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That Rat, Carter Janson
Every man has secrets, but some are bigger than others….
Felix Peake escaped a shady past to carve out a successful career as an expert in Mesopotamian art and gain the respect of the Chicago art community. But when an assistant curator—a man Felix could easily see himself falling for—asks him to reauthenticate a cuneiform tablet to avoid a looming scandal, Felix’s carefully constructed life could crumble.
The tablet is a fake, and Felix is intimately familiar with the artist. Master forger Carter Janson—Felix’s ex and first love—disappeared from his life six years before without a word of explanation. Now, to hold his world together, Felix must find the original tablet, steal it back, and replace the forgery—all before the museum exhibit debuts. It’ll mean slipping back into a role Felix wanted to leave behind and risking his promising future. But even then, he can’t do it alone. He’ll have to confront that rat, Carter Janson.
States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
Felix Peake escaped a shady past to carve out a successful career as an expert in Mesopotamian art and gain the respect of the Chicago art community. But when an assistant curator—a man Felix could easily see himself falling for—asks him to reauthenticate a cuneiform tablet to avoid a looming scandal, Felix’s carefully constructed life could crumble.
The tablet is a fake, and Felix is intimately familiar with the artist. Master forger Carter Janson—Felix’s ex and first love—disappeared from his life six years before without a word of explanation. Now, to hold his world together, Felix must find the original tablet, steal it back, and replace the forgery—all before the museum exhibit debuts. It’ll mean slipping back into a role Felix wanted to leave behind and risking his promising future. But even then, he can’t do it alone. He’ll have to confront that rat, Carter Janson.
States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2018
2 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Amy Spector
32 books125 followersAmy Spector grew up in the United States surviving on a steady diet of old horror movies, television reruns and mystery novels.
After years of blogging about comic books, vintage Gothic romance book cover illustrations, and a shameful amount about herself, she decided to try her hand at writing stories. She found it more than a little like talking about herself in third person, and that suited her just fine.
She blames Universal for her love of horror, Edward Gorey for her love of British drama and writing for awakening the romantic that was probably there all along.
Amy lives in the Midwest with her husband and children, and her cats Poe, Goji, and Nekō.
After years of blogging about comic books, vintage Gothic romance book cover illustrations, and a shameful amount about herself, she decided to try her hand at writing stories. She found it more than a little like talking about herself in third person, and that suited her just fine.
She blames Universal for her love of horror, Edward Gorey for her love of British drama and writing for awakening the romantic that was probably there all along.
Amy lives in the Midwest with her husband and children, and her cats Poe, Goji, and Nekō.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 20, 2018
Felix and Carter split a few years ago but not in that final kind of way. For Felix there are many unresolved feelings and questions, and when he is forced to seek out his ex he does so with more than a little bitterness. But the two men are forced to collaborate and right from the first time they speak again the chemistry is flaming all over the page. They are gorg together and there is one scene where the steam is right across the edge of my glasses.
Think of Indiana Jones - the MM version, mix it up with Night at the Museum and there you have a little of the thrill of this story! There is a definite feeling of a chase but somehow you always know it will be ok in the end. Our main characters have to retrieve an invaluable piece of Art, and this leads them into am exciting and occasionally nail biting ride.
And the humour!!! This story had me chuckling out loud at the many asides and quips that is one of the features of this authors work that I really love. There is an array of interesting characters too, which add to the feeling of a complete story.
The ending is so perfect, romantic and satisfying, that it made me swoon! A sweet, lovely story with complex characters, a unique storyline and two sexysexy hot guys!!
Think of Indiana Jones - the MM version, mix it up with Night at the Museum and there you have a little of the thrill of this story! There is a definite feeling of a chase but somehow you always know it will be ok in the end. Our main characters have to retrieve an invaluable piece of Art, and this leads them into am exciting and occasionally nail biting ride.
And the humour!!! This story had me chuckling out loud at the many asides and quips that is one of the features of this authors work that I really love. There is an array of interesting characters too, which add to the feeling of a complete story.The ending is so perfect, romantic and satisfying, that it made me swoon! A sweet, lovely story with complex characters, a unique storyline and two sexysexy hot guys!!
January 20, 2018
If you’re looking for a fun read, look no further!
Felix Peake is an expert in Mesopotamian art and one day he’s asked to reauthenticate a Sumerian tablet. The problem is that he discovers it’s fake and he knows just who the forger is – Carter Janson, that rat bastard! He has no choice but to find Carter and put things right.
I loved how both Felix and Carter are fighting the attraction to each other (without great success I might add) not to mention the number of times this story had me laughing. I love Ms Spector’s writing style and I wouldn’t be sad if there happened to be another story about one of the characters we get to meet.
Felix Peake is an expert in Mesopotamian art and one day he’s asked to reauthenticate a Sumerian tablet. The problem is that he discovers it’s fake and he knows just who the forger is – Carter Janson, that rat bastard! He has no choice but to find Carter and put things right.
I loved how both Felix and Carter are fighting the attraction to each other (without great success I might add) not to mention the number of times this story had me laughing. I love Ms Spector’s writing style and I wouldn’t be sad if there happened to be another story about one of the characters we get to meet.
December 29, 2017
I loved it from the cover to the end. The old building looks stunning. I loved the emphasis on the word rat on the title that connect perfectly with the hatred look of the guy. It was fantastic to see so much emotion laying in one simple word. The cover itself tells a story.
I loved it, every bit of it. It was really fun to read. There are some really unexpected events that made it hard to put it down, even though I try to read it as slow as possible because I wanted to last longer. The length might be the only issue I had about it.
Felix was such a fun character to read. I love the author’s sense of humor and Felix was the personification of it. Carter was also an amazing character but it was Felix’s point of view and personality that I enjoyed the most. I loved seeing both sides of the story. It put in perspective what we think about Carter when we only being able to see him through Felix’s eyes. He was lovely and I think most readers would love him very easily. The secondary characters are also fantastic, every single one of them had some interesting story to tell. I was particularly interested on knowing more about David Pike, not necessary for being nice, but he was very intriguing.
It was a very lighthearted book. It had some conflicts, but nothing too angsty. I loved how easy was to get in touch with Felix and Carter’s emotions. It was beautiful to see the love but also the pain and resentment. Even though the book center more in solving the problem they were dealing with than trying to make an overly romantic love story, I found the few romantic scenes very appealing. I had a great time reading. It keep me smiling all the time. I would recommend it to any reader. It was great.
I loved it, every bit of it. It was really fun to read. There are some really unexpected events that made it hard to put it down, even though I try to read it as slow as possible because I wanted to last longer. The length might be the only issue I had about it.
Felix was such a fun character to read. I love the author’s sense of humor and Felix was the personification of it. Carter was also an amazing character but it was Felix’s point of view and personality that I enjoyed the most. I loved seeing both sides of the story. It put in perspective what we think about Carter when we only being able to see him through Felix’s eyes. He was lovely and I think most readers would love him very easily. The secondary characters are also fantastic, every single one of them had some interesting story to tell. I was particularly interested on knowing more about David Pike, not necessary for being nice, but he was very intriguing.
It was a very lighthearted book. It had some conflicts, but nothing too angsty. I loved how easy was to get in touch with Felix and Carter’s emotions. It was beautiful to see the love but also the pain and resentment. Even though the book center more in solving the problem they were dealing with than trying to make an overly romantic love story, I found the few romantic scenes very appealing. I had a great time reading. It keep me smiling all the time. I would recommend it to any reader. It was great.
January 20, 2018
3.75 stars rounded up
That Rat, Carter Janson , from new-to-me author, Amy Spector, intrigued me first and foremost by its title – then the blurb. What can I say, I LOVE second-chance romance; it’s practically my catnip.
Well, this is one of those novellas that I STRONGLY wishe was written as something longer!! Why? Because there were so much potential here, and some plot-threads that I thought were probably being ‘sacrificed’ for the length limitation.
I mean, Felix’s past was very interesting, as well as Carter’s reason to leave Felix all those years ago. I felt like that part wasn’t fully explored. Then the getting-back together was also a bit too fast.
I was also still baffled by the motivation behind the fake tablet. It was unclear to me why the person involved would do it. There were only assumptions on Felix’s part, not exactly a clear explanation.
Despite it all, I enjoyed this novella! Spector’s writing just clicked with me. I really liked both Felix and Carter as characters. Felix who was determined to leave his shady past behind; when he explained who he was, my jaw dropped by the way. And Carter, whom I was ready to dislike because he took an easy road and left Felix behind, but it turned out that it was a bit more complicated and it wasn’t like it didn’t leave emotional scars.
The secondary characters were also wonderful! Like Felix’s friend, Hettie, who can deal with Felix’s sometime delusional grandeur (you’ll know what I mean when you read this). *laugh* Or Carter’s maid who also becomes his only best friend, Cabbage. They were lovely addition to the story.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
That Rat, Carter Janson , from new-to-me author, Amy Spector, intrigued me first and foremost by its title – then the blurb. What can I say, I LOVE second-chance romance; it’s practically my catnip.
Well, this is one of those novellas that I STRONGLY wishe was written as something longer!! Why? Because there were so much potential here, and some plot-threads that I thought were probably being ‘sacrificed’ for the length limitation.
I mean, Felix’s past was very interesting, as well as Carter’s reason to leave Felix all those years ago. I felt like that part wasn’t fully explored. Then the getting-back together was also a bit too fast.
I was also still baffled by the motivation behind the fake tablet. It was unclear to me why the person involved would do it. There were only assumptions on Felix’s part, not exactly a clear explanation.
Despite it all, I enjoyed this novella! Spector’s writing just clicked with me. I really liked both Felix and Carter as characters. Felix who was determined to leave his shady past behind; when he explained who he was, my jaw dropped by the way. And Carter, whom I was ready to dislike because he took an easy road and left Felix behind, but it turned out that it was a bit more complicated and it wasn’t like it didn’t leave emotional scars.
The secondary characters were also wonderful! Like Felix’s friend, Hettie, who can deal with Felix’s sometime delusional grandeur (you’ll know what I mean when you read this). *laugh* Or Carter’s maid who also becomes his only best friend, Cabbage. They were lovely addition to the story.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
January 22, 2018
❤️ Loved it! ❤️
Ancient art, second-chance romance, a mystery set in Chicago -- this one practically had my name written on it. The blurb and a sample convinced me I needed to pre-order it, despite never having read anything by Amy Spector before. Honestly, I didn't even finish reading the sample before ordering -- I think she had me at "cuneiform tablet."
This is a mystery/caper with a very Josh Lanyon-esque feel to it. In fact, imagine Mummy Dearest crossed with Icecapade, then subtract out the FBI and the llamas, and you'll have an idea of what this story is like. If only it had been longer... That's my one complaint. It's "just" a novella, and I always prefer full-length novels. I would have enjoyed seeing more deeply into Felix and Carter as individuals and as a couple. But still, it was a fun read, and I'll definitely be looking for more by Amy Spector.
Ancient art, second-chance romance, a mystery set in Chicago -- this one practically had my name written on it. The blurb and a sample convinced me I needed to pre-order it, despite never having read anything by Amy Spector before. Honestly, I didn't even finish reading the sample before ordering -- I think she had me at "cuneiform tablet."
This is a mystery/caper with a very Josh Lanyon-esque feel to it. In fact, imagine Mummy Dearest crossed with Icecapade, then subtract out the FBI and the llamas, and you'll have an idea of what this story is like. If only it had been longer... That's my one complaint. It's "just" a novella, and I always prefer full-length novels. I would have enjoyed seeing more deeply into Felix and Carter as individuals and as a couple. But still, it was a fun read, and I'll definitely be looking for more by Amy Spector.
January 19, 2018
4.5 stars
Fun second-chance romance! I really enjoy the author's writing style.
Fun second-chance romance! I really enjoy the author's writing style.
August 14, 2024
So this sounded right up my alley. Gay art thievery, yay! Felix has left the world of art crimes behind and is trying to live the legit life, when he finds himself in a bind when the piece he's asked to authenticate turns out to be a forgery and the forger is his ex boyfriend, "that rat" of the title, Carter Janson.
Sounds awesome.
But... I think the author has gotten her wires crossed somewhere in her understanding of the old second-chance romance plot. Because Carter has in fact been living the legit life, teaching kids to art. He's a fluffy bunny who only took the forgery job in order to
And poor wittle Felix, so sadly inconveninced by this turn of events, seems to have been pulled directly from the horny gay best-friend shelf at chick-lit central casting. Add to that he's a human shit-stain whose idea of living "legit" is running a gallery dealing in antiquities he funded with the left over cash from his murderer dad's crime ring after he uses same to buy himself a nice education. Did I mention he's also the sort of guy who looks down on people and/or treats them like shit but is perfectly happy to exploit them for his own benefit? Cuz, yeah.
So um, no. This didn't really work for me. Kind of unsure how to rate it. While I loathed Felix, I did quite like Carter and managed to finish it with no difficulty. I really do think you could make some fairly minimal changes beyond replacing Felix with an actual decent human being and have a good book. So maybe 2.5 rounded up for Carter's sake? idk
Sounds awesome.
But... I think the author has gotten her wires crossed somewhere in her understanding of the old second-chance romance plot. Because Carter has in fact been living the legit life, teaching kids to art. He's a fluffy bunny who only took the forgery job in order to
And poor wittle Felix, so sadly inconveninced by this turn of events, seems to have been pulled directly from the horny gay best-friend shelf at chick-lit central casting. Add to that he's a human shit-stain whose idea of living "legit" is running a gallery dealing in antiquities he funded with the left over cash from his murderer dad's crime ring after he uses same to buy himself a nice education. Did I mention he's also the sort of guy who looks down on people and/or treats them like shit but is perfectly happy to exploit them for his own benefit? Cuz, yeah.
So um, no. This didn't really work for me. Kind of unsure how to rate it. While I loathed Felix, I did quite like Carter and managed to finish it with no difficulty. I really do think you could make some fairly minimal changes beyond replacing Felix with an actual decent human being and have a good book. So maybe 2.5 rounded up for Carter's sake? idk
January 19, 2018
***3.5 stars***
After reading Chapter One, I honestly thought this book was going to read like a “Thomas Crown Affair” type of story. There was a hint of that, but it ended up being so much more. I do think given the art forgery part, the story itself should have been longer. I only say this, because at times it felt like some parts of the story seemed rushed. Honestly, given more growth in several different areas this story could have easily been 4.5 stars, no doubt.
What I did love:
~~The beginning. How the author set up the connection between Felix and Carter and following through to how their relationship ended.
~~The entertaining characters. I really loved the dry humor and sarcasm of the characters in the story.
~~How when Felix and Carter met once again, even with the anger on Felix’s end, it was like they were still them; a couple. It was nice to not have all the craziness for once; which I also felt worked well with the personalities of the MCs.
What was okay/wanted more of:
~~Carter Janson’s character needed more development.
~~Some areas of the book felt rushed. For example, Felix meeting Jay which then led to his cousin Titus. A bit too convenient/plausible IMO, yet understandable given the length of the book.
All in all, this was a fun quick read with low angst even given the two MCs situation.
I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After reading Chapter One, I honestly thought this book was going to read like a “Thomas Crown Affair” type of story. There was a hint of that, but it ended up being so much more. I do think given the art forgery part, the story itself should have been longer. I only say this, because at times it felt like some parts of the story seemed rushed. Honestly, given more growth in several different areas this story could have easily been 4.5 stars, no doubt.
What I did love:
~~The beginning. How the author set up the connection between Felix and Carter and following through to how their relationship ended.
~~The entertaining characters. I really loved the dry humor and sarcasm of the characters in the story.
~~How when Felix and Carter met once again, even with the anger on Felix’s end, it was like they were still them; a couple. It was nice to not have all the craziness for once; which I also felt worked well with the personalities of the MCs.
What was okay/wanted more of:
~~Carter Janson’s character needed more development.
~~Some areas of the book felt rushed. For example, Felix meeting Jay which then led to his cousin Titus. A bit too convenient/plausible IMO, yet understandable given the length of the book.
All in all, this was a fun quick read with low angst even given the two MCs situation.
I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2018
I loved this book so much!
Felix hasn't seen Carter in 6 years because the rat left him right as they were about to start a new life together in Chicago.
Alone, and in a new city, Felix builds a life without his asshole ex. That is until his old life shows up to threaten everything he's built. A tablet at a museum has come under suspicion of being a fake and Felix knows the forger who made it.
Despite everything that's happened between them, Felix's lingering feelings for Carter won't allow him to let Carter get caught. And he's pretty convinced that it's only a matter of time.
Felix is clever, obsessed with success, focused on his career and being recognized for what he's accomplished. (He's got a lot of baggage!) Carter? He's not quite as quick on the uptake and seems to be getting by on the bare minimum. He also seems to be pretty delusional about his art! But, despite being so different, they work so well together!
Everything is more complicated than it seems, and as Carter and Felix work to reveal the mystery of the tablet, their past together is slowly revealed too.
This is such a fun read! With enough twists to keep it surprising and plenty of laughs.
Recommended!
Also, the cover guy is hot! Grrr
Felix hasn't seen Carter in 6 years because the rat left him right as they were about to start a new life together in Chicago.
Alone, and in a new city, Felix builds a life without his asshole ex. That is until his old life shows up to threaten everything he's built. A tablet at a museum has come under suspicion of being a fake and Felix knows the forger who made it.
Despite everything that's happened between them, Felix's lingering feelings for Carter won't allow him to let Carter get caught. And he's pretty convinced that it's only a matter of time.
“Even if he made the forgery,” Hettie said, lowering her voice to barely over a whisper. “How could you possibly know it’s his?”
“Because the dumbass signed it!”
Felix is clever, obsessed with success, focused on his career and being recognized for what he's accomplished. (He's got a lot of baggage!) Carter? He's not quite as quick on the uptake and seems to be getting by on the bare minimum. He also seems to be pretty delusional about his art! But, despite being so different, they work so well together!
Everything is more complicated than it seems, and as Carter and Felix work to reveal the mystery of the tablet, their past together is slowly revealed too.
This is such a fun read! With enough twists to keep it surprising and plenty of laughs.
Recommended!
Also, the cover guy is hot! Grrr
February 15, 2018
I love this! I went into it expecting something along the lines of White Collar, and I wasn't disappointed. I mean, it's not really anything like White Collar; the dynamic and setup are different, and Felix and Carter are very much distinct characters, not carbon copies. Carter is a lot of fun, naively trusting in many ways yet he has a responsible side. The first scene in his apartment cracked me up. Felix...he really needs to let his hair down more; he's such a cool operator - understandably, given his past. Still, I think the occasional spliff or glass of absinthe might go a long way with him. As for Cabbage - she's just great. I love that there is a diverse cast of characters in here - Cabbage, Felix's business partner/bestie and her t'other half. It's lovely to see women in an M/M romance written with love and respect.
Then there's the forgery mystery, which has that whole white-collar crime feel to it. The other parties involved in that are all very intriguing. I'd have liked to see more of them, but perhaps this was not the story for it. I'm happy to trust the author's judgement on that one. I'd have also liked a lot more of the mystery, although that's me wishlisting, as this is a romance first and foremost, and it delivers perfectly in that regard.
Finally, I need to come back to the humour - Amy Spector's unique style - it's just so dry. Hilarious. Awesome. Other than the people who ask what you're laughing at when you're sitting on your own. Have you ever tried to explain? "This book...basically what happens is..." And they nod and walk off while you call after them, "You had to be there!" knowing they're thinking you're completely bonkers. OK, mostly that didn't happen because I was reading in bed late at night and no-one heard/saw me, but still.
Then there's the forgery mystery, which has that whole white-collar crime feel to it. The other parties involved in that are all very intriguing. I'd have liked to see more of them, but perhaps this was not the story for it. I'm happy to trust the author's judgement on that one. I'd have also liked a lot more of the mystery, although that's me wishlisting, as this is a romance first and foremost, and it delivers perfectly in that regard.
Finally, I need to come back to the humour - Amy Spector's unique style - it's just so dry. Hilarious. Awesome. Other than the people who ask what you're laughing at when you're sitting on your own. Have you ever tried to explain? "This book...basically what happens is..." And they nod and walk off while you call after them, "You had to be there!" knowing they're thinking you're completely bonkers. OK, mostly that didn't happen because I was reading in bed late at night and no-one heard/saw me, but still.
January 20, 2018
Secrets, shady pasts, ambitious art experts, forgeries – the list is long and the cloak-and-dagger-factor runs high in this suspenseful story about two men who not only seem to have little in common, but are outright enemies after once having been lovers. To my great delight, there is not just the mystery around the art forgery and theft, but the relationship between Felix and Carter is as filled with riddles as any I have seen in a while. The nerve-rackingly slow reveal of what is really going on had me enthralled from page one, and I think that the depth of the plot as well as the characters are very well done for such a short novella!
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 23, 2018
This book was clever and interesting. The art theft/mimicry storyline was well done. The romance was a bit underwhelming, but I think only because it's a novella-length. If it had time to be developed, I could've gotten to know the MCs better.
February 10, 2018
The love hate feelings between Carter and Felix goes way back.
Carter left six years ago just like that and it's a bitter pill. When they have to work together to find an original piece of art, old swoony feelings are warming up fast.
We can find ourselves wandering through the museums, galleries and private collections of art with Carter and Felix. They are funny, witty and sarcastic together but there are still the warm feelings who can't be denied.
“God, you’re perfect.” I thought I’d made that part up.”
I love it when people refuse to grow up. I also loved the funny playful way of how this story is written, between the serious world of original and fake art.
Carter left six years ago just like that and it's a bitter pill. When they have to work together to find an original piece of art, old swoony feelings are warming up fast.
We can find ourselves wandering through the museums, galleries and private collections of art with Carter and Felix. They are funny, witty and sarcastic together but there are still the warm feelings who can't be denied.
“God, you’re perfect.” I thought I’d made that part up.”
I love it when people refuse to grow up. I also loved the funny playful way of how this story is written, between the serious world of original and fake art.
January 22, 2018
4 Stars!!!
I'm going to be perfectly honest here, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book at first. It was a little strange at first and frankly, I wasn't too fond of Felix, one of the MCs. However, once Carter Janson came into the picture, I had to change my mind. While it took me a while to warm up to Felix, I really liked Carter from the start. He was sweet, fun, self-deprecating and a bit deluded regarding his art, hahahaha, but there was something about him that I found endearing. They were good together, though, and it was nice that they managed to get past their differences.
The mystery of who'd exchanged the tablet Felix was asked to certify was well done, it was a bit predictable, but the author managed to give it a humorous, ingenious twist.
All in all, That Rat, Carter Janson was an unexpected surprise. It was well-written and a fun and engaging read that I can recommend!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I'm going to be perfectly honest here, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book at first. It was a little strange at first and frankly, I wasn't too fond of Felix, one of the MCs. However, once Carter Janson came into the picture, I had to change my mind. While it took me a while to warm up to Felix, I really liked Carter from the start. He was sweet, fun, self-deprecating and a bit deluded regarding his art, hahahaha, but there was something about him that I found endearing. They were good together, though, and it was nice that they managed to get past their differences.
The mystery of who'd exchanged the tablet Felix was asked to certify was well done, it was a bit predictable, but the author managed to give it a humorous, ingenious twist.
All in all, That Rat, Carter Janson was an unexpected surprise. It was well-written and a fun and engaging read that I can recommend!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
December 19, 2020
This was entertaining. I liked it, but didn't have particularly strong feelings about it.
February 23, 2019
Okay, so after reading Cold Fingers Books 1–3 I wanted more Amy Spector, and as there is a new book related to this coming, this one was I choose.
And boy, I'm happy I did!
First, I loved it. I love Felix, and his wry humour and his love of Gilgamesh and Enkidu. I loved the mystery and the bad boy background of Felix (his skills at pick-locking are really great!). I love Cabbage and Hettie and Piper. I even learn to love that rat, Carter Janson! :P
This is a really quick read and it has everything that I enjoy when reading: interesting characters, a solid plot, a good mystery and a romance that isn't overly fluffy :P
A great read, and one more reason to keep reading this author.
And boy, I'm happy I did!
First, I loved it. I love Felix, and his wry humour and his love of Gilgamesh and Enkidu. I loved the mystery and the bad boy background of Felix (his skills at pick-locking are really great!). I love Cabbage and Hettie and Piper. I even learn to love that rat, Carter Janson! :P
This is a really quick read and it has everything that I enjoy when reading: interesting characters, a solid plot, a good mystery and a romance that isn't overly fluffy :P
A great read, and one more reason to keep reading this author.
January 17, 2018
3.5 stars. Cute and fun, if a little predictable. I really liked both characters, and definitely like Amy Spector's style. <3 Full review coming to www.thenovelapproachreviews.com
January 19, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.5 stars
The prologue for this book was great and my interest was right there. However, the prologue was the best part of this book for me. The book opens as we catch up with Felix as he’s waiting for Carter so they can start their new life. Felix and Carter had a solid relationship and solid plans, or so Felix thought until with one note Carter changed the course of Felix’s life. The story then moves six years ahead and Felix has not really gotten over Carter. He has not had any other serious relationship and his and Carter’s story gets unraveled during the course of the book.
The rest of the book really wandered all over the place for me. Felix has to find Carter and the way he finds him was off for me. I could say overly convenient, but it was more off. It wasn’t even presented that Carter was being that difficult to find. The book then moves to scenes of the two men chasing down the authentic tablet and it all wasn’t presented well for me. In addition to this, the way the narrative was constructed was difficult to follow. It was ambiguous as to which character was speaking and it then made their characters hard to build upon. There were also italics at the beginning of some of the chapters and it wasn’t clear if these were previous conversations or thoughts or something else perhaps. Then, in the middle of all of this was a short art history lesson that didn’t fit in with the rest of the tone of the book, even though the book dealt with art.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
2.5 stars
The prologue for this book was great and my interest was right there. However, the prologue was the best part of this book for me. The book opens as we catch up with Felix as he’s waiting for Carter so they can start their new life. Felix and Carter had a solid relationship and solid plans, or so Felix thought until with one note Carter changed the course of Felix’s life. The story then moves six years ahead and Felix has not really gotten over Carter. He has not had any other serious relationship and his and Carter’s story gets unraveled during the course of the book.
The rest of the book really wandered all over the place for me. Felix has to find Carter and the way he finds him was off for me. I could say overly convenient, but it was more off. It wasn’t even presented that Carter was being that difficult to find. The book then moves to scenes of the two men chasing down the authentic tablet and it all wasn’t presented well for me. In addition to this, the way the narrative was constructed was difficult to follow. It was ambiguous as to which character was speaking and it then made their characters hard to build upon. There were also italics at the beginning of some of the chapters and it wasn’t clear if these were previous conversations or thoughts or something else perhaps. Then, in the middle of all of this was a short art history lesson that didn’t fit in with the rest of the tone of the book, even though the book dealt with art.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
July 11, 2018
This was an interesting read. Felix has cut off all ties with his criminal father. He was set to move to Chicago with his boyfriend Carter, but Carter just up and left him without a word six years ago, when he was supposed to meet him in Chicago. Carter had been making forgeries for Felix father six years ago, but he disappeared and got out of the business. Six years later he does one job which leads Felix to him and sparks fly between the two men again.
Carter and Felix were interesting characters, they each had been played by Felix father, which helped to develop them into the characters they turned out to be, but they also had hidden depths that you slowly got to see through the course of the book.
Carter and Felix were interesting characters, they each had been played by Felix father, which helped to develop them into the characters they turned out to be, but they also had hidden depths that you slowly got to see through the course of the book.
September 5, 2018
An enjoyable 3.5*
Old lovers parted unexpectedly. We don’t get full details of how David manipulted both Felix and Carter as youths, other than some sort of art scam for which he went to prison.
After being abandoned by Carter, 8(?) yrs later Felix is led into a situation where he crosses Carter’s path again.
Who is framing who is unclear, why Carter did what he did is unclear but I enjoyed the romp. Another where maybe a longer treatment than allowed by the collection would allow deeper character development and the chance to dig more into some of the plots.
Old lovers parted unexpectedly. We don’t get full details of how David manipulted both Felix and Carter as youths, other than some sort of art scam for which he went to prison.
After being abandoned by Carter, 8(?) yrs later Felix is led into a situation where he crosses Carter’s path again.
Who is framing who is unclear, why Carter did what he did is unclear but I enjoyed the romp. Another where maybe a longer treatment than allowed by the collection would allow deeper character development and the chance to dig more into some of the plots.
March 16, 2024
A feather light art heist plot leading to a reunion/second chance romance. This was part of a project to have a novella for every state in the US, and this takes place in and around Chicago. Having visited before, I think it does a pretty good job at the sense of place.
It very much read as a student film version of an heist movie, with the plot beats and twists you might expect. I had a perfectly fine time, but have enjoyed other books from this author more.
It very much read as a student film version of an heist movie, with the plot beats and twists you might expect. I had a perfectly fine time, but have enjoyed other books from this author more.
February 15, 2018
** 3.5 Stars **
December 9, 2018
2.5 stars
December 18, 2019
3.5 stars
March 22, 2018
A pleasantly fun find! Recommended!!
June 6, 2021
I love a good second-chance romance, and this one was right up my alley.
January 29, 2018
3.25 stars
May 17, 2018
3.5*
January 11, 2018
Felix Peake has carved out an honest life for himself, he's an expert in art and artefacts from the Mesopotamian era, has his eye on a handsome man and thanks to a name change, has thus far managed to avoid being connected to his father who is serving jail time for various crimes.
When Michael, a museum curator and Felix' potential love interest, calls on his expertise to authenticate an ancient tablet, Felix is more than willing to help. Unfortunately, on examination, Felix can see that what he has in his hands is an incredibly accurate replica and whats more, Felix knows that it is his ex who is responsible for its production.
Felix never wanted to see Carter Janson ever again after he ran out on him and effectively vanished into thin air but he knows that he must track Carter down and find out what he knows about this tablet. When you know the right people, you can locate anyone and it turns out that Carter isn't all that far away from him.
Initially, Carter is reluctant to help despite long-buried feelings coming tearing to the surface but if the pair work together, perhaps they can locate the original, missing artefact before it is expected to appear on display to the public. As the two men work together, they slip into old ways easily and both know that their feelings for each other are alive and kicking. Felix just isn't that willing to forgive and forget.
I liked the way the pair bounced off each other and the easy way they slot back into each other's lives. They try to fight their feelings but working in close proximity means that Felix can't fight it forever.
I really liked Carter and Felix, it is clear from the way they react to each other, that what they had, ran deeper than just a random hook-up. It was fun to watch them dance around each other. I was a bit confused by the story itself, however. I didn't understand the purpose of what happened or why Michael got Felix involved. Maybe it's just that I missed the point entirely but I felt like there were a few things that happened that really didn't need to.
Overall, it was a good story with an HEA and I liked to easy writing style so I'll be happy to read more from this author in the future.
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
When Michael, a museum curator and Felix' potential love interest, calls on his expertise to authenticate an ancient tablet, Felix is more than willing to help. Unfortunately, on examination, Felix can see that what he has in his hands is an incredibly accurate replica and whats more, Felix knows that it is his ex who is responsible for its production.
Felix never wanted to see Carter Janson ever again after he ran out on him and effectively vanished into thin air but he knows that he must track Carter down and find out what he knows about this tablet. When you know the right people, you can locate anyone and it turns out that Carter isn't all that far away from him.
Initially, Carter is reluctant to help despite long-buried feelings coming tearing to the surface but if the pair work together, perhaps they can locate the original, missing artefact before it is expected to appear on display to the public. As the two men work together, they slip into old ways easily and both know that their feelings for each other are alive and kicking. Felix just isn't that willing to forgive and forget.
I liked the way the pair bounced off each other and the easy way they slot back into each other's lives. They try to fight their feelings but working in close proximity means that Felix can't fight it forever.
I really liked Carter and Felix, it is clear from the way they react to each other, that what they had, ran deeper than just a random hook-up. It was fun to watch them dance around each other. I was a bit confused by the story itself, however. I didn't understand the purpose of what happened or why Michael got Felix involved. Maybe it's just that I missed the point entirely but I felt like there were a few things that happened that really didn't need to.
Overall, it was a good story with an HEA and I liked to easy writing style so I'll be happy to read more from this author in the future.
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
January 25, 2018
2.5
I liked the premise, the story was alright.
I liked the premise, the story was alright.
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