Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Forensic investigator Dustin Reed stopped believing in fairytale romance in high school. Ever since his best friends scared off his loser ex, he's been a chronically single scrawny geek, afraid of being used. Love blossoms around him, while his family wants him to get hitched to the right class of man. All he can seem to find is hookup app encounters, but Dustin wishes someone would sweep him off his feet for love, too.

After his tour of duty, now-forensic photographer Leo Sanderson is glad to be home. Behind his muscles lies a heart of gold, but school and his new job aren't resonating with him. Nobody has his back anymore, but he's fine on his own. He's never clicked with the women he's dated, but bumping into Dustin in a gay bar is making things fall into place... a little faster than he'd like.

Hooking up while avoiding labels isn't a bad idea: Leo's figuring himself out, Dustin's unwilling to hand over his heart, and they both work together. But Valentine's Day is coming and they haven't been seeing anyone else. In fact, neither of them want to. Every fairytale has to start somewhere; why not the bedroom? Can they get past their insecurities and admit to each other and the world what they really want?

Trace is a standalone gay romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhanger. Book #5 will be available March 1st!

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 2018

116 people are currently reading
190 people want to read

About the author

E. Davies

130 books725 followers
E. Davies writes feel-good, low-angst romance that never fades to black when the going gets good! Born in Canada, after 16 moves and counting, Ed has finally put down roots in north London.

He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.

Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
333 (39%)
4 stars
326 (38%)
3 stars
147 (17%)
2 stars
23 (2%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Profile Image for Erth.
4,509 reviews
August 1, 2019
This story touched my heart and made me happy. Words, my the words that this author used to convey his story were stunning in their simplicity. The writing was beautiful and the MC's were so well developed that it feels like i know them.

Dustin and Leo connect in such a straightforward way and that really sets the tone for the book. No game playing, just two lonely men finding that missing piece in their lives. I love stories were people are living and doing well, but love makes it so much better.

Some of the words that touched my heart are;

'i love the ..., but it is you i want'

'i want you making me feel important'

'Nothing has been this real'
Profile Image for Christelle.
808 reviews
May 19, 2018
**3.5 stars**

It’s an adorable read. No fireworks, no big angst, just a feel-good story with Dustin, a bit shy and staying “in the shadows”, and Leo who discovers that he is bi and really attracted to Dustin.

They both go into this lovely relationship with no conflict, just happy each time they meet, gradually learning about each other and acknowledging their feelings, with the additional bonus of a lot of heat.

A sweet and easy romance, well written. Nothing big, but after the few disappointing reads I went through these past weeks, this was welcome.
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,444 reviews185 followers
March 16, 2024
I was sure I wouldn’t like this book. But I loved it!
It shouldn’t work for me. Straight boys aint my thing. But the author did a fantastic job with this one.
My favorite in the series so far!
Profile Image for Agla.
822 reviews63 followers
September 24, 2022
DNF p179 or 64% so I'm rating at 1.5 rounded up. New to me author and I think they are not for me. I feel like I read a different book from everyone else who reviewed it. The premise was strange and I didn't buy it . The whole thing felt rushed, I was bored at times and the whole thing felt very superficial to me. We don't really know their age: we are told that 18 or under would be too young and 30 is too old so they are mid-20s I guess. They had conversations about their relationship and then would angst in their internal dialogue about the very thing they just discussed: does he want more? Are we dating? Being exclusive? Are we boyfriends? When they had already agreed to those things which was strange to me. Anyway, onto the next.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,957 reviews432 followers
February 1, 2018
This book is adorable. I think Roman and Oscar are still my faves but Dustin and Leo came close.

There's very little conflict in this, just Leo's dawning realisation that he's attracted to Dustin and feels more for him than He's felt for any woman he's dated in the past.

His gradual admittance that he's bisexual is done without any dramady, he's not conflicted over his feelings, just worried he won't live up to Dustin's previous experiences.

But Dustin has more awareness than that, he's beginning to come out of his own shell, a little bit self imposed and a lot to do with how the Significant Brothers are so protective of him.

It's lovely to watch him grow in confidence as his relationship with Leo progresses and this is just all round a really sweet romance with a wee bit of spice in the 'bedroom' (not always in the bedroom though ;) )

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Trio.
3,558 reviews201 followers
October 27, 2020
What a wonderful series! I absolutely love the feel good nature of E. Davies books. I've read enough of their novels now that I can bank on it. Trace is book four in the Significant Brothers series but you can absolutely read them all as standalones.

The series is centered around a group of friends who bonded in high school. Each of the stories is unique, a different trope and very different characters, but the friends play a significant part in each others lives.

With audio performed by the marvelous Greg Boudreaux, what more do you need to end the day with a smile!

an audiobook copy of Trace was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Profile Image for Gabis Laberladen.
1,221 reviews
February 22, 2024
Darum geht’s:

Leo und Dustin haben einen heißen One Night Stand – und begegnen sich kurz darauf auf der Arbeit wieder, denn Dustin ist Forensiker und Leo der neue Tatortfotograf. Auch wenn sie sich dort professionell verhalten, treffen sie sich privat. Ob aus den beiden was werden kann, ist allerdings fraglich, denn Dustin hat keine Lust mehr auf bedeutungslosen Gelegenheits-Sex und Leo dachte bisher, er wäre nicht schwul.

Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Profile Image for Elithanathile.
1,926 reviews
February 17, 2018
True rating ... 3.5 stars rounded up, because this truly was an adorable book :-) ... the best of the bunch so far :-)!!

****************

Awesome quote @ 69% ...

I’ll fuck you romantically, though,” Leo added with a warm smile, leaning down to kiss him. “Nice and slow…” He eased his fingers out, and his cock pressed against Dustin a moment later. “And gentle, and then harder…”

Dustin moaned and pressed against Leo, but his range of motion was so damn limited. As Leo slid his knees over his shoulders, it was even more so, leaving him waiting for the mercy of that thick cock sliding into him.

“And then I’ll make the mattress squeak with how hard I fuck you, until you’re quivering on the edge. And I’ll kiss you and tell you how fucking beautiful you are.


~ 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!






****************
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.

I will always state when I borrowed something from Kindle Unlimited and whether I purchased it afterward or not! Why? Well, if I've borrowed something from KU, it - by default - means I am very unsure of either the author (if that author is new to me) or that specific book (in general)! I ADORE purchasing and owning my books, BUT for books or authors I'm unsure of, KU is a phenomenal way to try before committing!
Regardless, it means I'm very much on the fence, for whatever reason!
I'll highlight the outcome either way ... I'll either be glad it was on KU so I could give it back, or I'll have ADORED it and will decided to purchase right after borrowing :-)!!
I think it's a nice way to keep track; it might help someone else who's on the fence!
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,788 reviews120 followers
November 3, 2021
This might be my favorite book of the series so far.
I loved that Leo thought one thing but when he meet Dustin he just knew and he didn’t fight it.
He took it in stride and thought ok so I like both I can deal with that now let’s figure out how much I like this awesome guy.
I love that they worked in the same department, and how they fought for each other.
Another great book.
Good narration too on to the next!
Profile Image for Kirstin.
1,986 reviews18 followers
July 9, 2020
Yup, now this one is my favorite. OMG THIS IS THE BEST SERIES EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,867 reviews86 followers
October 14, 2020
This series just continues to completely kill it! It’s the perfect amount of fluffy fun with always just a dash of conflict, enough to keep you interested, but not enough to add any unnecessary angst. Dustin and Leo were just so perfect together. They went through so much personal growth and exploration on their journey to love and I just incredibly enjoyed being along for the ride.
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,836 reviews118 followers
September 7, 2020
Oh, how I love these books. Each one just seems to get better. They are super sweet love stories with low angst. Just enough drama to make you cry. There’s only two brothers left for and I’m going to savor them. This ending requires two tissues.
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,935 reviews24 followers
June 23, 2021
3.5-4 stars

Currently my favorite Leo and Dustin are the cutest! I think their relationship was the best formed and most realistic at the moment.

Buuuuut the epilogue… I think compared to the others it wasn’t the best, also I thought Nico and Deen were already engaged….?
Profile Image for Marthea.
996 reviews14 followers
July 9, 2022
Aww... to była naprawdę urocza i słodka historia. Śmiało mogę powiedzieć, że Dustin i Leo to moja ulubiona para z tej serii 😊
Przynajmniej do tej pory 😉
Profile Image for Amanda.
384 reviews10 followers
September 13, 2019
I adore this whole series and the band of “significant brothers” it revolves around, but Trace is absolutely, hands-down my favorite to date. From the first book, Dustin has always stayed in the background, where it appeared he was most comfortable. But wow, did he surprise me in the best ways in this book. I love his mind and his passion for his work, but was sad to see just how disillusioned he was in terms of relationships and love. Cue Leo, who is probably one of my favorite characters I’ve read in a long time. I *love* Leo. I love his personality and his heart, but even more, I love the way he loves Dustin. He may stumble along the way, but from the moment he knows what he feels for Dustin, he is all in. Their relationship is sexy and sweet (the cake scene!) and it is a joy to see it unfold.

Another thing I enjoy about the Significant Brothers series is the friendships these men share. They truly are there for each other, and each other’s significant others, no matter what and immediately. Seeing them accept Leo, who felt so alone before... gah, my heart!

I cannot wait for more in this series!! While Trace *can* be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning with Splinter. This is a wonderful series you don’t want to miss.
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,425 reviews375 followers
February 6, 2018
I just love these guys - I want all of the significant brothers to find their HEAs, and I love getting to read about them and see them all hanging out together, too!

What I enjoyed most about this story was the ease that Dustin and Leo fell for each other - and I loved how Leo is so open to the fact that he wants Dustin, he's not really freaking out or questioning his desire for a man. Heck, he's never slept with a woman either, so discovering he was bisexual and that he was okay with it made for a great, easy romance. His only concern is that he won't stand up to Dustin's experiences, which was moot because he was a natural! :D

This one is probably the sweetest of the series (although I haven't read book 3, somehow missed that one, so I need to go back and get it). Dustin and Leo were just sweet - the fell for each other quickly (I think for some, it might be...too? quickly?), they knew they wanted to be a part of the other's life, and made it work. They just had to navigate family, coworkers, and friends to get to their HEA.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,014 reviews39 followers
April 12, 2019
E. Davies is back at it again, and I am so grateful! I just love these Significant Brothers. They are such a strong family, and I love how they support and accept each other and their loves.

In this book 4, quiet Dustin finally meets someone to make him take a risk of falling in love. Leo has never considered being with a man, but when he meets Dustin, pieces just click and fall into place for him. He never really questions his feelings, and is very open to all his relationship with Dustin can bring. There are little bumps in the road for them, but it is nothing that can not be overcome with communication and love. I really enjoyed sharing their journey with them.

Edited to add:
I listened to this in audiobook, and Greg Boudreaux did a fantastic job. Revisiting this series has made me remember why I fell in love with these characters, and I feel like I loved Dustin and Leo even more after reading this again. They were so great together, and my heart was so full listening to them fall in love.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
Profile Image for Colette.
655 reviews14 followers
February 2, 2018
Will put a smile on your face.

What I love about E. Davies romances are that they are always feel good, fun, funny and always have a happily ever after. Some days you just need the sweet. This author never fails to deliver.
Profile Image for Isabella ~Mikku-chan~.
799 reviews40 followers
February 8, 2018
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*

When I've heard that Dustin got his own book I was super excited to read it because of his job as a forensic investigator. I also liked his calm, almost shy behaviour in his large group of friends, his brothers, and was curious how he is in a more private surrounding. :)

Dustin and Leo are a great couple. The tension is right there from the start, it is first insta-lust which leads towards a relationship first based on friends with benefits to a solid romantic one. I really loved how easy going the whole book was, how Leo was questioning his sexuality but how it wasn't an overly dramatic plot device. :)

The chemistry is hot between the two guys, they work together, Leo as a forensic photographer, but their shifts aren't really overlapping. I liked the drama at the end, with connection to their both jobs.

I also liked how we see a developement in Dustin, how he stands for himself and how he starts to detach himself from his family, who is caring but which is also pretty illusionary what kind of guy Dustin should get together with.

Also one of the amazing parts was the tight-knit relationship between Dustin and his brothers, his circle of best friends, who have a long history together. :)

I loved the flow, the developements in the story and the HEA between Leo and Dustin is super sweet. In fact, Dustin and Leo are so sweet, they are meant to be together. Leo's shy sides sometimes, but then his pretty confident behaviour was a great mix. :)
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. :)

Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
Profile Image for Anu.
364 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2018
Advance copy courtesy of author :0

This is hands down the most adorable installment of this already-wonderful series. Dustin has always preferred to stay in the background, not to draw too much attention to himself. He's used to one-night stands, because that way he can't get hurt.

Leo has never considered himself attracted to guys. Not that he's done much with girls either but then he meets Dustin in a bar and decides to take the chance.

While Dustin is gun-shy to start a new relationship, Leo is determined to be the best hookup/maybe-boyfriend ever. So they have (a lot of) awesome sex and unexpectedly fall in love.

What a lovely story. From Leo's sexual awakening to Dustin's growing self-confidence the characters were so well-built. This was maybe the most romantic and low-angsty of the whole series so far, the pair go on dinner dates, make out at the movies and generally act like love-struck teenagers. Dustin's family provided the necessary counterpoint to all the sweetness, though they were not so much mean as stuck in their own ways.

And finally, the way this book integrated so well into the series as a whole was lovely. The rest of the 'Significant Brothers' featured again, the whole gang goes to Valentine's Day outing together - such a lovely addition.
Profile Image for Helen.
997 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2020
I read this book last year, but just listened in audio

Love this series and this book is just as good as the others.
Dustin is fed up being set up by his mother to the right sort of man, he's also been very unlucky in his grinder hook-ups. So meeting a random man in a bar, was he that lucky.

Leo had just finished his tour of duty and is a photographer. He ends up back in his home town, not knowing anyone anymore and went to a bar where he bumped into Dustin. Always interested but never found the right woman, so when Dustin started talking to him, he thought why not and started talking. An HEA.
Greg does an excellent job narrating this book.

This is a lovely book, as is the whole significant brothers series, they are so much fun.

Trace
Significant Brothers, Book 4
By: E. Davies
Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
Series: Significant Brothers Series, Book 4
Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins


❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.10 speed on Audible
Profile Image for Rachel.
150 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2018
Beautiful as always...

Ed Davies always know how to tug at your heartstrings. Such a great love story. I'm only sad Dustin's parents were so high maintenance. I get wanting what's best for your children, but love isn't something parents, no matter how well intended (or not) can orchestrate.
Profile Image for Earlyn.
664 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2018
Dustin and Leo

Loved this slow burn romance.
Dustin and Leo met in a bar, when Leo sort of saved Dustin from some unwanted attention. They had some banter, Leo left. He returned when he thought that the flirting could go further.
I enjoyed seeing the guys find their way to each other.
Profile Image for Sadaharuhi.
227 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2018
turned out this was the second novel that i've read from the author and i enjoyed it very much. Low angst and sweet with no OTT drama or twist. The characters are likable too. I'll definitely check out the other books from this series.
Profile Image for Liza Broadaway.
940 reviews15 followers
March 14, 2025
Loved this one! Leo’s acceptance to his attraction to Davis and going with it was so refreshing. Watching as these two help heal different insecurities they each had was also so good! Still insta-love and still a fabulous friend group!
Profile Image for Kim Stone.
1,523 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2020
This great series continues with book 4 Trace. Main characters are Leo an ex military photographer and Dustin a police forensic investigator. Leo is still finding himself and they make a great pair. Updates from all the other significant brothers too. Off to read book 5
Profile Image for Sarah.
58 reviews
May 20, 2022
This is my favorite in the series so far.
Profile Image for Kirsten.
1,874 reviews89 followers
April 15, 2025
They had lots of sex.
They talked some, hung out with friends.
Boring book and lives.
Profile Image for Alex.
1,151 reviews16 followers
July 11, 2018
4.5
Loved Dustin!!!! This book is one of my fav ❤️
406 reviews
February 19, 2018
3.75 - I liked these characters a whole lot more than in book 3. However, the label of bi on Leo bothered me. He’s mid twenties and been with women but it didn’t “work” and is a virgin? He didn’t understand what guys who were always chasing women was about? Um really? He figures out the the admiration of other men is attraction? However once he’s with a man he figures how great sex is and can’t get enough? Sounds very gay and no where near bi. I think the only reason it bugs me was because how often they said “honesty” in this book but to me that just seems like he’s lying to himself. Not a big issue but still baffling. If he’d been with other women and enjoyed it and was turned on by them I’d get it but it sounded like he just went through the motions cause it was expected and couldn’t figure why he wasn’t into them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.