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The Black Raiders #1
A Detached Raider
Detective Cade Lawson believes in justice. But when a serial killer targets pedophiles and child abusers, lines tend to get blurry. When the serial killer strikes in Cade’s city, along follow the uptight and handsome Detective Cole Banks. Cole comes with a truckload of baggage and a hell of an attitude but nevertheless, Cade is instantly attracted to him.
For almost two years, Cole has been trying to catch the serial killer the media has dubbed “The Executioner”. He hopes the new development in the case will provide the break he needs to catch the killer. Unfortunately, once in Baltimore, he must join forces with the alluring and absolute pain in the ass, Detective Cade Lawson. Sparks fly and not just the good kind as they struggle through their case.
As their attraction burns hotter with each day, false alibies and dark secrets threaten not just their case but also their fragile relationship. Can Cade’s lively personality and his unwavering trust and faith in Cole push him back into the confines of humanity, or will Cole run to safety the first chance he gets?
**Warning. Possible triggers: Sexual abuse, violence, death, human trafficking, rape.**
For almost two years, Cole has been trying to catch the serial killer the media has dubbed “The Executioner”. He hopes the new development in the case will provide the break he needs to catch the killer. Unfortunately, once in Baltimore, he must join forces with the alluring and absolute pain in the ass, Detective Cade Lawson. Sparks fly and not just the good kind as they struggle through their case.
As their attraction burns hotter with each day, false alibies and dark secrets threaten not just their case but also their fragile relationship. Can Cade’s lively personality and his unwavering trust and faith in Cole push him back into the confines of humanity, or will Cole run to safety the first chance he gets?
**Warning. Possible triggers: Sexual abuse, violence, death, human trafficking, rape.**
350 pages, ebook
First published November 28, 2017
99 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Ana Night
38 books142 followersAna Night is a writer of suspenseful gay romance. She’s an avid reader who has loved the written word since she discovered it. When she was a kid, she never went anywhere without a notebook. She was always writing, be it in the backseat of the car, between classes in school, or by the pool on vacations.
Ana is a self-proclaimed expert in hugging, people climbing and especially ugly dancing. When she’s not writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book, singing and dancing, watching her favorite TV shows, or creating book covers.
Ana lives in Denmark where she spends most of her time running from her ninja kitty—that one goes for the ankles—and getting lost in the woods with her horse.
You can find her here:
Website
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Ana is a self-proclaimed expert in hugging, people climbing and especially ugly dancing. When she’s not writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book, singing and dancing, watching her favorite TV shows, or creating book covers.
Ana lives in Denmark where she spends most of her time running from her ninja kitty—that one goes for the ankles—and getting lost in the woods with her horse.
You can find her here:
Website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 11, 2018
Sneaky Fucking Ninja Book
Where in the fuck did this book come from? I think this might be Night's first foray in M/M, but I gotta be honest, the quality of the writing and the intricacy of the plot don't really support the debut-ish author hypothesis. I have so many reviews to write. So. Many. But I had to stop and write this one first. This book is appallingly under-represented thus far.
Every word counts people, so pay attention to everything. I caught most of the nuance my first run-through, but I'm sharp like that and I like complicated done right. Every gesture, every squint, every shrug, every everything from every character is important. There's foreshadowing everywhere and I was both surprised and unsurprised the whole way through. I'd be willing to bet a re-read would reveal even more. LOVE books like that. This is complicated done right.
This author fucking rocked it.
Procedural sticklers might be able to pick some things apart, but I was so swept up and sucked in I couldn't care less if there were glaring problems. That said, I didn't notice any inconsistencies or blatant errors. The subplots were foreshadowed, the key players were present and accounted for, and readers are warned ... even if it doesn't seem like it until later. It felt a little rushed at the end, but honestly, had it all been fleshed out at the same pace as the rest of the book, it would have been too long.
Plus, the way things come kinda full circle and the way, even if rushed, the previously unknown but unsurprising link between Cole and Cade appears was necessary to set up for book 2. There just wasn't enough meat on the bone to make it a book of its own. I also like that it's not a cliffhanger! Major plot points are wrapped up but there's now a common thread that makes the series possible and infinitely more full of possibilities. It's got LEGS.
The plot fucking rocked.
I have one niggle about Britishisms coming out of a southern boy's mouth in Baltimore. Since there was a whack-a-mole tendency for British words to sporadically and inconsistently pop up in Cade's dialogues and inner thoughts, it jarred me out of the flow of the story pretty much every time. But! I almost can't even care about that. Just expect it. It was pretty infrequent, but that was almost a problem because when it did happen, it kept surprising me.
It still fucking rocked.
Cole was hot. And dark. And dangerous. And damaged. And a former black ops Marine. Yep. How fuckin' yummy can you get? And he has brothers. I hafta meet 'em.
Cade was sweet. And hot. And funny. And damaged. And he had a hell of a hidden edge. A razor sharp hidden edge. Fuck me runnin'.
On their own, the MCs were compelling but they were explosively hot together. There's some switches in the dynamic I hope to see in book 2. Slay shouldn't be the only person to benefit from that side of Cade. But if it never happens, I won't even be disappointed. Not. Even.
These characters fucking rocked my world.
Sneaky ninja author. I was not expecting this at all. I always hope a book will be as good as promised by the blurb. Sadly, it doesn't happen often with authors I don't recognize. So the mystery of how this one came out of nowhere remains. But! I don't care. Debut author, alternate nom de plume, parallel universe, lack of sleep, second-hand smoke, caffeine high, writer's beard, temporary insanity or a complete loss of discernment. I don't care. Even if I'm an outlier here when it all shakes out, I'll still stand by what I'm saying.
This story fucking rocked.
I am going to fucking fangirl my way into a dead swoon-y, Victorian era fainting fit of the stupid vapors when book 2 comes out. FML. Sneaky fucking ninja book.
More reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be found on Goodreads here.
Images (when present) may be subject to copyright.
Where in the fuck did this book come from? I think this might be Night's first foray in M/M, but I gotta be honest, the quality of the writing and the intricacy of the plot don't really support the debut-ish author hypothesis. I have so many reviews to write. So. Many. But I had to stop and write this one first. This book is appallingly under-represented thus far.
Every word counts people, so pay attention to everything. I caught most of the nuance my first run-through, but I'm sharp like that and I like complicated done right. Every gesture, every squint, every shrug, every everything from every character is important. There's foreshadowing everywhere and I was both surprised and unsurprised the whole way through. I'd be willing to bet a re-read would reveal even more. LOVE books like that. This is complicated done right.
This author fucking rocked it.
Procedural sticklers might be able to pick some things apart, but I was so swept up and sucked in I couldn't care less if there were glaring problems. That said, I didn't notice any inconsistencies or blatant errors. The subplots were foreshadowed, the key players were present and accounted for, and readers are warned ... even if it doesn't seem like it until later. It felt a little rushed at the end, but honestly, had it all been fleshed out at the same pace as the rest of the book, it would have been too long.
Plus, the way things come kinda full circle and the way, even if rushed, the previously unknown but unsurprising link between Cole and Cade appears was necessary to set up for book 2. There just wasn't enough meat on the bone to make it a book of its own. I also like that it's not a cliffhanger! Major plot points are wrapped up but there's now a common thread that makes the series possible and infinitely more full of possibilities. It's got LEGS.
The plot fucking rocked.
I have one niggle about Britishisms coming out of a southern boy's mouth in Baltimore. Since there was a whack-a-mole tendency for British words to sporadically and inconsistently pop up in Cade's dialogues and inner thoughts, it jarred me out of the flow of the story pretty much every time. But! I almost can't even care about that. Just expect it. It was pretty infrequent, but that was almost a problem because when it did happen, it kept surprising me.
It still fucking rocked.
Cole was hot. And dark. And dangerous. And damaged. And a former black ops Marine. Yep. How fuckin' yummy can you get? And he has brothers. I hafta meet 'em.
Cade was sweet. And hot. And funny. And damaged. And he had a hell of a hidden edge. A razor sharp hidden edge. Fuck me runnin'.
On their own, the MCs were compelling but they were explosively hot together. There's some switches in the dynamic I hope to see in book 2. Slay shouldn't be the only person to benefit from that side of Cade. But if it never happens, I won't even be disappointed. Not. Even.
These characters fucking rocked my world.
Sneaky ninja author. I was not expecting this at all. I always hope a book will be as good as promised by the blurb. Sadly, it doesn't happen often with authors I don't recognize. So the mystery of how this one came out of nowhere remains. But! I don't care. Debut author, alternate nom de plume, parallel universe, lack of sleep, second-hand smoke, caffeine high, writer's beard, temporary insanity or a complete loss of discernment. I don't care. Even if I'm an outlier here when it all shakes out, I'll still stand by what I'm saying.
This story fucking rocked.
I am going to fucking fangirl my way into a dead swoon-y, Victorian era fainting fit of the stupid vapors when book 2 comes out. FML. Sneaky fucking ninja book.
More reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be found on Goodreads here.
Images (when present) may be subject to copyright.
June 18, 2018
2★'s = it was ok. Kind of. Maybe. Ugh.
Before I even review this book I am taking off a full star for the car. We see a muscle car. We are told it is a 59 Chevy. We are then told it is a Camaro. STOP RIGHT THERE. I dated a guy when I was in high school who had a 69 Camaro so I admit I knew this, some of you may not but Chevy did not make a 59 Camaro. Chevy didn’t even make any Camaros until 1966 with the first release year being 1967. This was such an unforgivable error to me. If anything it totally pissed me off.
Anyway…
Let’s take a bit of Abi Roux’s Cut & Run Series, another bit of S.E. Jakes Hell or High Water Series, a bit more Abi by adding some of the Sidewinder Series and top it all off with Charlie’s THIRDS Series, mix it all up, and write a story. There is no mistaking the influences in this book. Honestly, that is mostly what got me here to begin with. I heard there was a Ty and Zane vibe and well, who doesn’t want more of that? PS ~ If you have read this book but none of the books I mentioned above, stop what you are doing and READ THEM!
Man. I can totally see what the author was going for but for me it just totally fell flat. This at times almost read as a parody of the books that so obviously influenced her. Instead of tension there was childish tantrums that came out of nowhere and did not fit or make sense. Again, I can see who influenced her and what she was trying to achieve, it just did not work for me. It all read as juvenile and inappropriate and it mostly made me uncomfortable, confused and really just shaking my head.
There was just so much. The “Brothers” from the secret Recon group, the CIA, the Mob, Motorcycle gangs. The slang. The bouncing around. The silliness. It just all felt so forced and not fleshed out. I know that Cade was supposed to read like Dex from the THIRDS. I also know that Cole was supposed to have a similar story to Ty’s Marine experience. I just think had the author focused more on one aspect instead of trying to pour every single thing into the story it may have worked better.
The last thing I will mention is their names. Cade and Cole. I had to actually write their names on a sticky note so I knew who was who. It was very difficult reading in the beginning switching back and forth and having such similar names I couldn’t tell who was saying what!
So, I’ll just leave it at that. The writing did not work for me. The darlin’s and the bouncing, the anger and then the inappropriateness and lack of professionalism was all just way too much. The end and total change to one of the characters was well, way out of character.
But, I can see what was trying to happen.
Worst part about the whole damn thing is I will still probably read the next book. For as bad as it was there is a tiny bit of me that is interested in the story. I can just hope that the second book has a better delivery.
Before I even review this book I am taking off a full star for the car. We see a muscle car. We are told it is a 59 Chevy. We are then told it is a Camaro. STOP RIGHT THERE. I dated a guy when I was in high school who had a 69 Camaro so I admit I knew this, some of you may not but Chevy did not make a 59 Camaro. Chevy didn’t even make any Camaros until 1966 with the first release year being 1967. This was such an unforgivable error to me. If anything it totally pissed me off.
Anyway…
Let’s take a bit of Abi Roux’s Cut & Run Series, another bit of S.E. Jakes Hell or High Water Series, a bit more Abi by adding some of the Sidewinder Series and top it all off with Charlie’s THIRDS Series, mix it all up, and write a story. There is no mistaking the influences in this book. Honestly, that is mostly what got me here to begin with. I heard there was a Ty and Zane vibe and well, who doesn’t want more of that? PS ~ If you have read this book but none of the books I mentioned above, stop what you are doing and READ THEM!
Man. I can totally see what the author was going for but for me it just totally fell flat. This at times almost read as a parody of the books that so obviously influenced her. Instead of tension there was childish tantrums that came out of nowhere and did not fit or make sense. Again, I can see who influenced her and what she was trying to achieve, it just did not work for me. It all read as juvenile and inappropriate and it mostly made me uncomfortable, confused and really just shaking my head.
There was just so much. The “Brothers” from the secret Recon group, the CIA, the Mob, Motorcycle gangs. The slang. The bouncing around. The silliness. It just all felt so forced and not fleshed out. I know that Cade was supposed to read like Dex from the THIRDS. I also know that Cole was supposed to have a similar story to Ty’s Marine experience. I just think had the author focused more on one aspect instead of trying to pour every single thing into the story it may have worked better.
The last thing I will mention is their names. Cade and Cole. I had to actually write their names on a sticky note so I knew who was who. It was very difficult reading in the beginning switching back and forth and having such similar names I couldn’t tell who was saying what!
So, I’ll just leave it at that. The writing did not work for me. The darlin’s and the bouncing, the anger and then the inappropriateness and lack of professionalism was all just way too much. The end and total change to one of the characters was well, way out of character.
But, I can see what was trying to happen.
Worst part about the whole damn thing is I will still probably read the next book. For as bad as it was there is a tiny bit of me that is interested in the story. I can just hope that the second book has a better delivery.
February 10, 2018
4.25 STARS
This was a mystery/romance thrill ride. Tbh, the beginning of the book was hard going. It was really hard to differentiate between the main characters, and it continues throughout the book. I found myself having to reread passages so I could ascertain who was speaking. The plot was thrilling, heartbreaking, and complicated to put it lightly. I thought the mystery was well done because I had no idea who the serial killer was! I can usually guess pretty early, but this book had me guessing. I also felt there was just too much going on. There were a lot of subplots, and I almost felt like I was missing another book sometimes. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this, and it better be a series, or I will be severely pissed off. There were just too many things left open-ended, and too many great characters to explore. It definitely ended with a HFN, and not a HEA. I'm going to assume that means we get more from this couple. Dare I say it... I was kinda reminded of Ty and Zane from the C & R series, but in reverse. Cole is the marine, but he is the stoic emotionless one. Then we have Cade who reminds me of Ty when he's at his most goofy. I hope no C &R fans put out a hit on me for saying this. I said hints because nobody can compare to those two. I would recommend this to people who love mystery with a side of romance.
This was a mystery/romance thrill ride. Tbh, the beginning of the book was hard going. It was really hard to differentiate between the main characters, and it continues throughout the book. I found myself having to reread passages so I could ascertain who was speaking. The plot was thrilling, heartbreaking, and complicated to put it lightly. I thought the mystery was well done because I had no idea who the serial killer was! I can usually guess pretty early, but this book had me guessing. I also felt there was just too much going on. There were a lot of subplots, and I almost felt like I was missing another book sometimes. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this, and it better be a series, or I will be severely pissed off. There were just too many things left open-ended, and too many great characters to explore. It definitely ended with a HFN, and not a HEA. I'm going to assume that means we get more from this couple. Dare I say it... I was kinda reminded of Ty and Zane from the C & R series, but in reverse. Cole is the marine, but he is the stoic emotionless one. Then we have Cade who reminds me of Ty when he's at his most goofy. I hope no C &R fans put out a hit on me for saying this. I said hints because nobody can compare to those two. I would recommend this to people who love mystery with a side of romance.
April 11, 2018
I really liked the book. It reminded me of the Cut & Run series by Abigail Roux but a little bit lighter. It had everything - great plot, two hot MCs with a lot of chemistry, well-developed mystery and villains.
I hope this will be long series because there is so much this two have going for them. The secondary characters rock too. I love the relationship between them, their own special traits that make them memorable.
There are triggers about some tough subjects like child abuse which was hard to read at times but it made the book all the more deep and meaningful.
I hope this will be long series because there is so much this two have going for them. The secondary characters rock too. I love the relationship between them, their own special traits that make them memorable.
There are triggers about some tough subjects like child abuse which was hard to read at times but it made the book all the more deep and meaningful.
July 19, 2022
This was terrible.
Identical MCs. Bad:
writing, sex, crime, friends.
Identical MCs. Bad:
writing, sex, crime, friends.
January 27, 2018
i didnt finish this one. I liked the blurb and had high hopes for the story. I had a few issues with the book. I never knew who was who. both characters have similar names and the author keeps switching between using their first and last name. I think the autor introdused too many people without describing them well enough that I was able to remember them. the Instant animosity seemed strange to me. Also apparantly 35 year old people go about complaining they are old.
I dont know perhaps it gets better later on, but I dont have the patience to find out.
I dont know perhaps it gets better later on, but I dont have the patience to find out.
January 3, 2018
DNF @ 40%. I tried really really hard to get through this but gave up. Aside from the MCs having ridiculously similar names and it being hard to keep track of which one was talking, the story makes no sense. Random characters are introduced and add little to no value to the story (old classmates, father-in-laws, club owners, etc...). The questioning for murder suspects is asinine and more like a scooby doo episode. The MCs are hot and cold and sporadically break out into karaoke contests while driving to see suspects. This book has a serious identity crisis.
April 17, 2018
I was so sure I was going to love this… damn, I hate being wrong!
I had plenty of problems with this book, starting with the MCs. I didn’t understand why they hated each other from the moment they met. It felt forced. Cade was ridiculous, he behaved like a 12 year old.
I didn’t care about either of the guys and, as a result, I didn’t give a damn about their relationship.
There were a lot of ridiculous situations and even more absurd sentences, the investigation was dull as hell, and the behavior of the detectives extremely unprofessional.
I don’t think I will continue with the series…
I had plenty of problems with this book, starting with the MCs. I didn’t understand why they hated each other from the moment they met. It felt forced. Cade was ridiculous, he behaved like a 12 year old.
I didn’t care about either of the guys and, as a result, I didn’t give a damn about their relationship.
There were a lot of ridiculous situations and even more absurd sentences, the investigation was dull as hell, and the behavior of the detectives extremely unprofessional.
I don’t think I will continue with the series…
March 10, 2018
I'm in the minority here but I just didn't like the book. It wandered, had characters I didn't feel anything for...just didn't like it.
January 10, 2019
I really wanted to like this - it’s two police/military oriented men, it’s a series, crime/mystery element - it checked all the boxes on the front end. Unfortunately, this just didn’t work for me.
Another reviewer mentioned the similar names and how the men seemed almost interchangeable and I completely agree. Cole and Cade are just too close to keep straight when they are also the same bad ass cop type. Cade was written like he was trying to be Dex but it didn’t work, he seemed simple instead. I also felt like I picked up book four in a series - there was a lot of back story that was alluded to but never explained, characters who popped in and out like a clown car and then the crimes started doing the same thing. I’ve read a lot of books and not had this issue, but it’s possible that it’s just me - but I had a hard time following the path of the crime and whodunnit and still - and the end of the book - I’m not sure whether a critical character was guilty or not (and this wasn’t an intentional vagueness to my knowledge).
To each her or his own, but this was a miss for me.
Another reviewer mentioned the similar names and how the men seemed almost interchangeable and I completely agree. Cole and Cade are just too close to keep straight when they are also the same bad ass cop type. Cade was written like he was trying to be Dex but it didn’t work, he seemed simple instead. I also felt like I picked up book four in a series - there was a lot of back story that was alluded to but never explained, characters who popped in and out like a clown car and then the crimes started doing the same thing. I’ve read a lot of books and not had this issue, but it’s possible that it’s just me - but I had a hard time following the path of the crime and whodunnit and still - and the end of the book - I’m not sure whether a critical character was guilty or not (and this wasn’t an intentional vagueness to my knowledge).
To each her or his own, but this was a miss for me.
December 19, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Before I get into my review of A Detached Raider, I would like to tell you there are a few triggers that should be watched for…child sexual abuse and rape. If either of these are a problem, proceed with caution.
I love a good cop novel, so the blurb for A Detached Raider had me excited, and while I can’t say I loved the book, it was a decent mystery with decent characters. At times, I found it to be somewhat convoluted, and I had to go back and re-read several passages because I kept getting Cole and Cade mixed up. Both names have four letters and start with “C,” and until I got to about a third of the way through, I was pretty confused as to who was who.
Both detectives were well written and well developed. Their chemistry was almost immediate, but their road to a relationship was steady. It felt natural to me. The first love scene was hot and sexy, and each following scene kept bringing the heat. I enjoyed watching them fall in love and finding their way to each other.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Before I get into my review of A Detached Raider, I would like to tell you there are a few triggers that should be watched for…child sexual abuse and rape. If either of these are a problem, proceed with caution.
I love a good cop novel, so the blurb for A Detached Raider had me excited, and while I can’t say I loved the book, it was a decent mystery with decent characters. At times, I found it to be somewhat convoluted, and I had to go back and re-read several passages because I kept getting Cole and Cade mixed up. Both names have four letters and start with “C,” and until I got to about a third of the way through, I was pretty confused as to who was who.
Both detectives were well written and well developed. Their chemistry was almost immediate, but their road to a relationship was steady. It felt natural to me. The first love scene was hot and sexy, and each following scene kept bringing the heat. I enjoyed watching them fall in love and finding their way to each other.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
February 8, 2018
This book was.... A LOT. There’s so much going on and everything comes full circle by the end but I have to admit that the middle had me questioning where it was all heading. Certainly never a dull moment though!
I’m so glad there’s another book coming because you guys...there are so many secrets here! Cade and Cole both have some darkness lurking in their pasts and I just have to know what happened and what’s coming!
I’m docking a star because there’s some Brit speak thrown in that threw me off and I had a bit of trouble in the beginning tracking the characters before I got to know their “voices.” Pretty minor issues.
I’m so glad there’s another book coming because you guys...there are so many secrets here! Cade and Cole both have some darkness lurking in their pasts and I just have to know what happened and what’s coming!
I’m docking a star because there’s some Brit speak thrown in that threw me off and I had a bit of trouble in the beginning tracking the characters before I got to know their “voices.” Pretty minor issues.
January 11, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3
That was a rollercoaster!
This was my first book of Ana’s and it is an adventure! Ana’s writing style is very detailed and descriptive.
This book is an intense crime thriller with heat. Although it was confusing at times with so many different characters and so much going on, with so many twists and turns it was still enjoyable and to me, and it feels like I’ve read 3 different books instead of just 1!
This book follows Cade and Cole as they set out to find a serial killer. Along the way, they give in to their lust and attraction for each other and eventually feelings grow. As they find the serial killer, they realise there is more to the case than they thought and it seems there is more to the victims than they counted on. When a new case comes up with links to their serial killer as well as a gang, Cole and Cade must work separately to solve it. When all the cases collide, harsh truths come to light and Cole and Cade are confronted with their feelings for each other and the truth of their pasts. While the book may be confusing it is still so thrilling and kept me guessing the whole way through.
My overall feel of the book was that it was enjoyable, intense and thrilling and I feel like I need to go back and read it again to pick up on what I missed and learn more about the characters, but still a good read!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3
That was a rollercoaster!
This was my first book of Ana’s and it is an adventure! Ana’s writing style is very detailed and descriptive.
This book is an intense crime thriller with heat. Although it was confusing at times with so many different characters and so much going on, with so many twists and turns it was still enjoyable and to me, and it feels like I’ve read 3 different books instead of just 1!
This book follows Cade and Cole as they set out to find a serial killer. Along the way, they give in to their lust and attraction for each other and eventually feelings grow. As they find the serial killer, they realise there is more to the case than they thought and it seems there is more to the victims than they counted on. When a new case comes up with links to their serial killer as well as a gang, Cole and Cade must work separately to solve it. When all the cases collide, harsh truths come to light and Cole and Cade are confronted with their feelings for each other and the truth of their pasts. While the book may be confusing it is still so thrilling and kept me guessing the whole way through.
My overall feel of the book was that it was enjoyable, intense and thrilling and I feel like I need to go back and read it again to pick up on what I missed and learn more about the characters, but still a good read!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
November 21, 2017
I loved this book. It is the perfect mystery romance with all the twists and turns you expect from this genre. Nothing is what it seems, and the author kept me throwing for a loop. With every question answered, other questions arose. Can you trust the ones you have always believed in? It deals with a serial killer who only kills pedophiles and sex offenders, and to be honest, I felt sympathy for the killer. Not in the least because of the way the author described what got them to do it.
It is very well written with an engaging writing style. I was captivated right from the start, and I couldn’t put the book down. It was nail-biting and toe-curling exciting, and I had to read it till I knew that all loose ends were tied. And let me warn you, there are quite a few. You have to keep on top of it, to follow them all, but the author did a great job tying them together.
What struck me as well, was that the romance is perfectly balanced with the mystery part. That is not always the case, but in this book, I found it was equally tackled.
Cole is the ex-Marine turned cop, who is assigned to police department Cade works for. Both men are married to their job, and they live for getting justice for those who deserve that. They are not looking for love. In fact, they don’t really like each other that much, but when they meet sparks fly. Their chemistry is sizzling and burning up the pages. They have each other’s back at every turn. Every time some discoveries were made in the case, the more the secrets of the guys were revealed. It made me tear up inside at the heartache these men have been through.
It is an emotional roller coaster with heartbreaking and gut-wrenching moments and horrific situations. But luckily, the author has a sense of humor as well as the banter between the two was witty and fun. I loved Lara (their partner) and her daughter, Morgan, whose characters really enhanced the story.
It is very well written with an engaging writing style. I was captivated right from the start, and I couldn’t put the book down. It was nail-biting and toe-curling exciting, and I had to read it till I knew that all loose ends were tied. And let me warn you, there are quite a few. You have to keep on top of it, to follow them all, but the author did a great job tying them together.
What struck me as well, was that the romance is perfectly balanced with the mystery part. That is not always the case, but in this book, I found it was equally tackled.
Cole is the ex-Marine turned cop, who is assigned to police department Cade works for. Both men are married to their job, and they live for getting justice for those who deserve that. They are not looking for love. In fact, they don’t really like each other that much, but when they meet sparks fly. Their chemistry is sizzling and burning up the pages. They have each other’s back at every turn. Every time some discoveries were made in the case, the more the secrets of the guys were revealed. It made me tear up inside at the heartache these men have been through.
It is an emotional roller coaster with heartbreaking and gut-wrenching moments and horrific situations. But luckily, the author has a sense of humor as well as the banter between the two was witty and fun. I loved Lara (their partner) and her daughter, Morgan, whose characters really enhanced the story.
November 28, 2017
Captivating romantic mystery with two strong and world weary men. Lots of hot chemistry between the two MC's keep me reading and looking for their partnership to grow and change. Cade and Cole are such well crafted characters. Both men have lots of secrets and we as the reader, only get a hint of some of those well hidden secrets. I am looking forward to learning more about both of these characters in the next book. Several characters were introduced in this book and i want to know more about all of them
Complex plot with lots of supporting characters that really enriched the story. The book is nicely paced and pulled me in from page one. i read this book in one sitting because it was so engaging and well written. I really liked the way the book was written, showing me both men's thought process and what they were feeling. This is the first time that i have read this author and i will be on the lookout for more of their work.
Complex plot with lots of supporting characters that really enriched the story. The book is nicely paced and pulled me in from page one. i read this book in one sitting because it was so engaging and well written. I really liked the way the book was written, showing me both men's thought process and what they were feeling. This is the first time that i have read this author and i will be on the lookout for more of their work.
April 27, 2018
A Detached Raider (The Black Raiders Book 1)
I loved everything about this first book. About Cole and CadeＯ(≧∇≦)Ｏ
Their relationship progresses at such a right, normal pace it just seems effortless. And reading about it definitely is. And fun, is fun to read cause they banter like nobody's business and they're absolutely amazing at it. I found myself smiling like a fool a lot and even L-ing very OL-ing a few times. They just make me happy ♡o｡.(✿ฺ｡ ✿ฺ)
The people surrounding them are well rounded and interesting as well. That Morgan girl is priceless.
And then there's work. The cases (cases with an -s I tell you, not just the one and next is next book… this book is well thought-off and carefully and lovingly put into motion. Also long which is absolutely great) they work are the frosting on this yummy MM-cupcake. They are realistic which means hard AF to deal with, to read about but deeply interesting in their complexity...
All in all this is shaping up to be an amazing new series. I'm happy to report I'm hooked 🎣
And I'll definitely keep reading 📖
I loved everything about this first book. About Cole and CadeＯ(≧∇≦)Ｏ
Their relationship progresses at such a right, normal pace it just seems effortless. And reading about it definitely is. And fun, is fun to read cause they banter like nobody's business and they're absolutely amazing at it. I found myself smiling like a fool a lot and even L-ing very OL-ing a few times. They just make me happy ♡o｡.(✿ฺ｡ ✿ฺ)
The people surrounding them are well rounded and interesting as well. That Morgan girl is priceless.
And then there's work. The cases (cases with an -s I tell you, not just the one and next is next book… this book is well thought-off and carefully and lovingly put into motion. Also long which is absolutely great) they work are the frosting on this yummy MM-cupcake. They are realistic which means hard AF to deal with, to read about but deeply interesting in their complexity...
All in all this is shaping up to be an amazing new series. I'm happy to report I'm hooked 🎣
And I'll definitely keep reading 📖
February 7, 2018
Plot is great, what a mystery and Cade+Cole=hot men!
This wasn’t just a mystery, it was like throwing a handful of pebbles into still water and watch how the ripples intersect each other! Loved it!
This wasn’t just a mystery, it was like throwing a handful of pebbles into still water and watch how the ripples intersect each other! Loved it!
November 28, 2019
3,5 stars.
November 20, 2017
loved Cade and Cole, both strong characters. love a man in uniform, this is my fave type of romance. i love mysteries and action. this was the first time reading Ana Night, really enjoyed this story and will def read book 2, can't wait!
November 22, 2017
Amazing Mystery & Suspense with M/M Sexual Content.
I Loved EVER Word!! Can NOT Wait for #2
I Loved EVER Word!! Can NOT Wait for #2
November 29, 2017
This was one of those books that just leaves you feeling like you was in the book with the characters. It was an extremely interesting and intriguing read.
Trigger Warnings: references to sexual abuse, rape, and human trafficking.
Cade is a detective that just landed him a case for a serial killer. The thing is the killer has moved districts so now he is having to team up with a detective from the original district that it all started in and Cade is really not too happy about it.
Coke is a closed off individual. He is a former marine and does not talk about his time as a marine. When he teams up with Cade to solve the murders by a serial killer he never expected to meet he man that would make him question everything about his closed offness but Cade is the man to do just that,
Now do t get me wrong these two men drive each other crazy both in and out of the bedroom and not always in a good way either but once they finally hook up for the first time there is just no going back for either of them.
As the investigation heats up and they closer to the truth, the more dangerous things become. Not only because of this investigation but because of other things they uncover while investigating this case which leads to a new case.
Can two men that are in danger find what they need most in one another?
This was really a good read. It is mysterious and has so many twists and turns. I could not put this book down on w I started it. This is definitely a book I would suggest to others. And I will most definitely be reading the next book in this series.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Trigger Warnings: references to sexual abuse, rape, and human trafficking.
Cade is a detective that just landed him a case for a serial killer. The thing is the killer has moved districts so now he is having to team up with a detective from the original district that it all started in and Cade is really not too happy about it.
Coke is a closed off individual. He is a former marine and does not talk about his time as a marine. When he teams up with Cade to solve the murders by a serial killer he never expected to meet he man that would make him question everything about his closed offness but Cade is the man to do just that,
Now do t get me wrong these two men drive each other crazy both in and out of the bedroom and not always in a good way either but once they finally hook up for the first time there is just no going back for either of them.
As the investigation heats up and they closer to the truth, the more dangerous things become. Not only because of this investigation but because of other things they uncover while investigating this case which leads to a new case.
Can two men that are in danger find what they need most in one another?
This was really a good read. It is mysterious and has so many twists and turns. I could not put this book down on w I started it. This is definitely a book I would suggest to others. And I will most definitely be reading the next book in this series.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
December 1, 2017
Warning: This story does have triggers, there are pedophiles and rapist mentioned here.
This book has it all. Mystery and suspense as you keep reading to figure out the whodunnit part. It has its flashes of humor. It has its sad moments where you feel for the victims in this story. It has a dark and brooding cop, a out going and engaging one. There are things in both of their pasts that have made them this way. The author did a great job of showing the different ways people handle things in their past. The interactions between them has all kinds of sparks going off. When they finally give in to their attraction to each other, it’s sizzling hot. This story also has a snarky ex-partner, who is a hoot and her daughter. And this is a one sitting book. You will keep turning the pages, because you must know. You will not want to put it down till it done and you have all the answers.
At the start of the book, I did have a hard time keeping Cade and Cole straight. I did think at the start, it might have been better to have changed the name of at least one of the guys. But that didn’t last long. And the further I got into the story, the more invested I was. It has a steady pace, great plotting, wonderful characters. No one part of the story is greater than or takes over the other. The balance between the mystery and the romance is perfect. It is an all-around great read. I will be looking for other stories by this author.
This book has it all. Mystery and suspense as you keep reading to figure out the whodunnit part. It has its flashes of humor. It has its sad moments where you feel for the victims in this story. It has a dark and brooding cop, a out going and engaging one. There are things in both of their pasts that have made them this way. The author did a great job of showing the different ways people handle things in their past. The interactions between them has all kinds of sparks going off. When they finally give in to their attraction to each other, it’s sizzling hot. This story also has a snarky ex-partner, who is a hoot and her daughter. And this is a one sitting book. You will keep turning the pages, because you must know. You will not want to put it down till it done and you have all the answers.
At the start of the book, I did have a hard time keeping Cade and Cole straight. I did think at the start, it might have been better to have changed the name of at least one of the guys. But that didn’t last long. And the further I got into the story, the more invested I was. It has a steady pace, great plotting, wonderful characters. No one part of the story is greater than or takes over the other. The balance between the mystery and the romance is perfect. It is an all-around great read. I will be looking for other stories by this author.
December 1, 2017
4.25 / 5 Stars
Truth be told, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. The blurb is just my cup of tea but you never know when it comes to new authors. However, she does a great job, the suspense, the action and the sexual tension kept me entertained.
The plot is fast paced, interesting, I liked the main idea of the serial killer killing bad guys (I can't disagree with it) and the investigation and mystery throughout the book keeps going without issues or being too obvious.
Cole and Cade (funny they both have names with 4 letters and that start with C, I sometimes confused them) have great chemistry. Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and they are the perfect example when sparks fly. They cannot stand each other, nevertheless they are incapable of staying away but the secrets they are hiding are a dead weight and a big obstacle in their reltionship.
Something that bother me was the lack of warnings. Although I'm one of those people that are not affected by any of them, I know people out there that they do. I would suggest that next time it should be mentioned in the blurb.
I'm intrigued to learn more about these guys and some of the things that only started in this story but we didn't get much more. I guess we will get more answers in book 2, I'm excited!
Truth be told, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. The blurb is just my cup of tea but you never know when it comes to new authors. However, she does a great job, the suspense, the action and the sexual tension kept me entertained.
The plot is fast paced, interesting, I liked the main idea of the serial killer killing bad guys (I can't disagree with it) and the investigation and mystery throughout the book keeps going without issues or being too obvious.
Cole and Cade (funny they both have names with 4 letters and that start with C, I sometimes confused them) have great chemistry. Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and they are the perfect example when sparks fly. They cannot stand each other, nevertheless they are incapable of staying away but the secrets they are hiding are a dead weight and a big obstacle in their reltionship.
Something that bother me was the lack of warnings. Although I'm one of those people that are not affected by any of them, I know people out there that they do. I would suggest that next time it should be mentioned in the blurb.
I'm intrigued to learn more about these guys and some of the things that only started in this story but we didn't get much more. I guess we will get more answers in book 2, I'm excited!
December 6, 2017
Cade and Cole are police detectives from different departments brought together to catch a serial killer in this thoroughly engrossing story. Cole is a Marine veteran whose family is the group of Raiders he served with and still keeps in constant contact with. Cade has a less complicated history, or so it seems. The two men struggle to get along in the beginning, though they are also incredibly drawn to each other. There are several wonderful characters, very hot and sexy scenes, and lots of twists that keep the men - and the reader- guessing. There is also the question of how to look at a killer who is focused on ridding the world of some terrible people who prey on children.
I found this book fascinating, and I look forward to the next in the series.
I found this book fascinating, and I look forward to the next in the series.
December 2, 2017
Great romance with a mystery to solve and lots of twists and turns that pulled me in right from the beginning. Great storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat. Cole and Cade are wonderful characters who are forced to work together to solve the case of a serial killer. They have great chemistry and I love them together. Their banter is awesome and I hope to see more of them in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
February 28, 2018
Review asap!
Part of The Black Raiders Series that has to be read in order:
Part of The Black Raiders Series that has to be read in order:
November 29, 2017
I love romantic mysteries and this one is done so well.
Cade and Cole are strong, well developed characters. They are forced to work together trying to catch a serial killer.
I loved the chemistry between these two. I couldn't put this book down. I'm looking forward to reading more from Ana Night.
Cade and Cole are strong, well developed characters. They are forced to work together trying to catch a serial killer.
I loved the chemistry between these two. I couldn't put this book down. I'm looking forward to reading more from Ana Night.
December 7, 2017
This book was exciting and interesting. I love the interaction between Cole and Cade. The attraction between was sensual and sizzling. The vigilante and the reason was behind it was a good idea. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
dnf
December 22, 2017DNF. Sometimes it doesn't take much for me to give up on a book and that's my problem mostly, not the author's. This one seemed more interested in two cops from different departments checking each other out than investigating a gruesome murder. It seemed a little silly and I moved on.
November 25, 2017
Rounded up to 3.5 stars.
Warning: possible triggers including graphic descriptions of rape and child abuse which may not be suitable for some readers.
Jacket blurb sums up the plot and characters quite aptly so I won’t rehash.
I have really mixed thoughts on this book so I hope this review is somewhat coherent.
On the one hand, I found this cliched: two police detectives who instantly hate each other…but oddly find themselves attracted to the other man. Our two protagonists externally despise each other while secretly wishing they could do Lascivious Things.
And when the magic happens and they admit they are lusting after the other, each is hiding Dark Secrets. Then it becomes a matter of one of them pushing away because the emotional commitment is just to much that don’t want to hurt themselves or the other.
And finally, when we hit the climatic conclusion (twice), all thoughts are on protecting the other from the Dark Secrets.
I also had issues keeping “Cade” and “Cole” straight. One of my beefs with any book is when the author names the main characters with the same letter.
Lastly, there were plot leaps/leaps of intuition that the characters were making, but as I reader, I was left mostly confused about how X, Y or Z came about and I say this because read a lot of mysteries thrillers and I'm not usually this confused. During climatic conclusion #2, I actually went back and re-read about five chapters because the characters were doing some double crossing and I thought I missed something. Nope, characters made the leap, but the reader wasn’t brought along.
I don’t like multiple endings and this, in my humble opinion, has two endings and it made the plot somewhat convoluted. I also struggled with the plausibility of the second ending – this was one of those spots where the characters knew something but the reader was not updated earlier in the plot.
I did say I have mixed thoughts on this!
Bear with me a bit longer…
On the other hand, I DID enjoy the story.
I liked Cole and Cade (despite the naming thing). They were different enough that the personalities were nicely balanced. Each man was struggling with something from his past that he found difficult to overcome, yet with a little help from their friends could make that emotional connection.
I enjoyed the plot, though I wasn’t expecting it to become quite so explicit as it relates to the child abuse and description of rape.
I liked the supporting characters. Cole and Cade each had their own “safety net” and they were different personalities. Lara had the potential to move into the “Tell the Bestie EVERYTHING!” but the author did avoid that character trope.
I enjoyed how the characters grew emotionally from the start to the conclusion. Too often in the police/military/men in uniform books the protagonists go from lust to the sheets and not much in between.
Which comes back to my mixed thoughts on this – a handful of items that detracted and a handful of items that carried the book. If there is a second book, I would read it.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Warning: possible triggers including graphic descriptions of rape and child abuse which may not be suitable for some readers.
Jacket blurb sums up the plot and characters quite aptly so I won’t rehash.
I have really mixed thoughts on this book so I hope this review is somewhat coherent.
On the one hand, I found this cliched: two police detectives who instantly hate each other…but oddly find themselves attracted to the other man. Our two protagonists externally despise each other while secretly wishing they could do Lascivious Things.
And when the magic happens and they admit they are lusting after the other, each is hiding Dark Secrets. Then it becomes a matter of one of them pushing away because the emotional commitment is just to much that don’t want to hurt themselves or the other.
And finally, when we hit the climatic conclusion (twice), all thoughts are on protecting the other from the Dark Secrets.
I also had issues keeping “Cade” and “Cole” straight. One of my beefs with any book is when the author names the main characters with the same letter.
Lastly, there were plot leaps/leaps of intuition that the characters were making, but as I reader, I was left mostly confused about how X, Y or Z came about and I say this because read a lot of mysteries thrillers and I'm not usually this confused. During climatic conclusion #2, I actually went back and re-read about five chapters because the characters were doing some double crossing and I thought I missed something. Nope, characters made the leap, but the reader wasn’t brought along.
I don’t like multiple endings and this, in my humble opinion, has two endings and it made the plot somewhat convoluted. I also struggled with the plausibility of the second ending – this was one of those spots where the characters knew something but the reader was not updated earlier in the plot.
I did say I have mixed thoughts on this!
Bear with me a bit longer…
On the other hand, I DID enjoy the story.
I liked Cole and Cade (despite the naming thing). They were different enough that the personalities were nicely balanced. Each man was struggling with something from his past that he found difficult to overcome, yet with a little help from their friends could make that emotional connection.
I enjoyed the plot, though I wasn’t expecting it to become quite so explicit as it relates to the child abuse and description of rape.
I liked the supporting characters. Cole and Cade each had their own “safety net” and they were different personalities. Lara had the potential to move into the “Tell the Bestie EVERYTHING!” but the author did avoid that character trope.
I enjoyed how the characters grew emotionally from the start to the conclusion. Too often in the police/military/men in uniform books the protagonists go from lust to the sheets and not much in between.
Which comes back to my mixed thoughts on this – a handful of items that detracted and a handful of items that carried the book. If there is a second book, I would read it.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
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