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Sanctuary #4
Still Waters
Adam's newest assignment for Sanctuary means working with the man who didn't trust him two years ago and destroyed their relationship. He still hates Lee but Jake Callahan, boss of Sanctuary, doesn't give him a choice, insisting they need to get along for the good of the cross-agency case.
Lee wants desperately to understand why Adam betrayed the Bureau. He is still angry and disappointed, but the memory won't leave him alone. The Bullen case is the perfect cover to get back in his ex-lover's life, and he is determined to find out the truth.
Against the backdrop of Sanctuary and the Bullen case can they learn to understand and believe that not everything they thought was true was real?
Lee wants desperately to understand why Adam betrayed the Bureau. He is still angry and disappointed, but the memory won't leave him alone. The Bullen case is the perfect cover to get back in his ex-lover's life, and he is determined to find out the truth.
Against the backdrop of Sanctuary and the Bullen case can they learn to understand and believe that not everything they thought was true was real?
ebook
First published May 19, 2012
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About the author
R.J. Scott
306 books2,707 followersRJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 21, 2014
This was a decent addition to the Sanctuary series. Not as good as previous books but definitely readable. We didn't get a whole lot of action scenes in this one like some of the others. And Adam and Lee....what to say. I personally think Adam was waaaay to easy on Lee and Lee should have been groveling like a little bitch when he realized what he'd done. I didn't get the emotions I was looking for when the sh*t hit the fan. I was hoping for curled in a ball, sobbing like a baby. I like that stuff!
February 6, 2018
Well that was just loads of fun...I mean really...action, hot men and more action written by RJ Scott a fav of mine and narrated by Sean Crisden another fav of mine. My only real problem is that I've run out of audio books for this series...damn, I hope there's more coming soon...please, oh please!!!
June 28, 2013
Still Waters is the fourth installment of R.J. Scott's Sanctuary series. This had an established relationship of sorts, which made this book different from the others. There was a love/hate relationship in this book and we got to explore a different side to this series. It's set up the next two books and that is something done subtly.
Adam and Lee knew each other years before this book. I loved the fact we found out some smaller things about the old relationship that admittedly, ended really badly and left both men angry, but for different reasons. The new relationship that was built here took a lot, walls had to be knocked down and trust had to be restored. Some of the things I loved about this couple I won't mention because it could give to much away.
The crime plot took an interesting turn here. There was a nice development and it meant that some things were set up for more in the series. What happened wasn't unbelievable and the betrayal that was the backbone of that is just what I like to see in a book. When a good plot like the Bullen case is involved with some nice romance I could fall in love easily, and with this series I have.
This series is just so easy for me to read. I love when I can get to the books and I like to read certain ones on different days. All the build up kills me and I would love to see how things turn out for these couples. I will revisit these books again once the series is wrapped up, but I hope that won't be for a long time.
Highly recommend this series!
Adam and Lee knew each other years before this book. I loved the fact we found out some smaller things about the old relationship that admittedly, ended really badly and left both men angry, but for different reasons. The new relationship that was built here took a lot, walls had to be knocked down and trust had to be restored. Some of the things I loved about this couple I won't mention because it could give to much away.
The crime plot took an interesting turn here. There was a nice development and it meant that some things were set up for more in the series. What happened wasn't unbelievable and the betrayal that was the backbone of that is just what I like to see in a book. When a good plot like the Bullen case is involved with some nice romance I could fall in love easily, and with this series I have.
This series is just so easy for me to read. I love when I can get to the books and I like to read certain ones on different days. All the build up kills me and I would love to see how things turn out for these couples. I will revisit these books again once the series is wrapped up, but I hope that won't be for a long time.
Highly recommend this series!
June 17, 2012
2.5 stars
The start of the book was great but from there it just went downhill for me. Everything happened too quickly stunting the emotional factor the only thing I got from it was sickly sweetness. I was looking forward to this big reconciliation in which Lee finds out on his own how he wronged Adam or where there's a huge mind blowing confession where Lee find out what was going on with Adam and the set-up from the bureau. But when it came to it the confession from Adam was mediocre and the reconciliation between the two was just too sweet for my liking. Don't get me wrong it was a great romantic read but it just didn't work for me. This book was a improvement from Guarding Morgan and Face Value in that the MC's weren't stuck in one of the Sanctuary safe houses a majority of the book.
The start of the book was great but from there it just went downhill for me. Everything happened too quickly stunting the emotional factor the only thing I got from it was sickly sweetness. I was looking forward to this big reconciliation in which Lee finds out on his own how he wronged Adam or where there's a huge mind blowing confession where Lee find out what was going on with Adam and the set-up from the bureau. But when it came to it the confession from Adam was mediocre and the reconciliation between the two was just too sweet for my liking. Don't get me wrong it was a great romantic read but it just didn't work for me. This book was a improvement from Guarding Morgan and Face Value in that the MC's weren't stuck in one of the Sanctuary safe houses a majority of the book.
May 17, 2012
3.5 stars. Good m/m romantic suspense in which a Sanctuary operative, former FBI, is thrown together with his ex (still in the FBI) who believes he was on the take.
May 8, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
I am going to miss this series when it ends. Ms Scott has treated us to three terrific Sanctuary books and the latest, Still Waters, kept me reading and loving the Sanctuary people even more. This time the reader gets a look inside of the organization on a different level rather than just bodyguard and witness.
