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Burden
There’s more than one way to guard a body.
In the year since his car flew off a cliff, Detective Brennan McGuire has struggled to relearn the simplest tasks—like speaking without a stutter—and even more with trying to fill the gaping holes in his memory.
But when his daily visit to a local coffee shop turns into a melee of flying bullets, Brennan’s instincts take control.
So much for Keegan Monroe’s first day off after a long undercover assignment. One minute he’s relaxing over coffee, the next his cheek is kissing concrete. Question is, is the gorgeous man on top of him his savior, or the one who took a potshot at his head?
As Keegan shepherds the too-quiet, too-skinny Brennan through the investigation, attraction flares into nights of white-hot passion. But with each scorching encounter, more and more of Brennan’s memories shake loose…and it becomes clear someone doesn’t want him putting those pieces together.
With Keegan’s oath to protect and serve putting him squarely in the crosshairs of a murderer, now the question is, who is protecting whom?
Warning: This book contains a good amount of stuttering, forgetting, remembering, danger, hot man love (cop style), and hordes of cuddly kittens.
In the year since his car flew off a cliff, Detective Brennan McGuire has struggled to relearn the simplest tasks—like speaking without a stutter—and even more with trying to fill the gaping holes in his memory.
But when his daily visit to a local coffee shop turns into a melee of flying bullets, Brennan’s instincts take control.
So much for Keegan Monroe’s first day off after a long undercover assignment. One minute he’s relaxing over coffee, the next his cheek is kissing concrete. Question is, is the gorgeous man on top of him his savior, or the one who took a potshot at his head?
As Keegan shepherds the too-quiet, too-skinny Brennan through the investigation, attraction flares into nights of white-hot passion. But with each scorching encounter, more and more of Brennan’s memories shake loose…and it becomes clear someone doesn’t want him putting those pieces together.
With Keegan’s oath to protect and serve putting him squarely in the crosshairs of a murderer, now the question is, who is protecting whom?
Warning: This book contains a good amount of stuttering, forgetting, remembering, danger, hot man love (cop style), and hordes of cuddly kittens.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2013
6 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Annmarie McKenna
28 books352 followersAnnmarie McKenna lives with her husband and five kids in the Midwest. Throw in a dog and a cat and she’s well over her limit for the average family. Luckily, writing fantasies has proven to be an excellent way to de-stress from her daily life of being a cleaning woman, chauffeur, cook and mom. Okay, cleaning woman—not so much. She leaves that to her hubby. Now if only she could figure out how to de-stress her kids, she’d be all set.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
July 30, 2013
I am a little upset with this story, because honestly it could have been really good and have left a major impression on me, but it didn't.
Now, it wasn't bad, not at all, but it was sort of full of potential, but the length and execution didn't let it meet that potential.
Brennan had a horrible car accident and is struggling to recover as much of himself and autonomy as he can, he's not there yet, not by a long shot.
I loved him and I didn't get nearly enough of him, his feelings and issues as I wanted.
Keegan the love interest, I didn't like him, I thought he was obnoxious and arrogant and annoying, it's quite possible that's just my feelings, but I didn't like how he interacted with Brennan.
He was jealous and overbearing and demanding with someone he has known minutes, hours at most. They had nonstop sex and it was all about Keegan, in my opinion.
The 'mystery' or the 'case' was really just there, it wasn't any sort of mystery and I don't think it was meant to be, I figure it was so short, if that that had been more of a focal point and dragged out the MC's would have been even more rushed in their already fast paced love.
I just wish Brennan could have been fleshed out more, he was such a interesting character and maybe with a few more pages I would have liked Keegan better too.
On a lighter note, the gaggle of kittens was a cute little extra.
Now, it wasn't bad, not at all, but it was sort of full of potential, but the length and execution didn't let it meet that potential.
Brennan had a horrible car accident and is struggling to recover as much of himself and autonomy as he can, he's not there yet, not by a long shot.
I loved him and I didn't get nearly enough of him, his feelings and issues as I wanted.
Keegan the love interest, I didn't like him, I thought he was obnoxious and arrogant and annoying, it's quite possible that's just my feelings, but I didn't like how he interacted with Brennan.
He was jealous and overbearing and demanding with someone he has known minutes, hours at most. They had nonstop sex and it was all about Keegan, in my opinion.
The 'mystery' or the 'case' was really just there, it wasn't any sort of mystery and I don't think it was meant to be, I figure it was so short, if that that had been more of a focal point and dragged out the MC's would have been even more rushed in their already fast paced love.
I just wish Brennan could have been fleshed out more, he was such a interesting character and maybe with a few more pages I would have liked Keegan better too.
On a lighter note, the gaggle of kittens was a cute little extra.
August 3, 2013
2.5
The elements were here for a cracktastic little story but Keegan was a bit of dick and it took me a bit too warm up to him and the instalove really killed it for me. I get that size constraints may have really compressed things but the villain was transparent except who was . Great blurb though but the story and characters just didn't hold me.
The elements were here for a cracktastic little story but Keegan was a bit of dick and it took me a bit too warm up to him and the instalove really killed it for me. I get that size constraints may have really compressed things but the villain was transparent except who was . Great blurb though but the story and characters just didn't hold me.
Read
September 21, 2013I won this book from Jessewave. It shows a lot of initial promise, opening with an interesting situation, and two good MCs. Keegan is a detective, just surfacing from a long stint undercover. Brennan used to be a detective until a car crash caused brain injuries from which he is still struggling to recover. There is potential for an interesting relationship between these men, with real issues, and a workable mystery. Unfortunately both get short-circuited by the speedy (and strongly-physically described) relationship development, and a high-adrenaline action plot that develops over about two days and has some questionable moments. The writing was good enough for me to finish this, but I'd have loved to see it about three times as long with the chance to work through the situations in a realistic way.
August 31, 2013
2.5
What a waste. This story had the barebones of a great story - You have an ex-cop with a brain injury, a suspense that has to do with the accident that caused said injury, betraying partners, a new love interest which is a charming as*hle, and instead of developing the characters and plot we got plain, overdone erotica.
What a waste. This story had the barebones of a great story - You have an ex-cop with a brain injury, a suspense that has to do with the accident that caused said injury, betraying partners, a new love interest which is a charming as*hle, and instead of developing the characters and plot we got plain, overdone erotica.
July 31, 2013
3.5
Is it wrong to have wanted more of a story involving the attack kittens? I liked the story and the first half of the book was good, but with the book being short, I just felt that everything just was too rushed. I really would have liked to learn more about Brennan or even an epilogue that would show how his recovery went. I really enjoyed his character and would have loved more about him. I didn't mind Keegan and I think if we had gotten to know him more in the story, my feelings for him would have grown. While he was a little overbearing, I think he would have been good for Brennan's overall recovery. I do think that the insta love was just too fast. While I seem to accept it more in paranormal books, in this setting it was just a little over the top.
Is it wrong to have wanted more of a story involving the attack kittens? I liked the story and the first half of the book was good, but with the book being short, I just felt that everything just was too rushed. I really would have liked to learn more about Brennan or even an epilogue that would show how his recovery went. I really enjoyed his character and would have loved more about him. I didn't mind Keegan and I think if we had gotten to know him more in the story, my feelings for him would have grown. While he was a little overbearing, I think he would have been good for Brennan's overall recovery. I do think that the insta love was just too fast. While I seem to accept it more in paranormal books, in this setting it was just a little over the top.
July 30, 2013
3.5 stars
For over a year, Brennan McGuire has been undergoing the overwhelming burden of recuperating from near-death in a horrific car accident. He’s fought his way back to full mobility and cognitive ability, although still speaking with a stutter, but he still suffers from gross memory loss and feeling vulnerable and useless. He may never get his memory back, can’t return to his job as an IA cop, and sometimes he wishes he had just died in the wreckage.
But then his path crosses with Keegan Monroe, a tough, undercover cop, with all the right moves— and Brennan starts to feel again, and to remember. And the remembering triggers a series of events that put his and Keegan’s lives in danger. It seems that someone has an issue with Brennan getting his memory back.
This is a pretty simple, straight-forward cop story— nothing really unusual (it’s fairly easy to figure out the bad-guy and his motive quickly on). But. The author’s ability to shape an engaging plot with two likable characters, some side characters, a box-full of kittens, and throw in a nice amount of hot sex and do it in about 100 pages— Impressive, that. Yes, it’s a bit quick on the falling-in-lust meter (not surprising in a short story), but this is a nice little bit of escapist fun in the slash-rom world. I would actually like to know how Brennan continues on in his way back to full recovery. Under Keegan’s tutelage, of course, ahem.
For this review and lots more please visit: The Blog of Sid Love
July 30, 2013
2.5 Stars
I took a chance and got this even though I said I was going to pass on it. It was cheap, so what the hell...
This story had SO MUCH potential, but it just fell flat. Too rushed? I wanted to know both Brennan and Keegan's back stories. I wanted more with Keegan and his (work) partner. I did think that Keegan was arrogant, but I thought it worked for him. However, I thought he could have been a little more useful during Brennan's flashbacks (you know, being a cop and all).
Best conversation of the whole book:
"I m-meant I can't come in the morning."
"Ever?"
"What?"
"Not coming in the morning. Personal problem, or have you not been with the right guy to do the job?"
Brennan's eyes widened.
"Give me a chance, and I can make certain you come in the morning."
"You don't m-m...fuck around, do you?"
"No. Not when I am with someone. And neither will you."
"N-not what I meant."
"I know, but it is what I meant. Afternoon then? I can swing by after lunch and pick you up. Be ready."
Overall, I think this could have been amazing as a full length. It just fell short as a novella, in my opinion.
I took a chance and got this even though I said I was going to pass on it. It was cheap, so what the hell...
This story had SO MUCH potential, but it just fell flat. Too rushed? I wanted to know both Brennan and Keegan's back stories. I wanted more with Keegan and his (work) partner. I did think that Keegan was arrogant, but I thought it worked for him. However, I thought he could have been a little more useful during Brennan's flashbacks (you know, being a cop and all).
Best conversation of the whole book:
"I m-meant I can't come in the morning."
"Ever?"
"What?"
"Not coming in the morning. Personal problem, or have you not been with the right guy to do the job?"
Brennan's eyes widened.
"Give me a chance, and I can make certain you come in the morning."
"You don't m-m...fuck around, do you?"
"No. Not when I am with someone. And neither will you."
"N-not what I meant."
"I know, but it is what I meant. Afternoon then? I can swing by after lunch and pick you up. Be ready."
Overall, I think this could have been amazing as a full length. It just fell short as a novella, in my opinion.
August 9, 2013
This novella had such potential. I enjoyed all the characters - Brennan was heartbreaking. The problem is the story was much much too short. There was a great premise here, an opportunity to explore the characters, including the friendship between Keegan and his cop partner whose few scenes made me smile. The writer has a clever wit and I'd love to read something of more substance by her.
Insta-love or insta-attraction always feels too convenient to me. I prefer characters to get know each other, a slow burn so to speak. Wanting to boff like bunnies as soon as the characters meet feels false.
So okay - I liked the characters and I love a cop drama and action story. The bones of an actual terrific fleshed out novel were there, but this was just too short to do justice to the author's characters.
And I feel it's a trend of late - very short, rushed stories with abrupt endings and little opportunity for character development. Churn out 80 or 100 page novellas and avid readers will snap them up - Well I've decided to be more discerning about my purchases from now on.
Insta-love or insta-attraction always feels too convenient to me. I prefer characters to get know each other, a slow burn so to speak. Wanting to boff like bunnies as soon as the characters meet feels false.
So okay - I liked the characters and I love a cop drama and action story. The bones of an actual terrific fleshed out novel were there, but this was just too short to do justice to the author's characters.
And I feel it's a trend of late - very short, rushed stories with abrupt endings and little opportunity for character development. Churn out 80 or 100 page novellas and avid readers will snap them up - Well I've decided to be more discerning about my purchases from now on.
June 7, 2015
I bought this book without reading the premise - it was one of those books listed at the back of another book I'd just finished, and I thought I would read it while working on a book. In all honesty, I didn't expect much, but Burden was a delight to read. Was it some great literary piece? No. Was it unique? Not particularly. But the characters really sucked me in. Brennan was so sweet. Keegan a nice alpha-type male who made sure they connected.
Brennan has cats. His therapist recommended he get some. He's named his cats variations of 'Bob' - it makes it easy for him to remember their names. His therapist also recommended Brennan go out every day and order coffee to help with his memory and just to be out and about. He can't work anymore so connecting with others in some way is pretty important for Brennan, even if somewhat complicated. He is ex Internal Affairs who was in a car accident a year ago - he went off the side of a mountain and sustained brain trauma. As a result, his short-term memory is affected, he stutters and he generally feels frustrated, but he is such a sweetheart.
Keegan is a police officer who bumps into Brennan under tense circumstances. He goes from thinking Brennan is a suspect to thinking he is hot-stuff quickly. I loved Keegan's endearment for Brennan's cats - 'the shitheads.' It was a running joke and I laughed every time. I liked Keegan, how he saw something nice and good in Brennan.
Yes, it was insta-attraction, insta-sex, quick-love (pretty much). I didn't care, I was invested enough to go with the flow. I am a sucker for nice characters, someone who is uncomplicated, someone who takes charge somewhat. I also like a mystery and it has one in the book. Okay, it wasn't Agatha Christie-worthy, and what was going to happen was pretty well telegraphed. But, once again, meh, I didn't care - Brennan, Keegan, the Bobs, aka the Shitheads, had me in their clutches.
I got taken along for a nice ride with Burden, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was cute, sweet, humorous, it had characters I could get behind and it was pretty sexy. I had a good time reading it. Can't ask for much more.
Brennan has cats. His therapist recommended he get some. He's named his cats variations of 'Bob' - it makes it easy for him to remember their names. His therapist also recommended Brennan go out every day and order coffee to help with his memory and just to be out and about. He can't work anymore so connecting with others in some way is pretty important for Brennan, even if somewhat complicated. He is ex Internal Affairs who was in a car accident a year ago - he went off the side of a mountain and sustained brain trauma. As a result, his short-term memory is affected, he stutters and he generally feels frustrated, but he is such a sweetheart.
Keegan is a police officer who bumps into Brennan under tense circumstances. He goes from thinking Brennan is a suspect to thinking he is hot-stuff quickly. I loved Keegan's endearment for Brennan's cats - 'the shitheads.' It was a running joke and I laughed every time. I liked Keegan, how he saw something nice and good in Brennan.
Yes, it was insta-attraction, insta-sex, quick-love (pretty much). I didn't care, I was invested enough to go with the flow. I am a sucker for nice characters, someone who is uncomplicated, someone who takes charge somewhat. I also like a mystery and it has one in the book. Okay, it wasn't Agatha Christie-worthy, and what was going to happen was pretty well telegraphed. But, once again, meh, I didn't care - Brennan, Keegan, the Bobs, aka the Shitheads, had me in their clutches.
I got taken along for a nice ride with Burden, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was cute, sweet, humorous, it had characters I could get behind and it was pretty sexy. I had a good time reading it. Can't ask for much more.
December 28, 2013
Insta-love and a bad crime plot...and "Throby" makes an appearance...
This was not a very good read for me.
I loathe insta-love. It just doesn't make for good stories in 9 out of 10 stories. There are very few authors who can pull it off, and write an interesting, gripping story.
There was lusting after each other at first glance, and also much disliked the c*cks did a lot of throbbing.
The "crime" plot (I should put the word "plot" in quotation marks too...) was unnecessary and sloppily done.
I didn't get this whole "damaged warrior" theme.
So I disliked it very much, how this was supposed to be the "love" story.
This was not a very good read for me.
I loathe insta-love. It just doesn't make for good stories in 9 out of 10 stories. There are very few authors who can pull it off, and write an interesting, gripping story.
There was lusting after each other at first glance, and also much disliked the c*cks did a lot of throbbing.
The "crime" plot (I should put the word "plot" in quotation marks too...) was unnecessary and sloppily done.
I didn't get this whole "damaged warrior" theme.
So I disliked it very much, how this was supposed to be the "love" story.
August 8, 2013
First let me start by saying I hate when I read a book and you don't get 100% instead it ends at 89% or something like that.
On to the book. This should've been longer. The whole thing took place in 2 days which made most of it unbelievable. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it. I just had to suspend belief to do so.
What ticked me off the most, this story doesn't have an ending. You get to them in the hospital after the shooting, they talk then boom "the end". I was like WTF? Too many loose ends not answered. What about the dirty cops etc....
Again, I enjoyed the book but I can't give it a higher rating because of all the loose ends and the ending that wasn't.
On to the book. This should've been longer. The whole thing took place in 2 days which made most of it unbelievable. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it. I just had to suspend belief to do so.
What ticked me off the most, this story doesn't have an ending. You get to them in the hospital after the shooting, they talk then boom "the end". I was like WTF? Too many loose ends not answered. What about the dirty cops etc....
Again, I enjoyed the book but I can't give it a higher rating because of all the loose ends and the ending that wasn't.
July 25, 2013
Keegan and Brennan
3.5 stars
I liked this one. I like how protective Keegan is. The bad guy was very obvious but that's ok. I think these two would make a great series. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
3.5 stars
I liked this one. I like how protective Keegan is. The bad guy was very obvious but that's ok. I think these two would make a great series. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
August 16, 2013
The premise is interesting and i liked various elements in this story (the fact one of the heroes is struggling with his recovery after a severe head injury, the kittens, the suspense/mystery), except that the execution of it all felt rather rushed and didn't quite live up to its promise. The romantic arc fell a bit flat for me thanks to a bad case of insta-love and lack of tension. This could've been a great read when it would've been longer, now it's just an okay read.
July 31, 2013
This definitely needs a sequel!!
January 3, 2014
Oh yes. The romance/sex aspect of this story is on steroids, but if you can roll with that it might be truly enjoyable.
Dialogue and narrative are snappy and flow well. Plus this thing is funny. The Bobs. Heh.
Off the bat I loved the brain damage aspect of the story.
I wasn’t quite as enthusiastic about how oversexed the protagonists’ interactions played out. Attraction is one thing but for a while here it felt as though every moment needed to be punctuated by a nether twitch or two and the urge to fuck. This either fades into the background after a while or it simply begins to work for the story. Either way, I ceased to notice it as something disruptive.
I had something else to chew on instead.
On one hand it’s a bit off-putting how Keegan just steamrolls all over Brennan, who is in no position to protest. On the other hand there’s something reassuring to it since it suggests that Keegan treats him exactly as he would anyone else he was hot for. (There’s just something honest, something straightforward about the way he presses on. No games to play.) He certainly does not seem to make allowances for Brennan’s condition.
In fact, Keegan’s bossiness struck me as on the verge of being too much. Or maybe it is too much but somehow the author makes it work for him – and in this particular constellation. But it keeps teetering on the edge, an experience I found interesting because it kept me on edge.
Going back to the brain damage aspect, I genuinely loved the parts where Brennan tries to make sense of the world. I also liked the fluctuating nature of what he knows/remembers.
And this is certainly well-plotted. Sure, the mystery in this mini-thriller is not too mysterious because of the lack of options, but I appreciate the bit of misdirection and the way everything that is described serves to set something up or establish something for later. In a way, this even applies to the sex, since the urgency there explains (kind of) how this relationship and attachment can happen so fast. It must be one of those lust/love-at-first-sight things. *shrug*
Anyway, because of this I found the story extremely satisfying in terms of super-duper-love.
Something that gives me pause is the fact that the bulk of other reviews veer into the opposite direction. And I can’t say I disagree with their arguments. Usually I’m not one for insta-love either, nor do I like controlling characters, and I, too, thought Keegan moved way too fast considering Brennan’s limitations. And yes, it was ridiculously sex-based.
And yet I enjoyed it a lot. Go figure.
Dialogue and narrative are snappy and flow well. Plus this thing is funny. The Bobs. Heh.
Off the bat I loved the brain damage aspect of the story.
I wasn’t quite as enthusiastic about how oversexed the protagonists’ interactions played out. Attraction is one thing but for a while here it felt as though every moment needed to be punctuated by a nether twitch or two and the urge to fuck. This either fades into the background after a while or it simply begins to work for the story. Either way, I ceased to notice it as something disruptive.
I had something else to chew on instead.
On one hand it’s a bit off-putting how Keegan just steamrolls all over Brennan, who is in no position to protest. On the other hand there’s something reassuring to it since it suggests that Keegan treats him exactly as he would anyone else he was hot for. (There’s just something honest, something straightforward about the way he presses on. No games to play.) He certainly does not seem to make allowances for Brennan’s condition.
In fact, Keegan’s bossiness struck me as on the verge of being too much. Or maybe it is too much but somehow the author makes it work for him – and in this particular constellation. But it keeps teetering on the edge, an experience I found interesting because it kept me on edge.
Going back to the brain damage aspect, I genuinely loved the parts where Brennan tries to make sense of the world. I also liked the fluctuating nature of what he knows/remembers.
And this is certainly well-plotted. Sure, the mystery in this mini-thriller is not too mysterious because of the lack of options, but I appreciate the bit of misdirection and the way everything that is described serves to set something up or establish something for later. In a way, this even applies to the sex, since the urgency there explains (kind of) how this relationship and attachment can happen so fast. It must be one of those lust/love-at-first-sight things. *shrug*
Anyway, because of this I found the story extremely satisfying in terms of super-duper-love.
Something that gives me pause is the fact that the bulk of other reviews veer into the opposite direction. And I can’t say I disagree with their arguments. Usually I’m not one for insta-love either, nor do I like controlling characters, and I, too, thought Keegan moved way too fast considering Brennan’s limitations. And yes, it was ridiculously sex-based.
And yet I enjoyed it a lot. Go figure.
November 18, 2013
I have not idea why I had downloaded the sample. Unfortunately a sample sometimes isn't enough to get a grip on how you're going to like a story.
This could have been a great story, the idea behind it: A former cop stuggling with getting his memory back, another one falling for him and an action plot.
Unfortunately it was rushed and while there was time for several sex scenes within roughly 24 hours, there was no time for real character development. I'm not against instant love, no, it's kind of a given in a short story. But I didn't feel the love here at all. Just instant sex...and sex...and possisive protectivness from Keegan's side, which actually even felt a bit creepy and some kind of gratitude for getting laid after such a long time from Brennan. I don't think that was what the author was trying to convey.
While the writing was good, the plot lacked credibility. Why the whole sabotaged murder attempts? Just turn yourself in and spill the beans. Sorry.
This could have been a great story, the idea behind it: A former cop stuggling with getting his memory back, another one falling for him and an action plot.
Unfortunately it was rushed and while there was time for several sex scenes within roughly 24 hours, there was no time for real character development. I'm not against instant love, no, it's kind of a given in a short story. But I didn't feel the love here at all. Just instant sex...and sex...and possisive protectivness from Keegan's side, which actually even felt a bit creepy and some kind of gratitude for getting laid after such a long time from Brennan. I don't think that was what the author was trying to convey.
While the writing was good, the plot lacked credibility. Why the whole sabotaged murder attempts? Just turn yourself in and spill the beans. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2013
Nice satisfying read. Liked the characters, particularly the Bobs (Keegan's nicknames for them really made me laugh)-though they didn't get enough screen time. A case of insta-love between the MCs but still felt believable, the chemistry is there. As for the danger they find themselves in, I got an idea who was involved pretty quickly yet that didn't diminish my interest in the story. Would've liked Brennan's case fleshed out a little more as well as the other players implicated but overall I was caught up with the guys. It's fun to imagine how Keegan will deal with recovery in the company-or more like at the mercy of Cujo, King Kong, Godzilla, and Jaws (the Bobs).
October 1, 2017
This is my second time reading this and I thought I would write a proper review...I loved this...Yes it's very short but it really is a great book...Brennan was just adorable...even though he used to be a cop his problems after an accident left him with memory problems...a stutter...he couldn't do simple things like use money and was just learning to get his life back when he meets Keegan a cop just out from undercover who quickly falls for Brennan.....Put in some cute kitties who will just have you laughing as they scratch and attack.....A really great short read with a fair bit of action in and out of bed x
August 31, 2013
Another good story that ends abruptly. The answers to all the questions are wrapped up a bittoo easily, but the characters are really likeable. Particularly Brennen...he's so sweet, but with a edge underneath that when unleashed, could be quite powerful. Keegan is wonderfully gruff and a total softy at the same time. Would have liked to see more from the ending, and more about where thy are now... Needed an epilogue. I liked it well enough.
July 31, 2013
It's more 4.5 stars then 5
This book was shorter then I like but that's okay because it was a good read. No it wasn't deep it was fairly light but I liked the characters and the premise.
Why I rated it so high was simply because I couldn't put it down and wanted more. I will be checking out more from this author soon!
This book was shorter then I like but that's okay because it was a good read. No it wasn't deep it was fairly light but I liked the characters and the premise.
Why I rated it so high was simply because I couldn't put it down and wanted more. I will be checking out more from this author soon!
August 9, 2013
This book had so much potential, but this was just not worth the time.
I wanted to know more about both MCs, the dirty cops, Keegan's partner, Brennan's health, ... but the book was just too short and had too many loose ends, too many unanswered questions, felt hurried.
I mean I liked it, but could have been great, if it would have been a full lenght book, but not this short read.
I wanted to know more about both MCs, the dirty cops, Keegan's partner, Brennan's health, ... but the book was just too short and had too many loose ends, too many unanswered questions, felt hurried.
I mean I liked it, but could have been great, if it would have been a full lenght book, but not this short read.
April 22, 2015
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this story but wished it was longer. Definitely insta-love which is not my favorite, but I still liked the story.
I enjoyed this story but wished it was longer. Definitely insta-love which is not my favorite, but I still liked the story.
August 1, 2013
This wasn't bad but the in luuurve in less than 24 hours was a bit ridiculous.
July 30, 2013
2.5 stars - The story could've been better, yes, but it was entertaining nonetheless.
November 29, 2018
The story would have been very nice and sweet if it wasn't so unbelievable. I understand when someone has amnesia, but when someone is doing very little progress over a year, then why the heck would he remember the whole story in a day right when he meets Keegan?? There is no way he just entices his brain to get it back like that out of nowhere. I wish there was more of Brennan's journey or recovery (not only before he meets Keegan but also during and after the fact!). The story happened in such a short time it didn't feel real and the feelings were just too rushed. Everything besides the erotic scenes was just not done very well and both the characters and the story deserved more depth (and a 100 more pages would not overdo it either).
December 13, 2017
3.5/5
Nice story, but the ending felt unfinished.
Nice story, but the ending felt unfinished.
April 29, 2020
Sexy, sweet
Keegan and Brennan are such a sweet and sexy duo. It doesn't matter how many times I read their story, it's a lively journey.
Keegan and Brennan are such a sweet and sexy duo. It doesn't matter how many times I read their story, it's a lively journey.
October 18, 2013
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/09/18/...
Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher
There’s more than one way to guard a body.
In the year since his car flew off a cliff, Detective Brennan McGuire has struggled to relearn the simplest tasks—like speaking without a stutter—and even more with trying to fill the gaping holes in his memory.
But when his daily visit to a local coffee shop turns into a melee of flying bullets, Brennan’s instincts take control.
So much for Keegan Monroe’s first day off after a long undercover assignment. One minute he’s relaxing over coffee, the next his cheek is kissing concrete. Question is, is the gorgeous man on top of him his savior, or the one who took a potshot at his head?
As Keegan shepherds the too-quiet, too-skinny Brennan through the investigation, attraction flares into nights of white-hot passion. But with each scorching encounter, more and more of Brennan’s memories shake loose…and it becomes clear someone doesn’t want him putting those pieces together.
With Keegan’s oath to protect and serve putting him squarely in the crosshairs of a murderer, now the question is, who is protecting whom?
Product Warnings
This book contains a good amount of stuttering, forgetting, remembering, danger, hot man love (cop style), and hordes of cuddly kittens.
This blurb came from Goodreads.
I decided to try McKenna’s writing when I read the blurb for this book. It looked so very different from the usual amnesia romance that I couldn’t resist. Burden certainly proved to be different, no secret baby or prior relationship, but plenty of secrets. Keegan has lived a secret life for the past few years while working as an undercover police officer. The case was wrapped-up and arrests made so he had a chance to relax and catch up on life while he waited for the trials. He was enjoying coffee and conversation with his best friend when he found himself tackled to the ground by a very attractive stranger, hearing gunshots. Brennan was on his daily trek to the coffee shop, where he would struggle trying to order his coffee and pay without collapsing or fleeing in panic. While Brennan might not make his brain work the way he wanted, his cop instincts still existed so when he caught sight of a man aiming a weapon at a fellow customer he reacted and tackled the man to get him out of the line of fire. In the ensuing chaos, Brennan found himself cuffed and awaiting interrogation.
I thought that McKenna did a great job of portraying how circumstances, tension, and a hostile environment could be a challenge for anyone. Add in someone who knows what they should be saying and doing but they can’t and it had to be a living nightmare. I felt so bad for Brennan who did the right thing but couldn’t explain why. Even after his situation was explained, I could tell that Brennan still felt ashamed and that he was useless. Yet, on the drive back to his place, it again seemed as if his instincts were still sharp, he just couldn’t reason or think anything through. I found that dichotomy fascinating.
I also liked how McKenna flipped between Keegan and Brennan’s points of view so I could see the combination of attraction, puzzlement, curiosity, and frustration that they shared in common. I enjoyed watching the attraction grow between them even though a few pieces seemed a bit unfinished. For example, Brennan made a statement to the effect that he isn’t usually submissive so I was expecting one of their sexual encounters to have a more dominate Brennan. I was really looking forward to that scene because I wanted to see how that was going to play out with his mental and sometimes physical struggles. Unfortunately, that scene never materialized.
The suspense aspect of the story while initially strong became predictable towards the end of the story. The uncertainty about the actual target was or if both men were targeted for separate things did help. However, I figured out one of the bad guys was rather early on in the story which was slightly disappointing, I just didn’t know what his motivation was. McKenna did include an interesting twist when it came to the bad guys but overall I thought the suspense was the weakest aspect.
Burden was an enjoyable read with some flaws. I thought Brennan’s struggles to regain himself and his memory were the strongest aspect followed by his relationship with Keegan and than the suspense. I enjoyed Keegan’s best friend and wished I could have seen their interaction more because he seemed like a grounding influence. Given the description of his wife, I also wanted to see her reaction to Brennan. I loved Brennan’s Aunt Caroline and the four vicious kitties. While those were all enjoyable I did wish things had been fleshed out a bit more for Brennan’s character and that I could see some character growth in Keegan besides his attraction to Brennan.
I give Burden a C+/B-
Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher
There’s more than one way to guard a body.
In the year since his car flew off a cliff, Detective Brennan McGuire has struggled to relearn the simplest tasks—like speaking without a stutter—and even more with trying to fill the gaping holes in his memory.
But when his daily visit to a local coffee shop turns into a melee of flying bullets, Brennan’s instincts take control.
So much for Keegan Monroe’s first day off after a long undercover assignment. One minute he’s relaxing over coffee, the next his cheek is kissing concrete. Question is, is the gorgeous man on top of him his savior, or the one who took a potshot at his head?
As Keegan shepherds the too-quiet, too-skinny Brennan through the investigation, attraction flares into nights of white-hot passion. But with each scorching encounter, more and more of Brennan’s memories shake loose…and it becomes clear someone doesn’t want him putting those pieces together.
With Keegan’s oath to protect and serve putting him squarely in the crosshairs of a murderer, now the question is, who is protecting whom?
Product Warnings
This book contains a good amount of stuttering, forgetting, remembering, danger, hot man love (cop style), and hordes of cuddly kittens.
This blurb came from Goodreads.
I decided to try McKenna’s writing when I read the blurb for this book. It looked so very different from the usual amnesia romance that I couldn’t resist. Burden certainly proved to be different, no secret baby or prior relationship, but plenty of secrets. Keegan has lived a secret life for the past few years while working as an undercover police officer. The case was wrapped-up and arrests made so he had a chance to relax and catch up on life while he waited for the trials. He was enjoying coffee and conversation with his best friend when he found himself tackled to the ground by a very attractive stranger, hearing gunshots. Brennan was on his daily trek to the coffee shop, where he would struggle trying to order his coffee and pay without collapsing or fleeing in panic. While Brennan might not make his brain work the way he wanted, his cop instincts still existed so when he caught sight of a man aiming a weapon at a fellow customer he reacted and tackled the man to get him out of the line of fire. In the ensuing chaos, Brennan found himself cuffed and awaiting interrogation.
I thought that McKenna did a great job of portraying how circumstances, tension, and a hostile environment could be a challenge for anyone. Add in someone who knows what they should be saying and doing but they can’t and it had to be a living nightmare. I felt so bad for Brennan who did the right thing but couldn’t explain why. Even after his situation was explained, I could tell that Brennan still felt ashamed and that he was useless. Yet, on the drive back to his place, it again seemed as if his instincts were still sharp, he just couldn’t reason or think anything through. I found that dichotomy fascinating.
I also liked how McKenna flipped between Keegan and Brennan’s points of view so I could see the combination of attraction, puzzlement, curiosity, and frustration that they shared in common. I enjoyed watching the attraction grow between them even though a few pieces seemed a bit unfinished. For example, Brennan made a statement to the effect that he isn’t usually submissive so I was expecting one of their sexual encounters to have a more dominate Brennan. I was really looking forward to that scene because I wanted to see how that was going to play out with his mental and sometimes physical struggles. Unfortunately, that scene never materialized.
The suspense aspect of the story while initially strong became predictable towards the end of the story. The uncertainty about the actual target was or if both men were targeted for separate things did help. However, I figured out one of the bad guys was rather early on in the story which was slightly disappointing, I just didn’t know what his motivation was. McKenna did include an interesting twist when it came to the bad guys but overall I thought the suspense was the weakest aspect.
Burden was an enjoyable read with some flaws. I thought Brennan’s struggles to regain himself and his memory were the strongest aspect followed by his relationship with Keegan and than the suspense. I enjoyed Keegan’s best friend and wished I could have seen their interaction more because he seemed like a grounding influence. Given the description of his wife, I also wanted to see her reaction to Brennan. I loved Brennan’s Aunt Caroline and the four vicious kitties. While those were all enjoyable I did wish things had been fleshed out a bit more for Brennan’s character and that I could see some character growth in Keegan besides his attraction to Brennan.
I give Burden a C+/B-
March 22, 2015
2.5 stars. Full review can be found at at The Armchair Reader
This site is down. Here's the review.
The blurb for this story pretty much tells it all and gives away the twist to the plot. Brennan has suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of a car accident that he can’t remember. He was a police officer before the injury, but now he can barely order a drink and pay for it at the local coffee shop. While on his daily therapy exercise, he spies a shooter and lunges at the hot guy he thinks is about to get shot and in doing so, becomes a suspect. Somehow the police take forever to figure out that something is wrong with him (duh). Once they realize that he was an officer and that he is still recovering from the accident, they STILL think he might be involved.
Keegan begins to doubt that Brennan is involved and has him review mugshots in an attempt to identify the shooter. Keegan is convinced that this somehow has to do with the case he has just completed. As the investigation continues and he witnesses Brennan’s flashes of memory, he begins to suspect that something else is going on. During the second day of the investigation we meet Brennan’s aunt – who is a hoot - maybe my second favorite character in this story :)
Brennan and Keegan are definitely attracted and even though he kind of feels like maybe he’s taking advantage, Keegan just can’t seem to keep his hands off. Amazingly during sex, Brennan doesn’t even stutter and seems sure of himself and what he wants. Brennan’s old instincts seem to be surfacing more and more as the case continues which is a good thing for both of them. Keegan liked the Brennan he sees and wants to help him remember what happened and not just because he's trying to figure out what's going on with the assassination attempts.
I really wanted to like this book so much more! The blurb was intriguing and I liked both MCs – especially Brennan. The problem for me was the rushed, compressed time frame of this story – it’s literally two and a half days and the MCs are saying “I love you.” Also, I knew from the blurb and the story pretty much what was going to be the outcome and who the bad guy was. I hate when that happens! This would have been a much better story if it had been about three times the word count and we got a fully fleshed out relationship built between the MCs. Instead they spend one day together and they are “in love.” Not saying it can’t happen, but it’s just not that satisfying. I’ve read other books by this author and really liked them and there is nothing inherently wrong with this one. I just needed more relationship development to feel like I got the whole story.
This site is down. Here's the review.
The blurb for this story pretty much tells it all and gives away the twist to the plot. Brennan has suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of a car accident that he can’t remember. He was a police officer before the injury, but now he can barely order a drink and pay for it at the local coffee shop. While on his daily therapy exercise, he spies a shooter and lunges at the hot guy he thinks is about to get shot and in doing so, becomes a suspect. Somehow the police take forever to figure out that something is wrong with him (duh). Once they realize that he was an officer and that he is still recovering from the accident, they STILL think he might be involved.
Keegan begins to doubt that Brennan is involved and has him review mugshots in an attempt to identify the shooter. Keegan is convinced that this somehow has to do with the case he has just completed. As the investigation continues and he witnesses Brennan’s flashes of memory, he begins to suspect that something else is going on. During the second day of the investigation we meet Brennan’s aunt – who is a hoot - maybe my second favorite character in this story :)
Brennan and Keegan are definitely attracted and even though he kind of feels like maybe he’s taking advantage, Keegan just can’t seem to keep his hands off. Amazingly during sex, Brennan doesn’t even stutter and seems sure of himself and what he wants. Brennan’s old instincts seem to be surfacing more and more as the case continues which is a good thing for both of them. Keegan liked the Brennan he sees and wants to help him remember what happened and not just because he's trying to figure out what's going on with the assassination attempts.
I really wanted to like this book so much more! The blurb was intriguing and I liked both MCs – especially Brennan. The problem for me was the rushed, compressed time frame of this story – it’s literally two and a half days and the MCs are saying “I love you.” Also, I knew from the blurb and the story pretty much what was going to be the outcome and who the bad guy was. I hate when that happens! This would have been a much better story if it had been about three times the word count and we got a fully fleshed out relationship built between the MCs. Instead they spend one day together and they are “in love.” Not saying it can’t happen, but it’s just not that satisfying. I’ve read other books by this author and really liked them and there is nothing inherently wrong with this one. I just needed more relationship development to feel like I got the whole story.
August 2, 2013
Let me start this review with a small confession - I have never read a gay romance novel. I like to picture myself as the heroine when I read a novel which is hard to do in a romance about two men. But the story in Burden by Annmarie McKenna was so intriguing and the two heroes were so compelling that I was drawn in immediately and could not put the book down.
Brennan is a fascinating hero. He is still recovering from a traumatic brain injury suffered in a car crash. He stutters, has difficulty with his memory, and is learning to accept his limitations. Even the simplest of tasks such as buying a cup of coffee tax his brain.
Brennan and Keegan first met when Brennan saved Keegan from a sniper’s bullet. The attraction is instant but Keegan isn’t sure if Brennan is a victim or a villain. But the sexual current between the two men jumps off the page and after only one kiss neither can deny the inevitable.
Burden is a novella but Ms. McKenna still took the time to focus on the growing relationship between the men versus the sex scenes. I felt such sympathy for Brennan as he worked to regain his former life. I understood Keegan’s instinct to take care of and protect Brennan. Their relationship was no different than a traditional male/female romance which both surprised and pleased me. Keegan is just the same as any romance hero – he is handsome, protective, considerate and has alpha tendencies. Both men bring out the best in each other which is the mark of a good relationship.
The writing in Burden flowed naturally and the character development was realistic and believable. The relationship between the two men was just as authentic outside of the bedroom as it was in bed. I especially enjoyed their banter showcasing both their growing friendship and love.
I would have liked to see more pages devoted to the suspense aspects of the story yet this is the downside of a novella. The question of who was the murderer after intrigued me enough to want more storyline but the climax was abrupt and over too quickly. In addition, either an epilogue or one more chapter describing the state of their relationship would have been appreciated.
I have read several books by Ms. McKenna and have enjoyed them all. Burden was no exception. I especially recommend this book if you have never read a M/M romance. It’s an excellent introduction to this particular romance subgenre.
Brennan is a fascinating hero. He is still recovering from a traumatic brain injury suffered in a car crash. He stutters, has difficulty with his memory, and is learning to accept his limitations. Even the simplest of tasks such as buying a cup of coffee tax his brain.
Brennan and Keegan first met when Brennan saved Keegan from a sniper’s bullet. The attraction is instant but Keegan isn’t sure if Brennan is a victim or a villain. But the sexual current between the two men jumps off the page and after only one kiss neither can deny the inevitable.
Burden is a novella but Ms. McKenna still took the time to focus on the growing relationship between the men versus the sex scenes. I felt such sympathy for Brennan as he worked to regain his former life. I understood Keegan’s instinct to take care of and protect Brennan. Their relationship was no different than a traditional male/female romance which both surprised and pleased me. Keegan is just the same as any romance hero – he is handsome, protective, considerate and has alpha tendencies. Both men bring out the best in each other which is the mark of a good relationship.
The writing in Burden flowed naturally and the character development was realistic and believable. The relationship between the two men was just as authentic outside of the bedroom as it was in bed. I especially enjoyed their banter showcasing both their growing friendship and love.
I would have liked to see more pages devoted to the suspense aspects of the story yet this is the downside of a novella. The question of who was the murderer after intrigued me enough to want more storyline but the climax was abrupt and over too quickly. In addition, either an epilogue or one more chapter describing the state of their relationship would have been appreciated.
I have read several books by Ms. McKenna and have enjoyed them all. Burden was no exception. I especially recommend this book if you have never read a M/M romance. It’s an excellent introduction to this particular romance subgenre.
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