What do you think?
Rate this book
Compromised
Murder in the country.
A one-night stand that refuses to end.
Ghosts from the past that return to haunt.
Special Agent Ben Diggs can’t stand what has become of his life, so much so that he hits the road one night, maybe to crash his bike, maybe to drive off into the night and never be heard from again. But he meets Tanner Bagley, a rancher from rural Pennsylvania in a hick dive bar, and sparks fly. For the first time since everything went to hell, he feels alive again.
Ben runs from his emotions as a rule, and he flees in the middle of the night, trudging back to his dreary life in Baltimore and his failing job as a FBI agent. But then his team is assigned to investigate a murder in that same backwater township in Pennsylvania where he met Tanner, and it’s a different set of sparks that fly when faces Tanner again.
As the bodies start to pile up, tensions flare, and Ben is stuck between teammates that question his every move and a devastatingly handsome rancher whose heart he bruised. The lies keep piling up, and Ben is forced to stake his career – and his very life – on the trembling hopes of his wounded heart.
Deep in the countryside, someone is hunting gay men in Middle Creek, Pennsylvania… Gay men all with ties to Special Agent Diggs’ one-night-stand…
A one-night stand that refuses to end.
Ghosts from the past that return to haunt.
Special Agent Ben Diggs can’t stand what has become of his life, so much so that he hits the road one night, maybe to crash his bike, maybe to drive off into the night and never be heard from again. But he meets Tanner Bagley, a rancher from rural Pennsylvania in a hick dive bar, and sparks fly. For the first time since everything went to hell, he feels alive again.
Ben runs from his emotions as a rule, and he flees in the middle of the night, trudging back to his dreary life in Baltimore and his failing job as a FBI agent. But then his team is assigned to investigate a murder in that same backwater township in Pennsylvania where he met Tanner, and it’s a different set of sparks that fly when faces Tanner again.
As the bodies start to pile up, tensions flare, and Ben is stuck between teammates that question his every move and a devastatingly handsome rancher whose heart he bruised. The lies keep piling up, and Ben is forced to stake his career – and his very life – on the trembling hopes of his wounded heart.
Deep in the countryside, someone is hunting gay men in Middle Creek, Pennsylvania… Gay men all with ties to Special Agent Diggs’ one-night-stand…
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2015
3 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 22, 2016
*** 3.5 STARS ***
Well,I thought this was perfect for me...a cop and a cowboy doing dirty things to each other...I was practically drooling.
It started of very well but then kind of lost its spark.
FBI Agent Ben Diggs is jaded.He feels his life is going nowhere and is dissatisfied with his job.
One night he just drives and finds himself in a bar and all he wants to do is get drunk....that is,until he catches sight of a sexy cowboy.
Tanner Bagley is taking care of the family ranch after his parents died.He's had an interesting life but wants to put down roots and have some stability in his life.
When these two meet it's explosive,they have a very dirty one night stand.But Ben leaves in the early morning,thinking he won't see Tanner again.
Fate plays a part,though,when Ben and his team are sent to investigate murders in the town Tanner lives in.
I started of loving this one but just ended up just liking it.
The murder mystery plot holds the story together but I must admit I worked out pretty early who the Serial Killer was.
In the end it was just a little too fluffy for me.
I know I'm contradicting myself here but I like my M/M books to be either sweet and sexy or downright dirty and this one was just caught in the middle somewhere.
Still,though,an enjoyable M/M story.....
Well,I thought this was perfect for me...a cop and a cowboy doing dirty things to each other...I was practically drooling.
It started of very well but then kind of lost its spark.
FBI Agent Ben Diggs is jaded.He feels his life is going nowhere and is dissatisfied with his job.
One night he just drives and finds himself in a bar and all he wants to do is get drunk....that is,until he catches sight of a sexy cowboy.
Tanner Bagley is taking care of the family ranch after his parents died.He's had an interesting life but wants to put down roots and have some stability in his life.
When these two meet it's explosive,they have a very dirty one night stand.But Ben leaves in the early morning,thinking he won't see Tanner again.
Fate plays a part,though,when Ben and his team are sent to investigate murders in the town Tanner lives in.
I started of loving this one but just ended up just liking it.
The murder mystery plot holds the story together but I must admit I worked out pretty early who the Serial Killer was.
In the end it was just a little too fluffy for me.
I know I'm contradicting myself here but I like my M/M books to be either sweet and sexy or downright dirty and this one was just caught in the middle somewhere.
Still,though,an enjoyable M/M story.....
January 11, 2016
4.5 stars
Ya know, sometimes a good cover makes all the difference. This book initially came out last summer with the cover on the right. (Who the hell is that teen on the cover? There are MEN in this book.) It was never on my radar, despite the fact it features hurt/healing/comfort and a sexy cowboy and a FBI agent. That is a literal hat trick of my reading preferences! The new cover on the left drew me right in. And I so very happy about that because this is a great book!
In the first 15% of the book I said to myself:
And it just got better from there!
Special Agent Ben Diggs is at the end of his rope. In his eyes, he is a failure and he doesn't have a whole lot to live for. He jumps on his Ducati and just drives... He winds up in a dive bar in a hick town where he meets beautiful Rancher Tanner Bagley. The two men spend a scorchingly hot night in a cheap no-tell-motel and Ben sneaks off in the early morning to avoid the uncomfortable "morning after".
As luck would have it, Ben finds himself back in that hick town investigating a murder. Tanner seems to be mixed up in the murder so the two men meet once again. Tanner rebuffs Ben, obviously hurt that Ben left him without a word after their tête-à-tête a few weeks ago.
The sexual tension here is hot and plentiful. I loved watching Ben tiptoe around Tanner during the investigation. And when Tanner finally caves, the attraction is very powerful and passionate. These two get to the "L" word pretty quickly. Granted, it got a bit cheesy after that, but I didn't care. I was immersed in the story and hot sex.
The murder mystery wasn't all that interesting to me, but since Tanner and Ben were together for the duration of it, it was all good.
If you like depressed Ducati-riding Special Agents and lonely, hunky cowboys finding love and passion while engaging in dirty, hot sex, this book is for you. I did drop my rating a half star because the ending disappointed me. We get a glimpse at their HEA instead of an actual HEA. But it did not deter me at all.
Recommended!
Galley copy of Compromised provided by NineStar Press in exchange of an honest review.
Ya know, sometimes a good cover makes all the difference. This book initially came out last summer with the cover on the right. (Who the hell is that teen on the cover? There are MEN in this book.) It was never on my radar, despite the fact it features hurt/healing/comfort and a sexy cowboy and a FBI agent. That is a literal hat trick of my reading preferences! The new cover on the left drew me right in. And I so very happy about that because this is a great book!
In the first 15% of the book I said to myself:
Yee haw! We got a cowboy riding a cop. I'm in my happy place.
And it just got better from there!
