Damage Control: A Suspenseful Gay Second Chance Romance

by Kate McMurray

Senate candidate Parker Livingston chose his political dreams over a future with the man he loved. He lives with constant regret about not having Jackson Kane in his life. Or his bed. And when a strange woman is found murdered in Parker’s apartment, Jackson is the only person Parker trusts to help clear his name.Jackson never forgave Parker for the way their relationship ended. He moved on, built a name for himself as a criminal defense attorney and swore he’d never let heartbreak back in. But when Parker shows up on his doorstep, wild-eyed and handsome and desperate for his help, Jackson can’t say no. Parker is a lot of things, but he’s no murderer.Forced back together, searching for answers, their attraction returns with a vengeance. Any distraction—personal or professional—could be deadly. The murderer is still at large, and he’s made it clear one of them is his next victim.This book is approximately 74,000 wordsOne-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!Carina Press acknowledges the editorial services of Alissa Davis

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Politics, Second Chance, Mystery, Romantic Suspense

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2018

About the author

Kate McMurray writes smart romantic fiction. She likes creating stories that are brainy, funny, and of course sexy, with regular guy characters and urban sensibilities. She advocates for romance stories by and for everyone. When she’s not writing, she edits textbooks, watches baseball, plays violin, crafts things out of yarn, and wears a lot of cute dresses. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with a bossy cat and too many books.

Reviews

[~Mindy Lynn~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

I went in blind with this book and requested it by the cover and title alone. I know! I need to stop doing that. I also need to follow through on stopping. LOL But I don't regret getting this one. I really enjoyed the majority of the book. The romance really worked for me. The mystery, not so much.
Parker and Jackson haven't been together for five years after Parker decided his political career was more important to proceed than his 8 year relationship he had with Jackson. These men met in college and fell into a deep love. The break-up has not been kind to either man. Both have been quite lonely. Neither have been celibate since the breakup, but neither have found an ounce of what they had with one another in anyone else. When Parker shows up in Jackson's office asking for his assistance in proving his innocence of a murder that took place in his home the tension between the two is thick. All the hurt from the past comes back to the surface for Jackson and for Parker. Parker takes full blame for the way it all ended and know he's a complete fault. Jackson takes on the case but struggles with his feelings; struggles with if he can work past his hurt and anger to help Parker. The more time these men spend together the more you can tell how much their past has hurt them both and how much they still love each other. Slowly Jackson lets down his walls and the men start to allow themselves to fall back in love again. The chemistry between these men was strong. I liked them together and enjoyed reading their more intimate moments.
The mystery was a bit of a second thought in this one and in the end fell flat for me. I wished the mystery balanced out with the romance and that the mystery had a more interesting concept.
The writing and story telling was good. I would definitely pick up another book by this author.

Happy reading dolls! xx

**I RECIEVED AN ARC FROM NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.**

[Dumbledore11214 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Senate candidate Parker Livingston chose his political dreams over a future with the man he loved. He lives with constant regret about not having Jackson Kane in his life. Or his bed. And when a strange woman is found murdered in Parker’s apartment, Jackson is the only person Parker trusts to help clear his name.

Jackson never forgave Parker for the way their relationship ended. He moved on, built a name for himself as a criminal defense attorney and swore he’d never let heartbreak back in. But when Parker shows up on his doorstep, wild-eyed and handsome and desperate for his help, Jackson can’t say no. Parker is a lot of things, but he’s no murderer.

Forced back together, searching for answers, their attraction returns with a vengeance. Any distraction—personal or professional—could be deadly. The murderer is still at large, and he’s made it clear one of them is his next victim.

This book is approximately 74,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Review summary.

Dear hot shot defense attorney,

Accepting the case of your ex for whom you clearly have a major feelings despite the fact that he left you five years ago is an idiotic idea. Sleeping with him while handling his case is even *more* idiotic idea.

No love at all,

Sirius.

PS: If attorney with no ethics does not bother you as a character otherwise it was a well written and fun suspense story. I just tried so very hard to understand, to figure out how I am supposed to respect the character who is fully aware that he is doing wrong, that he can be disbarred, but hey - TRUE LURVE.

Yes I am making fun of true love in this context, because I just don't understand how all his other dreams and achievements suddenly don't matter. One of the best defense firms in the city? But he needs a license to continue practicing law right? Make him struggle, make him be truly conflicted, make him suffer consequence, truly choose his guy over his work. Yes, I know I am imagining the story that was not on page because this dolt suffers *zero* consequences , but I don't really care much.

"Jackson held up a finger. “We said there would be boundaries. This is a professional relationship. I can’t have a sexual relationship with a client. That’s right at the top of the list of ethical violations. It’s the kind of conflict of interest that could get me disbarred. We had whole classes about this kind of shit in law school.” He shook his head. “It’s hard enough for me to think straight on this case. I won’t further compromise myself by getting involved with you in that way. I’ve worked too hard to make my reputation what it is. If anyone found out about this, that would be it. I’m done. But even if that weren’t the case, nothing can happen here because nothing has changed. You’re still running for Senate. There’s no future for us.”"


"He braced himself for Gavin to yell at him and prepared to fight back. Instead, Gavin looked at Jackson again and said, “Wait, so let me recap this situation. Your closeted ex-boyfriend, whom I’m guessing you hadn’t seen in a while, showed up and hired you to defend him against potential criminal charges in a murder investigation? And you just said yes?”"

"You need a new lawyer,” Jackson said. Park stepped back. “What?” “I can’t be your lawyer anymore. I’m... compromised.” Park’s brow knit together. “Are you the missish heroine in a Jane Austen novel?” “You know what I mean. You were already making it hard for me to think straight, but now that we’ve... crossed this line, it would be unethical for me to continue to represent you.” Park pressed his lips together and looked into the distance for a moment. He tilted his head. “But I don’t want another lawyer.”"


See, the fact that he knows and pays lips service to doing the right thing just made me even more annoyed. I wanted to enjoy the political angle in the story - because this was the first time in a long time I actually liked the political debate, but all I wanted to do is to smack Jackson hard.

[Aeren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Me molesta darle esta puntuación porque no está mal escrito, pero... No me han gustado ellos, no me ha gustado la subtrama de misterio y creo que hay muchas incorrecciones en torno a como desempeñan ellos sus trabajos, por último, debo decir que Park o Perk, no recuerdo bien, ha hecho que me sienta físicamente mal leyéndolo, es el retrato más verídico de un político que he leido: cobarde, ruin, interesado y egoísta. 😭

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 3 out of 5]

... I'm putting on my CrabbyPatty crabby kitty hat for this review, because while I like so darn many things about this title, there is one huge, major, massive, gigantic (okay, you get the idea) issue I have with the story. I hope this review provides a balanced view of the book, and I leave you to make your own determination.

Jackson and Parker met in college and were together for eight years - years where they deeply loved one another, went from inexperienced boys to men who knew how to draw the greatest pleasure and joy from one another, shared their home, friends and family and planned to share their lives together. Until Parker made a unilateral decision that changed everything and set them on their separate ways. They are brought back together when senatorial candidate Parker needs attorney Jackson's help in proving he is not a murderer.

Kate McMurray does a masterful job of showing the love and longing the men feels for one other and how they each struggle with the way their relationship ended. Jackson and Parker deeply love one another, and at times it's agonizing to see their separate lonely lives when they are so clearly meant to be together. And the reason they are apart? Parker decides that he wants to enter New York state politics .... as a Republican. Parker makes his decision - without consulting Jackson in any way - and overnight their eight-year relationship is over. Jackson asks how Parker can support a party that wants to deny gay rights, etc. but Parker refuses to answer, other than to state he wants to bring about change from the inside. I really struggled with Parker's decision throughout the book, especially since he shoves himself back in the closet, complete with a beard/girlfriend and going out of his way to be noncommittal about social issues. In addition, Parker's advisers act like no one is ever going to learn of this relationship, despite their social imprint (family, friends, perhaps Facebook?), and the various legal documents they signed together (leases, etc.) This seemed overly optimistic and unrealistic IMHO.

While the personal relationship between Parker and Jackson really works for me (and their chemistry is outrageous hot), the murder/mystery element of this story seems unrealistic and the villain cartoonish. In conclusion, I liked Parker and Jackson, but the mystery element did not work for me, and I could not get past Parker's decision. My rating is 3.25 stars, but if my "issues" about the book are not yours, I think "your results may vary!"

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the second chances trope and that was done really well here. Jackson and Parker were first loves and college sweethearts but as they get older Parker decides to go into politics and stay in the closet which breaks the two up.

It's now years later and they know of each other's successes. When a strange women shows up dead in Parker's apartment he seeks Jackson out to be his attorney. Even though they haven't talked in years Parker knows he can trust Jackson.

These is a ton of UST at the beginning of the story and when the guys finally give in to it, their chemistry burns up the pages. I thought the relationship aspect was really well done and I liked it a lot.

The mystery part was fine and overall I found it enjoyable. The only part of the story I had a hard time with was the political aspect. This was all my problem, not the book's. There is so much terribleness in US politics right now that I struggled to read the parts where they discussed their politics. I actually skimmed some parts cuz I just can't right now.....gag. (Although, I did laugh out loud when Jackson's friend said "You are. I can hear it in your voice. You're about to fuck a Republican. I'm so ashamed of you.")

Overall I really enjoyed this. I think my enjoyment of the relationship outweighed my dislike of the politics aspect. This was one of the better second chance stories I've read it awhile. It also seemed like it was setting up two of the characters for their own book down the road. ?? I hope so and I'll definitely read that should it come to pass.

**ARC provided by publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

[Samington · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot was incredibly stupid and I didn't like either of the MCs. They spent so much time having the same conversations, agonizing over what to do, and arguing with one another that the book turned into an endless slog through the world of ultra-wealthy white guys and their problems instead of a compelling mystery or effective romance.

Jackson, the "elite" lawyer, committed so many ethics violations he should have been disbarred yesterday, but it was Parker who I detested. He was a whiny coward with a tendency toward vicious self-interest. Everything was about him, about how he was making the right decisions for himself and he couldn't let go of his goals when he was so close. He kept yammering on about how Republicans had good ideas for the economy, but the book never went into detail about what those ideas were or how they would actually do good in the world except for a spiel about how single-payer healthcare was bad for the economy. Meanwhile, in practice he was perfectly willing to trample all over women, POC, disabled people, sick people, queer people, and poor people to keep his ~hard-earned cash to himself. This is Trump's America: Republican policies are ripping children from their parents, destroying healthcare and infrastructure, monetizing suffering, undermining civil rights, and sabotaging the future of the country. The happy ending in 2018 was a Republican senator winning the election? Fuck that. I think he's scum and his beliefs kill people.

Rant over. Anyway, beyond the law stuff, it just had a million shoddy details that made me feel it wasn't well-researched or well edited. Even stuff like one of the characters going to a Japanese ramen house and buying chow fun or a character threatening to sue the police for unlawful prosecution when nobody had actually been arrested. Also, did I mention the plot was boring? Because it was. The book dragged on foreverrrr.

[Sharle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is hot garbage and I honestly can't believe there aren't more reviewers calling it out. Maybe everyone else can separate their politics from their literature but as a queer person I don't feel like I could.

Parker is a gay white man who breaks up with his boyfriend of 8 years and goes back into the closet in order to run for office AS A REPUBLICAN, even though he "doesn't agree with them on social issues" because he "agrees with them on economic ones." This is honestly just another story of a rich white man who values his wealth more than other people's civil rights. Fuck off, 2018.

The sex is lacklustre and the plot is stupid. Save yourself a read.

[Kate McMurray]

I just wanted to give a heads up that Damage Control was printed with a statement at the end saying the sequel is due out in January, but Laws of Attraction Book 2 has been postponed for now. (Instead, my book coming out in January is a standalone unrelated to Damage Control, although there's a related easter egg in the new book.) I'll update this post when Book 2 is back on the schedule.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m waffling between 3.5 and 4 stars for this one

Damage Control is an interesting book. Right away I was pulled into this story. The characters and plot intrigued me, the pace was up-tempo, and the writing smooth and inviting. I loved the idea of a second chance romance between college sweethearts Parker and Jackson. The idea that Parker was closeted due to his political pursuits and affiliations made things all the more interesting, albeit frustrating to a certain degree. I had never read this author before, but I especially loved how well-developed the chemistry between Jack and Park was from the get go. This wasn’t one of those cases where you struggle to see that connection or the long-held residual feelings. There was a palpable draw between the men and it definitely made their romance believable and easy to root for. I also liked the mystery element to the story, at least at the beginning. Unfortunately, despite an excellent start, some of my excitement for Damage Control fizzled as the book continued.

There was so much good to Damage Control that it’s hard to tease out exactly when it became too much. While I appreciated the characters talking about their issues with the past and present and acknowledging how they could move forward, the rehashing got repetitive real quick and I just wanted to see Park and Jack move forward. Eventually that did happen, but the multiple takes on the same conversation considerably slowed the pace in the middle of the book. I also was a bit disappointed in the mystery subplot. There was a lot of build-up and the ending was fairly intense, but it just wasn’t what I expected. It felt sensationalized or overblown, and in comparison to the second-chance romance, it didn’t measure up. And finally, I struggled a bit with Parker. His decision to leave Jackson was always a bit convenient to me. The fact that he was able to keep a long-term relationship that was pretty well in the open out of the public eye was far-fetched. It may have been back in college and maybe I’ve seen too many smear campaigns play out in real life, but I just didn’t wholly buy it.

Overall, Damage Control was a book that drew me in quickly and completely. Even when I didn’t fully jive with the characters, I was rooting for them and was invested in their story. I think if you’re a fan of second-chance romances and the political aspects of Damage Control catch your interest, this is certainly a title worth picking up. As far as I understand this is the first in a series, and I definitely plan to stick around to see what and who is up next.

*eARC received via Netgalley. The publisher and author had no influence over this review*

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

For some reason, I had a hell of a time keeping Park/Parker and Jack/Jackson straight. I spent the first few chapters constantly reminding myself Jack is the lawyer and Parker is the politician (I even had to correct a few typos in my synopsis!). I think part of the cause is how loosely defined the main characters felt at first. As the story progresses, I felt like we got an in-depth look at Parker. He was most interesting when he was trying to explain how an out and proud gay man would reasonably (for him, maybe) choose to go back in the closet and become a Republican for…subterfuge? As I understand it, Parker represents a “socially liberal-ish, fiscally conservative” stance. The politics get hashed out on page, but mostly in ways that highlight where Jack and Park don’t agree. Rather than being a drag or a soapbox, however, these scenes really help differentiate Jack’s and Park’s world view. Their differing opinions on social issues, however, were/are not directly a source of strife between them. Rather, it was Parker’s unilateral decision to sever all ties with his boyfriend of eight years that broke them apart. For all that this concept gets bandied about, there really isn’t any in depth on-page detail about how their relationship ended.

Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.

[Claude · Rating 3 out of 5]

Euhhhh i found this annoying ^^ I was hoping for so much anger in this. I mean Park deserved it for these lost years! They came back together too easily for me. I wanted to see a fight! Something. I just don’t understand how they did to live apart for all those years 🙄 one second in the same room=> Re-start. The mystery was...bof bof. All that for this ? Really. Bref it wasn’t my favorite^^

[Alex (HEABookNerd)]

DNF @ 40%

Sadly this one just didn't work for me. I was losing interest fast as I read up to the half way point and then I had to put it down and read something else. That was almost 3 weeks ago and I still have no interest in picking it back up, so I have to move on.

In terms of writing and story, I didn't really have problems but I did struggle to connect with the characters and the events they were going through. I can't point to a single thing that caused this so it's probably just me. There's a lot of politics in this one and that's not a personal interest of mine, however if that is your cup of tea, then you'll like it. My only real complaint is over how naive Parker is being regarding his history with Jackson. Parker and Jackson broke up 5 years ago from what doesn't appear to be a secret relationship. They mention going to parties together, spending time with college friends, Parker is out to his family, and he and Jackson even lived together while they dated and that includes having both names on the lease. I just don't see how Parker expects to keep his sexuality a secret while he runs for Senator. And considering politics is the whole basis on which they originally broke up it didn't seem like a strong enough leg to stand on.

ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review

[Qin · Rating 3 out of 5]

To cut right at the core of this sleekly written and very well proof-read book, it was a satisfactory romance messily wrapped up in inadequate, token-smelling political and murder intrigue. Parker and Jackson are not exciting characters, due to the wide chasm between their stated profession and psychological portrayal and the actual depiction of their behavior throughout the story. For an assistant District Attorney who reinvented himself as a financial lawyer, a career trajectory quite unbelievable in itself which becomes preposterous as soon as one is reminded that the hero is only thirty-three, Jack not only fails to do any sleuthing between these covers (so much so that Park's often-repeated rationale to hire him qua his savior as soon as the would-be Senator is in hot waters boils down to nothing more than a plot convenience); Jack projects precious little competence as a hot-shot barrister in the same fashion as his university pal turned business partner Reed. Park, on the other hand, is supposed to be the golden scion of a billionaire NYC dynasty and the hugely successful inventor of a business applet (on whose details the book remains mum) whose love for conservative politics applied to economy coupled with progressive ideas on social matters induced to seek elective mandates; too bad we never get to see the tech guru or business wiz in him, given all he does throughout the book is rehash to death both his political aspirations, making him very hypocritical for wanting to have his cake and eat it, and his feelings for Jack (something he, fortunately, does to a far less invasive extent than Jack), while for all the remainder being content with letting his team propel him forward. Boy do the two leads talk in circles... Jack in particular is stubborn to a fault and tempts the reader into pulling repeatedly at their hair in utter frustration. The fact that Jack is tall, dark, intense while Park is the golden-haired, blue-eyed, quintessentially all-American stud, underscores the clichéd quality of the romance. If the secondary cast is drawn in more colorful fashion than the protagonists, especially Gavin, the hot detective in charge of the investigation, and Martha, Park's campaign manager slash confidente, the breezy way the sleuthing is done voids them of most of their substance instead of making them shine. I expected something rather less bland and hackneyed, especially with respect to the perp's agency in killing the girl in Park's apartment, yet unfortunately the killer is a mere cipher who gets unmasked through his own stupid recklessness. The same thing obtains for the political and electoral matters, both of which are touched extremely cursorily and in almost detached fashion. Finally, at least one glaring contradiction had me drop off a second star (it is strongly hinted at the beginning, in Jack's POV, that he misses being on bottom with Park, yet as soon as those two have anal sex, Park turns out to be exclusively passive).

[Caz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've given this a C- at AAR, so that's 2.5 stars.

Damage Control is the first book in the author’s Laws of Attraction series, and it opens when top defence attorney Jackson Kane is approached by senatorial candidate Parker Livingston to represent him when, as looks likely to happen, Livingston is arrested for the murder of a woman found dead in his apartment.  The book is a reasonably well written and engaging tale, but there were a number of issues that kept pulling me out of the story, and there were times when the suspension of disbelief required was just too large for comfort.

Jackson and Parker – Park – have history.  They met at college, aged nineteen, and were each other’s first everything; they stayed together for eight years until Park’s political ambitions (and daddy issues) forced them apart.  Eight years later, Park is running for the senate… as a Republican.  Okay – I’m British, so it’s entirely possible that some of the finer political points in the story passed me by, but basically, Park is a left-of-centre Republican who espouses many of the party’s conservative economic tenets while also believing it has gone off the rails and that change can only be effected from within.  But the party and voters will never accept a gay republican, so he’s firmly closeted.  Even though it’s a matter of record – and it comes up a few times – that Park and Jackson shared a couple of addresses over the years, we're asked to believe that nobody, at any time during the vetting process put two and two together and made four? They were together as a couple for EIGHT YEARS.  They didn’t ever have friends round for dinner?  They never went out as a couple?  Setting aside the fact I have a hard time believing that ANYONE would want to identify as a Republican these days, surely someone running for high political office would have been thoroughly investigated?

Anyway.  It seems the murdered woman was a socialite whose father is a major donor to the party and Park’s campaign.  Fortunately, however, Park has a watertight alibi for the time of the murder, and once that is established,  the story turns its attention to trying to find out why the victim was at Park’s apartment in the first place? Did his political opponents lure her there with the intention of framing Park for murder?

Jackson takes the case – almost against his better judgement, which is the second big suspension of disbelief needed; he knows damn well that even though he and Park haven’t seen each other for five years, he’s treading on incredibly shaky ethical ground… but he does it anyway.  And on top of that, in spite of his insistence that he and Park maintain entirely professional boundaries, they have sex.  Which, obviously, can never happen again.  Except when it does.  And what makes it harder to accept is that Jackson does it knowing full well what the consequences will be if they’re caught.

“Jackson held up a finger. “We said there would be boundaries. This is a professional relationship. I can’t have a sexual relationship with a client. That’s right at the top of the list of ethical violations. It’s the kind of conflict of interest that could get me disbarred. We had whole classes about this kind of shit in law school.”

The gentleman doth protest too much, methinks.

I did like that Jackson was circumspect about getting back together with Park – and his concerns and hesitation feel natural – and I was pleased that Park at last got to understand just how much damage he’d done by breaking up with Jackson.  Even so, the fact that he made such a big decision decision without even consulting the guy he was living with and had supposedly been in love with for eight years made him seem extremely immature and selfish – and speaking of immature, Jackson and Park are thirty-three years old, which seems rather young for where they are in their lives. Jackson was a defence attorney for a while, but moved into financial law and has built up a highly successful practice, in just ten years?  And Park is running for the senate at that age?

The suspense plot is lukewarm at best, and the villain is a walking cliché who is identified because of the mistakes he makes rather than any super-duper sleuthing on the part of the police.  The secondary characters of Park’s campaign manager, Martha, and Jackson’s most recent ex-, detective Gavin Shaw, are engaging, but not given enough to do, and the two principals are fairly bland, too.  They talk in circles, rehashing the same things over and over, and although I quite liked Jackson, I never really warmed to Park.  They don’t have much chemistry and I didn’t feel an emotional connection between them; and although they do get their HEA, their political views are so diametrically opposed that it’s hard to imagine them making a life together.

I may pick up the next book in the series, because I’m intrigued by the hints dropped that there’s something bubbling between Gavin Shaw and Jackson’s straight, married business partner, Reed, who may just not be quite as straight and married as we’re led to believe.

I really wanted to like Damage Control, but it’s not successful in terms of either the romance or the suspense plots, and I can’t, in all honesty, recommend it.

 

[Tina J · Rating 5 out of 5]

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FIVE-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Greyscale composition with accents in my favorite blue. Both men are smartly and sharply dressed in suits. Synopsis pulled me in and intrigued me. This will be the first time reading this author. Can't wait to give her a try!

> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third person

Former college sweethearts and eight-year lovers reunite after five years apart when now-politician Park returns home from a fundraiser to discover his apartment is a crime scene. Not trusting anyone other than one of New York's most successful lawyers, he turns to his ex, Jack, for representation.


"I think sometimes that it's like there are rubber bands connecting our hearts, and the farther we pull away from each other, the harder we snap back."

It's rare for me to find a book that I just want to devour whole, to the point of reading through the onset of a migraine. This was a fantastic story with strong and sexy lead men. Their chemistry was magnetic. Dialogue was smart and the interactions were believable. I was hooked from beginning to end and loved every page in between. It had a fluid grace with loads of dynamic energy and intrigue! Naturally, this story was one giant conflict but it all unfolded beautifully and was resolved naturally. Predictability was quite low. The conclusion was not as solid as I would have liked, only implying they'd have their HEA but with the mention of another book in this series, I'm hoping we'll be allowed to follow them in the background of whomever is given the next book... (Gavin, maybe? Gavin and Reed? I'd LOVE that!)
Overall, despite the lack of satisfying ending, I absolutely loved this author's way of writing a book. The content, characters, and writing style were wonderful and I truly enjoyed the book.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.575 ~ Stars: 5

==========================

⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant surprise - I found it on Netgalley in the general romance section rather in m/m, so despite the description I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed it.

When Jackson, a successful lawyer, learns senate candidate Parker Livingston is suspected of having murdered a young woman in his appartment, his first thought is that Parker is innocent. Because Jackson once knew Parker better than anyone - and when Parker comes to him to ask for his help with the case, Jackson agrees, even though he knows it's a mistake, considering he and Parker used to be lovers. And so they not only have to figure out what happened and prove Parker's innocence - they also have to deal with the fact that they both still have feelings for each other - but with Parker running for senate as a Republican, and Jackson unwilling to go back into the closet, can there be a future for them?

There was a lot about this that I loved - so much so that I was a lot more forgiving when it came to the things I didn't love than I usually am. I'm in the mood for lists, so here are the pluses and minuses:

+ Two very likable characters over thirty
+ getting back together is one of my favourite tropes (as long there is no cheating involved, and there very much isn't), and I loved the way they were unsure about each other yet knew each other at the same time
+ Parker's conflict was genuinely interesting and I liked the way his political position was presented (even though I don't agree with most of it)
+ Even though Gavin and Reed were a bit clumsily being set up for the next book, I suppose, I really liked the supporting characters. Especially Martha.


Stuff I didn't like as much or feel mostly neutral about:

- the showdown was extremely unrealistic and felt 100% set up. The characters act in ways no one would only in order to create the kind of situation that is needed. That was the single most frustrating thing for me
-I think the murder mystery had a bit more potential - there was very little question as to what the police was going to do, and whenever the focus was on that part of the plot it always fell a little flat for me. Then again, it was neither a thriller nor a mystery, so I probably shouldn't complain. But it felt like lost potential.
- While I liked the way Jack and Park reconnected, the bed scenes weren't very memorable. Then again, those kinds of scenes aren't a priority for me.
- The writing was a bit clunky at times - not horribly so, but some bits of exposition could have been smoother, and the one scene in the appartment with the box (keeping it vague because of spoilers) was a bit over the top and unnecessary.
- For about 2/3 of the book, they keep having the same conversation over and over again. I actually didn't mind that that much - it felt realistic, in a way. But I could see it being annoying for some
- Because of the subject matter, there is a lot of talk about politics. Considering the state of the world, this may not be something everybody wants to read about. As I mentioned above, I found Parker's position interesting, and overall he is the kind of conservative politician I could live with. I appreciated the matter-of-fact tone in his and his opponent's campaign, but sadly I don't know how realistic it is.. then again, that is what fiction is for.

I've read other books with similar problems that I liked a lot less - there was something about Parker and Jackson that really struck a nerve somehow. I do think it's a good book either way, if you're interested in stories involving politians and lawyers. It could have been a great book with a bit more subtlety and a better showdown - but I had a lot of fun reading it either way, and would absolutely love to read another book in this story universe.

My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Senate candidate Parker Livingston chose his political dreams over a future with the man he loved. He lives with constant regret about not having Jackson Kane in his life. Or in his bed. And when a strange woman is found dead in Parker’s apartment, Jackson is the only person Parker trusts to help clear his name.

Jackson never forgave Parker for the way their relationship ended. He moved on, built a name for himself as a criminal defense attorney, and swore he’d never let heartbreak back in. But when Parker shows up on his doorstep, wild-eyed and handsome and desperate for his help, Jackson can’t say no. Parker is a lot of things, but he’s no murderer.

I absolutely loved the characters in this story. Each was well-developed and their personality was spot-on with their role in life, up to and including Parker’s campaign manager, Martha. Neither Jackson nor Parker is a yes man to the other. They disagree on politics and the economy and aren’t afraid to debate their ideas, opinions, and experiences. I wanted to dislike Parker because he basically just walked out on Jackson after they’d lived together for a few years, but because of the author’s time and patience in developing his personality and making him a living example of his political ideals, I was able to see why he left. Jackson was strong and yet the wounded one in their initial relationship—always thinking of the best ethical next step and questioning his moral judgment—a very likable character.

The host of secondary characters were also important to the plot and the underlying mystery and suspense added to the drama that culminated in the crisis in the latter portion of the story. The resolution for the question of whether or not Parker would come out and put Jackson ahead of his campaign was not one that was easily guessed by this reader. Without giving spoilers, suffice it to say that mystery was kept tight-lipped to the end.

I also appreciated the author’s depth of knowledge, and the obvious research she did, on economic topics and the political aspects of both parties—those that are more conservative and those that are more liberal. Health care, the economy, law—all were well-structured and supported in the story. In other words, it was evident the author took time to get facts and didn’t just enclose the MCs in a bubble that focused only on the couple themselves. The romance was there and the sex scenes were hot, but it was expertly woven in to a politically astute and dramatically intriguing story.

Very highly recommended.

A copy of the ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Roberta Blablanski · Rating 2 out of 5]

It could be I picked the wrong time to read this one, given the current political climate. I didn't care for Park, a gay Republican politician. There's a lot of spewing of Park's platform and the change he wants to effect from within the GOP. Unfortunately, all that elephant talk left a sour taste in my mouth. Pair that with Park's political aspirations being the reason he dumped Jackson years ago, and the story lost me.

I wasn't rooting for the MCs to get together. I liked Jackson somewhat but lost respect for him when he fell for Park again.

I also wasn't happy with the resolution of the main conflict. To me, it was all tied up in a too neat bow.

Again, all of these are my issues. Someone else might be able to look beyond my issues and enjoy this read.

[Skirmish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2018/07/01/...
Rating: 3.5 Stars - that place between like and love

[Cee Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

¸.•´¸★*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.★¨*.¸¸.•`★¤Politics and Love.¤★¨*.¸¸.*ˑ˞★

Was I so in love with this book that I could not live without it? Nope. But there was something that seemed to draw me to it when I saw the premise. I don't know if it was because I was familiar with Ms. McMurray's work, or the whole setting of political drama just sets me on edge when coupled with LGBTTQQIAAP (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, ally, pansexual) and I need to know that HEA can exsist in this forum. But I find myself gravitating toward it generally and always liking it. So yeah, I really liked this love story and congratulate the author on such a good tale.

The Gay Repubilican

That within itself is an oxymoron if ever there was one. But that was Parker. Rich, talented, businessman. Ready to step into politics even while costing him his life. Shoved farther in the closet, he lost not only himself, but the man he loved.

The hopeless romantic.

Defending the not so innocent has always been Jackson's job. Now here he was, confronted with the past while defending his future. With eight years behind them, Jack and Park should have been able to work together to clear Park's name when a murder hit to close to home. But with unresolved issues and chemistry sparking at every meet, there was no way they could escape unscathed.

Told with some flashbacks to fully understand their relationship, this fast paced story had a lot of action and come to Jesus moments. I dragged it out over days as I found myself edgy and uncertain. It was clear that surrounding all the push and pull, the real story WAS Jack and Park.

I enjoyed every secondary character who graced the pages, even Dee and Dum. But who stood out is Jack's ex, police officer Gavin and Jack's business partner Reed. Oh, from jump street I saw a story and despite the fact that Reed is both straight and married, there is that little voice whispering, IS anyone 100% straight?

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the publisher through Netgalley.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

I really enjoyed this book which combines a second chance romance with a political murder mystery. I loved the legal issues raised, and the twist which brought the criminal to justice.

Jack and Park spent eight years together until Park left as he wanted a republican political career - which would not happen with a boyfriend in the picture. So for the last five years he has been living a lie. When he needs a criminal lawyer though, it is Jack's office that he goes to first. As we learn more about these two me, my admiration for Jackson could only grow, and for Park, well maybe there wasn't a lot there in the first place!

As the murder case draws to a conclusion, the men have admitted how they, feel, but Jack will not be in a closeted relationship - so we know that there has to be a major change on Park's behalf. It is interesting being present as he weighs up his current career, against losing the man he loves for a second time. The fact that he has a significant financial cushion, and other businesses which could replace the senatorship didn't make me feel too sorry for him, but I did understand that he was ambitious and wanted to effect change from the inside. Let's just say I liked Jack's brand of honesty better!

An intriguing, chemistry laden story with plenty of mystery and legal issues of ethics thrown into the mix. I find Kate McMurray's writing style to be conducive to continual turning of the pages, so do make sure you have plenty of time when you start this book, as you will be sucked in and suddenly find you forgot dinner.

[Kristie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Damage Control was on okay read for me, but only just. To be perfectly honest, I was bored a lot of the time. Maybe not even so much bored, but this story had a hard time keeping my interest. I'm not suer if it was the political nature of the story, a gay republican running for office, or the second chance love that was wrapped up in it.

For the second chance love, I had a difficult time really seeing the attraction. Partially because they both have very different political views. But also because any other things they had in common seemed to be few and far between. As for the mystery of the story, that was interesting until it was really clear who it was who murdered a woman in Parker's home.

Had Parker and Jackson had a connection I could feel, a story that maybe was shortened a bit and moved at a faster pace, I could have liked this more. I'm not saying I didn't like it, just that there was too much there that I didn't. I'm sure others will enjoy this a lot, it just didn't work for me.

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love mysteries and was excited to read this story. I should have paid more attention to the fact that it was political because that certainly affected my opinion. And it’s definitely only my opinion.

You have a gay man who has gone back in the closet to run as a Republican. For some reason he thinks that’s a good thing. That always turns out well in politics 🙄The hypocrisy of a gay man defending the Republican party while hiding he’s gay from that party. Save me from stupid. I skipped the political portions because I’d never like Park’s character otherwise.

The mystery was the reason I came for the book and it wasn’t enough to keep my annoyance at the politics of this story. I expected more from Jack and it’s always disappointing when an author claims a character is a terrific lawyer but then doesn’t make him one. If an author is going to write a character as professional, he needs to be so.

Rating: 3.5 stars

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when I'm reading a book and see all kinds of potential for another book because I think it's a stand alone, only to find out when I finish that it is going to continue as a series. :) Damage Control was the perfect start to the Laws of Attraction series.

Obviously, I really loved Damage Control. I loved Jackson from the start... Parker grew on me. I understood Jackson's reluctance to trust him. Nothing about how Parker handled their past was good. You're not supposed to treat people you love the way Parker treated Jackson. And then there was the way he broke up with him... let's just say he had a lot to make up for.

Jackson thought long and hard about whether or not to take Parker's case. Regardless of their past, he still cared for Parker and he didn't want to risk doing anything that might be considered unethical. He knew that Parker wasn't capable of murder though and he couldn't trust anyone else to prove his innocence.

On paper, these two were not a match made in heaven. They were on opposite ends of the political spectrum; one came from money, the other worked hard for his accomplishments - love doesn't adhere to those boundaries though and the one thing that they had in common was that they never got over each other.

This is the first book by Kate McMurray that's found it's way to my reading list, but it most definitely won't be my last. Especially since I can't wait to see what she has in store for readers next with Laws of Attraction.

I received Damage Control in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Lauren loves llamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I am conflicted over this book. This is such a sweet second-chances romance featuring two men who are both set on doing the right thing – if only they didn’t have completely opposite ideas of what that right thing was. While the relationship was great, there were some other parts that didn’t sit well with me. It’s told from the main couple’s alternating third-person POV, and is the first in a new series, though it works well as a standalone.

Jackson is a high-powered defense lawyer in NYC. Though he previously worked with criminal law, he now handles white-collar cases. So he’s even more surprised when Parker, his college sweetheart and first love, and a state politician now campaigning for the US Senate, shows up at his office, asking him for help when a murdered woman is discovered in his apartment. Seeing Park again is a shock, though he doesn’t refuse to take the case immediately – initially he tells himself he’s thinking of taking the case more out of a sense of curiosity for what actually happened than because of any remaining feelings for him.

“Funny story,” said Jackson. “Parker Livingston is gay. Guess how I know that.”

Park is running for US senator – as a Republican. His campaign platform is described as the GOP “fifteen years ago—minus the homophobia and racism and sexism[.]” He’s completely closeted, of course, and he’s torn between trying to rekindle things with Jack (who he never quite got over) and being able to make a real change as a national lawmaker. This scandal might put an end to his political career for good, even if he’s proven innocent, and an affair with his lawyer would be almost as bad. Jack is out and proud – he hosts parties for LGBT lawyers, for goodness sake – and he has no wish to be Park’s dirty secret, so he knows that they have no chance. The more time they spend together, however, the harder it is to remember their reasons for staying apart.

"They’d always grounded each other, whether it was Jackson keeping Park from flying too high into fancy or Park helping Jackson hang on to his sanity when his job threatened to take it away."

I absolutely loved Jack and Park’s relationship. It was by turns sweet and angsty, and I really felt the chemistry between them. They were, basically, each other’s first loves, until Park ended their relationship, and the abrupt breakup hurt them both badly. It’s been too long for them to still be in love with each other, but there’s something still there, enough that Jack is reluctant to take the case because he fears he can’t be objective. I loved how they had this eight-year relationship – basically from college to settling into their adult lives – that they basically grew into men together, and that any of their relationships since have been compared to that first one. I think their history was worked in well, and it really added a lot of depth to their relationship in the book.

“You lie every goddamn day. You leave your apartment and you go to work and you…you pretend that this essential part of who you are just doesn’t exist. You lie when you let people believe you’re just a bachelor who hasn’t found the right woman yet. And I find myself wondering what else you lied about or if you can even sort out the truth from the lies anymore.”

There were two main things that I didn’t like. First off, I had a hard time suspending disbelief over the fact that, despite an eight year relationship with Jack, Park managed to keep the fact he was gay completely out of the public eye through two political campaigns. In today’s digital age, I just couldn’t believe that no one would’ve dug up dirt from one of their college classmates or anything like that. The second is that Park is a Republican. While part of his platform is specifically not campaigning on social issues, he’s done this more by keeping mum on those issues and not rocking the boat, even refusing to speak for a group for gay Republicans out of fear. And, I get it, I know that there are good people who are Republicans, but with all that’s going on with the Supreme Court case basically legalizing discrimination, families being ripped apart and innocent children being used as political bargaining chips, it left a sour taste in my mouth. I’m not going to hold this against the book – I’m sure the author had the best intentions while writing this – but it did dim my enjoyment of the book.

Overall, despite those issues, I enjoyed reading the book, and I’ll be looking for the next book in the series. If you like angsty second-chance romances with a side of political whodunnit, you’ll like this book!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars--

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 18, 2018


Senate candidate Parker Livingston chose his political dreams over a future with the man he loved. He lives with constant regret about not having Jackson Kane in his life. Or his bed. And when a strange woman is found murdered in Parker’s apartment, Jackson is the only person Parker trusts to help clear his name.

Jackson never forgave Parker for the way their relationship ended. He moved on, built a name for himself as a criminal defense attorney and swore he’d never let heartbreak back in. But when Parker shows up on his doorstep, wild-eyed and handsome and desperate for his help, Jackson can’t say no. Parker is a lot of things, but he’s no murderer.

Forced back together, searching for answers, their attraction returns with a vengeance. Any distraction—personal or professional—could be deadly. The murderer is still at large, and he’s made it clear one of them is his next victim.


••••••••••

REVIEW: DAMAGE CONTROL is the first instalment in Kate McMurray’s contemporary, adult LAWS OF ATTRACTIONS erotic, M/M romance series. This is attorneys Jackson Kane, and senate candidate Parker Livingston’s story line.

NOTE: DAMAGE CONTROL is a M/M romance story line and contains sexual situations that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jackson and Parker) DAMAGE CONTROL follows the rekindling romance between college sweethearts and attorneys Jackson Kane, and senate candidate Parker Livingston. A young woman was found murdered in Parker Livington’s apartment, and our hero is the prime suspect for all of the apparent reasons. Believing himself targeted for his run for the state Senate, Parker knows of only one attorney he can trust with his life, and his heart. Enter former lover and ex-boyfriend Jackson Kane. What ensues is the focus on the investigation into the woman’s murder, as Jackson and Parker struggle with their on-going attraction and unwavering love for one another.

Five years earlier Parker destroyed Jackson’s life when an opportunity to enter politics meant keeping secret their love and their affair. Eight years together as partner and lovers meant nothing when politics beckoned, and the potential fall-out of their relationship could have damaged Parker’s hopes of a seat in the Senate. Destroyed by the man he loved, Jackson walked away only to be pulled back into the life he had pushed out of his mind.

The relationship between Jackson and Parker is one of broken hearts, and desperate attempts to avoid the elephant in the room. Jackson isn’t willing to place his heart back into the line of fire knowing their attraction to one another continues to burn with the fiercest of needs. Well-to-do, Republican and gay, Parker’s desperate attempts to beg forgiveness is clouded by his race for the state Senate, a race that, once again, threatens the relationship with the man that he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Jackson’s law partner Michael Reed, as well as police detective Gavin Shaw. There may be an understated attraction between Reed and Shaw, an attraction that is hampered by Reed’s marital status to his wife Julie.

DAMAGE CONTROL is a story of regret, broken hearts, friendship, forgiveness and love. The premise is spicy, edgy and riveting but the main focus of the story line remained on the couple in question pushing the murder investigation into the background. The romance is one of second chances; provocative and dramatic; the characters are spirited, realistic and brilliant. Kate McMurray addresses the current wave of political divisiveness including the battle lines drawn for same sex relationships, health care and the faltering economy. DAMAGE CONTROL is an intelligent, passionate and reflective story line.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

[Sabrina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not enjoy this at all.

DNF @58%. I don’t even know who murdered the poor girl. If you know, do feel free to spoil me because the characters were so bad that I couldn’t even push to find that out.

As someone who has to remain in the closet for her own mental health (my parents and older brother are extremely homophobic + Christians so me coming out would mean the end of my already unstable mental health) I sort of understand Park BUT he’s a grown ass adult who can do whatever the hell he wants. He already owns a company and has more money than he knows what to do with it so he could come out as a proud gay CEO and nobody would give two shits BUT he wants to be a politician, a Republican one at that *shivers* so of course he has to remain in the closet and end the 8 year long relationship he had with dumb ass lawyer Jackson or whatever. Asshole and coward. Also way too proud of himself if he thinks him and him alone can change a political party that has had the same ideas for ages. Slow down there, buddy. To sweeten things, the way he casually brushed aside the fact that a woman, A HUMAN BEING, was murdered in his apartment because “this will lower my polls” “my career as a politician has ended” “all my dreams uwu” fuck you. Fuck you so much. He is just another white, male, republican politician who cares more about the numbers than the people. That’s not even mentioning the people affected by the policies he actively endorses nor what his party endorses. He is shit is what I am trying to say.

Now Jackson.....Jackson is the shittiest, crappiest lawyer I have ever seen or read about. I can’t believe his law firm is, apparently, the best in the country or something like that. The SECOND he noticed he was compromised (which he himself knew and noticed right away) he should have removed himself from the case and handed it to the other lawyer instead. I mean, omfg I am furious. This could have compromised THE ENTIRE CASE towards the man he apparently loves so much. I mean...I don’t know what to say but how much of a moron is he?. Also I think he forgave Park way too fast. You just don’t throw an 8 year old relationship, not talk to me for YEARS after and then come back crawling and expect me to fall in bed with you so easily (which is what they both did lmao). He has no ethics as a lawyer, no self respect nor love for himself (All Park had to do was corner him and sweet talk him and Jackson opened his legs faster than I open my mouth at a buffet). If they ended up together idk how this is going to work. They are so different its just not bound to last.

I have so many negative feelings about this. It doesn’t matter how amazing this story could have been, if the MC’s are both idiots, it destroys the rest of the story.

[Qhuay · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'AI ADORÉ ! Alors qu'on se le dise tout de suite, ce livre est tout ce qu'il y a de plus ordinaire, une histoire classique, sans originalité folle mais dès que je l'ai commencé, je n'ai pas réussi à le lâcher.
Les avis sont extrêmement partagés sur ce livre entre ceux qui ont adoré et ceux qui n'ont pas du tout aimé lol
Il est question d'une histoire de 2ème chance. Jack et Park se rencontrent à la fac et c'est le coup de foudre. Ils vivent ensemble pendant 8 ans. Parc est business-man et rêve d'une carrière politique et Jack est avocat. Un jour, Park décide qu'il doit rompre avec Jack, sacrifier leur histoire pour ses ambitions politique. Donc sans un regard en arrière, il met fin à 8 ans d'amour et de bonheur.
5 ans après, Il revient voir Jack et lui demande d'être son avocat car on vient de découvrir le cadavre d'une femme dans son appartement.

Comme je le disais, c'est une histoire très classique mais qui m'a tenu en haleine. Je m'attendais à un avocat prétentieux et amer mais Jack est la bonté incarnée, je le voyais envoyer Park se faire voir, de le renvoyer et refuser même de lui parler mais il finit par l'aider car malgré l'amertume, malgré la tristesse et la trahison, car malgré la blessure, il n'a jamais été capable d'oublier son premier et unique amour.

J'avoue que je n'ai pas eu beaucoup de sympathie pour Parker au début. Il avait sacrifié Jack pour la politique et je n'étais pas d'accord. Pour lui aussi, je m'attendais à un gars ambitieux froid avec des dents qui rayent le paquet mais encore une fois, on se fait avoir par un personnage très humain. Ambitieux certes mais très humain et qui ne fait pas de la politique pour la gloire. Bon, ses choix demeurent commandables mais compréhensibles.

Cette situation finit par les rapprocher et ils réalisent qu'ils n'ont jamais cessé de s'aimer. Parker se rend compte suite à certaines événements que peut-être qu'il avait pensé toute sa vie d'un mauvais ongle. Leurs retrouvailles sont doux et mignons. Un peu trop doux même. Mais si on a plaisir de les voir réunis de nouveau.

L'enquête n'est pas d'un suspens fou, mais ça reste assez intriguant pour laisser le focus sur l'histoire d'amour tout en la servant.

Je me souviens avoir lu Kate McMurray avant mais ça ne m'a pas laissé un souvenir impérissable mais celui là, je l'ai vraiment adoré et j'aime encore plus car je suis tombée dessus complètement par hasard.

Au final, malgré quelques faiblesses, j'ai passé un excellent moment et j'ai adoré ma lecture. Et j'attends avec impatience le tome 2

[Christi Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:
This was a new-to-me author and the first book in a series and I'm thrilled that I took a chance on it because I loved this story. It was entertaining and riveting and I didn't hardly put the book down once I started reading it.

This is a second chance at love story. Parker and Jackson were exclusive for 8 years, but Parker dumped Jackson for his career. See, Parker has political aspirations that don't fit with him being gay. He's a republican.

*gasps heard round the m/m world*...I know, I know. Parker is sometimes a hard character to like. First of all, because he totally dumped Jackson for the wrong reasons, but also because of his politics. (Don't worry...Jackson doesn't necessarily agree with Parker's politics either.)

But love should ascend political beliefs, shouldn't it? It's a difficult call because a person's politics say a lot about who they truly are. But all that aside, for this review, I'm going to focus on the romantic relationship...

Because for these guys, neither one of them ever really got over their love for one another. They learned how to carry on, but once they get around one another again, those same emotions flare up.

So, what brings them together? Parker is running for Senate, but he's also the prime suspect in a murder. Jackson just happens to be the best defense lawyer Parker knows, so he turns to him for help and suddenly they're doing everything together again.

Like I said, I really liked this one...and I'm definitely looking forward to more. The author gave hints at who the next couple might be and I am so excited about the possibilities that story line might entail.

I definitely recommend this one in the meantime!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest and voluntary review.