Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Bissonet & Cruz Investigations #1

The Royal Street Heist

Rate this book
Bissonet & Cruz Book One

When valuable Civil War era art is stolen from a popular New Orleans gallery, NOPD Lead Detective Montgomery "Beau" Bissonet and his partner set out to solve the crime. When the gallery’s insurance company sends Tollison Cruz to the Big Easy to conduct their own independent investigation, personalities clash and battle lines are definitely drawn.

The heist quickly becomes a politically driven high profile case, and Detective Bissonet is furious when he’s ordered to work along side Investigator Cruz to assure a timely arrest. The heat index soars to new levels when the two investigators discover they have a lot more in common than originally thought.

With the tension between them temporarily sated, Bissonet and Cruz finally start to work together, on more than just a professional level. But everything comes to a screeching halt when Beau discovers his cohort in crime has been withholding information regarding the investigation and has been concealing a very questionable past. What happens next rivals the scorching summer heat.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2014

5 people are currently reading
259 people want to read

About the author

Scotty Cade

39 books199 followers
Scotty Cade left Corporate America and twenty-five years of Marketing and Public Relations behind to buy an Inn & Restaurant on the island of Martha’s Vineyard with his partner of over twenty years. He started writing stories as soon as he could read, but just five years ago for publication. When not at the Inn, you can find him on the bow of his boat writing gay romance novels with his Shetland sheepdog Mavis at his side. Being from the south and a lover of commitment and fidelity, most of his characters find their way to long healthy relationships, however long it takes them to get there. He believes that in the end, the boy should always get the boy.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
43 (18%)
4 stars
89 (38%)
3 stars
81 (35%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for * A Reader Obsessed *.
2,700 reviews580 followers
July 25, 2020
3 Stars

This felt like an MM Thomas Crown Affair so if you liked that movie, then this might pique your interest!

Beau is the lead detective in a robbery/homicide and is saddled with the insurance agent who just wants to find the missing paintings so he can get his commission. This isn’t something Beau appreciates nor wants, no matter how easy on the eyes the guy is.

Tollison has a secretive past and though he just wants to solve the mystery in any way he can, he can’t help but be very distracted by the hard nosed cop.

It’s evident these two are “enemies” on principle, and there’s a back and forth as they test each other out, seeing if they can trust the other. What starts off as quite a bit of animosity despite the attraction, quickly turns into hot and heavy lust that is acted upon in and amongst the ongoing investigation.

Overall, this had good pacing but often I felt the emotions and reactions of these two (especially Beau) straddled the line of just too much. However, the mystery kept me engaged and the romance was pretty plausible with very nice varied smexy to whet most appetites. I don't think many will find fault and in the end, I was still entertained, appreciating how Beau and Tollison work out their differences and find a new happy together.
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,418 reviews195 followers
November 24, 2014
I like sweet.
I like spicy.
But I looove sweet-n-spicy. Give me a couple of magnetic alpha men with a carefully considered plot and I’m done for.
This was my first introduction with Scotty Cade and hot damn, what a way to start.

I certainly enjoy a good murder mystery. I’m a fan of Lanyon’s and I’d have to say this tale rivals some of my favorite books on his shelf.

Things kick off with a healthy dose of Mr. Villerie and his art gallery in New Orleans. I felt as if I was back in the French Quarters and if you've ever wandered the cobblestone streets in the Big Easy, you know it's a place you don't forget. I wasn't overwhelmed with descriptions, it was just enough without going overboard. I did have a brief moment of panic thinking Mr. Villerie was going to cheat on his lovely wife. I'm not really sure why, but I did. I don’t like cheaters. Funny that, neither does Beau. Another minor grumble was keeping everyone straight at first. Both first and surnames were used and I had to slow my roll to ensure I knew who was who. Yet once I had a clear picture of the cast in my head, it flowed faster.
Now then, let’s get to the boys.

Think 'Thomas Crown Affair' with two dominant men. NOPD Detective Beau Bissonet is challenged by tall, dark and dangerously sexy insurance recovery agent Tollison Cruz. Bissonet is insufferable but once you figure out his story and after the stick is pulled out of his arse, I think you’ll become smitten with him too. He was angry and bitter until he let go of the past and then he was finally able to move confidently into the present. He finds himself drawn smack into the arms of the cocky insurance investigator he was forced to work with. They tango, boy do they ever, and once they agree to take turns leading it’s the most sensual dance ever. They complement each other splendidly and tag team the case with gusto.

And as for the case? There were several possibilities for the culprit, and though I wasn't entirely surprised by the outcome it didn't play out the way I envisioned. Truly the investigation took the backseat, for me it was all about the burning hot affair between Beau and Tollison. I wouldn't necessarily say it was enemies to lovers, more stubborn resistance of instant attraction. Once the spark ignited it was a fierce burn and I was eagerly cheering their swift pursuit of one another.

Stellar writing, strong men and sticky romance...
I'd say, give it a go!


4 sticky-sweet-sassy-sexy stars*


Profile Image for Tess.
2,202 reviews26 followers
November 30, 2014
This is a solid 4 star read for me. It's the first Scotty Cade book that I've read. I'll admit it was the cover that caught my eye! I particularly enjoyed the Southern setting -- New Orleans and, briefly, Charleston. Beau, the lead detective, and Tollison, the insurance investigator, are forced to work together to investigate an art theft/murder. The initial friction between the two turns into passion and then something more as they work together. Although there was some focus on the mystery, I would say the book was more focused on the developing romance (which is what I prefer!).
Profile Image for El Ma.
428 reviews5 followers
July 28, 2019
4 - 4,5*
Gleich mal vorne weg, diese Geschichte ist, wie ich finde, ein toller Start in eine Serie, die auf Beau & Cruz aufbaut. Bis es aber ein “&” gibt, ist es ein teils schwieriger Weg, aber auch einer der erst von sehr großer Ablehnung, dann aber auch von einer unglaublichen Anziehungskraft erzählt.

Zwei – in ihrem Beruf – sehr erfolgreiche Männer, die einige Zeit nicht miteinander, aber bald auch nicht mehr ohne einander können. Wir haben eine Liebesgeschichte, die gekonnt in einen Krimiplot eingearbeitet wurde. Es hat mir gefallen, dass man viele der Gedankengänge der Hauptprotagonisten mitverfolgen konnte, so dass einige Entscheidungen für den Leser nicht aus heiterem Himmel “einfach so” passieren.

Ich bin an dieses Buch, wegen des Krimiplots, ein bisschen zurückhaltend herangegangen, wurde aber schnell durch den Schreibstil des Autors überzeugt und habe es – nur durch ein paar Stunden Schlaf unterbrochen – in einem Rutsch gelesen.

Beau & Cruz sind heiß , Beaus (nicht nur -) Kollege Bruce ist ein wirklich netter Kerl, der seinen begangenen Fehler bitterlich bereut und weiß, dass er die Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen muss. Dazu noch der nette Partner von Beau und eine wunderbare, harmonische Geschichte hätte vorprogrammiert sein können, wenn da nicht noch Diebstahl, Mord und andere Befindlichkeiten dazwischen kommen würden.
Profile Image for Mathilda Grace.
510 reviews
August 1, 2017
Beau und Tollison sind ein echt heißes Pärchen. Praktisch vom ersten Aufeinandertreffen an fliegen die Fetzen zwischen ihnen, dabei hat Beau eigentlich überhaupt kein Interesse. Er ist mürrisch, wütend, ständig schlecht gelaunt und das alles, weil er nicht an Bruce vorbeikommt. Seinen Exfreund, der ihn betrogen hat, mit dem er aber trotzdem zusammenarbeiten muss.

Keine guten Voraussetzungen für eine neue Beziehung mit Tollison, die ja sowieso unmöglich ist, weil beide an verschiedenen Orten leben und nur wegen einer Mord- und Diebstahlermittlung zusammenarbeiten. Noch dazu hat Tollison eine Vergangenheit, die ihn dann auch noch zum Verdächtigen macht, was das Ganze zusätzlich erschwert.

Wer der Mörder ist, war mir etwa ab der Hälfte des Buchs klar (und das Grübeln hat echt Spaß gemacht, denn die Ermittlungen nehmen einiges an Raum ein und bieten mehrere Möglichkeiten für den Täter auf) und ungefähr so lange schleichen Beau und Tollison auch umeinander herum, bis es schlussendlich zur Explosion kommt und beide im Bett landen. Ab da geht es Schlag auf Schlag. Sowohl mit den Ermittlungen, als auch was ihr Sexleben angeht, wobei dabei etwas weniger für mich definitiv mehr gewesen wäre. ;-) Am Ende finden beide einen Weg, ihr Leben gemeinsam zu leben. Allen Widrigkeiten zum Trotz, und selbst der Umgang mit Bruce entspannt sich nach und nach. Manchmal sind neue Freunde und kranke Kollegen, die einem die Leviten lesen, eben doch ganz hilfreich.

Eine sehr gute Geschichte, die Lust auf mehr macht, denn sie ist der Beginn einer Reihe um die beiden, und ich hoffe, das nächste Buch wird bald übersetzt.

Ich vergebe sehr zufriedene 4* und eine dicke Leseempfehlung. Zusätzlich geht ein großes Dankeschön an den Dreamspinner Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar.
Profile Image for Portia.
325 reviews24 followers
November 25, 2014
Scotty Cade won my heart with his Unconventional series. I loved how he portrayed grown men lovin’. Employed, mentally healthy grown ass men. A refreshing change in a genre where half the characters are twinks and the other half are broken. Of course, I love his Love and Sunrise over Savannah series. Pure romance. And I was a bit nervous when he dipped into Historical Romance with The Mystery of Ruby Lode. But, that has proven to be one of my favorite titles. So I shouldn’t have been nervous when Scotty decided he wanted to try his hand at Romantic Suspense. Which is truly my favorite genre, regardless of MC pairing.

Well, I need not have worried. Scotty may be a Southern gentleman, but he has a deliciously twisted mind. The Royal Street Heist was an absolute joy to read.

I’ve read it twice, and I still don’t know who I like better, Bissonet or Cruz. Separately, they are both fine detectives with smart mouths, but together they are magic. Their mutual attraction is instant and hot. It was almost comical to watch them. Outwardly, they can’t stand one another, but they also can’t keep their hands of each other. This made for some pretty raunchy scenes.

And the suspense was well plotted. Like I said, I’m a real suspense junkie and I can usually pick out the killer early on, but Scotty kept me guessing, right up until the end. Speaking of the end, the end of Royal Street Heist left room for a series, and if I have a literary fairy godfather anywhere, he will hear and grant my wish for this to be just the first of an ongoing series.

Step aside Sherlock and Watson, Bissonet and Cruz are in the house…and they rock!
Profile Image for Risa.
448 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2017
Wenn zwei sich streiten, dann freut sich der Dritte.

Der Einbruch in der Royal Street war das erste Buch, das ich von Scotty Cade gelesen habe. Mir haben der Schreibstil und der unterschwellige Humor der Story sehr gut gefallen.

Zur Handlung. Beau Bissonet ist Ermittler beim NOPD und für einen mysteriösen Kunstraub zuständig. Doch auch die Versicherungsgesellschaft ist an einer schnellen Aufklärung des Falles interessiert und schickt einen ihrer besten Aufklärer. Tollison Cruz soll mit Beau zusammen arbeiten, um die gestohlenen Bilder so schnell wie möglich aufzuspüren. Doch der Detective ist davon alles andere als begeistert. Nicht nur, dass er mit seinem Ex, der ihn betrogen hat, an dem Fall arbeiten muss, jetzt kommt noch so ein arroganter Versicherungsagent dazu und will ihm erzählen, wie er zu arbeiten hat. Zwischen den erzwungenen Partnern herrscht Eiszeit.

Ich muss gestehen, dass ich mich köstlich amüsiert habe, als die beiden Alpha-Männchen Beau und Cruz aufeinander geprallt sind. Von Beginn an fliegen die Fetzen und eine Zusammenarbeit erscheint anfangs unmöglich. Doch als sie sich nach und nach besser kennen lernen, wendet sich das Blatt. Als der Fall endlich gelöst ist, steht fest, die beiden sind ein ideales Team, nicht nur im beruflichen Bereich.

Auf die nächste Folge der Serie bin ich schon sehr gespannt und freue mich darauf, mehr von dem Paar und ihrer neu gegründeten Privatdetektei zu lesen.

Die Story erhält von mir 5 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.

Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,089 reviews518 followers
December 18, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars


To get this out of the way first, I’m not usually a fan of romance stories where the perspectives of people other than the main couple (or ménage or what-have-you) are given. I especially cringe when stories begin and last that way for several chapters. I keep expecting that POV person to be part of the relationship. That said, however, in mystery books that approach can make sense, and even be necessary for plot development. And that’s the case here. It helps the reader to have an idea of the mindsets of the victims and/or suspects. Besides, this book starts off with a bang, so this alternate POV beginning works well, setting the scene and giving the reader an insight into the victims/suspects, one that the investigators don’t yet have. This puts the reader ahead of the Beau and Cruz, which is a nice place to be.

The characterization is done both well and not well. With that I mean that both Beau and Cruz are very confident, strong-willed, smart, and sexy men. Beau’s been burned by love, and he’s become a grouchy cynic who sees nothing good in anything around him. Cruz is more relaxed, suave, and classy, and he’s well aware of his charm. But… the two men are also disturbingly similar once you get past the superficial differences. They behave the same, and even speak with the same phrases and use the same curse words. Perhaps the author intended this to show how well they fit together, I don’t know, but it was a bit distracting at times. Not all the time, though.

Read Susan’s review in its entirety here.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,155 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2017
Ein Einbruch, ein Mord und der Diebstahl von zwei wertvollen Bildern führt Det. Beau Bissonet und den Tollison Cruz in New Orleans zusammen. Cruz arbeitet für die Versicherungsgesellschaft, bei der die verschwundenen Bilder versichert sind und soll die Ermittlungen unterstützen. Für Beau eine Provokation, doch gegen einen direkten Befehl kann er kaum etwas machen. Den zwei Alphatieren fällt es sehr schwer miteinander klar zu kommen. Vor allem Beau hat Schwierigkeiten mit dem Außenseiter, den er auch noch ziemlich heiß und sexy findet.
 
Als dann auch noch Beaus direkter Partner krankheitsbedingt ausfällt, muss er sich alleine mit Tollison herumschlagen. Außerdem hat Beau noch immer Probleme mit seinem Ex-Freund Bruce zusammenzuarbeiten. Die Trennung war schmerzhaft und Beaus Groll kommt immer wieder zum Ausbruch. Das macht ihn reizbar und wenig umgänglich. Auch seine Mitarbeiter und Kollegen bekommen diesen Ärger immer wieder zu spüren.

Für Cruz ist das wenig professionell und seine Geduld wird auf eine harte Probe gestellt. Als er dann auch noch zusammen mit Bissonet verreisen muss, eskaliert zwischen ihnen die Situation.
Da ich mit dem Autor bisher eher gemischte Erfahrungen gemacht habe, bin ich mit einer geringen Erwartung an das Buch herangegangen. Doch dieses Mal konnte Scotty Cade mich positiv überraschen. Beau und Cruz sind eine sehr explosive Mischung und schon bei der ersten Begegnung sprühen zwischen ihnen die Funken.

Der Krimiplot ist gut durchdacht, allerdings wenig mysteriös. Macht aber nichts, weil meinem Lesegeschmack das absolut entgegengekommen ist. Aber die Geschichte hat genug Spannung und auch ein paar Wendungen um den Leser leicht bei Laune zu halten. Ich mochte die Helden sehr gern, die sich zu Beginn nichts schenken und vor allem Beau reagiert ziemlich hitzig. Das hätte ich eher Cruz zugetraut, der sich aber sehr schnell als ebenbürtig erweist.

Die intimen Szenen sind sehr hot geschrieben, nehmen jetzt aber nicht zu viel Raum ein und sind halt eher etwas männlicher formuliert. Macht aber nichts und hat wirklich gut zu dieser Geschichte gepasst. Mein Eindruck dieser Geschichte war wirklich gut und ich freu mich schon sehr auf die Fortsetzungen.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,781 reviews138 followers
March 4, 2021
I have read several books by this author and always enjoyed them immensely. Like all of his books, the characters were likable…even poor Bruce. One thing I thought was that Beau was way too hard on Cruz. He didn’t even know the man…he had nothing to do with Beau and his former partner breaking up…and yet he was rude to him at every turn to start with. While the romance build was good and the character development was very good, I just, for some reason, didn’t get the same warm feelings for this book as all Scotty Cade’s other books. Maybe it had something to do with that I don’t especially care for the art world. I’m happy that Tollison and Beau are going to give themselves a chance. I really enjoyed their interactions both personal and professional...and will happily read the second book in the series.

Actual rating 4.5
Profile Image for Romanticamente Fantasy.
7,976 reviews238 followers
March 31, 2018
L’investigatore capo Montgomery Beaumont Bissonet non è un uomo facile, e lavorare con lui è sempre complicato. Perennemente arrabbiato e di cattivo umore da quando la sua relazione con il detective Bruce Jenkins è finita, diventa un personaggio che i suoi colleghi temono. Ormai la storia con Bruce è finita da parecchio tempo, ma il fatto che i due si ritrovino ogni giorno a lavorare insieme non aiuta. Anche perché Beaumont, che tutti chiamano “Beau”, non è un uomo capace di perdonare. La loro relazione è durata anni, molto felici, ma l’essere stato promosso per Beau aveva significato un carico di lavoro elevatissimo, e ore e ore di straordinario. Bruce si era sentito trascurato e aveva avuto un momento di sbando vivendo un’avventura senza importanza, che aveva però decretato la fine della loro storia. Ora ogni giorno deve sorbirsi il cattivo umore del collega che è incapace sia di perdonare che di rifarsi una vita. È in questo clima che i due vengono chiamati sulla scena di un delitto in una nota galleria d’arte: Anthony Le Moyne è stato ucciso mentre tentava di rubare due preziosi dipinti che erano appartenuti alla sua famiglia, e che erano stati venduti a Crymes Villerie per un prezzo irrisorio, ma che poi si erano rivelati autentici capolavori. La Moyne si era sentito truffato, e all’inaugurazione della mostra aveva promesso vendetta. Ma il suo tentativo di riprendersi quello che pensava gli appartenesse era finito quando si era trovato di fronte un secondo ladro, disposto a tutto per avere i due quadri. Crymes Villerie ha amici altolocati e potenti, e da subito il caso diviene molto intricato. Per rendere ancora più dura la vita al nostro investigatore ecco che i Lloyd’s di Londra (con i quali il quadro è assicurato per una notevole cifra) entrano nell’indagine mandando sul posto il loro miglior agente, Tollison Cruz, che parteciperà come consulente tentando di recuperare i dipinti. Pur capendosi subito che Cruz è molto esperto e in grado di aiutare, fra i due l’atmosfera è tesa, e in un primo momento sembra che siano incapaci di lavorare insieme. Ma improvvisamente un fantastico bacio dato alla fine di uno dei loro soliti litigi, cambia tutta la situazione. Mentre le indagini proseguono, i sospetti si moltiplicano: la storia appena iniziata fra i due prosegue, ma Cruz ha taciuto molte cose, e questo potrebbe porre fine alla relazione.

Questa coppia di personaggi ha davvero molto potenziale, ma in questo primo capitolo non viene del tutto usato. Il libro a tratti soffre di troppe descrizioni che rendono la lettura lenta e poco briosa. L’indagine stessa, per quanto davvero ben congeniata e raccontata, non riesce a catturare l’interesse del lettore, forse anche per il fatto che la prima vittima è praticamente sconosciuta e tutto finisce per ruotare attorno alla frode ai danni dei Lloyd’s. La stessa famiglia Villerie, che si troverà ad avere il maggior numero di sospettati, è formata da personaggi freddi che non entusiasmano e non riescono a trasmettere nulla. La coppia Tollison – Bissonet del resto, anche se ben assortita, ha in questo libro poco spazio per evolversi: l’indagine e la ricerca degli indizi va a discapito della loro storia, e solo verso la fine del libro riusciranno a diventarne i protagonisti indiscussi. È infatti nell’ultima parte che viene creato quello che sarà il filo portante dell’intera serie: la loro agenzia di investigazioni “Bissonet & Cruz Investigatori Privati”. Nata dal loro desiderio di vivere e lavorare insieme, diventa cosa però impossibile visti i loro lavori precedenti. La loro è una coppia formata da due personalità dominanti e volitive. Mi aspetto molto dai seguenti capitoli che metteranno a confronto due modi diversi di investigare e di rapportarsi, cosa che fa presagire scintille a non finire. Mentre mi dispiacerebbe perdere un personaggio come Bruce, che forse prenderà il posto di lavoro di Beau, e che spero avremo ancora occasione di seguire; è un personaggio che ho trovato particolarmente simpatico, un solo errore ha distrutto quella che era una relazione felice e da allora, fino all’arrivo di Cruz, ha sopportato stoicamente il risentimento di Beau. È un uomo dolce e un bravo investigatore, e vi devo dire la verità: lo avrei visto benissimo in un ménage con i due protagonisti. Le scene passionali sono ben inserite nella storia, e pur essendo hot, rimangono scritte con eleganza anche se, una volta o due, l’autore si è fatto un po’ prendere la mano rendendole troppo ginniche, ma mai volgari. In conclusione, pur non potendolo annoverare fra i miei libri preferiti, è una storia che si legge con piacere, con una traduzione buonissima e molto curata e che mi ha fatto scoprire una coppia che non vedo l’ora di ritrovare all’opera con il loro primo caso come investigatori privati: la morte di un uomo su cui nessuno sta indagando.
Profile Image for ItsAboutTheBook.
1,447 reviews30 followers
February 15, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book

3.5 stars

Two paintings with a combined value of just over two million dollars are stolen from a New Orleans gallery. That alone is newsworthy. During the crime a murder was committed. The murder of a man who had recently accused the gallery owner of stealing his paintings. The gallery owner also happens to be in debt up this eyeballs and is in the process of having the bank foreclose on his properties. And of course the icing on the cake would be the gambling debts of the son-in-law of the gallery owner. So many motives, so little time. Detective Beau Bissonet gets the case. Of course his cheating ex is also on the case. Then some guy from Lloyd’s of London shows up and the Mayor’s office forces him onto the case, too. Tollison Cruz is the investigator for Lloyd’s and he’s stuck working with a huge jerk of a detective. A huge, sexy jerk. They work well together when they don’t want to murder each other. The tension explodes when they’re investigating out of town. It turns out a lot of that was sexual tension.

Upon returning to New Orleans, Beau learns what Tollison’s job was before he began working for Lloyd’s of London as a retrieval specialist. Tollison was a less ethical version of a retrieval specialist. He was an art thief. An art thief with morals, of course. Beau and Tollison have to learn to trust each other to solve the case and both men want to see if there is anything more lasting than a romantic interlude between them.

The first thirty or so pages of the book were from the perspective of the victim. Personally, I didn’t really enjoy that. I get it increased the tension as to who did it. The victim was a nice guy, but there was certainly moral ambiguity and he was desperate. He easily could have drifted towards desperate measures. I still didn’t really like so much of the beginning of the book being from the perspective of a side character.

The relationship between Tollison and Beau was nice. These guys didn’t want to like each other. Beau didn’t want to like anyone. He was really busy being angry and bitter about the dissolution of his last relationship. The realization that people didn’t like him and it was time to move on was sudden for Beau, but not something I would call unbelievable. I also liked Tollison’s fear this was all happening too fast. I have no problems with characters falling for each other quickly if it’s written plausibly.

Overall I felt the plot was good but not great. It was obvious who the main suspects were. The dissemination of clues was good even if the reader wasn’t always privy to Tollison’s theories. I felt the investigation meshed well with the romantic development. I would definitely recommend this book to someone looking for a light mystery or a romance with cops.

One thing I especially liked about this story: the fact the cops and investigators were gay was not a significant plot aspect. There was no big Gay Cop angst. Beau was just a cop. He was gay. The drama in the workplace was all about being around his ex, not being gay. It’s a good story where people are allowed to deal with their own mistakes and problems instead of their sexual identity. I absolutely want to read more stories like this.
Profile Image for Morgan  Skye.
2,775 reviews28 followers
December 1, 2014
Full Review here: http://kimichanexperience.com/royal-s...

Beau works for the NOPD and Cruz works for Lloyds of London. Both guys are trying to find two missing paintings. It’s made clear that it’s likely an inside job (either the original owner, his family, or someone the original owner hired) but things are now complicated because someone got killed while trying to steal the paintings.

Beau immediately hates Cruz. Which sucks because now they have to work together. Beau’s recent ex boyfriend is also involved in the case, and they have a contentious relationship as well. (Beau can be an asshole!) So Beau is basically feeling sorry for himself all around.

However, there is something else going on between him and Cruz as well – sexual tension. Both guys are really attracted to one another in addition to truly “hating” the other.

The case leads them to cross state lines and they end up sharing a hotel bed. You guessed it, the sparks flying between them eventually catch fire, have some angry sex and it’s H.O.T! But… they still don’t like each other.

They grudgingly agree that they make a good investigative pair as they get closer and closer to solving the case, but something about the other just sets them on edge. Since they’re spending so much time together they decide to go for a no-strings-attached affair, since it’s convenient and all. *wink, wink

When it looks like the case is on the verge of being solved, and it begins to look like the couple may be more than just a quick fling, Cruz is seen corroborating with one of the main suspects and Beau throws him under the bus, immediately thinking the worst.

Fortunately, Cruz is a reasonable guy and the two of them talk it out, realizing that secrets have been kept on both sides. When they finally lay things out of the table, the case finally gets closed and the two realize they mean more to each other than a short-term affair.

But… they live in different cities. Cruz travels all over the world for months at a time. Beau is stuck in New Orleans. It takes some creative thinking, but they do find something they think will work. It’s going to take a big leap of faith and a lot of love to make it work, but I think they have what it takes to make for a very HEA.

**


The bulk of the story really is about solving the crime. That being said, the love story is super sweet and the sex is really hot. I found it fascinating how much the ex played a part in this story and I figure he’s maybe got a book of his own coming up. I’m not sure if this is just being nit picky or what, but there were tons of strange names in this book and it got distracting.
Profile Image for Love Bytes Reviews.
2,529 reviews38 followers
January 14, 2015
4.5 star review by Amber

Oh man, I really liked this story. This author wove together a perfect blend of mystery, investigation, romance, and intrigue. I loved the in depth plot, the rich full characters and the enemies to lovers theme.

Tollison Cruz is an ex-art thief turned insurance investigator for Lloyd’s of London. He’s learned the error of his ways and now walks the straight and narrow.

Beau Bissonet is a Lead Detective for the New Orleans Police Department. You get the impression that he is damn good at his job and is serious about being a public servant.

Tollison and Beau meet after a local gallery was broken into and 2 very valuable paintings were stolen. The police sent Beau and his partner Auggie to investigate the burglary and murder, while Tollison’s employer sent him to investigate whether the insurance claim on the missing paintings is legit.

Tollison and Beau butt heads big time when they first meet. Beau doesn’t like Tollison stepping on his toes and he doesn’t try to hide his irritation. The smoldering attraction is very obvious. I loved the tension that arose when they would interact and needless to say the passionate arguments only made them that much sweeter.

Watching these two men give into their attraction for each other was smokin’ hot. There were parts that reminded me heavily of the Cut and Run series which is definitely a compliment.

Another little added nugget of drama came when we realized that Beau worked very closely with his ex boyfriend. The ex had cheated on Beau about a year and a half before and Beau was still incredibly angry about it. And he didn’t hesitate to remind Bruce, the ex, every chance he got. I enjoyed the angst that arose between these two and I loved that they were able to find peace.

Tollison and Beau work tirelessly to solve this case. The intrigue, detail, and powerful writing made this a story that I just couldn’t put down. You can definitely tell this author did his research which added to making this story incredibly interesting.

This story had the perfect ending. I loved the sacrifices and compromises that were made to be together. I’m wondering if there will be a sequel…if so that would be a definite must read for me. Great, great, great story!!!!

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Profile Image for Susan Laine.
Author 91 books220 followers
December 19, 2014
3.75 stars. Two valuable Civil War era paintings have been stolen from a gallery—plus there’s a body in the upstairs bathroom. Homicide cop Beau Bissonet and insurance investigator Tollison Cruz must join forces to find the culprit(s). That might work if the two Alpha males didn’t detest each other so much. Unfortunately for their peace of mind, there’s a definite sexual spark too in the midst of all that fiery hate, so what becomes of the case is anybody’s guess.
To get this out of the way first, I’m not usually a fan of romance stories where the perspectives of people other than the main couple (or ménage or what-have-you) are given. I especially cringe when stories begin and last that way for several chapters. I keep expecting that POV person to be part of the relationship. That said, however, in mystery books that approach can make sense, and even be necessary for plot development. And that’s the case here. It helps the reader to have an idea of the mindsets of the victims and/or suspects. Besides, this book starts off with a bang, so this alternate POV beginning works well, setting the scene and giving the reader an insight into the victims/suspects, one that the investigators don’t yet have. This puts the reader ahead of the Beau and Cruz, which is a nice place to be.

Read the full review at Joyfully Jay.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,712 reviews
March 31, 2017
Liked the characters

Overall, this was pretty meh, for me. Yes, the characters were likable, even poor Bruce. I did think Bissonet had too quick of a turn-around on his attitude. Why didn't his partner talk to hm before? Anyway, while the romance build was good and the character development was very good, there was so much I didn't enjoy. I don't know why so much time was spent on Villiers and his family. Too much unnecessary detail was added that contributed little to the mystery. The police procedures were very sketchy and I felt a lack of research on the author's part. I think the author was trying to achieve a sense of the complications of a real investigation but there were too many suspects dragged into it. Villiers and the total foreclosure scenario made no sense. If he had that many paintings in inventory, there wasn't a good reason for him to be in such dire straits without some other reason. It simply felt dragged out and slow. And while I appreciate a healthy dose of sex scenes, weren't there any more porn star positions the author could have added? I was waiting for a pizza delivery boy scene. Too much description of the physical steps and not enough passion or emotion. It was readable, but I ended up skimming quite a bit. This was my second Scotty Cade book and I'm afraid he's not the author for me.
Profile Image for Kara.
674 reviews22 followers
October 29, 2015
With this book you get a lot of mystery while Beau and Cruz hunt down who is responsible for stealing two very expensive paintings. The first few times they meet lets just say these two did not like each other very much at first. But the more time they spent together investigating the closer they got. Beau has had hard time trusting anyone after what Bruce his ex did to him. Then there was Cruz who was trying to fight his attraction to Beau. When these two finally admit how they feel and give into their desire for one another lets just say the steam was so damn hot between these two.
I have to say I loved the way the author mixed the mystery with the steam between these two men. There was so much about this book that had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who did it while rooting for Cruz and Beau at the same time. I don't want to give to much away because this book was just so good and definitely one you need to read for yourself. So I will leave this review with I loved the way the author wrote these two characters and how he grabbed you with this story and did not let you go until the end.
All together I loved this book!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
1,787 reviews26 followers
November 11, 2015
Very Big Easy

This one snuck into my To-Read list somehow a year after it was released and had a bit of a wiggle-room time to get into it because the set-up was a bit slow and so damn refined Southerners going to pot.

Then that guy on the cover got involved and I was on my way to an exceptionally fast-moving, very scintillating and occasionally frustrating mystery-cum-romance. Beau Bissonet is a guilt-ridden, and very lonely, gay detective who trusts no one, especially since the other detective on this case is his ex-lover, who cheated on him and set Beau on a bad bunch of choices.

Tolliston Cruz (whatever the heck kind of name is that?)comes into Beau's life and the result is contempt, jealously, intense rivalry--and insta-attraction. This is a pairing made in that special kind of sexual hell that is N'Orleans, with a whole lot of duplicity going on.

There are a few miscues in the narrative, some stereotypical characters, some gaps that require quick narrative catch-ups. But as you go along, what saves this book is a serious love story that preposterous as it might seem, actually works.

Minute I finished it, I bought the sequel, and if you put the covers alongside each other, you will know why.
Profile Image for Lynnette Hartwig.
419 reviews9 followers
December 29, 2015
This book was hot, sweet and spicy all rolled into one really great book, but I come to expect no less from Scotty Cade. This was a suspenseful yet very accurate read. I think that is the best thing I love about this author. He obviously does research instead of just throwing a story together. That tells me that he appreciates his readers.

I immediately fell in love with Beau and Tollison and absolutely love the mystery behind the story of their raging hot love affair. The characters were clearly very well developed and can’t wait for the next installment.

I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lidia.
2,644 reviews30 followers
November 10, 2015
I truly loved this first book of series,I liked the main characters and the mystery and will read immediately the next. I very appreciated the style by Scotty Cade, that I love, the accuracy of writing and like he able to put in one beautiful package, sweet,hot, fun,interesting characters as Beau and Cruz.
Profile Image for Rissa.
2,265 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2015
This author knows New Orleans! ♡
It was so awesome reading the various places. As I'm reading, I'm thinking, "I know that. I'm familiar with that."

Very hopeful ending! :) The mystery was very entertaining. Good read.
Profile Image for Marbea Logan.
1,302 reviews17 followers
August 9, 2015
Wow this was an adventure!! Great mystery as well. I thought Jamie's suicide was going to be another murder! I'd like to know where Beau's and Tollison's business adventure lead them. I'm glad they found each other personally. Two alpha males with soft hearts and bottoms lol!
Profile Image for Angel Pedroza.
571 reviews6 followers
April 1, 2015
This was a fun, well written story. I enjoyed the two main characters very much.
Profile Image for Maryann Kafka.
865 reviews29 followers
November 7, 2015
Well written and good murder mystery. Beau and Tollison make great partners. Love that the story takes place in New Orleans, was there a few months ago.
Profile Image for Nunzia.
422 reviews7 followers
June 30, 2021
Ok, sarò brutalmente sincera: questo romanzo non mi è piaciuto.

Ora, io capisco che negli MM la parte predominante è la storia d'amore tra i due protagonisti, eh, e lo accetto; ma se il titolo si riferisce a un caso da risolvere, questo deve essere trattato in modo quanto meno decente. E posso elencare un sacco di romanzi in cui questo avviene molto bene, anche nei casi in cui la parte dedicata al giallo è un po' sottotono.

Leggendo questo romanzo, invece, io ho avuto l'impressione che all'autore non interessasse assolutamente il caso in sé, ma che lo abbia usato solo come pallida scusa per far conoscere i due. Lo intuisco dai tempi della narrazione, per esempio: i primi capitoli quelli in cui i due investigatori non sono ancora apparsi, è molto più veloce della successiva, come se chi scrive non vedesse l'ora di liberarsi di questa incombenza. Per esempio, parliamo di come viene detto al lettore che c'è stato il furto di due quadri importantissimi: niente pathos, niente attesa. NULLA DI NULLA. Praticamente, se avesse detto che c'era un po' di polvere sul pavimento sarebbe stato lo stesso.
Poi, inspiegabilmente, appena i due si conoscono, i tempi rallentano e, finalmente, le descrizioni si fanno più dettagliate e la trama del giallo descritta un filo (ma di poco) meglio.
Ma non è tutto: il caso da risolvere fa acqua da tutte le parti. Non mi piace il modo in cui i vari personaggi si comportano con le persone interrogate prima e con i sospettati dopo, l'uso dei tempi intercorsi tra una scena e l'altra dedicati all'indagine e, per finire, la tristissima scoperta della parentela tra due personaggi. Scusate, ma che razza di poliziotti siete se non siete riusciti a capire che due persone sono CUGINE DI PRIMO GRADO e che forse, FORSE, EH! possono essere in combutta tra loro?
Veramente imbarazzante.
E che dire del fatto che, una volta risolto il caso, ci sono almeno altre 40 pagine in cui non succede NIENTE? Per carità, i due vanno in vacanza, ok, ma questo vorrebbe essere un thriller, quindi io mi aspettavo che durante la vacanza accadesse qualcosa, che li avesse inseguiti qualcuno, magari meditando vendetta. E invece no: 'sti due sono proprio in vacanza. Scusate, ma chi se ne frega? Tutto ciò per dire che apriranno un'agenzia privata? Ma potevano anche farlo in altro modo, senza sprecare un sacco di pagine.

Anche l'evoluzione del rapporto tra i due non è che mi sia piaciuta molto: se la parte in cui non si possono vedere è tollerabile, quando poi si mettono insieme sono da coma diabetico. Non che i dialoghi brillino per originalità, in generale, eh, e anche i colpi di scena sono di una tristezza disarmante. Ho preferito molto di più l'evoluzione del rapporto tra Beau e il suo ex.

Una delusione totale, veramente. Non so se proverò a dargli un'altra chance.
Profile Image for Katherine.
2,870 reviews13 followers
September 13, 2019
A good book but with a bit of a slow and unusual start. It follows not Cruz or Bissonet at the beginning, but the art dealer. From the discovery, ourchase, recovery, and presentation of the art the book follows Crymes Villerie (and really? the name?). It goes into him, his family, his good steal with the art, even his current problems in life. It was enough that I worried I had actually downloaded the wrong book because it seemd it was going to follow Villerie instead of the promised investigating pair. Until, that is, the art gets stolen and the investigation begins, introducing the two. From there things truly seem to start.

The investigation was intriguing as all of the characters introduced at the beginning were suddenly the biggest suspects. Each of them had their own motivations and involvements in the theft and murder, which made it interesting as each new clue was revealed. It began to be clear that there was a chance that either Villerie didn't know everything going on in his family, or he had been an unreliable narrator at the beginning, which added another layer of interest to the whole thing. It was a good mystery to follow!

The romance had its own slow and fascinating development. It isn't slow in action but in feelings- the action is happening right from go between these two! However, despite the mutual lust and attraction, it is mroe of hate at first sight for these two. Bissonet is a bit of a pill, bitter since his divorce and taking it out on all those he works with. Having Cruz come into the investigation immediatly angers him (as most things seem to do) and he has no propblem expressing that sentiment to Cruz. As for Cruz himself, he is doing his job and knows that he can help and be at least civil and professional. WHen every attempt at being friendly or helpful is outrageously shot down Cruz focuses on doing the job and ignoring the belligerent man. But the continued forced proximity coupled with angry lust results in a few hate fucks and things tart to slowly change from there. It is a difficult change over in relationship, as Bissonet has to learn to come to terms with the betrayal of trust in his last relationship, and Cruz has to learn to open up and trust a man who first was bitter and angry and intentionally dismissive. It took work and some emotional discoveries over the course of the book which was a fascinating read.

A good opener that has done a great job of really bringing these characters to life and establishing over the course of the book the plans for the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Zurry.
68 reviews3 followers
May 23, 2017
Niente male come primo libro di una serie che davvero promette bene (se si aggiustano un paio di cose) sia sulla parte investigativa che sulla parte sentimentale, davvero una grande bella intesa tra Beau e Cruz nonostante l'odio iniziale.
Piccoli appunti: I nomi... sono davvero brutti, tanto che preferisco indicare i personaggi con i cognomi, si salvano solo Beau (che è un diminutivo) e Bruce;
A proposito di Beau e Bruce, è giusto che abbiano avuto un chiarimento visto il loro trascorso, ma ne basta uno più la chiacchierata tra Bruce e Cruz, poi basta. E poi Beau passa da essere uno stronzo per un anno e mezzo con il suo ex a dargli consigli amorosi nell'arco di due giorni? (ex che a sua volta si scusa per disturbare quando Beau e impegnato con Cruz) no, se hanno bisogno di tempo per tornare ad essere amici, facciamo passare effettivamente tempo;
Continuando a parlare di tempo, per una relazione che inizia cosi burrascosa, una settimana è un po' troppo breve per consolidare tutto. cioè Cruz già voleva mollare il lavoro prima di partire per stare con Bissonet poi stanno ben 2 mesi lontani (dove è vero si sentono e collaborano) per poi andare in vacanza insieme (periodo "luna di miele" visto il tempo di separazione) e decidere di accorciare le distanze vivere e lavorare insieme... non è un pochio presto? oppure il tempo poteva essere gestito meglio.
Come poteva essere gestita meglio la parte investigativa, bella si, ma crea un po' di confusione. ad esempio che senso ha far confessare il colpevole, se poi ritratta e poi si suicida? per "allungare" i tempi è meglio inserire un inseguimento, una sparatoria piuttosto che vedere un Bruce che chiama il suo ex sapendo di "interrompere qualcosa" col suo nuovo amante.
E poi perchè al primo interrogatorio di Della Valle c'è Cruz che fa "il polizzitto buono" e il sospettato non ne approfitta per dire che qualla sera aveva cenato con proprio con lui?
In realtà mi ha fatto storcere il naso anche la parte dei sospetti su Cruz, ma ho apprezzato che non ci sia stato il classico dramma tra i due protagonisti con riappacificazione nell'ultimo capitolo.
Però nonostante questi piccoli appunti non positivi la storia mi incuriosisce, visto che amo i polizieschi, come mi incuriosisce il feeling tra Beau e Cruz quindi aspetto il prossimo volume per capire la trama come si svilupperà.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Feel The Book.
1,739 reviews55 followers
October 30, 2017
Recensione a cura di Catford per Feel The Book

L’investigatore capo Montgomery Beaumont Bissonet è un uomo irascibile, deluso e pieno di rabbia a causa del fallimento della sua relazione con il collega Bruce Jenkins, con il quale è, purtroppo, costretto a confrontarsi quotidianamente sul lavoro.
Chiamato a risolvere un eclatante furto d’arte ai danni di una famosa galleria, reso ancora più complesso da un misterioso omicidio, dovrà confrontarsi con l’investigatore assicurativo Tollison Cruz, un uomo con un passato discutibile, inviato dai Lloyd’s di Londra per scongiurare una frode assicurativa e recuperare la refurtiva.
Inutile dire che tra i due, salvo qualche fugace pensiero peccaminoso, sarà odio a prima vista, la tensione notevole.

Un odio che presto però si trasformerà in passione ed in un sentimento diametralmente opposto, in maniera, forse, un pò troppo repentina.
Assisteremo quindi ad incontri bollenti, vedremo crescere l’intesa tra i due e lo sconforto per l’imminente risoluzione del caso e la conseguente, inevitabile, separazione.

Il desiderio di rimanere insieme li porterà a stravolgere completamente le loro vite e ad intraprendere una nuova avventura.

Un romanzo ben scritto ma un po’ appesantito da eccessivi dettagli.
Una trama interessante che ha stuzzicato non poco la mia passione per i polizieschi, peccato solo per alcuni particolari che, a mio avviso, risultano forzati e poco realistici.

Resta comunque l’inizio di una serie che si preannuncia decisamente interessante.

Editing recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel The Book
Profile Image for Sophisticated Lady.
123 reviews26 followers
May 14, 2017
Der Autor hat mich mit diesem Buch definitiv positiv überrascht, da ich mit Action Out damals überhaupt nicht warum wurde. Hier hat er mich aber am Haken, denn zwei Alpha-Männern kann ich einfach nicht widerstehen. Zwischen Beau und Tollison fliegen vom Anfang an die Funken, obwohl sie selbst am Anfang der Meinung sind den anderen überhaupt nicht sympathisch zu finden. Und das zeigen sie sich auch.

Beau, ein sehr raubeiniger Detective, und Tollison, ein Ermittler einer Versicherungesellschaft, treffen aufeinander, da zwei Bilder aus einer Gallerie gestohlen wurden und zu allem Übel stolpert man auch noch über eine Leiche. Motive gibt es genug, Verdächtige auch, und obwohl ich zum Teil richtig lag (nämlich bei der Person), überraschte mich die Auflösung dennoch ein wenig.

Trotzdem fand ich den Crime-Anteil sehr gut in Szene gesetzt und zusammen mit der mehr Chemie beider Protagonisten war das Buch definitiv ein Lesegenuss.

Warum also nur vier Sterne?
Mir war das Buch ehrlich gesagt ein wenig zu kurz. Ich hätte dazwischen gerne ein paar mehr Sequenzen zu den beiden Kerlen gehabt. Da es aber eine Serie ist, und die beiden in den nächsten Teilen auch vorkommen bzw. die Hauptrollen spielen, bin ich guter Dinge, dass ich da mehr von ihnen erfahren werde. Vor allem über Tollisons Vergangenheit, die doch ziemlich im verborgenen bleibt.

Alles in allem kann ich das Buch aber weiterempfehlen. :-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.