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Brandt and Donnelly Caper #3
A Wedding to Die For
When a high-profile gay celebrity couple asks two of the city’s most established vendors to provide cake and flowers for their wedding and they refuse, a resulting boycott threatens to shut them down. It’s up to the next generation in the family-owned businesses to save them from ruin. Justin Capella, baker's son, and Roman Montgomery, floral scion, work together to plan the gay wedding of the year.
Justin and Roman haven’t seen each other since that fateful day in third grade when a single kiss shocked Justin and sent Roman to boarding school. As fate would have it, Justin and Roman rediscover love while working on the wedding. But disaster might pry them apart again.
Troopers Brandt and Donnelly are working with a statewide task force for the rights of LGBT citizens—all while searching for a killer wedding planner. As guests at the “wedding of the year,” they are the first responders when all hell breaks loose. In investigating, the troopers are led to a shadowy figure they believe seduced Roman into doing his bidding. But the real murderer will cover his tracks at all costs, including Roman and Justin’s lives.
Justin and Roman haven’t seen each other since that fateful day in third grade when a single kiss shocked Justin and sent Roman to boarding school. As fate would have it, Justin and Roman rediscover love while working on the wedding. But disaster might pry them apart again.
Troopers Brandt and Donnelly are working with a statewide task force for the rights of LGBT citizens—all while searching for a killer wedding planner. As guests at the “wedding of the year,” they are the first responders when all hell breaks loose. In investigating, the troopers are led to a shadowy figure they believe seduced Roman into doing his bidding. But the real murderer will cover his tracks at all costs, including Roman and Justin’s lives.
250 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2014
7 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Xavier Mayne
14 books190 followersXavier Mayne is the pen name of a writer who has been both a university professor of English and a marketing professional for software companies. He currently manages a team of writers for a large technology company based in the US Pacific Northwest. Versed in academic theories of sexual identity, he is passionate about writing stories in which men experience a love that pushes them beyond the boundaries they thought defined their sexuality. He believes that romance can be hot, funny, and sweet in equal measure.
The name Xavier Mayne is a tribute to the pioneering gay author Edward Prime-Stevenson, who also used it as a pen name. He wrote the first openly gay novel by an American, 1906’s Imre: A Memorandum, which depicts two masculine men falling in love despite social pressures that attempt to keep them apart.
The name Xavier Mayne is a tribute to the pioneering gay author Edward Prime-Stevenson, who also used it as a pen name. He wrote the first openly gay novel by an American, 1906’s Imre: A Memorandum, which depicts two masculine men falling in love despite social pressures that attempt to keep them apart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 13, 2022
The exceptionally talented and deeply in love police troopers Ethan Brandt and Gabriel Donnelly have what might appear to be a rather dubious challenge in this book...that of convincing wedding suppliers that refusing to comply with the state's non-discriminatory laws when it comes to same-sex weddings is not only not good for business, but illegal. There was as always, humor, and there was a fairly good mystery and there was hot, and sexy, Brandt and Donnley. I had no problem whatsoever despising the bad guy in this one...and once again, Bryce and Nestor, old friends, and the wedding planners from Hell, return to add to Brandt and Donnelly's daily lives, in ways Bryce & Nestor can.
December 22, 2014
I love these guys!! What a great story and it's always good to see Nestor and Bryce stop in. Thanks for the BR Cory! XO
January 5, 2015
This was another solid book from Xavier Mayne. Starting off Law & Order style with a ripped from the headlines issue as a florist and baker refuse service to a gay couple planning their wedding. Brandt and Donnelly step in to help enforce the state's laws, but taking on the equal rights issue is only the beginning. The sons of those business owners step in to work on the wedding and rekindle a relationship that abruptly ended when they were children, but just as things seem to be going well, tragedy strikes and Brandt and Donnelly realize they are up against more than just a few bigoted businessmen.
As in the previous book, Wrestling Demons, the story focuses equally on the mystery and the relationships between both Brandt and Donnelly and newly introduced characters Roman and Justin. Brandt and Donnelly's relationship picks up where it left off, with them planning their wedding with plenty of "help" from Bryce. Roman and Justin have an interesting back story and the true villain here really is a ruthless character.
There were plenty of different emotions I felt while reading the book and Xavier Mayne's writing is always strong. The story had a number twists and turns, humor (mostly courtesy of Bryce and his list of potential wedding planners) and as always, they sexy sweetness of MC's Brandt and Donnelly.
Thanks to finecat for this lovely surprise!
As in the previous book, Wrestling Demons, the story focuses equally on the mystery and the relationships between both Brandt and Donnelly and newly introduced characters Roman and Justin. Brandt and Donnelly's relationship picks up where it left off, with them planning their wedding with plenty of "help" from Bryce. Roman and Justin have an interesting back story and the true villain here really is a ruthless character.
There were plenty of different emotions I felt while reading the book and Xavier Mayne's writing is always strong. The story had a number twists and turns, humor (mostly courtesy of Bryce and his list of potential wedding planners) and as always, they sexy sweetness of MC's Brandt and Donnelly.
Thanks to finecat for this lovely surprise!
December 22, 2014
Another great Brandt and Donnelly story. This one centered around gay marriage and certain businesses not wanting to provide services to said gay marriage.
I love the relationship between B&D and I'll read any additional books that come out about them :)
I love the relationship between B&D and I'll read any additional books that come out about them :)
January 6, 2015
Brandt & Donnelly are back. Initially on a case of getting homophobic shop owners to comply with new laws. Later on investigating the sabotaging of a wedding.
This book got a bit more serious than the previous ones bringing me close to tears at one point.
I love seeing our troopers working together. I love that they are so secure in their own relationship - no drama between them. Just contentment and friendly banter.
These books are about cases they work on so they tend to sometimes take a secondary role to the main characters of the plot, unfortunately. Still, they are one of my favorite couples and I cannot wait for book 4.
This book got a bit more serious than the previous ones bringing me close to tears at one point.
I love seeing our troopers working together. I love that they are so secure in their own relationship - no drama between them. Just contentment and friendly banter.
These books are about cases they work on so they tend to sometimes take a secondary role to the main characters of the plot, unfortunately. Still, they are one of my favorite couples and I cannot wait for book 4.
July 21, 2015
I like how the author has labelled these as "capers" because really they are most definitely not police procedural type crime stories, despite the two MC's being state troopers.
In this story marraige equality has finally reached their state - which means that a big celebrity gay wedding is on the cards (and not Brant & Donnelly's just yet). When the grooms to be are turned down by the best florists and wedding cake providers in town they decide to take legal action, but Brant & Donnelly are drafted in to speak to the shop owners and try and get them to change their mind. The sons of the florist and baker, Roman and Justin, agree to take on the wedding - and at the same time get reunited themselves. But Roman doesn't really believe in marriage for gay men - and is being pressured to do something to make a statement. When the wedding ends in disaster Brant & Donnelly have to investigate what happened.
Yes, it's pretty unbelievable in terms of an investigation, but it's a lot of fun. Bryce & Nestor do make brief appearances, as Bryce is trying to find the perfect wedding planner for Brant & Donnelly when they do tie the knot.
In this story marraige equality has finally reached their state - which means that a big celebrity gay wedding is on the cards (and not Brant & Donnelly's just yet). When the grooms to be are turned down by the best florists and wedding cake providers in town they decide to take legal action, but Brant & Donnelly are drafted in to speak to the shop owners and try and get them to change their mind. The sons of the florist and baker, Roman and Justin, agree to take on the wedding - and at the same time get reunited themselves. But Roman doesn't really believe in marriage for gay men - and is being pressured to do something to make a statement. When the wedding ends in disaster Brant & Donnelly have to investigate what happened.
Yes, it's pretty unbelievable in terms of an investigation, but it's a lot of fun. Bryce & Nestor do make brief appearances, as Bryce is trying to find the perfect wedding planner for Brant & Donnelly when they do tie the knot.
December 17, 2014
Xavier Mayne does it again. He is made his point across with this book ...
Brandt and Donnelly need to open the eyes of a couple of business owners and explain that everyone has equal rights.
Justin and Roman the sons of the business owners take care of the wedding details for a famous couple.
But when things get complicated Brandt and Donnelly need to find the truth behind the situation.
This book is beautifully written and always Mr. Mayne touches the issue of gay rights in a well manner and makes you keep supporting that everyone has the right to be recognize as a spouse.
Love is Love !
Brandt and Donnelly need to open the eyes of a couple of business owners and explain that everyone has equal rights.
Justin and Roman the sons of the business owners take care of the wedding details for a famous couple.
But when things get complicated Brandt and Donnelly need to find the truth behind the situation.
This book is beautifully written and always Mr. Mayne touches the issue of gay rights in a well manner and makes you keep supporting that everyone has the right to be recognize as a spouse.
Love is Love !
May 22, 2019
It's been awhile since I've read this. However, certain things stand out: homophobia ran RAMPANT, more so than any other book in the B&D series. The florist and the baker- minus the candlestick maker!- know each other and though one's a Bad Man, he was still one of the Good Guys. (Bravo! to X. Mayne for that achievement.) This was an enjoyable 'meh'-read. I expect more from this author. (One of the mc's was into kinkier sex that I didn't expect from this author as well. THAT threw me for a loop!))
December 18, 2014
4 star review by Rhonda
I really wish I could sum up this book easily, but no can do. This is going to be the longest review I have done so far as it touches on many delicate issues that gay and lesbian couples go through when trying to exercise the same rights that heterosexual couples get easily.
Laws have been passed, which guarantee access to public accommodation to all citizens, including those who are LGBT. Even though that provides same sex couples those rights, many couples when trying to plan a joyous occasion such as a wedding are denied services by wedding planners and caterers and such, which is what this book is about.
We meet Greg Sampson, a television news anchor, and his longtime partner Peter Lawrence, a high profile attorney, who are planning their nuptials and are faced with homophobia from the baker at Capella cakes and from Montgomery flowers amongst others in the wedding industry that have turned them down simply because they are a same sex couple. Greg and Peter decide to take the situation public by announcing that they are suing the venues in question for denying them their basic rights guaranteed by law.
This causes such an uproar in the gay community that the district attorney wants things smoothed over before things get ugly so he has the chief of police assign officers Brandt and Donnelly to the case to help smooth things over and convince Capella and Montgomery to go ahead and do the wedding and get our high profile couple married. While the senior members of the companies in question won’t do the preparations, their sons Justin and Roman step up to provide the cake and flowers and save their businesses from destruction as word gets out about their initial refusal to accommodate the wedding and they are both swamped with cancellations that could ruin their businesses.
Over time as they work together there is a bit of a back story with Justin and Roman going back to when they were in the third grade together. It involves an innocent kiss that separated them for the next 20 or so years, but as luck would have it they are brought together as adults now and working together on the wedding. Roman and Justin start a romance of their own. Justin gives Roman what he has never given anyone else ever, his heart and soul as well as his virginity thinking that he has finally found the man of his dreams. As the old saying goes though, don’t count your chickens before they hatch, Roman has secrets and an agenda .Won’t tell you the details, you are just going to have to read this great book and find out for yourselves. You all just had to know I was going to say that right?
We encounter some humor as a wedding planner is sought and they encounter some real off the wall characters with ideas that are so over the top that the sanity of some of these wedding planners is called into question. I don’t know where the author got the idea to release doves from a helicopter but boy am I glad they didn’t go that route.
Brandt and Donnelly do an excellent job getting the wedding to go forward, but when disaster strikes at the wedding, guests are poisoned, the flowers are nearly lethal and the guests are treated to gastric distress that they will never forget. Basically anything that can go wrong does. However that was really the least of the happy couple’s problems. They eventually leave for their honeymoon and what happens next makes the wedding look good. And of course I won’t give a spoiler as to what happens, but you will shed a tear or three. Our detectives are now charged with going from wedding facilitators to investigating a possible murder and the what, where and when of what happened, and by whom.
This book runs you through a gamut of emotions. I was angry, laughing, shocked and astonished at the ins and outs of the plot, by a major character loss and by what happened at the hospital and how the authorities handled the situation. I can say I was so angry I wanted to write a letter to my senator and complain about how same sex couples are treated when they are faced with a loved one being injured and not being allowed to be with them to comfort them. This full length novel is going in my permanent library and I will be reading it again.
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!
I really wish I could sum up this book easily, but no can do. This is going to be the longest review I have done so far as it touches on many delicate issues that gay and lesbian couples go through when trying to exercise the same rights that heterosexual couples get easily.
Laws have been passed, which guarantee access to public accommodation to all citizens, including those who are LGBT. Even though that provides same sex couples those rights, many couples when trying to plan a joyous occasion such as a wedding are denied services by wedding planners and caterers and such, which is what this book is about.
We meet Greg Sampson, a television news anchor, and his longtime partner Peter Lawrence, a high profile attorney, who are planning their nuptials and are faced with homophobia from the baker at Capella cakes and from Montgomery flowers amongst others in the wedding industry that have turned them down simply because they are a same sex couple. Greg and Peter decide to take the situation public by announcing that they are suing the venues in question for denying them their basic rights guaranteed by law.
This causes such an uproar in the gay community that the district attorney wants things smoothed over before things get ugly so he has the chief of police assign officers Brandt and Donnelly to the case to help smooth things over and convince Capella and Montgomery to go ahead and do the wedding and get our high profile couple married. While the senior members of the companies in question won’t do the preparations, their sons Justin and Roman step up to provide the cake and flowers and save their businesses from destruction as word gets out about their initial refusal to accommodate the wedding and they are both swamped with cancellations that could ruin their businesses.
Over time as they work together there is a bit of a back story with Justin and Roman going back to when they were in the third grade together. It involves an innocent kiss that separated them for the next 20 or so years, but as luck would have it they are brought together as adults now and working together on the wedding. Roman and Justin start a romance of their own. Justin gives Roman what he has never given anyone else ever, his heart and soul as well as his virginity thinking that he has finally found the man of his dreams. As the old saying goes though, don’t count your chickens before they hatch, Roman has secrets and an agenda .Won’t tell you the details, you are just going to have to read this great book and find out for yourselves. You all just had to know I was going to say that right?
We encounter some humor as a wedding planner is sought and they encounter some real off the wall characters with ideas that are so over the top that the sanity of some of these wedding planners is called into question. I don’t know where the author got the idea to release doves from a helicopter but boy am I glad they didn’t go that route.
Brandt and Donnelly do an excellent job getting the wedding to go forward, but when disaster strikes at the wedding, guests are poisoned, the flowers are nearly lethal and the guests are treated to gastric distress that they will never forget. Basically anything that can go wrong does. However that was really the least of the happy couple’s problems. They eventually leave for their honeymoon and what happens next makes the wedding look good. And of course I won’t give a spoiler as to what happens, but you will shed a tear or three. Our detectives are now charged with going from wedding facilitators to investigating a possible murder and the what, where and when of what happened, and by whom.
This book runs you through a gamut of emotions. I was angry, laughing, shocked and astonished at the ins and outs of the plot, by a major character loss and by what happened at the hospital and how the authorities handled the situation. I can say I was so angry I wanted to write a letter to my senator and complain about how same sex couples are treated when they are faced with a loved one being injured and not being allowed to be with them to comfort them. This full length novel is going in my permanent library and I will be reading it again.
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!
February 16, 2015
"Frat House Troopers" is one of my favorite GFY, friends-to-lovers stories. Ethan and Gabriel were just so right for each other, and the book was full of humor and sweet moments. The sequel, "Wrestling Demons," had an adorable and touching young couple at its center and it served up more cute and funny (and lots of Bryce and Nestor).
And this book was giving me that same light-hearted fun despite the characters tendencies to talk in preachy speeches about gay marriage. Ethan and Gabriel are getting married! So cue the outrageous Bryce as wedding consultant, and just sit back and enjoy the high-jinks, right? Well, there was some of that here. The search for the perfect wedding planner was inspired, and I was intrigued by the nuptials of Peter and Greg. If only the book had stayed on this track.
Instead, around the 50 percent mark, it all fell apart for me. There's a death that served no purpose other than as an excuse for more preachy speeches. Other plots took center stage and led the story down too dark a path. A lot of it didn't make sense especially the villain's motives. The book never recovered.
Also, I just couldn't buy into the epic love story of the baker and florist. Roman and Justin had a moment in third(!) grade that was the foundation of their destined love. Third grade! They hadn't seen each other in over a decade nor did they know anything about who the other person had become. There was so much potential for a slow-burning, getting-reacquainted romance, but there was no time for that with all the other plot devices.
I might have gone along for this insta-love ride (I'm a sucker for friends-to-lovers, after all), but I didn't like Roman. His character was all over the place. Was he a tortured, gullible soul or someone who got off on pain? He didn't do enough for me forgive or defend him as easily as everyone else did.
I did love all the parts with Ethan and Gabriel alone, planning their wedding and interacting with their friends. I just eat up the way they care for each other. They've got some unfinished business, so I'll be following them (and Bryce and Nestor) to the next book.
And this book was giving me that same light-hearted fun despite the characters tendencies to talk in preachy speeches about gay marriage. Ethan and Gabriel are getting married! So cue the outrageous Bryce as wedding consultant, and just sit back and enjoy the high-jinks, right? Well, there was some of that here. The search for the perfect wedding planner was inspired, and I was intrigued by the nuptials of Peter and Greg. If only the book had stayed on this track.
Instead, around the 50 percent mark, it all fell apart for me. There's a death that served no purpose other than as an excuse for more preachy speeches. Other plots took center stage and led the story down too dark a path. A lot of it didn't make sense especially the villain's motives. The book never recovered.
Also, I just couldn't buy into the epic love story of the baker and florist. Roman and Justin had a moment in third(!) grade that was the foundation of their destined love. Third grade! They hadn't seen each other in over a decade nor did they know anything about who the other person had become. There was so much potential for a slow-burning, getting-reacquainted romance, but there was no time for that with all the other plot devices.
I might have gone along for this insta-love ride (I'm a sucker for friends-to-lovers, after all), but I didn't like Roman. His character was all over the place. Was he a tortured, gullible soul or someone who got off on pain? He didn't do enough for me forgive or defend him as easily as everyone else did.
I did love all the parts with Ethan and Gabriel alone, planning their wedding and interacting with their friends. I just eat up the way they care for each other. They've got some unfinished business, so I'll be following them (and Bryce and Nestor) to the next book.
February 23, 2015
4.5 stars - This series! I'm in love, I swear. Brandt and Donnelly are just as sweet and hot together in book three as they were when falling in love in book one. Once again they have a mystery to solve in the gay community, not to mention their wedding to plan for.
The new romance in this story centers around Justin and Roman who were friends as boys until Roman kissed Justin in the fourth grade and was promptly sent away to a Catholic boarding school. They hadn't seen each other in years when they suddenly meet again. I wasn't too sure about Roman at first. Could I trust him with the virginal Justin? Eventually, the answer was an overwhelming yes.
Though Xavier Mayne sprinkles humor throughout his books in this series, he also takes on social issues affecting the gay community. As an example, Justin's parents refuse to accept that he is gay, and if he insists on living that lifestyle, they want nothing to do with him though they work together in the family owned bakery. But Justin has a Grandmother who is so wise and tries to explain his parents to him. "People don't hate other people because they think they are different; they hate because they are afraid they'll discover we are all the same." And also "So we build up divisions where there were none, and hatreds rise from the gulf of difference that we imagine separates us." Xavier Mayne is a professor of English in the midwest US. Love his mind and his heart!
Looking forward to more books in the series, I understand that two are already written. Can't wait.
The new romance in this story centers around Justin and Roman who were friends as boys until Roman kissed Justin in the fourth grade and was promptly sent away to a Catholic boarding school. They hadn't seen each other in years when they suddenly meet again. I wasn't too sure about Roman at first. Could I trust him with the virginal Justin? Eventually, the answer was an overwhelming yes.
Though Xavier Mayne sprinkles humor throughout his books in this series, he also takes on social issues affecting the gay community. As an example, Justin's parents refuse to accept that he is gay, and if he insists on living that lifestyle, they want nothing to do with him though they work together in the family owned bakery. But Justin has a Grandmother who is so wise and tries to explain his parents to him. "People don't hate other people because they think they are different; they hate because they are afraid they'll discover we are all the same." And also "So we build up divisions where there were none, and hatreds rise from the gulf of difference that we imagine separates us." Xavier Mayne is a professor of English in the midwest US. Love his mind and his heart!
Looking forward to more books in the series, I understand that two are already written. Can't wait.
January 4, 2015
Over-the-Top and Well Worth the Ride
The exceptionally hot, talented and deeply in love police troopers Ethan Brandt and Gabriel Donnelly have what might appear to be a rather dubious challenge as this book starts out--convincing wedding suppliers that refusing to comply with the state's non-discriminatory laws when it comes to same-sex weddings is not exactly good for business as well as potentially illegal.
From there you can read the plot's synopsis to see what is involved in this sometimes lighthearted and sometimes dangerous caper which is different from the first two books in the intensity of the potential violence the author lays out. Xavier Mayne has a wonderful way of conveying love, fear, stress and just plain fun, and his plot twists are never anticipated and always a bit hair-raising. And the love scenes between Ethan and Gabriel never disappoint.
This series is just wonderful, but if I have any questions it has always been "what state are we in?" There is a bit of nebulous hinting that it's not California or certainly not New York, but maybe in the Midwest or mid-south. Identifying the state might spook the series in a way, but now with same-sex relationships accepted virtually anywhere, it might be time for the next book to answer that question. No matter. Terrific series, wonderful book.
The exceptionally hot, talented and deeply in love police troopers Ethan Brandt and Gabriel Donnelly have what might appear to be a rather dubious challenge as this book starts out--convincing wedding suppliers that refusing to comply with the state's non-discriminatory laws when it comes to same-sex weddings is not exactly good for business as well as potentially illegal.
From there you can read the plot's synopsis to see what is involved in this sometimes lighthearted and sometimes dangerous caper which is different from the first two books in the intensity of the potential violence the author lays out. Xavier Mayne has a wonderful way of conveying love, fear, stress and just plain fun, and his plot twists are never anticipated and always a bit hair-raising. And the love scenes between Ethan and Gabriel never disappoint.
This series is just wonderful, but if I have any questions it has always been "what state are we in?" There is a bit of nebulous hinting that it's not California or certainly not New York, but maybe in the Midwest or mid-south. Identifying the state might spook the series in a way, but now with same-sex relationships accepted virtually anywhere, it might be time for the next book to answer that question. No matter. Terrific series, wonderful book.
June 5, 2015
I did not like this book as much as the first 2,but it was still pretty good. I really, really love Brandt and Donnelly together. They are so sweet!
November 30, 2016
When a local baker and florist turn away a prominent gay couple and refuse to work their wedding, the couple strikes back. State law has recently been affirmed to prohibit discrimination, and the issue just might end up in court. But the governor and the attorney general would like to avoid that, which is why state police officers Brandt and Donnelly are called in to assist. And they resolve the issue with only a single meeting with each vendor.
The owners still aren't keen on being associated with the wedding, however, leading them to each assign their sons to take on the task. It turns out that Justin and Roman are old friends who haven't seen each other in years. And it also turns out they might just both have an interest in being more than friends.
Despite everyone's best efforts, disaster strikes at the wedding. And the case that Brandt and Donnelly thought was over in a day becomes much larger...and more sinister than they could have imagined.
There are a few different plot lines here that are masterfully woven together to create an excellent story. There's Brandt and Donnelly and their efforts to plan their own wedding. There's the wedding that's the centerpiece of the story. There's the Justin and Roman relationship. And then the crime solving piece that comes into play for the second half of the book. It sounds like a lot going on, but it never really feels like it while reading it.
I will warn that there is a very brief moment of dub con here. It goes by quickly, but it's an intense blip so I feel like it needs to be mentioned to anyone considering reading the story.
Although this is "Caper #3," I will say that it's the first book in this series that I've read. It's not necessary to have read the previous books to follow what is going on, though there is the occasional reference that might make just a bit more sense with the full backstory of the previous books.
The owners still aren't keen on being associated with the wedding, however, leading them to each assign their sons to take on the task. It turns out that Justin and Roman are old friends who haven't seen each other in years. And it also turns out they might just both have an interest in being more than friends.
Despite everyone's best efforts, disaster strikes at the wedding. And the case that Brandt and Donnelly thought was over in a day becomes much larger...and more sinister than they could have imagined.
There are a few different plot lines here that are masterfully woven together to create an excellent story. There's Brandt and Donnelly and their efforts to plan their own wedding. There's the wedding that's the centerpiece of the story. There's the Justin and Roman relationship. And then the crime solving piece that comes into play for the second half of the book. It sounds like a lot going on, but it never really feels like it while reading it.
I will warn that there is a very brief moment of dub con here. It goes by quickly, but it's an intense blip so I feel like it needs to be mentioned to anyone considering reading the story.
Although this is "Caper #3," I will say that it's the first book in this series that I've read. It's not necessary to have read the previous books to follow what is going on, though there is the occasional reference that might make just a bit more sense with the full backstory of the previous books.
December 13, 2017
Not a good idea to die. Love the capers these boys get up too
December 26, 2017
3.5 stars
Nice addition to the series, looking forward to the book.
Nice addition to the series, looking forward to the book.
January 22, 2022
3 stars, my least favorite on this series.
The reason for the "low" score is Roman, his reason for what he did were so dumb, I liked the parts with Brandt and Donnelly but the MC part of the book felt boring.
The reason for the "low" score is Roman, his reason for what he did were so dumb, I liked the parts with Brandt and Donnelly but the MC part of the book felt boring.
January 20, 2015
We start off with the planning of a wedding between two high-powered gay men in a town where gay marriage is still not completely accepted. Shopkeepers want to deny services to the couple so the law has to intervene and force compliance of equality laws – thus Brandt and Donnelly are called in. This is great as they are planning their own wedding (with the hilarious help of Bryce and Nestor of course!) so it’s convenient that they get to interview florists, bakers, etc in the name of justice.
There is a bit more to the “mystery” in this story and some really shocking developments occur that will keep you on the edge of your seat and near your Kleenex box! Xavier Mayne definitely had some “messages” to spread with this book, including the questionable “equality” gay couples have in our society despite more and more laws supporting gay marriage.
In addition to the on-going romance between Brandt and Donelly (which continues to be ooey gooey sweet and super hot sexy!) there is the relationship between Greg and Peter the wedding couple and the budding romance between Roman and Justin (childhood beaus split apart for years due to bigotry and fear.)
If you have been reading this series you will find this book was a bit more “heavy” than the prior two and yet still just as funny, tender, sweet and entertaining, if not more so.
I really love this series and the couples we meet each time and continue to follow and can’t wait for more.
4.5 of 5 hearts
There is a bit more to the “mystery” in this story and some really shocking developments occur that will keep you on the edge of your seat and near your Kleenex box! Xavier Mayne definitely had some “messages” to spread with this book, including the questionable “equality” gay couples have in our society despite more and more laws supporting gay marriage.
In addition to the on-going romance between Brandt and Donelly (which continues to be ooey gooey sweet and super hot sexy!) there is the relationship between Greg and Peter the wedding couple and the budding romance between Roman and Justin (childhood beaus split apart for years due to bigotry and fear.)
If you have been reading this series you will find this book was a bit more “heavy” than the prior two and yet still just as funny, tender, sweet and entertaining, if not more so.
I really love this series and the couples we meet each time and continue to follow and can’t wait for more.
4.5 of 5 hearts
April 13, 2015
Well, I really enjoyed all the Brandt and Donnelly parts. Lots of funny moments as they try to find a wedding coordinator. Also the stuff about gay marriage not being recognized in every state really made me think. I hadn't really thought about what it means when you're marriage isn't recognized and how devastating that can be if something bad happens and you're not allowed to see your sick or injured partner.
Unfortunately, the new romance in this book didn't really work for me. It felt too much like intalove and it seemed like Roman got forgiven too easily by everyone. But, it was still a fun read, but definitely not my favorite of this series.
Unfortunately, the new romance in this book didn't really work for me. It felt too much like intalove and it seemed like Roman got forgiven too easily by everyone. But, it was still a fun read, but definitely not my favorite of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2015
3.5*
I have not read the other books in this series and this one can be read standalone but I am guessing that the key characters read over the whole series probably mean a lot more.
I enjoyed the humour, especially Brandt and Donnelly doing the wedding planners. I felt annoyed by Roman. I felt angered by Roman. I felt revolted by Marcus. I felt sorry for Roman. I cheered when Justin sent him away.
I went through a whole range of emotions, I feel worn out. Lots of serious issues covered.
Overall, it was a fairly light read despite the topics covered, moved along at a fast pace. Enjoyed it.
I have not read the other books in this series and this one can be read standalone but I am guessing that the key characters read over the whole series probably mean a lot more.
I enjoyed the humour, especially Brandt and Donnelly doing the wedding planners. I felt annoyed by Roman. I felt angered by Roman. I felt revolted by Marcus. I felt sorry for Roman. I cheered when Justin sent him away.
I went through a whole range of emotions, I feel worn out. Lots of serious issues covered.
Overall, it was a fairly light read despite the topics covered, moved along at a fast pace. Enjoyed it.
Read
June 27, 2015I was so looking forward to this final installment of the series, and was sadly disappointed with it that I could not force myself to finish.
At some point I may go back and try to finish reading, but for now I don't that happening anytime soon.
I just couldn't keep reading after that odd and disturbing scene between a main character and a possibly new character who had not been introduced yet. I was already not feeling a character and this scene not only made the story take a turn, but also totally brought me against him.
At some point I may go back and try to finish reading, but for now I don't that happening anytime soon.
I just couldn't keep reading after that odd and disturbing scene between a main character and a possibly new character who had not been introduced yet. I was already not feeling a character and this scene not only made the story take a turn, but also totally brought me against him.
December 17, 2014
3.5 stars
Third installment in the series so far, and after adjusting to the somewhat slow start (I would have preferred to see the story start with the scene with Brandt and Donnelly meeting with Bryce and Nestor and then come back to the scene that in fact is starting this novel - but that's me, because I'm primarily a comfort reader. Once I got a few chapters into the story the plot and the clear message the author is conveying intrigued me enough so I read it straight through.
Third installment in the series so far, and after adjusting to the somewhat slow start (I would have preferred to see the story start with the scene with Brandt and Donnelly meeting with Bryce and Nestor and then come back to the scene that in fact is starting this novel - but that's me, because I'm primarily a comfort reader. Once I got a few chapters into the story the plot and the clear message the author is conveying intrigued me enough so I read it straight through.
July 14, 2016
I really loved this book. This has been a fun series and I can't wait for the next book. Brandt and Donnelly are one awesome police couple. At first I wasn't sure of Roman's motives. I thought he might be playing Justin, but the more I got to know him, he grew on me. And I love the salute to Romeo and Juliet that I totally missed until about 60%, when it finally hit me. I was like, "Duh! How did I miss that?" haha!
August 22, 2015
I think that A Wedding to Die For was my least favorite of the series but having labeled it so doesn't diminish the entertainment and enjoyment I got from the story. I can honestly say that the bad guy in this one is very easy to hate. Once again, old friends return to add to Brandt and Donnelly's daily lives in ways that only Bryce and Nestor can, aka wedding planners from hell.
May 19, 2016
I wasn't too sure about this series but I had a 18 hour flight to Europe so I thought it would be a good time to try it on my e-reader - I was certainly glad I did! I was thoroughly engaged and did not want to sleep on the flights! I was perfectly happy reading through all the adventures these State Troopers encountered. Seriously sexy and very entertaining!
July 16, 2016
I really enjoy Brandt and Donnelly. Poor guys just can't catch a break and
NOT
be involved in a crime! The only thing I didn't like about this book was one of the characters, Roman, because he was a-hole. Sorry but he didn't do anything to impress me.
4.5 stars for the story rounded up to 5 because of the Brandt/Donnelly action!
4.5 stars for the story rounded up to 5 because of the Brandt/Donnelly action!
December 25, 2014
This was really good. Even though some parts were a bit over the top, Xavier Mayne's writingstyle is really good. An exciting story with very sweet, very emotional en very sexy moments. I hope we will be reading about Brandt&Donnelly for years to come! :)
July 6, 2016
I wasn't overly fussed with Book 1 and Book 3 unfortunately also failed to click with me. Thankfully it didn't take too long to read and didn't require too much thought with easily followed plot lines.
3 stars
3 stars
March 19, 2017
Not enough Bryce and Nestor
Love this series. Read them out of order (4,1,6, 5,2,3:), so this was my last and least favorite, probably because it wasn't "sprinkled" with Bryce and Nestor as much as other books:):):)
Other books though are all 5 stars for me!
Love this series. Read them out of order (4,1,6, 5,2,3:), so this was my last and least favorite, probably because it wasn't "sprinkled" with Bryce and Nestor as much as other books:):):)
Other books though are all 5 stars for me!
December 28, 2014
I loved it. I love Brandt and Donnelly and i can't wait for the next one in this serie.
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