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Dearly Stalked
Writing crime novels catapulted Memphis native Silas Cooper to fame and fortune, but when his words backfire and he becomes trapped in what could be one of his books, he needs a hero of his own.
Silas’s publicist insists he hire a personal assistant, and Silas chooses Scott Kramer. But before Scott starts, he already has a round of steamy phone sex to hold over Silas’s head, and his interest in his boss isn’t decreasing.
Benjamin Logan joined the Army to see the world, and while deployed he read every one of Silas’s books. With his military career over, Ben is back in Memphis working for the police department—and attempting a deeply closeted relationship with fellow cop Morgan Brown.
Over coffee, Silas and Ben become friends who support each other as relationships fall apart, and the attraction between them slowly emerges. When a dangerous stalker threatens Silas, it’s up to Ben to stop him.
If Ben fails, Silas might not live to tell this story… and Ben might not be able to live with himself.
Silas’s publicist insists he hire a personal assistant, and Silas chooses Scott Kramer. But before Scott starts, he already has a round of steamy phone sex to hold over Silas’s head, and his interest in his boss isn’t decreasing.
Benjamin Logan joined the Army to see the world, and while deployed he read every one of Silas’s books. With his military career over, Ben is back in Memphis working for the police department—and attempting a deeply closeted relationship with fellow cop Morgan Brown.
Over coffee, Silas and Ben become friends who support each other as relationships fall apart, and the attraction between them slowly emerges. When a dangerous stalker threatens Silas, it’s up to Ben to stop him.
If Ben fails, Silas might not live to tell this story… and Ben might not be able to live with himself.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2017
About the author
Allison Cassatta
42 books187 followersI am a married, 33 year old, female, with no children. By trade I am a network engineer with far too many years under my belt. My first book was published in 2010 by Kerlak Publishing, followed by a short story in 2011 through Dreamspinner Press. I don't have any formal training, I simply write what I feel. I have a vivid imagination and love building dream worlds for my readers to escape to.
I recently discovered that I am a hopeless romantic and that usually makes for some very turbulent stories. As most know, love is a mountain and at its peak there's infinite beauty, but it's best appreciated after a difficult climb... that's how I write. The world would be a boring place if we didn't have to fight a little for what we wanted, now wouldn't it.
I recently discovered that I am a hopeless romantic and that usually makes for some very turbulent stories. As most know, love is a mountain and at its peak there's infinite beauty, but it's best appreciated after a difficult climb... that's how I write. The world would be a boring place if we didn't have to fight a little for what we wanted, now wouldn't it.
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February 4, 2017DNF @ 54%
That face up above is my confused face. Call it disbelief, disdain, speechless. Call it whatever you would like, but I'm outta here on this book.
I knew way before 54% that it wasn't going to end well for me and this book. None of the characters connected with me. I literally am in disbelief by Silas's behavior and stupidity so early in the book. I get almost hulk rage mad when Ben seems to open his mouth to disregard Morgan's feelings or his own. I get hulk rage mad when Ben has all these accusations against Morgan in his mind, but never puts forth any effort to be a better "boyfriend". I use that term loosely since he's in the closet and afraid to come out. He is scared of what people are going to say and a past experience left him scared. I'm all for coming out on your own terms. Big believer in a person's space and acceptance of their own sexuality. What I have a problem with is Ben's almost disregard for any kind of a relationship, words, but instead almost shaming Morgan to stay and be quiet. I know, I can't put all the blame on Ben. Silas and and Scott is just a big disaster waiting to happen. It doesn't take long for that dumb situation to implode on itself. I mean, Silas is suppose to be this super smart person, and write mystery stories, but he's blind to the situation right in front of him? Does not make any freaking sense.
I feel like up to the point that I've read that I missed certain things. Was I suppose to read between the lines? I'm not sure, but I couldn't take this story any longer, and I had to bow out. I didn't like the guys, or story line. The potential for Silas and Ben to get together took to long and was pointless. I wish, I could have liked it, but I was happy to close the book on this for good.
dnf-or-hated
January 1, 2017DNF at 50% - No rating.
February 22, 2017
2.5 stars. I really wasn't sure how I was going to rate this book. I'm not sure how to convey everything that felt jarring and dissonant about it. Silas, an author, hires Scott as his assistant, carelessly flirting during what should have been an interview. Starting with phone sex that same evening, they embark on a sexual relationship. So, there's careless, thoughtless stupidity, as months go by where Silas claims to want a relationship but is resentful of Scott's intrusion into his author bubble.
Ben is a deeply closeted cop who, when confronted for a date by his crush, Morgan, ends up living with him. Their relationship seemed somewhat more typical but they both were jealous and distrustful. Yet they both claimed to love each other. All of in on the down low. During this time, Ben runs into Silas, his favorite author, at the local Starbucks on a regular basis. This is the cause of jealousy for both Scott and Morgan, even though Ben and Silas never do more than talk. At 54 % everyone breaks up. Within one day from that, Ben and Scott are having sex.
The rest the story is about Silas's stalker and Silas spending time with Ben. There's never any discussion of deeper subjects. Why is Ben so closeted besides being a cop? Why does Silas panic and fall apart so badly before anything more than phone calls and a few messages have happened? It just felt very unbalanced and I could not like any of the characters very much. The whole relationships section just felt weird and incomplete and confusing. The rapid switch to Ben and Silas didn't make a lot of sense to me. Maybe some of it was just me, so I gave it an extra half star. It was well polished and edited. It simply became a rather meandering road to include any romance and missed the mark. Not satisfying romantically or as a suspense story.
Ben is a deeply closeted cop who, when confronted for a date by his crush, Morgan, ends up living with him. Their relationship seemed somewhat more typical but they both were jealous and distrustful. Yet they both claimed to love each other. All of in on the down low. During this time, Ben runs into Silas, his favorite author, at the local Starbucks on a regular basis. This is the cause of jealousy for both Scott and Morgan, even though Ben and Silas never do more than talk. At 54 % everyone breaks up. Within one day from that, Ben and Scott are having sex.
The rest the story is about Silas's stalker and Silas spending time with Ben. There's never any discussion of deeper subjects. Why is Ben so closeted besides being a cop? Why does Silas panic and fall apart so badly before anything more than phone calls and a few messages have happened? It just felt very unbalanced and I could not like any of the characters very much. The whole relationships section just felt weird and incomplete and confusing. The rapid switch to Ben and Silas didn't make a lot of sense to me. Maybe some of it was just me, so I gave it an extra half star. It was well polished and edited. It simply became a rather meandering road to include any romance and missed the mark. Not satisfying romantically or as a suspense story.
January 30, 2017
When I first picked up this book, I was interested in the crime writer being involved with crimes against him, angle. But I had to wait almost 180? or so pages before that happened. I’ll be honest, the beginning of this book was hard to trudge through. There was hardly anything likable about Silas – and his behavior was deplorable (not to be judge-y, but it seemed like his behavior was just out of character). Silas is a reclusive writer who gets involved INSTANTLY with a potential assistant/employee. It was weird, and felt eww.
But OMG, there were about 100 pages in the book that were amazing. And it was when the weird flings ended and the crime drama began. Just as I had hoped, it was fun reading Silas’s adventures being in his own crime – even if there were some sad/scary parts of the story. The action part of this book was entertaining, well written and I felt like I was finally connecting with the characters and the book. And then the end happened, and I was once again annoyed.
I think Cassatta writes well and can definitely do the crime thing – but overall, as a story arc and all of the components needed to get the story to a place where it’s in her wheelhouse, it just wasn’t worth the read. The bang wasn’t worth the misery at the beginning.
Review Copy of Dearly Stalked provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review.
Reviewed by Mel from Alpha Book Club
But OMG, there were about 100 pages in the book that were amazing. And it was when the weird flings ended and the crime drama began. Just as I had hoped, it was fun reading Silas’s adventures being in his own crime – even if there were some sad/scary parts of the story. The action part of this book was entertaining, well written and I felt like I was finally connecting with the characters and the book. And then the end happened, and I was once again annoyed.
I think Cassatta writes well and can definitely do the crime thing – but overall, as a story arc and all of the components needed to get the story to a place where it’s in her wheelhouse, it just wasn’t worth the read. The bang wasn’t worth the misery at the beginning.
Review Copy of Dearly Stalked provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review.
Reviewed by Mel from Alpha Book Club
October 19, 2017
It's a long book, and I have to adjust with the writing style as well.
Both MCs not really my liking, pinning to their other lovers instead of finding their way to each other.
The chemistry was also not really as strong as I expected.
And I had a hard time reading their sex life with others. No cheating whatsoever, they're actually quite loyal to their (other) partners, even admitted love.
I don't know. I guess, their closeness was more of the danger Silas's faced and Ben was there for him. Not that I'm complained.
But together after 60% mark, didn't satisfied me at all.
More thoughts to follow, I guess...
* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner press for an honest and unbiased review.*
Both MCs not really my liking, pinning to their other lovers instead of finding their way to each other.
The chemistry was also not really as strong as I expected.
And I had a hard time reading their sex life with others. No cheating whatsoever, they're actually quite loyal to their (other) partners, even admitted love.
I don't know. I guess, their closeness was more of the danger Silas's faced and Ben was there for him. Not that I'm complained.
But together after 60% mark, didn't satisfied me at all.
More thoughts to follow, I guess...
* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner press for an honest and unbiased review.*
January 23, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
This may be a little confusing review, so it begs an explanation. The two MC's in this story are Scott and Ben. But for 54% (yes, I looked) of this book, both MC's are in relationships with other men. Serious relationships, where we see the start of the relationship, the ongoing relationship, and that they end up living together. These relationships are the whole first half of this book. And, I was not a fan of either MC at this point, but things did change for me after their relationships ended.
Silas Cooper is a successful writer of crime novels. Silas prefers to hole up to write his crime novels and leave the real world on the outside. His publicist pressures him to hire a personal assistant, which he does. Silas may be a successful writer, but he's not successful at interviewing and hiring. Instead of interviewing Scott when they meet for coffee, Silas is distracted by a police officer he just met, Ben. He ends the interview with Scott, with little awareness of Scott's inappropriate reaction to Silas' flirting with Ben by offering him the job. Silas and Scott's relationship become more than employer/employee, much to his publicist disgust. The men's relationship develop over the year they're together, but Scott's jealousy becomes an issue and they break up. Scott can not let go of Silas, since he's his biggest fan.
Ben works as a police officer and is so far in the closet over worrying about how his dead parents and his fellow police officers would react. While getting coffee one day he meets Silas, who he's a huge fan of! He gets his autograph and goes about his day. He has a crush on fellow police officer, Morgan, but he makes sure to not interact with Morgan to prevent any of his attraction from showing. Until one day at the end of his shift when Morgan pushes for them to go get a beer together. Ben keeps saying no, and in the parking lot Morgan grabs him and kisses him. Ben is not happy and tells Morgan they can go to his house to discuss this. There's no discussion involved in what happens with them. Ben's really a jerk to Morgan, but Morgan must like being treated like crap because the men develop a secret relationship that winds up with Morgan living at Ben's and falling in love with him. But, after a year, their insecurities with their secret life is showing cracks and jealousy causes them to break-up.
Throughout their relationships, Ben and Silas would run into each other when out and about. Once both men are single, they strike up a friendship. When Silas is struggling with a stalker, Ben provides security to Silas and helps protect him. Eventually the men's relationship turns into more but Ben is still very deep in the closet and doesn't ever see that changing. But things come to a head with Silas' stalker and what once seemed important, isn't any longer.
So, to start, Ben's full name is Benjamin Logan. It's a nice name, totally normal, except for me because that's the name of a local school district near me and I found it a little distracting. :) But, back to the story. Again, I did not like Silas and Ben for the first half of this book. Now that I've read the whole story, I can appreciate what the author did, but it was hard for me to get through the first part. The characters developed during the second half and the story became more interesting with the stalker angle. Even though we spent 54% watching the MC's develop a relationship with the other characters, the relationship for the two MC's together did not get resolved until the last few pages of the book. I would have loved for more relationship development between the two MC's to happen, and a lot less on their previous relationships.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story if you just stick with it. I promise the story as a whole is totally worth it, and it's an interesting chance the author took with it!
Rating: 4 stars
This may be a little confusing review, so it begs an explanation. The two MC's in this story are Scott and Ben. But for 54% (yes, I looked) of this book, both MC's are in relationships with other men. Serious relationships, where we see the start of the relationship, the ongoing relationship, and that they end up living together. These relationships are the whole first half of this book. And, I was not a fan of either MC at this point, but things did change for me after their relationships ended.
Silas Cooper is a successful writer of crime novels. Silas prefers to hole up to write his crime novels and leave the real world on the outside. His publicist pressures him to hire a personal assistant, which he does. Silas may be a successful writer, but he's not successful at interviewing and hiring. Instead of interviewing Scott when they meet for coffee, Silas is distracted by a police officer he just met, Ben. He ends the interview with Scott, with little awareness of Scott's inappropriate reaction to Silas' flirting with Ben by offering him the job. Silas and Scott's relationship become more than employer/employee, much to his publicist disgust. The men's relationship develop over the year they're together, but Scott's jealousy becomes an issue and they break up. Scott can not let go of Silas, since he's his biggest fan.
Ben works as a police officer and is so far in the closet over worrying about how his dead parents and his fellow police officers would react. While getting coffee one day he meets Silas, who he's a huge fan of! He gets his autograph and goes about his day. He has a crush on fellow police officer, Morgan, but he makes sure to not interact with Morgan to prevent any of his attraction from showing. Until one day at the end of his shift when Morgan pushes for them to go get a beer together. Ben keeps saying no, and in the parking lot Morgan grabs him and kisses him. Ben is not happy and tells Morgan they can go to his house to discuss this. There's no discussion involved in what happens with them. Ben's really a jerk to Morgan, but Morgan must like being treated like crap because the men develop a secret relationship that winds up with Morgan living at Ben's and falling in love with him. But, after a year, their insecurities with their secret life is showing cracks and jealousy causes them to break-up.
Throughout their relationships, Ben and Silas would run into each other when out and about. Once both men are single, they strike up a friendship. When Silas is struggling with a stalker, Ben provides security to Silas and helps protect him. Eventually the men's relationship turns into more but Ben is still very deep in the closet and doesn't ever see that changing. But things come to a head with Silas' stalker and what once seemed important, isn't any longer.
So, to start, Ben's full name is Benjamin Logan. It's a nice name, totally normal, except for me because that's the name of a local school district near me and I found it a little distracting. :) But, back to the story. Again, I did not like Silas and Ben for the first half of this book. Now that I've read the whole story, I can appreciate what the author did, but it was hard for me to get through the first part. The characters developed during the second half and the story became more interesting with the stalker angle. Even though we spent 54% watching the MC's develop a relationship with the other characters, the relationship for the two MC's together did not get resolved until the last few pages of the book. I would have loved for more relationship development between the two MC's to happen, and a lot less on their previous relationships.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story if you just stick with it. I promise the story as a whole is totally worth it, and it's an interesting chance the author took with it!
Rating: 4 stars
January 24, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
I loved Dearly Stalked! It’s my first five-star book of 2017. I wasn’t sure what to make of it at first. I knew it would be a story about an author with a stalker. I envisioned it going something like this: An author is being stalked, cop is assigned to protect him, they develop feelings for each other, and after lots of action, the author and the cop fall in love and live happily ever after. Wow, was I ever surprised! My mind was sort of blown as I read that both men were having separate relationships as they were getting to know each other. I kept thinking, “But where’s the love??”
What began as a story of four men turned into a story of two. It was slow build up. It wasn’t all bad between Silas and Scott, and Ben and Morgan did love each other…it was just different sorts of love. Usually, I do a freak out when my two MCs are with other people, but this time, I really didn’t mind. Their stories were fascinating, and their relationships with the others were the building blocks of their own. Yes, they’d have met in the coffee shop, and yes their flirty friendship may have turned into something more, but the chances were probably slim.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
I loved Dearly Stalked! It’s my first five-star book of 2017. I wasn’t sure what to make of it at first. I knew it would be a story about an author with a stalker. I envisioned it going something like this: An author is being stalked, cop is assigned to protect him, they develop feelings for each other, and after lots of action, the author and the cop fall in love and live happily ever after. Wow, was I ever surprised! My mind was sort of blown as I read that both men were having separate relationships as they were getting to know each other. I kept thinking, “But where’s the love??”
What began as a story of four men turned into a story of two. It was slow build up. It wasn’t all bad between Silas and Scott, and Ben and Morgan did love each other…it was just different sorts of love. Usually, I do a freak out when my two MCs are with other people, but this time, I really didn’t mind. Their stories were fascinating, and their relationships with the others were the building blocks of their own. Yes, they’d have met in the coffee shop, and yes their flirty friendship may have turned into something more, but the chances were probably slim.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
July 2, 2017
Dearly Stalked by Allison Cassatta is a contemporary romantic suspense novel. Author Silas Cooper makes the mistake of his life when he mixes business with pleasure when he hires an assistant who turns threatening. Luckily, Officer Ben Logan is a long-time fan of Silas, who soon becomes his friend, and hopefully more – if they both survive it.
Dearly Stalked is packed with action – so much so that it teeters between exciting and tiresome. Ben is the most captivating character in the novel. He was what kept me invested in the story. Silas came across as lacking in the street smarts you would expect of a thriller writer. Why didn’t he see the trouble with Scott from the beginning (or close to it)? Also, Ben and Silas took a long time to get together, so it dampened the romantic appeal for me. However, I really enjoyed Cassatta’s fast-paced writing style, and would love to read her next book.
Reviewed by Liz Cat for Crystal's Many Reviewers
Copy provided for review
Dearly Stalked is packed with action – so much so that it teeters between exciting and tiresome. Ben is the most captivating character in the novel. He was what kept me invested in the story. Silas came across as lacking in the street smarts you would expect of a thriller writer. Why didn’t he see the trouble with Scott from the beginning (or close to it)? Also, Ben and Silas took a long time to get together, so it dampened the romantic appeal for me. However, I really enjoyed Cassatta’s fast-paced writing style, and would love to read her next book.
Reviewed by Liz Cat for Crystal's Many Reviewers
Copy provided for review
February 25, 2017
This author is one of my favorites and this book doesn't disappoint.
I have to admit, I wasn't a fan of the beginning, but that simply because I want my love interests to be together, even though like always the author knows best and the way it worked out was best.
I could completely see how the main MC would be duped by evil bad guy, you live your whole life in this bubble, well, you're not going understand.
So many lessons to learn and overcome. So many layers to peel back. Keeps you on the edge through out the whole book.
I have to admit, I wasn't a fan of the beginning, but that simply because I want my love interests to be together, even though like always the author knows best and the way it worked out was best.
I could completely see how the main MC would be duped by evil bad guy, you live your whole life in this bubble, well, you're not going understand.
So many lessons to learn and overcome. So many layers to peel back. Keeps you on the edge through out the whole book.
January 29, 2017
3.5 Stars ~ Silas Cooper writes crime drama. Real, gritty, psychological killers are his forte. In actuality, he is a bit of a nerd, a homebody who often forgets to eat, sleep or shower when he is in the middle of story. He can be a little naive despite the genre he writes. He is totally self-absorbed, so when his publicist encourages him to hire an assistant so that he can have a life outside his passion, he doesn’t put much thought into it, seeing it as a disturbance of his muse. Scott has been a fan, a true devotee to Silas’ work—he longs to be more than just an assistant to the brilliant writer but can’t seem to make Silas feel the same depth of emotion he does.
Ben Logan is a closeted cop. He’s conflicted, carries around a lot of pent up emotion, but ultimately, has a surprising capacity to love. Ben still has mental and physical issues from his military service. His decision to become a cop after leaving the military had a lot to do with the crime dramas penned by his favorite author, Silas Cooper. His relationship with fellow cop Morgan is a good one—not a great one—but for the first time in forever, Ben has opened himself up to loving another man. Ben’s relationship with Morgan is vital to who Ben is since it is through this relationship that he really comes to terms with being gay and accepting himself. These are issues which he had to work through to be able to move forward when he and Morgan break up, and Silas comes into his life more significantly.
This book really has three acts. The first act involves establishing the characters in their careers, establishing them as individuals and noting how they act in interpersonal relationships. In this part of the book, Ben begins a relationship with a fellow cop, and Silas begins a relationship with his new assistant. The only contact our main characters have with each other are chance encounters. They meet and diverge almost like struck billiard balls, making an impact in each other’s lives but then carried away by their outward momentum.
The second act begins the tension. The stalking and crumbling of the MCs’ individual lives. The tension begins when Silas’ assistant starts to take over his life. Cutting Scott from his life seems like the obvious course of action for Silas, but then things start happening to him that remind him of one of his stories. Who could be behind the break-ins and creepy messages? Silas starts to only feel safe when in the presence of his policeman friend, Ben. But Ben is having troubles of his own, conflicted about his feelings for his boyfriend and unsure of a relationship that lacks a good degree of trust.
The third act is when the MCs come together, conflicts get resolved, and a HEA is established. Ben and Silas lean on each other, discovering the way they feel is bigger than the circumstances they find themselves in.
“’It’s over.’ Ben whispered. The End, Silas thought. A horrible chapter in his life’s book had finally come to a close. A review would call it wordy and gratuitous in violence, chock-full of bad decisions but enthralling to the last period. Silas never in a million years would’ve dreamed the things he’s put on paper might come to life like this. Well, save for the silver screen, but movies were as imaginary as the novels they portrayed.”
This is a slow burn novel; even the stalking takes place over an extended period of time. Silas and Ben don’t truly connect in a romantic way until the 60% mark, and even then, it takes them a while to go all in with each other. If this book was trying to be a mystery/thriller, then I am not sure it accomplishes that. There is no mystery—we know who is stalking Silas—and while there are “thriller” aspects to the story, I think the author could have ramped up the suspense farther than she did. We got a hint that the stalker would be as deviant and psychologically twisted as Silas’ own characters, but in the end, he is just a mentally unstable man who’s a bit of a bully. Don’t get me wrong, the stalker does have some deliciously evil moments, and those tidbits keep you entertained and on the hook to see what happens.
On the whole, I enjoyed this book. It’s is an interesting read. I think I am just too bloodthirsty—my imagination runs along the same lines as Silas’, I suppose. It is ultimately a romantic story of two men who would never have become as close as they did if the events which unfold in the story had never happened. If they had not had to depend on each other, they would not have acknowledged the feelings each one secretly held. This story is a romance and, therefore, perfectly acceptable without the added edge of suspense. The first act ran a little long for my taste, and the third act seemed a little rushed, but taken as a whole, this was a great read. Cassatta creates great characters, and this is a character driven story. I think Ben and Silas were perfect for each other in the end, and I finished this slow burn story completely satisfied. I recommend this book for those who enjoy reading a story, not just a romance.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach Reviews
Ben Logan is a closeted cop. He’s conflicted, carries around a lot of pent up emotion, but ultimately, has a surprising capacity to love. Ben still has mental and physical issues from his military service. His decision to become a cop after leaving the military had a lot to do with the crime dramas penned by his favorite author, Silas Cooper. His relationship with fellow cop Morgan is a good one—not a great one—but for the first time in forever, Ben has opened himself up to loving another man. Ben’s relationship with Morgan is vital to who Ben is since it is through this relationship that he really comes to terms with being gay and accepting himself. These are issues which he had to work through to be able to move forward when he and Morgan break up, and Silas comes into his life more significantly.
This book really has three acts. The first act involves establishing the characters in their careers, establishing them as individuals and noting how they act in interpersonal relationships. In this part of the book, Ben begins a relationship with a fellow cop, and Silas begins a relationship with his new assistant. The only contact our main characters have with each other are chance encounters. They meet and diverge almost like struck billiard balls, making an impact in each other’s lives but then carried away by their outward momentum.
The second act begins the tension. The stalking and crumbling of the MCs’ individual lives. The tension begins when Silas’ assistant starts to take over his life. Cutting Scott from his life seems like the obvious course of action for Silas, but then things start happening to him that remind him of one of his stories. Who could be behind the break-ins and creepy messages? Silas starts to only feel safe when in the presence of his policeman friend, Ben. But Ben is having troubles of his own, conflicted about his feelings for his boyfriend and unsure of a relationship that lacks a good degree of trust.
The third act is when the MCs come together, conflicts get resolved, and a HEA is established. Ben and Silas lean on each other, discovering the way they feel is bigger than the circumstances they find themselves in.
“’It’s over.’ Ben whispered. The End, Silas thought. A horrible chapter in his life’s book had finally come to a close. A review would call it wordy and gratuitous in violence, chock-full of bad decisions but enthralling to the last period. Silas never in a million years would’ve dreamed the things he’s put on paper might come to life like this. Well, save for the silver screen, but movies were as imaginary as the novels they portrayed.”
This is a slow burn novel; even the stalking takes place over an extended period of time. Silas and Ben don’t truly connect in a romantic way until the 60% mark, and even then, it takes them a while to go all in with each other. If this book was trying to be a mystery/thriller, then I am not sure it accomplishes that. There is no mystery—we know who is stalking Silas—and while there are “thriller” aspects to the story, I think the author could have ramped up the suspense farther than she did. We got a hint that the stalker would be as deviant and psychologically twisted as Silas’ own characters, but in the end, he is just a mentally unstable man who’s a bit of a bully. Don’t get me wrong, the stalker does have some deliciously evil moments, and those tidbits keep you entertained and on the hook to see what happens.
On the whole, I enjoyed this book. It’s is an interesting read. I think I am just too bloodthirsty—my imagination runs along the same lines as Silas’, I suppose. It is ultimately a romantic story of two men who would never have become as close as they did if the events which unfold in the story had never happened. If they had not had to depend on each other, they would not have acknowledged the feelings each one secretly held. This story is a romance and, therefore, perfectly acceptable without the added edge of suspense. The first act ran a little long for my taste, and the third act seemed a little rushed, but taken as a whole, this was a great read. Cassatta creates great characters, and this is a character driven story. I think Ben and Silas were perfect for each other in the end, and I finished this slow burn story completely satisfied. I recommend this book for those who enjoy reading a story, not just a romance.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach Reviews
February 19, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book
3.5 stars
Silas Cooper meets Benjamin Logan in a coffee shop. Silas thinks the cop is sexy, and Ben is a big fan of Silas’ books. Silas and Ben each begin a relationship with someone else. Both men are content in spite of their relationships not being perfect. That’s life though, nothing is perfect. As time goes on Silas and Ben’s relationships become even less perfect, and each man looks forward to seeing the other at their local coffee shop. Things go really wrong in Silas’ life when he realizes his boyfriend is psychotic. Ben deals with Silas as a police officer. As Ben begins to feel more and more protective over Silas he sees his own relationship fall apart. When both men are single they are wary of immediately jumping into a new relationship. They don’t want to lose what they have as friends. Silas’ crazy ex doesn’t see it that way. Things don’t go well.
First things first: there is no cheating in this book. Silas and Ben each have a distinct relationship before they get together. I think the set up of the book, showing the men in parallel lives was interesting. I’m not sure if I liked how it worked. I really like the fact it showed the issues the guys have. I will always prefer showing to telling. The downside was it was a lot of story before it got to the suspense of the stalker and the relationship development between the two main characters. In some ways it felt like a mash up of three novellas.
I had some issues with Ben’s character development. As he starts his first relationship in the book he is deeply closeted and appears to be almost phobic about people finding out about his sexuality. It is hinted he experienced some kind of betrayal while in the military that almost cost him his career. That all vanished. Ben is still overly cautious when he begins his relationship with Silas, but the hints of phobia and the military experience are gone. I did see there were things planted along the way to help Ben to realize his world wouldn’t fall apart, but I don’t feel a phobia and a big secret trauma/betrayal just go away because there is another gay cop. For me this felt like an unresolved plot string and a device used to ensure Ben’s first relationship wouldn’t last. I know authors need to use devices, but I don’t want to spot them easily.
Despite my complaints I feel this is a good book. I would have preferred more time spent on the relationship between the two main characters, but that’s a purely subjective complaint. I do appreciate both Ben and Silas came into their relationship as known quantities without an info-dump to explain their personal issues. It created a poignancy I enjoyed.
3.5 stars
Silas Cooper meets Benjamin Logan in a coffee shop. Silas thinks the cop is sexy, and Ben is a big fan of Silas’ books. Silas and Ben each begin a relationship with someone else. Both men are content in spite of their relationships not being perfect. That’s life though, nothing is perfect. As time goes on Silas and Ben’s relationships become even less perfect, and each man looks forward to seeing the other at their local coffee shop. Things go really wrong in Silas’ life when he realizes his boyfriend is psychotic. Ben deals with Silas as a police officer. As Ben begins to feel more and more protective over Silas he sees his own relationship fall apart. When both men are single they are wary of immediately jumping into a new relationship. They don’t want to lose what they have as friends. Silas’ crazy ex doesn’t see it that way. Things don’t go well.
First things first: there is no cheating in this book. Silas and Ben each have a distinct relationship before they get together. I think the set up of the book, showing the men in parallel lives was interesting. I’m not sure if I liked how it worked. I really like the fact it showed the issues the guys have. I will always prefer showing to telling. The downside was it was a lot of story before it got to the suspense of the stalker and the relationship development between the two main characters. In some ways it felt like a mash up of three novellas.
I had some issues with Ben’s character development. As he starts his first relationship in the book he is deeply closeted and appears to be almost phobic about people finding out about his sexuality. It is hinted he experienced some kind of betrayal while in the military that almost cost him his career. That all vanished. Ben is still overly cautious when he begins his relationship with Silas, but the hints of phobia and the military experience are gone. I did see there were things planted along the way to help Ben to realize his world wouldn’t fall apart, but I don’t feel a phobia and a big secret trauma/betrayal just go away because there is another gay cop. For me this felt like an unresolved plot string and a device used to ensure Ben’s first relationship wouldn’t last. I know authors need to use devices, but I don’t want to spot them easily.
Despite my complaints I feel this is a good book. I would have preferred more time spent on the relationship between the two main characters, but that’s a purely subjective complaint. I do appreciate both Ben and Silas came into their relationship as known quantities without an info-dump to explain their personal issues. It created a poignancy I enjoyed.
January 20, 2017
I am being completely honest when I say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was not all hearts and flowers and their was definitely a lot of anguish and some heartache but I truly enjoyed reading it.
Silas is a mystery author and after having his publist hound him about getting an assistant he finally gives in and hires one. What he did not expect is for the assistant to turn things into more between them the night that Silas hires him by calling him and talks Silas into phone sex and then eventually more.
Ben is former military and now an officer. He is also deeply in the closet that he does not ever think he will come out of the closet. But when Morgan (another fellow officer) comes on to him Ben gives in and before he knows it they are in a full blown relationship.
Silas and Ben met in the coffee shop and eventually become friends. What neither realized is the relationships they was in with other people was doomed from their first meeting. Both Silas and Ben was attracted to each other but neither man acted on their attraction to each other until their relationships with Scott and Morgan both ended.
Even then they was reculant to start anything with each other but then Silias's life took a change towards the worst when someone started stalking him. Silas's ex Scott turned Silas's real life into one of his mystery books nd if he is not careful it may turn into a murder mystery also. Ben is determined not let anything happen to Silas.
Through all the trouble with Silas's ex, Ben and Silas grow closer and start a relationship together.
The question that still remains is will Ben and Silas survive the stalker no if they do will they still have a relationship without all the drama and fear or was everything that they was building all based around the danger that Silas was in at the time they started their relationship?
This was a very good read with a lot of action and anticipation of what was to come next. I really enjoyed reading about not only how Silas and Ben came to start a relationship together but also everything that happened in theirs lives before hand to lead them to where they ended up together. It was a great read with suspense and mystery. I look forward to more by Allison in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Silas is a mystery author and after having his publist hound him about getting an assistant he finally gives in and hires one. What he did not expect is for the assistant to turn things into more between them the night that Silas hires him by calling him and talks Silas into phone sex and then eventually more.
Ben is former military and now an officer. He is also deeply in the closet that he does not ever think he will come out of the closet. But when Morgan (another fellow officer) comes on to him Ben gives in and before he knows it they are in a full blown relationship.
Silas and Ben met in the coffee shop and eventually become friends. What neither realized is the relationships they was in with other people was doomed from their first meeting. Both Silas and Ben was attracted to each other but neither man acted on their attraction to each other until their relationships with Scott and Morgan both ended.
Even then they was reculant to start anything with each other but then Silias's life took a change towards the worst when someone started stalking him. Silas's ex Scott turned Silas's real life into one of his mystery books nd if he is not careful it may turn into a murder mystery also. Ben is determined not let anything happen to Silas.
Through all the trouble with Silas's ex, Ben and Silas grow closer and start a relationship together.
The question that still remains is will Ben and Silas survive the stalker no if they do will they still have a relationship without all the drama and fear or was everything that they was building all based around the danger that Silas was in at the time they started their relationship?
This was a very good read with a lot of action and anticipation of what was to come next. I really enjoyed reading about not only how Silas and Ben came to start a relationship together but also everything that happened in theirs lives before hand to lead them to where they ended up together. It was a great read with suspense and mystery. I look forward to more by Allison in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
February 7, 2017
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Silas' publicist insists he hires an assistant. And Silas picks Scott. Which turns into a monumentally bad decision. Silas meets Ben, a police officer, at the local coffee shop. Ben is a big Silas fan, having read all his books. As Silas and Scott begin to fall apart, Ben and Silas begin to bond. As Ben and Morgan, his boyfriend, begin to unravel, Silas finds his life in danger and reaches to Ben to help.
I quite enjoyed this! It was great watching Silas unravel with the Scott situation and watching Ben getting into, and then, out of, the Morgan situation, and then watching Been and Silas together.
While it is painfully obvious who the dangerous stalker is, it is not a bad thing. I love knowing early on, as much as I love having to wait for the big reveal. Seeing it fall apart around Silas' ears, causing him to bar his windows and change the locks, was really great reading.
I did not car much for Ben in the beginning, especially when he does what he does to Morgan, but he does redeem himself by doing what he does for Silas.
Both men have their say, but if Scott and Morgan had been given a voice too, I think this would have been a five star read. You know how I love getting into the heads of the bad guys, especially the nutty ones!
It's not overly explicit, nor is it graphically violent. Silas' books have torture in them, but it is glanced over and sort of left for you to fill in the blanks. And just what Silas suffers at the hands of the stalker is not described in detail. You have to use what you picked up about Silas' books, to fill all that in.
It didn't seem the 266 pages billed on Goodreads. I have two other books by Cassatta sitting on my "languishing on kindle" shelf. I may well pull them to the top of the pile.
A good solid read.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Booklikes, DreamSpinner Press, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Kobo and Barnes and Noble**
Silas' publicist insists he hires an assistant. And Silas picks Scott. Which turns into a monumentally bad decision. Silas meets Ben, a police officer, at the local coffee shop. Ben is a big Silas fan, having read all his books. As Silas and Scott begin to fall apart, Ben and Silas begin to bond. As Ben and Morgan, his boyfriend, begin to unravel, Silas finds his life in danger and reaches to Ben to help.
I quite enjoyed this! It was great watching Silas unravel with the Scott situation and watching Ben getting into, and then, out of, the Morgan situation, and then watching Been and Silas together.
While it is painfully obvious who the dangerous stalker is, it is not a bad thing. I love knowing early on, as much as I love having to wait for the big reveal. Seeing it fall apart around Silas' ears, causing him to bar his windows and change the locks, was really great reading.
I did not car much for Ben in the beginning, especially when he does what he does to Morgan, but he does redeem himself by doing what he does for Silas.
Both men have their say, but if Scott and Morgan had been given a voice too, I think this would have been a five star read. You know how I love getting into the heads of the bad guys, especially the nutty ones!
It's not overly explicit, nor is it graphically violent. Silas' books have torture in them, but it is glanced over and sort of left for you to fill in the blanks. And just what Silas suffers at the hands of the stalker is not described in detail. You have to use what you picked up about Silas' books, to fill all that in.
It didn't seem the 266 pages billed on Goodreads. I have two other books by Cassatta sitting on my "languishing on kindle" shelf. I may well pull them to the top of the pile.
A good solid read.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Booklikes, DreamSpinner Press, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Kobo and Barnes and Noble**
January 23, 2017
Ben is a closeted cop, not ready or willing to come out. When he gets together with Morgan, another cop, he opens his heart, but still refuses to consider being open.
Silas is an author who writes dark stories and has turned into a bit of a hermit. When he hires Scott as his personal assistant sparks fly. I never got a good read on Silas and figured that Scott was a little too nutty from the get go.
There is this weird flirty thing going on between Silas and Ben for more than half of the book. While there is no actual cheating it sure felt like there was.
All of the relationships in the book were off. Everyone is more than a little envious of someone else. I never got the feeling that any of the couplings were truly love, but being a die hard romantic I wanted to see it. Romance was definitely secondary to the story, almost an afterthought.
The stalker mystery seemed to be the glue holding Ben and Silas together, and while it gets crazier and crazier they get closer. Even their relationship was strange yet sweet.
Silas is an author who writes dark stories and has turned into a bit of a hermit. When he hires Scott as his personal assistant sparks fly. I never got a good read on Silas and figured that Scott was a little too nutty from the get go.
There is this weird flirty thing going on between Silas and Ben for more than half of the book. While there is no actual cheating it sure felt like there was.
All of the relationships in the book were off. Everyone is more than a little envious of someone else. I never got the feeling that any of the couplings were truly love, but being a die hard romantic I wanted to see it. Romance was definitely secondary to the story, almost an afterthought.
The stalker mystery seemed to be the glue holding Ben and Silas together, and while it gets crazier and crazier they get closer. Even their relationship was strange yet sweet.
February 5, 2017
4 Stars - Great Story.
This is a great story. Plenty to keep you entertained. I would have liked a bit more background on the characters. I felt I was supposed to like them without knowing them. In fact I wasn't really a fan of any of the 4 which kind of led me to not feeling any emotion as the story developed and climaxed. Those emotions would have given what is, like I said a great story, 5 stars.
This is a great story. Plenty to keep you entertained. I would have liked a bit more background on the characters. I felt I was supposed to like them without knowing them. In fact I wasn't really a fan of any of the 4 which kind of led me to not feeling any emotion as the story developed and climaxed. Those emotions would have given what is, like I said a great story, 5 stars.
January 30, 2017
Love the book. One of my favorite authors
February 28, 2017
Never connected to the characters.
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