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SWAT officer Cole thought he could handle anything—until he handles Brett.

As lead sniper of the Las Vegas Police Department's SWAT team, Cole has faced plenty of danger but has never risked love. He lives hard and plays harder, so settling down isn’t on his radar. Then, a deadly hostage situation arises, and Cole is stunned by his attraction to the brave and beautiful man he saves from a bullet.

Brett has been burned before, most recently by Officer Parker of the LVMPD. He's hoping to forge a new life in Vegas and perhaps find love. However, the last thing Brett's looking for is another man in uniform—which makes fighting his desire for the hunk who rescues him from death that much tougher.

What begins as nothing more than two people sharing a sizzling night together spirals into something deeper. Can Brett handle the stress that comes with having a partner whose life is in constant jeopardy? And will Cole risk his heart on an everyday hero?

A lethal SWAT call might make the decision for them…

Note : Held Hostage is the fourth book in the exciting first responder/crime series, Sin City Uniforms. It was previously published with a different cover under the same title. This edition has been revised and re-edited, but the story remains the same. It can be read as a standalone, but the series is best enjoyed in order. Held Hostage is the story of Brett's happily ever after. You might remember him as Parker's ex in Copping an Attitude. Don't miss out on this steamy, opposites attract, age gap, action-packed romance. Grab your copy today!

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2015

23 people are currently reading
231 people want to read

About the author

Morticia Knight

118 books648 followers
USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Morticia Knight spends most of her nights writing about men loving men who explore the sweeter side of kink. If there happens to be some friendly bondage or floggings involved, she doesn’t begrudge her characters whatever their filthy little hearts desire. Even though she’s been crafting her tales for more years than she’d like to share—her adventures as a published author began in 2011. With over 70 gay/bisexual romance books and stories available, Morticia is bound to have something for your sexy HEA reading pleasure!

Morticia resides on the North Oregon coast where the fierce winter storms, gray skies and ocean views all conspire to spark her endless imagination.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~.
3,621 reviews1,156 followers
June 4, 2015
This is very Insta Lovey and rushed, but I can forgive a lot when men in uniform and arse hole waxing are involved.

Brett is Parker's ex-boyfriend from Copping an Attitude, the second book in Morticia Knight's Sin City Uniforms series. Brett is working the retail bump-and-grind; he's lonely and not even remotely fulfilled by random hookups.

On top of all that, he becomes a hostage during a scary situation at the store he manages.

The poor guy cannot catch a break.

SWAT team member Cole is rough around the edges and an all around take-charge kind of guy. He saves Brett and then takes him to bed.

The problem is that Cole does not do relationship or commitments.

*heavy sigh* Where have we heard THAT before?

I liked the sexy times and the obvious lust + tenderness between the MCs. I don't think the aftermath of the hostage situations (yes, plural) was fully dealt with.

There is something rote about these stories; they are fun, EASY, and smexy as fuck, but ... just but.

I'm still kind of hooked on this series though.

P.S. That cover is a fail. Can we get rid of gray T-shirt dude once and for all? PLEASE. No more. He's the most overused M/M romance model of all time.
Profile Image for Penumbra.
1,204 reviews19 followers
September 11, 2023
Held Hostage is the fourth book in the ‘Sin City Uniforms’ series. It stars Cole, a SWAT officer, and Brett, retail manager at an exclusive designer store. This is told in third person from both Cole and Brett’s povs.

I read the first book in this series and I didn’t care for it, but I thought I’d give this series another try to see if maybe it was just the first book I didn’t like. I don’t think it is. The style of writing doesn’t work for me. It reads as choppy and the scenes don’t flow well into one another. The info in the blurb mentions the book has been expanded and I’m wondering if that has something to do with the raggedness of it. Of course, it could be because the more recent stories I’ve read by this author are improved, so that earlier works don’t seem up to her current standard of writing. There was also too much monologue which I didn’t care for. The emotional scenes don’t feel like there is much depth to them. They stem on having sex and seem like that’s supposed to solve any communication problems and all emotional vulnerabilities, which they don’t.

I have to see how a couple fit together in personality and history in order to understand if they will make a good couple. Cole and Brett did not fit together other than both men thought the other was hot. One scene particularly annoyed me. Brett returns to the shop after the murders and he’s in anguish. Cole stops by and is going to take him home. Brett is very vulnerable, and Cole tells himself not to push, but he really wants to have sex with Brett. So, he kisses Brett and then they go to Brett’s place and have sex. In my mind that makes Cole a predator. Brett is emotionally vulnerable, like someone who is drunk, and instead of allowing Brett to feel safe and just looking after Brett, Cole switches it up to what he wants and thinks that it’s good for Brett to have sex. He does things like this throughout the story. Claiming what he’s doing is for Brett’s good, but is really for his own wants. Brett is messed up after the murders, and the breakup he had with his ex, so that he easily falls back into the grasp of Cole. Luckily, he wakes up in the end and breaks it off. I really didn’t like Cole. He was not a nice person throughout the story. He gave attention to Brett to get what he wanted, which was sex. Cole didn’t have his epiphany until he almost lost his life, which was a cliched scene.

The action scenes were probably the best part of Held Hostage, although gruesome in my opinion. What I disliked most in this story was Cole. I couldn’t believe in Brett and Cole as a couple, because Cole was a jerk. His epiphany came out of nowhere. Like ‘there are no atheists in foxholes.’ The emotional connections in the story weren’t smooth enough to work at creating loving characters. Since this book didn’t work for me, I give it 2 Stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Didi.
1,535 reviews86 followers
December 18, 2015
Copy of the book was kindly provided by the author for fair and honest review.

First of: my bad. Not only did this my first timer reading Morticia Knight' piece, I had picked the latest of an ongoing series. Having skipped previous books, there were some details mentioned here that had me muttered, dang, that was on book whichever and I haven't read them! But as a standalone, I quite enjoyed this story.

As could be guessed by the title and Cole's occupation as a member of LVMPD SWAT team (yes, highly trained hot man in uniform!) the story picked up when a hostage situation happened. I don't usually like insta-whatever in contemporary setting. But after such intense incident, I'd allow Brett the connection, instant attachment and attraction he felt to Cole. The other's interest seemed superficial at first, though I approved how both MCs being candid upfront and progressed from there. Of course, before things became complicated, feelings started to get involved and talking seemed difficult.

The smutty scenes were somewhat too much for me - you could find one right in the early pages on first chapter even. It was graphic with some spankings and bounded. I'm not much fan of too many exposure as those here. However, Cole's use of endearment for his lover amused me: he sometimes referred to Brett as "his little shit" with fondness. Well, I guess that worked for me, too.

What I felt a bit left out were Cole's relationship with his so-called best friend and Brett's with his ex. They each had their own history which, especially for Brett, I'm sure was told more in Copping an Attitude. I just wish there's a short narration to give reader (meaning: me) an illustration of their connection to each other.

The ending was rather rushed, yet I still applauded the plot for trying to be as real as possible in depicting the hazardous world and the risks everyone were in. As introduction to the author's work and jumping in the middle of a series, I considered this a bit of success. And by that meaning I'm keen on reading more of her books.

Profile Image for Veronica of V's Reads.
1,528 reviews44 followers
July 9, 2015
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review. This is a series book, but easily enjoyed as a standalone.

Brett is manager of an upscale men's clothing store in Las Vegas. This is a step-down from his regional manager position. He made this career move to have more time with a man he thought he loved, Officer Parker from a previous book in the series. Parker didn't return his strength of affection, but Brett had already set his mind on settling down, so he can find a long-term lover. His former high-travel lifestyle precluded this.

He's on the job one week when a psychotic man takes his salesforce hostage and a SWAT shootout results in casualties. Brett had tried to intercede, and he's wracked by guilt over those who died in the crossfire.

SWAT Officer Cole Silva was on the scene and fired the shot that brought the crisis to an end. Recognizing Brett from the gay club scene, Cole found him extremely attractive before, but he expects Brett will suffer emotionally from the aftermath of the hostage situation so Cole tries to comfort Brett. Their mutual attraction grows into more---quickly. Their chemistry and sexytimes, with a teeny bit of kink, is incendiary.

I really liked the story. There are some solid feelings developed in a short span of time, but both are much more raw and vulnerability due to the hostage crisis. Brett is hesitant to embark on anything with Cole--mostly because Cole doesn't DO relationships. He's too afraid something bad will happen while he's on duty and he'll leave someone mourning him. But, Brett doesn't do CASUAL anymore. He got burned with Parker, and he wants a man who wants him.

Expect a break-up-to-make-up. Expect some intense police actions. Expect to like Cole and Brett--they are both good guys. I breezed through this one with a bit of tension and big ole smile.

Profile Image for Makhda.
877 reviews146 followers
July 7, 2015
2.5 stars

Maybe I'm just not into f*ck buddy plot. I don't feel anything about it. The only thing I liked is when Brett come to his senses and confront Cole. That's what I liked the most.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Helen.
172 reviews25 followers
March 26, 2016
Maybe 3.5 stars
Like eating book candy .
9,376 reviews140 followers
September 1, 2023
This is a well written MM romance with strong characters in Cole and Brett. The author brings an action packed story with a ton of emotions as the two men come together. It's insta lust at first sight. They have a hot chemistry and I enjoyed watching the relationship grow. There's drama and suspense along with the steamy romance. The story moves fluidly and is a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Reflection.
355 reviews63 followers
September 2, 2015
A bright and breezy tale of Brett who has decided to settle down, and recently moved to manage a fashion store in Las Vegas. He meets hunky Cole, a police officer and SWAT team member who is a native of the city. There is chemistry between both guys, but Cole is not looking for love.

The story is told in third person and from both main characters points of view. There are some mild elements of BDSM as Cole introduces Brett to a walk on the wild side, but mostly this is a gentle love story. Brett figures out if he can settle for less than a full relationship, and Cole contemplates whether Brett is actually worth risking his heart for.

Held Hostage is part of a series, but it works well enough as a stand alone story. Their friends provide interesting distraction and perhaps if I had read other books in the series this would have been an opportunity to catch up with them.

I enjoyed the story, but it never entirely captivated me. I found myself dipping in and out and reading several other novels in between. I think perhaps this is a case of "It's not you, it's me," I prefer my books to be a little on the darker side.

With themes of a hostage situation (Brett's store is taken over by a crazed gunman, and Cole is part of the SWAT rescue team sent to the scene). I was hoping for something a bit grittier an instead found a light romance. I liked both Cole and Brett - I wasn't particularly engaged with either of them but glad they found a happy ending.

If you are looking for some boy on boy romance, this may be the book for you. For those looking for a darker read this is not it.

A complimentary copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review as part of the Male / Male Romance group's Don't Buy My Love event
Profile Image for Pati.
872 reviews
June 25, 2015
I received this book from the author through the m/m romance group's Don't Buy Me Love Program in exchange for a fair and honest review.

3.5 Stars

I was really looking forward to this book and I wasn't disappointed despite the fact that it started with a couple of my personal dislikes. I just couldn't help but like these kind, sweet men.

I enjoyed getting to know former Army ranger, Las Vegas SWAT Team officer Cole Silva and retail store manager/grant writer Brett Langevin.

I really dislike seeing my MCs hook-up with anyone else besides the other MC and it did continue to bother me seeing him with 3 different men in the space of 5 days. However, watching this honest, caring man's reactions to our other MC, Brett, made up for my dislike of the beginning hook-ups. What made Cole so unique was that despite him being a tough cop he was also very self aware and more than willing to analyze himself. That was a very refreshing change from the norm.

As for Brett...well he was just such a sweet, lonely guy that I couldn't help but like him from the very beginning. How could I not enjoy seeing him get to his HEA with his knight in shining armor?!

One last thing that I would like to make note of is that though this is book four in the series it's not confusing if you haven't read the others. I had no problem and this is the first one that I've read. Though now I'm adding the others to my TBR list since I enjoyed this one so much.

I would most definitely recommend this to my friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chocalicious Love.
413 reviews14 followers
July 12, 2015
****I was given this book free by the author in exchange for an unbiased review. ****

I really enjoyed this. It’s the fourth in a series, but I haven’t read the others and had no trouble following, so it's definitely a stand-alone.. I’m curious about Books 1-3, though, because of the mention of previous characters, which I usually enjoy re-encountering because of the continuity and closure that brings.

This is a warm relationship between Brett, store manager, and Cole, SWAT team member. They meet when there is a situation at the store Brett manages. Well, actually, they saw each other in a bar the night before but didn’t get a chance to exchange words. BUT THE CHEMISTRY WAS THERE!!!

So, after the incident, Cole and Brett get together under the guise of Cole needing to comfort Brett. (Yeah, right!) :-) They start out on the same page – both enjoying a steamy relationship with no commitment, which they both swear they wanted … until a near disaster. The warmth and tenderness between these guys was great. Insta-lust was there but I enjoyed it. And talk about HAWT and sexy!!!

Recommended for sure!!!!

Profile Image for Lisa.
3,540 reviews140 followers
June 26, 2015
I was given this book free by the author in exchange tor an unbiased review.

I am loving this series. Although a series, each book could be read as a stand alone. Previous MCs do pop in and out which is nice.
Cole needs Brett after he is called in with Swat whilst Brett is held hostages. Brett is not long out of a relationship and Cole doesn't do relationship.
One offers comfort to the other and slowly they seem to be heading for a relationship.
There is some angst at the end and it takes Cole being shot to actually bring the guys to their senses.
Overall an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Candice.
2,955 reviews134 followers
July 24, 2015
3.5 Stars

I'm glad that Brett got his own story. I really liked him and Cole. I loved watching him come out of his shell. Cole was okay. I loved when Brett put him in his place. I loved how he was Brett's rock when he needed Cole.

Looking forward to more from this series.
Profile Image for Sylvia.
1,436 reviews13 followers
May 8, 2016
2.75 stars


♡men in uniform but I'm not a fan of insta-love.
3,406 reviews28 followers
August 29, 2023
What a connection
Brett who we have met before when he was hooking up with officer Parker, but that hadn’t work out, because Parker had instantly fell for Lonnie.
Brett was working as a manager in a fashion store when a crazy man came in complaining that he hadn’t had a job interview. Brett explained that there was no vacancies at the moment, but when there was he would call him. And the man asked if he had the number for the White House.!!! But then the next day that man comes in with a gun shooting at the store. And as Brett sees people injured on the floor, he knows he has to stay in control. The phone rings and thankfully it is a swat negotiator explaining that they were there.
Cole has just been on duty as a SWAT officer when they got a call to a hostage situation in the mall. When he got there and looked in the store, he noticed the blonde Man, who he had seen at the gay bar the night before. Cole really hoped he wasn’t a hostage taker. Thankfully, they managed to get everyone out. Thanks to Brett working with Steve. When Brett comes face to face with Cole he recognises him straight away and there is an instant attraction between them. Brett is shaken up and got some cuts, so the paramedics take him in to get checked over.
The next day Cole appears out of nowhere in the store he had come to check on Brett. Brett was glad he did because the store was the last place he wanted to be. Can this connection and instant chemistry be enough for them to be together??
I’ve got to say I did enjoy this book. I was pretty much hooked and read it in one sitting. I really like Brett he is a honest, hard-working, loving person who will do anything for his friends or the LBGTQ community. Brett had noticed Cole that night at the bar but decided to go home but seeing him again there was this instant warmth in my heart. Honestly, it was just like these two people were meant to be together. I was really worried because Cole had had an encounter at the bar then with best friend and then we Brett. I’m worried that Brett was really going to get hurt in his book but without giving too much away I just wanna say I really like Brett. Cole had a good side and he definitely brought out the best in Brett. He enjoyed helping the community but he was just not ready to commit and then he met Brett chemistry that these two have is off the charts. The connection was beautiful. I really enjoyed this book.

I’ll be there find out about Steve??.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
607 reviews6 followers
August 25, 2023
3.5 stars
An instant attraction between Brett and Cole that neither could act on as they never managed to meed during that first sighting, but that didn't stop either from constantly thinking of the other man. Their second encounter isn't much better as there is so much chaos going on, they only manage to speak briefly. Finally, the third time is the charm and they get to spend some time getting to know each other and end up having their first of many super sizzling sexy times. Their chemistry is off the charts and has some mild BDSM - spanking, bondage, and a bit of control.
Cole states upfront he doesn't do relationships and this is a struggle for Brett as he has connected strongly but doesn't want to get his heart broken - again. They get along well, but at one point Cole is acting as if they are a couple, confusing Brett. When Brett finally stands up for what he wants - YAY - Cole is unable to give it to him, and Brett decides to end things between them. Despite this separation, neither man is able to forget the other, and when tragedy strikes weeks later, both realize they belong together and decide to give a relationship a try.
Then the author jumped to their HEA!? It would have been much better for the story if the MC's had time to solidify their relationship before being rushed to the end.
The action scenes were attention grabbing and well done, same for the sexy times. There was danger and violence, and while Cole got counseling for himself, Brett never did, and I felt that was a missed opportunity here. Also, why did Brett need to stay overnight at the hospital for a cut on his arm - no details were given as to how serious, only that he needed a new shirt - and it was odd with how much attention Cole gave to Brett's body during their first intimate scene (as well as others) that there was no mention of the bandage or cut.
Overall, this story could have been better, but it was still good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,027 reviews
September 9, 2023
Brett is back. After the heartbreak of realizing Parker didn't love him, Brett has decided to move to Las Vegas full time. He is now friends with Parker and Lonny and he has come to terms with how that relationship ended. He would like to find someone to love him but he feels like his life has stalled and that maybe no one will ever be able to love him. Cole plans to stay single for a while longer because he can't imagine asking anyone to deal with his dangerous job. When Brett is taken hostage by a madman with a gun, Cole realizes that the universe has a different plan for him. But can they learn to communicate effectively and let their growing feelings blossom into love?

Both men have sad backstories. I like how the author chose to develop each character and show how their histories don't define them. I think they were both making life decisions that made sense based on their histories and the way the author showed them changing as they realized they loved one another was well done. There is a little moment where the author reintroduces the title of story but in a different context than the obvious (Brett held at gunpoint) that I thought was really good. The author introduces the next story in the series and now I'm really intrigued to see where it goes.

I think my one major complaint with the story is that the story didn't really have room to breath. The author did such a good job creating two very flawed characters but then had to speed to get to the finish line that the story felt rushed. I wanted more of the larger world of the Sin City Uniforms but this story was so fast and furious that it was completely focused on the main love story.

This is a contemporary m/m romance set in Las Vegas. Both characters are adults with professional careers. There are explicit scenes and discussion of adult activities. I will read more from this author in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Avid.
140 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2023
Bret had changed jobs going from District Manager of a clothing store to general manager of the Los Vegas store. He's ready to settle down and figures if he's in one spot instead of traveling all over the country, he'll have a better chance to meet someone.
Cole is part of the SWAT team and is very good at his job. He's also a love-them and leave-them guy. He doesn't want to get serious with anyone because of his dangerous job.
Cole goes to the club one night to check out the possibilities for the evening. He gets his drink and notices an attractive guy at the end of the bar. He decides to go and talk to the guy when he's distracted by the guy next to him. By the time he gets rid of him, he turns around to see the guy at the end of the bar and he's gone. He decides to go home.
Bret, after noticing the hot guy at the end of the bar, he's about to approach him when he see that he's talking to a young guy next to him. Disappointed, Bret decides to go home. The next day while Bret is at work, this guy he's been having trouble with, comes into the store. He has a gun and he's acting crazy. SWAT is called and Cole with his partner, are assigned to rescue the hostages. Cole notices that the guy he saw the night before who disappeared, is in the store. Cole and his partner are told to enter the store and take out the hostage-taker. Cole manages to take out the guy just before he attempts to shoot Bret.
This story is about how Bret handles the trauma and Cole's unusual desire to take care of Bret. I appreciate the live action, on page about the SWAT teams activities. There are two situations that are very descriptive and realistic so I caution anyone that's triggered.
This was an excellent book and well written.
Profile Image for Marion.
1,843 reviews
September 6, 2023
This is book 4 in the Sin City Uniforms series and the second book in this series that I have read. You can fully enjoy it as a standalone. This is the story of Brett Langevin and Cole Silva. This book starts with intense action. Brett has just moved to Las Vegas and is the manager of a men's clothing store. He downgraded from the regional manager position. He wants to be able to stay somewhere long enough to connect and have relationships. The first week in his new job is unforgettable. An unbalanced man walks in with a gun and takes Brett and his subordinates hostage. Brett helps the situation by being calm and keeping the man with the gun calm. Since it is in the mall, the police are aware of the situation. Cole is a respected sniper on the LVPD SWAT team. He comes to the store and saves Brett's life from the shooter. Definitely not the usual cute meet that you read all the time. Brett is off police officers since his last relationship blew up in his face. Cole is sure that being with a SWAT team member is too hard on civilians so he is not open to relationships until he retires. He is a one and done type of guy. But he can't seem to get Brett out of his mind. And Brett is not interested in a friend with benefits relationship. This is their story. I loved the chemistry between the two of them. It was also refreshing to see how self-aware Cole is. I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and easy to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,710 reviews11 followers
September 4, 2023
Brett is the new manager of a men’s clothing store in a Las Vegas shopping mall. All is going well until a crazy guy who keeps binging in job applications flips out and starts shooting, taking shoppers and employees hostage. The SWAT team is called in, and when they enter the store, Cole is the one to take down the shooter just before he shoots Brett. Thus begins an attraction between the two which quickly evolves into more, the question being more what?
Brett is not that long out of a relationship he had misread as more than it was, and Cole avoids relationships due to the dangers of the job (or so he tells himself), but both are drawn to each other, Brett needing reassurance and a feeling of safety after his ordeal, and Cole finding himself wanting to protect Brett and keep him safe from everything. When the two are not on the same page as to where things are going, they pull back from each other and move on, until a crisis brings things to a head and they must confront what they want from each other.
It was easy to get invested in the two main characters, both alone, one realizing he wants more in his life, the other wanting something but too afraid to admit to himself what he needs and wants, both trying to find a way to their heart’s desire. Fast paced action, interesting side characters, a bit of kink to one new to it, caring and unexpected PDAs. A good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Oceans.
105 reviews8 followers
August 28, 2023
"Held Hostage" by Morticia Knight is Book 4 of the Sin City Uniforms series. I've read other books by this author, but none in this series. I was still able to follow along just fine reading this as a standalone.

This book follows SWAT officer Cole and clothing store manager Brett as they have not one but two chance encounters that ultimately lead them down the path to their HEA.

It's hard to keep my attention from the first page of a book, but Morticia Knight had me hooked immediately! I usually don't go for action in my romance books, but she blended the genres very well. The characters were well developed and succeeded in making me angry at times. This is a good thing. It means I care. 🙃 The BDSM elements were fairly light throughout the spicy scenes and done with care and concern for the sub. I really appreciated the pacing of the relationship, considering how our two MCs met and the immediate bond they had.

Overall, this was a great book! I would recommend it to anyone who likes well fleshed out men in uniform and a little bit of BDSM in their MM romances. I'll definitely be reading more from this author!

TW should include blood, unaliving on page, death of a secondary character, death of a minor sibling, and past child abuse..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Anij.
1,337 reviews12 followers
September 14, 2023
“This is today. Be with me here, right now.”

I have to say, Morticia is one of the best when it comes to creating complex and compelling characters that suck you in and don’t let go. I’ve read a number of her books and almost every single one found myself swept away by the people in them. They are so real that by the end I feel like I actually know them personally.

I haven’t read any of the other books in the Sin City books, not in this series or the prior version of the series, but I was instantly captivated by Cole and Brett.

“Just so we’re clear. I don’t do relationships or commitments.” When Cole said that to Brett I actually laughed out loud. I couldn’t help but wonder who he was trying to warn. It was clear from the start Brett was going to be the one who finally broke through to Cole’s well guarded heart and I found it amusing to watch Cole try to avoid admitting the inevitable. Their connection was almost instantaneous and their chemistry was explosive. Both had terrible, painful pasts and they healed each other as they found their HEA.

This book was fantastic and I absolutely recommend it to everyone. Don’t worry if you haven’t read any of the others. Like I said, neither had I and I didn’t feel I was missing out on anything. Just be prepared to read the entire thing in one sitting as I promise, once you start, you will not be able to put it down.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,056 reviews11 followers
August 20, 2023
Cole and Brett haven't had much luck in the area of boyfriend material. Each believed they had found at least a steady f**k companion (Cole's case) while Brett held out hope that his friend Parker could be the one for him. Only Parker found someone else to love (Copping an Attitude, Book 2 of Sin City Uniforms). Both are feeling depressed, so each goes to The Pink Palace looking for a night's hookup. Each sees the other, but circumstances don't result in meeting each other. Boy, talk about Fate, LVPD SWAT sniper Cole is called to a hostage situation the next day and spies Brett in the middle of said predicament. The author writes this incident with realistic violence so caution to any sensitive reader. Death does occur and innocents' lives are put in jeopardy. Police calls aren't all DUI stops. Cole and Brett slowly explore their resulting relationship cautiously. The story's flow is an emotional journey as their lives are shared and their physical connection is confirmed. I've now read all four books in this series and have related to the realism in each one. The is a promise of a fifth in this series that I look forward to reading. I got an ARC in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Karen.
422 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up

If you're into insta-love -- even when neither man is able nor willing to admit their feelings out of fear -- you'll like this book. SWAT sniper Cole saves Brett's life a day after losing his chance for a hookup with the 'pretty boy'. Their chemistry is off the charts, and Cole's dominance meets a need Brett never knew he had. But Cole has always been commitment-phobic, and after Brett had his heart broken by another member of the Las Vegas PD, he's leery of getting more involved with someone like Cole. They don't say how they feel, which of course leads to miscommunication and a breakup that was really quite unnecessary as far as I'm concerned. Brett was a bit too needy and Cole a bit too bossy for my taste, and both were too fearful to speak their minds until Cole's job forced them to confront the issue that broke them apart. The parts of the story that detail a little of what Cole's job entails made it interesting for me, hence the half-star upgrade.
Profile Image for Helen.
1,006 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2023
SWAT MM in Vegas

I have been loving this series of uniform officers performing in Sin City. Even though this book can be read as stand-alone, we meet characters first introduced in the other books.

It is well-written, and the characters are described thoroughly. We first met Brett as a side character in a previous book. He now gets his own book, and wow, what a book.

Officer Cole, a SWAT team member, called to the very incident at the Mall where Brett works.
Brett and Cole are entirely different characters. Will they ever click, or will Cole keep his feelings inside and completely ignore them?

The Characters are well-written and full of depth, and the background story keeps you interested; I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend this series. I can't wait to listen to this on audio. Please.


Held Hostage: An MM SWAT Suspense Romance (Sin City Uniforms Book 4)
by Morticia Knight (Author)

❤❤❤❤❤ Story
665 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2023
This is a good book to read! This is the fourth book in the Sin City Uniforms Series. Brett steps down from District Manager o f.the Joe Martin Clothing Stores to become the Store Manager in Las Vegas. Cole works for SWAT in the Las Vegas Police Department. When they are not called out they are working on training to keep in top shape. Brett is working on paperwork in the back when someone comes in looking for a job. Brett has talked to this person several times and now he is holding a customer hostage until he gets what he wants. Cole is part of the SWAT Team that gets called in. Cole takes the shot to end the standoff. Cole and Brett spend time together and grow closer. Brett finally walks away because he wants something more but Cole is not ready for a relationship.. Will Cole admit what he is feeling???? Will Brett find the love he is looking for???.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marian..
1,215 reviews65 followers
June 24, 2024
okey this is my least favorite of the series, unfortunately I felt the story of Brett and Cole a little unrealistic (if it is fiction, I know but in the previous books I felt much more chemistry between the characters than these two), plus I did not like Cole's attitude at all but as always the part of the crime and suspense is what made me keep reading and the author portrays it so well that you think you're watching a crime documentary.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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okey este es mi menos favorito de la serie, lastimosamente sentí la historia de Brett y Cole un poco irreal (si es ficción, lo se pero en los libros anteriores sentí mucho mas química entre los personajes que estos dos), además de que la actitud de Brett no me gusto para nada pero como siempre la parte del crimen y el suspenso es lo que me hizo seguir leyendo y es que la autora lo retrata tan bien que piensas que estás viendo un documental de crímenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emma Collins.
Author 4 books5 followers
July 27, 2025
An absolutely gripping and emotional read! Held Hostage delivers everything you could want in a romantic suspense—intense action, unforgettable characters, and sizzling chemistry.

Cole, the tough-as-nails SWAT sniper, meets his match in Brett, a man who's been hurt before but still radiates courage and heart. Their connection is instant, but what makes this story shine is how it builds from raw attraction into a deep, emotional bond.

Morticia Knight perfectly balances danger, romance, and vulnerability. The hostage scene is tense and thrilling, and the emotional aftermath is handled with such care and realism. Watching Cole and Brett navigate their fears, hopes, and undeniable pull toward each other is incredibly satisfying.

This is a story about risking everything for love—and it's done flawlessly. A must-read for fans of protective heroes, heartfelt second chances, and high-stakes romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bkwrm24.
1,898 reviews14 followers
September 1, 2023
Cole and Brett 🔥❤️🔥

4 Stars ⭐️

I'm an all in on this series, I mean sexy men in uniform and the sweethearts who love them. How could you go wrong? I was so happy to get Brett's story, he's been through so much. First heartbreak, big life changes and then trauma...just as he thinks that he's given up on love, along comes Cole and literally saves his life along with his heart. These two were so perfect together, Cole was extremely in tune to just what Brett was needing and missing in his life (inside and outside of the bedroom) and in turn Brett was everything that Cole needed but just never gave himself a chance to grab it because of his job. These two were sweet and most definitely spicy as hell. I would recommend this read, it was a great addition to the Sin City Uniforms series.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
5,116 reviews28 followers
September 2, 2023
Brett had been ready last year to relocate to Las Vegas for Officer Parker but he never caught feelings and found someone else. Looking for a change, he stepped down from his job as a district manage to managing a store in Las Vegas. When an unhinged man turns the store into a hostage situation, the SWAT team arrived and they are saved by Cole and his team.

Cole saw the man across the bar the night before and is amazed by his bravery in light of the hostage situation. Cole and Brett have instant connection but the each want something different. Brett wants the commitment were as Cole is does not want to be tied down while he is still with SWAT.

Can Cole watch Brett walk away when they do not want the same thing?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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