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Up to Trouble #4
Choked Up (Up to Trouble)
Mark Beecher is still recovering from his abduction on Barbados. He and his boyfriend, FBI Special Agent Aaron Pearce, had a lot to process from those traumatic events, and in the months since, both have experienced accomplishments and setbacks. When a case in Detroit calls Pearce back to the city where he met Mark, he grudgingly leaves Mark on his own. The case involves the murders of four gay men, all strangled, and all with a note in one hand. These notes contain clues that point to a case from Pearce's past, and proves what he already fears: Robert Morgan, terrorist mole within the FBI and Pearce's former lover, has invited Pearce back to Detroit to finish things between them. With Pearce gone, Mark focuses on his recovery, a process that accelerates once he sees a news report from Detroit and realizes the danger Pearce is in. Mark decides it's time to stop letting fear control his life. He will join Pearce in Detroit and together they will stop Morgan once and for all.
358 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2016
7 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Hank Edwards
81 books225 followersHank Edwards (he/him) has been writing gay fiction for more than twenty years. He has published over thirty novels and dozens of short stories. His books fall into many sub-genres, including romance, rom-com, contemporary, paranormal, suspense, mystery, and wacky comedy. He has written a number of series such as the suspenseful Up to Trouble, funny and spooky paranormal out for you gay romance Critter Catchers, Old West historical horror of Venom Valley, the erotic and funny Fluffers, Inc. series, and the funny and thrilling Lacetown Murder Mysteries series co-written with Deanna Wadsworth. Under the pen name R. G. Thomas, he’s published a young adult urban fantasy gay romance series called The Town of Superstition. No matter what genre he writes, Hank likes to keep things sweet, steamy, and fun.
Join his author group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/hankshangout), visit his website at www.hankedwardsbooks.com or send along an email to hankedwardsbooks@gmail.com.
Join his author group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/hankshangout), visit his website at www.hankedwardsbooks.com or send along an email to hankedwardsbooks@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 15, 2016
4.5 Stars! Since it's been a while since Roughed Up came out, it was delightful to see this one. Morgan was in the wind since book 2 and I wondered about him! Unfortunately he's back in a more psychotic way than ever. Mark has had a lot of trouble dealing with the aftermath of Barbados. He's finally getting a grip, when Pearce is summoned to Detroit to help catch Morgan. The impact of the case on Pearce becomes a catalyst for Mark to follow him there. Mark also catches up with an old friend, Calvin, and meets Pearce's partner for the case, Jake.
What follows is a tense and absorbing narrative as they pool their resources to stop Morgan. Pearce and Mark are still such a strong couple together. The dynamic is still one where they have their moments, disagreements and anger but it never becomes a drama. I like that best about the way Hank Edwards writes their relationship. The mystery was done very well and even though Morgans identity was known, there were obstacles and misleading details that maintained a good level of suspense. I did think some of the investigative details were inaccurate, for FBI agents looking for a serial killer. That lost the half point. It wasn't enough to push me out of the story though.
It's a relatively long story, especially compared to the first three which were novella length. It was perfect for the amount of depth, character and detail that was added. I'd recommend reading the series books before this one. Good mystery/suspense and action story.
What follows is a tense and absorbing narrative as they pool their resources to stop Morgan. Pearce and Mark are still such a strong couple together. The dynamic is still one where they have their moments, disagreements and anger but it never becomes a drama. I like that best about the way Hank Edwards writes their relationship. The mystery was done very well and even though Morgans identity was known, there were obstacles and misleading details that maintained a good level of suspense. I did think some of the investigative details were inaccurate, for FBI agents looking for a serial killer. That lost the half point. It wasn't enough to push me out of the story though.
It's a relatively long story, especially compared to the first three which were novella length. It was perfect for the amount of depth, character and detail that was added. I'd recommend reading the series books before this one. Good mystery/suspense and action story.
October 13, 2016
'Choked Up' by Hank Edwards is the fourth book in the 'Up to Trouble’ series. It takes place about six months after the previous book left off. PTSD has put life on hold for Mark Beecher and (Aaron) Pearce as he is recovering. Mark is frustrated by his mental state and is pushing himself to get over it. Not that Pearce has complained, but Mark yearns to be able to hold his own in their relationship and not feel so completely dependent on Pearce. When Pearce is called to assist in a murder case in Detroit, he quickly realizes that it's not just business, it is also personal. All clues point directly to the sociopath, Robert Morgan. The murders are designed to lure Pearce back to Detroit in order to finish what happened in Barbados.
Pearce doesn't want to leave Mark but they both know how important it is to stop Morgan, not only for their own closure, but to prevent more men from dying and to obtain justice for those killed. Mark tries to ease Pearce's fears by reminding him of how much progress he's made and reassuring him that he will be able to manage on his own. Mark knows Pearce would never leave him if it weren't absolutely necessary.
There are a lot of concessions Pearce makes while working on this case because of its relevance. For one, Pearce always works alone. In this investigation, Pearce is assigned a partner named Jake Perrin who is the Special Agent In Charge. Pearce isn't the easiest man to work with but Jake's easygoing banter and willingness to cooperate win Pearce over. The investigation is crawling with not much evidence to go on. Yet, while the clock keeps ticking, the body count continues to rise, along with Pearce and Jake's impatience and frustration at their lack of success.
When Mark catches the look of Pearce's face on one of the news broadcasts, he decides he needs to go there. Mark begins the ten-hour trip to Detroit to be with his man. Mark doesn't quite know what he is going to do when he gets there, but he's certain about one thing. He will have to endure Pearce's wrath for coming. As expected, Pearce is furious, yet secretly relieved to have the comfort and support that only Mark can give. When Mark's best friend goes missing, he refuses to stand by and do nothing. Begrudgingly, Pearce and Jake allow him to become part of the search and hopefully, rescue, fearing the worst and hoping for the best.
Pearce and Mark have come a long way from the days when Pearce was Mark's witness protection guard and became his lover instead. Mark cracked through that seemingly impenetrable shell and straight to Pearce's heart. They are uniquely different men who found someone with whom they belonged and, regardless of their often life-threatening escapades, consider themselves unbelievably lucky. There's a fair amount of sex in this murder mystery thriller and the physical encounters are steamy. Since Pearce and Mark communicate what's in their hearts best through physical intimacy, it is a natural method for them to reach an understanding and to reconnect.
I enjoyed meeting Jake and loved the sometimes naughty banter between him and Pearce. It added much-needed levity to what, for the most part is a dark story. Also, it was a perfect way for Pearce and Jake to connect as a team. Anyone who is a fan of Pearce and Mark will be delighted with this book and with its conclusion. For anyone new to this series, the books must be read in sequential order for the optimum reading experience. Thank you so much, Hank!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Pearce doesn't want to leave Mark but they both know how important it is to stop Morgan, not only for their own closure, but to prevent more men from dying and to obtain justice for those killed. Mark tries to ease Pearce's fears by reminding him of how much progress he's made and reassuring him that he will be able to manage on his own. Mark knows Pearce would never leave him if it weren't absolutely necessary.
There are a lot of concessions Pearce makes while working on this case because of its relevance. For one, Pearce always works alone. In this investigation, Pearce is assigned a partner named Jake Perrin who is the Special Agent In Charge. Pearce isn't the easiest man to work with but Jake's easygoing banter and willingness to cooperate win Pearce over. The investigation is crawling with not much evidence to go on. Yet, while the clock keeps ticking, the body count continues to rise, along with Pearce and Jake's impatience and frustration at their lack of success.
When Mark catches the look of Pearce's face on one of the news broadcasts, he decides he needs to go there. Mark begins the ten-hour trip to Detroit to be with his man. Mark doesn't quite know what he is going to do when he gets there, but he's certain about one thing. He will have to endure Pearce's wrath for coming. As expected, Pearce is furious, yet secretly relieved to have the comfort and support that only Mark can give. When Mark's best friend goes missing, he refuses to stand by and do nothing. Begrudgingly, Pearce and Jake allow him to become part of the search and hopefully, rescue, fearing the worst and hoping for the best.
Pearce and Mark have come a long way from the days when Pearce was Mark's witness protection guard and became his lover instead. Mark cracked through that seemingly impenetrable shell and straight to Pearce's heart. They are uniquely different men who found someone with whom they belonged and, regardless of their often life-threatening escapades, consider themselves unbelievably lucky. There's a fair amount of sex in this murder mystery thriller and the physical encounters are steamy. Since Pearce and Mark communicate what's in their hearts best through physical intimacy, it is a natural method for them to reach an understanding and to reconnect.
I enjoyed meeting Jake and loved the sometimes naughty banter between him and Pearce. It added much-needed levity to what, for the most part is a dark story. Also, it was a perfect way for Pearce and Jake to connect as a team. Anyone who is a fan of Pearce and Mark will be delighted with this book and with its conclusion. For anyone new to this series, the books must be read in sequential order for the optimum reading experience. Thank you so much, Hank!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 3, 2022
Great ending for an exciting series. Was glad to see Aaron and Mark to make it through their troubles and come out good on the other side. Story was good and the characters were memorable. Would like to see another story with Jake in it.
November 29, 2016
The Blogger Girls
This book is part of my favorite Hank Edwards series, and I was beyond excited when after a long hiatus, Mark Beecher and his large and in charge, hunky special agent, Aaron Pearce, were back. Book three was easily my favorite in this series, and the most heartbreaking. The repercussions from that story are felt in this book, and the recovery process of Mark being kidnapped and nearly sold as a sex slave, is emotional and almost just as sad. Mark is a great guy but his PTSD is horribly crippling and he is no longer the same man, but Aaron is determined to help Mark overcome his trauma. However, life is just about to get even more difficult because a villain from their past has resurfaced and these two are now thrust right back into danger before they were able to fully recovery from their last adventure.
This book is almost a full circle from where Mark and Aaron first began, in Detroit, with Aaron’s ex-FBI colleague and ex-lover turned serial killer. Robert Morgan got away in book one but since he was the reason Mark and Aaron actually met in the first place, I can’t hate on him too much…however, the man is pure evil and what he does is horrific. Okay, I changed my mind, I can hate on him, he’s horrible and gets exactly what he deserves in this book.
What I like the most about this book was the mystery surrounding the murders and the psychological aspects of not knowing who the mole inside the FBI really was…was it Jake, Aaron’s new partner, or was it someone else…or was it no one? This book is written in such a way that you know who the killer is but not his accomplice. I must admit I was glad that it wasn’t who I thought it was from the beginning. I also loved that Aaron was much more lovable and openly allowed his emotions and feelings for Mark to surface.
So, with all those vague sentences above, I highly recommend this story for those who’ve read the first three books in this series. This book basically wraps up a lot of loose ends and our guys end up in a really good place. I also recommend the series for those who haven’t started yet. It is well written and you will love Mark and Aaron, I guarantee it.
This book is part of my favorite Hank Edwards series, and I was beyond excited when after a long hiatus, Mark Beecher and his large and in charge, hunky special agent, Aaron Pearce, were back. Book three was easily my favorite in this series, and the most heartbreaking. The repercussions from that story are felt in this book, and the recovery process of Mark being kidnapped and nearly sold as a sex slave, is emotional and almost just as sad. Mark is a great guy but his PTSD is horribly crippling and he is no longer the same man, but Aaron is determined to help Mark overcome his trauma. However, life is just about to get even more difficult because a villain from their past has resurfaced and these two are now thrust right back into danger before they were able to fully recovery from their last adventure.
This book is almost a full circle from where Mark and Aaron first began, in Detroit, with Aaron’s ex-FBI colleague and ex-lover turned serial killer. Robert Morgan got away in book one but since he was the reason Mark and Aaron actually met in the first place, I can’t hate on him too much…however, the man is pure evil and what he does is horrific. Okay, I changed my mind, I can hate on him, he’s horrible and gets exactly what he deserves in this book.
What I like the most about this book was the mystery surrounding the murders and the psychological aspects of not knowing who the mole inside the FBI really was…was it Jake, Aaron’s new partner, or was it someone else…or was it no one? This book is written in such a way that you know who the killer is but not his accomplice. I must admit I was glad that it wasn’t who I thought it was from the beginning. I also loved that Aaron was much more lovable and openly allowed his emotions and feelings for Mark to surface.
