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Enhanced World #5
The Strength of His Heart
7 hours and 22 minutes.
To protect and serve…. All Vance Connelly ever wanted to do was continue his family’s tradition and join the Tampa Police Department, but his dreams were crushed the day he woke with the enhanced mark on his face. After years of struggling to adjust to life as an enhanced human, by a stroke of luck, he met Talon Valdez and became a proud member of the FBI’s Human Enhanced Rescue Organization.
Samuel “Angel” Piper is eager to leave his DEA undercover work behind as he joins the HERO team as Vance’s regular human partner. But Sam’s painful past is ever present, just below the surface of the life he has built for himself as an ambitious young agent. When the team investigates rumors of a new drug using enhanced blood, the case’s mysterious connection to Sam threatens not just his life but Vance’s.
Trust doesn’t come easy for Sam, but Vance is willing to fight to convince his partner that the strength of his heart might be the salvation they both need.
To protect and serve…. All Vance Connelly ever wanted to do was continue his family’s tradition and join the Tampa Police Department, but his dreams were crushed the day he woke with the enhanced mark on his face. After years of struggling to adjust to life as an enhanced human, by a stroke of luck, he met Talon Valdez and became a proud member of the FBI’s Human Enhanced Rescue Organization.
Samuel “Angel” Piper is eager to leave his DEA undercover work behind as he joins the HERO team as Vance’s regular human partner. But Sam’s painful past is ever present, just below the surface of the life he has built for himself as an ambitious young agent. When the team investigates rumors of a new drug using enhanced blood, the case’s mysterious connection to Sam threatens not just his life but Vance’s.
Trust doesn’t come easy for Sam, but Vance is willing to fight to convince his partner that the strength of his heart might be the salvation they both need.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published December 11, 2018
110 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Sue
117 books1,019 followersBullets and Babies!
Victoria writes about guys loving other guys in between dodging bullets, kidnappers, and serial killers. She enjoys putting them through hell to get their happy ever after—it’s a character flaw she embraces.
She also believes that family is who you choose, that dogs are often much wiser than human beings, and that we’re steadily destroying the world we live in.
And if people read more books, they'd be much happier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
December 10, 2018
I have been a fan of this series since I started the first book "Five Minutes Longer" and I have been a fan of Vance just as long. Which means I was very excited about this one... It pains me to say that my expectations for this one were not completely met...
I think the biggest issue for me was the romance part of the story...as in there wasn't much of a romance, to begin with. Now I don't need a lot of hearts and flowers in my books to enjoy them, but in this case, it didn't even feel like the MC's liked each other all that much. Well one of them didn't anyway. It all felt very one-sided.
I didn't really care much for Sam's character, or his excuses for hurting Vance. And as much as I loved Vance in all the other books...he just wasn't the same in this one...
What I have loved most about this series, since the beginning, is the whole "enhanced" part. It is so intriguing to me and I always get so curious as to which abilities everyone has. Those are my favorite parts of the books and I am so sad that those parts felt a bit glossed over in this book. Even though the background story had some element of " enhanced abilities" there wasn't much elaboration of anything. I wanted to know more about all Vance's abilities and his medical tests and why he was healing so fast all of a sudden... I didn't get it though and that's too bad, because all those "superpowers" are what made this series one of my favorites. Unfortunately, we don't always get what we want.
What I did really enjoy was seeing everyone I have come to love again. It was great to see how far Finn has really come. I really missed all of them and for me, their friendship and the bond between them all was the best part if this book. So even though this one wasn't exactly what I expected... I am still very much looking forward to the next one, which I hope will be Eli and Daniels book. Now that sounds like a very interesting story to me ;)
These books should not be read as stand alones. I recommend this series to those who enjoy sci-fi, action, and man on man loving !!
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My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
November 23, 2018
It’s been quite a while since I read a romance book with almost no romantic development. And no matter how much I loved the first two books in the series, I really didn’t like this one. Even the writing felt different. I was often confused and just decided halfway to go with the flow and to stop trying to actually understand this book.
My biggest complain in this was Sam. I’m not sure why but I felt very disconnected from him. I felt as if he wasn’t really there. Even when the big reveal happened around 35% about his childhood, I didn’t feel any emotional connection. That was partly because I simply didn’t like him, but I also felt he was written in an unemotional way.
Then let’s talk about the romance, or should I say the lack of romance. This book started with Vance and Sam as partners. Vance is already in love with Sam, Sam knows this and tries to ignore it. He even says to Vance he’s not gay (BIG LIE). The rest of the book is things happening with their case about enhanced children. Then there is There was no romance whatsoever throughout this book except for Vance’s pining. Sam didn’t even think about Vance all that much.
I’ve loved lots of other books by Victoria Sue, but I think I might have to throw in the towel with this series. The plot and the people confuse me and if the romance isn't all that good either, then I’m not sure why I should continue with this series. And that saddens me. I used to be able to count on Victoria Sue’s books being winners, no matter what. :(
------------------------------
An ARC of The Strength of His Heart was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
My biggest complain in this was Sam. I’m not sure why but I felt very disconnected from him. I felt as if he wasn’t really there. Even when the big reveal happened around 35% about his childhood, I didn’t feel any emotional connection. That was partly because I simply didn’t like him, but I also felt he was written in an unemotional way.
Then let’s talk about the romance, or should I say the lack of romance. This book started with Vance and Sam as partners. Vance is already in love with Sam, Sam knows this and tries to ignore it. He even says to Vance he’s not gay (BIG LIE). The rest of the book is things happening with their case about enhanced children. Then there is There was no romance whatsoever throughout this book except for Vance’s pining. Sam didn’t even think about Vance all that much.
I’ve loved lots of other books by Victoria Sue, but I think I might have to throw in the towel with this series. The plot and the people confuse me and if the romance isn't all that good either, then I’m not sure why I should continue with this series. And that saddens me. I used to be able to count on Victoria Sue’s books being winners, no matter what. :(
------------------------------
An ARC of The Strength of His Heart was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 2, 2019
Let's keep this short, shall we?
I could barely contain myself when I realized that this installment was going to feature Vance, resident man mountain on the team, and a much smaller, what I thought was going to be slightly femme, (he wasn't femme at all! 😢) undercover police officer, Sam. Just to give you an idea, it was somewhere in the vicinity of five year old Christmas morning and Publisher's Clearing House winner.
Perhaps my expectations were too high?
This series has consistently been heavily weighted towards the thriller/mystery storyline but the previous installments I thought were better balanced. Whereas here I had a difficult time keeping up with all the characters and the plot line itself seemed fragmented and difficult to follow. I fully support the notion that the current geopolitical, sociopolitical and political climates are absurd; however, at this point it's been an eternity of this nonsense and I need as much escapism as I can get. So the thinly veiled references detracted from rather than enhanced my experience.
What's more, I didn't believe or feel Vance and Sam's connection as there was little in the way of relationship development which is a shame since I was sure this was going to eek out a place on my favorites list due to a certain gentle giant.
However, my opinions are my own and YMMV.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
I could barely contain myself when I realized that this installment was going to feature Vance, resident man mountain on the team, and a much smaller, what I thought was going to be slightly femme, (he wasn't femme at all! 😢) undercover police officer, Sam. Just to give you an idea, it was somewhere in the vicinity of five year old Christmas morning and Publisher's Clearing House winner.
Perhaps my expectations were too high?
This series has consistently been heavily weighted towards the thriller/mystery storyline but the previous installments I thought were better balanced. Whereas here I had a difficult time keeping up with all the characters and the plot line itself seemed fragmented and difficult to follow. I fully support the notion that the current geopolitical, sociopolitical and political climates are absurd; however, at this point it's been an eternity of this nonsense and I need as much escapism as I can get. So the thinly veiled references detracted from rather than enhanced my experience.
What's more, I didn't believe or feel Vance and Sam's connection as there was little in the way of relationship development which is a shame since I was sure this was going to eek out a place on my favorites list due to a certain gentle giant.
However, my opinions are my own and YMMV.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2019
3 Stars
Keeping in line with the main theme of Enhanced humans fighting for basic rights, this continues with the horrible hatred and bigotry and the brave men who try to make a difference against such.
What this doesn’t continue with is the high caliber story telling. I hate to say it, but the wording and sentence structure made for a bumpy confusing reading experience, markedly decreasing my enjoyment. Throw in a romantic progression that was frustrating, leaving me wanting for more development, personal growth, and definitely sexy times - all of which were significantly lacking in comparison to the previous books. WTH Ms. Sue? WTH?
However, despite my complaints, Vance is seriously one of the most endearing heartfelt gentle giants EVER. He was this close to overtaking my most favorite teddy bear Ethan Hobbes, and gave him a run for his money. Vance’s sensitivity, kindness, and innate goodness were the best parts of this book, and his hurt and longing slayed me. Unfortunately, I felt like I never got a clear picture as to why Vance wanted and cared for Sam so much, and Sam’s harsh handling of him did not endear me to these two further. It didn’t help that the ending felt anticlimactic, and Vance and Sam’s love resolution was way too quick and easy after the hell we were put through in the prior 200 pages.
I will say that I continue to be significantly and emotionally affected by the terrible things wrought on the Enhanced population, especially the children. This succeeds in the small victories regarding the connected storylines involving the multitude of kids that the team has started to make changes for, slowly gaining progress for those who have no champion.
Obviously, not my favorite on many fronts…. but this potentially sets up possibly the most intriguing and probably the most painful story arc to come if it involves Eli and Vance’s brother Daniel. Though I dread the hurt that lays ahead, I so look forward to being moved by some intense feels. I only hope this author takes a step back, takes her time in bringing out a more thoughtful story, as this seemed hella rushed. I'm so willing to wait a long time for something better (pretty sure that many others feel the same way) because I know fully well what Sue is capable of, and I hope she brings it the next time around.
Keeping in line with the main theme of Enhanced humans fighting for basic rights, this continues with the horrible hatred and bigotry and the brave men who try to make a difference against such.
What this doesn’t continue with is the high caliber story telling. I hate to say it, but the wording and sentence structure made for a bumpy confusing reading experience, markedly decreasing my enjoyment. Throw in a romantic progression that was frustrating, leaving me wanting for more development, personal growth, and definitely sexy times - all of which were significantly lacking in comparison to the previous books. WTH Ms. Sue? WTH?
However, despite my complaints, Vance is seriously one of the most endearing heartfelt gentle giants EVER. He was this close to overtaking my most favorite teddy bear Ethan Hobbes, and gave him a run for his money. Vance’s sensitivity, kindness, and innate goodness were the best parts of this book, and his hurt and longing slayed me. Unfortunately, I felt like I never got a clear picture as to why Vance wanted and cared for Sam so much, and Sam’s harsh handling of him did not endear me to these two further. It didn’t help that the ending felt anticlimactic, and Vance and Sam’s love resolution was way too quick and easy after the hell we were put through in the prior 200 pages.
I will say that I continue to be significantly and emotionally affected by the terrible things wrought on the Enhanced population, especially the children. This succeeds in the small victories regarding the connected storylines involving the multitude of kids that the team has started to make changes for, slowly gaining progress for those who have no champion.
Obviously, not my favorite on many fronts…. but this potentially sets up possibly the most intriguing and probably the most painful story arc to come if it involves Eli and Vance’s brother Daniel. Though I dread the hurt that lays ahead, I so look forward to being moved by some intense feels. I only hope this author takes a step back, takes her time in bringing out a more thoughtful story, as this seemed hella rushed. I'm so willing to wait a long time for something better (pretty sure that many others feel the same way) because I know fully well what Sue is capable of, and I hope she brings it the next time around.
November 4, 2019
3 Stars
It pains me to say this, but something went seriously awry with the delivery of this story. As a huge fan of the series, I consider myself a fan of Sue’s writing (in general) and I was excited to read this fourth story, especially because gentle giant Vance has always been a series favourite of mine. But, unfortunately, from the very first page I felt like something was off with the writing and the way the story was being told.
The plot was unclear at times and I found myself having to re-read passages just to get my head around what was happening in any give scene, particularly in terms of working out who was who among the immense cast of fairly vague (and maybe, sometimes unnecessary/pointless) secondary characters. There were simply too many players in this game. I know there is a character index and a glossary at the beginning, but this only told me what I already knew and was of little help in keeping the countless new characters straight in my head.
Honestly, I think I gave up trying to remember who characters were and what was going on in the plot around the halfway mark, and instead I just tried to enjoy myself and appreciate the characters I did know and love as they shared scenes together.
This series has always been heavy with the animosity and prejudice towards those who are “enhanced” but I feel like this one was even heavier with the hate. So many characters made me ragey, especially because the treatment of the enhanced – the children in particular – was beyond unconscionable. Even with the fantasy/sci-fi elements, I feel like this, perhaps, is meant to be a reflection on today’s social climate, and if so, that’s damn scary and depressing. Either way, I felt this was too much with the unchecked bigotry.
This then leads me to a lot of confusion and frustration as to what actually transpired in the final act, especially in terms of how the events sequentially played out and what actually happened to the bad guys. I was told the good guys won – YAY! – but I’m still scratching my head as to how it all unfolded. Hell, I’m still confused as to who the bad guys even were and how they related to the other stories, and I certainly didn’t understand their motives or what they were trying to achieve in their bad guy scheme.
This brings me to my main beef with the story. I have no idea what went wrong but where on Earth was the romance?? In book three, series regular Vance met and grew heart-eyes for undercover agent Sam, at the end of which they were made new partners. I was chomping at the bit to see how their love story would unfold, only to be left utterly disappointed by what transpired here. Vance was still a lovely character, delivering the perfect gentle giants vibes I love so much in my reading, but Sam was a whole other story. Sam was emotionally vacant, and by that, I mean I didn’t connect to his character at all. He was simply there. Even when he was telling his sad-tragic-past story, I didn’t feel a thing. He treated Vance like crap, over and over again, reflecting a sense of total disinterest, right up until the 93% mark when all of a sudden, he was all in and in love!? It literally came out of nowhere and left me in disbelief rather than happy that they were finally getting together. And don’t even get me started on the events in the epilogue – what even was that!?!?! Left-field and unrealistic much!?
Sigh…
So, yes, this was a huge-ass disappointment to me in terms of writing, plot, and romance. BUT…there’s always a but… I still love the premise of this series and I still adore the core characters. The way these men interact as a team and as friends/family is still heart-warming to witness. I also still very much enjoy the focus that is always put on helping/protecting the enhanced children – even if there were way too many of them mentioned to keep track of easily.
Ultimately, this was not what I’d expected, but I still hold out hope that future installments will deliver the goods and get this series and its awesome characters back on track!
It pains me to say this, but something went seriously awry with the delivery of this story. As a huge fan of the series, I consider myself a fan of Sue’s writing (in general) and I was excited to read this fourth story, especially because gentle giant Vance has always been a series favourite of mine. But, unfortunately, from the very first page I felt like something was off with the writing and the way the story was being told.
The plot was unclear at times and I found myself having to re-read passages just to get my head around what was happening in any give scene, particularly in terms of working out who was who among the immense cast of fairly vague (and maybe, sometimes unnecessary/pointless) secondary characters. There were simply too many players in this game. I know there is a character index and a glossary at the beginning, but this only told me what I already knew and was of little help in keeping the countless new characters straight in my head.
Honestly, I think I gave up trying to remember who characters were and what was going on in the plot around the halfway mark, and instead I just tried to enjoy myself and appreciate the characters I did know and love as they shared scenes together.
This series has always been heavy with the animosity and prejudice towards those who are “enhanced” but I feel like this one was even heavier with the hate. So many characters made me ragey, especially because the treatment of the enhanced – the children in particular – was beyond unconscionable. Even with the fantasy/sci-fi elements, I feel like this, perhaps, is meant to be a reflection on today’s social climate, and if so, that’s damn scary and depressing. Either way, I felt this was too much with the unchecked bigotry.
This then leads me to a lot of confusion and frustration as to what actually transpired in the final act, especially in terms of how the events sequentially played out and what actually happened to the bad guys. I was told the good guys won – YAY! – but I’m still scratching my head as to how it all unfolded. Hell, I’m still confused as to who the bad guys even were and how they related to the other stories, and I certainly didn’t understand their motives or what they were trying to achieve in their bad guy scheme.
This brings me to my main beef with the story. I have no idea what went wrong but where on Earth was the romance?? In book three, series regular Vance met and grew heart-eyes for undercover agent Sam, at the end of which they were made new partners. I was chomping at the bit to see how their love story would unfold, only to be left utterly disappointed by what transpired here. Vance was still a lovely character, delivering the perfect gentle giants vibes I love so much in my reading, but Sam was a whole other story. Sam was emotionally vacant, and by that, I mean I didn’t connect to his character at all. He was simply there. Even when he was telling his sad-tragic-past story, I didn’t feel a thing. He treated Vance like crap, over and over again, reflecting a sense of total disinterest, right up until the 93% mark when all of a sudden, he was all in and in love!? It literally came out of nowhere and left me in disbelief rather than happy that they were finally getting together. And don’t even get me started on the events in the epilogue – what even was that!?!?! Left-field and unrealistic much!?
Sigh…
So, yes, this was a huge-ass disappointment to me in terms of writing, plot, and romance. BUT…there’s always a but… I still love the premise of this series and I still adore the core characters. The way these men interact as a team and as friends/family is still heart-warming to witness. I also still very much enjoy the focus that is always put on helping/protecting the enhanced children – even if there were way too many of them mentioned to keep track of easily.
Ultimately, this was not what I’d expected, but I still hold out hope that future installments will deliver the goods and get this series and its awesome characters back on track!
June 30, 2019
I was really really excited to get Vance’s story. ☺️ Not gonna lie, he’s probably my favorite after Talon in the series. Vance is just a big, kind softie and he definitely deserves a happily ever after of his own. ❤️ And we got teases of Sam and his story in the previous book from mischievous Miss Victoria Sue. 😁 So I was really really hyped up about this audio. And now, onto reviewing. 😉
All Vance wanted to be was to become a cop just like everyone else in his family. But when he turned out to be an enhanced in his teen, his dreams of ever becoming a law enforcement officer was crushed and destroyed. Until he met Talon Valdez, the leader of FBI’s H.E.R.O team and he became a member of FBI’s special team. But he has another dream, to fall in love and have a family with the man of his dreams. And “Samuel” Angel Piper is definitely his dream man, edgy, snarky, a bit prickly but oh so adorable and his type. Sam isn’t looking for true love and white picket fences. After all, he’s too busy battling with his own inner demons very single day to think about everything else. And Vance just grates so many wrong nerves for him. Nobody can be that good and kind, right? Vance definitely must have ulterior motives. Sam has to realize soon that if he keeps running away from Vance, one day he’d stop chasing him too and he would lose his only short at true happiness.
Look, I get it why this story is so controversial. Oh boy, Sam did test my patience countless times. 🤦♀️ I was listening and shouting in my bedroom like a headless chicken several times because I wished I could slap some sense into him. 😂 Yes, he had a difficult and ugly childhood. But direct quote to CBS show “Two Broke Girls”, that doesn’t give him a bitch pass to everyone. He’s stubborn, extremely insecure and didn’t have a clue what he really wanted. And the way he played my poor, innocent Vance. 😭 I really wanted to whip his arse hard. 🙄 But in the end, he’s a victim of domestic abuse and PTSD. 😶 I know that doesn’t make up for what he did to Vance but that’s one of the reason we have to give credit for. And although I was a bit frustrated with this book romance wise, I was extremely happy and satisfied with this book’s plots and twists and storywise. 😊 A lot of the unanswered questions in the previous books in the series are answered here and many frustrating knots were untangled here. Especially the half of this book, man, talk about dramalama!!! 😱😏 That hospital/secret lab scene was super creepy and terrifying but necessary for the sake of storyline nonetheless. If you asked me whether Sam redeemed himself in the end, I’d have to say he “barely” did it. 🙂 But I’m very happy for Vance because now he has a chance for shot at happily ever after with the man of his dreams. 💙 As always, Nick J. Russo deserves a shout out for his amazing narration. 👏 He and Miss Sue combo always rock my world! 😍 I hope we will get more books in this fascinating world because I’m definitely not done with my H.E.R.Oes. 😉
4 love, trust, family and forever stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Narration - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
All Vance wanted to be was to become a cop just like everyone else in his family. But when he turned out to be an enhanced in his teen, his dreams of ever becoming a law enforcement officer was crushed and destroyed. Until he met Talon Valdez, the leader of FBI’s H.E.R.O team and he became a member of FBI’s special team. But he has another dream, to fall in love and have a family with the man of his dreams. And “Samuel” Angel Piper is definitely his dream man, edgy, snarky, a bit prickly but oh so adorable and his type. Sam isn’t looking for true love and white picket fences. After all, he’s too busy battling with his own inner demons very single day to think about everything else. And Vance just grates so many wrong nerves for him. Nobody can be that good and kind, right? Vance definitely must have ulterior motives. Sam has to realize soon that if he keeps running away from Vance, one day he’d stop chasing him too and he would lose his only short at true happiness.
Look, I get it why this story is so controversial. Oh boy, Sam did test my patience countless times. 🤦♀️ I was listening and shouting in my bedroom like a headless chicken several times because I wished I could slap some sense into him. 😂 Yes, he had a difficult and ugly childhood. But direct quote to CBS show “Two Broke Girls”, that doesn’t give him a bitch pass to everyone. He’s stubborn, extremely insecure and didn’t have a clue what he really wanted. And the way he played my poor, innocent Vance. 😭 I really wanted to whip his arse hard. 🙄 But in the end, he’s a victim of domestic abuse and PTSD. 😶 I know that doesn’t make up for what he did to Vance but that’s one of the reason we have to give credit for. And although I was a bit frustrated with this book romance wise, I was extremely happy and satisfied with this book’s plots and twists and storywise. 😊 A lot of the unanswered questions in the previous books in the series are answered here and many frustrating knots were untangled here. Especially the half of this book, man, talk about dramalama!!! 😱😏 That hospital/secret lab scene was super creepy and terrifying but necessary for the sake of storyline nonetheless. If you asked me whether Sam redeemed himself in the end, I’d have to say he “barely” did it. 🙂 But I’m very happy for Vance because now he has a chance for shot at happily ever after with the man of his dreams. 💙 As always, Nick J. Russo deserves a shout out for his amazing narration. 👏 He and Miss Sue combo always rock my world! 😍 I hope we will get more books in this fascinating world because I’m definitely not done with my H.E.R.Oes. 😉
4 love, trust, family and forever stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Narration - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
November 24, 2018
I'm not going to lie, the ending to the case part of the plot of this story confused the hell out of me. I don't know if there were just too many characters or if it was the writing, but I had a hard time following along and figuring out what was happening and why. I had to constantly go back and reread whole sections, if not chapters, to understand at times. There were also several points brought up and then dropped, like Vance's metabolism and heart, that left me with more questions than answers.
The Strength of His Heart felt jumbled and rushed...particularly the supposed "romance" between main characters Vance and Sam.
I've been looking forward to Vance's romance with Sam since Vance first met Sam as "Angel" when Sam was working undercover for the DEA in Beneath This Mask. Sam's had a particularly rough life and isn't prepared to deal with the feelings that Vance clearly has for him. So he shuts him down. But then he kind of doesn't. Even though this is a dual POV from both Sam and Vance, I never felt like I really got to know Sam and his motivations or dreams.
I hated how very limited the romantic interactions between Vance and Sam were and how the "romance" between Sam and Vance was non-existent with Vance pining for Sam for literally 95% of the story. I felt so badly for poor Vance who just wants to love and be loved. Vance is such a great character, but I didn't feel like he was well represented in this book. I thought there would be far more romance than there actually was between them, but Sam and all his issues were a real pain in the ass to slog through and there isn't any real pay off or relationship building.
The writing just felt different from the other Victoria Sue novels I've read, including the other books in the Enhanced series. I kept wondering if this was just something to fulfill a contractual obligation, because it honestly didn't feel like there was a connection to the characters and storytelling I usually find with a Victoria Sue novel.
Sorry guys, this was a miss for me, but I'm not giving up on this series. Hopefully I'll love the next one more.
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Strength of His Heart provided by publisher in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
The Strength of His Heart felt jumbled and rushed...particularly the supposed "romance" between main characters Vance and Sam.
I've been looking forward to Vance's romance with Sam since Vance first met Sam as "Angel" when Sam was working undercover for the DEA in Beneath This Mask. Sam's had a particularly rough life and isn't prepared to deal with the feelings that Vance clearly has for him. So he shuts him down. But then he kind of doesn't. Even though this is a dual POV from both Sam and Vance, I never felt like I really got to know Sam and his motivations or dreams.
I hated how very limited the romantic interactions between Vance and Sam were and how the "romance" between Sam and Vance was non-existent with Vance pining for Sam for literally 95% of the story. I felt so badly for poor Vance who just wants to love and be loved. Vance is such a great character, but I didn't feel like he was well represented in this book. I thought there would be far more romance than there actually was between them, but Sam and all his issues were a real pain in the ass to slog through and there isn't any real pay off or relationship building.
The writing just felt different from the other Victoria Sue novels I've read, including the other books in the Enhanced series. I kept wondering if this was just something to fulfill a contractual obligation, because it honestly didn't feel like there was a connection to the characters and storytelling I usually find with a Victoria Sue novel.
Sorry guys, this was a miss for me, but I'm not giving up on this series. Hopefully I'll love the next one more.
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Strength of His Heart provided by publisher in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 6, 2018
4th book of the “Enhanced” series. Not a standalone : this series, while featuring a new couple each time, follows a plot line and a band of “special” FBI agents.
Let’s be clear from the start : I love the world Victoria Sue imagined and seeing how it slowly evolves in each book from a massive prejudice to a better place. I just can’t get enough.
The setting is in a world where some kids randomly wake up with various superhuman capabilities. These enhanced humans are feared and greatly prejudiced. Mentalities and laws are slowly changing and the new FBI unit called HERO, a mixed of enhanced and regulars, helps by intervening when enhanced are involved, mostly trying to protect kids.
This time, we get to follow the huge teddy bear, Vance, with an incredible strength and a heart bigger than his stature, and Sam, his new regular partner, added to the team in the previous book : Beneath This Mask and who couldn't be more different than Vance, but for his dedication for his work and his team spirit.
I loved following them in their investigations about another wave of disappearing enhanced humans and some new drug experiments, getting more news about the previous secondary characters and some possible leads about the enhancing origins. And seeing a little bit of the development of the relationship between Vance and Sam.
It’s the instalment I enjoyed the most so far. A niggle though : I would have loved more pages about the development of the relationship between Vance and Sam and more on their HEA.
As it is the Christmas period, I’m going to make a wish : please, dear author, could you add more sexy times and steam ? You proved you’re good at that. That would make it perfect for me ! A greedy and enthusiastic girl can dream 😉
And now, I am eagerly awaiting the next adventures and the next couple : if it could be Eli and Daniel !!!
ARC of “The Strength of His Heart” was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Let’s be clear from the start : I love the world Victoria Sue imagined and seeing how it slowly evolves in each book from a massive prejudice to a better place. I just can’t get enough.
The setting is in a world where some kids randomly wake up with various superhuman capabilities. These enhanced humans are feared and greatly prejudiced. Mentalities and laws are slowly changing and the new FBI unit called HERO, a mixed of enhanced and regulars, helps by intervening when enhanced are involved, mostly trying to protect kids.
This time, we get to follow the huge teddy bear, Vance, with an incredible strength and a heart bigger than his stature, and Sam, his new regular partner, added to the team in the previous book : Beneath This Mask and who couldn't be more different than Vance, but for his dedication for his work and his team spirit.
I loved following them in their investigations about another wave of disappearing enhanced humans and some new drug experiments, getting more news about the previous secondary characters and some possible leads about the enhancing origins. And seeing a little bit of the development of the relationship between Vance and Sam.
It’s the instalment I enjoyed the most so far. A niggle though : I would have loved more pages about the development of the relationship between Vance and Sam and more on their HEA.
As it is the Christmas period, I’m going to make a wish : please, dear author, could you add more sexy times and steam ? You proved you’re good at that. That would make it perfect for me ! A greedy and enthusiastic girl can dream 😉
And now, I am eagerly awaiting the next adventures and the next couple : if it could be Eli and Daniel !!!
ARC of “The Strength of His Heart” was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2019
This one turned out to be my favorite book yet in this series...full review to follow soonish! 4.5 stars rounded down to 4 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
Sometimes appearances really can be deceiving...
Vance Connelly is a member of HERO and his 'super-power' is strength but what few realize is that the strongest part of him is his heart. He's only ever wanted to serve and protect like the rest of his family.
Samuel 'Angel' Piper has spent years working undercover for the DEA and while he's tried to keep it hidden...he's also got a pretty damned strong heart but he guards it really, really closely and more than anything he wants to leave the DEA and the undercover work behind. A goal that joining HERO will help him accomplish...that and putting Vance and Sam solidly in each other's path.
I've really enjoyed all of the books in this series so far but Vance and Sam's story is definitely the one that I've connected with on the strongest level. These are two men who at first glance appear to be strong...Vance with his big strong body and Sam with his cool and unflappable exterior. Never letting anyone in and keeping the world at arms length.
As Sam, Vance and the rest of the HERO team race against time to figure out how to stop the disappearance of young enhanced teens both men find themselves faced with the realization that the share an attraction and it's one that only one of them is willing to risk. Sam's idea of a relationship is one and done. He doesn't do forever or happily ever after...he's pretty sure that it's not a thing for people like him.
While Vance has had to deal with being an enhanced which in this world is definitely no fun. He's done so with the benefit of a loving and supportive family and most of the local law enforcement. Vance is such a sweet soul...I'm not sure that it would be truly possible to not like him. Sam's not been as lucky. Growing up for him was a matter of survival and he had to grow up really fast and hard to be able to take care of himself because there was no one else to do it.
As Vance and Sam work with the rest of their team to solve this mystery...it's Vance who ends up going undercover while Sam suddenly finds himself confronting his past...a past he thought was long gone.
Like others who have read this book I definitely wouldn't have been opposed to a bit more page time for the romance but I also feel like given what was happening with the rest of this story for Vance and Sam to have all kinds time for romance and intimate moments wouldn't have felt quite right ...for me it comes down to a question of 'would someone who has dedicated their life to protecting and serving really be more worried about 'getting their groove on than saving the lives of those that they've chosen to serve and protect?' for me that's a no. I'm not saying that they would totally disregard their personal life just that at times like this other things would realistically take a back burner...so having said all that maybe there's more in store for romance between Vance and Sam...after all given the ending of the book leaves Vance and Sam in a very good place with potential for all the romance that we missed out on in the story.
While 'The Strength of His Heart' is my favorite of all the stories that I've read so far in this series. For me it's because of how much I liked Vance and Sam and the story that brought them together but I have to agree that while this is the story that brought them together what's missing is the story that shows us more of what happens for them next as a couple and if you've already read this story than you know that what comes next has the potential to be filled with love and fun.
*************************.
An ARC of 'The Strength of His Heart' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes appearances really can be deceiving...
Vance Connelly is a member of HERO and his 'super-power' is strength but what few realize is that the strongest part of him is his heart. He's only ever wanted to serve and protect like the rest of his family.
Samuel 'Angel' Piper has spent years working undercover for the DEA and while he's tried to keep it hidden...he's also got a pretty damned strong heart but he guards it really, really closely and more than anything he wants to leave the DEA and the undercover work behind. A goal that joining HERO will help him accomplish...that and putting Vance and Sam solidly in each other's path.
I've really enjoyed all of the books in this series so far but Vance and Sam's story is definitely the one that I've connected with on the strongest level. These are two men who at first glance appear to be strong...Vance with his big strong body and Sam with his cool and unflappable exterior. Never letting anyone in and keeping the world at arms length.
As Sam, Vance and the rest of the HERO team race against time to figure out how to stop the disappearance of young enhanced teens both men find themselves faced with the realization that the share an attraction and it's one that only one of them is willing to risk. Sam's idea of a relationship is one and done. He doesn't do forever or happily ever after...he's pretty sure that it's not a thing for people like him.
While Vance has had to deal with being an enhanced which in this world is definitely no fun. He's done so with the benefit of a loving and supportive family and most of the local law enforcement. Vance is such a sweet soul...I'm not sure that it would be truly possible to not like him. Sam's not been as lucky. Growing up for him was a matter of survival and he had to grow up really fast and hard to be able to take care of himself because there was no one else to do it.
As Vance and Sam work with the rest of their team to solve this mystery...it's Vance who ends up going undercover while Sam suddenly finds himself confronting his past...a past he thought was long gone.
Like others who have read this book I definitely wouldn't have been opposed to a bit more page time for the romance but I also feel like given what was happening with the rest of this story for Vance and Sam to have all kinds time for romance and intimate moments wouldn't have felt quite right ...for me it comes down to a question of 'would someone who has dedicated their life to protecting and serving really be more worried about 'getting their groove on than saving the lives of those that they've chosen to serve and protect?' for me that's a no. I'm not saying that they would totally disregard their personal life just that at times like this other things would realistically take a back burner...so having said all that maybe there's more in store for romance between Vance and Sam...after all given the ending of the book leaves Vance and Sam in a very good place with potential for all the romance that we missed out on in the story.
While 'The Strength of His Heart' is my favorite of all the stories that I've read so far in this series. For me it's because of how much I liked Vance and Sam and the story that brought them together but I have to agree that while this is the story that brought them together what's missing is the story that shows us more of what happens for them next as a couple and if you've already read this story than you know that what comes next has the potential to be filled with love and fun.
*************************.
An ARC of 'The Strength of His Heart' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2018
I am very disappointed - I am heartbroken ... what the hell did I just read.
The lovestory is crap - didn’t feel one tiny spark ... I only skimmed the sex scenes because I was annoyed.
Really I still think the idea of the story of the book is great but the storytelling got so complicated that I didn’t know who the fuck we are talking about and what the hell is happening...
The lovestory is crap - didn’t feel one tiny spark ... I only skimmed the sex scenes because I was annoyed.
Really I still think the idea of the story of the book is great but the storytelling got so complicated that I didn’t know who the fuck we are talking about and what the hell is happening...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2019
3.5 stars
Vance is the biggest (pun intended lol) sweetie on heart and I just want to hug him!
But sadly this is the story I liked less.
The mystery part was a little repetitive and too similar to the previous ones, and Sam.. yes, he's a likeable character but he annoyed me a great deal.
The epilogue is the nicest in the world, but I had really hard time buying the love story between the mcs.
I hope the next book (there will be, right?) will be Eli's and his new partner's story, it looks really promising!!
Vance is the biggest (pun intended lol) sweetie on heart and I just want to hug him!
But sadly this is the story I liked less.
The mystery part was a little repetitive and too similar to the previous ones, and Sam.. yes, he's a likeable character but he annoyed me a great deal.
The epilogue is the nicest in the world, but I had really hard time buying the love story between the mcs.
I hope the next book (there will be, right?) will be Eli's and his new partner's story, it looks really promising!!
December 10, 2018
Oh man, I am super conflicted over what to rate this story. Because I really, really enjoy the world building, the action, the plot, but at the end of the day, I'm also here to read ROMANCE and the feels and the characters falling in love. And I only got half of that with this story.
I have really been looking forward to Vance's story. He's a HUGE teddy bear - big, strong Enhanced, with a heart of gold, and always worried he's too huge and gonna hurt something and someone, so he deliberately does what he can to minimize the space he takes up. I love that unlike most Enhanced we have read about, he has a wonderful support system with his family. His parents and siblings are just wonderful, and because of that he had a much better childhood than other enhanced kids. Basically, I love Vance and would defend him in a heartbeat.
Vance has been in love with Sam since they first met and were then partnered up together after Sam was first undercover, and Sam totally knows it. What makes it worse is that Sam does everything he can to deny it and not talk about it. Due to his past and previous trauma that has left him weary of being with someone physically that much bigger than him, Sam is just pretty much closed up emotionally. Sam barely even thinks about Vance, I felt like. Sam first tells Vance that he isn't gay, and then the two sex scenes just didn't work for me either. What could have been some crazysexyhot times wound up being awkward or glossed over.
I know we learn a lot more about Sam through the story and about his childhood, but I just couldn't connect to him, I just didn't get him. And somewhere in the middle of the story, I basically thought "Vance deserves better" because Sam was just not working for me as someone deserving of Vance's love and devotion. Vance deserves someone to love him openly, completely, and like all-consuming, and he and Sam barely have any time as a couple before that epilogue, which by then it was too late and didn't make up for all the crap Sam dragged Vance through.
I'm guessing Daniel, Vance's brother, and Eli, who are announced as new partners, might get a story? I still love this series, but it makes me a bit sad that Vance didn't have such a great story, in my opinion.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I have really been looking forward to Vance's story. He's a HUGE teddy bear - big, strong Enhanced, with a heart of gold, and always worried he's too huge and gonna hurt something and someone, so he deliberately does what he can to minimize the space he takes up. I love that unlike most Enhanced we have read about, he has a wonderful support system with his family. His parents and siblings are just wonderful, and because of that he had a much better childhood than other enhanced kids. Basically, I love Vance and would defend him in a heartbeat.
Vance has been in love with Sam since they first met and were then partnered up together after Sam was first undercover, and Sam totally knows it. What makes it worse is that Sam does everything he can to deny it and not talk about it. Due to his past and previous trauma that has left him weary of being with someone physically that much bigger than him, Sam is just pretty much closed up emotionally. Sam barely even thinks about Vance, I felt like. Sam first tells Vance that he isn't gay, and then the two sex scenes just didn't work for me either. What could have been some crazysexyhot times wound up being awkward or glossed over.
I know we learn a lot more about Sam through the story and about his childhood, but I just couldn't connect to him, I just didn't get him. And somewhere in the middle of the story, I basically thought "Vance deserves better" because Sam was just not working for me as someone deserving of Vance's love and devotion. Vance deserves someone to love him openly, completely, and like all-consuming, and he and Sam barely have any time as a couple before that epilogue, which by then it was too late and didn't make up for all the crap Sam dragged Vance through.
I'm guessing Daniel, Vance's brother, and Eli, who are announced as new partners, might get a story? I still love this series, but it makes me a bit sad that Vance didn't have such a great story, in my opinion.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2025
The Strength of His Heart by Victoria Sue
Enhanced World #5. Paranormal M-M romance. Hero stories. Best read in series order.
When Vance Connelly woke up with enchanted abilities, he knew his dreams of joining the Tampa Police Department were over. The world doesn’t understand the changes going on with humanity and doesn’t trust them. The enchanted are generally either ignored, shunned, or hidden away. Fortunately there are groups that help and protect the enhanced such as the FBI’s Human Enhanced Rescue Organization (HERO). Vance joins the group to fight for the lost and hidden.
Vance is teamed up with Samuel to investigate a new drug on the streets. Trust between the two must be earned and Sam’s past is a threat to them both.
A dive into the tense and threatening world for the growing minority with “ unnatural” abilities. High stress, danger and worry as they find and try to save the exploited. It’s not easy when certain members of the police department are working to keep the enhanced controlled and hidden. Or more.
The copy I read by included a list of the HERO team and their abilities, including additional characters as well as a short glossary description of the world.
Chilling. Support of characters from prior books is heartwarming as they weave through the story, showing there is hope in the world. Vance and Sam have more work to do but their relationship becomes stronger as they interact and start to trust.
Loved the epilogue.
I look forward to reading more of the series. I love a good hero story.
Enhanced World #5. Paranormal M-M romance. Hero stories. Best read in series order.
When Vance Connelly woke up with enchanted abilities, he knew his dreams of joining the Tampa Police Department were over. The world doesn’t understand the changes going on with humanity and doesn’t trust them. The enchanted are generally either ignored, shunned, or hidden away. Fortunately there are groups that help and protect the enhanced such as the FBI’s Human Enhanced Rescue Organization (HERO). Vance joins the group to fight for the lost and hidden.
Vance is teamed up with Samuel to investigate a new drug on the streets. Trust between the two must be earned and Sam’s past is a threat to them both.
A dive into the tense and threatening world for the growing minority with “ unnatural” abilities. High stress, danger and worry as they find and try to save the exploited. It’s not easy when certain members of the police department are working to keep the enhanced controlled and hidden. Or more.
The copy I read by included a list of the HERO team and their abilities, including additional characters as well as a short glossary description of the world.
Chilling. Support of characters from prior books is heartwarming as they weave through the story, showing there is hope in the world. Vance and Sam have more work to do but their relationship becomes stronger as they interact and start to trust.
Loved the epilogue.
I look forward to reading more of the series. I love a good hero story.
May 29, 2019
Full review to follow soonish...
Time to revisit a favorite...
So far in this series 'The Strength of His Heart' has proven to be my favorite story and with this chance to revisit the story on audio I can comfortably say that hasn't changed. So I'm going to borrow a bit from my original review and add some thoughts on the audio for this updated review.
I've really enjoyed all of the books in this series so far but Vance and Sam's story is definitely the one that I've connected with on the strongest level. These are two men who at first glance appear to be strong...Vance with his big strong body and Sam with his cool and unflappable exterior. Never letting anyone in and keeping the world at arms length.
As Sam, Vance and the rest of the HERO team race against time to figure out how to stop the disappearance of young enhanced teens both men find themselves faced with the realization that the share an attraction and it's one that only one of them is willing to risk. Sam's idea of a relationship is one and done. He doesn't do forever or happily ever after...he's pretty sure that it's not a thing for people like him.
While Vance has had to deal with being an enhanced which in this world is definitely no fun. He's done so with the benefit of a loving and supportive family and most of the local law enforcement. Vance is such a sweet soul...I'm not sure that it would be truly possible to not like him. Sam's not been as lucky. Growing up for him was a matter of survival and he had to grow up really fast and hard to be able to take care of himself because there was no one else to do it.
As Vance and Sam work with the rest of their team to solve this mystery...it's Vance who ends up going undercover while Sam suddenly finds himself confronting his past...a past he thought was long gone.
Like others who read the book I wouldn't have been opposed to a bit more page time for the romance but I also feel like given what was happening with the rest of this story for Vance and Sam to have all kinds time for romance and intimate moments wouldn't have felt quite right ...for me it comes down to a question of 'would someone who has dedicated their life to protecting and serving really be more worried about 'getting their groove on than saving the lives of those that they've chosen to serve and protect?' for me that's a 'no'. I'm not saying that they would totally disregard their personal life just that at times like this other things would realistically take a back burner...so having said all that maybe there's more in store for romance between Vance and Sam...after all the ending of the book leaves Vance and Sam in a very good place with potential for all the romance that we missed out on in this story.
Once again with this story we are treated to the audio talents of Nick J. Russo and once again what we're given is an audio version of the book that's enhanced by the emotion and personality Mr. Russo brings to the characters in this story as well as the familiarity he adds to characters from previous stories that he also provided the narration for. I love the consistency of having the same narrator for a series as much as possible the comfort of having the voices retain their familiarity takes things from simply listening to an audio book to having people you know...friends share an adventure with you.
************************
An audio book of 'The Strength of His Heart' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Time to revisit a favorite...
So far in this series 'The Strength of His Heart' has proven to be my favorite story and with this chance to revisit the story on audio I can comfortably say that hasn't changed. So I'm going to borrow a bit from my original review and add some thoughts on the audio for this updated review.
I've really enjoyed all of the books in this series so far but Vance and Sam's story is definitely the one that I've connected with on the strongest level. These are two men who at first glance appear to be strong...Vance with his big strong body and Sam with his cool and unflappable exterior. Never letting anyone in and keeping the world at arms length.
As Sam, Vance and the rest of the HERO team race against time to figure out how to stop the disappearance of young enhanced teens both men find themselves faced with the realization that the share an attraction and it's one that only one of them is willing to risk. Sam's idea of a relationship is one and done. He doesn't do forever or happily ever after...he's pretty sure that it's not a thing for people like him.
While Vance has had to deal with being an enhanced which in this world is definitely no fun. He's done so with the benefit of a loving and supportive family and most of the local law enforcement. Vance is such a sweet soul...I'm not sure that it would be truly possible to not like him. Sam's not been as lucky. Growing up for him was a matter of survival and he had to grow up really fast and hard to be able to take care of himself because there was no one else to do it.
As Vance and Sam work with the rest of their team to solve this mystery...it's Vance who ends up going undercover while Sam suddenly finds himself confronting his past...a past he thought was long gone.
Like others who read the book I wouldn't have been opposed to a bit more page time for the romance but I also feel like given what was happening with the rest of this story for Vance and Sam to have all kinds time for romance and intimate moments wouldn't have felt quite right ...for me it comes down to a question of 'would someone who has dedicated their life to protecting and serving really be more worried about 'getting their groove on than saving the lives of those that they've chosen to serve and protect?' for me that's a 'no'. I'm not saying that they would totally disregard their personal life just that at times like this other things would realistically take a back burner...so having said all that maybe there's more in store for romance between Vance and Sam...after all the ending of the book leaves Vance and Sam in a very good place with potential for all the romance that we missed out on in this story.
Once again with this story we are treated to the audio talents of Nick J. Russo and once again what we're given is an audio version of the book that's enhanced by the emotion and personality Mr. Russo brings to the characters in this story as well as the familiarity he adds to characters from previous stories that he also provided the narration for. I love the consistency of having the same narrator for a series as much as possible the comfort of having the voices retain their familiarity takes things from simply listening to an audio book to having people you know...friends share an adventure with you.
************************
An audio book of 'The Strength of His Heart' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2019
I love Nick J. Russo and they way he makes every character come to life, but there's a lot happening in this and the story itself sometimes felt disconnected to the way the rest of series has flowed for me.
I've been looking forward to Vance's romance with Sam since Vance first met him as "Angel" when Sam was undercover for the DEA in Beneath This Mask and while I loved the narration, the story was a miss for me.
The first time I read this I thought there would be far more romance than there actually was between them, but there isn't any real romantic pay off or relationship building. Please make sure when buying you understand this is a Paranormal / Science Fiction story and not a romance. In all, the writing feels rushed and disconnected from the other Victoria Sue novels I've read - including the rest of the Enhanced series.
I was hoping that listening to it might help me, and while I absolutely loved listening to Nick J. Russo, I'm still left with more questions than answers and without the romance I was craving for Vance and Sam.
Paranormal / Science Fiction with dual POV, action, HFN ending.
Story - 2.5 stars, Narration - 4.5 stars; Total: 3.5 Stars
Audio copy of The Strength of His Heart provided by the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 14, 2018
I have been looking forward to reading Vance's story and in regards to Enhanced team and plot twists this book is excellent. I enjoyed getting reacquainted with the guys, new enhanced kids made a really good impression on me - so smart and resilient. From one event to another it kept getting more suspenseful and thrilling.
I loved Vance. He is such a gentle and caring man, so selfless and brave. He deserves all the happiness, and when he reminisced about his youth and what he went through it broke my heart every time and I just wanted to hug him. I completely disliked Sam. He was self-centered and most of the time made Vance feel less with either his words or actions. I didn't warm up to him at all, and I think Vance deserved someone who would love him with all his heart, and it always seemed that Sam held reservations about even liking Vance.
In terms of plot I loved this story, in terms of romance I didn't. It was very rushed in the last 10% of the book. Sam in my opinion was horrible to Vance, I don't know how he turned so fast from "I don't know if I even like him" to "I love you". I didn't like the epilogue, and the only way for me personally to be able to relate to Sam and like him would be if Vance and him got another book where they worked more on them and developed stronger and more genuine feelings because here it felt superficial and forced. But I recommend this read for the sole purpose of exploring wonderful enhanced world and it being a total page-turner almost up until the end.
I loved Vance. He is such a gentle and caring man, so selfless and brave. He deserves all the happiness, and when he reminisced about his youth and what he went through it broke my heart every time and I just wanted to hug him. I completely disliked Sam. He was self-centered and most of the time made Vance feel less with either his words or actions. I didn't warm up to him at all, and I think Vance deserved someone who would love him with all his heart, and it always seemed that Sam held reservations about even liking Vance.
In terms of plot I loved this story, in terms of romance I didn't. It was very rushed in the last 10% of the book. Sam in my opinion was horrible to Vance, I don't know how he turned so fast from "I don't know if I even like him" to "I love you". I didn't like the epilogue, and the only way for me personally to be able to relate to Sam and like him would be if Vance and him got another book where they worked more on them and developed stronger and more genuine feelings because here it felt superficial and forced. But I recommend this read for the sole purpose of exploring wonderful enhanced world and it being a total page-turner almost up until the end.
April 16, 2019
I was the most excited about this book in the whole series yet feel it let me down the most (book 3 is very close). Where was the romance?! This couple had unbelievable chemistry in the last chapter of the last book but spent most of this book apart or one disliking the other. And what was the last 10%?! Vance deserves someone a whole lot better than Sam and I wish he got it.
In terms of the rest of the book, the cast is so convoluted at this point I couldn’t even keep up with who’s who. “Is that a bad guy?” “Oh wait no I think he’s a martyr?”. There was 4 (?) baddies at the end? Why? All of their motivations were weak at best. The bad guys were taken care of off camera at the end to tie everything up but made it seem very sloppy.
I love Vance - I wanted to know about his childhood with being strong, how strong he actually is, when he has used his strength for good, if he has ever gone to far with his strength etc. I would love to have seen him breaking down doors or lifting cars to help his team or just something that portrayed his physical enhanced ability.
I love Victoria Sue and know she can do much better than this. I will not be continuing with this series
In terms of the rest of the book, the cast is so convoluted at this point I couldn’t even keep up with who’s who. “Is that a bad guy?” “Oh wait no I think he’s a martyr?”. There was 4 (?) baddies at the end? Why? All of their motivations were weak at best. The bad guys were taken care of off camera at the end to tie everything up but made it seem very sloppy.
I love Vance - I wanted to know about his childhood with being strong, how strong he actually is, when he has used his strength for good, if he has ever gone to far with his strength etc. I would love to have seen him breaking down doors or lifting cars to help his team or just something that portrayed his physical enhanced ability.
I love Victoria Sue and know she can do much better than this. I will not be continuing with this series
February 14, 2020
I liked Vance since book 1, and Sam in book 3 was nice, so I couldn’t wait for Sam and Vance story. But boy, was I disappointed. Sam had a personality change since book 3, and devolve into a despicable human being.
Sam treated Vance like garbage since the first time they met. He ignores him, belittle him, generally behaves like a selfish asshole, and even worse, implied that Vance (a big teddy bear with the softest heart and a bit of a self-image problem) is too big, maybe a bit stupid and will intentionally hurt him. You know, just your basic, garden variety emotional abuse. Then, to add insult to injury, he tried to physically hurt Vance during sex!!! Vance was at his most vulnerable, and Sam tried to penetrate him without prep, just to prove a selfish point. At that stage Vance walked away from Sam, and I was grateful because this is a great way to send Sam for therapy, and maybe Vance too, because he has doormat issues. Vance would do great if he could realise that sometimes love just isn’t enough.
But no. When Sam realised Vance will go, suddenly he is sorry, and he loves Vance (!!) and he has issues, and would you believe it: All is forgiven. Sam realised the error of his ways. All is well and perfect and now Sam wants to get married and they will live HEA. Yeah right. In a few years’ time Vance will be the victim of domestic abuse, too ashamed to go for help, because who will believe the smaller partner victimise the bigger one? And he will continue to forgive Sam’s assholey behaviour, because Sam loves him really. And Sam only behaves the way he do because of his terrible childhood. And they LOVE each other, and love makes everything ok. NOT!!
So I am seriously pissed at this stage and my enjoyment of the book plummeted. I wanted to give this book one star, but at least I felt enough emotion to rant and rave, so there is that. And I liked the world building, and some secondary characters, hence the two it-was-ok stars.
And one more thing: The author fights the bigotry against the enhanced in her books, but she treats her enhanced characters terribly. First she tortured Gael in the third book (I still have not yet forgiven her for that), then she submitted Vance to an emotional abusive relationship. So I think I am going to stop now. I hate to think what horrors awaits Eli in the next book.
Sam treated Vance like garbage since the first time they met. He ignores him, belittle him, generally behaves like a selfish asshole, and even worse, implied that Vance (a big teddy bear with the softest heart and a bit of a self-image problem) is too big, maybe a bit stupid and will intentionally hurt him. You know, just your basic, garden variety emotional abuse. Then, to add insult to injury, he tried to physically hurt Vance during sex!!! Vance was at his most vulnerable, and Sam tried to penetrate him without prep, just to prove a selfish point. At that stage Vance walked away from Sam, and I was grateful because this is a great way to send Sam for therapy, and maybe Vance too, because he has doormat issues. Vance would do great if he could realise that sometimes love just isn’t enough.
But no. When Sam realised Vance will go, suddenly he is sorry, and he loves Vance (!!) and he has issues, and would you believe it: All is forgiven. Sam realised the error of his ways. All is well and perfect and now Sam wants to get married and they will live HEA. Yeah right. In a few years’ time Vance will be the victim of domestic abuse, too ashamed to go for help, because who will believe the smaller partner victimise the bigger one? And he will continue to forgive Sam’s assholey behaviour, because Sam loves him really. And Sam only behaves the way he do because of his terrible childhood. And they LOVE each other, and love makes everything ok. NOT!!
So I am seriously pissed at this stage and my enjoyment of the book plummeted. I wanted to give this book one star, but at least I felt enough emotion to rant and rave, so there is that. And I liked the world building, and some secondary characters, hence the two it-was-ok stars.
And one more thing: The author fights the bigotry against the enhanced in her books, but she treats her enhanced characters terribly. First she tortured Gael in the third book (I still have not yet forgiven her for that), then she submitted Vance to an emotional abusive relationship. So I think I am going to stop now. I hate to think what horrors awaits Eli in the next book.
May 12, 2020
Sam is one of my favorite characters from this series, so that’s what kept the book going for me. But other than that, it just fell sorta flat and seemed a tad rushed at the end.
December 21, 2022
Non so voi ma io aspettavo il libro di Vance dalla prima volta che il suo personaggio è comparso sulla scena perché lui è la persona che vorreste accanto nei momenti brutti e in quelli belli, perché anche se non foste un suo amico del cuore sapreste sempre di averlo al vostro fianco e poter contare sulla sua forza, sulla sua empatia, su tutti i suoi molteplici lati migliori. Beh, a dirla tutta in lui non c’è un grammo di cattiveria ma solo lealtà, fiducia e amore. Sono stata troppo buona con lui? Assolutamente no, Vance è un personaggio che entra nel cuore in punta di piedi e non parlo solo metaforicamente perché quando ha “ricevuto il marchio è diventato enorme e ha sempre avuto paura di fare del male inavvertitamente a qualcuno per cui ogni suo movimento, ogni suo passo o atto sono tremendamente controllati. Fa tenerezza e pena insieme vederlo addossarsi ai muri quando incrocia qualcuno anche perché è stata anche colpa della cattiveria altrui che da sempre si porta dietro questo fardello. Ma lui non se ne lamenta, sta lì ed è sempre pronto a dare una mano a chiunque anche a chi gli ha fatto del male. Ha avuto di nascere in una famiglia che non lo ha rifiutato per il suo marchio come è successo a tanti altri bambini e non può che esserne grato e fiero, da quando poi è entrato a far parte della squadra degli HERO è ancora più felice visto che ha potuto realizzare il suo sono di essere poliziotto come tutti i componenti della sua famiglia. Ora, se riuscisse a fare colpo anche su un certo agente della DEA, la sua felicità non conoscerebbe confini ma Samuel “Angel” Piper è un osso duro come si sul dire in gergo. Da qualche mese i due sono partner anche se le cose non vanno proprio come Vance si era aspettato all’inizio. Sam, infatti, sembra che lo tenga sempre a distanza, che non gli affidi più del necessario e, in linea di massima, è un po’ scostante. Ma Vance è paziente, ha capito che il suo partner nasconde più di qualche segreto ed è disposto a lavorare in silenzio per far sgretolare quel muro dietro cui Sam si è trincerato. Ora, se a tutto questo aggiungete che si ritrovano coinvolti in una rete di misteri e inganni potete ben immaginare quanto sia stato adrenalinico tutto il racconto e, per quanto mi riguarda, se c’è una cosa che a questa autrice riesce proprio bene è creare una trama dall’intreccio articolato, dove tutto sembra il contrario di tutto e tutti i personaggi da quelli principali a quelli secondari sono partecipi in egual misura dando forza al gruppo e al romanzo stesso. Motivo per cui c’è modo di vivere ancora il rapporto tra Finn e Talon e quello tra Gael e Jake e poi conoscere quelle che saranno le nuove coppie. Insomma, l’unico neo per me è stato il personaggio di Sam che in questo libro si è dimostrato profondamente diverso dallo sfacciato Angel che avevo conosciuto, non vi nascondo che all’inizio lo avrei proprio preso volentieri a capocciate, non mi piaceva il modo in cui trattava Vance, il suo comportamento era molto ambiguo e lo è rimasto per un bel po’ di tempo. Poi, però l’autrice ha scavato a fondo anche nel suo passato e io ho dovuto rinfoderare gli artigli e cercare di non voler entrare a forza tra le pagine del libro per abbracciarlo. Quindi sì, anche questo quinto capitolo della serie è super consigliato per i temi che affronta, per la bellezza dei personaggi e, infine, per l’aspetto corale dell’intera opera.
January 30, 2024
Once again, we'll done on the relationship building. Answered the question of the missing. While exhibiting the issue with mass incarnation. How those put on list for protection. End up being wronged. Yet leaving one major question unanswered. Which lies in the background of one interesting nurse.
December 15, 2022
Li amo tanto 😍
January 4, 2019
3.5 stars.
This would have been a great book If Sam wasn’t so weird or if it didn’t have any romantic anything, which I wouldn’t call their relationship romantic at all…more problematic.
I loved the action. I loved the case and the kids and what they were trying to achieve.
Vance has issues. Sam has bigger issues. Apparently those issues weren’t solved at all and just stayed in the background. I was so confused with the ending like, why? Vance did not deserve Sam at all. Their relationship felt so forced. The last chapter just killed me. Not because of anything bad happening but how Sam treated Vance and then magically everything was good. No.
The previous books were awesome but this one lacked a lot of things. Though I loved seeing all of them together and being kind towards Vance. Everyone loves Vance, including me.
Another thing that is intriguing is the powers of the enhanced. I’d have loved to see more of the kids and what more they can do!
I assume the next one is going to be Finn’s story and I am excited. I am crossing my fingers it is not like this one…
This would have been a great book If Sam wasn’t so weird or if it didn’t have any romantic anything, which I wouldn’t call their relationship romantic at all…more problematic.
I loved the action. I loved the case and the kids and what they were trying to achieve.
Vance has issues. Sam has bigger issues. Apparently those issues weren’t solved at all and just stayed in the background. I was so confused with the ending like, why? Vance did not deserve Sam at all. Their relationship felt so forced. The last chapter just killed me. Not because of anything bad happening but how Sam treated Vance and then magically everything was good. No.
The previous books were awesome but this one lacked a lot of things. Though I loved seeing all of them together and being kind towards Vance. Everyone loves Vance, including me.
Another thing that is intriguing is the powers of the enhanced. I’d have loved to see more of the kids and what more they can do!
I assume the next one is going to be Finn’s story and I am excited. I am crossing my fingers it is not like this one…
January 7, 2019
WOW! Now, I want to take a helicopter ride! This series has worked for me from the beginning and this book, in particular, was an amazing read! Vance, well was Vance... kind, loving, gentle. Just every good thing wrapped up in a VERY large package and Sam? Talk about a guy with issues... *headdesk*
I think, if I had been reading this story as just a romance, I would have been a bit disappointed. But for me, this series has always been more. We have such a wonderful array of characters and not to mention the kids! They are all my heroes! I like to see the guys find their "one"... but I really enjoy the adventure of seeing the "enhanced" start taking their rightful place in this world as... EQUALS! (Sound familiar?)
It is now 2:27 am and my butt should have been asleep hours ago, but seriously? There was NO putting this book down until the end! This is going to be one of those series that I will hate to see end... but hopefully NOT for a long while, yet! *grin*
I think, if I had been reading this story as just a romance, I would have been a bit disappointed. But for me, this series has always been more. We have such a wonderful array of characters and not to mention the kids! They are all my heroes! I like to see the guys find their "one"... but I really enjoy the adventure of seeing the "enhanced" start taking their rightful place in this world as... EQUALS! (Sound familiar?)
It is now 2:27 am and my butt should have been asleep hours ago, but seriously? There was NO putting this book down until the end! This is going to be one of those series that I will hate to see end... but hopefully NOT for a long while, yet! *grin*
January 19, 2020
Finally Vance and Sam!!!!
I absolutely fell in love by Vance from book 1 and OMG what an awesome read! Victoria Sue books keep getting better and better, specially her ENHANCED series!
All the struggles Vance and Sam go thru, all their doubts, fears, uncertainties makes us read their story with our hearts in our throats! don't miss this great addition to this awesome series 💜💜💜
I absolutely fell in love by Vance from book 1 and OMG what an awesome read! Victoria Sue books keep getting better and better, specially her ENHANCED series!
All the struggles Vance and Sam go thru, all their doubts, fears, uncertainties makes us read their story with our hearts in our throats! don't miss this great addition to this awesome series 💜💜💜
January 17, 2025
3.5 stars for the story, 4.5 for the narration
I liked the story but the romance is underdeveloped (and Sam's issues need more than a few pages to sort out). Nick J. Russo does a good job - especially in differentiating between all the secondary characters and members of the Enhanced team - lthough there were quite a few mispronunciations here, which is unusual for him.
I liked the story but the romance is underdeveloped (and Sam's issues need more than a few pages to sort out). Nick J. Russo does a good job - especially in differentiating between all the secondary characters and members of the Enhanced team - lthough there were quite a few mispronunciations here, which is unusual for him.
March 8, 2025
***3.5 Stars***.
June 17, 2019
An audiobook review provided through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
Those who follow this unique series will be happy to know that big, strong, and sweet Vance Connelly finally got his story. I hope this isn’t the last in the series, but if it is, it’s a darn good one to end on. Vance grew up knowing he wanted to be a cop like his other family members, but when the scar appeared and they suddenly realized he was one of the “enhanced,” his hopes for a bright future took a downturn. That is, until the creation of the FBI Human Enhanced Rescue Organization in Tampa where Vance was hired immediately.
Sam “Angel” Piper joins the squad as Vance’s human partner and is immediately attracted to the powerful man. But Sam’s past as a troubled teen with a junkie mother is always there to hold him back. And when Sam’s past catches up to him just as the team is investigating the disappearance of enhanced children, he pulls further away from Vance. And that mistake nearly costs him his life, as he’s kidnapped and no one knows it. While in the meantime, Vance is arrested according to plan, since he’s gone undercover, but he’s then taken to an undisclosed location and that’s not according to plan. There he discovers why the teens have been taken and the plot loops back around to Sam’s past connections.
The story is intricately detailed, full of action, and full of missteps on Sam’s part and heartache for Vance. Nick J. Russo did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. His narrations fit this type of story well, as he keeps the pace fast and interesting and the voices distinct. Since it’s an audiobook review, I must mention that the story is so fast-paced that if I allowed my mind to drift, I was lost, so I admit I had to do a bit of rewinding to keep up. Moral of the story is pay attention. LOL.
The good news is that at the end, Sam admits his true feelings, and Vance gets the man he cares for. As Sam tells him, it’s not his enhanced muscle strength that makes him so special, it’s the strength of his heart. I highly recommend this entire series—in audio for a real treat.
Those who follow this unique series will be happy to know that big, strong, and sweet Vance Connelly finally got his story. I hope this isn’t the last in the series, but if it is, it’s a darn good one to end on. Vance grew up knowing he wanted to be a cop like his other family members, but when the scar appeared and they suddenly realized he was one of the “enhanced,” his hopes for a bright future took a downturn. That is, until the creation of the FBI Human Enhanced Rescue Organization in Tampa where Vance was hired immediately.
Sam “Angel” Piper joins the squad as Vance’s human partner and is immediately attracted to the powerful man. But Sam’s past as a troubled teen with a junkie mother is always there to hold him back. And when Sam’s past catches up to him just as the team is investigating the disappearance of enhanced children, he pulls further away from Vance. And that mistake nearly costs him his life, as he’s kidnapped and no one knows it. While in the meantime, Vance is arrested according to plan, since he’s gone undercover, but he’s then taken to an undisclosed location and that’s not according to plan. There he discovers why the teens have been taken and the plot loops back around to Sam’s past connections.
The story is intricately detailed, full of action, and full of missteps on Sam’s part and heartache for Vance. Nick J. Russo did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. His narrations fit this type of story well, as he keeps the pace fast and interesting and the voices distinct. Since it’s an audiobook review, I must mention that the story is so fast-paced that if I allowed my mind to drift, I was lost, so I admit I had to do a bit of rewinding to keep up. Moral of the story is pay attention. LOL.
The good news is that at the end, Sam admits his true feelings, and Vance gets the man he cares for. As Sam tells him, it’s not his enhanced muscle strength that makes him so special, it’s the strength of his heart. I highly recommend this entire series—in audio for a real treat.
December 22, 2022
RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
Aspettavo la storia di Vance dalla prima volta in cui questo personaggio è apparso nella serie. Quando ho saputo che avrei potuto leggere “La forza del suo cuore” ero felice di poter vedere di nuovo la squadra in azione.
Abbiamo già conosciuto sia Vance che Angel, la coppia protagonista di questo quinto volume. Vance è uno di quei potenziati che mi ha incuriosita e intrigata. Le sue capacità combinate con la sua personalità lo rendono un gigante gentile, che sicuramente in molti apprezzeranno. Avevo già un’idea di cosa potesse accadere e in parte non ne sono rimasta sorpresa. Ammetto però che mi aspettavo qualcosa in più da questo personaggio, che pur rimanendo allo stesso livello degli altri sento che ha dato molto meno di quanto avrebbe potuto. La sua famiglia, il legame con i membri, il rispetto che tutti mostrano nei suoi confronti… Sono tutti aspetti che rimangono sullo sfondo e che non emergono mai.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Aspettavo la storia di Vance dalla prima volta in cui questo personaggio è apparso nella serie. Quando ho saputo che avrei potuto leggere “La forza del suo cuore” ero felice di poter vedere di nuovo la squadra in azione.
Abbiamo già conosciuto sia Vance che Angel, la coppia protagonista di questo quinto volume. Vance è uno di quei potenziati che mi ha incuriosita e intrigata. Le sue capacità combinate con la sua personalità lo rendono un gigante gentile, che sicuramente in molti apprezzeranno. Avevo già un’idea di cosa potesse accadere e in parte non ne sono rimasta sorpresa. Ammetto però che mi aspettavo qualcosa in più da questo personaggio, che pur rimanendo allo stesso livello degli altri sento che ha dato molto meno di quanto avrebbe potuto. La sua famiglia, il legame con i membri, il rispetto che tutti mostrano nei suoi confronti… Sono tutti aspetti che rimangono sullo sfondo e che non emergono mai.
Continua sul nostro blog!
September 4, 2019
5 Hearts Audio reviewed by Prime for MM Good Book Reviews
Before I started this audio, I hadn’t realised that I hadn’t realised it was a series, but a couple chapters in when it finally clicked to me, I was too invested to stop and get to the other three stories. I was able to follow the plot without any problem, although I am sure that I missed some points when it came to some of the background characters, they were well developed and fleshed out by this point in the series, but again, nothing that I couldn’t piece together in my head.
This book is the first book I’ve read/listened to by the author, so I had no idea what to expect in terms of the writing and the depth of the world that had been created. However, I am very familiar with the work of Nick J Russo, the narrator. Normally, I have heard him perform contemporary books and I have found that he is well suited. But this book is best described as an urban fantasy. I was totally blown away by how well he narrated the story and conveyed the complex emotions of the MCs. Both MCs are tough, alpha type of males, however, one is a gentle giant and the other is a scrappy guy.
The series is called Enhanced after a group of people in the world who have been ridiculed and discriminated against because the men (because it’s only men) that are “Enhanced”, known for the scar on their face after transformation, develop powers which the rest of humanity can’t understand. I suppose it’s a kind of parallel to the LGBTQI community. I’m not explaining the enhanced very well, but basically think of Marvel’s X-Men but it’s only men. Some enhanced can mind speak, some have super strength, some have healing – you get the point.
Vance and Sam are partners in a special FBI taskforce. It aims to team up human and enhanced partners in order to show the world that the enhanced aren’t monsters to be scared of.
Sam is ex-DEA (and has a past which is revealed through the story) but soon after partnering with Vance on the FBI team is back helping the DEA for another mission. Sam was good at his job in the DEA but he wanted so much more. He wanted to be in the FBI and didn’t want to be dragged back into the DEA. He has been used of protecting himself and being pushed around by people bigger than him, so when he is teamed up with Vance, despite sexual attraction, Sam isn’t going to let Vance take control.
Vance has always wanted to be a cop – it’s in his family to serve in the Tampa PD, his father is now the lieutenant, one of his brothers is also a cop, while another is also with the FBI. But Vance always wanted to be a cop, a choice that was taken away from him when he woke up as a teen, enhanced and with the scar to prove. While his parents and siblings have always been supportive of Vance, there are many opportunities and people in the world that do not think of him as human because of his abilities. The man has such a big heart and all he wants to do is help people.
Vance is a very sweet man and extremely vulnerable under his tough exterior, while Sam is tough and knows only how to keep up shields to keep himself safe from any kind of affection. There is an attraction between the two men, but with the danger of their ongoing case which involves drugs and added is the mystery of how enhanced have been dragged into the situation, things are often left on hold. As the danger increases the feelings also increase and Sam can’t help but keep putting his foot in his mouth to protect himself. Which, honestly, had me a tad emotional for poor Vance who wears his heart on his sleeve.
I absolutely adored this book. The chemistry between Sam and Vance is on point, their emotions are complex but relatable. The secondary character, some of whom have already had their own book in the series, are equally as deep and complex as Sam and Vance, even the two guys who have been set up to be the next couple of the series. The world that Sue has created is an adventure from start to finish. Now, I need to go back to the start of this series and find out about the other guys!
Before I started this audio, I hadn’t realised that I hadn’t realised it was a series, but a couple chapters in when it finally clicked to me, I was too invested to stop and get to the other three stories. I was able to follow the plot without any problem, although I am sure that I missed some points when it came to some of the background characters, they were well developed and fleshed out by this point in the series, but again, nothing that I couldn’t piece together in my head.
This book is the first book I’ve read/listened to by the author, so I had no idea what to expect in terms of the writing and the depth of the world that had been created. However, I am very familiar with the work of Nick J Russo, the narrator. Normally, I have heard him perform contemporary books and I have found that he is well suited. But this book is best described as an urban fantasy. I was totally blown away by how well he narrated the story and conveyed the complex emotions of the MCs. Both MCs are tough, alpha type of males, however, one is a gentle giant and the other is a scrappy guy.
The series is called Enhanced after a group of people in the world who have been ridiculed and discriminated against because the men (because it’s only men) that are “Enhanced”, known for the scar on their face after transformation, develop powers which the rest of humanity can’t understand. I suppose it’s a kind of parallel to the LGBTQI community. I’m not explaining the enhanced very well, but basically think of Marvel’s X-Men but it’s only men. Some enhanced can mind speak, some have super strength, some have healing – you get the point.
Vance and Sam are partners in a special FBI taskforce. It aims to team up human and enhanced partners in order to show the world that the enhanced aren’t monsters to be scared of.
Sam is ex-DEA (and has a past which is revealed through the story) but soon after partnering with Vance on the FBI team is back helping the DEA for another mission. Sam was good at his job in the DEA but he wanted so much more. He wanted to be in the FBI and didn’t want to be dragged back into the DEA. He has been used of protecting himself and being pushed around by people bigger than him, so when he is teamed up with Vance, despite sexual attraction, Sam isn’t going to let Vance take control.
Vance has always wanted to be a cop – it’s in his family to serve in the Tampa PD, his father is now the lieutenant, one of his brothers is also a cop, while another is also with the FBI. But Vance always wanted to be a cop, a choice that was taken away from him when he woke up as a teen, enhanced and with the scar to prove. While his parents and siblings have always been supportive of Vance, there are many opportunities and people in the world that do not think of him as human because of his abilities. The man has such a big heart and all he wants to do is help people.
Vance is a very sweet man and extremely vulnerable under his tough exterior, while Sam is tough and knows only how to keep up shields to keep himself safe from any kind of affection. There is an attraction between the two men, but with the danger of their ongoing case which involves drugs and added is the mystery of how enhanced have been dragged into the situation, things are often left on hold. As the danger increases the feelings also increase and Sam can’t help but keep putting his foot in his mouth to protect himself. Which, honestly, had me a tad emotional for poor Vance who wears his heart on his sleeve.
I absolutely adored this book. The chemistry between Sam and Vance is on point, their emotions are complex but relatable. The secondary character, some of whom have already had their own book in the series, are equally as deep and complex as Sam and Vance, even the two guys who have been set up to be the next couple of the series. The world that Sue has created is an adventure from start to finish. Now, I need to go back to the start of this series and find out about the other guys!
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