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Afraid of being outed, Neil Hunter, "Hunt," dreads meeting the new "human lie detector" at the precinct—a registered empath who can sense truth and falsehood.
But Skyler Zane is more of a mess than any closeted cop could ever be, with an abusive ex and a history of mental issues. And instead of avoiding him, Hunt ends up taking him under his wing, looking out for him.
And maybe falling for him, too. Everything is going well—including their unexpected feelings for each other—until Sky's skills come to the wrong attention. Now it's up to Hunt to find him—and figure out how to keep them both alive.
But Skyler Zane is more of a mess than any closeted cop could ever be, with an abusive ex and a history of mental issues. And instead of avoiding him, Hunt ends up taking him under his wing, looking out for him.
And maybe falling for him, too. Everything is going well—including their unexpected feelings for each other—until Sky's skills come to the wrong attention. Now it's up to Hunt to find him—and figure out how to keep them both alive.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2015
31 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
dnf-not-4-me
July 3, 2015Whoops, my bad!
Fade-to-black sex? You have got to be kidding me! Author doesn't DO sex scenes? Why didn't I know this?
Apparently I did.
I've read a few of Hollis Shiloh's books that I rated 4 and 5 stars. I went back to read my reviews and, yep, I mention in two of them that there was no graphic sex. Colton and Ry is one of them. (Firefighters! Cover-slut!)
I guess, if the mood merits, sometimes I'm not gunning for a good sex scene? Regardless, this is NOT one of those times.
Will not rate.
Fade-to-black sex? You have got to be kidding me! Author doesn't DO sex scenes? Why didn't I know this?
Apparently I did.
I've read a few of Hollis Shiloh's books that I rated 4 and 5 stars. I went back to read my reviews and, yep, I mention in two of them that there was no graphic sex. Colton and Ry is one of them. (Firefighters! Cover-slut!)
I guess, if the mood merits, sometimes I'm not gunning for a good sex scene? Regardless, this is NOT one of those times.
Will not rate.
November 9, 2021
It’s a fairly short story with the emphasis on the story and characters with very low sexual content. If you're looking for a great story about two very sweet and lovable men who form an unbreakable bond, then this is good start to what appears to be the beginning of a great series. Hunt is just your average patrol cop trying to do his part to help... Skylar is a high empath, but also a man who's been through so much trauma with an abusive partner that nearly killed him...with so much struggle in his life that average and safe is what he needs most. Hunt and Skylar (Sky), meet and it takes some time for them to trust and find that they need each other. When they do, it's absolutely beautiful. Skylar, having finally found the peace and safety he needs from Hunt, can now begin to grow and develop into the empath he was always meant to be. There are some clichés like homophobic cops, a gruff captain and a corrupt cop, but Skylar has Hunt and a whole organization that wants nothing but the best for him and will do everything in their power to help him get it. Safe is a well-written, engaging first story in this series, that goes by far too quickly and focuses on love and finally finding the place that puts both Hunt and Sky on the right track to their future. I believe this is a great start up for a series that I fully intend to learn more about and the agents at the Extra Sensory Regulation Board.
July 7, 2015
This has got to be one the most badly-written books I've ever had the displeasure to read. The narrator, big tough cop that he is, reminded me at times of a middle aged woman, as the story progressed, he sounded more and more like a teenage girl. There was no plot. There was only telling, absolutely no scenes where much happens. The author spends more time describing sour milk in the fridge than what happens with the kidnappers. Seriously, nothing happens. I kept waiting for something. Anything. The empath,as a character, was little more than a trembly, jittery figment... no, I can't go on. Enough.
July 5, 2016
I thought this one was pretty good. Very interesting what Sky did. I really liked Hunt and Sky together. I was fine with the
March 25, 2016
Soft and sweet with little bit of angst. I rather enjoyed this fluffy, if unrealistic romance.
October 1, 2018
Paranormal mm romance. A closeted gay cop is assigned as protector for a nervous empath. I loved the main character bonding and the action.
January 8, 2016
What I mean when I say NO SEX is that don't expect ANY details. It's all glossed over all the time...kissing, cuddling, we made love.. pretty much the extent. So what kept me reading? It was the psychic aspect that kept me going, barely.
I actually didn't totally dislike this. But Hunt's job becomes protecting Sky. He appears to be incompetent time and time again. Sky is snatched twice, Hunt giving himself up without getting backup first the second time. Then, he's always putting himself down as a cop, saying this is why I'm just a patrolman. Now Sky, slowly comes out of his shell with Hunt's help and support. But he's so fragile the majority of the time. He 'comes into his own' at the end and then goes back into fragile mode.
So, I'm still trying to decide if I want to give the next one a whirl or not... but I think this author is OFF my list... seriously, No sex? One of the other reviewers mention she doesn't DO sex scenes...That just makes me think she doesn't know HOW to write em so just skips over. It's not always about sex but to NEVER include a little more of the graphic details is the exact opposite. Sometimes that connection is the one getting the ball rolling for the rest of the book.
I actually didn't totally dislike this. But Hunt's job becomes protecting Sky. He appears to be incompetent time and time again. Sky is snatched twice, Hunt giving himself up without getting backup first the second time. Then, he's always putting himself down as a cop, saying this is why I'm just a patrolman. Now Sky, slowly comes out of his shell with Hunt's help and support. But he's so fragile the majority of the time. He 'comes into his own' at the end and then goes back into fragile mode.
So, I'm still trying to decide if I want to give the next one a whirl or not... but I think this author is OFF my list... seriously, No sex? One of the other reviewers mention she doesn't DO sex scenes...That just makes me think she doesn't know HOW to write em so just skips over. It's not always about sex but to NEVER include a little more of the graphic details is the exact opposite. Sometimes that connection is the one getting the ball rolling for the rest of the book.
April 14, 2016
got the impression that I was reading a story maybe a 10th grader wrote. stilted writing style, the fade to black XXX scenes brouytyo mind a writer that hadn't done research nor had the imagination to put it down on paper for us readers. skimmed through def NOT a keeper.
March 27, 2016
Very enjoyable story/ different. Can't wait to read next in series with new characters and read their story as well.
July 25, 2017
2.5 or 2.75
I loved the premise. Unfortunately, not a lot of time is really spent on the psychic aspect, or even the cop aspect, the two things that actually drew me to this book. I liked how Hunt took care of Skyler but at the same time I didn't much like Hunt's "voice". Almost all of the side characters end up being assholes in some regard and parts of the story line really frustrated me.
I loved the premise. Unfortunately, not a lot of time is really spent on the psychic aspect, or even the cop aspect, the two things that actually drew me to this book. I liked how Hunt took care of Skyler but at the same time I didn't much like Hunt's "voice". Almost all of the side characters end up being assholes in some regard and parts of the story line really frustrated me.
May 10, 2019
Sweet but both the characters and story would benefit from some more work (~I want to know more about the characters, have a plot where I can actually be a part of what's happening....). It just felt like I was swimming in information without feeling stuff for the characters or being excited/nervous about what's happening to/around them. The powers were not expanded upon and that would have been nice ( I mean who figures out they can make people feel something and ignore it??...maybe if there was a sequel about these two it could have been doable I think...but now I just wanted more info/ of story).
April 25, 2020
Somewhere between a 2 and a 3 star. Bumped to 3 because at least the climax was interesting enough. Otherwise sweet but somewhat lacking.
The clearest example is probably the thought I had part of the way through that Sky doesn't seem to be a fleshed out character. He has an abusive ex, self harm in his history, but no mention is made of growing up, parents, family. He seemed more like an object to be taken care of in parts of the book rather than a person with fleshed out backstory. Neil/Hunt is the same. He exists, formed out of the void to serve the story, the protector/caretaker to mirror Sky, but not much more depth than "cop in the closet" to him.
The clearest example is probably the thought I had part of the way through that Sky doesn't seem to be a fleshed out character. He has an abusive ex, self harm in his history, but no mention is made of growing up, parents, family. He seemed more like an object to be taken care of in parts of the book rather than a person with fleshed out backstory. Neil/Hunt is the same. He exists, formed out of the void to serve the story, the protector/caretaker to mirror Sky, but not much more depth than "cop in the closet" to him.
June 18, 2025
Empath and a Cop
Short and cute MM romance story. We have a Cop happily in his gay closet just wanting to do his job and keep his personal life under the radar. Empath who not only suffers "mundane" traumas of abusive ex-boyfriend gave him. But also from being diagnosed and treated wrong for years from actions that instead of helping him tortured him and made his mental health crack too. Being an empath has so far brought him only pain and suffering and he can't even remember what it feels like to be safe. Feeling safe and trusting someone is a luxury he thought he couldn't have.
Short and cute MM romance story. We have a Cop happily in his gay closet just wanting to do his job and keep his personal life under the radar. Empath who not only suffers "mundane" traumas of abusive ex-boyfriend gave him. But also from being diagnosed and treated wrong for years from actions that instead of helping him tortured him and made his mental health crack too. Being an empath has so far brought him only pain and suffering and he can't even remember what it feels like to be safe. Feeling safe and trusting someone is a luxury he thought he couldn't have.
May 10, 2019
3.5 stars.
Surprisingly not bad. Not great, but not bad either.
There were definitely a few moments where I found myself thinking “eeek” in my head but otherwise I found myself surprisingly invested and enjoying the story. The kidnappings and such were a tad (very) unrealistic but it was an easy and enjoyable story with sweet characters and I liked the mesh of realism with sci-fi(?).
Surprisingly not bad. Not great, but not bad either.
There were definitely a few moments where I found myself thinking “eeek” in my head but otherwise I found myself surprisingly invested and enjoying the story. The kidnappings and such were a tad (very) unrealistic but it was an easy and enjoyable story with sweet characters and I liked the mesh of realism with sci-fi(?).
July 29, 2019
Probably more of a 3.5 rating.
Although I liked the MCs, I felt some of the situations were a bit eye-rolling. The amount of trouble that Skyler gets into (he has some really bad luck!), the precautions should have helped keep him safe, but seemed like they were ignored or just not enough.
Although I liked the MCs, I felt some of the situations were a bit eye-rolling. The amount of trouble that Skyler gets into (he has some really bad luck!), the precautions should have helped keep him safe, but seemed like they were ignored or just not enough.
May 16, 2025
Interesting premise
This is something a little different & I liked it. The friendship built before the relationship, which was a great display of Hunt as a person. Learning about Sky’s powers as he helped him cope was well written. I look forward to more of the ESRB world.
This is something a little different & I liked it. The friendship built before the relationship, which was a great display of Hunt as a person. Learning about Sky’s powers as he helped him cope was well written. I look forward to more of the ESRB world.
June 19, 2017
2.5 stars.
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May 7, 2025Rok
September 10, 2015
This is a first person entertaining story that's written in typical Hollish Shiloh style: emphasis on thr story and characters with low sexual content. Hence, if you're looking for a lot of graphic sex, this isn't the book for you. If, however, you're looking for a great story about two very lovable men who form an unbreakable bond, then you've come to the right place. Hunt is just your aveage patrolman cop trying to do his part to help and Skylar is a man who's been through so much trauma and struggles in his life that average is what he needs. They meet and it takes some time for them to get together, but when they do, it's beautiful. Skylar, having finally found the peace and safety he needs from Hunt, can now begin to grow and develop into the empath he was always meant to be. There are some cliches like homphobic cops, a gruff captain and a corrupt cop, but Skylar has Hunt and a whole organization that wants nothing but the best for him and will do everything in thier power to get it for me. Safe is a well-written, engaging story that goes by quickly that focuses on love and finally finding the place that puts you on the right track to your future. I can also see this being a great set-up for a series as I'd love to learn more about the agents at the Extra Sensory Regulation Board.
July 13, 2015
This book just did it for me. I read some of the other reviews and wondered if I was reading the same book as them. I really enjoyed the sweetness of the love that built between these two men...even more...I guess I liked it when the author didnt use obvious cliches.
For one thing, our detective is not the 'best' he is just a solid cop. He is also not stunningly handsome, in fact his personality was more important then his appearance (very refreshing in a m/m novel).
There was glossed over sex scenes and I liked it that way. It seemed to fit the characters and I didnt need the graphic detail of engorged pulsating cocks pumping into quivering holes.
This book focused on what its like to be an empath....and what its like to fall in love with an empath. The cop stuff and the mystery stuff comes after that. Its about a world which has people with psychic abilities who have to be registered so they can help cops.
If you think those things sound interesting then you will enjoy this book :)
For one thing, our detective is not the 'best' he is just a solid cop. He is also not stunningly handsome, in fact his personality was more important then his appearance (very refreshing in a m/m novel).
There was glossed over sex scenes and I liked it that way. It seemed to fit the characters and I didnt need the graphic detail of engorged pulsating cocks pumping into quivering holes.
This book focused on what its like to be an empath....and what its like to fall in love with an empath. The cop stuff and the mystery stuff comes after that. Its about a world which has people with psychic abilities who have to be registered so they can help cops.
If you think those things sound interesting then you will enjoy this book :)
May 21, 2016
Sweet and suspenseful! I just wanted to hug Sky and really loved how warm and sweet Hunt was with him. They had a great dynamic and it was wonderful to watch Sky mend under Hunt's love and care. The story setup was much like the Shifters and Partners' ones with the empath component in place of the shifter one. Just as in those, the working partnership and emotional/sexual partnership rely on the ways that the partners complete each other. The sex happens sort of off-screen and is mentioned in broad terms rather than actual sex scenes--and with this couple and the sweetness of their relationship and Sky's innocent qualities that fits best. The suspense episodes are really intense and sort of mini-mysteries with a lot of misdirection. I felt the elements all balanced each other out really well and that the story was not just good but satisfying with a solid ending. I look forward to reading the next in the series!
July 6, 2016
Fast-paced and suspenseful. Way, way better than the second book in the series; this one was well constructed. I love what Hollis Shiloh does with his/her empath characters. (Fear and lack of safety is definitely a huge motif in Shiloh's books, which I must be drawn to as well.)
I wish I had reviewed this closer to the time of reading, but I was impressed with it—the depiction of the cops with their negativity and anger issues seemed very real. Remind me never to work in a police station, OK?
As for the relative lack of sex, the emotional dynamic between the two MCs and the tight plot made up for it. I enjoyed the scene in the gay club, also.
I wish I had reviewed this closer to the time of reading, but I was impressed with it—the depiction of the cops with their negativity and anger issues seemed very real. Remind me never to work in a police station, OK?
As for the relative lack of sex, the emotional dynamic between the two MCs and the tight plot made up for it. I enjoyed the scene in the gay club, also.
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December 28, 2016I won't rate it because I haven't finished it.
I really liked the premise and wanted to learn more about this world and get into the series. I've stopped at 52% mainly because there's too much summarising. Events are just being reported and I don't feel like I've gotten to know either of the main characters. Sadly, at this point, I don't care about either of them enough to get me to just read the rest.
This one hasn't worked for me.
I really liked the premise and wanted to learn more about this world and get into the series. I've stopped at 52% mainly because there's too much summarising. Events are just being reported and I don't feel like I've gotten to know either of the main characters. Sadly, at this point, I don't care about either of them enough to get me to just read the rest.
This one hasn't worked for me.
July 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! It brought back fond memories of the first time I read Anne McCaffrey's "The Rowan" series. I love the talent aspect and would love to read more stories set in this world. Skyler was an endearing character and a great match for Hunt. Hollis Shiloh continues to be one of my favorite "comfort read" authors. All her books leave me smiling and feeling warm and happy.
July 10, 2015
3.5 Stars Rounded Up. I normally round up on a Hollis Shiloh book because they are generally sweet, low angst pleasure reads with a happy ending.
April 28, 2016
Great story
What a great read this was. I just love Sky and Hunt together. I would have loved a little more info into Sky's background but over all it was perfect!
What a great read this was. I just love Sky and Hunt together. I would have loved a little more info into Sky's background but over all it was perfect!
August 11, 2016
Great story
This drew me in as all Hollis books do. The two MC's were just the right amount of damaged but loveable. Glad I bought the 2nd one to move straight onto
This drew me in as all Hollis books do. The two MC's were just the right amount of damaged but loveable. Glad I bought the 2nd one to move straight onto
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews