What do you think?
Rate this book
Line in the Shadow
Following a massive blow to the CIA’s intelligence apparatus, burned-out special agent Rex Carver is recalled to the US where he must face the ghosts of his ended marriage. After a sexy hook-up with a local musician named Ike Graves, Rex rescues the man from a violent mugging by killing the assailant. When it turns out the mugger was also CIA, what seems like a random act of violence appears to have a deeper meaning. What would make Ike a target? Was Ike a sanctioned hit, or are there rogue elements within the CIA? Is there something more to Ike than meets the eye, or is someone inside the Company using Rex's growing affection for Ike to target Rex himself? This 65k word novel includes page-turning romantic suspense, sexy stolen moments, and a precocious adopted daughter.
Audible Audio
First published December 31, 2017
18 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Clancy Nacht
56 books147 followersClancy Nacht is a bisexual genderqueer person who lives in Austin with a husband, and three feral rescue cats. Clancy has published several ARe bestselling contemporary romantic thriller m/m and m/f stories. Three of her books have been honored with Rainbow Awards; Le Jazz Hot won for #1 Best Bisexual/Transgender Romance & Erotic Romance. In 2013, Black Gold: Double Black was a runner up for a Rainbow Award and in 2015, Gemini won an Honorable Mention for Gay Erotic Romance at the Rainbow Awards. Her books have been nominated for several Goodreads M/M Readers Choice Awards.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 15, 2019
Much better than the average rating would suggest...
At first I thought that the excess detail about the most mundane things was overkill and contemplating skimming; but then I realized those observations were made during Rex's POV chapters...and made sense when you consider this man has been trained to take in even the smallest detail, to weigh their importance or insignificance. It gave an interesting bit of insight into the character.
That scene with the taxi-driver also seems a bit superfluous, but I think it established Rex's expertise. There were a couple of mentions of how the new agents depended so heavily upon tech and formal schooling while neglecting tradecraft (which Rex was recalled to evaluate across the CIA) and that interaction with Adnan showed how familiar and comfortable he was interacting with Syrians. A bit heavy-handed but effective story-telling.
What I liked most was the character development. Rex starts off almost ready to have his clock punched (permanently) and found something worth living for, found something in himself that he honestly thought he didn't have. Was able to finally be himself, even if only in limited situations, and take off the mask. I loved his emotional journey; it was heart-breaking and hopeful at the same time. Talk about angst...
There is a fair bit of politics, but I wouldn't say that it's overwhelming. What there is, definitely fits the narrative and is less partisan than I'd have expected. Don't expect a lot of concert scenes or events typically found in a musician trope. The music is used judiciously and the small, tight scenes are important. Ike was first and foremost a father and there is a lot of time spent on his relationship with Kaylee, on him being just an average guy working an average job and dabbling in music on the side. But who also rises to confront an untenable situation.
So, this review is super scattered and I'm really only highlighting the things that really appealed to me or struck me as important. But I got the book for free from Amazon and honestly I liked it enough that I probably would have bought it.
At first I thought that the excess detail about the most mundane things was overkill and contemplating skimming; but then I realized those observations were made during Rex's POV chapters...and made sense when you consider this man has been trained to take in even the smallest detail, to weigh their importance or insignificance. It gave an interesting bit of insight into the character.
That scene with the taxi-driver also seems a bit superfluous, but I think it established Rex's expertise. There were a couple of mentions of how the new agents depended so heavily upon tech and formal schooling while neglecting tradecraft (which Rex was recalled to evaluate across the CIA) and that interaction with Adnan showed how familiar and comfortable he was interacting with Syrians. A bit heavy-handed but effective story-telling.
What I liked most was the character development. Rex starts off almost ready to have his clock punched (permanently) and found something worth living for, found something in himself that he honestly thought he didn't have. Was able to finally be himself, even if only in limited situations, and take off the mask. I loved his emotional journey; it was heart-breaking and hopeful at the same time. Talk about angst...
There is a fair bit of politics, but I wouldn't say that it's overwhelming. What there is, definitely fits the narrative and is less partisan than I'd have expected. Don't expect a lot of concert scenes or events typically found in a musician trope. The music is used judiciously and the small, tight scenes are important. Ike was first and foremost a father and there is a lot of time spent on his relationship with Kaylee, on him being just an average guy working an average job and dabbling in music on the side. But who also rises to confront an untenable situation.
So, this review is super scattered and I'm really only highlighting the things that really appealed to me or struck me as important. But I got the book for free from Amazon and honestly I liked it enough that I probably would have bought it.
maybe
January 2, 2019Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://www.amazon.com/Line-Shadow-Cl...
June 24, 2018
3.5 enjoyed it a lot
I’d only read one other book by both authors, “Gemini” which is an all time favorite. This promised to be close to what drew me then; the isolated, lonely guy with a dangerous past becoming involved with an innocent, clueless bystander because of his job. Rex was conflicted, trying to reconcile his cold agent persona with his vulnerable, insecure side and inability to clearly communicate his feelings with Ike. I did love the romance between Ike and Rex, really wanting them to admit their “nooners” were far more than that and talk about it! There was lots of sex in this one but it was in all the right places. The romance wasn’t overtaken by the suspense at all but that’s where I had problems.
Rex was supposedly some sort of super spook, a killer when necessary, high up in the echelons of field agents. Maybe the authors were depicting more of a real-world aspect of CIA work in certain respects but it was confusing to me. Rex chased leads that seemed to go nowhere but one clue, glaringly obvious to me as a reader, he completely overlooked as the connection. The logic in that escaped me, sort of making Rex seem a bit inept. It did all come together smoothly in the end but mostly as background and with the use of a far too serendipitous neighbor for Ike. I was hoping for some action scenes but the danger was more subtle.
I enjoyed the mood of the book and characters, like Kaylee, the daughter, trying to encourage and facilitate the relationship for her dad and even Nate, who wasn’t quite as bad as he seemed but still not likable. It’s pretty sharp writing with familiarity of international conflicts and politics. I always like politics but it was just enough to make things understandable but not so much that it would turn some readers off. Really glad I picked this one up.
I’d only read one other book by both authors, “Gemini” which is an all time favorite. This promised to be close to what drew me then; the isolated, lonely guy with a dangerous past becoming involved with an innocent, clueless bystander because of his job. Rex was conflicted, trying to reconcile his cold agent persona with his vulnerable, insecure side and inability to clearly communicate his feelings with Ike. I did love the romance between Ike and Rex, really wanting them to admit their “nooners” were far more than that and talk about it! There was lots of sex in this one but it was in all the right places. The romance wasn’t overtaken by the suspense at all but that’s where I had problems.
Rex was supposedly some sort of super spook, a killer when necessary, high up in the echelons of field agents. Maybe the authors were depicting more of a real-world aspect of CIA work in certain respects but it was confusing to me. Rex chased leads that seemed to go nowhere but one clue, glaringly obvious to me as a reader, he completely overlooked as the connection. The logic in that escaped me, sort of making Rex seem a bit inept. It did all come together smoothly in the end but mostly as background and with the use of a far too serendipitous neighbor for Ike. I was hoping for some action scenes but the danger was more subtle.
I enjoyed the mood of the book and characters, like Kaylee, the daughter, trying to encourage and facilitate the relationship for her dad and even Nate, who wasn’t quite as bad as he seemed but still not likable. It’s pretty sharp writing with familiarity of international conflicts and politics. I always like politics but it was just enough to make things understandable but not so much that it would turn some readers off. Really glad I picked this one up.
January 2, 2018
This is a difficult book to review for me. I liked the plotline and the characters, but there was something off for me. The writing was... mechanical? I felt a disconnect between the writing and my emotions. It felt like I was being told and not shown. It was a weird feeling because I really liked the premise and both main characters. I wish I could do a better job of describing how it felt.😖
April 19, 2018
3.5 STARS
For the most part, I enjoyed this story. The CIA element was very well done and having read The Phisher King by these two authors, another CIA/FBI type suspense, I’m guessing that this is where these authors excel.
Rex Carver is a CIA agent who has been in the game too long. Unfortunately, it’s all he knows. He found a brief respite while he was married to a woman he was madly in love with, but she left him to reunite with the biological father of her daughter, tearing the young girl away from Rex, and denying him the only thing he had in his life beside his work. Recalled from overseas when some secret CIA shit hits the fan, Rex is left flounder, unsure what on earth he’s meant to do with his time. Rex made a brilliant “secret agent” character. He wasn’t some gagetized twenty year old who seemed like he should still be in school; instead he had the capable, James Bond type suaveness going on.
Ike…I had issues with Ike. Well, no. I think my issue is that I felt absolutely no connection between Ike and Rex, and since I met Rex first (and loved the guy) I decided to blame Ike. Ike just felt a bit wishy washy. He didn’t seem to have any page presence, and I could just picture him leaning out his window, batting his lashes and calling – “save me Rex”. The best thing about Ike was his niece. Kaylee was one of those child characters who didn’t seen to quite fit her supposed age, but she was written with such glorious spunk, that I had no problem with her.
Aside from the lack of zing between our main men, my only complaint was that I felt lost a few times. I wasn’t always sure if time had suddenly passed, and if it had, how much and WTH just happened? It felt a little disjointed to begin with, but I either got use to the authors’ writing style, or its jumpiness improved towards the end.
But let’s focus on the positives. The plot was awesome. I loved it. There was enough detail in the bad-agent-murder-spy-plot that you could appreciate the authors’ skill at pulling all the elements together. But at the same time, it didn’t go into so much detail that I felt like I was reading a CIA conspiracy theory manual.
I’d definitely read more by these authors. I do enjoy a well planned out secret agent plot.
Reviewed for Love Bytes
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2018/03/2...
For the most part, I enjoyed this story. The CIA element was very well done and having read The Phisher King by these two authors, another CIA/FBI type suspense, I’m guessing that this is where these authors excel.
Rex Carver is a CIA agent who has been in the game too long. Unfortunately, it’s all he knows. He found a brief respite while he was married to a woman he was madly in love with, but she left him to reunite with the biological father of her daughter, tearing the young girl away from Rex, and denying him the only thing he had in his life beside his work. Recalled from overseas when some secret CIA shit hits the fan, Rex is left flounder, unsure what on earth he’s meant to do with his time. Rex made a brilliant “secret agent” character. He wasn’t some gagetized twenty year old who seemed like he should still be in school; instead he had the capable, James Bond type suaveness going on.
Ike…I had issues with Ike. Well, no. I think my issue is that I felt absolutely no connection between Ike and Rex, and since I met Rex first (and loved the guy) I decided to blame Ike. Ike just felt a bit wishy washy. He didn’t seem to have any page presence, and I could just picture him leaning out his window, batting his lashes and calling – “save me Rex”. The best thing about Ike was his niece. Kaylee was one of those child characters who didn’t seen to quite fit her supposed age, but she was written with such glorious spunk, that I had no problem with her.
Aside from the lack of zing between our main men, my only complaint was that I felt lost a few times. I wasn’t always sure if time had suddenly passed, and if it had, how much and WTH just happened? It felt a little disjointed to begin with, but I either got use to the authors’ writing style, or its jumpiness improved towards the end.
But let’s focus on the positives. The plot was awesome. I loved it. There was enough detail in the bad-agent-murder-spy-plot that you could appreciate the authors’ skill at pulling all the elements together. But at the same time, it didn’t go into so much detail that I felt like I was reading a CIA conspiracy theory manual.
I’d definitely read more by these authors. I do enjoy a well planned out secret agent plot.
Reviewed for Love Bytes
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2018/03/2...
January 26, 2018
Loved this one
I have always enjoyed a good spy story. I love the mind games and intricate plots, never knowing who to trust and what is true. I will gladly add this to my best of list for 2018. I loved Rex, his loneliness and ability to compartmentalize and distance himself was heartbreaking and seeing him open up to Ike was fascinating to read.
Highly recommended
I have always enjoyed a good spy story. I love the mind games and intricate plots, never knowing who to trust and what is true. I will gladly add this to my best of list for 2018. I loved Rex, his loneliness and ability to compartmentalize and distance himself was heartbreaking and seeing him open up to Ike was fascinating to read.
Highly recommended
Want to read
May 25, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/3/2019)! 🎁
January 2, 2019
This is good stuff. Proper writing, good characters, and a proper thought through plot.
I need to read more by these authors.
I need to read more by these authors.
January 26, 2018
What a thrilling spy novel! With just enough MM attraction and sex to make it hot as blazes. I was addicted to this book from page one and couldn’t put it down until the very last page. Can Clancy Nacht and Thursday Euclid write a terrific book. You bet! Well developed characters, a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and plenty of spook activity with clues and red herrings all over the place.
Rex is a CIA operative, plucked from the cradle and raised to be a dangerous spy. He loves music, especially that played by a group called Graves Diggers, and one particular musician, the lead singer of that group, Ike. Rex has always lived a life on the edge. He believes it is his responsibility to protect others at all times and he is often extremely successful at that. When he has a brief bathroom sexual encounter with Ike, even Rex doesn’t realize what he has set in motion, but he makes it his business to find out.
Ike works as a construction worker and part time musician. He has a daughter he adores and parents who don’t entirely approve of his lifestyle. They want to reject Ike but not his daughter and knowing they are a package deal they simply spread venom, hoping to change things with hatred. Ike, Rex and the reader don’t know what the bad guys want as they relentlessly pursue Ike and attempt to kill him. It’s baffling since Rex is the spy, not Ike. When the truth comes out it is thrilling and scary to read.
I recommend this book highly, and I don’t do that often. James Bond is referred to jokingly in the book but Rex is a Bondish character, complete at one point with a tuxedo. Get this book and enjoy it.
Rex is a CIA operative, plucked from the cradle and raised to be a dangerous spy. He loves music, especially that played by a group called Graves Diggers, and one particular musician, the lead singer of that group, Ike. Rex has always lived a life on the edge. He believes it is his responsibility to protect others at all times and he is often extremely successful at that. When he has a brief bathroom sexual encounter with Ike, even Rex doesn’t realize what he has set in motion, but he makes it his business to find out.
Ike works as a construction worker and part time musician. He has a daughter he adores and parents who don’t entirely approve of his lifestyle. They want to reject Ike but not his daughter and knowing they are a package deal they simply spread venom, hoping to change things with hatred. Ike, Rex and the reader don’t know what the bad guys want as they relentlessly pursue Ike and attempt to kill him. It’s baffling since Rex is the spy, not Ike. When the truth comes out it is thrilling and scary to read.
I recommend this book highly, and I don’t do that often. James Bond is referred to jokingly in the book but Rex is a Bondish character, complete at one point with a tuxedo. Get this book and enjoy it.
January 6, 2018
This book was amazing. Well written and very knowledgeable...what a treat!
I highly recommend to everyone! Great job to both authors. Was impossible to tell this was written by two people!
I highly recommend to everyone! Great job to both authors. Was impossible to tell this was written by two people!
January 18, 2018
Loved it💖
Rex and Ike were such great characters, both of them unknowingly looking for a connection. The intrigue and their developing feelings made for a storyline that I couldn't stop reading.
Rex and Ike were such great characters, both of them unknowingly looking for a connection. The intrigue and their developing feelings made for a storyline that I couldn't stop reading.
January 2, 2019
Intense yet romantic thriller
I just stayed up way past my bedtime because I could not put this book down. It's romantic, erotic, thrilling and action from start to finish. It's my first book by these authors but won't be my last! Highly recommend.
I just stayed up way past my bedtime because I could not put this book down. It's romantic, erotic, thrilling and action from start to finish. It's my first book by these authors but won't be my last! Highly recommend.
January 19, 2019
Fast Paced, Suspenseful and HEA
Love a book that grabs you at the first chapter and keeps you hooked until the end. This trope is one of my favorites (CIA). The author did not disappoint.
Love a book that grabs you at the first chapter and keeps you hooked until the end. This trope is one of my favorites (CIA). The author did not disappoint.
December 22, 2018
3.75 stars
January 29, 2021
For being a book about a CIA operative, I found it rather romantic. Some angst, a few bad guys (they were almost in the background). I like these authors and their books always entertain me.
September 13, 2021
3.5 stars
November 17, 2022
I hate with their separation but i love their chemistry and most importantly Rex was a CIA and older but in the bedroom he was the bottom and submisive for Ike
January 31, 2025
2.5 stars
This had its moments but I spent most of this book wondering what the point was. There's not a lot of relationship content. The rest of the plot is a strange sequence of unbelievable coincidences. I found the casual drug use quite off-putting.
I think, perhaps, that the much-loved (by me and not many others lol) The Phisher King, is probably going to be this duo's one-hit-wonder for me, as I haven't really liked any of the others I've read by them.
This had its moments but I spent most of this book wondering what the point was. There's not a lot of relationship content. The rest of the plot is a strange sequence of unbelievable coincidences. I found the casual drug use quite off-putting.
I think, perhaps, that the much-loved (by me and not many others lol) The Phisher King, is probably going to be this duo's one-hit-wonder for me, as I haven't really liked any of the others I've read by them.
did-not-finished
May 10, 2018Dnf 15%
I'm bored.
Something is missing.. Don't know what.
I'm bored.
Something is missing.. Don't know what.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews