What do you think?
Rate this book
Coulter and Woodard #1
Warrior's Way
Hello, tall, dark and handsome.’ Out and proud gay Albuquerque Homicide Detective Eagle Woodard studied Dr. Adam Coulter, criminal profiler, with a clinical eye. ‘Slender build…narrow waist, but nicely muscled underneath that Hugo Boss suit. People think you work out, Kemo, but you don’t.’ Eagle’s dark eyes narrowed. ‘You know I hate that day old beard look, but you were probably too wasted to bother. Nice eyes, green when they aren’t blood shot. Flawless tanned skin except for that tiny scar through your left eyebrow.’ The former Army Ranger grinned. ‘I gave that to you accidentally when we were 8 years old. When you stood up for this Navajo kid in an all white school. We both got our asses kicked.’ Eagle sighed and shook his head. That was the day he’d fallen in love with 4 times married, 4 times divorced, current roommate, Adam Coulter.
Eagle and Adam are faced with their toughest challenge yet. They must find an active serial killer before he strikes again. With the powers that be not cooperating and the killer proving to be elusive, will Eagle and Adam be able to stop the murderer while navigating their changing relationship?
Eagle and Adam are faced with their toughest challenge yet. They must find an active serial killer before he strikes again. With the powers that be not cooperating and the killer proving to be elusive, will Eagle and Adam be able to stop the murderer while navigating their changing relationship?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2019
35 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 10, 2020
I almost DNFd it 3 times. From the blurb provided and positive reviews I expected intensity, major suspense and strong emotions between MCs. What I got was weird sex/jealousy triangle between two friends and a complete asshat, awkward sexual encounter between MCs, I love yous that shouldn't have even been uttered till the book 4 if that ever came and an identity of the serial killer plainly stated within first part of the book. Lets not forget MF sex scene I so didn't want to read here.
This book was all over the place. It needed serious beta readers to spot inconsistencies and plot holes. Maybe this author banked on the grossness factor to pull the story through, but all it did was delay the inevitable - my utter boredom. Do you know why I actually finished it? I was curious if I guessed the killer right. I did. I mean the author plainly stated the gender and the body type that I didn't even need to think about it. How disappointing that was. There were many things that irked me, that were plain weird or unnecessary. It felt like this author took a bunch of tropes and social matters and jammed them into one book to make it spicier, more inclusive and more on trend but it all backfired as a big mess and not even a hot one. I took my time to calm down because I just couldn't write anything without vomiting a whole lot of nasty about this. This is me, calm. *huge eye roll* Sorry but it was awful.
This book was all over the place. It needed serious beta readers to spot inconsistencies and plot holes. Maybe this author banked on the grossness factor to pull the story through, but all it did was delay the inevitable - my utter boredom. Do you know why I actually finished it? I was curious if I guessed the killer right. I did. I mean the author plainly stated the gender and the body type that I didn't even need to think about it. How disappointing that was. There were many things that irked me, that were plain weird or unnecessary. It felt like this author took a bunch of tropes and social matters and jammed them into one book to make it spicier, more inclusive and more on trend but it all backfired as a big mess and not even a hot one. I took my time to calm down because I just couldn't write anything without vomiting a whole lot of nasty about this. This is me, calm. *huge eye roll* Sorry but it was awful.
December 27, 2019
There's a LOT going on in this book, and underlying it all is the relationship between Eagle and Adam who have been friends since childhood. Eagle, an Albuquerque Detective, is out and proud while four-times married and divorced Doctor of Forensic Sciences and Psychology (read profiler) Adam is straight. Well, let's just say, Eagle is completely convinced Adam is straight, except for:
Eagle and Adam are called in on an FBI case involving especially brutal killings of gay couples. FBI Agent Rick Kessler is supposedly the brightest and best, on the fast track to becoming Bureau Chief. Yet his plan to draw out the killer involves a wedding between Eagle and Rick (with a few days' notice) and an unclear plan to stop the killer using Eagle and Rick as bait. Indications that the killer may actually be two individuals working together is completely dismissed by Kessler without any investigation. Also he doesn't seem overly concerned the survelliance cameras have been tampered with. Finally, there is a bizarre bathroom scene where Kessler pins Adam against the wall, asking "Do you always go commando, sweetheart? Or did you do this for me?" and later says ("while grinding his rock-hard cock against Adam's ass") "If I wanted to rape you, sweetheart, you couldn't stop me." Ewww.
At this point, I almost DNFed the book, not only for the out-of-control plot and numerous instances of dubious police work, but because there is so little chemistry between Eagle and Adam. There is a lot of "tell" here, but little "show." In addition, the killer(s) are fairly obvious and the torture of the victims is disturbingly violent (which may not bother others as much as it did me).
At the end of the day, "Warrior's Way" has too many subplots and tangents and strange asides that are undeveloped or abruptly dropped into the narrative. I didn't believe the relationship between the two MCs and while the case quickly grinds to a halt and the relationship situation is definitely a cliffhanger, it just didn't work for me.
2.5 stars and as always, your experience with the book may be totally different.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review on Gay Book Reviews.
Stop by my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Sure they'd tease and touch each other sometimes intimately, but this was a byproduct of years of familiarity. Comments and looks that might have been misconstrued as sexual were easily dismissed as just having a good time.Also everyone in the department thinks Adam is gay and there are "stories in the local gay community that Adam Coulter swung both ways, but Eagle dismissed them." Well, alrighty then.
Eagle and Adam are called in on an FBI case involving especially brutal killings of gay couples. FBI Agent Rick Kessler is supposedly the brightest and best, on the fast track to becoming Bureau Chief. Yet his plan to draw out the killer involves a wedding between Eagle and Rick (with a few days' notice) and an unclear plan to stop the killer using Eagle and Rick as bait. Indications that the killer may actually be two individuals working together is completely dismissed by Kessler without any investigation. Also he doesn't seem overly concerned the survelliance cameras have been tampered with. Finally, there is a bizarre bathroom scene where Kessler pins Adam against the wall, asking "Do you always go commando, sweetheart? Or did you do this for me?" and later says ("while grinding his rock-hard cock against Adam's ass") "If I wanted to rape you, sweetheart, you couldn't stop me." Ewww.
At this point, I almost DNFed the book, not only for the out-of-control plot and numerous instances of dubious police work, but because there is so little chemistry between Eagle and Adam. There is a lot of "tell" here, but little "show." In addition, the killer(s) are fairly obvious and the torture of the victims is disturbingly violent (which may not bother others as much as it did me).
At the end of the day, "Warrior's Way" has too many subplots and tangents and strange asides that are undeveloped or abruptly dropped into the narrative. I didn't believe the relationship between the two MCs and while the case quickly grinds to a halt and the relationship situation is definitely a cliffhanger, it just didn't work for me.
2.5 stars and as always, your experience with the book may be totally different.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review on Gay Book Reviews.
Stop by my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
April 21, 2021
Let's take stock of the highlights...
on this one before wrestling any of the minutiae...
...if you're not a fan of partners having sex with other people even if they're not actually in a relationship yet...you might want to take a pass on this one as well.
...if your tolerance for graphic violence isn't high...again maybe take a pass on this one.
...if you're looking for a happily ever after...then I'm pretty sure this one is not going to work for you.
However...if you're like me and those things aren't on your hard pass list and you can allow that maybe like real life this is a story that gets a bit messy when it comes to the personal relationship issues then you might want to at least check this one out.
I admit there were some definite niggles for me throughout this one but I was also intrigued by the relationship between these two men and for me the intrigue trumped the niggles so carry on with the story I did.
Criminal Profiler, Dr. Adam Coulter's going 4 for 4 in the marriage/divorce department and his life long best friend and roommate Homicide Detective Eagle Woodard has never been married but that might be because the one person he's in love with is trying to convince the world and himself that he's not gay (yes, we're talking about Dr. Coulter).
It's not until Eagle and Adam get dragged into the hunt for a serial killer by FBI agent Rick Kessler and lordie, don't let me get started on this pompous, jerk because we'll be here all night...me typing and you reading. But sadly he is an integral part of the story, so I just let him be that person that I loved to hate.
Overall for me there were two things that became stumbling blocks and one of them related to what seemed to be the nicknames that these men had for each other...specifically Tonto and Kemosabe. Don't get me wrong it had nothing to do with how politically correct these names were or weren't but more with the total predictability of them and the fact that in a way it was almost like they were being used as reminders that one of these men was Native Indian and the other was a white man which to me seemed less significant than maybe reinforcing the bond of friendship that was between them...which leads to my next issue...
Which was in regards to the fact that Adam and Eagle were suppose to be best friends, had been best friends since childhood and had also worked together on several cases but somehow it felt like the bond of trust that was between them and to me should have been really strong...wasn't. To say the least it turned out to be incredibly fragile and easily broken.
So where did all this leave me...well, it left me with a very unresolved ending and a huge case of curiosity as to how in the name of all that's sacred between friends the author is going to fix this and not only fix things but fix it to the point where I as the reader believe that these two can work as a couple...because truth be told at this point...I'm not seeing it.
What did I like...interestingly enough some of what I didn't like was also what I liked or more accurately what interested me about the story. I like seeing an author take what to me seems like an impossible to fix situation and fix it. Sure sometimes it works and other times...not so much. But it's still intriguing to see.
Believe it or not while I didn't like Rick Kessler, I like seeing characters like him in a story...not every story but occasionally someone as insufferably arrogant as him adds to a story line and in this case he did...sort of. But he also crossed a line in his single mindedness to ensure that solving this case moved him towards achieving his personal goals at any cost. Yeah, I admit it...I totally want to be there to see him get his just desserts because he so needs to come down a notch or six...needless to say I'm wishing and hoping that it happens and happens soon.
Last but definitely not least in the list of what worked for me was the narrator. Nick J. Russo has been one of my favorite narrators since I first listened to him back in 2016. Regardless of how much I have or haven't enjoyed the story and there have been a few that maybe weren't great stories this is one narrator who without fail gets me through to the very end.
"Warrior's Way" is definitely a mixed bag when it comes to the reviews but for me what worked definitely outweighed what didn't work so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that the audio book for "Mountainway Chant" the second book in this series isn't to far behind this one.
*************************
An audio book of "Warrior's Way" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
on this one before wrestling any of the minutiae...
...if you're not a fan of partners having sex with other people even if they're not actually in a relationship yet...you might want to take a pass on this one as well.
...if your tolerance for graphic violence isn't high...again maybe take a pass on this one.
...if you're looking for a happily ever after...then I'm pretty sure this one is not going to work for you.
However...if you're like me and those things aren't on your hard pass list and you can allow that maybe like real life this is a story that gets a bit messy when it comes to the personal relationship issues then you might want to at least check this one out.
I admit there were some definite niggles for me throughout this one but I was also intrigued by the relationship between these two men and for me the intrigue trumped the niggles so carry on with the story I did.
Criminal Profiler, Dr. Adam Coulter's going 4 for 4 in the marriage/divorce department and his life long best friend and roommate Homicide Detective Eagle Woodard has never been married but that might be because the one person he's in love with is trying to convince the world and himself that he's not gay (yes, we're talking about Dr. Coulter).
It's not until Eagle and Adam get dragged into the hunt for a serial killer by FBI agent Rick Kessler and lordie, don't let me get started on this pompous, jerk because we'll be here all night...me typing and you reading. But sadly he is an integral part of the story, so I just let him be that person that I loved to hate.
Overall for me there were two things that became stumbling blocks and one of them related to what seemed to be the nicknames that these men had for each other...specifically Tonto and Kemosabe. Don't get me wrong it had nothing to do with how politically correct these names were or weren't but more with the total predictability of them and the fact that in a way it was almost like they were being used as reminders that one of these men was Native Indian and the other was a white man which to me seemed less significant than maybe reinforcing the bond of friendship that was between them...which leads to my next issue...
Which was in regards to the fact that Adam and Eagle were suppose to be best friends, had been best friends since childhood and had also worked together on several cases but somehow it felt like the bond of trust that was between them and to me should have been really strong...wasn't. To say the least it turned out to be incredibly fragile and easily broken.
So where did all this leave me...well, it left me with a very unresolved ending and a huge case of curiosity as to how in the name of all that's sacred between friends the author is going to fix this and not only fix things but fix it to the point where I as the reader believe that these two can work as a couple...because truth be told at this point...I'm not seeing it.
What did I like...interestingly enough some of what I didn't like was also what I liked or more accurately what interested me about the story. I like seeing an author take what to me seems like an impossible to fix situation and fix it. Sure sometimes it works and other times...not so much. But it's still intriguing to see.
Believe it or not while I didn't like Rick Kessler, I like seeing characters like him in a story...not every story but occasionally someone as insufferably arrogant as him adds to a story line and in this case he did...sort of. But he also crossed a line in his single mindedness to ensure that solving this case moved him towards achieving his personal goals at any cost. Yeah, I admit it...I totally want to be there to see him get his just desserts because he so needs to come down a notch or six...needless to say I'm wishing and hoping that it happens and happens soon.
Last but definitely not least in the list of what worked for me was the narrator. Nick J. Russo has been one of my favorite narrators since I first listened to him back in 2016. Regardless of how much I have or haven't enjoyed the story and there have been a few that maybe weren't great stories this is one narrator who without fail gets me through to the very end.
"Warrior's Way" is definitely a mixed bag when it comes to the reviews but for me what worked definitely outweighed what didn't work so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that the audio book for "Mountainway Chant" the second book in this series isn't to far behind this one.
*************************
An audio book of "Warrior's Way" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2019
this was interesting.. it kinda ends a bit of a cliffy..not totally though.. more like its a continuation story haha.. but we are left curious what will happen... i enjoyed the characters.. they were interesting and sexy and their bantar was amusing. lol plus a very good storyline with murder and love and anger and happiness.. so many amazing emotions and it was just fun to read
December 13, 2019
Strong 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. What started out a bit slow quickly evolved into an exciting thriller wrapped around a strong love story. Both Adam and Eagle captured my attention, while the search for the killer revved up my heart rate. Good, strong story
June 18, 2020
DNF a measly 13% in.
A few things really killed it for me:
(1) Almost every time a character is mentioned the author feels the need to use a different descriptor just in case we forgot all of the adjectives she's already introduced. Eagle is referred to as Eagle, Woodard, the Army Ranger, the taller man, the muscular man, the Detective, and memorably, Gay and out Albuquerque Homicide Detective Eagle Woodard, among others. The same goes for Adam - he's called Adam, Coulter, the profiler, the doctor, Doc, and roommate in the first 13% (I'm probably missing some). This is super annoying and completely unnecessary because these different ways to refer to the same person aren't for any particular reason or in any specific context. Adam goes from being called Adam to Coulter in two sentences just because. WHY?? It just makes it harder to keep track of the characters and it's a cheap way to shoehorn in new information about them.
(2) Calabrese also uses their names or nicknames is almost every piece of dialogue to make extra super sure there's not one ounce of doubt about who's talking or what their nickname is. It feels really unnatural and so, so excessive. And the nickname "Tonto" for the Native American and "Kemo Sabe" for the other guy...CRINGE. I didn't read far enough to know, but I hope there's a hell of a lot of justification for making those choices.
(3) Even excluding the above writing issues, the overall writing seemed amateurish and turned me off. The way exposition was thrown into my face made for a rocky narrative flow and a very "showing instead of telling" vibe. Calabrese also doesn't know how to use a comma.
(4) And then just as I was about to click away, my eye caught this line of thought Eagle has about his drunk, straight roommate, "'God, I love your tight ass, Kemo. Lucky for you I'm not into rape play.' He looked longingly at the tantalizing sight, well not today, anyway." That's gonna be a YIKES from me!
A few things really killed it for me:
(1) Almost every time a character is mentioned the author feels the need to use a different descriptor just in case we forgot all of the adjectives she's already introduced. Eagle is referred to as Eagle, Woodard, the Army Ranger, the taller man, the muscular man, the Detective, and memorably, Gay and out Albuquerque Homicide Detective Eagle Woodard, among others. The same goes for Adam - he's called Adam, Coulter, the profiler, the doctor, Doc, and roommate in the first 13% (I'm probably missing some). This is super annoying and completely unnecessary because these different ways to refer to the same person aren't for any particular reason or in any specific context. Adam goes from being called Adam to Coulter in two sentences just because. WHY?? It just makes it harder to keep track of the characters and it's a cheap way to shoehorn in new information about them.
(2) Calabrese also uses their names or nicknames is almost every piece of dialogue to make extra super sure there's not one ounce of doubt about who's talking or what their nickname is. It feels really unnatural and so, so excessive. And the nickname "Tonto" for the Native American and "Kemo Sabe" for the other guy...CRINGE. I didn't read far enough to know, but I hope there's a hell of a lot of justification for making those choices.
(3) Even excluding the above writing issues, the overall writing seemed amateurish and turned me off. The way exposition was thrown into my face made for a rocky narrative flow and a very "showing instead of telling" vibe. Calabrese also doesn't know how to use a comma.
(4) And then just as I was about to click away, my eye caught this line of thought Eagle has about his drunk, straight roommate, "'God, I love your tight ass, Kemo. Lucky for you I'm not into rape play.' He looked longingly at the tantalizing sight, well not today, anyway." That's gonna be a YIKES from me!
May 15, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Homicide Detective Eagle Woodard has been in love with his very best (and very straight) friend, Adam Coulter, since … well, almost forever. The only problem is that Adam, now on divorce number four, isn’t in love with Eagle as anything other than a friend. As a criminal profiler, Adam often works cases alongside of Eagle’s own, and the two of them have a long history of learning to trust one another’s instincts. They share a house, share a bathroom, and half the town thinks they’re a couple, something that shocks and offends Adam when he finds out. Still, it’s a dysfunctional relationship that works for them. Mostly.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Homicide Detective Eagle Woodard has been in love with his very best (and very straight) friend, Adam Coulter, since … well, almost forever. The only problem is that Adam, now on divorce number four, isn’t in love with Eagle as anything other than a friend. As a criminal profiler, Adam often works cases alongside of Eagle’s own, and the two of them have a long history of learning to trust one another’s instincts. They share a house, share a bathroom, and half the town thinks they’re a couple, something that shocks and offends Adam when he finds out. Still, it’s a dysfunctional relationship that works for them. Mostly.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
August 18, 2020
Adam and Eagle have been friends since they were eight years old. Eagle thinks that he has been in love with Adam that whole time too. Adam has tried to be in love but can’t seem to make it work. When they close in on a serial killer, their bonds are severely tested.
This was an interesting story. Some twists, not all the good guys are particularly good, but the bad guys are really nasty. Graphic depictions of torture abound. I mostly liked the book. It seemed like it was rushed in places to get all the information needed in place. I really didn’t like Adam. I did like Eagle though, he’s the reason I gave it four stars.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
This was an interesting story. Some twists, not all the good guys are particularly good, but the bad guys are really nasty. Graphic depictions of torture abound. I mostly liked the book. It seemed like it was rushed in places to get all the information needed in place. I really didn’t like Adam. I did like Eagle though, he’s the reason I gave it four stars.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
June 6, 2020
Warrior's Way
MMy Thoughts Confessions and Review:
Get in, Sit down, Shut up, and Hold on! THAT should have been the title of this action-packed, stylized thriller. A serial killer is preying on gay couples and the scenes this killer leaves behind for authorities to untangle are some of the worst experts in the field have ever seen. Because of this, the FBI has recruited the help of a team in New Mexico they hope will flush out the killer. Ex-Army Ranger turned homicide detective, Eagle Woodard and criminal-profiler, Doctor Adam Coulter will pose as a gay couple about to wed while also pretending to be unfaithful.
This book was fantastic! Now, I must confess, I was a little afraid going in, simply because thrillers are some of the hardest stories to write, but this (new-to-me) author pleasantly shocked and surprised me. Okay, so what you NEED to know... This book is graphic in all its details. I mean c'mon, we are dealing with a sadistically deranged serial killer who kills same-sex couples and leaves horrifically gruesome scenes in their wake. So, if details of blood and gore are not your thing, you may need to skip this one.
There are also scenes of non-con and dub-con, and a torture scene involving an MC. These are all important and move the story forward. The book is the first in a trilogy, so it doesn't resolve itself in book one. Never fear, however, book two is already out, (my review on that one is coming soon) and I read, book three will be "hand to eye-ball ready" very soon. I will most definitely be on the lookout for that one!
I enjoyed this story and the author's imaginative style. I found myself drawn in from the start and lost myself in this world. There were quite a few, "WHAT THE..." moments, and I most definitely did NOT see that ending coming.
If you're a fan of thriller, serial killer, criminal-profiler TV shows, books, and movies you will truly fall for this. Think, "Criminal Minds" meets "Silence of the Lambs" or "Kiss the Girls," with an LGBTQ spin. Oh, MMy Gah! What a rush!
As for the sMMexy Nick J. Russo narrating this bad boy I've got two words... MORE PLEASE!🎧💕🎧
The Story 4.50 🌟
The Narration 5.00🌟
Overall: 4.75✨ Tonto-and-Kemo-Warrior-Stars
I received a complimentary audio copy of this book from OWI tours in exchange for my review. 🏳️🌈
MMy Thoughts Confessions and Review:
Get in, Sit down, Shut up, and Hold on! THAT should have been the title of this action-packed, stylized thriller. A serial killer is preying on gay couples and the scenes this killer leaves behind for authorities to untangle are some of the worst experts in the field have ever seen. Because of this, the FBI has recruited the help of a team in New Mexico they hope will flush out the killer. Ex-Army Ranger turned homicide detective, Eagle Woodard and criminal-profiler, Doctor Adam Coulter will pose as a gay couple about to wed while also pretending to be unfaithful.
This book was fantastic! Now, I must confess, I was a little afraid going in, simply because thrillers are some of the hardest stories to write, but this (new-to-me) author pleasantly shocked and surprised me. Okay, so what you NEED to know... This book is graphic in all its details. I mean c'mon, we are dealing with a sadistically deranged serial killer who kills same-sex couples and leaves horrifically gruesome scenes in their wake. So, if details of blood and gore are not your thing, you may need to skip this one.
There are also scenes of non-con and dub-con, and a torture scene involving an MC. These are all important and move the story forward. The book is the first in a trilogy, so it doesn't resolve itself in book one. Never fear, however, book two is already out, (my review on that one is coming soon) and I read, book three will be "hand to eye-ball ready" very soon. I will most definitely be on the lookout for that one!
I enjoyed this story and the author's imaginative style. I found myself drawn in from the start and lost myself in this world. There were quite a few, "WHAT THE..." moments, and I most definitely did NOT see that ending coming.
If you're a fan of thriller, serial killer, criminal-profiler TV shows, books, and movies you will truly fall for this. Think, "Criminal Minds" meets "Silence of the Lambs" or "Kiss the Girls," with an LGBTQ spin. Oh, MMy Gah! What a rush!
As for the sMMexy Nick J. Russo narrating this bad boy I've got two words... MORE PLEASE!🎧💕🎧
The Story 4.50 🌟
The Narration 5.00🌟
Overall: 4.75✨ Tonto-and-Kemo-Warrior-Stars
I received a complimentary audio copy of this book from OWI tours in exchange for my review. 🏳️🌈
June 10, 2020
3.5 rounded up.
Warning: this story contains very detailed graphic violence and a lot of triggers.
It took me a while to get into this story as the formatting wasn’t what I’m used to, and I thought it could have done with an edit in a few places. I found the head hopping a little disconcerting too.
However, the characters and plot still pulled me in despite that. I thought it was a very solid plot, and I was seriously worried for the MCs as it went along. I liked the way the author didn’t shy away from showing the consequences of the killer’s actions, which were, to be blunt, horrifying. Because of this the killer came across as a real threat, and I knew from the beginning they wouldn’t be easily taken down, and the author did a good job in following through with that.
I also liked how the characters all came across as individuals and with distinct voices. I felt for Adam growing up with his father who is not a nice person. I liked how the author showed the huge difference between his family dynamics, and Eagle’s family who are all decent human beings. I also enjoyed the plot twist with Adam’s sister, which I thought was nicely done. I really hope Kessler gets what is coming his way as this series progresses.
The action scenes are well written and build the tension to the point I couldn’t put it down towards the end of the book when I had to make sure everyone survived. The ending does its job well in leaving the reader wanting the next book sooner rather than later, as these guys are going to have to work for their HEA.
Warning: this story contains very detailed graphic violence and a lot of triggers.
It took me a while to get into this story as the formatting wasn’t what I’m used to, and I thought it could have done with an edit in a few places. I found the head hopping a little disconcerting too.
However, the characters and plot still pulled me in despite that. I thought it was a very solid plot, and I was seriously worried for the MCs as it went along. I liked the way the author didn’t shy away from showing the consequences of the killer’s actions, which were, to be blunt, horrifying. Because of this the killer came across as a real threat, and I knew from the beginning they wouldn’t be easily taken down, and the author did a good job in following through with that.
I also liked how the characters all came across as individuals and with distinct voices. I felt for Adam growing up with his father who is not a nice person. I liked how the author showed the huge difference between his family dynamics, and Eagle’s family who are all decent human beings. I also enjoyed the plot twist with Adam’s sister, which I thought was nicely done. I really hope Kessler gets what is coming his way as this series progresses.
The action scenes are well written and build the tension to the point I couldn’t put it down towards the end of the book when I had to make sure everyone survived. The ending does its job well in leaving the reader wanting the next book sooner rather than later, as these guys are going to have to work for their HEA.
November 25, 2019
Three and a half stars rounded up to four
I was given an ARC of Warrior's Way by M.J. Calabrese in return for an honest review.
I'm very careful in choosing the books that I asked to review and I honestly thought that I had made a mistake with this book. I found the first couple of pages to be very stilted. It didn't flow well and I really thought that the author was trying too hard to impress the readers. This feeling quickly fell by the wayside as I got involved in the story. A killer is targeting supposedly devoted gay couples and a plan has been made to catch him. Questions quickly arise - is there one killer or a team? How are the couples being chosen? Everything comes down to the plan which centres around close friends Eagle and Adam. If you want to know more than this read the book or the synopsis.
I really got involved in the story after I overcame my first impressions. I wanted the killer caught and I wanted that person to be punished. We actually know who the killer is very early in the story but we don't know how the victims are being chosen or even who the next victims will be.
There are some very nasty scenes in the book as we see what is being done to the victims and this makes us want the killer to be punished even more.
There is a satisfying end although I really hope that book 2 will be appearing soon. I want to know what happens next.
Recommended.
I was given an ARC of Warrior's Way by M.J. Calabrese in return for an honest review.
I'm very careful in choosing the books that I asked to review and I honestly thought that I had made a mistake with this book. I found the first couple of pages to be very stilted. It didn't flow well and I really thought that the author was trying too hard to impress the readers. This feeling quickly fell by the wayside as I got involved in the story. A killer is targeting supposedly devoted gay couples and a plan has been made to catch him. Questions quickly arise - is there one killer or a team? How are the couples being chosen? Everything comes down to the plan which centres around close friends Eagle and Adam. If you want to know more than this read the book or the synopsis.
I really got involved in the story after I overcame my first impressions. I wanted the killer caught and I wanted that person to be punished. We actually know who the killer is very early in the story but we don't know how the victims are being chosen or even who the next victims will be.
There are some very nasty scenes in the book as we see what is being done to the victims and this makes us want the killer to be punished even more.
There is a satisfying end although I really hope that book 2 will be appearing soon. I want to know what happens next.
Recommended.
December 2, 2019
Despite the fact that I had read the blurb of this story, It still shocked me. From the beginning the readers is thrown into a story of torture, torment, murder, serial killers and extreme hate crimes against gay men, romance, closeted gay, mention of alcohol abuse, and two men who are partners and childhood friends. Dr. coultre is unable to convince Eagle, his partner that things are not what they seemed or was being told. Unable to convince Eagle of the wrongness of some the decisions of an FBI agent, Eagle and Adam make some bad choices and decisions. The intensity of this story made my heart pound, feel anxious, slightly nauseous and totally entertained. I have to say that I would recommend this story to others, but be aware there are massive triggers here with torture and graphic details. A cliffhanger faces the reader so beware.
August 9, 2022
Ugh! this book is such an ugly mess! I should have stopped reading when I learn that the characters' nicknames were "Tonto" for the Native American and "Kemo Sabe" for the white guy *dies of second-hand embarrassment* This was so utterly wrong, even when I was a kid, that in my country Lonely Ranger's native-American partner's name was translated as Toro. *double ugh*
The worst part was that, in the end, I despised both characters and didn't care one bit about any of them, so that violence at the end of the story? It was wasted on me, I. Didn't. Care.
Obviously, I won't be reading any other book in this series.
The worst part was that, in the end, I despised both characters and didn't care one bit about any of them, so that violence at the end of the story? It was wasted on me, I. Didn't. Care.
Obviously, I won't be reading any other book in this series.
February 18, 2020
a great crime thriller her sees our two heros get involved in a serial killer case and in seem to get out of their depth. loved the way the author built up the characters warts and all, the passion is good. the other side characters who you learnt to with love or hate and the emotional roller coaster that both men go through in the case as well as opening up to each other.
And the ending, was not expecting it but not surprised and it is right taking the plot and their experiences.
And the ending, was not expecting it but not surprised and it is right taking the plot and their experiences.
December 1, 2019
First let me starry by saying that I am sooooo glad there is going to be a second book at least because if not I would have been really disappointed. Now let me explain, this was a truly incredible mysterious read. I was on the edge of my seat through this read because even though you are able to figure out who the bad guy or guys are, you do not see what it coming. But you know that it is something and you just do not know when it is going to happen or the fall out after it does happen.
Eagle is former military and now Detective. He loves his job but he also loves his best friend Adam as well even though Adam is straight. That does not stop Eagle from trying to watch out for him though. Adam and Eagle have known each other since they were kids and have been living together for a few years now after Adam’s fourth disastrous marriage. It works for them because Eagle is able to keep an eye on his best friend.
When Eagle gets a call asking not only him but Adam to help the FBI with a case that they are working on, Eagle agrees to at least find out what is going on. Adam is a Doctor with the force that Eagle works for and helps in cases when needed. He is good at profiling cases and seeing things that others can miss. So this makes the FBI’s interest in these two men even greater.
When the FBI agent Rick Kessler shows up and lays out the plan to catch a very dangerous serial killer, Adam is not on board at first. He is not real comfortable with pretending to be a gay coupke and going as far as to do a huge wedding at a special event that will put both men in the killers eyesight. Not to mention the fact that part of the plan is to also cheat on one another before the wedding since that is on when of the factors the killer seems to look for.
Why happens when this fake relationship starts to become more real? How will Adam handle the fact that Rick is interested in Eagle so much so that he is willing to not divulge all the information that could keep them safe? Can Eagle and Adam keep each other safe or will Eafe for the first time ever not listen when Adam tells him something is off?
This was an incredible read. I cannot wait for the next book to come out. I would have been severely disappointed if this was intended to be a series because then I would have felt cheated. Now all I can say is, I cannot wait to see what is to happen next. And hopefully soon!!! This is an Incredible Read!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Eagle is former military and now Detective. He loves his job but he also loves his best friend Adam as well even though Adam is straight. That does not stop Eagle from trying to watch out for him though. Adam and Eagle have known each other since they were kids and have been living together for a few years now after Adam’s fourth disastrous marriage. It works for them because Eagle is able to keep an eye on his best friend.
When Eagle gets a call asking not only him but Adam to help the FBI with a case that they are working on, Eagle agrees to at least find out what is going on. Adam is a Doctor with the force that Eagle works for and helps in cases when needed. He is good at profiling cases and seeing things that others can miss. So this makes the FBI’s interest in these two men even greater.
When the FBI agent Rick Kessler shows up and lays out the plan to catch a very dangerous serial killer, Adam is not on board at first. He is not real comfortable with pretending to be a gay coupke and going as far as to do a huge wedding at a special event that will put both men in the killers eyesight. Not to mention the fact that part of the plan is to also cheat on one another before the wedding since that is on when of the factors the killer seems to look for.
Why happens when this fake relationship starts to become more real? How will Adam handle the fact that Rick is interested in Eagle so much so that he is willing to not divulge all the information that could keep them safe? Can Eagle and Adam keep each other safe or will Eafe for the first time ever not listen when Adam tells him something is off?
This was an incredible read. I cannot wait for the next book to come out. I would have been severely disappointed if this was intended to be a series because then I would have felt cheated. Now all I can say is, I cannot wait to see what is to happen next. And hopefully soon!!! This is an Incredible Read!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
March 8, 2022
What a mess.
I'm reminded of a song from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend where Greg summed up his relationship with Rebecca. That sentiment works for Adam and Eagle, too. I've read enemies to lovers stories with main characters more willing to be in a relationship with one another than Adam and Eagle are as friends to lovers. Yeesh.
The main characters just aren't likable in the end. Eagle's family seems great and Borkowski seemed decent enough for his clichéd character, but the couple, Adam and Eagle, that we're supposed to be rooting for? Definitely needed to separate and seek counseling even before the events in the overly graphic ending. Not just the violence being graphic, but the sex that was definitely had at the wrong time and place with details that were just out of step with the situation they were supposed to be in.
Factor in the completely unlikable Agent Rick Kessler and all the sidestories and s*show is actually a generous summary of all of this. I mean, it just slips in the fact that Eagle is the father to the secret baby that Adam's sister's secret girlfriend is pregnant with and leaves that there for a bit of drama obviously coming in one of the future installments. Will I read those installments? Yes, because I made the mistake of already buying them because the blurb sounded like just my kind of story. I really need to start reading samples and reviews before I commit myself to reading a series.
I'm reminded of a song from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend where Greg summed up his relationship with Rebecca. That sentiment works for Adam and Eagle, too. I've read enemies to lovers stories with main characters more willing to be in a relationship with one another than Adam and Eagle are as friends to lovers. Yeesh.
The main characters just aren't likable in the end. Eagle's family seems great and Borkowski seemed decent enough for his clichéd character, but the couple, Adam and Eagle, that we're supposed to be rooting for? Definitely needed to separate and seek counseling even before the events in the overly graphic ending. Not just the violence being graphic, but the sex that was definitely had at the wrong time and place with details that were just out of step with the situation they were supposed to be in.
Factor in the completely unlikable Agent Rick Kessler and all the sidestories and s*show is actually a generous summary of all of this. I mean, it just slips in the fact that Eagle is the father to the secret baby that Adam's sister's secret girlfriend is pregnant with and leaves that there for a bit of drama obviously coming in one of the future installments. Will I read those installments? Yes, because I made the mistake of already buying them because the blurb sounded like just my kind of story. I really need to start reading samples and reviews before I commit myself to reading a series.
November 28, 2019
I wanted to like this one, but there was just so much going on. It was quite difficult to follow along when there were competing focuses throughout the story. It didn’t feel like a even balance between mystery/thriller and romance. I didn’t feel compelled to root for Eagle and Adam as a couple, and I didn’t buy into their romance.
Then there was the addition of Michelle’s hidden life that seemed only for shock purposes. It didn’t really add to the story. The will they won’t they with Rick Kessler and Eagle or the rumors about Adam’s reputation etc. It was all so jumbled up.
Unfortunately, I could not connect to this story or the characters.
*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Then there was the addition of Michelle’s hidden life that seemed only for shock purposes. It didn’t really add to the story. The will they won’t they with Rick Kessler and Eagle or the rumors about Adam’s reputation etc. It was all so jumbled up.
Unfortunately, I could not connect to this story or the characters.
*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
December 15, 2019
Give me more!
Two flawed heroes and bad guys you'll love to hate. Plenty of action and angst as these two friends to lovers work to capture a serial killer. I want to see more from these two. The mystery is solved but the relationship is left open ended. I want them to have a happy ending and I think they will with a second book. Come on, M.J. don't leave me hanging!
Two flawed heroes and bad guys you'll love to hate. Plenty of action and angst as these two friends to lovers work to capture a serial killer. I want to see more from these two. The mystery is solved but the relationship is left open ended. I want them to have a happy ending and I think they will with a second book. Come on, M.J. don't leave me hanging!
September 3, 2020
Overall: 3.75 Stars!
Narration: 5 Stars!
Story: 3.25 Stars
The narration was superb, Nick J. Russo has such a wide range of voices and can convey a lot of emotions with his performance, which really came in handy in a multi-perspective book like this one. My favorite has to be his portrayal of the killer(s), because damn, if he didn't do a fantastic job with them. I got chills on that last scene with them and Adam and Eagle.
The premise of a homicide detective Eagle Woodard and his BFF/roommate and criminal profiler Adam Coulter being recruited by the FBI to play a gay couple—which is what the killer(s) are hunting down—was good, although the execution fell a bit short for me. The fact that we learn who the killer(s) are pretty early on didn't exactly help matters, although I will admit that getting inside their head and seeing what they were capable of was scary as all hell.
I liked Adam and Eagle, although I frankly didn't feel that much chemistry between them. Perhaps it was the fact that they both slept with others on-page, or perhaps I found it difficult to understand why Adam was in the closet and didn't want Eagle to know he was bisexual. I don't know, I just wasn't feeling their connection or even the love they supposedly felt for each other and the whole calling themselves Tonto and Kemo, didn't really help.
Then we have Rick Kessler, who was a grade-A twatwaffle. Really, the man was insufferable and so unprofessional. I really have no clue how he'd gotten so far in the FBI with the way he handled this case.
Overall, the book was entertaining, despite all the things that didn't quite work for me. It was like a train wreck, I just couldn't put it down until I found out things would work out for Adam and Eagle. This is not a romance, so don't go expecting hearts and flowers, because you definitely won't get that here, and if you want a HFN/HEA, just pick a different book because this one ends in a cliffhanger.
Would I recommend it? Yes, although if at all possible pick the audiobook because Nick did a wonderful job with it.
Would I read/listen to the next book? Maybe? I'm on the fence about that, although Nick narrating it might sway me towards yes.
Narration: 5 Stars!
Story: 3.25 Stars
The narration was superb, Nick J. Russo has such a wide range of voices and can convey a lot of emotions with his performance, which really came in handy in a multi-perspective book like this one. My favorite has to be his portrayal of the killer(s), because damn, if he didn't do a fantastic job with them. I got chills on that last scene with them and Adam and Eagle.
The premise of a homicide detective Eagle Woodard and his BFF/roommate and criminal profiler Adam Coulter being recruited by the FBI to play a gay couple—which is what the killer(s) are hunting down—was good, although the execution fell a bit short for me. The fact that we learn who the killer(s) are pretty early on didn't exactly help matters, although I will admit that getting inside their head and seeing what they were capable of was scary as all hell.
I liked Adam and Eagle, although I frankly didn't feel that much chemistry between them. Perhaps it was the fact that they both slept with others on-page, or perhaps I found it difficult to understand why Adam was in the closet and didn't want Eagle to know he was bisexual. I don't know, I just wasn't feeling their connection or even the love they supposedly felt for each other and the whole calling themselves Tonto and Kemo, didn't really help.
Then we have Rick Kessler, who was a grade-A twatwaffle. Really, the man was insufferable and so unprofessional. I really have no clue how he'd gotten so far in the FBI with the way he handled this case.
Overall, the book was entertaining, despite all the things that didn't quite work for me. It was like a train wreck, I just couldn't put it down until I found out things would work out for Adam and Eagle. This is not a romance, so don't go expecting hearts and flowers, because you definitely won't get that here, and if you want a HFN/HEA, just pick a different book because this one ends in a cliffhanger.
Would I recommend it? Yes, although if at all possible pick the audiobook because Nick did a wonderful job with it.
Would I read/listen to the next book? Maybe? I'm on the fence about that, although Nick narrating it might sway me towards yes.
July 7, 2020
*I received a copy of this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*
Rating: 3.5 stars
When Detective Eagle Woodard and criminal profiler Dr Adam Coulter pose as a gay couple with an upcoming fake wedding in order to catch a serial killer, it reawakens feelings that they both struggle to leave in the past. Eagle has always been in love with Adam, but Adam’s always insisted that he’s straight. However, as their fake relationship involves into something more real, they must put their feelings to one side in order to catch the killer or risk becoming their next victim.
I was very undecided as to how to rate this novel. There were parts I liked and parts that I didn’t like as much. I enjoyed the characterisation throughout the novel. Each character was well-crafted and had likeable and not so likeable traits as all good characters do. Eagle and Adam definitely had chemistry between them, however there were times when the relationship seemed a little forced, which was a shame as it really didn’t need to be. It also felt quite rushed. One moment Adam was adamant that he was straight and the next minute they are flirting, kissing…it just seemed way too random how he’d change his mind so quickly, especially after getting so upset that the majority of his work colleagues already thought that he was gay. More time could have been taken to develop the relationship naturally whilst properly exploring Adam’s denial.
The other trouble I had with this novel was how the author jumped back and forth between calling characters by their surname and then first name or nicknames. There was no logic to this and it just confused me.
The serial killer plot was great. The parts written from the killer’s point of view were quite graphic, but it was good to get inside the killer’s mind and their reasoning for doing what they did. The confrontation between the killer and the main characters took an unexpected twist which really took me by surprise.
Overall, I did enjoy it and I do want to read further books in the series as I am curious to see what happens next.
Rating: 3.5 stars
When Detective Eagle Woodard and criminal profiler Dr Adam Coulter pose as a gay couple with an upcoming fake wedding in order to catch a serial killer, it reawakens feelings that they both struggle to leave in the past. Eagle has always been in love with Adam, but Adam’s always insisted that he’s straight. However, as their fake relationship involves into something more real, they must put their feelings to one side in order to catch the killer or risk becoming their next victim.
I was very undecided as to how to rate this novel. There were parts I liked and parts that I didn’t like as much. I enjoyed the characterisation throughout the novel. Each character was well-crafted and had likeable and not so likeable traits as all good characters do. Eagle and Adam definitely had chemistry between them, however there were times when the relationship seemed a little forced, which was a shame as it really didn’t need to be. It also felt quite rushed. One moment Adam was adamant that he was straight and the next minute they are flirting, kissing…it just seemed way too random how he’d change his mind so quickly, especially after getting so upset that the majority of his work colleagues already thought that he was gay. More time could have been taken to develop the relationship naturally whilst properly exploring Adam’s denial.
The other trouble I had with this novel was how the author jumped back and forth between calling characters by their surname and then first name or nicknames. There was no logic to this and it just confused me.
The serial killer plot was great. The parts written from the killer’s point of view were quite graphic, but it was good to get inside the killer’s mind and their reasoning for doing what they did. The confrontation between the killer and the main characters took an unexpected twist which really took me by surprise.
Overall, I did enjoy it and I do want to read further books in the series as I am curious to see what happens next.
June 15, 2020
Eagle Woodard and Adam Coulter, detective and criminal profiler may be a crack team at what they do but their personal lives are a disaster.
Adam Coulter, whose an expert profiler, life is a mess. He’s been divorced just too many times and apparently it’s always his fault. Sure, he has money to burn, being a privileged white man.
Eagle Woodard, not so privileged being Native American and gay. Eagle’s been friends with Adam since their younger years and it didn’t really work out for Eagle. He’s been in love with Adam forever but he never pushes the issue. Eagle has opened his home to Adam for a very long time.
I had mixed feelings about both Adam and Eagle. I wanted to clobber both of them at times. But I did realize both of them have issues but it seems Adam has more than Eagle and Eagle has been there for Adam when times get rough.
M.J. Calabrese brings this rocky relationship to an explosive edge. Adam and Eagle’s connection is a definite “oil and water” situation filled with dysfunction and drama. A couple things that keep this connection on edge are roving eyes, not being true to ones-self and one of the most important factors, trust.
As far as the mystery goes, the reader will figure out who the serial killer is and that’s what keep’s the reader on edge, as Eagle and Adam investigate the gruesome murders. The investigation, along with mistakes and interference just keeps this fast paced novel all the more suspenseful. I give fair warning, the murders are violent, gritty and committed by a most evil and deranged killer.
This was a first time read for me by M.J. Calabrese and this was one of those stories that became a page-turner, no matter how much I wanted to clobber both Eagle and Adam. I just don’t know how Adam and Eagle will survive each other and so I’m hooked and on to book two “Mountainway Chant”.
Adam Coulter, whose an expert profiler, life is a mess. He’s been divorced just too many times and apparently it’s always his fault. Sure, he has money to burn, being a privileged white man.
Eagle Woodard, not so privileged being Native American and gay. Eagle’s been friends with Adam since their younger years and it didn’t really work out for Eagle. He’s been in love with Adam forever but he never pushes the issue. Eagle has opened his home to Adam for a very long time.
I had mixed feelings about both Adam and Eagle. I wanted to clobber both of them at times. But I did realize both of them have issues but it seems Adam has more than Eagle and Eagle has been there for Adam when times get rough.
M.J. Calabrese brings this rocky relationship to an explosive edge. Adam and Eagle’s connection is a definite “oil and water” situation filled with dysfunction and drama. A couple things that keep this connection on edge are roving eyes, not being true to ones-self and one of the most important factors, trust.
As far as the mystery goes, the reader will figure out who the serial killer is and that’s what keep’s the reader on edge, as Eagle and Adam investigate the gruesome murders. The investigation, along with mistakes and interference just keeps this fast paced novel all the more suspenseful. I give fair warning, the murders are violent, gritty and committed by a most evil and deranged killer.
This was a first time read for me by M.J. Calabrese and this was one of those stories that became a page-turner, no matter how much I wanted to clobber both Eagle and Adam. I just don’t know how Adam and Eagle will survive each other and so I’m hooked and on to book two “Mountainway Chant”.
December 17, 2019
I went into this with some reservations considering the blurb, but they were blown away during first chapter. And I don’t mean what happened, but the description. It was literally breathtaking. It upped my expectations a notch.
It’s a suspense story, with two men participating in a plan to catch serial killer. They are comfortable in their relationships, being best friends and roommates. Both have secrets from each other, but are willing to ignore them to keep what they have, a lifelong friendship.
The killer is sadistic and the story doesn’t shy away from brutal and chilling details. The contrast between horrific killings and almost tender relationship between two men is eye catching. There is also lot of work spent in building supporting characters, which adds another dimension to the story, throwing false leads and innuendos reader’s way.
Eagle has been in love with Adam for years, but resigned himself to never trying for more. He cares for Adam too much to risk him, and believes his friend is simply not interested. Adam is bundle of issues and the only constant in his life is Eagle. He is careening from one decision to the next, trying to figure what he wants from life. The case they are working on upends their relationship on its end, as they make desperate gable. It was nerve wracking!
The only issues I had were with the pacing, and the sexual assault scene.
It’s exciting story on both fronts: the catch the killer plot and will they or will they not romantic one.
Warnings: it contains very graphic descriptions and it does end in cliffhanger (relantionship-wise)
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
It’s a suspense story, with two men participating in a plan to catch serial killer. They are comfortable in their relationships, being best friends and roommates. Both have secrets from each other, but are willing to ignore them to keep what they have, a lifelong friendship.
The killer is sadistic and the story doesn’t shy away from brutal and chilling details. The contrast between horrific killings and almost tender relationship between two men is eye catching. There is also lot of work spent in building supporting characters, which adds another dimension to the story, throwing false leads and innuendos reader’s way.
Eagle has been in love with Adam for years, but resigned himself to never trying for more. He cares for Adam too much to risk him, and believes his friend is simply not interested. Adam is bundle of issues and the only constant in his life is Eagle. He is careening from one decision to the next, trying to figure what he wants from life. The case they are working on upends their relationship on its end, as they make desperate gable. It was nerve wracking!
The only issues I had were with the pacing, and the sexual assault scene.
It’s exciting story on both fronts: the catch the killer plot and will they or will they not romantic one.
Warnings: it contains very graphic descriptions and it does end in cliffhanger (relantionship-wise)
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
July 10, 2023
Overall good story, but not for everyone.
Violence - We get one of the villain's POV so we know early what is going on ... it is graphic, gritty, and unhinged. There is torture. And from our main characters' POV ... the results are bad. No one is safe.
Language - The "main" character(s)/couple is made up of life-long friends ... one is Native America and one is white. You'll see from other reviews that they call each other Tonto and Kemosabe ... which, considering they are "older" characters, would make sense considering what was on tv as popular culture 40 years ago when they were kids. I saw it more as an inside joke they chose for themselves ... not names forced on them by racists. However ... I do think the nicknames were overused ... regardless of what the nicknames actually were. Additionally, there were 2 mentions of rape that tarnished the characters for me. The first was mentioned lightly (which, ick) and the second mention was part of an aggressive power play because of professional and romantic jealousy (which was ugly). The second character turned out to be an absolutely awful person, but the first was by one of our main guys, so it was jarring.
POV - Lots of POVs that weren't necessary ... often switching up within the same paragraph/scene. It was confusing at first, but I did get used to it. I hope it's just because this is the author's debut novel.
Cheating - It's pseudo-cheating, at best, but since it's a line in the sand for many romance readers it's important to mention. Eagle and Adam will eventually be end game, but their path together is messy. We see them with other lovers in the meantime ... at least in this first book, anyway.
Violence - We get one of the villain's POV so we know early what is going on ... it is graphic, gritty, and unhinged. There is torture. And from our main characters' POV ... the results are bad. No one is safe.
Language - The "main" character(s)/couple is made up of life-long friends ... one is Native America and one is white. You'll see from other reviews that they call each other Tonto and Kemosabe ... which, considering they are "older" characters, would make sense considering what was on tv as popular culture 40 years ago when they were kids. I saw it more as an inside joke they chose for themselves ... not names forced on them by racists. However ... I do think the nicknames were overused ... regardless of what the nicknames actually were. Additionally, there were 2 mentions of rape that tarnished the characters for me. The first was mentioned lightly (which, ick) and the second mention was part of an aggressive power play because of professional and romantic jealousy (which was ugly). The second character turned out to be an absolutely awful person, but the first was by one of our main guys, so it was jarring.
POV - Lots of POVs that weren't necessary ... often switching up within the same paragraph/scene. It was confusing at first, but I did get used to it. I hope it's just because this is the author's debut novel.
Cheating - It's pseudo-cheating, at best, but since it's a line in the sand for many romance readers it's important to mention. Eagle and Adam will eventually be end game, but their path together is messy. We see them with other lovers in the meantime ... at least in this first book, anyway.
December 5, 2019
Warrior’s Way by author MJ Coulter is the first book in the Coulter and Woodward series. I am very torn about this book. From a love story standpoint, it is okay. The ending really was not one I liked at all.
From a murder mystery standpoint, this book was really good. I liked the action and adventure. I just feel the romance was very all over the place.
Eagle Woodard is a former army ranger. 38 years old and confident in who he is as a person and what he can do with his abilities. He is an Albuquerque homicide detective.
Adam is four times married; four times divorced. Eagle has been in love with him for a while now. They are just roommates at the moment.
They have been friends for a very long time. They really are good together as friends so seeing them move on to more was a natural progression.
There is lots of action and adventure in this book, and a lot of mixed signals going on. Overall it is a fair read, I would be interested in seeing where this story goes next and how it all works out in the end.
Four Twinkling Stars
From a murder mystery standpoint, this book was really good. I liked the action and adventure. I just feel the romance was very all over the place.
Eagle Woodard is a former army ranger. 38 years old and confident in who he is as a person and what he can do with his abilities. He is an Albuquerque homicide detective.
Adam is four times married; four times divorced. Eagle has been in love with him for a while now. They are just roommates at the moment.
They have been friends for a very long time. They really are good together as friends so seeing them move on to more was a natural progression.
There is lots of action and adventure in this book, and a lot of mixed signals going on. Overall it is a fair read, I would be interested in seeing where this story goes next and how it all works out in the end.
Four Twinkling Stars
April 5, 2020
5*
Very, very serious triggers in this for people. This is all about serial killers and the police and profiler trying to catch them. But in this, there are very detailed accounts of torture, mutilation, and because of homophobia. And a cheating ex. It has some very graphic parts, so if that is a problem for you. Be careful.
If you love a good murder mystery like I do, this is for you. It has some very f***ed up moments, characters I want to throat punch, and two men in rooting hard for but can't seem to get it together. I bawled or raged in this whole book. It's so good, but gah, the ego of these guys. The lack of communication, the lack of trust and so much more, made this book harder for the guys than it needed to be. I'm anxious to read the next one, because the way this ended......oooooooo. I was not a happy camper. You guys really need to read this book. So so good
Very, very serious triggers in this for people. This is all about serial killers and the police and profiler trying to catch them. But in this, there are very detailed accounts of torture, mutilation, and because of homophobia. And a cheating ex. It has some very graphic parts, so if that is a problem for you. Be careful.
If you love a good murder mystery like I do, this is for you. It has some very f***ed up moments, characters I want to throat punch, and two men in rooting hard for but can't seem to get it together. I bawled or raged in this whole book. It's so good, but gah, the ego of these guys. The lack of communication, the lack of trust and so much more, made this book harder for the guys than it needed to be. I'm anxious to read the next one, because the way this ended......oooooooo. I was not a happy camper. You guys really need to read this book. So so good
May 16, 2020
I had a hard time getting into the story in this book. One thing that was a little off for me was the authors change in point of view from random paragraph to paragraph. Most of a chapter would be told from one perspective, then it would shift to another for a couple of paragraphs, then switch back. I was able to follow it, but I didn’t like how it was random. As for the plot, it held a lot of promise, but I don’t think it was fulfilled. . Seems like it took a little while to get started, it I don’t mind a long exposition as long as it feels like it’s moving forward. With the lack of chemistry between the two main characters and the random here there and everywhere with the points of view, I will not be reading the next in the series.
April 11, 2020
Despite the fact you can work out the killer very quickly that didn’t stop me enjoying this in the main.
I found the killer to be almost one dimensional though without any complexity and the accomplice very wishy-washy despite being the original instigator. The protagonists weren’t easy to empathise with either especially Russ who had little to no redeeming qualities.
The dialogue and banter were witty and the pacing fast if a little erratic. I feel more could have been done to flesh out the MCs and secondary characters were virtually two dimensional except for Mama Marie.
I haven’t yet decided if I’ll continue with the series.
I found the killer to be almost one dimensional though without any complexity and the accomplice very wishy-washy despite being the original instigator. The protagonists weren’t easy to empathise with either especially Russ who had little to no redeeming qualities.
The dialogue and banter were witty and the pacing fast if a little erratic. I feel more could have been done to flesh out the MCs and secondary characters were virtually two dimensional except for Mama Marie.
I haven’t yet decided if I’ll continue with the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2020
Adam and Eagle have been best friends since early childhood. Eagle has always loved Adam, but Adam is straight or so he thinks. Adam has secrets. They get married as part of an undercover operation to catch a serial killer. This is a best friend to lovers story line and it’s a really good one!! This was my first story by this author, and it will NOT be my last. It was well written and kept my interest thru the whole story. Excellent, highly recommend!!
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
August 28, 2020
SOOOOO GOOD!!!!!
This is my first time reading this Author. I'm sooo happy I found her. Oh, this book will drag you in and not let go until the last sentence. Adam and Eagle have been life long best friends. They have always loved each other. But Adam is straight. Hawk was there for him through his 4 marriages. And 4 divorces. This is a MAGNIFICENTLY written thriller. I have Book #2 all ready to go. If you are reading this review my advice is to get this book pronto. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS THRILLING BOOK!!!!!!
This is my first time reading this Author. I'm sooo happy I found her. Oh, this book will drag you in and not let go until the last sentence. Adam and Eagle have been life long best friends. They have always loved each other. But Adam is straight. Hawk was there for him through his 4 marriages. And 4 divorces. This is a MAGNIFICENTLY written thriller. I have Book #2 all ready to go. If you are reading this review my advice is to get this book pronto. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS THRILLING BOOK!!!!!!
January 31, 2022
Mmm, lots of odd moments for me, with lots of flip flop between colleagues/friends/lovers - they moved between these options quite freely it seemed.
The murders were suitably horrific.
The pace was generally ok.
The families of Eagle and Adam were typically opposite - warm, loving, accepting vs cold, disfunctional, abusive.
The plan to catch the murderers seemed destined to fail as they knew it was one of a small,group but still didn’t dig deep! So the eventual ending was not unexpected - just who.
The murders were suitably horrific.
The pace was generally ok.
The families of Eagle and Adam were typically opposite - warm, loving, accepting vs cold, disfunctional, abusive.
The plan to catch the murderers seemed destined to fail as they knew it was one of a small,group but still didn’t dig deep! So the eventual ending was not unexpected - just who.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews