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Cracks in His Armor: Straight to Gay MM Romance Part 3
Cole Steele thinks he’s built the perfect defense sharp sarcasm, rigid boundaries, and zero tolerance for heart-breaking straight jocks. But after one reckless, unforgettable kiss from his very straight fake boyfriend-slash-SWAT partner, everything begins to shift. Against all odds, Cole and Travis start building something real. For a while, it feels like they’re finally getting it right. But just as things deepen, they’re torn apart professionally, leaving Cole isolated, silenced, and cut off from the man he wants more than anything.
Travis McAllister is trained to protect others, not to fall apart. And for a while, he doesn’t. He and Cole have something good. But when their relationship crosses a line at work, the fallout is swift. Reassigned and shut out, Travis is forced to make a choice. Under pressure from politics and buried secrets, he decides to fight. Not just for the mission. Not just for justice. But for Cole, and the future they’ve only just begun to imagine. Because this isn’t confusion. It isn’t a phase. What he feels is real, and he won’t walk away again.
As bullets fly and the conspiracy closes in, Cole and Travis are forced back into close quarters. With their lives on the line and their hearts laid bare, they must navigate second chances, found family, hurt-comfort, and a slow-burn love that refuses to die. Can they rebuild the trust between them, or will duty, fear, and the past pull them apart for good?
Cracks in His Part 3 is the explosive, emotional conclusion to Cole and Travis’s story is a queer romantic thriller filled with tension, tenderness, forbidden longing, high-stakes danger, found family, and a love that refuses to be silenced.
Travis McAllister is trained to protect others, not to fall apart. And for a while, he doesn’t. He and Cole have something good. But when their relationship crosses a line at work, the fallout is swift. Reassigned and shut out, Travis is forced to make a choice. Under pressure from politics and buried secrets, he decides to fight. Not just for the mission. Not just for justice. But for Cole, and the future they’ve only just begun to imagine. Because this isn’t confusion. It isn’t a phase. What he feels is real, and he won’t walk away again.
As bullets fly and the conspiracy closes in, Cole and Travis are forced back into close quarters. With their lives on the line and their hearts laid bare, they must navigate second chances, found family, hurt-comfort, and a slow-burn love that refuses to die. Can they rebuild the trust between them, or will duty, fear, and the past pull them apart for good?
Cracks in His Part 3 is the explosive, emotional conclusion to Cole and Travis’s story is a queer romantic thriller filled with tension, tenderness, forbidden longing, high-stakes danger, found family, and a love that refuses to be silenced.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
8 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Love
7 books4 followersHi, I’m DJ Love. Thanks for taking the time to read my stories. I hope they make you smile, but more than anything, I hope they remind you that love always finds a way.
I won’t sugarcoat it: the world feels heavy right now. As a queer person, I’m scared about what the future might hold. But I still believe in the healing power of love, compassion, and empathy. So I’m going to write about love and keep spreading that message until the tide changes… or until they try to silence voices like mine.
Make no mistake: these are scary times. The forces of fear think they can erase queerness the way King Canute thought he could command the tides. They want to ban books like mine. But we’re still here. We’re still loving. And we’re not going away, even if they ban us and our books, we're not going anywhere.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about the fundamental right to live and love freely.
So if my books give you even a flicker of hope in a dark moment, I’m glad. Remember that every storm passes. The sunshine always comes back, sometimes when we least expect it.
I won’t sugarcoat it: the world feels heavy right now. As a queer person, I’m scared about what the future might hold. But I still believe in the healing power of love, compassion, and empathy. So I’m going to write about love and keep spreading that message until the tide changes… or until they try to silence voices like mine.
Make no mistake: these are scary times. The forces of fear think they can erase queerness the way King Canute thought he could command the tides. They want to ban books like mine. But we’re still here. We’re still loving. And we’re not going away, even if they ban us and our books, we're not going anywhere.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about the fundamental right to live and love freely.
So if my books give you even a flicker of hope in a dark moment, I’m glad. Remember that every storm passes. The sunshine always comes back, sometimes when we least expect it.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 2, 2025
Cracking It All Open . . .
Cole Steele is back in an office after being reassigned from his field work. He didn’t let Commander Harris know how much it hurt being exiled so far from Captain Travis McAllister, the SWAT leader who had been assigned to protect him on their mission. He wasn’t even angry at Harris. He still worked on the gang’s code. But he missed Travis. He was still searching for whoever it was helping out the gang they were trying to round up. It’s becoming even more dangerous now, because they are certain there is still someone on the inside feeding Ashford intel that’s protecting him. But now Harris believes it might go higher than they thought. And someone powerful has too much access and the ability to totally put them at risk.
Cole went back to studying the code and data. And gradually he noticed the deeper he dug into the Interpol drop, the murkier it got. What should have been straightforward intel, shipment routes, communication intercepts, and customs records, was riddled with subtle inconsistencies, false flags. Whoever was messing with the data was not a rookie. But then neither was Cole and he dove even deeper. Drinking a coke after 4 a.m., Cole began to see a string of internal credentials -- not fake, not foreign, high-level, Fed-level routing. The IDs linked to Ashford and real names hidden behind the aliases, involving the Bureau, CIA, the DA’s Office, and even Congress. More than one person was feeding Ashford information… it was MANY, all traitors. And now he has the proof. He had to get to Harris as soon as he copied the evidence onto a secure drive. They have 2 days to act on this, which meant Harris wants Travis to be included on everything going forward. And when word leaks out, will this all blow up? Harris is ordered by his superiors to place Travis and Cole on official temporary leave pending an official inquiry while the big guys are trying to cover their own involvement. They are not used to losing and they are running scared and dangerous. Cole is a danger to them. Harris is risking everything to help them and keep them safe. But against these odds, will Cole and Travis make it out of this alive?
Cole Steele is back in an office after being reassigned from his field work. He didn’t let Commander Harris know how much it hurt being exiled so far from Captain Travis McAllister, the SWAT leader who had been assigned to protect him on their mission. He wasn’t even angry at Harris. He still worked on the gang’s code. But he missed Travis. He was still searching for whoever it was helping out the gang they were trying to round up. It’s becoming even more dangerous now, because they are certain there is still someone on the inside feeding Ashford intel that’s protecting him. But now Harris believes it might go higher than they thought. And someone powerful has too much access and the ability to totally put them at risk.
Cole went back to studying the code and data. And gradually he noticed the deeper he dug into the Interpol drop, the murkier it got. What should have been straightforward intel, shipment routes, communication intercepts, and customs records, was riddled with subtle inconsistencies, false flags. Whoever was messing with the data was not a rookie. But then neither was Cole and he dove even deeper. Drinking a coke after 4 a.m., Cole began to see a string of internal credentials -- not fake, not foreign, high-level, Fed-level routing. The IDs linked to Ashford and real names hidden behind the aliases, involving the Bureau, CIA, the DA’s Office, and even Congress. More than one person was feeding Ashford information… it was MANY, all traitors. And now he has the proof. He had to get to Harris as soon as he copied the evidence onto a secure drive. They have 2 days to act on this, which meant Harris wants Travis to be included on everything going forward. And when word leaks out, will this all blow up? Harris is ordered by his superiors to place Travis and Cole on official temporary leave pending an official inquiry while the big guys are trying to cover their own involvement. They are not used to losing and they are running scared and dangerous. Cole is a danger to them. Harris is risking everything to help them and keep them safe. But against these odds, will Cole and Travis make it out of this alive?
August 1, 2025
It's okay.
The main issue with splitting one book into 3 separate parts is it's easy to lose steam reading it. If this had been just one book, I would have stayed reading it to the end, but I got into a few other stories between finishing part 2 and starting this conclusion. That takes the momentum out of reading the story. The plot details for the case Cole and Travis are working on felt more ridiculous getting back into it then it all got absurd with the direction the story went. I honestly stopped even trying to follow that "plot" because it wanted to be all serious conspiracy but was done so unrealistically.
Instead, I focused on the relationship and romance between Cole and Travis. Cole honestly angered me by yet again thinking of Travis as "this dumb straight jock." That's come up in all three parts of the story and they should be far enough along for Cole to see that Travis is not those things because this isn't a high school or college story. They're grown adults working for a government agency where Travis has proven he is not dumb, straight or a jock. Cole still being stuck in that mindset was grossly unfair to Travis and super annoying to me. By the end of this story, it just highlights that Travis was the better developed character, showing change and growth beyond just falling in love with another man for the first time in his life. Cole's character never really changed, but it definitely needed more maturity and some growth to show he wasn't still stuck in that mindset of falling for unattainable straight guys. There was also a "just a dream" fake out in this part that also really annoyed me. It's possible that even read in one go as a complete single book this third act nonsense would have tanked my experience. It's a 2.5 overall for me, rounded to 3 stars as a perfectly okay, consumable story. Not doing anything new or interesting, but harmless and inoffensive so I never hated it even when it drew a few ranting notes in my read through.
The main issue with splitting one book into 3 separate parts is it's easy to lose steam reading it. If this had been just one book, I would have stayed reading it to the end, but I got into a few other stories between finishing part 2 and starting this conclusion. That takes the momentum out of reading the story. The plot details for the case Cole and Travis are working on felt more ridiculous getting back into it then it all got absurd with the direction the story went. I honestly stopped even trying to follow that "plot" because it wanted to be all serious conspiracy but was done so unrealistically.
Instead, I focused on the relationship and romance between Cole and Travis. Cole honestly angered me by yet again thinking of Travis as "this dumb straight jock." That's come up in all three parts of the story and they should be far enough along for Cole to see that Travis is not those things because this isn't a high school or college story. They're grown adults working for a government agency where Travis has proven he is not dumb, straight or a jock. Cole still being stuck in that mindset was grossly unfair to Travis and super annoying to me. By the end of this story, it just highlights that Travis was the better developed character, showing change and growth beyond just falling in love with another man for the first time in his life. Cole's character never really changed, but it definitely needed more maturity and some growth to show he wasn't still stuck in that mindset of falling for unattainable straight guys. There was also a "just a dream" fake out in this part that also really annoyed me. It's possible that even read in one go as a complete single book this third act nonsense would have tanked my experience. It's a 2.5 overall for me, rounded to 3 stars as a perfectly okay, consumable story. Not doing anything new or interesting, but harmless and inoffensive so I never hated it even when it drew a few ranting notes in my read through.
April 28, 2025
I was still a little raw from a previous book I read when I came back to finish Cracks in His Armor Part 3, so I’m really thankful DJ (mostly) took it easy on me. Travis and Cole are still so sweet together, and I appreciate little things like the rollback of DEI training being interspersed in the plot (I give the b in Black not being capitalized a pass because it showed how much Travis would have benefitted from said training lol).
Travis was my favorite of the duo this time. He went from questioning his sexuality (aside from wanting Cole) to all in on being bi and Cole being his man. I love when the bi-awakening makes the men all “my man, my man, my man” and Travis is the poster child for it.
I do find it really interesting when people are so in love that just being unable to see each other at work anymore is agony. I’ve never dated a coworker and I’m demi, but it sounds adorable all the same.
There were a couple of twists in this last part of the series, and of course I couldn’t predict them. That said, they didn’t surprise me! It was just a good time all around (aside from one fakeout that almost had me bawling on the train lol. Thankfully, I kept reading before I started crying. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review. Great end to the series, 4.5 stars.
Travis was my favorite of the duo this time. He went from questioning his sexuality (aside from wanting Cole) to all in on being bi and Cole being his man. I love when the bi-awakening makes the men all “my man, my man, my man” and Travis is the poster child for it.
I do find it really interesting when people are so in love that just being unable to see each other at work anymore is agony. I’ve never dated a coworker and I’m demi, but it sounds adorable all the same.
There were a couple of twists in this last part of the series, and of course I couldn’t predict them. That said, they didn’t surprise me! It was just a good time all around (aside from one fakeout that almost had me bawling on the train lol. Thankfully, I kept reading before I started crying. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review. Great end to the series, 4.5 stars.
April 25, 2025
I did not expect the twists and turns that book 3 of “Cracks in His Armor” had. It was even better than the first 2 EXCELLENT books, as if that was even possible.
I won’t give anything away, but keep a box of tissues next to you when reading this. I had to read a few pages multiple times, with tears blurring my vision, and my heart in my mouth, making it difficult to focus.
DO. NOT. MISS. THIS. SERIES. It is such an enjoyable read, seeing Travis break down his walls, and Cole and Travis growing so close they’d sacrifice everything to save the other.
This quote from the book grabbed me: “Travis bit and nibbled at his neck and they came together, hard and intense but slow and beautiful, a quiet ache that was much deeper than lust.” The raw tenderness in the story is so genuine the reader becomes vested in the characters lives.
Kudos to DJ Love, the immensely talented author, for writing a series that is the perfect love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I won’t give anything away, but keep a box of tissues next to you when reading this. I had to read a few pages multiple times, with tears blurring my vision, and my heart in my mouth, making it difficult to focus.
DO. NOT. MISS. THIS. SERIES. It is such an enjoyable read, seeing Travis break down his walls, and Cole and Travis growing so close they’d sacrifice everything to save the other.
This quote from the book grabbed me: “Travis bit and nibbled at his neck and they came together, hard and intense but slow and beautiful, a quiet ache that was much deeper than lust.” The raw tenderness in the story is so genuine the reader becomes vested in the characters lives.
Kudos to DJ Love, the immensely talented author, for writing a series that is the perfect love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2025
This is a great book to Read!! This book is hard to put down once you get started. Travis McAllister is a SWAT Captain, Cole Steele is a Hacker in Cyber Security. This is the third part of the book. Travis was shot during the raid and is still fighting for his life in the hospital. Cole is by his side to protect him, not sure who to trust at this point. When Travis is released for desk duty things change again. Cole has been able to track the shipment information back to the source. Commander Harris has got a limited number of people he trusts right now and they are trying to get through the big mess that goes very far. When They decided to go after everyone in the Whitaker Gang, they did not know how far up the chain of command it went. Commander Harris will try and keep Cole and Travis safe but he is not sure he can anymore. What will Travis do??? How can he protect Cole????
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2025
Cracks in his Armor (Part 3) is the final part of the trilogy for Cole and Travis and very nearly the end of them as the Whittaker gang is finally closed in on. The two main characters get to re-evaluate their lives and their feelings for each other and get to make some good choices.
The relationship between Cole and Travis feels very real as they deal with the problems their chosen careers throw at them. Travis is more open to his feelings after his earlier panic and Cole is still getting past his reservations and trust issues. It takes a near death experience for him to take the next step. They have some important decisions to make, one which will put their lives at risk and test them.
A wonderful series with an ‘as happy as they can make it ending’.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The relationship between Cole and Travis feels very real as they deal with the problems their chosen careers throw at them. Travis is more open to his feelings after his earlier panic and Cole is still getting past his reservations and trust issues. It takes a near death experience for him to take the next step. They have some important decisions to make, one which will put their lives at risk and test them.
A wonderful series with an ‘as happy as they can make it ending’.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2025
4+/4,5*
This is the final.part in the trilogy.
To start of with the romance storyline, yes Cole and Travis find their hfn/ hea, and maybe not how and where you expect. I did like the additonal epilogue to see what went on a while later in their life.
The suspense/ thriller storyline comes to a climax as well. I for one am glad it is not an all is roses kind of final and a more realistic one.
I have enjoyed this trilogy and would recommend it as a fairly quick complete read with a well thought out storyline throughout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the final.part in the trilogy.
To start of with the romance storyline, yes Cole and Travis find their hfn/ hea, and maybe not how and where you expect. I did like the additonal epilogue to see what went on a while later in their life.
The suspense/ thriller storyline comes to a climax as well. I for one am glad it is not an all is roses kind of final and a more realistic one.
I have enjoyed this trilogy and would recommend it as a fairly quick complete read with a well thought out storyline throughout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
In the last novella of this trilogy, Cole is reassigned and can't be with Travis at work, but off duty is a different matter. You need to read the first two novellas, this is not a standalone. This part is fast paced, steamy and full of danger. All three parts together completed an adventure with intrigue and spice. I would have liked a little more spice but that's me and it did have awareness of feelings which was good though the guys had a hard time expressing them. I received a copy of this through BookSprout and this is my voluntary opinion.
April 30, 2025
In the third installment f this series, D.J. Love continues the gripping tale of Cole and Travis, two men entangled in a complex web of undercover operations and evolving emotions. As their fake relationship deepens, the lines between duty and desire blur, challenging their perceptions of identity and love..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2025
Cracks in His Armor Part Three is the third and final book in the Cracks in His Armor trilogy. This is a wonderful ending to the story. I couldn't put it down. The author kept my attention from beginning to end. The whole story is a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a thrilling and dangerous end with widespread corruption being revealed. Among this Cole and Travis' relationship becomes serious. I'm glad they survived and exposed the corruption even if they had to hide to be safe. I wonder what their next move will be.
May 3, 2025
The last book in this series had some twists and turns I didn't see coming. Not going to spoil anything, but there was this one dramatic moment I was literally holding my breath. I enjoyed following Cole and Travis story. This is a nice series. Good plot, intriguing characters, and a well deserved HEA.
May 7, 2025
I really like Cole and Travis. I have to say that during parts 1 and 2 it was leaning towards Travis being the hero with him being the SWAT Captain. But I liked the fact that this one made it more about Cole and his computer smarts.
I really didn't like chapter 27. I get why they did it but my heart was in my mouth and I didn't like it.
Thanks to Harris they do get their HEA.
I really didn't like chapter 27. I get why they did it but my heart was in my mouth and I didn't like it.
Thanks to Harris they do get their HEA.
July 25, 2025
The conclusion of this 3 part storyline wS a. Very HEA. Just kind of wish it had kept going as a series it was so good over the 3 books.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews