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The Sergeant #4
A Sniper's Devotion
Officer Hector Castillo, a sniper on Houston’s elite SWAT team, is content living alone as a perpetual bachelor. But when he opens up his small apartment to a friend in need, their close quarters awaken long suppressed desires Hector can’t help but acknowledge.
Miguel Delgado’s unfortunate detour down a road he never intended to travel ends in a big wake up call, but he vows to get himself back on track. Though he’s always looked up to Hector, Miguel isn’t a kid with hero-worship anymore, and his schoolyard protector has matured into a strong and caring man – who happens to look damn sexy in his SWAT uniform.
Though their physical attraction to each other is undeniable, Hector and Miguel try hard to resist and protect their friendship. Until one night changes everything…
A Sniper’s Devotion is a loving and sexy, friends to lovers erotic romance. Hector and Miguel’s story is part of the Cuffs, Collars and Love series, but it is a stand-alone novel.
Tags: Friends to Lovers, Multicultural Romance, Hispanic Main Characters, Spanking, Stand Alone
Warning: Mentions of domestic violence
Miguel Delgado’s unfortunate detour down a road he never intended to travel ends in a big wake up call, but he vows to get himself back on track. Though he’s always looked up to Hector, Miguel isn’t a kid with hero-worship anymore, and his schoolyard protector has matured into a strong and caring man – who happens to look damn sexy in his SWAT uniform.
Though their physical attraction to each other is undeniable, Hector and Miguel try hard to resist and protect their friendship. Until one night changes everything…
A Sniper’s Devotion is a loving and sexy, friends to lovers erotic romance. Hector and Miguel’s story is part of the Cuffs, Collars and Love series, but it is a stand-alone novel.
Tags: Friends to Lovers, Multicultural Romance, Hispanic Main Characters, Spanking, Stand Alone
Warning: Mentions of domestic violence
234 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2017
89 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Christa Tomlinson
33 books449 followersChrista Tomlinson is a pop culture loving, anime watching, nerdy fangirl who loves to read and write romance. She creates stories that are emotional and lovely with intimacy that is integral to the characters’ romantic arc.
Christa grew up reading romance giants Johanna Lindsey, Julie Garwood, and Virgina Henley - thanks to her older sister who gave her her first romance novel many years before she should have been reading such saucy content. Christa's first attempt at writing her own romance novel was in middle school - a historical that will never see the light of day. Since that first attempt, Christa has written many spicy fanfictions of her favorite characters and romances featuring her own hot and sexy heroes. Her first self-published romance, The Sergeant, was an Amazon best seller in Gay Romance for seven weeks in a row.
After many years in the sunny warmth of Houston, Texas, Christa has returned home to St. Louis, Missouri. She is a former high school social studies teacher and retired roller derby player. Don't ask her if romance requires an HEA or she'll use her roller derby skills to hip check you.
Christa grew up reading romance giants Johanna Lindsey, Julie Garwood, and Virgina Henley - thanks to her older sister who gave her her first romance novel many years before she should have been reading such saucy content. Christa's first attempt at writing her own romance novel was in middle school - a historical that will never see the light of day. Since that first attempt, Christa has written many spicy fanfictions of her favorite characters and romances featuring her own hot and sexy heroes. Her first self-published romance, The Sergeant, was an Amazon best seller in Gay Romance for seven weeks in a row.
After many years in the sunny warmth of Houston, Texas, Christa has returned home to St. Louis, Missouri. She is a former high school social studies teacher and retired roller derby player. Don't ask her if romance requires an HEA or she'll use her roller derby skills to hip check you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 3, 2017
This one's my favourite in the series so far. There's only a little bit of angst and the BDSM element is limited to a bit of smacking and some light domination.
Hector and Miguel made a sweet pair, without any of the daft misunderstandings which can often get in the way as plot points. Hectoring coming to terms with his feelings for his oldest friend were also handled well.
The tension was centred on Miguel's ex boyfriend stalking him and it meant there was a sense of urgency the closer to the end of the book I got. Again, I think that was also handled well with a perfectly believable outcome.
There's a lovely epilogue and it fits well into the narrative and I did firmly believe in their HEA.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Hector and Miguel made a sweet pair, without any of the daft misunderstandings which can often get in the way as plot points. Hectoring coming to terms with his feelings for his oldest friend were also handled well.
The tension was centred on Miguel's ex boyfriend stalking him and it meant there was a sense of urgency the closer to the end of the book I got. Again, I think that was also handled well with a perfectly believable outcome.
There's a lovely epilogue and it fits well into the narrative and I did firmly believe in their HEA.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
March 26, 2024
2 stars
There were initially things I was enjoying in terms of the plot but it just totally went out the window about 70% through.
I don't think the abuse and trauma was dealt with properly (or at all for that matter) and WTF was with that insane climax?
I was also frankly offended that
Clearly, no lessons were learned by anyone in this book.
The writing was not very good. It was detached and abrupt, and the split between the POV characters was uneven. Unfortunately, we seemed to mostly get Hector's POV when he was really the less interesting of the two and this definitely contributed to my dissatisfaction regarding how Miguel's trauma was handled.
So what did I like? I liked all the domestic moments they shared, Hector's accepting work colleagues, the fact that they managed to have some mature conversations about what was going on (maybe not initially, but they got there). For this alone, it gets 2 stars.
There were initially things I was enjoying in terms of the plot but it just totally went out the window about 70% through.
I don't think the abuse and trauma was dealt with properly (or at all for that matter) and WTF was with that insane climax?
I was also frankly offended that
Clearly, no lessons were learned by anyone in this book.
The writing was not very good. It was detached and abrupt, and the split between the POV characters was uneven. Unfortunately, we seemed to mostly get Hector's POV when he was really the less interesting of the two and this definitely contributed to my dissatisfaction regarding how Miguel's trauma was handled.
So what did I like? I liked all the domestic moments they shared, Hector's accepting work colleagues, the fact that they managed to have some mature conversations about what was going on (maybe not initially, but they got there). For this alone, it gets 2 stars.
November 5, 2017
3.5 rounded up. Hector has been an often mentioned character on the Houston SWAT team that includes Clay and Ryan from the preceding books. This stand alone story is also written in similar style, with alternating POV’s for Hector and Miguel. I liked this new addition, especially getting several descriptions of action scenes with the team at work. Miguel was interesting, making positive changes in his life and becoming more secure and independent. The plot was more character driven than action driven and Hector and Miguel’s relationship is the focus. Hector had to come to terms with being bisexual but it wasn’t a difficult transition for him with anyone but himself.
I didn’t get very drawn into this story though and I was more often annoyed than empathetic with the characters. I didn’t care for the way Hector avoided or refused to discuss things, leading to misunderstanding and arguments. Both he and Miguel seemed terribly immature at times and there were few substantial exchanges of dialogue between them without some drama. The stalker ex seemed almost an afterthought and I didn’t get a strong sense of suspense, with the eventual conflict seeming to come out of the blue. The pacing and getting a feel for the timeline just felt awkward to me.
There were elements I liked a lot, such as showing Miguel’s determination to take charge of his life. Hector was presented well when confronted with mistakes in his behavior and adjusting his thinking. The spanking kink didn’t do much for the sex scenes and never felt natural. I felt like it was forced to fit with the BDSM theme of the series. So, pros and cons, holding my interest just enough but not stimulating my emotions quite enough. I’d recommend it as a pleasant way to see Hector in a different light and for an update on Clay and Ryan.
*An ARC was provided by the author or publisher at no charge and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review on Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
I didn’t get very drawn into this story though and I was more often annoyed than empathetic with the characters. I didn’t care for the way Hector avoided or refused to discuss things, leading to misunderstanding and arguments. Both he and Miguel seemed terribly immature at times and there were few substantial exchanges of dialogue between them without some drama. The stalker ex seemed almost an afterthought and I didn’t get a strong sense of suspense, with the eventual conflict seeming to come out of the blue. The pacing and getting a feel for the timeline just felt awkward to me.
There were elements I liked a lot, such as showing Miguel’s determination to take charge of his life. Hector was presented well when confronted with mistakes in his behavior and adjusting his thinking. The spanking kink didn’t do much for the sex scenes and never felt natural. I felt like it was forced to fit with the BDSM theme of the series. So, pros and cons, holding my interest just enough but not stimulating my emotions quite enough. I’d recommend it as a pleasant way to see Hector in a different light and for an update on Clay and Ryan.
*An ARC was provided by the author or publisher at no charge and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review on Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
December 4, 2017
this one was super sweet - too sweet for me. I feel like there were darker issues that should have been addressed more. And I wanted sniper action and we don't really get it.
Review to come
Review to come
November 7, 2017
Oh, how I’m in love with this series!
For me, I didn’t think there was any topping Logan and Clay, but I think Hector and Miguel might be my new favorite! Hector, we remember from the other books, is part of the SWAT team, with Clay and Ryan. I always thought he was hilarious, but never expected him to have his own story, really surprised me in this one… I felt like he was so different once we got to know him more. Oh yeah, hes not as straight as we thought either! That was made apparent when his mom and her best friend, showed up at his place with his childhood friend Miguel.
Miguel had run out after getting knocked around, again, by an abusive boyfriend. Needing a place to hide out where the now ex wouldn’t find him, their mother’s’ brought him to Hector, knowing he’d protect him and look out for him while Miguel tried to start over with only a few hundred dollars in the bank and a small sack of clothes he thought to grab. After being cut off from friends and a job and anything else that might lose him the strong hold he had on the control of Miguels’ life, it was going to be a tough road for him… Luckily, he had Hector.
Now, sidenote, when they were growing up, the two had always crushed on each other, but their friendship was most important and for all intents and purposes, Hector was straight, so that’s all they stayed. However, Hector never stopped taking care of him, and protecting him, always wanting the best for him…. Not until they’d lost touch, but now he was back.
Things between the two were fine, with Miguel trying to find work and trying not to be a burdon on Hector, though Hector saw him as anything but,. He was happy to take care of him, do things for him to help him get on his feet, that’s the kind of person he is. I loved that about him. But, Miguel, who’d just got out of a relationship where he had no control over anything, it caused some problems between them, and I could see how. Theyre relationship also progressed into something that was much more confusing than the both of them knew what to do with, and I understood Miguel’s hesitation….
What I loved, so much, was once Hector came to terms with the fact that he had romantic feelings for his best friend, who was a man…that never wavered. He never questioned it, well, okay… I mean, he did in the beginning, but it still never wavered. He never once lost that devotion to Miguel, even when he was confused or working things out. Sure, he put his foot in it a time or two and made Miguel mad a time or two, but all of his intentions always came from the best place. He cared about Miguel, always had. I loved, loved, loved that!
And of course, things with exes are never easy, Miguel’s didn’t like to lose, so he caused some trouble, forcing some strong feelings from both men, that differed on how they both reacted, and I wanted to shake Miguel, but I also understood. He needed to find himself, and still….. Hector never wavered….
Can you see how one might love these two?? I really really did! It’ll be hard to top them for me, no matter who’s next! Though I did enjoy Clays smart mouth in this one and wouldn’t mind some more of him and Logan! This one also wasn’t as heavily BDSM’y and I really liked that too.
Overall, this one was one, very well deserved 5 stars from me!
I loved it!
*I received this story with the promise of an honest review*
For me, I didn’t think there was any topping Logan and Clay, but I think Hector and Miguel might be my new favorite! Hector, we remember from the other books, is part of the SWAT team, with Clay and Ryan. I always thought he was hilarious, but never expected him to have his own story, really surprised me in this one… I felt like he was so different once we got to know him more. Oh yeah, hes not as straight as we thought either! That was made apparent when his mom and her best friend, showed up at his place with his childhood friend Miguel.
Miguel had run out after getting knocked around, again, by an abusive boyfriend. Needing a place to hide out where the now ex wouldn’t find him, their mother’s’ brought him to Hector, knowing he’d protect him and look out for him while Miguel tried to start over with only a few hundred dollars in the bank and a small sack of clothes he thought to grab. After being cut off from friends and a job and anything else that might lose him the strong hold he had on the control of Miguels’ life, it was going to be a tough road for him… Luckily, he had Hector.
Now, sidenote, when they were growing up, the two had always crushed on each other, but their friendship was most important and for all intents and purposes, Hector was straight, so that’s all they stayed. However, Hector never stopped taking care of him, and protecting him, always wanting the best for him…. Not until they’d lost touch, but now he was back.
Things between the two were fine, with Miguel trying to find work and trying not to be a burdon on Hector, though Hector saw him as anything but,. He was happy to take care of him, do things for him to help him get on his feet, that’s the kind of person he is. I loved that about him. But, Miguel, who’d just got out of a relationship where he had no control over anything, it caused some problems between them, and I could see how. Theyre relationship also progressed into something that was much more confusing than the both of them knew what to do with, and I understood Miguel’s hesitation….
What I loved, so much, was once Hector came to terms with the fact that he had romantic feelings for his best friend, who was a man…that never wavered. He never questioned it, well, okay… I mean, he did in the beginning, but it still never wavered. He never once lost that devotion to Miguel, even when he was confused or working things out. Sure, he put his foot in it a time or two and made Miguel mad a time or two, but all of his intentions always came from the best place. He cared about Miguel, always had. I loved, loved, loved that!
And of course, things with exes are never easy, Miguel’s didn’t like to lose, so he caused some trouble, forcing some strong feelings from both men, that differed on how they both reacted, and I wanted to shake Miguel, but I also understood. He needed to find himself, and still….. Hector never wavered….
Can you see how one might love these two?? I really really did! It’ll be hard to top them for me, no matter who’s next! Though I did enjoy Clays smart mouth in this one and wouldn’t mind some more of him and Logan! This one also wasn’t as heavily BDSM’y and I really liked that too.
Overall, this one was one, very well deserved 5 stars from me!
I loved it!
*I received this story with the promise of an honest review*
June 20, 2023
I enjoyed this though not as much as the other books I read in this series.
January 8, 2023
Hum hum donc.... Sans grand intérêt ! Il est déjà meilleur que le premier mais beaucoup moins bien que le deuxième (j'ai pas lu le 3e j'avoue) 🫣
Bon alors, déjà on suit Hector, membre de SWAT, qui se retrouve à héberger dans son deux pièces, son ancien ami d'enfance Miguel après s'être enfuit de chez lui après s'être fait tabasser par son ex copain. S'ensuit un jeu de séduction...
Bref, tout ce qui a de plus banal. Déjà, j'ai de la chance, j'aime la plume de l'auteur ! Parce que sans ça, j'aurais abandonné à même pas la moitié !
Ça manque cruellement d'approfondissement dans les thèmes abordés. Ça se caractérise avec les actions principales du romans qui se passent dès les premiers 40%, le personnage de Miguel qui sort d'une relation très toxique et grave, mais qui, comme ce n'est pas assez approfondie, n'est pas plus choqué que ça ! Si vous ne savez pas parlé de sujets aussi graves, ne les incluaient pas dans votre œuvre !!! Par pitié !
Ensuite, c'est un "gay for you mais j'ai déjà eu des sentiments pour des hommes" basé sur des raisons à la limite du stéréotype, on se retrouve avec des réactions improbables mais quand même terriblement attendues, des raisonnements bancales et des retournements de situation où j'ai été interloqué ????
D'autant plus que l'auteur a mis du BDSM on dirait par obligation puisqu'il y en a dans les premiers.... Gros bof quoi !
Bref, c'est peut-être parce que c'est un Friends to Lovers qus je n'ai pas accroché mais j'aurais dû rester que la bonne impression du tome 2 😂
Mention spéciale pour la fin en fanfare krkrkrkr
Bon alors, déjà on suit Hector, membre de SWAT, qui se retrouve à héberger dans son deux pièces, son ancien ami d'enfance Miguel après s'être enfuit de chez lui après s'être fait tabasser par son ex copain. S'ensuit un jeu de séduction...
Bref, tout ce qui a de plus banal. Déjà, j'ai de la chance, j'aime la plume de l'auteur ! Parce que sans ça, j'aurais abandonné à même pas la moitié !
Ça manque cruellement d'approfondissement dans les thèmes abordés. Ça se caractérise avec les actions principales du romans qui se passent dès les premiers 40%, le personnage de Miguel qui sort d'une relation très toxique et grave, mais qui, comme ce n'est pas assez approfondie, n'est pas plus choqué que ça ! Si vous ne savez pas parlé de sujets aussi graves, ne les incluaient pas dans votre œuvre !!! Par pitié !
Ensuite, c'est un "gay for you mais j'ai déjà eu des sentiments pour des hommes" basé sur des raisons à la limite du stéréotype, on se retrouve avec des réactions improbables mais quand même terriblement attendues, des raisonnements bancales et des retournements de situation où j'ai été interloqué ????
D'autant plus que l'auteur a mis du BDSM on dirait par obligation puisqu'il y en a dans les premiers.... Gros bof quoi !
Bref, c'est peut-être parce que c'est un Friends to Lovers qus je n'ai pas accroché mais j'aurais dû rester que la bonne impression du tome 2 😂
Mention spéciale pour la fin en fanfare krkrkrkr
December 26, 2018
I enjoyed this sweet romance between childhood friends all grown up. The fun element is that their families are close and they both have great moms.
Miguel gets back on his feet pretty quickly after leaving his abusive ex and I would have preferred he get some therapy. Hector is kind and does pretty well admitting to his bisexuality after suppressing it for so long.
A feel good romance.
Miguel gets back on his feet pretty quickly after leaving his abusive ex and I would have preferred he get some therapy. Hector is kind and does pretty well admitting to his bisexuality after suppressing it for so long.
A feel good romance.
July 30, 2022
Miguel's boyfriend was a classic abuser, controlling him and isolating him. When his boyfriend hit him, Miguel leaves running to his Mother, who brings him to Hector's mother, who takes all three of them to Hector's Apartment. Hector, takes Miguel, his missing best friend, in and helps. Miguel start over. Miguel soon finds a job and a new apartment. He wants to prove he can live on his own before moving in with Hector, his new boyfriend. His ex, Santos, cozme to his new job, hold Miguel and his coworkers hostage. Hector, a sniper for houston police Swat division, hears the adress of the hostage situation and knows it is where Miguel works, his seargeant lets Hector come along as an observer but tells him he is to close to the situation to work it.
November 14, 2017
2.5*
When Hector's mother asks him for his help, knowing he'd never turn down family, he agrees regardless of what she needs. On this occasion, she asks him to take in his childhood friend Miguel. He's been beaten up by his boyfriend yet again and this time, he's had enough of being a punching bag. He took what little he owned and ran from their home. Hector was always the one who looked after Miguel at school. Being openly gay, he was bullied at school a lot but Hector never stood for any of it and now he's the big bad S.W.A.T. guy, he's definitely up for the role of protector.
The pair were close friends and that only changed when Miguel started dating Santos. A very wealthy and controlling man who was used to always getting what he wanted, managed to cut Miguel off from his friends and keep him dependant by stopping him from getting a job. Having nothing, he is grateful to Hector and will do his utmost to get back on his feet again and try to avoid inconveniencing the man.
Hector has never considered himself as anything other than 'straight' but having his friend at such close quarters, and finding himself ogling Miguel, he's confused about the feelings he is starting to have for his friend.
I liked both of these characters and it's a sweet story but it felt a bit bland. They were rather one dimensional and there was no depth to them. I kinda found them a bit boring. Hector is living life as a heterosexual one minute and the next, he and Miguel are going out on a date and holding hands (despite the fact that Hector hasn't told anyone about his new found sexuality) and they're acting like it's no big deal. It was just too polite and nice. Don't get me wrong, when they finally get round to the sexy times, they had a lot of fun and there was a brief moment of angst when Santos rears his ugly head near the end of the book but on the whole, I wasn't wowed. This is part of a series of books but because the focus is mostly on our two MC's, it can easily be read as a standalone.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cheryl from Alpha Book Club
Alpha Book Club
All Alpha Males Accepted
alphabookclub.org
November 6, 2017
This is a great addition to the Cuffs, Collars, and Love series. Hector is a known character from the other books, and I loved that he now got his own story.
Hector has been straight all his life, or so he presented himself. When Miguel, his childhood friend, is looking for a place to stay after escaping his abusive boyfriend, Santos, he offers him his apartment. Then all the suppressed attraction toward boys is emerging again, and he falls hard for his friend. Miguel has always been smitten with Hector, but he never could imagine that he was other than straight.
It is a well-written story, steady paced (at times maybe a bit fast), that had me captivated right from the start. I really could feel the connection between the two guys. Deviating from Christa Tomlinson’s other books, there is not much BDSM in this one beside some spanking and light domination. That doesn’t mean the chemistry was anything but tame; rest assured sparks were flying.
Hector’s coming to terms with his bisexuality is nicely described, and I loved how the author also took Miguel’s uncertainties regarding his friend into account. He is not immediately on board with everything. He wants to be Miguel first instead of Miguel and Hector. I could seriously understand that, although I felt for Hector. But for their relationship, it was the best that could happen. I loved Hector and Miguel together. They were the perfect couple. But I also loved them separately because I saw them grow into their own, mindful of the other one’s boundaries, needs, and wants.
You know when there is an ex involved that he will return somewhere in the story. The question is when. The author built up the tension quite well, and it still took me by surprise.
The supporting cast were great characters. Although nobody stood out as the special one (maybe mamá Lupita), they enhanced the story.
Hector has been straight all his life, or so he presented himself. When Miguel, his childhood friend, is looking for a place to stay after escaping his abusive boyfriend, Santos, he offers him his apartment. Then all the suppressed attraction toward boys is emerging again, and he falls hard for his friend. Miguel has always been smitten with Hector, but he never could imagine that he was other than straight.
It is a well-written story, steady paced (at times maybe a bit fast), that had me captivated right from the start. I really could feel the connection between the two guys. Deviating from Christa Tomlinson’s other books, there is not much BDSM in this one beside some spanking and light domination. That doesn’t mean the chemistry was anything but tame; rest assured sparks were flying.
Hector’s coming to terms with his bisexuality is nicely described, and I loved how the author also took Miguel’s uncertainties regarding his friend into account. He is not immediately on board with everything. He wants to be Miguel first instead of Miguel and Hector. I could seriously understand that, although I felt for Hector. But for their relationship, it was the best that could happen. I loved Hector and Miguel together. They were the perfect couple. But I also loved them separately because I saw them grow into their own, mindful of the other one’s boundaries, needs, and wants.
You know when there is an ex involved that he will return somewhere in the story. The question is when. The author built up the tension quite well, and it still took me by surprise.
The supporting cast were great characters. Although nobody stood out as the special one (maybe mamá Lupita), they enhanced the story.
November 3, 2018
Fantastic!!!
I loved this book! I didn't think I would love any couple in this series more than Logan and Clay, but Hector and Miguel have stolen my heart! I love how the story flows. I also love slow burn. Even though they have known each other their entire lives, they lost touch for a number of years and had to get to know each other all over again. I loved the angst that went along with that. I love that they took their time and didn't rush into a physical relationship, but they each took the time to work on themselves.
There are so many twists and turns in this book that I loved. I also appreciate that I didn't have to suspend reality in order to be able to get into the book because everything was very realistic. Especially the fear Miguel felt toward his abusive ex-boyfriend. As a domestic violence survivor, I appreciate the author for doing her due diligence and really. All of Miguel's feelings as a survivor and Hector's feelings as a protector were spot-on. Even Miguel's need to prove to himself that he could stand on his own two feet, make decisions for himself, stand up for himself, and provide for himself. Hector's deep-seated desire to run to Miguel's aid and protect him was also spot on.
There were a few areas that left a little to be desired. At the conclusion of the drama, I wish there were more details concerning Santos. I don't want to go into further detail for fear that I may spoil that area of the book. I also want to know what is the thing Hector does to Miguel that he loves so much. I felt like I was left hanging when he said "Let's go home and I'll do that thing you love." because that's how it ended. There were no details after that.
Overall, I give this book 5/5 hot, sexy, steamy stars. The heat level in this book is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/10
I loved this book! I didn't think I would love any couple in this series more than Logan and Clay, but Hector and Miguel have stolen my heart! I love how the story flows. I also love slow burn. Even though they have known each other their entire lives, they lost touch for a number of years and had to get to know each other all over again. I loved the angst that went along with that. I love that they took their time and didn't rush into a physical relationship, but they each took the time to work on themselves.
There are so many twists and turns in this book that I loved. I also appreciate that I didn't have to suspend reality in order to be able to get into the book because everything was very realistic. Especially the fear Miguel felt toward his abusive ex-boyfriend. As a domestic violence survivor, I appreciate the author for doing her due diligence and really. All of Miguel's feelings as a survivor and Hector's feelings as a protector were spot-on. Even Miguel's need to prove to himself that he could stand on his own two feet, make decisions for himself, stand up for himself, and provide for himself. Hector's deep-seated desire to run to Miguel's aid and protect him was also spot on.
There were a few areas that left a little to be desired. At the conclusion of the drama, I wish there were more details concerning Santos. I don't want to go into further detail for fear that I may spoil that area of the book. I also want to know what is the thing Hector does to Miguel that he loves so much. I felt like I was left hanging when he said "Let's go home and I'll do that thing you love." because that's how it ended. There were no details after that.
Overall, I give this book 5/5 hot, sexy, steamy stars. The heat level in this book is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/10
November 1, 2017
A Sniper's Devotion was everything I was looking for in my next MM read. I've read the rest of the Cuffs, Collars, and Love series which I've enjoyed. Think this is my favourite in the series so far, the MCs are certainly my favourite couple.
The MCs are Miguel, who is an adorable twink and his childhood friend the gruff, growly cop (swat uniforms swoon!) Hector.
Miguel has just escaped his abusive boyfriend and is staying with Hector while he gets back on his feet. Hector realises he has feelings for his friend and is finally coming to accept his bisexuality. He had suppressed it after living in his dead father's shadow. His dad had made certain comments just before his death and at the time young Hector was feeling the pressure of suddenly having to step up and me the man of the family.
The previous books in the series were BDSM which this one didn't have other than some spanking. Hector is quite alpha and a bit dom-y but I liked that there was a nice balance he had between letting Miguel look after himself after his escape from his ex and wanting to take care of him.
Friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes. I liked that it was handled in a realistic way. There is a really sweet scene when Hector and Miguel go all the way together for the first and, bless him, Miguel gets really embarrassed about Hector seeing them. Cos yeah having your best friend seeing your most private parts first time has got to be super awkward.
A great read which I thoroughly recommend.
The MCs are Miguel, who is an adorable twink and his childhood friend the gruff, growly cop (swat uniforms swoon!) Hector.
Miguel has just escaped his abusive boyfriend and is staying with Hector while he gets back on his feet. Hector realises he has feelings for his friend and is finally coming to accept his bisexuality. He had suppressed it after living in his dead father's shadow. His dad had made certain comments just before his death and at the time young Hector was feeling the pressure of suddenly having to step up and me the man of the family.
The previous books in the series were BDSM which this one didn't have other than some spanking. Hector is quite alpha and a bit dom-y but I liked that there was a nice balance he had between letting Miguel look after himself after his escape from his ex and wanting to take care of him.
Friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes. I liked that it was handled in a realistic way. There is a really sweet scene when Hector and Miguel go all the way together for the first and, bless him, Miguel gets really embarrassed about Hector seeing them. Cos yeah having your best friend seeing your most private parts first time has got to be super awkward.
A great read which I thoroughly recommend.
November 9, 2017
4 / 5 Stars
This book was a complete surprise because I wasn't expecting to get Hector's story... or if I did, I forgot about it.
Hector and Miguel enter each other's life after Miguel suffered domestic violence from his ex-boyfriend. This leads to a lot of unsolved issues between the pair. We get to see their friendship turning into something more while at the same time Miguel deals with the fact that his life is going nowhere and needs grow up.
I liked the easy-going friendship and the sexy times together. Both deal with their issues, Miguel dealing with his new circumstances and Hector with the fact he's attracted to a man (or at least admit he's always liked Miguel). However, the misunderstandings they had were a bit silly, I didn't understand why they couldn't sit down and talk, it was so obvious they had a thing for each other. And mystery about who was stalking Miguel was super obvious (sorry but it really was).
This story has low-drama, a slow-burn romance, a little bit of kink and BDSM but nothing like the previous books (which I missed in this book) and likeable characters.
I admit I expected to love this book, it didn't happen though. I did enjoy it but The Detective's Pleasure is still my favorite in the series.
This book was a complete surprise because I wasn't expecting to get Hector's story... or if I did, I forgot about it.
Hector and Miguel enter each other's life after Miguel suffered domestic violence from his ex-boyfriend. This leads to a lot of unsolved issues between the pair. We get to see their friendship turning into something more while at the same time Miguel deals with the fact that his life is going nowhere and needs grow up.
I liked the easy-going friendship and the sexy times together. Both deal with their issues, Miguel dealing with his new circumstances and Hector with the fact he's attracted to a man (or at least admit he's always liked Miguel). However, the misunderstandings they had were a bit silly, I didn't understand why they couldn't sit down and talk, it was so obvious they had a thing for each other. And mystery about who was stalking Miguel was super obvious (sorry but it really was).
This story has low-drama, a slow-burn romance, a little bit of kink and BDSM but nothing like the previous books (which I missed in this book) and likeable characters.
I admit I expected to love this book, it didn't happen though. I did enjoy it but The Detective's Pleasure is still my favorite in the series.
November 1, 2017
I want to start by saying how much I love this series. My actual rating was 3 1/2 but I rounded it off to 4 because I have enjoyed this authors other books very much. I have mixed feelings about this particular story. Hector and Miguel were certainly made for each other, that was obvious. I didn't feel that connection to the characters that I always like to feel when reading any love story. It just didn't grab me like I was hoping it would. I also felt the reasons behind Miguel coming back into Hectors life should have been more in depth and more emotional. Of course the sex scenes were off the charts hot but again there were some missed opportunities there as well. I don't want to go into detail and give away spoilers. I do encourage everyone to read this themselves and decide their own opinion. Like I said I love this series and Christa's other books and will continue to read anything she publishes and you should too. I was just a little disappointed with this one in particular.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2017
A great book for Hector and Miguel. Long time freinds who hadn't seen each other for years meet up in bad circumstances. I loved the angst in this for them both. Keeping Miguel safe is Hector's main worry even if he didnt want to file charges against the ex. Things dont go smoothly as things change with Miguel. I read this and couldn't put it down.
Hector is a member of SWAT team. He helps a freind from his school days. Miguel who'd been attacked his face all colours of purples.
Miguel's boyfriend had hit him in a jealous rage but it hadn't been the first time unfortunately.
Hector straight but starts looking at Miguel in a different way seeing how attractive he is. Angst that Hector feels after a hot couch scene does leave him and decides to let it happen. Things going well...too well.. maybe a bad omen..
Hector is a member of SWAT team. He helps a freind from his school days. Miguel who'd been attacked his face all colours of purples.
Miguel's boyfriend had hit him in a jealous rage but it hadn't been the first time unfortunately.
Hector straight but starts looking at Miguel in a different way seeing how attractive he is. Angst that Hector feels after a hot couch scene does leave him and decides to let it happen. Things going well...too well.. maybe a bad omen..
October 31, 2017
*ARC given for an honest review*
Christa Tomlinson did not disappoint with her new novel in the Cuffs, Collars, and Love series A Sniper's Devotion. I absolutely loved the dynamic between the main characters Hector and Miguel. They faced many hurdles to get to their HEA but it was well worth the emotional journey that they had to go through. I really hope there are more books planned for this series!
Christa Tomlinson did not disappoint with her new novel in the Cuffs, Collars, and Love series A Sniper's Devotion. I absolutely loved the dynamic between the main characters Hector and Miguel. They faced many hurdles to get to their HEA but it was well worth the emotional journey that they had to go through. I really hope there are more books planned for this series!
April 17, 2018
I'm a little bit in love with Hector. I liked Miguel a lot too. I identified pretty strongly with both of these guys, but I'm definitely in love with Hector.
Out of this entire series, I think this might have been my favorite book. I like best, as a character, and I want him to be happy. With Hector and Miguel, I had a deep-seated comfort with both of them. I loved them, and they felt so incredibly right together. They felt healthy together. They felt natural. The supporting characters felt real to me, too.
Honestly, there wasn't anything I didn't like about this book.
Out of this entire series, I think this might have been my favorite book. I like best, as a character, and I want him to be happy. With Hector and Miguel, I had a deep-seated comfort with both of them. I loved them, and they felt so incredibly right together. They felt healthy together. They felt natural. The supporting characters felt real to me, too.
Honestly, there wasn't anything I didn't like about this book.
November 5, 2017
This was my favorite book in this series Hector and Miguel were awesome together great connection 2 men who started out being friends in high school than difted apart. But soon both will be reunited when Hectors run into a situation with his ex boyfriend. From there the story picks up and I couldn't put it down great book. I voluntarily review this advanced reader copy for my honest opinion.
November 8, 2017
Omg I loved it. Makes me want to get all of Christa Tomlinson’s books and do a major marathon read. I think the characters are complex including the supporting ones. Makes me want to know all of their stories. Plus I’d love to see Hector in his SWAT uniform...sigh. Clay and Ryan too. Makes a girl want to go to Houston.
August 31, 2023
A very entertaining series. 5 books out with 3 of them (2 novels and 1 novella) focusing on Clay and Logan. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the other 2 books about their teammates (Sam/Ryan and Miguel/Hector). Overall a great series with sexy MC's and lovely stories with some drama and angst but a lot of them working together.
Definitely best read in order.
Definitely best read in order.
November 7, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.. Great characters and very well written. The story line moves at the right pace. The relationship between the main MC's is dealt with realistically. Highly recommend this one.
May 20, 2018
Easy On The Heart
This installment of the series was one of my favorites. This book can be read as a standalone, but you won't get the full experience if you go that route. Mostly because we already got to know a lot of Hector's teammates—intimately—as MCs in the preceding books so ... there are stories that come before that provide some of the context. You don't necessarily need it to get into this one individually, but it helps kind of set the scene for the ease of the relationship-building between Hector and Miguel and the lack of angst you would expect a cop to have in a LGBTQ+ romance.
Which brings me to my next point. One of the things I love about this series (and this book in particular) is the fact that it is surprisingly low angst. The themes present don't drive the stories themselves down the usual predictable plotlines. I've said it before about the first book in the series, but it deserves to be said again. Instead of drowning in identity confusion and fears of being 'outed' amongst law enforcement peers—which is almost obligatory for a law enforcement theme in this genre, right?—the focus is, instead, on the MCs and their individual relationship(s) and other, more titillating dynamics.
Hector and Miguel were sweet, funny, hot, and all the good things that happen when you're friends first and lovers later. It was a little hair-raising to be waiting the whole time for the other shoe to drop, for a certain jackass to come tripping in with something nefarious in mind, but the fact that it didn't overtake everything else the story had going on was almost better than the story itself. I hate predictability and I know I've said it already, but this read and this series were thankfully not predictable in the way you'd expect.
This read is one for you when you want something with believable character- and relationship-development, relatively low angst, no typically theme-specific crises, acceptable resolutions and possible-in-real-life HFNs that are arguably HEAs although not necessarily formulaic enough to call them that.
Me likey. Me likey. Me likey.
4 Hearts
Review crossposted at:
More reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be found on Goodreads here.
Images (when present) may be subject to copyright.
An ARC copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
This installment of the series was one of my favorites. This book can be read as a standalone, but you won't get the full experience if you go that route. Mostly because we already got to know a lot of Hector's teammates—intimately—as MCs in the preceding books so ... there are stories that come before that provide some of the context. You don't necessarily need it to get into this one individually, but it helps kind of set the scene for the ease of the relationship-building between Hector and Miguel and the lack of angst you would expect a cop to have in a LGBTQ+ romance.
Which brings me to my next point. One of the things I love about this series (and this book in particular) is the fact that it is surprisingly low angst. The themes present don't drive the stories themselves down the usual predictable plotlines. I've said it before about the first book in the series, but it deserves to be said again. Instead of drowning in identity confusion and fears of being 'outed' amongst law enforcement peers—which is almost obligatory for a law enforcement theme in this genre, right?—the focus is, instead, on the MCs and their individual relationship(s) and other, more titillating dynamics.
Hector and Miguel were sweet, funny, hot, and all the good things that happen when you're friends first and lovers later. It was a little hair-raising to be waiting the whole time for the other shoe to drop, for a certain jackass to come tripping in with something nefarious in mind, but the fact that it didn't overtake everything else the story had going on was almost better than the story itself. I hate predictability and I know I've said it already, but this read and this series were thankfully not predictable in the way you'd expect.
This read is one for you when you want something with believable character- and relationship-development, relatively low angst, no typically theme-specific crises, acceptable resolutions and possible-in-real-life HFNs that are arguably HEAs although not necessarily formulaic enough to call them that.
Me likey. Me likey. Me likey.
4 Hearts
Review crossposted at:
More reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be found on Goodreads here.
Images (when present) may be subject to copyright.
An ARC copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
November 9, 2017
5 Stars
A wonderful read! Hot and sexy. I hate to see the series end but it goes out with a bang! I definitely recommend this book to everyone!!
A wonderful read! Hot and sexy. I hate to see the series end but it goes out with a bang! I definitely recommend this book to everyone!!
November 11, 2017
a great book that I read in one sitting. I love this series and this author, and I was not disappointed with this newest addition.
November 17, 2017
I liked it. The characters and plot were engaging. I can't say it was superb or anything, but it exceeded expectations and was an enjoyable read.
December 12, 2017
I feel like I've read this story many times before, and often better told. I can't seem to get exited about this story, it feels bland and the dimensional.
March 22, 2018
DNF. Disliked Miguel.
November 8, 2018
Love the entire series
Steamy scenes and great character development. I like how each book stands alone but also compliment each other. Love it.
Steamy scenes and great character development. I like how each book stands alone but also compliment each other. Love it.
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