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Brandt and Donnelly Caper #2
Wrestling Demons
A Brandt and Donnelly Caper: Case File Two
Jonah Fischer’s high school wrestling career has been stellar, but now he’s the unwilling star of a series of videos that have hit the web. The whole world may have seen the evidence that his best friend turns him on. Jonah’s conservative family wants him cured, and his conventional town and school want him normal. The only person who still wants him just the way he is is Casey Melville, the same best friend who turned him on for all the world to see. Meanwhile, Casey begins to wonder if there’s more to his feelings for Jonah than he thought.
Officers Brant and Donnelly—lovers as well as partners on the job—have been assigned to find the culprit who posted the video. While investigating the case, they also help Jonah and Casey find their way through their feelings, and steer them toward refuge when Jonah’s family turns against him. But the mystery remains: who wants to hurt Jonah badly enough to post those videos, and why? Thank goodness Jonah and Casey have found friends—they’re going to need all the help and support they can get.
Jonah Fischer’s high school wrestling career has been stellar, but now he’s the unwilling star of a series of videos that have hit the web. The whole world may have seen the evidence that his best friend turns him on. Jonah’s conservative family wants him cured, and his conventional town and school want him normal. The only person who still wants him just the way he is is Casey Melville, the same best friend who turned him on for all the world to see. Meanwhile, Casey begins to wonder if there’s more to his feelings for Jonah than he thought.
Officers Brant and Donnelly—lovers as well as partners on the job—have been assigned to find the culprit who posted the video. While investigating the case, they also help Jonah and Casey find their way through their feelings, and steer them toward refuge when Jonah’s family turns against him. But the mystery remains: who wants to hurt Jonah badly enough to post those videos, and why? Thank goodness Jonah and Casey have found friends—they’re going to need all the help and support they can get.
276 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2014
8 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Xavier Mayne
14 books190 followersXavier Mayne is the pen name of a writer who has been both a university professor of English and a marketing professional for software companies. He currently manages a team of writers for a large technology company based in the US Pacific Northwest. Versed in academic theories of sexual identity, he is passionate about writing stories in which men experience a love that pushes them beyond the boundaries they thought defined their sexuality. He believes that romance can be hot, funny, and sweet in equal measure.
The name Xavier Mayne is a tribute to the pioneering gay author Edward Prime-Stevenson, who also used it as a pen name. He wrote the first openly gay novel by an American, 1906’s Imre: A Memorandum, which depicts two masculine men falling in love despite social pressures that attempt to keep them apart.
The name Xavier Mayne is a tribute to the pioneering gay author Edward Prime-Stevenson, who also used it as a pen name. He wrote the first openly gay novel by an American, 1906’s Imre: A Memorandum, which depicts two masculine men falling in love despite social pressures that attempt to keep them apart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 8, 2014
3.25 stars
This book was a YA/NA coming-out/GFY story, an established couple story, and a mystery.
Because I didn't read book 1, I wasn't particularly invested in Brandt and Donnelly, two cops who are partners on and off the job, and who are called in to investigate a locker-room video taken of a high school wrestling star.
The wrestling star is Jonah, raised by a religious family in a small, conservative, homophobic town. Jonah has a secret: He's gay and has been crushing on his best friends and fellow wrestler, Casey, for years. Someone wants to destroy Jonah's wrestling career. It's obvious that the videos aren't random; Jonah is a target. But why?
While the book revolves around the mystery of the videos, this is merely a platform to highlight the homophobia prevalent in athletics, particularly wrestling; small-town bigotry; and insidious religious teachings. The themes here are not subtle; they hit you over the head a few times.
The pacing dragged a bit, and there was no central focus to the story. We see a bit of Donnelly and Brandt and their relationship, and a bit of Jonah and Casey, who tentatively declare their feelings for one another. I liked that Casey stuck by Jonah, even when scandal and uncertainty struck.
There is not a lot of steam: some tentative groping between Jonah and Casey, and a couple short bedroom scenes between Donnelly and Brandt.
The third-person objective point of view didn't allow the reader to truly see what the characters were feeling or thinking. Too many secondary characters were introduced, and most were one dimensional, fitting along a construct of "good" vs. "bad."
There were no typos or grammatical issues, so kudos to the author and publisher for that. The ending was also sweet and wrapped up loose ends. For readers who read and liked the first book, this one's bound to be a winner. I would recommend reading book 1 before delving into this one.
This book was a YA/NA coming-out/GFY story, an established couple story, and a mystery.
Because I didn't read book 1, I wasn't particularly invested in Brandt and Donnelly, two cops who are partners on and off the job, and who are called in to investigate a locker-room video taken of a high school wrestling star.
The wrestling star is Jonah, raised by a religious family in a small, conservative, homophobic town. Jonah has a secret: He's gay and has been crushing on his best friends and fellow wrestler, Casey, for years. Someone wants to destroy Jonah's wrestling career. It's obvious that the videos aren't random; Jonah is a target. But why?
While the book revolves around the mystery of the videos, this is merely a platform to highlight the homophobia prevalent in athletics, particularly wrestling; small-town bigotry; and insidious religious teachings. The themes here are not subtle; they hit you over the head a few times.
The pacing dragged a bit, and there was no central focus to the story. We see a bit of Donnelly and Brandt and their relationship, and a bit of Jonah and Casey, who tentatively declare their feelings for one another. I liked that Casey stuck by Jonah, even when scandal and uncertainty struck.
There is not a lot of steam: some tentative groping between Jonah and Casey, and a couple short bedroom scenes between Donnelly and Brandt.
The third-person objective point of view didn't allow the reader to truly see what the characters were feeling or thinking. Too many secondary characters were introduced, and most were one dimensional, fitting along a construct of "good" vs. "bad."
There were no typos or grammatical issues, so kudos to the author and publisher for that. The ending was also sweet and wrapped up loose ends. For readers who read and liked the first book, this one's bound to be a winner. I would recommend reading book 1 before delving into this one.
November 16, 2014
So I think...just maybe...I might have liked this even better than the first one, and I LOVED the first one.
Of course, Ethan and Gabriel were a big part of the story, but they didn't have the biggest impact on me. Who did? A couple of 18 year old kids that stuck together through a huge shit storm that was brewing around them. They definitely had some support, but the way they were there for each other was a true testament to friendship and I really loved reading every second of it.
The book starts out with Bryce and Nestor. I mean, come on, you have to love these two right? They are a little over the top. Okay, they are a lot over the top. But they have pure hearts and they wouldn't hurt anyone, so it's easy to overlook that they put the capital H in Homo. They happen to stumble upon a video where someone is changing in a locker room and the person on the video isn't aware that they are on camera. That certain someone, is Jonah, an 18 year old star wrestler in a backward ass town that still lives like they are in Walnut Grove (for all you Little House on the Prairie fans).
Turns out, someone is video taping Jonah without his knowledge and the chief of police wants Brandt and Donnelly to help investigate the situation. Thus the story begins.
A few highlights for me:
*Malcolm - He lives in Woodley and runs a coffee shop. The first time Brandt and Donnelly are in the shop, Donnelly starts some harmless flirting with Malcolm, and a friendship between the three starts. The flirting is truly harmless, because Donnelly is totally in love with Brandt, but it does open up for some humorous dialogue between the two as Brandt teases Donnelly about it. Turns out, Malcolm has a part time worker who is also on the wrestling team....enter Casey.
*Casey - To say that I loved Casey is a huge understatement. I mean, he was AWESOME! The best friend to Jonah, and he definitely lived up to what a best friend should be. Lifelong friends and they didn't let outside distractions into their relationship. Casey never gave anything but his total support to Jonah and always made sure that Jonah knew he was on his side. He really made the book for me.
*Brandt and Donnelly - I really liked the way they took Casey and Jonah under their wings. It was nice to see that the kids had some adults in their corner when even Jonah's family wasn't the best in supporting him. Casey, along with Casey's mom, showed Jonah the same great support that Brandy and Donnelly did. B&D are a great couple and they were perfect role models for Casey and Jonah.
All in all I really enjoyed this one and would definitely read more if this series continues!
Of course, Ethan and Gabriel were a big part of the story, but they didn't have the biggest impact on me. Who did? A couple of 18 year old kids that stuck together through a huge shit storm that was brewing around them. They definitely had some support, but the way they were there for each other was a true testament to friendship and I really loved reading every second of it.
The book starts out with Bryce and Nestor. I mean, come on, you have to love these two right? They are a little over the top. Okay, they are a lot over the top. But they have pure hearts and they wouldn't hurt anyone, so it's easy to overlook that they put the capital H in Homo. They happen to stumble upon a video where someone is changing in a locker room and the person on the video isn't aware that they are on camera. That certain someone, is Jonah, an 18 year old star wrestler in a backward ass town that still lives like they are in Walnut Grove (for all you Little House on the Prairie fans).
Turns out, someone is video taping Jonah without his knowledge and the chief of police wants Brandt and Donnelly to help investigate the situation. Thus the story begins.
A few highlights for me:
*Malcolm - He lives in Woodley and runs a coffee shop. The first time Brandt and Donnelly are in the shop, Donnelly starts some harmless flirting with Malcolm, and a friendship between the three starts. The flirting is truly harmless, because Donnelly is totally in love with Brandt, but it does open up for some humorous dialogue between the two as Brandt teases Donnelly about it. Turns out, Malcolm has a part time worker who is also on the wrestling team....enter Casey.
*Casey - To say that I loved Casey is a huge understatement. I mean, he was AWESOME! The best friend to Jonah, and he definitely lived up to what a best friend should be. Lifelong friends and they didn't let outside distractions into their relationship. Casey never gave anything but his total support to Jonah and always made sure that Jonah knew he was on his side. He really made the book for me.
*Brandt and Donnelly - I really liked the way they took Casey and Jonah under their wings. It was nice to see that the kids had some adults in their corner when even Jonah's family wasn't the best in supporting him. Casey, along with Casey's mom, showed Jonah the same great support that Brandy and Donnelly did. B&D are a great couple and they were perfect role models for Casey and Jonah.
All in all I really enjoyed this one and would definitely read more if this series continues!
June 16, 2015
I loved the first book, but this one is even better! Loved it!!!
April 17, 2014
While not quite what I expected from the follow up to Frat House Troopers, one of my favorite reads last year, I did end up enjoying this one.
Jonah and Casey, 18 year old HS seniors, are the main focus of this book and it wasn't long before I was completely taken in and brought to tears by the devotion and love between the two friends. Jonah's sudden, public outing of not just his sexuality, but his feelings for his best friend throw them both into dangerous territory in their ultra conservative, religious small town. In a town that seems to revolve around church and the wrestling team, a gay star wrestler is permission for all forms of bigotry and hatred to be let loose.
Brandt and Donnelly are investigating the hidden camera videos of Jonah that are being sent around the school and posted on an adult website, but also become personally involved in helping Johah navigate his feelings and the sudden hatred coming from his family and community. If you read the first book, you will have a better feeling for why both Brandt and Donnelly, would become so involved in what was going on. It was good to see that six months after the last book they are still happily together as partners on and off the force and are comfortable with who they are.
Luckily for Jonah and Casey they do have support from Casey's employer Malcom, Casey's very understanding and supportive mother, and the rest of their wrestling team. Even Nestor and Bryce are back helping out in their own special way.
Xavier Mayne's writing always combines humor and emotion in characters that are well fleshed out. I enjoy reading characters that are open to falling in love where they never expected to find it and even when it goes against everything they were raised to be. While I would have loved more private time with Brandt and Donnelly, the last scene between the men leaves me with hope for another story focused on the two.
Jonah and Casey, 18 year old HS seniors, are the main focus of this book and it wasn't long before I was completely taken in and brought to tears by the devotion and love between the two friends. Jonah's sudden, public outing of not just his sexuality, but his feelings for his best friend throw them both into dangerous territory in their ultra conservative, religious small town. In a town that seems to revolve around church and the wrestling team, a gay star wrestler is permission for all forms of bigotry and hatred to be let loose.
Brandt and Donnelly are investigating the hidden camera videos of Jonah that are being sent around the school and posted on an adult website, but also become personally involved in helping Johah navigate his feelings and the sudden hatred coming from his family and community. If you read the first book, you will have a better feeling for why both Brandt and Donnelly, would become so involved in what was going on. It was good to see that six months after the last book they are still happily together as partners on and off the force and are comfortable with who they are.
Luckily for Jonah and Casey they do have support from Casey's employer Malcom, Casey's very understanding and supportive mother, and the rest of their wrestling team. Even Nestor and Bryce are back helping out in their own special way.
Xavier Mayne's writing always combines humor and emotion in characters that are well fleshed out. I enjoy reading characters that are open to falling in love where they never expected to find it and even when it goes against everything they were raised to be. While I would have loved more private time with Brandt and Donnelly, the last scene between the men leaves me with hope for another story focused on the two.
October 28, 2014
I really wanted to love Wrestling Demons, because Frathouse Troopers was such fun for me. I did enjoy the main characters in Wrestling Demons, but I felt that the story fell victim to too much joking and levity in moments where it just felt out of place. I also felt that it went on LONG past the time the story could have ended well. I thought the perfect moment to end would have been after the school rally, but it just kept on going. The sex scenes seemed to switch back and forth between Casey and Jonah and then Donnelly and Brandt, and it kept me from getting really involved in either pair.
I also felt this book had a bit of a too perfect, fairy tale ending.
October 28, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
Dreadful.
Not having read the first I wasn't sure who the main characters were. The pervy couple that start the book, the kid from the blurb or the gay cops.
Everyone is either homophobic or flirting/perving on everyone.
I'm not sure if the plot is solving who filmed and posted vids and protecting a young man, or just everyone perving on the vids. It's an odd vibe.
Oh and throw in mention of Leukaemia to make some point. Negative stars.
Dreadful.
Not having read the first I wasn't sure who the main characters were. The pervy couple that start the book, the kid from the blurb or the gay cops.
Everyone is either homophobic or flirting/perving on everyone.
I'm not sure if the plot is solving who filmed and posted vids and protecting a young man, or just everyone perving on the vids. It's an odd vibe.
Oh and throw in mention of Leukaemia to make some point. Negative stars.
October 16, 2015
I enjoyed this story, and I greatly sympathized with Jonah and Casey's struggles, but I needed more Brandt and Donnelly. Nestor and Bryce were still hysterical though!
June 18, 2014
My Review:
This is an interesting book just in that there are four POV's, as the story follows all four of these guys...Brandt & Donnelly and Jonah & Casey. Jonah & Casey are still in high school and they are both 18. I did appreciate the fact that the author seemed to keep in mind that they are both still really young. They had some hot scenes together, but they were kept on the tamer side while Brandt & Donnelly made up the REALLY HOT scenes.
In this story, Brandt & Donnelly are investigating a case of peeping-tom videos taken in the wrestling locker room of a local high school. This small town is fairly backwards in their thinking and extremely conservative. They are worried at even the hint of homosexuality in their wrestling program and plan to 'nip it in the bud before their poor wrestlers' reputations are sullied'. What no one realizes is that there is homosexuality in their program...with their star, Jonah, who's in love with his best friend and fellow wrestler, Casey...who also just happens to be straight.
This was a book much like the first in the series...it's a gay-for-you story. There were some beautifully written scenes about sexuality and how everyone is just as they are...there's no deciding to feel one way or other about someone. It just is. Literally, there is a scene with a bookstore clerk and what he says about being gay, or straight, or anything in between had tears rolling down my face...just beautifully spoken and such an incredible "moral to the story" about sexuality in this book.
Overall I enjoyed the story. The whole video tape scenario was interesting trying to figure out who did what and why. I liked the burgeoning relationship between Casey and Jonah. Casey was an incredible character and friend...I loved him and his attitude toward loving Jonah. My heart hurt for Jonah and what he's going through. It was great to revisit the characters from the first novel...definitely Brandt & Donnelly, but it was fun to see Bryce and Nestor. Their commentary is always fun at any event and I can always count on them for a good giggle because they are so incredibly over the top.
There was a bit of emphasis on religion at the end that I could have done without, but it was a tiny niggle in what was overall an entertaining read and I understood why it was there after Jonah's persecution.
I enjoyed the first book and I enjoyed this one too. I found myself smiling throughout even with the serious subject matter. It was definitely a book that made me feel better for having read it.
This is an interesting book just in that there are four POV's, as the story follows all four of these guys...Brandt & Donnelly and Jonah & Casey. Jonah & Casey are still in high school and they are both 18. I did appreciate the fact that the author seemed to keep in mind that they are both still really young. They had some hot scenes together, but they were kept on the tamer side while Brandt & Donnelly made up the REALLY HOT scenes.
In this story, Brandt & Donnelly are investigating a case of peeping-tom videos taken in the wrestling locker room of a local high school. This small town is fairly backwards in their thinking and extremely conservative. They are worried at even the hint of homosexuality in their wrestling program and plan to 'nip it in the bud before their poor wrestlers' reputations are sullied'. What no one realizes is that there is homosexuality in their program...with their star, Jonah, who's in love with his best friend and fellow wrestler, Casey...who also just happens to be straight.
This was a book much like the first in the series...it's a gay-for-you story. There were some beautifully written scenes about sexuality and how everyone is just as they are...there's no deciding to feel one way or other about someone. It just is. Literally, there is a scene with a bookstore clerk and what he says about being gay, or straight, or anything in between had tears rolling down my face...just beautifully spoken and such an incredible "moral to the story" about sexuality in this book.
Overall I enjoyed the story. The whole video tape scenario was interesting trying to figure out who did what and why. I liked the burgeoning relationship between Casey and Jonah. Casey was an incredible character and friend...I loved him and his attitude toward loving Jonah. My heart hurt for Jonah and what he's going through. It was great to revisit the characters from the first novel...definitely Brandt & Donnelly, but it was fun to see Bryce and Nestor. Their commentary is always fun at any event and I can always count on them for a good giggle because they are so incredibly over the top.
There was a bit of emphasis on religion at the end that I could have done without, but it was a tiny niggle in what was overall an entertaining read and I understood why it was there after Jonah's persecution.
I enjoyed the first book and I enjoyed this one too. I found myself smiling throughout even with the serious subject matter. It was definitely a book that made me feel better for having read it.
December 23, 2014
There is a certain depth to this series that stirs me. Brandt and Donnelly are great as cops and partners. I think that Bryce and Nestor are hilarious. Jonah and Casey, new in this book, are a strong, sweet couple. I absolutely hate the label "gay for you" and what Mr. Mayne does is to do away with the gay label. You simply fall in love with whom you fall in love with, male or female. I have enjoyed the mix of an investigation and the challenge of life in general. This story revolved around Jonah and Casey who are high school seniors and best friends. They live in a very strict bible belt type of town so once word gets out that they have fallen in love a virtual firestorm of hate erupts. I felt that the sex at Brandt's house was overdone but publishers want sex scenes. It's nice to see recurring characters in a series. While this book can be read as a stand alone, the reader would gain a lot by reading Frat House Troopers first to get some background
Want to read
April 14, 201711/24/14 Dreamspinner Tweetaway Not essential but looks like this will be better if I read book 1, Frat House Troopers, first. Great reviews though, so no worries!
Edit: All the worries, ALL of them! Frat House Troopers was absolutely ABSURD, and not in the good way. I will not be continuing with this series.
Edit: All the worries, ALL of them! Frat House Troopers was absolutely ABSURD, and not in the good way. I will not be continuing with this series.
May 4, 2016
It has been a while since I read the first book in this series, but I'm glad to see these characters again. Brandt and Donnelly and just as great as they were in the first book (just a little more secure in their whole gay-loving thing) and Casey and Jonah were just so damn adorable. And horny--let's not forget horny.
There was a bit too much sex in this for me, and the religious nut-jobs were a bit over the top, but it was a great book to read to recharge from all the heavy emotional shit that has been happening in my life so far. Sometimes you just need a book that lets you escape reality and what two guys fall in love.
Looking forward to reading book three some time in the near future.
There was a bit too much sex in this for me, and the religious nut-jobs were a bit over the top, but it was a great book to read to recharge from all the heavy emotional shit that has been happening in my life so far. Sometimes you just need a book that lets you escape reality and what two guys fall in love.
Looking forward to reading book three some time in the near future.
July 9, 2023
Oh my wrestling but our favorite state troopers and their assorted friends are back and they are not the main focus. The main focus would be Jonah and Casey and the wrestling team they are on in high school so much emotion and so much hurt caused by a lot of foolishness also Jonah's family started as the worst you could imagine to the father standing for his son to compete in the state regionals and what a match. Bryce and Nestor get to be gay godfather to a newly acknowledging gay Jonah -- and Casey who at the time still thinks he is straight but is there for his best friend. this tugs at the heart string immensely.
May 30, 2014
I have no one to blame but myself for reading this cringe-worthy book.
I've already been traumatised by the book before. I can't handle even attempting to being useful and critiquing this book.
I don't even care. I hated it. I'm deleting it and made my peace and not reading another book in this series or by this author - because clearly I might give myself a brain haemorrhage.
I've already been traumatised by the book before. I can't handle even attempting to being useful and critiquing this book.
I don't even care. I hated it. I'm deleting it and made my peace and not reading another book in this series or by this author - because clearly I might give myself a brain haemorrhage.
April 17, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.25 Stars
So Brandt and Donnelly are back and I have to be honest and say I much preferred this to book 1.
This book is so much more than an MM romance novel and it deals with some very serious issues. The story highlights how much damage can be done by ‘small town’ bigotry, by misuse of religion and by closed minds following the crowd.
When a video is uploaded onto the internet showing a young man, Jonah Fischer, naked in a changing room Brandt and Donnelly are brought in by the local Police to investigate. You would assume the Police were worried about someone filming young adults naked and without their permission and the damaging effects this could cause, sadly you would be wrong and they are only concerned about the reputation of the local wrestling team and their chances at the regional finals.
When two subsequent videos are released the young man in question is suddenly forced to look at his sexuality and come to terms with the fact that he is a gay man under the whole towns scrutiny. More mortifying than that is that his best friend Casey learns how Jonah truly feels about him and has no idea how to deal with it.
This story is about Jonah in the main part and how he has to deal with a very public outing and the vicious response from his family and friends. The real hero in this story however is Casey who rises above and beyond in his absolute support for his best friend regardless of how he is feeling. His defiance, his cuddles and his sheer determination to see Jonah through shows just what sort of character he is. If every gay man coming to terms with their sexuality had a friend like Casey well maybe the world would be a little better! Not even getting topless in a book store could faze the boy!
Brandt and Donnelly seem to hit a brick wall at every turn in their investigation and feel uncomfortable in a small town with such huge homophobic views. The reason for the videos does eventually become clear and again shows the lack of compassion and understanding in a Police force that should be there to protect.
I loved the way Casey dealt with questioning his sexuality so easily and so very differently from Jonah. His upbringing was nowhere near as strict and conservative as Jonahs which proves yet again that what we say and the way we behave has a tremendous impact on those around us and it is not always positive.
This story will run you through a gauntlet of emotions but I hope it will also leave you with a little bit of hope that there are good people out there and things can and will get better.
4.25 Stars
So Brandt and Donnelly are back and I have to be honest and say I much preferred this to book 1.
This book is so much more than an MM romance novel and it deals with some very serious issues. The story highlights how much damage can be done by ‘small town’ bigotry, by misuse of religion and by closed minds following the crowd.
When a video is uploaded onto the internet showing a young man, Jonah Fischer, naked in a changing room Brandt and Donnelly are brought in by the local Police to investigate. You would assume the Police were worried about someone filming young adults naked and without their permission and the damaging effects this could cause, sadly you would be wrong and they are only concerned about the reputation of the local wrestling team and their chances at the regional finals.
When two subsequent videos are released the young man in question is suddenly forced to look at his sexuality and come to terms with the fact that he is a gay man under the whole towns scrutiny. More mortifying than that is that his best friend Casey learns how Jonah truly feels about him and has no idea how to deal with it.
This story is about Jonah in the main part and how he has to deal with a very public outing and the vicious response from his family and friends. The real hero in this story however is Casey who rises above and beyond in his absolute support for his best friend regardless of how he is feeling. His defiance, his cuddles and his sheer determination to see Jonah through shows just what sort of character he is. If every gay man coming to terms with their sexuality had a friend like Casey well maybe the world would be a little better! Not even getting topless in a book store could faze the boy!
Brandt and Donnelly seem to hit a brick wall at every turn in their investigation and feel uncomfortable in a small town with such huge homophobic views. The reason for the videos does eventually become clear and again shows the lack of compassion and understanding in a Police force that should be there to protect.
I loved the way Casey dealt with questioning his sexuality so easily and so very differently from Jonah. His upbringing was nowhere near as strict and conservative as Jonahs which proves yet again that what we say and the way we behave has a tremendous impact on those around us and it is not always positive.
This story will run you through a gauntlet of emotions but I hope it will also leave you with a little bit of hope that there are good people out there and things can and will get better.
November 30, 2014
This is the second book in the Brandt and Donnelly Series. I have read both books now, and recommend reading this series in order.
Officers Brandt and Donnelly are an out gay couple who have a knack for undercover assignments and exposing cyber crime. In this mystery, we find them investigating the release of locker room video from a high school wrestling team.
(Step back into reality--this actually happened to my husband's college team back in the day, so I was REALLY intrigued!)
Anywho, the local police are focused on finding the anonymous poster/videographer before the video gets viral, and upsets the training of the championship wrestling team, most notably, Jonah Fischer, the 18 y/o team captain who is the feature of the video.
After initial investigations, the best that can be managed is to get the video removed from the Interwebs. Then a second video surfaces, and later a third--this one features a nude, aroused Jonah--presumably excited by his fellow teammate and BFF, Casey.
Yeah. That's not gonna be traumatic.
Especially not when your homophobic family, church and town disown you--like what happened to Jonah. Good thing Casey's cool. In fact, throughout the story Casey is so incredibly supportive of Jonah, and his fledgling "coming out" that it becomes inevitable for Casey and Jonah to move onto a more-than-friends level of experimentation.
This book also features positive examples of gay couples: Brandt and Donnelly and Bryce and Nestor. Brandt and Donnelly go the extra mile to ensure that Jonah is safe, and also that his future isn't compromised. Casey is a super BFF/boyfriend, and Bryce and Nestor are such fun comic relief I wished I had gay pals like them in my life.
Some parts of the end felt a little too convenient, but I forgive a lot in my romance. I really enjoyed the slow build of romance between Casey and Jonah, and how positive Casey was throughout. He has suffered a whole lot in his life, and Jonah helped him at his lowest point, there was no chance he'd leave Jonah in disgrace.
In all it's a solid Gay-For-You contemporary gay romance. Lots of yummy smexytimes and plenty of humor to keep the story from getting too dark.
Officers Brandt and Donnelly are an out gay couple who have a knack for undercover assignments and exposing cyber crime. In this mystery, we find them investigating the release of locker room video from a high school wrestling team.
(Step back into reality--this actually happened to my husband's college team back in the day, so I was REALLY intrigued!)
Anywho, the local police are focused on finding the anonymous poster/videographer before the video gets viral, and upsets the training of the championship wrestling team, most notably, Jonah Fischer, the 18 y/o team captain who is the feature of the video.
After initial investigations, the best that can be managed is to get the video removed from the Interwebs. Then a second video surfaces, and later a third--this one features a nude, aroused Jonah--presumably excited by his fellow teammate and BFF, Casey.
Yeah. That's not gonna be traumatic.
Especially not when your homophobic family, church and town disown you--like what happened to Jonah. Good thing Casey's cool. In fact, throughout the story Casey is so incredibly supportive of Jonah, and his fledgling "coming out" that it becomes inevitable for Casey and Jonah to move onto a more-than-friends level of experimentation.
This book also features positive examples of gay couples: Brandt and Donnelly and Bryce and Nestor. Brandt and Donnelly go the extra mile to ensure that Jonah is safe, and also that his future isn't compromised. Casey is a super BFF/boyfriend, and Bryce and Nestor are such fun comic relief I wished I had gay pals like them in my life.
Some parts of the end felt a little too convenient, but I forgive a lot in my romance. I really enjoyed the slow build of romance between Casey and Jonah, and how positive Casey was throughout. He has suffered a whole lot in his life, and Jonah helped him at his lowest point, there was no chance he'd leave Jonah in disgrace.
In all it's a solid Gay-For-You contemporary gay romance. Lots of yummy smexytimes and plenty of humor to keep the story from getting too dark.
February 10, 2015
Jonah is the target of a malicious campaign that exposes his “interest” (read: boner) for his best friend, Casey. Both are high school seniors and have been best friends forever.
When the video hits the internet, Jonah almost ends his life in front of a train. Brandt and Donelly and Casey help him to see that though this is tough, it’s not worth dying for.
Casey stands steadfastly beside Jonah so far as to even allow himself to be open to the possibility of a relationship with Jonah. Casey helps Jonah to learn more about being gay and takes him to visit our friends in “the gay part of town” where we meet Bryce and Nestor again. (Yay!)
Brandt and Donelly investigate the video and uncover corruption.
Casey and Jonah realize they are more than friends and explore their relationship.
Brandt and Donelly are amazingly lovey dovey and move their relationship onto more permanent grounds.
Bryce and Nestor provide continuous and hilarious back-up support.
**
This is another great book in the series. I love how we see more of Brandt and Donelly and their relationship. I thought the boys’ relationship was handled appropriately (for their ages) and was really sweet and touching.
Of course I giggled outrageously every time Bryce and Nestor were on page and really enjoyed their contribution – especially the room of sex that they offer to Jonah and Casey when they are “on the run”.
I can’t recommend this series enough and hope all the books (now 3) will soon become audio books.
When the video hits the internet, Jonah almost ends his life in front of a train. Brandt and Donelly and Casey help him to see that though this is tough, it’s not worth dying for.
Casey stands steadfastly beside Jonah so far as to even allow himself to be open to the possibility of a relationship with Jonah. Casey helps Jonah to learn more about being gay and takes him to visit our friends in “the gay part of town” where we meet Bryce and Nestor again. (Yay!)
Brandt and Donelly investigate the video and uncover corruption.
Casey and Jonah realize they are more than friends and explore their relationship.
Brandt and Donelly are amazingly lovey dovey and move their relationship onto more permanent grounds.
Bryce and Nestor provide continuous and hilarious back-up support.
**
This is another great book in the series. I love how we see more of Brandt and Donelly and their relationship. I thought the boys’ relationship was handled appropriately (for their ages) and was really sweet and touching.
Of course I giggled outrageously every time Bryce and Nestor were on page and really enjoyed their contribution – especially the room of sex that they offer to Jonah and Casey when they are “on the run”.
I can’t recommend this series enough and hope all the books (now 3) will soon become audio books.
March 5, 2015
Not quite as good as the first book, but still, I did like it. The investigation strategies that our beloved Troopers use would be questioned by anyone who is familiar with police work, but they still manage to get to the bottom of every crime.
This time around, the best parts of the book were when Nestor and Bryce were involved. They're so fun and silly, making everything light and fluffy. They bring the fun to these books.
This time around, the best parts of the book were when Nestor and Bryce were involved. They're so fun and silly, making everything light and fluffy. They bring the fun to these books.
December 17, 2014
ok,i was about to give this book 4.5 stars because of the lack of sex (in my opinion) but after i read the entire book the ending convinced me to give 5 stars :))
now i'm really curious to read the next book and hope i'll see Bryce and Nestor in action...yes,that'll be a "simple" wedding i guess ;))
now i'm really curious to read the next book and hope i'll see Bryce and Nestor in action...yes,that'll be a "simple" wedding i guess ;))
September 25, 2014
3.5
The boys were sweet, Casey was particularly awesome. Different tone than the first one, not as funny or hot. (Which does fit the plot of this installment.) I like Brandt & Donnelly's teasing. Looking forward to seeing Malcom meet his match.
The boys were sweet, Casey was particularly awesome. Different tone than the first one, not as funny or hot. (Which does fit the plot of this installment.) I like Brandt & Donnelly's teasing. Looking forward to seeing Malcom meet his match.
June 3, 2015
I liked this book as much as the first one. These books have been so sweet and hilarious. Sometimes the characters are too good to be true, but I still love them anyway. Can't wait to start the next one!
Want to read
August 6, 2016@dreamspinners: Hands up! Wrestling Demons by @XavierMayne is FREE for one hour in today's #tweetaway http://t.co/xjYXFTTFUD/s/Ywhj
Ends 11am EST 11/ 24/14
Ends 11am EST 11/ 24/14
October 1, 2015
Nice followup to Frat House Troopers. Just loved seeing most of the old cast of characters and new ones as well.
August 28, 2017
I loved seeing Brandt and Donnelly again with all their silly flirting. This time around they are investigating a series a videos of a high school wrestler from a very small and very backwards town.
Poor Jonah is trying so hard to hide from everyone, including himself, when a simple video in a locker room gives away his biggest secret. He feels trapped and alone and knows that once he is found out his life will be over. Then there is Casey who supports his best friend through everything, even when Jonah is sure that his secret will chase Casey away. I struggled a little with Casey's easy acceptance of some very big changes. I total did not buy Jonah's father's change of heart; it was not at all believable.
The best part of this whole story are Bryce and Nester who are back and just as ridiculous as ever.
Poor Jonah is trying so hard to hide from everyone, including himself, when a simple video in a locker room gives away his biggest secret. He feels trapped and alone and knows that once he is found out his life will be over. Then there is Casey who supports his best friend through everything, even when Jonah is sure that his secret will chase Casey away. I struggled a little with Casey's easy acceptance of some very big changes. I total did not buy Jonah's father's change of heart; it was not at all believable.
The best part of this whole story are Bryce and Nester who are back and just as ridiculous as ever.
November 5, 2014
This is a fantastic series. I really enjoyed the first installment, Frat House Troopers. And like with the first story I underestimated the book. I thought cute, sexy, fun, silly. And it was all of those things, but there was an emotional depth to the characters, plot, scenes, and writing that was a wonderful surprise.
Gabriel and Ethan share the story and POV’s with Jonah and Casey, two young men who have been best friends since they were little littles. They take a predominant role in the telling of this book.
This story continues with our intrepid duo from the first book in the series with guest moments with the hilarious Bryce and Nestor.
It was great to see Ethan and Gabriel again. I love the dynamics of their relationship, they are true partners in every sense and in every aspect of their lives. They are a well balanced couple and are deeply in love.
Since the odd circumstances of their coming out as a couple created a bit of a sensation, and as some of the only “out” gay men in their area in the state troopers they tend to catch some odd cases. Cases that need some special handling and discretion. When they receive a call for help from the rural area that Gabriel comes from they find themselves traveling to a town that seems determined to remain in the 1950’s when it comes to social awareness and acceptance.
Jonah is a skilled wrestler with plans to use that gift to get into college and out of his small town. When some compromising videos wind up on the internet his future and all of his relationships are in jeopardy. As the hits keep coming and things seem to only get worse Jonah begins to despair. Luckily his lifelong best friend, Casey is in his corner and keeping him sane. When the worst happens and his secret is revealed Jonah is going to need Casey more than ever.
Casey is amazing. He is the best friend ever. When it comes to Jonah and Casey saying that they will do anything, be anything, can survive anything together, they are not just spouting trite lines. They have been through so much together and they are facing some serious challenges and yet there is no question that these two friends will weather the storms. And if they can be smart enough, strong enough and stay true to themselves and each other, they just might find that they are victorious in the best ways possible.
The relationships that are built in this story are ones that can last lifetimes. The way that people rallied behind the young men was heartening. Especially in the face of so much anger and prejudice. One of the things that I truly appreciated about the author’s take on the overly religious and bigoted views of some of the people in this story was that it was balanced. While there were no pulled punches when it came to the vitriol and insanity that can arise when religion and sex mix, there was also time and credit given to people’s need for faith and that there are many options when it comes to finding acceptance in religious communities. Not everyone was looking to destroy. There was hope and acceptance when they looked for them.
I can only hope that Brandt and Donnelly will continue to give us awesome cases and loving romance for many books to come. I would love to be able to see more of Jonah and Casey as well, and of course Bryce and Nestor. I so enjoy this world and all of the people that I have met here. It is a sweet, charming, romantic, loving, emotional, insightful and funny time every time I come here. I think it is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to visit.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
Gabriel and Ethan share the story and POV’s with Jonah and Casey, two young men who have been best friends since they were little littles. They take a predominant role in the telling of this book.
This story continues with our intrepid duo from the first book in the series with guest moments with the hilarious Bryce and Nestor.
“Bryce is unbelievable,” Jonah said.
“Yeah, I think if we tried to explain what he’s like to the people back in Woodley, they wouldn’t believe us. He’s like a big gay unicorn—no one would think he actually exists.”
It was great to see Ethan and Gabriel again. I love the dynamics of their relationship, they are true partners in every sense and in every aspect of their lives. They are a well balanced couple and are deeply in love.
Donnelly, who had been reaching for the door, stepped back from it and stood toe-to-toe with Brandt. “Ethan, you know perfectly well you have ruined me for other men. No one will ever make me feel the way you do. You are the only man I have ever loved, or ever will. Got that?”
Brandt blushed and grinned. “Yeah. But it’s nice to hear sometimes too. I love you, Gabriel.”
Since the odd circumstances of their coming out as a couple created a bit of a sensation, and as some of the only “out” gay men in their area in the state troopers they tend to catch some odd cases. Cases that need some special handling and discretion. When they receive a call for help from the rural area that Gabriel comes from they find themselves traveling to a town that seems determined to remain in the 1950’s when it comes to social awareness and acceptance.
Jonah is a skilled wrestler with plans to use that gift to get into college and out of his small town. When some compromising videos wind up on the internet his future and all of his relationships are in jeopardy. As the hits keep coming and things seem to only get worse Jonah begins to despair. Luckily his lifelong best friend, Casey is in his corner and keeping him sane. When the worst happens and his secret is revealed Jonah is going to need Casey more than ever.
Casey is amazing. He is the best friend ever. When it comes to Jonah and Casey saying that they will do anything, be anything, can survive anything together, they are not just spouting trite lines. They have been through so much together and they are facing some serious challenges and yet there is no question that these two friends will weather the storms. And if they can be smart enough, strong enough and stay true to themselves and each other, they just might find that they are victorious in the best ways possible.
With a stifled sob, Jonah slumped as if the head-shaking refusal had exhausted him. He closed his eyes, forcing tears from them, and then nodded slowly. He looked over at Casey. “I’m sorry,” he said. Casey came to Jonah and pulled him into a hug. “No. You’re Jonah. Never be sorry to be who you are.”
The relationships that are built in this story are ones that can last lifetimes. The way that people rallied behind the young men was heartening. Especially in the face of so much anger and prejudice. One of the things that I truly appreciated about the author’s take on the overly religious and bigoted views of some of the people in this story was that it was balanced. While there were no pulled punches when it came to the vitriol and insanity that can arise when religion and sex mix, there was also time and credit given to people’s need for faith and that there are many options when it comes to finding acceptance in religious communities. Not everyone was looking to destroy. There was hope and acceptance when they looked for them.
Jonah was silent for a moment. “It was awful. I don’t think I can really describe it.” He gathered his thoughts, then continued. “It was like they had shaped God into a club they were going to beat me with until I told them I was straight. And the whole time they kept telling me they were doing it because they loved me and just wanted what was best for me.”
I can only hope that Brandt and Donnelly will continue to give us awesome cases and loving romance for many books to come. I would love to be able to see more of Jonah and Casey as well, and of course Bryce and Nestor. I so enjoy this world and all of the people that I have met here. It is a sweet, charming, romantic, loving, emotional, insightful and funny time every time I come here. I think it is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to visit.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
June 25, 2018
This book is mostly about Casey and Jonah, though we do see a lot of Brandt and Donnelly. This is not a bad thing as Casey and Jonah are too sweet for words.
Despite a huge chunk of this book dealing with homophobia, sexism, and bigotry to the nth degree, I found myself grinning and laughing out loud more than once. There is a ton of humour and heart in this book.
It wasn’t perfect; the police work was very sketchy. I would have liked better rounded characters for Jonah and Casey as they were both great at everything and seemed to have no flaws. However, I really enjoyed the book.
Despite a huge chunk of this book dealing with homophobia, sexism, and bigotry to the nth degree, I found myself grinning and laughing out loud more than once. There is a ton of humour and heart in this book.
It wasn’t perfect; the police work was very sketchy. I would have liked better rounded characters for Jonah and Casey as they were both great at everything and seemed to have no flaws. However, I really enjoyed the book.
May 24, 2019
I was surprised this time as I realized the MCs were still in their mid-twenties. I thought they were baby-gays themselves and yet they helped two newbornish babes! I loved Bryce and Nestor this time around. (Slinking around buildings and flowerpots to capture Casey and Jonah on their phones, it played out so well as I read. As they would say, "Fabulous!") This was just a wonderful and fun read!
December 27, 2024
Another excellent novel in which high school teens rally to the aid of their teammate who is outed on the web. A good example of young, modern values displacing outdated traditions and religion. It is a solid mystery story with clue after clue and the usual twists and turns. WARNING: The sex scenes are pretty graphic.
Read
April 7, 2021J'avais pas vraiment accroché à l'histoire du premier tome. Par contre, sur ce tome, la romance entre les deux policiers passe au second plan, et j'ai été touchée par l'histoire de Jonah et de Casey, et par les thèmes abordés.
La galerie de personnages secondaires est très sympa aussi.
La galerie de personnages secondaires est très sympa aussi.
June 10, 2014
This story demonstrates how pettiness, envy, purposeful indifference, and bigotry can erode all that is good within the human spirit. Yet, this tale also shows the powers of love, friendship, and acceptance, and how these things can lift a man to stand on his own, even against the whole world.
Jonah’s in a real pickle. Someone’s been taping his comings and goings at his high school locker room, and caught him naked several times—and then posted these videos online and showed them to everyone in his small town. What seemed like a small matter escalates into a full-blown witch hunt for deviants, the hate campaign lead by community leaders who are nothing more than bigots and religious rebel-rousers. The town sheriff and leaders engage the services of state troopers Brandt and Donnelly, who were the main characters in the first (standalone) story in the series, Frat House Troopers. The truth behind these vicious attacks against Jonah, the star wrestler of his school, is shown in a long case, with multiple suspects. The hypocrisy and double standard of this small town’s bigoted community comes through loud and clear as a bastion of ages gone by. Thankfully, not only does Jonah have his best friend Casey to give him courage, but his friends in the wrestling team show what is best in people as well.
The only point of view in the story we’re not getting is Jonah’s. We get the story mostly through Casey’s eyes, as he begins to realize the true reasons for Jonah’s discomfort about the public situation and for his own growing feelings. Basically, this is a friends-to-lovers story, with an emphasis on true love. These boys are quite talkative once they get their bearings, and I liked how they were willing to discuss what bothered them, including their attraction for one another. This is Jonah’s coming out story as much as it is Casey’s coming to his own story. Society’s need to put labels on everything, and dolling out hate against what is different, are shown in all their disgusting gore, how low adults can go. Jonah loses his family, but gains a new one from the gay community, displaying the ultimate truth that love is stronger than hate.
Brandt and Donnelly from the first book investigate this case, and learn quickly how the town works: A similar video scandal had occurred in the same school before, only with a girl in it, but that case was swept under the rug to protect a small town whose heroes are high school wrestlers who can do no wrong. The girl in question was ruined. Duplicity, anyone? This tale shows how things like this happen all the time. It’s real, it’s horrible, it’s unfair, it’s despicable in every sense. People are willing to aid Jonah, the innocent good boy wrestler, only as long as he remains that. But what happens when he turns out to be gay? Yeah, I think you can guess. The scene at the school rally (which turns into a riot, BTW) was absolutely mesmerizing, with some awesome results. For that scene alone this book was well worth reading.
Mr. Mayne is an excellent writer. The juxtapositions in this story ring true, realistic in every way. Brandt and Donnelly have a partnership with lots of sex while Jonah and Casey have a youthful friendship and their sex is tentative and new, an exploration. The younger generations have an openness and acceptance of differences, even in a high school setting, while the older ones rule with a distinct lack of understanding, plus with a lot of hatred, and moral lectures that wouldn’t know morals if it came up and bit them in the ass. At first, we are shown a lot of different characters, and a lot of potential suspects. Yet the pace never really gets bogged down; it flows with a simple ease that made me flip through the pages for two reasons: To find out the culprit and to see how Jonah and Casey’s slow-building romance progresses.
Long story short (too late!), Wrestling Demons is a realistic, compelling tale about two boys who learn some harsh truths about the world and their own community, but also learn some beautiful things about the nature of love. Mystery and crime buffs will also enjoy solving the case along with our state troopers. Highly recommended.
Jonah’s in a real pickle. Someone’s been taping his comings and goings at his high school locker room, and caught him naked several times—and then posted these videos online and showed them to everyone in his small town. What seemed like a small matter escalates into a full-blown witch hunt for deviants, the hate campaign lead by community leaders who are nothing more than bigots and religious rebel-rousers. The town sheriff and leaders engage the services of state troopers Brandt and Donnelly, who were the main characters in the first (standalone) story in the series, Frat House Troopers. The truth behind these vicious attacks against Jonah, the star wrestler of his school, is shown in a long case, with multiple suspects. The hypocrisy and double standard of this small town’s bigoted community comes through loud and clear as a bastion of ages gone by. Thankfully, not only does Jonah have his best friend Casey to give him courage, but his friends in the wrestling team show what is best in people as well.
The only point of view in the story we’re not getting is Jonah’s. We get the story mostly through Casey’s eyes, as he begins to realize the true reasons for Jonah’s discomfort about the public situation and for his own growing feelings. Basically, this is a friends-to-lovers story, with an emphasis on true love. These boys are quite talkative once they get their bearings, and I liked how they were willing to discuss what bothered them, including their attraction for one another. This is Jonah’s coming out story as much as it is Casey’s coming to his own story. Society’s need to put labels on everything, and dolling out hate against what is different, are shown in all their disgusting gore, how low adults can go. Jonah loses his family, but gains a new one from the gay community, displaying the ultimate truth that love is stronger than hate.
Brandt and Donnelly from the first book investigate this case, and learn quickly how the town works: A similar video scandal had occurred in the same school before, only with a girl in it, but that case was swept under the rug to protect a small town whose heroes are high school wrestlers who can do no wrong. The girl in question was ruined. Duplicity, anyone? This tale shows how things like this happen all the time. It’s real, it’s horrible, it’s unfair, it’s despicable in every sense. People are willing to aid Jonah, the innocent good boy wrestler, only as long as he remains that. But what happens when he turns out to be gay? Yeah, I think you can guess. The scene at the school rally (which turns into a riot, BTW) was absolutely mesmerizing, with some awesome results. For that scene alone this book was well worth reading.
Mr. Mayne is an excellent writer. The juxtapositions in this story ring true, realistic in every way. Brandt and Donnelly have a partnership with lots of sex while Jonah and Casey have a youthful friendship and their sex is tentative and new, an exploration. The younger generations have an openness and acceptance of differences, even in a high school setting, while the older ones rule with a distinct lack of understanding, plus with a lot of hatred, and moral lectures that wouldn’t know morals if it came up and bit them in the ass. At first, we are shown a lot of different characters, and a lot of potential suspects. Yet the pace never really gets bogged down; it flows with a simple ease that made me flip through the pages for two reasons: To find out the culprit and to see how Jonah and Casey’s slow-building romance progresses.
Long story short (too late!), Wrestling Demons is a realistic, compelling tale about two boys who learn some harsh truths about the world and their own community, but also learn some beautiful things about the nature of love. Mystery and crime buffs will also enjoy solving the case along with our state troopers. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2022
5 stars, love both couples a lot.
Well not much to say here, I liked the plot about the college friends facing the problem together and reading more about Brandt and Donnelly was really nice, gonna read this a lot more times after reading the first book again.
Well not much to say here, I liked the plot about the college friends facing the problem together and reading more about Brandt and Donnelly was really nice, gonna read this a lot more times after reading the first book again.
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