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Least Likely Partnership #3
The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise
Life in small-town Montana has become hell for former San Diego homicide detective Christopher Hayes. No one will hire him, he has made the seething racism his lover Doug Heavy Runner faces at work worse by adding homophobia to the mix, and his most recent jog through town ends when two gay-bashing teenagers hit him in the head with a rock. Deputy Sheriff Doug Heavy Runner has never overcome the abusive relationship that traumatized and shattered him as a young adult. The memories, the lingering shame, and the fear he has never acknowledged have left him resigned to endure the discrimination he faces in Elkin. But he can’t stand it when Christopher becomes a target for that same hatred.
When the mutilated body of one of the boys who assaulted Christopher is found in Doug’s garage, Christopher and Doug return from a vacation in San Diego and uncover a tangle of secrets, lies, and tragedy lurking beneath Elkin’s small-town façade. With their relationship at a crossroads, they’ll have to work together to catch the killer and maybe find a paradise of their own.
When the mutilated body of one of the boys who assaulted Christopher is found in Doug’s garage, Christopher and Doug return from a vacation in San Diego and uncover a tangle of secrets, lies, and tragedy lurking beneath Elkin’s small-town façade. With their relationship at a crossroads, they’ll have to work together to catch the killer and maybe find a paradise of their own.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2015
25 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Thomas
8 books354 followersA.J. Thomas writes romantic suspense. She’s earned a Bachelor’s degree in Literature from the University of Montana and worked in a half-dozen different jobs from law enforcement officer to librarian before settling down. Life as a military spouse has tossed her around the country so many times she doesn’t know how to answer when people ask her where she’s from, but she delights in living as a perpetual tourist, visiting new places and discovering amazing things.
Her time is divided between taking care of her three young children, experimenting with cooking and baking projects that rarely explode these days, and embarrassing her husband with dirty jokes. When she’s not writing, she hikes, gardens, researches every random idea that comes into her head, and develops complicated philosophical arguments about why a clean house is highly overrated. Her work has won multiple awards, including the 2013 AMB Ovation Award for Best LGBT Inter-racial Romance, and the 2014 Rainbow Award for Best Gay Contemporary Fiction.
Blog: http://ajthomasromance.blogspot.com/
Website: http://ajthomasromance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJ.Thomas.Ro...
E-mail: ajthomasromance@gmail.com
Her time is divided between taking care of her three young children, experimenting with cooking and baking projects that rarely explode these days, and embarrassing her husband with dirty jokes. When she’s not writing, she hikes, gardens, researches every random idea that comes into her head, and develops complicated philosophical arguments about why a clean house is highly overrated. Her work has won multiple awards, including the 2013 AMB Ovation Award for Best LGBT Inter-racial Romance, and the 2014 Rainbow Award for Best Gay Contemporary Fiction.
Blog: http://ajthomasromance.blogspot.com/
Website: http://ajthomasromance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJ.Thomas.Ro...
E-mail: ajthomasromance@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 7, 2015
2.75 stars. Review posted April 7, 2015
Gifs dedicated to
I'm not sure but this might be yet another case of it's me, it's not the book. After finishing an outstanding read, I did have a hard time motivating myself to read another book. It's unfortunate that The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise might have suffered from my book hangover. I just don't know. On the one hand, I enjoyed the first book in the series A Casual Weekend Thing and on the other hand, this third book which is the continuation of Christopher and Doug's journey, couldn't really persuade me. I'm not even terribly motivated to review it, so I'm going to make it rather short.
"(…)My point is sometimes you can't change the way you feel about something directly. But if you change the way you talk about it, you can sort of reshape it in your head. (…)"
Things that didn't work out for me
That's a big fat no for me. Well, the usual plot twist--nothing new under the sun.
Chris showed obvious signs of a depression but that aspect of the plot wasn't really resolved. Or, maybe I should say that it wasn't resolved to my liking because the simple answer to that problem was I kind of felt cheated out of that severe issue due to the resolution being too cheap.
Puky Doug
I was surprised that Doug had such a weak stomach, given the fact that he was working law enforcement. Honestly, he puked one too many times. While we're on it, the law enforcement in this story came off as pretty incompetent.
About halfway through the story, I figured out who the killer was. It didn't really make me any more chipper, TBH.
And last but not least I was annoyed about a couple sex scenes. From a situational point of view, I did have a hard time understanding why a guy (yes, I'm not a man) would be eager to have sex even though he Naturally that didn't prevent him from needing a good fuck. Anyway, that's a personal pet peeve and might not be a problem for other readers.
This wasn't an issue of mine but made me so fucking mad:
You piece of pathetic shit. Lowlife. Homophobic scumbag. Go fuck yourself but don't rip your dick off. I will gladly do that for you and shove it down your fucking throat so you can't spew any vile and derogatory insults anymore. *makes retching noise*
While we're on it,
I'd like to end my review on a positive note: I liked the cover, the title and how the title had been weaved in the story. It was really well done. I also like Doug and Chris as a couple. Doug and Chris did come to a crossroads in this Least Likely Partnership series. While they had to taste the purgatory, they also found their road to paradise in this third installment.
Like I said before, it was an ok read but didn't meet my expectations. Though readers who are fond of this series should give it a go. You might enjoy it more than I did.
"When I run everything stops and makes sense, but it's empty. When I'm with you, my head stands still and it's…"
(…)
"Not empty."
Christopher held him tight, trying to find the right word. "Like home. Not a house or a bedroom. It's you. You're my home."
Gifs dedicated to
I'm not sure but this might be yet another case of it's me, it's not the book. After finishing an outstanding read, I did have a hard time motivating myself to read another book. It's unfortunate that The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise might have suffered from my book hangover. I just don't know. On the one hand, I enjoyed the first book in the series A Casual Weekend Thing and on the other hand, this third book which is the continuation of Christopher and Doug's journey, couldn't really persuade me. I'm not even terribly motivated to review it, so I'm going to make it rather short.
"(…)My point is sometimes you can't change the way you feel about something directly. But if you change the way you talk about it, you can sort of reshape it in your head. (…)"
Things that didn't work out for me
That's a big fat no for me. Well, the usual plot twist--nothing new under the sun.
Chris showed obvious signs of a depression but that aspect of the plot wasn't really resolved. Or, maybe I should say that it wasn't resolved to my liking because the simple answer to that problem was I kind of felt cheated out of that severe issue due to the resolution being too cheap.
Puky Doug
I was surprised that Doug had such a weak stomach, given the fact that he was working law enforcement. Honestly, he puked one too many times. While we're on it, the law enforcement in this story came off as pretty incompetent.
About halfway through the story, I figured out who the killer was. It didn't really make me any more chipper, TBH.
And last but not least I was annoyed about a couple sex scenes. From a situational point of view, I did have a hard time understanding why a guy (yes, I'm not a man) would be eager to have sex even though he Naturally that didn't prevent him from needing a good fuck. Anyway, that's a personal pet peeve and might not be a problem for other readers.
This wasn't an issue of mine but made me so fucking mad:
You piece of pathetic shit. Lowlife. Homophobic scumbag. Go fuck yourself but don't rip your dick off. I will gladly do that for you and shove it down your fucking throat so you can't spew any vile and derogatory insults anymore. *makes retching noise*
While we're on it,
I'd like to end my review on a positive note: I liked the cover, the title and how the title had been weaved in the story. It was really well done. I also like Doug and Chris as a couple. Doug and Chris did come to a crossroads in this Least Likely Partnership series. While they had to taste the purgatory, they also found their road to paradise in this third installment.
Like I said before, it was an ok read but didn't meet my expectations. Though readers who are fond of this series should give it a go. You might enjoy it more than I did.
"When I run everything stops and makes sense, but it's empty. When I'm with you, my head stands still and it's…"
(…)
"Not empty."
Christopher held him tight, trying to find the right word. "Like home. Not a house or a bedroom. It's you. You're my home."
August 14, 2021
This book is the third in the series and continuation of events, one year after book 1, "A casual weekend thing". Chris, who was working as a detective in homicide in San Diego is on temporary disability leave and had decided to stay in Montana with Doug.
Doug is promoted and out of the closet but things have not changed much in the small town where gossip is fueled by racial prejudice and homophobia. Most of the people hate Chris because of his brother's crime and so he is unable to secure a part-time teaching job. And, even though
Doug is not trying to hide, he is still uncomfortable with Chris in public.
.
Their relationship started in a crisis. Plus both of them had only one thing in common, being a cop, but now Chris is no longer a cop, things have started to fall apart. Chris still loves Doug but is sure Doug is never going to leave his native land in Montana where most of the locals hate them for one or another reason.
An unexpected marriage invitation and a new case of bullying in the small town, open a lot of old wounds for both Doug and Chris. We get pieces of their past physical abuse and lots of hurt/comfort. Although this book has more angst than the first book, I appreciated the relationship development and how the issues between them were too real, not some made-up stuff like "I am commitment-phobic".
Again, The mystery part is good and heavy as it dealt with bullying, homophobia and racial prejudice.
I feel this is definitely a strong ending for Chris and Doug, who I still found as likeable as in book 1.
Doug is promoted and out of the closet but things have not changed much in the small town where gossip is fueled by racial prejudice and homophobia. Most of the people hate Chris because of his brother's crime and so he is unable to secure a part-time teaching job. And, even though
Doug is not trying to hide, he is still uncomfortable with Chris in public.
.
Their relationship started in a crisis. Plus both of them had only one thing in common, being a cop, but now Chris is no longer a cop, things have started to fall apart. Chris still loves Doug but is sure Doug is never going to leave his native land in Montana where most of the locals hate them for one or another reason.
An unexpected marriage invitation and a new case of bullying in the small town, open a lot of old wounds for both Doug and Chris. We get pieces of their past physical abuse and lots of hurt/comfort. Although this book has more angst than the first book, I appreciated the relationship development and how the issues between them were too real, not some made-up stuff like "I am commitment-phobic".
Again, The mystery part is good and heavy as it dealt with bullying, homophobia and racial prejudice.
I feel this is definitely a strong ending for Chris and Doug, who I still found as likeable as in book 1.
April 7, 2015
Holy shit. *stands* *slow claps*
And THAT is how a sequel is done, ladies and gentlemen. I was nervous because I loved LOVED Casual Weekend Thing so much, but the only thing I was frustrated by (though it didn't stop me from 5 starring the shit out of that book) was that the book was SO FUCKING BLEAK and hard to get thru so the HFN was good but after all the fight I wanted a bit more. But it was too good to hold that against the book since they did in fact end up together. And I was kinda opposed to a sequel, preferring just an epilogue or something.
But AJ, dear, you out did yourself. This was perfection. Loved it.
And THAT is how a sequel is done, ladies and gentlemen. I was nervous because I loved LOVED Casual Weekend Thing so much, but the only thing I was frustrated by (though it didn't stop me from 5 starring the shit out of that book) was that the book was SO FUCKING BLEAK and hard to get thru so the HFN was good but after all the fight I wanted a bit more. But it was too good to hold that against the book since they did in fact end up together. And I was kinda opposed to a sequel, preferring just an epilogue or something.
But AJ, dear, you out did yourself. This was perfection. Loved it.
August 30, 2018
Trigger warnings:
Wow. Just, wow. I loved everything about this. Even figuring out the whodunit early on didn't ruin this for me. Admittedly, it wasn't always an easy book to read (see TW above) but this is the kind of book I want to read more of, the ones that focus on human interactions, the good and the bad, that focus on plot and not just how many sex scenes can be fit into 250 pages without becoming PWP.
This is bleak, but hopeful. Elkin is not a friendly town for people of color or gays or anyone who can be seen as "different". That doesn't mean everyone in town is a hateful bigots, but even those who aren't outright hostile are merely just tolerating Doug and Christopher. Truly friendly faces are few and far between, and after a year of living in such conditions, the toll is taking its price on Christopher.
Christopher is forever associated with his brother, the pedophile, and people will not give him a chance to find out who he is. They assume he's just like his brother. He can't find work. He can barely go into town without being accosted or glared at. He loves Doug, but even Doug isn't willing to show affection in public. Christopher has nothing to do but waste away on Doug's ranch while he finishes recovering from his injuries in "A Casual Weekend Thing". When he gets a text from his partner, Ray, in San Diego to come home, Christopher decides to go - and not come back.
Don't worry, this is an HFN and our guys work things out. How? They talk to each other. Strange concept, I know, but they do. They talk to each other, they listen to each other, and they figure out how to compromise. There's even a happy ending for Doug's ex, Bonnie.
As I already mentioned, I did figure out the whodunit early and had to wait for the rest of the book for our guys to catch up. The resolution was a little unclear as to who did what and when and how much they contributed to the events. A quick recap would've been nice to tie up loose ends.
I have no idea if there are more books planned for this series, but I really hope there are. If not, this is as good a place to leave these characters as any.
Wow. Just, wow. I loved everything about this. Even figuring out the whodunit early on didn't ruin this for me. Admittedly, it wasn't always an easy book to read (see TW above) but this is the kind of book I want to read more of, the ones that focus on human interactions, the good and the bad, that focus on plot and not just how many sex scenes can be fit into 250 pages without becoming PWP.
This is bleak, but hopeful. Elkin is not a friendly town for people of color or gays or anyone who can be seen as "different". That doesn't mean everyone in town is a hateful bigots, but even those who aren't outright hostile are merely just tolerating Doug and Christopher. Truly friendly faces are few and far between, and after a year of living in such conditions, the toll is taking its price on Christopher.
Christopher is forever associated with his brother, the pedophile, and people will not give him a chance to find out who he is. They assume he's just like his brother. He can't find work. He can barely go into town without being accosted or glared at. He loves Doug, but even Doug isn't willing to show affection in public. Christopher has nothing to do but waste away on Doug's ranch while he finishes recovering from his injuries in "A Casual Weekend Thing". When he gets a text from his partner, Ray, in San Diego to come home, Christopher decides to go - and not come back.
Don't worry, this is an HFN and our guys work things out. How? They talk to each other. Strange concept, I know, but they do. They talk to each other, they listen to each other, and they figure out how to compromise. There's even a happy ending for Doug's ex, Bonnie.
As I already mentioned, I did figure out the whodunit early and had to wait for the rest of the book for our guys to catch up. The resolution was a little unclear as to who did what and when and how much they contributed to the events. A quick recap would've been nice to tie up loose ends.
I have no idea if there are more books planned for this series, but I really hope there are. If not, this is as good a place to leave these characters as any.
March 29, 2015
As this is obviously the follow-up of book#1 of this series, I'll give this a try, although book#2 really didn't work for me at all.
Just finished! Read it more or less in one sitting and loved it from first to last page. Much, much better than book#2 of this series. And I wouldn't mind to read a follow-up.
Just finished! Read it more or less in one sitting and loved it from first to last page. Much, much better than book#2 of this series. And I wouldn't mind to read a follow-up.
November 11, 2021
This one was even better than book 1. The case was more engaging, the claustrophobia they both felt after a year in this town really came through. It was more angsty than I would have liked but their love for each other was never in doubt and really came through. Their problems rang true to me. The balance between romance and mystery was, once again, good. I just wasn't a fan of the epilogue, like book 1 the ending felt a bit abrupt, we needed a longer epilogue and there is, to my knowledge, no other stories with those two, gimme more pretty please. This one was shorter than book 1 and that was wise because book 1 was too long for the story it told. I really really love this couple and if you also like a good mystery (filled with homophobia, that you don't mind gruesome details) go for this series. Highly recommend
December 16, 2017
4.5 stars a great follow up from book 1 - Christopher and Doug’s life continued to be dragged down by the dramas in Elkin until they came back to San Diego for Rays wedding. Reality hit and changes needed to be made. Christopher was miserable in Elkin but he loved Doug - even after a year of almost being hidden. Doug couldn’t let go of the past and remained in Elkin as a form of penance. While they came to a point of major emotional pain another death occurred that dragged them back to Elkin. Of course drama continued but eventually all was well. They really deserved their HEA
July 14, 2022
Another great read by A J Thomas
February 17, 2020
***3.75***
If you read the first book A Casual Weekend Thing this is a necessary follow up and a satisfying one too.
It's been a year since Doug & Christopher became a couple and though things are good at home the outside world in Elkin is miserable for both of them. Christopher remains a suspect new comer, unable to get work, and Doug continues to straddle two worlds without fully belonging to either. This book is an exploration of what life is like after the 'I love yous' have been exchanged, how does a couple navigate love while existing in a reality that's less than ideal.
The way things ultimately shook out felt authentic to me though I did want to smack these two once or twice. They should've had an open conversation sooner but ... whatcha gonna do? I'm also happy to report that Ray makes a good supporting character. ;)
If you read the first book A Casual Weekend Thing this is a necessary follow up and a satisfying one too.
It's been a year since Doug & Christopher became a couple and though things are good at home the outside world in Elkin is miserable for both of them. Christopher remains a suspect new comer, unable to get work, and Doug continues to straddle two worlds without fully belonging to either. This book is an exploration of what life is like after the 'I love yous' have been exchanged, how does a couple navigate love while existing in a reality that's less than ideal.
The way things ultimately shook out felt authentic to me though I did want to smack these two once or twice. They should've had an open conversation sooner but ... whatcha gonna do? I'm also happy to report that Ray makes a good supporting character. ;)
December 16, 2015
I loved A Casual Weekend Thing; it was one of my favorite books, so I was excited to see Doug Heavy Runner and Christopher Hayes get another book. Doug had a lot more to his story that was barely touched upon, so Chris needed to get to the root of his issues before they could attempt a forever kind of relationship. In addition to their own relationship issues, the guys are dealing with murder and suicide cases that will rock the town’s foundation, including the police department. Of course, our boys are right smack in the middle of it all.
Watching Doug ignore the homophobia running rampant in his small town Montana home, while Chris is continually being treated like crap, was really hard to read. No matter what Chris did, he was always suspected in any nefarious business, even when the evidence was to the contrary. How Doug could just blow that off didn’t sit well with me. I was rooting for Chris to move back to San Diego even if it meant these two had to split up…it was that bad.
The title of the book is an excellent representation of the back and forth between these two men who are trying to build a life together. Doug needed to stop punishing himself and allow them to be happy, and Chris needed to nudge him along. I believe Doug would have lived his life dutifully going about his business, regardless of how the town treated him, had he not met Christopher…and that’s really sad. Fortunately, Doug loved Chris more than he hated himself and his past. I was so very happy with the ending, I don’t think I would have been happy with any other outcome.
As much as I liked this story, and loved catching back up with Doug and Chris, it was not as exciting as the first book, and I found myself gladly seeing them settled in their new life together. If there is another book, I will probably read it, but I think it ended well here.
The Blogger Girls
Watching Doug ignore the homophobia running rampant in his small town Montana home, while Chris is continually being treated like crap, was really hard to read. No matter what Chris did, he was always suspected in any nefarious business, even when the evidence was to the contrary. How Doug could just blow that off didn’t sit well with me. I was rooting for Chris to move back to San Diego even if it meant these two had to split up…it was that bad.
The title of the book is an excellent representation of the back and forth between these two men who are trying to build a life together. Doug needed to stop punishing himself and allow them to be happy, and Chris needed to nudge him along. I believe Doug would have lived his life dutifully going about his business, regardless of how the town treated him, had he not met Christopher…and that’s really sad. Fortunately, Doug loved Chris more than he hated himself and his past. I was so very happy with the ending, I don’t think I would have been happy with any other outcome.
As much as I liked this story, and loved catching back up with Doug and Chris, it was not as exciting as the first book, and I found myself gladly seeing them settled in their new life together. If there is another book, I will probably read it, but I think it ended well here.
The Blogger Girls
March 27, 2015
What’s at the Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise? Two sexy men, a lot of angst and chilling suspense. (This is book three of the Least Likely Partnership books and I do recommend you read book one before this one. There is plenty of information drop that it fills you in but you have better understanding if you read Just a Casual Weekend first.)
This book takes us back to Doug and Christopher. Chris is still trying to heal form his ordeal a year ago. Elkin looks at Christopher as the pedophile his brother was. He can’t get a job and basically runs and hangs at the ranch until Doug gets home from work.
Doug doesn’t realize until too late that when they went back to Christopher’s home for the Wedding of his partner Ray and Elliot that Chris may not be going back with him.
Then there is a fire and a dead boy in Doug’s shed causing him to cut his vacation short.
I love Doug and Chris. We get more insight into both men inn this story and Doug’s past. The murders are a bit gruesome but well written. It is mostly off the page but we get just the right amount of detail to show us just how bad it was. There is a fine balance of happiness form the wedding to help tone down all the angst. I am a big fan of titles and especially like it when the title is prominent part of the story. I loved how A.J. dropped the reason for the title in the story. I found that a pretty swoon-worthy moment. Let’s not forget about the sexual dynamics between these two men. Very sexy!
If you like a good mystery/suspense/drama with lots of angst, police detectives, broken men, a sweet loving sexy romance, and some hot man-sex this is for you!
This book takes us back to Doug and Christopher. Chris is still trying to heal form his ordeal a year ago. Elkin looks at Christopher as the pedophile his brother was. He can’t get a job and basically runs and hangs at the ranch until Doug gets home from work.
Doug doesn’t realize until too late that when they went back to Christopher’s home for the Wedding of his partner Ray and Elliot that Chris may not be going back with him.
Then there is a fire and a dead boy in Doug’s shed causing him to cut his vacation short.
I love Doug and Chris. We get more insight into both men inn this story and Doug’s past. The murders are a bit gruesome but well written. It is mostly off the page but we get just the right amount of detail to show us just how bad it was. There is a fine balance of happiness form the wedding to help tone down all the angst. I am a big fan of titles and especially like it when the title is prominent part of the story. I loved how A.J. dropped the reason for the title in the story. I found that a pretty swoon-worthy moment. Let’s not forget about the sexual dynamics between these two men. Very sexy!
If you like a good mystery/suspense/drama with lots of angst, police detectives, broken men, a sweet loving sexy romance, and some hot man-sex this is for you!
September 17, 2015
I have been worried about Christopher Hayes since April 2014. No joke! We left him staying with Doug healing from his injuries and the whole thing felt like HFN not HEA to me. I had so many concerns about them and I thought about it often. It stuck with me through book #2 and now finally I get the closure I needed in book #3. All that crazy should tell you what a good, solid writer AJ Thomas is. This mystery series has all the elements of a hard-boiled mystery; hard life, tough choices, fear and disappointment, a series of potential suspects, that ends with a confrontation between detectives and criminals. There's some ugly things going on with the boys on the football team that keeps getting uglier. While all that's going on Doug Heavy Runner is one lucky man to have Christopher love him the way he's love and wait for him to make decisions for them not just for himself.
If there's a #4 I'm all on board.
If there's a #4 I'm all on board.
April 23, 2017
Skipped book 2 as i wasnt interested in reading about the other partnership.
Have to post some of the quotes i highlighted later, great writing style, great characterisation & plot, pretty much everything i want in a book
Have to post some of the quotes i highlighted later, great writing style, great characterisation & plot, pretty much everything i want in a book
December 21, 2021
Thank not god they moved.
Lots of triggers before they
All find happy ends.
Lots of triggers before they
All find happy ends.
March 29, 2015
4.5 Stars
The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise, while the third book in the Least Likely Partnership series, is the continuation of Doug and Christopher's story from book 1, A Casual Weekend Thing.
They've been together for a year now, and Christopher is having trouble digging himself out of depression. He can't find work in Elkin, MT because pretty much everyone in their small town see's Christopher as being like his brother was. The fact that Christopher is gay just makes it worse. Christopher loves Doug, but Doug won't even consider leaving Elkin and Christopher knows he can't be happy there.
But Doug isn't any happier than Christopher is about living in Elkin. He feels it is his penance, for something that he should see wasn't his fault. Still, he feels the bigotry and isolated feel of his home town are deserved. And Doug has more than just bigotry against gay people to contend with. He is also Salish, so he has plenty of experience with racial bigotry, too.
A brief reprieve to San Diego for a wedding, shows them both what life could be. They can be open there and both of them could easily get work with t San Diego Police Department. Christopher wants to move back to San Diego where he can work and be open about who he is again. He wants Doug to come with him and knows that Doug could be happy there, too.
Meanwhile, back in Montana, the body of a teenage boy is found on Doug's property, so he has to go back for the inquiry. A stubborn misunderstanding prompts Doug to go back alone. And this is where we find our angst. Thankfully, that angst resolves itself within a couple days.
The suspense story line was pretty good, though I suspected who the murderer was early on. The event that triggered the whole murder plot line just broke my heart. No one should have to endure what that boy went through.
While working this case, which hit rather close to home, both figuratively and literally, for both Doug and Christopher, they each discover what's really important in life and love. I loved the story behind the book title, too. It was romantic and sweet and it helped Doug to find his way. I teared up a little there.
If you enjoyed the first book in this series, I think you will like this one, too. Recommended.
The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise, while the third book in the Least Likely Partnership series, is the continuation of Doug and Christopher's story from book 1, A Casual Weekend Thing.
They've been together for a year now, and Christopher is having trouble digging himself out of depression. He can't find work in Elkin, MT because pretty much everyone in their small town see's Christopher as being like his brother was. The fact that Christopher is gay just makes it worse. Christopher loves Doug, but Doug won't even consider leaving Elkin and Christopher knows he can't be happy there.
But Doug isn't any happier than Christopher is about living in Elkin. He feels it is his penance, for something that he should see wasn't his fault. Still, he feels the bigotry and isolated feel of his home town are deserved. And Doug has more than just bigotry against gay people to contend with. He is also Salish, so he has plenty of experience with racial bigotry, too.
A brief reprieve to San Diego for a wedding, shows them both what life could be. They can be open there and both of them could easily get work with t San Diego Police Department. Christopher wants to move back to San Diego where he can work and be open about who he is again. He wants Doug to come with him and knows that Doug could be happy there, too.
Meanwhile, back in Montana, the body of a teenage boy is found on Doug's property, so he has to go back for the inquiry. A stubborn misunderstanding prompts Doug to go back alone. And this is where we find our angst. Thankfully, that angst resolves itself within a couple days.
The suspense story line was pretty good, though I suspected who the murderer was early on. The event that triggered the whole murder plot line just broke my heart. No one should have to endure what that boy went through.
While working this case, which hit rather close to home, both figuratively and literally, for both Doug and Christopher, they each discover what's really important in life and love. I loved the story behind the book title, too. It was romantic and sweet and it helped Doug to find his way. I teared up a little there.
If you enjoyed the first book in this series, I think you will like this one, too. Recommended.
March 3, 2017
I can read and reread this series and I love it every time. Doug and Christopher have place of honor on my "favorite couples" shelf here at GR. This is a special place for romance titles of any gender combination who are special to me.
MMRG Ultimate Challenge February 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018. March/February bonus, state, Montana.
First Reading/Review November 15, 2015
I'm giving this a 5-star rating on the contingency that there is at least one more book about the two MCs featured here. If I find out this is the last book, I'm taking this rating down to 3 stars.
I love these MCs and I hope there is more to come because I think there is more of their story that needs to be told.
MMRG Ultimate Challenge February 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018. March/February bonus, state, Montana.
First Reading/Review November 15, 2015
I'm giving this a 5-star rating on the contingency that there is at least one more book about the two MCs featured here. If I find out this is the last book, I'm taking this rating down to 3 stars.
I love these MCs and I hope there is more to come because I think there is more of their story that needs to be told.
February 10, 2017
4.5 Stars
Such a great way to wrap up what I really thought was an unrealistic HEA in the first book. We all want everyone in such a small town to recognize people for their worth, to not stereotype or treat badly those different than themselves. And I wanted these guys to find a bit of paradise in the place Doug chose to make his home. But man, that didn't seem possible given the citizens in that book. (Not counting the side characters.) This is the ending I really kind of wanted in the first place.
So, it feels like the whole saga has been wrapped up but I must mention that I would totally read a book centered on Alejandro and all his fucked-upedness. Especially given the epilogue.
Such a great way to wrap up what I really thought was an unrealistic HEA in the first book. We all want everyone in such a small town to recognize people for their worth, to not stereotype or treat badly those different than themselves. And I wanted these guys to find a bit of paradise in the place Doug chose to make his home. But man, that didn't seem possible given the citizens in that book. (Not counting the side characters.) This is the ending I really kind of wanted in the first place.
So, it feels like the whole saga has been wrapped up but I must mention that I would totally read a book centered on Alejandro and all his fucked-upedness. Especially given the epilogue.
March 28, 2015
I am happy to say, even though the second in the series didn't do it for me, this one was back to the caliber of the first.
I love Doug and Christopher and am thrilled with their HEA. It did seem that there is room to continue on so I will look for another!
I love Doug and Christopher and am thrilled with their HEA. It did seem that there is room to continue on so I will look for another!
March 28, 2015
Very good. Good action, suspense and a relationship that moved realistically forward.
And perhaps more books in the series?
And perhaps more books in the series?
November 24, 2019
I just reread this series back to back. Highly recommend. Nicely done plots and great characters. I hope she returns to these people somehow.
September 28, 2019
A great sequel to A Casual Weekend Thing. After a short trip back to California for his former partner's wedding, Chris realises that he can't stay in Elkin. For the sake of his mental health and well-being he has to move even if it means leaving Doug behind. Unfortunately someone is trying to frame them for the murder of two boys that harassed him.
A good ending for a great series.
A good ending for a great series.
May 24, 2017
MCs are great couple. Perfect mix of romance and suspense.
July 5, 2017
I missed these two. Not sure why I hadn't read this sooner. I need to go back and read the second book in the series as well.
April 9, 2015
This is a horrible, horrible story in a really, really good way!
It was a while since I read the first book in this series so I did my homework while I waited for this book to purchase and re-read the first. Then when it was released I suddenly had some trouble getting hold of it so when I finally put my hands on it I was afraid I had pushed my expectations too far and I would fall flat. So was not the case, even though I had not needed to re-read A Casual Weekend Thing because this story starts off with a rather heavy load of back-story, which is one of my very minor complaints. If I hadn't had Doug's and Chris' history fresh in mind it may have come handy, now it just made me anxious to get on with it. And on it went, from the moment where Chris is hit with a stone to his head there isn't a dull moment. I was on teh edge of my seat the whole time equally interested to find out how or if Doug and Chris would be able to salvage their relationship and whether the murder case would get solved.
The second and last little niggle I had about it was that I early on had a strong hunch about who was behind the dead body found at Doug's home. In the end it didn't matter that my hunch turned out correct; I didn't read it as a puzzle mystery, a who-did-it, but more like a why-did-it. Many a time has I read more than excellent murder mystery novels where the killer is known from chapter one so this wasn't much different from that. The crime itself pulled my thought the poor Indian woman who suffered horrendous rape and torture on a bus going home one night after a cinema visit in 2012, and I can't help wonder whether Thomas was influenced (inspired sounds completely wrong in this circumstance) from that.
So apart from that every thing else, every little word I loved. It is a dark story both for the crime and for the point where Chris and Doug stands in their relationship, and maybe this is when I love fiction the best, a cruel world, characters that feel and act real and who obviously have problems so that my own issues with life feel so small they no longer matter.
Of course in order to enjoy it you'll have to have read the first book. You can do without having read the second, but you'll enjoy it more if you have also read Holding Out for a Fairy Tale. You'll enjoy it more if you're looking for a story with more focus on plot outside the couple than if you're looking for romance only. You'll enjoy it more if you like stand-offish men with not only a bit of communication issues but a whole lot of psychological issues too.
I can hardly wait for more great stories from A.J. Thomas whether it'll be a fourth book about Chris and Doug and Elliot and Ray or whether it'll be something else entirely doesn't matter. I'll be among the first in line waiting for it.
It was a while since I read the first book in this series so I did my homework while I waited for this book to purchase and re-read the first. Then when it was released I suddenly had some trouble getting hold of it so when I finally put my hands on it I was afraid I had pushed my expectations too far and I would fall flat. So was not the case, even though I had not needed to re-read A Casual Weekend Thing because this story starts off with a rather heavy load of back-story, which is one of my very minor complaints. If I hadn't had Doug's and Chris' history fresh in mind it may have come handy, now it just made me anxious to get on with it. And on it went, from the moment where Chris is hit with a stone to his head there isn't a dull moment. I was on teh edge of my seat the whole time equally interested to find out how or if Doug and Chris would be able to salvage their relationship and whether the murder case would get solved.
The second and last little niggle I had about it was that I early on had a strong hunch about who was behind the dead body found at Doug's home. In the end it didn't matter that my hunch turned out correct; I didn't read it as a puzzle mystery, a who-did-it, but more like a why-did-it. Many a time has I read more than excellent murder mystery novels where the killer is known from chapter one so this wasn't much different from that. The crime itself pulled my thought the poor Indian woman who suffered horrendous rape and torture on a bus going home one night after a cinema visit in 2012, and I can't help wonder whether Thomas was influenced (inspired sounds completely wrong in this circumstance) from that.
So apart from that every thing else, every little word I loved. It is a dark story both for the crime and for the point where Chris and Doug stands in their relationship, and maybe this is when I love fiction the best, a cruel world, characters that feel and act real and who obviously have problems so that my own issues with life feel so small they no longer matter.
Of course in order to enjoy it you'll have to have read the first book. You can do without having read the second, but you'll enjoy it more if you have also read Holding Out for a Fairy Tale. You'll enjoy it more if you're looking for a story with more focus on plot outside the couple than if you're looking for romance only. You'll enjoy it more if you like stand-offish men with not only a bit of communication issues but a whole lot of psychological issues too.
I can hardly wait for more great stories from A.J. Thomas whether it'll be a fourth book about Chris and Doug and Elliot and Ray or whether it'll be something else entirely doesn't matter. I'll be among the first in line waiting for it.
August 7, 2016
4.5 stars
Another great book in this series.
This time we’re back with Christopher and Doug, as they face the reality that love isn’t always enough to be happy.
The people in Elkin aren’t the most welcoming to Christopher and coming out didn’t do much good to Doug’s popularity either. Christopher isn’t happy in Montana, but Doug doesn’t seem able to leave his hometown, even though he has to face almost as much hatred and prejudice as Christopher.
It seems like they’ve come to an impasse, they love each other but things can’t go on like this forever.
After trying for a year to make things work, Christopher is honest with himself and accept the fact that he’ll never be able to be happy in Elkin, not matter how much he loves Doug. Doug could be happier elsewhere, but he seems determined to endure bigotry and homophobic behaviors and to hold on to his family home.
He’s also still struggling with the consequences of his previous disastrous relationship and only the prospect of losing Christopher gives him the strength to finally talk about it. That and a new case make possible for him to come to term with his past and find a way to move forward without giving up on their relationship.
I liked how this book was developed, Christopher and Doug prove that they have a solid and healthy relationship. They struggle with the reality of their feelings and situations, but they work their way through it together. They realistically contemplate the possibility of giving up and find a way to move on separately, but then they decide that what they have together is worth the effort to make things work.
Mention of honor for Ray and Elliot: in my review of the previous book I said that I wanted to know where they were headed as a couple and I was fully satisfied in this one.
I’ll be eagerly waiting for whatever comes next.
Another great book in this series.
This time we’re back with Christopher and Doug, as they face the reality that love isn’t always enough to be happy.
The people in Elkin aren’t the most welcoming to Christopher and coming out didn’t do much good to Doug’s popularity either. Christopher isn’t happy in Montana, but Doug doesn’t seem able to leave his hometown, even though he has to face almost as much hatred and prejudice as Christopher.
It seems like they’ve come to an impasse, they love each other but things can’t go on like this forever.
After trying for a year to make things work, Christopher is honest with himself and accept the fact that he’ll never be able to be happy in Elkin, not matter how much he loves Doug. Doug could be happier elsewhere, but he seems determined to endure bigotry and homophobic behaviors and to hold on to his family home.
He’s also still struggling with the consequences of his previous disastrous relationship and only the prospect of losing Christopher gives him the strength to finally talk about it. That and a new case make possible for him to come to term with his past and find a way to move forward without giving up on their relationship.
I liked how this book was developed, Christopher and Doug prove that they have a solid and healthy relationship. They struggle with the reality of their feelings and situations, but they work their way through it together. They realistically contemplate the possibility of giving up and find a way to move on separately, but then they decide that what they have together is worth the effort to make things work.
Mention of honor for Ray and Elliot: in my review of the previous book I said that I wanted to know where they were headed as a couple and I was fully satisfied in this one.
I’ll be eagerly waiting for whatever comes next.
April 8, 2015
Rating4.75 stars rounded up to 5 out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-4A3
From that review: Elkin, Montana is that typical small minded town that exists all over America. Mired in the past and the tight incestuous connections that small town living breeds, Elkin is the last place in the world to welcome a gay couple in their midst, especially one where one partner is a Native American and the other a gay ex SDPD detective. Add to that unpalatable combination (to the townspeople) the fact that Christopher's pedophile brother committed suicide there, a horrific case whose aftermath is still causing reverberations throughout the community, and you have a recipe not only for rejection but outright shunning and hatred. A. J. Thomas brings this putrid little town alive in all its homophobic, racist, closed down ways. From glares from citizens who cross the street rather than walk near Christopher to the acts of hatred such as thrown rocks when Christopher runs, its feels nauseatingly believable and authentic in every way. Yes, there are a few individuals that are bright spots of acceptance and friendship, but they are few indeed...this is just so well written."
For more reviews, author interviews, giveaways and such, visit/follow http://www.ScatteredThoughtsandRogueW...
April 1, 2015
Surprises and More
Great sequel to Doug and Christopher's story. Filled with shootings, mystery, angst, town bigots, both of them are trying to find their way. While in San Diego for a wedding, a body is found at their home and the mystery begins. Both of them love each other, but Chris is unhappy and wants to return to San Diego. Doug finally opens up about his past and why he has stayed in Elkin. Through the course of the investigation, Doug realizes his life is with Chris and not in the past where he has been living. They only have to make it out of Elkin alive to have the life they want.
Great sequel to Doug and Christopher's story. Filled with shootings, mystery, angst, town bigots, both of them are trying to find their way. While in San Diego for a wedding, a body is found at their home and the mystery begins. Both of them love each other, but Chris is unhappy and wants to return to San Diego. Doug finally opens up about his past and why he has stayed in Elkin. Through the course of the investigation, Doug realizes his life is with Chris and not in the past where he has been living. They only have to make it out of Elkin alive to have the life they want.
June 9, 2015
This was really good! It was on my TBR shelf for awhile. I really did enjoy Book 1, A Casual Weekend Thing, but the ending didn't satisfy. This one did the trick for Doug and Chris. They both were very sweet together and packed some heat:) I like the author's writing style; it flows well and there's a sophistication to it. There are some unpleasant crime scenes; past baggage for Doug and Chris and tons of homophobic ass's in Doug's police force and small town where they live. All was wrapped up for our Doug and Chris nicely (maybe??). I think Ray's cousin Alejandro could be due a story as well?? Recommend to be read with Book 1 first!
February 9, 2017
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®
Depression is an insidious thing. It is something I deal with on a daily basis. For this reason, book three in AJ Thomas' Least Likely Partnership series hit especially close to home. For some people that depression is a matter of circumstances and is fleeting. For others, it can lead them into dark places from which they will never return. The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise deals with both extremes.
May 12, 2015
I thought this was the weakest of the three books-- the case was pretty perfunctory and obvious, the relationship between the two MCs actually felt kind of forced and it seemed like half the story was missing. Things were abbreviated and abrupt. I don't remember the other two books being like this, but maybe I'm looking at them with rose-colored glasses? I felt a little let down when I finished this one.
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