quinn's POV. The problem is that Quinn's POV includes almost the entire scene already covered in Mark's POV. Worse, some parts are repeated verbatim so you're taken through the entire scene all over again, same dialogue and end up with very little that's new. After several chapters of this hit-the-rewind-button, I just skipped all the repeats and I know I missed nothing because the previous coverage of that scene already gave me enough insight into both characters.
MoMD is one case where the 1st Person POV would have sufficed because the author already did a great job giving the story through Mark Vincent's POV so much so that it was also easy to figure out Quinn's feelings on whatever the issue was. In fact, 3rd Person would have been even better.
This repetitiveness really aggravated me but the story is still so enjoyable that if you haven't read it and you like MM romance with hot sex, covert agents, nasty European covert agencies, nasty American politicians, great secondary characters and a great romance, please do not miss this. For me, it ranks up there with Zero at the Bone and Mexican Heat.
MoMD is about two covert operatives - Mark Vincent, from WBIS (a fictional agency), and Quinton Mann, from the CIA. There's no love lost between these two agencies so when Mark finds himself drawn to the CIA operative, he's none to pleased with himself. When Quinn, intrigued by Mark's interest, finds out the latter has a file on him he sets out to fuck with Mark's mind.
He's very successful in this and Mark, a legend amongst his peers, becomes obsessed with the CIA op who's managed to get under his skin. Bit by bit, the two men become entangled and obsession turns into a real need for each other in every way. The love that develops from this power game was a very fulfilling ride and not once in this 1,000+-ebook-page book was I bored - the repetitive scenes notwithstanding.
Body count is fairly high as Mark Vincent has no qualms offing his enemies but while MoMD isn't fluff, (paying mere lip-service to our MCs jobs), it isn't dark nor does it contain controversial material which would turn off some of the mainstream het romance readers - at least I don't remember any. In the second half of the story, the action scenes heat up. The first half or more is focused on building Mark's and Quinn's relationship and by the time you reach the last few chapters, you know our guys are deeply in love.
And shit-scared about it. You won't even get the I-Love-You here in this book but, as I said in my comment, it may not have been necessary. It isn't.
Loved this book, warts and all. I'd love to see it published and those repetitious chapter-POVs re-worked. It's worth paying for and goes straight to my To-Read-Again shelf.
September 20, 2014
I'm sorry, but this won’t be a good review. In any sense of the word.
The plot was interesting enough. Quinn is a spy. Mark is another spy from a different organization. They’re enemies. There is competition. There is rivalry.
So, I was internally:
But the action is soooooo slooooow. I can watch Jim Jarmush movies without batting an eyelash. But I couldn't handle this one.
From there it turned into:
Firstly, the author beats around the bush much too frequently. I get bored easily. It could be because English is not my first language, it’s not at all difficult for my mind to wander if something doesn’t get my attention for long. And I assure you, I wandered A LOT while reading this book.
I only wanted to finish it to begin another one. And that’s always bad.
Normally I like the alternating pov during the story. I get to know each MC from their own perspective. I love learning something about them. But I don’t like to read the same episode again from the other one’s pov. It’s redundant. Every time a chapter ended and I read the first line of the following one.
I. Only. Wanted. To. Die.
So then I was very mad.
I was the whole novel expecting the fun to begin once and for all.
But no, I didn't arrive. I feel very disappointed, so I won't continue the series. It's a wonder I did finish this book.
The plot was interesting enough. Quinn is a spy. Mark is another spy from a different organization. They’re enemies. There is competition. There is rivalry.
So, I was internally:
But the action is soooooo slooooow. I can watch Jim Jarmush movies without batting an eyelash. But I couldn't handle this one.
From there it turned into:
Firstly, the author beats around the bush much too frequently. I get bored easily. It could be because English is not my first language, it’s not at all difficult for my mind to wander if something doesn’t get my attention for long. And I assure you, I wandered A LOT while reading this book.
I only wanted to finish it to begin another one. And that’s always bad.
Normally I like the alternating pov during the story. I get to know each MC from their own perspective. I love learning something about them. But I don’t like to read the same episode again from the other one’s pov. It’s redundant. Every time a chapter ended and I read the first line of the following one.
I. Only. Wanted. To. Die.
So then I was very mad.
I was the whole novel expecting the fun to begin once and for all.
But no, I didn't arrive. I feel very disappointed, so I won't continue the series. It's a wonder I did finish this book.
December 26, 2013
1.5 Stars
Sorry, but this one wasn't for me. First off, I didn't care for the characters. Not likeable let alone loveable. Second, the shifting POVs. Normally, I'm fine with it but in this case, it irritated the heck out of me because the author also utilized flashbacks without any type of visual cue (e.g., italics, indentation, something!). The end result was a mished-mashed story-telling. It felt like I took two-steps-forward-one-step-back. I'd read through a scene only to have to read through it again but from a different POV, superimposed on some sort of flashback unique to that character. It. Was. Frustrating. Too much work for less than mediocre MCs.
Bottom line: I didn't dig it.
Sorry, but this one wasn't for me. First off, I didn't care for the characters. Not likeable let alone loveable. Second, the shifting POVs. Normally, I'm fine with it but in this case, it irritated the heck out of me because the author also utilized flashbacks without any type of visual cue (e.g., italics, indentation, something!). The end result was a mished-mashed story-telling. It felt like I took two-steps-forward-one-step-back. I'd read through a scene only to have to read through it again but from a different POV, superimposed on some sort of flashback unique to that character. It. Was. Frustrating. Too much work for less than mediocre MCs.
Bottom line: I didn't dig it.
July 18, 2013
So very bad.
The writing in this is just awful and the story is wafer-thin.
The writing in this is just awful and the story is wafer-thin.
November 12, 2024
Mark es un respetado agente de campo de una organización de inteligencia (WBIS), y sus operaciones siempre son exitosas. Pero en su vida personal es un solitario, que no confía en nadie y tiene pocos amigos. Incluso son pocas las personas que le llaman la atención de esa manera, hasta que conoció a Quinton, un agente de la CIA que es tal como indica su reputación. Pero con la rencilla que existe entre el WBIS y la CIA, Mark pretende solo interesarse por Quinton profesionalmente. ¿Pero realmente podrá dejar sus sentimientos de lado? ¿Y que pasa con Quinton? ¿Él también esta "apegándose" sentimentalmente a Mark? ¿Cuándo se darán cuenta estos dos que lo que hay entre ellos puede ser más que una atracción física?
Para ser un libro de espías esperaba que la trama fuera mas hacía la solución de un conflicto, tal vez una cooperación interagencias, con un trama un poco mas lineal, pero nos encontramos con la descripción de una relación entre dos hombres paranoicos, inteligentes, con muchos recursos que intentan llamar la atención del otro de una manera poco usual.
Me pareció muy divertida la forma como cada uno intenta averiguar lo mas que pueda del otro, y como la atracción entre ellos les impide hacer lo que originalmente querían. Me entretuvo muchísimo como Mark le busca doble significado a todo, y como Quinton cree que puede manipularlo psicológicamente.
Sin embargo, me aburrió un poco la cantidad de veces que repiten la misma escena desde el punto de vista de uno o del otro, o que, si no tienes cuidado no te das cuenta si están rememorando o si es otro personaje el que esta hablando.
En fin, la serie esta entretenida, quiero ver como van a resolver las cosas estos dos agentes y cuando se van a dar cuenta que son buena pareja, tanto personal como labora, así que continuare con la lectura.
Para ser un libro de espías esperaba que la trama fuera mas hacía la solución de un conflicto, tal vez una cooperación interagencias, con un trama un poco mas lineal, pero nos encontramos con la descripción de una relación entre dos hombres paranoicos, inteligentes, con muchos recursos que intentan llamar la atención del otro de una manera poco usual.
Me pareció muy divertida la forma como cada uno intenta averiguar lo mas que pueda del otro, y como la atracción entre ellos les impide hacer lo que originalmente querían. Me entretuvo muchísimo como Mark le busca doble significado a todo, y como Quinton cree que puede manipularlo psicológicamente.
Sin embargo, me aburrió un poco la cantidad de veces que repiten la misma escena desde el punto de vista de uno o del otro, o que, si no tienes cuidado no te das cuenta si están rememorando o si es otro personaje el que esta hablando.
En fin, la serie esta entretenida, quiero ver como van a resolver las cosas estos dos agentes y cuando se van a dar cuenta que son buena pareja, tanto personal como labora, así que continuare con la lectura.
April 10, 2014
Whoo, this is one of those books that I had a hard time rating because there were a lot of parts that I liked, a lot that I could do without, and a lot that I hated.
First, the writing. I absolutely loved Tinnean's writing. It was descriptive but not overly wordy. I could completely comprehend the picture she painted in terms of the surroundings, her characters' actions, and their feelings without it seeming like she was paid per word she wrote, which is definitely always a plus.
And the interactions between Mark and Quinn, our MCs, were just hilarious and immensely entertaining. It was just pure mindfuckery between the two. There was not a single action that one MC did that the other did not over-analyze and lose sleep over thinking if the other was getting one-up over him.
I mean, I was getting pretty nostalgic reading this; it was very reminiscent of the mind games between Tom and Jerry, Tweety Bird and Sylvester, and Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. We, the audience, knew that each one wanted to get into the other's pants due to the age-old reason of lust, but they didn't, which made it all the more fun for us! XD
Moving on to the MCs, Mark was a character that at times I hated and then found him inexplicably cute and adorable. What I hated: he is a misogynistic prick with mommy issues who is ridiculously blasé about killing others. I get that you're a senior special agent, but come on, you could at least show some feelings about killing others! And the mommy issues, OMG, the mommy issues. I swear we were reminded every 20 pages that his other was an alcoholic manwhore and that is why he hates women. It sucks, I get it, but seriously dude,
And the reason I did not want to reach through my Kindle and strangle Vince at the end of the book is that he truly had his endearing moments. He is fiercely loyal to those he cares about, and when someone does something nice for him, like getting him his favorite food or hanging his coat, he completely melts. And this just makes me feel so bad for him that he hasn't had anybody looking out for him and just makes me want to hug him and never let him go! As for Quinn, we didn't really learn a lot about him. I definitely would have loved more parts from Quinn's POV to get to know him a little better. But what we did learn is that he is a polite guy, a total momma's boy, and that Vince has totally met his match in him!
There were parts of this book that were really dragging and just made me go meh.
Yes, that is me, being dragged along...
As some of my friends said, this book could get a little repetitious. As mentioned above, we heard ad nauseam about Vince's mommy issues. We also heard incessantly about why he hated Sperling (another WBIS agent) with a passion. And that he is paranoid and that he likes to play mind games. Yes, I know you think most women have IQ's lower than their shoe sizes, but I promise you, we could keep up! This book also hit on some of my pet peeves . I also wish we had more facetime between the MCs. Counting it down: we had two BJs, one Ivy League rub, one anal play...and a partridge in a pear tree. Ok, I may be the only one, but I wanted more sexy time between the MCs than this in a 400+ page book, so sue me!
But getting to the ending of this book was so worth it (when both MCs finally got their heads out of their asses and admitted they wanted the other. Can I get a hallelujah???).
Overall, I am giving this 3.5 stars, rounding up, for the great writing, the characters, and the long-sought for ending. I'm definitely moving on two book 2...
First, the writing. I absolutely loved Tinnean's writing. It was descriptive but not overly wordy. I could completely comprehend the picture she painted in terms of the surroundings, her characters' actions, and their feelings without it seeming like she was paid per word she wrote, which is definitely always a plus.
And the interactions between Mark and Quinn, our MCs, were just hilarious and immensely entertaining. It was just pure mindfuckery between the two. There was not a single action that one MC did that the other did not over-analyze and lose sleep over thinking if the other was getting one-up over him.
I mean, I was getting pretty nostalgic reading this; it was very reminiscent of the mind games between Tom and Jerry, Tweety Bird and Sylvester, and Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. We, the audience, knew that each one wanted to get into the other's pants due to the age-old reason of lust, but they didn't, which made it all the more fun for us! XD
Moving on to the MCs, Mark was a character that at times I hated and then found him inexplicably cute and adorable. What I hated: he is a misogynistic prick with mommy issues who is ridiculously blasé about killing others. I get that you're a senior special agent, but come on, you could at least show some feelings about killing others! And the mommy issues, OMG, the mommy issues. I swear we were reminded every 20 pages that his other was an alcoholic manwhore and that is why he hates women. It sucks, I get it, but seriously dude,
And the reason I did not want to reach through my Kindle and strangle Vince at the end of the book is that he truly had his endearing moments. He is fiercely loyal to those he cares about, and when someone does something nice for him, like getting him his favorite food or hanging his coat, he completely melts. And this just makes me feel so bad for him that he hasn't had anybody looking out for him and just makes me want to hug him and never let him go! As for Quinn, we didn't really learn a lot about him. I definitely would have loved more parts from Quinn's POV to get to know him a little better. But what we did learn is that he is a polite guy, a total momma's boy, and that Vince has totally met his match in him!
There were parts of this book that were really dragging and just made me go meh.
Yes, that is me, being dragged along...
As some of my friends said, this book could get a little repetitious. As mentioned above, we heard ad nauseam about Vince's mommy issues. We also heard incessantly about why he hated Sperling (another WBIS agent) with a passion. And that he is paranoid and that he likes to play mind games. Yes, I know you think most women have IQ's lower than their shoe sizes, but I promise you, we could keep up! This book also hit on some of my pet peeves . I also wish we had more facetime between the MCs. Counting it down: we had two BJs, one Ivy League rub, one anal play...and a partridge in a pear tree. Ok, I may be the only one, but I wanted more sexy time between the MCs than this in a 400+ page book, so sue me!
But getting to the ending of this book was so worth it (when both MCs finally got their heads out of their asses and admitted they wanted the other. Can I get a hallelujah???).
Overall, I am giving this 3.5 stars, rounding up, for the great writing, the characters, and the long-sought for ending. I'm definitely moving on two book 2...
September 13, 2012
4.98 stars
I have had Mann of My Dreams buried somewhere on my computer for a long time and I probably would never have read it if it wasn't for the published editions becoming available to buy this year, which I loved of course. You would have noticed by now I am hopelessly addicted and in love, and its all because of Mark and Quinn, they are to blame completely. They hooked me in from the start I was captivated and unable to free myself from their clutches, it was a useless fight and any initial resistance was futile.
This had everything to satisfy me, a great slow burn romance, secretive agencies, intrigue and backstabbing, dirty politicians who think they're untouchable, do not underestimate who you're going up against, Mark is a bad ass who takes no prisoners he is not to be messed with, ever. Wonderful secondary characters who lighten the mood and are worthwhile additions and make their presence felt, I thoroughly enjoyed their antics. Wicked, lovely chemistry between Mark and Quinn that jumps out at you, very sexy together they fascinate me so many layers to uncover.
I can honestly say it was a brilliant and suspenseful ride, the only big drawback was the repetitive POV's. Whole scenes are repeated by Mark then Quinn with no new dialogue added. Its frustrating and annoying but I learned to skim early on and didn't miss a thing. Even with this major flaw which should have been edited out, I still loved it and will re-read it again for Mark and Quinn and continue to drool over them.
I have had Mann of My Dreams buried somewhere on my computer for a long time and I probably would never have read it if it wasn't for the published editions becoming available to buy this year, which I loved of course. You would have noticed by now I am hopelessly addicted and in love, and its all because of Mark and Quinn, they are to blame completely. They hooked me in from the start I was captivated and unable to free myself from their clutches, it was a useless fight and any initial resistance was futile.
This had everything to satisfy me, a great slow burn romance, secretive agencies, intrigue and backstabbing, dirty politicians who think they're untouchable, do not underestimate who you're going up against, Mark is a bad ass who takes no prisoners he is not to be messed with, ever. Wonderful secondary characters who lighten the mood and are worthwhile additions and make their presence felt, I thoroughly enjoyed their antics. Wicked, lovely chemistry between Mark and Quinn that jumps out at you, very sexy together they fascinate me so many layers to uncover.
I can honestly say it was a brilliant and suspenseful ride, the only big drawback was the repetitive POV's. Whole scenes are repeated by Mark then Quinn with no new dialogue added. Its frustrating and annoying but I learned to skim early on and didn't miss a thing. Even with this major flaw which should have been edited out, I still loved it and will re-read it again for Mark and Quinn and continue to drool over them.
Read
April 18, 2013I think this may end up on the DNF shelf. I can cope with alternating 1st person POV. Actually one of my favourite books, Bad Case of Loving You, does it superbly, but in that book chapters are clearly marked.
Unfortunately in Tinnean's book every chapter is divided even further by Roman numerals. Yes, I learnt all about Roman numerals in school, but in a book meant for entertainment I don't want to have to think which part of which chapter I'm in right now. And who is the narrator right now. And even worse, many chapters/scenes are repeated after a change of POV. Sex scenes don't get more sexy by repetition. Difficult to stay awake.
And of course I still haven't encountered any Houseboat, and Nile? Nile?? Forget it, no Egypt whatsoever. Actually so far none of the characters even made it outside of Paris. Most not even outside of Washington DC. Paris in the middle of Europe, that is. Really the title doesn't seem to bear any relation to the actual book I encountered so far (read about 60%)
Please, anybody, give me a reason to continue reading this!!!
Unfortunately in Tinnean's book every chapter is divided even further by Roman numerals. Yes, I learnt all about Roman numerals in school, but in a book meant for entertainment I don't want to have to think which part of which chapter I'm in right now. And who is the narrator right now. And even worse, many chapters/scenes are repeated after a change of POV. Sex scenes don't get more sexy by repetition. Difficult to stay awake.
And of course I still haven't encountered any Houseboat, and Nile? Nile?? Forget it, no Egypt whatsoever. Actually so far none of the characters even made it outside of Paris. Most not even outside of Washington DC. Paris in the middle of Europe, that is. Really the title doesn't seem to bear any relation to the actual book I encountered so far (read about 60%)
Please, anybody, give me a reason to continue reading this!!!
November 11, 2016
Thoughts will most definitely be coming ...
P.S. Highly, highly, HIGHLY recommended. Read this book, read this series, read this book universe, read these men!!!
P.S. Highly, highly, HIGHLY recommended. Read this book, read this series, read this book universe, read these men!!!
May 21, 2011
Wow! What a ride! And a long one at that!
I absolutely loved this one. I got caught up in all the suspense and mystery and the suspicion from both characters in the beginning of their relationship.
Because this book is so long, it's obvious a lot happens during the novel. One of those things is seeing the multiply layers both Quinton Mann and Mark Vincent have. I found it fascinating the way they were portrayed from outsiders and secondary characters but then how they were so different with each other and then again when they both learned to trust each other unconditionally pealed back another layer to see who Mark and Quinn where deep down. They went from the Ice Man and the Sociopath to these two people who learned they have it in themselves to love someone so much it hurts to even think of something bad happening to the other. I fell in love with it because it was just so sweet how they changed and the way they handled one another *dreamy sigh* They may have started off as enemies but I have no doubt a lot of people wish in real life they had the type of love Quinn and Mark have. :-/
Like I said, there's a boat load of suspense and mystery. So much so it'd be hard to even mention it all because I'd most likely forget some of it. Let's just say there's everything from killing to meeting the family and everything in between in this one. Very, very entertaining.
Even though I did love it, I had a few problems with it. Like most readers, the repetitive scenes were a tad annoying and somewhat hard to get through in the beginning but during the second half of the book they weren't so bad because they didn't explain every little thing twice over like in the start of the book. Also, there was just a bit too much sex for my liking. It was hot as hell and I enjoyed it immensely! But, that still didn't stop me from thinking, "What? Again? Sheesh! You horny old dogs!" Lol
One thing I was disappointed wasn't addressed, though, was what people in the CIA and WBIS would have thought of if they found out Quinn and Mark were together? I would have liked to see how Quinn and Mark handled their employers finding out about their almost two year affair. Alas, no one knew besides Matheson and Mark handled that but we didn't actually see it so my thirst wasn't quenched on that topic. :-(
With that said, I wholeheartedly recommend this free read. It was a great book and even though it was long, it left me wanting more of Quinn and Mark and of the secondary characters as well...... And, um, would it be too much to ask for an HEA for Smitty and one for Max, too?! I'm looking forward to reading Matheson's and Theo's, though! :D
I absolutely loved this one. I got caught up in all the suspense and mystery and the suspicion from both characters in the beginning of their relationship.
Because this book is so long, it's obvious a lot happens during the novel. One of those things is seeing the multiply layers both Quinton Mann and Mark Vincent have. I found it fascinating the way they were portrayed from outsiders and secondary characters but then how they were so different with each other and then again when they both learned to trust each other unconditionally pealed back another layer to see who Mark and Quinn where deep down. They went from the Ice Man and the Sociopath to these two people who learned they have it in themselves to love someone so much it hurts to even think of something bad happening to the other. I fell in love with it because it was just so sweet how they changed and the way they handled one another *dreamy sigh* They may have started off as enemies but I have no doubt a lot of people wish in real life they had the type of love Quinn and Mark have. :-/
Like I said, there's a boat load of suspense and mystery. So much so it'd be hard to even mention it all because I'd most likely forget some of it. Let's just say there's everything from killing to meeting the family and everything in between in this one. Very, very entertaining.
Even though I did love it, I had a few problems with it. Like most readers, the repetitive scenes were a tad annoying and somewhat hard to get through in the beginning but during the second half of the book they weren't so bad because they didn't explain every little thing twice over like in the start of the book. Also, there was just a bit too much sex for my liking. It was hot as hell and I enjoyed it immensely! But, that still didn't stop me from thinking, "What? Again? Sheesh! You horny old dogs!" Lol
One thing I was disappointed wasn't addressed, though, was what people in the CIA and WBIS would have thought of if they found out Quinn and Mark were together? I would have liked to see how Quinn and Mark handled their employers finding out about their almost two year affair. Alas, no one knew besides Matheson and Mark handled that but we didn't actually see it so my thirst wasn't quenched on that topic. :-(
With that said, I wholeheartedly recommend this free read. It was a great book and even though it was long, it left me wanting more of Quinn and Mark and of the secondary characters as well...... And, um, would it be too much to ask for an HEA for Smitty and one for Max, too?! I'm looking forward to reading Matheson's and Theo's, though! :D
November 11, 2012
DNF - 72%
Yes, I know, it's stupid of me to stop at 72%, but I just couldn't take it anymore. I started this book months ago so excited expecting it to be amazing. And I started reading and I got this feeling I get when I'm reading something that grabs me from the first chapter, that I know will probably end up in the 5 stars, but then everything went downhill from there. The first chapter was honestly so great; I could feel the chemistry between the two MCs (even though one was disguised as someone else), and I thought if a first chapter is so great, then the rest of the book must be great as well right? I was wrong. Now, don't get me wrong, the book wasn't awful, there were some parts that I actually enjoyed, but those were very few, unfortunately.
First of all, the POV shift WAS SO ANNOYING. Half of the time I didn't even know who's POV I was reading anymore. It confused the hell out of me and this is why authors shouldn't write POVs in the first person if they want to write the POV of both MCs. Also, not only that, but some things were pretty confusing, like once one of the MCs was dreaming of the other MC, but then I realized he wasn't dreaming, but TO FIND OUT THAT HE WAS IN FACT DREAMING? I firgured out eventually that he was dreaming but it took me a while going back and forth between "is he? oh no he's not... oh wait he is". Ugh.
This book has 350 pages, and there is no plot in it. NONE. There was an undertone of plot but most of it was also confusing so I couldn't even bother with it.
To be honest, I really tried finishing this book, that's why I read till 72%; I really reaaally wanted to see how it would end, but I'd rather just stop than give me any more headaches.
So I am rating this because I feel like at 72% I can give a proper rating, and one day I might finish it if I suddenly want to know what happens and if I hear that the sequels are amazing, but it won't be any time soon.
Yes, I know, it's stupid of me to stop at 72%, but I just couldn't take it anymore. I started this book months ago so excited expecting it to be amazing. And I started reading and I got this feeling I get when I'm reading something that grabs me from the first chapter, that I know will probably end up in the 5 stars, but then everything went downhill from there. The first chapter was honestly so great; I could feel the chemistry between the two MCs (even though one was disguised as someone else), and I thought if a first chapter is so great, then the rest of the book must be great as well right? I was wrong. Now, don't get me wrong, the book wasn't awful, there were some parts that I actually enjoyed, but those were very few, unfortunately.
First of all, the POV shift WAS SO ANNOYING. Half of the time I didn't even know who's POV I was reading anymore. It confused the hell out of me and this is why authors shouldn't write POVs in the first person if they want to write the POV of both MCs. Also, not only that, but some things were pretty confusing, like once one of the MCs was dreaming of the other MC, but then I realized he wasn't dreaming, but TO FIND OUT THAT HE WAS IN FACT DREAMING? I firgured out eventually that he was dreaming but it took me a while going back and forth between "is he? oh no he's not... oh wait he is". Ugh.
This book has 350 pages, and there is no plot in it. NONE. There was an undertone of plot but most of it was also confusing so I couldn't even bother with it.
To be honest, I really tried finishing this book, that's why I read till 72%; I really reaaally wanted to see how it would end, but I'd rather just stop than give me any more headaches.
So I am rating this because I feel like at 72% I can give a proper rating, and one day I might finish it if I suddenly want to know what happens and if I hear that the sequels are amazing, but it won't be any time soon.
December 7, 2014
This is one of those books that everyone else seems to really like and I just don't get it. I thought it was torture to get through. I wouldn't have even finished if I wasn't reading it for a challenge. I had a lot of issues with it. These two were the most unbelievable spooks/agents EVER. I didn't find one scenario even a little realistic. My nine year olds are sneakier/craftier than these guys. (Although to be fair my kids are super sneaky little shits and are perhaps destined to be agents themselves some day...) Anyways.....
I also didn't like the writing style. I didn't need the same parts of the story told over and over by each character. It was repetitive and boring and made this book way too long. I also didn't like the random POV's from other characters at the end of the story. It all broke up the flow of the story and again just drug it out.
I didn't connect with the MC's at all until the end and by then I was way past caring. I did like Mark sneaking into Quinn's place and the notes, etc and if the author had focused more on those type of things this story may have worked better. But even when they were opening up to each other so many scenes were just cheesy and ridiculous. An example being Quinn be angry over a scare Mark gave him and he hands him a sandwich and says (paraphrased cuz I'm too lazy to look it up) "I'm so angry with you I'm cutting the crust off your bread instead of stabbing you". WTH? Seriously? You're cutting the crust off his bread? Wow...you showed him. And man did I feel the emotion in that scene. I mean crust cutting, that's some serious shit right there. *dramatic eye roll*
Someone said I should read book two as it gets better. Umm, yeah no. I'd rather go to the dentist and gyno on the same day than read another book in this series.
I also didn't like the writing style. I didn't need the same parts of the story told over and over by each character. It was repetitive and boring and made this book way too long. I also didn't like the random POV's from other characters at the end of the story. It all broke up the flow of the story and again just drug it out.
I didn't connect with the MC's at all until the end and by then I was way past caring. I did like Mark sneaking into Quinn's place and the notes, etc and if the author had focused more on those type of things this story may have worked better. But even when they were opening up to each other so many scenes were just cheesy and ridiculous. An example being Quinn be angry over a scare Mark gave him and he hands him a sandwich and says (paraphrased cuz I'm too lazy to look it up) "I'm so angry with you I'm cutting the crust off your bread instead of stabbing you". WTH? Seriously? You're cutting the crust off his bread? Wow...you showed him. And man did I feel the emotion in that scene. I mean crust cutting, that's some serious shit right there. *dramatic eye roll*
Someone said I should read book two as it gets better. Umm, yeah no. I'd rather go to the dentist and gyno on the same day than read another book in this series.
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