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Sanctuary #1
Guarding Morgan
Morgan Drake is the only witness to a murder in an alleyway. Nik Valentinov works for Sanctuary, a foundation offering witness protection to anyone whose safety is compromised. Morgan discovers a bodyguard's arms can offer more than protection.
Morgan Drake witnesses a murder in an alleyway. He is the only person who can give evidence in prosecuting the cop responsible for the crime. When the FBI safe house where he's being held is compromised, he follows the instructions of the agent in charge and runs.
Nik Valentinov works for Sanctuary, a foundation that offers witness protection when FBI security is questionable.
When Morgan's handler sends him to Nik for safety, neither Morgan nor Nik could imagine that two weeks alone in a cabin in the woods would have their hearts racing with something much more than merely trying to keep Morgan alive.
Love.
Morgan Drake witnesses a murder in an alleyway. He is the only person who can give evidence in prosecuting the cop responsible for the crime. When the FBI safe house where he's being held is compromised, he follows the instructions of the agent in charge and runs.
Nik Valentinov works for Sanctuary, a foundation that offers witness protection when FBI security is questionable.
When Morgan's handler sends him to Nik for safety, neither Morgan nor Nik could imagine that two weeks alone in a cabin in the woods would have their hearts racing with something much more than merely trying to keep Morgan alive.
Love.
223 pages, ebook
First published October 15, 2011
147 people are currently reading
1068 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Scott
307 books2,719 followersRJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
October 17, 2011
Ode To A Book That I Did Not Hate (but that I also didn't love)
Morgan, Oh, Morgan your federal agent was shot
and so you got stuck with a bodyguard who's hot.
He works for, Sanctuary, a private organization
and in the wilderness is where they have you stationed.
(in the middle of freakin' nowhere)
Nik, oh, Nik you are the protector
and one who apparently doesn't know how to have fun.
Unfortunately most of what I remember about you
Is that for the whole book you never shot your gun.
(not even for target practice dammit)
So there they are in a cabin for two weeks
while Morgan waits to testify.
Nothing much happens in the first half of the book
I was almost so bored I could cry.
(they mostly drank a lot of coffee...I think...)
Now don't get me wrong, Nik and Morgan are cute
and that's why I stuck with the story.
Nik's got honor and he's heroic to boot
while Morgan's a nerdy artist who loves geology.
(there's some really cool info about glaciers)
The sex in this book is not explosive;
I fell asleep in the middle of the first scene.
It doesn't burn like a double shot of whiskey
but it's comforting like drinking warm tea.
(the sex kind of fit the slow pace of the book)
For Morgan and Nik there was a Happily Ever After,
and I liked this in the end.
The story made me smile and there was some laughter
So, yeah if you want a comfort book, I recommend.
Morgan, Oh, Morgan your federal agent was shot
and so you got stuck with a bodyguard who's hot.
He works for, Sanctuary, a private organization
and in the wilderness is where they have you stationed.
(in the middle of freakin' nowhere)
Nik, oh, Nik you are the protector
and one who apparently doesn't know how to have fun.
Unfortunately most of what I remember about you
Is that for the whole book you never shot your gun.
(not even for target practice dammit)
So there they are in a cabin for two weeks
while Morgan waits to testify.
Nothing much happens in the first half of the book
I was almost so bored I could cry.
(they mostly drank a lot of coffee...I think...)
Now don't get me wrong, Nik and Morgan are cute
and that's why I stuck with the story.
Nik's got honor and he's heroic to boot
while Morgan's a nerdy artist who loves geology.
(there's some really cool info about glaciers)
The sex in this book is not explosive;
I fell asleep in the middle of the first scene.
It doesn't burn like a double shot of whiskey
but it's comforting like drinking warm tea.
(the sex kind of fit the slow pace of the book)
For Morgan and Nik there was a Happily Ever After,
and I liked this in the end.
The story made me smile and there was some laughter
So, yeah if you want a comfort book, I recommend.
Read
January 29, 2018**NO RATING**
I got 130 pages in and then tried to continue and decided I wasn't going to waste my precious reading time that I find myself having less of lately on a book I am not enjoying. I usually don't do this and I can count on one hand how many books I have not finished. I find the list might be possibly longer this year because life. Life has gotten more complicated and my reading time has become less and that time is special to me so I refuse to waste it on shit. And that dear dolls is what this book has been so far. So I'm bowing out and moving on.
I got 130 pages in and then tried to continue and decided I wasn't going to waste my precious reading time that I find myself having less of lately on a book I am not enjoying. I usually don't do this and I can count on one hand how many books I have not finished. I find the list might be possibly longer this year because life. Life has gotten more complicated and my reading time has become less and that time is special to me so I refuse to waste it on shit. And that dear dolls is what this book has been so far. So I'm bowing out and moving on.
May 31, 2015
Written May 31, 2015
3 Stars - Easily won easily lost
Guarding Morgan is the first part in a seven books series about different M/M couples linked to the Sanctuary, a foundation offering witness protection. I "read" the audiobook novella (3:30 hrs) narrated by Sean Crisden (well done - I like his voice and way of telling). Guarding Morgan is also my very first "read" by R.J. Scott.
I wasn't stunned but it was heartwarming....
All in all, nice, cute and maybe to short to really work as an full story. Good enough.
*********************************************************
Our main character Morgan Drake is a witness to a murder and he is also the only person who can give evidence in prosecuting the cop responsible for the crime. When the FBI safe house where he's being held is attacked Morgan does as told and he ends up with Nik Valentinov. Nik works for Sanctuary, a private foundation offering witness protection to anyone whose safety is compromised.
Two weeks in a secret house, a cabin in the woods, starts. Out there are two nice men who both likes goodlooking sexy men ...to cuddle with. ~ Out there are as well maybe some evil villains.
*********************************************************
A sweet short trifle I probably forget in a blink
It started very intriguing but the story liked flew away and disappeared. It wasn't any real thrilling interesting parts but, to be fare, nevertheless a story about two lovely gay men. There is a good topic / plot here and I wish the author had worked on this first part some more time and it might have ended as a really good M/M crime/supense novel.
I'll continue this series at some point. I like this (M/M) narrator Sean Crisden and cross my fingers it will be more audiobooks about some mysterious 'Sanctuary' men to maybe download later.
I LIKE - nice novella audios when doing necessary weekend 'must do stuff'
3 Stars - Easily won easily lost
Guarding Morgan is the first part in a seven books series about different M/M couples linked to the Sanctuary, a foundation offering witness protection. I "read" the audiobook novella (3:30 hrs) narrated by Sean Crisden (well done - I like his voice and way of telling). Guarding Morgan is also my very first "read" by R.J. Scott.
I wasn't stunned but it was heartwarming....
All in all, nice, cute and maybe to short to really work as an full story. Good enough.
*********************************************************
Our main character Morgan Drake is a witness to a murder and he is also the only person who can give evidence in prosecuting the cop responsible for the crime. When the FBI safe house where he's being held is attacked Morgan does as told and he ends up with Nik Valentinov. Nik works for Sanctuary, a private foundation offering witness protection to anyone whose safety is compromised.
Two weeks in a secret house, a cabin in the woods, starts. Out there are two nice men who both likes goodlooking sexy men ...to cuddle with. ~ Out there are as well maybe some evil villains.
*********************************************************
A sweet short trifle I probably forget in a blink
It started very intriguing but the story liked flew away and disappeared. It wasn't any real thrilling interesting parts but, to be fare, nevertheless a story about two lovely gay men. There is a good topic / plot here and I wish the author had worked on this first part some more time and it might have ended as a really good M/M crime/supense novel.
I'll continue this series at some point. I like this (M/M) narrator Sean Crisden and cross my fingers it will be more audiobooks about some mysterious 'Sanctuary' men to maybe download later.
I LIKE - nice novella audios when doing necessary weekend 'must do stuff'
Did not finish
October 23, 2021dnf @ 44%
October 15, 2011
I suck at reviewing books I love. It’s sad because I never have trouble reviewing books I don’t like.
I love this book so I am just going to list why I loved it:
The Characters were of course well developed. Right away I felt like I knew them and loved them. They were perfect together
The Romance The romance that developed between them was beautiful. I loved reading about them growing together and all the sweet moments they share
The Setting I loved the setting in the mountains by a small lake. The descriptions for the scenery and all the little details made it easy to picture them on the lake or hiking through the overgrown wilderness. The whole otter scene was just adorable
The Shower Sex The first time they do anything sexual is in the shower and it was hot. There is not a lot of sex but what sex was shown was always passionate and sexy.
The Plot I enjoyed the plot a lot. Although you know who the murder is right away there is the mystery of why he killed the person. Most of the plot is just trying to keep Morgan alive but I enjoyed it because you never knew when something might happen or when/if someone would find Morgan. I liked that it was realistic, there was nothing that too me seemed like it would never happen in real life
The Cover come on the cover is hot. The smile and eyes on the guy in the background is so adorable and perfect for how I pictured Morgan.
First of a Series I loved the whole Sanctuary theme and can’t wait for the next book.
I love this book so I am just going to list why I loved it:
The Characters were of course well developed. Right away I felt like I knew them and loved them. They were perfect together
The Romance The romance that developed between them was beautiful. I loved reading about them growing together and all the sweet moments they share
The Setting I loved the setting in the mountains by a small lake. The descriptions for the scenery and all the little details made it easy to picture them on the lake or hiking through the overgrown wilderness. The whole otter scene was just adorable
The Shower Sex The first time they do anything sexual is in the shower and it was hot. There is not a lot of sex but what sex was shown was always passionate and sexy.
The Plot I enjoyed the plot a lot. Although you know who the murder is right away there is the mystery of why he killed the person. Most of the plot is just trying to keep Morgan alive but I enjoyed it because you never knew when something might happen or when/if someone would find Morgan. I liked that it was realistic, there was nothing that too me seemed like it would never happen in real life
The Cover come on the cover is hot. The smile and eyes on the guy in the background is so adorable and perfect for how I pictured Morgan.
First of a Series I loved the whole Sanctuary theme and can’t wait for the next book.
Want to read
February 2, 2018Kindle freebie 2/2/18!
January 17, 2020
Nicely done bodyguard romance, and I can see why everyone enjoys this one. The characters are well developed and *bonus* RJ Scott's super hot love scenes.
I adore Sean Crisden and he does a great job with this one. His Morgan is truly adorable, and the way he pulls Nik out of his shell was the best part of the story.
an audiobook copy of Guarding Morgan was provided to me for the purpose of my review
I adore Sean Crisden and he does a great job with this one. His Morgan is truly adorable, and the way he pulls Nik out of his shell was the best part of the story.
an audiobook copy of Guarding Morgan was provided to me for the purpose of my review
October 21, 2011
Very good m/m romantic suspense about a guy being kept in an FBI safe house so he can testify about a shooting he witnessed. When the safe house is compromised, he ends up in the care of an intriguing agent for a special organization dedicated to keeping witnesses alive... Definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!
August 29, 2017
Eh, this was only ok for. I gave it 3 stars because technically it was better than 2. I didn't want to pull my hair out, does that count? It's not that the writing was bad, it was the fact that the story really progressed so fast, and the characters didn't act realistically with the situation. This is very much an insta-love story and sometimes that works, but here - for me - it didn't really. The whole bodyguard/protectee trope, I LOVE that! But there wasn't enough of that in this story. I wanted danger and more sexual tension before the big BOOM, you know?
I'll look into reading the next book in the series, because like I said - this isn't a bad book - just not great and too improbable for my liking. I was looking for something quick to read, and this fit the bill.
I'll look into reading the next book in the series, because like I said - this isn't a bad book - just not great and too improbable for my liking. I was looking for something quick to read, and this fit the bill.
February 2, 2018
Apart from having to re-read a couple of paragraphs in order to figure out what was happening, this started off great.
Morgan was driving. Something had gone down at his safe house. His bodyguard was down and had given him directions to remember and told him to go. The FBI was involved. Don't trust anyone except the man who knows the password. There was tension. My heart was beating faster just from wanting him to get to safety.
But after they meet up at the prearranged place and get to the new safe house it was pretty boring. (I can't even remember the new bodyguards name and he's a MC).
Also, the writing was a little annoying because after each character talks there's paragraphs of internal dialogue so by the time it got to the other person continuing the conversation I'd forgotten what they were talking about.
I ended up skimming a lot. There's time jumps and lots and lots of telling. The sex was ho-hum. There were some cute moments but nothing life changing.
Morgan was driving. Something had gone down at his safe house. His bodyguard was down and had given him directions to remember and told him to go. The FBI was involved. Don't trust anyone except the man who knows the password. There was tension. My heart was beating faster just from wanting him to get to safety.
But after they meet up at the prearranged place and get to the new safe house it was pretty boring. (I can't even remember the new bodyguards name and he's a MC).
Also, the writing was a little annoying because after each character talks there's paragraphs of internal dialogue so by the time it got to the other person continuing the conversation I'd forgotten what they were talking about.
I ended up skimming a lot. There's time jumps and lots and lots of telling. The sex was ho-hum. There were some cute moments but nothing life changing.
January 11, 2024
Solid opening for this security agency series
I'm not sure I totally bought in to how quickly Morgan and Nik fell for each other, but that's pretty much my only niggle from this opener.
Both characters are compelling and Morgan's determination to fight his fear and testify in court had me wanting to give him a big hug.
Nik was a bit more of an enigma and there's obviously lots of clues and threads still left open in the investigation, which is carrying over into book two at least.
I'm intrigued by Sanctuary as an organisation and how it operates, so I'm looking forward to reading more.
I'm not sure I totally bought in to how quickly Morgan and Nik fell for each other, but that's pretty much my only niggle from this opener.
Both characters are compelling and Morgan's determination to fight his fear and testify in court had me wanting to give him a big hug.
Nik was a bit more of an enigma and there's obviously lots of clues and threads still left open in the investigation, which is carrying over into book two at least.
I'm intrigued by Sanctuary as an organisation and how it operates, so I'm looking forward to reading more.
June 29, 2013
Guarding Morgan is the first in the R.J. Scott's sanctuary series. While this was a series not everyone will connect with, I found as a first book and couple, this was incredible. We get a good idea of what is going on, and I didn't get lost during the actual story line. While this book is a romance, there is a crime solving aspect to the book.
The two MC's worked well together. "Tough guy" Nik and "nice guy" Morgan. My feelings for these two were that the titles were not as suited as some people think. In no way did I think Morgan was an innocent little boy, and Nik had that soft side under everything. It was a nice contrast for the two MC's. It can get kind of boring when the MC's are what everyone expects from the beginning. I love depth to my characters and I got it.
The story is basic enough in the beginning. Morgan was the witness to a murder and a cop friend of Nik's was protecting him. The friend got shot and Nik took over from Morgan. It was a messy case and something that scarred Morgan. Nik knew this and fought any attraction because he knew it was his job to protect Morgan. Nothing ever words out the way people expect though, and lovable Morgan managed to get Nik to agree to a sex while we're here deal. But like most romances, Nik and Morgan fell in love.
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We had a mixture of cute and hot scenes. The shower scene was a particular favourite as well as the river bank one. I enjoyed the ending, some may say it was rushed, but I was happy that we got them together. It also introduced us to Dale, our next Sanctuary MC. He was a hero for me in this and I loved him for the wonderful deed he did.
Highly recommend it!
The two MC's worked well together. "Tough guy" Nik and "nice guy" Morgan. My feelings for these two were that the titles were not as suited as some people think. In no way did I think Morgan was an innocent little boy, and Nik had that soft side under everything. It was a nice contrast for the two MC's. It can get kind of boring when the MC's are what everyone expects from the beginning. I love depth to my characters and I got it.
The story is basic enough in the beginning. Morgan was the witness to a murder and a cop friend of Nik's was protecting him. The friend got shot and Nik took over from Morgan. It was a messy case and something that scarred Morgan. Nik knew this and fought any attraction because he knew it was his job to protect Morgan. Nothing ever words out the way people expect though, and lovable Morgan managed to get Nik to agree to a sex while we're here deal. But like most romances, Nik and Morgan fell in love.
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We had a mixture of cute and hot scenes. The shower scene was a particular favourite as well as the river bank one. I enjoyed the ending, some may say it was rushed, but I was happy that we got them together. It also introduced us to Dale, our next Sanctuary MC. He was a hero for me in this and I loved him for the wonderful deed he did.
Highly recommend it!
October 16, 2011
3.5 stars
Guardian falling in love with the person that he must protect is not a new theme. It has been used in so many stories before. Having said that, this novella works quite well for me.
I like both characters, Nik and Morgan. I like how Morgan works through around Nik and makes his move. Hey, they're both gay, and they're pretty much in "lock-down" in secluded location. So why not enjoying it ^_^. Some other protector-witness stories have them run around from killers but this one not so much. The cabin is so well-protected and in the nowhere, and I don't feel any danger UNTIL it's time for Morgan to give his testimony. The setting is lovely, and oh my god, otter!!
I almost think that the "ending" is a let down ... until R.J. Scott puts a twist before the last chapter . Which of course leads to Nik being an idiot self and has that guilt-hero thing, and pushes Morgan. Glad to know that Morgan takes care of that.
Overall, I'm pretty intrigued with the idea of Sanctuary as an organization and would love to know more about it. Especially since the ending seems like the actual case that leads Nik and Morgan together is not yet finished.
Guardian falling in love with the person that he must protect is not a new theme. It has been used in so many stories before. Having said that, this novella works quite well for me.
I like both characters, Nik and Morgan. I like how Morgan works through around Nik and makes his move. Hey, they're both gay, and they're pretty much in "lock-down" in secluded location. So why not enjoying it ^_^. Some other protector-witness stories have them run around from killers but this one not so much. The cabin is so well-protected and in the nowhere, and I don't feel any danger UNTIL it's time for Morgan to give his testimony. The setting is lovely, and oh my god, otter!!
I almost think that the "ending" is a let down ... until R.J. Scott puts a twist before the last chapter . Which of course leads to Nik being an idiot self and has that guilt-hero thing, and pushes Morgan. Glad to know that Morgan takes care of that.
Overall, I'm pretty intrigued with the idea of Sanctuary as an organization and would love to know more about it. Especially since the ending seems like the actual case that leads Nik and Morgan together is not yet finished.
December 25, 2015
Didn’t like this one.
- One dimensional characters.
- Too much tell and not enough show.
- Unrealistic FBI/police/private security agency events
Didn’t like the characters enough to overlook these things.
Not the book for me.
- One dimensional characters.
- Too much tell and not enough show.
- Unrealistic FBI/police/private security agency events
Didn’t like the characters enough to overlook these things.
Not the book for me.
February 15, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
RJ Scott is back and is writing the contemporary romance that we've all come to love. Morgan Drake was under FBI protection for witnessing a murder until someone on the inside reveals the location of the safe house. The agent that was guarding Morgan is shot in the chest and Morgan himself is wounded but not before he memorizes a bizarre sequence of words that take him to Sanctuary. Sanctuary picks is a private hyper-secure agency that takes Morgan in and pairs him with Nik Valentinov. As in most of Ms Scott's works, both men are good looking hunks and these two won't let you down. There's plenty of angst over being able to protect Morgan and sleep with him before Morgan slips into the shower with Nik for some steamy sex. The ice is broken but can Nik concentrate on keeping the very distracting Morgan alive? I thought the idea of a cop committing the shooting a great idea. The story flowed well and the interplay between Morgan and Nik was well done. The twist played out at the court house and the HEA ending are classic Scott all the way.
RJ Scott is back and is writing the contemporary romance that we've all come to love. Morgan Drake was under FBI protection for witnessing a murder until someone on the inside reveals the location of the safe house. The agent that was guarding Morgan is shot in the chest and Morgan himself is wounded but not before he memorizes a bizarre sequence of words that take him to Sanctuary. Sanctuary picks is a private hyper-secure agency that takes Morgan in and pairs him with Nik Valentinov. As in most of Ms Scott's works, both men are good looking hunks and these two won't let you down. There's plenty of angst over being able to protect Morgan and sleep with him before Morgan slips into the shower with Nik for some steamy sex. The ice is broken but can Nik concentrate on keeping the very distracting Morgan alive? I thought the idea of a cop committing the shooting a great idea. The story flowed well and the interplay between Morgan and Nik was well done. The twist played out at the court house and the HEA ending are classic Scott all the way.
December 7, 2011
I really liked this story about Morgan, who witnessed a murder and Nik, the agent assigned to him for his protection. While the basic plot isn't new, I loved the variation of having an organization outside the FBI for additional witness protection - for the really tough cases. That added a nice twist as well as some extra tension.
The other thing I really liked was the characters. Both Morgan and Nik came alive and almost jumped off the pages for me. They were great together, even playful at times - despite the seriousness of their predicament. Nik's determination to keep Morgan safe was as clear as his love for Morgan.
If you like stories about strong bodyguards taking charge, men who know what they want and learn to stick together, and want some tension in your romance, don't miss this book!
The other thing I really liked was the characters. Both Morgan and Nik came alive and almost jumped off the pages for me. They were great together, even playful at times - despite the seriousness of their predicament. Nik's determination to keep Morgan safe was as clear as his love for Morgan.
If you like stories about strong bodyguards taking charge, men who know what they want and learn to stick together, and want some tension in your romance, don't miss this book!
April 15, 2018
I liked this, but it was too short. I think I could've been great if it had more.
February 6, 2018
It's been quite a while since I first read this series and somethings never change because R.J. Scott + Sean Crisden has made for an equally enjoyable listening experience and I've enjoyed the hell outta' revisiting the men of Sanctuary.
October 17, 2018
La historia de Nik y Morgan tiene lo justo de romance, pasión, drama y sangre, una gran combinación.
Morgan se ve obligado a caer en las manos de Nik, porque es un testigo buscado y está en peligro. Pero a medida que los días pasan algo más que el miedo y la tensión por el posible atentado a la vida de Morgan hacen que protegido y protector se unan más y comiencen a sentir cosas uno por el otro, aunque siempre hay obstáculos en el camino y hay que saber sortearlos. Recomendable. 3/5
En la relectura me resultó mucho más interesante que la relación entre los protagonistas se desarrollara paso a paso teniendo en cuenta el contexto y problemas que los rodean. Nik y Morgan se perfilan como personajes interesantes por su personalidad y comportamiento.
Las situaciones dramáticas puede que se queden algo flojas, pero el romance está bien construido y es realista. Veré qué me deparan los siguientes libros de la saga.
Morgan se ve obligado a caer en las manos de Nik, porque es un testigo buscado y está en peligro. Pero a medida que los días pasan algo más que el miedo y la tensión por el posible atentado a la vida de Morgan hacen que protegido y protector se unan más y comiencen a sentir cosas uno por el otro, aunque siempre hay obstáculos en el camino y hay que saber sortearlos. Recomendable. 3/5
En la relectura me resultó mucho más interesante que la relación entre los protagonistas se desarrollara paso a paso teniendo en cuenta el contexto y problemas que los rodean. Nik y Morgan se perfilan como personajes interesantes por su personalidad y comportamiento.
Las situaciones dramáticas puede que se queden algo flojas, pero el romance está bien construido y es realista. Veré qué me deparan los siguientes libros de la saga.
April 10, 2013
After years of this book sitting in my "Unfinished" shelf, I finally found the time to restart it. And now I know why I didn't. The whole 2/3 of it kind of fell flat and barren. I felt nothing towards the characters up until the last few chapters when they finally bared their selves and acted human with personalities of their own. And then there was the ending that promised a sequel I'm not sure if I should read. All in all, it wasn't bad but it wasn't very good either. Just flat.
July 31, 2017
Audible
Rounded up to 3 stars.
Key words: witness protection, safe house, dirty cop, FBI
I know, you won't normally get anything new here, it was told and retold countless times. You have just to like these kinds of stories (or not). I do. Though a bit more originality in the plot would be welcome. Nothing extraordinary, stereotypical characters, predictable story, but the narrator made the best of it.
The first half of the book was much better than the second one, IMO.
November 4, 2011
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one! The concept of the story is a very interesting one. Having an organization called 'Sanctuary' that protects all those witnesses the FBI or Witness Protection can't is very intriguing.
I loved both these characters. At first, Morgan is a scared man. He's on the run from guys trying to kill him after just being shot at. He doesn't know who he's meeting or what he's going to do now. All he knows is some code words that'll get him to a place that's safe. He's a quiet man who loves to draw. Nik is, at first, brash and blunt. He's exhausted from another case he was on but still agrees to guard Morgan for his ex-partner. The two generally are hot and cold for the first few days. Both trying to not insult the other somehow. It's not long, though, before the underlying lust they have bursts forward and their feelings grow for each other. I loved when they finally got together. The sexual tension between these two was great.
While I loved the book and Morgan and Nik, I was confused for a while on why Morgan was in the situation he was in. I didn't understand how what happened and who he was running from was related or why they'd want Morgan dead. In the end, it was cleared up but I still have questions about it all. I also still have questions about why Morgan is so interested in why the murder he saw happened. He became obsessed with figuring out why towards the end which left the book open-ended and me with even more questions.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were amazing and the plot was great. I still have questions but I'm hoping the next book in the series answers them. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing who's book comes next and whether Dale will get his own story or maybe even Taylor??? ;-) Recommended.
I really enjoyed this one! The concept of the story is a very interesting one. Having an organization called 'Sanctuary' that protects all those witnesses the FBI or Witness Protection can't is very intriguing.
I loved both these characters. At first, Morgan is a scared man. He's on the run from guys trying to kill him after just being shot at. He doesn't know who he's meeting or what he's going to do now. All he knows is some code words that'll get him to a place that's safe. He's a quiet man who loves to draw. Nik is, at first, brash and blunt. He's exhausted from another case he was on but still agrees to guard Morgan for his ex-partner. The two generally are hot and cold for the first few days. Both trying to not insult the other somehow. It's not long, though, before the underlying lust they have bursts forward and their feelings grow for each other. I loved when they finally got together. The sexual tension between these two was great.
While I loved the book and Morgan and Nik, I was confused for a while on why Morgan was in the situation he was in. I didn't understand how what happened and who he was running from was related or why they'd want Morgan dead. In the end, it was cleared up but I still have questions about it all. I also still have questions about why Morgan is so interested in why the murder he saw happened. He became obsessed with figuring out why towards the end which left the book open-ended and me with even more questions.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were amazing and the plot was great. I still have questions but I'm hoping the next book in the series answers them. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing who's book comes next and whether Dale will get his own story or maybe even Taylor??? ;-) Recommended.
November 5, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
I dragged myself to 60% then dnf'd, but not please note with a weak whimper but a fierce fed-up smackdown - like a REAL girl! Grrrr
...OK I value my kindle too much to hurtle it at a wall so in honesty I quietly told the book to f-off then hit 'delete' with full British dignity. Girls can be subtle too!
The author does NOT respect women. Every time the character declared 'I'm not a girl' I wanted to shake her - because that's her not the characters announcing women weak and whiney.
Morgan - the lithe, cute, artistic, clever -not a girl- geek character, had more mood swings than me with pmt, but the good -not instant- coffee at the luxury, high-tec, emergency, isolated in wilderness, safe house didn't seem to help him. Maybe try chocolate?
Nik - the tall, fancy foreign named, stoic, dark clothes wearing -hey it worked for Keanu!- tougher than tough tough guy - quickly developed a crush and caring 'let's talk' attitude. But sadly is not played by Keanu.
At 60% nothing really happened. At all. Manly testosterone filled navel gazing. They both want the other, but daren't. Care but don't care. Talk but don't talk. Are professional but ..aren't.
Seriously insert some chemistry, some tension, blow something up, have them bump uglies at least so we can all get on with our lives.
Unoriginal, there was possibly a plot but I didn't care. Snore-fest. But hey, others seemed to mildly like it.
I dragged myself to 60% then dnf'd, but not please note with a weak whimper but a fierce fed-up smackdown - like a REAL girl! Grrrr
...OK I value my kindle too much to hurtle it at a wall so in honesty I quietly told the book to f-off then hit 'delete' with full British dignity. Girls can be subtle too!
The author does NOT respect women. Every time the character declared 'I'm not a girl' I wanted to shake her - because that's her not the characters announcing women weak and whiney.
Morgan - the lithe, cute, artistic, clever -not a girl- geek character, had more mood swings than me with pmt, but the good -not instant- coffee at the luxury, high-tec, emergency, isolated in wilderness, safe house didn't seem to help him. Maybe try chocolate?
Nik - the tall, fancy foreign named, stoic, dark clothes wearing -hey it worked for Keanu!- tougher than tough tough guy - quickly developed a crush and caring 'let's talk' attitude. But sadly is not played by Keanu.
At 60% nothing really happened. At all. Manly testosterone filled navel gazing. They both want the other, but daren't. Care but don't care. Talk but don't talk. Are professional but ..aren't.
Seriously insert some chemistry, some tension, blow something up, have them bump uglies at least so we can all get on with our lives.
Unoriginal, there was possibly a plot but I didn't care. Snore-fest. But hey, others seemed to mildly like it.
July 14, 2016
3.5*
Morgan is a super nice boy with a grey life that was witness to a murder so he was in witness protection, but they are attacked so he must go and found NIK! Nik was from Santuary, a special protecting private group that takes Morgan to an isolated cabin near a lake until his trial.
SO yes, they fall in love, but I missed a bit of action or some adventure when they were at the cabin! Was cute to see their wonderful time there, but I really need something more!
I wanted to try this book because I love the Bodyguards Inc. series and I thought this one could have a similar concept.
I still don't understand completely what Santuary is and how it works, but I suppose we could learn more with the future books ~ I definitely want to read the next one :)
October 21, 2011
4.5 starts
I liked reading this book. The story is standard witness protector falling for the man he protects, but reading the witty and flirty natures of both characters were fun. There is a side plot (or the main plot?) that seems to be saved for the sequel, but since the romance between the MCs is ending nicely, I don't mind. There is a hint where one of the supporting characters may be gay too, and might get his story in the future book.
Despite the topic, this is more on the heartwarming, sweeter side of M/M romance.
I liked reading this book. The story is standard witness protector falling for the man he protects, but reading the witty and flirty natures of both characters were fun. There is a side plot (or the main plot?) that seems to be saved for the sequel, but since the romance between the MCs is ending nicely, I don't mind. There is a hint where one of the supporting characters may be gay too, and might get his story in the future book.
Despite the topic, this is more on the heartwarming, sweeter side of M/M romance.
February 5, 2019
Well, this book wasn't for me. I was bored almost all the time. Then, there were all those small digs Morgan made every other page... like... I'm not a girl, I don't need your help to sort the sh*t in my head, or I don't want to faint like a girl... WTF! I didn't know those things were girl exclusive. And on top of that, I couldn't feel the characters... for me they were like cardboard cutouts. In my opinion there were little plot development and some unbeliable drama. So... to the next one!
March 12, 2017
Meh. Flat, rudimentary writing. DNF @35%
April 5, 2017
Alcuni anni fa avevo acquistato il primo episodio di questa serie in cartaceo, in vista di farmi fare l'autografo dall'autrice durante il primo Meeting MM in Italia (purtroppo - sigh - RJ Scott non venne!), e in seguito avevo accumulato i successivi romanzi della serie nell'e-reader, in attesa di decidermi a fare una bella scorpacciata.
Cosa che ho appena fatto.
Ebbene, se il primo episodio mi è sembrato un romantic-suspense gay carino ma nella media, dal successivo in poi mi sono letteralmente innamorata di questa serie, man mano che i vari personaggi si addentravano nelle indagini del crimine iniziale e le loro storie iniziavano ad intrecciarsi tra loro.
Bilancio: alla fine sono finita a "bermi"sei episodi in appena una settimana, incapace di smettere la lettura e smaniosa di proseguire.
Tutto parte da un omicidio, in apparenza facile da chiudere come caso: c'è un colpevole e non nega, e c'è un testimone che ha assistito alla scena.
Eppure, la morte di una bella ragazza bionda in un vicolo non è che uno dei tanti eventi in un'indagine che prosegue da tempo e che vede coinvolte FBI e un'organizzazione privata e segreta (un gruppo di "buoni", ipertecnologici e dediti alla protezione di vittime e testimoni scomodi).
Il passo successivo all'omicidio è dunque quello di mettere al sicuro il povero ragazzo, Morgan, che ha avuto la sfortuna di vedere ciò che non doveva vedere.
In realtà questo è l'episodio che mi ha riscaldato di meno, soprattutto perchè risente del suo ruolo di "apripista" della serie. La narrazione si dilunga a introdurre il mondo del Santuario e dei suoi uomini, e quindi c'è meno spazio per Morgan e il suo bodyguard.
E il colpo di fulmine è davvero frettoloso.
Cosa che ho appena fatto.
Ebbene, se il primo episodio mi è sembrato un romantic-suspense gay carino ma nella media, dal successivo in poi mi sono letteralmente innamorata di questa serie, man mano che i vari personaggi si addentravano nelle indagini del crimine iniziale e le loro storie iniziavano ad intrecciarsi tra loro.
Bilancio: alla fine sono finita a "bermi"sei episodi in appena una settimana, incapace di smettere la lettura e smaniosa di proseguire.
Tutto parte da un omicidio, in apparenza facile da chiudere come caso: c'è un colpevole e non nega, e c'è un testimone che ha assistito alla scena.
Eppure, la morte di una bella ragazza bionda in un vicolo non è che uno dei tanti eventi in un'indagine che prosegue da tempo e che vede coinvolte FBI e un'organizzazione privata e segreta (un gruppo di "buoni", ipertecnologici e dediti alla protezione di vittime e testimoni scomodi).
Il passo successivo all'omicidio è dunque quello di mettere al sicuro il povero ragazzo, Morgan, che ha avuto la sfortuna di vedere ciò che non doveva vedere.
In realtà questo è l'episodio che mi ha riscaldato di meno, soprattutto perchè risente del suo ruolo di "apripista" della serie. La narrazione si dilunga a introdurre il mondo del Santuario e dei suoi uomini, e quindi c'è meno spazio per Morgan e il suo bodyguard.
E il colpo di fulmine è davvero frettoloso.
April 22, 2018
I was torn on the rating for this book for several reasons:
1. The documentation of my aggravation below!! This had a pretty BIG impact!!
2. In spite of quite a few things that DID aggravate me, there's no denying the fact that I DID finish the book, and I did find myself quite engaged!!
3. It's VERY obvious this book is one of many and that the mystery or thriller in the book pretty much runs through the entire series, which of course is why nothing is wrapped up in this book in THAT sense!! The thing is - and I will in fact check - I'm unsure of whether this specific couple has another book or not, so I would have liked for them to have had much more closure than they did!! Don't get me wrong, they DO profess their love for one another and they DO get a good HFN, but I felt like we were left hanging at the end! Though it's understandable why the plot as a whole feels unfinished, the fact that the romance here does too DOESN'T make sense!!
4. There is quite a lot of tell here and not enough show! I don't need to elaborate on this one; it should be quite clear why this is problematic!!
All in all, I probably would have given this book 3 stars, but there were far too many detractors for me to comfortably say I LIKED the book! I enjoyed this book well enough this time around, but I couldn't ignore everything else that actively annoyed me here!! I hope the other books get much better!! We shall see!
*****
One of my updates [at around @56]::
"// We as readers talk about how we need more gender empowering characters, that we've had enough with stereotypes and stigmas! But we talk about the books and NOT the authors! GUYS, it's the author's doing and it's the author's FUCKING FAULT! Take this author as an example, "like a girl" this and "like a girl" that, HOLY FUCKING SHIT! It's the author's own stigma reflected here (what else could it be) and it's WRONG!!"
Seriously, where is this author's [and it definitely seems like the AUTHOR'S] negative association to the female gender coming from and WHY feed into such a negative and potentially damaging stigma?!!? I've counted more than FIVE instances where the MC draws on "like a girl" or "I'm not a girl, so ... " examples, and I have to wonder about the author ... ! I mean, WHY do it?!!? WHY throw your character/MC under the bus like that?!? I am NOT holding the character/MC accountable, nor do I think he's an asshole because of it [in the spirit of reading, I'm giving him proverbial life and am disassociating him from this issue], I think it's THE AUTHOR making a really asshole move for CHOOSING to write it that way :-/!! And it's obvious it's the author's issue because it doesn't even sound believable coming out of the MC's mouth >:-o!!!!!!! Does the author think it makes her more relatable?!? Is she a lemming following the trend of stereotypes and stigmas?!!? Why breath life into bullshit like that, and as a WOMAN no less [whose main readership, generally speaking, are probably women]???!!!!! It just pisses the fuck out of me!! Also, it's NOT because I'm a woman that I feel this way, NOT AT ALL, hey, if I were a guy, I'd feel the same way! I have a BIG issue with stigmatization, injustice, and the perpetuation of it, and I've had ENOUGH of "like a girl" or "like a guy" or "like an [ANYTHING]" comments!! I'd react JUST as vehemently to ANY type of prejudice, gender bias/judgement, stigmatization, or anything of that sort!! This just REALLY rubs me the wrong way!!!!
If this book gets a bad rating, it's ENTIRELY because of the author and NOT the book!! I own this series, so I WILL read the rest of the books, but I'll be re-evaluating purchasing ANY other books by this author if I continue to get a sense that there are more or continuing reasons to dislike her!!!!
P.S. I WILL note also that I don't feel the need to penalize the MCs [either of them] because I feel/it definitely SEEMS like the author imposed HER thoughts onto BOTH MCs and used them as her mouthpiece! It seemed like it was a reflection of HER thoughts, NOT theirs!!
Also, generally speaking, I don't get why authors do this because a) It doesn't make your characters look good and I don't believe they deserve the injustice; b) It doesn't make the AUTHOR look good!!
Frankly, I am unimpressed! If this is what happens in all these author's books [and I own quite a few of them], we're going to have an issue :-/!!!!!! We shall see!!
// End vent!!
******************************************
Re-reading this and plan on giving this a proper NEW try! While this book definitely didn’t work for me the first time around, I have the feeling that with the proper try and the right mindset, I might actually REALLY enjoy this book! So I’m willing to give this another try! Plus, I own the whole series and I want to try THIS book before continuing on with the rest of the series; I want to start on the RIGHT foot (and I WANT to really like all the books) :-)!
Re-trying a failed reading attempt does not always work and so I do NOT do this often, but I’m very positive/confident it will definitely work here :-)!!
So here we go ... !!
******************************
Initial rating was ONE star, unfortunately :-/!!
1. The documentation of my aggravation below!! This had a pretty BIG impact!!
2. In spite of quite a few things that DID aggravate me, there's no denying the fact that I DID finish the book, and I did find myself quite engaged!!
3. It's VERY obvious this book is one of many and that the mystery or thriller in the book pretty much runs through the entire series, which of course is why nothing is wrapped up in this book in THAT sense!! The thing is - and I will in fact check - I'm unsure of whether this specific couple has another book or not, so I would have liked for them to have had much more closure than they did!! Don't get me wrong, they DO profess their love for one another and they DO get a good HFN, but I felt like we were left hanging at the end! Though it's understandable why the plot as a whole feels unfinished, the fact that the romance here does too DOESN'T make sense!!
4. There is quite a lot of tell here and not enough show! I don't need to elaborate on this one; it should be quite clear why this is problematic!!
All in all, I probably would have given this book 3 stars, but there were far too many detractors for me to comfortably say I LIKED the book! I enjoyed this book well enough this time around, but I couldn't ignore everything else that actively annoyed me here!! I hope the other books get much better!! We shall see!
*****
One of my updates [at around @56]::
"// We as readers talk about how we need more gender empowering characters, that we've had enough with stereotypes and stigmas! But we talk about the books and NOT the authors! GUYS, it's the author's doing and it's the author's FUCKING FAULT! Take this author as an example, "like a girl" this and "like a girl" that, HOLY FUCKING SHIT! It's the author's own stigma reflected here (what else could it be) and it's WRONG!!"
Seriously, where is this author's [and it definitely seems like the AUTHOR'S] negative association to the female gender coming from and WHY feed into such a negative and potentially damaging stigma?!!? I've counted more than FIVE instances where the MC draws on "like a girl" or "I'm not a girl, so ... " examples, and I have to wonder about the author ... ! I mean, WHY do it?!!? WHY throw your character/MC under the bus like that?!? I am NOT holding the character/MC accountable, nor do I think he's an asshole because of it [in the spirit of reading, I'm giving him proverbial life and am disassociating him from this issue], I think it's THE AUTHOR making a really asshole move for CHOOSING to write it that way :-/!! And it's obvious it's the author's issue because it doesn't even sound believable coming out of the MC's mouth >:-o!!!!!!! Does the author think it makes her more relatable?!? Is she a lemming following the trend of stereotypes and stigmas?!!? Why breath life into bullshit like that, and as a WOMAN no less [whose main readership, generally speaking, are probably women]???!!!!! It just pisses the fuck out of me!! Also, it's NOT because I'm a woman that I feel this way, NOT AT ALL, hey, if I were a guy, I'd feel the same way! I have a BIG issue with stigmatization, injustice, and the perpetuation of it, and I've had ENOUGH of "like a girl" or "like a guy" or "like an [ANYTHING]" comments!! I'd react JUST as vehemently to ANY type of prejudice, gender bias/judgement, stigmatization, or anything of that sort!! This just REALLY rubs me the wrong way!!!!
If this book gets a bad rating, it's ENTIRELY because of the author and NOT the book!! I own this series, so I WILL read the rest of the books, but I'll be re-evaluating purchasing ANY other books by this author if I continue to get a sense that there are more or continuing reasons to dislike her!!!!
P.S. I WILL note also that I don't feel the need to penalize the MCs [either of them] because I feel/it definitely SEEMS like the author imposed HER thoughts onto BOTH MCs and used them as her mouthpiece! It seemed like it was a reflection of HER thoughts, NOT theirs!!
Also, generally speaking, I don't get why authors do this because a) It doesn't make your characters look good and I don't believe they deserve the injustice; b) It doesn't make the AUTHOR look good!!
Frankly, I am unimpressed! If this is what happens in all these author's books [and I own quite a few of them], we're going to have an issue :-/!!!!!! We shall see!!
// End vent!!
******************************************
Re-reading this and plan on giving this a proper NEW try! While this book definitely didn’t work for me the first time around, I have the feeling that with the proper try and the right mindset, I might actually REALLY enjoy this book! So I’m willing to give this another try! Plus, I own the whole series and I want to try THIS book before continuing on with the rest of the series; I want to start on the RIGHT foot (and I WANT to really like all the books) :-)!
Re-trying a failed reading attempt does not always work and so I do NOT do this often, but I’m very positive/confident it will definitely work here :-)!!
So here we go ... !!
******************************
Initial rating was ONE star, unfortunately :-/!!
June 28, 2013
3.0 Stars
Morgan Drake witnesses a murder in an alleyway. The murderer is a cop who supposedly was hired by the Bowen crime family. When the FBI fails to protect Morgan, he is sent to Sanctuary - a private foundation offering witness protection. Nik Valentinov works for Sanctuary and is assigned as Morgan's bodyguard. Morgan and Nik spend two weeks hiding out in a Sanctuary safe house, awaiting the trial. The cabin in the woods provides an idyllic setting where the bodyguard and witness find each other and fall in love.
This was a sweet story. Although I ultimately liked both Morgan and Nik, it took a while for me to connect with them.
What I liked:
1. The setting. I really liked the area surrounding the cabin and could really envision the lake. The kettle hole was a nice touch.
2. The MCs. Both Morgan and Drake grew on me and I really enjoyed them once I got to know them.
A few, albeit minor, gripes:
1. The back story was frustrating at times. The murder Morgan witnessed was committed by a cop. How did Morgan know that, you ask? Well, because the murderer was ... wait for it ... wearing his cop uniform. Um ... really!?! What cop commits premeditated murder wearing his freakin' uniform?
2. Thefrat safe house. Um, what's up with the plethora of condoms all over the damn safe house? Condoms??? In a safe house? It was a little too fortuitous given that neither Morgan nor Nik had cause to bring any with them.
Bottom line: An entertaining read once the MCs grow on you.
Morgan Drake witnesses a murder in an alleyway. The murderer is a cop who supposedly was hired by the Bowen crime family. When the FBI fails to protect Morgan, he is sent to Sanctuary - a private foundation offering witness protection. Nik Valentinov works for Sanctuary and is assigned as Morgan's bodyguard. Morgan and Nik spend two weeks hiding out in a Sanctuary safe house, awaiting the trial. The cabin in the woods provides an idyllic setting where the bodyguard and witness find each other and fall in love.
This was a sweet story. Although I ultimately liked both Morgan and Nik, it took a while for me to connect with them.
What I liked:
1. The setting. I really liked the area surrounding the cabin and could really envision the lake. The kettle hole was a nice touch.
2. The MCs. Both Morgan and Drake grew on me and I really enjoyed them once I got to know them.
A few, albeit minor, gripes:
1. The back story was frustrating at times. The murder Morgan witnessed was committed by a cop. How did Morgan know that, you ask? Well, because the murderer was ... wait for it ... wearing his cop uniform. Um ... really!?! What cop commits premeditated murder wearing his freakin' uniform?
2. The
Bottom line: An entertaining read once the MCs grow on you.
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