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Kissing a fellow police officer might not have been the smartest drunken move Oak Takala has made in recent years. Okay, and it might have complicated the issue that the officer in question is his father’s former partner, Wyatt Peterman. Aaaaaand there’s the fact that Peterman is the newly appointed precinct captain.

So what the fuck? Why not go balls to the wall and make a play no one will forget?

66 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2012

4 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

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Mia Watts

54 books248 followers
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5 stars
46 (16%)
4 stars
91 (33%)
3 stars
105 (38%)
2 stars
24 (8%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Serena Yates.
Author 104 books770 followers
April 28, 2018
As with all the ‘Handcuff and Lace’ stories, you pretty much know that there will be tough men, resisting lovers (well, initially), and very hot sex. ‘Brass Balls’ is certainly no exception. Oak and Wyatt face not just one obstacle, but three: there is a considerable age gap, Oak is Wyatt’s best friend and former police partner’s son, and Wyatt has just become Oak’s superior. Add to that the inevitable pride, sense of honor, and plain stubbornness these guys bring to the party – and you have an explosive mix and some nicely building tension that kept me interested until the last page.

Oak is desperate. He has had a crush for Wyatt since he was 16, and now that he is a man of almost thirty, he knows I could be so much more. Not that Wyatt so much as gives an inch. No matter what Oak does when he finally gets up his courage, Wyatt rebuffs him again and again. The only thing that keeps Oak going is hope and a lot of pieces of evidence (in Wyatt’s behavior) that tell him he isn’t totally wrong about Wyatt returning his interest.

Wyatt is an idiot. Okay, so he wants to do the right thing, and, yes, falling in love with your best friend’s son isn’t ideal, but those things can be managed. Wyatt doesn’t have a clue, doesn’t want to admit what he is feeling is more than attraction and it basically takes Oak hitting him over the head (figuratively speaking) for him to wake up. By then, it is too late, and Oak has pretty much given up.

If you’re ready for a read featuring almost irresistible attraction, more denial than is healthy, and a whip-lash of back-and-forth reactions between two men who should both know better, this book will not disappoint you.



NOTE: This book was provided by Resplendence Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Bubbles  Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions .
1,314 reviews281 followers
May 2, 2012
Chapter One: is a hot boring mess

It starts off with 'name bombs' being dropped like bird poo.
I couldn't figure out who was who
And the guy whoever's POV we get thinks of people by their first and last name. Why not pick a name and stick with it? Why think of him as Wyatt and then as Peterson in following sentence? Was the point to be as confusing as possible? If so good job!

And what was the point of this chapter? It bored the piss out of me. Maybe because I got bored being confused whole time? But other than that was it to just show they list after each other? Cause a whole chapter about that seems excessive. And why is it when the dad/old captain goes to bathroom they just leave him? Earlier tey talked about giving him a ride home bit then just ditch him?

So far this just seems like word vomit

I finished and can't think of anything I liked about this book. Plot was a bite characters were stupid the sex was bad. First he stretched him with three dry fingers before a little spit on cock but then at the end on moving day he says he's been wearing a plug all day. While carrying boxes and furniture up and down stairs?

Waste of time and money, this book. Plus it's filled with editing mistakes, missing words, and unfinished sentences.
Profile Image for Arthur.
783 reviews96 followers
April 5, 2012
I'm in a fence between 2 and 2.5 stars

I's a nice story, but there are several things that prevents me from giving higher ratings.



Too bad. I like Ms. Watt style of writing.
Profile Image for L-D.
1,478 reviews64 followers
October 26, 2012
This story started out pretty decently but then it started getting me frustrated. I didn't really like Wyatt at all. I thought he was a huge tool and didn't treat Oak right. He kept calling Oak "kid", but come on - the guy is a 29 year old cop. Give him a little respect, I'm sure he's earned some by now. Oak was sweet, but I have to wonder why it took him over a decade to make his move. He's been crushing on Wyatt since he was a teenager, I just wonder why he didn't try to get together when he was in his 20s and Wyatt wasn't the Chief of Police yet.

I think I also had a big issue with Oak's parents setting Wyatt up on a date especially when Oak's dad, John, tells Wyatt that

So there you have it. Another decent story ruined by a douchebag MC.
Profile Image for ElaineY.
2,478 reviews68 followers
March 18, 2012
Except for a handful of short stories, Brass Balls ended in what I can only describe as truncated. I wouldn't say the ending was rushed; rather, the second half of the story was, and before you know it, it's The End.

I didn't enjoy this installment as much as the previous ones in the series even though it had the sound of a good one. From the blurb, I thought Oak didn't know Wyatt at the start and his brief, drunken encounter with the latter would be the first time Oak sees him. Oak (in my mind, anyway) is newly back in his home town and has just joined the force or something. Then the part in the blurb happens - he discovers the next day (or something) that the guy he kissed in the bar last night is not only his dad's partner but his new captain in the force.

But no, it's nothing like that. Oak and Wyatt have known each other since the former was a young teen. Oak's crush on Daddy's partner has evolved into adult lust and undying love. After pushing and shoving Oak away, Wyatt suddenly makes a 180-degree round about-face and just about devours Oak. Then suddenly Daddy is demanding an explanation from Wyatt as to what he did to Daddy's little boy. Then the HEA.

Too sudden, too choppy. Not very good reading. But I finished it so 3 stars instead of 2.

Number of pages on my Sony PRS900: 68
Profile Image for Chris.
2,892 reviews209 followers
March 19, 2012
2.5 stars. Pretty good short m/m romance about a cop who's had a crush on his dad's best friend, now the captain of police, for years but didn't think the guy was gay. Wish the ending hadn't felt so rushed.
Profile Image for Jess.
1,210 reviews39 followers
May 24, 2012
was a bit Meh...I was expecting more. I didnt really like the whiny excuses of why they couldnt be together etc etc

Its an okay read just not as good as the first one.
Profile Image for Christy T.
154 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2012
4.5....I loved this story. My favorite for the four I have read so far.
Profile Image for Karl.
114 reviews21 followers
January 21, 2014
3.5 stars. Short but well-written and funny. A nice diversion that isn't overly serious. I liked the chemistry between the main characters.
701 reviews6 followers
April 6, 2012
4.5 stars.

The fourth installment in the Handcuff and Lace series, Brass Balls is a delightful May-December romance that I could not put down. A fun ride from beginning to end, this short story is about Oak Takala, a policeman who has had a crush on his father’s friend (another cop) since he was sixteen. After the object of his affection is made into his precinct captain, Oak makes a drunken pass at the man, hoping his feelings will be returned. However, Oak may not get his wish, as Wyatt Peterman is stubborn and he’s determined not to break protocol or lose the trust of Oak’s family be allowing a relationship between the two. So who will win this war of wills?

I absolutely loved the character of Oak. He’s tenacious, sexy, and oh-so determined to land Wyatt Peterman in his bed (and heart) that as a reader you cannot help but cheer him on to his goal. Despite the sixteen year age gap, and the fact that Wyatt is now his boss doesn’t stop Oak from trying to seduce Wyatt. It was fun watching Wyatt cave after resisting Oak for so long.

Plus the chemistry between Wyatt and Oak is off the charts hot and the age difference did not bother me in the least. Add in Oak’s parents and one sexy fire chief…and this book was a winner for me. Now, I just hope Owen (sexy fire chief) will get his own book, as he was a great distraction in this one.

My only niggle about this book and why I didn’t rate it higher was the end. It felt rushed, and in my estimation needed maybe five more pages to resolve the drama in a more concise way. Other than that, I truly enjoyed this short story, and recommend Brass Balls and all the other titles in this series.

Dark Divas Reviews
Profile Image for Zaa.
225 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2012
Meet Oak, a 29 year old who has had big crush on his dad's former partner and best friend, Wyatt, since he was teenager. 45 year old Wyatt has been fighting his feelings for Oak because their difference age and his friendship with John, Oak's dad. For him, 16-year difference in their ages may as well be 100 and not to mention he also Oak's new captain in police department.

From the opening scenes Oak was aware he so totally in love with and obsesses over his too-old-for-his lover Wyatt. That hopefulness and angst that he had, being naive yet day-dreamy after he knows it turns out that Wyatt was also a gay.

This book told from Oak and Wyatt POV - but not in alternating chapters - more in chunks -first from Oak, and then from Wyatt. The writer's style is almost flawlessly executed, but I was however surprised by the sudden ending. I felt as though there were a lot of unresolved story lines. Iam thinking with 10 pages left that there wasn't going to be enough space to end this story. The ending was bit abrupt, it felt like someone found the manuscript and was told to finish the story. In one chapter.
Profile Image for Tyra Berger.
529 reviews19 followers
January 11, 2013
This is not only a May/December romance, it is a supervisor/subordinate situation that really couldn't get more complicated. Not only is Wyatt Oak's new Captain at the precinct he is also Oak's dads ex-partner and best friend. Not to mention he is about 16 years older than Oak and has been fighting his attraction to him for the last several years.

Oak has been in love with Wyatt since he was about 16 years old but never thought he had a chance, and when Wyatt is made Captain he became even more unattainable....that is until the beer kicks in!

This is another addition the the Handcuff and Lace series that is so much fun. I love the mini morsels of hot and sexy and always find myself ready for the next one as soon as I finish...kind of like potato chips....one is never enough! The only reason that I didn't give this one a 5 was because I felt the ending was a bit rushed and could have used 5-6 more pages to wrap things up neater.

If you like your stories sexy and short then grab this one by the balls and don't let go!
Profile Image for Ro.
3,128 reviews16 followers
August 3, 2016
Reviewed for heartsonfirereviews.com


First of all, love the cover. This is the story of Oak Takala, a police officer who has the hots for the new police captain. Said captain, Wyatt Peterman, is not only the captain, but he is also the best friend of Oak’s father John, who happens to be the former police captain. First off, Oak isn’t sure Wyatt is gay. Second, Wyatt makes a point of keeping Oak at a distance, due to his friendship with John. He continually calls Oak “kid”, seemingly in an effort to keep Oak compartmentalized.

Oak makes a concentrated effort (well, after a drunken kiss that is) to find out if Wyatt is gay (he is) and to get him on board with being with Oak. The story is entertaining, because Oak is a great character, but Wyatt is a little too uptight to suddenly be part of the ending, which is a little too fairy-tale for what had gone before, in my opinion.
Author 30 books144 followers
November 17, 2014
My favorite Mia Watts book yet.

Oak is in love, and he has been since he was sixteen years old. The only problem? The object of his lust and affection doesn't see him as anything more than a friend. One drunken night, combined with Oak's tenacity will change that forever.

Who doesn't identify with Oak? At one point, I think we've all been on the wrong end of unrequited love. His sweetness and desperation are easy to relate to and pull for.

Much as I loved the book, it couldn't be a five star read. Setting aside some minor editing errors, it was resolved awfully fast. I woud have like to have seen Watts delve a little deeper to see what happened after Oak got everything he thought he wanted. There had to be some fallout that could have created some intense conflict that the author ignore in favor of skipping to the happy ending.

I love a happy ending, and this was no exception. Unfortunately, it left me wanting more. With any luck, Watts will write a sequel~
Profile Image for Tonileg.
2,243 reviews26 followers
November 27, 2012
Cute contemporary M/M Police romance with the new Captain Wyatt Peterman and Officer Oak Takala in this sweet short story. I love that the younger Oak finally kisses his father's best friend and old detective partner, Wyatt. Oak really puts himself out there for Wyatt and tries his hardest to attract and capture his childhood love. Wyatt tries to control his feelings (read: hide his feelings) to protect the friendship with John and Shiela (Oak's parents) and because Wyatt has never been in a serious relationship in his 45 years.
They're both more then a bit reticent with fear for the future and their jobs at the Police station.
66 pages and purchased on AllRomance site for $3.99
2 stars
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,162 reviews1,078 followers
June 4, 2013
Another Mia Watts HIT! I read and loved this story for the first time over a year ago and loved it again after reading it today. May/December romance between two police officers, one fighting the attraction with everything he has. Mia Watts is my hit or miss M/M author queen and she hit it with this one. RECOMMENDED!
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
10.5k reviews37 followers
July 18, 2016
Oak had a crush on Wyatt for years. One night after drinking he makes a move and gets a hint that Wyatt might be gay. He pursues him until Wyatt responds after a blind setup by Oak's mother with another man. They have sex and Oak is hopeful Wyatt returns his love but is disappointed again. Wyatt after thinking and finding out Oak's parents don't mind makes a move on Oak for a permanent relationship which works.
Profile Image for Marcy.
550 reviews
March 26, 2012
I liked Oak and Wyatt's story. Normally I'm not a big fan of huge age splits (Oak 29, Wyatt 45) but it worked for me in this case.

I felt the second half of the story was a bit rushed and ended a bit abruptly. I would have liked to see more of them together as a couple...
how family, friends, and police department reacted to them.

Regardless, I still enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Ivka_s_knihou.
1,876 reviews37 followers
April 7, 2012
hm... i give it a 5 stars just because i was in mood for something like this. Oak and Wyatt are likeable characters. And angst in this book is so perfectly written i really felt for these guys. It doesn't mean i do not want to grab Wyatt's balls and hang him out of the window of his condo by them for his actions. But i really enjoy it.
Profile Image for Raevyn.
374 reviews23 followers
September 11, 2012
I didn't realize how short this book was until I got to the end. The story itself was good but I wanted more. It was like a glimpse and I wanted the whole view.

Oak and Wyatt were full of no wanting to show their softer side and it caused all sorts of havoc between them. Wyatt was an ass and at one point I wanted Oak to just walk away from him. At least the end made me smile.
Profile Image for blub.
2,040 reviews
February 6, 2013
At the start I was a bit confused which character was which since a lot of names were being dropped and had to go back to reread the first few pages a couple of times. After settling the names and characters everything was fine. I didn't find this book as funny as the first 3 books and the characters weren't as likable either. I felt like I was reading about two teenagers instead of two adults.
Profile Image for UnusualChild{beppy}.
2,605 reviews59 followers
July 23, 2016
synopsis:

oak is drunk when he makes a pass at a a fellow officer. the fellow officer is his captain and his father's former partner, which makes everything more complicated. they both have to decide if what they could potentially have is worth it.

what i liked: nothing.

what i didn't like: there was no plot, no chance to know the characters.
Profile Image for Krummi í klettagjá.
278 reviews13 followers
July 12, 2016
Aww.
Aww.
Awwwwhh

That was a very cute story.
I really liked the dad-rant. ^.^
2.8 stars for porn
3.2 stars for how they came out because that was awesome
0.8 stars for the ending because I would have liked to know what happened with their work.
1.7 stars for the main characters
The medium should be 2.1 stars but it deserves 2.4 stars for writing.
Profile Image for Liz (Bugetta).
1,200 reviews75 followers
December 7, 2014
Mia Watts' books are hit or miss for me and this one was a miss. I'm not a fan of May/December stories, so that didn't help, but even if that wasn't a problem for me, the writing wasn't as good as some of her other stories and I didn't really care if these guys got their HEA.
Profile Image for Amy.
2,094 reviews40 followers
March 24, 2012
Oh man, I never get tired of Mia Watts' stories. Funny and serious is a great combination and this one was a perfect example.
Profile Image for Katherine.
5,405 reviews42 followers
May 28, 2012
Note: I won this copy from the author in a blog contest.

Quick and dirty review: good angst, steamy buildup of sexual tension, nice HEA.
Profile Image for Nikko.
767 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2012
I liked it but i feel like kicking wyatt's ass for being a dope!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews