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A Heart's Desire
Agent McKenzie is nobody's 'yes' boy and has the letters of reprimand to prove it. He smells the stink of political maneuvering in this case, and he can see the handwriting on the wall. Hell, the words are three feet high and written in crayon. Someone in his agency wants a target on Liam Mercier's back, but McKenzie would be damned if he'd put one there. The damaged man currently in his custody needs his protection, not manipulation. That's why he'd agreed to use a safe house that was off the grid. Throwing away his rarely used FBI procedure book had nothing to do with the protective urges he felt around Liam. Nope, not a damn thing to do with heavy doses of desire, or spikes of lust. He was just doing his job, after all, he has a killer to catch and a victim to keep alive. Protecting his best bet of taking that sick bastard down was his civic duty. Forced to face the nightmares of his past or lose his pension, Liam Mercier did the only thing he could do. He walked back into his personal hell. The man assigned to protect him is everything Liam wanted and needed-four years ago. Leaving the small island of sanity he'd been existing on could cost him everything. But being hunted by a genius, sadistic killer without the protection of the sexy, intense, agent was a guaranteed death sentence. Fate had dictated Liam's course four years ago. The only thing he questioned was when his killer is going to finish his work.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2016
250 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Kris Michaels
82 books1,118 followersUSA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Kris Michaels is the alter ego of a happily married wife and mother. She writes romance, usually with characters from military and law enforcement backgrounds.
Kris was born and raised in South Dakota. She graduated many years ago from a high school class consisting of 13 students (yes that is thirteen, eleven girls and two boys...lucky boys). She joined the military, met her husband, and traveled the world. Today she lives on the Gulf Coast and writes full time.
Kris is an avid people watcher and dreamer. The stories she writes are crafted around the hopes and dreams of a true romantic. She believes love is essential, people are beautiful, and everyone deserves a happy ending.
When she isn't writing Kris enjoys a full life revolving around family, friends, laughing, whiskey, and cold red wine. (Yes cold...don't judge.)
Kris was born and raised in South Dakota. She graduated many years ago from a high school class consisting of 13 students (yes that is thirteen, eleven girls and two boys...lucky boys). She joined the military, met her husband, and traveled the world. Today she lives on the Gulf Coast and writes full time.
Kris is an avid people watcher and dreamer. The stories she writes are crafted around the hopes and dreams of a true romantic. She believes love is essential, people are beautiful, and everyone deserves a happy ending.
When she isn't writing Kris enjoys a full life revolving around family, friends, laughing, whiskey, and cold red wine. (Yes cold...don't judge.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
June 29, 2016
New to me author...this one had some pretty high reviews. I think this might have been the author's first MM book. So not sure if the other reviewers were mainly MF readers.
You know what this book reminded me of? An AE Via book.
SO. MUCH. CHEESE.
Seriously. Eye-roll inducing cheese at that.
I liked the beginning. It started off good. But then the MCs met and it was definitely insta lust at first sight.
Then it just became over the top. And too mushy. Especially given the circumstances of the story, what Liam went through, the fact that a psychotic killer was after him.
Lots of suspension of disbelief. Sometimes that doesn't bother me. I read to escape, to get lost in a story. I don't usually get bogged down by details. If a book entertains me, yet it's not always plausible......no big deal.
Ultimately I ended up having to start skimming around the 50% mark.
The mystery/suspense part of the story was okay. But it just couldn't save the romance problems.
You know what this book reminded me of? An AE Via book.
SO. MUCH. CHEESE.
Seriously. Eye-roll inducing cheese at that.
I liked the beginning. It started off good. But then the MCs met and it was definitely insta lust at first sight.
Then it just became over the top. And too mushy. Especially given the circumstances of the story, what Liam went through, the fact that a psychotic killer was after him.
Lots of suspension of disbelief. Sometimes that doesn't bother me. I read to escape, to get lost in a story. I don't usually get bogged down by details. If a book entertains me, yet it's not always plausible......no big deal.
Ultimately I ended up having to start skimming around the 50% mark.
The mystery/suspense part of the story was okay. But it just couldn't save the romance problems.
October 12, 2016
3.5 stars rounded down because Phil shall not be disrespected.
How much do I enjoy emotionally and physically broken men in my books? Probably a lot more than I should admit in public.
There is just something about a vulnerable man and his knight-in-shining-armor that gets the butterflies going in my gut.
A Heart's Desire has the kind of broken man I love in Liam Mercier. Ex-FBI, gay, outed and then ostracized by his former co-workers, healing from physical trauma after a run-in with a serial killer and not healing at all emotionally after a run-in with a serial killer. He has completely shut himself off from the world, living alone with his giant therapy Maine Coon cat Phil.
I mean, could it be any more perfect? Um, yep! Because then big, hot hunky Special Agent Steele McKenzie enters the picture and he has a nurturing streak a mile wide. When he sets his sights on Liam, he turns into a protective alpha male with a gooey middle. I absolutely loved the way Steele comforted Liam. Here is some nightmare angst:
Nightmares are a particular weakness of mine.
While everything was just peachy and I was in my happy place, I have to say that once the sex started, it killed my buzz. The sex started and I lost the hurt/healing/comfort vibe that had my heart racing. Maybe it happened too fast? Maybe Liam wasn't as broken as I thought he was? Maybe Steele wasn't as respectful as he should have been given Liam's demons? Maybe because the pet names started as soon as they both came? I'm not sure. Probably all four. And that was a bummer.
The mystery side of the story was interesting and held my attention, but mystery/suspense almost always takes a backseat to the romance in any book I read. Be sure to heed the trigger warnings, because this book is quite graphic. The serial killer is a sadistic maniac and Ms. Michaels left no gory detail unturned. There is a twist at the end that surprised me, and that is always a good thing.
While I enjoyed the first half of this book very much, I did not like the second half. Yes, the sex was hot and plentiful, but I missed the emotional connection once the boys hit the sheets. I wouldn't say it was "sexual healing" (I usually eat that shit up) but Steele lost some of his knight-in-shining-armor characteristics once he started fucking the man he was supposed to be comforting.
Side note: I'm a freak when it comes to dogs and sort-of a freak when it comes to cats. Steele was an asshole to Liam's cat, so that is why I rounded this one down a star.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
Galley copy of A Heart's Desire provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
How much do I enjoy emotionally and physically broken men in my books? Probably a lot more than I should admit in public.
There is just something about a vulnerable man and his knight-in-shining-armor that gets the butterflies going in my gut.
A Heart's Desire has the kind of broken man I love in Liam Mercier. Ex-FBI, gay, outed and then ostracized by his former co-workers, healing from physical trauma after a run-in with a serial killer and not healing at all emotionally after a run-in with a serial killer. He has completely shut himself off from the world, living alone with his giant therapy Maine Coon cat Phil.
I mean, could it be any more perfect? Um, yep! Because then big, hot hunky Special Agent Steele McKenzie enters the picture and he has a nurturing streak a mile wide. When he sets his sights on Liam, he turns into a protective alpha male with a gooey middle. I absolutely loved the way Steele comforted Liam. Here is some nightmare angst:
Strong, solid warmth enveloped him and Liam dove toward the source. Wrapped securely in Steele’s arms, pulled between his muscular thighs, gripped firmly into a hard, muscled chest, Liam burrowed closer.
Nightmares are a particular weakness of mine.
While everything was just peachy and I was in my happy place, I have to say that once the sex started, it killed my buzz. The sex started and I lost the hurt/healing/comfort vibe that had my heart racing. Maybe it happened too fast? Maybe Liam wasn't as broken as I thought he was? Maybe Steele wasn't as respectful as he should have been given Liam's demons? Maybe because the pet names started as soon as they both came? I'm not sure. Probably all four. And that was a bummer.
The mystery side of the story was interesting and held my attention, but mystery/suspense almost always takes a backseat to the romance in any book I read. Be sure to heed the trigger warnings, because this book is quite graphic. The serial killer is a sadistic maniac and Ms. Michaels left no gory detail unturned. There is a twist at the end that surprised me, and that is always a good thing.
While I enjoyed the first half of this book very much, I did not like the second half. Yes, the sex was hot and plentiful, but I missed the emotional connection once the boys hit the sheets. I wouldn't say it was "sexual healing" (I usually eat that shit up) but Steele lost some of his knight-in-shining-armor characteristics once he started fucking the man he was supposed to be comforting.
Side note: I'm a freak when it comes to dogs and sort-of a freak when it comes to cats. Steele was an asshole to Liam's cat, so that is why I rounded this one down a star.
Determination won over the spike of adrenaline Phil induced, because it wasn’t fear. Nope, he was not afraid of the fur ball. At all. If the rat bastard so much as hissed at him, he’d dropkick it or shoot it—if he could catch it. The vermin was surprisingly fast.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
Galley copy of A Heart's Desire provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
June 21, 2016
A Heart’s Desire is a crime drama through and through. If you are into grisly crimes full of gory details and like to actually get invested in the investigation process, then this is the ultimate book for you. This book is a thriller but there is romance too. We have a very broken/damaged, traumatized hero in desperate need of love and more importantly protection and on the other hand, we have a badass FBI agent who will do anything to keep his man safe. Mix these two amazing heroes with gory murders, a serial killer on the loose and a race to catch the psycho before time runs out and we have a gripping thriller/crime novel. I was glued to the book from start to finish. Thus needless to say, I LOVED IT!!!
Liam Mercier is the only living victim of a serial killer who tortured him for 13 days before getting caught. Now after 5 years Stuart Miller, the sadistic serial killer has escaped and his ultimate goal is to finish what he started with Liam but could not get done. Special Agent Steele McKenzie is the lead of the serial killer task force of FBI, in charge of catching Miller. He is ordered by his superiors to blackmail Liam into agreeing to be the bait to catch Miller. After meeting Liam, Steele’s protective feelings towards him comes out in full force. After enduring the 13 days from hell, what is left of Liam is a shell of the intelligent and strong man he used to be. He has overcome a lot to get back on his feet but as he is suddenly thrust back into his worst nightmare, and Liam desperately needs someone to protect him and love him to get through this ordeal in one piece. Steele sees the real man through the physical an emotional scars of Liam. He knows that he will do anything to protect his man but will Steele be able to catch Miller before he gets to Liam??? Read this adrenaline filled story to find out.
I love reading thrillers and crime novels with a solid plot and with an equally solid investigation team, and this book had it all. The plot is very expertly written with awesome crime details and a very efficient and no nonsense investigating team trying their absolute best to catch a psycho.
This read was action packed with gruesome murders and absolutely no holding off on the details. The various nuances of the investigation, specially Steele’s team and Liam’s insight into the killer’s mind was refreshingly real and believable. There was never a boring moment in this read.
Amidst all the gore and the danger, Steele and Liam’s romance just made this book a 5 star read for me. The relationship between them develops pretty fast but their connection was strong and beautiful. Steele was a badass when it came to protecting Liam or catching the bad guy and his soft/gentle/loving side made him the ultimate boyfriend for the broken and vulnerable Liam. The fit together like puzzle pieces. The heat and passion between them sizzled the pages big time.
The book had a good balance between the crime and the romance. Liam is shown struggling to overcome mental trauma and his healing process is treated very realistically. At the end, Liam is not magically cured. He still have huge baggages and will probably have them his entire life but with Steele he has found his new normal without the fear and darkness that has ruled his life for 5 long years.
All in all, this book has everything for both readers looking for damaged hero romance or an adrenaline filled gory crime novel. It was an absolute win for me. I would recommend this book to one and all, specially the thriller lovers who are a stickler for details in their read. Hats off to the author for creating such a compelling story.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Liam Mercier is the only living victim of a serial killer who tortured him for 13 days before getting caught. Now after 5 years Stuart Miller, the sadistic serial killer has escaped and his ultimate goal is to finish what he started with Liam but could not get done. Special Agent Steele McKenzie is the lead of the serial killer task force of FBI, in charge of catching Miller. He is ordered by his superiors to blackmail Liam into agreeing to be the bait to catch Miller. After meeting Liam, Steele’s protective feelings towards him comes out in full force. After enduring the 13 days from hell, what is left of Liam is a shell of the intelligent and strong man he used to be. He has overcome a lot to get back on his feet but as he is suddenly thrust back into his worst nightmare, and Liam desperately needs someone to protect him and love him to get through this ordeal in one piece. Steele sees the real man through the physical an emotional scars of Liam. He knows that he will do anything to protect his man but will Steele be able to catch Miller before he gets to Liam??? Read this adrenaline filled story to find out.
I love reading thrillers and crime novels with a solid plot and with an equally solid investigation team, and this book had it all. The plot is very expertly written with awesome crime details and a very efficient and no nonsense investigating team trying their absolute best to catch a psycho.
This read was action packed with gruesome murders and absolutely no holding off on the details. The various nuances of the investigation, specially Steele’s team and Liam’s insight into the killer’s mind was refreshingly real and believable. There was never a boring moment in this read.
Amidst all the gore and the danger, Steele and Liam’s romance just made this book a 5 star read for me. The relationship between them develops pretty fast but their connection was strong and beautiful. Steele was a badass when it came to protecting Liam or catching the bad guy and his soft/gentle/loving side made him the ultimate boyfriend for the broken and vulnerable Liam. The fit together like puzzle pieces. The heat and passion between them sizzled the pages big time.
The book had a good balance between the crime and the romance. Liam is shown struggling to overcome mental trauma and his healing process is treated very realistically. At the end, Liam is not magically cured. He still have huge baggages and will probably have them his entire life but with Steele he has found his new normal without the fear and darkness that has ruled his life for 5 long years.
All in all, this book has everything for both readers looking for damaged hero romance or an adrenaline filled gory crime novel. It was an absolute win for me. I would recommend this book to one and all, specially the thriller lovers who are a stickler for details in their read. Hats off to the author for creating such a compelling story.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
October 1, 2021
This book was fine. It had potential that, in my opinion, has not been fully used.
The circumstances in which Liam and McKenzie met were truly fascinating. So is the reason why they have to work together. I liked the whole idea of the killer in general, and that's why I'd like to see more investigation. These things come back mainly towards the end of the book.
I have a big soft spot for tortured heroes, and that's what Liam is. And how! I liked him very much as the MC of this story, both in the moments when he dealt with his past and issues, and in those where he found it difficult.
But I missed a bit of his and McKenzie’s relationship development. It's a bit like that they get to know each other and are together right away. And a few days later they are already in love with each other. This is a bit weird, especially with Liam and what he has been through. I wish more space would be devoted to how Liam is gradually changing.
It is quite a dark story, and not only because of the serious mental problems Liam faces. There are also some very pictorial torture scenes, rape (without details) is also mentioned as well as sexual abuse. Don't read if you are sensitive to such scenes.
I have not read this author's other books, but I can assume that this book features characters from her other stories.
The circumstances in which Liam and McKenzie met were truly fascinating. So is the reason why they have to work together. I liked the whole idea of the killer in general, and that's why I'd like to see more investigation. These things come back mainly towards the end of the book.
I have a big soft spot for tortured heroes, and that's what Liam is. And how! I liked him very much as the MC of this story, both in the moments when he dealt with his past and issues, and in those where he found it difficult.
But I missed a bit of his and McKenzie’s relationship development. It's a bit like that they get to know each other and are together right away. And a few days later they are already in love with each other. This is a bit weird, especially with Liam and what he has been through. I wish more space would be devoted to how Liam is gradually changing.
It is quite a dark story, and not only because of the serious mental problems Liam faces. There are also some very pictorial torture scenes, rape (without details) is also mentioned as well as sexual abuse. Don't read if you are sensitive to such scenes.
I have not read this author's other books, but I can assume that this book features characters from her other stories.
December 2, 2018
I enjoyed most of the book. I must admit that the first part of the book was a bit disappointing due to the insta everything happening between the MCs - Liam and Steele. It gave me that message: if you fall in love with the first available man all your problems will magically be fixed. It was way too fast for me - how they just jumped each other and started professing feelings of love. Some of the words used were a little off but it didn't ruin the book just made chuckle at the slight incredulity.
The investigative part was intense, the thinking process and the gruesome crime scene were off the chart good and I enjoyed this very much. The whole team was awesome, their banter was half funny half filled with sarcasm. I liked all the supporting characters. And I loved Phil. He made this book much more enjoyable.
The second part of the book was very engrossing and if I chose to forget that the characters only just met was really good. It was very fast-paced, parts thrilling and parts a little painful. It had a lot of feelings going ranging from anger to despair - I even teared up a little. So good. And many question were answered and issues resolved exactly how I expected them to. Overall, this book would have been great for me if it had intense slow burn and not insta attraction between MCs. I would love it if Sam got his own story too. I recommend it!
The investigative part was intense, the thinking process and the gruesome crime scene were off the chart good and I enjoyed this very much. The whole team was awesome, their banter was half funny half filled with sarcasm. I liked all the supporting characters. And I loved Phil. He made this book much more enjoyable.
The second part of the book was very engrossing and if I chose to forget that the characters only just met was really good. It was very fast-paced, parts thrilling and parts a little painful. It had a lot of feelings going ranging from anger to despair - I even teared up a little. So good. And many question were answered and issues resolved exactly how I expected them to. Overall, this book would have been great for me if it had intense slow burn and not insta attraction between MCs. I would love it if Sam got his own story too. I recommend it!
July 3, 2016
Former FBI agent Liam was dealt shit cards. Everyone failed him including his own people. Liam went to hell and back and now secludes himself from the outside world except for this cat Phil. Unfortunately, a sadistic serial killer is now on the loose, so Liam is forced to help the FBI bring him in (using him for bait)? Liam has no choice but to face his nightmares or lose his pension. Agent McKenzie is assigned to protect Liam. McKenzie is not a person you want to mess with. The FBI wants to manipulate and control but McKenzie promises safety and is protective of Liam. Is McKenzie simply doing his duty or is there something else brewing inside? For years McKenzie would be someone Liam desires and lusts over but now he is damaged beyond repair. Can he trust McKenzie with his life and with his heart?
Whoa! I love this romance storyline between Liam and McKenzie. M/M is starting to be my new Fav. Liam is damaged and my heart broke for what he had to endure for that 13 days. Actually that was really difficult to read – I had to sort of skip through a few parts to avoid nightmares. McKenzie is strong, sexy and has such a big heart and a gentle soul. The way he took care of Liam and protected him is downright swoony. I also enjoyed the twists and turns and the suspense throughout the story. I thought the thriller plot was well written which kept me intrigued until the end. There is not a boring moment for sure. Between the crime scenes, gruesome murder details and the investigation, you will be on your toes. I enjoy the wooing part but I thought the sex came a little bit fast I thought there would be more back and forth struggling and angst since Liam has such a nightmarish past. But anyhow, the sex, the heat and passion between the sheets is definitely sizzling hot. The romance was also sweet. I actually rarely read thrillers/crime romance but I thought this book has a nice balance between suspense and a love story. The finale gave me a heart attack and once again my heart hurts for Liam. I think Liam will always carry baggage and demons from all that he suffered, but I am happy he found a man who loves him and will be there for him though his dark moments. If you are looking for a sexy M/M romance with a heart-pounding thriller plot – Kris nailed this one!!! HOT, drama, angst, suspense, love… you got it all!!!
Whoa! I love this romance storyline between Liam and McKenzie. M/M is starting to be my new Fav. Liam is damaged and my heart broke for what he had to endure for that 13 days. Actually that was really difficult to read – I had to sort of skip through a few parts to avoid nightmares. McKenzie is strong, sexy and has such a big heart and a gentle soul. The way he took care of Liam and protected him is downright swoony. I also enjoyed the twists and turns and the suspense throughout the story. I thought the thriller plot was well written which kept me intrigued until the end. There is not a boring moment for sure. Between the crime scenes, gruesome murder details and the investigation, you will be on your toes. I enjoy the wooing part but I thought the sex came a little bit fast I thought there would be more back and forth struggling and angst since Liam has such a nightmarish past. But anyhow, the sex, the heat and passion between the sheets is definitely sizzling hot. The romance was also sweet. I actually rarely read thrillers/crime romance but I thought this book has a nice balance between suspense and a love story. The finale gave me a heart attack and once again my heart hurts for Liam. I think Liam will always carry baggage and demons from all that he suffered, but I am happy he found a man who loves him and will be there for him though his dark moments. If you are looking for a sexy M/M romance with a heart-pounding thriller plot – Kris nailed this one!!! HOT, drama, angst, suspense, love… you got it all!!!
June 19, 2016
WOW--I need a gun. A really big gun.
That was my first reaction to Ms. Michael’s “Heart’s Desire.” Ms. Michael’s gritty writing sucked me into the profoundly disturbing mind of a serial killer pursuing the victim of his “heart’s desire” and the FBI agent who stood in his way. All those old Hollywood adjectives like “heart-pounding,” “spine-tingling,” “heart-rending,” and let's not forget, SEXY TIMES, apply.
For sheer entertainment, this story succeeds on all levels. Um...and did I mention the badass/ninja-assassin cat?)
Ms. Michaels had me reading well into the early hours of the morning. I startled the dog when I cheered outloud at the ending. Hubby just groaned and rolled over. Yeah. It was that good. Buy the book. Read the book. You won’t be sorry.
July 4, 2016
3.5 stars – It’s my lucky week: my second review of a M/M romance set in a murder/thriller story. This time, it’s A Heart’s Desire, my first exposure to author Kris Michaels. Before I start the review, let me first state that if you don’t like graphic violence and gore in your novels, this novel won’t be for you. If your stomach is a little stronger—and if you happen to be a man who doesn’t mind a little “pity pain” mixed with your gore *shudder*—the thriller story makes this novel worth the read.
Former FBI agent Liam Mercier is the only man to have escaped and survived the rampage of serial killer Stuart Miller. His wounds are many: the external ones have become constant reminders as scars, but the mental ones continue to haunt him four years later. And now Miller has escaped custody, and Liam remembers Miller’s promise that he will finish what “they” started. Agent Steele McKenzie leads the task force to recapture him. McKenzie has a history of getting the job done and isn’t afraid to toss out the rule book to do it. But when the brass instruct him to use Liam as bait to draw Miller out in the open, it’s more than he can stand. Despite every fiber of his being screaming at him to stay hidden, Liam reluctantly agrees to help, because he knows that doing nothing is akin to a death sentence, for Miller will find him.
As with other novels I have reviewed that have a romance tucked into a secondary genre, there are really three things to consider: the two story arcs individually and how well they blend together to make the novel enjoyable. In this case, I enjoyed the thriller story a good deal. I’ve read enough non-romance thrillers where this was a little predictable for me, but even so, the story line worked for me, particularly since the novel’s short length precluded it from being terribly convoluted. I only have one small issue with it, and it has to do with the resolution of McKenzie butting heads with the higher-ups for how to go about recapturing Miller. It fixed things too easily in my opinion. But again, that’s just a small issue. No harm.
On the other hand, I wish the romantic arc had worked as well for me. Things started off really well. Liam’s a broken man from the trauma he suffered while in Miller’s captivity. Enter his white knight, Steele, who, instead of trying to bully Liam into doing the FBI’s bidding, does his homework to realize Liam needs to feel safe in order to cooperate. Steele essentially wraps Liam up in his protective hugeness—and at 6’6” and amazingly built, it’s an image that feels like a living warm blanket. It’s a quality that started out really endearing, and I was really looking forward to seeing how it played out. And then they had sex for the first time… and suddenly everything just felt really different to me. Instead of two men exploring their mutual attraction, I got the impression that this was a damsel-in-distress story with the damsel having a Lee Press-On Penis™. I need men in M/M romances to be convincingly male—they don’t all have to be big, butch, alpha types, but I prefer even the most effeminate or emasculated of them to be male enough so that it would take more than a name, pronoun, and genitalia change for him to be equally convincing as a woman. So this impression irked me to the point where it colored the remaining intimate interactions between them, even making the sex scenes that followed seem forced, as if the author was trying too hard to make it hot. As the story progressed, there were additional issues brought into the mix that I failed to see a reason for, even upon completing the novel. All of this made the pairing difficult for me to feel the bond and heat between them.
Blending the two story arcs didn’t really happen so much as having the romantic plot couched between the start and finish of the thriller story. While this works fine, it’s a missed opportunity for the romantic arc to gain some tension as the thriller arc plays its course. Beyond this, there are plenty of secondary characters and plot lines that are hinted at that could make good future books, though this novel is not billed as being part of a series, so I’m not entirely sure whether that will happen or not. For the most part, though, even if these other stories don’t become additional books, they work well enough as peripheral story lines in this novel to keep it from being too narrowly focused. Structurally, the novel is also very easy to follow. Only once do I recall having to reread a passage because I was unclear whose perspective I was reading, so this should not be an issue for most readers.
As a whole, A Heart’s Desire is a decent work but with a romantic arc that was written in a manner that didn’t appeal to me as much as I had hoped it would. Despite my reservations, I do recommend giving this novel a try, as it’s unclear to me whether my issues were simply a product of the particular characters the author developed here or if it’s something more integral to her writing style in general. I am curious to read another M/M novel when she writes one in order to find out.
The author generously provided me a complimentary copy of A Heart's Desire in exchange for this fair and honest review.
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Former FBI agent Liam Mercier is the only man to have escaped and survived the rampage of serial killer Stuart Miller. His wounds are many: the external ones have become constant reminders as scars, but the mental ones continue to haunt him four years later. And now Miller has escaped custody, and Liam remembers Miller’s promise that he will finish what “they” started. Agent Steele McKenzie leads the task force to recapture him. McKenzie has a history of getting the job done and isn’t afraid to toss out the rule book to do it. But when the brass instruct him to use Liam as bait to draw Miller out in the open, it’s more than he can stand. Despite every fiber of his being screaming at him to stay hidden, Liam reluctantly agrees to help, because he knows that doing nothing is akin to a death sentence, for Miller will find him.
As with other novels I have reviewed that have a romance tucked into a secondary genre, there are really three things to consider: the two story arcs individually and how well they blend together to make the novel enjoyable. In this case, I enjoyed the thriller story a good deal. I’ve read enough non-romance thrillers where this was a little predictable for me, but even so, the story line worked for me, particularly since the novel’s short length precluded it from being terribly convoluted. I only have one small issue with it, and it has to do with the resolution of McKenzie butting heads with the higher-ups for how to go about recapturing Miller. It fixed things too easily in my opinion. But again, that’s just a small issue. No harm.
On the other hand, I wish the romantic arc had worked as well for me. Things started off really well. Liam’s a broken man from the trauma he suffered while in Miller’s captivity. Enter his white knight, Steele, who, instead of trying to bully Liam into doing the FBI’s bidding, does his homework to realize Liam needs to feel safe in order to cooperate. Steele essentially wraps Liam up in his protective hugeness—and at 6’6” and amazingly built, it’s an image that feels like a living warm blanket. It’s a quality that started out really endearing, and I was really looking forward to seeing how it played out. And then they had sex for the first time… and suddenly everything just felt really different to me. Instead of two men exploring their mutual attraction, I got the impression that this was a damsel-in-distress story with the damsel having a Lee Press-On Penis™. I need men in M/M romances to be convincingly male—they don’t all have to be big, butch, alpha types, but I prefer even the most effeminate or emasculated of them to be male enough so that it would take more than a name, pronoun, and genitalia change for him to be equally convincing as a woman. So this impression irked me to the point where it colored the remaining intimate interactions between them, even making the sex scenes that followed seem forced, as if the author was trying too hard to make it hot. As the story progressed, there were additional issues brought into the mix that I failed to see a reason for, even upon completing the novel. All of this made the pairing difficult for me to feel the bond and heat between them.
Blending the two story arcs didn’t really happen so much as having the romantic plot couched between the start and finish of the thriller story. While this works fine, it’s a missed opportunity for the romantic arc to gain some tension as the thriller arc plays its course. Beyond this, there are plenty of secondary characters and plot lines that are hinted at that could make good future books, though this novel is not billed as being part of a series, so I’m not entirely sure whether that will happen or not. For the most part, though, even if these other stories don’t become additional books, they work well enough as peripheral story lines in this novel to keep it from being too narrowly focused. Structurally, the novel is also very easy to follow. Only once do I recall having to reread a passage because I was unclear whose perspective I was reading, so this should not be an issue for most readers.
As a whole, A Heart’s Desire is a decent work but with a romantic arc that was written in a manner that didn’t appeal to me as much as I had hoped it would. Despite my reservations, I do recommend giving this novel a try, as it’s unclear to me whether my issues were simply a product of the particular characters the author developed here or if it’s something more integral to her writing style in general. I am curious to read another M/M novel when she writes one in order to find out.
The author generously provided me a complimentary copy of A Heart's Desire in exchange for this fair and honest review.
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January 17, 2018
4.2 Stars
I will admit it: I am a procedural fanatic. I used to spend around 40 hours a week watching procedural/crime-based shows (on top of working 50+ hours) - plus another 20+ hours of other shows...but the majority were dramas like CSI, L&O, Criminal Minds, Cold Case, etc. So, yeah, I know that's crazy and those shows aren't real...But the good ones (so, not CSI:M) kind of set a bar for at least getting to the heart of a crime, into the mind of a serial killer, and plot out the details of how the unsub/perp is or will be caught. I then would add a book or two of True Crime drama (and a textbook or two) and a couple of hours of Investigation Discovery shows a week to siphon out the bullshit from the actual science/psychology...which made me appreciate when fiction did it right.
That said, this book was hella good (I could totally see it as a movie), and as far as I'm concerned, it's fiction done right. The details were precise, the methodology (for the most part*) sound. I wish there'd been more on the psychology of why & what happened to start Miller on his killing spree (especially given how dark & gruesome the crimes were), but it wasn't necessary to this story, because while it unfolded during a man-hunt, it was mainly about Liam's journey toward reclaiming himself, his life, his mind, his body & fighting his terror. Sure, the intimacy might seem a little rushed to some readers but grief is subjective, each person reacts differently, and if Steele could be the crutch aiding Liam toward becoming whole again...well then, more power to them both I say. Plus, it felt organic; there was lust-at-first sight but as the story progresses it was easy to see why Steele felt so much, so quickly. (Let alone how quickly Liam latched onto Steele.)
*
Again, I can't believe the quality of books I've randomly chosen to read lately. I needed a Black & White cover and some of the letters here fit the Spell challenge...and evidently I picked this up when it came out and completely forgot about it. I need to keep better track, obviously, because it's a story I could have already enjoyed and I'm kinda kicking my own ass that I didn't! Adding a New Year's resolution to the one I've already failed at (winnowing down the gargantuan TBR): Shelving the books I already own when I get them!
Oh, and I don't see that this one is part of a series but OMG there better be an installment for Sam & Luc. That tale is just ripe for exploration given their previous history and Sam's recent torture.
I will admit it: I am a procedural fanatic. I used to spend around 40 hours a week watching procedural/crime-based shows (on top of working 50+ hours) - plus another 20+ hours of other shows...but the majority were dramas like CSI, L&O, Criminal Minds, Cold Case, etc. So, yeah, I know that's crazy and those shows aren't real...But the good ones (so, not CSI:M) kind of set a bar for at least getting to the heart of a crime, into the mind of a serial killer, and plot out the details of how the unsub/perp is or will be caught. I then would add a book or two of True Crime drama (and a textbook or two) and a couple of hours of Investigation Discovery shows a week to siphon out the bullshit from the actual science/psychology...which made me appreciate when fiction did it right.
That said, this book was hella good (I could totally see it as a movie), and as far as I'm concerned, it's fiction done right. The details were precise, the methodology (for the most part*) sound. I wish there'd been more on the psychology of why & what happened to start Miller on his killing spree (especially given how dark & gruesome the crimes were), but it wasn't necessary to this story, because while it unfolded during a man-hunt, it was mainly about Liam's journey toward reclaiming himself, his life, his mind, his body & fighting his terror. Sure, the intimacy might seem a little rushed to some readers but grief is subjective, each person reacts differently, and if Steele could be the crutch aiding Liam toward becoming whole again...well then, more power to them both I say. Plus, it felt organic; there was lust-at-first sight but as the story progresses it was easy to see why Steele felt so much, so quickly. (Let alone how quickly Liam latched onto Steele.)
*
Again, I can't believe the quality of books I've randomly chosen to read lately. I needed a Black & White cover and some of the letters here fit the Spell challenge...and evidently I picked this up when it came out and completely forgot about it. I need to keep better track, obviously, because it's a story I could have already enjoyed and I'm kinda kicking my own ass that I didn't! Adding a New Year's resolution to the one I've already failed at (winnowing down the gargantuan TBR): Shelving the books I already own when I get them!
Oh, and I don't see that this one is part of a series but OMG there better be an installment for Sam & Luc. That tale is just ripe for exploration given their previous history and Sam's recent torture.
September 24, 2023
I liked the book but at the same time it could have been better, so I have to give it 3.5 stars. Liam went through something so traumatic that most people wouldn't survive through, that man was so strong, I loved his spirit, he didn't give up. Steele was all alpha male and I was here for it. The suspense and action in the book was very good written, I liked it. What I didn't like very much was the love part, it happened way too fast, it was out of nowhere, to me at least. I would have like to see their relationship more in deep, not in a very pshysical way but more in the way of feelings. But yeah, it was a good book and I need Lucifer and Sam's book as soon as possible, those two will give angst, I know it. And Aiden's book too
April 9, 2024
I love serial killer/FBI/ thriller romance books, but I find that so many of them fail to balance out the romance with the investigation process.
In this case, the insta-love and sex took front and center and the mystery was set to the side. By the 50% mark, I was tired of watching the main FBI lead screwing a protectee instead of searching for a demented serial killer on the loose. He played therapist more than he did his job.
I am not sure if this is the author’s first MM book, but it read very MF in my opinion.
DNF@50%
In this case, the insta-love and sex took front and center and the mystery was set to the side. By the 50% mark, I was tired of watching the main FBI lead screwing a protectee instead of searching for a demented serial killer on the loose. He played therapist more than he did his job.
I am not sure if this is the author’s first MM book, but it read very MF in my opinion.
DNF@50%
September 7, 2018
Read this in the car on the way back to Perth, WA and finished it at the hotel before dinner. The book wasn't perfect, (I found the insta-love especially on Liam's side, a bit hard to believe) but I was tied to it dreading the moment I knew was going to happen. Pleased the epilogue showed that Liam wasn't suddenly cured of his anxiety and fear and did have counselling.
I wish the author would write Sam and Luc's story.
P.S. Loved the ninja-cat!!
I wish the author would write Sam and Luc's story.
P.S. Loved the ninja-cat!!
February 4, 2018
4.5 stars
A man emotional broken from a obsessed serial killer and an FBI agent who loves but must use him to find the killer before he breaks his lover completely.
A man emotional broken from a obsessed serial killer and an FBI agent who loves but must use him to find the killer before he breaks his lover completely.
March 31, 2022
It could have been so much better.. Too bad for the insta-love, it ruined it for me.
June 18, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
I really loved this book, I’ve read so many of Kris’s books and decided to venture back in time before her Guardians.( which I love)
This was brilliant, I really wish she would go back and write more like it .
💋💋
I really loved this book, I’ve read so many of Kris’s books and decided to venture back in time before her Guardians.( which I love)
This was brilliant, I really wish she would go back and write more like it .
February 5, 2017
Okay, so, I swear I read the blurb…. I did! This was a very suspenseful book! My sweet, kind heart! As unprepared as I was, my own fault, this was the type of book I love! A psychological thriller. Having taken forensic psychology in college I am always fascinated with the minds of serial killers.
In A Heart’s Desire we are really thrown in there. It’s told in duel POV. Steele, a current FBI agent assigned to track down a serial killer who escaped. Liam who is this psychopath’s only living victim. When I say victim I mean by the time he was rescued you wonder how he lived at all. I can’t imagine having a killer’s attention for one day let alone the thirteen Liam endured.
From the beginning, literally the first page, I knew this was going to take a road into darkness. But Kris Michaels did something quite wonderful. She balanced it. She brought light back into Liam’s life and gave him his strength back.
Now, if you think the author just was all “catch the guy the end” than you’re sadly mistaken! This killer doesn’t go down without a fight, and leaving his mark on many.
If you’re a fan of these types of books AND you have a strong stomach than grab this one! There were parts I winced at I won’t lie. This guy is pretty much my worst nightmare. I’ve read Kris Michaels a few times and her versatility as an author is a huge treat! Make sure you check this out!
In A Heart’s Desire we are really thrown in there. It’s told in duel POV. Steele, a current FBI agent assigned to track down a serial killer who escaped. Liam who is this psychopath’s only living victim. When I say victim I mean by the time he was rescued you wonder how he lived at all. I can’t imagine having a killer’s attention for one day let alone the thirteen Liam endured.
From the beginning, literally the first page, I knew this was going to take a road into darkness. But Kris Michaels did something quite wonderful. She balanced it. She brought light back into Liam’s life and gave him his strength back.
Now, if you think the author just was all “catch the guy the end” than you’re sadly mistaken! This killer doesn’t go down without a fight, and leaving his mark on many.
If you’re a fan of these types of books AND you have a strong stomach than grab this one! There were parts I winced at I won’t lie. This guy is pretty much my worst nightmare. I’ve read Kris Michaels a few times and her versatility as an author is a huge treat! Make sure you check this out!
June 30, 2016
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS A FEW, NOT TOO RELEVANT SPOILERS!
The very begining was really good and the plot was presented quite well.
But the 'Insta-love' was a downer in my opinion. Ok, both chars are openly gay and hot and attractive, but the phase of expressing their feelings (deep feelings at that), felt like it game too soon. I mean, (nothing else matters to me like you do; or, you're mine and no one else's; or, I can't lose you). These sound like things you'd wait at least a month to say. But they start being said on day 2 after they've met?! Don't buy it.
And then towards the middle there were the sex scenes. Although super hot, intense and very interesting, they were a bit too many to be in such a short period of time/number of pages. Very little to nothing happened in between them. And then, when that chunk was over and we finally returned to the big plot, it didn't have that big an impact anymore.
The last bit was filled with tension and action and a little drama. Loved that bit.
All in all, Three Stars
The very begining was really good and the plot was presented quite well.
But the 'Insta-love' was a downer in my opinion. Ok, both chars are openly gay and hot and attractive, but the phase of expressing their feelings (deep feelings at that), felt like it game too soon. I mean, (nothing else matters to me like you do; or, you're mine and no one else's; or, I can't lose you). These sound like things you'd wait at least a month to say. But they start being said on day 2 after they've met?! Don't buy it.
And then towards the middle there were the sex scenes. Although super hot, intense and very interesting, they were a bit too many to be in such a short period of time/number of pages. Very little to nothing happened in between them. And then, when that chunk was over and we finally returned to the big plot, it didn't have that big an impact anymore.
The last bit was filled with tension and action and a little drama. Loved that bit.
All in all, Three Stars
June 4, 2016
* I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review
This is Kris' first foray into M/M and she NAILED it!
This was an amazing story from start to end and I only wished there was more.
Steele is an out and proud leader of the Serial Killer squad for the FBI, Liam is the only survivor of a serial killer captured 5 years earlier - (ex) FBI.
The tension between the 2 men is perfect....FLOVE it!
This is Kris' first foray into M/M and she NAILED it!
This was an amazing story from start to end and I only wished there was more.
Steele is an out and proud leader of the Serial Killer squad for the FBI, Liam is the only survivor of a serial killer captured 5 years earlier - (ex) FBI.
The tension between the 2 men is perfect....FLOVE it!
July 7, 2016
This is a book that I did finish reading but won't go back to in the future.
This author's Kings of Guardian series is excellent so when I was offered the chance to read A Heart's Desire I took it. While there were some parts I enjoyed, other parts offset that enjoyment leaving me at a 3 star rating overall.
What I liked:
Investigation aspect
Liam's transition between when we meet him to the final pages of the story
Thought put into the serial killer's motivation, mannerisms etc. although it was a pretty frightening world to occupy at times
What didn't work as well for me:
Liam was extremely traumatized by his experiences 5 years ago to the point where he has to be forced to leave his house and small things trigger massive panic attacks. The physical abuse and trauma he endured rule his life completely. Yet as soon as he meets Steele, they rock a case of insta-lust turning into insta-love which I can live with on a certain level. What I couldn't buy into was the ease of their intimacy or the "normal" relationship within days of meeting each other. That leap coupled with the endearments and sometimes saccharine moments felt wrong to me. Add in the fact that Liam was shunned by the FBI the first time around partly for an encounter with a superior in the bureau yet he doesn't really bat an eye at getting involved with the lead agent on the case and I just couldn't get past it all.
Summary:
The plot was good relating to the search for the killer, and some of the secondary characters were great. Although the romantic relationship didn't work for me in this particular story, I will still follow the author's books to see what else she has to offer in the future.
This author's Kings of Guardian series is excellent so when I was offered the chance to read A Heart's Desire I took it. While there were some parts I enjoyed, other parts offset that enjoyment leaving me at a 3 star rating overall.
What I liked:
Investigation aspect
Liam's transition between when we meet him to the final pages of the story
Thought put into the serial killer's motivation, mannerisms etc. although it was a pretty frightening world to occupy at times
What didn't work as well for me:
Liam was extremely traumatized by his experiences 5 years ago to the point where he has to be forced to leave his house and small things trigger massive panic attacks. The physical abuse and trauma he endured rule his life completely. Yet as soon as he meets Steele, they rock a case of insta-lust turning into insta-love which I can live with on a certain level. What I couldn't buy into was the ease of their intimacy or the "normal" relationship within days of meeting each other. That leap coupled with the endearments and sometimes saccharine moments felt wrong to me. Add in the fact that Liam was shunned by the FBI the first time around partly for an encounter with a superior in the bureau yet he doesn't really bat an eye at getting involved with the lead agent on the case and I just couldn't get past it all.
Summary:
The plot was good relating to the search for the killer, and some of the secondary characters were great. Although the romantic relationship didn't work for me in this particular story, I will still follow the author's books to see what else she has to offer in the future.
June 6, 2016
This was an exciting, dramatic, and HOT novel that included all the components that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story line was strong that kept me turning the pages and the characters were well developed. This was a story of a ex-FBI agent, Liam Mercier, that had been tortured by a serial killer, Stuart Miller, for 13 days, but survived it. Five years later Stuart Miller escapes from a mental ward and is out to get Liam. A new FBI team, headed by Steele McKenzie, is ordered to find the killer. They are ordered to bring Liam Mercier in to help them solve the case since he was the one that led to the capture the first time, but there were many people within the FBI who didn't do their jobs at that time causing this to happen. Unfortunately, Liam has been mentally and physically scarred carrying a lot of emotional baggage and has hidden himself away from the world since then. Steele finds him and convinces him to help, but not with a lot of struggles. Steele is determined to protect Liam no matter what. Steele feels an immediate attraction to Liam, but he also knows Liam needs his help, support, and comfort. They both are what each other need, but their relationship is put to the test when the killer strikes. This is a very intense, action packed, and dramatic novel that is so heart wrenching it will make you cry. Fell in love with these characters as their love for each other grows. Don't miss this one. I was pleasantly surprised and you will be too. Kris Michaels has done a brilliant job with the details.
February 8, 2017
I loved this book.
Where do I start my 1st love for books is murder the more gruesome the better. So this book hit that spot straight off. A sadistic serial killer on the run just up my alley. And there was no holding back on those details either.
Then another love of mine is m/m books. And cops/FBI big check. Steele is just my kind of mc. Hard, dedicated to his job, intelligent, alpha man but who then has a soft spot for the other mc. Liam has the vulnerability that makes compelling reading and pulls you in routing for him.
I loved the connection between these two men. Yes it was fast but it rang true with this story. The feelings between them the, hot sex, the connection, the respect made for a great relationship. I liked that the problems weren't fixed just like that as well. Even in the epilogue the problems were still apparent.
I received this book free for an honest review.
And can I just put my case across for Sam's book. And Aiden's book too. Actually put them together that would be a great book one I would be front of the queue for.
Where do I start my 1st love for books is murder the more gruesome the better. So this book hit that spot straight off. A sadistic serial killer on the run just up my alley. And there was no holding back on those details either.
Then another love of mine is m/m books. And cops/FBI big check. Steele is just my kind of mc. Hard, dedicated to his job, intelligent, alpha man but who then has a soft spot for the other mc. Liam has the vulnerability that makes compelling reading and pulls you in routing for him.
I loved the connection between these two men. Yes it was fast but it rang true with this story. The feelings between them the, hot sex, the connection, the respect made for a great relationship. I liked that the problems weren't fixed just like that as well. Even in the epilogue the problems were still apparent.
I received this book free for an honest review.
And can I just put my case across for Sam's book. And Aiden's book too. Actually put them together that would be a great book one I would be front of the queue for.
June 19, 2016
A Heart's Desire is the first book I have read by Kris Michaels and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The balance between suspense and romance along with the character interaction kept me immersed until the very end.
Serial Killer Stuart Miller has committed a brutal murder and escaped custody, his sole focus, former FBI Agent Liam Mercer!!
Mercer is his obsession and his only living victim, but this time one man is determined to stand in Miller’s way and stop him once and for all!!
FBI Special Agent Steele McKenzie
Will Miller fulfil his fantasy or will Agent McKenzie and his team bring an end to his carnage and when it is over who or what will be the cost?
Book generously provided by Troll River Publications in exchange for an honest review
Serial Killer Stuart Miller has committed a brutal murder and escaped custody, his sole focus, former FBI Agent Liam Mercer!!
Mercer is his obsession and his only living victim, but this time one man is determined to stand in Miller’s way and stop him once and for all!!
FBI Special Agent Steele McKenzie
Will Miller fulfil his fantasy or will Agent McKenzie and his team bring an end to his carnage and when it is over who or what will be the cost?
Book generously provided by Troll River Publications in exchange for an honest review
November 25, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: A Heart's Desire by Kris Michaels
This is a nice read. Narrated from the third person point of view of the two main characters the plot flows wonderfully. Characters come out of the page and become very real. The intimate scenes work very well. I suppose my only complaint is that the books get a bit soapy for my taste. I enjoyed the read and I recommend the book highly.
This is a nice read. Narrated from the third person point of view of the two main characters the plot flows wonderfully. Characters come out of the page and become very real. The intimate scenes work very well. I suppose my only complaint is that the books get a bit soapy for my taste. I enjoyed the read and I recommend the book highly.
June 4, 2016
Received a free copy for an honest review.
AMAZING! I cannot recommend this book enough. With the suspense, the connection between Steele and Liam, the super sexy hot scenes and how well this is written...I could not put this book down!
I really hope Kris Michaels releases more m/m books because they'll be an auto but for me :D
AMAZING! I cannot recommend this book enough. With the suspense, the connection between Steele and Liam, the super sexy hot scenes and how well this is written...I could not put this book down!
I really hope Kris Michaels releases more m/m books because they'll be an auto but for me :D
June 5, 2016
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book, it was a thrill ride start fiinish. I'm not usually one for psychological murder mysteries but I was hoop from the first paragraph. The characters Liam and Steele were awesome, their chemistry was spot on. The plot as I said is non stop until the end.
December 9, 2025
Liam and Steele
I really enjoyed this a lot. The suspense aspect was great, I especially liked the realistic nature of the investigation. The horror of what Liam went through was terrible. The progression of Liam and Steele's relationship was perfect. A great read.
I really enjoyed this a lot. The suspense aspect was great, I especially liked the realistic nature of the investigation. The horror of what Liam went through was terrible. The progression of Liam and Steele's relationship was perfect. A great read.
May 3, 2017
I loved this book, read it in one sitting. Could.Not.Put.It.Down. It's an insta-love but I'm ok with that, because the story is wonderful.
October 17, 2016
Too fast. Liam and Steele's relationship never put on the brakes. I didn't believe Liam would be so quick to jump into anything. I bought Steele's protectiveness, but not Liam.
June 11, 2017
This novel started off very good with a clear statement of direction: a serial murderer escapes and the FBI reopens case. One of the FBI agents, Liam Mercier, who was in the previous investigation of this case, had become a target of the serial killer. However, when the agency discovered Liam was gay, they 'hung him out to dry.' As a result, Liam is now on permanent disability because of PTSD and for the last 5 yrs has been living in a self-imposed fortress. In the reopened case, agent Steele MacKenzie is instructed to bring Liam out of retirement and to use Liam as the bait to catch the serial killer.
Steele persuades Liam to join the investigation, and in Liam's first steps into the investigation, the author paints a most believable portrait of a man in the depths of PTSD. For example, when Steele puts on a pair of latex gloves, Liam looses it because the smell of latex reminds Liam of the torture he suffered at the hands of the serial killer. This attention to detail which corroborated the Liam's PTSD was most excellent!
Steele quickly and correctly realizes that Liam is very fragile, and Steele realizes that to use him as bait would be like throwing 'Daniel to the lions.' Thus, Steele takes Liam to a safe house which is 'off the grid.' So far, terrific and believable story and character development.
But then, in the safe house, the story seems to go off course when we find Steele in bed with Liam...and yeah, the obvious happens. And more of the same antics follow. While I'm not a psychiatrist, it seems that reaching and helping a guy with PTSD would not be accomplished via a series of 'romps in the hay.'
The story gets back on track and finishes very strong with an excellent ending. I'd rate the ending of this novel as one of the best I've read!
My issue with this potentially riveting novel is the lack of character development in the safe house. The safe house setting seemed the opportune point to develop trust and intimacy between the 2 MCs...and, yes, a mutual attraction between the 2 men. This would have also a good place for the reader to learn more about the MCs, particularly Steele. We saw who Steele was professionally, but we didn't see much of Steele the man.
While this might have required lengthening the novel, other authors have done so and have been rewarded for not cutting corners. In sum, I'd give this potential block bluster 3.5 stars.
Steele persuades Liam to join the investigation, and in Liam's first steps into the investigation, the author paints a most believable portrait of a man in the depths of PTSD. For example, when Steele puts on a pair of latex gloves, Liam looses it because the smell of latex reminds Liam of the torture he suffered at the hands of the serial killer. This attention to detail which corroborated the Liam's PTSD was most excellent!
Steele quickly and correctly realizes that Liam is very fragile, and Steele realizes that to use him as bait would be like throwing 'Daniel to the lions.' Thus, Steele takes Liam to a safe house which is 'off the grid.' So far, terrific and believable story and character development.
But then, in the safe house, the story seems to go off course when we find Steele in bed with Liam...and yeah, the obvious happens. And more of the same antics follow. While I'm not a psychiatrist, it seems that reaching and helping a guy with PTSD would not be accomplished via a series of 'romps in the hay.'
The story gets back on track and finishes very strong with an excellent ending. I'd rate the ending of this novel as one of the best I've read!
My issue with this potentially riveting novel is the lack of character development in the safe house. The safe house setting seemed the opportune point to develop trust and intimacy between the 2 MCs...and, yes, a mutual attraction between the 2 men. This would have also a good place for the reader to learn more about the MCs, particularly Steele. We saw who Steele was professionally, but we didn't see much of Steele the man.
While this might have required lengthening the novel, other authors have done so and have been rewarded for not cutting corners. In sum, I'd give this potential block bluster 3.5 stars.
February 8, 2022
so addicting.
Loved this story. Read this following the cross over novel, backwater blessing for the kings guardian series. Loved getting coles background and more of him in this book as a supervisor after being promoted up in DC. Yay he married Logan and we got more lively time with Frankie. But this story was suck you in u til the end good. Steele was all alpha and all about getting the bad guy but not at the cost of doing it the right way. Loved that despite the brass and superiors trying to throw Liam to the wolves to catch the serial killer he refused to bend to their whim. Loved that. Liam. Wow he suffered immeasurably at the hands of a psycho. And also at the completed abandonment of his boss and team. All because of being gay his team turned their back on him and let him get abducted and then didn’t do all that was necessary to get him back before suffering 13 days of torture and unimaginable things. I wish there was more on that subject in the story. Like that Liam’s superiors get in trouble and the rest of his team in trouble for how horrible they were to Liam. Loved the steamy moments and all the connection you felt between Liam and Steele. He provided support and comfort to Liam when he was barely living. Loved the story. I wish we got Lucifer and sams story. And we get more from them. And then Aidens story.
Loved this story. Read this following the cross over novel, backwater blessing for the kings guardian series. Loved getting coles background and more of him in this book as a supervisor after being promoted up in DC. Yay he married Logan and we got more lively time with Frankie. But this story was suck you in u til the end good. Steele was all alpha and all about getting the bad guy but not at the cost of doing it the right way. Loved that despite the brass and superiors trying to throw Liam to the wolves to catch the serial killer he refused to bend to their whim. Loved that. Liam. Wow he suffered immeasurably at the hands of a psycho. And also at the completed abandonment of his boss and team. All because of being gay his team turned their back on him and let him get abducted and then didn’t do all that was necessary to get him back before suffering 13 days of torture and unimaginable things. I wish there was more on that subject in the story. Like that Liam’s superiors get in trouble and the rest of his team in trouble for how horrible they were to Liam. Loved the steamy moments and all the connection you felt between Liam and Steele. He provided support and comfort to Liam when he was barely living. Loved the story. I wish we got Lucifer and sams story. And we get more from them. And then Aidens story.
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