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JAMES:

He’s a hands-on investigator, and he wants to search me top to bottom.

As a librarian, I spend all day around novels, so I know the rule: when a mysterious, sexy stranger comes to your rescue, you fall right into his arms. But Hawthorne isn’t just my savior—he’s a PI on a case, and I’m his next point of interest.

Someone wants me to sell my childhood home so they can build fancy condos in its place. I’m not moving. So they’re trying to force me out, and I’m feeling the heat. Nobody believed me until Hawthorne, and he’s stepping up to be my knight in suit-and-tie.

Those handsome features and sculpted body come with a sharp mind—and a dirty one. Hawthorne’s going to save my home, and he won’t stop until I’m satisfied.

I’m innocent, but this PI might change that.

HAWTHORNE:

This case is in my hands, but I can’t keep them off James.

I don’t usually end up rescuing librarians while on a stakeout. Of course, James isn’t your typical librarian—he’s anything but quiet once we’re in the bedroom. I can’t take my eyes off him, and not just because he’s got a face to die for. James might be the key to the case I’m investigating.

I’m hunting the crook who ruined my brother—the same guy who wants to steal James’s house. He can’t get James to sell, so his tactics have turned underhanded and illegal. But James won’t be coerced. Not while I’ve got his back.

I’m usually reserved, but James and I are electric together, and not just when he’s under my sheets. As the pressure builds, so do my feelings for him, and that pressure needs to be released—soon.

I’m leaving no stone unturned, and no shirt unripped.

This is the first book in the Hightower Heat series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone with no cliffhanger. Readers can expect an extra spicy MM romance with several steamy scenes. Heat level: 10.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2019

296 people are currently reading
135 people want to read

About the author

Jason Collins

107 books530 followers

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5 stars
127 (41%)
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94 (30%)
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49 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,503 reviews224 followers
April 23, 2019
The author has done his usual outstanding job of writing this book. The writing itself was top-notch with many many quote-worthy passages. His characters were beautifully written and multi-layered. Also the heat rating on this one on a scale of 0-10 should be about a 15! The only thing that gave my problems early on was the story. For a bit, it sort of felt like the two halves were constantly clamoring for attention in such a way that neither felt like one was preeminent. Since the MCs are usually the focus of the story this threw me for a bit of a loop. Luckily as things went along and I got to know Hawthorne and James much better they pulled ahead in the race for my attention and things rolled along wonderfully at that point. One of my favorite things about this book was the finale... Now that is an ending!!! So perfectly executed with all the loose ends neatly tied up! I have to admit that early on I was not sure this story was gonna work for me. I should have known better, because the author has never failed to deliver before and he certainly delivered with this book. All in all what a awesome ride this book ended up being!
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author and have voluntarily chosen to review it.
Profile Image for Lena Grey.
1,615 reviews25 followers
May 23, 2019
“Good librarians are natural intelligence operatives. They possess all of the skills and characteristics required for that work: curiosity, wide-ranging knowledge, good memories, organization and analytical aptitude, and discretion.” ― Marilyn Johnson, This Book Is Overdue!: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All

After a night out with his friends, James, of ‘Private Eye’ by Jason Collins, is walking home when he senses that someone is following him. The faster James walks, the faster they follow. He’s trying to decide what to do when the stranger catches up and starts walking in step with him, pretending to be a friend. James soon realizes that his companion is there to rescue him and starts playing along. James sees that the man called Hawthorne intends to see him safely home.

As it so happens, Hawthorne is a private investigator who is working on a case that involves corrupt housing takeovers in James’s neighborhood. Owners are being forced out of their apartments by dubious and/or illegal means so the man behind these schemes can rebuild in the area. Hawthorne explains the situation and enlists James’s help to gather information from tenants about how they were forced out or, like James, are being harassed. James is willing and eager to help him, especially since there is something about Hawthorne, besides his self-assured attitude and good looks, that push all his buttons and the feeling is mutual. Neither man seems to be able to stay away from each other.

Once they begin working together, their admiration for each other’s abilities and demeanors grow as well as their passion, sweeping them into a hot and heavy physical relationship. Hawthorne has a short-lived moment of hesitation about becoming involved with a client, but quickly dismisses them. James is a librarian, the analytical, slow but steady type, but he has no hesitation whatsoever; he jumps right into a relationship with both feet. To Hawthorne’s surprise, James turns out to be far better at this investigative stuff than he imagined. They become coworkers. When the harassment escalates, Hawthorne hires a bodyguard for James. Hawthorne also installs cameras around the building to watch for illegal activities. One particular night, the intruder alarms go off. Hawthorne, the bodyguard, and James rush to the area, only to find the building superintendent with a fire extinguisher in his hand. When they investigate further, they discover that he is in the process of starting a fire! How far is the superintendent willing to go to protect the man who hired him?

Jason spins an exciting, hot, action-filled story with some interesting twists and turns. I loved the way James and Hawthorne fell seamlessly into a close relationship, full of passion and respect for each other, both in and out of bed. Thanks, Jason, this would make a great movie!





Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,821 followers
April 21, 2019
Steaming, terrific new novel

Southern born author Jason Collins now lives in New York and as he states ’I've started calling myself a ‘southern New Yorker.’ Jason has twenty successful novels to his credit so far, covering all aspects of gay relationships. His most recent series deal with the darker side of romance, taking a breather for a touch of comedy in his last novel, and now he shines in PRIVATE EYE with intrigue and mystery added to the palette.

The story pairs opposites – librarian James whose home is targeted for condos and James resists the sale, employing PI Hawthorne to aid in his cause. But romance enters and James and Hawthorne can’t resist the profound chemistry that magnetizes their interaction. The result is a very fine novel on many levels – including the zesty erotica that skyrockets the story along. Well plotted at a fine pace.

Jason’s new novel has zing! And he has provided a very fresh look at gay relationships and his writing style grows more secure and sophisticated. He is now on top!
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
April 21, 2019
Private Eye is the first book in the new Hightower Heat series by Jason Collins. James and Hawthorne are interesting characters and their story is fun and entertaining... and hot. Definitely worth reading.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Profile Image for Cindi.
1,710 reviews85 followers
April 26, 2019
Nice start to a series. I especially loved Dracula, the neighbor's cat. :)
51 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2019
Nope

Disclaimer: This is 1st time with this author, so nice try, just reads like fluff.

The MC's are shallow; the story even more so. For a so-called "mystery/detective/crime" genre, it's not even close to, say, the Ward Security series.

Yes, lots of sex, so if you're looking for that, go for it, I guess. Which reminds me: why are @99% of men's, um, *equipment* described in M/M stories as "huge", "thick", "massive girth", or my least fave--"bulbous"? The majority of American men are statistically between 5-7", not "heavy".

Maybe it's for female readers, but most gay men know how sex works and with what. Just sayin'...
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,179 reviews7 followers
April 24, 2019
4 - 4.5 Stars

This was such a fun read from Jason Collins, one of my favorites from him so far. I really enjoyed the combination of suspense and romance in this book and I really liked James and Hawthorne! Right from the start when Hawthorne, a PI, comes to the rescue when James, a librarian, is being followed on his way home by thugs, I knew I was going to be hooked on this story.

Hawthorne is investigating some shady property deals when he meets James, who happens to be a tenant in one of the the buildings he's looking into. He's supposed to keep it professional, just try to help James keep his home, and maybe get his help in getting information. He isn't supposed to want him as much as he does, not caring about those professional lines. James lives a pretty quiet life, he enjoys his work and loves his home. He notices some strange things happening around the building and once he meets Hawthorne it all comes into place. Soon he finds himself an active part of the investigation, wanting to help Hawthorne and wanting Hawthorne.

I really liked the layers of this story, getting to know these guys, the investigation and the romance. It all blended together for a very well rounded story that I didn't want to put down. These guys made me laugh and swoon and not only was I rooting for them to find happiness together, but also to save James' home! A great start to a new series from Jason, I'm really looking forward to see more of these characters, and I'm hoping for more about Hawthorne's brother! I would definitely put this among my favorites by Jason Collins!
6 reviews
May 31, 2019
The Librarian, The PI and Dracula — Unlikely Combination?!?!

Although these pieces didn’t seem like they’d make a completed puzzle, the author did an excellent job of character development within the plot line.

New York City (or in fact, any major American city) has had and continues to have its issues with price controls and apartment/home ownership. There is always money to be made by developers who would bulldoze the old classic (sometimes historical) buildings in favor of high-rent, high-dollar high rises which obviously provide a better return for the investment dollar.

And of course, we throw in two male characters who can’t keep their eyes off each other when they frequently have the chance to work together. This causes potential issues for them when they’re focused on each other instead of the bad guys. Bad news? Not for our heroes! They get away only to be challenged later by the same, plus a few other bad guys.

It’s a very good read with enough anxious moments to make you want to find your own way to release some of the anxiety, and stress, in physical encounter similar to what the author shares in the book. Makes you wonder what the author’s experience level is in comparison!?!?!
Profile Image for Julianne Macneil.
3,697 reviews28 followers
April 23, 2019
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of James and Hawthorne. James is a librarian and one night on his way home, he was being followed by a couple of thugs who were going to mug him. Hawthorne came out of nowhere and told him to play along as if they were old friends, scaring the muggers away. Hawthorne is a PI and is working to gather evidence of a property owner who was using scare tactics to get rid of his tenants so he can sell the building for a profit. Hawthorne and James team up together and try to gather evidence, and the sparks fly between them. James and Hawthorne have an almost instant love and really help each other. They have a great connection and add in a neighbors adorable cat named Dracula, and it was a great read. I loved this book. I think it is going to be another good series. Another good one from Jason.
Profile Image for Silvia.
1,217 reviews
April 23, 2019
Love the new series.

When James is heading home alone after an evening with coworkers at a neighborhood bar he notices he’s being followed. He quickens his pace but the followers also quickens their pace. Yikes! It’s Hawthorne to the rescue, a Private Eye whose stakeout just happens to coincide with James dilemma. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not! There is more here than meets the eye. The author spins his tale in a way that has me guessing until the end. The spark between James and Hawthorne also fuels the intensity of this story that has me fanning myself and loving every word. The strong supporting cast has me wondering whose story will be told next. I love this new series. Bring it on, I’ll be waiting.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
April 24, 2019

Charming, intriguing, engaging and steamy read that i thoroughly enjoyed. This was a well written story with a strong plot and wonderfully developed characters.i really liked both MC's and enjoyed how they became friends and lovers. You could feel their attraction and you fell in love with them, as they fell in love with each other.

James and Hawthorne are two characters that were easy to like and fun to get to know. They found their similarities stimulating and their differences helped balance their relationship. I loved their getting to know you process.

This is the first book of a new series and we were introduced to several intriguing characters from the Hightower Investigations and i cannot wait to see who the next book will be about!
50 reviews
April 30, 2019
Private Eye was a deliciously hot story of which corruption by a real estate builder in Manhattan led to James, a librarian and Hawthorne, a PI , meeting.

The moment Hawthorne walked up and alongside of James (in order to prevent James from being mugged; a setup by the real estate builder wanting to bully James out of his apartment) there was instant chemistry that slowly developed into a heated and spicy love affair.

As both James and Hawthorne weave in and out of dangerous situations, in order to prove corruption by the real estate mogul the romantic heat fermented and those following along were able to ride along numerous times permitting the reader to enjoy a seemingly luscious, mentally visual ride.

A definite book worth reading!
Profile Image for Reed.
1,205 reviews21 followers
April 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It is a change from the other books I’ve read by this author. James lives a pretty routine, quiet life. When he is almost mugged he meets Hawthorne. Needless to say a librarian and a private eye are not quiet the same type lifestyle. Yet these two somehow seem to just fit. The happenings that bring them together make up the biggest part of the story but I think the relationship is the enjoyable part. The secondary characters added a lot to the story also. Especially Mrs. Kelly and Dracula. Since this is book one of the series I can’t wait to see what comes next. I hope the author keeps touching on these characters
Profile Image for Shelley Chastagner.
2,729 reviews38 followers
April 22, 2019
Loved this new series. Hawthorne is just a great guy all around. He wants to right the wrongs of the world and help people in need. The first time James meets him is when Hawthorne step in to keep some supposed muggers from getting to him. James is a sweetheart with a gentle spirit. He falls fast and hard for his hero. I liked his willingness to help Hawthorne out however he needed. These two make an amazing team. Both in and out of the bedroom they just click. Working together they right the wrongs that are going on around them.
Profile Image for Katherine.
2,870 reviews13 followers
June 4, 2019
Needed a bit more story

This is now something I often think, but this really had too many sex scenes. The storyline of finding the evidence of illegal acts going on and doing any a PI work was so buried under the many sex scenes that I started almost skipping past them by the end. Not to say they weren't good scenes. The characters had real chemistry and they were very hot together. But you still need some story to propel the while boom forwards and that seemed to get forgotten.
4,885 reviews18 followers
September 22, 2020
Awesome start to a series. Fantastic characters! Can Mr Collins write a bad book? Hawthorne is a PI dedicated to righting the wrongs of the world. James, librarian meets Hawthorne when he stops muggers from attacking James. James falls into a case of hero worship! James ends up helping Hawthorne gather information while they have an unconventional courtship. Is James' mugging related to Hawthorne's cases? Can a librarian and aPI move to a romantic team past a crime fighting team? Excellent story. Great start to a series. I received an ARC for a review.
Profile Image for Ann.
740 reviews
April 23, 2019
Private Eye
By Jason Collins
Main Characters: James and Hawthorne
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
I have read 6 or 7 books by this author and I think I enjoyed this book the best. I enjoy an Alpha and a not too effeminate partner. Hawthorne was just an all-around good guy and I especially loved Dracula. If you like m/m contemporary romances you can't go wrong with this one.
Profile Image for Ellen.
780 reviews
June 6, 2019
Instalove story. Bad guys were weak - just adult bullies with hired thugs. The story itself okay - Hawthorne was definitely tooting his own horn and that of the company he worked for (I guess I've never really thought of PIs as being cool). I didn't like how Hawthorne thought that James "deserved" to service him (douche - and he never reciprocated), and I rapidly got tired of James' inner monologue of how amazing and awesome Hawthorne was.

I finished it, but overall found it quite "meh."
1,548 reviews11 followers
April 21, 2019
A completely new series based in a PI agency? Yes please!
Hot PI and cute librarian in NY? Sign me in!
Jason Collins' hot as sin writing? Check!
This book has everything you may want to keep you entertained! We have a gorgeous couple, a case to solve and all the bases covered for a great new series!
Also, the best game of two truths and a lie ever!
2,321 reviews8 followers
April 29, 2019
A great combination of romance and mystery to start off a new series. James and Hawthorne are great together with sizzling chemistry and a strong connection that grows throughout the story. Add to that a mystery that will keep you guessing right to the very end and it all comes together for one great book. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
154 reviews
May 14, 2019
BEST BOOK EVER!

A sweet good looking librarian plus a hunky Private Eye. Loved these two guys. A major scam by an terribly greedy horrible man. Our guys go after him. Fun stuff plus the wildest sex scenes I've ever read. That was unexpected. Looking forward to the next book in the series. so good!
1,787 reviews26 followers
July 23, 2019
Not Credible

I'm sorry, DNF at 60%, gave it all the patience I could muster. Cover is wrong--that is not Hawthorne as the book imagines him and it certainly isn't James. The romance is both hands-off and hands-on but simply limpid IMHO. Also, I know Manhattan and even though the author lives there, I cannot picture this narrative corresponding with the reality. And the plot is boring. Sorry.
Profile Image for Ashley.
61 reviews
August 12, 2019
This book was an amazing story. I was sucked in from the very first chapter and only grew more addicted the further along I got. The MCs were both written well and the introduction of the other two men at Hightower made me super excited to get to their stories. All in all, this was a very satisfying read and I'm looking forward to starting book two of the series.
Profile Image for Seona .
55 reviews
Read
August 16, 2019
A little bit too wordy for me

I felt that it was a bit wordy as if the characters were rambling. Also, it felt like a cheesy romance fairy tale - where the guy was THAT much handsome and everyrhing about him was just perfect! A little realism into the characters would have been nice.
Profile Image for Katie Townsend.
1,274 reviews20 followers
April 26, 2019
Private eye was such a incredible intense and wonderful story

I was so addicted and hooked from the very first word to the last

I was so looking forward to see what was going to happen from one page to the next i loved it
Profile Image for  Sophie.
2,013 reviews
April 22, 2019
I think that this book was a great start to a new series. The narrative was really easy to get sucked into. The main characters have a sweet and passionate relationship. I think that the author keeps getting better and better.
I received this as an arc and freely left this review.
Profile Image for Bobbi.
1,266 reviews7 followers
April 22, 2019
Private Eye by Jason Collins. This is the first book in a new series. This book had a fantastic storyline. The characters are great. We will have to see how the rest of the series goes, but this is a great start.
Profile Image for Linda.
680 reviews14 followers
April 23, 2019
While walking home is being followed. Suddenly he's "accosted" by a stranger pretending to know him. Hawthorne is said stranger who happens to be a private eye working a case. Great chemistry. 🔥🔥🔥🔥Really, really good. ARC for an honest review.
1,125 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2019
Another truly great read from Jason Collins. Hawthorne is a truly wonderful guy, who will protect those he cares about. James is kind and quick to realize he has feelings for the person who rescued him. Great book in a new series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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