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Shadowy Solutions #2
Power of the Mind
It’s not a real case, he’s not my boyfriend, and we aren’t partners.
Three lies I told myself for survival.
After ten months of shamefully stalking and showing up randomly on Tallus’s doorstep at midnight (for reasons), the sinfully hot records clerk decided he’d had enough of my games.
In fact, he went out of his way to bring me the most ridiculous case (it was not a case) on the planet as an excuse to push me over the line (he wanted a date). Our arrangement (hooking up) didn’t suit him any longer.
Could I say no? Of course not (this was Tallus).
Five days, I told him. Five days to prove his silly theory, then we were done.
Little did I know, Tallus had a deadline of his own.
Investigating a mind-controlling-murdering psychic was hard enough (because it was not a thing), but resisting Tallus’s charm was the real challenge.
It turned out, I was wrong about a few things.
The case might be a case after all.
Tallus had potential as a partner.
And after all was said and done…
I wasn’t sure I could let him go.
Three lies I told myself for survival.
After ten months of shamefully stalking and showing up randomly on Tallus’s doorstep at midnight (for reasons), the sinfully hot records clerk decided he’d had enough of my games.
In fact, he went out of his way to bring me the most ridiculous case (it was not a case) on the planet as an excuse to push me over the line (he wanted a date). Our arrangement (hooking up) didn’t suit him any longer.
Could I say no? Of course not (this was Tallus).
Five days, I told him. Five days to prove his silly theory, then we were done.
Little did I know, Tallus had a deadline of his own.
Investigating a mind-controlling-murdering psychic was hard enough (because it was not a thing), but resisting Tallus’s charm was the real challenge.
It turned out, I was wrong about a few things.
The case might be a case after all.
Tallus had potential as a partner.
And after all was said and done…
I wasn’t sure I could let him go.
443 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2024
About the author
Nicky James
79 books2,398 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 179 reviews
September 19, 2024
It took me a couple of chapters to get used to Diem again, but I quickly became fully invested in the story. I enjoy the dynamics between Diem and Tallus. I think they really work well together. Tallus can be pushy sometimes, but he is also really sweet and he can show a lot of understanding when he wants to. Also, great character development for Diem.
They mystery was intriguing, but for me it's more about the way the characters interact and work on the case. That's the best part. I loved the scenes with Aslan and glimpses of Quaid and Ruiz, as well as learning about Fox. Kitty is a great character, too. I'm on the fence when it comes to Memphis. I loved his banter with Tallus at the beginning, but I didn't find his actions later on very friendly.
I love how the story ended. I expected it and it didn't disappoint. Looking forward to see how their personal and professional relationships develop in the next books.
They mystery was intriguing, but for me it's more about the way the characters interact and work on the case. That's the best part. I loved the scenes with Aslan and glimpses of Quaid and Ruiz, as well as learning about Fox. Kitty is a great character, too. I'm on the fence when it comes to Memphis. I loved his banter with Tallus at the beginning, but I didn't find his actions later on very friendly.
I love how the story ended. I expected it and it didn't disappoint. Looking forward to see how their personal and professional relationships develop in the next books.
April 22, 2026
I have no idea how to rate this book.
The story and the plot itself annoyed and bored me to no end. The so-called case that Diem and Tallus are working on here was probably the worst thing I’ve ever come across in the crime genre.
On top of that, Tallus takes his annoying personality to the extreme here.
It would also be sooo great to see the two of them in a nicer setting than Diem’s shabby office. In the previous stories, I always tried to overlook Diem’s living conditions because, unfortunately, they reflect his mental state, and I didn’t want to give them too much space in my mind, but now it’s becoming exhausting.
I just want to see a positive development, both externally and internally.
But it’s clear that wouldn’t happen quickly or easily.
In that regard, the book is outstanding.
Diem.
Ah.
I think I’ll give it four stars and dedicate them to him.
My poor baby, my cuddly bear. It hurts so much to watch him struggle.
The author has really done a great job here. I don’t really have the words to describe everything this character brings out in me.
And despite all the challenges I had with this book, it was absolutely wonderful to watch Tallus gradually open up and interact with Diem's panic and darkness.
Yes, it was a very difficult and exhausting book, but I'm looking forward to the next one.
“Shut up and get in.”
I pretended to stumble a step as I clutched my chest. “My gracious. Diem Krause, did you just open the car door for me? Swoooon.” I fanned my face with a hand and batted my lashes. “Careful, sweetie pie, I just might fall in love. All that chivalry. Mm. I like it.”
“Fuck’s sake.” 🤭🤭🤭
He balled a fist and banged his chest again. “The anger lives inside me, Tallus. Right here. It doesn’t go away. Somedays, I have a better handle on it than others, but I will always be a ticking time bomb. I will always be unpredictable.” 🥺🥺🥺
Tallus chuckled around my length before coming up for air, eyes watery and cheeks flush. “Don’t be smug. I know you’re getting a kick out of watching me try and fail to conquer this beast of a cock, but Guns, fuck me sideways. Seriously. You should require a concealed carry permit for this. How the hell do you buy pants?” 😳😳😳
I turned to Quaid. “I assure you. Despite my severe daddy issues, I have definitely not come to steal or flirt with your husband. I like my men slightly older, but I have limits.”
“Ouch.” Aslan clutched his chest. “Christ. Go for the kill shot why don’t you. I thought you wanted my help.”
But Quaid’s scowl shifted into a grin. “Well played, Tallus.” “
Thank you.” I smiled back.
Quaid handed his husband a coffee. “You may help him now.” 😍🫠🥰
The story and the plot itself annoyed and bored me to no end. The so-called case that Diem and Tallus are working on here was probably the worst thing I’ve ever come across in the crime genre.
On top of that, Tallus takes his annoying personality to the extreme here.
It would also be sooo great to see the two of them in a nicer setting than Diem’s shabby office. In the previous stories, I always tried to overlook Diem’s living conditions because, unfortunately, they reflect his mental state, and I didn’t want to give them too much space in my mind, but now it’s becoming exhausting.
I just want to see a positive development, both externally and internally.
But it’s clear that wouldn’t happen quickly or easily.
In that regard, the book is outstanding.
Diem.
Ah.
I think I’ll give it four stars and dedicate them to him.
My poor baby, my cuddly bear. It hurts so much to watch him struggle.
The author has really done a great job here. I don’t really have the words to describe everything this character brings out in me.
And despite all the challenges I had with this book, it was absolutely wonderful to watch Tallus gradually open up and interact with Diem's panic and darkness.
Yes, it was a very difficult and exhausting book, but I'm looking forward to the next one.
“Shut up and get in.”
I pretended to stumble a step as I clutched my chest. “My gracious. Diem Krause, did you just open the car door for me? Swoooon.” I fanned my face with a hand and batted my lashes. “Careful, sweetie pie, I just might fall in love. All that chivalry. Mm. I like it.”
“Fuck’s sake.” 🤭🤭🤭
He balled a fist and banged his chest again. “The anger lives inside me, Tallus. Right here. It doesn’t go away. Somedays, I have a better handle on it than others, but I will always be a ticking time bomb. I will always be unpredictable.” 🥺🥺🥺
Tallus chuckled around my length before coming up for air, eyes watery and cheeks flush. “Don’t be smug. I know you’re getting a kick out of watching me try and fail to conquer this beast of a cock, but Guns, fuck me sideways. Seriously. You should require a concealed carry permit for this. How the hell do you buy pants?” 😳😳😳
I turned to Quaid. “I assure you. Despite my severe daddy issues, I have definitely not come to steal or flirt with your husband. I like my men slightly older, but I have limits.”
“Ouch.” Aslan clutched his chest. “Christ. Go for the kill shot why don’t you. I thought you wanted my help.”
But Quaid’s scowl shifted into a grin. “Well played, Tallus.” “
Thank you.” I smiled back.
Quaid handed his husband a coffee. “You may help him now.” 😍🫠🥰
September 12, 2024
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!! For my audiophiles, the audiobook is miraculously out already so go, go, go! 😊
[4.5] Big burly emotionally closed-off men getting disarmed by sassy, flirty personalities who have them wrapped around their finger is one kryptonite of many for me, it seems.
I am really enjoying this pair’s dynamic. The depth of Diem's fears and their roots in his (perceived, but also very valid) inability to reciprocate the way he believes Tallus deserves was heartbreaking to read about in further detail. Then there’s Tallus, welcoming and accepting with open arms every little tidbit he manages to wrangle out of the guy. He wants nothing more than for Diem to see himself the way Tallus sees him. It’s incredibly sweet. I also kinda love how their behaviors in isolation are complete red flags (Diem's stalking, Tallus's overassertiveness), and yet somehow work perfectly for them? There's rarely ever a clear-cut line for exactly how much to prompt or push someone out of their comfort zone, so to some extent, their actions can come across arguably overstepping/overbearing. The clear mutual yearning for what the other would offer if it were a perfect world without a single obstacle in sight made it sit right with me, but I appreciated that it was pointed out in the text in a devil's advocate sort of move, with an awareness of the nonuniform lines being toed.
The mystery was intriguing enough with its foray into mind control, psychics, oh my! I thought Diem's brain might've been a little too rattled by all the emotional confrontations and breakthroughs of this book, because occasionally it did feel like he had to take a purposeful step down from what he could bring to the table for Tallus to take charge. But I absolutely adored how the case brought them together and let them grow from their very, uh, optimistic starting point of non-friends, non-boyfriends, non-lovers, and non-partners 😂
Last but not least, keep the cameos coming, NJ! It's so fun getting to check in on everyone.
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
[4.5] Big burly emotionally closed-off men getting disarmed by sassy, flirty personalities who have them wrapped around their finger is one kryptonite of many for me, it seems.
I am really enjoying this pair’s dynamic. The depth of Diem's fears and their roots in his (perceived, but also very valid) inability to reciprocate the way he believes Tallus deserves was heartbreaking to read about in further detail. Then there’s Tallus, welcoming and accepting with open arms every little tidbit he manages to wrangle out of the guy. He wants nothing more than for Diem to see himself the way Tallus sees him. It’s incredibly sweet. I also kinda love how their behaviors in isolation are complete red flags (Diem's stalking, Tallus's overassertiveness), and yet somehow work perfectly for them? There's rarely ever a clear-cut line for exactly how much to prompt or push someone out of their comfort zone, so to some extent, their actions can come across arguably overstepping/overbearing. The clear mutual yearning for what the other would offer if it were a perfect world without a single obstacle in sight made it sit right with me, but I appreciated that it was pointed out in the text in a devil's advocate sort of move, with an awareness of the nonuniform lines being toed.
The mystery was intriguing enough with its foray into mind control, psychics, oh my! I thought Diem's brain might've been a little too rattled by all the emotional confrontations and breakthroughs of this book, because occasionally it did feel like he had to take a purposeful step down from what he could bring to the table for Tallus to take charge. But I absolutely adored how the case brought them together and let them grow from their very, uh, optimistic starting point of non-friends, non-boyfriends, non-lovers, and non-partners 😂
Last but not least, keep the cameos coming, NJ! It's so fun getting to check in on everyone.
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
April 1, 2025
4.5***** stars
Five stars for the ending alone. I was grinning from ear to ear. I loved seeing all the progress Diem made—I loved how much he wanted to with and especially for Tallus. He's really such a goner for him. ♡
Besides that…
I loved the case.
Loved the cameos.
Loved Memphis.
Loved the news about Foxy.
And I so love NJR’s narration for the audios.
*************
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
Five stars for the ending alone. I was grinning from ear to ear. I loved seeing all the progress Diem made—I loved how much he wanted to with and especially for Tallus. He's really such a goner for him. ♡
“I’m not a good bet, Tallus. I’m serious.”
“A date?”
“Yes. I fucking miss you. Not having you around is… It’s fucking me up even more. I’m going ballistic. I’ll do my best. I swear. It might not ever be good enough, and I’ll probably disappoint you, but—”
I closed our distance, took his face between my palms, and kissed him. “You are so good enough, and I’d love to go out with you.”
Besides that…
I loved the case.
Loved the cameos.
Loved Memphis.
Loved the news about Foxy.
And I so love NJR’s narration for the audios.
*************
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
March 8, 2026
THAT LADY GAGA GIF WHERE SHE’S LIKE AMAZING SHOW STOPPING TALENTED BRILLIANT NEVER THE SAME TOTALLY UNIQUE ETC THAT’S HOW I FEEL ABOUT THIS SERIES AND THESE CHARACTERS!!!!!!!! 🤭❤️ THE BUZZ IS UNMATCHED THE CHEMISTRY THE BANTER THE SEX THE LOVEEEEE MY SWEET TORTURED HERO DIEM AND MY BALL OF SUNSHINE TALLUS ILY❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
For I was the darkness, and Tallus was the light. The two of us couldn’t exist together. Didn’t he know? One would always chase the other away.
For I was the darkness, and Tallus was the light. The two of us couldn’t exist together. Didn’t he know? One would always chase the other away.
July 16, 2026
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
My sweet growly Diem. He deserves all the comfort.
The mix of murder mystery and crime-solving intrigue along with this lovely hurt/comfort, slow burn romance is completely addicting and I’m loving every minute of this series.
Okay, the mystery might not have been all that mysterious, but who cares? It was still super entertaining.
I’m loving the setting and these nonpartners/nonlovers starting to understand each other, Tallus deciphering Diem’s growls and limits, sweet heartbreaking kisses, touch that seemed impossible. Diem’s walls are crumbling and we’re finally starting to see more of the wonderful, hurt man underneath.
These two are so made for each other, and I can’t wait to see more of their investigative adventures.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Mentions of suicide & drug use (not MCs)
- Mentions of past child abuse
- References to past self-harm
- Discussions of violence & murder
- PTSD & flashbacks
- Touch-averse MC
- Top/bottom
- Frotting
I wanted to give Tallus what he unknowingly gave me. Comfort. But I was not worthy.
My sweet growly Diem. He deserves all the comfort.
The mix of murder mystery and crime-solving intrigue along with this lovely hurt/comfort, slow burn romance is completely addicting and I’m loving every minute of this series.
We got off the phone, and I sat in confusion, unsure what exactly had happened and how I’d been talked into investigating a bullshit alleged mind-controlling psychic who Tallus thought was killing people. “Motherfucker.”
Okay, the mystery might not have been all that mysterious, but who cares? It was still super entertaining.
I’m loving the setting and these nonpartners/nonlovers starting to understand each other, Tallus deciphering Diem’s growls and limits, sweet heartbreaking kisses, touch that seemed impossible. Diem’s walls are crumbling and we’re finally starting to see more of the wonderful, hurt man underneath.
“Not everyone sees the beautiful man under the scorned exterior.”
These two are so made for each other, and I can’t wait to see more of their investigative adventures.
I might never figure out what Tallus saw in me, but he made me want to be a better person. I would learn how to be a good boyfriend. I would learn how to communicate, to be intimate. I would do everything in my power not to fuck this up.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Mentions of suicide & drug use (not MCs)
- Mentions of past child abuse
- References to past self-harm
- Discussions of violence & murder
- PTSD & flashbacks
- Touch-averse MC
- Top/bottom
- Frotting
September 16, 2024
I love how this is such a slow burn between Diem and Tallus. This book really felt like they were finally starting to understand each other and their limitations, and I'm excited to see what comes next.
Loved the cameos from Quaid, Costa and Aslan too!
I hope Kitty teams up with them more in future books too, and I can't wait to see how Tallus redecorates when he passes his course 😂
Loved the cameos from Quaid, Costa and Aslan too!
I hope Kitty teams up with them more in future books too, and I can't wait to see how Tallus redecorates when he passes his course 😂
September 6, 2024
Aww.... I loved being back with these two. Tallus and Diem have a complicated dynamic, which makes them the best investigative partners that offer continuous support and loyalty.
I love how this entry builds upon the already-developed bond between Tallus and Diem while giving you more insight into the layers and reasons for both hesitancy and fears. Diem is slowly coming out of his shell due to Tallus's ever-present patience while learning to find his voice and finally find a sense of security.
I loved being back with these two and watching their interactions, sleuthing, and gradual growth of their relationship. Also, it is always a joy to see Doyle and Quaid pop in occasionally as well.
Overall such an intriguing mystery which is further strengthened by the amazing connection and chemistry between Tallus and DIem. These two are incredible together and I cannot wait to read their next story!!!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
I love how this entry builds upon the already-developed bond between Tallus and Diem while giving you more insight into the layers and reasons for both hesitancy and fears. Diem is slowly coming out of his shell due to Tallus's ever-present patience while learning to find his voice and finally find a sense of security.
I loved being back with these two and watching their interactions, sleuthing, and gradual growth of their relationship. Also, it is always a joy to see Doyle and Quaid pop in occasionally as well.
Overall such an intriguing mystery which is further strengthened by the amazing connection and chemistry between Tallus and DIem. These two are incredible together and I cannot wait to read their next story!!!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
March 19, 2025
Really unsure how to rate this. Still adore Diem. Tallus made me mad a lot. The mystery bored me. I was ready to give up around 50-60%. I’m glad I kept reading and I’m excited to start the next book.
Soooooo 3 stars I guess?
Soooooo 3 stars I guess?
September 28, 2024
Loved the relationship development, but not the mystery.
Most of us love Valor and Doyle, right? It’s one of my favourite couples, the mysteries are gripping, and having the wonderful Nick J Russo narrating the audios is just the icing on the cake.
Well, Tallus and Diem aren’t Valor and Doyle. While the latter are far from perfect and have their own issues to deal with, Diem has Issues with a capital I. He suffers from PTSD, and the worst thing about it is that his PTSD is rooted in a childhood full of abuse and cruelty.
Seriously. His father is evil incarnate.
Being inside his head is painful. All his self loathing and self recrimination makes you want to hug him, and your heart WILL break for the boy he was and the man he became.
Thankfully, Tallus is so very in tune with him, and so full of light and brightness, it’s a delight to witness him being there for Diem, chipping away at his walls with humour and patience and understanding.
I might never figure out what Tallus saw in me, but he made me want to be a better person. I would learn how to be a good boyfriend. I would learn how to communicate, to be intimate.
So yes. Loved that part. Adored them together.
The narration - 10000 stars. I don’t think it can be done better.
As for the mystery- compared to what I’ve already read, it’s… boring. It’s pretty obvious from the start what’s going on, so the only thing that surprised me was how long it took them to figure it out 🙄
That’s why I can’t rate it with 5 stars. It’s still good, and I can’t wait for the next book, but not overwhelmingly great.
Most of us love Valor and Doyle, right? It’s one of my favourite couples, the mysteries are gripping, and having the wonderful Nick J Russo narrating the audios is just the icing on the cake.
Well, Tallus and Diem aren’t Valor and Doyle. While the latter are far from perfect and have their own issues to deal with, Diem has Issues with a capital I. He suffers from PTSD, and the worst thing about it is that his PTSD is rooted in a childhood full of abuse and cruelty.
Seriously. His father is evil incarnate.
Being inside his head is painful. All his self loathing and self recrimination makes you want to hug him, and your heart WILL break for the boy he was and the man he became.
Thankfully, Tallus is so very in tune with him, and so full of light and brightness, it’s a delight to witness him being there for Diem, chipping away at his walls with humour and patience and understanding.
I might never figure out what Tallus saw in me, but he made me want to be a better person. I would learn how to be a good boyfriend. I would learn how to communicate, to be intimate.
So yes. Loved that part. Adored them together.
The narration - 10000 stars. I don’t think it can be done better.
As for the mystery- compared to what I’ve already read, it’s… boring. It’s pretty obvious from the start what’s going on, so the only thing that surprised me was how long it took them to figure it out 🙄
That’s why I can’t rate it with 5 stars. It’s still good, and I can’t wait for the next book, but not overwhelmingly great.
September 13, 2024
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Everything the person said in the above review I felt.
To say this was a MAJOR let down would be an understatement.
First off, Tallus is a selfish grade an asshole POS narcissist.
Diem, the broken hurt in this hurt comfort book is in pain. He explained everything to Tallus and the selfish little boy was nothing but rude and mean to diem.
The stupid plot was so boring. I just wanted a romance novel which this wasn't. What the f is this book?
We have an innocent kind man struggling and some jerk who stings him along. I'm sorry but I don't like my innocent hero's being used and manipulated.
I could barely get through this. I'm so disappointed. I thought this book would be fun and exciting. Rather, it was extremely Boring and I found myself getting agitated because it was page after page of mindless dribble.
There was no connection between the hero's because there is a really mean and selfish character that's taking advantage of the other MC.
I don't get what the author is doing here. What's the point of this book? Where are we going with this because treating someone who has trauma and PTSD like crap isn't cute or fun.
I wanted to cry because of how boring this was.
Everything the person said in the above review I felt.
To say this was a MAJOR let down would be an understatement.
First off, Tallus is a selfish grade an asshole POS narcissist.
Diem, the broken hurt in this hurt comfort book is in pain. He explained everything to Tallus and the selfish little boy was nothing but rude and mean to diem.
The stupid plot was so boring. I just wanted a romance novel which this wasn't. What the f is this book?
We have an innocent kind man struggling and some jerk who stings him along. I'm sorry but I don't like my innocent hero's being used and manipulated.
I could barely get through this. I'm so disappointed. I thought this book would be fun and exciting. Rather, it was extremely Boring and I found myself getting agitated because it was page after page of mindless dribble.
There was no connection between the hero's because there is a really mean and selfish character that's taking advantage of the other MC.
I don't get what the author is doing here. What's the point of this book? Where are we going with this because treating someone who has trauma and PTSD like crap isn't cute or fun.
I wanted to cry because of how boring this was.
September 26, 2024
…I think I read a different book to everyone else!
Nicky James is an auto-read for me - I love her books, and I loved the Valor and Doyle series. I even gave the first book in this series 4 stars. But this one - a total miss for me.
It was frustrating hard to read, with so much waffling back and forth - that I just couldn’t handle it. The mystery didn’t feel like it was going anywhere, the romance didn’t feel like it was going anywhere, and I really struggled to like the MCs.
Nicky James is an auto-read for me - I love her books, and I loved the Valor and Doyle series. I even gave the first book in this series 4 stars. But this one - a total miss for me.
It was frustrating hard to read, with so much waffling back and forth - that I just couldn’t handle it. The mystery didn’t feel like it was going anywhere, the romance didn’t feel like it was going anywhere, and I really struggled to like the MCs.
March 3, 2025
Confusing case and
confounding romance--series
absolutely rocks.
confounding romance--series
absolutely rocks.
October 21, 2024
B+ / 4.5 stars.
Power of the Mind, the second book in Nicky James’ Shadowy Solutions romantic suspense series, takes place around three months after the events of Skeletons in the Closet – and hard-boiled PI Diem Krause is no closer to shaking his fascination with Tallus Domingo, the gorgeous records clerk at Toronto PD. As has been established, Diem is a deeply troubled individual who struggles to relate to people on pretty much every level; he’s often blunt to the point of rudeness, and because he finds it incredibly difficult to find the right words in many situations, he prefers to remain silent or to express himself in non-verbal grunts. He doesn’t have friends and he doesn’t do relationships, but Tallus has got under his skin and is turning Diem’s carefully controlled world inside out.
In the weeks since they last worked together, Diem has taken to sitting in his Jeep outside Tallus’ apartment most nights until late, and sometimes showing up at his door half-drunk to hook up. Tallus doesn’t turn him away, and Diem knows he shouldn’t be doing any of it – but he’s the moth to Tallus’ flame and he just can’t quit him.
Tallus is just as strongly drawn to the big man with scars inside and out. He’s more intrigued and attracted by Diem than anyone he’s ever known and longs to dismantle the walls he’s built around himself, yet even though Tallus knows Diem’s limitations and that he can’t offer the kind of affection and physical intimacy Tallus wants, he can’t help hoping that perhaps they can become something more to each other than infrequent working non-partners and the occasional quick fuck.
When the story begins, Tallus and his bestie, Memphis, are hanging out watching bad TV, when Memphis announces he’s going to see a psychic because he wants to know where his life is going and whether Mr. Right is around the corner (as opposed to all the Mr. Right-Nows he picks up at the local club). Tallus can’t believe his friend would fall for such a scam, but Memphis insists it’s all legit and suggests maybe Tallus should visit Madame Rowena, too – perhaps she can cure his migraines – and pulls up the reviews on her website. Tallus isn’t swayed by all the 5 star reviews singing the woman’s praises; instead, he looks at the lower-rated ones, and one in particular grabs his attention. The writer accuses Madame Rowena of brainwashing his sister, whose behaviour changed abruptly after she started seeing the psychic and who committed suicide a couple of weeks ago. Others talk about Madame Rowena getting inside their heads, of feeling violated, of loved ones acting out of character and showing signs of paranoia. After Memphis goes home, Tallus starts digging deeper, reading article after article about Madame Rowena and discovering a long arrest record, including one for manslaughter in the 1980s. By morning, Tallus is starting to think that maybe the idea that someone could be manipulated into suicide isn’t as crazy as he’d at first thought. Of course, magic and psychic readings are all bullshit, but suspicious deaths aren’t – and something tells him there’s more to this than meets the eye. And while he’s not ready to admit it to himself yet, it’s also the perfect excuse to go to see Diem.
Tallus turning up at his office unannounced is the one thing guaranteed to turn Diem’s brain to mush and make him even more tongue-tied than usual. But when Tallus switches from flirting to talking about a mind-controlling psychic driving people to kill themselves, Diem’s brain comes back online and he starts angrily waiting for the punchline – because this has to be some kind of joke. When he realises that Tallus is perfectly serious, he shuts him down. Or tries to. Because they both know Diem finds it impossible to say no to Tallus, and Diem reluctantly agrees to at least look at the evidence Tallus has found so far and to do a little digging of his own. He also can’t help hearing the small voice in the back of his mind that tells him this is a way for him to spend some more time with Tallus before Tallus gets tired of his quirks and tells him to fuck off for good.
Nicky James does a great job here of creating an intricate mystery that appears to be one thing but which turns out to be something else. Both Tallus and Diem are aware they’re dealing with something more mundane than auto-suggestion or psychic manipulation, but given the dearth of physical evidence, it’s hard to find the dots, let alone join them. But as they look deeper into the histories and backstories of their victims and suspects, a picture begins to emerge and they expose an operation that’s much more complex than they’d originally assumed it to be. But hard evidence is difficult to come by, and they have to work hard (with a little help from their friends) to find enough evidence to convince the police that what they’ve found warrants an official investigation.
Tallus and Diem’s chemistry is undeniable, and their non-relationship is progressing, despite the fact that it scares Diem to death. His life-experiences have made it incredibly difficult for him to relate to others and practically impossible for him to express love and affection. He knows he’s seriously messed up and knows his limits, yet with Tallus, Diem wants, for the first time, to try to break out of his comfort zone. One of the most poignant scenes in the book is the one in which Diem opens up to Tallus more than he ever has, telling him more about his past, his anger, his anxieties, and his fears for the future in an attempt to warn Tallus away for good. He’s completely blindsided when Tallus shows no signs of wanting to run.
Something else I loved was Diem helping Tallus to hone his natural instincts for investigative work and encouraging him to look at situations from another perspective. Tallus is bright, intuitive and curious, but he’s inexperienced, prone to letting unsubstantiated speculation run away with him, and hasn’t yet learned to rein in his imagination. With Diem’s guidance, Tallus starts learning how to think more like an investigator and how to shape his thoughts and theories into stronger leads for them to follow – which is, surely, an act of love on Diem’s part. He’s convinced he can never be the man Tallus wants or deserves, but this – and the gesture he makes at the end of the book - is him telling Tallus that he wants them to be more than they have been. That he wants to try.
The one bum note in the book is the way Tallus so obviously manipulates Diem into doing what he wants in the first part of it. I’m sure the author’s intention is to draw a comparison between Tallus’ behaviour and that of the so-called psychic healers, but his actions bring him dangerously close to being unlikeable. I was glad when his colleague, Kitty, called him on it and he admitted to himself that he wasn’t being fair to Diem, and pleased to see him making an effort to rein it in and be more respectful of Diem’s wishes.
Power of the Mind is another compelling read, a great combination of sloooooooow burn romance and off-beat mystery full of unexpected turns, red herrings and dead ends. The central relationship is moving slowly from awkward not-conversations and emotionless hook-ups towards something more intimate, and although the book ends with Tallus and Diem light years away from where they were at the end of the last one, they still have a long way to go before they’re in anything like a healthy relationship. But it’s progress, and I’m excited to see where Nicky James is going to take them next.
Power of the Mind, the second book in Nicky James’ Shadowy Solutions romantic suspense series, takes place around three months after the events of Skeletons in the Closet – and hard-boiled PI Diem Krause is no closer to shaking his fascination with Tallus Domingo, the gorgeous records clerk at Toronto PD. As has been established, Diem is a deeply troubled individual who struggles to relate to people on pretty much every level; he’s often blunt to the point of rudeness, and because he finds it incredibly difficult to find the right words in many situations, he prefers to remain silent or to express himself in non-verbal grunts. He doesn’t have friends and he doesn’t do relationships, but Tallus has got under his skin and is turning Diem’s carefully controlled world inside out.
In the weeks since they last worked together, Diem has taken to sitting in his Jeep outside Tallus’ apartment most nights until late, and sometimes showing up at his door half-drunk to hook up. Tallus doesn’t turn him away, and Diem knows he shouldn’t be doing any of it – but he’s the moth to Tallus’ flame and he just can’t quit him.
Tallus is just as strongly drawn to the big man with scars inside and out. He’s more intrigued and attracted by Diem than anyone he’s ever known and longs to dismantle the walls he’s built around himself, yet even though Tallus knows Diem’s limitations and that he can’t offer the kind of affection and physical intimacy Tallus wants, he can’t help hoping that perhaps they can become something more to each other than infrequent working non-partners and the occasional quick fuck.
When the story begins, Tallus and his bestie, Memphis, are hanging out watching bad TV, when Memphis announces he’s going to see a psychic because he wants to know where his life is going and whether Mr. Right is around the corner (as opposed to all the Mr. Right-Nows he picks up at the local club). Tallus can’t believe his friend would fall for such a scam, but Memphis insists it’s all legit and suggests maybe Tallus should visit Madame Rowena, too – perhaps she can cure his migraines – and pulls up the reviews on her website. Tallus isn’t swayed by all the 5 star reviews singing the woman’s praises; instead, he looks at the lower-rated ones, and one in particular grabs his attention. The writer accuses Madame Rowena of brainwashing his sister, whose behaviour changed abruptly after she started seeing the psychic and who committed suicide a couple of weeks ago. Others talk about Madame Rowena getting inside their heads, of feeling violated, of loved ones acting out of character and showing signs of paranoia. After Memphis goes home, Tallus starts digging deeper, reading article after article about Madame Rowena and discovering a long arrest record, including one for manslaughter in the 1980s. By morning, Tallus is starting to think that maybe the idea that someone could be manipulated into suicide isn’t as crazy as he’d at first thought. Of course, magic and psychic readings are all bullshit, but suspicious deaths aren’t – and something tells him there’s more to this than meets the eye. And while he’s not ready to admit it to himself yet, it’s also the perfect excuse to go to see Diem.
Tallus turning up at his office unannounced is the one thing guaranteed to turn Diem’s brain to mush and make him even more tongue-tied than usual. But when Tallus switches from flirting to talking about a mind-controlling psychic driving people to kill themselves, Diem’s brain comes back online and he starts angrily waiting for the punchline – because this has to be some kind of joke. When he realises that Tallus is perfectly serious, he shuts him down. Or tries to. Because they both know Diem finds it impossible to say no to Tallus, and Diem reluctantly agrees to at least look at the evidence Tallus has found so far and to do a little digging of his own. He also can’t help hearing the small voice in the back of his mind that tells him this is a way for him to spend some more time with Tallus before Tallus gets tired of his quirks and tells him to fuck off for good.
Nicky James does a great job here of creating an intricate mystery that appears to be one thing but which turns out to be something else. Both Tallus and Diem are aware they’re dealing with something more mundane than auto-suggestion or psychic manipulation, but given the dearth of physical evidence, it’s hard to find the dots, let alone join them. But as they look deeper into the histories and backstories of their victims and suspects, a picture begins to emerge and they expose an operation that’s much more complex than they’d originally assumed it to be. But hard evidence is difficult to come by, and they have to work hard (with a little help from their friends) to find enough evidence to convince the police that what they’ve found warrants an official investigation.
Tallus and Diem’s chemistry is undeniable, and their non-relationship is progressing, despite the fact that it scares Diem to death. His life-experiences have made it incredibly difficult for him to relate to others and practically impossible for him to express love and affection. He knows he’s seriously messed up and knows his limits, yet with Tallus, Diem wants, for the first time, to try to break out of his comfort zone. One of the most poignant scenes in the book is the one in which Diem opens up to Tallus more than he ever has, telling him more about his past, his anger, his anxieties, and his fears for the future in an attempt to warn Tallus away for good. He’s completely blindsided when Tallus shows no signs of wanting to run.
Something else I loved was Diem helping Tallus to hone his natural instincts for investigative work and encouraging him to look at situations from another perspective. Tallus is bright, intuitive and curious, but he’s inexperienced, prone to letting unsubstantiated speculation run away with him, and hasn’t yet learned to rein in his imagination. With Diem’s guidance, Tallus starts learning how to think more like an investigator and how to shape his thoughts and theories into stronger leads for them to follow – which is, surely, an act of love on Diem’s part. He’s convinced he can never be the man Tallus wants or deserves, but this – and the gesture he makes at the end of the book - is him telling Tallus that he wants them to be more than they have been. That he wants to try.
The one bum note in the book is the way Tallus so obviously manipulates Diem into doing what he wants in the first part of it. I’m sure the author’s intention is to draw a comparison between Tallus’ behaviour and that of the so-called psychic healers, but his actions bring him dangerously close to being unlikeable. I was glad when his colleague, Kitty, called him on it and he admitted to himself that he wasn’t being fair to Diem, and pleased to see him making an effort to rein it in and be more respectful of Diem’s wishes.
Power of the Mind is another compelling read, a great combination of sloooooooow burn romance and off-beat mystery full of unexpected turns, red herrings and dead ends. The central relationship is moving slowly from awkward not-conversations and emotionless hook-ups towards something more intimate, and although the book ends with Tallus and Diem light years away from where they were at the end of the last one, they still have a long way to go before they’re in anything like a healthy relationship. But it’s progress, and I’m excited to see where Nicky James is going to take them next.
October 26, 2024
Another cracking case for this unusual duo
I wasn't expecting all the twisty turns in this plotline but I very much did appreciate all the huge development in the relationship between Tallus and Diem.
I also absolutely love Kitty, that woman is a puzzle solving, firecracker legend, and a good friend for Diem.
Tallus managed to both annoy me and make me cheer him on as he continued with his manipulative ways to try and get Diem to ask him on a date.
But, ultimately, he's doing it for the right reason because he wants Diem to see himself how Tallus sees him, not as someone broken by their past.
Unfortunately, he has been traumatised and he struggles a lot, which is hard to see. Underneath there's a guy dying to receive and give affection but he's no experience in how to.
Seeing the little steps he makes as Tallus drugs him on what at first appears to be a wild goose chase, is really sweet.
I'm also alwats going to be happy with appearances from Valor and Doyle too, with bonus Ruiz involvement too!
The case itself is fascinating and I think the author did enough to make it plausible without straying into too many happy coincidences to tie things up.
With the way things ended, I'm really stoked for book three now!
I wasn't expecting all the twisty turns in this plotline but I very much did appreciate all the huge development in the relationship between Tallus and Diem.
I also absolutely love Kitty, that woman is a puzzle solving, firecracker legend, and a good friend for Diem.
Tallus managed to both annoy me and make me cheer him on as he continued with his manipulative ways to try and get Diem to ask him on a date.
But, ultimately, he's doing it for the right reason because he wants Diem to see himself how Tallus sees him, not as someone broken by their past.
Unfortunately, he has been traumatised and he struggles a lot, which is hard to see. Underneath there's a guy dying to receive and give affection but he's no experience in how to.
Seeing the little steps he makes as Tallus drugs him on what at first appears to be a wild goose chase, is really sweet.
I'm also alwats going to be happy with appearances from Valor and Doyle too, with bonus Ruiz involvement too!
The case itself is fascinating and I think the author did enough to make it plausible without straying into too many happy coincidences to tie things up.
With the way things ended, I'm really stoked for book three now!
October 3, 2025
It’s not a real case, he’s not my boyfriend, and we aren’t partners. Three lies I told myself for survival. After ten months of shamefully stalking and showing up randomly on Tallus’s doorstep at midnight (for reasons), the sinfully hot records clerk decided he’d had enough of my games. In fact, he went out of his way to bring me the most ridiculous case (it was not a case) on the planet as an excuse to push me over the line (he wanted a date). Our arrangement (hooking up) didn’t suit him any longer. Could I say no? Of course, not (this was Tallus).
Diem and Tallus are investigating together again! The story is written in the first-person perspective, alternately from the perspective of Diem and Tallus, so that you get to know them both even better.
Your heart will break for Diem the more you learned about him and his past. Diem is still the one who doesn't communicate very much and seems grumpy. I really liked him and every now and then you get heartbreaking moments in flashbacks. Tallus is exactly the opposite. He is personable, open and talkative and he knows how to get along with Diem....and he likes Rosie, Diem's pet boa. I can like anyone that realizes that snakes are not "evil" creatures. Every now and then I had to smile at the way the two of them interacted with each other....Tallus and Diem that is; not Tallas and Rosie:)
Tallus asks Diem for help because he has discovered something and comes up with a most unusual theory. Since Diem Tallus can't refuse anything, they begin to investigate. However, it takes time for them to make progress with their case. The case is totally unusual but very interesting, with surprising twists that just cannot be predicted. As they work together, the two become closer. The combination of the case and the development of the relationship or non-relationship between the two was captivating from start to finish. The book was written very well, was exciting, and had fantastic characters.
Nicky James is a wonderful author that I have read for a long time. As usual they have done a brilliant job. They nailed Diem with his deep tones, perfectly, as well as Tallus, who always seems to be cheerful and lots of fun, and ready to tackle anything. They got all the emotions just right to being the story to life.
I'm looking forward to more about Diem and Tallus. I recommend this one or anything that Nicky James writes, if you like M/M romances. It's best to start from the series beginning to understand the "how's and why's" of Diem's behavior.
Diem and Tallus are investigating together again! The story is written in the first-person perspective, alternately from the perspective of Diem and Tallus, so that you get to know them both even better.
Your heart will break for Diem the more you learned about him and his past. Diem is still the one who doesn't communicate very much and seems grumpy. I really liked him and every now and then you get heartbreaking moments in flashbacks. Tallus is exactly the opposite. He is personable, open and talkative and he knows how to get along with Diem....and he likes Rosie, Diem's pet boa. I can like anyone that realizes that snakes are not "evil" creatures. Every now and then I had to smile at the way the two of them interacted with each other....Tallus and Diem that is; not Tallas and Rosie:)
Tallus asks Diem for help because he has discovered something and comes up with a most unusual theory. Since Diem Tallus can't refuse anything, they begin to investigate. However, it takes time for them to make progress with their case. The case is totally unusual but very interesting, with surprising twists that just cannot be predicted. As they work together, the two become closer. The combination of the case and the development of the relationship or non-relationship between the two was captivating from start to finish. The book was written very well, was exciting, and had fantastic characters.
Nicky James is a wonderful author that I have read for a long time. As usual they have done a brilliant job. They nailed Diem with his deep tones, perfectly, as well as Tallus, who always seems to be cheerful and lots of fun, and ready to tackle anything. They got all the emotions just right to being the story to life.
I'm looking forward to more about Diem and Tallus. I recommend this one or anything that Nicky James writes, if you like M/M romances. It's best to start from the series beginning to understand the "how's and why's" of Diem's behavior.
September 13, 2024
3.75 stars. Not as great as book 1, but still a good read.
What I liked:
* Diem. I think he's a very interesting main character and he made so much progress in this story. I love how hard he was trying for Tallus, despite how incredibly difficult intimacy is for him. For me, Diem is the reason I read this series.
* While I'm still not completely sold on Tallus (see below), he did have his moments where he was patient, showed Diem that he was worth fighting for and that he believed Diem is beautiful, despite all the scars. The scenes in the shower and bedroom were beautiful.
* We got to see Aslan and a little bit of Valor and Ruiz again, but they didn't take over the story. That was well done.
What I liked less:
* Tallus was too pushy and manipulative for me and a bit too selfish at times - apparently his shopping addiction is more important than paying for food, which means Diem has to pay for literally everything, while he's definitely not rolling in money either. The case they're working here that Tallus goaded him into is not a paying job either, just costing him money. Not cool.
* While the topic of the mystery was interesting, the execution was not always great. Why didn't they check the garbage immediately? Who comes back to work to dump the garbage at night when there's not something fishy going on? Also, what were the perps thinking when people started dying? Did they just not care as long as they were making money? Didn't they think that at some point it would be noticed? I wasn't convinced.
* Memphis was such an annoying friend. I didn't like his dynamic with Tallus and I really didn't like Tallus telling Memphis he would always be his number one, while Diem was sitting right next to him in the car.
What I liked:
* Diem. I think he's a very interesting main character and he made so much progress in this story. I love how hard he was trying for Tallus, despite how incredibly difficult intimacy is for him. For me, Diem is the reason I read this series.
* While I'm still not completely sold on Tallus (see below), he did have his moments where he was patient, showed Diem that he was worth fighting for and that he believed Diem is beautiful, despite all the scars. The scenes in the shower and bedroom were beautiful.
* We got to see Aslan and a little bit of Valor and Ruiz again, but they didn't take over the story. That was well done.
What I liked less:
* Tallus was too pushy and manipulative for me and a bit too selfish at times - apparently his shopping addiction is more important than paying for food, which means Diem has to pay for literally everything, while he's definitely not rolling in money either. The case they're working here that Tallus goaded him into is not a paying job either, just costing him money. Not cool.
* While the topic of the mystery was interesting, the execution was not always great. Why didn't they check the garbage immediately? Who comes back to work to dump the garbage at night when there's not something fishy going on? Also, what were the perps thinking when people started dying? Did they just not care as long as they were making money? Didn't they think that at some point it would be noticed? I wasn't convinced.
* Memphis was such an annoying friend. I didn't like his dynamic with Tallus and I really didn't like Tallus telling Memphis he would always be his number one, while Diem was sitting right next to him in the car.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2024
I loved book 1 and this second instalment was even better. Romance and mystery combine to make this a fantastic book. Tallus and Diem are still very much navigating the early parts of their almost relationship and there is a clearly deepening bond between them as the story progresses. My heart breaks a bit for Diem and I’m so glad Tallus is as patient and generous as he is, watching him scale Diem’s walls is all kinds of satisfying. The murder mystery plot is as strong as you would expect from a Nicky James book, perfectly written, it keeps you on the edge of your seat till that absolute stellar culmination at the end of the book. Highly recommend this series.
January 31, 2025
I really love this series...but I almost strangled a certain privat investigator. It's super painful to listen to D's thoughts and self-hate :-(
The (not) case was a little too twisted for my monkey brain to keep up. But still I enjoyed listening to this audio a lot.
Can't wait for the duo to start investigating together!
The (not) case was a little too twisted for my monkey brain to keep up. But still I enjoyed listening to this audio a lot.
Can't wait for the duo to start investigating together!
April 12, 2025
This was so much better than the first book!
At first I was very skeptical and feared there would be no character development at all, but then it actually turned around!
Tallus was hilarious and actually turned out to be super caring and understanding. Diem took some huge steps in the right direction, came out of his shell and actually talked!
I really ship them now and I can’t wait for the next book.
I’m a little sad we didn’t actually get to see what happened to their case in the end.
If you’re looking for an audiobook: this one was perfect. I have no idea who chose the narrator but he sounded EXACTLY like Tallus and Diem sounded on my head while reading! Also the little magical sparkly sound was so cute, I loved it!
TW: mild stalking, memories of abuse by parent
At first I was very skeptical and feared there would be no character development at all, but then it actually turned around!
Tallus was hilarious and actually turned out to be super caring and understanding. Diem took some huge steps in the right direction, came out of his shell and actually talked!
I really ship them now and I can’t wait for the next book.
I’m a little sad we didn’t actually get to see what happened to their case in the end.
If you’re looking for an audiobook: this one was perfect. I have no idea who chose the narrator but he sounded EXACTLY like Tallus and Diem sounded on my head while reading! Also the little magical sparkly sound was so cute, I loved it!
TW: mild stalking, memories of abuse by parent
October 21, 2025
I am a soft soft lady and, in all honesty, I tend to avoid high angst books because they hurt me. This book is probably only considered moderate/medium angst, but damn, it still hurt me. Thank god for the glimmer of hope at the end because I don't think I could have handled it if it had ended the way it looked like it was headed.
I liked this one slightly less than the first and I think a big part of that was the length. At around 440 pages, this felt nearly 100 pages too long. Again, as in the previous ones, the investigation/mystery part was just not that compelling (safe to say I'm not going to enjoy this aspect of these) so I felt like everything surrounding that could have been scaled back. There were also a lot more cameos by characters from the Valor and Doyle series that took up more page time than I appreciated. I haven't read that series, and maybe if I had it would be cool, but since I haven't.... it just added bulk that I didn't care about.
And then the biggest issue - the back and forth between Diem and Tallus. I understood the development that needed to occur and that the push and pull was a big part of how they got there, but, after a certain point it felt like it might never end. And, while I still generally liked them individually, I found myself bothered by Diem's communication skills. I realize the point is that he really doesn't have any, but, in this one it felt more like it bordered on neurological than just psychological. I understand that we (like Tallus) were supposed to feel frustrated but there were instances where it was too severe for me. I was also bothered a little more by Tallus's manipulation of Diem. I like that he mostly sees who Diem wants to be and isn't thrown by his abrasive behavior but there were also a lot of moments where he took maybe too much pleasure in Diem's discomfort. I'm hoping things will feel more balanced in the next one.
The sex was still not "sexy". I liked it so much more in this one, though. It's definitely being used as a way to work on Diem's issues and create intimacy between them and I liked seeing how much Diem was trying. Part of the back and forth that I didn't like was that it felt like Diem kept saying "I can't" but wasn't really trying. But then there would be an intimate scene and I was like, oh yea, he really is.
There were still a few things here and there that I didn't love (although at least this time when someone died by suicide the characters didn't say "they took the easy way out" like they did in the previous book - gross). As someone who loves a super monogamous/only-the-other-MC-will-do type pairing, it was difficult for me to read about Tallus having sex with other men during the same time frame that he and Diem were hooking up - especially because Diem wasn't anymore. I understand this is a more realistic approach but I'm not really here for realistic so that kind of thing will always sting for me. I'm still going forward, though, because I am hopeful that these two will end up being a super sweet couple in the end and my suffering will be worth it.
Nicknames: D, Guns
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: Diem is convinced that Tallus is fuck buddies with his best friend Memphis (they're not). Tallus is still going out to clubs and having casual sex with other men during the time he and Diem are sporadically hooking up - although it seems to taper off toward the end. None of it is on page, just mentioned. Diem has deleted his app and is only with Tallus for the entirety of this book.
I liked this one slightly less than the first and I think a big part of that was the length. At around 440 pages, this felt nearly 100 pages too long. Again, as in the previous ones, the investigation/mystery part was just not that compelling (safe to say I'm not going to enjoy this aspect of these) so I felt like everything surrounding that could have been scaled back. There were also a lot more cameos by characters from the Valor and Doyle series that took up more page time than I appreciated. I haven't read that series, and maybe if I had it would be cool, but since I haven't.... it just added bulk that I didn't care about.
And then the biggest issue - the back and forth between Diem and Tallus. I understood the development that needed to occur and that the push and pull was a big part of how they got there, but, after a certain point it felt like it might never end. And, while I still generally liked them individually, I found myself bothered by Diem's communication skills. I realize the point is that he really doesn't have any, but, in this one it felt more like it bordered on neurological than just psychological. I understand that we (like Tallus) were supposed to feel frustrated but there were instances where it was too severe for me. I was also bothered a little more by Tallus's manipulation of Diem. I like that he mostly sees who Diem wants to be and isn't thrown by his abrasive behavior but there were also a lot of moments where he took maybe too much pleasure in Diem's discomfort. I'm hoping things will feel more balanced in the next one.
The sex was still not "sexy". I liked it so much more in this one, though. It's definitely being used as a way to work on Diem's issues and create intimacy between them and I liked seeing how much Diem was trying. Part of the back and forth that I didn't like was that it felt like Diem kept saying "I can't" but wasn't really trying. But then there would be an intimate scene and I was like, oh yea, he really is.
There were still a few things here and there that I didn't love (although at least this time when someone died by suicide the characters didn't say "they took the easy way out" like they did in the previous book - gross). As someone who loves a super monogamous/only-the-other-MC-will-do type pairing, it was difficult for me to read about Tallus having sex with other men during the same time frame that he and Diem were hooking up - especially because Diem wasn't anymore. I understand this is a more realistic approach but I'm not really here for realistic so that kind of thing will always sting for me. I'm still going forward, though, because I am hopeful that these two will end up being a super sweet couple in the end and my suffering will be worth it.
Nicknames: D, Guns
“ID,” I hissed under my breath. “What? Forget yours again?” he mumbled. “Diem. I will sit on your lap and make you discuss your feelings if you don’t show this lovely woman your ID.”
“Tallus,” he said through clenched teeth. “I’m not leaving.” “Tallus, you—” “I’m going to kiss you.” “But—” I went to my toes and kissed him.
I was the darkness, and Tallus was the light. The two of us couldn’t exist together. Didn’t he know? One would always chase the other away.
I hadn’t cried since I was eight years old, but I wanted to cry right then and there. Because the moment wouldn’t last. It was fleeting. Stolen. It wasn’t mine to have.
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: Diem is convinced that Tallus is fuck buddies with his best friend Memphis (they're not). Tallus is still going out to clubs and having casual sex with other men during the time he and Diem are sporadically hooking up - although it seems to taper off toward the end. None of it is on page, just mentioned. Diem has deleted his app and is only with Tallus for the entirety of this book.
September 17, 2024
Power of the Mind was a fantastic addition to this awesome new series! I fully enjoyed solving the case, the hilarious banter between Tallus and Diem, and seeing old friends! Also loved seeing the progression of their relationship, just love them! And the ending was awesome. Can't wait for the next book!
September 21, 2024
I am loving this journey with Diem and Tallus. The mystery and suspense was wonderful, but my favorite part was Diem’s growth and Tallus’ patience. I am so looking forward to where their partnership will take them.
September 14, 2024
Um….
I enjoyed this story but I have to be honest and say Tallus and Diem won’t be a favorite couple for me. I enjoyed the banter and Tallus’s sass but I am just not enjoying Diem and all his grumpiness and his going back and forth. I know Tallus is being somewhat manipulative in using Diem’s crush to get D to do things and I know D has a very traumatic past but overall, to me this relationship just doesn’t work for me. Tallus seems to push in even when he knows D is uncomfortable and I don’t like that. The second to last chapter was really a giant red flag when D starts talking about things and even though the last chapter was sweet and D loosened up at bit, it still just didn’t feel right. I hate not completing a series but we’ll see if I can continue this one…
I enjoyed this story but I have to be honest and say Tallus and Diem won’t be a favorite couple for me. I enjoyed the banter and Tallus’s sass but I am just not enjoying Diem and all his grumpiness and his going back and forth. I know Tallus is being somewhat manipulative in using Diem’s crush to get D to do things and I know D has a very traumatic past but overall, to me this relationship just doesn’t work for me. Tallus seems to push in even when he knows D is uncomfortable and I don’t like that. The second to last chapter was really a giant red flag when D starts talking about things and even though the last chapter was sweet and D loosened up at bit, it still just didn’t feel right. I hate not completing a series but we’ll see if I can continue this one…
September 16, 2024
OMG .... the ending is precious. Can't wait for the next book!!!!
This book managed to evoke all kinds of emotions in me, not all positive but many
The beginning was a bit difficult, but that could be on me as I have troubles connecting to characters after my last big book hangover 😳
(I am getting better, BTW )
So, at the beginning, I was a bit frustrated as it seemed that Diem did not really develop as a character, and Tallus came across as a selfish and childish brat and I couldn't understand what Diem sees in him.
But I think the turning point was around 35% .... Diem managed to tell Tallus about part of his problems
And Tallus was great. I loved how he developed as a character.
You can feel how he cares, and he is trying to get Diem out of his bubble without overwhelming him. Yes, it doesn't work always as it should, but he is not giving up on him
And I think that is one of the most important aspects for Diem: someone who stays, who is willing to put in the work
These two see each other as no one else sees them.
Especially the last two chapters were amazing ... I loved them and can't wait to get more.
And, of course I loved Aslan, Quaid and Ruiz ... I think, I have to start their books again
This book managed to evoke all kinds of emotions in me, not all positive but many
The beginning was a bit difficult, but that could be on me as I have troubles connecting to characters after my last big book hangover 😳
(I am getting better, BTW )
So, at the beginning, I was a bit frustrated as it seemed that Diem did not really develop as a character, and Tallus came across as a selfish and childish brat and I couldn't understand what Diem sees in him.
But I think the turning point was around 35% .... Diem managed to tell Tallus about part of his problems
And Tallus was great. I loved how he developed as a character.
You can feel how he cares, and he is trying to get Diem out of his bubble without overwhelming him. Yes, it doesn't work always as it should, but he is not giving up on him
And I think that is one of the most important aspects for Diem: someone who stays, who is willing to put in the work
These two see each other as no one else sees them.
Especially the last two chapters were amazing ... I loved them and can't wait to get more.
And, of course I loved Aslan, Quaid and Ruiz ... I think, I have to start their books again
October 13, 2024
4.5 all the effing stars for Diem!
Diem stole the show as always, and in my opinion Tallus just happens to be the supporting love interest/character.
”There were ten thousand more eligible bachelors in the city, but for some reason, the awkward, socially crippled giant of a man who could barely touch me let alone hold a conversation or eye contact for more than three seconds was the one I wanted.
Nothing made sense.”
”Perhaps Tallus understood the impossibility of relaxing when someone was this close to me, touching me tenderly.
Touching without fists.
Without weapons.
Touching like they meant it.
Lovingly.”
”What was I afraid of? Easy. I was afraid of myself. Of who I was. Of who I had the potential to become. I was afraid of the diseased genes that lived inside me. I was afraid of losing control. Of messing up. Of disappointing him, hurting him, or scaring him. Of him discovering who I was at my core.
I was afraid of everything.”
Diem stole the show as always, and in my opinion Tallus just happens to be the supporting love interest/character.
”There were ten thousand more eligible bachelors in the city, but for some reason, the awkward, socially crippled giant of a man who could barely touch me let alone hold a conversation or eye contact for more than three seconds was the one I wanted.
Nothing made sense.”
”Perhaps Tallus understood the impossibility of relaxing when someone was this close to me, touching me tenderly.
Touching without fists.
Without weapons.
Touching like they meant it.
Lovingly.”
”What was I afraid of? Easy. I was afraid of myself. Of who I was. Of who I had the potential to become. I was afraid of the diseased genes that lived inside me. I was afraid of losing control. Of messing up. Of disappointing him, hurting him, or scaring him. Of him discovering who I was at my core.
I was afraid of everything.”
October 28, 2024
3.5 that I rounded up to 4 because Doyle and Valor are my all time favorite couple. This book with Tallus and Diem started very slowly with a "mystery" that was not very believable nor interesting. In fact it was boring until Doyle and Valor appeared. The best part was Tallus trying to piece Diem back together after his horrible childhood. I felt real love there and I do look forward to the next book but just didn't care for this one. I'm probably crazy for rating it 4 stars but I do love my guys.
September 22, 2024
This one took me awhile to finish but I loved it! Best in the series so far! Diem is precious! I love him and even though Tallus can be pushy he’s doing it to help Diem and it is actually working.
I loved this case, nothing too dramatic but it was so interesting. These two men are so good together! I can’t wait for more!
I loved this case, nothing too dramatic but it was so interesting. These two men are so good together! I can’t wait for more!
May 24, 2025
Diem has become one of my favourite book characters ever. Nicky James knows exactly how to pull at our heartstrings, and the mix of this massive gruff guy being so damn sweet and so emotionally damaged has me rooting for him so hard. Tallus is such a fun ball of energy. I like how he pushes Diem but not too hard. He's been so patient with him and I love the relationship growth through the series so far.
I liked the mystery storyline this time too which made it a solid 5 stars. Still don't know why they are spending time investigating things there not being paid for, but it's like they're secret super heroes and I love it.
I liked the mystery storyline this time too which made it a solid 5 stars. Still don't know why they are spending time investigating things there not being paid for, but it's like they're secret super heroes and I love it.
September 16, 2024
Next one please!!
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