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The PI Guys #2
So Into You
The PI Book Two
Screenwriter Noah Ashley has a few four-letter words for his agent when she suggests he improve his script by shadowing a PI. Still, because he’s an artist dedicated to his craft and she knows where the bodies are buried, he agrees. Then he spends a little time with the gorgeous PI, and suddenly it seems like a really good plan. The PI doesn’t seem to entirely love the idea, but Noah has never been afraid to go after what he wants.
PI Drew Rodriguez is used to people depending on him. He’s the classic rock for his family. Responsible. Dependable. The classic rock would never succumb to the borderline sleazy temptation of friends with benefits, no matter how sexy that temptation is. Drew is looking for something enduring.
Despite Drew’s misgivings, it’s not long before they’ve got all the requisites for friends with benefits going. Friendly, good conversation? Check. Fun times in and out of bed? Check. Hot, electrolyte-sapping sex? Double check. Falling in love? Yeah. About that….
Screenwriter Noah Ashley has a few four-letter words for his agent when she suggests he improve his script by shadowing a PI. Still, because he’s an artist dedicated to his craft and she knows where the bodies are buried, he agrees. Then he spends a little time with the gorgeous PI, and suddenly it seems like a really good plan. The PI doesn’t seem to entirely love the idea, but Noah has never been afraid to go after what he wants.
PI Drew Rodriguez is used to people depending on him. He’s the classic rock for his family. Responsible. Dependable. The classic rock would never succumb to the borderline sleazy temptation of friends with benefits, no matter how sexy that temptation is. Drew is looking for something enduring.
Despite Drew’s misgivings, it’s not long before they’ve got all the requisites for friends with benefits going. Friendly, good conversation? Check. Fun times in and out of bed? Check. Hot, electrolyte-sapping sex? Double check. Falling in love? Yeah. About that….
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2016
144 people are currently reading
981 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Harmon
22 books1,727 followersS.E. Harmon has had a lifelong love affair with writing. It's been both wonderful and rocky (they've divorced several times), but they always manage to come back together. She's a native Floridian with a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Fine Arts, and used to spend her time writing educational grants. She now splits her days between voraciously reading romance novels and squirreling away someplace to write them. Her current beta reader is a nosy American Eskimo who begrudgingly accepts payment in the form of dog biscuits.
http://seharmon.weebly.com/
http://seharmon.weebly.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
Read
January 30, 2016~DNF @ 40%~
No rating.
I liked the first book in this series, but this one bored me to tears. I read the first 40 percent, then skimmed through the rest in an effort to engage with the characters.
I even read the last couple chapters (not my usual MO, but sometimes reading a HEA makes me more committed to going back and finishing the story).
Alas, this one proved a lost cause. I found the book to be unnecessarily long. Random conversations would go on for pages and pages. While I love me some snarky banter, this was too much. Only Robin Williams could keep up that kind of dialogue and still be funny.
I never connected with Noah and his Hollywood attitude. I liked Drew more; he was steady and loyal.
This isn't a bad book; it just didn't do it for me. But, hey, take my review with a grain of salt. Both Lili and Renée loved this one.
July 18, 2017
This book would've been amazing had it not dragged so much. I liked Drew, I really liked Noah, and I enjoyed the way their story started. It was hilarious to read all the murder scenarios Drew dreamed up. But somewhere along the way it became all about sex and less about romance or anything else. *sighs*
September 23, 2016
4.5 Stars!
I held off on reading this one a long time. I loved the first book in the series but this one had some mixed reviews. And a lot of the complaints were that it was long and it dragged.
But since I'm trying to conquer my TBR and read those books that keep getting put aside for others, this one was up next on my "list".
And once again I stand corrected. I really really liked this one. Yes it was long. But it never dragged for me. I loved the banter and the one-liners. They never got old. For me anyways. It made the read fun.
I think my only complaint would be the minimal steam - quantity wise. Quality wise - what was there was HAWT. This was slow build and slow burn done right. Great chemistry between the MCs - but some of the pivotal moments were fade to black. And yeah not a lot happened plot wise but I enjoyed being with Noah and Drew on a daily basis.
Super glad I gave this one a go and I hope we get some more books in this series!
I held off on reading this one a long time. I loved the first book in the series but this one had some mixed reviews. And a lot of the complaints were that it was long and it dragged.
But since I'm trying to conquer my TBR and read those books that keep getting put aside for others, this one was up next on my "list".
And once again I stand corrected. I really really liked this one. Yes it was long. But it never dragged for me. I loved the banter and the one-liners. They never got old. For me anyways. It made the read fun.
I think my only complaint would be the minimal steam - quantity wise. Quality wise - what was there was HAWT. This was slow build and slow burn done right. Great chemistry between the MCs - but some of the pivotal moments were fade to black. And yeah not a lot happened plot wise but I enjoyed being with Noah and Drew on a daily basis.
Super glad I gave this one a go and I hope we get some more books in this series!
Read
September 4, 2021DNF at 18%
No rating.
I probably should have been more patient. And persevered longer, but nothing here grabbed me whatsoever.
I really liked Drew in book 1 of the series and was keen to read his story.
But when a book drags right from the start, throwing names galore at me with backstories nobody wants to know and is so slow for the MCs to meet I’m starting to skim… sorry, I thought it was better to call it a day.
Maybe I’ll give it another chance one day, but for now I’ll head for this author’s latest book.
No rating.
I probably should have been more patient. And persevered longer, but nothing here grabbed me whatsoever.
I really liked Drew in book 1 of the series and was keen to read his story.
But when a book drags right from the start, throwing names galore at me with backstories nobody wants to know and is so slow for the MCs to meet I’m starting to skim… sorry, I thought it was better to call it a day.
Maybe I’ll give it another chance one day, but for now I’ll head for this author’s latest book.
August 30, 2020
Reread 6/25/17
I read Harmon's first book and fell in love with her writing style. I will admit to shamelessly waiting for another book, and got my grubby hands on this ARC as soon as I could. And was no less thrilled with the outcome than the first.
Noah is a screenplay writer for movies out in LA. He is jaded and tired of being used by people to get them things: roles, money, fame, etc. While writing his most recent script, the director (producer?) wants him to spend time with a real PI - the role of the main character in the movie - to bring some authentic charm to the script.
Since his mother lives in Miami, Noah's agent makes arrangements across the country in beautiful Florida. Here's where we see Drew again, Mac's best friend and work partner from Book 1 in the series. Drew is dry and cynical, but funny as hell.
These two are like oil and water. Hollywood meets cynical PI? Noah makes a bad first impression, and Drew could honestly give no fucks if "Hollywood" never graces his and Mac's doorstep again.
The snarky banter gets me every time! These two go from frenemies to snarky friends to begrudgingly finding each other hot to friends with benefits for the length of eight weeks while Noah is in Miami.
Noah can't do relationships. He can't trust anyone after all the users in his life in Tinseltown. Drew can't do anything but. He's not built for casual sex. But he knows the score. He knows it's got a timer on it. And he can enjoy it for what it is. Famous last words......
But Noah can pretend all he likes. He doesn't ACT like a casual fuck buddy. No wonder poor Drew gets confused at times.
Lots of supporting characters in this one, mostly parents and siblings besides Mac and Jordan from book 1. And this was the half star deduction for me: I get that not everyone thinks like I do. Well, fuck it, I don't care. If your sperm or egg donor is a piece of shit user, walk the fuck away. Period. Blood doesn't mean anything special in those cases. If it did, they would've shown some special right backatcha!! Unfortunately, we've got Drew's daddy dearest in this one, and everyone is pushing Drew to let him in, let him closer, to just forgive and forget. Let him mooch. Yeah, snort, fuck that noise! It's so much worse than I've described, but I'm leaving the spoilers out.
The beauty of this book is the ticking clock and what happens during and after. There is heartbreak and jealousy and life lessons and friendships. Harmon can write and has officially solidified an autobuy reader out of me!
I read Harmon's first book and fell in love with her writing style. I will admit to shamelessly waiting for another book, and got my grubby hands on this ARC as soon as I could. And was no less thrilled with the outcome than the first.
Noah is a screenplay writer for movies out in LA. He is jaded and tired of being used by people to get them things: roles, money, fame, etc. While writing his most recent script, the director (producer?) wants him to spend time with a real PI - the role of the main character in the movie - to bring some authentic charm to the script.
Since his mother lives in Miami, Noah's agent makes arrangements across the country in beautiful Florida. Here's where we see Drew again, Mac's best friend and work partner from Book 1 in the series. Drew is dry and cynical, but funny as hell.
These two are like oil and water. Hollywood meets cynical PI? Noah makes a bad first impression, and Drew could honestly give no fucks if "Hollywood" never graces his and Mac's doorstep again.
The snarky banter gets me every time! These two go from frenemies to snarky friends to begrudgingly finding each other hot to friends with benefits for the length of eight weeks while Noah is in Miami.
"You're going to come up with a zillion - and I do mean a zillion - reasons why we shouldn't have hot, sweaty, has-anyone-seen-my-underwear kind of sex, and we both know that in the end, we are."
Noah can't do relationships. He can't trust anyone after all the users in his life in Tinseltown. Drew can't do anything but. He's not built for casual sex. But he knows the score. He knows it's got a timer on it. And he can enjoy it for what it is. Famous last words......
But Noah can pretend all he likes. He doesn't ACT like a casual fuck buddy. No wonder poor Drew gets confused at times.
Lots of supporting characters in this one, mostly parents and siblings besides Mac and Jordan from book 1. And this was the half star deduction for me: I get that not everyone thinks like I do. Well, fuck it, I don't care. If your sperm or egg donor is a piece of shit user, walk the fuck away. Period. Blood doesn't mean anything special in those cases. If it did, they would've shown some special right backatcha!! Unfortunately, we've got Drew's daddy dearest in this one, and everyone is pushing Drew to let him in, let him closer, to just forgive and forget. Let him mooch. Yeah, snort, fuck that noise! It's so much worse than I've described, but I'm leaving the spoilers out.
The beauty of this book is the ticking clock and what happens during and after. There is heartbreak and jealousy and life lessons and friendships. Harmon can write and has officially solidified an autobuy reader out of me!
"You're not going to take away the most important thing anyone has ever said to me because it wasn't supposed to happen."
January 9, 2016
**2.75 stars**
So...
I absolutely loved Stay With Me, but this didn't do it for me. Reasons:
It was very long, unnecessarily so. Random thoughts or conversations went on and on. This took me out of the story, which, in any case, is too loosely plotted.
The secondary characters were ok, but they took too much space.
I liked Drew but I don't get what he saw in Noah. I never felt any connection between the MCs.
I liked the snarky banter and there are some hilarious quotes here. But after a while it got repetitive and just....too much. Even during the sex scenes:/
I think I would have liked it more, had it been more fast paced. The MCs met at 13%, and considering that this is a 326 page book, it was kind of late and I was bored.
This is probably a case of "it's not you, it's me". I'm the minority, most readers liked it. You should check out more reviews.
So...
I absolutely loved Stay With Me, but this didn't do it for me. Reasons:
It was very long, unnecessarily so. Random thoughts or conversations went on and on. This took me out of the story, which, in any case, is too loosely plotted.
The secondary characters were ok, but they took too much space.
I liked Drew but I don't get what he saw in Noah. I never felt any connection between the MCs.
I liked the snarky banter and there are some hilarious quotes here. But after a while it got repetitive and just....too much. Even during the sex scenes:/
I think I would have liked it more, had it been more fast paced. The MCs met at 13%, and considering that this is a 326 page book, it was kind of late and I was bored.
This is probably a case of "it's not you, it's me". I'm the minority, most readers liked it. You should check out more reviews.
December 27, 2015
After the first book in the series came so highly recommended I read it, loved it, and quickly got started on book 2. This book was full of fun, snarky humor, and emotion and lived up to the high expectations set up by book one.
My highlights:
*Opposites attract. Due to his upbringing, Drew has always had to be the rock of his family and doesn’t do casual hookups. Noah is used to the leeches of Hollywood and doesn’t do serious relationships. It was so much fun reading the mighty fall.
*The snarky banter. I had a perma-grin almost the entire time I was reading this book.
*The dialogue. It flowed effortlessly.
*The secondary cast of characters. They added to the story and helped us understand what molded each man.
*I loved catching up with Mac and Jordan- seeing where they are in their relationship.
*The plot- it felt real and honest.
My only complaints:
*The book did feel a bit long but thankfully it doesn’t feel that way for long.
*The fade to black on their first date at Drew’s house. It was a big moment for them, and I felt a bit cheated out of such a pivotal point in their relationship.
~As far as this being book 2~
Can it be read as a standalone? Technically yes, but I think for full enjoyment of the characters and their story- book one should be read.
All in all, this was a win. It wasn’t just a story about two men falling in love- it’s also about family, friendships, forgiveness, and taking chances.
If you’re looking for a hilarious and emotional story, then look no further! 4.5 Stars!
ARC kindly provided to Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
Read
October 31, 2021DNF at 62%
It started pretty good, great banter, entertaining secondary characters. BUT THERE IS NOTHING HAPPENING. They hang out, they work, they have sex (mostly off page), they banter, they interact with Drew’s family, they drive around.
Where is the heat? Where are the feelings? Where is the angst? I keep waiting for something to happen but now I’m done. I want less work, less family, more sex scenes (I rarely say that!), more feelings. 🤷♀️
It started pretty good, great banter, entertaining secondary characters. BUT THERE IS NOTHING HAPPENING. They hang out, they work, they have sex (mostly off page), they banter, they interact with Drew’s family, they drive around.
Where is the heat? Where are the feelings? Where is the angst? I keep waiting for something to happen but now I’m done. I want less work, less family, more sex scenes (I rarely say that!), more feelings. 🤷♀️
July 9, 2019
4.5 stars! I really enjoyed Stay with Me but for me, this one was so much better. I understood Drew, and I liked him a lot. I admired the way he tried to be there for everyone in his life, even when he didn't agree with them. From what I saw of him in the first book, I didn't expect Drew to be so funny. I loved his sense of humor and the snarky banter with Noah was one of my favorite things about the story. Those two had me laughing at them all the way through the book.
Drew had his issues too but I couldn't blame him a bit. I liked that he didn't let his trust issues rule him. Yeah, he was a little closed off and Drew wasn't a temporary kind of guy, but he was willing to take a chance with Noah. He was open to try casual, as that's the way Noah worked, and he wasn't there to stay anyway. Unfortunately, that's the only way Noah worked, though I could understand where he was coming from too.
While Noah was shadowing Drew to learn the PI business for his screenplay, their relationship was amazing. I enjoyed the way they so very much enjoyed each other, in bed and out. The chemistry between the two of them was by turns molten hot and also easy, natural. They just clicked, in every way. As they do, when feelings changed and deepened, Drew was afraid but willing to take a risk. Though Noah was feeling everything Drew was, he only wanted to pretend everything was still the same, and the freewheeling approach to love and life that Noah used ultimately didn't work for Drew. I hated that Drew had to draw a line in the sand, so to speak, but I could understand it.
Once again, I loved all the secondaries. Sometimes they could be annoying as only people who really care about you can *and I totally mean Mac, LOL*, but they were a family I would love being a part of. *excluding J.D., who was an ass*
This was great writing, entertaining as hell, with real, likable characters and with Michael Stellman's awesome narration, a complete win for me.
Drew had his issues too but I couldn't blame him a bit. I liked that he didn't let his trust issues rule him. Yeah, he was a little closed off and Drew wasn't a temporary kind of guy, but he was willing to take a chance with Noah. He was open to try casual, as that's the way Noah worked, and he wasn't there to stay anyway. Unfortunately, that's the only way Noah worked, though I could understand where he was coming from too.
While Noah was shadowing Drew to learn the PI business for his screenplay, their relationship was amazing. I enjoyed the way they so very much enjoyed each other, in bed and out. The chemistry between the two of them was by turns molten hot and also easy, natural. They just clicked, in every way. As they do, when feelings changed and deepened, Drew was afraid but willing to take a risk. Though Noah was feeling everything Drew was, he only wanted to pretend everything was still the same, and the freewheeling approach to love and life that Noah used ultimately didn't work for Drew. I hated that Drew had to draw a line in the sand, so to speak, but I could understand it.
Once again, I loved all the secondaries. Sometimes they could be annoying as only people who really care about you can *and I totally mean Mac, LOL*, but they were a family I would love being a part of. *excluding J.D., who was an ass*
This was great writing, entertaining as hell, with real, likable characters and with Michael Stellman's awesome narration, a complete win for me.
January 7, 2016
Oh dear.
I loved the first book, tho even it had one thing that made me bang my head on my kindle. Thankfully that loose end was all but answered here so this book gets props for clearing up that and making me happier w the HEA for Stay With Me. And it was great seeing Mac and Jordan and Drew again.
I LOVED Drew, maybe more than I loved Mac from the first book. I felt, though, he deserved more grateful people in his life but regardless that's not where the low rating comes from. First, I didn't hate this book. Drew really shined and was just great.
But. Gooood this book was unnecessarily long, and I felt like some snarky scenes were repeats of ones we just read.
Biggest problem for this book tho..... I spent 80% of this book wanting someone to bury Noah under the geraniums. I liked him at first, but after like the first 20% I was over him. Not good since he was the other MC.
I'll read Harmon's next book, but this one was ... Tedious.
I loved the first book, tho even it had one thing that made me bang my head on my kindle. Thankfully that loose end was all but answered here so this book gets props for clearing up that and making me happier w the HEA for Stay With Me. And it was great seeing Mac and Jordan and Drew again.
I LOVED Drew, maybe more than I loved Mac from the first book. I felt, though, he deserved more grateful people in his life but regardless that's not where the low rating comes from. First, I didn't hate this book. Drew really shined and was just great.
But. Gooood this book was unnecessarily long, and I felt like some snarky scenes were repeats of ones we just read.
Biggest problem for this book tho..... I spent 80% of this book wanting someone to bury Noah under the geraniums. I liked him at first, but after like the first 20% I was over him. Not good since he was the other MC.
I'll read Harmon's next book, but this one was ... Tedious.
June 13, 2017
I don't know if I will get around to writing a review, or not, but I enjoyed this one almost as much as I enjoyed book 1. Drew is my kind of grumpy.
October 12, 2017
Second chances can be such a good idea...
'Stay With Me' was the first book in S. E. Harmon's 'PI Guys' series and I admit I considered taking a pass on this one...at least for now, but my little book OCD voice said "No you can't do that, you need to finish what you started...yadda, yadda, yadda..." that book OCD biotch is annoying as all get out when she gets started...so in an effort to shut her up I agreed to do this. Turns out she maybe a biotch but sometimes she has good ideas. Psst, don't tell her she's egotistical enough as it is, ok?
So after giving in to my Book OCD...which yes, does include audio books. I clicked on 'So Into You' and pressed the play button and yeah, I really got into this one. I liked...I mean really liked both Drew and Noah. I liked their banter and their snark and...uuuhhhmmm...the sex...*fans herself*...well, lets just say it was 'hella hot'.
I loved that both of these men were relationship phobic and yet, both of them fell into one like kids in a candy store. They just couldn't get enough and when it came to willpower 'they had none'.
Michael Stellman was the narrator for this book and while he was definitely the shining star for 'Stay With Me' if it's possible I think I liked him even better this time around.
Between Drew's ex-con father, his recalcitrant brother and a mother with less than stellar taste in men and a PI partner who possibly needs his own keeper...thank heavens for Jordan and the fact that Noah's life is on the other side of the country and his family is not even close to what could be called conventional. Watching these two men maneuver themselves into a relationship was more than a little entertaining to say the least.
While 'Stay With Me' overall just didn't work for me...'So Into You' was the polar opposite and I really enjoyed it, so much more than the first book and I can easily see more S. E. Harmon stories in my future.
'Stay With Me' was the first book in S. E. Harmon's 'PI Guys' series and I admit I considered taking a pass on this one...at least for now, but my little book OCD voice said "No you can't do that, you need to finish what you started...yadda, yadda, yadda..." that book OCD biotch is annoying as all get out when she gets started...so in an effort to shut her up I agreed to do this. Turns out she maybe a biotch but sometimes she has good ideas. Psst, don't tell her she's egotistical enough as it is, ok?
So after giving in to my Book OCD...which yes, does include audio books. I clicked on 'So Into You' and pressed the play button and yeah, I really got into this one. I liked...I mean really liked both Drew and Noah. I liked their banter and their snark and...uuuhhhmmm...the sex...*fans herself*...well, lets just say it was 'hella hot'.
I loved that both of these men were relationship phobic and yet, both of them fell into one like kids in a candy store. They just couldn't get enough and when it came to willpower 'they had none'.
Michael Stellman was the narrator for this book and while he was definitely the shining star for 'Stay With Me' if it's possible I think I liked him even better this time around.
Between Drew's ex-con father, his recalcitrant brother and a mother with less than stellar taste in men and a PI partner who possibly needs his own keeper...thank heavens for Jordan and the fact that Noah's life is on the other side of the country and his family is not even close to what could be called conventional. Watching these two men maneuver themselves into a relationship was more than a little entertaining to say the least.
While 'Stay With Me' overall just didn't work for me...'So Into You' was the polar opposite and I really enjoyed it, so much more than the first book and I can easily see more S. E. Harmon stories in my future.
January 22, 2024
I love this author’s wit. I didn’t have as many LOL moments as with book 1, but I enjoyed those that were there. Drew was a lovable guy, but I didn’t connect as well with Noah. I don’t associate dual pov narrative with this author, though I am new to their work. I really enjoyed the family and friends. I think it was also very realistic that they guys ended with an HEA but the complicated problems with their families persisted.
July 3, 2017
This was a great read. Not as good as P.S. I Spook You but a bit more cohesive than the first book in the series, although I liked Mac from the first book more than I liked these two. It does have some lack of communication in it, which I abhor, but it wasn't enough for me to lower my rating. I loved the banter and all the snark. This author does humor and dialogue like a boss.
It made me want to go back and reread the first book in the series and I hope the author has plans to continue on. Maybe we'll get Zach's story next? One can only hope.
Harmon is now an auto buy for me.
Read
November 12, 2018I just lost interest DNF :(
August 7, 2017
Have I mentioned how this author might be a little bit magic?
No?
MAGIC.
I think I might have loved this one even more than the first one, maybe. Well, no, Mac still is my favorite but these two boys are hot on his and Jordan's tail. For sure.
Same formula that kills me a little inside but makes me smile like a lunatic. It is just wrong and unfair to make me feel like that simultaneously. For real. It just makes me crave it.
Write faster, yeah?
Anyway, again, whatever it is the author is doing she should keep doing because it totally works for me. Is this out in audio?
No?
MAGIC.
I think I might have loved this one even more than the first one, maybe. Well, no, Mac still is my favorite but these two boys are hot on his and Jordan's tail. For sure.
Same formula that kills me a little inside but makes me smile like a lunatic. It is just wrong and unfair to make me feel like that simultaneously. For real. It just makes me crave it.
Write faster, yeah?
Anyway, again, whatever it is the author is doing she should keep doing because it totally works for me. Is this out in audio?
November 30, 2017
3.5 Stars
This book had me LOLing every few minutes...and while that is usually a good thing, after a while all of the similes, analogies, metaphors, idioms and colloquialisms just overwhelmed the story. See, it kept pulling me out of the moment to process the continual mental images the descriptions and comparisons.
Also, I think the whole "ride-along" aspect of the plot fell flat. Maybe I'm used to the single-case approach of most procedural/murder/mystery books, too because the multiple cases divided the focus. *shrug*
Anywho, the sex was hot and I did like the romance; each of these guys had a lot to lose putting themselves out there and I can see - given their backgrounds - why it would be scary to take a chance on love.
This book had me LOLing every few minutes...and while that is usually a good thing, after a while all of the similes, analogies, metaphors, idioms and colloquialisms just overwhelmed the story. See, it kept pulling me out of the moment to process the continual mental images the descriptions and comparisons.
Also, I think the whole "ride-along" aspect of the plot fell flat. Maybe I'm used to the single-case approach of most procedural/murder/mystery books, too because the multiple cases divided the focus. *shrug*
Anywho, the sex was hot and I did like the romance; each of these guys had a lot to lose putting themselves out there and I can see - given their backgrounds - why it would be scary to take a chance on love.
January 10, 2016
I don't say this often but this is a book I would re-read. I loved the characters. They had realistic lives, They acted like actual men behaving like men, DAMN WITTY DIALOGUE that made me literally LAUGH OUT LOUD and people that acted like people and not characters. And, no over the top shenanigans, like murders, stalkers or psychopaths but still interesting and able to keep my attention completely.
I wish I knew these people in real life.
I'm looking forward to the sequels and with any luck further snippets into the life of Drew and Noah and from the previous book, Mac and Jordan.
I wish I knew these people in real life.
I'm looking forward to the sequels and with any luck further snippets into the life of Drew and Noah and from the previous book, Mac and Jordan.
January 7, 2016
Looooooooved this! I had really liked the first book in the series, and of course, the unforgettable Mac, but I am happy to report that this book was equally a big win for me.
Drew is Mac’s business partner at the PI business. I’ll be honest, I couldn't remember much about Drew from book 1, mainly because it’s been quite a while since I read it, so I started reading this as if Drew was a completely new character. He came off as a bit gruff, a bit anal about things, super organised, but also very emotional –an aspect of his personality that was thoroughly explored with the dad/brother sub-plot. I really liked Drew. He was the quintessential muscled hottie but with a good sense of humour, especially the dry, sarcastic kind, that he pulled off tremendously well.
Noah was completely different. A successful Hollywood screenwriter, used to people using him for his connections, and very much accepting of the fact that relationships in his life were not to become meaningful or long-term, Noah barged into Drew’s life and brought it upside down. Drew did not hook up, as per Noah’s MO, but the two developed an interesting relationship while working together. Their relationship was defined initially by simple tolerance, it developed into a tentative friendship, it kept evolving into lust and strong sexual attraction, and eventually morphed into an actual, honest-to god relationship.
But Noah freaked out. Of course he would. I did not like how even though he was the one who pursued Drew, when shit got real and Noah’s time in Miami started coming to an end, he metaphorically and literally bailed.
The good stuff.
SE Harmon’s writing style makes for a great reading experience. Seriously. I laughed out loud several times and I generally found the dialogue very clever. I could start quoting the one-liners here but I’ll save them for you because they pack a punch, let me tell you.
The slow burn. And I mean reaaaaaaly slow burn. The characters got to know each other and went through many stages in their developing relationship before anything sexual happened. Did I wish for things to hurry along? Yes. Many times, in fact. I remember this from book 1 as well. Both books could have used some chopping in the editing phase by at least 50+ pages. But, I still appreciated that the characters took their time and that I felt like I knew them really well by the time they got together.
The sex? Yeah baby, just as hot as in the first book. There’s dirty talk, there’s emotion, there’s even humour. Amazing intimate scenes. One complaint? We saw their first make-out session but their first proper time together was off page. Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy???????
Mac. Who else. His presence is something that cannot be denied. I knew this character would stay with me after reading his story and I was right. He was an amazing side character, always a pain in Drew’s ass but there to support him as needed as well. Love love love Mac!
The dad sub-plot was a good way for Drew’s character to be developed properly. We got to know him not only as an adult male looking for a partner, but as the son who’s been hurt by his parent and is trying to make his peace with it. I loved those parts and I appreciated that there was a realistic conclusion to this aspect of the book.
I also liked Noah’s relationship with his ex-wife/manager extraordinaire. I don’t know that it was very plausible, but I enjoyed reading their interactions just the same.
The HEA was glorious and the story seems nicely set up for Drew’s brother to get his book. Please let it be Zack’s story that’s coming next!
Highly recommend!
ARC of So Into You was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.This review has been cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
Drew is Mac’s business partner at the PI business. I’ll be honest, I couldn't remember much about Drew from book 1, mainly because it’s been quite a while since I read it, so I started reading this as if Drew was a completely new character. He came off as a bit gruff, a bit anal about things, super organised, but also very emotional –an aspect of his personality that was thoroughly explored with the dad/brother sub-plot. I really liked Drew. He was the quintessential muscled hottie but with a good sense of humour, especially the dry, sarcastic kind, that he pulled off tremendously well.
Noah was completely different. A successful Hollywood screenwriter, used to people using him for his connections, and very much accepting of the fact that relationships in his life were not to become meaningful or long-term, Noah barged into Drew’s life and brought it upside down. Drew did not hook up, as per Noah’s MO, but the two developed an interesting relationship while working together. Their relationship was defined initially by simple tolerance, it developed into a tentative friendship, it kept evolving into lust and strong sexual attraction, and eventually morphed into an actual, honest-to god relationship.
But Noah freaked out. Of course he would. I did not like how even though he was the one who pursued Drew, when shit got real and Noah’s time in Miami started coming to an end, he metaphorically and literally bailed.
The good stuff.
SE Harmon’s writing style makes for a great reading experience. Seriously. I laughed out loud several times and I generally found the dialogue very clever. I could start quoting the one-liners here but I’ll save them for you because they pack a punch, let me tell you.
The slow burn. And I mean reaaaaaaly slow burn. The characters got to know each other and went through many stages in their developing relationship before anything sexual happened. Did I wish for things to hurry along? Yes. Many times, in fact. I remember this from book 1 as well. Both books could have used some chopping in the editing phase by at least 50+ pages. But, I still appreciated that the characters took their time and that I felt like I knew them really well by the time they got together.
The sex? Yeah baby, just as hot as in the first book. There’s dirty talk, there’s emotion, there’s even humour. Amazing intimate scenes. One complaint? We saw their first make-out session but their first proper time together was off page. Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy???????
Mac. Who else. His presence is something that cannot be denied. I knew this character would stay with me after reading his story and I was right. He was an amazing side character, always a pain in Drew’s ass but there to support him as needed as well. Love love love Mac!
The dad sub-plot was a good way for Drew’s character to be developed properly. We got to know him not only as an adult male looking for a partner, but as the son who’s been hurt by his parent and is trying to make his peace with it. I loved those parts and I appreciated that there was a realistic conclusion to this aspect of the book.
I also liked Noah’s relationship with his ex-wife/manager extraordinaire. I don’t know that it was very plausible, but I enjoyed reading their interactions just the same.
The HEA was glorious and the story seems nicely set up for Drew’s brother to get his book. Please let it be Zack’s story that’s coming next!
Highly recommend!
ARC of So Into You was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.This review has been cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
April 7, 2019
I so dislike the “this relationship has an expiration date” trope. Also I didn’t really connect with the MCs, especially Noah. We barely got to know him.
January 19, 2016
3.5 rounded up because...Drew.
I understand the problems some readers had with this one. There is no doubt that it's less engaging than Stay With Me. I still enjoyed reading it.
There was no instalove. Drew and Noah actually spent time together and got to know each other. Sure Noah was a dick almost as often as he wasn't but somehow it worked for me.
The story foundation is solid but I think the book is in major need of a good editor. Not the proofreading kind, but the type of editor that helps with story pace and flow. If the book was pared down a bit I think it would be a much stronger story.
It was great to see Mac and Jordan happy. I'm glad I gave this one a chance.
I understand the problems some readers had with this one. There is no doubt that it's less engaging than Stay With Me. I still enjoyed reading it.
There was no instalove. Drew and Noah actually spent time together and got to know each other. Sure Noah was a dick almost as often as he wasn't but somehow it worked for me.
The story foundation is solid but I think the book is in major need of a good editor. Not the proofreading kind, but the type of editor that helps with story pace and flow. If the book was pared down a bit I think it would be a much stronger story.
It was great to see Mac and Jordan happy. I'm glad I gave this one a chance.
dnf
September 2, 2017DNF at 40%. 2 stars so far.
This book is 40% the continuation of Mac and Jordan's romance, 40% Drew's family issues, 10% Drew's and Mac's relationship and 10% romance. To say that I'm bored is a very mild description of what I'm feeling. Plus I don't get any chemistry between Noah and Drew. As much as I loved the first book, I can't even finish this one; It's like it's written by another author, the style is just so wrong and lacking the humor and wit of her other books.
This book is 40% the continuation of Mac and Jordan's romance, 40% Drew's family issues, 10% Drew's and Mac's relationship and 10% romance. To say that I'm bored is a very mild description of what I'm feeling. Plus I don't get any chemistry between Noah and Drew. As much as I loved the first book, I can't even finish this one; It's like it's written by another author, the style is just so wrong and lacking the humor and wit of her other books.
May 3, 2016
This was a bit of a slow start for me, but I ended up really enjoying it. The banter was fun, even if the guys all sounded a bit similar in their inner sarcastic musings. I'm hoping we get a book about Grayson next!
December 24, 2022
It was OK, got better as it went along. But clearly the author was still learning her own style. Took something close to 30% before the MCs even met! Come on!
Anyway, I liked Drew from the first book and I still like him. Noah was whatever. It took me like 5 min just to recall his name that I just read a book about… so there you have it.
Anyway, I liked Drew from the first book and I still like him. Noah was whatever. It took me like 5 min just to recall his name that I just read a book about… so there you have it.
April 24, 2016
1.5 I'm still in shock that I have to rate this book 1.5 stars considering I thought Book 1 was one of my fave books EVER. This one just didn't deliver for me. First of all, the beginning was so slow and boring. Just a lot of rambling about things I cared zero about. Noah and Drew don't actually meet until about 20% and things don't even take a romantic-ish turn until about 45% in. Really, at 40% I was ready to throw in the towel. While Book 1 was hilariously witty, the humor in this book was exhausting. It just felt way too slapstick, and was trying too hard. Plus, it was every single page - the comebacks, the zingers. Please make it stop; I was getting a headache. About the only character that remotely interested me was J.D (Drew's father who has been in and out of prison, and is out again). By about 60% I gave up any pretense about caring what happened to Drew and Noah, and just skipped ahead to any morsel about J.D. Once he started dating the mother again, even he lost me. Don't care. Lady, salvage your dignity and move on! It would have been much more interesting to read about him making a completely fresh start. By 80% I couldn't go on. DNF.
The 'chemistry' between the MCs was non existent to me; I didn't care. Their first kiss came out of nowhere and I skipped every sex scene after that. Their conversations were cute, but I really didn't get a love vibe with them. Such a disappointment after Book 1. I think things were being set up for a book for Drew's ex-friends-with-benefits. I don't know if I dare try again. Right now, about the only book I'm interested in reading is J.D's gfy romance about the fellow prisoner he fell in love with incarcerated (And yes, I know how that sounds but this in the vast minority of my gfy/ofy books). Anyhoo, maybe he gets released, looks J.D up, and new life experiences set my kindle on fire. I don't care that it didn't really happen. That's what imagination is for.
The 'chemistry' between the MCs was non existent to me; I didn't care. Their first kiss came out of nowhere and I skipped every sex scene after that. Their conversations were cute, but I really didn't get a love vibe with them. Such a disappointment after Book 1. I think things were being set up for a book for Drew's ex-friends-with-benefits. I don't know if I dare try again. Right now, about the only book I'm interested in reading is J.D's gfy romance about the fellow prisoner he fell in love with incarcerated (And yes, I know how that sounds but this in the vast minority of my gfy/ofy books). Anyhoo, maybe he gets released, looks J.D up, and new life experiences set my kindle on fire. I don't care that it didn't really happen. That's what imagination is for.
August 8, 2017
So, the title of this book is kind of ironic. Not only because for some reason these guys didn't feel "so into" each other, at least on Noah's side for the longest time, and also I wasn't so into this.
This almost...didn't feel like S.E. Harmon. Made me wonder if she had someone ghostwrite this, someone who isn't as good a writer as she is and tried to match her usual style but failed. Because otherwise I have to wonder went on when she was writing this one. I loved the first in this series and P.S. I Spook You and I will continue to read her future works, but this was a complete miss for me. I guess every author has at least one, sometimes.
And it wasn't that I didn't like this. I did, which is why I'm not giving it less than 3 stars. For the most part I enjoyed the characters separately, as well the secondary characters, and there were quite a few hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud. This isn't a bad book at all, it's still, in a technical way, well written. Not a typo I could remember seeing. Still interesting enough to keep pulling me back in and have stretches of the book where I didn't want to put it down.
But seriously, these two together...why? They were cute at the end when they get back together, yes, but this book faded to black on so much with them that it just...there was no connecting with these two as a couple for me.
We only get three completely written out sex scenes in this entire book. One of them jerking off together, one with Drew as the bottom and then Noah as the bottom. That was it. The rest was fade to black and I have no idea why. I don't remember this author doing that with the other two books I've read. I honestly don't. And the detailed sex scenes we DID have? I barely felt anything with them because I felt like these guys weren't feeling enough with each other. Mostly with Noah because none of them were from his perspective and we barely got any descriptions of his pleasure, just Drew's - which didn't feel like enough either - and we even got Noah going "I enjoy giving him pleasure so much I sometimes forget about mine" which, great, but that makes it feel like you're not that into all this, at least that's what it seemed like because we got NOTHING from Noah in the sex scenes.
We were getting the "friends with benefits" without the benefits, which??? Where's my sexy times??? Come onnn. Plus we barely got an Noah POV chapters except for the beginning and end of this book and the rest of the time, from Drew's POV, Noah seemed SO unaffected by everything, so distant and cold. I thought in romances the other was supposed to bring out the part of you you hide from everyone else. *sigh*
There just wasn't enough connection felt for me between these two for me to have really felt like that was a great romance, or to really enjoy this book. I liked it, but when the main couple of a romance novel - where they're supposed to be the main focus and the most exciting part of the book - ends up feeling somewhat second fiddle to everything else, you're not doing romance right.
We spent too much time in Drew's head, learning random facts that would have been nice to learn if we had also gotten an awesome, amazing romance to go along with it. Romance books have to have romance or else they...fall flat and for the most part, this one did.
Still a nice read, not bad or rage inducing, just disappointing and annoying. It really annoyed me how little sex there was in this. Because that just added to the constant disconnect we get with these two. Where were our sweet, romantic moments during sex? Instead of just being told about it once or twice about how "amazing and life altering it was being inside him" yeah then why weren't we SHOWN that? Two detailed bouts of sex did not give me the romance I was craving throughout this book.
At one point they're about to have sex and they have some cute banter - they did have some cute banter moments, I'll give them that - and then it just goes to the next chapter before they have sex and it was so disappointing, so annoying. That was a perfect opportunity to show sex! Emotional sex at that! Giving them emotions during the act!
Also, outside of sex would have worked too. Their "break up" as it were was so...meh, so matter of fact. Drew was kind of just like "this is the way I want it, and if you ever feel the same, call me" and Noah being like "I can't give you that, you knew that, sorry" and there was hardly any...heartbreak. It was all so perfunctory in the end. I'm not saying they had to be on the floor sobbing, unable to function, but they were able to function a little too well, I think. Yeah they thought about each other all the time, but where was the pain, where was the heartache? Where was the absolute longing? I didn't even really feel all that much during their "break up" because neither of them seemed too. Or at least we didn't see it.
Where was Noah crying or barely able to hold back tears when Drew left? Where was Drew leaning against the wall outside Noah's apartment because it was hard to breathe? Where was the evidence that these two were the loves of each other's lives?
Also, random side note, I could have done without the constant imaginings of killing and teasing threats of killing - even though it wasn't serious - whenever Drew's brother or Mac or whoever said something cheeky or spot on or what have you. Even Noah did that too - the "I'm imagining where to hide the body argh" thing that Drew kept doing throughout this. I was like...all right, it was cute the first time, but now its getting old. I think it was meant to be humorous, and it was the first one or two times, but then I was like "omg stoppp"
So...anyway, not what I expected from S.E. Harmon, who's previous two works I read were wonderful and I loved them. This, I could take it or leave it. It was all right, but severely lacking what usually makes this author so great for me.
This almost...didn't feel like S.E. Harmon. Made me wonder if she had someone ghostwrite this, someone who isn't as good a writer as she is and tried to match her usual style but failed. Because otherwise I have to wonder went on when she was writing this one. I loved the first in this series and P.S. I Spook You and I will continue to read her future works, but this was a complete miss for me. I guess every author has at least one, sometimes.
And it wasn't that I didn't like this. I did, which is why I'm not giving it less than 3 stars. For the most part I enjoyed the characters separately, as well the secondary characters, and there were quite a few hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud. This isn't a bad book at all, it's still, in a technical way, well written. Not a typo I could remember seeing. Still interesting enough to keep pulling me back in and have stretches of the book where I didn't want to put it down.
But seriously, these two together...why? They were cute at the end when they get back together, yes, but this book faded to black on so much with them that it just...there was no connecting with these two as a couple for me.
We only get three completely written out sex scenes in this entire book. One of them jerking off together, one with Drew as the bottom and then Noah as the bottom. That was it. The rest was fade to black and I have no idea why. I don't remember this author doing that with the other two books I've read. I honestly don't. And the detailed sex scenes we DID have? I barely felt anything with them because I felt like these guys weren't feeling enough with each other. Mostly with Noah because none of them were from his perspective and we barely got any descriptions of his pleasure, just Drew's - which didn't feel like enough either - and we even got Noah going "I enjoy giving him pleasure so much I sometimes forget about mine" which, great, but that makes it feel like you're not that into all this, at least that's what it seemed like because we got NOTHING from Noah in the sex scenes.
We were getting the "friends with benefits" without the benefits, which??? Where's my sexy times??? Come onnn. Plus we barely got an Noah POV chapters except for the beginning and end of this book and the rest of the time, from Drew's POV, Noah seemed SO unaffected by everything, so distant and cold. I thought in romances the other was supposed to bring out the part of you you hide from everyone else. *sigh*
There just wasn't enough connection felt for me between these two for me to have really felt like that was a great romance, or to really enjoy this book. I liked it, but when the main couple of a romance novel - where they're supposed to be the main focus and the most exciting part of the book - ends up feeling somewhat second fiddle to everything else, you're not doing romance right.
We spent too much time in Drew's head, learning random facts that would have been nice to learn if we had also gotten an awesome, amazing romance to go along with it. Romance books have to have romance or else they...fall flat and for the most part, this one did.
Still a nice read, not bad or rage inducing, just disappointing and annoying. It really annoyed me how little sex there was in this. Because that just added to the constant disconnect we get with these two. Where were our sweet, romantic moments during sex? Instead of just being told about it once or twice about how "amazing and life altering it was being inside him" yeah then why weren't we SHOWN that? Two detailed bouts of sex did not give me the romance I was craving throughout this book.
At one point they're about to have sex and they have some cute banter - they did have some cute banter moments, I'll give them that - and then it just goes to the next chapter before they have sex and it was so disappointing, so annoying. That was a perfect opportunity to show sex! Emotional sex at that! Giving them emotions during the act!
Also, outside of sex would have worked too. Their "break up" as it were was so...meh, so matter of fact. Drew was kind of just like "this is the way I want it, and if you ever feel the same, call me" and Noah being like "I can't give you that, you knew that, sorry" and there was hardly any...heartbreak. It was all so perfunctory in the end. I'm not saying they had to be on the floor sobbing, unable to function, but they were able to function a little too well, I think. Yeah they thought about each other all the time, but where was the pain, where was the heartache? Where was the absolute longing? I didn't even really feel all that much during their "break up" because neither of them seemed too. Or at least we didn't see it.
Where was Noah crying or barely able to hold back tears when Drew left? Where was Drew leaning against the wall outside Noah's apartment because it was hard to breathe? Where was the evidence that these two were the loves of each other's lives?
Also, random side note, I could have done without the constant imaginings of killing and teasing threats of killing - even though it wasn't serious - whenever Drew's brother or Mac or whoever said something cheeky or spot on or what have you. Even Noah did that too - the "I'm imagining where to hide the body argh" thing that Drew kept doing throughout this. I was like...all right, it was cute the first time, but now its getting old. I think it was meant to be humorous, and it was the first one or two times, but then I was like "omg stoppp"
So...anyway, not what I expected from S.E. Harmon, who's previous two works I read were wonderful and I loved them. This, I could take it or leave it. It was all right, but severely lacking what usually makes this author so great for me.
dnf-not-4-me
January 5, 2016After reading the first book in the series Stay with Me and not particularly enjoying it, I've decided to skip this one. All the reviews I've read say this one is very similar to the first.
It's just not for me.
It's just not for me.
November 18, 2024
2nd re-read November 2024
June 26, 2024
It was longer than it needed to be, but I really enjoyed it. I'd met Drew in Mac's book so I knew what to expect, but Noah was a great surprise. It had more romance than mystery, which I also expected. Catching up with Mac and Jordan was a bonus. Drew's grumpiness made me laugh.
January 12, 2016
When Noah turns in his latest screen play to his ex-wife/manger, the powers that be suggest he consult with a real PI to add some authenticity to his script. Having just been cheated on and broken up with his boyfriend, he heads to Miami to escape the paparazzi.
Business is moving along smoothly, until Mac volunteers Drew to let Noah shadow him on the job for a few weeks. To say Drew isn't happy is the understatement of the century. He's even more unhappy when he finds himself attracted to Noah. Drew is looking for the real thing and isn't sure he wants the real thing to pass him by while he's busy with a casual fling. Noah can't commit to more than a casual fling.
Oh Boy!!! I hate doing this, and I know some of my friends may hate me after this, but here goes. After reading book one, Stay With Me, and LOVING it, well let's just say I was beyond excited when I saw this one was coming out. I couldn't wait to get it. I preordered it! I never preorder books. I might have even squealed a bit! I think the first mistake the author made was starting the story with Noah. Starting with an unknown character is fine, if both characters are unknown. But when you have a known and likable character like Drew, you should start there. Maybe this was to get to know Noah, but I think the book would have fared better had the author introduced us to Noah, at the same time he met Drew. It took forever for Drew and Noah to even meet, then even longer for their first real scene together. We learn a lot about Drew, and really this felt like his book. Noah had some POV's, but this was mostly told from Drew's POV, and this left Noah feeling much more like a secondary character. While I loved Drew, I never connected with Noah, and to be honest, I didn't find a whole lot of chemistry between the two.
This book was long and there was no action to keep you entertained. At times I felt the book would never end. The flow of the book was off. It was all over the place at times. It jumped from scene to scene with no rhyme or reason.
This book was NOT horrible. It had moments of brilliance and I loved the snarkyness and humor of the MC's. It just needed to be either a lot shorter or it needed action. The last 15% or so was probably the best of the book flow wise. I'm really torn with how to rate this book, because I did love parts of it.
I'll be perfectly honest and say, some of the best parts of this book involved Mac. He made it worth this long and tedious read. I really hope the author will consider a sequel to Mac and Jordan's story. Even though this book wasn't my greatest love, I like the authors humor and I'll definitely be looking for more in the future.
Please take my review with a grain of salt. I saw some rave reviews, but I just felt it needed something more.
Business is moving along smoothly, until Mac volunteers Drew to let Noah shadow him on the job for a few weeks. To say Drew isn't happy is the understatement of the century. He's even more unhappy when he finds himself attracted to Noah. Drew is looking for the real thing and isn't sure he wants the real thing to pass him by while he's busy with a casual fling. Noah can't commit to more than a casual fling.
Oh Boy!!! I hate doing this, and I know some of my friends may hate me after this, but here goes. After reading book one, Stay With Me, and LOVING it, well let's just say I was beyond excited when I saw this one was coming out. I couldn't wait to get it. I preordered it! I never preorder books. I might have even squealed a bit! I think the first mistake the author made was starting the story with Noah. Starting with an unknown character is fine, if both characters are unknown. But when you have a known and likable character like Drew, you should start there. Maybe this was to get to know Noah, but I think the book would have fared better had the author introduced us to Noah, at the same time he met Drew. It took forever for Drew and Noah to even meet, then even longer for their first real scene together. We learn a lot about Drew, and really this felt like his book. Noah had some POV's, but this was mostly told from Drew's POV, and this left Noah feeling much more like a secondary character. While I loved Drew, I never connected with Noah, and to be honest, I didn't find a whole lot of chemistry between the two.
This book was long and there was no action to keep you entertained. At times I felt the book would never end. The flow of the book was off. It was all over the place at times. It jumped from scene to scene with no rhyme or reason.
This book was NOT horrible. It had moments of brilliance and I loved the snarkyness and humor of the MC's. It just needed to be either a lot shorter or it needed action. The last 15% or so was probably the best of the book flow wise. I'm really torn with how to rate this book, because I did love parts of it.
I'll be perfectly honest and say, some of the best parts of this book involved Mac. He made it worth this long and tedious read. I really hope the author will consider a sequel to Mac and Jordan's story. Even though this book wasn't my greatest love, I like the authors humor and I'll definitely be looking for more in the future.
Please take my review with a grain of salt. I saw some rave reviews, but I just felt it needed something more.
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