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Cattle Valley #25
Confessions
Book twenty five in the Cattle Valley Series
Government contracted mercenary, James 'Priest' Evans, slides back into town after a mission gone very wrong. Haunted by his latest kill, Priest’s job is weighing heavily on his mind for the first time in memory. In Cattle Valley to heal and re-evaluate his life, Priest didn’t expect love but that’s exactly where’s he’s headed.
After a devastating and very public breakup, Luke Hatcher has given up on love. He’s more than happy to enjoy hot and heavy sex, but that’s as far as he’s willing to go. When he runs into Priest, Luke believes their mutual lack of trust is perfect for a short-term holiday affair.
Their steamy affair takes an unexpected turn when Priest makes a bedroom confession that will forever change the way he views life and love. Will the confession bring them closer together, or will it send Luke packing?
Government contracted mercenary, James 'Priest' Evans, slides back into town after a mission gone very wrong. Haunted by his latest kill, Priest’s job is weighing heavily on his mind for the first time in memory. In Cattle Valley to heal and re-evaluate his life, Priest didn’t expect love but that’s exactly where’s he’s headed.
After a devastating and very public breakup, Luke Hatcher has given up on love. He’s more than happy to enjoy hot and heavy sex, but that’s as far as he’s willing to go. When he runs into Priest, Luke believes their mutual lack of trust is perfect for a short-term holiday affair.
Their steamy affair takes an unexpected turn when Priest makes a bedroom confession that will forever change the way he views life and love. Will the confession bring them closer together, or will it send Luke packing?
109 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2011
5 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Carol Lynne
251 books1,196 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 30, 2012
3.5 stars
I liked this one a lot. I enjoyed the overall story and the characters (mostly) but some parts really annoyed me so in the end I really liked the story.
This book is mostly focused on Priest as opposed to Luke, though. I didn't like Priest in the beginning not because of who he is or what he does for a living (because I love assassins and messed up characters) but because of his way of handling Luke. It's nothing bad or harmful
I loved Luke. At first I couldn't remember who he was but then I remembered he was Kenny's friend and that I really liked him. I liked his troubles and his problems. I liked that he desired Priest so much and that Priest desired him just as much. The only thing about Luke that annoyed me was his past relationship with Stretch. I have no idea who that is. He must have been mentioned in Kenny's book, Making the Grade, but since that was so many books ago I can't remember anything about it so all the references Luke made to being 'used' and such went right over my head because I had no idea what he was talking about :(
While I enjoyed this book a lot, I think it could have used more pages and more explanations on a few things. The ending felt too abrupt for me (especially since I wanted to see a certain someone actually being tortured) and my first thought when it did end was, 'Holy crap, did this end in the middle of a paragraph?' I enjoyed the conflict within the story and that was detailed enough for my liking but the events around the conflict are short and nondescript. I would have liked more conversations between Luke and Priest, about themselves, and basically just more 'them' time. As it is, both Priest and Luke are shallow characters, what we know of them is what we've essentially learned from past books and a little about their past from this one. It wasn't enough to satisfy my urge for more of who they are and who they were, though.
However, while there are some plot holes I really enjoyed the book. I loved the characters (in Priest's case, I grew to love him eventually), I liked the plot and the book was strangely captivating. I didn't want to stop reading it once I started even with some of the inconsistencies and questions I had. This happens with all the Cattle Valley books. As long as I love the characters and I have that strong desire to keep reading, I don't much care what else happens in the book. So, all I have to say is if you've liked the Cattle Valley series so far and have kept up with it, you'll like this one. I thought it was a nice read.
I liked this one a lot. I enjoyed the overall story and the characters (mostly) but some parts really annoyed me so in the end I really liked the story.
This book is mostly focused on Priest as opposed to Luke, though. I didn't like Priest in the beginning not because of who he is or what he does for a living (because I love assassins and messed up characters) but because of his way of handling Luke. It's nothing bad or harmful
I loved Luke. At first I couldn't remember who he was but then I remembered he was Kenny's friend and that I really liked him. I liked his troubles and his problems. I liked that he desired Priest so much and that Priest desired him just as much. The only thing about Luke that annoyed me was his past relationship with Stretch. I have no idea who that is. He must have been mentioned in Kenny's book, Making the Grade, but since that was so many books ago I can't remember anything about it so all the references Luke made to being 'used' and such went right over my head because I had no idea what he was talking about :(
While I enjoyed this book a lot, I think it could have used more pages and more explanations on a few things. The ending felt too abrupt for me (especially since I wanted to see a certain someone actually being tortured) and my first thought when it did end was, 'Holy crap, did this end in the middle of a paragraph?' I enjoyed the conflict within the story and that was detailed enough for my liking but the events around the conflict are short and nondescript. I would have liked more conversations between Luke and Priest, about themselves, and basically just more 'them' time. As it is, both Priest and Luke are shallow characters, what we know of them is what we've essentially learned from past books and a little about their past from this one. It wasn't enough to satisfy my urge for more of who they are and who they were, though.
However, while there are some plot holes I really enjoyed the book. I loved the characters (in Priest's case, I grew to love him eventually), I liked the plot and the book was strangely captivating. I didn't want to stop reading it once I started even with some of the inconsistencies and questions I had. This happens with all the Cattle Valley books. As long as I love the characters and I have that strong desire to keep reading, I don't much care what else happens in the book. So, all I have to say is if you've liked the Cattle Valley series so far and have kept up with it, you'll like this one. I thought it was a nice read.
January 3, 2012
Not much I can say without spoiling stuff… so be warned
And Carol do NOT read this. I still love you but this book didn’t work for me.
I was going to give three stars for the plot but the end ruined that for me
And Carol do NOT read this. I still love you but this book didn’t work for me.
I was going to give three stars for the plot but the end ruined that for me
March 28, 2016
An enjoyable story, this is one of those books I purchased in 2012 and then failed to read. Something else always seemed to attract my attention. I've read some of the stories in this series before, but not the one(s) previously involving Luke so I didn't follow some of the references.
I did like the dynamic between Luke and Priest, his assassin lover, and the intriguing plot kept me coming back for more. So all in all, I'd say between 3 and 3.5 stars.
I did like the dynamic between Luke and Priest, his assassin lover, and the intriguing plot kept me coming back for more. So all in all, I'd say between 3 and 3.5 stars.
November 22, 2011
Guaranteed Cattle Valley. That's about it.
What sort of annoys me about these more action-themed CV-books is the way they build momentum and then brush the action aside for a quick HEA.
Lynne certainly has the skill to write longer stories and to carry them, I'm sure of that, but this begins to feel like an outdated format by now. In fact, it's been that since about book 15-17.
What sort of annoys me about these more action-themed CV-books is the way they build momentum and then brush the action aside for a quick HEA.
Lynne certainly has the skill to write longer stories and to carry them, I'm sure of that, but this begins to feel like an outdated format by now. In fact, it's been that since about book 15-17.
February 5, 2013
Oh how I love Luke... I've been waiting for his story since Eli and Kenny's. I'm glad he found Priest and I'm glad they figured out their issues and ended up together, but not without some major bumps in the road.
In the end, I really enjoyed this book but it definitely wasn't my favorite of the series ;)
In the end, I really enjoyed this book but it definitely wasn't my favorite of the series ;)
March 11, 2021
Number 25 is the story of Luke and Priest. I liked Luke a lot, but didn't like Priest at all. There was some good action and an interesting plot, but little romance. I just didn't find the relationship believable. Also, the plot was rushed with an abrupt and pat ending, leaving questions. This was not one of the stronger Cattle Valley books.
June 16, 2020
Priest comes back to Cattle Valley after his latest kill. He things he killed an innocent woman. His handler Jefferies isn't as great as he thought either. Turns out the man has gone AWOL through the agency talking jobs they pass up.
Luke is only guy Priest has ever let in as far as he has. By the end of the book he's only one he's ever loved too. Luke gets kidnapped and tortured after going back to Cattle Valley, Priest thought getting away would help then second guessed it. He should have kept Luke near him or not sent him back alone.
He has the director to think for saving Luke. Though only a guy named Midnight and Luke now know who the director is. Luke's saved but Jefferies did work him over some. It made Priest realize that he does love Luke and doesn't want him to be gone from his life ever.
Luke has his own demons. He thought for years that it was his fault that his mom died. He had wanted a Christmas tree and on the way there the car crashed. So he blamed that on his self that she died. Priest got him to see it wasn't. Priest also got his revenge by the end on Jefferies for trying to take Luke out.
Was perfect story and book. Carol knows how to write them that's for sure.
Luke is only guy Priest has ever let in as far as he has. By the end of the book he's only one he's ever loved too. Luke gets kidnapped and tortured after going back to Cattle Valley, Priest thought getting away would help then second guessed it. He should have kept Luke near him or not sent him back alone.
He has the director to think for saving Luke. Though only a guy named Midnight and Luke now know who the director is. Luke's saved but Jefferies did work him over some. It made Priest realize that he does love Luke and doesn't want him to be gone from his life ever.
Luke has his own demons. He thought for years that it was his fault that his mom died. He had wanted a Christmas tree and on the way there the car crashed. So he blamed that on his self that she died. Priest got him to see it wasn't. Priest also got his revenge by the end on Jefferies for trying to take Luke out.
Was perfect story and book. Carol knows how to write them that's for sure.
December 13, 2020
Cattle Valley
I love a good story arc with men who think their unlovable dead inside assassins until they meet that special someone
I love a good story arc with men who think their unlovable dead inside assassins until they meet that special someone
August 25, 2021
More of a 3.5 read. I liked these characters.
June 30, 2012
Confessions: Cattle Valley #25
By Carol Lynne
In this book Luke Hatcher has pretty much given up on love, he had a very bad highly published break up a few years ago. But a couple months ago he ran into Priest and had a quick good time with him before he left town again. Now he can’t get the 7’ black man out of his thoughts, even though they had never kissed.
James ‘Priest’ Evans in contracted government mercenary assassin for higher; he works for a highly classified government agency. After the encounter with Luke in his car he can’t seem to get the smaller tattooed man out of his thoughts. This has never happened to him in his life, his job demands that he be on his ‘A’ game at all times, and any connections he has with other people puts them at risk. So, why is buying a fixer upper house outside of Cattle Valley, WY? He has never owned anything; it does not go with his life style. He takes a contract – ego and a desire for the money – makes him not check out all the players in the contract. Now, he hasn’t got his money, and his handler is demanding he comes in. Priest is afraid he has killed the wrong person, an innocent.
He takes Luke away for awhile, since his back in Cattle Valley; Luke is now his greatest weakness. After a couple days he realizes he is falling for the younger man, and sends him back to Cattle Valley while he tries to uncover what is going on and who is trying to kill him. The plan backfires when he gets a call from his handler that Luke is now ‘under his protection’ and he wants the files on the last job. Now Priest must figure a way to get Luke back safely, a way to get out of the agency, and a way to keep Luke for his own… the only person he has ever wanted to keep past one night in his bed.
The energy between these two characters is HOT! And together they are very HOT! The care that once tapped in the Alpha Priest is funny and frustrating to watch at the same time. I loved the interactions between these two characters and the way each of them grows. It was nice being back in Cattle Valley, WY; I always love visiting there, the same characters reacting in a predicable way and everyone so protective of each other. It will be a good home Priest. I give this book a 5 start rating and encourage anyone that loves m/m, Carol Lynne or that has ever visited Cattle Valley to come back.
By Carol Lynne
In this book Luke Hatcher has pretty much given up on love, he had a very bad highly published break up a few years ago. But a couple months ago he ran into Priest and had a quick good time with him before he left town again. Now he can’t get the 7’ black man out of his thoughts, even though they had never kissed.
James ‘Priest’ Evans in contracted government mercenary assassin for higher; he works for a highly classified government agency. After the encounter with Luke in his car he can’t seem to get the smaller tattooed man out of his thoughts. This has never happened to him in his life, his job demands that he be on his ‘A’ game at all times, and any connections he has with other people puts them at risk. So, why is buying a fixer upper house outside of Cattle Valley, WY? He has never owned anything; it does not go with his life style. He takes a contract – ego and a desire for the money – makes him not check out all the players in the contract. Now, he hasn’t got his money, and his handler is demanding he comes in. Priest is afraid he has killed the wrong person, an innocent.
He takes Luke away for awhile, since his back in Cattle Valley; Luke is now his greatest weakness. After a couple days he realizes he is falling for the younger man, and sends him back to Cattle Valley while he tries to uncover what is going on and who is trying to kill him. The plan backfires when he gets a call from his handler that Luke is now ‘under his protection’ and he wants the files on the last job. Now Priest must figure a way to get Luke back safely, a way to get out of the agency, and a way to keep Luke for his own… the only person he has ever wanted to keep past one night in his bed.
The energy between these two characters is HOT! And together they are very HOT! The care that once tapped in the Alpha Priest is funny and frustrating to watch at the same time. I loved the interactions between these two characters and the way each of them grows. It was nice being back in Cattle Valley, WY; I always love visiting there, the same characters reacting in a predicable way and everyone so protective of each other. It will be a good home Priest. I give this book a 5 start rating and encourage anyone that loves m/m, Carol Lynne or that has ever visited Cattle Valley to come back.
February 12, 2012
Read for 2nd Round BINGO Challenge.
I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit. I really connected with Luke and felt for Priest's emotional growth. I was quite intrigued to find out who the "big guy" in the organization was and wonder if he is going to be one of the mains of the next Cattle Valley installment which seems to be leading to Aaron's story.
This particular story makes me want to re-read the whole series up to this one to have them all fresh in my mind so I can remember who is who and with whom.
Someone mentioned having trouble with Priest thinking of others during sex with Luke. I didn't get that feeling. I just got the impression that he was working his shit out in his head instead of being fully in the moment because that was so far out of his element--like he's usually all about the moment when he's having sex but this was more and bigger and pushed him toward the future and outside of the moment.
I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit. I really connected with Luke and felt for Priest's emotional growth. I was quite intrigued to find out who the "big guy" in the organization was and wonder if he is going to be one of the mains of the next Cattle Valley installment which seems to be leading to Aaron's story.
This particular story makes me want to re-read the whole series up to this one to have them all fresh in my mind so I can remember who is who and with whom.
Someone mentioned having trouble with Priest thinking of others during sex with Luke. I didn't get that feeling. I just got the impression that he was working his shit out in his head instead of being fully in the moment because that was so far out of his element--like he's usually all about the moment when he's having sex but this was more and bigger and pushed him toward the future and outside of the moment.
January 22, 2014
I didn't realize I signed up to read about military/covert ops/espionage when I started reading the Cattle Valley series. I don't like this trend and it looks like it will continue in the next book. Shit!
Why is Wyoming the hotbed for ex-assassins? Now we find out that the director of this secret group is a resident of Cattle Valley. Fuck me sideways won't cha. Luke and Priest were okay I guess. Luke almost dies but we don't get much about his injuries. Is his body/face scarred now? I think they just mentioned his hands. How exactly was Luke rescued? How did Jeffries get away?
Why is Wyoming the hotbed for ex-assassins? Now we find out that the director of this secret group is a resident of Cattle Valley. Fuck me sideways won't cha. Luke and Priest were okay I guess. Luke almost dies but we don't get much about his injuries. Is his body/face scarred now? I think they just mentioned his hands. How exactly was Luke rescued? How did Jeffries get away?
November 12, 2013
I've gone back and forth on this one--2.5 stars or 3.
I liked the characters, and this was a book that I was looking forward too. I think this particular Cattle Valley book would have worked better for me if it had been more developed. These guys have a lot to deal with in under a hundred pages, and it felt like important parts were rushed or jumped over.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I liked the characters, and this was a book that I was looking forward too. I think this particular Cattle Valley book would have worked better for me if it had been more developed. These guys have a lot to deal with in under a hundred pages, and it felt like important parts were rushed or jumped over.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 7, 2013
Love me some Luke..tattoos and all.. He has had a bad run with relationships and chooses another big huge (seven foot) man with all kinds of issues.... Priest falls hard and endangers Luke. It amazes me how much is accomplished in Carol Lynne's books considering they are only about 100 pages (if that) long. I never feel cheated after a story.
July 23, 2013
Well hell if Priest doesn't sound hot as hell. I love a good bad boy. And I'm so glad that Luke finally found someone that truly loved him and helped him see his mothers death was not his fault. And I'm really glad that Priest killed Jefferies and got his revenge.
Want to read
October 24, 2011so excited for this book!!!
October 24, 2011
As always, another awesome book to the CV saga.
November 22, 2011
3,5 stars
March 31, 2012
A lot of the action in this book seemed to take place off the page which was a bit annoying. Also, the ending was very abrupt. Apart from that it was a good addition to the series.
March 20, 2012
i really enjoyed this one, wish that it was a little longer and that it just didn't end, felt like there could have been more to the ending.
October 8, 2012
Just felt like it went way too fast. So much was rushed in this one.
November 23, 2011
4.5 stars!!! Carol Lynne is one of the Queens of MM romances. 'Confessions' the 25th book in her Cattle Valley series is just another reason why. Happy reading to all.
November 26, 2011
3.5 A little unbelievable and sappy in parts, but it's Cattle Valley. I'm addicted.
November 27, 2011
I dont like it. Is the first CV book that I dont like since the book #2.
January 1, 2012
I was a bit disappointed with the lack of action in this book. I really was expecting so much more.
August 6, 2012
Maybe a 3.5. Once again the beginning is intricate with well developed characters but the ending is simplistic and abrupt.
August 19, 2014
I really love this series .. :)
June 15, 2014
I fell in love with Preist when he appeared to help Jessup, but this just cemented it even more. Luke and Priest where meant to be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews