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Newly engaged Josh Roman and Gabe Wyatt know the road to happily ever after won't be easy, but the two men are certain their biggest challenges are in the rearview mirror. However, life in Blissville is never what it seems and all signs point to dangerous curves ahead. Josh and Gabe refuse to take a detour because everything they've dreamed of is within reach, not even when professional and personal revelations threaten to wreck their plans. It should be the happiest time in their lives, yet neither man can shake the feeling that something sinister waits around the next corner. Buckle your seatbelts and hang on for the ride because Josh and Gabe are committed to saying "I do" or die trying. I Do, or Dye Trying is the fourth book in the Curl Up and Dye Mysteries series. These books need to be read in order as the storyline unravels throughout the series. They contain sexually explicit material and are intended for adults 18 and older.

264 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2017

148 people are currently reading
436 people want to read

About the author

Aimee Nicole Walker

71 books2,007 followers
I'm a wife and mother of three teenage kids. I've been married to the same wonderful man for twenty years. I've decided that if I can survive raising three kids then I can survive anything!! I haven't uttered the Mama's curse yet, but it could happen any day now. You know the one..."I hope you have a child just like you someday."

I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.

I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.

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5 stars
1,156 (53%)
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727 (33%)
3 stars
237 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
Profile Image for * A Reader Obsessed *.
2,691 reviews576 followers
April 12, 2022
3.5 Stars!

This continues to be a reliable romance about established couple Gabe and Josh. Not recommended to be read as a standalone, this literally continues an ongoing mystery that has threads and connections all the way from the very first book.

What I have enjoyed thus far from this series is the gradual growing love between Gabe and Josh. Here, they’re ready to take the next step, joining their lives and starting anew, all the while planning their wedding. In and amongst the murder investigation, we also learn more about Gabe, as his past comes to threaten his future.

If you don’t like established couples, then this series is probably not for you. Quite romantic and sappily oh so sweet, this had some fun and cheek as well. I really really enjoyed the growing cast of friends that Gabe and Josh are collecting and starting to call family - which if you’re truly interested, Josh’s BFF Chaz, gets his story in the spinoff Unscripted Love that runs coincidentally with the events that happen here.

Reassuredly, Gabe continues to be a fucking dream, making me want a hot growly detective to call my own, and Josh is no slouch either in being a standout partner. These two fit just right and this ends on a minor cliffie as to how their life is going to drastically change and soon!!!
December 30, 2019
Audio..5++ Stars! I don't always agree with the books that Mr. Leslie is cast to perform, but when it comes to this series he fits the bill perfectly!

Story...4.5 stars

Did I really once say I thought the romance might be too mushy?! I'm an idiot! I friggin love and adore these guys and the way they love each other. 😍
Profile Image for Jilly.
1,838 reviews6,684 followers
January 8, 2021
Yeah, I'm not going to even try to review this. The series blended together enough for me to not remember which book had which event and mystery. I will say that it got better as the series went on and that I liked the side characters enough to start the spin-off series.
Profile Image for Meags.
2,476 reviews694 followers
June 29, 2020
4 Stars

Sassy, sexy, and utterly romantic, this is the sequel I’m thinking of as the HAPPILY EVER AFTER edition of Josh and Gabe’s mystery-filled, whirlwind love saga.

Once again danger looms, foreshadowing Josh and Gabe’s wedding plans, when a man from Gabe’s past comes back to threaten the wonderful life he’s trying desperately to build with Josh.

The mystery component is much lighter in this installment, with the story focusing more on Josh and Gabe’s impending nuptials than on the potentially nefarious threat to their lives. This didn’t bother me at all, as I was pleased as punch to simply follow these two men as went about their everyday lives, spending time with their expanding group of friends, buying a new house, expanding Josh’s business, and, of course, planning for their big day.

Some of the romantic moments shared between Josh and Gabe remain a bit sappy, but I promise that when I’m in the right mood for it (which I was), their brand of slightly OTT love can make me feel like a million bucks while reading.

This was a lovely, heartwarming edition to their story and I look forward to now branching off to read the Road to Blissville spin-off series, starting with Josh’s bestie Chaz and Gabe’s ex Kyle in Unscripted Love.
Profile Image for Jenni Lea.
801 reviews301 followers
June 30, 2017
To be honest, this series started out just being an okay read for me. Yeah, it had charm and the writing was smart but it didn’t really grab me. There was a bit too much of a lack of communication in the first book and I wanted to wring Josh’s neck more than a few times. Stubborn man is stubborn! But, with each subsequent book I became more and more interested. There was just something about Josh and Gabe that called to me and by the time I reached the third book in the series I was in love and these two men had become one of my most favorite couples of all time.

Gabriel is a dream. Big, strong alpha male of a police detective, Gabe is every man’s (and woman’s) fantasy come to life. Not only is he gruff and protective, he’s also not afraid to show his more sensitive side. Especially when it comes to loving Josh.

I think one of the things I love most about Josh is that he knows exactly who he is. He’s campy; he’s flamboyant; he’s a total drama queen and he’s not afraid to flaunt it. He knows he presents as the stereotypical gay boy. It’s not a front; it’s just who he is, and if you don’t like it you can keep on walking. He doesn’t have time for your shenanigans, he’s got enough of his own to deal with.

Put them together and you have the most perfect-for-each-other couple that I’ve ever read about. They complement each other so well. You know those couples that seem to know what the other is thinking and can have entire conversations with each other just using their eyes? That’s Josh and Gabe. I wouldn’t say that they live in each other’s pockets, they’re too independent for that, but they work together seamlessly. I’d be quite jealous of their relationship if they were real.

In this final installment, Gabe and Josh have worked out most of their issues and they’re getting married! Of course, something’s got to come along to put a wrinkle in their happy, right? I mean, what is their life without someone trying to murder one of them?

This book focuses more on their relationship than it does the mystery and I find that I don’t mind that at all. We still got a bit of the whodunit, it was just on the back burner, though the reveal at the end was gasp worthy in my opinion. The further I got into the series, the less I cared about the mysteries. I just wanted to read about Josh and Gabe. I could read many, many more books about them and never get bored. Ms. Walker sure knows how to write fascinating characters! For a bit there I wanted to move to their town so I could befriend them. Then I remembered that they live in Ohio and it’s too danged cold there for this Southern girl. Plus, they’re, ya know, not real, but whatever. I still want to know them.

So, it’s with a heavy heart I say good-bye to these fabulous men. I will miss them so very much. I recommend this for lovers of romantic suspense, smart writing, witty banter and just feel good stories all around.

P.S. in case you were wondering, the sex was hot hot HOT! All kinds of smutty goodness up in here. Wall sex… table sex… chair sex… stripper pole sex… Smut lovers will certainly be pleased.

I know I was.



Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
1,951 reviews95 followers
October 17, 2023
Regresando de sus vacaciones en las Bahamas, Josh y Gabe, ahora comprometidos, están esperanzados por su futuro juntos. Pero una premonición hecha por su amigo Emory, los lleva a pensar en lo que realmente es importante. Así que Gabe intenta concentrarse en encontrar las pruebas necesarias para el juicio del asesino de Nate, mientras Josh se ocupa de organizar su salón y las grabaciones de su nuevo programa. Pero comenzar una vida juntos no es tan fácil como desearlo, deben aprender a aceptar las condiciones del otro, deben aprender a compartir no solo los momentos, sino las finanzas y las responsabilidades para así realmente poder vivir su vida juntos y felices.

En este libro es básicamente atar cabos de los crímenes descubiertos en los libros anteriores. También toca temas de pareja tan diferentes como las finanzas, los amigos, las familias y las competencias entre sus parejas. Resulta divertido en algunos momentos, sobre todo con la adición del nuevo animal (Loro), pero es mas romance dulce que otra cosa, sin casi ningún drama y con un solo momento tenso, que acaba casi ahí mismo y sin complicaciones.
En fin, ha sido una bonita serie, creo que los próximos libros prometen ser mas los romances de sus amigos que otra cosa, sobre todo si no hay spin-off con estos secundarios, como Chaz y Emory.
No creo que vaya a continuar la serie por ahora, quizás mas adelante, pero ahorita lo voy a dejar hasta aquí.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,241 reviews268 followers
October 15, 2018
*** This great series just kept growing and getting better.***
This is book four for Josh and Gabe, and has many hints for more to come with other characters.
Gabe and Josh have a wedding to prepare for.

We see all the awesome people, animals, and marvelous situations.
Of course, the murder mystery is being investigated, there's a psychic, and a bad guy looking for revenge.


So much is happening, and Josh and Gabe are as tight and close as ever. We see their hot sexiness, and all of the lovable, snarky, snazzy banter. We are reacquainted with
the filthy mouth of Savage the bird, Gabe's German Sheppard, Diva the cat, etc..


Gabe is blindsided by a P.I. delivering a letter, and the shocking past murder revelation, shatter's Gabe. Plus there is the planning, the parents, the parties, the camaraderie, and the fierce friendships.


I love these guys, loved this series, and look forward to more from this terrific author.
We get fun, drama, intensity, sizzling sex, levity, and truly loving men.

Highly recommended ! ENJOY !

=====================
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,981 reviews24 followers
August 21, 2021
4 stars

Wished for a different outcome with Jimmy BUUUUT still loved Gabe and Josh they were amazing and compliment each other perfectly!!

Profile Image for Carol.
3,762 reviews137 followers
July 2, 2023
You really need to read this series in order from the beginning. This is book 4 and the story draws from the previous 3 books. In fact, this story is really all about wrapping up the mysteries from the previous books. The story was beautifully done, and I loved Gabe... and Josh has been a delightfully compelling character ever since book #1. I thought this story was less a mystery and more focused on Josh and Gabe's relationship, which was fine because we knew from the title that a wedding was happening soon. The author spent most of the story wrapping things up from the first three books, causing me to having to stop and remember what had previously happened and why it mattered. I loved the good-natured bantering between Josh and Gabe. They were so wonderful together. Their love and this story really highlighted their future and their bond. I also liked that Emory and Chaz’s potential romances advanced, and I am hoping this mean here could possibly be more to the series, or at least some spin-offs. I 'm just sentimental when stories with people I really, really like, come to an end. This series has been from the start, structured to leave the reader hanging at the end of each story, and I am not totally sure and really hope that this one did the same. I gave this on 4.5 stars because I felt that I was left feeling slightly underwhelmed and diffidently unfinished.
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,461 reviews377 followers
June 2, 2018
Ohhhhhh, Josh and Gabe truly get their epic HEA here, with the wedding taking place, and then the epilogue!

I have completely fallen in love with this couple, I love how they support the other, I love that they communicate and make things work. I also love their friends, coworkers, and family, and I love that we got closure and more about Gabe's biological family and his past.

There was less mystery in this story and the 3rd one, but there is more domestic stuff and family things going on this book. I've really enjoyed their story, and I'm so glad there is a spin-off series I get to start next!
Profile Image for BWT.
2,250 reviews244 followers
December 31, 2017
3.5 Stars

I can't stop thinking about this series. Told from both Josh and Gabe's points of view there's plenty of emotional feels in this and they are so fluffy they make my heart melt.

Though it drags a bit in the middle and everything mystery-wise and relationship-wise gets tied up super easily with Josh and Gabe getting married and Gabe facing his past in more ways than one, it flowed well and I gobbled up the pages and still want more. I love how Gabe and Josh live happily ever after with a big surprise in the end.

There is a mild cliffhanger ending which begins a set up for a story to feature Gabe's ex, Kyle, and Josh's best friend, Chaz. Speaking of Chaz, I missed time with him and Meredith. It seemed like there was less focus on the supporting cast in this installment, which was a bummer, because Walker does a great job fleshing out her supporting characters.

Regardless, I enjoyed the story. Aimee Nicole Walker's writing keeps drawing me in and I'm looking forward to spending more time with Gabe and Josh. On to the holiday novella!

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Briana.
180 reviews13 followers
April 4, 2020
5 Stars~~
It's so easy to love Gabe and Josh.
It took me a long time to finish this story, but not because it wasn't fantastic. I didn't want it to end, and dragged my feet like a toddler throwing a tantrum. All loose ends that were meant to be tied up are neatly squared away and what's left is for the spin-off series.

I know that in life, questions don't always have an answer, so that made parts of this series seem overly convenient. But, if there is ever a time to romantically embellish life and love, it's in a story.

PLUS a Ben and Xavier sighting from the Fated Hearts series! Nice touch.
Profile Image for Viv.
299 reviews26 followers
August 2, 2017
A satisfying end to Gabe and Josh's story. I liked that there was absolutely no relationship angst. Everything was tied up in a neat little bow. I may start Chaz and Kyle's book soon.
Profile Image for Jessica Frances.
Author 29 books404 followers
November 14, 2017
Loved this continuation of Josh and Gabe's story. This wrapped up pretty much everything, and I can't wait to read the stories about the secondary characters from this series. It was a little rushed at the end, but still felt satisfying. Hot, sweet, funny and heartwarming, this is a must read for fans of this series and for m/m mystery romance fans.
Profile Image for Jennifer☠Pher☠.
2,970 reviews273 followers
May 4, 2017
If this is the end of these boys story it was a good one.

It wasn't what I expected but still enjoyable.

It was very, very, very sweet. It almost felt like it could have been a .5 type of book. Ya know, getting the wedding extra at the end of a series.

There really wasn't a true mystery going on. It was a lot of loose ends being wrapped up but really all that happened was the joining of two lives and all that fluff that goes with it.

Still one of my favorite couples to read about I just would have liked a tad bit more excitement.
Profile Image for justanya.
398 reviews
January 19, 2018
4.5 stars!!

This is NOT a stand alone. You must read the prior books in order to fully appreciate and understand the story. This review is also SPOILER FREE. And on that note...

Aimee! For real Aimee? Don’t Leave me this way, Aimee! Why do you keep doing this to me huh? What have I ever done to you to deserve such treatment?

The Good:
There will be sighing. Lots and lot of sighing. So much sugary sweet ( in a good way). So many awe moments! So many things coming up roses I was on edge despite ALL THE HAPPY, waiting for the other shoe to fall. All I’ll say is be prepared to awe… A LOT! There are a lot of full circle moments for Gabe and Josh individually and as a couple. Gabe’s in particular, made me cry. Both times. One for joy and the other with immense pain. I felt deeply for him in those moments. * whispers* read the book

The Bad:
The bad has nothing to do with the story per se. I got all in my head, jumping to conclusions time and time again about what would happen next and I was so very wrong ( much to my delight). The bad consisted of all the jumbled feelings, spikes of anxiety and adrenaline whenever “big moments” loomed. My nerves were more on edge reading this book more than the others because there was so much on the line! *whispers* read the book

The Ugly
The ugly is me. I was the epitome of ugly, tearing up every 15-20 pages. I cried… well, I cry as much as my Lasik surgery lets me at least (all noises, very little tears). This story was everything I hoped for and as the end approached I was still nervous because as some of you know by now, I hate cliffhangers… and this installment is cliffhanger -ish? Needless to say, I have my popcorn, Dr. Pepper, Skittles and wine on deck. I need to know how a certain sexy vet and BF/Gamer/writer/stylist resolve their issues and finally get their sexy on. *whispers* read the book

Time’s ticking Walker! This reader is ready for the next crazy adventure.

*Yelling* I love this book!

*ARC provided for review at my discretion*
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Profile Image for Jazer (catching up on TBRs).
272 reviews17 followers
May 16, 2023
Maturity and healthy communication between couples. What a rare sight. Gabe and Josh has come a long way! 😊

Don't expect too much action in this book as it's focused on their life as a couple, marriage, friendships, and family with a side of mystery serving to tie loose ends from the first 3 books. Packed with cheesiness and navigating twists and turns of a healthy and romantic partnership, it's a good fluff read when you want less thinking and more loving.

He was dark where I was light, the yin to my yang, the night to my day, and the sky to my sun—opposites, but equal and you couldn’t have one without the other. He was mine, I was his, and we were us.
Profile Image for Annika.
1,374 reviews94 followers
January 14, 2020
Audiobook review

4,5 stars

I Do, or Dye Trying is the fourth book in the Curl Up and Dye Mysteries. I wouldn’t recommend reading these books out of order as each book builds on the previous ones. For the most part this book reads like an epilogue of sorts. We get to see Gabe and Josh live their happily ever after, planning for the future, living and loving. This book also ties up many of the loose ends from the previous books in regards to the mysteries. They, the mystery part, isn’t the focal point of this book but tends to stay in the background waiting for Gabe to get back to work – in a manner of speaking.

As mentioned earlier this book focuses on Josh and Gabe’s relationship. We see them plan their wedding. Come hell or high water they are getting married, and nothing and no one can stand in their way. They both have come so far since we first met them, I mean now they are able to communicate, disagree and compromise. They, okay Josh have also learnt some boundaries and that meddling in others personal business isn’t always the best way to go. I loved their interactions, I love how close they all are. They make you smile and feel good.

There were many things that I loved with this book; the bake offs were a lot of fun – always check with your partner before entering them in a contest. I also quite enjoyed Josh and Gabe’s fight. Not the fight per se, but how they handled it. It really showed us how far they’ve come these past books. From that rocky start, the back and forth to this solid couple, secure in their love for each other.

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Savage’s. I love Gabe and him together, they are funny when they get going. This book also introduces us to Sassy, which makes it all so much better. Gabe’s reaction to when he heard Sassy over Josh’s phone had me laughing. And if there ever was a time when I desperately wanted to be physically in a book to witness something in person, it was when Savage and Sassy were introduced, that would have been a memory of a lifetime.

I love how Joel Leslie connected to the characters. Narration-wise I think this is my favourite book in the series to date. Leslie added so much passion and feeling that you couldn’t help to live the story with them. It was obvious that Leslie lived there too – and had a blast while doing it. He captured it all and made this book a pure joy to listen to.

There were so many scenes I could just see before me while listening – the movers coming to move Josh’s pole in the attic – hilarious! Leslie made me see their faces, and boy did that make me grin. He made you see how protective Josh was of Gabe when strangers came to the house – and Gabe’s annoyance with said overprotectiveness. Let’s just say he was not amused. Leslie also captured the serious moments brilliantly, like when Gabe read that letter the PI gave him.

Oh – and that race for the door when the parents arrived. Priceless. I could just see Josh and Gabe before me, running to the door, tripping each other, pulling clothes and whatnot. Just like five-year-olds.

I Do, or Dye Trying was funny and sweet and filled to the brim with love and laughter. It’s an audiobook that shouldn’t be missed out on.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Profile Image for Bookreader87(Amanda).
1,168 reviews44 followers
May 4, 2017
I believe this is the last book in the series with Gabe and Josh as the mains mostly likely there will probably be spin-offs with the other guys in the book (Silver/Emory and Chaz/Kyle aka Dr. Dimples) which I do look forward to. I'm sure Gabe and Josh will make appearances in those so I know it is not the end of these two. This series overall is 4 stars.
This book there is no big mystery going on like in the others which in truth I kind of liked. I enjoyed the focus being on Gabe and Josh and their upcoming nuptials. They were the spotlight and it only seemed right to end it that way.
For those into the mystery/action/drama there was a bit of that in this book Mostly we got to experience the domestic bliss between Josh and Gabe and what can I say I am a sucker for that.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,994 reviews435 followers
May 4, 2017
Amazing ending to a brilliant series

The epilogue to this book is truly wonderful, and quite unexpected, rather like this series has been. When I started reading it, I wasn't sure how much I'd like it, given the mystery element running alongside the romance.

However, I have to say that Aimee has crafted two of my very favourite book men in Josh and Gabe. I truly believe they could be out there in their small Ohio town gossiping in the salon and catching the criminals who've been vandalising the street signs.

This series has been a delight. I really hope we don't leave the setting behind and we get to see Chaz and Kyle, Emory and Silver's happy ever after too. It would be too cruel not to :)
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,408 reviews95 followers
October 6, 2022
I knew this wasn't going to be great. It's just so over the top with the love, the trying to be funny, forced anger over the stupidest things. I skipped a lot because I didn't care and couldn't tolerate the acting, yes, acting.

I said I was going to finish this series, and I am! As much as I don't care for the writing in these books (aside for the prequel and book 1, and probably book 2), the idea of seeing these guys with kids I can't ignore. How are they going to deal with the fact that their birds spout inappropriate language all the time? How are they going to handle the kids? Gushy and mushy love stuff galore, I know! And I am dreading those parts, but I have to at least see how it all goes.
Profile Image for Ronie Reads.
1,550 reviews29 followers
July 2, 2023
There ... well they got a lady bird. Then criminals came out the woodwork
Profile Image for Diverse.
1,179 reviews53 followers
May 19, 2017
I have been reading Gabe and Josh since the very beginning. Following their mysteries and reveling in their suspense. Whether it's romantic suspense or other, it's thoroughly enjoyable. In I Do or Dye Trying we are coming to Josh and Gabe's conclusion in a sense. Though I think the author will be writing about other characters we've been seeing, for all intents and purposes Gabe and Josh are coming full circle. Loose ends are being tied and their future is an adventure waiting to happen.

The banter in this book is probably my favorite part of it all. Josh is the king of snark but Gabe has learned well. I love Gabe and John's back and forth and Adrian's too. The wives rock and Meredith will forever be my queen!

I've read everything Aimee Nicole Walker has ever written and I can say this series is probably my favorite and Josh is the best character she's ever written.

I don't know how Aimee outlined this series but she nailed it. I didn't have questions afterward. Everything made sense and even in the heartbreak, there was sunshine. Namely, Josh. So many amazing things happen for these guys in this from weddings to birds to honeymoons and babies! It's a thrilling ride you have to start at the beginning. When you're done, do it all over again because it's that good!
Profile Image for ~Mindy Lynn~.
1,396 reviews661 followers
July 26, 2017
I am so happy I stuck with this series. It ended up being more enjoyable than I had anticipated.

The book wouldn't be right without someone being killed or someone trying to kill them. But unlike the previous books where they mystery went hand in hand with the relationship, here it kind of takes a backseat and the story focuses more on these men and their relationship.

This was a great ending for this couple who totally grew on me. They've had a lot of ups and downs but through all that their love for one another is what will stick with me. They have become one of my favorite couples I have read about so far this year. They were the perfect definition for the saying, Opposites Attract. Josh is flamboyant and can GNF of what you thin about him. He knows who he is and makes no apologies for it. Gabe is the Alpha male type with a soft side that he has no problem showing when it comes to loving Josh. He too is very confident in who he is and doesn't waste a minute concerned what others might think about him or the man he loves. They were just so good together and for one another. I am going to miss these men, but I know the author has plans for a Christmas book. I am totally thrilled that we will see some more of these boys in the future and hopefully in the spin-off series.

Happy ending doll! xx
Profile Image for Calila.
1,178 reviews102 followers
July 31, 2017
Loved this conclusion to the sweet heartwarming love story. I really love this couple. They're just so together and healthy and adult. The mystery was interesting, and the wrap up is pretty satisfying, even if i'm still unclear on a little of the nuances. What I really want are some books for the side pairings. I'm not ready to say bye and I need to know if they all get it together.
Profile Image for The Word Nerd Reviews Blog.
986 reviews58 followers
February 4, 2022

This was a great 'soft' pause for this series, as it's from here you need to divert to the Blissville Series for a couple of books before coming back to this series.

This one tied up a lot of loose ends and leaves it on the most beautiful and surprising note!

I can't wait to start the Blissville books and then return to Josh and Gabe.

Excellent series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews

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