So, with all those vague sentences above, I highly recommend this story for those who’ve read the first three books in this series. This book basically wraps up a lot of loose ends and our guys end up in a really good place. I also recommend the series for those who haven’t started yet. It is well written and you will love Mark and Aaron, I guarantee it.
January 13, 2024
Great story, the plot keeping me guessing, and good detective work (see below). No action until the climax but it was a good one. Great portrayal of PTSD.
They were really good with police procedure, waiting for crime scene techs before touching anything even with gloves, checking in with the officer guarding the crime scene, requiring parents to be present before talking to underage kids out in the field, even pulling over to take a phone call even when there were two people in the car.
The banter was pretty funny, both the snarky stuff and the cute stuff like between one of the supporting characters and a waiter. For example, after talking to a guy with a bad gross cold: “I think we should drink some hand sanitizer.”
Sometimes the writing was rather stilted and wooden, and had way to much information, like (and this is made up) “his coffee was too bitter so he got up, went to the fridge, took out a carton of milk leaving the half and half, went back to the table, and poured a large quantity into his mug. He picked up a spoon and stirred the coffee before tasting it. The milk had cooled it down but tampered much of the bitterness so he was able to enjoy it. He drank the whole cup.” But not in the sex scenes.
The sex was hot and probably the most well written parts of the story, probably because Edwards writes a ton of erotica. It was refreshing that one asked the other if his ass was clean before using his mouth on it. It was realistic and the scene, including that part, remained hot. I like to read sex scenes by male writers because I know they’re authentic.
Folks, please remember: doors open INWARD. Especially ones in commercial buildings that follow plans.
They were really good with police procedure, waiting for crime scene techs before touching anything even with gloves, checking in with the officer guarding the crime scene, requiring parents to be present before talking to underage kids out in the field, even pulling over to take a phone call even when there were two people in the car.
The banter was pretty funny, both the snarky stuff and the cute stuff like between one of the supporting characters and a waiter. For example, after talking to a guy with a bad gross cold: “I think we should drink some hand sanitizer.”
Sometimes the writing was rather stilted and wooden, and had way to much information, like (and this is made up) “his coffee was too bitter so he got up, went to the fridge, took out a carton of milk leaving the half and half, went back to the table, and poured a large quantity into his mug. He picked up a spoon and stirred the coffee before tasting it. The milk had cooled it down but tampered much of the bitterness so he was able to enjoy it. He drank the whole cup.” But not in the sex scenes.
The sex was hot and probably the most well written parts of the story, probably because Edwards writes a ton of erotica. It was refreshing that one asked the other if his ass was clean before using his mouth on it. It was realistic and the scene, including that part, remained hot. I like to read sex scenes by male writers because I know they’re authentic.
Folks, please remember: doors open INWARD. Especially ones in commercial buildings that follow plans.
October 2, 2016
I have to confess, Choked Up is my favorite in the Up to Trouble series, and that’s saying a lot, since the others are fantastic! We get to follow Special Agent Pearce through the dark turns and unexpected twists of this story as he pursues a psychopath from his past who’s killing young men to gain his attention and force him back to Detroit. Which of course leaves him grumpy and off-centered, much to the aggravation of his new partner
Mark, of course, is wonderful. Smart and sexy, brave and determined. Exactly who Pearce needs to keep him in the game. We get a delicious glimpse of their personal life, some hot as Hades sex, moments of terror and pain and loss. This is a fast paced, often intense read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Highly recommended.
Mark, of course, is wonderful. Smart and sexy, brave and determined. Exactly who Pearce needs to keep him in the game. We get a delicious glimpse of their personal life, some hot as Hades sex, moments of terror and pain and loss. This is a fast paced, often intense read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Highly recommended.
September 20, 2016
Excellent book. Cleared up loose ends from books 1 and 3 but introduced a new loose end for a possible book 5. And I do hope there will be a book 5. At the end of this one I was finally calling Pearce Aaron. It's now Mark and Aaron for me. Book well done Hank.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews