What do you think?
Rate this book
Texas Heroes #2
Locked Down
A charming, confident FBI analyst gets more than the fling he bargained for when his lover lands smack in the middle of his investigation.
Gabe Lopez travels to Everness, Texas, to investigate and profile a dangerous group of white supremacists living on the outskirts of the small town. As far as he’s concerned, the assignment can’t end soon enough. When he stops to help Matt York with a flat tire, he anticipates a sexy distraction—nothing more. But Matt has a knack for getting himself into trouble, and soon Gabe is torn between protecting Matt and doing his job.
Matt left a successful life and business back in San Francisco to fulfill a promise to his find his runaway cousin and bring him home. But Tommy is on a dangerous path, and someone is trying to scare Matt off—or worse.
When the situation escalates, Matt turns to Gabe, who doesn’t like mixing business and pleasure. But in Everness, the secrets are buried deep, and like it or not, Matt is at risk of being buried right alongside them.
Gabe Lopez travels to Everness, Texas, to investigate and profile a dangerous group of white supremacists living on the outskirts of the small town. As far as he’s concerned, the assignment can’t end soon enough. When he stops to help Matt York with a flat tire, he anticipates a sexy distraction—nothing more. But Matt has a knack for getting himself into trouble, and soon Gabe is torn between protecting Matt and doing his job.
Matt left a successful life and business back in San Francisco to fulfill a promise to his find his runaway cousin and bring him home. But Tommy is on a dangerous path, and someone is trying to scare Matt off—or worse.
When the situation escalates, Matt turns to Gabe, who doesn’t like mixing business and pleasure. But in Everness, the secrets are buried deep, and like it or not, Matt is at risk of being buried right alongside them.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2019
3 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Jess Anastasi
26 books182 followersJess has been making up stories ever since she can remember. Though her messy handwriting made it hard for anyone else to read them, she wasn’t deterred and now she gets to make up stories for a living. She loves loud music, a good book on a rainy day, and probably spends too much time watching too many TV shows. Jess lives in regional Victoria, Australia. Find out more about Jess on her website www.jessanastasi.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 9, 2024
LOCKED DOWN was another great romance from Jess Anastasi who has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I loved the perfect mix of suspense and romance and the characters were really enjoyable. I loved the way Matt and Gabe supported each other and there was no pesky third act breakup or miscommunication.
I loved the way Matt was a slightly awkward guy who just completely turns it on in the bedroom and it completely melts Gabe's mind every time. I also liked how compassionate and loyal Matt was, even to his cousin who frankly doesn't deserve that loyalty. Gabe was also a great character and I loved how confident and charming he was and he could always make Matt smile. These two really worked together well and I loved their chemistry.
I'm also glad we got to see Danny and Jake again and they feature pretty prominently in this book so it was nice to revisit them and see them thriving together. There were some hints about the next couple in the series and I can't wait to read their book.
Content Warning: white nationalists; use of homophobic and racist language toward the heroes and other side characters
I loved the way Matt was a slightly awkward guy who just completely turns it on in the bedroom and it completely melts Gabe's mind every time. I also liked how compassionate and loyal Matt was, even to his cousin who frankly doesn't deserve that loyalty. Gabe was also a great character and I loved how confident and charming he was and he could always make Matt smile. These two really worked together well and I loved their chemistry.
I'm also glad we got to see Danny and Jake again and they feature pretty prominently in this book so it was nice to revisit them and see them thriving together. There were some hints about the next couple in the series and I can't wait to read their book.
Content Warning: white nationalists; use of homophobic and racist language toward the heroes and other side characters
October 7, 2019
Locked Down (Texas Heroes #2) by Jess Anastasi
3 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Cult, homophobia, attempted murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Matt is on his way to try and see if he can convince his cousin, who's more like a brother to him, to come home. He wants to fulfill what his aunt and mom have asked of him. But, leaving the comforts of San Francisco isn't easy and his day isn't going well... to top it off, he isn't quite sure what he's getting himself in to.
Gabe is an analyst who loves his job. The FBI has sent him to find out whether or not a growing group of malcontents is going to become a full fledged terrorist group. Gabe isn't one to do anything brash, but when he sees someone in need on the side of a very deserted road, he can't help but stop to try and help.
When Matt sees Gabe, his tongue ties in knots. Gabe is also a little stunned. Who knew that they'd find someone they were attracted to in the middle of Texas? What makes it more is that they find themselves in close proximity whether they want it or not.
They try to fight their attraction, but when it becomes clear that Matt might be part of the case that Gabe has been sent to investigate, Gabe knows he can't have anymore sexy times with Matt. But, with strange things happening all around Matt, and Matt's cousin being less than excited that Matt has tracked him down, Gabe will need reinforcements and Matt will need to trust that people around him are capable of keeping him safe.
This book had a lot going for it. The action and protection detail were entertaining. The romance was more of a lust-induced relationship, but it served the purpose of keeping the main characters coming back for more. Overall, it was entertaining, but somewhat flat in the romance portion.
3 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Cult, homophobia, attempted murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Matt is on his way to try and see if he can convince his cousin, who's more like a brother to him, to come home. He wants to fulfill what his aunt and mom have asked of him. But, leaving the comforts of San Francisco isn't easy and his day isn't going well... to top it off, he isn't quite sure what he's getting himself in to.
Gabe is an analyst who loves his job. The FBI has sent him to find out whether or not a growing group of malcontents is going to become a full fledged terrorist group. Gabe isn't one to do anything brash, but when he sees someone in need on the side of a very deserted road, he can't help but stop to try and help.
When Matt sees Gabe, his tongue ties in knots. Gabe is also a little stunned. Who knew that they'd find someone they were attracted to in the middle of Texas? What makes it more is that they find themselves in close proximity whether they want it or not.
They try to fight their attraction, but when it becomes clear that Matt might be part of the case that Gabe has been sent to investigate, Gabe knows he can't have anymore sexy times with Matt. But, with strange things happening all around Matt, and Matt's cousin being less than excited that Matt has tracked him down, Gabe will need reinforcements and Matt will need to trust that people around him are capable of keeping him safe.
This book had a lot going for it. The action and protection detail were entertaining. The romance was more of a lust-induced relationship, but it served the purpose of keeping the main characters coming back for more. Overall, it was entertaining, but somewhat flat in the romance portion.
October 14, 2019
The book blurb summarizes the story fairly well. FBI Analyst Gabe Lopez is on assignment in Everness to assess the threat level of the supremacists living outside of town. He crosses paths with Matt York and what starts out as a work/vacation fling, morphs into something more for each man. But they will have to survive the week to see if their fledgling relationship can grow.
My review is going to be a bit succinct.
Much like the first book, this is an insta-romance that transpires over the course of a week. Gabe is self-assured, but finds himself questioning where he’s at in life. Matt is struggling with family duty and wanting something for himself.
I found the the internal “this is over in a week” monologues a bit long. On one hand, there was some character building here, on the other hand, the monologues became a bit repetitive and I found myself skimming a bit.
I appreciated Gabe acknowledging when he needed back-up and called back-up in. The ‘going it alone’ trope in so many cozy mysteries was nicely avoided here.
The mystery was fairly easily figured out, but I have to admit, I thought the ending fit the overall story arc. This is also where there may be some possible PTSD triggers for some people.
Overall, I enjoyed this story more than the first installment: Gabe and Matt have some hot chemistry, Gabe remained level-headed, Matt listened to reason, the angst was nicely moderated, and we got to see some of our favorite characters from book one. I’m looking forward to the next installment…at least I’m hoping there will be one!
Review is cross posted at a href="https://gaybook.reviews">Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
My review is going to be a bit succinct.
Much like the first book, this is an insta-romance that transpires over the course of a week. Gabe is self-assured, but finds himself questioning where he’s at in life. Matt is struggling with family duty and wanting something for himself.
I found the the internal “this is over in a week” monologues a bit long. On one hand, there was some character building here, on the other hand, the monologues became a bit repetitive and I found myself skimming a bit.
I appreciated Gabe acknowledging when he needed back-up and called back-up in. The ‘going it alone’ trope in so many cozy mysteries was nicely avoided here.
The mystery was fairly easily figured out, but I have to admit, I thought the ending fit the overall story arc. This is also where there may be some possible PTSD triggers for some people.
Overall, I enjoyed this story more than the first installment: Gabe and Matt have some hot chemistry, Gabe remained level-headed, Matt listened to reason, the angst was nicely moderated, and we got to see some of our favorite characters from book one. I’m looking forward to the next installment…at least I’m hoping there will be one!
Review is cross posted at a href="https://gaybook.reviews">Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
October 8, 2019
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
FBI Analyst Gabe meets coffee shop own Matt in the middle of nowhere Texas, after he stops to help Matt with a flat tyre. Turns out they were both headed to the small town of Everness where they end up in the same motel.
I liked the way the story began. There was plenty going on to hold my interest. There is Gabe's investigation, Matt trying to get his cousin to talk to him and go back to San Francisco with him and of course the budding romance between Matt and Gabe. The danger and violence in the town comes out early in the story and the suspense of who is behind the attacks was good. The problem for me was, the longer the story went on, the more the romance, and in particular the sex took over. And it is such a shame because when we get to the big dangerous finale it is really well done and engaging. But the balance between story and sex was out of whack. For an FBI analyst with an investigation he didn't really do much investigating.
Overall I enjoyed the story and I liked being back in Everness and seeing Danny and Jake from book 1 again. While this book wasn't perfect I'm interested in seeing more of what his town has to offer so I'll be continuing with this series.
FBI Analyst Gabe meets coffee shop own Matt in the middle of nowhere Texas, after he stops to help Matt with a flat tyre. Turns out they were both headed to the small town of Everness where they end up in the same motel.
I liked the way the story began. There was plenty going on to hold my interest. There is Gabe's investigation, Matt trying to get his cousin to talk to him and go back to San Francisco with him and of course the budding romance between Matt and Gabe. The danger and violence in the town comes out early in the story and the suspense of who is behind the attacks was good. The problem for me was, the longer the story went on, the more the romance, and in particular the sex took over. And it is such a shame because when we get to the big dangerous finale it is really well done and engaging. But the balance between story and sex was out of whack. For an FBI analyst with an investigation he didn't really do much investigating.
Overall I enjoyed the story and I liked being back in Everness and seeing Danny and Jake from book 1 again. While this book wasn't perfect I'm interested in seeing more of what his town has to offer so I'll be continuing with this series.
October 25, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the first I’ve read by this author, and I read it in one sitting.
This is book 2 in the Texas Heroes series, and I have not read book one, Take Down, but I wasn’t missing anything by not. I would like to go back and read that book, though, because Jake and Danny play a part here, and I want their story. Enough hints were given to have piqued my interest!
There is immediate attraction between the guys, when Gabe rescues Matt at the side of the road, and then when Gabe rescues Matt from the bathroom incident. It burns hot and deep throughout the whole book. Matt surprises Gabe, once Matt decides to jump in with Gabe and I loved that the smaller man was the more dominant.
While it is immediately clear to the reader that Matt’s search for his cousin will merge with Gabe’s reason for being in town, it’s not to Gabe and I really enjoyed that it took time for the two webs to become entangled. I felt the way the guys tried to step back from each other when both Matt and Gabe’s reason for being in town became clear (and they really did try) was right and proper.
There were twists in this story I was NOT expecting, and I loved being kept on my toes right until the end! Some clues were given to how that might go down, but I did not put them together in time! Some clues to the next book, when all that went down, maybe? It will be interesting to see who comes next.
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
This is book 2 in the Texas Heroes series, and I have not read book one, Take Down, but I wasn’t missing anything by not. I would like to go back and read that book, though, because Jake and Danny play a part here, and I want their story. Enough hints were given to have piqued my interest!
There is immediate attraction between the guys, when Gabe rescues Matt at the side of the road, and then when Gabe rescues Matt from the bathroom incident. It burns hot and deep throughout the whole book. Matt surprises Gabe, once Matt decides to jump in with Gabe and I loved that the smaller man was the more dominant.
While it is immediately clear to the reader that Matt’s search for his cousin will merge with Gabe’s reason for being in town, it’s not to Gabe and I really enjoyed that it took time for the two webs to become entangled. I felt the way the guys tried to step back from each other when both Matt and Gabe’s reason for being in town became clear (and they really did try) was right and proper.
There were twists in this story I was NOT expecting, and I loved being kept on my toes right until the end! Some clues were given to how that might go down, but I did not put them together in time! Some clues to the next book, when all that went down, maybe? It will be interesting to see who comes next.
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
January 21, 2020
Everness, the small, somewhat stereotypical town in Texas I got to know in book one of this series, is also the setting for this sequel, and while Jake and Danny are back in a secondary role, the primary focus is on two new main characters. Gabe is an FBI analyst who has come to town to profile the group of white supremacists that was a lot of trouble in the first volume of the series. Matt is trying to locate his cousin and finds a lot of obstacles in his way to figuring out what happened. Their attraction is immediate and while they try to fight their budding feelings when a conflict of interest becomes apparent, the developing relationship is as fast-paced as the events they get embroiled in.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 26, 2024
Series: Texas Heroes #2
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
FBI analyst Gabe Lopez is traveling to Everness, Texas to investigate the white supremist living on the outskirts of the town. When he stops to help Matt York with a flat tire, he expects a short fling but as they spend more time together Gabe realizes he doesn’t want this to end.
This was another great romantic suspense that I didn’t want to put down. Like the first book, this was another great mix of romance and suspense that kept the story moving fast. Matt and Gabe were great characters and their relationship was wonderful, especially since there was no third act breakup or miscommunication issues.
Matt was a sweet and awkward guy who was surprisingly dominant sometimes in the bedroom. The situation with his cousin is heartbreaking but he remained loyal to his family, even when he didn't deserve it. Gabe was a confident and capable man who really fell hard and fast for Matt. He was so charming and sweet with Matt and I loved every second of it. These two had wonderful chemistry and just fit so well together. I also loved how they supported each other through everything that happened.
Like the first book, the suspense built throughout this book until the end when everything exploded. While some of the suspense was a bit predictable there were still aspects that I was surprised by, which is always a good thing. Anasasi does a great job at mixing the romance and suspense to where you don’t want to put the book down. I also loved that we got to see a lot of Danny and Jake again in this book.
Overall, another amazing romantic suspense and a great couple. I can’t wait to read the next book and meet the final couple, who we have already seen a hint of in the epilogue.
TW: white nationalist; use of homomisic and racist language towards the MMCs and other characters; physical abuse by a family member; gun violence and wounds; hostage situation;
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
FBI analyst Gabe Lopez is traveling to Everness, Texas to investigate the white supremist living on the outskirts of the town. When he stops to help Matt York with a flat tire, he expects a short fling but as they spend more time together Gabe realizes he doesn’t want this to end.
This was another great romantic suspense that I didn’t want to put down. Like the first book, this was another great mix of romance and suspense that kept the story moving fast. Matt and Gabe were great characters and their relationship was wonderful, especially since there was no third act breakup or miscommunication issues.
Matt was a sweet and awkward guy who was surprisingly dominant sometimes in the bedroom. The situation with his cousin is heartbreaking but he remained loyal to his family, even when he didn't deserve it. Gabe was a confident and capable man who really fell hard and fast for Matt. He was so charming and sweet with Matt and I loved every second of it. These two had wonderful chemistry and just fit so well together. I also loved how they supported each other through everything that happened.
Like the first book, the suspense built throughout this book until the end when everything exploded. While some of the suspense was a bit predictable there were still aspects that I was surprised by, which is always a good thing. Anasasi does a great job at mixing the romance and suspense to where you don’t want to put the book down. I also loved that we got to see a lot of Danny and Jake again in this book.
Overall, another amazing romantic suspense and a great couple. I can’t wait to read the next book and meet the final couple, who we have already seen a hint of in the epilogue.
TW: white nationalist; use of homomisic and racist language towards the MMCs and other characters; physical abuse by a family member; gun violence and wounds; hostage situation;
Read
June 7, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Homomisia & homomisic slurs
Racism
Homomisia & homomisic slurs
Racism
October 16, 2019
This turned out to be a really good read with a lot of twist and turns. There is also the unexpected attraction that turns two men’s lives upside down only to turn them right side up because of it!! Through this whole read I kept trying to figure out who was behind all the bad stuff going down and though I had my suspicions (maybe more then a few) I was surprised by how this all ended up shaking out!!! Jess Anastasi really surprised me with this read and I will definitely be reading upcoming books in this series when they come out.
Gabe is an FBI analyst. He is being sent to a town called Everness Texas to analyze a white supremacy group called the ALP and how their group has been increasingly growing and becoming more violent. What he never expected though was when he stopped to help someone with a flat tire to be a man from San Francisco who would end up turning his life upside down.
Matt never wanted to end up in a town like Everness, not even for this hopefully quick stop over. But after his cousin Thomas disappeared and his aunt asked him to help find and being him back home, Matt knew he could not deny her. So here he is in Texas and stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire. Or at least he was until a sexy FBI analyst stops and helps him. After the help he did not expect to run into him again but fate has different ideas for these two men!!
When these two run into each other again at the hotel they are both staying at, Matt and Gabe decide to get to know each other better. These two men start to get really close but the case that Gabe is working on is also heating up. Not to mention so is Matt’s search for his cousin Thomas.
When threats start coming in towards Matt, Gabe knows it is linked to the case he is working on. But what neither man realizes is, Thomas is now a member of this group as well. When Gabe and Matt’s world collide on the work aspect, both men decide to put a hault to their growing relationship, at least temporarily until Gabe is able to tie up his case. But as the danger increases where Matt is concerned, Gabe and Matt cannot seem to stop their growing feelings.
Will Gabe be able to figure out who is behind everything happening before the man he is falling for ends up hurt or worse? What will happen when the real culprit comes to life? Will anyone in Everness ever be the same again?
I really enjoyed this book. It was so action packed. I live a good action read that is for sure. I truly look forward to more books in this series in the future!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Gabe is an FBI analyst. He is being sent to a town called Everness Texas to analyze a white supremacy group called the ALP and how their group has been increasingly growing and becoming more violent. What he never expected though was when he stopped to help someone with a flat tire to be a man from San Francisco who would end up turning his life upside down.
Matt never wanted to end up in a town like Everness, not even for this hopefully quick stop over. But after his cousin Thomas disappeared and his aunt asked him to help find and being him back home, Matt knew he could not deny her. So here he is in Texas and stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire. Or at least he was until a sexy FBI analyst stops and helps him. After the help he did not expect to run into him again but fate has different ideas for these two men!!
When these two run into each other again at the hotel they are both staying at, Matt and Gabe decide to get to know each other better. These two men start to get really close but the case that Gabe is working on is also heating up. Not to mention so is Matt’s search for his cousin Thomas.
When threats start coming in towards Matt, Gabe knows it is linked to the case he is working on. But what neither man realizes is, Thomas is now a member of this group as well. When Gabe and Matt’s world collide on the work aspect, both men decide to put a hault to their growing relationship, at least temporarily until Gabe is able to tie up his case. But as the danger increases where Matt is concerned, Gabe and Matt cannot seem to stop their growing feelings.
Will Gabe be able to figure out who is behind everything happening before the man he is falling for ends up hurt or worse? What will happen when the real culprit comes to life? Will anyone in Everness ever be the same again?
I really enjoyed this book. It was so action packed. I live a good action read that is for sure. I truly look forward to more books in this series in the future!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
February 29, 2020
Texas Heroes brings two new characters to the town of Everness. Matt York is just trying to do a good deed and bring his cousin home. Matt finds himself deep in danger and in the middle of FBI Gabe Lopez. The more Gabe tries to protect Matt the higher the danger. This was action packed and exciting. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
March 20, 2022
I remember thinking book 1 had a lot of sex scenes but I really noticed it in this one. Not a bad plot, decent action but the 10 or 11 sex scenes became nothing but an interruption after a while. Skipped a bunch.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews