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Precious Gems #3
Jaded
Precious Book Three
Sequel to Italian Ice
Gay-romance writer Trent Copeland finds his life in a rut while his boyfriend, Special Agent Reed Acton, is away on an undercover mission. After attending a special course at FBI headquarters in Quantico, Trent’s eager for another challenge. He jumps at the opportunity for a trip to Japan to oversee appraisals of two art collections to be sold at the gallery he co-owns. But the trip isn’t all cherry blossoms and Hello Kitty. When one of the collectors he meets—rumored to be the head of a Yakuza gang—turns up dead, Trent is accused of the murder and thrown in jail.
Reed drops everything to help find out who really committed the crime. He's in unknown territory in Japan, forced to navigate Tokyo’s sex underworld to unravel the truth and save Trent. He poses as a “host” at a seedy late-night club. When Reed’s undercover activities place him at a ruthless Yakuza leader’s sex party, he must be willing to go to any lengths to secure Trent’s safety and freedom. But trusting the wrong people brings both Reed and Trent to the Yakuza leader’s attention. If they’re ever to have a happy ever after, they’ll first have to call on every skill just to stay alive.
Sequel to Italian Ice
Gay-romance writer Trent Copeland finds his life in a rut while his boyfriend, Special Agent Reed Acton, is away on an undercover mission. After attending a special course at FBI headquarters in Quantico, Trent’s eager for another challenge. He jumps at the opportunity for a trip to Japan to oversee appraisals of two art collections to be sold at the gallery he co-owns. But the trip isn’t all cherry blossoms and Hello Kitty. When one of the collectors he meets—rumored to be the head of a Yakuza gang—turns up dead, Trent is accused of the murder and thrown in jail.
Reed drops everything to help find out who really committed the crime. He's in unknown territory in Japan, forced to navigate Tokyo’s sex underworld to unravel the truth and save Trent. He poses as a “host” at a seedy late-night club. When Reed’s undercover activities place him at a ruthless Yakuza leader’s sex party, he must be willing to go to any lengths to secure Trent’s safety and freedom. But trusting the wrong people brings both Reed and Trent to the Yakuza leader’s attention. If they’re ever to have a happy ever after, they’ll first have to call on every skill just to stay alive.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2013
About the author
E.M. Lynley
48 books234 followersEM Lynley writes gay erotic romance. She loves books where the hero gets the guy and the loving is 11 on a scale of 10. Her Precious Gems series is best described as “Indiana Jones meets Romancing the Stone”—only gayer. The Delectable series is Gay Romance with Taste.
A Rainbow Award winner and EPPIE finalist, EM has worked in high finance, high tech, and in the wine industry, though she'd rather be writing hot, romantic man-on-man action. She spent 10 years as an economist and financial analyst, including a year as a White House Staff Economist, but only because all the intern positions were filled. Tired of boring herself and others with dry business reports and articles, her creative muse is back and naughtier than ever. She has lived and worked in London, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., but the San Francisco Bay Area is home for now.
She is the author of Sex, Lies & Wedding Bells, the Precious Gems series from Dreamspinner Press, and the Rewriting History series starring a sexy jewel thief, among others. Her books are available in print and e-book from Amazon & other book distributors.
A Rainbow Award winner and EPPIE finalist, EM has worked in high finance, high tech, and in the wine industry, though she'd rather be writing hot, romantic man-on-man action. She spent 10 years as an economist and financial analyst, including a year as a White House Staff Economist, but only because all the intern positions were filled. Tired of boring herself and others with dry business reports and articles, her creative muse is back and naughtier than ever. She has lived and worked in London, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., but the San Francisco Bay Area is home for now.
She is the author of Sex, Lies & Wedding Bells, the Precious Gems series from Dreamspinner Press, and the Rewriting History series starring a sexy jewel thief, among others. Her books are available in print and e-book from Amazon & other book distributors.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 22, 2013
Please leave comments on Lady McNeill's 5 sweet pea review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Reed leaned his chin against his hand, elbow on the table, and ran a finger across his lips. I love you. Their secret code. Trent had wanted something only they would understand and Reed never expected it would be necessary for actual communication.
Ok all my fellow book lovers, this review is going to be a long one! Just preparing you now because I have so many thoughts on this story. First, I absolutely loved Jaded by EM Lynley! The Precious Gems series has turned into a must read series for me. As with the past stories, Jaded is an excellent blend of romance and suspense written with amazing details of Japan and its art history. I feel like I close these books smarter than when I started plus with a joyful heart.
The book again features Trent and Reed as the main characters. I’ll admit I tend to stay away from series were it is the same MCs over and over because I read to escape and I love closing a book with an HEA or HFN. So when the characters continue, I know there will be trouble and I don’t want trouble. Sure in real life no relationship is perfect but I hate to see couples struggle. I gave up on the Sookie Stackhouse and Cat & Bones series for this reason. So I was a little nervous starting this story. Reed is back working undercover and Trent doesn’t always know where he is or what he is doing. It makes for bitter departures when Reed leaves but sweet and super sexy reunions when he returns safely. And I mean sexy, naked time reunions..whew..hot!
While Reed is on his latest assignment, Trent finds himself lonely especially since he’s just finished writing his latest book. Leah, his co-gallery owner, has a great opportunity for Trent to fly to Japan and inspect some art Leah wants to buy for the gallery. What an adventure for Trent and he gets to take his close friend Beth along to translate. I mean what could go wrong….well if there is danger, Trent seems to find it. I consider him the male version of Danger Prone Daphne from Scooby Doo. But Trent is actually must stronger now than in the first book when he was in trouble back in Thailand. He’s gone through FBI training and when push comes to shove he can be as bad ass as Reed just with a super soft heart.
Trent’s trip to Japan goes quickly awry when he finds himself accused of murder and the Japanese judicial system is nothing like the US one. Thankfully Reed is able to get to Japan to try to help. Ah Reed…can I say I love him more now after this book than in past. Before he was pretty hard and not ready to love so easily, but I think Trent has thrown him for a loop. He really is in love with Trent. The only problem is his job which he really loves. We learned after Italy (book 2) that being in the FBI is what he is; he can’t not work for them. When he goes to Japan, he ends up going undercover to try to help Trent. Unfortunately that means he goes undercover as a Japanese host. Almost like an escort. The person he is trying to catch loves men especially two men together and Reed has to play a role to catch his attention. This part was so hard…because how far do you go when you are undercover? Reed is put in a difficult situation and my heart ached. Damn…it was hard for me to read. Thankfully Trent and Reed really love each other and I love them together. We get to read some sweet moments like the one around my favorite quote listed above to some super hot sex.
The whole murder mystery was really interesting and I actually didn’t figure out “who done it” until the end. I think there is more to the story and there is definitely more to Trent and Reed’s relationship. I’m not sure what more adventures they can get themselves into but I hope there is more. As with past stories, all of the details about the country were amazing. From the landscape, to the foods, the transportation, Ms. Lynley does a great job describing everything. It makes me long to travel to those countries.
In closing….get Jaded. Read the whole Precious Gems series. Fall in love with Trent and Reed like I have! Go enjoy a great murder-mystery, romance story and learn a little something along the way!
Reed leaned his chin against his hand, elbow on the table, and ran a finger across his lips. I love you. Their secret code. Trent had wanted something only they would understand and Reed never expected it would be necessary for actual communication.
Ok all my fellow book lovers, this review is going to be a long one! Just preparing you now because I have so many thoughts on this story. First, I absolutely loved Jaded by EM Lynley! The Precious Gems series has turned into a must read series for me. As with the past stories, Jaded is an excellent blend of romance and suspense written with amazing details of Japan and its art history. I feel like I close these books smarter than when I started plus with a joyful heart.
The book again features Trent and Reed as the main characters. I’ll admit I tend to stay away from series were it is the same MCs over and over because I read to escape and I love closing a book with an HEA or HFN. So when the characters continue, I know there will be trouble and I don’t want trouble. Sure in real life no relationship is perfect but I hate to see couples struggle. I gave up on the Sookie Stackhouse and Cat & Bones series for this reason. So I was a little nervous starting this story. Reed is back working undercover and Trent doesn’t always know where he is or what he is doing. It makes for bitter departures when Reed leaves but sweet and super sexy reunions when he returns safely. And I mean sexy, naked time reunions..whew..hot!
While Reed is on his latest assignment, Trent finds himself lonely especially since he’s just finished writing his latest book. Leah, his co-gallery owner, has a great opportunity for Trent to fly to Japan and inspect some art Leah wants to buy for the gallery. What an adventure for Trent and he gets to take his close friend Beth along to translate. I mean what could go wrong….well if there is danger, Trent seems to find it. I consider him the male version of Danger Prone Daphne from Scooby Doo. But Trent is actually must stronger now than in the first book when he was in trouble back in Thailand. He’s gone through FBI training and when push comes to shove he can be as bad ass as Reed just with a super soft heart.
Trent’s trip to Japan goes quickly awry when he finds himself accused of murder and the Japanese judicial system is nothing like the US one. Thankfully Reed is able to get to Japan to try to help. Ah Reed…can I say I love him more now after this book than in past. Before he was pretty hard and not ready to love so easily, but I think Trent has thrown him for a loop. He really is in love with Trent. The only problem is his job which he really loves. We learned after Italy (book 2) that being in the FBI is what he is; he can’t not work for them. When he goes to Japan, he ends up going undercover to try to help Trent. Unfortunately that means he goes undercover as a Japanese host. Almost like an escort. The person he is trying to catch loves men especially two men together and Reed has to play a role to catch his attention. This part was so hard…because how far do you go when you are undercover? Reed is put in a difficult situation and my heart ached. Damn…it was hard for me to read. Thankfully Trent and Reed really love each other and I love them together. We get to read some sweet moments like the one around my favorite quote listed above to some super hot sex.
The whole murder mystery was really interesting and I actually didn’t figure out “who done it” until the end. I think there is more to the story and there is definitely more to Trent and Reed’s relationship. I’m not sure what more adventures they can get themselves into but I hope there is more. As with past stories, all of the details about the country were amazing. From the landscape, to the foods, the transportation, Ms. Lynley does a great job describing everything. It makes me long to travel to those countries.
In closing….get Jaded. Read the whole Precious Gems series. Fall in love with Trent and Reed like I have! Go enjoy a great murder-mystery, romance story and learn a little something along the way!
July 24, 2016
3.5 stars - This was a fun installment, part 3 in Lynley’s “Precious Gems” adventure romance series, but there were a couple issues for me that made it not my favorite book in the series.
I really enjoyed the first two books, Rarer Than Rubies and Italian Ice, and rated them 4 stars and 4.5 stars respectively. In this installment, gay romance writer Trent is off to Japan with his friend Beth to help survey some art for a gallery he co-owns. But as usual, Trent is a magnet for trouble, and he finds himself on the wrong end of a murder investigation and is thrown in jail (and Japan does not have the same legal system as the U.S., so there is no “one phone call” and his case looks like it might move to a quick conviction.)
Fortunately for our hapless hero, FBI agent and live-in boyfriend Reed flies in to work with the U.S. Embassy and figure out how his man so conveniently fell into someone’s set-up of a yakuza murder.
What I liked: I really like Trent and Reed, and have really appreciated how they’ve grown over the series. Somewhat sheltered writer Trent has really developed. At the beginning of the series, he was a man still in mourning over his lover’s death and was taking a trip to Thailand to help “rejuvenate” both his writing and his life. (And that’s where he bumped into undercover agent Reed, and got quickly embroiled into Reed’s rare antiquities case.) Reed has also really grown. He still worries about Trent getting hurt, but also recognizes that the inexperienced writer he first fell for in Thailand has grown much stronger and more capable (although still maintains his sweet veneer and his love of luxurious body wash.)
Their interactions together, and not just sexy times, but just regular interactions, are my favorite parts of the series. And in this installment, we got to see them both work on their own to solve the case (and protect each other.)
I also really liked the setting in Japan. Lynley mentions in a note in the beginning that she had lived there for several years, and it’s very evident by the everyday details that paint a very realistic Japan, and not one that falls on stereotypes or common tropes. (As someone who studied Japan, I appreciated the careful attention Lynley paid to the setting to make it real and not a cartoon.)
What was harder: For me, the pacing felt very uneven in this installment. I also felt Rarer than Rubies had a slow start, but this felt even slower as the first 40% are filled with the set-up, some cozy times with Reed, and then Trent’s detailed trip to Kyoto and Tokyo. I think I put the book down around 38%, wondering when the story was going to pick up. It did after that, but it felt like it really took too long to get to the main plot.
The next part, where Trent is arrested, almost is a complete reversal, and moves too fast as the narrative shifts to a lot of “telling” as Trent is moved quickly through the system and tossed into jail, and starts to really worry if he’s going to be indicted and possibly face the death penalty for a murder he did not commit (but which no one believes.) I understand why this went by so fast—probably because the author wanted to get to the rest of the story, but it added to the uneven feeling of the pacing. (Although it made the reader empathize with Trent’s feelings of being overwhelmed by the breakneck process that he was tossed into.)
Things settle into a comfortable/fitting pacing in the second half as Reed gets to Japan, and they are reunited for a short time before splitting up again as Reed moves on to the case to find the real killer.
For me, I kind of wish the set-up part was tighter and the conflict was introduced a little earlier. I do understand why the cozy couple time was included in the beginning. It did feel like “filler” but I think it was partially included because the MCs are not together a lot in the bulk of the book. They’re following separate threads for most of the story, so are probably only together for about a quarter of the book.
I definitely did miss that “together-time”, and again, I’m not referring to sexy time. Reed and Trent’s interactions are my fave parts the series, and I like seeing how they work together on things. I understand part of the point of this installment was to show how they can work separately for each other, and be resilient on their own, but I definitely missed those closer interactions and how their different styles bounce off each other.
What added to that separation also was Reed’s partnership with Shindo, a Japanese Interpol agent who is helping Reed out on the case. Fairly quickly in their first meeting, Reed internally ruminates about how attractive Shindo is and how he wonders what Shindo’s beautiful lips would look around his cock.
This completely kicked me out of the story. Reed earlier qualified that Trent would be considered his husband, and has been very worried about Trent (who not only was arrested, but was later beaten up by mobsters), and is working the case to clear his name, so this inclusion of a very strong attraction felt out-of-place at this point of the story (around 60-70% in) and felt a little out-of-character for Reed, who always seems very focused (unless Trent is involved, and then Reed admits to himself that he can make mistakes.)
I understand why it was included—realistically people in committed relationships can be strongly attracted to someone else without it risking the relationship, but it felt very off-putting in the story, and around 71%, I thought about wandering off and not finishing, it felt that *off* to me.
I think Lynley closed off the story well, although I still had a couple questions. Things end well with our heroes though, a strong HFN, just like the last two books.
But for me, and I say this as someone who has been a big fan of the series, the pacing issues, the lower amount of MC “together-time” and the oddness of the added attraction to a side character made this overall an uneven reading experience for me.
I still very much recommend the series as a whole, especially for those who like adventure romance. The first two books are a lot of fun, and Trent and Reed are very appealing characters and have a great (albeit sometimes tumultuous) relationship. For those who like a little excitement, danger, and faraway locals mixed in with their romance, these books are definitely good reads.
Review to be up this week over at Boys in our Books:
I really enjoyed the first two books, Rarer Than Rubies and Italian Ice, and rated them 4 stars and 4.5 stars respectively. In this installment, gay romance writer Trent is off to Japan with his friend Beth to help survey some art for a gallery he co-owns. But as usual, Trent is a magnet for trouble, and he finds himself on the wrong end of a murder investigation and is thrown in jail (and Japan does not have the same legal system as the U.S., so there is no “one phone call” and his case looks like it might move to a quick conviction.)
Fortunately for our hapless hero, FBI agent and live-in boyfriend Reed flies in to work with the U.S. Embassy and figure out how his man so conveniently fell into someone’s set-up of a yakuza murder.
What I liked: I really like Trent and Reed, and have really appreciated how they’ve grown over the series. Somewhat sheltered writer Trent has really developed. At the beginning of the series, he was a man still in mourning over his lover’s death and was taking a trip to Thailand to help “rejuvenate” both his writing and his life. (And that’s where he bumped into undercover agent Reed, and got quickly embroiled into Reed’s rare antiquities case.) Reed has also really grown. He still worries about Trent getting hurt, but also recognizes that the inexperienced writer he first fell for in Thailand has grown much stronger and more capable (although still maintains his sweet veneer and his love of luxurious body wash.)
Their interactions together, and not just sexy times, but just regular interactions, are my favorite parts of the series. And in this installment, we got to see them both work on their own to solve the case (and protect each other.)
I also really liked the setting in Japan. Lynley mentions in a note in the beginning that she had lived there for several years, and it’s very evident by the everyday details that paint a very realistic Japan, and not one that falls on stereotypes or common tropes. (As someone who studied Japan, I appreciated the careful attention Lynley paid to the setting to make it real and not a cartoon.)
What was harder: For me, the pacing felt very uneven in this installment. I also felt Rarer than Rubies had a slow start, but this felt even slower as the first 40% are filled with the set-up, some cozy times with Reed, and then Trent’s detailed trip to Kyoto and Tokyo. I think I put the book down around 38%, wondering when the story was going to pick up. It did after that, but it felt like it really took too long to get to the main plot.
The next part, where Trent is arrested, almost is a complete reversal, and moves too fast as the narrative shifts to a lot of “telling” as Trent is moved quickly through the system and tossed into jail, and starts to really worry if he’s going to be indicted and possibly face the death penalty for a murder he did not commit (but which no one believes.) I understand why this went by so fast—probably because the author wanted to get to the rest of the story, but it added to the uneven feeling of the pacing. (Although it made the reader empathize with Trent’s feelings of being overwhelmed by the breakneck process that he was tossed into.)
Things settle into a comfortable/fitting pacing in the second half as Reed gets to Japan, and they are reunited for a short time before splitting up again as Reed moves on to the case to find the real killer.
For me, I kind of wish the set-up part was tighter and the conflict was introduced a little earlier. I do understand why the cozy couple time was included in the beginning. It did feel like “filler” but I think it was partially included because the MCs are not together a lot in the bulk of the book. They’re following separate threads for most of the story, so are probably only together for about a quarter of the book.
I definitely did miss that “together-time”, and again, I’m not referring to sexy time. Reed and Trent’s interactions are my fave parts the series, and I like seeing how they work together on things. I understand part of the point of this installment was to show how they can work separately for each other, and be resilient on their own, but I definitely missed those closer interactions and how their different styles bounce off each other.
What added to that separation also was Reed’s partnership with Shindo, a Japanese Interpol agent who is helping Reed out on the case. Fairly quickly in their first meeting, Reed internally ruminates about how attractive Shindo is and how he wonders what Shindo’s beautiful lips would look around his cock.
This completely kicked me out of the story. Reed earlier qualified that Trent would be considered his husband, and has been very worried about Trent (who not only was arrested, but was later beaten up by mobsters), and is working the case to clear his name, so this inclusion of a very strong attraction felt out-of-place at this point of the story (around 60-70% in) and felt a little out-of-character for Reed, who always seems very focused (unless Trent is involved, and then Reed admits to himself that he can make mistakes.)
I understand why it was included—realistically people in committed relationships can be strongly attracted to someone else without it risking the relationship, but it felt very off-putting in the story, and around 71%, I thought about wandering off and not finishing, it felt that *off* to me.
I think Lynley closed off the story well, although I still had a couple questions. Things end well with our heroes though, a strong HFN, just like the last two books.
But for me, and I say this as someone who has been a big fan of the series, the pacing issues, the lower amount of MC “together-time” and the oddness of the added attraction to a side character made this overall an uneven reading experience for me.
I still very much recommend the series as a whole, especially for those who like adventure romance. The first two books are a lot of fun, and Trent and Reed are very appealing characters and have a great (albeit sometimes tumultuous) relationship. For those who like a little excitement, danger, and faraway locals mixed in with their romance, these books are definitely good reads.
Review to be up this week over at Boys in our Books:
May 22, 2016
I was looking for an adventure story with some action (nothing too gruesome for me, please) and a touch of romance, when I remembered I still had the newest ‘Precious Gems’ volume in my pile of books to read. I figured the next installment in Trent and Reed’s increasingly exciting life could be just the ticket. I am happy to report I was right. The things these two get up to, especially the corners Trent paints himself into now that he thinks he is pretty much a special agent like his lover Reed, are somewhere between entertaining (but only because I can watch from a safe distance!) and scary. Always out to solve the next mystery, these two need a movie or two – just saying!
Trent may have come far since he first encountered Reed, but he is still a writer of gay romances first, special agent second (and the latter only in his mind anyway). And his ability to attract trouble of the almost-deadly-kind is unmitigated since book one. If anything, it has gotten worse! And this time it all starts so innocently: while Reed is on one of his mysterious assignments, Trent is going to travel to Japan with his best friend Beth as interpreter to look at some valuations for the art gallery he is a silent partner of (having inherited his share from an ex-boyfriend). He is supposed to make contact with two collectors, and work with a local art appraiser to help determine which pieces should be bought by the gallery. Simple, right? Well, actually… Of course, I could see the whole disaster barreling his way when the local art appraiser mentions the word “Yakuza” in the Japanese half of their first conversation and Beth refuses to translate. Pretty soon Trent is accused of murdering the Yakuza with a jade dagger from the man’s collection, imprisoned, set free only to step right into the next trap, etc., etc., etc. in standard Trent fashion. But does he give up and stay safe? No way!
Reed can’t believe Trent is in prison in Japan, but since he’s seen it on CNN it must be true. He worries about Trent and what his lover can and can not take enough as it is without the man landing himself in his worst predicament yet. Of course, he races to Japan, with his boss’s okay and the FBI local agent ready to support him when he arrives in Tokyo, and figures out pretty quickly that Trent is being set up. But why? And who committed the crime? He will do anything to clear Trent’s name, even pose as a “host” at a night club to get close to the Yakuza suspected of somehow being involved. And guess what? That plan does not end well, and the battle for his and Trent’s lives is on.
If you like mysterious international criminal plots set in exotic places, writer-types who get in way over their heads—even though they should know better—and secret agents who try to keep them safe, and if you are up to following Trent and Reed into their next grand adventure, you will probably like this novel. It definitely kept me entertained, and, after a deceptively slow start to set the scene, might just manage to raise your blood pressure a notch or two.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Trent may have come far since he first encountered Reed, but he is still a writer of gay romances first, special agent second (and the latter only in his mind anyway). And his ability to attract trouble of the almost-deadly-kind is unmitigated since book one. If anything, it has gotten worse! And this time it all starts so innocently: while Reed is on one of his mysterious assignments, Trent is going to travel to Japan with his best friend Beth as interpreter to look at some valuations for the art gallery he is a silent partner of (having inherited his share from an ex-boyfriend). He is supposed to make contact with two collectors, and work with a local art appraiser to help determine which pieces should be bought by the gallery. Simple, right? Well, actually… Of course, I could see the whole disaster barreling his way when the local art appraiser mentions the word “Yakuza” in the Japanese half of their first conversation and Beth refuses to translate. Pretty soon Trent is accused of murdering the Yakuza with a jade dagger from the man’s collection, imprisoned, set free only to step right into the next trap, etc., etc., etc. in standard Trent fashion. But does he give up and stay safe? No way!
Reed can’t believe Trent is in prison in Japan, but since he’s seen it on CNN it must be true. He worries about Trent and what his lover can and can not take enough as it is without the man landing himself in his worst predicament yet. Of course, he races to Japan, with his boss’s okay and the FBI local agent ready to support him when he arrives in Tokyo, and figures out pretty quickly that Trent is being set up. But why? And who committed the crime? He will do anything to clear Trent’s name, even pose as a “host” at a night club to get close to the Yakuza suspected of somehow being involved. And guess what? That plan does not end well, and the battle for his and Trent’s lives is on.
If you like mysterious international criminal plots set in exotic places, writer-types who get in way over their heads—even though they should know better—and secret agents who try to keep them safe, and if you are up to following Trent and Reed into their next grand adventure, you will probably like this novel. It definitely kept me entertained, and, after a deceptively slow start to set the scene, might just manage to raise your blood pressure a notch or two.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 1, 2023
Book three of the Trent and Reed centered series. This book has Trent going off and getting into danger rather than FBI agent Reed and so Reed has to rescue Trent. Trent own half an art gallery and goes on a trip to Japan to oversee the appraisal of two art collections and the possible shipping of them to the LA based gallery, if they decide to buy them. Complications arise when the first collector is killed and Trent is the one that Japanese officials are accusing as the murderer. a bunch of funny stuff happen like the evidence going missing, Trent being released without authority of the prosecuter, yakuza involvement, and Reed going undercover to solve the murder. Even though accused and trying to stay under the radar, Trent discovers some important information through research and remembering.
June 16, 2015
I've enjoyed this series. The action is wacky and enough to make me have a few of those "omg how's this gonna work out" moments. And I just fucking adore Trent! Hated to see him become a little jaded in this one, but I'd love to see more of these guys.
Good series if you can get over what a tool Reed/Michael/Archie/Randy/Bob can be. And sometimes you have to forgive Trent for not sitting down and shutting up, forgetting to use common sense.
Good series if you can get over what a tool Reed/Michael/Archie/Randy/Bob can be. And sometimes you have to forgive Trent for not sitting down and shutting up, forgetting to use common sense.
February 8, 2020
This is really going to be more or a rant, than a review. If you have read my reviews for the previous two books in the series, Rarer than Rubies and Italian Ice, you already know that I really like this author, and that I adore these two men. Trent and Reed, despite all the issues that have come up between them, are a solid couple, and it's very easy to imagine them still together in 50 years. The sex is hot, the mystery is well written, and the action is tenser than it's ever been.
My issue with this one, is the same issue I have with quite a few other romance novels. I don't like when an author relies upon the idea of infidelity to cause tension in a story. If a couple is solid, as are Trent and Reed, putting one of them in a position to cheat, regardless of the reasons, seems like such a cheap way to cause tension in a story. It happened in Italian Ice, even though nothing ever happened, and the idea was dragged out even further with Jaded. The lines are pretty blurred here, and while I can't say full fledged cheating happened, it came pretty damn close. Whether it's a physical cheating, or an emotional one, the trope is used all to often, then glossed over by the end of the book. I still really enjoy reading them, but I think I would enjoy the books so much more if the authors could come up with something else to cause temporary tension in a relationship.
