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The Guardian #3
Eagle Grip
Isaac Hawk’s life wasn’t going as planned. He was living in a crummy apartment with a future career that left him feeling empty inside and a love life that had him feeling even emptier. On a whim, he decides to drop out of the police academy so that he can at least try and fix one aspect of his crumbling future. The only problem with his rash decision? A negative balance in his bank account and no way to pay for rent.
Diego Cruz seemed to have things set. He was on his way to Rome so he could bring home an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. His mind and body were honed in and focused on that one goal. He was going to make all the sacrifices in his life mean something by competing and coming out on top. He was determined to find a reason to move past the deep regret of leaving Isaac the way he had all those years ago.
When Isaac reluctantly accepts a job working as security for the American gymnastics team, he knew his path would cross with Diego’s. What he wasn’t expecting was the flood of emotions that would overpower the both of them after their chance encounter. Things are made more complicated by the obsessive behavior on display from Diego’s ex-boyfriend.
Isaac and Diego will each have to face their past and realize that sometimes you have to hold on to those second chances with an eagle grip.
________________________________
EAGLE GRIP is a hot and steamy, gay romance novel with no cliffhangers. It is the third book in The Guardian series but can be read as a standalone.
Diego Cruz seemed to have things set. He was on his way to Rome so he could bring home an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. His mind and body were honed in and focused on that one goal. He was going to make all the sacrifices in his life mean something by competing and coming out on top. He was determined to find a reason to move past the deep regret of leaving Isaac the way he had all those years ago.
When Isaac reluctantly accepts a job working as security for the American gymnastics team, he knew his path would cross with Diego’s. What he wasn’t expecting was the flood of emotions that would overpower the both of them after their chance encounter. Things are made more complicated by the obsessive behavior on display from Diego’s ex-boyfriend.
Isaac and Diego will each have to face their past and realize that sometimes you have to hold on to those second chances with an eagle grip.
________________________________
EAGLE GRIP is a hot and steamy, gay romance novel with no cliffhangers. It is the third book in The Guardian series but can be read as a standalone.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2016
53 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 12, 2016
*** Two men who get a second chance to love ! ***
Strong Isaac and amazing Diego were together in High School, until Diego's parents kept them apart. Isaac was devastated.
Now, years later, Isaac's life is a mess, he quit the police academy, and cannot focus. So, he accepts a job as Security for the Olympic Gymnasts.
Diego is on the team, and a hope for the Gold.
What will it be like to meet again? They are headed to Rome.
Beautiful, Diego, with his good looks, blondish hair and hazel green eyes
has some tag-a-longs that cause trouble, but he and Isaac do get to talk and reignite their passions and get hot, sweaty, and sexy.
The characters are fun, caring, and deeply in need of each other. The story flows well, and is airy and interesting. Isaac becomes a hero when he saves Diego from the knife. Back at home, Diego has his Gold Medal and many offers for modeling, and endorsements.
The epilogue is lovely ! ENJOY !
=======================
These stories of The Guardian each stand alone.
Strong Isaac and amazing Diego were together in High School, until Diego's parents kept them apart. Isaac was devastated.
Now, years later, Isaac's life is a mess, he quit the police academy, and cannot focus. So, he accepts a job as Security for the Olympic Gymnasts.
Diego is on the team, and a hope for the Gold.
What will it be like to meet again? They are headed to Rome.
Beautiful, Diego, with his good looks, blondish hair and hazel green eyes
has some tag-a-longs that cause trouble, but he and Isaac do get to talk and reignite their passions and get hot, sweaty, and sexy.
The characters are fun, caring, and deeply in need of each other. The story flows well, and is airy and interesting. Isaac becomes a hero when he saves Diego from the knife. Back at home, Diego has his Gold Medal and many offers for modeling, and endorsements.
The epilogue is lovely ! ENJOY !
=======================
These stories of The Guardian each stand alone.
August 27, 2016
Not my favourite of the bunch. A rather large time jump, self driving cars, typos (I usually don't notice those so there must have been a few) and many inconsistencies drew me away from the storey of the two MC itself.
July 20, 2022
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September 10, 2019
Leggere questo libro è stato un po’ una scoperta perché, pur essendo uno sport romance, affronta varie tematiche prima tra tutte quella delle seconde possibilità, ma parla anche di gelosia, di paura di fidarsi dell’altro, di omofobia e aggiunge un tocco di giallo nel finale. Il tutto è raccontato in maniera molto dolce e romantica senza grossi drammi, ma la storia è al tempo stesso sensuale e sexy.
Fin da subito siamo proiettati negli eventi dolorosi del passato che hanno dato il via alle vicende di Isaac Hawk e di Diego Cruz. Isaac è un uomo smarrito che non sa bene che strada scegliere visto che sta facendo un lavoro per cui non si sente portato, insicuro e pieno di ferite per la storia d’amore con Diego finita tragicamente che l’ha fatto sprofondare nella depressione. Proprio per questo non crede più nell’amore, in quanto l’amore totalizzante che ha provato per Diego quando era giovane è troppo vivo nel suo cuore e diventa la pietra di paragone di tutto. Quest’amore infranto ha fatto si che vivesse una vita allo sbando e senza scopo, rinunciando ai suoi sogni e quando decide di averne abbastanza e di lasciare l’accademia di polizia si ritrova senza soldi e senza prospettive. A questo punto riceve la proposta di lavorare come guardia del corpo per la squadra di ginnastica americana, ma questo vorrebbe dire rivedere Diego e soffrire.
Diego Cruz invece sta per realizzare il sogno della sua vita: quello di partecipare alle olimpiadi come ginnasta, anche se per questo ha dovuto soccombere alle minacce omofobe dei suoi genitori e rinunciare al suo unico grande amore Isaac, operando una scelta tinta di vigliaccheria ma giustificabile data la giovane età. Tuttavia anche per lui aver rinunciato al suo amore per Isaac ha cambiato la sua vita, tanto che le varie storie che ha avuto dopo di lui non sono durate perché il suo cuore appartiene a Isaac. Diego però ha troppa paura di contattare Isaac e di spiegarsi e chiedere perdono perché è terrorizzato dallo scoprire che Isaac è andato avanti con la sua vita e ha un altro. Per questo si dedicato anima e corpo allo sport.
Il loro incontro è difficile, entrambi soffrono e provano rancore e Isaac soprattutto non è disposto a fidarsi di nuovo. Eppure vediamo che le loro anime si protendono l’una verso l’altra perché entrambi inconsciamente capiscono che l’altro è il proprio mondo, l’unica persona in grado di capirlo e di accettarlo. Ci vuole l’atmosfera romantica di Roma perché tutti e due lascino da parte il dolore, i dubbi e il rancore, e in questo percorso, che è reso con molta dolcezza, sarà Diego a tentare il primo passo prendendo il coraggio a due mani.
Rivoleva il tenersi per mano, le coccole, le intense e lunghe ore di sesso. Tutto, tutto quanto. Lo rivoleva indietro.
Quando si ritroveranno l’amore esploderà in tutta la sua intensità e vivremo delle belle scene erotiche e sensuali, ma il percorso non è scevro da ostacoli in quanto la gelosia di Isaac e il comportamento ossessivo dell’ex fidanzato di Diego e di suo fratello metteranno i bastoni tra le ruote ai due ragazzi. Sia Isaac che Diego dovranno credere nelle seconde possibilità e avere fiducia nell’altro, venire a patti col loro passato e perdonarsi per gli errori commessi.
Si sentì sciogliere dentro man mano che il loro bacio diventava sempre più caldo, sigillando il loro destino. … Ora erano una cosa sola e lo sarebbero stati per sempre. Diego aveva trovato il suo complice perfetto e non l’avrebbe mai lasciato andare.
In conclusione una storia fluida e ben raccontata che alterna momenti dolci e delicati, a momenti erotici e sensuali e mai volgari, ma ben inseriti nella storia. Buona l’idea di aggiungere un elemento giallo a tutta la storia per vivacizzarla. Ben fatta la traduzione. Da leggere.
Fin da subito siamo proiettati negli eventi dolorosi del passato che hanno dato il via alle vicende di Isaac Hawk e di Diego Cruz. Isaac è un uomo smarrito che non sa bene che strada scegliere visto che sta facendo un lavoro per cui non si sente portato, insicuro e pieno di ferite per la storia d’amore con Diego finita tragicamente che l’ha fatto sprofondare nella depressione. Proprio per questo non crede più nell’amore, in quanto l’amore totalizzante che ha provato per Diego quando era giovane è troppo vivo nel suo cuore e diventa la pietra di paragone di tutto. Quest’amore infranto ha fatto si che vivesse una vita allo sbando e senza scopo, rinunciando ai suoi sogni e quando decide di averne abbastanza e di lasciare l’accademia di polizia si ritrova senza soldi e senza prospettive. A questo punto riceve la proposta di lavorare come guardia del corpo per la squadra di ginnastica americana, ma questo vorrebbe dire rivedere Diego e soffrire.
Diego Cruz invece sta per realizzare il sogno della sua vita: quello di partecipare alle olimpiadi come ginnasta, anche se per questo ha dovuto soccombere alle minacce omofobe dei suoi genitori e rinunciare al suo unico grande amore Isaac, operando una scelta tinta di vigliaccheria ma giustificabile data la giovane età. Tuttavia anche per lui aver rinunciato al suo amore per Isaac ha cambiato la sua vita, tanto che le varie storie che ha avuto dopo di lui non sono durate perché il suo cuore appartiene a Isaac. Diego però ha troppa paura di contattare Isaac e di spiegarsi e chiedere perdono perché è terrorizzato dallo scoprire che Isaac è andato avanti con la sua vita e ha un altro. Per questo si dedicato anima e corpo allo sport.
Il loro incontro è difficile, entrambi soffrono e provano rancore e Isaac soprattutto non è disposto a fidarsi di nuovo. Eppure vediamo che le loro anime si protendono l’una verso l’altra perché entrambi inconsciamente capiscono che l’altro è il proprio mondo, l’unica persona in grado di capirlo e di accettarlo. Ci vuole l’atmosfera romantica di Roma perché tutti e due lascino da parte il dolore, i dubbi e il rancore, e in questo percorso, che è reso con molta dolcezza, sarà Diego a tentare il primo passo prendendo il coraggio a due mani.
Rivoleva il tenersi per mano, le coccole, le intense e lunghe ore di sesso. Tutto, tutto quanto. Lo rivoleva indietro.
Quando si ritroveranno l’amore esploderà in tutta la sua intensità e vivremo delle belle scene erotiche e sensuali, ma il percorso non è scevro da ostacoli in quanto la gelosia di Isaac e il comportamento ossessivo dell’ex fidanzato di Diego e di suo fratello metteranno i bastoni tra le ruote ai due ragazzi. Sia Isaac che Diego dovranno credere nelle seconde possibilità e avere fiducia nell’altro, venire a patti col loro passato e perdonarsi per gli errori commessi.
Si sentì sciogliere dentro man mano che il loro bacio diventava sempre più caldo, sigillando il loro destino. … Ora erano una cosa sola e lo sarebbero stati per sempre. Diego aveva trovato il suo complice perfetto e non l’avrebbe mai lasciato andare.
In conclusione una storia fluida e ben raccontata che alterna momenti dolci e delicati, a momenti erotici e sensuali e mai volgari, ma ben inseriti nella storia. Buona l’idea di aggiungere un elemento giallo a tutta la storia per vivacizzarla. Ben fatta la traduzione. Da leggere.
August 26, 2019
3.5 sottotono rispetto agli altri due, ma comunque godibile.
September 2, 2019
Sufficienza stiracchiata perché la storia tutto sommato è caruccia. Tuttavia, avrebbe bisogno di un buon editor per correggere certe assurdità.
August 26, 2016
This was a tough one because it's going to come down to what you're looking for.
If you're thinking about reading this book, it's likely you've already read the previous books. If you liked them then I think you'll like this one too. It is another contemporary romance with a little hint of backstory and danger(?) somewhere around the edges. The fact that the couple is getting a second chance together will appeal to a lot of readers.
For the bit of mystery on the side? I was ready for it to be predictable based on the early progression of the conflict. But there was an unexpected twist that made it more interesting.
However, I think there were a lot of things in the backstory that just didn't work.
-Time jump - Aside from the author wanting it that way (which is perfectly fine in most cases), why the need for 25 years? There was already an opening for another Hawk brother because of the dad's previous long-term affair. Or, considering Isaac attempted both law enforcement and security, he could have been included as a co-worker or a young man they helped or just simply met at some point. Having him as the son of Adrian and Tristan meant building a family backstory that never really materialized on page. There was a few sugar-coated mentions, but I didn't feel there was enough there to connect the dots. In one instance he called his cousin his best friend, which is fine, but goes on to says "they knew each other from high school".
-Typos/editing - they rivaled the editing mistakes from book 1. Lots of dropped/added words, extra letters, and formatting issues.
-Too many conveniences and contradictions - would have liked to see some more attention paid to some of the background details. Just a few examples:
1) Trig is an uncommon name but it is both his uncle's name (Tristan's brother) and also the name of one of Isaac's roommates. There was also a Frank in this book as well as a different Frank in the previous book. A few others seemed familiar too. A minor thing because it isn't like multiple people can't have the same name, but when you have a limited cast of characters and names get repeated, it stands out.
2) People showed up in random (and yet still predictable) places for the sake of drama, which I feel could have worked better had the scenes been stronger.
3) A 25-ish year-old gymnast tagged as the gold medal favorite even though he had never been good enough to qualify for the Olympic team before seemed odd. In addition, there were a few detailed mentions of working out, routines, and medals, but other than that, the Olympics didn't really play a part in the story. It was more a backdrop than anything else.
4) Isaac's almost immediate change of heart as soon as Diego speaks felt off considering the on-page basis for Isaac's six year, overall angry outlook and lack of direction was based on the heartbreak Diego caused.
5) Diego's studio apartment suddenly had a separate kitchen, bedroom, and office. And despite the chapter header defining the passage of time as one month (2 of those weeks having previously designated as still being in Rome, and I guess the other 2 weeks being the time it took for Isaac to move from LA to Seattle to move in with Diego), having Isaac put away the dishes "they" had stored in the dishwasher for "months" took me out of the story because there were so many previous instances of inconsistencies.
6) And the last thing of note may or may not make anyone else's radar ... but it's a pet peeve of mine. Romance is a genre perfect for HEAs, and marriage and kids is a huge draw. I have no problem with marriage in books. I have no problem with kids in books. But I don't like when they feel like props or items to mark off a "happy family" checklist. I've overlooked the pattern in the previous books because the overall stories were entertaining and the inclusion of a wedding and kids were just another part of the story. But here, the line "They found us a baby girl. We can pick her up tomorrow." comes across as the baby is something they are picking up from the grocery store. Didn't sit well with me. Maybe more so because of the other issues mentioned.
So, what does this mean? Mainly .... if you are reading for the romance and don't really care so much for the background noise, you will probably like this one as much as the previous two. In every way that matters, the romance is adorable and exciting. But those who need all the surrounding parts to work just as well, I would suggest managing your expectations before reading this installment.
If you're thinking about reading this book, it's likely you've already read the previous books. If you liked them then I think you'll like this one too. It is another contemporary romance with a little hint of backstory and danger(?) somewhere around the edges. The fact that the couple is getting a second chance together will appeal to a lot of readers.
For the bit of mystery on the side? I was ready for it to be predictable based on the early progression of the conflict. But there was an unexpected twist that made it more interesting.
However, I think there were a lot of things in the backstory that just didn't work.
-Time jump - Aside from the author wanting it that way (which is perfectly fine in most cases), why the need for 25 years? There was already an opening for another Hawk brother because of the dad's previous long-term affair. Or, considering Isaac attempted both law enforcement and security, he could have been included as a co-worker or a young man they helped or just simply met at some point. Having him as the son of Adrian and Tristan meant building a family backstory that never really materialized on page. There was a few sugar-coated mentions, but I didn't feel there was enough there to connect the dots. In one instance he called his cousin his best friend, which is fine, but goes on to says "they knew each other from high school".
-Typos/editing - they rivaled the editing mistakes from book 1. Lots of dropped/added words, extra letters, and formatting issues.
-Too many conveniences and contradictions - would have liked to see some more attention paid to some of the background details. Just a few examples:
1) Trig is an uncommon name but it is both his uncle's name (Tristan's brother) and also the name of one of Isaac's roommates. There was also a Frank in this book as well as a different Frank in the previous book. A few others seemed familiar too. A minor thing because it isn't like multiple people can't have the same name, but when you have a limited cast of characters and names get repeated, it stands out.
2) People showed up in random (and yet still predictable) places for the sake of drama, which I feel could have worked better had the scenes been stronger.
3) A 25-ish year-old gymnast tagged as the gold medal favorite even though he had never been good enough to qualify for the Olympic team before seemed odd. In addition, there were a few detailed mentions of working out, routines, and medals, but other than that, the Olympics didn't really play a part in the story. It was more a backdrop than anything else.
4) Isaac's almost immediate change of heart as soon as Diego speaks felt off considering the on-page basis for Isaac's six year, overall angry outlook and lack of direction was based on the heartbreak Diego caused.
5) Diego's studio apartment suddenly had a separate kitchen, bedroom, and office. And despite the chapter header defining the passage of time as one month (2 of those weeks having previously designated as still being in Rome, and I guess the other 2 weeks being the time it took for Isaac to move from LA to Seattle to move in with Diego), having Isaac put away the dishes "they" had stored in the dishwasher for "months" took me out of the story because there were so many previous instances of inconsistencies.
6) And the last thing of note may or may not make anyone else's radar ... but it's a pet peeve of mine. Romance is a genre perfect for HEAs, and marriage and kids is a huge draw. I have no problem with marriage in books. I have no problem with kids in books. But I don't like when they feel like props or items to mark off a "happy family" checklist. I've overlooked the pattern in the previous books because the overall stories were entertaining and the inclusion of a wedding and kids were just another part of the story. But here, the line "They found us a baby girl. We can pick her up tomorrow." comes across as the baby is something they are picking up from the grocery store. Didn't sit well with me. Maybe more so because of the other issues mentioned.
So, what does this mean? Mainly .... if you are reading for the romance and don't really care so much for the background noise, you will probably like this one as much as the previous two. In every way that matters, the romance is adorable and exciting. But those who need all the surrounding parts to work just as well, I would suggest managing your expectations before reading this installment.
September 17, 2016
**Grammar**
This is the couple I liked less, bcs there was too much usless drama. Isaac is Adrian and Tristan's son, and when the book starts he is 17 and very much in love with his boyfriend Diego. They have been together for 3 years and all they know about sex they learned it together. The initial scene was cute and hot, they are making out in Diego's room (well there is also a bj..)and they think that have all the time in the world to enjoy each other, but few hours later Diego's parents come back home and find them together on the bed.
Isaac needs to run from the house under some threats from Diego's father. He thinks that later Diego will call him and they will fix this situation, so when he sees Diego's number flashing on the screen and he answers the call,he is not prepared for what the other teen tells him.
Diego breaks up with him, he doesnt want to see him anymore and doesnt have the courage to explain to him why he is acting like this, their story hadnt been a fling, they had been together for years, and I couldnt understand why they didnt have the balls to fight for their love. Diego was a coward and he hurt Isaac badly. Isaac wasnt without faults, he could have tried something more than calling Diego's number and then give up when his father answers the phone.
Now those 2 guys meet again, 6 years later, and understand that they are still in love.
They have had other relationships, mostly one night stands, and they never thought they would see each other again. Diego left one month before, his boyfriend of six months, a crazy dude with a madder older brother, that later will try to kill Diego.
Isaac is working as a bodyguard for the USA athletes going to the Olympics in Rome. 25 years passed since the first book(dunno why the author needed to do this...there were other possible couples to use..).
There is a lot of angst, a crazy ex and his psycho brother, another dude that cant understand the word no(Oliver), that almost breaks them up when he kisses Diego without his consent and while he is drunk, but there are also some good parts. When Diego and Isaac meet again, after years, they fight and Isaac doesnt want to talk with him, but in the end their feelings are stronger than their pride.
Diego tells him that he knows he was a coward and actually I'm not a fan of 2nd chances and I hated the fact that also 2 years after he had broke up with Isaac and Diego had finally left his parents home and become indipendent, he still didnt call Isaac. He was an asshole and Isaac forgot about his pain too fast.
Anyway all ends well. They get back together, all is forgiven(way too fast), they stop the crazy ex and his pyscho older brother and Diego wins the gold medal.
It seems like a fairytail wrote by a drug addict.
In the last pages we see Isaac asking Diego to marry him and the other man says yes, then in the epilogue we see them 5 years later, already married and Isaac became a famous script writer (wtf???? doesnt make sense...) and Diego is now a famous actor (this was even stranger... whatever let's believe they did it, still I didnt understand why Diego had to stop his athletic career, he wasnt injured and he was still young..)
They are waiting for an important call from the adoption agency. They have found them a baby girl, 5 months old, that they can adopt. That scene should have been sweet, but was only strange. They talk about picking the girl as if she is a melon at the store Idk..
The author tells us that there will be other books, the next is about Colton, Isaac's cousin.(Sean and Connor's adopted son). Btw forgot to write that Isaac has a brother called Luke and I think that maybe Colton has a sister? dunno I forgot...
This is the couple I liked less, bcs there was too much usless drama. Isaac is Adrian and Tristan's son, and when the book starts he is 17 and very much in love with his boyfriend Diego. They have been together for 3 years and all they know about sex they learned it together. The initial scene was cute and hot, they are making out in Diego's room (well there is also a bj..)and they think that have all the time in the world to enjoy each other, but few hours later Diego's parents come back home and find them together on the bed.
Isaac needs to run from the house under some threats from Diego's father. He thinks that later Diego will call him and they will fix this situation, so when he sees Diego's number flashing on the screen and he answers the call,he is not prepared for what the other teen tells him.
Diego breaks up with him, he doesnt want to see him anymore and doesnt have the courage to explain to him why he is acting like this, their story hadnt been a fling, they had been together for years, and I couldnt understand why they didnt have the balls to fight for their love. Diego was a coward and he hurt Isaac badly. Isaac wasnt without faults, he could have tried something more than calling Diego's number and then give up when his father answers the phone.
Now those 2 guys meet again, 6 years later, and understand that they are still in love.
They have had other relationships, mostly one night stands, and they never thought they would see each other again. Diego left one month before, his boyfriend of six months, a crazy dude with a madder older brother, that later will try to kill Diego.
Isaac is working as a bodyguard for the USA athletes going to the Olympics in Rome. 25 years passed since the first book(dunno why the author needed to do this...there were other possible couples to use..).
There is a lot of angst, a crazy ex and his psycho brother, another dude that cant understand the word no(Oliver), that almost breaks them up when he kisses Diego without his consent and while he is drunk, but there are also some good parts. When Diego and Isaac meet again, after years, they fight and Isaac doesnt want to talk with him, but in the end their feelings are stronger than their pride.
Diego tells him that he knows he was a coward and actually I'm not a fan of 2nd chances and I hated the fact that also 2 years after he had broke up with Isaac and Diego had finally left his parents home and become indipendent, he still didnt call Isaac. He was an asshole and Isaac forgot about his pain too fast.
Anyway all ends well. They get back together, all is forgiven(way too fast), they stop the crazy ex and his pyscho older brother and Diego wins the gold medal.
It seems like a fairytail wrote by a drug addict.
In the last pages we see Isaac asking Diego to marry him and the other man says yes, then in the epilogue we see them 5 years later, already married and Isaac became a famous script writer (wtf???? doesnt make sense...) and Diego is now a famous actor (this was even stranger... whatever let's believe they did it, still I didnt understand why Diego had to stop his athletic career, he wasnt injured and he was still young..)
They are waiting for an important call from the adoption agency. They have found them a baby girl, 5 months old, that they can adopt. That scene should have been sweet, but was only strange. They talk about picking the girl as if she is a melon at the store Idk..
The author tells us that there will be other books, the next is about Colton, Isaac's cousin.(Sean and Connor's adopted son). Btw forgot to write that Isaac has a brother called Luke and I think that maybe Colton has a sister? dunno I forgot...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2019
Terzo volume della serie “The Guardian”, un capitolo che ci riserva una sorpresa in quanto Isaac è figlio di Adrian e Tristan, protagonisti del primo volume della serie dal titolo “Ti copro io”. Anche “Presa d’aquila” è una storia di seconde occasioni, una vicenda dolcemente sofferta e profondamente romantica. Dopo un prologo che getta le basi sugli eventi accaduti nel passato, veniamo proiettati al presente. Isaac è un giovane uomo confuso, un uomo che non sa ancora quale sia la sua strada. Il dolore del passato ha giocato un ruolo fondamentale sulle sue insicurezza scavando ferite profonde nel suo cuore. La depressione di cui è stato vittima è un luogo oscuro che preme pesantemente anche sul suo presente. Non crede più nell’amore, forse perché quel sentimento speciale e totalizzante che aveva provato con Diego è ancora vivo e pulsante nel suo animo. Una presenza costante che tenta di tenere rinchiusa nella sua mente. Sono passati sei anni, anni in cui la sua vita è andata allo sbando, rinunciando ai suoi sogni di una carriera come sceneggiatore. In suo soccorso arriva una proposta particolare, partecipare come guardia di sicurezza privata per la squadra di ginnasti olimpionici che si appresta a partire per le Olimpiadi a Roma. Unico neo di questo lavoro è sapere di ritrovare Diego nella squadra.
Diego finalmente sta per realizzare il sogno di tutta una vita, quel sogno che lo ha obbligato, ancora giovanissimo, a soccombere alle pretese di un padre omofobo. Ha rinunciato al suo vero amore, a l’unico che potrà mai amare. Ogni storia che ha vissuto non è durata perché il suo cuore appartiene ad un altro. Gli anni trascorsi da quando lo ha abbandonato li ha vissuti solamente per lo sport, li ha vissuti nella paura e nella codardia di provare a cercarlo e scoprire che lui fosse andato avanti senza di lui. Ritrovarsi è destabilizzante e difficile. La tensione ricca di rancore e freddezza sono una sofferenza che lo attanaglia profondamente. Sarà proprio nei giorni vissuti a Roma, tra le antiche bellezze e le gare che impareranno a riavvicinarsi, a lasciare liberi quei sentimenti mai sfioriti.
Tra tensioni e insicurezza viviamo la dolcezza del loro ritrovarsi. Max Walker ci regala una vicenda ricca di tenerezza e sentimento. Una storia che viene movimentata da un ex pericoloso, avances non gradite, e volteggi sugli attrezzi. Sicuramente “Presa d’aquila” è la storia di un amore speciale, unico e totalizzante. Una vicenda che si legge con serenità e un pizzico di apprensione. Viviamo momenti di affetto delicato che si intrecciano con fluidità in attimi di erotismo sensuale. Scene sempre ben descritte, mai forzate o eccessive. Consigliato
Diego finalmente sta per realizzare il sogno di tutta una vita, quel sogno che lo ha obbligato, ancora giovanissimo, a soccombere alle pretese di un padre omofobo. Ha rinunciato al suo vero amore, a l’unico che potrà mai amare. Ogni storia che ha vissuto non è durata perché il suo cuore appartiene ad un altro. Gli anni trascorsi da quando lo ha abbandonato li ha vissuti solamente per lo sport, li ha vissuti nella paura e nella codardia di provare a cercarlo e scoprire che lui fosse andato avanti senza di lui. Ritrovarsi è destabilizzante e difficile. La tensione ricca di rancore e freddezza sono una sofferenza che lo attanaglia profondamente. Sarà proprio nei giorni vissuti a Roma, tra le antiche bellezze e le gare che impareranno a riavvicinarsi, a lasciare liberi quei sentimenti mai sfioriti.
Tra tensioni e insicurezza viviamo la dolcezza del loro ritrovarsi. Max Walker ci regala una vicenda ricca di tenerezza e sentimento. Una storia che viene movimentata da un ex pericoloso, avances non gradite, e volteggi sugli attrezzi. Sicuramente “Presa d’aquila” è la storia di un amore speciale, unico e totalizzante. Una vicenda che si legge con serenità e un pizzico di apprensione. Viviamo momenti di affetto delicato che si intrecciano con fluidità in attimi di erotismo sensuale. Scene sempre ben descritte, mai forzate o eccessive. Consigliato
August 11, 2016
*****5 True Soul Mate Stars*****
“You know, some great things come out of second chances.”
“Yeah, well I’m not a second chance kind of guy.”
Wow, this was a truely magnificent story of young love that is cut short by ignorant, uncaring parents, a young man that fears defying his parents means giving up his dreams, and a heartbroken young lover who doesn't understand why he was left behind.
You did break me, you f******* a**hole. I was a kid in love and you left me without even a real goodbye.
This story by Max Walker really touched me.
While Isaac was raised in a two fathers family, Diego was raised in the traditional mother, father family. They came to love each other in high school and both knew they had a very special, loving, once in a lifetime bond.
He remembered the first time he let Diego inside of him. It was a feeling he was never going to forget. Not only was it incredibly erotic, but it also symbolized them coming together in the most powerful of ways.
After Diego left Isaac with no explanation, Isaac fell into a great depression that almost got the best of him. Many years later, with seemingly no hope left, he takes a job that will task him with security for the USA Men's Gymnastics Team at the Olympics. He realizes that this job may bring him in to contact with his true love, Diego, who has realized his dream of becoming a world class gymnast.
It is inevitable that they meet and wow, what a meet it was! The sexual tension between them could scorch the sun!
His hazel green eyes weren’t only filled with primal lust but also with unbridled passion.
But it isn't a reunion made in heaven. Isaac is extremely bitter and doesn't make it easy for Diego to give him a second chance.
“I’m going to make it up to you. Even if that means I have to open up my own squid farm and feed you calamari all day, every day.”
To find out what happens to these young lovers and whether they get their HEA and does Diego win the Gold Metal, 1-click this wonderfully written love story by Max Walker!
“You know, some great things come out of second chances.”
“Yeah, well I’m not a second chance kind of guy.”
Wow, this was a truely magnificent story of young love that is cut short by ignorant, uncaring parents, a young man that fears defying his parents means giving up his dreams, and a heartbroken young lover who doesn't understand why he was left behind.
You did break me, you f******* a**hole. I was a kid in love and you left me without even a real goodbye.
This story by Max Walker really touched me.
While Isaac was raised in a two fathers family, Diego was raised in the traditional mother, father family. They came to love each other in high school and both knew they had a very special, loving, once in a lifetime bond.
He remembered the first time he let Diego inside of him. It was a feeling he was never going to forget. Not only was it incredibly erotic, but it also symbolized them coming together in the most powerful of ways.
After Diego left Isaac with no explanation, Isaac fell into a great depression that almost got the best of him. Many years later, with seemingly no hope left, he takes a job that will task him with security for the USA Men's Gymnastics Team at the Olympics. He realizes that this job may bring him in to contact with his true love, Diego, who has realized his dream of becoming a world class gymnast.
It is inevitable that they meet and wow, what a meet it was! The sexual tension between them could scorch the sun!
His hazel green eyes weren’t only filled with primal lust but also with unbridled passion.
But it isn't a reunion made in heaven. Isaac is extremely bitter and doesn't make it easy for Diego to give him a second chance.
“I’m going to make it up to you. Even if that means I have to open up my own squid farm and feed you calamari all day, every day.”
To find out what happens to these young lovers and whether they get their HEA and does Diego win the Gold Metal, 1-click this wonderfully written love story by Max Walker!
August 19, 2016
3.5 stars
October 25, 2016
Eagle Grip is a sweet second chance romance.
November 16, 2020
✔ Letto! Sono passati 24 anni dal secondo libro, siamo nel futuro e adesso i figli delle 2 coppie sono grandi e stanno percorrendo la loro strada. O almeno tentando..
Isaac Hawk il figlio di Adrian e Tristan, quando aveva 17 anni, da 3 stava con quello che pensava fosse l'amore della sua vita. Diego Cruz, un ginnasta promettente, figlio di un padre autoritario e omofobo che quando trova il figlio in atteggiamenti intimi con Diego, cambiano casa, scuola e stato pur di farli allontanare. Diego ancora minorenne accetta la decisione che hanno preso per lui e così fa a pezzi il cuore di Tristan.
Anni dopo i ragazzi sono cresciuti, Tristan sta cercando di trovare il suo posto nel mondo e Diego sta per realizzare tutti i suoi sogni con le olimpiadi quando si ritrovano, scoprendo poi che non si sono mai dimenticati.
Il romanzo è carino, ma niente di nuovo e segue tantissimo la trama del secondo libro, un po' prevedibile... e mi ha annoiato qua e là. Quello che salva il libro sono i due protagonisti e la location, sono ragazzi molto carini, giovani, pieni di sogni e talento e disposti a lottare per chi ama, come dei veri guardiani. La location per la maggior parte è una Roma ristrutturata e futuristica.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ e 💋
Isaac Hawk il figlio di Adrian e Tristan, quando aveva 17 anni, da 3 stava con quello che pensava fosse l'amore della sua vita. Diego Cruz, un ginnasta promettente, figlio di un padre autoritario e omofobo che quando trova il figlio in atteggiamenti intimi con Diego, cambiano casa, scuola e stato pur di farli allontanare. Diego ancora minorenne accetta la decisione che hanno preso per lui e così fa a pezzi il cuore di Tristan.
Anni dopo i ragazzi sono cresciuti, Tristan sta cercando di trovare il suo posto nel mondo e Diego sta per realizzare tutti i suoi sogni con le olimpiadi quando si ritrovano, scoprendo poi che non si sono mai dimenticati.
Il romanzo è carino, ma niente di nuovo e segue tantissimo la trama del secondo libro, un po' prevedibile... e mi ha annoiato qua e là. Quello che salva il libro sono i due protagonisti e la location, sono ragazzi molto carini, giovani, pieni di sogni e talento e disposti a lottare per chi ama, come dei veri guardiani. La location per la maggior parte è una Roma ristrutturata e futuristica.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ e 💋
March 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! While watching the Olympics on TV and reading about it was a big plus!
High school boyfriends torn apart by Diego's bigoted father with no explanation at the time of why. Isaac takes a job doing security for the Olympic team and they meet up again. They become friends and fall in love all over again! A little drama with ex's but a good book. Now I really need to read this series from the start!
High school boyfriends torn apart by Diego's bigoted father with no explanation at the time of why. Isaac takes a job doing security for the Olympic team and they meet up again. They become friends and fall in love all over again! A little drama with ex's but a good book. Now I really need to read this series from the start!
June 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this one. I wasn't expecting the twist. The cover was perfect with how much it was in the book. The way the author does the danger to the characters was spot on. While the intensity may have been different in the threat, the characters' fear was the same. Great job. Can't wait for Colton's story.
August 5, 2017
Enjoyable continuation of the series
A very enjoyable read. I liked the echoes of Tristan and Adrian's story for their son. Good story arc. A few parts got repetitive and Isaac was a bit on the "woe is me" side but overall an enjoyable and entertaining book.
A very enjoyable read. I liked the echoes of Tristan and Adrian's story for their son. Good story arc. A few parts got repetitive and Isaac was a bit on the "woe is me" side but overall an enjoyable and entertaining book.
November 17, 2017
There were typos and errors in this one like there have been in all of the others, but one thing that really bugs me is that the author uses the phrase "couldn't help and" AND does not belong there it is supposed to be "but" couldn't help but" I'm sorry, it was just driving me so crazy.
November 13, 2021
Brilliant read!!
Loved it … excellent characterisation….beautiful story. Well conceived and written … sex as sex should be with nothing destroying intimacy … can’t wait for the next one
Loved it … excellent characterisation….beautiful story. Well conceived and written … sex as sex should be with nothing destroying intimacy … can’t wait for the next one
May 1, 2018
3.5 stars
November 1, 2020
Anche questo terzo libro merita poco meno di tre stelle, credo sia quello che mi è piaciuto meno.
January 24, 2023
Typical mm romance with common themes.
Typos: Incorrect end-quote punctuation, misuse of lead for led multiple times, diffuse for defuse, laying for lying.
Typos: Incorrect end-quote punctuation, misuse of lead for led multiple times, diffuse for defuse, laying for lying.
January 1, 2024
“Presa d’aquila” è il terzo libro della serie “The Guardian” di Max Walker. Ambientato diversi anni dopo i primi due volumi, è un romanzo dolce e ricco di sentimenti, che si concentra sulle vicissitudini di Isaac Hawk, figlio dei due agenti dell’FBI, Adrian e Tristan, che si ritrova a vivere una seconda occasione con il suo grande amore, Diego Cruz.
Isaac e Diego sono due adolescenti molto innamorati, consapevoli che la loro storia non è una semplice cotta da liceo, ma è contraddistinta da un sentimento molto più profondo di quanto si possa immaginare a quell’età. Tuttavia, il loro legame viene spezzato dall’avversione del padre di Diego che fa di tutto per allontanare il figlio dal suo ragazzo. Isaac ne esce distrutto, convinto che Diego non abbia voluto lottare per il loro amore.
Alcuni anni dopo, Isaac è alla deriva. Decide in modo impulsivo di abbandonare l’Accademia di polizia, perché sente che non è quello il suo destino, sebbene tema di deludere i suoi padri. Il suo conto bancario è in rosso per cui non sa come pagare l’affitto del suo fatiscente appartamento e la sua vita sentimentale è in fase di perenne stallo, non avendo ancora superato la delusione dell’abbandono di Diego. Quando suo cugino Colton gli suggerisce di lavorare come guardia del corpo per gli atleti di ginnastica artistica durante il periodo delle Olimpiadi di Roma, si ritrova a essere combattuto: da un lato quel lavoro gli farebbe comodo per rimettersi in sesto, dall’altra teme di incontrare di nuovo il suo ex fidanzato che non riesce a dimenticare e verso cui prova un certo rancore. Nonostante i dubbi, decide di accettare, ma non sa che l’incontro con Diego potrebbe rivelarsi un’inattesa e meravigliosa seconda occasione.
Questo terzo libro si è rivelato una bella lettura, forse un po’ meno intensa rispetto ai precedenti, ma comunque davvero godibile. Indubbiamente, il romanzo ha diversi punti di forza. Anzitutto, mi è piaciuta la caratterizzazione dei protagonisti, due ragazzi poco più che ventenni che affrontano l’amore con l’impulsività tipica della loro età, che si sentono esageratamente affranti di fronte a una delusione, ma che sanno toccare il cielo con un dito quando percepiscono che il loro sentimento è ricambiato. Ho amato molto la determinazione di Diego, che si impegna al massimo per eccellere come ginnasta e ottenere l’oro alle Olimpiadi, ma nello stesso tempo si sforza in tutti i modi per riconquistare Isaac, di cui ha sentito in modo straziante la mancanza, e aggiustare le cose tra loro. Mi ha fatto sorridere e commuovere la dolce testardaggine di Isaac, che ha paura di essere di nuovo ferito, ma non può fare a meno di sciogliersi di fronte alle appassionate scuse di Diego e alle sue dolci dimostrazioni d’amore. È stato davvero bello vedere il loro rapporto evolversi, pur tra alcune difficoltà e ostacoli, per riconquistare la dolce intimità di un tempo e una passione ardente.
Max Walker si è particolarmente impegnato non solo nel descrivere in modo suggestivo alcune zone di Roma, rendendo il lettore partecipe delle visite turistiche di Diego e Isaac, ma anche nell’illustrare diverse prove di ginnastica artistica, facendoci vivere le intense emozioni delle gare olimpioniche e spingendoci a fare il tifo per Diego.
L’unica pecca, a mio avviso, è la componente suspense, legata alla presenza di un insistente ex di Diego, che ho trovato meno coinvolgente e leggermente più forzata, sebbene gli accadimenti abbiano comunque una loro coerenza.
“Presa d’aquila” è quindi un buon romanzo che combina alcuni elementi dei precedenti volumi dando vita a una storia intensa dedicata alle seconde occasioni e alla forza di un amore che sa riscattarsi.
Isaac e Diego sono due adolescenti molto innamorati, consapevoli che la loro storia non è una semplice cotta da liceo, ma è contraddistinta da un sentimento molto più profondo di quanto si possa immaginare a quell’età. Tuttavia, il loro legame viene spezzato dall’avversione del padre di Diego che fa di tutto per allontanare il figlio dal suo ragazzo. Isaac ne esce distrutto, convinto che Diego non abbia voluto lottare per il loro amore.
Alcuni anni dopo, Isaac è alla deriva. Decide in modo impulsivo di abbandonare l’Accademia di polizia, perché sente che non è quello il suo destino, sebbene tema di deludere i suoi padri. Il suo conto bancario è in rosso per cui non sa come pagare l’affitto del suo fatiscente appartamento e la sua vita sentimentale è in fase di perenne stallo, non avendo ancora superato la delusione dell’abbandono di Diego. Quando suo cugino Colton gli suggerisce di lavorare come guardia del corpo per gli atleti di ginnastica artistica durante il periodo delle Olimpiadi di Roma, si ritrova a essere combattuto: da un lato quel lavoro gli farebbe comodo per rimettersi in sesto, dall’altra teme di incontrare di nuovo il suo ex fidanzato che non riesce a dimenticare e verso cui prova un certo rancore. Nonostante i dubbi, decide di accettare, ma non sa che l’incontro con Diego potrebbe rivelarsi un’inattesa e meravigliosa seconda occasione.
Questo terzo libro si è rivelato una bella lettura, forse un po’ meno intensa rispetto ai precedenti, ma comunque davvero godibile. Indubbiamente, il romanzo ha diversi punti di forza. Anzitutto, mi è piaciuta la caratterizzazione dei protagonisti, due ragazzi poco più che ventenni che affrontano l’amore con l’impulsività tipica della loro età, che si sentono esageratamente affranti di fronte a una delusione, ma che sanno toccare il cielo con un dito quando percepiscono che il loro sentimento è ricambiato. Ho amato molto la determinazione di Diego, che si impegna al massimo per eccellere come ginnasta e ottenere l’oro alle Olimpiadi, ma nello stesso tempo si sforza in tutti i modi per riconquistare Isaac, di cui ha sentito in modo straziante la mancanza, e aggiustare le cose tra loro. Mi ha fatto sorridere e commuovere la dolce testardaggine di Isaac, che ha paura di essere di nuovo ferito, ma non può fare a meno di sciogliersi di fronte alle appassionate scuse di Diego e alle sue dolci dimostrazioni d’amore. È stato davvero bello vedere il loro rapporto evolversi, pur tra alcune difficoltà e ostacoli, per riconquistare la dolce intimità di un tempo e una passione ardente.
Max Walker si è particolarmente impegnato non solo nel descrivere in modo suggestivo alcune zone di Roma, rendendo il lettore partecipe delle visite turistiche di Diego e Isaac, ma anche nell’illustrare diverse prove di ginnastica artistica, facendoci vivere le intense emozioni delle gare olimpioniche e spingendoci a fare il tifo per Diego.
L’unica pecca, a mio avviso, è la componente suspense, legata alla presenza di un insistente ex di Diego, che ho trovato meno coinvolgente e leggermente più forzata, sebbene gli accadimenti abbiano comunque una loro coerenza.
“Presa d’aquila” è quindi un buon romanzo che combina alcuni elementi dei precedenti volumi dando vita a una storia intensa dedicata alle seconde occasioni e alla forza di un amore che sa riscattarsi.
February 27, 2017
Amazing
Eagle was such a fantastic story
I fell in love with Diego and Isaac there connection were so intense even after years apart
my emotions were in overload my heart was pounding so much following Diego and Isaac's journey I felt like I was there every step of the way
My heart broke at times but also melted too
Thank you max walker for another beautifully written story
Eagle was such a fantastic story
I fell in love with Diego and Isaac there connection were so intense even after years apart
my emotions were in overload my heart was pounding so much following Diego and Isaac's journey I felt like I was there every step of the way
My heart broke at times but also melted too
Thank you max walker for another beautifully written story
August 8, 2016
We have another great addition to The Guardians Series. In Eagle Grip we have Isaac and Diego's story if you follow Max's work you will know that Isaac is Adrian and Tristan's son from Cover Me. Although this is the third book in the series each book can be read as a standalone, there is only small parts mentioned about previous books that you don't feel like your missing something but I would most definitely recommend Cover Me and First Down.
Isaac and Diego fell in love at a young age and planed a life together with Diego wanting to eventually compete in the Olympics and Isaac following in his fathers footsteps by going into law enforcement, but Diego's family found out and are not happy with there son . Instead of accepting their son with understanding, compassion and love they reined down on him, giving Diego an ultimatum Isaac or his family!! Being young and pressured Diego choose his family and in turn breaking Isaac's heart.
Following the heartbreak we jump forward six years, Diego is heading to the Olympics, Isaac's life is at a standstill he's unhappy with where his life is in his job and love life still not over his lost love. Deciding he needs to make a change he leaves the academy but with no money or job to move on too, Isaac's prospects are looking bleak. Desperate for work Isaac accepts a security job but then has second thoughts when he finds out he'll be working on Diego's security detail.
What follows is a second chance romance, but Isaac is hurt and angry that Diego could throw them away and Diego is desperate to show Isaac how sorry he is and that he made a mistake can they move forward with forgiveness, understanding and rekindle their lost love. I'm not going to give to much away I enjoyed that Max wrote this in a way that it's not just bam eyes meet and then there together in that over the top way, they do get to know each other again and falling all over again. We do get some drama and angst and some very hot steamy scenes.
I'm really enjoying this series of books and can't wait for Colton's story. I received an arc in exchange for an honest review from the author. Thank you Max Walker for the privilege of stepping into your fictional world.
Isaac and Diego fell in love at a young age and planed a life together with Diego wanting to eventually compete in the Olympics and Isaac following in his fathers footsteps by going into law enforcement, but Diego's family found out and are not happy with there son . Instead of accepting their son with understanding, compassion and love they reined down on him, giving Diego an ultimatum Isaac or his family!! Being young and pressured Diego choose his family and in turn breaking Isaac's heart.
Following the heartbreak we jump forward six years, Diego is heading to the Olympics, Isaac's life is at a standstill he's unhappy with where his life is in his job and love life still not over his lost love. Deciding he needs to make a change he leaves the academy but with no money or job to move on too, Isaac's prospects are looking bleak. Desperate for work Isaac accepts a security job but then has second thoughts when he finds out he'll be working on Diego's security detail.
What follows is a second chance romance, but Isaac is hurt and angry that Diego could throw them away and Diego is desperate to show Isaac how sorry he is and that he made a mistake can they move forward with forgiveness, understanding and rekindle their lost love. I'm not going to give to much away I enjoyed that Max wrote this in a way that it's not just bam eyes meet and then there together in that over the top way, they do get to know each other again and falling all over again. We do get some drama and angst and some very hot steamy scenes.
I'm really enjoying this series of books and can't wait for Colton's story. I received an arc in exchange for an honest review from the author. Thank you Max Walker for the privilege of stepping into your fictional world.
February 18, 2017
This book is a badly done rehash of book 2 of this series. Same story, just a different setting, switch out football for gymnastics and you have the only real difference. The grammer errors that bothered me in book 2 are here again in spades, only this time it totally destroyed any wish to continue reading. However since I was 75% through the book I soldiered on till the end. I really like Isaac and Diego and it really sucked that their story was done so badly. I won't be reading anymore books by this author.
August 5, 2016
I received an ARC copy from the author in return for a review. In full disclosure I was also a beta reader for part of this story. So I might have a little bias! I do my best to give honest opinions though.
4.5 stars! If you just can't wait for the Olympics, you can get in the mood with this latest story from Max Walker. Set in the near future, Isaac is the son of Adrien and Tristan (from "Cover Me") and through most of high school, was boyfriends and lovers with Diego. They were torn apart in a way that hurt Isaac very deeply and it's still affecting his life. Now, six years later, they come face-to-face once more, as Isaac is hired as security for the gymnastics team. Diego is competing for his last chance at an Olympic medal and seeing Isaac brings up all the feelings of loss he battled while following his dream of a medal. Isaac is very cold towards Diego but Diego wonders if they can at least rebuild a friendship. The setting is also in Rome and Max Walker takes the time to build the feel of the city and gives us a glimpse into the ancient sights there.
What follows is a excellent depiction of second chance love, done in a realistic and logical way. It's not rushed or over-dramatized and they take time to get to know each other as adults. They do also get back to being lovers with some very steamy scenes! They do have conflicts and Diego also has to contend with both an ex and a wanna-be boyfriend. But misunderstandings aren't blown up into silly tropes, and the characters act like real people do! I think I liked that best of all. Max doesn't write caricatures or cliches for his characters. There is some suspense, excitement and danger in the story, adding depth to it without being OTT.
I really enjoyed it a great deal. I think Max improves more with each book he's written and I look forward to more in the future. My only reason for less than a five is my lack of excitement in the sports theme. While I respect the skill and dedication of athletes, I am the least sports-appreciative person I know!
4.5 stars! If you just can't wait for the Olympics, you can get in the mood with this latest story from Max Walker. Set in the near future, Isaac is the son of Adrien and Tristan (from "Cover Me") and through most of high school, was boyfriends and lovers with Diego. They were torn apart in a way that hurt Isaac very deeply and it's still affecting his life. Now, six years later, they come face-to-face once more, as Isaac is hired as security for the gymnastics team. Diego is competing for his last chance at an Olympic medal and seeing Isaac brings up all the feelings of loss he battled while following his dream of a medal. Isaac is very cold towards Diego but Diego wonders if they can at least rebuild a friendship. The setting is also in Rome and Max Walker takes the time to build the feel of the city and gives us a glimpse into the ancient sights there.
What follows is a excellent depiction of second chance love, done in a realistic and logical way. It's not rushed or over-dramatized and they take time to get to know each other as adults. They do also get back to being lovers with some very steamy scenes! They do have conflicts and Diego also has to contend with both an ex and a wanna-be boyfriend. But misunderstandings aren't blown up into silly tropes, and the characters act like real people do! I think I liked that best of all. Max doesn't write caricatures or cliches for his characters. There is some suspense, excitement and danger in the story, adding depth to it without being OTT.
I really enjoyed it a great deal. I think Max improves more with each book he's written and I look forward to more in the future. My only reason for less than a five is my lack of excitement in the sports theme. While I respect the skill and dedication of athletes, I am the least sports-appreciative person I know!
November 7, 2016
This is the first novel in the series I call "the next generation". This book is about Adrian and Tristan's son Isaac.
A lot of time flew by and the charming little boy grew into a sexy man. The plot is a bit unique with the sports theme but no football or baseball this time, no, with competiting in the Olympics and with Diego being an athelete. Really good written, a bit "sci-fi" with the new developments in the way of transport (cars which drive automatically).
The chemistry between the guys was palpable, their bond was made in young years, the seperation devastated both... it is hard to read what Isaac had go through.
What I really liked about the book was the description of the athletic aspect, the movements were well described and you could really see the scenes before you. Also it must be very fascinating to watch this in real.
Hot and steamy is the reunion, something neither Isaac nor Diego expected. Of course no Max Walker book without a happy end so it was clear both find a way to be happy in the end.
There was again a thrilling, solving part, a danger, but again this was the minor focus.
I really enjoyed the appearances of Tristan and Adrian also the appreance of Colton, the cousin of Isaac and son of Sean and Connor from book 2, First Down
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
Double review with Fire Flow
A lot of time flew by and the charming little boy grew into a sexy man. The plot is a bit unique with the sports theme but no football or baseball this time, no, with competiting in the Olympics and with Diego being an athelete. Really good written, a bit "sci-fi" with the new developments in the way of transport (cars which drive automatically).
The chemistry between the guys was palpable, their bond was made in young years, the seperation devastated both... it is hard to read what Isaac had go through.
What I really liked about the book was the description of the athletic aspect, the movements were well described and you could really see the scenes before you. Also it must be very fascinating to watch this in real.
Hot and steamy is the reunion, something neither Isaac nor Diego expected. Of course no Max Walker book without a happy end so it was clear both find a way to be happy in the end.
There was again a thrilling, solving part, a danger, but again this was the minor focus.
I really enjoyed the appearances of Tristan and Adrian also the appreance of Colton, the cousin of Isaac and son of Sean and Connor from book 2, First Down
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
Double review with Fire Flow
February 23, 2017
Another great book in this series
3.5*
We're onto the second generation now and this is a classic second chances story featuring Adrian and Tristan's son Isaac and his first love gymnastic Diego.
The sex is hot as you'd expect in this series but more important is the emotional connection between the two men as they meet again five years later at the Olympic Games. Sparks fly but Isaac is still wary of risking his heart after Diego utterly demolished it when he gave in to the pressure of his parents to give up his love.
There's an additional complication with an ex of Diego's who doesn't seem to want to let him go which, for me, didn't really work as well as I'd hoped, the denouement was a bit off kilter but it did add a little bit of an extra step to their second chance so I can let it go.
There were also some niggling little editing errors in this one which I don't remember there being so many of in the previous two but still, I'm forgiving those because, overall, this is a satisfying read which is enjoyable and a great continuation of the series.
Plus the cover is ridiculously hot so that gives me plenty of good feelings to get over minor typos and the epilogue was superb ;)
3.5*
We're onto the second generation now and this is a classic second chances story featuring Adrian and Tristan's son Isaac and his first love gymnastic Diego.
The sex is hot as you'd expect in this series but more important is the emotional connection between the two men as they meet again five years later at the Olympic Games. Sparks fly but Isaac is still wary of risking his heart after Diego utterly demolished it when he gave in to the pressure of his parents to give up his love.
There's an additional complication with an ex of Diego's who doesn't seem to want to let him go which, for me, didn't really work as well as I'd hoped, the denouement was a bit off kilter but it did add a little bit of an extra step to their second chance so I can let it go.
There were also some niggling little editing errors in this one which I don't remember there being so many of in the previous two but still, I'm forgiving those because, overall, this is a satisfying read which is enjoyable and a great continuation of the series.
Plus the cover is ridiculously hot so that gives me plenty of good feelings to get over minor typos and the epilogue was superb ;)
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