Special Agent Ben Diggs is at the end of his rope. In his eyes, he is a failure and he doesn't have a whole lot to live for. He jumps on his Ducati and just drives... He winds up in a dive bar in a hick town where he meets beautiful Rancher Tanner Bagley. The two men spend a scorchingly hot night in a cheap no-tell-motel and Ben sneaks off in the early morning to avoid the uncomfortable "morning after".
As luck would have it, Ben finds himself back in that hick town investigating a murder. Tanner seems to be mixed up in the murder so the two men meet once again. Tanner rebuffs Ben, obviously hurt that Ben left him without a word after their tête-à-tête a few weeks ago.
The sexual tension here is hot and plentiful. I loved watching Ben tiptoe around Tanner during the investigation. And when Tanner finally caves, the attraction is very powerful and passionate. These two get to the "L" word pretty quickly. Granted, it got a bit cheesy after that, but I didn't care. I was immersed in the story and hot sex.
The murder mystery wasn't all that interesting to me, but since Tanner and Ben were together for the duration of it, it was all good.
If you like depressed Ducati-riding Special Agents and lonely, hunky cowboys finding love and passion while engaging in dirty, hot sex, this book is for you. I did drop my rating a half star because the ending disappointed me. We get a glimpse at their HEA instead of an actual HEA. But it did not deter me at all.
Recommended!
Galley copy of Compromised provided by NineStar Press in exchange of an honest review.
January 21, 2016
I liked this one, but I wasn't wowed by it. It was short, sweet and nice, but I felt something was missing. Maybe because the book was so short and we don't really get to know the MC's. The opening was pretty hot but after that the steamfactor went down.
FBI agent Ben Diggs and rancher Tanner have a one night stand. Well...Diggs made it into a one night stand. Ben is a closeted former Navy guy and Tanner is an out and proud rancher, taking over his family ranch after being away for years. They were pretty hot together, but when morning comes, Ben sneakes out, leaving a clueless Tanner behind. Ben really hates his life, his job and himself. Damn this man and his selfloathing....Tanner however is pretty happy with his life. He has seen a lot of the world and is ready to settle down on the ranch were he grew up, the one his parents left him.
But Ben is screwed...because after his thrist with Tanner, he and his collegues are called in to help on a murderinvestigation....in the town were Tanner lives. Now he has to come face to face with his one night stand again. A one night stand, who is seriously pissed at him. Nobody knows Ben is gay, and he has no intention of outing himself. He does however want to do right by Tanner...who is hating his guts.
Things get more complicated, when it turns out that somebody is killing off all Tanner's former lovers. Tanner becomes a poi and a suspect all at once. When Ben is ordered to guard Tanner, he knows he's screwed. How does he keep a distance...when everything inside him is screaming for Tanner.
Like I said...I liked this one, but I felt it was lacking in certain areas. We don't get a lot about the characters personaliteit, friends or family. Their relationship is pretty insta lust/love. There isn't a lot about their past either. Just some bits and pieces. I also figured out the mystery part within a couple of pages. The steam is nice, but I would have liked some more ;) It's mostly at the beginning and end of the book.
So this was a nice, but not very deep and detailed read.
3,5 stars from me
FBI agent Ben Diggs and rancher Tanner have a one night stand. Well...Diggs made it into a one night stand. Ben is a closeted former Navy guy and Tanner is an out and proud rancher, taking over his family ranch after being away for years. They were pretty hot together, but when morning comes, Ben sneakes out, leaving a clueless Tanner behind. Ben really hates his life, his job and himself. Damn this man and his selfloathing....Tanner however is pretty happy with his life. He has seen a lot of the world and is ready to settle down on the ranch were he grew up, the one his parents left him.
But Ben is screwed...because after his thrist with Tanner, he and his collegues are called in to help on a murderinvestigation....in the town were Tanner lives. Now he has to come face to face with his one night stand again. A one night stand, who is seriously pissed at him. Nobody knows Ben is gay, and he has no intention of outing himself. He does however want to do right by Tanner...who is hating his guts.
Things get more complicated, when it turns out that somebody is killing off all Tanner's former lovers. Tanner becomes a poi and a suspect all at once. When Ben is ordered to guard Tanner, he knows he's screwed. How does he keep a distance...when everything inside him is screaming for Tanner.
Like I said...I liked this one, but I felt it was lacking in certain areas. We don't get a lot about the characters personaliteit, friends or family. Their relationship is pretty insta lust/love. There isn't a lot about their past either. Just some bits and pieces. I also figured out the mystery part within a couple of pages. The steam is nice, but I would have liked some more ;) It's mostly at the beginning and end of the book.
So this was a nice, but not very deep and detailed read.
3,5 stars from me
January 21, 2016
Well… this was quite awful.
The writing was pretty weird at times. I don’t think you can replace the word orgasm with the word cum.
His head thrashed from side to side, waves of his cum building deep inside.
Booze and his hard cum pulled him under, and Ben woke, jerking, two hours later
And if there is one thing I truly hate it’s relationship angst. Unrealistic angst at that.
Ben and Tanner have a one night stand, but it turns out their paths cross again after Ben is the FBI agent to investigate the murders in Tanner’s town. Tanner is very angry with Ben because he left him at the motel room without a word. He is mad at him for about 70% of the book. It was weird and it felt like such a fabricated conflict. He calls Ben an asshole a lot, but Ben was a pretty shy, sweet character. The guys met in a bar, they had sex in a motel and Tanner expeced them to start a relationship after that???
And then all the crying… These are men for crying out loud. Tanner was supposed to be this big rancher, instead he wasn’t just constantly crying, he was wailing.
Ben heard a low, loud keen, mournful wailing, muffled in a pillow.
And then the mystery. I figured out who did it from the start. It was so obvious.
I also have no idea why Ben and his traumatic flashbacks were thrown in, it did nothing for the story.
I did not enjoy this one.
The writing was pretty weird at times. I don’t think you can replace the word orgasm with the word cum.
His head thrashed from side to side, waves of his cum building deep inside.
Booze and his hard cum pulled him under, and Ben woke, jerking, two hours later
And if there is one thing I truly hate it’s relationship angst. Unrealistic angst at that.
Ben and Tanner have a one night stand, but it turns out their paths cross again after Ben is the FBI agent to investigate the murders in Tanner’s town. Tanner is very angry with Ben because he left him at the motel room without a word. He is mad at him for about 70% of the book. It was weird and it felt like such a fabricated conflict. He calls Ben an asshole a lot, but Ben was a pretty shy, sweet character. The guys met in a bar, they had sex in a motel and Tanner expeced them to start a relationship after that???
And then all the crying… These are men for crying out loud. Tanner was supposed to be this big rancher, instead he wasn’t just constantly crying, he was wailing.
Ben heard a low, loud keen, mournful wailing, muffled in a pillow.
And then the mystery. I figured out who did it from the start. It was so obvious.
I also have no idea why Ben and his traumatic flashbacks were thrown in, it did nothing for the story.
I did not enjoy this one.
May 19, 2018
4.0 Stars
I wasn't expecting much from a book I picked randomly from a list to complete a challenge simply because I needed a green cover & an author with a Q in their initials for 2 other challenges. Well, evidently my Book-Fu is strong today and damn, color me surprised by how much I ended up liking it.
Did I have the serial killer pegged from pretty much the get-go? Yep. Did the plot progress pretty much like one would expect given the whodunit genre? Yep. Was it a little overly Insta-lovey and heavy on the saccharine prose at times? Yep & Yep. Did any of that matter to me? Oddly enough, No. I was hooked by the characterization. Ben was interesting, imperfect, a little broken by his past and completely, predictably self-sacrificing. I think it's a stereotype for most LEOs that they have this "White Knight" personality, and in this story there is no glossing over that. In fact, Bailey Queen hung a lampshade on it...but it still worked for me.
Tanner was a bit less well-fleshed but I liked that he didn't let Ben off the hook right away for his actions pre-murder case. I liked that he made Ben talk, made him see how he was hurting himself as well as Tanner by his decisions.
And because I figured out the murderer pretty early, I also saw that ending coming a mile away. Not just the climax but also the HEA resolution...
Still enjoyed the hell out of it.
I wasn't expecting much from a book I picked randomly from a list to complete a challenge simply because I needed a green cover & an author with a Q in their initials for 2 other challenges. Well, evidently my Book-Fu is strong today and damn, color me surprised by how much I ended up liking it.
Did I have the serial killer pegged from pretty much the get-go? Yep. Did the plot progress pretty much like one would expect given the whodunit genre? Yep. Was it a little overly Insta-lovey and heavy on the saccharine prose at times? Yep & Yep. Did any of that matter to me? Oddly enough, No. I was hooked by the characterization. Ben was interesting, imperfect, a little broken by his past and completely, predictably self-sacrificing. I think it's a stereotype for most LEOs that they have this "White Knight" personality, and in this story there is no glossing over that. In fact, Bailey Queen hung a lampshade on it...but it still worked for me.
Tanner was a bit less well-fleshed but I liked that he didn't let Ben off the hook right away for his actions pre-murder case. I liked that he made Ben talk, made him see how he was hurting himself as well as Tanner by his decisions.
And because I figured out the murderer pretty early, I also saw that ending coming a mile away. Not just the climax but also the HEA resolution...
Still enjoyed the hell out of it.
September 19, 2015
3.5 stars
This was a new author for me and I'm really glad I gave this book a try. Ben is a FBI agent with a military background. He has a lot of issues and while he really wants to be in a relationship he is also unable to overcome his fears and let himself do this. Ben and Tanner meet and initially intend to just have a one night stand. Tanner ends up being involved in the case that Ben is working on so the two men start spending time together and the relationship unfolds from there. I enjoyed the mystery part of the story but the real draw for me was the two men and their relationship. I thought the author found the right balance between the case and the love story. This was solid, enjoyable read for me and I will definitely try more by this author.
*** This book was provided by Indigo in exchange for an unbiased review ***
This was a new author for me and I'm really glad I gave this book a try. Ben is a FBI agent with a military background. He has a lot of issues and while he really wants to be in a relationship he is also unable to overcome his fears and let himself do this. Ben and Tanner meet and initially intend to just have a one night stand. Tanner ends up being involved in the case that Ben is working on so the two men start spending time together and the relationship unfolds from there. I enjoyed the mystery part of the story but the real draw for me was the two men and their relationship. I thought the author found the right balance between the case and the love story. This was solid, enjoyable read for me and I will definitely try more by this author.
*** This book was provided by Indigo in exchange for an unbiased review ***
February 18, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.5 Stars
I am having such a good run with new authors at the moment!
Special Agent Ben Diggs thought his job at the FBI would be his everything after having his heart broken whilst serving in the Navy. Instead his job has become everything he hates and he’s at the end of his tether. Jumping on his bike he just rides and rides until he ends up in a small town with an even smaller bar. The plan is simple – get so drunk that all his troubles fade away. His plans quickly change however when a hot cowboy walks through the door and looks set to end Ben’s current dry spell.
Picking up strangers in a bar is not how Tanner Bagley, a local rancher, usually operates but he’s had a bad day and needs to let off some steam. Steam is an understatement for the night this pair spend together but in the early hours Ben panics, quickly dresses and hotfoots it out of the motel and back to his abysmal life. He has no idea how much his actions hurt the man he just spent the night with but as he won’t ever see him again he doesn’t spend too much time dwelling on it.
Karma can be a bitch and oftentimes quite awkward. A murder in a small town sees Ben and his team being sent to investigate. Not only is it the same small town Ben just spent the night in, the crime looks to be a hate crime against a gay man, the dead man knew Tanner and Tanner now needs to be questioned – by Ben. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife when the pair get in the same room. Tanner is hurt and extremely pissed off and makes his feelings very obvious.
As the bodies pile up so does the tension. I had actually figured out who the murderer was very early on but it didn’t detract from the story at all as it really was all about Ben and Tanner. They get under each other’s skin, they offer promises of a future without using words and they fall pretty hard and fast. If cowboys, cops on bikes and a hurt/comfort storyline are your thing I think you will enjoy Compromised as much as I did.
4.5 Stars
I am having such a good run with new authors at the moment!
Special Agent Ben Diggs thought his job at the FBI would be his everything after having his heart broken whilst serving in the Navy. Instead his job has become everything he hates and he’s at the end of his tether. Jumping on his bike he just rides and rides until he ends up in a small town with an even smaller bar. The plan is simple – get so drunk that all his troubles fade away. His plans quickly change however when a hot cowboy walks through the door and looks set to end Ben’s current dry spell.
Picking up strangers in a bar is not how Tanner Bagley, a local rancher, usually operates but he’s had a bad day and needs to let off some steam. Steam is an understatement for the night this pair spend together but in the early hours Ben panics, quickly dresses and hotfoots it out of the motel and back to his abysmal life. He has no idea how much his actions hurt the man he just spent the night with but as he won’t ever see him again he doesn’t spend too much time dwelling on it.
Karma can be a bitch and oftentimes quite awkward. A murder in a small town sees Ben and his team being sent to investigate. Not only is it the same small town Ben just spent the night in, the crime looks to be a hate crime against a gay man, the dead man knew Tanner and Tanner now needs to be questioned – by Ben. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife when the pair get in the same room. Tanner is hurt and extremely pissed off and makes his feelings very obvious.
As the bodies pile up so does the tension. I had actually figured out who the murderer was very early on but it didn’t detract from the story at all as it really was all about Ben and Tanner. They get under each other’s skin, they offer promises of a future without using words and they fall pretty hard and fast. If cowboys, cops on bikes and a hurt/comfort storyline are your thing I think you will enjoy Compromised as much as I did.
August 14, 2015
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 * Ben heads out of town to get away from it all and ends up being faced with the one thing he has been fighting to deny himself for years - a meaningful attraction to another man. Having lived through traumas in the Navy and experienced failed relationships, Ben was unprepared for the depth of feelings he would have for the stranger he picks up in a bar. As Ben runs out in the middle of the night, he didn’t know that he’d have to face Tanner again, far less find himself protecting the man from an unknown killer.
I liked the mystery, the subject matter, the setting and I enjoyed the development of the two MC’s forbidden relationship under such stressful circumstances. My only issue is with the fact that I felt that who the killer was, was pretty obvious. This however, didn’t detract from the story as I still wanted to find out why they were carrying out the murders in the first place. All in all, a great read.
3.5 * Ben heads out of town to get away from it all and ends up being faced with the one thing he has been fighting to deny himself for years - a meaningful attraction to another man. Having lived through traumas in the Navy and experienced failed relationships, Ben was unprepared for the depth of feelings he would have for the stranger he picks up in a bar. As Ben runs out in the middle of the night, he didn’t know that he’d have to face Tanner again, far less find himself protecting the man from an unknown killer.
I liked the mystery, the subject matter, the setting and I enjoyed the development of the two MC’s forbidden relationship under such stressful circumstances. My only issue is with the fact that I felt that who the killer was, was pretty obvious. This however, didn’t detract from the story as I still wanted to find out why they were carrying out the murders in the first place. All in all, a great read.
August 14, 2015
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book. The characters and plot were good, well written and interesting enough to keep me hooked.
It has its flaws however. Such as the gun thing towards the end: Surely an FBI agent would check his weapon on a regular basis?
Also I think certain relationships/links between people, would have been examined closer.
I guessed the killer very quickly, in the first couple of chapters, but it didn't stop me wanting to read on. The writing is good and it's easy to read.
I liked both Tanner and Ben. The author made me feel for Ben and his back story and I was rooting for them the whole way though. The secondary characters were well written and also likeable.
I got fed up with Tanner being referred to as 'the blond'. It really grated on me.
Over all it's an enjoyable read.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. The characters and plot were good, well written and interesting enough to keep me hooked.
It has its flaws however. Such as the gun thing towards the end: Surely an FBI agent would check his weapon on a regular basis?
Also I think certain relationships/links between people, would have been examined closer.
I guessed the killer very quickly, in the first couple of chapters, but it didn't stop me wanting to read on. The writing is good and it's easy to read.
I liked both Tanner and Ben. The author made me feel for Ben and his back story and I was rooting for them the whole way though. The secondary characters were well written and also likeable.
I got fed up with Tanner being referred to as 'the blond'. It really grated on me.
Over all it's an enjoyable read.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2022
~ 3.5 stars ~
May 16, 2016
More a 3.5!
Ben is going through a rough patch, though it isn't stated he is clearly suffering from PTSD. He's out on his bike considering ending it all when he comes across a bar and meets Tanner. They have a one night stand and when Tanner goes to sleep, Ben runs.
Fate has different ideas though when Ben is sent to investigate a murder it's in Tanner's home town and Tanner might be on the hit list.
I really liked the premise of this book, it had real potential but.......I had a fair idea who the murderer was quite early on and once the killer had been caught everything was wrapped up in a neat little bow too quickly and easily for me. I love a HEA and I got one but I felt the ending made it seem like Ben's problems were trivial, his parents and work colleagues were great so it seemed like he'd been worried for nothing.
Anyhow, a nice quick afternoon read with a happy ending.
*ARC received form Nine Star Press in exchange for an honest review
Ben is going through a rough patch, though it isn't stated he is clearly suffering from PTSD. He's out on his bike considering ending it all when he comes across a bar and meets Tanner. They have a one night stand and when Tanner goes to sleep, Ben runs.
Fate has different ideas though when Ben is sent to investigate a murder it's in Tanner's home town and Tanner might be on the hit list.
I really liked the premise of this book, it had real potential but.......I had a fair idea who the murderer was quite early on and once the killer had been caught everything was wrapped up in a neat little bow too quickly and easily for me. I love a HEA and I got one but I felt the ending made it seem like Ben's problems were trivial, his parents and work colleagues were great so it seemed like he'd been worried for nothing.
Anyhow, a nice quick afternoon read with a happy ending.
*ARC received form Nine Star Press in exchange for an honest review
July 27, 2016
Compromised is a fast pace action story and it has all the ingredients that I am looking for into an M/M Romance: Action, mystery, steamy scenes and of course some love! Bailey Queen delivered just what the blurb promised and even more!
Ben is working for the FBI in Baltimore and has a lot of personal issues. He had his heart broken and he is terrified to open it again to love. Add his flashbacks from Iraq in the mix and that is making him a very quiet and messed up character. He his 32 and had not done his coming out yet. He is pretty sure that his colleagues and family won’t accept him as he is. Instead of being rejected by the others he is rejecting himself and not opening up to the others. The story begins with him deciding to get drunk to forget how miserable his life is. While drinking in a small town bar he met Tanner, his total opposite. A couple of drinks later, you can imagine how their night finished. Ben left their motel room in the middle of the night leaving Tanner sleeping there alone. Ben never thought he would see Tanner again. But when a homosexual man is killed in Middle Creek, he is part of the FBI task force that is called on site to solve the murders. When he learned that the victim was one of Tanner ex, he felt anxious and embarrassed to have to see him again. The reunion of Ben and Tanner did not go well and that is where all the fun begins!
The plot was well executed and it is non-stop action. I would have liked a couple of more chapters since the story is very interesting. I had serious doubts about who was behind the murders fairly soon in the book but it did not fall into the predictable category. I really enjoyed having Ben and Tanner in my life for a while. They are great characters and I truly enjoyed their story. Another element that added an interesting spin to the story is the fact that it is set in a small town. All the stigmas and gossip that we can find in this environment are present. I also liked the fact that Tanner was out and completely open about his sexuality and Ben closeted. The characters evolution is great and I loved that I was able to witness Ben's growth throughout the story. Specifically, how he came to terms with his ghosts owns his emotions.
Thank You Bailey Queen for giving me back some hope that love might happen when we are less expecting it. This was exactly what I needed to read today. If you are into action and romantic suspense be sure to read this book! I definitely recommend it.
* I was gifted this book by the Jeep Diva in exchange for an honest review
Ben is working for the FBI in Baltimore and has a lot of personal issues. He had his heart broken and he is terrified to open it again to love. Add his flashbacks from Iraq in the mix and that is making him a very quiet and messed up character. He his 32 and had not done his coming out yet. He is pretty sure that his colleagues and family won’t accept him as he is. Instead of being rejected by the others he is rejecting himself and not opening up to the others. The story begins with him deciding to get drunk to forget how miserable his life is. While drinking in a small town bar he met Tanner, his total opposite. A couple of drinks later, you can imagine how their night finished. Ben left their motel room in the middle of the night leaving Tanner sleeping there alone. Ben never thought he would see Tanner again. But when a homosexual man is killed in Middle Creek, he is part of the FBI task force that is called on site to solve the murders. When he learned that the victim was one of Tanner ex, he felt anxious and embarrassed to have to see him again. The reunion of Ben and Tanner did not go well and that is where all the fun begins!
The plot was well executed and it is non-stop action. I would have liked a couple of more chapters since the story is very interesting. I had serious doubts about who was behind the murders fairly soon in the book but it did not fall into the predictable category. I really enjoyed having Ben and Tanner in my life for a while. They are great characters and I truly enjoyed their story. Another element that added an interesting spin to the story is the fact that it is set in a small town. All the stigmas and gossip that we can find in this environment are present. I also liked the fact that Tanner was out and completely open about his sexuality and Ben closeted. The characters evolution is great and I loved that I was able to witness Ben's growth throughout the story. Specifically, how he came to terms with his ghosts owns his emotions.
Thank You Bailey Queen for giving me back some hope that love might happen when we are less expecting it. This was exactly what I needed to read today. If you are into action and romantic suspense be sure to read this book! I definitely recommend it.
* I was gifted this book by the Jeep Diva in exchange for an honest review
October 19, 2015
I received a copy of this book from IndiGo Book Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
This is more of a 3.5... but I'm rounding up to 4.
In Compromised, we get the story of an ex-Navy Lieutenant and current FBI officer, Ben Diggs. He's sick and tired of his life, his job, the fact that he's in the closet, offf all the crime and violence he sees everyday, just everything. At the beginning of the book, he comes across as someone who doesn't care if he lives or dies.
In a bar that's in a no-where town, he meets Tanner. Of course, they land in bed in the very near future, and Ben is happy to get his rocks off after a long time without. But Tanner is so sweet to him and it honestly rattles Ben, and he ends up hightailing outta there as soon as he can. He feels guilty about it, but he reassures himself that it's not a big deal ayway since he's probably never going to see him again.
So of course, the next assignment he gets takes him straight to Tanner's town, to deal with what seems like hate crimes that are associated with-- wait for it-- Tanner.
The book focuses on the crime, but not so much. I had an idea about who the big bad was already, but the author did a good job of taking the suspense to the end.
I liked the developing relationship between Ben and Tanner. Tanner was rightfully angered and upset, and he did a good job of making Ben grovel for it. Things got a little tense (not in a good way) and then got hot (in a good way).
But sadly, the book didn't make me go 'oohhhh' nice book at the end. It was good, and it had a great epilogue, was well written, but not... not completely satisfying. Idek how to explain it properly.
Out of the book, I liked Tanner the best. Ben had a surprising backstory, and he was a nice guy, but still... Tanner.
Overall, it's a pretty good book. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to read something under 2-3 hours that has a plot and some nice sexy moments.
So that's it.
This is more of a 3.5... but I'm rounding up to 4.
In Compromised, we get the story of an ex-Navy Lieutenant and current FBI officer, Ben Diggs. He's sick and tired of his life, his job, the fact that he's in the closet, offf all the crime and violence he sees everyday, just everything. At the beginning of the book, he comes across as someone who doesn't care if he lives or dies.
In a bar that's in a no-where town, he meets Tanner. Of course, they land in bed in the very near future, and Ben is happy to get his rocks off after a long time without. But Tanner is so sweet to him and it honestly rattles Ben, and he ends up hightailing outta there as soon as he can. He feels guilty about it, but he reassures himself that it's not a big deal ayway since he's probably never going to see him again.
So of course, the next assignment he gets takes him straight to Tanner's town, to deal with what seems like hate crimes that are associated with-- wait for it-- Tanner.
The book focuses on the crime, but not so much. I had an idea about who the big bad was already, but the author did a good job of taking the suspense to the end.
I liked the developing relationship between Ben and Tanner. Tanner was rightfully angered and upset, and he did a good job of making Ben grovel for it. Things got a little tense (not in a good way) and then got hot (in a good way).
But sadly, the book didn't make me go 'oohhhh' nice book at the end. It was good, and it had a great epilogue, was well written, but not... not completely satisfying. Idek how to explain it properly.
Out of the book, I liked Tanner the best. Ben had a surprising backstory, and he was a nice guy, but still... Tanner.
Overall, it's a pretty good book. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to read something under 2-3 hours that has a plot and some nice sexy moments.
So that's it.
August 31, 2015
First, I wanna say: I received a copy of this book from the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a little late at my review for this one, the blurb doesn't do this one justice.... It was awesome.
Ben, Former Navy man current FBI, unhappy with his life and lonely existance, meets cutie Tanner in a bar a little ways out of town one night, needing to just get away for a while. Ben is hard on himself and suffering what seems to be PTSD and a bad experience when he was in the Navy with a jerk has him stone cold and afraid to open himself up to anyone. Not just lovers but anyone at all, even the people he works with says he's just a few degrees warmer than dead. I could see why though, heartbreak does that to some people.
Tanner though, just back into town to take over his families farm after they died in a car accident, just wants to settle down and live and be happy. after running into Ben at the bar in his town where Ben had escaped to, they hooked up. But Ben being Ben... kinda ruined it, I'll say so I don't give to much away.
A murder turns into a string of them bringing Ben into town and face to face with Tanner after thinking they'd never see each other again. Now, I will say, that the killer is kind of obvious... I mean, when Tanner is questioned by Ben and one other person, and Ben is with Tanner the whole time the only other person it could have been was who it turned out to be. So, the second half of the book I was just frusterated, these FBI agents weren't putting 2 and 2 together when it was more than obvious...It was driving me crazy, BUT I guess the angst was at an all time high when he finally made himself known.
The ending felt a little rushed.... well if not rushed then just kinda cut off, I would have liked to have seen a nice epilouge or something to see how their HEA turned up... Maybe we'll get a second book or a novella or something.... I hope so, cuz these two were so cute together once Ben let his guard down and let himself love Tanner.
Plus, the sex?? really steamy.... very nice!
Overall, was a 4.5 star read for me...
Thanks for the opportunity and really looking forward to reading more by this author!
I'm a little late at my review for this one, the blurb doesn't do this one justice.... It was awesome.
Ben, Former Navy man current FBI, unhappy with his life and lonely existance, meets cutie Tanner in a bar a little ways out of town one night, needing to just get away for a while. Ben is hard on himself and suffering what seems to be PTSD and a bad experience when he was in the Navy with a jerk has him stone cold and afraid to open himself up to anyone. Not just lovers but anyone at all, even the people he works with says he's just a few degrees warmer than dead. I could see why though, heartbreak does that to some people.
Tanner though, just back into town to take over his families farm after they died in a car accident, just wants to settle down and live and be happy. after running into Ben at the bar in his town where Ben had escaped to, they hooked up. But Ben being Ben... kinda ruined it, I'll say so I don't give to much away.
A murder turns into a string of them bringing Ben into town and face to face with Tanner after thinking they'd never see each other again. Now, I will say, that the killer is kind of obvious... I mean, when Tanner is questioned by Ben and one other person, and Ben is with Tanner the whole time the only other person it could have been was who it turned out to be. So, the second half of the book I was just frusterated, these FBI agents weren't putting 2 and 2 together when it was more than obvious...It was driving me crazy, BUT I guess the angst was at an all time high when he finally made himself known.
The ending felt a little rushed.... well if not rushed then just kinda cut off, I would have liked to have seen a nice epilouge or something to see how their HEA turned up... Maybe we'll get a second book or a novella or something.... I hope so, cuz these two were so cute together once Ben let his guard down and let himself love Tanner.
Plus, the sex?? really steamy.... very nice!
Overall, was a 4.5 star read for me...
Thanks for the opportunity and really looking forward to reading more by this author!
August 24, 2015
*** This book was provided by Indigo in exchange for an unbiased review ***
4.5
After reading the first 4% of the book, I was sure I had made a mistake and that the book would be boring - not to my liking at all. But I was completely wrong. I really liked this book. The struggles of Ben and Tanner, too, were absolutely captivating and understandable. It brought especially Ben very close to me, I could feel with him and comprehend the reasons for his actions. It was written very captivating and it sucked me right into the story.
Ben is a former Navy, currently employed by the FBI. His past hurt him a lot, so that he cannot live freely and places various restrictions on himself. He fears to be hurt again, to love again, although he yearns for a lover at the same time. He is very dissatisfied with his life, however, he also isn't able to overcome his subconsciousness and actively find what he misses.
Ben and Tanner first meet as one night stands, but have to keep company of the other because of a murder investigation. At first Tanner is very angry with Ben because of his behaviour during their time together, but as the investigation continues they learn more about each other. How broken the other person is and they gradually become the one thing that keeps the other from shattering.
To the crime: I thought it very interesting. It was fast paced and there weren't any boring stretches that would have ruined the suspense. However, it wasn't the main topic of the book. It never overshadowed the actual storyline. It only lended realism to it. I enjoyed this investigation, even though I had a strong suspicion of who the perpretrator was, only halfway through the book.
To anyone that likes crime investigations, struggling, as well as realistic protagonists and an interesting storyline, I would definitely recommend this book. I enjoyed it very much :)
4.5
After reading the first 4% of the book, I was sure I had made a mistake and that the book would be boring - not to my liking at all. But I was completely wrong. I really liked this book. The struggles of Ben and Tanner, too, were absolutely captivating and understandable. It brought especially Ben very close to me, I could feel with him and comprehend the reasons for his actions. It was written very captivating and it sucked me right into the story.
Ben is a former Navy, currently employed by the FBI. His past hurt him a lot, so that he cannot live freely and places various restrictions on himself. He fears to be hurt again, to love again, although he yearns for a lover at the same time. He is very dissatisfied with his life, however, he also isn't able to overcome his subconsciousness and actively find what he misses.
Ben and Tanner first meet as one night stands, but have to keep company of the other because of a murder investigation. At first Tanner is very angry with Ben because of his behaviour during their time together, but as the investigation continues they learn more about each other. How broken the other person is and they gradually become the one thing that keeps the other from shattering.
To the crime: I thought it very interesting. It was fast paced and there weren't any boring stretches that would have ruined the suspense. However, it wasn't the main topic of the book. It never overshadowed the actual storyline. It only lended realism to it. I enjoyed this investigation, even though I had a strong suspicion of who the perpretrator was, only halfway through the book.
To anyone that likes crime investigations, struggling, as well as realistic protagonists and an interesting storyline, I would definitely recommend this book. I enjoyed it very much :)
October 6, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Ben is a former Navy Officer with PTSD who has had his heart broken so he’s not one for trusting or looking for a relationship. He’s an FBI agent now but isn’t happy with his job or his life and thinks maybe he could just let his motorcycle drift into oncoming traffic and end it all. He meets Tanner, a rancher, in a bar in Pennsylvania and there is an immediate attraction between the two. They go back to a hotel but Ben is pretty well undone by how sweet Tanner is to him. In the morning, Ben doesn’t know how to deal with his feelings so instead of saying anything, he leaves while Tanner is asleep, although it leaves him with a hefty dose of guilt in the days that follow. They meet up again when Ben’s team is called to Tanner’s town to investigate a murder. Tanner is understandably not pleased to see Ben, but Ben is in the closet so nothing is said. One murder turns into a string of murders that seem to be attached to Tanner so Ben ends up staying with Tanner for protection. They soon begin to work out their feelings and a very sweet and romantic relationship develops. Both of them end up in danger with a life ultimately in peril. Like all good stories, everything works out in the end and we get a really sweet happily ever after.
This had some really good angst, good action, nice character development, and a pretty good mystery. I did feel the mystery, although interesting, was too easy to figure out. The only thing that ever really bugged me was the overuse of epithets, such as, “the blond man”. I really wish authors would just use character’s names. But I really cared about Ben and Tanner and love them as a couple. This was a really fantastic book and I would highly recommend it to others. A solid 4.5 stars for me.
Ben is a former Navy Officer with PTSD who has had his heart broken so he’s not one for trusting or looking for a relationship. He’s an FBI agent now but isn’t happy with his job or his life and thinks maybe he could just let his motorcycle drift into oncoming traffic and end it all. He meets Tanner, a rancher, in a bar in Pennsylvania and there is an immediate attraction between the two. They go back to a hotel but Ben is pretty well undone by how sweet Tanner is to him. In the morning, Ben doesn’t know how to deal with his feelings so instead of saying anything, he leaves while Tanner is asleep, although it leaves him with a hefty dose of guilt in the days that follow. They meet up again when Ben’s team is called to Tanner’s town to investigate a murder. Tanner is understandably not pleased to see Ben, but Ben is in the closet so nothing is said. One murder turns into a string of murders that seem to be attached to Tanner so Ben ends up staying with Tanner for protection. They soon begin to work out their feelings and a very sweet and romantic relationship develops. Both of them end up in danger with a life ultimately in peril. Like all good stories, everything works out in the end and we get a really sweet happily ever after.
This had some really good angst, good action, nice character development, and a pretty good mystery. I did feel the mystery, although interesting, was too easy to figure out. The only thing that ever really bugged me was the overuse of epithets, such as, “the blond man”. I really wish authors would just use character’s names. But I really cared about Ben and Tanner and love them as a couple. This was a really fantastic book and I would highly recommend it to others. A solid 4.5 stars for me.
October 3, 2015
4.5 Stars
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher via Indigo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest review*
Ben is a former Navy Officer, turned FBI agent in Baltimore. Feeling his career is heading nowhere fast and feeling like a failure, Ben takes off to a small, out of town, hole in the wall bar for a night of drinking. Maybe he'll just drive his bike off the road and end it all. He never planned on meeting Tanner, a small town rancher. The sparks fly and they share a night of hot sex. Ben takes off, but they are thrown back together when Ben and his team are assigned to a case in Tanner's small town, where Tanner is quickly becoming the suspect.
This was a good book. I love a good mystery. Shows like Criminal Minds and CSI, authors like John Grisham are among my favorites. Throw in some hot man on man action, and you just about have the perfect storm. The story and plot were good. The relationship part of the story, I loved. Ben and Tanner were well developed and had good chemistry. The sex was hot and passionate, yet sweet and intense.
The story flowed at a good pace and was exciting, but unfortunately the mystery portion was somewhat predictable. I was pretty sure I knew almost from the time they got to the small town, who the murder was, and I was correct. I think this portion of the story was good, but the author needed a wider set of suspects to keep the reader guessing.
All in all, this was a very good and enjoyable read. This is by first book by Bailey, but I definitely plan to check out more!
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher via Indigo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest review*
Ben is a former Navy Officer, turned FBI agent in Baltimore. Feeling his career is heading nowhere fast and feeling like a failure, Ben takes off to a small, out of town, hole in the wall bar for a night of drinking. Maybe he'll just drive his bike off the road and end it all. He never planned on meeting Tanner, a small town rancher. The sparks fly and they share a night of hot sex. Ben takes off, but they are thrown back together when Ben and his team are assigned to a case in Tanner's small town, where Tanner is quickly becoming the suspect.
This was a good book. I love a good mystery. Shows like Criminal Minds and CSI, authors like John Grisham are among my favorites. Throw in some hot man on man action, and you just about have the perfect storm. The story and plot were good. The relationship part of the story, I loved. Ben and Tanner were well developed and had good chemistry. The sex was hot and passionate, yet sweet and intense.
The story flowed at a good pace and was exciting, but unfortunately the mystery portion was somewhat predictable. I was pretty sure I knew almost from the time they got to the small town, who the murder was, and I was correct. I think this portion of the story was good, but the author needed a wider set of suspects to keep the reader guessing.
All in all, this was a very good and enjoyable read. This is by first book by Bailey, but I definitely plan to check out more!
September 17, 2024
We have two MC's: Ben and Tanner. Ben is a retired naval officer,slightly jaded and almost burnout, closeted gay FBI man. Tanner, an openly gay man in a small PA town which is being besieged with the killings of opening gay men with some link to Tanner. They meet in a bar: Ben drunk, with a buzz and Tanner, cool and hot. A hookup, a one night stand: it affected both men differently. It caused Ben, who just got out of a damaging relationship,as revealed in flashbacks, along with PTSD, made him run to the hills because of Tanner's gentleness and caring attitude. Tanner thought there was a flicker of attraction, a little deeper than just a casual hookup in his mind. Ben leaving before Tanner woke without leaving a note was pretty traumatic to Tanner, who normally did not do these things. Ben,I believe, never would have reconnected with Tanner had it not been for the murders sweeping the area as Lead FBI man he was called in to investigate. Tanner is not amused to find Ben is not out and does not acknowledge having met him before. This was a good and exciting read. We have mystery and romance, my two favorite themes.
Bailey Queen is new to me and I like her writing,her sentence structure and word usage. I thought Tanner's reaction was bit over board. I mean, it was a one night stand. Hardly enough for all the squawking and hard time he gave Ben. All in all, this is a entertaining read. and I would recommend this to anyone. I would not say this was a HEA more like HFN.
*********
.ARC received by the publisher for an honest review
Bailey Queen is new to me and I like her writing,her sentence structure and word usage. I thought Tanner's reaction was bit over board. I mean, it was a one night stand. Hardly enough for all the squawking and hard time he gave Ben. All in all, this is a entertaining read. and I would recommend this to anyone. I would not say this was a HEA more like HFN.
*********
.ARC received by the publisher for an honest review
January 31, 2020
First things first: I received a copy of this book from the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
The plot kept my interest - a string of murders in a small PA town near Gettysburg, all connected to Tanner Bagley, the gorgeous rancher with whom FBI Agent Ben Diggs had a one-night stand shortly before the murders began. The murder plot kept the story very tight and focused, but IMHO the murderer was fairly obvious from the start, and a few more misdirects or red herrings were needed.
Ben's deep in the closet, but he's also harboring a secret from his years in the military, one that has left him with PTSD and a bone-deep despair. I felt Ben's background needed some more foreshadowing throughout to explain him, rather than a few vague references and then a reveal at almost the very end. Without some of that knowledge, Ben's character didn't have a lot of depth.
Tanner was called "the blonde" too often in the book, and some paragraphs needed to better differentiate which "him" or "his" was doing what to whom! A solid 3 stars, and I look forward to reading another book by Bailey Queen.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
The plot kept my interest - a string of murders in a small PA town near Gettysburg, all connected to Tanner Bagley, the gorgeous rancher with whom FBI Agent Ben Diggs had a one-night stand shortly before the murders began. The murder plot kept the story very tight and focused, but IMHO the murderer was fairly obvious from the start, and a few more misdirects or red herrings were needed.
Ben's deep in the closet, but he's also harboring a secret from his years in the military, one that has left him with PTSD and a bone-deep despair. I felt Ben's background needed some more foreshadowing throughout to explain him, rather than a few vague references and then a reveal at almost the very end. Without some of that knowledge, Ben's character didn't have a lot of depth.
Tanner was called "the blonde" too often in the book, and some paragraphs needed to better differentiate which "him" or "his" was doing what to whom! A solid 3 stars, and I look forward to reading another book by Bailey Queen.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
May 17, 2016
Original review 7/23/15
I seem to figure out the killer pretty quickly in most of the murder mysteries I read but not in this one. Really great characterizations and an excellent plot, combined with a romance and memorable sex scenes that didn't overwhelm the story. I borrowed this on unlimited but I'll be buying it to keep. Looking forward to more from this author. I would like a better cover photo though!
1/14/16 Reread
I liked this as much as the first time. I did notice a couple of errors. FBI would never give up their guns like they did at the church. I still liked the characters. It was understandable that Tanner was a bit too judgemental of Ben. Sorry, but anyone you pick up a bar is usually a one-night stand and them skipping out shouldn't be a surprise. It just made Tanner feel more genuine giving him those feelings. Especially seeing Ben again a few days later as FBI. Ben was relatable too, with his past experiences. It was such a heroic and touching ending to the story.
I seem to figure out the killer pretty quickly in most of the murder mysteries I read but not in this one. Really great characterizations and an excellent plot, combined with a romance and memorable sex scenes that didn't overwhelm the story. I borrowed this on unlimited but I'll be buying it to keep. Looking forward to more from this author. I would like a better cover photo though!
1/14/16 Reread
I liked this as much as the first time. I did notice a couple of errors. FBI would never give up their guns like they did at the church. I still liked the characters. It was understandable that Tanner was a bit too judgemental of Ben. Sorry, but anyone you pick up a bar is usually a one-night stand and them skipping out shouldn't be a surprise. It just made Tanner feel more genuine giving him those feelings. Especially seeing Ben again a few days later as FBI. Ben was relatable too, with his past experiences. It was such a heroic and touching ending to the story.
September 7, 2015
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
3.5 stars
Compromised by Bailey Queen was an enjoyable romantic mystery. The 2 main characters, Ben & Tanner, have a rocky start but they have to work together when someone starts killing gay men in the small PA town who had previous romantic connections with Tanner. It’s a whodunit that was fairly easy to figure out but the plot and characters were engaging enough that this didn’t detract much from the story. I figured out the who but I did have the why wrong so that was good. I wish there was more to Ben’s family “issues”, which were resolved with no problems whatsoever. He was considering suicide in the beginning of the book & didn’t contact them when he had a serious medical emergency but the issues appear to have been all in his head.
So overall a good story, recommend for an enjoyable distraction for a few hours.
3.5 stars
Compromised by Bailey Queen was an enjoyable romantic mystery. The 2 main characters, Ben & Tanner, have a rocky start but they have to work together when someone starts killing gay men in the small PA town who had previous romantic connections with Tanner. It’s a whodunit that was fairly easy to figure out but the plot and characters were engaging enough that this didn’t detract much from the story. I figured out the who but I did have the why wrong so that was good. I wish there was more to Ben’s family “issues”, which were resolved with no problems whatsoever. He was considering suicide in the beginning of the book & didn’t contact them when he had a serious medical emergency but the issues appear to have been all in his head.
So overall a good story, recommend for an enjoyable distraction for a few hours.
August 20, 2015
I have to say, I loved this story. These were very realistic characters. Ben is a closet case and has extremely low self esteem. He's been in the Navy and seen hard times in the Middle East. He's not really that into his job because of the frustration level. When he meets Tanner, he intends it to be a one night stand, something left in the middle of nowhere even after Tanner is very tender and sweet with him, a glimpse of what he's convinced he doesn't deserve. His issues aren't solely related to the war, though he does seem to have some PTSD. He's insecure, and his early actions are hurtful to Tanner. Tanner seems to be emotional in his own right. He's not closeted at all, but he has his hangups, mainly the desire for a true partner. They reunite under less than favorable circumstances and their journey to each other isn't easy. I love the realism of their situation and it has some very sweet moments, and some heartbreaking ones. I would love to read more from this author.
January 29, 2016
Poor sad sweet Ben. I just wanted to tell him it was going to be okay. Tanner was a whiny git for far too long - it's like he thought getting picked up at a bar and getting load was the equivalent of getting engaged for all the bla bla bla he did about it. He came around, though, and the story was engaging (even if the bad guy was a tiny bit obvious). 3.5 stars.
March 31, 2016
This book was recommended to me, and while I liked some things about it, there were so many plot holes which cannot be overlooked (I knew who the killer was immediately.) In the end, it was an average read that defied realism on the law enforcement aspects.
January 24, 2016
It deserves more like 3.5 stars, but I really liked it despite its many stumbles, so...
June 27, 2018
Good read. Good mystery. Wasn't sure why Tanner was all up Ben's craw after their one night together, though. I thought he expected a lot from Ben after just a few hours of sex together. And the end seemed a little rushed (at least to me) with really no resolution to Ben's employment. Does he stay or go? How will he and Tanner move forward with their relationship? A few unanswered questions keep me from giving this four stars.
Read
November 24, 2019无语透了。没看完。
本来很喜欢这个设定的，牛仔与警察，天啊我多喜欢啊。结果最讨厌的事情发生了——我喜欢的设定遇到了糟糕的情节人物和文笔。
里面的警察ben，FBI，跟另一主角牛仔哥tanner一见发情，这无所谓了，结果发生了连环命案，就在tanner住的地方附近，还是他认识的人，而且都跟他有密切关联，那这牛仔哥不是很自然就是本案重要嫌疑人之一，结果ben的同事怀疑tanner的时候ben就脑内骂自己同事。。。WTF？能否别用下半身思考！
再说这tanner，我也是醉了。死的这几个人都跟他有过一段，还包括几个前几章没死的，这镇子里但凡是个gay，无论出柜的还是深柜的，跟他都有一腿！性自由也不用这样吧！
一口老血！
本来很喜欢这个设定的，牛仔与警察，天啊我多喜欢啊。结果最讨厌的事情发生了——我喜欢的设定遇到了糟糕的情节人物和文笔。
里面的警察ben，FBI，跟另一主角牛仔哥tanner一见发情，这无所谓了，结果发生了连环命案，就在tanner住的地方附近，还是他认识的人，而且都跟他有密切关联，那这牛仔哥不是很自然就是本案重要嫌疑人之一，结果ben的同事怀疑tanner的时候ben就脑内骂自己同事。。。WTF？能否别用下半身思考！
再说这tanner，我也是醉了。死的这几个人都跟他有过一段，还包括几个前几章没死的，这镇子里但凡是个gay，无论出柜的还是深柜的，跟他都有一腿！性自由也不用这样吧！
一口老血！
April 13, 2020
Another one that began really nicely and then... totally disappointed me.
First, the mystery... I knew who was the killer almost from the beginning, so not a big mystery at all. The romance... I'm sorry, but they both acted like moody teenagers, everything was so ultra-emotional and then, of course, insta-love! So, no, it didn't work for me, either.
Oh, well, let's go with the next one...
First, the mystery... I knew who was the killer almost from the beginning, so not a big mystery at all. The romance... I'm sorry, but they both acted like moody teenagers, everything was so ultra-emotional and then, of course, insta-love! So, no, it didn't work for me, either.
Oh, well, let's go with the next one...
do-not-read
April 22, 2021As per Susan's review - "Well… this was quite awful.
The writing was pretty weird at times. I don’t think you can replace the word orgasm with the word cum.
His head thrashed from side to side, waves of his cum building deep inside.
Booze and his hard cum pulled him under, and Ben woke, jerking, two hours later"
NO.
The writing was pretty weird at times. I don’t think you can replace the word orgasm with the word cum.
His head thrashed from side to side, waves of his cum building deep inside.
Booze and his hard cum pulled him under, and Ben woke, jerking, two hours later"
NO.
January 31, 2020
3.5 Stars
Couldn't bump it up to 4 stars because there are some serious editing issues. Hope they were cleaned up in the 2nd edition.
Also, I knew who the killer was right away but still wanted to read how it all played out. And I really liked both of the MCs.
Couldn't bump it up to 4 stars because there are some serious editing issues. Hope they were cleaned up in the 2nd edition.
Also, I knew who the killer was right away but still wanted to read how it all played out. And I really liked both of the MCs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews