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Concepts #2
Cold-Hearted Concept
Detective Beck Stryker has a lot to his long-distance relationship with FBI profiler Zach Littman, the family issues of cop widow Marybeth Halliday and her two boys, and the ups and downs of being out and proud. To top it off, Beck must work with his closeted ex-lover Van on the case of a skeleton discovered in the woods.
FBI profiler Dr. Zach Littman has been working on an exit strategy for months. Every time he’s on the brink of resigning, Minneapolis Unit Director Sands comes up with “one more case,” one that only Zach can manage. It’s a situation that frustrates Beck. Zach has promised he’ll leave the FBI and profiling behind--as soon as his Colorado medical license comes through. It may be easier said than done. Zach has reservations about uprooting his life and moving to Denver.
A killer leaves a grisly invitation insisting Zach participate in a deadly game, the rules of which are known only to the psychopath. It’s clear taking out Zach is on the killer’s to-do list, and he won’t stop until it’s done. Beck and Zach must capture the killer before the psychopath finds Zach and declares Game Over.
FBI profiler Dr. Zach Littman has been working on an exit strategy for months. Every time he’s on the brink of resigning, Minneapolis Unit Director Sands comes up with “one more case,” one that only Zach can manage. It’s a situation that frustrates Beck. Zach has promised he’ll leave the FBI and profiling behind--as soon as his Colorado medical license comes through. It may be easier said than done. Zach has reservations about uprooting his life and moving to Denver.
A killer leaves a grisly invitation insisting Zach participate in a deadly game, the rules of which are known only to the psychopath. It’s clear taking out Zach is on the killer’s to-do list, and he won’t stop until it’s done. Beck and Zach must capture the killer before the psychopath finds Zach and declares Game Over.
481 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2015
9 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Whitley Gray
19 books72 followersAfter years of reading straight-up mystery/thrillers, Whitley discovered romance. Inventing characters and putting them through paces in interesting ways turned out to be addictive, and along the way, Whitley discovered that two heroes is twice as nice. Stop by www.whitleygray.com and feed your fix for heat between the sheets with erotica and M/M romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 8, 2020
Wow… just wow!
Normally, I don’t write reviews, especially not in English, but this book definitely deserves one.
It’s absolutely brillant. Cold-Hearted Concept sucks you right into the story and leaves you biting your nails and sitting at the edge of your seat. I love it, when a book makes me feel as if a movie happens in my head and the author managed it with her excellent style of writing, the creating of suspense und the absolute authentic and great characters.
I loved Homicide-Detective Beck Stryker and FBI Profiler Zach Littman right from the start in the first book of this series (High Concept) and even more so in Cold-Hearted Concept. You feel their deep love for each other, even if there are still a lot of insecurities about their long-distance relationship and the decisions they have to make to change that.
The tension is palpable - the EVIL is palpable - and the villain gave me the creeps! So much so, that I had a sleepless night…
I can’t recommend Cold-Hearted Concept highly enough, because it’s a book you can’t put down, but at the same it’s a ride you don’t want to end. Since it’s part of a series, it’s important to read High Concept first!
I’d love to read more of this series und I hope, that Ruskin (Zach’s friend and fellow FBI Agent) gets his own book.
Normally, I don’t write reviews, especially not in English, but this book definitely deserves one.
It’s absolutely brillant. Cold-Hearted Concept sucks you right into the story and leaves you biting your nails and sitting at the edge of your seat. I love it, when a book makes me feel as if a movie happens in my head and the author managed it with her excellent style of writing, the creating of suspense und the absolute authentic and great characters.
I loved Homicide-Detective Beck Stryker and FBI Profiler Zach Littman right from the start in the first book of this series (High Concept) and even more so in Cold-Hearted Concept. You feel their deep love for each other, even if there are still a lot of insecurities about their long-distance relationship and the decisions they have to make to change that.
The tension is palpable - the EVIL is palpable - and the villain gave me the creeps! So much so, that I had a sleepless night…
I can’t recommend Cold-Hearted Concept highly enough, because it’s a book you can’t put down, but at the same it’s a ride you don’t want to end. Since it’s part of a series, it’s important to read High Concept first!
I’d love to read more of this series und I hope, that Ruskin (Zach’s friend and fellow FBI Agent) gets his own book.
January 5, 2016
I loved High Concept, there just don't seem to be a lot of whodunit/mystery/suspense type stories in the M/M genre, and Whitley did a wonderful job in the first book and made me root for the two MC's, Beck and Zach. I'm happy to say they both feature front and centre this time around too. 5 stars from me.
Beck Stryker is a cop in the Denver PD, and a murder task force leader. Dr Zach Littman is a profiler for the FBI but based in Minneapolis. Since the end of the last story, they've been having a long distance relationship but neither is happy about it, and Beck hopes that Zach will tell the FBI where to go, and take a job nearer Denver. When yet another serial killer strikes, has victims in both Omaha and Denver and seems to mimic what the killer Xavier Darling did in High Concept, they are flummoxed, as Xav-D is in a maximum security jail on the outskirts of Denver and is not allowed visitors unless it's under strict conditions. Worst of all, the Follower as he becomes known, has Zach in his sights and has warned everyone that Zach will be victim number 5. We then have a race against time, trying to identify other victims of the mass murderer AND the murderer himself, AND prevent him killing anyone else before his prophecy comes true.
I will warn you, there is some pretty gory stuff in this story. It was fascinating, breathtaking at times, and the ending was particularly nasty...but do my two guys make it at the end?? Enjoy the story, I certainly did!! Great job Whitley!!
Beck Stryker is a cop in the Denver PD, and a murder task force leader. Dr Zach Littman is a profiler for the FBI but based in Minneapolis. Since the end of the last story, they've been having a long distance relationship but neither is happy about it, and Beck hopes that Zach will tell the FBI where to go, and take a job nearer Denver. When yet another serial killer strikes, has victims in both Omaha and Denver and seems to mimic what the killer Xavier Darling did in High Concept, they are flummoxed, as Xav-D is in a maximum security jail on the outskirts of Denver and is not allowed visitors unless it's under strict conditions. Worst of all, the Follower as he becomes known, has Zach in his sights and has warned everyone that Zach will be victim number 5. We then have a race against time, trying to identify other victims of the mass murderer AND the murderer himself, AND prevent him killing anyone else before his prophecy comes true.
I will warn you, there is some pretty gory stuff in this story. It was fascinating, breathtaking at times, and the ending was particularly nasty...but do my two guys make it at the end?? Enjoy the story, I certainly did!! Great job Whitley!!
August 28, 2019
August 2019
I have to say I think I liked it more this time around. The mystery was even for a re-read really well done and I have to say, I liked Zach this time more
especially in the end - last time I had a bad feeling with him, but this time he did good
(yes I know - it is the same book ... ;) )
great second book and I really would like to read another in this world - either with this couple or with "Krell" :)
March 2016
This was a great second book in this series and I really, really enjoyed it. the mystery is nearly perfectly done and kept me on my toes.
the relationship was well done as well, although there were some parts that did not nearly fit as well as in the first book.
nevertheless, Beck and Zach are a great couple and I really, really hope there will be another book with these two.
I have to say I think I liked it more this time around. The mystery was even for a re-read really well done and I have to say, I liked Zach this time more
especially in the end - last time I had a bad feeling with him, but this time he did good
(yes I know - it is the same book ... ;) )
great second book and I really would like to read another in this world - either with this couple or with "Krell" :)
March 2016
This was a great second book in this series and I really, really enjoyed it. the mystery is nearly perfectly done and kept me on my toes.
the relationship was well done as well, although there were some parts that did not nearly fit as well as in the first book.
nevertheless, Beck and Zach are a great couple and I really, really hope there will be another book with these two.
January 4, 2016
A very, very good suspense, with a mm romance.
This book was much bette written than Book 1, it sucked me in from page 1.
I want to read more about these guys and their co-workers/friends/ex-lovers.
This book was much bette written than Book 1, it sucked me in from page 1.
I want to read more about these guys and their co-workers/friends/ex-lovers.
January 2, 2016
A resounding five stars for this page turning thriller - Cold-Hearted Concept has made it on to my top ten list for 2015.
This is a sequel I've been highly anticipating, and wow, did the author ever deliver. Big time!
FBI profiler Zach Littman and Denver homicide detective Beck Stryker are back several months following the hair raising events of 'High Concept'. These are two wonderfully portrayed characters. Both men are intelligent, intuitive, respected, compassionate, cool under pressure and very much in love with one another. There are only a few things keeping them from building a happy new life together. Things like: a serial killer who has Zach in their sights, the needy family of Beck's killed in the line of duty partner, an ex-lover, the allure of an FBI promotion, and the weight of past abandonment.
In deftly weaving together all of these elements, the author has created a nail biting page turner. I relish how long this story is. It's meaty, it's meaningful, it's mesmerizing - not a single word is superfluous. I found the investigative angles of the detailed day by day, hour by hour, step by step, multi-jurisdictional murder investigation entirely fascinating. The case is also fairly creepy. If you stay up late reading this like I did - and I bet you will - be sure to leave some lights on! The building of the romance dynamic between Zach and Beck while they are up to their eyeballs in a major - and personal - investigation is one of the most extremely genuine I've ever read. I love these two strong, yet vulnerable men for their individual merits. Together they rock not only the sheets, but their badges as well. Spellbinding, suspenseful, surprising, sexy. This story is all that and more. Such an extremely satisfying read. I'm already geared up for more Zach and Beck!
This is a sequel I've been highly anticipating, and wow, did the author ever deliver. Big time!
FBI profiler Zach Littman and Denver homicide detective Beck Stryker are back several months following the hair raising events of 'High Concept'. These are two wonderfully portrayed characters. Both men are intelligent, intuitive, respected, compassionate, cool under pressure and very much in love with one another. There are only a few things keeping them from building a happy new life together. Things like: a serial killer who has Zach in their sights, the needy family of Beck's killed in the line of duty partner, an ex-lover, the allure of an FBI promotion, and the weight of past abandonment.
In deftly weaving together all of these elements, the author has created a nail biting page turner. I relish how long this story is. It's meaty, it's meaningful, it's mesmerizing - not a single word is superfluous. I found the investigative angles of the detailed day by day, hour by hour, step by step, multi-jurisdictional murder investigation entirely fascinating. The case is also fairly creepy. If you stay up late reading this like I did - and I bet you will - be sure to leave some lights on! The building of the romance dynamic between Zach and Beck while they are up to their eyeballs in a major - and personal - investigation is one of the most extremely genuine I've ever read. I love these two strong, yet vulnerable men for their individual merits. Together they rock not only the sheets, but their badges as well. Spellbinding, suspenseful, surprising, sexy. This story is all that and more. Such an extremely satisfying read. I'm already geared up for more Zach and Beck!
July 18, 2020
Man I so wish this had another book. Not without issues, but totally could not put this down.
January 19, 2016
I was highly looking forward to this sequel. I totally enjoyed book one, High Concept, and getting to know the main characters, Beck and Zach. I really wanted to know more about them. Just a heads up – these books read like an episode of Criminal Minds; they are a crime drama procedural first, and a romance second—even though the relationship between the two main characters is truly brought forward in this second book. There is violence and graphic imagery contained within the storyline, so if that is a trigger for you, then be aware.
I have to say I could not put this book down. I read it straight through from beginning to end. To read that way is exceptionally rare for me and a testament to how well this book is written. Cold-Hearted Concept has a few tricks up its proverbial sleeve, and the only one who knows what’s going on is the serial killer. Why does he kill? How does he pick his victims? What does it all mean to him? Is he just crazy or brilliantly crazy? Just how many killers are we talking about here, and how is it possible that they all fit together? And why do they always have to make it so personal? Zach and Ben are working desperately to find the killer(s), and navigate a new relationship, and their struggles are woven into the storyline seamlessly. Whitley Gray does a fantastic job of creating authentic characters—some you love, some you hate, and some who just creep you out—but they are all riveting.
The first one has been a novelty, back before he’d known what he was doing. It took time to adjust to the feel of the knife going into a sentient being – so different from carving cold, dead skin. The utter control and domination he’d exerted over the live girl had generated a much more gratifying response.
Beck Stryker is a detective on the Denver Police Force. He recently came out for his new boyfriend, Zach, and untangled himself from a relationship with his coworker, Van, that was unhealthy and closeted. He’s desperately trying to hold it all together at work, and balance his personal life at the same time. The love that he and Zach share is never in doubt, but is love enough when your new boyfriend is a highly skilled FBI profiler? Beck desperately wants to be “enough” for Zach. Beck is a mountain of steadfastness for the people in his life, and he wants to be that for Zach if the man will let him.
Zach Littman is young, an FBI profiler and a good one. He flies all over the country making profiles of murderers so that local law enforcement agencies know the nature of the killers they are after. Zach gets a thrill from matching wits with serial killers. He loves his job, but he loves Beck more… right? There are so many demands on Zach, from his boss at the FBI to the fascination from a serial killer; how can he keep Beck happy and alive and not become the next victim? I have to say I loved/hated Zach. He tends to have an inflated sense of himself, and it takes a lot for him to learn the lesson that the people in your life should mean more than your job does. Zach’s choices have hurt the ones he loves before, so why does he keep making the same choices?
Shivers. This book gave me shivers and goosebumps. I had to keep reading because I just had to KNOW what came next in the story, and I had to finish it well before bedtime because there was no way I would be able to sleep with this imagery in my head. The inside of a serial killer’s mind is scary place to be, and Whitley Gray does an excellent job of taking you there. I would love to have a story for Van next. If you had told me from book one I would feel sorry for his character, I wouldn’t have believed you. But I can see redemption there… maybe. This is book two in the Concepts Series and a standalone—you do not have to read book one to understand what is going on in this story—but it would help, as there are crossover characters as well as plot lines, but not absolutely necessary. The writing in this book is spot on, the storyline believable and well thought out. All in all, Cold-Hearted Concept is a truly great, shiver inducing read.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
I have to say I could not put this book down. I read it straight through from beginning to end. To read that way is exceptionally rare for me and a testament to how well this book is written. Cold-Hearted Concept has a few tricks up its proverbial sleeve, and the only one who knows what’s going on is the serial killer. Why does he kill? How does he pick his victims? What does it all mean to him? Is he just crazy or brilliantly crazy? Just how many killers are we talking about here, and how is it possible that they all fit together? And why do they always have to make it so personal? Zach and Ben are working desperately to find the killer(s), and navigate a new relationship, and their struggles are woven into the storyline seamlessly. Whitley Gray does a fantastic job of creating authentic characters—some you love, some you hate, and some who just creep you out—but they are all riveting.
The first one has been a novelty, back before he’d known what he was doing. It took time to adjust to the feel of the knife going into a sentient being – so different from carving cold, dead skin. The utter control and domination he’d exerted over the live girl had generated a much more gratifying response.
Beck Stryker is a detective on the Denver Police Force. He recently came out for his new boyfriend, Zach, and untangled himself from a relationship with his coworker, Van, that was unhealthy and closeted. He’s desperately trying to hold it all together at work, and balance his personal life at the same time. The love that he and Zach share is never in doubt, but is love enough when your new boyfriend is a highly skilled FBI profiler? Beck desperately wants to be “enough” for Zach. Beck is a mountain of steadfastness for the people in his life, and he wants to be that for Zach if the man will let him.
Zach Littman is young, an FBI profiler and a good one. He flies all over the country making profiles of murderers so that local law enforcement agencies know the nature of the killers they are after. Zach gets a thrill from matching wits with serial killers. He loves his job, but he loves Beck more… right? There are so many demands on Zach, from his boss at the FBI to the fascination from a serial killer; how can he keep Beck happy and alive and not become the next victim? I have to say I loved/hated Zach. He tends to have an inflated sense of himself, and it takes a lot for him to learn the lesson that the people in your life should mean more than your job does. Zach’s choices have hurt the ones he loves before, so why does he keep making the same choices?
Shivers. This book gave me shivers and goosebumps. I had to keep reading because I just had to KNOW what came next in the story, and I had to finish it well before bedtime because there was no way I would be able to sleep with this imagery in my head. The inside of a serial killer’s mind is scary place to be, and Whitley Gray does an excellent job of taking you there. I would love to have a story for Van next. If you had told me from book one I would feel sorry for his character, I wouldn’t have believed you. But I can see redemption there… maybe. This is book two in the Concepts Series and a standalone—you do not have to read book one to understand what is going on in this story—but it would help, as there are crossover characters as well as plot lines, but not absolutely necessary. The writing in this book is spot on, the storyline believable and well thought out. All in all, Cold-Hearted Concept is a truly great, shiver inducing read.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
January 5, 2016
Excellent. I thought this was even better than the first book, and I loved the first book. There was a lot of attention to detail, and the story was taut and suspenseful. I had a hard time putting this down, and when I was away from the book, would ruminate over the crime. I really enjoy this type of crime thriller, especially when it is done well. Beck and Zach are terrific characters. Highly recommended.
August 22, 2025
4.5 stars
We are back with Zach & Beck , joining forces again for yet another serial killer . Although they are navigating living together at the same time and problems occur.
It turns out there are 3 Serial killers working alongside each other 😳😳😳
We are back with Zach & Beck , joining forces again for yet another serial killer . Although they are navigating living together at the same time and problems occur.
It turns out there are 3 Serial killers working alongside each other 😳😳😳
February 25, 2023
I apologize profusely to the author for taking so long to read this second installment in the 'Concepts' series. Considering how much I loved the first book and that, at the time, Whitley Gray was a new-to-me author, I have been waiting for this next story with Beck and Zach. I couldn't wait to dig in to more homicide, hot sex, and fabulous characters! So if I forget to say it when I'm done, thank you, Whitley.
"There was no longer any reason not to leave the behavioral unit. Other than Zach’s reluctance. If it weren’t for that niggling feeling that no one else could manage Zach’s cases as well as he had, it would be easy to leave the unit. Maybe his ego was the main roadblock here. Maybe loss of control was."
It was tough to see Zach struggling with leaving the FBI. Even though Beck understands it's not him who is giving up his cases, stuff that he worked hard on, and that are still not resolved. Now it seems a second killer is taunting Zach and he gets dragged back into profiling for the FBI even though he is on leave before resigning. The new killer has tied it into Denver and Beck is so not happy about this turn of events. Beck's insecurities are riding him, afraid that Zach is going to go back to the FBI and he'll lose him completely.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
"There was no longer any reason not to leave the behavioral unit. Other than Zach’s reluctance. If it weren’t for that niggling feeling that no one else could manage Zach’s cases as well as he had, it would be easy to leave the unit. Maybe his ego was the main roadblock here. Maybe loss of control was."
It was tough to see Zach struggling with leaving the FBI. Even though Beck understands it's not him who is giving up his cases, stuff that he worked hard on, and that are still not resolved. Now it seems a second killer is taunting Zach and he gets dragged back into profiling for the FBI even though he is on leave before resigning. The new killer has tied it into Denver and Beck is so not happy about this turn of events. Beck's insecurities are riding him, afraid that Zach is going to go back to the FBI and he'll lose him completely.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
March 5, 2016
Since I’m guessing that OMFG is not enough of a review, I’ll try to briefly state why I loved this book, without sounding too fan girl.
For those of you who follow my reviews, you know that Romantic Suspense is my absolute favorite genre. In my humble opinion, there is nothing better than a tight mystery wrapped around a steamy love affair. Whitley Grey has done just that…in spades.
Now, the worst way to mess up a good mystery is to let me figure out the bad guys too early. Unfortunately, now that I do most of my reading on a Kindle, I can’t just skip to the end of the book.
The plotting of Cold-Hearted Concept is absolutely perfect. I was guessing until the end. There are plenty of clues, but just as many red herrings.
And of course, every good romantic suspense, need a great leading couple. Zach and Beck are soooo it. Both men are strong and good at their jobs. Both question if being together is worth all the changes and sacrifices that each must make.
In the end, both the romance and the suspense left me satisfied.
Highly recommending.
For those of you who follow my reviews, you know that Romantic Suspense is my absolute favorite genre. In my humble opinion, there is nothing better than a tight mystery wrapped around a steamy love affair. Whitley Grey has done just that…in spades.
Now, the worst way to mess up a good mystery is to let me figure out the bad guys too early. Unfortunately, now that I do most of my reading on a Kindle, I can’t just skip to the end of the book.
The plotting of Cold-Hearted Concept is absolutely perfect. I was guessing until the end. There are plenty of clues, but just as many red herrings.
And of course, every good romantic suspense, need a great leading couple. Zach and Beck are soooo it. Both men are strong and good at their jobs. Both question if being together is worth all the changes and sacrifices that each must make.
In the end, both the romance and the suspense left me satisfied.
Highly recommending.
January 5, 2016
I had to wait a long time for book 2 to be published, but it was totally worth it. :)
April 3, 2017
Well written, creepy and thrilling as hell! Great read.
January 23, 2016
Intense page Turner.
Both books in this Concepts series are riveting page turners. Whitley Gray has captured and put into written word the absolute insanity and horror of the serial killer mindset. The up hill battle all branches of law enforcement face in trying to piece together what clues they do have and try to find and stop these killers is often times stymied by jurisdiction, uncooperative statements by people with ties to the victims and our own laws, which at times seems to give more protection to convicted killers. I realize there are valid reasons for these types of road blocks to investigations but how many times have known killers gotten off because of the letter of the law and procedural protocol?
What a minefield law enforcement must navigate while trying to capture this type of criminal and still be expected to protect us from being the next victim.
Ms Gray has embodied this series with insight into what these steps encompass and how these horrific crimes affect those who are embroiled in the aftermath.
The two main characters, Beck and Zach come together with a shared desire to solve these murders and find a love for one another that survives against all odds.
I don't know if there will be another book in this amazing series but if so, it will be on my Buy Now list. Kudos Msg Gray on writing such captivating series.
Both books in this Concepts series are riveting page turners. Whitley Gray has captured and put into written word the absolute insanity and horror of the serial killer mindset. The up hill battle all branches of law enforcement face in trying to piece together what clues they do have and try to find and stop these killers is often times stymied by jurisdiction, uncooperative statements by people with ties to the victims and our own laws, which at times seems to give more protection to convicted killers. I realize there are valid reasons for these types of road blocks to investigations but how many times have known killers gotten off because of the letter of the law and procedural protocol?
What a minefield law enforcement must navigate while trying to capture this type of criminal and still be expected to protect us from being the next victim.
Ms Gray has embodied this series with insight into what these steps encompass and how these horrific crimes affect those who are embroiled in the aftermath.
The two main characters, Beck and Zach come together with a shared desire to solve these murders and find a love for one another that survives against all odds.
I don't know if there will be another book in this amazing series but if so, it will be on my Buy Now list. Kudos Msg Gray on writing such captivating series.
January 26, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, but after reading it like that, I have to say I think you'll connect better with the characters if you read them in order.
Beck and Zach have been trying to have a long-distance relationship for a few months, but so far, it's not going great. In the last month, Zach has cancelled his plans to visit Beck in Denver several times and that is taking a toll on both of them. Zach has decided to give up his work as an FBI profiler, but his boss keeps asking for one last favor until he finds just the one that will keep him at his job for a little while longer. That the job is in Denver, is just a bonus. However, things are not perfect between Beck and Zach, with the added pressure of trying to catch the Follower before he catches them.
This was such an engaging, thrilling read! I was completely engrossed in the action, in the suspense as Beck and Zach worked side by side to catch a killer before he murdered again and navigating through their relationship while trying to reach some kind of compromise. Never mind that there were so many things happening at the same time, not just the killer angle. Yes, the book is long, but it's so good, I didn't want to put it down until I finished!
Definitely recommendable!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, but after reading it like that, I have to say I think you'll connect better with the characters if you read them in order.
Beck and Zach have been trying to have a long-distance relationship for a few months, but so far, it's not going great. In the last month, Zach has cancelled his plans to visit Beck in Denver several times and that is taking a toll on both of them. Zach has decided to give up his work as an FBI profiler, but his boss keeps asking for one last favor until he finds just the one that will keep him at his job for a little while longer. That the job is in Denver, is just a bonus. However, things are not perfect between Beck and Zach, with the added pressure of trying to catch the Follower before he catches them.
This was such an engaging, thrilling read! I was completely engrossed in the action, in the suspense as Beck and Zach worked side by side to catch a killer before he murdered again and navigating through their relationship while trying to reach some kind of compromise. Never mind that there were so many things happening at the same time, not just the killer angle. Yes, the book is long, but it's so good, I didn't want to put it down until I finished!
Definitely recommendable!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
March 14, 2016
Yeah, it was a long story.
I found this quite riveting. It was incredibly suspenseful, with a lot of tedious police work thrown in. Woven into it was the building of a relationship between two driven, dedicated professionals. They were also two men deeply in love. There was a side plot with Dan's family, the family of Beck's deceased partner. The author gave us views into the killers mind and motivations. It all came together as a chilling slow-motion chase, with Zach and Beck painstakingly following clues. We kind of know who the killer is but not WHO the killer is.
I couldn't give this less than five stars, since I enjoyed it so much. It was frustrating in many ways, as they came so close to answers but couldn't get it quite right. It seemed implausible that certain information wouldn't have been followed up on, when it seemed so obvious. I was rather disappointed at the ending. I wanted a little more to the closure after the climactic events. It felt too abrupt and wrapped up quickly for all the issues that were raised throughout the book. It was a bit like book one that way, so perhaps there is more to come. I could see some of the secondary characters having their own stories.
I found this quite riveting. It was incredibly suspenseful, with a lot of tedious police work thrown in. Woven into it was the building of a relationship between two driven, dedicated professionals. They were also two men deeply in love. There was a side plot with Dan's family, the family of Beck's deceased partner. The author gave us views into the killers mind and motivations. It all came together as a chilling slow-motion chase, with Zach and Beck painstakingly following clues. We kind of know who the killer is but not WHO the killer is.
I couldn't give this less than five stars, since I enjoyed it so much. It was frustrating in many ways, as they came so close to answers but couldn't get it quite right. It seemed implausible that certain information wouldn't have been followed up on, when it seemed so obvious. I was rather disappointed at the ending. I wanted a little more to the closure after the climactic events. It felt too abrupt and wrapped up quickly for all the issues that were raised throughout the book. It was a bit like book one that way, so perhaps there is more to come. I could see some of the secondary characters having their own stories.
March 5, 2016
Fantastic serial killer thriller - even though said killer was, as is almost par for the course for that kind of mysteries, totally over the top crazy and thus the whole action plot had something like an original cookie-cutter feel to it. Does that make sense? Like a killer made from staples yet cooked up really well.
I absolutely loved the real, lifelike love story. Those two don't fight, they have disagreements like adults and they work to make it work against all obstacles.
This book was a great sequel to a very good first book. Loved both and recommend them.
January 30, 2016
Book #2 in the Concepts series. And I sincerely hope there's a book #3. I really like the main characters a lot: They're smart, they have great chemistry, and they actually talk to one another.
The bad guy in this one was vile. I don't know if this is a spoiler, but the blood stuff that he does for a living and how he tortures his victims hit my needle phobia. Toward the end of the book, I noticed I was curled into myself because of what was happening. I can't remember the last time that happened.
And finally, good lord Van is a jackass. But I still feel sorry for him.
The bad guy in this one was vile. I don't know if this is a spoiler, but the blood stuff that he does for a living and how he tortures his victims hit my needle phobia. Toward the end of the book, I noticed I was curled into myself because of what was happening. I can't remember the last time that happened.
And finally, good lord Van is a jackass. But I still feel sorry for him.
January 12, 2016
This was an excellent read. I felt I was reading a full book (m/m always seem short). The mystery element of it was intriguing and graphic and matched much of what I read in that genre, it would easily hold its own there. The m/m element just made it better!
I had to re-read the first book to reacquaint with the characters and I really enjoyed it second time around. This one was better. I hope there's more.
I had to re-read the first book to reacquaint with the characters and I really enjoyed it second time around. This one was better. I hope there's more.
June 21, 2017
Seriously gripping story!
Would have liked an epilogue at the end to show a bit more of Zack and Beck without the scary drama as it seemed to end really quickly - does this mean we're getting another book???
Would have liked an epilogue at the end to show a bit more of Zack and Beck without the scary drama as it seemed to end really quickly - does this mean we're getting another book???
February 14, 2016
4.5 'Enjoyable suspense filled fast paced read with two gorgeous leads' stars.
February 20, 2016
A solid 4 1/2 stars!
This one is better than the first book, a definite recommend!
This one is better than the first book, a definite recommend!
April 23, 2018
Good sequel to the first book. I have to say I was definitely team Beck while reading this book. I understood his issues and felt like Zach could have handled his issues better. Again, I would have loved more angst in this, their arguments were shortlived and I felt like the romance part of this book could have been stronger. I definitely wish there was some sort of better ending of this book when it comes to resolving Zach's issues, maybe let him work alongside Beck or make a new unit in Denver? I wanted there a better closer. It felt like the issues could potentially arise again.
May 5, 2021
Not all that exiting but still made me finish the whole book.
I like knowing charecters. But in this one I just couldn't find enough quirks in neither of the MC'S. Or for that matter, in their relationships.
The mystery was what got me going, to be more precise, the serial killer got my attention more than anything else this book had to offer [yes, including the sex]. It was okay. Neutral.
I don't particularly recommend it neither do I say don't read. Give it a try, unlike me, u might actually like it. 😊
I like knowing charecters. But in this one I just couldn't find enough quirks in neither of the MC'S. Or for that matter, in their relationships.
The mystery was what got me going, to be more precise, the serial killer got my attention more than anything else this book had to offer [yes, including the sex]. It was okay. Neutral.
I don't particularly recommend it neither do I say don't read. Give it a try, unlike me, u might actually like it. 😊
August 31, 2017
Like Criminal Minds on Kindle:) 4.5*
February 15, 2016
This book surprised me. I was really looking forward to the continuation of Beck and Zach, and while it was an okay book, I just had the hardest time getting into it. It is quite long, which ordinarily isn’t a problem for me, but this one seemed to drag. Zach has told Beck that he’s quitting his job with the FBI, but then he waffles around in a decidedly not-Zach sort of way, despite ostensibly moving to Denver, where he takes forever to unpack anything.
For his part, the now firmly out of the closet for his boyfriend Beck seems clueless as to why Zach would hesitate to give up the career he’s spent so long training to do and then working in as one of the top of his field. This obtuseness irked me rather greatly, I must admit. Beck didn’t start in homicide - he had to work his way up like any other cop, so why can he not see the forest for the trees here? Okay, rant over.
The case they are working in this novel is so reminiscent of the Xav-D serial killings that Zach solved that he is inexorably drawn in as a subject matter expert. The killings are grisly, and the actions of the killer are gruesome, and it’s chilling just to read about. If there is ever credit to be given to an author for painting realism in the mind of the reader, it definitely goes to Ms. Gray!
This is a difficult read to follow, as there are a great many twists and turns in the plot, the subplots, and the vast array of characters and agencies. If you like thrillers, you will probably adore this. In looking at the existing ratings, I am clearly in the minority. That being said, the premise of the novel is insanely wonderful, but the pacing was quite choppy to me. The characters are again overall well-written, but there seemed to be not much in the way of development, nowhere near the first book’s efforts. Finishing with the end (how appropriate!), it seemed a tad rushed and too neatly wrapped up, especially for a story that took so long to get there. This is just my two cents’ worth, and I’m rating it at three and a half stars.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
For his part, the now firmly out of the closet for his boyfriend Beck seems clueless as to why Zach would hesitate to give up the career he’s spent so long training to do and then working in as one of the top of his field. This obtuseness irked me rather greatly, I must admit. Beck didn’t start in homicide - he had to work his way up like any other cop, so why can he not see the forest for the trees here? Okay, rant over.
The case they are working in this novel is so reminiscent of the Xav-D serial killings that Zach solved that he is inexorably drawn in as a subject matter expert. The killings are grisly, and the actions of the killer are gruesome, and it’s chilling just to read about. If there is ever credit to be given to an author for painting realism in the mind of the reader, it definitely goes to Ms. Gray!
This is a difficult read to follow, as there are a great many twists and turns in the plot, the subplots, and the vast array of characters and agencies. If you like thrillers, you will probably adore this. In looking at the existing ratings, I am clearly in the minority. That being said, the premise of the novel is insanely wonderful, but the pacing was quite choppy to me. The characters are again overall well-written, but there seemed to be not much in the way of development, nowhere near the first book’s efforts. Finishing with the end (how appropriate!), it seemed a tad rushed and too neatly wrapped up, especially for a story that took so long to get there. This is just my two cents’ worth, and I’m rating it at three and a half stars.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
June 6, 2016
I was hoping this was better than book one. *Sigh* Maybe it's me.
The murder mystery was better than book one. Although two serial killers and a connection to another one in jail? It just seemed a little ridiculous. Also the amount of dead bodies and keeping trace who killed who had my head spinning.
So what about the MC's? Well in this book they live together. Although...Zack has all his stuff in boxes in the house, but so far he hasn't really lived there. The FBI (yes, Zack still works for the FBI, although he promised he would quit) has Zack flying all over the country solving murders. And he really does not want to quit. Poor Beck. He wants to build a life with Zack, but Zack want to have cake and eat it too. Again the main couple do not communicate well with each other. About the cases...yes. About their own lives? No. Everything is in their heads. And lots of times it is about "lets not tell him this or that". How the fuck do they think this relationship is suppose to work? It has me baffled. The MC's both recognize they need to have a serious talk, but only in the last three pages (after one almost dies) do they talk...some.
I like mysteries. I like couples who intertwine their lives and progress with each new edition. There are many series out there where this is done excellently (Whyborne & Griffin). But I find this series lacking. Still it was entertaining enough (the smexy times were good), so I will be reading the next one. But unless something seriously improves in the communication department (for christ sake Zack is an psychiatrist) I can't give it more than 3 stars.
The murder mystery was better than book one. Although two serial killers and a connection to another one in jail? It just seemed a little ridiculous. Also the amount of dead bodies and keeping trace who killed who had my head spinning.
So what about the MC's? Well in this book they live together. Although...Zack has all his stuff in boxes in the house, but so far he hasn't really lived there. The FBI (yes, Zack still works for the FBI, although he promised he would quit) has Zack flying all over the country solving murders. And he really does not want to quit. Poor Beck. He wants to build a life with Zack, but Zack want to have cake and eat it too. Again the main couple do not communicate well with each other. About the cases...yes. About their own lives? No. Everything is in their heads. And lots of times it is about "lets not tell him this or that". How the fuck do they think this relationship is suppose to work? It has me baffled. The MC's both recognize they need to have a serious talk, but only in the last three pages (after one almost dies) do they talk...some.
I like mysteries. I like couples who intertwine their lives and progress with each new edition. There are many series out there where this is done excellently (Whyborne & Griffin). But I find this series lacking. Still it was entertaining enough (the smexy times were good), so I will be reading the next one. But unless something seriously improves in the communication department (for christ sake Zack is an psychiatrist) I can't give it more than 3 stars.
July 23, 2016
Detective Beck Stryker and FBI Profiler Zach Littman are back again in Cold-Hearted Concept, a story that is fast-paced and exciting with edge of your seat suspense. These two are facing many issues in building their relationship. Beck is forced to work with his closeted ex on a new case while dealing with issues that the widow of a cop and her two boys are facing. Zach is trying to leave his FBI job and move in with Beck, but his boss keeps finding one more case that needs his attention. If all that is not bad enough, their current case crosses lines with old cases and may in fact be all part of one whole. The killer is playing a game that Beck and Zach must solve is they are to live to build that life together.
Cold-Hearted Concept is a many layered story. Just when you think you are on the right track, some other layer is revealed. The layers unfold masterfully and keep us on the edge of our seat as to how they will solve the case. You heart will go out to them as they struggle with issues we all face when we try to find compromises. Are they successful or aren’t they? Only the book will tell. So pick it up and hope on the bumpy ride with Beck and Zach. You will be glad you did.
Cold-Hearted Concept is a many layered story. Just when you think you are on the right track, some other layer is revealed. The layers unfold masterfully and keep us on the edge of our seat as to how they will solve the case. You heart will go out to them as they struggle with issues we all face when we try to find compromises. Are they successful or aren’t they? Only the book will tell. So pick it up and hope on the bumpy ride with Beck and Zach. You will be glad you did.
January 6, 2016
Highly Recommended!
I don't remember enjoying the first book as much as l did this one. I can barely even remember the story from book one. This second book had everything l want in my mysteries, an established relationship, sexy law enforcement officers, excellent mystery and sex. It was long and l couldn't put it down. I kind of figured out the ending but it was very nice to read what happened. I hope there will be more because l will love to know what happened after the healing is over. Excellent read. Got my money's worth and then some. Highly recommended.
I don't remember enjoying the first book as much as l did this one. I can barely even remember the story from book one. This second book had everything l want in my mysteries, an established relationship, sexy law enforcement officers, excellent mystery and sex. It was long and l couldn't put it down. I kind of figured out the ending but it was very nice to read what happened. I hope there will be more because l will love to know what happened after the healing is over. Excellent read. Got my money's worth and then some. Highly recommended.
July 11, 2016
3.5 stars M/M rounded up to 4. This is book #2 in a 2 book series. The Denver homicide detective and the FBI profiler are having difficulty getting their lives and careers meshed together and then you have a serial killer thrown in and things are a little out of control. We get up close and personal with the killer in this book and it is pretty gruesome -- beware!
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