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The Village #1
Safe in Your Fire
Welcome to The Village – A new gay romance series with a sci-fi twist from best selling author Darien Cox.
When asked to locate and interview an off-the-grid former child star for a magazine feature, novice journalist Rudy Sansone thinks he’s getting yet another demeaning assignment from his boss. But finding ‘Baby James’ Waterman proves to be a personal and professional challenge, as the elusive, hostile, and surprisingly sexy James is nothing that Rudy expected. But Rudy’s scrappy motivation to get the story at all costs plunges him into the mountain community of Singing Bear Village, where he senses strange and frightening secrets simmering beneath the surface. But what’s simmering between Rudy and his reluctant interview subject is something more carnal and heated, and his desire to be consumed by it clouds his judgement when warning bells urge him to flee the village and never look back.
When asked to locate and interview an off-the-grid former child star for a magazine feature, novice journalist Rudy Sansone thinks he’s getting yet another demeaning assignment from his boss. But finding ‘Baby James’ Waterman proves to be a personal and professional challenge, as the elusive, hostile, and surprisingly sexy James is nothing that Rudy expected. But Rudy’s scrappy motivation to get the story at all costs plunges him into the mountain community of Singing Bear Village, where he senses strange and frightening secrets simmering beneath the surface. But what’s simmering between Rudy and his reluctant interview subject is something more carnal and heated, and his desire to be consumed by it clouds his judgement when warning bells urge him to flee the village and never look back.
257 pages, ebook
First published March 30, 2016
27 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Darien Cox
26 books345 followersAuthor Darien Cox lives in New England and enjoys using romantic fiction to explore the intensity, insanity, humor, and chaos that accompanies cupid’s arrow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
April 13, 2016
BR with my long-lost twin ELE, and thank fuck because this story's a little creepy, and more than a little scary.
First things first: This book is heavy on the sci-fi. The entire plot hinges on it. If you don't like paranormal elements in your stories, do not read this one.
When Rudy is asked to find and interview the elusive "Baby James," he follows clues to a mysterious little village in upstate New York. The village is full of bright lights and laughter, but secrets shimmer beneath the surface.
Baby James is now JT, and he is not happy to see Rudy. JT is brash, sexy as sin, and anything but forthcoming. But Rudy persists, even after his wallet is stolen. Rudy is scrappy, asks too many questions, and doesn't give up easily.
The connection between Rudy and JT is insanely, insatiably hot. It's all systems go. Rudy has the filthiest mouth on him, and JT can think of only one way to shut him up.
The pacing in this book is spot on. I couldn't stop reading! There is mystery, suspense, and creepiness all around, but the romance never gets buried.
The secondary characters, including JT's closest friends, Elliott, Nolan, and Christian, are fascinating and fully fleshed out. I wasn't a huge fan of Michelle. I want Elliott's story ASAP.
Includes: drunken confessions, cheesy music, steamy sex, a happy ending, and things that try to kill you (or your cat) in the dark.
Full disclosure: Cox is a strong writer, but this book calls for another edit; there were quite a few typos here. I hate that, as it pulls me out of the story.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the first installment of The Village and am looking forward to more passion and intrigue. Who knows? Maybe we'll even meet Baz again.
First things first: This book is heavy on the sci-fi. The entire plot hinges on it. If you don't like paranormal elements in your stories, do not read this one.
When Rudy is asked to find and interview the elusive "Baby James," he follows clues to a mysterious little village in upstate New York. The village is full of bright lights and laughter, but secrets shimmer beneath the surface.
Baby James is now JT, and he is not happy to see Rudy. JT is brash, sexy as sin, and anything but forthcoming. But Rudy persists, even after his wallet is stolen. Rudy is scrappy, asks too many questions, and doesn't give up easily.
The connection between Rudy and JT is insanely, insatiably hot. It's all systems go. Rudy has the filthiest mouth on him, and JT can think of only one way to shut him up.
The pacing in this book is spot on. I couldn't stop reading! There is mystery, suspense, and creepiness all around, but the romance never gets buried.
The secondary characters, including JT's closest friends, Elliott, Nolan, and Christian, are fascinating and fully fleshed out. I wasn't a huge fan of Michelle. I want Elliott's story ASAP.
Includes: drunken confessions, cheesy music, steamy sex, a happy ending, and things that try to kill you (or your cat) in the dark.
Full disclosure: Cox is a strong writer, but this book calls for another edit; there were quite a few typos here. I hate that, as it pulls me out of the story.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the first installment of The Village and am looking forward to more passion and intrigue. Who knows? Maybe we'll even meet Baz again.
December 28, 2018
3 Stars
Ten years ago, at his eighteenth birthday, James left home and never contacted anyone in his family again. When he was a baby, he appeared in his grandfather’s TV program and he was a bit celebrity. So somehow some people still remembered him and wanted to know what happened to him after these years.
Rudy is a journalist and works for a magazine. When his boss assigned him to find James, Rudy wasn’t happy about it, at all! He thought of James as a rich boy… But when he started searching to find him, he found this assignment a bit more challenging and of course a bit scarier!
Well, it was a bit heavy on Sci-Fi, actually, I think the story was overshadowed by it and I couldn’t feel the passion. Nonetheless, I liked the characters, especially Rudy! I liked his stubbornness and his insistence to get what he wants, but in real life, he would be on my nerves! My other issue was it dragged a lot! I’m not saying it was bad but it wasn’t really good and I think this type of Sci-Fi is just not for me! Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the first installment in "The Village" series. Overall, it was an okay read and I hope you enjoy it more than me!
Ten years ago, at his eighteenth birthday, James left home and never contacted anyone in his family again. When he was a baby, he appeared in his grandfather’s TV program and he was a bit celebrity. So somehow some people still remembered him and wanted to know what happened to him after these years.
Rudy is a journalist and works for a magazine. When his boss assigned him to find James, Rudy wasn’t happy about it, at all! He thought of James as a rich boy… But when he started searching to find him, he found this assignment a bit more challenging and of course a bit scarier!
Well, it was a bit heavy on Sci-Fi, actually, I think the story was overshadowed by it and I couldn’t feel the passion. Nonetheless, I liked the characters, especially Rudy! I liked his stubbornness and his insistence to get what he wants, but in real life, he would be on my nerves! My other issue was it dragged a lot! I’m not saying it was bad but it wasn’t really good and I think this type of Sci-Fi is just not for me! Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the first installment in "The Village" series. Overall, it was an okay read and I hope you enjoy it more than me!
October 1, 2022
10/1/2022
The whole box set is currently free! Great opportunity.
.................................
I'm not a fan of paranormal in general, but I'm almost allergic to sci-fi. So I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this. It solidified the fact that Darien Cox is one of my favorite authors ever.
It's easy to spoil this story, so I won't say much, other than I absolutely loved the Singing Bear Village and its people. I even found myself invested in the sci-fi plot, which is very prevalent in the second half of the book.
The romance never takes a backseat, and the MCs have a deep and strong connection. This author's dialogue really speaks to me, whether it's quirky and funny, or intense and heartfelt.
I'm very excited about the next books in the series. I have my suspicions about who's next!
~BR with Dani, aka SpeedReader or Badass Reading Ninja~
The whole box set is currently free! Great opportunity.
.................................
I'm not a fan of paranormal in general, but I'm almost allergic to sci-fi. So I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this. It solidified the fact that Darien Cox is one of my favorite authors ever.
It's easy to spoil this story, so I won't say much, other than I absolutely loved the Singing Bear Village and its people. I even found myself invested in the sci-fi plot, which is very prevalent in the second half of the book.
The romance never takes a backseat, and the MCs have a deep and strong connection. This author's dialogue really speaks to me, whether it's quirky and funny, or intense and heartfelt.
“How hard? You’re falling in love with me how hard?”[...]
“Scary hard. Chaos hard. As hard as I can.”
I'm very excited about the next books in the series. I have my suspicions about who's next!
~BR with Dani, aka SpeedReader or Badass Reading Ninja~
January 31, 2022
I enjoyed this. I am a HUGE fan of Darien Cox, who has only written contemporary before. So huge a fan, that he is an autobuy author for me. But I have to admit that when I read the blurb and heard of this "sci-fi twist," I was a little nervous.
I don't really do sci-fi mixed with romance. It's like ice cream and pizza. The two just don't mesh well.
But Cox didn't make this into a sci-fi thriller with romance. This book stayed firmly in the romance category with a sci-fi subplot, so I was FINE with that.
Rudy is an investigative journalist for a Boston magazine. He's been given an assignment he's not happy with - to find a hidden child star who hasn't been seen in the media for 10 years and do a "Where are they now?" piece.
James "JT" left his home at the age of 18 and never looked back. He doesn't want anyone to know where he is. He even changed his last name. He doesn't want Rudy poking into his business, his village, or his friends.
Rudy digs and digs and digs. JT calls it his "barracuda nipping." There is an instant attraction, but it's written smoothly so that there's no unrealistic jumping into bed. JT lives in The Village in upstate New York, and the setting really comes alive. The Village felt like a secondary character in this book, which I loved.
There are things that just feel off about the Village. Little things, that are easily explained away, keep happening. Nothing that'd ping your Run-for-the-hills radar, but would ping your WTF radar.
The first half of the book doesn't really introduce the sci-fi element at all, other than the weird shit. We spend that time in relationship building heaven with Rudy and JT. Another plus for the ice cream/pizza phobic in me.
When the sci-fi element hits, and I'll refrain from saying what it is (if you want to know, tell me, and I'll spoiler tag it for you), it didn't overwhelm the story. It became a bit of exciting subplot that I was able to roll with. It was handled realistically (don't roll your eyes at me!) in the sense that if it happened to me, I could see myself having the same freaked-the-fuck-out feelings that we experience from Rudy's POV.
The sex scenes were hot, with an abundance of dirty talk - yes please! - and the chemistry between our MCs was palpable. We do get a HEA here, and we even get several cameos of Ben and Peter from Seducing Professor Coyle! And no, they're not part of the sci-fi element in this book. Ben and Rudy went to college together and are now in their late 20s and remain friends.
Overall, I enjoyed this a lot, despite the sci-fi not being my "thing" to mix with my romance. I'll continue with the series as we learn who the next couple will be. I have my wish!
I'd say to give this one a try, even if you're not into the sci-fi element. Recommended.
I don't really do sci-fi mixed with romance. It's like ice cream and pizza. The two just don't mesh well.
But Cox didn't make this into a sci-fi thriller with romance. This book stayed firmly in the romance category with a sci-fi subplot, so I was FINE with that.
Rudy is an investigative journalist for a Boston magazine. He's been given an assignment he's not happy with - to find a hidden child star who hasn't been seen in the media for 10 years and do a "Where are they now?" piece.
James "JT" left his home at the age of 18 and never looked back. He doesn't want anyone to know where he is. He even changed his last name. He doesn't want Rudy poking into his business, his village, or his friends.
Rudy digs and digs and digs. JT calls it his "barracuda nipping." There is an instant attraction, but it's written smoothly so that there's no unrealistic jumping into bed. JT lives in The Village in upstate New York, and the setting really comes alive. The Village felt like a secondary character in this book, which I loved.
There are things that just feel off about the Village. Little things, that are easily explained away, keep happening. Nothing that'd ping your Run-for-the-hills radar, but would ping your WTF radar.
The first half of the book doesn't really introduce the sci-fi element at all, other than the weird shit. We spend that time in relationship building heaven with Rudy and JT. Another plus for the ice cream/pizza phobic in me.
When the sci-fi element hits, and I'll refrain from saying what it is (if you want to know, tell me, and I'll spoiler tag it for you), it didn't overwhelm the story. It became a bit of exciting subplot that I was able to roll with. It was handled realistically (don't roll your eyes at me!) in the sense that if it happened to me, I could see myself having the same freaked-the-fuck-out feelings that we experience from Rudy's POV.
The sex scenes were hot, with an abundance of dirty talk - yes please! - and the chemistry between our MCs was palpable. We do get a HEA here, and we even get several cameos of Ben and Peter from Seducing Professor Coyle! And no, they're not part of the sci-fi element in this book. Ben and Rudy went to college together and are now in their late 20s and remain friends.
Overall, I enjoyed this a lot, despite the sci-fi not being my "thing" to mix with my romance. I'll continue with the series as we learn who the next couple will be. I have my wish!
I'd say to give this one a try, even if you're not into the sci-fi element. Recommended.
February 2, 2019
Reread Feb 2019
Darien Cox recent book ‘I saw you first’ (which I enjoyed a lot!) reminded me of this absolutely fab series. I wanted to read it from front to back for a while, so here I go!
Rudy and TJ are so hot together. Their passion is palpatable and swoon- worthy, and I loved this whole mix of romance and sci-fi so much. Again.
Heading for book 2!
Original review:
Fabulous book. Totally captivating from beginning to end. And I'm not even into science fiction!
I may have a soft spot for Jean Luc Picard, but I doubt I will ever go crazy for this genre. But Darien Cox made me forget about all that. He does a damn good job here mingling a great love story with the supernatural. And I LOVED it.
The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, as the secrets of Singing Bear Village are revealed bit by bit and, as for TJ and Rudy, their chemistry is off the charts.
Rudy's snarky banter, his sass and natural enthusiasm are a joy to read, and TJ, the sensitive, insecure, genuine, "nerdy introvert" with the hot body sounds like a dream come true. Together they just simmer, sizzle and erupt in a totally delicious way, (*G*) and their love story unfolds under the most unusual of circumstances.
The scenario is cleverly drawn and I can't wait to find out what's happening next, and what TJ's great bunch of friends are up to!
Great fun and highly enjoyable! And very recommended!
Darien Cox recent book ‘I saw you first’ (which I enjoyed a lot!) reminded me of this absolutely fab series. I wanted to read it from front to back for a while, so here I go!
Rudy and TJ are so hot together. Their passion is palpatable and swoon- worthy, and I loved this whole mix of romance and sci-fi so much. Again.
Heading for book 2!
Original review:
Fabulous book. Totally captivating from beginning to end. And I'm not even into science fiction!
I may have a soft spot for Jean Luc Picard, but I doubt I will ever go crazy for this genre. But Darien Cox made me forget about all that. He does a damn good job here mingling a great love story with the supernatural. And I LOVED it.
The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, as the secrets of Singing Bear Village are revealed bit by bit and, as for TJ and Rudy, their chemistry is off the charts.
Rudy's snarky banter, his sass and natural enthusiasm are a joy to read, and TJ, the sensitive, insecure, genuine, "nerdy introvert" with the hot body sounds like a dream come true. Together they just simmer, sizzle and erupt in a totally delicious way, (*G*) and their love story unfolds under the most unusual of circumstances.
The scenario is cleverly drawn and I can't wait to find out what's happening next, and what TJ's great bunch of friends are up to!
Great fun and highly enjoyable! And very recommended!
April 2, 2022
***3ish Stars***
For me, this book started like a rocket, only to fizzle out like a wet firecracker...
Of course I knew this is sci-fi, but once this element gained momentum I somehow lost interest. I also had issues -well, tbh, I have a lot of issues - but here I didn't really feel JT's and Rudy's connection. They made everything about sex. What's wrong with getting emotional without turning it into a sexfest everytime, dammit???
Damn, I really should start knitting or something. Right now I have a feeling I chose the wrong hobby. 🤷♀️
For me, this book started like a rocket, only to fizzle out like a wet firecracker...
Of course I knew this is sci-fi, but once this element gained momentum I somehow lost interest. I also had issues -well, tbh, I have a lot of issues - but here I didn't really feel JT's and Rudy's connection. They made everything about sex. What's wrong with getting emotional without turning it into a sexfest everytime, dammit???
Damn, I really should start knitting or something. Right now I have a feeling I chose the wrong hobby. 🤷♀️
January 6, 2018
Rudy is a journalist trying to move up to bigger and better stories. Imagine his surprise when his editor sends him to do a "Where are they now" piece on Baby James Waterman, a child genius who appeared on his grandfather's show. But Rudy doesn't realize what he's walking into.
I love a good sci-fi romance. I enjoyed this for the most part. I loved Rudy. He was awesome and I enjoyed being in his head. It took a while for me to warm up to JT. I hated how he treated Rudy initially. Logically I know WHY he had to be like he was, but I'm not much of one for enemies to lovers troupes, so it just rubbed me the wrong way. And Baz! I could definitely read more about him.
I think it was mentioned in several reviews I read and I have to agree...I hated Michelle. She just rubbed me the wrong way. She did not put her kids or her husband first over her crazy ass job and they were in danger! She was just an overall bitch IMO.
So, I did enjoy it. However, I'm just not sure I'm interested in moving forward. Honestly, I also don't usually enjoy friends to lover troupes either. I know...I suck lol. I just have a hard time buying into all of a sudden seeing your friend in a more romantic light. But, we shall see...
I love a good sci-fi romance. I enjoyed this for the most part. I loved Rudy. He was awesome and I enjoyed being in his head. It took a while for me to warm up to JT. I hated how he treated Rudy initially. Logically I know WHY he had to be like he was, but I'm not much of one for enemies to lovers troupes, so it just rubbed me the wrong way. And Baz! I could definitely read more about him.
I think it was mentioned in several reviews I read and I have to agree...I hated Michelle. She just rubbed me the wrong way. She did not put her kids or her husband first over her crazy ass job and they were in danger! She was just an overall bitch IMO.
So, I did enjoy it. However, I'm just not sure I'm interested in moving forward. Honestly, I also don't usually enjoy friends to lover troupes either. I know...I suck lol. I just have a hard time buying into all of a sudden seeing your friend in a more romantic light. But, we shall see...
i-m-a-quitter
July 3, 2016DNF at 40%
Yeah, I just can't anymore. I tried. This one started out pretty good. I was intrigued with the plot, knew it had some sort of paranormal element. However, I didn't make it far enough to find out what it was. #imoverit
Rudy started out pretty funny. And I even somewhat enjoyed the bickering between JT and Rudy. But then it got old, real quick. And it wasn't so funny anymore.
I found the first 40% pretty slow and boring....already wanting to skim around 20%. I honestly didn't feel much of a connection between Rudy and JT.
At 40% they have sex....well I assume they do. Once the words "you're magical to me" left Rudy's mouth I just couldn't do it anymore.
No point skimming the rest of the book to see what happens. I just don't have it in me. I'm sure it's a case of me and not the book as there are a lot of positive reviews.
But when I'm wanting to skim that early on and I'm doing more eye rolling then anything else, it's time to cut my losses.
Yeah, I just can't anymore. I tried. This one started out pretty good. I was intrigued with the plot, knew it had some sort of paranormal element. However, I didn't make it far enough to find out what it was. #imoverit
Rudy started out pretty funny. And I even somewhat enjoyed the bickering between JT and Rudy. But then it got old, real quick. And it wasn't so funny anymore.
I found the first 40% pretty slow and boring....already wanting to skim around 20%. I honestly didn't feel much of a connection between Rudy and JT.
At 40% they have sex....well I assume they do. Once the words "you're magical to me" left Rudy's mouth I just couldn't do it anymore.
No point skimming the rest of the book to see what happens. I just don't have it in me. I'm sure it's a case of me and not the book as there are a lot of positive reviews.
But when I'm wanting to skim that early on and I'm doing more eye rolling then anything else, it's time to cut my losses.
dnf
January 29, 2021dnf @ 55%
As much as I love all the books I've read by this author so far, sadly, this one isn't working for me.
As much as I love all the books I've read by this author so far, sadly, this one isn't working for me.
December 29, 2020
*** 3.5 stars ***
A nice balance of action and romance. Good pacing: there weren't any slow or boring parts. The MCs were intelligent, interesting, and capable of communicating without contrived angst or melodrama. I enjoyed the dynamics among the extended cast of characters who'd been working together in secret for a decade -- there was lots of squabbling, joking, irritation and affection, and it felt real.
Although the first in a series, this is a self-contained story with a satisfying ending. (What's with that title though? I never did figure that out.)
A nice balance of action and romance. Good pacing: there weren't any slow or boring parts. The MCs were intelligent, interesting, and capable of communicating without contrived angst or melodrama. I enjoyed the dynamics among the extended cast of characters who'd been working together in secret for a decade -- there was lots of squabbling, joking, irritation and affection, and it felt real.
Although the first in a series, this is a self-contained story with a satisfying ending. (What's with that title though? I never did figure that out.)
October 21, 2016
I was a little hesitant to start this series. I don’t read a lot of Sci-fi books so I wasn’t sure if I would like this, but then I met Rudy. He’s such a funny and interesting character. He’s quite the gabber and ends up saying some pretty funny, and at times, dirty stuff. He totally sold the book for me.
There’s a lot going on in this story and to say too much will give a lot of it away. So I will just say that I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked the side characters as well besides, Michelle. I liked her husband Brock though. She just didn’t do it for me. Elliot has my interests high and I can’t wait for his book.
The romance that blossoms between JT and Rudy is sweet. I really liked them together and the buildup of their relationship was steady and I enjoyed the climb.
The Sci-fi parts of the book were really interesting and I loved Baz! I can’t wait to see where the rest of series goes and I really hope Baz becomes a staying character.
Even if you’re not huge on Sci-fi or paranormal reads, I recommend that you at least give this book a try.
Happy reading, dolls!
There’s a lot going on in this story and to say too much will give a lot of it away. So I will just say that I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked the side characters as well besides, Michelle. I liked her husband Brock though. She just didn’t do it for me. Elliot has my interests high and I can’t wait for his book.
The romance that blossoms between JT and Rudy is sweet. I really liked them together and the buildup of their relationship was steady and I enjoyed the climb.
The Sci-fi parts of the book were really interesting and I loved Baz! I can’t wait to see where the rest of series goes and I really hope Baz becomes a staying character.
Even if you’re not huge on Sci-fi or paranormal reads, I recommend that you at least give this book a try.
Happy reading, dolls!
December 30, 2021
3.75 stars ⭐️ Although I didn't like the science subjects when I was doing my O/L, I love reading science fiction. I really did enjoy this book. This was unique and engaging. Darien Cox knows how to make inspired you for Cox’s stories.
I really liked Rudy. He was an interesting character who constantly questions everything. I liked his attitude in the story. Speaking of the other MC, JT was a mystery to me at first. But the way things were revealed when we finally came to the whole thing made a lot of sense. I really liked how Rudy and JT's relationship develops in the story, and how they communicate without any drama.
But their love felt a little too insta for me. And I loved all the side characters except Michelle in there. She was always bitching about everything.
The next few books really have a lot to explain. Because the story ended without answering a lot of questions.
I really liked Rudy. He was an interesting character who constantly questions everything. I liked his attitude in the story. Speaking of the other MC, JT was a mystery to me at first. But the way things were revealed when we finally came to the whole thing made a lot of sense. I really liked how Rudy and JT's relationship develops in the story, and how they communicate without any drama.
But their love felt a little too insta for me. And I loved all the side characters except Michelle in there. She was always bitching about everything.
The next few books really have a lot to explain. Because the story ended without answering a lot of questions.
April 27, 2016
Refreshing. Different. Fun. Sexy. Mysterious. Scary.
I could go on and on.
This was such a treat. Something totally out of the ordinary. A bunch of my favorite kinds of things mixed all together and mixed together really well. I can’t remember what is in the blurb so I am just going really vague here, don’t want to spoil anyone!
I honestly can’t wait for more and to see what happens next.
This was just what I needed.
I could go on and on.
This was such a treat. Something totally out of the ordinary. A bunch of my favorite kinds of things mixed all together and mixed together really well. I can’t remember what is in the blurb so I am just going really vague here, don’t want to spoil anyone!
I honestly can’t wait for more and to see what happens next.
This was just what I needed.
October 31, 2016
Another case of “it’s me, not the book” : I’m a fan of the author, but not really of sci-fi. And this book didn’t work for me.
The start was quite OK : you have a bunch of interesting characters, especially the mouthy Rudy with his hilarious play with words (even better with dirty words) and his endless questions, a mystery to solve (what happened to an ex-child star now adult but gone out of the radar and what’s going on in this village lost in the middle of the woods and surrounded by mountains), a huge chemistry between Rudy and the mysterious JT.
However, it went south for me because of the “all of a sudden” syndrome
I can understand the appeal of this series : a sci-fi comedy mixed with a great dose of hot sex scenes. I give it 3 stars because of the fun I got from Rudy and because the characters are likable, but I’m not going further in this series
The start was quite OK : you have a bunch of interesting characters, especially the mouthy Rudy with his hilarious play with words (even better with dirty words) and his endless questions, a mystery to solve (what happened to an ex-child star now adult but gone out of the radar and what’s going on in this village lost in the middle of the woods and surrounded by mountains), a huge chemistry between Rudy and the mysterious JT.
However, it went south for me because of the “all of a sudden” syndrome
I can understand the appeal of this series : a sci-fi comedy mixed with a great dose of hot sex scenes. I give it 3 stars because of the fun I got from Rudy and because the characters are likable, but I’m not going further in this series
April 4, 2016
Wow!
Brilliantly written sexy romance novel with an intriguing sci-fi twist and... first part of a series. Yay!
Adored Rudy and JT, loved the secondary characters.
Kudos to one of my top favorite authors. Darien Cox never ceases to amaze me.
Can't wait for the follow-ups.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
September 8, 2020
Re-read September 2020
I want more BAZ!!!
I want more BAZ!!!
June 12, 2018
This was really good! I enjoyed it sooo much!
I mean, it's not every day you got to try to interview a past child tv star who disappeared and find out there is...otherworldy beings in the world. Not what Rudy was expecting, that was for sure.
But James, or JT, tries to get him to leave, because he can't tell him about of what he's actually doing in the small Village up in New York.
Their chemistry was instant for me, and the minute they started sniping at each other, it was awesome. It came to me loving whenever they interacted because they would both have awesome zingers and would banter like no one's business - and they were totally hot for each other too.
And of course the sex was smoking hot, these two were indeed fire together.
The secondary characters were so interesting too and the rest of the guys from JT's...super secret group will get love stories too, which I'm excited to read. (Although I saw later that Elliot and Nolan get a book? Which surprises me, but it didn't focus on them at all so I didn't get anything between them. Should be interesting.)
I loved Rudy and JT. I loved Rudy's feistiness and unwillingness to back down, and he wasn't afraid to stand up for himself or tell JT to stick it where the sun don't shine when he needed to. JT had that fire in him too, and once they started falling for each other, all JT cared about was Rudy being safe, and their love became just as great and intense as their fire and passion for each other.
The plot with the was interesting too and made this story interesting and unique. Definitely recommend! I'm actually surprised this and the other books don't have more ratings and reviews. Bummer!
I mean, it's not every day you got to try to interview a past child tv star who disappeared and find out there is...otherworldy beings in the world. Not what Rudy was expecting, that was for sure.
But James, or JT, tries to get him to leave, because he can't tell him about of what he's actually doing in the small Village up in New York.
Their chemistry was instant for me, and the minute they started sniping at each other, it was awesome. It came to me loving whenever they interacted because they would both have awesome zingers and would banter like no one's business - and they were totally hot for each other too.
And of course the sex was smoking hot, these two were indeed fire together.
The secondary characters were so interesting too and the rest of the guys from JT's...super secret group will get love stories too, which I'm excited to read. (Although I saw later that Elliot and Nolan get a book? Which surprises me, but it didn't focus on them at all so I didn't get anything between them. Should be interesting.)
I loved Rudy and JT. I loved Rudy's feistiness and unwillingness to back down, and he wasn't afraid to stand up for himself or tell JT to stick it where the sun don't shine when he needed to. JT had that fire in him too, and once they started falling for each other, all JT cared about was Rudy being safe, and their love became just as great and intense as their fire and passion for each other.
The plot with the was interesting too and made this story interesting and unique. Definitely recommend! I'm actually surprised this and the other books don't have more ratings and reviews. Bummer!
November 20, 2016
4.5 STARS
This book had me hooked from the very beginning, I haven't been reading blurbs lately (whoops) or having so many tabs open flicking between my next prospective purchase I sometimes buy the wrong book or mix two blurbs together in my mind when I make the purchase and I'm amazed at story I'm reading because I didn't know that this was partially Urban Fantasy/Sci-Fi, as in it's set in the modern timeline.
Yes this does stem from a medical condition, but I tell ya I've found some cracking books this way and this was one of them, LMAO!
There was a couple of lapses in the plot, as in bad direction choices that the author chose to the it, BUT they were very short lived and to me that didn't end up messing with the end result.
This is a very funny and quirky story at times with small snippets of extreme creepiness which I wasn't expecting. No it's not a horror at all. It's about a young struggling reporter trying to make a name for himself after finally getting a job for a rising glossy magazine in Boston. It's not a trashy one either but it's finally making a name for itself.
Rudy Sansone's been there a while now and just can't seem to catch a break. After lining up an interview with Chris Evan's about his latest Captain America movie, all his hard work is snatched away from him again but this time it hurts. The guy is a really shitty writer and Rudy he gets handed a "Where is this Celebrity NOW" piece and it's the last straw. He's been tasked to find an old child celebrity who was also a genius. ‘Baby James’ Waterman had finished college and was running one of his fathers TV stations at the age of 17 but when he turned 18 he walked away from the entire family and it multi-media empire.
Working from home one Saturday afternoon he hasn't even read the background material but has set up his layout titled "What Ever Happened To Baby James?" waiting for inspiration to kick in he'd typed, "Who Fucking Cares. The End" and his cat walks across his keyboard and sends it off to his boss Suzette, who has made this magazine by treating it like a military installation. He's fucked and hysterical when his best friend from collage who's a computer whiz turns up to help him.
It's these hilarious scenarios's that keep playing out throughout the book are so well done. His boss cuts him a break after a swift reply to his e-mail calling him into the office immediately and send him off to find James Waterman. Something that no one has been able to do for over 10 years, not even a single picture of him has ever shown up but his boss had been sent an address in upstate New York.
If anyone is going to find James it's Rudy and when he finally does it like the meeting of minds with sharp, witty rhetoric that's also quite nasty. The moment Rudy drove into Singing Bear, NY, an episode of the Twilight Zone begins.
Despite their immediate attraction to each other which both of them hold very close to the chests as they're both control freaks. Sparks fly and poor Rudy's world is turned inside out when he find the bizarre little village that James has been living in for the last 10 years. Freaky things begin happening and Rudy sees more than sparks flying over the little township of Singing Bear on Singing Bear Lake.
After being there for less than 6 hours, Rudy is confronted with something he sees that he can not explain but realises that James knows exactly what's going on.
sorry for the typo's kidz
This book had me hooked from the very beginning, I haven't been reading blurbs lately (whoops) or having so many tabs open flicking between my next prospective purchase I sometimes buy the wrong book or mix two blurbs together in my mind when I make the purchase and I'm amazed at story I'm reading because I didn't know that this was partially Urban Fantasy/Sci-Fi, as in it's set in the modern timeline.
Yes this does stem from a medical condition, but I tell ya I've found some cracking books this way and this was one of them, LMAO!
There was a couple of lapses in the plot, as in bad direction choices that the author chose to the it, BUT they were very short lived and to me that didn't end up messing with the end result.
This is a very funny and quirky story at times with small snippets of extreme creepiness which I wasn't expecting. No it's not a horror at all. It's about a young struggling reporter trying to make a name for himself after finally getting a job for a rising glossy magazine in Boston. It's not a trashy one either but it's finally making a name for itself.
Rudy Sansone's been there a while now and just can't seem to catch a break. After lining up an interview with Chris Evan's about his latest Captain America movie, all his hard work is snatched away from him again but this time it hurts. The guy is a really shitty writer and Rudy he gets handed a "Where is this Celebrity NOW" piece and it's the last straw. He's been tasked to find an old child celebrity who was also a genius. ‘Baby James’ Waterman had finished college and was running one of his fathers TV stations at the age of 17 but when he turned 18 he walked away from the entire family and it multi-media empire.
Working from home one Saturday afternoon he hasn't even read the background material but has set up his layout titled "What Ever Happened To Baby James?" waiting for inspiration to kick in he'd typed, "Who Fucking Cares. The End" and his cat walks across his keyboard and sends it off to his boss Suzette, who has made this magazine by treating it like a military installation. He's fucked and hysterical when his best friend from collage who's a computer whiz turns up to help him.
It's these hilarious scenarios's that keep playing out throughout the book are so well done. His boss cuts him a break after a swift reply to his e-mail calling him into the office immediately and send him off to find James Waterman. Something that no one has been able to do for over 10 years, not even a single picture of him has ever shown up but his boss had been sent an address in upstate New York.
If anyone is going to find James it's Rudy and when he finally does it like the meeting of minds with sharp, witty rhetoric that's also quite nasty. The moment Rudy drove into Singing Bear, NY, an episode of the Twilight Zone begins.
Despite their immediate attraction to each other which both of them hold very close to the chests as they're both control freaks. Sparks fly and poor Rudy's world is turned inside out when he find the bizarre little village that James has been living in for the last 10 years. Freaky things begin happening and Rudy sees more than sparks flying over the little township of Singing Bear on Singing Bear Lake.
After being there for less than 6 hours, Rudy is confronted with something he sees that he can not explain but realises that James knows exactly what's going on.
sorry for the typo's kidz
April 19, 2016
Ok admittedly, I'm a fangirl of Darien's books. Every one, I say, "Oh, this is my favorite!"
So this might be my favorite. Until his next book release. heh.
Bullet points on why I loved this.
-- Rudy is my fave MC of Darien's. Maybe because he reminds me of myself? He's snarky and asks a lot of questions and sticks his nose where it doesn't belong.
-- I love that when I read a lot of Darien's books, I think it's going to be one thing, and the book ends up being something totally different. You think it's going to be about James Waterman's tragic rich boy back story and... it's not.
-- Darien treats the women in his books like people. They are not always good. They are not always bad. They are sometimes in between. You know, like REAL FUCKING WOMEN. It's not even a matter of me thinking Darien respects women. I think he sees them as people. I KNOW SHOCKING.
-- As always, the sex is hot, but I really think Darien shined with the plot. It kept me hooked and I'm seriously stoked to read more in this series.
Love. Recommend. You rock, Darien Cox.
So this might be my favorite. Until his next book release. heh.
Bullet points on why I loved this.
-- Rudy is my fave MC of Darien's. Maybe because he reminds me of myself? He's snarky and asks a lot of questions and sticks his nose where it doesn't belong.
-- I love that when I read a lot of Darien's books, I think it's going to be one thing, and the book ends up being something totally different. You think it's going to be about James Waterman's tragic rich boy back story and... it's not.
-- Darien treats the women in his books like people. They are not always good. They are not always bad. They are sometimes in between. You know, like REAL FUCKING WOMEN. It's not even a matter of me thinking Darien respects women. I think he sees them as people. I KNOW SHOCKING.
-- As always, the sex is hot, but I really think Darien shined with the plot. It kept me hooked and I'm seriously stoked to read more in this series.
Love. Recommend. You rock, Darien Cox.
January 18, 2020
Mind. Blown. ❤️
Darien Cox has fast become one of my (very few) absolute favorite authors! I adore all of his books, honest, and The Village series has a special place in my heart. Safe in Your Fire blew my mind the first time around and was still a delight to read the second time.
You won't find me re-reading a book often but Darien's characters are (pretty much always) insta-favorites of mine and I enjoy revisiting them from time to time.
JT here is one of those wonderful, brilliant and memorable guys I can't get enough of! Together with Rudy they rocked that story!
And what a story it is... Not sure what exactly it was, but gosh! I was creeped out at times, which is a feat not many authors have managed. It pulls you right in and won't let you go.
Along with the suspense and incredibly fun characters, D. is brilliant when it comes to the more intimate stuff as well. SERIOUSLY. Phew.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Darien Cox has fast become one of my (very few) absolute favorite authors! I adore all of his books, honest, and The Village series has a special place in my heart. Safe in Your Fire blew my mind the first time around and was still a delight to read the second time.
You won't find me re-reading a book often but Darien's characters are (pretty much always) insta-favorites of mine and I enjoy revisiting them from time to time.
JT here is one of those wonderful, brilliant and memorable guys I can't get enough of! Together with Rudy they rocked that story!
And what a story it is... Not sure what exactly it was, but gosh! I was creeped out at times, which is a feat not many authors have managed. It pulls you right in and won't let you go.
Along with the suspense and incredibly fun characters, D. is brilliant when it comes to the more intimate stuff as well. SERIOUSLY. Phew.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
April 25, 2016
4.25 stars
One thing I love about Darien Cox's books are his MCs. There's always at least one that's so relatable. Rudy is no exception. He's smart, he's snarky and of course, when he meets his man, he falls hard. This was a fun romance with a very different sci-fi storyline. I don't think I've ever read a story quite like this. One thing that confused me about the sci-fi parts . I'm very excited to read all of the other Village stories -- it looks like there might be at least three more to come.
One thing I love about Darien Cox's books are his MCs. There's always at least one that's so relatable. Rudy is no exception. He's smart, he's snarky and of course, when he meets his man, he falls hard. This was a fun romance with a very different sci-fi storyline. I don't think I've ever read a story quite like this. One thing that confused me about the sci-fi parts . I'm very excited to read all of the other Village stories -- it looks like there might be at least three more to come.
June 1, 2016
3.5
Не ожидала, что когда-нибудь скажу такое, но любовная линия мне мешала. Мешали "горячие" сцены, мешали романтические моменты, часто пролистывала их. Они отвлекали от главной темы, которая, видимо, была подана интереснее.
Я не читала аннотации, не смотрела отзывы, но в тэгах пришельцев заметила. Сюрприза не было. Но менее жутко от этого не стало. Очень понравилась инопланетная тема здесь, от и до. Как я теперь понимаю, у многих, в том числе и у меня, возникает ассоциация со "Знаками". Брррр!
Герои и второстепенные персонажи симпатичные, но я хочу продолжение про чужих, а не про них.
Не ожидала, что когда-нибудь скажу такое, но любовная линия мне мешала. Мешали "горячие" сцены, мешали романтические моменты, часто пролистывала их. Они отвлекали от главной темы, которая, видимо, была подана интереснее.
Я не читала аннотации, не смотрела отзывы, но в тэгах пришельцев заметила. Сюрприза не было. Но менее жутко от этого не стало. Очень понравилась инопланетная тема здесь, от и до. Как я теперь понимаю, у многих, в том числе и у меня, возникает ассоциация со "Знаками". Брррр!
Герои и второстепенные персонажи симпатичные, но я хочу продолжение про чужих, а не про них.
dnf
April 14, 2016DNF at 65%
This book had an interesting premise and started out well enough. I liked the main character Rudy's sarcastic and scrappy personality very much, so I was enjoying myself. Then he met Baby James, or JT as he is now known, and all of the good parts started to crumble away into a sea of TSTL.
I highly dislike reading books where the main character does ridiculously dumb stuff as a plot device. There's a way to write a creepy and suspenseful book without resorting to doing things that any character in a halfway decent horror movie would know not to do.
Another thing I highly dislike in any novel is when the book is written in a more pragmatic (and douchebro-esque style) where the guys often call each other "little bitches" (when they're not being manly enough, I guess), but the sex scenes are all of a sudden full of wanna-be poetic similes like:
"...trying to discourage his orgasm, wanting to freefall in the purgatory of crescendo as long as possible before crashing through the gates of heaven."
There is no more sure fire way to rip me out of a story than that. Well, besides a ton of typos and grammatical errors, but that's beside the point.
My point is: I know its time to put the book down when I start to roll my eyes every few pages, so that's what I did.
This book had an interesting premise and started out well enough. I liked the main character Rudy's sarcastic and scrappy personality very much, so I was enjoying myself. Then he met Baby James, or JT as he is now known, and all of the good parts started to crumble away into a sea of TSTL.
I highly dislike reading books where the main character does ridiculously dumb stuff as a plot device. There's a way to write a creepy and suspenseful book without resorting to doing things that any character in a halfway decent horror movie would know not to do.
Another thing I highly dislike in any novel is when the book is written in a more pragmatic (and douchebro-esque style) where the guys often call each other "little bitches" (when they're not being manly enough, I guess), but the sex scenes are all of a sudden full of wanna-be poetic similes like:
"...trying to discourage his orgasm, wanting to freefall in the purgatory of crescendo as long as possible before crashing through the gates of heaven."
There is no more sure fire way to rip me out of a story than that. Well, besides a ton of typos and grammatical errors, but that's beside the point.
My point is: I know its time to put the book down when I start to roll my eyes every few pages, so that's what I did.
February 24, 2022
3.5/5 stars
I enjoyed this but I’m not a science fiction reader so I don’t know if it’s good sci-fi or bad sci-fi. I enjoyed the romance and the interaction with Baz at the end. BUT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD I NEED TO KNOW WHAT RUDY DID WITH HIS CAT!!!!!!
But the book just ended and I have no idea where Shadow calls home now. And for that I’m giving this book 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this but I’m not a science fiction reader so I don’t know if it’s good sci-fi or bad sci-fi. I enjoyed the romance and the interaction with Baz at the end. BUT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD I NEED TO KNOW WHAT RUDY DID WITH HIS CAT!!!!!!
But the book just ended and I have no idea where Shadow calls home now. And for that I’m giving this book 3.5 stars
February 23, 2017
Totally for me
Loved it to death
Michelle needs to die
Love JT and Rudy and their back and forth and their super desperate hotness
Can't wait for Christians book/starting now :P
*fingers crossed that Michelle bites the dust*
Loved it to death
Michelle needs to die
Love JT and Rudy and their back and forth and their super desperate hotness
Can't wait for Christians book/starting now :P
*fingers crossed that Michelle bites the dust*
October 28, 2017
Meh, the story was ok but I never felt that invested. Plus, it’s insta-love which isn’t my cup of tea anyway.
I have several complaints that lowered what would have been a 3 star rating to a 2 star rating. They’re little things that would have bothered me but which I might not have called out prior to #MeToo. At this point, I feel it’s important to call out subtle sexism and misogyny that often gets overlooked but which insidiously contributes to this kind of toxic culture.
Twice the word pussy is used in a derogatory way as a sexist insult. That’s always a nope for me.
There’s a female character we meet in the first couple of pages who seems really friendly and sweet. We see her for a few pages and then she only appears one other incredibly brief time. The second time, one of the main characters, JT, wants to play a prank and sneaks up on her in a public place with lots of other people around and shouts, “YOU LAZY SLUT!” All in caps. Just for the lols, except I’m not laughing. At all. Wtf? How humiliating to have someone shout that at you under any circumstances, let alone in a crowd. The only reason she appears again is for that “joke.” Why? What was the point of that?! This is not hero behavior, it’s insensitive and thoughtless, both of the character and the author.
There are only two other females in the book. Both are secondary characters with little page time. They’re both strong and intelligent. One of them comes across as a heartless bitch and a bully for no apparent reason. Elaborating would be a little spoiler-y, suffice to say writing her that way did not advance or enhance the plot.
This is the first Darien Cox book I’ve read, but I’m disinclined to read more. The subtle sexism and misogyny was off putting for me. I’m actually curious about the other books in the series but I just can’t.
3 stars for a lackluster story lowered to 2 due to somewhat offensive misogyny.
I have several complaints that lowered what would have been a 3 star rating to a 2 star rating. They’re little things that would have bothered me but which I might not have called out prior to #MeToo. At this point, I feel it’s important to call out subtle sexism and misogyny that often gets overlooked but which insidiously contributes to this kind of toxic culture.
Twice the word pussy is used in a derogatory way as a sexist insult. That’s always a nope for me.
There’s a female character we meet in the first couple of pages who seems really friendly and sweet. We see her for a few pages and then she only appears one other incredibly brief time. The second time, one of the main characters, JT, wants to play a prank and sneaks up on her in a public place with lots of other people around and shouts, “YOU LAZY SLUT!” All in caps. Just for the lols, except I’m not laughing. At all. Wtf? How humiliating to have someone shout that at you under any circumstances, let alone in a crowd. The only reason she appears again is for that “joke.” Why? What was the point of that?! This is not hero behavior, it’s insensitive and thoughtless, both of the character and the author.
There are only two other females in the book. Both are secondary characters with little page time. They’re both strong and intelligent. One of them comes across as a heartless bitch and a bully for no apparent reason. Elaborating would be a little spoiler-y, suffice to say writing her that way did not advance or enhance the plot.
This is the first Darien Cox book I’ve read, but I’m disinclined to read more. The subtle sexism and misogyny was off putting for me. I’m actually curious about the other books in the series but I just can’t.
3 stars for a lackluster story lowered to 2 due to somewhat offensive misogyny.
August 15, 2020
The romance was cute as hell
And I was so engrossed in the story
But the mystery still remains unfolded
And I was so engrossed in the story
But the mystery still remains unfolded
September 22, 2019
This was a well written little gem. I think my favourite part of the book was the sci-fi bit at the end. I’m trying really hard not to spoil it and I think it’s important that it’s not spoiled. So I can’t say which bit except it’s a character towards the end that I think sorted out this story really, really well. Yeah...way to go, Nikki. Being all vague and mysterious and all 🙄
Sorry... can’t help it. It’s an important bit. And it truly is just a short bit - part of a chapter. But I like it so much! 😬
Sorry... can’t help it. It’s an important bit. And it truly is just a short bit - part of a chapter. But I like it so much! 😬
April 24, 2021
This one was just okay for me. It took me a while to warm up to both MC's and honestly I never really felt or believed the attraction between the two of them. I did like the storyline and found it interesting. However, the book dragged a bit for me until close to the end when I did think it got really interesting. The character they meet in the woods was adorable and I really want to read a book with that character as an MC.
March 30, 2017
After rereading, I'm upping my rating on this. I'm not sure if it was mood or distractions that made me view this story the way I did the first time. I saw much more of the connection between Rudy and JT. It really was a romance with sci-fi overtones. I feel like I missed their conversations first time around, however the term "sexual lure" was used too many times! I also can't figure out exactly why I didn't see exactly what caused the events at Rudy's apartment. So I loved it after this read and now I can start the sequel!
4/14/16
I have to admit, I waffled back and forth on my rating, because at times, I wasn't enjoying this as much as I wanted to. And I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly why I didn't. I did like the overall concept and plot of the story. I enjoyed the back and forth and banter between the characters of JT, Christian and Elliot, since Nolan and Michelle weren't present quite as much. Michelle, I couldn't like very much at all.
I couldn't fully buy into the relationship with Rudy and JT. I feel like Rudy's character became much younger than he was supposed to be. He seemed to fit better within the first part of the story but regressed toward the latter half. And the relationship he and JT were supposed to be building seemed little more than sex-fueled lust. Darien can write the hell out of a sex scene, and my inner perv has enjoyed many of them! So surprisingly, I didn't like some of them in this book. I think it was the context, the way the sex was used to express they were supposed to be falling in love. Rudy refers to JT's "sexual lure" a couple of times and how the attraction was "magical". Just put me off for some reason.
I did become invested in the story, but mostly because of the sci-fi aspect, not the romance. I wanted to know what the mysterious goings-on were and what might be found. I honestly could have cared less what JT and Rudy were doing. I did not completely understand the incident at Rudy's apartment. It felt like a very contrived plot device to bring the characters back together. It had been at least a couple of weeks, if not more, since Rudy had left, and was a much more extreme retaliation than any previous. I had a couple of other niggles, but I don't want to give anything away about the story, to explain it.
I appreciated seeing Peter and Ben in this story, although I questioned the timeline and ages that seemed to differ a bit from "Seducing Professor Coyle". I wish I knew why they moved. Peter just bought that house!
I did choose a 4 star rating because it was certainly never boring, never dragged and I was anxious to get to the resolution. I did appreciate the character building, which built slowly, as did the suspense and mystery. I think I'll probably enjoy any subsequent books more. First books are often harder to get into, and, I'm sure, harder for the author to write, with all the world and character building for a story arc. I do hope a little more care with editing is given in future books. There were several errors in this one. But Mr. Cox will remain an auto-buy author for me.
6/19/16 rereading before sequel to refresh my memory!
4/14/16
I have to admit, I waffled back and forth on my rating, because at times, I wasn't enjoying this as much as I wanted to. And I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly why I didn't. I did like the overall concept and plot of the story. I enjoyed the back and forth and banter between the characters of JT, Christian and Elliot, since Nolan and Michelle weren't present quite as much. Michelle, I couldn't like very much at all.
I couldn't fully buy into the relationship with Rudy and JT. I feel like Rudy's character became much younger than he was supposed to be. He seemed to fit better within the first part of the story but regressed toward the latter half. And the relationship he and JT were supposed to be building seemed little more than sex-fueled lust. Darien can write the hell out of a sex scene, and my inner perv has enjoyed many of them! So surprisingly, I didn't like some of them in this book. I think it was the context, the way the sex was used to express they were supposed to be falling in love. Rudy refers to JT's "sexual lure" a couple of times and how the attraction was "magical". Just put me off for some reason.
I did become invested in the story, but mostly because of the sci-fi aspect, not the romance. I wanted to know what the mysterious goings-on were and what might be found. I honestly could have cared less what JT and Rudy were doing. I did not completely understand the incident at Rudy's apartment. It felt like a very contrived plot device to bring the characters back together. It had been at least a couple of weeks, if not more, since Rudy had left, and was a much more extreme retaliation than any previous. I had a couple of other niggles, but I don't want to give anything away about the story, to explain it.
I appreciated seeing Peter and Ben in this story, although I questioned the timeline and ages that seemed to differ a bit from "Seducing Professor Coyle". I wish I knew why they moved. Peter just bought that house!
I did choose a 4 star rating because it was certainly never boring, never dragged and I was anxious to get to the resolution. I did appreciate the character building, which built slowly, as did the suspense and mystery. I think I'll probably enjoy any subsequent books more. First books are often harder to get into, and, I'm sure, harder for the author to write, with all the world and character building for a story arc. I do hope a little more care with editing is given in future books. There were several errors in this one. But Mr. Cox will remain an auto-buy author for me.
6/19/16 rereading before sequel to refresh my memory!
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