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"I wouldn't be caught dead kissing you."
“Alex was always something else.”
Bank teller Thomas Riley is the youngest of three brothers, and the only single one. That's not to say nobody's interested... His ex, hunky Alex, is back in town and wants to see him. But Alex nearly screwed up both of his brothers' lives, and Thomas isn't willing to forgive him easily. There's no way reigniting an old flame can work... right?
“I knew we still had chemistry.”
Moving back to your hometown isn't easy when your ex moves back, too – especially the one that got away. After getting on Thomas's bad side, private detective Alex Walker is determined to at least explain himself. He's not just looking to screw Thomas again. Then, on the ski trails, Thomas falls head over heels for him... more literally than Alex hoped. How can he prove he's trustworthy to the family after spying on both of Thomas's brothers?
“Is it becoming more?”
Becoming boyfriends is risky when Thomas just wants to get ahead in life and Alex is challenging his morals and his fears. If Alex wants to catch Thomas, this time, Alex will have to keep up and change his ways for good. And can Thomas overcome his own fears to come clean to everyone?
Swish is a steamy, stand-alone gay romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhanger.
“Alex was always something else.”
Bank teller Thomas Riley is the youngest of three brothers, and the only single one. That's not to say nobody's interested... His ex, hunky Alex, is back in town and wants to see him. But Alex nearly screwed up both of his brothers' lives, and Thomas isn't willing to forgive him easily. There's no way reigniting an old flame can work... right?
“I knew we still had chemistry.”
Moving back to your hometown isn't easy when your ex moves back, too – especially the one that got away. After getting on Thomas's bad side, private detective Alex Walker is determined to at least explain himself. He's not just looking to screw Thomas again. Then, on the ski trails, Thomas falls head over heels for him... more literally than Alex hoped. How can he prove he's trustworthy to the family after spying on both of Thomas's brothers?
“Is it becoming more?”
Becoming boyfriends is risky when Thomas just wants to get ahead in life and Alex is challenging his morals and his fears. If Alex wants to catch Thomas, this time, Alex will have to keep up and change his ways for good. And can Thomas overcome his own fears to come clean to everyone?
Swish is a steamy, stand-alone gay romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhanger.
Audible Audio
First published January 7, 2016
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About the author
E. Davies
130 books728 followersE. Davies writes feel-good, low-angst romance that never fades to black when the going gets good! Born in Canada, after 16 moves and counting, Ed has finally put down roots in north London.
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 14, 2016
*** Here's book 3 in the series ! ***
We get the story of the young brother, Thomas.
He's had issues about hiding his gayness,
and it's time for that to stop. His High School love is back in town,
Alex, who's doing private investigation.
Neither man has ever stopped loving the other, even though they had never had sex. But, there are bad feelings between Alex and Thomas's brothers from a past investigative job. The men begin to see each other, including very hot sexiness, and the deep emotions are still there. This is a low key romance, plus a "ride along" with Alex and his surveillance jobs, involving a cheating hubby.
Some issues are resolved, but the mean dad shows up to cause tension.
After all of this time, Thomas must "come out" to his brothers.
It is well written and a good addition to the series.
ENJOY !
===============
We get the story of the young brother, Thomas.
He's had issues about hiding his gayness,
and it's time for that to stop. His High School love is back in town,
Alex, who's doing private investigation.
Neither man has ever stopped loving the other, even though they had never had sex. But, there are bad feelings between Alex and Thomas's brothers from a past investigative job. The men begin to see each other, including very hot sexiness, and the deep emotions are still there. This is a low key romance, plus a "ride along" with Alex and his surveillance jobs, involving a cheating hubby.
Some issues are resolved, but the mean dad shows up to cause tension.
After all of this time, Thomas must "come out" to his brothers.
It is well written and a good addition to the series.
ENJOY !
===============
October 19, 2018
I absolutely loved this! The end of book 2 had me wondering who the heck Thomas was talking to. When I all of a sudden saw Alex's name, I thought "WHOA!!! I didn't see that coming!".
We finally see Thomas getting his happy ever after. He is such a quiet person, especially compared to his brothers. He struggled with finding personal happiness, and he closed himself off from finding it much by focusing on his professional happiness. Alex is a PI who has realized that he finally wants to settle down and have a relationship. He sees Thomas after a few years away, and finds the man he hasn't stopped thinking about. Thomas tried to stay away, but he couldn't either.
I liked finding out about Thomas and his history. I do wish I had more information about Alex's past. It refers a lot to being run out of Toronto, but we don't get a lot of details about that. I love the relationship between the brothers. You can tell they adore and love each other very much, and it is refreshing to read about positive family relationships.
There wasn't a ton of angst in this story. There was a bit of resolution for some characters from the first 2 books, and we get a glimpse at Floyd needing help from Alex. Maybe this is book 4? I'm looking forward to this, and am so glad that the series will continue!
Edited to add audio review
I have to say that Michael Pauley breathes so much amazing life into this series. I love the stories of this series on its own, but Michael is soooooo good as a narrator. I will re-listen to this series so many times now that I have it.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
We finally see Thomas getting his happy ever after. He is such a quiet person, especially compared to his brothers. He struggled with finding personal happiness, and he closed himself off from finding it much by focusing on his professional happiness. Alex is a PI who has realized that he finally wants to settle down and have a relationship. He sees Thomas after a few years away, and finds the man he hasn't stopped thinking about. Thomas tried to stay away, but he couldn't either.
I liked finding out about Thomas and his history. I do wish I had more information about Alex's past. It refers a lot to being run out of Toronto, but we don't get a lot of details about that. I love the relationship between the brothers. You can tell they adore and love each other very much, and it is refreshing to read about positive family relationships.
There wasn't a ton of angst in this story. There was a bit of resolution for some characters from the first 2 books, and we get a glimpse at Floyd needing help from Alex. Maybe this is book 4? I'm looking forward to this, and am so glad that the series will continue!
Edited to add audio review
I have to say that Michael Pauley breathes so much amazing life into this series. I love the stories of this series on its own, but Michael is soooooo good as a narrator. I will re-listen to this series so many times now that I have it.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
January 10, 2021
This has been a sex driven series and Swish continues the tradition. Light on the story, but the drama continues from the first two books. Nicely narrated by Michael Dean.
September 19, 2020
This is a amazing series and I love the Riley brothers and friends. Thomas being the baby brother and all seems so different and a lot less confident and I don't get where all the secrecy, shame and distrust comes from but I like the way it shows how as family we can be raised in the same household with the same parents and all be nurtured an taken care of pretty much the same and come out so different sometimes you wonder how you all grew up together an end up so differently. What I don't fully understand is why Thomas kept his true self hidden from his brothers or why he was so scared to open up and let them know he was gay. Although it does go into a little detail as to why when he finally comes out to his brothers but the Explanation given wasn't what I expected and it wasn't really believable. Alex and Thomas are great together and I can't wait for book 4.
January 16, 2016
Swish was a bit of a let down for me. I just got tired of all the manufactured drama.
Frankly, when I finally found out why Thomas had been hiding this sexuality from his family for years I reacted more like...Huh, what? That's why you never told them?! Lame!
Between Chase's dad coming around, Cam's ex selling their story, and the cheating spouses...there was just too much drama being built up, but in the end all the storylines ended up sort of fizzling out or being a big let down with how they were handled.
And can someone tell me why anyone would hire a private investigator to find your missing cat?
Anyway, yes, there is a ridiculous unnecessary amount of drama that gets resolved too quickly, but there's also some pretty steamy sex scenes. So, there's that.
All in all, I just expected more from the final (I think) story in this trilogy.
Frankly, when I finally found out why Thomas had been hiding this sexuality from his family for years I reacted more like...Huh, what? That's why you never told them?! Lame!
Between Chase's dad coming around, Cam's ex selling their story, and the cheating spouses...there was just too much drama being built up, but in the end all the storylines ended up sort of fizzling out or being a big let down with how they were handled.
And can someone tell me why anyone would hire a private investigator to find your missing cat?
Anyway, yes, there is a ridiculous unnecessary amount of drama that gets resolved too quickly, but there's also some pretty steamy sex scenes. So, there's that.
All in all, I just expected more from the final (I think) story in this trilogy.
January 13, 2021
3.75 stars
July 30, 2020
Way too much drama for the sake of drama
January 17, 2016
Couldn't get into it, at all!
The chemistry between Thomas and Alex was weird and horrible. I forced myself to get to 29% then DNF. I admit to skipping to the end to read the epilogue. Disappointing because I loved book one, and book two was okay. They just got worse. I did not like Thomas as a character at all. He was an asshole to his brothers and Alex. Alex had nothing going for him. I just felt as if the author was checking items off a list. Depression: check, heart problem: check, being kicked out if religious family for being gay: check. Very formulaic without substance.
The chemistry between Thomas and Alex was weird and horrible. I forced myself to get to 29% then DNF. I admit to skipping to the end to read the epilogue. Disappointing because I loved book one, and book two was okay. They just got worse. I did not like Thomas as a character at all. He was an asshole to his brothers and Alex. Alex had nothing going for him. I just felt as if the author was checking items off a list. Depression: check, heart problem: check, being kicked out if religious family for being gay: check. Very formulaic without substance.
May 22, 2023
A cute, simple, second chance romance between high school sweethearts. I had thought this might be my favourite in the series so far, since we've had a chance to get to know both Thomas and Alex in the first two books, and the fact that they have history means that it didn't feel quite as rushed and insta-love as the other two. But sadly it's my least favourite so far. Well, "sadly". I didn't think it was bad. But now that we finally got his POV, I found Alex to be kind of annoying? His confident, teasing bit didn't come off half as charming as it was meant to. Instead, it was just a little irritating. It doesn't help that I found the reason for the breakup in the past to be kind of maddening. I'm sorry, but ghosting someone because they aren't ready to come out of the closet is so scummy imo. I mean, I get his reasons, I understand that the closet isn't for him and he didn't want that for a relationship. And he's more mature and understanding in the current timeline. Still, he just never grew on me. I wish that he's done a bit more grovelling, or at least had to work a little bit harder to get back into Thomas' good graces. Especially after the first two books. But Thomas starts falling for him relatively easily. And it was fine, they were very cute. The chemistry was there, even if it wasn't particularly ground-breaking. I kinda wanted more for Thomas though.
Another thing that's sorta bugging me the more I read this series is how mature all these young guys are. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because I mean, I don't really enjoy reading about university aged kids anyway. But it's more that they read as if they're in their 30s, in terms of that they're up to in their lives. Thomas is what, 22, and already up for big promotions at the bank? Alex is 24 and having this much (relative) success as a PI? Not to mention all the brothers being able to buy houses. I guess I don't know what the housing market is like in this small Canadian town, but having a mortgage in your early 20s is wild. Idk, it's not a flaw, and it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. I'm just here for the romance! But it did keep percolating in my head like... huh.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Michael Dean; a pleasure as always. Because I'm listening to these books in relatively close succession, I can't help but notice that his voices for some of the characters sound kinda different (especially Thomas, in this one) but it wasn't enough to break immersion. I'll probably take a bit of a break from the series now, especially since all the next few books seem to be even shorter, and so they'll probably be even more insta-love.
Another thing that's sorta bugging me the more I read this series is how mature all these young guys are. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because I mean, I don't really enjoy reading about university aged kids anyway. But it's more that they read as if they're in their 30s, in terms of that they're up to in their lives. Thomas is what, 22, and already up for big promotions at the bank? Alex is 24 and having this much (relative) success as a PI? Not to mention all the brothers being able to buy houses. I guess I don't know what the housing market is like in this small Canadian town, but having a mortgage in your early 20s is wild. Idk, it's not a flaw, and it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. I'm just here for the romance! But it did keep percolating in my head like... huh.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Michael Dean; a pleasure as always. Because I'm listening to these books in relatively close succession, I can't help but notice that his voices for some of the characters sound kinda different (especially Thomas, in this one) but it wasn't enough to break immersion. I'll probably take a bit of a break from the series now, especially since all the next few books seem to be even shorter, and so they'll probably be even more insta-love.
October 8, 2018
I have been waiting for the last Riley brother to get his story and man it was so worth the wait. Thomas surprised me in so many ways, very good ways. This story is a wonderful second chance romance that is so sweet and wonderful I wanted to start back over as soon as I finished it. These two didn't really need a lot of getting to know each other time, they just needed time to admit to each other how they felt and Thomas had to get over his reasoning behind not wanting to tell his brothers. I know that some people have stated that the reason Thomas didn't want to be "out" was silly, however, each person has to deal with their own reasons for things in their own time. No one can tell another person that their reason for something is not valid, in his mind Thomas felt his reason made complete sense, he needed to mature and realize he didn't need to worry. The acceptance from Cam and Jackson warmed my heart, they were uneasy at first concerning Alex as any good brothers would be, but they put their brother first. I'm looking forward to hearing the next book in this series and getting to catch up with all of the Riley Brothers again!
As is expected from Michael Pauley, the narration was absolutely wonderful! His books are always enjoyable to listen to!
As is expected from Michael Pauley, the narration was absolutely wonderful! His books are always enjoyable to listen to!
January 20, 2018
OK... how does one drive while watching a cat sit in the driver's seat? Yeah, I have no clue either, but Alex managed to do it in this book! *snort* LOL!!!
Thomas and Alex, Jackson and Chase and Cam and Noah... not to mention the rest of the gang... that's a lot of names to keep straight and I would like to say that the author did a great job at it in this book, but that's NOT the case. :( The name mixups were really obvious and annoying, but NOT annoying enough to get me riled! *grin* I am NOT sure what happened with the whole "proofreading" part of this book, but I hope whatever happened has been taken care of for future books! ;p
I am a huge fan of this author and look forward to every chance I get to read another book by him! I love the way the stories flow and I don't feel like I need to rant or see a therapist when I finish one of his books... OK, there was a short rant with this one... but, I couldn't help it! ;D
I am glad to see that we get to find out more about Floyd in the next book... he intrigued me when we first met him as Chase's boss... I can't wait to see what the call to Alex was all about and then not needed... I am just curious that way! :D
Thomas and Alex, Jackson and Chase and Cam and Noah... not to mention the rest of the gang... that's a lot of names to keep straight and I would like to say that the author did a great job at it in this book, but that's NOT the case. :( The name mixups were really obvious and annoying, but NOT annoying enough to get me riled! *grin* I am NOT sure what happened with the whole "proofreading" part of this book, but I hope whatever happened has been taken care of for future books! ;p
I am a huge fan of this author and look forward to every chance I get to read another book by him! I love the way the stories flow and I don't feel like I need to rant or see a therapist when I finish one of his books... OK, there was a short rant with this one... but, I couldn't help it! ;D
I am glad to see that we get to find out more about Floyd in the next book... he intrigued me when we first met him as Chase's boss... I can't wait to see what the call to Alex was all about and then not needed... I am just curious that way! :D
February 7, 2016
I knew after book 2 I was reading this one to finish the series no matter what others reviews were. I gotta say, it took effort to not DNF this one. At best it was boring. If the 2nd was formulaic this one was even more so. The issue is there was no real drama left to offer up. Thomas was “the boring” brother. Another reviewer mentioned the reason for him staying in the closet made no sense. This was like a bad life time movie with the manufactured “drama”, the insta-love/reunion, boring jobs. Even the sex couldn’t earn this an extra star.
I’m glad to be done with the brothers. Now I see there is going to be a 4th installment. I’m going to pass.
I’m glad to be done with the brothers. Now I see there is going to be a 4th installment. I’m going to pass.
November 21, 2020
Thomas was the brother I was probably most looking forward to reading about. Bookish, quiet, secretive? Sign me up. And then when I found out he was going to be paired with Alex and it was a second chance romance? I was all on board. Unfortunately, while I really enjoyed them both and enjoyed the overall story I just didn’t feel any chemistry between these two. It seemed more like they were just getting together because they had been together before. I think I would’ve enjoyed it more to read each of their stories individually with other love interests.
November 13, 2020
I enjoyed the listen and it kept me engaged, but overall it was sort of a letdown. Thomas just seemed like such an immature person to me. The reason for the breakup, the reason for being in the closet, for keeping his entire life a secret... it just didn't make sense. I was more interested in the side story of how Cam and Jackson felt about Alex and the drama that surrounded that than I was about Thomas and Alex.
January 12, 2016
2.25 stars
My least favorite of the series so far. I really liked the first two books, but not so much this one. I found myself skimming over quite a few of the parts. The story, along with Thomas and Alex's relationship, was just too boring and couldn't hold my attention. Hoping things improve in book 4.
My least favorite of the series so far. I really liked the first two books, but not so much this one. I found myself skimming over quite a few of the parts. The story, along with Thomas and Alex's relationship, was just too boring and couldn't hold my attention. Hoping things improve in book 4.
January 12, 2016
This book was just okay. I didn't like Thomas as a MC and felt he was emotionally stunted. They really don't encounter any difficulties, which is fine, but then they don't have any amazing encounters either. You would think Alex's life as a private detective would be more exciting. The first two books in the serious are much better.
May 5, 2023
Second chance romance. Alex Walker And Thomas Riley dated in high school. Alex is a PI and Thomas a banker. They meet a few years later, the chemistry is still there. Alex was the PI the hockey teams hired to Check up on Cam, and Chase's family used to find Chase. So Thomas' brother had reasons for being upset with Alex. True love wins out after they put the work in.
February 23, 2021
I still pick book two as my favorite, but this one is also very good. I didn’t really understand Thomas and the fact that he hid his sexuality from his brothers. However, He and Alex were certainly hot together. Always fun to keep seeing the characters from previous books.
August 19, 2025
Thomas has hid his sexuality from his brothers for years. When they both came out he could have said something, but it never felt the time. But having his ex returned to town, the man he loved when they were both just boys, before Alex broke his heart, made him have to confront everything in their past.
For all that Alex knew he had to leave years before, he knows that repairing things with Thomas is something he needs. But it's going to be an uphill battle. Even if he hadn't left him now he's on the bad side of Thomas's family after what happened with Chase.
This was relatively low angst even as there was a lot of history standing between Thomas and Alex. They clearly had a connection though and it was interesting to watch Thomas work through his feelings to be able to give Alex another chance.
For all that Alex knew he had to leave years before, he knows that repairing things with Thomas is something he needs. But it's going to be an uphill battle. Even if he hadn't left him now he's on the bad side of Thomas's family after what happened with Chase.
This was relatively low angst even as there was a lot of history standing between Thomas and Alex. They clearly had a connection though and it was interesting to watch Thomas work through his feelings to be able to give Alex another chance.
July 31, 2023
This is a second chance romance featuring the third and youngest of the three Riley brothers. I still don't really understand why Thomas was so secretive about his sexuality. The explanation was a bit of a letdown. As with the whole series so far, the sex is super steamy. This is not my favorite book in the series (so far), but I do think the writing and storytelling is getting better with each book. 3 stars
January 10, 2016
Good with a couple of buts...
While I was very happy to read Thomas's story I was left feeling rather confused. I don't think it was fully explained why Alex wasn't "welcome" in Toronto, why money was such an issue, why he needed therapy. Did I miss something? I understand what his job was but I'm still left with questions.
Also, there are several instances where the incorrect names and words are used. Chase being named when it should have been Alex, Alex looking at the cat in the driver seat etc are just 2 examples. While these errors may seem minor, it does spoil the flow of a story.
That all said, I will be looking out for book 4, although as we have already met all 3 of the Riley Brothers, I'm guessing Floyd will be making a bigger appearance?
While I was very happy to read Thomas's story I was left feeling rather confused. I don't think it was fully explained why Alex wasn't "welcome" in Toronto, why money was such an issue, why he needed therapy. Did I miss something? I understand what his job was but I'm still left with questions.
Also, there are several instances where the incorrect names and words are used. Chase being named when it should have been Alex, Alex looking at the cat in the driver seat etc are just 2 examples. While these errors may seem minor, it does spoil the flow of a story.
That all said, I will be looking out for book 4, although as we have already met all 3 of the Riley Brothers, I'm guessing Floyd will be making a bigger appearance?
January 10, 2016
I had been waiting for Thomas' story. I knew it would be about him and Alex and wanted to know their history. It's a good story but I kept getting turned around because half way through the book there begin to be problems with who was actually talking. Alex and Noah were talking and then the book said it was Cam that was having the conversation. If it's hard to explain, imagine how many times I had to reread that part. It took away from the story because it happened more than once. I gave it 2 stars because I liked the story and it was hot but I couldn't get lost in the book the way I like.
October 8, 2016
The 3rd in a series. I was hoping for more like the 1st one. I wanted to get to know more about Thomas. I skipped past the many sex scenes. I think the scene with Floyd could have been deleted, it made no sense. The reason Thomas was hiding the fact that he was gay from his gay brothers through out all 3 books, was a let down.
March 23, 2017
Thomas the sweet shy brother of the three Rileys. A story story of finding love again with an ex who is just right the second time around.
May 1, 2021
2.5 stars
September 21, 2016
For a shortish story, it dragged on too long.
December 20, 2025
Rushed and frustrating
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 5/10
PROS:
- I like seeing more of the couples from the first two books, and
- (related to the first) I am enjoying the supportive community that gets larger with each story.
- I was really frustrated by the lack of development in the previous book, especially as pertained to Chase’s bigoted family. There’s more about that storyline here, which I appreciated (but some readers might be frustrated by the story focusing not just on the main couple, but also some of the secondary characters).
CONS:
- So much has been made of Thomas’s sexual reticence in the previous books that I was looking forward to seeing him slowly blossom. But he doesn’t have any sort of hesitation. He doesn’t even make Alex do anything to romance him. They’re in bed together within the first few chapters, and it felt so rushed and inconsistent to me.
- I wanted to see a lot more development of the guys’ past difficulties that they’re now having to work through. Even a couple chapters’ worth of silent pining would have gone a long way toward convincing me the guys had always carried flames for each other.
- I didn’t like Alex much at all. He’s constantly smirking and acting like he knows Thomas will eventually crawl back to him even if he puts forth the bare minimum of effort. And regardless of how he tries to make his job as a PI come off as noble because he’s catching cheaters and giving them the comeuppance they deserve, I think he mostly comes off as creepy.
Overall comments: Everything in this book (and this whole series, really) is too easy and undeveloped. Dramatic things happen, but they seem designed solely to make the reader gasp and clutch at pearls. And then the resolution of the drama occurs almost instantaneously, almost every time.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 5/10
PROS:
- I like seeing more of the couples from the first two books, and
- (related to the first) I am enjoying the supportive community that gets larger with each story.
- I was really frustrated by the lack of development in the previous book, especially as pertained to Chase’s bigoted family. There’s more about that storyline here, which I appreciated (but some readers might be frustrated by the story focusing not just on the main couple, but also some of the secondary characters).
CONS:
- So much has been made of Thomas’s sexual reticence in the previous books that I was looking forward to seeing him slowly blossom. But he doesn’t have any sort of hesitation. He doesn’t even make Alex do anything to romance him. They’re in bed together within the first few chapters, and it felt so rushed and inconsistent to me.
- I wanted to see a lot more development of the guys’ past difficulties that they’re now having to work through. Even a couple chapters’ worth of silent pining would have gone a long way toward convincing me the guys had always carried flames for each other.
- I didn’t like Alex much at all. He’s constantly smirking and acting like he knows Thomas will eventually crawl back to him even if he puts forth the bare minimum of effort. And regardless of how he tries to make his job as a PI come off as noble because he’s catching cheaters and giving them the comeuppance they deserve, I think he mostly comes off as creepy.
Overall comments: Everything in this book (and this whole series, really) is too easy and undeveloped. Dramatic things happen, but they seem designed solely to make the reader gasp and clutch at pearls. And then the resolution of the drama occurs almost instantaneously, almost every time.
July 31, 2019
The first two books were reasonably enjoyable. This was simply painful and awful!
There was nothing likable about Alex. I found him extremely unattractive.
Thomas was annoying as hell! The little boy couldn’t seem to figure out what exactly he wanted. His reason for remaining in the closet among an extremely accepting family & 2 gay brothers was nothing short of lame! I was screaming “grow a set!”
The sex scenes were annoying & disjointed and I had trouble even following what was happening. The dialogue made absolutely no sense. Often what one said sounded like it should be coming from the other one & I had trouble figuring out which one was speaking.
I didn’t buy the connection for even one moment! One minute Thomas seemed like a greedy twinky bottom, the next minute he seemed like an aggressive top even though he was always bottoming.
Apparently Alex suffered from some sort of depression, but the author didn’t seem to want to explain or go into much detail. There was very little sex (only 3 scenes) but that droned on eternally & became boring. The authors use of adjectives were way over the top & laughable apparently wanting to sound like some literary giant & failing miserably. I got the idea (from the lack of sex) that this person was more interested in telling their story, which is ok, but there wasn’t enough detail to make it enjoyable. IT SIMPLY MADE NO SENSE! There was a complete chapter about Alex chasing down some damn cat which could & should have been left out. There were hints at some other things going on involving some of his investigations and we were left hanging wondering what the hell was even going on.
I HATED THIS BOOK AND DO NOT RECOMMEND IT!
There was nothing likable about Alex. I found him extremely unattractive.
Thomas was annoying as hell! The little boy couldn’t seem to figure out what exactly he wanted. His reason for remaining in the closet among an extremely accepting family & 2 gay brothers was nothing short of lame! I was screaming “grow a set!”
The sex scenes were annoying & disjointed and I had trouble even following what was happening. The dialogue made absolutely no sense. Often what one said sounded like it should be coming from the other one & I had trouble figuring out which one was speaking.
I didn’t buy the connection for even one moment! One minute Thomas seemed like a greedy twinky bottom, the next minute he seemed like an aggressive top even though he was always bottoming.
Apparently Alex suffered from some sort of depression, but the author didn’t seem to want to explain or go into much detail. There was very little sex (only 3 scenes) but that droned on eternally & became boring. The authors use of adjectives were way over the top & laughable apparently wanting to sound like some literary giant & failing miserably. I got the idea (from the lack of sex) that this person was more interested in telling their story, which is ok, but there wasn’t enough detail to make it enjoyable. IT SIMPLY MADE NO SENSE! There was a complete chapter about Alex chasing down some damn cat which could & should have been left out. There were hints at some other things going on involving some of his investigations and we were left hanging wondering what the hell was even going on.
I HATED THIS BOOK AND DO NOT RECOMMEND IT!
November 19, 2020
Overall: 3.5 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story: 3 Stars
I'd been looking forward to Thomas's story since listening to the first two Riley Brothers audio books. He is the most private and tight-lipped (about relationships, at least) of the three brothers, so there was a bit of a mystery to him going into this book. Despite getting his POV, I finished "Swish" still feeling like I didn't know Thomas all that well. Alex seemed the more interesting of the couple, particularly given his past private investigator work affecting Thomas's brothers and his efforts toward redemption because of that (which is also why I'd recommend reading the two previous books first). Overall, this story is a bit too slow paced and drawn out for me but Thomas and Alex's HEA is satisfying and I plan on continuing with the series.
Narrator Michael Dean delivered another solid performance, with distinct voices for all of the characters. I found myself thinking the voices for Thomas and Alex should've been switched but that's a personal style choice of sorts and didn't affect my listening enjoyment at all. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
Performance: 4 Stars
Story: 3 Stars
I'd been looking forward to Thomas's story since listening to the first two Riley Brothers audio books. He is the most private and tight-lipped (about relationships, at least) of the three brothers, so there was a bit of a mystery to him going into this book. Despite getting his POV, I finished "Swish" still feeling like I didn't know Thomas all that well. Alex seemed the more interesting of the couple, particularly given his past private investigator work affecting Thomas's brothers and his efforts toward redemption because of that (which is also why I'd recommend reading the two previous books first). Overall, this story is a bit too slow paced and drawn out for me but Thomas and Alex's HEA is satisfying and I plan on continuing with the series.
Narrator Michael Dean delivered another solid performance, with distinct voices for all of the characters. I found myself thinking the voices for Thomas and Alex should've been switched but that's a personal style choice of sorts and didn't affect my listening enjoyment at all. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
November 26, 2020
**Audio Review**
Alex and Thomas's second-chance romance was so enjoyable and sweet. I've always been a fan of "the one that got away" stories, and these men were the perfect example of a couple who needed to do some growing up before they were ready to commit to each other. I didn't get as much backstory on Alex and Thomas's high school days as I wanted, but I was still able to tell how much these men have changed for the better since then. I thought the overall storyline was paced nicely, whether it was Thomas's workplace dilemma or Alex's PI stakeouts. In terms of the romance, these men had undeniable chemistry right from the start. For me, it felt completely believable for them to fall into a no-strings-attached fling before acknowledging they wanted something more serious, especially given that their first attempt at a relationship didn't pan out. All things considered, it took Alex and Thomas a long time to come around to their feelings, but it was all worth it in the end to see them happily settled together. Michael Dean continues to be a great narrator for these stories, though I do wish his character voices were easier to differentiate.
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Alex and Thomas's second-chance romance was so enjoyable and sweet. I've always been a fan of "the one that got away" stories, and these men were the perfect example of a couple who needed to do some growing up before they were ready to commit to each other. I didn't get as much backstory on Alex and Thomas's high school days as I wanted, but I was still able to tell how much these men have changed for the better since then. I thought the overall storyline was paced nicely, whether it was Thomas's workplace dilemma or Alex's PI stakeouts. In terms of the romance, these men had undeniable chemistry right from the start. For me, it felt completely believable for them to fall into a no-strings-attached fling before acknowledging they wanted something more serious, especially given that their first attempt at a relationship didn't pan out. All things considered, it took Alex and Thomas a long time to come around to their feelings, but it was all worth it in the end to see them happily settled together. Michael Dean continues to be a great narrator for these stories, though I do wish his character voices were easier to differentiate.
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
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