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Cocky Cops and Cons #1
Throttled
Jack Walden, "Wal," has it bad for Marco, the talented, sexy auto mechanic-slash-vintage car restorer he had a brief relationship with. So bad that he regularly fakes car damage just to have an excuse to be around the man. Wal can't muster the courage to tell Marco how he feels and that he wants another chance, even though watching Marco date drives him crazy with jealousy.
Marco Costa has tried getting over Wal by getting under other men, but it's useless--the aloof detective etched himself in Marco's heart. But Wal's too closed off and married to his job, and Marco wasn't satisfied with always being second in the man's life. They're better off as friends, or so he tries to convince himself.
When a missing persons case Wal is investigating strikes too close to home, Wal realizes nothing is what it seems...and protecting the man he loves becomes a high-stakes fight when he isn't sure who he can trust.
Marco Costa has tried getting over Wal by getting under other men, but it's useless--the aloof detective etched himself in Marco's heart. But Wal's too closed off and married to his job, and Marco wasn't satisfied with always being second in the man's life. They're better off as friends, or so he tries to convince himself.
When a missing persons case Wal is investigating strikes too close to home, Wal realizes nothing is what it seems...and protecting the man he loves becomes a high-stakes fight when he isn't sure who he can trust.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2019
About the author
K. Sterling
102 books490 followersAuthor of the popular Nannies of New York and Boys of Lake Cliff book series, K Sterling has self-published dozens of books. K. is known for fast-paced romantic thrillers and touching gay romcoms. There might be goosebumps and some gore but there’s always true love and lots of laughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 20, 2019
DNF at 51%
February 25, 2019
It's the second, maybe third book by this author that I've read, but I didn't like this one. From the blurb, I was expecting a different kind of book.
I am deluded. The characters were 2d, completely flat and without personality, and the story made me feel like I missed a prequel. I skimmed a bit, and that's not a good sign.
I wouldn't recommend this book.
I am deluded. The characters were 2d, completely flat and without personality, and the story made me feel like I missed a prequel. I skimmed a bit, and that's not a good sign.
I wouldn't recommend this book.
Want to Read
April 21, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/21/2019)! 🎁
Want to Read
October 30, 201910/30/19 Currently FREE via Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Throttled-Cock...
November 1, 2019
I have a lot of issues buying any story where one of the MC’s has an epiphany about pursuing the other MC after JUST having fucked some other guy. It’s superficial and tacky.
Also, Wal had that shoved in his face, and HE ends up having to confront the man his ex lover JUST had sex with. Twice. So we were told.
Both of these characters were immature as hell.
Also, Wal had that shoved in his face, and HE ends up having to confront the man his ex lover JUST had sex with. Twice. So we were told.
Both of these characters were immature as hell.
May 26, 2020
Entertaining and I just adored Wal!
April 17, 2019
Wonderful Tension Between the Main Characters
Good story. Fabulous main characters. Love the tension between the two main characters. This is a new author for me. I have her husband to thank for recommending her book in one of my Facebook book groups. I will read the next in the series.
Good story. Fabulous main characters. Love the tension between the two main characters. This is a new author for me. I have her husband to thank for recommending her book in one of my Facebook book groups. I will read the next in the series.
February 6, 2019
One thing I know I can count on when starting one of K. Sterling's books is a story I will not be able to put down.. and Throttled is definitely one I read in one sitting! I fell in love with Wal from page one. He is a cop, and the best kind - the epitome of good, determined to right injustices, strong and protective, observant and smart, with a heart that might be too big for his chest even if he can't express it outwardly all the time. And Wal's vulnerability in his personal life just absolutely slayed me. His quirks make him unique, and his past breaks my heart. Just... Fell. In. Love.
As a result of this instant adoration of Wal's character, though, I had a hard time warming up to Marco for a while. Don't get me wrong guys, Marco is a great character and I loved him as well by the end, but I didn't like him all that much at first. That is simply a *personal* opinion, probably colored by my instant and fierce reaction to Wal, and NOT at all a reflection on the book or author!! This is a second chance romance, and as truth came to light about some of the issues they had when they dated before and misunderstandings cleared up, I came to love Marco too. Though I still want to smack him for some stuff at the beginning, even as I understand why he was doing it.. Anywayyyyyy! Wal and Marco's romance is fun and flirty, sweet and loving, and sexy as hell (you might want a cold shower or two) once they get past, uh, the past. Ha.
The mystery and suspense woven around the romantic aspects of the book had me totally enthralled as well. IMO, this author never disappoints with action and suspense and that definitely applies here. The wrap-up to the case packs one heck of a punch, and the epilogue gave me ALL THE FEELS. And did I mention I am in love with Wal? Because I am. Just so we're clear...
Another great story from K. Sterling, highly recommend!!
As a result of this instant adoration of Wal's character, though, I had a hard time warming up to Marco for a while. Don't get me wrong guys, Marco is a great character and I loved him as well by the end, but I didn't like him all that much at first. That is simply a *personal* opinion, probably colored by my instant and fierce reaction to Wal, and NOT at all a reflection on the book or author!! This is a second chance romance, and as truth came to light about some of the issues they had when they dated before and misunderstandings cleared up, I came to love Marco too. Though I still want to smack him for some stuff at the beginning, even as I understand why he was doing it.. Anywayyyyyy! Wal and Marco's romance is fun and flirty, sweet and loving, and sexy as hell (you might want a cold shower or two) once they get past, uh, the past. Ha.
The mystery and suspense woven around the romantic aspects of the book had me totally enthralled as well. IMO, this author never disappoints with action and suspense and that definitely applies here. The wrap-up to the case packs one heck of a punch, and the epilogue gave me ALL THE FEELS. And did I mention I am in love with Wal? Because I am. Just so we're clear...
Another great story from K. Sterling, highly recommend!!
February 6, 2019
Marco and Wal have tried the relationship route but have ended up good friends. Marco loves working on cars in his shop but what he really wants is to have a family and settle down. The problem is he can't do all that with the man he wants it all with.
Wal can't voice what he is feeling but all he wants is for Marco to be happy. A damaged childhood and fears from the past stop him telling Marco what he really wants.
Wal has always loved his job. His old partner and now chief has always let him work his own way. This case is bothering Wal because he seems to be getting nowhere fast! Then his world is rocked when something happens with Marco.
Above all else Wal will protect Marco and try to open up to him. Wal wants it all with Marco but first he needs to finish this case wherever it takes him.
As usual from this author the characters are real and easy to become invested in. The characters including the secondary characters are well rounded and easy to believe. Running through Wal and Marco's love story is a crime that needs to be solved. This story keeps you on your toes from the start to the finish. It's a really interesting read that makes it hard to put down.
I have read books from this author before and this has to be one of my favourites. I would recommend this book and suggest you check out other books and series by this author, they are all entertaining and well written.
Wal can't voice what he is feeling but all he wants is for Marco to be happy. A damaged childhood and fears from the past stop him telling Marco what he really wants.
Wal has always loved his job. His old partner and now chief has always let him work his own way. This case is bothering Wal because he seems to be getting nowhere fast! Then his world is rocked when something happens with Marco.
Above all else Wal will protect Marco and try to open up to him. Wal wants it all with Marco but first he needs to finish this case wherever it takes him.
As usual from this author the characters are real and easy to become invested in. The characters including the secondary characters are well rounded and easy to believe. Running through Wal and Marco's love story is a crime that needs to be solved. This story keeps you on your toes from the start to the finish. It's a really interesting read that makes it hard to put down.
I have read books from this author before and this has to be one of my favourites. I would recommend this book and suggest you check out other books and series by this author, they are all entertaining and well written.
February 22, 2019
Five measly stars are inadequate to express how deeply, and completely I enjoyed this book.
Wal is one of the most real, flawed, heart-breaking, lovable and engaging leads I have read in a long time, and Marco is his perfect fit: sweet without being saccharine, warm and encouraging while still feeling like his own person with his own needs and life and joys. They are so wonderful together, but the book also doesn't shy away from the work that's needed between them and why it fell apart. There's second chance romance, affectionate cooking (I melted!), perfect lingerie, hot sex, and real tension around whether they can make it work. And that should be enough, right? Asking for anything else would be greedy, wouldn't it?
But then K. Sterling spoils us with a lived in, expansive world, charming secondary characters, and a twisty thriller that is handled with an incredibly deft, light touch.
I am not exaggerating when I say this book is literally everything I look for in a romance and in a crime thriller, all at once. I laughed, I sobbed, I gasped, I cheered, I am already dying for the next book in the series. Do yourself a favour and pick this one up immediately. You won't be disappointed (expect maybe in yourself for devouring it too quickly, because I couldn't put it down!)
Wal is one of the most real, flawed, heart-breaking, lovable and engaging leads I have read in a long time, and Marco is his perfect fit: sweet without being saccharine, warm and encouraging while still feeling like his own person with his own needs and life and joys. They are so wonderful together, but the book also doesn't shy away from the work that's needed between them and why it fell apart. There's second chance romance, affectionate cooking (I melted!), perfect lingerie, hot sex, and real tension around whether they can make it work. And that should be enough, right? Asking for anything else would be greedy, wouldn't it?
But then K. Sterling spoils us with a lived in, expansive world, charming secondary characters, and a twisty thriller that is handled with an incredibly deft, light touch.
I am not exaggerating when I say this book is literally everything I look for in a romance and in a crime thriller, all at once. I laughed, I sobbed, I gasped, I cheered, I am already dying for the next book in the series. Do yourself a favour and pick this one up immediately. You won't be disappointed (expect maybe in yourself for devouring it too quickly, because I couldn't put it down!)
February 10, 2019
Excellent book.
This is a tale that delivers - I was so engrossed, I literally couldn't put it down. For me it's pretty much a perfect story, which I definitely will read again. I don't want to tell you too much about the tale or I'd spoil it for you, and I wouldn't do that, as it absolutely needs to be savoured.
I couldn't believe the depth that Ms Sterling gave to Wal, throughout the story I just wanted to hug him so close. He's such a beautiful and poignant soul. I believed in both his and Marco's attraction, they were so well matched. My heart broke for them both from the beginning, so many misunderstandings, mind you, I also just wanted to smack them both upside of their heads at times! I've got to say though, that as much as I fell in love with Marco, I absolutely adored Wal.
The suspense in this one was first class. l love thrillers and love well written gay romance. Ms Sterling writes excellent suspense/mystery and I really hope that she'll write more. She's really got a talent for this genre. Fortunately, it's a tale that ends with the leads living their HEA in their little paradise. I definitely heaved a gusty, 'le sigh...' at the end 😍
As usual, an excellent, well written story from Ms Sterling, with interesting characters, and surprising plot developments. I thoroughly enjoyed this, I loved the mystery and all of the unexpected twists and turns. K Sterling once again, doesn't disappoint.
This is a tale that delivers - I was so engrossed, I literally couldn't put it down. For me it's pretty much a perfect story, which I definitely will read again. I don't want to tell you too much about the tale or I'd spoil it for you, and I wouldn't do that, as it absolutely needs to be savoured.
I couldn't believe the depth that Ms Sterling gave to Wal, throughout the story I just wanted to hug him so close. He's such a beautiful and poignant soul. I believed in both his and Marco's attraction, they were so well matched. My heart broke for them both from the beginning, so many misunderstandings, mind you, I also just wanted to smack them both upside of their heads at times! I've got to say though, that as much as I fell in love with Marco, I absolutely adored Wal.
The suspense in this one was first class. l love thrillers and love well written gay romance. Ms Sterling writes excellent suspense/mystery and I really hope that she'll write more. She's really got a talent for this genre. Fortunately, it's a tale that ends with the leads living their HEA in their little paradise. I definitely heaved a gusty, 'le sigh...' at the end 😍
As usual, an excellent, well written story from Ms Sterling, with interesting characters, and surprising plot developments. I thoroughly enjoyed this, I loved the mystery and all of the unexpected twists and turns. K Sterling once again, doesn't disappoint.
February 9, 2019
What can I say?? It's a K Sterling book and we all know what a wonderful writer she is! I must confess I was a little confused at first by the way the story just kind of jumped into the middle of things but with flashbacks to the past, the story is explained pretty quickly...but it didn't distract from the story. Reviewers mentioned wanting to slap Marco and stuff but I think he made his decisions because he was just trying to protect himself in the beginning - I wanted to smack Wal myself - he was a sweetheart with a unique personality and I just wanted him to step up and admit what he wanted. This is also suspenseful as Wal is a detective so there is a puzzle he needs to solve. By the end of the book, I was definitely happy and everyone got their well-deserved HEA!!...and being a K.S. book, you know the sex scenes are smoking hot!! I highly recommend this book!!
April 4, 2019
Loved it!
This was a great read! I love how Sterling presents such a diverse cast of characters and settings. This was a book I needed right now. A solid read with good plot development, good character development and an intriguing story. It started as an easy read, got surprisingly intense before giving a satisfying conclusion. I appreciate the little bit of mystery that was added to the book. It’s not too difficult to figure out but I’m not worried about that because we got to spend so much time with Jack Walden and really live in his mind. I love how simple their love turned out to be. Angst is great and all, but I don’t read romance novels to be stressed, you know? So the angst came then it left and what was left was beautiful, tasteful and really appetizing to me as a reader.
This was a great read! I love how Sterling presents such a diverse cast of characters and settings. This was a book I needed right now. A solid read with good plot development, good character development and an intriguing story. It started as an easy read, got surprisingly intense before giving a satisfying conclusion. I appreciate the little bit of mystery that was added to the book. It’s not too difficult to figure out but I’m not worried about that because we got to spend so much time with Jack Walden and really live in his mind. I love how simple their love turned out to be. Angst is great and all, but I don’t read romance novels to be stressed, you know? So the angst came then it left and what was left was beautiful, tasteful and really appetizing to me as a reader.
February 9, 2019
Throttled is one hell of a multi-layered novel by K Sterling. There is so much to this story and I loved it all.
Wal and Marco are two exes who secretly love each other. They are their own worst enemies, as they struggle to admit their feelings for each other. But what follows is a fantastic and exciting tale of murder, suspense, and danger. Wal needs to solves these cases, while also protecting himself and Marco.
It's well written, with a whole lot of character development, and a mystery that will keep you guessing.
I love, love, love the lingerie. The lace panties Marco wears are sexy and smoking hot.
Throttled is a thrilling suspense/action/romance. K Sterling wonderfully combines second chance love with danger and so much more. It's a fantastic emotional read.
Wal and Marco are two exes who secretly love each other. They are their own worst enemies, as they struggle to admit their feelings for each other. But what follows is a fantastic and exciting tale of murder, suspense, and danger. Wal needs to solves these cases, while also protecting himself and Marco.
It's well written, with a whole lot of character development, and a mystery that will keep you guessing.
I love, love, love the lingerie. The lace panties Marco wears are sexy and smoking hot.
Throttled is a thrilling suspense/action/romance. K Sterling wonderfully combines second chance love with danger and so much more. It's a fantastic emotional read.
March 10, 2019
Couldn't put it down
I fully admit I'm a devoted K. Sterling fan, but Throttled was such a great read i could but put it down and read it straight through in one sitting. It was supposed to be my car book for an upcoming 6 hr road trip I've got tomorrow. But I made the "mistake" of just taking a little peek this morning before I got out of bed and started cleaning and packing. It's now 4pm the book it's devoured and all I've managed to accomplish is a couple loads of laundry, cause I could keep reading while they were washing & drying. The lead characters are wonderful and you love them from the start. The story of reach of them AND the mystery grabs you from the very beginning, and you must know more!! I loved this book and can't wait for the next.
I fully admit I'm a devoted K. Sterling fan, but Throttled was such a great read i could but put it down and read it straight through in one sitting. It was supposed to be my car book for an upcoming 6 hr road trip I've got tomorrow. But I made the "mistake" of just taking a little peek this morning before I got out of bed and started cleaning and packing. It's now 4pm the book it's devoured and all I've managed to accomplish is a couple loads of laundry, cause I could keep reading while they were washing & drying. The lead characters are wonderful and you love them from the start. The story of reach of them AND the mystery grabs you from the very beginning, and you must know more!! I loved this book and can't wait for the next.
February 29, 2020
Torn between 3 and 4 stars, but in the end it was really enjoyable and hard to read in more than one go.
I looooved Wal and I didn't like Marco that much, but eeeh. He came as too needy for me and not really understanding Wal's job and his personality. For being together for six months before splitting up, they surely had things they should have known about each other.
As someone said, I was lost in the first chapters too, as too many characters were presented at once. But it was okay laters.
Anyway, 4 stars rating, enjoyable read, interesting plot. Gonna reread "Snatched" real quick before moving on to "Flipped", thats for sure!
I looooved Wal and I didn't like Marco that much, but eeeh. He came as too needy for me and not really understanding Wal's job and his personality. For being together for six months before splitting up, they surely had things they should have known about each other.
As someone said, I was lost in the first chapters too, as too many characters were presented at once. But it was okay laters.
Anyway, 4 stars rating, enjoyable read, interesting plot. Gonna reread "Snatched" real quick before moving on to "Flipped", thats for sure!
February 6, 2019
Great combination of romance and suspense!
I'm just a sucker for a book where there's pining, a wounded MC and great suspense and this book checks all my boxes.
I was invested in Wal and Marco right from the start and just wanted to yell at them that they were perfect together and that they should just rip each others clothes off and be done with it. Luckily they get it together so we can enjoy their hot chemistry and men in sexy underwear all while nail biting turning the pages to see who's the killer in the murders Wal's investigating.
I would definitely read another book with these two.
I'm just a sucker for a book where there's pining, a wounded MC and great suspense and this book checks all my boxes.
I was invested in Wal and Marco right from the start and just wanted to yell at them that they were perfect together and that they should just rip each others clothes off and be done with it. Luckily they get it together so we can enjoy their hot chemistry and men in sexy underwear all while nail biting turning the pages to see who's the killer in the murders Wal's investigating.
I would definitely read another book with these two.
February 13, 2019
I LOVE THIS BOOK !
Great,beautiful main characters. I particularly connected to Wal. He's just so good, with a great heart. He loves Marco so much but,at the beginning, he's incapable of expressing his feelings. I was heartbroken while reading about his torment seeing Marco with someone else, not knowing how to show that he wants him only to himself.
There's a dangerous investigation, threats to their lives, whilst trying to better their relationship. And really, really hoping and dreaming about getting their happily ever after.
Great,beautiful main characters. I particularly connected to Wal. He's just so good, with a great heart. He loves Marco so much but,at the beginning, he's incapable of expressing his feelings. I was heartbroken while reading about his torment seeing Marco with someone else, not knowing how to show that he wants him only to himself.
There's a dangerous investigation, threats to their lives, whilst trying to better their relationship. And really, really hoping and dreaming about getting their happily ever after.
February 21, 2019
Kept you on your toes
Even though the bad guys were obvious right from the get go, it was thrilling to watch Wal put the pieces together. Seeing how Wal takes down the bad guys single handedly is great. Don't mess with his town and do not go after his man!! Marco is crazy about Wal and it was hard for him to come to terms with Wal's job and the time it takes from them. Wal has been trying to change for Marco but fear of rejection keeps him from admitting his feelings until a near fatal even almost snatches his love away.
Even though the bad guys were obvious right from the get go, it was thrilling to watch Wal put the pieces together. Seeing how Wal takes down the bad guys single handedly is great. Don't mess with his town and do not go after his man!! Marco is crazy about Wal and it was hard for him to come to terms with Wal's job and the time it takes from them. Wal has been trying to change for Marco but fear of rejection keeps him from admitting his feelings until a near fatal even almost snatches his love away.
April 15, 2019
This is a had it, lost it, got it back thank goodness kind of book. Both MCs loved each other, but they split and remained friends, but neither realized that they wanted back together. Scary things happen with some bad cops (slightly cliche), but it's enough to keep the book interesting to read.
My only beef is that tough cop Wal becomes soooo insecure. I'm okay with people showing their vulnerability, but it was a little surprising to me at his total lack of confidence when it came to Marco. Other than that I thought it was an entertaining read.
My only beef is that tough cop Wal becomes soooo insecure. I'm okay with people showing their vulnerability, but it was a little surprising to me at his total lack of confidence when it came to Marco. Other than that I thought it was an entertaining read.
November 15, 2019
Fun story to read on a rainy day
At first it has I wasn't sure about this one, but I loved other stories by K. so I continued on and I am glad I did. It made me understand why the characters were acting like they were, and I ended up really enjoying this story. I don't write spoilers in my reviews, but if you are looking for a story where there is a thriller mixed with a love story, this is for you. And if you are a fan of K. Sterling, like I am, than you will enjoy this. Now off to read the next one in the series.
At first it has I wasn't sure about this one, but I loved other stories by K. so I continued on and I am glad I did. It made me understand why the characters were acting like they were, and I ended up really enjoying this story. I don't write spoilers in my reviews, but if you are looking for a story where there is a thriller mixed with a love story, this is for you. And if you are a fan of K. Sterling, like I am, than you will enjoy this. Now off to read the next one in the series.
December 7, 2020
Mysteries abound with a second chance
This mystery was a sweet yet intriguing story. I loved both Wal and Marco’s characters. They were fighting a losing battle of dormant love.
Sterling’s writing style leads you along in the story as you yearn for past mistakes as well as trying to see who did it.
Her trademark steaminess is well worked within the story as is the bright love between our two characters.
Excellent book
This mystery was a sweet yet intriguing story. I loved both Wal and Marco’s characters. They were fighting a losing battle of dormant love.
Sterling’s writing style leads you along in the story as you yearn for past mistakes as well as trying to see who did it.
Her trademark steaminess is well worked within the story as is the bright love between our two characters.
Excellent book
February 7, 2019
Just a hug!
I went on a mystery your on this one.
I both wanted to hug and strangle people.
Miss. Sterling included.
Besides two hot guys, cause come on its a K.Sterling book.
The mystery was just a mind blowing, I got so confused, but in a good way.
I'm not saying anything else, heavy sigh
I went on a mystery your on this one.
I both wanted to hug and strangle people.
Miss. Sterling included.
Besides two hot guys, cause come on its a K.Sterling book.
The mystery was just a mind blowing, I got so confused, but in a good way.
I'm not saying anything else, heavy sigh
January 6, 2021
Good one.
I do enjoy this author’s characters! Not as intense yet as the Lake Cliff series, but it takes time for a world like that to be built. Wal is almost pathologically upstanding and brave, and Marco is his balance. Looking forward to their appearance in future stories as this series develops.
I do enjoy this author’s characters! Not as intense yet as the Lake Cliff series, but it takes time for a world like that to be built. Wal is almost pathologically upstanding and brave, and Marco is his balance. Looking forward to their appearance in future stories as this series develops.
October 9, 2021
I highly enjoyed this intense thriller by author K. Sterling. with a convincing and page turning thriller, characters to rally around and care about and a mystery to solve that will keep you guessing until the villains are exposed. Wal and Marco are a couple I would love to read more and more about as they go through the years together.
February 7, 2019
Couldn’t put it down
K. Sterling books are always an automatic one click for me and I haven’t been disappointed yet. This one was no different. Once I started, I just couldn’t stop! It was a fantastic blend of angst, heat, mystery and action.
K. Sterling books are always an automatic one click for me and I haven’t been disappointed yet. This one was no different. Once I started, I just couldn’t stop! It was a fantastic blend of angst, heat, mystery and action.
February 17, 2019
Inspirational
A wonderful story of life love and passion. I love both Wal and Marco, they are perfect together and compliment each other. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance.
A wonderful story of life love and passion. I love both Wal and Marco, they are perfect together and compliment each other. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance.
May 6, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. Jack (Wal) is an interesting character and Marco seemed kinda sad with all his sexcapades. I was a bit lost in the first chapter but the story picked up and I’m glad I continued.
April 26, 2021
I had a little bit of a hard time figuring out Wal and Marco and the criminal elements of the story were kind of confusing, but overall I really liked the story. There was just something about it that kept me reading and interested even though I struggled at times.
February 6, 2019
Amazing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews