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Reclamation
Dear Author,
I am a cop newly promoted to detective. I’ve been asked to go undercover as a stripper at a strip club to investigate (kidnappings, drugs, sex trade… I’ll leave that up to you). While working there I meet the man who will become my lover.
He is in a law enforcement type job (fireman, FBI, search and rescue, military, take your pick). Is he just there because he likes strip clubs? Is he undercover as well, working a different angle and we get together… in more ways than one?
I have to admit striptease movements really get the blood going, but are these pictures of me working out for the job itself, a private viewing, or am I fantasizing about his hands, his mouth, his body?
I thought I could handle this assignment, but that was before the bad guys figured out why I was actually there.
Photo Description:
In the series of GIFs, we see a man from his shoulders down, shirtless, clad only in a pair of sinful denim jeans and moving in a way that makes you think warm and happy thoughts (it’s getting hot in here, whoo!). The still picture, on the other hand, depicts a naked man crouched on the ground, his hands behind his head, in a shower of water against a dark background.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
I am a cop newly promoted to detective. I’ve been asked to go undercover as a stripper at a strip club to investigate (kidnappings, drugs, sex trade… I’ll leave that up to you). While working there I meet the man who will become my lover.
He is in a law enforcement type job (fireman, FBI, search and rescue, military, take your pick). Is he just there because he likes strip clubs? Is he undercover as well, working a different angle and we get together… in more ways than one?
I have to admit striptease movements really get the blood going, but are these pictures of me working out for the job itself, a private viewing, or am I fantasizing about his hands, his mouth, his body?
I thought I could handle this assignment, but that was before the bad guys figured out why I was actually there.
Photo Description:
In the series of GIFs, we see a man from his shoulders down, shirtless, clad only in a pair of sinful denim jeans and moving in a way that makes you think warm and happy thoughts (it’s getting hot in here, whoo!). The still picture, on the other hand, depicts a naked man crouched on the ground, his hands behind his head, in a shower of water against a dark background.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
90 pages, ebook
First published September 13, 2015
1 person is currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Cari Z.
136 books537 followersCari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 7, 2015
I'm taking what they're giving 'cause I'm working for a living--Huey Lewis & the News
Hot Tamales! Seriously, I got distracted from clicking on the ebook button to come over and review the story by the gif set that inspired it--Woof!
Matt's an undercover cop working to protect his city in this futuristic hellhole of Phoenix. Civil war ravaged the country and everyone's trying to hold it together while others are making money selling everything. The drug cartels moved into the power vacuum and now are a clear and present danger to all, not just the fringes. Though, the edges are beyond dangerous.
With "hips like a lazy Susan", Matt works hard to get an in with the Jimenez cartel. Of course, he meets a guy he likes more, but with his cover now isn't the time for real. Needless to say, hell breaks loose and things heat up for Matt.
Some great characters, setting, and details in the world building to make it tangible. This is a suspense/action oriented story so there isn't a slow moment. This is Z's second contribution this year and while it is closer to a 4 than 5 stars, I'm rounding up for performance under pressure for picking up a dropped prompt and making the event AWESOME--Thanks, Cari.
Overall, loved the the ride.
Favorite exchange: Mickey Mouse and Kafka discussion
My thanks to the author for participating in the MM Group's 2015 DRitC event, Love is an Open Road
Hot Tamales! Seriously, I got distracted from clicking on the ebook button to come over and review the story by the gif set that inspired it--Woof!
Matt's an undercover cop working to protect his city in this futuristic hellhole of Phoenix. Civil war ravaged the country and everyone's trying to hold it together while others are making money selling everything. The drug cartels moved into the power vacuum and now are a clear and present danger to all, not just the fringes. Though, the edges are beyond dangerous.
With "hips like a lazy Susan", Matt works hard to get an in with the Jimenez cartel. Of course, he meets a guy he likes more, but with his cover now isn't the time for real. Needless to say, hell breaks loose and things heat up for Matt.
Some great characters, setting, and details in the world building to make it tangible. This is a suspense/action oriented story so there isn't a slow moment. This is Z's second contribution this year and while it is closer to a 4 than 5 stars, I'm rounding up for performance under pressure for picking up a dropped prompt and making the event AWESOME--Thanks, Cari.
Overall, loved the the ride.
Favorite exchange: Mickey Mouse and Kafka discussion
My thanks to the author for participating in the MM Group's 2015 DRitC event, Love is an Open Road
September 12, 2015
Loved it, loved it, LOVED IT! This is just MY kind of book. An agent undercover as a sex worker meets a police soldier who attracts him not only sexually but emotionally as well. And when all the shit goes down and stripper/cop is exposed, the men are separated while they debrief and get their heads together. Sexy and emotional and all that good stuff. Even some hurt/healing/comfort thrown in! Perfection.
Ended with a HFN so of COURSE I want a sequel. I really enjoyed both of these men and their stories.
Highly recommended!
And since it doesn't say it in the blurb, this is futuristic/scifi. Very fun!
Ended with a HFN so of COURSE I want a sequel. I really enjoyed both of these men and their stories.
Highly recommended!
And since it doesn't say it in the blurb, this is futuristic/scifi. Very fun!
September 2, 2016
4.5
Awesome world building with a strong sense of place and appealing characters. The suspense had me a little stressed out and anxious, though. I don't like when that happens, but this was so good, I kept reading. It helped that the pacing was just right, carrying me through the tense parts. The writing style in general, the voices, descriptions, dialogue, really worked for me.
Awesome world building with a strong sense of place and appealing characters. The suspense had me a little stressed out and anxious, though. I don't like when that happens, but this was so good, I kept reading. It helped that the pacing was just right, carrying me through the tense parts. The writing style in general, the voices, descriptions, dialogue, really worked for me.
January 14, 2017
I just want to hug this book…
Well, technically, I would have to hug my Kindle, since this is an ebook, but you get the idea! ;-) Reclamation pulled me right out of a funk and was a really nice surprise. It was the first book by this author for me, but definitely not the last. I enjoyed the writing style and for a short story under 100 pages, it had a great world-building and two adorable characters I instantly felt connected to.
To be honest... What piqued my interest in the first place was the 'cop working undercover in a strip club' thing. Well, maybe you are right, I'm easy ;-), but in this case I'm damn glad I am and gave this book a go, because there is so much more to it than just an ordinary crime story. This book is about friendship, about a mutual chemistry growing slowly but surely into something deeper, but it's also about loss and grief and the effort to turn a shattered and quite literally burning world into a safer place.
This story is full of action, angst and hot guys in a dystopian setting. That is so my thing, and of course, I was hooked from the beginning! ;-)
August 10, 2016
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this futuristic, dystopian story and was impressed with its originality.
Matt just wants to do his job quickly and correctly. Thing is, he has to seduce the son of a mobster in the hopes of getting some evidence to bring "the family" down. Of course, that's easier said than done, especially when he crosses paths with Grayson, an alluring city worker he meets on the job. Grayson offers him some much needed aide and things can't help but get complicated fast.
Though I could always go for more sexy, this had a good mix of action, angst, and feels - all coupled with a slow burn UST and light smexiness.
I enjoyed this futuristic, dystopian story and was impressed with its originality.
Matt just wants to do his job quickly and correctly. Thing is, he has to seduce the son of a mobster in the hopes of getting some evidence to bring "the family" down. Of course, that's easier said than done, especially when he crosses paths with Grayson, an alluring city worker he meets on the job. Grayson offers him some much needed aide and things can't help but get complicated fast.
Though I could always go for more sexy, this had a good mix of action, angst, and feels - all coupled with a slow burn UST and light smexiness.
September 29, 2015
I didn't think this prompt would be my thing. I'm so glad I gave it a go though because I loved this story. I loved the world that has been created by Cari Z. Matt and Grayson were great characters and I loved the journey we took with them in this dystopian future world. The attention to detail was amazing, the bosy modifications for example. I'm not the hugest futuristic fan - but when it's written well, I love it. This was written well.
August 20, 2016
I did not....want this to end!
Ohhhh, how I wished for the percentage button to stick and go on forever. If I had a superpower, that's what it would be :)
Matt is undercover and using his body to work his mark.
He accidentally falls in love with another man.
He should walk away and take the danger he brings but he just...can't.
Love makes us do crazy things.
Matt is CRAZY in love with Grayson. Turns out Grayson is crazy in love with him.
But what happens when love isn't enough?
Ridiculously good writing.
It's free...you really need to read it!
Go on, it's Cari Z, what have you got to lose?
Ohhhh, how I wished for the percentage button to stick and go on forever. If I had a superpower, that's what it would be :)
Matt is undercover and using his body to work his mark.
He accidentally falls in love with another man.
He should walk away and take the danger he brings but he just...can't.
Love makes us do crazy things.
Matt is CRAZY in love with Grayson. Turns out Grayson is crazy in love with him.
But what happens when love isn't enough?
Ridiculously good writing.
It's free...you really need to read it!
Go on, it's Cari Z, what have you got to lose?
September 7, 2015
4.5 rounded up =D
But I may be a bit biased. Just a bit. Teehee.
I'll review later (I hope.)
But I may be a bit biased. Just a bit. Teehee.
I'll review later (I hope.)
October 23, 2015
Post war story set in the future.
I was bored.
And pissed that we do get a make out session, but the first sex scene was skipped.
So, I was confused, bored and the characters could not hold my attention.
Not the book for me.
I was bored.
And pissed that we do get a make out session, but the first sex scene was skipped.
So, I was confused, bored and the characters could not hold my attention.
Not the book for me.
September 7, 2015
Cari Z. always ends up writing my favorite event stories.
April 7, 2016
I think I could understand the author felt some might feel this story was not developed or explored more. This greedy reader was among them, Cari Z.. XD
But putting into account this was a second story she wrote for this event in quite short time... I wouldn't complain.
This was an entertaining tale. It actually had plot and not only man on man action. The story was set on Phoenix at a post war future that left America... ruined, I think. The atmosphere was rather gloom, but the main characters were really likeable and the sort who trying to make the best of life bring.
After a rather comfortably mainted pace two third of the book, the rest certainly felt rather rushed. My main regret being Matt not really handling and closing the case well (there was certainly more about Tito left unexplained there). I also feel as if there was a big omission from Grayson's last shocking long shift to him resembling a living daylight zombie.
But overall I still enjoyed reading this. And I'm looking forward to read more of her stories too - her writing's definitely clicked with me!
But putting into account this was a second story she wrote for this event in quite short time... I wouldn't complain.
This was an entertaining tale. It actually had plot and not only man on man action. The story was set on Phoenix at a post war future that left America... ruined, I think. The atmosphere was rather gloom, but the main characters were really likeable and the sort who trying to make the best of life bring.
After a rather comfortably mainted pace two third of the book, the rest certainly felt rather rushed. My main regret being Matt not really handling and closing the case well (there was certainly more about Tito left unexplained there). I also feel as if there was a big omission from Grayson's last shocking long shift to him resembling a living daylight zombie.
But overall I still enjoyed reading this. And I'm looking forward to read more of her stories too - her writing's definitely clicked with me!
October 28, 2017
Darum geht’s:
In den USA, irgendwann in der Zukunft: Polizist Matt ist undercover als Nachtclubtänzer tätig, um ein hochrangiges Mitglied des Kartells als Informant zu gewinnen. Dabei fällt ihm ein Gast des Clubs auf, der regelmäßig ein Bier trinkt und dann wieder verschwindet. Als Grayson, der schweigsame Gast, Matt aus einer misslichen Situation hilft und sie sich kennenlernen, entdeckt Matt, dass Grayson auch im Staatsdienst ist und Matt bei seiner Mission helfen könnte.
So fand ich’s:
Schon alleine die unwirtliche, düstere Welt mit ihren gefährlichen Randbezirken und den Implantaten, mit denen die Menschen gewisse Fähigkeiten verbessern können, ist faszinierend. Sie steht nicht im Vordergrund der Erzählung, doch die Umstände, unter denen Matt und Grayson leben, sind doch wichtig für die Story.
Die Nebenfiguren sind trotz kurzer Auftritte plastisch und dreidimensional und tragen perfekt zum Gesamtbild bei, wie die Nachbarin Rosa, die regelmäßig klopft, um nach Neuigkeiten über ihre verschwundene Tochter zu fragen.
Beide Hauptpersonen sind durch und durch sympathische Männer, die trotz oft schwieriger Umstände tun, was getan werden muss. Und so funkt es zwischen den beiden sofort auf einer freundschaftlichen Ebene und sie lernen sich bei James-Bond-Filmen und faulen Nachmittagen auf dem Sofa kennen. Es dauert aber nicht lange, bis sie sich auch im Bett näherkommen und das ist sehr sexy und gefühlvoll.
Dazu kommt jede Menge Spannung aus dem Doppelspiel, das Matt spielen muss, denn jeden Moment kann ihm das Kartell auf die Schliche kommen.
Die gelungene Mischung dieser Komponenten, die in sehr gefälliger Art und Weise erzählt wird, hat genau meinen Geschmack getroffen.
In den USA, irgendwann in der Zukunft: Polizist Matt ist undercover als Nachtclubtänzer tätig, um ein hochrangiges Mitglied des Kartells als Informant zu gewinnen. Dabei fällt ihm ein Gast des Clubs auf, der regelmäßig ein Bier trinkt und dann wieder verschwindet. Als Grayson, der schweigsame Gast, Matt aus einer misslichen Situation hilft und sie sich kennenlernen, entdeckt Matt, dass Grayson auch im Staatsdienst ist und Matt bei seiner Mission helfen könnte.
So fand ich’s:
Schon alleine die unwirtliche, düstere Welt mit ihren gefährlichen Randbezirken und den Implantaten, mit denen die Menschen gewisse Fähigkeiten verbessern können, ist faszinierend. Sie steht nicht im Vordergrund der Erzählung, doch die Umstände, unter denen Matt und Grayson leben, sind doch wichtig für die Story.
Die Nebenfiguren sind trotz kurzer Auftritte plastisch und dreidimensional und tragen perfekt zum Gesamtbild bei, wie die Nachbarin Rosa, die regelmäßig klopft, um nach Neuigkeiten über ihre verschwundene Tochter zu fragen.
Beide Hauptpersonen sind durch und durch sympathische Männer, die trotz oft schwieriger Umstände tun, was getan werden muss. Und so funkt es zwischen den beiden sofort auf einer freundschaftlichen Ebene und sie lernen sich bei James-Bond-Filmen und faulen Nachmittagen auf dem Sofa kennen. Es dauert aber nicht lange, bis sie sich auch im Bett näherkommen und das ist sehr sexy und gefühlvoll.
Dazu kommt jede Menge Spannung aus dem Doppelspiel, das Matt spielen muss, denn jeden Moment kann ihm das Kartell auf die Schliche kommen.
Die gelungene Mischung dieser Komponenten, die in sehr gefälliger Art und Weise erzählt wird, hat genau meinen Geschmack getroffen.
July 3, 2021
I loved this book! I was sad when it ended because I really wanted more. For such a short book it really packed a punch with great world building, well developed characters, lots of action and a great romance all set in a sci-fi, dystopian futuristic world.
I'll be honest the whole undercover cop as a stripper caught my interest but this turned out to be so much more than I expected. I loved the friendship turned into more and the chemistry between the two was incredible. I also enjoyed the world created here and found it very interesting. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat but the book also had some very emotional moments.
This book ends in a HFN and I hope one day we'll get a sequel to this fantastic book!
I'll be honest the whole undercover cop as a stripper caught my interest but this turned out to be so much more than I expected. I loved the friendship turned into more and the chemistry between the two was incredible. I also enjoyed the world created here and found it very interesting. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat but the book also had some very emotional moments.
This book ends in a HFN and I hope one day we'll get a sequel to this fantastic book!
January 24, 2018
Another lovely taste of one of Cari Z’s captivating, post apocalyptic, dystopian worlds. As usual, I was on the edge of my seat with delicious anticipation and anxiety. And as always, I wanted more <3
September 24, 2015
Matt is undercover as a stripper to get close to Tito, the younger brother/son of the local mafia. They are starting to ‘expand’ including kidnapping people, so they need to be taken down. Tito is becoming obsessed with Matt.
While Matt is working undercover his eyes always wander a sole man who comes in when he works. This man only sits at the bar and drinks a beer and tries to avoid everyone else. He finally goes over and uses him to ‘catch a breath’.
Grayson works for the Reclamation team, going on three years, which is super long for that part of the government. This takes place in a ‘futuristic’ world were the outer parts aka the edge of the city are off limits(are not livable).
Grayson thinks Matt is just a striper in need of help, he has no idea who he really is. Matt doesn’t tell him to help keep him safe.
The timeline of this story is short but you see the relationship form. I was confused at the beginning of who Matt’s ‘love interest’ was going to be, but a bit into the story we find out who it is. I like both of them.
While Matt is working undercover his eyes always wander a sole man who comes in when he works. This man only sits at the bar and drinks a beer and tries to avoid everyone else. He finally goes over and uses him to ‘catch a breath’.
Grayson works for the Reclamation team, going on three years, which is super long for that part of the government. This takes place in a ‘futuristic’ world were the outer parts aka the edge of the city are off limits(are not livable).
Grayson thinks Matt is just a striper in need of help, he has no idea who he really is. Matt doesn’t tell him to help keep him safe.
The timeline of this story is short but you see the relationship form. I was confused at the beginning of who Matt’s ‘love interest’ was going to be, but a bit into the story we find out who it is. I like both of them.
Want to read
October 6, 2015
YES!!!
NSFW
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Is An Open Road event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Is An Open Road event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
April 8, 2016
3.75 stars rounded up
Some parts are rushed especially near the end; like the author was trying to wrap things out as quickly as possible. But other than that, this novella was satisfying. Loved the slowly-built relationship. LOVED the 'small' moments like watching Bond movies together. I could even take the HFN because in my heart, I believe that they would be perfect for one another.
Some parts are rushed especially near the end; like the author was trying to wrap things out as quickly as possible. But other than that, this novella was satisfying. Loved the slowly-built relationship. LOVED the 'small' moments like watching Bond movies together. I could even take the HFN because in my heart, I believe that they would be perfect for one another.
February 5, 2017
Great story! I'm usually not into either Dystopian world or Sci-Fi, I find I simply get confused and lost in the world building, but while I DID find some difficulties connecting to the world, the story was so well written and engaging I couldn't put it down. I was with tears of exhaustion in my eyes but I kept going. I loved that though both MC were "rough around the edges", they both had a very tender heart and it showed in how much they learned to care for one another. It's a brutal world out there, but inside Grayson's home they had their own ha(e)ven.
The story is told from both Matt and Grayson's POV. We start with Matt an undercover cop working as a dancer in a gay club trying to seduce the son of a drug lord. Grayson comes to the club as well, but funny enough, though he is gay, watching the shows isn't his main priority.. When there's an ugly scene between the son of the drug lord and his bigger and meaner brother and Grayson sees Matt is in the crossfire he offers him a place to stay. He refuses at first, but after checking his name through his boss he realizes Grayson is on the Reclamation Team which means he's one of the good guys (I guess you could categorize it as a part of the "armed forces"). Grayson has his own demons to deal with, mainly his sick father - though he is in a home he keeps escaping, not remembering he isn't a soldier anymore and endangering himself and others (sounds like alzheimer..). Grayson has kept his job longer than most because it was a good paying one and he needed the money to pay his father's hospis bills.
There are lies between them, mostly Matt's identity, but in a way they have a sort of superficial relationship at first, watching old James Bond movies, eating pancakes together. They enjoy each other's company and though Grayson IS attracted to Matt he doesn't want to take advantage of him (even when Matt openly says he is interested). In the end they cross that line as well and from there a real relationship blossoms even if neither of them would admit that's what it is. The "shit hits the fan" when the drug lord does a HUGE move endangering both MC, each for their own reason. But when the bullets stops flying and the fires are extinguished will they be able to build something real with each other?
I LOVED this story as I loved so many of Cari's books before. It's short yet not TOO short, there's romance even if not a "mushy" one, there's friendship, there's are a few steamy encounters, there's a complicated and yet well explained world (though I admit I'm not sure I understood it all but I was content with what I DID get). There's also a very realistic HFN couple and all of this awesomeness is a free read from one of the GoodReads' M/M Romance Group projects. Press on the link above to download the book.
Yep, recommended :)
More Reviews HERE
The story is told from both Matt and Grayson's POV. We start with Matt an undercover cop working as a dancer in a gay club trying to seduce the son of a drug lord. Grayson comes to the club as well, but funny enough, though he is gay, watching the shows isn't his main priority.. When there's an ugly scene between the son of the drug lord and his bigger and meaner brother and Grayson sees Matt is in the crossfire he offers him a place to stay. He refuses at first, but after checking his name through his boss he realizes Grayson is on the Reclamation Team which means he's one of the good guys (I guess you could categorize it as a part of the "armed forces"). Grayson has his own demons to deal with, mainly his sick father - though he is in a home he keeps escaping, not remembering he isn't a soldier anymore and endangering himself and others (sounds like alzheimer..). Grayson has kept his job longer than most because it was a good paying one and he needed the money to pay his father's hospis bills.
There are lies between them, mostly Matt's identity, but in a way they have a sort of superficial relationship at first, watching old James Bond movies, eating pancakes together. They enjoy each other's company and though Grayson IS attracted to Matt he doesn't want to take advantage of him (even when Matt openly says he is interested). In the end they cross that line as well and from there a real relationship blossoms even if neither of them would admit that's what it is. The "shit hits the fan" when the drug lord does a HUGE move endangering both MC, each for their own reason. But when the bullets stops flying and the fires are extinguished will they be able to build something real with each other?
I LOVED this story as I loved so many of Cari's books before. It's short yet not TOO short, there's romance even if not a "mushy" one, there's friendship, there's are a few steamy encounters, there's a complicated and yet well explained world (though I admit I'm not sure I understood it all but I was content with what I DID get). There's also a very realistic HFN couple and all of this awesomeness is a free read from one of the GoodReads' M/M Romance Group projects. Press on the link above to download the book.
Yep, recommended :)
More Reviews HERE
January 6, 2017
*** 4 dystopian stars ***
I liked this. It turned out a little bit differently than what I expected, but not in a bad way, really, just surprised me a little. I expected it to be hotter to be honest. I was crossing my fingers for a private performance, but no such luck.
Instead I got to know a dystopian world where life is rough and hard. The cities are divided into sections. In the center of the city is where people are the wealthiest and the safest. The further out you get the more harsh and dangerous life gets, until you get the outskirts where drugs, murder, crime and crime families rules.
To combat one crime family one of the MCs, Matt, goes undercover as a stripper since the police and him think it's a way to get information to bring the crime family down by in short, honey trap one of the lead mafia guys. In the bar where Matt works he meets Grayson, a quiet guy who comes in to have a decent beer at the end of his shift clearing out people and putting out fires in the outskirts, and to enjoy the view, literally.
Their relationship develops and it's a slow burn. There's also a side story with Grayson's father, which is suffering from dementia.
The relationship between Matt and Grayson didn't turn out quite as erotic as I thought before starting, but I'm okay with that. The story is good. The world build is strong and I really felt the hard ship of dealing and living in the harsh dystopian world the author have created. Hope and happiness is rare, loneliness is abundant. But it's still there! And that's what the story tells the reader.
I will forgive the totally unbelievably way the main story got wrapped up. *rolls eyes*
Four stars to the author the world build (and the mods! I want one) and a great story, even though not everything is perfect. And it's a free read from the MM Romance Group too.
Recommended.
----------------------------------------------------
It's a free story from the MM Romance Group event Love is and Open Road 2015.
Find it and download here.
I liked this. It turned out a little bit differently than what I expected, but not in a bad way, really, just surprised me a little. I expected it to be hotter to be honest. I was crossing my fingers for a private performance, but no such luck.
Instead I got to know a dystopian world where life is rough and hard. The cities are divided into sections. In the center of the city is where people are the wealthiest and the safest. The further out you get the more harsh and dangerous life gets, until you get the outskirts where drugs, murder, crime and crime families rules.
To combat one crime family one of the MCs, Matt, goes undercover as a stripper since the police and him think it's a way to get information to bring the crime family down by in short, honey trap one of the lead mafia guys. In the bar where Matt works he meets Grayson, a quiet guy who comes in to have a decent beer at the end of his shift clearing out people and putting out fires in the outskirts, and to enjoy the view, literally.
Their relationship develops and it's a slow burn. There's also a side story with Grayson's father, which is suffering from dementia.
The relationship between Matt and Grayson didn't turn out quite as erotic as I thought before starting, but I'm okay with that. The story is good. The world build is strong and I really felt the hard ship of dealing and living in the harsh dystopian world the author have created. Hope and happiness is rare, loneliness is abundant. But it's still there! And that's what the story tells the reader.
I will forgive the totally unbelievably way the main story got wrapped up. *rolls eyes*
Four stars to the author the world build (and the mods! I want one) and a great story, even though not everything is perfect. And it's a free read from the MM Romance Group too.
Recommended.
----------------------------------------------------
It's a free story from the MM Romance Group event Love is and Open Road 2015.
Find it and download here.
November 11, 2015
This is a very well done dystopian novella about Matt, a PD detective, working undercover as a stripper and pole dancer to seduce the young gay son of a powerful Mafia cartel in Phoenix. When the 'family' interferes and threatens Matt's life, a stranger who sees Matt dance in the club offers him shelter in his apartment.
Grayson is a Reclamation agent, tearing down old buildings on the rim of the city to prevent them from being used for illegal means or from tumbling down on their own after years of neglect. He just goes to Matt's bar for the only 'real' beer that you can still get there. He likes the young dancer, but knows he can never afford him. But when some sinister guys threaten the guy's life right in front of him, he feels the need to help.
The time is the future, after a war called the 'Second Secession' tore America to pieces. People get enhanced with modification chips to make them stronger or increase their hearing abilities. The world building is pretty well done and does not require a lot of attention, not distracting from the plot at all.
It's a solid crime setting with an endearing love story and lots of James Bond action. Literally.
Grayson is a Reclamation agent, tearing down old buildings on the rim of the city to prevent them from being used for illegal means or from tumbling down on their own after years of neglect. He just goes to Matt's bar for the only 'real' beer that you can still get there. He likes the young dancer, but knows he can never afford him. But when some sinister guys threaten the guy's life right in front of him, he feels the need to help.
The time is the future, after a war called the 'Second Secession' tore America to pieces. People get enhanced with modification chips to make them stronger or increase their hearing abilities. The world building is pretty well done and does not require a lot of attention, not distracting from the plot at all.
It's a solid crime setting with an endearing love story and lots of James Bond action. Literally.
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September 8, 2015Its a nice enough story, with probably a nice ending, But I'm just so bored already and I'm not interested in reading how they got to the end, or what the end is exactly
May 20, 2017
Too much telling. Every chapter had an info dump to explain something about this alternate reality/future world, something about their pasts, or something that had happened during a time lapse. And plot points like Grayson’s father and the mods to their bodies ultimately didn’t play much of a role.
September 21, 2015
4.5 stars
Another good one out of this year's LiaOR event. Woo! And the second one I've read from Cari Z. (I really enjoyed "Ten Simple Tips for Surviving the Apocalypse," also.)
This one is dystopian, too, and features Matt—a cop (posing as a stripper)— and Grayson, a...well, I'm not sure what the our-world equivalent is. Grayson's "reclamation" role is like something I'd expect our military to do; but since their world (set in our future, maybe around 2070?) is all messed up, it's a new role for civilians. Anyway, he wears a pretty cool uniform/suit and does exhausting stuff.
I thought this was extremely well plotted and thought out. The pacing was perfect, I wasn't left feeling like she's cut things off abruptly, I never got bored or felt rushed. She did a great job writing a complete story in 27k or whatever it is. There was a strong sense of place, and I really liked both characters. Originally, I thought maybe we could have gotten away without Grayson's POV, but I thought the stuff with his dad added some depth to his personality, and I don't think it would have been possible to convey that all from just Matt's side of the story.
Super solid story, very enjoyable read. I would absolutely read more from this world if she wrote it.
Another good one out of this year's LiaOR event. Woo! And the second one I've read from Cari Z. (I really enjoyed "Ten Simple Tips for Surviving the Apocalypse," also.)
This one is dystopian, too, and features Matt—a cop (posing as a stripper)— and Grayson, a...well, I'm not sure what the our-world equivalent is. Grayson's "reclamation" role is like something I'd expect our military to do; but since their world (set in our future, maybe around 2070?) is all messed up, it's a new role for civilians. Anyway, he wears a pretty cool uniform/suit and does exhausting stuff.
I thought this was extremely well plotted and thought out. The pacing was perfect, I wasn't left feeling like she's cut things off abruptly, I never got bored or felt rushed. She did a great job writing a complete story in 27k or whatever it is. There was a strong sense of place, and I really liked both characters. Originally, I thought maybe we could have gotten away without Grayson's POV, but I thought the stuff with his dad added some depth to his personality, and I don't think it would have been possible to convey that all from just Matt's side of the story.
Super solid story, very enjoyable read. I would absolutely read more from this world if she wrote it.
June 26, 2016
3.9 stars
Well built futuristic/post-apocalypse world. I wish there was more info on the Second War of Secession...like which states are no longer part of the US and what inspired the separation. I'm a bit of a History nerd and that kind of thing is super interesting; really liked how it was done in 18% Gray - lines drawn on social issues - but I can't tell what instigated it in this 'verse.
Well built futuristic/post-apocalypse world. I wish there was more info on the Second War of Secession...like which states are no longer part of the US and what inspired the separation. I'm a bit of a History nerd and that kind of thing is super interesting; really liked how it was done in 18% Gray - lines drawn on social issues - but I can't tell what instigated it in this 'verse.
April 21, 2016
This was real good. Dystopian snot a favorite, so I can't say I loved it but it was very, very well written. Great world building and character development. I liked Matt and Grayson very much. It was a little bit of a slow burn and not as much smexy as I would have liked! But it had a very realistic buildup of the relationship. I actually felt bad for Grayson when he found out about his dad. It was also an interesting twist in the way it ended. All in all, very enjoyable.
September 16, 2015
4.5* Another excellent Cari Z. story for the Love is an Open Road event with another great interpretation of the prompt. I liked her zombie story a little better but they are both great and worth reading The world building was especially good and I'd love more set in this world.
September 15, 2015
Nicely done for no actual romance and scant genuine affection. I could feel it between them, however. So I assumed that aspect between them would develop. Maybe there's a follow up or continuation of these two.
September 13, 2015
Nice beginning, nice setting, nice writing. But the romance was unconvincing, and the end of the book was too rushed. Ended up a bit disappointed.
January 3, 2016
3.5*
Cari Z makes me read and enjoy topics I would normally avoid - this one a post apocalyptic dystopian world.
Matt is undercover in a sleazy dance club to get close to a mob son to stop drug, human and technology trafficking. He also gets close to Reclamation agent Grayson - reclamation being a catch all job of cleaning up messes left by the current harsg environment.
Not much about how the world became how it is, with the story being about Matt, Grayson and Tito, though with humour - Zac Efron as James Bond!
Cari Z makes me read and enjoy topics I would normally avoid - this one a post apocalyptic dystopian world.
Matt is undercover in a sleazy dance club to get close to a mob son to stop drug, human and technology trafficking. He also gets close to Reclamation agent Grayson - reclamation being a catch all job of cleaning up messes left by the current harsg environment.
Not much about how the world became how it is, with the story being about Matt, Grayson and Tito, though with humour - Zac Efron as James Bond!
October 11, 2015
Great story. I loved all the characters and the tone, It flowed very smoothly. The situation was believable and the setting was realistic.
I admit that I did skim a little because I felt that there was just too much detail that was not relevant.
I'd love a sequel.
I admit that I did skim a little because I felt that there was just too much detail that was not relevant.
I'd love a sequel.
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