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The forbidden is the sweetest lure.
Trenton Security’s Public Relations go-to was Hayden Gage. He loved his job, and it kept him distracted from the demons haunting his nightmares. His past wasn’t up for discussion, and Hayden wouldn’t allow it to intrude on his future. Yet, that was easier said than done when his best friend came to him desperate for help, and it put him right on the path to his one weakness.
Young didn’t equal lost.
Derrick Thorpe lived in the shadow of his father’s mistakes. Although he was adopted by Linus Trenton, he wanted to prove that he wasn’t like his biological father. When he was asked to go undercover to help at Trenton Security, it put him in close quarters with Gage. Being Gage’s was only an act, but when lines blur, what happens when the operation ends?
This book contains some subjects readers may find objectionable.
Trenton Security’s Public Relations go-to was Hayden Gage. He loved his job, and it kept him distracted from the demons haunting his nightmares. His past wasn’t up for discussion, and Hayden wouldn’t allow it to intrude on his future. Yet, that was easier said than done when his best friend came to him desperate for help, and it put him right on the path to his one weakness.
Young didn’t equal lost.
Derrick Thorpe lived in the shadow of his father’s mistakes. Although he was adopted by Linus Trenton, he wanted to prove that he wasn’t like his biological father. When he was asked to go undercover to help at Trenton Security, it put him in close quarters with Gage. Being Gage’s was only an act, but when lines blur, what happens when the operation ends?
This book contains some subjects readers may find objectionable.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2019
91 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Dabney
58 books640 followersUSA Today Bestselling author J.M. Dabney is a multi-genre published writer of Body and Fat Positive Romance & Fiction. They live with a constant diverse cast of diverse characters in their head. They live for one purpose alone, and that’s to make sure everyone gets the happily ever after they deserve. There is nothing more they want from telling their stories than to show that no matter the package the characters come in or the damage their pasts have done, that love is love. That normal is never normal and sometimes the so-called broken can still be beautiful.
The author is Non-Binary and uses the pronouns They/Them.
The author is Non-Binary and uses the pronouns They/Them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 13, 2024
I've sat on this review a few days and I'll tell you why. When I started this book, I had no idea it would touch me on a personal level.
Dabney is one of those auto buy authors for me and I love all their interconnecting series. They always write characters who are perfectly imperfect. That don't fit the traditional mold by today's standards and I absolutely love it. I was looking forward to Gage's story because he was paired with a younger Derrick who was rescued from an abusive home as a kid in one of the other series. Derrick is all grown up now and back in Powers to prove to Gage he's a man and he wants Gage for his own. Except Gage thinks he's too old and fucked up to be anything to Derrick, much less Derrick's partner. But Gage wants Derrick and wants to do some nasty things to him including putting a collar around his neck. Being forced together on a job doesn't help either one of them put the other out of their head.
Let me get to the hot good part first...this had some hot possessive daddy kink going on. Gage and Derrick have to pretend for a job but is it really pretending if both want it? There's collars and spankings to boot 🔥
**Now, some spoilers here and I do think this deserves some trigger warnings**
Dabney tore me up from the prologue. Gage's story is heartbreaking in itself. And because of his past he cuts. He cuts to deal with his pain. One thing that struck me throughout the book and especially at the end that I appreciate the author doing more than they could know, was there was no "magical dick" cure. Just because Derrick and Gage get together, does not mean Gage is cured. He still has work to do. He still has to see a therapist and work through it all. I love a HEA as much as the next person but I sometimes get frustrated when sensitive subjects are just "poofed" away by being in love and it cures all ailments. But Dabney did not take the easy way out. Still even at the end, Gage still has times where he slips and cuts though less frequent. As a parent of a child who has been through this, again, I appreciate it more than Dabney can know the route they took in writing about it. For that alone it gets 5 stars from me.
But on to happier things, I'm glad Derrick and Gage have found each other and are exactly what the other needs. Now I just need Raul and Pure's story like yesterday. I have a feeling though, that one is going to be a tearjerker as well.
Dabney is one of those auto buy authors for me and I love all their interconnecting series. They always write characters who are perfectly imperfect. That don't fit the traditional mold by today's standards and I absolutely love it. I was looking forward to Gage's story because he was paired with a younger Derrick who was rescued from an abusive home as a kid in one of the other series. Derrick is all grown up now and back in Powers to prove to Gage he's a man and he wants Gage for his own. Except Gage thinks he's too old and fucked up to be anything to Derrick, much less Derrick's partner. But Gage wants Derrick and wants to do some nasty things to him including putting a collar around his neck. Being forced together on a job doesn't help either one of them put the other out of their head.
Let me get to the hot good part first...this had some hot possessive daddy kink going on. Gage and Derrick have to pretend for a job but is it really pretending if both want it? There's collars and spankings to boot 🔥
**Now, some spoilers here and I do think this deserves some trigger warnings**
Dabney tore me up from the prologue. Gage's story is heartbreaking in itself. And because of his past he cuts. He cuts to deal with his pain. One thing that struck me throughout the book and especially at the end that I appreciate the author doing more than they could know, was there was no "magical dick" cure. Just because Derrick and Gage get together, does not mean Gage is cured. He still has work to do. He still has to see a therapist and work through it all. I love a HEA as much as the next person but I sometimes get frustrated when sensitive subjects are just "poofed" away by being in love and it cures all ailments. But Dabney did not take the easy way out. Still even at the end, Gage still has times where he slips and cuts though less frequent. As a parent of a child who has been through this, again, I appreciate it more than Dabney can know the route they took in writing about it. For that alone it gets 5 stars from me.
But on to happier things, I'm glad Derrick and Gage have found each other and are exactly what the other needs. Now I just need Raul and Pure's story like yesterday. I have a feeling though, that one is going to be a tearjerker as well.
February 13, 2019
While reading I smacked my head more than once for not reading the other books from this series... I wanted to know more about some of the characters... and they had already their story.
This can be read as a stand-alone and I will surely read the others... just doing it backwards.
It was a fulfilling read, with a lot of events. Highly entertaining and with varied aspects.
The Daddy/boy dynamic was so well done.
Gage has a lot of inner demons to fight and while still tortured by them, he will never be able to give in to his feelings for the much younger Derrick.
More than ten years ago, Derrick saw Gage for the first time and was head over heels. But Gage avoids him.
When they have to work together as Daddy/boy, to find and hopefully rescue , the daughter of Gage’s best friend, they can’t deny each other any more.
Suspense, abuse, human trafficking, traumatic experiences... but also the opposite you can find here. There is a lot of story.
All well written, and worked out well. The scenery was dark and vicious, the development of both Gage and Derrick’s characters was excellently done. They have a lot of personality and both carrying a lot of baggage...The whole plot was kind of devastating.
Thank goodness for the softer moments where I could breathe more freely and thank goodness for the moments where Gage and Derrick had there time to be free around each other. Thank goodness for wonderfully flawed and realistic personalities.
The romance was well balanced with the whole story... not too sappy.
The writing style was captivating, appealing, and vivid. The syntax was strong and the pace steady. I was totally absorbed by this story.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
This can be read as a stand-alone and I will surely read the others... just doing it backwards.
It was a fulfilling read, with a lot of events. Highly entertaining and with varied aspects.
The Daddy/boy dynamic was so well done.
Gage has a lot of inner demons to fight and while still tortured by them, he will never be able to give in to his feelings for the much younger Derrick.
More than ten years ago, Derrick saw Gage for the first time and was head over heels. But Gage avoids him.
When they have to work together as Daddy/boy, to find and hopefully rescue , the daughter of Gage’s best friend, they can’t deny each other any more.
Suspense, abuse, human trafficking, traumatic experiences... but also the opposite you can find here. There is a lot of story.
All well written, and worked out well. The scenery was dark and vicious, the development of both Gage and Derrick’s characters was excellently done. They have a lot of personality and both carrying a lot of baggage...The whole plot was kind of devastating.
Thank goodness for the softer moments where I could breathe more freely and thank goodness for the moments where Gage and Derrick had there time to be free around each other. Thank goodness for wonderfully flawed and realistic personalities.
The romance was well balanced with the whole story... not too sappy.
The writing style was captivating, appealing, and vivid. The syntax was strong and the pace steady. I was totally absorbed by this story.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
August 3, 2019
***** Hayden Gage had lived with horrible violence his whole life, and got away from his father by joining the military. Now, at 50, works as a "bounty hunter" with Trenton Security.
He met Derrick, when Linus adopted him and his brother when their racist, homophobic dad died.
Derrick is now a deputy, 26, and fiercely proud of it.
He has wanted big, rough and tough silver fox, Hayden "Gage" for a long time. Derrick knows what he wants.
When Alex's daughter, 16, is missing, all hell breaks loose. The men are on alert, investigating and ready for action.
The slave ring is a viable clue and the men go all out to find her.
Gage is avoiding Derrick, because he's afraid his father's meanness and rage is hereditary, and will cause him to lose control, and that someday he may hurt Derrick, like his father hurt his Mom, but he wants that "boy" something fierce. Derrick wants Gage as his "Daddy."
The case sends them on the mission together, undercover, and with a taste of being together, we want to see them honestly react to their deep passion... and they do. But this isn't a mushy romance, because there is a case to solve and time is running out.
Lots of action, guns, bad guys, help, and they have more than one rescue to accomplish.
Everyone on the crew is fighting for justice and moving forward. Not much sweetness for our two guys, ( until close to the end) but the men know more about each other now, and Gage deals with his "cutting" through therapy, and they talk about the abuse, while the men adjust to the relationship.
The crew wraps up the details, and the extra rescue is a worthy cause.
Strap in for a tough but worthwhile ride.
=======
He met Derrick, when Linus adopted him and his brother when their racist, homophobic dad died.
Derrick is now a deputy, 26, and fiercely proud of it.
He has wanted big, rough and tough silver fox, Hayden "Gage" for a long time. Derrick knows what he wants.
When Alex's daughter, 16, is missing, all hell breaks loose. The men are on alert, investigating and ready for action.
The slave ring is a viable clue and the men go all out to find her.
Gage is avoiding Derrick, because he's afraid his father's meanness and rage is hereditary, and will cause him to lose control, and that someday he may hurt Derrick, like his father hurt his Mom, but he wants that "boy" something fierce. Derrick wants Gage as his "Daddy."
The case sends them on the mission together, undercover, and with a taste of being together, we want to see them honestly react to their deep passion... and they do. But this isn't a mushy romance, because there is a case to solve and time is running out.
Lots of action, guns, bad guys, help, and they have more than one rescue to accomplish.
Everyone on the crew is fighting for justice and moving forward. Not much sweetness for our two guys, ( until close to the end) but the men know more about each other now, and Gage deals with his "cutting" through therapy, and they talk about the abuse, while the men adjust to the relationship.
The crew wraps up the details, and the extra rescue is a worthy cause.
Strap in for a tough but worthwhile ride.
=======
January 29, 2019
Another hit with the crazies of Trenton Securities team.
In this one, we have Gage, who you should remember from previous books, and Derrick, who was the former sheriff’s son, adopted by Linus and his brood. Remember him? Well, he’s a man now, and he’s got his sights set on Hayden Gage.
Gage however, like all the other guys that have been brought into the fold, has a troubled past. Much like Derricks, and I was surprised that that wasn’t touched on a little bit more. They’re backgrounds and “daddy issues” as Gage called them once, were very similar. Both of them equally as heartbreaking, living with abusive and sadistic father’s… .Gage tries to keep his distance from Derrick because his rage and anger from a life he left long ago was still at the forefront just begging to be unleashed.
While there is a trigger warning, there is also somewhat graphic details of self-harm. Normally, I’d cringe at this, but it was explained in the most perfectly accurate way, it made it relatable, if that makes sense? Like, instead of judging a person on why they do it…. Listen to actually WHY, someone might do it. If you didn’t understand before, Gage should give you a better understanding. I appreciated that.
So, Gage is set on keeping his distance, and Derrick is mourning the death of a dream that he’s had for far too long about belonging to Gage, but when Gage’s best friend and teammate calls because his daughter’s gone missing… they’re thrust together to try and find her.
Going undercover wasn’t ideal for Derrick, but he knows that if they have any chance of finding the missing girl, he has to do it….and any chance to spend with Gage, he’s taking that too. However, during the mission, lines get blurred and it’s harder for Gage to deny what he feels for Derrick, and the things he might want from him. It also gives Derrick the option to show Gage that he’s not scared of him, or what he wants… and in fact, it might just be what Derrick wants to.
And fear not, we do get justice for the abused…. I kind of adored Kray and I feel like down the road, he’d have an amazing story to tell… I especially hope to get him a happily ever after. If anyone deserves one, it’s him. I’m also super excited for more of Raul and Pure… I have a feeling they’re just waiting on their third… because if they haven’t figured it out between the two of them yet, something has to be missing. I’m hoping not, because minages aren’t my favorite... but this author makes it work… so I’ll deal if it is…. But I sincerely hope he’s next!
Overall, as always, it’s another sweet and hopeful addition to an awesome, daddy-loving series. I’ll just be over here, impatiently waiting for more!
5 stars from me!
In this one, we have Gage, who you should remember from previous books, and Derrick, who was the former sheriff’s son, adopted by Linus and his brood. Remember him? Well, he’s a man now, and he’s got his sights set on Hayden Gage.
Gage however, like all the other guys that have been brought into the fold, has a troubled past. Much like Derricks, and I was surprised that that wasn’t touched on a little bit more. They’re backgrounds and “daddy issues” as Gage called them once, were very similar. Both of them equally as heartbreaking, living with abusive and sadistic father’s… .Gage tries to keep his distance from Derrick because his rage and anger from a life he left long ago was still at the forefront just begging to be unleashed.
While there is a trigger warning, there is also somewhat graphic details of self-harm. Normally, I’d cringe at this, but it was explained in the most perfectly accurate way, it made it relatable, if that makes sense? Like, instead of judging a person on why they do it…. Listen to actually WHY, someone might do it. If you didn’t understand before, Gage should give you a better understanding. I appreciated that.
So, Gage is set on keeping his distance, and Derrick is mourning the death of a dream that he’s had for far too long about belonging to Gage, but when Gage’s best friend and teammate calls because his daughter’s gone missing… they’re thrust together to try and find her.
Going undercover wasn’t ideal for Derrick, but he knows that if they have any chance of finding the missing girl, he has to do it….and any chance to spend with Gage, he’s taking that too. However, during the mission, lines get blurred and it’s harder for Gage to deny what he feels for Derrick, and the things he might want from him. It also gives Derrick the option to show Gage that he’s not scared of him, or what he wants… and in fact, it might just be what Derrick wants to.
And fear not, we do get justice for the abused…. I kind of adored Kray and I feel like down the road, he’d have an amazing story to tell… I especially hope to get him a happily ever after. If anyone deserves one, it’s him. I’m also super excited for more of Raul and Pure… I have a feeling they’re just waiting on their third… because if they haven’t figured it out between the two of them yet, something has to be missing. I’m hoping not, because minages aren’t my favorite... but this author makes it work… so I’ll deal if it is…. But I sincerely hope he’s next!
Overall, as always, it’s another sweet and hopeful addition to an awesome, daddy-loving series. I’ll just be over here, impatiently waiting for more!
5 stars from me!
January 27, 2019
Unfortunately this one didn't work as well for me as the others in the series have done and I think it was because there was a bit too much of "back reference" to other characters in the world - and I haven't read any of the other series' even though I own all the books.
This was an ARC so there were the odd typos and misused words which I expect will be cleared up without any problem by time of release but, my other niggle and the other thing which stopped me from enjoying what - on the face of it - should have suited me down to the ground was the overuse of the phrase his boy.
Okay, this is a Daddy/boy kink element within a human trafficking story but honestly, I think in one sentence alone the phrase was used on four separate occasions. Even just using Derrick's name more would have helped.
These two niggles aside, the story itself is well-paced and relatable and Gage and Derrick are a compelling pair together. I think this one out of all the Trenton series does have the most complex narrative in terms of the plot which the romance sits on top of and it was executed very well.
These men in the Twirled Ink world are hard, brutal, vicious and powerfully loyal and their actions don't fit into the normal mode of heroic types at all but it works brilliantly well for the series setting.
And, as ever with this author and their worlds, the men aren't all ripped torsos and perfect bodies, they're imperfect and flawed and yet manage to be the right match for their other halves and it's nice to read about couples who don't have 8-pack abs and dicks that resemble another limb!
I'm sure my two niggles won't bother other readers and they'll get a tension-filled plot with a well-developed relationship on top.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased reivew
This was an ARC so there were the odd typos and misused words which I expect will be cleared up without any problem by time of release but, my other niggle and the other thing which stopped me from enjoying what - on the face of it - should have suited me down to the ground was the overuse of the phrase his boy.
Okay, this is a Daddy/boy kink element within a human trafficking story but honestly, I think in one sentence alone the phrase was used on four separate occasions. Even just using Derrick's name more would have helped.
These two niggles aside, the story itself is well-paced and relatable and Gage and Derrick are a compelling pair together. I think this one out of all the Trenton series does have the most complex narrative in terms of the plot which the romance sits on top of and it was executed very well.
These men in the Twirled Ink world are hard, brutal, vicious and powerfully loyal and their actions don't fit into the normal mode of heroic types at all but it works brilliantly well for the series setting.
And, as ever with this author and their worlds, the men aren't all ripped torsos and perfect bodies, they're imperfect and flawed and yet manage to be the right match for their other halves and it's nice to read about couples who don't have 8-pack abs and dicks that resemble another limb!
I'm sure my two niggles won't bother other readers and they'll get a tension-filled plot with a well-developed relationship on top.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased reivew
January 31, 2019
Tough subject matter but done with love
I really enjoyed this book. Tough subjects but written with love. Very impressed that the events in the book weren't magically solved with love or a Magic Peen. Touching and heartfelt.
I really enjoyed this book. Tough subjects but written with love. Very impressed that the events in the book weren't magically solved with love or a Magic Peen. Touching and heartfelt.
January 30, 2019
Man, if only one more person had read this before they hit released, maybe then, all the typos would have been caught, which lost it a start in my rating. I mean, you've got beta readers, you've got editors, they should have spotted the mistakes before the book was ever released. It's quite possible to have a book without a single grammatical error - oh yeah, I've seen quite a few, so to me, there is just no excuse.
I liked Liv (book 1), I loved Little (book 2), I kinda liked Gage. I kept waiting for the BIG moment you know ? I didn't get that. It felt a little lackluster and rushed, a little boring even compared to the other 2 books in the series. I also noticed just how much time has passed between books. I mean I think between Liv and Gage, at least almost 10 yrs have gone by, and I feel like I'm missing big chunks of stuff. I mean 10 years of waiting for Pure & Raul !!! Totally feel like their book should have been next and not this random Gage one, which is why it lost another star, it just seems to me like the characters and book are completely out of place.
Meh, just ... meh !
I liked Liv (book 1), I loved Little (book 2), I kinda liked Gage. I kept waiting for the BIG moment you know ? I didn't get that. It felt a little lackluster and rushed, a little boring even compared to the other 2 books in the series. I also noticed just how much time has passed between books. I mean I think between Liv and Gage, at least almost 10 yrs have gone by, and I feel like I'm missing big chunks of stuff. I mean 10 years of waiting for Pure & Raul !!! Totally feel like their book should have been next and not this random Gage one, which is why it lost another star, it just seems to me like the characters and book are completely out of place.
Meh, just ... meh !
January 22, 2019
Derrick loved his extended family. His fathers took him out of an abusive situation and adopted him. All the men of Trenton Security becoming surrogate fathers and brothers. Except Gage, Derrick was in love with him and has wanted him forever it seemed.
Gage wasn’t willing to accept what the man wanted. Still seeing him as a boy who needed to be protected from the evil and pain in his past. When they are sent on a job together, posing as a Daddy and his boy, Gage knows that he will do anything to protect him. Even give in to what his mind and body demands. Know it’s going to hurt bad when he has to let him go.
These two damaged men really pulled at my heartstrings. Probably more than any of the authors other characters. The world the author created and populated with amazing men and women, just seems to keep getting better and better. I really think the books need to be read in order to get the full enjoyment of the Trenton men.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Gage wasn’t willing to accept what the man wanted. Still seeing him as a boy who needed to be protected from the evil and pain in his past. When they are sent on a job together, posing as a Daddy and his boy, Gage knows that he will do anything to protect him. Even give in to what his mind and body demands. Know it’s going to hurt bad when he has to let him go.
These two damaged men really pulled at my heartstrings. Probably more than any of the authors other characters. The world the author created and populated with amazing men and women, just seems to keep getting better and better. I really think the books need to be read in order to get the full enjoyment of the Trenton men.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
November 16, 2019
I swear I thought I had lost it enough with Liv, Joker and Little and then along comes Gage. Well, hell, all those boys have just torn me a new one with their pasts and stuff, but Gage ranks right up there with the other 3 and it’s not a pretty picture. I don’t want to give too much away, but I have to warn you guys. If you’ve kept up with these series, you know that these guys have been through a hell of a lot. Gage’s is…..shew. This book deals with self harm/mutilation, suicide, physical, mental and emotional abuse, a child finding his mother dead, as well as other stuff, kidnappings, torture, and so much more. PLEASE, if any of this is a trigger for you, be careful. It’s not a pretty picture.
Gage has some pretty severe scars that he keeps hidden. Some can be seen and some can’t. No one but one person really knows the extent of how deep some of those run and now he’s needing Gage’s help to find his missing daughter. When Trenton Security is pulled in to find her and possibly stop some of the trafficking, old demons are creeping up on Gage at what is going on. It doesn’t help when the object of his affection, Derrick, his best friend Linus’s son, is going on the op with them as his boy. Something he’s wanted for years. But he’s terrified he is someone from his past and he doesn’t ever want to become that and hurt Derrick. It would kill him. Or if he found Derrick in a position he couldn’t handle because Derrick wanted out and didn’t feel like he had another way. Especially considering his past as being Thorpe’s son. But the op is in motion and he has no choice but to accept Derrick is there with him. And his fears are threatening to choke the life out of him.
Both Gage and Derrick have had one hell of a past. Gage is a little different in some things he experienced, but for the most part, they went through the same stuff. The thought of even wanting someone in their lives to be a boyfriend or husband, is a shock in itself. But both of them want each other. But I can’t say I blame Gage for keeping his distance. I came up in an abusive household myself and I was always scared I would pass that on to my kid. It’s hard to not become what you know. I’ve done my best to break the cycle, although I’ve screwed up a lot. And Gage was trying to break the cycle himself in his own way. Granted, it may not be the perfect way to do so, but after seeing what he’s seen and been through what he has, it’s all he knows right now. Thankfully, Derrick has had someone to adopt him, even though he was already 17 when he got out of his situation. But he’s had several years of love to help guide him through. And although Gage has friends, it’s not the same.
But what I’ve loved about all these stories, is when they’ve finally met the one for them, they’ve all wanted to be better than what they are. Not just for themselves, but for the ones they love. It comes for yourself first, obviously, or it can be disastrous. But they’re trying. They’re hoping for the first times for real in their lives for life to be better for them. It doesn’t mean the journey isn’t hard as hell. As Wren said in this book, It’s hard, dirty work. But the end results are worth it if you stick with it. And that is what has mattered and made the difference.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Gage has some pretty severe scars that he keeps hidden. Some can be seen and some can’t. No one but one person really knows the extent of how deep some of those run and now he’s needing Gage’s help to find his missing daughter. When Trenton Security is pulled in to find her and possibly stop some of the trafficking, old demons are creeping up on Gage at what is going on. It doesn’t help when the object of his affection, Derrick, his best friend Linus’s son, is going on the op with them as his boy. Something he’s wanted for years. But he’s terrified he is someone from his past and he doesn’t ever want to become that and hurt Derrick. It would kill him. Or if he found Derrick in a position he couldn’t handle because Derrick wanted out and didn’t feel like he had another way. Especially considering his past as being Thorpe’s son. But the op is in motion and he has no choice but to accept Derrick is there with him. And his fears are threatening to choke the life out of him.
Both Gage and Derrick have had one hell of a past. Gage is a little different in some things he experienced, but for the most part, they went through the same stuff. The thought of even wanting someone in their lives to be a boyfriend or husband, is a shock in itself. But both of them want each other. But I can’t say I blame Gage for keeping his distance. I came up in an abusive household myself and I was always scared I would pass that on to my kid. It’s hard to not become what you know. I’ve done my best to break the cycle, although I’ve screwed up a lot. And Gage was trying to break the cycle himself in his own way. Granted, it may not be the perfect way to do so, but after seeing what he’s seen and been through what he has, it’s all he knows right now. Thankfully, Derrick has had someone to adopt him, even though he was already 17 when he got out of his situation. But he’s had several years of love to help guide him through. And although Gage has friends, it’s not the same.
But what I’ve loved about all these stories, is when they’ve finally met the one for them, they’ve all wanted to be better than what they are. Not just for themselves, but for the ones they love. It comes for yourself first, obviously, or it can be disastrous. But they’re trying. They’re hoping for the first times for real in their lives for life to be better for them. It doesn’t mean the journey isn’t hard as hell. As Wren said in this book, It’s hard, dirty work. But the end results are worth it if you stick with it. And that is what has mattered and made the difference.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
January 21, 2019
It’s good being back with all the guys and I’ve been waiting for Hayden Gage’s story; what a horrific past this man’s had, no wonder he’s broken and doesn’t feel he can trust himself to have any kind of relationship. Derrick Thorpe hasn’t had an easy ride either― not by a long chalk― but his Dads were his salvation when they took him in as a teen. He’s now happy working under Pelter at the Sheriff’s Dept. Both Derrick and Gage have harboured an attraction for each other for a long, long time, Gage can’t trust himself with Derrick though, due to the things that happened in his past; and things that he’s still holding on to that are affecting him. A missing girl throws Trenton Security into action and a plan is put into place to try and find her. Thing is, it’s going to bring the issues and emotions to a head for both these men.
This was such a great story in trademark fashion by the author; there was plenty of drama and action, and the brotherhood and camaraderie were so evident here again, it just felt like being home. These tough men and women who fiercely protect their own have some of the softest hearts, and that’s what JM brings out so well, they’re such a great storyteller. As with all the crew books; I really wanted to climb inside the pages and be part of this amazing group of people.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.
This was such a great story in trademark fashion by the author; there was plenty of drama and action, and the brotherhood and camaraderie were so evident here again, it just felt like being home. These tough men and women who fiercely protect their own have some of the softest hearts, and that’s what JM brings out so well, they’re such a great storyteller. As with all the crew books; I really wanted to climb inside the pages and be part of this amazing group of people.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.
January 30, 2019
Gage is desperate to stay away from the temptation that is Derrick. The pair are thrown together for a job, forcing them to be closer than Gage is comfortable with.
Both men have demons from their past. Both of these men broke my heart a little..
"That the man he loved found him so lacking hurt, but he was used to being unwanted."
I loved watching these men work out how they fit together and except each other amid the dangers of work.
It was great to see the rest of the crew. I really look forward to Raul and Pure's story.
4.5 Stars.
Both men have demons from their past. Both of these men broke my heart a little..
"That the man he loved found him so lacking hurt, but he was used to being unwanted."
I loved watching these men work out how they fit together and except each other amid the dangers of work.
It was great to see the rest of the crew. I really look forward to Raul and Pure's story.
4.5 Stars.
July 23, 2019
Another interesting story
This was Gage's story. Gage is fighting demons and thoughts darker than anyone can imagine. He isjoy afraid that history will repeat itself and does not think he is worthy. But he goes on an assignment with person of his affection and things started to go in a direction he never thought possible.
This was Gage's story. Gage is fighting demons and thoughts darker than anyone can imagine. He isjoy afraid that history will repeat itself and does not think he is worthy. But he goes on an assignment with person of his affection and things started to go in a direction he never thought possible.
dnf
October 14, 2019DNF @ 80%
I wish I had liked this book as it had so many of my favorite elements. Sadly, I feel like there wasn’t a lot of relationship development. This could 100% be just me though, I just didn’t feel their connection :(
I wish I had liked this book as it had so many of my favorite elements. Sadly, I feel like there wasn’t a lot of relationship development. This could 100% be just me though, I just didn’t feel their connection :(
January 29, 2019
Yet another fantastic addition to the Trenton series. Jami has built up such an amazing world that contains brilliant characters spread across several crews. Not my favourite out of the series so far but still a must read.
Gage and Derrick have their outing during a case that is the kidnapping of Gage's goddaughter. Derrick is perfect as the person to go undercover with Gage and their connection sizzles as they are forced into close proximity. Yet Gage remains unsure because his desires are what he considers to be on the darker side.
I really enjoyed the story line of this book. It contains drama, family and friend connections, as well as attraction and kink. Our two MC's work really well together and my heart went out to Gage as his past was slowly uncovered with flashbacks. Derrick is his perfect counterpart as a strong and caring individual who wants to give Gage the control he needs.
Whilst this is a stand alone story, I highly recommend reading the series in order as there are a lot of names to track that are all connected in some way. I have read them all, though not recently and it took me a few seconds to work people out.
Definitely a recommended read!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
** It is a slightly hard read in a couple of spots due to the nature of the kidnapping with the age of the girl but there is no "on-screen" abuse **
Gage and Derrick have their outing during a case that is the kidnapping of Gage's goddaughter. Derrick is perfect as the person to go undercover with Gage and their connection sizzles as they are forced into close proximity. Yet Gage remains unsure because his desires are what he considers to be on the darker side.
I really enjoyed the story line of this book. It contains drama, family and friend connections, as well as attraction and kink. Our two MC's work really well together and my heart went out to Gage as his past was slowly uncovered with flashbacks. Derrick is his perfect counterpart as a strong and caring individual who wants to give Gage the control he needs.
Whilst this is a stand alone story, I highly recommend reading the series in order as there are a lot of names to track that are all connected in some way. I have read them all, though not recently and it took me a few seconds to work people out.
Definitely a recommended read!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
** It is a slightly hard read in a couple of spots due to the nature of the kidnapping with the age of the girl but there is no "on-screen" abuse **
February 8, 2019
1.5 This author is an automatic 'drop everything else' read for me, but this was my least favorite of any book in any of the series I've read. I was already skimming at 30%. Way too convoluted for no reason. Gage's self harming was meh; the 'mission' was meh and the way Gage acted didn't endear me to him; the host seeing the kid was being severely ill treated but 'not thinking the French guy had it in him to do horrific things'; the dumping of extra characters (was there a point to that scene with Trevor and the girl?) As is, I barely remember who Gage and Derrick are and this story did nothing to make them memorable. Their 'relationship' was lost in all the rescue drama, and their coming together wasn't as good as other couples. Even the Daddy kink didn't save it because there was so much doubt and hemming and hawing that by the time they actually fully got together I skipped the sex! The crews are always over the top, but the constant reminding of how bad and dangerous they were was a bit much in this book. So this was a miss but I'm sooooo looking forward to Pure's book.
January 30, 2019
Les livres se suivent et se ressemblent tous mais ca reste étrangement addictif. Je veux l'histoire de Pure maintenant !
February 7, 2019
This the third book in the series and is Gage's story.
Gage has popped up in previous books, he prefers to work in the background, he's quiet and tends to keep to himself. He's ex-military but rarely joins in field work with the rest of the crew. Derrick in now age 27 and he is the adopted son of Hunter, Linus and Wren - who rescued him at age 17 with his baby brother, they are Thorpe's sons. Both MC's have a little unrequited crush on each other for a number of years, Gage refuses to acknowledge due to the age difference, Derrick wants to fulfil his crush now he's a man and returning to Powers as a cop.
Gage has some serious baggage, childhood abuse from a father who drove his Mother to suicide and over the years he suffers with rage and anger issues, stopping him from getting in a relationship.
There is a lot going on with him, the self-harm being the biggest issue and some scenes were quite graphic. Derrick also has to overcome his "daddy issues", but with the help of his adopted Dad's, he seems to be in a healthier position - both situations were quite heartbreaking.
They are both thrown together for an undercover assignment when Gage's friend - Alec's daughter is snatched whilst on holiday with friends - all chaos is about to let loose....
And this is where I struggled with the story, not only is this another "daddy kink" story, there are touches of BDSM (mostly off page) but it's seriously not my thing and I eye rolled that we were still going down this path with yet another daddy/boy storyline *meh* I felt the story got a little lost around Kray's discovery and the burying of the body - but karma is a wonderful thing! I hope Kray will get his story in the end.
Overall, I didn't really feel invested in either character, there didn't seem to be chemistry between them - maybe it was assumed we knew them from previous mentions in other books? It was nice to catch up with the masses, the characters are ever growing, especially mentions of children now a decade older! I am especially rooting for Raul and Pure, this love/hate relationship they have had going on for what seems like 100's years needs to be sorted once and for all - March 2019 can't get here soon enough and I hope my expectations will be met!! The book finishes on a strong HFN, but it wasn't a favourite read of this series.
Gage has popped up in previous books, he prefers to work in the background, he's quiet and tends to keep to himself. He's ex-military but rarely joins in field work with the rest of the crew. Derrick in now age 27 and he is the adopted son of Hunter, Linus and Wren - who rescued him at age 17 with his baby brother, they are Thorpe's sons. Both MC's have a little unrequited crush on each other for a number of years, Gage refuses to acknowledge due to the age difference, Derrick wants to fulfil his crush now he's a man and returning to Powers as a cop.
Gage has some serious baggage, childhood abuse from a father who drove his Mother to suicide and over the years he suffers with rage and anger issues, stopping him from getting in a relationship.
There is a lot going on with him, the self-harm being the biggest issue and some scenes were quite graphic. Derrick also has to overcome his "daddy issues", but with the help of his adopted Dad's, he seems to be in a healthier position - both situations were quite heartbreaking.
They are both thrown together for an undercover assignment when Gage's friend - Alec's daughter is snatched whilst on holiday with friends - all chaos is about to let loose....
And this is where I struggled with the story, not only is this another "daddy kink" story, there are touches of BDSM (mostly off page) but it's seriously not my thing and I eye rolled that we were still going down this path with yet another daddy/boy storyline *meh* I felt the story got a little lost around Kray's discovery and the burying of the body - but karma is a wonderful thing! I hope Kray will get his story in the end.
Overall, I didn't really feel invested in either character, there didn't seem to be chemistry between them - maybe it was assumed we knew them from previous mentions in other books? It was nice to catch up with the masses, the characters are ever growing, especially mentions of children now a decade older! I am especially rooting for Raul and Pure, this love/hate relationship they have had going on for what seems like 100's years needs to be sorted once and for all - March 2019 can't get here soon enough and I hope my expectations will be met!! The book finishes on a strong HFN, but it wasn't a favourite read of this series.
February 8, 2019
holy wow.. this was hott and amazing and so interesting to read. the characters are perfect. they are both so broken and want so much but dont know how to do so. it is a wonderfully raw storyline and i really liked it. i cannot wait for the next one
February 27, 2022
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I rated this book 3.5 Stars so I rounded it up to 4 Stars. I enjoyed this book but it wasn’t my favourite. Hayden Gage’s father Major Dennis Gage was a ab*sive a*sehole. Who used to constantly beat Gage and his mum. He kept on wanting Gage to be a real men like him, and real men basically b*at their wives into s*bmission. His mum ended up k*lling herself when he was in his early teens. He Inherited his father’s anger and was always worried that his anger would hurt any boy he got. He used to blackout and come to covered in bl*od. As soon a Gage graduated High School he went to a Navy Recruitment Office and joined up. He never really wanted in the Military but thought that they may be able to help with his anger issues. He met his best friend Alex while at Basic. Alex is the only person knows how Gage grew up and that he cuts himself daily as a way to cope, and to see what his mum felt before she passed away. It’s a messed up coping mechanism and Alex has tried to help him but Gage is the way he is. Gage has been part of Trenton Security for years but has kept his distance the last few years and that’s because of his attraction/feelings towards Derrick Thorpe, his boss Linus and his husbands’ Hunter and Wren adopted son.
Derrick has secretly had feelings for Gage for years and now that he’s in his mid 20’s, graduated from College and is about to start as Powers County newest police deputy (as he wants to prove to everyone that he’s not his father’s son) that he asks Gage out. Gage tells him no and the reason why he wont go near him. Gage doesn’t think that he’s good enough for Derrick, especially with the messed up things that he wants to do to him. Gage gets a frantic call from Alex saying that he needs a favour as his daughter Cameron was taken while on holiday with her friend’s family while in Miami and he needs Gage and the rest of Trenton Security’s help. Derrick is asked to go undercover acting as Gage’s boy as they might find the location of Cameron. Their lives and possibly finding Cameron before it’s too late are reliant on Derrick doing everything that Gage says without complaint. I didn’t really like what that Gage made Derrick do while getting him used to obeying Gage’s commands but I fully understood why he did. If you’re after a mushy love story this isn’t it.
I wish that Gage would’ve discussed safe words with Derrick eventually but I do know that if Derrick said NO to something that Gage wanted to do that he would stop, as it’s obvious that he doesn’t want to harm Derrick in any way. This book has dark themes but don’t worry there’s a definitely a guaranteed HEA in the cards for these two by the end of this book. I really enjoyed Linus and Gage taking out the s*distic f*ck that k*dnapped/brought f*cken teenagers and got great pleasure out of t*rturing and r*ping them. I’m glad that Cameron and Kray who Gage and Derrick saw while undercover, and saw that he was being mistreated were both rescued and that Alex and his ex Margo wanted for him to be part of their family, as he needs a safe space to go. Kray and Cameron had bonded while they were being held captive together. They have a bond forged in fire that no one could break. Kray was trying to shield Cameron from getting punished by offering himself up to be used instead. I’m also glad that by Gage finally admitting his feelings for Derrick and getting help brought him closer to his found family. I’m looking forward to reading Pure & Raul’s story next. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
I rated this book 3.5 Stars so I rounded it up to 4 Stars. I enjoyed this book but it wasn’t my favourite. Hayden Gage’s father Major Dennis Gage was a ab*sive a*sehole. Who used to constantly beat Gage and his mum. He kept on wanting Gage to be a real men like him, and real men basically b*at their wives into s*bmission. His mum ended up k*lling herself when he was in his early teens. He Inherited his father’s anger and was always worried that his anger would hurt any boy he got. He used to blackout and come to covered in bl*od. As soon a Gage graduated High School he went to a Navy Recruitment Office and joined up. He never really wanted in the Military but thought that they may be able to help with his anger issues. He met his best friend Alex while at Basic. Alex is the only person knows how Gage grew up and that he cuts himself daily as a way to cope, and to see what his mum felt before she passed away. It’s a messed up coping mechanism and Alex has tried to help him but Gage is the way he is. Gage has been part of Trenton Security for years but has kept his distance the last few years and that’s because of his attraction/feelings towards Derrick Thorpe, his boss Linus and his husbands’ Hunter and Wren adopted son.
Derrick has secretly had feelings for Gage for years and now that he’s in his mid 20’s, graduated from College and is about to start as Powers County newest police deputy (as he wants to prove to everyone that he’s not his father’s son) that he asks Gage out. Gage tells him no and the reason why he wont go near him. Gage doesn’t think that he’s good enough for Derrick, especially with the messed up things that he wants to do to him. Gage gets a frantic call from Alex saying that he needs a favour as his daughter Cameron was taken while on holiday with her friend’s family while in Miami and he needs Gage and the rest of Trenton Security’s help. Derrick is asked to go undercover acting as Gage’s boy as they might find the location of Cameron. Their lives and possibly finding Cameron before it’s too late are reliant on Derrick doing everything that Gage says without complaint. I didn’t really like what that Gage made Derrick do while getting him used to obeying Gage’s commands but I fully understood why he did. If you’re after a mushy love story this isn’t it.
I wish that Gage would’ve discussed safe words with Derrick eventually but I do know that if Derrick said NO to something that Gage wanted to do that he would stop, as it’s obvious that he doesn’t want to harm Derrick in any way. This book has dark themes but don’t worry there’s a definitely a guaranteed HEA in the cards for these two by the end of this book. I really enjoyed Linus and Gage taking out the s*distic f*ck that k*dnapped/brought f*cken teenagers and got great pleasure out of t*rturing and r*ping them. I’m glad that Cameron and Kray who Gage and Derrick saw while undercover, and saw that he was being mistreated were both rescued and that Alex and his ex Margo wanted for him to be part of their family, as he needs a safe space to go. Kray and Cameron had bonded while they were being held captive together. They have a bond forged in fire that no one could break. Kray was trying to shield Cameron from getting punished by offering himself up to be used instead. I’m also glad that by Gage finally admitting his feelings for Derrick and getting help brought him closer to his found family. I’m looking forward to reading Pure & Raul’s story next. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
November 26, 2020
Gage tiene anos con Trenton Security, Linus le doy trabajo cuando se retiro de los Marines y el estaba empenzando la empresa, es uno de los de mayor edad en la empresa y tambien un reconocido soltero. Todos sabes que es un Dom-Daddy y que no tiene intenciones de establecerse, pero cuando Derrick (el hijo adoptivo de Linus) regresa de la universidad, no puede evitar sentir la atraccion hacia el joven hijo de su amigo, pero lucha contra ello porque siente que sus demonios pueden llevarlo a hacerle dano.
Derrick ha estado enamorado de Gage desde que Linus y su gente lo adopto, despues de terminar con su abusivo padre, pero Gage nunca lo ha visto mas que como un nino. El quiere ser el Boy de Gage y despues que regresa de la universidad hace todo lo posible para ser visto como un hombre y no como un nino.
Pero cuando la ahijada de Gage e hija de su mejor amigo Alex es secuestrada, tendran que crear una "falsa" relacion Daddy/Boy que no hara mas que mostrarle lo bien que pueden estar juntos y que tambien traera al frente todos los temores que tiene ambos de la relacion. Ambos tendran que aprender a confiar totalmente en el otro para poder salvar la vida no solo de su ahijada, sino tambien de otro joven que ha sido abusado.
El libro no esta mal llevado, pero me parece que habian puntos que pudieron haber sido mejor llevados, como la logica sobre el auto-castigo de Gage, o el porque Derrick queria ser policia. Quizas si hubiera leido las series anteriores algunos de estos puntos tendrian sentido, pero al leerlo como stand-alone parece que los personajes no estuvieran bien definidos.
Sin embargo, es una buena lectura y sigue con la logica de la serie. Voy a leer el ultimo libro de la serie, con la pareja mas esperada Pure y Raul, a ver como logran desenredar esa relacion..
Derrick ha estado enamorado de Gage desde que Linus y su gente lo adopto, despues de terminar con su abusivo padre, pero Gage nunca lo ha visto mas que como un nino. El quiere ser el Boy de Gage y despues que regresa de la universidad hace todo lo posible para ser visto como un hombre y no como un nino.
Pero cuando la ahijada de Gage e hija de su mejor amigo Alex es secuestrada, tendran que crear una "falsa" relacion Daddy/Boy que no hara mas que mostrarle lo bien que pueden estar juntos y que tambien traera al frente todos los temores que tiene ambos de la relacion. Ambos tendran que aprender a confiar totalmente en el otro para poder salvar la vida no solo de su ahijada, sino tambien de otro joven que ha sido abusado.
El libro no esta mal llevado, pero me parece que habian puntos que pudieron haber sido mejor llevados, como la logica sobre el auto-castigo de Gage, o el porque Derrick queria ser policia. Quizas si hubiera leido las series anteriores algunos de estos puntos tendrian sentido, pero al leerlo como stand-alone parece que los personajes no estuvieran bien definidos.
Sin embargo, es una buena lectura y sigue con la logica de la serie. Voy a leer el ultimo libro de la serie, con la pareja mas esperada Pure y Raul, a ver como logran desenredar esa relacion..
February 5, 2019
This might be one of my favorite JM Dabney books to date. Gage is a darker, gritty story that packs one heck of an emotional punch at times, but the angst is tempered somewhat by the tumultuous relationship between Derrick and Gage. Derrick has been in love with Gage for years, but Gage refuses to go there with the boy he secretly longs for. But then tragedy strikes when Gage's teenage pseudo-niece disappears while on vacation in Florida, and they find themselves working together undercover in a desperate attempt to find her. This story is really hard to read at times (so prepare for that and heed the trigger warnings!) but it is so worth every second and every tear. While there were times I wanted to beat Gage over the head with reality, as his past is revealed and his demons brought to light, my heart broke for him over and over. The chemistry between Gage and his boy is explosive, and the daddy kink is super hot in this one. I love how he and Derrick fit in other ways, too, and how each helps the other heal as their relationship grows.. and as someone who works in mental health I really appreciate the realistic approach the author takes to Gage's coping mechanism and showing how some issues do not magically disappear when a person falls in love, as some romance novels tend to suggest. I loved this story, angst and all, and I am so excited to finally get Pure and Raul next.. especially after the glimpses we get in this book of what Pure may have dwelling in his past.
August 21, 2019
3,5*
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the at he kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey’s books)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the at he kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey’s books)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
February 2, 2019
J M Dabney has done it again. They have broken my heart and put it back together. Gage is a the most stubborn person I have ever had the chance of reading. Even Joker wasn’t this bad!(if you haven't read Joker yet you probably should....like now k thanks!) Gage is haunted by his past scared of being his father. Scared of the anger that lingers inside of him. Through out this whole story I wanted to scream like let that boy love you dammit! Derrick was rescued by his dads escaping his abusive father.(Again if you haven't read Hunter like seriously? Not repeating myself!) wanting everyone to see that he has laid his ghost to rest...or has he? All he wants is to be seen
as a man by the one who carries his heart....(and all I wanna do is slap both of them upside the head) I understand these types of characters because they are haunted by ghosts and you can’t physically fight them. Sticks and stones may break bones and they will heal but the words will forever haunt me. Its a motto I have learned. But in the end they put aside their hang ups and let themselves be loved which is all we can ask for sometimes. Love me...with my demons and JM does an amazing way of portraying that in their books!
as a man by the one who carries his heart....(and all I wanna do is slap both of them upside the head) I understand these types of characters because they are haunted by ghosts and you can’t physically fight them. Sticks and stones may break bones and they will heal but the words will forever haunt me. Its a motto I have learned. But in the end they put aside their hang ups and let themselves be loved which is all we can ask for sometimes. Love me...with my demons and JM does an amazing way of portraying that in their books!
February 3, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating; 4.25 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-fU3
From that review:I know going in what to expect from one of these interconnected stories. Damaged men who don't think they deserve love, perhaps someone who already loves them, a case that needs to be investigated and many of our couples from the series and stories that orbit each other, serving as friends and extended families. Yet within this framework, J.M. Dabney brings new characters or rather familiar characters to the front for a closer examination and revelations. We get to see where their damage came from, their past histories revealed, and who, most often, has drawn their attention and maybe even love.
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating; 4.25 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-fU3
From that review:I know going in what to expect from one of these interconnected stories. Damaged men who don't think they deserve love, perhaps someone who already loves them, a case that needs to be investigated and many of our couples from the series and stories that orbit each other, serving as friends and extended families. Yet within this framework, J.M. Dabney brings new characters or rather familiar characters to the front for a closer examination and revelations. We get to see where their damage came from, their past histories revealed, and who, most often, has drawn their attention and maybe even love.
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
February 13, 2019
I’ve read some of the authors other series and I’ve been hooked ever since. I know it’s easier to read in order but I’m jumping all over the place and still keeping up. I always get sucked in to these stories. I have to know what’s going to happen next or I won’t rest until I do. I love the suspense of it all. Now Gage and Derricks story isn’t for the faint heart. There are some parts where you just want to scream but you will get through it.
Gage and Derrick have love each other from afar for years. They both fell in love at first sight. They both have demons from their past to work through. More Gage then Derrick. My heart broke for them both. They both worked hard for who they are and who they want to be. They have the Crew and family at their backs and that’s all they need to make their lives better, besides each other. These two love hard and fiercely. I really hope that Pure’s story is next, I have a feeling he’s going to rip my heart out and put it back together.
Gage and Derrick have love each other from afar for years. They both fell in love at first sight. They both have demons from their past to work through. More Gage then Derrick. My heart broke for them both. They both worked hard for who they are and who they want to be. They have the Crew and family at their backs and that’s all they need to make their lives better, besides each other. These two love hard and fiercely. I really hope that Pure’s story is next, I have a feeling he’s going to rip my heart out and put it back together.
September 23, 2021
Tortured Daddy and newbie boy
I absolutely love these books. Every member of Trenton or Brawlers or Twisted or Executioners have individual demons that they have to battle and, yet, it is their created family and unconditional love that gets them through. Helps them heal. There's no magic cure. Sometimes it's three steps forward and two steps back, but they keep on fighting. Gage and Derrick's story is definitely one about fighting the demons of your past. I love that we get to see Derrick all grown up and proving that he's nothing like the monster his biological father was. In that sense he has a lot in common with Gage. I love how all the characters rally around each other to support and how accepting they are of all the various kinks and relationships. It Powers was a real town, I'd wanted to live there! Another amazing book!
I absolutely love these books. Every member of Trenton or Brawlers or Twisted or Executioners have individual demons that they have to battle and, yet, it is their created family and unconditional love that gets them through. Helps them heal. There's no magic cure. Sometimes it's three steps forward and two steps back, but they keep on fighting. Gage and Derrick's story is definitely one about fighting the demons of your past. I love that we get to see Derrick all grown up and proving that he's nothing like the monster his biological father was. In that sense he has a lot in common with Gage. I love how all the characters rally around each other to support and how accepting they are of all the various kinks and relationships. It Powers was a real town, I'd wanted to live there! Another amazing book!
February 9, 2019
4.5 stars
Another fantastic book by this author! Gage is desperate, I mean desperate to stay away from the tempting Derrick. Then they are forced to work together making sure that Gage can no longer avoid Derrick.
Derrick has loved Gage almost from the beginning, when his adoptive father took him out of in abusive situation. But Gage never sees Derrick as a man he sees him more as a boy that needs to protecting. When they are undercover Gage is posing as a Daddy and Derrick as a boy these roles hit a little too close to home. Will they be able to solve the case together? Will Gage push Derrick away after the case is finished? Will two damaged souls be able to heal each other?
Another fantastic book by this author! Gage is desperate, I mean desperate to stay away from the tempting Derrick. Then they are forced to work together making sure that Gage can no longer avoid Derrick.
Derrick has loved Gage almost from the beginning, when his adoptive father took him out of in abusive situation. But Gage never sees Derrick as a man he sees him more as a boy that needs to protecting. When they are undercover Gage is posing as a Daddy and Derrick as a boy these roles hit a little too close to home. Will they be able to solve the case together? Will Gage push Derrick away after the case is finished? Will two damaged souls be able to heal each other?
March 1, 2019
3.5 Stars
Oh man, this was a tough and emotional read! I feel like I have come to expect that from this author but it still gets me. Gage and Derrick have always felt something for each other but age and life have always kept them apart. That is until they have to team up to find a missing girl, then it’s time for all those feelings to finally come to light.
The angst, the damage and the love - its all there! Plus some daddy kink (which isn’t always my favorite but this author makes it work). This read was intense and passionate and kept me on the edge, needing to know what was going to happen next. Definitely not the easiest or sweetest read but it packed full of feels and action!
Oh man, this was a tough and emotional read! I feel like I have come to expect that from this author but it still gets me. Gage and Derrick have always felt something for each other but age and life have always kept them apart. That is until they have to team up to find a missing girl, then it’s time for all those feelings to finally come to light.
The angst, the damage and the love - its all there! Plus some daddy kink (which isn’t always my favorite but this author makes it work). This read was intense and passionate and kept me on the edge, needing to know what was going to happen next. Definitely not the easiest or sweetest read but it packed full of feels and action!
April 27, 2022
A promise made a promise kept
I'm all about the story. I enjoy the characters actions and reactions. Their dialogue and things unsaid. What happened to get them where they are at the start of the story. These two men did not disappoint. As a mother I couldn't help hurt for the boys they were. As an adult i couldn't stop rooting for them and celebrating their end. The only issue i had was the lazy editing especially the missing 1 to 3 letter words. Otherwise the story was page turning worthy. The characters were riveting. The subject matter at times heartbreaking and harsh.
I'm all about the story. I enjoy the characters actions and reactions. Their dialogue and things unsaid. What happened to get them where they are at the start of the story. These two men did not disappoint. As a mother I couldn't help hurt for the boys they were. As an adult i couldn't stop rooting for them and celebrating their end. The only issue i had was the lazy editing especially the missing 1 to 3 letter words. Otherwise the story was page turning worthy. The characters were riveting. The subject matter at times heartbreaking and harsh.
January 28, 2019
This was such a good story. I felt like I was holding my breath the whole time. I usually struggle with a characters painful past and this book was no exception but there was also no way I could put it down. All I wanted was for Gage to get his happily ever after. I'm not gonna give any details cause I know that I get turned off a book because of reviews sometimes. All I'm gonna say is this was a wondering addition to an awesome series.
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