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FBI Special Agent Aaron Pearce is recovering from his injuries suffered while on assignment in Detroit, stuck in the offices of the FBI running database searches for agents in the field. He is bored and edgy, and takes it out on those closest to him, including Mark Beecher, who lives with him.

While Mark cannot deny the heat between them, he struggles to find his place in Washington, DC, and in Pearce's apartment. He notices a car following him back and forth to work and panics, certain it's the terrorist mole Robert Morgan who escaped them in Detroit.

As Mark and Pearce try to identify the driver, Pearce is drawn into an investigation concerning the disappearance of data discs from government employees. During research, he discovers the catering company where Mark works may be at the root of the thefts, and, when the company is booked to cater a prestigious party, Pearce realizes it is the perfect setup for an undercover operation. He doesn't think twice about disobeying orders to stay out of the field, and risks not only his career, but his life as well, to join Mark in an undercover operation that will change their lives forever.

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2012

4 people are currently reading
193 people want to read

About the author

Hank Edwards

82 books231 followers
Hank Edwards (he/him) has been writing gay fiction for more than twenty years. He has published over thirty novels and dozens of short stories. His books fall into many sub-genres, including romance, rom-com, contemporary, paranormal, suspense, mystery, and wacky comedy. He has written a number of series such as the suspenseful Up to Trouble, funny and spooky paranormal out for you gay romance Critter Catchers, Old West historical horror of Venom Valley, the erotic and funny Fluffers, Inc. series, and the funny and thrilling Lacetown Murder Mysteries series co-written with Deanna Wadsworth. Under the pen name R. G. Thomas, he’s published a young adult urban fantasy gay romance series called The Town of Superstition. No matter what genre he writes, Hank likes to keep things sweet, steamy, and fun.

Join his author group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/hankshangout), visit his website at www.hankedwardsbooks.com or send along an email to hankedwardsbooks@gmail.com.

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5 stars
43 (23%)
4 stars
79 (42%)
3 stars
54 (29%)
2 stars
8 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for BevS.
2,879 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2013
Another tale featuring Aaron and Mark. Not as good as Holed Up, but still liked it enough to give 4 stars and a

Oh Aaron....you are a naughty boy. Shackled to a desk whilst recovering from the injuries sustained in the last book....he absolutely hates it and takes it out on Mark, who has moved to Washington from Detroit to be with him, but is struggling to cope with Pearce's mood-swings and all round pigheadedness....and the fact that Pearce's apartment is his home and not somewhere Mark feels particularly comfortable - Mark's belongings are still in boxes in the spare bedroom!! Mark gets a job as a part time chef with a outside catering company, and thanks to the strange behaviour of one of his fellow employees, who keeps going awol every time they have a booking, overhears another conversation (my advice Mark...start wearing earphones all the time!!) where Brenda the co-worker obviously mentions an FBI agent, meaning Pearce!! Puzzling...however, Pearce is discreetly working on a case involving a Korean supermarket and some strange goings-on there, together with data cards mysteriously going missing from government employees. When Mark inadvertently drops some information that allows Pearce to link the two things together (yay Mark!!), Pearce and his fellow agent Izzie are drafted in as 'waiters' and things go from there.

The book ends with Looking forward to number 3.
864 reviews229 followers
May 20, 2013

*Meh*. just barely 3 stars

It was ok. Weaker than the first book (which, was not great...but I admittedly liked it for unknown reasons other than my hormones going crazy over the thought of a junior varsity version of Zane in the MC, Aaron Pearce.)

Book 2 started to annoy me. Pearce was kind of a dick. And Mark was kind of a whiny mess.

And the "mystery" plot might as well have been blinking in neon lights over Times Square...it was THAT obvious.

Now, there were parts, especially as Aaron and Mark tried to figure out their relationship and push past some of the miscommunication, that are actually emotional and felt real and elicited a flutter in my heart. And, true, though I'm increasingly annoyed with the MC's, I'm still kinda drawn into relationship.

So, yet again..."add to cart", "complete transaction", "download book"...read...book 3 here I come...

Profile Image for Gigi.
2,162 reviews1,078 followers
November 6, 2016
I had planned on writing one review for this book and it's prequel Holed Up, but after reading it I can't do that. Holed Up was a hot, fun, FBI protection/stake out quickie that had my blood pumping and the sexual tension shooting in all directions and was easy to give 5 stars to. Not the sequel unfortunately...

While I did enjoy this book and am glad I read it, it just wasn't nearly as satisfying as the first book and really kind of meandered along. It was almost like the author didn't quite know what book he was writing. Is this a Morgan revenge book? Is this a stand alone new case for the FBI? Is this a romance? Are Pearce and Mark really going to make it? Are they really in love? I actually stopped caring after awhile.

And speaking of the romance aspect,

The redeeming factor in this book was the ending. I loved it. It was perfect and it gets 4 stars for the prequel and how much I like the characters and the ending alone.

Recommended if you like FBI Agents, hot M/M sex, secrets and lies and hero types.
Profile Image for Tina.
1,785 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2013


I loved 'Holed up' and couldn't wait to read the follow up.

The conflict between Pearce and Mark continues and they try to figure out where they are in their relationship. Mark is now living with Pearce in Washington and works with a catering service. Pearce is not happy with his forced light duty desktop job. When a red Ford begins to follow Mark to work the fear that Morgan - the Ex-FBI agent, the man that tried to kill them before - is back...

The mystery part of the book is easy to follow and rounds up nicely the issues both men are struggling with in their life together. I didn't know how hard it can be adjusting to living with someone else and looking at unpacked boxes, not sure if you can handle sharing your space.

The situation comes to a boiling point between them and fortunately they work on figuring things out together.

The end resolves their issues nicely and I'm looking forward to reading book three!
Profile Image for Lena Grey.
1,626 reviews25 followers
August 23, 2016

Mark Beecher and Aaron Pearce are back in 'Shacked Up', Book #2 in the 'Holed Up' series and they find that getting together in a relationship is a small feat compared to making it work. Both have a lot of adjustments to make, the biggest of which is new to Mark and Aaron, and that is whether they truly want to be in a committed relationship.

Mark gives up a lot to be with Aaron. He's moved into Aaron's apartment, left his job, home, and friends to be with the man he loves. Aaron is protective and territorial. Mark isn't sure where he fits in literally and figuratively; he valiantly struggles to find his place. He's physically with Aaron, but not completely. It's Aaron's city, Aaron's home, life style, Aaron's restaurants and bars but Mark is having trouble making them his too. He's trying to deal with Aaron's overprotectiveness, trying to see it for what it is rather than that Aaron thinks he's not capable of caring for himself. Mark is still rattled from what happened in the past and he is scared, but he doesn't want to live in constant fear of something bad happening. Mark would rather stand and face his enemy than hide from him. He's tougher than Aaron thinks.

Aaron doesn't believe that Mark is helpless without his protection, he worries because Mark is the first man he's ever cared about and the fear of losing him is almost unbearable. Being stuck at a desk, not out on assignment, doesn't help his mood either and Mark bears the brunt of Aaron's aggression. The situation comes to a boiling point between them and, fortunately, as they did in the first story, they communicate their needs, fears, and joy and work on figuring things out together rather than each wondering about what the other one is feeling.

'Shacked Up' can be read alone, but without knowing what happened in the past, there's no way to feel the intensity of their relationship, understand its importance, and know how much they've grown. It will be much more enjoyable if you read the books sequentially. I suggest this book to fans of the first book and people new to the series who enjoy a well-written, easy to follow, fast paced book with passionate characters. Even more amazing action, mystery and intrigue, and, of course a happy ending. You won't be disappointed. Thank you, Hank, for bringing the boys back with a flourish and once again entertaining us with your talent.


NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

Profile Image for Alina.
708 reviews30 followers
August 7, 2012
I literally screamed with glee, when I found out about this book, coz I absolutely loved the first story - Holed Up ))) And the sequel didn't disappoint!

Loved the continuation, the conflict between Pearce and Mark and how they've dealt with it and most of all - that they actually talked about their problems and stayed together through the hard times! I hate it when MCs break up in the middle of the book, so I'm happy that's not a case here.

I hope there'd be more books to follow! :)
Profile Image for JR.
875 reviews32 followers
April 23, 2013
This started up where Holed Up left off. Mark has moved to DC to live with Pierce. God, I love these two. Pierce is on light duty, meaning he is chained to a desk. He is chomping at the bit, he's miserable, which doesn't make for an easy transition for Mark. Mark is haunted by the previous events,and is uncertain if he belongs with Pierce. What they discover over the course of this story surprises both of them. I love, love love this.Can't wait for May 7th, so I can be immersed in their world again. Again the sex is hot and the writing is tight.
I give it a whole DC FBI office full of stars.
Profile Image for A.B. Gayle.
Author 20 books192 followers
July 5, 2012
I enjoyed this story. Sequels can be a hit and miss, but this one was a natural progression of two people who are both new at this "commitment" and moving in together concept. Their fears and reluctance to commit felt very realistic to me, ad I nenjoyed watching them work through them.

Overall, Hank's writing continues to improve. He has always told a good story, but there were little touches in this one that really set it above its predecessors. The secondary characters added just the right touch, none were stereotypes or shallow. Even Pearce's office rivalries felt unforced.
Profile Image for Sammy Goode.
628 reviews88 followers
August 2, 2013
So, a few years after the release of Holed Up, Hank Edwards gives both his readers and himself, I think, a very nice gift…a sequel, Shacked Up. Once again the crusty, sexy FBI agent Aaron Pearce is on the prowl, but this time, no further than his desk. For, you see, the sequel picks up just a few short months after the close of the previous novel in which Pearce got a knife embedded in his shoulder and is now in intensive physical therapy and remanded to his office chair until he has completely recovered and cleared for duty.

Now, those of us who remember Pearce are just shaking our heads at this explosive dynamo of a man being confined to computer work. In the meanwhile, Mark, former protected witness, has agreed to move from Detroit to DC, and, amazingly, into Pearce’s apartment. However, all is not flowers and kisses in their humble abode. All of Mark’s belongings sit, still in their boxes, in the spare room while Pearce struggles with giving up even a simple bit of shelf space to poor Mark. Pearce loves him, this he does not doubt, but how to show it, how to not snap and growl at poor Mark because Pearce is so unhappy about being on desk work, that is the tricky part that Pearce struggles with every day. It is touch and go in many ways in this second installment, and not until the bitter end, do we get any assurance that these two men can actually make a go of it as loving partners.

Couple all this with a mysterious work partner for Mark at the catering business, theft of important information from just about every Capitol Hill party Mark caters, and the overhanging threat of Mark being followed by some mysterious person and you have a thriller that streaks from one exciting, heart-hammering moment to another.

In Shacked Up, author Hank Edwards hits his stride. His characters become more solidly fleshed out and truer to the voice he has leant them. The dialogue is more sophisticated and the plot line more involved. You can really see Edward’s growth as an author and the reason why he has become known as such a consummate storyteller.

Pearce struggles mightily with the fear that he may lose Mark, not only physically as the threat of Pearce’s ex-boyfriend and now rogue FBI agent, Morgan, is still on the loose; but also because Pearce has never really had a relationship before—has never really had someone to come home to each night, to care for and to love. He makes so many small mistakes that Mark begins to really doubt that the two of them can actually succeed as lovers. The two men stumble along blindly, each knowing that they love the other but afraid to say it out loud.

Shacked Up was an excellent sequel that did what most sequels fail to do—evolve the characters, make them even more interesting, and involve the reader more deeply into their lives. I recommend this second installment to you—but do read these in order to get the most out of the series.
Profile Image for Kelly (Maybedog).
3,657 reviews239 followers
May 3, 2017
As adorable as the cover is, and as much as I liked the first one, this book fell flat. The thriller part fizzles. There is little excitement. Much of it felt contrived, like the publisher demanded a sequel and Edwards had to come up with something.

I still love the characters. They're both so freakin' sweet it's ridiculous. Too sweet. Any time there was any tension between the two of them it was dealt with almost immediately. There was little conflict and all resolution. I wanted them to not be quite as mature for just five minutes. It's tiring reading about grown-ups who are always grown-ups in a romance. ;)

I do like how something from the first book was pulled in that had nothing to do with the first plot. I didn't like how they kept talking about the first book's plot and nothing related really happened. I thought the end "battle" was boring and too quick without enough danger and fear and peril.

But the romance between the men is so sweet as I said, and how the two handled their own personal issues was very nice. If I hadn't read the first book I would only give this two stars. Because I did, I'm giving it 2.5. I'm rounding up to three because I do think they're adorable and that's what I'm really looking for in a book. Mostly.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,712 reviews
October 14, 2016
1st read 8/14 Rereading for a new book in the series!

Liked this almost as much as the first. It had some problems, as the red Escort following Mark was kind of dragged out and a little pointless. I did like that it showed their relationship really becoming solid. They had real conversations about things and Pearcecwas actually better about it than Mark! There was still some excitement and I liked the action scenes. I really need to read more Hank Edwards. I think I'll skip book 3 though, as it was my least favorite and go straight to the new book 4!
Profile Image for Sharon.
137 reviews
June 8, 2012
Awesome story! Great follow up to Holed Up. Love Pierce and Mark. It was nice to learn more about Pierce. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the story. Nice mystery. I hope there will be a third book, because Morgan is still out there.
Profile Image for Christy T.
154 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2012
4.5 rounded up to a 5. I love these two and I really like that we got more into Pearce's head this time. To see how they both are struggling with living together and how each ones truly feels for the other. If you loved Holed Up....this is a MUST read! Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Anke.
2,510 reviews96 followers
July 11, 2012
Better than book #1 although the 'mystery' was rather harebrained. But the romance worked - the interaction between Mark and Pearce was believable and the lack of communication, especially their working through it, was fitting.
Profile Image for Chris.
2,892 reviews209 followers
June 7, 2012
Pretty good m/m romantic suspense continuing the story of the FBI agent and the guy he was protecting, who are now living together but not communicating very well.
Profile Image for Maggie.
1,273 reviews18 followers
September 14, 2012
Rating 4.5

I enjoyed this follow up to Holed Up, more for the relationship growth and development than the plot. The plot and drama were a decent background to Aaron and Mark navigating their firsts real, long-term (4 months and counting) relationship. I really liked how even though there were some serious road blocks (real life type road blocks) to their long-term happiness, they worked them out together. There was no forced break-up trope in order to create false drama. I appreciated that very much. Loved Aaron in this book! The growth in the intimacy and emotional ties he felt towards Mark was well done. The way he struggled to overcome his past and knock down his walls to let Mark in as well as the gestures he made to show how much Mark meant to him were so good! Things get a little crazy in the plot department at the end but no worries, it all ends well. I would definitely love to see more of this couple.
Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books95 followers
September 24, 2012
I have been waiting for this one ever since I finished Holed Up! I was not disappointed. Shacked up is very well written delving deeper into agent Pearce’s and Mark’s relationships. Pearce has never had a steady relationship or rally been in love. Mark has moved from home and into Pearce’s apartment in DC, but he isn’t sure if it is because Pearce cares about him or is just still protecting him. Morgan the man that tried to kill him before and almost killed Pearce is still on the loose.
So does Pearce really love Mark or is it just work? Does Mark stay with Pearce or go back home? Who is following Mark and why? Does Morgan come back to finish the job? I am not gonna tell ya you will have to read the book!!
If you love detective stories, relationship conflicts, deep heartfelt romance and really hot mansex..this book is for you!! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Kazza.
1,581 reviews174 followers
September 28, 2012
Nice read. Nice relationship driven story with some action thrown into the mix for Pearce, and Mark, to get drawn into.

There was not as much tension as Holed Up but there was still some FBI matters with data being pinched. Trying to find out who the person/people behind it were. I still enjoyed Pearce and Mark as a couple. I liked the fact that the book looked at how hard it can be adjusting to living with someone else. Looking at boxes that you just can't unpack, not sure if you can handle someone else's things in what was once your space alone. The sex is not frequent but when it happens it's good. Sweaty bits and all!

This is a nice little series and I will definitely look for more Hank Edwards books to read.

Profile Image for Julie.
933 reviews19 followers
June 19, 2016
I am enjoying the Up to Trouble series. Mark really resonates with me - at times he is insecure, bristly and in danger of becoming the damsel in distress - but then he finds an inner strength and we can see what Pearce sees in him. Their relationship moves forward, due in large part to the fact that they now live together, and I loved that Mark experienced an "oh s***" moment when he realizes that he has moved to Virginia and basically given up his life in Detroit without any clarity about the commitment he has with Pearce. There is a mystery and the guys get into a bit of trouble, but the best part of the story, I think, is learning more about Mark and Pearce.
Profile Image for Tori Thompson.
947 reviews24 followers
January 2, 2014
I'm liking this series, the continuing saga of Mark and Pearce... Mark is still sweet, Pearce is still an ass. I have hopes that at some point Pearce will get a clue, but it's fun to watch their story!

Pearce is grouchy, bored and grumpy in this story, frustrated with his boss holding him back from work. Mark tries to be patient, but it's hard when he thinks he's being stalked!

Not a long story, but a good one!
Profile Image for Terry.
264 reviews18 followers
December 30, 2012
Loved the characters, loved the story, a worthy follow up to Holed Up the first book. Hopefully now that things have settled between Mark and Aaron there will be more to follow. Easy read with only one loose end not tied up - why was the guy in the red Fiesta following Mark? That did not detract too much from my enjoyment of this book though

Five stars
Profile Image for clear skies.
949 reviews28 followers
May 13, 2013
I vaguely remember enjoying the first book a tad more, however personally if you're going to write a fall up don't leave it so long people forget about your characters. I felt sorry for Mark in this book because he seemed to be in the middle of Pearce's mess-ups that it got rather ridiculous. Overall, plot was too thin and the characters left no impression.
Profile Image for Chancey "Does not give out 5's like candy"  Knowles.
1,231 reviews19 followers
February 15, 2015
I actually liked this one better than the 1st. I liked the M/Cs and how they learned to deal with living together. I thought the other cast of characters were very interesting. Many of the sarcastic remarks were hilarious. I was surprised by who drove the red Escort. This was a quick, fun, easy read. Great brain candy with both love and adventure.
Profile Image for Dianne Hartsock.
Author 48 books391 followers
June 14, 2013
Oooooh...did I already say how much I love these men? Ignored the 101 things I was supposed to do today to read this action packed, super sexy book. Plan on starting Roughed Up tomorrow. Don't you just love when a favorite book is a threesome? :)
Profile Image for Lee Brazil.
Author 96 books240 followers
July 20, 2012
Now, the waiting commences for the next one...and the next one...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews