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The Brothers Grime #3
Gabe: Partners in Grime
Can Gabe hold on to love in the face of disaster?
Gabe has loved elusive, closeted detective Dave Huntley since they were children. Unfortunately, he's had to watch from the sidelines as Dave makes his way through the available men in their lives. But on the very eve that Gabe senses things between him and Dave may be evolving exactly as he'd hoped, disaster occurs in the form of a violent liquor store robbery. Gabe is forced to put his desires on hold in order to help Dave heal from a head wound that damages Dave's memory and derails both their lives.
Caught between gratitude for Dave's recovery and the pain of lost intimacy between them, Gabe has to choose whether to share the truth or wait for Dave to recognize what Gabe's known all along: He and Dave belong together.
Can Gabe find the courage to place his faith in Dave, who must rediscover his past and make the tough journey from their shared trauma to a future free of fear?
Partners in Grime is a friends-to-lovers story with a guaranteed HEA.
Gabe has loved elusive, closeted detective Dave Huntley since they were children. Unfortunately, he's had to watch from the sidelines as Dave makes his way through the available men in their lives. But on the very eve that Gabe senses things between him and Dave may be evolving exactly as he'd hoped, disaster occurs in the form of a violent liquor store robbery. Gabe is forced to put his desires on hold in order to help Dave heal from a head wound that damages Dave's memory and derails both their lives.
Caught between gratitude for Dave's recovery and the pain of lost intimacy between them, Gabe has to choose whether to share the truth or wait for Dave to recognize what Gabe's known all along: He and Dave belong together.
Can Gabe find the courage to place his faith in Dave, who must rediscover his past and make the tough journey from their shared trauma to a future free of fear?
Partners in Grime is a friends-to-lovers story with a guaranteed HEA.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2020
45 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 22, 2020
This entire series is superb, but this may be my favorite as we are finally getting the full story of two characters we already know and love. Also, if one of your tropes is hurt/comfort, this checks that box to the max in addition to basically a second chance as they get reacquainted and get a second chance to fall in love, a fated mates vibe because what else can you call losing someone who doesn't know your shared past and finding love with them all over again, high angst in places but a glorious happy ever after. A must read even if you haven't read the others in the series you can still enjoy this one and just be prepared to immediately have to go read them too.
January 25, 2020
I'd been waiting for Dave's book, and really enjoyed watching him struggle through the toxic effects of his past, and figure out that Gabe was the best thing to happen to him. They were just starting to make progress as a couple, at least in the privacy of Gabe's home or his boat out on the water, when disaster forces them back to the beginning.
I felt so bad for Gabe, who saw nothing he could do except offer steadfast friendship and his heart, whenever Dave was ready for it. And Dave, fighting a lifetime of certainty that coming out meant fear and violence, looking over your shoulder all the time, certain that some old friend would turn on you. I also really appreciated the realistic aftereffects of head trauma in this book. This was poignant and then sweet and warm. A very good addition to a favorite series, (not least because I love MCs with unusual and unglamorous occupations.)
I felt so bad for Gabe, who saw nothing he could do except offer steadfast friendship and his heart, whenever Dave was ready for it. And Dave, fighting a lifetime of certainty that coming out meant fear and violence, looking over your shoulder all the time, certain that some old friend would turn on you. I also really appreciated the realistic aftereffects of head trauma in this book. This was poignant and then sweet and warm. A very good addition to a favorite series, (not least because I love MCs with unusual and unglamorous occupations.)
January 29, 2020
It was wonderful being back in the world of The Brothers Grime. Dave and Gabe's story has been building since the first book, as such I’m not sure how well it would work as a standalone even though some of the history is mentioned or alluded to. I think you'd you would get so much more out of it having read at least the first book Jack: Grime and Punishment.
Just as Gabe and Dave's relationship seems to be evolving, something happens to Dave that derails everything and requires both men to reevaluate everything. The story plays out without unnecessary angst or dramatics. It had a very realistic feel as Dave tries to start recovering from his injury and establishing a new normal and working through his feelings for Gabe and having to confront just what he wants to get out of his life. Gabe, as well, has to figure out if he can live with the limits of what Dave can offer or if he just needs to move on.
Both men grow significantly through the story and we see them working it out on-page and with help from all the characters that have been introduced in the previous books. Since it seems like this is probably the final book in the series, I would have loved a bit of an epilogue after that swoony final chapter. The characters went through so much to get that point, I wanted to see what the fallout, if any, was and how their lives have changed for the better because of it.
Just as Gabe and Dave's relationship seems to be evolving, something happens to Dave that derails everything and requires both men to reevaluate everything. The story plays out without unnecessary angst or dramatics. It had a very realistic feel as Dave tries to start recovering from his injury and establishing a new normal and working through his feelings for Gabe and having to confront just what he wants to get out of his life. Gabe, as well, has to figure out if he can live with the limits of what Dave can offer or if he just needs to move on.
Both men grow significantly through the story and we see them working it out on-page and with help from all the characters that have been introduced in the previous books. Since it seems like this is probably the final book in the series, I would have loved a bit of an epilogue after that swoony final chapter. The characters went through so much to get that point, I wanted to see what the fallout, if any, was and how their lives have changed for the better because of it.
February 12, 2020
I hadn't expected another book of this series and didn't see anything beforehand so I was very pleasantly surprised to see this one pop up on my facebook feed.
And I was equally pleasantly surprised reading it. The book has a very sweet but realistic feel, it makes you fall in love with Gabe and Dave as a couple only to see it ripped away. Luckily - even not remembering that he started dating Gabe - Dave is only feeling himself with Gabe so everything works out quite fine. I loved how ZAM skated the line between reluctance, tension, emotion and loss. More than one tear slipped while reading but I still always felt the love. I think seeing the whole thing through both characters helped here. Highly recommended - if you haven't started with book 1 in the series, do it, all three books are defintely worth reading.
And I was equally pleasantly surprised reading it. The book has a very sweet but realistic feel, it makes you fall in love with Gabe and Dave as a couple only to see it ripped away. Luckily - even not remembering that he started dating Gabe - Dave is only feeling himself with Gabe so everything works out quite fine. I loved how ZAM skated the line between reluctance, tension, emotion and loss. More than one tear slipped while reading but I still always felt the love. I think seeing the whole thing through both characters helped here. Highly recommended - if you haven't started with book 1 in the series, do it, all three books are defintely worth reading.
August 10, 2020
Finally. Gabe is the character I’ve felt sorry for, first watching his crush sleep with his cousin and then hiding what they had. The beginning was sweet and they were finally getting somewhere. My heart broke for him when Dave asked for Jack. Gabe had the patience of a saint but I’m glad there were interventions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2020
Perhaps 4 1/2 stars, but amnesia plots are not my favorite sort of plot, and some threads are left rather loose at the end of the book. Perhaps there will be a short story or novelette later to tie up some loose ends, especially things with Dave. Enough was resolved that I was all right with the ending.
Police detective Dave has been a memorable presence in the previous Brothers Grime books. He was friends with the Brothers Grime (actually two cousins, Jack and Gabe, and a close friend of theirs, Eddie) from childhood. Deep in the closet, Dave had a secret friends-with-benefits relationship with Jack. The benefits stopped when Jack started seriously dating Ryan, a nurse.
During the second book, Eddie catches Gabe having a moment with Dave, in Gabe's office at work. Not the best place to have a moment in a secret relationship, in my opinion, but everybody in the little circle of friends and relatives is fairly well informed about who's having feelings and/or nookie with whom.
It took me some time to read the first two books, if I remember correctly, partly because I'd gotten them in epub format before I had an e-reader with a light built in, and our house is dark even for reading print books.
I thought Jack and Ryan's relationship developed extremely fast. Jack had secrets and issues relating to Ryan's late cousin Nick, and also had severe physical injuries sustained a few years ago when he was working as a firefighter.
Eddie and Andrew had less angst in the sense that both were physically well, but had secrets of their own, and emotional issues.
At the beginning of the third book, things between Gabe and Dave are developing, at least in private. Then Dave is shot in the head and ends up with amnesia covering the last several months. He mistakes Ryan for his no-good late cousin Nick, which is awkward on several levels. Dave also doesn't know that his friendship with Jack no longer has benefits attached, also awkward. And Dave has forgotten all about his relationship with Gabe.
Gabe keeps quiet about the relationship that Dave has forgotten about, for fear of upsetting Dave, who has somewhat reverted to the old Dave in personality. Dave remembers that Gabe and he were friends, at least.
Dave is trying to recover from his physical injuries, and also trying to develop somewhat emotionally. Dave is emotionally aware enough to realize that old Dave is frequently a jerk. He doesn't want help in dealing with his physical and emotional problems, but Dave's mother, a strong personality in her own right, and Dave's friends have some interventions for him until he gets the message that they'll help him despite his reluctance to admit that he really needs the help.
Gabe grieves for the loss of his relationship with Dave, while Dave feels like there's something missing, but doesn't know what. Cuddling with Gabe feels surprisingly right to Dave, and he tries to figure out why. What Dave remembers of his own views of being gay is that he's deep in the closet. This also leads to a number of awkward situations, as evolving Dave tries to work on being honest with people.
I figure it was useful for Dave to need to be reintroduced to newer characters and new relationships, since some time had passed in real life between the publishing of the first two books in the series and this one. Z.A. Maxfield is one of many authors republishing their backlists and writing new books after several independent e-publishers went out of business. Since I knew that, the amnesia plot didn't seem as gratuitous as it might have.
I'm glad characters in the series got a fair amount of closure.
Police detective Dave has been a memorable presence in the previous Brothers Grime books. He was friends with the Brothers Grime (actually two cousins, Jack and Gabe, and a close friend of theirs, Eddie) from childhood. Deep in the closet, Dave had a secret friends-with-benefits relationship with Jack. The benefits stopped when Jack started seriously dating Ryan, a nurse.
During the second book, Eddie catches Gabe having a moment with Dave, in Gabe's office at work. Not the best place to have a moment in a secret relationship, in my opinion, but everybody in the little circle of friends and relatives is fairly well informed about who's having feelings and/or nookie with whom.
It took me some time to read the first two books, if I remember correctly, partly because I'd gotten them in epub format before I had an e-reader with a light built in, and our house is dark even for reading print books.
I thought Jack and Ryan's relationship developed extremely fast. Jack had secrets and issues relating to Ryan's late cousin Nick, and also had severe physical injuries sustained a few years ago when he was working as a firefighter.
Eddie and Andrew had less angst in the sense that both were physically well, but had secrets of their own, and emotional issues.
At the beginning of the third book, things between Gabe and Dave are developing, at least in private. Then Dave is shot in the head and ends up with amnesia covering the last several months. He mistakes Ryan for his no-good late cousin Nick, which is awkward on several levels. Dave also doesn't know that his friendship with Jack no longer has benefits attached, also awkward. And Dave has forgotten all about his relationship with Gabe.
Gabe keeps quiet about the relationship that Dave has forgotten about, for fear of upsetting Dave, who has somewhat reverted to the old Dave in personality. Dave remembers that Gabe and he were friends, at least.
Dave is trying to recover from his physical injuries, and also trying to develop somewhat emotionally. Dave is emotionally aware enough to realize that old Dave is frequently a jerk. He doesn't want help in dealing with his physical and emotional problems, but Dave's mother, a strong personality in her own right, and Dave's friends have some interventions for him until he gets the message that they'll help him despite his reluctance to admit that he really needs the help.
Gabe grieves for the loss of his relationship with Dave, while Dave feels like there's something missing, but doesn't know what. Cuddling with Gabe feels surprisingly right to Dave, and he tries to figure out why. What Dave remembers of his own views of being gay is that he's deep in the closet. This also leads to a number of awkward situations, as evolving Dave tries to work on being honest with people.
I figure it was useful for Dave to need to be reintroduced to newer characters and new relationships, since some time had passed in real life between the publishing of the first two books in the series and this one. Z.A. Maxfield is one of many authors republishing their backlists and writing new books after several independent e-publishers went out of business. Since I knew that, the amnesia plot didn't seem as gratuitous as it might have.
I'm glad characters in the series got a fair amount of closure.
May 25, 2020
Gabe: Partners in Grime (The Brother’s Grime, 3)
By Z.A. Maxfield
Published by the author, 2019
Four stars
It’s been a while since one of these “The Brothers Grime” books came down the pike. Here is the third book looking at the trio of childhood friends who found love while cleaning up the mess at the scene of other people’s disasters. I remember reading and enjoying the other two (Jack, and Eddie), but had really forgotten anything but the general idea. These books are linked only by the business and the men who run it – everything else can and is re-established by the author to solidify the story continuity.
This final (?) book in the series looks at Gabe, everyone’s best friend, who has harbored a deep crush on the fourth of their schooltime group – Dave Huntley. Dave has a history – and although he’s gay with his buddies, is deeply closeted as a Fullerton police detective who has never managed (or wanted) to create anything like a relationship with any man other than his three childhood besties.
The double whammy, classic m/m “damage” that Maxfield inflicts here is amnesia and paranoia – one triggered by violent trauma (Dave is involved in an off-duty shooting), while the other dates from high school, when Dave unwittingly caused one of his best friends to be nearly beaten to death by their classmates when they found out he was gay.
Meanwhile, Gabe has patiently worked on Dave, pushing their relationship from platonic to intimate, keeping Dave’s secret from everyone, only to have Dave’s amnesia ruin everything. So, being an emotional masochist in the best romantic tradition, Gabe steps up and does everything to help Dave recover. It sounds rather simplistic, but the way Maxfield builds the setting and the atmosphere is marvelous – until the characters and the reader alike are frothing at the mouth with all the love they feel for these two. Very well manipulated!
The big IF is whether or not Dave, recovering from his own physical and mental trauma, will be able to see past his paranoia and fear, and realize that there are more important things on this earth than maintaining some fraudulent macho self-image in front of co-workers.
By Z.A. Maxfield
Published by the author, 2019
Four stars
It’s been a while since one of these “The Brothers Grime” books came down the pike. Here is the third book looking at the trio of childhood friends who found love while cleaning up the mess at the scene of other people’s disasters. I remember reading and enjoying the other two (Jack, and Eddie), but had really forgotten anything but the general idea. These books are linked only by the business and the men who run it – everything else can and is re-established by the author to solidify the story continuity.
This final (?) book in the series looks at Gabe, everyone’s best friend, who has harbored a deep crush on the fourth of their schooltime group – Dave Huntley. Dave has a history – and although he’s gay with his buddies, is deeply closeted as a Fullerton police detective who has never managed (or wanted) to create anything like a relationship with any man other than his three childhood besties.
The double whammy, classic m/m “damage” that Maxfield inflicts here is amnesia and paranoia – one triggered by violent trauma (Dave is involved in an off-duty shooting), while the other dates from high school, when Dave unwittingly caused one of his best friends to be nearly beaten to death by their classmates when they found out he was gay.
Meanwhile, Gabe has patiently worked on Dave, pushing their relationship from platonic to intimate, keeping Dave’s secret from everyone, only to have Dave’s amnesia ruin everything. So, being an emotional masochist in the best romantic tradition, Gabe steps up and does everything to help Dave recover. It sounds rather simplistic, but the way Maxfield builds the setting and the atmosphere is marvelous – until the characters and the reader alike are frothing at the mouth with all the love they feel for these two. Very well manipulated!
The big IF is whether or not Dave, recovering from his own physical and mental trauma, will be able to see past his paranoia and fear, and realize that there are more important things on this earth than maintaining some fraudulent macho self-image in front of co-workers.
January 29, 2020
3,5 *
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
September 6, 2020
When this opened, Gabe and Dave were spending a day on Gabe's boat and I felt as if I were dropped into the middle of the sea alongside the boat. The characters were once familiar to me but it's been years since the author wrote the others in the series so I was lost. And I came very close to DNFing it.
Thankfully, I kept going because Dave is injured, loses his memory, and Gabe, who loves him unconditionally, sacrificed his own happiness to support Dave without telling him about their relationship. Gabe and Dave have been besties since grade school and Gabe took second place in Dave's life when Dave and Jack had a relationship. Dave doesn't remember beyond that time when he wakes up in the hospital but Gabe sure does. He was finally getting the man of his dreams. The author did a beautiful job on a lovely hurt-comfort theme and on rebuilding the relationship between the two lovers--and this time Dave is all in. He's been deep in the closet at work all these years and now, finally, he has more to live for and he starts to see just how he can do it with Gabe.
I loved the scene in the "cop" bar where Dave, through a dramatic gesture, shows Gabe just how much he's loved. This turned out to be a very satisfying story, one which I'm very happy to recommend.
Thankfully, I kept going because Dave is injured, loses his memory, and Gabe, who loves him unconditionally, sacrificed his own happiness to support Dave without telling him about their relationship. Gabe and Dave have been besties since grade school and Gabe took second place in Dave's life when Dave and Jack had a relationship. Dave doesn't remember beyond that time when he wakes up in the hospital but Gabe sure does. He was finally getting the man of his dreams. The author did a beautiful job on a lovely hurt-comfort theme and on rebuilding the relationship between the two lovers--and this time Dave is all in. He's been deep in the closet at work all these years and now, finally, he has more to live for and he starts to see just how he can do it with Gabe.
I loved the scene in the "cop" bar where Dave, through a dramatic gesture, shows Gabe just how much he's loved. This turned out to be a very satisfying story, one which I'm very happy to recommend.
March 21, 2020
Read a while ago. I remember thinking this one I s more romance than crime and grime. But that's ok.
Gabe is a honey and Dave needs a honey.
Glad I found it.
Gabe is a honey and Dave needs a honey.
Glad I found it.
March 14, 2020
This was a bit of an uncomfortable read. Not because of the writing, but because of what was going on in the book - the romance between a very closeted cop and a love doormat.
February 11, 2020
Z.A. Maxfield’s Gabe: Partners in Grime, explores how a closeted commitment-phobe might truly fall in love. Readers are treated to Maxfield’s deep awareness of love’s depths.
When off-duty police officer, Dave, is shot in a hold-up, he awakens with traumatic brain injury and amnesia of the last many months. His mom and three best-friends-since-childhood fill him in. He’s shocked to learn his fuck-buddy, Jack, has moved on, to fall in love. But Dave feels like he’s missing something important. What aren’t they telling him? While receiving rehab, he must also face prior violence in his teens, when he had failed to protect Jack from a “fag-bashing”. That’s why he became an officer and why he has remained closeted. Why won’t his superiors let him get back to work quickly, to protect and defend?
Secretly, Gabe has loved Dave since childhood. Then, Jack left Dave, Dave noticed Gabe, and Gabe patiently waited for his closeted friend to recognize how right they were together. Only, now the Universe has dealt a cruel joke. On the very day Dave is shot, he tells Gabe, “‘I have a hard time being myself around other people…. for the first time in my life I feel freer with someone than I feel alone… You’re way too good for a shit heel like me.’” Naturally, Gabe agrees to nurse Dave back to health after the shooting. But will his heart survive the pretense that they are still just friends, as they were months earlier, like Dave recalls?
Maxfield mixes tension perfectly. While we are concerned about Dave’s splitting headaches and panic attacks, we wonder. Can Dave ever accept his sexuality? Can he recover from his current trauma? How much will Gabe suffer as he waits? Can macho Dave ever be honest with himself about his multiple episodes of trauma?
Because Dave is a cop, he’s banked his emotions. He’ll never give into angst. And while Dave investigates crime scenes, Gabe’s job is to clean up their aftermath. Both compartmentalize in order to cherish their humanity in the face of the inhumane acts they witness. Maxfield depicts trauma-recovery among macho men with sharp accuracy, making them complex, fascinating guys.
Can intimacy be sexy when one guy has a brain injury? This is Maxfield. Of course the intimacy is sensuous! And one thing I love about her writing, is that each couple’s intimacy is a personal extension of their specific characters. These guys don’t just get off. Their intimacy changes and matures them, one of many interactions that creates a forever bond.
While Gabe: Partners in Grime reads easily as a standalone in The Brothers Grime series, Maxfield uses community to perfection. We see the role of work, of friendships and of history to motivate, shape and support the couple. Without their family and friends, these two would have had a hard go of it. They make it worthwhile for readers to circle back to the first two standalones in the series and learn the back stories.
As an author, Maxfield faces life’s ugliness head on, without dragging her characters or her readers into despair. I’m reminded of a friend of mine who earned the bronze star carrying a wounded friend to safety in combat. When I asked Harry how he found the courage, he said, “Courage is what other people call it when you just do what you’ve got to do.” Gabe: Partners in Grime features exactly such heroes, normal men called upon to act extraordinarily, men who use love to find that courage. It’s inspirational!
When off-duty police officer, Dave, is shot in a hold-up, he awakens with traumatic brain injury and amnesia of the last many months. His mom and three best-friends-since-childhood fill him in. He’s shocked to learn his fuck-buddy, Jack, has moved on, to fall in love. But Dave feels like he’s missing something important. What aren’t they telling him? While receiving rehab, he must also face prior violence in his teens, when he had failed to protect Jack from a “fag-bashing”. That’s why he became an officer and why he has remained closeted. Why won’t his superiors let him get back to work quickly, to protect and defend?
Secretly, Gabe has loved Dave since childhood. Then, Jack left Dave, Dave noticed Gabe, and Gabe patiently waited for his closeted friend to recognize how right they were together. Only, now the Universe has dealt a cruel joke. On the very day Dave is shot, he tells Gabe, “‘I have a hard time being myself around other people…. for the first time in my life I feel freer with someone than I feel alone… You’re way too good for a shit heel like me.’” Naturally, Gabe agrees to nurse Dave back to health after the shooting. But will his heart survive the pretense that they are still just friends, as they were months earlier, like Dave recalls?
Maxfield mixes tension perfectly. While we are concerned about Dave’s splitting headaches and panic attacks, we wonder. Can Dave ever accept his sexuality? Can he recover from his current trauma? How much will Gabe suffer as he waits? Can macho Dave ever be honest with himself about his multiple episodes of trauma?
Because Dave is a cop, he’s banked his emotions. He’ll never give into angst. And while Dave investigates crime scenes, Gabe’s job is to clean up their aftermath. Both compartmentalize in order to cherish their humanity in the face of the inhumane acts they witness. Maxfield depicts trauma-recovery among macho men with sharp accuracy, making them complex, fascinating guys.
Can intimacy be sexy when one guy has a brain injury? This is Maxfield. Of course the intimacy is sensuous! And one thing I love about her writing, is that each couple’s intimacy is a personal extension of their specific characters. These guys don’t just get off. Their intimacy changes and matures them, one of many interactions that creates a forever bond.
While Gabe: Partners in Grime reads easily as a standalone in The Brothers Grime series, Maxfield uses community to perfection. We see the role of work, of friendships and of history to motivate, shape and support the couple. Without their family and friends, these two would have had a hard go of it. They make it worthwhile for readers to circle back to the first two standalones in the series and learn the back stories.
As an author, Maxfield faces life’s ugliness head on, without dragging her characters or her readers into despair. I’m reminded of a friend of mine who earned the bronze star carrying a wounded friend to safety in combat. When I asked Harry how he found the courage, he said, “Courage is what other people call it when you just do what you’ve got to do.” Gabe: Partners in Grime features exactly such heroes, normal men called upon to act extraordinarily, men who use love to find that courage. It’s inspirational!
February 3, 2020
3.75 stars rounded up
It has been MORE THAN SIX YEARS since I read the previous book, Eddie: Grime Doesn't Pay ... so forgive me if I don't really remember things *laugh*. Having said that, this is a best-friends-to-lovers story, which is one of my favorite tropes in romance... so I can't miss it. Especially since I seem to love both Jack's and Eddie's books.
I admit, I'm having a slightly difficult time to resist being frustrated with Dave. He has always been so far in the closet, compartmentalizing his professional and personal relationship... I couldn't help thinking it's all going to be heartbreaking for Gabe, who has loved Dave most of his life.
I also thought that Dave's horrible incident, that resulted in Traumatic Brain Injury and lost of memories, felt a bit like a cop out in terms of plot. Would Dave be willingly come out if he doesn't experience Gabe's brand love, care, and tenderness during his recovery process? Well, we'll never know, won't we?
Having said so, I also love Gabe so, so much. He's just perfect ... and I know he's the right one for Dave. Gabe lets Dave be himself but at the same time, is able to make Dave matured up personally in terms of accepting his sexuality among his fellow cops. All of my rating stars is for Gabe, I think :).
All in all, if you enjoy book #1 and #2 of this "Brothers Grime" series, you shouldn't miss this one
It has been MORE THAN SIX YEARS since I read the previous book, Eddie: Grime Doesn't Pay ... so forgive me if I don't really remember things *laugh*. Having said that, this is a best-friends-to-lovers story, which is one of my favorite tropes in romance... so I can't miss it. Especially since I seem to love both Jack's and Eddie's books.
I admit, I'm having a slightly difficult time to resist being frustrated with Dave. He has always been so far in the closet, compartmentalizing his professional and personal relationship... I couldn't help thinking it's all going to be heartbreaking for Gabe, who has loved Dave most of his life.
I also thought that Dave's horrible incident, that resulted in Traumatic Brain Injury and lost of memories, felt a bit like a cop out in terms of plot. Would Dave be willingly come out if he doesn't experience Gabe's brand love, care, and tenderness during his recovery process? Well, we'll never know, won't we?
Having said so, I also love Gabe so, so much. He's just perfect ... and I know he's the right one for Dave. Gabe lets Dave be himself but at the same time, is able to make Dave matured up personally in terms of accepting his sexuality among his fellow cops. All of my rating stars is for Gabe, I think :).
All in all, if you enjoy book #1 and #2 of this "Brothers Grime" series, you shouldn't miss this one
April 14, 2021
3.5 Stars ~ A closeted gay cop and the man who’s willing to love him no matter what, is a fairly common trope. It’s also one I don’t often read, namely because I tend to get very frustrated with the closeted individual. I know that’s really not fair of me. Being cisgender, heterosexual, and a woman, I have zero clue as to how it must feel to face the potential of losing everyone I care about because of my sexual preference. However, I’ve been wanting to read Dave and Gabe’s story ever since the very first ‘Brothers Grime’ book, so I held off on my preconceived notions (I tried really hard, anyway), and jumped in.
“If Gabe’s persistence was going to pay off, it would be because he put himself in Dave’s way at exactly the right time, in the right place, and stayed there until Dave simply couldn’t refuse him.” ~ Gabe
Gabe grew up with Jack, Eddie, and Dave, and he’s been in love with Dave for a very long time. Ever since Jack and Dave stopped their “benefits” arrangement, when Jack fell in love with Ryan, Gabe and Dave have been spending more time together. Gabe fully understands that Dave has no intention of ever coming out of the closet and that they can never be more than friends in public. Their entire relationship will always have to remain hidden. When Dave is injured in a convenience store robbery and loses his memories of the past several months, Gabe brings him to his house to recuperate, all the while acting as if they’ve never been more than friends.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
“If Gabe’s persistence was going to pay off, it would be because he put himself in Dave’s way at exactly the right time, in the right place, and stayed there until Dave simply couldn’t refuse him.” ~ Gabe
Gabe grew up with Jack, Eddie, and Dave, and he’s been in love with Dave for a very long time. Ever since Jack and Dave stopped their “benefits” arrangement, when Jack fell in love with Ryan, Gabe and Dave have been spending more time together. Gabe fully understands that Dave has no intention of ever coming out of the closet and that they can never be more than friends in public. Their entire relationship will always have to remain hidden. When Dave is injured in a convenience store robbery and loses his memories of the past several months, Gabe brings him to his house to recuperate, all the while acting as if they’ve never been more than friends.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
January 22, 2020
Everything I hoped (spoilers)
Dave and Gabe! As soon as this relationship was hinted at in Book 2, I was on board and I have to say that this book actually surpassed my expectations.
Gabe is almost unfailingly supportive, but the little moments of insecurity and questioning mean that he doesn't come across as a doormat.
Dave goes through some major growth. It was a great idea to come into their relationship a few months in; I'm not sure it could be read as a standalone because of that, but for me it meant not rehashing all the events of the previous book just for the purpose of making it a standalone (pet hate). I also really loved the way a few comments from the opening chapter are repeated throughout the book, almost like de ja vu. I'm not sure if it was a conscious decision, and normally it might annoy me, but it worked so well for this story as it helped put you in Dave's shoes.
Dave's character growth is by far the largest out of all the men in this story, and I totally teared up at his big finale.
Get amongst this series!
Dave and Gabe! As soon as this relationship was hinted at in Book 2, I was on board and I have to say that this book actually surpassed my expectations.
Gabe is almost unfailingly supportive, but the little moments of insecurity and questioning mean that he doesn't come across as a doormat.
Dave goes through some major growth. It was a great idea to come into their relationship a few months in; I'm not sure it could be read as a standalone because of that, but for me it meant not rehashing all the events of the previous book just for the purpose of making it a standalone (pet hate). I also really loved the way a few comments from the opening chapter are repeated throughout the book, almost like de ja vu. I'm not sure if it was a conscious decision, and normally it might annoy me, but it worked so well for this story as it helped put you in Dave's shoes.
Dave's character growth is by far the largest out of all the men in this story, and I totally teared up at his big finale.
Get amongst this series!
May 23, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised to like this series as much as I have. This book features the last of the partners in the Crime Scene Cleaning business but the situation with Gabe and Dave is a bit different from what we have seen in the other two books.
Dave has a very much "in the closet" mindset and the traumatic events in his past have REALLY shaped his ideas in his mind of what is acceptable and what is not. He has been developing a much closer relationship with Gabe when he suffers a horrific accident.
No spoilers so I would suggest you read this book to find out what happens. Honestly, this journey is such a joy to read. Maxfield does such a fantastic job showcasing the emotions that the two men are experiencing and shows us how having close friends who truly care about you can make all the difference in the world. This is truly such an emotional ride and at times my heart hurt for both Gabe and Dave - even though at times I wanted to punch Dave. But, with that being said - he did such a phenomenal job of walking us through what Dave was experiencing that you (the reader) could not help but understand what Dave was going through and just want to let him know that he just needed to hang in there.
So...great ending to the trilogy. I enjoyed each of the books and ALL of the characters.
Great job :)
Dave has a very much "in the closet" mindset and the traumatic events in his past have REALLY shaped his ideas in his mind of what is acceptable and what is not. He has been developing a much closer relationship with Gabe when he suffers a horrific accident.
No spoilers so I would suggest you read this book to find out what happens. Honestly, this journey is such a joy to read. Maxfield does such a fantastic job showcasing the emotions that the two men are experiencing and shows us how having close friends who truly care about you can make all the difference in the world. This is truly such an emotional ride and at times my heart hurt for both Gabe and Dave - even though at times I wanted to punch Dave. But, with that being said - he did such a phenomenal job of walking us through what Dave was experiencing that you (the reader) could not help but understand what Dave was going through and just want to let him know that he just needed to hang in there.
So...great ending to the trilogy. I enjoyed each of the books and ALL of the characters.
Great job :)
October 18, 2023
I love ZA Maxfield and have read most of their works, and reread lots of them too. They are one of my top five favorite writers. So it's fine that they have a miss from time to time. I reread the first two books to remind me of the characters before I read this.
I never really liked Dave from the other two books, but I thought once we got in his head, I would understand him better. I did understand him better but I liked him even less. In fact, I disliked him so much I started to wonder about Gabe and his choice in men. I found the middle bit dragged and had it been anyone else but Maxfield I wouldn't have finished, but I slogged through the end and absolutely hated the ending. Just cringed.
So this is a hard pass from me. But Maxfield is often an extraordinary writer. Definitely worth exploring their other works!
I never really liked Dave from the other two books, but I thought once we got in his head, I would understand him better. I did understand him better but I liked him even less. In fact, I disliked him so much I started to wonder about Gabe and his choice in men. I found the middle bit dragged and had it been anyone else but Maxfield I wouldn't have finished, but I slogged through the end and absolutely hated the ending. Just cringed.
So this is a hard pass from me. But Maxfield is often an extraordinary writer. Definitely worth exploring their other works!
January 18, 2022
Engages ones attention!
Looking for a series with girth and not just wam-bam thank you man? Although the second is my favorite. This one is just as good as the first (personal opinion of course). You can definitely guess the plot, but your throne a 50% curveball. Eventually dot-to-dot by numbers will come together. Then it's knocked out of the park. Homerun, curves be damned. Maxfield bought the A game. I cried more than once. This story is quite touching with a nice side of ghost pepper 🌶. I'm officially a fan. The Grime series is awesome. Now I'm heading to more of Z.A. Maxfield because of it. I'm so looking forward to Home the Hard Way.
P.S. The first two are also on audiobook format. I wish they had all 3!
Looking for a series with girth and not just wam-bam thank you man? Although the second is my favorite. This one is just as good as the first (personal opinion of course). You can definitely guess the plot, but your throne a 50% curveball. Eventually dot-to-dot by numbers will come together. Then it's knocked out of the park. Homerun, curves be damned. Maxfield bought the A game. I cried more than once. This story is quite touching with a nice side of ghost pepper 🌶. I'm officially a fan. The Grime series is awesome. Now I'm heading to more of Z.A. Maxfield because of it. I'm so looking forward to Home the Hard Way.
P.S. The first two are also on audiobook format. I wish they had all 3!
January 25, 2020
Finally, Gabe and Dave
It’s been years waiting for this and my relationship with this author’s work had gone downhill after about 2015 but I really liked this series, mostly book 2, Eddie’s story. This was good and offered a lot of anticipation and uncertainty around the characters. The incident Jack went through as described in book 1, caused Dave more damage than was evident. His eventual breakthrough and conclusion was far too rushed though and the story ended far too abruptly. Might have even been a 5 star read if that ending had been developed and paced better and maybe some epilogue added. Pretty good though.
It’s been years waiting for this and my relationship with this author’s work had gone downhill after about 2015 but I really liked this series, mostly book 2, Eddie’s story. This was good and offered a lot of anticipation and uncertainty around the characters. The incident Jack went through as described in book 1, caused Dave more damage than was evident. His eventual breakthrough and conclusion was far too rushed though and the story ended far too abruptly. Might have even been a 5 star read if that ending had been developed and paced better and maybe some epilogue added. Pretty good though.
June 21, 2020
Effin' Finally
Been waiting on this story for freaking ever, but I will not complain. I know how it is. I will simply say this was magic, beautifully orchestrated, and I can't wait to read it again. I love this author. I love her multilayered stories with unforgettable characters both main and not. I love the setting and how she has the ability to put you right into the story where you can almost taste the food and savor the atmosphere. I loelve the touches that absolutely matter and the storyline that is filled with hope and truth. This book did not disappoint. You want to read this. You better read this. Now, let me re-read this.
Been waiting on this story for freaking ever, but I will not complain. I know how it is. I will simply say this was magic, beautifully orchestrated, and I can't wait to read it again. I love this author. I love her multilayered stories with unforgettable characters both main and not. I love the setting and how she has the ability to put you right into the story where you can almost taste the food and savor the atmosphere. I loelve the touches that absolutely matter and the storyline that is filled with hope and truth. This book did not disappoint. You want to read this. You better read this. Now, let me re-read this.
January 25, 2020
I loved this book.
Gabe really has loved Dave forever and they spend the day together. Later that day a terrible thing happens to Dave and he can't remember his most recent life. Poor Gabe will do anything for Dave ,take care of him pretend their just friends until Dave figures it out. But Dave's not out. Things are better with an underlying tension. But when Dave decides to come out he does it in the best way ever. These two are great together. This can be read as a standalone and is so worth your time!
Gabe really has loved Dave forever and they spend the day together. Later that day a terrible thing happens to Dave and he can't remember his most recent life. Poor Gabe will do anything for Dave ,take care of him pretend their just friends until Dave figures it out. But Dave's not out. Things are better with an underlying tension. But when Dave decides to come out he does it in the best way ever. These two are great together. This can be read as a standalone and is so worth your time!
January 27, 2020
The third in the Partners in Grime series. This was a particularly angsty book. Once again, Zam delved in deeper than just the conditions of the heart. We are treated to learning about traumatic brain injury (It is more than a "headache"!) and PTSD as we follow the journey of Dave and Gabe.
I'm really terrible at reviews, but I enjoyed this for more than just a Steely Dan reference.
Disclaimer: Z.A. Maxfield provided this book to me as a gift for naming the boat. She did not ask for the review in exchange.
I'm really terrible at reviews, but I enjoyed this for more than just a Steely Dan reference.
Disclaimer: Z.A. Maxfield provided this book to me as a gift for naming the boat. She did not ask for the review in exchange.
February 11, 2020
I LOVE THIS SERIES! This installment is less forensics clean up and more emotional clean up. Dave is an in the closet cop and self-described ahole. Gabe is a good guy who thinks of himself as just okay when nothing could be further from the truth. Gabe is the gangs go to guy. He is sweet and kind and the one they can all count on in a pinch. This is the tale of Dave and Gabe. This is their moment when they either move forward or allow thing to lie in the past. I absolutely adored this story and hope we get to visit The Brothers Grime crew again.
September 26, 2020
3.5/4*
I have read the previous books - a while ago - so good to see lots of the other guys in this one.
Gabe and Dave - have it all (or mostly, as Dave still closeted), then it is snatched away.
Dave fights his TBI the same as he fights life really and it takes a while for him to accept his injury (though at times it read as if he didn’t). The injury aftereffects were noted, but perhaps glossed a bit for story effect.
Glad Gabe got his cinders moment after being prepared to sacrifice his own feelings for Dave.
I have read the previous books - a while ago - so good to see lots of the other guys in this one.
Gabe and Dave - have it all (or mostly, as Dave still closeted), then it is snatched away.
Dave fights his TBI the same as he fights life really and it takes a while for him to accept his injury (though at times it read as if he didn’t). The injury aftereffects were noted, but perhaps glossed a bit for story effect.
Glad Gabe got his cinders moment after being prepared to sacrifice his own feelings for Dave.
September 21, 2022
*Swoon*. Oh my goodness. Gabe just made my heart melt, and Dave broke my heart. Big trauma in the story with Dave getting injured and having to reacclimate to his normal life while missing his memories of the last 6 months. He didn’t remember his romantic relationship with Gabe, and poor Gabe was so wonderful while helping him without pressuring him. I just loved these guys so much. The end had me sighing loudly with happiness, and despite the seriousness and trauma, this was a feel good book by the end. I think this was my favorite of the series. 4.5 stars
February 24, 2023
My heart hurt through most of this for Gabe -- first in love with someone oblivious, then in a relationship but he's still closeted, then...well, I don't want to spoil it for anyone who doesn't know what happens. BUT! The ending was absolutely gorgeous! Dave, you magnificent bastard! (While, at the same time, still being oblivious. Amazing!) So many bits of this made me laugh out loud, even while my heart ached -- great writing, fantastic characters, and so well-rooted in SoCal! I really shouldn't wait so long between books by this author.
March 19, 2020
I hope there’s another! (Or if not, I’ll read it again)
A nice series ending with a complicated dance between a cop who wants to stay closeted, and the friend-turned-lover who’ll sacrifice happiness to be with him. Mayfield succeeded in making it plausible and not shmoopsy (please, never shmoopsy).
This makes great series reading during the Coronavirus lockdown. Highly recommended.
A nice series ending with a complicated dance between a cop who wants to stay closeted, and the friend-turned-lover who’ll sacrifice happiness to be with him. Mayfield succeeded in making it plausible and not shmoopsy (please, never shmoopsy).
This makes great series reading during the Coronavirus lockdown. Highly recommended.
June 26, 2022
Starting 6 months after Jack: Grime and Punishment ended, book 3 in The Brothers Grime continues Dave's storyline. On what Jack really meant to him before Ryan and his true feelings for Gabe and where Gabe fits into Dave's life.
Things get complicated after a holdup gone so horribly wrong leaving Dave, Gabe and the others struggling and fighting to get back to a new sense of normal.
An emotional rollercoaster of a story will leave you rung out and limp.
Things get complicated after a holdup gone so horribly wrong leaving Dave, Gabe and the others struggling and fighting to get back to a new sense of normal.
An emotional rollercoaster of a story will leave you rung out and limp.
January 31, 2020
Memories
I'm not going to lie, I did not like what I saw of Dave in the previous two books. He treated Jack like crap and sweet Gabe deserved better than that but Dave's behavior was so much more complicated than it first appeared. This turned out to be my favorite of the series.
I'm not going to lie, I did not like what I saw of Dave in the previous two books. He treated Jack like crap and sweet Gabe deserved better than that but Dave's behavior was so much more complicated than it first appeared. This turned out to be my favorite of the series.
September 22, 2022
I do enjoy this author
Her books are so very sigh worthy. Even when they deal with unpleasant things. These guys are so awesome! In spite of the challenges, they overcome them together. The guys in this series are very much family. I am disappointed this series seems to have ended. I like these people. I would have liked more. But, I will sigh and move on.
Her books are so very sigh worthy. Even when they deal with unpleasant things. These guys are so awesome! In spite of the challenges, they overcome them together. The guys in this series are very much family. I am disappointed this series seems to have ended. I like these people. I would have liked more. But, I will sigh and move on.
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