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Thick as Thieves #1
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Blackmail turned Lane Becker into a thief at the age of fourteen.
After ten miserable years, he’s finally free. To make reparation for his crimes, Lane plans to steal back a priceless Metropolis poster and return it to its rightful owner. But to find it, he has to break into the home of Hayrick Letsen, the man who turned his life into a living nightmare. The last thing Lane expects to encounter is Letsen’s nosy but crazy-hot security guard.
Quincy Holt’s life has been ruined. He’s infamous in Oklahoma as a cop on the take, but what no one knows is that he was unofficially undercover, trying to get the goods on Letsen — the most wanted fence in the business. When that failed, he was left with no other option but to take a job as Letsen’s security guard.
Lane and Quincy are on the run from their mutual enemy while trying to right past wrongs. Neither expected a thief and a cop to have the kind of wild, off-the-charts chemistry that could very well end up breaking their hearts.
After ten miserable years, he’s finally free. To make reparation for his crimes, Lane plans to steal back a priceless Metropolis poster and return it to its rightful owner. But to find it, he has to break into the home of Hayrick Letsen, the man who turned his life into a living nightmare. The last thing Lane expects to encounter is Letsen’s nosy but crazy-hot security guard.
Quincy Holt’s life has been ruined. He’s infamous in Oklahoma as a cop on the take, but what no one knows is that he was unofficially undercover, trying to get the goods on Letsen — the most wanted fence in the business. When that failed, he was left with no other option but to take a job as Letsen’s security guard.
Lane and Quincy are on the run from their mutual enemy while trying to right past wrongs. Neither expected a thief and a cop to have the kind of wild, off-the-charts chemistry that could very well end up breaking their hearts.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2018
155 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Rinda Elliott
64 books427 followersI write urban fantasy, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Okay, and some space opera and post-apocalyptic menage as Dani Worth. I'm a lover of all kinds of romances! Some of mine (so far) are M/F, M/M/F and M/M.
Currently, I'm focusing on M/M romance because that's been my favorite for many years. I finally took the plunge in 2015 along with my good friend and co-writer, Jocelynn Drake. We are releasing long M/M romantic suspense right now (Unbreakable Bonds) and are already planning another series as well--possibly one that combines our love of MM romance with our love of urban fantasy.
I enjoy unusual stories and credit growing up in a family of curious life-lovers who moved all over the country. Books and movies full of fantasy, science fiction and romance kept us amused, especially in some of the stranger places.
I do get questions about the open series out. Beri O'Dell, Crux Survivors, The Kithran Regenesis and The Brothers Bernaux are unfortunately all on hold. That publisher is in the midst of closing so I don't know what will happen with them yet. Also, they weren't selling very well either, but I'm hoping I can self-publish the last of the stories in them at some point for the fantastic fans they do have. I'm sorry for the delay.
I’m represented by Miriam Kriss of the Irene Goodman Agency.
You can find me at http://rindaelliott.com, http://www.deadlinedames.com.
I also write erotic books as Dani Worth-http://www.daniworth.wordpress.com
And for more info on my co-authored M/M series with author, Jocelynn Drake, http://www.drakeandelliott.com
Currently, I'm focusing on M/M romance because that's been my favorite for many years. I finally took the plunge in 2015 along with my good friend and co-writer, Jocelynn Drake. We are releasing long M/M romantic suspense right now (Unbreakable Bonds) and are already planning another series as well--possibly one that combines our love of MM romance with our love of urban fantasy.
I enjoy unusual stories and credit growing up in a family of curious life-lovers who moved all over the country. Books and movies full of fantasy, science fiction and romance kept us amused, especially in some of the stranger places.
I do get questions about the open series out. Beri O'Dell, Crux Survivors, The Kithran Regenesis and The Brothers Bernaux are unfortunately all on hold. That publisher is in the midst of closing so I don't know what will happen with them yet. Also, they weren't selling very well either, but I'm hoping I can self-publish the last of the stories in them at some point for the fantastic fans they do have. I'm sorry for the delay.
I’m represented by Miriam Kriss of the Irene Goodman Agency.
You can find me at http://rindaelliott.com, http://www.deadlinedames.com.
I also write erotic books as Dani Worth-http://www.daniworth.wordpress.com
And for more info on my co-authored M/M series with author, Jocelynn Drake, http://www.drakeandelliott.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
January 4, 2019
This was not what I was expecting. I think maybe I was unfairly expecting something else, maybe?
I’ll get back to that in a minute because well, maybe that is not most impartial place to start.
So, we have a very young burglar and an ex-cop who are thrown together with the same sort of agenda who fall in love. This is another of those situations where I feel like it was more attraction and circumstance then actual relationship building foundation kind of love. I am all about the fall in a dangerous situation and the excitement that comes with that but I still need some talk, some common ground and I just didn’t feel like we learned all that much about what drew these two together beside the situation. And, well, at the end of the day the whole thing was kind of weird and unbelievable. I think maybe it was supposed to feel a bit like a caper but I think it missed its mark.
And now, back to the beginning. I think I had this preconceived notion about a new series with a “Family” of their own making from this Author, especially with a series name like Thick as Thieves, but it wasn’t the same. Kind of not even close. And because I expected it, when I wasn’t getting it, well, I needed to change my expectation a bit to fit the book better and it was hard.
It probably was not meant to be exactly the same I am certain, but I expected at least it to have the same feel, the same believability, and well, it didn’t. I just didn’t feel the connection or see the foundation I think I was supposed to in regards to these close, like family, guys.
I didn’t hate the book. I am interested. I think the new setting will be cook. I hope that they can pull of this whole Robin Hood thing I just don’t know if that is enough to cover a series but I guess we’ll see. This really does skirt the line of the law though…I’m not sure if they are now good or bad.
I’ll get back to that in a minute because well, maybe that is not most impartial place to start.
So, we have a very young burglar and an ex-cop who are thrown together with the same sort of agenda who fall in love. This is another of those situations where I feel like it was more attraction and circumstance then actual relationship building foundation kind of love. I am all about the fall in a dangerous situation and the excitement that comes with that but I still need some talk, some common ground and I just didn’t feel like we learned all that much about what drew these two together beside the situation. And, well, at the end of the day the whole thing was kind of weird and unbelievable. I think maybe it was supposed to feel a bit like a caper but I think it missed its mark.
And now, back to the beginning. I think I had this preconceived notion about a new series with a “Family” of their own making from this Author, especially with a series name like Thick as Thieves, but it wasn’t the same. Kind of not even close. And because I expected it, when I wasn’t getting it, well, I needed to change my expectation a bit to fit the book better and it was hard.
It probably was not meant to be exactly the same I am certain, but I expected at least it to have the same feel, the same believability, and well, it didn’t. I just didn’t feel the connection or see the foundation I think I was supposed to in regards to these close, like family, guys.
I didn’t hate the book. I am interested. I think the new setting will be cook. I hope that they can pull of this whole Robin Hood thing I just don’t know if that is enough to cover a series but I guess we’ll see. This really does skirt the line of the law though…I’m not sure if they are now good or bad.
November 1, 2018
Rinda Elliott's first venture into solo publishing in three years is a superbly paced romp through the suspense romance genre with two utterly compelling main characters who I fell in love with completely.
Lane is all fierce independence, determined to get out of the life he's been blackmailed into now that he has nothing holding him back from getting revenge of the man who has made his life a living Hell for a decade.
Quincy is everything I'd want in a cop - honest and true and hating the fact he lost his badge when he was forced to play dirty to try and out a corrupt senior officer.
Together they are dynamite and the chemistry is off the charts hot. I loved the whole opposites attract premise, the thief and the cop, both forced into close proximity because of their shared goal - to bring down an evil man.
It's not an overly long read and takes place over a relatively short space of time, but I absolutely believed that these two fell hard for each other within that timeframe and I loved the slow and steady burn through attraction into lust into genuine affection and the fall into love.
There's a great bunch of secondary characters and good set up for the rest of this series which now feels a lot like a modern day Adventures of Robin Hood as the so-called bad guys start to right wrongs.
Loved this, can't wait for more!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Lane is all fierce independence, determined to get out of the life he's been blackmailed into now that he has nothing holding him back from getting revenge of the man who has made his life a living Hell for a decade.
Quincy is everything I'd want in a cop - honest and true and hating the fact he lost his badge when he was forced to play dirty to try and out a corrupt senior officer.
Together they are dynamite and the chemistry is off the charts hot. I loved the whole opposites attract premise, the thief and the cop, both forced into close proximity because of their shared goal - to bring down an evil man.
It's not an overly long read and takes place over a relatively short space of time, but I absolutely believed that these two fell hard for each other within that timeframe and I loved the slow and steady burn through attraction into lust into genuine affection and the fall into love.
There's a great bunch of secondary characters and good set up for the rest of this series which now feels a lot like a modern day Adventures of Robin Hood as the so-called bad guys start to right wrongs.
Loved this, can't wait for more!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
November 11, 2018
3.5 stars!
Review to come...
~*~
So overall I liked this story and it was a fairly solid solo adventure from Rinda Elliot. Lane and Quincy for sure had chemistry.
But the plot didn't hold my interest too much. I felt that it happened really quickly and quite a bit felt glossed over. I guess we're supposed to feel bad about Quincy's friend's uncle but we never meet him, and I never quite felt Quincy's need to bring down his police chief because we only see him at the end. None of the drama that happened in Quincy's life or Lane's life is something we see and are only told about so it was hard to connect with that at times.
Also I was personally bummed we didn't get to know Lane's real name. I mean, at least Quincy should get to know. Why couldn't he know? I always feel like it's a sign of great intimacy and love if there's a character with a fake/new name and they tell their partner their real name. Like it's a sign they trust and love them.
I think there also could have been more of the secondary characters. We didn't get much with them, I felt like, and I have no idea who the next couple in the series will be so I don't feel like I have anything to be excited about/look forward to. I just wanted more.
But I did enjoy Lane and Quincy together, so ultimately I rounded up instead of down, and there were interesting parts throughout the book and the beginning was especially interesting to me. The climax was also interesting in how it went down and I like how it ended - even though I do feel that their relationship was a tad rushed. They fall for each other within about a week, a week and half. It's pretty quick.
But it didn't feel completely insta-lust-y and their connection felt pretty good to me, so I wasn't too bothered.
Overall, this was enjoyable, but it was lacking in places. I would have liked to have seen more from this, and so far this author is stronger with a co-author. Hopefully the next books in this series change my opinion on that.
Review to come...
~*~
So overall I liked this story and it was a fairly solid solo adventure from Rinda Elliot. Lane and Quincy for sure had chemistry.
But the plot didn't hold my interest too much. I felt that it happened really quickly and quite a bit felt glossed over. I guess we're supposed to feel bad about Quincy's friend's uncle but we never meet him, and I never quite felt Quincy's need to bring down his police chief because we only see him at the end. None of the drama that happened in Quincy's life or Lane's life is something we see and are only told about so it was hard to connect with that at times.
Also I was personally bummed we didn't get to know Lane's real name. I mean, at least Quincy should get to know. Why couldn't he know? I always feel like it's a sign of great intimacy and love if there's a character with a fake/new name and they tell their partner their real name. Like it's a sign they trust and love them.
I think there also could have been more of the secondary characters. We didn't get much with them, I felt like, and I have no idea who the next couple in the series will be so I don't feel like I have anything to be excited about/look forward to. I just wanted more.
But I did enjoy Lane and Quincy together, so ultimately I rounded up instead of down, and there were interesting parts throughout the book and the beginning was especially interesting to me. The climax was also interesting in how it went down and I like how it ended - even though I do feel that their relationship was a tad rushed. They fall for each other within about a week, a week and half. It's pretty quick.
But it didn't feel completely insta-lust-y and their connection felt pretty good to me, so I wasn't too bothered.
Overall, this was enjoyable, but it was lacking in places. I would have liked to have seen more from this, and so far this author is stronger with a co-author. Hopefully the next books in this series change my opinion on that.
April 22, 2019
I enjoyed this read ...an interesting storyline and one I can see will branch out with ex cops and young thieves forced into their jobs. I felt like this book was laying the foundation and the next will help the story evolve. I sense Gareth & Helix may connect as they start to return items and heal deep angst and emotional wounds. A good start but I need to see more
November 7, 2018
4.25 stars from me. Really enjoyed this one from Rinda, and it's her first solo effort in 3 years. A modern American version of Oliver Twist meets Robin Hood really [based on a US TV show called Leverage which I freely admit I've never seen]...steal from the rich to give back to the poor...or rather the people that originally owned the stolen items.
Hope it all works out for Lane and Quincy, and looking forward to the next one in the series.
Hope it all works out for Lane and Quincy, and looking forward to the next one in the series.
November 4, 2018
It's instalust. It's annoying, all their thoughts are about the other body (His lips, his mouth, his ass, his chest..) Give me human being who can think something other than sex. The story, the trouble they are in is interesting and could have been way more interesting if it wasn't for all the attraction they supposedly have for each other. I end up skimming most of the book. I guess I wanted to read about a connection between the guys that wasn't based on sex.
May 2, 2022
DNF at 36%
While the writing itself was generally unobjectionable, the way this story was playing out was just not working for me.
• First: instalust. I’m having a bad run of instalust at the moment apparently. Approximately every other paragraph is one of them lusting over and describing in excruciating detail the others body. Move on please! it is just so much. This does not substitute for real chemistry, or any kind of emotional connection.
• At times, the author pulled off some tense action scenes, with good suspense. At others…less so. In fact, the point I DNFd was one of those ruined scenes. What ruined it? Instalust!
The scene: they’re creeping up on a storage unit of suspicious files, where a hitman is removing said files…instead of a tense moment, danger, physical violence looming…they’re trading sexual innuendo and quips and rubbing against each other.
So basically, the plot that could have been interesting, is trampled by horny.
• There was one scene that made me angry: they hit on and make a random waiter wildly uncomfortable for laughs. teehee he’s young and gay and flustered lets make it worse for fun! the poor dude is working for like two dollars an hour, leave him alone
• A major pet peeve of mine is pop culture references in general, but this one in particular was extra bad. They reference a movie, not by name, saying something like “my drive for revenge is the same as Josie Wells”
first, ok edgelord
second, i get it, lots of revenge drive but that’s all i got. i googled Josie Wells - what returns is the death of a real person in 2022 (this book is from 2018 tbf). It turns out the actual 1976 movie being referenced is called The Outlaw Josey Wales. It’s not even spelled right! Jesus christ.
• The cover is like prime neckbeard pose ca. 2005
While the writing itself was generally unobjectionable, the way this story was playing out was just not working for me.
• First: instalust. I’m having a bad run of instalust at the moment apparently. Approximately every other paragraph is one of them lusting over and describing in excruciating detail the others body. Move on please! it is just so much. This does not substitute for real chemistry, or any kind of emotional connection.
• At times, the author pulled off some tense action scenes, with good suspense. At others…less so. In fact, the point I DNFd was one of those ruined scenes. What ruined it? Instalust!
The scene: they’re creeping up on a storage unit of suspicious files, where a hitman is removing said files…instead of a tense moment, danger, physical violence looming…they’re trading sexual innuendo and quips and rubbing against each other.
So basically, the plot that could have been interesting, is trampled by horny.
• There was one scene that made me angry: they hit on and make a random waiter wildly uncomfortable for laughs. teehee he’s young and gay and flustered lets make it worse for fun! the poor dude is working for like two dollars an hour, leave him alone
• A major pet peeve of mine is pop culture references in general, but this one in particular was extra bad. They reference a movie, not by name, saying something like “my drive for revenge is the same as Josie Wells”
first, ok edgelord
second, i get it, lots of revenge drive but that’s all i got. i googled Josie Wells - what returns is the death of a real person in 2022 (this book is from 2018 tbf). It turns out the actual 1976 movie being referenced is called The Outlaw Josey Wales. It’s not even spelled right! Jesus christ.
• The cover is like prime neckbeard pose ca. 2005
November 18, 2018
I’m always excited to see a new series spring up from one of my go-to authors, so I didn’t hesitate to grab this one. Most of what I have read and love have come from her dynamic duo writing team, Ms. Elliott shows she can certainly hold her own with this solid series opener.
Lane and Quincy made for an interesting match up. Both are bound and determined to change their circumstances, right the wrongs done to them and make those responsible pay for their actions.
Lane is a fireball on a mission, determined to end the years of blackmail he has had to endure and get revenge on the man who has made his life hell for the past ten years. In the midst of reaching that end goal, he unexpectedly runs into Quincy, the wrongly accused ex-cop now undercover as the dirty ex-cop he was accused of being, all in an effort to take down the actual dirty cop and get his badge back. He certainly didn’t expect to run into someone like Lane, and although he knew Hayrick (crazy name that drove me a little nuts) was a bad man, quickly learned it was far worse than he thought.
Lane and Quincy are sort of forced to team up to accomplish their respective goals. While they had different reasons, the end result would be the same – the bad man would get what was coming to him, and they would hopefully be able to live their lives without constantly looking over their shoulders. They fall for each other pretty quickly, but they had great chemistry. Dare I say there may have been a bit too much sex that I admit I may have skimmed over a bit. But there was enough other interesting tidbits to pull me back and keep me wanting to know more. There are definitely a few side characters that could use some more page time, and I’m looking forward to seeing this story play out.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
February 13, 2019
This story was a bit far fetched, but it was still fun and intriguing and a lot sexy. I need more Helix in my life though.
November 27, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
This book wasn’t quite what I thought it was going to be, or quite what I wanted it to be. This is the first solo book I have read from Rinda Elliott and being that she tries to set up a found family of cops looking to right all the wrongs, it was hard not to expect some level of the found family feel of her co-written series, and that didn’t happen here at all.
So much was just off for me from the start and when the basic framework of a story falters, it is difficult to recover from that during the course of the book. Lane was blackmailed as a child by Hayrick, who heads up a large underground fencing operation with million-dollar deals. The whole set-up with Lane was a bit flimsy. He’s blackmailed as a teen and then becomes a pro thief and never gets caught. It was a far stretch with not a lot of connecting details to support it. We are never shown any of his interactions with Hayrick and all we had was Lane saying how dangerous and scary Hayrick was, but there wasn’t much to back it up. Quincy was fired from the police force along with some close friends. He was unofficially undercover and of course the chief of police is dirty, so Quincy took the fall, but his story was also not as clear to piece together.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3 stars
This book wasn’t quite what I thought it was going to be, or quite what I wanted it to be. This is the first solo book I have read from Rinda Elliott and being that she tries to set up a found family of cops looking to right all the wrongs, it was hard not to expect some level of the found family feel of her co-written series, and that didn’t happen here at all.
So much was just off for me from the start and when the basic framework of a story falters, it is difficult to recover from that during the course of the book. Lane was blackmailed as a child by Hayrick, who heads up a large underground fencing operation with million-dollar deals. The whole set-up with Lane was a bit flimsy. He’s blackmailed as a teen and then becomes a pro thief and never gets caught. It was a far stretch with not a lot of connecting details to support it. We are never shown any of his interactions with Hayrick and all we had was Lane saying how dangerous and scary Hayrick was, but there wasn’t much to back it up. Quincy was fired from the police force along with some close friends. He was unofficially undercover and of course the chief of police is dirty, so Quincy took the fall, but his story was also not as clear to piece together.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
November 1, 2018
You’re sucked straight into this story, and from the off it’s got a really cool vibe and feel to it, almost like the Oceans movies; a slick story of detailed heists, blackmail and cons, revolving around a game of cat and mouse. There’s a lot happening here with a ton of detail revolving around the romance. Lane is a smooth operator; very clever and no-one’s dummy, which belies his young age. This young man lives on his smarts, albeit at the behest of a certain master criminal, Hayrick Letsen. Quincy Holt at thirty eight, is older than Lane; he’s been ‘round the block, spent time as an undercover cop, trying to get the goods on Hayrick until it all went to pot. He’s tough but he’s got a very tender side too.
Unbeknownst to Lane and Quincy; they’re both on the same side and here begins the rollercoaster of a journey for these two men; they’re both dancing around each other, testing each other out and very, very tentatively beginning to trust each other as certain factors come to light. I loved this part, there was a lot of give and take here by these guys, who were both scared of giving an inch at the start, which is no surprise given the environment they were both in; there’s millions at stake here, people’s lives on the line and reputations to claw back. All the while, there’s a slow burn happening here that’s delicious and so very, very hot!
This was such a great read and it held my concentration all the way through, it’s very smartly written with engaging, interesting and very likeable protagonists. You’ll need the popcorn at the ready as this is one hell of a ride! A superb start to the Thick as Thieves series and I can’t wait for more.
Unbeknownst to Lane and Quincy; they’re both on the same side and here begins the rollercoaster of a journey for these two men; they’re both dancing around each other, testing each other out and very, very tentatively beginning to trust each other as certain factors come to light. I loved this part, there was a lot of give and take here by these guys, who were both scared of giving an inch at the start, which is no surprise given the environment they were both in; there’s millions at stake here, people’s lives on the line and reputations to claw back. All the while, there’s a slow burn happening here that’s delicious and so very, very hot!
This was such a great read and it held my concentration all the way through, it’s very smartly written with engaging, interesting and very likeable protagonists. You’ll need the popcorn at the ready as this is one hell of a ride! A superb start to the Thick as Thieves series and I can’t wait for more.
March 4, 2019
I had this on my TBR for ages and could not bring myself to read it ... ask me why. but now, finally I read it and I am so happy I did.
I liked the story and the characters ... and can't wait to get my hands on the next book because I really, REALLY want to have Helix story
I liked the story and the characters ... and can't wait to get my hands on the next book because I really, REALLY want to have Helix story
August 25, 2019
4 stars.
January 15, 2019
A bit wacky, not very griping and pretty much all over the place, which I normally tend to love in romances but hell, I wasn’t in the bloody mood.
Good lord, I need a drink. My throat feels so dry.
Good lord, I need a drink. My throat feels so dry.
February 22, 2021
4.5 Stars Excellent cop & criminal story
I only know Rinda Elliott from co-authoring the Unbreakable series with Jocelynn Drake. This solo effort is equally enjoyable and I liked learning her personal style. I just loved Quincy and Lane as a couple and the fierce connection they forged so quickly. Just a little too quickly, nearly insta-love but I was able to completely buy into it, because of how their characters were shaped. This is pure entertainment with some action scenes, a little on the-run excitement and newly-fledged Robin Hoods.
There’s also the group of friends Quincy has, cops and former cops, so there’s help available. Lane has no one but he knows of others like himself. It’s not a complicated plot but it’s satisfying, with a nice mix of the revenge plot and the hot-n-heavy romance steaming up the pages. It’s not exactly uber-realistic but the author makes it plausible enough to believe in and enjoy the trajectory of the series story arc. I have a feeling Helix and Gareth might be the MC’s of the next book. I would recommend this first adventure in what seems to be the start of a good series.
I only know Rinda Elliott from co-authoring the Unbreakable series with Jocelynn Drake. This solo effort is equally enjoyable and I liked learning her personal style. I just loved Quincy and Lane as a couple and the fierce connection they forged so quickly. Just a little too quickly, nearly insta-love but I was able to completely buy into it, because of how their characters were shaped. This is pure entertainment with some action scenes, a little on the-run excitement and newly-fledged Robin Hoods.
There’s also the group of friends Quincy has, cops and former cops, so there’s help available. Lane has no one but he knows of others like himself. It’s not a complicated plot but it’s satisfying, with a nice mix of the revenge plot and the hot-n-heavy romance steaming up the pages. It’s not exactly uber-realistic but the author makes it plausible enough to believe in and enjoy the trajectory of the series story arc. I have a feeling Helix and Gareth might be the MC’s of the next book. I would recommend this first adventure in what seems to be the start of a good series.
January 6, 2019
Over the past few years, I've very much enjoyed Rinda Elliott's collaborations with Jocelynn Drake in form of the Unbreakable Bonds and Ward Security series, but had never actually read one of her solo works. I do love a good heist caper, so this latest solo venture of hers sounded too good not to check out. However, while it's a quick and fairly entertaining read, it didn't grab me as much as I hoped it would. I just didn't feel much of a connection to either of the characters and the romance was entirely too much (insta)lust - do these people have nothing better to do than think about and have sex pretty much 24/7 when they're not getting shot at? - and too little in the way of actual feelings and relationship development. Might check out the second book when it comes out though.
December 30, 2021
Note: I put off writing the reviews since January. I'm slowly catching up. So my memory will vary according to how long ago I read it and how impactful it was.
For this one I seem to remember more than usual. Normally this means I enjoyed it more than enough, but this time it was the opposite.
Too instant-lust and too many corny sentences overall for my taste.
Not even two days had passed and already they trusted and cared for each other.
"One week and he was attached as if they'd spent years together."
This is not what I like to read. I want delicious slow-burns, thank you.
The plot is next to inexistent and when is there, it's only to favor situations that are too fast anyway.
Overall it was shallow, too fast and unilkely. Already halfway in I was bored and wanted to finish it immediately.
For this one I seem to remember more than usual. Normally this means I enjoyed it more than enough, but this time it was the opposite.
Too instant-lust and too many corny sentences overall for my taste.
Not even two days had passed and already they trusted and cared for each other.
"One week and he was attached as if they'd spent years together."
This is not what I like to read. I want delicious slow-burns, thank you.
The plot is next to inexistent and when is there, it's only to favor situations that are too fast anyway.
Overall it was shallow, too fast and unilkely. Already halfway in I was bored and wanted to finish it immediately.
November 4, 2018
A thrill ride!
Can't wait for the next book! No cliffhanger, but this book is the beginning of what promises to be a fun and sexy new series. I am already invested in all the characters. Loved it!
Can't wait for the next book! No cliffhanger, but this book is the beginning of what promises to be a fun and sexy new series. I am already invested in all the characters. Loved it!
Read
November 13, 2018Stopped reading after they fled. Don’t know what caused it, but it just couldn’t hold my interest then. Maybe later?
November 22, 2018
I liked it, but I was kind of underwhelmed. Maybe my expectations were set too high, I will definitely read book two though.
December 9, 2018
Loved it. Great start to a new series.
December 5, 2018
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Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
I will always state when I borrowed something from Kindle Unlimited and whether I purchased it afterward or not! Why? Well, if I've borrowed something from KU, it - by default - means I am very unsure of either the author (if that author is new to me) or that specific book (in general)! I ADORE purchasing and owning my books, BUT for books or authors I'm unsure of, KU is a phenomenal way to try before committing!
Regardless, it means I'm very much on the fence, for whatever reason!
I'll highlight the outcome either way ... I'll either be glad it was on KU so I could give it back, or I'll have ADORED it and will decided to purchase right after borrowing :-)!!
I think it's a nice way to keep track; it might help someone else who's on the fence!
April 12, 2021
3.5 stars
August 18, 2021
"You know, you look at me sometimes like you have a few exciting, private things in mind."
"Sorry," Quincy muttered with a self-deprecating laugh. "It's been a while and you may be too young for me, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the view."
"Your type, huh?"
"Very much so apparently," — Lane Becker & Quincy Holt
Man oh man Lane Becker makes my brain short circuit.... a gymnast. Rinda Elliot gifted us a gymnast. No one has the guts to write that outside of sports romance. I cannot handle Lane. Pommel... Pommel horse is the apparatus on which he shone... nope, nope, nope. I feel attacked right now. Like he was written to push every one of my buttons. Because I'm also not too subtly fond of the flirtatious, capable but only just holding it together characters. Also a thief. Cannot forget that. Oh man. Between him and Snow (and Jude and Quinn actually), Rinda Elliott is od queen of knowing how to write characters I adore yes I know those other three were created with Jocelynn Drake. Don't get me wrong I like Quincy but Lane owns my heart right now. The first words we read from Lane are "He became Lane Becker the moment his mother was lowered into the ground. Lane watched, numb, as the box disappeared along with the name he'd carried for twenty-four years.", so it starts heavy with him. The blurb tells us he was manipulated and exploited for years by Hayrick Letsen but it's kinda worse. His personality can possibly be summarised in one brief paragraph "The door opened, Lane’s cheeky smile bright in the moonlight, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He may have been forced into being a thief, but the crazy kid got off on it.". Lane is outwardly fun and flirtatious but he's also insanely smart. Watching him flirt with the poor waiter (ie total Annabeth Albert vides here) was fun. "When the man finally did, the seductive expression Lane gave him made Quincy hold his breath. Shit, when he turned on the steam, he could melt Antarctica.". He does crack at points, the story is a lot about him getting his version of vengeance and learning to trust.
The stupid kid was adorable.
And trouble with all capital letters.
Lane was also no kid. He knew very well that he continued to think of him like that so he wasn't tempted to taste that soft mouth or those sexy freckles. But he was. Way too damned much. — Quincy Holt
Quincy Holt is the other romantic lead, there is an age gap in the relationship he is 38 to Lane's 24. He is an interesting combination of character traits. Loyal, sweet, instinctive and protective with what may or may not be a bit of a martyr complex. He's a fired detective, working for a Hayrick Letsen to find dirt on him to try and get his job back. But it's a lot more complicated than that. As is normal to the genre he's reluctant to pursue anything with Lane due to their age gap, referring to Lane as a kid in order to stop thinking about their undeniable attraction. Quincy is hella attractive, longer than normal hair and piercing blue eyes and a commanding aura. He is unashamed of acting on his and Lane's chemistry once they start. Quite frankly he's a service top and it's been so long since I read one of those done well. As I said I like Quincy, but Lane owns me.
The support cast is fairly limited made up of Quincy's best friend and former partner Gareth Jones and their friend Isaac Thatcher and another one of Lesten's victims Helix. These characters are wonderful. They give us limited information about their own pasts but give important information about Quincy and Lane respectively. I think many people will find their way here after reading Unbreakable Bonds/ Ward Security, Thick as Thieves appears to be less interwoven than those. Though I suspect Rising Storm will make much more sense if you read Remote Access first, you need that framing. By the time we know their names I had already figured out who the main characters are and at least part of what they are doing. Helix is an interesting character. He has a lot of growth to be doing to come back from the brink. I want to know more of his story even if knowing it will cause me pain.
So some notes.
• Lane and Quincy give me total Vicious and Butch vibes (Black Dagger Brotherhood) sans V's BDSM needs. It's the cop thing as much as anything else. But they have this brilliant pop culture thing going on too. They feel like what would happen if JR was writing their stories now. I'm pretty sure she said it might have happened. And that the lovely Blaylock and Qhuinn were a fix it of sorts.
• "When he turned and walked away from her grave, Lane knew he'd never be back there again. It would be too much of a risk. His solace was the knowledge she wasn't really there. That was just the shell she'd walked around in. Where she'd gone, he had no idea. He didn't believe in an afterlife but he hoped the beautiful energy that had made up his mother was in the air around him." — (Lane) Oh I like this sentiment. As an intro, it's so effective as says a lot. Faith over religion and love for his mother is a big thing. I quite like the character of Lisette too. We never meet her as is only right but she is so powerful.
• We're back in Oklahoma. Unbreakable Bonds readers will know why I find that interesting. The vibe here is totally different which I really like.
• "Because it was most definitely a he. The faint arousal he'd felt after watching the nimble movements made sense now." — (Quincey) Well that's a writing choice. Instinctual attraction not too many authors chose to play with it. But its possibly more human than not.
• Oh man, the pop culture references in this book. Films mostly. Lane is a film addict, films of all forms and he quotes them in all kinds of situations like a coping mechanism. And yes, Lane quotes this line.
• Lane is perceptive. He says as much. But I'm glad it's used not just said. I like the idea of devastation worn as a tattoo. The line used is "You lost that, I don't know, look of devastation you wear like a tattoo."
• "All he could do was hang on and revel in how it felt to be so completely possessed by a person without them even taking their clothes off." — (Lane) I adore this line. I'm ace. This line, this idea that there is more to intimacy than sex is extremely important to me.
• "Other than the ones he'd had on his wall as a teen. Billy Joe Armstrong and Jared Leto. He glanced over at Lane—seemed he'd always had a thing for dark-haired guys under five foot ten." — (Quincey) I feel attacked. I feel attacked. I can't.
• “He’s going to turn us in?”
Lane stared at him, surprised by the note of weary acceptance in his voice. “Sounds like that might be what you want?”
His lips tightened. “I’m tired, Lane.” — (Helix & Lane) This line was like a gut-punch. Helix's line. Helix's humanity is only just holding on. But this line just hurt. More than everything about Lane's past.
• I'm guessing this will be a four-book series. I know what book 2 is since Rising Storm has already been released. But I'm guessing Carter and Liam will end up together, best friends and there was something else there. Now I know Rinda Elliot writes het I'm wondering if young techie Shelli with Isaac. Shelli is sharp-tongued and hella smart but needs help. Can you imagine Isaac facing up to a big brother? Having to remind him that she's a young woman, not a child. But I'm also not sure about their ages it would gift us another bi though.
• "Lane came back, wearing another pair of skinny jeans and a light gray button-down shirt that gave his eyes a startling beauty—like the polished selenite Quincy had in his rock collection as a kid." — (Quincey) After this description, I needed to look up selenite. No one said I'm normal, I chase those weird thoughts. Selenite is a really pretty colour and I said Lane owned me. Those changeable eyes are another part of it.
• "Intense, supremely intelligent, and quiet, he dressed like a preppy guy, yet had tattoos from his collarbones down. Quincy was pretty sure he was a pain junkie on some level, though that had never come up. He had seen him shove a guy roughly up against a wall once before going to town on his mouth, so he had an idea Isaac liked things a little…intense." (Quincey) & "it was the way he carried himself, like he was a barely latched pin on a hand grenade." (Lane) & "Isaac mumbled something about napkins and abruptly left the table. He’d never been good with handling the harder emotions when it came to group situations. Or private ones either, really. The man kept himself under tight wraps." — (Quincey) Isaac, Isaac is someone I need more of, he's the kind of character I have usually fallen for and hard. I really, really hope he gets a book of his own. This man has something lurking in his closet.
•
This whole book makes me feel attacked it pushes my buttons. And I really wish it hadn't taken me years to get around to reading it. Between that author, the cover and the blurb, it has always interested me but I never got around to it. And yes Remote Access does have one of my favourite covers of recent times, that is Lane. It's striking and the cover does have something to do with the contents of the book. I really like the primary black and white palette, and okay Michael Jackson vibes (yes, yes I know but that is a very complicated situation). Look covers are so often overdone and this one really isn't.
As is usual this review does not discuss plot (others will do that) partially because I have to limit my word count somehow and partially because I pick my books by characters, they are why I find nook memorable. Rarely ever plot. This book really won't be for everyone but if you are on its wavelength you will likely love it. It isn't going to win any literary awards but that isn't the point. The point is enjoyment. And what is definitely an unusual character. Lane is unlike any I have read before, hence that paragraph of chaos which is what this review calls an introduction. Once again this review is longer than intended, someone needs to take kindle note privileges from me.
“Smaller doesn’t mean I need protecting. You know that, right?”
“Being fired didn’t turn off years of police training, Lane.”
“Oh,” he said, voice low. “I hadn’t thought of that. Now it’s kind of hot.” — Lane Becker & Quincy Holt
A representative gif:
Yes I know I Max is British but he is also my favourite male gymnist of the last 15 years.
November 13, 2018
3.5 stars. The story in this book is lost in pages and pages of sex (hot though it is). I found myself finally skipping through most of it to get to the MC's somewhere other than in bed, which meant I skipped through a lot. The MC's are a cop dismissed from the force by a crooked boss and a young gymnast blackmailed into being a thief for a big time crook who sells collectibles on the black market.
This book was obviously, by the way it ended, the first in a series of books about a group that steals back stolen goods to return the items to the rightful owners. Sounds promising if the author sticks to suspense/action drama and tones down the bedroom activity.
This book was obviously, by the way it ended, the first in a series of books about a group that steals back stolen goods to return the items to the rightful owners. Sounds promising if the author sticks to suspense/action drama and tones down the bedroom activity.
November 18, 2018
Sweet little read. A little too much on the insta-love for contemporary in my opinion, but otherwise decent.
Sorry no full review, I’m just not that motivated at the moment.
I will add that that this book does probably need another round of editing. Nothing major just a few little things here and there.
Sorry no full review, I’m just not that motivated at the moment.
I will add that that this book does probably need another round of editing. Nothing major just a few little things here and there.
November 14, 2018
Loved this book and can not wait for the next one in the series!
January 28, 2019
Good book. I just read the shiver series so probably not a great one to read after but good novella. The relationship moved fast because it was a novella. Lane and quency were a great pair.
November 3, 2018
This book is fantastic!! SO MUCH FUN!! Fast paced, excellent storyline (romance suspense) with great secondary characters whom I'm dying to read more about!! I'm madly in love with the most adorable, snarky Lane!!! The chemistry and banter between Quincy and Lane, opposites in oh so many ways, is off the charts and they are so HOT together!! I can't tell you the number of smoke breaks I needed..LOL.. I can not wait for more!! Congratulations Rinda!! (Please excuse all of my exclamation marks 😂)
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