What do you think?
Rate this book
Investigating Love #3
Tarot's Touch
Can truth be found in the cards?
DI Alex Courtney and his lover, DC Conor Trethuan are under enormous pressure as their team investigates an arson case and a murder.
It soon becomes apparent that the two cases are linked and the race is on to find a vicious killer. A tarot card is placed with the first victim and the detectives are left to interpret the clues it provides. When Conor receives a note from the killer making reference to another card, the whole team is shaken. Their worst fears are realized when a second body is discovered, along with another tarot card.
Conor suspects he has been followed then a hit and run leaves him injured. Alex wants nothing more than to wrap his lover up in cotton wool and protect him from the world. But is Conor the killer’s target or just a pawn in a much more sinister game? As the clues come together, it seems that the motive for murder might be revenge.
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of genital bondage.
DI Alex Courtney and his lover, DC Conor Trethuan are under enormous pressure as their team investigates an arson case and a murder.
It soon becomes apparent that the two cases are linked and the race is on to find a vicious killer. A tarot card is placed with the first victim and the detectives are left to interpret the clues it provides. When Conor receives a note from the killer making reference to another card, the whole team is shaken. Their worst fears are realized when a second body is discovered, along with another tarot card.
Conor suspects he has been followed then a hit and run leaves him injured. Alex wants nothing more than to wrap his lover up in cotton wool and protect him from the world. But is Conor the killer’s target or just a pawn in a much more sinister game? As the clues come together, it seems that the motive for murder might be revenge.
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of genital bondage.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Somerton
78 books180 followersLucinda lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She's fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She's fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 13, 2016
Having only recently discovered this exciting and action-packed series by L.M. Somerton, I didn't have to wait months and months for the next book in the series. Ha! Yes, I'm laughing now, but I won't be if the author decides to write a fourth book, because then I'll be waiting with everyone else. *pout* Anyway, to say I was happy to return to Alex, and Conor's, world, is a mild adjective for my joy. *grins*
“I’m absolutely fascinated to hear what possible reason you could have for not telling me that my boyfriend is the new best friend of a sadistic, murdering creep.”
His voice was soft. Too soft."
I know, I know, this isn't funny, per se. But, if you've read the previous installments in this series, then you'll understand Alex's position. Conor, through no fault of his own, always ends up in trouble, somehow. Alex is positive that Conor manages to get himself into trouble, even though there's no way he could. And though Conor is positive no one is truly stalking him, when a car deliberately tries to run him down, Alex knows that, once again, his lover is in someone's sight. Or is it really Alex the killer is messing with?
The tarot card angle was fascinating, and I very much enjoyed the way the author shared Conor's research into the arcane. 'Tarot's Touch' was focused more on the detecting portion of police work versus the intense action-filled sequences the previous books had. Don't get me wrong, this has plenty of excitement, just in a different way.
This is a wonderful addition to the series, which I greatly enjoyed. Besides the murder/arson police mystery, Alex and Conor had the opportunity to explore their D/s relationship in more depth, and reach a degree of comfort I believe they hadn't found, as of yet. I'm hoping that this isn't the end of their escapades, because I'd so enjoy reading more. Thank you, Lu!
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
“I’m absolutely fascinated to hear what possible reason you could have for not telling me that my boyfriend is the new best friend of a sadistic, murdering creep.”
His voice was soft. Too soft."
I know, I know, this isn't funny, per se. But, if you've read the previous installments in this series, then you'll understand Alex's position. Conor, through no fault of his own, always ends up in trouble, somehow. Alex is positive that Conor manages to get himself into trouble, even though there's no way he could. And though Conor is positive no one is truly stalking him, when a car deliberately tries to run him down, Alex knows that, once again, his lover is in someone's sight. Or is it really Alex the killer is messing with?
The tarot card angle was fascinating, and I very much enjoyed the way the author shared Conor's research into the arcane. 'Tarot's Touch' was focused more on the detecting portion of police work versus the intense action-filled sequences the previous books had. Don't get me wrong, this has plenty of excitement, just in a different way.
This is a wonderful addition to the series, which I greatly enjoyed. Besides the murder/arson police mystery, Alex and Conor had the opportunity to explore their D/s relationship in more depth, and reach a degree of comfort I believe they hadn't found, as of yet. I'm hoping that this isn't the end of their escapades, because I'd so enjoy reading more. Thank you, Lu!
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 31, 2014
3.75 stars
March 27, 2022
It was not as good as the other books. But still deserves the 4 🌟's, for the characters. I felt this was life then the murder investigation. Still enjoyed it read other work by this author.
March 15, 2015
3.75
Book three in the Investigating Love series was an enjoyable read. I had real problems with the first book of this series, it didn't work for me at all, I certainly enjoyed book two more and this one was good too. LM Somerton has a nice writing style, easy to read and the plots are pretty well thought out..yet, while I've enjoyed the books in this series for he most part, I haven't loved them. So I spent a while trying to figure out exactly what it was that was holding me back from becoming fully immersed in them. The conclusion I came to is I just don't like Alex (one of the MC's) very much and don't totally believe the relationship between Conor and Alex.
I'll come back to that in a minute though, because what I'd like to mention first is the crime plot in this book. In each book I've enjoyed the plot and I really wish the author spent more time on this than the MC's sex life! I enjoyed the possibilities of the crime, the twists and turns it took, but it didn't feel quite fulfilled to me. LM Somerton has some really well thought out plots but it felt as if everything was resolved a little too easily...I think I wanted to read this as a crime book with a side helping of relationship...a bit of which was the Dom/sub relationship, but the author focuses quite strongly on the D/s aspect.
Which of course isn't wrong, it's the author's story to tell how the author feels it needs to be told, it is probably just a case of it's me not you. I didn't get quite what I was hoping for but, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, reading is a very personal thing and what doesn't work for me may be exactly what the next read is looking for.
Okay, so Alex and Conor. Yep, while I appreciate them as characters and I actually like Conor, I just can't take to Alex. It's the little things. As well as being Conor's partner and Dom he is also his boss. After Conor is involved in a hit and run Alex insists he stays at home - fair enough, I liked the caring aspect, but then when Conor does return to work doing a desk job/research after a while Alex insists he returns home. The bit that got my goat? No sooner had they walked in the door than Alex was bending over the kitchen table shagging him. Now excuse me, but if you were worried about him surely sitting at a desk is a lot less stressful than being fucked senseless?
It is all these little things that really irritate me. It's not that I don't like sex in my books, I do and I like BDSM books just fine too, but I always feel Alex is more of a bully than a Dom. He'll say one thing, then do another. Sometimes the sheer amount of sex gets on my wick, I start to feel it is there just for the sake of being there. Personally, when I'm ill or in pain, the last thing on my mind is shagging, far less bondage and toys...Maybe that's it, I just don't understand the characters. For whatever reason I can't connect fully to Alex and this does have an impact on my enjoyment of the story. It is very possibly just a me thing though. :)
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Review previously at BMBR.
Book three in the Investigating Love series was an enjoyable read. I had real problems with the first book of this series, it didn't work for me at all, I certainly enjoyed book two more and this one was good too. LM Somerton has a nice writing style, easy to read and the plots are pretty well thought out..yet, while I've enjoyed the books in this series for he most part, I haven't loved them. So I spent a while trying to figure out exactly what it was that was holding me back from becoming fully immersed in them. The conclusion I came to is I just don't like Alex (one of the MC's) very much and don't totally believe the relationship between Conor and Alex.
I'll come back to that in a minute though, because what I'd like to mention first is the crime plot in this book. In each book I've enjoyed the plot and I really wish the author spent more time on this than the MC's sex life! I enjoyed the possibilities of the crime, the twists and turns it took, but it didn't feel quite fulfilled to me. LM Somerton has some really well thought out plots but it felt as if everything was resolved a little too easily...I think I wanted to read this as a crime book with a side helping of relationship...a bit of which was the Dom/sub relationship, but the author focuses quite strongly on the D/s aspect.
Which of course isn't wrong, it's the author's story to tell how the author feels it needs to be told, it is probably just a case of it's me not you. I didn't get quite what I was hoping for but, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, reading is a very personal thing and what doesn't work for me may be exactly what the next read is looking for.
Okay, so Alex and Conor. Yep, while I appreciate them as characters and I actually like Conor, I just can't take to Alex. It's the little things. As well as being Conor's partner and Dom he is also his boss. After Conor is involved in a hit and run Alex insists he stays at home - fair enough, I liked the caring aspect, but then when Conor does return to work doing a desk job/research after a while Alex insists he returns home. The bit that got my goat? No sooner had they walked in the door than Alex was bending over the kitchen table shagging him. Now excuse me, but if you were worried about him surely sitting at a desk is a lot less stressful than being fucked senseless?
It is all these little things that really irritate me. It's not that I don't like sex in my books, I do and I like BDSM books just fine too, but I always feel Alex is more of a bully than a Dom. He'll say one thing, then do another. Sometimes the sheer amount of sex gets on my wick, I start to feel it is there just for the sake of being there. Personally, when I'm ill or in pain, the last thing on my mind is shagging, far less bondage and toys...Maybe that's it, I just don't understand the characters. For whatever reason I can't connect fully to Alex and this does have an impact on my enjoyment of the story. It is very possibly just a me thing though. :)
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Review previously at BMBR.
January 23, 2015
In Tarot’s Touch, Alex and Conor have settled into their relationship and seem to be doing a pretty good job of keeping the lines drawn between their personal and professional lives. Although the detectives in their division are very supportive of their relationship (hilariously so), Alex has assigned Detective Higgs to serve as Conor’s direct supervisor in order to avoid accusations of favoritism. When evidence comes to light that the cases they are each working on may be connected, Alex has to overcome his protective instinct and work hard not to hinder Conor’s ability to work by mollycoddling him – a difficult task for a man in love and the Dom inside of him. As their cases unfold and more evidence comes to light, they learn that there is even more to the investigation than they expected and an already dangerous situation becomes deadly.
Ms. Somerton once again strikes a wonderful balance between the suspense of the police investigations and the romance between Alex and Connor. Although several months have passed since the previous book, their relationship continues to develop and strengthen. The love and trust they have for one another is obvious both inside the bedroom and out of it. Alex continues to train Connor as his submissive and the introduction of an assortment of toys and paraphernalia make their already hot sex life explosive. The scene at the club demonstrates just how far their relationship has come and the level of trust that Conor has in Alex. While a few of the sex scenes can be considered graphic, they flow within the storyline. I think this works largely due to the fact that the author is showing us both sides of the men’s lives – professional and personal.
One of the reasons I enjoy being a book blogger is that I get the opportunity to review books that I probably never would have encountered otherwise and the Investigating Love series is a prime example of this. As much as I enjoy reading romantic suspense novels, it’s one of the genres I don’t read as much of as I would like to because I have a hard time finding authors who strike the right balance between suspense, romance and sex for my tastes. Ms. Somerton does this and does it well. Over the three books she has developed Alex and Connor’s romantic relationship gradually and the D/s relationship has followed a natural progression – rather than Alex throwing Conor in the deep end of the submissive pool without any training (which I have seen in books). That the suspense angle involves multiple cases, as would occur in real life, makes the books that much more believable and not predictable. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and can only hope that eventually the guys will make it through one without a trip to the hospital.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
Ms. Somerton once again strikes a wonderful balance between the suspense of the police investigations and the romance between Alex and Connor. Although several months have passed since the previous book, their relationship continues to develop and strengthen. The love and trust they have for one another is obvious both inside the bedroom and out of it. Alex continues to train Connor as his submissive and the introduction of an assortment of toys and paraphernalia make their already hot sex life explosive. The scene at the club demonstrates just how far their relationship has come and the level of trust that Conor has in Alex. While a few of the sex scenes can be considered graphic, they flow within the storyline. I think this works largely due to the fact that the author is showing us both sides of the men’s lives – professional and personal.
One of the reasons I enjoy being a book blogger is that I get the opportunity to review books that I probably never would have encountered otherwise and the Investigating Love series is a prime example of this. As much as I enjoy reading romantic suspense novels, it’s one of the genres I don’t read as much of as I would like to because I have a hard time finding authors who strike the right balance between suspense, romance and sex for my tastes. Ms. Somerton does this and does it well. Over the three books she has developed Alex and Connor’s romantic relationship gradually and the D/s relationship has followed a natural progression – rather than Alex throwing Conor in the deep end of the submissive pool without any training (which I have seen in books). That the suspense angle involves multiple cases, as would occur in real life, makes the books that much more believable and not predictable. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and can only hope that eventually the guys will make it through one without a trip to the hospital.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
February 25, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Although all the books in this series concentrate on the same couple there is a different investigation to follow in each story and the continuing growth of Connor and Alex’s relationship.
Tarot’s Touch follows Alex and his team trying to solve the mystery of murder and arson which seem to be linked. Alex is his usual grouchy and possessive self and this worsens when Connor once again ends up in hospital. Connor is really proving himself as a Detective but as much as he uncovers all the clues he is left with a nagging feeling that he is missing something important. The case takes a personal turn when it seems that someone from one of the men’s past is out for revenge. Are the tarot cards left at the murders clues or an elaborate red herring?
The main part in Tarot’s Touch for me was the growth of Alex and Connor. Their relationship has many facets to it; lover, friends, work colleagues and Dom/Sub but they work hard to make it work with Connor continually challenging Alex. Connor was much more at ease with his role as a sub this time round and this was made obvious when everything gets too much for him and Alex takes him to a club for the night.
LM Somerton writes a great sex scene and Alex and Connor are hot! The BDSM is light but is important to the story. I’ve really enjoyed the series so far and hope there will be more to follow. If you are just starting out make sure to read books 1 and 2 first.
Although all the books in this series concentrate on the same couple there is a different investigation to follow in each story and the continuing growth of Connor and Alex’s relationship.
Tarot’s Touch follows Alex and his team trying to solve the mystery of murder and arson which seem to be linked. Alex is his usual grouchy and possessive self and this worsens when Connor once again ends up in hospital. Connor is really proving himself as a Detective but as much as he uncovers all the clues he is left with a nagging feeling that he is missing something important. The case takes a personal turn when it seems that someone from one of the men’s past is out for revenge. Are the tarot cards left at the murders clues or an elaborate red herring?
The main part in Tarot’s Touch for me was the growth of Alex and Connor. Their relationship has many facets to it; lover, friends, work colleagues and Dom/Sub but they work hard to make it work with Connor continually challenging Alex. Connor was much more at ease with his role as a sub this time round and this was made obvious when everything gets too much for him and Alex takes him to a club for the night.
LM Somerton writes a great sex scene and Alex and Connor are hot! The BDSM is light but is important to the story. I’ve really enjoyed the series so far and hope there will be more to follow. If you are just starting out make sure to read books 1 and 2 first.
January 13, 2015
This is third book in the “Investigating Love” series, and I’ve enjoyed them all.
Briefly, Alex and Conar met because Alex needed a man to go undercover as his boyfriend and to hang out at a bar called Black Orchid with him, as this seems to be the place where a serial killer has been lurking, targeting, and killing gay men. To complicate matters, both men are attracted to each other, and though Alex is a Dominant, Conar doesn’t yet realize he’s Alex’s perfect submissive. Once they get involved and the investigation takes off, their blooming romance, though a huge part of the plot, doesn’t get in the way of the investigation and solving the mystery. The author deftly twines the romance and the investigation together for a smooth, satisfying read. This is true for all three books.
In Tarot’s Touch, a murder victim is found with a tarot card clutched in his hand. The ensuing investigation challenges Alex and Conar in ways the previous investigations did not, ultimately pointing to one of them as the killer’s target. For mystery lovers, the twists and turns of the plot are handled well, a puzzle for the reader, and a thrill ride as the killer comes closer and closer to the two detectives. Add into the mix very hot love scenes, and I found this third book extremely difficult to put down.
review at velvetpanic2@wordpress.com
Briefly, Alex and Conar met because Alex needed a man to go undercover as his boyfriend and to hang out at a bar called Black Orchid with him, as this seems to be the place where a serial killer has been lurking, targeting, and killing gay men. To complicate matters, both men are attracted to each other, and though Alex is a Dominant, Conar doesn’t yet realize he’s Alex’s perfect submissive. Once they get involved and the investigation takes off, their blooming romance, though a huge part of the plot, doesn’t get in the way of the investigation and solving the mystery. The author deftly twines the romance and the investigation together for a smooth, satisfying read. This is true for all three books.
In Tarot’s Touch, a murder victim is found with a tarot card clutched in his hand. The ensuing investigation challenges Alex and Conar in ways the previous investigations did not, ultimately pointing to one of them as the killer’s target. For mystery lovers, the twists and turns of the plot are handled well, a puzzle for the reader, and a thrill ride as the killer comes closer and closer to the two detectives. Add into the mix very hot love scenes, and I found this third book extremely difficult to put down.
review at velvetpanic2@wordpress.com
January 15, 2015
This is a short and sweet review which focuses on this book although it is a comment on the whole series.
There are 4 books in this series, although one was very short and was really just to fill in the blanks, and I've thoroughly enjoyed each and every book.
We've watched Alex and Conor develop as a couple as we've read about the crimes that they are investigating as police officers. Alex is Conor's boss and he also his dom. In book one we saw their first meeting, in book two they travelled to Cornwell for a holiday before being called back for another investigation, book 3 - the short one - tied up the loose ends from Cornwell and book 4 saw them face a killer whose motivation was revenge.
The books are well written and well thought out and I have no hesitation in recommending them.
Ms Somerton has left the couple in a good place at the end of Tarot's Touch and I suppose that she could easily finish the series here. I do hope that we get to see this couple again - even if it done through the characters in another series.
There are 4 books in this series, although one was very short and was really just to fill in the blanks, and I've thoroughly enjoyed each and every book.
We've watched Alex and Conor develop as a couple as we've read about the crimes that they are investigating as police officers. Alex is Conor's boss and he also his dom. In book one we saw their first meeting, in book two they travelled to Cornwell for a holiday before being called back for another investigation, book 3 - the short one - tied up the loose ends from Cornwell and book 4 saw them face a killer whose motivation was revenge.
The books are well written and well thought out and I have no hesitation in recommending them.
Ms Somerton has left the couple in a good place at the end of Tarot's Touch and I suppose that she could easily finish the series here. I do hope that we get to see this couple again - even if it done through the characters in another series.
January 4, 2015
Conor and Alex are back in the third book of this series. Conor is a junior detective on the squad and a submissive. Alex is his Dom and is also his boss - an inspector.
Alex and Conor don't have the typical Dom/Sub relationship. Conor follows Alex's orders in the bedroom but isn't submissive while on the job. Alex fights his instincts to protect and works hard not to overprotect Conor while on the job. They have learning to balance their personal professional lives.
All the books in this series are too short but definitely hold your interest. If the books were longer, the "mystery" part of the books could be better developed. This series however isn't going for the punch of a James Patterson (Alex Cross series) or John Sandford (Lucas Davenport series)style mystery. It is a warm exploration of two people in a committed D/S relationship who happen to work for an English police force. The warmth and love they share is evident.
Alex and Conor don't have the typical Dom/Sub relationship. Conor follows Alex's orders in the bedroom but isn't submissive while on the job. Alex fights his instincts to protect and works hard not to overprotect Conor while on the job. They have learning to balance their personal professional lives.
All the books in this series are too short but definitely hold your interest. If the books were longer, the "mystery" part of the books could be better developed. This series however isn't going for the punch of a James Patterson (Alex Cross series) or John Sandford (Lucas Davenport series)style mystery. It is a warm exploration of two people in a committed D/S relationship who happen to work for an English police force. The warmth and love they share is evident.
January 5, 2015
FiveStars
This book was an action packed suspense, romance novel. It was written so well it pulled me into the story and I couldn't wait to read the outcome. Who doesn't love cop stories. This one didn't disappoint in anyway. You have the overbearing detectives and the creepy criminals, but I love how much suspense they entail. Never thought the ending would take a turn, but the author did a fantastic job putting that last spin on the story. Just when I figured it was over, something drastic happens. Truly well written.
The characters came right off the page and felt so real. I loved the relationship between Alex and Conor. Loved how Alex was always taking charge over Conor, but didn't allow it to affect their work. Alex never showed special treatment to Conor.
This is definitely a good read, highly recommend it.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Sherry
This book was an action packed suspense, romance novel. It was written so well it pulled me into the story and I couldn't wait to read the outcome. Who doesn't love cop stories. This one didn't disappoint in anyway. You have the overbearing detectives and the creepy criminals, but I love how much suspense they entail. Never thought the ending would take a turn, but the author did a fantastic job putting that last spin on the story. Just when I figured it was over, something drastic happens. Truly well written.
The characters came right off the page and felt so real. I loved the relationship between Alex and Conor. Loved how Alex was always taking charge over Conor, but didn't allow it to affect their work. Alex never showed special treatment to Conor.
This is definitely a good read, highly recommend it.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Sherry
March 25, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Five stars!
Such a good freaking book. Not that I really doubted it would be from how much I enjoyed the first two books in the series. Each book reminds me how much I love the characters. Alex and his witty humor and perfectly Dominant self; and Conor’s shy but cheeky submission and strong sense of right and wrong. I didn’t think it was possible, but the characters get better as we go along. I loved that Conor became stronger in his submission, and more accepting. I was not expecting who the killer wound up being. How Conor felt when Alex went missing was so strong, I felt those emotions as well. I loved Alex and Conor getting married. Like I said about Evil’s Embrace, Robbie and Jamie need a story. I need it! I have to have it!
Five stars!
Such a good freaking book. Not that I really doubted it would be from how much I enjoyed the first two books in the series. Each book reminds me how much I love the characters. Alex and his witty humor and perfectly Dominant self; and Conor’s shy but cheeky submission and strong sense of right and wrong. I didn’t think it was possible, but the characters get better as we go along. I loved that Conor became stronger in his submission, and more accepting. I was not expecting who the killer wound up being. How Conor felt when Alex went missing was so strong, I felt those emotions as well. I loved Alex and Conor getting married. Like I said about Evil’s Embrace, Robbie and Jamie need a story. I need it! I have to have it!
October 21, 2015
An Excellent Book
This was a wonderful way to wrap up Connor and Alex's story! I could not put it down. This a must read!
This was a wonderful way to wrap up Connor and Alex's story! I could not put it down. This a must read!
July 31, 2015
Hot BDSM sex scenes and excellent plot. Recommend this sexy story.
May 15, 2016
4.5*
I just love Alex and Conner. This fast-paced novel has them tracking down a murderer who leaves tarots as his/her calling cards. The sex is kinky and steamy as always. A fun, quick read.
I just love Alex and Conner. This fast-paced novel has them tracking down a murderer who leaves tarots as his/her calling cards. The sex is kinky and steamy as always. A fun, quick read.
March 8, 2016
2.5 stars
January 9, 2015
3.5 another solid addition to the series
May 1, 2019
enjoyable read.
Alex and Conor story continues.
Alex and Conor story continues.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews