What do you think?
Rate this book
Ward Security #2
Dantès Unglued
When private investigator, Shane Stephens, is hired by the mayor of Cincinnati to track down the hacker who has been threatening him, Shane is sure this is the opportunity to launch the Merleau Detection Agency into the big time. He even convinces Rowe Ward of Ward Security to loan him one of his best IT specialists, Quinn Lake.
Shane, a man who prefers casual intimacy, is surprised by his attraction to the moody computer geek, but when Quinn suggests they have fun for the month he’s on loan, Shane happily agrees. Both men are expecting nothing more than a good time.
But the investigation takes an unexpected turn and they quickly discover they are facing more than a hacker out to ruin the mayor’s re-election chances. And as they spend more time together, they realize their relationship may be a lot more than just a good time.
With only weeks until the election, Shane and Quinn race to gather the proof they need while dodging bullets and possibly…falling in love.
Shane, a man who prefers casual intimacy, is surprised by his attraction to the moody computer geek, but when Quinn suggests they have fun for the month he’s on loan, Shane happily agrees. Both men are expecting nothing more than a good time.
But the investigation takes an unexpected turn and they quickly discover they are facing more than a hacker out to ruin the mayor’s re-election chances. And as they spend more time together, they realize their relationship may be a lot more than just a good time.
With only weeks until the election, Shane and Quinn race to gather the proof they need while dodging bullets and possibly…falling in love.
246 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2018
305 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Jocelynn Drake
141 books2,890 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Jocelynn Drake loves a good story, whether she is reading it or writing one of her own. Over the years, her stories have allowed her to explore space, talk to dragons, dodge bullets with assassins, hang with vampires, and fall in love again and again.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
January 20, 2018
4.5
Second book in the Ward Security Series.Can be read as a standalone but I strongly recommend reading book one,Psycho Romeo......because it's great.
Shane Stephens,31,is a Private Investigator.He's never been interested in any kind of serious relationship before,preferring casual hook ups.
Quinn Lake,24,is the ultimate sexy geek.Part of the Ward Security team who he considers his family,he takes his job very seriously.He has very little sexual experience....
When Shane is hired by the Major of Cincinnati to track down a hacker who has been threatening him,he needs help from an IT specialist.Quinn isn't too happy to be loaned out but it's only for a few weeks,right??
Neither men have any idea their worlds are about to be rocked......
The chemistry between them is evident from the start.Yes,it is insta lust/love but it worked here.It was believable.And it's pretty damn hot....
-these two take kissing to a whole new level,
-the fact that Quinn was inexperienced definitely pushed my buttons,once Shane got his hands on him things got delicious.
The hacker plot was incorporated into the story very well and went hand in hand with the relationship.Some great supporting characters,especially Royce,Dominic and Abe...hopefully we'll get more from them in future books.
The Unbreakable Bonds Series by these Authors is one of my favourites and this series is turning out to be just as good.
An Arc of Dantes Unglued was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
Second book in the Ward Security Series.Can be read as a standalone but I strongly recommend reading book one,Psycho Romeo......because it's great.
Shane Stephens,31,is a Private Investigator.He's never been interested in any kind of serious relationship before,preferring casual hook ups.
Quinn Lake,24,is the ultimate sexy geek.Part of the Ward Security team who he considers his family,he takes his job very seriously.He has very little sexual experience....
When Shane is hired by the Major of Cincinnati to track down a hacker who has been threatening him,he needs help from an IT specialist.Quinn isn't too happy to be loaned out but it's only for a few weeks,right??
Neither men have any idea their worlds are about to be rocked......
The chemistry between them is evident from the start.Yes,it is insta lust/love but it worked here.It was believable.And it's pretty damn hot....
-these two take kissing to a whole new level,
-the fact that Quinn was inexperienced definitely pushed my buttons,once Shane got his hands on him things got delicious.
The hacker plot was incorporated into the story very well and went hand in hand with the relationship.Some great supporting characters,especially Royce,Dominic and Abe...hopefully we'll get more from them in future books.
The Unbreakable Bonds Series by these Authors is one of my favourites and this series is turning out to be just as good.
An Arc of Dantes Unglued was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
October 24, 2018
5 Stars!
OK! It's official. These ladies have now been bumped up to my auto-buy list. I will read and buy anything these ladies decide to put out. They give me the perfect amount of romance and action. I have loved every book they have put out and have read their first series, Unbreakable Bonds more than a few times. I'm a fan. LOL
I love Quinn. I couldn't wait until he got his own story and was super excited when I found out this one would not only be his, but that he would be hooking up with Shane. Shane has been a bit of a mystery with only mentions of his name in previous books so I was really looking forward to get to know this character. I was not disappointed. I love how these ladies are able to lend so many personalities to all of these men and make them all so unique and their own. Shane was fun and flirty and not so serious. He wasn't like the tough guys that belong to Ward's Security. He didn't need to be the hero. He got scared. He let himself be vulnerable without feeling like he was losing his man card. And most of all I liked how he was with Quinn. Quinn hasn't had much luck finding partners that have been sensitive to his needs and has left him feeling like sex isn't that great. So when Shane shows interest not only is Quinn shocked that this man seems to find him so attractive, but he is surprised that he is interested in having a bit-of-fun experience with this man. He knows Shane isn't the relationship kind and knows this is all this man is willing to give him, but that doesn't leave Quinn starting to want more with him. Little does he know Shane is wanting just as much as he can possibly have with Quinn as well.
I loved their relationship and enjoyed the mystery side just as much. I honestly didn't see the mystery going the way it did and enjoyed how it ended.
Royce made a lot of appearances in this book and I can't help but hope he is next up. I loved the brotherly relationship he has with Quinn. The small bits he shared with Quinn only intrigued me more. Then there was Dominic and his dinosaur boxers. I need this mans story and I can't help but wonder if it will involve Shane's father.... INTRIGUED I AM!! LOL
I can't wait for the next one!
Happy reading dolls! xx
OK! It's official. These ladies have now been bumped up to my auto-buy list. I will read and buy anything these ladies decide to put out. They give me the perfect amount of romance and action. I have loved every book they have put out and have read their first series, Unbreakable Bonds more than a few times. I'm a fan. LOL
I love Quinn. I couldn't wait until he got his own story and was super excited when I found out this one would not only be his, but that he would be hooking up with Shane. Shane has been a bit of a mystery with only mentions of his name in previous books so I was really looking forward to get to know this character. I was not disappointed. I love how these ladies are able to lend so many personalities to all of these men and make them all so unique and their own. Shane was fun and flirty and not so serious. He wasn't like the tough guys that belong to Ward's Security. He didn't need to be the hero. He got scared. He let himself be vulnerable without feeling like he was losing his man card. And most of all I liked how he was with Quinn. Quinn hasn't had much luck finding partners that have been sensitive to his needs and has left him feeling like sex isn't that great. So when Shane shows interest not only is Quinn shocked that this man seems to find him so attractive, but he is surprised that he is interested in having a bit-of-fun experience with this man. He knows Shane isn't the relationship kind and knows this is all this man is willing to give him, but that doesn't leave Quinn starting to want more with him. Little does he know Shane is wanting just as much as he can possibly have with Quinn as well.
I loved their relationship and enjoyed the mystery side just as much. I honestly didn't see the mystery going the way it did and enjoyed how it ended.
Royce made a lot of appearances in this book and I can't help but hope he is next up. I loved the brotherly relationship he has with Quinn. The small bits he shared with Quinn only intrigued me more. Then there was Dominic and his dinosaur boxers. I need this mans story and I can't help but wonder if it will involve Shane's father.... INTRIGUED I AM!! LOL
I can't wait for the next one!
Happy reading dolls! xx
January 26, 2018
Ever since I first read "Shiver", I have been hooked on anything these two ladies write. I have absolute fate in each and every book they release, and so far they have not let me down.
So of course I loved this one....no surprise here :P
I even loved it more than I did the first book. Maybe that has to do with the fact, that I have always been intrigued by both Quinn and Shane.
First things first... To anyone wanting to read this awesome book...start with the first book, better yet start with "The Unbreakable Bonds" series. Both characters are introduced in that series and you won't be sorry, since it's such an awesome series ;)
Shane is part owner of the Merleau Detection Agency. He is also Jude's ex and has become a friend of "Ward Security". Which is a good thing because right now he needs their help. The mayor has hired him to track down a hacker and this is far outside Shane's expertise....
This is where our lovely Quinn comes in. Geek extraordinair ;) Rowe is willing to loan Quinn to Shane's agency for the time being.
At first Quinn isn't to happy about this. He likes his routine and his place and Ward Security has really become home for him in the last couple of years. But being at Merleau has his perks as well. He gets to be very close to all that is Shane Stephens. What's not to like about that ???
Their is no denying the sexual attraction between these two and it's only a matter of time before they give in.
It's supposed to be just some casual fun for the time being.....they weren't supposed to fall.... but we all know what happens next...
They have the best sex of their lives together and Quinn's kisses are quite addicting
How will they ever say goodbye, once this investigation is over ??
I really enjoyed this one. I loved both characters and the background story about the hacker really had my interest. It was sweet, suspenceful and HOT !
Now I myself am very very curious about Royce's story, but you know who also caught my eye....Dominic. And I can't help but feeling that Dominic's story will involve Shane's dad..... But that could also be wishful thinking :P
I highly recommend this series to anyone, who enjoys action, suspence and some sweet man on man loving ;)
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
June 19, 2021
4 Stars
As per the blurb, Rowe Ward lends private investigator Shane, the services of his top IT guy Quinn, and though Quinn is a bit put out, he can’t deny that the case is intriguing. What he also can’t deny is the immediate and visceral pull he feels towards the outgoing flirty Shane, as they work hard to catch a hacker who’s threatening the mayor.
Admittedly, nothing new is brought to this trope. It’s a casual sex only let’s have fun no strings attached we’re all good here situation, that of course evolves into feelings that are not part of the deal. Along the way, inexperienced Quinn and happy go lucky Shane connect, never expecting more than just blowing off some steam, but coming out the other side with needs and desires they didn’t know they wanted.
There’s definitely a fine line between gratuitous, too fast, and over the top lusty progression, and I find these days that’s usually the case and not in a good way. This was refreshing in how these two fall for each other. Yes, the attraction is quick, but it’s a testament to the writers who made this organic and smooth and not rushed once Quinn and Shane come to a mutual agreement (minus the love proclamations after two weeks at the end of the story, but I’ll graciously let that one niggle go). It doesn’t hurt that both these men are extremely likeable, their interactions always enjoyable, and the chemistry impressive to say the least.
Though this is a spinoff series, I do wish we had seen more of the Unbreakable guys. However, the men who work at Ward Security are slowly forming their own unique group dynamic, all of which was fun and interesting to see. A big win here, and I only hope that this series continues to deliver.
As per the blurb, Rowe Ward lends private investigator Shane, the services of his top IT guy Quinn, and though Quinn is a bit put out, he can’t deny that the case is intriguing. What he also can’t deny is the immediate and visceral pull he feels towards the outgoing flirty Shane, as they work hard to catch a hacker who’s threatening the mayor.
Admittedly, nothing new is brought to this trope. It’s a casual sex only let’s have fun no strings attached we’re all good here situation, that of course evolves into feelings that are not part of the deal. Along the way, inexperienced Quinn and happy go lucky Shane connect, never expecting more than just blowing off some steam, but coming out the other side with needs and desires they didn’t know they wanted.
There’s definitely a fine line between gratuitous, too fast, and over the top lusty progression, and I find these days that’s usually the case and not in a good way. This was refreshing in how these two fall for each other. Yes, the attraction is quick, but it’s a testament to the writers who made this organic and smooth and not rushed once Quinn and Shane come to a mutual agreement (minus the love proclamations after two weeks at the end of the story, but I’ll graciously let that one niggle go). It doesn’t hurt that both these men are extremely likeable, their interactions always enjoyable, and the chemistry impressive to say the least.
Though this is a spinoff series, I do wish we had seen more of the Unbreakable guys. However, the men who work at Ward Security are slowly forming their own unique group dynamic, all of which was fun and interesting to see. A big win here, and I only hope that this series continues to deliver.
May 13, 2023
Reread May 2023: Audiobook = ***3.5 Stars***
*********************
Original review February 2018:
I'm just peeking out from my box of shame here...
... and try to keep this as short and painless as possible:
I'm a huge fan of the Unbreakable Bonds series and I also enjoyed Psycho Romeo, the first book in this series, so it pains me to say that Dantès Unglued did not really work for me.
Niggle N° 1:
I had a hard time to warm up to Quinn. He was a living contradiction and did not really add up, so I could not figure out his true character. He switched between shy, horny, ostensibly sexually inexperienced and kinky so fast, he almost gave me whiplash.
Niggle N° 2:
I did not really feel the connection between Shane and Quinn. Something was off and I can't really put my finger on it. Maybe it was the quite frequent sex scenes? I can't believe I would say this someday, but I wish there would have been less in this book. As it was, I had a feeling their relationship only based on sex and their over-motivated libido. I would have wished for more time to get to know each other better, more talk, more cuddling, more... feelings.
Niggle N° 3:
The resolution to the mystery fell a bit flat and the timeline confused me. I went back to the beginning to see if it was a glitch or if I missed something, but unfortunately I did not find anything to confirm it one way or the other.
What I liked:
The mystery itself intrigued me (until the ending). I had a hunch what it was about pretty early, but that does not keep me from enjoying a good suspense plot, to the contrary, if this is the case, I can't find out soon enough if I was right.
There were some cute scenes between Shane and Quinn, unfortunately not enough for me, but cute nonetheless.
And then there was Royce!!! Oh, I'm so ready to get his story now and I hope I can keep my high expectations for his book in check.
Overall, this book fell into the category 'I liked it, but didn't love it'. I'll leave it at that and just crawl - umm, dive head first - back into my box of shame...
*** This was another buddy read with my partners in crime, Karen, Josy and Christelle, and we've been quite the BR-quadruplets again with our sentiments for this book. Thank you, my lovely ladies, for the pleasure of reading this with me. ❤️ ***
*********************
Original review February 2018:
I'm just peeking out from my box of shame here...
... and try to keep this as short and painless as possible:
I'm a huge fan of the Unbreakable Bonds series and I also enjoyed Psycho Romeo, the first book in this series, so it pains me to say that Dantès Unglued did not really work for me.
Niggle N° 1:
I had a hard time to warm up to Quinn. He was a living contradiction and did not really add up, so I could not figure out his true character. He switched between shy, horny, ostensibly sexually inexperienced and kinky so fast, he almost gave me whiplash.
Niggle N° 2:
I did not really feel the connection between Shane and Quinn. Something was off and I can't really put my finger on it. Maybe it was the quite frequent sex scenes? I can't believe I would say this someday, but I wish there would have been less in this book. As it was, I had a feeling their relationship only based on sex and their over-motivated libido. I would have wished for more time to get to know each other better, more talk, more cuddling, more... feelings.
Niggle N° 3:
The resolution to the mystery fell a bit flat and the timeline confused me. I went back to the beginning to see if it was a glitch or if I missed something, but unfortunately I did not find anything to confirm it one way or the other.
-------------------------------
What I liked:
The mystery itself intrigued me (until the ending). I had a hunch what it was about pretty early, but that does not keep me from enjoying a good suspense plot, to the contrary, if this is the case, I can't find out soon enough if I was right.
There were some cute scenes between Shane and Quinn, unfortunately not enough for me, but cute nonetheless.
And then there was Royce!!! Oh, I'm so ready to get his story now and I hope I can keep my high expectations for his book in check.
-------------------------------
Overall, this book fell into the category 'I liked it, but didn't love it'. I'll leave it at that and just crawl - umm, dive head first - back into my box of shame...
*** This was another buddy read with my partners in crime, Karen, Josy and Christelle, and we've been quite the BR-quadruplets again with our sentiments for this book. Thank you, my lovely ladies, for the pleasure of reading this with me. ❤️ ***
February 1, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Ever since the Unbreakable Bonds series I've been curious about Quinn. I'll admit that I found that series to be a bit cheesy at times, but I still really liked it. I feel like there's less cheese in this series.
I will say I wish there weren't soooo many connections between all of the characters, even the none Ward characters. In this one Shane used to have a friends with benefits thing going with Jude from the UB series.
I liked this book better than book 1. I really loved both Quinn and Shane. They had great banter, which is a big win for me in books.
Low relationship angst and a decent mystery plot to go along with the romance. And as usual, plenty of steam.
I really dug the sneak peek at the next book, I've always liked Marc. It wasn't revealed as to which Ward employee it will be about but my guess is Royce. And I'm definitely down with getting some of the deets on him.
Ever since the Unbreakable Bonds series I've been curious about Quinn. I'll admit that I found that series to be a bit cheesy at times, but I still really liked it. I feel like there's less cheese in this series.
I will say I wish there weren't soooo many connections between all of the characters, even the none Ward characters. In this one Shane used to have a friends with benefits thing going with Jude from the UB series.
I liked this book better than book 1. I really loved both Quinn and Shane. They had great banter, which is a big win for me in books.
Low relationship angst and a decent mystery plot to go along with the romance. And as usual, plenty of steam.
I really dug the sneak peek at the next book, I've always liked Marc. It wasn't revealed as to which Ward employee it will be about but my guess is Royce. And I'm definitely down with getting some of the deets on him.
June 6, 2019
I continue to absolutely love this series. Quinn is such a quiet nerdy computer guy, and he is totally adorable. Shane is Jude's ex friends with benefits (from Shatter), and needs Quinn's help with a PI case he got. The mystery was interesting, and it was cool to see the characters struggle with what is right vs. what the job is. I thought it was told well. I liked seeing Quinn's mom and Shane's dad, and their chemistry was great. Watching Shane come to the realization that he wanted a relationship was nice. Great installment, and can't wait for the next one.
This series probably could be read as a standalone, but reading the first series before this spin off was such a good idea for me. I am so glad I was able to get this as an ARC and bring me into this world. I've found one of my favorite series and spin offs, and will DEFINITELY look for more by these authors!
This series probably could be read as a standalone, but reading the first series before this spin off was such a good idea for me. I am so glad I was able to get this as an ARC and bring me into this world. I've found one of my favorite series and spin offs, and will DEFINITELY look for more by these authors!
July 2, 2018
3.5 stars
I really shouldn’t compare the spin off series to the Unbreakable series, but I can’t help it. I’ve been spoiled. In this series, I’m missing the sense of camaraderie. It’s not that Quinn and Shane weren’t an interesting couple, but I was looking forward to more presence of the secondary characters like Hollis and Ian and Rowe and the body guards. I have no problem admitting that I’m greedy.
I really shouldn’t compare the spin off series to the Unbreakable series, but I can’t help it. I’ve been spoiled. In this series, I’m missing the sense of camaraderie. It’s not that Quinn and Shane weren’t an interesting couple, but I was looking forward to more presence of the secondary characters like Hollis and Ian and Rowe and the body guards. I have no problem admitting that I’m greedy.
August 9, 2019
2.5 stars rounded up.
The Unbreakable Bonds series was perfection for me. Every novel had every single thing that I want in a romance novel. Every novel and novella were 5-star reads. And if you haven't read the series, I have to ask: what are you waiting for?
I recognize that it isn’t entirely fair to continuously compare one series to another, and I have tried to keep that in mind while reading the Ward Security series. While the writing remained top-notch, Dantès Unglued lacked much of the passion and the cleverness that I have come to expect from these authors.
The set-up was ripe with delicious promise: Quinn, the adorkable computer genius, is “loaned" to Shane’s up-and-coming detective agency to find the hacker targeting the mayor. And although the set-up was promising, the potential wasn’t realized. I liked Quinn, who was smart and witty and sweet, but he wasn’t written consistently. Shane didn’t feel fully formed as a character. In fact, his most fully formed trait was his aversion to monogamy, and it was hammered home so often – in distracting and unnecessary ways – that I wasn’t convinced that he changed.
A few other reviewers noted that the relationship felt very casual. And while that was fine early on – it was supposed to be casual, after all – it pervaded throughout the book. They seemed so blasé about each other. I had known that a certain conversation was coming, and I figured that it would either irritate me or not, and boy did it irritate me. When Quinn saw Shane with his former lovers, he was very much upset. Yet he doesn’t share that with Shane. Instead, he told him that he fantasized about them. Oh, really? When did those fantasies occur? Because the reader was only made aware of Quinn feeling jealous, and nauseous, and sad, and unable to sleep. And then Shane wanted to know more about these fantasies? Again, REALLY? Look, rabid jealousy isn’t healthy, but not all insecurity is unhealthy. Where was the need for one another? Where was the passion? Considering their respective pasts, more care needed to be shown at more points.
The rest of the novel was a mixed bag, with both compelling and lacking aspects. Although suspension of disbelief was required and a few head-scratching moments occurred – why leave Hollis in the dark for so long? – the story was often engaging and exciting. Quinn and Royce had some touching exchanges, but the overall connections between the characters didn’t read as particularly special. Royce remains a blank slate, Dominic came across as shallow and slutty, Sven was about as active as a statue, and I don’t even remember the other guy's name. There were some hints about future potential pairings, but I’m not exactly salivating at the prospects. Like I sincerely hope that Dominic guarding Abe was just that – guarding him – because there is no way that I would believe in that HEA. Plus "falling for the bodyguard" was already done with Andrei and Lucas and Sven and Geoffrey.
This book worked for many readers, and if it wasn’t clear before, I’ll make it clear now: I know what I want in a romance, and even though I didn't get it here, others might. This isn't a bad book; it just didn't work for me. If you've been a fan of the series and you don't have the same hang-ups that I do, you may find it an enjoyable read.
January 10, 2025
Entertaining and spicy in a nice way. It's again more of a book for a 3.5, this time rounded up because the kisses were simply phenomenal.
The book is the second in a series and also a spin-off, if I remember correctly, but works as a standalone. As long as you don't get annoyed by the many secondary characters whose background is always mentioned but never explained. But it's no drama if you don't know them, because they are unimportant to the story of Shane and Quinn.
The story starts with a murder and quite a bit of action and suspense, and unfortunately it promises a little too much at this point. This is first and foremost a workplace romance in which the plot, i.e. the solving and investigation, is fairly secondary.
Oh, and now I've said romance, although that's too exaggerated. It's not really romantic either, it's more sexy and sizzling.
I love Quinn, an introverted nerdy character it seems, but he has very nice depths.
He found most people to be insensitive and too unpredictable, so he preferred things that made sense. His computers made sense. His games made sense. 🤩💻🤩
Shane, on the other hand, is more of the superficially unstable type who doesn't believe in long-term relationships.
But the two of them together, yeah, and I said kisses ... really goooood.
He could fast become addicted to Shane’s mouth. The way he kissed, meticulous and deep as fuck, and he loved his taste. Quinn wondered if he could come just from that alone. 😘💗😘
And the sex scenes are also very nice, not overly kinky or anything like that, but just a bit different.
He loved every inch of that long, tight form. Loved the pattern of hair on his chest and abdomen. It wasn’t overly thick and it ran from his collarbone to his nipples. So fucking sexy, Quinn wanted to just rub his whole body over it. ☺️💞☺️
And then, dear me, do feelings actually develop between the two of them? And they are both very confused by it. You have to be patient.
Quinn didn’t stir at all as Shane covered him up with the blanket and slipped off his glasses. He had no idea what prompted him into sliding his fingers into Quinn’s hair and kissing his forehead. He also didn’t understand the weird tug he felt in his chest. 🫠🫠🫠
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
As I said to Jane aka Coughy019, I'd like to try and include a few trigger hints in my reviews. I don't want to overdo it, but I just picked out what I thought was important for me from other people's reviews. Feel free to give feedback.
Content warnings: on page murder of a teen, demented mother, no good sexual experiences, physically and verbally abused women
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No (hugs with a former hookup, while the other MC is in the room, but no drama there and before the MCs get together / watching tender touching between MC and other former hookup, jealousy but nothing actually happens)
Breakup: No (the MCs are not really together just have a working relationship with benefits, there is a tiny “separation” of two weeks but no real breakup)
Kinks: mild exhibitionism, semi public BJs
The book is the second in a series and also a spin-off, if I remember correctly, but works as a standalone. As long as you don't get annoyed by the many secondary characters whose background is always mentioned but never explained. But it's no drama if you don't know them, because they are unimportant to the story of Shane and Quinn.
The story starts with a murder and quite a bit of action and suspense, and unfortunately it promises a little too much at this point. This is first and foremost a workplace romance in which the plot, i.e. the solving and investigation, is fairly secondary.
Oh, and now I've said romance, although that's too exaggerated. It's not really romantic either, it's more sexy and sizzling.
I love Quinn, an introverted nerdy character it seems, but he has very nice depths.
He found most people to be insensitive and too unpredictable, so he preferred things that made sense. His computers made sense. His games made sense. 🤩💻🤩
Shane, on the other hand, is more of the superficially unstable type who doesn't believe in long-term relationships.
But the two of them together, yeah, and I said kisses ... really goooood.
He could fast become addicted to Shane’s mouth. The way he kissed, meticulous and deep as fuck, and he loved his taste. Quinn wondered if he could come just from that alone. 😘💗😘
And the sex scenes are also very nice, not overly kinky or anything like that, but just a bit different.
He loved every inch of that long, tight form. Loved the pattern of hair on his chest and abdomen. It wasn’t overly thick and it ran from his collarbone to his nipples. So fucking sexy, Quinn wanted to just rub his whole body over it. ☺️💞☺️
And then, dear me, do feelings actually develop between the two of them? And they are both very confused by it. You have to be patient.
Quinn didn’t stir at all as Shane covered him up with the blanket and slipped off his glasses. He had no idea what prompted him into sliding his fingers into Quinn’s hair and kissing his forehead. He also didn’t understand the weird tug he felt in his chest. 🫠🫠🫠
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
As I said to Jane aka Coughy019, I'd like to try and include a few trigger hints in my reviews. I don't want to overdo it, but I just picked out what I thought was important for me from other people's reviews. Feel free to give feedback.
Content warnings: on page murder of a teen, demented mother, no good sexual experiences, physically and verbally abused women
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No (hugs with a former hookup, while the other MC is in the room, but no drama there and before the MCs get together / watching tender touching between MC and other former hookup, jealousy but nothing actually happens)
Breakup: No (the MCs are not really together just have a working relationship with benefits, there is a tiny “separation” of two weeks but no real breakup)
Kinks: mild exhibitionism, semi public BJs
April 8, 2021
4 Stars
The Ward Security series continues to provide high-quality romantic suspense M/M stories, with this latest addition proving once and for all that kissing can truly be the most intimate and sexiest act two people can do together, when given the right chemistry.
This time around, we see sparks fly when Rowe Ward (head of Ward Security) loans out his tech-wizard, Quinn Lake, to assist private investigator, Shane Stephens, with a highly sensitive and increasingly dangerous case involving government officials and a potential murder cover-up.
Although trying to remain professional for professional’s sake, these two men, who are as opposite as can be, find themselves immediately and intensely drawn to one another. Although Shane, the older and more experienced of the two, is used to keeping his romantic dalliances hot and brief, he finds himself seeking a change of pace once he gets a taste of tempting Quinn.
In the short weeks that Shane and Quinn work tirelessly to solve their case, they can’t help but become more involved and invested in one another on a personal level. What starts as a promise for some mutual but non-committal fun, soon turns into a passion and deeper need that goes well beyond physical desire and into plans for something much more permanent than either man was expecting.
I really liked these characters. Quinn is your typical computer geek, highly skilled in his area of expertise but slightly uncomfortable around other people—particularly hot and aloof PIs like Shane. Shane, being the confident, experienced and wiser one of the two, easily wins Quinn’s interest and eagerly shows him what good companionship and sex can be like with the right person.
Shane and Quinn’s chemistry was smokin’ and all the kissing I mentioned earlier was HOT! Hot, hot, hot! I can’t remember the last time the sexiest thing a book couple did together was make out, but these guys sure nailed it on the lip-locking front. It was like kissing-porn, if I’m honest—and I mean that in a classy, sensually stimulating kind-of way. I loved every moment of it.
The suspense portion of the story was engaging, too. I’ve come to trust that Drake and Elliott know what they’re doing when it comes to pacing and executing a mystery plot and captivating their audience in their storytelling. I always feel they hit that perfect blend of romance and suspense, with one never overshadowing the importance of the other.
Once again, the larger cast of characters made for an even more enjoyable read, introducing new faces while ensuring that many of the fan favourites (across both interconnected series) make sufficient appearances to enhance the stories impact.
It takes no pains to say that I enthusiastically look forward to seeing what comes next for the men of Ward Security.
The Ward Security series continues to provide high-quality romantic suspense M/M stories, with this latest addition proving once and for all that kissing can truly be the most intimate and sexiest act two people can do together, when given the right chemistry.
This time around, we see sparks fly when Rowe Ward (head of Ward Security) loans out his tech-wizard, Quinn Lake, to assist private investigator, Shane Stephens, with a highly sensitive and increasingly dangerous case involving government officials and a potential murder cover-up.
Although trying to remain professional for professional’s sake, these two men, who are as opposite as can be, find themselves immediately and intensely drawn to one another. Although Shane, the older and more experienced of the two, is used to keeping his romantic dalliances hot and brief, he finds himself seeking a change of pace once he gets a taste of tempting Quinn.
In the short weeks that Shane and Quinn work tirelessly to solve their case, they can’t help but become more involved and invested in one another on a personal level. What starts as a promise for some mutual but non-committal fun, soon turns into a passion and deeper need that goes well beyond physical desire and into plans for something much more permanent than either man was expecting.
I really liked these characters. Quinn is your typical computer geek, highly skilled in his area of expertise but slightly uncomfortable around other people—particularly hot and aloof PIs like Shane. Shane, being the confident, experienced and wiser one of the two, easily wins Quinn’s interest and eagerly shows him what good companionship and sex can be like with the right person.
Shane and Quinn’s chemistry was smokin’ and all the kissing I mentioned earlier was HOT! Hot, hot, hot! I can’t remember the last time the sexiest thing a book couple did together was make out, but these guys sure nailed it on the lip-locking front. It was like kissing-porn, if I’m honest—and I mean that in a classy, sensually stimulating kind-of way. I loved every moment of it.
The suspense portion of the story was engaging, too. I’ve come to trust that Drake and Elliott know what they’re doing when it comes to pacing and executing a mystery plot and captivating their audience in their storytelling. I always feel they hit that perfect blend of romance and suspense, with one never overshadowing the importance of the other.
Once again, the larger cast of characters made for an even more enjoyable read, introducing new faces while ensuring that many of the fan favourites (across both interconnected series) make sufficient appearances to enhance the stories impact.
It takes no pains to say that I enthusiastically look forward to seeing what comes next for the men of Ward Security.
June 2, 2019
4 stars!! 💕😍 Loved it! It was better than "Psycho Romeo".. and although the plot was unconnected with the 2 MCs it was thrilling enough to hold my attention. Shane and Quinn were HOT 🔥🔥🔥. Wish we had gotten to know a little more about Shane's background and why he sought only casual relationships till Quinn came along. Nevertheless, their chemistry was off the charts and with a fast paced action-thriller plot, the book was quite entertaining. Highly recommended 👍 👍
January 29, 2018
4.5 stars for this fabulous installment !! I really enjoyed the pace of this book and the dynamic between Shane & Quinn was awesome. Theses guys hit it off early in the book and this gave us time to enjoy the growing chemistry and dynamic. As Shane looks to solving an online stalker case he recruits Quinn from Ward security for a month - the case begins with some intrigue but becomes twisted as information is uncovered. I loved these two, particularly Quinn who had sweetness and courage mixed together! If you love these wonderful authors you won’t be disappointed with this book.
June 7, 2019
I liked it but didn’t love it. That sums this book up perfectly for me.
I liked both Quinn and Shane. Although I felt Quinn was all over the place at times.
I also would have liked more relationship build-up between these two. Yes the sex was hot but at times I felt that was all they had.
The crime part was a huge let down for me as well.
But Royce...wow I’m intrigued by him. And I can’t wait to read his book which is where I’m going now.
I liked both Quinn and Shane. Although I felt Quinn was all over the place at times.
I also would have liked more relationship build-up between these two. Yes the sex was hot but at times I felt that was all they had.
The crime part was a huge let down for me as well.
But Royce...wow I’m intrigued by him. And I can’t wait to read his book which is where I’m going now.
March 9, 2018
While I really liked the story itself and just loved Quinn, I never warmed up to Shane and found him to be quite bland.
In this second installment we meet Shane, a private investigator who has been hired by the mayor to look into a hacker situation. And that’s how Quinn, the geeky hacker from Ward Security, gets loaned out to Shane for a month.
Quinn hasn’t had the best experiences with sex, but can’t deny he feels very attracted to Shane. When the two kiss, Quinn thinks he might enjoy sex with Shane, since it is clear they have some chemistry. And that’s why he propositions Shane.
Shane is not sure Quinn is made for casual sex, but he can’t turn him down when he wants Quinn so badly…
While I enjoyed most of the storyline, I didn’t particularly buy the romance. I think that was mostly because of Shane. I felt like he had no specific character traits. I had a really hard time getting to know him.
I was also annoyed how casual both Shane and Quinn seemed about sex with other people. Not that there is any sex with other people, so no worries. But when Quinn met a former hook-up of Shane all he could think about was that Shane and that guy would look hot together in bed (what was even the point of that hook-up showing up at Shane’s work??). And while Quinn was in fact jealous when he saw Shane with a couple he had clearly been involved with in the past, he was also telling Shane that he fantasized about Shane and those guys in bed together. I sometimes felt as if the authors went out of their way to show us the joy of casual sex. It wasn’t that necessary for the story imo… I would have believed Shane used to only do casual sex without past hook-ups showing up.
I think I’m becoming too sensitive about how my book characters view casual sex these days.
Now it might look like I didn’t like this book at all, but I did. Kind of. Not as much as the first book, but still, this was an exciting, entertaining and intriguing read. Just not up to par with the others
------------------------------
An ARC of Dantès Unglued was generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
In this second installment we meet Shane, a private investigator who has been hired by the mayor to look into a hacker situation. And that’s how Quinn, the geeky hacker from Ward Security, gets loaned out to Shane for a month.
Quinn hasn’t had the best experiences with sex, but can’t deny he feels very attracted to Shane. When the two kiss, Quinn thinks he might enjoy sex with Shane, since it is clear they have some chemistry. And that’s why he propositions Shane.
Shane is not sure Quinn is made for casual sex, but he can’t turn him down when he wants Quinn so badly…
While I enjoyed most of the storyline, I didn’t particularly buy the romance. I think that was mostly because of Shane. I felt like he had no specific character traits. I had a really hard time getting to know him.
I was also annoyed how casual both Shane and Quinn seemed about sex with other people. Not that there is any sex with other people, so no worries. But when Quinn met a former hook-up of Shane all he could think about was that Shane and that guy would look hot together in bed (what was even the point of that hook-up showing up at Shane’s work??). And while Quinn was in fact jealous when he saw Shane with a couple he had clearly been involved with in the past, he was also telling Shane that he fantasized about Shane and those guys in bed together. I sometimes felt as if the authors went out of their way to show us the joy of casual sex. It wasn’t that necessary for the story imo… I would have believed Shane used to only do casual sex without past hook-ups showing up.
I think I’m becoming too sensitive about how my book characters view casual sex these days.
Now it might look like I didn’t like this book at all, but I did. Kind of. Not as much as the first book, but still, this was an exciting, entertaining and intriguing read. Just not up to par with the others
------------------------------
An ARC of Dantès Unglued was generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
January 15, 2018
Shane Stephens is a private investigator who's been hired by the mayor of Cincinnati to track a hacker who's been threatening him. Hacking isn't something Shane's small firm deals with usually so he goes to Rowe Ward of Ward Security to borrow one of his best IT guys.
Quinn Lake isn't happy about being loaned out for a month to Shane, so he and Shane initially have some friction, but the attraction between them is too hot to be ignored.
Quinn takes some time to eventually warm up with Shane as they give in to their attraction while slowly building a friendship with benefits. The lust is instant, but the falling in love, though it happens quickly, hits both guys pretty much out of the blue.
The mystery throughout is tight, and though the relationship between Shane and Quinn took a bit of time to rev up, once it gets going...it's on fire! I loved the dual POV and getting both sides of the story and I really enjoyed how all the mystery elements played out and the character development of Quinn and Shane.
I'm loving this series just as much as Unbreakable Bonds. Great mystery, hot sexy times, a bit of suspense...what's not to like?
Advanced Review Galley copy of Dantès Unglued provided by the authors in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Quinn Lake isn't happy about being loaned out for a month to Shane, so he and Shane initially have some friction, but the attraction between them is too hot to be ignored.
Quinn takes some time to eventually warm up with Shane as they give in to their attraction while slowly building a friendship with benefits. The lust is instant, but the falling in love, though it happens quickly, hits both guys pretty much out of the blue.
The mystery throughout is tight, and though the relationship between Shane and Quinn took a bit of time to rev up, once it gets going...it's on fire! I loved the dual POV and getting both sides of the story and I really enjoyed how all the mystery elements played out and the character development of Quinn and Shane.
I'm loving this series just as much as Unbreakable Bonds. Great mystery, hot sexy times, a bit of suspense...what's not to like?
Advanced Review Galley copy of Dantès Unglued provided by the authors in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
January 25, 2018
Full review to come soon.
ETA: Right, at the laptop now so here we go.
The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favourite novels in classic literature. The revenge story unfolds as Edmond Dantès systematically takes apart the lives of the four men who betrayed him more than a decade earlier.
In Dantès Unglued, the references are subtle, but they're an underlying presence in the story which I won't go into in huge detail as it would spoil the enjoyment for the reader going in blind, suffice it to say, I squealed a lot each time one popped up.
The tone in this is completely different than that of Psycho Romeo the first in the Ward Security series offshoot of Jocelynn and Rinda's Unbreakable Bonds Series (and if you've not read those, rectify that immediately!)
However, there's plenty of elements which identify it as part of that world - the banter, the sense of friendship tying the men together, the volcanic hot sex and emotional connectivity between the main characters, and the fast-paced plot which anchors everything.
Quinn Lake's been in and around the series since the beginning working for Rowe as one of his IT geniuses and we first met Shane as one of Jude Torres' exes running the PI firm Hollis now works for.
Together they were explosive. The door scene in Psycho Romeo might just have met its match in the office chair scene in this one, Lordy when these two give in to that chemistry there really is magic happening in the periodic table!
The relationship happens over a fairly short period of time before the "I love you's" but it absolutely works within the narrative. There is an instant attraction which is palpable and the two men are so staggered by how easily they slot together, it's a no brainer really that they sweetly slide into a relationship without even realising it.
There's no unnecessary drama which isn't central to the book's plot line (as opposed to the romance element) and the twist there is beautifully done, so major kudos to both authors for smoothly pulling it off (even when you know the book has that Edmond Dantès influence), that's going some!
I loved the casual glimpses back into the rest of this expanded world, we see Jude and Snow, Ian and Hollis, hear about Lucas and Andrei's upcoming wedding and have a memorable encounter with Rowe during this book. It's great to keep that connection even though these spin-offs definitely have a tone and feel all of their own.
All I can say is this series, along with the earlier one it springs from, are right up at the top of my tree for books which do exactly what they say on the tin - provide me with a thrill of a ride and a beautiful romance with all the emotional feels I need alongside the (admittedly) hot sex.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
ETA: Right, at the laptop now so here we go.
The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favourite novels in classic literature. The revenge story unfolds as Edmond Dantès systematically takes apart the lives of the four men who betrayed him more than a decade earlier.
In Dantès Unglued, the references are subtle, but they're an underlying presence in the story which I won't go into in huge detail as it would spoil the enjoyment for the reader going in blind, suffice it to say, I squealed a lot each time one popped up.
The tone in this is completely different than that of Psycho Romeo the first in the Ward Security series offshoot of Jocelynn and Rinda's Unbreakable Bonds Series (and if you've not read those, rectify that immediately!)
However, there's plenty of elements which identify it as part of that world - the banter, the sense of friendship tying the men together, the volcanic hot sex and emotional connectivity between the main characters, and the fast-paced plot which anchors everything.
Quinn Lake's been in and around the series since the beginning working for Rowe as one of his IT geniuses and we first met Shane as one of Jude Torres' exes running the PI firm Hollis now works for.
Together they were explosive. The door scene in Psycho Romeo might just have met its match in the office chair scene in this one, Lordy when these two give in to that chemistry there really is magic happening in the periodic table!
The relationship happens over a fairly short period of time before the "I love you's" but it absolutely works within the narrative. There is an instant attraction which is palpable and the two men are so staggered by how easily they slot together, it's a no brainer really that they sweetly slide into a relationship without even realising it.
There's no unnecessary drama which isn't central to the book's plot line (as opposed to the romance element) and the twist there is beautifully done, so major kudos to both authors for smoothly pulling it off (even when you know the book has that Edmond Dantès influence), that's going some!
I loved the casual glimpses back into the rest of this expanded world, we see Jude and Snow, Ian and Hollis, hear about Lucas and Andrei's upcoming wedding and have a memorable encounter with Rowe during this book. It's great to keep that connection even though these spin-offs definitely have a tone and feel all of their own.
All I can say is this series, along with the earlier one it springs from, are right up at the top of my tree for books which do exactly what they say on the tin - provide me with a thrill of a ride and a beautiful romance with all the emotional feels I need alongside the (admittedly) hot sex.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
January 31, 2018
Now I am impressed with the spin-off. I didn't love the first book and was nervous that this just wasn't going to be the series for me. It was missing something that had me in love with theUnbreakable Bonds Series.
Well, whatever was missing has been found. This book is what I wanted from this spin-off. This was good. Very, very, very good. It had the formula I expect from these authors and I really loved it.
I'd love to write a proper review but life is just, well, life is good and I just ran out of time.
4.5★'s rounded up to 5★'s.
Well, whatever was missing has been found. This book is what I wanted from this spin-off. This was good. Very, very, very good. It had the formula I expect from these authors and I really loved it.
I'd love to write a proper review but life is just, well, life is good and I just ran out of time.
4.5★'s rounded up to 5★'s.
November 13, 2018
Dantès Unglued didn't wow me like Psycho Romeo did, though I really liked Quinn and Shane together. Whole lot of insta-love on speed with a bit of suspense thrown in and a nice lead in to Royce's story.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
June 8, 2019
Oh yeah, the dynamic author duo brought the mojo for this one! It reminded me of how I felt reading “Shattered”, about Snow and Jude, which was my favorite of the first series. They also make an appearance, as do Hollis and Ian. Quinn is adorable, a hot nerd who’s also a geeky gamer, insecure about sex and relationships and devoted to caring for his mother. Shane is confident, loyal, a very honest man, and has little faith he’ll ever want a relationship. Following them as they shake up each other’s perceptions was both hot and sweet. Very hot! More characters get introduced as the case heats up, and as Quinn and Shane get to know each other. I loved Shane’s dad, Abe, Shane’s partner in the PI firm, Ethan, and more guys at Ward Security, particularly Royce, Quinn’s good friend. Even Quinn’s roommates, who he’s been avoiding, end up being a surprise, so there seems to be lots of material for continuing the series.
Some of the details about the case seemed a little shaky but a good balance of suspense and action sequences didn’t let it overshadow the romance. A little mis- and non-communication goes on but fit with Quinn and Shane’s personalities and wasn’t drawn out to irritating lengths. Their chemistry was excellent, with plenty of steam, plus a mix of scenes showing both on the job and personal interaction, so the shift in emotions was believable. The identity of the villain wasn’t exactly a surprise and became a little overdone at the culmination, but the investigative part of the plot had some surprises. The case itself only lasts a couple of weeks but an added interlude to the time-line kept it from feeling like insta-love, even though it kind of was. The reference to Dantès in the title is from a classic book and I’ll let you discover what it means for yourself. I spent a few chapters wondering when he’d show up… It’s a fun, flirty, dirty story to get absorbed in, and enjoy every moment of it. I refused to look at the excerpt for the next book, so I’m not certain who it’s about but I think it’s Royce, and I really, really want a book for Abe. I very much recommend this one!
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
Some of the details about the case seemed a little shaky but a good balance of suspense and action sequences didn’t let it overshadow the romance. A little mis- and non-communication goes on but fit with Quinn and Shane’s personalities and wasn’t drawn out to irritating lengths. Their chemistry was excellent, with plenty of steam, plus a mix of scenes showing both on the job and personal interaction, so the shift in emotions was believable. The identity of the villain wasn’t exactly a surprise and became a little overdone at the culmination, but the investigative part of the plot had some surprises. The case itself only lasts a couple of weeks but an added interlude to the time-line kept it from feeling like insta-love, even though it kind of was. The reference to Dantès in the title is from a classic book and I’ll let you discover what it means for yourself. I spent a few chapters wondering when he’d show up… It’s a fun, flirty, dirty story to get absorbed in, and enjoy every moment of it. I refused to look at the excerpt for the next book, so I’m not certain who it’s about but I think it’s Royce, and I really, really want a book for Abe. I very much recommend this one!
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
February 11, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dantès Unglued is the second book in the Ward Security series and it worked better for me than Psycho Romeo.
Quinn Lake issue one of Ward Security IT specialists and he is loaned out to the Merleau Detection Agency to Shane Stephens who has been hired by the Mayor to find the hacker who is threating him.
There is instant attraction between Quinn and Shane that they cannot ignore as they are working so closely together so they decide to have no strings sex for the time that Quinn is working with Shane.
I loved EVERYTHING about this amazing story Quinn and Shane just clicked for me they are fantastic together and the sexual chemistry OMG I was starting to worry about the safety of my kindle it could have done with some time on ice to cool off.
The story gripped me from the first page to the last, the story is an adrenaline rush with all the romance and action I did figured out the big bad, but this is my sixth JD mystery book, so I might know how her mind works by now but it took nothing away from the story.
I loved the final chapter I read it with a HUGE smile on my face and after reading this I am desperate to get to know Royce better he is a MYSTRY.
Loved the cameos by Snow, Jude, Ian and Hollis, Jude and Snow were funny but no Andrei :-( :-(
This was my 50th m-m book
Dantès Unglued is the second book in the Ward Security series and it worked better for me than Psycho Romeo.
Quinn Lake issue one of Ward Security IT specialists and he is loaned out to the Merleau Detection Agency to Shane Stephens who has been hired by the Mayor to find the hacker who is threating him.
There is instant attraction between Quinn and Shane that they cannot ignore as they are working so closely together so they decide to have no strings sex for the time that Quinn is working with Shane.
I loved EVERYTHING about this amazing story Quinn and Shane just clicked for me they are fantastic together and the sexual chemistry OMG I was starting to worry about the safety of my kindle it could have done with some time on ice to cool off.
The story gripped me from the first page to the last, the story is an adrenaline rush with all the romance and action I did figured out the big bad, but this is my sixth JD mystery book, so I might know how her mind works by now but it took nothing away from the story.
I loved the final chapter I read it with a HUGE smile on my face and after reading this I am desperate to get to know Royce better he is a MYSTRY.
Loved the cameos by Snow, Jude, Ian and Hollis, Jude and Snow were funny but no Andrei :-( :-(
This was my 50th m-m book
January 15, 2018
So I'm giving this 4 stars because the first half was around a 3 star read but the second half was a 5 star read for me, so I'm evening it out at 4 stars.
Mostly the first half wasn't holding my interest in the same way all the other books in this world of Unbreakable Bonds and Ward Security has before.
I think it was, for the most part, because of how "casual" Quinn and Shane were at first, meaning that they didn't seem to be crazy into each other, at least for me. Plus, the plot was slow going as well, and it took awhile for that to pick up.
But once it picked up, boy did it pick up! This book became the book I've come to expect in these series, and I loved it.
Not that Quinn and Shane didn't have chemistry in the first half of the book, just that there wasn't enough for me to be loving them together. Boy did that change in the second half! Whoo boy did it! As they fell more in love, so did I with them as a couple.
And once they started learning more about the case they were working on, that held my interest too. It was scary and intriguing and exciting.
I also loved getting to see our fave couples again for a bit - Snow and Jude, Ian and Hollis, and even Geoffrey and Sven for a moment - and getting to catch up with them. That was actually one of my favorite parts about this, seeing them all happy together.
Back to the main story though, I think once it delved deeper into Quinn's story as well as Shane's, I got a whole lot more invested in them and the story. There just wasn't enough for me in the first half to fully connect, so I found myself taking breaks from reading it at times.
But Quinn and Shane became wonderful together, sexy and hot and also pretty damn adorable. What Shane does for Quinn at the end *happy sigh* my heart melted.
And yeah the time in which they fall in love is a little quick, but it's not like they're moving in or doing anything more than being boyfriends yet - taking their time made me happy, so I didn't mind all that much in the end how little time it took them to fall in love.
And be prepared for the main plot in this - it gets a tad disturbing, I thought - but it also made for a page-turner once it really got into it. Not at all what I was expecting when I started out the book, which I loved, that the book through me for a loop and was unpredictable.
Ultimately I really enjoyed this, and while it was a slow start for me, that didn't detract so much from my overall enjoyment of the book. Overall, I still loved this. And hey, the first half might not be slow going for others, so you never know :)
But I definitely recommend giving this one a try if you read the first in this series - and also, if you haven't read the Unbreakable Bonds series yet, what are you waiting for? You're missing out :D.
***ARC generously provided by the Alpha Book Club in exchange for an honest review***
Mostly the first half wasn't holding my interest in the same way all the other books in this world of Unbreakable Bonds and Ward Security has before.
I think it was, for the most part, because of how "casual" Quinn and Shane were at first, meaning that they didn't seem to be crazy into each other, at least for me. Plus, the plot was slow going as well, and it took awhile for that to pick up.
But once it picked up, boy did it pick up! This book became the book I've come to expect in these series, and I loved it.
Not that Quinn and Shane didn't have chemistry in the first half of the book, just that there wasn't enough for me to be loving them together. Boy did that change in the second half! Whoo boy did it! As they fell more in love, so did I with them as a couple.
And once they started learning more about the case they were working on, that held my interest too. It was scary and intriguing and exciting.
I also loved getting to see our fave couples again for a bit - Snow and Jude, Ian and Hollis, and even Geoffrey and Sven for a moment - and getting to catch up with them. That was actually one of my favorite parts about this, seeing them all happy together.
Back to the main story though, I think once it delved deeper into Quinn's story as well as Shane's, I got a whole lot more invested in them and the story. There just wasn't enough for me in the first half to fully connect, so I found myself taking breaks from reading it at times.
But Quinn and Shane became wonderful together, sexy and hot and also pretty damn adorable. What Shane does for Quinn at the end *happy sigh* my heart melted.
And yeah the time in which they fall in love is a little quick, but it's not like they're moving in or doing anything more than being boyfriends yet - taking their time made me happy, so I didn't mind all that much in the end how little time it took them to fall in love.
And be prepared for the main plot in this - it gets a tad disturbing, I thought - but it also made for a page-turner once it really got into it. Not at all what I was expecting when I started out the book, which I loved, that the book through me for a loop and was unpredictable.
Ultimately I really enjoyed this, and while it was a slow start for me, that didn't detract so much from my overall enjoyment of the book. Overall, I still loved this. And hey, the first half might not be slow going for others, so you never know :)
But I definitely recommend giving this one a try if you read the first in this series - and also, if you haven't read the Unbreakable Bonds series yet, what are you waiting for? You're missing out :D.
***ARC generously provided by the Alpha Book Club in exchange for an honest review***
March 15, 2018
I just realized I didn't put down any thoughts on this one.
So, thoughts? I enjoyed this one, but I really miss the friendship, the sense of brotherhood, that we found in the Unbreakable Bonds series. Snow and Rowe popped up for about 5 seconds each, but I miss the other guys, too.
So, thoughts? I enjoyed this one, but I really miss the friendship, the sense of brotherhood, that we found in the Unbreakable Bonds series. Snow and Rowe popped up for about 5 seconds each, but I miss the other guys, too.
September 20, 2018
THIS SERIES IS SO FUCKING GOOD IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL.
Honestly this and the unbreakable bond series should be illegal. They are all so fucking good!
This is how I imagine Quinn
And this is Shane
(with a beard)
Honest to God, the descriptions in the book makes me imagine than so bloody hot and I have never in person meet people that hot.
They kiss a lot in this book, and the kisses tend to be more hot then the sex scenes.
They took kissing to a whole new level.
And there was a lot of sexual tension and I loved it. I could feel it.
Like the previous book there was a mystery to be solved, and I really liked how it played off. Some old characters appeared and are mentioned in here, and when that happens my heart just stops for a moment so I can catch my breath. Good I love the characters of this and the UB series to much. Not complaining.
I loved this book.
This two author have my heart and soul. Every single book I have read that they have co-wrote I loved it. I’m not joking, in the end my heart just didn’t wanted to say goodbye.
Sooo, to the next one it is.!
Honestly this and the unbreakable bond series should be illegal. They are all so fucking good!
This is how I imagine Quinn
And this is Shane
(with a beard)
Honest to God, the descriptions in the book makes me imagine than so bloody hot and I have never in person meet people that hot.
They kiss a lot in this book, and the kisses tend to be more hot then the sex scenes.
They took kissing to a whole new level.
And there was a lot of sexual tension and I loved it. I could feel it.
Like the previous book there was a mystery to be solved, and I really liked how it played off. Some old characters appeared and are mentioned in here, and when that happens my heart just stops for a moment so I can catch my breath. Good I love the characters of this and the UB series to much. Not complaining.
I loved this book.
This two author have my heart and soul. Every single book I have read that they have co-wrote I loved it. I’m not joking, in the end my heart just didn’t wanted to say goodbye.
Sooo, to the next one it is.!
January 20, 2020
Meh...
When I had to imagine MC’s sexing it up after one of them got shot and is on painkillers my eyes rolled so far back that they got stuck and I was forced to listen to the entire scene.
This was insta.
This was not very interesting.
This had flat characters.
Only the fact that I got this audiobook free, that I was able to speed up Kenneth Obi’s glacially slow voice, and that I had to read this for a GR challenge made me finish this book.
Some people love these authors. I’m not one of them. But, hell, I’ve got the whole series. I’ll probably end up listening to them at some point.
My rec? Ambivalent, like a 3 on a 5 point Likert scale.
When I had to imagine MC’s sexing it up after one of them got shot and is on painkillers my eyes rolled so far back that they got stuck and I was forced to listen to the entire scene.
This was insta.
This was not very interesting.
This had flat characters.
Only the fact that I got this audiobook free, that I was able to speed up Kenneth Obi’s glacially slow voice, and that I had to read this for a GR challenge made me finish this book.
Some people love these authors. I’m not one of them. But, hell, I’ve got the whole series. I’ll probably end up listening to them at some point.
My rec? Ambivalent, like a 3 on a 5 point Likert scale.
August 24, 2018
Quinn...
3.5 stars
The mix of action and romance is always fun with these author's books. I was just so glad this one wasn't a bodyguard falling for his client again lol. Not that I hate the trope but it was nice for it to be different this time around.
I always liked Quinn and really looked forward to his story. I knew he had an ill mother he was taking care of and this gave more detail on the matter but then kind of brushed it aside.
I was glad Quinn got his romance on with Shane and I liked the 2nd half of this book a lot more than the first.
However, what's up with all these guys falling in love in such short times? I guess if you know you know lol
Overall a fun read.
3.5 stars
The mix of action and romance is always fun with these author's books. I was just so glad this one wasn't a bodyguard falling for his client again lol. Not that I hate the trope but it was nice for it to be different this time around.
I always liked Quinn and really looked forward to his story. I knew he had an ill mother he was taking care of and this gave more detail on the matter but then kind of brushed it aside.
I was glad Quinn got his romance on with Shane and I liked the 2nd half of this book a lot more than the first.
However, what's up with all these guys falling in love in such short times? I guess if you know you know lol
Overall a fun read.
May 20, 2018
4.1 Stars
HUGE improvement from the last one...other than the sort of creepy first day employer sexual harassment, I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one.
HUGE improvement from the last one...other than the sort of creepy first day employer sexual harassment, I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one.
January 21, 2020
Liked it
The Ward Security , is a quirky , whodunit , steamy story. It can be read as standalone BUT I recommend reading it in the order they were published, beginning with The Unbreakable Bond.
Shane and Quinn are cute together and their journey to HEA is entertaining . I like the world they have created around Lucas, Snow, Rowe and Ian -The fabulous men in the Unbreakable Bond Series- and that now have expanded with this spin-off series about the bodyguards.
3.5 stars
The Ward Security , is a quirky , whodunit , steamy story. It can be read as standalone BUT I recommend reading it in the order they were published, beginning with The Unbreakable Bond.
Shane and Quinn are cute together and their journey to HEA is entertaining . I like the world they have created around Lucas, Snow, Rowe and Ian -The fabulous men in the Unbreakable Bond Series- and that now have expanded with this spin-off series about the bodyguards.
3.5 stars
March 31, 2018
3.5 stars rounded down to 3 because sadly this one wasn't quite as strong as some of the other stories and mostly because there's still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
I promise I'll write a full review soon but in the meantime the story may have only been 3.5 stars but as always the buddy read was totally 5 stars. As always a bigga' bigga' bigga' thank you for the fun times to my buddy read besties, Josy, Christelle and Simone. *mwah* you ladies rock so much.
Yes...I'm the great prorastinator...procrastinating all over town...
My need is such that I procrastinate too much...
Ok, I've procrastinated more than a little bit on this one. It's been well over a month since I went on a buddy read adventure with my awesome buddy read friends, Simone, Josy & Christelle...yep, the usual suspects and while I can only speak for myself, I know I was really, really excited to read this one...because...Quinn!!! Quinn is the awesome adorable oober geek at Ward Security and he's been around for a while. We've gotten a peek at him here and there in previous stories and I have a soft spot for geeks so naturally I was vary, vary happy to see him get a story of his own and I have to admit I was kind of hoping it would be with one of the men who worked as security for Ward Security...because you know adorable geek and big hunky security guard? What's not to love...but that's not quite what we got, however we did get adorable geek and hunky security guard...just not one of Ward's. So I can deal, I'm all grown up and stuff...that and the fact that our lovely Spymama, Simone posted copies of the authors inspiration for Quinn and can I just say for me they nailed it. I mean let's face it how the author envisions a character isn't always the same as what the reader is imagining but in this case the author's inspiration for Quinn and actually for Shane as well were both perfect.
Shane works for a private investigations firm and we were given a brief glimpse of him in a previous book when Hollis was let go from the local police force and accepted a position working with Shane at the Merleau Detection Agency and if this is all getting a bit confusing for you I strongly recommend reading this series from the beginning or better yet go back and start with the first book in the authors' series 'Unbreakable Bonds' because that's were a lot the background for this series really begins. So I'm going to jump back into this story and leave the background research up to you the reader.
When Shane accepts a case working for the mayor of Cincinnati he quickly figures out two things one he needs a computer expert and two things are not as he's been led to believe them to be. After meeting with Rowan Ward the owner of Ward Securities and one of the main characters from 'Unbreakable Bonds' he has himself a computer specialist...a very, sexy, cute, hot, adorable, geeky and oh my god why is he noticing this computer specialist named Quinn.
Quinn on the other hand takes one look at Shane and knows he's screwed 'Shane is pure trouble' for Quinn. He pushes all of Quinn's hot buttons and while resistance may be futile neither man is going to give in without a fight.
While I know that 3.5 stars is not a bad rating by any means I was feeling a bit disappointed because I truthfully was expecting to be over the moon crazy about this one. Maybe, I was being ridiculously silly with my expectations...I'm still not sure. I know there was a lot that I liked about this story. I honestly liked dichotomy of Quinn's work persona versus his personal image. When it came to his work Quinn was confident and outspoken he had total faith in his skills and abilities but when it came to his personal life it was a whole different story...Quinn was quiet, reserved, at times very obviously insecure and when it comes to relationships Quinn's not a one night stand. He's a take him home to meet the rents kind of guy but Shane...well, he likes his life, he enjoys playing things fast and easy...wham, bam thank you ma'am...err...sir? anyways, you get my drift.
Not only did Shane and Quinn have very differing ideas on relationships but they also had very different mothers. Shane's mother was...well...basically she was a total bitch and Quinn's mother...well, she was epic, awesome and incredibly heartbreaking all at once...this had me clutching my teddy bear and grabbing the tissues.
I also very much enjoyed getting a peek at Sven and Geoffrey, yes they are still adorable and Royce...we all love Royce. His story hasn't happened yet but soon...it's happening very soon and we are all going to be there...right ladies? and I think we all fell a little in love with Dominic and his boxer shorts, right?
So we've got characters that I absolutely loved both main and secondary, a story that I was totally on board with and an overall solid plot problem was the connection between Shane and Quinn just never quite happened for me...I mean I read and I read...well actually we did me and my buddy read besties...read and read to the very end and as I've already said there was a lot that I liked even some things that I loved and still that moment when things click into place and I could feel the connection between the MCs just never quite happened.
For some of us it was one character or the other that didn't work and for others like myself it I can't honestly say why I didn't feel the connection, but I didn't, things just didn't click and that's why this ended up being a 3.5 it was good and I liked it read rather than the 5 'oh-my-stars-and-garters-this-book-rocked-my-world' read that I'd been hoping for and yet, I'm totally on board for the next story...'Deadly Dorian' that's right folks dust off your classics and get ready for Royce's story it coming soon and I can't wait to see how this will all pan out...I'm going in with 5 stars for this next one, just like always for me they all start out with 5 stars it's what happens once I start reading that determines whether they keep them or not.
I promise I'll write a full review soon but in the meantime the story may have only been 3.5 stars but as always the buddy read was totally 5 stars. As always a bigga' bigga' bigga' thank you for the fun times to my buddy read besties, Josy, Christelle and Simone. *mwah* you ladies rock so much.
Yes...I'm the great prorastinator...procrastinating all over town...
My need is such that I procrastinate too much...
Ok, I've procrastinated more than a little bit on this one. It's been well over a month since I went on a buddy read adventure with my awesome buddy read friends, Simone, Josy & Christelle...yep, the usual suspects and while I can only speak for myself, I know I was really, really excited to read this one...because...Quinn!!! Quinn is the awesome adorable oober geek at Ward Security and he's been around for a while. We've gotten a peek at him here and there in previous stories and I have a soft spot for geeks so naturally I was vary, vary happy to see him get a story of his own and I have to admit I was kind of hoping it would be with one of the men who worked as security for Ward Security...because you know adorable geek and big hunky security guard? What's not to love...but that's not quite what we got, however we did get adorable geek and hunky security guard...just not one of Ward's. So I can deal, I'm all grown up and stuff...that and the fact that our lovely Spymama, Simone posted copies of the authors inspiration for Quinn and can I just say for me they nailed it. I mean let's face it how the author envisions a character isn't always the same as what the reader is imagining but in this case the author's inspiration for Quinn and actually for Shane as well were both perfect.
Shane works for a private investigations firm and we were given a brief glimpse of him in a previous book when Hollis was let go from the local police force and accepted a position working with Shane at the Merleau Detection Agency and if this is all getting a bit confusing for you I strongly recommend reading this series from the beginning or better yet go back and start with the first book in the authors' series 'Unbreakable Bonds' because that's were a lot the background for this series really begins. So I'm going to jump back into this story and leave the background research up to you the reader.
When Shane accepts a case working for the mayor of Cincinnati he quickly figures out two things one he needs a computer expert and two things are not as he's been led to believe them to be. After meeting with Rowan Ward the owner of Ward Securities and one of the main characters from 'Unbreakable Bonds' he has himself a computer specialist...a very, sexy, cute, hot, adorable, geeky and oh my god why is he noticing this computer specialist named Quinn.
Quinn on the other hand takes one look at Shane and knows he's screwed 'Shane is pure trouble' for Quinn. He pushes all of Quinn's hot buttons and while resistance may be futile neither man is going to give in without a fight.
While I know that 3.5 stars is not a bad rating by any means I was feeling a bit disappointed because I truthfully was expecting to be over the moon crazy about this one. Maybe, I was being ridiculously silly with my expectations...I'm still not sure. I know there was a lot that I liked about this story. I honestly liked dichotomy of Quinn's work persona versus his personal image. When it came to his work Quinn was confident and outspoken he had total faith in his skills and abilities but when it came to his personal life it was a whole different story...Quinn was quiet, reserved, at times very obviously insecure and when it comes to relationships Quinn's not a one night stand. He's a take him home to meet the rents kind of guy but Shane...well, he likes his life, he enjoys playing things fast and easy...wham, bam thank you ma'am...err...sir? anyways, you get my drift.
Not only did Shane and Quinn have very differing ideas on relationships but they also had very different mothers. Shane's mother was...well...basically she was a total bitch and Quinn's mother...well, she was epic, awesome and incredibly heartbreaking all at once...this had me clutching my teddy bear and grabbing the tissues.
I also very much enjoyed getting a peek at Sven and Geoffrey, yes they are still adorable and Royce...we all love Royce. His story hasn't happened yet but soon...it's happening very soon and we are all going to be there...right ladies? and I think we all fell a little in love with Dominic and his boxer shorts, right?
So we've got characters that I absolutely loved both main and secondary, a story that I was totally on board with and an overall solid plot problem was the connection between Shane and Quinn just never quite happened for me...I mean I read and I read...well actually we did me and my buddy read besties...read and read to the very end and as I've already said there was a lot that I liked even some things that I loved and still that moment when things click into place and I could feel the connection between the MCs just never quite happened.
For some of us it was one character or the other that didn't work and for others like myself it I can't honestly say why I didn't feel the connection, but I didn't, things just didn't click and that's why this ended up being a 3.5 it was good and I liked it read rather than the 5 'oh-my-stars-and-garters-this-book-rocked-my-world' read that I'd been hoping for and yet, I'm totally on board for the next story...'Deadly Dorian' that's right folks dust off your classics and get ready for Royce's story it coming soon and I can't wait to see how this will all pan out...I'm going in with 5 stars for this next one, just like always for me they all start out with 5 stars it's what happens once I start reading that determines whether they keep them or not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews