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Jeff Woods Mystery #2
Sacrifices
When he was outed on the local news, Jeff Woods gave up his dream job as a detective to become an on-air radio personality. The sacrifice was worth it to keep Alex and Sean in his life, but Alex lost his job, too. Jeff can tell Alex worries he’s pressuring Jeff too much, first with Sean and now the lack of money, but he has no idea what that will lead Alex to do. Desperate times bring out the stupidity in some people, and when Jeff discovers Alex is in over his head in a situation he can’t handle, he needs all his self-control to stay calm.
Life is not easy with the Church of Virtue still spouting venom wherever they go, homophobes at the police department, a gangster who wants Alex in the worst possible way, and a bed that barely holds one grown man, much less two (and a child), but Jeff is there to stay for good, and he’ll do what it takes to make Alex believe him.
Life is not easy with the Church of Virtue still spouting venom wherever they go, homophobes at the police department, a gangster who wants Alex in the worst possible way, and a bed that barely holds one grown man, much less two (and a child), but Jeff is there to stay for good, and he’ll do what it takes to make Alex believe him.
250 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2014
2 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Chris T. Kat
26 books208 followersChris T. Kat lives in the middle of Europe, together with her husband of many years and their two children. She stumbled upon the M/M genre by luck and was swiftly drawn into it. She divides her time between work, her family—which includes chasing after escaping horses and lugging around huge instruments such as a harp—and writing. She enjoys a variety of genres, such as mystery/suspense, paranormal, and romance. If there's any spare time, she happily reads for hours, listens to audiobooks, or crafts.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 30, 2014
3~3.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
SACRIFICES BY CHRIS T. KAT BLOG TOUR, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW!
Jeff Woods is back and – can you believe this? – he’s no longer a detective. Guess the Force was not okay with the gay and now he has a show on the radio, which he of course hates. He is also still in a relationship with his whit-blond angel and his brother – those two are a package deal if you don’t remember – but things are not going as well as they should. Trouble in Paradise? You got that right and then some.
So, let me say this up front and get rid with it. I disliked so many parts of this book I wonder how I liked it in the end. First of all, Jeff is no longer a detective. Come on, kill me now and throw me to the pigs. Why? Why be so cruel oh dear author?
Read the rest of the review here: http://networkedblogs.com/WrGX4
Thommie
Review written for MM Good book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
SACRIFICES BY CHRIS T. KAT BLOG TOUR, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW!
Jeff Woods is back and – can you believe this? – he’s no longer a detective. Guess the Force was not okay with the gay and now he has a show on the radio, which he of course hates. He is also still in a relationship with his whit-blond angel and his brother – those two are a package deal if you don’t remember – but things are not going as well as they should. Trouble in Paradise? You got that right and then some.
So, let me say this up front and get rid with it. I disliked so many parts of this book I wonder how I liked it in the end. First of all, Jeff is no longer a detective. Come on, kill me now and throw me to the pigs. Why? Why be so cruel oh dear author?
Read the rest of the review here: http://networkedblogs.com/WrGX4
Thommie
May 5, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
4.5 stars
Months after the events that happened in Attachment Strings, Jeff and Alex are just now starting to get back to normal. Granted if you can call struggling through constant threats from the Church of Virtue, Jeff forced into a job he hates and Alex out of a job altogether normal. Then there’s Sean, who’s nightmares over what he’s been through are just as bad now as they were six months ago, but they have each other and that’s all they want. But when Alex’s financial trouble causes him to do something stupid behind Jeff’s back, putting not only himself but Sean in danger, their lives are once again thrust upside down. Can they get through another dangerous situation or will this time prove more fatal than others?
Okay, so I will freely admit that the little recap above doesn’t do this book justice. I TRIED to explain as best I could what would happen without giving away spoilers but I fear I may have just made things worse. Even so, I wanted to elaborate a little more on what Sacrifices is about. So far, this one definitely was better than the previous book because there’s none of that back and forth of Alex and Jeff’s feelings as there was before. In this one, Jeff has fully embraced his love, possessiveness and jealousy for Alex and is all for showing it off. Jeff’s no longer that insensitive jerk he was but now is more domestic. He’s taking care of Sean like it’s second nature to him and doesn’t make any rude comments or have any nasty thoughts like he once had. Now, he’s sweet, loveable and, okay, he’s still arrogant and full of himself but I LOVED that he’s grown so much. This book showed a more in-depth side to who Jeff is now and I must say, I definitely love the change.
I still adore Alex. He’s young but he also has this innocence to him where he can’t quite see the worst in certain people. Yet, he’s been through so much you’d think he’d be jaded or bitter. Instead, he’s mostly just terrified of what could happen next and especially over the fact that Jeff will come to think of Alex and Sean as too much of a burden and leave. It’s sad, to be honest, but the way these boys felt toward each other made my heart clench. Another gem in this book is Sean, who’s a sweet, loveable kid but a very smart and observant one. He understands remarkably well what is going on around him and he actually made me tear up a little at the end! It was a good teary smile, though!
This was an almost perfect story for me. One that kept me captivated from start to finish because I loved the new developments between Jeff and Alex and what they had to go through once again. My only little niggle is that it was a little too easy for me to spot who the ‘new threat’ from the Church of Virtue was. Also, I felt like some of the resolutions were wrapped up too easily for my liking.
Even with that, though, I still really loved this book. I’m so glad we got to see more of Jeff, Alex and Sean, not to mention Parker and David. There’s a bit of suspense, some deception, quite a few sweet and fatherly moments (between Jeff and Sean, of course!) but there were also a lot of moments that made me grin. I can’t wait for the third installment because I really want to see what happens next! If you liked Attachment Strings then you’ll definitely enjoy this one as well :)
4.5 stars
Months after the events that happened in Attachment Strings, Jeff and Alex are just now starting to get back to normal. Granted if you can call struggling through constant threats from the Church of Virtue, Jeff forced into a job he hates and Alex out of a job altogether normal. Then there’s Sean, who’s nightmares over what he’s been through are just as bad now as they were six months ago, but they have each other and that’s all they want. But when Alex’s financial trouble causes him to do something stupid behind Jeff’s back, putting not only himself but Sean in danger, their lives are once again thrust upside down. Can they get through another dangerous situation or will this time prove more fatal than others?
Okay, so I will freely admit that the little recap above doesn’t do this book justice. I TRIED to explain as best I could what would happen without giving away spoilers but I fear I may have just made things worse. Even so, I wanted to elaborate a little more on what Sacrifices is about. So far, this one definitely was better than the previous book because there’s none of that back and forth of Alex and Jeff’s feelings as there was before. In this one, Jeff has fully embraced his love, possessiveness and jealousy for Alex and is all for showing it off. Jeff’s no longer that insensitive jerk he was but now is more domestic. He’s taking care of Sean like it’s second nature to him and doesn’t make any rude comments or have any nasty thoughts like he once had. Now, he’s sweet, loveable and, okay, he’s still arrogant and full of himself but I LOVED that he’s grown so much. This book showed a more in-depth side to who Jeff is now and I must say, I definitely love the change.
I still adore Alex. He’s young but he also has this innocence to him where he can’t quite see the worst in certain people. Yet, he’s been through so much you’d think he’d be jaded or bitter. Instead, he’s mostly just terrified of what could happen next and especially over the fact that Jeff will come to think of Alex and Sean as too much of a burden and leave. It’s sad, to be honest, but the way these boys felt toward each other made my heart clench. Another gem in this book is Sean, who’s a sweet, loveable kid but a very smart and observant one. He understands remarkably well what is going on around him and he actually made me tear up a little at the end! It was a good teary smile, though!
This was an almost perfect story for me. One that kept me captivated from start to finish because I loved the new developments between Jeff and Alex and what they had to go through once again. My only little niggle is that it was a little too easy for me to spot who the ‘new threat’ from the Church of Virtue was. Also, I felt like some of the resolutions were wrapped up too easily for my liking.
Even with that, though, I still really loved this book. I’m so glad we got to see more of Jeff, Alex and Sean, not to mention Parker and David. There’s a bit of suspense, some deception, quite a few sweet and fatherly moments (between Jeff and Sean, of course!) but there were also a lot of moments that made me grin. I can’t wait for the third installment because I really want to see what happens next! If you liked Attachment Strings then you’ll definitely enjoy this one as well :)
October 21, 2014
I'm going to add this to the start of every applicable review. I hate when the guy giggles. Giggle is something I associate with teen girls. Why not laugh, grin, chuckle, smile all better alternatives than Alex that giggles the whole time.
What happened to Alex? He became emotionally unstable and an idiot. Seriously I have never gambled and I know the risk associated with lone sharks. Also using his age as justification felt wrong. I'm 23 and would never be so reckless. It almost felt that he got a Sugar Daddy in Jeff and just stopped working and started gambling. Never mind all the lying. He cries and pouts the whole time. Perhaps he has the maturity of someone of 14. He is so afraid he shakes likes a leaf yet confronts the man after Jeff told him to stay away. He endangered his brother in the previous novel and now again. Seriously, while Jeff has become a better character, Alex has become terrible.
I just wanted to say naïveté is not the the same as stupidity. Ex. Going to someone you know is dangerous and not telling your partner is stupid. Not naïve. Running away from people trying to help you? Arghh stupidity of this magnitude frustrates me.
I feel Alex never actually faced his actions. He decisions got a cop shot. Another person murdered where he refused to help the police. Used his brothers money to pay his gambling debts. He doesn't want Jeff to leave him, unless he decides to run off and do his own things. His whole persona felt manipulative.
On a side note, Jeff immediately became hostile after William made a semi homophobic remark. It didn't even offend me that much. Jeff said far worse about Sean. Later on the next page he even said something kind. Remarks like that are sometimes meant without offense. The only way to overcome bigotry is to help each other learn our differences and overcome it.
The David Parker secret is obvious. With the previous books "pup" and now with the "boy" add to the fact that Alex hinted that Parker liked a belt to his hide. Obviously David is Parker's Dom
I loved the previous novel, and this one was good despite all Alex shortcomings. The story was good, I just could have done without the idiocy. Still deciding on a rating, just wanted to get the rant of my chest. Decided on 2.5 rounded down.
What happened to Alex? He became emotionally unstable and an idiot. Seriously I have never gambled and I know the risk associated with lone sharks. Also using his age as justification felt wrong. I'm 23 and would never be so reckless. It almost felt that he got a Sugar Daddy in Jeff and just stopped working and started gambling. Never mind all the lying. He cries and pouts the whole time. Perhaps he has the maturity of someone of 14. He is so afraid he shakes likes a leaf yet confronts the man after Jeff told him to stay away. He endangered his brother in the previous novel and now again. Seriously, while Jeff has become a better character, Alex has become terrible.
I just wanted to say naïveté is not the the same as stupidity. Ex. Going to someone you know is dangerous and not telling your partner is stupid. Not naïve. Running away from people trying to help you? Arghh stupidity of this magnitude frustrates me.
I feel Alex never actually faced his actions. He decisions got a cop shot. Another person murdered where he refused to help the police. Used his brothers money to pay his gambling debts. He doesn't want Jeff to leave him, unless he decides to run off and do his own things. His whole persona felt manipulative.
On a side note, Jeff immediately became hostile after William made a semi homophobic remark. It didn't even offend me that much. Jeff said far worse about Sean. Later on the next page he even said something kind. Remarks like that are sometimes meant without offense. The only way to overcome bigotry is to help each other learn our differences and overcome it.
The David Parker secret is obvious. With the previous books "pup" and now with the "boy" add to the fact that Alex hinted that Parker liked a belt to his hide. Obviously David is Parker's Dom
I loved the previous novel, and this one was good despite all Alex shortcomings. The story was good, I just could have done without the idiocy. Still deciding on a rating, just wanted to get the rant of my chest. Decided on 2.5 rounded down.
April 30, 2014
This is part of my four and a half star review. I have rounded up on the rating :-). Please read my full review on the Smoocher's Voice blog: http://www.smoochersvoice.com/2014/04...
With Attachment Strings and Sacrifices, Chris T. Kat has written a realistic love story between people who have had a difficult time fitting into society and accepting love. Real life is messy and Kat explores this concept in this series. Both Alex and Jeff are battling internal and external demons. In between the love and tension, Kat throws in quite a bit of drama. She also tackles homophobia and prejudice against the differently abled in a dramatic way.
Sacrifices is written in first person point of view from Jeff’s perspective. As a result of this, Alex’s thoughts and motivations are often hidden from the reader. His actions and conversations with the other characters are the readers only hint into what is going on within his insecure and immature mind
Kat has a talent for writing sparse prose and engaging dialogue. There is a lot present between the lines of the story, especially when it comes to Alex. The background of the characters is paramount for understanding their actions. The dialogue and sex scenes are intimate and help the reader better understand the characters’ motivations. The subplots in the story help develop the characters’ personalities and help explain some of their seemingly erratic behaviors. Drama with a side of romance makes Sacrifices an engaging story.
With Attachment Strings and Sacrifices, Chris T. Kat has written a realistic love story between people who have had a difficult time fitting into society and accepting love. Real life is messy and Kat explores this concept in this series. Both Alex and Jeff are battling internal and external demons. In between the love and tension, Kat throws in quite a bit of drama. She also tackles homophobia and prejudice against the differently abled in a dramatic way.
Sacrifices is written in first person point of view from Jeff’s perspective. As a result of this, Alex’s thoughts and motivations are often hidden from the reader. His actions and conversations with the other characters are the readers only hint into what is going on within his insecure and immature mind
Kat has a talent for writing sparse prose and engaging dialogue. There is a lot present between the lines of the story, especially when it comes to Alex. The background of the characters is paramount for understanding their actions. The dialogue and sex scenes are intimate and help the reader better understand the characters’ motivations. The subplots in the story help develop the characters’ personalities and help explain some of their seemingly erratic behaviors. Drama with a side of romance makes Sacrifices an engaging story.
April 29, 2016
I'm gonna round this up to a 4.
I came into this book with a bad attitude. I hated Jeff in the first book, and I didn't think I could get past it. But, I've forgiven him, for his asshole start. I kinda like his caveman ways. This time around, he was pretty good with Sean. Most of all, he had fallen for the kid, and was learning how to be helpful. He was a lot more patient. So, after seeing him be protective of both Alex and Sean, I forgave him, and he kinda grew on me.
Alex...WTF? Love they guy, but REALLY? What a mess. But, at least the two decided to communicate, and made some progress. This time around, I think they are a pretty good fit for each other. I felt the love this time.
I came into this book with a bad attitude. I hated Jeff in the first book, and I didn't think I could get past it. But, I've forgiven him, for his asshole start. I kinda like his caveman ways. This time around, he was pretty good with Sean. Most of all, he had fallen for the kid, and was learning how to be helpful. He was a lot more patient. So, after seeing him be protective of both Alex and Sean, I forgave him, and he kinda grew on me.
Alex...WTF? Love they guy, but REALLY? What a mess. But, at least the two decided to communicate, and made some progress. This time around, I think they are a pretty good fit for each other. I felt the love this time.
June 5, 2014
When I read Attachment Strings last year, I have to admit I hated Jeff. There were so many things he said and did that made me want to slap him, he was such an insensitive SOB. (I tend to get very involved in the books that I am reading.) But by the end of that novel, while I hadn't completely forgiven him for his sins, I was feeling more inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt and I loved Alex and Sean so I wanted to read the next novel when it came out.
Read the rest of the review:
Love Bytes
Read the rest of the review:
Love Bytes
December 9, 2014
B+
The second Jeff Woods mystery, Sacrifices, picks up six months after Attachment Strings ends. I’m not divulging any spoilers by pointing out that the narrative gets off to an unexpected start because Jeff is no longer a police detective (the cover blurb reveals this). Indeed, I was rather curious how this new mystery series was going to work with this sudden change. How will our intrepid hero Jeff solve mysteries if he’s no longer a detective?
This is a bit of a lingering question until the very end of the book because the second novel in this series does not really focus on a case or a major mystery. The evil Church of Virtue rears its ugly head again but this ends up being a minor (and somewhat tacked on) part of the main story. This sequel instead delves deeply into the domestic and emotional lives of Jeff, Alex, and Alex’s younger disabled brother Sean. By the conclusion of Attachment Strings, Jeff had turned a major corner as a character after realizing his love for Alex and committing himself wholeheartedly to their relationship—one that necessarily also includes Sean. Six months later, it’s clear to the reader that Jeff is still in this 100% but Alex isn’t convinced and has a great deal of anxiety about what Jeff gets outs of being together with him and Sean. This is compounded by the fact that Alex feels some guilt over Jeff leaving the police force after being so publicly outed in the first book, as well as the fact that he also lost his job and has been unemployed for some time. Sean is also having his own difficulties dealing with the trauma he experienced in the first book, and this adds further strain to the couple’s relationship and everyday lives.
I really enjoyed the fact that this book gave me a stronger sense of Alex as a character. He has a more significant role in this story as his youth and vulnerability lead him into making some impetuous and disastrous decisions to try to deal with his problems rather than communicating with Jeff and asking for help. I’ll admit that I found some of his behavior trying to say the least, but not entirely surprising given his age (23) and his situation. In this respect, I (as a reader in her 30s) identified more with Jeff’s exasperation as Alex’s older partner. Time and time again though, Jeff steps up to the plate in this novel and proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a partner Alex can rely on. In contrast to the first book, Jeff is far more likeable and relatable in this one. His relationship with Alex and Sean has changed him—and for the better. Other characters see this as well and point it out to Jeff who as usual is (cutely!) oblivious. He’s still a cocky and bossy alpha male a lot of the time, but Jeff has a mushy soft side that is absolutely adorable. He has become a committed romantic partner who is willing to do almost anything for Alex, and a loving father to Sean. Things are not easy for the couple in this book, but you as the reader are rooting for them the whole way.
This novel very effectively shows how and why Jeff and Alex function so much better together when they communicate. Of course, each of them has a backstory that makes it difficult for them to do just that. I’ll admit I was a little disappointed that Chris T. Kat didn’t give us a bit more insight into Jeff’s past. We got a few glimpses in the first book that left me wanting to learn more (I enjoy an alpha with a tragic history!) but there was no more elaboration on this in the sequel. I guess I’ll have to wait for the next book and hope there’s more in the third installment. In Sacrifices we do, however, get a few adorable moments when it is clear to everyone but Jeff that his unwittingly tender and caring actions reveal his true feelings for Alex and Sean, even if he can’t always come out and say them. I really enjoyed these squee-worthy moments!
I was thrilled to see that Jeff’s former detective partner Parker (yay!) plays a bigger role in this story. He helps remind Jeff that Alex is young and sometimes does stupid things like most young people do. He also takes risks and backs Jeff up whenever he needs help. It’s clear that even though they aren’t officially working together any longer, Parker and Jeff have maintained and even evolved their friendship. At the same time, Parker has become a good friend to Alex and the two understand one another—and Jeff—in important ways. David, Parker’s boyfriend, also makes more of an appearance in this book and is an important steadying force for Jeff, Alex, Parker, and Sean. By the end of the narrative there are some very exciting new developments going on with this cast of characters that I’ve become far more attached to, and I can’t wait to see where book three will take them!
Reviewed by Sparks
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
The second Jeff Woods mystery, Sacrifices, picks up six months after Attachment Strings ends. I’m not divulging any spoilers by pointing out that the narrative gets off to an unexpected start because Jeff is no longer a police detective (the cover blurb reveals this). Indeed, I was rather curious how this new mystery series was going to work with this sudden change. How will our intrepid hero Jeff solve mysteries if he’s no longer a detective?
This is a bit of a lingering question until the very end of the book because the second novel in this series does not really focus on a case or a major mystery. The evil Church of Virtue rears its ugly head again but this ends up being a minor (and somewhat tacked on) part of the main story. This sequel instead delves deeply into the domestic and emotional lives of Jeff, Alex, and Alex’s younger disabled brother Sean. By the conclusion of Attachment Strings, Jeff had turned a major corner as a character after realizing his love for Alex and committing himself wholeheartedly to their relationship—one that necessarily also includes Sean. Six months later, it’s clear to the reader that Jeff is still in this 100% but Alex isn’t convinced and has a great deal of anxiety about what Jeff gets outs of being together with him and Sean. This is compounded by the fact that Alex feels some guilt over Jeff leaving the police force after being so publicly outed in the first book, as well as the fact that he also lost his job and has been unemployed for some time. Sean is also having his own difficulties dealing with the trauma he experienced in the first book, and this adds further strain to the couple’s relationship and everyday lives.
I really enjoyed the fact that this book gave me a stronger sense of Alex as a character. He has a more significant role in this story as his youth and vulnerability lead him into making some impetuous and disastrous decisions to try to deal with his problems rather than communicating with Jeff and asking for help. I’ll admit that I found some of his behavior trying to say the least, but not entirely surprising given his age (23) and his situation. In this respect, I (as a reader in her 30s) identified more with Jeff’s exasperation as Alex’s older partner. Time and time again though, Jeff steps up to the plate in this novel and proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a partner Alex can rely on. In contrast to the first book, Jeff is far more likeable and relatable in this one. His relationship with Alex and Sean has changed him—and for the better. Other characters see this as well and point it out to Jeff who as usual is (cutely!) oblivious. He’s still a cocky and bossy alpha male a lot of the time, but Jeff has a mushy soft side that is absolutely adorable. He has become a committed romantic partner who is willing to do almost anything for Alex, and a loving father to Sean. Things are not easy for the couple in this book, but you as the reader are rooting for them the whole way.
This novel very effectively shows how and why Jeff and Alex function so much better together when they communicate. Of course, each of them has a backstory that makes it difficult for them to do just that. I’ll admit I was a little disappointed that Chris T. Kat didn’t give us a bit more insight into Jeff’s past. We got a few glimpses in the first book that left me wanting to learn more (I enjoy an alpha with a tragic history!) but there was no more elaboration on this in the sequel. I guess I’ll have to wait for the next book and hope there’s more in the third installment. In Sacrifices we do, however, get a few adorable moments when it is clear to everyone but Jeff that his unwittingly tender and caring actions reveal his true feelings for Alex and Sean, even if he can’t always come out and say them. I really enjoyed these squee-worthy moments!
I was thrilled to see that Jeff’s former detective partner Parker (yay!) plays a bigger role in this story. He helps remind Jeff that Alex is young and sometimes does stupid things like most young people do. He also takes risks and backs Jeff up whenever he needs help. It’s clear that even though they aren’t officially working together any longer, Parker and Jeff have maintained and even evolved their friendship. At the same time, Parker has become a good friend to Alex and the two understand one another—and Jeff—in important ways. David, Parker’s boyfriend, also makes more of an appearance in this book and is an important steadying force for Jeff, Alex, Parker, and Sean. By the end of the narrative there are some very exciting new developments going on with this cast of characters that I’ve become far more attached to, and I can’t wait to see where book three will take them!
Reviewed by Sparks
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
October 8, 2019
In just wow!
I love this story. I fell in love with Jeff , Alex and Sean in the first book, Attachment Strings. Both books were interesting and exciting.
I love this story. I fell in love with Jeff , Alex and Sean in the first book, Attachment Strings. Both books were interesting and exciting.
May 2, 2014
A bit frustrating and disappointing
Why, you might wonder? Because I liked the first book in this series so very much. This 2nd book felt subpar to me.
A bit of the story: Jeff and Alex are still struggling with the emotional and practical aftermath of what happened to them (and Sean) six months before or so. Alex lost his job and Jeff resigned his position as police detective and now has a radio programm. As a consequence of some bad decisions, Alex falls in the sight (and hands) of a very very bad Russian kingpin, very much a la mode of Bond's villains, forcing Jeff and his detective pal Parker to jump in his rescue. Nothing wrong with it, after all it's supposed to be entertainment , not Kierkegaard. And I love me some Bond, specially Daniel Yummy Craig.
While Jeff is still the same jerk, a tad more sensitive but thick and uber dense as ever, Alex has mutated into a TSTL young man. He lies to everybody, take idiotic risks putting lifes in danger, appears overly clingy and needy and spends his time whimpering and crying. His character isn't naive, don't be fooled. He's just an infuriating imbecile. I lost count of all the times he whimpers, cries or hides behind his beautiful white slash blond tresses (insert toll eyes here).
In conclusion, he's stupider than the villain and the thugs. I disliked him a lot, for moments I wished somebody would finally kill him so to end our misery.
The plot is ridiculous, it's implausibility is up there with the possibility of an immediate apocalypse led by zombie baby Jesus. Furthermore, it develops into a farce. And the mole and "real" baddie of the story: Could he have been even more obvious? Nope. Seems like the author, for her plot, took hints from Ty & Zane recent debacle. In three words: the plot sucks.
What I liked: Ms. Kat writes well, very well. In spite of the aforementioned sucking issues, the story is dynamic, fast, entertaining and fun.Jeff is a wonderful character, original and very vivid. Thickheaded and denser than black matter, but intense and likeable. The secondary characters are great as well, Sean the handicapped child and Parker the cop. There are no typos, misspellings, mistakes or other editing issues.
Recapitulating: plot: risible. Alex: whimpering dimwit. Still an engaging read, mostly because of Jeff. I will get the next book because I want to read more about them and I want to know what's the deal with Parker and his boyfriend. I hope Alex will be written with a backbone next time! I was so disappointed with way he was written that I went back and read again "attachment strings". I suspected I might have RUI ( read under the influence) :-) but no, he was a bit of a wuss, yes sir, but here he conquests the Everest of imbecility. He needs to man up.
Anyways, another day, another review.
Why, you might wonder? Because I liked the first book in this series so very much. This 2nd book felt subpar to me.
A bit of the story: Jeff and Alex are still struggling with the emotional and practical aftermath of what happened to them (and Sean) six months before or so. Alex lost his job and Jeff resigned his position as police detective and now has a radio programm. As a consequence of some bad decisions, Alex falls in the sight (and hands) of a very very bad Russian kingpin, very much a la mode of Bond's villains, forcing Jeff and his detective pal Parker to jump in his rescue. Nothing wrong with it, after all it's supposed to be entertainment , not Kierkegaard. And I love me some Bond, specially Daniel Yummy Craig.
While Jeff is still the same jerk, a tad more sensitive but thick and uber dense as ever, Alex has mutated into a TSTL young man. He lies to everybody, take idiotic risks putting lifes in danger, appears overly clingy and needy and spends his time whimpering and crying. His character isn't naive, don't be fooled. He's just an infuriating imbecile. I lost count of all the times he whimpers, cries or hides behind his beautiful white slash blond tresses (insert toll eyes here).
In conclusion, he's stupider than the villain and the thugs. I disliked him a lot, for moments I wished somebody would finally kill him so to end our misery.
The plot is ridiculous, it's implausibility is up there with the possibility of an immediate apocalypse led by zombie baby Jesus. Furthermore, it develops into a farce. And the mole and "real" baddie of the story: Could he have been even more obvious? Nope. Seems like the author, for her plot, took hints from Ty & Zane recent debacle. In three words: the plot sucks.
What I liked: Ms. Kat writes well, very well. In spite of the aforementioned sucking issues, the story is dynamic, fast, entertaining and fun.Jeff is a wonderful character, original and very vivid. Thickheaded and denser than black matter, but intense and likeable. The secondary characters are great as well, Sean the handicapped child and Parker the cop. There are no typos, misspellings, mistakes or other editing issues.
Recapitulating: plot: risible. Alex: whimpering dimwit. Still an engaging read, mostly because of Jeff. I will get the next book because I want to read more about them and I want to know what's the deal with Parker and his boyfriend. I hope Alex will be written with a backbone next time! I was so disappointed with way he was written that I went back and read again "attachment strings". I suspected I might have RUI ( read under the influence) :-) but no, he was a bit of a wuss, yes sir, but here he conquests the Everest of imbecility. He needs to man up.
Anyways, another day, another review.
May 10, 2015
I love the interactions between the characters. So real. I love Sean and how realistic he is. It's all very believable to me.
Hospital scene already!!
A big city ER doctor in as decadent a tourist Mecca as Atlantic city wouldn't be that uneasy around a gay couple. He would have seen it plenty of times. He might be homophobic, but he wouldn't stutter trying to know what to say. They can handle telling a mother her twelve year old was shot by his best friend and died. They can handle using the word "boyfriend" without looking really uncomfortable.
Painkillers are not in the bag. They are added through the tubes port straight to the vein.
Twenty three is not that young to be that naive. He's a parent which makes you grow up fast.
Why do people put in steel doors when someone breaks in? It's not the door that's the problem, it's the frame, lock, and/or hinges.
Why would he close the door to pee? Men pee in front of strangers every day and this is his terrified lover.
I think a police officer would hesitate before breaking into a mans house.
A lot of the dialog isn't right. The cop says, "About whom would I be speaking..." and the uneducated young guy says, "He had an orgasm while..." No he came while. And who would I be talking about. It's casual speech. I appreciate grammatically correct text but dialog is different
CPS is just not that gung ho to take kids away from families. It costs way too much to put a kid in an institution and the state would have to pay for it. They frequently leave kids in dangerous situations because it's a lot of work and difficult to prove to judges that kids need to be in out of home care. They also wouldn't call the same day. The bureaucracy is much slower than that.
Not a "top" in the BDSM community, a Dom.
Why didn't they address that he gave the trust money to Bloc?
So much wonderful peril. So much avowed love but mostly it feels natural. Great mystery.
Hospital scene already!!
A big city ER doctor in as decadent a tourist Mecca as Atlantic city wouldn't be that uneasy around a gay couple. He would have seen it plenty of times. He might be homophobic, but he wouldn't stutter trying to know what to say. They can handle telling a mother her twelve year old was shot by his best friend and died. They can handle using the word "boyfriend" without looking really uncomfortable.
Painkillers are not in the bag. They are added through the tubes port straight to the vein.
Twenty three is not that young to be that naive. He's a parent which makes you grow up fast.
Why do people put in steel doors when someone breaks in? It's not the door that's the problem, it's the frame, lock, and/or hinges.
Why would he close the door to pee? Men pee in front of strangers every day and this is his terrified lover.
I think a police officer would hesitate before breaking into a mans house.
A lot of the dialog isn't right. The cop says, "About whom would I be speaking..." and the uneducated young guy says, "He had an orgasm while..." No he came while. And who would I be talking about. It's casual speech. I appreciate grammatically correct text but dialog is different
CPS is just not that gung ho to take kids away from families. It costs way too much to put a kid in an institution and the state would have to pay for it. They frequently leave kids in dangerous situations because it's a lot of work and difficult to prove to judges that kids need to be in out of home care. They also wouldn't call the same day. The bureaucracy is much slower than that.
Not a "top" in the BDSM community, a Dom.
Why didn't they address that he gave the trust money to Bloc?
So much wonderful peril. So much avowed love but mostly it feels natural. Great mystery.
January 23, 2015
Wow! What a difference between Book 1 (Attachment Strings (AS) which I loathed) and this one which was really good! I'm stunned! The execution of the plot was so much better. Although the dialogue was still a bit awkwardly worded for me. And I really disliked Parker. For a Detective, he's unprofessional, annoying, inappropriate, unrealistic and so NOT FUNNY when he talked in circles and evaded simple questions asked of him by Jeff, if that is what the author was trying for. It drove me crazy to read.
The biggest "WOW" difference from AS to this book was Jeff. He went from being an uncaring, unsympathetic, at times cruel, judgmental asshole, to being the almost perfect loving boyfriend and caregiver to Alex & Sean. There were times when he still cringed at Sean but usually that was due to bodily fluids which I find completely normal and felt a bit jealous of him due to he and Alex's close relationship. However, my biggest complaint regarding his character growth is we don't get to see how it came about or why! There is a six month gap between books. I really needed to know why he was so prejudiced in the first place (which was not revealed in AS), and how he worked through it to get to the point where he was perfectly comfortable taking care of Sean and having affection for him.
And the best part of this story is Sean, my little angel...he had me in tears so many times. And even Jeff cried over him too which made me sob more, and Alex's drama. He was the most realistically written character in this book. Everything he did in this story (which brought trouble into their lives) I could totally see a 23 y/o young man with his background do. I was right there with Jeff feeling the same emotions. But Parker....man....I wanted to throat punch him so many times. He was so annoying!
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. Made my heart very happy.
The biggest "WOW" difference from AS to this book was Jeff. He went from being an uncaring, unsympathetic, at times cruel, judgmental asshole, to being the almost perfect loving boyfriend and caregiver to Alex & Sean. There were times when he still cringed at Sean but usually that was due to bodily fluids which I find completely normal and felt a bit jealous of him due to he and Alex's close relationship. However, my biggest complaint regarding his character growth is we don't get to see how it came about or why! There is a six month gap between books. I really needed to know why he was so prejudiced in the first place (which was not revealed in AS), and how he worked through it to get to the point where he was perfectly comfortable taking care of Sean and having affection for him.
And the best part of this story is Sean, my little angel...he had me in tears so many times. And even Jeff cried over him too which made me sob more, and Alex's drama. He was the most realistically written character in this book. Everything he did in this story (which brought trouble into their lives) I could totally see a 23 y/o young man with his background do. I was right there with Jeff feeling the same emotions. But Parker....man....I wanted to throat punch him so many times. He was so annoying!
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. Made my heart very happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2016
*This review will be word-for-word as that contained within the Collection - Jeff Woods Mysteries*
This one will be quick.
Grammar wise, there were no issues that I could see. Not even a repeated action, like in the first story. The only things I spotted were a few mistaken word usages and a few sayings written out in a strange way. The plot made sense, there were no plot holes and the characters didn't wildly deviate from the personalities displayed in book 1. All of these are great things.
Thankfully, Jeff's personality took a major sky rocket in this one. Gone were the horrible displays of prejudice against disabled children, thanks to his growing relationship with Sean. Similarly, Parker vastly improved, thanks to David's influence and, although Alex became a little more clingy and cried more than usual, he was still the best character of the bunch.
This story also had more consistency, with equal parts action and romance. The case was a little more complex, but I still knew who did it much earlier than I should have. I can't say whether that's because it was as obvious as the case in book 1 or that I'm a big crime fan, so I notice the signs better.
The only plot aspect that irritated me was the constant bickering between Jeff and Alex. There was a lot of it in book 1, but that amplified in this one. As did the many sex scenes. Their relationship was in more turmoil now than in book 1, when they were fighting their attraction for one another. I don't think it made as much sense, in this book, as all of the issues could have been solved easily by just talking about them and being smart.
Other than that, I can't say much without ruining the plot, so I'll leave it at this – the romance wasn't as heavy, the action and crime was more equal and the characters were just as good as the previous story.
This one will be quick.
Grammar wise, there were no issues that I could see. Not even a repeated action, like in the first story. The only things I spotted were a few mistaken word usages and a few sayings written out in a strange way. The plot made sense, there were no plot holes and the characters didn't wildly deviate from the personalities displayed in book 1. All of these are great things.
Thankfully, Jeff's personality took a major sky rocket in this one. Gone were the horrible displays of prejudice against disabled children, thanks to his growing relationship with Sean. Similarly, Parker vastly improved, thanks to David's influence and, although Alex became a little more clingy and cried more than usual, he was still the best character of the bunch.
This story also had more consistency, with equal parts action and romance. The case was a little more complex, but I still knew who did it much earlier than I should have. I can't say whether that's because it was as obvious as the case in book 1 or that I'm a big crime fan, so I notice the signs better.
The only plot aspect that irritated me was the constant bickering between Jeff and Alex. There was a lot of it in book 1, but that amplified in this one. As did the many sex scenes. Their relationship was in more turmoil now than in book 1, when they were fighting their attraction for one another. I don't think it made as much sense, in this book, as all of the issues could have been solved easily by just talking about them and being smart.
Other than that, I can't say much without ruining the plot, so I'll leave it at this – the romance wasn't as heavy, the action and crime was more equal and the characters were just as good as the previous story.
September 10, 2016
I’m not a fan of cop books; they are just not a type of book that I enjoy. But I have read books by this author in the past so I figured I would give this author a shot.
Once I started reading this book, I realized that I have read the first book in this series in the past and I was a bit worried because I wasn’t sure if this was a standalone, since it had been so long since I have read the first one. But thankfully, by the end of the first chapter, it all came back to me and I remembered what had happened in the previous book. On that note, if you haven’t read the first book in the series, you can still read this one. Even though it has the same characters in it, there is enough back story in this one that you don’t have to read the first one. But, if you’re like me, you are going to want to go back and read it.
There’s tons of action, drama, and suspense taking place in this book. But there is also a lot of romance, fear, and love in it as well.
I really enjoyed Jeff’s character; he has really started to grow on me throughout this book. With Alex’s character though, I had a bit of a problem with at times. It just felt like he was extremely needing and considering he had been on his own, and raising his brother, for so long, I felt like he should have been more comfortable with himself. Sean’s character was just so sweet, the author did an amazing job writing his character because you couldn’t help but love him.
Overall, I would say that if you enjoy reading cop books, you should really check this book out. And even if you’re not sure about cop books, you should still give it a shot because it’s that well written of a story.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
Once I started reading this book, I realized that I have read the first book in this series in the past and I was a bit worried because I wasn’t sure if this was a standalone, since it had been so long since I have read the first one. But thankfully, by the end of the first chapter, it all came back to me and I remembered what had happened in the previous book. On that note, if you haven’t read the first book in the series, you can still read this one. Even though it has the same characters in it, there is enough back story in this one that you don’t have to read the first one. But, if you’re like me, you are going to want to go back and read it.
There’s tons of action, drama, and suspense taking place in this book. But there is also a lot of romance, fear, and love in it as well.
I really enjoyed Jeff’s character; he has really started to grow on me throughout this book. With Alex’s character though, I had a bit of a problem with at times. It just felt like he was extremely needing and considering he had been on his own, and raising his brother, for so long, I felt like he should have been more comfortable with himself. Sean’s character was just so sweet, the author did an amazing job writing his character because you couldn’t help but love him.
Overall, I would say that if you enjoy reading cop books, you should really check this book out. And even if you’re not sure about cop books, you should still give it a shot because it’s that well written of a story.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
February 10, 2017
Oh yes, another drama filled story of Jeff and Alex and Sean, six months after the end of Attachment Strings.
I liked that actually the warm fuzzies at the end of book 1 have actually translated into negatives, only because it appears mire real. Both Jeff and Alex have lost their jobs as a result of their near drowning - Alex for the amount of time he had to be off work and Jeff, because his being a gay police officer put him in danger.
Alex's ability to not communicate and his not being able to trust their relationship was a bit annoying, so this time my empathy was more with Jeff. Alex didn't seem as together in this book. And it back fires big time, though the who and why did seem a bit odd. However, I did enjoy he twist at the end.
Would like to know more of Parker and David's relationship, and hope there are more to come from this series.
I liked that actually the warm fuzzies at the end of book 1 have actually translated into negatives, only because it appears mire real. Both Jeff and Alex have lost their jobs as a result of their near drowning - Alex for the amount of time he had to be off work and Jeff, because his being a gay police officer put him in danger.
Alex's ability to not communicate and his not being able to trust their relationship was a bit annoying, so this time my empathy was more with Jeff. Alex didn't seem as together in this book. And it back fires big time, though the who and why did seem a bit odd. However, I did enjoy he twist at the end.
Would like to know more of Parker and David's relationship, and hope there are more to come from this series.
August 15, 2014
It took me a while to warm up to the character of Alex, but I suspect some of that is because I'm reading this series out of order so I haven't 'seen' what he's been through - and experiences very much make us what we are. He's very young and his not coping and making mistakes, considering the huge responsibility he's taken on with Sean is understandable and really comes across in the story.
However, as the story progressed I couldn't put it down and began to get attached to the characters and wanted to make sure they got through the story safely. A few twists and red herrings as to the actual 'bad guy' worked well, although I'm still in two minds about who it was and why - but in saying that it didn't detract from an enjoyable read.
I'd love to see more of Parker and David. I loved their characters and their part in the story.
However, as the story progressed I couldn't put it down and began to get attached to the characters and wanted to make sure they got through the story safely. A few twists and red herrings as to the actual 'bad guy' worked well, although I'm still in two minds about who it was and why - but in saying that it didn't detract from an enjoyable read.
I'd love to see more of Parker and David. I loved their characters and their part in the story.
August 10, 2016
I was fortunate enough to win a copy of Sacrifices by Chris T. Kat, the next book in the Jeff Woods series. While I enjoy Kat’s sweet shifter stories, I also like the more gritty Jeff, whose very faults make him endearing to me. Jeff has been pulled kicking and screaming into a relationship with the magnetic Alex, who cares for his disabled little brother Sean. Alex is much younger than Jeff and still makes mistakes, as do all young men. One of his mistakes embroils the family in a criminal mystery, which takes twists I did not see coming. The resolution of the book makes me hope it is not the last we see of Jeff and Alex, as I want their story to continue. Another great novel from one of my favorite authors!
January 7, 2016
The idiocy of Alex as a character is simply to huge in this series. I can't stand him as Jeff's younger parter. He is simply to childish, even if he is raising his own brother on his own, he is still an idiot and that doesn't match. How can he act so idiotic for two times and then Jeff simply forgives him because he loves him so deeply? Bullshit....
April 12, 2016
Jeff and Alex are still trying to figure out life together and with Sean as well as trauma from the previous book where a killer near drowned all three. Parker, Jeff’s former partner and his lover David are also a continuing cast in this story. Which is good because I like them too. http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
December 21, 2014
Seemed a bit odd Alex would get into trouble that was when he was so damn responsible and worried about Sean in book 1. Wasn't as realistic as I would have liked. Still nice to see them again. On to book 3.
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
November 11, 2015
The 2nd book in the series and another great read! The story continues on from where the first one left off so they really should be read in order.
October 11, 2015
Oh yeah it was just as great as the first one. Love it.
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