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Shadowy Solutions #0.5
Invisible Scars
An embarrassing mishap with a lightbulb lands Toronto Police Department records clerk Tallus Domingo in the arms of Diem Krause, a surly ex-cop turned private investigator—literally.
In search of his usual informant within the department, Diem wasn't prepared to end up with a handful of Tallus, but that was who he got.
Diem's case is complicated, but his relationship with his old employer is more so, so he's not inclined to accept help from someone he doesn't know.
But Tallus won't be disregarded. He won't be cast aside. Tallus's dreams of investigative work push him and Diem together.
Can this unlikely pair work amicably to solve Diem's case?
Will their evident attraction to one another get in the way?
In search of his usual informant within the department, Diem wasn't prepared to end up with a handful of Tallus, but that was who he got.
Diem's case is complicated, but his relationship with his old employer is more so, so he's not inclined to accept help from someone he doesn't know.
But Tallus won't be disregarded. He won't be cast aside. Tallus's dreams of investigative work push him and Diem together.
Can this unlikely pair work amicably to solve Diem's case?
Will their evident attraction to one another get in the way?
111 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2024
About the author
Nicky James
79 books2,368 followersI live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada and I am a mother to a wonderful teenage boy (didn't think those words could be typed together...surprise) and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband, who thankfully doesn't think I'm crazy.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
January 21, 2024
Sadly, this didn't go well for me. I don't even know where to start. I guess with Diem, since I don't remember the last time I found a character this … not appealing.
March 5, 2026
I LOOOVE IT!!!
But my goodness, Diem is a bloody tough nut to crack. I'm so curious to see how Tallus will soften him up.
I understand why this isn't great for many readers—Diem really isn't what you'd expect from a romance novel. I also wrinkled my nose a little at his first description, but I love him, sorry, not sorry.
The only thing I didn't like was the alcohol and nicotine consumption. I mean, it's totally understandable that Diem is like that, even if you don't know the details yet. But it's definitely not easy to read. Unfortunately, however, it's fitting.
I trust the author's skill to find the right way forward. For a first impression, it was great and I'm absolutely thrilled.
I already knew I would love Tallus, even though he was portrayed as a bit prickly beforehand. The small parallels to Valor & Doyle are great.
Tallus and Diem together are an explosive mixture and have a very interesting dynamic.
❝
“When you manage to string more than five words together, it’s incredibly intense. Gives me shivers.” 🤭💞🤭
❝
I purposefully licked a trace of rum from my lips, and sure enough, his gaze slipped to my mouth again. “Poor guy. You’re thinking about how we first met, aren’t you?”
The bear in his chest awoke. Diem was more beast than man. 🖤🐻🖤
❝
“Are you afraid?” His voice rasped, broken and low.
“Never. I don’t scare easily.”
“Good.” Diem braced a hand on the back of the couch and brought his steely erection in line with my face. “Now stop talking and do something useful with your mouth.” He paused, then added a stifled, “Please.” 🤤🖤🤤
But my goodness, Diem is a bloody tough nut to crack. I'm so curious to see how Tallus will soften him up.
I understand why this isn't great for many readers—Diem really isn't what you'd expect from a romance novel. I also wrinkled my nose a little at his first description, but I love him, sorry, not sorry.
The only thing I didn't like was the alcohol and nicotine consumption. I mean, it's totally understandable that Diem is like that, even if you don't know the details yet. But it's definitely not easy to read. Unfortunately, however, it's fitting.
I trust the author's skill to find the right way forward. For a first impression, it was great and I'm absolutely thrilled.
I already knew I would love Tallus, even though he was portrayed as a bit prickly beforehand. The small parallels to Valor & Doyle are great.
Tallus and Diem together are an explosive mixture and have a very interesting dynamic.
❝
“When you manage to string more than five words together, it’s incredibly intense. Gives me shivers.” 🤭💞🤭
❝
I purposefully licked a trace of rum from my lips, and sure enough, his gaze slipped to my mouth again. “Poor guy. You’re thinking about how we first met, aren’t you?”
The bear in his chest awoke. Diem was more beast than man. 🖤🐻🖤
❝
“Are you afraid?” His voice rasped, broken and low.
“Never. I don’t scare easily.”
“Good.” Diem braced a hand on the back of the couch and brought his steely erection in line with my face. “Now stop talking and do something useful with your mouth.” He paused, then added a stifled, “Please.” 🤤🖤🤤
January 19, 2024
omg. these two are gonna give me lots of feels, i can just tell already. very excited for this series!!
April 1, 2025
re-read on audio May 2024
Still super intrigued by the new pair of main characters and it's now only a few short weeks to go until the first book releases!! *whoop whoop
4.25**** stars
We already met Tallus Domingo (Costa Ruiz’s cousin) in the last Valor & Doyle book. And Quaid Valor handing off his unsolved case of a missing woman into the hands of the new hire in records in the Toronto PD sets off this new series and Tallus meeting the broody ex-cop turned PI Diem Krause.
The prequel shows us an instant attraction between the main characters as well as hints of Diem’s painful past. There will be A LOT to unpack with him and I CAN’T WAIT!
OMG, this is going to be FREAKING AWESOME!!
*************
Shadowy Solutions Series
⇢ A Valor & Doyle spin-off
Prequel - Invisible Scars - 4.25 stars
Book 1 - Skeletons in the Closet - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Power of the Mind - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Reading Between the Lines - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - A Breath of Life - release 09/25
Still super intrigued by the new pair of main characters and it's now only a few short weeks to go until the first book releases!! *whoop whoop
4.25**** stars
We already met Tallus Domingo (Costa Ruiz’s cousin) in the last Valor & Doyle book. And Quaid Valor handing off his unsolved case of a missing woman into the hands of the new hire in records in the Toronto PD sets off this new series and Tallus meeting the broody ex-cop turned PI Diem Krause.
The prequel shows us an instant attraction between the main characters as well as hints of Diem’s painful past. There will be A LOT to unpack with him and I CAN’T WAIT!
I was damaged goods. A stain on society if my father was to be believed. I might be suitable enough for a quick fuck in a dark alley, but that was all. Anyone who dared peel away the unattractive outer layers would only find poison underneath.
“Don’t.” The word came out strangled.
“I want to kiss you.”
“No.”
Okay. Some guys didn’t kiss. Fine. Diem was one of them, but why did he sound so tortured about it?
“Would it have killed you to touch me?”
The tsunami in my chest wanted to rip me apart and destroy me. I held tight to control, riding the painful waves of vulnerability and not letting anything show on my face as I turned around. Tallus had a way of flaying me open. “I wanted to.”
“But you didn’t.”
“But I wanted to, and it’s because I wanted to that I couldn’t.”
OMG, this is going to be FREAKING AWESOME!!
*************
Shadowy Solutions Series
⇢ A Valor & Doyle spin-off
Prequel - Invisible Scars - 4.25 stars
Book 1 - Skeletons in the Closet - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Power of the Mind - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Reading Between the Lines - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - A Breath of Life - release 09/25
February 2, 2024
2.75 Stars
It pains me to rate low as I love Valor & Doyle, and may be that’s the problem, but, I’m not into this couple at all. Tallus comes off way too strong for my liking and as for the growling/grunting, gum chewing, ciggie smoking, Diem, I wasn’t a fan and what’s with the trench coat and fedora? Hardly inconspicuous for a PI.
Sadly the chemistry and banter I’d anticipated was lacking, the meet cute and constant reminders about it wasn’t for me, the mystery was underwhelming, the sex was uncomfortable/made me dislike Diem even more and even though it’s only a couple of sentences, the photo of Ruiz licking Quaid at his wedding just reminded me how irritated I was with all of that in the last book, lol 😅
Sigh, the only thing I really enjoyed was Baby the snake 😅
I think Diem has the potential to surprise us all, but I’m not sure I’ll read the series - guess it’ll depend on my friends reviews 🤷🏻♀️
It pains me to rate low as I love Valor & Doyle, and may be that’s the problem, but, I’m not into this couple at all. Tallus comes off way too strong for my liking and as for the growling/grunting, gum chewing, ciggie smoking, Diem, I wasn’t a fan and what’s with the trench coat and fedora? Hardly inconspicuous for a PI.
Sadly the chemistry and banter I’d anticipated was lacking, the meet cute and constant reminders about it wasn’t for me, the mystery was underwhelming, the sex was uncomfortable/made me dislike Diem even more and even though it’s only a couple of sentences, the photo of Ruiz licking Quaid at his wedding just reminded me how irritated I was with all of that in the last book, lol 😅
Sigh, the only thing I really enjoyed was Baby the snake 😅
I think Diem has the potential to surprise us all, but I’m not sure I’ll read the series - guess it’ll depend on my friends reviews 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2023
I'm so ready for this series to start, Diem is even grouchier than Quaid so I can't wait to find out why he is the way he is.
Plus Costa Ruiz is one of my favourite characters from Valor & Doyle so I'm excited to see more of him!
Plus Costa Ruiz is one of my favourite characters from Valor & Doyle so I'm excited to see more of him!
March 3, 2026
Oh wow. I’m so excited to start this series.😛 The mystery that is Diem Krause…I’m so intrigued!
June 5, 2024
Not sure yet if I’ll fall in love with this couple as much as I did with Valor and Doyle
This book is the prequel to a new series, a spinoff of my beloved mystery series that only got 4 or 5 stars ratings from me. It follows Tallus Domingo, whom we briefly met in the last V&D book. Tallus is Ruiz’ flashy, very out cousin who starts working on the archives of the Toronto PD. Tallus wanted to be a detective for all of his life, but wasn’t able to because he’s colour blind and very short sighted.
That is, until he meets Diem Krause, who looks like a mix between Hulk and Duck Tracy. Diem has a lot of issues that only wait to be unburdened in the upcoming books, but as for now, I’m not overly fond of him. Honestly - Tallus deserves better. But you can’t choose who’re you’re attracted to, right? 🤷♀️ At least Tallus isn’t a pushover and stands his ground.
It says a lot that my highlight was Ruiz’ cameo and the mention of the picture where he licked Quaid’s face 🤣
The mystery we had to deal with here is a bit underdeveloped, it had a lot of potential (including the advances the - female- victim made on Diem, which weren’t reciprocated for obvious reasons ). I could imagine that the case might develop into something like a bigger story arc that spans several books.
All in all: not bad for a prequel novella, enough to wet my appetite for the real deal.
This book is the prequel to a new series, a spinoff of my beloved mystery series that only got 4 or 5 stars ratings from me. It follows Tallus Domingo, whom we briefly met in the last V&D book. Tallus is Ruiz’ flashy, very out cousin who starts working on the archives of the Toronto PD. Tallus wanted to be a detective for all of his life, but wasn’t able to because he’s colour blind and very short sighted.
That is, until he meets Diem Krause, who looks like a mix between Hulk and Duck Tracy. Diem has a lot of issues that only wait to be unburdened in the upcoming books, but as for now, I’m not overly fond of him. Honestly - Tallus deserves better. But you can’t choose who’re you’re attracted to, right? 🤷♀️ At least Tallus isn’t a pushover and stands his ground.
It says a lot that my highlight was Ruiz’ cameo and the mention of the picture where he licked Quaid’s face 🤣
The mystery we had to deal with here is a bit underdeveloped, it had a lot of potential (including the advances the - female- victim made on Diem, which weren’t reciprocated for obvious reasons ). I could imagine that the case might develop into something like a bigger story arc that spans several books.
All in all: not bad for a prequel novella, enough to wet my appetite for the real deal.
May 13, 2024
Invisible Scars overlaps with the seventh and final Valor & Doyle book. Tallus is Costa's flamboyant cousin, and Diem is an ex-cop and private investigator.
I felt sorry for Diem - his sad living situation, deep loneliness, and scars (visible and invisible). Diem isn't instantly likable, far from it, but there's something compelling about him.
Tallus' overly confident, flirtatious personality didn't quite jibe with me, but both MCs have room to grow and evolve.
The case Diem is working on is huge, but there's no suspense or actual investigating before everything is neatly (and vaguely) resolved. Diem trusts Tallus easily - too easily - with information but won't touch him or do more than grunt.
I don't know how I feel about Costa doing something so shady, especially since Valor, his supposed bestie, was the detective originally assigned to the missing person case.
There are a few time jumps in this story, no romance, and one rushed, awkward (painfully so) sex scene.
No new secondary characters are introduced, which is unfortunate, as I enjoyed the large cast of personalities in Valor & Doyle.
How this series progresses is yet TBD. I'm keeping an open mind.
I felt sorry for Diem - his sad living situation, deep loneliness, and scars (visible and invisible). Diem isn't instantly likable, far from it, but there's something compelling about him.
Tallus' overly confident, flirtatious personality didn't quite jibe with me, but both MCs have room to grow and evolve.
The case Diem is working on is huge, but there's no suspense or actual investigating before everything is neatly (and vaguely) resolved. Diem trusts Tallus easily - too easily - with information but won't touch him or do more than grunt.
I don't know how I feel about Costa doing something so shady, especially since Valor, his supposed bestie, was the detective originally assigned to the missing person case.
There are a few time jumps in this story, no romance, and one rushed, awkward (painfully so) sex scene.
No new secondary characters are introduced, which is unfortunate, as I enjoyed the large cast of personalities in Valor & Doyle.
How this series progresses is yet TBD. I'm keeping an open mind.
December 27, 2023
An interesting start to a new series, yay.
Not gonna lie, both characters are meh so far, I didn't fall in love with either of them (but that's okay, I'll give them a chance anyway). Tallus (the name evokes the talus bone in my mind and that's...I'll need to overcome that) is very outgoing, very charming, and confident but obviously, with some issues I'm ready to find out about. He's really funny but sometimes to the point of being annoying. He's also Ruiz's cousin so I'm hoping to see more of him!
Diem... well. Let's just say I don't like him (I'm biased against huge guys, I'll admit that, my brain automatically rejects that image and tries to make him tall and lean instead...). Grump of all grumps, his grunting is already getting on my nerves. BUT I'm trying to keep an open mind - because I still remember how much I loathed Aslan and look how that turned out! He has some tragic backstory of his own and I'm curious about that.
Their sexual tension was off the charts, not gonna lie, but it felt like the kind of tension that will disappear after the first fuck. And look - it kinda did but in an unexpected way. They hooked up (the sex scene was honestly quite uncomfortable to read) and holy hell it wasn't even hot, it just was. It was clinical and mechanical, as Tallus himself said. That was honestly an interesting turn of events and my curiosity was picked because of that. At this point, I can't even imagine any kind of relationship between them - so I really want to see how are these two supposed to work together.
The writing was a bit too repetitive - Tallus' smirks were always "sultry and mischievous", and don't get me starting on Diem's growling and grunting...
I'm not on the edge of my seat about this new series but I'll definitely pick it up when it's out.
Not gonna lie, both characters are meh so far, I didn't fall in love with either of them (but that's okay, I'll give them a chance anyway). Tallus (the name evokes the talus bone in my mind and that's...I'll need to overcome that) is very outgoing, very charming, and confident but obviously, with some issues I'm ready to find out about. He's really funny but sometimes to the point of being annoying. He's also Ruiz's cousin so I'm hoping to see more of him!
Diem... well. Let's just say I don't like him (I'm biased against huge guys, I'll admit that, my brain automatically rejects that image and tries to make him tall and lean instead...). Grump of all grumps, his grunting is already getting on my nerves. BUT I'm trying to keep an open mind - because I still remember how much I loathed Aslan and look how that turned out! He has some tragic backstory of his own and I'm curious about that.
Their sexual tension was off the charts, not gonna lie, but it felt like the kind of tension that will disappear after the first fuck. And look - it kinda did but in an unexpected way. They hooked up (the sex scene was honestly quite uncomfortable to read) and holy hell it wasn't even hot, it just was. It was clinical and mechanical, as Tallus himself said. That was honestly an interesting turn of events and my curiosity was picked because of that. At this point, I can't even imagine any kind of relationship between them - so I really want to see how are these two supposed to work together.
The writing was a bit too repetitive - Tallus' smirks were always "sultry and mischievous", and don't get me starting on Diem's growling and grunting...
I'm not on the edge of my seat about this new series but I'll definitely pick it up when it's out.
June 19, 2024
An interesting prequel
The jury's out on this spin-off from Nicky's excellent Valor & Doyle series but I think there's promise here.
It's very short for a suspense story but I think there's enough groundwork done for the wrapping up of the investigation to work.
We get to see Carlos Ruiz after the wedding, hangover and all, as this overlaps with the timeline of the guys getting married.
I'm still not sure on either character yet. Diem has clearly had a horrendous childhood without as many words been given and is closed off and mostly non-communicative.
Tallus is a perky twink type but with a touch of the smart mouth and overly eager to get involved which makes him come across as a tad pushy right now.
The one sexual encounter happens right towards the end and is emotionally void and lacking in any kind of steam - deliberately so, which works for the narrative but left me feeling a bit meh.
But, I have hope that in the skilful hands of the author, we'll eventually see a couple who work as well as Aslan & Quaid do.
The jury's out on this spin-off from Nicky's excellent Valor & Doyle series but I think there's promise here.
It's very short for a suspense story but I think there's enough groundwork done for the wrapping up of the investigation to work.
We get to see Carlos Ruiz after the wedding, hangover and all, as this overlaps with the timeline of the guys getting married.
I'm still not sure on either character yet. Diem has clearly had a horrendous childhood without as many words been given and is closed off and mostly non-communicative.
Tallus is a perky twink type but with a touch of the smart mouth and overly eager to get involved which makes him come across as a tad pushy right now.
The one sexual encounter happens right towards the end and is emotionally void and lacking in any kind of steam - deliberately so, which works for the narrative but left me feeling a bit meh.
But, I have hope that in the skilful hands of the author, we'll eventually see a couple who work as well as Aslan & Quaid do.
March 11, 2025
I’m not sure how I feel about this.
June 1, 2024
Audio: 5 stars, Nick J Russo strikes again! Haha this can be found on Nicky James’s website.
Book: 3.5-4 stars
I am surprised that I really enjoyed this seeing as I didn’t DNF’ed the Valor and Doyle book (and this is a spin off series) and seeing the mixed reviews for this prequel!
I liked Tallus a lot and I can see the teddy bear under the grunting and growling of Diem.
I hope the momentum of this book continues on to the first book!
Book: 3.5-4 stars
I am surprised that I really enjoyed this seeing as I didn’t DNF’ed the Valor and Doyle book (and this is a spin off series) and seeing the mixed reviews for this prequel!
I liked Tallus a lot and I can see the teddy bear under the grunting and growling of Diem.
I hope the momentum of this book continues on to the first book!
March 4, 2024
I enjoyed this and cannot wait for the first book in the series! I want Diem’s backstory and I really like Tallus.
December 17, 2024
A very good start to a new series by this prolific writer. It has been a while since I read one of their books, but have, for the most part, enjoyed many of them.
I’m sorry that my reviews for their excellent series, ‘Trials of Fear’, disappeared when I left Goodreads for a while back when.
I thoroughly enjoyed this opposites attract story. For MC Diem, he would be an opposite to anyone he meets!
He was like a walking tree and had about as much to say. Like a tree, he has many layers as are shown in his interior thoughts. He might do very little talking, but his brain never slows down and he is a smart guy, a former policeman now turned PI. There are hints of a horrendous childhood that have left him physically and emotionally scarred.
The one sex scene between Diem and MC Tallus was emotionless and zip with kissing during intercourse, but was still hot to read.
Tallus must be really intrigued by Diem to still sexy flirt with him in their well written scenes. He doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve or wait for anything like feedback from Diem, yet there is chemistry between them and some kind of a bond that they formed while Tallus helped Diem with a dangerous case.
I like PI stories and this one has the setting of somewhat down and out Diem living in his shabby two room office in a rundown building. He is fighting his attraction for fashion model handsome Tallus, along with having psychological therapy and trying to quit smoking.
Tallus has had disappointment that his dream of attending the police academy was squashed from having bad vision and being colorblind. One of the few times that Diem unbends with Tallus is about his wearing glasses. They are both very well written characters.
I will be reading the next book. Dear author, can Diem ditch his roommate, a four foot long boa constrictor that he holds and talks to? I was as frightened as Tallus with the snake scenes. 😬
I’m sorry that my reviews for their excellent series, ‘Trials of Fear’, disappeared when I left Goodreads for a while back when.
I thoroughly enjoyed this opposites attract story. For MC Diem, he would be an opposite to anyone he meets!
He was like a walking tree and had about as much to say. Like a tree, he has many layers as are shown in his interior thoughts. He might do very little talking, but his brain never slows down and he is a smart guy, a former policeman now turned PI. There are hints of a horrendous childhood that have left him physically and emotionally scarred.
The one sex scene between Diem and MC Tallus was emotionless and zip with kissing during intercourse, but was still hot to read.
Tallus must be really intrigued by Diem to still sexy flirt with him in their well written scenes. He doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve or wait for anything like feedback from Diem, yet there is chemistry between them and some kind of a bond that they formed while Tallus helped Diem with a dangerous case.
I like PI stories and this one has the setting of somewhat down and out Diem living in his shabby two room office in a rundown building. He is fighting his attraction for fashion model handsome Tallus, along with having psychological therapy and trying to quit smoking.
Tallus has had disappointment that his dream of attending the police academy was squashed from having bad vision and being colorblind. One of the few times that Diem unbends with Tallus is about his wearing glasses. They are both very well written characters.
I will be reading the next book. Dear author, can Diem ditch his roommate, a four foot long boa constrictor that he holds and talks to? I was as frightened as Tallus with the snake scenes. 😬
June 5, 2024
Diem is… intriguing, to say the least. But man, he is a gosh darn frustrating and frustrated character. Tallus is all sunshine and curiosity and has a hell of a lot of skills, but because of technicalities, he can’t be a detective. So, when he meets Diem, he sees an opportunity. He gets around to act in his dream job in the most fun way.
The prequel, the same as it worked the Doyle and Valor series, is supposed to show their beginning. It’s clear how awkward they both are with each other, and how many issues Diem has, and I think the author did a good job portraying that. I’m expecting a lot of character development in the next books.
The prequel, the same as it worked the Doyle and Valor series, is supposed to show their beginning. It’s clear how awkward they both are with each other, and how many issues Diem has, and I think the author did a good job portraying that. I’m expecting a lot of character development in the next books.
April 23, 2024
I'm not sure what to make of this, really. The beginning was ridiculous with pages dedicated to Tallus trying to remove a light fitting/tube. I was actually taken aback at the ridiculousness of it. I can't make up my mind on Diem, I get a growly alpha male but this bloke is on a whole other level.
The crime element was too big for such a short novella and was intriguing enough to warrant way more fleshing out.
That said, I'm curious enough to read the next book in the series.
2.5 stars
The crime element was too big for such a short novella and was intriguing enough to warrant way more fleshing out.
That said, I'm curious enough to read the next book in the series.
2.5 stars
June 16, 2024
Love some Nicky James. I’m excited to see where this takes us!
May 31, 2024
I wanted to read this prequel to see if I was interested in the book that dropped today. And it definitely has me hooked on the characters. It seems to be a spinoff of valor and Doyle, which I haven’t read yet.
Valor is Mentioned quite a few times
Scarred & Grumpy PRIVATE investigator who has a mysterious past and issues with intimacy & a massive flirt who isnt afraid of him
Valor is Mentioned quite a few times
Scarred & Grumpy PRIVATE investigator who has a mysterious past and issues with intimacy & a massive flirt who isnt afraid of him
January 7, 2024
I’m looking forward to the rest of this spin-off but I gotta say, Diem has a LOT of growth to go through because Tallus deserves the best.
May 21, 2026
Rating - 3.5 stars rounded up
I really liked Tallus. I look forward to continuing on in this series.
I really liked Tallus. I look forward to continuing on in this series.
Read
May 14, 2024Prequel novella to Valor & Doyle spin-off. I"m intrigued even though it was a bit rushed and odd.
June 2, 2024
Fantastic start to the new series. I can't wait for more!
October 19, 2025
I was recc'd this series on the mm romance subreddit for a specific dynamic and, to be honest, I'm not sure this actually fits what I was asking for but I don't care because I was pretty into it. This was just the little prequel novella to set the series up but I'm definitely going to continue to the actual series. I have quite a few Nicky James books on my TBR but this is the first one I've actually read. I didn't realize it was a spin off series to the Valor and Doyle ones (which I obviously haven't read) but I don't think it's necessary to have read them - I got on just fine. There were a few cameos which didn't mean anything to me but it wasn't egregious and maybe I'll go back and read that other series if I end up really liking this one.
This was short (maybe 100 or so pages?) so the focus was really on giving us a peek into who these characters are and what their dynamic is going to be like. These are mystery/criminal investigation books (one MC is a PI and the other is a records clerk for the police) and, to be honest, the investigation bit in this was really weak. But I didn't care because I was busy paying attention to the MCs.
I loved Tallus. He was funny and flirty and unapologetic and I love a golden retriever/ish MC who is absolutely not put off by an asshole/black cat/grumpy MC. Diem spent the entirety of the book grunting and being snappish and dickish toward him but Tallus truly didn't give a shit. It wasn't like he was being a doormat or anything, it was just that he wasn't fazed. Diem was really unlikeable in a way that makes me.... like him? I don't know, I really love horribly prickly MCs and this guy was one of the worst I've read - truly, he was so fucked up. He's obviously got a Tragic Backstory and there was a momentary flash of vulnerability that showed that he wished he were different and I can work with that. Honestly, they both seemed pretty messy and I'm here for that.
I don't read a ton of single-couple series and I try to avoid law enforcement when possible, but, this got me and I'm going to read the first official one and see how it goes. Random last thoughts: I liked the unique character names - not sure if the author always has ones like that or if it's just this series but it was cool to see ones I haven't came across before. Also, I haven't read many books where the MC's first sexual encounter was "bad" and I think that's an interesting place to start them.
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: None but there are several weeks (sometimes months) in between their interactions and both sleep with others during that time - it's all off page and just briefly mentioned (not dwelled on). They are not even remotely together in this (they have sex one time toward the end but it is not good/sexy/emotional) and it's obvious that it's going to be a long haul to get there so it didn't really bother me.
This was short (maybe 100 or so pages?) so the focus was really on giving us a peek into who these characters are and what their dynamic is going to be like. These are mystery/criminal investigation books (one MC is a PI and the other is a records clerk for the police) and, to be honest, the investigation bit in this was really weak. But I didn't care because I was busy paying attention to the MCs.
I loved Tallus. He was funny and flirty and unapologetic and I love a golden retriever/ish MC who is absolutely not put off by an asshole/black cat/grumpy MC. Diem spent the entirety of the book grunting and being snappish and dickish toward him but Tallus truly didn't give a shit. It wasn't like he was being a doormat or anything, it was just that he wasn't fazed. Diem was really unlikeable in a way that makes me.... like him? I don't know, I really love horribly prickly MCs and this guy was one of the worst I've read - truly, he was so fucked up. He's obviously got a Tragic Backstory and there was a momentary flash of vulnerability that showed that he wished he were different and I can work with that. Honestly, they both seemed pretty messy and I'm here for that.
I don't read a ton of single-couple series and I try to avoid law enforcement when possible, but, this got me and I'm going to read the first official one and see how it goes. Random last thoughts: I liked the unique character names - not sure if the author always has ones like that or if it's just this series but it was cool to see ones I haven't came across before. Also, I haven't read many books where the MC's first sexual encounter was "bad" and I think that's an interesting place to start them.
Apparently, I had a thing for harsh, unapproachable men with poor attitudes. Who knew?
Over the years, I’d learned how my size and presence tended to make people uncomfortable. Tallus was the exception, and instead, his weirdly unaffected personality made me uncomfortable.
“Would it have killed you to touch me?” The tsunami in my chest wanted to rip me apart and destroy me. I held tight to control, riding the painful waves of vulnerability and not letting anything show on my face as I turned around. Tallus had a way of flaying me open. “I wanted to.” “But you didn’t.” “But I wanted to, and it’s because I wanted to that I couldn’t.”
I watched Tallus leave, taking in his expressive, confident walk and wishing, for one day, I could be someone else.
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: None but there are several weeks (sometimes months) in between their interactions and both sleep with others during that time - it's all off page and just briefly mentioned (not dwelled on). They are not even remotely together in this (they have sex one time toward the end but it is not good/sexy/emotional) and it's obvious that it's going to be a long haul to get there so it didn't really bother me.
October 5, 2024
It was OK, I read the next 2 books first. The depth isn’t there yet. So hopefully ppl 3 (last one?) is the best.
March 16, 2024
I read this a few months back when it was a newsletter freebie (and not on GR - hence the late review!)
A good introduction to Nicky James' forthcoming Shadowy Solutions series featuring ex-cop-turned PI Diem Krause and Tallus Domingo, whom we met briefly in the final Valor & Doyle book. Tallus, who has recently taken a job in the records department of the Toronto PD, is the estranged cousin of IT wizard Costa Ruiz; Tallus is openly gay and wasn't prepared to put up with Ruiz's homophobic bullshit, so has basically cut him out of his life. But as readers of Matrimonial Merriment know, Ruiz wanted to find a way to reconnect and show Tallus he's changed - and in this book, we see things from Tallus' perspective.
Diem is basically, the grouchiest grouch to ever grouch, but the author manages to keep him (just about) on the right side of the "arsehole" line; clearly he has issues and I'm looking forward to finding out more about him.
Invisible Scars is an intriguing prequel and I'm looking forward to reading more about this (very) odd couple.
The very talented Nick J. Russo finds exactly the right character voices for Tallus and Diem and perfectly captures Tallus' lighthearted, teasing manner in the audio version, which is available from the author's shop - https://authornickyjames.com/product/...
A good introduction to Nicky James' forthcoming Shadowy Solutions series featuring ex-cop-turned PI Diem Krause and Tallus Domingo, whom we met briefly in the final Valor & Doyle book. Tallus, who has recently taken a job in the records department of the Toronto PD, is the estranged cousin of IT wizard Costa Ruiz; Tallus is openly gay and wasn't prepared to put up with Ruiz's homophobic bullshit, so has basically cut him out of his life. But as readers of Matrimonial Merriment know, Ruiz wanted to find a way to reconnect and show Tallus he's changed - and in this book, we see things from Tallus' perspective.
Diem is basically, the grouchiest grouch to ever grouch, but the author manages to keep him (just about) on the right side of the "arsehole" line; clearly he has issues and I'm looking forward to finding out more about him.
Invisible Scars is an intriguing prequel and I'm looking forward to reading more about this (very) odd couple.
The very talented Nick J. Russo finds exactly the right character voices for Tallus and Diem and perfectly captures Tallus' lighthearted, teasing manner in the audio version, which is available from the author's shop - https://authornickyjames.com/product/...
January 4, 2025
I downloaded the audio (Skeletons in the closet) and after listening for 1 minute I realized...I need to read this first. And I'm really glad I did. Great intro to this new series and characters. Bonus for meeting some of my old favorites again: Qaid 😍
May 29, 2024
3.5 stars
April 1, 2024
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ 🎧
"I'll be your dirt collector."
Fabulous! Tallus is so fun! I think this is going to be a great series, and I can't wait for more from these two.
Diem is an ex-cop turned PI who is just trying to live his life under the radar, but it's not very easy when Tallus comes into his life and is shaking things up.
I think Tallus is going to be really good for Diem, and I am here for it.
The narration, as always, is wonderful.
"I'll be your dirt collector."
Fabulous! Tallus is so fun! I think this is going to be a great series, and I can't wait for more from these two.
Diem is an ex-cop turned PI who is just trying to live his life under the radar, but it's not very easy when Tallus comes into his life and is shaking things up.
I think Tallus is going to be really good for Diem, and I am here for it.
The narration, as always, is wonderful.
December 22, 2023
This was oddly interesting.
I was a little hesitant to commit to this new series but having read this prequel I'm intrigued.
Diem is a fascinating character. It is clear that he is quite vulnerable and touch-starved but given his physical stature, it is easy for him to hide behind a gruff exterior. He is also a literal bear with the number of times he growls throughout this story, it's something you need to see to believe.
Tallus is the new records clerk at the Toronto Police Department and we met him in Matrimonial Merriment. His character wasn't someone I was inherently rooting for even though he is a big part of the plot of that book. But I think I'm invested in finding out what happens between him and Diem.
I think the biggest win for me with this book is the relationship that has been established between Diem and Tallus and I'm rooting for it. It's messed up but it is clearly something that has potential and I am hooked. I can't wait to find out more about Diem and I can't wait to see how this relationship between Tallus and Diem develops.
I'm officially intrigued and looking forward to the first book in this new series.
I was a little hesitant to commit to this new series but having read this prequel I'm intrigued.
Diem is a fascinating character. It is clear that he is quite vulnerable and touch-starved but given his physical stature, it is easy for him to hide behind a gruff exterior. He is also a literal bear with the number of times he growls throughout this story, it's something you need to see to believe.
Tallus is the new records clerk at the Toronto Police Department and we met him in Matrimonial Merriment. His character wasn't someone I was inherently rooting for even though he is a big part of the plot of that book. But I think I'm invested in finding out what happens between him and Diem.
I think the biggest win for me with this book is the relationship that has been established between Diem and Tallus and I'm rooting for it. It's messed up but it is clearly something that has potential and I am hooked. I can't wait to find out more about Diem and I can't wait to see how this relationship between Tallus and Diem develops.
I'm officially intrigued and looking forward to the first book in this new series.
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