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Bad Boys of the Bay #2
Breaking Bad
Detective Stevie Cavanaugh is one tough cookie…with a sexy but vulnerable secret…
Law enforcement royalty, Stevie Cavanaugh’s fate was determined before she was born: follow her father’s lead, retiring only after becoming Sheriff. But as capable and strong as she is, one man dared to awaken her dark sensuality, only to leave her aching for more. Now he’s back, the baddest cop in the whole damn town, distracting her from the most important case of her career—capturing the Cain killer.
For Special Agent Jack Thornton, like Stevie, police work is in his blood. So is Stevie, the woman he left behind after just one perfect night. Now he’s forced to work with her to catch a killer. Only he wants more of Stevie, too.
According to Stevie, she’s not interested. But Jack knows her deepest darkest sexual secret—that while she’s a woman used to giving command, she also takes great pleasure in submitting—to him. Despite how things ended seven years prior, Jack is determined to take Stevie to the next level.
When the fire between them becomes an inferno, they’ll both savor the burn...
"Tabke's edgy and delicious tales hold a top spot on my must-read list!" —Sylvia Day
"No one writes hot cops better than Karin Tabke!" ~ Bella Andre, New York Times bestselling author of The Sullivans series
Law enforcement royalty, Stevie Cavanaugh’s fate was determined before she was born: follow her father’s lead, retiring only after becoming Sheriff. But as capable and strong as she is, one man dared to awaken her dark sensuality, only to leave her aching for more. Now he’s back, the baddest cop in the whole damn town, distracting her from the most important case of her career—capturing the Cain killer.
For Special Agent Jack Thornton, like Stevie, police work is in his blood. So is Stevie, the woman he left behind after just one perfect night. Now he’s forced to work with her to catch a killer. Only he wants more of Stevie, too.
According to Stevie, she’s not interested. But Jack knows her deepest darkest sexual secret—that while she’s a woman used to giving command, she also takes great pleasure in submitting—to him. Despite how things ended seven years prior, Jack is determined to take Stevie to the next level.
When the fire between them becomes an inferno, they’ll both savor the burn...
"Tabke's edgy and delicious tales hold a top spot on my must-read list!" —Sylvia Day
"No one writes hot cops better than Karin Tabke!" ~ Bella Andre, New York Times bestselling author of The Sullivans series
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2014
15 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Karin Tabke
38 books723 followersKarin is a multi-published, national bestselling, award-winning author.
Karin has sold more than a dozen stories to US publishers: Kensington, Simon & Schuster, and Penguin Random House. Her self-publishing debut, THE CHRONICLES of KATRINA, was met with resounding enthusiasm. Never one to disappoint her readers, Karin happily launched the spinoff series The Bad Boys of the Bay, featuring the heroes she knows so well–hot cops. Translation rights to Karin’s books have been licensed in Japan, Thailand, Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, Italy, Portugal and the UK.
In 2008, Karin’s novel JADED (Simon & Schuster) won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance Suspense. In 2011, her paranormal romance BLOOD LAW (Berkley) won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice award for Best Erotic Fiction and was the first book in her Blood Moon Rising series. In 2012, the second book in the trilogy, BLOODRIGHT, was nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotic Paranormal Romance. Karin’s other awards include a CAPA and the Holt Medallion, as well as a finalist nod for the Prism. Her debut single title, GOOD GIRL GONE BAD (Simon & Schuster), was featured in the October 2006 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine.
Karin’s most rewarding award, however, was not bestowed for her storytelling skills but for her mentorship of unpublished writers. She was honored to receive RWA’s (Romance Writers of America) Pro Mentor of the Year award in 2008. She has served as president of her local RWA chapter in San Francisco and as Director-at-Large on the RWA National Board of Directors.
Karin has been married to her own hot cop–now licensed Private Investigator–for over thirty years and she writes what she knows. She has also started and sold several profitable businesses, but her true love is writing passionate love stories. When she isn’t writing, Karin loves to travel and does so extensively, meeting readers and sharing her knowledge via workshops at writer conventions and conferences.
Karin has sold more than a dozen stories to US publishers: Kensington, Simon & Schuster, and Penguin Random House. Her self-publishing debut, THE CHRONICLES of KATRINA, was met with resounding enthusiasm. Never one to disappoint her readers, Karin happily launched the spinoff series The Bad Boys of the Bay, featuring the heroes she knows so well–hot cops. Translation rights to Karin’s books have been licensed in Japan, Thailand, Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, Italy, Portugal and the UK.
In 2008, Karin’s novel JADED (Simon & Schuster) won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance Suspense. In 2011, her paranormal romance BLOOD LAW (Berkley) won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice award for Best Erotic Fiction and was the first book in her Blood Moon Rising series. In 2012, the second book in the trilogy, BLOODRIGHT, was nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotic Paranormal Romance. Karin’s other awards include a CAPA and the Holt Medallion, as well as a finalist nod for the Prism. Her debut single title, GOOD GIRL GONE BAD (Simon & Schuster), was featured in the October 2006 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine.
Karin’s most rewarding award, however, was not bestowed for her storytelling skills but for her mentorship of unpublished writers. She was honored to receive RWA’s (Romance Writers of America) Pro Mentor of the Year award in 2008. She has served as president of her local RWA chapter in San Francisco and as Director-at-Large on the RWA National Board of Directors.
Karin has been married to her own hot cop–now licensed Private Investigator–for over thirty years and she writes what she knows. She has also started and sold several profitable businesses, but her true love is writing passionate love stories. When she isn’t writing, Karin loves to travel and does so extensively, meeting readers and sharing her knowledge via workshops at writer conventions and conferences.
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August 27, 2014
1 star. DNF at 54 %. Review posted August 26, 2014
Stevie…
Karin Tabke is an author whose books I’ve enjoyed in the past. Unfortunately, Breaking Bad was a major failure. Instead of giving you a synopsis of the story, I prefer to cut right to the chase of the matter.
Neither the somewhat cheesy writing nor the annoying and silly characters appealed to me. Even the sex was stale and boring. The heroine acted with a simple-mindedness that I found very dreadful.
She (allegedly) did hard-core control, pretended to be tough as nails but in reality she was a weak and spineless bitch who was good at one thing only: being inconsequent. Fact is, she came off as a wishy-washy heroine who lacked in the department of persuasive power. Big. Time. She made decisions only to backtrack within a blink of an eye and she did it all the time. To make matters worse, she had a sappy and highly melodramatic meltdown that aggravated my resentment further.
The hero was a conceited jerk with an overinflated ego. I wanted to stick a needle into his brains and dick. I’m sure he would have shriveled like a decrepit balloon. Honestly, I found it ridiculous that Jack didn’t What a stupid prick. Ugh. On the other hand, I felt that Stevie didn’t have the right to be jealous or to claim Jack as hers because she acted so hot and cold all the time and couldn’t decide what she wanted. Anyway, many so-called conflicts felt forced and far-fetched. They were dumb and redundant and the MCs acted way too childish for my liking. Disappearing into thin air after a ONS and never getting back to her was the coward’s way out, anyhow. Plus, I’ve had a hard time to wrap my mind around the fact that Jack and then poof! He’s back and he’s sorry and wants her; she doesn’t want him, she isn’t interested but oh…wait…she needs him inside her…blah blah blah. Rinse, repeat. You get the gist. I’d’ve preferred great chemistry but what I got instead was a huge amount of nagging and bickering that got on my last nerve. Their behavior was ludicrous and not worthy of an adult read. I daresay they would be the perfect cast for a NA book.
Other thoughts
Growling women are highly unappealing. It didn’t make Stevie any more hard-core.
The comment about her thickening breasts is beyond silly. Like I said she must be suffering from a virtual lactogenesis.
Her breasts thickened as her nipples hardened and the memory came flooding back.
“Bess burger eber,” she said, chewing a mouthful and making small satisfied sounds.
Friendly advice, Stevie, don’t talk when your mouth is full. It’s disgusting and rude. In my book, that’s basic parenting 101.
I need to mention that the dirty talk was bland, boring and even ridiculously bad at times.
“My pussy is so wet right now,” she whispered. “It craves your cock, Jack. It wants you to fuck it into next week. Until it’s raw.”
“Yes, just like that night, your nipples are so tight, so hungry for my mouth.”
“When I fill you, you’re going to feel me for days.”
"Tell me you want me to fuck you into tomorrow, Stevie. Tell me how much that sweet pussy of yours missed my hungry cock."
Bottom line, Breaking Bad is another absolutely trivial and disappointingly weak story that featured unlikable and silly characters and mediocre writing at best.
Moving on…
Stevie…
Karin Tabke is an author whose books I’ve enjoyed in the past. Unfortunately, Breaking Bad was a major failure. Instead of giving you a synopsis of the story, I prefer to cut right to the chase of the matter.
Neither the somewhat cheesy writing nor the annoying and silly characters appealed to me. Even the sex was stale and boring. The heroine acted with a simple-mindedness that I found very dreadful.
She (allegedly) did hard-core control, pretended to be tough as nails but in reality she was a weak and spineless bitch who was good at one thing only: being inconsequent. Fact is, she came off as a wishy-washy heroine who lacked in the department of persuasive power. Big. Time. She made decisions only to backtrack within a blink of an eye and she did it all the time. To make matters worse, she had a sappy and highly melodramatic meltdown that aggravated my resentment further.
The hero was a conceited jerk with an overinflated ego. I wanted to stick a needle into his brains and dick. I’m sure he would have shriveled like a decrepit balloon. Honestly, I found it ridiculous that Jack didn’t What a stupid prick. Ugh. On the other hand, I felt that Stevie didn’t have the right to be jealous or to claim Jack as hers because she acted so hot and cold all the time and couldn’t decide what she wanted. Anyway, many so-called conflicts felt forced and far-fetched. They were dumb and redundant and the MCs acted way too childish for my liking. Disappearing into thin air after a ONS and never getting back to her was the coward’s way out, anyhow. Plus, I’ve had a hard time to wrap my mind around the fact that Jack and then poof! He’s back and he’s sorry and wants her; she doesn’t want him, she isn’t interested but oh…wait…she needs him inside her…blah blah blah. Rinse, repeat. You get the gist. I’d’ve preferred great chemistry but what I got instead was a huge amount of nagging and bickering that got on my last nerve. Their behavior was ludicrous and not worthy of an adult read. I daresay they would be the perfect cast for a NA book.
Other thoughts
Growling women are highly unappealing. It didn’t make Stevie any more hard-core.
The comment about her thickening breasts is beyond silly. Like I said she must be suffering from a virtual lactogenesis.
Her breasts thickened as her nipples hardened and the memory came flooding back.
“Bess burger eber,” she said, chewing a mouthful and making small satisfied sounds.
Friendly advice, Stevie, don’t talk when your mouth is full. It’s disgusting and rude. In my book, that’s basic parenting 101.
I need to mention that the dirty talk was bland, boring and even ridiculously bad at times.
“My pussy is so wet right now,” she whispered. “It craves your cock, Jack. It wants you to fuck it into next week. Until it’s raw.”
“Yes, just like that night, your nipples are so tight, so hungry for my mouth.”
“When I fill you, you’re going to feel me for days.”
"Tell me you want me to fuck you into tomorrow, Stevie. Tell me how much that sweet pussy of yours missed my hungry cock."
Bottom line, Breaking Bad is another absolutely trivial and disappointingly weak story that featured unlikable and silly characters and mediocre writing at best.
Moving on…
August 20, 2014
4.5--Bad Boy--Stars!
All you need to know about Jack is he is an alpha male and he's dominant in the bedroom. Nothing else matters.
Oh, and he's a dirty talker!
Stevie was pretty awesome too. She was snarky. She was fun. She was feisty. She didn't take shit from Jack...unless he was trying to get in her pants.
Oh the story...not that it really matters (haha) but Stevie and Jack are cops. They met seven years ago in the Academy and had a one-night stand. Jack leaves in the middle of the night and breaks her heart.
Jack, now with the FBI comes back to town to help Stevie with a case where they rekindle their flame!
So you could call this a romantic suspense. It was the perfect mix for me. Often times I find that there is more suspense then romance, but that wasn't the case here. The story still had me on edge but I just loved Stevie and Jack!
"I live to be bad and you’re the baddest man in the whole damn town.”
All you need to know about Jack is he is an alpha male and he's dominant in the bedroom. Nothing else matters.
Oh, and he's a dirty talker!
"I want to tie you up and spank that sweet ass of yours pink. I want you squirming and begging for my dick so deep inside of you, you can’t breathe.”
“I want to bend you over my kitchen table and fuck you hard from behind, then turn you over and fuck you face-to-face.”
“And I want to lay you down on my bed and make love to you, too.
“I want to possess you. I want to be your one and only obsession. I want everything you own.”
“I want to own you.”
“Tell me you want me to fuck you into tomorrow, Stevie. Tell me how much that sweet pussy of yours missed my hungry cock.”
“Tell me now.”
Stevie was pretty awesome too. She was snarky. She was fun. She was feisty. She didn't take shit from Jack...unless he was trying to get in her pants.
Oh the story...not that it really matters (haha) but Stevie and Jack are cops. They met seven years ago in the Academy and had a one-night stand. Jack leaves in the middle of the night and breaks her heart.
Jack, now with the FBI comes back to town to help Stevie with a case where they rekindle their flame!
So you could call this a romantic suspense. It was the perfect mix for me. Often times I find that there is more suspense then romance, but that wasn't the case here. The story still had me on edge but I just loved Stevie and Jack!
August 27, 2014
3-3.5 Just Make Up Your Mind Already Dammit Stars
I'm a sucker for a good romantic suspense with some hot sex to boot. Karin Tabke is an author that hasn't let me down in the past, so I didn't think twice about jumping into this one. What can I tell you after finishing? Well... at least it delivered on the hot sex. As for the rest? It left me feeling a little MEH.
Stevie Cavanaugh comes from a long line of cops. She's a take charge, take no bullshit kind of tough chick...except when it comes to one certain man. See seven years ago while still in the Academy, she gave her virginity to a man that's challenged her and tempted her for months, Jack Thornton. Too bad Jack then walked out during the night before the sheets even cooled down and she hasn't seen him since. What's a girl to do? Why renounce all men and relationships, of course, and never have sex again.
Sure. Yes. Absolutely. Makes perfect sense to me. But moving on...
The last thing Stevie expects is for Jack to come charging back into her life and the current case she's working on. She's after a sadistic serial killer that is already responsible for several brutal deaths of women, and she's determined to be the one to bring him down. A certain FBI agent and a man that still tempts her no matter how much he hurt her in the past is the last thing she wants. Too bad she can't get him off of her mind
I was really into the story for the first 25%, but then my interest slowly began to wane. The constant back and forth of "I want you", "No, I can't" back to "I want you again" made my head spin. I wanted to throttle them both to just make up their damn minds! One second Stevie hates him but sleeps with him, the next she wants to work him out of her system, then she wants to give him a shot, then she's back to hating him. Gah!
Now Jack was definitely everything I typically like in a hero. Slightly asshole-ly, demanding in bed, commanding, cocky, and with a filthy mouth.
But unfortunately something about it just never quite worked for me. Don't get me wrong, the sex was very hot, but the relationship development between Stevie and Jack made me want to rip my hair out at times. I kept hoping eventually one of them would just see the light
Only for them to regress back to the old behavior all over again.
Although Stevie irritated me with her constant back and forth, I did like her tough girl personality. While she did give into Jack pretty much right away, that's not to say she didn't give him hell. She certainly did...too much so at times. But it did work for me.
The suspense of the story was more of an addition than the main component. It was just OK. I've read a lot of romantic suspense so perhaps that's why I'm very picky when it comes to it. But if I had to rate it on a scale of 10, I'd probably give it a 3 or 4. The ending was extremely anti-climactic for me and just wrapped up way too quick and nice for me to truly care about it.
I'll admit that I will gladly be reading the next book in this series since the thing that didn't work for me here were the characters. I do enjoy the author's writing style, and I've loved her previous books, so I'm writing this one off as a glitch. I'm hoping Flynn's book will be next because that's one verra intriguing man.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
He was bad to the bone and liked it that way. No woman, not even the one that got away, could break his bad.
I'm a sucker for a good romantic suspense with some hot sex to boot. Karin Tabke is an author that hasn't let me down in the past, so I didn't think twice about jumping into this one. What can I tell you after finishing? Well... at least it delivered on the hot sex. As for the rest? It left me feeling a little MEH.
Stevie Cavanaugh comes from a long line of cops. She's a take charge, take no bullshit kind of tough chick...except when it comes to one certain man. See seven years ago while still in the Academy, she gave her virginity to a man that's challenged her and tempted her for months, Jack Thornton. Too bad Jack then walked out during the night before the sheets even cooled down and she hasn't seen him since. What's a girl to do? Why renounce all men and relationships, of course, and never have sex again.
Sure. Yes. Absolutely. Makes perfect sense to me. But moving on...
The last thing Stevie expects is for Jack to come charging back into her life and the current case she's working on. She's after a sadistic serial killer that is already responsible for several brutal deaths of women, and she's determined to be the one to bring him down. A certain FBI agent and a man that still tempts her no matter how much he hurt her in the past is the last thing she wants. Too bad she can't get him off of her mind
"Was that because I didn't call you or because I wouldn't let you get on top?" he growled."
I was really into the story for the first 25%, but then my interest slowly began to wane. The constant back and forth of "I want you", "No, I can't" back to "I want you again" made my head spin. I wanted to throttle them both to just make up their damn minds! One second Stevie hates him but sleeps with him, the next she wants to work him out of her system, then she wants to give him a shot, then she's back to hating him. Gah!
Now Jack was definitely everything I typically like in a hero. Slightly asshole-ly, demanding in bed, commanding, cocky, and with a filthy mouth.
"What about what I need?"
"You need me inside you."
But unfortunately something about it just never quite worked for me. Don't get me wrong, the sex was very hot, but the relationship development between Stevie and Jack made me want to rip my hair out at times. I kept hoping eventually one of them would just see the light
Only for them to regress back to the old behavior all over again.
Although Stevie irritated me with her constant back and forth, I did like her tough girl personality. While she did give into Jack pretty much right away, that's not to say she didn't give him hell. She certainly did...too much so at times. But it did work for me.
The suspense of the story was more of an addition than the main component. It was just OK. I've read a lot of romantic suspense so perhaps that's why I'm very picky when it comes to it. But if I had to rate it on a scale of 10, I'd probably give it a 3 or 4. The ending was extremely anti-climactic for me and just wrapped up way too quick and nice for me to truly care about it.
I'll admit that I will gladly be reading the next book in this series since the thing that didn't work for me here were the characters. I do enjoy the author's writing style, and I've loved her previous books, so I'm writing this one off as a glitch. I'm hoping Flynn's book will be next because that's one verra intriguing man.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
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August 23, 2014
3 stars
After having sex 7 years ago and leaving, Stevie is reunited with Jack on a case. Are they able to give into their attraction??
It was alright but I must admit I got a bit bored after a while. The romance never really developed, it was pretty much lust. I didn't feel like they knew much about each other outside the sex. Story wise nothing much interesting happened until the end but the sex was hot.
Overall I would recommend if you like second chance romantic suspense with a good amount of steam. Personally I preferred Simon and Katrina's story more.
After having sex 7 years ago and leaving, Stevie is reunited with Jack on a case. Are they able to give into their attraction??
It was alright but I must admit I got a bit bored after a while. The romance never really developed, it was pretty much lust. I didn't feel like they knew much about each other outside the sex. Story wise nothing much interesting happened until the end but the sex was hot.
Overall I would recommend if you like second chance romantic suspense with a good amount of steam. Personally I preferred Simon and Katrina's story more.
January 10, 2015
DNF at 66 %
Adult contemporary romantic suspense with a new adult feel and lite BDSM elements...just weird, and not for me.
The idea behind the story is great, and had there been more plot and suspense, I think I could have overlooked my gripes and finished this book. As it was, the story and action were overshadowed by an overkill of sex that really wasn't any different from the myriad other contemporary-slash-erotica-slash-new adult books out there. It was okay, but not enough to hold my interest. I want to iterate that I am extremely pressed for time right now, and if I had ample reading time, I (again) would likely have finished this book. As it is, I have very little time and I want to spend it reading something that really grabs me.
Another point of contention for me...and this is a pet peeve of mine...is that Stevie is set up to be a tough as nails cop, very nearly a hard core bitch that takes no crap from her male or female counterparts. When it came to Jack, however, she was the wishy-wash queen...saying no, meaning yes, flip flopping, playing coy, backpedaling, and in the end, she came across as flighty and weak willed. How many times can you say no to someone only to literally immediately change your mind and let them touch you/fuck you/take over your case/break your heart/boss you around before your adamant no becomes merely a noise to brush aside? That's not a strong woman who knows her own mind. That's a woman with very little backbone.
Apparently, her spinelessness was reserved only for Jack, so who am I to pass judgement? It just seems as if the entire book was back and forth between these two. If they weren't having sex, they were bickering (Stevie always lost) and eventually back to sex. My last straw came at around my DNF mark, when Stevie again put her foot down after a major, MAJOR fallback from Jack...only to cave in yet again.
I have a feeling that had I stuck with it, the suspense that had to have been coming would have grabbed my attention again later on, but I need to move on to the next story.
Advance copy provided by the publisher for review
Adult contemporary romantic suspense with a new adult feel and lite BDSM elements...just weird, and not for me.
The idea behind the story is great, and had there been more plot and suspense, I think I could have overlooked my gripes and finished this book. As it was, the story and action were overshadowed by an overkill of sex that really wasn't any different from the myriad other contemporary-slash-erotica-slash-new adult books out there. It was okay, but not enough to hold my interest. I want to iterate that I am extremely pressed for time right now, and if I had ample reading time, I (again) would likely have finished this book. As it is, I have very little time and I want to spend it reading something that really grabs me.
Another point of contention for me...and this is a pet peeve of mine...is that Stevie is set up to be a tough as nails cop, very nearly a hard core bitch that takes no crap from her male or female counterparts. When it came to Jack, however, she was the wishy-wash queen...saying no, meaning yes, flip flopping, playing coy, backpedaling, and in the end, she came across as flighty and weak willed. How many times can you say no to someone only to literally immediately change your mind and let them touch you/fuck you/take over your case/break your heart/boss you around before your adamant no becomes merely a noise to brush aside? That's not a strong woman who knows her own mind. That's a woman with very little backbone.
Apparently, her spinelessness was reserved only for Jack, so who am I to pass judgement? It just seems as if the entire book was back and forth between these two. If they weren't having sex, they were bickering (Stevie always lost) and eventually back to sex. My last straw came at around my DNF mark, when Stevie again put her foot down after a major, MAJOR fallback from Jack...only to cave in yet again.
I have a feeling that had I stuck with it, the suspense that had to have been coming would have grabbed my attention again later on, but I need to move on to the next story.
Advance copy provided by the publisher for review
August 28, 2014
Oh boy..... ya 3 stars for me. It just never got my wheels turning. Stevie(she's a female) is working a case, she's a detective. Jack, is in the FBI.
7. 7. Yes SEVEN years ago Stevie and Jack had sex. One night. SEVEN YEARS AGO!! They never dated, no long or short term relationship. Just mutual appreciation and attraction. Oh, and she was a virgin.
Jack weasel's his way into Stevie's case. She wants to ignore her and deny him, but come on, you know she doesn't.
BLAH BLAH SAME OLD BLAH
I just couldn't understand why one encounter 7 years ago was so god damn special. I couldn't connect to that. Stevie didn't even date or have other lovers after him! But, of course Jack did, he loves the ladies.
In the midst of working the case to catch the bad guy, they hook up. Yes Jack is a dirty talker, but it didn't make up for the lack of the rest of the story. And really there were only a few instances where he was a dirty talker. And sometimes the dirty was almost clinical. For instance: pubis, mons, and turgid. I normally don't use that when I'm talking about how fucking smoking hot shit is...you know?
They have sex, he wants her but doesn't want to. She wants him just like she has for the past 7 freaking years. Push and pull. yada yada
The catching of the bad guy and that conclusion was about 5 pages maybe. It wasn't very good. By the end I was just glad it was over so I could move on. And moving on it is.....
7. 7. Yes SEVEN years ago Stevie and Jack had sex. One night. SEVEN YEARS AGO!! They never dated, no long or short term relationship. Just mutual appreciation and attraction. Oh, and she was a virgin.
Jack weasel's his way into Stevie's case. She wants to ignore her and deny him, but come on, you know she doesn't.
BLAH BLAH SAME OLD BLAH
I just couldn't understand why one encounter 7 years ago was so god damn special. I couldn't connect to that. Stevie didn't even date or have other lovers after him! But, of course Jack did, he loves the ladies.
In the midst of working the case to catch the bad guy, they hook up. Yes Jack is a dirty talker, but it didn't make up for the lack of the rest of the story. And really there were only a few instances where he was a dirty talker. And sometimes the dirty was almost clinical. For instance: pubis, mons, and turgid. I normally don't use that when I'm talking about how fucking smoking hot shit is...you know?
They have sex, he wants her but doesn't want to. She wants him just like she has for the past 7 freaking years. Push and pull. yada yada
The catching of the bad guy and that conclusion was about 5 pages maybe. It wasn't very good. By the end I was just glad it was over so I could move on. And moving on it is.....
August 21, 2014
Cops,Feds,Romance and a Serial Killer on loose? Sure, Just wrap it for me Please.!
I love Thrillers and this book has Mystery and written all over it or should I say Erotic Thriller..:D
I normally don't go for Second Chance Romances but this one was an exception for me.Yep, you guessed right, 'cause it involved some mystery.
Detective Stevie and Special Agent Jack both have a past which was buried under the layers of seven years of hurt and regret.
This book was certainly based on the Proverbial 'The One Who Got Away'.
Jack walked away leaving Stevie hurt all those years ago,it caused her to become closed off and frigid in the eyes of others.
So when Jack returned and tried to reconcile with Stevie,there sure was a lot of ground for him to cover.
But a Serial Killer took preference and as always the sparks fly between them.
This book was a nice,short and quick read for me.I love my female characters to have a backbone and Stevie was strong, capable as well as a smart one though her resolve to stay away from Jack didn't work in her favour inspite of all these..!
This book, no doubt, had some steamy romance between the two and the way the author Karin Tabke managed to keep us on track with the story the whole time made me really like this book.
Though there was a question that was left unanswered for me till the end
4 STARS
It was the first book in this series.Hope the next one will be Flynn's Story.Though I would love to read Simon and Katrina's story too..:)
Happy Reading everyone..^ - ^
I love Thrillers and this book has Mystery and written all over it or should I say Erotic Thriller..:D
I normally don't go for Second Chance Romances but this one was an exception for me.Yep, you guessed right, 'cause it involved some mystery.
Detective Stevie and Special Agent Jack both have a past which was buried under the layers of seven years of hurt and regret.
This book was certainly based on the Proverbial 'The One Who Got Away'.
Jack walked away leaving Stevie hurt all those years ago,it caused her to become closed off and frigid in the eyes of others.
So when Jack returned and tried to reconcile with Stevie,there sure was a lot of ground for him to cover.
But a Serial Killer took preference and as always the sparks fly between them.
This book was a nice,short and quick read for me.I love my female characters to have a backbone and Stevie was strong, capable as well as a smart one though her resolve to stay away from Jack didn't work in her favour inspite of all these..!
This book, no doubt, had some steamy romance between the two and the way the author Karin Tabke managed to keep us on track with the story the whole time made me really like this book.
Though there was a question that was left unanswered for me till the end
4 STARS
It was the first book in this series.Hope the next one will be Flynn's Story.Though I would love to read Simon and Katrina's story too..:)
Happy Reading everyone..^ - ^
December 4, 2015
3.5 Stars
There's a case.
The two MCs handling it have a not so good history and no matter how much they deny their attraction and feelings for one other, their sexual chemistry is obviously still there.
Steamy scenes.
And the predictable "action-packed" finale.
Basically, it was like your typical romantic suspense book (believe me, I've read A LOT). My mind kept wandering a few times so I had to pause and do something else, but I think it was a case of 'it's not you, it's me'. I thought it was still a decent read though. I didn't get wowed by it, but at least it didn't suck either.
There's a case.
The two MCs handling it have a not so good history and no matter how much they deny their attraction and feelings for one other, their sexual chemistry is obviously still there.
Steamy scenes.
And the predictable "action-packed" finale.
Basically, it was like your typical romantic suspense book (believe me, I've read A LOT). My mind kept wandering a few times so I had to pause and do something else, but I think it was a case of 'it's not you, it's me'. I thought it was still a decent read though. I didn't get wowed by it, but at least it didn't suck either.
August 2, 2015
ARC provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publishers
well, Jack & Stevie are just as HOT at Simon & Kat!!
& he's a damned lucky man that she gave him yet another chance. although with chemistry like theirs, who wouldn't?!
just a little hunch I have - there's gonna be another book, all for Flynn :)
well, Jack & Stevie are just as HOT at Simon & Kat!!
& he's a damned lucky man that she gave him yet another chance. although with chemistry like theirs, who wouldn't?!
just a little hunch I have - there's gonna be another book, all for Flynn :)
August 19, 2014
So, I thought Simon’s and Kat’s story was HOT when I read The Chronicles of Katrina by Karin Tabke, but now, Jack and Stevie are burning up the scene right on Simon’s and Kat’s heels on this first installment of the Bad Boys of the Bay series!!!
In this spin-off from “Chronicles”, Special Agent Jack Thornton has been a bad boy staying clear of relationship commitments and with none in the horizon. He has never gotten over “the one who got away” seven years ago after one unforgettable night. He has been keeping tabs on her and now there’s a chance for their paths to cross again.
Detective Stevie Cavanaugh has earned her reputation as a hard-nosed and infallible Detective. Never allowing any man to get close, she’s been secretly pining for the one man who awakened her sexuality, but left her aching after their one and only night.
Stevie is working the Cain Killer case, the most important case of her career and Jack is brought in to work with her. She is set on keeping him at arm’s length and prove that this is “her case”. She will NOT allow that Jack-ass to swoop in and tell her how she should run her investigation. Jack is determined to show her who’s boss and bring her to submission, just like he did before. After all, he knows her body and how to work it. He’s been craving her and won’t allow anyone, including her, to stop him until he has her again.
As you can imagine by now, tension is running at an all-time high and working together proves to be stressful for Stevie. She can’t control how she feels about Jack or the way her body reacts when he’s near. She realizes his involvement in the case is helping her get closer to capturing her target, but is wreaking havoc in her life.
Jack and Stevie have sizzling chemistry. Their bodies come alive each time they’re together, but both are fighting so hard to ignore the fact that what’s happening is much more than simple physical attraction…their feelings for each other are very real, but both are running scared.
When Stevie’s life is in danger, Jack is there to protect her with all that he is. The walls start to crumble around their hearts and emotions are high.
Simon and Kat had their “shower scene”…Jack and Stevie’s “garage gym” and “pool” scenes are soooo HOT, I think Simon and Kat might’ve gotten a little burned! I know I certainly felt the heat! The smoke coming out of my kindle was a little scary, but I was prepared to run to the store and buy a new one if necessary.
Jack’s domineering character is just what Stevie needs and they both know it. Their war of wills brings their intimate scenes to a level of HOTNESS that will have women everywhere squirming in their seats while reading. A fan and a change of panties will be a MUST during this reading adventure.
Karin Tabke’s style of writing engages the reader in the story, with an excellent plot and characters that take you on their journey and make you feel like you know them. The flow is smooth and easy to follow, allowing you to live there with each character. I can’t wait for the rest of these Bad Boys and their stories.
In this spin-off from “Chronicles”, Special Agent Jack Thornton has been a bad boy staying clear of relationship commitments and with none in the horizon. He has never gotten over “the one who got away” seven years ago after one unforgettable night. He has been keeping tabs on her and now there’s a chance for their paths to cross again.
Detective Stevie Cavanaugh has earned her reputation as a hard-nosed and infallible Detective. Never allowing any man to get close, she’s been secretly pining for the one man who awakened her sexuality, but left her aching after their one and only night.
Stevie is working the Cain Killer case, the most important case of her career and Jack is brought in to work with her. She is set on keeping him at arm’s length and prove that this is “her case”. She will NOT allow that Jack-ass to swoop in and tell her how she should run her investigation. Jack is determined to show her who’s boss and bring her to submission, just like he did before. After all, he knows her body and how to work it. He’s been craving her and won’t allow anyone, including her, to stop him until he has her again.
As you can imagine by now, tension is running at an all-time high and working together proves to be stressful for Stevie. She can’t control how she feels about Jack or the way her body reacts when he’s near. She realizes his involvement in the case is helping her get closer to capturing her target, but is wreaking havoc in her life.
Jack and Stevie have sizzling chemistry. Their bodies come alive each time they’re together, but both are fighting so hard to ignore the fact that what’s happening is much more than simple physical attraction…their feelings for each other are very real, but both are running scared.
When Stevie’s life is in danger, Jack is there to protect her with all that he is. The walls start to crumble around their hearts and emotions are high.
Simon and Kat had their “shower scene”…Jack and Stevie’s “garage gym” and “pool” scenes are soooo HOT, I think Simon and Kat might’ve gotten a little burned! I know I certainly felt the heat! The smoke coming out of my kindle was a little scary, but I was prepared to run to the store and buy a new one if necessary.
Jack’s domineering character is just what Stevie needs and they both know it. Their war of wills brings their intimate scenes to a level of HOTNESS that will have women everywhere squirming in their seats while reading. A fan and a change of panties will be a MUST during this reading adventure.
Karin Tabke’s style of writing engages the reader in the story, with an excellent plot and characters that take you on their journey and make you feel like you know them. The flow is smooth and easy to follow, allowing you to live there with each character. I can’t wait for the rest of these Bad Boys and their stories.
August 28, 2014
sooo we have really bad ass heroin here.. STEVIE!!
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and asshole of the all assholiness out there Special Agent JACK!!
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all in all.. they met, slept and left.. more likely he done all thous thing... they meet after 7 years on case of serial killer... the suspense and romance was very good, never overdrive one or another.. BUT!!!! it ended in like 78 percent of the book?! HELLO?! and he had some huge issues about commitment... dam..
anywho.. book I really enjoyed and maybe I will read some more of this series... :)
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and asshole of the all assholiness out there Special Agent JACK!!
image:
image:
all in all.. they met, slept and left.. more likely he done all thous thing... they meet after 7 years on case of serial killer... the suspense and romance was very good, never overdrive one or another.. BUT!!!! it ended in like 78 percent of the book?! HELLO?! and he had some huge issues about commitment... dam..
anywho.. book I really enjoyed and maybe I will read some more of this series... :)
August 15, 2014
There are times when only a sexy hot book will do. Oh I don't just want heat and erotic situations as I also thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in a strong story that quite literally whisks me away from reality and all the mundane things. Ms Tabke is one of those authors who I rely on to take me on a seriously sensual ride filled with tricky situations and never a dull moment. I first discovered her historical Blood Sword Legacy series and then devoured her Blood Moon paranormal trilogy so the idea of a new contemporary series featuring those in law enforcement instantly piqued my curiosity. After all there's none as sexy as a guy in uniform and we all know that constantly dealing with the sleazy underbelly of society takes a special kind of person, so peeking into the lives of those involved in law enforcement was bound to be one hell of a ride and here I am all saddled up and ready!
Stevie may have the name of someone filled with more testosterone then oestrogen but she is definitely all woman! Oh yes she hides her femininity well in order to do her job and it's fair to say that her police colleagues view her as a bit of an iron maiden but the respect she earns from a job well done is compensation enough for Stevie. Pushed by her late father to excel she has no time for romance and besides her heart was broken the one time she let a man close. Right now all Stevie wants is to bring the murderer known as the Cain killer to justice but the powers that be are getting edgy and decide that it's time to bring in the FBI .
Jack is a special agent who has seen it all. There's nothing that worries him and yet he has never forgotten one night of pure bliss with the most seductive woman he has ever met. Oh he has no intention of ever settling down and happily walked away but if there was any woman in the world that he could truly let his guard down with it would be with the lustrous Stevie Cavanaugh. Three women are dead and although the local police seem to be on the right trail it's clear that the FBIs resources would make a huge difference. Except that the officer in charge is a very angry and stubborn Stevie and the last thing she intends to do is just roll over and let Jack take charge. Butting heads at every turn it's clear that the passion they once shared still smoulders and if it's up to Jack that blaze will become an inferno! With a killer who attacks at the full moon they are short of time to gather evidence but that won't stand in their way. What started out as a simple case rapidly escalates as the hunted becomes the hunter and it's clear Stevie is right within his sights! Giving her body to Jack is one thing but her trust? Maybe that's a step too far for Stevie!
The author is married to an ex cop so that makes her take on police procedures a whole lot more believable. I'm pretty sure that the infamous "cop humour" is a part of how they deal with the tragedy that dogs their working lives but until now I hadn't considered just how in touch with their sexuality some working in law enforcement might be. In this story both of the lead couple spend their days in charge but there's a little submissive in most of us. I would describe this as steamy rather than erotic and it's a relationship that sizzles but I was not terribly convinced that Jacks motives made sense. I did admire the heroine Stevie as working in what's still considered a mans world is tough at the best of times but I'm not sure if I'm glad she was in touch with her own physical needs or if she was just a pushover when it came to Jack! Certainly they struggle to keep their hands off each other and as the story progresses Jack has to deal with his own jealous nature as his inner caveman asserts itself.
Two characters who have made mistakes finally getting the chance to see if what they have is worth fighting for . A villain who is clearly one sandwich short of a picnic but then again he is clearly deranged and yet able to function so well in public which is always creepy. I enjoyed this and whilst I'm not a huge contemporary fan I will certainly continue to seek out this authors work . I suspect those who enjoy a steamy suspense will be rushing to buy this book and any others Ms Tabke follows up with.
Arc supplied by Netgalley for an honest review
Stevie may have the name of someone filled with more testosterone then oestrogen but she is definitely all woman! Oh yes she hides her femininity well in order to do her job and it's fair to say that her police colleagues view her as a bit of an iron maiden but the respect she earns from a job well done is compensation enough for Stevie. Pushed by her late father to excel she has no time for romance and besides her heart was broken the one time she let a man close. Right now all Stevie wants is to bring the murderer known as the Cain killer to justice but the powers that be are getting edgy and decide that it's time to bring in the FBI .
Jack is a special agent who has seen it all. There's nothing that worries him and yet he has never forgotten one night of pure bliss with the most seductive woman he has ever met. Oh he has no intention of ever settling down and happily walked away but if there was any woman in the world that he could truly let his guard down with it would be with the lustrous Stevie Cavanaugh. Three women are dead and although the local police seem to be on the right trail it's clear that the FBIs resources would make a huge difference. Except that the officer in charge is a very angry and stubborn Stevie and the last thing she intends to do is just roll over and let Jack take charge. Butting heads at every turn it's clear that the passion they once shared still smoulders and if it's up to Jack that blaze will become an inferno! With a killer who attacks at the full moon they are short of time to gather evidence but that won't stand in their way. What started out as a simple case rapidly escalates as the hunted becomes the hunter and it's clear Stevie is right within his sights! Giving her body to Jack is one thing but her trust? Maybe that's a step too far for Stevie!
The author is married to an ex cop so that makes her take on police procedures a whole lot more believable. I'm pretty sure that the infamous "cop humour" is a part of how they deal with the tragedy that dogs their working lives but until now I hadn't considered just how in touch with their sexuality some working in law enforcement might be. In this story both of the lead couple spend their days in charge but there's a little submissive in most of us. I would describe this as steamy rather than erotic and it's a relationship that sizzles but I was not terribly convinced that Jacks motives made sense. I did admire the heroine Stevie as working in what's still considered a mans world is tough at the best of times but I'm not sure if I'm glad she was in touch with her own physical needs or if she was just a pushover when it came to Jack! Certainly they struggle to keep their hands off each other and as the story progresses Jack has to deal with his own jealous nature as his inner caveman asserts itself.
Two characters who have made mistakes finally getting the chance to see if what they have is worth fighting for . A villain who is clearly one sandwich short of a picnic but then again he is clearly deranged and yet able to function so well in public which is always creepy. I enjoyed this and whilst I'm not a huge contemporary fan I will certainly continue to seek out this authors work . I suspect those who enjoy a steamy suspense will be rushing to buy this book and any others Ms Tabke follows up with.
Arc supplied by Netgalley for an honest review
January 23, 2016
Book Info
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: August 19th 2014 by Karin Tabke LLC
ASIN B00L3KYMYG
edition language English
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
Detective Stevie Cavanaugh is one tough cookie…with a sexy but vulnerable secret…
Law enforcement royalty, Stevie Cavanaugh’s fate was determined before she was born: follow her father’s lead, retiring only after becoming Sheriff. But as capable and strong as she is, one man dared to awaken her dark sensuality, only to leave her aching for more. Now he’s back, the baddest cop in the whole damn town, distracting her from the most important case of her career—capturing the Cain killer.
For Special Agent Jack Thornton, like Stevie, police work is in his blood. So is Stevie, the woman he left behind after just one perfect night. Now he’s forced to work with her to catch a killer. Only he wants more of Stevie, too.
According to Stevie, she’s not interested. But Jack knows her deepest darkest sexual secret—that while she’s a woman used to giving command, she also takes great pleasure in submitting—to him. Despite how things ended seven years prior, Jack is determined to take Stevie to the next level.
When the fire between them becomes an inferno, they’ll both savor the burn..
To say that Jack and Stevie are both over achievers, career oriented and total workaholics would be an understatement. The fact that 7 years ago they had an unforgettable one night stand is something neither one ever thought would become an all out scorching love affair that brings them ultimate pleasure while leaving Jack and Stevie on shaky ground as it is unfamiliar territory for them both.
The start to Chapter One in the review copy sums Stevie’s life up fairly quickly “Steven James Cavanaugh the Third had been born with ovaries, but her father refused to see her as anything but the son he would never have.” Following that is the mantra by which she had lived her life according to her father’s wishes “It had been drilled into her that as a woman she would have to work twice as hard for half the respect a man earned just by having a dick.”
Having made Detective and being in charge of an ongoing investigation of a suspected murderer Stevie is under pressure to make an arrest to prevent the body count from growing, to her chagrin she is forced into working with Jack Thornton who is now the Special Agent in charge of the FBI task force assigned to work on the same investigation.
To be quite honest it was no surprise how the combustible chemistry between Jack and Stevie took center stage for this romantic suspense. From the beginning scene where the couple are treated to an explicit show through the lens of the camera used to observe their mutual suspect to the ongoing days in which they spend more time together ratcheting up the sexual tension with every encounter it is very apparent it is only a matter of time before they act upon their attraction.
This story combines personal triumphs for both Jack and Stevie, the explosive heat the pair generate together as a couple, tension when the murderer evades capture and becomes a personal threat to Stevie and a very satisfactory conclusion that will leave the reader content with the stories resolution but wanting more at the same time!
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: August 19th 2014 by Karin Tabke LLC
ASIN B00L3KYMYG
edition language English
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Detective Stevie Cavanaugh is one tough cookie…with a sexy but vulnerable secret…
Law enforcement royalty, Stevie Cavanaugh’s fate was determined before she was born: follow her father’s lead, retiring only after becoming Sheriff. But as capable and strong as she is, one man dared to awaken her dark sensuality, only to leave her aching for more. Now he’s back, the baddest cop in the whole damn town, distracting her from the most important case of her career—capturing the Cain killer.
For Special Agent Jack Thornton, like Stevie, police work is in his blood. So is Stevie, the woman he left behind after just one perfect night. Now he’s forced to work with her to catch a killer. Only he wants more of Stevie, too.
According to Stevie, she’s not interested. But Jack knows her deepest darkest sexual secret—that while she’s a woman used to giving command, she also takes great pleasure in submitting—to him. Despite how things ended seven years prior, Jack is determined to take Stevie to the next level.
When the fire between them becomes an inferno, they’ll both savor the burn..
My Thoughts
To say that Jack and Stevie are both over achievers, career oriented and total workaholics would be an understatement. The fact that 7 years ago they had an unforgettable one night stand is something neither one ever thought would become an all out scorching love affair that brings them ultimate pleasure while leaving Jack and Stevie on shaky ground as it is unfamiliar territory for them both.
The start to Chapter One in the review copy sums Stevie’s life up fairly quickly “Steven James Cavanaugh the Third had been born with ovaries, but her father refused to see her as anything but the son he would never have.” Following that is the mantra by which she had lived her life according to her father’s wishes “It had been drilled into her that as a woman she would have to work twice as hard for half the respect a man earned just by having a dick.”
Having made Detective and being in charge of an ongoing investigation of a suspected murderer Stevie is under pressure to make an arrest to prevent the body count from growing, to her chagrin she is forced into working with Jack Thornton who is now the Special Agent in charge of the FBI task force assigned to work on the same investigation.
To be quite honest it was no surprise how the combustible chemistry between Jack and Stevie took center stage for this romantic suspense. From the beginning scene where the couple are treated to an explicit show through the lens of the camera used to observe their mutual suspect to the ongoing days in which they spend more time together ratcheting up the sexual tension with every encounter it is very apparent it is only a matter of time before they act upon their attraction.
This story combines personal triumphs for both Jack and Stevie, the explosive heat the pair generate together as a couple, tension when the murderer evades capture and becomes a personal threat to Stevie and a very satisfactory conclusion that will leave the reader content with the stories resolution but wanting more at the same time!
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
September 9, 2014
ARC provided by Karin Tabke via NetGalley for an honest review.
I just finished and HOLY HOT.SEXY.SMUTNESS batkids !!!!
Full review tomorrow ~~~ my head is still reeling from the hotness!
OK, so it's tomorrow and I can think straight now! LOL THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. I've never read Karin Tabke's work and I was over the moon impressed. I own a few of her novels, just have never gotten around to them. Well she just got bumped up to the top of my 'must tbr' list.
I don't give away plots in my reviews so Im gonna nutshell it for you. Stevie and Jack have a past (7 yrs past) .... they reunite kicking and screaming lol .... jack (like a total boy) messes it up ... so do we get a HEA you ask .... READ AND FIND OUT!
The chemistry between these two kids is OFF THE CHARTS. I felt it! I tell you I felt it so you understand the power that Karin Tabke has in her writing skills. I didn't just assume alpha guy and girl that are having sex have chemistry. OH NO, Kartin made me feel it with every scene these two had together. I may have even felt a few jolts (like the static electricity ones) while reading the 'gym' scene. HOLY BEGEESUS. THIS is what I love to read. Books/authors that paint a picture for me so well that I feel like I'm in the room or it is happening to me!
The story itself was so easy to follow that had it not been for the late hour, I would have finished this in one night. I was honestly kicking myself for starting the book so late in the evening, because you WANT to read every word. It is so compelling that you don't want to miss a thing. For a person like myself, that's rare. I read A LOT of romance (like an average of a book a day) so sometimes I may skim sexual scenes because quite frankly they get old after a while LOL not these scenes! I knew from the very first I would not be skimming a thing!
So to sum it up, Karin Tabke’s writing style, engages the reader in the story, makes you feel like you are right there with the characters and are feeling everything they are! I cannot wait for more Bad Boys of the Bay!!!
I just finished and HOLY HOT.SEXY.SMUTNESS batkids !!!!
Full review tomorrow ~~~ my head is still reeling from the hotness!
OK, so it's tomorrow and I can think straight now! LOL THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. I've never read Karin Tabke's work and I was over the moon impressed. I own a few of her novels, just have never gotten around to them. Well she just got bumped up to the top of my 'must tbr' list.
I don't give away plots in my reviews so Im gonna nutshell it for you. Stevie and Jack have a past (7 yrs past) .... they reunite kicking and screaming lol .... jack (like a total boy) messes it up ... so do we get a HEA you ask .... READ AND FIND OUT!
The chemistry between these two kids is OFF THE CHARTS. I felt it! I tell you I felt it so you understand the power that Karin Tabke has in her writing skills. I didn't just assume alpha guy and girl that are having sex have chemistry. OH NO, Kartin made me feel it with every scene these two had together. I may have even felt a few jolts (like the static electricity ones) while reading the 'gym' scene. HOLY BEGEESUS. THIS is what I love to read. Books/authors that paint a picture for me so well that I feel like I'm in the room or it is happening to me!
The story itself was so easy to follow that had it not been for the late hour, I would have finished this in one night. I was honestly kicking myself for starting the book so late in the evening, because you WANT to read every word. It is so compelling that you don't want to miss a thing. For a person like myself, that's rare. I read A LOT of romance (like an average of a book a day) so sometimes I may skim sexual scenes because quite frankly they get old after a while LOL not these scenes! I knew from the very first I would not be skimming a thing!
So to sum it up, Karin Tabke’s writing style, engages the reader in the story, makes you feel like you are right there with the characters and are feeling everything they are! I cannot wait for more Bad Boys of the Bay!!!
August 21, 2014
OMG!! Karin has really done it this time. This story pulled me in and kept me reading. She has made this story feel like it was you living it. I felt like I could crawl up in the book. Extremely well written. This story has action, drama and sexy romance. Some of the scenes are not imprinted into my mind. Ones that will stick with you for awhile. If not a long time.
It has the humor that Karin I believe enjoys spreading through out her books. The humor that makes a smile come across your face. It makes you laugh out loud causing others in the room to wonder what are they reading. Yep this did happen. And yes I happily shared the book info. I would recommend this book to all my friends that love to read. I cannot wait for the others. I loved the first set in this series. Now I could not tell you which I would prefer.... Jack?? Or Simon?? Both have stolen a piece of my heart. :)
Jack is an FBI agent who cannot forget someone in his past. Seven years ago he did something that he could not forget. Now is his time to make up for it. But will she forgive him.
Stevie has lived in the past for the last seven years. Not once forgetting that night. Or the man who came in and left with no word. Putting doubt into her mind.
Stevie and Jack has chemistry together. Chemistry that is causing an itch that cannot be ignored. They both have a job to do. Will they be able to work together and around their personal feelings? Will they get this job done?
It has the humor that Karin I believe enjoys spreading through out her books. The humor that makes a smile come across your face. It makes you laugh out loud causing others in the room to wonder what are they reading. Yep this did happen. And yes I happily shared the book info. I would recommend this book to all my friends that love to read. I cannot wait for the others. I loved the first set in this series. Now I could not tell you which I would prefer.... Jack?? Or Simon?? Both have stolen a piece of my heart. :)
Jack is an FBI agent who cannot forget someone in his past. Seven years ago he did something that he could not forget. Now is his time to make up for it. But will she forgive him.
Stevie has lived in the past for the last seven years. Not once forgetting that night. Or the man who came in and left with no word. Putting doubt into her mind.
Stevie and Jack has chemistry together. Chemistry that is causing an itch that cannot be ignored. They both have a job to do. Will they be able to work together and around their personal feelings? Will they get this job done?
August 13, 2014
Oh man where to start. This is an amazing book! It's hot and spicy with all the sweet and savory to go along with it. Stevie is a detective for the local department. She is amazing at her job and was top of her class. She was named after the son her father never got. She met a guy 7 years ago that broke her heart. Jack is a special agent that has risked his life for everything. Not a day goes by without him thinking about Stevie. He asked to get transferred closer to her. Fortunately they have a case of a murderer that needs to be solved and Stevie's squad needs help. Stevie was not happy at all when she found out about Jack helping. She was also not happy when her stomach had butterflies at just the thought of him. She knew he was nothing but trouble from the first heartbreak. Jack knew she was a feisty little thing and he also knew she was going to come after him with a vengeance. He was going to go after her and fight tooth and nail until he gets her to forgive him. They start to work on the case and set some ground rules. Stevie starts to feel her hearts ropes unwind. She had an accident that really opened Jack's eyes. He begs her to give him another chance so she does. They hit it off great until something spooks Jack. He runs scared and leaves Stevie with a broken heart again. Will the third time be the charm or will she tell him where to shove it?
August 20, 2015
We have some very strong charcters here, I liked how detective Stevie Cavanaugh has that bad-ass female vibe but still needs an alpha dominant man like Special Agent Jack Thornton. Stevie always wants to do good always followed her fathers orders then went on to be a detective like her father. You see Stevie has a persona around the station of being cold hearted but what made her that way was agent jack who she slept with 7 years ago then left her in the middle of the night while the sheets were still warm. Since she decide to give him her virginity she has been feeling like she needs to put a guard around her heart to make sure no other person affects her like he did. Agent Jack hasn't stopped thinking about Stevie all those years and now he is on his way to assist on a case she is working on, he know seeing her once again all those feelings will be coming back but what will Stevie say when she sees him after all these years. Jack is also a very alpha,possessive, dominant male who wouldn't think of anyone touching his women even if he didn't think he deserved her. The suspense was good, kept me on edge the only thing I didn't like what the yoyo emotions going on but overall great book.
May 26, 2015
I read and liked several of this author's stories about hot cops back in my paperback days before kindle. After getting my kindle I cleaned out my paperbacks as I bought the Kindle versions but I kept this author's paperbacks. This was a new story for me and as usual Tabke writes a hot OTT possessive alpha male who will make your panties melt. Stevie, the h, is a very strong alpha female who is also a cop. The story revolves around a second chance romance between Jack and Stevie after a one night stand seven years ago. There's angst and suspense when the two are thrown together on a serial killer case and Stevie becomes the target. Jack waffles back and forth about commitment even though he knows he loves Stevie and in the end he grovels. If you love OTT alpha males who grovel when necessary and like hot sexy love scenes, this one will do it for you.
September 5, 2014
It is rare that I make it to the end of a book and rate it this low and still finish the book. The only reason why I didn't dnf the book was because I have read others by this author and they were good.
I hated the couple, thought Stevie was a whiny bitch, while Jack...well you couldn't trust a word out of his mouth. One of my big issues was how at one point he says that he has been stuck on Stevie for all these years, yet he slept with any woman around and when he did finally move back to the same city as Stevie, waited a year before contacting her and then only because they were working the same case. Yep, that sounds like the actions of someone who didn't forgot Stevie.
The mystery part with the bad guy was just as bad. so very blah.
I hated the couple, thought Stevie was a whiny bitch, while Jack...well you couldn't trust a word out of his mouth. One of my big issues was how at one point he says that he has been stuck on Stevie for all these years, yet he slept with any woman around and when he did finally move back to the same city as Stevie, waited a year before contacting her and then only because they were working the same case. Yep, that sounds like the actions of someone who didn't forgot Stevie.
The mystery part with the bad guy was just as bad. so very blah.
February 9, 2019
Full Review posted Book Lovin' Mamas
If you’re looking for a book that is sizzling and sexy with lots of romance and suspense elements in it, Breaking Bad is for you. It’s summertime still, so forewarned don’t read this book when it’s over 80+ degrees outside. It will make you hotter, especially with certain scenes with Jack. Stevie is one lucky gal for giving him a second/third chance. =) (Jack may have stolen my heart over Simon and believed me I LOVED Simon in The Chronicles of Katrina)
If you’re looking for a book that is sizzling and sexy with lots of romance and suspense elements in it, Breaking Bad is for you. It’s summertime still, so forewarned don’t read this book when it’s over 80+ degrees outside. It will make you hotter, especially with certain scenes with Jack. Stevie is one lucky gal for giving him a second/third chance. =) (Jack may have stolen my heart over Simon and believed me I LOVED Simon in The Chronicles of Katrina)
August 21, 2014
5 +++++ panty melting stars. To say this book was hit does not do it justice. Stevie and Jack set my kindle on fire. I lived their chemistry and I mean what can you say about Jack? Well for starters hes sexy as hell, a definite Alpha and he loves Stevie something fierce, but he is so slow on the up take. I loved Stevie so much she is a beautiful strong women. This book was not only hot, there was dome mystery it. I this book so much. I as satisfied with the end but seriously I need more of these two.
September 2, 2014
Take one untamable hot alpha cop, one ambitious young police woman and mix them together in an unforgettable night of passion that ended badly. Years later, Jack and Stevie are forced together to track a treacherous serial killer—can they forget the past long enough to stop of vicious killer? Don’t miss the explosive passion and heart-stopping suspense leaping off every page in BREAKING BAD by Karin Tabke!
--Jennifer Lyon, author of bestselling Plus One Chronicles.
--Jennifer Lyon, author of bestselling Plus One Chronicles.
Read
August 25, 2014DNF
March 7, 2019
Lovely book
This book had enough mystery and shock to keep me entertained but enough romance to not put the book down.
This book had enough mystery and shock to keep me entertained but enough romance to not put the book down.
March 19, 2021
Damn I love this Author and her hot cops, but this book was disappointing. The first one in the series was explosive, so I was expecting more - maybe more intimacy, I’m not really sure.
They were both stubborn & tough, which was the whole point I guess, but it really didn’t grab me.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the hot cops ❤️.
“He groaned when she touched him. “Does that feel like I don’t want you?” “No,” she rasped.”
They were both stubborn & tough, which was the whole point I guess, but it really didn’t grab me.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the hot cops ❤️.
“He groaned when she touched him. “Does that feel like I don’t want you?” “No,” she rasped.”
August 23, 2014
Living up to a parent's ideal is not easy. When a person's entire life goals are laid out for them by their father, it could go one way or the other. They either purposely fail or die trying to meet expectations. In Breaking Bad, Stevie Cavanaugh is the dutiful daughter. The book sums her up in the very beginning.
A genius, hot as hell, and she had balls. The chick trifecta. -- (loc. 50-51)
Stevie's goal in life is to be either a sheriff or the chief of police. She is given no other choice by her father. It is in their bloodline and she isn't going to break it now, even if she is only a female. As her father painfully taught her, she needs to be the best.
It had been drilled into her that as a woman she would have to work twice as hard for half the respect a man earned just by having a dick. (loc. 76-77)
This book is a hard read for me. I'm a huge fan of Ms. Tabke. Her books are so well written. This one is no less. Her insights into law enforcement agencies is always an educational fun time. What bugged me about this story is Jake. Jake Thornton taught Stevie when she was in the academy. After she graduated top of her class, he finally takes the plunge and dates her. Instead of dating her, he fucks her for a one time stand, blows her mind through sexual domination and then dumps and runs. I hate Jake. Really, I do. I don't like him and his excuses are pathetic. I don't understand why Stevie still pines after him. I realize it's hard to get over the first lover, but seriously, she needs a different guy.
Throughout this story, Jake is an asshat. Seriously. He behaves in totally inappropriate ways and on top of it, he breaks Stevie's heart again. It's all about Jake - Jake's poor past. Boo hoo hoo. Jake's inability to commit. Wah wah. Even at the end, I'm not impressed with this jerk. Stevie can do so much better. She deserves better than Jake. This is the first time I've read a Ms. Tabke book where I loathed the guy. I can understand his sexual appeal, but he's not a good dominant. He's an abuser. He's the kind of guy we warn newbies away from because of his own "mental" issues which lay unresolved. He can't take care of a submissive well, he totally crosses the line at work and thinks it's okay. He's the asshole who give sexual dominants a bad name. One could say his intents are good. I'd say, bullshit. He actions speak louder than words. His intent behind his actions are selfish. I could go on about how despicable I find Jake.
The character development in this book is good. Both are well written and the conflict in this story is good too. It's moving and I feel very vested in both the relationship conflict and the outcome of the serial murder case. The villain while heinous is written in a way which is shocking understandable. I did feel a bit of sympathy for him with what he suffered yet his choices and actions I wouldn't ever condone. I do understand why he did it.
This book is a 3.5 star and not a 4 because I couldn't get over Jake. This is a lovely story and recommended for kinky readers who enjoy a tough as nails heroine.
*provided by NetGalley
A genius, hot as hell, and she had balls. The chick trifecta. -- (loc. 50-51)
Stevie's goal in life is to be either a sheriff or the chief of police. She is given no other choice by her father. It is in their bloodline and she isn't going to break it now, even if she is only a female. As her father painfully taught her, she needs to be the best.
It had been drilled into her that as a woman she would have to work twice as hard for half the respect a man earned just by having a dick. (loc. 76-77)
This book is a hard read for me. I'm a huge fan of Ms. Tabke. Her books are so well written. This one is no less. Her insights into law enforcement agencies is always an educational fun time. What bugged me about this story is Jake. Jake Thornton taught Stevie when she was in the academy. After she graduated top of her class, he finally takes the plunge and dates her. Instead of dating her, he fucks her for a one time stand, blows her mind through sexual domination and then dumps and runs. I hate Jake. Really, I do. I don't like him and his excuses are pathetic. I don't understand why Stevie still pines after him. I realize it's hard to get over the first lover, but seriously, she needs a different guy.
Throughout this story, Jake is an asshat. Seriously. He behaves in totally inappropriate ways and on top of it, he breaks Stevie's heart again. It's all about Jake - Jake's poor past. Boo hoo hoo. Jake's inability to commit. Wah wah. Even at the end, I'm not impressed with this jerk. Stevie can do so much better. She deserves better than Jake. This is the first time I've read a Ms. Tabke book where I loathed the guy. I can understand his sexual appeal, but he's not a good dominant. He's an abuser. He's the kind of guy we warn newbies away from because of his own "mental" issues which lay unresolved. He can't take care of a submissive well, he totally crosses the line at work and thinks it's okay. He's the asshole who give sexual dominants a bad name. One could say his intents are good. I'd say, bullshit. He actions speak louder than words. His intent behind his actions are selfish. I could go on about how despicable I find Jake.
The character development in this book is good. Both are well written and the conflict in this story is good too. It's moving and I feel very vested in both the relationship conflict and the outcome of the serial murder case. The villain while heinous is written in a way which is shocking understandable. I did feel a bit of sympathy for him with what he suffered yet his choices and actions I wouldn't ever condone. I do understand why he did it.
This book is a 3.5 star and not a 4 because I couldn't get over Jake. This is a lovely story and recommended for kinky readers who enjoy a tough as nails heroine.
*provided by NetGalley
November 13, 2014
While reading this book, I had several wardrobe malfunctions. The main one being that I ran out of dry panties. All of mine were soaked through to the very last thread. So I would recommend wearing a towel, a shamwow panty, or maybe just a diaper. Yes the steamy sex scenes are THAT hot. I was drooling all over the place like a fat kid looking at the last piece of cake on the planet. Jack Thornton is a force to be reckoned with. For Stevie, it was like gravity. She just could not get away from it or deny its pull. Her only hope with Jack, as with gravity, is to go into outer space and that’s just going to extreme measures to get away from something as delicious as Jack!
These two have history. When Stevie was in the police academy, Jack was her instructor. Stevie came from a long line of policeman. She had a legacy to live up to and being a woman, also had to prove she was not weak. She was tough as nails. Jack left working in the field to become an instructor after a bad incident (no spoilers). Jack was a hit it and quit it type of man. He slept around and did not do relationships. Jack and Stevie fought their attraction for one another hard until they finally had one night of complete and utter bliss. Stevie woke up the next morning alone without a note or anything. Alone…
Seven years later….Stevie has been promoted to detective and is working on a triple homicide case. Her one and only sexual experience had been with Jack and after he pulled a Houdini on her, she put tall walls around herself. She refused to show any type of weakness again. She devoted herself to the job and living up to her family’s expectations.
Jack had moved on to the FBI. When Stevie’s supervisor called in to request Jack’s team for help with the high profile homicide case, you can imagine the reunion of Jack and Stevie. Sparks flew, but not in the hot and sexy way you would expect. Stevie was beyond angry that Jack had been assigned to her case. They finally come to terms on the case and agree to work together despite Stevie saying she hates Jack and wants nothing to do with him. Her brain says one thing but her body tells a whole different story. Jack knowing her body as well as he does and as alpha and demanding as he is, decides to push Stevie to quench the thirst they have for one another.
Will their relations get in the way of the case they are working together? Will Jack leave Stevie high and dry again with a shattered heart once the case is over? Will Stevie be able to fully trust Jack again after what he did to her 7 years ago? You must read this book! It is hot, steamy, and amazing. It was well written and you are easily pulled into the story. The characters are relatable. The mystery of the case keeps you on your toes wondering what is coming next. I loved this book! Karin Tabke has true talent!
These two have history. When Stevie was in the police academy, Jack was her instructor. Stevie came from a long line of policeman. She had a legacy to live up to and being a woman, also had to prove she was not weak. She was tough as nails. Jack left working in the field to become an instructor after a bad incident (no spoilers). Jack was a hit it and quit it type of man. He slept around and did not do relationships. Jack and Stevie fought their attraction for one another hard until they finally had one night of complete and utter bliss. Stevie woke up the next morning alone without a note or anything. Alone…
Seven years later….Stevie has been promoted to detective and is working on a triple homicide case. Her one and only sexual experience had been with Jack and after he pulled a Houdini on her, she put tall walls around herself. She refused to show any type of weakness again. She devoted herself to the job and living up to her family’s expectations.
Jack had moved on to the FBI. When Stevie’s supervisor called in to request Jack’s team for help with the high profile homicide case, you can imagine the reunion of Jack and Stevie. Sparks flew, but not in the hot and sexy way you would expect. Stevie was beyond angry that Jack had been assigned to her case. They finally come to terms on the case and agree to work together despite Stevie saying she hates Jack and wants nothing to do with him. Her brain says one thing but her body tells a whole different story. Jack knowing her body as well as he does and as alpha and demanding as he is, decides to push Stevie to quench the thirst they have for one another.
Will their relations get in the way of the case they are working together? Will Jack leave Stevie high and dry again with a shattered heart once the case is over? Will Stevie be able to fully trust Jack again after what he did to her 7 years ago? You must read this book! It is hot, steamy, and amazing. It was well written and you are easily pulled into the story. The characters are relatable. The mystery of the case keeps you on your toes wondering what is coming next. I loved this book! Karin Tabke has true talent!
September 14, 2014
**I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review***
Breaking Bad (Bad Boys of the Bay #1)
By Karin Tabke
Story about how Det. Stevie Cavanaugh is working a serial killer case when she is reunited with the one man that she has never been able to get out of her mind, the one man whom she swore if she ever saw, she would geld-for he awoke her body to dark delights and after one mind blowing session of delights he lit out of town and never came back, never returned.
Enter-Special Agent Jack Thornton-the man who was the bane of Stevie’s life and the man who did that. It happened 7 years ago and he was back to work with her on the Cain serial murder case.
This story has such romantic suspense with BDSM elements. And the sex is downright hot and dirty-SEXY. LOVE IT! Jack and Stevie have that 2nd chance. When reading this story, it reminds me of the Maroon 5 song “Animals”. There is a couple of lyrics in the song that reminds me of Jack and Stevie early on in the book “So what you trying to do to me/ It's like we can't stop we're enemies/But we get along when I'm inside you/You're like a drug that's killing me/But I get so high when I'm inside you/So if I run it's not enough/You're still in my head forever stuck/But don't deny the animal/That comes alive when I'm inside you….”
Reading about the serial killer in the story will give you the creeps. Love the suspense on that-what makes the killer tick isn’t what you think-like the twist on that. Second chance romances are hard to write but this story really was good. I couldn’t put the story down. Would love to read more in this series.
My rating: 4.5 stars ****
Breaking Bad (Bad Boys of the Bay #1)
By Karin Tabke
Story about how Det. Stevie Cavanaugh is working a serial killer case when she is reunited with the one man that she has never been able to get out of her mind, the one man whom she swore if she ever saw, she would geld-for he awoke her body to dark delights and after one mind blowing session of delights he lit out of town and never came back, never returned.
Enter-Special Agent Jack Thornton-the man who was the bane of Stevie’s life and the man who did that. It happened 7 years ago and he was back to work with her on the Cain serial murder case.
This story has such romantic suspense with BDSM elements. And the sex is downright hot and dirty-SEXY. LOVE IT! Jack and Stevie have that 2nd chance. When reading this story, it reminds me of the Maroon 5 song “Animals”. There is a couple of lyrics in the song that reminds me of Jack and Stevie early on in the book “So what you trying to do to me/ It's like we can't stop we're enemies/But we get along when I'm inside you/You're like a drug that's killing me/But I get so high when I'm inside you/So if I run it's not enough/You're still in my head forever stuck/But don't deny the animal/That comes alive when I'm inside you….”
Reading about the serial killer in the story will give you the creeps. Love the suspense on that-what makes the killer tick isn’t what you think-like the twist on that. Second chance romances are hard to write but this story really was good. I couldn’t put the story down. Would love to read more in this series.
My rating: 4.5 stars ****
September 21, 2014
Breaking Bad
Karin Tabke
I received this story for an honest review by Net Galley.
I have read Karin Tabke before, been impressed and will anxious to read this one. She will normally deliver a story line that can stand on its own, having very plot twists and also provides lots of sex. This story did not disappoint.
Detective Stevie Cavanaugh is known as the Ice Queen where she works and this is because Special Agent Jack Thornton broke her heart six years ago and she is wary of letting anyone else in, and of course, she is still hung up on him.
Jack is brought in to help Stevie solve a difficult case and this does not go over well with her. She does not want him anywhere near her professionally and personally and fights with him whenever possible. Finally given no choice professionally she lowers her guard. This is all Jack needs.
“If we are going to work together, we’re going to scratch this itch until it doesn’t itch anymore.”
The sex between them as always is hot and explosive and it seems that once is not going to be enough. There will be plenty of hot sex as they race to solve the case. The plot line has lots of twists and turns. There were times when I was certainly caught off guard, not expecting things or people to act the way they did.
I thought the romance deserved a 5/5, the sex a 5/5 and the action a 5/5, Overall it had all the necessary elements to keep me glued to my seat and then a few more. I really enjoy all of Karin Tabke’s work and will eagerly be awaiting the next release.
Karin Tabke
I received this story for an honest review by Net Galley.
I have read Karin Tabke before, been impressed and will anxious to read this one. She will normally deliver a story line that can stand on its own, having very plot twists and also provides lots of sex. This story did not disappoint.
Detective Stevie Cavanaugh is known as the Ice Queen where she works and this is because Special Agent Jack Thornton broke her heart six years ago and she is wary of letting anyone else in, and of course, she is still hung up on him.
Jack is brought in to help Stevie solve a difficult case and this does not go over well with her. She does not want him anywhere near her professionally and personally and fights with him whenever possible. Finally given no choice professionally she lowers her guard. This is all Jack needs.
“If we are going to work together, we’re going to scratch this itch until it doesn’t itch anymore.”
The sex between them as always is hot and explosive and it seems that once is not going to be enough. There will be plenty of hot sex as they race to solve the case. The plot line has lots of twists and turns. There were times when I was certainly caught off guard, not expecting things or people to act the way they did.
I thought the romance deserved a 5/5, the sex a 5/5 and the action a 5/5, Overall it had all the necessary elements to keep me glued to my seat and then a few more. I really enjoy all of Karin Tabke’s work and will eagerly be awaiting the next release.
May 26, 2015
He was a training officer at the police academy, and she was newly graduated and with all of the flirting and indo endues. They finally have a night of hot passion. When she wakes up in the morning he gone, gone from her apartment, the city, and her life, but not from her mind. Fast forward seven years and Jack Thornton, is at is best friend’s wedding still thinking about her and his friend is telling him to bite the bullet and go to San Francisco and face her and get her out of his system or see if there is something for them to work on. She is Stevie, or Steven James Cavanaugh. The youngest of three children all girls but her father was expecting a boy so she was raised as one and is now following the footsteps of five generations of Cavanaugh’s into the police force. While working on a stake out she has a moment where she allows a thought back to him and then he is there in her stake out and talking to her and she is going crazy besides not hearing from him in seven years she now believes that because he is FBI that he is going to take over her case. But he is telling her that they will work together and then at the same time he is trying to win her back while explaining what happened when he left. This book has a lot of action in the bedroom and in solving the case and also her putting up with him to get over his fears, but this makes for a good story and it was a fast read because it felt like it never really slowed down. Overall a good book. I got this book from net galley.
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