Adam and Lee used to be lovers and partners. Everything fell apart for them when it seemed like Adam took a bribe from a lawyer and was condemned by his co-workers, Lee included, and forced out of the FBI. The FBI has been leaning on Sanctuary in an effort to get more information on the Bullen case so Jake allows himself to be shadowed by an FBI liaison. He also pairs up an FBI agent with Adam in an effort to try to get enough out of the cop that shot Elizabeth Costain to convict Alastair Bullen. Much to Adam's chagrin, he is teamed up with Lee who he pretty much hates yet still has feelings for. The two men work to get information from Gareth Headley and have chances to talk and patch things up. I liked the way that the two men worked together with their different styles. The absolute trust that Adam had in Lee left Lee looking pretty shallow for turning his back on Adam. I really enjoyed the way Ms Scott wove characters from the previous books into this story which helped to make the story a true part of the Sanctuary series instead of just an add on. The FBI mole was a surprise as was the twist with the Headley family. The story was well put together and flowed well into a HEA ending. I'm looking forward to seeing just how Ms Scott wraps up this great series.
I am going to miss this series when it ends. Ms Scott has treated us to three terrific Sanctuary books and the latest, Still Waters, kept me reading and loving the Sanctuary people even more. This time the reader gets a look inside of the organization on a different level rather than just bodyguard and witness.
Adam and Lee used to be lovers and partners. Everything fell apart for them when it seemed like Adam took a bribe from a lawyer and was condemned by his co-workers, Lee included, and forced out of the FBI. The FBI has been leaning on Sanctuary in an effort to get more information on the Bullen case so Jake allows himself to be shadowed by an FBI liaison. He also pairs up an FBI agent with Adam in an effort to try to get enough out of the cop that shot Elizabeth Costain to convict Alastair Bullen. Much to Adam's chagrin, he is teamed up with Lee who he pretty much hates yet still has feelings for. The two men work to get information from Gareth Headley and have chances to talk and patch things up. I liked the way that the two men worked together with their different styles. The absolute trust that Adam had in Lee left Lee looking pretty shallow for turning his back on Adam. I really enjoyed the way Ms Scott wove characters from the previous books into this story which helped to make the story a true part of the Sanctuary series instead of just an add on. The FBI mole was a surprise as was the twist with the Headley family. The story was well put together and flowed well into a HEA ending. I'm looking forward to seeing just how Ms Scott wraps up this great series.
January 11, 2024
Ooh things take a turn for the interesting
Well, no more instalove, instead we get a bit of a spark between two former lovers with loads of baggage and a mysterious betrayal that doesn't quite fit.
I do enjoy a second chance romance and Adam and Lee snarked and danced around each other deliciously, with plenty of bite and bad feeling.
The reason for their acrimonious split made sense, as did the actual truth of what really happened and I felt their path back together worked well.
There's yet more developments in the overall investigation that's clearly going to be part of the whole series but I'm kinda reaching a point where I'd like some definitive forward movement in the case, not just more loose ends added.
Overall probably my favourite so far.
Well, no more instalove, instead we get a bit of a spark between two former lovers with loads of baggage and a mysterious betrayal that doesn't quite fit.
I do enjoy a second chance romance and Adam and Lee snarked and danced around each other deliciously, with plenty of bite and bad feeling.
The reason for their acrimonious split made sense, as did the actual truth of what really happened and I felt their path back together worked well.
There's yet more developments in the overall investigation that's clearly going to be part of the whole series but I'm kinda reaching a point where I'd like some definitive forward movement in the case, not just more loose ends added.
Overall probably my favourite so far.
May 20, 2012
This book continues to gradually reveal the secrets of the overall story, yet perfectly combines this with the budding romance and developing relationship of two of the men involved. The idea of showing what happens from the perspective of each of the people involved in the case is fascinating. So far the people we have heard from have been the witness to Elizabeth’s murder, his step-brother, the victim’s pseudo-boyfriend (trying to protect himself from being seen as gay by the Bullens). In this fourth volume the perspective widens, and we get to hear from the two agents who have been involved not only with the case, but, as it turns out, with each other. Well, sort of. Adam and Lee both feel betrayed by the other and hate each other’s guts. Not a good start for a romance? Just wait and see!
Adam is a Sanctuary agent who used to work for the FBI until he was framed (accused of being dirty) and left before they kicked him out. His then-partner Lee was part of the betrayal, so Adam is less than happy that he now has to work with the guy on the Bullen case. In fact, he is downright furious. He finds it very difficult to deal with Lee – and yet, the attraction is still as strong as ever and maybe there is hope…
Lee is a cold-hearted bastard - or so it seems. Of course, at first we only see him through Adam’s eyes and that is not a pretty picture. Slowly, as Lee’s point of view is added, the truth emerges and that picture begins to change. Yes, Lee probably made some mistakes, but Adam isn’t entirely innocent either. I thought it was fascinating how the pieces of the puzzle came together and how the way I thought about Lee gradually changed.
The focus of this story is pretty evenly divided between the ongoing crime investigation and the developing truce and then relationship between Adam and Lee. I loved how they fought and struggled with understanding what had happened to them personally while trying to remain professional on the case. There was more conflict here than should be allowed, and yet, the physical attraction and emotional aspects were by no means short-changed. If you like stories with a lot of mystery, if you prefer your men strong and independent, and if you want to know ‘who did what’ in this case, you will probably devour and like this book as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Adam is a Sanctuary agent who used to work for the FBI until he was framed (accused of being dirty) and left before they kicked him out. His then-partner Lee was part of the betrayal, so Adam is less than happy that he now has to work with the guy on the Bullen case. In fact, he is downright furious. He finds it very difficult to deal with Lee – and yet, the attraction is still as strong as ever and maybe there is hope…
Lee is a cold-hearted bastard - or so it seems. Of course, at first we only see him through Adam’s eyes and that is not a pretty picture. Slowly, as Lee’s point of view is added, the truth emerges and that picture begins to change. Yes, Lee probably made some mistakes, but Adam isn’t entirely innocent either. I thought it was fascinating how the pieces of the puzzle came together and how the way I thought about Lee gradually changed.
The focus of this story is pretty evenly divided between the ongoing crime investigation and the developing truce and then relationship between Adam and Lee. I loved how they fought and struggled with understanding what had happened to them personally while trying to remain professional on the case. There was more conflict here than should be allowed, and yet, the physical attraction and emotional aspects were by no means short-changed. If you like stories with a lot of mystery, if you prefer your men strong and independent, and if you want to know ‘who did what’ in this case, you will probably devour and like this book as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 5, 2018
Continuing the Sanctuary Series into book 4, we are getting to know more in depth information about the mystery unfolding with the Bullen family and everything leading up to what exactly is happened and who the leak is with the FBI. This book follows Adam, who is Former FBI, now a Sanctuary Operative, and His Former FBI, and former Life partner Lee, who is now an FBI-Sanctuary Liaison tasked to make sure the FBI is kept in the loop on this case. Lee still thinks that he was betrayed by Adam from years before, and Adam is still resentful of Lee not believing in him. So this is kind of like a Hate/Love Second chance for the two of them. I totally Hated Lee, for basically the entire time, and thought he was a big Jerk for not believing Adam from the very beginning. We also get to meet a few characters who will be showing up in the next book as well. I really liked the plot in this book, and how these books all seamlessly go together.
Audio - Still great listening to Sean narrate these books. He is on a roll with them and has made them all really enjoyable.
Audio - Still great listening to Sean narrate these books. He is on a roll with them and has made them all really enjoyable.
May 23, 2012
Another enjoyable installment in the Sanctuary series.
May 24, 2012
The lovers reunited thing just fell completely flat for me. I think because it happened so quickly and so easily it had little emotional impact.
May 18, 2012
4 1/2 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Adam has no choice, but to work closely with a Fed. A Fed that he used to work with. A Fed that he called a friend. A Fed that was his lover, but now is only his biggest regret. Lee needs to know why Adam betrayed them. Why he threw away what they had and why he would never say why. Together working on finding the leak, the truth comes out and they both know it isn’t finished.
This is another great addition to the Sanctuary series. Adam is told to work with the Feds, but he is far from happy to learn which Fed it is; Lee Myers, his ex. Lee uses the assignment to get the answers that he has always wanted, but they are far from the answers that he expected. Now both men must work together to protect the innocent and to lure out the FBI leak. All the while striking sparks off each other with their attraction.
Adam and Lee make a great couple. Two souls ripped apart by deceit, but now reunited as they struggle to find evidence against the Bullens. These characters are opposites, not just in appearance but in personality, too. and they strike sparks off each other from their first scene together, which had a passionate clash. I loved the way that these two men fell back into the easy work camaraderie, even while they hadn’t sorted out their differences. And Adam’s absolute trust in Lee was breath-taking, but Lee’s lack of trust made him look a bit petty. Although, we would all have had doubts, if we had been shown the evidence and no defense was forthcoming.
I loved the way this story went and the tricky twists. Although, it got me wondering if both Lee and Adam hadn’t been set up in the first place by the FBI leak. We see characters from the previous books and a new one is added, (who is in the next book with Manny ). and evidence comes to light that just might stop the Bullens once and for all. The relationship between Adam and Lee was bound to be rocky with their history, but other that getting answers and confessing what really happened, there wasn’t too much angst and it was pretty smooth sailing.
R.J. Scott has provided us with a wonderful story of lovers torn apart by betrayal, a bit of action, a bit of danger, some passionate sex, twists and a really well written storyline that flows smoothly. So, really I have to recommend that you give it a read.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Adam has no choice, but to work closely with a Fed. A Fed that he used to work with. A Fed that he called a friend. A Fed that was his lover, but now is only his biggest regret. Lee needs to know why Adam betrayed them. Why he threw away what they had and why he would never say why. Together working on finding the leak, the truth comes out and they both know it isn’t finished.
This is another great addition to the Sanctuary series. Adam is told to work with the Feds, but he is far from happy to learn which Fed it is; Lee Myers, his ex. Lee uses the assignment to get the answers that he has always wanted, but they are far from the answers that he expected. Now both men must work together to protect the innocent and to lure out the FBI leak. All the while striking sparks off each other with their attraction.
Adam and Lee make a great couple. Two souls ripped apart by deceit, but now reunited as they struggle to find evidence against the Bullens. These characters are opposites, not just in appearance but in personality, too. and they strike sparks off each other from their first scene together, which had a passionate clash. I loved the way that these two men fell back into the easy work camaraderie, even while they hadn’t sorted out their differences. And Adam’s absolute trust in Lee was breath-taking, but Lee’s lack of trust made him look a bit petty. Although, we would all have had doubts, if we had been shown the evidence and no defense was forthcoming.
I loved the way this story went and the tricky twists. Although, it got me wondering if both Lee and Adam hadn’t been set up in the first place by the FBI leak. We see characters from the previous books and a new one is added, (who is in the next book with Manny ). and evidence comes to light that just might stop the Bullens once and for all. The relationship between Adam and Lee was bound to be rocky with their history, but other that getting answers and confessing what really happened, there wasn’t too much angst and it was pretty smooth sailing.
R.J. Scott has provided us with a wonderful story of lovers torn apart by betrayal, a bit of action, a bit of danger, some passionate sex, twists and a really well written storyline that flows smoothly. So, really I have to recommend that you give it a read.
June 4, 2012
For me this is the best book in the series. From the blurb we learn that Adam and Lee used to be partners both in bed and in job as FBI agents. Something led them to break up and Adam had to resign from the Bureau and became a Sanctuary agent. Several years later, Lee was assigned by the Bureau to work on Bullen case and he requested to work wth Adam. He wanted to know the reason of Adam's action before. Could they work out the issue and solve the question why the policeman killed Elizabeth too?
Readers like me need assurance from the books we read that when a character was wronged, he would one day got his fair 'revenge', and the person who did the deed got suitable punishment. Some authors, however, usually by invoking 'reality is not fair' , like to crucify the wronged character twice by allowing the other characters put the blame on him and makes him the bad guy. Thankfully it's not the case here. I enjoyed reading the dynamic between Adam and Lee. The development toward acceptance and forgiveness was given an ample time for the length of the book. It's also nice to see MCs from previous books made a cameo here and there.
Readers like me need assurance from the books we read that when a character was wronged, he would one day got his fair 'revenge', and the person who did the deed got suitable punishment. Some authors, however, usually by invoking 'reality is not fair' , like to crucify the wronged character twice by allowing the other characters put the blame on him and makes him the bad guy. Thankfully it's not the case here. I enjoyed reading the dynamic between Adam and Lee. The development toward acceptance and forgiveness was given an ample time for the length of the book. It's also nice to see MCs from previous books made a cameo here and there.
July 1, 2017
I found this to be really frustrating. Most of the story could be eliminated if our MCs just sat down and had a heart to heart. I felt like they were so stubborn and intractable and though they had a lot of sexual chemistry, I didn’t feel an authentic emotional connection between them.
Where there was an opportunity for a great reconciliation scene, we got a mediocre sharing of events and then sex. Hot sex, but again, no emotional intimacy, or not enough for my tastes.
While I love Sean’s narration, this just wasn’t a great story for me. I’m still a big fan of the author and the series, but this just wasn’t my book.
3 of 5 stars
Where there was an opportunity for a great reconciliation scene, we got a mediocre sharing of events and then sex. Hot sex, but again, no emotional intimacy, or not enough for my tastes.
While I love Sean’s narration, this just wasn’t a great story for me. I’m still a big fan of the author and the series, but this just wasn’t my book.
3 of 5 stars
March 1, 2020
Non ho amato particolarmente Adam e Lee, ma la loro storia mi è sembrata molto più completa. Probabilmente perché i due si conoscevano già nel passato e riuscire a farmi un'idea della loro relazione è stato più facile.
Buono il rapporto storia d'amore/azione, molto più curato rispetto ai precedenti.
Buono il rapporto storia d'amore/azione, molto più curato rispetto ai precedenti.
May 27, 2012
Another gripping instalment of the Sanctuary series from RJ Scott. I can't wait for the last book. I love how each book reveals a bit more of the finely crafted plot.
March 6, 2016
3 STELLINE E MEZZA!
Qui la mia Recensione:
http://mmedintorni.blogspot.it/2016/0...
Qui la mia Recensione:
http://mmedintorni.blogspot.it/2016/0...
June 5, 2012
Rating: 4.25 stars
Adam Brooke is just coming off a Sanctuary case guarding a true slimeball and looking for some downtime when his boss pulls him into the largest investigation that organization has ever faced - the Bullen case. Sanctuary is still guarding the two main eye witnesses against the Bullen family and now the FBI wants to take over both the investigation and the witnesses themselves. Adam is to be the Sanctuary liaison with the FBI, a job he hates given the fact that the FBI forced him to resign after accusations he was "dirty," his pain only compounded by the fact that his accusser was his Bureau partner and lover.
Lee Meyers is a straight up FBI agent assigned as the Bureau liaison to Sanctuary, an independent security agency in possession of two key witnesses to the high profile Bullen case. Lee is aware that his ex-lover, Adam, now works for Sanctuary and hopes the case will finally give him the answers to Adam's betrayal in the past. Can Lee work past Adam's animosity and Adam get through his anger and pain long enough to get the evidence both agencies need in order to solve the case? Or will their past bring the case down around them?
Still Waters continues the story arc of the Bullen family who are steeped deep in crime and politics. And with each book, the case against the Bullens gets more complicated with sticky threads like those of a spider's web stretching out to larger events and more characters than initially thought. I love this part of the Sanctuary series. Just as you think Sanctuary and its agents have the case solved and the witnesses protected, another murder, another double agent or double cross pops up and all bets are off. Still Waters moves the Bullen investigation forward only to see the organization retreat in the face of insufficient evidence and increased pressure by the FBI to turn the case over to them. We still don't know the identity of the FBI mole, but as a government agency the FBI has powers of authority that Sanctuary, a private firm, does not. So the threat of the FBI takeover contributes to the mounting sense of anxiety for the reader as the book continues. The threat the FBI poses is even more dangerous considering that the two men held in protective custody are Morgan (Guarding Morgan) and Beckett Jamieson, aka Robert Bullen. Morgan and Beckett have also both become lovers to Sanctuary agents and we have come to love both couples as the saga continues.
Each new book introduces us to a new Sanctuary agent and their potential/past lover. In Still Waters, we meet Adam Brooke, a former FBI agent falsely accused of misconduct by his lover and FBI agent partner Lee Meyers. I loved Adam. Filled full of bitterness at his betrayal by the FBI and the one person who should have stood by him, his pain and loss are evident in his caustic manner and aggressive style. Adam is a totally believable character in every respect, including his love for Lee. He hates that he still has feelings for him and it makes him cold and ruthless in his dealings with those outside the firm.
I think my problem with Still Waters is that where Adam seems fully realized, Lee does not, mostly due to Lee's backstory. Lee comes across as naive and filled with an idealism for the Bureau that would be fitting in a rookie agent. But the storyline is that he has been an agent for years. For me Lee's naive rigid outlook just seems unlikely for the seasoned agent he is supposed to be. Also when Lee is promoted to the Bureau's Internal Investigation unit early, he doesn't realize how his actions would affect his agent partner/lover. Really? Anyone in an internal investigations unit knows how they are perceived by other members of the department. For the reader to like Lee, you must be able to empathize with him, but his actions with regard to his lover make that hard as does his continuing belief that Adam really is "dirty." Lee just does not add up on so many levels, that at parts of the story I just wanted to see Adam dump him and find someone more worthwhile. I can't reveal more about Lee and his situation without going into spoiler territory which I won't do. I just wish Scott had made Lee a rookie, complete with rookie mistakes. That would have changed everything for me, including his believability and my ability to like him. So let's just say I am in love with half of this couple. Of course, it would not be a Sanctuary novel without the appearances of agents from past novels, so we meet up with Kayden and Dale again as well as Manny, their IT genius.
But the real star of this book is the Bullen family investigation that is being stretched over the series. So make sure you read the books in the order they are written (see list below). This is the only way you will meet the cast of characters mentioned all through the books and understand at least the starting points of the investigation. Scott keeps one on the proverbial pins and needles here. Just when you think you know who the mole is and that the investigation is wrapping up, the author throws more mysteries at you. The criminals behavior is not what it should be, more shadow players are lurking in the background, and what is going on at Ops? Still Waters ends but the Bullen Families crimes are still being uncovered and nothing is wrapped up. I love that! The next book is called Full Circle and it sounds like there may be more after that. I hear rumblings there may be book with Dale and Joseph from The Only Easy Day which would make this reviewer's day and then some. So here I am waiting in anticipation for the Bullens to be brought to justice and for Manny's story. I am confident that Scott will give us another great read, and give Manny a lover worthy of such a great quirky character.
Cover: Artist Reese Dante. I love that there is continuity in using some of the same models throughout the series covers as the same characters popup in each story. Great cover, wonderful stories. Perfect matchup.
Books are in order they are written and should be read (all by R.J. Scott):
Guarding Morgan
The Only Easy Day
Face Value
Still Waters
Full Circle (coming soon)
Adam Brooke is just coming off a Sanctuary case guarding a true slimeball and looking for some downtime when his boss pulls him into the largest investigation that organization has ever faced - the Bullen case. Sanctuary is still guarding the two main eye witnesses against the Bullen family and now the FBI wants to take over both the investigation and the witnesses themselves. Adam is to be the Sanctuary liaison with the FBI, a job he hates given the fact that the FBI forced him to resign after accusations he was "dirty," his pain only compounded by the fact that his accusser was his Bureau partner and lover.
Lee Meyers is a straight up FBI agent assigned as the Bureau liaison to Sanctuary, an independent security agency in possession of two key witnesses to the high profile Bullen case. Lee is aware that his ex-lover, Adam, now works for Sanctuary and hopes the case will finally give him the answers to Adam's betrayal in the past. Can Lee work past Adam's animosity and Adam get through his anger and pain long enough to get the evidence both agencies need in order to solve the case? Or will their past bring the case down around them?
Still Waters continues the story arc of the Bullen family who are steeped deep in crime and politics. And with each book, the case against the Bullens gets more complicated with sticky threads like those of a spider's web stretching out to larger events and more characters than initially thought. I love this part of the Sanctuary series. Just as you think Sanctuary and its agents have the case solved and the witnesses protected, another murder, another double agent or double cross pops up and all bets are off. Still Waters moves the Bullen investigation forward only to see the organization retreat in the face of insufficient evidence and increased pressure by the FBI to turn the case over to them. We still don't know the identity of the FBI mole, but as a government agency the FBI has powers of authority that Sanctuary, a private firm, does not. So the threat of the FBI takeover contributes to the mounting sense of anxiety for the reader as the book continues. The threat the FBI poses is even more dangerous considering that the two men held in protective custody are Morgan (Guarding Morgan) and Beckett Jamieson, aka Robert Bullen. Morgan and Beckett have also both become lovers to Sanctuary agents and we have come to love both couples as the saga continues.
Each new book introduces us to a new Sanctuary agent and their potential/past lover. In Still Waters, we meet Adam Brooke, a former FBI agent falsely accused of misconduct by his lover and FBI agent partner Lee Meyers. I loved Adam. Filled full of bitterness at his betrayal by the FBI and the one person who should have stood by him, his pain and loss are evident in his caustic manner and aggressive style. Adam is a totally believable character in every respect, including his love for Lee. He hates that he still has feelings for him and it makes him cold and ruthless in his dealings with those outside the firm.
I think my problem with Still Waters is that where Adam seems fully realized, Lee does not, mostly due to Lee's backstory. Lee comes across as naive and filled with an idealism for the Bureau that would be fitting in a rookie agent. But the storyline is that he has been an agent for years. For me Lee's naive rigid outlook just seems unlikely for the seasoned agent he is supposed to be. Also when Lee is promoted to the Bureau's Internal Investigation unit early, he doesn't realize how his actions would affect his agent partner/lover. Really? Anyone in an internal investigations unit knows how they are perceived by other members of the department. For the reader to like Lee, you must be able to empathize with him, but his actions with regard to his lover make that hard as does his continuing belief that Adam really is "dirty." Lee just does not add up on so many levels, that at parts of the story I just wanted to see Adam dump him and find someone more worthwhile. I can't reveal more about Lee and his situation without going into spoiler territory which I won't do. I just wish Scott had made Lee a rookie, complete with rookie mistakes. That would have changed everything for me, including his believability and my ability to like him. So let's just say I am in love with half of this couple. Of course, it would not be a Sanctuary novel without the appearances of agents from past novels, so we meet up with Kayden and Dale again as well as Manny, their IT genius.
But the real star of this book is the Bullen family investigation that is being stretched over the series. So make sure you read the books in the order they are written (see list below). This is the only way you will meet the cast of characters mentioned all through the books and understand at least the starting points of the investigation. Scott keeps one on the proverbial pins and needles here. Just when you think you know who the mole is and that the investigation is wrapping up, the author throws more mysteries at you. The criminals behavior is not what it should be, more shadow players are lurking in the background, and what is going on at Ops? Still Waters ends but the Bullen Families crimes are still being uncovered and nothing is wrapped up. I love that! The next book is called Full Circle and it sounds like there may be more after that. I hear rumblings there may be book with Dale and Joseph from The Only Easy Day which would make this reviewer's day and then some. So here I am waiting in anticipation for the Bullens to be brought to justice and for Manny's story. I am confident that Scott will give us another great read, and give Manny a lover worthy of such a great quirky character.
Cover: Artist Reese Dante. I love that there is continuity in using some of the same models throughout the series covers as the same characters popup in each story. Great cover, wonderful stories. Perfect matchup.
Books are in order they are written and should be read (all by R.J. Scott):
Guarding Morgan
The Only Easy Day
Face Value
Still Waters
Full Circle (coming soon)
October 22, 2018
A diferencia de los anteriores libros, en este caso los protagonistas no me gustaron en todo momento, pero sí me resultaron muy interesantes, especialmente Adam, que tiene su gran tanda de problemas.
El tema con los Bullen se vuelve más cerrado, por centrarse les personajes en averiguaciones concretas, sin embargo creo que aún falta algún giro en la historia para que esa trama general me convenza.
Adam y Lee son una pareja bastante fuerte con un pasado que trae situaciones bastante complejas en el presente, y que nos hace ver a los protagonistas de una forma más real y creíble.
Las situaciones dramáticas tampoco se hacen esperar en esta historia, revelando a los personajes la importancia que tiene el otro para cada uno.
Ahora mismo me quedo con ganas de ver la historia de más secundarios: Manny, Josh y Jennifer.
Como les he dicho con las anteriores entregas, éstas son novelas de romance homosexual, entretenidas, con una prosa muy llevadera y bastante cortas, lo que hace que sirvan para pasar un buen rato.
El tema con los Bullen se vuelve más cerrado, por centrarse les personajes en averiguaciones concretas, sin embargo creo que aún falta algún giro en la historia para que esa trama general me convenza.
Adam y Lee son una pareja bastante fuerte con un pasado que trae situaciones bastante complejas en el presente, y que nos hace ver a los protagonistas de una forma más real y creíble.
Las situaciones dramáticas tampoco se hacen esperar en esta historia, revelando a los personajes la importancia que tiene el otro para cada uno.
Ahora mismo me quedo con ganas de ver la historia de más secundarios: Manny, Josh y Jennifer.
Como les he dicho con las anteriores entregas, éstas son novelas de romance homosexual, entretenidas, con una prosa muy llevadera y bastante cortas, lo que hace que sirvan para pasar un buen rato.
November 17, 2019
Cuando te toca trabajar con el FBI, y te asignan a una agente que era tu amigo-novio-compañero, pero no creyo en ti cuando te inculparon. ¿Que puedes hacer?. De esto se trata este libro, la relacion entre Adam y Lee, su reencuentro y el descubrimiento de quien era el agente infiltrado que estaba pasando informacion a lo Bullen, tanto del FBI como de Sanctuary.
Un libro lleno de accion, estrategias, donde trabajamos de nuevo en el caso Bullen y como desenmascarar al senador.
Conocemos a Adam y Lee, aunque muy por encima, como fue su relacion y porque Adam salio del FBI y como labraron su destino para volver a confiar y estar juntos de nuevo.
Bonita, llena de accion, bien para pasar el rato, mucha aventura y poco romance, esperemos en proximo libro si terminan con la familia Bullen.
Un libro lleno de accion, estrategias, donde trabajamos de nuevo en el caso Bullen y como desenmascarar al senador.
Conocemos a Adam y Lee, aunque muy por encima, como fue su relacion y porque Adam salio del FBI y como labraron su destino para volver a confiar y estar juntos de nuevo.
Bonita, llena de accion, bien para pasar el rato, mucha aventura y poco romance, esperemos en proximo libro si terminan con la familia Bullen.
August 29, 2020
Adam and Lee have a hatred for each other that goes back to the years that they worked together at the FBI. When the two need to come together once again to help bring down the bad guys the truth to their feelings comes to a head. Can you really forgive and forget when you felt like you were thrown to the wolves? Emotional page turner as the story gets deeper and deeper. Cannot wait for the next one.
April 22, 2018
I knew this one would be fierce.
With the way Adam and Lee were in the last book and the description given of this one, I expected when they finally got alone together it would be aggressive and passionate. It was that and more. Every emotional turn was in here. I can't wait to see what comes next.
With the way Adam and Lee were in the last book and the description given of this one, I expected when they finally got alone together it would be aggressive and passionate. It was that and more. Every emotional turn was in here. I can't wait to see what comes next.
August 5, 2013
4.5 stars
I need to forewarn you right at the beginning that this story, Still Waters, is NOT a standalone. The understanding of it hinges on you having read the previous three novellas in this series. The characters are all tightly woven together and their stories so intermingled that you would find it difficult to pick up this novella as a cold read without the backdrop of the other novellas as a foundation.
Having said that, I am going to leap directly into this story and not give you any background info–otherwise the details in this review would have you reading until this same time next week. So here goes:
Adam Brooke finds out that his next assignment for Sanctuary is going to be working the ongoing Bullen case with none other than his ex-boyfriend and colleague, Lee Myer. As the story unravels we find out that not only did Adam leave the FBI under shady circumstances, but that he lost Lee in the process. In fact, Lee was also convinced that Adam had taken a bribe and received illegal information concerning their last case together. Information that named the leak in the FBI and had far reaching consequences for both men.
Interwoven with this personal saga, was the case itself–the ongoing thread in all the Sanctuary novels. In this chapter, it is discovered that there is damning evidence that will finally expose Alastair and close the case for good.
First. let me say that for a novella series, the Sanctuary series is about as good as it get!! With each addition, the family gets richer, the storyline expands and dangling threads are neatly put to bed, always with a few left for the next chapter. Very satisfying–this series is very satisfying!
Once again R. J. Scott gives us characters we can sink our teeth into and end up really caring about. Adam, is a hurting bull of an ex-agent, who lives to do right–even if he has to break a few rules in the process. He has lost everything, his job, his reputation and his lover–and he has moved on in the only way he knows–by burying himself in his new work at Sanctuary. Along comes Lee, his past–and, we hope, his future. But the swath of hurt these two men have left in each other’s wake is wide and deep and we are unsure until the very end whether or not their relationship can be restored.
Along with a taut, action-packed mystery that continues to provide just enough twists and turns to keep the reader wanting to know more, Still Waters, is also a novel about healing, restoration of trust, and the strength of forgiveness. This was, in the end, a beautiful love story. My only concern with the novella is tied to its length and the subsequent “hurrying” through the resolution of the conflict between our two MC’s that it demanded. With just a few more pages, I felt that we could have had a tad more realistic resolve to Adam and Lee’s painful rift. However, this was minor compared to the overall excellent plot and action of the story.
Still Waters–a really solid addition to the Sanctuary Series.
I need to forewarn you right at the beginning that this story, Still Waters, is NOT a standalone. The understanding of it hinges on you having read the previous three novellas in this series. The characters are all tightly woven together and their stories so intermingled that you would find it difficult to pick up this novella as a cold read without the backdrop of the other novellas as a foundation.
Having said that, I am going to leap directly into this story and not give you any background info–otherwise the details in this review would have you reading until this same time next week. So here goes:
Adam Brooke finds out that his next assignment for Sanctuary is going to be working the ongoing Bullen case with none other than his ex-boyfriend and colleague, Lee Myer. As the story unravels we find out that not only did Adam leave the FBI under shady circumstances, but that he lost Lee in the process. In fact, Lee was also convinced that Adam had taken a bribe and received illegal information concerning their last case together. Information that named the leak in the FBI and had far reaching consequences for both men.
Interwoven with this personal saga, was the case itself–the ongoing thread in all the Sanctuary novels. In this chapter, it is discovered that there is damning evidence that will finally expose Alastair and close the case for good.
First. let me say that for a novella series, the Sanctuary series is about as good as it get!! With each addition, the family gets richer, the storyline expands and dangling threads are neatly put to bed, always with a few left for the next chapter. Very satisfying–this series is very satisfying!
Once again R. J. Scott gives us characters we can sink our teeth into and end up really caring about. Adam, is a hurting bull of an ex-agent, who lives to do right–even if he has to break a few rules in the process. He has lost everything, his job, his reputation and his lover–and he has moved on in the only way he knows–by burying himself in his new work at Sanctuary. Along comes Lee, his past–and, we hope, his future. But the swath of hurt these two men have left in each other’s wake is wide and deep and we are unsure until the very end whether or not their relationship can be restored.
Along with a taut, action-packed mystery that continues to provide just enough twists and turns to keep the reader wanting to know more, Still Waters, is also a novel about healing, restoration of trust, and the strength of forgiveness. This was, in the end, a beautiful love story. My only concern with the novella is tied to its length and the subsequent “hurrying” through the resolution of the conflict between our two MC’s that it demanded. With just a few more pages, I felt that we could have had a tad more realistic resolve to Adam and Lee’s painful rift. However, this was minor compared to the overall excellent plot and action of the story.
Still Waters–a really solid addition to the Sanctuary Series.
April 18, 2017
“Dobbiamo prenderci più cura di noi ora che stiamo di nuovo insieme.”
“Ti amo,” disse lui d’impulso. Era senza dubbio la dichiarazione d’amore meno romantica della storia. Adam fece una risatina e si chinò per abbracciarlo. “Ti amo anch'io.”
In realtà sarebbero più 3 stelline e mezzo ma ho arrotondato perché finalmente la macrotrama fa un passo deciso in avanti con la cattura di uno dei pesci grossi (ora ne manca solo uno all'elenco...altri 10 mini libri e forse ce la facciamo XD) e perché mi è piaciuta molto la coppia protagonista! Forse il modo in cui Adam perdona Lee è un po' troppo semplicistico ma in fondo considerando le poche pagine, gli anni passati divisi, l'autoflagellazione dell'agente dell FBI e la tensione sexy che si respira tra le pagine direi che abbiamo aspettato anche troppo per vederli di nuovo insieme XD I due sono il classico caso degli opposti che si attraggono e nonostante tutto vedere una coppia così unita e che conosce davvero pregi e difetti l'uno dell'altro riscalda il cuore dopo tanti "accoppiamenti" veloci e superficiali che l'autrice ha dovuto fare per forza di cose XD Anche qui il finale è fin troppo veloce ma almeno le cose tra i nostri due eroi si sono chiarite, il testimone ha sputato il rospo, il traditore e venuto allo scoperto...direi che ci siamo XD
“Ti amo,” disse lui d’impulso. Era senza dubbio la dichiarazione d’amore meno romantica della storia. Adam fece una risatina e si chinò per abbracciarlo. “Ti amo anch'io.”
In realtà sarebbero più 3 stelline e mezzo ma ho arrotondato perché finalmente la macrotrama fa un passo deciso in avanti con la cattura di uno dei pesci grossi (ora ne manca solo uno all'elenco...altri 10 mini libri e forse ce la facciamo XD) e perché mi è piaciuta molto la coppia protagonista! Forse il modo in cui Adam perdona Lee è un po' troppo semplicistico ma in fondo considerando le poche pagine, gli anni passati divisi, l'autoflagellazione dell'agente dell FBI e la tensione sexy che si respira tra le pagine direi che abbiamo aspettato anche troppo per vederli di nuovo insieme XD I due sono il classico caso degli opposti che si attraggono e nonostante tutto vedere una coppia così unita e che conosce davvero pregi e difetti l'uno dell'altro riscalda il cuore dopo tanti "accoppiamenti" veloci e superficiali che l'autrice ha dovuto fare per forza di cose XD Anche qui il finale è fin troppo veloce ma almeno le cose tra i nostri due eroi si sono chiarite, il testimone ha sputato il rospo, il traditore e venuto allo scoperto...direi che ci siamo XD
July 31, 2017
"Don't believe everything you see."
Where does Still Waters rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
I couldn't wait to listen to this book as I've listened to all the previous stories in the series. I loved the concept of the story, once lovers, now enemies, can they become lovers again?
What was one of the most memorable moments of Still Waters?
When Lee finally figures out what actually happened two years ago.
Have you listened to any of Sean Crisden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I purchase books simply because he narrates them, I love his voice. It's unusual to begin with and he can deliver a country twang like no other.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Not really. I enjoyed it, might have to revisit all the books in the series when the next one comes out. I will say, the whole issue around what happened that broke them up, Adam refusing to tell Lee the truth, feeling he should trust him regardless, was a bit annoying. These are two grown ass men and if they'd been open and honest, they wouldn't have lost so many years to stupidity.
Any additional comments?
This book is part of a series, but each book in the series stands alone quite well. There are a few side characters and a case that runs through all the books though, so I recommend listening in order.
Where does Still Waters rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
I couldn't wait to listen to this book as I've listened to all the previous stories in the series. I loved the concept of the story, once lovers, now enemies, can they become lovers again?
What was one of the most memorable moments of Still Waters?
When Lee finally figures out what actually happened two years ago.
Have you listened to any of Sean Crisden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I purchase books simply because he narrates them, I love his voice. It's unusual to begin with and he can deliver a country twang like no other.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Not really. I enjoyed it, might have to revisit all the books in the series when the next one comes out. I will say, the whole issue around what happened that broke them up, Adam refusing to tell Lee the truth, feeling he should trust him regardless, was a bit annoying. These are two grown ass men and if they'd been open and honest, they wouldn't have lost so many years to stupidity.
Any additional comments?
This book is part of a series, but each book in the series stands alone quite well. There are a few side characters and a case that runs through all the books though, so I recommend listening in order.
July 7, 2013
Another great one in the series!
Really enjoyed it, Adam and Lee are perfect for each other, really enjoyed their dynamic.
loved the size difference! I always find that so hot and cute for some reason.
also, any appearance of Kayden has me laughing, that guy is awesome!
Very short but highly recommended, just like the entire series, now off to Manny!
July 9, 2012
3.5 stars but bumped down to 3 'coz Adam and Lee pushed my "I'm annoyed button" with the whole separation thing and the reason behind it. You know, the whole not talking and not trusting each other. After being together for several years. Yeah, for some reason I just couldn't get behind them getting back together.
May 22, 2012
3.5* Like with the previous book, here again I liked the suspense more than the romance. The turnaround from enemies to lovers was rather abrupt. Generally I found both MCs lacking in the chemistry department.
May 19, 2012
Still Waters is another awesome Sanctuary story. I loved Adam & Lee! The stories just keep getting better and better. I highly recommend this series. Lots of suspense, action, drama, danger, misunderstanding, and love!
April 18, 2013
I loved this one...I was so angry the first half :D This story shows that sometimes, all you can do is forgive.
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