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Somewhere in the Gray Area
There are very few things that James Rhodes doesn't believe that he can do. Breeze through all of his undergrad classes? Easy. Thrive in his programming internship? Done. Get his yearning-from-a-distance crush to fall in love with him? Pending. He has a plan for everything. And why wouldn't he? When you plan for everything, nothing can go wrong. Right? What he doesn't plan on is finding himself caught right in the middle of a vicious crime and a police cover-up that takes the lives of his high-profile boss and the rest of the program's interns. His saving grace is an unlikely team of operatives that pluck him from the scene and explain that there are dangerous secrets being kept from him that will change his life forever. Things only get more knotty when Mateo , the team's leader with a rough exterior and a serious eye only for his work, grows a soft spot for James and they realize how alike they are despite coming from two very different realities. Maybe even enough to cross a boundary that they can't come back from.
330 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2023
22 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 16, 2023
A fast-paced, humorous, sometimes slightly over-the-top mystery starring a found family group of queer agents on a Charlie’s Angels-like mission.
Sometimes a mystery book is fantastic because it’s thrilling, with a well-thought-out plot, and angsty when needed. And sometimes a mystery book is great because it’s not really one of these things and is still so enjoyable because of its characters and likability. Somewhere in the Gray Area belongs to this last category.
James is a college student, breezing through his classes and doing a programming internship. He has a plan for everything, and things always work out as he plans to. Even the guy he has a crush on seems to like him. Until the building, he works in, burns down and James only survives because a Charlie’s Angels-like team plucks him from the crime scene. His whole world turns upside down and even more when he and the team’s leader start to share an unlikely bond.
Despite this book being a mystery, a smile crept into the corners of my mouth so many times. There’s something so sweet and adorable about this story, even though it’s a whirlwind of action and adrenaline, and guns are pointed at people and flurries of bullets fly through the air. The diverse cast is fantastic, not only James and Matteo but also all the other agents.
I loved James and Matteo together, from the moment they met and Matteo gave James food until the second half of the story, where they both delved more into their pasts and traumas and opened up to each other. Thank you so much, Jeffrey, for sending me an ARC of your debut! I enjoyed myself immensely and can’t wait for what you have in store for us next!
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Sometimes a mystery book is fantastic because it’s thrilling, with a well-thought-out plot, and angsty when needed. And sometimes a mystery book is great because it’s not really one of these things and is still so enjoyable because of its characters and likability. Somewhere in the Gray Area belongs to this last category.
James is a college student, breezing through his classes and doing a programming internship. He has a plan for everything, and things always work out as he plans to. Even the guy he has a crush on seems to like him. Until the building, he works in, burns down and James only survives because a Charlie’s Angels-like team plucks him from the crime scene. His whole world turns upside down and even more when he and the team’s leader start to share an unlikely bond.
Despite this book being a mystery, a smile crept into the corners of my mouth so many times. There’s something so sweet and adorable about this story, even though it’s a whirlwind of action and adrenaline, and guns are pointed at people and flurries of bullets fly through the air. The diverse cast is fantastic, not only James and Matteo but also all the other agents.
I loved James and Matteo together, from the moment they met and Matteo gave James food until the second half of the story, where they both delved more into their pasts and traumas and opened up to each other. Thank you so much, Jeffrey, for sending me an ARC of your debut! I enjoyed myself immensely and can’t wait for what you have in store for us next!
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April 2, 2025
As a big fan of happy endings, I have to say, this book didn’t end how I was hoping it would. However, I still very much enjoy the story and its characters. It was very fast paced, action packed, and quickly drew me in.
February 23, 2024
OMG, this book was SO different from my usual read and I REALLY enjoyed it! Somewhere in the Gray Area is ostensibly a spy thriller with some romance right in the middle of it, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The story is fast-paced and intense, there's a ton of mystery, and right alongside all of that are some excellent found family vibes with TONS of rep. Such a cool, well-written story, and I highly recommend if you want to try something outside the realm of the typical romance novel.
Somewhere in the Gray Area is kind of wild from the very beginning. Though it starts out as a typical college romance, things quickly get CRAZY as the MMC James gets tangled up in the middle of a massive government plot against his mentor. I won't go into too much detail because so much of what goes on is spoiler territory, but he ends up staying with the spy ring that rescues him and, over time, falling for their team leader Mateo. Though their relationship moves pretty quickly from complete distrust to the possibility of love, the intensity of their situation makes the fast burn make more sense. And they are so sweet with each other - though Mateo and James are both unsure, it really seems inevitable that they will end up together.
I LOVED all of the side characters. They are all funny and the banter between all of them is spectacular, as is the gender, race, and sexuality rep. It honestly has a lot of the elements of a heist book, which is one of my favorite niche genres. So fun!
I will note that this book has a bit of an ambiguous ending, which kind of floored me. I'm honestly kind of hoping for a follow-up at some point, because I absolutely want to see where things go next and I would NOT mind reading more about all of these characters!
Somewhere in the Gray Area is kind of wild from the very beginning. Though it starts out as a typical college romance, things quickly get CRAZY as the MMC James gets tangled up in the middle of a massive government plot against his mentor. I won't go into too much detail because so much of what goes on is spoiler territory, but he ends up staying with the spy ring that rescues him and, over time, falling for their team leader Mateo. Though their relationship moves pretty quickly from complete distrust to the possibility of love, the intensity of their situation makes the fast burn make more sense. And they are so sweet with each other - though Mateo and James are both unsure, it really seems inevitable that they will end up together.
I LOVED all of the side characters. They are all funny and the banter between all of them is spectacular, as is the gender, race, and sexuality rep. It honestly has a lot of the elements of a heist book, which is one of my favorite niche genres. So fun!
I will note that this book has a bit of an ambiguous ending, which kind of floored me. I'm honestly kind of hoping for a follow-up at some point, because I absolutely want to see where things go next and I would NOT mind reading more about all of these characters!
May 24, 2023
Wow. That’s all. Just wow.
Thanks to @jeffreykdavenport for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Things are going pretty okay for James, he’s doing really well in his college internship, he has one reluctant best friend, and the guy he’s been crushing on across campus has noticed him.
Unfortunately though, one night when taking a hungover nap at work, he awakes to find the building on fire, his boss and workmates dead, and to cap it all off he is kidnapped by the incredibly handsome Mateo.
James finds himself drawn into a government cover up, and a world of espionage when he joins the rag tag of kidnappers to find out why his boss was murdered, and why they won’t stop until James is either dead, or tells them what his boss was working on.
I seriously forgot that this was a thriller when I started reading it until I got to the part where James’ world is turned upside down. The writing here was so beautiful and drew me into what I thought would be a love story between James and Derrick. But once the action started I did not want to stop reading.
Sure, there are plenty of stories out there where a witness to a crime gets drawn into the team trying to make things right, but I really felt drawn to this bunch of misfits. The supporting characters were a definite highlight here, and from the bits of backstory we are given I would be interested in reading more about them and how they found themselves in the world of espionage.
The way that James begins to thrive in this world, finding ways to overcome his anxieties in super high pressure situations can often seem super unrealistic, but here they way that it is done in a way that makes James come out more confident and self assured makes it plausible. Throw in his budding relationship with Mateo and the spicy scenes they have together (🥵🥵) and this is more than just an action packed thriller.
Did the ending infuriate me? Yes. Did it feel like the right ending to this story? Also yes. And that’s a good thing for me. I was so drawn into the story that now, after reading it, there was no other way for it to end.
Thanks to @jeffreykdavenport for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Things are going pretty okay for James, he’s doing really well in his college internship, he has one reluctant best friend, and the guy he’s been crushing on across campus has noticed him.
Unfortunately though, one night when taking a hungover nap at work, he awakes to find the building on fire, his boss and workmates dead, and to cap it all off he is kidnapped by the incredibly handsome Mateo.
James finds himself drawn into a government cover up, and a world of espionage when he joins the rag tag of kidnappers to find out why his boss was murdered, and why they won’t stop until James is either dead, or tells them what his boss was working on.
I seriously forgot that this was a thriller when I started reading it until I got to the part where James’ world is turned upside down. The writing here was so beautiful and drew me into what I thought would be a love story between James and Derrick. But once the action started I did not want to stop reading.
Sure, there are plenty of stories out there where a witness to a crime gets drawn into the team trying to make things right, but I really felt drawn to this bunch of misfits. The supporting characters were a definite highlight here, and from the bits of backstory we are given I would be interested in reading more about them and how they found themselves in the world of espionage.
The way that James begins to thrive in this world, finding ways to overcome his anxieties in super high pressure situations can often seem super unrealistic, but here they way that it is done in a way that makes James come out more confident and self assured makes it plausible. Throw in his budding relationship with Mateo and the spicy scenes they have together (🥵🥵) and this is more than just an action packed thriller.
Did the ending infuriate me? Yes. Did it feel like the right ending to this story? Also yes. And that’s a good thing for me. I was so drawn into the story that now, after reading it, there was no other way for it to end.
December 6, 2024
Honestly, I feel a bit disappointed.
This book started off so strong, but somewhere along the way, it lost its spark, and I just couldn’t enjoy it anymore. I think the issue was the insta-love—it absolutely didn’t work for me.
That said, I’m not giving up on this author. His writing style is really good, and I definitely want to check out his latest release!
This book started off so strong, but somewhere along the way, it lost its spark, and I just couldn’t enjoy it anymore. I think the issue was the insta-love—it absolutely didn’t work for me.
That said, I’m not giving up on this author. His writing style is really good, and I definitely want to check out his latest release!
November 26, 2023
Loved this read! I loved that the writing style was almost like I could read it in my own voice and similar to how I express myself and feelings. Having diversity and representation of different races and sexualities was very refreshing to see as well. This book was a good mix of rom-com, action/thriller and held my attention throughout the entire book! I’ve already recommended to several others.
January 21, 2024
💽
I know this is labeled as romance but I think it is a romantic suspense.
Nonetheless James went from a coding protege to run for his life in a blink of an eye. Maybe a good example of being too smart for his own good. We spend the rest of the book along with James trying to figure out why he's on the run. The folks who kidnap are they good or the bad guys. The answer is somewhere in the gray. Honestly this is where the author does a good job nothing is that simple and all the characters are making decisions based on where they are in the moment with the information they have. The fact that James could find some romance in the chaos provided some comic and emotional relief (even if for a moment). The writing was witty and peppered with what ifisms. For a first novel this book was very entertaining, even though there were a couple of loose ends that weren't tied up (maybe that was intentional for a follow-up book/series).
CN: drunk driving resulting in death, parental death, grief, sex under the influence, house fire, kidnapping, gun violence, police corruption, unprotected sex (fade to black), panic attacks
I know this is labeled as romance but I think it is a romantic suspense.
Nonetheless James went from a coding protege to run for his life in a blink of an eye. Maybe a good example of being too smart for his own good. We spend the rest of the book along with James trying to figure out why he's on the run. The folks who kidnap are they good or the bad guys. The answer is somewhere in the gray. Honestly this is where the author does a good job nothing is that simple and all the characters are making decisions based on where they are in the moment with the information they have. The fact that James could find some romance in the chaos provided some comic and emotional relief (even if for a moment). The writing was witty and peppered with what ifisms. For a first novel this book was very entertaining, even though there were a couple of loose ends that weren't tied up (maybe that was intentional for a follow-up book/series).
CN: drunk driving resulting in death, parental death, grief, sex under the influence, house fire, kidnapping, gun violence, police corruption, unprotected sex (fade to black), panic attacks
August 7, 2023
James Rhodes is your typical college student with the usual worries - his classes, internship, social calendar and clean laundry. Let’s not forget trying to find Mr. Right, or at the least Mr. Right Now. It all seems so important, until the moment he wakes up to find his life literally burning down around him.
From the instant James’s life is turned upside down, this story pivots hard and takes off on a fast-paced adventure that’s thrilling, captivating, and absolutely unexpected. Everything about it is on point from the action to the suspense to the unbearable tension, all delivered with an intensity that speaks to life-changing events unfolding in a matter of weeks.
Snarky, tech genius James is forced to quickly assimilate to the dangerous, mercenary lifestyle he finds himself thrust into, owing his life and safety to a team of strangers. He has no clue who to trust, and the immense pressure of his situation heightens every emotion - fear, worry, even affection. Each moment has an tremendous impact, ultimately forcing him to think long and hard about what he wants from life if he manages to survive.
Among James’s protectors is Mateo, the young, up-and-coming leader of this covert team of operatives. Or as James aptly describes him, “a hot, queer Jason Bourne.” Their dynamic and banter is witty and entertaining, adding a sense of normality to an otherwise surreal set of circumstances. Their romantic involvement provides a much need break from the action but also adds an impossible complication to an already complex situation.
Let’s talk about how important and utterly fantastic it is to see a young, gay, Black man as the main protagonist in an action/suspense novel. Seeing the events through his eyes and experiencing them in his snarky, albeit slightly dramatic, voice elevates the entire story. In fact, Jeffrey K. Davenport effortlessly brings together an entire cast of unique characters with diverse voices in a powerful, commanding fashion, emphasizing the impact and importance of this level of representation. They’re the absolute best example of found family - accepting, supportive and dedicated in everything they do.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this story, including the ending that left me gasping. It’s surprising and maybe a little infuriating, but I really don’t see any other way this story could have gone. I won’t spoil it, but my best advice is to buckle up and prepare yourself for a wild ride full of surprises.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
From the instant James’s life is turned upside down, this story pivots hard and takes off on a fast-paced adventure that’s thrilling, captivating, and absolutely unexpected. Everything about it is on point from the action to the suspense to the unbearable tension, all delivered with an intensity that speaks to life-changing events unfolding in a matter of weeks.
Snarky, tech genius James is forced to quickly assimilate to the dangerous, mercenary lifestyle he finds himself thrust into, owing his life and safety to a team of strangers. He has no clue who to trust, and the immense pressure of his situation heightens every emotion - fear, worry, even affection. Each moment has an tremendous impact, ultimately forcing him to think long and hard about what he wants from life if he manages to survive.
Among James’s protectors is Mateo, the young, up-and-coming leader of this covert team of operatives. Or as James aptly describes him, “a hot, queer Jason Bourne.” Their dynamic and banter is witty and entertaining, adding a sense of normality to an otherwise surreal set of circumstances. Their romantic involvement provides a much need break from the action but also adds an impossible complication to an already complex situation.
Let’s talk about how important and utterly fantastic it is to see a young, gay, Black man as the main protagonist in an action/suspense novel. Seeing the events through his eyes and experiencing them in his snarky, albeit slightly dramatic, voice elevates the entire story. In fact, Jeffrey K. Davenport effortlessly brings together an entire cast of unique characters with diverse voices in a powerful, commanding fashion, emphasizing the impact and importance of this level of representation. They’re the absolute best example of found family - accepting, supportive and dedicated in everything they do.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this story, including the ending that left me gasping. It’s surprising and maybe a little infuriating, but I really don’t see any other way this story could have gone. I won’t spoil it, but my best advice is to buckle up and prepare yourself for a wild ride full of surprises.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
June 7, 2023
✨ARC Review✨
4.5⭐️ (out 10.20.23)
Picture this. You’re a college student, just trying to write a paper for one of your least favorite classes while you wait on your laundry. You flirt a little with your campus crush, give your roommate/best friend a little money to get a snack, then head off to your tech internship. Totally average, regular, maybe a little boring life. Then all of the sudden the office building your internship is located in burns down, everybody you worked with is unalived and you’re kidnapped. Turns out your boss was hiding some pretty big secrets, oh but don’t worry the kidnappers are actually pretty nice… they’re just also spies on a mission.
This book was such a wild ride but I thoroughly enjoyed every second. James’s entire life gets turned upside down, he’s asked to be an accomplice to multiple (I mean MULTIPLE) felonies, and he copes so much better than I would have. I would have been on a grippy sock vacation by the end of Chapter 3. There are so many lovable characters, the found family vibes are so strong, and I really just found myself emotionally attached to all of them.
In between all of the action packed moments, which trust me there are plenty, we also have a really sweet, tender romance as well. Even though it’s forbidden, James finds himself really attracted to one of the spies from the agency Mateo… and the feelings are definitely mutual. There are so many moments when the two are just enjoying each others company, singing to each other, James even gives Mateo a copy of his favorite book to read. My heart melted.
This book really just has a little bit of everything. We have the action that really just hooks you in, that sweet romance to make you swoon, and found family vibes that just make you root for the team as a whole (yes even though they’re all technically bad guys we love them).
4.5⭐️ (out 10.20.23)
Picture this. You’re a college student, just trying to write a paper for one of your least favorite classes while you wait on your laundry. You flirt a little with your campus crush, give your roommate/best friend a little money to get a snack, then head off to your tech internship. Totally average, regular, maybe a little boring life. Then all of the sudden the office building your internship is located in burns down, everybody you worked with is unalived and you’re kidnapped. Turns out your boss was hiding some pretty big secrets, oh but don’t worry the kidnappers are actually pretty nice… they’re just also spies on a mission.
This book was such a wild ride but I thoroughly enjoyed every second. James’s entire life gets turned upside down, he’s asked to be an accomplice to multiple (I mean MULTIPLE) felonies, and he copes so much better than I would have. I would have been on a grippy sock vacation by the end of Chapter 3. There are so many lovable characters, the found family vibes are so strong, and I really just found myself emotionally attached to all of them.
In between all of the action packed moments, which trust me there are plenty, we also have a really sweet, tender romance as well. Even though it’s forbidden, James finds himself really attracted to one of the spies from the agency Mateo… and the feelings are definitely mutual. There are so many moments when the two are just enjoying each others company, singing to each other, James even gives Mateo a copy of his favorite book to read. My heart melted.
This book really just has a little bit of everything. We have the action that really just hooks you in, that sweet romance to make you swoon, and found family vibes that just make you root for the team as a whole (yes even though they’re all technically bad guys we love them).
March 23, 2024
There's a lot I liked about this book. The characters, the dialogue, the diversity and representation, the plot and the pacing just to name I few. Halfway through the book I thought it would be a solid 5-star for me. But then the last 3 chapters or so didn't quite sit with me. I understand that not always there can be a HEA for the main characters but I was definitely starring at the last page going, really? It led me to believe that Mateo would finally reclaim his life and make his own choices and choose the love he fought so much to save and protect and James would choose to not go back to something, just because it made sense.
The story, sadly, felt unfinished. James just accepts everything just as it is inspite of the plot pushing him to learn about himself, pushing him way outside his comfort zone. At the end, it was just for nothing. He just makes peace with everything and puts it all out of his life, like the book he just placed back to the shelf.
I must admit, I've never read or seen "the outsiders" and perhaps this book is meant to mirror or do a tribute to it in a way, as there might have been a foreshadowing of the ending when Mateo and James had their first and only date.
I really think Derrick deserved more that how he was just casted away midway through the story and although James makes it extremely clear how much he respected, admired and even loved his mentor, he just deletes the file, even though we are led to believe, James was being trained to know how to deal or carry his legacy and perhaps get to the bottom of the conspiracy.
My long rant aside, the book is definitely good and worth reading. It makes you smile and I do recommend it. I just feel the story had more potential.
The story, sadly, felt unfinished. James just accepts everything just as it is inspite of the plot pushing him to learn about himself, pushing him way outside his comfort zone. At the end, it was just for nothing. He just makes peace with everything and puts it all out of his life, like the book he just placed back to the shelf.
I must admit, I've never read or seen "the outsiders" and perhaps this book is meant to mirror or do a tribute to it in a way, as there might have been a foreshadowing of the ending when Mateo and James had their first and only date.
I really think Derrick deserved more that how he was just casted away midway through the story and although James makes it extremely clear how much he respected, admired and even loved his mentor, he just deletes the file, even though we are led to believe, James was being trained to know how to deal or carry his legacy and perhaps get to the bottom of the conspiracy.
My long rant aside, the book is definitely good and worth reading. It makes you smile and I do recommend it. I just feel the story had more potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2023
I loooved this book but am also mad about it.
I was immediately drawn into the story by James, whose inner monologue is very relatable. Also, I appreciate that he felt authentically like someone in their early 20s, as many authors write characters that age who actually feel like they’re in their mid-30s.
From there, we keep meeting new characters that are likable and fun, and add a lot to the story. If there were spin off novels about everyone on the team, I’d read the hell out of those.
From great characters, funny dialogue, action, mystery, and romance, this book has it all. Do we have a suspend reality a little from time to time? Yes. But, what kind of action/mystery fiction doesn’t require that? It never felt too over the top for me.
But the ending was completely unresolved. We are just left hanging and we never learn WHY this cover up job happened in the first place and who is behind it. I can’t reconcile the story up to them acquiring the ring with everything that happens next and then the ending. It almost feels like a bait and switch. “Here’s what you think this story is about but that actually ends up not really mattering.” James just being cool with not knowing didn’t feel realistic either. Your boss and most of your friends were murdered for this and you’re just like “delete, none of my business” after a few weeks? Yeah, right. Also unresolved - I need James to apologize to Derrick for intentionally smashing his Civic! Poor guy.
Despite the mixed feelings, I did really enjoy this book! I just wish the ending didn’t feel incomplete. I didn’t get sequel vibes but 🤞🏻 I can hope.
I was immediately drawn into the story by James, whose inner monologue is very relatable. Also, I appreciate that he felt authentically like someone in their early 20s, as many authors write characters that age who actually feel like they’re in their mid-30s.
From there, we keep meeting new characters that are likable and fun, and add a lot to the story. If there were spin off novels about everyone on the team, I’d read the hell out of those.
From great characters, funny dialogue, action, mystery, and romance, this book has it all. Do we have a suspend reality a little from time to time? Yes. But, what kind of action/mystery fiction doesn’t require that? It never felt too over the top for me.
But the ending was completely unresolved. We are just left hanging and we never learn WHY this cover up job happened in the first place and who is behind it. I can’t reconcile the story up to them acquiring the ring with everything that happens next and then the ending. It almost feels like a bait and switch. “Here’s what you think this story is about but that actually ends up not really mattering.” James just being cool with not knowing didn’t feel realistic either. Your boss and most of your friends were murdered for this and you’re just like “delete, none of my business” after a few weeks? Yeah, right. Also unresolved - I need James to apologize to Derrick for intentionally smashing his Civic! Poor guy.
Despite the mixed feelings, I did really enjoy this book! I just wish the ending didn’t feel incomplete. I didn’t get sequel vibes but 🤞🏻 I can hope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 15, 2023I started skimming pages and when I do that I know this isn’t the book for me. I really wanted to like it and I can’t pinpoint just what it was, but I started feeling like I had to force myself to read it so I decided it wasn’t worth it. Based on all the other positive reviews though, this is probably just a me thing.
September 14, 2024
1.5 🌟
This read like a wattpad story. And not in the good way.
This read like a wattpad story. And not in the good way.
December 19, 2024
first, is a sequel coming for this? bc I NEED THE SEQUEL STAT.
and if it's a standalone, then...i really, really loved it but also...kinda mad about some parts.
the whole plot was beyond enticing and thrilling and very suitable for a thriller: James, a college student, gets abducted (or rescued) from the burning building of his internship while every one of his colleagues including his mentor is killed by hitmen to cover up a State secret his mentor was discovering. lucky for James, those who saved James, also hitmen, want him protected to unveil the secret.
i haven't read a mystery/thriller in a long while so this helped a long way to get me out of a coming slump. but the writing was so engaging and witty and incredibly realistic. even tho i was more invested in the romantic storyline (duh), all the actions jampacked into its pages also were inviting(?).
there were a series of being-chased-by-homicidal-govt.-agent scenes, being-almost-dead-by-shoot-outs scenes, sneaking out of the house you're hiding away to save your best friend in the hospital, training to be an assassin in one week, beinh brave enough to engage in a gunfight yourself. everything was just enjoyable down to the bones.
ofc it was escalated by the ragtag group of assassin agents James found himself with, who needed to protect him but sometimes also forgot to. i loved how James slowly came to see them as more than hitmen who follow orders, but as real people who have their own heartbreaking pasts, who have their loved ones and still know how to love, who are as tight-knit a family can be, their bond forged immobile through turbulent and violent times.
and also, James and Mateo's relationship. Mateo, a mostly-silent, too-serious and broody guy with a traumatic past falling for James through his wit and sass and deflections with humor tactics. their romance was so devastatingly real and built slowly, bit by bit, and so realistically that even a span of two weeks didn't seem too short — it was but the way both of them acknowledged that reality was a welcome suprise and helped to suspend disbelief.
the way they built trust, broke it, built it again with painstaking work, their inane understanding of each other's nature and disposition and tics and tells...everything was laid out in an incredibly REAL and heartmelting fashion. i loved it...
right up until the end. it was realistic, really, but also disappointing.
SPOILERS:
ig i felt disappointed bc this was recommended to me on my thread where i'd asked for mm romances by BIPOC authors. and romances by definition have a HEA, which this patently lacked. i wanted the book to have a few more pages just to give me a satisfying ending and i wanted to cry it didn't. i couldn't see how James could fall back into his usual life after all this, nor were we shown how his life was afterward.
also, speaking of unsatisfactory endings, the mystery actually didn't get resolved? which was more disappointing than the romance honestly. since this IS thriller/mystery first and foremost, so expecting a discovery of WHY all of it happened, why 13 of James' coworkers and mentor were killed why James had to be protected, who he needed to be protected from, was a natural desire. but we were left completely in the dark about it, and in the end, James choosing to just delete the file that had information on his mentor's death and his own struggle, bc "some things are better left unknown", felt really simplistic and obnoxious tbh.
there were just too many loose-ends here and it would make for a GREAT sequel so can we please petition to have one??
and if it's a standalone, then...i really, really loved it but also...kinda mad about some parts.
the whole plot was beyond enticing and thrilling and very suitable for a thriller: James, a college student, gets abducted (or rescued) from the burning building of his internship while every one of his colleagues including his mentor is killed by hitmen to cover up a State secret his mentor was discovering. lucky for James, those who saved James, also hitmen, want him protected to unveil the secret.
i haven't read a mystery/thriller in a long while so this helped a long way to get me out of a coming slump. but the writing was so engaging and witty and incredibly realistic. even tho i was more invested in the romantic storyline (duh), all the actions jampacked into its pages also were inviting(?).
there were a series of being-chased-by-homicidal-govt.-agent scenes, being-almost-dead-by-shoot-outs scenes, sneaking out of the house you're hiding away to save your best friend in the hospital, training to be an assassin in one week, beinh brave enough to engage in a gunfight yourself. everything was just enjoyable down to the bones.
ofc it was escalated by the ragtag group of assassin agents James found himself with, who needed to protect him but sometimes also forgot to. i loved how James slowly came to see them as more than hitmen who follow orders, but as real people who have their own heartbreaking pasts, who have their loved ones and still know how to love, who are as tight-knit a family can be, their bond forged immobile through turbulent and violent times.
and also, James and Mateo's relationship. Mateo, a mostly-silent, too-serious and broody guy with a traumatic past falling for James through his wit and sass and deflections with humor tactics. their romance was so devastatingly real and built slowly, bit by bit, and so realistically that even a span of two weeks didn't seem too short — it was but the way both of them acknowledged that reality was a welcome suprise and helped to suspend disbelief.
the way they built trust, broke it, built it again with painstaking work, their inane understanding of each other's nature and disposition and tics and tells...everything was laid out in an incredibly REAL and heartmelting fashion. i loved it...
right up until the end. it was realistic, really, but also disappointing.
SPOILERS:
ig i felt disappointed bc this was recommended to me on my thread where i'd asked for mm romances by BIPOC authors. and romances by definition have a HEA, which this patently lacked. i wanted the book to have a few more pages just to give me a satisfying ending and i wanted to cry it didn't. i couldn't see how James could fall back into his usual life after all this, nor were we shown how his life was afterward.
also, speaking of unsatisfactory endings, the mystery actually didn't get resolved? which was more disappointing than the romance honestly. since this IS thriller/mystery first and foremost, so expecting a discovery of WHY all of it happened, why 13 of James' coworkers and mentor were killed why James had to be protected, who he needed to be protected from, was a natural desire. but we were left completely in the dark about it, and in the end, James choosing to just delete the file that had information on his mentor's death and his own struggle, bc "some things are better left unknown", felt really simplistic and obnoxious tbh.
there were just too many loose-ends here and it would make for a GREAT sequel so can we please petition to have one??
August 24, 2023
Thank you to the author for an early copy of Somewhere in the Gray Area. I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 💛🌻
—
⭐️4.5/5
I had no idea that I needed a book about a group of queer spy assassins, with an action-packed plot, sprinkled in with some romance, until I read this book! I love when a book is able to hook me in from the very first chapter, and this book wasted no time jumping right into the plot. In a matter of hours, James’ life goes from college student with a normal life and an internship that he loves, to having everything around him come crashing and burning down to the ground (and I mean this in the most literal sense…like he woke up in the middle of a legit fire). As if that wasn’t enough of a shock to his system, he quickly finds out that his boss and mentor, in addition to all of the other interns are dead, and while he’s barely had time to process any of the events that just happened, he gets kidnapped!
Now me personally if I was in a situation like this, I would NOT have handled it as well as James did, because someone would’ve had to sedate me and leave me that way 😂. With all sense of normalcy thrown out of the window, James quickly finds himself thrown in the middle of a government cover-up scheme that his boss was involved in, while also trying to avoid having a gun pulled on him by the oh-so lovely team of assassins that are basically his new roommates for the duration of this mission.
I loved how action-packed this story was because it kept me engaged and gripping my Kindle to try to hurry and see what would happen next. Although things started out a bit rocky between James and the team, they quickly grew on me and I really loved the found family dynamic of their group. Once you get deeper into the book and also learn more about each of their respective backstories, I promise that you can’t help but love them all.
I also really enjoyed the development of James’ relationships with Mateo, the group’s leader. I think it created a really great balance for the book and was a sweet distraction from the more action-packed moments of the book. I’m a simple girl, you give me any form of a romantic plot, and I eat it up!
Now because of how delusional I am, I hoped the ending would be different, but I still loved it all the same (I won’t give any specific details on this for the sake of not spoiling it). I’m also left with so many unanswered questions and I wouldn’t be mad if we ever got a bonus epilogue in the future just to see how they’re all doing 👀 I highly recommend everyone grab a copy once it releases!
—
⭐️4.5/5
I had no idea that I needed a book about a group of queer spy assassins, with an action-packed plot, sprinkled in with some romance, until I read this book! I love when a book is able to hook me in from the very first chapter, and this book wasted no time jumping right into the plot. In a matter of hours, James’ life goes from college student with a normal life and an internship that he loves, to having everything around him come crashing and burning down to the ground (and I mean this in the most literal sense…like he woke up in the middle of a legit fire). As if that wasn’t enough of a shock to his system, he quickly finds out that his boss and mentor, in addition to all of the other interns are dead, and while he’s barely had time to process any of the events that just happened, he gets kidnapped!
Now me personally if I was in a situation like this, I would NOT have handled it as well as James did, because someone would’ve had to sedate me and leave me that way 😂. With all sense of normalcy thrown out of the window, James quickly finds himself thrown in the middle of a government cover-up scheme that his boss was involved in, while also trying to avoid having a gun pulled on him by the oh-so lovely team of assassins that are basically his new roommates for the duration of this mission.
I loved how action-packed this story was because it kept me engaged and gripping my Kindle to try to hurry and see what would happen next. Although things started out a bit rocky between James and the team, they quickly grew on me and I really loved the found family dynamic of their group. Once you get deeper into the book and also learn more about each of their respective backstories, I promise that you can’t help but love them all.
I also really enjoyed the development of James’ relationships with Mateo, the group’s leader. I think it created a really great balance for the book and was a sweet distraction from the more action-packed moments of the book. I’m a simple girl, you give me any form of a romantic plot, and I eat it up!
Now because of how delusional I am, I hoped the ending would be different, but I still loved it all the same (I won’t give any specific details on this for the sake of not spoiling it). I’m also left with so many unanswered questions and I wouldn’t be mad if we ever got a bonus epilogue in the future just to see how they’re all doing 👀 I highly recommend everyone grab a copy once it releases!
June 30, 2023
Okay first of all can we talk about how stunning this cover is!! I love it. Lets talk about this book thank you to the author for letting me read your novel early! Gays on a mission? and a great group of other friends and spicy romance? some of the parts in this novel were 🔥 🔥 The way this novel took such a turn after the first chapter i was gagged it was intense and it brought the main character into a thrill ride and lots of secrets and a mission that the crew had to deal with and what happens when you start to find one of the group members attractive? James gets put in a whirlwind of secrets and lies from someone he thought was a great person turns out that person had secrets.. The thing i loved about this novel is the author kept you reading to find out who was hiding secrets and why the group had to go on the mission in the first place. Also loved the NB rep! And the group of characters were so great to read honestly i loved them all. This usually isnt my genre i havent read alot of novels like this regarding missions and stuff but this was a great read! And i loved reading James and Mateos story i love reading books with great representation and diverse characters books like this are super important. This was a great thrill ride PACKED with action, secrets, betrayal.. Corruption, 🔥 romance lovers this one was really cute... ANYTHING GAY SIGN ME UP! ☺️ Great work @jeffreykdavenport ! ❤️
PS: James was a GREAT lead i loved reading about him!
PS: James was a GREAT lead i loved reading about him!
June 29, 2024
Excellent, well written book! Full of suspense and action! Main characters were POC, and I wish there were more books like this out there! I listened to the chapters included for the next book, Somewhere in the Sky, and I can't wait to read that book next!
James Rhodes is an average college student. He has landed a top tier internship with one of the best computer programmers named Clarke Ahmadi- A tech guru turned college professor. James, along with 11 other students worked in a former frat house, supervised by Clarke, writing code and learning all they could from him.
One night while working late, James discovers a fire in the house, and while trying to escape he learns that the fire was set on purpose, and he is now the sole remaining tech person from that house. He alone has answers that an unknown enemy would do anything to get their hands on.
James is rescued (or kidnapped) by a scrappy group of misfits, hired to do a different job. He falls in with Mateo, Charmane, Moose, Aash, and Rei.
Through a series of events, James realizes he has the keys to reveal government secrets, and he finds out how deadly his knowledge is. Now he needs to use that knowledge to leverage safety for him and his friends, even if that means risking his own life.
James Rhodes is an average college student. He has landed a top tier internship with one of the best computer programmers named Clarke Ahmadi- A tech guru turned college professor. James, along with 11 other students worked in a former frat house, supervised by Clarke, writing code and learning all they could from him.
One night while working late, James discovers a fire in the house, and while trying to escape he learns that the fire was set on purpose, and he is now the sole remaining tech person from that house. He alone has answers that an unknown enemy would do anything to get their hands on.
James is rescued (or kidnapped) by a scrappy group of misfits, hired to do a different job. He falls in with Mateo, Charmane, Moose, Aash, and Rei.
Through a series of events, James realizes he has the keys to reveal government secrets, and he finds out how deadly his knowledge is. Now he needs to use that knowledge to leverage safety for him and his friends, even if that means risking his own life.
January 2, 2024
James’ life is turned upside down when his on campus tech internship is infiltrated and he’s kidnapped by a group of maybe assassins. As James works with these assassins to try and figure out why his tech group was targeted, he can’t deny the attraction he has for the group’s leader - Mateo. As James, Mateo, and rest of the crew move from one life and death situation to the next James will have to determine if Mateo’s feelings for him are real or just another part of his job.
Did this book change my life? No.
Did it make me laugh several times? Yes.
Overall this was a funny and action packed read, that was at times a little too over the top. The characters made some dicey decisions and the whole assassin organization seemed pretty underdeveloped. All that being said, it was fun and I don’t regret reading it!
I would recommend this one for folks who enjoy action and romance more than an overly complicated plot!
Representation notes:
MC: Black and Gay male
LI: Latina and Queer male
SC: Black Woman, Nonbinary
Did this book change my life? No.
Did it make me laugh several times? Yes.
Overall this was a funny and action packed read, that was at times a little too over the top. The characters made some dicey decisions and the whole assassin organization seemed pretty underdeveloped. All that being said, it was fun and I don’t regret reading it!
I would recommend this one for folks who enjoy action and romance more than an overly complicated plot!
Representation notes:
MC: Black and Gay male
LI: Latina and Queer male
SC: Black Woman, Nonbinary
December 26, 2023
Mystery with a twist of queer romance!
James never planned to find himself caught in the middle of a crime scene & police cover-up.
An unlikely team of operatives saves him.
James has to figure out who to trust, while secrets are being kept from him. That only gets more confusing when he develops a crush on the team leader, Mateo.
Read if you love…
✨workplace romance, adjacent
👀mystery, with a twist of romance
✨forced proximity
🫶🏼found family
✨caretaking
This book is a wild ride in the best way! I love a good mystery with a side plot of romance, and this was exactly that!
I love the rollercoaster alongside James in trying to figure out who to trust. The operatives team & Mateo or the FBI agent. I love love love all of the side characters in the operatives team & the found family they’ve created.
I love James’ loyalty to his best friend, the anxiety rep, and just everything that unfolds & how James plays into it.
My only gripe: I wanted Mateo’s perspective!
📍Georgia
✨Rep: anxiety; gay MCs
‼️Content: explicit language; violence; grief; sexual situations
James never planned to find himself caught in the middle of a crime scene & police cover-up.
An unlikely team of operatives saves him.
James has to figure out who to trust, while secrets are being kept from him. That only gets more confusing when he develops a crush on the team leader, Mateo.
Read if you love…
✨workplace romance, adjacent
👀mystery, with a twist of romance
✨forced proximity
🫶🏼found family
✨caretaking
This book is a wild ride in the best way! I love a good mystery with a side plot of romance, and this was exactly that!
I love the rollercoaster alongside James in trying to figure out who to trust. The operatives team & Mateo or the FBI agent. I love love love all of the side characters in the operatives team & the found family they’ve created.
I love James’ loyalty to his best friend, the anxiety rep, and just everything that unfolds & how James plays into it.
My only gripe: I wanted Mateo’s perspective!
📍Georgia
✨Rep: anxiety; gay MCs
‼️Content: explicit language; violence; grief; sexual situations
January 3, 2024
4.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This book was nothing like I expected and truthfully I'm still left with a sense of unfinish. I absolutely loved the story and what the author's intent in writing this love story between Mateo and James was.
I honestly don't know how to say what I want to without ruining this book for others. It's a thriller/mystery 1st and the love story is second. It's fade to black for the most part but their chemistry on page is palpable. Who James and Mateo become for one another is beautiful, raw, guarded, but full of the reality of what life is or can be. It's full of what-ifs, maybes and the journey to who we are in this world and how we all fit into it.
The banter and friendships in this book are phenomenal and the found family is so special.
🌶️🌶️
This book was nothing like I expected and truthfully I'm still left with a sense of unfinish. I absolutely loved the story and what the author's intent in writing this love story between Mateo and James was.
I honestly don't know how to say what I want to without ruining this book for others. It's a thriller/mystery 1st and the love story is second. It's fade to black for the most part but their chemistry on page is palpable. Who James and Mateo become for one another is beautiful, raw, guarded, but full of the reality of what life is or can be. It's full of what-ifs, maybes and the journey to who we are in this world and how we all fit into it.
The banter and friendships in this book are phenomenal and the found family is so special.
July 26, 2023
I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of this novel so here’s what I thought about it: This is what people are talking about when they say representation matters.
Jeffrey Davenport has given us a masterclass on the beauty of storytelling with queer people of color at the center. James, the star of the show, is dynamic in a way that keeps us rooting for him even when we’re screaming “James, shut up!!”, relatable to anyone who’s been in a situation that makes them terrified and uncomfortable but they have no choice but to keep pushing (imagine the tenacity you have to have to bring a lamp to a gun fight), and clumsily charming (but probably not as charming as he thinks he is). After James is yanked from his already complicated life of treading through intense college courses, being a top performer at a competitive tech internship, and so expertly maneuvering his way through an ever active love life (more like a semi-active crush life), a mysterious new crew keeps him alive in a new reality where guns outnumber textbooks and his only interviews are with questionable individuals who we feel certain don’t have his best interest at heart. Do they? Thrown into such close quarters with these strangers, James accidentally befriends this group of skilled but troubled spies, and slowly learns that not everyone gets to choose their path - and what it feels like to stumble through it, practically blind and effectively untrained. To make things even easier to deal with, we watch James’s budding romance with Mateo, the leader of our group of secret operatives, who has single-handedly threatened and saved James’s life enough times for you to wonder whether this is really a healthy foundation for a relationship. As we get to know these characters more, though, we have to admit that some things only make sense to work out the way they do. Jeffrey has created a cast of characters who each truly deserve their own book. We glean more and more info about each individual’s past and love them for their humanity, despite the violence their work requires of each of them. (I, personally, couldn’t get enough of the Charmagne and Ashvi romantic spy duo whom I hope to see a whole lot more of in the future.)
Somewhere In The Grey Area is layered with unspoken history, life-altering turmoil, and dreadful heartbreak. However, a story told through humor and sincerity, it is one I love to love. I recommend this book to anyone who yearns to see themself reflected in a story bursting with adventure, and anyone else excited to see a few new faces in the world of action and mystery.
Jeffrey Davenport has given us a masterclass on the beauty of storytelling with queer people of color at the center. James, the star of the show, is dynamic in a way that keeps us rooting for him even when we’re screaming “James, shut up!!”, relatable to anyone who’s been in a situation that makes them terrified and uncomfortable but they have no choice but to keep pushing (imagine the tenacity you have to have to bring a lamp to a gun fight), and clumsily charming (but probably not as charming as he thinks he is). After James is yanked from his already complicated life of treading through intense college courses, being a top performer at a competitive tech internship, and so expertly maneuvering his way through an ever active love life (more like a semi-active crush life), a mysterious new crew keeps him alive in a new reality where guns outnumber textbooks and his only interviews are with questionable individuals who we feel certain don’t have his best interest at heart. Do they? Thrown into such close quarters with these strangers, James accidentally befriends this group of skilled but troubled spies, and slowly learns that not everyone gets to choose their path - and what it feels like to stumble through it, practically blind and effectively untrained. To make things even easier to deal with, we watch James’s budding romance with Mateo, the leader of our group of secret operatives, who has single-handedly threatened and saved James’s life enough times for you to wonder whether this is really a healthy foundation for a relationship. As we get to know these characters more, though, we have to admit that some things only make sense to work out the way they do. Jeffrey has created a cast of characters who each truly deserve their own book. We glean more and more info about each individual’s past and love them for their humanity, despite the violence their work requires of each of them. (I, personally, couldn’t get enough of the Charmagne and Ashvi romantic spy duo whom I hope to see a whole lot more of in the future.)
Somewhere In The Grey Area is layered with unspoken history, life-altering turmoil, and dreadful heartbreak. However, a story told through humor and sincerity, it is one I love to love. I recommend this book to anyone who yearns to see themself reflected in a story bursting with adventure, and anyone else excited to see a few new faces in the world of action and mystery.
April 24, 2024
I liked the thrilling essence of the book. I loved the characters. The representation was great. But too many times I had to try to figure out if I was stuck in a terrible typo or if that’s just the words Jeffery would really use. And like slang I don’t know, it didn’t make sense to me. I also think some authors put too many words into describing what someone is wearing. For example, how does one unbutton a sweatshirt and unbuckle joggers?
June 4, 2024
Wow what a book! As much as I didn’t love the end, it was satisfying. I felt like there were some things missing, like I felt like the situation with Derrick was unfinished and I would’ve loved an extended epilogue to see where the characters were later in life. I still really enjoyed the fast paced and exciting story. I loved all the support and diversity of the characters, especially Mateo’s team. They were definitely some of my favorite parts. Alex might have been my favorite character, he was so funny. Would definitely read more by this author!
August 24, 2024
2.5 rounded up. I found this quite enjoyable until the mid mark, when the romance started to happen and it completely took me out of it. This would be a good palate cleanser if you're willing to overlook plot holes and enjoy this like a good shooter movie, however for me the characterisation was too shallow to truly connect with the characters, and there wasn't enough build up for me to buy into the chemistry between the MC and the love interest.
April 1, 2024
3.8⭐️
unclear if this counts as an HEA. Like MC is happy with how it ends, but am I? I can’t really say more without making this a spoiler review, so I guess hit me up if you’re curious.
Anyways, the story was good but missing a bit for me.
unclear if this counts as an HEA. Like MC is happy with how it ends, but am I? I can’t really say more without making this a spoiler review, so I guess hit me up if you’re curious.
Anyways, the story was good but missing a bit for me.
December 29, 2023
This was so over-the-top and cute and thrilling and I want more stuff like this in 2024!!!
did-not-finish
May 1, 2024DNFed 11%
My bad, I just was not expecting the change in tone :')
My bad, I just was not expecting the change in tone :')
June 26, 2024
I did not expect to laugh so much at a mystery/suspense!
August 1, 2024
30% DNF
June 26, 2025
3.5⭐️
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