My issue with this one, is the same issue I have with quite a few other romance novels. I don't like when an author relies upon the idea of infidelity to cause tension in a story. If a couple is solid, as are Trent and Reed, putting one of them in a position to cheat, regardless of the reasons, seems like such a cheap way to cause tension in a story. It happened in Italian Ice, even though nothing ever happened, and the idea was dragged out even further with Jaded. The lines are pretty blurred here, and while I can't say full fledged cheating happened, it came pretty damn close. Whether it's a physical cheating, or an emotional one, the trope is used all to often, then glossed over by the end of the book. I still really enjoy reading them, but I think I would enjoy the books so much more if the authors could come up with something else to cause temporary tension in a relationship.
August 5, 2016
Loved this book - definitely my favorite so far in the series! I've been fortunate enough to beta read the last few series books, and it's been a pleasure. I love how the relationship between Trent and Reed has grown, and in particular how Trent has come into his own and become more of an equal to Reed, rather than the slightly off-beat sidekick (although I enjoyed that as well).
This particular book has a bit more of Reed in it, and I enjoyed getting to know him better. The love scenes are hot, as always. I loved the exciting ending. I also enjoyed the secondary characters (one in particular who I hope we'll see more of at some point - spinoff perhaps????).
As always, the locale is a character in itself in this series, and EM shows her familiarity with the culture in a way that adds, but never feels as though you're reading a guidebook.
Can't wait for the next one!
This particular book has a bit more of Reed in it, and I enjoyed getting to know him better. The love scenes are hot, as always. I loved the exciting ending. I also enjoyed the secondary characters (one in particular who I hope we'll see more of at some point - spinoff perhaps????).
As always, the locale is a character in itself in this series, and EM shows her familiarity with the culture in a way that adds, but never feels as though you're reading a guidebook.
Can't wait for the next one!
April 28, 2014
Wonderful characters! A little suspense, a little mystery, a lot of action and great sex that doesn't overwhelm the story. This is part of a trilogy with the same MCs but each book stands alone with a good wrap-up.
May 19, 2020
Quite disappointed with this instalment. Reed felt out-of-character with his sexual attraction to Shindo. The romance between Reed and Trent seems to take a backseat here for some reason. Trent has his moments as usual, and the best part of his character for this sequel is when he shot Naoko to save Reed. It’s good to see more of Beth and I really like that Trent stuck to his original plan of travelling to Japan with Beth. It showed how loyal he is to his friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2020
TAGS
-- not a stand alone -- established couple -- drama -- crime -- uniform/agent -- Yakuza -- didn't knock my socks off
-- not a stand alone -- established couple -- drama -- crime -- uniform/agent -- Yakuza -- didn't knock my socks off
May 1, 2017
3.5 stars rounded down because of the .
I enjoyed this story but it had problems. I think the story written by someone else would be great. I'd love to see a collaboration between the author and someone else known for their actually writing. It was a good thriller, interesting mystery, authentic feeling Japanese culture, and even some danger and peril. But then there was the whole thing.
You can read my review, or you can read a perfect review that says it all.
My notes:
I like that Trent isn't jealous that someone else crushes on Reed but instead likes the fact that Trents's the one who has him. That's how a secure person would react, although they both are neurotic and insecure in other areas about each other.
Way way too much information. I don't need to know every step he took to make his coffee.
Writing isn't very good. Lots of short sentences that read like a monotone.
Like Trent, I know what it's like to go to a foreign country and be different enough to have people ask you personal questions. I thought it was funny and they were all aimed at me. My sister was mortified for me.
So far the story is slow moving, focusing too much on what they did before they even left and now too much about Japanese culture. It's fascinating but for a thriller, it's not the way to do it. It should be integrated into the action. About halfway through, it finally sped up and then the pace was quite good.
Why aren't they mentioning the blood on when he got home that night? Where were those clothes with the blood on them? The police would have found them.
If I were Trent, even being out in the countryside wouldn't have helped my stress. I'm not quite sure why he was doing so well and enjoying himself. I would be terrified.
This is a great plot and story, and now that it's moving along, a good thriller. But the writing is so abrupt.
I don't like how Reed is thinking about
If Shindo has to deal with corporate types, why wouldn't he be recognized in business attire?
The view of the almost legitimacy of the Yakuza matches that in Yakuza Pride.
Here's an example of bad writing:
If the author hadn't made such a big deal of how , I probably would have been ok. But this feels like
Trent did NOT overreact. At all. I think he underreacted, actually. The fact that Reed is putting that back on Trent when he admitted to himself he was still is so wrong. He should be telling Trent that
I don't like that ending. Reed needed to tell Trent not just think it.
Did we ever find out what happened to the missing evidence?
I enjoyed this story but it had problems. I think the story written by someone else would be great. I'd love to see a collaboration between the author and someone else known for their actually writing. It was a good thriller, interesting mystery, authentic feeling Japanese culture, and even some danger and peril. But then there was the whole thing.
You can read my review, or you can read a perfect review that says it all.
My notes:
I like that Trent isn't jealous that someone else crushes on Reed but instead likes the fact that Trents's the one who has him. That's how a secure person would react, although they both are neurotic and insecure in other areas about each other.
Way way too much information. I don't need to know every step he took to make his coffee.
Writing isn't very good. Lots of short sentences that read like a monotone.
Like Trent, I know what it's like to go to a foreign country and be different enough to have people ask you personal questions. I thought it was funny and they were all aimed at me. My sister was mortified for me.
So far the story is slow moving, focusing too much on what they did before they even left and now too much about Japanese culture. It's fascinating but for a thriller, it's not the way to do it. It should be integrated into the action. About halfway through, it finally sped up and then the pace was quite good.
Why aren't they mentioning the blood on when he got home that night? Where were those clothes with the blood on them? The police would have found them.
If I were Trent, even being out in the countryside wouldn't have helped my stress. I'm not quite sure why he was doing so well and enjoying himself. I would be terrified.
This is a great plot and story, and now that it's moving along, a good thriller. But the writing is so abrupt.
I don't like how Reed is thinking about
If Shindo has to deal with corporate types, why wouldn't he be recognized in business attire?
The view of the almost legitimacy of the Yakuza matches that in Yakuza Pride.
Here's an example of bad writing:
"It doesn't look special, but I'm not an expert. Maybe it's valuable. I want to keep it." He tried to reassemble it, locking the corners together. The fourth corner wouldn't connect.Yes, "Good thing we didn't throw this away, like someone suggested." It just sounds like someone saying, "Sit down here because there's a big brown chair and I want to call attention to it for later in the chapter." I think it's a clue.
"Look, it's broken. Let's leave it here."
Trent wasn't about to give up. He examined the two pieces. "There's something stuck in the slot, that's why they won't fit together." He saw a piece of black plastic and pulled. Then he set it down on the floor.
"That's a flash drive."
"I think it's a clue. Good thing we didn't throw this away, like someone suggested."
Beth looked down at her knees for a moment then grabbed the drive from Trent. "Let's see what's on it." She leapt for the desk.
If the author hadn't made such a big deal of how , I probably would have been ok. But this feels like
Trent did NOT overreact. At all. I think he underreacted, actually. The fact that Reed is putting that back on Trent when he admitted to himself he was still is so wrong. He should be telling Trent that
I don't like that ending. Reed needed to tell Trent not just think it.
Did we ever find out what happened to the missing evidence?
February 6, 2017
I found this one a bit different than the other two in the series in how it ends up sort of twisting the relationship that Reed and Trent have built. It was a bit of a test, but it was also something that showed how differently they are seen from the outside.
Trent finishes his training course at the FBI and overall does pretty well. Sure, he won't be breaking up any drug busts anytime soon, but he can defend himself and he can drive a mean car. I thought it was too bad that everyone else was so surprised that Trent did well; if nothing else, the series has proven that under direction, Trent rather excels with these things when he is determined. While he has passed the course and understands mroe about Reed and his job, Reed is still not including him in anymore of what he does. Trent feels pushed away and so when an opportunity to travel to Japan comes up he jumps at the chance, even if it is without Reed.
I found some details of the murder situation rather odd and vague. I understood about why Trent was there alone, the whole thing with the murder weapon, even the fact that he seemed like the last person to see Motofuji alive. What I didn't understand was the gap for Trent himself. When he leaves he doesn't see a driver, passes out in the car, and wakes up with blood all over assuming it is a nose bleed. He doesn't really question all of that, though I wondered if he had been drugged or something. Yet it is never brought up again. I found it odd against the set of the rest of the story.
The way the description presents what Reed has to do- getting involved the 'seedy sex underworld' of Japan- seemed rather misleading. He becomes a host, which is not really that uncommon. The actual issue here is the fact that he is attracted to someone else. Having to pretend to flirt or seduce someone to help Trent would be easy to deal with. The fact that Reed is actually attracted to the man that he has to kiss and play with is what causes the most discord, which I found was a much bigger problem than just working in the host club. I found it interesting how the whole situation was approached and I felt that Lynley did a good job of exploring the issues in it from both Trent and Reed's perspectives.
I was pleased that Trent does such a good job helping out with this case (as always) but was mostly surprised that Reed doesn't look to him for help. This series has been moving towards the two of them together, both personally and occasionally professionally. So, when Reed doesn't look to Trent for ideas it surprised and disappointed me. I thought the two of them were growing in their relationship but it seems that they still have more to do.
Still good but I hope that the net book shows more growth. Both Reed and Trent have grown in their abilities and as people separately, but they still need to grow as a couple. Curious how Lynley will cap the series off!
Trent finishes his training course at the FBI and overall does pretty well. Sure, he won't be breaking up any drug busts anytime soon, but he can defend himself and he can drive a mean car. I thought it was too bad that everyone else was so surprised that Trent did well; if nothing else, the series has proven that under direction, Trent rather excels with these things when he is determined. While he has passed the course and understands mroe about Reed and his job, Reed is still not including him in anymore of what he does. Trent feels pushed away and so when an opportunity to travel to Japan comes up he jumps at the chance, even if it is without Reed.
I found some details of the murder situation rather odd and vague. I understood about why Trent was there alone, the whole thing with the murder weapon, even the fact that he seemed like the last person to see Motofuji alive. What I didn't understand was the gap for Trent himself. When he leaves he doesn't see a driver, passes out in the car, and wakes up with blood all over assuming it is a nose bleed. He doesn't really question all of that, though I wondered if he had been drugged or something. Yet it is never brought up again. I found it odd against the set of the rest of the story.
The way the description presents what Reed has to do- getting involved the 'seedy sex underworld' of Japan- seemed rather misleading. He becomes a host, which is not really that uncommon. The actual issue here is the fact that he is attracted to someone else. Having to pretend to flirt or seduce someone to help Trent would be easy to deal with. The fact that Reed is actually attracted to the man that he has to kiss and play with is what causes the most discord, which I found was a much bigger problem than just working in the host club. I found it interesting how the whole situation was approached and I felt that Lynley did a good job of exploring the issues in it from both Trent and Reed's perspectives.
I was pleased that Trent does such a good job helping out with this case (as always) but was mostly surprised that Reed doesn't look to him for help. This series has been moving towards the two of them together, both personally and occasionally professionally. So, when Reed doesn't look to Trent for ideas it surprised and disappointed me. I thought the two of them were growing in their relationship but it seems that they still have more to do.
Still good but I hope that the net book shows more growth. Both Reed and Trent have grown in their abilities and as people separately, but they still need to grow as a couple. Curious how Lynley will cap the series off!
October 5, 2016
Book 3 in the Precious Gems series. Should not be read as a stand alone.
Trent has finished the short course at Quantico and is now feeling restless with Reed’s continued absences due to field work. Leah, Trent's sister-in-law and co-gallery owner offers Trent an opportunity to travel to Japan to help assess some antiquities. Because Reed is tied up, Trent asks long-time friend Beth, who is fluent in the Japanese language and culture, to go as interpreter.
Reed surprises Trent with an unexpected two week leave, but his timing sucks and they have just a weekend. This time it’s Reed who’s taking Trent to the airport. Reed admonishes Trent to be careful, and as Trent waves good-bye, he says “What could go wrong?”
Da da daaaaaaa….
This was not my favorite in the series. While I loved the setting in Japan and being able to see it through the eyes of someone who lived there, the plot left me somewhat jaded. I found the foreshadowing to be overly obvious, ie “What could go wrong?”. Very likely this was meant to be more humorous than what I found it be. ((le sigh))
The who-done-it also didn’t grab my fancy. I had most of the plot figured out the moment our characters landed in Japan, and it was a matter of just letting the story spool out from there. I seriously thought about putting the book aside or skipping to the end, but I kept going – again, I really enjoyed the background set in Japan. That’s what kept me engaged.
In addition to the setting, what I did like was the balance between Trent and Reed. Trent started applying some of his new-found knowledge from Quantico: he’s keeping a level head and thinking about the ramifications of his actions as he and Beth find themselves in world of trouble. For the most part. Trent is still way out of his element, but that’s where Reed comes in. Reed provided the grounding for the plot, moving the story forward when Trent is otherwise engaged. That balance worked and it worked well.
I also enjoyed the emotional report between Reed and Trent in this one, and I think it was because of Trent's maturity. When Trent found Reed in a compromising position, he didn't quite think it was the end of the world, and they handled it like adults. I applauded that connection.
Ultimately, an okay mystery but with some good emotional connection on the romance side.
Review cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
Copy of book bundle provided by author/publisher for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
Trent has finished the short course at Quantico and is now feeling restless with Reed’s continued absences due to field work. Leah, Trent's sister-in-law and co-gallery owner offers Trent an opportunity to travel to Japan to help assess some antiquities. Because Reed is tied up, Trent asks long-time friend Beth, who is fluent in the Japanese language and culture, to go as interpreter.
Reed surprises Trent with an unexpected two week leave, but his timing sucks and they have just a weekend. This time it’s Reed who’s taking Trent to the airport. Reed admonishes Trent to be careful, and as Trent waves good-bye, he says “What could go wrong?”
Da da daaaaaaa….
This was not my favorite in the series. While I loved the setting in Japan and being able to see it through the eyes of someone who lived there, the plot left me somewhat jaded. I found the foreshadowing to be overly obvious, ie “What could go wrong?”. Very likely this was meant to be more humorous than what I found it be. ((le sigh))
The who-done-it also didn’t grab my fancy. I had most of the plot figured out the moment our characters landed in Japan, and it was a matter of just letting the story spool out from there. I seriously thought about putting the book aside or skipping to the end, but I kept going – again, I really enjoyed the background set in Japan. That’s what kept me engaged.
In addition to the setting, what I did like was the balance between Trent and Reed. Trent started applying some of his new-found knowledge from Quantico: he’s keeping a level head and thinking about the ramifications of his actions as he and Beth find themselves in world of trouble. For the most part. Trent is still way out of his element, but that’s where Reed comes in. Reed provided the grounding for the plot, moving the story forward when Trent is otherwise engaged. That balance worked and it worked well.
I also enjoyed the emotional report between Reed and Trent in this one, and I think it was because of Trent's maturity. When Trent found Reed in a compromising position, he didn't quite think it was the end of the world, and they handled it like adults. I applauded that connection.
Ultimately, an okay mystery but with some good emotional connection on the romance side.
Review cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
Copy of book bundle provided by author/publisher for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
June 15, 2015
FourandHalfStars
This is my favourite book in the series. Japan is served up in exquisite, exotic detail. We learn much more about Trent’s life and get to see more of the people who are most important to him. Trent is confident with a whole set of previously unknown skills and contacts in the art world.
Reed enters this story after Trent is arrested. Undercover without Trent, Reed battles attraction to another man with honesty and a self-awareness not demonstrated until this book. Once again, Trent and Reed’s skills and personalities contrast and compliment brilliantly.
Jaded has another slightly chaotic plot. Once agin, I don’t think it’s possible for readers to solve the mystery alongside the characters as several important clues are provided only after the action has finished. Like Italian Ice, it is never very clear which characters can be trusted and which characters are plotting against Reed and Trent. I love the suspense this adds to the story and the complexity with which supporting characters are developed.
I feel that Lynley’s writing improves with each book. I love the way Trent and Reed’s characters continue to develop as their relationship matures.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sarah
FourStars
Again, this author impressed me with every attention to detail. I am fully invested in this couple. The author pulled me in with her words and Trent and Reed are fully embedded in my heart. I NEEDED to know how they are doing and what suspense awaited in the pages. The author did not disappoint. It was a bumpy, sexy ride and I held on with both hands.. well, most of the time :) Like I have mentioned in all my reviews, the details, they just blow me away!!! Can't wait to read the next one, 24-Karat Conspiracy.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Kimberley
This is my favourite book in the series. Japan is served up in exquisite, exotic detail. We learn much more about Trent’s life and get to see more of the people who are most important to him. Trent is confident with a whole set of previously unknown skills and contacts in the art world.
Reed enters this story after Trent is arrested. Undercover without Trent, Reed battles attraction to another man with honesty and a self-awareness not demonstrated until this book. Once again, Trent and Reed’s skills and personalities contrast and compliment brilliantly.
Jaded has another slightly chaotic plot. Once agin, I don’t think it’s possible for readers to solve the mystery alongside the characters as several important clues are provided only after the action has finished. Like Italian Ice, it is never very clear which characters can be trusted and which characters are plotting against Reed and Trent. I love the suspense this adds to the story and the complexity with which supporting characters are developed.
I feel that Lynley’s writing improves with each book. I love the way Trent and Reed’s characters continue to develop as their relationship matures.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sarah
FourStars
Again, this author impressed me with every attention to detail. I am fully invested in this couple. The author pulled me in with her words and Trent and Reed are fully embedded in my heart. I NEEDED to know how they are doing and what suspense awaited in the pages. The author did not disappoint. It was a bumpy, sexy ride and I held on with both hands.. well, most of the time :) Like I have mentioned in all my reviews, the details, they just blow me away!!! Can't wait to read the next one, 24-Karat Conspiracy.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Kimberley
December 5, 2013
Why not five stars? Because I have a hard time reading this story. Rationaly I appreciated the realism of characters by Trent and Reed, they are grow up in their love relationship and as couple but it is been same bad reading especially of Reed and his job that leaves Trent lonely . But Trent is very brave looking one indipendent live without Reed so often outside for work, so him goes in Japan and immediately he finds himself accused of murder. What does Reed for save him is the part of book that more make my heart suffer. In fact from to first book of series I find Reed just a bit annoying,irritating ,maybe because he love his job a bit too. I love Trent because of his solar character and because he love Reed immensely. So I would like that Reed was more...I don't know, but I love Trent and I would see him more happy. Finished the vent now tell of mystery story and environment , as always Ms Lynley makes a grand job. It's clear that she love and know those countries , so we readers are fascinated and enthralled of it. The mystery was intriguing and also this time Trent does his part finding the culprit .
Jaded is a beautiful book as the other, shame that was too concentrated on morbid part and on the unhappy Trent for fully enjoying of story .
Jaded is a beautiful book as the other, shame that was too concentrated on morbid part and on the unhappy Trent for fully enjoying of story .
June 8, 2015
4.5 stars
This is my favourite book in the series. Japan is served up in exquisite, exotic detail. We learn much more about Trent’s life and get to see more of the people who are most important to him. Trent is confident with a whole set of previously unknown skills and contacts in the art world.
Reed enters this story after Trent is arrested. Undercover without Trent, Reed battles attraction to another man with honesty and a self-awareness not demonstrated until this book. Once again, Trent and Reed’s skills and personalities contrast and compliment brilliantly.
Jaded has another slightly chaotic plot. Once agin, I don’t think it’s possible for readers to solve the mystery alongside the characters as several important clues are provided only after the action has finished. Like Italian Ice, it is never very clear which characters can be trusted and which characters are plotting against Reed and Trent. I love the suspense this adds to the story and the complexity with which supporting characters are developed.
I feel that Lynley’s writing improves with each book. I love the way Trent and Reed’s characters continue to develop as their relationship matures.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
This is my favourite book in the series. Japan is served up in exquisite, exotic detail. We learn much more about Trent’s life and get to see more of the people who are most important to him. Trent is confident with a whole set of previously unknown skills and contacts in the art world.
Reed enters this story after Trent is arrested. Undercover without Trent, Reed battles attraction to another man with honesty and a self-awareness not demonstrated until this book. Once again, Trent and Reed’s skills and personalities contrast and compliment brilliantly.
Jaded has another slightly chaotic plot. Once agin, I don’t think it’s possible for readers to solve the mystery alongside the characters as several important clues are provided only after the action has finished. Like Italian Ice, it is never very clear which characters can be trusted and which characters are plotting against Reed and Trent. I love the suspense this adds to the story and the complexity with which supporting characters are developed.
I feel that Lynley’s writing improves with each book. I love the way Trent and Reed’s characters continue to develop as their relationship matures.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
January 8, 2014
This review was originally written for Joyfully Jay Reviews.
4.5 stars
Jaded is the third book in the Precious Gems series by E.M. Lynley. I have loved this series since the beginning. Within this series, this author has proven her ability to create a captivating mystery with twists and turns. She has created a progressive romance between two men of opposite worlds that works. And she adds in characters that are both wonderful and frightening. So with the addition of Jaded to this series, I find myself once again enthralled in the world of Trent and Reed.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Jaded is the third book in the Precious Gems series by E.M. Lynley. I have loved this series since the beginning. Within this series, this author has proven her ability to create a captivating mystery with twists and turns. She has created a progressive romance between two men of opposite worlds that works. And she adds in characters that are both wonderful and frightening. So with the addition of Jaded to this series, I find myself once again enthralled in the world of Trent and Reed.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety here.
November 3, 2015
In this episode Trent agrees to help out Leah, his partner in an art gallery, by going to Japan to assess two collections that might be coming up for sale. He takes Beth with him to act as an interpreter and to help him with the etiquette of conducting business in Japan. But as usual trouble follows Trent and he is framed with the murder of one of the collectors and thrown in jail. Fortunately Reed spots the item on CNN, recognizes Trent and quickly flies to Japan to help. But who framed Trent and why?
This story not gives us a great visual picture but also a fabulous insight into Japanese culture. This series is very much James Bond-like, a light-hearted mystery with a bit of suspense and great entertainment.
4 stars
This story not gives us a great visual picture but also a fabulous insight into Japanese culture. This series is very much James Bond-like, a light-hearted mystery with a bit of suspense and great entertainment.
4 stars
June 15, 2015
Copy graciously provided by the author, EM Lynley, through InkedRainbowReads.
I was also graciously provided all 4 books in the series, and would recommend reading them all. I read all 4 books in 2 days!!!! DEVOURED more like.
Jaded, Precious Gems #3, 4 Stars! Again, this author impressed me with every attention to detail. I am fully invested in this couple. The author pulled me in with her words and Trent and Reed are fully embedded in my heart. I NEEDED to know how they are doing and what suspense awaited in the pages. The author did not disappoint. It was a bumpy, sexy ride and I held on with both hands.. well, most of the time :) Like I have mentioned in all my reviews, the details, they just blow me away!!!
Can't wait to read the next one, 24-Karat Conspiracy.
I was also graciously provided all 4 books in the series, and would recommend reading them all. I read all 4 books in 2 days!!!! DEVOURED more like.
Jaded, Precious Gems #3, 4 Stars! Again, this author impressed me with every attention to detail. I am fully invested in this couple. The author pulled me in with her words and Trent and Reed are fully embedded in my heart. I NEEDED to know how they are doing and what suspense awaited in the pages. The author did not disappoint. It was a bumpy, sexy ride and I held on with both hands.. well, most of the time :) Like I have mentioned in all my reviews, the details, they just blow me away!!!
Can't wait to read the next one, 24-Karat Conspiracy.
March 15, 2016
Yep... this one worked for me! I was worried in a couple of spots... either annoyed or figured Reed was really going to screw up... but, I can't say that all of the "little" things made the story any less enjoyable! I liked that Trent is coming into his own... and Reed is feeling a little insecure for a change! I have read better-written mysteries... but they didn't have Trent... so I liked this one better! LOL!
Now, I just have to figure out how to get 24-Karat Conspiracy to fit into a challenge!
Now, I just have to figure out how to get 24-Karat Conspiracy to fit into a challenge!
August 31, 2014
This is the third book of the series ...
Trent and Reed ...
Trent goes to Japan to assist in the gallery he half own in getting some appraisals for some art ...
When it goes wrong and Trent is arrested and accused of murder ...
Reed has to accept the help of a contact with the FBI offices in Japan ...
The discoveries of the truth behind Trent's accusations can cost them more that they bargain for ...
But also makes them realize their love is much more ...
Trent and Reed ...
Trent goes to Japan to assist in the gallery he half own in getting some appraisals for some art ...
When it goes wrong and Trent is arrested and accused of murder ...
Reed has to accept the help of a contact with the FBI offices in Japan ...
The discoveries of the truth behind Trent's accusations can cost them more that they bargain for ...
But also makes them realize their love is much more ...
July 16, 2015
I've enjoyed this series, reading about Trent and Reed - especially Trent's antics!
This one is probably a 3.5* read for me, I really enjoyed the first half but once Trent was out of gaol, I did get a bit annoyed by the miscommunications, missed contacts that set them off in all different directions.
Trent was much calmer in this novel - obviously Quantico training did pay off! Though he still has his TSTL moments. I enjoyed the who, what, why again.
This one is probably a 3.5* read for me, I really enjoyed the first half but once Trent was out of gaol, I did get a bit annoyed by the miscommunications, missed contacts that set them off in all different directions.
Trent was much calmer in this novel - obviously Quantico training did pay off! Though he still has his TSTL moments. I enjoyed the who, what, why again.
September 29, 2014
3.5 stars. A solid story. Reed comes off much better here even with the Shindo issue. The mystery was a bit mixed but I was intrigued. I think at this point I just want a nice short where Reed and Trent aren't in danger!
November 23, 2013
4.5 Stars Review to come :-)
April 20, 2014
Good solid read. I have liked this whole series. Trent ability to get in trouble wherever he goes is wearing a little thin.
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
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