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Flesh #4
Closing Ranks
A Flesh novel
Internal Affairs investigator Jeremy Ranklin is looking into corruption within the Reno Police Department when he’s ordered to examine the suspicious death of the Chief of Police. The assignment partners Jeremy with Detective Cristian Flesh. Though they spar at first, Jeremy earns Cristian’s trust, and they work well together.
Deeply closeted, Jeremy fights an attraction to fellow cop Kipp Mosely. The investigation brings Jeremy and Kipp together, but lies and secrets prevent things from going any further. Jeremy will need both Kipp's and Cristian’s help to discover how deep the corruption runs—and to stay alive when the danger hits close to home.
Internal Affairs investigator Jeremy Ranklin is looking into corruption within the Reno Police Department when he’s ordered to examine the suspicious death of the Chief of Police. The assignment partners Jeremy with Detective Cristian Flesh. Though they spar at first, Jeremy earns Cristian’s trust, and they work well together.
Deeply closeted, Jeremy fights an attraction to fellow cop Kipp Mosely. The investigation brings Jeremy and Kipp together, but lies and secrets prevent things from going any further. Jeremy will need both Kipp's and Cristian’s help to discover how deep the corruption runs—and to stay alive when the danger hits close to home.
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 16, 2015
Just the facts...
This is a first person POV from police officer, Jeremy Ranklin. As an internal affairs officer he has the suspicion of fellow officers, and his homophobic family when he's not at work. Even with the distance between, they still manage to affect his life and his choices on how he's living it--in the closet.
It's written like a police procedural. It's steady pacing is a plus and the crime and resolution and the way it developed and evolved was good, very strong. It had the boring casework with flurries of action as things went down, and throughout it Jeremy's personal life evolves, too.
The weakest part of the story was the storytelling seemed stilted in places, like the tone or reactions were just a half-beat off. But, I definitely enjoyed it. I guess, the style reminds me of Dragnet, with Jeremy being Joe Friday, that dry in places. I suspect that the first person narrative had a great deal to do with it.
Overall, strong case with likable characters. 3.5 Stars
Favorite quote:
~Copy provided by Netgalley~
This is a first person POV from police officer, Jeremy Ranklin. As an internal affairs officer he has the suspicion of fellow officers, and his homophobic family when he's not at work. Even with the distance between, they still manage to affect his life and his choices on how he's living it--in the closet.
It's written like a police procedural. It's steady pacing is a plus and the crime and resolution and the way it developed and evolved was good, very strong. It had the boring casework with flurries of action as things went down, and throughout it Jeremy's personal life evolves, too.
The weakest part of the story was the storytelling seemed stilted in places, like the tone or reactions were just a half-beat off. But, I definitely enjoyed it. I guess, the style reminds me of Dragnet, with Jeremy being Joe Friday, that dry in places. I suspect that the first person narrative had a great deal to do with it.
Overall, strong case with likable characters. 3.5 Stars
Favorite quote:
Life would be better if things were as simple as kids believed.
~Copy provided by Netgalley~
October 15, 2015
I have too many conflicting thoughts and opposing feelings about this book. I both like it and dislike it, and, to tell the truth, I can't remember, when I was such indecisive in my review about the book I read and liked
But one after another:
Closing Ranks is the book #4 in the mystery [or is it more a police romance(?) or suspense erotica(?)] Flesh series. My hesitations begin already with the classifying of a genre- WHERE should I shelf this book?!
being a passionate mystery reader I reject to see this book as a mystery. Yes, there is a murder, and homicide detectives and a criminal investigation, and dirty cops and undercover cops, but...*sigh* The mystery itself is not really present on the pages. The investigation happens somewhere somehow in the background. Every next step is not a matter of a well structured and skillfully performing analytic process, but a matter of accidental discoveries by amateurishly
lookingbehaving cops.
The good news for those who haven't yet read the series(like me) – you can read the book 4 as a standalone. While the first two books in the series were dedicated to Christian Flesh, in the book 4 Cristian Flesh plays only a guest role.
Already in the book 3 he had to make place for a new character, FBI Agent Drew Bradley, and in the book 4 he did it again but for Jeremy Ranklin, a deeply closeted Internal Affairs investigator, who tries to fight his attraction to cop Kipp Mosely.
The bad news – I didn't feel that I needed to know more about Christian Flesh. His character didn't impress me AT ALL. I found him totally uninteresting and in a way even a bit stupid.
STILL it is NOT what I can name a great gay erotica. There are too many mechanical movements and some dirty talks, but all these are not deliciously deeply erotically mindblowingly HOT. If you know what I mean.
In spite of my complaining with a healthy dose of dissatisfaction - because it started very good and then went down hill that disappointed me of course – this book was entertaining enough to keep my attention up to the end, and I most likely will read the previous book, and probably the next book in the series, when it'll be released.
***Copy provided by DSP Publications in exchange for an honest review***
***This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Review
October 25, 2015
3.5 stars
I read all the earlier books in this series and so I was quite excited to have an additional story. This time the story is told from the perspective of Jeremy Ranklin (Rank) who is a cop with the Police Internal Affairs in Reno. Rank is also closeted but deeply attracted to fellow police officer Kipp Mosley.
Rank finds himself working together with Detective Christian Flesh (from the earlier books) and Kipp to find out who is behind the death of their police captain. As Rank and Christian investigate with Kipp's support, Rank realises that he is deeply attracted to Kipp and sparks fly but despite this attraction Kipp can't date a man in the closet. As the investigation progresses Kipp and Rank discover something between them and they are forced to confront their feelings for each other and question whether a relationship is possible.
I did enjoy reading this and it was great to revisit the characters from the previous books but I felt the erotic aspects of the story clouded the mystery.
Much of the story focused on Rank's attraction to Kipp, his need for sex and the issues he has with being closeted. There was also quite a bit of sex in the story which after a while became a bit boring for me and I wish the mystery had been stronger. I felt the investigation, clues and evidence took second place to the emotions, sex, and hook ups.
I really do like my mysteries to be mysteries that I can follow through all the twists and turns and then with a big 'who dunnit' at the end. The sex should enhance the plot. In this story the mystery took second place to the sex. Some people might like this but not me. I can't remember if the other stories were like that and perhaps my tastes have changed.
Despite this I still enjoyed the characters and the story but not as much as I hoped I would.
Copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I read all the earlier books in this series and so I was quite excited to have an additional story. This time the story is told from the perspective of Jeremy Ranklin (Rank) who is a cop with the Police Internal Affairs in Reno. Rank is also closeted but deeply attracted to fellow police officer Kipp Mosley.
Rank finds himself working together with Detective Christian Flesh (from the earlier books) and Kipp to find out who is behind the death of their police captain. As Rank and Christian investigate with Kipp's support, Rank realises that he is deeply attracted to Kipp and sparks fly but despite this attraction Kipp can't date a man in the closet. As the investigation progresses Kipp and Rank discover something between them and they are forced to confront their feelings for each other and question whether a relationship is possible.
I did enjoy reading this and it was great to revisit the characters from the previous books but I felt the erotic aspects of the story clouded the mystery.
Much of the story focused on Rank's attraction to Kipp, his need for sex and the issues he has with being closeted. There was also quite a bit of sex in the story which after a while became a bit boring for me and I wish the mystery had been stronger. I felt the investigation, clues and evidence took second place to the emotions, sex, and hook ups.
I really do like my mysteries to be mysteries that I can follow through all the twists and turns and then with a big 'who dunnit' at the end. The sex should enhance the plot. In this story the mystery took second place to the sex. Some people might like this but not me. I can't remember if the other stories were like that and perhaps my tastes have changed.
Despite this I still enjoyed the characters and the story but not as much as I hoped I would.
Copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
March 29, 2018
OMW! Who IS the mystery writer that wrote this story? I mean, I could count the sex scenes on ONE hand... *shakes head in shock*
Not to mention, we even had some details about what was actually happening in the story... I mean REAL information in a timely manner about important issues revolving around the story plot! I can barely contain my excitement!!! :D
Even though I wouldn't call this a romance book, I would call it a "relationship" story! Mr. Stone did so many things right with this book that it would be IMPOSSIBLE for me to list them all! Would I have liked to have had so "mushy love scenes" in the story? Sure, I am a woman! But, that doesn't mean that I can't appreciate this story for what it was... a well-written mystery novel with touches of friendship, loyalty and, of course, man needs! *grin*
I have come to realize that "emotions" aren't Mr. Stones forte, but he sure can slowly wind us through a mystery with enough layers to keep us entertained! I appreciated the fact that I didn't have to skim a single page in this, what appears to be the last book in this series because the sex was of an acceptable proportion to the rest of the story... I applaud the author for this major change from the first three books, it made for an excellent read!
When I first started reading this series, I continued because I was hoping for something different every time I began the next book... and, it FINALLY happened! Now, I am curious enough to move on to more books by this author to see how things turn out! I have hope, what more can a reader ask for? ;D
Side note: Even though I have read MANY books written in the 1st person POV that were excellent reads, I always come out of the story wishing that I could have understood the "other" MC a little better... their thoughts, reasoning and emotions can be hard to comprehend when a story is written in 1st person. Yes, we were given a fairly comprehensive picture of Kipp overall, but I really wanted to get to know him better as the story went along... this, perhaps was my one problem with this story. Compared to my rants about the first three books, I would say it makes this one a winner! :D
Not to mention, we even had some details about what was actually happening in the story... I mean REAL information in a timely manner about important issues revolving around the story plot! I can barely contain my excitement!!! :D
Even though I wouldn't call this a romance book, I would call it a "relationship" story! Mr. Stone did so many things right with this book that it would be IMPOSSIBLE for me to list them all! Would I have liked to have had so "mushy love scenes" in the story? Sure, I am a woman! But, that doesn't mean that I can't appreciate this story for what it was... a well-written mystery novel with touches of friendship, loyalty and, of course, man needs! *grin*
I have come to realize that "emotions" aren't Mr. Stones forte, but he sure can slowly wind us through a mystery with enough layers to keep us entertained! I appreciated the fact that I didn't have to skim a single page in this, what appears to be the last book in this series because the sex was of an acceptable proportion to the rest of the story... I applaud the author for this major change from the first three books, it made for an excellent read!
When I first started reading this series, I continued because I was hoping for something different every time I began the next book... and, it FINALLY happened! Now, I am curious enough to move on to more books by this author to see how things turn out! I have hope, what more can a reader ask for? ;D
Side note: Even though I have read MANY books written in the 1st person POV that were excellent reads, I always come out of the story wishing that I could have understood the "other" MC a little better... their thoughts, reasoning and emotions can be hard to comprehend when a story is written in 1st person. Yes, we were given a fairly comprehensive picture of Kipp overall, but I really wanted to get to know him better as the story went along... this, perhaps was my one problem with this story. Compared to my rants about the first three books, I would say it makes this one a winner! :D
June 29, 2025
Easily the best in the series for me. This doesn't really mean much as I hated the first two and found the third mildly more tolerable.
I still don't like Flesh. He has a stupid name that he picked for himself (based on how much he loved sex) and it's a word that feels gross to say, like moist. He's also just an unbearable asshole. I liked Jeremy as a character. Compared to Flesh (*shudders*), he's a goddamn sweetie pie.
The ongoing issue that has infuriated me throughout this series is that the author made NO EFFORT to learn how ANY sort of police procedure works. I get it, this is porn, but jesus christ a quick google search won't kill you. Absolutely none of the people in this series would have jobs, they would all be unemployed, will probably never work in that industry again, and even arrested and charged. Obstruction of justice, lying while under oath, obtaining evidence illegally, going off and doing their own independent investigations. It just goes on and on.
And dear lord there is not just one forensic technician for a police force who does everything. There are finger mark specialists, toxicology specialists, digital forensic specialists; not a single young kid working alongside a coroner. Separate departments!
The mysteries are also just bullshit. First book it was made so obvious as soon as you met the killer. For this one, the author just pulled a name out of a hat from their extensive list of characters, most of them unnecessary.
I'm just glad I've finished the series so I don't even have to think about it again.
Rounded up from 2 1/2 stars.
I still don't like Flesh. He has a stupid name that he picked for himself (based on how much he loved sex) and it's a word that feels gross to say, like moist. He's also just an unbearable asshole. I liked Jeremy as a character. Compared to Flesh (*shudders*), he's a goddamn sweetie pie.
The ongoing issue that has infuriated me throughout this series is that the author made NO EFFORT to learn how ANY sort of police procedure works. I get it, this is porn, but jesus christ a quick google search won't kill you. Absolutely none of the people in this series would have jobs, they would all be unemployed, will probably never work in that industry again, and even arrested and charged. Obstruction of justice, lying while under oath, obtaining evidence illegally, going off and doing their own independent investigations. It just goes on and on.
And dear lord there is not just one forensic technician for a police force who does everything. There are finger mark specialists, toxicology specialists, digital forensic specialists; not a single young kid working alongside a coroner. Separate departments!
The mysteries are also just bullshit. First book it was made so obvious as soon as you met the killer. For this one, the author just pulled a name out of a hat from their extensive list of characters, most of them unnecessary.
I'm just glad I've finished the series so I don't even have to think about it again.
Rounded up from 2 1/2 stars.
Read
October 13, 2016Dropped at 15%
November 2, 2015
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews 10/10 pots of gold. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge fan of this series. The first two books centered primarily around Reno police detective Christian Flesh, and his investigations and romance with Colby Maddox. Book three was about Christian’s friend, Gabe Vargas, who was in witness protection under the care of Agent Drew Bradley. Christian still played a part in the story and he does again in Closing Ranks.
Jeremy Ranklin is an officer in the Internal Affairs department of the Reno police. When he suspects the police chief’s suicide is really murder, he begins an off the books investigation with Detective Flesh. Police officer Kipp Mosely can see what they are doing and offers to help in a limited capacity. There is a strong attraction between the two men but Kipp is out and proud, while Rank has banished himself to the closet forever. He has his reasons, and I can understand them, but I can’t help but want him to take his relationship with Kipp public.They start an affair in secret but they have many hurdles to overcome, including Rank’s homophobic family and Kipp withholding a secret that pertains to the case.
As much as I enjoyed the attraction and love story that ran through the story line, it in no way overshadowed the mystery and intrigue in the book. With the help of a quirky lab tech named Leif, they quickly uncover a lot of evidence that contradicts suicide, but finding out who would want the chief dead calls up far too many suspects. Was it the interim police chief, a woman that none of the officers like? Or could it have been the mob boss that the former chief had dedicated himself to putting behind bars? Or, perhaps it was one of the people he had put behind bars in the past?
There are encrypted files to look through and it appears that there is more than one corrupt police officer on the force. The amount of secrets and possible murderers blew me away, and I was so caught up in the story, perched on the edge of my seat as it unfolded. Even though this book is not about the original main characters of the series, I feel like this was the best so far. I don’t know if the author plans on adding to the series, but I hope he does. The mystery in the series is top notch. Besides, there is an undercover agent named Rafe and the lab tech Leif who were both great secondary characters and I’d love for each of them or maybe both of them to have a story.
I am a huge fan of this series. The first two books centered primarily around Reno police detective Christian Flesh, and his investigations and romance with Colby Maddox. Book three was about Christian’s friend, Gabe Vargas, who was in witness protection under the care of Agent Drew Bradley. Christian still played a part in the story and he does again in Closing Ranks.
Jeremy Ranklin is an officer in the Internal Affairs department of the Reno police. When he suspects the police chief’s suicide is really murder, he begins an off the books investigation with Detective Flesh. Police officer Kipp Mosely can see what they are doing and offers to help in a limited capacity. There is a strong attraction between the two men but Kipp is out and proud, while Rank has banished himself to the closet forever. He has his reasons, and I can understand them, but I can’t help but want him to take his relationship with Kipp public.They start an affair in secret but they have many hurdles to overcome, including Rank’s homophobic family and Kipp withholding a secret that pertains to the case.
As much as I enjoyed the attraction and love story that ran through the story line, it in no way overshadowed the mystery and intrigue in the book. With the help of a quirky lab tech named Leif, they quickly uncover a lot of evidence that contradicts suicide, but finding out who would want the chief dead calls up far too many suspects. Was it the interim police chief, a woman that none of the officers like? Or could it have been the mob boss that the former chief had dedicated himself to putting behind bars? Or, perhaps it was one of the people he had put behind bars in the past?
There are encrypted files to look through and it appears that there is more than one corrupt police officer on the force. The amount of secrets and possible murderers blew me away, and I was so caught up in the story, perched on the edge of my seat as it unfolded. Even though this book is not about the original main characters of the series, I feel like this was the best so far. I don’t know if the author plans on adding to the series, but I hope he does. The mystery in the series is top notch. Besides, there is an undercover agent named Rafe and the lab tech Leif who were both great secondary characters and I’d love for each of them or maybe both of them to have a story.
October 15, 2015
Closing Ranks (Flesh #4) by Ethan Stone
4 stars
M/M Romance with mystery undertones
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
I didn't enjoy this story as much as the previous stories, but the love story was fairly strong. Kipp and Jeremy had a very intense, quick to deepen relationship. While I was excited for Jeremy to find someone who would accept him, I found it incredibly frustrating that they were in a love/hate relationship for a good portion of the beginning.
These two were somewhat YA in their relationship. They want to be together, but can't be due to outside influences, then they had some inner issues - trust - but it wasn't really about trust. I felt that Jeremy was always asking more of Kipp in terms of honesty, but I could get over that.
The mystery part of the story was more behind the scenes - you knew what was going on, but didn't ever really get to see the mystery being solved. I did really like how you were able to see the inner monologue of Jeremy - the way he was thinking.
I was also glad that you got to see Flesh again. Despite his backseat role, I felt that he was true to himself and if you have read the previous stories, you'll appreciate his dry, but sarcastic dialogue. I really enjoyed the interactions between Jeremy and Flesh - I found them to be refreshing.
I do wish that we were able to see more about Bradley - and how he fit in to the story.
Finally, I really, really wish that Jeremy's story was more complete. I felt that his story was left hanging.
4 stars
M/M Romance with mystery undertones
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
I didn't enjoy this story as much as the previous stories, but the love story was fairly strong. Kipp and Jeremy had a very intense, quick to deepen relationship. While I was excited for Jeremy to find someone who would accept him, I found it incredibly frustrating that they were in a love/hate relationship for a good portion of the beginning.
These two were somewhat YA in their relationship. They want to be together, but can't be due to outside influences, then they had some inner issues - trust - but it wasn't really about trust. I felt that Jeremy was always asking more of Kipp in terms of honesty, but I could get over that.
The mystery part of the story was more behind the scenes - you knew what was going on, but didn't ever really get to see the mystery being solved. I did really like how you were able to see the inner monologue of Jeremy - the way he was thinking.
I was also glad that you got to see Flesh again. Despite his backseat role, I felt that he was true to himself and if you have read the previous stories, you'll appreciate his dry, but sarcastic dialogue. I really enjoyed the interactions between Jeremy and Flesh - I found them to be refreshing.
I do wish that we were able to see more about Bradley - and how he fit in to the story.
Finally, I really, really wish that Jeremy's story was more complete. I felt that his story was left hanging.
September 8, 2016
Closing ranks starts with us getting introduced to Jeremy Ranklin.
As soon as I started reading, I knew I would like this book, I loved the writing style of the author, and it gripped me as soon as as I started.
I loved everything about this book, Kipp and Jeremy's relationship was so deep and meaningful, I fell in love with both the characters. The blossoming relationship felt really real.
There was a great suspense in the book, wondering if the chief of police's death was actually a suicide or a murder.
I actually read this book in under a day, I couldn't put my kindle down, I really would recommend it.
For full review: https://steamybookreviews.wordpress.c...
February 25, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Closing Ranks is the fourth book in Ethan Stone’s Flesh series, and the first new book after the original three were republished with DSP Publications. It features new main characters in Jeremy and Kipp, but Cristian plays a big role as Jeremy’s co-investigator, and we get some brief appearances from Lex, Colby, and Drew as well. I am a huge Cristian fan, so I was really glad to see him featured so prominently here, but I think this story stands alone well and you could fairly easily jump in here without having read the rest of the series.
Like the other books, this one combines both a romance and a mystery. Most of the investigation here focuses on Brunson’s murder/suicide investigation and the potentially dirty cops involved. As an Internal Affairs officer, Jeremy takes his job seriously, and learning more about his backstory helps make it clear why. The case doesn’t have quite as much action and suspense as some of the earlier books and there isn’t quite the same life or death on the line situation. But it is still well handled and the mystery unfolds nicely over the course of the book. The ends tie up a little quickly as the book comes to a close, but overall I think it was well done.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Closing Ranks is the fourth book in Ethan Stone’s Flesh series, and the first new book after the original three were republished with DSP Publications. It features new main characters in Jeremy and Kipp, but Cristian plays a big role as Jeremy’s co-investigator, and we get some brief appearances from Lex, Colby, and Drew as well. I am a huge Cristian fan, so I was really glad to see him featured so prominently here, but I think this story stands alone well and you could fairly easily jump in here without having read the rest of the series.
Like the other books, this one combines both a romance and a mystery. Most of the investigation here focuses on Brunson’s murder/suicide investigation and the potentially dirty cops involved. As an Internal Affairs officer, Jeremy takes his job seriously, and learning more about his backstory helps make it clear why. The case doesn’t have quite as much action and suspense as some of the earlier books and there isn’t quite the same life or death on the line situation. But it is still well handled and the mystery unfolds nicely over the course of the book. The ends tie up a little quickly as the book comes to a close, but overall I think it was well done.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
November 29, 2015
I didn’t read the first 3 books in this series but I will certainly go back and read them now. The author writing was very easy to read. I loved how the author brought together two men who I would never have put together and make it work. I immediately had a connection with Jeremy (Rank) and that made the whole story come to life for me. I also loved the secondary characters as well. I do wish that they author would have made the mystery the bulk of the story but it seemed to enter more on Rank and Kipp’s relationship instead.
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2017
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
Closing Ranks is the first new novel in the Flesh-verse in a few years. I adore this series. I have adored it since the first time I read it, long before I knew who this "Ethan Stone" dude was. Full disclosure, I am a beta reader for Mr. Stone. However, he doesn't let me touch the Flesh books before they are ready for publication because he wants my honest opinion of the final versions. So here goes.
For full review see Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
November 14, 2015
I LOVE THIS SERIES! !!!! Jeremy and Kipp, sexy, hot, action pack , exciting story. I hope Jeremy can be his true self one day. Loved these two. This was a great story filled with twists and turns, exciting, sexy, sad, I couldnt put this down. LOVED IT
Still, no one can compete with the ultra badass , sexy as sin, Detective Flesh.........
Can not wait for more
Still, no one can compete with the ultra badass , sexy as sin, Detective Flesh.........
Can not wait for more
October 22, 2015
This was an OK read. There was nothing spectacular about it. There was no tension at all, it went in the same slow pace that it started with. The premise of the book was great, i just had a problem with it snail pace.
October 22, 2015
I thought this was an excellent mystery. No it wasn't about Flesh and yes he played a big part but this was Ranklin and Kipp's story. Fast paced and lots of suspects. Well done.
June 5, 2017
I enjoy Ethan Stones books, especially the Flesh Books! They have romance and mystery. I like the police procedural aspect of this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews