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The Guy #3
The Last Guy Breathing
Henry Clueley doesn’t want to be in Glamour, not after moving far away to overcome a difficult, if privileged, childhood. He’s no longer that pudgy kid desperate to escape his hometown, but it still holds painful memories. When his recently widowed mother needs him, however, “dependable Henry” does the right thing—even if it means leaving the IRS to take a boring corporate position. Things don't stay boring for long. Soon Henry helps the local sheriff’s department unravel a crime. Posing as half of a fake couple seems like a fun idea... until Henry learns he already knows the deputy playing his other half.
Deputy Locke may be new to the Glamour Sheriff’s Department, but he’s fought his way up in the world and is determined to make a good impression. He keeps his private life quiet, even from his beloved younger brother. Locke knows better than most the need to protect what’s his.
Henry resents the arrogant, gorgeous cop, and Locke thinks Henry is sheltered and spoiled. Their secret and steamy encounter only adds to the animosity. As they join forces, Henry thinks a relationship with Locke would be catastrophic, but the white-hot passion between them makes it hard to resist.
Deputy Locke may be new to the Glamour Sheriff’s Department, but he’s fought his way up in the world and is determined to make a good impression. He keeps his private life quiet, even from his beloved younger brother. Locke knows better than most the need to protect what’s his.
Henry resents the arrogant, gorgeous cop, and Locke thinks Henry is sheltered and spoiled. Their secret and steamy encounter only adds to the animosity. As they join forces, Henry thinks a relationship with Locke would be catastrophic, but the white-hot passion between them makes it hard to resist.
254 pages, ebook
First published December 8, 2014
13 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Skylar M. Cates
30 books299 followersSkylar M. Cates loves a good romance. She is happy to drink coffee, curl up with a good book, and not move all day. Her novels feature strong and passionate men. Skylar loves to craft stories where realistic characters are challenged with emotional situations. Although lately the laundry room is the farthest place she has visited, Skylar loves to chat with folks from all around the globe.
Please feel free to follow Skylar on other social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
January 30, 2015
4.5 stars
This is my favorite book in the series thus far!
*insert gratuitous gif of half-naked cop here*
We're back in Glamour, Arizona with Henry, who's moved back home to help his mom following his father's death, and Locke, a Glamour police officer whose favorite past time is giving Henry speeding tickets.
Henry recently lost weight but is still insecure about his looks. Henry is a people pleaser and a good boy secretly yearning to be bad.
Locke is all about control; he's a closed book, a kind man with a sarcastic, abrasive exterior who doesn't trust people and keeps his heart under lock and key.
Cates weaves a dash of mystery and suspense into this sexy, believable romance. I tend not to like mysteries in my romance books, because they usually take over the story or are a lame throwaway that has me rolling my eyes.
Not this one!
The mystery here is interesting and the who-done-it not immediately obvious. As Henry and Locke work together on a possible fraud case at the financial firm where Henry is employed, their relationship turns from frenemies who fuck to friends who make love.
The steam level is sweltering as the guys go at it (appropriately!) in a steam room as well as more traditional places. There's lots of dirty talk and passionate kisses.
But the relationship isn't sacrificed at the altar of sex (although that is a worthwhile altar, indeed). Locke and Henry talk and come to understand each other. I loved seeing their relationship grow and change.
Locke's relationship with his younger brother, and Henry's friendship with Anthony (of Anthony and Dean from the first book) and Anthony's sister Gina, flesh out the story.
Both MCs are well-developed, complex characters. I liked that neither man was entirely sympathetic.
Henry, hurt and humiliated by his father for years, wore his uptight detachment like a cloak. Locke, having to raise his brother essentially alone, pushed Henry away with his smart-ass, cruel remarks (motivated by fear, of course, but Henry didn't know that).
The mystery floundered a bit at the end when the main part of the case was closed, but it was still gracefully done.
The writing was strong, the plot well paced. The last chapter provided wonderful closure !
I stayed up way too late reading this book, and I honestly cannot wait for the next in the series.
This is my favorite book in the series thus far!
*insert gratuitous gif of half-naked cop here*
We're back in Glamour, Arizona with Henry, who's moved back home to help his mom following his father's death, and Locke, a Glamour police officer whose favorite past time is giving Henry speeding tickets.
Henry recently lost weight but is still insecure about his looks. Henry is a people pleaser and a good boy secretly yearning to be bad.
Locke is all about control; he's a closed book, a kind man with a sarcastic, abrasive exterior who doesn't trust people and keeps his heart under lock and key.
Cates weaves a dash of mystery and suspense into this sexy, believable romance. I tend not to like mysteries in my romance books, because they usually take over the story or are a lame throwaway that has me rolling my eyes.
Not this one!
The mystery here is interesting and the who-done-it not immediately obvious. As Henry and Locke work together on a possible fraud case at the financial firm where Henry is employed, their relationship turns from frenemies who fuck to friends who make love.
The steam level is sweltering as the guys go at it (appropriately!) in a steam room as well as more traditional places. There's lots of dirty talk and passionate kisses.
But the relationship isn't sacrificed at the altar of sex (although that is a worthwhile altar, indeed). Locke and Henry talk and come to understand each other. I loved seeing their relationship grow and change.
Both of them knew love could break your heart . . . if you got very lucky, love could heal your heart too.
Locke's relationship with his younger brother, and Henry's friendship with Anthony (of Anthony and Dean from the first book) and Anthony's sister Gina, flesh out the story.
Both MCs are well-developed, complex characters. I liked that neither man was entirely sympathetic.
Henry, hurt and humiliated by his father for years, wore his uptight detachment like a cloak. Locke, having to raise his brother essentially alone, pushed Henry away with his smart-ass, cruel remarks (motivated by fear, of course, but Henry didn't know that).
The mystery floundered a bit at the end when the main part of the case was closed, but it was still gracefully done.
The writing was strong, the plot well paced. The last chapter provided wonderful closure !
I stayed up way too late reading this book, and I honestly cannot wait for the next in the series.
January 5, 2015
4.5 Stars!
Really enjoyed this one, it wasn't what I was expecting. Though I have no idea what I was expecting!
It was a fun read and really funny, I loved the banter between Henry and Locke! And the with a splash of mystery!
This one kind of reminded me of
....minus the murders and the pretending to be gay. Maybe it wasn't so much like it after all. Or maybe it was the banter that reminded me of it.
I loved Locke and Henry together. Locke was such an ass half the time and I just wanted to hug poor previously chubby Henry. His self-esteem was still shot and Locke didn't always help.
The whole pretending to be boyfriends but in reality don't want anything serious trope is pretty predictable. So of course Locke, Mr. I Don't Do Relationships is stubborn about admitting his feelings for Henry.
And Henry just wasn't confident enough to put himself out there!
As a whole, the angst and drama isn't bad! And bottom line I had fun following along with Henry and Locke trying to figure out "whodunnit"!
Banter and Steam are my kryptonite and this one nailed it on both fronts! I will definitely have to go back and read the others in the series.
"He wouldn't want him if he were the last guy breathing."
Really enjoyed this one, it wasn't what I was expecting. Though I have no idea what I was expecting!
It was a fun read and really funny, I loved the banter between Henry and Locke! And the with a splash of mystery!
This one kind of reminded me of
....minus the murders and the pretending to be gay. Maybe it wasn't so much like it after all. Or maybe it was the banter that reminded me of it. I loved Locke and Henry together. Locke was such an ass half the time and I just wanted to hug poor previously chubby Henry. His self-esteem was still shot and Locke didn't always help.
The whole pretending to be boyfriends but in reality don't want anything serious trope is pretty predictable. So of course Locke, Mr. I Don't Do Relationships is stubborn about admitting his feelings for Henry.
And Henry just wasn't confident enough to put himself out there!
As a whole, the angst and drama isn't bad! And bottom line I had fun following along with Henry and Locke trying to figure out "whodunnit"!
Banter and Steam are my kryptonite and this one nailed it on both fronts! I will definitely have to go back and read the others in the series.
December 12, 2014
The Last Guy Breathing is my first read in The Guy series by Skylar M. Cates set in fictional Glamour, Arizona. This one revolves around former chubby teen and unlucky-in-love accountant Henry Clueley, who recently moved back to Glamour from Washington DC to help care for his ailing mother. Henry was the recipient of a fast and dirty blow job at the wedding of a mutual friend by Glamour's newest Sheriff, Deputy Locke, a few months ago and the encounter has left both men embarrassed and angry with one another. They are now officially delicious enemies who are incredibly sexually attracted to one another. *claps*
One thing leads to another and the two boys end up working together on an undercover assignment. (Yep, it's farfetched, but it worked for me!) Of course the sexual tension comes to a head and the boys fall into bed/couch/floor/wall together and the sex is magnificent. The problem? Henry is a relationship guy. Locke? Not so much. I'm sure you can see where this is headed. And I loved it.
This book was not perfect by any means and I want to point out a few things that left me a bit cold. First, I thought the story line with Locke's brother was underplayed and rushed and didn't include enough of Henry. I would have enjoyed that part to be more fleshed out and longer. It really would have helped in understanding Locke's cold, distant personality. Also, the whole suicide and undercover investigation was kind of a giant mess as far as I was concerned. I gave up on that part pretty early on. It just didn't hold my interest. And lastly,
I really did enjoy this book, despite it's flaws, and look forward to reading the first two books in The Guy series. I can recommend this book to M/M romance fans who like a tale of the unlucky-in-love boy finding the man of his dreams.
One thing leads to another and the two boys end up working together on an undercover assignment. (Yep, it's farfetched, but it worked for me!) Of course the sexual tension comes to a head and the boys fall into bed/couch/floor/wall together and the sex is magnificent. The problem? Henry is a relationship guy. Locke? Not so much. I'm sure you can see where this is headed. And I loved it.
This book was not perfect by any means and I want to point out a few things that left me a bit cold. First, I thought the story line with Locke's brother was underplayed and rushed and didn't include enough of Henry. I would have enjoyed that part to be more fleshed out and longer. It really would have helped in understanding Locke's cold, distant personality. Also, the whole suicide and undercover investigation was kind of a giant mess as far as I was concerned. I gave up on that part pretty early on. It just didn't hold my interest. And lastly,
I really did enjoy this book, despite it's flaws, and look forward to reading the first two books in The Guy series. I can recommend this book to M/M romance fans who like a tale of the unlucky-in-love boy finding the man of his dreams.
December 8, 2014
I effing LOVED this book, these guys! Prob my fav from the series. Fabulous job Skylar <3
December 11, 2014
3.75-stars rounded up
I tried a new experience while reading this book – I did a Twitter buddy read with a new friend, Carolyn (@akathereader). We both loved the previous two books in this series so we decided to read this one together. We started reading at almost the same time and went to discuss it back and forth using Twitter direct messages. You should see my inbox. It had hundreds of messages. Because of that, this review would also reflect Carolyn’s thoughts since reading with a buddy helped me shape out my thoughts.
This story combined an enemies-to-lovers attraction and mystery as the story opened with a scene of a woman committing suicide. Henry Clueley, returned home to help his mother along after his father died. After finding out that his current company might be involved in a fraud case, Henry was roped into working with Locke to investigate. Locke had experience working undercover, so he pretended to be Henry’s boyfriend. These two pretty much clashed on a day-to-day basis, since Henry thought that Locke was arrogant (albeit gorgeous) while Locke thought Henry (as someone coming from the upper class) was spoiled.
When it came to the enemies-to-lovers trope – which typically isn’t my favorite, I prefer friends-to-lovers – I thought it was quite good. I definitely had fun when Henry was thinking about Locke but at the same time being totally annoyed by him. Locke played ‘the enemy’ part very well, presenting himself as a thorn in Henry’s life whenever he could. Of course it only added to the passionate kisses and sex scenes when it came to that. The times when Henry and Locke were still 'enemies' were definitely delicious.
I definitely thought that Henry was such a darling. He had a kind heart – he easily saw the goodness in people. He didn’t want to think badly about the others. But I also thought that Henry had a deep issue. Henry used to be fat kid, his father definitely verbally abused him, his mother didn’t stand up for him, and Henry’s love life was in the gutter. So I firmly thought he had self-esteem issues. He didn’t think himself as worthy for someone as gorgeous as Locke. This was one of the main things that Carolyn and I were agreed upon.
Carolyn: We already know that Henry doesn't have the greatest opinion of how worthy he is. What if it's a combination of how nice he is combined with what a "catch" Locke is. He's said he's never had someone like him interested. Ya know? That self-esteem thing plays havoc with you.
Ami: I know. Combination of self-esteem and having such a kind heart that he tends to see the goods in everyone.
Why was this important? Well, because Locke definitely had issues of his own. Locke’s mother left his family. Locke’s father turned to drinking. This made Locke pretty angry and he didn’t believe in love and relationships. He also strived for control and became pretty protective towards his younger brother and suspicious of people from the upper class who he thought as greedy with money.
As a reader, I’m pretty much an outsider, and I can only see the story on how the author writes it – and what I saw from the combination of these two men was as a rather ‘imbalanced’ relationship. I thought Henry was the only one who always gave and gave. He was just too nice and he quickly forgave Locke when I thought Locke was being a rude jackass and hurt Henry’s feelings. Now, I’m not saying that Henry was a doormat – I just thought that he didn’t have a vengeful bone in his body. And I wanted to be angry at Locke for Henry, you know?
This part was a very significant topic of discussion between Carolyn and I. Did Locke ‘value’ Henry enough to be more than just how good Henry made him feel? Did Henry sell himself short by not demanding an apology from Locke when I thought he deserved it?
Carolyn: I'm thinking about how mean his father was to him, how it was never acknowledged, by either apology from his father or by word from his mother. He's learned to gloss over things, "let them go" in his own way, though he certainly remembers them.
Ami:Yes, Henry has his issues. I also think that he's just too 'familiar' (for lack of better word) to rejection. That he doesn't learn to step up and actually demand something... It's just that I think Henry still sells himself short.
Carolyn:You know, watching Locke make a joke of things, and Henry not get exasperated with him, I think what we have here is not even that Henry is nice. I think he honestly accepts people for who they are, for their faults, like with his mom, and doesn't judge the way he was. It's the flip side to thinking of him being too nice or a doormat who doesn't make Locke pay.
Ami: I supposed so -- it's one of his great values. Probably coming from one who is ridiculed for being fat redhead kid. He is someone who just sees the best / goodness in others. Because he also feels guilty when he is supposed to find the 'villain'
Carolyn:He learned compassion because he didn't get a whole lot. Not everyone turns bitter. Some people just fill up the empty spaces with nice.
Ami:But for me it also made me feel like Henry still didn't see how much he was worth you know? He never believe other people could see him as beautiful... So I wish that in the end, he gained more confidence.
I guess Carolyn and I agreed at that point that while we were both happy for Henry and Locke, and we believed that they would make it as a couple – we didn’t feel enough or get enough ‘evidence’ that the relationship was balanced out.
Carolyn: Even after everything, I feel like Locke still doesn't understand how great Henry is, he just sees how great Henry makes him feel. Not the same thing, that. I think they're both in love for the first time, so they're really quite stupid about it, plus their own loads of baggage.... And I absolutely believe Locke loves him and thinks he's beautiful and sexy. I just feel at the end, you're right, there wasn't enough of him valuing exactly how great of a person Henry is. Or at least, I didn't feel that.
Ami: Yes ... I admired Henry's quality and I acknowledged that Locke wanting to protect Henry, and he felt he needed for Henry to be safe, it wasn't just enough to make me feel that they learned about this and progressed. I hope that makes sense
Having said all that … I still thought it was good that Skylar M. Cates created these flawed characters for me to root for and to get angry with. Because it made them more dynamic with all their complexities. Human relationships can be messy and it was definitely better for me to get passionately angry for them, and think of them as idiots, and me wanting a pound of flesh, rather than just felt "blah" and "meh" about it.
As for the mystery – it was quite interesting. It concluded in a way that I didn’t actually consider in the beginning. Although it also ran out a bit too long in the end. I also really liked how Cates brought out family members to the story – including Locke’s younger brother James, Henry’s friend Gina (Anthony’s sister from book 1) and Henry’s mother. I always like to see how the main couple interacts with other people in their lives, not just towards each other. Oh, and I enjoyed getting new updates about Anthony and Dean (my favorite couple from the first book) as well... although at one point, Cates had me worried about them!! Sneaky, sneaky author.
I’m contemplating between 3.5 – 4 stars for this one. In overall, I can say I enjoyed it – although I was rather disappointed with the relationship balance. Thus my 3.75-stars and I’m rounding up to 4-stars rating.
PS: Thank you so much Carolyn, for being my first Twitter buddy read. My end rating doesn't reflect hers in any way.
I tried a new experience while reading this book – I did a Twitter buddy read with a new friend, Carolyn (@akathereader). We both loved the previous two books in this series so we decided to read this one together. We started reading at almost the same time and went to discuss it back and forth using Twitter direct messages. You should see my inbox. It had hundreds of messages. Because of that, this review would also reflect Carolyn’s thoughts since reading with a buddy helped me shape out my thoughts.
This story combined an enemies-to-lovers attraction and mystery as the story opened with a scene of a woman committing suicide. Henry Clueley, returned home to help his mother along after his father died. After finding out that his current company might be involved in a fraud case, Henry was roped into working with Locke to investigate. Locke had experience working undercover, so he pretended to be Henry’s boyfriend. These two pretty much clashed on a day-to-day basis, since Henry thought that Locke was arrogant (albeit gorgeous) while Locke thought Henry (as someone coming from the upper class) was spoiled.
When it came to the enemies-to-lovers trope – which typically isn’t my favorite, I prefer friends-to-lovers – I thought it was quite good. I definitely had fun when Henry was thinking about Locke but at the same time being totally annoyed by him. Locke played ‘the enemy’ part very well, presenting himself as a thorn in Henry’s life whenever he could. Of course it only added to the passionate kisses and sex scenes when it came to that. The times when Henry and Locke were still 'enemies' were definitely delicious.
I definitely thought that Henry was such a darling. He had a kind heart – he easily saw the goodness in people. He didn’t want to think badly about the others. But I also thought that Henry had a deep issue. Henry used to be fat kid, his father definitely verbally abused him, his mother didn’t stand up for him, and Henry’s love life was in the gutter. So I firmly thought he had self-esteem issues. He didn’t think himself as worthy for someone as gorgeous as Locke. This was one of the main things that Carolyn and I were agreed upon.
Carolyn: We already know that Henry doesn't have the greatest opinion of how worthy he is. What if it's a combination of how nice he is combined with what a "catch" Locke is. He's said he's never had someone like him interested. Ya know? That self-esteem thing plays havoc with you.
Ami: I know. Combination of self-esteem and having such a kind heart that he tends to see the goods in everyone.
Why was this important? Well, because Locke definitely had issues of his own. Locke’s mother left his family. Locke’s father turned to drinking. This made Locke pretty angry and he didn’t believe in love and relationships. He also strived for control and became pretty protective towards his younger brother and suspicious of people from the upper class who he thought as greedy with money.
As a reader, I’m pretty much an outsider, and I can only see the story on how the author writes it – and what I saw from the combination of these two men was as a rather ‘imbalanced’ relationship. I thought Henry was the only one who always gave and gave. He was just too nice and he quickly forgave Locke when I thought Locke was being a rude jackass and hurt Henry’s feelings. Now, I’m not saying that Henry was a doormat – I just thought that he didn’t have a vengeful bone in his body. And I wanted to be angry at Locke for Henry, you know?
This part was a very significant topic of discussion between Carolyn and I. Did Locke ‘value’ Henry enough to be more than just how good Henry made him feel? Did Henry sell himself short by not demanding an apology from Locke when I thought he deserved it?
Carolyn: I'm thinking about how mean his father was to him, how it was never acknowledged, by either apology from his father or by word from his mother. He's learned to gloss over things, "let them go" in his own way, though he certainly remembers them.
Ami:Yes, Henry has his issues. I also think that he's just too 'familiar' (for lack of better word) to rejection. That he doesn't learn to step up and actually demand something... It's just that I think Henry still sells himself short.
Carolyn:You know, watching Locke make a joke of things, and Henry not get exasperated with him, I think what we have here is not even that Henry is nice. I think he honestly accepts people for who they are, for their faults, like with his mom, and doesn't judge the way he was. It's the flip side to thinking of him being too nice or a doormat who doesn't make Locke pay.
Ami: I supposed so -- it's one of his great values. Probably coming from one who is ridiculed for being fat redhead kid. He is someone who just sees the best / goodness in others. Because he also feels guilty when he is supposed to find the 'villain'
Carolyn:He learned compassion because he didn't get a whole lot. Not everyone turns bitter. Some people just fill up the empty spaces with nice.
Ami:But for me it also made me feel like Henry still didn't see how much he was worth you know? He never believe other people could see him as beautiful... So I wish that in the end, he gained more confidence.
I guess Carolyn and I agreed at that point that while we were both happy for Henry and Locke, and we believed that they would make it as a couple – we didn’t feel enough or get enough ‘evidence’ that the relationship was balanced out.
Carolyn: Even after everything, I feel like Locke still doesn't understand how great Henry is, he just sees how great Henry makes him feel. Not the same thing, that. I think they're both in love for the first time, so they're really quite stupid about it, plus their own loads of baggage.... And I absolutely believe Locke loves him and thinks he's beautiful and sexy. I just feel at the end, you're right, there wasn't enough of him valuing exactly how great of a person Henry is. Or at least, I didn't feel that.
Ami: Yes ... I admired Henry's quality and I acknowledged that Locke wanting to protect Henry, and he felt he needed for Henry to be safe, it wasn't just enough to make me feel that they learned about this and progressed. I hope that makes sense
Having said all that … I still thought it was good that Skylar M. Cates created these flawed characters for me to root for and to get angry with. Because it made them more dynamic with all their complexities. Human relationships can be messy and it was definitely better for me to get passionately angry for them, and think of them as idiots, and me wanting a pound of flesh, rather than just felt "blah" and "meh" about it.
As for the mystery – it was quite interesting. It concluded in a way that I didn’t actually consider in the beginning. Although it also ran out a bit too long in the end. I also really liked how Cates brought out family members to the story – including Locke’s younger brother James, Henry’s friend Gina (Anthony’s sister from book 1) and Henry’s mother. I always like to see how the main couple interacts with other people in their lives, not just towards each other. Oh, and I enjoyed getting new updates about Anthony and Dean (my favorite couple from the first book) as well... although at one point, Cates had me worried about them!! Sneaky, sneaky author.
I’m contemplating between 3.5 – 4 stars for this one. In overall, I can say I enjoyed it – although I was rather disappointed with the relationship balance. Thus my 3.75-stars and I’m rounding up to 4-stars rating.
PS: Thank you so much Carolyn, for being my first Twitter buddy read. My end rating doesn't reflect hers in any way.
January 7, 2015
I didn't like Locke
1.5 disappointed stars rounded up to 2.0
Sadly, I'm in the minority here. Many of my GR buddies liked this book best in The Guy series but I felt just the opposite!
First off, I really like The Guy series. I also enjoy Skylar Cates' writing. My qualms with this book can be summed up in one word: Locke. I didn't like him at all. Maybe it's because I've dated his type, you know the I'm-aloof-and-rude-but-it's-a-defense-mechanism-to-protect-myself-so-cut-me-some-slack. We make excuses for them, as Cate did for Locke, that they are simply softies on the inside and misunderstood. Pffffft. Puh-leeze. I beg to differ. They are pricks and are hurtful. When your prickiness eclipses your hawtness, as it did in Locke's case, I am thoroughly disenchanted. Although I truly liked Henry's character, his inability to stand up to Lock left him wanting in my book.
Bottom line: I like this series but not this installment.
1.5 disappointed stars rounded up to 2.0
Sadly, I'm in the minority here. Many of my GR buddies liked this book best in The Guy series but I felt just the opposite!
First off, I really like The Guy series. I also enjoy Skylar Cates' writing. My qualms with this book can be summed up in one word: Locke. I didn't like him at all. Maybe it's because I've dated his type, you know the I'm-aloof-and-rude-but-it's-a-defense-mechanism-to-protect-myself-so-cut-me-some-slack. We make excuses for them, as Cate did for Locke, that they are simply softies on the inside and misunderstood. Pffffft. Puh-leeze. I beg to differ. They are pricks and are hurtful. When your prickiness eclipses your hawtness, as it did in Locke's case, I am thoroughly disenchanted. Although I truly liked Henry's character, his inability to stand up to Lock left him wanting in my book.
Bottom line: I like this series but not this installment.
December 20, 2014
This was the best of the series, so far. Well-rounded, nice mystery, both MCs grew on me. Nice happy ending, although I wouldn't mind to read more about them. Nothing I didn't like, so 5 stars!
January 2, 2016
If I'm objective, and take out my own issues with this story, the rating is 3.5 stars.
Subjectively, this will be going onto my "Hated It" shelf. This is a story that pushed so many of my rage buttons it's really not even fair for me to rate it. So take my rating, and review, with a grain of salt.
Click on the spoiler for my rage spew.
But I am firmly, FIRMLY, in the minority with this. And, hey, it could have just caught me on a bad day, because I cannot tell you the number of people I know who RAVE about this story and think it's the best in the series so far. I am just NOT one them today. Obviously. Even Matt Baca's narration, which I usually enjoy, grated on me this time around because of how much I was disliking the story. *sighs* So, like I said in the beginning - take this all with a grain of salt.
Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
September 16, 2015
Dreadful.
Locke is a complete areshole. As the book continues instead of redeeming himself he proves to be more of a jerk. Thinking he 'acted like a jerk there' is not cute or endearing, nor does it make him less of a jerk. He's arrogant, brash, offensive, callous. I don't care how poor his childhood.
And yes he goes by his surname, only telling the other main his first name on the last but one page.
Clueley, is a nervous man who used to be chunky, when he's not being the cute red-head with puppy-like enthusiasms (about things like morgues!). He's a doormat, home to look after his mother. It's about halfway through the book we learn she has arthritis, later again that we learn she's been widowed.
The second time they had sex I was willing Henry Clueley to have some self-respect and say hell no! But no. He runs to Locke like a self-destructive moth to a flame. Stupid man, he'll have to sell his fancy red car to pay for the therapy bills!
A mystery plot suitable for accountants. A collection of distasteful people who may or may not be fudging the books. I didn't care about them or their books. There's even what's meant as a last minute shock which left me not knowing (or caring) who was connected to who, doing what to whom, or why. Or why I was still reading.
The detecting is juvenile. Interviewing people after a case has been closed, not before.
Characters from the first book are inserted everywhere possible, their little mini dramas in the middle of other dramas.
This is the second Cates I've read, 80% appears to be the mark for melodrama, the big break-up misunderstanding, blah, blah, blah.
I'm not clear why 'forensic accounting' would mean a growing friendship with the coroner.
Not one character I liked.
A plot that bored me. Dramas on drama.
It shows how bad my shift was that I crawled through this at all.
Locke is a complete areshole. As the book continues instead of redeeming himself he proves to be more of a jerk. Thinking he 'acted like a jerk there' is not cute or endearing, nor does it make him less of a jerk. He's arrogant, brash, offensive, callous. I don't care how poor his childhood.
And yes he goes by his surname, only telling the other main his first name on the last but one page.
Clueley, is a nervous man who used to be chunky, when he's not being the cute red-head with puppy-like enthusiasms (about things like morgues!). He's a doormat, home to look after his mother. It's about halfway through the book we learn she has arthritis, later again that we learn she's been widowed.
The second time they had sex I was willing Henry Clueley to have some self-respect and say hell no! But no. He runs to Locke like a self-destructive moth to a flame. Stupid man, he'll have to sell his fancy red car to pay for the therapy bills!
A mystery plot suitable for accountants. A collection of distasteful people who may or may not be fudging the books. I didn't care about them or their books. There's even what's meant as a last minute shock which left me not knowing (or caring) who was connected to who, doing what to whom, or why. Or why I was still reading.
The detecting is juvenile. Interviewing people after a case has been closed, not before.
Characters from the first book are inserted everywhere possible, their little mini dramas in the middle of other dramas.
This is the second Cates I've read, 80% appears to be the mark for melodrama, the big break-up misunderstanding, blah, blah, blah.
I'm not clear why 'forensic accounting' would mean a growing friendship with the coroner.
Not one character I liked.
A plot that bored me. Dramas on drama.
It shows how bad my shift was that I crawled through this at all.
February 17, 2015
I'm trying to decide if I liked The Last Guy Breathing more or less than I did The Guy From Glamour. It's mighty close. For the majority of The Last Guy Breathing, I'd have said this one. However, the whole thing with the suspense side of the story ended up being a lot more convoluted than it needed to be. That's really my only nitpick.
Locke is a good cop. He had a really rough time growing up, though and so he doesn't let himself get close to anyone and he acts like a jerk of the first water most of the time. Screw 'em and leave 'em is pretty much his M.O. He also has a tendency to judge a book by its cover and doesn't look beyond that. He's pulled Henry over in his Ferrari numerous times for speeding because he can't stand the thought of some rich, entitled jerk getting away with anything. Never mind that Henry isn't an entitled jerk at all. But Locke never looked beyond the wrapper. Also, the fact that Henry is exactly Locke's type doesn't have anything to do with anything. Nope. Not at all.
Henry moved back home to Glamour from DC to help his mom after his dad died. He hated growing up in Glamour, where he never fit in. He recently decided to lose his excess weight and get himself in shape in hopes that it would help him find love, but he has trouble seeing himself as not being fat. I totally get that. While he finds Deputy Locke hawt hawt hawt, he can't stand the guy. Locke keeps pulling him over for no reason at all and that's just harassment! Heh.
What I really liked about Henry, though, is his sense of adventure. He's being asked to do something potentially dangerous and he is willing to do it because it is the right thing to do. And the fact that he and Locke both act like they can't stand each other (a case of they doth protest too much) and it's a match made in Glamour. Locke even becomes more likable once he dislodges the stick from his bum. He can't keep up the tough guy act with Henry for very long at all.
I definitely recommend this series. Particularly books 1 and 3.
Locke is a good cop. He had a really rough time growing up, though and so he doesn't let himself get close to anyone and he acts like a jerk of the first water most of the time. Screw 'em and leave 'em is pretty much his M.O. He also has a tendency to judge a book by its cover and doesn't look beyond that. He's pulled Henry over in his Ferrari numerous times for speeding because he can't stand the thought of some rich, entitled jerk getting away with anything. Never mind that Henry isn't an entitled jerk at all. But Locke never looked beyond the wrapper. Also, the fact that Henry is exactly Locke's type doesn't have anything to do with anything. Nope. Not at all.
Henry moved back home to Glamour from DC to help his mom after his dad died. He hated growing up in Glamour, where he never fit in. He recently decided to lose his excess weight and get himself in shape in hopes that it would help him find love, but he has trouble seeing himself as not being fat. I totally get that. While he finds Deputy Locke hawt hawt hawt, he can't stand the guy. Locke keeps pulling him over for no reason at all and that's just harassment! Heh.
What I really liked about Henry, though, is his sense of adventure. He's being asked to do something potentially dangerous and he is willing to do it because it is the right thing to do. And the fact that he and Locke both act like they can't stand each other (a case of they doth protest too much) and it's a match made in Glamour. Locke even becomes more likable once he dislodges the stick from his bum. He can't keep up the tough guy act with Henry for very long at all.
I definitely recommend this series. Particularly books 1 and 3.
December 23, 2014
4,5 stars.
Definitely the best of the series so far, I enjoyed Henry and Locke's story. Recommended!
August 11, 2017
3.5 redondeando a 4 para toda la serie. Se leen bien pero cuando me cazo saltándome escenas de sexo es porque algo falla XDDDD
December 21, 2014
I am quickly becoming a fan of Skylar Cates writing, this was my fav of the series. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
December 31, 2014
LOVED LOVED LOVED! THAT IS ALL. :)
December 13, 2014
As much as this is a romance, it is also a mystery. Locke and Henry's fraud case determine the pace and scope of their relationship, and both are twisty and unpredictable.
We spend a lot of time with the boys' interior angst, as the both try to work out their own feelings about the other, and of course, the risk of revealing those feelings. Locke is particularly vulnerable.
Henry's sweet openness is a wonder to Locke. But it's not easy to let himself trust.
The whodunit takes a couple of twisty turns. It keeps us guessing right up to the end, and add in Locke's missteps with younger brother James, and possible tension between Dean and Anthony (gasp, oh no), and you've got a pretty good story.
Enjoyed this a lot.
We spend a lot of time with the boys' interior angst, as the both try to work out their own feelings about the other, and of course, the risk of revealing those feelings. Locke is particularly vulnerable.
Henry's sweet openness is a wonder to Locke. But it's not easy to let himself trust.
The whodunit takes a couple of twisty turns. It keeps us guessing right up to the end, and add in Locke's missteps with younger brother James, and possible tension between Dean and Anthony (gasp, oh no), and you've got a pretty good story.
Enjoyed this a lot.
December 12, 2014
A review by The Blogger Girls.
I have really enjoyed this series. Each one has been a little different but carries the same sense of something or a certain vibe that surrounds the town of Glamour. We met these guys briefly in The Only Guy where they met at their mutual friends’ wedding. It was but a short steamy hookup which left them both at odds, though for different reasons.
Fast forward to now, Henry is back in town taking care of his mother, and Locke has returned to work at the Sheriff’s Department after a bad deal in the big city. Locke is pretty much a cold jerk. He doesn’t do relationships, doesn’t want any connections, etc. He especially doesn’t like what he believes Henry to be – a spoiled rich guy. Even though neither can deny the sexual chemistry in the air, they both fight it based on their respective assumptions and behavior.
Then, they are thrown together to solve a case. Henry has suspected his firm is in the midst of some shady dealings. That happens to coincide with a suicide case being investigated, and since Locke has undercover experience, he is chosen to be Henry’s backup as they try and uncover more evidence. Now, pretty much hating each other whilst fighting the sparks, they must now act as lovey boyfriends. It is quite comical at times.
Barriers are slowly broken down as more things about these guys are made clearer to the other, though it is not an easy road. Eventually, they realize what’s important – Locke most especially learns that he does want to invest more of himself in someone. He does not change overnight though, which I liked. Even though it was bad for Henry, it seemed more realistic that it took him awhile to change his ways.
There is the excitement of the investigation, centering around the suicide and finding out who the bad guys actually are. There are also issues with Locke and his brother concerning their mother which causes problems between them. Not the best parts of this story, but they were engaging nonetheless.
So, if you’re looking for a solid story with enough meet to sink your teeth into, give this a try. The guys aren’t perfect, but they find ways to work around their differences and find love. I definitely recommend this series.
December 12, 2015
What a dissapointment. The mystery. The romance. Ugh...the dialog at the end during the big who done it reveal made me cringe. Nope, just nope.
February 24, 2015
Loved it so much! Will review later.
November 13, 2017
3.5 Stars
I am very much enjoying this series. We Met Henry in earlier books and it is nice to see him get his happily ever after.
Locke is a bit of a jerk. He stays pretty locked down and judgemental for a bit too long. Henry also assumes too much.
But the pretend romance is fun and the lack of drama around it turning into more is nice. I like watching Henry become more of who he is and Locke taking emotionial risks.
A nice read.
I am very much enjoying this series. We Met Henry in earlier books and it is nice to see him get his happily ever after.
Locke is a bit of a jerk. He stays pretty locked down and judgemental for a bit too long. Henry also assumes too much.
But the pretend romance is fun and the lack of drama around it turning into more is nice. I like watching Henry become more of who he is and Locke taking emotionial risks.
A nice read.
February 20, 2015
Henry is an accountant who moved back to Glamour to help his widowed mother. He used to be chubby and now strives hard to keep his new, more fit shape. His dad was a giant jerk, and he’s had real rotten luck with relationships. Until now.
Locke is a hard-nosed cop who moved to Glamour when he got in trouble for whistle-blowing in Phoenix. His family life was also less than stellar and the only family he knows now is his younger brother. He’s gay, but not out and he doesn’t “do” relationships. Until now.
Locke and Henry get together for the first time at Dean and Anthony’s wedding. (Yay!!!) They have a hot round of sex then Locke treats Henry like crap and they don’t see much of each other except when Locke is handing out speeding tickets to Henry.
There is a suicide and a subsequent investigation into the woman’s place of work, which happens to be where Henry works, conducted by Locke’s police department. It’s decided that Locke and Henry must pose as lovers to gain inside information about the financial planners Henry works for to try to expose the cause of the suicide.
At first things are terrible… well terribly HOT… between Henry and Locke. The sexual tension is nearly unbearable, but outside of the physical, they can’t stand one another.
As they work closely with one another on the case, little by little the defenses crumble and they begin an active “no strings” affair… but Henry is seeing strings and maybe… maybe Locke is too.
There is a lot of intrigue. Some family drama on both sides. Lots and lots of hot sex. Some personal drama with Dean and Anthony. Some more hot sex. And finally… a very HEA.
**
This, by far, is my favorite of the “Last Guy” series. It is a really sweet, very sexy, very exciting, very well-written novel. I can really see the improvement, book to book in Skylar Cates’ writing. Her characters are by far her best asset – they are interesting and well-developed and easy to love, both the MCs and the secondary characters as well.
I think the story line in this was by far the most interesting of the three, the mystery and the drama and all the extra stuff that can sometimes overwhelm a romance really did a nice job of show-casing the romance and keeping the reader enthralled.
I am a definite fan of the series and hope we see more from Skylar soon!
Audio:
Matt Baca did the other narrations for this series and like the author’s writing, this is the best of the three. I really like his grumpy Locke and his sweet Henry.
Writing/Editing 5
Romance 5
Sex/Heat 6
Storyline 5
World Building/Characterizations 5
Narration 4.5
Overall 5 of 5 stars
Locke is a hard-nosed cop who moved to Glamour when he got in trouble for whistle-blowing in Phoenix. His family life was also less than stellar and the only family he knows now is his younger brother. He’s gay, but not out and he doesn’t “do” relationships. Until now.
Locke and Henry get together for the first time at Dean and Anthony’s wedding. (Yay!!!) They have a hot round of sex then Locke treats Henry like crap and they don’t see much of each other except when Locke is handing out speeding tickets to Henry.
There is a suicide and a subsequent investigation into the woman’s place of work, which happens to be where Henry works, conducted by Locke’s police department. It’s decided that Locke and Henry must pose as lovers to gain inside information about the financial planners Henry works for to try to expose the cause of the suicide.
At first things are terrible… well terribly HOT… between Henry and Locke. The sexual tension is nearly unbearable, but outside of the physical, they can’t stand one another.
As they work closely with one another on the case, little by little the defenses crumble and they begin an active “no strings” affair… but Henry is seeing strings and maybe… maybe Locke is too.
There is a lot of intrigue. Some family drama on both sides. Lots and lots of hot sex. Some personal drama with Dean and Anthony. Some more hot sex. And finally… a very HEA.
**
This, by far, is my favorite of the “Last Guy” series. It is a really sweet, very sexy, very exciting, very well-written novel. I can really see the improvement, book to book in Skylar Cates’ writing. Her characters are by far her best asset – they are interesting and well-developed and easy to love, both the MCs and the secondary characters as well.
I think the story line in this was by far the most interesting of the three, the mystery and the drama and all the extra stuff that can sometimes overwhelm a romance really did a nice job of show-casing the romance and keeping the reader enthralled.
I am a definite fan of the series and hope we see more from Skylar soon!
Audio:
Matt Baca did the other narrations for this series and like the author’s writing, this is the best of the three. I really like his grumpy Locke and his sweet Henry.
Writing/Editing 5
Romance 5
Sex/Heat 6
Storyline 5
World Building/Characterizations 5
Narration 4.5
Overall 5 of 5 stars
October 19, 2024
4.5 I reread this so that I could review it.
I enjoyed this book. Henry and Locke were a good couple and each had a distinct personality. Both of the MCs were very different from the other in almost everything, except that they both had difficult childhoods. Henry being belittled and subjected to almost constant mental abuse while living in upper class luxury, and Locke, totally neglected by an unfit mother and left to fend daily for his young self and his younger brother. The recalls of his childhood were sad to read.
Locke and his brother have come out of it by sticking together. James is a good side character and I liked him enough to overlook the side plot of who he meets and falls in love with, one of the twin sisters from Book 1, 'The Guy From Glamour', with Anthony and Dean. And this was the worst of the two annoying sisters. She was okay in this story, but only because she was in few scenes.
I really liked how arrogant and egotistical Locke fell hard for Henry, because in Henry he got the affection and approval and admiration that he had always craved and never received. Henry had been the high school wallflower and couldn't believe that annoying but beautiful Locke wanted him. He reveled in their chemistry and did not trust it to last. Henry got under Locke's thick skin and then into his heart. But, would Locke ever admit to this? Nope, well, in little dribs and drabs usually during the red hot sex these two were having while working together on an undercover case at Henry's business office. Locke is a deputy for the town of Glamour.
I liked the plotline of their working undercover. It was interesting and suspenseful. The book begins with a jolt of a scene that has nothing to do with romance and everything to do with whodunit and why? This book could have stood on its own as a mystery novel with romance between the two leads, but I like how after the mystery was solved and the perps in jail it went back to the romance all the way with some nice scenes of them realizing they loved each other. The HEA ending was very enjoyable.
I enjoyed this book. Henry and Locke were a good couple and each had a distinct personality. Both of the MCs were very different from the other in almost everything, except that they both had difficult childhoods. Henry being belittled and subjected to almost constant mental abuse while living in upper class luxury, and Locke, totally neglected by an unfit mother and left to fend daily for his young self and his younger brother. The recalls of his childhood were sad to read.
Locke and his brother have come out of it by sticking together. James is a good side character and I liked him enough to overlook the side plot of who he meets and falls in love with, one of the twin sisters from Book 1, 'The Guy From Glamour', with Anthony and Dean. And this was the worst of the two annoying sisters. She was okay in this story, but only because she was in few scenes.
I really liked how arrogant and egotistical Locke fell hard for Henry, because in Henry he got the affection and approval and admiration that he had always craved and never received. Henry had been the high school wallflower and couldn't believe that annoying but beautiful Locke wanted him. He reveled in their chemistry and did not trust it to last. Henry got under Locke's thick skin and then into his heart. But, would Locke ever admit to this? Nope, well, in little dribs and drabs usually during the red hot sex these two were having while working together on an undercover case at Henry's business office. Locke is a deputy for the town of Glamour.
I liked the plotline of their working undercover. It was interesting and suspenseful. The book begins with a jolt of a scene that has nothing to do with romance and everything to do with whodunit and why? This book could have stood on its own as a mystery novel with romance between the two leads, but I like how after the mystery was solved and the perps in jail it went back to the romance all the way with some nice scenes of them realizing they loved each other. The HEA ending was very enjoyable.
February 22, 2015
I liked this, and I didn't. It took me quite a while to warm up to Locke. He was cold and mean, and he judged Henry way too harshly at the beginning, assuming he was just another rich guy who did whatever he wanted. But I did finally warm up to him, and understood a bit about why he was the way he was. Henry, I liked and felt for from the start.
I wasn't too interested in the case they were working together. It felt like it had a bit too much going on, and I felt there were a few loose ends. For instance, the Meg character didn't really serve any point in the story, just someone Locke was trying to help out, and a big mention of how tired Henry was feeling, that never got mentioned again. I also felt a yanked out of things with the bit about the couple from the previous book's problems, but that's probably because I skipped the first book to read this one. I intend to go back and read that one though.
I did enjoy watching Locke and Henry get closer. The sex was pretty smoking, and even the emotion was good, not sappy, until the last few pages, and I can deal with a bit of "I love you" sap at the very end.
I wasn't too interested in the case they were working together. It felt like it had a bit too much going on, and I felt there were a few loose ends. For instance, the Meg character didn't really serve any point in the story, just someone Locke was trying to help out, and a big mention of how tired Henry was feeling, that never got mentioned again. I also felt a yanked out of things with the bit about the couple from the previous book's problems, but that's probably because I skipped the first book to read this one. I intend to go back and read that one though.
I did enjoy watching Locke and Henry get closer. The sex was pretty smoking, and even the emotion was good, not sappy, until the last few pages, and I can deal with a bit of "I love you" sap at the very end.
January 4, 2015
Henry has grown up with a father who disliked him and a mother who never stood up for him. So he overachieved because he was that overweight kid that no one liked.
Locke grew up with a gambling addictive mother who loved her habit more than her kids. He's a fuck 'em and leave 'em type. Until he meets Henry.
This started off well enough, I liked the love and hate tug of war the MC's had going on. I also liked the fact the author was taking her time to establish them as people in their own right. However, like any M/M manual for authors it quickly turned into erections and omg! I need you now.
The case was boring as hell, but unless you're Josh Lanyon or Eden Winters chances are 98% of authors in M/M are never going to make their cases remotely interesting to me.
This book would be fun as hell for newbie readers of the genre. Those of us who've been here for far too long will roll our eyes.
Locke grew up with a gambling addictive mother who loved her habit more than her kids. He's a fuck 'em and leave 'em type. Until he meets Henry.
This started off well enough, I liked the love and hate tug of war the MC's had going on. I also liked the fact the author was taking her time to establish them as people in their own right. However, like any M/M manual for authors it quickly turned into erections and omg! I need you now.
The case was boring as hell, but unless you're Josh Lanyon or Eden Winters chances are 98% of authors in M/M are never going to make their cases remotely interesting to me.
This book would be fun as hell for newbie readers of the genre. Those of us who've been here for far too long will roll our eyes.
December 2, 2015
This was the first book I read in this series, but it's perfectly readable as a stand alone book! I liked the tension between Locke and Henry a lot, it made their interaction very interessting! And I definitly liked both of them; I tried to understand Locke's reactions and I think that the background information we got about both their childhood's made their behavior credible! Compared to the MC's, I wasn't able to immediately get into the case. It took me a while to figure out, what everything was about, but at the end all the lose ends were put into place perfectly. I will rate this book with 4 stars! Definitly going to read more about Glamour very soon!
December 12, 2014
I really liked this, it's the best of the series. Lots of page time between the MCs.
I was afraid it would be one where the have no relationship beyond fighting for the first 75 % of the book. Not the case, they do have a relationship, and fighting :-), from a suitable to me point of the book.
The mystery was good even if the investiagtion was not true to RL. But this is a romance not a police procedural.
I was afraid it would be one where the have no relationship beyond fighting for the first 75 % of the book. Not the case, they do have a relationship, and fighting :-), from a suitable to me point of the book.
The mystery was good even if the investiagtion was not true to RL. But this is a romance not a police procedural.
April 2, 2015
Now I can say for sure that Author "Skylar M. Cates " knows how to write unique stories. Each book of "The Guy" series is story for itself.
With 3 book we have romance between a cop and very nice romantic guy. So author went for crime case story plot. It was complex and good written.
I really enjoyed that book and my time spend on it was fulfilled.
Its great work from my point of view.
With 3 book we have romance between a cop and very nice romantic guy. So author went for crime case story plot. It was complex and good written.
I really enjoyed that book and my time spend on it was fulfilled.
Its great work from my point of view.
March 21, 2016
Henry arrives back in Glamour to look after his mother. Locke is the local deputy with the sheriffs department. Henry is always speeding and so Locke keeps giving him tickets.
Until 1 day they are asked to go undercover to work on a fraud case.
I guess this is a classic enemies to lovers book. Both MCs start off disliking each other but over the course of the book give into their desires and end up in a relationship.
The fraud case was good and kept me guessing to the end.
Until 1 day they are asked to go undercover to work on a fraud case.
I guess this is a classic enemies to lovers book. Both MCs start off disliking each other but over the course of the book give into their desires and end up in a relationship.
The fraud case was good and kept me guessing to the end.
December 9, 2014
3.75 stars
Loved the passion and relationship development between Locke and Henry. Props to the author for putting some thought into the mystery and not making it SO obvious. However, I felt it was borderline convoluted and too long. By about 70% I was ready to be done with that part of the story. But instead we get a plot twist that really contributed nothing to Locke and Henry's story.
Loved the passion and relationship development between Locke and Henry. Props to the author for putting some thought into the mystery and not making it SO obvious. However, I felt it was borderline convoluted and too long. By about 70% I was ready to be done with that part of the story. But instead we get a plot twist that really contributed nothing to Locke and Henry's story.
January 18, 2015
Good, but the "mystery" that the two MC's worked on made the story about them fall down and crumble. It was nice, just not enough and my attention was divided too much between the two story lines.
For the most part, I did enjoy the characters, but I appreciated the little looks into Anthony and Dean's life more.
For the most part, I did enjoy the characters, but I appreciated the little looks into Anthony and Dean's life more.
December 12, 2014
OMG!!!!!!!!!
5 stars for this one my friends :)I am such a happy reader right now.
This is one of my favourite series and it just keeps getting better!
I know it’ll be in my end of year favourites list.
Skylar M. Cates rocks as an author!
5 stars for this one my friends :)I am such a happy reader right now.
This is one of my favourite series and it just keeps getting better!
I know it’ll be in my end of year favourites list.
Skylar M. Cates rocks as an author!
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