Shock & Awe

Sidewinder #1

by Abigail Roux

After barely surviving a shootout in New Orleans, Sidewinder medic Kelly Abbott has to suffer through a month of recovery before he can return home to Colorado. He’s not surprised when fellow Sidewinder Nick O’Flaherty stays with him in New Orleans. Nor is he surprised when Nick travels home with him to help him get back on his feet—after all, years on the same Marine Force Recon team bonded the men in ways that only bleeding for a brother can. He’s very surprised, though, when Nick humors his moment of curiosity and kisses him.

Nick knows all of Kelly’s quirks and caprices, so the kiss was a low-risk move on his part . . . or so he thought. But what should’ve been a simple moment unleashes a flood of confusing emotions and urges that neither man is prepared to address.

Now, Kelly and Nick must figure out what they mean to each other—friends and brothers in arms, or something even deeper?—before the past can come back to ruin their tenuous future.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, LGBT, Gay For You

125 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2013

About the author

Abigail Roux was born and raised in North Carolina. A past volleyball star who specializes in sarcasm and painful historical accuracy, she currently spends her time coaching high school volleyball and investigating the mysteries of single motherhood. Any spare time is spent living and dying with every Atlanta Braves and Carolina Panthers game of the year. Abigail has a daughter, Little Roux, who is the light of her life, a boxer, four rescued cats who play an ongoing live-action variation of 'Call of Duty' throughout the house, a certifiable extended family down the road, and a cast of thousands in her head.

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 smutty and fun stars.



HOT DAMN! Shock and Awe was a real treat and for such a short read it sure packed a punch!



"I want to know what it feels like to kiss a guy. And you've had a lot of practice, so I know you're a good kisser."
"Are you simultaneously complimenting me and calling me a whore?"
"I'm…I'm just impressed you can take half a Percocet and say simul…simultaneous."





"Don't," Nick warned with a point."
Kelly quirked an eyebrow.
"Don't you do it."
"Come give me a cuddle with a happy ending."
Nick was still pointing at him. "I will not be leveraged."
"Cuddle," Kelly said, waving his hand.
"I don't negotiate with terrorists!"
"Come on, Nicko, come give me a manly cuddle."
"Put down the eggs."
"Promise I'll get a cuddle?" Kelly asked.

"Just stop talking, Beaumont," Nick grunted. "You're like the Bermuda Triangle of morals."
Zane snorted and covered it with a cough.
"Fine, be that way," Ty said. "Go be a goddamn white knight."

"Hand me that fucking video camera."
(…)
Nick hit record and bent over Kelly to speak against his ear. "I better not see this shit on the internet." LOL

Nick buried himself deep and began to laugh. "You're dirty, Kels."
"That's like Satan calling me a bad boy."

First off I think it would be very favorable to read Touch & Geaux before you tackle Shock and Awe because there's a serious tie-in. Come to think of it, maybe it would be good to read the entire Cut & Run series before you start with Shock and Awe. After all, it's an entertaining series and so worth reading. Also, the fun goes on with S&A.

The quotes are self-evident and I don't need to extensively review the book. Suffice it to say that I enjoyed it very much. Some hot smut and a tiny touch of kink, great and witty dialogue, and two perfect dance partners made this an all-around gratifying ride. Now I could say something about instant gratification but…I won't.

Minor quibble
I didn't want it to be over so soon. On the other hand, short and compelling instead of long and boring is fine by me.

Gimme more!


P.S. Nick getting rough with Kels…yes, please!


http://baba.booklikes.com

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some times you feel like a book with intense character development and an intricate plot that takes you into the psyche of the main characters in a deep, fundamental way.

This is not that book.

It has been about two years since I last read a Cut & Run-series book, and I seriously forgot how incredibly HOT Abigail Roux's writing could be. Like EXTREMELY hot.

Do you need to know all about the Cut & Run characters to really appreciate this book? I think so. It is billed as its own series, but I honestly think you'd be lost without some background knowledge of the characters. But do I think you'd still find this book super hot, even if you didn't know the first thing about who was who? YES.

Shock & Awe is a GFY/OFY story with butt virgin who loves to get it on. Need I say more?!?!?! I mean, the story is more than just sex... but not by much. There are no big plot developments. In fact, nothing really happens during the story aside from a couple little things. The whole thing mostly takes places in the bedroom and you'll be getting NO complaints from me!!

In terms of the audiobook, the narrator, Brock Thompson, did a very fine job. Sure, I had a little trouble differentiating between the two guys' voices, but he had a sexy-as-hell voice, and I'd listen to him again and again.

The whole book was a reminder to me as to why I kept coming back to Abigail Roux, and why she is such a powerhouse in the world of M/M.

**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[Rosalinda *KRASNORADA* · Rating 4 out of 5]

”What’s normal anyway?”



Shock & Awe was a GREAT read! Let’s keep this short and nice, ok?

I haven’t finished the C&R series yet, I know, I know! Don’t kill me. I have to but you know, too many books blah blah blah.

The thing is I was reading reviews about this book (I blame Baba) and I felt I had to read it no matter what. I’m so glad I did it. Don’t get this wrong, fellow readers, but even though I enjoyed C&R I wasn’t in love with that book. I loved Ty & Zane but the case was kinda meh for me. So why did I love this book so much? Because this was purely about Nick & Kels and about their feelings and I’m a romantic, not to mention a sucker for GFY & friends-to-lovers romance books.

So this was perfect! Add a little bit of very well written porn and the formula is a WINNER!

So, I must play it nice and recommend you all to finish the C&R series before reading this one but under my perspective you can still read this one and enjoy it.

”I want you every fucking way I can get you”

I highly recommend you all to read this book. My only complaint is I wish this one had been longer.

And that last conversation in the balcony was so freaking PERFECT!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I start gushing, I should note my disclaimers:
1~ I am without a doubt, a die-hard Cut & Run addict. I love Ty and Zane like no other and therefore, by default I love their boys. To clarify, I haven’t always loved Nick, but he’s recently grown on me.
Does this alter my opinion of this book? Absofreakinlutely.
2~ I also crush on men in uniforms…they are my weakness.
3~ I’m a sucker for steamy friends-to-lovers tales, and this is by far the hottest GFY I have ever had the pleasure of watching burn. Annndd holy smokes does it ever sizzle and blaze.
Right, so now that that’s out of the way….let’s get started.

Team Sidewinder was threatened yet refused to fall during the last stand in New Orleans. Rolling along right after ‘Touch & Geaux’, Kelly is released from the hospital recovering from his brush with the grim reaper. Nick steps up and takes responsibility for his care during the tough road of healing that lies ahead. Kelly may be in agony, but he has no fear thanks to the steadfast sexy nursemaid at his beck and call.
A fuzzy mind brings clarity to the possibilities starring him in the face. Their therapeutic means for pain relief may cross a line for some, (yah mon, smoke i di ganja and pop a pill for da suffering) but honestly, all I could do was giggle along with them.

Brothers in arms, they have fiercely loved one another as far back as memory holds. There are no secrets to protect, no past to hide… only a future to explore. They would sacrifice their lives for the other, but will they risk their hearts as well?

It swiftly heats up and never cools down. The love…the trust…the longing… all of it is exceptional. The snarky humor and luxury of comfort they share is remarkable. The bond was already present, just suddenly shines in a whole new light. It was….simple and easy, and yet it was stimulating and extraordinary.

Allow me to give you a taste….
“’Is the rest of it like that too?' Kelly asked. Nick ran his teeth across his lip, beginning to nod. ‘Isn’t it always if you have the right dance partner?’”
Here’s another…
“’They both grinned, meeting each other’s eyes. The warmth and excitement of new attraction were bolstered by years of history. Years of camaraderie. Years of comfort. It was something entirely new, and it was something that just felt right.”

The rest of the team does indeed make a quick cameo, and I savored every moment. I was left with a racing heart, a gaping mouth and tears in my eyes.
An unbelievable conclusion and this was my single complaint….the story cut out just after 75%. I scarcely refrained from tossing my kindle and pulling two-year old style tantrum. I absolutely despise when a story is misrepresented on its length.
However, when I put my tears away and pulled myself together I read the tease for the upcoming sequel. Sweet mercy, did that right my world again! The bit from ‘Bait and Switch’ left me with a full and happy heart.
Rivaling for one of my top five couples, Kelly and Nick have scored a spot in my heart. I’m not ashamed to say, the countdown has already begun for the sequel.
I want it….
I need it….
till then, I’ll submerge myself in rereads to suffice my fix.

*4.5 toke it-stroke it-stoke it stars*

**for a chance to win this book and a half dozen other pimping reads, click below to drop by and vote for this month's
PIMP MY READ!

*SECOND TIME AROUND....JUST AS GOOD AS I REMEMBER!*

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upgrading to 5 Stars! - Reread

Probably one of the hottest, most fun, easy but emotional, and kismet friends to lovers stories ever, made all the better because this is in the Cut & Run universe!

Enough said.


Cut & Run Series
1. Cut & Run - 5 Stars
2. Sticks & Stones - 5 Stars
3. Fish & Chips - 5 Stars
4. Divide & Conquer - 5 Stars
Warrior’s Cross - 4.5 Stars
5. Armed & Dangerous - 5 Stars
6. Tigers & Stripes 5 Stars
7. Touch & Geaux - 5 Stars
Shock & Awe (Sidewinder #1) - 5 Stars
8. Ball & Chain - 5 Stars
Cross & Crown (Sidewinder #2) - 4.5 Stars
9. Crash & Burn - 5 Stars
Part & Parcel (Sidewinder #3) - 5 Stars

[Meags · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Well, that was way too short!

I really dig Kelly! There's something about his character that just makes me all warm and fuzzy, always a standout in the Sidewinder group scenes. Nick, on the other hand, has been a slow-burn for me, growing on me more and more as I knock these stories out, with a great character trajectory from the guy I wanted to initially punch for pining for Ty, to the guy who shows up EVERY SINGLE TIME to help his friends, always loyal and steadfast in his slightly insane badassery!

And together?!? They are FIRE!!! The sex scene at the end of this book?! Easily one of the best "first time/bi-awakening" sex scenes I've ever read. Not only was it smokin' hot, but it was extremely fun and funny. The fact that they already have such a fantastic bond as friends makes their transition into coupledom all the more awesome and an absolute joy to read.

Can't wait to see what happens next with these two! But for now, back to Ty & Zane (wooooo)!

*******************************

Read #2: August 2024

I’m only officially logging this as a second read, but the truth is, I’ve revisited this book countless times over the past decade, sometimes reading it all as a comfort read and sometimes skimming my favourite moments, just to get a glimpse of that Kelly and Nick magic.

I still think it’s the best friends-to-lovers story I’ve ever read in the M/M genre. Big words, I know, but their connection is so palpable, you can just feel the history between them in every scene, encompassing all the heavy shit only your ride or die knows, AS WELL AS all the fun, quicky, hilarious inside jokes and memories only the best of friends share uniquely between them. All of that shared history, and genuine love and respect felt between these two, makes their evolution from friends-to-everything so damn seamless and, honestly, inevitable.

I also still think it’s my favourite M/M “first-time” sex scene, ever. Period. As I said a decade ago, YES it’s hot and explicit—my gawd, the camcorder and sexual desperation (!!!)—but it’s in the tone of the scene, with the banter and the egging each other on and the being so wholly in-tune with one another’s wants and needs, the way only people who know each other inside and out can do, is just so freakin’ sexy to me. I’ve never all at once been squirming in my seat from the incendiary levels of steam, while also laughing uproariously every few minutes over the things that come out of their mouths during that first scene. It’s SEXY and its FUN and so very uniquely them!

Now, I still hold a half-star back from this being a perfect read for me, because I think it’s written in a way that demands the reader already know the entire backstory, with little in the way of explanation or refresher, in terms of character, history and situational establishment. Meaning: if you haven’t read every single moment of the Cut & Run series up to, and including, Touch & Geaux, then everything special about what I expressed above would likely not compute to new readers at all. Which, to me, makes this (the Sidewinder series) great if you are coming from a place of established fandom (which you should! why wouldn’t you!?), but it also makes this story (probably, likely, definitely) untenable as its own standalone… at least that’s my assumption.

Add to that, the audio narration for this one is performed all wrong (for me), with the narrator’s vocal choices feeling incongruent to the way I hear these guys in my head. Attempting to listen, several times, led to me getting very confused, because the way the narrator (Brock Thompson) vocalised Kelly was the way I imagined Nick to sound, and vice versa, making it a very jarring experience for me and imploring future readers to actually read this one for the best possible experience.

But pish-posh to that brief bout of negativity, because at the end of the day, I LOVE THIS BOOK AND THIS COUPLE and I foresee a lot more comfort reads in my future.


Cut & Run universe READING ORDER

Cut & Run 1 - Cut & Run (4 Stars)
Cut & Run 2 - Sticks & Stones (4.5 Stars)
Cut & Run 3 - Fish & Chips (5 Stars)
Cut & Run 4 - Divide & Conquer (5 Stars)
Julian Cross - Warrior's Cross (5 Stars)
Cut & Run 5 - Armed & Dangerous (5 Stars)
Cut & Run 6 - Stars & Stripes (5 Stars)
Cut & Run 7 - Touch & Geaux (4.5 Stars)
Sidewinder 1 - Shock & Awe (5 Stars)
Cut & Run 8 - Ball & Chain (4.5 Stars)
Sidewinder 2 - Cross & Crown (4.5 Stars)
Cut & Run 9 - Crash & Burn (5 Stars)
Sidewinder 3 - Part & Parcel (5 Stars)

[* Meli Mel * · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥♥♥ 5 Scorching Hot Stars ♥♥♥

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

"Hey, Irish?"
Nick turned to him, the beginnings of a smile on his face.
"Will you kiss me?"

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

Kelly Abbott

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

"See, every time I think about you now, I get these butterflies," Kelly explained, fluttering his fingers at his chest. "And it's weird because it's you, and you're you. But I like it too. And...I like that it's you. So I'm not sure what to do with that.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

Shock & Awe is a novella about Kelly Abott and Nick O'Flaherty. Many of you already know who they are because of the many appearances they make in the Cut & Run Series. After reading the snippet on this, I couldn't wait to read it all. I was not disappointed in the least. This starts off where the Touch & Geaux left off. Kelly is recovering from his injury and Nick is taking care of him. Kelly is on some painkillers because of his gunshot wound and they start to wonder if it's doing some weird things to him. He is curious about Ty and Zane's relationship. He wants that with someone and realizes that he is may already have that with Nick. But he wants to explore all aspects of it. So, he thought it was just painkiller goggles. But then he realized what he felt was real.



Nick O'Flaherty

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

"What about that guy? What was his name? The fireman?"

Nick cleared his throat and loosened his hold on Kelly's shoulders. "Aidan. Like I said, that's been pretty casual. And...if there's something here with you?" He looked up and into Kelly's eyes. "How could I pass that up?"

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

Nick, who I didn't really like in the past, totally made my panties combust. He was one sexy HOT man. I was not expecting him to be that way, but he totally was. The sex scenes were super steamy. I loved the connection Nick and Kelly had. They definitely share something special between them like Ty and Zane share. I loved them together. They didn't surpass my love for Ty and Zane, but that's not to say I didn't love Nick and Kelly. I really am surprised to say that I did love them. Especially Nick, since I didn't like him much before. When it was over, I was left wanting more of them. Then I thanked the heavens Abigail had the forethought of adding another short into the mix, Bait & Switch. It was AMAZING! It gave me exactly what I was wanting to read. I am so excited to read the next book of the Cut & Run series. I REALLY enjoyed it. I would rate this 4.5, but since there was a bonus short added to it. I gave it a 5. It was just deliciously awesome and loved that crap out of it.

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

LOVED this one! Don't really have time to properly review it.

I haven't read the Cut & Run series, and I didn't feel lost here. But I am definitely going to read it now!

9 books...I can do this.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I did love this tale of two Special Ops boys falling for one another. One gay, one straight, but the emotion was already there and the sex was the last piece of their relationship puzzle. There were a few flaws in the story and their relationship, IMHO, but I believe they were probably already easily answered in the wonderful Ty and Zane universe Abigal Roux has created and spun this Sidewinder story line and new series off of.

Please do not judge, or gasp in horror, but I have not read the Cut & Run series yet. *ducks* It's not because of lack of interest! I am 100% sure I will love every word of the currently 7 part series. That is where the problem lies. I tend to get a bit "narrow focused" *cough* my husband's term *cough* when reading a good book and I fear starting this series would lead me down a week long road of family and work neglect, the likes of which have never been seen before. So I'm waiting for that perfect chunk of time to start these books.

So, I trust in this highly acclaimed series and am giving Shock & Awe 5 stars for the outrageously hot MCs and their great falling-into-bed story. This will probably make my fuck yeah, 5+ stars shelf someday. I have no doubt.

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly was grinning against his lips as he nodded. "Does this mean I get to say I love you and you have to say it back?"
Nick chuckled. "Yeah. That's what it means."
Kelly pressed his forehead to Nick's. "I love you, Nick O'Flaherty."
Nick's heart jumped into his throat. He was grinning so widely it hurt his split lip. "I love you. You crazy bastard."

oh my god i'm absolutely in love with Nick and Kelly. 😭😭 i remember liking their dynamic in Cut & Run and i was missing this universe so i finally decided to pick this up and it didn't disappoint. i was hoping to at least like them, but i didn't expect to be this obsessed already, this quick (i'm so glad they have two more books i need to catch up on lol). i loved how natural their connection felt and i think years of friendship before romantic feelings came into play definitely had a huge role in that and the way they knew each other so well. 🥺

also i LOVED Ty and Zane's cameo. i missed them so much. 🥺

[Nazanin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars

DNF @ 50%

This story made me so confused! I mean this book is the first installment in the series but it was like I dived in the middle of the series!!! I didn't know about their job, why Nick called Kelly Doc, what was this attraction Kelly felt for Nick (he was straight and then suddenly he had this urge to sleep with Nick), who was this Ty guy, I couldn't understand how or when Kelly was attracted/felt for Nick!!! I know it's just 100 pages but still it couldn't hold my interest! It's the first installment so I think some explaining are necessary! Well, I think it was just me so I hope you enjoy it more than me!

[Jilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's not much to say about this book because it is supposedly the beginning of a new series, but there is no way it would make sense to anyone unless they read the "Cut & Run" series. This is two of the side characters falling in love, and one of those side characters wasn't developed all that well. It was cute, non-angsty, but there wasn't much story going on. I look forward to the next book in this series where there is a mystery of sorts and I hope that Kelly will turn into a real live boy.

[Ingie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written April 3, 2015

3.8 Stars - Sweet and lovely

I felt it was better to read this novella before the last two in the Cut & Run series (#8 Ball & Chain and #9 Crash & Burn). I know (or heard..) this new love-couple Nick & Kelly will be involved quite much in the storyline in those last 2 C&R books.



Happy Egg-dancing!!
This wasn't a stunning read, or a Earth shattering novella book, but absolutely a very good start to my Easter weekend. I smiled, enjoyed and liked a lot. Two new boys to care about.

***********************************************************

Shock & Awe is a GFY novel about Ty Grady's old Sidewinder friends: the former medic Kelly Abbott and Ty's bestie buddy Nick O’Flaherty. Kelly was injured in New Orleans when the old gang (five guys from the same Marine Force Recon team and of course also Ty's beloved boyfriend Zane) where in New Orleans to celebrate a birthday. A weekend that lead to a wild adventure with a lot of drama including broken hearts and gunfire. ~ See C&R book #6, Touch & Geaux (5 stars from me).

This C&R budding M/M series 'Sidewinder' starts when Nick is helping his injured friend Kelly, who barely can stand on his feet, to return home to his Colorado cabin. Kelly is, or has at least always been straight, but is kind of curious about the fact that Nick lately speak of himself as a man feeling strongly for other men (just as Ty and Zane).

“And a beautiful person is a beautiful person, so why not open up that door to more opportunities?”

From start to finish tender sweet and cozy. Maybe it went quickly, to be a 'gay for you', but I still thought it was possible and that the events here were reasonable. If you have known each other and socialized intensely for a long time, then it can go fast, I know with certainty.

But there is a huge 'BUT' - this was simply too short. I couldn't belive my eyes, it has just started and then it ended. Shame!! ~ I was at once in a sulky sob and sigh mood ~ Luckily there is an added yummy smexy shortie, 'Bait & Switch', that made me on a much better mood again. I kind of got my wanted grand romantic end there. Thanks, Ms Roux!

***********************************************************

I felt for these lovebirds and I'm looking forward to more about Nick & Kelly in the future.

I LIKE - yummy romantic boys


*******

[LenaRibka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between 2,5 and 3 stars

Shock & Awe left me in a state of a slight shock.
And I mean it not like a sensation. Quite the opposite.


Yeah..all my dear not mm-books, you can give a cheer!
I am MAYBE not totally lost for you.
Because it is not enough for me to have more than one penis in a book to make me delighted and perfectly happy. This book is the conformation of it.

It started very promisingly and I hoped I would like it as many other readers.
But I didn't. It has a very good rating, then let me just say,
that it didn't work for me, that I was NOT in the mood for the endless sex scenes without any plot and that I - it was the worst for me - didn't feel any chemistry between Nick and Kelly.


I could be a picky reader. I could me a moody woman.


I want everything: a good story, great characters, steamy HOT sex and fantastic chemistry between them. And the writing style.

I like Cut & Run series. I like the characters. I like it's easiness, I like it's humor, I like it's absence of drama, I ADORE Zane and Ty, I like the chemistry between them, I like the development of their relationship, I like almost everything in it and I like the writing style.

I am not sure about Sidewinder. Did I like it? Not really. Maybe. Sometimes. But I rolled my eyes definitely more than twice.

Kelly as a character. Hmmmm....He is WHO?! A Marine? Every time I had to remind me Kelly is not she, Kelly is he. Kelly's POV...

Nick. He refused to accept Kelly's "proposal" for a long 20% of the book. It is almost awkward.

Sex. More like a handbook on how to turn a straight guy to gay.
I'll take it with me in my next life, because I'm going to be back as a man and as gay.
JUCI!!! You're responsible for an enough quantity of lubricant!!!


I am not sure if I want to read more of this series.
I have actually no interest in Nick and Kelly.

And here is my last question:

Why for god sake, dear Mrs. Abigail Roux, you spend your time for something like Shock & Awe instead of working on the next sequel of Cut & Run??????



P.S
The length of the novel is not an excuse.
I've read recently a short novel with only 32 pages that gave me so much more than almost 100 pages of Shock & Awe.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail Roux once again proves her excellence when it comes to outstanding dialogue, it’s effortless, and the banter and snarky humour just flow, and when you combine that with enough sizzling, sexual chemistry to melt your kindle… and not forgetting the fabulous writing, we have yet another winner from Ms Roux and two men that are sure to give Ty and Zane a run for their money.

Creating the Sidewinder team in Cut & Run series, was pure genius as far as I’m concerned… I love Ty & Zane, like so many, Cut & Run was my first m/m romance novel and could quite happily read books about them till they are retired and living it up in Florida,  I just love them! However, they are now an established couple, no more wondering, will they, won’t they, that part of the angst has disappeared, so we have had breadcrumbs scattered here and there along the way leaving us to wonder about the relationship between Nick and Kelly. Such a temptation for us greedy readers and we have been practically salivating in our want and need to see some development between these two characters and I can assure you this may be a novella but Abigail Roux has more than delivered a very tasty treat indeed.

Shock & Awe is a spin off from Cut & Run Series, but this is not more of the same, Nick and Kelly are two completely different characters and what they share is poles apart from the volatility that has been so familiar with Ty & Zane. These two men already have an established relationship, for years they have been best friends, brothers in arms, their trust implicit and because we were already familiar with the characters… and it follows the story line from the end of Touch and Geaux it’s a comfortable transition and  I jumped right in knowing exactly what was going on.

This book is made up of two novellas covering different time periods the first being Kelly’s curiosity, which was more like, persistent enthusiasm which knew no bounds, the man was insatiable in his need to understand and explore the change in his feelings towards Nick. I liked how this wasn’t just an epiphany but rather a host of contributing factors and culmination of events that had made him see Nick in a completely different light... It made him question not only his own actions over the years but also those of Nick, they had always been close, tactile and comforted each other… had those feelings been supressed or dismissed as just their close friendship. Had the new found knowledge of Nick being bi-sexual stirred something inside him, or even the obvious love that his friends Ty and Zane had for each other, had that made him look at his own life differently… deep down, he knew he had always been in love with Nick.

“Look, I love you,” Kelly told him. “You love me. We’ve bled for each other. Why can’t that turn into more?”

For Nick it wasn’t so simple, he indulges Kelly in his curiosity, hoping his exuberant enthusiasm will wane after the experience of kissing a man, only the kiss turns out to be as earth shattering for him as it was for Kelly!

“Does this feel right?” he asked, his lips moving against the corner of Kelly’s mouth.

Kelly sighed shakily, then took a deep breath. “Yes,” he whispered. “It feels like home.”

Nick pushed his nose against Kelly’s, kissing him gently as warmth spread through his entire body.

“You feel like home,” Kelly said as he wrapped his arms around Nick’s neck.

Nick couldn’t find his breath, and everything else seemed to fade away except for the feeling of Kelly in his arms.

I have to tell you about the kissing in this book, because believe me the kissing was hot, a total tummy tingling turn on, because Oh… My… God… I felt as though I too were having my first kiss ever, they were pretty powerful and intense and I want more kisses… all lips, tongues, teeth, nibbles, sucks and licks… yep, all of it, more, lots… please!  Abigail Roux is now also the master of writing kisses and that is all before we even get to the sex, because all that kissing certainly ramped up the anticipation!!! Nick… Holy Hotness Batman!!! ..That man is fierce and the sex intense, tender and passionate… the emotion between these two was electric, with some proper, hard and dirty sex going on too… so yes… more sex too please, the intensity and rawness of it was definitely cold shower worthy.

“It feels good,” Kelly finally whispered, sounding surprised. “Will it hurt?”

“I’m not going to fuck you, Kels.”

“Why not?”

“Because you’re hurt and I get rough.”

Kelly swallowed hard, his breath quickening. “How rough?”

Nick cocked his head and smiled slowly.

“That’s kind of hot.”

I loved the trust and honesty between Nick and Kelly, it was refreshing, leaving no room for the usual misunderstandings or angst. Both men are aware that pushing the boundaries of their friendship could have a devastating effect. For Kelly embracing that love seems so simple, for Nick his fear of commitment is his stumbling block, always has been, and of course Kelly is fully aware of Nick’s past. So seeing the passion and love they have for each other as friends, taken to a whole new level, when they take a leap of faith, dispelling all the fears and uncertainties… that was just beautiful and hot! Ohhh… how I love these two men… yes both of them, because they are both so very different. Nick all cool, calm and collected, the man to take charge of a situation… oh, and he does such a good job of that too!!! Kelly is adorable, wears his heart on his sleeve and is funny and zany and incredibly open, he totally made me smile the whole way through the book and the pair of them together… funny, no, actually… fucking hilarious! …I love them!

“You’re a good man,” Kelly whispered. “One of the best I’ve ever known. And if you’re denying yourself a life with someone who loves you because you don’t think you deserve it, then you’re not as smart as I think you are. And if you’re saying no to me because you’re afraid, then you’re a pussy.”

Nick’s lips twitched. “How long did you practice that before you came out here?”

“About an hour,” Kelly answered, breaking into a smile. “Was it good? How’d I do?”

Nick nodded. “It was good.”

Abigail Roux did an amazing job of endearing me to these characters, especially with it being novella length, and, with them spending so much time on the experimentation! But that in itself was enlightening, tender and so very heart warming.  We also got to see an innocence to Kelly, because for him he was experiencing everything for the first time and you could feel his wonder and excitement at it all and although Nick had had sex with men in the past it was as though he too was seeing it in a whole new light… only this time through the big heart and love of Kelly.

So… more fabulous dialogue, definitely more kisses, and the sex… well, hell yes! That goes without saying! Was there anything I didn’t like? No!!! I just want more!!!

Just one more kiss for luck x

Nick gripped Kelly’s chin, pulling his face until their lips met. Kelly immediately leaned into him, groaning as Nick’s teeth scraped over his lip, as their tongues met and teased. The kiss was so consuming that Nick got lost in it, all his senses absorbed by it.

[Adriana · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book was not necessary. At all. I like Ms. Roux books, a lot. And the Cut & Run series is one of my favorites. So let me tell you this is just PWP. No plot, no nothing, just a lot of over the top and ridiculous sex scenes. The story goes like this: Kelly was shot in the chest, almost died and upon being discharged from hospital goes to his cabin. Buddy and BFF Nick goes with him to help during convalescence. * how I wish I had gifs and knew how to use'em*. Keep in mind, Kelly=hetero Nick= bi, sorta, kinda. Just after arrival to said cabin, Kelly has an attack of the Gueyzzzzz and decides, what the hell, why not? can't be a better moment than this to try some man on man hot action ! After all, I can hardly walk,move, sit by myself or even turn in bed. I'm in peachy condition for frantic, hawt action. Just what the doctor recommended. Right. So there he goes and talks and talks and talks his friend ears off in pursuit of er...let's call it this endeavour. Nicky doesn't take long to be convinced and some extremely ridiculous sex scenes ensue, follow, whatever. Imagine this convalescing gay wannabe ,one day after being released from hospital, being pounded hard by bi-gay sexy beast against the wall. OMFG. But, But...they can't totally consummate their newly discovered passions because Uncle Sam knocks at the door and calls hottie mc Nicky back to action. Some marine or black ops or something in the desert, who cares. Well, Kelly is left in desolation at the airport but being a bloke with a lot of initiative and very enterprising he uses his free time learning how to relax his...er, certain part of his anatomy, nuff said. :p. GI Joe Nicky Mc Irish returns from desert for a well deserved weekend, they get together, fuck like rabbits or like absurd MC in a Roux's short story and declare their endless lurve for each other. Three months prior one was hetero and the other had been in luuuuuv with Ty for more than ten years, but now they are crazily in love. Forevah. There you have. My modest and humble contribution to literary review. Say no more. You are welcome.

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as Ty and Zane, but still awesome and hot !!

For some reason, Nick sometimes irritates the shit our of me. Kelly was funny though :)

3,5 stars

[It's just me Shelly B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was sooooooo GOOD!!!!!!!!!



I devoured this novella!!!!! I couldn't get enough of Nick and Kelly!!! I wanted MOOOOORRRRRE!!!


“I’m not going to f*ck you, Kels.” “Why not?” “Because you’re hurt and I get rough.”
Kelly swallowed hard, his breath quickening. “How rough?” Nick cocked his head and smiled slowly.
“That’s kind of hot."


Nick is officially my NEW favorite guy!!!! Well Ty will always come first for me but I love him almost just as much now!!!!




Kelly was awesome too...don't get me wrong but Nick stole the show!!

“No half-assed middle school kissing, either.” “Okay.” “I want the whole deal.” “This is starting to feel like I’m leasing a car or something.”
“I’m serious, I want the Irish special.”

The dialogue between the two of them was perfect!!! Just perfect that's all I can say!! I want to gush and gush about this book but it's a novella and I would just give it all away!


“Better make it good,” Kelly drawled. “No pressure.” Nick grunted at him. Yeah. He did need to make it good. In case this was the only chance Kelly gave him. And in case it wasn’t . . . “And no biting!” “You have more rules than the Marine Corps,” Nick mumbled. “Shut up.”


I smiled from the beginning to the end looking like a lunatic while reading.....it's just that GOOD!! I absolutely LOVE this author!!!




If you've read the Cut & Run series by this author you MUST read this NOW!!!

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was set in the Cut & Run universe and takes place right at the end of book 7. It is actually divided into 2 short stories. Good fast read that does some filling in.

[Shurrn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick O'Flaherty gets his moment in the spotlight & I think I'm in love with Kelly...

The warmth and excitement of new attraction were bolstered by years of history. Years of camaraderie. Years of comfort. It was something entirely new, and it was something that just felt right.

Shock & Awe picks up where Touch & Geaux left off. Nick accompanies Doc Kelly Abbott home after the shootout and hospital stay in New Orleans.

It was nice to see Nick & Kelly start what I hope will be a relationship as dynamic and lovely as Ty & Zane's... But I don't feel that the content took the time to address all the emotions which accompany turning a friendship into a romance. The Cut & Run series is pretty hard-hitting when it comes to tough emotional moments... But Shock & Awe seemed a little to fluffy in comparison. I enjoyed it, but it left me wanting so much more.

Nick pops up in the Cut & Run Series from time to time, and has made an impact as an interesting character. However, we really didn't know much about Kelly until now...
After this book, I'm still on the fence about Nick, but I ADORE Kelly.

I hope to hear more from these two, but for now I'm left twiddling my thumbs, waiting for the good stuff...



Some of My Favorite Moments:

“Nick had always been the caretaker of the group. He’d been a wingman, fall guy, sounding board, and alibi. He’d been mother, father, big brother, and crazy uncle. Whatever they’d needed. He’d always been the one who would make sure all the Sidewinder ducks were in a row”

“They were very much alike in temperament, compared to the others who were all fire and stone. He and Nick were water and smoke; patient and nebulous and easy.”

“Hey, Irish?”
Nick turned to look at him, the beginnings of a smile on his face.
“Will you kiss me?”

“Are you simultaneously complimenting me and calling me a whore?”

“You’re such a dick.”
“I’ll give you that too if you want it,”

“I want the whole deal.”
“This is starting to feel like I’m leasing a car or something.”
“I’m serious, I want the Irish special.”
Nick rolled his eyes and looked up at the ceiling. “Fine. Jesus.”

“Better make it good,” Kelly drawled. “No pressure.”
Nick grunted at him.
“And no biting!”
“You have more rules than the Marine Corps,” Nick mumbled. “Shut up.”

“You’re so fucking hot, you know that?” Kelly whispered.
“I bet you tell that to all your oldest friends as you’re jacking them off.”

“Now you should be thinking about me fucking you,” he hissed. “Because I sure as hell am.”
“Oh God,” Kelly breathed.
“No, you don’t say his name when I fuck you. You say mine.”

“See, every time I think about you now, I get these butterflies,” Kelly explained, fluttering his fingers at his chest. “And it’s weird because it’s you, and you’re you. But I like it too. And . . . I like that it’s you. So I’m not sure what to do with that.”

Kelly watched him, still caught up on the idea of someone who would literally lay down his life for him, who had almost done so on several occasions. Kelly had loved Nick for years, just like he loved the rest of the team. Who was to say that couldn’t be more? Where was it written that either of them had to go through life looking for someone who understood them when they had each other right here? Why did that have to be off the table just because Kelly had spent his entire life pursuing women? He felt like a door had been opened last night, a door he’d never known existed.

The warmth and excitement of new attraction were bolstered by years of history. Years of camaraderie. Years of comfort. It was something entirely new, and it was something that just felt right.

"...I’ve never been with anyone where it was so easy so fast. Where it felt like home. But you’ve always been home to me.”

“You really think this can go bad?” Kelly whispered. “When everything about it feels so fucking good?”

“I’m not asking you to buy the milk, O’Flaherty, I just want you to grope the cow,” Kelly said, trying to hide a sly smile by biting his lip.

“Come on, Nicko, come give me a manly cuddle.”

“Just stop talking, Beaumont,” Nick grunted. “You’re like the Bermuda Triangle of morals.”

“You’re dirty, Kels.”
“That’s like Satan calling me a bad boy.”


My Other Reviews in the Cut & Run Series:

Cut & Run - My Review
Sticks & Stones - My Review
Fish & Chips - My Review
Divide & Conquer - My Review
Armed & Dangerous - My Review
Dine & Dash - My Review
Stars & Stripes - My Review
Touch & Geaux - My Review
Ball & Chain - My Review
Crash & Burn - My Review

My Reviews in the Cut & Run Universe:
I will update the list as more books are published.
Warrior's Cross - My Review
Shock & Awe - You're Reading it
Cross & Crown - My Review

[Ele · Rating 5 out of 5]

And....we have a winner! I knew the ginger would bring all the stars.

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio/narrator 4 stars
Story 4.5

Damn that was hawt as hell!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this novella and Nick & Kelly. I really liked Kels before but now I love him! He's so awesome! I want to read much much more about this fantastic couple!

 

[Lenore · Rating 4 out of 5]

So. Nick and Kelly. Who would have thought. And they're crazy hot together too.

Shock & Awe isn't perfect and it could have been longer, but feck it. It was fun.

I want more of this.

Also: Yay! Zane POV!

[Darien · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

~SHOCKED & IN AWE~

I'm a little bit shocked at myself for taking such a long time to finally read Abigail Roux. Like fa realz, Shock & Awe might just be the sexiest thing I've read it months. I read a lot of sex and most times I'm like "that was nice" but this little story had my eyes bugging and breathing erratic because jeez never was there such a sexy bunch of talk between men. I'm behind on the back-story of these men and pretty much everything (put the pitch forks down) but I am regretting the shit out of not having read the Cut & Run series yet cus I'm like sort of in love with everything going on.

Kelly and Nick are all sorts of delicious and I'm wondering if Nick went to school of dirty and sexy times cus man I was hanging on to his every word (Kelly that lucky equally sexy injured bastard). If I could be words I would choose to be these words. Loved Kelly's discovering his affections for a friend, and Nick's "you better be sure because I will tear your ass up" is so super sweet. I just really enjoyed these guys together.

Then the ending closed in and left me with sad feels and an overload of "Bitch you better go read the Cut & Run series" and my friends that I will do. I am just hoping this wasn't a one hit wonder and I can go on to get the same excitement from all Abigail Roux's books (I own a few) because I fell in love with her writing and sex, everything with the sex x_x dead.

Should You Read It? Is the pope catholic? That might be cheesiest shit I've ever said but the gist is "Hell effing yeah!” My pants are missing they don't wanna come back and the amazing part is that they wish the story was longer.

FYI: I did read the first book in the Cut & Run series and was freaking disappointed because I barely liked it. Ty and Zane was such a disappointment 😩

[Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Ok...so I'm not certain that I'm any more interested in Nick and Kelly then I was before. They'll always be secondary characters to me...so I read this whole book being amused, entertained, and curious. But, mostly I found myself waiting and hoping for a Ty & Zane (mostly just Zane) sighting.

The story itself is an interesting exploration of GFY with your best friend...your brother in arms. And I enjoyed the banter and the honest care between Nick & Kelly. But, again...at this point I really only care about them in that they're connected to my main boys.

So, I'd say this book was a decent read...and a nice treat for Cut & Run fans. It just didn't wow me.

NOW...with all that said...ONE SCENE DID. ME. IN. And reading the 100+ pages for this ONE bit was worth it to me.

The airport.
The goodbyes.
The hugs.
Zane.
Nick.

“Please bring him back alive,” Zane whispered as he clung to Nick.
Nick nodded jerkily. “I promise.”


Gah...I'm choking up right now even as I type it. I was bawling last night as I read it. ONE SCENE.

Ball & Chain CANNOT come soon enough for me...

ZANE. MY. LOVE...

[Melissa Baez · Rating 2 out of 5]

So...I probably should have listened to a friend when she told me to read the books that came before this.

You see, you might not know but this is a spin off. Being the stubborn and lazy twit that I am I went against her advice and read this (cause reading 5 or 6 books just to get to this one was waaay too much. I just wanted a little GFY, but that's not the point) The point to my ramble-because, no, I don't plan on writing an actual thought out review, sorry- I should've listened to her!

I was so lost. I had no idea who these guys were or how they came to be. There was a lot of telling me how well they got along and how well they really knew each other but I didn't really feel it. Because I did not know them from previous books. The chemistry didn't really jump off the pages falling completely flat and unremarkable in every aspect.

But I guess at the end that's my fault, right?
Oh well. At least I'm consistently stubborn.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

DO I LAUGH? DO I CRY? DO I GET OFF? I JUST DON'T KNOW.
A review of my sanity slipping
By Natasha Snow

(Spoilers and plenty of swearing)

Once upon a time there was me, minding my own god damn business and then this book came along and reminded me of a bunch of imaginary book guys that I have an unhealthy relationship with.
So here I am, going on with my life after reading the latest and greatest from the Cut & Run series, waiting on my next Ty and Zane book, and then along came fucking Kelly and fucking Nick to break my damn heart.

It had been a while since reading my last Cut & Run book, so I kind of forgot the allure that Roux has over me. She could write an essay about why I should jump off a fucking bridge and I'd probably end up doing it!

I've never liked Nick. He's a troublemaker, that one. Disturbing shit. All up in Ty's business. Buggin' my lovely Zane. Then I see his story in this book and I love him. LOVE HIM. I love Kelly too! Maybe even more than Nick. What an innocent little sweetie. I'm usually not a huge GFY fan where one day someone's like "Huh, maybe I'm gay got mah bestie." but man... this works. It just... does.

“The thought of you going home and being with someone else? It kind of breaks my heart, bud.”

This story starts so fucking hot. SO HOT. And then they talk some, and I'm like "Stfu and do it already" and then DRAMA. Okay, the scene at the airport? I just wanted to know more about Zane and Ty. And the letter that Nick gives Zane from Ty? I cried. No, wait. I bawled. I bawled my stupid girl eyes out. I miss them so much. They're like old friends who I haven't heard from and I feel like they've gone off to war and I'm waiting for them to come home. Of course Zane is fine. That bitch is tough shit. That's why I like him. I loved the ending but I literally felt my heart breaking for Nick and Ty and the other Sidewinder boys out in combat.

“You’re so fucking hot, you know that?” Kelly whispered.“I bet you tell that to all your oldest friends as you’re jacking them off.”

I'm left feeling happy, sad, super turned on, sad, missing my Zane and Ty, confused, and mostly empty. Empty and alone. This book is like seeing your ex that it took you years to get over, but only seeing them briefly, and it stirs all these old god damn memories of why you love(d) them and can't have them this very second.

Just.... DAMN. *stomps around*

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay….So I’m just going to say this right at the top here. Rip off the Band-Aid. Jump right in. Yup. *bites nails* Here I go….Haha…I just need to spit it out and run. :D

I did not feel this. Not even a flutter.

I’m a huge Ty-Zane-Roux fan, but I just did not feel the spark with these guys. Roux has a wonderful way of painting a scene and creating a character with depth, texture, and fun. I could feel and see that cabin like it was in front of me. And these guys—I love them! I especially loved being in Kelly’s head. The loyalty, strength, and tenderness between all the Sidewinders makes my heartbeat race with love and pride. I want more of these guys for sure. They make me laugh and smile. Brothers. I feel that bond in every move they make—friends and brothers in arms. They would die for each other. But I just did not buy the sexy turn in Kelly and Nick’s relationship. *shrugs*

The sex spark was not there for me. Were they hot? Sure—if I forgot who they were and how long they’ve known each other and what they’ve been through. The idea of all that muscle on muscle grinding away. *whistles* But…I just could not let go, believe it or feel it. Especially with Nick. After everything with Ty? This could be a Cut & Run series spoiler… I could not jump on board the idea that Nick would risk another move with a friend. Plus the percs and smoke fogged up the picture and stole a lot of the power for me. ”But we’re going to have to be high or drunk or both the first few times we do this, because it’s too fucking weird to kiss you otherwise.” Why was Nick popping pills? Whatever….that’s not the point. Because hell—if I’m asking questions like that—haha…I was obviously not feeling this.

I will read more of this series because of Kelly. I want to get to know him more. His heart was big and adorable. And to be honest….I have complete faith that Roux will seduce me.

I’m in the minority here, so please go read this.

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for the hot sex and dirty talk.... This was even hotter... After reading Touch & Geaux i decided to do a re-read of Nick & Kelly's story im glad i did

“It was a good kiss."
"Yes, it was."
"What does that mean?"
"It means I'm a fabulous kisser and you're easy.”



Kelly held up a finger. “No half-assed middle school kissing, either.”
“Okay.”
“I want the whole deal.”
“This is starting to feel like I’m leasing a car or something.”
“I’m serious, I want the Irish special.”
Nick rolled his eyes and looked up at the ceiling. “Fine. Jesus.”


"Just stop talking, Beaumont," Nick grunted. "You're like the Bermuda Triangle of morals."

Mmmmhhh yummy i loved this book from start to finish . it was such an easy read, funny and interesting.