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Toronto Tales #2
Cover Up
Sequel to Cop Out
Toronto Tales: Book Two
Detective Ivan Bekker has hit rock bottom. Not only is he recovering from a bad breakup with a cheating boyfriend, he’s also involved in a drug bust gone bad. Ivan had to kill a man, and his friend was shot and is now fighting for his life. Though Ivan is under investigation for his part in the shooting, his boss sends him on an off-the-books undercover operation to close the case. The timing is critical—this could be their chance to plug a leak in the department.
Off-balance and without backup, Ivan finds himself playing a recent divorcé and becoming Parker Wakefield’s roommate. He finds it hard to believe that sweet Parker could possibly be a criminal, much less have ties to a Russian mafia drug-trafficking operation, and Ivan lets down his guard. His affection is unprofessional, but Parker is irresistible.
When Ivan comes across clear evidence of Parker’s criminal involvement, he has to choose: protect their relationship, regardless of the consequences, or save his career and arrest the man he loves.
Toronto Tales: Book Two
Detective Ivan Bekker has hit rock bottom. Not only is he recovering from a bad breakup with a cheating boyfriend, he’s also involved in a drug bust gone bad. Ivan had to kill a man, and his friend was shot and is now fighting for his life. Though Ivan is under investigation for his part in the shooting, his boss sends him on an off-the-books undercover operation to close the case. The timing is critical—this could be their chance to plug a leak in the department.
Off-balance and without backup, Ivan finds himself playing a recent divorcé and becoming Parker Wakefield’s roommate. He finds it hard to believe that sweet Parker could possibly be a criminal, much less have ties to a Russian mafia drug-trafficking operation, and Ivan lets down his guard. His affection is unprofessional, but Parker is irresistible.
When Ivan comes across clear evidence of Parker’s criminal involvement, he has to choose: protect their relationship, regardless of the consequences, or save his career and arrest the man he loves.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2012
20 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
September 1, 2016
A swing and a miss.
I'm SO upset that this book didn't rock like book one in the series, Cop Out. I love the narrator, Tristan James, but even that deep, sultry voice couldn't make this story interesting... or make sense.
The biggest problem with this book is that the concept is so far removed from reality that it was almost painful to read. I honestly have no idea why Ivan agreed to the undercover op in the first place. Who would ever think that going undercover to investigate a suspected POT dealer in COLLEGE would be a good idea?? And with no proof, no evidence. And pot dealers in college are SO rare, right? *snorts* The entire set up for the book made no sense.
And, honestly Ivan, you should consider going into a different line of work because you SUCK as a cop. I almost felt bad for the guy. He got caught all the time! He was caught snooping, did a crappy job searching Parker's room (left everything in different places, you idiot!), followed Parker to class with just a baseball hat (like no one is going to spot the old guy in the crowd of 18 year olds??)... the list goes on and on.
I know Ivan was suffering from emotional trauma after being involved in a shooting but it didn't make watching him bumble through a nonsensical investigation any more enjoyable.
Ugh, and the miscommunications?!!? *Groan* How much time would have been saved by just a simple conversation between Parker and Ivan? SO MUCH. This book dragged and dragged and even though I liked the chemistry between Parker and Ivan, this story got on my last nerve.
Parker was adorable as the androgynous twink, but he was seriously TSTL. However, I understood him a bit. Having once been the chubby friend myself and then losing some weight, I know what it's like to be totally clueless when someone finds you attractive. However, he was do-goody and innocent to an almost comical degree.
Though this was a slow-burn romance (my favorite kind!), it just didn't deliver the goods. Combine a plot that didn't make sense with a story that dragged and you get a underwhelming result.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
November 20, 2022
Cover Up by K C Burn
Toronto Tales #2. M-M romance. Slow burn.
Detective Ivan Bekker is sent undercover as a roommate to Patrick Wakefield to investigate for drug-trafficking. Patrick doesn’t seem to match the criminal profile and Ivan finds himself attracted to the younger man.
I liked the attraction between the two but Ivan was a mess. A lot going on with his life and job. Patrick was sweet. The investigation missed the mark as it was so obvious to the reader. The point was the romance which was achieved.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Tristan James. The performance was well done and fit the characters perfectly.
Toronto Tales #2. M-M romance. Slow burn.
Detective Ivan Bekker is sent undercover as a roommate to Patrick Wakefield to investigate for drug-trafficking. Patrick doesn’t seem to match the criminal profile and Ivan finds himself attracted to the younger man.
I liked the attraction between the two but Ivan was a mess. A lot going on with his life and job. Patrick was sweet. The investigation missed the mark as it was so obvious to the reader. The point was the romance which was achieved.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Tristan James. The performance was well done and fit the characters perfectly.
dnf
December 15, 2012DNF
Is there a storyboard hanging over the m/m genre that most m/m authors meticulously follow these days?
A cop-goes-undercover crime story that gets beaten to death by endlessly mulled over mutual sexual attraction - without any tangible sparks.
I`ve read that countless times before so no need to continue...
Is there a storyboard hanging over the m/m genre that most m/m authors meticulously follow these days?
A cop-goes-undercover crime story that gets beaten to death by endlessly mulled over mutual sexual attraction - without any tangible sparks.
I`ve read that countless times before so no need to continue...
March 7, 2020
Audio 4 stars
Story 1.5 star
Story 1.5 star
December 24, 2012
There was a lot of non/miscommunication in this one. While I can forgive that for Parker because of his nativity and relative youth it was a lot harder to give Ivan a pass.
Ivan has been shoved undercover after an extremely intense and disturbing drug bust. I don't know if he was thrown off his game because of those events but his undercover op was riddled with issues. I did enjoy the chemistry between the MC's but I found I was more frustrated with how they just didn't clear things up with a simple conversation.
The bad guy here is pretty obvious as soon as he hits the page so that took a bit of the fun out of this one as I just waited for the cop to catch up. Still it was nice to see Kurt and Davy as well as Rick from the previous book. Nice read but a bit unrealistic both in terms of storyline and characters.
Ivan has been shoved undercover after an extremely intense and disturbing drug bust. I don't know if he was thrown off his game because of those events but his undercover op was riddled with issues. I did enjoy the chemistry between the MC's but I found I was more frustrated with how they just didn't clear things up with a simple conversation.
The bad guy here is pretty obvious as soon as he hits the page so that took a bit of the fun out of this one as I just waited for the cop to catch up. Still it was nice to see Kurt and Davy as well as Rick from the previous book. Nice read but a bit unrealistic both in terms of storyline and characters.
December 2, 2015
I didn't like this quite as much as book 1, but it is more like a 3.5/5. Parker was adorable, I loved him. But his and Ivan's relationship was a bit insane. With all the lies and betrayal and confusion, I was surprised how easily they got through it at the end. I did not expect Parker to take Ivan back so quickly. I wish we could have seen a bit more of them together afterwards. Maybe an epilogue.
April 22, 2015
I liked this one more than I was expecting too, but I could have done with a little more romance in my romance novel. Also, Ivan's a pretty terrible cop. Just sayin'.
December 5, 2017
This was ok. Pretty farfetched plot but nothing a little skimming can't fix. I didn't really like Ivan, Parker was sweet if a little naive. Police procedure here is laughable. Surprisingly I look forward to Rick and Ian's story. Rate maybe 2.5 stars.
September 17, 2013
3.5 stars
Since this is the second in the series, I will compare it to the first book Cop Out and say it certainly didn't have the emotional component that the first one did, but nonetheless I did enjoy Ivan and Parker, and catching up with the characters from the first book.
This one overlaps the end of the first book and starts with the shoot out where Kurt is shot. When Ivan returns to work immediately from the shooting, he is immediately sent out on an off the radar undercover operation by his immediate supervisor. While the whole situation, does not sit well with Ivan, he nonetheless complies. He is installed as the housemate of Parker, a young gay man believed to be an up and comer in a Russian drug operation and Ivan is to get the evidence that will lead to his arrest. While getting to know Parker, Ivan starts to believe that there is no way Parker can be the man his boss believes he is, all the while falling for him.
The investigation plot is a bit outlandish, but serves to connect the characters from Cop Out with Ivan and Parker, and to reaffirm relationships for the next book in the series. Parker and Ivan are a good couple, and while the undercover aspect of Ivan's work required him to lie and be evasive, there still was the stumbling block of failure to communicate about the most basic issues. There is also Ivan's PTSD from the shooting, that allowed me to somewhat forgive the crappy police work and complete failure to see what was right in front of him.
Overall I enjoyed the relationship between Ivan and Parker, but if you are looking for an intriguing mystery, you won't get it here since the bad guy is obvious from the beginning and the wrap up was a bit of stretch on several fronts. I am, however, looking forward to reading Rick and Ian's book next.
Since this is the second in the series, I will compare it to the first book Cop Out and say it certainly didn't have the emotional component that the first one did, but nonetheless I did enjoy Ivan and Parker, and catching up with the characters from the first book.
This one overlaps the end of the first book and starts with the shoot out where Kurt is shot. When Ivan returns to work immediately from the shooting, he is immediately sent out on an off the radar undercover operation by his immediate supervisor. While the whole situation, does not sit well with Ivan, he nonetheless complies. He is installed as the housemate of Parker, a young gay man believed to be an up and comer in a Russian drug operation and Ivan is to get the evidence that will lead to his arrest. While getting to know Parker, Ivan starts to believe that there is no way Parker can be the man his boss believes he is, all the while falling for him.
The investigation plot is a bit outlandish, but serves to connect the characters from Cop Out with Ivan and Parker, and to reaffirm relationships for the next book in the series. Parker and Ivan are a good couple, and while the undercover aspect of Ivan's work required him to lie and be evasive, there still was the stumbling block of failure to communicate about the most basic issues. There is also Ivan's PTSD from the shooting, that allowed me to somewhat forgive the crappy police work and complete failure to see what was right in front of him.
Overall I enjoyed the relationship between Ivan and Parker, but if you are looking for an intriguing mystery, you won't get it here since the bad guy is obvious from the beginning and the wrap up was a bit of stretch on several fronts. I am, however, looking forward to reading Rick and Ian's book next.
February 3, 2013
2.5 stars.
Unfortunately, I didn't find this novel as good as the first in the series. For me, the whole premise of the investigation was obviously suspicious, while the bad guy was immediately apparent. Throw in a too-trusting policeman, Ivan, a too-innocent yet supposed bad guy, Parker, as well as a sprinkle of insta-love, and the whole story seemed rather implausible to me.
That said though, I did enjoy catching up with Davy and Kurt again, and it's why I rounded up to 3 stars.
Unfortunately, I didn't find this novel as good as the first in the series. For me, the whole premise of the investigation was obviously suspicious, while the bad guy was immediately apparent. Throw in a too-trusting policeman, Ivan, a too-innocent yet supposed bad guy, Parker, as well as a sprinkle of insta-love, and the whole story seemed rather implausible to me.
That said though, I did enjoy catching up with Davy and Kurt again, and it's why I rounded up to 3 stars.
August 24, 2018
Needless to say I moved on to book 2 and while I did enjoy it more than when I originally read the book this one's still just getting 4 stars because just like the first time around books 1 & 3 were the ones that I enjoyed the most but I'm still glad I took the time to enjoy this one and Tristan James as always did a superb job with the narration.
June 11, 2021
Voto 4,5
Il secondo volume, “Vero o falso”, è incentrato su una storia d’amore nata durante un’operazione sotto copertura. Il protagonista è il detective dell’antidroga, Ivan Bekker, amico di Kurt e già comparso nel primo libro, che si ritrova ad affrontare un periodo particolarmente critico: il suo fidanzato Colin lo ha tradito; una retata, finalizzata a sgominare un traffico di droga gestito dalla mafia russa, si è conclusa in modo disastroso con una sparatoria fuori controllo, che ha causato diversi morti e feriti. Lo stesso Ivan è stato costretto a ferire un giovanissimo trafficante, che è morto subito dopo nonostante il tentativo di rianimarlo.
Ivan non ha il tempo di riprendersi da questi traumi poiché il suo capo, Sergio Martelli, ha deciso di inviarlo in missione sotto copertura presso l’abitazione di uno studente di ventidue anni, Parker Wakefield, sospettato di coltivazione e spaccio di droga, oltre che di avere legami con il leader della mafia russa. Si tratta di un’operazione irregolare da svolgere in segreto a causa di una possibile fuga di notizie nel Dipartimento, un’operazione che mette in grande difficoltà Ivan che in questo modo non potrà avere alcun supporto da parte dei colleghi, né la possibilità di seguire adeguatamente una terapia: «All’improvviso, gli altri agenti e detective gli apparirono molto più sinistri. Casa sua aveva cessato di essere un rifugio dopo che Colin lo aveva tradito, e ora nemmeno il lavoro poteva più essergli di conforto. Era troppo vecchio e demoralizzato per quella merda».
Ivan è inizialmente convinto che dovrà limitarsi a trascorrere un periodo di tempo sotto copertura a casa di Parker come coinquilino per entrare in confidenza con lui, raccogliere gli indizi necessari ad arrestarlo e verificare i legami con la mafia russa. Tuttavia, quando il detective incontra Parker e si trova davanti a un ragazzo molto attraente, dolce, affabile, per nulla simile a uno spacciatore, l’operazione viene notevolmente complicata dai sentimenti che iniziano a farsi strada tra i due uomini.
L’autrice, con questo secondo libro, ha dato vita a una storia avvincente, ricca, nello stesso tempo, di suspense e di dolcezza. Con la consueta scrittura fluida e brillante, ci mostra con efficacia i sentimenti di entrambi i protagonisti, Ivan e Parker, i loro tormenti interiori e le rispettive esperienze passate.
Ivan deve combattere contro numerosi demoni e incubi inquietanti che rendono ancora più difficoltoso il suo lavoro: la delusione per il tradimento di Colin, il trauma per aver ucciso un ragazzo, la preoccupazione per uno dei suoi migliori amici ferito gravemente, la necessità di mentire praticamente a tutti: «Interpretava due ruoli diversi: nemmeno la sua vita, in questo momento, era la verità. Tenere il conto delle bugie da un lato e dall’altro sarebbe stata una bella sfida. Una sfida per cui, purtroppo, non si sentiva pronto».
Parker è un ragazzo dolce e ingenuo che nella sua giovane vita ha già dovuto affrontare molto dolore: l’abbandono del padre ancor prima che nascesse, la morte della madre per un cancro, il disagio di essere stato un ragazzino sovrappeso, un disagio che persiste ancora nonostante abbia ormai perso quasi tutti i chili di troppo e abbia un fisico da modello. Neil è uno dei suoi pochi amici, l’unico che usciva con lui quando era grasso e che è rimasto nonostante abbia ancora conservato la sua “inettitudine sociale”, ma che non esita a sfruttarlo e a trattarlo con disprezzo: «Parker passò un dito sul contenuto scarno ed essenziale del suo cassetto dedicato al sesso. Lì dentro era rimasto il ragazzino grasso, noioso e socialmente impacciato, e non c’era sex toy che potesse cambiare la situazione».
Lo sviluppo del rapporto tra Ivan e Parker si basa essenzialmente su alcuni “equivoci” originati dall’operazione di copertura: da un lato Ivan è convinto che Parker abbia una relazione con il suo amico Neil, dall’altro Parker crede che Ivan sia un uomo etero appena uscito da un disastroso divorzio. Eppure, entrambi non faticano a trovarsi a proprio agio l’uno con l’altro, stupiti per l’intimità che si è venuta subito a creare tra loro. Ivan trova in Parker un sollievo ai propri traumi e man mano che indaga su di lui fatica a credere che possa essere uno spacciatore, convincendosi che qualcosa non torni. Parker, invece, non riesce a credere di aver trovato un uomo che lo tratti con gentilezza e lo faccia sentire bene.
“Vero o falso” è, dunque, un romanzo ricco di emozioni e colpi di scena, che ci parla di sentimenti che si rafforzano e resistono nonostante i numerosi ostacoli e che mostra come a volte l’amore si possa trovare nei luoghi più impensati.
Il secondo volume, “Vero o falso”, è incentrato su una storia d’amore nata durante un’operazione sotto copertura. Il protagonista è il detective dell’antidroga, Ivan Bekker, amico di Kurt e già comparso nel primo libro, che si ritrova ad affrontare un periodo particolarmente critico: il suo fidanzato Colin lo ha tradito; una retata, finalizzata a sgominare un traffico di droga gestito dalla mafia russa, si è conclusa in modo disastroso con una sparatoria fuori controllo, che ha causato diversi morti e feriti. Lo stesso Ivan è stato costretto a ferire un giovanissimo trafficante, che è morto subito dopo nonostante il tentativo di rianimarlo.
Ivan non ha il tempo di riprendersi da questi traumi poiché il suo capo, Sergio Martelli, ha deciso di inviarlo in missione sotto copertura presso l’abitazione di uno studente di ventidue anni, Parker Wakefield, sospettato di coltivazione e spaccio di droga, oltre che di avere legami con il leader della mafia russa. Si tratta di un’operazione irregolare da svolgere in segreto a causa di una possibile fuga di notizie nel Dipartimento, un’operazione che mette in grande difficoltà Ivan che in questo modo non potrà avere alcun supporto da parte dei colleghi, né la possibilità di seguire adeguatamente una terapia: «All’improvviso, gli altri agenti e detective gli apparirono molto più sinistri. Casa sua aveva cessato di essere un rifugio dopo che Colin lo aveva tradito, e ora nemmeno il lavoro poteva più essergli di conforto. Era troppo vecchio e demoralizzato per quella merda».
Ivan è inizialmente convinto che dovrà limitarsi a trascorrere un periodo di tempo sotto copertura a casa di Parker come coinquilino per entrare in confidenza con lui, raccogliere gli indizi necessari ad arrestarlo e verificare i legami con la mafia russa. Tuttavia, quando il detective incontra Parker e si trova davanti a un ragazzo molto attraente, dolce, affabile, per nulla simile a uno spacciatore, l’operazione viene notevolmente complicata dai sentimenti che iniziano a farsi strada tra i due uomini.
L’autrice, con questo secondo libro, ha dato vita a una storia avvincente, ricca, nello stesso tempo, di suspense e di dolcezza. Con la consueta scrittura fluida e brillante, ci mostra con efficacia i sentimenti di entrambi i protagonisti, Ivan e Parker, i loro tormenti interiori e le rispettive esperienze passate.
Ivan deve combattere contro numerosi demoni e incubi inquietanti che rendono ancora più difficoltoso il suo lavoro: la delusione per il tradimento di Colin, il trauma per aver ucciso un ragazzo, la preoccupazione per uno dei suoi migliori amici ferito gravemente, la necessità di mentire praticamente a tutti: «Interpretava due ruoli diversi: nemmeno la sua vita, in questo momento, era la verità. Tenere il conto delle bugie da un lato e dall’altro sarebbe stata una bella sfida. Una sfida per cui, purtroppo, non si sentiva pronto».
Parker è un ragazzo dolce e ingenuo che nella sua giovane vita ha già dovuto affrontare molto dolore: l’abbandono del padre ancor prima che nascesse, la morte della madre per un cancro, il disagio di essere stato un ragazzino sovrappeso, un disagio che persiste ancora nonostante abbia ormai perso quasi tutti i chili di troppo e abbia un fisico da modello. Neil è uno dei suoi pochi amici, l’unico che usciva con lui quando era grasso e che è rimasto nonostante abbia ancora conservato la sua “inettitudine sociale”, ma che non esita a sfruttarlo e a trattarlo con disprezzo: «Parker passò un dito sul contenuto scarno ed essenziale del suo cassetto dedicato al sesso. Lì dentro era rimasto il ragazzino grasso, noioso e socialmente impacciato, e non c’era sex toy che potesse cambiare la situazione».
Lo sviluppo del rapporto tra Ivan e Parker si basa essenzialmente su alcuni “equivoci” originati dall’operazione di copertura: da un lato Ivan è convinto che Parker abbia una relazione con il suo amico Neil, dall’altro Parker crede che Ivan sia un uomo etero appena uscito da un disastroso divorzio. Eppure, entrambi non faticano a trovarsi a proprio agio l’uno con l’altro, stupiti per l’intimità che si è venuta subito a creare tra loro. Ivan trova in Parker un sollievo ai propri traumi e man mano che indaga su di lui fatica a credere che possa essere uno spacciatore, convincendosi che qualcosa non torni. Parker, invece, non riesce a credere di aver trovato un uomo che lo tratti con gentilezza e lo faccia sentire bene.
“Vero o falso” è, dunque, un romanzo ricco di emozioni e colpi di scena, che ci parla di sentimenti che si rafforzano e resistono nonostante i numerosi ostacoli e che mostra come a volte l’amore si possa trovare nei luoghi più impensati.
January 3, 2023
I liked that this second installment in the 'Toronto Tales' series picked up basically where the first book ended. The fact that the whole situation smelled rotten right from the beginning made me empathize with Ivan immediately and I was hyperalert for cops gone bad. Heh. That sounds like a bad reality TV show. *grins* I had watched Ivan and Kurt become friends in Kurt's story and I was definitely interested in reading more about Ivan because it takes a lot of guts to be an out and proud cop.
When Ivan's bust goes to hell in a handbasket, there's no question that there must be a leak in the police department. So when Ivan is put on paid suspension while Internal Affairs reviews the shootings, Ivan's boss sends him into a completely unsanctioned undercover operation. Uh, no. That's sort of illegal and against all department policies. But, it gives Ivan an opportunity to look into the Russian mafia he's been watching for awhile and possibly discover the traitor in the department. Oh, okay, then. There are a few problems with this assignment, however. Ivan is supposed to play a divorced, straight guy who becomes the roommate of Parker, an up-and-coming drug dealer within the mafia. Problem number one: Parker is straight-up gorgeous and Ivan is massively attracted to him. Problem number two: the more Ivan gets to know Parker, the more he's convinced that there's no way this sweet, naive guy could ever be a drug dealer. And problem number three: Ivan is seriously thinking of a different career because this constant undercover work is really killing him. So, what to do, hmm?
Hands down, Parker's "friend" since middle school, Neil, is straight-up scuzz. He may have stuck by Parker through his fat, socially awkward years, but I guess love is blind, even just friendship love, because it was glaringly obvious to me that Neil was completely using Parker. After some serious miscommunication between Ivan and Parker, which was totally understandable considering the circumstances, Ivan comes clean about the undercover job and they try to figure out what's going on. Of course, they've also fallen into bed and some serious lust/love by this time.
This was a pretty exciting book, in a different way than Kurt and Davy's story, and there were some twists and turns I hadn't been expecting. I totally fell in love with Parker. He is adorable, sweet, naive, gentle, with a spine of steel, and a heart of gold. Exactly what Ivan needed with his lackluster life and general loneliness and despondency. It was great to get another glimpse at Rick and I'm looking forward to his story. I adored this book and I thank KC for writing such a fun book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
When Ivan's bust goes to hell in a handbasket, there's no question that there must be a leak in the police department. So when Ivan is put on paid suspension while Internal Affairs reviews the shootings, Ivan's boss sends him into a completely unsanctioned undercover operation. Uh, no. That's sort of illegal and against all department policies. But, it gives Ivan an opportunity to look into the Russian mafia he's been watching for awhile and possibly discover the traitor in the department. Oh, okay, then. There are a few problems with this assignment, however. Ivan is supposed to play a divorced, straight guy who becomes the roommate of Parker, an up-and-coming drug dealer within the mafia. Problem number one: Parker is straight-up gorgeous and Ivan is massively attracted to him. Problem number two: the more Ivan gets to know Parker, the more he's convinced that there's no way this sweet, naive guy could ever be a drug dealer. And problem number three: Ivan is seriously thinking of a different career because this constant undercover work is really killing him. So, what to do, hmm?
Hands down, Parker's "friend" since middle school, Neil, is straight-up scuzz. He may have stuck by Parker through his fat, socially awkward years, but I guess love is blind, even just friendship love, because it was glaringly obvious to me that Neil was completely using Parker. After some serious miscommunication between Ivan and Parker, which was totally understandable considering the circumstances, Ivan comes clean about the undercover job and they try to figure out what's going on. Of course, they've also fallen into bed and some serious lust/love by this time.
This was a pretty exciting book, in a different way than Kurt and Davy's story, and there were some twists and turns I hadn't been expecting. I totally fell in love with Parker. He is adorable, sweet, naive, gentle, with a spine of steel, and a heart of gold. Exactly what Ivan needed with his lackluster life and general loneliness and despondency. It was great to get another glimpse at Rick and I'm looking forward to his story. I adored this book and I thank KC for writing such a fun book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 8, 2014
4.5 stars. I truly don't get why so many didn't like this book but liked the first one. This one was equally enjoyable to me!
Full review:
I may be in the minority here based on the reviews I see, but I had such a great time reading this book. Ivan and Parker both had issues that made them think the other was not interested when (as usual in a romance) the truth was that they each had almost fallen in love at first sight. This was an easy, sweet read with just enough insecurity and angst to get to you without it being overly emotional.
The undercover assignment premise was not great. It felt contrived and kind of amateur and Ivan as a top detective was hard to believe considering his careless actions and slow on the uptake when gathering evidence against Parker or solving the “drug dealer” mystery. I guess if I’m being honest, everything relating to the case wasn’t well done. The MCs really should have figured it all out before they did and the fact that they didn’t did make the MCs look dumb and naïve. All that being said, I didn’t care because I was so drawn to the MCs every time they were together. I could also relate to Parker’s weight issues (a reason why I enjoy BBW romance) which made his character more appealing. The best part really was the fact that these two good looking men didn’t think they were good enough for the other (Ivan because he thought he was too old for Parker and Parker because he was inexperienced, wasn’t as physically fit, and had to sleep with a machine for his sleep apnea) – and then when they finally got that first kiss out of the way, the chemistry was just like fireworks, at least to me. I also loved how domestic they were and how they just enjoyed each other’s company and simple things like having dinner and watching TV together. I also appreciate that Parker, who no longer has a family since his mom’s death, will have one in Ivan’s family.
Lastly, I loved the cameo of the characters we saw in Cop Out – I’m really loving this series and a little sad that I only have one more book to read.
Full review:
I may be in the minority here based on the reviews I see, but I had such a great time reading this book. Ivan and Parker both had issues that made them think the other was not interested when (as usual in a romance) the truth was that they each had almost fallen in love at first sight. This was an easy, sweet read with just enough insecurity and angst to get to you without it being overly emotional.
The undercover assignment premise was not great. It felt contrived and kind of amateur and Ivan as a top detective was hard to believe considering his careless actions and slow on the uptake when gathering evidence against Parker or solving the “drug dealer” mystery. I guess if I’m being honest, everything relating to the case wasn’t well done. The MCs really should have figured it all out before they did and the fact that they didn’t did make the MCs look dumb and naïve. All that being said, I didn’t care because I was so drawn to the MCs every time they were together. I could also relate to Parker’s weight issues (a reason why I enjoy BBW romance) which made his character more appealing. The best part really was the fact that these two good looking men didn’t think they were good enough for the other (Ivan because he thought he was too old for Parker and Parker because he was inexperienced, wasn’t as physically fit, and had to sleep with a machine for his sleep apnea) – and then when they finally got that first kiss out of the way, the chemistry was just like fireworks, at least to me. I also loved how domestic they were and how they just enjoyed each other’s company and simple things like having dinner and watching TV together. I also appreciate that Parker, who no longer has a family since his mom’s death, will have one in Ivan’s family.
Lastly, I loved the cameo of the characters we saw in Cop Out – I’m really loving this series and a little sad that I only have one more book to read.
January 24, 2013
Another enjoyable book in a series that has been really good up to now. In this story Ivan who was mentioned slightly in book one, gets his story. The book starts with him having just shot a young Russian guy in the same bust that Kurt from book 1 got shot in. Feeling bad about the shooting, he has practically just arrived back at the station when his boss ' Sarge ' pulls him in and asks him to go undercover in an operation involving a young man, suspected of being involved with the Russians in a drugs deal ( marijuana ). The problems are that this is an undercover op that has to be under the radar because there is a suspected mole at the station, Ivan's involvement could result in him losing his job if found out, he is thrown in without any back up and he has to lie to the police psychiatrist ( who he is seeing about the shooting ) so he's not getting over his trauma properly.......... Then to add insult to injury, when he meets Parker, the suspect , he finds himself becoming more attracted to him every time they are in contact, and that's a lot because his cover is to become Parkers flatmate. There are a lot of misunderstandings between them because of secrets and Parkers insecurities about himself but their chemistry is palpable and because of the situation, there is some good ST added to the mix. It was also better in this book, as you get both Ivan's and Parkers perspectives as the book goes along.
Again dropped a star because I felt there were a few too many coincidences throughout the story that seemed a little bit contrived and a wee bit far fetched, especially at the end. As if KC Burn had to suddenly think up reasons that would make sure the next characters would link in with the series, which I'm guessing will be Ian's and Ricks tale. Anyway, this was a really enjoyable m/m romance that didn't have to rely on copious amounts of sex to still be sexy and sensual. Liked it a lot!
Again dropped a star because I felt there were a few too many coincidences throughout the story that seemed a little bit contrived and a wee bit far fetched, especially at the end. As if KC Burn had to suddenly think up reasons that would make sure the next characters would link in with the series, which I'm guessing will be Ian's and Ricks tale. Anyway, this was a really enjoyable m/m romance that didn't have to rely on copious amounts of sex to still be sexy and sensual. Liked it a lot!
February 25, 2017
Ho un debole per le storie poliziesche sotto copertura, anche se – prima o poi – un cuore spezzato è d’obbligo. La domesticità di Ivan e Parker, che si respira fin dall’inizio della loro convivenza, mi ha conquistata subito.
Sono dolci, teneri, innamorati e tutto quell’insieme di fraintendimenti e malintesi ha creato una buona trama. Parker, soprattutto, fa tenerezza per l’animo ingenuo, il carattere timido (ma che, sotto sotto, ha risorse inaspettate), per il suo buon cuore. È proprio un bel personaggio e forma una coppia perfetta con Ivan: meritano entrambi un sacco di felicità.
Ho apprezzato anche i loro amici, degli splendidi personaggi secondari che impreziosiscono la storia. È stato bello ritrovare Kurt e Davy, adesso felicemente sistemati e, nel mio caso, assaggiare anche la vita di Ian e Rick prima che la loro storia decolli, visto che ho già letto l’ultimo libro, che ho amato tanto quanto questo.
5 stelle per tutta la trilogia e mi dispiace solo che sia finita. Sicuramente una saga da consigliare, per la bella trama, ottimi personaggi e una resa italiana davvero piacevole.
Sono dolci, teneri, innamorati e tutto quell’insieme di fraintendimenti e malintesi ha creato una buona trama. Parker, soprattutto, fa tenerezza per l’animo ingenuo, il carattere timido (ma che, sotto sotto, ha risorse inaspettate), per il suo buon cuore. È proprio un bel personaggio e forma una coppia perfetta con Ivan: meritano entrambi un sacco di felicità.
Ho apprezzato anche i loro amici, degli splendidi personaggi secondari che impreziosiscono la storia. È stato bello ritrovare Kurt e Davy, adesso felicemente sistemati e, nel mio caso, assaggiare anche la vita di Ian e Rick prima che la loro storia decolli, visto che ho già letto l’ultimo libro, che ho amato tanto quanto questo.
5 stelle per tutta la trilogia e mi dispiace solo che sia finita. Sicuramente una saga da consigliare, per la bella trama, ottimi personaggi e una resa italiana davvero piacevole.
March 24, 2013
A quick read, that was fun enough, but didn't have a great deal of substance. I liked both of the MC enough, although Parker was a bit annoying at times. I also worry if Ivan is one of the best detectives, as the truth of what was going on was so obvious at times, it was hard to believe he couldn't see what was going on.
I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the first book, Cop Out.
This was not a book I regret reading, as it was a pleasant way to fill up an afternoon, but it wont be going on my favourites shelf. I save that for books with an important message, or lots of emotion, and this one didn't have either.
I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the first book, Cop Out.
This was not a book I regret reading, as it was a pleasant way to fill up an afternoon, but it wont be going on my favourites shelf. I save that for books with an important message, or lots of emotion, and this one didn't have either.
January 9, 2015
HOW DOES A BOOK THAT HASN'T BEEN PUBLISHED OR REVIEWED GET A 3-STAR REVIEW? There are no reviews posted for this book, yet it has a rating. ???
UPDATE 5/19/2014
I bought the audiobook when it was released and attempted to read it. OMG it was awful. DNFd it at 20%. Too many flaws to enumerate.
UPDATE 5/19/2014
I bought the audiobook when it was released and attempted to read it. OMG it was awful. DNFd it at 20%. Too many flaws to enumerate.
May 1, 2021
The story of the police officer who was shot, was covered in book #1 of the series... I always like seeing character from pervious series...since by the time you finish with the story, they’ve become old friends. Both Ivan and Parker were excellent lead characters but some of the fun was over shadowed by lots of frustration. When Ivan came to the conclusion about Parker as early as he did...why in heaven’s name didn’t he just have a simple conversation with him? The bad guy here is pretty obvious as soon as he hits the pages. Ivan's undercover sleuthing skills could use some work but there was something very likable about Parker and how his feelings for Ivan developed. Hope we see more of these two in the next 2 books...especially Parker.
July 20, 2014
Note: This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Ivan Becker is just coming off a botched up operation where he killed someone during a raid and his good friend, Kurt, was injured as well, when his captain pulls him into his office and informs him that he’s to start on an unsanctioned undercover op to nab a suspected marijuana dealer with possible ties to the Russian mob. It’s off the books because the department has a mole, a mole who likely is responsible for that night’s messed up sting. Though he’s officially on administrative leave due to the shooting, he’s soon on his way to become the roommate of college student, Parker, the young man suspected of running a huge marijuana operation while trying to get in deeper with the Russian mob.
From the moment Ivan sees Parker, he’s taken with the guy’s gorgeous looks and quickly hates his undercover role of recently divorced and broke straight guy. Heads butt, though, when Ivan and Neal, the guy Ivan assumes is Parker’s boyfriend, meet for the first time. The animosity coming from both men is palpable, though Parker remains somewhat clueless to the situation. Misunderstandings abound between Ivan and Parker, throughout most of the first half of the book. Ivan’s “ASS”umptions and behaviors almost felt comical, they were so off the wall and not what I would have thought for an experienced detective.
And it only gets worse, truly, most of what he did on this case was so amateurish that I found myself chuckling at scenes which should have been serious. Then, when he reveals his identity to Parker, it was almost as if this story should be used as a training exercise in what NOT to do as an undercover cop. Supposedly, all of his screw-ups occur due to the need for this quick and furtive undercover operation and his developing PTSD from the shooting he had been involved in. He couldn’t really be honest with the department shrink because of the possible mole, so that made his dishonesty and deception that much harder to handle. In theory, I understand the excuses the author was trying to use, but I hope to high heaven that no law enforcement officer or agency ever behaves this way.
The only redeeming feature of the book for me was the quick glimpse back to the MCs from “Cop Out”, Kurt and Davy, and Parker. Parker was adorable, but way too nice for Ivan and for his own friend, Evan. He was quite the doormat in that friendship, but he’s the kind of guy I’d love to have as a friend myself. How he manages to constantly forgive Ivan is a mystery to me, at least, it would be if this was real life.
If you enjoy suspending belief, you might enjoy this, but honestly, even the ending was just not satisfying at all. The narrator, Tristan James, did a good job with this, but to be honest, I wished I was reading it so that I could skim the pages and skip ahead, but that just can’t be done with an audiobook, so I stayed to the painful end. This isn’t going to be a story I revisit and I can’t really recommend it.
Ivan Becker is just coming off a botched up operation where he killed someone during a raid and his good friend, Kurt, was injured as well, when his captain pulls him into his office and informs him that he’s to start on an unsanctioned undercover op to nab a suspected marijuana dealer with possible ties to the Russian mob. It’s off the books because the department has a mole, a mole who likely is responsible for that night’s messed up sting. Though he’s officially on administrative leave due to the shooting, he’s soon on his way to become the roommate of college student, Parker, the young man suspected of running a huge marijuana operation while trying to get in deeper with the Russian mob.
From the moment Ivan sees Parker, he’s taken with the guy’s gorgeous looks and quickly hates his undercover role of recently divorced and broke straight guy. Heads butt, though, when Ivan and Neal, the guy Ivan assumes is Parker’s boyfriend, meet for the first time. The animosity coming from both men is palpable, though Parker remains somewhat clueless to the situation. Misunderstandings abound between Ivan and Parker, throughout most of the first half of the book. Ivan’s “ASS”umptions and behaviors almost felt comical, they were so off the wall and not what I would have thought for an experienced detective.
And it only gets worse, truly, most of what he did on this case was so amateurish that I found myself chuckling at scenes which should have been serious. Then, when he reveals his identity to Parker, it was almost as if this story should be used as a training exercise in what NOT to do as an undercover cop. Supposedly, all of his screw-ups occur due to the need for this quick and furtive undercover operation and his developing PTSD from the shooting he had been involved in. He couldn’t really be honest with the department shrink because of the possible mole, so that made his dishonesty and deception that much harder to handle. In theory, I understand the excuses the author was trying to use, but I hope to high heaven that no law enforcement officer or agency ever behaves this way.
The only redeeming feature of the book for me was the quick glimpse back to the MCs from “Cop Out”, Kurt and Davy, and Parker. Parker was adorable, but way too nice for Ivan and for his own friend, Evan. He was quite the doormat in that friendship, but he’s the kind of guy I’d love to have as a friend myself. How he manages to constantly forgive Ivan is a mystery to me, at least, it would be if this was real life.
If you enjoy suspending belief, you might enjoy this, but honestly, even the ending was just not satisfying at all. The narrator, Tristan James, did a good job with this, but to be honest, I wished I was reading it so that I could skim the pages and skip ahead, but that just can’t be done with an audiobook, so I stayed to the painful end. This isn’t going to be a story I revisit and I can’t really recommend it.
January 17, 2013
It had some ok moments, but overall it was too often annoying. The cute, young, beautifull, puppy MC was so insecure and so "adorable" and sadly TSTL, that I only wanted him gone for most of the second part of the book. The older Cop-guy was an ok MC, but nothing really stood out.
So the whole book had this "meeeh"-feeling about it.
The "crime/suspense" part was so obvious that it bordered on ridiculous. The romance was ok at best, had a insta-love feel to it, altough it wasn't exactly, and there was no heat whatsoever.
I appreciate the
Overall it was disappointing as I rather liked the first installment.
Therefore I am waiting to give the next one a chance - I have a feeling it will be Rick and Ian...
So the whole book had this "meeeh"-feeling about it.
The "crime/suspense" part was so obvious that it bordered on ridiculous. The romance was ok at best, had a insta-love feel to it, altough it wasn't exactly, and there was no heat whatsoever.
I appreciate the
Overall it was disappointing as I rather liked the first installment.
Therefore I am waiting to give the next one a chance - I have a feeling it will be Rick and Ian...
May 22, 2017
I've had this book on my Kindle for a long time and even though I really enjoyed Cop Out there was something about this second book that had me subconsciously waiting and now I know why. This book sucked! I got to about 8% before I lost interest. It's like the book was written solely so Ivan and Parker could hook up.
I knew immediately that Parker wasn't a drug dealer. This book was written five years ago and I can clearly see that the writing is not very good. Maybe if I'd read this years ago when I first discovered M/M it would have been a different experience, but I doubt it.
I skimmed the entire book so this doesn't even warrant two stars.
I knew immediately that Parker wasn't a drug dealer. This book was written five years ago and I can clearly see that the writing is not very good. Maybe if I'd read this years ago when I first discovered M/M it would have been a different experience, but I doubt it.
I skimmed the entire book so this doesn't even warrant two stars.
March 24, 2016
More like 2.5 stars
At some point I just started skimming - it was just too paint-by-numbers for me. Sorry, book!
And I still have the follow-up on my TBR :( hopefully it will be better.
Oh - and just a little anecdote on the side: regarding the CPAP device, I really didn't understand why this was pushed to be such a big issue. My husband also has to use that, because of his apnea and since he uses this - no snoring anymore. Great solution, really. But when I told the kids about this development (dad got this device, no snoring anymore, peaceful sleep) my oldest told me: well, mom, I bet that wasn't what you imagined - Darth Vader sleeping besides you.
At some point I just started skimming - it was just too paint-by-numbers for me. Sorry, book!
And I still have the follow-up on my TBR :( hopefully it will be better.
Oh - and just a little anecdote on the side: regarding the CPAP device, I really didn't understand why this was pushed to be such a big issue. My husband also has to use that, because of his apnea and since he uses this - no snoring anymore. Great solution, really. But when I told the kids about this development (dad got this device, no snoring anymore, peaceful sleep) my oldest told me: well, mom, I bet that wasn't what you imagined - Darth Vader sleeping besides you.
April 24, 2014
3.5 stars. This doesn't have quite the same umph that Cop Out had for me, and it was extremely predictible. But, I still enjoyed the characters and seeing how the story would play out. Parker is very sweet. There is a 12 year age difference, which in this instance, didn't really work that well for me. When I forgot about that though, I liked these two together.
December 18, 2012
Liked the storyline but was a little too predictable.
September 11, 2013
I loved Parker, really, really loved him
March 31, 2014
Cover Up by KC Burn is the second story in the m/m ‘Toronto’ series and details the travails of Detective Ivan Bekker who is reeling from the complications ensuing after a raid when he is abruptly sent on a covert undercover mission by his boss, Inspector Sergio Martelli. Parker Wakefield is suspected of being a rising star with the local Russian mafia head and Ivan is tasked with getting proof therefore he applies to be a roommate while pretending to be a divorced heterosexual man. Unfortunately, there are plenty of conflicts for Ivan to deal with, not least of which is his attraction to his suspect, and there may be no way to avoid choosing between his duty and his heart.
This story combines a bit of romantic suspense with a m/m erotic romance and provides an entertaining light read. I was a little disappointed in the meek personality of Parker, who has been treated poorly and has had a poor self-image due to his past and I thought it was a little hard to believe that he was so naive about quite a few things. The awkward position that Ivan finds himself in and the conflicts that he must grapple with while coping with the traumatic experience that he has undergone seem a little difficult to believe, especially when he goes under the radar without explaining his assignment to his partner at the very least. I enjoyed the cameos by some of those characters from the first novella in the series and look forward to reading more adventures of these dedicated police officers and the men who capture their hearts.
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This story combines a bit of romantic suspense with a m/m erotic romance and provides an entertaining light read. I was a little disappointed in the meek personality of Parker, who has been treated poorly and has had a poor self-image due to his past and I thought it was a little hard to believe that he was so naive about quite a few things. The awkward position that Ivan finds himself in and the conflicts that he must grapple with while coping with the traumatic experience that he has undergone seem a little difficult to believe, especially when he goes under the radar without explaining his assignment to his partner at the very least. I enjoyed the cameos by some of those characters from the first novella in the series and look forward to reading more adventures of these dedicated police officers and the men who capture their hearts.
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
July 18, 2016
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"Dentro o Fuori" è uno di quei romanzi che rileggo spesso e volentieri, anche per "riprendermi" da letture che mi lasciano un po' l'amaro in bocca. Inutile dirvi che dal seguito mi aspettavo molto: ebbene non mi ha delusa anche se non è esattamente ciò che mi sarei aspettata. Ivan sta attraversando un momento di profonda crisi: non ha ancora superato il tradimento dell'ex fidanzato, ha appena partecipato ad un'oprazione molto importante nella quale ha ucciso un sospettato e il suo migliore amico, Kurt è stato ferito. In tutto questo marasma il suo capo lo manda in missione sotto copertura. La missione? Indagare su Parker Wakefield, un ragazzo sospettato di essere in procinto di diventare un pezzo grosso nel traffico di droga. Ma Parker è dolce, timido, introverso ed attira immediatamente le simpatie e l'affetto di Ivan.
L'unica pecca che mi sento di rilevare sono i continui equivoci che si creano tra i due: se in alcune circostanze sono comprensibili, in altre mi hanno fatto sollevare gli occhi al cielo. Un romanzo che ho letto molto volentieri, che mi ha emozionato e che mi ha appassionato e che, anche se non ho amato come il primo, è sicuramente meritevole, non fosse altro che per Ivan e Parker.
"Dentro o Fuori" è uno di quei romanzi che rileggo spesso e volentieri, anche per "riprendermi" da letture che mi lasciano un po' l'amaro in bocca. Inutile dirvi che dal seguito mi aspettavo molto: ebbene non mi ha delusa anche se non è esattamente ciò che mi sarei aspettata. Ivan sta attraversando un momento di profonda crisi: non ha ancora superato il tradimento dell'ex fidanzato, ha appena partecipato ad un'oprazione molto importante nella quale ha ucciso un sospettato e il suo migliore amico, Kurt è stato ferito. In tutto questo marasma il suo capo lo manda in missione sotto copertura. La missione? Indagare su Parker Wakefield, un ragazzo sospettato di essere in procinto di diventare un pezzo grosso nel traffico di droga. Ma Parker è dolce, timido, introverso ed attira immediatamente le simpatie e l'affetto di Ivan.
L'unica pecca che mi sento di rilevare sono i continui equivoci che si creano tra i due: se in alcune circostanze sono comprensibili, in altre mi hanno fatto sollevare gli occhi al cielo. Un romanzo che ho letto molto volentieri, che mi ha emozionato e che mi ha appassionato e che, anche se non ho amato come il primo, è sicuramente meritevole, non fosse altro che per Ivan e Parker.
May 12, 2014
I wanted to give this book more stars because I loved Parker so very much, but I could not.
Parker is a very sympathetic character. He is a giving human being, but with flaws. Ivan is an emotional wreck from the violent ending of his last case. Without a day off he is put into this new undercover assignment. He is a good cop but he is a mess.
The problem is the lack of communication skills by either of these MCs. Parker still sees himself as a fat kid who does not have a chance at a relationship with Ivan. Ivan is so enamored with Parker that he cannot see what is right in front of him. Ivan thinks Parker is "taken" so runs. It was so frustrating seeing if they would finally get together. The bad guy is obvious from the start, but neither of the 2 MCs can see it. I enjoyed the story and seeing the guys from the previous book. I will read the next book in the series.
Parker is a very sympathetic character. He is a giving human being, but with flaws. Ivan is an emotional wreck from the violent ending of his last case. Without a day off he is put into this new undercover assignment. He is a good cop but he is a mess.
The problem is the lack of communication skills by either of these MCs. Parker still sees himself as a fat kid who does not have a chance at a relationship with Ivan. Ivan is so enamored with Parker that he cannot see what is right in front of him. Ivan thinks Parker is "taken" so runs. It was so frustrating seeing if they would finally get together. The bad guy is obvious from the start, but neither of the 2 MCs can see it. I enjoyed the story and seeing the guys from the previous book. I will read the next book in the series.
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