Losing Better

Superpowered Love #4

by Katey Hawthorne

Superpowered Special Agent Gabriel Genêt's first solo go to Hooperstown, North Carolina, find evidence that Andrew Wynne is operating as a vigilante, then bring him in. Ten years ago, Gabriel spent a summer alternately torturing and hooking up with Andrew as they tried to ignore their parents' embarrassing affair. Of course Andrew, the big puppy dog, will be happy to see his old friend and never suspect a thing. Career-driven, cocky young Agent Genêt can hardly believe his luck. A covert game of betrayal ensues. Things start out complicated, with Gabriel using Andrew's open arms and attraction to him for all it's worth. Gabriel tells himself he doesn't reciprocate, and then that he can control it, but it's too violent for either of them to deny. As he gets closer to the evidence he needs, a heady combination of nostalgia, genuine affection, and even understanding brings Andrew closer to him. Dangerously close, in every sense. The stakes are much higher than just their livelihoods. Gabriel begins to fear it'll come down to a choice between everything he's ever believed in, wanted, and stood for--and the only love he's ever known.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Contemporary, Superheroes, LGBT

222 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2013

About the author

Hi! I'm Katey. I write superpowered and fantasy romance of an LGBTQIA bent. I live at Superpowered Love -- kateyhawthorne.com.

I know, I know, it looks like I don't read anything here at GoodReads. But I do, I swear. My reviews and stuff are all over at my other GoodReads thingie, KV Taylor. Relevant shelves to Katey Hawthorne stuff:

Romance
LGBTQ
and
Comics, Graphic Novels, and Trade Paperbacks

Reviews

[Jess Candela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Review Summary: It took a while to warm up to the narrator, but once I decided I liked him, I ended up loving the story.

Review: It took a while for me to be sure if I liked Gabriel, and thus the story, but ultimately this turned out to be my favorite story in the series so far. Even when I was disliking Gabriel, I was still caught up in the story. Each time I had to set it down, I found myself thinking about it, eager to read more.

I liked Andrew all along, though a few things about his lifestyle and actions didn’t quite make sense to me. Still, for quite a while I was convinced he deserved someone better than Gabe. I wondered how this story could possibly work out in a way that would be satisfying as a romance. But, by the end, it was. The things I learned about the characters helped me to understand and appreciate them as a couple.

Gabriel clearly liked to think of himself as a rational, unemotional bad-ass. But, of course, how we like to think of ourselves doesn’t necessarily have much to do with how we really are. Some romance novels have me wishing that one or both characters were real (and straight, or at least bi) so I could have a HEA with them myself. This was not one of those stories; I wouldn’t want to be with either Gabriel or Andrew. But that’s okay, because by the end of the book I was delighted to see them together. I wouldn’t want to date either of them, but they worked for me as a couple.

It’s worth noting that there are a couple of M/M/M scenes, when Gabriel and Andrew have a third join them (including after they’re clearly an established couple). I found the sex hot, but I know that sort of thing may bother some people. I loved the guy they had their threesomes with, Kieran, and hope to see him get his own story soon.

The end is not necessarily HEA, but it’s a solid and humorous HFN. The title also makes sense by the end, and fits the story perfectly. Highly recommended.

This review was originally posted at Reviews by Jessewave, where I received the book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

[clear skies · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is going to be a quick pointer, because I should be doing something other than reviewing a book I didn't enjoy.

1. I felt like I was thrown into this book in the middle. I had no idea what was going on.

2. I liked Gabriel but his mission was so boring and such a rip-off on EVERYTHING SUPERHERO.

3. The sex never ended, some were actually hot and well written but enough already.

4. The weird issues about the MC's parents bordered on ick and weird.

5. I don't know if this book is a threesome because there was a third in the picture, who seemed to bang the I LOVE YOU SO MUCH main characters. This may sound petty, but as someone who DISLIKES that shit I appreciate a warning.

6. Due the crap above I did not believe in the MC's relationship. Especially since apparently Gabriel is so straight-edged. Funny how he's sleeping with a twink whilst being in love with Andrew.

7. This isn't a diss to anyone who wants to live their lives the way they want. However, I rather read a book where I know where everyone stands. This just annoyed me.

[Katey Hawthorne]

Nothing worse than finding out that feelings from a summer fling long ago never really died.

No wait, there is, actually. Being sent to gather evidence against and arrest your summer fling from long ago, and then finding out the feelings never died.

Awkward.

Love, poetry, dock parties, betrayal, Suede, vigilantes, rainbow underpants, and one very cranky FBI Special Agent. Losing Better will be here in no time.

[Flick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting characters who work to make you care about them – solid HFN edging towards HEA

First up, I think there should be a warning that Andrew and Gabriel do share a third (including after they are ‘together’). It didn’t bother me but it was a bit of a surprise. I know that not everyone likes that and I think it definitely deserves a warning.

The story itself was interesting. I liked it, a lot, but it took me a while to get to that point (which honestly, I think makes it better because the characters had to work to make me like them). I really liked Andrew. He wasn’t perfect but I thought he was a sweetheart who deserved to find his HEA. Gabriel was…difficult to like frankly. He came across at first as a cocky, self-important ass who didn’t couldn’t see what he was doing was seriously morally questionable (at best). That being said, whilst I still wasn’t in love with Gabriel by the end I understood him a lot more and could see why he and Andrew worked. He was, in my view, a deeply flawed person but one who could be the right person for Andrew and could make him happy. I liked that Gabriel became more nuanced as we went and that he became a character I liked, despite initially pretty much hating him.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you have to ask if the ends justify the means. Andrew is using his powers to protect people from crime, but it's illegal and makes him a vigilante in the FBI's eyes. Gabriel is an FBI agent and his first solo mission is to get evidence implicating Andrew and bring him in. Gabe and Andrew spent some time hooking up when they were 16 and Gabe intends to use this connection and the old feelings to gain Andrew's trust and get the information he needs. Andrew is breaking the law, but for the right reasons. Gabe is upholding the law, but through sneaky means and betraying a former/current lover. So who is in the moral right here, really? I enjoyed this intriguing, steamy, fast-paced, second-chance lovers story. Is there a happy ending? You'll have to read it for yourself to find out.

I received a free copy of this story through Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting one thing - a sweet story based on the past 3 books- and got this book instead. And that's not a bad thing.

Gabe and Andrew knew each other at 16 when their parents spent a few weeks hooking up at Andrew's family's lake house. Fast forward a decade or so later and Gabe is an agent with the FBI and Andrew is using his awakened powers to help keep his small town safe. And the FBI? They don't like vigilantes- so Gabe decides to leverage his history with Andrew to worm his way in and bust him.

Only- feelings happen and the lines between right and wrong aren't as clear as they seem.

I ended up enjoying this book much more than I thought I would. I would have loved a dual-POV and get insight into Andrew's brain. But this book was fast paced, entertaining and super steamy. I'll happily read book 5.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew and Gabriels were close friends and a little more the summer they spent together when they were 16. Gabriel's dad was having an affair with Andrew's mom. Both boys were awakened with Gabriel having powers with electricity and Andrew with cold. Now the story fast forward several years and Gabriel is a member of the FBI. His first mission is to see if Andrew was using his powers to be a vigilante. Gabriel returns to Andrew's town prentending to be visiting. He visits Andrew for "old times sake" knowing that Andrew will invite him in so Gabriel won't have to get a warrant. Gabriel is using Andrew's old feeling to take advantage of him. Andrew is using his powers to help his town and the surrounding town. He chases away criminals and drug dealers. It is against the law but still good deeds.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Agent Gabriel Genêt is finally on his first solo field assignment. He is to return to where he spent a summer with Andrew Wynne and investigate whether or not Andrew is acting a vigilante. It should be easy but the mutual attraction interferes with things, maybe.

Each one of these books is so different. This one captures you as the two men in some ways play lots of games. Unfortunately, the closer Gabriel gets to obtaining the necessary proof, the harder it becomes for him to do his job. You can see the pull each man feels and the sadness that one must win and one must lose. The ending is perfect and it will delight you.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

The way the narrative was written left me feeling like I'd started in the middle of the story and didn't get what was going on.
Also this contains mmm which isn't for everyone and isn't indicated in the blurb.
It's more mc1 and mc2 have a relationship of sorts but occasionally have a 3rd but nothing is really defined.
With knowing that Gabriel was using Andrew for information, it didn't feel like a romance, at least not in a conventional way. I didn't mind that but it was obvious that Gabriel had underestimated Andrew.
Not one I'd necessarily re-read but it was enjoyable

[Lydia Devlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book after reading the synopsis,and,I am more than happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The story line had me hooked straight from the beginning.
I liked Andrew instantly,Gabriel? It took me a while to warm up to him,but,I did:)
I love the world building in these stories,it's so well thought out and described.
I'm not going to say too much about this as I don't want to spoil this for anyone.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriel is on his first solo mission. He needs to go back to where he spent a summer with Andrew and find out if he’s acting as a vigilante. They burned hot and steamy that summer and they still do. I felt for the men as I felt they were being pulled in two directions, but I was glad they got their HEA. This was a really good story and fun to read, really enjoyed it! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the complicated moral choices in this one, particularly as Gabriel started out so sure of his ability to manipulate Andrew and with basically no qualms about doing that. The changes he goes through as he starts to realize what his true feelings are were very well written. I felt really sorry for Andrew knowing what was going on and how painful the big reveal would be. An emotional story with really interesting plot developments as well.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriel and Andrew have history which Gabriel believes will make it easier for him to use what he knows to his advantage as he investigates whether or not Andrew is using his power. But history can be tricky. They had a thing and feelings were on both sides so history not only informs, it can impact too. This was a good steamy story that drew me in and kept me interested.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[Chelsea Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was so entertaining and sweet! Gabriel is tasked to prove Andrew is using his powers and bring him in. Since they have a history Gabriel though he would be able to use that to his advantage. What happens is all the old feeling come rushing back and they end up falling completely in love! It was cute, hot and steamy! I am absolutely loving this series!

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 3 out of 5]

🔥❤️🔥

This one was sweet and steamy but hella confusing.... I felt like this one threw me off... lots of cringy and awkward things going on in this book, it made the relationship unbelievable IMO ... this is my least favorite in the series so far but I'm not giving up, onto the next one 😉 fingers crossed because I'm such a fan of this series.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Rebecca Park · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story as a whole I enjoyed but this wasn’t my favorite, I know everyone is different but the way they treated each other was definitely not my cup of tea! They loved each other in their own way & it was nice seeing the love when it was there but other parts of their relationship was hard to see at least for me! But the book was still good & I still enjoyed reading it’ 😀😀

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It should be an easy job, go and find the evidence needed to prove them guilty but will it be as simple as that. Unfortunately it is not going to be so easy as feelings get in the way of the job he needs to do. How will he deal with it all? Will they get back together? See how they get on

[devil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This storyline was a bit confusing from the beginning. I still like the premise for the series, but I'm hoping the next book is better.

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful story in this superpowered world. Gabriel and Andrew needed to trust each other to find a future while at the same time they are in differents sides of the law. A captivating plot, with a nice backstory and many sweet heartwarming moments and steamy scenes that balanced out guilt and love. A wonderful reading!

[The Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth novel in the Superpowered Love series by Katey Hawthorne is very different from its cohorts. Rather than “awakened” men simply going through the motions of remaining hidden from the “sleepers”, we have two men who are trying to make a difference in their world. Gabriel, an FBI agent, is sent to bring down one of his own. A vigilante who has taken the law into his own hands and begun doing the hard work for his local police force by capturing the criminals for them. But there is a catch, for the man who Gabriel is tracking and determined to bring to justice is also the same man who, as a boyhood friend, was Gabriel’s lover.

Andrew lives in the very town he and Gabriel grew up in. Unlike Gabriel, Andrew sees his role as an overseer—a helper who has managed to nonviolently rid his town of corruption and means to keep it that way. When these two reconnect, despite Gabriel’s hidden agenda to gather evidence needed to lock Andrew up for good, sparks fly and old feelings of lust and love are rekindled. How can Gabriel possibly stay true to his task of uncovering damning evidence on the man who is slowly capturing his heart?

In a real reversal of my normal review style, I am going to tell you what did not work in this otherwise compelling and interesting novel. It was Gabriel. Truly. I could overlook the fact that he was not very nice to Andrew and that he was a bit smarmy in the way he lured Andrew into his bed in order to search his house and find evidence against him, but I could not avoid the pitfall of Gabriel’s own stream of consciousness. In the several opening chapters, I felt the entire pace of this novel felt off balance due to Gabriel’s cerebral dialogue and plotting. The continual need for Gabriel to justify what he was about to do to a boyhood friend in the name of justice was not only a bit angering, it was also too drawn out and inhibited the onset of the action the story kept promising, and definitely delivered later in the novel.

Now, despite this lazy opening, this was probably my favorite installment thus far in this series. Finally, we learn more about this world Katey Hawthorne has created. We begin to understand that it is somewhat futuristic in the sense that the government is very aware of the awakened race and, in fact, employs them to keep track of others. Not only that, but for once we see how the awakened view their role in this society—not as superheroes but, rather, watchman who are bound to keep others safe and communities clean. There is a decided sense of nobility about the awakened in that they take the task of using their powers judiciously and carefully so that no one around them is hurt. I adored Andrew. His deep sense of needing to do what was right, of removing corruption as it arose and of keeping his small town safe made him instantly likable and infinitely worthy of the near hero worship status his friends convey upon him. Plus, he truly loves Gabriel and it is apparent that despite the lies and secrecy, he will forgive Gabe of just about anything.

Gabriel grew on me more slowly but only because Katey Hawthorne made him a near villain-like character. I believe she cleverly crafted this character to be the antihero in some ways by making him heavily flawed and conflicted. His sense of smug self-control was irritating, but at the same time it was wonderful to watch the author chip away at that veneer to expose the needy and desperate man underneath.

All in all, Losing Better was actually my favorite story to date. Despite the slow start and snarky main character, it was a well-written story that picked up pace the further it went along.

Reviewed by Sammy at The Novel Approach

[Willow Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing Better functions as a stand-alone so you don't have to have read any of the other Superpowered Love stories at all. If you haven't read any, I recommend you read over the blurbs to find one with characters which sound the most appealing – they're all character focused and each pairing has distinct and different personalities which shape the story.
Also be warned that there is threesome content which, while I personally found it sweet (and unexpectedly delicious) and a good fit with Gabriel's sexual motivations toward Andrew, does alter the story from a traditional romance.
Warnings out of the way – I loved it.
If I had a criticism for the other Superpowered Loves I've read it's that they're so character-focused that other plot is skimmed over. Losing Better felt like a huge step up plot-wise. While it's certainly not a traditional cop drama with a focus on solving a mystery, the FBI vs vigilante plot layered on the tension and angst to amplify the conflict and chemistry between Gabriel and Andrew. It's delicious to watch Gabriel fighting between his training, mission objectives and his rekindling passion.
The angst is focused on dealing with fallout from destructive family relationships rather than an emphasis on the character's superpowers. As such the motif of returning to a nostalgic town and past lover is apt and all the resurfacing memories and unresolved questions mingled in with the conflict between work and pleasure to make a heady sensory brew.
The sex is inventive and, to my taste, well worth the tension. Every single sex scene drove and changed the characters, developing their relationship in a way much more indicative of real love than many erotic romances I've read. I learned to love these characters and they were never more themselves than when they were torturing each other with pleasure.
It's also a relief to read any story with a credible reason why the heroes have such insanely hot bodies. Andrew's “intense training” with regards to being a vigilante is discussed early on and thus diffused the 'everyone has a perfect 6-pack from doing nothing' trope that always bugs me.
There was a key theme of the divide between black and white which was optimistically addressed during the story and echoed in Andrew himself, the way he united the town and threw parties, and also in the conflict between vigilante justice and legal justice.
Approaching and leaving the big conflict, I actually couldn't stop reading and felt that the tension worked to a point where I couldn't possibly imagine it being resolved. The ending was so perfectly Andrew and Gabriel that it was well worth the tortuous gut-wrenching angst of the journey to get to the glowing warm end.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've enjoyed other books in this series, but this one didn't work for me. I didn't like Gabriel, I didn't feel like I knew Andrew, and the two of them together just didn't make any sense. I'd rather have seen more of Kieran than either of these two.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Electrifying, white hot, and so satisfying, the best yet from Katey Hawthorne.

Read my full review http://wp.me/p220KL-10N

Rating: 4.75 stars

for more reviews visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...

[KV Taylor]

I wrote this (as Katey Hawthorne, obviously!) FBI Agents and Superheroes. Hell yes.